Rebecca Parker is a widow with a grown daughter considering her next steps in life when gentleman’s valet Malcolm Henry nearly runs her off the road! The two share a moment that turns into a continued flirtation as they both seek out ways to see one another again. But what Rebecca doesn’t realize is that the gentleman she met isn’t Malcolm Henry or a valet at all.

I really liked this story about two people getting a “second chance” at romance. It’s not a second chance in that they knew one another previously; they’re just both widowed with adult children, and they sense a second chance at love with the other person. This gave me the warm fuzzies!

I was really into it through the majority of the book, as the pair realizes it's unlikely they can be together. In the last third, the plot kind of loses steam, but overall I enjoyed this low-drama romance of an “older couple” (LOL – I think they’re 40) finding love.

It’s a bit of a Cinderella story, and the last act even includes a ball, an unexpected makeover, lost slippers, and declarations at midnight. Check it out if you’re looking for an entertaining, low steam historical romance.

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

The Valet’s Secret

by Josi S. Kilpack

When I started reading The Valet’s Secret, I realized it is a historical romance, not of the Jane Austen satirical variety, but one of romantic attraction thwarted by class differences. This is not my typical reading genre, and so it took a few chapters for me to get involved with the characters and their dilemmas. At that point I began to really care about the main characters.

Kenneth Winterton, while raised as a gentleman, had no expectations or training to be the future Earl of Brenton. When his cousin Edward dies suddenly, Kenneth is expected to prepare himself for his new role, including marrying someone from the local gentry. Thus begins round after round of entertainments to introduce him to suitable ladies. His heart has already been stolen by a chance encounter with Rebecca Parker, a widow living with an abusive, alcoholic father, helping him with his craft of silhouettes. Prior to her marriage, she had been “in service” as a maid. Kenneth and Rebecca are by status incompatible.

As the story moves towards its conclusion, the reader must certainly wonder how the couple could possibly marry. There are several dramatic twists; the actions of a few characters reveal their true motivations and scheming, and some even have a change of heart. The cover reflects the importance of silhouettes in the story, and the title reflects an early, light-hearted deception in the tale with serious consequences. By the end of The Valet’s Secret, I was convinced by this quick read that this genre and author deserve some more attention from me as I make future selections.

I would like to extend my thanks to NetGalley and to Shadow Mountain Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4/5

Category: Romance

Publication: March 8, 2022—Shadow Mountain Publishing

Memorable Lines:

“The title precedes you into every room, every relationship, every decision. You do not think what is best for any individual—not even yourself—but what is best for the community affected by your status. Nothing comes above that responsibility. Nothing at all.”

…the thought that he would remain here, learning to live a life that was uncomfortable with a woman whom he did not know while waiting for an old man he loved to die, made him extremely sad.

How he hated this marriage mart he was hung within. So very much. The only viable solution to get out of it was, in fact, to marry.

I enjoyed this is a different type of Regency- a Cinderella retelling. I must admit I somehow missed that when reading the description…lol guess I can blame baby brain!
What drew me to this one was the hidden identity trope, though after a while Kenneth began to annoy me, and I wanted him to tell her already! I was glad when he finally did, though things got way more complicated. I enjoyed learning about the art of silhouette making; I wasn’t aware this began that long ago. I enjoyed Rebecca and Kenneth’s conversations, and laughed out loud at a few of them. And I was so glad when Rebecca stood up for herself in her relationship with her father! I also loved the cover design.
Anyway, if you enjoy hidden identities, family drama, older protagonists, and romance between different classes, you’ll enjoy this one!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this retelling of Cinderella. I I enjoyed how different this book is specifically in reference to the age of the characters - quite different from the ages and circumstances of most regency romances. The side characters added a lot to the story and would love a spin-off or two.

Thanks to Net-Galley and Shadow Mountain for the ARC.

I loved this book! This author has such a way of writing deep and thoughtful characters that you can't help but fall in love with. I look forward to reading anything she writes.

The Valet's Secret by Josi S. Kilpack is a story of second chances and travelling a less-trodden path.

Kenneth Winterton, the owner of a modest estate of 1819 England and a father of two grown-up sons, suddenly finds himself the heir to an earldom, due to the sudden death of his cousin Edward, the original heir. Being ill-prepared for such an occurrence, he struggles to meet with all expectations thrust on him in lieu of his inheritance, which leads him to go out impersonating as his valet Henry, to be himself for sometime without having to face the disapproval of his uncle, the current earl. He encounters Rebecca Parker, during one such sojourn and they both have an instant connection.

