The Christmas Husband Hunt

Husband Hunters #4

by Kate Moore

When a husband is needed by Christmas, a trusted slender volume for ensuring a merry match is indeed a gift! In this Regency delight from beloved, award-winning author Kate Moore, a spirited governess joins a gentleman spy on a daring finding a mate for a jilted debutante—while drawing dangerously close to each other . . . Behind her seemingly dependent role as an unpaid caretaker—of both children and dogs—Harriet Swanley has in fact astutely avoided a forced marriage. But hers is not the only secret under Charles Davenham is working covertly to unmask a Russian agent—until the younger sister he’s always protected comes to him, recently rejected and clutching The Husband Hunter’s Guide to London. The little handbook would be a godsend—if only the distraught girl didn’t mangle all of its good advice! If Harriet can help Charles find a love match for his sibling, perhaps, in this season of good tidings, a long-buried attraction can set their own hearts aflame . . . Praise for The Husband Hunter’s Guide to London  “Appealing protagonists and a slow simmering romance. An ideal choice for fans of traditional Regencies who enjoy the occasional dash of mystery.” –Library Journal

Genres: Christmas, Historical Romance, Romance, Regency, Espionage

160 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 5, 2019

About the author

Kate Moore writes stand alone and series romances set in contemporary California and Regency England for readers who want to fall in love again standing up, mostly fully clothed, surrounded by family. In Kate's stories, kind, quick-witted women find love with hot billionaires, lofty lords, and sexy spies; longing is leavened with humor; and readers say the blend of sparks and spice is "just right sexy." When life happens, let a Kate Moore romance lift your spirits. To connect with Kate and find the right romance for you, visit her website at https://www.katemoore.com or sign up for her newsletter at https://www.katemoore.com.

Reviews

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Christmas Husband Hunt
Husband Hunters Series #4
Kate Moore
https://m.facebook.com/KateMooreAuthor/
Release date 11/05/2019
Publisher Kensington / Lyrical Press

Blurb :

Behind her seemingly dependent role as an unpaid caretaker—of both children and dogs—Harriet Swanley has in fact astutely avoided a forced marriage. But hers is not the only secret under wraps: Charles Davenham is working covertly to unmask a Russian agent—until the younger sister he’s always protected comes to him, recently rejected and clutching The Husband Hunter’s Guide to London. The little handbook would be a godsend—if only the distraught girl didn’t mangle all of its good advice! If Harriet can help Charles find a love match for his sibling, perhaps, in this season of good tidings, a long-buried attraction can set their own hearts aflame . . .
 
My review:

When a governess meets the spy whom makes her realize what she has been missing all this years ...

I confess it took me quite a time to adapt myself to the author’s writing style, less modern than what I usually read.
This story even with its spy side, is closer to the classic tales, and it was its charm that captivated me.
Harriet has reshaped her life in a mere Miss when she left everything behind to avoid an unwanted marriage. Still, now as an invisible companion, she longs for more.
Charles thought he had everything in hands when his sister’s impromptu arrival derails everything. Why himself caught between two fires, his mission and protecting his sister.
Their tale is a slow burn romance, they first have to get to know one another and their trust is often tested, and when they think they understood the other, something comes disrupting all.
It is no steamy read, only kisses were exchanged but the plot was about trusting and accepting the other to finally let go of past constraints which is finally accomplished by the end of the book.
Plus the background storyline hold a lot of attention, as the vilain pulls aplenty of strings to bring the hero to his knees, and he will need many helps, even unsuspected to get out of this.

It was an intriguing foray in the spy’s world, but what I loved the most what the Christmas game created by Harriet and the family’s love the characters shared for those they cared for.
4 stars

I was granted an advance copy by the publisher through Netgalley, I also preordered my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.

https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...

[Tracy Emro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charles Davenham, Viscount Wynford is one of Goldworthy's newest recruits in his spy club. He has tasked Charles with unmasking Isabelle Delatour who claims to be the Marchioness de Tonnelier a very distant cousin of Charles mother, but whom they suspect is actually a Russian spy. He is perfecting his disguise with his friend Peregrine "Perry" Pilkington when his young sister Octavia arrives from the country very upset, clutching a copy of The Husband Hunter's Guide to London and insisting that she needs to find a husband by Christmas. Charles is at a loss until Perry suggests that he ask Lady Harriet "Harry" Swanley for help.

