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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Another delightful story by Kristi Ann Hunter. I honestly have not read a story of hers yet that didn’t just completely draw me in to both the storyline and the characters themselves. This one had a slightly different feel to it with our main character, Hunter, coming from India to claim his property and title and trying to figure out his way – including romantically.
Bianca, the heroine of our story, seems to have set her heart on Hunter from the start, but as she sees him looking elsewhere, soon begins to be the object of pursuit by other titled gentlemen. She has a nasty stepmother and yet rises above this to be a lovely, frank, intriguing and interesting character.
Aaron is also a main character in the story, being the illegitimate son of a gentleman, yet very much the gentleman himself. There is a hint of reconciliation near the end of the story and I greatly look forward to that and hope it’s part of the next book in the series which appears to be Aaron’s story. I love Aaron.
I also loved meeting other characters from Ms Hunter’s previous stories. Every one of them a delight to catch up on, adding even greater depth to the story.
I should also say that the narration for the audio version of this book was a five star performance. Again, I look forward to anything Miss Hunter writes and hope she will be writing for many years to come.
Kristi Ann Hunter is one of my favorite authors. Everything she writes, everything, is amazing. The quality of her work is always top notch. Her books are always well written, the characters are real. The content is enjoyable. There is a healthy dose of God (who seems to be missing from too much nowadays). Vying for the Viscount is no different.
As far as Kristi Ann’s works go, this one would not rank my absolute favorite, but that’s because another of her works holds that esteemed place in my heart and it has not been dethroned (yet).
Vying for the Viscount had great characters. Bianca and Hudson are wonderfully complex characters, even though they seem pretty normal at first glance. Here you have two grown, mature, sophisticated adults who, quite suddenly, are very unsure of where they fit in their lives. It’s hard and uncomfortable and I often wanted to give one or both a hug and tell them it would be ok. 🙂 They find their ways, eventually. I agree with a previous reviewer that they wish it hadn’t taken so long to get to the “happily ever after,” but good things take time!
The setting of Newmarket was definitely intriguing. There was so much about that setting of the Regency era that I didn’t know! It was fun to read about it. I could tell that the author had done her homework, but I did not feel like I was reading a history book. It felt more like stepping into history.
Overall, I would say this was a great read. It was an interesting setting that we really don’t see very much of. There was a unique aspect of having a main character grow up in a foreign culture and get dumped into the life he was raised for, just to discover there were so many intricacies he was never taught! It was super interesting and added a very complex element to the story. I liked that very much. Bianca is a spitfire and I really enjoyed getting to know her.
“He took a deep breath and reminded himself that he was the same capable, knowledgeable man he’d been in India . . . . . The only difference was that instead of one or two things changing, everything had changed.”
Returning to his English roots, newly titled Viscount (Hudson) Stildon is at a loss; navigating the British aristocracy is proving much more difficult than he had imagined, especially when his casual attire draws the ire of a young lady presuming him to be stealing horses from his own stables. A rather awkward boot attack ensued.
Bianca Snowley begins nearly every day on the back of a horse. Not her own horse, mind you, but one that she borrows from a neighboring estate. After Bianca’s first encounter with the new property owner proves rather embarrassing, she and the viscount actually form a bond of friendship, vowing to assist each other as they pursue their own version of matrimonial bliss. What a complicated web of expectations await them.
Surprisingly, readers may feel more like spectators than participants in this story, which may dramatically slow down the bonding process with these most likable characters. Fortunately, the author’s intentions are very forthright; conundrums of our own making are not outside the realm of God’s providence, we simply need to ask for His help.
“Lord, help my unbelief. Not my belief in my own capabilities but my belief that you’ve got a plan for me and I should follow it, even if it doesn’t make sense.”
Vying for the Viscount by Kristi Ann Hunter is the first book in her new series Hearts on the Heath. You definitely don’t want to miss out on reading this one if you love inspirational historical romances.
I’m definitely looking forward to reading more books in the wonderful new series!
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
From the first pages of this book I loved Hudson as his determination to do just right to a role he had been trained for all his life but had no idea on how to go about it. His fish out of water moments, his beautiful heart. It was nice to see him grow into his role.
Bianca was definitely different too. Coming from a family where she was treated as just an addition, I love that she was still kindhearted. Her love for horses and their first meeting had me laughing out loud.
