Only the Valet Will Do

by Sophie Barnes

A fated love destined to test their devotion…

When Lady Lilliana gets stuck in a hole and Mr. Tristan Henley comes to her rescue, sparks immediately fly. Unfortunately, instead of being a fellow peer, Mr. Henley is merely a valet. So as much as Lilliana would like to pursue a romantic attachment with him, she must refrain, lest she ruin her reputation. Something she probably should have considered before she welcomed his kisses.

Intent on supporting his family, Tristan seeks employment, only to fall for a woman he knows he cannot have. Lady Lilliana is everything he could possibly dream of in a life partner. But pursuing her could spell disaster for them both. Because the last thing Tristan needs is the complication he’ll have to deal with if she discovers he’s not who he claims to be.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Regency, Novella, Fiction

137 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2023

About the author

USA TODAY bestselling author Sophie Barnes writes historical romance novels in which the characters break away from social expectations in their quest for happiness and love. Having written for Avon, an imprint of Harper Collins, her books have been published internationally in eight languages. With a fondness for travel, Sophie has lived in six countries, on three continents, and speaks English, Danish, French, Spanish, and Romanian with varying degrees of fluency. Ever the romantic, she married the same man three times—in three different countries and in three different dresses.

When she’s not busy dreaming up her next swoon worthy romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga, baking, gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading.

For all the latest releases, promotions, and exclusive story updates, subscribe to Sophie Barnes’ newsletter today: www.sophiebarnes.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSophie...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sophie-Barnes/...

Reviews

[Fos]

Paperback

Lady Lilliana and Tristan
Both very likable characters.

Finally a love story where the Valet is truly a Valet and not a secret rich Duke or Tycoon.

I have been waiting for years for a historical romance where there was a genuine romance and the woman wasn't marrying a title and wealth.

More stories like this, please! 🌟

And Thank you, Sophie Barnes, for giving readers a genuine love story not salted with titles and wealth. An honest, kind, loving, hardworking man is plenty!

I only wish the story was longer!

[Elizabeth McFarland]

This was a quick and easy read. It was a charming and sweet romance! I really enjoyed seeing love blossom between Lilliana and Tristan. I didn't realize going into this that it was part of a series, and that detracted from my enjoyment a bit. I would be interested in reading the others at some point.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Jocelynereadsromance]

Sophie Barnes is a must read historical romance author for me. I know when I pick up one of her novels I will find myself swept up into the story that will leave me with cozy feelings, a smile on my face and warmth in my heart. Only the Valet Will Do, is such a charming and delightful addition to the Sophie Barnes catalog of works. This story is a sweet, insta love story that has the mystic charm of true love. I adore that this novel deals with a class difference between the hero and the heroine, and I love that this class difference although acknowledged by them both is something that they both refuse to see as an obstacle that they are not unwilling to overcome.

This story will entertain you from the beginning, a charming meet/cute between the hero and heroine instantly sparks into an understanding and attraction between the two. Barnes is able to take the insta love of their fated relationship and imbue it with a depth of curiosity and understanding that these two gain as they gather moments of knowledge about the other. I love that Barnes know that just telling the reader they are in love is not enough and she is able to craft the small moments they have together to show the reader that these two are equals in their minds and that they would make the perfect partner to the other. Barnes masterfully weaves together this story by putting the heroine and hero at the center of the story. These two are able to have stolen moments that give them deeper insight into the other. These two, although they both feel the instant draw to the other, also reflect and take the time to make sure that the others wants and needs are in the forefront of their minds. I love that these two never underestimate the other, that they both stand up for themselves and the other, and that the trust whole heartedly in their feelings.

This novel while low on the steam, only some passionate kisses, is full of heart! I was swept into this story, I was invested in their relationship and I trusted that love would ultimately win. This is a wonderful Sophie Barnes novella, I would highly recommend her, this novella and her extensive backlist!

