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Wherlocke #2
If He's Sinful
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 Wherlock, 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...
The mystery woman is Penelope Wherlock, 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...
341 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
266 people are currently reading
1224 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Howell
145Ìýbooks2,621ÌýfollowersHannah Dustin Howell is a best-selling American author of over 40 historical romance novels. Many of her novels are set in medieval Scotland. She also writes under the names Sarah Dustin, Sandra Dustin, and Anna Jennet (see below).
She has also used the following pseudonyms:
, and
She has also used the following pseudonyms:
, and
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
February 9, 2011
This was an entertaining read at times, but I was just a little disappointed with some things. First, Ashton was a bit of an ass...He could have said "sorry for almost raping you, but how was I to know you're a well-bred lady who's been kidnapped and drugged. Any man in my position would do the same." Even though she actually did tell him, he was still going to do the deed...while she’s tied to the bed! Are there no warning bells going off here? And there was not even a "sorry" or "my bad" from him through the whole book.
Anyway, Penelope was a strong woman, but not so stubborn and aggressive that you just want to strangle her. A lot of romance authors tend to make their women that way (think Stephanie Laurens). I think that’s why I liked Penelope…she’s sweet but also independent.
The main reason I like this series is because of the family. I love a series that centers on a large and close-knit family that takes care of each other, no matter what. Each member has a strange gift that most people don’t know about and probably wouldn’t believe. The Warren is full of children who can do anything from having visions to healing the sick.
There leaves a lot of room for some great stories in the future…as long as there aren’t any more infuriating and oblivious men who seem to think that everything is theirs to take.
Anyway, Penelope was a strong woman, but not so stubborn and aggressive that you just want to strangle her. A lot of romance authors tend to make their women that way (think Stephanie Laurens). I think that’s why I liked Penelope…she’s sweet but also independent.
The main reason I like this series is because of the family. I love a series that centers on a large and close-knit family that takes care of each other, no matter what. Each member has a strange gift that most people don’t know about and probably wouldn’t believe. The Warren is full of children who can do anything from having visions to healing the sick.
There leaves a lot of room for some great stories in the future…as long as there aren’t any more infuriating and oblivious men who seem to think that everything is theirs to take.
April 7, 2021
Even a second read years after it was first published has not dimmed my thorough enjoyment of this book. I love how the family deals with their paranormal gifts. So cute! And the villains are really nasty. Overall a great read.
February 19, 2020
Ik heb de Nederlands talige uitgave gelezen : Open je hart voor mij - Candlelight Historische roman 890 .
Verhaallijn overgenomen van achterkant boek : Om de familie-eer te redden stemt burggraaf Ashton Radmoor toe in een verloving met een rijke , maar erg onaangename vrouw . Zijn vrienden schenken hem een laatste bezoek aan het bordeel , en daar raakt hij in de ban van de mooie en mysterieuze Penelope Wherlocke . Ashton werpt zich op als haar redder in de nood , als blijkt dat zij daar tegen haar wil tewerkgesteld wordt .
Tot zijn ontzetting ontdekt Ashton dat zijn verloofde een kwalijke rol speelt in het leven van Penelope , nota bene haar stiefzus ! Naarmate hij de charmes en talenten van Penelope beter leert kennen , wordt Ashtons tegenzin om te trouwen met zijn verloofde steeds groter . Maar moet hij dan zijn familie in de steek laten �?
Spannend maar niet erg romantisch 2e deel in deze serie over een grote familie waarvan bijna ieder lid wel de een of andere paranormale gave heeft .
Verhaallijn overgenomen van achterkant boek : Om de familie-eer te redden stemt burggraaf Ashton Radmoor toe in een verloving met een rijke , maar erg onaangename vrouw . Zijn vrienden schenken hem een laatste bezoek aan het bordeel , en daar raakt hij in de ban van de mooie en mysterieuze Penelope Wherlocke . Ashton werpt zich op als haar redder in de nood , als blijkt dat zij daar tegen haar wil tewerkgesteld wordt .
Tot zijn ontzetting ontdekt Ashton dat zijn verloofde een kwalijke rol speelt in het leven van Penelope , nota bene haar stiefzus ! Naarmate hij de charmes en talenten van Penelope beter leert kennen , wordt Ashtons tegenzin om te trouwen met zijn verloofde steeds groter . Maar moet hij dan zijn familie in de steek laten �?
