Fans of books about rich men and beautiful heroines, featuring lots of secrets and sex, rejoice – E L James has written a new novel.

The author behind the hugely successful Fifty Shades of Grey series has described The Mister as a “Cinderella story for the 21st century”.

Set in London, Cornwall and Eastern Europe, it’s the story of the romance between the privileged and aristocratic young Englishman Maxim Trevelyan and the mysterious, talented and beautiful Alessia Demachi, who’s recently arrived in London owning little more than a dangerous and troublesome past.

Although there’s no word on whether it will be as racy as the Fifty Shades’ books, which were well known for their sex scenes, James did describe The Mister, which will be released on 16th April, as a “thrilling and sensual” tale.

James’ Fifty Shades of Grey series includes three books from the perspective of Anastasia Steele, a shy college student who becomes embroiled in a relationship with successful entrepreneur Christian Grey, who introduces her to the world of BDSM.

Two books – Grey and Darker – have also been published telling the same story from Christian Grey’s perspective.

The series has many fans: its publisher says 150 million copies have been sold worldwide.

But it also has detractors, who have mocked its heroine for her inner voice, which she calls her inner goddess, while reviewers have criticised the writing.

Serious concerns have also been raised about the book’s portrayal of BDSM, which some practitioners have said is unsafe, and the abusive and controlling nature of Christian Grey.

Even Dakota Johnson, who played Anastasia in the film adaptations of the books, has spoken out about the “controlling relationship” at the centre of the story.

The Mister will likely be the subject of much discussion when it comes out, but whether it’s positive or negative, James’ legions of fans are sure to make the book a success.

Images: Universal Pictures/Focus Features, Penguin Random House