Vying for the Viscount (Hearts on the Heath)

by Kristi Ann Hunter

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?

• ISBN10: 0764235257
• ISBN13: 9780764235252
• Publish Date: 4 September 2020 (first published 4 August 2020)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
• Imprint: Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 352
• Language: English

Reviews

[Page-Turners]

This is the first novel in the new series Hearts on the Heath. I was so looking forward to diving into this book. It is an amazing story of love, family, faith and new beginnings. The chemistry between Hudson and Bianca is really amazing. Her father decides that Bianca must get married before her younger stepsister, all the while her stepmother wants to set her up with someone she doesn’t like and has nothing in common with. Bianca struggles with the decisions of what she wants in her life and what her family wants for her life. I love how Bianca finds her inner strength to stand her ground against her stepmother. Hudson finds himself feeling distant from God when he lived in India. When he moves to England, he does make some changes in his life, like attending church and reading his Bible. As his faith grows, he learns to trust God for his future. I really liked how the horse training and racing revolved around this story. The connection of the people and the animals was fantastic. If you like well-written, stories of faith, hope and love…this one is for you. I anxiously await the continuation of this series, as it is proven to be a great one.

I have read many books by this author and I absolutely love her writing style. She knows how to truly capture her audience and keep their attention. I loved the cameo appearances of the characters from her other books that this author wrote. It amazes me the way Kristi Ann Hunter intertwines previous characters into new storylines. I thoroughly enjoyed this regency romance novel, and I’m sure you will too.

[phyllish]

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 full review at Among the Reads


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.