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The Valet and the Stable Groom
Hardworking and ambitious, Clement Adair has his career planned out: a steady rise from a mere personal valet to the head butler of a grand noble house. When a new baby causes a split in his employer’s estate, Clement is packed off to the country where he has little hope of ever advancing his station. Clement plans to resign and return to London as soon as possible, even though it means leaving his friends, his endearingly silly employer, and the charming and kind stable groom who has made overtures of friendship... and perhaps more.
The longer Clement stays, the more complicated leaving becomes, as the estate's economic circumstances grow dire and Clement feels like the only one holding the household together. Somehow, impossibly, he must reconcile the future he's determined to bring to pass and the life he didn't know he wanted. Clean romance, no cheating, no cliffhangers, standalone novel.
The longer Clement stays, the more complicated leaving becomes, as the estate's economic circumstances grow dire and Clement feels like the only one holding the household together. Somehow, impossibly, he must reconcile the future he's determined to bring to pass and the life he didn't know he wanted. Clean romance, no cheating, no cliffhangers, standalone novel.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2016
9 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Marlowe
6 books37 followersKatherine "Kitty" Marlowe is a writer of m/m historical romance novels and novellas. She has a degree in Classical history with a specialization in LGBTQ history, and can very easily be distracted into lengthy discussions on marginalized orientations and gender identities in dozens of different historical eras and subcultures.
When she isn't writing novels and novellas about handsome men smooching and living happily ever after, she is usually baking, hiking, or fighting eldritch deities in Arkham.
When she isn't writing novels and novellas about handsome men smooching and living happily ever after, she is usually baking, hiking, or fighting eldritch deities in Arkham.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 4, 2016
This was a clean-romance and feel-good read. Yes, with fade-to-black scenes.
Strangely enough, I didn’t care. The love story is cute and adorable. The kind of “May I kiss you?” before daring with further actions.
What I liked the most, however, is the country life. Or, better said, Clement’s change of lifestyle when his employer’s older brother decides it’s no longer acceptable to be them all living under the same roof in the house in London, as he has just secured his male heir with his newborn. That’s how Clement’s masters are “exiled” to a cottage close to the Welsh border, with all that it implies.
Clement is a conscientious valet, but full of ambitions. He hopes to become the butler of an important house one day. The prospect of moving to the country shatters his plans. He sees how his goals escape through his fingers, and he ponders resigning in order to come back to London to achieve them.
But once they reach their destiny, there is always something that has to be done. Let’s see to the employers to get settled. Let’s see to Hildebert Devereux, his master, to find a new hobby. Let’s see to his master make acquantainces worthy of his social class. Let’s see to the maintainance of the household with an apathetic butler and to reach its self-sufficiency after the new acquisitions in people and expenses.
Let’s see to that stable groom with the nicest smile he had ever seen.
Hugo is the (only) stable groom, but he also trains dogs and has some notions of herding. Since the very beginning, Clement feels a pull towards him and is anxious in his presence, wanting to become his friend and not let him down. But that’s easier said than done, as his innumerable duties and his poor abilities to lead a conversation keep him from forming a strong bond with him.
The longer he stays, the harder is to leave. Clement simply can’t stand the idea of his master getting hurt/killed in his varied attempts not to get bored. His master is rather eccentric and with a plain lack of self-preservation. Every time Hildebert sets his mind into doing something, Clement is there trying to give sense to (or to fix or distract from) his scandalous ideas, which gave me plenty of occasions to laugh out loud and pity poor Clement and his anxiety at Hildebert’s wardrobe to get stained or his reputation of a gentleman being called into question. Whether Hildebert performs his silly actions or not, Clement’s voice of reason is always there discouraging in the kindest of ways, or negotiating for a safer option when there is no way around it.
Hildebert’s wife, Jane, is more sensible and mature, but that doesn’t mean she’s not able of mischief. In the company of her maid (and also Clement’s friend), Letty, she tests Clement’s patience more than once.
Clement’s decisions lead him to take more and more responsibilities, and soon he is so overwhelmed he neglects Hugo’s interest. And he can’t have that.
The first aspect that drew my attention was Clement’s appearance. He’s described with “dark brown hands” and “a blush that cannot be seen with this skin color”. I don’t remember the last time I read a proper historical British book with a character of African descent, if ever. I was really curious about his origins and his family history, but we were only been told they are from Wales. I was surprised to know his mother was an actress, for once.
I got the feeling the homophobic sense was erased from this book. It’s not that the MCs are obvious about it in front of everybody. In fact they try to control themselves and not show any public display of affection. But when Clement talks with Letty about his feelings, there is no rejection. I guess this alternative reality is every cuter because of that.
Anyway, the book was subtle in every sense of the word. Nothing was strikingly noticable. There was a certain balance in it all, written in a very good taste and with a great sense of humor.
This is an amusing M/M Regency tale. In the rigid English society, there are indeed multiple chances to lose the stiff and find outlandish and memorable tales to tell. At least in this book.
*****
***Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.***
Strangely enough, I didn’t care. The love story is cute and adorable. The kind of “May I kiss you?” before daring with further actions.
What I liked the most, however, is the country life. Or, better said, Clement’s change of lifestyle when his employer’s older brother decides it’s no longer acceptable to be them all living under the same roof in the house in London, as he has just secured his male heir with his newborn. That’s how Clement’s masters are “exiled” to a cottage close to the Welsh border, with all that it implies.
