Royal Holiday

I picked up this book because it was a Christmas romance. I was in the mood for a festive read but I didn't realize that it is the fourth book in the Wedding Date series. Thankfully, I had no trouble jumping into this series without reading any of the prior books. 

This was a sweet romance and what I loved most is that the main characters are in their 50's! Yes, youngsters, middle-aged people like romance and have love lives. It was refreshing to see 'older folks' falling in love and seeing a different perspective of falling in love when you've got half a lifetime of experiences behind you.  

The main couple was easy to root for but not a lot actually happens story-wise - besides the couple's meet cute, horseback riding, meeting Queen Elizabeth (as one does) and a sweet but kinda bland romance. There's no real conflict and it would have been great to see Vivian and Malcolm work through some issues together.

This was a quick, easy read that was enjoyably predictable, but could have used some oomph in the plot and a bit more spice. Just because people are middle-aged, are parents and have a few gray hairs doesn't mean we have to tame things down. Overall, this was a good but not overly memorable read.

My Rating:3 stars

Author: Jasmine Guillory

Genre: RomCom, BIPOC author

Type and Source: Hardcover from public library

Series: #4 in the Wedding Date series

Publisher: Berkley

First Published: October 1, 2019

Book Description from GoodReads: New York Times bestselling author Jasmine Guillory makes her hardcover debut with a heartwarming Christmas romance.

Vivian Forest has been out of the country a grand total of one time, so when she gets the chance to tag along on her daughter Maddie's work trip to England to style a royal family member, she can't refuse. She's excited to spend the holidays taking in the magnificent British sights, but what she doesn't expect is to become instantly attracted to a certain Private Secretary and his charming accent and unyielding formality.

Malcolm Hudson has been the Queen's Private Secretary for years and has never given a personal, private tour...until now. He is intrigued by Vivian the moment he meets her and finds himself making excuses just to spend time with her. When flirtatious banter turns into a kiss under the mistletoe, things snowball into a full-on fling.

Despite a ticking timer on their holiday romance, they are completely fine with ending their short, steamy fling come New Year's Day...or are they?