When He Was Wicked
by Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgertons #6
Series Rating:
Published by Avon on February 28, 2017
Genres: Regency Romance
Pages: 404
Format: Paperback
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Also in this series: The Duke and I , The Viscount Who Loved Me , An Offer From a Gentleman, Romancing Mister Bridgerton , To Sir Phillip, With Love , It's in His Kiss , On the Way to the Wedding , The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After
In every life there is a turning point . . .
A moment so tremendous, so sharp and breathtaking, that one knows one's life will never be the same. For Michael Stirling, London's most infamous rake, that moment came the first time he laid eyes on Francesca Bridgerton.
After a lifetime of chasing women, of smiling slyly as they chased him, of allowing himself to be caught but never permitting his heart to become engaged, he took one look at Francesca Bridgerton and fell so fast and hard into love it was a wonder he managed to remain standing. Unfortunately for Michael, however, Francesca's surname was to remain Bridgerton for only a mere thirty-six hours longer—the occasion of their meeting was, lamentably, a supper celebrating her imminent wedding to his cousin.
But that was then . . . Now Michael is the earl and Francesca is free, but still she thinks of him as nothing other than her dear friend and confidant. Michael dares not speak to her of his love . . . until one dangerous night, when she steps innocently into his arms and passion proves stronger than even the most wicked of secrets . . .
When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn is a glorious look at second love and finding a way through grief.
Can Francesca see Michael as more than a friend? Can love save them both?
Francesca Bridgerton Stirling
We start with Francesca happily married to John the Earl of Kilmartin. They are much alike and even finish each other’s sentences. You can see they love each other. Then one day, John dies unexpectedly, and Francesca is lost. She mourns the loss of her husband for four years. Then Michael returns from India, and even though she has decided to move on, she feels guilt for the feelings that she is having for Michael.
I feel like Francesca is different from the other Bridgertons. She is more independent and less in need rushing to her mother’s counsel, not that the others do that a lot. However, Violet plays a more significant role in their lives than Francesca’s life. I also liked the Scotland scenes. It was nice to see the countryside from Francesca’s viewpoint. While she is not one of my favorite Bridgertons, I find that I was drawn into her story completely.
Michael Stirling, Earl of Kilmartin
Michael is secretly in love with Francesca, even though she is married to his cousin John. Yet, when John dies, and Michael inherits the title, he runs off to India. Does this make him a coward? I didn’t think so, and I felt like he needed time to adjust to his new place in life and grieve for John. It was also a way to stay away from Francesca. I think it helped him come into his own. He changed while he was away.
I like Michael, but most women do as he is completely charming and a flirt. It was nice to see him finally admit to Francesca his feelings for her. I think that it is lovely when he stands up for her honor. The two of them make a wonderful couple.
Colin Bridgerton
While we see Violet, Eloise, and Hyacinth at the beginning, Colin helps Michael realize that marriage to Francesca would be perfectly fine. I rather liked the way Colin used his charm to make Michael see what was right in front of him all along.
Four Stars
I continue to be drawn into the Bridgerton family stories, but I found that I missed the rest of the family meddling in Francesca’s life in this installment. The scenes in Scotland were lovely, yet entirely different from London. I also find that I miss Lady Whistledown. Yet, Ms. Quinn nails the romance and draw between Francesca and Michael. My rating for When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn is four stars. I recommend this series and hope you have or are watching the first and second seasons of the series on Netflix.
Bridgertons Series
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn.
Until the next time,
About Julia Quinn
A graduate of Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges, Ms. Quinn is one of only sixteen members of Romance Writers of America’s Hall of Fame. Her books have been translated into 32 languages, and she lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest.
The Bridgertons, her popular series of historical romance, is currently in production by Shondaland as a Netflix original series starring Julie Andrews, Phoebe Dynevor, and Rége-Jean Page.
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