Review: When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn

Series: The Bridgertons Book #6

Format: Mass Market Paperback

Pages: 368

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

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... 

Review

This was actually my first Julia Quinn book ever and this is my first time re-reading it. It is an unrequited love story, but it does work for me. 

In this one, the hero is the one who has been secretly in love with the heroine. He can get a little angsty, but it never feels like too much. There's an added layer of tension because Francesca is married to Michael's cousin. I think this marriage is what ends up making the romance so believable. Michael loves his cousin so he is around a lot. It causes them to build a strong friendship. This can then act as a foundation for their romance.

Francesca is different from a lot the other Bridgertons, but she is still one of them. She's a lot more calm then her siblings. And I liked reading her relationship with her mom-they both were widowed young. Michael is also a nice character to read. He's very in touch with his emotions/feelings.

Julia Quinn also includes some interesting medical situations. She's done this a few times in her books and I always enjoy the added elements. She briefly went to medical school and her husband is involved in the field of medicine.

This may be my new favorite Bridgerton novel. I'm glad I decided to re-read this series, just because I got to read it again.

Thanks for reading!

Holly