Dragon Lady by Autumn Bardot - Extract and blog Tour

Dragon Lady by Autumn Bardot - Extract and blog Tour

Today I'd like to invite you along on the Historical Fiction virtual Blog Tour for the hot and exciting Dragon Lady by Autumn Bardot.

As I haven't yet managed to read this book I'm offering a free extract to tempt you to investigate further. I think you'll agree that Dragon Lady offers something sultry and exciting for readers of historical fiction set in exotic locations. Its a story based on a factual character, of a determined young woman and her struggle to succeed in a world where women are only valued for their bodies

EXTRACT

By the time the lookout sighted Donghai Island I was familiar with both Zheng Yi’s temperament and the ship’s layout.
Man and boat were much the same. The iron-like strength of the main mast matched Zheng Yi’s unyielding and strong will. The watertight camphor and pine bulkheads were as impenetrable as Zheng Yi’s command, his leadership sealed by experience as a former Tâyson rebel leader. The pirates’ tiny sleeping compartments on the lower deck corresponded to the size of Zheng Yi’s intolerance for laziness and disrespect. Like the giant retractable rudder that controlled the ship’s course, so too did Zheng Yi guide me towards a new direction. His squad boss face was as rough and crude as his ship’s exterior. His private face—expressive and handsome—much like the lavishly appointed saloon and cabin. His smile-sneer, I decided, was meant to confuse and intimidate.
Zheng Yi was the first man I respected. The first man who made my stomach flutter.
Like today, when he strode into the saloon where Golden Moon, the headman’s wife, taught me how to mend a broken teacup with rivets.
“Donghai Island is just ahead.” Zheng Yi examined the teacup’s seam. “Excellent. Do you enjoy this sort of work?”
“It’s a satisfying way to pass a few hours, although I much rather the helmsman teaches me how to steer.”
Golden Moon covered a giggle with her hand.
“That’s a man’s job.” Zheng Yi’s mouth scowled but his eyes flashed with pleasure. He set down the teacup, beckoned me to follow, strode out the door, and to the ship’s bow. “How long has it been since you set your feet on land?” His gestured to the strip of land in the distance.
“I went with Madam Xu into port to conduct business.”
“I’m not talking about the odor and noise of a thousand merchants. How long since you felt sand between your toes, smelled fresh flowers, rested against a tree, and slept on solid ground?” His brow lifted, expectant.
“I don’t remember.” Memories of fragrant orange blossoms, tall grass, bird songs, insect hums, and comforting stillness rushed into the locked-up place in my heart. I squeezed shut my eyes, willed myself not to cry.
Zheng Yi’s thick brows knotted with concern. “Do you miss the life stolen from you?”
My spine rippled with fear. Was Zheng Yi’s plan to sell me to someone on the island? I took a ragged breath and met his incomprehensible gaze. Perhaps this was his way of telling me he was getting rid of me. How foolish of me to think I had any value other than being his concubine. And although my flower girl skills included fawning over a man enough to make him a repeat customer, I knew this was no whore’s game.
My life rested in Zheng Yi’s hands. His rough pirate hands. He was nothing like the queue-wearing, soft-bodied, rich men I entertained with flattery and false sighs. If Zheng Yi had reason to believe I playacted, that my respect for him was false, he would kill me. My answer must be true, leave no room for misinterpretation, and yet excite and delight him.
“Do I miss my former life?” I twisted my lips.  “I don’t miss the poverty. If Father hadn’t sold me I would be married to another poor farmer and birthed nine children by now. I don’t miss the flower boat either, even if I did wear silk. The work was dull and too boring for my curious mind.” I touched his hand, which rested on the rail. “For ten years I have merely existed. All joy gone. Until you came. The sea. Your ship. You. I’m alive. You’ve made my soul sing.” I looked out at the sliver of land. “I don’t know your intentions. Whether you want to sell me or kill me, but it doesn’t matter. You and your ship, for some reason, make me happy. And a little bit of happiness is better than none at all. I thank you, Zheng Yi.”
Zheng Yi pushed me against the bulwark, his lust evident, and wrapped me in his arms. “I won’t sell you, Xianggu. You’re not mine to sell.”
My stomach lurched with fear. “What!? Am I the chieftain’s property? Your Uncle Qi?”
Zheng Yi’s mouth dropped open. “No. No. You’re mine. Not as a slave but…” He rubbed his grizzled cheek against mine, “you delight me in ways I can’t explain.”
My heart leapt. I delighted him! In unexplainable ways! Which meant he liked me, not just my flower girl skills. “Is your wife on Donghai?” I kept my voice light. How could he not have a wife? Or several?
Zheng Yi rubbed his chin. “Wives are expensive and dull.”
“Why do you think the flower boats are always so busy?” My mischievous grin made Zheng Yi laugh.


I hope you enjoyed reading that extract and if its whet your appetite you can buy Dragon Lady now.

Heres the blurb

The triumph of the notorious Zheng Yi Sao is the fierce and unflinching adventure of how a prostitute became the most powerful and successful pirate in the world.

Xianggu is sold into slavery to work on a floating brothel, her virginity bought by the highest bidder. Determined to rise above her poverty and lowly status, she learns the business from the madam. But a violent midnight pirate raid destroys her ambitions. Kidnapped by the powerful pirate boss, Xianggu embarks on a journey that demands beauty, brains, and brawn. Yet she must do more than learn to wield a sword, sail a ship, and swim across the bay if she hopes to survive. She must prove her worth to the Red Flag fleet.

The winds never blow in the same direction and tragedy forces Xianggu to make a risky decision that changes not only her life but the lives of thousands of pirates. Surrounded by jealous men, devious women, ancient prejudices, and the Qing navy, Xianggu battles to save her empire, her family, and her own heart.

In 18th century China, when men made and enforced the rules, the Dragon Lady lived by her own.