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Hearts on the Heath #2
Winning the Gentleman
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?
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2021
102 people are currently reading
904 people want to read
About the author
Kristi Ann Hunter
24 books1,658 followersKristi Ann Hunter graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Computer Science but always knew she wanted to write. Kristi is an RWA Golden Heart contest winner, an ACFW Genesis contest winner, and a Georgia Romance Writers Maggie Award for Excellence winner. She lives with her husband and three children in Georgia. Find her online at www.kristiannhunter.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 242 reviews
March 12, 2021
Winning the Gentleman is book 2 in the Hearts on the Heath series by Kristi Ann Hunter, published by Bethany House Publishers. The story is set in Newmarket, England 1817 and is about stable manager Aaron Whitworth as he tries to find a jockey to enter the next horse race. He is shocked when Sophia Fitzroy turns up as she is a trainer and circus artist with superb skills on horseback. Aaron has dedicated his life to maintaining a low-key position on the outskirts of Society, but Sophia’s presence makes him rethink his attitude towards life. Sophia has a dream of starting her own riding school. They both make every effort to stay away from each other. But feelings change while they are not looking.
Stable manager Aaron Whitworth is sensitive about his background as a Lord’s illegitimate son, but he is well educated and has loyal friends. His view of women’s inferiority seems typical for his time but he seems kind and emphatic.
Circus artist and jockey Sophia Fitzroy was orphaned at 17 and has lived a hard life on the move with her twin brother. She is a super skilled equestrian, but is full of self doubt. I find her a human, relatable and well rounded character very easy to like. She is my favorite of this story. Descriptions of Sophia’s struggle to be a female jockey in a male equestrian world added descriptions of some heart wrenching consequences she had to endure which made an excellent dramatic element to the story.
The signature lighthearted and beautifully skilled writing has made Kristi Ann Hunter one of my go-to authors for years. This plot stands out as it is set in English Society’s horse racing community, which I have not read as a specific plot before. Descriptions of the competitive horse racing feels expertly done; like I was in the horse race myself. Fans of the author may be happy to recognize characters from her other books and while I’m pretty sure you would want to read other of her books, this plot easily reads as a standalone. I eagerly await the release of Hearts on the Heath book 3.
My favorite part of the story was the surprising and utterly touching twist towards the end. I can’t tell you much about it, only that it made the story stand out as captivatingly entertaining and memorable.
Both Aaron and Sophia were on spiritual journeys. Sophia constantly prayed for a better life while she struggled in the most difficult of conditions. Aaron started reading the Bible as he became increasingly confused about his future and felt unsure about what changes to make.
Thank you to #Bethany House Publishers, #Kristi Ann Hunter and #NetGalley for this opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.
Conclusion: Winning the Gentleman is the captivating and thoroughly entertaining story about how illegitimate son Aaron desperately tries to fit into Society while super skilled female equestrian Sophie turns his world upside down and makes him question his life decisions.
Stable manager Aaron Whitworth is sensitive about his background as a Lord’s illegitimate son, but he is well educated and has loyal friends. His view of women’s inferiority seems typical for his time but he seems kind and emphatic.
Circus artist and jockey Sophia Fitzroy was orphaned at 17 and has lived a hard life on the move with her twin brother. She is a super skilled equestrian, but is full of self doubt. I find her a human, relatable and well rounded character very easy to like. She is my favorite of this story. Descriptions of Sophia’s struggle to be a female jockey in a male equestrian world added descriptions of some heart wrenching consequences she had to endure which made an excellent dramatic element to the story.
The signature lighthearted and beautifully skilled writing has made Kristi Ann Hunter one of my go-to authors for years. This plot stands out as it is set in English Society’s horse racing community, which I have not read as a specific plot before. Descriptions of the competitive horse racing feels expertly done; like I was in the horse race myself. Fans of the author may be happy to recognize characters from her other books and while I’m pretty sure you would want to read other of her books, this plot easily reads as a standalone. I eagerly await the release of Hearts on the Heath book 3.
My favorite part of the story was the surprising and utterly touching twist towards the end. I can’t tell you much about it, only that it made the story stand out as captivatingly entertaining and memorable.
Both Aaron and Sophia were on spiritual journeys. Sophia constantly prayed for a better life while she struggled in the most difficult of conditions. Aaron started reading the Bible as he became increasingly confused about his future and felt unsure about what changes to make.
Thank you to #Bethany House Publishers, #Kristi Ann Hunter and #NetGalley for this opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.
Conclusion: Winning the Gentleman is the captivating and thoroughly entertaining story about how illegitimate son Aaron desperately tries to fit into Society while super skilled female equestrian Sophie turns his world upside down and makes him question his life decisions.
November 24, 2023
3 stars, personally.
After recently reading the first book in this series and being introduced to Aaron for the first time (I haven’t read the other books where he was mentioned), I was very interested in reading his story. I was afraid that going into this book there would be a lot of mentions of illegitimate children and the details of that, but there really wasn’t.
I struggled at times with being interested in this story, but that could have been my frame of mind or because Sophia wasn’t my favorite kind of character (she had her good parts, however). The epilogue was really cute and by far my favorite part of the book.
Sophia’s name should’ve been Nellie because, my goodness, she was nosy. She definitely isn’t my favorite because of her endless chattering, but I truly liked that she knew her limits and wasn’t a female main character that baulked at a man or society telling her she could or couldn’t do something—which is very common in Christian Fiction and borderlines on a feminist thread for a lot of readers, myself included.
Aaron is a poor, hurt soul because of his upbringing and biological father being a piece of work. He felt very honest and raw towards the end, which I really appreciated seeing and made me more invested into the story at those parts.
While I might not have enjoyed this book as much as the first in the series, it was still an overall pleasant read.
Full Content review to come. :)
After recently reading the first book in this series and being introduced to Aaron for the first time (I haven’t read the other books where he was mentioned), I was very interested in reading his story. I was afraid that going into this book there would be a lot of mentions of illegitimate children and the details of that, but there really wasn’t.
I struggled at times with being interested in this story, but that could have been my frame of mind or because Sophia wasn’t my favorite kind of character (she had her good parts, however). The epilogue was really cute and by far my favorite part of the book.
Sophia’s name should’ve been Nellie because, my goodness, she was nosy. She definitely isn’t my favorite because of her endless chattering, but I truly liked that she knew her limits and wasn’t a female main character that baulked at a man or society telling her she could or couldn’t do something—which is very common in Christian Fiction and borderlines on a feminist thread for a lot of readers, myself included.
Aaron is a poor, hurt soul because of his upbringing and biological father being a piece of work. He felt very honest and raw towards the end, which I really appreciated seeing and made me more invested into the story at those parts.
While I might not have enjoyed this book as much as the first in the series, it was still an overall pleasant read.
Full Content review to come. :)
May 30, 2021
*Warnings*
#1 This is a long review, so pull up a chair and grab a bowl of popcorn. You’ll be here awhile. #2 When I read a review, I want substantial information. So I will not skimp on the details. Which may mean some spoilers, so watch out.
