Valerie Bowman

Looks like this Christmas I did read books with a theme. It is a great feeling, I liked that! Some were great, others were just good for the time. Unfortunately, “Kiss Me at Christmas” falls under the latter category. I liked the premises so much, but sadly the plot was not at all what I had expected.

This is Regina and Daffin’s story. She is a lady of the ton, he is a Bow street Runner. Their interaction starts before the action in “Kiss Me at Christmas” and those flirtatious moments are what brings Regina at his office, to strike a deal. She needs someone who can offer her a night of true passion before her official engagement with a man only interested in developing his fortune, by acquiring the lands promised as dowry for Regina. As tempting as it may be, Daffin cannot even imagine accepting such a scandalous proposal. Not only is she promised to another, but she is also his best friend’s cousin. With her dignity offended, by her own actions and his refusal, Regina returns to her cousin’s estate, hoping to avoid any further encounters with the Bow Street Runner.

When danger appears, Regina’s cousin knows just the perfect person who can best protect her and his wife and also investigate who is behind. From here on, the romance and mystery go in parallel, though one falls second to the other in terms of development.

I admired Regina’s courage to face the enemy and her determination to raise Daffin’s interest. He is a professional in how he does his job, but he is also a man, so cannot stay indifferent to the charms of a beautiful woman. I did not like the action at all. The negative characters were more like silly actors and very poor participants. The threats against Regina and Nicole (her cousin’s wife) felt superficial and not well developed.

Everything in regards to the romance was good, even if I may have my complaints in that regard as well (especially in the end). What starts as more of a necessity, more like a desperate need of passion before submitting to a loveless marriage, becomes more for Regina. It is up to our Bow Street Runner to see if his desires are physical or if they can amount to something else.

So as much as it pains me, I’ll give “Kiss Me at Christmas” 3 stars, just because of the ok romance and our main characters. The adventurous side of the story disappointed me. With all these in mind, I still liked it. It is a nice book to read, especially around Christmas. Happy Reading!… (more)

Christmas time romances anthology by authors Suzanne Enoch, Alexandra Hawkins, Elizabeth Essex, and Valerie Bowman. A sweet easy read. Book borrowed from my local library.

One Hot Scot by Enoch was a serious plot with serious issues. A knight in shining armor and a damsel in distress get me every time. The ending felt rushed and I wish it had played out in more detail and completed.

Once Upon a Christmas Scandal by Hawkins was my favorite because it involved secondary characters from the Lords of Vice series. I loved those books so I'm a bit prejudiced. Increasing a lady's dowry is always a bad thing in books. The fortune hunters come out in force and can make for some funny moments when they get desperate. This has a twist that was fun.

The Scandal Before Christmas by Essex was my least favorite. The weakest story because it felt rushed. Plot points were either hurried along or possibilities overlooked. It didn't gel with me and I wasn't invested in the characters.

It Happened Under the Mistletoe by Bowman had quite a few funny moments. A house party full of single men and women is always a good time and allows things to happen that wouldn't in a London ballroom. There is a silver closet scene that seemed familiar, but I can't place the book it might be from.… (more)

I received this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review. I would have to give this book 4 stars.

I loved the book, however, it did have its little issues that I wasn't too sure about. I loved the characters, especially Daffin Oakleaf. He is the type of male character that makes you want to swoon just reading about him. The only issue I had with the book was some of the phrases and ideas didn't seem to come from that time period. Ideas such as using handcuffs in bed during that time was completely unheard of. I did enjoy the scenes though, I thought it played out rather well.

The story itself was good, it was your normal rich titled girl wanting the guy that has no title. The suspense was great, the story went right into the plot and went rather quickly. It started to slow down about 60% of the way in but it picked back up.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a historical Christmas romance book.… (more)