This is a lovely first novel from Georgia Toffolo. A heartwarming story with just enough Christmas in it for it to be magical.
The main characters Victoria and Oliver first meet in a bar where Oliver asks Victoria to marry him.
Oliver is opening a huge department store in the neighbourhood and Victoria, a fashion designer who also works in the bar and teaches young people with a passion for design, wants to support the local shop owners whose businesses may suffer with the opening of his store.
While they work on a plan to support all the local businesses and the young designers at the store opening, they also pretend to be romantically involved to get Oliver's parents off his back!
However things get tricky as they find themselves falling in love. The only thing stopping them is a secret Victoria has which would stop the family business from being handed down through the generations.
I thoroughly recommend this read and cannot wait for the next book!

Ive always loved Georgia ever since she started on Made in Chelsea so I was so excited to read her first novel!
This was such a cute read that is perfect for Christmas, I loved the relationship between the two characters and it was so well written and kept me wanting to turn the page and keep reading even if I was busy!

I would really recommend this wonderful book!

I really enjoyed this book it was such a wholesome read. It was such a cosy nestle down and easy read. I highly recommend to anyone that wants a cute chick lit

This is the debut book of Georgia Toffolo a winner of I’m a Celebrity and also from Made in Chelsea for this reason I was curious to read it. It’s also a Mills and Boon book and my memory of them, from younger days, were of bodice ripper stories and being a bit cheesy (I’m not knocking that, who doesn’t love a bit of cheese). I was pleasantly surprised how good the book was and I enjoyed the authors style of writing, it flowed well.

The two protagonists are Victoria and Oliver. Victoria is scarred from an accident as a teenager and a previous relationship. She works in a bar but her dream is to be a dress designer. Oliver is the heir to the Russell dynasty a workaholic who has no time for love. Their two lives collide when the Russell’s new department store is set to open up in Victoria’s neighbourhood. They strike up an agreement that mutually benefits both but when it’s time to end will they want more. Well, it’s a Mills and Boon book so you can guess the ending is a happy one!

All the characters were well rounded and believable and I liked the bond that Victoria shared with her friends. There are a few more serious issues thrown in like infertility and loss which is handled sympathetically.

One of the things I liked best about the book is how Georgia describes Victoria when she is around material and haberdashery. That’s how I feel being around books!

A quick, easy read which tugs a little at your heart strings.

Thanks to Netgalley and Mills and Boon for the Arc

Victoria Scott spends her days working at a bar, and her nights designing vintage clothes, all in the hopes of one day owning her own boutique. Oliver Russel is the owner a new department store in need of a Christmas miracle - his mother wants to meet his made up girlfriend and he needs a diversion--fast. Enter Victoria, and a business arrangement that will suit them both. But all to soon what started as a fake relationship begins to feel all too real...

Okay, so honestly I had a hard time with this one and it's all down to the writing.

It's very clunky, and the dialogue seems very unnatural at times. Also some of the events were a bit eyebrow raising (one in particular involving a helicopter was a bit over-the-top).

I do think if it had been polished up a bit I would have enjoyed it more. The author did an amazing job of describing London and there were some very sweet moments in the romance between Victoria and Oliver - Oliver in particular was very lovely.

If you're looking for a light-hearted, easy read then this would definitely fit the bill. It definitely wasn't bad for a debut but it could have been better.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Mills and Boon for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately, I struggled to maintain interest in this book and the one-dimensional characters. The plot was slow-moving and the writing felt unpolished. It could have done with editing.

Yes you will know exactly what is going to happen from the first couple of chapters but I promise you, you will not care! This was the perfect bit of escapism and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I loved both Victoria & Oliver and warmed to each of them immediately. Throughout the book we get to read from each of their points of view which was a really nice way of finding out more about them as characters and the struggles they were both facing.

