Kiss Me at Christmas is a stand-alone in Valerie Bowman's Playful Brides series. I had not yet read any of this author's books, so this one can definitely be read without feeling lost.

Kiss Me at Christmas is Regina and Daffin's story. They were acquainted before this book begins and had engaged in a summer flirtation. I liked that aspect of their romance, a second-chance/continuation.

Regina and Daffin were a cute couple all around. I enjoyed their interactions with one another. At times they were awkward, then they were amusing. Sometimes they were sweet and then sexy.

Also, it didn't hurt that the book takes place during my favorite holiday season. Christmas!

Throw in some mystery and drama, and you have an enjoyable holiday historical romance.

***I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.***

I had never read anything by Valerie Bowman before and she has now become a favorite. The main characters in this book are so likable. The heroine has a lot of emotional maturity and pluck, which I found very refreshing, and the story moves along at a good pace. This seems to be one book in a series, but it worked very well as a stand-alone. It simply makes me want to read the others.

Kept me up reading good!! Loved the intrigue/mystery and romance of this historical book. While characters from previous books did appear this book definitely stands alone.

Kiss Me at Christmas by Valerie Bowman is a lovely quick read. The series is called the Playful Brides and although this is the 10th book in the series, the can be read independently without a problem. I have not read all the books in the series, but that is something I hope to change at some point.

Lady Regina is almost thirty and has accepted her fate of being a spinster on the shelf. Her uncle, however really wants her to be wed before long and has increased the pressure on her. Regina has escaped to London to spend time with her cousins while figuring out how to escape marriage to a man she does not like. Instead she conceives of a plan to offer herself and her virginity to Daffin Oakleaf.

Daffin Oakleaf is a Bow Street Runner. He has no intention of helping Lady Regina with her virginity, but has been called into the family for help. Someone seems to be targeting the family and Regina specifically. He has been asked to untangle all the information and come up with the person involved. Only he really does have a thing for Lady Regina and she really does have a thing for him…and there is a killer wanting to kill her.

Valerie Bowman has a way of keeping the characters interesting and a plot line that moves along. Kiss Me at Christmas by Valerie Bowman was a good read.

Kiss Me At Christmas by Valerie Bowman is the 10th book in her Playful Brides series, which can also be read as a stand-alone book. Lady Regina Haversham is about to turn 30 and her uncle, who is a Duke, is worried that his niece will not marry someone in her social class. He wants to be sure she marries the “right” person before he dies. Her uncle’s chosen husband for her is the Earl of Dryden. The Earl of Dryden would also like to marry her for her dowry...not for love. Regina has no interest in the Earl of Dryden.
In light of this impending wedding, Regina decides she is going to be with someone she is attracted to and lose her virginity to whom she chooses. Regina visits the Bow Street Runner, Daffin Oakleaf, and propositions him. She instantly regrets her decision because he rejects her advances. Daffin is attracted to her but realizes he will not be accepted socially by her family and because he is her cousin’s friend.
Circumstances beyond there control bring them together again. As they get to know each other better, Regina finds out that he’s been lying to her. Can a relationship be strong enough to get passed this lie??
That being said, this is yet another book I loved by Valerie Bowman. Couldn’t put it down once I started it.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 Stars
A solid historical romance with a slow burn approach that is more realistic than most with two extremely likeable MCs and supporting characters. Although this is book 10, I've only read 2 novels from the series, and both (including this one) are easy to follow. The writing flows well and at a good pace. There's a bit of mystery to solve and adventure to be had incorporated into the romance as well (this series does include a spy ring subplot). On top of all that, it's set around Christmas, so what's not to enjoy? Overall, it's a fun read and I plan to read much more by this author since both books I've come across were worthwhile and fabulously entertaining. For historical romance/adventure fans.

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Kiss Me At Christmas definitely started with a definite twist with Lady Regina, offering to pay Bow Street Runner Daffin Oakleaf, for his services! Whilst this is not quite how she intended to propose for him to give her the one night of passion, before she turned 30 and found herself married to someone that she had not chosen, Daffin is intrigued but turns Regina down tactfully. When a threat to Regina’s life requires Daffin to step in to protect her, he finds his ability to say no, quickly deteriorating.
Both Regina and Daffin are such great characters and there is never any doubt of their feelings for each other. Despite Daffin’s difficult childhood and experiences, he is still open to his feelings which was a refreshing aspect to this story. Likewise, Regina is quite determined to find love, even if only to then obey her grandparents and their requirements of her. Their friendship and romance were so lovely to read about, gradually developing such that I found myself reading this in one sitting. It was also wonderful to see the return of such great characters as Mark and Nicole, from A Duke Like No Other.

