I really wanted to love this book-I've enjoyed all of Jasmine Guillory's previous novels. I appreciate the diversity that she has brought to her books. This book is no different-and she adds in an interesting twist in that both main characters are older with established careers and families. Yet something was missing for me-I feel like she got a multi-book deal and had to finish this one in a hurry. There's not much of a plot-the time spent in the English countryside eating scones drags on. The conflict feels forced-I didn't buy that two consenting, mature adults couldn't figure out how to create and sustain a long-distance relationship or even have an honest conversation about it. I expected more from Guillory.

Some novels are five-course meals – some are boxes of petit fours. Royal Holiday is a petit four incarnate – sweet, light on disagreeable ingredients, simple, quick, fluffy and uncomplicated. But while Royal Holiday is a fun treat of a book, it’s not quite up to the high watermark of the rest of the Wedding Date series.

Royal Holiday is a direct sequel to the previous book in the series, The Wedding Party, and features Vivian Forest, mother of Maddie, heroine of that book.  As covered in TWP, Maddie has gone from aspiring stylist to top dresser of the stars thanks to a slot on a reality show, and now another windfall has come her way.  Maddie’s mentor is pregnant with twins and confined to bed rest, so Maddie will be going to England to style the Duchess (it’s not stated which one in the book) for Christmas.  Vivian is coming along – she’s never been out of America for long before, and to spend time in England is one of her dreams.  Though she does have her doubts that they make proper sweet potato pie at Sycamore Cottage in Sandringham.

In spite of the drafty nature of the cottage, Vivian is having a wonderful time.  While Maddie’s busy she enjoys a luxurious breakfast – which leads to the Queen’s private secretary, Malcolm Hudson, offering to take Vivian on a private tour of the grounds.  She immediately pounces upon the opportunity.

The extremely orderly and reserved Malcolm is not the kind of guy to simply spontaneously offer his services up the way he does to Vivian, but there’s something special about her.  Soon the two of them are spending an awful lot of time together.  Sparks fly, riding lessons are given, snowballs sail and kisses under the mistletoe are exchanged.  But Vivian just received a major promotion at her job as a social worker back home, and by New Year’s Day she’ll have to return to the reality of life on the other side of the pond – won’t she?

Royal Holiday’s heroine provides its biggest and best draw.  Vivian has a wonderfully sweet and lively sparkle to her personality that’s super appealing and makes her an entertaining heroine.  I liked mild-mannered, duty-bound Malcolm as well, though his personality is a bit more muted, and it was nice to spend a little more time with fun-loving Maddie, though Theo (the hero in the previous book) is disappointingly and entirely absent aside from some quick references.  And yes, we spend a few moments with the Queen herself.

The general tone of the book is one of wish fulfillment and gentle escapism.  There’s absolutely nothing wrong with this, and it’s a relief  to mentally transport yourself to England and imagine clomping about on the back of one of the palace horses, or having a delicious meal right beside Vivian.

It’s lovely to have a book about an older hero and heroine who’ve both raised their families and lived their lives, but aren’t dead yet and have a lot of room left to play with, to fall into heedless and giddy love like a teenager.

But because the book’s low on conflict, there has to be some imported – in this case via Malcolm’s relationship with his teenage nephew, who has chosen to reject Oxford for art school, disappointing mentor Malcolm with his lack of practicality. This causes Malcolm to turn surly when around Vivian and leads to – you guessed it – a Big Misunderstanding Plot because she thinks he’s rejecting her.  The lack of originality in this part of the plot is disappointing, especially when its basic underpinnings are another version of Guillory’s stock two-people-fall-in-love-during-a-limited-time-frame story.

But warm and fluffy will likely overcome the sense of ‘been there, done that’ that sometimes colors the prose.  Royal Holiday is a very nice, Christmasy romance that comes highly recommended, but stands just a notch below its series-mates, and thus just a step below DIK status.

Note: At time of writing, Amazon gives the page count as 303; the copy I read had 180 pages.

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A sweet addition to the series, about exploring new places and new opportunities.

This story features Vivian Forest, mother to Maddie, who's story was featured in The Wedding Party (to note, I've only read book one in this series, the Wedding Date, and I wasn't too lost skipping around - I only got a spoiler as to what couple ended up together). When Maddie is given the job of a lifetime, styling the Duchess of England for the Christmas holidays, she talks her mom into joining her.

Vivian had no expectations for her first ever visit to England, but she is open to trying anything. The experience is only improved when a handsome man, Malcom Hudson, who is the private secretary for the Queen, offers to give her the full cultural tour. It is there that a friendship and attraction begin to blossom.

I've read a lot of romance book - probably over 1000, and this is the first book I've read that featured a couple over 40 years ago. Kristen Ashley is well known for featuring characters in their 40s, which I always appreciate, so seeing an author take it one step further, was refreshing.

I loved how this couple, having years of experience, so to speak, were still a little uncertain of how to explore their attraction. It was sweet and felt genuine. Through dual POVs, the attraction is evident, but given the circumstances of Vivian's visit (guest to her daughter, and only in England for a couple weeks) they are hesitant to make the next steps. Until they aren't, and the throw caution to the wind.