It is set during the lead up to Christmas but it’s not overly heavy on the festive theme which I liked. This was a book about the two main characters more than anything and despite all the warm fuzzy romance that this book exudes it also covered some important subjects. Victoria is dealing with life after a horrific accident, from the overwhelming feeling of guilt, up to her infertility issues. Meanwhile Oliver is trying to keep his family happy even though he’s not doing what he loves. It take’s them both to make each other realise what they’re missing in life.

If you’re looking for an impressive and delightful romance to get lost in this winter then this is the book for you!

I think the nation fell in love with Toff when she paired up with Stanley Johnson on I'm a celebrity & I was excited to read her debut novel. I usually hate reading Mills & Boon romances as they tend to be dated & super cheesy, but this one broke the mould & was the perfect Christmas chicklitty type romance obviously set in Chelsea, with a fifty shades feel to it in certain places.

Thankyou to Netgalley for my ARC in return for my honest review.

A sweet treat
4 stars

I am a fan of Made in Chelsea so am familiar with - and liked - Georgia Toffolo before knowing she’d written a book. However, if you’re not a fan of reality TV, or have no idea who Toff is, please don’t let that put you off. Ms Toffolo has always been a writer - the TV programme showing her when she worked at a popular ladies magazine. So her credentials aren’t just that she was previously on a reality show.

Anyway… onto the book.

This was a super cute treat and a perfect Mills & Boon Christmas treat. The writing is fresh, fun and has the enthusiasm and excitement I’ve come to expect from Ms Toffolo. There is quite a lot of conversation and a lot of detail, but you never get bogged down or overwhelmed. In fact, it’s the myriad of little details that really draw a bigger picture of London at Christmas time. It’s clear that the author has a real love of London and all its nooks and crannies - especially fabric shops!

Victoria is a likeable character and felt real to me. She has lots of layers, including trauma in her past - but it’s never too much and never lets you feel sorry for her. She acts in ways true to how I think I would act if I was participating in a fake relationship - and was falling for my fake fiancé! Panic, fear and over-thinking everything, mainly!

Oliver was an equally delightful character. He’s frustrated with his life and the path that he’s on so the joy he finds in Victoria’s company is especially delightful. He’s like a hot, sexy geeky millionaire and such a decently nice guy. He was perfect for Victoria and the book as a whole.

As I mentioned, Victoria has gone through some trauma that has affected her outlook on life and love. While this is an important part of Victoria, and is ‘teased’ for a few chapters before finally revealed, it’s never too upsetting or angsty. And with the right man, her medical issues are not issues at all - a fact Oliver proves when he’s finally told.

There’s talk of it, but the sex in the book happens completely behind closed doors which definitely fit with the tone of the book. Seeing anything would have felt kind of wrong, somehow - so I’m pleased, for once, that there were no overt shenanigans!

One thing I will say is that I felt this read more like a new adult romance than a contemporary one. The characters are 28 and 31, if I recall correctly and while Oliver was probably more believable as someone in his early 30s, Victoria’s position, outlook and overall demeanour definitely read, to me, as someone in their early 20s. This isn’t necessarily a criticism as I very much enjoy NA romances, but I felt happier once I adjusted their ages in my head!

Overal, this was a sweet, lively and readable Christmas romance that perfectly fits the Mills & Boon brand. Victoria’s friends appear quite heavily in this story, and seemed to have a close bond as a group. If Ms Toffolo writes stories for the rest of the friend group, I’m going to snap them right up. As a first book, this was a super sweet treat and one I would recommend if you enjoy a M&B tale. 4 stars.

I had high hopes for this book and it didnt disappoint.

Victoria works in a wine bar, lives above the wine bar and in her spare time teaches children sewing skills. She once had her dream but having her heart broken put an end to that.

She meets Oliver Russell who is heading up the opening of a new department store at the end of her road. His family have high hopes for both his career and his personal life.

Oliver has a business opportunity to Victoria, pose as his fiancee in return for the chance to showcase both her own and her students masterpieces in a fashion show.