Stars: 4
Synopsis: Aaron Whitworth needs a jockey. Sophia Fitzroy needs a job. It ought to be a perfect fit...but a bit of deception and a whole lot of trouble argue otherwise.
Favorite Quote: “It’s grass. You can’t eat it. Might as well have fun on it.” And… “Because that meddlesome woman thinks true love will make you run after her. She doesn’t understand love doesn’t demand what it wants. Instead it will sacrifice itself to the give the other person what they need.”
I never really know what to think about Kristi Ann Hunter’s novels. Some are quite spectacular—like A Noble Masquerade—while others are mediocre—like Vying for the Viscount—and others yet are sorely disappointing—like A Pursuit of Home.
In the end, I walk away marveling over some aspects and shaking my head at others.
The same applies to Winning the Gentleman.
The foremost marvel, since I shall begin on a positive note, is Aaron Whitworth. From the very first moment I read his infamous line, “My name is Aaron Whitworth, and I’m illegitimate,” in A Defense of Honor, I just knew this man needed a story. (May I also note that I read ADOH not long after its release, so it’s plausible that I had the idea before Hunter did? I may not? Oh, well, never mind then. A thousand pardons, all.)
So naturally I was insanely excited to hear that my lovely Ari (yes, I’ve given him a nickname) was finally getting his story! I’ve been vying for this book (see what I did there?) since word first came out about it, and now that I’ve at long last read it, I am very pleased with the portrayal of Aaron’s character.
Granted, I do not remember him being so serious in ADOH, but it has been a couple years since I read that book, so no doubt my memories are askew.
Whatever the case, Aaron’s stoicism came through loud and clear. His oftentimes emotionless demeanor, frowning thoughts, and nervous little-boy heart poured forth from every word of this novel, in such a clear, arresting manner that I could almost hear Aaron speak. It’s not often that such occurs, but when it does? Oh, the heights it take the story too!
No doubt Aaron was the best part of this book. From the transparency of his portrayal to the overall adorable wonderfulness of his character, he truly shined—which made my heart so happy, since I do so love Aaron and since it’s rare that Hunter ever has such a firm grasp on her characters.
Sophia, on the other hand? Eh. I’m not entirely certain what to think of her. By this point, I’ve come to the conclusion that I either (1) don’t like heroines much at all or (2) just plain ignore them because the heroes are so amazing. Or a mixture of both at times, I suppose. So, yes, Sophia wasn’t as defined as Aaron. She also hasn’t been around for four books, so there’s that. The only part of her personality that came through was her talkativeness, and most of that was show through, well, her exuberant dialogues.
Let me say this, though: what readers don’t realize is how blooming difficult it is to write talkative characters. Trust me, I’ve tried, and it’s extremely hard. It requires a honed focus on the balance and emotion of each scene. Not only do we have to measure each beat according to the tone of the scene, but we’re also impressed upon to write realistic dialogue. That’s difficult enough without throwing in a Chatty Cathy. Once you have a talkative character, your perfect balance is disrupted. Now you must focus on capturing the emotion of the overall scene and the separate emotion (usually nervousness or exasperation) of the talkative character. Then you have to ensure that everything they’re saying is (1) flowing correctly, (2) making sense enough for the reader to understand, (3) long enough to capture their talkativeness, (4) short enough to keep the reader’s attention, and (5) not entirely pointless.
This is exactly why I either don’t write talkative characters or they all end up being not-so-talkative.
On that note, quiet characters are just as hard, since the author always has a point they want made, reaction they want to include, or an emotion they want to capture that simply cannot be captured by an all but mute character. Therefore, Hunter’s mastery of Aaron’s quietness and Sophia’s talkativeness was apparent. She did them both so well. Only once have I ever read the dialogue of a chatty character and heard every nuance of their voice, and that was with Rosemary Gresham in A Name Unknown. (Was she even labeled as talkative? I can’t remember. All I know was that she was, and perfectly so. It takes a truly consummate author to bring readers to conclusions about characters without stating them outright, you know.)
And there was your writing lesson for today. Take it to heart, dear readers, for the next time you stumble upon an unusually chatty or quiet character, and know that the author took special care to ensure their personality and tendencies came through clearly.
Now, where was I?
Oh, yes. My marvels.
My second marvel was how well Hunter handled the horses. I’m not a full-out horse-lover, since I’m rarely around them, but I’ve always admired them from afar (and the comfort of my couch as I watch John Wayne and Heartland). So getting these special glimpses of horsemanship, horse training, and horse races in not only this book but also the entire series has been a splendid experience.
Speaking of splendid experiences, may I just say that I greatly enjoy the almost Austen-esque setting the Heath is? Unlike most Regencies set during a London Season, Hunter took pointers from Jane Austen and set her story in the countryside, during a long span of months, and highlighted the everyday aspects of life away from London. It’s always so refreshing to see a different setting.
Now, for my head-shakers. Sigh. I’m almost never completely satisfied with a book—makes you wonder why I haven’t become an editor or how I’ve managed to publish my own books.
Kristi Ann Hunter is one of those fluctuating authors. Now, I don’t mean an evolving author, like Karen Witemeyer or Laura Frantz, whose books have only gotten better (although their first ones will always been some of my favorites). I don’t even mean an author with multiple voices, like Roseanna M. White.
I mean just what I said—an author who fluctuates. Let me explain: Hunter’s first series, Hawthorne House, was fun and light. Her prose didn’t stand out, but it was well-balanced, and every single book was a unique romantic adventure.
Her second series, Haven Manor, wasn’t as adventurous or romantic. Rather, it was almost poetic. Boring at times, yes, but her prose had morphed into something lovely and deep—kind of like Austen’s—that kept you reading even if the story and characters were lacking.
Then comes Hearts on the Heath (man, this woman likes hs). It keeps with the gentler, slower stories of Haven Manor, but all of a sudden her prose is back to the simplicity of Hawthorne House. Rather than taking the best from both series—HM’s gorgeous prose and HH’s intriguing stories and endearing characters—she drew the lacking aspects into a series of its own.
I digress. There are good things to Hearts of the Heath in and of itself. The setting is lovely. The characters are unique and more defined than HM’s characters (although not as much as the Hawthornes). The writing is balanced and even, and the stories are almost like classical escapism.
And maybe that’s your style, in which case, Hearts on the Heath is perfect for you! Me personally? I like my stories a little more scintillating and a lot more romantic.
Honestly, I would just like to see more consistency in Hunter’s writing, or at least a difference in her voice. I appreciate authors who have a different voice or tone for each series or genre they write in, but when nearly every book is on a different spectrum, I’m not sure what to think of the author.
All in all, what matters is how much I enjoyed Winning the Gentleman…or, better yet, if it lived up to all of my hopes and dreams for Aaron’s story.
And the answer?
It did. I mean, I would’ve liked him to say “My name is Aaron Whitworth, and I’m illegitimate” a couple more times, but I’m not broken up over that. His character was so intense, and that was awesome to see, since very few of Hunter’s characters have possessed his same strength.
