Cute retelling of Cinderella, I loved it. Definitely a keeper.

You can’t go wrong with a book by Josi S. Kilpack. Her mysteries are great, and her proper romances are even better. This is a fun retelling of Cinderella. It starts out a little bit like a reverse Cinderella since Kenneth is suddenly moved up in society when his uncle’s only son dies, leaving him to inherit the title. He is uncomfortable with this and misses the freedom he had before his standing in society changed. To escape those demands, he dresses as his valet and meets Rebecca by accident.

Rebecca Parker is a widow needing to remarry to escape her dangerously abusive father. She wants love but is afraid that might not be an option until she meets Malcolm, Kenneth’s valet. It is love at first sight for both of them, but he is really Kenneth in disguise. Rebecca thinks Malcolm is the answer to her problems until learning he’s really Lord Winterton and marriage isn’t an option because of their different positions in society.

Both Kenneth and Rebecca are in their 40s. She has a grown daughter Rose, and he has two grown sons. Kenneth’s widowed cousin Lady Beth and her three daughters will lose their home when he marries. As a result, she goes to extremes in an effort to get him to marry her oldest daughter Josephine, who he has no interest in because she is only 19.

The pacing is perfect, with some tense moments and swoon-worthy romance. I loved it, 5 stars. Thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC to use for my review.

I hadn't read the description of this book before picking it up, and was pleasantly surprised. Kenneth Winter Winterton will be the next Earl of Brenston. He never expected to be the heir and isn't ready for the restrictions and formality. While dressed as his valet, trying to find his last bit of freedom, he meets Rebecca Parker.

I hadn't expected older main characters, they both have grown children, but they still had amazing chemistry. I loved each and every conversation, glance, and secret meeting. Rebecca and Kenneth both knew what they wanted from life. The question was, with their differences in classes how would they ever find a way to get it?

I loved this Regency Cinderella story. Kenneth was a man worth admiring, and Rebecca was a woman worth fighting for.

Content: clean (some kissing, mild violence-abusive father, no language)

No content warnings for this novel. No violence. No adult content.

Unique to this take on Cinderella was the age of the characters. I really liked that both the leads were in their forties. It added some nice nuance to the story and depth to each of them.

Did we need another Cinderella-inspired story? Most of the time while reading this, I would say yes, absolutely- other times not so much. The meet-cute/insta-in-love and the ending were a bit rushed for my preferences. I am typically not a huge fan of insta-love, but the middle of the story dealt reasonably with this. I appreciated that the heroine was less willing to commit to labeling her affections as love.

Where the middle of the novel did lull a bit, I found the ending quite rushed. I would really like to have seen an epilogue or anything at all really beyond the couple's 'we're going to have a happily ever after' moment. But I suppose wanting the story to go on is a statement to the fact that I did enjoy the writing and the characterizations! The world building was well done. The side characters were minimally developed, but had enough depth for the contributions they needed to make.

Overall, I can recommend this story. It is well written and a quick read. I finished it in a few hours, which certainly felt well spent getting to know Rebecca and Kenneth.

Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I really liked this story for two reasons:
-the two love interests are both in their 40s and widowed which is an age and situation I don't really read of in Regency books
-a Lord pretending to be a Valet (Kenneth) just so he can ride horses with freedom not allowed one of his station and a woman (Rebecca) who works in households after her husband dies but they find a comfort in each other even when "society" would look down on them.

The writing in this book just flowed and it's natural and beautiful. I felt bad for Rebecca.. She helped her father (who is an artist and does silhouettes) but is mostly drunk and mean. He never gave her the credit due for her role in his "artistry". I love how Kenneth stands up for her and never cowers from this mean man.
The baroness who helps them both at the end was a favorite. She shares a little of herself and helps the two see that they are good for one another, no matter what society would think of them!

In her new book, Josi S. Kilpak delights readers with a story of second chances for two individuals who are older, experienced and not necessarily influenced by society dictates.
Kenneth Winterton has been alone for a long time after the death of his wife. With the death of his cousin he is now heir to his finger uncle who just happens to be an Earl. His uncle is very adamant that Kenneth find a wife and Kenneth is very reluctant to begin this search.
Rebecca has been widowed and raised her daughter in her father's home. But now her daughter is grown and has a position as a lady's companion and Rebecca finds herself searching for her place. She's a mother and daughter but who is she as woman?
Kenneth and Rebecca meet in a surprising situation and what follows are lessons in truth, love and finding one's true self. This book was fun to read, especially the ending with it's reverse Cinderella like ending. Readers will not be disappointed in the characters nor the story as a whole.
I was given the opportunity to read an advanced copy through NetGalley however the opinions expressed above are mine alone.

I really enjoyed this sweet proper regency romance! There were some pleasant surprises in this story that kept me on my toes. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did.

I received an ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

I thought this was a really cute book. It was a different story for Josi Kilpack, but I did enjoy it. It had me laughing and almost crying all at once. I enjoyed the characters and Kenneth and Rebecca's relationship.

I especially enjoyed that they were older than most proper romance novels. I appreciated that aspect of this book because it helped me understand the fact that you CAN find love after losing your spouse, even if it seems impossible.

It was a cute storyline, but there WAS something missing for me. It felt kind of rushed and not fully developed in some ways.

Josi S. Kilpack has done it again!! I started reading this book and could  not put it down, I read it in one day during our ice storm.  I started reading and thought it was going to be like other books but then it really started having excitement early and I knew how it would end but the road to get there was a very fun read.  
I really enjoyed that the story was about two people that had already had families and lost their spouses.  Kenneth seems to be such a wonderful man and Rebecca is so strong and kind.  

Trust, love, loneliness, and passion collide in this story about a man who will risk it all to fight for the woman he loves and a woman who no longer believes in fairy tales—until she finds herself living in one.
#TheVeletsSecret #ProperRomance #bookstagram #booklover #bookre view #CleanRomance
Netgalley
Thank you @Netgalley and @shadowmountainpublishing

Some books are just pure pleasure and sweetness to read and The Valet’s Secret is one of them. This tale of second chances at life and love was so endearing to read. It’s not very often that older characters are given main romantic roles in books, so it was different and refreshing. A good reminder that there’s no age limit to finding love. As anyone reading my blog knows, I’m a huge sucker for anything Regency, so that was an added bonus to the story. The opposing classes trope is not a new storyline but it’s told from a fresh perspective with a host of lovable characters. I loved Rebecca, she’s a wonderful reminder that you don’t need money or status to be strong and confident in who you are. Kenneth was just plain adorable with his unconfidence and awkwardness. And let me just state again that there is no age limit to passion and romance because this book was not lacking in either department!

I loved these characters and got lost in their story. The fact that they were older put a depth to the plot as well. It was a delightful read.
Many thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book was so fun to read. I didn’t pick up on the Cinderella re-telling hints until part way through the book.
The plot was unique since both main characters were older (had grown kids). I thought it was a fun change from the usual beautiful young girl falling for the young duke- I thought the whole book was entertaining and well written.
I was able to listen to the audio version of this book as well- the narrator did a great job!

I love these stories that you can see little nods to the stories of our youth, but that have their own unique telling. And if you love that too, this book is for you.

What I love about this story is that it isn’t your typical regency romance with young love (nothing against those, I adore young love) but a second chance at love for a widow and an older gentleman.

This story builds and picks up speed in the second half. But that meet cute is what dreams are made of… I mean other than the fact Rebecca almost died from a horse… but the rest of it, yes. Yes please.

So what I’m saying is that if you love a sweet romance, kisses, masked identities (oh the fall out!!), and a strong heroine who is looking to find her self later in life, this book is meant for you. Plus that cover. I’m seriously in love with the silhouettes and pink.

Since I love Josi S. Kilpack’s books, this was a must read and I am happy to say, another winner! I didn’t know much about the story before reading and was surprised that the lead characters were middle aged, both widowed and both with grown children. Yet it seemed as though they were just starting out. Their first meeting starts off with a bang and the chemistry just gets better. The Cinderella theme of Rebecca and Kenneth, coming from different stations in life, Rebecca is treated poorly by her father and of course a ball, with the strike of midnight. What could be better? Not much! Great storyline, great characters, lots of walnut throwing! I only thought I the ending was a little rushed. But it was still a good HEA. I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I adore hidden identity in romance novels...so long as it doesn't drag on so long that it ends up being a third act conflict. Then I'm out! Thankfully this book creates a really nice balance of building the relationship before the grand reveal and allowing for a satisfying amount of groveling to follow. We get to really see the struggles a traditional class system causes for two people who love each other but don't move in the same circles. Oftentimes in class difference romance, the gap isn't thrown into their face too often beyond the obvious wealth disparity. You may have a duke's daughter and a businessman, or you'll see a daughter of an American tycoon and a fortune hunter viscount. My favorites have always been the ones with a much more obvious difference, like that of a stable master and his lady, or a bodyguard military hero and his aristocratic charge. And we get that sort of difference here with an earl and a chambermaid. Both older, both widowed with children, both wishing their circumstances in life were different. I LOVE it. Give me more.

Kenneth Winterton never desired to live as a gentleman. He'd been in the navy for most of his life, and now at the age of 48, he was being dragged into the life of an earl's heir against his will after his cousin passes. Desperate to regain some sense of normalcy, he asks his friend and valet, Malcolm, to allow him to switch places for a few hours so he can rent a horse and go riding for a while. Of course, he doesn't expect the horse to be a tyrant and nearly kill a woman just walking along the path towards home. Rebecca Parker is immediately angry at the inconsiderate man, but when he starts to tend her wounds, his touch brings a feeling of longing and need that she hasn't experienced since her late husband passed. Exchanging a kiss, he leaves her with no promise of meeting again, but meet again they do. And again. Until one day they meet in a manner neither expected - across the dinner table as she serves food to the party he's with and realizes he's not a valet but in fact the earl's heir. Betrayal runs hot, and Kenneth has a lot of explaining to do. However, no amount of explaining will change the fact that their feelings for each can go no further...unless an intervention from an unlikely source convinces them that love can conquer anything, including society's condemnation of a marriage between a nobleman and a maid.

Poor Kenneth...poor Rebecca...I spent half the book sighing away, wishing circumstances could be different for them. I can't imagine what it's like to have duty thrown at you when you were living your life the way you wanted, and then when you do find love with someone, they are entirely unsuitable to your new life. Unwilling to let that person go, you keep your secret too long, and they find out in the worst way. I mean, the WORST way. Poor Rebecca was a deer in the metaphorical headlights, and Kenneth had no idea how to fix things. I loved seeing him try though. The groveling was really done well, and even as they agreed that they could only remain friends, their feelings for each other continued. Saying goodbye was just not something they could do given how they felt about each other, and with how the story ended up, I was so glad to see they held on to each other. It's a Cinderella retelling in a way, although less insta-love and more insta-lust. Please note that there is no hanky panky in this book - it is relatively steam-free. However, their need for touch and being near each other was so lovely to read, and it really built up this emotional intimacy that practically leapt off the pages. They had been deprived of affection from the opposite sex for so long, it was hardly a surprise that they would feel something towards each other. Rebecca doesn't have a wicked stepmother, but she does have an abusive father who Kenneth puts in his place. Bravo, Kenneth!

I'm excited to read more by this author going forward! Such realistic characters and beautiful romance makes for a lovely read.

I was lucky to be gifted an eARC of this book to review. This book follows Kenneth, who has just become heir to an Earldom after the unexpected death of his cousin. After moving in with his uncle to learn the trade, he runs into a local woman named Rebecca and the sparks fly. The only problem, she thinks he’s a valet.

The biggest thing that I was not expecting going into this book are the ages of our main characters. Both Kenneth and Rebecca are in their 40s. This was such a happy surprise for me! When reading historical romances, it is often that our main couple are in their 20-30s and just figuring out life. It was lovely to see both of these characters, who have been in previous marriages and have seen a little bit of the world, fall for each other in a pretty tough situation. The character development by both, but mainly Reecca, was amazing to see. I loved watching someone truly find themselves, and prove you are never too old to do so.

This is definitely not the fluffy romance I was expecting, and I loved every minute because of that. It was so refreshing to see a couple have all the lovely moments you would expect from a romance, but also have them deal with some of the tougher aspects of life. Huge trigger warnings for familiar abuse, so just be aware of that going into this story.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading this story and never wanted to put it down. There was something about Kenneth and Rebecca that had me enthralled the entire time. I think people who love Downton Abbey will really enjoy this story, and I will definitely look into other books by this author.

I will never get tired of Cinderella retellings. Forbidden romance. Hidden identities. A whole lot of drama. And one fantastically horrible woman trying to ruin it all. Really, what’s not to love?!
Throw a regency twist on the tale and you have ‘A Valets Secret’. And is it ever good!!!

Kenneth has lived a fairly full life. He married, had two sons, lost his wife. And held a position in the Royal Navy. Now at 48 years old, he finds himself starting a whole new life beyond his control.
He has inherited the title of Earl, and with it move to a new estate, join a new society and find a wife within it!
It’s really quite the adjustment!
And then he meets Rebecca. Who makes him forget all those responsibilities, and live in the moment.
Just one kiss on the side of the road, with a near stranger. Neither of their lives will ever be the same.

Do you love Cinderella stories?! You need to read this one! It has so many wonderful twists to it, you won’t even feel like you’re reading a retelling. I feel like I have seen Cinderella in a whole new light! This story was brilliantly done, and I am so glad I picked it up!

Thank you NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the complimentary e-arc of this book. All opinions are my own.

