When someone wants to hurt Regina, her cousin the Marquess hires Daffin to protect her. That means that Daffin will be spending the holidays with the Marquess and his family. Not a prospect Daffin relishes but he is fond of his good friend the Marquess. Being together with Regina is another problem since Regina has made untoward advances and Daffin tries to keep his presence on a professional Bow Street basis. But this is an HEA so we know that love will win out, that is if Daffin can find out who wants to hurt Regina.

This is a romance wrapped up in a mystery and actually a better romance than mystery. There was a bit too much coincidence involved with the mystery. It takes place during the December holidays and there is a bit of Christmassy fun. I enjoyed both the Hero and heroine, they were well developed with interesting back stories, especially for Daffin. Side characters have appeared in previous books in this series but this is a standalone novel.

I've been waiting for Daffin and Regina's story since the last book in the series. Bowman didn't disappoint, I loved it!!

Daffin has been attracted to Regina since meeting her. But with her being the granddaughter of a duke and he a lowly Runner, he knows he can never pursue her. When Regina approaches Daffon about taking her virginity, he is taken aback. He wants her, but doesn't feel right about being with her when she will soon be engaged.

Regina is resigned to marry the man her grandfather has picked out for her, but wants something of her own before she does. That thing is Daffin in her bed. If she must marry without love, she wants some memories to take with her.

Daffin has vowed to stay away from Regina so that he is not tempted to give into her request. But when someone tries to kill Regina, he is tasked to protecting her. As they spend more and more time together, Daffin finds it harder to deny their attraction. Can Daffin protect Regina without getting his heart broken?

Love, love, loved it!! I loved watching these two together. They were the perfect match for each other!

I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series, No Other Duke But You, which stars Delilah and Huntly!!

The opening chapter of this book had me hooked from the jump. A spinster taking control of her own virginity even amidst not being able to control anything else? Sign me up. While I think this premise could have worked stronger as a novella, Bowman never managed to loose me in this romp. Fun holiday read for sure.

Another winner from Ms. Bowman! I really enjoy her stories and this one didn't disappoint. Lady Regina Haversham wants to marry for love, but as she approaches her 30th birthday, her uncle is forcing her into marriage. When her cousin Mark hires his friend Bow Street Runner Daffin Oakleaf to investigate who might be targeting her, sparks fly between her and Daffin. Who is trying to hurt Regina and why? Daffin is on the case, but he's in danger of losing more than just this case and the more time he spends with Regina, he realizes the lady fancies him as well. However, she's a lady and he's a Bow Street Runner and their worlds could not be further apart. Can love conquer even one's social standing?

This story held my interest throughout and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what happened. I thought I had figured out the culprit, but a surprising twist was thrown into the mix. I also loved the banter between Regina and Daffin. Fans of regency romances will definitely enjoy this story.

Regina met Daffin when they were investigating her cousin's murder. They flirted, they parted, but neither could forget the other. Regina decided to gift herself Daffin for her birthday, and an awkward proposal ensues. At the same time, Regina finds herself in danger, and it is determined that Daffin is the best option to protect her. Enter your usual close quarters, accidental meetings in the library, and really getting to know one another. There were a lot of things I liked about this story. I liked Regina a lot, I liked seeing healthy friendships, and relationships. Daffin was an ok character as well. But, Ms. Bowen really borrowed heavily from cliche and formula, and that bugged me. I felt like the resolution to a lot of the conflicts in the story were rushed once they had served their purpose of bringing these two together.

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. Kiss Me At Christmas by Valerie Bowman is the 10th book in her Playful Brides series. It can be read as a stand-alone but I would suggest at a minimum you read book nine A Duke Like No Other first because these two stories are closely entwined. Lady Regina Haversham is about to turn 30 and is also about to reluctantly wed the Earl of Dryden who’s been lusting after the land in her dowry for the last 10 years in order to appease her Uncle the Duke as he worries about what will happen to her when he passes. But before that happens she wants to live a little and so visits handsome heroic Bow Street Runner Daffin Oakleaf with a proposition that he relieve her of that pesky virginity. Nervous and tongue tied Regina stumbles through one of the most mortifying moments in her life thus far only to be firmly rejected. Shocked and flattered Daffin rejects Regina because she’s not only way above him socially but the cousin of his best friends so decidedly off limits. That might have been the end of it but Regina’s life is being threatened and Daffin is called in to help protect her acting as her bodyguard. They’ll be spending Christmas together and who knows what will happen but she’s hoping he brought his handcuffs. I very much enjoyed this story. Great Banter. Quite Steamy. Publishing Date October 30, 2018 #NetGalley #KissMeAtChristmas #ValerieBowman #stmartinspress