And I enjoyed this book. I really did. It was so…promising. (And I say that because my fingers are crossed in the hopes that Aaron’s half-brother gets the next story!!!! Hey, a girl can dream, can’t she?)
Disclaimer: A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
#1 This is a long review, so pull up a chair and grab a bowl of popcorn. You’ll be here awhile. #2 When I read a review, I want substantial information. So I will not skimp on the details. Which may mean some spoilers, so watch out.
Stars: 4
Synopsis: Aaron Whitworth needs a jockey. Sophia Fitzroy needs a job. It ought to be a perfect fit...but a bit of deception and a whole lot of trouble argue otherwise.
Favorite Quote: “It’s grass. You can’t eat it. Might as well have fun on it.” And… “Because that meddlesome woman thinks true love will make you run after her. She doesn’t understand love doesn’t demand what it wants. Instead it will sacrifice itself to the give the other person what they need.”
I never really know what to think about Kristi Ann Hunter’s novels. Some are quite spectacular—like A Noble Masquerade—while others are mediocre—like Vying for the Viscount—and others yet are sorely disappointing—like A Pursuit of Home.
In the end, I walk away marveling over some aspects and shaking my head at others.
The same applies to Winning the Gentleman.
The foremost marvel, since I shall begin on a positive note, is Aaron Whitworth. From the very first moment I read his infamous line, “My name is Aaron Whitworth, and I’m illegitimate,” in A Defense of Honor, I just knew this man needed a story. (May I also note that I read ADOH not long after its release, so it’s plausible that I had the idea before Hunter did? I may not? Oh, well, never mind then. A thousand pardons, all.)
So naturally I was insanely excited to hear that my lovely Ari (yes, I’ve given him a nickname) was finally getting his story! I’ve been vying for this book (see what I did there?) since word first came out about it, and now that I’ve at long last read it, I am very pleased with the portrayal of Aaron’s character.
Granted, I do not remember him being so serious in ADOH, but it has been a couple years since I read that book, so no doubt my memories are askew.
Whatever the case, Aaron’s stoicism came through loud and clear. His oftentimes emotionless demeanor, frowning thoughts, and nervous little-boy heart poured forth from every word of this novel, in such a clear, arresting manner that I could almost hear Aaron speak. It’s not often that such occurs, but when it does? Oh, the heights it take the story too!
No doubt Aaron was the best part of this book. From the transparency of his portrayal to the overall adorable wonderfulness of his character, he truly shined—which made my heart so happy, since I do so love Aaron and since it’s rare that Hunter ever has such a firm grasp on her characters.
Sophia, on the other hand? Eh. I’m not entirely certain what to think of her. By this point, I’ve come to the conclusion that I either (1) don’t like heroines much at all or (2) just plain ignore them because the heroes are so amazing. Or a mixture of both at times, I suppose. So, yes, Sophia wasn’t as defined as Aaron. She also hasn’t been around for four books, so there’s that. The only part of her personality that came through was her talkativeness, and most of that was show through, well, her exuberant dialogues.
Let me say this, though: what readers don’t realize is how blooming difficult it is to write talkative characters. Trust me, I’ve tried, and it’s extremely hard. It requires a honed focus on the balance and emotion of each scene. Not only do we have to measure each beat according to the tone of the scene, but we’re also impressed upon to write realistic dialogue. That’s difficult enough without throwing in a Chatty Cathy. Once you have a talkative character, your perfect balance is disrupted. Now you must focus on capturing the emotion of the overall scene and the separate emotion (usually nervousness or exasperation) of the talkative character. Then you have to ensure that everything they’re saying is (1) flowing correctly, (2) making sense enough for the reader to understand, (3) long enough to capture their talkativeness, (4) short enough to keep the reader’s attention, and (5) not entirely pointless.
This is exactly why I either don’t write talkative characters or they all end up being not-so-talkative.
On that note, quiet characters are just as hard, since the author always has a point they want made, reaction they want to include, or an emotion they want to capture that simply cannot be captured by an all but mute character. Therefore, Hunter’s mastery of Aaron’s quietness and Sophia’s talkativeness was apparent. She did them both so well. Only once have I ever read the dialogue of a chatty character and heard every nuance of their voice, and that was with Rosemary Gresham in A Name Unknown. (Was she even labeled as talkative? I can’t remember. All I know was that she was, and perfectly so. It takes a truly consummate author to bring readers to conclusions about characters without stating them outright, you know.)
And there was your writing lesson for today. Take it to heart, dear readers, for the next time you stumble upon an unusually chatty or quiet character, and know that the author took special care to ensure their personality and tendencies came through clearly.
Now, where was I?
Oh, yes. My marvels.
My second marvel was how well Hunter handled the horses. I’m not a full-out horse-lover, since I’m rarely around them, but I’ve always admired them from afar (and the comfort of my couch as I watch John Wayne and Heartland). So getting these special glimpses of horsemanship, horse training, and horse races in not only this book but also the entire series has been a splendid experience.
Speaking of splendid experiences, may I just say that I greatly enjoy the almost Austen-esque setting the Heath is? Unlike most Regencies set during a London Season, Hunter took pointers from Jane Austen and set her story in the countryside, during a long span of months, and highlighted the everyday aspects of life away from London. It’s always so refreshing to see a different setting.
Now, for my head-shakers. Sigh. I’m almost never completely satisfied with a book—makes you wonder why I haven’t become an editor or how I’ve managed to publish my own books.
Kristi Ann Hunter is one of those fluctuating authors. Now, I don’t mean an evolving author, like Karen Witemeyer or Laura Frantz, whose books have only gotten better (although their first ones will always been some of my favorites). I don’t even mean an author with multiple voices, like Roseanna M. White.
I mean just what I said—an author who fluctuates. Let me explain: Hunter’s first series, Hawthorne House, was fun and light. Her prose didn’t stand out, but it was well-balanced, and every single book was a unique romantic adventure.
Her second series, Haven Manor, wasn’t as adventurous or romantic. Rather, it was almost poetic. Boring at times, yes, but her prose had morphed into something lovely and deep—kind of like Austen’s—that kept you reading even if the story and characters were lacking.
Then comes Hearts on the Heath (man, this woman likes hs). It keeps with the gentler, slower stories of Haven Manor, but all of a sudden her prose is back to the simplicity of Hawthorne House. Rather than taking the best from both series—HM’s gorgeous prose and HH’s intriguing stories and endearing characters—she drew the lacking aspects into a series of its own.
I digress. There are good things to Hearts of the Heath in and of itself. The setting is lovely. The characters are unique and more defined than HM’s characters (although not as much as the Hawthornes). The writing is balanced and even, and the stories are almost like classical escapism.
And maybe that’s your style, in which case, Hearts on the Heath is perfect for you! Me personally? I like my stories a little more scintillating and a lot more romantic.
Honestly, I would just like to see more consistency in Hunter’s writing, or at least a difference in her voice. I appreciate authors who have a different voice or tone for each series or genre they write in, but when nearly every book is on a different spectrum, I’m not sure what to think of the author.
