The Valet's Secret by Josi S. Kilpack is the rarest of romance novels: a story for and about grownups. It's not an "adult" novel, in that it is not at all smutty. Only a few poorly described kisses are exchanged. Instead, it's about middle-aged people who act their age -- mature, a bit worn down by life, and trying every day to do their best in the situation they have been given. In other words, it is a novel about people I would like to know. And it is wonderful.
The plot summary sounds like a typical Regency romance: Ken has unexpectedly found himself heir to a dukedom. While disguised as his valet he nearly runs down Rebecca, a working class woman. Good conversation, kisses, and love ensue.
What I particularly liked about this novel was the details that we rarely see in Regency romances, even the ones with the same plot as this. I don't have any idea if these details are correct, but they added an air of authenticity to the story. For example, there is a scene where Rebecca negotiates the benefits of her new job as a maid. In other books we often learn that the heroine gets every other Tuesday off, but we don't see how the number of days off might vary from one household to another, or the subtle distinctions between the tasks given to maids of different maturity and experience.
This book was a quick read, and delightful one. I highly recommend it.
Note from Jasmine Gold: As the name of this blog indicates, I write erotica. Check out my dark, dystopian novel about naked sex slaves, Mindgames. Your darkest fantasies, with a phenomenal plot and characters you will come to think of as beloved friends. Available on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited and in paperback. Or read my book of short stories about hot, consensual sex, The Mature Woman's Guide to Desire, available on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited.
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