Kto získa vikomta?

Hearts on the Heath #1

by Kristi Ann Hunter, Miroslava Molnárová Novysedláková (Translator)

Pre Hudsona, nového vikomta Stildona, znamenala plavba z rodnej Indie do Anglicka poriadne vyčerpávajúce a náročné obdobie. Keď sa vzápätí dozvie, že osud dostihového impéria, ktoré zdedil, závisí od dobrej vôle iného chovateľa koní, začne sa cítiť ešte bezradnejšie.

Pre slečnu Biancu Snowleyovú je stajňa na susednom panstve útočiskom už niekoľko rokov. Keď sa tam jedného dňa objaví akýsi cudzinec a zdá sa, že sa pokúša ukradnúť kone, bez váhania sa ich pustí brániť. Neskôr však zisťuje, že tento prišelec je novým majiteľom panstva i stajní, a veľmi rýchlo podľahne šarmu tohto výnimočného mladého muža.

Keď jej Hudson čoskoro nato navrhne, aby si vzájomne pomohli nájsť vhodných partnerov na manželstvo, Bianca sa musí vzdať akýchkoľvek myšlienok na romantický vzťah s lordom Stildonom. Priateľstvo medzi Biancou a Hudsonom však postupne prerastá v niečo silnejšie a obaja sa musia zamyslieť nad tým, čo v živote naozaj chcú. Zabránia im spoločenské očakávania a tlak zodpovednosti naplniť svoje vlastné túžby?

Genres: Romance, Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Regency, Historical, Fiction, Christian

352 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2020

About the author

Kristi 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.

Reviews

[Rachel Fordham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gets the award for most memorable "meet-cute".

I have been super busy (thanks to my kids being home ALL the time) and have been a slow reader but every night I looked forward to the chapters I was able to sneak in of Vying for the Viscount. Very enjoyable, light hearted story.

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, personally. (I really would appreciate half star options right about now, Goodreads!)

About this book:

“For Hudson, the newly titled Viscount Stildon, moving to England from India where he was born and raised was already an arduous enough endeavor. When he learns the fate of the racing empire he inherited along with his title depends upon him getting in the good graces of another stable owner, he's even more at a loss.
The stable at the neighboring estate has been Miss Bianca Snowley's refuge for years, and when a strange man appears to be stealing the horses, she jumps to their protection without a second thought. Upon learning Hudson is actually the new owner, she can't help but be intrigued by the area's newest eligible bachelor.
Any thought of romance is quickly set aside, however, when Hudson proposes they work together to secure suitable spouses for each other. As their friendship grows, Hudson and Bianca begin to reconsider what they truly want in life. But will societal expectations and the weight of their responsibilities keep them from pursuing their true desires?”


Series: Book #1 in the “Hearts on the Heath” trilogy. (Does mention characters and events from the author’s other series, “Hawthorne House” and “Haven House”.)


