WINNING THE GENTLEMAN
Aaron Whitworth hasn't had control over most aspects of his life, but he's always taken pride in being an honorable businessman and better-than-average horseman. When both of those claims are threatened, he makes the desperate decision to hire the horse trainer of a traveling circus as a temporary jockey for his racehorses.
Sophia Fitzroy knows that most horsemen don't take her seriously because she's a woman, but she can't pass up the opportunity to get away from the tumultuous world of travel and performing. As she fights for the right to do the work she was hired for, she learns the fight for Aaron's guarded heart might be an even more worthwhile challenge.
As secrets come to light and past vulnerabilities are confronted, will Aaron and Sophia sacrifice their former dreams and forge a new on together?
My Review:
Let it be known that after reading the first Hearts on the Heath novel back in August I was chomping at the bit to get my hands on this second book. No surprise then to note that Winning the Gentleman didn't have to jockey for position on my TBR pile...it never made it that far. That's because I had difficulty reining in my excitement and raced right into reading...er listening...the second I woke up on release day. Alas, I galloped through with unbridled enthusiasm and it was over all too soon. Therefore, I suggest you approach your reading using a different tack by pacing yourself so the thrill lasts longer. :-)
Ahem, I shall put aside me long buried horse-mad tweenish self and attempt to come up with a proper review. Excuse me if intermittent squeals burst forth because...well, why don't I get the biblio-theatrics out of the way right from the start?
Sqqquuuuueeeealllllllll!!!!! (sorry for any pierced eardrums)
THUD! (no worries, fainting couch on hand)
and repeat, multiple times during the course of this read.
Because...
Aaron!!!! And not only Aaron but a bevy of previous Hunter heroes manage to gather on multiple occasions causing my delicate reader's heart to race in giddy euphoria. The banter and smirking and honorary brothers backing brothers when the chips are down! I'm still grinning.
And, of course, their heroines make appearances too, which is a little overwhelming for poor Sophia because that sisterhood is a force to be reckoned with. More banter and laughter along with gentle kindness and passionate support for the scandalous horsewoman. Honestly, just these friendly bonding scenes make this book a worthwhile read. But when Hunter puts Aaron and Sophia on the same page...more swooning and squealing and general fangirling ensues.
These two have chemistry! But they are in an impossible situation (a lot of which is their own doing Stringing words into sentences has the power to clarify issues, just sayin'.) But Sophia and Aaron are both battling feelings of inferiority for different reasons and finding a place for themselves within the strict confines of England's rigid class system makes it that much harder.
The plot is delightfully complicated with enough twists and turns to keep me on high alert until the very end. Hunter deals with very real, raw emotions with grace and humour...and faith! This is truly an inspiring read and there's no doubt about Winning the Gentleman being Christian Fiction. But that doesn't mean it's preachy or stilted. Faith flows naturally and brings added depth to an already richly layered story.
I listened to the audible edition narrated by Ann Marie Gideon and I enjoyed every delectable second.
Oh -- and no worries if you haven't read the first book in this series, Vying for the Viscount, or any other books by Kristi Ann Hunter (though I am worried over how much you are missing out on!) Winning the Gentleman reads beautifully as a standalone novel as well.
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
This giveaway is paperback or ebook copy -- winner's choice
If you would like a chance to win a copy of Winning the Gentleman, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winners announced on Saturday May 1 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!
I love Kristi Ann Hunter's books! They're the perfect blend of romance and humor.
ReplyDeleterachaeldalquist AT yahoo DOT com
They are! And the banter!!!! Good luck, Rachael!
DeleteI would love to read this one, please enter me,thanks! lclee59(at)centurylink(dot)net
ReplyDeleteYou're in, Connie. Good luck!
DeleteA new set to read and a new author as well. A Must!!
ReplyDeleterrwalter34ATgmailDOTcom
Oh, she's fabulous! Regency with an inspirational thread is a rare thing and I love it. Good luck, Becky!
DeleteYour squeal reviews always signal an amazing read!! I can't wait to read this series!
ReplyDeletepocoauthorATgmailDOTcom
It's a five squeal alert kinda read. :-) Good luck, Nicole!
DeleteOh wow!!! This sounds like one not to miss!!!
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
Definitely not to be missed. Good luck, Melanie!
DeleteYou're welcome, Kate. You need to read this one. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteSQUEEEEEAAAL!! I need this book. LOL. You have made me want it. :) lattebooksAThotmailDOTcom
ReplyDeleteYou really, really need this book, Susan! Good luck!