All in all, what matters is how much I enjoyed Winning the Gentleman…or, better yet, if it lived up to all of my hopes and dreams for Aaron’s story.
And the answer?
It did. I mean, I would’ve liked him to say “My name is Aaron Whitworth, and I’m illegitimate” a couple more times, but I’m not broken up over that. His character was so intense, and that was awesome to see, since very few of Hunter’s characters have possessed his same strength.
And I enjoyed this book. I really did. It was so…promising. (And I say that because my fingers are crossed in the hopes that Aaron’s half-brother gets the next story!!!! Hey, a girl can dream, can’t she?)
Disclaimer: A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 13, 2021
This book. It prompted me to read back through all of the earlier books because so many characters make appearances. But Aaron's story is absolutely perfect. He's got issues from being the illegetimate yet recognized son of the aristocracy, leaving him in a hazy position where he doesn't belong anywhere. Yet he has friends who won't allow him to remain on the fringes. Then one of thos friends accepts a match race that could undo everything Aaron has worked to build. The heroine is equally wonderful and unaccepted. An Irish trick horse rider she just wants to find a place where she can recreate her father's horse school and allow her twin brother to heal. When their worlds collide, Aaron and Sophia him to confront their fears and rediscover what they really want. It's a wonderful story, one that I thoroughly enjoyed.
April 21, 2021
Yay! I’ve been waiting for Aaron’s story for a while now and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Also, I love books that promote gender equality and I love horses so this novel about a woman jockey turning all those men on their heads was a perfect fit for me.
February 9, 2025
As of 2024, I'm a big fan of Kristi Ann Hunter.
BIG fan.
It's amazing to me that the Hawthorne House (which includes A Noble Masquerade - an all-time favorite) was her first. I realize that it's hard to top it.
This series has the Regency vibe but centers around aristocratic horse racing. I love it. This book #2 in the Hearts of the Heath series started out very intriguing, gets very drawn out in the middle, and was then cracking me up and making me smile in the last few chapters.
Oh, and now I really, REALLY want a horse. :)
While I love book #1 in this series much better, I did like the Main Male Character in this one, the faith, and the premise of a female jockey. However, I just couldn't connect with our Main Female Character
I felt like themes and backgrounds of our main characters were redundant.
I loved the appearance of one of my favorite characters from the Hawthorne House series (Lord Trent).
I do plan to read book #3 in the series.
✨📚☕💙☕📚✨More in-depth reviews on my Youtube Wrap Up videos.
BIG fan.
It's amazing to me that the Hawthorne House (which includes A Noble Masquerade - an all-time favorite) was her first. I realize that it's hard to top it.
This series has the Regency vibe but centers around aristocratic horse racing. I love it. This book #2 in the Hearts of the Heath series started out very intriguing, gets very drawn out in the middle, and was then cracking me up and making me smile in the last few chapters.
Oh, and now I really, REALLY want a horse. :)
While I love book #1 in this series much better, I did like the Main Male Character in this one, the faith, and the premise of a female jockey. However, I just couldn't connect with our Main Female Character
I felt like themes and backgrounds of our main characters were redundant.
I loved the appearance of one of my favorite characters from the Hawthorne House series (Lord Trent).
I do plan to read book #3 in the series.
✨📚☕💙☕📚✨More in-depth reviews on my Youtube Wrap Up videos.
May 26, 2021
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.
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.
April 23, 2021
Kristi Hunter is one of my favorite authors. I am drawn to the Regency period and she is spot on with life in England during this time. I couldn’t be more pleased with this story. Her characters are for the most part Christian and convey those qualities in their personalities and actions. I was glad to meet up with characters from previous books. It helps me live in their world. I like that Ms. Hunter portrays the aristocrats as flawed but humble and not respecting of class distinctions. They are so kind and show Christian charity. A favorite character is Harriet, who is a take charge, no-nonsense lady of means. I’m hoping we see more of her in book three.
Hearts on the Heath series is centered around the Regency sport of horse racing. This is where Sophia Fitzroy and Aaron Whitworth find common ground. However...” He’d never been able to understand women, but Miss Fitzroy confounded him far more than the rest of them.” Aaron has put different parts of his life into boxes in order to have some control. “His life had run smoothly until his friends had brought females into it.” Let the fun begin!
See how God works in the details in this delightful tale of romance and friendship and the promise of reconciliation.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
Hearts on the Heath series is centered around the Regency sport of horse racing. This is where Sophia Fitzroy and Aaron Whitworth find common ground. However...” He’d never been able to understand women, but Miss Fitzroy confounded him far more than the rest of them.” Aaron has put different parts of his life into boxes in order to have some control. “His life had run smoothly until his friends had brought females into it.” Let the fun begin!
See how God works in the details in this delightful tale of romance and friendship and the promise of reconciliation.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
August 4, 2025
Winning the Gentleman is the second book in the series. While it could be read as a stand-alone novel, I recommend reading Vying for the Viscount first, as that is where we are first introduced to Aaron Whitworth (our mmc).
I enjoyed getting to know Aaron in Vying for the Viscount, but boy, did he come to life in Winning the Gentleman! I loved his story, but more than that, his character growth. The way he leaned more on the Lord made me want to be stronger in my faith.
There are so many things I loved about Sophia-her spunk, that she's a twin, her unique abilities with horses, and her grit and determination! However, her character growth is what stands out the most.
This story has witty banter, a unique storyline, Lords and Ladies, angst, a hidden twin, horse racing, and so much more. I highly recommend it.
I enjoyed getting to know Aaron in Vying for the Viscount, but boy, did he come to life in Winning the Gentleman! I loved his story, but more than that, his character growth. The way he leaned more on the Lord made me want to be stronger in my faith.
There are so many things I loved about Sophia-her spunk, that she's a twin, her unique abilities with horses, and her grit and determination! However, her character growth is what stands out the most.
This story has witty banter, a unique storyline, Lords and Ladies, angst, a hidden twin, horse racing, and so much more. I highly recommend it.
May 6, 2021
Way too cute!
I loved Aaron, and Sophia was a great match for him.
I did feel like there were some points where it hopped around a bit, but I found myself enjoying it over all.
Also, I really want to see more of Aaron's brother in another book, sooo ...? Here's hoping. *fingers crossed*
I loved Aaron, and Sophia was a great match for him.
I did feel like there were some points where it hopped around a bit, but I found myself enjoying it over all.
Also, I really want to see more of Aaron's brother in another book, sooo ...? Here's hoping. *fingers crossed*
March 28, 2023
This book featuring Aaron and Sophia was my favorite of the series! There are complex dynamics with Aaron's family relationships and his subsequent place in society which have greatly influenced his outlook and personality. Sophia has a dream and even though the opportunity to ride for Aaron isn't what either of them had in mind, she couldn't pass up a job that allowed her and her brother leave the circus. Aaron has so many layers- difficult to read his emotions, stalwart, not quick to smile- so it was gratifying to be able to read from his perspective. Sophia creates quite a stir in Newmarket, upsetting the traditions and social mores when she is hired to ride as a jockey in official races. She also challenges Aaron in ways he's not prepared for, and I loved how their attraction and chemistry grew throughout the book. Sophia's brother Jonas plays an important role, and I loved his humor and support of Sophia. Aaron's friends take Sophia under their wing and even though she faces difficulty with her work, she finds a new family in Newmarket.