Harry is the sister of the Earl of Danraven, but she left home at 16 when she refused to marry the man her brother choose for her. She moved in with a cousin, Lady Luxbough and has been governess to her children for the last 10 years. When Charles calls upon her, she immediately knows who he is and prays that he doesn't remember meeting her. She agrees to introduce Octavia to some young people and help her settle into society, but she is sure there is more going on with Charles than just taking care of his sister. Especially when she meets the Marchioness and sees a marked difference in his behavior.

This was a good mystery, but in my opinion, there was zero romance - I don't know when or why Charles and Harriet fell in love and never felt any connection between them and there was certainly no heat. They don't even really work together to solve the mystery. I also don't know why Isabelle was called the "Marchioness" - she is supposed to be French and has a French title, so she should have been the Marquise de Tonnelier - it is a stupid little detail, but it annoyed me to no end. I did enjoy the mystery in the story and if this had been a historical fiction, I would have rated it 4 stars, but as a romance it was a fail for me.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*

[Diane Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just an excellent, extremely well written book. Not a lot of flash, but a slow developing story of a governess that has given up on having a life of her own and a gentleman spy with a troubled younger sister. Harriet and Charles are such a great fit for each other that we are shocked that it takes them so long to figure it out. But Ms. Moore is giving it to us one spoonful at a time. She is deliberately controls the pace of this story, forcing the reader to savor each little bit. I loved that the hero and heroine are so mature and that they are better at solving the problems of others instead of their own. Outstanding writing. I enjoyed every page.

[Becky (romantic_pursuing_feels) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Harriet is a governess. Charles Davenham is Viscount Wynford and is in need of someone to help his sister secure a decent husband. His sister believes she needs no help, as she has been reading The Husband Hunter's Guide to London.

There is more the Charles than meets the eye. He is not a lazy Viscount, wasting his time and fortune on nonsense. He is actively engaged in helping his country and find information.

I think you would like this book if:
-you like a mystery aspect
-you like the spy trope
-you like class differences
-you want a Christmas story
-you like clean or low steam romances

This story was not at all for me. A mysterious Marchioness from France shows up early in the story. And she seems to just take it over. It was all about her and her interactions with everyone. I felt like very little time was spent on the actual couple. It was all other stuff. The marchioness. Harriet and her charge. Charles doing spy stuff. I didn't see or feel the romance at all, sadly. It's also way low steam for me, I didn't realize it was a clean romance going into it. Not a bad story, just not for me. I will say I had no problems reading this as a standalone novel.

