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A Twist Upon a Regency Tale #11
The Secret Word
He's offered an opportunity he can't refuse - to love.
When Christopher Satterthwaite rescues Clementine Wright from would-be kidnappers, he is offered an opportunity he can’t refuse. Clem’s father, a wealthy coal magnate, has been looking for a husband for his only child. Someone with aristocratic bloodlines and no family—someone who can give him the blue-blooded heir he craves, without the interference of noble relatives.
Chris figures he and Clem can work together to keep Wright from controlling their every move. As their partnership develops, they fall in love. Wright doesn’t stand a chance against them. Or does he?
And what about the other men who are showing an interest in the child who is soon on the way? Chris’s reprobate grandfather is hanging around like a bad smell, and clearly has a scheme in mind. Chris’s more respectable relatives have not disowned him after all, and are eager to shower the as-yet unborn child with every advantage—because they regret not helping Chris as a child? Or for purposes of their own?
And then there is Ramping Billy O’Hara, the most sinister of them all, and Chris’s patron.
Some are villains. Some are on the side of the couple and their child. Only time will tell which is which.
Tropes you'll
✅ Arranged marriage
✅ Evil parent
✅ Villain to hero
✅ Reverse Rumpelstiltskin
✅ Twisted fairy tale
Read in Kindle Unlimited!
A Twist Upon a Regency Tale
Lady Beast's Bridegroom
One Perfect Dance
Snowy and the Seven Doves
Perchance to Dream
Weave Me a Rope
The Sincerest Flattery
Inviting the Wild
Hold Me Fast
The Trials of Alaric
Jackie’s Climb
The Secret Word
A Gift to the Heart
The Night Dancers
When Christopher Satterthwaite rescues Clementine Wright from would-be kidnappers, he is offered an opportunity he can’t refuse. Clem’s father, a wealthy coal magnate, has been looking for a husband for his only child. Someone with aristocratic bloodlines and no family—someone who can give him the blue-blooded heir he craves, without the interference of noble relatives.
Chris figures he and Clem can work together to keep Wright from controlling their every move. As their partnership develops, they fall in love. Wright doesn’t stand a chance against them. Or does he?
And what about the other men who are showing an interest in the child who is soon on the way? Chris’s reprobate grandfather is hanging around like a bad smell, and clearly has a scheme in mind. Chris’s more respectable relatives have not disowned him after all, and are eager to shower the as-yet unborn child with every advantage—because they regret not helping Chris as a child? Or for purposes of their own?
And then there is Ramping Billy O’Hara, the most sinister of them all, and Chris’s patron.
Some are villains. Some are on the side of the couple and their child. Only time will tell which is which.
Tropes you'll
✅ Arranged marriage
✅ Evil parent
✅ Villain to hero
✅ Reverse Rumpelstiltskin
✅ Twisted fairy tale
Read in Kindle Unlimited!
A Twist Upon a Regency Tale
Lady Beast's Bridegroom
One Perfect Dance
Snowy and the Seven Doves
Perchance to Dream
Weave Me a Rope
The Sincerest Flattery
Inviting the Wild
Hold Me Fast
The Trials of Alaric
Jackie’s Climb
The Secret Word
A Gift to the Heart
The Night Dancers
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 6, 2025
14 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Jude Knight
98 books229 followersHave you ever wanted something so much you were afraid to even try? That was me ten years ago.
For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to be a novelist. I even started dozens of stories, over the years.
But life kept getting in the way. A seriously ill child who required years of therapy; a rising mortgage that led to a full-time job; six children, my own chronic illness… the writing took a back seat.
As the years passed, the fear grew. If I didn't put my stories out there in the market, I wouldn't risk making a fool of myself. I could keep the dream alive if I never put it to the test.
Then my mother died. That great lady had waited her whole life to read a novel of mine, and now it would never happen.
So I faced my fear and changed it--told everyone I knew I was writing a novel. Now I'd make a fool of myself for certain if I didn't finish.