DeleteTraveling circus horse trainer! Yes, I want to meet her, especially by her scribe she had madly typing to keep up with her antics... Count me in.
ReplyDeleteKathleen ~ Lane Hill House
kathleen[dot]e[dot]belongia[at]gmail[dot]com
Sophia is such a fantastic heroine! You will love her. Good luck, Kathleen!
DeleteYou had me at horses!
ReplyDeletepsalm103and138atgmaildotcom
I know, right? Good luck, Caryl!
DeleteEnjoyed your review! It is good to know which books can be read without the prior one in the series. Always appreciate her writing and the horses are an added plus, as I had a "pet" horse when I was growing up. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOoohhh -- a real pet horse? I'm jealous. All mine were imaginary ones. Good luck, CC!
DeleteI love Kristi Ann Hunter’s books! Can’t wait to read this one. Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeletepwestfall7 at hotmail dot com
She's an amazing storyteller. Good luck, Pam!
DeleteLove her books! This has been on my “want” list but I’ve been falling way behind.
ReplyDeletemindyhoung at msn dot com
It's just out as of last week so you're not too behind. Though it feels that way when it's books written by authors we love. Good luck, Mindy!
DeleteI love your ssssqqqquuuueeeeaaaals. cheetahthecat1986ATgmailDOTcom
ReplyDeletelol -- this one is worthy of a major one. Good luck, Kim!
DeleteI've heard really good things about this series! I need to catch up!
ReplyDeletedmandres5 at gmail dot com
Yes, you do! You'll enjoy every minute of the catching up too. Good luck, Melissa!
DeleteI only read her Hawthorne House series but was hooked from that first book "A Noble Masquerade"! I need a serious catch-up, or possibly clone myself a few times so I can read more books.
ReplyDeleteOh and, ahem, I'd never try to "reign in" your enthusiastic reviews Kav....lol!
teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
She's the Regency queen as far as I'm concerned. And I love that she includes a faith thread. Good luck, Trixi!
DeleteYou had me at the gorgeous cover, but "WINNING THE GENTLEMAN" sounds amazing. You can't beat the combination of chemistry, situations, twists and turns and the need for chocolate and a swooning couch. Can't wait for the opportunity to read this one.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the chance to win a copy!
2clowns at arkansas dot net
The cover is the icing on the cake. You're gonna love this one, Kay. Good luck!
DeleteI'm a big fan of Kristi Ann Hunter's books and am so glad Aaron gets his own story. I liked him in the first book. Thanks for the chance to win Winning the Gentleman.
ReplyDeletepmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
You're welcome, Pam. Good luck!
DeleteThis is a new author to me. Sounds like a great book! golden0522ATmsnDOTcom
ReplyDeleteIf you love Regencies you will adore Krsiti Ann Hunter's books. Good luck, Judy!
DeleteTelling on myself, I have several Kristi books on my kindle but as yet have only read one novella, gasp! Per your review I can see I am missing out big time. This sounds like a winner, the book and the gentleman ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you Kav for sharing all your great book finds!
tracey14567 at gmail dot com
Ha - more beach reads for you! Good luck, Tracey!
DeleteLooks good!😉
ReplyDeleteIt is! Good luck, Elly!
DeleteKristi's books are always terrific! I love how she ties in her previous characters with her new characters. :D
ReplyDeleteeclitton at gmail dot com
It was so much fun to spot those characters but not necessary to already know them for newbie readers. Good luck, Elizabeth!
DeleteI’ve only read a few of Kristi’s books, and I know I have been missing out on some good ones! It’s good to know that this one can stand alone.
ReplyDeletepattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
It absolutely can. If you love Regencies, she's one of the best. Good luck, Patty.
DeleteI love her books! I need to start this series, I'm getting behind...
ReplyDeletecolorvibrant at gmail dot com
You'll have a blast catching up! Good luck, Heidi!
DeleteI've read a few books in her previous two series, but have yet to start this one and I just love the horse-y covers!
ReplyDeletetlhcoupon(at)hotmail(dot)com
Yes -- calls out my inner horse-mad tween self. Good luck, Terrill!
DeleteThank you for sharing. leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Lucy. Good luck!
DeleteI love Kristi's books, and she is so much fun to follow on social media too. I am excited to read this one next!
ReplyDeleteLLWaltz [at] gmail [dot] com