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Rogues of Regent Street #4
The Secret Lover
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?
389 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
69 people are currently reading
578 people want to read
About the author
Julia London
190 books3,141 followersJulia London is the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of more than two dozen romantic fiction novels. She is the author of the popular historical romance series, the Cabot Sisters, including The Trouble with Honor, The Devil Takes a Bride, and The Scoundrel and the Debutante. She is also the author of several contemporary romances, including Homecoming Ranch, Return to Homecoming Ranch, and The Perfect Homecoming.
Julia is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. To keep up with all the Julia London news, please visit http://www.julialondon.com. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julialondon
Julia is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. To keep up with all the Julia London news, please visit http://www.julialondon.com. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julialondon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
November 15, 2021
3.5
As I mentioned in an update— this was the best of the four. Sophie’s story was worth reading and skimming was kept to a minimum!
The hero was swoon-worthy and I loved that there were several storylines with a variety of characters. Of course my favorite was Honoraria and her two footmen. This series was populated by more interesting background characters than the leads.
Despite being a big improvement over the last book, I was still disappointed by the wishy-washy siblings of our spinster heroine. Did her brother and sister-in-law suddenly forget their own romantic story? All the bad advice was confusing!
This regency kick will keep me from HF romance for awhile... enough with the “sweet nothings,” I’m back to mysteries and thrillers.
As I mentioned in an update— this was the best of the four. Sophie’s story was worth reading and skimming was kept to a minimum!
The hero was swoon-worthy and I loved that there were several storylines with a variety of characters. Of course my favorite was Honoraria and her two footmen. This series was populated by more interesting background characters than the leads.
Despite being a big improvement over the last book, I was still disappointed by the wishy-washy siblings of our spinster heroine. Did her brother and sister-in-law suddenly forget their own romantic story? All the bad advice was confusing!
This regency kick will keep me from HF romance for awhile... enough with the “sweet nothings,” I’m back to mysteries and thrillers.
August 1, 2020
The book dragged for too long and I do not like that epilogue at all. 😭
May 22, 2021
Se me hizo un poquito lento al principio,pero después se puso interesante...
October 6, 2009
This wasn't the most exciting or fastest moving book. It was, however, a great story and a great romance. At the end of it all, I was in tears. That's why it earned 5 stars.
June 29, 2021
Memorable quote:
"They were two scarred people, two outcasts in an imperfect world." -Caleb Hamilton
"They were two scarred people, two outcasts in an imperfect world." -Caleb Hamilton
November 5, 2012
Bu yorumu Kitap Esintisi sayfasında bulabilirsiniz.
Julia bu kitabında beni ağlattı. Bitti diye bir hüzün içine girdim ama en çok da sonu beni etkiledi. Sonunda ne mi oldu hemen anlatayım:
Sonundan bahsetmeden önce kurgu hakkında bilgi vereyim. Eğer seriyi benim gibi tamamıyla okuduysanız, ikinci kitapta skandal yaratan kız kardeş Sophie’yi hatırlarsınız. İşte o Sophie 8 yıl sonra refakat ettiği deli dolu çatlak bir Fransız olan Honoria ile Londra’ya geri dönüyor. Ama hala sosyetenin kara keçisi konumunda olan Sophie, balolardan kaçıp yalnızlığa gömülmek istiyor, sosyete içine çıkmayı kesinlikle istemiyor. İşte böyle bir anda göl kıyısında otururken Caleb’i fark ediyor. Caleb bir vikontun gayrı resmi oğlu ama varis olan oğuldan çok daha canlı çok daha neşeli. Sophie deyim yerindeyse ona vuruluyor, Caleb de gözlerini ondan alamıyor.
Bir de asıl varis Trevor gözünü Sophie’ye koyuyor ama onun nedenleri tamamen finansal. Çatlak Honoria ise oğlanların babalarına aşık oluyor. Ama burada bir sorun olduğunu fark ediyor: Trevor’un babasını bilerek uyuşturduğunu düşünüyor ve ilaçları içmemesini sağlıyor. Trevor babasının gittikçe daha da düzeldiğini görünce paniğe kapılıp Honoria’yı suçlamaya başlıyor. Honoria adamı alıp kaybolunca da hepten deliriyor.
Caleb ile Sofie arası da bir ara açılıyor. Ne zaman? Sophie, Caleb’in evlilik teklifini fark etmeden sosyete standartlarıyla reddettiğinde. Ama sonrası pişmanlık dolu tabi. Caleb de ne olursa olsun kızın peşinden İskoçya’ya doğru yola çıkıyor onu korumak için. İşte o yolculuk bütün hayatlarını değiştiriyor. Birbirlerine ne kadar aşık olduklarını bu yolculukta anlıyorlar, Trevor’un hain planlarını durduruyorlar, evleniyorlar vs… İşte beni de en çok epilog etkiledi. Normalde adam gibi epilog yazmayan Julia, son iki kitaptır ilerileri anlatıyor. Geçen kitapta 8-9 yıl sonrasıydı sanırım, ölen çetecinin mezarı başında toplanmalarını anlatıyordu. Bu kitapta ise seri bitiyor diye sanırım yazmış da yazmış. Yaklaşık 50 yıllık bir zaman dilimini anlatıyor ve Sophie’nin ölüp, Caleb’in ona yakında katılacağını söylerken bitiyor. İşte bütün bu kısım, bu hızla geçen şeyler beni hüzünlendirdi. Sonunu bu kadar uzun ve detaylı anlatmasaymış belki de bu kadar hüzne kapılmayacaktım. Ama güzel miydi, güzeldi.
Diğer kitaplarına baktığımda buna nasıl bir puan vermem gerektiğini bilemedim. Serinin ilk iki kitabı beni fitil etmişti uzun süre. Judith hastalığına yakalanan erkek karakterler delirmem için yeterli zaten benim için. Üçüncü kitap şaşırtıcı derecede sakindi, hiç sinir etmedi ve 5 yıldızı bunun için hak etti. Bu kitapta da beni sinir eden moronluklar oldu, hele Ann ve Claudia’nın Sophie ile bebekmişçesine konuşup onun için doğru olana karar vermeye çalışmaları bir numaraydı. Julian da bu ayardaydı. Neyse ki sonlara doğru düzeldiler. 4 yıldızı sırf bunun için veriyorum, tam 5 değil ama 4.5 diyip bu zor işten sıyrılıyorum.
