The Secret Lover

April 22, 2002
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.

April 15, 2002
After eloping with a man who turned out to be interested only in her fortune, then divorcing the scoundrel, Sophie Dane is sent off to the Continent, where she becomes a companion to Honorine Fortier. Now eight years after Sophie shocked the ton, Honorine announces her intent to visit London. Sophie hopes to keep her return to English society quiet, but when she finds herself attracted to mysterious, handsome Caleb, the illegitimate half-brother of nobleman Trevor, who also happens to be courting her, Sophie once again finds her love life has all of London gossiping. The youngest sister of Julian, the hero of London's " The Ruthless Charmer" (2000), Sophie is remarkably engaging. Bedeviled by her own insecurities and confused about what she wants out of life, she comes across as a real person. And when London pairs her up with a hero who knows a thing or two about being ostracized, then mixes in appealingly eccentric secondary characters, a bit of danger and suspense, and some nice touches of humor, the result is one delightfully imaginative romance.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2002, American Library Association.)