Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.

Start by marking “Segredos de Uma Noite de Verão (Quatro Estações do Amor, #1)” as Want to Read:

Other editions

Enlarge cover

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Open Preview

more photos (1)

Segredos de Uma Noite de Verão

(Wallflowers #1)

Lisa Kleypas (Goodreads Author)

4.05 · Rating details · 44,381 ratings · 2,347 reviews

Apesar de sua beleza e de seus modos encantadores, Annabelle Peyton nunca foi tirada para dançar nos eventos da sociedade londrina. Como qualquer moça de sua idade, ela mantém as esperanças de encontrar alguém, mas, sem um dote para oferecer e vendo a família em situação difícil, amor é um luxo ao qual não pode se dar.

Certa noite, em um dos bailes da temporada, conhece out ...more

Get A Copy

Or buy for

370 pages

Published 2015 by Arqueiro (first published October 26th 2004)

More Details... edit details

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about Segredos de Uma Noite de Verão, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Add this book to your favorite list »

Community Reviews

Showing 1-30

4.05 ·

Rating details

· 44,381 ratings · 2,347 reviews

Filter

Sort order

Jul 30, 2015 Jessica's Totally Over The Top Book Obsession rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorite-authors, own-book, read-in-2017, historical-romance

4.5 I love you Dammit Stars

***********Spoilers**********

“You…you mustn’t stare at me like that.” Soft as the murmur was, he caught it. “With you here, nothing else is worth looking at.” -Annabelle and Simon

I love Lisa Kleypas! Now a little while back I bought the whole Hathaways series for 4.00 and it was my first taste of Lisa Kleypas. I fell madly in love with all the Hathaways and when I finished that series I went to goodreads to find more books by LK to read. That was when I found out that ...more

flag 141 likes · Like · see review

May 03, 2018 Penny Reid rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

The first time I read this book (in 2012) I didn't appreciate it. I'd just plowed through a bunch of historical romances and this one blended in with the crowd.

OMG I WAS SO WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This book is magic. I loved it. A LOT. The push/pull between the two main characters was masterfully done. The tension of Annabelle's circumstances (and Simon's ignorance of her circumstances) was so perfect. I loved both of these characters so much. The perfect blend of tragedy, suspense, humor, romance. ...more

flag 92 likes · Like · see review

May 18, 2016 Alp rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, favorites

What a wonderful story!

This was another gem from one of my favorite authors. As always, Lisa Kleypas never ever fails me. Secrets of A Summer Night had me hooked from the very start, enraptured me in a way that I never imagined, and I found myself having a hard time putting it down.

I loved Simon Hunt! He’s strong, smart, swoon-worthy, and sweet. Yet he could be a bad boy at times. No matter how rich he is, the peers have never accepted him as one of themselves. For the fact that he was born a co ...more

flag 79 likes · Like · see review

Oct 30, 2008 Danielle The Book Huntress (Back to the Books) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Recommends it for: Fans of Victorian Romance With Self-Made Heroes

Shelves: marriage, favorites, favorite-or-autobuy-author, hero-to-die-for, historical-romance, hero-in-pursuit, knight-in-tarnished-armor, part-of-a-series, owned-copy, self-made-hero

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Gosh, what a standout start to the Wallflowers series. Simon is a definite hero in pursuit, one of my favorite types. He saw Annabelle and he had to have her. He wasn't always upstanding in the things he said or did, or his motivations. But it didn't help that Annabelle's inbred snobbery caused her to look down at him. Simon is a self-made man. He is very wealthy and his wealth has opened doors for him socially (just barely). The fact that he is a business associate (and friend of Lord Westcliff Gosh, what a standout start to the Wallflowers series. Simon is a definite hero in pursuit, one of my favorite types. He saw Annabelle and he had to have her. He wasn't always upstanding in the things he said or did, or his motivations. But it didn't help that Annabelle's inbred snobbery caused her to look down at him. Simon is a self-made man. He is very wealthy and his wealth has opened doors for him socially (just barely). The fact that he is a business associate (and friend of Lord Westcliff) does help him to get into this society that he really doesn't care about, except that it allows him to be close to the object of his desire, Annabelle Peyton. But Annabelle has been raised from the cradle to seek a marriage with a gentleman at the least, and a titled one, if entirely possible. Plus I think she is a little intimidated at how intensely Simon seems to want her, and how he is such a strong, vital man (not what she would consider an English gentleman at all). The first half of this book is a bit of a cat and mouse chase, as Simon spends his time hunting down the wary Annabelle.