Spiritual Content- Psalm 139:15-16 at the beginning; A handful of Scriptures are mentioned & read (including in thinking about a sermon); Prayers & Thanking God; Bible reading; Church going; Talks about God & praying; 'H's are capital when referring to God; Hudson thinks that his faith has grown thin, and that while God is in Heaven, He hasn’t answered any of Hudson’s pleas (he hopes that God will answer this one about going to England); Hudson doesn’t think God intervened in his life and has difficulty thinking that God loves him but yet has left him to deal with his problems on his own (Hudson thinks that a single solution appearing to fix his problems would be proof for him to believe that God was interested in him); As the book continues, he realizes he needs to be more patient with God’s plans; Bianca wonders why God allowed her to become so alone and lacking friends; Bianca prays, starting the prayer with “Lord, I know it isn’t a Sunday, but I hope you’re listening anyway…”; Bianca asks God for a sign & wonders if something is that sign (later determining that she wasn’t very good at determining signs); Mentions of God, God being in control, Jesus, & faiths; Mentions of prayers & praying; Mentions of a Bible; Mentions of those & events in the Bible (including Jesus’ earthly parents leaving Him behind at a synagogue); Mentions of churches, church going, services, pastor/priests, & sermons; A couple mentions of blessings; A mention of praising God; A mention of someone praying to God for a miracle and it never happening (regarding his family); A mention of doing things “the Christian way”; A mention of a vicar “extolling on the evils of dissembling”;
*Note: Mentions of horses that are named Hades, Apollo, Midas & Poseidon; A couple mentions of luck; A mention of society demonizing a man; A mention of someone having to be possessed by “some mind-altering spirit” because of the change in personality.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘dashed’, a ‘drat’, two ‘bah’s, three ‘stupid’s, and eight ‘idiot’s; A mention of a derogatory name being left off of a woman’s sentence being implied (Bianca’s stepmother to her); A mention of a string of curses (said, not written); Some sarcasm, eye rolling, & snide comments; Being abducted, Being kicked, Being threatened at gunpoint, Gunshots, Attacking (self-defense) & Pain; Hudson partakes in card games and betting (not portrayed negatively but as a normal thing to do in this time); Hudson drinks ale at a tavern & later thinks about having a glass of brandy to occupy his hands; Both Bianca & Hudson tell a lie (social reasons) and feel guilty over it; Many mentions of card games, betting, & gambling (on horses and cards); Mentions of deaths (including from a fever and a snake bite) & grief (including for parents, a grandfather, & a close mother-daughter relationship); Mentions of a family member threatening a nephew harm or death because of his inheritance (Hudson’s uncle towards him); Mentions of an abduction & being threatened at gunpoint; Mentions of criminals/crimes, thieves, & stealing; Mentions of alcohol, drinking, drunks, & taverns; Mentions of seasickness, throwing up, & pain; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of rumors & gossip; Mentions of mistreated horses (barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of jealousy; A few mentions of manure; A couple mentions of snuff boxes; A mention of a bully; A mention of hatred;
*Note: Bianca has a strained relationship with her stepmother & they give snide comments back and forth to the other (her stepmother prefers her own children, constantly compares Bianca to her sister, & can be manipulative to get Bianca to do as she wants (including locking Bianca out of her room)); Bianca’s stepmother says that men are “illogical creatures”; Hudson has the feeling of not feeling like he belongs in England or India; A couple mentions of eating pig and goat eyeballs (barely-above-not-detailed); A mention of some English men seeing India as a land to be conquered (“instead of embraced”).


Sexual Content- A semi-detailed kiss, and a detailed kiss; Remembering kisses & embraces/touches (up to semi-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Dancing, Warmth, & Hand holding, & Nearness (up to semi-detailed); Blushes; Noticing & Smelling (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of illegitimate children & births (including a comment about someone being born on the wrong side of the blanket); Mentions of young women luring unmarried men to a certain place & getting caught in a compromising situation; Mentions of reputations & chaperones; Mentions of some believing the waltz is scandalous (because of how close a couple has to be to dance it); Mentions of flirting; A few mentions of kisses & kissing; A mention of cheating accusations; Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Mentions of horse breeding & studs and mares being available; A mention of a man having multiple wives at one time (Sir David Ochterlony); A mention of a couple not having “a great deal of luck” in having children.

-Bianca Snowley, age 24
-Hudson / Lord Stildon, age 28
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1817
346 pages

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)

I wasn’t sure what to expect with this novel because the couple prior books I read by this author had some content I wasn’t a fan of, but I ended up really enjoying this one. Some comments and a detailed kiss make it better for older teens or older, though, of course.

I really liked both Bianca and Hudson—especially him with his views on and troubles fitting into society. I was a little disappointed when he becomes interested in the wrong girl, but kept reading because I knew something had to change. And it did. Eventually. This was definitely a slow-burn romance and it about drove me batty because of that fact, hahaha. But because of that element, though, it wasn’t an overly physical or heavy noticing romance book, which I truly appreciate!

While I liked the writing and how things were described, I did also have a bit of trouble following along at times. I think it was because often times the characters were having conversations with double meanings and you had to pick up on what they were talking about—which most of the times our main couple were lost, so I ended up being a bit lost at times too.

There are mentions and features of other couples from the author’s previous books and series, which not having read those book, I felt a bit left out. (This seems to be a theme in my regency book reading for this year, actually, now that I think about it.)

I would have preferred a wee bit more faith content towards the end (in terms of growth for Hudson and Bianca from prior comments they made), but I do plan to read the next book in the series as I liked seeing their friend, Aaron, in this book. The friendships and banter were really what made this book enjoyable for me, so I hope that continues throughout the rest of the series.


Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...


*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.

[Randi Annie Framnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vying for the Viscount by Kristi Ann Hunter is the first book in her new series Hearts on the Heath, published by Bethany House Publishers. The story is set in Newmarket, Suffolk 1817 and is about Hudson, Viscount Stildon, who has just arrived from India where he was born and raised. Having listened to local gossip he finds himself in an extensive group of bachelors hoping to court one of the country’s most eligible single women who has a prize winning stallion as her unofficial dowry.

He meets volunteer horse trainer and neighbor Bianca Snowley who shows up every morning to exercise one of his horses. Hudson hires Miss Snowley to help him learn how to move about in society without making a fool of himself.

Main character Hudson, Viscount Stildon, is knowledgeable about horses but confused about the ins and outs of English society and customs. He seems a likeable character who is able to look past social prejudices to view each person’s individual merits. Much like we would today.

Secondary character Bianca Snowley has a difficult relationship to her stepmother reminiscent of Cinderella. I felt sorry for her, but I was pleased to see she stood up to her stepmother more as the story progressed. Bianca was my favorite character of this story.

I found the plot rather unique, as I have not read a story which centers on horses like this one. Main ideas of the plot is what people are willing to do to gain better positions by wealth or inheritance and deals with class distinction and social prejudices relating to children born out of wedlock.

I love the light hearted and funny writing style with a friendly bantering dialogue and great atmosphere. I felt each character was very well thought out, beautifully described and perfectly placed into the plot. I loved that the story included characters from Kristi Ann Hunter's Uncommon Courtship, book 3 in Hawthorne House Series.

My favorite part of this story was Holden’s adjustment to English society and the romance development between him and Bianca. It started with easygoing, bantering friendship. Romance was developing slowly between them when they were looking the other way.

My least favorite part of the story was how Bianca was treated by her stepmother. A terrible, conniving character that would make Cinderella’s stepmother seem almost kind hearted.

Back in India, Hudson felt God was distant from his life and he didn’t attend church. He starts attending church sermons and reading the Bible and reflects on his faith more and he gradually comes to trust God’s plan.
Vying for the Viscount (Hearts on the Heath #1) is the unique story set in horse racing environment with great character building and light hearted and bantery writing style. I would recommend it to anyone, and I eagerly await next installment. Readers of historical romance fiction would enjoy it too. Similar authors to explore might be Sarah M. Eden or Julie Klassen.
Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for this eARC which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how good it is to get back into the Kristi Ann Hunter world of Regency England. We even get to see a few appearances by characters from her other series.
Hudson Stildon has become a Viscount at the death of his grandfather. He knows horses but knows nothing of England since he grew up in India. When meeting his neighbor, Bianca Snowley, she mistakes him for a horse thief. When she realizes her blunder, she muses: “If the new Lord Stildon did make an appearance tonight, she needed to be ready to apologize. What was the appropriate outfit for a woman to wear when she grovels?”
Bianca has taken joy in exercising the horses on the Stildon estate but that may be short lived, since her stepmother seeks to marry her off. The motive is to set her own daughter up for an advantageous match. Bianca’s thoughts: “Her dislike was not based on the action, but the man himself. Even more reason to avoid her stepmother’s machinations. Listening to the man speak made her hope he somehow stabbed himself in the lip with his fork.” And “The desire to chuck her plate at her stepmother raged through Bianca, but contrary to what the other woman seemed to think, she was too much of a lady to follow through on the act... This time... Next time? Who was to say?” I love her inner snarky voice. Ms. Hunter injects much fun into her storytelling.
This was an enjoyable story with elements of forgiveness and what it means to truly love someone, whether that is a potential spouse or a family member. The story also showed that to be a true friend, you need to first show friendship.
I liked the way Bianca and Hudson each sought the will of God instead of societal norms of the times. One of my favorite tropes is friends to something more, and one of my favorite authors is Kristi Hunter. Her novels showcase Regency to perfection.
*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.*

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
A light-hearted historical romance with a light smattering of Christian faith. I loved all the horse details but did not love the dashes of "romantic heat" that popped up in the story. I did appreciate that it's a lot lower level of "heat" than a number of Hunter's other books! I'd give an average appropriate age rating of 16-18+ on this one.

