The Hot Bad Guy who got his ass kicked by the hero of the last book (I mean. Sort of.) gets his own book, and it's an absolute banger. No notes. Li Tao, I love your work.

But I also love Suyin, a sneaky sneaker who's really a lot smarter than he is, but much less scary, which just another sign of her intelligence. It is much easier to manipulate people when they are not terrified of you, notes for Li Tao, whose work I love.

It's a cat and mouse romance, where he thinks he has all the power, but quickly realizes he does not, because he is obsessed with her, and she is very aware of how she can use that obsession. It's surprisingly sweet, but there's an edge of danger--and a point wherein I really questioned how the fuck these two would have a happy ending, which is the kind of edge you don't see as much in romance at the moment. Also, The Scene? The Scene with The Tattoo? Be still my heart.

#23for23

dnf. was so excited to read a book set in imperial china but this was so boring! the political bit was kinda half-assed and the romance was so not it. they were literally in lust at first sight, not to mention the bit where the general randomly threatens to kill her after attempting to proposition her.

also can we just not with the never-ending references to the girl’s beauty? yes we get it, she’s beautiful. stop shoving that down our throats for fucks sake.