Can I just say I adored Simon? He is just delicious to me. I love a strong, independent, self-made hero, who doesn't spend his time worrying about what others think. Annabelle came off as kind of mercenary. Yet I found I could not dislike her. She was in desperate straits. I could see why she was so fixated on making a good match. Yet at the same time, I wanted to yell at her, "Hey, Simon is loaded. He's hot. He wants you. Marry him." Let's be honest. I would have been throwing myself at Simon. He's one of my all time favorite LK heroes (top three). Yes I know he's got some ungentlemanly intentions towards Annabelle, but I felt that he would take her any way he could get her.

He shows his love and devotion in many ways. I love the scene when he cares for Annabelle when she gets snakebitten. He totally could have taken advantage of her, but he didn't. And things are getting where she doesn't have the luxury to wait for an honorable offer. Yet he ended up offering marriage, after all. Because he loved her to the depths of his soul. Sigh! And what a good husband he is.

Now after their marriage, I felt some frustration towards Annabelle for her snobbery against Simon's family. I can understand culture shock, but she was married to Simon, and her life had changed permanently. I didn't really see her setting her mind on the fact that she was now a middle class businessman's wife to the degree that I hoped for. She liked the trappings of being a rich man's wife, but didn't like to think about how he made his money or his origins. It took that potentially tragic event for her to snap out of her 'old' thinking mode and see what a wonderful love and life she could have with Simon.

I didn't care for Westcliff that much at first. But when Westcliff tells her off, I started to warm to him. Before that, he was rather cold. But you could see he disliked Annabelle because he didn't really think she deserved Simon. To be frank, I was somewhat agreeing with him. I felt I could like this cold, aristocratic man when he risked his life to save Simon who was socially beneath him and was protective about him against a 'fortune-hunting adventuress,' which was how he saw Annabelle. I felt that Westcliff knew Annabelle pretty well, because in some ways they were of the same mindset and were having to open their minds to the fact that the Old England was changing as the century wound to a close. I liked that they became a united front in their mutual caring for Simon.

It may sound as if I am being harsh about Annabelle. I really like her despite her snobby tendencies. She is a very sweet, kind person, and was good to the other Wallflowers. She has a good sense of humor and was a good daughter. I just tend to be very protective about my favorite heroes. I want their heroine to be completely in love with them, because my favorite heroes are the type who are 110% in love with their heroine. They should be loved to the same intensity. I hate when the feeling is unequal in a romance. I was glad that Annabelle finally came around, although I wished it was a little bit sooner.

This is my second favorite Wallflower (after Devil in Winter) because I loved the fact that Simon was a man who set himself on a course, and never gave up. That course was winning his heroine, Annabelle. I loved the friendship between the four wallflowers, Annabelle, Lillian, Daisy, and my favorite, sweet Evie. You get the impression that the friendship they form will stand the test of time. And you hope they will all meet and marry men worthy of them. Also I loved the late Victorian setting, and how rich the descriptions of this time and the people are in this story. Secrets of a Summer Night is definitely one of my all time favorite Lisa Kleypas novels.

Actors I would cast as Simon and Annabelle: Christian Bale and Kate Beckinsale.

[image error]

[image error] ...more

flag 69 likes · Like · see review

Jul 19, 2015 Katerina rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2018-reads, historical-romance, regency

I read it during a summer night.

I swooned.

~~I wrote a review.~~

Oops.

flag 57 likes · Like · see review

May 10, 2008 Auntee rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Recommends it for: Everyone who loves historicals

Shelves: historical-romance, lisa-kleypas, 2010_reads, keepers

First of all, a big fat boot in the rear (to me) for letting this gem languish in the TBR for so long! Why am I so stubborn? So I have drifted away from historicals, but c'mon, this is Kleypas--I should've known better! I've loved so many of her books, and her heroes are some of my all time favorite romance heroes (Zachary Bronson, Jack Devlin, Derek Craven)--now I can add one more to the list--the deliciously sexy Simon Hunt (be still my heart)! I loved this guy! Talk about swoon-worthy! I'm te First of all, a big fat boot in the rear (to me) for letting this gem languish in the TBR for so long! Why am I so stubborn? So I have drifted away from historicals, but c'mon, this is Kleypas--I should've known better! I've loved so many of her books, and her heroes are some of my all time favorite romance heroes (Zachary Bronson, Jack Devlin, Derek Craven)--now I can add one more to the list--the deliciously sexy Simon Hunt (be still my heart)! I loved this guy! Talk about swoon-worthy! I'm telling you, there was a time or two that I was wondering if Annabelle Peyton had rocks for brains, rebuffing Mr. Hunt--who wants to marry a 'peer' when you can have Simon (even if he was not the 'marrying type')?

