“Merry, intelligent, and wholly satisfying.”–USA Today “Sizzles with sensuality.” – Publishers Weekly “Delicious and suspenseful.” –Kirkus Reviews A spirited lady facing spinsterhood. A common man with a noble mission. And a surprise that just might be waiting for them under the mistletoe in Kiss Me At Christmas by Valerie Bowman. Bow Street Runner Daffin Oakleaf abhors Christmas. Carol … by Valerie Bowman.
Bow Street Runner Daffin Oakleaf abhors Christmas. Carol singing and holiday cheer only remind him of a dark time. When a close friend calls on him for help, Daffin is happy to capitalize on the distraction. But when he learns the lovely Lady Regina is the one in danger, he’s to become bodyguard to the captivating woman…
Regina has one mission: to find a night of passion in the arms of a gentleman. Considered firmly on the shelf, Regina has given up on marriage–but that doesn’t mean she wants to be denied the pleasure married ladies experience. Daffin has long captured her attention…and when a threat calls him to her side, the sparks between them ignite. But how can a hired bodyguard find his way into Regina’s noble heart?
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I absolutely, positively loved KISS ME AT CHRISTMAS!! It is, without a doubt, one of my favorite books this year and one of my all-time favorite historicals.
A historical mixed with a little suspense, I was literally on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen.
The characters – this cast of characters is definitely one of my favorites. It’s refreshing to see smart females in historicals and males that support them rather than thinking they’re frivolous and flighty.
And the attraction between Daffin and Regina is so strong I swear my Kindle was overheating from the sparks striking off the pages.
Kudos to Miss Bowman for an impeccably crafted story that has everything that I love in a book – an engaging storyline, lovable characters, and sweet and spicy sexual tension.
Lady Regina Haversham is turning 30 and with the prospect of an unwanted marriage looming, she decides that she wants to make her own choice of who she gives her virginity to and she has selected the perfect man for the job, Bow Street Runner, Daffin Oakleaf. She met him over the summer when he helped her cousin Mark investigate the murder of their cousin John. They flirted and she has not been able to forget him and has been following his exploits in the Times. Her mind made up, she goes to see him at Bow Street.
Daffin Oakleaf hates Christmas, he keeps busy during the season to ward off the bad memories Christmas brings. He is shocked to learn that Lady Regina is calling on him and agrees to see her. He is floored by her bumbling proposal and refuses. She is horrified, she not only did she embarrass herself, she inadvertently insulted him. Humiliated, she returns home, grateful that their paths will not cross again. But as she leaves her carriage is almost run off the road – this is the second incident and she knows she has to tell Mark and Nicole.
She tells Nicole about her meeting and the incident with the carriage – Nicole hatches a plan. When Mark learns of the threats, he says he will cancel his trip, but Nicole suggests that he hire Daffin to protect them. Mark thinks this is a wonderful idea and rushes out to hire him.
After a briefly awkward reunion, Regina apologizes and Daffin is gracious and perhaps a bit flirty. They talk and start to get to know each other better, some kisses ensue and they grow closer, even while trying to uncover the threat that is clearly against Regina. When Daffin is shot while with Regina, they decide they will return to the country estate with her uncle to wait for Mark’s return,
The more time they spend together, the more they share and the more they realize all they have in common and all that stands between them. Daffin doesn’t tell Regina everything about his past and that past comes back to torment them.
This was a nice story with likable leads, characters from the previous books, secrets, relatives with good intentions, unwanted suitors, kidnapping, steamy love scenes, a baffling mystery and finally a hard won HEA. So why not 5 stars? Well, the threat against Regina was a bit far fetched and ultimately the person responsible gets away with no punishment at all, there were also some title errors and way too many “Merry Christmases” for a book set in England. But this was a really good read and I am eagerly awaiting the next installment!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
With her 30th birthday fast approaching and finding herself firmly on the shelf, Lady Regina Haversham devices a plan to do at least one thing when and how she wants to, maybe as a last act of rebellion.
Daffin Oakleaf is a Bow Street Runner that always gets his man and when Lady Regina finds herself in the sights of a hired assassin, her cousin Mark will hire him to guard her at all costs.