[Janet]

After an unsuccessful season Lady Lilliana & her family retire to the country. It is Lilliana’s turn to wear the crystal necklace. Whilst walking in the grounds she gets stuck in a hole and Mr. Tristan Henley comes to her rescue, sparks immediately fly. Unfortunately, instead of being a fellow peer, Mr. Henley is her brother Henry’s valet. Intent on supporting his family, Tristan seeks employment, only to fall for a woman he knows he cannot have. How can the crystal work its magic?
A well written quick read which I read in a sitting. I really liked both Tristan & Lilliana, their chemistry sizzled & sparks flew each time they met but they also found they had interests in common & they fell hard for each other but they were from different social classes. Tristan has secrets & you’re left guessing as to exactly what these are. I enjoyed how everything was resolved & liked that Lilliana had support not only from her Grandmother but someone else who was unexpected.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer]

Isabel was brought up a lady but like most human she has an original independent spirit she comes from a loving family with her brother her mother and father and her grandmother. Her father wants her to get married so she can settle down but that’s not on Isabell‘s list of things to do until she meets her brothers ballet. Soon after arriving in the country Isabell decided to go walking on the ground something she son many times before but this time her foot gets caught in a hole that she knows wasn’t there the last time she was out thankfully Tristan was going to check his traps but the last thing he thought he would catch she would be a woman. It seems as soon as they met sparks flew in the more time they spent together the more she wanted to be with him and he with her but he was just a valet… Right? That can’t help but feel blessed in each others arms in the night of the ball they cannot keep their hands off of each other but when her father and brother catch them the brother fires Tristan and send them on his way and Isabel is the Spondin and so sad but her grandmother remind her that she has the inlet that brings all true love together so if her father and brother want to set her up with two men of gentry to let them because the necklace Isabell was given will make true love happen. Will Tristan and Isabell be separated forever I will hunt grandmothers tried-and-true necklace of true love work for her? This book was so freaking good I loved loved loved this book! If you love Regency romances you really need to read only the valet will do by Sophia Barnes you will not be disappointed I know I totally wasn’t and already downloaded two more books by the author. I really hope that there is a story with Iris in the necklace but I may be wishing for too much but if you’re reading this Sophia Barnes you really should do one with Iris the necklace and then Emma then on and on that would be so awesome! Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katja]

Lilli is an earl's daughter who has some hoydenish tendencies. Tristan is her brother's valet whose family has fallen on hard times financially because of his father's debts. When she falls into his trap (literally) they are instantly attracted to each other but she is expected to marry well and it seems impossible between them. But there is a magical quartz crystal that says they are destined to be together so they will.
This was okay, a quick entertaining story. It was interesting finding out how Tristan would gain his acceptance although I thought the struggle might have been a bit more interesting without the amulet which made it a foregone conclusion from the start and felt a bit like a cop-out.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenni Sauer]

DNFing this

I really didn't want to, I even tried skimming, but I just...I can't. I wanted to love this book. And I *did* love the parts the synopsis promised

But it's also about a magic amulet that destines the two main characters to be together and while I LOVE insta-love, it's a stretch, even for me. And the synopsis gave no indication of any sort of magic plotline, I thought it was straight historical romance

The characters were sweet, and I'm happy imagining them living happily ever after together. I just... can't make myself read the rest of the book to see them get there :/

🎶So This Is Love by Emily Watts

[Laura]

Quick novella love story of class differences holding two people in lust apart from each other.

Set in the Regency era, Lady Lilliana wants to marry for love, and is given a magic amulet that will help her find her true love.

Who turns out to be the valet of her brother, which will not do.

But we know from the start that he is no ordinary valet, as he is well read, and well spoken, and reads Shakespeare.

Cute, but very formula, as you don't have time for much more in a novel. No hot sex. Just a little heavy petting, and lusting after each other.

