I loved the idea of this one. I'm older myself and hooray for more *seasoned romances* but overall the story fell flat. More telling than showing and never quite had that spark I was looking for.
It was a nice read but not that compelling characters, swoony romance I was looking for.

I love Jasmine Guillory, but this wasn't one of my favorites. A very vanilla love story that is fun, but doesn't really keep you interested.

Great Holiday addition to a fabulous run of books! I’ve made it clear that I love Guillory’s work and she’s a definite must buy (See: The Wedding Party, The Proposal, and The Wedding Date). Royal Holiday is a wonderful addition to the series featuring Maddie’s Mother Vivian (from The Wedding Party) who accompanies her up-and-coming stylist daughter to England to style a Duchess for her holiday engagements. Vivian needs a holiday and Maddie doesn’t want to spend a Christmas away from her mom. But while her daughter’s working Vivian makes the acquaintance of Malcolm Hudson, the Queen’s private secretary. Of course, sparks fly. This is a sweet, refreshing holiday romance with older main characters, and a wonderful royal backdrop.

I have loved the previous books by this author so, of course, I would not pass up the opportunity to request this one. While I still enjoyed it, it didn't quite meet the standard set by her first three books. It is a very charming story, and given that I am the age of the main character, I thought it was great to tell the story from that perspective. But it didn't quite have the energy or oomph of her other books. It took me awhile to get into the story, but even then, I didn't feel that I couldn't put it down. While it was still a well written book with a cute story, I'd have to say I was a little disappointed.

Also, I wonder if these characters will be used to set up a new storyline with the daughter and if, perhaps, characters from her previous books will make an appearances since the main character lives in the Bay area and works in a hospital. Hmmnn, guess we'll have to keep reading to find out!

Vivian gets a free trip to England via her daughter who is taking over the duties of stylist to a Duchess over the Christmas holidays. While acquainting herself with the mansion of a cottage where they are staying, she meets Malcolm, the queen's private secretary. Attraction is immediate and flirting ensues. At times the situations come together too easily, and even the major conflict isn't between Vivian and Malcom. The reader can tell how it will end, but the journey, including a glimpse into the royal life, is worth it. The characters are not twenty-somethings and think of the issues involved in a transatlantic relationship and how they will affect the other people in their lives. An enjoyable modern day fairy tale.

I know it’s still summer, but I couldn’t pass up reading this holiday book written by Jasmine Guillory. If you’ve kept up with her ‘Wedding Date’ series, you know the leading lady of this story is Maddie’s mother. I couldn’t wait to read her love story. It was so sweet and super adorable.

Vivian is a busy social worker who doesn’t vacation nearly enough. When her daughter Maddie asks her to go on a work-trip with her around Christmas, she can’t say no. Who could refuse Christmas with their only child and a trip to England? While Maddie is styling a member of the royal family, Vivian plans to read, relax, and site see. She doesn’t plan on Malcolm Hudson.



Malcolm works directly for the Queen and happens to be in the same place as Vivian. When he first sees her, he’s mesmerized. He gives her a tour of the grounds and after that, they fall into a sweet friendship with some kisses and loads of flirting. Before they know it, Vivian is set to go home. But Malcolm convinces her to stay a few days longer with just him. That time is so special between them.

When Vivian is set to go home for real, these two decide long distance would be too hard and part on good, friendly terms. They still keep in touch, though. I loved their relationship and the pen-pal way they stayed in contact. I especially loved how each of them was going through something big in their life and the other was there to lend an ear and helped them through it.

This book was a sweet romance. By the end I was charmed and had a big smile on my face. If you’re looking for a fun, romantic, holiday read, check this one out!

Vivian’s daughter has an opportunity to spend Christmas with royals in England where she unexpectedly finds love.

I really liked the concept of this book. The idea of a middle aged woman finding love is wonderful! I also found the description of the countryside was well done.

However, overall, I don’t think this book was for me. I didn’t fully connect to Vivian’s story, possibly due to her age. The dialogue and writing style was not my favourite either.

