Helpful Score: 5
This was definitely my second favorite book by Julia Quinn. Slightly Dangerous being my first. I was so intrigued the moment I started reading it, I was unable to put it down. I have read many books but only a couple that start out with the man being in love with the woman first. I found it very passionate and I was I was in tears at the end, especially the last line of the epilogue. I would recommend this book to any romance fan.
Helpful Score: 3
Wonderful book. Sixth of the Bridgerton Family series. I have only read one other book in this series but will read them all. Have enjoyed both. The other books in this series, in order, are:
"The Duke and I"
"The Viscount Who Loved Me"
"An Offer From a Gentleman"
"Romancing Mister Bridgerton"
"To Sir Phillip With Love"
"The Duke and I"
"The Viscount Who Loved Me"
"An Offer From a Gentleman"
"Romancing Mister Bridgerton"
"To Sir Phillip With Love"
Helpful Score: 2
This book brings you on an emotional ride between laughter and sadness to tears.
Helpful Score: 2
A lovely unrequited love edition of the Bridgerton saga. Maybe a bit too much angst, but Francesca and Michael are wonderful together.
Helpful Score: 1
Wonderful dialogue between all characters and great sense of humor. There is also this delicious tension continuing throughout the work -- we must wait for the hero and heroine to figure out and speak their truth.
Helpful Score: 1
a bit of a steamy romance novel, where the good guy is kinda the bad guy, too (THE BEST KIND!!) that was a personal note
Helpful Score: 1
I love Julia Quinn and think her characters are some of the most engaging in romantic fiction. That said, this book got a little tiresome after a while. Just a little too much "I must be noble and not lust after my cousin's wife". I just wanted them to get over it. Still better than most romances out there.
Helpful Score: 1
Another top favorite of mine in the Bridgerton series. This was one a slightly edgier, character-driven book, focusing more on the emotions of the hero and heroine through their relationship.
Helpful Score: 1
I greatly enjoyed this book. While being rather steamy in it's description of the love scenes, it was not uncalled for and only added to the enjoyment of the read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance novels!
Helpful Score: 1
I read this book because I love the Bridgerton's but this was a real disappointment. I thought the book was creepy and I did not like the way Michael treated Francesca at all. One of Quinn's weakest book, in my opinion, but you should read it to complete the series.
Helpful Score: 1
This story is about Micheal Stirling, London's most infamous rake and he has finally found a women he can see himself with for the rest of his life the only problem she is about to wed his best friend in 36 hours.
After the marriage he fells guilty about his feelings for Francesca Bridgeton. Francesca has no idea and build a home with John, Micheal's best friend and cousin.
But that was then ...Now Francesca is free but still only sees Micheal as just a friend..until one night
wow what a book the beginning kind of was slow then booooooyyyyyy does it make your heart start.
After the marriage he fells guilty about his feelings for Francesca Bridgeton. Francesca has no idea and build a home with John, Micheal's best friend and cousin.
But that was then ...Now Francesca is free but still only sees Micheal as just a friend..until one night
wow what a book the beginning kind of was slow then booooooyyyyyy does it make your heart start.
Awesome book -- love Julia Quinn and the whole Bridgerton series
Julia Quinn in one of my favorite authors. If she writes it, I read it. However, this book falls a little short compared to the others she has written.
I have read the Bridgerton series from the start and have been completely drawn in to the dynamics of this fun loving caring family. Francesca's story started out real real slow for me. I kept thinking it going to capture me soon, but it just didn't. I read all of the book and the last few chapters to me were probably the best.
I do have to recommend the Bridgerton series to you. I have loved every one; however, this wasn't my favorite.
I have read the Bridgerton series from the start and have been completely drawn in to the dynamics of this fun loving caring family. Francesca's story started out real real slow for me. I kept thinking it going to capture me soon, but it just didn't. I read all of the book and the last few chapters to me were probably the best.
