I just finished *A Moonlit Christmas Kiss* by Larissa Lyons, and I want to thank NetGalley and Literary Madness for the opportunity to review!

This book is the third installment in the Regency Christmas Kisses series. Although I haven't read the first two books, I found that it works perfectly as a standalone story.

The story follows Lord Warrick, a fortune-hunting and battle-scarred gentleman, who becomes intrigued by the clever and captivating governess, Aphrodite Primrose, after a chance encounter at a Christmas party. Their lives keep intertwining over the years, and it’s clear that the spark between them is undeniable.

This was a beautiful historical romance, but what really impressed me was the depth and complexity of the character development, which is often lacking in Regency novels. I love the grumpy-sunshine trope, and in this story, it felt much more than just that. I truly fell in love with the characters as they fell in love with each other.


Review on Goodreads will be posted today 12/21 and on IG @shereadspretty on 12/22

This is one whirlwind romance with so many time jumps back and forth and hidden details, it could be a Sherlock Holmes novel.

Aphrodite Primrose is a governess at the Ballenger Estate, which just so happens to be the location of a Christmas house party. Enter the paralyzed Lord Warrick, Richard Martinson, who immediately has eyes for said governess. The attraction is instantaneous, but their love story spans years.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and figuring out the little twists and turns. Richard is a menace, and an inappropriate one, but I very much like how Aphrodite can put him in his place. Solid Christmas read!

I really struggled with part one of this book. I prefer my hero to be kind and thoughtful, and although Lord Warrick may have had reason for his sullen demeanor, there was way too much raunchy behavior for my tastes. This book was touted as a sweet historical romance (closed door romance with hints of spice) but there was way too much spice with blatant sexual talk as far as I’m concerned. Why Aphrodite would be attracted to him with his atrocious behavior in the first place was beyond me. Too much lust and not enough substance. However, Part II was more interesting when he took his siblings under his wings and began to behave more responsibly. His character did grow and develop over time, and I did enjoy the last chapters, especially the epilogues. If the author took out all the explicit lustful dialogues and behavior, it would have been a great regency read. I guess I need to be more careful of what classifies as “sweet.” Thanks to NetGalley, I received a complimentary ARC copy with no obligation to post a positive review.

4 Stars.

When I first came across this book, I was captivated by the cover, and the storyline seemed tailor-made for my taste. On top of that, it featured one of my favorite tropes.
However, I later realized that it’s part of a larger series, so it looks like I’ll be reading the earlier books soon.

If you're craving a holiday-themed historical romance filled with humor, emotional depth, and character development, this one is definitely worth checking out. Although, this book is a bit on the longer side, but when that us reader ever stopped us, right?

The two main characters are certainly grumpy/sunshine in this Christmas Regency novel.
I enjoy reading a different class(earl/governess) read every now and then. And, A Moonlit Christmas Kiss was a wonderful Regency story.
The story is full of
Family drama
Love
Hope
PTSD
A beautiful Christmas read with interesting characters.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

In A Moonlit Christmas Kiss, we are presented with Lord Warrick, a battle-scarred peer, presents himself with a lively facade, often masking the profound physical and emotional wounds he carries. His outlandish remarks and flirtatious demeanor suggest confidence, yet it is evident from the outset that his past has cast a long shadow over his present. Lyons crafts a multifaceted character in Warrick – one who is grappling not only with the loss of his mobility but also with the expectations of society and his own unfulfilled desires.
On the other side is Aphrodite Primrose, a governess tasked with caring for an exuberant young lady, who serves as the heart of the story. Aphrodite’s character is a breath of fresh air, embodying both strength and warmth. Haunted by past experiences that have left her wary of noblemen, she initially approaches Warrick with skepticism. However, as their paths continue to cross, her resolve is tested in delightful and unexpected ways.
The subplot of the irresistible kiss under the mistletoe serves as a delightful turning point in their relationship. It encapsulates the essence of holiday romance – innocent yet charged with possibilities. The interplay between duty and desire is strikingly illustrated as both characters navigate societal expectations and their growing attraction. The tension between Warrick’s intentions and Aphrodite’s reservations creates a captivating push and pull.
Overall, A Moonlit Christmas Kiss was a delightful read that combines wit, emotional depth, and a touch of holiday magic. Lyons’ ability to delve into the psyches of her characters while intertwining themes of love, loss, and hope makes this novel an engaging and uplifting experience. Perfect for fans of historical romance.

