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Wherlocke #1
If He's Wicked
She Saves His Life...
For Chloe Wherlocke, it all begins with a vision - a glimpse into the future that foretells a terrible plot against Lord Julian Kenwood and his newborn son. Chloe's psychic gift allows her to save the child from certain death, but the earl remains in grave peril...
For Chloe Wherlocke, it all begins with a vision - a glimpse into the future that foretells a terrible plot against Lord Julian Kenwood and his newborn son. Chloe's psychic gift allows her to save the child from certain death, but the earl remains in grave peril...
But When He Steals Her Heart...
Julian Kenwood knows someone is trying to kill him and he suspects his scheming wife and her lover are behind the plot. But Julian is shocked when Chloe, a captivating, dark-haired stranger, warns him that sinister forces are indeed at hand - and exposes a devastating secret that changes his life forever...
Will She Resist - or Surrender?
As Chloe reveals her plan to save Julian, neither can deny the attraction that grows each moment thy're together. Chloe knows the highborn earl could never love her as she loves him. But when danger strikes closer than ever, Chloe must risk everything - or lose Julian forever...
357 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
472 people are currently reading
2243 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Howell
116 books2,643 followersHannah 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:
Anna Jennet, Sarah Dustin and Sandra Dustin
She has also used the following pseudonyms:
Anna Jennet, Sarah Dustin and Sandra Dustin
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 233 reviews
December 4, 2016
Historical and paranormal-ish. It's basically about an extended family, the Wherlockes, that have super intuition powers. Chloe has visions and knows things. Her cousin Leo knows when someone is lying. Cousin Bened knows who's an enemy and where they are. So it's more super intuition kind of powers than a real paranormal type book.
The plot is about Chloe and her family helping Julian to defeat his enemies, his wife and uncle, that are trying to kill him for his money and title. Chloe also saves his son that his enemies tried to murder and has been raising him while in hiding. All that's been happening behind the scenes is finally revealed to Julian in chapter two. He's now in on the plot to get rid of his enemies and restore his son to his rightful home. This is all a lot of plotting done by Leo while Julian and Chloe fall in lust.
I liked Chloe. She's a no nonsense kind and not ridiculous. She has gruesome visions of the future, tries to help when she can, and keeps going. Julian, well, he was rather a bit of a mopey whiner. Oh woe is me, my wife sleeps with every man she meets and is my uncle's lover and they're both trying to kill me. Yeah, yeah, stop complaining, at least you're not dead yet, idiot. It's only because of Chloe & her family that the previous four murder attempts failed.
My lack of like for Julian could be why I wasn't into the romance in this book. I was more interested in the motley relatives of Chloe and their various talents. Not a bad series though. Will probably read more from it.
The plot is about Chloe and her family helping Julian to defeat his enemies, his wife and uncle, that are trying to kill him for his money and title. Chloe also saves his son that his enemies tried to murder and has been raising him while in hiding. All that's been happening behind the scenes is finally revealed to Julian in chapter two. He's now in on the plot to get rid of his enemies and restore his son to his rightful home. This is all a lot of plotting done by Leo while Julian and Chloe fall in lust.
I liked Chloe. She's a no nonsense kind and not ridiculous. She has gruesome visions of the future, tries to help when she can, and keeps going. Julian, well, he was rather a bit of a mopey whiner. Oh woe is me, my wife sleeps with every man she meets and is my uncle's lover and they're both trying to kill me. Yeah, yeah, stop complaining, at least you're not dead yet, idiot. It's only because of Chloe & her family that the previous four murder attempts failed.
My lack of like for Julian could be why I wasn't into the romance in this book. I was more interested in the motley relatives of Chloe and their various talents. Not a bad series though. Will probably read more from it.
June 23, 2009
"If He's Wicked" is yet another example of why Hannah Howell's books seem to end up on my keeper shelf. She always seems to manage to take plotlines I may have read before, yet she adds a twist or turn that feels new and doesn't bore me. As best I can tell, this book is the start of a new series (!!) about a family of people with 'special' abilities. I can't wait for more!
Chloe Wherlocke is one of 'those' Wherlockes. Her ancestors have been feared, burned at the stake, and nowadays whispered about amongst the ton. She 'knows things' and woe betide those who don't listen. When she rushes to her disgraced sister's side, she assumes at first it's just to help her sister deal with the death of her husband and birth of her child. But soon Chloe realizes the reason for her presence is much more sinister than that. She's there to save, not her sister nor her sister's unborn child; but rather the rightful heir to a Earldom.
Julian Kenwood is the Earl of Colinsmoor. He has wealth, good looks, and a title to boot. But he's also suffered through his marriage to a vain, grasping, and faithless woman. He could have withstood it all if his child had lived. But the death of his only child has thrown him into a downward spiral via alcohol and whores. But someone has been watching out for him, and after the fourth attempt on his life, it's time for them to step in and show him everything he has to live for.
This story is so much better than I can describe without giving too much away. Writing about it makes the plot seem unreal, but while I read it I was 100% IN the story and it was totally believeable. There's not 'magic'...exactly. Instead, the gifts this special lineage has are those of 'the sight', 'the knowing', and 'reading'...more passive than what I consider straight magic. Anyway, the characters fascinated me and I want more stories about this family in Howell's new world.