I do have to recommend the Bridgerton series to you. I have loved every one; however, this wasn't my favorite.
Francesca's story... For me it started slow, but then picked up momentum and turned into another great addition to the Bridgerton series.
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 liftime 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 thinks of him as nothing other than her dear friend and confident. 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...
After a liftime 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 thinks of him as nothing other than her dear friend and confident. 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...
IN EVERY LIFE there is a truning point A momnent so tremendous, so sharp and breathtaking, that one knows one's life will never be the same. For Michail Stirling, London's most infamouse rake, that moment came the first time he laid eyes on Francesca Bridgerton.
After a lifeime of chasing women, of smiling slyly as they chased him, of allowing himsilf to be cvaugt but never permitting his heart to become engaged, he took one look at Grancesca Bridgerton and fell so fast and had into love it was a wonder he managed to remain standing. Unfortunately for Michael, however, Grancesca's surname was to remain Bridegerton for only a mere th36 hours longer-the occasion of their meeting was, lamentably, a supper celebrating her imminent wedding to his cousin.
But that was then, NOW Michael and Francesca is free, but still she thinks of him as nothing other than her dear freind and confident. Michail dares not speak to her of his love, until one danferous night, when she steps innocently ont his arms and passion proves stronger than even the most wicked secrets. okay sort of.
After a lifeime of chasing women, of smiling slyly as they chased him, of allowing himsilf to be cvaugt but never permitting his heart to become engaged, he took one look at Grancesca Bridgerton and fell so fast and had into love it was a wonder he managed to remain standing. Unfortunately for Michael, however, Grancesca's surname was to remain Bridegerton for only a mere th36 hours longer-the occasion of their meeting was, lamentably, a supper celebrating her imminent wedding to his cousin.
But that was then, NOW Michael and Francesca is free, but still she thinks of him as nothing other than her dear freind and confident. Michail dares not speak to her of his love, until one danferous night, when she steps innocently ont his arms and passion proves stronger than even the most wicked secrets. okay sort of.
not the best one in the series
Another wonderful Bridgerton book! (#6 in the series.)
Fast read!
Another great addition to the Bridgerton series. Francesca and Michael are an interesting couple. A bit of a slow start, but the pace picked up.
Really good installment of the Brigerton saga. Michael Stirling falls in love with Francesca Bridgerton upon their first meeting which is great, except that he meets her at her engagement party to his cousin!
This is a great read and is in equal parts funny and touching. Each of the eight Bridgerton sibs have a story and each one is better than the last.
This is a great read and is in equal parts funny and touching. Each of the eight Bridgerton sibs have a story and each one is better than the last.
JULIA QUINN HAS ALWAYS BEEN ONE OF MY FAVORITE AUTHORS, BUT SHE HAS OUTDONE HERSELF WITH THIS BOOK! IT\'S THE FIRST BOOK OF HER \"BRIDGERTON FAMILY\" SERIES, THAT I\'VE READ AND I LOVED IT! CAN\'T WAIT TO READ THE OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES.
Nicely written for a romance novel.
Caitlin I. (caitlinireland) reviewed When He Was Wicked (Bridgertons, Bk 6) on + 13 more book reviews
Definitely darker than the previous books in the series, but enjoyable nonetheless.
This is a very good book, the male is very likable and I rooted for him throughout. It took a bit to get them together but it was an enjoyable read all in all. It is 6 of the Bridgerton series and if you liked the others you most likey will like this one too.
The Bridgerton family books are sweet historical romances, that always leave you smiling.
The story begins with a John and Francesca Stirling...and, well, Michael Stirling, too. John and Francesca are a couple that epitomizes the meaning of a "happy marriage".
In chapter one, we are given a good view of just how perfectly matched and madly in love John and Francesca are. However, we are given this view through the eyes of Michael Stirling--John's cousin and best friend.