Yıllardır takip ettiğim bu seri için, seri sonu hüznümü yakında atlatmayı umuyorum.
Julia bu kitabında beni ağlattı. Bitti diye bir hüzün içine girdim ama en çok da sonu beni etkiledi. Sonunda ne mi oldu hemen anlatayım:
Sonundan bahsetmeden önce kurgu hakkında bilgi vereyim. Eğer seriyi benim gibi tamamıyla okuduysanız, ikinci kitapta skandal yaratan kız kardeş Sophie’yi hatırlarsınız. İşte o Sophie 8 yıl sonra refakat ettiği deli dolu çatlak bir Fransız olan Honoria ile Londra’ya geri dönüyor. Ama hala sosyetenin kara keçisi konumunda olan Sophie, balolardan kaçıp yalnızlığa gömülmek istiyor, sosyete içine çıkmayı kesinlikle istemiyor. İşte böyle bir anda göl kıyısında otururken Caleb’i fark ediyor. Caleb bir vikontun gayrı resmi oğlu ama varis olan oğuldan çok daha canlı çok daha neşeli. Sophie deyim yerindeyse ona vuruluyor, Caleb de gözlerini ondan alamıyor.
Bir de asıl varis Trevor gözünü Sophie’ye koyuyor ama onun nedenleri tamamen finansal. Çatlak Honoria ise oğlanların babalarına aşık oluyor. Ama burada bir sorun olduğunu fark ediyor: Trevor’un babasını bilerek uyuşturduğunu düşünüyor ve ilaçları içmemesini sağlıyor. Trevor babasının gittikçe daha da düzeldiğini görünce paniğe kapılıp Honoria’yı suçlamaya başlıyor. Honoria adamı alıp kaybolunca da hepten deliriyor.
Caleb ile Sofie arası da bir ara açılıyor. Ne zaman? Sophie, Caleb’in evlilik teklifini fark etmeden sosyete standartlarıyla reddettiğinde. Ama sonrası pişmanlık dolu tabi. Caleb de ne olursa olsun kızın peşinden İskoçya’ya doğru yola çıkıyor onu korumak için. İşte o yolculuk bütün hayatlarını değiştiriyor. Birbirlerine ne kadar aşık olduklarını bu yolculukta anlıyorlar, Trevor’un hain planlarını durduruyorlar, evleniyorlar vs… İşte beni de en çok epilog etkiledi. Normalde adam gibi epilog yazmayan Julia, son iki kitaptır ilerileri anlatıyor. Geçen kitapta 8-9 yıl sonrasıydı sanırım, ölen çetecinin mezarı başında toplanmalarını anlatıyordu. Bu kitapta ise seri bitiyor diye sanırım yazmış da yazmış. Yaklaşık 50 yıllık bir zaman dilimini anlatıyor ve Sophie’nin ölüp, Caleb’in ona yakında katılacağını söylerken bitiyor. İşte bütün bu kısım, bu hızla geçen şeyler beni hüzünlendirdi. Sonunu bu kadar uzun ve detaylı anlatmasaymış belki de bu kadar hüzne kapılmayacaktım. Ama güzel miydi, güzeldi.
Diğer kitaplarına baktığımda buna nasıl bir puan vermem gerektiğini bilemedim. Serinin ilk iki kitabı beni fitil etmişti uzun süre. Judith hastalığına yakalanan erkek karakterler delirmem için yeterli zaten benim için. Üçüncü kitap şaşırtıcı derecede sakindi, hiç sinir etmedi ve 5 yıldızı bunun için hak etti. Bu kitapta da beni sinir eden moronluklar oldu, hele Ann ve Claudia’nın Sophie ile bebekmişçesine konuşup onun için doğru olana karar vermeye çalışmaları bir numaraydı. Julian da bu ayardaydı. Neyse ki sonlara doğru düzeldiler. 4 yıldızı sırf bunun için veriyorum, tam 5 değil ama 4.5 diyip bu zor işten sıyrılıyorum.
Yıllardır takip ettiğim bu seri için, seri sonu hüznümü yakında atlatmayı umuyorum.
July 9, 2009
This book is part of the Rogues of Regent Street series but I think this one can be read as a standalone. This is the story of Sophie Dane, a young woman who, 8 years before our story begins as eloped and married a gentleman of the ton only to find herself at the hands of an abusive husband. Helped by her brother, one of the Rogues, she runs away, divorces him and goes to live in France as a result of the scandal.
She has been living as a companion of a lively and flamboyant woman who decides she wants to travel to England. Sophie does try to keep a low profile but she is recognised by some less than kind young ladies. However she starts being pursued by Trevor Hamilton, Lord Hamilton's son which gives her family hopes that she might marry and be accepted by the ton again.
While Sophie finds polite, if a bit arrogant, she doesn't feel any particular attraction to him. She is given to walks in the Park where she meets a young man with whom she feels comfortable and that is later revealed as Trevor Hamilton's half brother and Lord Hamilton's bastard son.
There's a bit of a mystery surrounding Caleb, Trevor's half brother, we never know much about him and who his mother was and I think the story would definitely have been better if we had known more about his and Sophie's past. Just to make them more rounded characters and so that could feel more empathy towards them.
As it was I can't say I found them very interesting or that I cared about their problems. Sophie finds herself forced to choose between Trevor, her family's choice, and Caleb, the man she loves. And then there's the mystery of what really ails Lord Hamilton and why doesn't Trevor wants Caleb near him. Everything is solved to everyone's satisfaction in the end but I found it all very bland and truth be told, one week having after read it I'm having trouble remembering exactly what happened. I guess that says it all.
Grade: 3/5
She has been living as a companion of a lively and flamboyant woman who decides she wants to travel to England. Sophie does try to keep a low profile but she is recognised by some less than kind young ladies. However she starts being pursued by Trevor Hamilton, Lord Hamilton's son which gives her family hopes that she might marry and be accepted by the ton again.