If you are looking for a quick dip into romance, this is a pleasant enough distraction.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

[Mary]

As with most historical romance books, the author sweeps the reader away into the world of Lilli and Tristan. They are immediately swept up into the instant attraction they feel and live each moment it’s that allure uppermost in their lives. I mean they really really get swept up I. Their feelings. So much so that they do not make the wisest choices, which lead to unfortunate consequences and family drama. There are a few interesting twists along with a happy ever after.
I received an advanced reader copy for free from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Elodie’s Reading Corner]

👔 Only the Valet Will Do 🐇
✒️ Sophie Barnes
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSophie...
Release Date 02/14/2023
Publisher Sophie Barnes
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJBFNYWZ?...

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

A fated love destined to test their devotion…

When Lady Lilliana gets stuck in a hole and Mr. Tristan Henley comes to her rescue, sparks immediately fly. Unfortunately, instead of being a fellow peer, Mr. Henley is merely a valet. So as much as Lilliana would like to pursue a romantic attachment with him, she must refrain, lest she ruin her reputation. Something she probably should have considered before she welcomed his kisses.

Intent on supporting his family, Tristan seeks employment, only to fall for a woman he knows he cannot have. Lady Lilliana is everything he could possibly dream of in a life partner. But pursuing her could spell disaster for them both. Because the last thing Tristan needs is the complication he’ll have to deal with if she discovers he’s not who he claims to be.

𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

A short and entertaining read about an impossible romance.
Tristan and Lilliana are quite the star-crossed lovers of legend, their difference of ranks makes of them an impossible match.
Why they fight their attraction from the beginning but it appears they are doomed to love one another but also to be apart.
Unless…

In some way, this is a sort of reverse Cinderella story, with a poor fellow having to seek work to save his nearly destitute family and the princess seeking a prince.

It was fun to watch them circling one another, trying to avoid the other, them giving in the pull to having to battle many fronts for their happily ever after.
4 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 hot kisses

I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cod5sO...

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[Bonnie]

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this novella; this is my freely given opinion.

I did not realize that this was originally released as part of the Love Be a Lady's Charm anthology, which is several short stories by different authors with the focus being a group of young female relations and their grandmother's love charm - a rose quartz crystal. This story, by Sophie Barnes, appears to be the last of the stories in this series so I read it without reading the others. It still was pretty readable without having read the other three, but I suspect that there was a bit of history and context that was missing without reading the other three stories.

Regardless, this is the story of Lady Lilliana, the young, spirited daughter of an earl, who has now come into possession of the love charm and is in hopes of finding her everlasting fated true love with it's powers. After all, it has helped her cousins find their true mates. What she did not expect was that the crystal would point her to her brother's valet, Tristan Henley, as her fated love. Except Tristan is handsome, charming, intelligent, and they share a magnetic mutual attraction.

Tristan is born and raised an educated gentleman, though untitled, and has been forced to find work as a valet and secretary to Lilliana's brother, because his father has squandered their monies and cannot manage their estate. He hid his background to gain employment and knows that his attraction to Lilliana, as a servant, cannot happen. But their have an undeniable, magnetic mutual attraction that just grows stronger the more time they spend together, until they are discovered and they are forced apart by her protective and outraged father and brother.

Tristan is forced to find a way to resolve his circumstances to save his family's estate and try to win over Lilliana's family to gain the chance to court her.

This was very sweet, charming, clean historical romance, that I felt was cute, but obviously with some suspension of belief. But it was a cute, fun little love story to read around Valentines.

3 stars out of 5

[Nanna]

This was a fast read as I can’t put it down. Lillian is the daughter of an Earl and is very outgoing and determine young lady. She doesn’t want to marry and has had a number of season’s, turning down the man who offered for her. Her family has taken to the county for a break from the hustle of ton life. Her parents and brother Henry. She goes for a walk to her favorite tree but falls in a hole and can’t get her foot out. Tristan has taken a job due to his father wasting all the family money and he needs to help his mother and sisters. He has hired on as a Valet to a Viscount without telling him about his past. He is very happy with his job and likes his employer, Henry. While in the county he goes to check a trap, he set for rabbits. Instead, he finds a very upset, anger beautiful young Lady. He helps her out and is immediately smitten with her. He has never felt like this before every. He doesn’t even know her name and thinking of kissing her! Lillian can’t believe the handsome man who come to her rescue. Her whole-body feels tingling and hot. Is this the necklace’s work? Her family has a Rose Quartz Crystal that has helped the women in her family find their soul mates. She is now wearing it. She can’t wait to find out who he is. Unfortunately, he turns out to be her brother's new valet!! Oh, no this will never do, her father and brother will not let marry a servant. Henry is shocked when he learns the woman, he wanted is his employers sister. Both Henry and Lillia know with the class different they don’t stand a chance. With their growing feelings and giving in to forbidden kisses is the crystal wrong this time? Can there be a way for them to find happiness? With help from Grandmother, the crystal and true love this is a fun-loving story. There are lots of ups and downs with secrets and misunderstanding too. This story is the fourth in a series which was published in a box set “Love be a Lady’s Charm” by different authors. You can’t buy the box set, but can look it up on website and buy the books. I plan to go back and the set. I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.

[Emily Pennington]

A Beautiful, Magical Story . . .

Lilliana (“Lilli”), daughter of an Earl, is not interested in marriage. Her parents and Henry, her brother decide to go to the country to relax and Henry hires Tristan Henley as a valet. Tristan was of the Gentry but hiding that fact so he would be hired. Tristan’s father had mismanaged and gambled away their funds and Tristan had to help the rest of his family by taking on the servant job that paid well.

When Lilliana takes a walk on the estate, she falls into a hole. Tristan had made the trap to catch a rabbit, and fortunately he was able to release her foot. From their first meeting, the two were infatuated with each other, even though a relationship would never be allowed. Tristan works hard and Henry is well satisfied with his work. But a valet could never marry Lady Lilliana.

Lilli’s family has a Rose Quartz Crystal that the family treasures. The Legend of the Rose Quartz claims the stone has the power to bring about true love, and it has for the women who attest that it found soul mates for them. Lilli now has the crystal, but is dismayed that it could never mean Tristan would be hers. So when her grandmother, the Countess, asked her to walk with her in the Garden, then sat down and insisted Lilli and Tristan continue the walk to see the roses, Lilli finally guessed her purpose. Her grandmother knew Tristan had kissed her and insisted that somehow they could be together. Could that be true? Will Tristan’s father preparing to marry off Tristan’s 16-year-old sister for money force him to tell Lilli’s father and brother the truth of his identity? Could her father forgive the dishonesty when he learns the circumstances? And will they work something out so that Tristan can make things right for his family again?

This was a wonderful story line, immediately letting the reader care about the characters and want them to find true love. Grab your copy and find out if the confusion can be unraveled and a future be found for Lilli and Tristan as the Crystal works its magic.

[Jenni]

This is a stand-alone novella with about 150 pages and I found this to be delightful.

Lady Lilliana is the daughter of an Earl and, after an unsuccessful season, receives a rose quartz crystal pendant that has been passed between female family members. Each time, the wearer finds true love so Lilli has high hopes that she's next when she slips this good luck charm around her neck.

Tristan Henley is valet to Lilli's brother and when they all retreat to the country after the season, Lilli and Tristan meet. Instantly there is a spark between them but class differences are a problem and they both try to keep their distance and get the other out of their head. Lilli believes the pendant is making a mistake but her grandmother assures her that all will work out.

So this is obviously a story about class differences and I really liked that the valet was not a duke in disguise or some rich guy on a secret mission. Tristan's family is in dire straits financially so he knows he can't pursue Lilliana and she can't help but be smitten with the valet and thinks the pendant is the reason. When a masquerade ball is thrown, Lilliana and Tristan get a chance to dance, then he steals her away to the gardens for some passionate kisses. But when they are caught, Mr. Henley is sent packing and Lilli's family reminds her why nothing can come from a relationship with him.