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.
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.
October 2, 2021
1812 England
Charming!
Favorite quotes (both about Aaron):
"Did the man pay to rent words from one of the Cambridge professors?"
"As far as they were concerned, he'd dropped out of the sky as a ten-year-old with a scandal and a benefactor."
Charming!
Favorite quotes (both about Aaron):
"Did the man pay to rent words from one of the Cambridge professors?"
"As far as they were concerned, he'd dropped out of the sky as a ten-year-old with a scandal and a benefactor."
June 20, 2023
Let it be known that after reading the first Hearts on the Heath novel back in August I was chomping at the bit to get my hands on this second book. No surprise then to note that Winning the Gentleman didn't have to jockey for position on my TBR pile...it never made it that far. That's because I had difficulty reining in my excitement and raced right into reading...er listening...the second I woke up on release day. Alas, I galloped through with unbridled enthusiasm and it was over all too soon. Therefore, I suggest you approach your reading using a different tack by pacing yourself so the thrill lasts longer. :-)
Ahem, I shall put aside me long buried horse-mad tweenish self and attempt to come up with a proper review. Excuse me if intermittent squeals burst forth because...well, why don't I get the biblio-theatrics out of the way right from the start?
Sqqquuuuueeeealllllllll!!!!! (sorry for any pierced eardrums)
THUD! (no worries, fainting couch on hand)
and repeat, multiple times during the course of this read.
Because...
Aaron!!!! And not only Aaron but a bevy of previous Hunter heroes manage to gather on multiple occasions causing my delicate reader's heart to race in giddy euphoria. The banter and smirking and honorary brothers backing brothers when the chips are down! I'm still grinning.
And, of course, their heroines make appearances too, which is a little overwhelming for poor Sophia because that sisterhood is a force to be reckoned with. More banter and laughter along with gentle kindness and passionate support for the scandalous horsewoman. Honestly, just these friendly bonding scenes make this book a worthwhile read. But when Hunter puts Aaron and Sophia on the same page...more swooning and squealing and general fangirling ensues.
These two have chemistry! But they are in an impossible situation (a lot of which is their own doing Stringing words into sentences has the power to clarify issues, just sayin'.) But Sophia and Aaron are both battling feelings of inferiority for different reasons and finding a place for themselves within the strict confines of England's rigid class system makes it that much harder.
The plot is delightfully complicated with enough twists and turns to keep me on high alert until the very end. Hunter deals with very real, raw emotions with grace and humour...and faith! This is truly an inspiring read and there's no doubt about Winning the Gentleman being Christian Fiction. But that doesn't mean it's preachy or stilted. Faith flows naturally and brings added depth to an already richly layered story.
I listened to the audible edition narrated by Ann Marie Gideon and I enjoyed every delectable second.
Oh -- and no worries if you haven't read the first book in this series, Vying for the Viscount, or any other books by Kristi Ann Hunter (though I am worried over how much you are missing out on!) Winning the Gentleman reads beautifully as a standalone novel as well.
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2023/06/20/w...
Ahem, I shall put aside me long buried horse-mad tweenish self and attempt to come up with a proper review. Excuse me if intermittent squeals burst forth because...well, why don't I get the biblio-theatrics out of the way right from the start?
Sqqquuuuueeeealllllllll!!!!! (sorry for any pierced eardrums)
THUD! (no worries, fainting couch on hand)
and repeat, multiple times during the course of this read.
Because...
Aaron!!!! And not only Aaron but a bevy of previous Hunter heroes manage to gather on multiple occasions causing my delicate reader's heart to race in giddy euphoria. The banter and smirking and honorary brothers backing brothers when the chips are down! I'm still grinning.
And, of course, their heroines make appearances too, which is a little overwhelming for poor Sophia because that sisterhood is a force to be reckoned with. More banter and laughter along with gentle kindness and passionate support for the scandalous horsewoman. Honestly, just these friendly bonding scenes make this book a worthwhile read. But when Hunter puts Aaron and Sophia on the same page...more swooning and squealing and general fangirling ensues.
These two have chemistry! But they are in an impossible situation (a lot of which is their own doing Stringing words into sentences has the power to clarify issues, just sayin'.) But Sophia and Aaron are both battling feelings of inferiority for different reasons and finding a place for themselves within the strict confines of England's rigid class system makes it that much harder.
The plot is delightfully complicated with enough twists and turns to keep me on high alert until the very end. Hunter deals with very real, raw emotions with grace and humour...and faith! This is truly an inspiring read and there's no doubt about Winning the Gentleman being Christian Fiction. But that doesn't mean it's preachy or stilted. Faith flows naturally and brings added depth to an already richly layered story.
I listened to the audible edition narrated by Ann Marie Gideon and I enjoyed every delectable second.
Oh -- and no worries if you haven't read the first book in this series, Vying for the Viscount, or any other books by Kristi Ann Hunter (though I am worried over how much you are missing out on!) Winning the Gentleman reads beautifully as a standalone novel as well.
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2023/06/20/w...
March 13, 2022
I feel winded with pleasure after reading book two of Hearts on the Heath. This middle book stands on its own and beautifully connects the previous one as well.
Sophia was a gem, one of those rare female characters who's wildly independent YET thinks of how ALL her decisions affect others. I also highly adore her horse skills. Now to our leading man. Aaron, Aaron, Aaron. He represents me as a man. No kidding. :) The way he felt to me is best described as follows...an old handsome soul. Confused? Me too, frankly. And don't get me started on our side characters. Kristi always brings back fun favs.
Now this novel is a historical romance. Romance-wise...great. I love a good 'sorda enemy to lover'. And I also enjoyed reading Sophia's jockey journey that mixes into a glorious tea with Aaron being forced to navigate society with disgruntled pride. My only complaint is how long it took our two leads to resolve their feelings at the end. And even their individual character journeys. Felt a tad drawn out.
A satisfying book two that quickened my need to turn pages as I raced to the climax. I'm adoring this series and can't wait to pick up book three!
Sophia was a gem, one of those rare female characters who's wildly independent YET thinks of how ALL her decisions affect others. I also highly adore her horse skills. Now to our leading man. Aaron, Aaron, Aaron. He represents me as a man. No kidding. :) The way he felt to me is best described as follows...an old handsome soul. Confused? Me too, frankly. And don't get me started on our side characters. Kristi always brings back fun favs.
Now this novel is a historical romance. Romance-wise...great. I love a good 'sorda enemy to lover'. And I also enjoyed reading Sophia's jockey journey that mixes into a glorious tea with Aaron being forced to navigate society with disgruntled pride. My only complaint is how long it took our two leads to resolve their feelings at the end. And even their individual character journeys. Felt a tad drawn out.
A satisfying book two that quickened my need to turn pages as I raced to the climax. I'm adoring this series and can't wait to pick up book three!