Thank you, netgalley, for the ARC. This is my honest opinion about this book.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harriet Swanley refused to marry the man of her brother’s choosing as she became a governess to the Luxborough family where she's been content for the past decade. Charles Davenhamis working to covertly to unmask a Russian agent—until the younger sister Octavia, who he’s always protected comes to him, recently rejected and clutching The Husband Hunter’s Guide to London. The little handbook would be a godsend if only the distraught girl didn’t mangle all of its good advice. Charles best friend Perry recommends Harriet as a chaperone for Octavia. If Harriet can help Charles find a love match for his sibling, perhaps, in this season of good tidings, a long-buried attraction can set their own hearts aflame.
This is the fourth book in the series & could easily be read on its own. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the previous books & so was looking forward to this book & it didn’t disappoint. There were no flashes of lightning but a slow burn romance against a backdrop of spies & intrigues. I loved both Charles & Harry & how they fell in love, they were both strong characters who didn’t wallow in self pity but made the best of things. I also loved the secondary romance of Octavia who was determined to be married by Christmas, it was lovely to see her grow up throughout the book. The villain certainly knew how to play the pursuers. The Luxborough family & Cat added some lighthearted moments. I was also pleased that Nate at last had his HEA. A lovely addition to the series & I’d love for there to be more
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[SH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harriet Swanley has been the unpaid governess to the Luxborough family for ten years, after an event forced her to leave behind a life of privilege. Charles Davenham finds himself asking for Harriet’s assistance in chaperoning his sister, Octavia, when she arrives in London unexpectedly, determined to marry by Christmas. She believes her future should be dictated by the book The Husband Hunter's Guide to London. Whilst tasked with providing advice and discovering Octavia’s reasons for marriage, Harriet cannot seem to unravel the puzzle that is Charles. He too is hiding secrets from Harriet and Octavia, as he tries to unmask a Russian agent, purporting to be his distant relative.
I must admit that whilst I found the Christmas traditions fascinating, I loved that there were puzzles to solve throughout the story. Questions surround Harriet’s link to Charles, Octavia’s relationship to her family friend and her sudden desire to marry, which are gradually revealed as the story progresses. The story told by Harriet to the Luxborough family is just another puzzle, that I found endearing as was the regular advice provided by Octavia’s book, which linked to the relevant chapter. This book was very clever, drawing together all the pieces, until the very end. I do hope that Kate Moore, brings to light more of this family which added complexity to this story or continued with the spy agency which Charles works for.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will try with my simple words the extent to which I absolutely love this book! It is filled with mystery and suspense, spies, friendships, governess Harriet, her charges, friends like Octavia and Lady Luxborough, but especially Charles Davenham, Viscount Wynford, It has new friends, relatives, the hope and promise of love, the ups and downs of growing up - all of this while properly navigating London society. I was Immediately sucked into the lives of each and every character from the first chapter that I had to have hot tea and wear my shawl while finishing the story!
I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for my volunteer for my volunteer review.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Christmas Husband Hunt is the fourth book in Kate Moore's Husband Hunter series. It stands alone just fine and dandy; in fact, it will whet your appetite for the first three books. This delightful Christmastime story will surely put you in the mood for some Christmas romance of your own.

Harriet Swanley - formerly Lady Harriet - is a governess for a lovely family...and dog Catapult. She left home years ago when her brother wanted her to wed someone she refused to marry. Charles Davenham, Viscount Wynford, is working as a spy to unmask a Russian agent. His sister Octavia shows up in London and declares she must marry by Christmas, and is using The Husband Hunter's Guide to London as her guideline to finding one. Harriet is recommended to Charles by a friend to introduce Octavia to London society. Harriet's met Charles before, and she's grateful that he doesn't remember her. Will Charles unmask his spy? Will Octavia find a husband by Christmas, and will Harriet find a love of her own? Jump on into this fun story to find out!

The romance of Harriet and Charles was actually very sweet. There was no insta-love here; instead, we had a lovely slow-burning attraction. The whole situation with the spy was lots of fun. You definitely know who it is, but the enjoyment is in the hunt for proof. Octavia's hunt for a husband was the perfect catalyst to bring Harriet and Charles together. What I most enjoyed about the story, though, were the snippets from The Husband Hunter's Guide. As the story progressed, we saw the correlation between Harriet's situation and the advice in the book. Outstanding Christmas romance!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Rose Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars as reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-12e

Lady Harriet “Harry” has chosen to be known simply as Miss Swanley for the last ten years since she made a life altering decision. Rather than marry the monster her brother chose for her at sixteen, she left home and has worked as a governess. While she is treated kindly by her employer and her charges, she’s now in that undefined area between being above a regular servant, but not truly part of the family. Harry’s routine is interrupted when she is requested to help chaperone Octavia, the twenty year old sister of Viscount Wynford, who is new to society.

Charles Davenham, Viscount Wynford, is about to take on his first secret assignment while working for the foreign office. There is a new marchioness in town, Isabelle Delatour, who claims to be distantly related to Charles, on the French side of his family. The foreign office is sure that Isabelle is truly a Russian spy. Charles is tasked with getting close to her and ferreting out whatever information he can. What Charles does not need is a distraction, but one shows up at his door, in the form of his younger sister. Octavia arrives in a precarious state. She seems emotional, brittle, and determined to enter society and immediately find a husband. Charles is advised to seek Harry’s help, and she agrees to guide Octavia, with her employer’s blessing.

