| Title | : | A Snowlit Christmas Kiss (Regency Christmas Kisses #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1949426378 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781949426373 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 166 |
| Publication | : | Published December 13, 2022 |
A mischievous feline and a case of mistaken identity land two lonely souls together during a wretched, snowy night.
Arguing over the business end of a shovel, they take refuge from the storm and find that sparks and kisses warm their frigid selves as much as unexpected laughter. But he’s engaged, and she’s decided to never marry, so in the morning they go their separate ways, leaving pieces of their hearts behind…
Battle scarred and bone-weary, the prodigal Lord Redford finally returns home—intent on pushing everyone away. Only he’s greeted not with the small welcome party he expected, but with a house full of people ready to celebrate his engagement. Which is going to prove rather a challenge, given how he’s never met his betrothed… Or has he?
When Anne rushes to the door, ready to give her tardy intended a sound dressing down and inform the lout who’s ignored her since their betrothal began that she has no use for marriage—or him—she’s greeted with a host of surprises.
Merry mistress or marriage? Or mayhap, nothing at all?
A Snowlit Christmas Kiss is a sweet and spicy Regency Christmas novella of 40,000 words (with hot kisses and just a bit more).
A Snowlit Christmas Kiss (Regency Christmas Kisses #1) Reviews
-
DNF 18% . Maybe I’m cranky. I like the premise. The pacing is killing me. The MMC is an injured veteran with only one arm. He’s thrown from his horse. He’s walking miles through the snow, with one case he can carry. He comes upon a woman at midnight, digging in the snow. They have a long conversation, we get some inner dialogue, some flashback. They are both cold and exhausted. He decides to help her dig with the one arm and now they are bickering. Omg. Get inside. I can’t stand it. I quit.
-
I chose this story as it is a Christmas HR. I borrowed it on Kobo+. Larissa Lyons is a new author to me.
This was a novella, short and sweet with some fantasy characters included.
Review I liked:One of the opening scenes, where the Hero and heroine first meet, is kind of difficult to figure out. I don't want to include any spoilers, but I found myself wondering more than once just what was going on, who was doing what, and so on. I'm not sure if it was by accident or design - if by design, then it could use a little fine-tuning to make things more clear. I also question whether or not a person among the nobility, living in the Regency/Georgian era, would actually do or say some of the things the two main characters did and said, especially the h. Not that I demand strict adherence to norms, mores, and language of the era, but neither should it be so anachronistic so as to stand out as questionable behavior, either. The h acted just a little too "modern" for me. And I get it that every romance author wants to make sure the reader knows that the h "isn't like other girls," but the fact is, there are so many "not like other girls" out there that yes, this h just fits right in with them.
There was also the inclusion of the h's friend in the beginning which didn't really go anywhere for the rest of the story. I was always taught that if you include something in the beginning of a story, it must have a purpose - you're going to circle back to it later and eventually, the significance of that bit will become clear. I realize the author is planning on writing a series and the friend storyline will be picked back up in the next book, but it seemed like a loose thread in this one.
I was really intrigued with the creature in the forest, though, and wish the story had included more about that!! This book would be improved by less friend backstory, and more forest creature, lol!
I rate this book, on a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 being too bad to finish, and 5 being I will read it again, a solid 3. I was able to finish the book and it was entertaining, but not outstanding enough to re-read. The rating breaks down into the following categories:
Hero/heroine likability = 4 stars
Plot = 2 stars, for reasons mentioned
World building = 2 stars
Grammar/spelling/syntax = 4 stars (this is my default rating for a clean, no noticeable errors, etc. Yes, I am a tough grader on this one, lol! I just figure if you're putting something out for the public to read, you should take special care to ensure it's error-free. That's just a minimum for good communication. If you can also turn a phrase so beautiful that it brings tears to my eyes (or close), I'll give an extra star.)
Sexy times = 3 stars (nothing too explicit or hot flash-inducing, lol, but not a "clean" romance, either)
TOTAL = 3 stars -
3.5 stars, rounded up.
