From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:
Happy Spring dear readers! My daffodils are budding, and hope is in the air.
On that uplifting note, I am happy to introduce you to a new Regency romance novel whose heroine is not your typical shrinking Miss pushed into a London Season. Winning the Gentleman is a forthcoming release by the bestselling author Kristi Ann Hunter—and it will surprise and delight you.
I adore a feisty heroine who bucks the system. I have fond memories of Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice with her “decided opinions” tramping across the countryside, and Sophy Stanton-Lacy in Georgette Heyer’s The Grand Sophy, the most beloved outgoing, independent, and unconventional heroine of the genre taking action and raising eyebrows. Hunter’s female protagonist, Sophia Fitzroy, rivals her predecessors. She is a horse trainer in a traveling circus with her own ideas of what a women’s life should be when she meets Aaron Whitworth, a gentleman in need of a racehorse jockey.
This unexpected concept for a historical romance novel is not only surprising but also refreshing. The setting in the Regency-era English countryside is enchanting, and their slow-burn romance captivating.
Kristi’s publisher has kindly shared an exclusive excerpt with our readers and offered a generous giveaway chance for a print copy of the book. Please see the details at the end of this post and leave a comment to enter.
Wishing you all happy reading.
Best, LA
BOOK DESCRIPTION
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 one together–against all odds?
EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT
“What if I’m not a good jockey?”
Jonas sighed. “Sophia, you’re the best rider I know. Better than I was before the accident. Probably better than Father ever was.”
She winced. It seemed somewhat sacrilegious for Jonas to say such a thing about a dead man. “We don’t know what Father was like when he was young.”
“Maybe not, but I know what you’re like now. There isn’t a horse alive you can’t ride.”
“What I do— what Father taught us— those things aren’t anything like racing. What if my skills aren’t enough?” Now that the fear was out in the open, Sophia couldn’t seem to pull it back in.
With a laugh, Jonas reached over and shoved at her shoulder. “You stand on a galloping horse four times a day and now you’re worried about sitting on one?”
Sophia grunted a response, her breath coming easier the farther they got from Cambridge. “You’re right. I can do this. Once I win this challenge, he’ll be inclined to keep me on despite the circumstances.” She refused to say he’d been tricked, because then she’d have to say she’d been tricked too, and the very fact that she was thinking such thoughts meant she’d known what Margaret was doing from the beginning and gone along with it.
Maybe even encouraged it. . . .
Jonas wrapped his arm around her and pulled her into a tight hug before giving her one last nod and leaving the road to cut across the fields still wet with morning dew.
She would not cry. If she was going to claim this job, she had to be tough. Resilient. Mr. Whitworth wasn’t going to like that she was female. Others might not like it either. Some didn’t even care for a woman performing in the circus. Were racehorse owners likely to be more inclined to accept female riders?
She didn’t need anyone’s approval, though, only their money.
Wiping her hands against the rough fabric of her skirt, she shifted her bag so that it rode more easily on her shoulder and walked on. Fabric bunched around her legs as her loose trousers rubbed and clung to the fabric of the overlying skirt. It wasn’t an outfit made for walking, but she didn’t think there would be time or a place for her to change before the race. This outfit allowed her to ride astride with modesty. Riding sidesaddle at length wasn’t always comfortable. She doubted it was the best way to race, either.
She felt every wisp of breeze, heard every twitch and rustle in the grass. As she approached the Heath, a trembling worked from her knees upward, making her stumble as she left the road. The Heath was beautiful, but the small gathering coming into view held her attention and kept her from taking in the full expanse.
In the distance were several clusters of people. Some were standing, others were seated in open carriages. A scattering of men on horseback trickled toward her across the expanse and ended at a grouping of two horses and three men, one of whom held the reins of a sleek black horse with one hand and his pocket watch in the other. His clothing was crisp, though his hair bore the disarray that comes from spending a great deal of time without a hat on while atop a horse.
The coat was blue today instead of burgundy, but it was the same man who had been to the circus the day before. Sophia’s gut tightened. She’d been so focused on riding the horse and keeping the job that she’d forgotten about facing the man.
His glance flicked often toward the road and then to the distant spectators. Twice he passed over her. She could tell herself it was because he didn’t recognize her without a wig, but how many red-headed women were wandering about the Heath?
It was too late to back out now.
