The Secret Lover
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4.0 • 33 Ratings
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- $6.99
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- $6.99
Publisher Description
Julia London captivated readers and critics alike with her acclaimed Rogues of Regent Street trilogy. Now the nationally bestselling author Romantic Times calls “a rising star” returns with the passionate story of a man and a woman pursued by secrets, shadowed by scandal, and surprised by love…
Eight years after fleeing England in the wake of a terrible scandal, Sophie Dane is no longer the trusting debutante betrayed by love. Now as companion to a worldly French widow, she returns to London where her arrival instantly sets tongues wagging…and attracts the roving eye of aristocratic Trevor Hamilton. But it is his mysterious brother, Caleb, in whom Sophie senses a kindred soul—and who captivates her as no other man has before. Reared on the continent, Caleb has come home to his ailing father—only to be shunned by society as a fortune-hunting imposter. Sophie, alone, seems to believe in him. But an unexpected series of events sets them both in flight once more. As scandal pursues them to a remote ancestral estate, a man and a woman haunted by the past will defy every convention on earth for a future in each other’s arms…
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
London (The Beautiful Stranger, etc.) paints a vibrant portrait of early Victorian-era life in this witty, absorbing offering. After an eight-year absence, plain Sophie Dane reluctantly returns to London, where her name is synonymous with scandal due to her decision to elope against her family's wishes and then divorce her abusive husband not long after. Sophie has come as a companion to her flamboyant friend, Honorine, and though she tries to keep a low profile, she quickly becomes embroiled in a situation fraught with scandal potential. While visiting the park, Sophie befriends Caleb Hamilton, a man of questionable lineage, who lightens her heart. At the same time, Caleb's arrogant half-brother, Trevor, suddenly begins courting Sophie, but his attentions unsettle her, especially when she learns that Trevor has forbidden Caleb from seeing their ailing father, Lord Hamilton. The tempo reaches a gallop when Trevor announces his betrothal to Sophie before even asking her, Honorine whisks Lord Hamilton to his country estate and Sophie and Caleb flee London with Trevor in hot pursuit. London's fast-paced narrative is peopled with colorful characters, but her dialogue can be over-the-top ("Let me breathe you, let me fill my soul with you once more"). Sophie's growth into a strong, admirable heroine is inspirational nevertheless and not without its fair share of thrills.
Customer Reviews
The best book of the series, I think.
This book is the last of the Rogues of Regent series, but it can totally stand alone.
I just finished it and I'm still wiping the tears from my face at the touching ending.
This is Sophie Danes's story, Julian's little sister that caused all the scandal in The Ruthless Charmer. I was hoping that she would get her own story and Ms. London did not disappoint.
It was full of angst as Sophie struggles to overcome her own bad self esteem and the opinions of her well meaning family. She is so torn between the aristocratic life she was raised in and the person she has come to be with her employer and companion, Honorine. Sometimes I grew impatient wondering if she would ever speak up for herself.
Honorine and her band of characters are such a delight. They add comedy and warmth to a sometimes tragic story.
There is also a bad guy and a sort of mystery. Everything we need for a great page turner. I highly recommend this book.