Former Navy Commodore Lucas has just inherited his late brother’s title, Earl of Kendal, and now finds himself the target of every matchmaking mama in town. He wants a wife who wants him, not his wealth and title. This desire, along with plenty of ale, leads him and his friends to a brilliant plan: they’ll use their friend’s house party, full of debutantes, and pose as servants to get an idea of which lady’s are genuine and which are less than above-board. After all, there’s no better way to determine a lady’s character than by observing how she treats the help.

Miss Frances Wharton has no desire to ever marry and is only truly interested in the discussion of politics. But her family is destitute, and she doesn’t wish to disappoint her mother, so she agrees to attend a house party where she’s meant to snag a wealthy husband. The arrogant man her mother has chosen for her is so odious Frances is determined to do everything in her power to dissuade him, including acting like a complete termagant. When this behavior necessitates an apology to the house staff, she finds herself feeling an unlikely and passionate connection with a footman. But when she learns her footman is truly the earl whose politics she finds despicable, Frances has no idea what to believe in the midst of so many lies.

This was a fun romp and much lighter than I’d been expecting. While some parts were a bit tedious, I did love the concept of these noblemen pretending to be servants and at least Lucas’ motivation was to find someone to truly love him, not just for a lark. I found Lucas to be charming even in his deception, but I do think the farce went on just a bit too long. The ending was satisfyingly dramatic, but felt rushed and I wish Lucas’ backstory came out as a result of actual conversation between himself and Frances, rather than her hearing it from his friend. Frances’ stubborn refusal to hear Lucas out, even a little, was frustrating as it was pretty clear she would’ve condemned herself to a miserable marriage just out of spite or a misplaced sense of pride. Along these lines, Frances’ immaturity was very annoying and her interest in politics seemed quite random. I would’ve liked to know why and what inspired her concern for the plight of the working class. She just seemed very out of touch with reality, especially given her own family’s circumstances. I also didn’t really understand what exactly these two really bonded over, but they wound up being cute together in a very lightly infatuated sort of way. This book wasn’t quite on par with some others I’ve enjoyed from this author, but this was a fun concept and I’ll likely continue the series.

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

Ok right of the bat I thought that the name of the book was a little bit of a nod to Julia Quinn’s The duke and I and then I found that the third book in this series is called the valet who loved me which is quite similar to Julia’s the viscounts who loved me which I found fun. I just did really like this book it was not my cup of tea.

This was an entertaining read. What started out as a bet between friends who had freely imbibed, turns out to be something more meaningful. Not only did Lucas, Earl of Kendall meet someone who he thought would be ideal as his wife, it also gave him an insight to life as a servant. However, things aren’t going to be easy for Lucas as he has been lying to Frances. Frances has her own problems that includes an unwanted suitor. I enjoyed this very much and I’m looking forward to reading the next in the series.

This was a quick, enjoyable read with a lot of elements of a good historical romance novel. Think of it as on the similar lines to two people who discover each other at a masquerade ball and then vanish - but add in a Downton Abbey - but not quite - twist to the occasion.
Lucas's scheme initially seems a little hare-brained, especially when his well to do friends decide to play their parts too. Frances, fed up with the role society has dictated to her, decides to take matters into her own hands. What takes place then is a more natural tale of two people finding each other and falling in love, as opposed to a too specific meeting criteria match.
I loved their little stolen moments in the library, and it all felt quite natural that Frances wouldn't be willing to concede quite so easily. All in all, a very enjoyable little story.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book I've read by this author and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the story. Frances has a lot on her shoulders as far as expectations and is also very passionate about politics and fairness. Her growing relationship with Lucas, who is also passionate about politics but for other reasons so far, is extremely complicated by his lies and her need to marry well to help her family. Thankfully, truth set everyone free, politics aligned, and happily ever after occurred. But the path here was a rewarding read. #thefootmanandi #netgalley

The Footman and I is book 1 in The Footmen's Club series by Valerie Bowman.

Lucas Drake, the new Earl of Kendall decides on a bet with his friends to pose as a servant at his friend’s summer country house party to find a true love, a lady that will marry him for him and not just his title. What could go wrong?

Lucas and Miss Frances Wharton, a fresh debutante cross paths and have an instant attraction. An engaging regency romance.

No one notices the hired help!

