Sleepless at Midnight

I like Jacquie D'Alessandro's books, but haven't read any in a while. I heard some good buzz about Sleepless at Midnight, and I'm so glad I checked it out. This historical romance was a delight from start to finish: 4.5 out of 5.

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 curiousity, 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.

Sleepless at Midnight is the charming story of a bookish heroine who falls for a handsome man who needs to marry for money. What transforms this story from a standard romance plot to a compelling read are the characters. Matthew and Sarah meet during a house party and are skeptical of each other. Sarah wonders why Matthew is digging out in his garden, and Matthew sees her curiosity is a threat.

I loved watching Sarah and Matthew go from wariness to attraction to affection. And they have wonderfully witty conversations. There's plenty of humor in the story as well, with Sarah's conversations with her friends, and an amusing attempt to create the perfect man. Then there's Matthew's dog, Danforth, who sits on people's shoes. All of this comes together to create a book that's charming and fun.