Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Tall, Dark and Royal (The Renegade Royals #2.5) by Vanessa Kelly


Magnificent and stubborn. Fourteen years apart had not changed Chloe Steele, or Dominic’s love for her. He’d been a street urchin, a boy raised at court, and finally a magistrate, yet he’d never belonged anywhere—except by her side. Now Chloe devoted herself to girls threatened by scandal—like she had been. But she was in danger, and Dominic was determined to help—and hopefully make up for lost time…

Even in childhood, Dominic had made Chloe feel safe. Now she also felt thrillingly flustered by the powerful man he’d become, and by the longing he inspired. Because Dominic meant not only to protect her, but to untangle the lies that had separated them. Yet for Chloe, surrendering to temptation may be easier than risking a future that could ruin them both…

Type: Historical Romance, Novella
Heat: 3 out of 5--limited
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Amazon | All Romance | Goodreads

Tall, Dark and Royal was one of those lovely little in-between reads when you just need an extra taste of a series while you wait for the next full length story. Fabulous characters, sweet romance, a tiny touch of danger...yups good times though one I think will be easier for those who have read the rest of the series.

The quick of it is that when they were children Chloe and Dominic were friends. But an unexpected pregnancy--Chloe was seduced by someone else--ripped their lives apart and family lies and scandal kept them apart for nearly 3 decades until recently when they found each other once again. And now that a little danger is encroaching on Chloe's charity for girls Dominic is determined to protect her and keep her safe where he failed her in that regard before.
"Why have you never married?"

"Because I couldn't imagine loving anyone else but you..."
One of my favorite things about Kelly is her characters. They are such incredibly likable people. They've got flaws and can have their "moments" but they're just ones you can adore and want to know even better and thus was the case of Chloe and Dominic who are dancing around their life long love for one another despite the years that have kept them apart. *aws* I really loved these two from the very start of the series when their story began as children. Their journey wasn't easy but gah they're great together. She's a bit fiery and independent, he's a little alpha male but totally smitten. It was just sweet and a bit heartbreaking watching them try to figure out what each other's place was in their lives and seeing how much time they'd lost because of fear and others interference. But so good in the end. I also really liked that these two were both older--early 40s. They've lived their lives, become successful and independent in what they do and could come to each other more as equals.

Like I mentioned earlier though...I do think this one would be best read in order with the rest of the series. It's not impossible without them but I did feel like I was playing catch up and trying to remember or figure out all of the connections. My only other complaint was kind of little but to do with multiple story points having such similar names--Cumberland's, Camberwell and Campworths. Not exactly the same but it tripped me up a couple times reading and mistaking one for the other. 

Overall though, even with some minor quibbles, Tall, Dark and Royal was a lovely second chance romance for an older couple that left me smiling as they finally...finally...against all odds found their happily ever after.

Have you read Kelly?
Have a favorite second chance romance?
Do you like in between novellas for series readers?

More Kelly on herding cats!


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