First Kiss at Christmas

The Off Season #5

by Lee Tobin McClain

On the Chesapeake Bay, you don’t need mistletoe for the perfect Christmas kiss…

Not many women still have “first kiss” on their Christmas list, but somehow Kayla Harris is permanently in the friend zone with men. So when veteran Tony DeNunzio shows up in her preschool classroom with his nephew, Jax, her focus is solely on helping the troubled little boy adjust. But as Tony takes on a volunteer role at the school, she can’t help noticing his softer side is as appealing as his rugged male presence.

Tony will do anything to make Jax's first Christmas without his mom a happy one. And that includes spending more time than is typical with the teacher who’s drawn Jax out of his shell. Beautiful and kindhearted, Kayla makes Tony long for family and a happiness he doesn’t think he deserves. But with the magic of Christmas in the air, a first kiss might lead them both to a forever love.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Family, Contemporary Romance, Clean Romance

368 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 26, 2021

About the author

New York Times bestselling author of emotional, heartwarming romances. Visit http://www.leetobinmcclain.com to join newsletter, get book release details, and find out more.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I started to read FIRST KISS AT CHRISTMAS which is book five in the Off Season series and totally fell in love with the setting and the words of Lee Tobin McClain. I quickly went on a hunt to find the previous books in the series.

FIRST KISS AT CHRISTMAS introduces you to Kayla Harris. She is a twenty five year old pre school teacher and get this…..she has never been kissed! What?? She finds herself drawn to her new student and his uncle who is raising him. Toni DeNunzio and his nephew Jax are the latest occupants of Victory Cottage, a place for healing and new beginnings. Jax is struggling with the loss of his mother, Tony’s sister Stella. Stella had a drug problem and they really don’t know too much about the details of her shooting death. Tony feels so guilty because he thinks he failed her. No one knows how Jax ended up on Tony’s doorstep the night of the shooting. They are both trying to come to terms with Stella’s death and aren’t doing a good job at that.

FIRST KISS AT CHRISTMAS is filled with struggling with the choices we have to make and once you start reading, it will be impossible to put down. Keep the tissues close by because this will be one heck of an emotional journey. Will Jax and Tony ever find their place in the world, overcome their grief, and be happy once again? Lee Tobin McClain does a wonderful job of teaching the reader what Kayla, Tony, and Jax are going through. Ms. McClain really knows how to write about family drama, heartbreak, and forgiveness. I can not wait to read more by this wonderful and heart tugging author.

I totally enjoyed FIRST KISS AT CHRISTMAS. I just wanted to continue reading about these wonderful people. I’m going to try and squeeze in the rest of the series ASAP. I’m swamped with blog tours for the rest of the year but I have to return to Chesapeake very soon. Lee Tobin McClain is such a wonderful author and I love how her stories make it seem as if she is writing just for me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead Publicity Tours. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

[Oceana Reads Co. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very thoughtful and deep Christmas love story with a touch of suspense.

The premise sounded cute and cheesy but it actually turned out to have some depth that made it more interesting.

It’s clean and there was no language.
One character is exploring church and faith.
Some mentions of prayer.

Romance was a little cheesy and some parts of the plot dragged but still a great Christmas recommendation!

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been enjoying The Off Season series. I enjoyed my trip back to Pleasant Shores or the Chesapeake Bay. There is a new resident at Victory Cottage, Tony DiNunzio and his 4 year old nephew Jax. Jax is grieving after the loss of his mother, a shooting which he witnessed. Tony is dealing with his guilt over Stella's death as he promised his father he would take care of the family. Jax won't let go of his Uncle Tony and causes an issue with his screaming everywhere he goes. When Tony enrolls him at a private school, he meets Kayla, the woman who will be Jax's teacher. She is calm, caring and patient with both Tony and Jax and they begin to feel a little more comfortable. Kayla develops feelings for Tony, but is extremely protective of her feelings, and is a bit afraid of a relationship as she has never been kissed. There are a lot of roadblocks and baggage to get past if they are to have a relationship. There is also a parallel story involving Sylvie, a thirty something woman who has been sent to Pleasant Shores to keep an eye on Jax and find out what he remembers. Of course, no one can resist the wonderful people in the community and she soon finds herself wanting to make a home in the community.