A reasonably light hearted Regency romance with the plot revolving around three nobleman who end up at a 'ton' house party posing as footmen, or a groom.
(As an aside these house parties are obviously places fraught with Intrigue and danger--for everyone!)
It started off with Lucas Drake, the new fifth Earl of Kendall, who resigned his naval career post his brother's death. He knows he has to marry but he doesn't want to marry an empty headed, flittering social butterfly, he's looking for someone with a 'true' heart. Avoiding the debutante corps and their mothers is important. He convinces one friend to hold a house party where he will be installed as a footman. Two of his friends decide to join him, placing a bet as to whose disguise would be first uncovered.
The Earl has another major goal he's been pursuing, to drum up support amongst his fellow Lords for the Employment Bill his brother had been putting before Parliament.
Enter the politically passionate overlooked Miss Frances Wharton who does notice servants, but herself is totally overlooked by the ton except for Sir Reginald Francis the older, self-absorbed suitor her mother is pushing her upon. Lucas and Frances, after some interesting scenes, discuss the Bill. Lucas finds that Frances is opposed to it. That's tough because he's not opposed to her. Of course the obvious conundrum and upset becomes how to reveal himself to her.
A lightweight read for this first in this series.

An Xpresso ARC via NetGalley
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

I loved the idea of an earl pretending to be a footman to find love and so I had to read this book. While not as fun and charming as I had hoped, it was still entertaining enough to hold my interest through to the end. I wish the characters had been more fleshed out and that there was more to distinguish the plot from similar romances.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Books that start out with one party telling a lie or keeping something from the other can go bad really quickly. You already know the big reveal is going to blow up the relationship, so from the beginning you are wondering how the "liar" is going to fix things. Here the lie is compounded by the heroine despising everything about the bill the hero has been pushing to get passed to honor the dying wish of his brother. Lets just say he has a long road to climb!

From the start of the book, you get the sense that Lucas is still trying to find his feet after the death of his brother and stepping out of his ordered life in the Navy. The "Employment Bill" is something he's been championing since his brother's death. Unfortunately, the Employment Bill doesn't really help the people who need it - and Lucas didn't think it through fully in his desire to make his brother's dying wish come true. In the midst of that, he decides he needs a wife (I think truly in search of someone to ground him) - but he wants someone who will love him for himself and not his money or title - hence a drunken scheme is cooked up where he will pretend to be a footman and see which women are truly nice and which are only nice because of who he is.

Frances is not a diamond of the first water - but she is smart and kind. Her family is close to destitute because of her father's gambling habit. She is about to be sold off into marriage with a Baron who is twice her age and a real jerk. She is committed to helping the working class and defeating the Employment Bill. She and Lucas form a connection very quickly despite their apparent differences in station - meeting in secret in the library to talk politics and kiss. (Which really she should have realized something was off because no footman of the time would have had hours to spare like that)

I liked watching them come together - but the anxiety of the lies did get to me a bit - and Frances's response made me a bit crazy (<spoiler> she tells Lucas she doesn't want to hear his excuses, but then goes back to her room and wonders and ruminates and fixates on the whys. Like darling, if you had just listened to him maybe things wouldn't be so bad - or at least you could end it and just hate him with impunity</spoiler>). But I still liked the book and am interested to see where the series goes. I think there were a few plot points that weren't as developed as they could have been - and the depth of character for Lucas could have been shown better.

Overall - I give this a sold 3.5 stars!

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.

I really enjoyed this book. The idea that 3 gentlemen would pose as servants after a drunken bet was a unique idea. I loved Lucas, the Earl of Kendall. He was not afraid to admit that he was wrong about a great many things when he meets and talks with Miss Frances Wharton. Frances was stubborn, but also passionate about helping and bettering the lives of servants. This was exactly the type of young lady Lucas was interested in marrying, but how will he ever explain to Frances why he lied to her? A very cute story and I was glad it wasn't filled with sex scenes. There is one at the end for those who enjoy them.

The Earl of Kendall and a couple of his aristocratic friends decide to disguise themselves as servants. They all have different motives, as one wants to spy on a suspect, and another got foxed and couldn't resist a wager.

Lucas Kendall has had enough of being the hunted prey of the marriage mart. He wants to find true love and he thinks that posing as a servant would give him an opportunity to discreetly observe the behaviour of the single ladies of the ton in a way he cannot manage as himself. He gets a job as a footman in his friend's house.