A Moonlight Christmas Kiss is a thoroughly enjoyable romance that has a lot going for it through the strength of the characters. There are already reviews that will share the basics. So, let me tell you what I loved. Richard’s bawdy sense of humor especially about his non-working ‘appendage.’ Ms. Lyons almost made Richard’s non-working appendage a third main character with the many terms used to describe it. Although obviously concerned, Richard seemed to realize that it was what it was, so to speak.

Most adorable is the governess, Aphrodite Primrose, who has struggles of her own on a more emotional level. She has reason not to trust male peers and is very glad she has found a position where she can live comfortably and not be threatened. Having lost her parents, she eventually came to live with a sort of uncle who was a surgeon. Uncle Silas encouraged her to be herself – strong and true. I loved that Aphrodite, or Prim as she was called on occasion, decided to live her life on her terms; no one was going to run over her, especially not another male peer. I loved the ‘discoveries’ she had as she was around Richard a bit more and began to realize she did not feel threatened by him. She even began to trust him and not because of his need to be in a type of wheel chair, but because she began to see him as a man who could be trusted.

Next, Richard’s family are unique and precious. His care for his sisters as they, too, are adjusting to the loss of their mother. His desire to help his mischievous brothers continue to grow into responsible men although they were a bit of a financial burden. Richard took on the role of oldest sibling/guardian with a sense of duty and pride. He did well.

There is more to enjoy and appreciate but I might begin to ramble. Suffice it to say, this is a wonderful read about people who have struggles but learn to overcome. The book was a tad overlong, but I do not think any could be left out. So, just plan to take your time and enjoy Aphrodite, Richard and the other precious characters. This is third in the Regency Christmas Kisses series, but not having read the first two books, I found this to be just as enjoyable as a stand-alone.

There's a lot going on in A Moonlit Christmas Kiss from a wounded war hero who is struggling with repressed anger about his new physical limitations and, separately, miserable family situation, to a heroine who closets herself away in the ugliest clothes she can and binds her breasts to make herself as unattractive as possible after experiencing several attempted sexual assaults by different pervious employers. It's not always an easy read.

Warrick has returned from war in Spain without the use of his legs or his 'pizzle', and is understandably angry and upset about it. He's drinking himself into a stupor despite his family fortune and estate going to ruin after his father's death. His friends, also suffering in their own ways from the war, invite him to a weeks-long Christmas party - as an earl, he is a star guest and they hope it will raise his spirits too. At the party, he is unable to partake in many activities due to being confined to his Merlin's Chair but that means he meets 'Prim', the intriguingly forthright governess covered in mud who captures his attention.

For much of the book Warrick blows very hot and cold with Prim (real name: Aphrodite) and can be appallingly rude to her, his disgust at his own situation causing him to feel he cannot act on his real and growing feelings. This is not so much due to his disability with his legs, though this is a consideration to an extent, but more importantly his lack of ability to bear children and crucially his financial situation which demands he marry a rich heiress. Aphrodite, for her part, is clear that their social status must keep them apart - she is a servant after all and nearly loses her job after she is caught kissing him under the mistletoe.

I really liked Aphrodite's boldness and matter-of-fact manner. Once she's made a decision she's all-in and while she had reservations she also had her own quiet confidence and was prepared to act on her desires without worrying too much about what society thought of her. Meanwhile, I enjoyed Warrick's filthy mouth and terrible teasing, and while the humbling journey he goes on gives him perspective I love that he doesn't lose his cheekiness or inability to temper his emotions. This is definitely more sweet than spicy - there's some kissing and one interrupted scene with some touching but for all Warrick's talk, there's not a lot of action!

This is a pretty long book, and for a fairly large chunk of time, the couple are apart. Overall I enjoyed it - it's a 3.5* read rounded up to 4* as I enjoyed the honesty of Warrick's 'warts and all' disability journey, and I felt that much of what might be uncomfortable to our modern ears was likely very normal (or even progressive) for the time the book was set. The language and style was, at times, a little hard to decipher - there was a fair amount of what I assume was real Regency terminology that I didn't know, despite reading quite a bit written in this era and modern books set in this time. Occasionally this made things hard going, but I'm glad I persevered to the end where things were wrapped up happily but, I'm pleased to say, without any miracles.

Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC, this is my honest opinion.

Overall, I did not enjoy this book. That was shocking as it had a lot of the aspects I thought I would like, however I had a very hard time getting through it. It was difficult to follow,

The beginning of the story just rushes into the story. You never really get an idea of who these characters are until they meet. The meetup itself also feels rushed. There's an element of insta love that reads very young adult fiction.

4 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

A moonlit kiss is a story that focused on two many characters: Aphrodite Primrose or Prim a Governess that is working for the friend of Earl Richard Warwick recently wounded in war and reduced to a wheelchair that causes much frustration from an injury of war.

Regency is not my usual choice, but I have been enjoying it much more as of late. Keep in mind, most of my reads are romance, fantasy, or sci fi based, but I fell in love with this story.

The complexity of the story includes internal dialogues with rife of pain. How does one recover when they feel they’ve lost everything? Sometimes you have to hit your lowest point to push for a recovery.

Our couple meets at a Christmas party and have an instant connection. Prim really is an angel for habit. The patience of a saint. The story goes place over several years and I found it extremely heart warming, specifically when Warwick’s siblings fell into his care.

I wish that we got to see more of our family all together, but I felt the pain these characters felt bleeding onto the page. My only other complaint was that it felt a bit long and slow building at times. Once they were together again I was highly interested.

Read this if you’re looking for :
⭐️ grumpy x sunshine regency
⭐️ different class love story— governess x earl
⭐️ emotional trauma and recovery
⭐️ found family— new family
⭐️ a love that doesn’t quit

I am so thankful to get to read this book. It had me grinning from ear to ear with a truly happy and satisfying ending.

Thank you Literary Madness, Larissa Lyons, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is a clean romance, which is a bit of a suprise as there is a lot of talk about erectile dysfunction that Warrick experiences following his injuries at war. I thought it was a fun read and in parts silly. There is a bit of pining from both main characters as the story takes place over 2 years. This a low angst book which was a pleasure to read. It is part of a series but can be read as a stand a lone.

This book much vulgarity for me and not enough plot. It’s a shame, because these could have been interesting characters. DNF.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

How many times can you take about peeing in a book? I don't know the answer but this had 5 too many references to peeing. Just odd. This is a insta lust, too much filler, silly read. It was hard for me to like either character.

A sweet and spicy Regency romance.

It starts at a house party where governess, Aphrodite, meets Lord Warrick and share a kiss underneath the mistletoe. He's recovering from a war injury the left him in a wheelchair, unable to walk. They have an unusual meeting and despite their different statuses continue to keep in touch. They end up meeting again and sparks continue to fly.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

What a perfect romance for the Holidays! Who doesn't love a rake that seems beyond reforming? A prim and proper governess with no prospects?
Sweet, fun and lovely book for the Holidays

I liked this book but the language was tedious and almost silly. The characters sounded more like London cabbies or pirates than gentry. Hell, I know hundreds of Scottish folk who say Aye less than these people.

The MMC, is a broken, former rake and nearly wholly without charm until about 75% into the book. He might have tried to be a better person about half way through but specifically towards the FMC, he’s blah.
The FMC is lovely and obviously trying her hardest to be “good” and yet gets wooed with nothing more than a broad set of shoulders and some banter.

A lot happens off page and there are mentions of letters and conversations that happen off page so often I wonder med if I managed to skim entire storylines and had to keep going back to check. This is apart of an interconnected stand alone series so there is a chance some times happen in other books

The POV switches often and without notice, one paragraph will be one person and the next other. Is omnipresent narrator a thing? 🤷🏻‍♀️ they are everyone, all at once? Omniperson?

There are tons of lists which feels off because they are not succinct, it’s not really mentioned why all the lists.

This was my first book from this author and I just don’t know what to think now that I’m done.

Despite everything, the few romance scenes have chemistry and fire. There’s talk of something’s so I can’t really call this a sweet/closed door romance. More like, they only get to second base graphically then just don’t go further.
But if you’re look for no spice, this isn’t it.