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Mayhem in Mayfair #2
Confessions at Midnight
Carolyn Turner, Viscountess Wingate, is absolutely shocked by the Ladies Literary Society of London's latest selection. Memoirs of a Mistress is scandalously explicit and downright wicked... and it's stirring feelings within Carolyn that she hasn't felt... well, ever! She's sure that this steamy read is the only reason she's succumbing to the charms of notorious rogue Daniel Sutton, Lord Surbrooke. She couldn't possibly be falling for the rascal and his illicit caresses... or could she?
The last thing Daniel wanted was to be shackled by marriage vows. He lusted after Carolyn, sure, but he never imagined that once he lured her to his bed he'd never want to let her go. Yet only when a murderer targets his beloved will he be spurred to confess his true love... and claim Carolyn as his bride.
The last thing Daniel wanted was to be shackled by marriage vows. He lusted after Carolyn, sure, but he never imagined that once he lured her to his bed he'd never want to let her go. Yet only when a murderer targets his beloved will he be spurred to confess his true love... and claim Carolyn as his bride.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 26, 2007
25 people are currently reading
602 people want to read
About the author
Jacquie D'Alessandro
121 books419 followersJacquie D'Alessandro grew up on Long Island and fell in love with romance at an early age. She dreamed of being swept away by a dashing rogue riding a spirited stallion. When Joe, her hero finally showed up, he was dressed in jeans and driving a Volkswagen, but she recognized him anyway. They married after they both graduated from Hofstra University, and are now living their happily-ever-after in Atlanta, Georgia, along with their very bright and active son, Christopher, alias "Junior", who is a dashing rogue in the making.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
August 14, 2012
Let me start my review by explaining one of my greatest pet peeves in fiction. My brain tends to run for the hills when it's confronted by a book series (typically HR) that touts a group of "independent" women who do something "scandalous" in the cutest way possible to assert their alleged independence. Why? Well, because I find it condescending that the women "asserting" themselves in this manner are typically regarded as some novel, cute thing. Having thoughts of one's own and being interested in sex aren't quirky or really all that original. It's normal and barely the basis for a series of books about heroines finding their soul-peens and getting hitched for life. Believe it or not, female characters can be portrayed with half a brain cell without the whole THE VAGINA BEARER CAN READ, ISN'T SHE FUN AND UNIQUE schtick. I know. Huge shocker. Who would have thought that you could create a strong female character by organically building her into the story instead of taking a break every few pages to go on and on about how stubborn, willful, independent, different, daring, fearless, anachronistic you want us to believe your speshul snowflake is? I mean, come on. You don't need to convince me that ladies can think and read and stuff. I AM ONE. I already know.
So, the quaint little Look What The GURLZ are Doing theme du jour is called the Ladies Literary Society. Four sad little ladies gather to read "scandalous" books and discuss them. During Confessions at Midnight, the group is reading Memoirs of a Mistress, which graphically details an anonymous lady's sexual exploits. The text tells me that these women are being incredibly naughty and independent by creating their own group to discuss the books that I'm just going to assume they learn how to masturbate to, but I really can't figure out what the big deal is because everybody else is reading the book, too. It's the talk of the freaking ton, yet I'm expected to think these four girls in their cutesy little group of fan-waving and pearl-clutching are the enlightened ones? Blech. Like I stated before, PET PEEVE.
But what makes this theme even worse for me as a reader? Seeing all this through the perspective of a stick-in-the-mud, navel-gazing widow who's freaking terrified of the sexual healing she's feeling.
The Story:
Carolyn Turner, Viscountess Wingate, is scandalized by her response to Memoirs of a Mistress. Her husband's been dead for three years, and considering that Carolyn's vowed never to love again, these lusty feeling are most unwelcome. For the most part, Carolyn passes her days away by reading naughty books, living vicariously through her sister's happiness, and holding vigil by her dead husband's portrait in the parlor. So, imagine Carolyn's discomfort when her acquaintance with Daniel Sutton, Lord Surbrooke, sets her nether regions a-tingling. Daniel, for his part, has had the hots for Carolyn ever since he spotted her at a party where her now dead husband announced their engagement. The notorious ladies man sets his peen-sights on Carolyn, a woman who is perfect for the loveless sexcapades he's convinced himself he wants. The horny little pair strike up an affair, and naturally, all of those icky feelings get involved. Can these two get past their insecurities? Hell, can they get past the saintly dead husband who gazes down on them from his lofty portrait? Or will a shadowy foe who only enters the story in the brief moments when Carolyn and Daniel aren't dry-humping succeed in killing Carolyn and making this love story never happen?
The Characters:
When her love life isn't involved, Carolyn is rather sensible. She's one of the first Regency heroines I've read about in a long time who doesn't pursue the Big Bad through self-perceived pluck and gumption. Daniel tells her to never leave the house alone, and she doesn't argue. Good for you, Carolyn! You're offically NOT TSTL. However, whatever points Carolyn gains for sensibility, she loses tenfold for her incessant whinging. First, she spends page after page thinking about how she'll never love again because her dead husband was SO DAMN PERFECT. Then she bitches about Daniel because he fills her with all these traitorous sex thoughts that apparently make it difficult to remember how her husband looked and sounded. Seriously. She blames Daniel for this. Later, she creeps me out by talking to her dead husband's portrait about how much she wants to ride Daniel's disco stick. Ultimately, she decides that she loves Daniel but insists on breaking off the relationship because he isn't in the affair for love. True, but still non-sensical considering that Carolyn entered the affair with the same intentions. So, that leads to more pages and pages dedicated to Carolyn whinging and feeling sorry for herself. The widow thing could have worked as a plot device if Carolyn didn't behave like such a fucking baby. She plays the grieving widow during her inner-monologues, but the moment she gets some time alone with Daniel, she's digging into his trousers for that traitorous rod of love that makes her forget her husband. Her actions never fully succeed in matching up with her words.
Daniel genuinely cares about Carolyn from the beginning, so his flip-flopping on the love idea is a little tedious. He's a nice guy. Thoughtful, caring, a good master to his servants. His townhouse is a sanctuary for all kinds of strays, from servants to animals, and Daniel accepts that with good nature. Petty insecurities kept Daniel from transforming into a great character, rather than a modestly decent one.
The Sex:
This is a pretty steamy read. Carolyn and Daniel fondle each other in several different places, and some of the exchanges get heated. Unfortunately, the two of them have a tendency to banter during sexy-times. While I appreciate some good sexy-time banter, Carolyn and Daniel's kept pulling me out of the story because it got cheesy and repetitive. The most glaring example of this is Daniel's tendency to insist that Carolyn SAY HIS NAME while they're having sex. He does it THREE TIMES in the course of the story, and each time gets worse. Check out my reading updates for the excerpts. I'm pretty sure the name stuff comes from Daniel's jealousy about the dead husband, and that just made reading it creepier for me.