I know Annabelle had her mind set on marrying a peer to get out of a horrible financial predicament, and Simon (son of a working class butcher) was anything but. But there was this sizzling attraction, even though she didn't want there to be. This book was just filled with sexual tension, and had me on the edge, just wondering when (and how) Annabelle was going to give in to the temptation that was Simon. So he wasn't a peer, he wasn't the marrying kind, he wasn't in her social class (even though he was filthy rich due to hard work), he wasn't the physical ideal (he was big and brawny and rough looking), and she thought of him as ill-bred...but she couldn't deny the connection that they had. I loved the verbal sparring that they did, loved the whole Scarlett/Rhett vibe, loved how she tried to put him in his place and loved how he came back for more, and wouldn't be denied. He wanted Annabelle and he was going to have her!

What else did I love? Her relationship with the other "Wallflowers". The scenes with the bold Americans Lillian and Daisy Bowman, and the shy, stuttering Evie Jenner were some of my favorite (non-Simon) scenes in the book. It was so funny how they plotted to snag an appropriate husband for Annabelle (not that I approved of their methods--but their conversations were often hilarious)! And their game of 'Rounders' (which sounds like baseball) where they played in their drawers, only to be seen by Lord Westcliff and Simon? So well written--loved the defiance shown by Annabelle and Lillian!

*******spoilers********
But my favorite scenes were the ones involving Annabelle and Simon. The extended chess game (*sigh*), the tending to Annabelle after the snake bite (*sigh*), the purchase of the boots (*sigh*), and the honeymoon (Yowza!)...and the bit of suspense at the end, and the declaration(s) of love? P-e-r-f-e-c-t-i-o-n.

Oh, I could go on and on, but I'm dying to start "It Happened One Autumn"--I want to see the stuffy Lord Westcliff redeem himself in my eyes. For this first book of The Wallflowers series--5 big stars!

My idea for Simon ...more

flag 56 likes · Like · see review

Sep 05, 2017 Rachel Reads Ravenously rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: guilty-pleasure-read, historical-romance, paperback, romance

4 stars!

“Having regrets is the only sign that you’ve done anything interesting with your life.”

The first book in the Wallflower series, Secrets of a Summer Night is about Annabelle, a beautiful woman searching for a husband, but her family’s financial troubles prevent this. No man wants to marry a woman with no dowry, but Annabelle must marry soon to prevent her family from being put out on the streets.

Annabelle’s only luck seems to be with Simon Hunt, a man not of the nobility, but one wh ...more

flag 53 likes · Like · see review

Mar 09, 2017 Christina ~ Brunette Reader rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance-victorian

Finally getting around this vintage Kleypas. I found it much better written and engaging than her latest historical offerings, which I recently read, though I must also admit I enjoyed Secrets of a Summer Night more as a fun series set-up than for the romance itself.

Long story short, Annabelle Payton is a genteel but destitute beauty who needs to marry for money, quickly. Simon Hunt wants her, he's handsome and now filthy rich, and well-connected into the Ton, but remains a cleaned-up butcher's Finally getting around this vintage Kleypas. I found it much better written and engaging than her latest historical offerings, which I recently read, though I must also admit I enjoyed Secrets of a Summer Night more as a fun series set-up than for the romance itself.

Long story short, Annabelle Payton is a genteel but destitute beauty who needs to marry for money, quickly. Simon Hunt wants her, he's handsome and now filthy rich, and well-connected into the Ton, but remains a cleaned-up butcher's son, therefore he won't do. No, no and no! *stomps dainty foot*

Oh, conflicts that shouldn't be conflicts, how many innumerable romance books have they spawned?

She must be a manipulative uppity lightskirt because... she just is and is been giving me the cold-shoulder for the last couple of Seasons!! He must be a selfish, unsuitable boor because... reasons!!
Let's see how long it takes her to become desperate enough to accept a "would you be my mistress" proposition. Let's see if I can be the Self-Victimising Queen of the year (1843, by the way).

A little more pragmatism from the heroine's part and a little less cynicism from the hero's and this book would have ended by what, page 50? I understand the need of a plot, and this type of scenario can be a legitimate one as any, but at the same time I've never been fond of storylines where each lead is ready to uncritically assume the worst about the other almost at first sight, so it was hard for me to warm up to both Annabelle and Simon. They eventually come to their senses pretty soon, it's a romance after all, though despite the unconvincing villain sub-thread kicking in to infuse some action, the gist of things seemed to boil down to the basic fact that the heroine had to reconsider her morals and overcome her snobbery about the hero's origins. Meh.

