I loved this book! It's well-written, enjoyable, and a great Christmas read. Lee Tobin McClain did a great job of writing in a way that captures the readers attention, and makes you not want to put it down until you're finished! I would highly recommend it!

This was an ok story, I didn’t like nor did i hate it. I like the authors writing style and will continue to read from her.

I really enjoyed Kayla, Tony and Jax's story. As always, Lee Tobin McClain reates an atmospheric, romantic story where family is at the heart. I want to get the other books in the series.

Thanks to Lee Tobin McClain and Harlequin for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

5 stars

This was a cute contemporary holiday romance, with a touch of mystery. It was nice to have a protagonist who is a more mature woman in her late 30s early 40s, and still is looking for her first true love. Not something we see in books very often. I enjoyed the murder mystery aspect, and how it related to the male main characters. There is grief, sudden loss of a family member, and childhood bullying for themes.

Lee Tobin McClain’s First Kiss at Christmas is a sweet and heartfelt festive romance perfect for Debbie Macomber fans.

Kayla Harris is a 25 year old preschool teacher with an embarrassing secret she daren’t admit to anyone. Kayla might be halfway through her twenties, but the pre-school teacher has never been kissed. Well aware that in this day and age, her lack of kissing experience is somewhat unusual, Kayla doesn’t believe that her romantic life will suddenly change overnight – until Jax and his handsome uncle Tony show up in her classroom. Kayla is immediately drawn to Tony who makes her feel things she has never felt before, but will the magic of Christmas bring the two of them together? Or will the obstacles standing in their way end up pushing the two of them apart forever?

Romance is the last thing on Tony’s mind. His number one priority is his grieving nephew and there is absolutely nothing in this world that Tony won’t do for the little boy who is his entire world. Still traumatized by events from the past that have changed Tony and Jax’s life forever, the two of them have got a lot on their plate at the moment, but will kind-hearted teacher Kayla manage to inject some light into the darkness and make them believe in the magic of the season?

Can Tony and Kayla stop letting their guilt, their insecurities and their fears get in the way of their happiness this Christmas? Will they triumph over all the odds standing in their way and be a family for a little boy who has lost everything? Or will their doubts end up costing them everything?

Lee Tobin McClain’s First Kiss at Christmas is a poignant, magical and emotional romantic tale that aims for the heart and will have readers reaching for the tissues on many an occasion. First Kiss at Christmas is a spellbinding romance about healing from the past, starting over and the power of love with a heroine readers will root for, a hero they will fall in love with and an adorable little boy who will steal everyone’s heart.

A hopeful, heartwarming and uplifting contemporary romance, Lee Tobin McClain’s First Kiss at Christmas is an enjoyable tale readers will love snuggling up with this holiday season.

Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

This is the fifth in the series but I did not believe I have read any of the series but this can be read as a stand alone.

This is a sweet story that could easily fall under the made for tv movie for Lifetime or Hallmark. There is a lot to this book, not just romance. There are actually two storylines really so sometimes it was a bit hard to follow along.

This is an enjoyable read though I wouldn’t say it put me into the holiday spirit. The characters are well written and keep you invested in their story.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Kayla a preschool teacher, trying to help Jax, Tony’s nephew who have just lost his mom and may have to witness the shooting that kill his mom. He is traumatized and feel insecure and could not let his uncle out of his sight. Kayla found herself trying her best to help Jax to adapt to his environment and could not help herself when she found herself to be increasingly attracted to Tony.
Tony on the other hand, feel guilty and blamed himself for the death of his sister. If only he didn’t turn her away is the only thing that played in his mind.

This is the 5th book and my 2nd read in the offspring series. The story set in a small town with romance mix in with mystery and suspense action as the storyline, this book give an welcome charm to its reader. It is a beautiful story of love, forgiveness and second chances and reminded me what Christmas is all about.

Kayla Harris looks out the window and sees a scruffy man approaching a upset young child at the town's playground. As she starts to rush to the child's aid, the child does calm down in the arms of the man. That does not explain why the child was there by himself at first and then the man showed up. Why is he looking so rough? Kayla is a preschool teacher and children are her first priority.

She soon learns that Tony DeNunzio is the boy's uncle. The child's name is Jax and Kayla is more than curious as to why the two are together.

