Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory | Audiobook Review

I received this book for free from Library, Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Proposal and a “rising star in the romance genre” (Entertainment Weekly) comes a dazzling new novel about a spontaneous holiday vacation that turns into an unforgettable 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, his charming accent, and unyielding formality.

Malcolm Hudson has worked for the Queen 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 affair come New Year’s Day. . .or are they?

What Did I Think Of Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory?

Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory is a sweet addition to Guillory’s Wedding Date series. After reading it, I would love to see a Hallmark, Lifetime or Netflix Christmas movie based on it. Also, I did find myself thinking it is really annoying that we don’t see movies about and starring people of color on the “Countdown To Christmas” etc. If anything, Royal Holiday makes me want more Christmas stories starring diverse characters.

Royal Holiday stars Maddie’s mother Vivian who is a social worker. So, as a mother myself who also is in the social work field, I immediately LOVED and took to Vivian. Basically Maddie goes to England to style a duchess and she brings Vivian with her for the vacation. There, Vivian meets Malcolm who is a private secretary to the Queen. There’s an immediate attraction between Vivian and Malcolm which eventually develops into something more. Can it last though? Given the two live on opposite continents…

This book is wonderful and sweet. It’s also a quick read. Plus the couple is atypical in that they’re older. It seems like lately the romances I read star people who are in their 20s or 30s so this was a nice change. I’d absolutely say you should add this to your stack of holiday reading.

How’s The Narration?

The audiobook of Royal Holiday is narrated by Janina Edwards who also narrated The Proposal and The Wedding Party. So, it looks like she’s narrated all of the previous books by Guillory. So, your listening experience is in good hands so to speak. I for sure think this audiobook is worth listening to – especially on a seasonal basis.

On A Scale Of The Grinch to Buddy The Elf, How Much Christmas Spirit Does Royal Holiday Have?

Honestly, Royal Holiday isn’t quite over the top like Buddy The Elf. Instead, it has some subtlety to it. I also wouldn’t go so far as to say it’s like Love, Actually aside from the English setting. This story has a lovely take on the holidays and covers traditions from America and England in a few conversations between Vivian and Malcolm. I loved that it is very much an escapist story. This book is certain to put you in good holiday spirits.

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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