Genre: historical romance
Peking, Imperial China c. mid-to-late 17th century

Ko Zhi Hao has recently traveled to the Imperial City of Peking (Beijing) to study for and sit the Imperial Exams in order to become a government official. When he arrives looking for Master Gao to tutor him, he spies a gorgeous woman atop the roof next door. Master Gao tells him this is a fox spirit, a vixen sent to entrap him. In fact though, it is Song Ling Xin, the daughter of the powerful earl who lives next door, training in hopes of becoming the next Empress. When their paths cross again and again at night, Ling Xin asks Zhi Hao what it might take to be selected empress, what beyond her beauty may elevate her. So he teaches her the art of seduction.

This was a spin on the sex lessons trope that I wasn’t fully expecting to read. I was really glad that over the last several years I’ve been reading more books set in Imperial China, so the setting and cultural norms are something with which I am already familiar. The sheltered life of the daughters and wives of government officials plays a very prominent role in Vixen. Zhi Hao has been told that he is being visited by a fox spirit, and that he is imagining Ling Xin at night, so when he meets her by the light of day, he wonders if she is even the same. “Maybe she was exactly as she appears: dull, obedient, and chaste to the point of being asexual.” Which, as in many cultures of the era, was valued above all else. Luckily for us readers, Ling Xin is curious, intelligent, and strong.

Ling Xin puts her trust in Zhi Hao as he is teaching her about the power of seduction. It’s incredibly vulnerable, and while he doesn’t cross any line she isn’t willing to cross, there are moments when he comes incredibly close because she is so innocent. (Her innocence is truly by virtue of how she has been raised though, because she wants more than anything to get her hands on a “pillow book” that might be given to a new bride before her wedding.)

The novella length for this book is perfect, and the central conflicts are well balanced with one another. If you’re looking for a historical romance with an HEA set in China and you’ve already read Jeannie Lin, I recommend Vixen!

Thank you Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for access to this arc.

I saw this gorgeous cover and looked closer. Then I saw Lee's name and thought, yay she’s writing books set in China again. Years ago I had read some of the “Tigress” series and still remember all the sex-ed included in them. From the blurb I figured the book would have some smexy stuff but I had hoped for less “dragons” and “pearls.” Sadly, there’s a lot of that.


So we have Zhi Hao, a scholar set to take the Imperial exam in Peking (name used by author) and Ling Xin, the only daughter of a bo jue (Earl) magistrate who advises the Emperor. As his family’s only son, Zhi Hao has been raised to eventually take the grueling exam in the hopes of landing a high paying job which will support his parents for life as well as supply dowries for his two sisters. Failure is not an option. When her mother was pregnant with her, Ling Xin has been told that mom prayed for a daughter knowing that the Emperor’s son would be ready to choose an Empress – or honored concubines – when this unborn child would be of the proper age. To become the Empress of China would fulfill her family’s wishes even if Ling Xin has her doubts about being shut up in the Forbidden City for the rest of her life. Still failure is not an option.

I enjoyed Zhi Hao and Ling Xin’s conversations. Both are intelligent but also admit to liking what they see of the other. Then came the smexy education stuff. Okay, Ling Xin is eager to learn both because it can maybe help her get the Emperor’s attention but also because the woman likes sex – though not intercourse as that would ruin the purity she will have to prove or be tossed out of the Palace like trash. I like a woman who owns her sexuality. Zhi Hao soon has master Gao smacking him a bit as his mind is consumed with thoughts of Ling Xin despite how Gao warned him. It seemed like half the book was about sex.

But I liked the other parts better as Zhi Hao and Ling Xin got to know each other and the focus of the story shifted to everyday life in Qing era China. Ling Xin’s father and mother took larger roles and the two lovers had to think quickly on their feet in order to try and finesse opportunities for Zhi Hao. Ling Xin’s cousin is also a player in this game and I had figured out how it was going to work for everyone to get what they wanted. I know sexy is your style but being honest, I would rather the story had focused more on the other historical aspects. B-

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Vixen by Jade Lee is a third person dual-POV historical Romance set in Imperial China. When Zhi Hao begs to be tutored for the Imperial Exam so he can provide a better life for his family, he doesn't expect the neighbor’s daughter, Ling Xin, to take an interest in him. Ling Xin is one of hundreds of women getting ready to compete for the attention of the Emperor and become his concubine and, perhaps, the Empress.

