If He’s Daring (Wherlocke Series) 

by Hannah Howell

Book Blurb:

In a dazzling new novel in the Wherlocke family saga, New York Times bestselling author Hannah Howell creates an unforgettable story of intrigue, jeopardy, and desire. . .

Stealing a stranger's carriage is the second most reckless thing Lady Catrin Gryffin de Warrene has ever done. The first is succumbing to her powerful attraction to the carriage's owner. Catrin has heard the rumors about Sir Orion Wherlocke's family and their otherworldly gifts. He's the one person who can keep her son and his inheritance safe from her late husband's ruthless brother. As for how to protect herself. . .it may be too late for that.

Orion is facing the worst danger a man of his ilk can find: a woman he can't walk away from. Catrin is an intoxicating blend of innocence and sensuality, and for the first time, seduction is far more than a game. But her beauty and fortune have made her a target--one that will dare him to risk everything he's known--in pursuit of everything he's ever longed for. . .

5 Gold Crowns

Reviewed by Vikki

This is not the first time I have read books by Hannah Howell. In fact, I have read some of the others in this series. I was not disappointed with this addition to the family saga. The author has another winner, creating a remarkable story of intrigue and fear of loss.

Lady Catryn de Warrenne arrives home to find her father bleeding and her son stolen by his uncle. Racing through the house, she grabs a few belongings and her pistol. She gallops across London to Sir Morris de Warrenne’s townhouse only to watch in horror as he shoves Alwyn into his carriage. With a hard glare thrown her way, he joins her son in his coach. Her one saving grace is the heavy traffic, which slows his progress.

Desperate to catch him before he hits the open road, she weaves through traffic, keeping him in her sights. Then much to her dismay, her mare stumbles, turning up lame. She sees a carriage ready for to depart. Brandishing her pistol at the driver, she commanders the vehicle. She gives the servant her father’s name, assuring him that he will cover the cost. She snaps the reins and takes off after Morris’s carriage. Imagine her shock when she discovers young Giles Wherlocke ensconced inside when she stops to rest the horses.

Sir Orion Wherlocke exits his townhouse to find his carriage stolen with his son inside. When he catches up with it, and hears Catryn’s sad plight, he agrees to help. Little does he realize that he will soon burn for the feisty woman. Will Orion surrender his freedom and marry the lady, or go back to his philandering ways after they rescue her son?

I thoroughly enjoyed this excellent story. With plenty of plot twists and action, it kept me on the edge of my seat from the first page to the last. Ms. Howell’s writing style is flowing and smooth, drawing me in, enmeshing me in the tale of the mad dash to recover Catryn’s son, and the growing passion between the heroine and the hero. The story is extremely well-written, full of deep emotion, keeping me in its thrall. The author’s ability to paint a scene had me feeling as if I were with them as they raced across England. Her writing not only titillates the senses, it has you feeling the emotions of the characters deeply. The deep devotion for her son moved me beyond words. She masterfully weaves in the back story without slowing the pacing down.

I received this book as an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review, and I’m so glad I had the pleasure of reading this wonderful love story. I loved how Ms. Howell lets the reader gain a sense of the Georgian period without it becoming intrusive. She entwined the paranormal elements and the romance with an expert’s touch. If you enjoy a tale filled with action-packed scenes and passion-filled moments, tastefully written, then this is a book you will not want to miss. Happy reading!