Bianca and Hudson have a pretty quick bond as he finds her in his stables giving his horses exercise. Then she teaches him a few things to survive in a polite drawing room, especially how to dance. Since Hudson has been in India all his life, he doesn't know about many of society's little things; she starts it out, but other friends have to go through with things like teaching him popular card games. (I'm glad to see that one of his friends, Aaron, will star in the next book.)

The overall tone of the story is a light, humorous one. I would have liked to see the secondary characters a little better developed, because many of them seemed more wooden than anything, but that didn't keep me from liking the leads. There were several characters mentioned from other Hunter novels, but an error hopped out at me: Trent and Adelaide are said to have "married for love" but an entire novel was previously devoted to their marriage of convenience and their awkward attempts to find love. Also a couple anachronistic words like "dad" hopped out at me. Otherwise I like the story and the historical feel of it.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.

[Sarah Monzon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I readily admit I was the horse-crazed girl with horse toys and horse posters who watched Wild Hearts Can’t be Broken a million times. The first story I ever wrote was about a horse. When I was 11 I answered an ad in the paper and mucked our stalls to pay for riding lessons. I saved birthday and Christmas money to buy my own horse when I was 13. So, I think it’s pretty safe to say that I related to the heroine here, who let the wind on her face atop a galloping horse blow her troubling thoughts away.
This is a friends-to-lovers story...sort of. That is, they become friends first then realize feelings run deeper. Kristi Ann Hunter is always a genius when it comes to here characters, and this book is no exception. And we even get to see beloved characters from past series. One I’m especially excited to see gets his own book in 2021!
I read this book in a day y’all. That should tell you how much I enjoyed it.

[Cara Putman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a delightful read! I loved that this novel was set in the world of Newcastle racing. Take an out-of-place heir arriving from India, and a woman who's been content with a small life. Throw them together as he tries to establish his place in English socity. What could possibly go wrong? Quite a bit actually. This story has heart, the characters have death, and I loved every page. Perfect for lovers of Regency romance.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

England 1817

Nice start to the series!

The story line was a good one. Viscount Stildon (Hudson) spent his entire life in India and travels to England after the passing of his grandfather. Bianca Snowley finds contentment and peace by spending time at the stables neighboring her home. The stables that now belong to Hudson. Bianca offers friendship and assistance to him in adapting to the English way of living.

[Amanda Geaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I became a fan of this author while listening to Book 1 in her Haven Manor series. One book was all it took to hook me into reading 5 additional titles... with Vying for the Viscount being my 6th. While this story felt lighter than the Haven Manor series, it still possessed the same strong writing, fabulous (often witty) dialogue, and the sprinkling of faith I've come to expect.

There are many reasons I'm drawn to Kristi Ann Hunter's stories with the foremost being the remarkable ability she has for making me love her characters. In this story, there were three characters who I adored: Hudson aka Viscount Stildon, Aaron Whitworth, and Miss Bianca Snowley. Hudson is a man who had been groomed his entire life to take the reins of his grandfather's estate and stables. I admired how he entered English society and the way in which he adapted to the customs that were so different from those in which he had been raised. He showed remarkable humility by expressing to his stable manager, Mr. Whitworth, when he was out of his depth. Hudson's willingness to take Aaron into his confidences and to allow the man to see his weaknesses led to a warm camaraderie between the two men. (Fans may recall Aaron from Defense of Honor.) Long before the Vycount arrived on the scene, Bianca Snowley had made an agreement with Mr. Witworth which allowed her to become a regular fixture in the Hawksworth stables. Over the course of the book, this horse-loving neighbor goes from accusing Hudson of horse thieving to wishing she could steal his heart. 

Vying for the Viscount would be a great addition to any Regency or horse lover's bookshelf. 

Book 2 in the series has already been announced and I look forward to reading Aaron's story when Winning the Gentleman releases next April. 

I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vying for the Viscount is a charming opener for the Hearts on the Heath series.