She's one of my 'never-miss' authors because she pulls me into the era, the characters, and the plot she writes. When I finish the story, I need a few minutes to return to THIS reality. She's that good. The plot, the character development, the growth in the romantic relationship, the feelings/understanding of and between characters, both primary and secondary, all weave themselves together seamlessly. I despise her 'bad guys' and want to be friends with her 'good guys'. I also want to steal her heroes, just for a bit, and not always because of their looks. Hannah Howell writes about what makes each individual special; and she makes me remember that people today are all special in their own way too. "If He's Wicked" is already on my keeper shelf, and the next, "If He's Sinful" coming out in Nov 2009, is already on my to-buy list.
Chloe Wherlocke is one of 'those' Wherlockes. Her ancestors have been feared, burned at the stake, and nowadays whispered about amongst the ton. She 'knows things' and woe betide those who don't listen. When she rushes to her disgraced sister's side, she assumes at first it's just to help her sister deal with the death of her husband and birth of her child. But soon Chloe realizes the reason for her presence is much more sinister than that. She's there to save, not her sister nor her sister's unborn child; but rather the rightful heir to a Earldom.
Julian Kenwood is the Earl of Colinsmoor. He has wealth, good looks, and a title to boot. But he's also suffered through his marriage to a vain, grasping, and faithless woman. He could have withstood it all if his child had lived. But the death of his only child has thrown him into a downward spiral via alcohol and whores. But someone has been watching out for him, and after the fourth attempt on his life, it's time for them to step in and show him everything he has to live for.
This story is so much better than I can describe without giving too much away. Writing about it makes the plot seem unreal, but while I read it I was 100% IN the story and it was totally believeable. There's not 'magic'...exactly. Instead, the gifts this special lineage has are those of 'the sight', 'the knowing', and 'reading'...more passive than what I consider straight magic. Anyway, the characters fascinated me and I want more stories about this family in Howell's new world.
She's one of my 'never-miss' authors because she pulls me into the era, the characters, and the plot she writes. When I finish the story, I need a few minutes to return to THIS reality. She's that good. The plot, the character development, the growth in the romantic relationship, the feelings/understanding of and between characters, both primary and secondary, all weave themselves together seamlessly. I despise her 'bad guys' and want to be friends with her 'good guys'. I also want to steal her heroes, just for a bit, and not always because of their looks. Hannah Howell writes about what makes each individual special; and she makes me remember that people today are all special in their own way too. "If He's Wicked" is already on my keeper shelf, and the next, "If He's Sinful" coming out in Nov 2009, is already on my to-buy list.
July 30, 2015
If He's Wicked by Hannah Howell is a 2009 Zebra publication.
This is the first in the popular Wherlocke series by Hannah Howell, the author of many prolific Scottish and paranormal historical romance novels.
This is one of those series I have been wanting to get into for a long time, but never got around to it. I finally picked up this first book and am so glad I made time for it. This is an excellent beginning and I truly enjoyed the mystery suspense elements.
Julian is a man who is very opposed to ever entering into matrimony again, and how could you blame him with a wife like Beatrice? But, with the beautiful Chloe Wherlocke nursing him back to health, and with her raising the son he did not know he had, Julian finds himself feeling very drawn to her.
Chloe, has special 'gifts' and is very adamant about marrying for love, because in her family, those who did not were seemingly cursed. But, when she and Julian are found in a compromising position, she isn't give much of a choice. She will have to settle for fondness, for being close to the child she loves as her own, and great passion, but... no love. Will Julian and Chloe fall victim to the curse? Will Julian survive the attempts on his life?
This was an enjoyable historical romance, with suspense, and a light paranormal tone, infused with humor and a well rounded cast of secondary characters.
I can't wait to dive into the second book of the series!
4 stars
This is the first in the popular Wherlocke series by Hannah Howell, the author of many prolific Scottish and paranormal historical romance novels.
This is one of those series I have been wanting to get into for a long time, but never got around to it. I finally picked up this first book and am so glad I made time for it. This is an excellent beginning and I truly enjoyed the mystery suspense elements.
Julian is a man who is very opposed to ever entering into matrimony again, and how could you blame him with a wife like Beatrice? But, with the beautiful Chloe Wherlocke nursing him back to health, and with her raising the son he did not know he had, Julian finds himself feeling very drawn to her.
Chloe, has special 'gifts' and is very adamant about marrying for love, because in her family, those who did not were seemingly cursed. But, when she and Julian are found in a compromising position, she isn't give much of a choice. She will have to settle for fondness, for being close to the child she loves as her own, and great passion, but... no love. Will Julian and Chloe fall victim to the curse? Will Julian survive the attempts on his life?
This was an enjoyable historical romance, with suspense, and a light paranormal tone, infused with humor and a well rounded cast of secondary characters.
I can't wait to dive into the second book of the series!
4 stars
October 24, 2015
Spoiler alert: He's not that wicked.
He being Julian, the earl of something or another. This earl is being cuckolded by his beautiful but terrible wife with his own uncle, also mustache-twirling-ly terrible. He's saved by Chloe, who has precognitive powers, along with her seemingly endless army of cousins. Julian and Chloe end up having a lot of missionary style sex and save the day and thwart the villians and end up married and expecting babies.
