New York Times bestseller Hannah Howell’s extraordinary Wherlocke family returns with the story of a passion that will heed no resistance, no matter how deadly. . .
When Lorelei Sundun first finds Sir Argus Wherlocke in her garden, she’s never heard of the mysterious Wherlocke clan–or their otherworldly abilities. That changes the moment she watches Argus–the most tantalizing man she’s ever … man she’s ever seen–disappear before her very eyes. What she’s witnessed should be impossible. But so should falling in love with a man she’s only just met. . .
Pursued by a madman intent on harnessing the Wherlockes’ talents as weapons, Argus meant to seek help from his family, not to involve a duke’s lovely daughter in the struggle. But now, the enchanting Lorelei is his only hope for salvation–and the greatest temptation he’s ever faced. . .
Praise for Hannah Howell and If He’s Wicked
“Fans will gladly follow Howell from the Scottish Highlands to London for her new trilogy.”
—Publishers Weekly
“The superbly talented Howell never disappoints.” —Romantic Times
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“He was abominable… and the most alluring, tortured soul I’d ever met.” –Becca Fitzpatrick
Review: Rating: MA: mature-reader [->17]: erotic sex, graphic and descriptive violence, torture, trigger warnings for violence toward women and children, murder, treachery at the highest levels. Language: British cursing: Angst level: medium-high: Book 4/7 in the psychic Wherlocke, paranormal series: Source: purchased: I had previously read this series in paperback form and have been systematically gathering the ebooks for my personal library. Now that I have ALL the books, I look forward to rereading them. I am fascinated by this family. There are so many members within the two families and their ‘gifts’ are so unique and varied, it is never dull when they enter the scene. Each book features a Vaughn or a Wherlocke [sometimes both] and manages to have other family members visit and give aid or assistance when needed. They seem to know or sense when there is trouble and especially when someone is hurt. I found that fascinating. This review contains ***SPOILERS*** [3.5-stars round to 4-stars]
Villains: madmen thinking they could harness, steal, or somehow extract the otherworldly powers from the Wherlocke hostage that was chained and repeatedly beaten in the basement of an abandoned house. Somehow, this plot sort of fizzled out when our hostage was rescued. After that, the story was just the villains attempting to regain their hostage using any means available to them. No one was safe.
What I liked: Lady Lorelei Sundun: 7th child of the Duke of Sundunmoor: While sitting in her garden on a sunny day, a man suddenly appeared before her… naked. Thank goodness he was standing behind a rose bush with large… um… huge blooms to protect her innocence. Yeah, right! She threw him her shawl so he could wrap it around his hips. He told his name and that he was trying to reach his relations and had missed his mark [probably due to the stone circle within the garden]. She promised to send messengers to the three relations he mentioned and could only hope that they were home. He quickly disappeared with her shawl still wrapped around him. The clues he had mentioned gave Lorelei the general area where he might be held. She would enlist her cousins to help her scope out the area for a possible rescue.
The entire cast of characters at Sundunmoor was a hoot. I mean, seriously, I loved the Duke [Roland Sundun] and his butler, and sidekick, Max. Everyone in the village loved the Duke and he was worthy of their loyalty and esteem. Any scene with these guys was a joy to read. He was a gentle soul with a heart of gold, a house full of kids, and a stiff resolve to take care of the people within his area of responsibility.
What I didn’t like, and believe me, I hate to say it: Sir Argus Wherlocke: “Oh, he did look like a deity – the perfect balance of danger and charm, he was at the same time fascinating and inaccessible, distant because of his demonstrated flawlessness, and possessing such strength of character that he was dismaying and at the same time utterly attractive in an enticing and forbidden way.” –Simona Panova, Nightmarish Sacrifice
*** SPOILER*** What can I say? I loved this guy in the other books. However, in this story he was horrid. What a man-whore. Seriously? I know he had issues with marriage… heck, most in the family Wherlocke and their Vaughn relations did. However, what was the deal with his seduction of the duke’s daughter and in her own house. I mean, really? Was that even necessary… other than providing the opportunity for graphic sex? She was innocent and he knew that. Didn’t that even mean anything? Why? I did not like it one bit and her father the duke didn’t either. His Grace was ready to meet our guy on the field of honor and he was an excellent shot. Grrr!! At least the happy-ever-after was a good one.
Wherlocke Series: each book can standalone and usually contains references to and visits from characters in previous books. I love this family.
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 [Lady Alethea Vaughn-Channing and Lord Hartley Greville]
Book 4: If He’s Dangerous [Sir Argus Wherlocke and Lady Lorelei Sundun]
Book 5: If He’s Tempted
Book 6: If He’s Daring
Book 7: If He’s Noble
I always forget how much I enjoy the Wherlocke series until I pick up the next installment. Great entertainment with wonderfully magical characters – a treat!
Love everything Hannah Howell