I’ve yet to read a book by Kristi Ann Hunter that I didn’t enjoy and this one certainly isn’t the exception! Full of horses, humor, misunderstandings, romance, and a few well-meaning friends, this story was everything I’ve come to expect and then some! If you’re a fan of Regency romance, I would always highly recommend any of Ms. Hunter’s tales!
As always, I was drawn in straightaway and didn’t want to put the book down until the very end - even then, I would’ve happily kept reading, if there had been more pages. Isn’t it funny how good books always seem just a touch too short? One of my very favorite things about all of Ms. Hunter’s books is the humor always lurking. Prior to hers, I’d never read a Regency novel that made me laugh out loud. And now I can’t go back! To me, that humor just makes the characters all the more real and relatable.
I know Aaron is from a previous book, but I honestly don’t remember him prior to this series. I really enjoyed him as Hudson’s stable-manager-turned-friend in Vying for the Viscount and was very curious to see where his story would lead. Him accidentally hiring a female jockey and then dealing with the aftermath never even crossed my mind! But it suited him perfectly. As does Sofia, whom I loved! She is chatty, quirky, and kind. Her determination to hold on to her dreams at times seemed a little foolish, but I can also understand not wanting to lose the hope you’ve clung to for so long. I really enjoyed watching each of their stories play out and merge into one.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book if you enjoy Regency era romance!

*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.

Kristie Ann Hunter is a joy to read. Her writing takes me on a journey to another time and place, and I love every moment of it. The characters she creates are some of the most unique, eccentric and completely lovable. I could not wait to get my hands on this book. Having read the first book in the series, I was already in love with most of the characters. That being said, this can easily be read as a stand alone novel as well. I Couldn’t wait to learn more about Aaron. His loyalty and the love between him and his friends is unlike any other. Being born as a different class than his friends he sees himself in a certain light. I enjoyed watching his friends push his boundaries and frustrate him to no end. Sophia is perfect for him, but neither of them know that yet. Sophia is sweet and charming and isn’t afraid to step up to a challenge. But she also has some secrets of her own. In a world where your birth determines your value, can the two of them find a place where they belong?

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. Hunter kept me turning the pages, and I couldn’t wait to see what might happen next. I received a complimentary 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.

Life has not been kind to Sophia Fitzroy. She and her twin brother grew up in Ireland watching their horse training father at work. But their father's early death and their subsequent other troubles left Sophia and Jonas with few life choices. Now in their early 20s, the duo are working with a circus in England just to be able to eat.

Aaron Whitworth has lived on the edges of society his whole life. Though he is illegitimate, he has been recognized by his father and is therefore a gentleman. But he takes pride in his work managing two different stables near Newmarket, as it gives him a chance to stand on his own feet and earn his own accomplishments.

When circumstances force Aaron to look for a replacement jockey for a quickly-approaching race, he takes a look at what the passing circus has to offer. He makes a desperate written offer of employment to "the redheaded horse trainer," unintentionally hiring Sophia. Is Aaron crazy for agreeing to let a woman run as a jockey?

Sophia is driven to prove herself and earn both respect and income for a better future. Talkative and determined, she makes friends among Aaron's acquaintances, though she feels every inch a poor circus performer. What will happen when the races begin?

I loved how the quiet desperation and social ostracism of these two drew them together. They could understand one another on an intuitive level. Both characters had needs that the other could fill, which made me as a reader cheer hard for them. A slight complaint about this book is that there were so many characters from the author's previous books, ones I have not read, which made Aaron's social circle somewhat confusing to follow. I appreciated the way faith and healing was woven in, and any horse lover will be thrilled at the amount of scenes pertaining to riding or caring for these animals.

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Winning the Gentleman is the second book in Kristi Ann Hunter’s Hearts on the Heath series. Can a situation that began on false assumption lead to a happily ever after for everyone involved?

Aaron Whitworth is an illegitimate son, a title he’s leaned on to make the gentry uncomfortable. He loves working with horses, but when his employer and friend makes an unwise wager, he’s put in an impossible situation.