This is a story that once I picked it up, I couldn't stop reading. I very quickly embraced all the characters and wanted them to be happy. Tony's story is heart breaking and the clumsy way he rallies around his orphaned nephew is both amusing and uplifting. Kayla is the hometown, sweet, never been kissed teacher who has low self-esteem, due to bullying and issues stemming from her childhood. We also meet up with characters from the previous books, but you don't have to have read them to enjoy this book. Of course Jax and his new friend Davey steal the show, they are so adorable. This is a well written story with a bit of a mystery, grief, healing, friendship and of course romance. This is Christmas magic at its best. I also like how Lee Tobin McClain has set up the next book, at least I think she has. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it to those who enjoy a good romance with great characters and a wonderful storyline. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kayla Harris looks out the window and sees a scruffy man approaching a upset young child at the town's playground. As she starts to rush to the child's aid, the child does calm down in the arms of the man. That does not explain why the child was there by himself at first and then the man showed up. Why is he looking so rough? Kayla is a preschool teacher and children are her first priority.

She soon learns that Tony DeNunzio is the boy's uncle. The child's name is Jax and Kayla is more than curious as to why the two are together.

One night out with her friend Amber has Kayla confessing that she has reached the age of twenty-five without ever being kissed. This discussion leads Kayla to making a resolution to kiss a man before the end of the year. Will she be able to do it? Find someone that she would be that comfortable with?

This story is very, very touching. For starters, Amber is plus-sized, but has tremendous self-confidence. Then there is Jax. All he has is Tony. (Well, he has another aunt and uncle, but Tony has taken guardianship of him.) Jax just about broke my heart. His clinginess, sensitivity and sadness came right through the pages of this book. Also, there is Tony, trying to learn how to become a father all of a sudden, especially when considering how Jax tragically lost his mother Stella.

As Kayla rents out a cottage to Tony and Jax, she gets to know them, especially once Jax gets enrolled as a student. Meanwhile, there is a side story, and it is rather significant. There are unclear details about Stella's death, and it soon becomes apparent that perhaps Tony and Jax may not be safe. Will they every get past losing Stella and remain safe and become a family of two? What about a family of three with Kayla? Is the baggage that both Kayla and Tony carry too much for a loving and lasting relationship to develop?

I was thoroughly enamored with this touching story. I admit to crying for Tony and Jax. I felt like their pain was my pain. I also felt for Kayla as I am also a plus-sized woman. Then there is the story itself and how wonderfully it developed, even with the air of intrigue in this story. Lastly, the dogs in the story - did they steal the show for me? Maybe. Just maybe.

I love Lee Tobin McClain's writing. She manages to connect her readers to her characters, thus making me feel like she is sitting in my living room relating said stories to me.

Many thanks to HQN Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

The kind of Christmas story that has you laughing and cheering and even wiping at a tear or two.

McClain is fabulous at bringing all her characters to vibrant life -- not just the hero and heroine -- so it's easy to feel like you're a part of the town and all the Christmas preparations going on...with an ear to all the gossip besides. :-)

This is the fifth book in the Off Season series, so there's plenty of familiar faces along with some new ones and I like the way the author has set things up for the next book...at least I think that's what she's done! (Though this can totally be read as a standalone too.)

Tony's story is heart breaking and the clumsy way he rallies around his orphaned nephew is both amusing and poignant. Luckily Kayla is around to help him out...though he doesn't think that in the beginning. He's wary and defensive and harbouring a world of heart and she's so perky and sweet and compassionate it grates on his every last nerve...and beguiles him as well.

She's the naive never-been-kissed town sweetheart and he's the brooding ex-soldier carrying around more than a shoulder chip's worth of emotional baggage. Throw in the magic of Christmas, more than a few town busy bodies and a surprising suspense-y twist and you get one amazing holiday read.

[Kelsie Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Kiss at Christmas by Lee Tobin McClain is book five in her The Off Season series.

Tony DeNunzio is new to Pleasant Shores, but readers of the series may be familiar with Kayla Harris, a local preschool teacher and friend to all, as she’s been seen in previous books in the series. We learn much more about Kayla and are introduced to Tony, who’s participating in the town’s Victory Cottage charitable program. Tony and Kayla meet in an unorthodox manner, and it only gets more interesting from there.

Lee Tobin McClain does it yet again and gives readers another excellent installation in this standalone series. The characterization continues to be well above par. The novel is well-written with a bit of suspense and lots of romance. First Kiss at Christmas is a 5 out of 5 star read. I fully enjoyed it and recommend it to all readers of romantic suspense.

