When He Was Wicked
Bridgerton: Francesca's Story
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4.3 • 681 Ratings
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- £2.99
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- £2.99
Publisher Description
A New York Times Bestseller
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn comes the story of Francesca Bridgerton, in the sixth of her beloved Regency-set novels featuring the charming, powerful Bridgerton family, now a series created by Shondaland for Netflix.
FRANCESCA’S STORY
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 . . .
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
An unexpected tragedy creates a second chance for love in this steamy slice of historical fiction from Regency-romance queen Julia Quinn. Michael Stirling fell hard for Francesca Bridgerton at the worst possible moment—when she was about to marry his closest cousin, John. Caring too much about both of them to ruin their happiness, Michael focuses on the joy he gets from simply having Francesca as a friend. But emotions get complicated when unexpected tragedy strikes. We were impressed with the connection that develops between Francesca and Michael. (And rest assured, this is a true friendship, not some creepy guy just waiting for his chance.) Quinn doesn’t gloss over the complicated grieving process for her main characters, either. As a result, the romance that begins to spark between them feels all the more sweet and satisfying. Even if you’re new to the Bridgerton phenomenon, When He Was Wicked will make you an instant fan.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Unlike the hero of Quinn's newest Regency-era romance, who falls in love with his cousin's wife upon first sight, readers won't be swept off their feet by the protagonists of this tale. Indeed, while Michael Stirling, dubbed the Merry Rake, is charming enough, subdued Penelope Bridgerton rarely seems worthy of his pursuit. All is well at the novel's outset, aside from the fact that Michael covets his cousin, the Earl of Kilmartin's, wife. Then, barely two chapters into the book, his cousin suffers an aneurysm and dies. Devastated and unable to cope with his new position as earl and his feelings for Penelope, Michael flees to India for four years, only to return still very much in love and suffering from malaria. In London, the two attend social events, trade quips and try to restore their friendship, but the more intimate they become, the more their feelings of guilt gnaw at them. Guilt is the only thing that stands in the way of the couple's happiness, and it's often frustrating to witness their slow, overwrought progression from denial to acceptance. While this book possesses some of the qualities that Quinn's fans have come to expect sprightly prose, feverish love scenes and well-developed secondary characters it is weighed down by the sheer intensity of the protagonists' grief.
Customer Reviews
Loved it
This is by far the best book in the bridgerton series (i’m reading them in order).
Without a doubt the best book of the series so far
I hope they bring these characters to life, passionate & steamy I loved every minute of reading this story. I fell in love with Michael and the story of Francesca .. I couldn’t put the book down & when I did I couldn’t wait to find out what’s happening next .. I didn’t want it to end..
One of the best!
I had two favourites in this series and this was the first one.
In the show, you don’t really meet Francesca and I actually didn’t realise she was one of the siblings until I started reading the books.
I expected I’d be bored by her story seeing as they didn’t find it important to include her as a main character in the show so I assumed (very wrongly) that’s hers wouldn’t be that exciting a read. I definitely didn’t expect for it to be one of my favourites.
Both main characters are flawed, human and deeply loyal to Francesca’s first love and Michael’s cousin who passed away much too young.
Their coming together is not rushed. It’s slow, patient and perfect for them. It’s such an incredible book.