For all the Regency books I've read, I've only heard of Newmarket referenced, but never read a book set there! I thoroughly enjoyed this series with horse breeding, racing, and the society of Newmarket at the center. I loved Bianca and her obsession with horses, although she wasn't allowed to ride the thoroughbreds. It's easy to see how she is so likeable, especially among the stable hands and manager at Hawksworth. When Hudson surprises his estate by showing up unannounced, his first meeting with Bianca make me giggle and reminded me a bit of the stable scene in the movie Far and Away. It was interesting to see how his upbringing in India brought an isolation and increased his difficulty integrating with the local gentry. Bianca becomes a mentor of sorts, and he returns the favor by trying to help her find a decent husband so she can avoid a union with the odious Mr. Mead her stepmother is pushing on her. Naturally they become fast friends, but I think the other romantic interests they were considering distracted from any chemistry they developed and I missed that feeling of connection. Overall, I was drawn in by the plot and also enjoyed their friendships with other characters that are from previous books by the author or will be the leads in the rest of the books in this series.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

A great regency romance that I couldn't put down. This was my first book by Kristi Ann Hunter, and with her humorous writing, entertaining details, fun plot twists, I'll be back for more! I loved the witty characters and yes the swoon pursuits.

Will societal expectations and the weight of their responsibilities keep them from pursuing their true desires?
___________

TITLE: Vying for the Viscount
SERIES: Hearts on the Heath book 1
AUTHOR: Kristi Ann Hunter
PUBLISHER: Bethany House
RELEASE DATE: August 4, 2020
GENRE: Christian Historical Romance

When a strange man appears to be stealing horses at the neighboring estate, Bianca Snowley jumps to their rescue.
And when she discovers he’s the new owner, she can’t help but be intrigued–but romance is unfeasible when he proposes they help secure spouses for each other.
Will they see everything they’ve wanted has been there all along before it’s too late?
___________



352 pages; 37 chapters.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kristi Ann Hunter  @kristiannhunter is the author of the Hawthorne House and Haven Manor series and a 2016 RITA Award winner and Christy Award finalist.

Christian Historical - Cinderella with horses
This is one of the most enjoyable books I've read. I didn't want to put it down. Bianca is raised by a stepmother who doesn't want her around. She goes to a neighboring stable to ride and exercise the horses because she loves them so much. Hudson has inherited the estate, arriving from India where he was raised. He doesn't know anyone, but as a member of aristocracy is expected to blend in and advance himself and his estate. Luckily he makes some good friends. Beautiful story unfolds of self discovery and learning what is important in life. Some of the most likable and alive characters you will meet. Loved It! Fabulous series.
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#VyingfortheViscount #NetGalley

Cute, cute story. I enjoyed the interaction between the characters and the friends to romance aspect of the story. The book covers a short period of time, but I felt like the romance wasn't rushed.

This is a Christian romance that wasn't preachy. I liked that Kristi Ann Hunter brought back some characters from a previous series.

This book is good, clean fun. This is a series that I will be reading.

Source: I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

What a charming and entertaining read! Hudson, the newly titled Viscount Stildon, was my favourite character of this adventure. I've never met a character quite like him in a story, and he had me laughing under my breath more than once. Having been born and raised in India and only recently arrived back to his homeland of England, Hudson only knows what it is like to be a nobleman in theory. He had read about etiquette and dances and all of that.... but somehow head knowledge isn't quite enough to bridge the gap between his prior life in India and the scheming members of English society.
Fortunately for him, a spunky young lady who frequently makes use of his barn full of horses is more than adept at moving through the complicated steps of a waltz and knows which invitations you can refuse and which ones you can't, and at what time you can supposedly leave a ball without 'cutting' anyone... and even worse, how to not accidently announce your engagement to some lady by dancing with her more than twice! The English world is fraught with terrors Hudson never dreamed of..... and he knows he is under everyone's carefully watchful and judging gaze.

As for Miss Bianca Snowling, her first love his horses. She rides daily, and it is honestly the only thing that keeps her sanity in check. Her step-mother is over bearing and determined to get rid of her this season, but there is not a man around that Bianca could bear pledging herself to the for the rest of her life. That is, until an uncertain Viscount rides into her life. The only problem.... he is asking her how to help him win the hand of the most coveted woman of the season!