Clement is a conscientious valet, but full of ambitions. He hopes to become the butler of an important house one day. The prospect of moving to the country shatters his plans. He sees how his goals escape through his fingers, and he ponders resigning in order to come back to London to achieve them.
But once they reach their destiny, there is always something that has to be done. Let’s see to the employers to get settled. Let’s see to Hildebert Devereux, his master, to find a new hobby. Let’s see to his master make acquantainces worthy of his social class. Let’s see to the maintainance of the household with an apathetic butler and to reach its self-sufficiency after the new acquisitions in people and expenses.
Let’s see to that stable groom with the nicest smile he had ever seen.
Hugo is the (only) stable groom, but he also trains dogs and has some notions of herding. Since the very beginning, Clement feels a pull towards him and is anxious in his presence, wanting to become his friend and not let him down. But that’s easier said than done, as his innumerable duties and his poor abilities to lead a conversation keep him from forming a strong bond with him.
The longer he stays, the harder is to leave. Clement simply can’t stand the idea of his master getting hurt/killed in his varied attempts not to get bored. His master is rather eccentric and with a plain lack of self-preservation. Every time Hildebert sets his mind into doing something, Clement is there trying to give sense to (or to fix or distract from) his scandalous ideas, which gave me plenty of occasions to laugh out loud and pity poor Clement and his anxiety at Hildebert’s wardrobe to get stained or his reputation of a gentleman being called into question. Whether Hildebert performs his silly actions or not, Clement’s voice of reason is always there discouraging in the kindest of ways, or negotiating for a safer option when there is no way around it.
Hildebert’s wife, Jane, is more sensible and mature, but that doesn’t mean she’s not able of mischief. In the company of her maid (and also Clement’s friend), Letty, she tests Clement’s patience more than once.
Clement’s decisions lead him to take more and more responsibilities, and soon he is so overwhelmed he neglects Hugo’s interest. And he can’t have that.
The first aspect that drew my attention was Clement’s appearance. He’s described with “dark brown hands” and “a blush that cannot be seen with this skin color”. I don’t remember the last time I read a proper historical British book with a character of African descent, if ever. I was really curious about his origins and his family history, but we were only been told they are from Wales. I was surprised to know his mother was an actress, for once.
I got the feeling the homophobic sense was erased from this book. It’s not that the MCs are obvious about it in front of everybody. In fact they try to control themselves and not show any public display of affection. But when Clement talks with Letty about his feelings, there is no rejection. I guess this alternative reality is every cuter because of that.
Anyway, the book was subtle in every sense of the word. Nothing was strikingly noticable. There was a certain balance in it all, written in a very good taste and with a great sense of humor.
This is an amusing M/M Regency tale. In the rigid English society, there are indeed multiple chances to lose the stiff and find outlandish and memorable tales to tell. At least in this book.
*****
***Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.***
September 30, 2018
This Regency M/M romance between servants, set on a country estate, cracked me up so many times. It's lighter on the romance than I usually prefer, because the central issue in the book is that valet Clement Adair is so overwhelmed by his job that it's threatening his chance for a relationship with stable groom Hugo Ogden. If Clement's going to spend all his time trying to manage the household of his eccentric aristocratic employer, Hildebert Devereaux, there won't be enough left for romance!
What kept the romance on the back burner for a while, though, is exactly what I loved about it: the personalities and antics of Devereaux, his wife, and the various servants from the estate and the ones newly arrived from London. All are trying to cope with the transition from the estate being an empty vacation spot to the full-time residence of a noble couple used to having all of London to entertain them. Clement's tact, practicality, formidable intelligence, and diplomacy are taxed to their limit as Devereaux engages in various leisure pursuits, some of which threaten life and limb (amateur chemistry lab, anyone?). There's servant conflict, economic unease, and a garden party to host. It's superbly entertaining. And overall, it's a remarkably gentle and feel-good story, with two sweet guys who finally do manage to connect... once Clement learns a valuable lesson about prioritization.
What kept the romance on the back burner for a while, though, is exactly what I loved about it: the personalities and antics of Devereaux, his wife, and the various servants from the estate and the ones newly arrived from London. All are trying to cope with the transition from the estate being an empty vacation spot to the full-time residence of a noble couple used to having all of London to entertain them. Clement's tact, practicality, formidable intelligence, and diplomacy are taxed to their limit as Devereaux engages in various leisure pursuits, some of which threaten life and limb (amateur chemistry lab, anyone?). There's servant conflict, economic unease, and a garden party to host. It's superbly entertaining. And overall, it's a remarkably gentle and feel-good story, with two sweet guys who finally do manage to connect... once Clement learns a valuable lesson about prioritization.
July 8, 2016
3.5 stars
I commend the author for creating something a little different in the m/m genre: a sweet, light-hearted and just kisses regency romance. Plus one of the MCs is a black man. Plus, plus it's a romance between two servants. However, if you're looking for a historically accurate regency, try something else. This one requires full suspension of disbelief especially about the relationships between servants and the gentry in this time period.
I commend the author for creating something a little different in the m/m genre: a sweet, light-hearted and just kisses regency romance. Plus one of the MCs is a black man. Plus, plus it's a romance between two servants. However, if you're looking for a historically accurate regency, try something else. This one requires full suspension of disbelief especially about the relationships between servants and the gentry in this time period.
July 8, 2016
Drawing Room Comedy of Errors
Though moving along at a somewhat languid pace. this one is a hoot from start to finish, perhaps the most charming, detailed and down right funny MM Regency romance I have read. Don't get me wrong--this is not a steamy bunch of scenes wrapped around a silly story. It's rather a deep, detailed, enriching look at how an early 19th Century aristocratic household in the English countryside is organized and set on the right course by a bunch of characters totally unlike any you will find in similar books.
