This will be my first time reviewing a re-read here on the CBR, but with this re-read I realized, I did not remember this book at all. 2013 was a heady time for me. I was following the CBR for the first time and discovering all sorts of new authors, especially in my favorite genre of romance. The ladies on here kept mentioning Lisa Kleypas so I finally went to the library and got one out. Fast forward to a month later… and I’ve read 15 or so of her books. They all mostly blended together at that point for me. How do I know this? My excel spreadsheet of my reading habits told me. Insanity level record keeping comes in handy once in awhile!
So Secrets of a Summer Night is the first story in the Wallflower series. Here we meet Annabelle, a penniless gentle lady, but beautiful young-ish woman, and Simon, a commoner with a penchant for making money. They meet briefly at the beginning (where Simon steals a kiss), but the main story takes place a few years later, where Annabelle is at wit’s end trying to find a wealthy husband to support her family (preferably an aristocrat). Simon, since that kiss, has watched and waited, biding his time till he can get what he wants. Through many misunderstandings, schemes, and adventures everything bumps along, until they both finally realize so much more than a relationship of money.
And goodness! Second time around was the charm! I remember (and referencing previous notes) quite liking this one at the time, but it’s all blended together with so many other Kleypas heroes/heroines. I’ve re-read some of her books, but usually it was just what was available at the library at a moment’s notice, and this one never is. Now I know why. Because Annabelle and Simon are THE VERY BEST. I really enjoyed that both of them were so very secure in who they were, while at the same time willing to take chances and see new ways in the world around them. Also, Simon, whoo-eee that is a hero right there Ms. Kleypas. More like him please. Oh, wait! You also gave us Harry Rutledge, so yes, thank you.
Anywho, if you’ve never read Kleypas before, she’s one of the current greats of the genre so you should! And The Wallflowers series is an excellent place to start. You get all of her best features: wonderful female friendships, fantastic heroes, and stories to make you swoon. Go forth and enjoy!