2008-05-02 I have a confession to make.............4 1/2 stars

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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