I was so excited for Kristi Ann Hunter’s latest book, Vying for the Viscount. I’ve loved her books so much, and I couldn’t wait for another series.
She didn’t let me down, y’all.
Book Blurb
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?
My Thoughts
Vying for the Viscount is typical Kristi Ann Hunter: heartwarming and humorous. From the beginning, Hunter grabs your attention and holds it throughout the rest of the book with her well-developed characters.
Hudson’s desire to garner the respect of his peers is relatable, and his bumbling mistakes add to his charm. Hunter sure knows how to create great heroes.
But I think my favorite character in this whole book was Bianca. She genuinely tries to make the best of her situation, even if she does have a crush on a man who wants her help attracting another woman.
Really, though, her whole cast of characters is wonderful, as usual. With familiar and new faces alike, Hunter uses supporting characters to add charm and humor to her stories. (And to knock some sense into the main characters. But only when they need it.)
As for the romance, she hit it out of the park. Hunter knows how to craft a wonderful romance, full of the typical push/pull, will they/won’t they and those moments that have you swooning. She doesn’t just make you root for the characters, she makes you understand why they just have to be with each other and no one else. A warning though, you will become emotionally invested. It will happen. Just accept it and go with it. Maybe keep some chocolate handy.
And even if you’re not a fan of horses or know nothing of horse racing, you’ll enjoy those aspects of the novel as well. Hunter weaves those elements in seamlessly with the story, making you care about the business as much as the characters.
Overall, Vying for the Viscount is a great Regency romance perfect for horse lovers, history lovers, and romance readers alike.
Further Information
For more on Kristi Ann Hunter, check out her website and sign up for her newsletter. You can also follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.
And if you love a good Regency romance, check out my review for The Gentleman Spy by Erica Vetsch.
(Note: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.)