Miss Frances Wharton is invited to the house party. She is the matrimonial target of Sir Reginald, an older man that she cannot stand. Lucas the footman aids her to avoid Sir Reginald, and they soon become friendlier than what footmen and guests usually are. The politics of the employer-employee relations become a source of trouble between them. How does Frances get rid of Sir Reginald? How can Lucas confess the truth of his identity without destroying his relationship with Frances?

The plot of The Footman and I requires some suspension of disbelief, but if you can get past that hardly anyone recognizes these famous aristocrats when they put on the servant's garb it is quite well-written, well edited and entertaining, and I certainly want to find out what happens to all the other hopefuls in the Footmen's Club.

I got the book from Netgalley in exchange of my opinions, and I'm glad I did.

I like the idea of the men playing as the servants. It’s nice to see them more humble than they’re usually portrayed in many historical romances.

The idea that this trilogy will all take place over the same time period, at the same house party, is intriguing. And rather fun!

The only negative thing was that it took FOREVER for any sexy times. Like practically the end of the book for anything more than a kiss. I’m hoping the next one will have a bit more. 😬

In the beginning of the book, it is explained that three men will share a similar prologue, which captured my interest. The book begins with Lucas Drake, the new Earl of Kendall, deciding to marry but in order to find a woman who wants him for love and not money, he decides to hide behind the role of a footman. At a house party, he soon becomes interested in Miss Frances Wharton. Frances is trying to avoid her mother’s scheming to marry her off to an older man, but Frances is more interested in the thoughts of Lucas. However, the more time they spend together, the more difficult it becomes for Lucas to tell Frances, his true identity.
This was a sweet story with a lovely romance. Both characters were enjoyable to read about, and I found myself interested in how the two remaining friends would intertwine their stories into this one.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I received this book for free from Netgalley. That did not influence this review.

I’ve been bingeing on historical romance. The latest is The Footman and I by Valerie Bowman (the first book in The Footmen’s Club Trilogy.)

The premise is that four gentlemen friends getting drunk together one evening make a pact to help one of them, Lucas Drake, the Earl of Kendall, find a bride. Lucas had previously been engaged, but the woman threw him over for a man with what she thought would be a greater title. Then Lucas’s elder brother died and he became an earl. Now he needs a wife but wants someone who loves him for himself, not for his wealth and title.

In order to find such a lady, his three friends decide that one (who is married) will host a house party, invite a number of young debutantes, and let the others attend disguised as footmen. That will give Lucas a chance to observe the ladies to see how they treat servants. (It’s unclear how that will show Lucas that they aren’t interested in his title if they ever do meet him as earl, but at least he’ll see if they are nice people.) His friends make side bets on who can maintain their disguises the longest.

Miss Frances Wharton, the daughter of a baron who has gambled away the family fortune, will be attending the house party against her will. Frances finds members of the ton to be dull and arrogant. Moreover, her mother is determined to see her matched with an old bachelor who is among the dullest and most arrogant of all the gentlemen she has met. However, he’s willing to take her (buy her) because she’s young and pretty.

Frances is not interested in the things most debutantes care about. Her interest is politics, particularly an Employment Bill sponsored by the odious Earl of Kendall, whom she has never met but despises by reputation.

On the first day of the house party, Frances and Lucas (the footman) meet while she is trying to evade her middle-aged suitor. It is love at first sight. They engage in rather more conversation than ladies and servants are likely to do, and then start meeting in secret in the library over the next few days. Conversation focuses on politics, but they engage in more than conversation.

The premise is a bit silly. The protagonists behave in ways that seem very farfetched from the get-go. Some of the conversations are strained. Nevertheless, it’s an entertaining romp and I find myself curious to know what romances are in store for the other two false footmen.

What happens when a couple of lords get into their cups while strategizing how to find a wife? A scheme, that’s what! In The Footman and I we are introduced to four friends that decide to help their fellow lord find a woman that loves him, not his title… and they will use a house party and dress up as servants to find a woman with a true heart.

But what happens when you find the love of your life while disceiving her as a footman… not to mention she hate’s what she knows about the real you??? Now the real work begins!

