Holly‘s review of If He’s Sinful (Wherlocke, Book 2) by Hannah Howell
Historical Paranormal Romance released by Zebra 01 Dec 09
Original Review posted 28 Jul 10
I’m really glad to see Howell moving away from her Murray series and into new territory. Though I am concerned that she’s planning to exchange one large, eccentric family for another.
I enjoyed this for the most part. I am annoyed that the characters seem to act so slowly, for it’s obvious early on who the villain is. Even so, I understand their reasons – they couldn’t act without proof. It just seems it took them a rather long time to realize they needed to get it.
Penelope is a typical Howell heroine – strong and feisty. I really enjoyed her. She knows her family is odd, and doesn’t blame Ashton for not believing in the things they can do. She does her best to care for her cousins and I really appreciate her strong sense of family and doing the right thing.
Ashton is somewhat of a stick-in-the-mud, but I think that works within the context of the story. He is conservative and not willing to jump to conclusions or act without proof. I think he’s just what Penelope needed. He believes in her, but also tempers her and her family’s need to rush into things without thought.
It really makes me angry that her family dumps all their unwanted kids on Penelope. I know things weren’t quite as they seemed in the beginning (Spoiler: The family was sending money and such even though Penelope didn’t get it: END) but it is still frustrating they go so long without bothering to check in on her, or see how their children are. I was glad to see that is addressed in the end, however.
Although there are many dark elements, the novel is lightened by Penelope’s brothers and cousins. I really want to read about the rest of Ashton’s friends, especially Brant. I hope, as the series continues, Howell comes back to them.
Grade: B
Secrecy and intrigue ignite dangerous passions in “New York Times” bestselling author Hannah Howell’s seductive new novel…
It is whispered throughout London that the members of the Wherlocke family are possessed of certain unexplainable gifts. But Lord Ashton Radmoor is skeptical – until he finds an innocent beauty lying drugged and helpless in the bedroom of a brothel. The mystery woman is Penelope Wherlocke, and her special gift of sight is leading her deep into a dangerous world of treachery and betrayal. Ashton knows he should forget her, yet he’s drawn deeper into the vortex of her life, determined to keep her safe. But Penelope is no ordinary woman, and she’s never met the man strong enough to contend with her unusual abilities. Until now…
Read an excerpt here.
