I love the fact that the main couple is older widowers who had given up on finding love again and were ready to settle before quite literally running into each other. It makes for some great tension and interactions that a younger couple would not get to experience. Not to mention the fact that it's not often we see middle-aged characters in romance getting their happily ever after.
Kenneth and Rebecca are very obviously perfect for each other if it weren't for the fact that the former is heir to an Earldom and she's her father's helper in his art studio. It's really enjoyable to see them come up with reasons to see each other even after Kenneth's deception is found out. The plot works to push them together the more they try to stay apart and it's perfect for pushing the whole 'destined for each other' angle of the romance. I particularly enjoyed the fact that Kilpack really pushed the idea being willing to fight for who you love and not letting society dictate your life.

Very happy thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the romantic read!

Kenneth Winterton is set to become the next Earl of Brenston. Still not comfortable with the new role, he decides to rebel before heading to his Uncle’s estate and changes outfits with his valet, Malcolm. After getting on a crazy, spirited horse, he stumbles upon, Mrs. Rebecca Parker.
Sparks fly quickly between the two, but after his secret comes out, they realize they can’t be together. They are in different stations. She is only an artist’s daughter. But it’s hard to stay away from someone who completes you so much. ❤️

The Valet’s Secret is a retelling of Cinderella, which is one of my favorite stories as a child.
Kenneth and Rebecca are older characters than what we normally read. I loved that. It felt like it was their second chance at love.
This novel is one of my top 5 of this year so far! I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good proper romance.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This reminded me of Ever After with a few role reversals. It was well-written and an enjoyable read! Rebecca and Kenneth were enjoyable characters and I liked the fact that they were older and also that this story didn't fit the typical regency mold. I recommend to fans of regency romances!

I. Loved. This. Book.

If you generally trust my opinion on books and that’s all you need to know, then stop reading and go put it on hold at your library, or buy it at your favorite local bookstore.

If you want to know more, read on.

It was so refreshing to read a romance novel about people in their 40s, rather than their late teens/early 20s. People who were both widowed, and didn’t realize how lonely they were until they met someone like them.

Of course, it wouldn’t be much of a book if Kenneth had been truthful from the beginning. And it wouldn’t have been much of a book if they hadn’t both had social expectations to try to live up to, which of course prevents them from thinking they could be together.

Thank goodness for meddling old baronesses.

Near the end, it begins to resemble the “Cinderella” fairy tale, enough that I was quite worried—there wasn’t enough time for a big plot complication and a happy resolution.

The characters here are well drawn, the dialogue natural, and the plot complications believable. It wasn’t completely without editing issues, but it I read an ARC, so hoping they were fixed by publication time.

Possible Objectionable Material:
Deception. Loss of spouses. A fair bit of kissing. An abusive parent.

Who Might Like This Book:
Anyone who enjoys “proper” (i.e., clean) romance, particularly of the regency period. Those who enjoy seeing mature characters fall in love.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my opinion.

This review also at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2022/03/romance-two-ways.html

Finally a historical romance novel that doesn't revolve around a girl barely entering society!

I really liked how the characters were older and their experiences were spoken clearly, especially Rebecca--she was portrayed as a strong woman who didn't bend to the whims of what the love interest wanted from her.

A great twist on the cinderella relationship and mistaken identity trope!

When his cousin's death makes him the heir to an Earl, Kenneth is far from happy. His uncle is desperate to train him up to the position, and the constant need to be 'proper' and behave in a way very unlike himself make him want to kick up the traces. Taking a gallop with a new horse disguised as his valet (the only way he can get away with such behaviour), he nearly runs over a not-so-young lady - and when he comes back to check that she's okay, stuns them both by kissing her. Unfortunately, when she asks his name, he gives that of his valet. But he finds it impossible to put Rebecca from his mind, even though he knows that there can be nothing between them due to class differences. Then she finds out, after more clandestine meetings, that he lied about his identity... Can there be any happy ending to such a tangle?

I have to admit that the idea of unexpectedly becoming heir to a high position sounds as horrible to me as it apparently did to Kenneth, so I felt for him in that way. At the same time, his valet was definitely right about how idiotic and thoughtless he was being towards Rebecca, so that side of things was a little annoying. Nevertheless, I appreciated the way that Rebecca made the best of things and stood up for herself when it seemed appropriate - those walnuts? Great! I suspect that the ending is probably highly improbable in real life, but hey, I wouldn't want to read it if I didn't know they'd have a happy ending, so I appreciated the way that it was finally brought about. All in all, clean, enjoyable and satisfying. Recommended.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

I wanted to like this one more than I did. It was a fast read which was nice change from most regencies I read, but that meant that the characters felt underdeveloped. I enjoyed that the hero and heroine were both in their 40s, but their maturity level, especially, the hero's was greatly lacking. I was confused why a man in his 40s with two grown children was still so beholden to his uncle. I also did not understand why the hero kept lying about things that were unimportant, it just made me not able to connect with him. The heroine was fine, but I wanted more for her. I'm very rarely a fan of instant-love and it didn't work for me in this book. I also found the ending very convoluted. The book was well written which is why I'm still giving it 3 stars, but I don't see myself returning to it.

