The Story in 4 Sentences or Less: Daffin hates the memories Christmas brings so when his closest friend asks him to guard a lady he readily accepts not knowing that the lady in question is Lady Regina who is in serious danger. Lady Regina is considered "on the shelf" so she decides she wants to give herself to a man of her choosing, namely Daffin. With a threat hanging over her head, Regina figures she and Daffin better stick close together.



Like It? Hate it? Love it? Why? Charming and filled with the holiday spirit, Kiss Me at Christmas is a delightful addition to The Playful Brides series and I fell in love with Daffin and Regina's love story!

The relationship between Regina and Daffin actually began in a previous book where they met and developed a flirty, fun relationship and while they eventually went their separate ways neither one forgot the other. I loved that Bowman didn't waste time rehashing their encounter and instead chose to focus on where these two are in the present time. Daffin is protecting Regina while harboring an ever growing attraction to her and Regina is determined to follow through on her growing interest in Daffin. And his handcuffs.

Yes, handcuffs.

Regina is delightfully refreshing as a woman who isn’t a fresh faced debutant but isn’t a prudish spinster either. She’s as lively and entertaining as she is intelligent and competent as an investigator. I loved that when she was faced with a complicated or dangerous situation she didn’t swoon, shy away, or hide behind Daffin. Nope, this lady faced her problems head on and with a smile. I really liked her.


And Daffin is just too dreamy. Charming, smart, and confident enough to have someone like Regina by his side, I developed a little crush of my own on him. He’s had to work hard and overcome personal tragedy in order to become a man worth admiring and I liked that about him. He isn’t the brooding, serious sort though he has his moments, Daffin has a quick sense of humor that adds to his already engaging personality. He and Regina made a formidable investigative team and an even better couple because they were so evenly matched. I loved them.


If I had one complaint about Kiss Me At Christmas it’s that Regina’s fascination with Daffin’s handcuffs and the sexy times that accompanied that fascination felt a little too contemporary in the way they were written. I’m sure that there were handcuff aficionados back in those days but I’m equally sure that those experiences were different to those in today’s world. I had a few moments of being tossed out of the story because of its modern feel but it didn’t affect my overall enjoyment of the story.


Click It or Skip It? Click It. The Playful Brides series is coming to an end soon and historical romance fans shouldn’t miss out on a single story, especially one as fun as Daffin and Regina’s.



* Review is scheduled to go live on 11/5 for the blog tour.

FINAL DECISION: The romance was the highlight here. There is a danger/threat story that was just okay for me, but the characters and their relationship was sweet and intelligent and quite enjoyable. I especially like these cross-class stories and this one had good intelligent characters.

THE STORY: Lady Regina is facing a marriage to a man who she doesn't love. She decides that she wants something for herself since it appears that the love of her life isn't going to arrive. She decides to settle for making the decision of who to give her virginity to. And Regina has decided on Bow Street Runner Daffin Oakleaf with whom she has a flirtation while he was investigating a murder. When someone seems to be threatening Regina, Daffin is hired to help protect her allowing the two to get closer.

OPINION: I enjoyed this book primarily because of the interactions between Regina and Daffin.

Regina is a woman challenged by the times she lives in. She would rather be a spinster, but her family wants her to be settled and married to an aristocrat. She is about to give in to her uncle's choice but wants to experience her own rebellion first. Regina is intelligent and thoughtful and willing to take responsibility for herself. Her acceding to her family's wishes comes from a place of love and caring and responsibility rather than weakness. I liked that she is lively and clever.

Daffin is a good man with a past that makes him feel unworthy of Regina even as the two get closer. He is accomplished in his profession and has good friends, but Daffin only can see the past. And part of his past is his dislike for Christmas. As he spends time with Regina, however, Daffin begins to recognize that Regina is not anything like the stereotype his has about aristocratic women. And that makes things even more complicated for him.

I really liked that Daffin and Regina's relationship is built upon talking and friendship. Their connection was obvious from the beginning of the story. The only things really keeping them apart are Daffin's doubts and the difference in their social status.

What didn't work as well for me was the danger aspect of the story. The villain didn't feel as necessary as the pages it took up. Fortunately, Regina and Daffin were wonderful and I ended up only being vaguely interested in the other parts of the story. Thankfully this is a romance and I much prefer that the romance be great!

WORTH MENTIONING: We get a small glimpse into the final book in the series towards the end.

CONNECTED BOOKS: KISS ME AT CHRISTMAS is the tenth book in the Playful Brides series. This book can be read as a standalone although there are characters from prior books in the series. The romance here is self-contained.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to help prepare this review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

I loved this book. I have been having a hard time getting into many romances lately; my did not finish pile is bigger than it has ever been. I’m tired of super-angsty heroes and extremely dark plot devices. This book was a welcome change! Valerie Bowman has been a favorite of mine for years, and this book illustrates why—an appealing hero and heroine, a good cast of supporting characters (including Nicole and Mark from her previous book), and a plot that has some seriousness to it without being brutal. I appreciate that Ms Bowman uses humor when appropriate and that her sex scenes make the heroine’s pleasure a priority. Fun read!

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

***ARC was provided to me for a fair and honest review***

Overall rating: 3.5/5 It’s a fun Christmas themed romance between star crossed lovers. Though I wish there was slightly more for the villain.

Heroine (Regina): 4/5 An almost on the shelf niece of a duke who just wants to know love before her uncle marries her off to the highest bidder.

Hero (Daffin): 4/5 A handsome Bow Street Runner who is the best in the business with a secretive past.

Plot: 3/5 Handsome Bow Street Runner Daffin is surprised when his friend’s cousin, and a duke’s niece, Lady Regina makes him an indecent offer to take her virginity. He refuses her, but within days he’s hired by her cousin to act as Regina’s bodyguard when suspicious accidents keep occurring. Can he keep their relationship professional?

Personal Review: The pair worked well and had good chemistry and banter. I loved that Regina knew what she wanted and was willing to put herself out there to get it.

I loved that Regina’s cousin in law was all for helping her get Daffin into bed. She was super sweet and funny, and while I hadn’t read her book in the series I will definitely do so now.

What I found odd was the constant need to verify Daffin did in fact want Regina sexually but had to deny himself due to his social standing. It happens repeatedly in the first quarter of the story. If it was framed with her coming onto to him and him having to verbalize his struggle it would have worked a bit better but would have likely still been too much if it happened as often as it does in this current form.

Light Spoilers: Also I wish the villain was set up better. If you’re gonna set up a mystery make it so the readers can feel accomplished in figuring it out alongside the heroes rather than the heroes expositing info that was held back once the identity is known. That said once all the info is out there the motivations all do make sense.

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.

Valerie Bowman has done it again!
Book 10 in her Playful Brides series is another fun and flirty Regency romance. She has a gift for combining strong heroines and alpha males.
In this volume, Lady Regina and Bow Street runner, Daffin Oakleaf continue the flirtation started at the end of A Duke Like No Other.
Their feelings for the other deepen as they partner to get to the bottom of recent attacks against the Duchy of Colchester. But, will their feelings be strong enough to cross the strict class lines of the Regency?
Not only did I enjoy the characters and humor in this novel, the pacing of the story kept me turning pages.

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.