While Sophie finds polite, if a bit arrogant, she doesn't feel any particular attraction to him. She is given to walks in the Park where she meets a young man with whom she feels comfortable and that is later revealed as Trevor Hamilton's half brother and Lord Hamilton's bastard son.
There's a bit of a mystery surrounding Caleb, Trevor's half brother, we never know much about him and who his mother was and I think the story would definitely have been better if we had known more about his and Sophie's past. Just to make them more rounded characters and so that could feel more empathy towards them.
As it was I can't say I found them very interesting or that I cared about their problems. Sophie finds herself forced to choose between Trevor, her family's choice, and Caleb, the man she loves. And then there's the mystery of what really ails Lord Hamilton and why doesn't Trevor wants Caleb near him. Everything is solved to everyone's satisfaction in the end but I found it all very bland and truth be told, one week having after read it I'm having trouble remembering exactly what happened. I guess that says it all.
Grade: 3/5
October 19, 2012
kejahatn terbesar J.lo d novel in adalah d epilogx...!!tegax dy membuat akhir ceritax sophie koit... ><
kenapa tidak berhenti saat mereka sudah tua sajaaaa....kenapa harus dikatakan sophie meninggal n membiarkan caleb sendrian d dunia....hiks...meratap bombai bacax...
epilog itu seharusx membuat senyum gila di wajah n ad perasaan senang saat selesai membacax...bukanx menguras air mataaaa....
pernikahan antara anak haram bangsawan n wanita yg bercerai...yg tidak bisa dterima oleh para bangsawan...kasihan caleb n sophie...mereka tidak bisa tinggal d inggris setelah menikah...memeulai semuax dari nol d paris...
sophie sedikit lagi hampir menyamai sikap menyebalkan s claudia...untung dy cepat sadar,,klo g udah aq gampar...!
dy tidak ingin mengikuti aturan para bangsawan,tp dy jg menolak caleb dengan cara bangsawan...betapa munafikx...!huh!
dy tidak menginginkan trevor tp ttp menerima kunjunganx n tidak berani mengatakan TIDAK...menginginkan caleb tp tidak mw mengatakan iya...trus mw x itu apa!!
kenapa tidak berhenti saat mereka sudah tua sajaaaa....kenapa harus dikatakan sophie meninggal n membiarkan caleb sendrian d dunia....hiks...meratap bombai bacax...
epilog itu seharusx membuat senyum gila di wajah n ad perasaan senang saat selesai membacax...bukanx menguras air mataaaa....
pernikahan antara anak haram bangsawan n wanita yg bercerai...yg tidak bisa dterima oleh para bangsawan...kasihan caleb n sophie...mereka tidak bisa tinggal d inggris setelah menikah...memeulai semuax dari nol d paris...
sophie sedikit lagi hampir menyamai sikap menyebalkan s claudia...untung dy cepat sadar,,klo g udah aq gampar...!
dy tidak ingin mengikuti aturan para bangsawan,tp dy jg menolak caleb dengan cara bangsawan...betapa munafikx...!huh!
dy tidak menginginkan trevor tp ttp menerima kunjunganx n tidak berani mengatakan TIDAK...menginginkan caleb tp tidak mw mengatakan iya...trus mw x itu apa!!
December 24, 2009
4.5 for making me tear up in the epilogue.
I just learned that this is part of the rogue series of books, but I had no idea when I read it. It can be read as a stand-alone novel.
Caleb is great hero and Sophie's friends are colorful and entertaining and the HEA is great.
I just learned that this is part of the rogue series of books, but I had no idea when I read it. It can be read as a stand-alone novel.
Caleb is great hero and Sophie's friends are colorful and entertaining and the HEA is great.
August 10, 2023
3.5 stars.
I love Caleb, such a strong and sweet and confident male character. Sophie on the other hand had me frustrated half of the book, it was good when she finally woke up and got a backbone but almost too late! Still, their romance was very good, it felt pretty new because their story is not exactly common, much less what you would call sweet, there was a lot of passion and I loved how sensual Sophie was.
Now, Honorine was way ahead of her time, I'm so glad people's talking didn't stop her from loving Will. That's a woman that nows what she wants and will get it.
And Trevor was such a villian! I was so worried when the drama truly started and it seemed he would get away with all. Thank goodness for small miracles. Next comes Ann, I know she was not a villian, but for me, she was becoming one and my only complain is that I couldn't believe her change of heart at the end, she was the most vocal about Sophie marrying Trevor and Shopie' scandalous past. No. That reunion at the end did not feel honest. Now, Julian it's plausible, he was worried, his change of opinion I can believe it a little more.
The end was overall very good and the epilogue rounded it up all so well. It was a fantastic way to give us a little more about all the characters we cared about.
I love Caleb, such a strong and sweet and confident male character. Sophie on the other hand had me frustrated half of the book, it was good when she finally woke up and got a backbone but almost too late! Still, their romance was very good, it felt pretty new because their story is not exactly common, much less what you would call sweet, there was a lot of passion and I loved how sensual Sophie was.
Now, Honorine was way ahead of her time, I'm so glad people's talking didn't stop her from loving Will. That's a woman that nows what she wants and will get it.
And Trevor was such a villian! I was so worried when the drama truly started and it seemed he would get away with all. Thank goodness for small miracles. Next comes Ann, I know she was not a villian, but for me, she was becoming one and my only complain is that I couldn't believe her change of heart at the end, she was the most vocal about Sophie marrying Trevor and Shopie' scandalous past. No. That reunion at the end did not feel honest. Now, Julian it's plausible, he was worried, his change of opinion I can believe it a little more.
The end was overall very good and the epilogue rounded it up all so well. It was a fantastic way to give us a little more about all the characters we cared about.
July 29, 2014
Sophia (From Ruthless Charmer) is older and wiser after having foolishly run off to elope with an evil man at the age of 18. But of course, society does not forgive or forget so easily. She never planned to return to London, but she is serving as companion to a dramatic French woman who insists, and so she goes. There she meets Caleb, the illegitimate son of a viscount, and falls in love.
