title: The Secret Lover (Rogues of Regent Street, Book 6)
author:  Julia London 
description: 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) <br />Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
zlib_text: > > A SCANDALOUS SECRET
  
  > > SPIES AND LOVERS
  
  > LAURA TRENTHAM
  
  A s the daughter of England’s spymaster, Miss Victoria Hawkins is no stranger
  to secrets. Her biggest secret is the tender feelings she holds for Thomas
  Garrick, her father’s personal guard. As the pressure to choose a husband at
  an upcoming Christmas house party mounts, Victoria grows desperate. When
  circumstances trap them together in a cottage with a single bed and a bottle
  of brandy, her infatuation with the gruff Garrick might cause the scandal of
  the season…and give Victoria exactly what she wishes for this Christmas.
  
  > CONTENTS
  
  >  _Blurb_
  
  >  _Also by Laura Trentham_
  
  >  _Chapter 1_
  
  >  _Chapter 2_
  
  >  _Chapter 3_
  
  >  _Chapter 4_
  
  >  _Chapter 5_
  
  >  _Chapter 6_
  
  >  _Chapter 7_
  
  >  _Chapter 8_
  
  >  _Chapter 9_
  
  >  _Chapter 10_
  
  >  _Chapter 11_
  
  >  _Chapter 12_
  
  >  _Also by Laura Trentham_
  
  >  _About the Author_
  
  > > ALSO BY LAURA TRENTHAM
  
  H **istorical Romance**
  
   **Spies and Lovers**
  
  [ _An Indecent Invitation Bo