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 … 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?
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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.
With grace and beauty, author Kristi Ann Hunter has written a novel that is as charming as it engaging. Vying for the Viscount, the first book in the Hearts on the Heath series, is an historical romance that is well-written and utterly endearing. From the pastoral scene in the lovely cover art, to the appealing story contained within, Vying for the Viscount is a novel that captured my attention and kept me enthralled. As it combines elements of history, suspense, action, faith, and romance, it reveals a uniquely satisfying Regency story.
With its stables full of horses, wide open meadows, and impressive country manors, this novel’s early 19th century English setting is captivating and very inviting. Within this setting, the well-crafted elements of plot and characterization come together artfully to create a truly enjoyable reading experience. The intriguing plot of this novel is clever and refreshingly original. The brief scenes of action and suspense are entirely satisfying and compelling. The romance is clean, genuine, and sweetly portrayed. The characters are well-developed and experience authentic growth as the story unfolds. Truly, Ms. Hunter’s remarkable talent as a writer is fully displayed through her charming characters. Not only are they sympathetic in their insecurities, but they are also deeply relatable as they struggle to overcome their doubts, pursue their dreams, and develop their faith with sincerity and humility. Like a vibrant, rolling grassland stretching to the horizon, the characters and their experiences are welcoming and memorable.
Vying for the Viscount is a story of faith, courage, perseverance, and love. With each carefully chosen word and phrase, Ms. Hunter has succeeded in composing an uplifting story that is undeniably thoughtful and meaningful. With great skill, thorough research, and heartfelt insight, Ms. Hunter has crafted an inspiring story that is entertaining and touching. I recommend it wholeheartedly to all readers.
*I was given a copy of this novel by the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.
I have been a fan of Hunter’s for a long time, and I always look forward to a new series by one of my favorites. Vying the Viscount was a fantastic read, and different – which is what made it so wonderful. First of all, I love horses. So put horses in a story and I’m sure to love it. But what Hunter does here is just magical.
Bianca it not your typical historic heroine. Quite the opposite in fact, and that’s why readers will easily connect with her. She isn’t about the glitz and fame. She’s about the horses, and finding a man who will give her the desires of her heart – horses and a place to keep them. Then you have Hudson, a man who doesn’t really want anything to do with the title that’s attached to his name, but here nonetheless trying to figure out his place in the world. He charmed me from the very start, which is not surprise for one of Hunter’s heroes. They often charm me 😉
This book is full of humor, the perfectly wonderful humor we can expect from Hunter. But it’s also full of surprise. I didn’t expect her to take the characters on the journey they went on, in fact I had my own journey in mind. But that’s the beauty of reading – it takes you down unexpected paths. Highly recommend reading this new beauty by one of the best! Looking forward to seeing what’s next in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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.
A heart warming Regency era romance, where friendship and trust provide the best base to build a new life on. Viscount Stildon, Hudson, has grown up in India but has always known England was his future home. Even though tutors and a devoted father have taught Hudson what he needs to know for his title, nothing could prepare him for the social differences. He needs help fast and needs to shelve his ego to learn what is required out of the office. Enter Bianca, who knows all the etiquette but follows her own interests when they clash. Riding and horses are her passions and the stable at her neighbor’s lands are the best around. A new Viscount is set to arrive but Bianca isn’t worried, there are horses to ride and the stable manager has an amicable friendship with her. Then her life flips upside down when her step mother decides Bianca needs to marry, immediately. Then the new Viscount arrives and Bianca realizes she does have her “perfect man”. But he wants her help getting a different wife. What is a friend to do?
Kristi Ann Hunter takes her readers to a different time period, where horses are all important and husband hunting is a mother’s main past-time. Great research transports you to the 1800’s. The relationships she writes are so well done, I feel they are very relatable and I could meet them for a dance. They show their neighbors that character and dedication matter more than money and titles. A person is made up of more than etiquette and prestige.
This book should be added to any to be read pile. It was such an enjoyable read, the time flew by. I was sad to say goodbye when the last page came. I can’t wait to rejoin them in the next book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
“It was just that the trouble came in the form of a woman.”
Poor Hudson! He had a rather interesting first meeting with his new neighbor, Miss Bianca Snowley.
I loved seeing Bianca and Hudson become friends. He needs help adjusting to English ways, she needs help finding a husband. Things don’t go as planned but that’s what I enjoyed most about reading this book.
Seeing Aaron and a few other familiar faces again was very nice. I loved how Aaron introduces himself. (If you’ve read this author’s Haven Manor series you will understand more of why he does that but you don’t have to have read that series to enjoy this book.)
Mrs. Snowley is a shrew! I loved hating her. Yes, I know that’s not nice but she has no redeeming qualities.
My book came in Saturday’s mail, I spent Sunday reading, and Monday going through some of my favorite parts. I cannot wait to read the next book!
Oh, my! What wonderful characters. I loved this story. Such a depth to the characters, and the storyline was terrific. Would highly recommend this page-turner.
I read a lot of Regency/Victorian romances and it’s always so fun and exciting to find a fresh take on these stories I love so much. Bianca and Hudson are clearly meant to be together and I loved reading their journey. Also, the horse aspect of this is delightful. I do wish the uncle had played a slightly bigger part in the story, but I still loved this book and can’t wait to read the next one on the series.