Rebecca is a widow, who had gone back to living with her father, after her husband's death. Her daughter is grown up now and she is finding it increasingly difficult to handle her father's uncertain temper. Not knowing him to be the heir-incumbent earl, she starts having feelings for Kenneth, as they continue their acquaintance. Soon enough, she gets to know his true identity and this puts a break in their relationship.

It does not help that Kenneth is compelled both by his uncle and his daughter Lady Beth to find a wife, a local woman of good social standing, who will help him in transitioning to the local gentry seamlessly. With all these odds against pursuing a relationship with Rebecca, Kenneth still finds himself unable to forget and forgo her. Does he find his standing in the upper echelon? Does he succumb to the societal pressure or does he find the courage to follow his heart and forge his own path? Can Rebecca find the strength within herself to forgive the man and give their relationship a chance? Or will she let the unspoken societal rules stand in the way of her heart's desire? You must read this book to get to know the answer to these questions

Author Josi S. Kilpack has done a good job of creating distinctive characters and a real-time obstacle to the lead couple's relationship. I loved Rebecca - she is strong, independent and has an innate strength. Kenneth is a nice fellow of good nature; but he does have an indecisiveness and lack of awareness of his actions, which I didn't find very attractive. I particularly liked that this story is about finding love in one's 'twilight' years, so to speak. Both characters go through personal growth, as they battle their doubts and insecurities.

The story was quite short but still fulfilling. Overall, its a lovely read with relatable characters and real-life problems. Do check this book out if you are in the mood for a short, sweet story.

Thanks t o Netgalley, the publisher and the author for this ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

A Regency-era subtle Cinderella Retelling captured my attention when I was in the mood for a gently-paced sweet romance. I’ve enjoyed a few other works from the author and I was particularly taken with the middle-aged romance pair and a class difference element.

Kenneth Winterton has grown up to the expectation of a country gentry life and, at forty-eight is now a widower and father of two grown sons and alone on his family’s small estate. It was a stunner and not all-together welcome bit of news that due to untimely death, he is now the heir to an earldom and must move to his uncle’s estate to learn the dignities of his rise to the aristocracy, but also the running of a vast estate and affairs. The worst part is that his relations expect him to take a wife to add substance to his new position. Wanting one last hurrah before he must be constrained by duty, he has a lasting first encounter that leaves him wishing for something- that is someone- he can’t have.

Widowed, working class Rebecca Parker was once in service and had a beautiful marriage, but now helps her temperamental, bitter father run his silhouette business. Her adult daughter is well-established as a local baroness’ companion and now Rebecca is feeling unsettled and wanting something different in life than gloomy work with her verbally abusive, drinking parent. She doesn’t believe she can have happiness again until an encounter with a handsome valet makes her want to take a chance on a new dream. Too bad, he’s not what she first thought.

The Valet’s Secret is a low-angst, gently-paced sweet romance where the biggest conflict is their class difference. Kenneth might not have been so high above Rebecca before, but being the next earl means that marriage with a woman who was and is a serving class member isn’t to be thought of and Kenneth’s family are not above making some threats to keep it that way. I was glad to see that some fun side characters were on Kenneth and Rebecca’s side.

My mind wouldn’t let me forget this pair were practically strangers when they fell for each other, but I was able to swallow the little blue pill because that’s not untypical of fairytale stories. Besides, I liked this pair of lonely people and wanted them to find their happy. I was glad Kenneth’s lie about being a valet was out in the open fairly quickly and as was the drama that it stirred up. I think I was in just the mood for a low-angst and easy going story that was low on conflict and was driving hard to bring a heartwarming finish.

The actual Cinderella aspects weren’t in the reader’s face until pretty close to the end. In fact, I’d argue that if I didn’t know it was associated with that tale then I might not have twigged to it until that moment.

All in all, I was satisfied and feeling swoony since I love class difference situations and that this Regency was set in Yorkshire and had a mature-aged romance pair. For those who want sweet and mild in their historical romance.

I tried. I really tried. The writing felt so stilted that I just couldn't get into the story. I like that Kenneth and Rebecca have this mirroring quality going on in the beginning but it also felt a little too on the nose? There's nothing wrong with the writing from a technical stand point. So it could just be me--maybe I'm in the wrong mood, I don't know. But I just didn't love it.