I really enjoy Sophie Barnes books, and this was no exception. It is lighter fare, with low steam and angst but I really enjoyed both of the main characters. I also enjoyed Tristan's backstory and how marriage to Lilli could prove helpful to family and his own sister's forced betrothal. Lilli and Tristan had a lot of honest communication and respect for each other, which I loved. And when Tristan declares his love in front of her family, it was a sweet swoony moment.

Overall I really enjoyed this sweet quick read. 4 stars from me. Steam is a 1.5 with passionate kisses and embraces.

[MammaDi3Gatti]

A very sweet, very uncomplicated, and very short novella that is a pleasant if not exciting read. It's part of a series, I think, but my first, with the common thread being a magical rose quartz pendant that guides the wearer towards true love. The rose quartz's magic allows for instalove, which is convenient but not my favorite type of plot.

So Lilliana falls for her brother's new valet, Tristan, immediately upon him lifting her out of a hole she'd stumbled into. He returns her affections, but as a servant, he cannot court her. But magic, right? Of course, the magical stone isn't enough to cross class lines, so it's fortunate that Tristan has a secret to reveal.

Lilliana and Tristan are both really good, likeable people, so it's easy to root for them. And the author does a good job in a limited number of pages to show that they have other things in common besides attraction. I just found that the story was a bit boring. The stone's past successes and Lillie's grandmother's support along with the knowledge that class isn't really an issue make it clear from page one that there's not much standing in their way. I guess, in short, it's just too easy.

But it's a sweet story that is 99 percent devoid of anxiety, and sometimes that's just what you want to read.

I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher and Netgalley. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!

[Nicole Normand]

I received a copy from both Booksprout and NetGalley; this is my honest review
I didn't recognize the title but when I started reading I got the suspicion that I had in fact read the book before. "Love be a Lady's Charm" was published in April 2022, written by 4 authors, one book each. If you read this book (Only the Valet Will Do) on its own, you are missing out on the story behind the necklace and how each cousin came to find true love. When I read the book in the anthology, I gave 2.5 stars because of the mistakes. I dropped to 2 stars because the mistakes were not fixed before the author published the book as a standalone.
First and foremost, the necklace was sent by mail in the previous book before Henrietta married. In this book, married Henrietta is visiting her cousin Lilliana to give it to her. Maybe the authors should have thought this through before writing. Also, Lilli is 19; Eva was 18 - how did she get it first? This is Lilli and Tristan's story. I'm not sure why Tristan is setting traps. I'm also not sure why Lilli says "her seasons" when she's only 19. "Sucking in a breath" is seen so many times I lost count. "are of an age where time is starting to be of the essence" - again, she's 19, not 22 or more. "Hugged her slender figure" - she's curvy. The whole scene when Papa lets Mother know that her mother is filling Lilli's head with fated mates is absolutely funny.

[Lori Sinsel Harris]

Lady Lilliana is delighted that the necklace her grandmama swears helps the one wearing it find their true love is finally passed to her, but the only snag in her plans of finding true love? Her and her family are leaving London to go reside in their country estate for the summer. Lili can't find true love buried in the country.
Upon arriving at their country estate for the summer, Lili goes for a walk in the woods and gets her foot stuck in a hole. Her brother's valet Tristen, rescues her and when Lili feels his touch on her ankle as he frees her leg and looks in his eyes she feels like lightening has struck. But no! This has got to be wrong, Destiny would not be so cruel as to make her fall in love with a valet, for she cannot pursue a relationship with a servant without scandal leaving her reputation in shreds.
Help with her growing feelings for Tristan, comes in the form of her loving grandmama, matchmaking so Lili and Tristan can spend precious moments together.
This is a sweet heart-warming romance that takes a look at the differences in the classes and how we overcome said differences in the name of love.
I recommend Tristen and Lili's story and am hoping for a new installment for Iris' story when she is the recipient of the rose quartz.
Thank you to the author and to Net Galley for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review in return.