The Viscount in question, Lord Hudson Stildon, is a newcomer to Suffolk after growing up in India. He doesn’t know much about society in England, but he does know about horses. Soon after his arrival at his family estate, he meets Bianca Snowley, whom the former Viscount had allowed to ride his prize-winning horses. Bianca is an expert herself on horses, and she also has the knowledge of society that Hudson lacks. They decide that they can use the acquaintance to mutual benefit, as Hudson finds himself in a bit of a competition for a society darling’s hand in marriage, and Bianca finds herself at the mercy of her mercenary stepmother’s marriage machinations. What neither of them expect is that societal pressures don’t quite match their ideas of a happy ending. Added to this mix is a possibly dangerous uncle, a bit of a mystery surrounding a mutual acquaintance, and delightful visits from a few faces from previous books. I adored all of the historical details, too, from riding horses to social calls to assemblies, and dancing, it’s all just a lot of fun.

The tone is lighthearted overall, but still has some lovely moments of depth, particularly with Bianca coming to some self-realizations that she’s been somewhat of a bystander in her own life. Riding horses may be her passion, but she realizes there is more to life than riding. Aaron Whitworth is my favorite secondary character, and I love that he is one of the main characters in the next book in the series. I’m looking forward to being in this story world again. I happily recommend Vying for the Viscount to fans of historical fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher; a positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Christine Indorf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly believe I am British at heart. I should have lived around the early 1800's. I love stories that takes place in that time. Today reading was just what I would have loved to be there for. Bianca loves to help ride horses at the estate of Viscount Stildon home. Viscount Stildon or Hudson by his Christian name came from India for the title of Viscount, but as a loss for what his duties are. The only thing he loves is his horses. Hudson want to have a proper wife so he enlist help from Bianca for help to find the her but he has to find Bianca a perfect husband. Will this plan work before they have feeling for each other. I have to admit I don't like stories with horses. I am not a horse person because in Amish country, where I am from, I see tons of them. But this story has a great plot that goes along with horses. I love the how both plan to find mates for one another. There plans really seem like it will work, they keep getting in the middle of each other. The story is great and fun. I enjoyed the read today and look forward for the sequel. If you love the time period or don't this book is a great read for anyone. I do highly recommend this book and enjoy!!

[Kellyn Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

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

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

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

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one, there is a great cast of characters that were well-drawn and I would like to say that they were even cute and quirky in many ways that endeared them to me all the more. I can't wait for the next one!

[cass · Rating 5 out of 5]

a thousand times, yes

[Robin Hatcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been way too long since my reading has taken me to Regency England. This novel begins with a perfect "meet cute," and from that moment on, I was fully invested in Bianca's and Hudson's romance. Hudson was a fish-out-of-water in just the right way. Not that I didn’t want to knock him up alongside the head when he turned his attentions in the wrong direction. But all’s well that ends well. The entire book was a delight.

Note: I listened to the audio version of the book, and the narrator helped transport me to Regency England. Very well done.

[Sydney · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up.

I really liked this starting out, but I didn't really feel super connected to the story after it got past the like the 30%-ish mark. I think I just didn't like the fact that the love interests were trying to be with other people while still harboring some feelings for the other. They certainly had their sweet moments, just overall I didn't totally love it.

Still cute though, and I think the cover is so pretty.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story gets ALL the stars!! I absolutely adored Vying For The Viscount and I can not wait for the rest of series. This story has so many great characters from Bianca, Hudson, Aaron, Rigsby, and even cameos from beloved characters from Kristi's earlier books which helped make the book so so good. Another favorite element for me was the humor, Kristi's known for her humorous books but in this one the humor was some of Kristi's best!(and I say that as a reader who has laughed her way through ALL of Kristi's books. This is truly one of Kristi's best books and it's going to rank at or very near the top of my favorite Kristi books. The story moved well and was exciting and interesting with the hose racing angle and Hudson trying to acclimate to England after being raised in India. What a unique and fun story line. Yep, this book has it all and it ranks up there with the first couple Hawthorne stories as my favorite Kristi books. Do not miss out on this one!!

I received this book as part of the launch team and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
*I did purchase the Audible version and the narration is lovely.

[Brittanie · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

A lady who attacks a man in his own stables? THAT heroine knows how to make an impression.

“If I were to scream like a banshee and throw my shoe at your head I’m sure you’d be able to place me.”

Sunshine-scented☀️Bianca has a stepmother who wants to marry her to a coxcomb. But she has star eyes for Hudson, who needs to win another lady, because he likes her horse. 👀

“Did you try the punch?”
“I did try it earlier, it was rather awful, I poured it into a potted plant.”