My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

[Tim Blackburn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Imagine Harry Bosch in a Hallmark Movie

And you have the premise of this novel. Admittedly I'm not a writer but it's always seemed to me that the most difficult aspect of writing fiction would be to write the thoughts and motivations of a main character with the opposite gender than the author. The male protagonist in this novel was not likeable to me nor were his thoughts like any guy I have known in my life. The female lead was truly a good person and imminently likeable but she deserved so much better that this neurotic dude. I like my Christmas feel-good fiction to be light and breezy and this was dark and dangerous in large swaths of the book. I was uncomfortable reading a rom-com where a 4 year-old boy witnessed his drug addicted mother being murdered and later drawing a picture for a therapist depicting his mother on the ground with a red pool of blood - sounds more like the latest Alex Cross thriller. Sorry, I didn't enjoy reading this book due to being uncomfortable during the entire book.

[Anne OK · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full review at a later date -- 2022!

[Tressa (Wishful Endings) · Rating 3 out of 5]

FIRST KISS AT CHRISTMAS is a story about firsts and second chances. It's about a little boy who saw his mother die and the people who care about him. It's about a woman who's never been kissed, a man who is trying to find redemption and care for his nephew, and a woman who is ready for a new start. The story is full of small-town charm and holiday festivities, making it an overall heartwarming read.

I thought that Tony, Kayla and Sylvie were all good characters. Jax was adorable as was Paddington. The story was relatable in parts and the characters overall likable. I liked the idea of a character finding herself and letting go of the past. I also liked the theme of letting go and starting new. I really liked the friendships in this story and how characters were there for each other. I think my favorite aspect was the small-town feel and how friendly and welcoming the town was to these characters. The romance was sweet with some spark. There was also plenty holiday cheer which I loved. Of course, it had a heartwarming ending.

I did struggle with feeling totally immersed in this book. There are two main storylines, so I felt a bit like I was going back and forth. It also didn't really feel like a romance per se because of the second storyline and also because of the heavier subject matter. To me this read more like women's fiction with elements of romance. This isn't a bad thing, but it made for a longer read and one that I wasn't completely invested in even though I liked the characters and could empathize with what they were going through. There also was a weird mix of different aspects, like drug use, people living together, drinking, mean girls, and then sweet parts and inspirational moments. Plus lots of drama with characters reacting in extreme ways. I think the combination didn't quite work for me.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a bit of a difficult read, but overall, a sweet story that left me feeling cozy and ready for the Christmas season.

Content: References to murder, drug use, innuendo, drinking, child abduction.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through JustRead Tours, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Suzie Waltner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love a good Christmas romance? And First Kiss at Christmas by Lee Tobin McClain not only has it in spades along with cute kids and dogs, and strong friendships, it also has a lot of substance.

Tony carries a lot of guilt over what happened to his sister, but his nephew’s pre-school teacher has him hoping for a better future. Kayla has some insecurities, but she loves her preschool kids, her job, and her town (believe me, you’ll want to visit Pleasant Shores again and again yourself). And little Jax will tug at your heartstrings.

Mix in a little bit of mystery and action, and this book is one you won’t want to put down.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book that I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it. Even though I had not read any of the other books in the series, I had no trouble reading this book as a stand alone. The author did a good job of giving some background on side characters in a natural way so that I didn’t feel any confusion over who people were.

Tony and Jax sure had been through a lot of trauma. It was hard to see how much they were struggling when they first moved to town. But it was heartwarming to watch as, little by little, Jax began to improve and emotionally deal with what he had been through.

Kayla and Tony both had some trouble getting past their own distorted views of themselves and it was frustrating at times to see Kayla be timid due to the way she physically viewed herself or hear Tony belittle himself in his thoughts in regard to the way things turned out for his late sister, Jax’s mom. However, these two characters were ones that I couldn’t help but connect with and hope they could work through their issues.

There was a natural weaving of faith into the story. A heads up to those who are sensitive to alcohol use in novels. The characters do have some wine and beer occasionally, but nothing too excessive.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this is the fifth book in the series it can be read as a stand-alone. I have not read any of the other books and feel that I did not miss anything.

You are immediately drawn into the story when Kayla meets Jax and his Uncle Tony. I was feeling exactly what Kayla was feeling, was this man safe, and why was the boy crying?

Jax has had a lot of trauma in his short life. You can't help root for him, Tony, and Kayla to have a happy ending. Tony and Kayla both have obstacles to overcome before they can enter into a relationship.