The Saving Grace:
I was totally set to give this book 2 stars until I reached the big showdown with the villain. The villain's motivations don't make a lot of sense, but I'll give D'Alessandro credit for misdirection. I had no idea who was trying to kill Carolyn, and the reveal came as a bit of a shock. There's a big showdown between Carolyn and the villain,
The Writing:
Despite its flaws, D'Allesandro's prose is quite readable. It didn't take me long to finish this book, and there weren't any glaringly obvious grammatical errors and typos. The thing that got to me was meandering, navel-gazing tripe like this:
Ellipses needn't be used like this, authors. Please stop it. And then there were the annoying phrases that kept getting repeated OVER AND OVER. Carolyn constantly uses the wimpy phrases "botheration" and "Oh, my!" Both main characters reflect on their - wait for it - inner voices. Carolyn even communicates with her inner voice a few times. I felt like I was being transported to Fifty Shades of Regency: Cravats and Pelisses Edition. I was not impressed.
"Confessions at Midnight" is a part of my Care-Package-Ageddon series of book reviews in gratitude to my GR friend Karla for sending me a GIANT BOX O'BOOKS. She said I "might" like some of them. o_O
So, the quaint little Look What The GURLZ are Doing theme du jour is called the Ladies Literary Society. Four sad little ladies gather to read "scandalous" books and discuss them. During Confessions at Midnight, the group is reading Memoirs of a Mistress, which graphically details an anonymous lady's sexual exploits. The text tells me that these women are being incredibly naughty and independent by creating their own group to discuss the books that I'm just going to assume they learn how to masturbate to, but I really can't figure out what the big deal is because everybody else is reading the book, too. It's the talk of the freaking ton, yet I'm expected to think these four girls in their cutesy little group of fan-waving and pearl-clutching are the enlightened ones? Blech. Like I stated before, PET PEEVE.
But what makes this theme even worse for me as a reader? Seeing all this through the perspective of a stick-in-the-mud, navel-gazing widow who's freaking terrified of the sexual healing she's feeling.
The Story:
Carolyn Turner, Viscountess Wingate, is scandalized by her response to Memoirs of a Mistress. Her husband's been dead for three years, and considering that Carolyn's vowed never to love again, these lusty feeling are most unwelcome. For the most part, Carolyn passes her days away by reading naughty books, living vicariously through her sister's happiness, and holding vigil by her dead husband's portrait in the parlor. So, imagine Carolyn's discomfort when her acquaintance with Daniel Sutton, Lord Surbrooke, sets her nether regions a-tingling. Daniel, for his part, has had the hots for Carolyn ever since he spotted her at a party where her now dead husband announced their engagement. The notorious ladies man sets his peen-sights on Carolyn, a woman who is perfect for the loveless sexcapades he's convinced himself he wants. The horny little pair strike up an affair, and naturally, all of those icky feelings get involved. Can these two get past their insecurities? Hell, can they get past the saintly dead husband who gazes down on them from his lofty portrait? Or will a shadowy foe who only enters the story in the brief moments when Carolyn and Daniel aren't dry-humping succeed in killing Carolyn and making this love story never happen?
The Characters:
When her love life isn't involved, Carolyn is rather sensible. She's one of the first Regency heroines I've read about in a long time who doesn't pursue the Big Bad through self-perceived pluck and gumption. Daniel tells her to never leave the house alone, and she doesn't argue. Good for you, Carolyn! You're offically NOT TSTL. However, whatever points Carolyn gains for sensibility, she loses tenfold for her incessant whinging. First, she spends page after page thinking about how she'll never love again because her dead husband was SO DAMN PERFECT. Then she bitches about Daniel because he fills her with all these traitorous sex thoughts that apparently make it difficult to remember how her husband looked and sounded. Seriously. She blames Daniel for this. Later, she creeps me out by talking to her dead husband's portrait about how much she wants to ride Daniel's disco stick. Ultimately, she decides that she loves Daniel but insists on breaking off the relationship because he isn't in the affair for love. True, but still non-sensical considering that Carolyn entered the affair with the same intentions. So, that leads to more pages and pages dedicated to Carolyn whinging and feeling sorry for herself. The widow thing could have worked as a plot device if Carolyn didn't behave like such a fucking baby. She plays the grieving widow during her inner-monologues, but the moment she gets some time alone with Daniel, she's digging into his trousers for that traitorous rod of love that makes her forget her husband. Her actions never fully succeed in matching up with her words.
Daniel genuinely cares about Carolyn from the beginning, so his flip-flopping on the love idea is a little tedious. He's a nice guy. Thoughtful, caring, a good master to his servants. His townhouse is a sanctuary for all kinds of strays, from servants to animals, and Daniel accepts that with good nature. Petty insecurities kept Daniel from transforming into a great character, rather than a modestly decent one.
The Sex:
This is a pretty steamy read. Carolyn and Daniel fondle each other in several different places, and some of the exchanges get heated. Unfortunately, the two of them have a tendency to banter during sexy-times. While I appreciate some good sexy-time banter, Carolyn and Daniel's kept pulling me out of the story because it got cheesy and repetitive. The most glaring example of this is Daniel's tendency to insist that Carolyn SAY HIS NAME while they're having sex. He does it THREE TIMES in the course of the story, and each time gets worse. Check out my reading updates for the excerpts. I'm pretty sure the name stuff comes from Daniel's jealousy about the dead husband, and that just made reading it creepier for me.
The Saving Grace:
I was totally set to give this book 2 stars until I reached the big showdown with the villain. The villain's motivations don't make a lot of sense, but I'll give D'Alessandro credit for misdirection. I had no idea who was trying to kill Carolyn, and the reveal came as a bit of a shock. There's a big showdown between Carolyn and the villain,
The Writing:
Despite its flaws, D'Allesandro's prose is quite readable. It didn't take me long to finish this book, and there weren't any glaringly obvious grammatical errors and typos. The thing that got to me was meandering, navel-gazing tripe like this:
Lips ... yes, his lips ... those perfect lips. That had kissed her so ... perfectly. His lips ... his lips ... damnation, she'd once again lost the thread of the conversation.
Ellipses needn't be used like this, authors. Please stop it. And then there were the annoying phrases that kept getting repeated OVER AND OVER. Carolyn constantly uses the wimpy phrases "botheration" and "Oh, my!" Both main characters reflect on their - wait for it - inner voices. Carolyn even communicates with her inner voice a few times. I felt like I was being transported to Fifty Shades of Regency: Cravats and Pelisses Edition. I was not impressed.
"Confessions at Midnight" is a part of my Care-Package-Ageddon series of book reviews in gratitude to my GR friend Karla for sending me a GIANT BOX O'BOOKS. She said I "might" like some of them. o_O
July 21, 2020
Daniel sat beside Carolyn on the settee and clasped her hands, entwining their fingers. He wasn't a spiritual man, hadn't uttered in prayer since the age of eight when he'd painfully learned that no higher being listened to his invocations, yet he couldn't stop the mantra reverberating through his mind: Thank you for sparing her. Thank you for not taking her away.
"Confessions at Midnight" is the story of Carolyn and Daniel.
Three things to commend this book on
-Having a kickass and honest widowed heroine
-Having a animal loving and kind but seemingly evil hero
-Maintaining consistently wonderful storytelling
I am so impressed by this book, and the author "Jacquie D'Alessandro". I discovered her while reading "Sleepless at Midnight" and "The Bride Thief", thanks to wonderful listopias recommendations, and was awed by her writing. She continues the winning streak with this second book.
Our heroine is Carolyn Turner, Viscountess Wingate, the widow of the late Viscount Edward Wingate. She loved her husband dearly, and carried his fond memories even after his death. Finally pulled by her sister out of mourning, she enjoys her endeavors with the Ladies Literary Society of London, especially when they read scandalous books like Memoirs of a Mistress.
She soon finds herself pursued by suitors, one of them being notorious rogue Daniel Sutton, Lord Surbrooke. The hero has lusted after the heroine for very long, but has never forgotten her. They meet at a masquerade ball, and kisses are exchanged. When he finally propositions her, she is reluctant. With sweet kisses, flowers, honey, heartwarming gestures and hidden kindness, he wins her heart. But they promised a no strings attached relationship to each other. How long will their inane vow last?
I really enjoyed this book. It very much reminded me of "It's in his Kiss", and I was impressed by the writing. The small gestures of love and enchantment is what makes this book interesting. The lovemaking scenes are well written, sizzling and relevant, and the mysterious deaths form an intriguing plot. The hero was sooo worried about the heroine, it was kind of cute. Their tragic pasts and the scenes of them opening up were very well written, and heartbreaking. If it wasn't for the unnecessary drama and the end, and if their confessions were more heartfelt, I would have given it a five star. Also glad that
Recommended!
Safe
4/5
"Confessions at Midnight" is the story of Carolyn and Daniel.
Three things to commend this book on
-Having a kickass and honest widowed heroine
-Having a animal loving and kind but seemingly evil hero
-Maintaining consistently wonderful storytelling
I am so impressed by this book, and the author "Jacquie D'Alessandro". I discovered her while reading "Sleepless at Midnight" and "The Bride Thief", thanks to wonderful listopias recommendations, and was awed by her writing. She continues the winning streak with this second book.
Our heroine is Carolyn Turner, Viscountess Wingate, the widow of the late Viscount Edward Wingate. She loved her husband dearly, and carried his fond memories even after his death. Finally pulled by her sister out of mourning, she enjoys her endeavors with the Ladies Literary Society of London, especially when they read scandalous books like Memoirs of a Mistress.
She soon finds herself pursued by suitors, one of them being notorious rogue Daniel Sutton, Lord Surbrooke. The hero has lusted after the heroine for very long, but has never forgotten her. They meet at a masquerade ball, and kisses are exchanged. When he finally propositions her, she is reluctant. With sweet kisses, flowers, honey, heartwarming gestures and hidden kindness, he wins her heart. But they promised a no strings attached relationship to each other. How long will their inane vow last?
I really enjoyed this book. It very much reminded me of "It's in his Kiss", and I was impressed by the writing. The small gestures of love and enchantment is what makes this book interesting. The lovemaking scenes are well written, sizzling and relevant, and the mysterious deaths form an intriguing plot. The hero was sooo worried about the heroine, it was kind of cute. Their tragic pasts and the scenes of them opening up were very well written, and heartbreaking. If it wasn't for the unnecessary drama and the end, and if their confessions were more heartfelt, I would have given it a five star. Also glad that
Recommended!
Safe
4/5
August 27, 2015
Well, after reading a disappointing, grisly book, a fluffy, sweet, less complicated tale was exactly what the doctor ordered. Confessions at Midnight delivered and I will be purchasing this book to read in the future when I need a pick me up.
Carolyn, Viscountess Wingate, loved her husband Edward until the day he died, and she continues to mourn his death three years later. Daniel, Lord Surebrook, fell for Carolyn on the day she had consented to marry Edward. Daniel always kept his distance from Carolyn until his friend Matthew invited him to a house party that Carolyn was attending (her first social even after her husband's death). What began in Sleepless at Midnight, continued in this book, and it was sweet and satisfying. As layers of Daniel are revealed, I fell for him, just as Carolyn did. Each of these characters had scars and were mourning the deaths of people they loved. This story could have been maudlin, but luckily, these two were old enough to know to talk with each other, and find happiness together as a reward.
Throughout this story, there is a bit of suspense from a murder plot that Daniel seems to be the center of, but this plays a backseat to the romance, which is how I like it. I also didn't figure out the mystery which was nice too. Overall, this was a very satisfying read. It was uncomplicated and sweet, but kept me engaged and once I read the last page, I wanted to go back to page one and read the story all over again. D'Alessandro has always been a delightful author for me and I am surprised she is not more popular. She is a reliable source of a nice romance every time. Recommend this series.
Carolyn, Viscountess Wingate, loved her husband Edward until the day he died, and she continues to mourn his death three years later. Daniel, Lord Surebrook, fell for Carolyn on the day she had consented to marry Edward. Daniel always kept his distance from Carolyn until his friend Matthew invited him to a house party that Carolyn was attending (her first social even after her husband's death). What began in Sleepless at Midnight, continued in this book, and it was sweet and satisfying. As layers of Daniel are revealed, I fell for him, just as Carolyn did. Each of these characters had scars and were mourning the deaths of people they loved. This story could have been maudlin, but luckily, these two were old enough to know to talk with each other, and find happiness together as a reward.
Throughout this story, there is a bit of suspense from a murder plot that Daniel seems to be the center of, but this plays a backseat to the romance, which is how I like it. I also didn't figure out the mystery which was nice too. Overall, this was a very satisfying read. It was uncomplicated and sweet, but kept me engaged and once I read the last page, I wanted to go back to page one and read the story all over again. D'Alessandro has always been a delightful author for me and I am surprised she is not more popular. She is a reliable source of a nice romance every time. Recommend this series.
July 17, 2009
I'm probably the only person to like this one better than the first. I liked Daniel's and Carolyn's interactions, their lovemaking scenes and I really felt as if their connection was not only confined in the bedroom -or the carriage, or drawing room for that matter:). It's a well told story, even if it has nothing special or groundbreaking to introduce to the genre. More 3.5* than 4* but still an entertaining read. Don't expect more than a few hours of mindless entertainment by this one and you won't be disappointed.
November 16, 2023
This is one of those historical romances that reminds me of why I love this genre so much. I present to you a checklist of all the things I adored about this book:
✅Daniel has been pining for and loving the heroine from afar for 10 years but is in complete denial
✅Carolyn is a widow whose first marriage was actually healthy/happy so that leads to her feeling guilty about falling for the hero
✅The perfect dash of suspense
✅This starts off with a scandalous masquerade ball scene
✅Carolyn and other characters are inspired by a steamy & scandalous memoir
✅Daniel & Carolyn start a passionate and I mean PASSIONATE affair 🔥🔥🔥 that turns into something more
✅steamy carriage scene
✅steamy scene involving a mirror
✅The perfect dash of angst
✅Daniel can’t help but lose control every time he’s alone with the heroine
✅Daniel’s bevy of pets and his footman Samuel had me dying from cuteness (also another parrot in a historical romance that spouts vulgar phrases?! And they named him Naughty 😂)
✅Carolyn had trouble conceiving during her 1st marriage and being with Daniel didn’t magically fix it. Instead, Daniel loves her unconditionally for who she is and doesn’t care if she can’t give him children
✅They way these two love each other is 😍🥰😍🥰😍🥰😍🥰
SO GLAD I picked this series up on a whim!!!!