I love to see Romances set in a wide variety of historical time periods. I love Regency and Versailles France Romances and want see more courtly Romances from authors of all backgrounds and in cultures we don't get a lot of Romances from. As such, I was really excited to see Vixen from Dragonblade.

What I liked was the references to foxes as they play a big role in Chinese folklore, with nine-tailed foxes being powerful spirits who often take the form of beautiful women. The Imperial Examination and competition for the Emperor's attention helped set the scene and provided insight and characterization for Zhi Hao and Ling Xin.

Between Ling Xin and Zhi Hao, I liked Ling Xin’s curious nature and Zhi Hao’s backstory the best. The pair set their own boundaries and stick to those boundaries in order to uphold the goals they have been expected to achieve since they were children.

I would recommend this to fans of Regency looking to expand into the courtly life of other cultures and readers looking for a quick, steamy romance.

I am a huge fans of Asian-based fantasy, yet this novella didnt give me a chance to. I forgot to check the background of the author and her track records of publishing along with forgotting to check the tag of this novella.

I am sorry, this is not for me.

However Thank you Dragonblade Publishing for this e-ARC.

This story takes us on an emotional ride with a whole lotta heat and a little suspense as the characters draw you in and have you invested in their happy ever after.

I love Chinese historical dramas, so when I saw this synopsis I instantly thought of them and was super excited to read it and the vibes in this book didn’t disappoint at all! Our main female character Ling Xin is strong and badass, and although very curious which could mess up a lot for her family. No matter what she doesn't back down on learning things she probably shouldn't and I enjoyed that about her. We also have the scholar Zhi Hao who I appreciate didn't seem to take advantage of Ling Xin's curiosity instead went at her pace, and helped her when he could. They were a good fit for each other and I'm glad the book ended the way it did.
Thank you to Netgalley and Dragonblade publishing for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Ko Zhi Hao wants to pass the imperial exam, so he can earn a good appointment to support his family. He travels to Peking to study beneath a master. However, Zhi Hao encounters a bewitching woman he mistakes for a mystical fox spirit. Song Ling Xin is no spirit but a temptation he can ill afford. Their nightly meetings could bring disaster to them both. Can Zhi Hao pass the imperial exams? Or will he be forced to give up on Ling Xin?

Song Ling Xin is the eldest daughter of a prominent bo jue (aka an earl). She has been trained, since birth, to compete in becoming the next Empress of China. However, Ling Xin does not know how to attract the emperor’s notice. She turns to the handsome scholar next door to educate her. Ling Xin takes delight in their forbidden, illicit lessons. Will Ling Xin risk dishonor for Zhi Hao? Or will their romance bring them death?

I admire Ling Xin’s determination to educate herself. She refuses to remain ignorant, even at great peril to her reputation and future. Zhi Hao proves to be so courteous and honorable towards Ling Xin. Any other male would take advantage of her curiosity.

VIXEN is the first book in Jade Lee’s historical-Chinese romance series, FORBIDDEN PLEASURES. This is the first romance I have read which takes place in that time-period of China. It is a nice change-of-pace for me.

I am a HUGE fan of Chinese dramas, particularly the costume dramas. VIXEN’s synopsis made me think of those. I secretly hoped it would be like the shows I love to watch. Sadly, it did not. The story IS enjoyable, but it lacks the mysticism and mood that I adore in my dramas. And something else I cannot put my finger on.

This is an enjoyable, quick novella. I liked both MCs, especially the FMC — she was strong and clever. For a while, I wasn’t sure how the HEA was going to get pulled off, which kept me engaged. However, there were euphemisms used that absolutely did not work for me (penises were referred to as “dragons” and clits as “pearls”), otherwise this probably would have been a 4 star read instead of a 3 star one. Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the ARC!