Sophia Fitzroy wants to train horses and riders, but for now must support her injured brother by performing shows in a circus. Until she seizes an opportunity to become a jockey when a stranger assumes her twin is the real horse trainer.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story! I’ve been highly anticipating Aaron’s story since Vying for the Viscount and it was excellent. And Sophia was wonderful. I loved her character. The ending dragged a bit, but otherwise, this was a phenomenal story that I couldn’t put down.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

Aaron is the stable manager for two wealthy noblemen who also consider him friends while Sophia is the former headliner in a travelling circus. Aaron has a veneer of respectability because of his marquis father while Sophia is an orphan forced to leave the land she loves.

Aaron is taciturn, Sophia is talkative. On the surface, they seem to have nothing in common but the effect they have on each other is marvelous.

Winning the Gentleman is a sweet story of overcoming challenges while accepting your place in the world. Both Sophia and Aaron had to learn they had a place in their society that had nothing to do with the one people tied to ascribe to them.

These two characters were great for each other as they were both trying to do the best they could with the circumstances they had been given.  It was fun seeing the unflappable Aaron losing his head over the fiery Sophia.

Readers will be reminded that God doesn't ascribe positions to is based on the position we hold in society. All of us are dear to Him and He has a place in His kingdom for all of us, if we'll accept Him as Lord and Savior.

Winning the Gentleman continues the Hearts on the Heath series but can be read as a standalone. As with many Kristi Ann Hunter books there are several crossover characters. I received an advanced reader's copy from the publishers through NetGalley; a positive review was not required.

Winning the Gentleman by Kristi Ann Hunter

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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Story Notes

Kristi Ann Hunter returns us to the world of Newmarket horse racing to dive into the life of Aaron Whitworth and his opportunity to finally fall in love.

I have really loved getting to know Aaron in the past books by Ms. Hunter. He has provided some excellent one-liners that leave me laughing and scrambling to find paper and pen to write them down. I was so very glad to see that Ms. Hunter was now going to turn her pen to writing his story and helping him find love. Aaron has prided himself on being the best trainer possible, while also being the first to acknowledge his less-than-ideal parentage. The illegitimate son of an aristocrat, he has many burdens to carry, even if his father has publicly acknowledged him. But thanks to some kind and helpful friends, he has become a sought after stable manager and the current trainer for the Earl of Trenting. Oliver, Lord Farnsworth, is a bit clueless when it come to horse racing and has inadvertently entered himself in an off-track race against a ruthless peer. Problem is, he has no jockey currently in residence available to ride. Aaron sets out to find the needed jockey and finds himself unexpectedly in attendance at a trick horse show. Impressed by the performance of the horses featured, Aaron makes an offer, sight unseen, to hire the person who trained the horses as his new temporary jocket. Little did he suspect that he was hiring a female trainer/rider. Sophia Fitzroy is a highly skilled rider and trainer who is currently working any job necessary to ensure she and her twin brother have room and board until his back injury heals. Taking Aaron up on his offer of jockey was a bit underhanded but she didn't lie and therefore determines to hold him to the bargain. She is sure to cause a stir and knows he is taking a chance on her by agreeing. They make a pact to allow her to jockey until she loses or a month is up - whichever comes first. It will be the most interesting and challenging month of their lives and will change their lives in both good and bad ways. They will also find themselves facing the possibility of love if they are willing to reach out for it. I really enjoyed the story and the exchange of conversation. The secondary character of Harriet really added a lot to the story with her joie de vive and devil-may-care attitude. The romance between Aaron and Sophia was really well done and I loved how different it was from other stories by Ms. Hunter. This story was unique in its telling and it was very clear that all aspects were well researched. I also liked the strong faith elements that were included. The subject of a person's worth was handled expertly and without pulling punches. My only wish would have been to have a bit more humor included in the story but as Sophia and Aaron were more serious people, it stood to reason that this book would be more on the serious side. I will certainly be recommending this book to others in the hope they will have as much fun reading it as I did. I'm very much looking forward to the next in this wonderful series.