She strode forward, trying to pretend it was just like the circus show. Confidence wasn’t necessary, but the appearance of it was.
“Mr. Whitworth?” The words came out slightly raspy but strong, lightly touched with the Irish lilt of her childhood.
He frowned down at her. “Yes?”
“I am your new jockey.”
Chapter Four, pages 45-47
ADVANCE PRAISE
- “The romance was sweet. I enjoyed the couple’s slow-burn connection and how they grew to love each other despite their many differences. My heart went to them whenever they struggled for acceptance.”— Lu, Lu Reviews Books
- “…a wonderful story, one that I thoroughly enjoyed.”— Cara C. Putman, bestselling author
- “[A] captivating and thoroughly entertaining story…The signature lighthearted and beautifully skilled writing has made Kristi Ann Hunter one of my go-to authors for years.”— Randi Annie Framnes, Randi Loves 2 Read
AUTHOR BIO
Kristi Ann Hunter is the author of the Hawthorne House and Haven Manor series and a RITA Award winner and Christy Award finalist. Kristi graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in computer science but always knew she wanted to write. She lives with her husband and three children in Georgia.
WEBSITE | GOODREADS | PINTEREST | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM
ADDITIONAL BOOKS BY KRISTI ANN HUNTER
BOOK INFORMATION
- Winning the Gentleman: Hearts on the Heath (Book 2), by Kristi Ann Hunter
- Bethany House Publishers (April 20, 2021)
- Hardcover, trade paperback, eBook, & audiobook (352) pages
- ISBN: 978-0764235269
- Genre: Regency Romance, Inspirational Fiction
ADDITIONAL INFO | ADD TO GOODREADS
Austenprose is an Amazon affiliate. Cover image, book description, excerpt, & author bio compliments of Bethany House Publishers © 2021; text Laurel Ann Nattress © 2021, austenprose.com.
What a unique premise! I enjoyed the Hawthorne House series. I look forward to reading this one!
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I loved the first book in this series and can’t wait to read this one! Kristi Ann Hunter is a favorite author with characters that invite you into their story.
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Hello! I cannot wait to read Winning the Gentleman! I love Kristi Ann Hunter’s books! The premise of Winning sounds super unique! This dialogue alone makes me await this book with eager anticipation…
““Mr. Whitworth?” The words came out slightly raspy but strong, lightly touched with the Irish lilt of her childhood.
He frowned down at her. “Yes?”
“I am your new jockey.””
Exciting!! :)
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This sounds delightful.
denise
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Wow! A female jockey. This sounds fun!
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The cover is just Gorgeous! I am so excited to read it.
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I’m looking forward to reading this book! 🙂
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I’ve just recently started reading her books. I look forward to this series.
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I enjoyed all of the Hawthorne House books. Looking forward to this book. Sounds very different and unique!
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I always look forward to a Kristi Ann Hunter book. Nice to have a new author to mix into my Christian fiction library.
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I’m so looking forward to reading Winning the Gentleman!
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Looking forward to another wonderful book from this author!
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Ooooh, that sounds so good! I’ve read a few of Kristi’s books and have a few more on my TBR list. I’m looking forward to reading this one!
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I can’t wait to read this book! I have loved the character of Aaron ever since he was introduced in the first Haven Manor book!
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I loved the first book in the series, so I can’t wait to read Winning the Gentleman!
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I just picked up the first book in this series today and look forward to reading book 2 as well.
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I discovered her books a few years ago. I’m really loving them.
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My sister and I were just talking about this book. Super excited!
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I am looking forward to reading this new book. I love reading all the books by Kristi Ann Hunter.
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I love Kristi Ann Hunter!!
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I love how horses are a big part of the series. Would love to read the 2nd book.
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Sounds so good. I am in the midst of her Hawthorne House series right now, and so enjoying it. Thanks for the sneak peek!
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It is always enjoyable to read a story where a woman challenges the norms of the day. Even better when she has the support of others in doing so. I enjoyed the excerpt and look forward to reading the entire story.
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I read Vying for the Viscount and I can’t wait to read this one!
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Looking forward to this book!
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I have read all of Kristi Ann’s books and I love them!!!
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I love Regency era novels and I’m sure it’s quite unusual to have a female jockey back in that day. Plus she’s a circus performer, which makes her quite nimble if she’s riding a horse bare back while standing. She just may be more talented than the average jockey! You also can’t go wrong with Kristi Ann Hunter.