I’m a big fan of Kristi Ann Hunter’s books so I built up my expectations way too high and the book didn’t quite meet them. While I enjoyed the storyline and the characters, I felt the book lacked that cannot-put-down quality that so many of her other books have in spades. Don’t get me wrong this was still a great book but just not as good as some of her others I’ve read. I really felt for Hudson as he arrived in England and had one expectation after another dashed and disappointed. Luckily for Hudson he has two unexpected allies to help him navigate through society, his unsocial stable manager and his horse-crazy neighbor. I just love memorable first meetings in books so I thought Hudson and Bianca’s meeting was just perfect!
Christian Historical – Cinderella with horses
This is one of the most enjoyable books I’ve read. I didn’t want to put it down. Bianca is raised by a stepmother who doesn’t want her around. She goes to a neighboring stable to ride and exercise the horses because she loves them so much. Hudson has inherited the estate, arriving from India where he was raised. He doesn’t know anyone, but as a member of aristocracy is expected to blend in and advance himself and his estate. Luckily he makes some good friends. Beautiful story unfolds of self discovery and learning what is important in life. Some of the most likable and alive characters you will meet. Loved It! Fabulous series.
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#VyingfortheViscount #NetGalley
Vying for the Viscount (Hearts on the Heath #1) by Kristi Ann Hunter is a Regency romance. Set in Newmarket, the story is filled with rich characterization, humor, wit and… horses. This book was a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Viscount Hudson Stildon has lived his entire life in India and is now going to England to manage the estate left to him after his grandfather’s passing. Hudson’s love and knowledge of horses is such that he hopes to build a well-renown stable for the racing community. He is feeling a bit uncertain in a new country with its cold climate and unfamiliar ways, so he seeks refuge with the only familiar thing he knows, horses and stables. As Hudson begins to acquaint himself with his new race horses, Bianca Snowley his neighbor, enters the stable and mistakes him for a horse thief. Bianca is determined to drive off the thief with the only weapon she can find, her boot.
“Get out of here,” she said, embracing the idea of being Hestia’s avenger. The boot nearly jerked from her hand as it solidly connected with the man’s shoulder, but Bianca held on and swung it again, aiming for his midsection this time. “Tell whoever sent you” — swing—“that no one” — swing— “steals” — swing— “from Hawksworth stables.”
After laughing until my side hurt, I knew this was going to be a fabulous story. And, indeed, it was. My expectations were high for this book because I have read Ms. Hunter’s Hawthorne House series and fell in love with the people, their stories, and the relationships that have been formed. I was delighted to see that this was going to be such a story and that Hudson had these wonderful people as his neighbors and confidants.
As you can see from Bianca’s initial encounter with Hudson, she is a loyal defender of those she loves. While she has a horrible stepmother who is so uncaring and makes even the worst mother seem sweet, she manages to be true to herself and to forgive her repeatedly. Bianca shows great self control in living with her and choosing to love, making me admire her all the more.
Hudson has “head knowledge and little experience” when it comes to England and its customs and needs someone who is familiar with the horses and the racing community. Of course, his choice is the highly spirited Bianca since she can introduce him to the right people and help him learn of the English ways. The journey of forgiveness, trust, and love for both Hudson and Bianca’s lives was beautifully told.
If you are looking for strong characters, humor, and a message of hope will want to read this book. I don’t think you will be able to stop there, though, because you will want to know all about the other people who befriend Hudson. The good news is that you can read about them in the Hawthorne House series.
This is the first in the Hearts on the Heath series. You can preorder the next book, Winning the Gentleman now. The release date is April 20, 2021.
I was given this book as a really fun book exchange that author, Becky Wade, has at Christmas. You can be a part of it too.
Vying for the Viscount was a delightful read with a fabulous cast of characters, a fresh and fun setting, and an incredible wit throughout! This is the first book I have read by author Kristi Ann Hunter and it will definitely not be the last! I am so grateful for the recommendation to read this book, because I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading many more.
Bianca and Hudson are not your typical Regency characters. Bianca, while a gentleman’s daughter and able to be proper when she wants to, would rather spend her time in the stables and concern herself with horses than the latest town gossip. Hudson has been preparing to become a Viscount his entire life, only for safety precautions he was raised in India and upon arriving to claim his inheritance is taken a back at how unprepared for English society he actually is. The friendship and slow building romance were adorable! I also loved Bianca’s strength and determination. The secondary characters, for good or evil, really deepened the overall plot and I hope we get to read some of their stories in the future. I found myself laughing and smiling often as the underlining humor of Hudson and Bianca spoke to me.
I definitely recommend this story and look forward to many more novels by this author. Clean, well-written Regency romance.
Vying for the Viscount by Kristi Ann Hunter is the first of a two book series, Hearts on the Heath; delightful Regency novel set in the early 1800’s, Hunter brings her trademark humor and understanding of the social mores of the day.
