mercipourleslivres's review
4.0
Fans of the cdrama “Untouchable Lovers” should be all over this! For anyone who was left dissatisfied at the show’s UST, you’ve got to pick this up. Yuan is basically Rong Zhi in an alternate world where Shanyin actually gets to bone him. Can’t wait to read the next part!
brgntteva's review against another edition
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Historical romance set in China. Shanyin is a legendary princess, sister of a young emperor turning tyrant. She has a harem of 30 concubines and is pretty free with her body and sexuality. Then meet Yuan, an uptight controlled stern lord.
Shanyin wants him, he will do everything not to give in.
The tension! The angst. The freaking finale. Holy sh1t THIS BOOK IS GOLD.
Really steamy, the build-up of their relationship is perfection. I'm so impressed.
Beware: Cliffhanger of sorts
Shanyin wants him, he will do everything not to give in.
The tension! The angst. The freaking finale. Holy sh1t THIS BOOK IS GOLD.
Really steamy, the build-up of their relationship is perfection. I'm so impressed.
Beware: Cliffhanger of sorts
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Blood, Rape, Torture, and Murder
megatza's review
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
margaretpinard's review
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this first part of the trilogy. Thank you, Jeannie Lin, for introducing me to the term Historical Erotica. I loved that we are treated to the POV of a powerful woman who, while she has a troubled history, grapples with it and its legacy, to do the right thing. Of course, it's not the 'right thing' that takes up the most space in this volume, but her desire to be loved by someone who doesn't like her--classic enemies to lovers! But the ending opens us up to more of a political-thriller backdrop, which was great!
Recommended for readers of historical fiction who want some *spice*!
Recommended for readers of historical fiction who want some *spice*!
liferhi_inspired's review against another edition
5.0
The Obsession is a fast paced erotic novella with an intriguing settling, interesting characters, and unforeseen plot twists. I was happily enthralled in the story from the very beginning. This story though short is quite addictive with some panty melting scenes which include toys, a bit of bondage, and few menages. This book will keep your blood pumping and your heart racing with erotic moments and unexpected twists.
Shanyin is the sister to the Emperor, and the only person that he trusts. The Emperor gifts Shanyin with thirty concubines to keep her satisfied; however Shanyin has her eyes set on a nobleman named Yuan. Shanyin is then given ten days with Yuan to with as she pleases, though she wants Yuan to give himself to her willingly. While Shanyin attempts to seduce Yuan into her bed, she must also deal with her brother's erratic behavior.
*I received a copy if this book in exchange for my honest opinion*
Shanyin is the sister to the Emperor, and the only person that he trusts. The Emperor gifts Shanyin with thirty concubines to keep her satisfied; however Shanyin has her eyes set on a nobleman named Yuan. Shanyin is then given ten days with Yuan to with as she pleases, though she wants Yuan to give himself to her willingly. While Shanyin attempts to seduce Yuan into her bed, she must also deal with her brother's erratic behavior.
*I received a copy if this book in exchange for my honest opinion*
nicolet2018's review against another edition
3.0
I have never read erotica about menages so this is new ground for me. However I have read FSoG so I was wondering how bad could this be? The subject never appealed to me before and it is only because the author is one of my favourites that I decide to give this a try. I was intrigued by the setting as well.
I have to say this was just okay for me. I was expecting some very crazy explicit scenes but as I read the menage scenes I did feel a little uncomfortable but not shocked beyond belief or forever changed. It just felt like reading a sex scene with more people. 24 year old Shanyin and her concubines have some sort of bond but it seemed so perfunctory here. To allow yourself to have more than one sexual partner at the moment just makes it less personal in my opinion. I think the idea of Yuan was attractive to Shanyin was believable. People want what they can't have.
The violence and debauchery of this dynasty is fitting for an erotica. However those who are squirmish should avoid reading this due to the language used and violence. Ziye is pitiful, to think a 17 year old boy could be turned into such a tyrant. There are moments where I felt Shanyin might not have necessarily wanted to have herself subject to those sexual acts but she uses sex to escape so it is hard to tell. I think is why the author cautions that.
