SOLVED. Adult Regency Romance series. Hero (Simon?) and heroine first meet in garden as he is sneaking out of window, she's young at the time and keeps his secret. Popular author and series. Spoilers ahead. [s]

[*Dawn]

With the resurgence of interest in Julia Quinn's "Bridgerton" series, I am reminded of a similar-type series, but I cannot remember the series or author. I know it is one of our favorite mainstream authors. It will be a popular series. Wondering if you can help me figure out which one it is?

I think the H's name was Simon--I know that is a figure in the Bridgerton series, but I'm pretty sure that's not it. I'm picturing him with dark hair--a strong, successful, dominant figure. I believe he met the h when he was climbing out of a window and she saw him from the garden. She was still a girl or young teenager at the time. I don't remember why he was sneaking out, but she kept his secret. I remember really loving their story, but cannot remember many other details.

SPOILER WITH IMPORTANT DETAILS BELOW:


3...

2...

1...

In case I've confused details and have merged two books in my mind, the ones below are the most important to me in finding this series:

In a later book in the series, the h is now a widow and is asked to take in her deceased husband's child--whom she never knew anything about. She had always wanted children so gladly took the child in. For readers, however, it was devastating not only because we learned the H died, but because we realized this hero we all loved had, in fact, cheated on her at some point. The reasoning is later explained but still heartbreaking.

Does this sound familiar to you at all?

Thanks so much!

[Brenna]

Reminds me of the prequel to the Cynster series by Stephanie Laurens
The Promise in a Kiss

[Kris]

MorpheusZzz, around what year did you read this book? A range of years is fine.

[*Dawn]

I've read it within the past 5-8 years, but it was probably older than that as I tend to marathon series or everything from one author.

I'll check out the Stephanie Laurens book and respond back.

Thanks for your help, Brenna & Kris.

[*Dawn]

Brenna wrote: "Reminds me of the prequel to the Cynster series by Stephanie Laurens
The Promise in a Kiss"

Thank you, Brenna. Yes, this absolutely is the book I was looking for. Luckily, my private notes attached to my review of this book confirmed it for me that it was the book related to another book in the Cynster series.

I've got to say I"m impressed you found it in under an hour! Thanks!

FYI: The H's name was actually Sebastian, btw, not Simon.

MUCH APPRECIATED, EVERYONE!!