Vying for the Viscount by Kristi Ann Hunter had me hooked from the start. The Viscount is arriving at his inherited estate to see the condition and make arrangements to keep it going strong. I was laughing out loud when he comes upon the interaction of the woman thinking that he’s broken into the stable to steal a horse. SO funny! And so, the story unfolds from there. There’s a wonderful twisting of a charming plot to this one.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.


***Also posted on Amazon, CBD, B&N

When I read a book by Kristie Ann Hunter I know it’s going to be good. Vying for the Viscount was one of those books. The main characters had the most unique meeting I have probably ever read. Hunter had me giggling and I couldn’t imagine what would happen next. I was taken on an adventure and every twist and turn was a surprise. Hudson and Bianca were easy to love, and I enjoyed watching their chemistry. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Lovely story that really hit home for me in so many ways (particularly thematically). I also relate to Bianca. This almost NEVER happens in these kinds of books, so I was thrilled. I don't think I've ever read a novel where the struggles of the characters both felt relevant to me AND I related to the heroine.

One of my pet peeves ("okay") and some inaccuracies as far as horse care goes were my only complaints (y'all need to just check your horses' hooves, okay? It's not that hard). Oh, and the ending felt a bit rushed, but hopefully book 2 and so on with expand on the couple's story.

I actually liked Trent here, too. He's so delightful. *sad sigh* If only it'd been different, Trent ...

Vying for the Viscount begins Kristi Ann Hunter's series, Hearts on the Heath. I do not think it was a read for me. Two stars.

Loved this story! Bianca is such a fun, unconventional character, and I enjoyed Hudson and the glimpse of what it could be like to come home to England in the Regency era after growing up in India. Excellent story!

Finding a husband or wife in the early 1800's was not an easy thing and marrying for love instead of advancing your social status was just not done. Vying for the Viscount is a story of two people who meet and attempt to find matches for each other, not realizing that they are what is best for one another. This was a delightful romance of learning to listen to your heart instead of just the societal norms.

Both characters, Hudson the new viscount and Miss Bianca are likable and unique. Bianca really went at her own pace in life, loving horses, riding them, and trying to stay out of the watchful eye of her stepmother. Unfortunately, it was past time for her to marry and she does not particularly like who her stepmother is setting her up with. I liked that Bianca was willing to marry, but she was going to pick her own man out.

After a rather hilarious first encounter with each other, Hudson and Bianca become good friends. Bianca decides to help the newly arrived viscount from India take his rightful place in society. She agrees and only till he asks a much more difficult task of her does she realize he is capable of destroying her dreams.

These two became such good friends. And when Hudson finally realized that Bianca was the one for him, well watch out. He was determined to woo and court her properly. The development of their romance in a time where everyone seemed to be living in a reality game of contest and conquest of marital partners, was a refreshing look at true love and what it is. I look forward to Aaron's story.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Vying for the Viscount by Kristi Ann Hunter was such a fun book to read. It made me laugh so many times. But it wasn’t just a comedy, it also had sweet romance, loveable characters, annoying characters, and it had horses. I fell in love with the horses and really want to go horseback riding soon! I really enjoyed this book and thought it was a good escape. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys historical romances.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Kristi Ann Hunter has quickly made it to "my favorite author's" list! After stumbling upon her Hawthorne House series and completely devouring it, I swooped at the chance to read this new book of hers, and I was not disappointed!!

Bianca loves horses, but her own house only has working horses that are not much fun to ride around. So she has been venturing over to the neighbor's stables to help exercise the horses there. The owner of the estate, Lord Stildon died over a year ago, so the staff has been carrying on waiting for the heir to arrive from India.

Hudson grew up in India to be safe from his crazed uncle who is not very happy to not be the heir of the family estate. Hudson's father tries to teach and prepare him for life in England, for surely they will return one day. After his father and mother both die from sickness and a snake bite, and learning of his grandfather's death, Hudson hops on a boat for the long journey to England. Once he reaches the mother land, and is accosted by some woman in his stables, Hudson isn't so sure if this is the best decision he could have made.

This book is true Hunter style. With great witty banter, lovable characters that you want to knock some sense into, and horse racing, you will love this book! There is a slight connection to the Hawthorne House series, but I won't spoil that. Just know its great!! Bianca is a wonderfully strong female character who probably loves horses more than men. Hudson thinks the only way to get a wife is to barter horses. They become fast friends in a land where Hudson knows no one, so they decide to help each other get engaged. You will be swept away to the horse racing in Newmarket, and will love every minute of it!

