When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn

When He Was Wicked (Bridgertons, #6)

by Julia Quinn

'If God ever wanted to smite a sinner, he couldn't do better than Michael Stirling. Michael Stirling, Sinner. He could see it on a calling card. He'd have had it printed up, even - his was just that sort of black sense of humour - if he weren't convinced it would kill his mother on the spot. Rake he might be, but there was no need to torture the woman who'd borne him.'

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 bachelor, 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...

Reviewed by Amanda on

4 of 5 stars

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When He Was Wicked lacks the lighthearted fun of other Julia Quinn novels, but at the same time, it's to be expected. This is the story of Francesca, how she's widowed, and how she falls back in love. It deserves a certain amount of gravity, and Julia Quinn delivers.

And when I say "how she's widowed," I meant exactly that---the book begins with Francesca married to Michael's cousin. It's an odd, uncomfortable situation (as I'm sure it's meant to be) that I haven't experienced before in a romance novel.

But at the same time, we get to see John, Francesca's first husband, and who he is and how he's important not just to Francesca, but to Michael, too. And that's important, later on, when both are dealing with a new relationship.

And then there's the "Michael's always been in love with Francesca" twist too. Not gonna lie, he spends a good portion of the book loving her from afar that it's surreal almost when they finally get together. Buuuut. That doesn't mean I didn't like it. More that this book has situations I'm not used to in my romance novels.

Different can be good. And seriously. It's Julia Quinn. How can you not love Julia Quinn? I'm a little sad my time with the Bridgertons is almost over. Who's up for a Julia Quinn month?

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 3 September, 2014: Finished reading
  • 3 September, 2014: Reviewed