Book Review: Hearts of Briarwall by Krista Jensen

Book: Hearts of Briarwall by Krista Jensen

Genre: Edwardian romance (A Proper Romance from ShadowMountain.com)

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

It's been awhile but here I am again to promote another Proper Romance book! Thank you to Shadow Mountain for this opportunity!

First how about a summary (provided by the publisher):

Lydia Wooding is fascinated by the latest inventions the new century brings, including motorcars. She longs for the independence they represent and believes that women should have a say in the future of the industry—just as they should have a say in suffrage, adventure, and, of course, love.

Spencer Hayes is a man of practicality and innovation, but he lacks the financial backing to make his dream a reality. When he contacts his childhood friend, Andrew Wooding, about a promising business venture, he is invited to Briarwall Manor to discuss the terms. Once there, he is surprised to find that Andrew's once shy, younger sister, Lydia, has grown into a young woman of beauty, wit, and a bit of fire. Even better, the two share a passion for motorcars.

Andrew, however, is wary of cars, having lost his parents in a tragic auto accident when he and Lydia were young. And he's not sure a relationship between his sister and Spencer is the best idea—not when Sir Lawrence is available and could match both Lydia's social status and her fortune.

Torn between risking their hearts and being loyal to their dreams in an era of whirlwind change, Spencer and Lydia anchor themselves with the determination they both share: to live life to its fullest.

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I went into this truly not knowing anything. I choose to read this out of a line up books and it just sounded so fun! I don't think I've read anything set in the Edwardian era, not that I can remember at the moment anyway. And it's a pretty cool era! Lots of changes happening in the world! It's a fun time. (I had to look it up, we are talking early 1900's here.

There's four friends featured in this book, and this particular story is about one of them, Lydia, and her brother, and her brother's friend who comes to visit. (After finishing this I wondered if the other friends will have their story? I don't know.. I'm just guessing, but it sure seems like that would be a cool idea!) And this Lydia is fantastic awesome female character! So full of feistiness! And she truly doesn't care what people think. Wearing trousers. Wanting to learn how to drive. Fighting for the vote. Wanting to invest her money. Etc. I love it. She is so funny and witty too. 

And our cute boy Spencer kinda loves it too. He's not so sure he should, but he does. He has been hurt before, so he is trying SOOO hard to remain nonchalant. But that doesn't last long at all.

I really loved the banter and the romance in this one. All around so fun. It totally had me engaged and invested. I really do hope there's more with this world and these characters! 

So yeah, if you enjoy Victorian era stories, but want something a little different, a little more Downton Abby (as I saw it compared to somewhere) then you'll probably truly enjoy this one! This comes out next week on August 2!

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More about the author: 

Award-winning author KRISTA JENSEN works and plays in the Pacific Northwest with her spunky little dog and anyone else who wants to tag along. When she’s not exploring the outdoors, she can likely be found with her laptop, a pretty spiral notebook, and a Pilot Precise V7, writing about love, triumph, and really great kisses.

Either that or she’s switching laundry wondering who keeps wearing all these clothes. (It’s her.)

For book info and other good things, follow Krista on Instagram @kristajensenbooks.

Kdrama Review: Light on Me

Drama: Light on Me

Genre: BL

Starring: Kang Yooseok, Lee Saeon, Choi Chanyi

Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

I figured since it was Pride Month I'd watch another BL drama and see what I thought. And if the drama I enjoyed from awhile back was just a fluke thing or if I might truly like them. You know? Anyway, I asked for recommendations from trusted friends who know my tastes which for this genre is "sweet and soft."  Many people suggested this one, Light on Me, and so I decided to give it a try.

And yes, sweet and soft this is! Cute and adorable all the way around. 

It's about a dude who is a bit of an outcast, totally keeps to himself. He's a little bit weird and people just don't get him. Mostly his "problem" is he is too blunt and honest. Anyway, he decides to try to actually put himself out there make some friends. So a teacher suggests he join the student council.

It's an all boys high school and so there's three other guys already on the council. The president is very VERY friendly and happy go lucky and cute and popular with everyone. The vice president is shy and quiet and he and our dude get off to a bad start because of an awkward moment that happened out in the hall. And then there's the third guy who is just the funny comic relief! Gah I loved him!

And so turns out, our guy kinda falls for the president. And then things get awkward when the president doesn't really want to be outed. Because he does kind of like our guy, but he just wants to be close friends. Lol... it's a formula trope, yes? 

But the dude who is quiet and stand offish, he starts to get jealous when he realizes HE likes our dude. And it's fun to see him finally open up and come out of his angriness and admit to his feelings. And start smiling. I love that. 

It's still strange and unfamiliar territory for me, but I have to admit that these cute BL's are quite enjoyable. There are a bunch looming on the horizon, since I have a several more favorite kpop idols that are going to be staring in them. And I will want to support and cheer them on. (LOL, as if they knew I was doing that. Geez, but sometimes it feels like that!) So... we'll see how it goes!

Here's a trailer:

And this awesome song, sung by one of my very favorite kpop groups, A.C.E: