Paranormal/Futuristic
If He's Sinful
By Dottie
Nov 24, 2009 - 12:42:14 PM

Penelope Wherlocke, the daughter of a marquis, came from a long line of gifted people.  The Wherlockes and the Vaughns are known for their gifts and many suspect that they are witches.  In her case, she could see ghosts and assisted them in finding peace.  After her father died, her mother remarried.  Her new husband was all right with her daughter living with them, but not the two sons, fathered by her dead husband and another woman. The men in Penelope’s family are not exactly known for being faithful, so there are many children born out of wedlock, so far all boys.  Penelope was given a home in a rundown area where she took her two brothers and as time went by more boys in the family, who were born out of wedlock came to stay with them.  When her mother died, her stepbrother became her guardian and they all lived in the house left to Rebecca in her mother’s will.  However, he and his sister put Penelope in the attic, where they did not have to deal with her too often.  She received no new clothes and she was not allowed to attend events. Their neglect was fine with her because she could sneak out and take care of the boys, preparing meals and whatever else needed to be done.  The fathers of the boys truly loved them and sent money for their care.  Each of the boys, as they grew, started to show which gift they were given; some could see the future, some could heal, etc.  Many of the younger boys even thought of her as their mother.

Lord Ashton Radmoor’s father drank and gambled most of the family fortune away, leaving many debts behind at his death.  Ashton, determined to see the family fortune restored, knew he had to marry an heiress.  So he has been dating Penelope’s stepsister Clarissa, but he is not prepared when she and her brother trick him into a betrothal.  He never even broached the subject with her.  Her brother, having bought up the markers against him, uses the markers to force Ashton to go along with the engagement.  Penelope has been in love with him since she first saw him, but she does not have the money he needs, nor does he even know about her.

Kidnapped and taken to a brothel, Penelope is then drugged and tied to the bed, as she waits for the gentleman to whom she has been given as a gift for one night.  The next day a mystery man is supposed to come for her…a man who is waiting for her specifically.  While lying in the bed, she sees a ghost, Faith, who tells her that her life was stolen.  However, the bed Penelope is lying in still holds the memories of Faith, so she knows exactly what happened to her and promises to help her if she gets out of her current situation.  Penelope, however, is not prepared when her gentleman of the night is none other than Lord Ashton Radmoor, but before any thing happens, the boys she takes care of rescue her.  Ashton and the boys take her home, but he cannot forget her or the desire he feels for her.  Believing her stepbrother and stepsister are responsible for the kidnapping, she and Ashton try to find proof, but she has become a target.  Can they find the proof before they are successful in trying to kill her?  Will Ashton find a way to make his fortune before he is forced to marry the evil Clarissa and give up the woman he really loves?

Steamy hot and wickedly witty, IF HE’S SINFUL, the second book in author Hannah Howell’s WHERLOCKE trilogy, is a delight.  I could not put this book down until I finished reading the very last page.  The secondary characters really add a special touch to this story.  The boys do what they can to help Penelope, who is special to each of them.  She tries to instill manners in them, but the boys are not as innocent as they look.  In spite of that, readers cannot help having their hearts touched by these boys, especially when they are considered throw-a-ways.  The secondary story of Faith and her situation will break your heart.  Equally delightful is author Hannah Howell’s first book in this series, IF HE’S WICKED.  I am also looking forward to her next book, IF HE’S WILD, due out in June 2010.  Do not miss these awesome books!  Run out and grab your own copy.  Do not miss it!