Edward Snowden Thomas Redford was the third son of a viscount and never imagined he would inherit the title, much less his brother’s bride, but that is exactly what happened. He learned his new destiny as he lay in a hospital recuperating from the loss of his arm, and several broken bones in his remaining hand and his leg, injuries he sustained in Spain battling Napoleon at Albuera. Now months later and mostly healed, Ed makes his way home to meet his future bride, but before he commits the rest of his life to duty, he is going to spend a few days at his friend Warrick’s hunting lodge. At least that was the plan before his rented horse was spooked and he was thrown during a snowstorm and forced to leave half his belongings and walk in the dark. As he sets out, he sees a faint light and makes his way toward it, hoping it is shelter. However, the light leads him to a young woman, digging a hole - in a snowstorm - without a coat – covered in blood. He introduces himself as Edward, which she assumes is his surname and he learns her name is Mary Anne, and after just a few minutes in her company, he is captivated.
Anne Larchmont, Merry Anne to her sister Harriet, had escaped her house and the preparations for her betrothal ball to visit her friend Isabella Spier. While visiting, one of Lord Spier’s tenants goes into labor and needs help, as her husband is in London with Lord Spier. As Isabella is blind, Anne offers to help, which is how she ended up in a field after dark in a snowstorm digging a grave for a cat. After the difficult birth of triplets and the sorrow of losing one of the infants, all Anne wants to do is bury the cat and sleep for a week. But all that changes when a handsome stranger joins her and offers her shelter for the night. As she has decided that she is going to refuse to marry her substitute betrothed, especially after waiting for his brother for over eight years, she agrees to a night with “Mr. Edwards” with the understanding that she is not a trollop. They set out for the cottage, moving faster when they believe they are being stalked by a wild animal. And they spend a lovely evening filled with nothing more than heated kisses and companionship together. The next morning they part, never expecting to see each other again. But fate has plans for these two and with the help of a shape-shifting matchmaker, they may just find their HEA.
This was an interesting novella, that used mistaken identity and unwanted betrothal tropes as well as a twist with a matchmaking shape-shifter, which was unexpected and surprisingly entertaining. This was a sweet story with great characters, low-heat love scenes, delightful secondary characters, and a HEA, complete with an epilogue. I enjoyed the story, but the writing was a little choppy and the dialogue shifts between characters was not always as smooth as it could be. Overall, it was an entertaining story that held my attention and one I would be happy to recommend.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.* -
I’ve read this series out of order, having read A Frosty Christmas Kiss first. I thoroughly enjoyed that book. It had a good plot line and very witty banter. I then saw the blurb for this book. A case of mistaken identity and forced engagement troupes looked very interesting. And if the main characters interacted as well as in the book I read previously, I was sure this book would rock. Unfortunately, it fell like a stone. I was wondering if both books were written by the same author. The difference was that bad. It left me only with a host of negative impressions.
1) The initial meeting of H and h was so convoluted I had to stop and scratch my head while trying to understand what I just read. I got no feeling of who they were as persons before their initial meeting.
2) The dialogue was somewhat confusing. It seemed that there could be multiple changes POV in the same paragraph. I found myself having to back track to sort out my confusion of who said and thought what, and what was it in reference to. Perhaps it should have only one character’s POV per paragraph.
3) You could make a drinking game out of the number of times Anne says that she’s going to break the engagement. Of course, if you did, you would probably pass out by the third chapter.
4) I’m never a big fan of insta-lust. And, in this case, it made no sense. Digging a grave for a dead cat is not much of an aphrodisiac IMO.
5) How his war buddy Warrick was interspersed throughout the story was poorly done. In fact, I would even say that he wasn’t needed in the story at all. Just telling us that Edward couldn’t get it up would have been sufficient.
6) What is this shape-shifter crap about. It just turned me off. I don’t see that as necessary in a HR novel. The fact that it was meant to be a hook for a future book annoyed me.
7) I liked Harriet, a bit player, much more than Anne and Edward. She’s quirky and she pulls it off well. I’d like to see her star in a future book.
