Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory
Vivian Forest has been out of the country a grand total of one time, so when she gets the chance to tag along on her daughter Maddie’s work trip to England to style a royal family member, she can’t refuse. She’s excited to spend the holidays taking in the magnificent British sights, but what she doesn’t expect is to become instantly attracted to a certain private secretary, his charming accent, and unyielding formality. Malcolm Hudson has worked for the Queen for years and has never given a personal, private tour—until now. He is intrigued by Vivian the moment he meets her and finds himself making excuses just to spend time with her. When flirtatious banter turns into a kiss under the mistletoe, things snowball into a full-on fling. Despite a ticking timer on their holiday romance, they are completely fine with ending their short, steamy affair come New Year’s Day. . .or are they?
A romance featuring an older couple, the holidays, and a trip abroad. (This book is the fourth in a series but can be read as a standalone novel).
🔥🔥🔥 out of 5 steam level
I read this book quickly. When a book is three stars, I think this needs to be stated. Because usually three stars mean the book was just okay- but it wasn't bad enough to make me put the book down and pick up something else!This book makes you crave scones and want to travel to England (maybe even over the holidays!) It gave me a lot of Hallmark Movie vibes. (Which you know, to me, is a major plus because I love a good Hallmark Movie).The main couple was in their 50s, and I've never read a romance novel where the leads were that "old" - I thought that was really cool!
There were some major repetitive bits in this book- like Vivian's job description and what she will be doing soon. To the point where I wondered if they were going to cut it all out of the final copy (being this is an advanced readers copy, you don't know what will make it into the finished version of the book). AND if they did cut it all out, would the book end up being a lot shorter?The book felt really formulaic to me. No surprises, very predictable.I could never picturing Malcolm with an accent for some reason, maybe my head doesn't naturally read with an accent even though I know it should be there! OR maybe he didn't have enough random phrases that felt British to me.I never laughed out loud while reading this book, so I wouldn't consider it a romcom, simply a light holiday romance.Shall we tackle the steam level? In the words of Rory Gilmore, "let's shall!" It was a 3 steam level but overall description was minimal. But if 🍆 is involved then a 3 it must be!
This book is perfect to read over any wintery/cold month! But preferably over the holidays up to New Years!
Watch- The HolidayListen to- The Holiday Soundtrack (it's one I listen to ALL the time!)Do- check in with your mom!Eat - scones!