Kenneth Winterton feels out of place as the new heir to an earldom, so he decides to briefly change places with his valet and give in to his longing to ride swiftly on a horse rather than relax in a carriage. After nearly running over a lovely woman walking by the side of the road, he finds himself irresistibly attracted to her. The problem? She’s the widowed daughter of a local artist and not society’s idea of a future countess. How could there ever be a happy ending for them? Find out in this sweet, witty, and amusing retelling of the classic Cinderella story, set in Regency England.

This was a DNF for me, but maybe because I just read a mirror to the famous Bridgerton, The Heiress gets a the Duke, which I loved. It was maybe a little unrelatable because the MC was older.

Thank you to Shadow Publishing for the ARC to read and review,

The Valets Secret is a clean historical regency romance with older main characters, Kenneth is heir to an Earldom. Rebecca is a widow. They meet by chance due to a lovely horse. He lies about his identity. They kiss way too soon and Kenneth continues his deception. The plot was a bit stretched thin for me. DNF after about 12 chapters.

The Valet's Secret is written in a way that makes you just want to keep on reading! It's just a fun, fresh take on a regency tale. I love the way the author took two individuals and gave them both another chance at love. This book has some Cinderella vibes, while being regency. I would not only recommend this clean romance, but would also read it again!

Can you be lovestruck at middle age? Josi Kilpack believes you can as she writes a Victorian Era Cinderella story about an Earl and a maid. Kenneth Winterton is set to become the 5th Earl of Brenston after his uncle’s son dies. He was not born for the position and is not sure of it as well, when he happens upon Rebecca Parker while out riding his horse, masked as his valet. Rebecca is a widow and assistant to her artist father, until problems at home force her back into service. Neither see great love in their future but sparks instantly ignite when thrown accidently together. Propriety and their roles in society are the stumbling block for a future marriage, but neither Kenneth nor Rebecca can seem to move on with what is expected of them.

Kilpack feels that love conquers all when faced with true love, which can hit you at any point, place, and time of your life. Outdated traditions, society and decency are no match when Cupid strikes and Kilpack gives us characters that celebrate, scheme and plot to make sure love wins!

Since I found love at 48, I can relate to getting swept off my feet at a later age. I found it to be a quick, enjoyable read. Just the right type to put good thoughts in your dreams before bed.

A beautiful tale of mistaken identity where hearts and social expectations do not have the same allowances. Wonderfully written, fantastic believable characterization, charming romance. I would recommend this to anyone.

Rebecca Parker is walking along the road when she is almost run over by a speeding horse running down the road. When she confronts this man, she immediately feels a spark and an unexpected kiss happens.

Kenneth Winterton, an earl, was dressed as his valet when this incident happened and since it was unseemly to be out like that, he intended to keep this a secret, until he found himself unable to think of anyone other than Ms. Parker, who was below his station. What follows is a journey of two people of completely different stations trying to navigate their feelings and yet still live in the world they were born into.

The immediate attraction and kiss part didn't feel completely authentic to me and I felt a little bit of a disconnect throughout the story because of it. But then it ended up being cute and redeemed itself in the end- and unexpected fairy tale. And again- I always appreciate a clean romance!

Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

*I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

This was a cute book the had a Cinderella-ish feel to it, though not too much. I’d call it more of a tribute than a retelling. Both Rebecca (40-42 . . . I can’t recall) and Kenneth (48) were likable characters. Usually I read books about younger characters, so they felt old whenever I thought about their ages. It’s rather funny that I feel that way since I’m 38; it’s not like they’re that much older. It’s all in my head, I know. I also loved the baroness—she was one of my favorite characters. I pictured Lady Beth as Caroline Bingley from the Pride & Prejudice starring Collin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. She was rather a one-dimensional character, as was Rebecca’s father. It bothered me how much Kenneth was frequently treated like a child despite his age.

Although it isn’t one of my favorite books of the year, I enjoyed reading it enough that I will look into the author’s other work. I appreciated that it was a “proper” romance so that I didn’t have to skip sections. That’s not to say to lacked romance and passion—those elements were simply contained within looks, kisses, and mere presence.

I do feel like a little epilogue would have gone a long way. I’d have liked to see how things happened with the ending (or rather, nee beginning)

Note: Nothing wrong.

This sweet Cinderella type retelling was a little frustrating for me. For a book trying to fall into the regency era and still be realistic, a few of the main plot points are not what would have happened. If this story was pulled into the future it would have been fantastic.

The way Josi Kilpack brought the Cinderella into it was fun. The dress she wore was beautiful. The evil cousin screwing up the fantastic ending added a great twist. The way the support characters step up in the end to support the main characters added to the pros list. I just had a hard time accepting the set-up of the relationship.

