Regency England, London

Four fast friends formed the Ladies Literary Society of London, The respectable-sounding title is a cover for their get-togethers to discuss forbidden books, books their mothers and Society would be aghast to know they read. Their inaugural meeting took place a few months ago at a house party where the then Miss Sarah Moorehouse met her husband, Marquess Langston. Sarah; her elder sister Carolyn, the widowed Viscountess Wingate; and two other young ladies form the group. As they gather together in London, they discuss their latest book, the very explicit Memoirs of a Mistress by An Anonymous Lady. Among gasps and giggles, the two single members quiz Carolyn and Sarah about whether some of the episodes depicted are even possible. Carolyn is surprised that her newly married sister assures them they are possible when Carolyn herself wondered the same, and that after seven years of a love match marriage. They then go on to discuss that evening's costume ball.

Daniel Sutton, Earl of Surbrooke is a confirmed rake who enjoys the physical delights of lovemaking but disdains emotional attachments. When he first saw Carolyn Moorehouse, he was strongly attracted, but it was the night Lord Wingate announced his and Carolyn's engagement. Not one to cuckold friends, Daniel put the new Lady Wingate out of his mind...except for a tiny corner where the attraction lay hidden. When he saw her out of mourning at Lord Langston's house party, he made up his mind on an affair. He recognizes her immediately at this night's masquerade and begins his seduction.

In memory of her dear Edward, Carolyn tries to blame the reawakening of her desires on the book she's read and reread, rather than on Daniel. But we know better. Much of CONFESSIONS AT MIDNIGHT is told through observations of Carolyn's and Daniel's thoughts and descriptions of their feelings and physical reactions. There are also increasingly sensuous scenes between them. Some may find these long passages of narrative over done, but there is still room for the witty banter Ms. D'Alessandro does so well, including Carolyn's conversations with herself. A plot twist is added when the dead body of one of Daniel's former mistresses is found behind the site of the masquerade.

The four reading club members are all attractive and likable in their own ways and have made or will make delightful heroines. So far, two of them have tamed rogues. Who is next? Sweet and heavily dowered Lady Julianne? Or lively Lady Emily who needs to marry well. Too bad she detests Mr. Logan Jennsen, the enormously rich American.

Ms. D'Alessandro writes with humor and affection for her characters -- Daniel is a case in point. Before the book ends, you'll find out just how lovable he is. Don't miss this second installment of the Mayhem in Mayfair series, and if you haven't yet read last July's most excellent SLEEPLESS AT MIDNIGHT, be sure to add it to your list.

Jane Bowers