That said, this is still a quite satisfying read, just not as outstanding as I was hoping for. The writing flowed, there were some nice touches of humour and Kleypas's ability to convey the couple's chemistry and sensuality always top rate, if here somehow disjointed from the emotional progression.
The best parts were the scenes involving the secondary characters and their relationship with the protagonists and reading about how the four Wallflowers meet and become a team was really enjoyable. Same goes for Simon's interactions with two future heroes, which also give deeper background information on the "world" the author has created for this series and which sound like very promising material for the following books. ...more

flag 43 likes · Like · see review

Sep 16, 2014 Heather K (dentist in my spare time) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: paperback-or-hardcover, romance, m-f, losing-the-v-card, historical, favorites-2016

Finally, FINALLY, a Lisa Kleypas book that I actually like! I'm not broken after all!

I was beginning to think that perhaps I was the only person on earth to hate Lisa Kleypas. I 2-starred both Suddenly You and Somewhere I'll Find You, and I was really ready to just throw in the towel. However, I already owned Secrets of a Summer Night so I figured I would try one more time.

#bathtubbook

And I'm soooo happy that I gave this one a try.

This was a great story with a complex H and h, a great set of s ...more

flag 39 likes · Like · see review

Jun 02, 2017 Phrynne rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 4000-books

This is my kind of leisure reading, a good historical romance, well written with charming characters and a lot of witty dialogue.
I very much enjoyed the romance between the two main characters and loved the friendship between the four Wallflowers. The story was really entertaining and full of drama. Loved it:)
I am looking forward now to the rest of the series!

flag 38 likes · Like · see review

Sep 07, 2014 Ingie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-read-2015, romance-m-f-audio, romance-m-f-historical, series-standalone-stories

Written April 5, 2015

4 Stars - Charming, steamy and much chuckling fun. These determined 'Wallflowers' are women to admire

Yet another amusing 'Wallflowers' HR as audiobook (11 hrs) narrated by always excellent Rosalyn Landor. (You get this one for just $7 incl. the e-book / kindle at Amazon right now.)

photo 6e860d2b-4edf-4212-a78c-511350cc04e7_zpspefkcesz.jpg

Well done, well narrated, very entertaining HR
I liked the of many readers so much beloved Devil in Winter (#3 - 3.9 stars) some weeks ago and this series instalment was just as well written, funn ...more

flag 35 likes · Like · see review

Mar 20, 2009 Shawna rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Recommends it for: LK fans & historical romance readers

Recommended to Shawna by: Eastofoz

Shelves: historical-romance, author-lisa-kleypas, historical-romance-victorian, i-read-own-faves-keepers, 2010-reads, hero-alpha‎, hero-im-gaga-over, hero-mix-of-alpha-beta, hero-cad-rake-rogue‎-scoundrel, heroine-i-adore

5+ stars – Historical Romance

This is a great start to a fun, dazzlingly romantic series about four young ladies with very different personalities and backgrounds entering society who form a deep bond of friendship that grounds them as they traverse the rocky course of relationships and husband hunting in stuffy Victorian era England.

Beautiful Annabelle Peyton is determined to find a wealthy suitor with a high position in society to wed in order to save her family from financial ruin. Simon Hunt ...more

flag 33 likes · Like · see review

Aug 28, 2018 peachygirl rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: this-guy-is-a-keeper, 2016, comfort-books, romance, historical-fiction, hearts-and-flowers

First things first. Where do I get a guy like Simon Hunt? Preferably without a grouchy, stuck up friend like Westcliff??
The things he does for Annabell even after she treats him like dirt... And the two years wait for a dance *sigh* This guy is the stuff dreams are made of!😍

flag 33 likes · Like · see review

Jul 30, 2017 María Ángeles rated it really liked it · review of another edition

De los que te enganchan desde el principio y que son un placer leer.
Primer libro leído de Kleipas. Ya era hora...

flag 32 likes · Like · see review

Mar 25, 2012 Jen rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, part-of-a-series

I've put off reading this series for so long and I have no idea why! I read the Hathaway books and thought nothing in the HR world could compare. Was I being a tad too judgmental? Maybe. Am I questioning my fierce love of the Hathaway clan? Hell no! Cam's a delicious bit of man and remains to this day one of my favorite book boyfriends.

