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d0505's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cancer
oceanwriter's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Romances are such a hit-or-miss for me. I'm very happy to say that this one was a hit! A hit, and a fantastic way to kick off my Christmas reading.
Long overdue for a vacation, Vivian's daughter Maddie convinces her to tag along on a business trip to England (working for the Duchess, no less!). While Maddie is busy dressing royalty, Vivian befriends Malcolm, the Private Secretary to the Queen herself. Though certainly enchanted by her royal surroundings, Vivian is far more interested in this dashing man's company.
I haven't read the previous books in this series, nor has it been on my radar at all. I saw it on someone else's TBR and thought it sounded cute. My reading experience didn't feel hindered given my lack of familiarity. Jasmine Guillory is officially on my go-to author list for when I'm in the mood to read a romance. Vivian and Malcolm are so adorable together and the characters in general are so lovable. Such a treat!
Long overdue for a vacation, Vivian's daughter Maddie convinces her to tag along on a business trip to England (working for the Duchess, no less!). While Maddie is busy dressing royalty, Vivian befriends Malcolm, the Private Secretary to the Queen herself. Though certainly enchanted by her royal surroundings, Vivian is far more interested in this dashing man's company.
I haven't read the previous books in this series, nor has it been on my radar at all. I saw it on someone else's TBR and thought it sounded cute. My reading experience didn't feel hindered given my lack of familiarity. Jasmine Guillory is officially on my go-to author list for when I'm in the mood to read a romance. Vivian and Malcolm are so adorable together and the characters in general are so lovable. Such a treat!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Cancer, Alcohol, and Death
bookedbymadeline's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I was immediately pulled in and enjoying it a lot more compared to The Wedding Party (that I ended up DNFing), which is about our MC Vivian’s daughter, Maddie. I love the characters and the banter! I loved the relationship between Vivian and Maddie. I liked Maddie a whole lot more in this book and The Wedding Date than I did in her own book 😳
It’s a bit of a slow burn because Malcolm and Vivian’s first kiss didn’t happen until around page 100. The ending was adorably cute, although it was a bit rushed with the third act breakup and resolution happening 20-30 pages from the end.
It’s a bit of a slow burn because Malcolm and Vivian’s first kiss didn’t happen until around page 100. The ending was adorably cute, although it was a bit rushed with the third act breakup and resolution happening 20-30 pages from the end.
This book was just so sweet and cute 🥰 I love Guillory’s books, they’re lighthearted and perfect palate cleansers for my usual heavier/darker reads!
Spice level: 🌶🌶 (2/3)
Tropes: holiday romance
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent, Death, and Cancer
forthe_girlwhowaited's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Cancer
venetiana's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Alcohol and Cancer
thefatpaperback's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Cancer
leahsbooks's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I'm not sure if I can adequately express how much I loved this book. First of all, the narrator was absolutely perfect - I'm not sure how she managed to both convey both Vivian and Malcolm's characters and accents so well, but she did!
I really wasn't sure what to expect, other than that I've heard great things about Jasmine Guillory books, but I was so pleasantly surprised to realize that this is a sweet romance between two middle aged adults that didn't skimp on the romance or the spice!
I genuinely adored every single thing about this book. The characters (yep, even the side characters) were funny, realistic, and likable, while the setting was perfect for a holiday that turned out to be unexpectedly romantic. I loved the dynamics between the main characters and their younger family members - Vivian and her daughter Maddie, and Malcolm and his nephew Miles.
I especially enjoyed Vivian's character - she's just such a fun person! I always appreciate a character who isn't afraid to be direct, is willing to be introspective, and shows so much enthusiasm over little things. And the romance that develops between Vivian and Malcolm is absolutely *chef's kiss* that makes me super happy for them.
This whole book was incredibly enjoyable, and definitely will not be the last book by Jasmine Guillory that I read. Her characters, plot, and writing style were so great that I'm already looking forward to the next one.
I really wasn't sure what to expect, other than that I've heard great things about Jasmine Guillory books, but I was so pleasantly surprised to realize that this is a sweet romance between two middle aged adults that didn't skimp on the romance or the spice!
I genuinely adored every single thing about this book. The characters (yep, even the side characters) were funny, realistic, and likable, while the setting was perfect for a holiday that turned out to be unexpectedly romantic. I loved the dynamics between the main characters and their younger family members - Vivian and her daughter Maddie, and Malcolm and his nephew Miles.
I especially enjoyed Vivian's character - she's just such a fun person! I always appreciate a character who isn't afraid to be direct, is willing to be introspective, and shows so much enthusiasm over little things. And the romance that develops between Vivian and Malcolm is absolutely *chef's kiss* that makes me super happy for them.
This whole book was incredibly enjoyable, and definitely will not be the last book by Jasmine Guillory that I read. Her characters, plot, and writing style were so great that I'm already looking forward to the next one.
Content Warnings
Minor: Cancer
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