Narrator: Rosalyn Landor
Title: When He Was Wicked
Series: Bridgertons #6
Genre: Historical Romance
Format: Audiobook
Published: June 29, 2004
Where I got It: My shelf (Audible)
Summary:
Everything was so much simpler... when he was wicked.
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:
Slowly finishing this series. I'm trying not to rush through it since we have so much time before the next season comes out (I heard late 2023)...but it is so hard not to gobble the whole series up in one sitting.
This one follows Francesca Bridgerton and Michael Stirling. Francesca thought she had her happily ever after when she married John. However, life is cruel. After John dies, Francesca is alone. She is even more alone when her best friend (and cousin to her late husband), Michael, leaves for India suddenly. Time goes on and he finally returns years later. She is done mourning and ready to remarry. Michael is done chasing women and decides maybe he should marry. He wishes he could marry Francesca since he has been in love with her for years, but it would be wrong to marry his cousin's widow. He dares never tell her how he feels until one dangerous night when she steps into his arms...
Poor Fran. Life is a cruel, cruel thing. She was so happy with John. And all she wants is a baby!! UGH. The feels.
Sure, I felt bad for Michael too because of his loving her the whole time. I wanted Fran and him to be together....but I didn't want John to pass away. I was hoping he was a cruel man and tossed her to the side or something. The little we get to learn about John he was a good egg. Michael is a rake, but a good egg too. I can see how Michael felt so guilty about his love for Fran.
I really liked this one. It had a really different format than the others. It takes forever for Fran to realize she has feelings for Michael too (that are not just physical) but it was needed. It is hard going from friends to lovers ESPECIALLY when they are technically family members too (he being her late hubby's cousin). You can't help but cheer when they finally find common ground and their HEA.
OMG the additional epilogue had me clapping. Make sure to read the version that has the 2nd epilogue, because you will cheer like me. It will break your heart but the ending is just so sweet.
Def do the narration. The narrator is simply perfect for these books. She is great.
Sighs. I may need to read the next book or re-read Colin's book. I have been seriously itching for season 3 of the show. GAH.
In the end, I really, really liked this. It was a slow burn when you read Fran's POV, but with Michael, you can feel how much he aches for her. It was def my favorite of the series. So good. And that 2nd epilogue? OH my feels. 5 stars for sure.
Challenge(s):
- #3 for Audiobook challenge
- #3 for Audiobook challenge