Right from the start we have two major players thrown before us. Clement Adair, a young man of light color who is valet to Hildebert Devereaux, whom along with his wife, Jane, have been basically banished to the family estate near Wales after his brother has sired an heir. Hildebert is the quintessential British twit--spoiled, not that bright, lazy and determined to become famous doing something he cannot possibly hope to achieve. He is the Harpo Marx of this book in which he comes to use Hugo Ogden, the handsome and shy stable groom who is also a handyman, to further Clement's (and Hugo's) frustrations of romantic entanglement.
These three men are ably attended by Devereaux's wife, Jane, an unfortunately barren but very smart and subtly ambitious lady whose lady in waiting, Letty, also Clement's pal, is just a spark of pugnacity and mirth when it comes to setting the Devereaux's inherited country staff on their collective ears.
The adventures of this society climbing bunch are eyebrow-arching all the time and sometimes downright guffaw inducing, but through all the fun and games is an almost heartbreakingly building romance between Clement and Hugo, desperately lonely men who because of their station, and perhaps Clement's coloring, are always one step and one kiss away from discovering what they both need.
When that kiss finally comes, somewhat late in the book, it sets off a series of sometimes slapstick but also lovingly entwined incidents in which one sneaky character (who has been unnamed in this review) gets the household in such a tizzy that three of the major players come up with a scheme to settle all matters, love included, in a single, imaginative, far-reaching blow. Very tidy with a bow on top. In the end we have a romance culminated which is unusual in its coupling, inception and progression, but stunningly beautiful in the end.
I was provided an advance copy of this book and I found it to be well within, if not above, Ms. Marlowe's lofty standards. She leaves a very slight door open for a sequel involving two characters who are not identified nor introduced in this book but referred to as coming to the estate in the future. But sequel or not, this one is such a languid surprise that it stands quite well on its own, thank you very much.
Though moving along at a somewhat languid pace. this one is a hoot from start to finish, perhaps the most charming, detailed and down right funny MM Regency romance I have read. Don't get me wrong--this is not a steamy bunch of scenes wrapped around a silly story. It's rather a deep, detailed, enriching look at how an early 19th Century aristocratic household in the English countryside is organized and set on the right course by a bunch of characters totally unlike any you will find in similar books.
Right from the start we have two major players thrown before us. Clement Adair, a young man of light color who is valet to Hildebert Devereaux, whom along with his wife, Jane, have been basically banished to the family estate near Wales after his brother has sired an heir. Hildebert is the quintessential British twit--spoiled, not that bright, lazy and determined to become famous doing something he cannot possibly hope to achieve. He is the Harpo Marx of this book in which he comes to use Hugo Ogden, the handsome and shy stable groom who is also a handyman, to further Clement's (and Hugo's) frustrations of romantic entanglement.
These three men are ably attended by Devereaux's wife, Jane, an unfortunately barren but very smart and subtly ambitious lady whose lady in waiting, Letty, also Clement's pal, is just a spark of pugnacity and mirth when it comes to setting the Devereaux's inherited country staff on their collective ears.
The adventures of this society climbing bunch are eyebrow-arching all the time and sometimes downright guffaw inducing, but through all the fun and games is an almost heartbreakingly building romance between Clement and Hugo, desperately lonely men who because of their station, and perhaps Clement's coloring, are always one step and one kiss away from discovering what they both need.
When that kiss finally comes, somewhat late in the book, it sets off a series of sometimes slapstick but also lovingly entwined incidents in which one sneaky character (who has been unnamed in this review) gets the household in such a tizzy that three of the major players come up with a scheme to settle all matters, love included, in a single, imaginative, far-reaching blow. Very tidy with a bow on top. In the end we have a romance culminated which is unusual in its coupling, inception and progression, but stunningly beautiful in the end.
I was provided an advance copy of this book and I found it to be well within, if not above, Ms. Marlowe's lofty standards. She leaves a very slight door open for a sequel involving two characters who are not identified nor introduced in this book but referred to as coming to the estate in the future. But sequel or not, this one is such a languid surprise that it stands quite well on its own, thank you very much.
June 27, 2016
The writing was good enough for me to try this author again, but there’s very little romance here and I have some questions about the level of historical accuracy.
To be clear, I know almost nothing about Regency England but this had some things I’ve never come across in other books (or tv/movies). Our MCs are part of a small, unconventional, country household and as such, the usual protocols of the servant-master dynamic were much more relaxed. Clement and his counterpart, lady’s maid Letty, act as companions to their charges, speaking very freely etc. The humor of the book comes from the servants’ efforts to fulfill the whims of their eccentric employers, even to the point of Letty and Lady Devereaux playing in a fort made from linens. And because of the small staff (and an incompetent butler), Clement’s duties go well beyond those of any valet I’ve seen. Was all this within the realm of possibility? Or strictly exaggeration for humor’s sake? I just don’t know. Bottom line, I prefer accuracy.
So we have a setup that fudges on the period norms and then there are Clement and Hugo themselves. I’d never come across a black body servant before, but is that because they didn’t exist or is it because they aren’t often written about? I wasn’t able to find much info online and the author doesn’t have a website to see any discussion of the book. If it was indeed unusual, I wish it had been addressed. I also wondered about Hugo who was much more well spoken than I expected for his job title. Just what was the education level of a groom?