I loved how this book was a different spin on the genre. A widow and widower have a chance encounter on a road and as they meet again they fall in love, but he is an heir to a Duke and she a servant. I like the Cinderella vibes!

This was a very cute historical romance novel where the characters are given a second chance at love. It took me a little bit to get into the novel, but once I did I fell in love with the characters. I loved that these characters were older and more mature than some historical romance novels, it was a refreshing and welcome change!

I can always count on Josi Kilpack to write a regency romance that's a little different, and her latest book did not disappoint. Both of the main characters have been married before and are from different societal classes. Kenneth Winterton is the new and somewhat relunctant heir to his uncle's estate and Rebecca Parker is a widow who lives with her father and helps him with his work. They meet while he's out riding dressed in his valet's clothes and Rebecca assumes he's a valet.

I really liked that Rebecca and Kenneth are older (40-48 years old), each had been married, and had grown children, both have had unexpected events bring big changes into their lives. I was glad Kenneth didn't carry on the charade of being a valet longer than he did and wished he'd done it a little sooner because I really wanted to see him with Rebecca. I really enjoyed learning how the silhouettes were done.

I liked watching Rebecca and Kenneth's feelings for each other grow and wondered how it would all work out because of their different stations in life. I didn't get the Cinderella connection until almost the end but looking back at the story I can see a lot of little nods to the fairytale. I LOVED the Baroness!! She was a fantastic character and with her background she was the best person to teach Rebecca how to deal with the society snobs. I really liked the ending but would have loved an epilogue to see a glimpse of Rebecca and Kenneth a couple of years down the road.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher Shadow Mountain via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Kenneth Winterton has just become the heir to his Uncle’s estate, an Earldom in Yorkshire. He’s the son of a younger son and had no such prospects, serving in the Navy and then returning to improve the small property in Sussex inherited from his father.

His Uncle Lester, while beloved, is a stickler for propriety of every kind and Kenneth, who is a grown man above 40 with two grown sons, and is bald as an egg, is already feeling the pinch and he hasn’t even arrived yet. Switching clothes with his valet and former brother in arms, Malcolm, he takes the rented horse Malcom has been riding and lets Malcom rest in the carriage while he rides part of the way to soothe his nerves.

The horse is wild and fairly uncontrollable and gets a bit away from him. As they near the village closest to the estate he will inherit, he runs a woman in a blue dress off the road. Getting the horse under control, he stops to apologize and help her.

She is Rebecca Parker, a pretty widow, and also above 40. She lives with her abusive father who is a silhouette artist in some demand. She has a grown daughter Rose, who is the paid companion of the local Baroness, a position much above her family’s usual station.

The two hit it off and their clandestine cross-class romance unfolds charmingly as Kenneth attempts to conform to his new position and his Uncle’s wishes and Rebecca, through meeting him, takes steps to change her own life for the better.

This is a very well-done romance about two grown-up characters daring to find love again with the person that is clearly right for them, but may be wrong in the eyes of snobs. I love the bald hero and the graying heroine. The story of someone’s life doesn’t end when they’re in their 20s. It’s very low heat, with some kissing, but it’s all about long walks and talks and people who just fit with each other and it’s lovely. If you’re looking for something entertaining and nice, this is both.

I really liked how the story was sort of a backwards fairytale with the main characters firmly set against believing in their 'happily ever after' story as apposed to the over hopeful trope. I did find the ending a bit over dramatic and lacking as it seemed so fast and overly narrated compared to the rest of the book. Overall, a good romantic read for a gloomy day curled up with a hot drink.

This book was extraordinary in how it is not a traditional Regency. There were no debutantes and balls. There were two people with actual life experience. People who had married before and had a spouse pass away. There was class distinction and grown children.

What there was is a relationship that was mature and beautiful. Josi Kilpack has taken this genre and given it so much more depth and has shown what it can truly be. She has taken nontraditional leads and made a story that reminds us that everyone to the lowliest maid has a story to be told. Yes, the hero has a secret., but this would have worked no matter what his status.

I loved the conversations between Rebecca and Kenneth. They were good for each other. They had friends that helped them see that good and move forward. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them and spending time in their world. I loved the way they overcame their obstacles and moved forward making choices as they came. There was a reality and vulnerability in each of them that was fresh and welcoming.