One night out with her friend Amber has Kayla confessing that she has reached the age of twenty-five without ever being kissed. This discussion leads Kayla to making a resolution to kiss a man before the end of the year. Will she be able to do it? Find someone that she would be that comfortable with?

This story is very, very touching. For starters, Amber is plus-sized, but has tremendous self-confidence. Then there is Jax. All he has is Tony. (Well, he has another aunt and uncle, but Tony has taken guardianship of him.) Jax just about broke my heart. His clinginess, sensitivity and sadness came right through the pages of this book. Also, there is Tony, trying to learn how to become a father all of a sudden, especially when considering how Jax tragically lost his mother Stella.

As Kayla rents out a cottage to Tony and Jax, she gets to know them, especially once Jax gets enrolled as a student. Meanwhile, there is a side story, and it is rather significant. There are unclear details about Stella's death, and it soon becomes apparent that perhaps Tony and Jax may not be safe. Will they every get past losing Stella and remain safe and become a family of two? What about a family of three with Kayla? Is the baggage that both Kayla and Tony carry too much for a loving and lasting relationship to develop?

I was thoroughly enamored with this touching story. I admit to crying for Tony and Jax. I felt like their pain was my pain. I also felt for Kayla as I am also a plus-sized woman. Then there is the story itself and how wonderfully it developed, even with the air of intrigue in this story. Lastly, the dogs in the story - did they steal the show for me? Maybe. Just maybe.

I love Lee Tobin McClain's writing. She manages to connect her readers to her characters, thus making me feel like she is sitting in my living room relating said stories to me.

Many thanks to HQN Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

I have been enjoying The Off Season series. I enjoyed my trip back to Pleasant Shores or the Chesapeake Bay. There is a new resident at Victory Cottage, Tony DiNunzio and his 4 year old nephew Jax. Jax is grieving after the loss of his mother, a shooting which he witnessed. Tony is dealing with his guilt over Stella's death as he promised his father he would take care of the family. Jax won't let go of his Uncle Tony and causes an issue with his screaming everywhere he goes. When Tony enrolls him at a private school, he meets Kayla, the woman who will be Jax's teacher. She is calm, caring and patient with both Tony and Jax and they begin to feel a little more comfortable. Kayla develops feelings for Tony, but is extremely protective of her feelings, and is a bit afraid of a relationship as she has never been kissed. There are a lot of roadblocks and baggage to get past if they are to have a relationship. There is also a parallel story involving Sylvie, a thirty something woman who has been sent to Pleasant Shores to keep an eye on Jax and find out what he remembers. Of course, no one can resist the wonderful people in the community and she soon finds herself wanting to make a home in the community.

This is a story that once I picked it up, I couldn't stop reading. I very quickly embraced all the characters and wanted them to be happy. Tony's story is heart breaking and the clumsy way he rallies around his orphaned nephew is both amusing and uplifting. Kayla is the hometown, sweet, never been kissed teacher who has low self-esteem, due to bullying and issues stemming from her childhood. We also meet up with characters from the previous books, but you don't have to have read them to enjoy this book. Of course Jax and his new friend Davey steal the show, they are so adorable. This is a well written story with a bit of a mystery, grief, healing, friendship and of course romance. This is Christmas magic at its best. I also like how Lee Tobin McClain has set up the next book, at least I think she has. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it to those who enjoy a good romance with great characters and a wonderful storyline.

‘First Kiss at Christmas’ by Lee Tobin McClain was a wholesome love story with an edge of suspense that made my heart happy *and* kept me on my toes. There was so much sweetness and emotion I was either constantly “awwwing” out loud or crying, lol. This was a story about healing, trust, family, community, and love in all its forms. I loved Jax, Tony, and Kayla with my whole heart, as well as the town of Pleasant Shores and its residents. Can I live here, please?

Oh, and the suspense! It was so well balanced with the romance. There was always this shroud of danger hovering at the edges of all the fluff, and it absolutely raised the stakes, making this story all the more intriguing.