That being said, I'm adding Simon Hunt to that list. Tall, dark, brooding and "commanding" in certain areas of his life *ahem*. Oh hell yes! Annabelle was a fanta ...more

flag 32 likes · Like · see review

Feb 07, 2011 Ronyell rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Recommends it for: Lisa Kleypas Fans!

Shelves: english-books, historical-romance, lisa-kleypas, sexy-good-girl-heroine, british-hero-or-heroine, adult-book, my-blog-reviews, ronyell-s-epinions-reviews

Why is it every time that I read a book by Lisa Kleypas, I am always so into the characters and the situations that surrounds them? Well, the answer to that is that Lisa Kleypas is clearly a brilliant romance writer and reading many of her books has been an awesome experience that I have enjoyed doing over and over again! This time, I have read the first book in Lisa Kleypas’ “Wallflower” series called “Secrets of a Summer Night” and it is surely full of drama, thrills and hot romance that will Why is it every time that I read a book by Lisa Kleypas, I am always so into the characters and the situations that surrounds them? Well, the answer to that is that Lisa Kleypas is clearly a brilliant romance writer and reading many of her books has been an awesome experience that I have enjoyed doing over and over again! This time, I have read the first book in Lisa Kleypas’ “Wallflower” series called “Secrets of a Summer Night” and it is surely full of drama, thrills and hot romance that will surely put any romance fan in a soothing mood!

Annabelle Peyton, well known for being a wallflower in London society, vows to seek a worthy husband to cover her family’s debt since she does not have a dowry that would make her worthy in any nobleman’s eyes. However, Annabelle has her sights set on Lord Kendall, a lord who is currently unmarried, but suddenly, Annabelle realizes that Simon Hunt, a mysterious man that Annabelle met years ago, is also after her heart and plans to make Annabelle his alone! Will Annabelle allow Simon into her life? Read this book to find out!

Oh my goodness! Words cannot describe how much I loved this book from Lisa Kleypas’ popular “Wallflower” series! Lisa Kleypas has done an excellent job at writing this romantic tale of what true love is all about! What I really loved about this book were the characters themselves, especially Annabelle Peyton and Simon Hunt as they are both strong and interesting characters! Let me start with Simon Hunt first since I am really interested in his character. Simon Hunt is easily one of the best romance heroes ever created because not only does he have an awesome muscular body that makes him somewhat of a superhuman, but he has a heart full of gold as he deeply cares for Annabelle during her time of need and he is willing to put his life in the line if anything happens to Annabelle and it was that personality trait of Simon’s that made me really love his character. I have briefly mentioned about Simon’s muscular body and I just love any romance hero who has muscles of steel, especially in the case of Simon as Lisa Kleypas makes sure that the audience knows how hard Simon’s muscles are! Another character I really loved in this book was Annabelle Peyton herself as she is clearly a strong and independent woman who does not let anyone get in the way of her goal of obtaining a husband. I will admit at first that I got a little annoyed with Annabelle always dismissing Simon, even though it is clear from the get go that Simon is a seriously pleasant man, but once she found out what a gentle and loyal man Simon is, she cared as much for Simon as Simon did for her and I was just so amazed at the lengths that Annabelle took to protect Simon! I also loved the brief little relationship between Lord Westcliff and Lillian Bowman as they clearly hate each other, but I guess once I read the rest of the “Wallflower” series, they might change their tune. And let us not forget about the sizzling love making scenes between Annabelle and Simon as they are extremely out of this world hot and they provide the best love making dialogues I have ever read from any romance novel like:

“I want to make you scream and claw and faint in my arms.”

For anyone who do not like reading about sex scenes in a book, this book has many sex scenes between Annabelle and Simon and it would be best to skip over these scenes if they are uncomfortable to read through.

Overall, “Secrets of a Summer Night” is a clearly extraordinary book from the great romantic mind of Lisa Kleypas that all romance novel fans will enjoy for many years to come!

Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog ...more

flag 30 likes · Like · see review

Aug 07, 2015 Jilly rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, historical-fiction

Historical romances are like my "Chicken Soup for the Soul." They just make me feel better. When my daughter was younger and would get sick and stay home from school, we would watch Pride and Prejudice - in our P.J.'s, with chocolate. And, I'm not talking about the Keira Knightly version - I mean the six-hour A&E Colin Firth one. It took all day, but it was comforting.

mr darcy photo: The Look tumblr_lhwcpaKvhP1qarlf1o1_500.gif

Mr. Darcy makes everything better...

