The Valet’s Secret

The Proper Romance Regency Series

By: Josi S. Kilpack

Narrated by: Justine Eyre

Length: 6 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

Ok story - narrator horrible

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

bonnie

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.

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!!

Super fun and inventive

Loved the strength and emotional intelligence of the characters in this book. This is something Josie killpack has done in a lot of her books, She makes stronger female characters. This is why I have bought many of her books. I love the Both the female and male characters in this book. The one problem I have with this book is at the end it turned into more of a fairy tale. Little disappointing.

Sweet story

Refreshing plot where the hero and heroine are not the standard combination. I think Lady Beth should have been named Lady Macbeth, though, but I guess that would have given her away.

Enjoyed the character of Rebecca

Loved the story. Very interesting from the start. I loved how Rebecca was a strong character- strong values- respected her place, but despite odds of her and Canaan circumstances, loved prevailed and won.

Easy to love this book!!

This was a wonderful story with characters that were believable, loveable, and authentic from the start. Thank you for providing these uplifting and engaging hours!! The narrator was especially enjoyable.

Loved this book!

I found myself smiling so often throughout the story. I think I espessually loved that the main characters are a little older and closer to my own age. It made them very relatable to me. This is well written, well narrated, and a fun spin on a well known fairytale. I look forward to more books from this author!

Simple, predictable, and enjoyable

Sometimes you just need simple and predictable. In this case, that was also thoroughly enjoyable.