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english_lady03's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this second installment in Kristi Ann Hunter's new series. There were a few of the normal issues with American terms and mannerisms imported into 19th century Britain. The one which stood out the most her was the way the characters ate: with only a fork in the American manner, instead of using a knife and fork, as would have been the norm in polite British society at this time.
However, that was my only real niggle with the story. Otherwise, it was a great story with an unsual setting. I liked the Irish heroine, and the walk on roles by the protaganists of previous stories by this author.
Thanks to Bethany House for allowing me to read a galley of this title. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed herein are my own.
However, that was my only real niggle with the story. Otherwise, it was a great story with an unsual setting. I liked the Irish heroine, and the walk on roles by the protaganists of previous stories by this author.
Thanks to Bethany House for allowing me to read a galley of this title. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed herein are my own.
scarlettreader's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
a_kira's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
caitlin829's review against another edition
I usually love Kristi Ann Hunter's books, and there are a lot of things to like about this one, but ultimately, I felt it doesn't do right by its female main character, who doesn't seem to have enough confidence or spunk for someone supposedly defying everyone to be a female jockey. I'm not even sure anyone ever gives a sufficiently satisfying "you deserve to be here" type speech, while she definitely thinks more than once about quitting not because she finds the work difficult but... for everyone else's comfort because she doesn't want to be a bother? That highlights the other major part of my problem with this book: More emphasis is on male characters' concerns about reputation (and not just the main male character, who has his reasons, sure, but it's clear it won't REALLY affect his livelihood) than concerns about the female character's survival — having been starving and homeless and now also competing in a potentially dangerous sport. I don’t mind the reputation concerns in and of themselves, but they seem absurdly disproportionate to the concerns that should exist about the woman's basic physical safety and security.
leslie_books_and_socks_rock's review against another edition
4.0
I loved the first book and I was intrigued with this book being about Aaron.
Aaron isn’t technically a gentleman, as he tells anyone-he’s illegitimate, but the truth of his birth always pushed him to make the best of his lowered status. He always acts with honor and is a gentleman whether London sees it or not. And he doesn’t go back on his word.
So when he mistakenly finds out the new jokey he hired is a woman...he wrestles with himself many times to stay true to his word and lets her try and race. Little did he know that would be the first wrestling he’d do. The little faerie turned jokey has upended his life.
Sophia has grit. Life has treated her unfairly and she doesn’t stop trying to better her circumstances. Even when many “gentlemen” sneer and insult her and her employer for letting her race, she keeps her chin held high.
I really loved the growth that Sophia and Aaron go through. I love seeing all the friends together and can’t wait for the rest of the books in the series!
Thank you to the publisher and author for the copy of the book. These are my own thoughts and opinions.
Aaron isn’t technically a gentleman, as he tells anyone-he’s illegitimate, but the truth of his birth always pushed him to make the best of his lowered status. He always acts with honor and is a gentleman whether London sees it or not. And he doesn’t go back on his word.
So when he mistakenly finds out the new jokey he hired is a woman...he wrestles with himself many times to stay true to his word and lets her try and race. Little did he know that would be the first wrestling he’d do. The little faerie turned jokey has upended his life.
Sophia has grit. Life has treated her unfairly and she doesn’t stop trying to better her circumstances. Even when many “gentlemen” sneer and insult her and her employer for letting her race, she keeps her chin held high.
I really loved the growth that Sophia and Aaron go through. I love seeing all the friends together and can’t wait for the rest of the books in the series!
Thank you to the publisher and author for the copy of the book. These are my own thoughts and opinions.
aswirlgirl's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
LOVED this one!
I greatly enjoyed the first installment, and loved this one even more. Will there be a story for Rigby, or possibly Jonas? Whoever is next, I’m ready!
I also like this author’s writing. I plan to go through more of her catalogue.
I greatly enjoyed the first installment, and loved this one even more. Will there be a story for Rigby, or possibly Jonas? Whoever is next, I’m ready!
