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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Hudson and Bianca are wonderful characters that don’t fit the “normal” regency characters. Throughout the book they try to change themselves to fit the mold only to find that sometimes you can be yourself and find a place to fit in the world. The setting of the book puts you right into an estate the breeds and races horses. Kristi Ann Hunter does a great job of providing details to the racing world and breeding throughout the book making you feel like you truly know about horses. It is beautifully written and one that is hard to put down. If you are familiar with other Kristi Ann Hunter books you get a nice surprise with past characters making an appearance. If you are not familiar with her other books, the past characters are presented in a way that will make you want to read their stories but that doesn’t take away from the story if you don’t know them.
Kristi Ann Hunter is off to a great start with her new book, Vying for the Viscount, the first story in her Hearts on the Heath series. With an interesting setting in Newmarket in Regency England and populated with endearing, delightful characters, this charming and witty story drew me in and kept me turning the pages. I adore Hunter’s sense of humor and fun that shines throughout her writing.
“You mean to tell me that all English food is that bland?” “We make up for it with saucy women who attack men in their own stables.” “I think, given the choice, I’d rather have bland food than boring company.”
Hudson (newly titled Lord Stildon and recently arrived from India) is lovable, slightly insecure, and needing to learn about his new country and station in life. Bianca Snowley is a spunky, horse-loving heroine who is willing to help him out. I thoroughly enjoyed their camaraderie and banter as they got to know each other. A sweet message of the importance of seeking God’s approval instead of man’s approval gave depth and a spiritual dimension to the story.
Cameo appearances of characters from previous Hunter stories added to my enjoyment of this tale. I’m looking forward to the rest of this series from one of my favorite authors. 4.5 stars
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy through Bethany House Publishing on behalf of the author. All opinions are my own.
There is nothing better in this world than a good Regency story which of course includes Lords & Ladies, horses, balls & assemblies, family drama, match-making mamas, sparring language, some mystery, and of course a satisfying romance. Kristi Hunter’s new book Vying for the Viscount is all that a Regency story should be plus it is filled with Ms. Hunter’s wonderful wit and explores the faith journey of the main characters Bianca and Hudson.
I can not tell you the last time I enjoyed such a wonderful Regency story. I was transported to Regency England where I loved learning about horse racing, and fell in love with the main characters Bianca and Hudson. Both are lovable, interesting, and awkward enough to endear them to you forever. Bianca’s family will keep you guessing throughout the story on whether you should love or hate them. Truly a great read that Regency lovers do not want to miss. I highly recommend Vying for the Viscount.
I received a copy from the publisher and was not required to write a review.
Vying for the Viscount has a little bit of everything I love in a book: witty dialogue and banter, a bit of intrigue, a touch of humor, memorable characters, and friendship before love in the romance.
Bianca and Hudson have an interesting first meeting but overcome it quickly enough. Through their agreement, Bianca wrestles with the decisions before her while Hudson navigates a new home, new acquaintances, and a new title.
Some of my favorite scenes in this book were the ones where Bianca, Hudson, and the stable manager are riding together because of the honest conversations they have during those times. And I am thrilled to see book two in this series features that stable manager because he added a lot to this story.
Fans of Kristi Ann Hunter will enjoy the cameos of some favorite characters, but this book is truly about finding your place and falling in love. I loved every second of it.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Having heard mixed thoughts on Kirsti Ann Hunter’s books I have been excited yet slightly nervous that there would be content I would dislike.
Thankfully, there was not anything I disagreed with for the most part. Although there were mentions of an illegitimate birth in the past.
The romance in the book was quite sweet and I enjoyed the fact that there was not overly touchy romance.
Hudson and Bianca are not the usual regency couple you expect to find in a regency romance, which was a sweet surprise! They were different from most in that they are more honest, they had different backgrounds, and they were not truly looking to marry for the normal reasons.
I am looking forward to reading more from Hunter and reading some of her previous books.
Vying for the Viscount is typical Kristi Ann Hunter: heartwarming and humorous. From the beginning, Hunter grabs your attention and holds it throughout the rest of the book with her well-developed characters.
Hudson’s desire to garner the respect of his peers is relatable, and his bumbling mistakes add to his charm. Hunter sure knows how to create great heroes.
But I think my favorite character in this whole book was Bianca. She genuinely tries to make the best of her situation, even if she does have a crush on a man who wants her help attracting another woman.
Really, though, her whole cast of characters is wonderful, as usual. With familiar and new faces alike, Hunter uses supporting characters to add charm and humor to her stories. (And to knock some sense into the main characters. But only when they need it.)