Josi Kilpack has a magical way of pulling me into her books and this one was no exception. I'm not a big fan of reading about couples my age or older for some reason, and although Kenneth (48) and Rebecca (42) are right in there, it didn't bother me as much as I thought it would and I was rooting for them to find love, happiness, and companionship once again.

I love how this author tackles more difficult topics and things not written about as much in the Regency time period and with a stretch of the imagination, this story delivers a Cinderella feel to a couple mismatched in status, but the electrifying first meeting had me desperate for more.

Kenneth is someone who came to his title later and is grappling to find his footing in a world so foreign and Rebecca is stumbling to find security after discovering the true nature of her father. Yet they each complement each other in only the best ways possible and their meetings and interactions were simply wonderful.

I loved the flow and progression of the story and even the villainous characters were well-written, drawing up a lot of feelings and emotion. I loved wallowing in the depths of hope. This book was so much fun and was very entertaining, especially with the surprising hints of swoon.

Content: mild abuse/violence; mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

The Valets Secret, by Josi S. Kilpack, is a historical romance about two mature and like-minded people, a widower and an earl-to-be.
I really enjoyed this book! I loved that it was about a more mature couple in their 40’s, and that they both had grown or nearly-grown children. It was a lovely little spin on a well-done trope, and I’ll definitely be reading this one again.
I would recommend this romance to any lover of the genre, and maybe even to those who don’t typically read the genre, as this was a unique little twist on things. 4 well-deserved ⭐️.
Thanks ever since much to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for gifting me this copy of the book for review.

A unique Regency from Josi Kilpack! I liked that the characters were older and the fun ties to the Cinderella fairy tale, but I think the story had more potential. I wanted to get to know the characters more so I could understand them better, and parts of the story were repetitive. The Valet’s Secret will definitely appeal to many readers, it just wasn’t my personal favorite. 3/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

After a chance meeting (and a reckless kiss), an aristocratic widower falls in love with a widow chambermaid and each must decide whether their love is worth the upset their forbidden romance might cause.

This sweet (clean) Regency romance is undeniably a Cinderella story (complete with a ball and glass slippers) yet the telling feels fresh and engaging--probably because of the loose connection to the fairytale early on and the twist of the future-earl's deception. It is also always refreshing to see a mature couple in a Regency romance. Rather than a debutant and the rakish youth, Kilpack gives us a widow and widower in their 40s, both with grown children. As they reconsider the restrictive norms that keep them apart, they are also reconsidering their lives--how they have lived in the past and how they may be ready to break out of their society-dictated boxes and start anew. A fun, quick read for fans of clean historical romance.

I struggled a bit with reading this book. There are many lovely things about it, but there were some aspects of it that I couldn’t get over, which affected my reading experience of it.

I did like learning about silhouette artists and how the profile process worked! I had never thought of it before, and it was an interesting part of the story!

There are a few Cinderella elements sprinkled in the story too, and it was fun to watch for those to come up. The ending was sweet, and I liked how it all played out, though I would have loved an epilogue.

I have really enjoyed other books by this author and I look forward to reading more by her in the future!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My biggest complaint about this book is that I wanted an epilogue! I wanted to see the faces of people like Lady Beth when it is announced that not only is Kenneth to marry a maid but that his uncle condones the match. The ending is cute but I just wanted to see that little bit more.
This is loosely based on Cinderella and it has a fairy tale ending of course. I thought it was funny that Kenneth was the one locked in the tower. Really both he and Rebecca have elements of Cinderella in them.
I thought it was an enjoyable read and loved that the main characters are older and both on second marriages.

Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: yes, physical and emotional abuse
*I received a complimentary ARC through NetGalley and voluntarily chose to review it.

I had not considered until now how most historical romance books are centered around less experienced characters who are half my age. It was lovely to read a story in this genre with mature protagonists of my own age (in their 40s) for a change. It is a testament to the author's skill that the reader feels these characters' discomfort and yearning and resolve so keenly, and equally feels their guarded hope and elation at the possibility of a second chance in life. We all want to be genuinely admired for who we are. This is a beautiful love story.

I picked up The Valet’s Secret needing a break from “reality.” And since I’ve read a lot of Josi S. Kilpack’s novels and most of the Proper Romance offerings, I knew this book would hit the spot.

I wasn’t wrong.