I loved how the author took them through a journey of faith and learning to trust God with everything dear to them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are solely mine
Finding a husband or wife in the early 1800’s was not an easy thing and marrying for love instead of advancing your social status was just not done. Vying for the Viscount is a story of two people who meet and attempt to find matches for each other, not realizing that they are what is best for one another. This was a delightful romance of learning to listen to your heart instead of just the societal norms.
Both characters, Hudson the new viscount and Miss Bianca are likable and unique. Bianca really went at her own pace in life, loving horses, riding them, and trying to stay out of the watchful eye of her stepmother. Unfortunately, it was past time for her to marry and she does not particularly like who her stepmother is setting her up with. I liked that Bianca was willing to marry, but she was going to pick her own man out.
After a rather hilarious first encounter with each other, Hudson and Bianca become good friends. Bianca decides to help the newly arrived viscount from India take his rightful place in society. She agrees and only till he asks a much more difficult task of her does she realize he is capable of destroying her dreams.
These two became such good friends. And when Hudson finally realized that Bianca was the one for him, well watch out. He was determined to woo and court her properly. The development of their romance in a time where everyone seemed to be living in a reality game of contest and conquest of marital partners, was a refreshing look at true love and what it is. I look forward to Aaron’s story.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
“Vying for the Viscount”
I loved this book!! Kristi Ann Hunter has once again given us a great romance novel and kicks off her new Hearts on the Heath series with a bang. I so loved reading the story of Bianca and Hudson and how they find love that I didn’t want to put the book down (but I had to work). Kristi makes their story intriguing even weaving in characters that were introduced in her other books – like bringing back old friends and linking the Hawthorne House and Haven Manor series to the Hearts on the Heath series. These characters add to the story, but you don’t have to have read the other books to enjoy this book. There are also so many new characters – including Lord Brisbane and Lord Rigsby and even an evil stepmother – and you wonder what might be in store for them.
Vying for the Viscount by Kristi Ann Hunter is a Regency Era tale that will delight readers as they savor each word!
I am always drawn to Regency stories because I love this era. However, the focus on horses and racing in this era makes Vying for the Viscount stand out from among its counterparts in a unique way! I loved this! If you love horses and historical romance, this is the story your heart has always wanted!
Vying for the Viscount is…well, I’ll just say it. This is a funny story! Really! The author weaves wit, humor, and truly awkward situations for the characters to bumble their way through in such a natural way. I chuckled and grinned like a dork from each clever exchange among the characters to each self-deprecating poke at themselves. Additionally, the author skillfully wove in cameo appearances in a way that felt like a family reunion among characters!
Bianca and Hudson’s story is definitely a slow-burn romance. Their immediate and easy camaraderie isn’t insta-love. As they each struggle to find a spouse, they slowly and unwittingly fall in love! Through Bianca’s journey, the author portrays the struggle to entrust God with your future with aching clarity. Through Hudson, the author shows how society’s idea of a “good reputation” can come at the cost of the life God wants for you, a life of love and joy. Readers will be thoroughly invested in Bianca and Hudson’s story because these struggles are universal!
Five Stars ~ Vying for the Viscount by Kristi Ann Hunter is a must for lovers of the Regency Era! Vying for the Viscount is the first book in the author’s new series, Hearts on the Heath. I’m looking forward to reading future books in the series!
Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.
Looking for a story with unconventional friendships, a condescending stepmother and an uncle seeking to claim what isn’t his? You’ll want to place Vying for the Viscount at the top of your to-be-read pile!
Fans of regency romance with absolutely enjoy this book! I enjoyed it! It was a cute, witty read with a really sweet romance! I’m looking forward to the next book in the series, Winning the Gentleman, due out in April 2021.
Vying for the Viscount by Kristi Ann Hunter is available now! Visit Christian Book or Baker Book House to purchase!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley. A positive review was not required. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
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.
I love books by Kristi Ann Hunter. I love her author’s voice, her stories, her witty dialogue, the vein of spirituality throughout her stories, and the feel-good endings. I have an entire shelf of one of my bookcases dedicated to Kristi’s books, and I’m not opposed to accommodating more. To be honest, Regency isn’t my preferred genre or time period. It’s not even my second fav. Even so, Kristi Ann Hunter is one of my favorite authors and its impossible for me to pass up one of her books.
Okay. Enough gushing about the author. Now it’s time to gush about the cover of Vying for the Viscount. The cover art is eye-catching, unique, and so nicely layered. The woman on the cover is exactly how I picture Bianca, and the horses emphasize their part in this story.
