I will recommend Jasmine Guillory to anyone looking for a great romance read. I’ve read four out of the five books she’s put out, and even more excited that she has a new book coming out in 2022. 

But the latest book I read, Royal Holiday, probably is one of my favorites. Or at least in my top three. 

Synopsis:

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? 

Book Review:

When Vivian Forest travels to England with her daughter for Christmas, and stays at Sandringham House (or Sycamore Cottage, provided by the Duke and Duchess) as guests of the royal family (her daughter, Maddie, was invited to be the stylist for the Duchess), Vivian doesn’t expect to fall for a tall, dark, and handsome man who just happens to be the Queen’s Private Secretary. When Malcolm Hudson offers her a private tour of the estate, a sudden flirtation and spark appear between the two and the pair can’t stop thinking about each other. 

On the author’s name alone, I immediately added this to my list to read. However, I finally downloaded it to my Kindle the week before Thanksgiving break and I have to say—it’s one of the best books to read while on vacation! (Even if you’re not on vacation, it’s still a great book to read.) 

The character, Vivian, isn’t like the typical main female character in a rom-com. As a woman in her mid-fifties, it was a slight refresh to see an older woman find love—especially the kind of love with a stranger in a foreign country. We always see women in their twenties or thirties trying to find love, and for some, it’s their first love or their second chance at love. Not only is she in her mid-fifties, but she’s also a single mother (to Maddie, who’s in her late twenties, but still). This foreign lover romance definitely got me out of a typical romance novel trope that I found myself bored of—and made me want to travel to England to fall in love with a member of the Royal Family (and eat tons of scones!).

We were also introduced to Malcolm, aka the Private Secretary to the Queen. We learned about his family, specifically his sister and nephew, and how he came to be the Private Secretary. To be honest, it was refreshing to read about older characters and not only their second chance at love but also their career trajectories and hopes and dreams. 

Overall, I liked it. I really liked it. I will always support Jasmine Guillory in her work, even if the storyline and plot isn’t my favorite, but this one was one of my favorites. Her books have always given a steamy, light yet complex storyline romance that keeps me hooked and ready to turn the next page. This book, Royal Holiday, did just that. 

Rating: ⅘