Kiss Me At Christmas by @ValerieGBowman ~ a Review

by MK French

First Chapter, First Paragraph

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October 2018; St. Martin's Paperbacks
978-1250147523; ebook, print (320 pages)
Regency romance, holiday

Daffin Oakleaf has worked as a Bow Street Runner for years, and generally hates everything about Christmas. This allows him to work during the holiday season, making a profit. On this occasion, he is asked by a friend to protect Lady Regina, a beautiful woman considered all but a spinster. She's determined to know what it's like to feel passion even though she's given up on marriage, and her uncle is pushing for an arranged marriage with a neighbor if she can't find a husband of her own. She had always had some interest in Daffin, so she considers this the perfect opportunity for her.

Kiss Me at Christmas is part of the Playful Brides series of novels, so readers will be familiar with Daffin. It's all right if readers aren't familiar, though, because there are paragraphs outlining the bare minimum to know about Daffin and how Regina met him. The flirtation they had in the earlier book is referenced early on; nothing happened then, but it had stuck with both of them. Regina is nearly thirty and not enthusiastic about marriage, but is practically betrothed to make her uncle happy. Daffin is exceedingly proper, not wanting to do anything because of the engagement, and not wanting to impose on his friendships due to class differences. Regina's friendship with Nicole is adorable, and I really like how they bolster each others' confidence.

The set up to bring Daffin and Regina together, of course, involves both proximity and that threat of danger. Daffin is in the role of protector, which he excels at, but Regina also isn't a damsel in distress. She is willing to work with him to find out who could be targeting her or Nicole, and would rather put her safety on the line to protect others. There is an actual stalker willing to harm Regina, however, which ups the ante even as the two intermittently flirt and acknowledge the feelings they have for each other. The inevitable confrontation and kidnapping happens earlier than expected and proves to be the last push that they needed to admit their feelings for one another.

I enjoyed reading through this. The predictable formula for the novel is comfortable and familiar, which is part of the fun with Regency romances. I want to see a feisty heroine succeed and find love even within the constraints of society, and that a handsome hero is willing to fight for what he believes in and the one he loves. Then I can heave a contented sigh at the end and go about my day with a little bit of happiness. This book perfectly fits that criteria.

Buy Kiss Me At Christmas at Amazon

Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and golden retriever.

Linked to First Chapter, First Paragraph at IRBATB and Teaser Tuesday at The Purple Booker.

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