My first book came out to excellent reviews in December 2014, and the rest is history. Many books, lots of positive reviews, and a few awards later, I feel foolish for not starting earlier.
I write historical fiction with a large helping of romance, a splash of Regency, and a twist of suspense. I then try to figure out how to slot the story into a genre category. I'm mad keen on history, enjoy what happens to people in the crucible of a passionate relationship, and love to use a good mystery and some real danger as mechanisms to torture my characters.
Dip your toe into my world with one of my lunch-time reads collections or a novella, or dive into a novel. And let me know what you think.
For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to be a novelist. I even started dozens of stories, over the years.
But life kept getting in the way. A seriously ill child who required years of therapy; a rising mortgage that led to a full-time job; six children, my own chronic illness… the writing took a back seat.
As the years passed, the fear grew. If I didn't put my stories out there in the market, I wouldn't risk making a fool of myself. I could keep the dream alive if I never put it to the test.
Then my mother died. That great lady had waited her whole life to read a novel of mine, and now it would never happen.
So I faced my fear and changed it--told everyone I knew I was writing a novel. Now I'd make a fool of myself for certain if I didn't finish.
My first book came out to excellent reviews in December 2014, and the rest is history. Many books, lots of positive reviews, and a few awards later, I feel foolish for not starting earlier.
I write historical fiction with a large helping of romance, a splash of Regency, and a twist of suspense. I then try to figure out how to slot the story into a genre category. I'm mad keen on history, enjoy what happens to people in the crucible of a passionate relationship, and love to use a good mystery and some real danger as mechanisms to torture my characters.
Dip your toe into my world with one of my lunch-time reads collections or a novella, or dive into a novel. And let me know what you think.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 3, 2025
When Christopher Satterthwaite rescues Clementine Wright from would-be kidnappers, he is offered an opportunity he can’t refuse. Clem’s father, a wealthy coal magnate, has been looking for a husband for his only child. Someone with aristocratic bloodlines and no family—someone who can give him the blue-blooded heir he craves, without the interference of noble relatives. Chris figures he and Clem can work together to keep Wright from controlling their every move. As their partnership develops, they fall in love.
The eleventh book in the series & each is easily read on its own. I absolutely love the author’s books, she draws you in & gradually ramps up the suspense & intrigue until you can’t put it down. The characters are so well portrayed & have loads of depth. I loved both Chris & Clem & this book begins as a lovely love story, they fall in love & marry – everything seems rosy BUT there’s Clem’s father! I loved how Chris was firm but fair & loved how the couple manipulated her father whilst he was trying to manipulate them. As for the secret word, well that would be telling
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The eleventh book in the series & each is easily read on its own. I absolutely love the author’s books, she draws you in & gradually ramps up the suspense & intrigue until you can’t put it down. The characters are so well portrayed & have loads of depth. I loved both Chris & Clem & this book begins as a lovely love story, they fall in love & marry – everything seems rosy BUT there’s Clem’s father! I loved how Chris was firm but fair & loved how the couple manipulated her father whilst he was trying to manipulate them. As for the secret word, well that would be telling
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
September 9, 2025
The Secret Word was a dynamic Regency romance with a really unique unfolding of the plot. It stands alone really well. I've not read any of the other Twist Upon a Regency Tale books, and could easily follow this. In fact, I never considered the other books.
The story introduces our FMC and MMC early with Chris and Clementine connecting from page 1 as Clem finds herself in an unexpectedly dangerous situation. Chris removes her from the situation, and the book unfolds from there. Clem's father quickly learns Chris is a 'blueblood,' and he has been looking for one to marry Clementine and provide a noble grandchild to take over his self-made empire.
What made this book unique for me was the amount of time Chris and Clem spend together. They are constantly in each other's presence discussing what is happening in their relationship, their plans to marry, how they will outwit her father, how they want to handle their married life as that unfolds, and this really wonderful project they embark upon after marrying.
I was delighted to read a Regency book where the primary couple spent so much time together in conversation. It was also nice to have the drama exist outside of the relationship. It felt so sweet to have a unified front.