Although it is John who holds the title, and John who is seemingly the more responsible of the two, both men share many similar qualities. They are both kind, caring and intelligent, and unfortunately, both men are very much in love with the lovely and vivacious, Francesca.
No one is wise to that last little bit of information, of course. Well, no one save Michael--and you (the reader) *wink*.
For years Michael has been tormented by a secret longing for the one woman he knows he could never have. Yes, he was quite the playboy, and yes, he'd had his fair share of women through the years, but never--ever would he even consider making his move on his cousin's wife. He loved John far too much. And Francesca, well, Francesca is simply far too in love with John, and not to mention she wasn't the sort of woman to indulge in such a scandalous affair.
So silently Michael suffered, trying everything in his power to push his wicked desires to the back of his mind. He felt guilt ridden and ashamed of his thoughts, and yet, no matter how many women he bedded or how desperately he tried to avoid close proximity to Francesca, still he was plagued by his love for her.
At this point you absolutely LOVED John and Francesca. You envied their love for one another. And yet, you can't help but feel so terribly sad for Michael. He was just so tormented in his love that it made you want to scream. To view John and Francesca through his eyes was terribly heartbreaking. Just when you begin to wonder where the heck JQ is going with this tale, it takes a sudden turn.
Enter the "darkness"...
Francesca is terribly in love. John is everything she could have ever dreamed of in a husband. Loving, caring and kind. They are so completely in tune to the other's thoughts and desires that Francesca couldn't even begin to imagine her life without him. He is her other half completely and truly.
Now, if only she could manage to find someone just as special for John's cousin Michael...
With John complaining of a terrible headache, Francesca urges him to lay down for a bit while she and Michael take a little stroll. What she never imagined was that her perfect little life was about to come to crashing down around her.
John was gone. Just like that. He went in for a nap and never came out. But that was only the beginning.
Forced to bury her husband and endure a terrible miscarriage, Francesca is left emotionally broken and feeling terribly alone. Although she is surrounded by family and friends, she feels the only person who could possibly understand her grief is Michael, who she knew loved John just as much as she.
Michael is beside himself with grief. It was bad enough losing his cousin and seeing Francesca suffer through the loss, but now, he is to inherit the title. Every mention of it, every document he is forced to sign only makes Michael feel as if he is driving yet another nail into his cousin's coffin. As for Francesca, in his love, he wants nothing more than to comfort her. To hold her and tell her that somehow everything will be alright. But she isn't his to comfort and so unable to cope with the stress, Michael flees.
Years pass, and because Michael has not married, Francesca continues with her duties as countess. Michael has written, and yet, Francesca can't bring herself to respond. It took time, but slowly she has begun move on with her life. She will always love John, and miss him forever, but she has come to the realization that she doesn't want to be alone. She wants children. She wants a family and the only way she will ever have that is if she were to re-marry.
And so, Francesca decides she is going to spend the season in London. She knows she will never love again but hopes that maybe, she will find a man suitable enough to marry. Thanks to the magic of romance, this just so happens to be exactly the moment that Michael returns.
Michael realizes he need to get past his grief, and face not only his future but Francesca as well. And so he returns to his home, with the hope that what he had once felt for his cousin's wife had somehow managed to subside since he had been gone.
And....Nope. It's worse. And with the sudden knowledge that Frannie is in search of a husband, Michael finds his emotions in complete turmoil. He knows he has no right to feel this way. She deserves to be happy, especially after all she had been through. But, dammit, he can't be the one to make her happy. He may very well just stomp on his beloved cousin's grave if he ever acted on his desires. Yet, these feelings just won't go away. He tries to keep his distance. Tries desperately to remain cordial....
But when you have one man who had been secretly in love with a woman for years, and a woman who inside is desperate to feel love again--there can only be one conclusion.
Especially when you have Julia Quinn behind the keyboard :D
She made it work. She seriously made this story work. How could you love John so much and yet want Francesca with Michael? It's insane. But I did. I wanted it so badly my teeth hurt!