This was such a fun story of peer and lower classes finding an insta love match. I loved the banter between the the Earl in disguise come footman, Lucas and social justice warrior Miss Frances. These two made a great pair as a footman and a lady, I am eager to see if they pop up in the future books in their roles as Earl and Countess!

A sweet romance and simple courtship direct this book- if you are looking for hot and steamy liaisons, kissing will have to suffice. I will say that the limited steam did not distract from my enjoyment of their growing relationship and attraction.

Overall, this was a good read and I’m excited to see what he other lords were up to while they pretended to be servants. The mutual respect and consideration the character showed each other was a delight! Truly, what’s the harm in one little lie about your identity, when you have learned and know the others heart!

The Footman and I by Valerie Bowman released June 30th, 2020 and is available now!

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from June Third Enterprises through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#TheFootmanandI #ValerieBowman #pinkcowlandreads

He's no footman. Or, as you wish....

Rather, Lucas is the Earl of Kendall pretending to be a footman.
Its a bet with three other nobles pretending to be in service, but its a dual purpose for Lucas....to help find a bride who wants him for himself, not his title and wealth. He wants to marry for love. Hence, a house party filled with young debutantes with him serving as the footman. I found I liked Lucas, even if he was a bit just always going along with things.

Frances is a young deb who has IDEAS. Specifically, political ideas that help benefit the poor and those in the working and serving class. She of course notices the handsome footman Lucas.
I liked how Frances knew her own mind and did not want to be Frances Francis, as her mother is trying to marry her off to a wealthy much older knight.

I liked the nod to Princess Bride and that Frances was smart and got to boss Lucas around (in certain areas). I appreciated that Lucas was a kind and good man, and NOT a rake or a rogue (all rakes and rogues are boring and predictable and YAWN, over done and TRITE). Don't worry, Lucas is none of those things.
I found i quite enjoyed this charming book and can recommend it.

Luca had his heart broken and now that he is an Earl, he thinks women are only after his title. He and his friends bet to disguise themselves as servants and see who can last the longest. Frances is poor and her mother is trying to marry her off to an older man she doesn’t like. When she meets Lucas, the footman sparks begin to fly but what will happen when she finds out who he really is? Fast-paced read with lots of drama, suspense and steam. An entertaining historical read. I liked it.

What a cute and funny historical romance. The group of friends in this book are funny. Love to see how they all fall in love. The heroine is likable. The story flows really well and is fast moving. An fun novel that can be enjoyed in one day.

The first book in The Footmen’s Club series, The Footmen and I follows Lucas Drake, an Earl who makes a bet with his closest friends. Lucas needs a wife but doesn’t want a vacuous, greedy woman who is only after his title. So, Lucas and his friends decide to disguise themselves as servants at a summer house party so that they can get to know the debutantes without pretenses. Lucas, as well as his friends, want to observe the women when their guards are down and see how they truly act and treat people.

Unlike Lucas, Frances is not overly interested in marriage. Instead, she is focused on social and political issues, especially concerning the plight of the poor. However, with a family on the brink of poverty and a mother who insists Frances marry, Frances begrudgingly attends the same summer house party as Lucas. Frances is persuaded by her mother to encourage Sir Francis, as he has shown interest.

In an effort to avoid Sir Francis and his enormous ego, Frances flees to the library where she keeps bumping into Lucas. The pair enjoys lively discussions and debates, especially when talking about the Employment Bill, a bill that they have very different views on. I like that Frances isn’t afraid to voice her opinions, and she insists on having her voice heard.

I also like that Lucas grows and changes so much. He listens to Frances and reflects on their conversations. Frances is definitely the catalyst for Lucas’ growth. They have chemistry from the start, and they challenge each other, which I love. Frances and Lucas are both intelligent and kind, and they suit each other well. If only those pesky secrets didn’t stand in their way!

I enjoyed reading about Lucas and his friends, as well as the budding romance between Lucas and Frances. A novel filled with secrets, hidden identities, and romance, The Footman and I will appeal to readers that enjoy historical romance with interesting characters. Thanks so much to Netgalley and Xpresso Book Tours for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

This was very cute. Not earth shattering or ground breaking, but very enjoyable and satisfying. I’m definitely interested in reading the rest of the trilogy, but I doubt I’ll catch up on the authors’ back catalogue.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.