Spannend maar niet erg romantisch 2e deel in deze serie over een grote familie waarvan bijna ieder lid wel de een of andere paranormale gave heeft .
January 15, 2010
I was gonna give this booka 3 1/2 stars until the ending. The ending gave it that extra 1/2 star. I really like this new series Hannah Howell has started. I gave If He Was Wicked a 4 star too. I look forwards to continuing this series in June with If He's Wild.
August 3, 2020
If He's Sinful is the 2nd book in the Wherlocke series, each book is a stand alone Historical Romance with action packed suspense and a touch of Paranormal that intrigues the reader.
Lord Ashton Radmoor is broke and needs a wealthy heiress to replenish his coffers so he will be able to take care of his family. He has chosen a cold-hearted, vindictive woman, then her brother trapped Ashton into an engagement with her. Ashton's best friends take him to a brothel and buys him a night of lust. Instead he finds a beautiful woman drugged and tied to the bed talking about ghosts.
Penelope Wherlocke has a gift of seeing and talking to ghosts. Her whole family are gifted with special talents that are unexplainable. Someone has hired thugs to kidnap Pen and take her to a brothel where she immediately meets a ghost of a woman that was killed in that room.
Ashton and Pen are hot for each other and Ashton knows he should stay away, especially since he is now engaged to her step-sister. But he is drawn to her and when her bad luck turns to life threatening events, Ashton is determined to find the culprits responsible and keep her safe as well. Penelope has never met a man yet who can accept her and the family's unique abilities. So, will Ashton be the first?
Lord Ashton Radmoor is broke and needs a wealthy heiress to replenish his coffers so he will be able to take care of his family. He has chosen a cold-hearted, vindictive woman, then her brother trapped Ashton into an engagement with her. Ashton's best friends take him to a brothel and buys him a night of lust. Instead he finds a beautiful woman drugged and tied to the bed talking about ghosts.
Penelope Wherlocke has a gift of seeing and talking to ghosts. Her whole family are gifted with special talents that are unexplainable. Someone has hired thugs to kidnap Pen and take her to a brothel where she immediately meets a ghost of a woman that was killed in that room.
Ashton and Pen are hot for each other and Ashton knows he should stay away, especially since he is now engaged to her step-sister. But he is drawn to her and when her bad luck turns to life threatening events, Ashton is determined to find the culprits responsible and keep her safe as well. Penelope has never met a man yet who can accept her and the family's unique abilities. So, will Ashton be the first?
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October 7, 2010I tried really hard to get through this one. I wanted to set it aside at 50 pgs, but since Shelli gave it 5 stars (5!) I kept going until around 100 pages. It just bored the bajeebers out of me.
There was a whole hell of a lot of 'telling' vs 'showing' in this book. For example, when Ashton takes Clarissa to the dinner of the guy who he 'talks trade' with, the whole section is a summary of what happened. I looked forward to this scene (a little) and to not 'be there' when it took place was annoying. The only sentence we were there for was when Clarissa was ready to go and Ashton asked, "Ready to go?" Ugh. Dull.
I didn't like the main characters. Pen was boring, and in the first scene of the book, I wanted to strangle her. Yes, I know the whorehouse owner gave her a potion of some sort, but she seemed lucid enough to be able to say, "Hey, I was abducted, dragged here, and given a drug. I'm a virgin. Please don't have sex with me." Instead, when Ashton suggests she's new to being a whore, she says, "Ah, yes. Quite new." When Ashton wants to take her away from the whorehouse, she says, "Ah, so that I might service but one man instead of many..." WTF? And lets say Penelope IS so out of it that she can't mutter, "I shouldn't be here" or "I'm not a whore" or something along those lines. Wouldn't Ashton notice she's out of it? She would be slurring her words. Her eyes would be unfocused. She probably wouldn't react much to his touch; she'd probably just lie there. Unless Ashton was a complete dolt, he'd realize something was up.
