Just an FYI: this book technically takes place *after* Val's story, despite the fact that that book isn't due out for a few month. It could be seen as a spoiler, since there is talk of his wife and what he is doing now, but they are minor and shouldn't detract from the book itself when it comes out. (I mean, really, 90% of the time a romance novel is not about who they're going to end up with but how.) ( )

Terrific, for any time of year.

Lady Sophie takes in strays of all sorts, even babies born to tweenie maids. Vim Charpentier is passing by and spots a lady in distress, so he stops to help. Between the two of the them, My Lord Baby is having a grand time, not missing his mother at all.

A charming story with a holiday twist.

Lady Sophie and Vim are so realistic I feel like I might meet them on a street in London in Regency times.

Misunderstandings of all sorts are the themes of this romance and how love can flourish when the truth comes out.

Best read in order, The Heir is first, though not as good as later books in the series.

Highly recommended. ( )

The hero and heroine were likeable, but unfortunately a fair bit daft. Also, a weird line was crossed at one point and not particularly addressed, so it felt even weirder. All prepriority be damned the H and h were up late into the night in her bedroom, but for non-sexual reasons, they'd previously had one instance of kissing, but otherwise they're pretty much strangers and have no plans for a future together. But then the heroine wakes in the morning and not only is the man in bed with her, he's entirely naked! Like wtf? A few kisses, separate from their reason to be in her room late, does not warrant surprise total nudity! If she had awoken in his arms, maybe he moved that way in his sleep, or woken up against an erection or something, that wouldn't be entirely his fault. But there is no accidentally stripping naked before climbing into bed with a near stranger. And they hadn't been drinking, so it wasn't that. It would be pretty shady to spring on someone uninvited even today, much less back then, but Burrowes just has him laugh it off like he'd been found to have drooled a little on her pillowcase or something that couldn't have been foreseen or helped. ?!? ( )

Lady Sophie unexpectedly must care for a baby alone in the run-up to the Christmas holidays. A chance encounter with one Vim Charpentier and a worsening snow storm mean she is stuck in the family's London home with Vim over the course of several days. Much loving on a baby and falling for one another ensue. And then complications. I enjoyed this holiday romance novel well enough, though it felt perhaps a little overlong? Maybe I only felt as much because I haven't read the earlier entries in the series and therefore wasn't as invested in the occasional chapter following other members of Sophie's family. But the tender moments between Sophie and Vim as well as the overall feel of the book (and the delightful and never twee interactions among the characters and the baby) convince me that I should read more of the series. I'll start at the beginning this time. ( )

Review originally published at Romancing Romances.

I received an eARC at no cost from the publisher, and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review. Thank you.

4.5*

I loved this book! I’ve always really enjoyed Christmas/Holidays related books, and this one hit all the right spots.

Sophie is the sensible sister. She doesn’t give problems to anyone. So, when she decides to spend some time at Christmas with friends, her family doesn’t worry. But Sophie has a plan. She wants to spend some of her Christmas alone. But her plans get sidetracked when she is left stranded with someone else’s baby.

Queue Vim, our hero. I’ll admit right away, I love babies. I find them adorable, and I love holding them. And whenever I see someone who is good with a baby, I just feel happy. And Vim, well, he’s perfect with young Kit. How he helps Sophie without ever mocking her, or making feel like she’s doing something wrong, it’s just perfect.

I really enjoyed the relationship between both the hero and the heroine, and them with Kit. It was adorable, with our characters stuck due to a snow storm, learning about each other, and relating in a way they couldn’t with other people. Sometimes it’s just easier to talk to a stranger than someone who’s known you forever, right?

I also really liked hoe Sophie’s brothers didn’t try to decide for her, or just beat Vim. They understood that they were in love, but apparently there was some form of impediment, so they decided to do what they could to help them. Great brothers!

All in all, a great romance, with some steamy moments, very romantic, very adorable, and it just made me very happy. ( )