The Valet’s Secret

The Proper Romance Regency Series

By: Josi S. Kilpack

Narrated by: Justine Eyre

A passionate kiss from a handsome valet becomes a Regency Cinderella story when he is revealed to be an earl.

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 lives 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.

Still, she cannot stop thinking about Mr. Henry and the kiss they shared. The more time she spends with the earl’s valet, the more she knows she cannot in good conscience allow Mr. Timoltson to continue to court her, even though a marriage to him would provide her financial security and independence from her overbearing father’s control. The heart wants what it wants, and her heart wants Mr. Henry.

But while working in the kitchens during a fancy dinner party, she sees something strange: The valet—the valet she kissed—is sitting at the right hand of the baroness. She realizes that Mr. Henry is not the earl’s valet; he is the earl—Kenneth Winterton.

Heartbroken, angry, and betrayed, Rebecca isn’t sure she can trust Lord Winterton, much less accept his apology. But when Lord Winterton proves he is as kind and gentle as “Mr. Henry” was, she finds herself willing to give him a second chance. But will he still take a chance on her, when choosing a commoner means he might lose his inheritance?

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.

©2022 Josi S. Kilpack (P)2022 Blackstone Publishing

Enjoyable Cinderella remake with great twist

I always enjoy Josi Kilpack's books and Justine Eyre's performances. Josie's books always have a clean, sweet romance and a happy ending, but there is always depth to the characters and their life experiences. Their lives are not all rosy but there is hope and goodness. I enjoy fairy tale retellings and love her subtle inclusions of the Cinderella story into the story. Justine Eyre is one of my favorite narrators. She puts just the right emotion and accents, whether it's British or American, that makes the story enjoyable and believable. I would very much recommend this story.

Good story

I love books written about this era and I liked the subtle humor contained in the story.

Ok story - narrator horrible

Almost did not finish as narrator was horrible. Lovely story but narrator spoiled it.

bonnie

Fantastic!! Wish it were a longer read.

Interesting in what the book reveals about the standard in how one was to live their life, as a person of entitlement.
Or vice versa.
I wish it has lasted longer!!

Listened more then once!

I really enjoyed this book! The characters were well developed and there were a few little surprises in the story that kept me interested! I have listened to it more then once I liked it so well. The narrator is fabulous in my opinion. The only criticism I have is that sometime the characters are a little repetitive in their musings but not enough that I would not purchase again without hesitation.