Winning the Gentleman (Hearts on the Heath)

Kristie Ann Hunter is a joy to read. Her writing takes me on a journey to another time and place, and I love every moment of it. The characters she creates are some of the most unique, eccentric and completely lovable. I could not wait to get my hands on this book. Having read the first book in the series, I was already in love with most of the characters. That being said, this can easily be read as a stand alone novel as well. I Couldn’t wait to learn more about Aaron. His loyalty and the love between him and his friends is unlike any other. Being born as a different class than his friends he sees himself in a certain light. I enjoyed watching his friends push his boundaries and frustrate him to no end. Sophia is perfect for him, but neither of them know that yet. Sophia is sweet and charming and isn’t afraid to step up to a challenge. But she also has some secrets of her own. In a world where your birth determines your value, can the two of them find a place where they belong? I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. Hunter kept me turning the pages, and I couldn’t wait to see what might happen next. I received a complimentary 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.

Kristi Ann Hunter’s Winning the Gentleman has the kind of cover that draws you to a sweet romance inside that is equally captivating. Hunter dedicates the book to her husband with the words “for helping me to see that where I came from doesn’t dictate where I’ll go” and then proceeds to narrate the story of two people who need to grow and learn this very thing. I found this book to be a gem among regency novels as it deals with two people who are not a member of the nobility, but a female horsewoman and an illegitimate son of a Lord. The dialogue between the two main characters is delightful as they each try to reveal as little as possible of their actual circumstances. Many times it is colored with subtle humor, other times I was laughing out loud. Hunter is a master storyteller. The reader can sense that she is involved with her characters and seeks to provide a great tale and a happily ever after. I also gathered much enjoyment in the words of her story. I wanted to sink into them and stay there for a while. I just so appreciate the way she writes. Hunter has another winner with this latest book. I highly recommend this for readers of historical fiction and/or clean romance. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

***HAPPY TO RECOMMEND*** England, Sept 1817, Aaron Whitworth and Sophia Fitzroy are forced to work together when he accidentally hires her as a jockey. "Either God thought Aaron needed another lesson in perseverance, or the world wanted him to remember his proper place - or rather his lack of one." ********** Sophia is a talented rider, but she longs for more than the life of a circus performer. "Pressing her mouth into a stern line, Sophia adjusted her hold on the reins until they were taut enough to create a proper connection with her horse and pasted a smile on her face. One more show. One more evening. Then they would make their escape, running into the dark to find a new life that suited them all." ********** I particularly enjoyed Sophia's twin brother, Jonas, who was strong and wise, keeping them grounded in God's word, even when times were difficult or seemed hopeless. I do hope he gets his own story. "It's going to be all right, Soph. God promised to never fail us nor forsake us." He gave a twisted grin and a one-sided shrug. "Since Israel got that promise, besmirched though it was, what we're doing isn't going to send Him running." ********** Aaron is very reclusive and has built a protective shell around his heart. As I read "Was he getting lazy about keeping the parts of his life separate, or were people simply hammering their way in?" a jackhammer was literally hammering outside in my driveway. Ha! ********** The support system Aaron finds actually surrounds him is touching: "There were varied qualities of clothing, varied levels of stable grime, and an absurd conglomeration of pasts that never should have brought them together, yet here they were. With him." ********** Tea Quote: "Moving around the small space, shucking the trappings of polite society, and making himself a truly awful cup of tea, Aaron's muscles relaxed one by one." (smile) ********** The love story of Aaron and Sophia is very sweet and the setting of horses and stables in England is a lovely backdrop. ********** I am happy to recommend "Winning the Gentleman" with thanks to the publisher for a gifted copy. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.