This book was just a confusing cluster of material. I was annoyed to the point that I put it down a number of times. I would normally finish a book of this size in an hour or two. With this one, I found that I needed constant breaks to clear my head before moving on. I suggest you skip this one and go directly to next.
Thank you to BookSirens for an ARC. The opinions expressed are solely my own. -
This is an enthralling book with a mysterious matchmaker and unusual couple. I loved how the heroine is feisty and speaks her mind. I REALLY loved Harriet and hope she grows up and gets her own book. The author does a wonderful job of dealing with the hero’s injuries, his lack of confidence about them and his growth in dealing with them. Anne is a wonderful example of how we should treat anyone different from ourselves. Especially loved the epilogue!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. -
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was the first time I read anything by Larissa Lyons, and it certainly won't be the last.
It was a unique idea with the mysterious matchmaker, I had never read anything like it before. I really loved the way the story developed between two completely different people with the help of a unique matchmaker, who met on a cold winter's night.
From the beginning, the chemistry between them was undeniable, and it was clearly that they were made to be together. Anna and Ed were so cute together. The characters were wonderful, I really loved them.
I also loved that Anna was true to herself and spoke her mind freely.
It was a delightful read, funny, heart-warming even though the characters had a hard life, but also sensual, perfect for cold winter nights. -
A mischievous feline and a case of mistaken identity land two lonely souls together during a wretched, snowy night. Arguing over the business end of a shovel, they take refuge from the storm and find that sparks and kisses warm their frigid selves as much as unexpected laughter. But he’s engaged, and she’s decided to never marry, so in the morning they go their separate ways, leaving pieces of their hearts behind.
Edward and Anne are meant to be together.
A case of mistaken identity leads to a slapstick comedy of errors.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. -
Love Christmas stories and this one was certainly unique. The main characters were helped along their rocky road to romance by what I refer to as their guardian Angel. Ed and Anne themselves are so very unusual. The author certainly creates a world where the reader cannot assume what will happen next. It was great to read a holiday book that was so unlike so many others I have read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. -
On a cold snowy night, Miss Anne Larchmont and Captain Edward Redmond, formerly of His Majesty's 13th Light Dragoons, meet over digging a grave. A mix up on their names hides the fact they are promised in marriage to each other. A night at the gamekeeper's cottage is a night neither will forget. A wounded ex-solider and an independent lady discover they are a perfect match. A very steamy read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. -
Super cute, quick read. I figured out how it was going to end, but really enjoyed the ride to it. I liked the supernatural aspect too and am interested in following that storyline too. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I was selected for the ARC for the second book, but was able to get in for the first book also so I can follow the series better.
-
DNF/ skim-read after a while to see if it got better, but it didn't. My suspension of disbelief wasn't up to the amounts needed here. The basics of a good romance story are there and the characters are done well enough, but if you care about reasonable internal logic and immersion in the period this is not the right choice for you. I'd given three stars for this, but in parts the writing style is really weird and I found it difficult to impossible to get into any reading flow.
-
This is the 1st book I read by Larissa Lyons 🦁. I'm sorry I stopped reading this story 📖 at chapter 3 because it didn't grab my interest.
-
She’s thought herself free of the betrothal her father had tethered her to as a small child. With the death of Robert her intended, the ties binding her should have been severed. It was Lady Redford, Robert’s Mama, that had asked her to consider accepting her youngest son, and now the standing Lord Redford, as her husband. Anne Larchmont, at 24 years old, was held to be on the shelf at such a great age. Robert not inclined to an early marriage had put the nuptials off several times in the last eight years. Anne was looking forward to searching out a husband of her choosing, but after meeting, spending time with Lady Redford, she found she quite liked the woman and after losing two sons and her husband within months of each other, Anne couldn’t bring herself to refuse the request to at least meet Ward, Lady Redford’s youngest son, just back from the war with Napoleon. Why he was still recuperating from serious injuries he’d received during the war.
