"A Moonlit Christmas Kiss" is a charming holiday romance set in the Regency era. It’s about Lord Warrick, who's been through the wringer after getting injured in battle, and Aphrodite Primrose, a fun governess who speaks Latin like it’s no big deal. When Warrick starts flirting with her at a party, he can't stop thinking about her. Despite their differences and the stuff they have to deal with, they share a magical kiss under the mistletoe, kicking off a story filled with ups and downs.

Lord Warrick is a really interesting guy with a lot going on, struggling with his injuries and emotional baggage. Aphrodite is a strong and witty heroine who’s hard not to love. The way their relationship unfolds feels warm and real, making their journey super relatable and heartwarming.

Larissa Lyons' writing is super captivating and really nails the vibe of the Regency era. Her words are packed with historical details and deep emotions that pull you right into the story. The pacing is just right, mixing romance and tension effortlessly.

The main themes of the book focus on love, bouncing back from tough times, and how second chances can change everything. It looks at the struggles of dealing with physical and emotional hurdles and shows how important it is to lean on each other for strength. Plus, it brings out the magic of the holiday season and the fun surprises of finding unexpected love.

Larissa Lyons mixes in all sorts of writing tricks to make her story pop, like colorful descriptions, real emotional feels, and a solid sense of the setting. Throwing in some Regency slang and historical tidbits gives it an authentic vibe, making it both fun and informative.

The book flows really well, with a nice, engaging structure that keeps you interested all the way through. Plus, it’s super easy to read, thanks to clear and straightforward writing that anyone can enjoy.

"A Moonlit Christmas Kiss" is a sweet and cozy holiday love story that mixes some historical and Regency vibes. Larissa Lyons really knows how to tell a story that pulls at your heartstrings, making this a must-read for anyone who digs this kind of stuff. It really captures the spirit of the season and the magic of love.

I totally recommend "A Moonlit Christmas Kiss" to anyone into historical romance, Regency tales, or just holiday reads in general. It’s got a lovely and touching story that sticks with you even after you finish it!

This third story of the Regency Christmas Kisses series is a charming and well written love story. I enjoyed this sweet and a bit spicy romance, with its humor and witty banter along with delightful characters and their family. This story of a Governess and a crippled lord and their precarious relationship that evolved despite many obstacles and twists was very engaging. The ending was perfect. I recommend reading!

Warrick and Aphrodite have been through a lot. Within their trauma, they understand each other. Their pain are not the same, as is their social status. The trials and their characters are what make this story intriguing. The word choices are a little hard to understand, so it’s not great for people who are starting to read historical. Overall, 5 stars all around!


Thank you to Literary Madness and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are of my own.

An injured soldier and a governess create a deep bond. Yet being from different worlds creates a chasm between them. We watch their love unfold in this Christmas themed book, where you feel like anything is possible.

Thank you NetGalley for an Arc of A Moonlit Christmas Kiss by Larissa Lyons

A Moonlit Christmas Kiss by Larissa Lyons is a classic sweet romantic book which leaves this reader feeling blessed. The story is on how two young people who meet at an inconvenient location and time. This is due to the different classes, backgrounds and circumstances, one is not exactly rich but from money and the other is a servant. They end up being reunited but things end up wrongly. At times I spoke out loud on what they should have done or not done. I also felt bad that they couldn’t get together but do they!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a wonderful Christmas novel. I enjoyed it a lot!

I really liked the premise of this book and found Warrick immediately likeable. However, the writing style wasn’t to my taste and I skipped ahead to find out what happened with Aphrodite and Warrick.

Unfortunately, I did not love this book as much as I hoped. It felt very insta-lovey, which would've been fine if not for the FMC's internal dialogue seeming like she was nervous and scared. There were too many POVs, characters, and actions that were not explained well enough, making it hard to follow. I did love the idea of the store and hope to try a reread in the future!

Thank you to Larissa Lyons and Literary Madness on Netgalley for the free ebook, given in exchange of a voluntary review.

4.75 stars rounded up to 5 stars.
What a pleasant surprise! One of my favorite historical romance series is Mary Balogh's The Survivors' Club and this book reminded me of my beloved heroes. Warrick is a wounded hero who returned to England after fighting in the Napoleonic wars. He lost the function of his legs after a crushing injury that nearly cost him his life if his best friend, Frostwood, hadn't saved him. He struggles to cope with the isolation and frustrations he feels as a disabled veteran, the responsibilities that come with his title and the patriarch of his family.

In a Christmas house party thrown by his the future in-laws of his other best friend, Ed, he meets their governess, Aphrodite Primrose. There are sparks that fly between them, but there are also class differences that can't be ignored, so their attraction leads to nothing. And despite sharing a kiss under the mistletoe, they part ways.