✅Daniel has been pining for and loving the heroine from afar for 10 years but is in complete denial
✅Carolyn is a widow whose first marriage was actually healthy/happy so that leads to her feeling guilty about falling for the hero
✅The perfect dash of suspense
✅This starts off with a scandalous masquerade ball scene
✅Carolyn and other characters are inspired by a steamy & scandalous memoir
✅Daniel & Carolyn start a passionate and I mean PASSIONATE affair 🔥🔥🔥 that turns into something more
✅steamy carriage scene
✅steamy scene involving a mirror
✅The perfect dash of angst
✅Daniel can’t help but lose control every time he’s alone with the heroine
✅Daniel’s bevy of pets and his footman Samuel had me dying from cuteness (also another parrot in a historical romance that spouts vulgar phrases?! And they named him Naughty 😂)
✅Carolyn had trouble conceiving during her 1st marriage and being with Daniel didn’t magically fix it. Instead, Daniel loves her unconditionally for who she is and doesn’t care if she can’t give him children
✅They way these two love each other is 😍🥰😍🥰😍🥰😍🥰
SO GLAD I picked this series up on a whim!!!!
September 27, 2021
Not trying to be unique here ... but unlike almost everyone else (and to my surprise), I did not like this book
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 2 and 3 - 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.
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 2 and 3 - 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.
September 26, 2010
Why do I get the feeling she churned this one out in a hurry?
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.
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.
March 17, 2018
Reviewed for THC Reviews
There are a few authors who always seem to give me great reads, and yet for some reason, they always end up on the back burner of my TBR pile. Jacquie D’Alessandro is just such an author. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all of her book I’ve read to date, but somehow I keep overlooking her. I was stunned to find out that it had been four and a half years since I’d read Sleepless at Midnight, the first books of her Mayhem in Mayfair series. I loved it so much, I actually remember parts of the story, which I can’t say about many books that it’s been that long since I’ve read, making it seem like it had been a much shorter time span. I’ll really have to try to move Ms. D’Alessandro up my reading priority list, because once again, she’s given me an awesome read in Confessions at Midnight. This one is about Carolyn, the sister of the heroine of the previous book, and Daniel, the best friend of the hero of that same book. Theirs ended up being swoon-worthy romance at its finest, and I loved every minute I spent reading it.
Carolyn was widowed three years ago, when the husband who was the love of her life passed away. Since then she’s been deeply in mourning and having a hard time going on living. She doesn’t think she’ll ever find the kind of love she once had again, so she doesn’t really entertain any thoughts of another gentleman courting her. She was, however, pulled from her self-imposed isolation in the previous book when she attended a country house party with her sister and two best friends. There she rekindled her friendship with Daniel, who was an old friend of her husband's. She finds him attractive and intriguing, but because of his roguish air, she’s been keeping their relationship completely platonic. Then the Ladies Literary Society of London, the book club Carolyn, her sister, and their two friends comprise, chooses Memoirs of a Mistress as their latest read. It’s a salacious book with lots of erotic details that begin to make Carolyn miss the carnal pleasures she shared with her husband. And even more distressing to her is that Daniel is the one starring in her sensual fantasies. When he proposes that they become lovers, Carolyn is tempted beyond reason, but at the same time, she believes her heart will only ever belong to her dead husband and isn’t certain if she can bring herself to have a casual affair, which is all she believes Daniel can offer.
Carolyn is a sweet heroine whom I loved. It was rather refreshing to have a widowed character who is still in love with their spouse instead of one who had a terrible marriage. Even though she doesn’t think her heart is open to love when she begins her affair with Daniel, she’s more ready for the possibility than she realizes. When she figures out that she’s fallen in love with him, she doesn’t fight it, although she does initially keep it to herself out of fear that he can’t return that love, but thankfully it doesn’t take long for everything to be cleared up. I also thought that Carolyn was the perfect mixture of sugar and spice. There’s a sweetness about her in her kind and calm demeanor, but at the same time, Daniel has no trouble drawing out a deeply passionate side of her that was very different than what she experienced with her husband. I liked this, because I felt it showed how the two relationships were unique from one another.
Daniel was completely taken with Carolyn the moment he met her, which happened to be mere minutes before his friend, Edward, announced his engagement to her. This instantly ruined Daniel’s plans to pursue her, but because he had such a strong reaction to her presence, he kept a certain distance after that out of respect for Edward. In the previous book, he attended his best friend, Matthew's house party, only because he knew Carolyn would be there. They renewed their friendship, but it wasn’t until they returned to London that Daniel also renewed his plans to pursue her. At first, he has a hard time getting past her defenses, but once he does the payoff is immense and what he feels for her is far more intense than he ever could have imagined. As someone who has never planned to fall in love or marry, it’s a daunting thought. Daniel projects the outward persona of an unrepentant rogue, but I loved how there were hidden depths to his character. I adored the fact that he takes in strays of all types, both human and animal, and that he found a sense of purpose in helping others, although this is a side of himself that he hides from public view. He also has a dark, tormenting secret from his past for which he feels he is to blame and that gives him feelings of unworthiness. I loved that Carolyn is the first person he’s finally able to open up to about that. I also loved his protectiveness toward Carolyn when it becomes apparent that someone is offing his former lovers and trying to frame him for it. Then there’s the fact that he’s a dream lover who knows just the right things to say and do to bring out Carolyn’s more daring side. Daniel was simply an all-around wonderful hero who is definitely going to rank high on my favorite romance heroes list.
I love that the main focus of the book was on Daniel and Carolyn, but there are a few notable secondary characters who really help round out the story and make it fun. Matthew and Sarah (Sleepless at Midnight) both put in appearances to support their best friend and sister respectively. Carolyn and Sarah’s two best friends, Julianne and Emily, also show up a few times. Julianne will be paired with Gideon Mayne, the Bow Street Runner assigned to investigate the murders of Daniel’s former lovers, in the next book, Seduced at Midnight. Emily, who is not at all impressed with American businessman, Logan Jennsen – which we all knows is a great recipe for romance ;-) – finds herself coupled with him in the final book of the series, Tempted at Midnight. I also very much liked Daniel’s footman, Samuel, one of the many “strays” Daniel took in. And speaking of strays, I can’t possibly not mention Daniel’s menagerie of adorable misfit animals. I actually squeed in delight when Blinky, the black, one-eyed cat appeared, because I have an identical cat of my own.:-) And Naughty, the salty-mouthed parrot was a hoot.
Romances don’t get much more perfect for me than Confessions at Midnight. I loved everything about both the hero and heroine as well as the secondary characters. The story is, at times, light-hearted, but at the same time, there’s depth to both the characters and their story. There’s a light mystery in the background to add a little intrigue as I speculated about who the killer might be. Then there’s the utterly beautiful relationship between Daniel and Carolyn. They were absolutely perfect for one another in every way. The love scenes are deeply emotional and sensual, just the way I like them. I felt the connection between these two right from the start and it only got stronger as the story progressed. I can’t think of a single thing I would have changed about it. Now the one thing I do need to change is not waiting so long to read the next book of the series.