This story has the makings of a hallmark movie, but add in a bit of mystery, an enemy from the past, and a bit of drama. This is a sweet Christmas story that will pull on your heartstrings.

Thank you to JustRead Publicity Tours and the author for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to give a favorable review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Ancillar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A huge thanks to Just Read Tours and the author for my e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

 First Kiss at Christmas tells the story of never been kissed preschool teacher Kayla and Tony who is doing his best to do right by his nephew Jax. It's hard not to root for two good people that deserve love.

[Kimmie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is it ever actually too early to read a Christmas story? I think not!

This was not my first time reading a book by Lee Tobin McClain (Although the first time reading a book in this series! Which amazon was quite helpful in rectifying that since I own the previous books in the series now).

I love how Lee Tobin McClain looks at ordinary characters and weaves a story around their broken messes. Truly makes for an interesting storyline. In this case, we get a glimpse of a preschool teacher Kayla who is shy and insecure, and we get Tony the grieving uncle. Just imagine all the interesting things that could come out of that (because I am not telling you anymore!)

Overall, this story was fun, made me smile, and touched my heart with its beautifully done characters.

4 out of 5 stars.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there's one lady who knows how to create a broken, battered character in need of redemption, it's this gifted storyteller who does so in a spectacular way, making the redemption won that much sweeter and Inspiring.

Toni DeNunzio and his nephew Jax are the latest occupants of Victory Cottage, a place for healing and new beginnings. But his run-in with early childhood teacher, Kayla Harris, at a point when Tony's patience is wearing thin and Jax is acting out, makes him feel like Pleasant Shores may not be the place for him and his traumatized nephew. Maybe he should just go back home and take the job waiting for him at the VA, but Jax needs time to heal from tragedy and seems to connect with the sweet school teacher.

The year is drawing to a close, and Kayla has little time left to keep the resolution she made at the beginning of the year – to finally get her first kiss. The prospects aren’t very promising in their small coastal town, except for the intimidating new resident of Victory Cottage. But as Kayla welcomes Jax to her classroom and his uncle volunteers with the preschoolers, she realizes there's so much more to the man than his stoic, protective outer shell.

With small-town charm and endearing, inviting secondary characters, this book welcomes the reader with open arms, making her a part of the fabric of this delightful, uplifting story. Whenever I’m in the mood for a wholesome, stirring, emotive read, this writer is my go-to, because nobody does poignant, inspirational, feel-good romance like McClain. A beautiful story with a dash of suspense and filled full of redemption, love, forgiveness and second chances, this is just the thing to remind you of the true spirit of Christmas. Enchantingly sweet, profoundly touching, and remarkably uplifting, this extraordinary story will put your heart in the best of holiday spirits!

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part of a series and reading it made me want to go back and find the other books I have missed. Kayla Harris is a preschool teacher who has never been kissed. No, not kidding! Twenty five and never been kissed! She encounters Tony DiNunzio when he enrolls his nephew in her class. The little boy is precocious and suffering from being recently orphaned and in some ways is a center of the story. Kayla and Toni become allies in helping his nephew succeed and overcome fears and then they become friends and then…well, it’s predictable, but so much fun getting there. The story was entertaining and well-written, with just a hint of mystery and a lot of clean romance. My favorite scenes were at the holiday dance when Kayla reminded me of Cinderella, complete with an evil stepsister (actually just a former classmate) who has set her sights on Tony. The dialogue between Kayla and Tony is realistic, setting a tone of humor as well as a deep need to be understood and accepted. The themes of acceptance, forgiving others and yourself and looking forward to a brighter future are all uplifting and just what is needed for the upcoming holiday.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book Harlequin via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Preschool teacher Kayla Harris has never been kissed; it has a lot to do with horrible memories of being bullied and teased in middle school. But when a handsome man named Tony enrolls his scared nephew Jax in her class, Kayla can’t help but wonder if Tony might be her first kiss. But Tony is carrying around too much guilt to think he is worthy for any woman right now.

This is such a sweet story, but an emotional roller coaster too. Poor little Jax and Tony are both grieving Jax’s mother’s death, and watching them navigate that grief was tough. A parallel storyline of an ongoing investigation makes this a bit of a mystery and adds some suspense. The romance is Hallmark- movie-worthy. And of course, there is an adorable, disabled dog that will steal your heart.

Add 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐊𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬 to your holiday reading list today!

