As previously stated, the beginning of Sophie's story actually begins with the Rogues of Regent Street series book, THE RUTHLESS CHARMER, (Oct. 2000).  It would be helpful to the reader to read this book first, but not absolutely not necessary for the less impatient.  Eight years after her scandalous divorce in London, Sophie lives contentedly in the picturesque town of Christiana, Norway.  Yet, she was going to London again as the companion to her French widow friend, Honorine, quite against her wishes.  Her brother, having represented her during her divorce, meets them in France to see them safely to London.

Once in London, Sophie finds herself being sought after by Trevor Hamilton, one of the most eligible bachelors at the time of her departure eight years ago.  However, another man has caught Sophie’s interest.  A simple carpenter, who was building his house she was admiring from across the pond in Regent Park, begins meeting with her everyday.  Sophie surprises herself as to how much she begins to look forward to her secret meetings with the handsome man, inspecting his house and sharing passionate kisses.

Caleb Hamilton, bastard born son of the wealthy Viscount Will Hamilton, has done everything to try and see the father that his half brother, Trevor, has kept from him all these years.  Despite his half brother's insistence that he is an imposter, Viscount Hamilton knows his son - the son he loved above all else.  After a stroke, his father's condition prevents him from speaking much, but Sophie's companion, Honorine, takes an interest herself in the senior Hamilton and helps him communicate his wishes.  Caleb also confides in Sophie about his past, and she confides in him about hers.  They are two outcasts perfectly matched for each other.

However, Sophie's family believes it is in her best interest, her fortunate interest, that she keeps Trevor Hamilton's interest.  Any interest she shows in Caleb, whom they believe to be a swindler after Trevor's heritage, is unworthy and ungrateful.  A surprise declaration from Trevor forces Caleb to make a declaration of his own.  Will Sophie conform to the rules of society and her family's wishes, or will she follow her heart before she loses Caleb forever?

Well thought out and executed, THE SECRET LOVER is a thorough romance filled with deep characters and heart wrenching decisions.  Sophie's previous choice in marriage keeps her from trusting her heart again later.  She must once again overcome her family's insistence on choice of men in her life, albeit this time, her decision proves sounder than before.  An older, wiser Sophie has reached a point in maturity where she is freer than she has ever been before.  Caleb is a strong hero, making his way in the world without any help, without the support of his father.  Trevor is the consummate counterpoint anti-hero.  His ultimate motive for keeping Caleb away from his father come to a climactic point with everyone involved.  A leisurely read, THE SECRET LOVER is not face paced, nor does it have the humor found in her previous works, but it does have the same deep emotional impacts Ms. London writes so cleverly in all her work.  Sophie's story will no doubt please her followers and the ending is final, leaving no loose ends to worry about another sequel.