Now, for the characters…
I adore Bianca Snowley. I love her untraditional ways, her sense of self, and her realization of how mundane her life felt prior to meeting Hudson. She is often ignored but doesn’t drown in self-pity. She’s a mere afterthought from her selfish stepmother, yet that doesn’t level Bianca’s strength either. She’s her own woman, confident in her own skin and in her abilities, yet still soft along the edges.
I also enjoy Hudson Stildon. It is exciting to discover he isn’t a dashing, well-put-together hero. He’s rather out of place, awkward, and lost. I find that rather charming and am invested in him in every aspect of his life. Particularly in him finding inner strength and having faith in his decisions. His friendship with Bianca feels authentic and I appreciate how they communicate with each other.
Mr. Whitworth and the other secondary characters add so much depth and meaning to the story. They now feel familiar, as if I’ve visited Regency England. I have very little knowledge of horses, but this story made me want to saddle up and stay a little longer at Hawksworth stables. I look forward to book 2 in this series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
I absolutely loved this book. I could relate to Bianca on so many levels. I felt all of the emotions right along with her. This book has a whole lot of sweet romance, angst, and witty banter. You can’t go wrong with one of Kristi’s books. I so look forward to more from this new series.
From the very first (and beautifully ironic) line, Vying for the Viscount drew me in, not letting go until I read the very last, satisfying word.
The romance was lovely, the humour brilliant, and the characters endearing. The faith elements and character growth were handled superbly. The cast of supporting characters was excellent, providing the perfect balance of fun, drama, and wisdom, and setting the stage for future escapades.
I really enjoyed the appearance of a few familiar faces from Kristi Ann Hunter’s previous books. It’s always fun to guess who is going to show up in each new release.
Vying for the Viscount is the well-written blend of a strong plot, gorgeous writing, and engaging characters. I’d recommend it to fans of Christian Historical Romance, Jane Austen, Regency Romance, and Horse-related romance.
(I received a copy of this book from the author for review purposes. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.)
A sweet story:
Book one in a new Regency series, Kristi Ann Hunter delivers another enjoyable read. It is a sweet, gentle book without too much angst or drama. It was a little slow at times and it took me a bit to feel invested in the story and characters. Overall it was a lovely story about family, love and surrendering to the plans God has for us.
Hudson and Bianca agree to find spouses for one another however the more time they spend together, the more they realize that the person they are searching for is right before them. I found the setting on a horse farm unique and interesting and enjoyed discovering about horse racing in the 1800’s.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Beautiful gowns, festive balls, and life at an English estate…what more could a young maiden want? How about a horse? Bianca Snowley loves horses more than she loves the perks of English society but her visits to a neighboring stable may soon end because there’s a new owner. Fortunately, for Bianca, this new owner is in need of help and a deal is struck. She will help Hudson as he assumes his role as Viscount Stildon and he will allow Bianca continued access to his stable. They will also help each other find a suitable mate and all will be well. And then, as in real life, the complications begin. Hudson and Bianca develop a common respect and, as their friendship deepens, the possibility that they will find anyone good enough for the other seems less and less likely!
Vying for the Viscount is a delightful tale of a spunky heroine willing to fight for what she wants, a well-meaning hero who is in over his head, and several other colorful characters that you either love or hate, including a step-mother determined to find Bianca a suitable husband, and Aaron Whitworth, the stable manager who deserves his own story! Best of all, there is a romance that makes your heart flutter and your imagination soar as you supply your own interpretation. Author Kristi Ann Hunter has written another enjoyable story and fans of sweet Regency romance will love this first book in the Hearts on the Heath series. It has everything that you look for in a Regency novel!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was in no way obligated to write a positive review and these are my own opinions.
Vying for the Viscount is Kristi Ann Hunter‘s latest regency novel and first in her new Hearts on the Heath series. Hudson Stildon grew up in India, his parents hiding him from his greedy uncle. When Hudson inherits his grandfather’s title and land, he leaves his Indian home and travels to England for the first time in his life.
Bianca Snowley is an eldest daughter, but is more interested in horses than finding a husband. Until her stepmother insists on managing a match with a man who mistreats his horses. Now Bianca is determined to find a husband before her stepmother saddles her with someone she despises.
I’ve heard great things about Kristi Ann Hunter and her books, so I was excited about giving this book a read. While the story was good, I’m not a huge regency fan, which left me struggling to appreciate it. I liked Hudson, especially at the beginning as he navigated arriving in a new country. Bianca grew on me as she let her strong personality become an asset. And Aaron Whitworth attempted to steal the show.