[Lori Sinsel Harris]

Lady Lilliana is delighted that the necklace her grandmama swears helps the one wearing it find their true love is finally passed to her, but the only snag in her plans of finding true love? Her and her family are leaving London to go reside in their country estate for the summer. Lili can't find true love buried in the country.
Upon arriving at their country estate for the summer, Lili goes for a walk in the woods and gets her foot stuck in a hole. Her brother's valet Tristen, rescues her and when Lili feels his touch on her ankle as he frees her leg and looks in his eyes she feels like lightening has struck. But no! This has got to be wrong, Destiny would not be so cruel as to make her fall in love with a valet, for she cannot pursue a relationship with a servant without scandal leaving her reputation in shreds.
Help with her growing feelings for Tristan, comes in the form of her loving grandmama, matchmaking so Lili and Tristan can spend precious moments together.
This is a sweet heart-warming romance that takes a look at the differences in the classes and how we overcome said differences in the name of love.
I recommend Tristen and Lili's story and am hoping for a new installment for Iris' story when she is the recipient of the rose quartz.
Thank you to the author and to Net Galley for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review in return.

[Connie]

Lady Lilliana (Lilli) has returned home from her season without a match. Now, she is wearing the family’s rose quartz crystal which has been used by many ladies in the family to help them find a match.

One day, she is rescued by her brother’s valet, Tristen Henley, when she steps into a hole used as a trap. As they get to know one another, they find they have very much in common and soon they fall in love. As Lilli is the daughter of the Earl and Countess of Stratton, it would be unseemly for Lilli to marry a man without a title.

When Lilli and Tristen are caught in a compromising position at a ball, Tristen is fired and sent away. But Lilli knows that the rose quartz crystal has brought her true love to her and refuses to let go of him. But Tristen is hiding a secret about his real background and is determined to prove to Lilli’s family that their match could be a good one. What is his secret and how could they possibly be together when they come from such different backgrounds?

Once again, Sophie Barnes has written a story that takes when seems to be the impossible in a relationship and makes it possible. Do read this charming story to see how the possible is done with the help of the magical rose quartz crystal.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Cathy Geha]

Only The Valet Will Do by Sophie Barnes

Magic necklace that provides true love passed down through the years – does it work or does it not – that is the question.

What I liked:
* Lilli: outgoing, boisterous, outspoken, active, knows what she wants, believes in magic, drawn to Tristan
* Tristan: intelligent, responsible, hard worker, loves his mother and sisters, attracted to Lilli, more than he appears to be
* The meet cute with the ‘trap’
* That magic was the culprit that allowed the instant attraction – otherwise it might not be quite so plausible
* Lillie’s family that was so close and warm and for the most part…accepting, well, eventually
* The wisdom of Lillie’s mother and grandmother in handling Lilli’s father and brother
* The way Tristan outmaneuvers his father
* The way it all works so that a valet and a lady get their happy ending
* Wondering who will have the magic necklace next

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like – especially Tristan’s father
* The idea that class created such a divide and the fact that crossing the divide wouldn’t be easy

Did I enjoy this book – yes
Would I read more by this author – yes

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC – this is my honest review.

4 Stars

[Rachel]

*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

Sophie Barnes delivers another wonderful romance. The length of this novella is perfect - there is enough meaningful interactions between Lilli and Tristan to make their romance believable without dragging out the events more than necessary. I loved that Lilli was willing to fight for Tristan when she thought he was just a valet because it showed that she was in love with him and willing to face the scandal of marrying a servant. It also showed how practical she was in realizing that they would need a plan on how to live on his wages. And how could you not like Tristan who was willing to put himself to work in order to support his family. It's a bit of a shame that his father came out doing well in the end because he certainly did nothing to deserve such good fortune. One of my favorite things about this book was also that there was no "you lied to me" blowup like in many romance novels with similar circumstances in them. Lilli immediately understood why Tristan kept his background a secret - it was quite a refreshing moment. Hopefully the magic of the rose quartz works for Iris too!