As for the romance, she hit it out of the park. Hunter knows how to craft a wonderful romance, full of the typical push/pull, will they/won’t they and those moments that have you swooning. She doesn’t just make you root for the characters, she makes you understand why they just have to be with each other and no one else. A warning though, you will become emotionally invested. It will happen. Just accept it and go with it. Maybe keep some chocolate handy.
And even if you’re not a fan of horses or know nothing of horse racing, you’ll enjoy those aspects of the novel as well. Hunter weaves those elements in seamlessly with the story, making you care about the business as much as the characters.
Overall, Vying for the Viscount is a great Regency romance perfect for horse lovers, history lovers, and romance readers alike.
(Note: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.)
Vying for the Viscount
Hearts on the Heath #1
By Kristi Ann Hunter
Bianca Snowley loves horses, a most unbecoming past time for the daughter of a gentleman, especially one that is expected to marry well. But Bianca isn’t like other young ladies in Newmarket and marriage is going to be on her terms. At least that was her plan until for stepmother set her sights on her. What’s worse her stepmother seems determined to marry Bianca off to the worst possible man.
Hawksworth is Hudson’s destiny. His whole life has been in preparation of assuming the title Viscount Stildon. Following the death of a grandfather he never met, Hudson finds himself as out of place in England as he was in India. The instructions he thought of as preparing him for life among the aristocracy are sorely lacking. But admitting his lack will just open him up to ridicule and scorn among those who are now his peers. With help scarce, he turns to the only person he can trust – his next-door neighbor – Miss Bianca Snowley.
Desperate to thwart her stepmother’s plans Bianca agrees to Lord Stildon’s plan in exchange for his help in helping her secure a future of her own choosing. Soon the most unlikely friendship forms -one that could be the undoing of all their plans. But sometimes the plans we make aren’t the ones that are best for us. But can Bianca and Hudson discover what it is they truly want before they set themselves on a course of unhappiness?
Vying for the Viscount is the first book in Kristi Ann Hunter’s Hearts on the Heath – a series that may have a character or two from the author’s previous series (I’m not saying more as that would ruin the surprise). I like Bianca and Hudson but I really enjoyed getting to know Aaron Whitworth who is the stable manager for Hawksworth and is both frank and insightful as the situation requires. I look forward to additions to this series as this was an excellent offering from the author that is not to be missed.
Fans of Regency-era historical fiction will enjoy this clean-read offering. Those who have read Kristi Ann Hunter in the past will not be disappointed and those new to her work will be delighted. This would make an excellent book club selection.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
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.
Kristi Ann Hunter’s Vying for the Viscount is the first book in her new Hearts on the Heath series. I have enjoyed every Hunter book that I have read, but this one just charmed me from the beginning and has become a new favorite.
Hudson and Bianca, the hero and heroine of the book, caught my affection from the very first chapter. Hudson, born and raised in India, moves to England to take possession of his inheritance. The fact that he is often clueless on the ways of life in England make him all the more endearing. His meeting with his neighbor, Bianca, is definitely one to be remembered. Bianca has a love of horses and riding in common with Hudson and they soon form a friendship that could be so much more.
I was really thrilled with the number of quotations that just resonated with me. I found myself marking a few pages of lines that I want to remember and think about long after I’ve finished this book.
Hunter’s books are always filled with relatable characters, humorous happenings, and sweet romance. This book is no exception. Throw in a mean stepmother and a beloved character from a previous book and you have a recipe for a delightful read.
I highly recommend this book and am anxiously awaiting Hunter’s next book in the series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions stated are my own.
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.
Miss Bianca Snowley is twenty-four years old and single in Regency England, a society that likes to marry off their females as soon as they leave the schoolroom. She’s mad about riding, and disinterested in fashion or whatever else is supposed to appeal to genteel young ladies. But her step-mother’s hints have finally sunk in, and Bianca realises she’s going to have to find a husband herself or settle for the unappealing Mr Mead.
Twenty-eight year old Hudson, the new Viscount Stildon, is newly arrived in England from India, where he was born and raised. He’s inherited his grandfather’s title and stables, and is keen to build his reputation as a horseman. But he has no idea how to progress in English society—he can’t even waltz. Fortunately, Miss Snowley is available to help coach him, in return for a promised ride on his prize stallion.
The thing that caught my attention straight away were the character voices. They’re quirky and unusual, and very readable. Both characters are true characters, in the English sense of the word. They are both intelligent, witty, horse-mad, and completely unable to see what’s obvious to the reader and everyone else around them.
