Book info

• Title When He Was Wicked
• Author Julia Quinn
• Year 2004
• Genre Romance

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...

Thoughts

In the previous couple of books we’ve heard about Francesca being widowed and hiding away in Scotland, but now we get to understand a bit more of the details behind that story. It’s a sad start, particularly as you know what’s coming - he goes to bed with a headache, uh-oh! And the rest of the book is the will-they-won’t-they between Francesca and Michael, and it gets a bit creepy in places, but ultimately comes to a happy ending, so I guess we can be happy with that.

Rating: 2 / 5