And why the heck is he in a whorehouse to begin with? Yeah, his friends take him there, but he's going through with it! Can we say disgusting? Go find a mistress. That's better than going to a house where men pay for sex. I mean, can you imagine how dirty the sheets are in this place? I wouldn't want to touch anything let alone any person. Ashton lost serious character points in that first chapter. In the first 100 pages, he never did anything to recover those points.
He didn't even save the girl! When the horsecart almost ran Pen over, Ashton's FRIEND saves her. He's stuck saving the kid, so we don't get a moment with them meeting eyes or anything. Lame.
Speaking of the friend and the kid, ohmygosh, there are a million people in this book. Pen lives with a dozen boys, some of which have names and seemingly important roles in the story: Artemis, Hector, Paul, etc. Ashton has half a dozen friends: Brandt, and others whose names I really didn't care to remember. Then there's Cratchit. Then there's Clarissa and Charles. Those two seem important-ish, but in the first hundred pages, we rarely see Clarissa and never see Charles. We're just told about them (there's the whole telling vs showing thing again). Every time I turned a page, there were new people to remember. I felt crowded reading this book.
I didn't like the mystery element of this book, if you can call it a mystery. It's pretty obvious who the bad guys are. It's pretty obvious how all of Pen and Ashton's problems are going to be solved. Sure, I could be wrong, but you know what? Around page 100, I discovered I didn't care one bit if I was wrong. That's when I stopped reading.
There were two things that I liked:
1. I liked the heavy responsibility Ashton had because of his lack of funds. He had a family to take care of, estates to run, etc. We don't really get a view of how important having money is for the upper class of society in most historical romances, so I think Howell did a really good job of showing how many people rely on him. Lots of pressure there.
2. The title. I liked the title.
There was a whole hell of a lot of 'telling' vs 'showing' in this book. For example, when Ashton takes Clarissa to the dinner of the guy who he 'talks trade' with, the whole section is a summary of what happened. I looked forward to this scene (a little) and to not 'be there' when it took place was annoying. The only sentence we were there for was when Clarissa was ready to go and Ashton asked, "Ready to go?" Ugh. Dull.
I didn't like the main characters. Pen was boring, and in the first scene of the book, I wanted to strangle her. Yes, I know the whorehouse owner gave her a potion of some sort, but she seemed lucid enough to be able to say, "Hey, I was abducted, dragged here, and given a drug. I'm a virgin. Please don't have sex with me." Instead, when Ashton suggests she's new to being a whore, she says, "Ah, yes. Quite new." When Ashton wants to take her away from the whorehouse, she says, "Ah, so that I might service but one man instead of many..." WTF? And lets say Penelope IS so out of it that she can't mutter, "I shouldn't be here" or "I'm not a whore" or something along those lines. Wouldn't Ashton notice she's out of it? She would be slurring her words. Her eyes would be unfocused. She probably wouldn't react much to his touch; she'd probably just lie there. Unless Ashton was a complete dolt, he'd realize something was up.
And why the heck is he in a whorehouse to begin with? Yeah, his friends take him there, but he's going through with it! Can we say disgusting? Go find a mistress. That's better than going to a house where men pay for sex. I mean, can you imagine how dirty the sheets are in this place? I wouldn't want to touch anything let alone any person. Ashton lost serious character points in that first chapter. In the first 100 pages, he never did anything to recover those points.
He didn't even save the girl! When the horsecart almost ran Pen over, Ashton's FRIEND saves her. He's stuck saving the kid, so we don't get a moment with them meeting eyes or anything. Lame.
Speaking of the friend and the kid, ohmygosh, there are a million people in this book. Pen lives with a dozen boys, some of which have names and seemingly important roles in the story: Artemis, Hector, Paul, etc. Ashton has half a dozen friends: Brandt, and others whose names I really didn't care to remember. Then there's Cratchit. Then there's Clarissa and Charles. Those two seem important-ish, but in the first hundred pages, we rarely see Clarissa and never see Charles. We're just told about them (there's the whole telling vs showing thing again). Every time I turned a page, there were new people to remember. I felt crowded reading this book.
I didn't like the mystery element of this book, if you can call it a mystery. It's pretty obvious who the bad guys are. It's pretty obvious how all of Pen and Ashton's problems are going to be solved. Sure, I could be wrong, but you know what? Around page 100, I discovered I didn't care one bit if I was wrong. That's when I stopped reading.