This book is like that. No matter what's going on, it made me smile. The characters are ...more

flag 30 likes · Like · see review

Mar 05, 2017 Mo rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I liked this one, a lot. Simon, a self-made man. Born the son of a butcher, he has worked hard to make his money and his place in society. OK, he will never be a nobleman but, honestly, who would want to be. But status matters to some ... and it matters to Annabelle. She needs to marry and marry well. Her family's finances are dwindling fast.

He did not strike her as a trustworthy man ... in fact, for all his elegant clothes and polished appearance, he didn't seem quite civilised.
He was the kind

...more

flag 34 likes · Like · see review

Oct 25, 2009 UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical, author-lisa-kleypas, own-have-read, reviewed-by-me, 2010-reads, 4-stars, series-wallflowers-kleypas

My Review::

This was a very easy, enjoyable read and though it seemed to drag in the beginning, I did learn things about class distinction that I had not been aware of.

I am adding Simon Hunt to my rapidly growing list of favorite heroes, but I can't tell you how many times I wanted to kick Annabelle to the curb. Hmmm...did they have curbs back then? Well, if the did she would have found herself sitting on one had I had my way.

I enjoyed the devious banter between the wallflowers, Annabelle, Lilli ...more

flag 29 likes · Like · see review

Apr 13, 2010 Suzanne (Under the Covers Book blog) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: genre-historical-romance, author-lisa-kleypas, hero-hot-male-in-my-harem, faves-kings-of-the-harem

Miss Annabelle Payton, Miss Lillian Bowman, Miss Evangeline Jenner and Miss Daisy Bowman are regular sights at the peripheral of a ballroom. With each young lady having oddities and foibles that make them untenable to the bachelors of the ton. However, they strike up an unlikely friendship each vowing to help the others out to find a husband by means fair and foul. With the beautiful and spirited Annabelle being the first...

Miss Annabelle Payton’s family are on the knife edge of poverty, to stop these dire straits Annabelle must marry and marry well. However, with no dowry to speak and it approaching her fourth season it is becoming nigh on impossible to catch a husband, let alone a peer of the realm. Instead she is starting to receive more dishonourable offers of becoming a mistress, offers that it seems she may have to consider if things don't change soon. One of these men is a Mr Simon Hunt, who has been longing for Annabelle for two long years, despite her repeated rebuffs, but he soon sees his opportunity when they are both invited to the country for a house party. However the Wallflowers also see the same opportunity for Annabelle to find a suitable husband. Let the games begin...

This is one of my favourite series, and Mr Simon Hunt is one of my favourite heroes. He is a self made man, a son of a butcher who has made his fortune in financial speculation and then on the blossoming trade of the railway. However, no matter how rich he is, he still will never fit in with the upper echelons of society, something that bothers him not at all. He is blunt, honest and very sure of himself (aka arrogant), how could you not love him? He also has some very dishonourable intentions toward Annabelle...to begin with, I love that as the book goes on his feelings towards Annabelle deepen; in this book it is more a case of lust at first sight rather than love. That is why I loved that Annabelle was such a strong heroine, I think if she was a weaker person and gave in to Simon at the beginning then this story would have been vastly different, and not so happily resolved. The love story between these two was very passionate and there were some hot sex scenes in the book (one in a linen closet, which is most definately my favourite!) which added nicely to the couples growing affection for each other.

I also liked the introduction to the other Wallflowers, each having their own very distinct personalities and I look forward to reading Lillian’s book next. One of my favourite parts of the book was when the girls were playing rounders-in-knickers, it was a very funny scene that never fails to have me in fits of giggles.

This book is very polished and well written, especially the dialogue, the interactions between the characters are really good, sometimes funny, sometimes intense and other times romantic. The conversations and banter between the wallflowers especially Lillian and Daisy Bowman shows their relationship of teasing and close sisters perfectly, and the conversations between Annabelle and Simon are equally sharp and witty. As well as this the language is elegant and seems very much in keeping with the language of the day, this isn’t a contemporary book dressed in a historical setting. LK gets her setting very well with enough detail to keep it interesting but not bogging you down in details about that historical period.

I have read this book many times and it is one of my favourite series a must read for those who love romance, especially Historical Romance.

...more

flag 28 likes · Like · see review

Mar 13, 2016 Ally rated it liked it · review of another edition

Never has man trapping been so much fun to read

Big thanks to Alp for the Buddy Read.

Setting / Time / Genre: Regency, England

Length: 384 pages

Series: Yes and I believe but am not entirely certain I have read the other three. Re-read may be in the works.

Sexy times: Light on the sexy sexerson. By my definition, that it.

Plan on reading more by the author: Sure am!

