This was a very sweet Cinderella-esque story
Premise
York, England, 1819.

As a once happily married woman, Rebecca Parker lived a charmed life, but now widowed and working for a living, she feels alone and living a mundane existence. That is until the day a valet speeding by on a horse nearly runs her off the road. Mr. Malcolm Henry is apologetic, gentle, and very handsome. She’s instantly drawn to him, which is why, rather than stopping him from kissing her, she finds herself kissing him back, reigniting a nearly forgotten passion in her. But love at first sight only happens in fairy tales—never to an ordinary woman like her.

I don’t always enjoy historical type fiction. Sometimes I find it a bit tedious, but not with this particular story. It was well written, romantic, and kept me turning the pages late into the night.

I flew through this book! This was such a fun and charming Cinderella inspired story. I always enjoy how Kilpack is able to incorporate elements into her story that are not always found in typical historical romances. I enjoyed how both of the characters had a past to overcome and how they were able to find love again later in life. I thought this story was a very sweet and charming read- I would definitely recommend!

Kenneth and Rebecca have a chance meeting where he tells Rebecca that he is a valet, who works for the earl, but in reality he is the earl. This was interesting because both of the characters are older and have children. The story is also a take on the story of Cinderella,

Overall, the story was fun. There were many obstacles in the couple's way and I enjoyed reading the various twists and turns. The couple had chemistry, but this book falls under a category of romance called proper romance, which does not include intimacy scenes. This was the first proper romance book that I’ve ever read. If I had known what it meant to be a proper romance, then I would not have read it. Overall, I do like my romance novels with more steam.

I was invited to read an ARC of The Valet's Secret, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #TheValet'sSecret

Well this book was quite a ride of ups and downs...

At first there was insta love... and insta love is really not my thing. They met once (it was described quite shortened and not at all in great detail) and suddendly I was supposed to believe they were in love and sparks were high and flying... (and all even based on a lie!)

But then at about 30% in it got better. The meetings / rendevous got more believable and the sparks more feelable (if thats a word? :))

And at about 80% I started to get annoyed by the book anew because the author started to throw in quite a lot of weird obstacles which were (for the plot) unnessecairily and made the book feel fantastical espescially with the fairytail-like resolution that happened quite suddendly.

Generally this is quite a refreshing out of the usual regency romance story and has an interesting feel to it as both main characters are quite old already and there are only very few nice side characters...

Main Characters: clear backgroundstory, Kenneth somtimes kinda confusing because of the lie that he tells, mostly locigal actions
Side Charactes: mostly mean
Writing Style: good
Content: Clean, just kissing
Violence: Non
Would recommend: Yes

I got a free copy for a voluntarily left review by NetGalley

This was absolutely delightful, there is a place in my heart for ‘Proper Romance” and Josi Kilpack has done it again! The plot was well-paced and captivating to the end. It was refreshing to see older characters with grown children given a second chance at love.
I highly recommend this fun and quick read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an eArc to review.

I have to say that I really didn't know how much I would like this book because I just couldn't see how this could possibly end well. To my surprise, though it may seem slightly unrealistic for the time period, I thought the ending was perfect.

This story was a sort of play on the fairy tale Cinderella. A maid meets the "prince" (heir to a title) and so of course their relationship is forbidden. I thought some of the subtle changes were cute though, like Kenneth being the one locked in a tower instead of Rebecca, among others.

It was a sweet read that kept my interest and ended well. Another success for Josi Kilpack and The Proper Romance series.

I read this book on an autumn weekend with a cup of tea...and it was an absolute treat! The initial mistaken identity was fun and the characters lovely to spend a few hours with.

This is a really delightfully written book All of the characters are amazingly crafted, and have some intriguing fears/problems to overcome. This is a steamy plot, that is very entertaining and enjoyable to read..

