A Christmas time mystery, romance suspense. Great characters and interactions. The book was a good read. The whole relationship drama was fun and the bit of steam was entertaining. I totally enjoyed the book.

I received this novel from net galley and the publisher. Thank you!
This novel was an enjoyable read. It contains romance and mystery, with secrets. It kept me in suspense. Lady Regina Haversham is almost 30 and has accepted herself as a spinster until her uncle decides she should marry. Regina is not happy with her uncle's choice and wants to chose for herself. She asks Bow Street Runner Daffin Oakleaf to be her lover to which he refuses. Regina and Daffin have worked together before and are attracted to each other. Daffin knows Regina is out of his league, but cannot help his attraction towards her. As he gets to know Regina, he sees so much more. Someone is after Regina and Daffin plans to keep her safe. However, Daffin has his own secrets that he keeps, but begins to open up to Regina but is still hesitant. Regina wanted to marry someone she cannot live without, and realizes that man is Daffin. When Regina is kidnapped, Daffin will do anything to save her, but the kidnapper has ties to both Daffin and Regina.

I love all of Valerie Bowman’s books but “Kiss Me at Christmas “ is my favorite. Daffin and Regina are my favorite characters and of course the secondary characters were great. The book had a good storyline that carried through the book. It was both lighthearted and yet you felt the emotions between the two characters. I enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it.

An entertaining tale of mystery and romance. Lovely characters and a very satisfying conclusion. A very good read for any lover of a good regency romance.

4/5 stars.

I received this book from Netgalley and St.Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review and opinion. It does not affect my view in any way.

To start with, I really dig that cover okay.

I've read a few books from Valeria Bowman before, and while in general I have liked her writing and enjoyed several of the stories - nothing has stuck me as awesome! This books comes close to that feeling.

This book revolves around secondary and primary characters from the lask book in the series - A duke like no other. Regina and Daffin (our MC's for this book) are introduced to us in the previous book - and we're treated to some grade A flirting. In Kiss me at Christmas however, we're told about their flirting and attraction to each other in the events of the last book. In short we begin almost with an assumed knowledge of the previous book, which makes it a little difficult for readers who wish to read this as a stand alone. However, it's not so grave that you can't tell head or tale of the plot - but a little background work would be suitable.

We begin the book with Regina making the drive to see Daffin Oakleaf (renowned Bow Street Runner and legendary handsome man - color me shocked ) to make him an undecenet proposal. She's set to be engaged to a man in a few weeks against her wish, and has no choice in the matter. But she wants to keep one choice to herself, of whom she gives herself to the first time. And she chooses Daffin. Hence the indecent proposal - one which is equal parts entertaining and awkward to watch. But it sets the tone for the book well; you instantly fall for Daffin and Regina. In terms of sucking you into the MC's Miss Bowman does a good job here.

The question now is what does Daffin say? Does he accept her offer? Does he feel the same way or has no interest in her? Well that's what we find out.

To add to this wonderful budding couple, we have a plot line of someone trying to kill Regina - and it's interesting enough to make me actually want to guess. Quite rare in a romance book for me to be interested in the murder plot.

Overall I enjoyed this book thoroughly. The author dables in a little bit of risque themes in the bedroom, reminds me a bit of Elizabeth Hoyt - however it doesn't have the same effect. But if this is indication of things to come then I'm definitely interested!

Go check out this book, you won't be dissapointed!

Kiss Me at Christmas (Playful Brides, #10)
by Valerie Bowman

Superb Superb Superb... why_?

A novel this more than just romance, just historical or just a combination of .... It had suspense, mystery, passion, romance, some humor. Every layer was like a treasure trove to uncover. I absolutely ADORED this book. Every page every character. I had times of anticipation and dread and joy and so many more emotions. That is what makes a superb novel! This is definitely one of those. So buy buy buy buy buy buy buy and buy! Captivated, enthralled, engrossed and wanting more and more and more. Buy and enjoy this one! I received this ARC via NetGalley. I am totally keeping this one for rereads! Enjoy the journey through this wonderful book! All opinions expressed here are my own! Regards, Anna

This romance starts off with an unconventional proposal that piques your interest from the get go. The story changes from what seems like just a story of a pampered lady looking for a distraction before settling down, into a dangerous mystery. The romance is peppered with lots of flirting and stolen kisses making you really hope for this couple to have their HEA. It is also a good story of the prejudices of that period and how relationships across the classes are viewed. Well written and engaging, this story will keep you turning the pages until the very end.

Valerie always writes the best books. This one has suspense and drama. It kept me sitting on the edge to see what was gonna happen next. Some of the other characters from the other books in the series come in to help solve the mystery. As always in Valerie’s books the romance is wonderful. Very enjoyable read.

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.

Kiss Me at Christmas was a fun and light read. The main characters are Daffin and Regina who you would have been introduced to in Playfull Brides #9 if you read the last book in this series. However, the book can be read as a standalone. This story follows Regina who is pretty much a spinster at this point but has been pressured to accept and arranged marriage by her dying uncle. Before she does so, she wants to experience passion and lose her virginity to the man of her choice. That man is Bowstreet runner Daffin Oakleaf. I really enjoyed Valerie Bowman's writing that makes it a breeze to read through. My only issue with the story was that I've seen this story played in before. Otherwise, I'd recommend this book as it was quite enjoyable.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.