Although Vivian, in particular, was worried what her daughter would think, I loved how the people interacting with Vivian and Malcolm, encouraged them to take a chance.

“I’m not ready for you to go.”

For the most part, this story was charming and romantic. Malcolm does make some slip ups which I didn't get, but he does make up for it in the long run. Overall, I enjoyed this story and look forward to more from this author.

I found this book to be bland and boring. The author tried to make it clear how funny this was supposed to be by being told over and over again how many times the characters are laughing. I don't think the humor had me crack a smile even once.

It basically goes the same as all of her other books. I enjoyed The Wedding Date, but the all the following books have been a disappointment for me. It just felt find of thrown together. It was nothing special.

I actually did enjoy that Vivian and Malcolm were in their fifties. But the slow pace and general lack of excitement in this just had me ready to be finished.

Thanks so Netgalley for the ARC

This is my first Jasmine Guillory novel and I loved it! The characters were interesting, likeable, and diverse. I enjoyed the romance between Vivian and Malcolm and the juxtaposition between the fun of a vacation fling and the more mature, understanding that their ages brought to the table. The setting was picture perfect and even though it was summer when I read it, I could imagine the holidays in an English countryside. This would be an enjoyable read any time of year but will be an especially delightful addition to your holiday TBR.

I enjoyed this lighthearted romance featuring two 50-something main characters, and the British setting featuring not only the Christmas holidays but also a glimpse of the Royal Family only added to the appeal. It is admittedly more low-key than previous books in the series, but I liked how Vivian, who has spent her life raising her daughter, helping her family, and succeeding in a demanding job (that she loves) in social work, gets the chance to discover that she can also take time for herself and even find love. I always look forward to what Jasmine Guillory comes up with next.

I have read all of Guillory’s novels to date. This one is my least favorite. Perhaps it is because of the age of the main characters? They are both in their 50’s. I was excited to read the book because of the Christmas connection and the British connection, but I was not enthralled by the story line, Furthermore, the ending felt predictable and tied up in a little bow. The romance was a lot more low key and tame than her other books, that’s for sure. Again, not my favorite but it’s worth the read.

I have loved every single one of Guillory's books and Royal Holiday is no exception! Guillory's inclusive narratives and diverse characters consistently broaden reader perspectives while delighting them with a fun and frothy romance. Royals and Christmas? Yes please!

Okay, so I enjoyed this book. The heroine is awesome. When the hero and the heroine are together, doing dating type things they are awesome. The worst problem in this whole book (which is why it is my LEAST favorite in the series so far) is that the hero is a pouter. That's my complaint. Something goes wrong in his life and he's a jerk to other people because of it. I HATE THAT. It's a thing a really dislike. Also, the heroine does a TON of emotional labor because of his pouting ways. And yes, I know that she's a social worker and that she has the skills to do it. But she SHOULDN'T have to help this other grown up person who's treating her badly because of other issues in his life become a decent person. He could have realized he has his own problems and found a therapist on his own. He could have canceled their date when he knew he was gonna be in a bad mood. Like, there are WAYS to be mature about this. Instead he goes on their date and acts like he doesn't want her around at all.

Anywho, besides this complaint it's still a cute book, and I still love the other books in the series.

Sweet and sexy, Royal Holiday is a charming holiday romance with a delightful English setting and a diverse cast of characters. It’s refreshing to read a romance novel with a strong, older woman at its center, and readers are sure to fall for Malcolm’s charm as easily as Vivian does.

The entire time I was reading this book I was thinking that the main character Malcolm, who was Vivian's love interest was Idris Elba! A tall, chocolate, older British man with a deep voice and sexy accent, yes! This was a charming love story of whom our two main protagonists were in their late 50s maybe close to 60, which I thoroughly appreciated and enjoyed. Vivian is on vacation in England with her daughter who is on assignment styling the Duchess, and meets Malcolm who gives her a royal and exclusive tour. This is a great read during the holidays that will make you want to curl up near the fire place with some hot chocolate and get whisked away, especially with this handsome love interest!

I love Jasmine Guillory. I love that she created this story for Maddie's mom. I liked the characters and their chemistry. I found their characterizations real and lovely. But, the writing seemed a bit rushed and not altogether realistic. One example is the constant laughing that the characters have - really? a smile, smirk, grin, chuckle, etc wouldn't do? Its a writing quirk but continually took me out of this story which was otherwise very sweet.

This sweet romance reads like a modern-day fairy tale. Vivian tags along with her adult daughter on a work trip to a royal estate during the holidays, meets a handsome man, and romance slowly builds. What will happen when it's time to return to the job she loves in California? This is the perfect read for anyone who likes a good holiday romance with a touch of royal charm.

REVIEW COPY - Pub Date 10/1
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The last installment of The Wedding Date “series”, The Wedding Party was enjoyable but didn’t knock my socks off. However, this upcoming release was delightful. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

It was a nice change of pace to read a story about a middle aged couple. I am here for “young love”, but this was a pleasant departure. I enjoyed watching their characters address the issues that come with taking a risk on love after being single for so long.
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The whole story line just warmed my heart. A vacation romance isn’t in the cards for me as I am blissfully married, but I love living vicariously through the pages of a book. Add it to your TBR for a fun, slightly spicy read.
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This is my favorite of the series after The Wedding Date.