I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

I’ve always been a big fan of Kristi Ann Hunter books, and I have to say this is definitely one of my favorites!
The first book in this “Hearts on the Heath” series was wonderful, but this one… It surpassed my expectations!! Maybe it has to do with the characters, I totally fell in love with both the hero and the heroine. And the hero, Aaron Witworth, well… he has long deserved his own story, since we’ve known him a few books back, always the loyal friend, and not only he deserved his own story but especially his Happily Ever After. And Sophie was the perfect character for him. Can you imagine a guy who introduces himself as “Hello, I’m illegitimate”? Wouldn’t he shock you, but at the same time you’d admire him because he pretends he doesn’t have a care in the world about everyone else’s opinion? The word “pretends” is quite important here. It tugged at my heart how Aaron has suffered for so many years for being the illegimate eldest son of a wealthy Earl, who has forced society to accept him, and even though he gave him a decent education, it was not out of love, but out of setting an example of making oneself responsible for his sins. In doing this, Aaron’s father has hurt him more than making him belong. Because love and understanding is what has always been lacking in their almost non existent relationship. But fortunately Aaron has had great friends from school who have always supported him, especially Oliver and Graham. And then Hudson, and Trent. He’s not accustomed to people loving him, other than his best friends, and he’s almost immune to deathly glances and vile gossips around him. He’s made a decent life for himself. He manages two important stables and has a decent income, an apartment in London… His life is stable, that is, until he’s desperate to hire a new jockey and finds that he “mistakenly” offered the job to a horse trainer, who turns out to be a woman! Sophie Fitzroy and her twin brother Jonas have spent the last five years of being orphans making ends meet to survive and stay together. Not without their share of grief and rejection. They have traveled from Ireland to England with their horses, and join a traveling circus, but they still dream to find a place to belong. But that is harder after Jonas is injured and can’t ride anymore. So when a mysterious offer arrives to the horse trainer of the circus, asking to be a jockey, Sophia can’t help herself and accepts, even knowing her employer thinks the “horse trainer” by the name of Fitzroy is her twin. So this is the start of a wonderful and complex adventure as Aaron finds he can’t deny Sophia a chance to race. But will the Newmarket society accept a woman in a race? Will Sophia prove them that she may accomplish what only men have done until now? Aaron has resigned himself to a bachelor life. But Sophia ignites in him a desire for so much more. Can he overcome his firm stance that he can’t offer anything to a woman other than a life of society rejection? Will his friends prove him wrong and will he let his heart a chance to have a say for once in his life?
I loved everything about this book. The plot was very engaging, it never dragged. But what I loved most was the depth of the characters. I was happy to revisit with previous characters, but Aaron and Sophia were the most special. They both had a sad past full of grief and loss, and I was rooting so much for them to finally get theirhappy ending. They so much deserved it. I loved the traits each of the main characters presented: Aaron was strong, determined, yet so vulnerable, even if only on the inside, and loyal to the core. He was kind and compassionate, and yes, brooding (I love brooding heroes). My heart ached because of his internal pain and battles so much; he needed a big and loving hug. Sophia was also strong and determined, passionate, and a dreamer. She was more optimistic and so loving of what is hers (her brother, her horse), selfless to the core. They both had some character growth in the story, especially Aaron. There’s a strong faith inspiring message about learning to trust God and let Him guide your life. There’s also the redemption and forgiveness theme. Rigsby, Aaron’s legitimate half brother, plays an important part in this. I loved that part. And I loved the part Aaron’s growing circle of friends play in the story, their strong bond, their loyalty, their true affection and generosity in seeing to what the other friend needs.
I’m not very experienced about horses, but it was all so vividly described that I found I could almost smell the hay in the stable or hear the horses hooves as they ran or galloped! Very exciting!
This is definitely a story I immensely enjoyed and I vividly recommend! Can’t wait for the next one in the series! I’m hoping Jonas or Rigsby’s story will come out soon. Both secondary characters I loved and admired. There’s serious drama and a bit of intrigue in the story, but at the same time there’s wit, humor and banter, and a lightheartedness that made the story so enjoyable and more endearing.
I received a complimentary copy from the Publisher but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Aaron is a sweetheart who needs love, I love seeing when a hero is not so sure he's the hero of the story and doesn't think he should have love.

