The Jade Lioness (Choc Lit)

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Pub Date 15 May 2015 | Archive Date 14 May 2015

Description

Can an impossible love become possible?



Nagasaki, 1648

Temperance Marston longs to escape war-torn England and explore the exotic empire of Japan. When offered the chance to accompany her cousin and Captain Noordholt on a trading expedition to Nagasaki, she jumps at the opportunity. However, she soon finds the country’s strict laws for foreigners curtail her freedom.

On a dangerous and foolhardy venture she meets Kazuo, a ronin. Kazuo is fascinated by her blonde hair and blue eyes, but he has a mission to complete and he cannot be distracted. Long ago, his father was accused of a crime he didn’t commit – stealing a valuable jade lioness ornament from the Shogun – and Kazuo must restore his family's honour.

But when Temperance is kidnapped and sold as a concubine, he has to make a decision – can he save her and keep the promise he made to his father?

Can an impossible love become possible?



Nagasaki, 1648

Temperance Marston longs to escape war-torn England and explore the exotic empire of Japan. When offered the chance to accompany her cousin...


A Note From the Publisher

3rd in series but can be read as stand alone.

3rd in series but can be read as stand alone.


Available Editions

EDITION Ebook
ISBN 9781781892381
PRICE US$3.99 (USD)

Average rating from 13 members


Featured Reviews

See review http://cayocosta72.wordpress.com

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A beautifully written, non traditional romance set in Japan. I loved this. Unlike most of my reads it took more than a few hours to fly through, but this was because I was interested in the life and culture, as portrayed by the writer. I certainly will be watching out for more from this author.

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17th Century Japan is not a place and time I am very familiar with but after reading The Jade Lioness, I feel I know more about the culture and lifestyles of that era. Christina Courtenay brings to life the sights, sounds and smells of Japan. Temperance and Kazuo are both likeable, very believable characters and their growing attraction to each other is obvious. This book is primarily about forbidden love which grows across a cultural divide and in unlikely circumstances. But it's not just a romance: there is danger for both characters as Temperance is sold as a courtesan. Kazuo aids her escape putting himself in danger too. There follows a series of incidents when just as all seems safe, another dangerous situation presents itself. I like books where love conquers all: whether it does it The Jade Lioness is up to you to find out by reading it for yourself.

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The Jade Lioness is a story that completely took me away from my everyday life. Perhaps it was the unique setting. Or the excellent world building. Maybe it was the strong relationship between Kazuo and Temperance, almost completely unheard of for the time of this novel. For a rare moment for me, I cannot truly tell you exactly what made this story touch me so much. Yet it drew me in, changed how I saw things and touched my heart in ways I didn’t expect when I started to read this novel.

When I think of Japan of this time period, my mind automatically goes to the novel and then the mini-series Shogun. I’m not making a comparison between the two novels – but doing that gave me a mental picture to use during this novel. With what I already had in mind, add the additional world building for these two characters and what they experienced just made such a clear picture, for me, of the surroundings of the story.

Did Temperance and Kazuo get their happily ever after? Not telling, you need to read this one.

If you enjoy stepping back in time to a totally unique time in history. If you love an opposites truly attract love story. If you can root for the underdog couple to find their happy ending. Then this is a novel you would enjoy.

Mystery, danger, rescues, love that will fight against cultures to survive. – yeah, this is one that I’d recommend to anyone who is willing to take chances in their reading, who loves experiencing the unexpected. This one is worth the time.

*I received an e-ARC of The Jade Lioness from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

~What you, the reader, always must remember is this simple truth. Any review is just one person’s opinion. You might feel the same or totally different. The only way to know for certain if any novel is right for you – is for you to read it. This was my opinion of this particular book.~

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When I realised that 'The Jade Lioness' was another book in the 'Kumashiro Saga' I squealed with anticipation. This series by Christina Courtenay is what made me discover my love for Japan!

Temperance was a character that I really connected to in 'The Gilded Fan' so I was excited to see the rest of her story. It was enlightening to her change from a young girl who was held back by her family's strong religious beliefs, to becoming a woman who craves adventure and is romantic to the bone. Her relationship with Midori and Nikko was such a joy to read, as they were such special characters to me in the previous book.

I loved the pace of this story, and how she meets Kazuo early on in the novel, but it takes a while for them to find each other again after she is kidnapped. In every step of her journey, Christina Courtenay describes the scenery, objects, and way of life of 1600s Japan, which makes you feel as though you are living the story, and not just reading it. From Temi's experiences in the brothel to her adventures across land with Kazuo, you can just feel yourself there with her.

Along with some brilliantly crafted secondary characters, and the storyline of the mystery of the Jade Lioness, Christina Courtenay has delivered a fantastic addition to the 'Kumashiro Saga' which is definitely not to be missed.

GORGEOUS! 5 Stars!

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