I received an early copy through NetGalley and this is my honest review.

Once I’d read the premise for The Valet’s Secret by Josi S. Kilpack I knew I needed to get my hands on a copy of this book. It sounded like so much fun! And it really could have been a great story. I mean, who doesn’t like Cinderella?! I very much enjoyed Kenneth and Rebecca’s unique meet-cute. It reminded me of Jane and Rochester’s very first meeting in Jane Eyre when she startles his horse. The passionate kiss between Kenneth and Rebecca at the start of this story is both shocking and very sweet. I found the entire opening well-written and engaging. It drew me in and made me want to see where these characters were going to go. I also really love how this story ends. The creative way to get both hero and heroine to fulfill aspects of the Cinderella archetype is great. And I really love the happily ever after. Made my reader’s heart happy!

Unfortunately, I found the pacing of this story to be problematic. It is a S – L – O – W read. The relationship-building interactions between Kenneth and Rebecca are minimal. For most of the story, Kenneth and Rebecca are doing all they can to stay away from each other. This is partly because they come from two different social spheres — Kenneth from the upper Eschelon and Rebecca from the working class. When the majority of the story consists of the hero and heroine saying they like one another, saying they are attracted to each other physically, but saying they can’t possibly be together because of societal expectations, and then doing what they can to be apart, it’s really hard to feel the chemistry. Too much saying and not enough of the right kind of doing. There is one clandestine meeting under a walnut tree that is super cute and kept me hoping for more, but then we go right back to Kenneth and Rebecca not being together. When they finally do declare their true feelings, I felt it was too little too late. I needed more interaction between them. Yes, it is plausible that characters have serious obstacles to overcome that could prevent them from being together, but there is usually some connection between the two that allows chemistry to sizzle. Rebecca and Kenneth feel like opposing magnets pushing each other apart.

The Valet’s Secret is a solid three-star story. Its beginning is magical, its end is fantastic, but the middle needs a little more oomph, a little more dazzle. I do recommend this story because the cute is super cute and super satisfying, but just know the middle might be a little disappointing.

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The Valet’s Secret is the latest standalone story by Jose S. Kilpack. The Valet’s Secret is a historical romance about a man who poses as his valet when in fact he is an earl. While Kenneth is posing as his valet he almost runs down a lady named Rebecca while on an uncontrollable horse. Rebecca ends up diving out of the way and ends up with some minor injuries and while tending to her injuries they are overwhelmed with chemistry and share a couple of kisses. Will Rebecca and Kenneth get their happily ever after or will Kenneth’s lie prevent it from happening, read The Valet’s Secret to find out.

I decided to DNF this book fairly early on because I just couldn't get into it! I didn't like the 3rd person narration and the lack of "he/him" pronouns - I was getting so tired of reading the word "Kenneth" so much in the text. I love Bridgerton so I really thought I'd like this one, but it felt like it was trying too hard. :(

What this world needs is more books where the main characters aren't young twenty-somethings who are still trying to figure out their lives and happen to fall in love and live happily ever after. This book gives us that! The characters are slightly older and are bringing some experience of life to the story, giving them much more depth than those who are still fresh in life.

Both widows who have already lived a life with a spouse but from different walks of life come together to create this love story that was overall sweet. Their first kiss was cute and I felt perfect for them. Parts were a bit slow and indecisive characters lead me to feel as if there was almost a miscommunication trope going on, but it wasn't it was more they couldn't decide what they wanted/how to proceed.

I enjoyed the second chance at love, where both characters weren't sure they would ever find love again after having it once, and seeing them get their second chance at it was enjoyable to read.

Overall a sweet story that I would recommend to those who love a good regency romance.

This story was incredibly refreshing and mature. Not only were the characters of a more mature age, but I was extremely impressed with the writing. The styles and juxtapositions Josi used in creating her fairy tale and the subtly it was told with were beautiful. The Cinderella elements were built slowly, until bam there they were, one after another, and the reader could only sit there and smile.
I loved the energy and the goodness amidst hard genuine emotions. The relationship started with emotions that were deep and genuine regardless of how little they knew each other. Josi built on that to create a connection that was so much more than chemistry and hugely more fulfilling for the reader.
I loved this story from start to finish.

A well paced novel that combats the typical couple troupe and displays a second chance at love. Definitely got hooked to this (maybe because it reminds me of Bridgerton hehe) A good read to unwind to