Content: clean
Romance: kissing
Violence: abusive parent (not descriptive)
Language: none

Book Review: The Valet’s Secret

“For now, she would just be Rebecca and find joy anywhere she could take it.
Sun on her face.
Breeze in her hair.
Time all her own.
Freedom.”

I feel you Rebecca, I’ve been craving these exact things lately. I found myself relating to this main character quite a bit through the story. Maybe it was the fact that for once our heroine was of a similar age to myself. She was a mother already. And even though I am not a widow, I can imagine myself in her circumstance, the staggering loneliness and the desire for love and connection again.

This Regency romance is a different take, and I appreciated it. The main characters are a little older and have already experienced much in life. They are both struggling to find their footing with new paths that life has now taken them on. Malcolm and Rebecca are both widowed and get the opportunity for a second chance fairytale.

Synopsis snippet: “Trust, love, loneliness, and passion collide in this story about a man who will risk it all to fight for the woman he loves and a woman who does not believe in fairy tales―until she finds herself living in one.”

I very much enjoyed this sweet story. The Cinderella vibes were fun, once you pick up on it there’s lots of subtle similarities to find. I appreciate a second chance romance, knowing that despite trials and struggles, heartache and loss, happiness and love can still be found.

I enjoyed this Cinderella inspired novel about two people who get a second chance at love.

This isn't a typical Regency historical romance. While we do have two protagonists who ignite passion and love between themselves, it doesn't happen in the usual ways which was fun. It was a surprising and clever story that still had beautiful romance, swoony kisses and engaging characters. I appreciated the subtle uniqueness like the protagonists' ages, Cinderella inspired experiences for both of them, and the unexpected climax at the end. This is a lovely story that shows the power of love to overcome impossibilities and the beauty of second chances.

Rebecca is a fascinating and fulfilling protagonist. I enjoyed getting inside her head and getting to know her. I admired her determination, her passion for life, her hard working nature, and how she finds joy in small details despite her trials. Life has not always gone the way she had hoped and she has experiences true grief and pain, yet she is optimistic and hopeful. It was fascinating to hear about her work creating silhouette screens and the incredible attention to detail to make those. I also loved her relationship with her daughter, Rose.

Kenneth was also an intriguing protagonist. I always enjoy getting inside the male protagonist's head because it gives a clearer picture of who they are. Kenneth is so likable. He is a stranger and lacks confidence in a difficult new role. I appreciated how he seeks to balance learning about and being loyal to his duties as heir with his deep desires for love and connection. The ways he seeks to help those around him, especially Rebecca, helped build his character and made me like him more. I also love how he found ways to show his love and his ultimate plan to win over Rebecca. He knew it would be hard, but not harder than life without her.

The romance is unique and exciting from the early parts of the book. I haven't read many historical romances that begin with the first kiss so early in the book. That was a bit disorienting but their passion was also beautiful. Both Rebecca and Kenneth has been lonely for so long, their immediate connection was lovely to read about. And I appreciate that their connection builds after that initial interaction. They want to find time to be together and get to know each other. After their initial relationship which isn't entirely truthful, they seek a relationship built on trust and friendship. I was rooting for these two from their first kiss! I knew they would find a way even thought it seemed impossible.

Overall, I enjoyed this Cinderella inspired romance. The clever ways Kilpack includes scenes and details from the original fairy tale were really fun! Some were entirely unexpected! I enjoyed the story and learning about the time period especially the silhouette prints. I would have liked a bit more at the end like an epilogue or extra chapter detailing their life further down the road. But overall, a really enjoyable read!

This is not your typical regency romance book and in a good way. This story was about second chances and the couple was in their 40’s. It had aspects of a Cinderella type story but didn’t follow the usual character roles. I enjoyed the character interactions. I feel like the character growth for Kenneth happened off book but we were given a bit more insight for Rebecca. A well written story and enjoyed it.

What a deliciously good book. I'm all about growth these days. I love when characters start out obviously flawed or make big mistakes at the beginning. It is then that I know there will be loads of growing. Kenneth made some pretty clear mistakes at the beginning. His was a slow progression, but a clear one. It was fun to follow along on his progression.

Rebecca's wasn't so much growth, but self acceptance. She slowly realized her worth and that SHE would determine who she was and wouldn't let people treat her in ways that they had in the past. Put both characters together and you have a wonderful love story. And the Baroness. Just a delight. She was a scene stealer for sure! But in such a good way.

Finally, I loved the Cinderella overtones. But not just for Rebecca. I love the gender swap Cinderella aspect. I loved that Kenneth got his own Cinderella story. Overall, just so much fun to read! Josi S. Kilpack never disappoints!