Vying for the Viscount (Hearts on the Heath)

Vying for the Viscount is a strikingly descriptive story that fans of historical fiction, especially Regency, will want to read.

I’m a huge fan of Kristi Ann Hunter and always look forward to her stories but while I liked Vying for the Viscount, I didn’t love it. The beginning seemed slow and tedious to me. Hudson didn’t come across as a very strong character. He was raised in India and although he kept saying he had been prepared his whole life to take over the role as Viscount, it didn’t seem like it when he got to England. I found him sort of ‘soft’ for lack of a better word. Bianca is a smart, horse-loving woman in a kind of sad situation at home. Each morning, she goes next door to help exercise the Viscount’s horses. Their first meeting is sort of funny but I was hoping for a bit more spunk and spark between her and Hudson.

Aaron, on the other hand, is the character whose story I wanted to hear most. He’s an emotionally wounded man, not in an overt manner but you can tell he’s experienced deep hurt at the hands of others. He has a familial connection to someone in the story but it’s a bit before we find out who it is. I’m really hoping his story is next.

I was provided an electronic copy from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

"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."

When I read a book by Kristie Ann Hunter I know it’s going to be good. Vying for the Viscount was one of those books. The main characters had the most unique meeting I have probably ever read. Hunter had me giggling and I couldn’t imagine what would happen next. I was taken on an adventure and every twist and turn was a surprise. Hudson and Bianca were easy to love, and I enjoyed watching their chemistry. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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.

I received a free copy of this book. All thoughts above are my own.

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.*

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.

"Vying for the Viscount" is a Christian historical romance set in 1817 in Newmarket, England. Hudson had to deal with the differences between India and England as well as his desire to fit in and impress the owners of the other racing stables. After hearing the rumor that a highly sought after stud will be made available to the man that marries Lady Rebecca, he decided that was the way to gain a respectable wife along with the admiration of others for good horse breeding. Bianca agreed to help him with things like the local dances and social customs. In return, he'd nudge some friends in her direction that were decent men who liked a woman who loves horses. As their friendship grew, it was obvious to everyone how well suited Hudson and Bianca were but Hudson's blind to it because he's so focused on achieving his goal.

The overall tone of the story was lightly humorous. The characters were engaging, caring, and they reacted realistically to events. Hudson and Bianca quickly became good friends due to shared interests and a similar sense of humor. There was some tension since Bianca was being pressured to choose a good match for herself while wishing she could marry Hudson. I appreciated that the courtship of Bianca was not rushed at the end just so that the author could wrap things up with a marriage. There was some praying, and Hudson learned to trust God more. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable historical romance.

I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

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.

"It isn't the comfort that makes the love good. It's the life that makes their love good."

Kristi Ann Hunter will never disappoint in bringing her readers a beautifully created Regency world full of high society and romance, laced with humor, wit, and delightful characters and wrapped with melodic, lyrical prose. Vying for the Viscount is a fantastic start to her newest series Hearts on the Heath and it brings us to Newmarket where horse-racing is king and horse-breeding the talk of town. I must admit it took me longer than usual to finish this book because I wanted to savor every word written on every page and hold on to the sumptuous experience of lingering on in the conversations and thoughts. The author's novels are known to draw you in to the characters' lives and have you live within them but this book grabbed a certain part of my heart and soul from the very beginning. If you are a fan of Regency romance, this is a must-read book for you.

Our hero Hudson is absolutely adorable and lovable in his naivete and innocence about the traitorous and convoluted English high society which is so different from India where he grew up. His loyalty, sense of humor, humility, and thoughtfulness garner him friends as he learns to navigate the horse-breeding and racing culture that he's inherited from his grandfather. Bianca is an unconventional, outspoken, funny horse-loving gentlewoman who is being forced into a "profitable match" by her stepmother. Bianca's tender and compassionate heart encourages friendship with her lost and confused neighbor Hudson and even has her guiding him in society and functions to acquire the proper wife but they're not prepared for what their friendship will lead to.

I also enjoyed seeing the characters from the previous series again - so much fun!

I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

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.