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.

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.

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.

'The Christmas Husband Hunt' had everything I love in a Regency story. There was romance, intrigue, great characters (especially the villains) and humor. The unfolding relationship between Harriet and Charles was heartwarming, especially in light of their past encounter. I'd highly recommend this latest in Kate Moore's Husband Hunter Romance series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.