Alice Wood finds herself unceremoniously dumped by the egotistical Patrick, thrown out of his apartment, jobless and broke, and all of this a few days before they leave for a dream river cruise around Europe, that she had originally hoped would end in marriage. Alice, always one to live for the moment, decides to go on this holiday of a lifetime, to get over her heartbreak. Whether it is heartbreak over the end of her actual relationship, or just the idea of what that relationship might have turned into, is something she will have to figure out. And what's the harm in enjoying a few weeks of luxury in the meantime? It turns out you should always read the small print.

The luxury liner is a glorified rust bucket, and Alice finds she has to share her cabin with the illustrious Elliott Ainslie, an aristocrat and author, who Alice finds devilishly handsome. Elliott has been given Patrick's spare ticket and did not know that Alice would be on board. Trying to finish writing his book, so he can provide for his large family and a castle that has fallen into disrepair, he had hoped for peace and quiet on this holiday.

However the more time Alice and Elliott spend together, it appears that opposites definitely attract, and Alice's spontaneity and Elliott's controlled manner soon set sparks alight. Throw in some unlikely couples on the tour, a quickie wedding, a disgruntled ex, a little espionage, a rambling castle in England, and a LOT of steamy romance, and what could go wrong?!

I found THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ALICE by Katie MacAlister hilarious and seductive in all the right places. Alice's character is so fun and imaginative, and I love the way we get to know her background and why she is the way she is. Elliott is charming, sweet and sexy all rolled into one appealing character, and their relationship was completely engaging. The romance element of the novel was pure fire - hot, hot, hot! I found Elliott's mum endearing and infuriating all at the same time, and each secondary character added something to the story as a whole. I found myself laughing aloud so much during this novel, and the twist in the plot was great.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ALICE by Katie MacAlister is a funny, adventurous, sensuous romance with something for everyone.