Overall, this book felt like a warm, beautifully poignant hug and I highly recommend picking it up and embarking on this wonderful journey with these characters and Pleasant Shores yourself. 💕

The Review

What a powerful and emotional holiday romance. Tragedy marks the male protagonist of this story, putting him into the role of a caregiver to his nephew after his sister’s tragic murder. Trying to help his nephew through his loss and struggling with his own guilt, the author really did an amazing job of showcasing the emotional turmoil that a loss of this magnitude could have on a person, and the lengthy process of not only letting go of that guilt but of allowing ourselves to feel love again in the face of that tragedy was such a powerful message for this narrative.

The balance the author found with that profound theme and the more holiday romance magic of the female protagonist’s story was amazing to read. Her own struggles with the past and her desire to experience love and her first kiss was the romantic incentive the narrative needed, and the story did an amazing job of showcasing these two characters’ evolution and the way opening ourselves up to others could help with the healing process.

The Verdict

A beautiful, heartbreaking, yet truly romantic and emotional read, author Lee Tobin McClain’s “First Kiss at Christmas” is a must-read holiday romance drama. The gripping story of these two characters and their developing relationship will absolutely enthrall readers, and the magical romance that drives the narrative forward brings a harmonious tone to the more tragic circumstances of the character’s backgrounds, making this a truly remarkable read.

Disclaimer: I was sent a free book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

This was a sweet holiday story about healing, trust, and finding love

Kayla is a preschool teacher who at 25 has never been kissed. In walks Tony a man trying to raise and help his nephew Jax recover from losing his mom. The only problem is Tony is grieving as well and blaming himself.

Together these characters form a tender bond and begin a journey of healing.

I thought this story was a beautiful way of showing how the holidays and friendship can help someone heal. Grief is a personal thing and I felt the author did a wonderful job showing that. I also really enjoyed watching these characters come together.

Overall a wonderful holiday read to snuggle up with on a cold, rainy winter day in Florida.

First Kiss at Christmas, by Lee Tobin McClain, book five in The Off Season series, is a wonderful, sweet romance that tugs at the heartstrings. Tony DeNunzio a military veteran, who blames himself for his sister's drug-related death, is now caring for his four-year-old traumatized and orphaned nephew, Jax. They are the latest occupants of Victory Cottage, a place for healing and new beginnings. After a run-in with early childhood teacher, Kayla Harris, at a point when his patience is wearing thin and his nephew is acting out, makes him wonder if Pleasant Shores is the right place for him and his traumatized nephew. Maybe he should just go back home and take the social work job waiting for him at the VA, but Jax needs time to heal from a tragedy and seems to connect with the sweet school teacher.The year is drawing to a close, and Kayla has little time left to achieve the resolution she made at the beginning of the year, to finally get her first kiss. With few prospects in their small coastal town she believes she will never get that kiss. As Kayla welcomes Jax into her classroom and his uncle volunteers with the preschoolers, she realizes there's so much more to the man than his stoic, protective outer shell. Maybe this newcomer is the answer to her prayers.

I loved watching Kayla and Tony overcome their emotional baggage from the past and find their way to one another and to building a family with Jax. With small-town charm and endearing, secondary characters, this beautiful, inspiring, feel-good story with a dash of suspense, filled full of redemption, love, forgiveness and second chances, is the perfect reminder of the true spirit of the holidays. I totally enjoyed and highly recommend First Kiss at Christmas to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

The title, First Kiss at Christmas, sounds like a happy, easy holiday read. Don't let that fool you because Lee Tobin McClain hits some pretty tough subjects here, including drug use and loss of a parent. There is a romance here too, and it's easy to get invested in these characters. The story is kind of a two-for-one deal, or at least that's how it felt to me as it moved between the drama and the sweet. There really are so many layers to this one, and in the end, it's a holiday romance, but it's also a story of family, redemption, starting over, and living life - all of which worked well in combination with a great Christmas spirit. This is part of McClain's The Off Season series, but I didn't have any problem with the characters or storyline, so I'm going to say it can be read as a standalone.

Preschool teacher Kayla Harris has never been kissed; it has a lot to do with horrible memories of being bullied and teased in middle school. But when a handsome man named Tony enrolls his scared nephew Jax in her class, Kayla can’t help but wonder if Tony might be her first kiss. But Tony is carrying around too much guilt to think he is worthy for any woman right now.

This is such a sweet story, but an emotional roller coaster too. Poor little Jax and Tony are both grieving Jax’s mother’s death, and watching them navigate that grief was tough. A parallel storyline of an ongoing investigation makes this a bit of a mystery and adds some suspense. The romance is Hallmark- movie-worthy. And of course, there is an adorable, disabled dog that will steal your heart.