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Thanks for the chance!
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What fun! Something tells me that Sophia and I are going to be very good friends! I love a sassy heroine who isn’t afraid to have an opinion!
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Can’t wait to read!
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What a fun premise! I love a sassy heroine who isn’t afraid to have her own opinions, so I feel like Sophia and I are going to be good friends!
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I have enjoyed all of the books that I’ve read by Kristi (Hawthorne House and Haven Manor series)… looking forward to reading this, nice cover! Thanks for having this giveaway!!
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I loved Vying for the Viscount and hope to read this book soon. Thanks for the chance!
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Kristi Ann Hunter’s books are a delight because her hilarious sense of humor shines through her dialogue in the best way!
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I loved Vying for the Viscount and I look forward to reading this 2nd book in the series. Thanks for the chance.
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Sophie it was definitely out of the norm for her time. Even now it’s pretty rare to see a female Jockey!
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Thanks for the giveaway, I have enjoyed reading all of Kristi’s books so far!
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Hunter is one of my favorite authors! And Instagram personalities. Her Friday Funnies make me laugh every time. Love her and her books. ❤️
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This book sounds very interesting,cant wait to read it. Would love to win it,thanks for the chance.
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I love Kristi Ann Hunter’s books! I really need to catch up to her latest series :-)
Thank you for the giveaway chance to win!
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I loved the Hawthorne series and can’t wait to read this new book from Kristi.
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It sounds like a great read! Thank you for the chance.
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I would love a chance to win!
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I loved the excerpt! I can’t wait to see what happens next!
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Would sure enjoy winning a print copy! Thanks for the wonderful opportunity to enter a giveaway! Appreciate it so much! Lual Krautter Email: krautter62520AToutlookDOTcom
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Sounds like a good read.
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I love Kristi Ann Hunter’s writing and this looks fabulous.
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This sounds like another wonderfully written book by Kristi Hunter!! Can’t wait to read it!
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This sounds like another wonderfully written book by Kristi Hunter! Can’t wait to read it!
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I look forward to reading this book.
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Lovely giveaway! I’d love to read this book.
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I am intrigued. This sounds like such a fun concept.
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Love this time period, my favorite in books and movies
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I absolutely LOVED Vying for the Viscount, and totally wanted Aaron’s story right then. I’m so excited about this book!
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This sounds really fascinating! Cannot wait to read it.
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I have been waiting for Aaron’s story. I wanted to know what his history is all about and how it impacts his present. Heroines like Sophia are great because not all women are shrinking violets. I like the ones who dare to redefine the roles of women.
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Ooh I’ve been wanting to start this series! I love Kristi’s stories. Thank you for the chance to own part of the series.
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I really enjoyed her earlier series and I hope to read the current series and this book soon!
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This sounds like a very unique story! I have been enjoying reading Kristi Ann Hunter’s books lately and am working may way through her series. Thank you so much for a chance to win a copy of this book.
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I just love Kristi’s books!!!! So excited for this one!
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This book sounds amazing! I would love to read it!
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Thank you for giving us the chance for a literary escape! Very excited for this opportunity!
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Wow this sounds amazing! I loved Kristi’s Hawthorne series and didn’t realize she had another available to read! I’m so excited to get lost in her books again!
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Love her books!
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I love Kristi’s books and am looking forward to this series.
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I can’t wait to read Winning the Gentleman. I have the first book in the series.
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Would love to read. Have not read any of her books
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Ahhh! Sounds amazing! I love any book of Kristi’s! Can’t wait to read it!
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I really enjoyed all of Kristi’s books and am hoping to read this one soon. Thanks for the giveaway and chance to win Winning the Gentleman.
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Would enjoy reading this as the story sounds delightful.
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I have read every book by Kristi Ann Hunter and I CANNOT wait to read this one!!!!
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This looks so good! Thanks for the chance.
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I cannot believe that in all of Kristi’s writing career I have missed one of her books, Vying for the Viscount. Now I stand to miss out on another, say it isn’t so. I will be in my bedroom from now until 11:59 pm tomorrow night on my knees praying I will win Winning the Gentleman (no pun intended). But if I don’t win, both books will be purchased poste haste (not sure about the spelling). :)
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