There are a few authors who always seem to give me great reads, and yet for some reason, they always end up on the back burner of my TBR pile. Jacquie D’Alessandro is just such an author. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all of her book I’ve read to date, but somehow I keep overlooking her. I was stunned to find out that it had been four and a half years since I’d read Sleepless at Midnight, the first books of her Mayhem in Mayfair series. I loved it so much, I actually remember parts of the story, which I can’t say about many books that it’s been that long since I’ve read, making it seem like it had been a much shorter time span. I’ll really have to try to move Ms. D’Alessandro up my reading priority list, because once again, she’s given me an awesome read in Confessions at Midnight. This one is about Carolyn, the sister of the heroine of the previous book, and Daniel, the best friend of the hero of that same book. Theirs ended up being swoon-worthy romance at its finest, and I loved every minute I spent reading it.
Carolyn was widowed three years ago, when the husband who was the love of her life passed away. Since then she’s been deeply in mourning and having a hard time going on living. She doesn’t think she’ll ever find the kind of love she once had again, so she doesn’t really entertain any thoughts of another gentleman courting her. She was, however, pulled from her self-imposed isolation in the previous book when she attended a country house party with her sister and two best friends. There she rekindled her friendship with Daniel, who was an old friend of her husband's. She finds him attractive and intriguing, but because of his roguish air, she’s been keeping their relationship completely platonic. Then the Ladies Literary Society of London, the book club Carolyn, her sister, and their two friends comprise, chooses Memoirs of a Mistress as their latest read. It’s a salacious book with lots of erotic details that begin to make Carolyn miss the carnal pleasures she shared with her husband. And even more distressing to her is that Daniel is the one starring in her sensual fantasies. When he proposes that they become lovers, Carolyn is tempted beyond reason, but at the same time, she believes her heart will only ever belong to her dead husband and isn’t certain if she can bring herself to have a casual affair, which is all she believes Daniel can offer.
Carolyn is a sweet heroine whom I loved. It was rather refreshing to have a widowed character who is still in love with their spouse instead of one who had a terrible marriage. Even though she doesn’t think her heart is open to love when she begins her affair with Daniel, she’s more ready for the possibility than she realizes. When she figures out that she’s fallen in love with him, she doesn’t fight it, although she does initially keep it to herself out of fear that he can’t return that love, but thankfully it doesn’t take long for everything to be cleared up. I also thought that Carolyn was the perfect mixture of sugar and spice. There’s a sweetness about her in her kind and calm demeanor, but at the same time, Daniel has no trouble drawing out a deeply passionate side of her that was very different than what she experienced with her husband. I liked this, because I felt it showed how the two relationships were unique from one another.
Daniel was completely taken with Carolyn the moment he met her, which happened to be mere minutes before his friend, Edward, announced his engagement to her. This instantly ruined Daniel’s plans to pursue her, but because he had such a strong reaction to her presence, he kept a certain distance after that out of respect for Edward. In the previous book, he attended his best friend, Matthew's house party, only because he knew Carolyn would be there. They renewed their friendship, but it wasn’t until they returned to London that Daniel also renewed his plans to pursue her. At first, he has a hard time getting past her defenses, but once he does the payoff is immense and what he feels for her is far more intense than he ever could have imagined. As someone who has never planned to fall in love or marry, it’s a daunting thought. Daniel projects the outward persona of an unrepentant rogue, but I loved how there were hidden depths to his character. I adored the fact that he takes in strays of all types, both human and animal, and that he found a sense of purpose in helping others, although this is a side of himself that he hides from public view. He also has a dark, tormenting secret from his past for which he feels he is to blame and that gives him feelings of unworthiness. I loved that Carolyn is the first person he’s finally able to open up to about that. I also loved his protectiveness toward Carolyn when it becomes apparent that someone is offing his former lovers and trying to frame him for it. Then there’s the fact that he’s a dream lover who knows just the right things to say and do to bring out Carolyn’s more daring side. Daniel was simply an all-around wonderful hero who is definitely going to rank high on my favorite romance heroes list.
I love that the main focus of the book was on Daniel and Carolyn, but there are a few notable secondary characters who really help round out the story and make it fun. Matthew and Sarah (Sleepless at Midnight) both put in appearances to support their best friend and sister respectively. Carolyn and Sarah’s two best friends, Julianne and Emily, also show up a few times. Julianne will be paired with Gideon Mayne, the Bow Street Runner assigned to investigate the murders of Daniel’s former lovers, in the next book, Seduced at Midnight. Emily, who is not at all impressed with American businessman, Logan Jennsen – which we all knows is a great recipe for romance ;-) – finds herself coupled with him in the final book of the series, Tempted at Midnight. I also very much liked Daniel’s footman, Samuel, one of the many “strays” Daniel took in. And speaking of strays, I can’t possibly not mention Daniel’s menagerie of adorable misfit animals. I actually squeed in delight when Blinky, the black, one-eyed cat appeared, because I have an identical cat of my own.:-) And Naughty, the salty-mouthed parrot was a hoot.
Romances don’t get much more perfect for me than Confessions at Midnight. I loved everything about both the hero and heroine as well as the secondary characters. The story is, at times, light-hearted, but at the same time, there’s depth to both the characters and their story. There’s a light mystery in the background to add a little intrigue as I speculated about who the killer might be. Then there’s the utterly beautiful relationship between Daniel and Carolyn. They were absolutely perfect for one another in every way. The love scenes are deeply emotional and sensual, just the way I like them. I felt the connection between these two right from the start and it only got stronger as the story progressed. I can’t think of a single thing I would have changed about it. Now the one thing I do need to change is not waiting so long to read the next book of the series.
October 4, 2015
I made it about a quarter of the way through before I just had to stop. I put this book down more than I picked it up and wasn't interested in it at all. I found it to be extremely boring and didn't like the dynamic between Daniel and Carolyn, although I had been looking forward to it after the previous book. I didn't like that they both start off immediately attracted to one another. I was hoping that Daniel would be knee-deep in love with her and Carolyn would be somewhat disinterested. However, she's already attracted and interested and that just wasn't fun. The masquerade at the beginning? It would've been more fun and interesting if Carolyn didn't know it was Daniel and Daniel didn't know it was Carolyn...but they did. That wasn't fun either.
I also got annoyed with hearing about how Daniel is kind of a whore and we meet two of his previous lovers -- and this is not even a quarter of the way through! I get it, okay! I know he's a big whore and is disillusioned with life. I know this already! I really don't need reminders every few pages and names to faces and meetings with his previous conquests.
It was boring and I had no interest in either character.
I also got annoyed with hearing about how Daniel is kind of a whore and we meet two of his previous lovers -- and this is not even a quarter of the way through! I get it, okay! I know he's a big whore and is disillusioned with life. I know this already! I really don't need reminders every few pages and names to faces and meetings with his previous conquests.
It was boring and I had no interest in either character.
February 5, 2015
"Echaba de menos hablar con ella. Tocarla. Besarla. Y ahora nueve largas horas se extendían delante de él sin que pudiera verla"
Daniel está terriblemente enamorado de Carolyn, pero no lo sabe. Carolyn está sumamente enamorada de su difunto marido, y está cansada de estar sola. Pero por alguna razón nada de lo que pase entre ellos me mueve un pelo.
