Pink Heart Reviews
The Blonde Geisha
Jina Bacarr
ISBN# 0373605102
Spice, Auguat 2006, 384 pages
Historical-Japan 1892
Trade Paperback
$13.95 (US) 19.99 (CDN)
Reviewed by Marilyn Rondeau
July 2006
In 1892 Japan, American businessman Edward Mallory is desperately running to hide his 15-year-old daughter Kathlene. He'd made a powerful enemy of Prince Kira and now must flee. Dismayed to find the convent he hoped to hide Kathlene in closed he is forced to bring her to the Teahouse of the Look-Back-Tree where he convinces the beautiful proprietress Simouye (an 'okasan') to hide her. Unbeknownst to her father, this was a place Kathlene has secretly desired to enter. Knowing it is forbidden to train a foreigner let alone a blonde green-eyed beauty, Kathlene is thrilled to be able to train to become a geisha.
Three years later, with no word from her father Kathlene is anxious to become a full fledged geisha, yet the 'okasan' still holds her back. While performing a very sensual dance she draws the attention of the handsome but wicked Baron Tonda who recognizes her as the blonde green-eyed girl he'd been searching for three years. Before he kills her he wants desperately to be the one to take her virginity. At about the same time, American Reed Cantrell found Kathlene and she quickly fell in love. Now the deflowering offer of Baron Tonda became totally unacceptable both to Kathlene and especially to Reed. Knowing that Tonda would destroy the reputation and livelihood of the teahouse Kathlene is ready to comply with the 7 day 'very erotic deflowering ritual' while Reed works feverishly to save her! In the end, Kathlene would war over remaining true to her love of the Japanese life of the geisha, or to her love of Reed.
This debut novel for Jina Bacarr was a total delight demonstrating her love and understanding of the Japanese culture and her excellent writing skills. Most will compare this to the popular 'Memoirs of a Geisha' with great detail of the customs and training involved but there is no denying that this will bring much more of a smile to your face where it leans more towards an erotic slanted story with some (for me) humorous descriptions used in describing the male and female anatomy like 'dear little slit', 'jade stalk', 'mushroom' and 'flower heart'. Kathlene was a delightful character, so in love with the mystique of the 'geisha' yet still holding out for 'love' - and slowly coming to the realization that you couldn't have it both ways. The mystery of what Kathlene's father did to the Prince to instigate such hatred was kept right up until the very end and finally explained. Though it is definitely an erotic read, it is tastefully and gently done through the eyes of an innocent rather than going for the shock value some authors use by utilizing foul language and minute details! Again, some of the terms used had me laughing out loud and my bottom line is that I was thoroughly entertained with the story, the characters, and can highly recommend this to all who like a VERY sensual romantica read!
Marilyn Rondeau also reviews for Rio — Reviewers International Organization