For a small reprieve, Anne took off walking to visit her closest friend Isabella Spier, who lived several miles away. She hadn’t counted on the late snow, nor having to assist a tenant farmer’s wife bring her children into the world, nor even the death of the family’s beloved cat, which she promised to bury before heading to her own home. The night was filthy, icy cold, damp with snow and no Moon to light the frozen ground where she was trying to dig a spot to bury the cat. When out of the dark night a man stepped into view. Walking with a pronounced limp, he was missing part of his right arm and looked as weary as she.
Edward, now Lord Redford, had been making his way home after being released from long term care in London. Still not in the best of shape, his left hand still healing after being pinned under an enemy’s horse in battle, his leg to had been broken in a couple of places, and he had lost part of his right arm, but he was determined to find the game keeper’s cottage close to his home. A fellow solider knew Edward needed just a bit more time alone before facing his intended bride and the responsibilities of running the Redford estates and offed him the use of the game keeper’s cottage on his estates close to Edwards home.
And so, the betrothed couple meet, not by accident though, without realizing who they really are. They spend the night in the game keepers’ cottage and find warmth, laughter, acceptance, compassion for humans and beasties alike. After spending time together, they find they have a very special connection they are comfortable and can talk of anything. They are also physically drawn to eat other. Regretting that they must part come morning but enjoying the hours they have out of time, just being themselves.
Neither realizes that their meeting, strange as it may seem, wasn’t an accident. A beastie had scared Edward’s horse, leaving him on foot, to make his way to the game keeper’s cottage, which in turn led him to making the acquaintance of Anne as she tried to dig the grave for young Owen’s cat, Lord Grayson. There was something in the air, Phineas could smell it. He had even let out a loud roaring sound to hurry the two young humans through the night so that they might reach the cottage before they froze to death trying in vain to eek out a hole in the frozen ground.
War has taken its toll on Edward and his comrades. He is heartsick, from losing friends in battle, trying to adjust to the lose the better part of his right limb and the slow healing of his other injuries and now to come home to a position of responsibilities he’d never wanted, with the death of his siblings and father. Then to be forced into marriage with a young woman he had yet to meet. Anne is in no better shape. After expecting some latitude of freedom to search out a man of her own choice, she is now considering how she can make her refusal, to marry the newly appointed Lord Redford, her hand in marriage.
We meet an outspoken heroine, who has compassionate nature for all those, no matter their station in life, determined to set her world right. She gave up on having a London season when she found her best friend Isabella was slowly going blind. Isabella’s father just wants to hide her away, as if he were ashamed. But Anne visits her whenever she can, to help her keep up her spirits, but Isabella won’t let a little thing like losing her sight to stop her from enjoying life. Ed has come away from a war that has cost him friends, pain and lose of limbs but he pushes himself to become the head of the family. I loved to fact that several of the chairs in the tale have disabilities but show their strengths by finding ways to pick up life after the horrors of war. This romance that takes place around the holidays makes you want to believe that good things can still come out of the tragedy that is our world. Larrissa Lyons made me feel like I was back in time, as she wrote of the situations the characters find themselves in, a blind friend whose father appears ashamed of his daughter’s failing sight, no doctor to help a woman in labour, using a shove to dig out a grave in the frozen ground and betrothals where parents choose who you are to marry. The wording she uses also sets the pace and time for the tale words that I was very comfortable with and enjoyed seeing in print since it had been years, she I had heard or saw in print some of the terms she used.
I enjoyed this romantic story, with a veteran of war who wouldn��t allow his disabilities identify who his was as a man, an outspoken spinster and a shifter that just had to step in and do a little meddling. I was given an advanced readers copy in exchange for my opinion of the book. I found humorous, touching, romantic with language and a few lightly steamed scenes, along with a HEA ending. Enjoy it, I did. -
"A Snowlit Christmas Kiss" was a pretty good read, but not stellar/un-put-down-able. I think it suffered somewhat because the book I finished just before picking this one up was 5-stars in almost every way. In other words, a very hard act to follow!! So maybe, on a different day, I would have rated it higher, I don't know. I tried to wait a week or so after finishing it to make sure that I felt the way I thought I did about it, and I do, so here are my thoughts:
One of the opening scenes, where the Hero and heroine first meet, is kind of difficult to figure out. I don't want to include any spoilers, but I found myself wondering more than once just what was going on, who was doing what, and so on. I'm not sure if it was by accident or design - if by design, then it could use a little fine-tuning to make things more clear. I also question whether or not a person among the nobility, living in the Regency/Georgian era, would actually do or say some of the things the two main characters did and said, especially the h. Not that I demand strict adherence to norms, mores, and language of the era, but neither should it be so anachronistic so as to stand out as questionable behavior, either. The h acted just a little too "modern" for me. And I get it that every romance author wants to make sure the reader knows that the h "isn't like other girls," but the fact is, there are so many "not like other girls" out there that yes, this h just fits right in with them.