On top of those niggles, the romance is extremely light. As you might expect, a valet – especially one with extra household duties – had very little free time in which to conduct an affair. In that way, this is maybe a little too realistic for a romance novel: Clement and Hugo just aren’t able to spend much time together. Mostly they share brief snatches of stilted conversation. And all encounters are strictly G-rated, which actually suited the feel of the story very well. But in a final twist on period norms, Clement confides his more-than-friends interest in Hugo to both Letty and Lady Devereux. Their casual acceptance made me more certain that liberties were taken with period accuracy in other ways as well.
This book is much more about Clement’s professional predicaments than about his personal life. I’d prefer more emphasis on the romance, but the writing was really quite good. If I could be sure of the historical accuracy, I’d happily read more by this author.
To be clear, I know almost nothing about Regency England but this had some things I’ve never come across in other books (or tv/movies). Our MCs are part of a small, unconventional, country household and as such, the usual protocols of the servant-master dynamic were much more relaxed. Clement and his counterpart, lady’s maid Letty, act as companions to their charges, speaking very freely etc. The humor of the book comes from the servants’ efforts to fulfill the whims of their eccentric employers, even to the point of Letty and Lady Devereaux playing in a fort made from linens. And because of the small staff (and an incompetent butler), Clement’s duties go well beyond those of any valet I’ve seen. Was all this within the realm of possibility? Or strictly exaggeration for humor’s sake? I just don’t know. Bottom line, I prefer accuracy.
So we have a setup that fudges on the period norms and then there are Clement and Hugo themselves. I’d never come across a black body servant before, but is that because they didn’t exist or is it because they aren’t often written about? I wasn’t able to find much info online and the author doesn’t have a website to see any discussion of the book. If it was indeed unusual, I wish it had been addressed. I also wondered about Hugo who was much more well spoken than I expected for his job title. Just what was the education level of a groom?
On top of those niggles, the romance is extremely light. As you might expect, a valet – especially one with extra household duties – had very little free time in which to conduct an affair. In that way, this is maybe a little too realistic for a romance novel: Clement and Hugo just aren’t able to spend much time together. Mostly they share brief snatches of stilted conversation. And all encounters are strictly G-rated, which actually suited the feel of the story very well. But in a final twist on period norms, Clement confides his more-than-friends interest in Hugo to both Letty and Lady Devereux. Their casual acceptance made me more certain that liberties were taken with period accuracy in other ways as well.
This book is much more about Clement’s professional predicaments than about his personal life. I’d prefer more emphasis on the romance, but the writing was really quite good. If I could be sure of the historical accuracy, I’d happily read more by this author.
April 12, 2017
If you are into Regency stories this might be just the right book for you, if you are looking for romance (or sex) you might look elsewhere...
Clement is a personal valet and when his master's family relocates to the countryside he has to decide whether he wants to stay with them, or apply for another position and maybe advance in his career.
Especially as he is quite certain that the position of a butler would have belonged to him and not dull Mr. Midgley, who is not fit for it as Clement would be!
But then there is Hugo, the stable groom, so maybe Clement should stay at least until everyone has settled in...
This story has "Downton Abbey" written all over it, maybe even a little Jane Austen, but what it has not, is romance or drama. Actually, the most dramatic thing happening here is a button going amiss from Hugo`s jacket, or maybe the new herd of cattle arriving at the estate.
Everything is very slow and the highlight will be a kiss and the mention of a night spent together, so if you want more sex or even romance this might not please you.
I must say, that once I accepted the slow rhythm of the story I did enjoy reading it and would rate it 3.5 stars.
Clement is a personal valet and when his master's family relocates to the countryside he has to decide whether he wants to stay with them, or apply for another position and maybe advance in his career.
Especially as he is quite certain that the position of a butler would have belonged to him and not dull Mr. Midgley, who is not fit for it as Clement would be!
But then there is Hugo, the stable groom, so maybe Clement should stay at least until everyone has settled in...
This story has "Downton Abbey" written all over it, maybe even a little Jane Austen, but what it has not, is romance or drama. Actually, the most dramatic thing happening here is a button going amiss from Hugo`s jacket, or maybe the new herd of cattle arriving at the estate.
Everything is very slow and the highlight will be a kiss and the mention of a night spent together, so if you want more sex or even romance this might not please you.
I must say, that once I accepted the slow rhythm of the story I did enjoy reading it and would rate it 3.5 stars.
July 13, 2016
At several points, Clement, the ever-busy valet, imagines sitting with a cup of tea in front of a cozy fire, and that's very much the feeling that reading this book instilled in me.
Clement works for an eccentric nobleman, who moves to the countryside against his will. The nobleman tries out a series of strange hobbies, and his ill-conceived and sometimes dangerous ideas create a lot of funny moments. Clement has quite a task keeping him in line and trying to make the nobleman's new life happy and prosperous.
The book also focuses on Clement's friendship with his employer's wife, the maid, and the other staff at the house, which gave the book a nice family-of-choice feel. I don't know why everyone who knew about Clement's romance with the groom was okay with it, but I like historicals in which there is no homophobia, even though I know it isn't realistic.
The romance is very sweet and low-key. Clement is totally innocent and doesn't really know what he's feeling for the groom. I thought he was absolutely adorable.
There isn't much plot here, but that isn't a complaint, because I enjoyed spending time in the book's peaceful atmosphere. There's a conflict between Clement and the man who has been named butler to the new household, even though Clement is better suited to the job. A conflict also develops between the MCs because Clement thinks he's too busy to have time for love. But everything is resolved with a solid HEA.