I received Kiss Me at Christmas written by Valerie Bowman from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. I read Valerie Bowman all the time and love her books and this was no exception. It is the tenth book in her Playful Brides series but can be read as a stand-alone, however, the rest of the series is quite enjoyable.
Daffin Oakleaf is a famous Bow Street Runner who abhors Christmas. The happy holiday cheer reminds him of a dark time in his life. But when he learns Lady Regina, the cousin of one of his friends is in danger, he becomes bodyguard to a captivating woman.
Lady Regina has one mission: one night of passion with the most attractive man she has met before her thirtieth birthday. And, Daffin is that man, Reigniting their friendship and attraction to one another after six month, sparks fly and Daffin struggles to keep his hands to himself. But can a Bow Street Runner and Lady find HEA?
I always enjoy Valerie Bowman's stories. Characters are always well rounded with rough patches and wonderful intelligence. Daffin and Regina are no different. We were introduced to them in the last book and their story really takes off in this book. Great banter and steamy scenes made for a fast read! Can't wait for her next book #KissMeatChristmas #NetGalley

Intriguing story with well developed characters. Strong women battle for what they want. You'll want to leep reading to see how they get what tjeu want.

Wonderful story - strong characters. A very enjoyable book. Have read a few others in this series and this was a fine addition. Looking forward to more.

The story revolves around Daffin Oakleaf, a bow street runner, and Regina Haversham and the fact that someone is trying to hurt her. The story is full of danger, suspense, kidnapping, murder plots and last but not least love. Because of their different ranks in society Daffin has determined that he is not in a position to express interest in Regina. There is a HEA but not before the person who wants Regina dead is uncovered. This is a well written story and worth reading. I would highly recommend this book.

Rated 4.5!!

Bow Street Runner Daffin Oakleaf loathes Christmastime, and with good reason. Nothing lately is going accordingly. No matter what, a certain criminal seems one step ahead of him and Daffin has yet to bring him to justice. As if he does not already have enough on his plate, a relative of his good friend Mark, Lady Regina, shows up and propositions him. Daffin is shocked, but does what he is honorable and turns her down flat. That should be the end of it, right?!

Regina is about to marry a man she has no feelings for. All she wants is one night with a man she desires before she does her duty, and that man is Daffin. Unfortunately, Daffin isn't interested. When attempts are made on her and her cousin Nicole's lives, Daffin is brought in to keep watch over them while Mark is out of town. With the help of Nicole, Regina hopes to get a second chance to change Daffin's mind. What can she possibly do to tempt a man like Daffin?

Author Valerie Bowman's PLAYFUL BRIDES series is near and dear to my heart. I love all of the characters, primary and secondary. Ms. Bowman has a way of breathing life into them and their surroundings that just draws me in. The fact that they all seem to be getting their own stories is an added bonus. KISS ME AT CHRISTMAS is Bow Street Runner, Daffin Oakleaf's story. I have been waiting for this one, and I was not disappointed. Daffin is strong, steady and true. He is a very honorable and caring gentleman. Regina is all elegance and grace on the exterior, but deep down has her insecurities too. I couldn't have picked a better man for her than Daffin. If you're looking for a new historical romance series to start, look no further than Valerie Bowman's PLAYFUL BRIDES series.

I received a free ARC from Netgalley.

This is a mystery plot set during Christmas with unique circumstances. I liked both the main characters.

I would read more from this author.

Such a charming story - with handcuffs. Lady Regina is almost thirty and still a spinster. She met Daffin Oakleaf a year ago during a murder investigation. He is a very good looking, Bow Street Runner. They had an attraction and a mild flirtation but due to their stations in life, it could never be more. She has thought of him so much and wants him at least once before she is forced to marry someone who is her equal. She puts this proposal to him, but he refuses because he is honorable. Lady Regina has had two attempts on her life and Daffin has been hired to protect her and her cousin Nicole. When Regina is kidnapped, he realizes how much he loves her. Who wants Regina out of the way? Secrets about Daffin that he wants to keep are revealed. Will Daffin get Regina back unharmed? Will love find a way? I really loved Regina and Daffin. I received book from Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for a honest review and no compensation otherwise, The opinions expressed are my are my own.

Kiss Me At Christmas is a fun historical romance by Valerie Bowman. Ms. Bowman has provided readers with an outstanding holiday read inside this well-written book. The characters are stellar, kudos to Ms. Bowman for such a fabulous cast of characters. Lady Regina is being pushed into a marriage, but before that happens she wants to give her virginity to a man of her choice. Daffin is a Bow Street Runner and turns down Regina's request. Daffin and Regina's story is loaded with drama, humor, sizzle, action and suspense. Their story held me hostage from start to finish. I loved this book and look forward to reading more from Valerie Bowman in the future. Kiss Me At Christmas is book 10 of the Playful Brides Series but can easily be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this book series very much. This story is about Bow Street Runner Daffin Oakleaf who does not like Christmas. But when one of his close friend calls on him for help, but when he learns the Lady Regina is the one in danger, and that he has to be her bodyguard. Regina only wants to find passion with a gentlemen for one night. She has given up on marriage. I really liked the story line and characters of this book.

4.5 stars. I enjoyed this book, which had a nice blend of humour, romance, steam and mystery. I personally found the mystery pretty obvious. This book reads as a standalone, though we do get to see a few different characters from the other books. I loved the chemistry between the H&h and the plot flowed well and was interesting. This story also had the right amount of Christmas details, not so much that it takes over the story, but enough that you don't feel like they added a Christmas detail or had it over the holidays just so they could put "Christmas" in the title. Overall, a great story. *I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and this is my voluntary and honest review.

I like reading historical romance stories that take place during Christmas. This one had an added bonus of having a suspense/mystery element play an important part of the story.
Our two main characters, Regina and Daffin, have met in a previous story and sparks flew between them as they worked together to solve the mystery of who had killed Regina's cousin. It is because of this found connection between them that Regina decides to make an indecent proposal to Daffin. Unfortunately for Regina it goes badly. Her proposal is turned down, I felt so bad for her. Later because of some threats Daffin becomes Regina and Nicole's bodyguard. It is because of this time that they spend together that they begin to fall for each other. They realize that they have many things in common, but their social status prevents them being together.
I love the element of suspense/mystery that the author included in this story. The finding out who was making these threats were some of my favorite parts of the book. It had some action towards the end that made the story very interesting. The person responsible for the threats to Regina and Daffin came as a surprise to me and I liked this. It's not very fun when you are able to figure out early in the story who it is.
Because this is number 10 in the series, and the first one I've read, all those characters that came in at the end felt a little overwhelming for me. In the end it was a very good story and I will look out for the next one in the series.

I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review

This one started of with a bang but never really delivered on its promise. No real heat or passion, showing rather than telling. 2.5 rounded up. Skippable

I love Valerie Bowman. This is a really sweet romance about Bow Street Runner Daffin Oakleaf who agrees to be a bodyguard for Lady Regina as she has had several attempts on her life. Regina meanwhile has been given an ultimatum by her uncle which is to find a husband over the Christmas holidays or marry the aging Earl of Dryden. She sets her sights on Daffin and the adventure begins.

Received this ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.

Christmas stories are always lovely and this one has so much going for it. Bow Street Runner is all I needed to read it. Daffin and Regina are characters that you root for and hope they can overcome all their obstacles. There is intrigue, love and kisses. Lots and lots of kisses and other things (shhh...not telling). This story is just a feel good read and when it ended I just sighed with pleasure.