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Strong bonds form in The Secret Word, a Regency romance by Jude Knight

ByAshley EmDash

The Secret Word was a dynamic Regency romance with a really unique unfolding of the plot. It stands alone really well. despite being the 10th book in a Dragonblade series by Jude Knight. I’ve not read any of the other Twist Upon a Regency Tale books, and I never had to consider if I was missing backstory.

This story introduces our main characters early with Chris and Clementine connecting from page 1 as Clem finds herself in an unexpectedly dangerous situation. Chris removes her from the situation, and the book unfolds from there. Clem’s father quickly learns Chris is a ‘blueblood,’ and he has been looking for one to marry Clementine and provide a noble grandchild to take over his self-made empire.

Explore a larger book summary by tapping here

When Christopher Satterthwaite rescues Clementine Wright from would-be kidnappers, he is offered an opportunity he can’t refuse. Clem’s father, a wealthy coal magnate, has been looking for a husband for his only child. Someone with aristocratic bloodlines and no family—someone who can give him the blue-blooded heir he craves, without the interference of noble relatives.

Chris figures he and Clem can work together to keep Wright from controlling their every move. As their partnership develops, they fall in love. Wright doesn’t stand a chance against them. Or does he?

And what about the other men who are showing an interest in the child who is soon on the way? Chris’s reprobate grandfather is hanging around like a bad smell, and clearly has a scheme in mind. Chris’s more respectable relatives have not disowned him after all, and are eager to shower the as-yet unborn child with every advantage—because they regret not helping Chris as a child? Or for purposes of their own?

And then there is Ramping Billy O’Hara, the most sinister of them all, and Chris’s patron.

Lots of Quality Time with Main Characters

What made this book unique for me was the amount of time Chris and Clem spend together on the page. They are constantly in each other’s presence discussing what is happening in their relationship, their plans to marry, how they will outwit her father, how they want to handle their married life as it unfolds, and how they will manage this really wonderful project they embark upon after marrying. I’m not sharing additional details on it on purpose!

I was 100% delighted to read a Regency book where the primary couple spent so much time together in conversation and planning. It was also nice to have the drama in the book exist outside of the relationship. It felt so sweet for a couple to have a unified front and tackle outside forces instead of controversy coming from within.

For spice, the book doesn’t fade to black in the bedroom exactly, but the only scene of intimacy is fairly discreet. You swill barely notice because the book is so engaging in other ways. This also felt a wise choice given some of the sensitive, sad topics we encounter later.

I adored Chris, Clem, their friends and found family, and I adored this book. I will be going back and reading other volumes in this Jude Knight series and look forward to hopefully exploring more territory with a favorite character. You will know him *ahem* Ramping Billy O’Hara *ahem* when you “see” him.

Tropes in The Secret Word

  • Arranged marriage
  • Evil parent
  • Villain to hero
  • Reverse Rumpelstiltskin
  • Twisted fairy tale

Books in the Twist Upon a Regency Tale series (as of 9/9/25, these books are available via Kindle Unlimited and for purchase):

Please note, this review is based on an advanced reader copy provided via Net Galley/the publisher, and this post contains affiliate links if you should choose to purchase. Thank you!

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