4 stars *may change

I’ve said before I don’t really mind insta-love, and you definitely have to not mind it for this. Those two meet, like, twice before spilling their deepest desires and worries to each other. It was actually a little funny. Somewhere in the middle I just forgot that they barely knew each other because they acted like they were so well-acquainted.

The protagonists are quite a bit older than I think regency romances tend to have, and I wish it had been explored a bit more past “Ughhoo I’m so old.” Like, yeah, he’s got two fully grown sons in college, but he acts just like a 20 something year old. Besides the uh, you know, 19 year old fiasco. Speaking of, so glad he shut that down, Jesus. Does anyone ever bother to listen to the age gaps in romance books? Because some of them are WEIRD. I swear Kenneth was acting super meta in this book anytime he would talk about all the weird practices regency England had. He gets me.

This book is a lot more…contemporary soft feely-good? Compared to most regency romances, I mean. It’s more for someone who wants to read a romance in the time period without having to read a…bodice ripper.

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

I liked the premise of this book, but I felt like there was no chemistry between the two main characters, and all of the religious undertones in the book made me uncomfortable.

Wow, this must well be the best book I've read all year! I just wish it had an epilogue!

Josi Killpack's use of language is excellent and her writing flows effortlessly, enhancing the story in the best way.

From the moment Kenneth and Rebecca meet, there's a power and depth to their connection that takes them both by surprise, yet neither are able to deny those feelings. From the beginning, Kenneth knows they're unequally matched—based on his lies, Rebecca believes him to be a valent to Mr. Winterton when, in fact, he is Mr. Winterton, an heir to his uncle's earldom.

With each encounter, they see these feelings only strengthened, and the impossibility of their growing closeness only grows too, especially after she finds out who he really is.

I have read many good stories this year but this one took hold of my feelings from their first encounter. I couldn't help but go along with Kenneth and Rebecca as they fell in love and ultimately fought to be together.

I just wish it had an epilogue.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

I received a free preview copy from NetGalley and this is my freely given review.

I gave this a 4.5 stars; this was a beautifully written historical romance that touched me deeply. This was the first book I read by this author and I loved the blurb about this because there were so many things that appealed to me. The hidden identity/mistaken identity, the differing classes... but it was so much more than that and it was a story that really riveted me.

The hero, Mr. Kenneth Winterton is a widower, father of two nearly grown men, and an ex-Navy man. He is a mature 48 year old who recently found out that he is to be the heir to his uncle Lester, the Earl of Brenston, since his cousin died suddenly, with no children. His uncle is hail and hearty, but in his 70s, and concerned about his legacy. He wants to ensure that he passes on his knowledge to Kenneth, and ensure that he is well established in the community in the North of England. Especially considering Kenneth did not expect to inherit and his status will be raised significantly, his duties will be augmented, and he is from the South, and an unknown entity to the local gentry. Part of ensuring his status before he inherits is to see that Kenneth marries well, which to the Earl, means a woman from the community, raised to manage the duties of being Countess, and supporting the gravitas and prominence of the earldom.

Kenneth is aware that he is being given a grave responsibility, as well as a significant inheritance, and wants to live up to his uncle's expectations. But he is a grown man of 48 years old, and he is struggling on how to maintain his own individual identity and his needs without losing himself in the quest of learning to becoming the Earl. Part of his angst is the fact that he loves to draw, and loves to ride wildly. He knows he needs to marry, but also wants to find a wife that he connects with.

As part of his minor, hidden rebellions, he sometimes trades identities with his valet, Malcolm, so he can rent horses and race them around the area. On doing so one day, he nearly runs into Rebecca, forcing her off the road while she was walking to meet her daughter. He stops to help her and when she gets over her initial ire with him, they realize they feel a mutual attraction and kiss.
Neither one of them can forget the kiss. But Rebecca is a commoner, and poor, forced to move back in with her father when she became widowed, to raise her daughter. Her daughter is now an adult and has work as a paid companion to a member of local gentry. Rebecca continues to live with her father, and help him with his work, but also coping with his alcoholism and abusiveness.
Regardless of knowing that she is not an appropriate option for him, Kenneth continues to meet with Rebecca, in the guise of his valet, and their attraction becomes stronger, and Rebecca hopes for more with the valet she is falling for.

But of course, as with so many lies, the truth is revealed...

I enjoyed reading about the complexities of their various relationships. The real valet made a nice foil, as both a conscience and an enabler to Kenneth. There was nice depth and realism in the complexities of Rebecca's relationship with her father, and also with her daughter to; including the sacrifices she made to give her daughter some opportunities. She is a character that seems very real and relatable.

It was also wonderful to read a historical romance that was about the hope of mature love and second chances at love. This was not a story about young 17 year old virginal debutantes and their 20-ish rakehell suitors. This was a story of a widow and widower in their 40s, with adult children, and knowledge about the world, and it's unfairness. But also about how hope, desire, passion, and the magic of new love can also exist at that age.

So - as a passionate woman who believes in magic and love, and who is in her 40s; I have to say that I loved this book. I just wish that there was an epilogue or something to let us know how the couple managed in their relationship after they came together. The final road to the HEA was rather rushed for me, especially with the uncle's capitulation, after all his lessons and mechanisms to get Kenneth to select an appropriate wife.

Also it would have been nice to see Lady Beth get some of her comeuppance too - snobby, manipulative bitch.

If you're looking for a proper romance book that is outside of the typical mold, this is the author for you! She has several books that feature characters or situations that aren't typical of the genre. In this particular book, the main characters are middle aged widowers with grown children, and they first meet by chance on a road, where they share a passionate kiss. Kenneth tells Rebecca that he's a valet to the earl... but in reality, he's actually the earl himself. Rebecca works with her father as a shadow artist, and her status is nowhere close to that of an earl. While I had difficulty getting over the idea that, in this time period, two strangers kissed on a road and then the woman went out of her way to find the man again, Josi Kilpack presented the idea in a way that made me believe is was reasonable. We got insight into Rebecca's hopes, fears, and challenges, and it lent some credibility to the otherwise unbelievable action. This is a lovely story about finding love a second time, overcoming obstacles, and figuring out what is worth fighting for.

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

"The Valet's Secret" is a charming Regency Proper Romance by gifted author Josi Kilpack. Featuring an older couple, both widowed, this tale explores class differences and expectations. There are shades of Cinderella, complete with a fairy godmother.

This is not, however, a fairy tale. There are no magic wands or transforming pumpkins. Working-class Rebecca Parker and Kenneth Bartholomew Winterton, heir to an earldom, are engaging main characters. Walnut-throwing Rebecca is a delight, while fish-out-of-water Kenneth is coping with his new responsibilities. Secondary characters are also entertaining. Rebecca's daughter Rose and the baroness are endearing, while Lady Beth and Mr. Seffton (Rebecca's father), are detestable.

Kilpack's prose is lovely, and this well-edited book is clean. Although I'm unaware if this tale is the first in a series, there are characters here that deserve their own stories.

Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for an ARC of this engaging novel.

I really enjoyed this story. I really liked how different it is from other proper romances. I loved that the characters are older, experiencing a second change at happiness later in their lives. A true regency Cinderella story.

Rebecca Parker had had a wonderful life, that is until her loving husband dies and forces her to live again under her father's roof. While she enjoys helping with her father's work as a silhouette artist. She knows her only means of escape from her father's home is through marriage and she resigns herself to a marriage of convenience. That is until she is nearly run over by a handsome man on a horse. A man, who she believes is a valet named Malcolm Henry and who also kisses her with such passion, giving her the chance to think there might be more out there than a marriage of convenience.