Such a cute little story. Made me think of my mother, as she's close to Vivian's age. Single mothers who find success in love are always at the top of my favorites list. Thinking of my mother the entire time while reading this, I'm thankful there weren't many love scenes throughout. lol - I can relate to Maddie in many ways., so it was nice to see this spin-off of her story.

(3.5 stars)

Royal Holiday was really cute and just as wonderful as the rest of Jasmine Guillory's books. I am a sucker for English romances, especially with royalty, or royalty adjacent, involved.

I really liked that our MC and LI were a lot older than we see in typical romance novels. Your life doesn't stop when you get to your 50's. I loved getting to hear about social work and all the different aspects I didn't know they helped with. I loved that her daughter was a stylist and that I got to learn a little bit more about what they do.

Overall, it was really cute and sweet. The older MCs were refreshing and I love the cover. It's a cute one to pick up this holiday season!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Berkley through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*

Vivian is a hard worker who never takes time for herself. So when her daughter Maddie snags a job dressing the Duchess over the holidays, Maddie doesn’t give her a choice, and the two are off to London. On day one, Vivian meets Malcolm and is instantly drawn to him. They spent time together during Vivians week in England, but both know the week will end before they know it.

This was a super quick read for me. While this was still a 4 star read for me, I don’t think it quite lived up to the same hype as The Wedding Date, The Proposal, or The Wedding Party. It was still a great book that I do recommend though! I loved watching Vivian and Malcolm as they helped each other grow and find themselves. I wish Maddie played a bit of a larger role, but knowing Jasmine, the next book may just center back around her!

Thank you to berkley publishing and netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book in advance!

Another great addition of Guillory's Wedding Date series. This addition features Vivian (mother of Maddie from "The Wedding Party") and Malcolm (a dashing royal employee. Unlike the other books in the series, "Royal Holiday" focuses on a middle-aged romance. However, it is still spicy, somewhat awkward, and adorable. Vivian and Malcolm are such a likable pair, you'll wish they had an entire series dedicated just to them.

Loved this story of an older woman on holiday in London who happens to encounter a handsome man who works for the Queen. Anglophiles will love this book!

Unfortunately, was really disappointed by this. I enjoyed The Wedding Party so much and that was what convinced me to request this one from NetGalley, but everything about this fell flat. To be fair, the characters are a bit older than me, so that had something to do with it, but I really didn't feel their connection and their conversations just felt bland and not funny at all (even though we're told over and over that they keep laughing). I did enjoy the escapism of Vivian dating the personal advisor to the Queen (who even makes an appearance), and the descriptions of the locations of London were spot on, but otherwise this just wasn't for me.

Cute romance.
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This story had a bit of a unique twist on it in that it is the story of a mother and daughter taking a trip and finding romance.

At first thought we would probably be thinking the romance was about the younger woman. However, the author focused on a middle-aged mom in this sweet story.

Whisked away for a royal treat, the main characters spend the Christmas holidays time in England with the Duke and Duchess.

The author gave us a lighthearted and delightful read that makes you smile the whole way through. Along with the added excitement of meeting a wonderful man unexpectedly, this story truly ignites the heart. Sparks fly from the beginning and we get to enjoy their new found attraction.

Written with grace and a tiny bit of spice, we also experience emotional uncertainty as they try and figure out how to date and enjoy themselves after so many years of being single.

There are scenes that are awkward, as awkward as one would feel in similar circumstances. There are scenes that are heartwarming and just so sweet. The author has a beautiful talent that describes the rich countryside, the lush accommodations, and the timid and tantalizing new feelings.

With just the right amount of heat added to the mix, we have a wonderful story that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy. A wonderful romance for those that love to read stories with mature adults. Nice change of pace.

I've never read a Jasmine Guillory book before, and before this year, I wouldn't have even said I liked reading "romances" but Royal Holiday caught my eye on NetGalley, I read the book in like 2.5 days, and here I am, writing a four-star review of it. Color me shocked. Before I get into the plot, while some characters in Royal Holiday we apparently have met before (in her previous three books) I didn't feel like I missed anything by not having read them. I was still able to catch onto the hook of the narrative quickly and I enjoyed the ride. 