There were two things that I liked:
1. I liked the heavy responsibility Ashton had because of his lack of funds. He had a family to take care of, estates to run, etc. We don't really get a view of how important having money is for the upper class of society in most historical romances, so I think Howell did a really good job of showing how many people rely on him. Lots of pressure there.
2. The title. I liked the title.
March 21, 2015
I've been a fan of Hannah Howell for years and years. I just love the way she portrays her heroes and heroines especially their psychic elements. This series is no different except the paranormal abilities seem to be on the female side of things not the male. If He's Sinful is basically a retelling of Cinderella with a twist including kidnapping, murder, stolen legacies and danger at every turn.
Ashton is a typical guy. Take him to a whorehouse and he wants to get some. Well hell who wouldn't. Unfortunately for him, Penelope has been kidnapped and drugged and isn't quite as willing as he'd like. Enter 5 young men who seem to know Penelope (now isn't that interesting) and hold Ashton at gun point (hmmm better put your clothes on). I love how the story unfolded though it was obvious from the start what was going on. I liked how Ashton, his four besties and Penelope's 10 brothers/cousins worked together to figure it all out. And don't forget those psychic gifts - each one different and very helpful.
I hope these 10 boys appear in future installments because I absolutely loved each and every one of them.
Ashton is a typical guy. Take him to a whorehouse and he wants to get some. Well hell who wouldn't. Unfortunately for him, Penelope has been kidnapped and drugged and isn't quite as willing as he'd like. Enter 5 young men who seem to know Penelope (now isn't that interesting) and hold Ashton at gun point (hmmm better put your clothes on). I love how the story unfolded though it was obvious from the start what was going on. I liked how Ashton, his four besties and Penelope's 10 brothers/cousins worked together to figure it all out. And don't forget those psychic gifts - each one different and very helpful.
I hope these 10 boys appear in future installments because I absolutely loved each and every one of them.
November 14, 2015
This is the story of Ashton, a financially struggling earl, and his need to support his family by marrying an heiress. The one he has chosen is not only cold but scheming and cruel. Her brother is controlling and runs the show. Ashton is given a night in a brothel as a wedding gift from his friends. He is put in a room with Penelope who was kidnapped and brought there under the direction and payment of Ashton's fiancee's brother. The brother needed to get rid of Penelope as she is their stepsister and it is her money they are living on. Once she turns 25 she gets control of her inheritance. He can't allow that.
Ashton, being a good guy, realizes that Penelope is there against her will and, with the aid of his friends, rescues her. He becomes aware of her situation and the fact that she is supporting and raising 10 of her family's bastard children. Penelope and her family have paranormal powers, each one different. The more Ashton and Penelope are around each other, the more they fall in love. She has loved him from afar for a very long time. He never knew she existed as she was kept out of sight in the attic.
Interesting story line. Great HEA.
Ashton, being a good guy, realizes that Penelope is there against her will and, with the aid of his friends, rescues her. He becomes aware of her situation and the fact that she is supporting and raising 10 of her family's bastard children. Penelope and her family have paranormal powers, each one different. The more Ashton and Penelope are around each other, the more they fall in love. She has loved him from afar for a very long time. He never knew she existed as she was kept out of sight in the attic.
Interesting story line. Great HEA.
August 1, 2010
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 was annoyed that the characters seemed to act so slowly, for it's obvious early on who the villain is. even so, I understood their reasons - they couldn't act without proof. It just seemed it took them a rather long time to realize they needed to get it.
Penelope was a typical Howell heroine - strong and feisty. I really enjoyed her.
Ashton was somewhat of a stick-in-the-mud, but I think that worked within the context of the story.
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 re-read this after reading the 3rd book, If He's Wild, and enjoyed it even more the second time. Ashton didn't seem quite so staid in this book, and Penelope's large family cracked me up.
I enjoyed this for the most part. I was annoyed that the characters seemed to act so slowly, for it's obvious early on who the villain is. even so, I understood their reasons - they couldn't act without proof. It just seemed it took them a rather long time to realize they needed to get it.
Penelope was a typical Howell heroine - strong and feisty. I really enjoyed her.