This book is more 3.5 stars for me. I felt that the story spun its wheels a few times, and I didn't buy Sophia's initial rejection of Caleb's offer of marriage, even if she was drunk at the time. Yes, this story is set in a time where certain expectations can overrule everything else, but Sophia had thrown those expectations aside at the age of 18 and while she learned a lot in the intervening years, it didn't ring true to me that a fiercer acceptance of societal dictates was one of those things. Not given the company she kept or her time away from her family. I understood her doubts about her own ability to recognize a good man, but this didn't prove to be much of an obstacle.
The reason I rounded up, as strange as this may sound, is that this book contained one of the best epilogues I've ever read in a romance novel. It didn't just give us a glimpse into the HEA, but instead it whisked us through life, closing a couple of lose threads along the way, but mostly showing the shape of the main characters' lives until death parts them. The last line was beautiful and bittersweet.
This book is more 3.5 stars for me. I felt that the story spun its wheels a few times, and I didn't buy Sophia's initial rejection of Caleb's offer of marriage, even if she was drunk at the time. Yes, this story is set in a time where certain expectations can overrule everything else, but Sophia had thrown those expectations aside at the age of 18 and while she learned a lot in the intervening years, it didn't ring true to me that a fiercer acceptance of societal dictates was one of those things. Not given the company she kept or her time away from her family. I understood her doubts about her own ability to recognize a good man, but this didn't prove to be much of an obstacle.
The reason I rounded up, as strange as this may sound, is that this book contained one of the best epilogues I've ever read in a romance novel. It didn't just give us a glimpse into the HEA, but instead it whisked us through life, closing a couple of lose threads along the way, but mostly showing the shape of the main characters' lives until death parts them. The last line was beautiful and bittersweet.
December 2, 2015
The conclusion of the series with the story of scandalous Sophie Dane, who returns to London after years in the continent following her divorce.
Sophie's experiences have changed her and she doesn't feel like she belongs in the London society anymore. In one of her walks at the park she meets a captivating man whom she feels a strong connection to, but dreading another scandal she has a lot of reservations about her relationship with him.
Caleb, who turns out to be the illegitimate son of an ailing nobleman, lives in the outskirts of society and is aware that there are things that he cannot offer to a wife, but hopes that his connection with Sophie will allow her to overcome them.
Alas things do not happen as they'd wish and a moment of intense stupidity breaks them apart.
Caleb's half brother Trevor's interest in Sophie does not make things any easier but .
All's well that ends well and our heroes and our secondary heroes get their happily ever afters, concluding the series in a happy note.
Sophie's experiences have changed her and she doesn't feel like she belongs in the London society anymore. In one of her walks at the park she meets a captivating man whom she feels a strong connection to, but dreading another scandal she has a lot of reservations about her relationship with him.
Caleb, who turns out to be the illegitimate son of an ailing nobleman, lives in the outskirts of society and is aware that there are things that he cannot offer to a wife, but hopes that his connection with Sophie will allow her to overcome them.
Alas things do not happen as they'd wish and a moment of intense stupidity breaks them apart.
Caleb's half brother Trevor's interest in Sophie does not make things any easier but .
All's well that ends well and our heroes and our secondary heroes get their happily ever afters, concluding the series in a happy note.
July 24, 2015
Usually when you read a series like this, there is a good chance that the other books will never be as good as the first. But it was as though each and every one of these books got better as they went along. And "The Secret Lover" really was the perfect finality for this series! It had me laughing and of course nearly sobbing at the end.
You really should sit down and enjoy this one even if you haven't read the others, this would be fun t enjoy, the background for this book is also well explained so that you can pick it up and read it as a stand alone.
You really should sit down and enjoy this one even if you haven't read the others, this would be fun t enjoy, the background for this book is also well explained so that you can pick it up and read it as a stand alone.
April 17, 2011
This story was different from the usual romance stories based on the way the epilogue was written out. Oh don't worry, the hero and heroine did get their happy endings. I really do like that small bit of realism the author brought into the story towards the end. HEA does not equate to all eternity unless you are a vampire. This was a bittersweet read.
January 24, 2016
Bintang 3
Buku ke4 seri Rogues of Regent Street
Kisah lain tentang seorang anak haram yg lebih dicintai ayahnya karena karakternya yg lebih unggul (bandingkan dengan The Dangerous Gentleman).
Sophie Dane, adik bungsu Julian Dane Earl of Kettering adalah seorang janda yg pernah menimbulkan skandal yg menghebohkan. Kawin lari untuk kemudian bercerai karena suaminya suka memukulinya. Untuk menghindari skandal lebih lanjut Sophie dikirim ke perancis untuk tinggal bersama saudara perempuannya Gennie. Di perancis Sophie bertemu Honorine Pertier yg unik dan memperkerjakan Sophie sebagai pendamping dan membuka mata dan kesempatan Sophie untuk berkeliling Eropa dan mengenal banyak karakter manusia.
Setelah 8 tahun, Sophie bekesempatan kembali ke Inggris bersama Honorine dan sepasang pengikutnya yg aneh Fabrice dan Roland. Sophie mulanya merasa ragu untuk kembali ke Inggris terutama London. Sophie takut menghadapi hantu masa lalunya dan kecaman dari para kaum bangsawan yg suka bergosip. Lain halnya semua saudara Sophie yg menyambut baik kepulangannya itu. Malah Julian sang kakak yg sangat menyayanginya datang menjemput Sophie.
Dihari pertama mereka di London, Honorine bertemu Lord Hamilton (yg lemah dan lumpuh sehabis terkena serangan stroke) bersama anak lelakinya Trevor dan cucunya Ian. Sedangkan sophie menemukan tempat yg sunyi dan tentram di Regent's Park untuk menghabiskan waktunya yg membosankan. Ditaman ini Sophie menemukan cinta dan kegairahan hidup setelah bertemu dan mengenal seorang pria bernama Caleb Hamilton.
