Customer Reviews

CONFESSIONS AT MIDNIGHT

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

-that I'm a sucker for this type of romance; a hero whose been lusting after the married heroine for years. Her husband dies, she goes through a period of mourning and finally -finally!- she's back out into society.

Widower Carolyn Turner, Viscountess Wingate has absolutely no intention of ever marrying again. As far as she is concerned she'd met the love of her life (her husband Edward) and lost him to a sudden illness. But after three years of mourning and the persistent pleas from her beloved sister, she's decided to shed her widows weeds. To go back among the living instead of wallowing in memories.

As soon as Daniel Sutton, Earl Surbrooke, heard that Lady Wingate was out of mourning, he made it his sole mission to get the object of his long time lust into his bed as soon as possible. Not that he wanted to closely examine why this one particular lady was the only one who made his blood boil and feel like a green babbling school boy when in her presence. All would be cured as soon as he had her naked.

After reading the scandalous book, Memoirs of a Mistress, Carolyn is shocked, appalled and more than a bit curious...well maybe more than just curious. Were these things possible? Did a man really do THAT to a woman and a woman THAT to a man? And was it enjoyable? According to her recently married and completely in love sister, yes...yes...yes...and most definitely YES! So when the dashing Earl pursues her and opens up all these emotions and sensations she thought long dead and buried, is she tarnishing the beautiful memories of her husband by thinking about having an affair or is she finally go to grasp onto to some happiness and live again?

I enjoyed this book, but maybe a tiny bit less than it prequel 'Sleepless at Midnight'. Its the second in the Mayhem in Mayfair series. Very good characterizations. The pace was kind of slow though. Not much going on action wise but I didn't really mind because the sexual tension was HOT! Thats always my favorite part of reading romances anyway. And these two protagonists could start a fire under water. Daniel was ....well....All I have to say is that I would like to make some of my own confessions to him!

I also liked that Carolyn's dead husband wasn't some abusive jerk or that he didn't know how to please a woman as one often times finds in historical romance. She loved him deeply but realizes that there is room in her heart for more.

This book sort of reminded me of 'When He Was Wicked' by Julia Quinn (really good btw) and a short story in the anthology set 'My Scandalous Bride'. That one is called 'The Proposition' by Leslie Lafoy (an absolutely fantastic read!).

So I recommend this book along with its prequel. I'm looking forward to the sequels where the loud, brash and fabulously wealthy American Mr. Logan Jenssen pairs up with nose-stuck-up-in-the-air blue blooded Emily. As well as the stunningly beautiful but stuck under her match making mama's (title seeking) thumb, Julianne and her dark and dangerous? Bow Street Runner Mr. Gideon Mayne.

I am almost always never disappointed in Jacquie's books...at least all the ones I have read so far and I wasn't in this one either. I won't repeat the plotline either as it has already been done. I felt like the two main characters were fairly well mapped out. Carolyn was very much in love with her deceased husband and I think it was very realistic the way her mourning was depicted and that she was having a hard time moving forward even after 3 years from his death. Daniel was likeable enough and of course handsome and dashing but known as a bit of a rake. Even though I did care about his character, however, something was just missing and I am not quite sure what it was. I didn't always feel that enthusiasm I feel for the hero that I like to experience. I didn't become completely endeared to him although I still cared for him and liked him. I didn't feel like it was anything new the way he was depicted though..the use of taking in strays of all sorts and his hidden "savior" quality being hidden from most people he knew. Carolyn was sorta his savior I think because he needed to settle down and realize there is more to life and loving someone than just taking them to his bed. He found that in Carolyn and I certainly did want the two of them to get together. I was always rooting for them to. But like I said I just didn't read this book thinking "Wow he is quite the man!". Something was just missing for me there-he just wasn't quite developed enough . However, the sexual tension was definitely there and the love scenes absolutely sizzled and were also fairly frequent. There was even some hero jealousy going on which is always nice. So I give this book 4 stars because I still highly enjoyed it just not quite as much as her last title "Sleepless at Midnight". It was still very good and very enjoyable.