Ashton was somewhat of a stick-in-the-mud, but I think that worked within the context of the story.
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 re-read this after reading the 3rd book, If He's Wild, and enjoyed it even more the second time. Ashton didn't seem quite so staid in this book, and Penelope's large family cracked me up.
May 5, 2022
Delightful! An engaging story from start to finish. Wonderful characters. The romance between Ashton and Penelope is lavishly supported by a story of jealousy and greed. What a wonderful family she is part of. I only put this down when I had to. It is time to go find something to eat so I can keep up my strength while I start "If He's Wicked" (Wherlocke #1) as this was Wherlocke #2. Definitely a keeper for me.
April 2017: Good storytelling.
November 2018: This is the most memorable of the series to me.
February 2020: Love this series.
May 2021: The boys make this story zoom.
April 2017: Good storytelling.
November 2018: This is the most memorable of the series to me.
February 2020: Love this series.
May 2021: The boys make this story zoom.
March 25, 2015
I was disappointed in this one. I loved the other two in the series Hes So Wild, and Hes so Wicked but this one didn't hold my attention. The beginning started out very well. I was right there with Penelope in her drugged state having all her visions of dead people and such, but after that I just got bored and found myself leafing through the book to get to end.
April 30, 2020
Penelope Wherlocke has been kidnapped, drugged and taken to a brothel where she meets Ashton Radmoor. At first he is reluctant to admit she might not be voluntarily there but when her brothers/cousins come to her rescue he helps her escape.
April 10, 2019
improbable but well told and highly entertaining tale of an impoverished and much maligned orphan of a nobleman with the gift of communicating with ghosts...and her unusual extended family and a lover.Re-read in novi, 2016. Re-read yet again in 2019.
April 11, 2024
Loved this story! A very typically entertaining Howell romance!
January 6, 2015
I liked this series. Howell is a great author!
September 3, 2023
Exceptional Storyline!
May 7, 2023
Ashton never wanted to marry for money but as his family is destitute, he must find a way to keep them out of the ppor house. Even if it means to marry a heartless
and cruel woman. On the night of his bachelor party, they bring him to a whore house. Ashton finds himself face to face with the most beautiful woman he's ever laid
eyes on, and up until her brothers storm the place to get her back, he truly lost himself in a woman's arms for the firt time. Only this woman is no whore, instead she
is a lady from a well to do family, the same family he's about to marry into.
Penelope, a bastard but a loved one, takes care of all the other bastard children of the family. She's not rich, but she's happy. Gifted with the ability to see and speak
with ghosts, Penelope knows she was kidnapped and placed in a whore house for a reason only she can't pin point why or who did it. She enver expected her savior to the young
boys in her care and a very handsome man whom is betrothed to her own step sister. She knows he can not marry her as she is not wealthly but they still enter into an affair
with Ashton as it's clear to her he is a good man who wants to protect her.
I never really found traction with this book. Mainly because there wasn't much of a plotline. There was the horrible step sister who is just shrill and annoying but
not smart enough to truly hurt someone. Charles, the step brother who has been stealing Pen's money and also wants her dead. Then there's the whore house mistress who
is killing young girls. None of these villians really mattered but unfortuantely, the chemistry between the hero and heroine was lacking and unable to make up for the
flawed storyline. It wasn't bad exactly, rather boring and lackluster. Everything was so horribly predictable and the heroine had a typical delusional woman who never
understood the damager she was in.
and cruel woman. On the night of his bachelor party, they bring him to a whore house. Ashton finds himself face to face with the most beautiful woman he's ever laid
eyes on, and up until her brothers storm the place to get her back, he truly lost himself in a woman's arms for the firt time. Only this woman is no whore, instead she
is a lady from a well to do family, the same family he's about to marry into.
Penelope, a bastard but a loved one, takes care of all the other bastard children of the family. She's not rich, but she's happy. Gifted with the ability to see and speak
with ghosts, Penelope knows she was kidnapped and placed in a whore house for a reason only she can't pin point why or who did it. She enver expected her savior to the young
boys in her care and a very handsome man whom is betrothed to her own step sister. She knows he can not marry her as she is not wealthly but they still enter into an affair
with Ashton as it's clear to her he is a good man who wants to protect her.
