Vying for the Viscount

Hearts on the Heath, Book 1

By: Kristi Ann Hunter

Narrated by: Ann Marie Gideon

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?

©2020 Kristi Ann Hunter (P)2020 Recorded Books

Historical Romance?

Historical romance or not? As I was listening to the dialogue I kept forgetting that the story was set in the past. However, the storylines were interesting and successfully merged together providing continuity without ridiculous/contrived actions. Of the two main characters, Hudson and Bianca, Bianca was given more depth while Hudson’s portrayal was superficial, therefore I found Bianca’s attraction to him somewhat contrived. The stepmother could have been a stereotype but her vicious set downs elevated her villainy thus providing insight into Bianca’s motivations and behavior. By expanding the storyline involving horse racing more tension could have been achieved giving a little more life to the plot. Overall, I recommend this book due to the atypical romance progression, witty (although not authentic to the time period) dialogue, and the deliciously vile stepmother.

Clean enjoyable story

I especially liked that it was a true clean story. It was interesting with unexpected things happening
I would recommend this book

Enjoyable regency romance

Engaging, funny, & well written. The ending was believable and not over done. I actually found myself amused from the dialogue from time to time.

Love at first sight

Loved this book. The love of the horse’s was great. Outsider seeing the truth and being treated with respect.

Loved this book! Excellent narration

Loved this book! Recently found this author and this is my third book of hers. Loved them all! This narration was excellent.

Enjoyable

I loved the characters in this story. I also love that it was not consumed with sex scenes. Great narration.

Carve Out Some Time For This Series!

Goodness! I decided it was finally time to read this book and couldn’t help myself! I ignored all things around me and finished it in little over a day! I always love Hunter’s characters, her writing style and lovely stories! They always have a subtle yet meaningful spiritual thread and a captivating love story! And, yes, I am ready to get to Books 2 and 3.

The audiobook is so well done by Ann Marie Gideon. She narrated a couple of the Hawthorne House books but I enjoyed her male voices better in this series. She carries the humor of Hunter’s books well and has a soothing British accent that is perfect for the English countryside setting.

This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this book from an author giveaway free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review. I also purchased the audiobook.

"A Fabulous Day for a Ride"

Horses, friendship, horrid step-mother, and a romance! This is such a fun start to a new series by Kristi Ann Hunter. (It is a complete story on its own.)
I felt so bad for Hudson. A terrible trip from India then a rather unfortunate meeting with his new neighbor, Miss Bianca Snowley. Seeing Bianca and Hudson become friends was delightful. Their decision to help each other doesn't work out as planned but it certainly was fun to listen to.
Ann Marie Gideon does a fantastic narration!
If you are a fan of this author, you will enjoy a few surprise appearances.

Absolutely loved it! Very good read!

Absolutely loved it! Very good read!
And the narrator is simply fabulous! Completely love how she depicts each character and emotion !

Distracted by narrators poor English accent

Why not just hire an actual English person? Haven’t finished the story. Will try to push through because others liked the story so much.