I would recommend this book to fans of Charlie Cochrane's historical novels. The writing has a similar witty style, but with more straightforward language. This author was new to me, and I'll definitely be reading more of her work.
Clement works for an eccentric nobleman, who moves to the countryside against his will. The nobleman tries out a series of strange hobbies, and his ill-conceived and sometimes dangerous ideas create a lot of funny moments. Clement has quite a task keeping him in line and trying to make the nobleman's new life happy and prosperous.
The book also focuses on Clement's friendship with his employer's wife, the maid, and the other staff at the house, which gave the book a nice family-of-choice feel. I don't know why everyone who knew about Clement's romance with the groom was okay with it, but I like historicals in which there is no homophobia, even though I know it isn't realistic.
The romance is very sweet and low-key. Clement is totally innocent and doesn't really know what he's feeling for the groom. I thought he was absolutely adorable.
There isn't much plot here, but that isn't a complaint, because I enjoyed spending time in the book's peaceful atmosphere. There's a conflict between Clement and the man who has been named butler to the new household, even though Clement is better suited to the job. A conflict also develops between the MCs because Clement thinks he's too busy to have time for love. But everything is resolved with a solid HEA.
I would recommend this book to fans of Charlie Cochrane's historical novels. The writing has a similar witty style, but with more straightforward language. This author was new to me, and I'll definitely be reading more of her work.
June 11, 2016
As someone who doesn’t read many romance novels, I was delightfully surprised by The Valet and the Stable Groom. Katherine Marlowe does a brilliant job escalating the romantic tension between Clement, the over-achieving valet who runs himself ragged trying to keep order in a household filled with incompetence and madness, and the stable groom of the country estate to which Clement has been recently relocated.
I found myself rooting harder for Clement with every chapter, feeling his pain, his loneliness, his exhaustion, waiting and praying for his circumstances to improve. That said, my favorite character was Hildebert, the eccentric lord of the estate, whose incessant antics provided comic relief to Clement’s troubles—while simultaneously creating more troubles for Clement.
The mischievous Letty—Lady in waiting to Jane, the Lady of the estate—adds to the mayhem and perks interest in every scene in which she appears.
The Valet and the Stable Groom is driven by a wonderful cast of characters with real problems and by a love in danger of winking out before it has a chance to be actualized. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for an uplifting love story, full of entertaining characters that will keep you laughing and invested from start to finish.
I found myself rooting harder for Clement with every chapter, feeling his pain, his loneliness, his exhaustion, waiting and praying for his circumstances to improve. That said, my favorite character was Hildebert, the eccentric lord of the estate, whose incessant antics provided comic relief to Clement’s troubles—while simultaneously creating more troubles for Clement.
The mischievous Letty—Lady in waiting to Jane, the Lady of the estate—adds to the mayhem and perks interest in every scene in which she appears.
The Valet and the Stable Groom is driven by a wonderful cast of characters with real problems and by a love in danger of winking out before it has a chance to be actualized. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for an uplifting love story, full of entertaining characters that will keep you laughing and invested from start to finish.
July 24, 2016
This is a leisurely story, for lack of a better word, one that takes its time. I enjoyed the way it was written, even as I had a few questions about the content. Clement is the valet for a younger brother and the story starts out with the birth of the heir. What this means is, despite Clement’s goal of working his way up the servant ladder in London, he is stuck out in the country with his exiled employer, Hildebert. Let’s mention that Hildebert is an engaging character, maybe a little silly but certainly more entertaining than his stuffy big brother. Yes, he’s a little spoiled, but… “I’m going to need your help with preparations. We are going to be embarking upon an expedition to Make Something of Ourselves.” When the butler for the new estate is named, however, I wanted to slap both Hildebert and Lord Devereux. Poor Clement.
So off to the country they go, where Clement has plans to return to London and become a butler. It is the meeting of the stable groom, Hugo. This was interesting for me particularly as not only was it in a place Clement didn’t want to be, but it was also two servants. So often when reading regency it is the aristocracy we are reading about.
The additional problem is that Clement, while not having the position of butler, definitely is running the show. There is a definite closeness with the staff of this new estate and Clement is a catalyst for that. He is a great character.
I could have used a bit more connection between Hugo and Clement romantically. They were friends for sure but I wasn’t sure about the rest. But I loved both characters, so it worked. Hugo, who is warm and kind and rarely bothered. Well, except for those dreaded geese. “Geese are winged devils. They’re not quite as bad as swans but they are fearsome and fiendish.”
By the end, I was pulling for this couple. The secondary characters, particularly Letty, are enjoyable and funny. There are some points where I questioned that things would work how they did in Regency period. It is very off the mark at points but I suspended belief a little to enjoy it. As noted, the romance aspect really isn’t the focal point but it is there. The story is sweet and interesting.
So off to the country they go, where Clement has plans to return to London and become a butler. It is the meeting of the stable groom, Hugo. This was interesting for me particularly as not only was it in a place Clement didn’t want to be, but it was also two servants. So often when reading regency it is the aristocracy we are reading about.
The additional problem is that Clement, while not having the position of butler, definitely is running the show. There is a definite closeness with the staff of this new estate and Clement is a catalyst for that. He is a great character.
I could have used a bit more connection between Hugo and Clement romantically. They were friends for sure but I wasn’t sure about the rest. But I loved both characters, so it worked. Hugo, who is warm and kind and rarely bothered. Well, except for those dreaded geese. “Geese are winged devils. They’re not quite as bad as swans but they are fearsome and fiendish.”