THE CHRISTMAS HUSBAND HUNT is a slow building romance between two very likable characters, but that’s not all there is to the story. There’s the mystery of why Octavia is so distraught, and why she feels she needs to marry right away. There is humor in Charles’s revoltingly loud waistcoats, selected by his friend, Perry, to attract the marchioness. There is a heroic dog, ironically, named Cat – short for catastrophe. Then there’s the spying aspect, as it turns out that the situation is far more deadly than anyone imagined. I loved this book! The writing is charming, witty, warm, interesting, entertaining, and I heartily recommend it to fans of historical romance.

Note – though it’s part of a series, THE CHRISTMAS HUSBAND HUNT can easily be read as a standalone.

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

I haven’t had the pleasure of reading the first stories in this series (yet, that will easily be rectified) and I wasn’t the least bit lost in following this story or the general idea of the series. So, I feel safe in saying that you could read THE CHRISTMAS HUSBAND HUNT on its own without a problem.

Charles and Harriet “Harry” make an interesting couple who are slowly drawn to each other through helping Charles’ younger sister. Each is holding tight to secrets, watching them unravel was a fun adventure. We have a definite villain to uncover and a storyline that will keep you guessing along the way. I enjoyed this world, had fun with the characters and will definitely be going back to the beginning at some point for the whole series.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

[Delacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This story was well written and entertaining. I liked the characters. For those who this matters, it was a clean read. There were a few things that hold me back from giving this a higher star rating. First off, there just didn't seem to be enough opportunities for their romance to blossom, I would have liked to have seen them together more. Secondly, the issue that sent the H's sister to London was never fully explained, nor did the way her neighbor confronted and talked to her seemed very off, made the reader wonder why they were friends in the first place if that's how he talks to her. This book can easily be read without having read the previous books. Overall, a good clean Christmas Regency. *I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Marilyn Skowron · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Governess & the Spy

While working as a spy for the British government, Charles Davenham's Christmas in London is interrupted by his twenty-year-old sister's arrival. She is determined to win a husband by Christmas. Unfortunately, Charles has no immediate female relative to keep Octavia company in her quest, so he hires a distant relative, Lady Harriet, who is working as a governess for a neighboring family. Meanwhile, Charles is trying to determine if a woman posing as a distant relative of his deeased mother is truly a relative or a Russian spy. This tangle of relationships results in many complications including espionage, assault, attempted murder, attempted kidnapping and budding romances. There is even a dog who lends humor coupled with heroism to the plot.

[Patricia Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 4 in the husband hunters series but it can be read as a stand alone.
This is the story of Lady Harriet and Viscount Wynford, Charles
Harriet (Harry) has been a paid ladies companion for many years.
Charles has secretly been working as a spy for the government. When his sister shows up unexpectedly in town, Charles realizes he needs help in chaperoning his sister, so he asks Harry, a distant relative, for help.
So begins the adventure and romance of Harriet and Charles.
The story was good, a very good mystery to be solved. The romance was okay. I just didn't feel the chemistry between them. Hence the 4 stars.
I want to thank Netgalley for the chance to review this book.

[Micaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read the rest of the series, but it didn't stop me from enjoying this book.
I really liked the heroine, Harriet, a governess who is contacted by Charles Davenham, viscount of Wynwood, the hero, to help his sister Octavia navigate London's society in her pursue of a husband for Christmas time.
I liked that this was a slow burn and that the characters' feelings developed realistically.
What I didn't like was Octavia, the hero's sister. She was naive, and her behaviour most of the time didn't make sense. The supposed explanation of her motivations wasn't enough and it needed more dept.
All in all, it was a good Historical Romance, and I loved the Christmas vibes.
And I'm really curious about the rest of the series.

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the time period of Jane Austen, The Christmas Husband Hunt, is a delightful historic romance. Charles Davenham Viscount Wynford is working for a spy ring of men and is trying to expose a woman who is posing as a Countess and declaring that she is a distant cousin of his family. Meanwhile his sister, Octavia, is pushing to be introduced to society so she can find a husband by Christmas. Will both achieve their goals or will Christmas cause problems for the both?

