Customer Reviews

Sleepless at Midnight (Mayhem in Mayfair, Book 1)

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Lighting flashes. Thunder rumbles. And the heavens open up into a downpour. In the dead of night an eerie scene develops. House guest Miss Sarah Moorehouse notices from her room a dark shadowy figure with a shovel hurrying across the gardens. If she didn't know any better she could almost believe this scene was taken right out of the pages of a book. Specifically The Modern Prometheus or *Frankenstein*, the scandalous novel that she and her friends from the Ladies Literary Society of London are secretly reading. But its not Victor Frankenstein digging up body parts to create a creature, its Matthew Devenport, Marquess Langston, who is mysteriously skulking about. Intrigued, Sarah goes about finding out exactly what the her handsome host is doing in the gardens. And its not gardening for sure, for the man can't tell a dandelion from a daisy!

Matthew could live quite happily if he never saw another shovel or flower garden again! Damn! He must rescue his family from ruin and only weeks are left to complete his task. Like a dark cloud looming over his head, he doesn't need additional distractions. He has too many already. Especially with this house party -aka find-an-heiress-to-marry-party- in full swing. And now he has to deal with a poor spectacled spinster spying on him. Did she know what he is about? Hard to tell when in her vicinity he turns into a hormonal beast, losing himself in those big eyes and lush lips. He can't seem to concentrate on anything other than her. Which is making his task even that more difficult. And he must accomplish his goal, his honor demands it.

But what happens when a murder is discovered? Could it be he spying spinster or the mysterious marquess? Someone is watching and waiting. Time is quickly running out. Will Matthew and Sarah band and work together? Lay their hearts and fears out in the open? Will they be able to say goodbye forever when the party is over?

D'Alessandro is one of my favorite authors and she never fails to provide me with some great romantic fluff. Definitely light and always with a scene at the end worthy of my heart doing tumblesaults (usually when the hero declares himself). A break from the heavy and heady historicals one often finds.

I always love her hero and heroine's and these are not an exception. Both Sarah and Matthew are unique characters that carry around pain from their past. This similarity draws them closer to one another. As unlikely a match as they are on the outside (he a handsome titled gentleman and she a poor plain spinster) they are kindred spirits. Both are able to see beyond the facade to the real person beneath. And to watch their love grow is delightful. D'Alessandro is deft at drawing out these characters and their relationship and love in a believable way.

A fine light romance with several *cough*holy momma!*cough* love scenes (makes me wish for a claw foot bath tub ;).

I highly recommend D'Alessandro's
Red Roses Mean Love -really the best and funniest set of secondary charaters ever
The Bride Thief -a masked hero traipsing about the countryside helping damsels in distress (need I say more?)

D'Alessandro has an interesting concept with this first book in her new Mayhem in Mayfair series. If you are a fan of the hero falling for the heroine because of her personality and not her looks, meaning she is considered to be an ugly duckling, you will enjoy this romantic regency. But our author still sticks to the old plot device where the hero must find a rich heiress and marry including a somewhat annoying mystery. If she had let that go and kept to the sweet yet sensual love story, her latest would have been a winner.
Sarah is a quiet, reserved woman who looks in the mirror and sees nothing worthy. She is happy with her books, drawing and endearing group of friends. But she has dreams of a man wanting her for her self-worth and not care about her looks. Matthew, the hero first comes across as vain and petty, but as he grows to know Sarah, he sees her for what she is and she begins to shine. She becomes beautiful to him because her personality shines through and for that he is adorable
Talk about scorching love scenes! All I have to say is rub-a-dub-dub. I have never read some hot bathing scenes before between our two lovers and here they are the spotlight of the book. But again, the annoying device where our hero is mysterious for no other reason.
Well, at least he is not an English spy!
Simply, a so-so read but at least she has caught my interest for the next coming books.

Katiebabs


Confessions at Midnight

Matthew Devenport, Marquess Langston, must marry an heiress within the next few months. However, a trip to London and courting ladies would take time away from a second vital task. His solution is to invite some gentlemen, unwed ladies, and chaperons to Langston Manor for a house party. Matthew could look over the ladies, court the one he chooses, and never have to cease his search in the garden. (But his search would have to be done late at night when no one would see.)

Problem is that even though the beautiful heiresses are exactly what he needs, Matthew is drawn to Viscountess Carolyn Wingate's plain companion, Miss Sarah Moorehouse. Sarah is not only plain, but wears spectacles. She is Lady Carolyn's sister, but a lowly physician's daughter and no heiress. Matthew would never have noticed her except he unexpectedly meets her in the garden as she sketches. Their brief exchange is anything but boring. No weather, no fashion, but a REAL and intelligent conversation. Sarah quickly becomes everything Matthew wants, but cannot have.