As the pair get to know each other they try and keep their relationship purely business.

The book was slow in the first couple of chapters but then picked up and I couldn't put it down.

It is laced with happiness, romance, plenty of 'awww' moments and some sadness but it is simply stunning.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I did enjoy this but I did find it a bit slow I was not sure i was going to like but I glad I carry on the story a slow burn er but then it start to pull me in a good read stick with it the characters were ok it good book

Ahhh what a lovely book, pulled at the heart strings. Poor Victoria has been though the mill and has been left doubting herself, She takes on a journey of self discovery, with the help from a gorgeous tall dark and handsome stranger when he offers her a fantastic deal that could change her life. A great story of love, trust and fantastic friendship,

A beautiful, descriptive novel.
Tells the tale of a strap cashed designer who works in a London bar which she also lives above, she is absolutely not looking for mr right or even the one
So when an unknown guy proposes to her the first time she meets him she thinks he is joking she doesn’t even know him
But she is too find out he is part of the family who are building the huge new department store right across from the bar and overlooking all her friends business and she and them are worried about their own business
But as she meets this mysterious man he doesn’t want to take away their business he wants to give them space in his shop to do pop up tasters and then they can go to the business and everyone will be happy
But there are hidden secrets and when is the right time to spill these secrets ?.
Will anyone have a happy ending ? Read it and see I guarantee you will enjoy it

As a massive fan of Made in Chelsea I was so looking forward to reading this one! ❤ Cant beat a light hearted romance!

Aspiring designer Victoria quite literally bumps into Oliver Russell, the co-owner of a family owned department store. The store is due to open soon and may threaten the local surrounding businesses.

Their lives are set to change when a mutual agreement is settled between them to fake a relationship to please Olivers family and give Victoria an opportunity of her dreams.

Victoria is struggling to move on from the past and Oliver is struggling with the future preplanned for him, particularly as his dads health is deteriorating. Together they must find a way to overcome the hurdles thrown in their path, keep the locals content and their families happy.

As much as I tried I could not relate to Victoria. Seems like she was supposed to be an underdog but to own a London apartment independantly is out of most of our reach and quite privileged! To then fall in love with someone who has even more money is almost ludicrous and disappointing- the rich supporting the rich! For me I felt the book really lacked depth as a result.

Certain events were unoriginal - Oliver organising a helicopter trip for them because he can and he was going that way anyway seemed a little copied from 50 shades. It left me wondering if this was supposed to appeal to readers because they would link it to a popular novel? I became more detached with the characters and the underlying plot as a result.

I expected more conflict between certain characters, ex partners, stirring family members but it didn't seem to go anywhere. There was very little tension and you knew exactly where the story was going with no surprises along the way.

Although some points in this book are negative I really did enjoy it! Meet me in London is a romantic light hearted novel and a nice quick read! If you enjoy chick-lit you may find yourself swept in from the start! 3 stars from us!

Mills and Boon have improved in recent years, removing the more hysterical aspects of romance from their authors, less bodice ripping and fluttering hearts, but all that was back with this one and I couldn't finish it.

I wasn't aware, either, that although Georgia Toffolo has her name on the cover, it was to an extent ghost written, the ghost writer managing to get some credit on a fly leaf. Seems rather disingenuous to promote Georgia as the author when she wasn't entirely responsible for the novel.

Description

What do you do when your fake engagement starts to feel too real…

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

I don’t usually read fiction books by celebrities, and I’ve definitely never read a Mills & Boon book, but this was an interesting one – for sure.

It felt weird reading a book set during the build up to Christmas, for sure, but what ensued was not an over-the-top-tinsel-fest..in fact, and possibly to my surprise, this was a fun, heartfelt book with an insight into serious topics like infertility, sustainability, disability and grief.