[whatcaroread]

*Received from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

🌹 Class Difference
🌹 Hidden Identity

Lady Lilliana has had a number of failed seasons so it's now her turn to wear the "magical" amulet which helped her sisters find their one true loves. But...it leads her to the man she cannot have - Tristan, her brother's valet.

Although Tristan's family come from gentry, they have recently fallen into dire financial straits. Intent on supporting his family and protecting his sisters from being married off, Tristan seeks employment as a valet under the pretence he's from the working class. When he rescues his employer's sister in a very charming meet cute, there's an instant attraction between them. As time goes by, the harder they try to ignore their connection, the stronger it grows.

This was a very sweet, endearing read. I really enjoyed the class difference aspect with this couple and how they'd stop at nothing to be together. I liked Lilli's character alot - she was very outspoken and boisterous and I enjoyed her close bond with her grandmother! Tristan's love and protection of his sisters was also very admirable.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Carolina Colleene]

Language: R (47 swears, 0 “f” + British swears); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG
Lady Lilliana (19yo) is thrilled to get the rose quartz crystal necklace passed to her, even though she knows nothing is likely to happen until her family returns to London next season. The crystal has helped several of her family members make love matches – including three of her cousins in the past year – and Lilli is ready for her own romance. Until it creates an impossible situation with a servant.
I felt like the entire book was about the tension between Lilli and Tristan, which made for weak conflict and storyline. The two characters are convinced they are in love at first sight and rationalize away the reasons they should be responsible adults. Furthermore, Lilli, her mother, and her grandmother put too much stock in this magic crystal and fate. If you want a happily ever after romance, it’s here, but don’t expect anything of substance.
All of the characters are English. The mature content rating is for alcohol use, innuendo, intense makeout scenes, and sex. The violence rating is for mention of guns and murder.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/

[Patricia Morgan]

Imagine my surprise when I started reading this novella to realize that I had read it before. No where does it state that it was previously published in an anthology called A Lady's Charm. I really feel that an author needs to disclose this when reissuing the novella in a solitary release..
That having been said, this is a story that centers around a rise quartz that has been passed down thru the family to help the young ladies find their true love.
In the previous stories, Lady Lilliana's cousins married an Earl and 2 Dukes. So why is Liliana so attracted to her brother's valet. Something must be wrong because the daughter of an Earl cannot marry a valet.
Tristan, although not titled is landed gentry. But his father has gambled away much of his inheritance. So out of desperation, he takes a well paying job as a valet/secretary. The last thing he expects is to fall in love with the Earls daughter.
Is the rise quartz right in bringing these two together or is the class distinction too great?
I enjoyed the story for a second time.
4⭐⭐⭐⭐
I want to thank Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.

[SH]

Lady Lilliana is instantly smitten when she meets Mr. Tristan Henley when he comes to her rescue, having fallen partly into a hole. Yet when she realises that Mr. Henley is only a valet, she wonders whether the truth behind true love caused by a mystical stone, can actually be true. Determined to protect her reputation and future, she decides to keep away from Tristan. However, they first kiss, the idea of keeping away from him is near impossible. Tristan has sought employment with Lilliana’s brother, in order to support his family which has fallen on financial difficulties, due to his father’s poor choices. So when he meets Lilliana, any thought of staying within his limits, soon changes.
A short but well developed story, had all the right elements with plenty of chemistry and great interactions. Despite their differences, there never seems to be an impossibility with their relationship. I enjoyed the character of Lilliana’s grandmother who encouraged her all the way, despite the challenges that she knew would be faced.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Mary L H]

Only the Valet Will Do was previously published as part of a quartet of romances under the title Love Be a Lady's Charm. Four debutantes find a pink crystal and love letter which relates that the crystal will help the wearer find true love.

In this charming and clean romance, it is Lady Lilliana's turn to wear the pendant. She yearns to fall in love and be happy and hopes the pendant's magic will work for her. However, she doesn't anticipate it will possibly lead her to an unsuitable partner.