Thank you to @hqnbooks @htpbooks and @harpercollins for an invite to this tour and a gifted digital copy.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

This is the fifth in the series but I did not believe I have read any of the series but this can be read as a stand alone.

This is a sweet story that could easily fall under the made for tv movie for Lifetime or Hallmark. There is a lot to this book, not just romance. There are actually two storylines really so sometimes it was a bit hard to follow along.

This is an enjoyable read though I wouldn’t say it put me into the holiday spirit. The characters are well written and keep you invested in their story.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachel DeVaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story!

I loved the main characters Kayla, Tony and Jax and how they worked together at the preschool to help Jax overcome his trauma and grief over his moms death.

Lots of great town characters that I’ve read in other books so it was fun to see them return. Both Kayla and Tony learn the importance of love, forgiveness, grief and trials; and that they can start to heal and overcome with the help of family, friends and pets.

Easy to read holiday story that I enjoyed from beginning to end. This was one of my favorite ones from this series so far, but each book can be read as a standalone book.

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

[Terri Steffes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This heartwarming story by author Lee Tobin McClain shows that she is inspirational. As I read this book, I couldn't wait to see what would happen next, so I just continued reading! The author explores contemporary issues such as drug addiction and bullying in a way that leads us to understand Jax, one of the characters in the book. Kayla, who is going through her own trials, helps Tony and Jax navigate through Jax's traumatic childhood. This book is a beautiful Christmas tale that will have you feeling all the feels during the holiday season.

[Allison Poullard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this! It actually wasn’t what I was expecting since it had some heavy topics in the storyline but still had the small town romance feel in the end. Easy read and kept me engaged the whole time.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas themed book is always a good read. First Kiss at Christmas: A Novel by Lee Tobin McClain is Book 5 in The Off Season series. I have not read any of the other books in this series, but they all look as interesting as this one.

Kayla Harris is a 25yr old Early Childhood Teacher. She made herself a resolution at the beginning of the year: To be Kissed for the first time in her life by the end of the year. Tony DiNunzio has taken his nephew, Jax, in to raise him after the Tragic murder of his Sister, the mother to his nephew. Tony and his nephew move away from the town where the tragedy happened and head to Pleasant Shores for a 3 month stay at Victory Cottage. They arrive for the "first day" of Preschool and Kayla Harris is the teacher. Tony becomes an active Volunteer in his Nephew's classroom. Kayla finds herself smitten by Tony and Jax's story really touches Kayla's heart. Both Kayla and Tony has "baggage" that is holding them back from relationships. Will Kayla get her First Kiss before Christmas? Can Tony and Kayla become a FOREVER couple?

WOW, what a wonderful and heartwarming Christmas Romance! The reader is drawn into the story from the very first chapter. I really like the idea behind Victory Cottage. Victory Cottage is a place where one can stay for a time to get some help and a break from the things that are troubling them. The book is set in Pleasant Shores, which is a small town. I really felt the Small Town warmth and community throughout the book. Kayla is a sweet young woman with a "Small" goal. Tony is a very caring person and one who wants the best for his nephew. The characters have all been through a lot, but together, they are strong and loving! I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a Christmas Romance theme! GREAT BOOK!

[Emma Garner · Rating 2 out of 5]

scoliosis and a pit party. decent twist. cute dog. weird ass plot.

[Beth | Faithfully Bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved all the dogs, kids, and especially kisses! Lee knows how to write an engaging smooch scene, no doubt about that!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own. As a co-owner of JustRead Publicity Tours, I received compensation from the publisher and/or author to coordinate a promotional tour for this title. 

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lee Tobin McClain’s First Kiss at Christmas is a sweet and heartfelt festive romance perfect for Debbie Macomber fans.

Kayla Harris is a 25 year old preschool teacher with an embarrassing secret she daren’t admit to anyone. Kayla might be halfway through her twenties, but the pre-school teacher has never been kissed. Well aware that in this day and age, her lack of kissing experience is somewhat unusual, Kayla doesn’t believe that her romantic life will suddenly change overnight – until Jax and his handsome uncle Tony show up in her classroom. Kayla is immediately drawn to Tony who makes her feel things she has never felt before, but will the magic of Christmas bring the two of them together? Or will the obstacles standing in their way end up pushing the two of them apart forever?

