When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn Series: Bridgertons #6
Published by Recorded Books on 2004 June 29
Genres: Historical, Romance
Pages: 11
Format: Audiobook
Source: Borrowed from Public Library
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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 . . .
Ah…. It has been so long since I read the first book of the Bridgerton series and it is still surreal to me that I am already writing review for the 6th book in the series. Yes, I know that it took me a long time to get here…to get to this point but hey, I’m here right now. Honestly, I was already resigned to the fact that the Bridgerton Series would be another statistics to my ever growing pile of unfinished series but look at that, two more books and I’ll be saying goodbye to our beloved Bridgertons.
Do note that I did not pick this series up again just so I can keep up with the TV Show. It’s just that I am in the mood to read a historical romance and what better way to do that is to go back to a series that I enjoyed a lot. So here I am, reviewing When He Was Wicked.
Given that this is already 6th book out of an eight-book installment, I’d say that Julia Quinn was consistent and never lost her touch when it comes to writing romance. Though the plot is already glaring at where its headed and the romance development was familiar, the toe curling moments and the heartskipping feelings are still there. Julia Quinn’s prowess in eliciting giddy emotions from me are still as strong as ever. It gave me a happy feeling because going back to the Bridgerton Series was the right decision. Reading about Francesca’s and Michael’s story was just the kind of romantic read that I need to balance out the other floppy romances that I’ve had to contend with with the other books that I’m currently reading. If you must know, my appetite for unrequited love stories knows now bounds so When He Was Wicked really hit all right spots for me. Everything did not feel force between Michael and Francesca. I love that there’s a reversal to the story as it’s usually the female who harbors a deep-seated unrequited love for the male protagonist. In He Was Wicked, it was Michael who carried a torch for Francesca for years. And the fact that Michael worked hard, without being inappropriate and leading me to ask questions about female empowerment, to win Francesca’s heart endeared me to the story even more.
Yes, When He Was Wicked screams Julia Quinn all over but you will love it just like the previous books in the series. It features a slow simmering romance, coping with death of a dearly loved one, navigating one’s way to finding love again in the most unexpected places and person, and of course, the guilt of being left behind. The story might not be perfect as there was a scene that really irked me (the one where Michael got sick near the conclusion part) but overall, a lovely read for both Julia Quinn fans and non-fans.