KISS ME AT CHRISTMAS – Valerie Bowman
A Playful Brides Book
St. Martin's Paperback
ISBN: 978-1-250-14752-3
November 2018
Regency Romance

England – 1818

With her thirtieth birthday looming, Lady Regina Haversham has reluctantly considered a betrothal to Lord Dryden, a pleasant gentleman that her uncle, the duke, has chosen. Regina knows that she owes it to her family to wed someone in her class, but she doesn't love Dryden. And she's sad that this is the man who will take her virginity. So, Regina plots an alternate plan. She wants to offer herself to the one man she does care for, Bow Street Runner Daffin Oakleaf. However, when she presents herself at his office and makes the proposal, he is shocked and turns her down.

It is Christmas season and Daffin hates the entire period. He's always envied those who have families and can enjoy the holiday, but Daffin has no one, and he also has the memory of losing his mother at Christmas time. So when Lady Regina shows up at his business and makes a stunning request, Daffin is even more upset. He has secretly adored Regina, but knowing his background and that he can never woo such a woman, he has tried not to let her know his feelings.

While out in her grandfather's carriage, Regina and her close friend, Nicole, are twice involved in a dangerous near accident. Nicole is pregnant, and her husband, Mark, the new Secretary of the Home Office, is certain that she is being targeted by hooligans out for revenge against him. Having Regina staying with Nicole while Mark travels for business doesn't seem safe enough, so, at Nicole's urging, he hires Daffin to stay and guard them. Little does he know that the two ladies have a plan that has nothing to do with dangerous criminals!

KISS ME AT CHRISTMAS is a sweet, seasonal tale of two people from different sides of the class spectrum who are, quite simply, made for each other. The mystery of just who is behind the attacks and which lady is the actual target adds to the love story. We met Regina and Daffin in previous Playful Brides books, and Nicole and Mark were introduced in A DUKE LIKE NO OTHER.

A terrific story with likable characters, KISS ME AT CHRISTMAS is well written and a fun read.

Jani Brooks