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... 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?
This was my first Valerie Bowman book; I've been hearing great things about the Playful Brides series and was excited for the opportunity to read Kiss Me At Christmas. I was also happy that this was a holiday romance--tis' the season and all that. I don't read a lot of holiday-themed novels
The romance between Regina and Daffin is sweet. Regina is trying to grab something for herself before she settles for a lukewarm marriage, and Daffin is wounded and doesn't really believe in love. I loved the history between them, and it was fun watching them become more. I also liked Regina's relationship with her friends and family.
Unfortunately, that was about all. The rest of the story relies on an imminent threat with someone stalking Regina and Daffin playing bodyguard. However, I couldn't help but thinking that this drama just didn't work. The scheme didn't make much sense, and I felt like Daffin wasn't the best at his job? It's too bad that this drama was what was ultimately needed to bring these two together because the romance was so much better than the drama.
Should you read it? Even though this one wasn't a five-star read for me, it was a quick, engrossing read, and I'll definitely be looking to read more Valerie Bowman. Have you loved the Playful Brides series, you'll probably want to read this holiday-themed read, too!
3 1/2 Stars
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Published on October 30, 2019 by St. Martin's