May 19, 2021
"She doesn't understand love doesn't demand what it wants. Instead it will sacrifice itself to give the other person what they need."
What a true pleasure it has been to burrow into Aaron Whitworth's life and get to know this gentleman of few words but honorable, loyal, dependable, and admirable heart. Kristi Ann Hunter's recreation of the Newmarket society that revolves around horses and racing is realistic, stunning, and quite wonderful. Sophia is a delightfully unique woman in the Regency era England looking for a place in the world where stability, love, and acceptance will embrace her. Their conversations are witty, clever, and fun and their romance is incredibly sweet and innocent. There are even some surprises thrown into the plot that deepen Aaron's character and make him more lovable. I loved catching up with Aaron's aristocratic friends who cross over from the author's previous series (Trent/Adelaide from Hawthorne House, Graham/Kit from Haven Manor) as well as Oliver/Rebecca from Vying for the Viscount. The banter, camaraderie, respect, and love the friends share add to the heart-warming environment that Aaron tries to ignore and escape but can't.
If you enjoy historical romance, you will absolutely love this book and series. I can't wait for the next book!
I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.
What a true pleasure it has been to burrow into Aaron Whitworth's life and get to know this gentleman of few words but honorable, loyal, dependable, and admirable heart. Kristi Ann Hunter's recreation of the Newmarket society that revolves around horses and racing is realistic, stunning, and quite wonderful. Sophia is a delightfully unique woman in the Regency era England looking for a place in the world where stability, love, and acceptance will embrace her. Their conversations are witty, clever, and fun and their romance is incredibly sweet and innocent. There are even some surprises thrown into the plot that deepen Aaron's character and make him more lovable. I loved catching up with Aaron's aristocratic friends who cross over from the author's previous series (Trent/Adelaide from Hawthorne House, Graham/Kit from Haven Manor) as well as Oliver/Rebecca from Vying for the Viscount. The banter, camaraderie, respect, and love the friends share add to the heart-warming environment that Aaron tries to ignore and escape but can't.
If you enjoy historical romance, you will absolutely love this book and series. I can't wait for the next book!
I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.
March 3, 2023
3.5 stars. Very cute story! I liked Sophia, but I struggled a little bit with Aaron. I don't know if its because I wasn't paying close attention or what (I have been sick so it may be just me getting over the brain-fog), but I didn't understand why people didn't like him until a good portion of the book. Truthfully I still don't fully understand it but I just moved on. I do wish it had been more clear though because I think I would have rooted for him more. I really enjoyed all the characters and their humor, even though I had a hard time keeping titles and names straight in my head which bothered me a little bit. I also struggled a little bit with the timeline of how quickly things were happening, but overall I thought it was a really sweet story! I definitely plan on picking up the third book because I am very interested to see how Harriet and Jonas' story turns out. :)
October 9, 2024
I enjoyed this second book in the series.
Both characters went through struggles and growth - Sophia trying to find her place and build a horse training school in a man’s world. And Aaron with the label of illegitimate which he allowed to define himself and his place among his friends. I loved how he found his place after he broken away from that banner.
*I listened to the audiobook on Everand.*
Both characters went through struggles and growth - Sophia trying to find her place and build a horse training school in a man’s world. And Aaron with the label of illegitimate which he allowed to define himself and his place among his friends. I loved how he found his place after he broken away from that banner.
*I listened to the audiobook on Everand.*
June 18, 2025
Winning the Gentleman was a good read. It took me a while to read and that was mainly due to busyness and not reading much in general.
I enjoyed the characters and thought it was written well. It has been some time since I read the first book, so I didn't really remember the previous book...I had no trouble getting into this book and thought it was enjoyable.
All in all, Winning the Gentleman was a good read and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
*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. 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 enjoyed the characters and thought it was written well. It has been some time since I read the first book, so I didn't really remember the previous book...I had no trouble getting into this book and thought it was enjoyable.
All in all, Winning the Gentleman was a good read and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
*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. 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.*
May 1, 2021
4.5 stars
"Mr. Whitworth had said she was trouble . . . . .She'd thought it was more the type of trouble that made someone uncomfortable or doubled their workload for a day. Instead, she was the sort of trouble that crushed a man's life . . . . "
And Sophia Fitzroy certainly did not want to ruin Aaron Whitworth's livelihood, for he had thrown Sophia and her twin brother a lifeline, albeit under dubious circumstances; nonetheless, her new employer had provided them with an opportunity to leave one life behind and literally race towards another. Why did making a right decision, suddenly feel wrong, unless . . had she missed God's voice? Were her dreams, just that . . . dreams? A woman jockey, horse trainer, instructor? And at the tip top of her concerns; how to handle the sizzle of attraction towards the moody, broody Aaron Whitworth.
Aaron Whitworth had fought off feelings of inferiority his entire life. Being the illegitimate son of an earl placed him squarely in the crosshairs of English society. He had the monetary advantages of the gentry, comparatively speaking, but with it came the scorn and disownment that one would expect. Except for horses; he had always loved working with horses, building a solid reputation among his few titled friends in order to manage two reputable stables. And then . . . . along came Sophia, who could ride like the wind, and whisper endearments to the most powerful of creatures. And fool that he was . . . he had hired her to race.
"What if, instead of trying to imitate what he'd been taught a gentleman should be, Aaron started living by God's standards for one?"
When you turn every page with eager anticipation for discovery, it's a guarantee that you have landed between the covers of an extraordinary book. And "Winning the Gentleman" is just that . . . extraordinary! So romantic, so inspiring, so well balanced between pause and pursue. May every reader rest in the the truth that God's intentions for their future are the only ones that truly matter.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
"Mr. Whitworth had said she was trouble . . . . .She'd thought it was more the type of trouble that made someone uncomfortable or doubled their workload for a day. Instead, she was the sort of trouble that crushed a man's life . . . . "
And Sophia Fitzroy certainly did not want to ruin Aaron Whitworth's livelihood, for he had thrown Sophia and her twin brother a lifeline, albeit under dubious circumstances; nonetheless, her new employer had provided them with an opportunity to leave one life behind and literally race towards another. Why did making a right decision, suddenly feel wrong, unless . . had she missed God's voice? Were her dreams, just that . . . dreams? A woman jockey, horse trainer, instructor? And at the tip top of her concerns; how to handle the sizzle of attraction towards the moody, broody Aaron Whitworth.
Aaron Whitworth had fought off feelings of inferiority his entire life. Being the illegitimate son of an earl placed him squarely in the crosshairs of English society. He had the monetary advantages of the gentry, comparatively speaking, but with it came the scorn and disownment that one would expect. Except for horses; he had always loved working with horses, building a solid reputation among his few titled friends in order to manage two reputable stables. And then . . . . along came Sophia, who could ride like the wind, and whisper endearments to the most powerful of creatures. And fool that he was . . . he had hired her to race.
"What if, instead of trying to imitate what he'd been taught a gentleman should be, Aaron started living by God's standards for one?"