I really enjoyed reading this romance between a couple in their 50's. I"m not too far from that age so it was great to read a book where the characters weren't in their 20's or even 30's. There is still romance to be had as you get older! I have read Jasmine Guillory's other books and really liked them and thought it was great to see more of Maddie's mom. I loved how Vivian spent years providing for her daughter and doing the right thing and then after meeting Malcolm she realized what really made her happy and she took the risks necessary to follow her heart.

Ugh. Dude. This book was soooo underwhelming! I usually adore Jasmine Guillory’s work, but Royal Holiday was a serious let-down.

Maddie Forest’s mother Vivian goes with Maddie to England for Christmas, as Maddie has a styling job for the Duchess over the holiday and they still want to spend Christmas together. Vivian is up for a big promotion at work, and she believes this will be the last time she can truly relax once she takes it, so she goes along. On their glorious vacation, she meets Malcolm Hudson, private secretary to the queen, and they have a whirlwind romance, but with an expiration date.

Even as I’m writing it, I know that summary is dry. But I honestly can’t spice it up! This is one of the driest and most boring books I’ve read in a while! I have several complaints, but I want to start by prefacing: it feels like this is the book Guillory’s publisher was pushing for, to release for the Christmas season, so she just kind of threw it together and called it a day. I mean, The Wedding Party only came out in July! An October release, just two and a half months after the third book in the series??? That’s quite literally all you need to know about why this book was so bad, but I’ll continue.

Guillory rose to fame, I believe, because her books were meet-cutes with sparks. Characters were really likable, but they had depth, and their romances captured that depth. She infused a good degree of humor, and it was like she reinvented the wheel. But I’m telling you, if you’ve enjoyed any of Guillory’s books in the past, skip this one. Vivian and Malcolm had no magic. NONE. There was no romantic tension, no reason in my bones to believe they could possibly not work it out, and therefore nothing to get excited and anxious about while I read. It was like some picturesque romance where everything is perfect all the time. It was bizarre and totally out of left field for Guillory.

Which brings me to another point: this plot line was so unoriginal, it produced absolutely nothing noteworthy. Take-vacation, meet-new-man, fall-in-love, so-on-and-so-forth, I’m-not-spoiling-this-trash-plot-for-you-because-I’m-nice-like-that. I think they were hingeing on “she’s older and he’s older and they’re not teenagers anymore so they can’t fall in love like that!” being their main redeeming plot point, but I’m telling you, it was not. In fact, they still acted like totally irrational teenagers by the end of the book. Like I said, Guillory’s characters are often really well-rounded and therefore, their actions in the climax of the book make sense – and are believable. However, I had zero understanding of who Vivian and Malcolm are as people. I understand some of their attributes, the circumstances of their life, et cetera… but nothing about those revealed anything about the way they acted in the last fifty or so pages of the book. It seemed out of character when I first read it, but after a time, it seemed like I didn’t really know the characters at all.

I just all around didn’t enjoy this book, really. I think they relied too heavily on it having some sort of Christmas magic for people, or on the characters being older, but it gave the whole thing a light and flouncy air that was more reminiscent of old romances, which I just can’t buy into. Really not a fan. The more I criticize it here, the more my opinion of it is lowering.

I enjoyed this one so much--it's my new favorite by Jasmine Guillory! In Royal Holiday, Maddie and her mom, Vivian, travel to England at Christmas for a much-needed break for Vivian and a job styling the royal family for Maddie. Vivian, a vivacious and beautiful lady in her early 50s, meets Malcolm, the royal secretary to the Queen. Guillory spins a fun and charming story of their time together in England, including horse-back riding, sightseeing, picnics, and holiday food sampling. You will have to read the book to find out if this pair's romance extends beyond the holiday season! Reading this book feels like a trip to England; it's a light-hearted story that is perfect for Anglophiles and romance readers alike. Thanks so much to Berkley and Netgalley for the preview copy!

This is only recommended for die-hard fans of the author and readers who can't imagine the holiday season without a Christmas romance. General romance readers can skip this one entirely.

Although the main characters are genuinely likeable people, the writing has some problems that make this book overall sub-par. It feels very much like the author is on a deadline, and it comes out in the writing as being very repetitive. The author also didn't transition well to her new lead characters, older than those in her previous books: it felt awkward, like she was nervous to get up close and personal with what new love must be like for someone in her 50s. The settings are lovely and beautifully-described, but they can't carry the book.

Cute! The dialogue, while quite similar to that in her other books, doesn't feel as forced - perhaps because the characters are more mature?

I find Guillory to be an engaging writer who just doesn't quite cross the finish line for me to make me love her books. The beginning is slightly too long, this book had a lot of set up which I didn't think it totally needed. I would have accepted the premise much faster than Guillory got there. I liked the characters and I was invested in their happiness but I couldn't quite get there. I was very enthusiastic about this premise and think it did live up to it but just wish it had been a little bit better.