Vying for the Viscount is a fast, fun read, a Regency England version of Jen Turano. But it also has some spiritual depth, as both Hudson and Bianca realise they will need to modify the way they live their lives if they are to achieve true happiness.
Vying for the Viscount is the first novel in Kristi Ann Hunter’s new Hearts on the Heath series, set among the Newmarket horseracing set. Fans of her Hawthorne House series will enjoy cameos from some of the earlier characters, but it’s not necessary to read them first.
I recommend Vying for the Viscount for fans of Christian Regency Romance from authors such as Carolyn Miller.
Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
A new series to lose my heart in! Hearts on the Heath begins with Vying for the Viscount, a warm, humorous and delightful tale set in Newmarket in 1817. Hudson arrives from India, where he has lived and trained his entire life for the role of Viscount Stildon. He quickly learns he knows all the right things but without context or experience, thereby making him awkward enough to warrant tutoring in social expectations and execution. Enter Bianca, who literally enters with a bang Hudson cannot ignore, and you have a delightful couple who find themselves through friendship and shared experiences. Supporting characters are well written and leave room for new stories to be explored. I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of this clean, inspirational book with a lingering message of trust and contentment and highly recommend to readers of historical fiction.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own and freely given.
This is the first novel of the Hearts in the Heath Series, and it’s a wonderful start that enticed me to read more of this series!
Hudson is the new Viscount Stildon, having inherited the title and a big Manor from his grandfather. He was born and raised in India because his uncle threatened to kill any possible heirs to the title. But he was raised knowing he would one day inherit and go to England to claim his inheritance. And now, the time has come, and he finds himself with a fragile but promising breeding and racing empire, and at odds while dicovering he has no idea how to behave nor he understands all the customs of the english society, which he finds full of prejudices and based on appearance and status.
When he visits his stables for the first time, he’s attacked by a strange Lady thinks him a horse thief, and he runs away. He later discovers this unexpected woman is Lady Bianca Snowley, from the neighboring estate, who has been volunteering for a time to exercise one of his horses, being this her most valued refuge from her life at home with her domineering stepmother.
Hudson and Bianca seem to keep meeting each other, and they seem to have something in common. They need to get married. Bianca’s father has declared that Bianca has to marry before her younger stepsister, and her stepmother is set on setting her up with someone she abhorrs!
So they agree to help each other, and Bianca sets to help him navigate with propriety among the ton, and that’s how they start developing a close and natural friendship that will later make them question if there might be something deeper than their witty and enjoyable camaraderie, and if they’re truly comfortable with the other finding someone else. Will they acknowledge their true feelings, or will they let society dictate their future?
This was a beautiful and enjoyable story of friends turning into so much more! I loved that it centered around horses breeding and racing. Kristi Ann Hunter seems to have done a very well research in this camp and she describes it all with the naturality of a professional. I truly love her writing style that absorbs me in the story.
I especially loved the main characters: Hudson was a man of honor, and he was determined to heir his grandfather would be proud of, he was naive and opposed to the tons duplicity and hypocresy, he was humble and kind. Bianca was a strong woman, having endured a difficult youth with her stepmother, who favored her natural children, but she had a kind heart and liked to help others. She’s the one to first realize he was feeling more for Hudson, and I ached for her while he was still indifferent and had his sights somewhere else. Yet it was beautiful when he acknowledges his love for Bianca. It was a slow romance in this sense, but so much worth it in the end!
The plot flows with a natural pace, it never drags and there’s enough intrigue and drama to captivate you. Still, the best part are their witty dialogues and banter that made me laugh out loud!
I loved to revisit some characters from her previous series too…
All in all, a delightful Regency Romance that you will enjoy and I definitely recommend! And a great and enticing start to a whole New Series I’m eager to keep on reading!
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing and wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
What a fantastic start to a new series by Kristi Ann Hunter! I really enjoyed everything about this story. The characters are SO enjoyable and engaging. The horses and stable info was interesting. I cannot wait to see who we get to read about in the next book! Excellent beginning!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
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.
Vying for the Viscount
I absolutely loved this newest release from Kristi Ann Hunter! It was so much fun to read this fantastic Christian Regency romance, with horses included! The middle school girl still inside (the one who loved The Saddle Club and wanted to ride a golden palomino one day) was thrilled at the inclusion. The setting of Newmarket was a great choice for a story, not the usual Regency setting. I loved the spunk and resourcefulness of the heroine, and that she had reasons to feel sorry for herself, but never did. The hero was tall, dark, and handsome, but he had depth and wasn’t perfect. I liked that he was raised in India, and some parts of that were included in the story, including his seasickness. I also enjoyed the inclusion of some of the characters from her previous books. This may be my favorite Kristi Ann Hunter book, and I can’t wait for the sequel!