For spice, the book doesn't fade to black in the bedroom exactly, but the only scene of intimacy is fairly discreet. I barely noticed because the book is so engaging in other ways. I also think it was a wise choice given some of the sensitive, sad topics we encounter later.
I adored Chris, Clem, their friends and found family, and this book. I will be going back and reading other books in this series and look forward to hopefully exploring more territory with a favorite character from this book. You will know him when you "see" him.
Please note, this review is based on an advanced reader copy provided via Net Galley/the publisher.
The story introduces our FMC and MMC early with Chris and Clementine connecting from page 1 as Clem finds herself in an unexpectedly dangerous situation. Chris removes her from the situation, and the book unfolds from there. Clem's father quickly learns Chris is a 'blueblood,' and he has been looking for one to marry Clementine and provide a noble grandchild to take over his self-made empire.
What made this book unique for me was the amount of time Chris and Clem spend together. They are constantly in each other's presence discussing what is happening in their relationship, their plans to marry, how they will outwit her father, how they want to handle their married life as that unfolds, and this really wonderful project they embark upon after marrying.
I was delighted to read a Regency book where the primary couple spent so much time together in conversation. It was also nice to have the drama exist outside of the relationship. It felt so sweet to have a unified front.
For spice, the book doesn't fade to black in the bedroom exactly, but the only scene of intimacy is fairly discreet. I barely noticed because the book is so engaging in other ways. I also think it was a wise choice given some of the sensitive, sad topics we encounter later.
I adored Chris, Clem, their friends and found family, and this book. I will be going back and reading other books in this series and look forward to hopefully exploring more territory with a favorite character from this book. You will know him when you "see" him.
Please note, this review is based on an advanced reader copy provided via Net Galley/the publisher.
September 10, 2025
Dear Jude Knight... consider me a fan of your writing.
A beautifully written historical romance that’s rich in detail and full of heart. Knight weaves intrigue, romance, and emotional depth seamlessly, giving us characters you can’t help but root for. It’s both smart and swoony — the kind of story that lingers.
--
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC.
A beautifully written historical romance that’s rich in detail and full of heart. Knight weaves intrigue, romance, and emotional depth seamlessly, giving us characters you can’t help but root for. It’s both smart and swoony — the kind of story that lingers.
--
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC.
September 7, 2025
A wonderful tale!
Oh my goodness! This is such a wonderful tale! I was immediately drawn in by Chris and Clem's initial meeting. As the story unfolds, his character and caring shine through. Of course Clem is drawn to him. Who wouldn't be as he is continually defending her, letting her think for herself, and opening her eyes to possibilities. Many more factors are at play as their love unfolds. I won't give away the plot other than to say I couldn't stop reading it. And Ramping Billy may just be one of my favorite secondary characters.
Oh my goodness! This is such a wonderful tale! I was immediately drawn in by Chris and Clem's initial meeting. As the story unfolds, his character and caring shine through. Of course Clem is drawn to him. Who wouldn't be as he is continually defending her, letting her think for herself, and opening her eyes to possibilities. Many more factors are at play as their love unfolds. I won't give away the plot other than to say I couldn't stop reading it. And Ramping Billy may just be one of my favorite secondary characters.
September 8, 2025
The Secret Word
By Jude Knight
Wonderful well written entertaining story. Characters are lifelike and lovable. Even secondary characters are vividly drawn. And the villains are the kind you love to hate. Plot is engaging and pulls you along from scene to scene without letting up until the very end. I don’t think I’ve ever read this author before but I definitely enjoyed this one and would not hesitate to read more of her work.
By Jude Knight
Wonderful well written entertaining story. Characters are lifelike and lovable. Even secondary characters are vividly drawn. And the villains are the kind you love to hate. Plot is engaging and pulls you along from scene to scene without letting up until the very end. I don’t think I’ve ever read this author before but I definitely enjoyed this one and would not hesitate to read more of her work.