When you turn every page with eager anticipation for discovery, it's a guarantee that you have landed between the covers of an extraordinary book. And "Winning the Gentleman" is just that . . . extraordinary! So romantic, so inspiring, so well balanced between pause and pursue. May every reader rest in the the truth that God's intentions for their future are the only ones that truly matter.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
May 3, 2021
Love. Love. LOVE!
I am currently in a contemporary rom/com mood reading fix lately but have randomly picked up a different genre here and there over the last few months only to go right back to them. I've not felt very inspired to deviate. I just knew in my gut that Kristi Ann Hunter would change my mind.
One of the best things about Kristi's writing - besides her flair for banter and humor - are the characters that weave in and out through all of her books. Aaron has been an interesting character since hi introduction into her books. How can a fellow who introduces himself as illegitimate not be? I'm so glad I got to know him better and see him meet his match in Sophia.
My faith has been restored and now I'm off to dive into another regency asap. I could easily just reread this without blinking an eye or maybe I should reintroduce myself to Amelia and go through the whole lot of them.
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
I am currently in a contemporary rom/com mood reading fix lately but have randomly picked up a different genre here and there over the last few months only to go right back to them. I've not felt very inspired to deviate. I just knew in my gut that Kristi Ann Hunter would change my mind.
One of the best things about Kristi's writing - besides her flair for banter and humor - are the characters that weave in and out through all of her books. Aaron has been an interesting character since hi introduction into her books. How can a fellow who introduces himself as illegitimate not be? I'm so glad I got to know him better and see him meet his match in Sophia.
My faith has been restored and now I'm off to dive into another regency asap. I could easily just reread this without blinking an eye or maybe I should reintroduce myself to Amelia and go through the whole lot of them.
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
April 24, 2021
Oh my GOSH, I loved this story! Well, she's done it again! It was an incredibly satisfying and thoroughly enjoyable story!! I was excited to read Aaron's story because he needed to fall in love. And, along comes Irish Sophia to turn his world upside down. Not just his world, but the world of the horse racers in Newmarket.
When dear Oliver gets them into a pickle, Aaron's way out really cracks me up. The poor fella. And Oliver is just as daft as ever. I was really fascinated by Aaron's relationship with the men (and their ladies) around him. He's created this reality for himself that I think we can all relate to in a way. What we believe about ourselves and others can fashion itself into a type of reality. What's him grow through that is great to "watch".
Sophia has spunk and determination for reasons beyond what people see. I liked her a LOT. She gabs and gabs and doesn't know how to stop. At one point she says, "I'm very good at rambling. I'm not very good about stopping." Talk about something that'll get under Aaron's skin. hahahaha The two of them don't have much choice but to spend some time together, as much as Aaron tries to find ways to stay clear.
I have a deep love of horses, and that was a huge draw for this book, aside from the author's fantastic writing. I love the way she portrayed Sophia's love for them, especially Rhiannon, her Andalusian. It's easy to understand Aaron's appreciate of her affection and knowledge of them.
One of my favorite parts to this story is having many of the characters from Kristi's previous stories here. They way they rib each other as well as champion each other just warms my heart. They're thick as thieves and it's easy to enjoy their camaraderie. They're the kind of friends I would've wanted back then. Also, nothing wrong with them having a bit of power to wield when necessary.
Can we talk about possibly my favorite character in this story? Miss Hancock had me smiling every time she showed up on the page. A no nonsense kind of woman who has made her place in their community and seemingly enjoying it to the fullest is my kind of gal!
I have so many tabs in this story that I don't even know where to start with the quotes I want to share! I found myself laughing out loud (literally) and having all kinds of facial and physically (such as head shaking) reactions to parts of the story. I can't wait for book 3 to come out. I'm so impatient for it!
*I received my book for review. This is my personal opinion.
When dear Oliver gets them into a pickle, Aaron's way out really cracks me up. The poor fella. And Oliver is just as daft as ever. I was really fascinated by Aaron's relationship with the men (and their ladies) around him. He's created this reality for himself that I think we can all relate to in a way. What we believe about ourselves and others can fashion itself into a type of reality. What's him grow through that is great to "watch".
Sophia has spunk and determination for reasons beyond what people see. I liked her a LOT. She gabs and gabs and doesn't know how to stop. At one point she says, "I'm very good at rambling. I'm not very good about stopping." Talk about something that'll get under Aaron's skin. hahahaha The two of them don't have much choice but to spend some time together, as much as Aaron tries to find ways to stay clear.
I have a deep love of horses, and that was a huge draw for this book, aside from the author's fantastic writing. I love the way she portrayed Sophia's love for them, especially Rhiannon, her Andalusian. It's easy to understand Aaron's appreciate of her affection and knowledge of them.
One of my favorite parts to this story is having many of the characters from Kristi's previous stories here. They way they rib each other as well as champion each other just warms my heart. They're thick as thieves and it's easy to enjoy their camaraderie. They're the kind of friends I would've wanted back then. Also, nothing wrong with them having a bit of power to wield when necessary.
Can we talk about possibly my favorite character in this story? Miss Hancock had me smiling every time she showed up on the page. A no nonsense kind of woman who has made her place in their community and seemingly enjoying it to the fullest is my kind of gal!
I have so many tabs in this story that I don't even know where to start with the quotes I want to share! I found myself laughing out loud (literally) and having all kinds of facial and physically (such as head shaking) reactions to parts of the story. I can't wait for book 3 to come out. I'm so impatient for it!
*I received my book for review. This is my personal opinion.
May 7, 2022
I enjoyed this second book in the series. Both Aaron and Sophia had to overcome a lot of prejudice against them, but I like how they worked things out. Nice to see characters from other books. Looking forward to Jonas and Harriet's story.
May 29, 2021
I really struggled with the rating for this book. Because I really enjoyed it, and I rate book based solely on how I enjoyed the story, and how invested I was in it.
This book was really good! I would not say I was disappointed, although I was a little bit let down being that I fell in love with Aaron Whitworth in A Defense of Honor when I read it last year, and I just wasn’t into his romance. There was something missing. I feel like maybe because it was slow….I’m not sure, it just didn’t give me the feeling that most romances give me-even Kristi’s other books that I’ve read.
That being said, the payoff between Aaron and Sophia’s romance was great! The ending was definitely my favorite part! The way they did finally come together (sorry if that’s a spoiler but you should know when you start the book they end up together LOL) was exactly what I had been waiting for! I cannot wait for Harrietts story, and I sincerely hope Rigsby gets a story of his own as well!
This book was really good! I would not say I was disappointed, although I was a little bit let down being that I fell in love with Aaron Whitworth in A Defense of Honor when I read it last year, and I just wasn’t into his romance. There was something missing. I feel like maybe because it was slow….I’m not sure, it just didn’t give me the feeling that most romances give me-even Kristi’s other books that I’ve read.
That being said, the payoff between Aaron and Sophia’s romance was great! The ending was definitely my favorite part! The way they did finally come together (sorry if that’s a spoiler but you should know when you start the book they end up together LOL) was exactly what I had been waiting for! I cannot wait for Harrietts story, and I sincerely hope Rigsby gets a story of his own as well!