Sophia is surprisingly a VERY FAVORITE! She's not sickly feminist; she knows what she can do.

The fact that there was once a woman who was a jockey much like Sophia made reading this book even more enjoyable,

As much as I loved "Winning the Gentleman" it was inconsistent in the romance I thought... Or maybe Aaron wasn't as I expected from having not seen his point of view before now. I just did not think he would have given into the kisses without being more sure of a relationship. Just a thought and otherwise I loved "Winning the Gentleman" and cannot wait for the third book!

Warnings: 16/18+ due to mentions of the sins of a father.

I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

I feel like a large portion of girls, myself included, went through at least a small horse obsession phase. Mine was short lived but that little part of me got excited about the fact that this series centers around horses!
After absolutely loving Vying for the Viscount I was intrigued by Aaron and eager to get his story. He was definitely a bit of a hard nut to crack but when you spend the better part of three decades carefully constructing walls around yourself and your emotions it’s a rather long process to knock them down. Despite those walls he was someone who cared deeply for those in his inner circle (that kept growing much to his chagrin) and would do anything to help them. He had a dry wit that made a few appearances and made me smile each time, selfishly I wanted more of that. It was also entertaining the way he moved from frustration with Sophia, to respect and admiration, to love, even though it took him awhile to realize he’d crossed to that last one.
Sophia for her part was great as well. She was the feisty can-do type without being too independent to accept help. She was a dreamer but not the lost in the clouds type and her habit of rambling when nervous was entertaining.
I enjoyed the romance between Aaron and Sophia but the greedy side of me wanted a little more on page romantic scenes. But what we did get was sweet and I liked them together!
Sophia’s twin, Jonas, surprised me with the way he kinda stole the show when he was in a scene and I loved him, I would definitely read a story about him if the author felt so inclined (hint hint). Aaron’s half brother Rigsby was also a pleasant surprise and definitely could be the hero of his own story! There were lots of appearances of old friends from the author’s other books, Trent Hawthorne being my favorite of course, and it was fun to see how their lives were progressing.
So while this didn’t surpass book one for me it was still an enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to the next installment in this series!

Winning the Gentleman was a delightful read. I’ve always like Kristi Ann Hunter’s books, but this series focusing on equestrian pursuits alongside the beautiful themes of belonging, thankfulness, making your way in the world and discovering what things have priority in life made this novel nearly impossible to put down.

It’s always a bit difficult for me to put myself back in time and consider that so many choices were denied to women simply because they were woman. So Sophia’s story was a fascinating tale. She wasn’t a woman out to demand her rights, but a woman out to do something that she loved (and was skilled at) that allowed her to care for those she felt responsible for. I loved Sophia’s willingness to push hard for a desire, to step back to consider the impact of her choices on another and to adapt to the expectations of society as far as she was able without giving up on her own goals. I also appreciated how Aaron was a man of honor keeping his word even when he’d clearly been misled.

Be sure to read Vying for the Viscount first, where you will be introduced to Aaron and a whole cast of characters that show up in Sophia’s story. I’m now eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.

I received a free digital galley of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book is a showstopper! I was hooked right from the beginning with the Author’s note… I guarantee you if you read the author’s note you will start feeling all the feels and wont be able to put this book down.
I’m usually a fan of misfit/outcast characters. I enjoy the character arc that comes with them. I knew Aaron’s story was going to be amazing after getting to know him in Vying for the Viscount. He is perfectly paired with Sohpia-a misfit herself from the circus hoping to find and make a better life. One of my favorite things about Kristi’s writing are her side characters. In addition to the amazing main characters, there are several side characters I’m hoping will get their stories in this series as it grows.