I never really found traction with this book. Mainly because there wasn't much of a plotline. There was the horrible step sister who is just shrill and annoying but
not smart enough to truly hurt someone. Charles, the step brother who has been stealing Pen's money and also wants her dead. Then there's the whore house mistress who
is killing young girls. None of these villians really mattered but unfortuantely, the chemistry between the hero and heroine was lacking and unable to make up for the
flawed storyline. It wasn't bad exactly, rather boring and lackluster. Everything was so horribly predictable and the heroine had a typical delusional woman who never
understood the damager she was in.
March 9, 2021
Review: Rating: MA: mature-reader [->17]: erotic sex, deviant, graphic, violence, madness, murder, superstitions, treachery, murder: Language: British cursing: Angst level: high: Book 2/7 in the Wherlocke paranormal series: source: purchased: I have read most of this series in paperback form and have been systematically gathering the ebooks for my personal library. I look forward to reading the rest of the series now that I have all the books. This review may contain spoilers.
I didn’t think it was possible but this book was even more erotic than book 1. Penelope was gifted with sight and knew things. She also saw ghosts and was able to communicate with them. She could also find where bodies were buried. That was a threat a villain could not allow to continue to live. We were also introduced to a house full of children both Wherlocke and Vaughn. Oh, how I adored these kids. ‘Pen� as they called her, took care of them and they took care of her. Adorable� scary as heck but adorable.
Lord Ashton Radmoor had somehow become betrothed to Penelope’s wicked stepsister and wasn’t sure how to get out of the debacle. The step-brother held his father’s debts and was blackmailing him. Ashton’s first encounter with Lady Penelope was a shock and surprise, to say the least. This was so funny and yet, horrible as he fought to free himself from the social-climbing b-witch that had a death grip on his life and freedom.
Wherlocke Series:
Book 1: If He’s Wicked [Cloe Wherlocke and Lord Julian Kenwood]
Book 2: If He’s Sinful [Penelope Wherlocke and Lord Ashton Radmoor]
Book 3: If He’s Wild
Book 4: If He’s Dangerous
Book 5: If He’s Tempted
Book 6: If He’s Daring
Book 7: If He’s Noble
I didn’t think it was possible but this book was even more erotic than book 1. Penelope was gifted with sight and knew things. She also saw ghosts and was able to communicate with them. She could also find where bodies were buried. That was a threat a villain could not allow to continue to live. We were also introduced to a house full of children both Wherlocke and Vaughn. Oh, how I adored these kids. ‘Pen� as they called her, took care of them and they took care of her. Adorable� scary as heck but adorable.
Lord Ashton Radmoor had somehow become betrothed to Penelope’s wicked stepsister and wasn’t sure how to get out of the debacle. The step-brother held his father’s debts and was blackmailing him. Ashton’s first encounter with Lady Penelope was a shock and surprise, to say the least. This was so funny and yet, horrible as he fought to free himself from the social-climbing b-witch that had a death grip on his life and freedom.
Wherlocke Series:
Book 1: If He’s Wicked [Cloe Wherlocke and Lord Julian Kenwood]
Book 2: If He’s Sinful [Penelope Wherlocke and Lord Ashton Radmoor]
Book 3: If He’s Wild
Book 4: If He’s Dangerous
Book 5: If He’s Tempted
Book 6: If He’s Daring
Book 7: If He’s Noble
March 21, 2024
2.5 stars.
Writing was good/fine, but the story and characters had my eyes rolling so far back into the back of my head I'm surprised I was able to keep reading to the end.
Firstly, the beginning with Penelope being abducted and is a wild way for us to meet Ashton and then have us think he is honorable. (!!!)
Secondly, Penelope, for all that she is supposed to be the "mother" big sister of her family's unclaimed brood, unburdens herself too freely and speaks to the older of her younger brothers in a way that made me uncomfortable. Not sure how to explain it, but I really didn't like how involved they were with her relationship with Ashton; it was weird.
There's so much undue drama in the book with Ashton's fiance, Cinderella's, I mean Penelope's evil stepsister, whom he doesn't like (and Penelope, who he does like), and the mystery of the kidnapping and the brothel and the ghosts. It does all come together, but it felt a little (a lot?) convoluted and dragged on at times.
