Wicked Angel

"Wicked Angel" is an unusually original romance set against the backdrop of the War of 1812. Miss Jocelyn Angelica Woodbridge, (Joss), is the plain, ungainly daughter of a Methodist preacher. She is known as "Holy Hannah" by the ton, as she would much rather work nursing London's destitute and reforming her fallen sisters than taking her place in society. Her father is the 2nd son of an earl who was disowned by his family when he left the Church of England and married a governess. During a brawl on the London docks, started by one of Rev. Woodbridge's sermons, Joss is saved from being trampled by Alexander Blackthorne, a newcomer to England. Alex, the American son of an English noblewoman and her Muskogee Indian husband, has been sent to live with his mother's people to reform his rowdy ways and become a gentleman. Alex is immediately drawn to Joss' intelligence, wit and unconventionality. She is smitten at first glance by his tall good looks and kindness. A fast friendship forms between the two. However, Joss accepts her plain, gawky appearance and understands that Alex can never love her as a woman - especially as he has most of London's females, society ladies and Cyprians, at his feet. The two seem to continuously get into humorous and dangerous scrapes from which they rescue each other, until Joss finds herself in a terrible predicament that may be impossible to escape. True to form, Alex comes to the rescue with a most unusual proposal. And the excitement, steamy and otherwise, really begins.Shirl Henke has written a delightful romance, one of her best. The novel clips along at a nice pace. Her characters, from the hero and heroine to their friends, family and enemies, are wonderful and very original. The subplot, the War of 1812 and the British plans to woo the American Creek and Seminole Indians to their side is fascinating. Ms. Henke's research is impeccable. "Wicked Angel" is light entertainment at its best. JANA

A gawky preacher's daughter, Jocelyn Angelica Woodbridge was hardly the type to incite street brawls, much less two in one day. "Holy Hannah," as those of the ton called her, would much rather nurse the sick or reform the fallen. Yet ever since a dashing American saved her from an angry mob, Joss's thoughts had turned most impure. The son of an American Indian and an English aristocrat, Alexander Blackthorne had been sent to England for some "civilizing." But the only lesson he cared to learn were those offered by taverns and trollops. When a marriage of convenience forced Jocelyn and Alex together, Joss knew she would need more than prayer to make a loving husband of her WICKED ANGEL.The story moves along at a fast pace and is very easy to read. It captures your attention from the first page and doesn't let go until the last. The characters are strong and likeable. It is definitely worth every penny and you won't regret reading it.

Alex Blackthorne is sent from America to England by his parents to visit his mother's aristocratic family and tame his roguish behavior. There he meets Jocelyn Woodbridge, preacher's daughter, and the two become friends. Though Joss is in love with Alex, he fails to see the woman behind the drab clothing, and he continues on with his wild ways, bewitching English women with his American Indian heritage. Circumstances lead Alex to marry Joss to form a union in name only. Alex finds difficulty in keeping to the original terms of the bargain when he uncovers the beautiful woman that he has married. Their marriage must endure further tests as they return to America, and Joss meets some of Alex's Indian relatives. The depth of these two main characters makes this a very enjoyable read. Neither hero or heroine are perfect-both are very likeable, human characters with believable flaws. Though Joss' initial appearance is rather dowdy, Alex finds that he is attracted to her anyway and later discovers that it wasn't her beauty initially that drew him to her, but her compassionte character, a rare find in a genre where beauty is almost everything. Readers will definitely want to explore LOVE A REBEL...LOVE A ROGUE, the story of Alex's parents.

Wicked Angel is a marvelous story. Jocelyn "Joss" Woodbridge has a giving heart for less fortunate people. She works at the local charity hospital, teaches impoverished children and helps out her street preacher father with his missionary work. Joss is quite satisfied with her life, that is until the exotic, golden haired American, Alex Blackthorne crashes into her life. Back in America Alex enjoyed a life of gambling, pursuing tavern wenches and participating in legendary brawls. Why should England be any different? He wastes no time getting himself into trouble when he rescues the prim preacher's daughter from harm. Joss and Alex quickly grow into firm friends. Alex enjoys Joss's gentle sense of humour, her intelligence, compassionate nature and her hilarious ability for getting herself into trouble at every turn. Joss finds in Alex a very good friend but soon her feelings change. She begins to look forward to his infrequent friendly visits. Her breath catches at his charming smiles and when she sees him in the company of sophisticated and beautiful women, Joss's blood boils with jealousy. Unfortunately Alex doesn't even notice her, except as a friend. When tragedy strikes, Jocelyn is forced into a marriage of convenience ... with Alex. Can Joss's Wicked Angel give her the love she craves? Or will friendship be all that will ever be between them? Shirle Henke weaves a delicious tale of friendship and love amidst an intriguing plot laced with English and American history in the early 1800's. Wicked Angel is a definite keeper. Three cheers for Shirle Henke for entertaining us with another fabulous read.

Half Muskogee and half-English aristocrat, Alexander Blackthorn leaves Coweta, Georgia to spend time in London. The simpering women of the Ton leave Alex cold. That is until he rescues Jocelyn "Joss" Woodbridge from an unruly mob threatening her preacher father.Joss is so different than the ladies he has met, as she is intelligent, braver, and taller than those that have turned Joss off from his English heritage. Soon Alex and Joss begin to become better acquainted and they begin to fall in love. However, before their love can firmly cement, they are forced to marry even as a second war of independence between the two Anglo nations separated by the ocean is imminent and threatening to destroy their relationship.WICKED ANGEL is clever blending of humor, romance, and history into a powerful Regency tale. The story line is fast-paced, filled with amusing moments, and loaded with tidbits that anchors the time and place without slowing the plot one iota. The two delightful lead characters and a strong secondary mix leaves the audience with another powerfully entertaining Shirl Henke novel to savor.Harriet Klausner