By the end, I was pulling for this couple. The secondary characters, particularly Letty, are enjoyable and funny. There are some points where I questioned that things would work how they did in Regency period. It is very off the mark at points but I suspended belief a little to enjoy it. As noted, the romance aspect really isn’t the focal point but it is there. The story is sweet and interesting.
August 1, 2016
Except for the cover (didn't really like it -not 'periody' enough for me), this is as usual a well written story. It includes all that I love about Katherine Marlowe books. Humour, the non-importance of class, acceptance of all sexual preferences -speaking of which . . . Katherine, Jane and Letty are having their own 'sexual thing' are they not? No? Too bad. Yes? Fantastic!!
Clement, the dark skinned ambitious valet was passed over for a promotion he felt was coming his way. Still he set out to make sure his master's household is, and stay in order financially and otherwise while trying his damndest to make his employers observe the 'differences between servants and masters'.
Then he literally has to take on the tasks of more than just a valet, which he happily did, but lord, it was not easy and has it consequences. . .
Clement, the dark skinned ambitious valet was passed over for a promotion he felt was coming his way. Still he set out to make sure his master's household is, and stay in order financially and otherwise while trying his damndest to make his employers observe the 'differences between servants and masters'.
Then he literally has to take on the tasks of more than just a valet, which he happily did, but lord, it was not easy and has it consequences. . .
December 13, 2016
First off. That cover doesn't match the story. At least that's how it feels to me. It looks way more... fiery (?) than the story itself. That one is supercute! All the fluff! Low key drama and a lot of 'don't lords and ladies have stuff to do?' moments but ultimately just a fun read!
p.s. I'm always a bit amused to see someone saying: ' that's historically inaccurate!'. Please go to this site: People of Color in European Art History. Because you wouldn't want to be historically inaccurate. Or you know just assume you don't know everything even though you studied history, I did and still I was blown away by this site. Since then... I got a lot more careful in saying 'that's not true!'. Well unless it's about virgins. For some reason I can't stop pointing out wat is true or not...
p.s. I'm always a bit amused to see someone saying: ' that's historically inaccurate!'. Please go to this site: People of Color in European Art History. Because you wouldn't want to be historically inaccurate. Or you know just assume you don't know everything even though you studied history, I did and still I was blown away by this site. Since then... I got a lot more careful in saying 'that's not true!'. Well unless it's about virgins. For some reason I can't stop pointing out wat is true or not...
January 17, 2021
Marlowe's writing seems to be hit or miss for me, and this one was a miss. It really drags through these little interactions and drama of the side characters that have little to do with the story other than aggravate the MC. As many other reviewers said, it also seems pretty historically inaccurate about the interactions between servants and servants with their employers. There's also little romance here, just a teenage-style infatuation that didn't appeal to me and wasn't even the main plot point in the book. If you want to read about the hijinks of an rich, naïve Georgian eccentric and the trouble he puts literally everyone he knows through, then you might enjoy this but otherwise I'd give it a miss.
February 19, 2023
I'm at 87% and still waiting for the romance. The alleged love interests have spent maybe ten pages together so far.
I put it on "historical-ish" because while the author's bio says she's an historian, the story read like "didn't do the research" rather than "historical au" to me.
Not gonna finish, this is my third book by this author and the one I like the least. I mean, I finished the other two. I really wanted to love this author's work and I really, really don't, but I seem to be in the minority and that is okay.
I put it on "historical-ish" because while the author's bio says she's an historian, the story read like "didn't do the research" rather than "historical au" to me.
Not gonna finish, this is my third book by this author and the one I like the least. I mean, I finished the other two. I really wanted to love this author's work and I really, really don't, but I seem to be in the minority and that is okay.
December 18, 2025
Cute, low stakes romance between (a bit more than) a valet and a stable groom. The conflict of the relationship is believable while avoiding any miscommunication tropes.
And there’s much to be said about having an enjoyable cast of supporting characters! The antics of Lady Jane and Letty made me smile at multiple points. I do think the amount of people automatically being so chill about homosexuality was a bit unrealistic but it matched the cosy atmosphere of the story so I won’t complain.
And there’s much to be said about having an enjoyable cast of supporting characters! The antics of Lady Jane and Letty made me smile at multiple points. I do think the amount of people automatically being so chill about homosexuality was a bit unrealistic but it matched the cosy atmosphere of the story so I won’t complain.
July 24, 2018
Hilarious, but a seriously slow burn. (Can it be called a "burn" if it's fade-to-black sex scenes?) Loved the dog army attacking the blanket fort, the small horses, Ermengarde, Earl of the Entry Foyer the taxidermy bear, and every single one of Hildebert's "hobbies."
July 14, 2021
This was a bit of a slow burn and nearly chaste. It was actually refreshing. So much of the M/M Romance genre is...what is the gay equivalent of a bodice ripper? Codpiece ripper? The book was cozy and sometimes cozy beats racy by a yard.
July 25, 2021
Excellent!
The author has a real talent for creating engaging characters that I want to know more about and whose lives I feel invested in. Delightful to read. I adored Clement and Hugo and found this book very addictive. Would highly recommend.
The author has a real talent for creating engaging characters that I want to know more about and whose lives I feel invested in. Delightful to read. I adored Clement and Hugo and found this book very addictive. Would highly recommend.
February 14, 2023
Sweet....and a little frustrating
Marlowe does VERY slow burns. But I forgive her, because her stories are always sweet and relatively angst-free.
It's a nice pairing, believable, and unashamed, which is refreshing with so many m/m novels plagued by homophobic anxiety.