Caleb adalah anak haram Lord Hamilton. Caleb berusaha bertemu ayahnya karena khawatir dengan keadaannya. Gosip yg tidak sedap berembus bahwa Caleb adalah seorang penipu yg ingin mengambil keuntungan dari keluarga Lord Hamilton. Akan tetapi Sophie tidak mempercayainya. Malah perasaan Sophie semakin berkembang menjadi perasaan cinta setelah mengetahui karakter Caleb yg sesungguhnya. Begitu pula Caleb merasa bahwa tidak ada wanita yg seperti Sophie yg tulus yg tidak memandang sebelah mata kepada dirinya yg seorang anak haram.
Keretakan hubungan Sophie dan Caleb tejadi saat Trevor saudara Caleb menyatakan niatnya dihadapan hampir seluruh khalayak ton di London (yg sudah pasti ditolak Sophie karena Sophie merasakan keanehan akan karaketer yg diperlihatkan Trevor). Belum lagi alasan anak Trevor, Ian yg tidak menyukai Sophie (Ian malah menyukai Honorine). Dimalam yg sama, Caleb melamar Sophie dalam keadaan marah dan cemburu terhadap hubungan Sophie dan Trevor. Tapi lamaran Caleb juga ditolak Sophie mengingat keinginan keluarganya yg ingin melihat Sophie bahagia dengan cara yg keluarganya inginkan yaitu melihat Sophie menikah dengan pasangan yg layak. Dengan perasaan marah dan sakit hati Caleb Meninggalkan Sophie. Dan Sophie ditinggalkan dalam keadaan penuh penyesalan akan keputusannya menolak lamaran Caleb.
Hari berikutnya Trevor mencari ayahnya dengan penuh kemarahan karena Honorine dan ayahnya yg biasa bepergian bersama tidak diketahui dimana keberadaannya. Keadaan semakin kacau dan heboh saat Trevor menuduh Honorine menculik Lord Hamilton untuk mengambil keuntungan dari keluarga Hamilton.
Sebenarnya jauh dipedesaan, Lord Hamilton dan Honorine melakukan perjalanan kembali ke rumah pedesaan milik Lord Hamilton.
Sophie yg mengetahui tujuan kedua orang ini dari Ian segera menyusul karena takut tejadi hal hal yg tidak diinginkan karena tekad Trevor yg ingin menyakiti Honorine jika tertangkap. Caleb yg mengetahui niat Sophie segera menyusul Sophie untuk melindunginya selama diperjalanan. Diperjalanan Sophie bertemu Trevor. Dalam kesempatan ini Sophie menyatakan keberatannya mengenai lamaran Trevor dan menolaknya. Tidak hanya bertemu Trevor Sophie juga bertemu dengan caleb. Sophie dan Caleb akhirnya menyatakan penyesalan dan cinta mereka satu sama lain dan saling memaafkan. Mereka berdua maklum akan kekurangan mereka masing masing (Sophie dengan skandal masa lalunya dan Caleb yg anak haram). Mereka pasrah akan nasib percintaan mereka selama perjalanan.
Dirumah Pedesaan Lord Hamilton, betapa gembira seluruh penghuninya (pelayannya) melihat tuannya tampak sehat dan memiliki kekuatan untuk berdiri sendiri dengan kedua kakinya. Hal itu berkat Honorine dan tidak adanya obat yg biasa dikonsumsi oleh Lord Hamilton. Dan Honorine sempat curiga dengan obat obatan yg selalu diberikan oleh Trevor kepada ayahnya.
Tapi kebahagiaan itu rusak dengan kedatangan Trevor yg langsung merebut ayahnya dan menjauhkannya dari honorine. Trevor memerintahkan pelayannya untuk memanggil sherif setempat untuk menangkap Honorine. Caleb yg datang bersama Sophie melarikan Honorine ke Kettering Hall rumah keluarga besar Sophie.
Di Kettering Hall mereka mengetahui semua keburukan Trevor yg terkenal selalu menghamburkan uang dalam perjudian dan juga menyingkap tujuan Trevor menikahi Sophie. Di Ketering Hall inilah Sophie dan Caleb berniat untuk menikah dengan izin Khusus. Bersama sama Mrs Brillhart mereka meminta bantuan sherif setempat untuk menyelidiki kebenaran yg terjadidi kediaman Lord hamilton.
Selagi menunggu berita, Sophie dan Caleb merencanakan pesta pernikahan kilat di Kettering Hall. Honorine memanggil pengikutnya Fabrice dan Roland untuk meramaikan pesta. Sophie mengirimkan surat kepada kakaknya julian yg berisi permintaan maaf dan keinginannya untuk menikah dengan Caleb. Bahwa Caleb adalah kekasih rahasianya dan cinta sejatinya. Bahwa menikah dengan Caleb adalah kebahagiaan Sophie. Dan Sophie tidak berniat menyakiti hati dan menghancurkan nama baik keluarganya.
Tiba hari pernikahan, betapa bahagia Sophie dengan kedatangan teman teman dan keluarganya yg merestui dirinya. Detik detik teakhir Julian dan istri serta Annie saudara perempuan sophie serta suaminya hadir untuk merestui pernikahan Sophie.
Kabar gembirapun tiba saat Sherif membawa surat setelah pesta pernikahan. Lord Hamilton meminta kedatanag Honorine dan Caleb ke rumahnya.
Disana mereka mendengarkan cerita Lord Hamilton mengenai kejahatan Trevor terhadap dirinya. Lord Hamilton menyatakan penyesalan atas semua yg telah dilakukan dirinya untuk menghentikan kebiasaan judi Trevor yg mengakibatkan tindak kejahatan Trevor terhadap dirinya. Dalam penyesalannya Lord Hamilton merasa beruntung memiliki Caleb yg walau seorang anak haram tetapi dapat dibanggakannya sebagai seseorang yg memiliki karakter yg tidak dimiliki oleh Trevor.
