The Valet’s Secret: An M/M Historical Romance

by Emery Cox

I may look the part, but I am not, technically, a valet.

My name is Christopher Thornbury, Earl of Wycliffe, and I am hiding in a merchant's townhouse in Bloomsbury because the alternative involves pistols at dawn and a viscount with considerably better aim than I have.

So my valet came up with a plan. My cover story is watertight. My references are impeccable. My knowledge of fashion is encyclopedic, and my boot-polishing is, admittedly, a work in progress.

Everything is going according to plan.

Or it would be, if not for one singular my employer. Callum Hayes is broad-shouldered, infuriatingly handsome, and built his fortune entirely by his own hand. He doesn't even particularly want a valet. What he apparently does want is me — which is startling, as I have never felt this kind of stirring for anyone, let alone a man. And yet here I am, letting him call me kitten and finding, to my bewilderment, that I don't want him to stop.

I came to Callum Hayes's household to hide from my problems.

I didn't expect to find something worth staying for.

Whether he'll protect me from the viscount once he learns the full truth of who I am — well. That remains to be seen.

Genres: Historical Romance

178 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 19, 2026

Reviews

[Patdbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A captivating historical mm romance

If you love historical mm romance of man in hiding in service falls for his master and visa versa this books for you.

Kit is in hiding adter been falsely accused of compromising a young lady. On the run from ger brother he poses as valet to a ship owner, calum. The attraction is instant and the chemistry electric.

Together to extricate Kit from the situation and forge a life together.

Read it and enjoy.

[El · Rating 5 out of 5]

This ship is sailing!

I was leary at first blush because I don't general go for the "big man throws little man around" trope. But I'm completely sold on this couple now because they prove to be a true pair of equal partners, despite their disparity in birth (and height). I also love a book that understands fully what it's about. They spend a good 40 - 45% of the book making the beast with two backs, and may I say, it's all very finely written.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young nervous man takes on the role of a Gentleman's gentleman, he's high nervous and makes a few mistakes, mistakes a valet wouldn't normally make. But you see, he has a secret, a deadly secret.
A delightful tale, novella length maybe, gently written and at times hot as two men have lots of spare time, a very enjoyable read.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Valet's Secret by Emery Cox – As long as you are prepared to give up your inclination to question the good sense of everyone involved, this was perfect historically flavored fun! Happy Reading!