Good lord, did I love this novel. I quite literally devoured it in the space of less than a day - even when I was supposed to have been doing work. But honestly? It was worth it - I've read one other of Victoria Davies' novels (which I also loved), but this - I truly have to say, has probably become one of my favourite novel (at least for the time being). Is there anything better than a gut-wrenching novel about two people who are so perfect for one another, yet so in the wrong time and place? This novel made me smile, made me swoon and also made me tear up (just a little). Ooh! And it also left me wanting a Julian in my life - and also Lillian and Dominic's story (I did a little sleuthing, and I think there must be a second story - Lillian's - coming soon... Here's to hoping!)

Holly is nothing like her twin Lillian - apart from the looks and the DNA that they share. But other than that? Totally different. So, when Lillian, who had been essentially arranged to be married to Julian Worth - a sharp and cruel billionaire, refuses to take part in this paternally-arranged business deal and flees, Holly knows she has to step up. After all, it's just her pretending to be her sister until Lillian comes back, right? No harm, no foul. And besides, its for the good of some others, right? What she didn't count on was the fact that Julian, beneath that suit, is more than just a CEO - he's a foster kid with the biggest heart, and a mile-wide long loyalty and honourable streak. So, as you can imagine, this causes more than a few issues for Holly and Julian...
Characters:
So, if you couldn't tell already, I am slightly infatuated with Julian. But perhaps, more so with his and Holly's love story. Holly is an amazing heroine to get behind - she's sweet, kind, a bit quiet, but so, so strong. I think the way Davies has portrayed her is, actually quite nuanced - she clearly has some issues of her own surrounding insecurity, etc. but she does grow so much as a character, finally being able to stand up to her father.
As for Julian? Ooft. Let's just say I swooned - hard. Especially given how genuinely good of a guy he is - particularly for Holly. Tall, handsome, compassionate and loyal. What more could you want? Add in his love and chemistry with Holly, his relationship with his foster parents, and you've got Holly (and readers) captivated.
Storyline:
Let's just get this out right away - you don't necessarily pick up a novel like this because you're expecting wild deviations from the general expected direction. That's not to say that the writing or the plotting was bad or too cliched (but note, by the way, I kind of love cliches - there's nothing wrong with a little bit of the expected direction of human nature, right?) Did this turn out with the ending that you expect? Of course. You pick up a novel like this for a guaranteed happily-ever-after. Were there some times when I didn't expect things to happen and they did? Definitely. And, in my opinion (bar a few little typos here and there (bearing in mind I read an ARC)), the writing was gorgeous and really easy to not only enjoy, but to read. The mark of a good romance writer, in my mind, is when you begin to physically feel some of the heartbreak experienced by characters - and that's what Davies did!
Overall:
Okay, I genuinely don't know how much more praise I can heap upon this novel. I loved it. That's it.
A MAJOR congratulations to Victoria Davies for crafting this lovely novel - PLEASE GIVE US LILLIAN'S STORY SOON!!! (I really want to know what happened in San Francisco..)
Note: I was generously provided an ARC of this novel, by the publisher and the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.