This is a fantastic addition to the series and for anyone who loves Christmas stories. I received an advanced review copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This novel was such a delight! It starts out with our heroine, Regina, meeting with our hero, Daffin, at his Bow Street office in order to offer him a proposition. As Lady Regina is nearly thirty and is being forced into marriage by her aged Uncle the Duke to a man she does not love or particularly like, she desperately yearns for some sort of freedom and decision-making concerning her own future. So she asks Daffin to take her virginity as she thinks him gorgeous and has admired his bravery since he helped catch her cousin's killer some months before. Unfortunately for Regina (and hilariously for the reader!), she is so flustered by her meeting with Daffin that she ends up botching the proposition and ultimately asks Daffin to exchange sexual favors...for money! The opening scene is so hilariously awkward and filled with such underlining sexual lust that both MCs were struggling to decipher what was and wasn't being said. Both characters leave the meeting disappointed, slightly embarrassed, and ultimately unable to forget the encounter even if Daffin refuses to take advantage of Regina's proposal.

Daffin views himself as unworthy of Regina because of his working-class status and his mysteriously clouded past. Regina however does not see these divisions in social stature; she merely sees Daffin as a hard-working, brave and beautiful man who is willing to risk his life to help others. And soon, Daffin is risking his life and career to keep Regina safe as she faces a dangerous threat from an unknown source. Both Regina and Daffin are thrown together by her meddling, well-meaning friend and various circumstances as they try to find and extinguish the threat against her life and ultimately find happiness together.

Overall, this novel was fantastic!! I am beating myself up for not having read any of Valerie's novels before this point as I adored her writing style. This novel was full of humor, wit, sexual longing and tension, and plenty of angst and romance and twisty turns I didn't see coming. Outstanding HR read that I definitely recommend :D

Well this is interesting. It is definitely going to be an indecent proposal, that's for sure.

Did she just offer to pay him?

I would have told him about the carriage accident before trying to seduce him.

The parrot is fun.

Ugh, Rosalind needs to get her comeuppance immediately.

I’ve received an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5*


I have to admit first and foremost, I love Christmas stories. So, just for that it gains a few points. Not that it needed the extra points – it’s a great story on its own.

Daffin Oakleaf is a Bow Street Runner, which makes him a bit of an unconventional hero. I loved learning about his past, who he really is, and why he abhorred Christmas. He’s a good man, with a troubled past, which does not stop him from helping others – on the contrary. That’s how he met Regina, in a previous book.

Regina wants to do something for herself, and since she liked Daffin, she decides he is the one to whom she will lose her virginity – if he’ll take her. Regina is strong willed, amazing woman who respects herself. And her uncle has chosen a man whom she is to marry (a bad choice, of course), so decides she deserves at least a little adventure – and to be cherished before that happens. And since sparks had flown with Daffin in a previous book, he was the one.

And even when her proposal doesn’t really work, it’s okay. Because it allows us to see their romance build up, becoming more than just a fling. All in a Christmas ambience.

It does have some mystery and an action-driven plot, so it’s a book that will make you want to discover what is happening as soon as possible, so it will be hard to put it down.

I really enjoyed this book full of romance and action. Definitely a recommendation for all lovers of romances.

My, my. I just finished Kiss Me At Christmas by Valerie Bowman and I'm impressed. I'd been waiting, it seemed like forever, for this couples story and whoop, whoop! Ms. Bowman has gotten a little frisky this time and I like it. While not 50 Shades Of Grey it's at least 10.

Daffin Oakleaf, yummy Bow Street Runner, is our hero. He's described as blond haired, green-eyed and resembling a Greek God. My pulse rate increased. We get a lot of tall, dark and handsome so Daffin is a treat. He met our heroine in the last book, A Duke Like No Other, and they had a ton of sparks. He's worked with that couple, Mark and Nicole, for some time and considers them friends as well as coworkers. While Mark is out of town on business Daffin agrees to look after the ladies and keep them safe. He's a good guy to have on your side and in your bed. 'Nuff said.

Lady Regina Haversham is Mark's cousin, wildly attracted to Daffin and about to turn 30 years old (gasp! spinster!) She's looked and waited for true love and finally given up. Her uncle, the Duke, has convinced her to marry their next door neighbor, a real snore-bore. Her virginity seems to be the only thing in her life she has control over and she decides that Daffin should be her first lover, before marring snore-bore. Daffin is shocked, and tempted, by her proposition but won't accommodate her birthday wish. A bigger problem pops up when someone keeps trying to run the family carriage off the road. Nicole sets up the Daffin/bodyguard scenario to put our couple in close quarters for a few weeks. She's a pretty good spy and matchmaker. To find out which of the ladies is the target they plan an outing and right in front of Gunter's a shot rings out. Poor Daffin takes a bullet for our team. We still don't know who's the target but they're getting out of London.