From the publisher: A passionate kiss from a handsome valet becomes a Regency Cinderella story when he is revealed to be an earl.

What a delight! It’s not often that a historical romance leaves me guessing as much as this one did. There are big obstacles to the romance, and I wondered how the author would work through them. But she did so in a way I found charming and satisfactory.

Kenneth has unexpectedly become the heir to an earldom. Rebecca is an educated woman but the daughter of an artist and a former servant in a great house. They meet when he nearly runs her down on a rented horse. He is in disguise as his valet so he can ride with abandon without being scolded by his uncle the earl. After an unpleasant interaction with her abusive father, Rose is out enjoying a simple walk.

Their attraction is instantaneous. Kenneth knows he is wrong to encourage Rebecca when she erroneously believes he is a servant, and yet he can’t help himself. The author does not spin out the misunderstanding for long, and when Rebecca learns the truth she is angry. One of my favorite scenes involves her pelting Kenneth with last year’s walnuts.

A romance between these two people from different classes during the Regency era is far-fetched, but the author sells it. She made it happen for her characters, and I believed it. I love that the hero and heroine are middle-aged. Both are widowed. Both have grown children. Kenneth is balding. Rebecca has fine lines around her eyes. They are mature people with self-confidence and pride. No silly waffling or posturing. I couldn’t help but root for their happily ever after.

This is a gentle read, with no swearing or sex, and the author appears to have done her research about the times. If you enjoy historical romance and think mature men and women deserve to find happiness in love as much as young people do, you might enjoy The Valet’s Secret.

I read an advance reader copy from Netgalley. The Valet’s Secret is scheduled to be published in early March 2022 and will be available for checkout from the Galesburg Public Library.

This light and clean romantic story was exactly what I needed!

I enjoyed how Rebecca Parker and Earl Winterton are drawn to each other and get to know each other. It was a warm and slow romantic build, until of course that explodes because he's been posing as his own valet. Rebecca is obviously hurt, especially as she has to continue to see him as she starts working in a higher society house where he is a frequent guest. And at the moment, the most eligible bachelor in the area.

Rebecca is practical. Her struggles with what her heart wants and what society would allow is very authentic. I love that she has an older daughter who she is very close with . It was refreshing to see a supportive mother/daughter relationship. They are very warm to each other and the daughter Rose really helped build Rebecca's character as a mother but also as a compassionate and kind character

Kenneth Winterton is being selfish because he know he shouldn't keep seeking Rebecca out but there is something about him. What I really liked about their relationship was how they each acknowledged that they were lonely and how the other filled that hole in themselves as companions, as well as romance.

The story moves pretty fast and it's an easy read to get through in one or two sittings. I think it's the perfect read when you want something heartwarming and romantic tied up with a bow.

The Valet's Secret is not your average regency romance, nor is it your average Cinderella retelling. While it wasn't directly a retelling in my opinion, there were several moments that I could see the similarities, and I particularly enjoyed this aspect to the story.

This was a fun, heartwarming read that I finished in only two sittings. It wasn't too deep, but it allowed me to lose myself in the world and get invested in the characters and the romance. I've been enjoying historical romances so much recently, and this one was no exception.

Towards the beginning of the story, I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the valet in disguise part of the plot. I was worried it wouldn't be properly addressed how wrong of Kenneth it was to continue deceiving Rebecca, but I was pleasantly surprised with how this was handled.

I will say that I did feel the romance started a little too quickly in the beginning. Within moments of meeting each other, Rebecca and Kenneth share a kiss. It bothered me at first, but as they began to grow closer to each other, I didn't mind so much.

The two didn't have mind blowing chemistry, but their relationship was sweet and endearing, and I couldn't help but root for them, especially because their situation seemed so hopeless. I couldn't help but wish for a happy ending for the two of them, and that they would manage to defy all the odds set against them.

I thought it was particularly interesting to see protagonists in their 40s who had both been previously married and were looking for a second chance at love. It's not something I've seen often in fiction, and I thought it was refreshing.

Overall, I really enjoyed the Valet's Secret. It's a light read if you're looking for something in between heavier books. I only wish the romance had moved a little slower, but I am glad I read this one!

This book was a slow build for me. I did not bond with either of them for a time. But Rebecca really grew on me. I liked her strength and wisdom. I liked the way she approached her problems. Reading from the POV of a more mature character (rather than the teenage debutantes you usually find in this genre) was especially refreshing and presented new challenges.

When I first read the synopsis for this book, I was super excited about the hidden identity/switcheroo of Kenneth's character, but I was also a bit skeptical given the setting is in the year 1819. Maybe my experience is limited, and I will probably be stoned for saying this, but...I was worried we were going to have a Jane Austen romance novel on our hands. You know the kind, a great romance (I mean, everyone loves Mr. Darcy) that is definitely a product of the time, meaning the writing jumps, isn't always clear, and there are a bunch of words I don't know because I was born near the end of the 20th century. However, I found none of these problems with Josi S. Kilpack's novel!