I truly enjoyed Warrick's journey, coping with his injuries, grieving for his losses, and bonding with his younger half-siblings. It was delightful watching him slowly regain control of his life. On the flip side, Aphrodite's POV is refreshing; I always love a working class hero or heroine in historical romance. She is also a survivor of abuse from her former employer, which had a tremendous impact on her behavior and communication with Warwick in the beginning, but she slowly overcomes her traumatic experience. The chemistry between Lord Warwick and Miss Prim is believable and heartwarming. I liked that they eventually decides to go “the hell with social conventions” route.

The language was mostly appropriate to the historical era. The characters are "green flags" and one can't help but fall in love and root for them. The side characters are delightful, especially young Lady Harriet, Aphrodite's charge. And Uncle Silas was an unexpected plot twist. Warrick's best friends, Ed and Frost, are the protagonists of the other 2 books in the series. I liked how disability was treated in this story. I am not a disabled person and my opinion is from an outsider's perspective but I hope people with disabilities find this book relatable.

My only criticisms of this book is that it could have been shorter; some passages and internal monologues got a bit repetitive and if edited out the book would have lost 50-70 pages.

I plan to follow Larissa and read the other books in the series.

As of late I have been veering more and more towards books that are a little low steam because I feel books that have been published as of late tend to focus too much on the sex and not as much on the interpersonal relationships and dynamics between the MCs.

The banter and chemistry in this book was off the charts excellent, just so incredibly amazing. The characters had me hooked from the very first page, and they felt like individuals instead of one dimensional characters. The dialogue was witty and amusing, touching when needed. This was a really refreshing read.

This author is definitely going on my list to keep an eye on!

I really enjoyed this as a third entry in the Regency Christmas Kisses series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed from this type of book. It had that historical fiction elmeent that I was looking for and enjoyed from the romance concept. Larissa Lyons has a strong writing style and am excited for more.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)

Larissa Lyons delivers a heartfelt Regency romance in A Moonlit Christmas Kiss, blending humor, emotional depth, and a touch of holiday magic. With a grumpy yet charming hero and a determined heroine, this story offers an enjoyable mix of witty banter, tender moments, and slow-burn romance, even if it stumbles slightly along the way.

Lord Warrick is a compelling and complex hero, his rakish humor masking the pain and insecurities born of his battlefield injuries. Lyons does an excellent job portraying his inner struggle—not just with his physical limitations but also with the loss of the future he once envisioned for himself. His sharp wit and bawdy sense of humor add levity to his character while making his more vulnerable moments hit harder.

Aphrodite Primrose, meanwhile, is a strong and spirited heroine who more than holds her own. Her intelligence and resilience shine through, particularly in her interactions with Warrick, where she meets his teasing with an understated strength and warmth. Her role as a governess adds an interesting layer to her character, showcasing her sense of responsibility and independence, though her past experiences with predatory lords cast a shadow over her trust in men like Warrick.

Their chemistry crackles from their first meeting, with flirtatious Latin exchanges and a shared sense of mischief drawing them closer. The kiss under the mistletoe is a swoon-worthy moment, but it’s also bittersweet, highlighting the barriers that stand between them. Warrick’s self-perception as a fortune hunter and Aphrodite’s practical wariness create a tension that feels both authentic and poignant.

The story’s pacing, however, is uneven at times. While the first half is rich with festive charm and character-driven moments, the latter portion feels rushed, skipping over key developments that could have added more depth to the resolution of their romance. The time jump between their initial meeting and their reunion sacrifices some of the emotional build-up, leaving their eventual happily-ever-after feeling a bit less earned.

Lyons’ writing shines in her depiction of Warrick’s journey—not just toward love but toward a sense of purpose and self-worth. His determination to win Aphrodite over, despite his limitations and the societal expectations of the time, is both endearing and inspiring. The humor sprinkled throughout also balances the more somber themes, giving the story a lighthearted charm without undermining its emotional weight.

While A Moonlit Christmas Kiss doesn’t break new ground in the genre, it offers a cozy and satisfying holiday romance with characters you can’t help but root for. Fans of wounded heroes, clever heroines, and Regency romances with a sprinkle of holiday spirit will find much to enjoy in this warm and witty tale.

Thank you NetGalley for providing the ebook for me to read and review!

An injured war hero and aristocrat meets a governess from a different world at a house party, where they share a kiss under the mistletoe. After time apart, they reunite under forced proximity, confronting personal challenges and experiencing both sorrow and humor, ultimately finding love together.

Before jumping in, I think it’s important to mention a couple of potential triggers. The male main character is dealing with a war injury that’s left him disabled, and the female main character is working through PTSD from a past sexual assault. These parts of the story are handled thoughtfully and add a lot of depth, but they might feel heavy for some readers.

It’s described as “sweet with hints of spice,” but honestly, I’d say there’s definitely some spice in here. It’s lighter than most books but not fully closed-door or fade-to-black.

Now, the prose… I struggled with this. It felt unnecessarily flowery and overly complicated. I’ve read plenty of regency romances, and while they’re usually set in a specific time period, the language doesn’t have to feel like I need a dictionary on standby. I kept wishing for simpler, more natural word choices that would let me focus on the story instead of the vocabulary.

The dual POV format also tripped me up. I could never tell right away whose perspective I was in, and it would have helped so much if the chapters were labeled with the character’s name.

But let’s talk about what worked! The relationships were such a highlight. The connection between Warrick and his mom really warmed my heart. There’s a moment in the story that reflects on the “scent of a mother,” and it was so beautifully written—it really stuck with me.

The plot was solid, and I enjoyed seeing Warrick’s journey. Watching him slowly work through his struggles, find his strength, and step up for his siblings was really powerful. And his chemistry and banter with Aphrodite? So fun! Their forced proximity gave the romance a great spark.

There were a couple of twists near the end—one totally surprised me, while the other I kind of saw coming. But the ending felt rushed, especially after all the buildup. I wanted more time to see Aphrodite really connect with Warrick’s siblings. The “insta-family” aspect was teased, but it didn’t fully deliver for me.

If you’re looking for a Christmas-themed, historical romance with a mix of humor, heartfelt moments, and character growth, this is worth picking up. For me, it’s a 3.5-star read. The plot and Warrick’s growth were the best parts, but the prose and rushed ending held it back from being a 4. Still, I’d recommend it—it’s an enjoyable read, and Richard’s transformation makes it worth it!

I love historical Regency romances, but this wasn't one of my favorites. There were dual povs but the chapters never indicated when they switched so sometimes I was lost. And there were so many things that happened off the page, which is fine, but this time I got lost several times. And the writing style was toooooo much for me, I just couldn't get into it. I wish I liked it more, but this one just wasn't for me. Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for my digital ARC!

There was so much back and forth in different time periods that sometimes this book was hard to keep up with. I also felt that the characters were not developed enough and it felt rushed but at the same time it was really slow. It doesn't make sense (I know) but I don't know how else to explain it. The storyline was there and the plot was excellent but something about the layout and writing was off for me.

I just finished *A Moonlit Christmas Kiss* by Larissa Lyons, and I want to thank NetGalley and Literary Madness for the opportunity to review!

This book is the third installment in the Regency Christmas Kisses series. Although I haven't read the first two books, I found that it works perfectly as a standalone story.

The story follows Lord Warrick, a fortune-hunting and battle-scarred gentleman, who becomes intrigued by the clever and captivating governess, Aphrodite Primrose, after a chance encounter at a Christmas party. Their lives keep intertwining over the years, and it’s clear that the spark between them is undeniable.

This was a beautiful historical romance, but what really impressed me was the depth and complexity of the character development, which is often lacking in Regency novels. I love the grumpy-sunshine trope, and in this story, it felt much more than just that. I truly fell in love with the characters as they fell in love with each other.


Review on Goodreads will be posted today 12/21 and on IG @shereadspretty on 12/22

This is one whirlwind romance with so many time jumps back and forth and hidden details, it could be a Sherlock Holmes novel.

Aphrodite Primrose is a governess at the Ballenger Estate, which just so happens to be the location of a Christmas house party. Enter the paralyzed Lord Warrick, Richard Martinson, who immediately has eyes for said governess. The attraction is instantaneous, but their love story spans years.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and figuring out the little twists and turns. Richard is a menace, and an inappropriate one, but I very much like how Aphrodite can put him in his place. Solid Christmas read!

I really struggled with part one of this book. I prefer my hero to be kind and thoughtful, and although Lord Warrick may have had reason for his sullen demeanor, there was way too much raunchy behavior for my tastes. This book was touted as a sweet historical romance (closed door romance with hints of spice) but there was way too much spice with blatant sexual talk as far as I’m concerned. Why Aphrodite would be attracted to him with his atrocious behavior in the first place was beyond me. Too much lust and not enough substance. However, Part II was more interesting when he took his siblings under his wings and began to behave more responsibly. His character did grow and develop over time, and I did enjoy the last chapters, especially the epilogues. If the author took out all the explicit lustful dialogues and behavior, it would have been a great regency read. I guess I need to be more careful of what classifies as “sweet.” Thanks to NetGalley, I received a complimentary ARC copy with no obligation to post a positive review.

4 Stars.

When I first came across this book, I was captivated by the cover, and the storyline seemed tailor-made for my taste. On top of that, it featured one of my favorite tropes.
However, I later realized that it’s part of a larger series, so it looks like I’ll be reading the earlier books soon.

If you're craving a holiday-themed historical romance filled with humor, emotional depth, and character development, this one is definitely worth checking out. Although, this book is a bit on the longer side, but when that us reader ever stopped us, right?

The two main characters are certainly grumpy/sunshine in this Christmas Regency novel.
I enjoy reading a different class(earl/governess) read every now and then. And, A Moonlit Christmas Kiss was a wonderful Regency story.
The story is full of
Family drama
Love
Hope
PTSD
A beautiful Christmas read with interesting characters.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.