Set in Japan in the 1890s, this first novel from Bacarr (The Japanese Art of Sex
) reflects the author's affection for Japanese culture, even as she plays to the Western misconception of the geisha as prostitute. As a gaijin
(foreigner) in Kyoto, Kathlene Mallory—a 15-year-old green-eyed blonde—implausibly dreams of becoming a sexy geisha. When Kathlene's imperiled father must leave Japan, he persuades his mistress, the owner of the Teahouse of the Look-Back Tree, to take Kathlene on as a maiko
(apprentice geisha). Three years later, the nasty Baron Tonda wants to buy Kathlene's virginity before he kills her. After Kathlene falls in love with Reed Cantrell, a handsome young American, the thought of surrendering to the baron becomes even more odious. But if Kathlene doesn't comply, the baron will destroy the reputation—and livelihood—of the teahouse and all its inhabitants. Erotic romance fans should be prepared for lots of teasing and terms like "Buddha-seed," "pleasure bean" and "deepest core of your moon grotto." (Aug.)
