Guest Blog: Author Jeannie Lin with giveaway

Thank you so much for having me here! The Taming of Mei Lin is my very first publication, which feels sort of odd since of all the stories that are scheduled to be released, I actually wrote it most recently. In a way, it’s a practice run for the October debut of my full-length novel, Butterfly Swords. If my current state of nervous excitement is any indicator, I’m going to need a padded room next month.

Just to say a little bit about the story, I’ve always loved action adventure stories and have been an avid fantasy reader. When my best friend introduced me to historical romance novels, I was completely hooked! Here was the sort of travel and adventure I liked to fantasize about, plus there were handsome brooding heros to spar with, verbally and physically.

Lately, the trend in historical romances has been veering toward the witty banter and seductive games of the Regency ballroom, which I adore, but I’m also happy to see that the genre seems to be branching out once more into unusual settings and adventurous plotlines. I’m hoping readers will find the Tang Dynasty as fascinating and romantic as I do.

Jeannie Lin writes historical romantic adventures set in Tang Dynasty China. Her short story, The Taming of Mei Lin from Harlequin Historical Undone is available September 1. Her award-winning debut novel, Butterfly Swords, will be released October 1, also from Harlequin Historical. Join the launch celebration at http://www.butterfly-swords.com for giveaways and special features. Visit Jeannie online at: http://www.jeannielin.com

Blurb and Excerpt

Blurb:

Faced with a proposal from a man she despises, impetuous Mei Lin makes a daring declaration: she will only marry the man who can defeat her in a sword fight. She has bested everyone who has so far tried to teach her a lesson…until a handsome stranger comes to her village. In captivating swordsman Shen Leung , Mei Lin finally sees a man she wants to marry. A man she’s willing to surrender to in every way….

Excerpt:

Tang Dynasty China, 710 A.D.

Mei Lin could feel the strands of hair slipping from her knot, tickling against her neck. Uncle made her stand outside during the hottest part of the afternoon, even when there were no customers. She wiped her brow and looked over at Chang’s tofu stand at the end of the street with envy. He at least had the shade of a tree to duck under.

If she planted a seed today, she reckoned she’d still be here selling noodles by the time the tree grew tall enough to provide shelter. And Uncle would still be growing fat, napping in the shade.

A tingle of awareness pricked against her neck. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see someone had stopped just beyond the line of the wooden benches. The stranger wore a gray robe, but that was the only thing plain about him. He had the high cheekbones of the people of the north and stood with his shoulders back, lean and tall. Unfortunately the town riffraff stood just behind him, grinning and poking at each other over some boyish joke only they found humorous. Mei Lin ignored them as she always did.

“Little Cho.”

The boy came eagerly running at her call. Her little cousin was not yet corrupted by his father’s laziness.

“Fetch the tea,” she said and he went running to the stove.

She turned back to the intriguing man. He remained at the perimeter watching her. He had a pleasant expression and seemed particularly still, as if supremely comfortable in this heat and in this world. She stood there with sweat pouring down her back wishing her hair wouldn’t keep falling over her face like it did. It was so rare that strangers came to their village.

He bowed. “Wu Mei Lin,” he greeted formally.

Even rarer that strangers came who knew her name. The smile she was about to give him faded into a frown.

“Little Cho.”

He had just returned with the teapot.

She blew a strand of hair away from her face impatiently. “Fetch my swords.”

Copyright © 2010 by Harlequin Enterprises Limited

Copyright © 2010 by Jeannie Lin
Permissions to reproduce text granted by Harlequin Books S.A. Cover art used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises Limited. All rights reserved. ® and ™ are trademarks of Harlequin Enterprises Limited and/or its affiliated companies, used under license.

The Taming of Mei Lin

Harlequin Historical Undone

ISBN-13: 9781426852923

Available Now from eHarlequin, Amazon, B&N.com

GIVEAWAY 

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