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brittanica_bold 's review for:
The Valet's Secret
by Josi S. Kilpack
When I first read the synopsis for this book, I was super excited about the hidden identity/switcheroo of Kenneth's character, but I was also a bit skeptical given the setting is in the year 1819. Maybe my experience is limited, and I will probably be stoned for saying this, but...I was worried we were going to have a Jane Austen romance novel on our hands. You know the kind, a great romance (I mean, everyone loves Mr. Darcy) that is definitely a product of the time, meaning the writing jumps, isn't always clear, and there are a bunch of words I don't know because I was born near the end of the 20th century. However, I found none of these problems with Josi S. Kilpack's novel!
What I liked about this book
1. As previously mentioned, I loved the hidden identity/switcheroo of Kenneth's character. These things never work out well, so as soon as he did this I knew I was in for a good time. I think the thing I like the most about this though was his feeling of guilt that riddled him the whole novel. He truly felt bad that he had hidden his identity and tried many, many times to make it up to Rebecca. To me, that makes him a class act.
2. Let's talk about all of the introspection in this novel. I loved how the internal dialogue and the thoughts each of them had throughout the book really were reminiscent of people with life experience (*cough**cough* old people) and there were SO MANY!!! Never did either of the characters have a thought that made me scoff or go "ugh!". They were mature characters with mature thoughts, and I am here for that!
3. Rebecca is a badass. Plain and simple. While she knows and follows the rules of society in most respects, she also isn't afraid to truly be herself, even after finding out Kenneth's true identity. So many glares, smirks, and sarcastic comments directed at the Earl had me loving Rebecca for the role model she is.
4. The writing is superb! Very easy flow, very nice character and relationship development, and my favorite, short chapters!! The banter between these two is great as far as mature couple drama can go.
5. The baroness, her backstory, and her willingness to help Kenneth and Rebecca really made her stand out as one of my favorite characters. For some reason, she definitely gave me Molly Brown from Titanic vibes (the Kathy Bates version), which is one of the highest compliments I can give. I really want to know if there is anything going on with her and the current Earl!!!
Why it didn't get 5 stars from me
1. There is nothing specific I can pinpoint that I didn't like about this book. It was a pleasant read, but my own rating system dictates I either have incredibly intense emotions about the book or there is some super wicked worldbuilding.
4 Stars!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advanced reader’s copy.
What I liked about this book
1. As previously mentioned, I loved the hidden identity/switcheroo of Kenneth's character. These things never work out well, so as soon as he did this I knew I was in for a good time. I think the thing I like the most about this though was his feeling of guilt that riddled him the whole novel. He truly felt bad that he had hidden his identity and tried many, many times to make it up to Rebecca. To me, that makes him a class act.
2. Let's talk about all of the introspection in this novel. I loved how the internal dialogue and the thoughts each of them had throughout the book really were reminiscent of people with life experience (*cough**cough* old people) and there were SO MANY!!! Never did either of the characters have a thought that made me scoff or go "ugh!". They were mature characters with mature thoughts, and I am here for that!
3. Rebecca is a badass. Plain and simple. While she knows and follows the rules of society in most respects, she also isn't afraid to truly be herself, even after finding out Kenneth's true identity. So many glares, smirks, and sarcastic comments directed at the Earl had me loving Rebecca for the role model she is.
4. The writing is superb! Very easy flow, very nice character and relationship development, and my favorite, short chapters!! The banter between these two is great as far as mature couple drama can go.
5. The baroness, her backstory, and her willingness to help Kenneth and Rebecca really made her stand out as one of my favorite characters. For some reason, she definitely gave me Molly Brown from Titanic vibes (the Kathy Bates version), which is one of the highest compliments I can give. I really want to know if there is anything going on with her and the current Earl!!!
Why it didn't get 5 stars from me
1. There is nothing specific I can pinpoint that I didn't like about this book. It was a pleasant read, but my own rating system dictates I either have incredibly intense emotions about the book or there is some super wicked worldbuilding.
4 Stars!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advanced reader’s copy.