Dan kebahagian Sophiepun terwujud. Sophie dan Caleb memulai hidup baru mereka didaratan Eropa. Bersama ketiga anaknya mereka membuka toko kue kecil yg akhirnya berkembang dengan pesat. Investasi Caleb di perusahaan kereta apipun sangat menguntungkan. Sampai pada tahun tahun penuh cinta dan duka dilalui. Sampai akhirnya Sophie menghembuskan nafas terakhirnya dipembaringan ditemani suami tercinta yg menjaganya dengan penuh kasih. Seperti apa yg ditulis Sophie dalam surat yg ditujukan kepada Julian: "...kemanapun kami akan pergi, aku tahu dilubuk hatiku yg terdalam kalau kami akan saling mencintai sampai kami menua dan meninggalkan dunia ini.."
Buku ke4 seri Rogues of Regent Street
Kisah lain tentang seorang anak haram yg lebih dicintai ayahnya karena karakternya yg lebih unggul (bandingkan dengan The Dangerous Gentleman).
Sophie Dane, adik bungsu Julian Dane Earl of Kettering adalah seorang janda yg pernah menimbulkan skandal yg menghebohkan. Kawin lari untuk kemudian bercerai karena suaminya suka memukulinya. Untuk menghindari skandal lebih lanjut Sophie dikirim ke perancis untuk tinggal bersama saudara perempuannya Gennie. Di perancis Sophie bertemu Honorine Pertier yg unik dan memperkerjakan Sophie sebagai pendamping dan membuka mata dan kesempatan Sophie untuk berkeliling Eropa dan mengenal banyak karakter manusia.
Setelah 8 tahun, Sophie bekesempatan kembali ke Inggris bersama Honorine dan sepasang pengikutnya yg aneh Fabrice dan Roland. Sophie mulanya merasa ragu untuk kembali ke Inggris terutama London. Sophie takut menghadapi hantu masa lalunya dan kecaman dari para kaum bangsawan yg suka bergosip. Lain halnya semua saudara Sophie yg menyambut baik kepulangannya itu. Malah Julian sang kakak yg sangat menyayanginya datang menjemput Sophie.
Dihari pertama mereka di London, Honorine bertemu Lord Hamilton (yg lemah dan lumpuh sehabis terkena serangan stroke) bersama anak lelakinya Trevor dan cucunya Ian. Sedangkan sophie menemukan tempat yg sunyi dan tentram di Regent's Park untuk menghabiskan waktunya yg membosankan. Ditaman ini Sophie menemukan cinta dan kegairahan hidup setelah bertemu dan mengenal seorang pria bernama Caleb Hamilton.
Caleb adalah anak haram Lord Hamilton. Caleb berusaha bertemu ayahnya karena khawatir dengan keadaannya. Gosip yg tidak sedap berembus bahwa Caleb adalah seorang penipu yg ingin mengambil keuntungan dari keluarga Lord Hamilton. Akan tetapi Sophie tidak mempercayainya. Malah perasaan Sophie semakin berkembang menjadi perasaan cinta setelah mengetahui karakter Caleb yg sesungguhnya. Begitu pula Caleb merasa bahwa tidak ada wanita yg seperti Sophie yg tulus yg tidak memandang sebelah mata kepada dirinya yg seorang anak haram.
Keretakan hubungan Sophie dan Caleb tejadi saat Trevor saudara Caleb menyatakan niatnya dihadapan hampir seluruh khalayak ton di London (yg sudah pasti ditolak Sophie karena Sophie merasakan keanehan akan karaketer yg diperlihatkan Trevor). Belum lagi alasan anak Trevor, Ian yg tidak menyukai Sophie (Ian malah menyukai Honorine). Dimalam yg sama, Caleb melamar Sophie dalam keadaan marah dan cemburu terhadap hubungan Sophie dan Trevor. Tapi lamaran Caleb juga ditolak Sophie mengingat keinginan keluarganya yg ingin melihat Sophie bahagia dengan cara yg keluarganya inginkan yaitu melihat Sophie menikah dengan pasangan yg layak. Dengan perasaan marah dan sakit hati Caleb Meninggalkan Sophie. Dan Sophie ditinggalkan dalam keadaan penuh penyesalan akan keputusannya menolak lamaran Caleb.
Hari berikutnya Trevor mencari ayahnya dengan penuh kemarahan karena Honorine dan ayahnya yg biasa bepergian bersama tidak diketahui dimana keberadaannya. Keadaan semakin kacau dan heboh saat Trevor menuduh Honorine menculik Lord Hamilton untuk mengambil keuntungan dari keluarga Hamilton.
Sebenarnya jauh dipedesaan, Lord Hamilton dan Honorine melakukan perjalanan kembali ke rumah pedesaan milik Lord Hamilton.
Sophie yg mengetahui tujuan kedua orang ini dari Ian segera menyusul karena takut tejadi hal hal yg tidak diinginkan karena tekad Trevor yg ingin menyakiti Honorine jika tertangkap. Caleb yg mengetahui niat Sophie segera menyusul Sophie untuk melindunginya selama diperjalanan. Diperjalanan Sophie bertemu Trevor. Dalam kesempatan ini Sophie menyatakan keberatannya mengenai lamaran Trevor dan menolaknya. Tidak hanya bertemu Trevor Sophie juga bertemu dengan caleb. Sophie dan Caleb akhirnya menyatakan penyesalan dan cinta mereka satu sama lain dan saling memaafkan. Mereka berdua maklum akan kekurangan mereka masing masing (Sophie dengan skandal masa lalunya dan Caleb yg anak haram). Mereka pasrah akan nasib percintaan mereka selama perjalanan.
Dirumah Pedesaan Lord Hamilton, betapa gembira seluruh penghuninya (pelayannya) melihat tuannya tampak sehat dan memiliki kekuatan untuk berdiri sendiri dengan kedua kakinya. Hal itu berkat Honorine dan tidak adanya obat yg biasa dikonsumsi oleh Lord Hamilton. Dan Honorine sempat curiga dengan obat obatan yg selalu diberikan oleh Trevor kepada ayahnya.
Tapi kebahagiaan itu rusak dengan kedatangan Trevor yg langsung merebut ayahnya dan menjauhkannya dari honorine. Trevor memerintahkan pelayannya untuk memanggil sherif setempat untuk menangkap Honorine. Caleb yg datang bersama Sophie melarikan Honorine ke Kettering Hall rumah keluarga besar Sophie.