All that's to say, If He's Sinful had a very busy plot for me to follow two characters, whom I never ended up caring about, watching them fall from lust to "love."
Writing was good/fine, but the story and characters had my eyes rolling so far back into the back of my head I'm surprised I was able to keep reading to the end.
Firstly, the beginning with Penelope being abducted and is a wild way for us to meet Ashton and then have us think he is honorable. (!!!)
Secondly, Penelope, for all that she is supposed to be the "mother" big sister of her family's unclaimed brood, unburdens herself too freely and speaks to the older of her younger brothers in a way that made me uncomfortable. Not sure how to explain it, but I really didn't like how involved they were with her relationship with Ashton; it was weird.
There's so much undue drama in the book with Ashton's fiance, Cinderella's, I mean Penelope's evil stepsister, whom he doesn't like (and Penelope, who he does like), and the mystery of the kidnapping and the brothel and the ghosts. It does all come together, but it felt a little (a lot?) convoluted and dragged on at times.
All that's to say, If He's Sinful had a very busy plot for me to follow two characters, whom I never ended up caring about, watching them fall from lust to "love."
December 18, 2018
Penelope is not yet 25 and a spinster and yet she is mother to 10 adorable Wherlocke male by~blows, all of them ranging from ages 5? to 16. She loves her job as the designated child~minder of the clan until her involvement with her step~sister's entrapped and blackmailed betrothed, Lord Ashton Radmoor (then her life has become complicated). They met at a brothel where Ashton is to get a virgin sacrifice in the form of the kidnapped and drugged Penelope. Wherein a ghost named Faith (Lord Brant's missing betrothed) told Penelope of her murder in that same bed where Penelope would have been relieved of her virtue had not the children came to the rescue. And so goes a very entertaining and humorous tale plus Wherlocke paranormal gifts thrown into the already lively mix. This also involves dastardly murderous plots and other deaths that is connected to missing persons around the brothel where Penelope encountered Ashton.
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July 16, 2022This whole series is so much fun! I need to read the whole set.
The Wherlocke and Vaughan families are blessed with gifts that used to get them burned at the stake. Penelope can talk to ghosts, and as she finds herself in an awkward position after being kidnapped and tossed into a brothel, where she sees the ghost of a young lady who has died in the bed she now lays in. She is drugged, primped, and tied to the bed when Ashton Radmoor, the Viscount of Radmoor arrives to "feast on her", until her Brothers enter to rescue her, armed with a pistol. It only gets better from there. They need to figure out who sold her to this brothel, where all her money is, and why someone keeps trying to kill her. They get help from Penelope's large family, including the children she mothers at the Wherlocke Warren, a home for the children in her family who have been abandoned by mothers unable to handle their gifts. It was such a romp!!
The Wherlocke and Vaughan families are blessed with gifts that used to get them burned at the stake. Penelope can talk to ghosts, and as she finds herself in an awkward position after being kidnapped and tossed into a brothel, where she sees the ghost of a young lady who has died in the bed she now lays in. She is drugged, primped, and tied to the bed when Ashton Radmoor, the Viscount of Radmoor arrives to "feast on her", until her Brothers enter to rescue her, armed with a pistol. It only gets better from there. They need to figure out who sold her to this brothel, where all her money is, and why someone keeps trying to kill her. They get help from Penelope's large family, including the children she mothers at the Wherlocke Warren, a home for the children in her family who have been abandoned by mothers unable to handle their gifts. It was such a romp!!
June 18, 2018
It's been a long time since I've read one of her books, but I'm glad I've found her again. So much detail and intrigue. It also had some healthy sex scenes. And a good guy named Ashton and a nice girl named Penelope who was a guardian of her younger brothers and 8 cousin. Ten in all ranging in ages from 3 to 16.
Ashton was in need of money and had none and Penelope had some but her step brother Charles and a step sister named Clarissa were steeling it from Penelope, but Penny didn't know if she had any money left. They kept her in the attic, when she was at the house that her mother had given to her after she died.
Very good!
Ashton was in need of money and had none and Penelope had some but her step brother Charles and a step sister named Clarissa were steeling it from Penelope, but Penny didn't know if she had any money left. They kept her in the attic, when she was at the house that her mother had given to her after she died.