Trouble follows our characters to the countryside and eventually Regina is kidnapped. A ransom note arrives but something seems off. Daffin, Nicole and Mark work to find Regina and figure out who the villain is, still a mystery. Our Regina is resourceful and finds a way to save herself, she didn't want her friends walking into a trap. I like a lady who doesn't faint (a swoon is fine) or just scream for help. The story of Regina and the villain is very good so I won't spoil it. Red herrings, distractions, anger, fear, hot kisses, handcuffs and old issues make it worth the read.

As always, this is a romance and must have a happy ending. It's a nice one, our hero gets told what is what by the men of this series, as has happened in every story. This book has several deviations from a standard plot so I think it's worth your time. I'm thrilled to know another book is on it's way. It has such possibility. Don't leave me hanging too long, please? Receiving a free book ARC is a true privilege and one I certainly enjoy. Being able to provide my opinion is a pleasure and doesn't cost a thing. Happy reading.

KISS ME AT CHRISTMAS by Valerie Bowman is book 10 in the Playful Brides series. This is the story of Regina and Daffin. I feel this can be a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Regina is nearing 30 years old and headed to the 'shelf' although her Uncle wishes her to marry a neighbor to benefit him. Daffin has been attracted to Regina from first site but knows that him being a Bow Street Runner puts him out of her class. But Regina finds him attractive too and wishes to know what passion is before its to late for her. So when her life becomes in danger and Daffin is the man to help save her...their feelings start to take off.
I am such a fan of Ms. Bowman's so I know I am getting a great story when I see her name on a book. Just loved this one!

"Kiss Me at Christmas" by Valerie Bowman
I really enjoyed this read. So glad I was gifted an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for an early read. I couldn't help falling just a bit in love with Daffin and Regina as they worked their way through the clues to solve the mysteries. The mysteries of who was under attack and the why.

What do you do when the unattainable woman throws herself at you?

Daffin has a problem - a beautiful, headstrong, frustrating problem named Regina. She's the niece of a duke and is facing an arranged marriage, and would prefer to enjoy the last of her independence with the man of her choosing - Daffin, a Bow Street Runner considered entirely unsuitable by her uncle.

But first, they have to find out who's trying to kill her. Regina's cousin, Mark, hires his best friend, Daffin, to protect Regina while investigating the threat. Working so closely together, Regina and Daffin discover that they share a connection, a chemistry strong enough to defy convention and family expectations.

This book was instantly captivating, with suspense and drama interspersed with delightful charm and heartfelt emotion. Daffin is the historical equivalent of a modern-day military-trained private investigator, proving that hot alpha heroes can be found throughout history. Regina may be bound by society's rules and customs, but she's determined to live her own life on her own terms. These two are so terrific together, sharing a deep emotional intimacy that provides a foundation for their future together.

I truly enjoyed every part of this book, from Daffin's tragic history to Regina's well-meaning family. It's a book that will transport the reader back in time, providing the escapism that one can only find in great books. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Daffin and Regina are not a match you would expect. But Regina is attracted to him, and she has decidedly *not* been attracted to any of her previous suitors. So Regina propositions him.

Daffin has a complicated background, and revealing its details would be major spoilers, but it is clear from the outset that there is more to this man than he acknowledges. His respect for Regina’s cousin assures that he will reject her proposition, but he is more than tempted.

When Daffin is signed on to protect Regina and their friend Nicole from an unknown threat, it is clear that Daffin’s principled refusal of Regina will be challenged.

This is a fun-filled adventure, with lovely characters, and a Christmas setting.

I am not a lover of Christmas stories and was not sure what to expect with this story but I loved it. It had adventure, mystery, action, suspense and romance. I enjoyed the interaction between all the characters. They were well developed and worked together beautifully. Having not read the books before, I now want to go back and read them and the one to follow as the setup has me intrigued. It was a quick and easy page turner. There was a couple of sex scenes and this reviewer skipped them as always but it did not affect my enjoyment of the book. I received this as an ARC and will be reading more from this author.

Regina is determined to lose her virginity. At 30, she is considered on the shelf and has limited options for marriage. She wants to experience one night of passion. One night where she can experience what married women experience. She decides that Daffin Oakleaf would be more than able to fulfill her fantasy. Set back by his refusal, Regina soon finds herself back in his orbit when she becomes the target of an assassin. Can Daffin protect Regina from whoever is trying to kill her? Will he agree to be her lover for one night?