Add 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐊𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬 to your holiday reading list today!

Thank you to @hqnbooks @htpbooks and @harpercollins for an invite to this tour and a gifted digital copy.

This is part of a series and reading it made me want to go back and find the other books I have missed. Kayla Harris is a preschool teacher who has never been kissed. No, not kidding! Twenty five and never been kissed! She encounters Tony DiNunzio when he enrolls his nephew in her class. The little boy is precocious and suffering from being recently orphaned and in some ways is a center of the story. Kayla and Toni become allies in helping his nephew succeed and overcome fears and then they become friends and then…well, it’s predictable, but so much fun getting there. The story was entertaining and well-written, with just a hint of mystery and a lot of clean romance. My favorite scenes were at the holiday dance when Kayla reminded me of Cinderella, complete with an evil stepsister (actually just a former classmate) who has set her sights on Tony. The dialogue between Kayla and Tony is realistic, setting a tone of humor as well as a deep need to be understood and accepted. The themes of acceptance, forgiving others and yourself and looking forward to a brighter future are all uplifting and just what is needed for the upcoming holiday.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book Harlequin via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

As someone who also got her first kiss later than the average. I enjoyed this sweet romance about a Christmas first kiss. There's just something about a Christmas romance that makes them sweeter than other romances.

Kayla is 25 and never been kissed and now has made it a resolution to do so. Tony is new in town caring for his nephew after his sister was killed and a new environment might be just what they need. Tony will be volunteering in Kayla's classroom and sparks fly but there is plenty to make things complicated but they can't help but fall for eachother.

This was a pretty enjoyable book. I loved the small town feel of it. I loved seeing the relationship form between Tony and Kayla and seeing how they were handling Tony's nephew. Tony wants to do everything he can to help his troubled nephew because he's really not sure how much the child knows about what happened to his mother or if he had witnessed what happened to her and its only a matter of time that he opens up but until that happens he'll be there the only way he can but with Kayla's help he's opening up more. I loved watching the sweet moments happen and if your wondering this book is a clean romance which I actually prefer. Then theres a side POV which I was kinda confused about at first then was able to piece things together on why it was apart of the book. Kind of felt like it wasn't needed but was an interesting added tidbit. Overall really good book I really enjoyed it.

Perfect holiday romance! I started this and couldn't put it down. I found the characters to be likeable and the spirit of Christmas was palpable throughout the pages.

So, I started to read FIRST KISS AT CHRISTMAS which is book five in the Off Season series and totally fell in love with the setting and the words of Lee Tobin McClain. I quickly went on a hunt to find the previous books in the series.

FIRST KISS AT CHRISTMAS introduces you to Kayla Harris. She is a twenty five year old pre school teacher and get this…..she has never been kissed! What?? She finds herself drawn to her new student and his uncle who is raising him. Toni DeNunzio and his nephew Jax are the latest occupants of Victory Cottage, a place for healing and new beginnings. Jax is struggling with the loss of his mother, Tony’s sister Stella. Stella had a drug problem and they really don’t know too much about the details of her shooting death. Tony feels so guilty because he thinks he failed her. No one knows how Jax ended up on Tony’s doorstep the night of the shooting. They are both trying to come to terms with Stella’s death and aren’t doing a good job at that.

FIRST KISS AT CHRISTMAS is filled with struggling with the choices we have to make and once you start reading, it will be impossible to put down. Keep the tissues close by because this will be one heck of an emotional journey. Will Jax and Tony ever find their place in the world, overcome their grief, and be happy once again? Lee Tobin McClain does a wonderful job of teaching the reader what Kayla, Tony, and Jax are going through. Ms. McClain really knows how to write about family drama, heartbreak, and forgiveness. I can not wait to read more by this wonderful and heart tugging author.

I totally enjoyed FIRST KISS AT CHRISTMAS. I just wanted to continue reading about these wonderful people. I’m going to try and squeeze in the rest of the series ASAP. I’m swamped with blog tours for the rest of the year but I have to return to Chesapeake very soon. Lee Tobin McClain is such a wonderful author and I love how her stories make it seem as if she is writing just for me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead Publicity Tours. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given