Newly named Viscount Stildon, Hudson travels a long and arduous journey from India, his boyhood home, to England where he expects to find a racing empire in good and profitable standing. What he finds, instead, is an estate that has begun falling into ruin, with very few championship horses in the stable to show for all the years the family prospered in producing and racing champion bloodline horses.
Bianca Snowly, of the neighboring estate, lives with oppressive parents; every morning she finds freedom in riding the best horse in the stable, the Stildon stables that is. When an intruder appears to be attempting to steal her favorite horse, Bianca acts to prevent the supposed theft. Her embarrassment knows no bounds when she comes to learn the thief is none other than the long expected new viscount.
Hudson soon learns he is expected to take a bride, and he has a plethora of potential candidates. Bianca is being pushed by her overbearing father, but the viscount is not an option. The two team up to create a plan whereby each gets what they truly want; Hudson to be left alone to negotiate his own path and Bianca to pursue the man she dreams about. Along the way, the two learn much about themselves, each other and what they truly want in life.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own and freely given.
Hudson was born and raised in India. His father was in line to become Viscount Stildon but went to India to escape his crazed, jealous brother who wanted the title. Alas, he died before his father, leaving Hudson to inherit the title and estate upon his grandfather’s passing. Though his father groomed him for his duties, Hudson still has quite an adjustment to make when he reaches England. He is most comfortable with his stable of race horses and befriends his horse trainer, Aaron Whitworth, and his neighbor, Bianca Snowley, who for years has been allowed to exercise some of the horses. Hudson and Bianca have quite an entertaining meeting, since she doesn’t know he has arrived. Hudson wants to fit in with the racing society and decides he should find a wife, setting his sights on Lady Rebecca, whose father just happens to have a stallion that would make a good match with Hudson’s mare. Bianca is receiving pressure from her stepmother to find a husband but wants someone of her own choosing, not the boring man her stepmother keeps pushing her towards. Hudson and Bianca decide to help each other with their quests but both must go through much soul searching to discover what is most important to them. Vying for the Viscount is another excellent Regency romance from Kristi Ann Hunter. It was fun to have some characters from her previous series appear in this book. I don’t know who will be major characters in the subsequent books of this series but I’d love for Aaron to find romance, as well as Lord Rigsby. I received a complimentary copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
I enjoyed reading Hudson and Bianca’s story. It was great to see a hero struggling with insecurities and doubts. It also showcased how adjusting to another culture is not easy when the rules are very different. I see Hudson’s struggle and the friendships he build as a great way for him to be the man he was created to be. For Bianca, I admire her courage. Her relationship with her stepmother did not break her. The humor in the story among the relationship make me more invested in it. Real relationship can take the truth mixed with humor. I love how God guided these characters to spiritual growth. There were many times that they had to go back to God and be reminded of who is in control and who to trust. Seeing Trent was a nice touch.
I received this book from the publisher and the opinions expressed are entirely my own. I would recommend this book and this author to readers who want to be inspired.
As always, author Kristi Ann Hunter brings her readers a charming and beautiful Regency romance. Crafted in the high society world with wit and humor from her delightful characters, readers will immediately be relate to the scenarios within the story and become immersed in this wonderful story of romance and intrigue. Readers will enjoy this story of discovering oneself when being thrust into a new and different society, as well as is filled with heart, friendship, and romance. This is an excellent beginning to a new series from this wonderful author.
Series: Hearts on the Heath
Genre: historical, Regency, romance, Christian
Publisher: Bethany House
Publication date: August 4, 2020
Number of pages: 348
Other books in the series:
2-Winning the Gentleman (releasing April 2021)
Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, and authors, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited OR pre-ordered/purchased for review. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
This is a wonderful historical romance.
I love how deeply developed the main characters are. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Bianca, Hudson, and even Aaron. They have a lot of hangups that they need to work through but that didn’t stop them from becoming friends. I liked seeing how they supported each other. The fact that Aaron seemed to see things clearer than the others really caught my attention.
Bianca’s life at home was very difficult and I really connected with the idea that part of why she made sure to go to go riding each morning was as an escape from the reality of it.
The plot was captivating. I was definitely caught up in seeing how the right relationships would develop. It was fun to spot a few of the characters from a previous series of books that the author has written. I enjoyed seeing how their lives had progressed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.
Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. 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.*
A great start to a new series!
Do you know how much I love advanced copies of books from authors I already love? While I have never met a Kristi Ann Hunter book I haven’t loved, this one might be my new favorite! Does every little girl have a horse mad phase? This absolutely reminded me of the summer I read nothing but Pony Pals, Black Beauty, National Velvet…you get the drift. And while this is a much more grown up feeling story than National Velvet, our leading lady’s love of horses is what starts her on the path to an interesting friendship with her new neighbor. Hudson finds himself in England alone and under-prepared to take up his grandfather’s title after a life in India. Bianca, his next door neighbor who helps exercise his horses, and Aaron, his stable master, take it upon themselves to befriend and assist him. Hudson and Bianca make a pact to help each other find appropriate mates. Now they just have to figure out if their planning is better than God’s (its not. It never is. And if you ever read a book where a person comes up with a better plan than God, the book is dumb. 🙂 ). Can’t wait for the next installment! Happy Reading!!!