Miss Annabelle Peyton is nearly a spinster. She's not particularly unattractive, or awkward, or even an airhead. She simply has no dowery. And as her family clings to the last vestiges of their pride in Victorian England, Annabelle MUST find a husband if they are to continue eating.

Simon Hunt is a commoner with an uncommon knack where making money is concerned. He has amassed a giant fortune, gaining him grudging entry into London's Society. However, he will never be accepted.

While Annabelle sets her sites on some well-to-do Titled gentlemen at a summer house party, Simon discovers he has great admiration for a woman who is willing to forsake her happiness for the comfort of her family. He hunts her down and snares her hand in marriage. Now that Annabelle's fortune is secure, what of her heart? Can she find happiness in the gilded drawing room of a man in trade? That is indeed a good question.

Lisa Kleypas tends to focus her stories on the outskirts of polite society. This novel continues to do so. Her love scenes are harsher and more vivid. Which perhaps makes them more plausible. Not your usual historical romance writer. Thank goodness!

The first installment in a new series, "The Wallflowers". Personally, I can't wait to find out what happens to the other three scheming young ladies.

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Created Mar 02, 2005 at 7:42pm • Submit your own review...