I sat through 200 pages. 200 PAGES of this book without a single kiss and Julia Quinn did not lose my attention for one second!
In chapter one, we are given a good view of just how perfectly matched and madly in love John and Francesca are. However, we are given this view through the eyes of Michael Stirling--John's cousin and best friend.
Although it is John who holds the title, and John who is seemingly the more responsible of the two, both men share many similar qualities. They are both kind, caring and intelligent, and unfortunately, both men are very much in love with the lovely and vivacious, Francesca.
No one is wise to that last little bit of information, of course. Well, no one save Michael--and you (the reader) *wink*.
For years Michael has been tormented by a secret longing for the one woman he knows he could never have. Yes, he was quite the playboy, and yes, he'd had his fair share of women through the years, but never--ever would he even consider making his move on his cousin's wife. He loved John far too much. And Francesca, well, Francesca is simply far too in love with John, and not to mention she wasn't the sort of woman to indulge in such a scandalous affair.
So silently Michael suffered, trying everything in his power to push his wicked desires to the back of his mind. He felt guilt ridden and ashamed of his thoughts, and yet, no matter how many women he bedded or how desperately he tried to avoid close proximity to Francesca, still he was plagued by his love for her.
At this point you absolutely LOVED John and Francesca. You envied their love for one another. And yet, you can't help but feel so terribly sad for Michael. He was just so tormented in his love that it made you want to scream. To view John and Francesca through his eyes was terribly heartbreaking. Just when you begin to wonder where the heck JQ is going with this tale, it takes a sudden turn.
Enter the "darkness"...
Francesca is terribly in love. John is everything she could have ever dreamed of in a husband. Loving, caring and kind. They are so completely in tune to the other's thoughts and desires that Francesca couldn't even begin to imagine her life without him. He is her other half completely and truly.
Now, if only she could manage to find someone just as special for John's cousin Michael...
With John complaining of a terrible headache, Francesca urges him to lay down for a bit while she and Michael take a little stroll. What she never imagined was that her perfect little life was about to come to crashing down around her.
John was gone. Just like that. He went in for a nap and never came out. But that was only the beginning.
Forced to bury her husband and endure a terrible miscarriage, Francesca is left emotionally broken and feeling terribly alone. Although she is surrounded by family and friends, she feels the only person who could possibly understand her grief is Michael, who she knew loved John just as much as she.
Michael is beside himself with grief. It was bad enough losing his cousin and seeing Francesca suffer through the loss, but now, he is to inherit the title. Every mention of it, every document he is forced to sign only makes Michael feel as if he is driving yet another nail into his cousin's coffin. As for Francesca, in his love, he wants nothing more than to comfort her. To hold her and tell her that somehow everything will be alright. But she isn't his to comfort and so unable to cope with the stress, Michael flees.
Years pass, and because Michael has not married, Francesca continues with her duties as countess. Michael has written, and yet, Francesca can't bring herself to respond. It took time, but slowly she has begun move on with her life. She will always love John, and miss him forever, but she has come to the realization that she doesn't want to be alone. She wants children. She wants a family and the only way she will ever have that is if she were to re-marry.
And so, Francesca decides she is going to spend the season in London. She knows she will never love again but hopes that maybe, she will find a man suitable enough to marry. Thanks to the magic of romance, this just so happens to be exactly the moment that Michael returns.
Michael realizes he need to get past his grief, and face not only his future but Francesca as well. And so he returns to his home, with the hope that what he had once felt for his cousin's wife had somehow managed to subside since he had been gone.
And....Nope. It's worse. And with the sudden knowledge that Frannie is in search of a husband, Michael finds his emotions in complete turmoil. He knows he has no right to feel this way. She deserves to be happy, especially after all she had been through. But, dammit, he can't be the one to make her happy. He may very well just stomp on his beloved cousin's grave if he ever acted on his desires. Yet, these feelings just won't go away. He tries to keep his distance. Tries desperately to remain cordial....