There was also the inclusion of the h's friend in the beginning which didn't really go anywhere for the rest of the story. I was always taught that if you include something in the beginning of a story, it must have a purpose - you're going to circle back to it later and eventually, the significance of that bit will become clear. I realize the author is planning on writing a series and the friend storyline will be picked back up in the next book, but it seemed like a loose thread in this one.
I was really intrigued with the creature in the forest, though, and wish the story had included more about that!! This book would be improved by less friend backstory, and more forest creature, lol!
I rate this book, on a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 being too bad to finish, and 5 being I will read it again, a solid 3. I was able to finish the book and it was entertaining, but not outstanding enough to re-read. The rating breaks down into the following categories:
Hero/heroine likability = 4 stars
Plot = 2 stars, for reasons mentioned
World building = 2 stars
Grammar/spelling/syntax = 4 stars (this is my default rating for a clean, no noticeable errors, etc. Yes, I am a tough grader on this one, lol! I just figure if you're putting something out for the public to read, you should take special care to ensure it's error-free. That's just a minimum for good communication. If you can also turn a phrase so beautiful that it brings tears to my eyes (or close), I'll give an extra star.)
Sexy times = 3 stars (nothing too explicit or hot flash-inducing, lol, but not a "clean" romance, either)
TOTAL = 3 stars
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. -
I received a copy of this from Booksprout and this is my freely given opinion.
This is a Christmas novella that as you read is also linked to Larissa Lyon's Roaring Rogues series. It is the story of Edward, the new Lord Redmond, who is recovering from severe battle wounds from Spain and reconciling himself to recently inheriting the title, considering he was the third born son. Not only did he unexpectedly inherit the title, but also a betrothal to an unknown woman. So many changes in his life and circumstances are hard to deal with. He is unhorsed when his mount takes fright by a strange animal in the forest and forced to make his way in the snow on foot.
Anne is the near spinster eldest daughter and is frustrated and angry at her circumstances. She was betrothed to one of the son's of Lord and Lady Redmond, but because of various circumstances, the marriage was put off for years. Then when her betrothed died, she was relieved as she did not want to marry him and was hopeful for a chance of choosing her own husband, when the widowed Lady Redmond seeks her out in the hope of continuing the betrothal with the newly returned Lord Redmond. She was willing to give the new Viscount a chance, but he failed to show up to their Christmas gathering as promised.
However, Edward and Anne do meet due to various circumstances in the forest, but are unaware of the real identities of each other. They end up sharing their thoughts, kisses, and other intimacies, but not knowing who they are to each other, not expecting a future. Then they meet again, when Edward finally arrives at Anne's family home.
This was a surprisingly funny and sweet story. Anne has a lot of frustration and anger that I could empathize with considering how stymied she must have felt and lacking control over her own future and choices. Edward had a lot of changes to his life and likely also felt those same fears and frustrations, so they connected through empathy and humour, but there was the issue of mistaken identities. I liked his relationships with his comrades too, and that element of fear of being less than a man because of their injuries. I hope there will be future stories about them, and Anne's friend as well (I assume so, since this is a "book 1"). I loved the hoydenish little sister who is a cardsharp in the making and speaks her mind - loudly.
Then there is a paranormal element that links with the Roaring Rogues series that runs through. That was a sweet sidebar and a hint at Book 3 from that series. I enjoyed that little element of the story as well.