I think it is fascinating to see a woman in power here as the time period was where men ruled more than women. At first, I wondered how I could sympthatize with her, it was easy when the reader is allowed to hear her thoughts and how kind she actually is.
I have to say I am disappointed that the story seems so shallow. Shanyin and Yuan play games with each other and it is not okay. I do not like how they both bounded each other up against the other's will. However this being an erotica novella I should not expect too much. I did enjoy the world building and the plot when you can put aside the amounts of sex and foreplay in this story.
This novella has explicit sex scenes, coarse language, sex toys, menages, graphic violence, bondage and fear. I would say fans of the author's previous work might enjoy this for the setting but I do not think this is for everyone. I read an excerpt of the next novella and I do not think I want to read any further.
I have to say this was just okay for me. I was expecting some very crazy explicit scenes but as I read the menage scenes I did feel a little uncomfortable but not shocked beyond belief or forever changed. It just felt like reading a sex scene with more people. 24 year old Shanyin and her concubines have some sort of bond but it seemed so perfunctory here. To allow yourself to have more than one sexual partner at the moment just makes it less personal in my opinion. I think the idea of Yuan was attractive to Shanyin was believable. People want what they can't have.
The violence and debauchery of this dynasty is fitting for an erotica. However those who are squirmish should avoid reading this due to the language used and violence. Ziye is pitiful, to think a 17 year old boy could be turned into such a tyrant. There are moments where I felt Shanyin might not have necessarily wanted to have herself subject to those sexual acts but she uses sex to escape so it is hard to tell. I think is why the author cautions that.
I think it is fascinating to see a woman in power here as the time period was where men ruled more than women. At first, I wondered how I could sympthatize with her, it was easy when the reader is allowed to hear her thoughts and how kind she actually is.
I have to say I am disappointed that the story seems so shallow. Shanyin and Yuan play games with each other and it is not okay. I do not like how they both bounded each other up against the other's will. However this being an erotica novella I should not expect too much. I did enjoy the world building and the plot when you can put aside the amounts of sex and foreplay in this story.
This novella has explicit sex scenes, coarse language, sex toys, menages, graphic violence, bondage and fear. I would say fans of the author's previous work might enjoy this for the setting but I do not think this is for everyone. I read an excerpt of the next novella and I do not think I want to read any further.
fangirljeanne's review
4.0
I really liked this, thought it rides right on the line between dub-con and non-con. Full review coming.
prgchrqltma's review
3.0
Characters: Princess, nobleman
World Building: Chinese bedroom
Plot: Internal - who wants what?, External - bad ruler/overthrow
Sex: Hot
Read another: Maybe
The worldbuilding was interesting, but the plot was largely unresolved, since this will be a series, I guess. The excerpt for the next book involved consent that was dubious, at best.
World Building: Chinese bedroom
Plot: Internal - who wants what?, External - bad ruler/overthrow
Sex: Hot
Read another: Maybe
The worldbuilding was interesting, but the plot was largely unresolved, since this will be a series, I guess. The excerpt for the next book involved consent that was dubious, at best.
kazen's review
3.0
3.5 stars
I had no expectations for this book, picked up as a freebie eons ago, and wow was I taken for a ride. Political machinations! Intrigue! The worldbuilding is wonderful and the plot pulls you through. But do know that Princess Shanyin is a go getter and makes no apology for wanting to have sex. A lot of sex, of all kinds, with her concubines.
This book isn't for everyone but if you like erotica, don't mind shades of BDSM, like plot with your sex and you're looking to escape the world for an hour or two - The Obsession hits the spot.
Content warnings for torture, death, and dubious consent.
I had no expectations for this book, picked up as a freebie eons ago, and wow was I taken for a ride. Political machinations! Intrigue! The worldbuilding is wonderful and the plot pulls you through. But do know that Princess Shanyin is a go getter and makes no apology for wanting to have sex. A lot of sex, of all kinds, with her concubines.
This book isn't for everyone but if you like erotica, don't mind shades of BDSM, like plot with your sex and you're looking to escape the world for an hour or two - The Obsession hits the spot.
Content warnings for torture, death, and dubious consent.