I also like this author’s writing. I plan to go through more of her catalogue.
thecleanreadbookclub's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 rating
This book is a showstopper! I was hooked right from the beginning with the Author’s note… I guarantee you if you read the author’s note you will start feeling all the feels and wont be able to put this book down.
I’m usually a fan of misfit/outcast characters. I enjoy the character arc that comes with them. I knew Aaron’s story was going to be amazing after getting to know him in Vying for the Viscount. He is perfectly paired with Sohpia-a misfit herself from the circus hoping to find and make a better life. One of my favorite things about Kristi’s writing are her side characters. In addition to the amazing main characters, there are several side characters I’m hoping will get their stories in this series as it grows.
The Christian fiction elements of this book are amazing. It wasn’t too much that I felt like I’m reading directly from the bible, but enough to get hopeful feelings that always accompany this genre. There are several passages that were so inspirational that I was moved to tears.
My absolute favorite parts of this book were the racing scenes. I felt the suspense, the worry and the elation or deflation. I loved the turmoil these characters had to overcome to rise above the critics. I loved the heart and soul that came through the pages of this book! All around I highly recommend this book!
Thanks to the publisher and author for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
This book is a showstopper! I was hooked right from the beginning with the Author’s note… I guarantee you if you read the author’s note you will start feeling all the feels and wont be able to put this book down.
I’m usually a fan of misfit/outcast characters. I enjoy the character arc that comes with them. I knew Aaron’s story was going to be amazing after getting to know him in Vying for the Viscount. He is perfectly paired with Sohpia-a misfit herself from the circus hoping to find and make a better life. One of my favorite things about Kristi’s writing are her side characters. In addition to the amazing main characters, there are several side characters I’m hoping will get their stories in this series as it grows.
The Christian fiction elements of this book are amazing. It wasn’t too much that I felt like I’m reading directly from the bible, but enough to get hopeful feelings that always accompany this genre. There are several passages that were so inspirational that I was moved to tears.
My absolute favorite parts of this book were the racing scenes. I felt the suspense, the worry and the elation or deflation. I loved the turmoil these characters had to overcome to rise above the critics. I loved the heart and soul that came through the pages of this book! All around I highly recommend this book!
Thanks to the publisher and author for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
abigailkayharris's review against another edition
4.0
Aaron is a sweetheart who needs love, I love seeing when a hero is not so sure he's the hero of the story and doesn't think he should have love.
Sophia is surprisingly a VERY FAVORITE! She's not sickly feminist; she knows what she can do.
The fact that there was once a woman who was a jockey much like Sophia made reading this book even more enjoyable,
As much as I loved "Winning the Gentleman" it was inconsistent in the romance I thought... Or maybe Aaron wasn't as I expected from having not seen his point of view before now. I just did not think he would have given into the kisses without being more sure of a relationship. Just a thought and otherwise I loved "Winning the Gentleman" and cannot wait for the third book!
Warnings: 16/18+ due to mentions of the sins of a father.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Sophia is surprisingly a VERY FAVORITE! She's not sickly feminist; she knows what she can do.
The fact that there was once a woman who was a jockey much like Sophia made reading this book even more enjoyable,
As much as I loved "Winning the Gentleman" it was inconsistent in the romance I thought... Or maybe Aaron wasn't as I expected from having not seen his point of view before now. I just did not think he would have given into the kisses without being more sure of a relationship. Just a thought and otherwise I loved "Winning the Gentleman" and cannot wait for the third book!
Warnings: 16/18+ due to mentions of the sins of a father.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
melmo2610's review against another edition
5.0
This is the most charming story! I loved Aaron and Sophia, they are fantastic characters. Their chemistry is lots of fun and when you add Aaron’s friends to the mix of the story, it made it pretty much perfect. I love the friendship and humor of these characters. I want to be part of their group! Loved this book.
I received a copy of this book as a member of the launch team and purchased my own audio copy of this book. I was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
I received a copy of this book as a member of the launch team and purchased my own audio copy of this book. I was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.