Rescato la hermosa acción de Daniel de rescatar animales y darles un hogar. Eso es tan tan dulce ♥ Que alguien se preocupe así por ellos y quiera hacer algo al respecto *-* Sus mascotas son tan lindas y singulares.
Solo por los perros y los gatos, y por Samuel su más-amigo-que-empleado, terminé este libro.
No me gusta Emily, me parece sumamente ruda con Jenner sin razón. No creo que la lea y grazie a dio que es la última. Si no mejora algo su relación para el tercero puede irse a juntar maíz para lo que me importa.
November 4, 2017
So I read this a couple days ago and I already can’t remember what it’s about, so that about sums up how memorable this book is.
May 13, 2008
I loved this second book of her Mayhem in Mayfair series. Again... the h/h really had an attraction the whole way through and it didn't seem like even though there were obstacles that it would be the end all. You weren't stressed the whole time that the HEA was not a given. I can't wait for the next two.
December 31, 2022
El primer libro me gustó mucho, pero he de decir que este segundo libro se me ha hecho algo pesado. El hecho de que se centre en exclusiva en la pareja protagonista y que casi no aparezcan el grupo de amigas, con el grupo de lectura ha hecho que no me enganchara tanto como me pasó en el anterior.
Además, creo que en este libro que está considerado como novela historica de romance es más bien una novela erótica. Casi cada una de las veces en las que los protagonistas se encontraban era un constante de sexo entre ellos. Realmente considero que han podido conocerse poco, o eso ha trasladado al lector. Es cierto que con el tema del libro de las confesiones de una dama y el hecho de ser ella viuda, contaba que no iban a esperar a confirmar su compromiso pero creo que ha sido exagerado.
Además, personalmente, la trama de intriga que se añade en esta serie se me ha hecho bastante previsible.
Además, creo que en este libro que está considerado como novela historica de romance es más bien una novela erótica. Casi cada una de las veces en las que los protagonistas se encontraban era un constante de sexo entre ellos. Realmente considero que han podido conocerse poco, o eso ha trasladado al lector. Es cierto que con el tema del libro de las confesiones de una dama y el hecho de ser ella viuda, contaba que no iban a esperar a confirmar su compromiso pero creo que ha sido exagerado.
Además, personalmente, la trama de intriga que se añade en esta serie se me ha hecho bastante previsible.
October 7, 2012
Carolyn Turner, Viscountess Wingate, is absolutely shocked by the Ladies Literary Society of London's latest selection. Memoirs of a Mistress is scandalously explicit and downright wicked . . . and it's stirring feelings within Carolyn that she hasn't felt . . . well, ever! She's sure that this steamy read is the only reason she's succumbing to the charms of notorious rogue Daniel Sutton, Lord Surbrooke. She couldn't possibly be falling for the rascal and his illicit caresses . . . or could she?
The last thing Daniel wanted was to be shackled by marriage vows. He lusted after Carolyn, sure, but he never imagined that once he lured her to his bed he'd never want to let her go. Yet only when a murderer targets his beloved will he be spurred to confess his true love . . . and claim Carolyn as his bride.
The book is predictable, but it is an enjoyable read.
The last thing Daniel wanted was to be shackled by marriage vows. He lusted after Carolyn, sure, but he never imagined that once he lured her to his bed he'd never want to let her go. Yet only when a murderer targets his beloved will he be spurred to confess his true love . . . and claim Carolyn as his bride.
The book is predictable, but it is an enjoyable read.
June 19, 2023
Segunda parte de la serie y tengo que reconocer que disfruté mucho más el primero y, aunque este no me ha disgustado, me ha dejado un poco decepcionada. La premisa de la que parte no es de mis favoritas y es que se han publicado unas memorias eróticas que tienen a la sociedad revuelta y eso hace que nuestra protagonista empiece a pensar en tener un amante. Es evidente que en una historia así, el sexo va a ser una parte importante de la historia, pero si más de la mitad del libro son escenas de cama y apenas tengo más trama, me aburro. Es verdad que el libro tiene cierto aire de misterio como ya pasó con el primero, pero es muy poco y predecible por lo que el libro ha sido entretenido, pero no me pedía seguir leyendo y llegado un punto estaba por saltarme las escenas de cama porque estaba hasta el moño.
April 5, 2010
This is the story of Carolyn Turner, Viscountess Wingate (Sarah's older sister) and Daniel Sutton, Lord Surbrooke . Daniel has been in love with Carolyn for 10 years and feels he has waited long enough to make a move on her. Carolyn really loved her late husband and blames these sensual feelings she has towards Daniel on the Ladies Literary Society of London's latest book to read "Memoirs of a Mistress".
I didn't enjoy it as much as the first book but it is still a good read filled with great banter and humour. I felt Carolyn went on about her late husband and the guilt too long. Still even a JD book not up to her usual standard, is still a lot better than some of the other books by othr authors out now
I didn't enjoy it as much as the first book but it is still a good read filled with great banter and humour. I felt Carolyn went on about her late husband and the guilt too long. Still even a JD book not up to her usual standard, is still a lot better than some of the other books by othr authors out now
October 8, 2017
I always loved Jacquie books and this book was the bomb. From Daniel’s kindness with Samuel to his rescue of all the stray animals. I greatly admired his compassion. Naughty, the parrot, was a delight.
And that plot twist of revealing the murderer. I honestly thought Jennsen was the murderer. I never would have guessed it was Lady Walsh.
I really thought we would have gotten a prologue where Carolyn ended up pregnant after thinking for so many years that she couldn’t conceive. I’m a bit disappointed that didn’t happen however that is LIFE. We don’t always get what we wish for in life. The most important thing is that Daniel and Carolyn got their HEAs.
And that plot twist of revealing the murderer. I honestly thought Jennsen was the murderer. I never would have guessed it was Lady Walsh.
I really thought we would have gotten a prologue where Carolyn ended up pregnant after thinking for so many years that she couldn’t conceive. I’m a bit disappointed that didn’t happen however that is LIFE. We don’t always get what we wish for in life. The most important thing is that Daniel and Carolyn got their HEAs.
July 7, 2018
Decent book. It was refreshing to have a widow who had actually been in love with her late husband, who was a good and loving man. So often in these historical romances, they were married to a jackass, or an old man, or someone indifferent to them.