September 2, 2025
“Just an old fashioned love song…made for you and me”! That is what came to mind as I read this riveting tale! Will the maiden escape her father’s clutches? Will our hero be wise enough to thwart the father’s wicked schemes—-one after the other? As our H & h meet, fall in love, and prepare for marriage, it is one struggle against Clementine’s father after another, all of which are won with firmness, kindness, and respect for the older man far beyond what he deserves. Early on, all is light-hearted, almost joyous. As the story progresses, the mood changes and dark undertones appear. When the climax hits, everyone’s heart is pounding, including the reader’s! The pace of the story is excellent and the timing of events is well planned. The reader is eased into the story, lulled into thinking this is a quick fairytale where boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love, and they marry and live happily ever after. They do, but must first undergo stresses that remove the fairytale feeling of the story , making it a more complicated, serious story, that the reader simply MUST finish before putting down! The denouement of this story does leave the reader satisfied with the outcome. I always love the characterization of Ms. Knight’s stories, as she makes her characters come alive for the reader. (Even now, I can recall characters from the first books of hers I read, whereas many other books have faded from my memory). Having finished this book, I do wonder what will happen to “Ramping Billy” and the boy Tom that left for Canada. I hope to see one or both in a future story! Don’t miss this story!
I received an early copy from NetGalley. The thoughts and opinions herein are freely given, and are my own.
I received an early copy from NetGalley. The thoughts and opinions herein are freely given, and are my own.
September 9, 2025
Wow, just wow what a read, I couldn't put it down had to read it straight thru. All the stories in this series can be read as stand alone. Christoper has been raised by Ramping Billy a lord in the slums who recuses boys. He has them taught to read and write and helps them make something of themselves. Chris is Billy’s bookkeeper but also special to him. Chris comes to Clementine’s/Clem recuses when she ends up in the wrong part of town, dressed as a noble! Saving her from a gang then taking her home. Her father is a horrible man; he treats her badly. He has paid for all types of schooling to make her a lady. He wants to marry her to a peer so he can leave everything to his grandson. When he meets Chris, he makes him an offer that would solve his problem and give Chris money he needs. Only problem is Chris feels bad for Clem and wants to help her not her father. As they work together to get what they want which is each other and block whatever evil thing her father is planning. The insight between them is wonderful and with help from family, friends and mostly Billy. There are many twists and turns and plenty of secrets that come out before the end. I love how this couple stick together no matter what comes their way. Who wouldn’t want a love like that. One can never go wrong with a book from Jude. I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it. Rush and get your copy, you don’t want to miss this one for sure.
November 2, 2025
A part of the series, A Twist Upon a Regency Tale, this story is a Regency romance with grit, heart, and surprising moral depth.
The novel takes the bones of a classic marriage-of-convenience story and fleshes them out with vivid characters, layered intrigue, and a slow-burn romance that feels refreshingly real.
Christopher Satterthwaite is the kind of hero who could have easily been a stock figure—the impoverished aristocrat, proud but desperate. Instead, he’s written with nuance and quiet resilience. When he rescues Clementine Wright, daughter of a powerful coal baron, he doesn’t just save her from danger—he steps into a moral and emotional labyrinth where love, power, and family legacy collide.
Clementine, meanwhile, is far from the passive heiress you might expect. Her intelligence and stubborn warmth make her a worthy partner, not just a prize. The chemistry between her and Chris grows from wary alliance to genuine affection, and the tension—both romantic and social—is beautifully drawn.
The story’s world feels rich and alive: the shadow of industry looming over inherited privilege, the scheming relatives (from disreputable grandfathers to regretful cousins), and the chilling presence of Ramping Billy O’Hara, whose menace can be felt even off page.
A well-written, beautiful story!
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.
The novel takes the bones of a classic marriage-of-convenience story and fleshes them out with vivid characters, layered intrigue, and a slow-burn romance that feels refreshingly real.