Marlowe does VERY slow burns. But I forgive her, because her stories are always sweet and relatively angst-free.
It's a nice pairing, believable, and unashamed, which is refreshing with so many m/m novels plagued by homophobic anxiety.
October 18, 2017
** 3.75 Stars **
August 12, 2018
Would recommend.
A pleasant weekend read. Escapism at its best. Would recommend. Looking forward to more titles from this author. Buy it.
A pleasant weekend read. Escapism at its best. Would recommend. Looking forward to more titles from this author. Buy it.
January 19, 2020
A sweet romance
I thoroughly enjoyed the story between Clement and Hugo my only wish would have been a little more focus on them and less on the other characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story between Clement and Hugo my only wish would have been a little more focus on them and less on the other characters.
June 21, 2020
2.75 stars
February 2, 2022
Read 2/1/22, 3.75 stars
February 17, 2019
Being groomed for London, country life, romance, or overworked disappointment?
A very light, g-rated historical male/male - gay romance, it is set among servants in an minor, second-son aristocratic household suddenly thrust into a remote and small country estate. It’s an easy, quick, and gently enjoyable read.
A very light, g-rated historical male/male - gay romance, it is set among servants in an minor, second-son aristocratic household suddenly thrust into a remote and small country estate. It’s an easy, quick, and gently enjoyable read.
December 13, 2016
Original review on Molly Lolly
Four and a half stars!
This was such a hun story. The characters came alive on the page and their desires and ambitions became the things I wanted to know and see they got them through the course of the story. While the relationship between Hugo and Clement was central to the story, the rest of the characters create a wonderful atmosphere that fully immersed me in the fields of Herefordshire.
I so enjoyed Clement. He worked tirelessly to ensure the household was run properly and would prosper. He also deeply care for Hildebert and didn’t want to see any true harm come to him despite his odd tendencies. Even the member of the household he least got along with, Clement held no ill will towards. That gentle nature and take charge attitude was fascinating to see how it all went out the window when he was around Hugo. He became so unsure and flustered and it was adorable to watch how he handled those emotions.
Hugo was wonderful. He was exactly what Clement needed to push for his needs to be met so he was able to prioritize Hugo. He seemed to be this gentle giant, though not necessarily in actual stature. More demeanor and temperament. He knew when to ask for what he needed and force an issue and when to treat others as a skittish foal. However seeing him blossom and become more open and talkative as he and Clement’s friendship, then relationship, grew was wonderful. Hugo’s strength was more pronounced and he seemed more settled into his own Skin.
I loved the scene where Clement proved he’s making Hugo a priority. The gesture is sweet and the way he gets others to help make it a success shows how deep his feelings for Hugo go. It was such a wonderful scene and a great turning point to their relationship.
The Masters of the House, Hildebert and Jane, were so much fun. They were completely quirky and made for some hilarious scenes. My favorite line in the whole book came from Hildebert. “You may be thought eccentric.” [Clement] “I,” said Hildebert, “am a gentleman inventor. It is my highest aspiration to be thought eccentric.” Oh my goodness I laughed so hard and it was so true throughout the story. I greatly enjoyed watching Clement work to keep both Hildebert and Jane in line and from them to cause grae harm while still having it seem as if the ideas were their own.
I love how Ms. Marlowe writes historicals. They remind me of my love of fiction written in the time the story is set. She is an author that I can be sure is going to write a story that makes me love the characters and be pulled into the setting.
Four and a half stars!
This was such a hun story. The characters came alive on the page and their desires and ambitions became the things I wanted to know and see they got them through the course of the story. While the relationship between Hugo and Clement was central to the story, the rest of the characters create a wonderful atmosphere that fully immersed me in the fields of Herefordshire.
I so enjoyed Clement. He worked tirelessly to ensure the household was run properly and would prosper. He also deeply care for Hildebert and didn’t want to see any true harm come to him despite his odd tendencies. Even the member of the household he least got along with, Clement held no ill will towards. That gentle nature and take charge attitude was fascinating to see how it all went out the window when he was around Hugo. He became so unsure and flustered and it was adorable to watch how he handled those emotions.
Hugo was wonderful. He was exactly what Clement needed to push for his needs to be met so he was able to prioritize Hugo. He seemed to be this gentle giant, though not necessarily in actual stature. More demeanor and temperament. He knew when to ask for what he needed and force an issue and when to treat others as a skittish foal. However seeing him blossom and become more open and talkative as he and Clement’s friendship, then relationship, grew was wonderful. Hugo’s strength was more pronounced and he seemed more settled into his own Skin.
I loved the scene where Clement proved he’s making Hugo a priority. The gesture is sweet and the way he gets others to help make it a success shows how deep his feelings for Hugo go. It was such a wonderful scene and a great turning point to their relationship.
The Masters of the House, Hildebert and Jane, were so much fun. They were completely quirky and made for some hilarious scenes. My favorite line in the whole book came from Hildebert. “You may be thought eccentric.” [Clement] “I,” said Hildebert, “am a gentleman inventor. It is my highest aspiration to be thought eccentric.” Oh my goodness I laughed so hard and it was so true throughout the story. I greatly enjoyed watching Clement work to keep both Hildebert and Jane in line and from them to cause grae harm while still having it seem as if the ideas were their own.
I love how Ms. Marlowe writes historicals. They remind me of my love of fiction written in the time the story is set. She is an author that I can be sure is going to write a story that makes me love the characters and be pulled into the setting.
