Book Review: Vying for the Viscount

So it's been a REALLY long time since I actually did anything with this blog, and I mean to remedy that. But also, I'm headed into grad school soon, and I'm also teaching full time, SO.

Anyway, here's a review for the most recent book I finished, Vying for the Viscount by Kristi Ann Hunter. If you haven't already figured out how much I ADORE her books, check some of my past reviews. I LOVE HER BOOKS.

From Goodreads: "When a strange man appears to be stealing horses at the neighboring estate, Bianca Snowley jumps to their rescue. And when she discovers he's the new owner, she can't help but be intrigued--but romance is unfeasible when he proposes they help secure spouses for each other. Will they see everything they've wanted has been there all along before it's too late?"

You guys. This book was just EVERYTHING. It starts off with an absolutely hilarious meet-cute between the two main characters, and it never stops bringing it. 

I felt like the plot progressed in a natural and normal way. I tend to not love the insta-love thing, so I'm glad that Kristi Ann Hunter tends to shy away from that. Obviously, insta-attraction is a thing, but I dislike the whole I-just-met-you-let's-get-married thing. None of that here.

I like horses a lot, but have very little experience with them, so it was fun to have them in a story. Made me want to go find a place to ride! I'd be a dismal failure, but let's not talk about that.

I'm interested to see what happens in future books, and if we'll get a glimpse of the races that were mentioned. I hope so!

The characters were people I'd like to be friends with in real life because they were just amazing people. Bianca goes through some of the same challenges I've faced in my life, and I could really relate to her. I mean, she's half my age, but still. It's nice to see people in books who remind me of me.

Here's a picture of a quotation that made me weepy: 

Pay close attention to the part circled in pink. I had that EXACT conversation with my parents several weeks ago on a road trip. I've been feeling that way FOREVER, and LOOK. Here it is in a book. No wonder I related to Bianca so darn much. She's literally saying what I've been saying. Also, SOBBING.

There are plenty of characters I'd like to see more about, so it's a good thing this is book 1 of a new series. Can't wait for the rest!

As for you, GO BUY THIS BOOK. You'll love it. I did!

Book Review: A Pursuit of Home

It's been awhile since I talked about a book, so it's fitting to come back with a new favorite!

When she learns the family she thought dead might be alive and in danger, Jess Beuchene knows her secrets can only stay buried for so long. Desperation brings her to Derek Thornbury, an expert in history and artifacts, to help her decipher the clues in an old family diary. Will their search to uncover the truth of the past lead to a future together? (Goodreads)

Kristi Ann Hunter is one of my most favorite authors, and this book reminds me why that is. In this case, Jess was a minor character from previous books who never really stood out to me. She wasn't someone I remembered, and definitely not someone I cared about. Kristi made her larger than life here, and she became a favorite character. I really liked her. She definitely would have the potential to grate, as she is sometimes not very likable, but she really didn't. I think that's part of what makes Kristi such a great author. She's able to take this character who is interesting, and also sometimes very lacking in social skills, and makes her sympathetic.

I really liked Derek. He was very bookish, and I find that very attractive. He's also very into art history, which I also find very attractive. Art History was one of my many majors before I 

finally got myself figured out. Derek was loyal and brave, doing his very best to protect someone who hadn't been very nice to him up to this point.

I liked the conflict. Verbonne seemed so REAL! I actually googled it to see where it was on the map...that's before I read Kristi's notes at the back, where she explained that it wasn't a real country. Could have fooled me! The way it was described reminded me of pretty much every small European country ever. It's very obvious that Kristi did a ton of research on revolutions during that time period, because it all felt very authentic to me.

I really loved this book, and I'm anxious to see what Kristi comes up with next. She's an auto-buy author, for sure! I highly recommend this series. If you're new to Kristi's books, I recommend starting with A Noble Masquerade, as it'll have background information and characters that play into this series.

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**FTC Disclaimer: as a member of Kristi's street team, I received this book for free in exchange for fair and honest feedback.**