Thank you to Netgalley, Bethany House, and Kristi Ann Hunter for my free copy of the book in return for my honest review.

Vying for the Viscount
by Kristi Ann Hunter
Bethany House
Bethany House Publishers
Christian
Pub Date 04 Aug 2020



I am reviewing a copy of Vying for the Viscount through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:






The Newly titled Viscount Stildon, Hudson, moving to England from India where he was born and raised was already an arduous enough endeavor. After Hudson, learns the fate of the racing empire he inherited and his title depends upon him getting in the good graces of another stable owner, he finds that he is at even more of a loss.









The stable in question the one at the neighboring estate has been Miss Bianca Snowley's refuge for years, and when a strange man appears to be stealing the horses, she jumps to the protection of the Horses without a second thought. When she learns that Hudson is the new owner, she finds herself intrigued by the area's newest eligible bachelor.




Thoughts of Romance are quickly set aside when Hudson proposes they work together to secure suitable spouses for each other. But as their friendship grows Hudson and Bianca begin to reconsider what they truly want in life. But will their societal expectations and the weight of their responsibilities keep them from pursuing their true desires?





If you like historical Christian Romance, you will love Vying for the Viscount, five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Fans of regency romance will enjoy this sweet story. I had trouble connecting with the two main characters but still overall enjoyed the read.

So, this author is usually a hit or miss with me but this book was right in the middle. I enjoyed the interaction between the characters, but horse breeding and races isn’t really all that interesting to me.
Hudson has lived in India his whole life until his grandfather passes away and he is now a Viscount with land and horses in England. He travels to England and quickly finds out that life is quite different from what he was used to.
Bianca is Hudson’s neighbor and has been riding his horses for quite some time before he moves in. They develop a friendship of sorts and agree to help each other find suitable matches...even though Bianca was hoping Hudson would be interested in her.
This is where I found the love story a little disjointed. It felt like insta attraction for Bianca but other than the fact that she enjoyed his company, I could never feel the connection and Hudson was a little too slow in realizing he liked Bianca. The story was also a bit slow paced and then all the action happened in the very last few chapters.
However, I think if you like this author, and enjoy regency stories, you will probably like this book.

This was a sweet story of two people who had trouble looking. their goals to find what was really important. The characters were developed well, there were some nice sub plots. It felt slow at the beginning but it did pick up.

Vying for the Viscount is the start to Kristi Ann Hunter's new series and it was a delightful read! I loved the characters and found Hudson especially fascinating. It was intriguing how he was raised in India and just now moved to England...having to learn all the things.

I loved the heroine's love for horses. It was wonderful and felt genuine. I also enjoyed how the characters related to each other. Some moments were humorous and I loved that.

All in all, Vying for the Viscount was definitely worth the read and I recommend it. I am eager to read the next book. ;)

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

I’ve been a fan of Kristi Ann Hunter’s since my first time reading “A Noble Masquerade” (which I’ve read at least 5 times now) and was very excited to learn she was starting a new series! I’m always up for an adventure to Regency England via one of her books and couldn’t wait to start this one!
As always, I just adored the new characters in this book! I was also very happy to see some old friends from a couple past books make an appearance! Hudson and Bianca quickly took up residence in my mind, along with Aaron and surprisingly, Lady Rebecca. I enjoyed their dialogue, frequently peppered with quick wit and banter I commiserated with Bianca, reevaluating what she thought she wanted from her life. And Hudson, coming to the place he was always informed would be his home, only to realize it’s so very different from what he’d expected. I do have to confess, there were a couple times that I found his reluctance to make any form of decision without first consulting another person rather frustrating. Though that did make it all the more satisfying when he finally did step up and come to realize that he didn’t need everyone’s approval for his life to be a success.
One of my favorite things about Ms. Hunter’s books is how she always finds ways to add humor to a story that doesn’t always necessarily sound like it’s going to be funny. And it usually sneaks up on me, even though I’ve come to expect it. Then I find myself, often in public, laughing out loud because of something a character said just so that I found hilarious or because a bunch of grooms are trying to teach a viscount how to dance. I love it!
Overall, I greatly enjoyed this story and am eagerly anticipating the next one! (until then, I’ll probably be found rereading all of her other ones)

*My thanks to the publisher for my copy of this book! I was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise, and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.