Tag: Hunter Kristi Ann

Lady Miranda Hawthorne acts every inch the lady, but inside she longs to be bold and carefree. Entering her fourth Season and approaching spinsterhood in the eyes of society, she pours her innermost feelings out not in a diary but in letters to her brother’s old school friend, a duke–with no intention of ever sending these private thoughts to a man she’s heard stories about but never met. Meanwhile, she also finds herself intrigued by Marlow, her brother’s new valet, and although she may wish to break free of the strictures that bind her, falling in love with a servant is more of a rebellion than she planned.

When Marlow accidentally discovers and mails one of the letters to her unwitting confidant, Miranda is beyond mortified. And even more shocked when the duke returns her note with one of his own that initiates a courtship-by-mail. Insecurity about her lack of suitors shifts into confusion at her growing feelings for two men–one she’s never met but whose words deeply resonate with her heart, and one she has come to depend on but whose behavior is more and more suspicious. When it becomes apparent state secrets are at risk and Marcus is right in the thick of the conflict, one thing is certain: Miranda’s heart is far from all that’s at risk for the Hawthornes and those they love.

My Review:

published in 2015

I was inspired to revisit this series after reading The Hawthorne House novella collection. This time I listened to the audible edition and was just as captivated by this story and these characters!

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Thrilled me to my toes. I adore Regency novels — but Regency novels full of tongue-in-cheek humour is in a category all its own. Stupendous. And not the genteel laughter kind of humour — more like the snorting guffaw kind. Very unladylike. Miranda’s mother would so not approve, but I snorted and chuckled my way through A Noble Masquerade with complete abandon.

This is the kind of book that you want to make last. I found myself putting it aside in order to savor the delight of the read. I’d play over a scene, twist it around in my mind, imagine where the plot was heading and only when I couldn’t stand the suspense any longer, I’d pick up the book and start reading again. It took my three days to read this book. Three days!!!!! (says the woman who usually reads a book a day.)

Captivating plot, delicious intrigue, and an endearing, funny, outlandish romance that will keep you alternately laughing and swooning — honestly, what more could you want in a story?

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback and is available to any reader, any where — so, yay, another International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Noble Masquerade , leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. 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 winner announced on Saturday January 20 2024.

Miss Harriet Hancock enjoys playing the role of eccentric heiress, using her wealth and influence to cleverly and anonymously better the lives of those in Newmarket. Though she keeps people at a distance to protect a years-old secret, when her friend pleads for help on a personal project, Harriet can’t resist.

Stable hand Jonas Fitzroy would do anything for his twin sister, even if it means seeking out the woman whose meddling ways have made him wary and suspicious. The last thing he expects is for Miss Hancock to request his help in writing a book. Intent on revealing her underlying plan, Jonas agrees.

As they work together, an unexpected friendship forms. But when things for once don’t go according to Harriet’s plan, she’s left wondering if good intentions might not be enough. Is there a way to mend the broken pieces of her life? And will Jonas give her another chance at his heart?

My Review:

Truth: I wasn’t enamoured with Harriet in the previous book…she’s a meddler, bordering on manipulator and thinks she knows what is best for everyone…especially Sophia (heroine from book two) and by default, her twin brother, Jonas. She’s also seven years older than our hero, and that’s not a fave trope of mine. Especially since the gap between 23 and 30 seems so vast, especially when it’s the man who is younger. But that might just be me being old-fashioned and jaded by the old-timey romances that used to feature heroes old enough to be the heroine’s father (shudder) and I know that isn’t this story but, still, I was reluctant. So much so that I read the first two Hearts on the Heath books twice before gathering up the courage to dive into this one.

Ahem, I’m here to publicly acknowledge the error in my thinking, both about Harriet’s personality and the age gap because Kristi Ann Hunter bedazzled me in spite of my misgivings! Lesson learned by a Reluctant Reader: do not judge a book by your own prejudices.