This book is part of a series, also including 'Sleepless at Midnight', focusing on the four women of the Ladies Literary Society of London. In this story the four ladies are all rather scandalised but titillated by the book they have just read, 'Memoirs of a Mistress', which shows some of the fun that women can have with the right lover. The heroine of this story, Carolyn Turner, Viscountess Wingate, is rather wistful about what she's reading as the love of her life, her husband Edward, died three years before. For Carolyn, life is beginning to continue again now that she's over the rawest days after Edward's death, but she knows she can't give her heart again.

Unfortunately for Carolyn, reading the book has rather stirred up her feeling of sensuality and when she meets Edward's friend Daniel Sutton, Lord Surbrooke, she's reminded that she does find him rather attractive. Carolyn soon discovers that Surbrooke is keen to make her his lover; she knows he's just a normal rake with a rather aimless life but his charm and warmth are appealing to a woman who's been widowed for three years. He doesn't have a heart to give away, she has reserved all her love for Edward, what could be the harm in a quick fling?

As the book progresses both Carolyn and Daniel discover that there's more to the other person than initially meets the eye. When women who have previously been Daniel's lovers start getting murdered Daniel begins to realise his feelings for Carolyn might be more than his usual dalliance.

What I particularly liked about this book was the characterisation of Daniel and the way in which he talked with Carolyn and interacted with his footman and other members of his household. He was a far more complex character than initially portrayed at the beginning of the book and much of the enjoyment of reading this story is discovering, alongside Carolyn, what makes him tick. In some ways it's a fairly simple story, focusing almost exclusively on Carolyn and Daniel's relationship, but this is no bad thing as it is a good read. Historical accuracy isn't always great and the protagonists all use modern American word-forms at times, as is so common in American-authored historical romances, but these things aside it was a very good read and with an unexpected twist at the end with the 'baddie'.

Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book © Helen Hancox 2008

In this story the Ladies Literary Society is reading a erotic novel called 'Memoirs of a Mistess' and Carolyn feels that book to blame for her new lustfull thoughts of her friend Daniel. Daniel had a love at first sight experience - the night Carolyn became exchanged to his friend many years ago. The time is perfect for them now to have an affair - except there is a murder on the loose and love is getting in the way of 'simple affair'... So far I have liked this series - Enjoy!

Check out the whole Mayhem in Mayfair (Regency-era historical) series; Sleepless at Midnight (1), Confessions at Midnight (2) and It Happened One Night (3- due out October 2008).

I'm obviously in the minority, but I disliked this book. Normally I'm a fan of Jacquie D'Alessandro's novels, but I found this one and Never A Lady pretty horrible. It took me 11 days to read this book (the *longest* - by many days! - it has ever taken me to read a historical romance) and I literally had to force myself to finish it so I could just write my review and put it away. The frequent appearance of the three other heroines and heroes from the Mayfair Series was nice and I'm looking forward to reading Books 3 and 4 - and hopefully enjoying them more than this one! Random detail: Carolyn is 32 years old and Daniel is 33.

"MAYHEM IN MAYFAIR" SERIES:
(Book 1) Sleepless at Midnight - Miss Sarah Moorehouse and Matthew Devenport, Marquess Langston [***1/2, reviewed]
(Book 2) Confessions at Midnight - Carolyn Turner, Viscountess Wingate (Sarah's older sister) and Daniel Sutton, Lord Surbrooke [**]
(Book 3) Seduced at Midnight - Lady Julianne Bradley and Gideon Mayne
(Book 4) Tempted At Midnight - Lady Emily Stapleford and Logan Jennsen

CRITICISM:
D'Alessandro is skilled at writing steamy scenes and great sexual tension, however it is usually all the more enjoyable to read because there is such a strong non-physical relationship that is developing at the same time, or has already developed, between the two main characters ... and I just did not feel that here! There was no witty or tongue-in-cheek dialogue, no humorous or particularly memorable encounters, and the emotional/intellectual connection was, I'm sorry to say, almost *completely* absent for me.