Romance is the last thing on Tony’s mind. His number one priority is his grieving nephew and there is absolutely nothing in this world that Tony won’t do for the little boy who is his entire world. Still traumatized by events from the past that have changed Tony and Jax’s life forever, the two of them have got a lot on their plate at the moment, but will kind-hearted teacher Kayla manage to inject some light into the darkness and make them believe in the magic of the season?

Can Tony and Kayla stop letting their guilt, their insecurities and their fears get in the way of their happiness this Christmas? Will they triumph over all the odds standing in their way and be a family for a little boy who has lost everything? Or will their doubts end up costing them everything?

Lee Tobin McClain’s First Kiss at Christmas is a poignant, magical and emotional romantic tale that aims for the heart and will have readers reaching for the tissues on many an occasion. First Kiss at Christmas is a spellbinding romance about healing from the past, starting over and the power of love with a heroine readers will root for, a hero they will fall in love with and an adorable little boy who will steal everyone’s heart.

A hopeful, heartwarming and uplifting contemporary romance, Lee Tobin McClain’s First Kiss at Christmas is an enjoyable tale readers will love snuggling up with this holiday season.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kayla Harris is twenty-five years old and has never been kissed. Not because she isn't pretty or a wonderful person. It's been her own personal hangup since an incident in middle school. Middle school boys have been known to do stupid things but this one meant no real harm. Kayla has made a New Year's resolution to have her first kiss by the end of the year. It's getting to be Christmas season so time is running out. Now the preschool teacher has met a new student, Jax and his uncle and guardian, Tony DiNunzio. There's something different about Tony. Little four-year-old Jax's situation melts Kayla's heart. Maybe fate has brought the three of them together.

Tony DiNunzio has accepted a three month stay in Victory Cottage in Pleasant Shores, far enough away from the sad memories in Filmore. His nephew Jax, who recently lost his mother to a violent act in Filmore, hopefully will benefit from the change as much as Tony hopes to. Jax is very distraught over the loss of his mother, Tony's sister Stella. Stella had a drug problem and there's not much known about the details of her shooting death. No one knows how Jax ended up on Tony's doorstep the night of the shooting. Tony is determined to do all he can to help Jax adjust and know he is loved. Their first meeting with Jax's new preschool teacher Kayla Harris is not the best. Kayla's patience and care struck Tony from their first meeting though. Tony is attracted to Kayla but he's not for her. His head is not in a good place so his heart needs to back off.

First Kiss at Christmas by Lee Tobin McClain is the fifth book in her Off Season series. I love the premise of this series. A house, in this book Victory Cottage, is offered for a few months to a person in need of a break and some help. This person will do volunteer work during their stay in return. This time is very helpful for healing and ends up benefiting all. Tony and Jax need time to heal from Stella's death. The program and the generosity of the people in Pleasant Shores make a world of difference for Tony and Jax. But it is Kayla who provides the best healing and both uncle and nephew fall for her. This is a very heartwarming, emotional tale filled with lots of Christmas spirit.

I received and ARC and am happy to provide a honest review.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Kiss at Christmas by Lee Tobin McClain
At 25 years old, preschool teacher Kayla Harris is embarrassed to admit she's never been kissed. When Tony DiNunzio and his grieving nephew show up in her classroom, she can't help being drawn to both of them. If only her insecurities-and his guilt over his sister's death-would stop standing in their way.
Return to Huckleberry Hill
As Christmas approaches, can these three come together to form a family... not just for the holidays, but forever?Kindle on October 26, 2021.
This is Kayla Harris and Tony DiNunzio and his nephew Jax's story.
KAYLA HARRIS CARRIED a bag of snowflake decorations to the window of her preschool classroom. She started putting them up in a random pattern, humming along to the Christmas music she’d accessed on her phone.
Yes, it was Sunday afternoon, and yes, she was a loser for spending it at work, but she loved her job and wanted the classroom to be ready when the kids returned from Thanksgiving break tomorrow. Nobody could get as excited as a four-year-old about Christmas decorations.
Outside, the November wind tossed the pine branches and jangled the swings on the Coastal Kids Early Learning Center’s playground. A lonely seagull swooped across the sky, no doubt headed for the bay. The Chesapeake was home to all kinds of wildlife, year-round. That was one of the things she loved about living here.
“WAIT. DON’T CALL THE POLICE.” Tony DeNunzio struggled to his feet, the weight of his tense nephew making him awkward. “Everything’s okay. I’m his guardian.” He didn’t owe this woman an explanation, and it irritated him to have to give one, but he didn’t want Jax to get even more upset. The child hated cops, and with good reason.
“You’re his guardian?” The blonde, petite as she was, made him feel small as her eyes skimmed him up and down.
He glanced down at his clothes and winced. Lifted a hand to his bristly chin and winced again.
“Jax is going to enroll here,” he said.
I highly recommend reading.
First Kiss at Christmas by Lee Tobin McClain is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Lee Tobin McClain .
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Christi · Rating 3 out of 5]

First Kiss at Christmas was a mixed bag for me. There were elements I enjoyed, while other issues overshadowed those joys, and almost made me give up on reading it.