There's absolutely no chemistry between the two protagonists. In fact, Chloe has better report with literally everyone else in the book, including Julian's mother. At least Chloe and Mom have actual discussions with one another, where it is clear there is mutual respect and admiration. With Julian and Chloe, there is only boning. Gentle, always-in-a-bed vanilla boning.
Once in a while, I convince myself that I do like romance novels, really. That they're fun and easy and a good way to spend a plane ride. But no, I actually don't. I want plot more than I want sex scenes.
He being Julian, the earl of something or another. This earl is being cuckolded by his beautiful but terrible wife with his own uncle, also mustache-twirling-ly terrible. He's saved by Chloe, who has precognitive powers, along with her seemingly endless army of cousins. Julian and Chloe end up having a lot of missionary style sex and save the day and thwart the villians and end up married and expecting babies.
There's absolutely no chemistry between the two protagonists. In fact, Chloe has better report with literally everyone else in the book, including Julian's mother. At least Chloe and Mom have actual discussions with one another, where it is clear there is mutual respect and admiration. With Julian and Chloe, there is only boning. Gentle, always-in-a-bed vanilla boning.
Once in a while, I convince myself that I do like romance novels, really. That they're fun and easy and a good way to spend a plane ride. But no, I actually don't. I want plot more than I want sex scenes.
February 17, 2020
Geen schotse hooglanders verhaal dit keer maar het 1e deel over een familie met paranormale gaven .
Sensueel en avontuurlijk geschreven in de bekende H.H. stijl .
Sensueel en avontuurlijk geschreven in de bekende H.H. stijl .
January 24, 2022
Let me start off by saying I liked the paranormal aspect of this HR. Many characters with 'gifts' were introduced in a way that was not overwhelming. Unfortunately, the one thing I was unable to believe was the chemistry between Julian and Chloe. I had decided on 3.5 stars initially but little Anthony was absolutely adorable so I had to round it off to 4 .
Also yes, I will be reading the other books in the series.( I simply must see Leo, Modred and Bened find their own happy endings )
Also yes, I will be reading the other books in the series.( I simply must see Leo, Modred and Bened find their own happy endings )
October 21, 2021
If He's Wicked seemed like it was going to be an interesting book. It's been a while since I've read a good historical paranormal book so I was all kinds of excited to jump into this one. In it, you will meet the Wherlocke's.
Chloe knows things and has visions. Leo knows when you are lying. Bened knows if you are a friend or foe. He also knows where you are which is all kinds of creepy but awesome at the same time. So in other words, they kind of reminded me of the Cullen's in Twilight. Sort of.
This book doesn't shy away from the drama, action, or attempts of murder. It definitely kept my attention the entire time. I just, for some weird reason, feel like I was missing something. Like it was good and I liked the characters but something was off. I just don't know what it is.
I'll definitely have to see if the next book will possibly bring that mysterious want to me. I'm honestly not sure what I'm exactly looking for but when I find it I'll know it and fall in love.
Chloe knows things and has visions. Leo knows when you are lying. Bened knows if you are a friend or foe. He also knows where you are which is all kinds of creepy but awesome at the same time. So in other words, they kind of reminded me of the Cullen's in Twilight. Sort of.
This book doesn't shy away from the drama, action, or attempts of murder. It definitely kept my attention the entire time. I just, for some weird reason, feel like I was missing something. Like it was good and I liked the characters but something was off. I just don't know what it is.
I'll definitely have to see if the next book will possibly bring that mysterious want to me. I'm honestly not sure what I'm exactly looking for but when I find it I'll know it and fall in love.
January 21, 2021
Loved this intro to the Wherlockes, and the feisty Chloe.
April 6, 2021
Re-reading because I loved this series when it first came out in 2009. ;)
Oh yeah, I still love it after all these years.
Oh yeah, I still love it after all these years.
December 2, 2020
This book was amazing.The hero(Julian) is a handsome man with a mistrust for woman because of his wife's infidelity. The heroin (Chloe)comes from a family called the Wherlocke's. It is rumored that this family and the Vaungh's (also kin) are witch's and devil worshipers. You know back in those days getting ill was believed to be karma related.
Chloe has visions and the power to just know somethings about to happen and it are these gifts that toss her directly into the path of Julian.*****SPOILER***** Her sister is dying after giving birth to a still born baby and Chloe waits at her side hidden as two men,under the order of the Beatrice (Julian's bitch), bring in a baby and switches the dead baby with an alive baby (Anthony).
Anthony is Julian's son and, not wanting to give too much away, is believed to be dead for three years. That is until Chloe and the other Wherlocke's step in and save Julian's life and set him clear on some things. While julian is healing he begins to know his new friends and what has taken place and begins to find himself not only still married to Beatrice but now having feelings for Chloe. I loved reading about him and Chloe together and when he meets his son.I've still left some things for you to read about and I have read this book several times. It's one of my favorites by HH. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
Chloe has visions and the power to just know somethings about to happen and it are these gifts that toss her directly into the path of Julian.*****SPOILER***** Her sister is dying after giving birth to a still born baby and Chloe waits at her side hidden as two men,under the order of the Beatrice (Julian's bitch), bring in a baby and switches the dead baby with an alive baby (Anthony).
Anthony is Julian's son and, not wanting to give too much away, is believed to be dead for three years. That is until Chloe and the other Wherlocke's step in and save Julian's life and set him clear on some things. While julian is healing he begins to know his new friends and what has taken place and begins to find himself not only still married to Beatrice but now having feelings for Chloe. I loved reading about him and Chloe together and when he meets his son.I've still left some things for you to read about and I have read this book several times. It's one of my favorites by HH. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
March 22, 2012
Julian Kenwood's wife and uncle are trying to kill him. Luckily for him, the Wherlocke's, a family of psychics, has seen the treachery and has stepped in to help. Beautiful Chloe Wherlocke catches his attention immediately but he refrains from acting since he is an honorable man and is til married to the bitch who is not only cuckolding him but trying to kill him as well. Julian is an Earl and his uncle feels he should have been the earl not his brother. He is determined to have the earldom and destroy the rest of the Kenwood heirs.
This is an exciting, event-filled story from start to finish. At no point was the story even remotely boring. I have yet to be disappointed by anything Hannah Howell writes. All Chloe's relatives are male with some form of psychic ability and all Julian's are female which should make for quite a few sequels. Hopefully poor reclusive Modred will get his HEA.
This is an exciting, event-filled story from start to finish. At no point was the story even remotely boring. I have yet to be disappointed by anything Hannah Howell writes. All Chloe's relatives are male with some form of psychic ability and all Julian's are female which should make for quite a few sequels. Hopefully poor reclusive Modred will get his HEA.
October 17, 2009
I gave this book 4 stars because I really did like it. I like the special gifts that what used in this book and look forwards to reading more of this series. There was also enough action going on to keep me interested through out. This book had enough heat to make me happy and as alway's Hannah had a HEA ending that made me smile when I was done with the book.
January 30, 2021
Saved By Second Sight👻
ADULT Historical Georgian Romance💕, Adventure, and Betrayal💀, with Paranormal 👻 Elements.
Chloe's family line has inherited various aspects of the second sight👻. She works with her cousin, Leo, in the service of 👑King George to spy on enemies of the 👑crown. Her and Leo's premonitions👻 are invaluable!
They have been watching, Arthur👺, the Uncle of Julian🐺🍆⛲, the earl of Collinsmoor🏰, because they suspect him of selling intelligence to the French. He is also suspected of killing a number of people. Since Arthur👺 is an aristocrat, indelible proof of his crimes must be obtained, and that has not been possible, yet.
Arthur👺 wants to be The Earl, so he goes about eliminating the other male relatives in his family. He is also debauching Julian's wife, Lady Beatrice👹, after she intentionally had a stillborn son, and Julian🐺🍆⛲ lost interest in her. It is believed the cold and ruthless Beatrice👹 is in cahoots with Arthur👺 in his numerous attempts to kill Julian🐺🍆⛲.
Only Julian and Beatrice's son is not dead! An elaborate ruse was concocted by Leo and his cohorts, to switch a dead baby for the live one, Anthony👶. Baby Anthony is whisked away to London to be raised by Chloe and Leo, and kept safe from the murderous Arthur👺 until he can be brought to justice.....
This is a very long and involved ADULT novel which I really enjoyed, until near the very end, when Collinsmoor🏰 is attacked by Arthur👺 and his thugs. Here, there was some ridiculous dialogue all the while Chloe💃💋 and Anthony are being held at knifepoint by Arthur👺.
ADULT Historical Georgian Romance💕, Adventure, and Betrayal💀, with Paranormal 👻 Elements.
Chloe's family line has inherited various aspects of the second sight👻. She works with her cousin, Leo, in the service of 👑King George to spy on enemies of the 👑crown. Her and Leo's premonitions👻 are invaluable!
They have been watching, Arthur👺, the Uncle of Julian🐺🍆⛲, the earl of Collinsmoor🏰, because they suspect him of selling intelligence to the French. He is also suspected of killing a number of people. Since Arthur👺 is an aristocrat, indelible proof of his crimes must be obtained, and that has not been possible, yet.
Arthur👺 wants to be The Earl, so he goes about eliminating the other male relatives in his family. He is also debauching Julian's wife, Lady Beatrice👹, after she intentionally had a stillborn son, and Julian🐺🍆⛲ lost interest in her. It is believed the cold and ruthless Beatrice👹 is in cahoots with Arthur👺 in his numerous attempts to kill Julian🐺🍆⛲.
Only Julian and Beatrice's son is not dead! An elaborate ruse was concocted by Leo and his cohorts, to switch a dead baby for the live one, Anthony👶. Baby Anthony is whisked away to London to be raised by Chloe and Leo, and kept safe from the murderous Arthur👺 until he can be brought to justice.....
This is a very long and involved ADULT novel which I really enjoyed, until near the very end, when Collinsmoor🏰 is attacked by Arthur👺 and his thugs. Here, there was some ridiculous dialogue all the while Chloe💃💋 and Anthony are being held at knifepoint by Arthur👺.