Daniel has lusted after Carolyn for ten years ever since he saw her for the first time on the eve of her engagement to Edward - now I have problems with the "love/lust-at-first-sight" premises, but let's put that aside since that encounter is not the core of the book ... what is the core of the book is basically them just lusting after one another and talking about an every-level connection of which I saw no actual evidence and could not really believe in (ex: they love talking with each other ... yet we read few/any actually meaningful previous conversations upon which they can base this feeling, and so on).

Regarding Carolyn's desiring Daniel: the progression of her feelings (or lusting) for him felt choppy to me because she goes from feeling ashamed and guilty for wanting him to being quite forward in their first sexual encounter: she decides to surprise him, have him shown into her private sitting room, and then comes in wearing just a negligee (with the whole open-mouth-jaw-dropping going on for Daniel and etc. - you think she's beautiful: we get it, move on already!). It was quite a leap forward and one that left me floundering when trying to connect with her character). Oh - and Daniel *repeatedly* going on about how the sight of her hand on his arm (and her hand in his / her knee near his / etc.) moved him so much one thought he wanted to tattoo the image on his forehead ... yeah, was too excessive for me.

CAROLYN'S PREVIOUS MARRIAGE:
I'm ashamed to admit that I don't usually like it when a hero or heroine was strongly in love before (and still has feelings for the person or it didn't end badly and they have fond memories) - horrible, I know!! However, if you're like me and want to know the details about Carolyn's previous marriage: she was married to Edward for ten years; they were very happy and she was heartbroken over his death; one gets the sense that her relationship with Daniel is more passionate than the one she had with Edward, so she is a little surprised by this aspect of his whole "I-can't-get-enough-of-you" reaction to her (but she likes it).

Although Carolyn really did love Edward, this was actually a part of the book that (surprisingly) didn't bother me and I thought D'Alessandro dealt with it really well: when Carolyn first starts to realize she's attracted to Daniel, she feels understandably guilty, conflicted, and confused, however she doesn't spend the whole book that way and realizes (not two pages after moping, but a reasonable amount of time into the book) that being with another person or loving another man won't diminish what she had with Edward, that he would want her to happy, and that she didn't die along with him. It was all very sensitively and realistically written and I think worked really well.

BOTTOM LINE:
Skip Confessions at Midnight - it being part of a series still doesn't warrant even taking it out of the library IMHO (which, I know, obviously *many* people disagree with! LOL) - and instead read The Bride Thief or Red Roses Mean Love - two of my favorite D'Alessandro romances and favorite overall historicals also.

STORY BRIEF:
Daniel met Carolyn 10 years ago and felt love at first sight. That same evening Edward announced his engagement to Carolyn. Daniel sadly avoided her for the next 10 years and had numerous affairs. After 7 years of marriage Edward died 3 years ago. When Daniel sees Carolyn now, he still feels a powerful attraction and decides to pursue her. She feels the same attraction, and they begin an affair even though she feels guilty being with someone other than Edward. Two women have been murdered. They were Daniel's former lovers. Carolyn may be the next target.

This is the second book in the "Mayhem in Mayfair" series about four women who have a book club they call the Ladies Literary Society of London. The current reading selection is called "Memoirs of a Mistress" and is full of bedroom activity details. Sarah who is married and Carolyn in her new affair want to act out some of the scenes.

