REVIEWS+

The Dragon and the Pearl

by Jeannie Lin
Harlequin Historical. Sept. 2011. c.288p. ISBN 9780373296620. pap. $6.25. HISTORICAL
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Lady Ling Suyin, former consort of the late Emperor, is grateful but wary when fierce warlord Li Tao saves her from the assassins of powerful military governor Gao Shiming. With the kingdom in turmoil, Suyin trusts no one, especially not Li Tao, whose loyalty to Emperor Shen is in question and the reason for her rescue unclear. Li Tao has no idea why Gao Shiming would want the legendary beauty dead, but he wasn't about to let that happen. Despite their mutual distrust, Tao and Suyin can't resist the attraction that arcs between them or the star-crossed love that develops.
VERDICT Beautifully written, deliciously sensual, and rich with Tang Dynasty historical and political detail, this exquisitely crafted, danger-filled, and intriguing story redeems the ruthless villain from Lin's Butterfly Swords (a remarkable feat in itself), pairs him with a smart, resourceful heroine, and lets them play cat and mouse for much of the book before joining forces for a well-deserved romantic ending. Exceptional. Lin lives in St. Louis.
Reviewed by Kristin Ramsdell , Aug 01, 2011
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