Vying for the Viscount (Hearts on the Heath)

A delightfully spectacular Regency read set against the horse flesh centric community of Newmarket, it doesn't get any better than this! This may be my favorite book by Kristi Ann Hunter yet, a thoroughly satisfying Regency read, cleverly weaving threads of social intrigue evocative of the time, with protagonists that I couldn't help but cheer for all the way through. Engaging and nearly impossible to put down, filled with heart and humor along the way. But that's not all, there are HORSES! As if I didn't already have enough reason to love this book, Ms. Hunter goes and plays her trump card by bringing this community driven by a passion for horses to life, making it a turning point at which many of the characters bond over the course of the book. I knew that I would love Bianca from the very first page, with her love of horses and eschewing of the social acrobatic games. She is clever, with a quick wit, sincere heart, with the ability to be honest with herself, and gets a task done on her own terms, along with her modern sense of practicality. Hudson is determined and genuine, I admired his willingness to confront what he didn't know head-on, and acknowledge his need for help. This book is stellar on so many levels, with well crafted characters, and supporting characters, as well as some familiar faces from previous books by this author. The author finds ways to say so much simple interactions. I loved the amazing friendship dynamics in so many of the relationships between characters, many of which I am hoping get their own stories in future books as there is still quite a bit of mystery around them. My vote for the next books in the series is a tie between Aaron Whitworth and Lord Rigby. One of my favorite books this year, I can't stop gushing about it. HIGHLY recommend! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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.

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.