REVIEWER'S OPINION:
The first book in the series titled "Sleepless at Midnight" was very good with wonderful dialogue. This second book "Confessions at Midnight" was poorly done, and I wanted it to be over. The author is a wonderful talent. I've given 4 or 5 stars to three of her other books. But this book is not worth the time. It is full of filler. Way too much pondering is going on. Daniel and Carolyn ponder about their feelings for each other, and Carolyn feels guilty for loving someone else after her husband's death. Some of the scenes were too drawn out. There was no interesting conversation. Toward the end, they each realize they have fallen in love but they wrongly assume the other does not feel love. So they each decide they must end the affair so they won't be hurt later. Carolyn says "I think it best that we don't see each other anymore." Daniel says "You're right, of course." I was angry at this cheap method for separating the couple; they deny their attraction, they make incorrect assumptions, they break up now so they won't be hurt in the future. The only thing interesting about the book was the murder mystery which was a small part of the story and a backdrop for the love affair.

A minor irritation: sloppy publishing. In the back of the book the publisher prints excerpts from other books coming out soon. One of the excerpts is four pages from "Confessions at Midnight" which is "this" book, not a coming book.

CAUTION SPOILER:
Another thing that bothered me was Carolyn doing something stupid for the sake of the plot. Someone shot at her but missed. Daniel makes her promise never to go anywhere alone until the murderer is caught. The murderer then forges Daniel's signature on a note and has it delivered to Carolyn. This note says the murderer is caught; you are now safe, come alone at night to meet me in the park. She thinks ok and goes out alone. The murderer is in the park, waiting and ready to kill Carolyn.

DATA:
Story length: 354 pages. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 6. Total number of sex scene pages: 32. Setting: probably 1800s London, England. Copyright: 2008. Genre: historical romance.

OTHER BOOKS:
For a list of my reviews of other Jacquie D'Alessandro books, see my 4 star review of "Sleepless at Midnight" posted 6/19/08.

What's this book about? Just the best hero to stroll along a Regency lane in quite a while. I have read everything by Ms D"Allessandro, and I'm so pleased to have found this gem. Daniel Sutton, Lord Surbrooke, is a man any woman could love. And Carolyn Turner is not immune! I leave the plot to others to describe, because funny dialogue and a carefully crafted hero has resulted in a keeper for me! Highly recommended for any reader of historical/Regency romance.

When the Ladies Literary Society of London selects as its latest novel "Memoirs of a Mistress", Viscountess Carolyn Turner thinks nothing of it until she reads the titillating content that heats her as much or more than her late spouse did although they worked the sheets. Carolyn considers an affair might cool her need.

Lord Daniel Sutton has loved Carolyn for years, but hid his feelings from her as she was married. With the proper time passing since her husband died, Daniel decides to seduce the widow into being his mistress as marriage is not for him. She accepts his offer believing she can control her emotions while satisfying her body. As they make love, they fall in love, but it takes a killer trying to murder Carolyn that makes him realize he wants her safe as his wife.

The return of the fun loving Ladies Literary Society (see SLEEPLESS AT MIDNIGHT) will have Regency romance fans up at night reading their latest escapades especially that of member Carolyn. The relationship between the lead couple is fun to follow even more than Memoirs of a Mistress. Although the late suspense awakens Daniel to what he could lose, this seems unnecessary as Jacquie D'Alessandro moves readers and club members from Frankenstein to erotica.

Harriet Klausner

I have been reading lately that people seem to think that historical romances left a lot to be desired for 2007. Well, that seems to be the case with me too. This is a great historical romance for the start of 2008. It is a page turner and the chemistry between Carolyn and Daniel is very special. The book just flows and keeps your interest until the last page.
Ms. D'Alessandro, in my opinion, develops her characters so that you get to know them and can visualize them as each page describes their thoughts and feelings.
I am looking forward to her next novel and I just hope it is as good as CONFESSIONS AT MIDNIGHT.

This book about Daniel, and aristocrat, and Carolyn, the widowed daughter of a doctor, was well worth the read. It was steamy, romantic, and very exciting. I enjoyed it very much. I can't wait to read the other three books in the series.