The Secret Lover (Rogues of Regent Street, Book 6)
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. (May 7)Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.