March 13, 2021
my first book by this author and i enjoyed it very much!
first of all, i really liked how the author made the hero and heroine like real people with burdens and actual personalities.
for Daniel, he had a soft heart for injured and abandoned people/animals + is super humble about it but carry a burden in his heart having seen what his mother did when he was young. he was also super charming, sexy and thought about doing the dirty with Carolyn all the time that it was hot. i liked his jealousy and protectiveness of Carolyn. it was sweet.
as for Carolyn, she was stuck with her love for Edward and wanting to move forward with Daniel. it was nice to see she was empathetic with Daniel when he told her about his mother and being much bolder with having sex with Daniel.
the chemistry was great as they had some banter and also some deep conversational topics where they revealed their true selves (more so for Daniel than Carolyn).
i did like how the author showed the two having doubts in their inner thoughts which allowed me to understand why they do certain things or how they feel about things.
honestly, their sex scenes were hella hot and i liked it. also, the mystery did not take over the romance aspect of the book so i'm thankful for that.
as much as i enjoyed this book, i did not like that they decided to secretly break off with one another without telling each other their true feelings that they didn't want to break it off and giving themselves another chance. thankfully, they didn't have this miscommunication for long before the mystery and action took over and allowed them to realize that they can't live without each other.
this book also lacked the epilogue as i would have liked to see Jennson and Matthew tease Daniel with 'i told you so', see a wedding take place between Daniel and Carolyn and if Carolyn was able to bear any children or not.
first of all, i really liked how the author made the hero and heroine like real people with burdens and actual personalities.
for Daniel, he had a soft heart for injured and abandoned people/animals + is super humble about it but carry a burden in his heart having seen what his mother did when he was young. he was also super charming, sexy and thought about doing the dirty with Carolyn all the time that it was hot. i liked his jealousy and protectiveness of Carolyn. it was sweet.
as for Carolyn, she was stuck with her love for Edward and wanting to move forward with Daniel. it was nice to see she was empathetic with Daniel when he told her about his mother and being much bolder with having sex with Daniel.
the chemistry was great as they had some banter and also some deep conversational topics where they revealed their true selves (more so for Daniel than Carolyn).
i did like how the author showed the two having doubts in their inner thoughts which allowed me to understand why they do certain things or how they feel about things.
honestly, their sex scenes were hella hot and i liked it. also, the mystery did not take over the romance aspect of the book so i'm thankful for that.
as much as i enjoyed this book, i did not like that they decided to secretly break off with one another without telling each other their true feelings that they didn't want to break it off and giving themselves another chance. thankfully, they didn't have this miscommunication for long before the mystery and action took over and allowed them to realize that they can't live without each other.
this book also lacked the epilogue as i would have liked to see Jennson and Matthew tease Daniel with 'i told you so', see a wedding take place between Daniel and Carolyn and if Carolyn was able to bear any children or not.
January 30, 2025
Carolyn Turner no puede quitarse de la cabeza el último libro que a leído la sociedad literaria de damas de londres ya que quiere volver a experimentar esas sensaciones, así que cuando asiste al baile de disfraces y se encuentra con Daniel Sutton que va disfrazado de salteadores de caminos y al crecer que no la reconoce decide salir con el a tomar aire y en los jardines se dan un apasionado beso pero Carolyn se siente culpable ya que sigue amando a su difunto esposo y se va.
Daniel decide ir a hablar con Carolyn para decirle que fue a el a quien beso y quiere proponerle que sea su amante, pero antes de salir de su casa recibe la visita de unos policías que están investigando la muerte de una antigua amante de Daniel.
Cuando Daniel le propone a Carolyn que sea su amante ella le dice que lo tiene que pensar y que le dará una respuesta, así que cuando se vuelven a ver en otro baile ella le dice que no será su amante, pero después cambia de opinión y comienzan un tórrido romance.
Vuelve a ver otro asesinato y es otra amante de Daniel así que el llega a la conclusión de que es alguien que lo quiere culpar para que lo ahorquen, Carolyn decide terminar con la aventura y pone punto final ya que se enamoro de Daniel y cree que el no la quiere.
La asecina resulta ser Kimberly Sizemore ya que tenia coraje por Daniel por terminar su aventura y decidió matar a sus últimas amantes para que le echaran la culpa y cuando trata de matar a Carolyn en el parque, llega Daniel y la salva y mata a kim.
Daniel le propone matrimonio a Carolyn y esta le dice que si pero que ella no puede tener hijos y el le dice que no le importa que el lleva 10 años enamorado de ella.
Daniel decide ir a hablar con Carolyn para decirle que fue a el a quien beso y quiere proponerle que sea su amante, pero antes de salir de su casa recibe la visita de unos policías que están investigando la muerte de una antigua amante de Daniel.
Cuando Daniel le propone a Carolyn que sea su amante ella le dice que lo tiene que pensar y que le dará una respuesta, así que cuando se vuelven a ver en otro baile ella le dice que no será su amante, pero después cambia de opinión y comienzan un tórrido romance.
Vuelve a ver otro asesinato y es otra amante de Daniel así que el llega a la conclusión de que es alguien que lo quiere culpar para que lo ahorquen, Carolyn decide terminar con la aventura y pone punto final ya que se enamoro de Daniel y cree que el no la quiere.
La asecina resulta ser Kimberly Sizemore ya que tenia coraje por Daniel por terminar su aventura y decidió matar a sus últimas amantes para que le echaran la culpa y cuando trata de matar a Carolyn en el parque, llega Daniel y la salva y mata a kim.
Daniel le propone matrimonio a Carolyn y esta le dice que si pero que ella no puede tener hijos y el le dice que no le importa que el lleva 10 años enamorado de ella.
June 25, 2025
This book was actually my favorite of the series so far, though I had some issues with the heroine at first. Carolyn, Lady Wingate, is the older sister of the heroine from the first book, Sarah. She has been widowed for 3 years, I think, and is just entering back into society.
Along comes Daniel, Lord Surbrooke, who has had an Infatuation with Carolyn from 10 years ago, right before finding out she was engaged to marry his friend. Daniel had resumed his Infatuation with Carolyn in the first book at his friend, Matthew's, house party, and now sets out to seduce Carolyn at her first costume party that she has been to as a widow.
At first, Carolyn can't bear to overshadow her husband, Edward's, memory with anyone else as she loved him very much. But pretty soon, she jumps headfirst into an affair with Daniel. I found the about face from shy, reclusive Carolyn to the sensual siren unbelievable. It went pretty quickly from "How could I possibly disrespect my husband's memory" to "As long as I keep things smexxual, it's fine".
However, the liasons with Daniel were quite steamy and Daniel was such a wonderful sweet, funny, and smexxy Hero. I loved how he allowed all the disfigured animals into his home and was so kind to those less fortunate. There is also a mystery with a person who is offing Daniel's previous lovers, which keeps you guessing until the villain is revealed.
All in all, the Hero and heroine had good chemistry and the plot kept me interested until the very end. Definitely recommend reading this book and the series.
Along comes Daniel, Lord Surbrooke, who has had an Infatuation with Carolyn from 10 years ago, right before finding out she was engaged to marry his friend. Daniel had resumed his Infatuation with Carolyn in the first book at his friend, Matthew's, house party, and now sets out to seduce Carolyn at her first costume party that she has been to as a widow.
At first, Carolyn can't bear to overshadow her husband, Edward's, memory with anyone else as she loved him very much. But pretty soon, she jumps headfirst into an affair with Daniel. I found the about face from shy, reclusive Carolyn to the sensual siren unbelievable. It went pretty quickly from "How could I possibly disrespect my husband's memory" to "As long as I keep things smexxual, it's fine".
However, the liasons with Daniel were quite steamy and Daniel was such a wonderful sweet, funny, and smexxy Hero. I loved how he allowed all the disfigured animals into his home and was so kind to those less fortunate. There is also a mystery with a person who is offing Daniel's previous lovers, which keeps you guessing until the villain is revealed.
