Review: When He Was Wicked

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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 . . .

Genre: historical romance

Publication date: February 2017

Mature content: yes

 

Review: When He Was Wicked is book 6 in the Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn (I have read and reviewed all the previous 5 books, you can search for the reviews in the side bar). 

While I loved Francesca and Michael's story, I found the second part of the book much weaker than the first. 

At the beginning of the book we are finally presented with the details of how Francesca lost her first husband, of her subsequent "exile" in Scotland and Michael's departure to India - and their simultaneous return to London four years later. There are lots of things happening - from Michael's struggles with malaria to Francesca's hunt for a new husband - and the story flows really well.

 

The second part of the book is mostly just Francesca and Michael going back and forth about whether or not they should get married. And it's a lot heavier on the sexual content than most of the other books in the series. 

So...overall still a good book and a nice addition to the series - but definitely not the best one, in my opinion.

 

Happy readings,

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