If He's Sinful (Wherlocke, No. 2)

I absolutely loved it!! This book captured and kept my attention. Hurry up with the rest of the family!

I loved this book. I have always adored Hannah Howell's Scottish collection, and because of that I was a little hesitant to begin a new series with her, especially one without a Scottish backdrop. However, I have to say I really enjoyed this book. It was well written, and I was so pleased that it didn't have the usual "big misunderstanding" plot ploy that is common to romance novels. Instead, I found that I admired both the hero and heroine very much, and I really enjoyed the variety of secondary characters that she created. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!!!!

How can I describe this story? Historical Tale with Ghost Whisperer and the Medium adding to the mix? I didn't think I'd like this story but it was a book I received for Christmas. So, instead of suffering through TV shows I can't stand, I curled up and started reading. I felt a chill of embarrassment on how Ashton and Penelope met. Then on thinking about it, they wouldn't have met any other way because of the shedemon called Clarissa and her brother. I do understand Ashton's feelings of confusion because of Penelope's unusual gift. But the more he saw about Clarissa's evil, and how Penelope's relatives, including the boys, were harmless, he finally had to do what he had to do. I enjoyed the tales of Ashton's friends too, although Brant's was heartbreaking. I hope we can see a sequel here because it sounds like a tale that's begging to be told. And would Ashton and Penelope see his other buddies make it to the altar too? I realize a scorecard needs to be kept as to who's who, what's what, and all that, but I'm looking forward to reading more about this unusual family. I will have to admit I had to laugh when I read about what the Fates did with Clarissa because of all the harm she had done because of her selfishness. She got what she deserved. Now, I'm looking forward to meeting the other members of this unusual family.

In 1788 an unknown adversary abducts Lady Penelope Wherlocke and sells her to a brothel. Meanwhile friends of Lord Ashton Radmoore arrange a final tryst at a brothel before he marries. He is stunned to find a drugged Penelope, who allegedly can see ghosts, waiting in the room for him. She recognizes him as stepsister's boyfriend. However before he can act, a horde invades the room as the Wherlocke friends and family rush to rescue Penelope. Unable to move on and forget the woman, Ashton investigates the kidnapping and sex sale pondering who could harm a caring innocent woman nurturing ten boys As he falls in love, he wonders how to end his engagement and persuade Penelope she is his beloved when he mocks her paranormal gift as a sham. The second Wherelockes Georgian paranormal romance (see If he's Wicked) is an enjoyable fairy tale with several major subplots and a horde of strong support characters, but anchored by the Cinderella lead female. The story line is fast-paced from the opening kidnapping and never slows down as readers wonder whether Ashton will prove to be Prince Charming or If He's Wild using the beleaguer heroine for a last fling. Harriet Klausner

Set in London, England, 1788. Lady Penelope Wherlockes Hutton-Moore will inherit the house someday. Until then her step siblings live in luxury, while Penelope's bedroom is in the attic. Lady Clarissa Hutton-Moore wants to be a viscountess. Her brother, Charles, is practically buying her the title with Ashton, Viscount of Radmoor. Ashton needs money to keep his family out of debtor's prison. Lord Charles holds the markers of Ashton's late father. Clarissa's large dowry would see the markers gone and his family secure. Ashton believed the marriage with Clarissa would be tolerable, but then Ashton's friends took him to Mrs. Cratchitt's. Ashton did not know his "surprise", Penelope, was at Mrs. Cratchitt's against her will until he found himself surrounded by young boys and a gun to his head. Ashton and his friends quickly learn just how vile Clarissa and Charles are. However, it does not change the fact that Ashton must wed Clarissa. Soon after, Penelope is shot. Ashton, his friends, and even his family band around Penelope and the horde of boys she takes care of. (The boys are the by-blows of Penelope's relatives. They reside at one of Penelope's bungalows, unknown by the Hutton-Moores.) It is said that the Wherlockes and Vaughns (Penelope's family lines) are considered eccentric, a little wild, and very reclusive. Turns out this is by necessity. Many Wherlockes and Vaughns are gifted with various abilities. Penelope's gift is to see spirits and she tries to help them move on. The attraction between Penelope and Ashton grows into something much more. As Ashton tries to find a way out from under the thumbs of Clarissa and Charles, his friends and high society family members look out for Penelope and the (close to) dozen children she raises. And with the help of those children's special talents, perhaps things may actually work out. ***** FIVE STARS! OMG! An outstanding story that starts out with danger and only gets better from there. I found myself hooked by the end of the very first sentence. No kidding! Hannah Howell's magical talents are for creating villains that her readers love to hate, and in developing characters that readers cannot help but come to care for. I can hardly wait for the next Regency adventure! ***** Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.