All in all, the Hero and heroine had good chemistry and the plot kept me interested until the very end. Definitely recommend reading this book and the series.
November 1, 2025
Carolyn está saliendo poco a poco de la reclusión autoimpuesta tras la muerte de su marido. Gracias a su hermana Sarah está volviendo a interactuar con la sociedad y volver a vivir.
El último libro elegido por la Sociedad Literaria es aún más escandaloso que Frankenstein. Las imágenes vívidas de esa mujer con su amante despiertan en Carolyn algo que creía desaparecido.
Daniel, además de ser un mujeriego, siempre parece rondar a la vizcondesa Wingate. Cuando unos misteriosos asesinatos empiezan a tener lugar entre la alta sociedad Daniel se acercará más a Carolyn y la pasión que ambos sienten será irresistible.
Me ha gustado mucho cómo Daniel intenta proteger a Carolyn, además de que en el fondo es un buenazo, su casa parece una protectora más que la casa de un noble.
Los personajes secundarios son estupendos en esta novela.
La relación entre Daniel y Carolyn es dulce y calmada. Saber que uno de ellos ha esperado durante tantos años al otro es un toque precioso para esta historia.
En realidad la trama de los asesinatos es algo simple y es solo el detonante de algunas situaciones pero no parece muy creíble, la verdad.
En general es una novela de lo más entretenida con unos personajes bien construidos y una ambientación aceptable.
El último libro elegido por la Sociedad Literaria es aún más escandaloso que Frankenstein. Las imágenes vívidas de esa mujer con su amante despiertan en Carolyn algo que creía desaparecido.
Daniel, además de ser un mujeriego, siempre parece rondar a la vizcondesa Wingate. Cuando unos misteriosos asesinatos empiezan a tener lugar entre la alta sociedad Daniel se acercará más a Carolyn y la pasión que ambos sienten será irresistible.
Me ha gustado mucho cómo Daniel intenta proteger a Carolyn, además de que en el fondo es un buenazo, su casa parece una protectora más que la casa de un noble.
Los personajes secundarios son estupendos en esta novela.
La relación entre Daniel y Carolyn es dulce y calmada. Saber que uno de ellos ha esperado durante tantos años al otro es un toque precioso para esta historia.
En realidad la trama de los asesinatos es algo simple y es solo el detonante de algunas situaciones pero no parece muy creíble, la verdad.
En general es una novela de lo más entretenida con unos personajes bien construidos y una ambientación aceptable.
May 9, 2022
The hero has been in love with her since the moment he saw her at her engagement ball to his friend. He never told her or did anything. Now that she is out of mourning he plans to have an affair with her. Knowing she never planned to have an affair.
The hero got bored a few years ago and rescued a thief who collapsed from illness while trying to rob him. He saved his life and made him a footman. So the footman is constantly bringing back stray animals for them to save. One time he brings a woman who has been attacked. Hero says she can be a maid when she's better.
At this point, hero and heroine had a steamy kiss and he told her he wants an affair and she said no.
I lost interest at this point.
The hero got bored a few years ago and rescued a thief who collapsed from illness while trying to rob him. He saved his life and made him a footman. So the footman is constantly bringing back stray animals for them to save. One time he brings a woman who has been attacked. Hero says she can be a maid when she's better.
At this point, hero and heroine had a steamy kiss and he told her he wants an affair and she said no.
I lost interest at this point.
March 17, 2021
My first book from Jacqui D'Alessandro which i enjoyed quite well.
It is a simple story (don't they all) with lots of sex.
Carolyn is a widow who still loves her husband very much but after 3 years she feels lonely and start to miss another human touch most specifically Daniel. Daniel wanta Carolyn ever since he laid eyes on her 10 year ago on her engament day to Edward.
There's a memoirs to spice things up and a murder mystery thrown in that i suspect only to show the reader it is not only about sex.
I like that both are decent persons without unnecessary angst and have problem like most of us, loneliness.
It is a simple story (don't they all) with lots of sex.
Carolyn is a widow who still loves her husband very much but after 3 years she feels lonely and start to miss another human touch most specifically Daniel. Daniel wanta Carolyn ever since he laid eyes on her 10 year ago on her engament day to Edward.
There's a memoirs to spice things up and a murder mystery thrown in that i suspect only to show the reader it is not only about sex.
I like that both are decent persons without unnecessary angst and have problem like most of us, loneliness.
Read
October 10, 2025This has been on my TBR shelf for many years, so I was glad to be able to read the first in this series via the virtual library and then pick this one up.
It's the logical continuation of the first book, with the widow who will never love again paired with the cynical rogue for whom all cats are grey in the dark..
It's quite steamy, which stands to reason, as the Ladies Literary Society has tackled Memoirs of a Mistress by An Anonymous Lady.
A fun romp with a few murders to liven things up (if that's not an oxymoron).
It's the logical continuation of the first book, with the widow who will never love again paired with the cynical rogue for whom all cats are grey in the dark..
It's quite steamy, which stands to reason, as the Ladies Literary Society has tackled Memoirs of a Mistress by An Anonymous Lady.
A fun romp with a few murders to liven things up (if that's not an oxymoron).
February 11, 2020
Me gustó!
Es dulce y sexy.
Tiene de todo un poco: drama, romance, escenas hot, misterio, asesinatos, comedia.
** creo que amo a Jennsen, cada vez que aparecía me daba ganas de leer su libro(el cual ya lei) es que me llama mucho la atención 🤩
*** también se me antojó seguir con el tercer libro de esta saga que había abandonado porque no logró engancharme, quizá lo haga...
Es dulce y sexy.
Tiene de todo un poco: drama, romance, escenas hot, misterio, asesinatos, comedia.
** creo que amo a Jennsen, cada vez que aparecía me daba ganas de leer su libro(el cual ya lei) es que me llama mucho la atención 🤩
*** también se me antojó seguir con el tercer libro de esta saga que había abandonado porque no logró engancharme, quizá lo haga...
August 31, 2022
Además del tierno romance entre una viuda -que no sabía que volvería a amar- y un libertino- que no sabía que podía entregar su corazón. Este libro tiene crímenes y misterio.
No es una joyita del género, pero el romance es adorable pareció de lectura ágil, los personajes están bien construidos, está bien hilado con el anterior y con el siguiente de la saga.
Si, lo recomiendo.
No es una joyita del género, pero el romance es adorable pareció de lectura ágil, los personajes están bien construidos, está bien hilado con el anterior y con el siguiente de la saga.
Si, lo recomiendo.
May 25, 2017
I liked this one, and enjoyed seeing the characters from the first book. I just like a little more push and pull and this happened rather quickly. But the story had good passion and was an enjoyable re-read.
November 12, 2019
Holy shit! I cannot believe that this book sat on my shelf for like 6 months before I got around to it.
I love the writing, the pace, the mystery sub-plot. I love the hero and heroine. This book made me laugh, swoon, and lose sleep. This might be top 5 of the year.
I love the writing, the pace, the mystery sub-plot. I love the hero and heroine. This book made me laugh, swoon, and lose sleep. This might be top 5 of the year.
June 4, 2018
I enjoyed this light romance, featuring a scandalous book with excerpts at the beginning of each chapter and a bit of mystery as well.
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