So, is Harriet meddlesome? Why yes, she definitely is, but there are complicated layers to her character and we are gradually given glimpses into her back story that suggest she comes by her…unusual…personality honestly. 🙂 She’s also an expert manipulator — which sounds like a bad thing — only she uses her powers for good. To spare hurt feelings, distract from a social disaster, provide charity under the guise of someone doing her a favour. In fact, she spends a lot of time slyly helping others, often to the detriment of her own social standing. So, Harriet has a heart oozing with compassion, even if it is very well hidden…along with her secrets!

Jonas has never been a Harriet fan. He tolerates her for his sister’s sake since she is Sophia’s friend. And, now that Sophia is married to a gentleman, Harriet has taken her in hand, helping her ease into society. But, my oh my, when those two ladies join forces to meddle their way into Jonas’s life…well, nothing will ever be the same again!

Opposites attract…but royally battle before they recognize that fact! There’s banter and humour mixed in with emotional drama. And such a wonderful faith thread woven throughout that the author provides scripture references by chapter at the end of the book. And no, that doesn’t mean it’s heavy handed — it’s just that Jonas has a scripture for every occasion. 🙂

A wonderful conclusion to the Hearts on the Heath series and I’m ashamed it took me so long to finally read it!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Paperback available to any reader, any where in the world so, yay, an International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Enchanting the Heiress, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. 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 winner announced on Saturday July 29 , 2023.

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:

published in 2020

Let it be known that after reading the first Hearts on the Heath novel 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 for apaperback copy and open to any reader anywhere so — yay- an International Giveaway!

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 24 2023. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

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 Review:

published in 2020 (another re-read courtesy of Audible!)

Oh, my heart!!! I’m a sweet dithering mess of swoonalicious goo! Gather all your Regency accoutrements (fainting couch, smelling salts, fans) because you’re going to need them! What a rapturous start to a new Kristi Ann Hunter series.

I love her Regency world building. I feel like I’ve fallen into an Austen novel only the heroines are a bit more…spunky? (No booing from the Austen crowd!) and the secondary characters are just as alluring as her main characters. In fact, there are a couple of gentlemen that better star in their own stories (pointed hint to the author.) I’ll expire if she doesn’t! Cue a graceful swoon onto my fainting couch.

Ohhhhh — and speaking of swooning!!!! Hudson!!!!!!! He is so out of his element when he arrives in England. He’s lived in India his whole life, but always preparing for the time he would take his place among the English aristocracy. He’s had tutors aplenty and constant instruction from his father but there are holes in his education and that leaves him floundering.

Cue the horse-mad girl next door. Bianca has had free reign of the Stildon stables in the absence of a Viscount. Her first encounter with Hudson is hysterical!!! And really showcases their personalities. Sheer brilliance! So these two set up a friendship of sorts and agree to help each other source out suitable spouses…and you know how that’s going to go, right?

Into drawing rooms and ballrooms and early morning rides chock full of cutting dialogue. Oh, my, how this author knows how to wield a witty turn of phrase!  Makes for a delicious read.

There’s even a bit of danger — and an evil (well, almost evil) stepmother to contend with. And a lot of soul searching to do as Hudson and Bianca struggle to find their own personal version of a happily-ever-after. I love the way Hunter has included a gentle, but significant faith thread as both hero and heroine discover the joys — and fears — that come with sacrificing their will in favor of seeking out God’s plan for their lives.

I listened to the audible edition of this book narrated by Anne Marie Gideon who did a fantastic job of bringing these characters to life. I’m still grinning madly and might just have to give this one a relisten — especially since book two, Winning the Gentleman (yay, one of my hero requests!) doesn’t release until April 2021!!!!!!!!

Oh…oh…ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh….I forgot to mention that there are a bunch of exciting cameos from characters of previous Hunter books in this one. It was so much fun to spot them…I might have squealed a time or two. Love fun bonuses like that.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Paperback copy available internationally — so, yay, everybody’s included in this giveaway no matter where you live.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Vying for the Viscount, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. 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 winner announced on Saturday June 10, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.