I felt incredibly disjointed while I was attempting to read this book. Though tragic and obviously heartfelt, I didn’t feel that connection that I am used to feeling with characters and this left me feeling disappointed. There was something missing for me, and I can’t quite put my finger on one exact thing, but several issues do come to mind.

There are two storylines going on at once which normally isn’t an issue for me, but I feel like this was a contributing factor in the disjointed feeling, especially considering the heavy subject matter. I also didn’t feel like there was enough romance, which is something I do not normally say, but in this instance it’s true. I wanted more and felt like it was a struggle every time I picked up this book, and I actually ended up skimming about halfway through to the end because reading became unenjoyable for me by that point.

In saying that, I did like the characters and sweet little Jax was adorable! He actually ended up being the redemption in this novel for me, and was the reason I did not put it into my DNF pile, but soldiered on. I always enjoy stories that are set in small towns, so the setting was a plus for me, and I did enjoy the heartfelt moments, but I was expecting a more lighthearted read, and was left with something that read more like a women's fiction with all the drama.

Am I glad I didn’t give up? Yes. I think what it all boils down to was my mood when I picked up First Kiss at Christmas. I was really more in the mood for heartfelt and inspirational and while there were those moments it just wasn’t enough for me.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Kiss at Christmas, by Lee Tobin McClain, book five in The Off Season series, is a wonderful, sweet romance that tugs at the heartstrings. Tony DeNunzio a military veteran, who blames himself for his sister's drug-related death, is now caring for his four-year-old traumatized and orphaned nephew, Jax. They are the latest occupants of Victory Cottage, a place for healing and new beginnings. After a run-in with early childhood teacher, Kayla Harris, at a point when his patience is wearing thin and his nephew is acting out, makes him wonder if Pleasant Shores is the right place for him and his traumatized nephew. Maybe he should just go back home and take the social work job waiting for him at the VA, but Jax needs time to heal from a tragedy and seems to connect with the sweet school teacher.The year is drawing to a close, and Kayla has little time left to achieve the resolution she made at the beginning of the year, to finally get her first kiss. With few prospects in their small coastal town she believes she will never get that kiss. As Kayla welcomes Jax into her classroom and his uncle volunteers with the preschoolers, she realizes there's so much more to the man than his stoic, protective outer shell. Maybe this newcomer is the answer to her prayers.

I loved watching Kayla and Tony overcome their emotional baggage from the past and find their way to one another and to building a family with Jax. With small-town charm and endearing, secondary characters, this beautiful, inspiring, feel-good story with a dash of suspense, filled full of redemption, love, forgiveness and second chances, is the perfect reminder of the true spirit of the holidays. I totally enjoyed and highly recommend First Kiss at Christmas to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Review

What a powerful and emotional holiday romance. Tragedy marks the male protagonist of this story, putting him into the role of a caregiver to his nephew after his sister’s tragic murder. Trying to help his nephew through his loss and struggling with his own guilt, the author really did an amazing job of showcasing the emotional turmoil that a loss of this magnitude could have on a person, and the lengthy process of not only letting go of that guilt but of allowing ourselves to feel love again in the face of that tragedy was such a powerful message for this narrative.

The balance the author found with that profound theme and the more holiday romance magic of the female protagonist’s story was amazing to read. Her own struggles with the past and her desire to experience love and her first kiss was the romantic incentive the narrative needed, and the story did an amazing job of showcasing these two characters’ evolution and the way opening ourselves up to others could help with the healing process.

The Verdict

A beautiful, heartbreaking, yet truly romantic and emotional read, author Lee Tobin McClain’s “First Kiss at Christmas” is a must-read holiday romance drama. The gripping story of these two characters and their developing relationship will absolutely enthrall readers, and the magical romance that drives the narrative forward brings a harmonious tone to the more tragic circumstances of the character’s backgrounds, making this a truly remarkable read.