This was a delightful Christmas romp that brought problems to both siblings. I especially liked the introduction to each chapter through a quote from "The Husband Hunter's Guide to London" which was Octavia's handbook of how to find a husband in the city of London.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Christmas Husband Hunt by Kate Moore is book 4 in the Husband Hunters Series. This is the story of Harriet Swanley and Charles Davenham. I have read the previous book but feel you could make this a standalone book if you wish to do so. Harriet has been a companion for several years now. Charles's sister Octavia has come to him unexpected with the goal to marry. Charles needing someone to help him with his sister and her goals ends up having Harriet help. This opens Harriet to be working closely with Charles which they both end up having feeling for each other that neither can stay away from.
Sweet Romance Read.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a slow building romance - no misunderstandings, no lost letters, no eavesdropping - just a steady movement toward a relationship. I loved the proposal scene.

The one real complaint I have is that the hero continually wears garish gaudy clothing for - some reason? That was never fully explained to my satisfaction? It seemed like a distraction and didn't add to the story. It's not like the target the spy was trying to fool about his character was ... fooled.

I haven't read the first few books in the series, which may have affected my rating. I am interested in reading other books by the author.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fourth installment of Kate Moore’s Husband Hunters series, I enjoyed this one just as much or more than the previous three. The slow burn romance is exactly what I’ve come to expect from the author, and she does not disappoint. Our leads have flaws, naturally, but they are both so strong that they refuse to act the victim like so many others could. And the spy craft was spot on. I can only hope there are more Husband Hunters stories in the future!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fourth installment of Kate Moore’s Husband Hunters series, I enjoyed this one just as much or more than the previous three. The slow burn romance is exactly what I’ve come to expect from the author, and she does not disappoint. Our leads have flaws, naturally, but they are both so strong that they refuse to act the victim like so many others could. And the spy craft was spot on. I can only hope there are more Husband Hunters stories in the future!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Lovely Loveday]

The Christmas Husband Hunt is the fourth book in the Husband Hunters series by Kate Moore. A captivating holiday romance that is sure to tug at your heartstrings and get you in the holiday spirit. A story full of mystery and suspense, spies, friendships, love, and lots of drama. There are new friends, relatives, the hope and promise of love, the ups and downs of growing up. The Christmas Husband Hunt is well-written and full of depth making it hard to put down. 

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enchanting story just right to put a smile on your face and warm your heart. A man searching for a spy. A governess who has more to offer than just her duties. A distressed young lady after being jilted has two people working together to find her a match.
What more can you ask for? In this wonderful 4th installment of the Husband Hunters series, Harriett and Charles begin a slow budding romance that will keep you entertained and only wanting more..

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of Georgette Heyer and I liked this book that reminded me of hers.
It's a fun and entertaining read that kept me hook.
I liked the likeable and well thought cast of characters, the unusual plot and the humour.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Strongly recommended.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

[HR-ML · Rating 2 out of 5]

Regency.

The hero's sister was accurately described as
"mulish" & too much time was devoted to the
female spy. Who cared? I lost interest in the
main couple & the pace was zzzzz-inducing
in places. The spy analyst hero acted too busy
for romance.

What was the point of this romance? The pet
dog named 'cat' seemed the most interesting
character.

[Aisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. His is the first book that I have read by this author and it was a pleasant read. The spy plot was dull, how is wearing ugly waistcoat a disguise? The relationship between the two characters was weak and the past that led harriet to become a governess was weak. While the sister was just annoying and pathetic. 2.5 stars

[Lisa Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent mystery and romance

I had no idea what I was getting into when I started this book.

I never wanted to put it down. The mystery held my attention with the clues and subterfuge.

The romance was the slowest trickle and yet, the small spark grew to an admirable blaze.

Great read.

[JoAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Christmas Husband Hunt is an entertaining Regency romance. The plot is well written with a touch of intrigue to catch the reader’s interest. My thanks to the publisher for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.

[TLynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely Christmas romance with wonderful characters. Developed storyline and characters. Fast-paced and easy to read.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

well written and enjoyable

The series is nicely done. Good attention to the mystery. Well constructed writing that makes the story come alive.
Very enjoyable.

[Mary Shreffler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story of spy and love