If you’re a fan of regency novels, definitely pick up a copy of Vying for the Viscount and if you haven’t read one of Kristi Ann Hunter’s books, this is a perfect opportunity to rectify that. Then, let me know whether you enjoyed the story!
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead Publicity Tours and Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
Have you ever found yourself surrounded by people and lonelier than when you were by yourself? Have you ever found yourself the odd person out because you didn’t understand the unspoken rules that everyone else just accepted? Have you ever found yourself running out of time to make an important decision and hating all your options?
If so, you could be friends with Hudson and Bianca, the two lead characters in Vying for the Viscount.
I love Kristi Ann Hunter’s writing because, along with some pretty hilarious scenes and dialogue, she creates characters I could be friends with. This particular story resonated with me because in just about every place I have ever lived, I have had difficulty fitting in until I found my group, and it was never who I originally thought it would be.
Hudson and Bianca’s story is full of moments that are swoon-worthy, excruciating, hilarious, heart-pricking, and inspiring. Like Bianca, I’ve been the girl whose solitary habits kept me from the “in-group”, and who ended up feeling lonelier when I tried to fit in than when I kept to myself. While Hudson frustrated me many times during the story, I had to admit I have struggled through similar mindsets before. Feeling that I had to do everything on my own, thinking it had to play out a certain way, and being frustrated when things didn’t work out. It was great to see him work through these feelings and come to a deeper faith in God as a result.
You can read this book on its own, and if you are new to Kristi Ann Hunter’s books, this is a great place to start. However, if you want an added experience, I would definitely recommend reading An Uncommon Courtship because of one particular scene in this book where the main character from that novel makes a cameo appearance in this one. It was great to see that character paying it forward to a kindred spirit.
I received an advanced copy of this book for reviewing purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I highly recommend Vying for the Viscount by Kristi Ann Hunter! As the book begins, India is the destination. Hudson is the main focus and I wanted the whole novel to be about him! But then I met Bianca living in Suffolk. She’s a horse lover, and an unconventional, single woman nearing the end of her time before becoming a spinster.
As Bianca’s stepmother steps up to try to get her married off, she starts to look at certain men a different way. Her younger half-sister could be close to marrying, but their father would like Bianca married first. The ill-mannered stepmother tries all sorts of ways to fill Bianca’s schedule with a certain man. Bianca would have none of that.
Bianca makes friends with Hudson because she rides his horses in the mornings. Hudson’s thoughts are about running his newly-acquired estate efficiently and being on the leaderboards with his race horses.
There are quite a few men in this story that are all promising suitors for Bianca. The author throws in some interesting situations and page-turning events! 😉
It was really hard to put this book down!
I was given this book by the publisher on behalf of the author to review. Opinions expressed are my own.
Hunter is the master of this genre! Characters with strong personalities, and a dynamic relationship that develops quickly (only a few weeks) everything feels perfectly balanced and natural.
Bianca and Hudson are new to her readers, yet this story is embellished by old favorites, and others that we’ve met before, and are reader to delve a little deeper into. This book sets up the series nicely and I am looking forward to anticipation for Aaron Whitworth’s story.
Vying the Viscount is set in the world of horse racing, at Newmarket. I loved how every aspect of this book felt fresh and new, the uniqueness of the plot will be appreciated in a genre flooded with authors and books to choose from. Kristi Ann Hunter consistently writes a well-rounded and, often, humorous story.
I received a complimentary copy and this is my honest review
Kristi Ann Hunter chose an interesting setting for this story among the country manors in England. The main character, Bianca, was not a typical Regency young lady whose life revolved around parties and balls. She decides that since her parents are making it clear that she has to marry, she’ll pick a spouse who has an excellent stable of horses, and not necessarily pick a husband to climb further up the social scale in England. Hudson has recently moved from India to England to assume his new title of Lord Stilton. He quickly realizes that he needs someone to guide him through the social season, and Bianca is happy to do that as long as she can ride his horses. As the two work together to find each other an acceptable spouse, they find themselves drawn towards each other.
Somehow, though, I didn’t fall in love with the two main characters the way that I have in every other book by this author. I’m not sure why. Their part of the story seemed to move a bit slow. However, there’s another character in this book that did capture my interest, and I was disappointed that the book was not focused on him. Aaron’s family background and his friends were the most interesting part of this book for me. I’m sure this author has more in store for him, and I’ll be looking forward to reading more about him.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.