I am going to start this review off with the cover. Look at it. It shows Daffin and Regina’s chemistry off. What I also liked was the male model looked exactly how I thought Daffin would look. It is rarely I can say “Hey, look at this awesome cover. The models look like how I imagined.” So, yeah, the cover was a huge hit with me.

I was excited when I saw that Daffin was getting his own story. He caught my eye in A Duke Like No Other. I wanted to know his backstory and man, was it a sad one. I couldn’t even begin to imagine living through what he did and at such a young age. I liked how he fought his growing feelings for Regina. I loved him. He was everything that a romance novel hero should be.

I loved Regina. She was a woman who knew what she wanted. She put herself on the shelf because she couldn’t find a man who she couldn’t live without. But, she was going to marry the Earl of Dryden if she couldn’t find someone by the end of Christmas. Her reaction to Daffin’s explanation about why he hated Christmas was telling. She was unconventional. She was one of the more real romance characters I have read in a while.

The chemistry/sexual attraction that Regina and Daffin had been insane. I had noticed it when they were introduced in A Duke Like No Other. The author did a great job of carrying it over into this book. The fact that he could get turned on by her scent was awesome. As with her when she was in his presence.

That chemistry they had led to some hot sex scenes. Talk about fanning myself after a few of those scenes. Holy moly. I liked that the author wasn’t afraid to have Regina know what she liked. Such as Daffin’s handcuffs.

I was a little disappointed with the plotline about who was trying to kill Regina. Let me rephrase that. I was disappointed by the ending of it. It was left hanging. We know who it was and the reason (which was silly). But no resolution. I am hoping that it gets resolved in book 11 (yes, 11!!!)

The end of Kiss Me at Christmas was exactly what I hoped it would be. I was so mad at Regina’s great-uncle. I was whispering (because I was in bed) not so nice words when he did what he did. But, Regina set that straight when she found out. Oh boy, did she. The author did a great job of wrapping up all the secondary plotlines. The main plotline, not so much (see above). There was some foreshadowing about who the next book will be about.

I gave Kiss Me at Christmas a 4-star rating. This was a fun, sweet and sexy read. The plotlines were intriguing. The characters were well fleshed out and I loved them. I did not like how the main plotline ended but I am hopeful that it gets resolved in the next book. This is a great book!!

I would give Kiss Me at Christmas an Adult rating. There is explicit sex. There is violence. There is mild language. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book. I would also warn that some of the sex scenes do include light bondage (handcuffs).

I would reread Kiss Me at Christmas. I would also recommend this book to family and friends.

I would like to thank St. Martin’s Paperbacks, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review Kiss Me at Christmas.

All opinions stated in this review of Kiss Me at Christmas are mine.

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

Have you read Kiss Me at Christmas?
Love it?
Hate it?
Meh about it?
Let me know!!

I love Christmas. And when you combine that with historical romance, it’s a match made in heaven.

I loved watching Daffin and Regina. They had this connection, from the first time they met, but never acted on it. And when they meet up again it’s under rather embarrassing circumstances that was awkward to watch. But true love has a way of working through embarrassments and making all things right.

I love when stories are interconnected. Seeing past characters join in make the stories much more enjoyable. And of course when the men step in, to put things to right, it’s quite fun.

I can’t wait to read the next book!

**3.5 Stars**

In the wake of her approaching 30 year birthday, Lady Regina Haversham has embraced her spinsterhood. But her dying uncle has come to a different conclusion and has arranged a marriage for his niece. His love for her has driven him to make sure she will be cared for after he has passed on. Regina knows she must honor her uncle’s wishes, but she has a wish of her own…one that involves one very sexy Bow Street Runner, Daffin Oakleaf.

Daffin Oakleaf has had a time of it lately with the press making his case solving sound like he is a hero. Forever being hounded by young ladies, and curiosity seekers, Daffin is not completely surprised to see the cousin of his best friends, Lady Regina, knocking on his door. He is, however, more than surprised to hear her offer of him becoming her lover before she enters into an arranged marriage. Regina’s indecent proposal leaves Daffin both bewildered but also aroused and contemplating “what if?”.

Kiss Me at Christmas is an enjoyable holiday set theme. I did feel that the plot of the mysterious murder attempts to be a bit weak, and took away from the romance building between Regina and Daffin. Overall, Kiss Me at Christmas by Valerie Bowman is a well written, sweet romantic historical read that I would recommend. While this is part of the Playful Brides series, it can be read as a stand-alone novel.

*Received an ARC copy via NetGalley for honest review*

A very good and enjoyable Christmas read. It was funny, entertaining and enjoyable.
It's full of humour, mystery and with an exciting plot.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to St. Martin Press and Netgalley for this ARC