The Christian fiction elements of this book are amazing. It wasn’t too much that I felt like I’m reading directly from the bible, but enough to get hopeful feelings that always accompany this genre. There are several passages that were so inspirational that I was moved to tears.

My absolute favorite parts of this book were the racing scenes. I felt the suspense, the worry and the elation or deflation. I loved the turmoil these characters had to overcome to rise above the critics. I loved the heart and soul that came through the pages of this book! All around I highly recommend this book!

Another great book by Kristi. I love how she brings in characters from her previous series as well and they are such wonderful and supportive of Aaron.

Aaron is hard nut to crack but that makes the softness you see in him even more surprising and sweet.

Sophia is a strong character and I love her spirit and spunk.

If you love historical romance I am sure you will enjoy this book.

A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Hunter always writes unique story-lines with characters we fall in love with. However, this story was especially unique with the main characters a female circus performer turned jockey and a man born on the wrong side of the blanket.

Aaron Whitworth was a fan favorite from his previous appearances, but this book can be read as a standalone. The situation of Aaron’s birth was far more common than it should have been, and it was interesting to see the child’s point of view in this situation. On the outside Aaron is very quiet and standoffish, but there is an endearing quality about him.

Sophia Fitzroy has had to spend the last few years taking care of herself and her injured twin brother. Her situation has made her more independent and determined. I liked how she was such a strong female lead and different from the typical aristocrat.

I really like that this book was different from any other book I’ve read from this time period. And I’ve read a lot of books from this time! If you’ve read previous books by Hunter, be on the lookout for some fun cameos in this one.

I love it when historical fiction books teach me things. Who knew all that it took to be a jockey? Not me. The plight of women jokey's in history is interesting. People can be cruel and Sophia didn't have an easy time of it.

The romance is sweet. There were times I would have loved to hit Aaron upside the head and tell him to stop his overthinking.

Kristi Ann Hunter remains a favorite Christian author. I love her writing. I love her characters. She always entertains me while spinning a good tale.

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

I can't give a proper review without gushing over Sophia. She was my favorite and perrrrfect for Aaron! Not just how she chattered his ear off when she was nervous but also how her honesty took him by surprise. Though she is keeping a secret from him, she never pretends to be anything but herself. Aaron, on the other hand, is sure he has always been himself, while actually, he protects himself through the compartments he puts every aspect of his life, including his closest friends, and by living under the shadows of other people's actions. So, yes, I enjoyed seeing his worldview shaken :) I can't wait for book three!

Oh how I love these books and the people in them. This is a continuation of Aaron, one of my favorites. Aristocrat born, but illegitimate, educated yet outcast. With some of the most loyal aristocrat friends. He is the stable master for two of them and in desperate need of a jockey when he inadvertently hires a girl from a circus for the job. The uproar and problems from this as well as responsibility to Sophia, the girl make for another engrossing story. Both struggling to know whom they are amongst the pressure of the society people and what and whom are acceptable, folded in with the best of friends and support. Another lovely and touching story that is hard to put down.
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.
#WinningtheGentleman #NetGalley