The Regency has been one of my favorite historical settings since the 1995 BBC version of Pride and Prejudice premiered. I have read numerous books on the time period, and many, many more novels set during that era, and I usually find something new in each one. But Hunter has really outdone herself in this novel, with a depth of research and a fascinating fish out of water story that educates almost as well as she entertains.
Hudson is new to England and, despite his late parent’s efforts, finds himself completely out of his element. His heritage and tutors have not adequately prepared him for living in this new country, and he needs someone to trust. Even more, intrinsic to his character, he needs a place to belong, a people to belong to. He has lived alone too long, always the outsider. I know I could relate, and I think many others who read his story will, too.
The author really immersed me in the time period. I learned several new details while reading this novel, all within the context of the storyline, so it never felt like a history lesson, nor did it throw me out of the story. Part of this is due to Hudson’s newness to England, but even the dialog and phrasing of sentences kept me firmly rooted in the time, and the descriptions of the weather, the reasoning behind some of the customs and sayings that have always seemed awkward to me were explained.
I enjoyed the characters immensely. Hudson is a strange, realistic mix of humility and pride, but his kind heart and willingness to admit when he’s wrong makes him loveable. Bianca is a woman who knows herself better than most, but then she finds all of her plans disrupted by the desires and demands of others; again, I could relate, and I’m sure I’m not the only one.
This is a great novel and I enjoyed the characters, their story, and my mini-vacation to the Regency era. I highly recommend it for those who like fish out of water stories, and especially for anyone with an interest in Regency novels, though those new to the setting will find this a good place to start, given the amount of information to help the characters, and therefore the reader, understand what’s going on.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher but was under no obligation to post positive remarks. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
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.*
The beginning to this new series promises Kristi’s signature wit, charm, and heart. Bianca isn’t the usual charming regency lady, but then again, Hudson has his own unique charms too. The characters themselves are adorable, especially as each is trying to navigate their own place in a society changed from what they expected, and finding themselves the center of quite a few absolutely adorable guffaws. Their interactions are so sweet, establishing a fun, if rather unconventional, friendship even as they fight against the possibility of something more. Throw in some charming friendly faces from Kristi’s previous books, and this is a great novel I recommend for anyone wanting a sweet regency, and I can’t wait for the next book!
*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, but was under no obligation to post a positive review.
Witty and heartwarming
My rating is 4.5 stars
The beginning of a new series seemed like a great time to immerse myself in Kristi Ann Hunter’s Regency world. I have only read one of her stories, Legacy of Love from The Christmas Heirloom anthology. I enjoyed it so much I made note to read more by her. I now have Winning the Gentleman, the next story in the Hearts on the Heath series, on my blog calendar for next April when it releases!
I enjoyed the fish-out-of-water situation Hudson found himself in when he moved from India to England, the land of his ancestors. Having spent twenty-eight years in a world foreign to those of the aristocracy of England gave him plenty of societal customs to learn!
I really enjoyed the impromptu dance lesson he took from Bianca with an unlikely group of dancers to assist. Telling you more would spoil your fun in reading about it and I couldn’t possibly do it justice!
Hudson was humble and yet had high aspirations. He was convinced he needed to acquire a contract for the best racehorse in Newgate to sire a foal and was willing to go to extremes to make it possible.
One of my favorite shows of Hudson’s character was a scene when he was in his library (or was it his study?) and his stable manager, Mr. Whitworth came to see him. As they were speaking, Hudson suggested they dispense with formalities and address one another by their Christian names. When he realized the reason for Whitworth’s hesitation, the grace and tact with which he handled the situation was extremely touching!
Bianca had a stepmother who wasn’t particularly wicked and yet she clearly favored the son and daughter she bore herself to her stepdaughter. The things poor Bianca endured under her stepmother’s “care” were so sad!! Yet Bianca had a kind and gentle spirit.
Both Hudson and Bianca struggled with seeing God’s goodness in the midst of the sad events of their lives. The author very naturally led them through their struggles, allowing them to change their view of God and of all the things they ever held most dear.
Filled with wit, romance, and surprises, my first Kristi Ann Hunter novel was very enjoyable. There were hints that several of the characters were introduced in a previous series – enough to pique my interest and make me want to find out what happened to them – and hints that more stories will be told – confirmed by a quick look at upcoming releases – so I’m excited to read more from this author.
If you enjoy romance with faith and a touch of adventure that is not at all bland (Hudson would be so glad!), I recommend Vying for the Viscount.
Read my review of Vying for the Viscount by Kristi Ann Hunter at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.