So we have finally come... the end of my Christmas romance journey. I did read a few other Christmas books that I won't be reviewing because they weren't my favorite, so you might see them in a Books I Didn't Like Round-Up in January, but for now, let's talk about the last book I read that I loved!
I will read anything that takes place in London so when I saw the title of this book, I knew I had to read it. Plus, the summary drew me in and I was intrigued by the Christmas setting. Christmas wasn't really an essential part of this book, not like the other novels I read this year but it added a nice, romantic touch!
I really enjoyed "Meet Me in London" and the fact that it says '#1' after the title has me intrigued because that means more of these stories are coming...
Publisher's Summary
Aspiring clothes designer Victoria Scott spends her days working in a bar in Chelsea, and her evenings designing vintage clothes, dreaming of one day opening her own boutique. But these aspirations are under threat from the new department store opening at the end of her road. She needs a Christmas miracle, but one is not forthcoming.
Oliver Russell’s Christmas is not looking very festive right now. His family’s new London department store opening is behind schedule, and on top of that his interfering, if well-meaning, mother is pressing him to introduce his girlfriend to her. A girlfriend who does not exist. He needs a diversion. Something to keep his mother from interfering while he focuses on the business.
When Oliver meets Victoria, he offers a proposition: pretend to be his girlfriend at the opening of his store and he will provide an opportunity for Victoria to showcase her designs. But what starts as a business arrangement soon becomes something more tempting, as the fake relationship starts to feel very real. But when secrets in Victoria’s past are exposed will Oliver walk away, or will they both follow their hearts and find what neither knew they were looking for…
My Thoughts
As much as I loved this book, I didn't feel like the title made much sense; both characters were already in London when the book started so it was just an odd choice of words.
Now, more of what I did like; I felt like this story kept me captivated from the first page. It was semi-predictable but it didn't make the journey less exciting. I was immediately taken with Victoria and Oliver's friendship and faux relationship. I was obviously rooting for them the entire time to admit their feelings and get together.
The chemistry between Oliver and Victoria was immediate and intense -- it was really well written and kept you on your toes. You were just waiting for that first kiss, it was awesome.
I really enjoyed reading both Oliver and Victoria's POV, even though Victoria did get a little annoying at times, but it might've just be me -- I wanted her to jump headfirst in with Oliver and not have any hesitancy, because from the first moment you meet Ollie you know he's all in with Victoria.
*I also didn't really like Victoria's friends and I don't know why. They just didn't seem real to me in a way? They were almost too animated and read a little fake and over the top for me. Their bond seemed forced even though I know that because of their trauma, that is not the case. It was just how I took it!
However, both main characters, as well as Oliver's family (who was intense but so lovely and welcoming to Victoria) were really well written and developed. I felt like the entire book was paced well, and you got an inside look at Ollie and Victoria's feelings, pasts, and what they wanted out of life.
It was a really beautiful, slow-burn romance with slighter faster pacing than you're used to. It was kind of like the perfect medium burn. Reading this book made me so happy and I was able to really get lost in it. It was such a good romance with a few subplots that kept things moving; like Victoria's teaching and her fashion design, and Ollie's family dynamics. It was all so well put together.
I highly recommend "Meet Me in London" for all romance lovers or for anyone who needs to pull themselves out of a reading rut!
xoxo
B
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