4 stars out of 5 -
Exceptional Characters; Story with a Heart
I’ve said it before in reviews: I absolutely adore this author. This book shows precisely why her books are a delight to read. She dives deep into rich characterization, yet the writing manages to be both endearing and witty, never plodding or dull. The humor was so much fun; the author also makes up words and phrases, especially ones that could stand in for curse words and insults. Don’t worry; it’s all still completely clear and understandable. It adds real charm and hilarity.
Half of this tale takes place over the span of a few short, dark nighttime hours. Though the actions taking place are few, we learn much about the hero and heroine… and an interfering cat. The hero is a wounded warrior, returning home after being horribly injured in the Napoleonic wars, coming back to a role (and possible betrothed) he was never prepared for and never wanted; the author shows us his struggles and triumphs, making them incredibly real and heartbreaking. The heroine is strong, in both body and mind. She is kind, compassionate, and ready to do the right thing, even to her own detriment.
The story hinges on mutual mistaken identity, though the reader knows exactly who they are (even if they don’t). The heroine’s little sister, when we finally see her in full glory near the end of the book, is an absolute riot—and so very believable as a precocious child who hasn’t yet learned not to say everything she thinks. And the kiss referred to in the title! Well, happily, there isn’t just one! There are many… and they get very steamy! As steamy as “just kisses” can get.
I read a lot of Regency romance, and this author regularly breaks the mold, but in a good way! To this Regency lover, her books are like a breath of fresh air. If you don’t mind that this story isn’t the typical Regency, you will probably enjoy this deliciously witty and steamy story with a lot of heart.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review. -
This was a nice Christmas story with some very fine banter and a little steam, but it felt a bit chaotic to me. There’s a constant back-and-forth between the present and the past, and an undefined but important third party. The relationship between the MCs evolves beautifully with some dry wit and a lot of tender loving care. It was an entertaining read, but a little more structure would have made it more enjoyable for me.
⭐⭐⭐✨
📚 A mischievous feline and a case of mistaken identity land two lonely souls together during a wretched, snowy night.
Arguing over the business end of a shovel, they take refuge from the storm and find that sparks and kisses warm their frigid selves as much as unexpected laughter. But he’s engaged, and she’s decided to never marry, so in the morning they go their separate ways, leaving pieces of their hearts behind…
Battle scarred and bone-weary, the prodigal Lord Redford finally returns home intent on pushing everyone away. Only he’s greeted not with the small welcome party he expected, but with a house full of people ready to celebrate his engagement. Which is going to prove rather a challenge, given how he’s never met his betrothed… Or has he?
When Anne rushes to the door, ready to give her tardy intended a sound dressing down and inform the lout who’s ignored her since their betrothal began that she has no use for marriage—or him—she’s greeted with a host of surprises.
Merry mistress or marriage? Or mayhap, nothing at all? -
A MEETING BY CHANCE
I absolutely enjoyed this book! The plot is nice and the characters are very likable. I love the author‘s narrative style, it was such fun to read with many laughs aloud moments, especially the playful and sarcastic banters between Anne and Edward. I also liked Anne's open and natural way of dealing with Edward's disability.
I can’t wait to read more books of the series and I do hope that spitfire Harriet will get her own story eventually!