All the ladies, minus the chaperoning mothers, form the Ladies Literary Society of London. Instead of poetry and other novel approved by Society, they decide to read "Frankenstein". During a lively discussion, they decide to create the perfect man - figuratively, of course. Each is assigned a task. Sarah is to pilfer a shirt from their host, Matthew Devenport. When Sarah spies Matthew in the garden, at midnight, with a shovel, her imagination goes wild.

While Sarah and Matthew are distracted by each other, someone else is watching. Someone who wants what is buried in the garden. Someone who has already killed once for it and may again.

***** Jacquie D'Alessandro brings enticing characters and drama to her readers once again. Sarah Moorehouse is unique and a refreshing change from normal Society ladies. Romance, drama, and a bit of danger make this novel spectacular. I cannot recommend this one highly enough. DO NOT MISS IT! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

This book was full of lines that were entertaining or had me chuckling. To give readers a flavor, I've quoted two scenes below. The only downside was at least twice (pages 196 and 216,) there was a little too much pondering going on in Matthew's mind.

Story brief: Matthew's father was in debt due to gambling. He was killed by a robber and Matthew is trying to run the estate. On his deathbed, the father told Matthew he had won a fortune and buried it in the garden, but he died before he could clearly explain where it was buried. For a year, Matthew has been digging through the garden hoping to find the money. If he doesn't find it, he will need to marry an heiress. He has invited some single women and men to his estate for several days in hopes of finding a suitable heiress. Carolyn was invited and brings her sister Sarah as her traveling companion.

Sarah is plain looking with thick spectacles and an outspoken nature. She is used to being a wallflower and ignored by men. I enjoyed the following conversation (page 37-38) which describes part of her. I liked her a lot in this story. Matthew is walking his dog Danforth. He sees her as he is walking through the gardens and out of politeness talks briefly with her for a few minutes. As he leaves he says
""If you'll excuse me, Miss, um --- He cleared his throat and coughed. "Danforth and I shall continue our walk."
She tilted her head and rested her gaze on him with a disconcerting penetrating look that made him feel as if he were a pane of glass she could see right through. "You don't know my name, do you?"
It was a statement rather than a question, and to his annoyance, he felt heat flush his face - which only added to his annoyance that she was right. "Of course I know who you are. You're Lady Wingate's sister."
"Whose name you can't recall." Before he could make any attempt at politeness or even admit she was correct, she waved her hand in a dismissive gesture. "Please don't concern yourself. It happens all the time. I'm Sarah Moorehouse, my lord."
(It happens all the time. He thinks.)
Matthew wasn't certain whether it was her words or the matter-of-fact manner in which she stated them that had him regarding her more carefully. Yes, he could see how this unremarkable woman could and would be overlooked - a state of affairs to which she'd obviously inured herself. --- For some inexplicable reason, he was suddenly reluctant to leave."

CAUTION SPOILER:
Page 104.
Matthew says "I want to kiss you."
A frown creased Sarah's brow. "You're joking."
"I'm not."
"Don't be ridiculous."
Again, I'm not."
"This morning you couldn't recall my name."
"I recall your name now." His gaze again dipped to her lips. "Miss Sarah Moorehouse."
"Then you must be foxed."
"I'm not. Are you?"
"Certainly not. I'm -"
"As curious as I am?" He cupped her face between his hands ---"

DATA:
Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: four. Setting: probably 1800s Kent, England. Copyright: 2007. Genre: historical romance.

OTHER BOOKS:
To date, I have read the following Jacquie D'Allessandro books.
5 stars. Blame It On Karma (in anthology Jinxed!). Copyrt 2007. Review Date 5/24/07.
4 stars. Sleepless at Midnight. Copyrt 2007. Review Date 6/19/08.
4 stars. Kiss The Cook. Copyrt 2000. Review Date 4/05/07.
3 stars. Red Roses Mean Love. Copyrt 2007. Review Date 5/17/08.
1 star. Confessions at Midnight. Copyrt 2008. Review Date 2/24/09.

