Malcolm asks Vivian to extend her vacation after Maddie returns to California neither of them is interested in a long distance relationship, but they can have a romantic fling in London. They take long walks on the royal estate, pass notes back and forth via footmen, and go horseback riding. Vivian’s courtship with Malcolm is genteel, charming, and virtually conflict-free. Vivian’s adventures seem designed to please American Anglophiles who are obsessed with the monarchy and daydream about picking out a dress for the duchess, sharing a plate of sandwiches with the duke, or dropping into a perfect curtsey at a chance encounter with the queen. Once they arrive, Vivian catches the eye of Malcolm Hudson, the private secretary to the queen. When Maddie’s job as a stylist lands her a once-in-a-lifetime chance to dress a British royal-similar to the duchesses of Cambridge and Sussex-for the holidays, she insists that Vivian accompany her to England.

Fans will also recognize Vivian as Maddie’s no-nonsense mother from Guillory’s previous novel, The Wedding Party (2019). Vivian Forest is happy with her life in the San Francisco Bay Area and excited about a promotion at work. Despite a ticking timer on their holiday romance, they are completely fine with ending their short, steamy affair come New Year's Day.A woman finds love in her mid-50s on a vacation to England. When flirtatious banter turns into a kiss under the mistletoe, things snowball into a full-on fling. He is intrigued by Vivian the moment he meets her and finds himself making excuses just to spend time with her. Malcolm Hudson has worked for the Queen for years and has never given a personal, private tour-until now. 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. 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. 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.

Royal holiday novel