After recovering from his serious war injuries in Spain and the loss of his father and brothers, Edward reluctantly returns home to take up his inheritance and become engaged to his deceased brother's bride-to-be. On the way there, he is thrown from his horse and is forced to make his way by foot through a snowstorm, followed by a mysterious creature who caused his fall. He meets Anne, a young woman who is trying to dig a hole regardless of the weather and the darkness. Edward is immediately fascinated by her and the steamy attraction between grows stronger and stronger. They seek shelter together in a hunting cabin belonging to Edward‘s friend, but without revealing their true identities. And they are still secretly pursued by the beast…
If you like witty and heartwarming quick to read Christmas romances, you are sure to enjoy this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. -
Wonderful Christmas novella with just a touch of spice
Charming tale of mistaken identity and serendipitous meeting ( helped along by a furry fairy-godfather of sorts). I loved both main characters, but especially Ed. He was a lovely blend of strength, vulnerability, and humor. I also really loved how Anne never saw him as "broken" or less in any way. I liked how they talked and worked through things with love and humor. (But also without the grand declarations of insta-love that can be common in novellas, which I appreciated and found more real and endearing)
The secondary characters were all wonderful too. Anne's relationships with Lady Redford, as well as Isabella and, most especially, Harriet, were so real and touching. I can't wait to read Isabella's story with Frostwood and am hoping for a story for Warrick also. Maybe we could even jump a few years forward and get one for Harriet the Hoyden, too. 😍
It was nice to get a peek at Phineas from Roaring Rogues. Though you don't need to have read the books from that series for the main part of this story, it would be nice to note the connection from the start (there is a note after), as those scenes may be fairly confusing and odd if you are unaware of the connection or nature of that character. -
This is a good story about a wounded soldier, Edward, and a spinster, Anne who was betrothed to his older brother, until he died. There's also some mysterious creature—sounds like a shifter—who's apparently a matchmaker. Descriptions were vague and, I assume, intended to provide clues and interest in future books. Meh. The writing is unusual. I enjoyed the story, but the way the words were woven together to tell this story was a bit confusing. Sometimes it was hard to determine who was talking. Sentence construction was odd— like reading a poem engineered to adhere to a particular rhythm—and trying to interpret what it means, feeling as if changing the order of words—or really, adding more words—would vastly improve the reading experience. The connectors seemed to be missing. I’m giving the book four stars because I think it’s well-told, but the supernatural creature is never really explained and the sentence structure needs some work. Otherwise, I’d give it five.
I read this as part of the Twelve Lords of Yuletide collection. -
The novella was a perfect length for Anne and Edward's story. I love the whole mistaken identity part of it, and how cute their interactions were throughout. I did like the backstories that were interspersed but it sort of made for a long pause in the middle of action/conversation. I was also heartily confused by the lynx/ mysterious creature that brought them together that night and am glad that the author explained a bit of that at the end. I was already curious about the Roaring Rogues series so am now definitely intrigued to read them now. Paranormal/Fantasy Regency Romance isn't that common so am excited to be exploring more. The story and relationship also did not feel rushed due to the length of it, which I appreciated as sometimes it can be a real turn off when there are major declarations within a 1 day encounter.
Steam: 🔥🔥
Heart Flutters: ❤️❤️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. -
A cold night they meet and the characters have a great chemistry from the beginning. They both have a problem with their meeting because he is already engaged and she have not thought about marrying.
The fact that they left some of their feelings with each other and that they do not know each other makes the story tell some fun but also intense scenes.
He has a lot of bagage from the war he has come home from and he has to proces this. The girl he is engaged with was his now dead brothers, so he actually does not know her that well.
Sometimes the words felt like some I had not seen before but they worked. Writing style is one you have to get comfortable with.
Nice plot, but as written before the language is an issue at times. The paranormal was not to my liking. Would have been better without it. It does not bring anything to the story.
Recommendable to others. -
This book is quite charming and full of witty banter between the two main characters. When Edward and Anne first meet there is a misunderstanding and they do not realize they are betrothed to each other. They spend a snowy night together and get to know each other. There is definitely some sexual tension and attraction. They part ways and do not meet until days later. They then realize that they are indeed betrothed to each other. He has some explaining to do before she agrees or disagrees to marry him. What I found a bit confusing was Phineas. Who is he? Or what is he? Is he human or cat? Hope to find out
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. -
A sweet story with a happy ending.
I must admit, I found A Snowlit Christmas Kiss a bit difficult to get into sync with through the first 30 percent. I liked both of the lead characters, as well as the supporting personalities, but I had a difficult time following Larissa Lyon's “flow” style. Once I caught on to it, the remainder of this cute and sweet story was truly enjoyable.
I really liked the ending and the epilogue, but I have one burning question. So, who is this mysterious Phineas?
Content 411: Other than some mild swearing, some kissing and rubbing, this book is clean and sweet.
Disclosure: I received this book for free from BookSirens. I am voluntarily reviewing this book, and this is my honest review.
