In some ways, A Dance with Danger has the most in common with Regency and Victorian romance novels compared to anything else Jeannie Lin has written. The hero and heroine hastily marry because the two have been found in a compromising position. The heroine's reputation is tarnished unless they marry immediately. However, this is where all similarities end. As soon as the two are married, everything goes to hell. Yang and Jin-Mei must find their way back to each other both literally and figuratively.

While most romance novels have a filthy rich hero living in a luxurious mansion so readers can fantasize both about the romance and the money, Jeannie Lin bucks tradition. For the majority of the novel, Jin-men and Yang are on the run. They wear practical clothing as they hide in the bulk of a ship, take shelter in a rural town, and seek refuge in forests and caves. There's nothing glamorous about this story, but it more than makes up for it with adventure. Pirates, intrigue, fantastic locations like the Stone Forest. It's all so exciting, and all through these events, our hero and heroine get closer and more intimate. Their romance is so satisfying, probably one of the most satisfying of all of Lin's couples, and definitely more satisfying than a lot of romances out there.

One of Lin's shortcomings, I feel, are her endings. They often feel too rushed. However, this is one of those times where she sticks the landing. Everything is deliciously dramatic. The final showdown, the final conflict that pulls the couple apart, their reconciliation. So much angst. So much excitement.

The only actual shortcoming of this novel was Jin-mei. Overall, I really liked her character, but a driving force for her character is honesty. When her father proves to be dishonest (by her logic), she runs away with her husband Bao Yang. Yet, Yang is no better than her father, but the mental gymnastics she does to justify staying with Yang versus staying mad at her father is just dizzying. I felt she was too naive and didn't really see how she was "just as crafty as her father". Her character could've been tightened up.

Overall, another great novel by Jeannie Lin that is worth the read. Such a shame this was her last Harlequin novel. I would read all of them. ( )

This is a followup to The Sword Dancer from 2013, which I loved. Hell, I love every Lin book I've read over the last two years. I think what makes her books so memorable for me, and so satisfying, is that she combines world-building, cultural detail, and a full-blown romantic storyline. You don't have to sacrifice one to get the others. The romances are less emotionally explicit, I suppose, than we get in a lot of historical romance, and you get more cultural context for the love story (which also works against high-emo romances), but for me that makes the story better. I have to believe that the relationship is going to persist, and a romance that doesn't acknowledge the context in which it develops and is embedded rarely convinces me.

I'm coming to think that Lin likes somewhat raffish, not entirely trustworthy heroes. Bao Yang has escaped from prison after a failed attempt to assassinate a warlord. He comes back to try and finish the job and winds up married to the daughter of the magistrate who had conspired with him in the assassination plot. But then the magistrate turns on him and Yang has to leave town in a hurry. Jin-Mei, his bride, takes off after Yang and their road romance turns into a real marriage, albeit one that has plenty of stumbling blocks in its path. Yang is determined to succeed in his plans this time, and their travels turn from running away to building an insurgency that can carry out Yang's plans.

As in previous books, the romance is shaped by the cultural constraints of the time. Bao Yang is forced to offer for Jin-Mei after he is caught in a compromising position with her, which is of course a historical romance staple. But the way each of them approaches their "arranged" marriage isn't one I see very often in UK-set historicals: they accept their union practically and quite cheerfully, in a way that feels authentic to Asian attitudes toward the institution of marriage and the functions marriage serves for families and communities. They do fall in love, but Jin-Mei repeatedly distinguishes between her emotions for Yang and her ability to trust and respect him. Similarly, there are some great passages in which she observes how knowing how physical intimacy works doesn't tell her much about emotional and mental intimacy, and she wants all three to fit together.

Another touch I liked a lot was that Yang was quite the ladies' man and some of those ladies are still around and important in the story even after he's married. But while Jin-Mei eyes them askance when she meets them, she quickly accepts Yang's assurances that the relationships are over. Her mistrust isn't about the women in his past, but about his present actions.

If you haven't read the previous book you won't be familiar with some of the supporting actors, but this story stands alone without any difficulty. ( )

These are so fun! China over a thousand years ago. Romance, danger, fun! There is nothing like it. I have said it before, but yes what I like the best is the fact that it is set in China. It's different. It's fresh. It's good.

In this one former rebel leader Yang is on the run. He is seen with a woman. Her dad gets mad and boom! They are married. But Jin-mei does not mind. She wants more from life, and he is hot. But then there is the whole I am on the run, I can't have a wife thing.

Sure they are married, but they get to know each other after that. They fall in love after they have met and it was a nice journey to see. Also there is danger as people are after him. I do like romance and danger. I even liked quiet village life (they went though a village), because it was new to me.

This is a different sort of historical romance. Broaden your horizon, and visit China. There is romance, swords and dangers to be had. ( )

'she was the most dangerous woman of all'

Little did Jin-Mei realize when she went for a walk in the park, leaving her elderly servant resting in the shade, that her life was about to be changed forever.
Bao Yang, a man with a price on his head and the leader of a failed attempt to assassinate and overthrow the vicious warlord General Wang Shizhen, has returned to the city of Minzhou in the province of Fujian to garner support with his powerfull ally, Magistrate Tan. The young woman in the park looked like the perfect target to help him in his quest.
As it turned out, she is! The daughter of the co-conspirator he seeks is about to become family! Fate did indeed intervene! Just not in the way either Yang or Jin-Mei realize.
As their lives become entwined both Yang and Jin-Mei strive to meet the challenge of their situation, although retribution for General Wang's treatment of his sister remains a powerful driving force for Bao Yang.
A story of betrayal, vengeance and retribution tempered by love, set against the background of the Chinese Tang Dynasty AD 848, 'Dance with Danger' continues the collage of people and events that Lin has cleverly woven together in this time and place.

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4.5-4.75 Stars
An alluring historical romance set during the Tang Dynasty. This is the 2nd book in a series, but the novel can be read as a stand-alone. The setting is authentic as is the developing romance. Both MCs are clever, witty, and well meaning. The supporting characters are written well and add much to the already brilliant story. The plot is exciting with lots of action mixed in with the growing romance. Perfect for historical romance fans.

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