Review: Lost in a Royal Kiss by Vanessa Kelly

Lost in a Royal Kiss (The Renegade Royals #0.5)
By: Vanessa Kelly
Publisher: Zebra Books
ASIN: B00DV1ISZO

Review:

After reading the completely delightful "One Kiss for Christmas" by Vanessa Kelly in the A Grosvenor Square Christmas anthology, I decided to download the free (at the time) novella Lost in a Royal Kiss that introduces her upcoming series, The Renegade Royals. Anthony and Linnet's story opens in 1786 -- she's in love with him, he's in love with her (well, he wants her to be his wife -- and therefore in his bed -- at any rate *wink*), and neither is, as yet, willing to do anything to breach the distance between them. Nothing, that is, until a crisis forces this unlikely pair to join forces to save two children who've run afoul of one Ernest, one of the king's sons. Ernest made the mistake of seducing Chloe, his tutor's only daughter, thereby incurring the wrath of Dominic, an orphan who was taken in by the queen to be raised alongside her sons. In an attempt to save Chloe's reputation from ruin and Dominic from prison (or worse) for avenging her honor, Anthony and Linnet may finally discover that a future between them is more possible -- and more delightful -- than either of them had ever dreamed.

Novellas of this ilk have the unenviable task of illustrating fully-realized, meaningful relationships and compelling plots in an extraordinarily abridged fashion, and on balance Kelly succeeds admirably. I wasn't expecting her to touch on weighty issues such as ruined women and the political clout of royal princes in such a slim story, but she handles it with aplomb. The emotional depth inherent in Dominic and Chloe's travails lend weight to the storyline -- appropriate since the first Renegade Royals novel jumps ahead over twenty years, seeing Dominic assume the role of royal spymaster now held by Anthony. I LOVE the concept of this series -- the illegitmate offspring of royals fighting for position and place in a world where their familial inheritance is denied them by virtue of the circumstances of their birth. Kelly's writing sparkles with wit, excitement, and emotional intensity, and this is a promising introduction to her new series. Be aware that this story IS spicy, but I am thankful that Kelly heavily implies a history between her hero and heroine, giving me hope that future couples have relationships based on more than physical attributes. Secrets for Seducing a Royal Bodyguard releases in January!

About the book:

In this thrilling introduction to her Renegade Royals series, Vanessa Kelly transports readers to the court of King George III--where a London street urchin unwittingly plays Cupid, ushering in a new era--and ultimately a new kind of royal...

With her widowed mother working long hours as governess to the royal children, Linnet St. Clare must look after her siblings and run the household. Now she must add to her worries the fate of Dominic, a poor orphan who has inspired the wrath of the king himself. Clearly Linnet has no time to consider her own desires--much less notice the attentions of a certain handsome, powerful magistrate...

Sir Anthony Tait is at a loss for how to capture Linnet's interest. If only she would be still long enough for courting. Outright seduction seems the only answer. But will his kisses be enough to persuade her--or might Anthony have something to learn from young Dominic about matters of the heart? And in saving the boy's future, might Anthony and Linnet at last create their own?...

Review: A Grosvenor Square Christmas by Anna Campbell, Shana Galen, Vanessa Kelly, and Kate Noble

A Grosvenor Square Christmas
By: Anna Campbell, et al.
Publisher: n/a
ASIN: B00FSLF4NO

Review:

When a friend shared the news on Facebook that A Grosvenor Square Christmas was currently free for Kindle, in the mood for some holiday romance I downloaded it -- and I'm so glad I did. While I'm unfamiliar with the previous work of the four authors involved, three of the four stories included were wildly enjoyable -- and for a free "purchase," that average is a priceless return on one's investment. :)

The stories span a nearly thirty-year period, threaded together by virture of all occuring at Lady Winterson's annual Christmas ball -- where legend has it that under the watchful eye of the famed hostess and her indefatigable butler, Philbert, one lucky couple a year will find lasting love amid the glittering lights and mistletoe.

The festivities begin with "The Seduction of a Duchess" by Shana Galen, a companion pieces to her Sons of Revolution series. This story features Rowena, the widowed dowager mother of that series' heroes, who unexpectedly finds herself granted a second chance at love at Lady Winterson's ball. Gabriel, her one-time footman -- and responsible for saving the lives of her and one of her sons from Madame Guilloutine years earlier -- is now serving England and a titled nobleman thanks to his work as the infamous spy, the French Fox. A heroine -- a grandmother no les! -- ten years older than her would-be lover? I am so there. A fun, fast-paced interlude with a hint of spice! 4/5 stars.

