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amandalorianxo's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
This is entirely a me problem and not the author's but I wasn't 100% feeling this book. It was hard to suspend disbelief with the reasoning behind Maddie and Vivian being in England. This must be a make believe royal family because there is no way the actual one that is in England would have black staff be that close to them like Malcom was stated to be (just look at the behavior directed towards Meghan and Harry + the children. It speaks volumes.) This had the insta love trope that happened within a matter of days which is overdone at this point. I loved and appreciated that the main characters were in their 50's and both bipoc adult leads. But there was nothing about them that made me want them to be together minus the proximity and newness of a different person being around. I also realized this was more character driven and less plot directed which didn't help me when it came to engagement. The sex scene was ... cringey as the youth say. The conversation about condoms was on page which I applaud but that is always a bare minimum. Overall, I would say if you want a diverse winter book that doesn't require a lot of heavy lifting (aka light, fluffy and fuzzy warmth) this is for you.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
annahamburger's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Terminal illness, Abandonment, Cursing, Chronic illness, Racism, Grief, and Medical content
imfixintoread's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I was looking for a good holiday romance novel and this fit the bill perfectly!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
kaitlinlovesbooks's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-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? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism and Sexual content
Both of the main characters are divorced, but it is only briefly mentioned.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
venetiana's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Fatphobia, Sexual content, Alcohol, Racism, Misogyny, and Classism
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
audeira's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
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
3.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
cassielaj's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-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? No
4.0
Vivian and Malcolm are so sweet! I wish we had gotten to know them a bit better before they connected — I would’ve loved a little more build. But a good, sweet romance nonetheless. More romances about people 50+!
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content