It’s not as deep as Kilpack’s All That Makes Life Bright (which remains my favorite of her novels), but I didn’t need it to be. The Valet’s Secret is smooth and quick paced with just the right amount of romance and charm.

Rebecca and Lord Winterton and likeable and engaging characters. They’re well developed and their story played out as expected — with a few twists and turns to give readers something worth turning the pages. It’s a great option for readers who enjoy gentle romances.

While The Valet’s Secret isn’t tailored for the YA market, Shadow Mountain’s Proper Romance line, particularly its Regency Romances, evoke the sort of Jane Austen sensibilities that do appeal to young adults. Even though the protagonists here are older, fans of the line will enjoy it no matter their age.

4.75 ✨


This was just amazing. I am wholeheartedly in love with this book 💕💕💕

Kenneth Winterton, the future Earl, loved to disguise himself in his valet's clothes so that he can go on the horse rides that he really enjoys, and on one of these rides he meets Mrs. Rebecca Parker.
When kenneth Winterton meets Rebecca Parker for the first time it's a love at first sight. Both of them find it very hard to resist the attraction between them.
Kenneth is charmed by her to the point where he decides to keep the fact that he is not a valet a secret. As they find that they have many things in common despite their different social classes, Kenneth becomes afraid that revealing his true identity would drive the only woman he cares about away.

As Kenneth becomes more and more attached to Rebecca, he finds himself in a difficult situation where he has to chose between the future and the woman he loves.

OMG, this book was so good. The writing style was amazing, and the characters were very charming. As I read more, I found myself rooting for them.

This was simply one of the best romance books I've ever read. I loved that the characters were middle aged and more mature. This definitely had lots of angst, but it was just so good.

If you want to dip your toes into romance, I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I'm not an historical reading but this one got my attention.
This story has the Cinderella vibes, with all the rich society and the help.
Rebecca is a widow,42, help his father with paintings, but unfortunately the relationship is an abuse one.
The book was a little slow pace, Kenneth was a fine character, (48) .
He was determined to live his life with freedom, trying to respect the protocols of his position.
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This One is close door romance, Rebecca is a wonderful character full of love, and fierce.
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Thank you netgalley for the arc.
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As a once happily married woman, Rebecca Parker had a good life, but now widowed, working for a living, and her only child Rose is grown & companion to a Baroness, she feels invisible, tired, and lonely. 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 handsome. She’s instantly drawn to him, which is why, rather than stopping him from kissing her, she kisses him back, reigniting a nearly forgotten passion. She sees Mr. Henry again and feels the possibilities growing until, while working in the kitchens during a dinner party, she sees the valet she kissed sitting at the right hand of the baroness. Mr. Henry is not the earl’s valet; he is the heir to the earldom—-Kenneth Winterton.
A well written gentle romance of misunderstandings. I really liked both Kenneth & Rebecca both are mature, both have lost spouses & both fall in love. A charming read of finding love but can they overcome a deceit, however unintentional, & then there’s the class divide. There are strong secondary characters. I was routing for the pair as they were perfect for each other, there are a couple of surprises & support from an unexpected source. The ending was a bit pat but didn’t stop my enjoyment
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I have read many of Josi's books, but this one in particular is my new favorite of hers! First of all, I loved the setup of the book. The chapters were short and changed perspectives which helped the story move quickly and made sure I didn't lose interest. I am a sucker for Cinderella retellings, which this book did in a beautiful and subtle way. I especially love the way Kenneth and Rebecca both had their own "Cinderella" moments; it seems lots of the times, the male character just stands around a lot! This was not the case for Kenneth, and it endeared his character to me. There is also the wonderful fact that both Rebecca and Kenneth are in their 40s, which is not the typical age of romance protagonists. I thought this was great representation of a community traditionally underrepresented by the romance genre. Additionally, I love that this was a romance about people of different stations that actually works out! It seems in most books I have read, the lower class character ends up actually being high class, disguised as a servant or something, and everything works out. This is all well and good, but I would like for more romance novels to actually address class divisions in the regency period rather than skirt around the issue entirely. Not only were all these aspects of the book unique and engaging, the romance itself was to die for! A wonderful captivating romance about true love and second chances.

I have read so many regency era stories that I love when I find one with an unexpected or not often done storyline.
Josi brings a sweet story between two individuals who are in their 40’s. They both are widowed and onto new paths in their lives. A chance encounter brings them together and even though circumstances due to class should keep them apart they are drawn together again and again. Can they find a second chance at love again and with one another?
What will they do to obtain their happily ever after?
A sweet romance that started off a little slow for me but picked up by the first kiss and I LOVED the ending.
Thanks to Netgalley and Shadow Mountain for sending me a copy. All opinions expressed are my own.