July is the perfect time to read about Christmas, right? This romantic comedy escapism fits the bill, and it turns out that I’m a sucker for nobility in disguise, especially in the contemporary setting. Add in a dash of the “fake boyfriend” trope, and it’s like Ashcroft wrote this novel just for me.
Andy is the typical American, without the annoying stereotypes, in much the same way Kit is also the typical upper-crust Brit, but the stereotypes were already all taken by his mother and so-called “old friends.” Kit has found the home he didn’t know he was seeking in New York City, especially with Andy at his side, but he’s called back to England for the holidays and convinces Andy to join him. He totally intends to tell Any that his father is a marquess before they get there, except that never quite works out, and the reveal is hilarious but a bit painful.
“Hilarious but a bit painful” is honestly the best way to describe the rest of this book. The developing relationship between Andy and Kit and pretty much everything about Kit’s father are the best parts of this book. Still, events are tempered by every reminder that Kit’s life is worlds away from Andy’s. Right when it seems that everything is sorted, another secret is dumped in Kit’s lap, and he’s forced to choose between Andy and his future.
Ashcroft delivers the perfect ending by allowing his characters to choose a third, unexpected option. Another Christmas epilogue ties off the conclusion with the perfect bow, and I highly recommend this book as a lovely stand-alone holiday romance.
Rating: 5 (out of 5) stars. Cross-posted to Amazon and Goodreads.