Di Kettering Hall mereka mengetahui semua keburukan Trevor yg terkenal selalu menghamburkan uang dalam perjudian dan juga menyingkap tujuan Trevor menikahi Sophie. Di Ketering Hall inilah Sophie dan Caleb berniat untuk menikah dengan izin Khusus. Bersama sama Mrs Brillhart mereka meminta bantuan sherif setempat untuk menyelidiki kebenaran yg terjadidi kediaman Lord hamilton.
Selagi menunggu berita, Sophie dan Caleb merencanakan pesta pernikahan kilat di Kettering Hall. Honorine memanggil pengikutnya Fabrice dan Roland untuk meramaikan pesta. Sophie mengirimkan surat kepada kakaknya julian yg berisi permintaan maaf dan keinginannya untuk menikah dengan Caleb. Bahwa Caleb adalah kekasih rahasianya dan cinta sejatinya. Bahwa menikah dengan Caleb adalah kebahagiaan Sophie. Dan Sophie tidak berniat menyakiti hati dan menghancurkan nama baik keluarganya.
Tiba hari pernikahan, betapa bahagia Sophie dengan kedatangan teman teman dan keluarganya yg merestui dirinya. Detik detik teakhir Julian dan istri serta Annie saudara perempuan sophie serta suaminya hadir untuk merestui pernikahan Sophie.
Kabar gembirapun tiba saat Sherif membawa surat setelah pesta pernikahan. Lord Hamilton meminta kedatanag Honorine dan Caleb ke rumahnya.
Disana mereka mendengarkan cerita Lord Hamilton mengenai kejahatan Trevor terhadap dirinya. Lord Hamilton menyatakan penyesalan atas semua yg telah dilakukan dirinya untuk menghentikan kebiasaan judi Trevor yg mengakibatkan tindak kejahatan Trevor terhadap dirinya. Dalam penyesalannya Lord Hamilton merasa beruntung memiliki Caleb yg walau seorang anak haram tetapi dapat dibanggakannya sebagai seseorang yg memiliki karakter yg tidak dimiliki oleh Trevor.
Dan kebahagian Sophiepun terwujud. Sophie dan Caleb memulai hidup baru mereka didaratan Eropa. Bersama ketiga anaknya mereka membuka toko kue kecil yg akhirnya berkembang dengan pesat. Investasi Caleb di perusahaan kereta apipun sangat menguntungkan. Sampai pada tahun tahun penuh cinta dan duka dilalui. Sampai akhirnya Sophie menghembuskan nafas terakhirnya dipembaringan ditemani suami tercinta yg menjaganya dengan penuh kasih. Seperti apa yg ditulis Sophie dalam surat yg ditujukan kepada Julian: "...kemanapun kami akan pergi, aku tahu dilubuk hatiku yg terdalam kalau kami akan saling mencintai sampai kami menua dan meninggalkan dunia ini.."
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February 18, 2020Seride karakter olarak bu kadar soğuk olduğum kimse olmamıştır sanırım...
Bitsin diye okudum gitti.
Bitsin diye okudum gitti.
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January 25, 2022"Bir şeyi çok istemekle ölümüne korkmak arasında sıkışıp kalmıştı resmen."
March 18, 2013
Ayy bilmiyorum bu kitabı nasıl anlatacağımı. Bitirene kadar beni öldürdü bunu söyleyebilirim. Yani ilk defa bir kitabı -pardon diğer 2 kitabı unuttum; biri Brenda Joyce'un Bir Avuç Aşk diğeri de Judith ablanın İçinde Aşk Saklı kitabıydı. Bu iki kitap yüzüden hayatımda ilk defa "kitaplarıma şiddet" uygulamıştım. Gizemli Aşık'ta aynı yola gidiyordu az kalsın. Niye bu kadar sinir yaptın? diye sorduğunuzu duyar gibiyim. Çünkü kitaptaki karakterlerin hepsi birbirinden sinir bozucuydu - bir tek Caleb dışında <3 Onun yeri farklı... Julian'dan tutun kızın kızkardeşi Ann ve Julian beyin karısı olucak hanımefendi Claudia'ya kadar herkes herşeye burnunu sokuyor. Burnunu soktukları şeyde ağzı olupta konuşamayan, kararlarını bir tek iç seslerinde yapmaya çalışan Sophie'yi Trevor manyağı ile evlendirmek istemeleri. Neymiş zaten bir skandal yaratmış Sophie hanım ve Trevor gibi soylu biri çıkmazmış karşısına. Ya kızın iç çamaşarına kadar karışıyorlardı bee. Resmen öhh dedirttiler bana dün gece. Siz okurken bu kadar sinirlenecek misiniz bilmiyorum ama bunların hepsi benim saçımı başımı yoldurtucaktı bana. Neyse allahtan bitti diyorum ve bu seriyi uğurluyorum. Haa şunu söylemeden edemiyecem en sonda ki epilog kısmı beni üzdü. Yani Julia'cım iyi hoş yapmışsında kızı neden öldürürsün ki! Tamam sonsuza kadar mutlu yaşadılar diye bir şey yok ama sen ne diye mutlu insanları ayırırsın ki :)) Oyhh neyse ben çok doluyum bu kitap yüzünden, belki fazla abartıyorum ama elimde değil :))
Okuyucak olanlara şimdiden kolay gelsin..
Okuyucak olanlara şimdiden kolay gelsin..
April 12, 2013
Starting the series by the latest and number 4 book may not have been the best. But it certainly did not deter me from any enjoyment.
I really liked both main characters: Sophie has gone through very difficult times when she eloped with someone who turned out to be a fortune hunter and even worse an abuser; then she divorced him and created an even worse scandal. Ever since then she fled England and lived abroad as a companion to an unusual French lady. I really liked to hear about her struggles with the Ton, with her ever-mingling full of good intentions brother and sisters, about her difficulty to learn to trust someone and her rekindled desires.