August 15, 2025
After the deceit of his wife and the misery it caused him to have his whole world turned upside down, Julian has spent the last year in a drunken stupor. Then one night he is attacked and very nearly killed but was saved by a wisp of a woman and two burly footmen. Later, he wakes up in a strangers’ house and learns while he’s been deep in depression, his wife has planned his murder with his uncle on her arm. The people who saved him saw his death in a vision and were successful in stopping it but it goes far deeper than that. They have actively been helping him from the shadows, plotting the defeat of his enemies and even caring for a son he thought dead. The guilt of his selfishness is almost enough to cripple him.
Chole has family has watched over the Earl for a while now, she herself caring for his young son. But now that Julian is alive and well, he will join the battle to put an end to his wife’s and uncle’s treachery. Though never would she have imagined developing such a tight and meaningful relationship with a man so far out of her social standing. A man who has not had a very good track record for marriages.
But as the pair soon find themselves in love, they also find themselves all in great danger as their enemies will stop at nothing to win.
Over all, I did like this book. Though it had flaws. We will start with the positive. I found all characters in the book to be pleasantly levelheaded and responsible. They were not prone to irrational behaviors or throwing hissy fits. The hero, though his current wife is a hell beast who wants to murder him and almost murdered their child, falls in love with the heroine (his caregiver while he’s recovering). Though he does question his sanity for falling so quickly into another woman’s arms, he can see her true character and love her for it. The heroine is a capable woman who doesn’t shy away from using her visions for good and can handle herself in dangerous situations by being smart not necessarily badass. The dialogue was also loyal to the time period and they very rarely spoke in slang (Side note, when period dramas read like someone from the current period, hate that).
Now onto the negative. Though it’s not entirely bad. I found this book to be rather slow and wordy. Most of the time the characters were speaking on what they are going to do about their situation and playing Game of Thrones rather than actually doing anything? I’m not sure, it just felt like this book really dragged its heels, especially nearing the end. Though this didn’t retract from my enjoyment of the book, it did prevent me from rating it higher.
Chole has family has watched over the Earl for a while now, she herself caring for his young son. But now that Julian is alive and well, he will join the battle to put an end to his wife’s and uncle’s treachery. Though never would she have imagined developing such a tight and meaningful relationship with a man so far out of her social standing. A man who has not had a very good track record for marriages.
But as the pair soon find themselves in love, they also find themselves all in great danger as their enemies will stop at nothing to win.
Over all, I did like this book. Though it had flaws. We will start with the positive. I found all characters in the book to be pleasantly levelheaded and responsible. They were not prone to irrational behaviors or throwing hissy fits. The hero, though his current wife is a hell beast who wants to murder him and almost murdered their child, falls in love with the heroine (his caregiver while he’s recovering). Though he does question his sanity for falling so quickly into another woman’s arms, he can see her true character and love her for it. The heroine is a capable woman who doesn’t shy away from using her visions for good and can handle herself in dangerous situations by being smart not necessarily badass. The dialogue was also loyal to the time period and they very rarely spoke in slang (Side note, when period dramas read like someone from the current period, hate that).
Now onto the negative. Though it’s not entirely bad. I found this book to be rather slow and wordy. Most of the time the characters were speaking on what they are going to do about their situation and playing Game of Thrones rather than actually doing anything? I’m not sure, it just felt like this book really dragged its heels, especially nearing the end. Though this didn’t retract from my enjoyment of the book, it did prevent me from rating it higher.
September 22, 2011
I expected to like this one as much as I enjoyed "If He's Sinful".
Thin plot, boring characters. The "hero" does nothing heroic. I thought Chloe, the supposed heroine, was going to be a spitfire. She fizzled out. There were several characters introduced, that I thought would become integral to the plot, but they just disappeared.
And if a character has a supernatural talent, I'd like to see it. The gifts of the Wherlockes and Vaughns are so underused. Amp up the paranormal a little if you're going to throw it in there anyway. At least that could have been interesting!
The characters sit around and whine. And talk. And talk. And talk. Lord, every other page was rehashing the same, "Oh, I've made mistakes. Oh, I can't believe my flesh and blood would do that to me. Oh, woe is me."
Very little action. The bad guy doesn't make his full appearance until the end. We're told how bad he is, but it wouldn't stand up in a court of law as hearsay!
This book followed the same formula as "If He's Sinful", minus the interesting, witty characters. I hate giving books 2 stars (especially if I find them good enough to at least finish), but a 3 says I liked it, a 2 says I didn't. Too many things made me roll my "inky blue eyes."
Thin plot, boring characters. The "hero" does nothing heroic. I thought Chloe, the supposed heroine, was going to be a spitfire. She fizzled out. There were several characters introduced, that I thought would become integral to the plot, but they just disappeared.
And if a character has a supernatural talent, I'd like to see it. The gifts of the Wherlockes and Vaughns are so underused. Amp up the paranormal a little if you're going to throw it in there anyway. At least that could have been interesting!
The characters sit around and whine. And talk. And talk. And talk. Lord, every other page was rehashing the same, "Oh, I've made mistakes. Oh, I can't believe my flesh and blood would do that to me. Oh, woe is me."
Very little action. The bad guy doesn't make his full appearance until the end. We're told how bad he is, but it wouldn't stand up in a court of law as hearsay!
This book followed the same formula as "If He's Sinful", minus the interesting, witty characters. I hate giving books 2 stars (especially if I find them good enough to at least finish), but a 3 says I liked it, a 2 says I didn't. Too many things made me roll my "inky blue eyes."