Tristan Henley is attracted to Lilliana but, as a down-on-his-luck gentleman who has taken a valet position to support his family, he is not the proper match for the daughter of an earl.

Lilliana and Tristan belong together but must convince her family that love conquers all. The Dowager Countess sums it up nicely -

"Enjoy it. Savor it. Know that all is as it should be. It's just the stone working its magic."

The story can be read on its own, but now I want to read about Lilliana's cousins who previously wore the pendant and found love and happiness.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jamie Bee]

Is He Really Just a Valet… and Will Love Win?

This relatively short novella explores the power of multi-generational magical jewelry and the difficulty of marrying across stations in Regency times. The heroine is the daughter of an earl, and the hero—about whom we learn in more detail as the book goes on—is her brother's valet. An instant attraction sparks between them when he rescues her from a rabbit trap he happened to dig. The heroine has recently come into possession of a special necklace that is supposed to draw the wearer’s true love to her. It has been used in several generations of her family, including three cousins who have recently married well. As you might imagine, her interest in her brother's valet is not something her father and brother would like her to pursue. However, her mother and grandmother know the power of the necklace! How will it work out for these two, and is the hero simply a valet? You'll have to read it to find out. I enjoy books by this author in general because they are reliably well written and a pleasure to read, as this one is.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

[Martine Francois]

This was a really cute and funny quick read novella type title. Only the Valet Will Do by Sophie Barnes will make her fans remember why they are her fans with this latest quirky installment. Tristan, Viscount Islington is rather poor despite coming from a titled family. That fact clearly creates a vast class difference between him and Lady Lilliana, whom he caught instead of dinner in his rabbit snare. Tristan working for much needed funds is none other than her brother Henry’s valet but as she was wearing her grandmother’s rose quartz crystal which is known for helping one find a love match, Lilliana wants her family to look beyond Tristan’s means and focus instead on her happiness and the wishes of her heart. I did not give this a perfect score because there was mentions of the crystal having worked and it seemed to be lacking continuity because I then was wondering oh how, this is not a myth thing, Lilliana had a reason to be exited and talking about being glad it was her turn to use it. Overall though the characters were relatable and the story enjoyable. . I received an ARC copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review

[Donique Collins]

The following are my thoughts as I read this book. Lilliana Enshaw…aka Lillie to family and friends, daughter of the Earl of Stratham, hopes a special necklace will help her find a husband. Tristan Henley…works for the Viscount of Islington, has a secret, tasked with helping find a suitable mate for the viscount’s sister. Oh ho the first meeting is exciting and a disappointment at the same time. Ahhh a tale of different social classes. It’s funny they are both trying to deny the attraction to themselves, LOL. I am not sure if the h is being naive or she simply believes that her idea will work, either way I’m curious to find out. Oh this is bad bad. Wow the H has some heavy family problems, kind of makes you feel sad for him. Ok, the H is pretty smart and quick with a solution. This was a cute love at first story. The H and the h seem to perfectly paired through their dialogue. No steam just heavy kissing. I would recommend this book for those whole like simple HEA.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joan Somers]

London has not sparked any marital prospects for Lady Lilliana so the family seeks a retreat to their estate in the country. Since all of Lilli’s cousins married for love, she believed she would too—-with the help of the rose quartz necklace. It had been passed down through generations inspiring happily wedded bliss, according to her grandmother. The only problem is that Lilli has fallen for her brother’s valet, Tristan. That pairing would not be favored by the ton. Tristan has a secret he hasn’t shared about his family background, however.

Lilli and Tristan’s scenes are sweet and show how compatible they are. They are such likable characters that you can’t help hoping they will beat the odds against them. That is where the struggle lies. I loved that Lilli’s brother and father are finally supportive (after shock turned to understanding). What I think the essence of the book portrays is that fate plays a role in how one’s life unravels.

I received a free copy of the book in advance and am leaving this review voluntarily.