Seeing them at sixes and sevens, the witty exchanges and Bianca’s pragmatic personality made a fun comedy of errors.

“You mean to tell me that all English food is that bland?”
“We make up for it with saucy women that attack men in their own stables.”

This viscount’s in trouble, and dodging enough sass to add needed flavour to his life. 😂

👉Now tell me, do you identify more as a charming heroine or one with a shoe? 👠😬

[Cara Putman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a delightful read! I loved that this novel was set in the world of Newcastle racing. Take an out-of-place heir arriving from India, and a woman who's been content with a small life. Throw them together as he tries to establish his place in English socity. What could possibly go wrong? Quite a bit actually. This story has heart, the characters have death, and I loved every page. Perfect for lovers of Regency romance.

[Kathryn Bochman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sigh. This book was just...Sigh... Ok, I loved it. Every inch of it. Kristi Ann Hunter definitely delivered another outstanding read in her latest novel Vying for the Viscount. Set in the Regency period full of lords, ladies, ranks, and all the drama that comes with it, societal expectations and hilarities fill the pages. Hunter sets her readers up for a heady experience centered around a viscount newly arrived from India seeking to salvage the horse racing estate he inherited. As he struggles to figure out the new society he finds himself in, he learns more about family and love than he bargained for.

Hunter is always a delight to read, but this new series promises to be even better than the previous one. I am already itching to read the next instalment. Witty dialogue, remarkable characters, humorous prose, and a riveting plot holds your attention the entire way through. I did not want to put this one down, and I am sure you will feel the same!

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

A re-read that was just as magical as the first!

-----

Oh, my heart!!! I'm a sweet dithering mess of swoonalicious goo! Gather all your Regency accoutrements (fainting couch, smelling salts, fans) because you're going to need them! What a rapturous start to a new Kristi Ann Hunter series.

I love her Regency world building. I feel like I've fallen into an Austen novel only the heroines are a bit more...spunky? (No booing from the Austen crowd!) and the secondary characters are just as alluring as her main characters. In fact, there are a couple of gentlemen that better star in their own stories (pointed hint to the author.) I'll expire if she doesn't! Cue a graceful swoon onto my fainting couch.

Ohhhhh -- and speaking of swooning!!!! Hudson!!!!!!! He is so out of his element when he arrives in England. He's lived in India his whole life, but always preparing for the time he would take his place among the English aristocracy. He's had tutors aplenty and constant instruction from his father but there are holes in his education and that leaves him floundering.

Cue the horse-mad girl next door. Bianca has had free reign of the Stildon stables in the absence of a Viscount. Her first encounter with Hudson is hysterical!!! And really showcases their personalities. Sheer brilliance! So these two set up a friendship of sorts and agree to help each other source out suitable spouses...and you know how that's going to go, right?

Into drawing rooms and ballrooms and early morning rides chock full of cutting dialogue. Oh, my, how this author knows how to wield a witty turn of phrase! Makes for a delicious read.

There's even a bit of danger -- and an evil (well, almost evil) stepmother to contend with. And a lot of soul searching to do as Hudson and Bianca struggle to find their own personal version of a happily-ever-after. I love the way Hunter has included a gentle, but significant faith thread as both hero and heroine discover the joys -- and fears -- that come with sacrificing their will in favor of seeking out God's plan for their lives.

I listened to the audible edition of this book narrated by Anne Marie Gideon who did a fantastic job of bringing these characters to life. I'm still grinning madly and might just have to give this one a relisten -- especially since book two, Winning the Gentleman (yay, one of my hero requests!) doesn't release until April 2021!!!!!!!!

Oh...oh...ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh....I forgot to mention that there are a bunch of exciting cameos from characters of previous Hunter books in this one. It was so much fun to spot them...I might have squealed a time or two. Love fun bonuses like that.

https://kavsbestreads.ca/2023/06/05/v...

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked her early books and was hoping this would be like them. I didn't know it would be a continuation of the other series. It has several characters from her other books most from An Uncommon courtship. This was a surprise and I wished I would have gone back and refreshed my mind on those stories before starting this. I kept getting this feeling like the author was trying to tell us secrets about everyone and I felt a little lost. It got a little off track in the middle too. I felt like too many people were being introduced and I lost the main storyline there for a minute. She is a good writer all around I just feel like there is a little too much going on with too many characters and the way it is written leaves too much guessing. What the heck happened to the Uncle!??
This is a proper romance with some mention of God and prayers.