I enjoyed this story and really liked both Daffin and Regina as well as the secondary characters at play. I found their back stories and connection endearing and liked the evolution of their relationship up to the very end.
I found the story fun and entertaining. It was an easy read and I was pleased to find it better than my one previous read by the author. I thought it more accurate in a lot of ways and the only disappointment for me was that, once again, I could foresee some of the twists in the plot way before we got there.
Still is a nice story if you’re a fan of the genre and like your romances with a little mystery in tow.
3.5 stars
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.
Valerie Bowman
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 is part of the Playful Brides series. I thought the first part of the book was a bit slow and hard to get into, once the action happened, I could not put it down. I’m glad I stuck with it and kept reading.
Bow Street Runner Daffin Oakleaf is very successful at what he does. Due to his background, he is not fond of the Christmas season. I don’t blame him! He is hired to guard his good friends wife and cousin.
Lady Regina is about to turn 30 and is firmly on the shelf. She does not want to to remain a virgin by the time she is 30, and sets out to find someone to relieve her of that. Daffin just happens to be the one she wants to give her virginity to.
Except for the slowness at the start, I enjoyed the book. There were certainly some twists and quite unexpected turns. I enjoyed the journey to HEA and recommend this book.
I received an advanced readers copy from NetGalley and publisher and my review is voluntarily given.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
What a fantastic read. I read it late into the night and finally had to put it down as my eyes were so blurry, I couldn’t see correctly. This is the second book of this series that I have read. I had only read the prior one before this (A Duke Like No Other). I fell in love with those characters Mark and Nicole and the secondary characters (Daffin and Regina). I was so happy to see Daffin and Regina getting their story.
I was happy to see my favorite format of a dual POV here. It really helps me to get into the characters’ mind to understand their actions and speech. The chemistry between Daffin and Regina was scorching. You could see it in the prior book as well. Ms. Bowman has a gift of words that will transport you back in time to become one with the action. Seeing prior characters helps to reconnect and see how their relationship from their story has progress.
The plot is one that will keep you glued to your e-reader (or book). It flows so smoothly that before you know it, it is over. I so hated to see it end. There are parts that will make you laugh, sigh and tear up. That is what makes a book great at least to me; one that brings out emotions in it’s reader.
There are some scenes that are appropriate for a mature reader but the story is one that carries it off. This story is not erotica by any means. I highly recommend as this author is becoming a favorite of mine.
“A man’s kiss is his signature.” –Mae West
Book 10 of 11 in the Playful Brides series. Rating: MA: mature audience, adult themes, mild language, graphic descriptions of sexual encounters.
Maybe I just wasn’t in the right spirit. I started this story and was ticked-off within the first paragraph. So, I put it down and didn’t pick it up until closer to Christmas. That didn’t help one bit. I found myself ticked-off all over again. Here we have a spoiled ‘Lady’ of the ton approaching her thirtieth birthday and lamenting her virginity. I mean seriously? She wanted to get rid of the ‘dratted thing’ and have a night of passion before she was forced to settle. We then had to endure paragraphs and pages while she racked her brain as to whom she could relinquish it. We listened as she constantly complained about her uncle the Duke threatening to betroth her to the handsome Earl that lived next door. We, of course, knew that he not only wanted her dowry but also lusted after the land that would come with her when she married. The fact he was a complete bore was beside the point.
This was like a bad stage performance with actors overacting and quoting dialogue that sounded hollow, and fake. If I had been at a real theater, I would have left at intermission. Actions were unrealistic, strained and stilted and the dialogue kept me asking… REALLY??? The hero was given way too many HERO moments that simply were not realistic. The villain was better portrayed than the hero. I was really looking forward to the final confrontation and was so disappointed with the way things happened. WTC [what-the-crap]?
There were characters visiting from the previous book and we were given a hint as to a possible next book. Well, I suppose there is another. When one of the characters asks the others to help him next… it can only mean in the next book.