November 11, 2025
I'm on the fence between 3 and 4 stars. It was good and keep me pretty interested to get it read in a few days, but it wasn't a 'couldn't put it down' or 'didn't want to put it down' book. And it certainly isn't a book that makes you think deep thoughts. No this will probably be mostly forgotten after the year is through.
There were many sentences in the book that I had to slow down on to understand because of lack of commas in a long sentence with multiple ideas. I suspect if I read more of her books, I would get used to it but for now, it had me slowing down and every once in a while re-reading. It is the way the sentences are worded.
At points, there was just too much talk about what the other person felt or was thinking. It would drone on and I would be zoning out thinking, 'OK, I get it!'.
So the story was pretty good even though the conclusion seemed too easy. The romance was good though a little too talked out.
So over all between a 3 and a 4. This is a historical romance with a little psychic powers thrown in.
There were many sentences in the book that I had to slow down on to understand because of lack of commas in a long sentence with multiple ideas. I suspect if I read more of her books, I would get used to it but for now, it had me slowing down and every once in a while re-reading. It is the way the sentences are worded.
At points, there was just too much talk about what the other person felt or was thinking. It would drone on and I would be zoning out thinking, 'OK, I get it!'.
So the story was pretty good even though the conclusion seemed too easy. The romance was good though a little too talked out.
So over all between a 3 and a 4. This is a historical romance with a little psychic powers thrown in.
July 21, 2011
This is highly over-rated and much hyped book. Title is absolutely misleading. I love Hanna Howell's books but this was utter disappointment. I lost my interest halfway through...
Hero (I am not sure u can call him that because he did nothing heroic so as to say) is not wicked at all but may be that is why title says "IF" he's wicked, may be then story would have been more interesting. He is puppet nothing else. Heroine is equally bad, she is supposed to be wise, gifted with sight; she saves hero's heir and raises him since infancy, helps her sister deliver her baby and still doesn't know how to recognize pregnancy?? such a contradiction... I can rave on and on about it.
Story is predictable, nothing left to guess, nothing to intrigue reader but even simple straight forward stories can be made interesting. In short, Complete waste of time.
Hero (I am not sure u can call him that because he did nothing heroic so as to say) is not wicked at all but may be that is why title says "IF" he's wicked, may be then story would have been more interesting. He is puppet nothing else. Heroine is equally bad, she is supposed to be wise, gifted with sight; she saves hero's heir and raises him since infancy, helps her sister deliver her baby and still doesn't know how to recognize pregnancy?? such a contradiction... I can rave on and on about it.
Story is predictable, nothing left to guess, nothing to intrigue reader but even simple straight forward stories can be made interesting. In short, Complete waste of time.
December 26, 2022
I have listened to this entire series 5 times in the past 2 years. The authors story told by this narrator is just so good I never want to leave the books. I have just over 100 audibles I haven’t listened to yet so I keep coming back for the experience of the listen and not the lack of anything else to listen to.
The characters in this book are just so easy to connect with. Chloe is such a strong h, she is protective of her family. I love how close and dependable the Wherlocke family are. As always I look forward to the next book.
The characters in this book are just so easy to connect with. Chloe is such a strong h, she is protective of her family. I love how close and dependable the Wherlocke family are. As always I look forward to the next book.
November 4, 2014
This series begins with a promising tale about a young psychic and her part in holding together the life of a lord. She saves his son, saves him, and helps him thwart his enemies. The writing is not great, there were several instances of amateur wording, and there was a redundancy that got on my nerves, but it was fairly enjoyable.
November 24, 2020
DNF - At first the plot was great, the characters had some special talents, there was a sweet child that acted their age. So what went wrong - well there's the writing style, truly awful. The story is TOLD with a pages and pages of detailed thoughts, actions and interactions. I gave up at 61% because I'd lost the will to live.
December 31, 2018
What is it with me and romance novels, that even if they are not great, I still want to keep reading them, and actually enjoy them, even if I don't LIKE them? This book, it was just okay. I liked it because it had a fairly unique(to me) storyline. The abilities of the Wherlocke family were not an original idea, but I liked how they were all using those various abilities for that whole "good of King and Country" type thing. I liked how the typical portrayal of pompous aristocracy of the time period was done differently. They were there, yes, but as a whole they were minor blips, not major players. I mean, if we can have characters with conveniently situational super powers, then we can have people with conveniently unconventional ideals for the time period too! It's one of those happy ending type books, where everything is wrapped up nicely with a pretty bow.
It wasn't a great book. I honestly can't even say if it was a good book. But I didn't hate it. I MIGHT even consider reading more in the series. But as with my feelings on the book, I just don't know.
It wasn't a great book. I honestly can't even say if it was a good book. But I didn't hate it. I MIGHT even consider reading more in the series. But as with my feelings on the book, I just don't know.
October 8, 2017
This was a really good book that was definitely written well. I enjoyed the characters and all their personalities. This was emotional, suspenseful, strong, there was plenty of courage, some 'special' attributes, interesting and had a great HEA. I will be searching out more in this series and I can't wait. I was turning pages like no tomorrow and couldn't wait to see what would happen next. Enjoy!
November 4, 2018
"..the child’s attention was immediately drawn to a small herd of sheep peacefully grazing on the hillside..." seriously!