But when you have one man who had been secretly in love with a woman for years, and a woman who inside is desperate to feel love again--there can only be one conclusion.
Especially when you have Julia Quinn behind the keyboard :D
She made it work. She seriously made this story work. How could you love John so much and yet want Francesca with Michael? It's insane. But I did. I wanted it so badly my teeth hurt!
I sat through 200 pages. 200 PAGES of this book without a single kiss and Julia Quinn did not lose my attention for one second!
All of the Bridgerton Family series is well worth reading. Julia Quinn portrays her characters and plots as believable and unforgetable.
I loved the Bridgerton Family series. Julia Quinn is a great author and this was a great book
This and The Duke and I are my favorites of the Bridgerton series.The Duke and I is Daphne and Simon's story and When He Was Wicked is Francesca's and Michaels's story.
Both books are a fast read.
Both books are a fast read.
I loved it!!
One of my favorite novels by this author, only second to "An Offer by a Gentleman"!!
This is the first book I have read by Julia Quinn. Definitely will read more.
I enjoyed reading the book very much. I give it 2 stars
Quinn's Bridgerton series. This is the story of Francesca. Michael Stirling, Earl of Kilmartin, has loved her all the years she was married to his cousin, Now she's a widow.
Julia Quinn is so funny and writes beautifully. I loved this book and read it twice.
Wonderful love story, absolutely love the hero, part of a wonderful series
Another great book from this author.
All of Julia Quinn's books are funny and witty. I love them all.
Love all of this series!!
Historical romance of unrequited love and it's path to fruition. Well written. One of a collection.
This is 6 in a series of 8. Enjoyed it very much.
The best non-Bridgerton brother hero yet!!
Good story of star crossed lovers who find each other at last.
Love the Bridgerton series, always get a chuckle when reading them.
One of the most enjoyable, Francesca and Michael's journey.
DARN, BUT I LOVE A MAN WHO TRIES TO GET AROUND A LADY. HE DOES NOT WIN, SHE DOES. A VERY GOOD REGENCY READ.
Second time to read this book. Loved it both times. The Bridgerton family is always fun to read about.
My favorite Bridgerton book... and the last I needed to read in the series... loved it!!
Eileen B. (romanceaddict) -
Francesca's Story
Bridgerton series, Franesca's story...excellent
One of the books in Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series. This book is where Francesca gets her story. I enjoyed this book very much. I have read all the Bridgerton series and have enjoyed them all.
In every like there is a turning point. A moment so sharp that one knows one's life will never be the same. For Michael Stirling, London's most infamous rake, it came the first time he laid eyes on Francesca Bridgerton.
In every life there is a turining point, a moment so tremendous, so sharp and breathtaking, that one knos one's life will never be the same. For Michael Stirling, London's most finfamous rake, that moment came the first time he laid eyes on Francesca Bridgerton. Unfortunately for Michael, however, their meeting was a supper celebrating her imminent wedding to his cousin.
When Michael's cousin suddenly dies and Michael becomes the earl, Francesca can only think of him as 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....
When Michael's cousin suddenly dies and Michael becomes the earl, Francesca can only think of him as 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....
WHEN HE WAS WICKED
In every life there is a turning point. A moment so tremendous, so sharp and breathtaking, that one know one's life will never be the same. For Michael Stirling, London's most famous 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 himselft to be caught but never permitting his heart to become engaged, he took one look at Francesca Bridgerton and fellso 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...
In every life there is a turning point. A moment so tremendous, so sharp and breathtaking, that one know one's life will never be the same. For Michael Stirling, London's most famous 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 himselft to be caught but never permitting his heart to become engaged, he took one look at Francesca Bridgerton and fellso 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...
Linda K. (readingyoga-fan) reviewed When He Was Wicked (Bridgertons, Bk 6) on + 143 more book reviews
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...
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...