“One day you will kiss a man you can’t breathe without, and find that breath is of little consequence.” –Karen Marie Moning, Bloodfever
The sex was unnecessary and, in a house full of people and servants. It amazed me how in one scene the Lady approached a door preparing to knock and someone called out for her to come in. When she asked how did they know she was there. They responded, you are in a house full of spies, how could we not know. So, did they know ‘she and he’ were in a room together, alone, and unchaperoned? So many things simply didn’t make sense. Part of the time the text flowed smoothly and was really interesting. Then I’d turn the page and behavior and dialogue would turn juvenile and not plausible. Everything was solved in just a few pages. No epilogue, no resolution to the main problems. Regency etiquette would not have allowed much of this behavior. Comportment was thrown out the window while a serious crime was completely ignored. The reader is left wondering what happened to certain people. While I’m wondering if problems, that I cannot mention, will be solved in the next book?
“A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous.” –Ingrid Bergman
I volunteered to read an uncorrected digital galley from the publisher [St. Martin’s Paperbacks] via NetGalley. The views expressed are my own.
Lady Regina is nearly thirty and as yet unmarried. It’s not as if she wanted it this way. She hatches a plan to satisfy her curiosity on that part of marriage only known between spouses, and seeks the assistance of a Bow Street runner named Daffin. Unfortunately Regina’s plan doesn’t go exactly as she imagined it would.
The two are later brought together as an unknown assailant attempts to harm Regina and her cousin. It’s Daffin’s job to protect these women and to determine the identity of those who want them dead. Daffin and Regina must now spend all of their time together, and their attraction may be beyond their control.
This was a terrific story with intrigue, humor, longing and heat. The plot twists had me until the very end. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery with their romance.
Awesome Regency romantic suspense. Lady Regina has only through Christmastime to chose a husband or her sickly uncle will choose for her. Daffin is a very talented Bow Street Runner who Lady Regina helped solve an earlier case. There is action, intrigue, suspense, friendship as well as romance. The author did a wonderful job developing the characters. It’s a delightful book with strong female characters in a time when they were expected to be subservient. I received a complementary copy via Net Galley and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading future books by Ms. Bowman.
Kiss Me at Christmas by Valerie Bowman
Playful Brides #10
Lady Regina Haversham is nearing thirty and would like to divest herself of her virginity before being married off to someone she does not love. She has someone in mind to do relieve her of her V-card so heads off to his office to proposition him. Things do not go as planned but it is what it is and she feels she may have to live the life of her peers without getting the birthday gift she would like to give herself.
Well, suddenly there is need of a bodyguard and who should her cousin and his wife call in to take that job than Daffin Oakleaf – the man she propositioned. As they unravel who wants to do her harm and spend time together under the same roof they get to know one another and share and care and eventually one thing leads to another BUT… Will they find out why her life is being threatened? Will they find the person intent on murder? Will Daffin’s secret be exposed? AND, Will they find the person threatening her life?
This was a well written story that had me guessing the answers till the very end. I thoroughly enjoyed this addition to the series and look forward to reading whatever the author writes next.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
3 1/2 stars. Nice romance with a touch of intrigue. Regina, as all the women seem to be in this series, is ahead of her time. She wants Daffin to take her virginity before her uncle marries her off. He wants to avoid any entanglements, especially a lady. He feels unworthy and doesn’t want to “soil” her. I liked seeing him slowly succumb to his feelings and I loved how open Regina was to new experiences. I did have a bit of an issue with the uncle at the end. He told Daffin one thing and then seemed to have completely different feelings to the others. Otherwise I did enjoy it.
I love everything Valerie Bowman writes and this book is no exception. I’m immediately pulled in from the beginning and I don’t ever want the story to end. She is a master at building chemistry between her two love leads.
Lady Regina is almost 30 and would like Daffin Oakleaf to make love to her before her uncle marries her off to a neighboring Earl who wants her land. Her uncle is not mean, he is ill and wants her settled before he dies. Daffin makes a good living being a Bow Street Runner, but he believes she off limits as a lady and his best friend is her cousin Mark. Mark Grimaldi is working with Daffin on a possible police force for London. His wife, Nicole, has also helped with solving cases. However, Nicole thinks Regina and Daffin would make a wonderful couple and wants to help her cousin.