February 7, 2021
I think this is my first Hannah Howell book. It was really good and I plan to read the next book in the series.
February 6, 2022
This was a nice little surprise. I've been looking for a good vampire romance (it's not), but there was a little tiny supernatural element that made it different and kept my interest.
February 14, 2015
Ce livre avait tout les ingrédients pour me convaincre. Hannah Howell nous promettait de la romance, de la romance historique – encore mieux! – le tout saupoudré de fantastique. En effet, tout y est!
Malheureusement, je n’ai pas eu de coup de cœur ni même vraiment appréciée la lecture. J’ai fini le livre mais plus par automatisme et parce que j’avais envie de connaitre malgré tout la fin de l’histoire.
Nous sommes plongée en pleine période de la Régence, période que j’affectionne tout particulièrement depuis ma rencontre enflammée avec Mr Darcy. Classiquement, les personnages sont jugés par leurs pairs, toute l’aristocratie a un avis sur nos deux héros. Ce qui fait vraiment la différence par rapport à une romance historique ordinaire est le fait que Chloé soit dotée d’un don. De plus, Hannah Howell intègre une intrigue assez complexe et intéressante. De quoi donner un coup de boost à la romance historique!!!
Néanmoins, les points positifs s’arrêtent ici.
Cela commence dès le premier chapitre où l’auteur insère immédiatement les bases de son intrigue. Cependant, si je n’avais pas été assez éveillé à ce moment là de ma lecture, je n’aurais absolument rien compris. On entre dans le vif du sujet sans que les personnages ne nous soient présentés, cela nécessite donc de faire un peu – beaucoup – de gymnastique de l’esprit.
Ensuite, de nombreuses longueurs et tergiversations pèsent sur le récit. Et la romance n’arrive pas relever le niveau. Toutes les trois pages, un « conseil de guerre » réunissant Chloé, Julian et Leo, est rassemblé dans le bureau de ce dernier pour mettre au point un plan afin que Julian survive à sa « charmante » femme. Ces réunions sont très longues et surtout très répétitives car les mêmes faits sont discutés encore et toujours sans vraiment que cela fasse avancer l’intrigue. Ce qui m’a mise sur les nerfs – et oui, rien que ça! – à plusieurs reprises.
Enfin, les personnages… Si Chloé et sa famille ont une histoire qui aurait pu être attrayante grâce à leurs nombreux dons, l’auteure exploite que très peu ce particularisme. Notre couple de héros manque cruellement de ce petit quelque chose qui les rendraient captivant. Et à part le petit Anthony, aucun personnage n’a retenu mon attention.
La magie n’a manifestement pas opéré sur moi. Ce qui est dommage parce que sur le papier, la romance historique était prometteuse. Je ne lirais certainement pas la suite. J’essayerais tout de même de lire « Le Clan Murray », autre romance historique du même auteur traduit chez Milady, parce que les Highlanders sur les couvertures sont vraiment alléchant!
Malheureusement, je n’ai pas eu de coup de cœur ni même vraiment appréciée la lecture. J’ai fini le livre mais plus par automatisme et parce que j’avais envie de connaitre malgré tout la fin de l’histoire.
Nous sommes plongée en pleine période de la Régence, période que j’affectionne tout particulièrement depuis ma rencontre enflammée avec Mr Darcy. Classiquement, les personnages sont jugés par leurs pairs, toute l’aristocratie a un avis sur nos deux héros. Ce qui fait vraiment la différence par rapport à une romance historique ordinaire est le fait que Chloé soit dotée d’un don. De plus, Hannah Howell intègre une intrigue assez complexe et intéressante. De quoi donner un coup de boost à la romance historique!!!
Néanmoins, les points positifs s’arrêtent ici.
Cela commence dès le premier chapitre où l’auteur insère immédiatement les bases de son intrigue. Cependant, si je n’avais pas été assez éveillé à ce moment là de ma lecture, je n’aurais absolument rien compris. On entre dans le vif du sujet sans que les personnages ne nous soient présentés, cela nécessite donc de faire un peu – beaucoup – de gymnastique de l’esprit.
Ensuite, de nombreuses longueurs et tergiversations pèsent sur le récit. Et la romance n’arrive pas relever le niveau. Toutes les trois pages, un « conseil de guerre » réunissant Chloé, Julian et Leo, est rassemblé dans le bureau de ce dernier pour mettre au point un plan afin que Julian survive à sa « charmante » femme. Ces réunions sont très longues et surtout très répétitives car les mêmes faits sont discutés encore et toujours sans vraiment que cela fasse avancer l’intrigue. Ce qui m’a mise sur les nerfs – et oui, rien que ça! – à plusieurs reprises.
Enfin, les personnages… Si Chloé et sa famille ont une histoire qui aurait pu être attrayante grâce à leurs nombreux dons, l’auteure exploite que très peu ce particularisme. Notre couple de héros manque cruellement de ce petit quelque chose qui les rendraient captivant. Et à part le petit Anthony, aucun personnage n’a retenu mon attention.
La magie n’a manifestement pas opéré sur moi. Ce qui est dommage parce que sur le papier, la romance historique était prometteuse. Je ne lirais certainement pas la suite. J’essayerais tout de même de lire « Le Clan Murray », autre romance historique du même auteur traduit chez Milady, parce que les Highlanders sur les couvertures sont vraiment alléchant!