Admittedly, though no fault of Toffolo, it took me a while to get into – though this was probably in part down to the fact that, with all the madness of working from home and getting my head around living day to day in this crazy time – but (when I eventually did get into the rhythm) I liked it. It was a bit fluffy and mushy at times but it was also sensitive and mature – which will silence any critics of celebrities branching out into literature writing, for sure.

Oliver and Victoria come together several times in the book, the first time through a drunken proposal at the bar where Victoria works. Though I love the fake romance trope, which the first chance encounter leads to, I did find the fact that he proposes to her on first meeting very cringey. Saying that, I’m glad the relationship developed at a speed that felt natural, not contrived.

I liked how the two characters genuinely wanted to help each other with their goals, though the whole my-parents-want-to-see-me-married-so-I’m-not-a-disappointment feels a bit outdated, and I think the romance that blossomed with them made for a sweet read.

My only complaint where Meet Me in London was concerned was the fact that – no fault of Toffolo – I just couldn’t visualise the London setting. I’ve been to London before, once on a school trip, but (aside from most places we planned on going being closed, and the tube being off for the day) I don’t remember much of it. I just didn’t feel the sense of familiarity that the characters felt.

Even so, Meet Me in London is a festive, flirty and fun novel that might even put the Scrooges amongst us (me) in a festive/romantic mood (lockdown has reminded me I might just have been single for too long 😂).

I've loved Toff since I watched her on Made in Chelsea, so I really wanted to love this book. I'm not sure if I just wasn't in the right mood for this kind of book but I wasn't rushing to pick up my kindle.

This story follows Victoria, a struggling fashion designer, who was cheated on by her ex, and Oliver, heir to a billion dollar department store company. Oliver's dad is unwell, his parents are very keen to see him settle down and so he makes an agreement with Victoria; pretend to be his fiancee and he will help support the local community in the area where his new department store is being built.

It wasn't quite as much of a fluffy and easy read as I had been expecting (and in the mood for!) however, it's a really modern take on the 'romcom' literacy genre and I could easily imagine it being made into a film.

It covers sensitive and real subjects such as sustainability, fast fashion, disability and infertility (which I really liked as too many of this genre focus on the 'end goal' of marriage and babies, when for many this isn't so easily attainable.)

The story includes 3 of Victoria's best friends and I assume (and hope) the author has introduced these characters in order to write further books.

⭐⭐⭐ and a half ⭐ (rounded to 4)

Oliver and Victoria's story is a delightful and enjoyable read.

It's set in London in winter/Christmas and yes being a fake fiancee themed book it's no surprise how the story goes, but it's still a good read.

Oliver is a rich man, but comes across as very grounded. Victoria is a touch too perfect/nice if I'm honest, maybe both of them are thinking about it but it's escapism so who cares. They were great together.

A good book to escape into, it's a warm winter romance.

3.75

This is a beautiful love story that will grip you from the very first page.
It is a real chic flic read sensual and beautifully written.
It is the first in a trio of books and can’t wait for the next one which is published in January

A lot is going on in the world this autumn, so I was in dire need of a heartwarming Chritmassy read. So as soon as I read about Meet Me in London, I had to get my hands on it.

Meet Me in London is a fake relationship rom-com between an aspiring fashion designer and a new department store owner in London. Victoria needs a miracle to survive in a demanding London market while Oliver needs to introduce a girlfriend (he does not have) to his family during the new department store's opening ceremony. What I really liked about this book in particular is the skillful character development of both main characters; I have really grown to love them and root for them. Luckily, the ending was as wonderful as I had hoped, making this novel a full package for the ultimate romantic comfort listen.

This escapist holiday read was exactly what I needed during this difficult time, and I would highly recommend it during the chilly seasons.

In addition, I simultaneously read the ebook and listened to the audiobook version for the ultimate comfort book experience. Turns out it was a huge hit for me because not only is the novel an absolute delight, but the narrator totally hit it out of the park with conveying all the romantic feels to the listener.

*Thank you to the Publisher for a free advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.