Winning the Gentleman
by Kristi Ann Hunter
Back of the Book: “Aaron Whitworth hasn't had control over most aspects of his life, but he's always taken pride in being an honorable businessman and better-than-average horseman. When both of those claims are threatened, he makes the desperate decision to hire the horse trainer of a traveling circus as a temporary jockey for his racehorses.
Sophia Fitzroy knows that most horsemen don't take her seriously because she's a woman, but she can't pass up the opportunity to get away from the tumultuous world of travel and performing. As she fights for the right to do the work she was hired for, she learns the fight for Aaron's guarded heart might be an even more worthwhile challenge.
As secrets come to light and past vulnerabilities are confronted, will Aaron and Sophia sacrifice their former dreams and forge a new one together--against all odds?”
Impressions: This was a lovely historical romance.
Rated: Clean
Liked: This was easy and enjoyable to read with a good lesson to be learned. It is so easy to get caught up in the rat race of status in life. The tightrope walk Aaron walked in his world was self-made. He was unable to live freely because he put himself in a box, labeled it, and shut himself in. Rather than believing himself to be defined by the label God has given him, free, he tortured himself by playing by made up rules. He was afraid to be who he was. I think other Christians can relate to this too. There are times where I feel like I’m tiptoeing between worlds as I negotiate who I am. Who God made me to be and the life God wants for me and who I see myself as and the life I want are not always one in the same. I want to be who He wants me to be but I lack vision so I have to trust in Him and seek His truths to be set free.
Disliked: It felt like the romance between Sophia and Aaron was a bit tacky at times. For example, “’So, with all the emotion and desperation and unacknowledged feelings of the past driving her, she wrapped her hands in his lapels, rose up on her toes, and smashed her traitorous mouth against his.’” It was highly unlikely an innocent woman of that time would have been so bold as to make this move. It was purely a Hollywood move in this book and I didn’t care for it.
Quotes: I love quotes but none were short enough or worth sharing surprisingly.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

It’s always a delight to open a new Kristi Ann Hunter book and immerse myself in a delicious new historical romance tale. I know I’m in for a rollicking great time with loads of wit, humor, and fun. Winning the Gentleman is filled with old friends from previous books and new friends and experiences. I was so glad that Aaron Whitworth got his own story, and what a story it was! Hunter is a master at getting her characters into strange predicaments and then finding humorous and creative ways of resolving them. When Aaron finds himself accidentally hiring a female as a jockey for his racehorses, he gets more than he bargains for. Sophia Fitzroy is spunky, courageous, and a talented horsewoman. Aaron is a self-deprecating, honorable man trying to take control of his circumstances. What could go wrong?

“His life had become a crazy mess of unpredictability.”

This is the second book in Hunter’s Hearts on the Heath series, and I’m enjoying the series so much. I’m going to have a hard time waiting for the next tale. I recommend this book to those who enjoy historical Regency stories. It’s definitely bound for my keeper shelf. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers. All opinions are my own.

#WinningTheGentleman #Netgalley

What a great read! Sophie and her twin brother Jonas, have been nomads, since their parents died. They were left destitute, only keeping the horses their father gave them. The two work for a traveling circus and have little income to live on, or a chance to change their lifestyles.
Aaron, is a stable master for two earls, looking for a jockey to ride in a race. Aaron believes he has found the right one and offers him a job; only to find a feisty female with red hair to match. Aaron doesn't know what to do with her and tries to retract the job offer.
This book was one that pulled at my heart strings, I loved it.

In Kristi Ann Hunter's 2nd installment of her Hearts on the Heath series, Winning the Gentleman, readers experience the sweet love story of Sophia Fitzroy and Aaron Whitworth. Aaron, the illegitimate son of an earl, has always had to work hard to maintain his reputation as a gentleman, businessman, and horseman. When he mistakenly hires Sophia as a temporary jockey, however, his well-ordered life and painstakingly crafted image begin to crumble. Sophia regrets the trouble she has caused, but still can't see another way to save her brother and herself from the itinerant life they've led since their father's death. Will Sophia and Aaron hold tight to old dreams and vulnerabilities or take a chance on each other?
While this wasn't my favorite of Hunter's novels, I did enjoy Sophia and Aaron's story. The story took a while to get moving; from the back cover the reader knows that Aaron will hire Sophia, so the several chapters prior to her arrival at the Heath seemed to drag. The ending, however, was as sweetly romantic as I could have hoped. Even though I've read all of Hunter's books, I found myself confused by the cast of characters from time to time. Aaron himself, for example, featured in two other of Hunter's novels. This flaw, however, didn't hinder my ability to follow the primary plotline, and I absolutely loved getting to see Trent and Adelaide from An Uncommon Courtship again! All in all, Winning the Gentleman and its prequel, Vying for the Viscount, are worth reading, but I haven't loved them as much as her Hathorne House series.

I received a free copy from the publisher. No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.