The second tale, "One Kiss for Christmas" by Vanessa Kelly, is utterly delightful. It features Nigel Dash, apparently a popular supporting character from her previous Regencies -- and after reading this story I can see why. Nigel is the antithesis of the alpha male hero -- good-natured to a fault and incredibly kind, everyone's best friend but never considered a serious romantic prospect. Long in love with Amelia, darling of the ton, Nigel finally decides to recast himself as a serious rival for Amelia's heart just in time for the Christmas ball -- with humorous, heartfelt results. Nigel is a fantastic "good guy" hero, and his story -- one of the longer offerings in this collection -- is a thoroughly satisfying gem. 5/5 stars.

I don't even know where to start with "His Christmas Cinderella" by Anna Campbell. I have to give her credit for reworking a classic fairy tale (always one of my favorite things), but any charm her retelling might have possessed is lost in the utter crassness of the story's beginning, introducing Campion and Lord Lachlan's love story (and I use that term loosely). Theirs is an attachment predicated solely on lust (at least, that is the only indication one gets given that the bulk of this story's page time involves their amorous escapades). No subtlety or charm here -- Campion comes across as a pathetically misguided woman, her handsome "prince" a bit too much of the rake for my tastes. The most laughable aspect has to be casting Lachlan's mother as Campion's fairy godmother, especially given the rather explicitly described nature and frequency of their "relationship." 2/5 stars.

The collection ends on a strong note with Kate Noble's "The Last First Kiss," which is ADORABLE. Tomboy Susannah is left bereft when Sebastian, her best friend (and the boy she loves), leaves for his Grand Tour. WIth her aunt's help she determines to transform herself into a woman he won't be able to resist upon his return -- which, after two years, coincides with the magical promise of Lady Winterson's ball. Seeing Sebastian awaken to the fact that his little friend has grown up without him into an alluring woman he doesn't know what to do with makes for a deliciously fun read. And after nearly three decades, Lady Winterson is poised to finally experience the magic of the ball herself. For both her and Susannah, one kiss promises to change everything...5/5 stars.

I thoroughly enjoyed three-fourths of this collection, which does indeed deliver on its promise of magical holiday romance. Kelly's and Noble's stories are particularly strong efforts -- great examples of wholly satisfying reads in a format where it is all too easy to be left wanting. Very well-done!

About the book:

Four breathtakingly romantic tales of a Regency Christmas from four bestselling romance authors. 

Down through the years, enchantment touches a tall gray house in Grosvenor Square. The legend of Lady Winterson’s Christmas ball promises true love and happiness to one lucky couple. Who will feel the magic this winter? 

1803 - The Seduction of a Duchess by Shana Galen 

Rowena Harcourt, the Duchess of Valère, never forgot the handsome footman who helped her escape the French Revolution. For fourteen years, Gabriel Lamarque has loved Rowena—now at Lady Winterson’s Christmas ball, has fate finally delivered a chance to win her hand? 

1818 - One Kiss for Christmas by Vanessa Kelly 

Nigel Dash is London’s most reliable gentleman, a reputation he never minded until he fell in love with beautiful Amelia Easton. Unfortunately, Amelia sees Nigel as a dependable friend, not a dashing suitor. At Lady Winterson’s famous Christmas ball, Nigel vows to change Amelia’s mind—by sweeping her off her feet. 

1825 - His Christmas Cinderella by Anna Campbell 

At the season’s most glittering ball, a girl who has never dared to dream of forever after discovers a Christmas miracle. 

1830 - The Last First Kiss by Kate Noble 

Susannah Westforth has always loved Sebastian Beckett – but he’s only ever seen her as a friend. When Sebastian takes his Grand Tour, Susannah transforms herself into a woman he’ll notice. Now Sebastian is back, just in time for Lady Winterson's Christmas ball – but the last thing he expects to see is his little Susie, all grown up...

You’re invited to join the whirling dance at Lady Winterson’s sparkling Christmas ball, where miracles happen and true love shines forever. How can you resist?