August 3, 2016
Hannah Howell is comfort reading for me, and she is one of those historical authors that I have reread so many times. But I’ll admit, when she left the Murray/Macenroy families I kind of just stopped. I wasn’t sure I wanted a new commitment, and a new family. So I just kind of avoided her for the past 6 years, until earlier this year when Highland Guard came out and it reminded me why even the books that don’t blow me away make me so happy to settle in and read them. So I looked around and realized Oh heck, there’s like 7 books in this “new” series, where do I even start? Well at the beginning actually, so I got my Houston library card and settled myself on the waiting list.
And once I started reading this, I remembered the other reason I passed this book over, and consequently the series as a whole. It was my old bugaboo; spousal infidelity. Granted, in this case Julian’s wife is one of the most evil women imaginable, but yeah, this is not my favorite trope. It wasn’t so bad, because Beatrice is so completely, irredeemably, evil, but that is kind of another issue for me, the cardboard evil woman. But, we never see them living as husband and wife, so it is not the worst handled way for this trope. I judged it tolerable.
Honestly, I don’t have a ton to say about this book. The paranormal aspects are fun and like the Murray’s times 100, plus it looks like we have a fun cast of familial characters to dig into. I liked the hero and heroine though they might be a tad too blandly perfect. And the story was oddly happy despite any horrible things that happened. So it was a pleasant way to while away a few hours. I don’t regret reading it and would recommend it to fans of wall paper historicals who like to glom series, as I will likely keep reading the rest of it. https://burnsthroughherbookshelf.word...
And once I started reading this, I remembered the other reason I passed this book over, and consequently the series as a whole. It was my old bugaboo; spousal infidelity. Granted, in this case Julian’s wife is one of the most evil women imaginable, but yeah, this is not my favorite trope. It wasn’t so bad, because Beatrice is so completely, irredeemably, evil, but that is kind of another issue for me, the cardboard evil woman. But, we never see them living as husband and wife, so it is not the worst handled way for this trope. I judged it tolerable.
Honestly, I don’t have a ton to say about this book. The paranormal aspects are fun and like the Murray’s times 100, plus it looks like we have a fun cast of familial characters to dig into. I liked the hero and heroine though they might be a tad too blandly perfect. And the story was oddly happy despite any horrible things that happened. So it was a pleasant way to while away a few hours. I don’t regret reading it and would recommend it to fans of wall paper historicals who like to glom series, as I will likely keep reading the rest of it. https://burnsthroughherbookshelf.word...
November 23, 2013
3,5/5 :)
Ce premier tome constitue une bonne lecture. Il propose une romance, of course, mais qui reste plutôt discrète au profit de la menace perpétrée contre Julian Kenwood. Si ce n'est quelques longueurs et des personnages principaux manquant un peu de relief, l'ensemble reste réussi et se suit agréablement. L'auteur a créé une intrigue intéressante, l'apport du don de Chloé apporte un joli plus à l'histoire, histoire comportant d'exquis passages romantiques, des passages empreints de danger et de tensions, d'autres plus calmes qui sont autant joyeux que tristes, d'ailleurs certains faits sont marquants, et la fin est une vraie réussite. J'ai aimé et je découvrirai avec plaisir les autres tomes de la série.
Ma chronique complète : http://bloggalleane.blogspot.fr/2013/...
Ce premier tome constitue une bonne lecture. Il propose une romance, of course, mais qui reste plutôt discrète au profit de la menace perpétrée contre Julian Kenwood. Si ce n'est quelques longueurs et des personnages principaux manquant un peu de relief, l'ensemble reste réussi et se suit agréablement. L'auteur a créé une intrigue intéressante, l'apport du don de Chloé apporte un joli plus à l'histoire, histoire comportant d'exquis passages romantiques, des passages empreints de danger et de tensions, d'autres plus calmes qui sont autant joyeux que tristes, d'ailleurs certains faits sont marquants, et la fin est une vraie réussite. J'ai aimé et je découvrirai avec plaisir les autres tomes de la série.
Ma chronique complète : http://bloggalleane.blogspot.fr/2013/...
January 30, 2013
A fun alternative series combining a light paranormal romance with Georgian historical light suspense.
It is an easy, enjoyable book. From saving the hero from himself ("rutting like a goat and drinking oneself blind seemed a little excessive") to Chloe's nice motherly instincts and a well-considered, well-planned World, it works. There is nothing to complain about, and lots of love.
http://www.amazon.com/review/RD15O7DD...
It is an easy, enjoyable book. From saving the hero from himself ("rutting like a goat and drinking oneself blind seemed a little excessive") to Chloe's nice motherly instincts and a well-considered, well-planned World, it works. There is nothing to complain about, and lots of love.
http://www.amazon.com/review/RD15O7DD...
February 4, 2017
This book took from me alot of time to finish it , Oh dont get me wrong , I mean it is all about bad timing . Any way , this was my first abnormal historical and I loved it. Cloe has a gift of knowing things .She and Julian are lovely together and we are introduced to her family who all have gifts like her. There is a funny sentence here ( like rabbits ) believe me, you will laugh alot from reading it . Great book.
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