Christopher Satterthwaite is the kind of hero who could have easily been a stock figure—the impoverished aristocrat, proud but desperate. Instead, he’s written with nuance and quiet resilience. When he rescues Clementine Wright, daughter of a powerful coal baron, he doesn’t just save her from danger—he steps into a moral and emotional labyrinth where love, power, and family legacy collide.
Clementine, meanwhile, is far from the passive heiress you might expect. Her intelligence and stubborn warmth make her a worthy partner, not just a prize. The chemistry between her and Chris grows from wary alliance to genuine affection, and the tension—both romantic and social—is beautifully drawn.
The story’s world feels rich and alive: the shadow of industry looming over inherited privilege, the scheming relatives (from disreputable grandfathers to regretful cousins), and the chilling presence of Ramping Billy O’Hara, whose menace can be felt even off page.
A well-written, beautiful story!
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.
September 12, 2025
Christopher and Clementine meet when he rescues her from a gang of thugs in a bad part of London. Chris is from an aristocratic family, but was abandoned in the streets as a young child. He was taken in and raised by Ramping Billy, a crime boss with a heart. Clem’s wealthy father is determined that she marry a blue-blood and have a grandson to inherit his coal mine empire. Chris fits the bill. Chris and Clem are strongly attracted to each other. The only thing they have to do is defeat her father at his own game, manipulation, in order to have a happy marriage and accomplish their dreams. There is much trouble, including trying to take his grandson, until Chris learns the secret word that puts Papa in his place. This is a wonderful story with very interesting and engaging characters. As it unfolds there are secrets revealed, plots and schemes, family reunion, a greedy villain, a hopefully soon-to-be reformed crime boss, and, as in all fairy tales, a happy ending.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
September 17, 2025
A story so good I did not want to put it down
The characters in this book nearly come alive as you read. I felt the streets and villages were filled with real inhabitants. The period life is delightfully revealed in the telling of these lives of good, evil and grey. It is a must read!
The characters in this book nearly come alive as you read. I felt the streets and villages were filled with real inhabitants. The period life is delightfully revealed in the telling of these lives of good, evil and grey. It is a must read!
September 29, 2025
Another book by one of my favorite authors. Romance is abound in a story filled with intrigue, characters of great depth, and emotional ties. Once you read this author, you will understand why all her stories leave the readers with memories of both the plot and swoon worthy cast that she seems to so effortlessly weaves into your current world.
November 11, 2025
Did not enjoy this in the slightest. The plot was dense and clunky, the FMC masqueraded as strong and independent but secretly haughty, the MMC not nearly as dashing and debonair as he was described to be.
Not for me! But clearly the author has a fan base, to each their own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review
Not for me! But clearly the author has a fan base, to each their own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review
September 14, 2025
I have loved every book Jude Knight has written. This one, The Secret Word, is absolute perfection. The characters are captivating, the story...well, I don't want to give anything away, but it is a joy to read.
September 8, 2025
A wonderful story with engaging characters in Chris and Clementine.
September 12, 2025
One of the Best
A classic tale of good over evil. A perfect escape for our troubled times. One of the best descriptions of a loving marriage I’ve read.
A classic tale of good over evil. A perfect escape for our troubled times. One of the best descriptions of a loving marriage I’ve read.
September 8, 2025
This historical romance is definitely different from the usual.
Our heroine is a wealthy young lady whose coal mine owner father is extremely determined to have a grandson to inherit his empire, by fair means or foul. Therefore the husband he picks for her must meet his expectations.
Our hero was abandoned to the streets as a child. Luckily an underworld boss saw to his education.
This story has absolutely wonderful characters that are very sneaky in how they get their way. There are lots of twists and turns. The ending was very unexpected.
I loved it.
Our heroine is a wealthy young lady whose coal mine owner father is extremely determined to have a grandson to inherit his empire, by fair means or foul. Therefore the husband he picks for her must meet his expectations.
Our hero was abandoned to the streets as a child. Luckily an underworld boss saw to his education.
This story has absolutely wonderful characters that are very sneaky in how they get their way. There are lots of twists and turns. The ending was very unexpected.
I loved it.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews