Kissing With My Duke: A Regency Romance by Anna St. Claire-review
Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Indigo
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 11, 2025
The past hides secrets, the present hides danger… and it takes a brave heart to see the truth.
She guards her heart… but fate might have other plans.
Miss Serafina Davies has kept her distance from Society and the marriage mart ever since a youthful mistake nearly ruined her two years ago. Instead, she poured her passion into creating TheLavender & Cream Tearoom—a tearoom unlike any other in fashionable Bath. With her signature honeyed tea, floral confections, delicate pastries—and the support of her guardian and his wife—the business seemed destined to thrive. But when a chance encounter in front of an overflowing ash pit leads to Serafina rescuing a dog and a handsome stranger rescuing her, she finds herself dangerously close to breaking her most sacred promise—to never fall in love again.
He arrives incognito… but the truth cannot stay hidden forever.
Julian McAllister, the newly minted Duke of Strathmoor, arrives in Bath incognito—to grieve, to paint, and to escape the demands of his dukedom in search of much-needed rest. Disguised as a humble artist, he’s drawn to Serafina’s beauty, wit, and the quiet strength that shines behind her flour-dusted smile. With every encounter and every shared cup of tea, their connection deepens—but the more he’s near her, the harder it becomes to hide his identity. And when Serafina’s past catches up with her, Julian must decide if he’s willing to risk everything—including his heart—for love.
Because someone else wants Serafina.
Baron Cornelius Grimsby’s interest is unwanted—and unrelenting. He does not court; he lurks in the shadows, always watching, always nearby. With each encounter, his fixation hardens into something far more sinister. What begins as an irritating nuisance becomes a calculated, escalating threat—one that may cost Serafina her freedom—and Julian his life.
Tea may soothe the soul… but love, courage, and one daring duke may be the only things that can save her.
••••••
REVIEW: Anna St. Claire delivers exactly what fans of sweet Regency romance crave in Kissing With My Duke: a lighthearted, clean love story filled with charming encounters, a touch of suspense, and plenty of heartwarming moments, all set against the elegant backdrop of Bath.
The story centers on Miss Serafina Davies, a young woman who’s sworn off love after a past mistake nearly derailed her life. She’s channeled her energy into running the delightful Lavender & Cream Tearoom, complete with honeyed teas and floral pastries that sound absolutely divine (and make you crave a scone while reading).
Enter Julian McAllister, the new Duke of Strathmoor, who’s hiding his title to grieve privately and pursue his passion for painting. Their meet/cute involving a rescued dog and a literal tumble into an ash pit, is adorably quirky and sets a fun, whimsical tone.
Serafina and Julian’s connection builds through shared teas, witty banter, and quiet moments of vulnerability.
Serafina is independent yet guarded, Julian is brooding but kind hearted, and their chemistry feels genuine without ever crossing into steamy territory this is truly a “sweet and clean” read, perfect for those who prefer closed door romance.
Adding tension is the villainous Baron Grimsby, whose creepy obsession with Serafina escalates from nuisance to genuine threat. This subplot introduces a mild suspense element that keeps the pages turning, though it never overwhelms the romantic focus.
The inclusion of a cute dog as a secondary character is a bonus, the author often sprinkles animals into her stories, and they reliably steal scenes.
With vivid descriptions of Bath’s society and scrumptious tearoom details that immerse you in the era, you felt like you were actually living the life.
If you enjoy Duke’s in disguise, independent heroines, and a dash of danger resolved with love and courage, pour yourself a cup of tea and dive in.
A delightful, low angst read that’ll leave you smiling!
Copy supplied for review
🦋 Reviewed by Julie