What I liked about this book
1. As previously mentioned, I loved the hidden identity/switcheroo of Kenneth's character. These things never work out well, so as soon as he did this I knew I was in for a good time. I think the thing I like the most about this though was his feeling of guilt that riddled him the whole novel. He truly felt bad that he had hidden his identity and tried many, many times to make it up to Rebecca. To me, that makes him a class act.

2. Let's talk about all of the introspection in this novel. I loved how the internal dialogue and the thoughts each of them had throughout the book really were reminiscent of people with life experience (*cough**cough* old people) and there were SO MANY!!! Never did either of the characters have a thought that made me scoff or go "ugh!". They were mature characters with mature thoughts, and I am here for that!

3. Rebecca is a badass. Plain and simple. While she knows and follows the rules of society in most respects, she also isn't afraid to truly be herself, even after finding out Kenneth's true identity. So many glares, smirks, and sarcastic comments directed at the Earl had me loving Rebecca for the role model she is.

4. The writing is superb! Very easy flow, very nice character and relationship development, and my favorite, short chapters!! The banter between these two is great as far as mature couple drama can go.

5. The baroness, her backstory, and her willingness to help Kenneth and Rebecca really made her stand out as one of my favorite characters. For some reason, she definitely gave me Molly Brown from Titanic vibes (the Kathy Bates version), which is one of the highest compliments I can give. I really want to know if there is anything going on with her and the current Earl!!!

Why it didn't get 5 stars from me
1. There is nothing specific I can pinpoint that I didn't like about this book. It was a pleasant read, but my own rating system dictates I either have incredibly intense emotions about the book or there is some super wicked worldbuilding.

4 Stars!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advanced reader’s copy.

This is a sweet story of second chances in life. Both Rebecca and Kenneth have lost spouses, had circumstances change and feel out of their element. Their chance meeting on the side of the road begins new hope to their lives.
The characters are well developed, the emotions you feel from Rebecca are real and convincing. Kenneth is a bit rash and has much to learn.
This is a sweet read, another win from Josi Kilpack!

Love at first sight.

That’s how Kenneth and Rebecca feel when they first encounter each other and then seal it with a kiss.

I am not a huge fan or believer of love at first sight, and so The Valet’s Secret was a bit of a stretch for me to really get into, but as I read I couldn’t but fall in love with Kenneth and Rebecca’s story.

At first, Rebecca believes that Kenneth is actually a valet named after Kenneth’s own valet, but that doesn’t work because he knows lying to Rebecca is wrong. But when she finds out that he isn’t who he says he is, she’s devastated because of their classes they can’t be together as they would like.

Kenneth is being trained for the earldom and his Uncle Lester is insisting that he find himself a wife but he can’t forget how he feels when he is around Rebecca. He feels energized in a way he has never been, but neither one feels that it will work out because it’s impossible. Unfortunately or fortunately, Rebecca’s daughter Rose, and her employer the Baroness have seen what they thought they had kept secret. The slip of using each other’s first names is the Baroness's first clue. Enjoyable read!

The thing I loved most about this book was that the characters were my age. Middle aged. Not in the first blush of youth. It’s so rare to find books with people so like me! I really enjoyed this story and honestly could have kept going. I’d love to hear how things turned out!

*I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.*

The Valet's Secret was a slow burn romance, a Regency Cinderella.

It was refreshing that the characters were older and mature, both are widowed and have adult children. The mature MC's are definitely something that missing in many newer historical romance novels.

Neither Kenneth nor Rebecca feel they fit in their lot in life, and when they meet (a wonderful beginning) they realize that society will have other plans for them and they don't see how they can be together based on their class differences (and of course, the bit about Kenneth disguising himself as his own valet, shhhhhh, that's the secret).

I thought Kenneth read much younger than he was (mid to late-40s.) He just didn't seem as strong a character I would have expected given his past and his age.

What started out at a clipped pace, slowed to a roiling boil. While I enjoyed this book, I didn't connect with the characters or feel their chemistry, even though I stuck with them because I was rooting for their happily ever after.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced review copy of this book. The thoughts and opinions are my own and are freely given.

4-4.5 Stars! This is a super cute read! The main couple both have grown kids and are both widowed, so they’re more “mature” (older) than your usual main characters in a romance. The only criticism I have is that the ending felt abrupt and the book really could’ve used an epilogue to wrap everything up. I’d definitely recommend this book and this author. I’ve never read this author before but this definitely won’t be the last!
*I received this book at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*

yes! I loved that this was about second chances and the couple were middle aged. Usually the majority of the regency romances involve younger characters so this was refreshing! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.