[Hallie (Hallie Reads)]

4.5

Review to come.

[Toni Shiloh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kristi Ann Hunter is back and bringing historical romance readers a new series! Vying for the Viscount is the first book in the Hearts on the Heath series. We're introduced to the new Viscount Stildon, aka Hudson, who was born and raised in India with an expectation of stepping into the titled position back in England.

I loved that Hudson was out of sorts and had to bumble his way through the tons expectations. It also made for a clever way to enter an agreement with his neighbor Miss Bianca Snowley.

What I liked the most about this book was seeing old friends pop in and a peek at the hero of book 2 who I have been waiting FOREVER to get his story. Okay, maybe not forever but in book years, it feels that way.

Vying is written in Ms. Hunter's signature style and sure to delight her fans and gain her new ones.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.

[Joleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this is the first in her new series, Ms. Hunter brings back a few characters from previous books, like revisiting old friends.

The main characters in this story set in Suffolk, England, 1817, were:
Hudson Stildon, a viscount returning from India to the homeland he's never seen
Bianca Snowley, a young woman daft about horses and on her second season, and
Aaron Whitworth, the stable manager and self-proclaimed illegitimate son (of whom we find out later, and which will make sense).

Bianca is strapped with a step-mother who clearly does not prefer her, so her lot in life is to marry soon or be beholding to her rarely mentioned brother or others all her life. Her greatest desire is for a husband who loves horses as much as she.

Hudson finds himself the heir to an estate and in need of good racehorse stock. His only option seems to be marrying a young woman whose father seems to have the best racehorse in the region.

The true question is what would his Heavenly Father desire for his life?

“He’s already planned it out. Our prayers are to help us remember that.” Although this could be a debatable statement, it’s one I can appreciate.

One inclusion to the storyline I felt needed rewriting….A particular horse clearly needed to be introduced into the story, but the way it was done felt awkward at best. A woman was abducted, and in the frenzy to find her, two main characters stop to talk about the name of a horse in the stable and note it’s fine points. Ugh, an eye-rolly moment.

Otherwise it was a good beginning to this newer christian fiction series.

[Kristine Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kristi Hunter's Vying for The Viscount Gets her new series Hearts On the Heath off with a bang! I love her characters and the fact that she involves them in fantastic plots that make you want more. She has the amazing habit of involving characters from past series as part of her new story. This book will definitely be joining Kristi's other books on my all-time favorites shelf! So grab a pot of English breakfast tea and enjoy Bianca and Hudson's story!

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley.com with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

[Sarita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't a read Kristi Ann Hunter's book since her first series and was again reminded of why I like her books. She delivers fun stories, with interesting, likeable characters and even throws in danger here and there.

I enjoyed this story about Hudson, finding his feet in England after being raised in India, especially with the social aspect. Bianca was also a fun character. I enjoyed Hudson and Bianca's relationship from the first meet, where they thought each other thieves, to the friendship they developed. And the theme of going after what is expected from you, versus what God has planned for you, was one I enjoyed. I also enjoyed Trent and Adelaide popping in from .

The audiobook was very entertaining and added to my enjoyment of the story.

Recommended to fans of Historical fiction, especially regency.

*I listened to this on Scribd.*

[Regina Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

A English Viscount who has never been to England?

Poor Hudson. When he becomes Viscount Stildon and moves to England for the first time in his life, he finds that his Indian education has left him lacking in the skills he needs to navigate through English society.

Enter Miss Bianca Snowley. Her step-mother has pointed out her mistakes for so long, that she knows a thing or two about etiquette, even if she doesn't always follow it. Having helped herself to the long-absent lord's stables for years, she could at least help him get established in society. When they make a deal to find perfect spouses for each other, they have no idea the complications that will ensue.

Vying for the Viscount is a wonderful Pygmalion tale filled with humor and heart.

[Tricia Mingerink · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I always adore Kristi Ann Hunter's books, but this one was especially lovely between the fish-out-of-water male lead and the horse-crazy main girl. All the details about the horses and racing was so much fun to read! Hudson and Bianca are adorable together!