I love historical romances where the heroine is different - whether it's by being eccentric, a wallflower, shy, not-the-everyday-beauty, having a stutter, interested in science, etc - as I find such characters a refreshing change. For this reason, I was very much looking forward to Sleepless at Midnight (Mayhem in Mayfair, Book 1). The heroine, Sarah Moorehouse, was indeed this type. The hero, Matthew Devenport, was also very likable and it was easy to believe his feelings for Sarah were genuine. The plot, however, was extremely contrived, not at all founded on even basic logic. There were also a lot of little things that kept getting on my nerves (Sarah's glasses always slipping, repeated phrases, the completely odd creation of a stuffed playtoy, etc). I was glad I read the book as it was an enjoyable way to spend the afternoon, but it was by no means D'Alessandro's best.


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

SUMMARY (from the back cover):
"The ladies in London are abuzz over Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," especially Miss Sarah Moorehouse. Her imagination is fired up, so when she spies Matthew Devenport, Marquess Langston, mysteriously sneaking home in the wee hours clutching a shovel, she simply must investigate. Impelled by curiosity, the adventurous lass steals into his bedchamber - only to be caught red-handed by the impossibly handsome and totally naked nobleman.

The Marquess Langston has more important things to worry about than a group of literature-loving ladies. But Matthew's grand plan to rescue the family from ruin could be lost when he discovers Sarah hiding behind his bedroom curtain. What is this meddlesome woman up to? And why are his desires inflamed by a chit who is too inquisitive for her own good? Well, two can play at this game ... and when Matthew captures the beguiling Sarah in all her naked glory, the night of mischief has only just begun."

BOTTOM LINE:
Read it, but know that D'Alessandro has much better works, including The Bride Thief and Red Roses Mean Love.

This was the first Jackie D'alessandro book I have read and I found it thoroughly entertaining. Her sense of humor and use of sarcasm were great (especially when unspoken). I have gone out and bought several of her other books now.

I really fell for the story, loved the characters and even loved thier adventure. The dialogue was great. The romance was believable, hot, adorable, and gut wrenching. I could really sense that Matthew was torn between his love for Sarah and his quest to right a wrong. And I loved Sarah's quirkiness and sense of humor.

The only reason I did not give it 5 stars was the constant put down of Sarah. I felt actually pity for her at times and I did not want to feel sorry for my main character because of how she looked. The author seemed to spend too much time putting her down when she wound up being the toast of the party. The women loved her. The American loved her. His best friend wound up liking her a lot. I guess I just didnt want to feel like Matthew was with her because he felt sorry for her and there were some moments I felt that way in the beginning of the book.

Please dont let that stop you though. It was a great read and I had a hard time putting it down.

It was very refreshing to read about two main characters who weren't enormously wealthy or incredibly beautiful. It was also nice to read a male character who wasn't an "alpha male" -- bossy, brooding, and determined to get the heroine no matter what. Instead, what made Matthew and Sarah likeable was the fact that they were both nice and decent. As the two get to know each other, the reader really begins to feel the affection between the two of them and the bittersweet knowledge that they cannot marry due to financial circumstances. As an added bonus, the meetings among Sarah and her friends discussing "the perfect man" are very funny. I recommend it highly for those who enjoyed the Wallflower series by Lisa Kleypas.

matthew, the marquess of langston, is in a precarious situation. he's an impoverished nobleman on the verge of financial ruin. his father, a notoriously unlucky gambler, told matthew while on his deathbed, of a buried treasure located somewhere in the estate gardens. he promised his father he would get married within the next year, and the story starts out with him digging desperately in the gardens trying to locate the treasure, as his year is almost up and his financial woes are coming to a head. he decides to host a house party, inviting three eligible females with the hopes of choosing one as his bride. as he is no longer optimistic about his chances of locating the treasure, he knows his future bride must be an heiress.

sarah moorehouse, attending the party as the companion to her widow sister, is a 26 year old spinster with plain features and a decidely provincial background, thereby making her ineligible for matthew.

sarah, having just finished reading 'frankenstein' with the rest of the members of the recently formed ladies literary society of london, is immediately suspicious of matthew after she witnesses him walking towards his house in the early morning hours while carrying a shovel. she decides to investigate.

when matthew first meets sarah, he sees her as a plain spinster. however, once he talks to her, he is instantly drawn to her because of her honesty and intelligence, although he is loathe to admit it. he knows attraction to sarah would put a crutch into his plans to save his estate from financial ruin.

for her part, sarah is also attracted to matthew, but she fears her plain looks aren't enough to inspire desire in matthew.

the story itself takes place over about a month. while intially they're both suspicious of each others motives, that misunderstanding is quickly resolved, primarily because they actually communicate honestly and candidly with each other. there are no coy games here. these are two grown people who truly relate to each other on a number of levels and they speak their minds. the plot of the missing treasure brings them together as her knowledge of flowers assists him in his efforts to de-code the mystery of the location of the treasure. it also provides plenty of opportunity for them to spend time together, allowing their attraction and ultimately, their love for each other to grow in a believable manner.