Vivian Forest's daughter, Maddie, asks her to join her on a jaunt to England for Christmas one year for work. Maddie, lucky little one, is going to be filling in for a friend on bedrest and styling the Duchess. While there is no naming done, it appears to be the British monarchy we know today, so let's just assume it's Meghan Markle but that's never written explicitly. Anyway, Vivian, a social worker, has never traveled like this before, so she's in awe at being able to stay at Sandringham for the holidays. There's beauty all around, great food, and oh yeah, the Queen's private secretary, Malcolm Hudson, who happens to be on the estate for a few days without much to do. He and Vivian hit it off immediately and he takes to showing her around, but when he presents her an offer to stay with him, alone, for a few days in London, the ante gets upped real fast. 

This book of an older romance (50ish protagonists) still felt compelling to this 23-year-old, and I giggled and swooned and pumped the air when things happened. It's not TOO graphic, which I appreciated, but it's got heart. Vivian's dealing with some stress about her job as a social worker, and I really appreciated seeing her thought process on that. It felt very authentic. Malcolm's job was way less fleshed out and realistic to me, but that's fine, because he works for the Queen, and therefore I probably wouldn't understand anyway. I'd heard some mixed reviews about The Proposal and The Wedding Party, which is where we meet Vivian's daughter Maddie, but I enjoyed this book for what it is. A Hallmark movie channel Christmas book with a royal theme without it expecting us to believe Vivian was going to fall for Prince Charles or something. 

Overall, I was a fan. I might go and give her other books a read and see if they do it for me too or if it was the royal undertones of this one that drew me in.

Berkley Publishing Group sent me this advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review.
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I went into this book expecting a Hallmark-esque romance and I was not disappointed. I’ve tried to read Guillory in the past, but I usually put the book down after a couple chapters. I think the royal family backdrop hooked me in for this novel. I’m a shameless anglophile so I’m drawn towards royal fanfic. This book was pretty fluffy, not a lot of plot or tension, but gave me the fuzzy feeling of watching cheesy Christmas movies. I blew through this book in three days

I love Jasmine Guillory and loved this festive book that brings me back into the world she has created. This book focuses on Vivian, the mother of Maddie from The Wedding Party and takes us all the way to England, and in fact into the house of the Royal Family.

I love the change of scenery in this book as well as it mainly takes place in the United Kingdom, but I mainly love that this is a love story between two people in their 50's. So many Romance books are dominated by younger protagonists so being able to read a book from an older perspective was cool and I am sure will appeal to a lot of readers.

I also really loved the character of Vivian as she reminded me in a lot of ways to myself and I love that she was a strong, career-minded person, but also how open she was to Malcolm.

Overall this book gave me a lot of warm fuzzy feelings and will be perfect for a cozy winter read (hopefully with a fireplace and warm beverage).

I loved the idea of the couple. People in their 50s end up falling in love with each other. Her daughter is going to be a stylist for a Duchess (who never is named and only described as small) and takes her mother with her. There her mother meets the Queen's (again no name but I just assume it's Elizabeth) private secretary. The two of them are very cute and it was nice having a couple who knew their own identity and what they wanted.

My big problem is that this book had very little showing and a lot of telling. There needed to be more descriptors.

This is my first Jasmine Guillory novel and it won't be my last. Set against the backdrop of both the holidays and the royal family, I was delighted by the both the characters and settings. Following Vivian and Malcolm's romanic adventure felt like a private tour through England. Guillory made these middle-aged characters human, relatable and sexy. I couldn't put it down. This is a title for readers who want romantic elements but aren't regular readers in traditional romance genres. In other words, it's a fantastic gateway book.

This was a fun and heartwarming addition to Guillory's series. I appreciated the more mature outlook of this one (OMG, does that mean that I'm now considered "old"?!), though that is not necessarily a comparison with other titles in the series, just a general observation regarding this book's storyline.

Just a head's up to anyone preparing to read this - get ready for delicious food to be featured prominently once again. I ended up making a batch of homemade scones one night because I Just Could Not Take It Anymore! (They were delicious, and 2/3 of them disappeared within an hour - I was not the only one eating them!)

I've enjoyed each story in the series so far and look forward to the next installment.