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The Lotus Palace by Jeannie Lin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Yue-ying lived life the way she was expected to, as a servant she does not take for granted what her Courtesan employer has done for her. Yue-ying makes a habit of studying the patrons who are trying to win her Courtesan’s favors, she pays attention to all of her surroundings in order to have knowledge in case it is ever needed.
When Bai Huang, a privileged playboy begins to pay Yue-ying attention, she quickly puts him in his place, after all they both have their stations in life and there are lines you do not cross. However, Bai doesn’t see it that way, he finds Yue-ying’s direct manner refreshing and when a murder of one of the Courtesan’s leads to an investigation, Bai joins forces with Yue-ying. Although Yue-ying plans to keep Bai at a comfortable distance, her heart becomes involved and when Bai offers to have her become his concubine, Yue-ying is torn on wanting a life with Bai and doing what is right for Bai.
Majestic, mysterious, and sensual story. I thought this was written with a richness that flows throughout the story. Yue-ying is a captivating heroine, she is not educated in one sense, but her intellect in observation is remarkable. Bai is initially a poofed up playboy who gets what he wants, but when Yue-ying calls him on it, his humility brings him back down to earth. There are layers to this story that magnify everything that happens between Yue-ying and Bai. High praise for Jeannie Lin and her ability to pen such a beautiful story.
