Kate Moore delights once again with this latest installment of her Husband Hunters series. As with the previous books, she once again excels at the “slow burn” romance. Initially, our leads aren’t at all sure what to make of each other, but that doesn’t stop their curiosity. And this, in turn, kept my interest heightened. The spy intrigue may not be as interesting as in the first book of the series, but it in no way detracts from the rest of the story. And no, it’s not at all necessary to read the previous books to enjoy this one - it completely stands on its own.

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

What a lovely treat to discover a great new author. This book was a really unexpected treat, beautiful written, and deftly plotted.

Lady Emily Radstock, is fast coming up to her 29th birthday and remains unwed, her mother sends her a book: The Husband Hunter’s Guide to London”, to help her to wed. She is incensed, and storms around to her younger sister’s home to find her mother and complain to Rosalind. She threatens to marry the first imbecile she meets, and her brother in law’s friend appears and tricks her into a betrothal. She has retreated a little from the social whirl, and spends her time championing a variety of causes, including the killing of animals like the elephant Chunnee.

Sir Ajax Lynley, Baronet, is a large, very confident giant of a man, he has been working for the crown, and is in town to foil a plot concerning some correspondence that has fallen into the wrong hands. He needs an entree into society and protection from husband hunting females, he seizes on Emily’s overheard words to create a sham betrothal to give him some cover while he investigates the Ton.

He fully intends to keep Emily away from his investigation, and proceeds to actively plan to keep her flustered and unaware. Unfortunately for his plans, Emily soon gets wise to his ruse, and starts to work out that there is an ulterior motive here. She realises that the engagement will be temporary in nature, and decides to get involved. As they spend time together, they learn to respect each other, and find themselves irresistibly attracted to each other.

What I loved about this book is how well the relationship was developed. Ajax thought he could read Emily like a book at the beginning, and he flusters her at first, then she learns to manage his effect on her, and turns her mind to working out what he is doing. As their relationship develops, she also starts to fluster him, which was great. When she finally does work it all out, they agree to be partners, which was also refreshing, and there wasn’t too much macho posturing about protecting a defenceless female. He did develop protective instincts, and tried to exclude her, but I was happy to see Ms Moore allow Emily to save herself and Lynley sometimes.

As they get to know each other, Lynley tries to deflect her questions and affected by his mother’s desertion as a young man, doesn’t believe in love. However Emily sees through his facade to the cruelly treated boy, and their feeling develop as they solve the mystery and navigate conflicts on their way to their HEA.

All in all a lovely read, with amusing and likeable characters who work together really well, and get a lovely HEA. I will read more Moore!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions my own.

Also posted on goodreads

I really enjoyed the story of Emily and Lynley, it flowed well and was an interesting read that kept my attention throughout. The spy activity and mystery kept it interesting and the characters were extremely likable.

Lady Emily Radstock writes for the Times and is considered a spinster at the age of nearly 29. She has no desire for a husband. After receiving the book, The HuSband Hunter’s Guide to London, from her mother, she makes an outlandish statement about marrying the first idiot she comes across. Enter Sir Ajax Lynley, who overhears Emily and decides this is the perfect cover to re-enter society and discover the spy causing trouble between England and Russia. Lynley has his own issues, stemming from his childhood. Many are surprised by the match and Emily decides to read over the book and make her own choices on “husband hunting”. However, Emily is very perceptive and discovers Lynley’s true motives. She wants to help and they work together to track down the spy. There is little romance in the novel, for it focuses more on following leads and sharing information on discovering the spy in their mist.

Thank you Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Emily's family is pressuring her to marry since she will soon be turning 29.. She mistakenly announces that she'll marry the next idiot she meets and Lynle in need of a cover to spy on the ton takes her up on her unconventional offer. He uses his engagement to uncover missing documents and engages Emily in his quest. I liked that Emily's characters feels the thrill of partnering with Lynle. Together they are a great pair and makes the story entertaining and compelling.