Caleb was also very touching and seemed made of real flesh and bones.
The plot was also quite enthralling, with just was required of conflicts and difficulties to overcome.
I really enjoyed this book which is both quite unusual but never seems anachronical or unrealistic.
I really liked both main characters: Sophie has gone through very difficult times when she eloped with someone who turned out to be a fortune hunter and even worse an abuser; then she divorced him and created an even worse scandal. Ever since then she fled England and lived abroad as a companion to an unusual French lady. I really liked to hear about her struggles with the Ton, with her ever-mingling full of good intentions brother and sisters, about her difficulty to learn to trust someone and her rekindled desires.
Caleb was also very touching and seemed made of real flesh and bones.
The plot was also quite enthralling, with just was required of conflicts and difficulties to overcome.
I really enjoyed this book which is both quite unusual but never seems anachronical or unrealistic.
August 1, 2012
This is the first book that showed me how shallow and pitiful aristocrats were. In "The Ruthless Charmer", Claudia was the one I dislike (though I didn't finish that book), and I quite like Julian. And here, Julian became such a fool, he became what he didn't like before, which was a stern aristocrat. They judged people by their cover, only cared about family background and concerned about how they appeared to the ton. They became such a shallow people! I hate, hate, hate them very much! Even their changes at the end of the book seemed fake. They opposed Sophie and Caleb so much and practically shoved Sophie to Trevor, then suddenly came to Sophie and Caleb's wedding without much grudge or anger. I didn't buy that. Oh well, that makes me not want to read The Ruthless Charmer, ever.
February 13, 2013
This is by far the most amazing and touching story I have ever read. The chemistry between Sophie and Caleb is magical from beginning to end.
I have had this book sitting on my shelf for years and find myself going back and re-reading it over and over.
The ending never fails to both make me smile and bring me to tears.
Definitely a MUST READ for anyone who enjoys this genre.
I have had this book sitting on my shelf for years and find myself going back and re-reading it over and over.
The ending never fails to both make me smile and bring me to tears.
Definitely a MUST READ for anyone who enjoys this genre.
April 19, 2012
Caleb yang sweet, ramah, charming malah bikin buku ini menarik, sekali2 cowonya ga perlu cool, cold, kejem, sinis :p
September 24, 2019
"El amante secreto" es una lindisima historia, pues Él al final sacrifica todo por ella, aunque le costo mucho hacerlo...
August 16, 2018
Meh. I found the heroine - who kept telling herself she was a grown woman of 28, but kept behaving like a twittering 18 yr old - immensely annoying. Had all the scenes of her tongue-tiedness and dithering been deleted, the book would have been half its length. And then there were the things that just. would. not. have. happened. in the period – like traipsing around London without so much as a ladies' maid and the out-of-nowhere transformation of her family's attitude. Nevertheless, I forged through to the end, completist that I am, and I will say the last page was rather nice and, indeed, the best part of the book.
January 26, 2023
I liked this best of the four in the Rogues of Regent Street series. I think it expressed the tension between what women were raised to do and believe in society and how they had to suppress their own conflicting thoughts and desires.
But, I really did not like the portrayal of Roland and Fabrice. It indulged all the stereotypes of gay men, with the single redeeming moment after the ball. We see them through everyone’s eyes (except Honorine, who clearly doesn’t care) except their own and the descriptions are unpleasantly homophobic.
But, I really did not like the portrayal of Roland and Fabrice. It indulged all the stereotypes of gay men, with the single redeeming moment after the ball. We see them through everyone’s eyes (except Honorine, who clearly doesn’t care) except their own and the descriptions are unpleasantly homophobic.
July 1, 2017
I haven't read a lot of Julia London, mostly just some short stories. So far, I haven't been impressed with the full length ones. This book starts slow and keeps dragging on. Sophie's inability to communicate with her family or make decisions for herself is frustrating. In the end it was really, really boring. There was some action in the last third of the book, but even that drug on and on.
September 5, 2017
Gizemli Aşık
Julia London
Ve serinin sonuncu kitabı
Arkadaşların aşkından sonra Julian in kızkardeşi Sophie nin hikayesinı okuyoruz
ve aşkını tabiki
Seriyi acaip bir şekilde bitirmiş
CaLeb in aşkı deli divaneleri hatırlattı bana ne olursa olsun aşkı seçmek zor olsa gerek. Hikayeleri bunu fena halde güzel özetliyor
Julia London
Ve serinin sonuncu kitabı
Arkadaşların aşkından sonra Julian in kızkardeşi Sophie nin hikayesinı okuyoruz
ve aşkını tabiki
Seriyi acaip bir şekilde bitirmiş
CaLeb in aşkı deli divaneleri hatırlattı bana ne olursa olsun aşkı seçmek zor olsa gerek. Hikayeleri bunu fena halde güzel özetliyor
August 21, 2021
I temporarily skipped book 3 because I wanted to find out what happened to Sophie who was so pivotal in Julian’s story.
I’m glad this book was written because it had more depth. I’m glad she learned to live life on her own terms in such a restrictive society but there was a price to pay.
That epilogue tho…sniff
I’m glad this book was written because it had more depth. I’m glad she learned to live life on her own terms in such a restrictive society but there was a price to pay.
That epilogue tho…sniff
October 27, 2021
Excellent Conclusion
Sophie Dane started out as a scared weakling and finished as a strong woman who could speak her mind. Good epilogue. I wish all the Rogues were integral parts of the story but only Julian Dane, Earl of Kettering and Lady Claudia were involved. Her sisters Ann and Eugenia were also included. All in all this was a well written 4 book series.
Sophie Dane started out as a scared weakling and finished as a strong woman who could speak her mind. Good epilogue. I wish all the Rogues were integral parts of the story but only Julian Dane, Earl of Kettering and Lady Claudia were involved. Her sisters Ann and Eugenia were also included. All in all this was a well written 4 book series.
March 19, 2019
Tengo sentimientos encontrados con la historia. Sophie me parece una protagonista que pudo ser más fuerte durante toda la historia, pero tantas incertidumbres y vaivenes en su sentir me tenían de los pelos.
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