A review by amandalorianxo
Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory

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. 
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