But not is all as it seems. Mr. Henry does exist and is a valet, but he is not the man who nearly ran over and shamelessly kissed Rebecca. That distinction belongs to Kenneth Winterton, a soon to be earl, who simply wants to enjoy the simple life a little bit longer and disguises as his valet to enjoy some simpler pursuits before assuming his role as earl. Kenneth too is a widower and knows he must find a wife as he assumes his new title, knows Rebecca is far below his social rank, but cannot seems to avoid the chemistry and the fact that he might just love her. But the chasm between their social stations is too large.

This is a wonderful story of second chances and finding true love.

Kenneth Winterton is the heir presumptive to the Earl of Brenston.
Rebecca Parker is a widow working with her father in his business of making shadow art. Years ago she was in service and must take it up again after leaving her father's home. Almost run over by a horse ridden by Kenneth, he and Rebecca kiss. What a kiss! They both want more, but Kenneth has lied about his identity and continues to do so every time they meet. It's not long before Rebecca finds out who he really is.
A heartwarming love story that is built on the difference in class and the impossibility of a life together, or is it? This reads at a fast pace with angst, heartache and a happy ending.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Firstly, I would like to thank Shadow Mountain Publishing, and NetGalley, for the privilege to read this eARC!

Brief Plot (without spoilers): The Valets Secret, by Josi S. Kilpatrick, is a regency era romance. Oh Kenneth is an earl, and one day to get away from the stress he dresses up as his valet for the day. While he’s out he almost runs over Rebecca with his horse, but their chemistry is so strong they end up kissing. What ensues is multiple more encounters with Kenneth hides his true identity and Rebecca falls harder and harder. When the truth comes out Kenneth hast to decide if you wants to maintain his title, or try at love with a commoner, Rebecca.

My review: 3.5/5 ⭐️ While I thought the story was cute, and I love anything that’s referred to as a hopeful fairytale, I just couldn’t get invested enough with this book to read it higher. With the opening scene being the characters meeting and kissing, I hoped for more chemistry. Recently I’ve been reading more historical fiction, and the storyline seem to fall a bit flatter than compared to others. It was still cute, but just not my cup of tea.

A fun book that's very loosely related to Cinderella in my opinion. I liked the reversal aspect though and how it goes against norms with the male needing the saving..

Thanks Netgalley for a arc copy of this book for a honest review..  


The Valet's Secret had a lot of twist and turns I was all for it a very delightful read 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟









Happy Reading Lisa 📚

This is a unique take on Regency romance. I so enjoy an older love with adults. The heroine was a widow with a 20-some year old daughter and the hero was older with two sons 'in university', as they say. They were only about 4 or 5 years apart in age, which is a wonderful age gap. The hero was just into his title and was also an heir to an earldom, when he was tired of trying to mold himself into his new position. He had been a small landowner with an estate in Sussex. He switched places with his valet so he could ride a horse to his uncle"s estate and have a little freedom. He almost ran down the heroine because he was on a rented, spirited chestnut gelding. (My daughter has ridden her fair share if crazy chestnuts!) By the time he brought the horse under control and walked it back to where he saw the heroine, she had finally extricated herself from the bushes she went into trying to not get trampled by the run away horse. The heroine worked with her abusive father, doing silhouette portraits. She was running errands when she was almost run down. The hero helped her up and overcome by her presence, kissed her. He then escorted her to near her home. They couldn't forget about each other. He was intrigued by this lower class lady and she was intrigued by the valet she just met. The hero lied to her about his identity because he was embarrassed. She was picturing herself in almost-love with someone of the same class as her. I will let you read how it goes.
I enjoyed this story because of the different perspective it gave of a widow of that time period and the sacrifices women had to make since they couldn't own companies, run estates, or have bank accounts without a man. I also like the different perspective of the age of the main characters. Normally you have a young lady and slightly older man. The age differences brings up different perspectives and responsibilities. This was a well written book that was very descriptive. At some times it seems slow, but this book was about life in a small village. The only action and adventure was going to church on Sundays, lol. I was never bored with this story and I enjoyed the entire read. I give this book 5 stars and recommend reading with all due haste.