matthew is a vulnerable hero and carries the guilt of a family tragedy on his shoulders. sarah can relate, and it is during the sharing of their painful secrets that the reader sees just how perfect for each other they really are.

unfortunately, matthew still needs to marry an heiress, and so he decides to focus his attention on sarah's close friend julianna. during this time, he continues to yearn for sarah and his feelings for her will force him to make a decision regarding his future.

there are several heated and sensual encounters between matthew and sarah and the author does a great job with building the attraction until it's eventual culmination. the intimate scenes are incendiary, intense, and detailed, without being vulgar. the chemistry between the hero and heroine is believable and palpable even during those scenes when they're not engaged in sexual activity. the dialogue was both witty and mature. this was truly a love story involving two adults.

sarah is appealing in that she's intelligent, capable, loyal, and loving. the only downside to her is the fact that she spends alot of time lamenting over her plain looks and is initially extremely skeptical regarding the hero's attraction to her. i grew frustrated with it and felt as though she was whining a bit.

matthew is all one can hope for in a hero...handsome, thoughtful, romantic, vulnerable, protective, and passionate. although he's rather clueless about his feelings for sarah, i enjoyed watching him fight and ultimately succumb to his attraction to sarah. him finding both inner and outer beauty in sarah is gratifying and i believed in the depth of his emotions for her because of this.

although there is someone else on the estate who is in search of the buried treasure, the danger is not imminent until the end of the book. in fact, the threat disappeared until the last few pages. the villian will probably be obvious to some, as i knew who it was almost immediately. the serendipidous nature of the climatic scene had me reaching for threads of believability, which ultimately lowered the grade, and yet i still closed the book with a smile because i had grown to care about the hero and heroine.

the secondary characters are sketchy at best, and there are hints that two of them will have their own romance in a future book in this series.

i definitely recommend this book to those of you who enjoy reading an honest and lush love story between two likable people.

Let me start by saying, "The author does too much unnecessary writing. I mean did she have to discribe every thought, every feeling, before and after a character speaks. It was so annoying. For instance... a character says something and it takes about two or three pages to get a responce from the other character. This author is definitely not for me. The plot and romance was pretty good. But, I had to do a lot skimming to get past the mumbo-jumbo. I will not be reading the rest of the series. I could not possibly put myself through that again. Did she have to keep saying how unattractive Sarah is. Damm...you had to hear that throuhout the entire story. Such a turn off. If you want to read this book then get it used or at your local library. I'm so glad I did.

Matthew Davenport, Lord Langston, inherited huge debts upon his father's death and now must find a wealthy bride to pay his bills. He plans to select a bride from among three heiresses, including a viscount's widow, whom he has invited to his weeklong house party. Instead, he finds himself attracted to Miss Sarah Moorehouse, the widow's plain and poor younger sister - and doesn't quite know what to do about it. He is in the process of secretly searching for money supposedly hidden somewhere in his gardens by his late father. If only Matthew can find the money, then he will not have to choose an heiress to marry, but can select anyone he wishes. The location of the money is in a set of clues with garden references that Matthew's father gave him on his deathbed, clues whose meaning has eluded Matthew. Sarah is an expert on plants and gardening. Perhaps she is just the person Matthew needs - in more ways than one!

There is a certain sweetness to this story, and the love scenes have some merit, but mostly there is a lot that bothers me. The story drags because of constant over-analyzing and agonizing by the two leads, which stall the action. Moreover, the continual focus on Sarah's unattractive appearance really annoys me. To the very end, Sarah is denigrating her looks and questioning Matthew as to how he could desire her. This is ridiculous considering Sarah has not one but two men pursuing her. Furthermore, Sarah fails to make ANY effort to "pretty" herself up - even after she becomes involved with Matthew - and persists in wearing the same drab brown sacks. This is just not the way someone in love would behave. Sarah, after all, is not a servant. She is sister to a viscountess, and close friends with the other women at the house party. Surely she could borrow something more appropriate! Finally, it bothers me that Sarah and Matthew unquestioningly accept that they cannot marry unless the money is found. They make absolutely no attempt to see if something can be worked out - even when Sarah's reputation is at stake. This is completely inconsistent with Matthew's stated obsession with doing the honorable thing. I liked the author's last book, "Never a Lady", but this one just does not do it for me.