Synopsis in one sentence or slightly more: Annabelle's family is basically destitute and she conspires with her wallflower friends to ...more

flag 31 likes · Like · see review

Aug 16, 2011 Lisa Kay rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: genre-romance-historical, m-audible-dot-com, character-dukeless, challenge-krazy-klepas, 2012-in-2012-group-challenge, all-time-favorites, authors-k, authors-l, re-read-via-audio, re-read-for-comfort

★★★★★ (This is a review of the audiobook.) Good Gravy Beans...this book is good. I've been having a few major problems with my house remodel, and this book - always my favorite of the Wallflower series, saved my sanity! I popped this book in my ears b/c it was loaded on my iPod and it has helped me get through a rough couple of days. LOVE Simon & Annabelle's story. Love how Simon is attracted to Annabelle at the beginning, and pursues her...but also comes to truly love her. Love how Annabell ...more

flag 27 likes · Like · see review

Aug 20, 2012 Stacey is Sassy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-series, best-of-the-bestest, audio

Awesome narrator enhanced the story.

I love this series and was excited to try out the audio version. The narrator does a fabulous job and I never struggled to decipher which character was talking. This is the first book in the series and my second favourite but only by a smidge. I love the rough around the edges, Simon Hunt. I don't particularly enjoy seeing the class distinction and resulting snobbery.

I will definitely be listening to the rest of the series in the future.

flag 27 likes · Like · see review

Jan 12, 2017 Océano de libros rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Annabelle Peyton no pasa por su mejor momento, lleva unas cuantas temporadas sin conseguir un compromiso matrimonial que la saque de las dificultades económicas por las que pasa, a pesar de ser de buena familia su falta de dote la convierte en una florero, es decir, el tipo de mujer que pasa “desapercibida” en los bailes y demás eventos. Es así como conocerá a tres chicas en su misma situación: Evie, Lillian y Daisy, las cuatro jóvenes deciden convertirse así en las “floreros” con un objetivo co Annabelle Peyton no pasa por su mejor momento, lleva unas cuantas temporadas sin conseguir un compromiso matrimonial que la saque de las dificultades económicas por las que pasa, a pesar de ser de buena familia su falta de dote la convierte en una florero, es decir, el tipo de mujer que pasa “desapercibida” en los bailes y demás eventos. Es así como conocerá a tres chicas en su misma situación: Evie, Lillian y Daisy, las cuatro jóvenes deciden convertirse así en las “floreros” con un objetivo común: ayudarse a encontrar marido.
Simon Hunt es un hombre que se ha hecho a sí mismo, hijo de un carnicero ha sabido alcanzar una posición notable, tiene una considerable fortuna pero la nobleza británica sigue sin considerarlo un igual. Su interés recala en Annabelle pero él la quiere como amante y esperará hasta que se acaben las opciones de ella por conseguir un matrimonio.
Éste es el primero de los libros de la serie Wallflores o de las floreros, como queráis decirlo y como siempre Lisa Kleypas no defrauda. La ambientación sigue siendo espectacular como en todas sus novelas y la historia ha sido muy entretenida. Los personaje son otro plus, las chicas florero Lillian, Evie, Daisy, incluida la protagonista tiene su interés y le dan mucha vida a la novela más por eso de no centrarse exclusivamente en los protagonistas; así también conoceremos a Lord Westcliff, avanzándonos para conocerlo de pleno en el siguiente libro.
De los personajes principales tanto Annabelle como Simon no puedo ponerles ninguna pega, me gustó mucho como va surgiendo su relación eso sí, en mi opinión acaba muy pronto y nos deja bastante páginas en las que teniendo la relación hecha ya poca emoción podemos tener. Es por esto por lo que no le doy las cinco estrellas, tendría que habernos dejado con la duda hasta el final.
Los personajes secundarios son también bastante notables, las floreros lo mejor del libro, cada una de ellas tiene algo especial que me gusta.
En resumen, el primero de los libros me deja muy buen sabor de boca y con ganas de seguir conociendo el destino de las fabulosas floreros.
...more

flag 22 likes · Like · see review

Aug 19, 2017 Jan rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical, victorian-era

I liked this first book in the Wallflowers series. Annabelle and Simon are well-matched, although it is rather a rocky path to their HEA.