Very good!
October 6, 2019
This is the second of seven books in the Wherlocke series by Hannah Howell. Each story is about a kinsman in the Wherlocke and Vaughn families who seem to have an extra ability to help those around them. In older days they had been burned as witches. Penelope Wherlocke is the next in the clan who goes out of her way to help those who has passed to get the living to listen to them. She has been abducted and sold to a brothel. But when Lord Ashton Radmoor is given her for the night things start to go in her favor. But along the way they will need to work together with her family to find out why she has been targeted for death. And why is while looking for an heiress he is blackmailed into a marriage that is not of his choosing. And possibly find their own happiness. I have read this in the past was pleased to read it again.
October 31, 2020
Very enjoyable to a certain extent. Typical Regency romance with the men doing what they are known to do.
Found it just a bit wrong that Penelope was raising all these poor children that are abandoned by their parents. Illegitimate or not, that was poor behaviour.
Being a Wherlocke, I did find it stupid Penelope didn’t listen or act accordingly, whenever the boys warned her to do something.
Didn’t get a lot of Wherlock or Vaughn’s showing up until the end.
But did like Olympia and Argus. Interesting characters.
Extremely sorry for Brand and poor Fiona.
Found it just a bit wrong that Penelope was raising all these poor children that are abandoned by their parents. Illegitimate or not, that was poor behaviour.
Being a Wherlocke, I did find it stupid Penelope didn’t listen or act accordingly, whenever the boys warned her to do something.
Didn’t get a lot of Wherlock or Vaughn’s showing up until the end.
But did like Olympia and Argus. Interesting characters.
Extremely sorry for Brand and poor Fiona.
January 12, 2025
DNF 50% - I got bored and lost interest in the lives of the MCs. I'm willing to lay the reason for this at the door of the narrator. The male voices sounded as if they were about to fall asleep. The plot was a little too predictable from chapter 2, so the lack of real inflexion and feelings in the voices of the characters made me want to sigh*!
Maybe, I'll pick it up again another time and actually read it rather than listen to it. Maybe.
Maybe, I'll pick it up again another time and actually read it rather than listen to it. Maybe.
August 2, 2017
I found it almost painful to get through. The plot gets lost so many times it's practically a maze. The initial idea is interesting but the author tries to pack four different stories into a book too short to communicate even two effectively. The Wherlocke relatives were the most interesting part and by the time they came in it was too late to save.
March 4, 2022
Addictive Magical Recency Romance
The Wherelocke and Vaughn Family is back for the story of Penelope. What I enjoy is the wonderful blend of romance, humor, magic, and mystery. The characters are detailed and make you hope to see them again. Think Bridgerton with magic and darker mysteries added to fill out the tale.
The Wherelocke and Vaughn Family is back for the story of Penelope. What I enjoy is the wonderful blend of romance, humor, magic, and mystery. The characters are detailed and make you hope to see them again. Think Bridgerton with magic and darker mysteries added to fill out the tale.
August 8, 2022
A small army
Penelope's army was not only small in numbers but in stature. Yet it had many strengths an older, larger army never could. You have to love Killer. He knew exactly were to bite for the best results. The fact that the aftermath of his untreated bite was killing Charles was true retribution. Clarissa could not have ended with a more appropriate fate.
Penelope's army was not only small in numbers but in stature. Yet it had many strengths an older, larger army never could. You have to love Killer. He knew exactly were to bite for the best results. The fact that the aftermath of his untreated bite was killing Charles was true retribution. Clarissa could not have ended with a more appropriate fate.
February 7, 2025
Não é que o livro seja ruim, mas demora demais pra eles tomarem providências das coisas. Não sei se foi o fato de eu não estar com muito tempo pra ler que me deu essa percepção, mas nos outros livros da série eu me envolvi mais. A história é boa, tem uma trama interessante, achei mais legal do que as outras. No entanto achei arrastado e ia cansando, porque não dava em nada até nos finalmente.
January 11, 2018
Fun, sexy, intriguing, suspenseful and more. This book was much better than the first in this series. It's introduction of new characters didn't feel Force fed as the previous book.
I definitely recommend this book.
I definitely recommend this book.
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