Kristi Ann Hunter
Bethany House, 2021
351 pages
Amazon 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?
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Thanks to Kristi for sending me a copy to review! There was no obligation to provide a positive review — I just really liked it.
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Kristi Ann Hunter is a regency romance author who is beloved by many, but I have only recently been able to count myself among her fans. Winning the Gentleman is her most recent release, and like the other two books of hers I’ve read, it is filled with humor, family and friendship, and a sweet romance. And there are horses! When I was younger I was obsessed with horses (as many girls are) and this book had me remembering what it was like to fly on the back of a horse.
I also really identified with Aaron and his introverted attitude. While he is grateful for his friends, he also sometimes feels overwhelmed by the way his social circles are widening and overlapping. I love this quote from page 118: “Was he getting lazy about keeping the parts of his life separate, or were people simply hammering their way in?” It’s hard to maintain a feeling of being in control of yourself when there are so many other people influencing your life, even if it’s ultimately for the better.
Speaking of wide friend groups, the friendships in this book are fantastic. There are so many contrasting personalities, which often makes for humorous interactions, and the dialogue is great. I love witty dialogue. The way the friends support each other also drives home the idea of ‘chosen family’, especially with Aaron and Sophia’s backgrounds.
I was delighted by Winning the Gentleman and plan to continue with my mission to read through Kristi’s backlist while I’m waiting for her next book to come out.