I did feel a little frustrated at times in this book by the snobbery directed towards Simon who was 'new money', a brilliant businessman but who did not belong to the English Upper Class. Probably quite an accurate reflection of the times, however. Unfortunately, some of the snobbery was from Annabelle herself, and I didn't like that. Yes, she was sheltered an ...more

flag 22 likes · Like · see review

May 20, 2015 Daniella rated it it was ok · review of another edition

An impoverished heroine who does not know what she wants. A determined hero who wants her... as a mistress. A psychotic son-of-a-bitch who lusts after the heroine and is sleeping with the heroine's mother. (WTF!!!!) Debates about how men were superior to women. Drama about belonging to a lower class. And a predictable ending.

Yeah, in short, this book was barely okay. There was virtually no character development, man. I did not like the hero, the heroine and most of the characters here (except f ...more

flag 22 likes · Like · see review

Feb 06, 2017 C rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

¿Por qué, señor, por qué? ¿Por qué he tardado tanto en leer esta joyita? Creo que mentalmente estaba esperando que lo reeditaran para tenerlo en papel, así que ¡chica lista yo! :D Simon Hunt ya está en el grupito de protas masculinos de Lisa Kleypas que tienen mi corazón. Demasié <3

flag 22 likes · Like · see review

Jan 16, 2017 April (Aprilius Maximus) rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2017

OMG SUCH FUN! The female friendship between the 'wallflowers' is 10/10!

flag 22 likes · Like · see review

Jun 15, 2008 Julianna rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Recommends it for: Fans of Historcal Romance or Lisa Kleypas

Shelves: desert-island-keepers, historical-romance, read-2010

Reviewed for THC Reviews
"4.5 stars" After reading numerous rave reviews, I have been quite anxious to start Lisa Kleypas' Wallflowers series. However, when I first began Secrets of a Summer Night, I found myself wondering if I was going to like it as much as some of Ms. Kleypas' other works. Initially, the story had a much lighter feel than the author's other books I had read to date, with the relationship between the Wallflowers seeming a little like chick-lit (not exactly my favorite genre) in ...more

flag 21 likes · Like · see review

May 01, 2017 Jacqueline's Reads rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 4-star-books, v-card

4.5 This series is fantastic!!!

I’ve been sick for the past few days and what I really wanted were some good romance books to comfort me. Some people eat chicken soup, I curl up with Lisa Kleypas, who I think is one of the best historical romance writers.

If you haven’t read this series, you really need to. The series is about 4 ladies and they are consider Wallflowers, which basically means they aren’t the traditional English single ladies and because they are so very untraditional, they aren’t d ...more

flag 21 likes · Like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
What's the Name o...: SOLVED. Historical novel where hero gives ticket/money to heroine's brother [s]	5	57	Jul 23, 2018 06:38PM
Marriage is the highest state of friendship...	12	210	Jan 21, 2018 08:20AM
Historical Romanc...: BOTM June 1 to 15 - Secrets of a Summer Night (Wallflower)	15	38	Jun 16, 2016 08:12AM
I've heard great things about this author but...	17	136	Mar 27, 2014 12:41AM
What's the Name o...: SOLVED. Regency romance? Sister, friend, cousin? Trying to marry well. [s]	5	69	Nov 10, 2012 07:17AM

Readers Also Enjoyed

Genres

Romance > Historical Romance

2,315 users

Romance

2,067 users

Historical

980 users

Historical > Historical Fiction

440 users

Historical > Regency

186 users

See top shelves…

About Lisa Kleypas

Lisa Kleypas

17,549 followers

LISA KLEYPAS is the RITA award-winning author of 21 novels. Her books are published in fourteen languages and are bestsellers all over the world. She lives in Washington State with her husband and two children.

Other books in the series

Wallflowers (4 books)

Books by Lisa Kleypas

It Happened One Autumn (Wallflowers, #2)

More…

Trivia About Secrets of a Summ...

6 trivia questions

More quizzes & trivia...

Quotes from Desejo Subtil

“Having regrets is the only sign that you’ve done anything interesting with your life.” — 152 likes

“Annabelle’s eyes stung as she stared at him, while need and inexhaustible tenderness gathered like an ache in her body. “I realized something,” she said huskily, “when I was standing outside the foundry, watching it burn and knowing you were inside.” She swallowed hard against the thickness in her throat. “I would rather have died in your arms, Simon, than face a lifetime without you. All those endless years… all those winters, summers… a hundred seasons of wanting you and never having you. Growing old, while you stayed eternally young in my memories.” She bit her lip and shook her head, while her eyes flooded. “I was wrong when I told you that I didn’t know where I belonged. I do. With you, Simon. Nothing matters except being with you. You’re stuck with me forever, and I’ll never listen when you tell me to go.” She managed a tremulous smile. “So you may as well stop complaining and resign yourself to it.” — 116 likes

More quotes…