June 20, 2016
Clement Adair is an excellent personal valet. So it's no surprise he has his eyes set on becoming a butler. When the household he's working in splits, he expects his promotion will go along with it. To his dismay, however, he is moving with his employer, but he is staying in the same role. Not happy with the prospect of being stuck as a valet on a small country estate, Clement plans to resign as soon as things are settled and return to London to seek a new path.
What Clement doesn't count on, however, is meeting Hugo Ogden, the estate's stable groom. Hugo is fascinating to Clement in ways in hadn't expected. And he finds himself wanting to get to know the man much better. Which can't really happen if he gets on the next train to London and never looks back.
There's more going on in the household, though, that needs Clement's attention. His employer's constantly changing hobbies keep him more than occupied. The fact that the household butler is nearly incompetent gives him extra duties. And someone keeps playing pranks on said butler--who is quick to give Clement the blame. Can Clement help get the household in order in time to figure out what he wants with Hugo? Or should he really just leave all of the disorder behind?
--
Let me start by saying this book is simply wonderful. That's really the best way I can sum it up at this point. The plot, the characters, and the storytelling make for a masterful book. It was quite difficult to put it down when I needed to get back to work. :)
Many times in regency-type historical romances, we see the relationship between two members of the aristocracy or one aristocrat and a member of the serving class. A story that focuses on two members of the serving class is a bit more rare, in my experience. So this is certainly refreshing for that fact alone.
What's more is the cast of characters that rest in the background (if you could really call it that). They bring this wonderful world to life in some very vivid ways. And the humor and entertainment value of these characters is also great. Considering the relationship is slow to get started, they certainly serve to keep the reader interested while Clement and Hugo take their sweet time in finding their way.
This is a definite strong recommendation from me!
[Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.]
What Clement doesn't count on, however, is meeting Hugo Ogden, the estate's stable groom. Hugo is fascinating to Clement in ways in hadn't expected. And he finds himself wanting to get to know the man much better. Which can't really happen if he gets on the next train to London and never looks back.
There's more going on in the household, though, that needs Clement's attention. His employer's constantly changing hobbies keep him more than occupied. The fact that the household butler is nearly incompetent gives him extra duties. And someone keeps playing pranks on said butler--who is quick to give Clement the blame. Can Clement help get the household in order in time to figure out what he wants with Hugo? Or should he really just leave all of the disorder behind?
--
Let me start by saying this book is simply wonderful. That's really the best way I can sum it up at this point. The plot, the characters, and the storytelling make for a masterful book. It was quite difficult to put it down when I needed to get back to work. :)
Many times in regency-type historical romances, we see the relationship between two members of the aristocracy or one aristocrat and a member of the serving class. A story that focuses on two members of the serving class is a bit more rare, in my experience. So this is certainly refreshing for that fact alone.
What's more is the cast of characters that rest in the background (if you could really call it that). They bring this wonderful world to life in some very vivid ways. And the humor and entertainment value of these characters is also great. Considering the relationship is slow to get started, they certainly serve to keep the reader interested while Clement and Hugo take their sweet time in finding their way.
This is a definite strong recommendation from me!
[Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.]
June 29, 2016
I was given a free copy by the author in exchange for an honest review. So what can I honestly say about this book? I can tell you it was amusing, historically inaccurate and slow. Now, don't get me wrong, it wasn't glaringly obvious that it was inaccurate but I've read enough historical novels in my time to say there were some historical inconsistencies. However they worked within the context of the story so I didn't really mind (no having the French win Waterloo for example - and yes I read a book like that once!!). The best thing I liked about the MCs is that neither were aristocrats which made for a nice change in a regency romance. However the romance was a long, slow time in getting off the ground and the book was more a story of a rather eccentric family and their servants living in rural England and the crazy things they got up to.
I liked it but wouldn't recommend it unless you enjoy slow burn romance and crazy regency shenanigans with a dash of humour to spice it up.
I liked it but wouldn't recommend it unless you enjoy slow burn romance and crazy regency shenanigans with a dash of humour to spice it up.
January 3, 2017
Not enough romance.
July 23, 2021
a cute, sweet easy read that left me smiling. also I loved pretty much everyone and there were puppies.
April 23, 2017
I liked this story. It's a solid 4 stars, but it wasn't quite what I was expecting. This is labeled a romance but it was really more about Clement's current life/situation. The romance definitely felt secondary. I'm tempted to label this as a slow burn story, but honestly there's little burn at all. And that's not just because it's a clean romance.
Don't get me wrong, the relationship between Clement and Hugo's relationship feels completely natural. But in this case 'natural' means slow, and without much tension. A lot of the book's tension comes from Clement's employer's attempts at finding a hobby. Which is hilarious. Hildebert is a great character and it was fun to read about Clement's attempts to keep him from blowing himself up.
I'm glad that this is not the first book I've read by Katherine Marlowe. As fun as it was to read, The Valet and the Stable Groom wasn't the type of romance I was looking for. But I know from Marlowe's other books that she can and does write stories where romance was more of a focus.
Don't get me wrong, the relationship between Clement and Hugo's relationship feels completely natural. But in this case 'natural' means slow, and without much tension. A lot of the book's tension comes from Clement's employer's attempts at finding a hobby. Which is hilarious. Hildebert is a great character and it was fun to read about Clement's attempts to keep him from blowing himself up.
I'm glad that this is not the first book I've read by Katherine Marlowe. As fun as it was to read, The Valet and the Stable Groom wasn't the type of romance I was looking for. But I know from Marlowe's other books that she can and does write stories where romance was more of a focus.
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