Recently, Regina and Nicole have had 2 near misses when a carriage nearly ran them off the road. Mark wants them to return to the country estate while he is away on business, but they don’t agree. So, he hires his friend Daffin to stay with them in London, then closer to Christmas, escort them to the country estate. They are not sure which of the ladies is the target, so both must be protected. After another shooting incident, they agree to have Daffin take them to the country estate where he hopes they’ll be safer. However, the estate is not safe either.
At this point, I will not spoil the rest of this wonderful story. Regina is still in danger but from whom? Read this wonderful book to get the answers. Of course, there is a HEA, but getting there is a very enjoyable read. I can easily recommend this one.
Hilariously awkward and steamy! Amazing read, definitely recommend 🙂
A dashing man with a hidden past, a lady approaching her thirties and spinsterhood looking for one night of passion, lead to this wonderful Christmas romance set during the Regency era in England. Daffin and Regina are engaging characters…courageous, spirited and fighting long odds that they could ever end up together. There is a mystery in this book, as well, that puts the couple and their futures in danger. Steamy and endearing, this book will enthrall readers at Christmas or any time!
Regina and Daffin were a wonderful, hot couple. She accepted the fact that she would have a loveless marriage dictated by family. I loved her determination to find some control to her life and to help end the danger she was in. Daffin was a man who wanted to protect Regina and resist her as best he could. Secrets could keep them apart, but their honesty with each other led the way to love. I recommend this story.
I received an ARC of this story through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.
Kiss Me At Christmas is a story full of action, mystery, danger, romance and humor. Regina and Daffin are wonderful characters and make a great couple. Regina Haversham, a feisty lady approaching her thirtieth birthday, wishes to have one night of passion (lose her virginity) before she faces spinsterhood or worse, a forced arranged marriage. She has chosen Daffin OakLeaf, a handsome and brilliant Bow Street Runner who helped to solve her cousin’s murder, to fulfill her wish. For a number of reasons, he declines the honor. When he is hired to guard Regina against attempts on her life, the attraction between them becomes increasingly harder to fight. The danger to Regina and the villains involved are quite a surprise. The stories, the mystery and the romance, capture and keep your attention from the beginning to an ending you will absolutely love. I enjoyed this one and recommend it. If you like some mystery and danger with your romance, you’ll love it.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and volunteered to review it.
While I was disappointed by my first reading from this author, the blurb of this one caught my eyes.
So yes, It made me thought at first to Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas but this story and the characters were completely different.
And this story reconciled with Valerie Bowman’s work.
I loved both main characters, some of the others are from previous lols I haven’t read but it do not impact the storyline nor the comprehension.
I did not found Daffin neither Regina flawed, they made their choices in life with all the whereabouts known.
Daffin could have choose an other path due to his past but he is a man with justice and law engraved in his body, he feels like it is his duty to bring the criminals to justice. And he is good at that. He just never thought he will fall in love with a woman of the ton, a woman whom his past could drag away, if she was any woman.
“”You’re special to me, Daffin. You were since the moment I first saw you.” He stole another glance at her, as something warm and sweet crept into his chest. No one had ever told him he was special before.”
Regina is a smart woman who would love to settle for no less than love, she refused many marriage proposals and let years pass by but she is not bitter nor sad, she follows the ton rules but does not comply to them, why when she got her uncle’s ultimatum, she tries to find an alternative way or bend a little her mapped future.
They already know they are attracted to one another, they have a slow burning chemistry and it is smoothly due to some events that they will get closer.
“She didn’t just lust after him. She liked him, too. The man was noble and kind and funny and flirtatious and a bit arrogant. Just enough to be attractive, not irritating. He was decent and strong and protective, too.”
Their road to happily ever after has some dents, heartaches but no angst.
I was unhappy of the vilains never getting their right retribution but it was how things were done at that time, no Sherlock Holmes neither forensic to get tangible proofs.
My only complain is it lacked of an epilogue, I’m a sucker for them, even if it is only few time later.