An American girl trying to get home stumbles into a British Banker's home and discovers what she's been looking for all along. Aimee Kennedy went to London after winning a radio contest in Seattle to see Madonna. She had never been aboard before and couldn't pass up the opportunity. She takes her friend Roger, who ends up abandoning her and stealing all of her belongings, leaving Aimee homeless and penniless in a country that is not her own. She finds out through the grapevine that there is a housekeeper opening in London. She hopes that if she works a couple of weeks, she can make enough money to buy her ticket home. She needs to be home within two weeks due to the fact that her college classes start back up again. She is 28-years-old and has worked her way through college for so many years, that if she defers this semester, her credits will expire and all her hard work will be for nothing. Growing up, she was raised by her grandmother after her drug and alcohol addicted mother left her.
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When she enters Simon Ruleford's home, her first impression of him is a pompous 'Brit'. She begs him for the housekeeping position but once he learns that she would be an illegal worker, he refuses her. He and his father run one of the most successful banks in London and are currently bidding for the Royal Family's business. Any sign of a scandal (such as hiring an illegal housekeeper) could put the business in jeopardy and Simon can't afford that; he's worked too hard to earn his father's respect and make him realize that he can leave the business in his care.
Aimee is very upset by the refusal and runs downstairs into the kitchen, Simon, thinking she left leaves his house and sets the alarm. It is December and down-pouring and freezing in London and Aimee is just desperate enough to stay while Simon goes to celebrate Christmas with his family. She takes a hot shower and passes out.
After a lot of fighting back and forth, Simon lets Aimee stay but cannot pay her for fear that the Royal family will find out – so she stays for an exchange…house cleaning for shelter. The arrangement works for a little while until Simon and Aimee can't deny their attraction any longer. Eventually, Simon does get the Royal's business. Aimee realizes that she is in love with Simon and convinced he doesn't feel the same way, she flees, borrowing money from Simon's rich aunt to get home and back to class.
When Aimee is back in Seattle, she gets an unexpected visit from Cupcake, the dog she rescued while she was in London. Following cupcake into her apartment is none other than Simon. Needless to say, happily ever after ensues.
Best part of story, including ending:
I enjoyed the story due to the fact that it was a mindless 'chick-flick' if you're looking for Shakespeare-worthy love, then skip this one. But for a rainy day, it's a great read.
Best scene in story:
My favorite scene is when Aimee first comes to Simon's home. She's in a ratty pair of old pajamas and her bright red hair is eschew. It's a great visual and even though she's a mess, Simon still finders her attractive.
Opinion about the main character:
The main character, Aimee is strong and independent despite her tough life, she refuses to accept Simon's money. She is prideful but still learns to love in the end.
