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My Fair Concubine
The Nobleman Who Turned a Tea Girl Into a Princess...
Yan Ling tries hard to be servile—it's what's expected of a girl of her class. Being intelligent and strong-minded, she finds it a constant battle.
Proud Fei Long is unimpressed by her spirit—until he realizes she's the answer to his problems. He has to deliver the emperor a "princess." In two months can he train a tea girl to pass as a noblewoman?
Yet it's hard to teach good etiquette when all Fei Long wants to do is break it, by taking this tea girl for his own...
My thoughts:
I liked this one for the simply reason that it was so different from the historical romance that I have read before. I loved going back to China 800 AD and experiencing something totally new. The clothes, the manners everything needed to transport me there.
The story is a take on my fair lady as Fei Long needs a"princess" and fast. So he takes on Yan Ling and tries to teach her etiquette and everything else needed. She is to be a peace bride and sent away to distant lands. The whole princess part is not really true as the Emperor has found ways to cheat sending his own daughters and instead he can make a high ranking nobleman's daughter a princess. Still Yan Ling has a long way to go, or at least cheat her way through as what would her family know in the end.
Yan Ling saw a way to a new life and who can blame her. She is also strong and speaks her mind. Even if she tries her best not to. While our hero Fei Ling is quiet, strong, proud and wants to the best for his family so they will not be ruined.
And of course they fall in love, but slowly, and it takes time as they are from two different worlds. They are careful about their true emotions as they should be. It's a delicate dance as they both have their duty to fulfill and that is not to love each other.
I really must read more by her after this. I wish all historical romances could be this different, new and wonderful. I fear I have been stuck in regency land way too long, or playing with Highlanders.
Conclusion:
A wonderful story in a rich setting.
Cover:
One of the most beautiful this year
Series: Tang Dynasty #3
Genre: Historical romance
Pages: 280
Published: May 2012 by Harlequin
ooooooooooh, I can't wait to read this one! The cover is simply beautiful and the man isn't bad either. haha.
ReplyDeleteI so want her clothes, and the guy ;)
DeleteIt does sound unique - and I like the cover!
ReplyDeleteThe covers draws me in every time
DeleteWow, this sounds really fantastic! I love to find something new and different in a genre I love. I'll have to give this one a try!
ReplyDeleteIt was great :D Sure I adore regency romances, but this one was so great and different. I want more like this. New places, new times
DeleteWell, I don't mind "playing" with highlanders... ;) but I do love something different! I've been curious about this one and you just pushed it on my wishlist!
ReplyDeleteHihi, I do like my alpha highlanders, but it's great to try something new and different :D
DeleteThis sounds very good and different. Every book I've read set in China has been in 1800's and I'd love to read something different. And the cover is pretty :)
ReplyDeleteSame here, 1800 or 1900s, but this one was old. Like those awesome movies I like, Hero, Flying daggers :)
DeleteI want it! Awesome review, I love going to different periods in history.
ReplyDeleteBeing a history lover, this was just golden for me
DeleteThis sounds really different. I'm not big on historical fiction, but I've been reading about so many good ones I probably should check out a few. I'll keep my eyes open for this one.
ReplyDeleteAnd this is then romance :)
DeleteVery elaborate book cover. And different can definitely be good.
ReplyDeleteI do love the cover, sooo pretty :D
DeleteI've never read a book set during that period, so that in itself intrigues me.
ReplyDeleteNeither have I, not even fiction
DeleteIf you're ok with reading a book of ancient China that isn't a romance but rather a fantasy, try Bridge of Birds: A Novel of an Ancient China that Never Was.
ReplyDeleteI have to have a look at it :)
DeleteThis sounds so nice. You are right, it's not good to be stuck in the same genre for too long, change is good. Cute cover too!
ReplyDeleteChange is sure good :) And I'd sure love more like this
DeleteI loved this book and highly recommend you checking out Lin's other writings-I think you'll love the setting as well :)
ReplyDeleteI'll take your word for it :D
DeleteI've read several reviews of this one on GR. I don't know. I might be tempted but My Fair Lady is such a cliche...
ReplyDeleteBut in the end everything is one big cliche
DeleteI want to read this book just because is different from the norm. I'm adding it to my TBR. Thank for the recommendation ;)
ReplyDeleteGood :) It's good to try other things too
DeleteFrom the title of the book, I wouldn't pick it up, but once I read your thoughts, I changed my mind. Thanks B :)
ReplyDeleteI am glad to hear that :)
Deletesounds gr8
ReplyDeletetnx 4 the the review
Oh I don"t think I read a book on that period, so intriguing. It's great to have a different book, it's sometimes very difficult...
ReplyDeleteMe neither and that was sure fun :D
DeleteNice review, yours is the third I read about this book that makes me want it in my own hands asap!
ReplyDeleteGood to hear :) Yup it's just something about this book
DeleteI love that this is set in China and I love the title - very cool!
ReplyDeleteSo different :D Have to love that
DeleteI hardly see any books that take place in ancient China. It sounds good so I will have to look into this series and check out the other books too.
ReplyDeleteIt sure is hard to find any books from this period or any period really
DeleteSuch a cool twist with this book being set in China!!!
ReplyDeleteI know :D
DeleteThis sounds wonderful, I love reads set in ancient China or Japan, although it's been a while since I've read one
ReplyDeleteOhh ancient Japan, now I really wanna find more books like this one
DeleteI've read very little in this period. I like the sound of this one but I really don't like the cover. It looks too cheesy.
ReplyDeleteYou do not? I just love it :D
DeleteBut yes not much set in this period at all