April 7, 2021
An absolutely delightful story from Kristi Ann Hunter! Winning the Gentleman kept me smiling and invested in the story, characters, and setting. I loved Sophia’s character, and although it took me a bit to truly appreciate Aaron, he’s wonderfully written and perfectly romantic. Readers will love seeing characters cross over from Hunter’s other series, and I’m so excited to continue reading about the continuing adventures on the Heath. Fans of Regency romance don’t want to miss Winning the Gentleman! 4.5/5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
May 30, 2021
AS. ALWAYS. I. LOVED. IT. 😍
4.5/5 stars
Full review to come!
4.5/5 stars
Full review to come!
August 16, 2021
I loved this book! I wasn't too keen on Vying for the Viscount but this book reminded me again why I love Kristi Ann Hunter's books so much. I loved Aaron and Sophia's contrasting personalities and thought it added a nice aspect to the story. I really loved the setting and the theme of friendship throughout the story. Can't wait for book three!
I was gifted a copy of the story but all views and opinions expressed are my own.
I was gifted a copy of the story but all views and opinions expressed are my own.
April 27, 2021
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.
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.
April 22, 2021
A Gentleman plagued by his illegitimacy and a circus performer find common ground in their love for horses
Winning the Gentleman is book #2 in the Hearts of the Heath series but can be read as a standalone.
Sophia and her twin brother Jonas lived and worked in the circus since their father died, and they lost his horse training business.
Aaron was the illegitimate son of a marquis and lived in the fringe of society, working as the manager of two of his titled school friends' racing stables.
When one of his friends agreed to a racing match without consulting him, he found himself in trouble, as he had just fired the only jockey available for showing up to work drunk.
Desperate for someone to run the race, he searched around a fair in Newmarket and offered the job to the circus horse trainer.
But Aaron ended up hiring someone else than who he had intended. Instead of the man he saw tending to the horses, he got himself the man's sister.
The whole hiring and keeping of Sophia as Aaron's jockey was a little confusing, but it kind of worked out in the end.
The romance was sweet. I enjoyed the couple's slow-burn connection and how they grew to love each other despite their many differences. My heart went to them whenever they struggled for acceptance.
The side characters were lovely. They brought a little family drama and a sense of friendship to the story.
I'm looking forward to reading the next installment in the series, as I'm intrigued by Sophia's brother's low-key attitude and curious to see how it will clash with the bigger-than-life personality of Harriet.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*For more reviews, book art, and book-related articles, please visit https://lureviewsbooks.com *
Winning the Gentleman is book #2 in the Hearts of the Heath series but can be read as a standalone.
Sophia and her twin brother Jonas lived and worked in the circus since their father died, and they lost his horse training business.
Aaron was the illegitimate son of a marquis and lived in the fringe of society, working as the manager of two of his titled school friends' racing stables.
When one of his friends agreed to a racing match without consulting him, he found himself in trouble, as he had just fired the only jockey available for showing up to work drunk.
Desperate for someone to run the race, he searched around a fair in Newmarket and offered the job to the circus horse trainer.
But Aaron ended up hiring someone else than who he had intended. Instead of the man he saw tending to the horses, he got himself the man's sister.
The whole hiring and keeping of Sophia as Aaron's jockey was a little confusing, but it kind of worked out in the end.
The romance was sweet. I enjoyed the couple's slow-burn connection and how they grew to love each other despite their many differences. My heart went to them whenever they struggled for acceptance.
The side characters were lovely. They brought a little family drama and a sense of friendship to the story.
I'm looking forward to reading the next installment in the series, as I'm intrigued by Sophia's brother's low-key attitude and curious to see how it will clash with the bigger-than-life personality of Harriet.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*For more reviews, book art, and book-related articles, please visit https://lureviewsbooks.com *
April 17, 2021
#BookReview: WINNING THE GENTLEMAN by Kristi Ann Hunter
I was interested in Aaron Whitworth’s story from book one of the Heart on the Heath series. I am glad that this second book is about him. He is the illegitimate son of a Marquis so his life is different and he is not well accepted in society. He likes to rely on himself and doesn't really ask favors from his close friends. Well, until he meets Sophia. I admire how she handles her horse as well as her confidence. It’s so funny how the Lord puts together two people who are polar opposites. One is comfortable with very few words and the other can talk a mile a minute. Their witty conversations are fun or should I say interactions since Aaron barely says anything.
I enjoyed Sophia and Jonas’ relationship and how they had split their father’s legacy. It seems fitting to their individual personality. I’m delighted that Aaron and Lord Rigsby are closer now. It seems like he has a plan but to be revealed in upcoming books.
It had a really good start, slowed down a little bit but the pace picked up again somewhere in the middle. I like the second half of the book better. So many insightful and inspiring words and more exciting events. So keep on reading. The support of Aaron's friends is amazing! But most of all, I enjoyed the development in their faith in God. Sophia and Aaron’s journey led them to discover their purpose in life and what it means to pursue your goal. 4 stars
Thank you to @bethanyhouse and #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
I was interested in Aaron Whitworth’s story from book one of the Heart on the Heath series. I am glad that this second book is about him. He is the illegitimate son of a Marquis so his life is different and he is not well accepted in society. He likes to rely on himself and doesn't really ask favors from his close friends. Well, until he meets Sophia. I admire how she handles her horse as well as her confidence. It’s so funny how the Lord puts together two people who are polar opposites. One is comfortable with very few words and the other can talk a mile a minute. Their witty conversations are fun or should I say interactions since Aaron barely says anything.
I enjoyed Sophia and Jonas’ relationship and how they had split their father’s legacy. It seems fitting to their individual personality. I’m delighted that Aaron and Lord Rigsby are closer now. It seems like he has a plan but to be revealed in upcoming books.
It had a really good start, slowed down a little bit but the pace picked up again somewhere in the middle. I like the second half of the book better. So many insightful and inspiring words and more exciting events. So keep on reading. The support of Aaron's friends is amazing! But most of all, I enjoyed the development in their faith in God. Sophia and Aaron’s journey led them to discover their purpose in life and what it means to pursue your goal. 4 stars
Thank you to @bethanyhouse and #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
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April 28, 2021I usually love Kristi Ann Hunter's books, and there are a lot of things to like about this one, but ultimately, I felt it doesn't do right by its female main character, who doesn't seem to have enough confidence or spunk for someone supposedly defying everyone to be a female jockey. I'm not even sure anyone ever gives a sufficiently satisfying "you deserve to be here" type speech, while she definitely thinks more than once about quitting not because she finds the work difficult but... for everyone else's comfort because she doesn't want to be a bother? That highlights the other major part of my problem with this book: More emphasis is on male characters' concerns about reputation (and not just the main male character, who has his reasons, sure, but it's clear it won't REALLY affect his livelihood) than concerns about the female character's survival — having been starving and homeless and now also competing in a potentially dangerous sport. I don’t mind the reputation concerns in and of themselves, but they seem absurdly disproportionate to the concerns that should exist about the woman's basic physical safety and security.
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