About the Author
Julia Quinn is a bestselling American author known for her historical romance novels.
Quinn published her first novel named Splendid, in 1995.
Quinn’s novels are beloved for their witty and engaging characters, humorous dialogue, and charming romance.Quinn has contributed to numerous anthologies and co-written several books with other authors.
Quinn’s novels have been adapted into several successful TV series, including the hit Netflix show “Bridgerton.”
When He Was Wicked Summary
When He Was Wicked is a historical romance novel by Julia Quinn, published in 2004. The novel is the sixth book in the “Bridgerton” series.
The novel centers around the character of Michael Stirling, a close friend of the Bridgerton family. Michael has been in love with Francesca Bridgerton, the wife of his cousin, John, for many years. When John unexpectedly passes away, Michael sees an opportunity to finally pursue his love for Francesca.
The novel is set in Regency-era England and explores the societal expectations and restrictions placed on individuals, particularly women.
The novel begins with Michael recounting his childhood and his relationship with Francesca. Michael has always been in love with Francesca, but as she marries his cousin John, Michael resigns himself to being just friends with her.
However, when John unexpectedly passes away, Michael sees an opportunity to finally pursue Francesca. He attends John’s funeral and finds himself comforting Francesca, who is still in shock over her husband’s death.
Despite his feelings, Michael is hesitant to pursue a relationship with Francesca. He is aware of the societal expectations and restrictions placed on widows, particularly with regards to remarriage. He is also aware of the Bridgerton family’s feelings towards him and his reputation as a rake.
Francesca finds comfort in Michael’s company and begins to see him in a different light.
As the novel progresses, Michael and Francesca’s feelings for each other deepen. They share intimate moments and eventually consummate their relationship.
The novel reaches its climax when Francesca’s brother, Gregory, discovers her relationship with Michael. Gregory is furious and demands that Michael leave the Bridgerton family’s home. Michael is devastated by Francesca’s brother’s reaction and realizes the extent of the consequences of his actions.
When He Was Wicked is a beautifully written historical romance novel. Julia Quinn’s writing is engaging and her characters are well developed. The novel is a must-read for fans of historical romance and those interested in exploring societal expectations and restrictions in Regency-era England.
When He Was Wicked Quotes
“Tell me something wicked.”
“Oh, God, Francesca,Now there’s a good one.Why?Why? Why?” He gave each one a different tenor, as if he were testing out the word, asking it to
different people.
“Why?” he asked again, this time with increased volume
as he turned around to face her.
“Why? It’s
because I love you, damn me to hell. Because I’ve always loved you. Because I loved you when you
were with John, and I loved you when I was in India, and God only knows I don’t deserve you, but I
love you, anyway.”
Francesca sagged against the door.
“How’s that for a witty little joke?” he mocked. “I loveyou. I loveyou, my cousin’s wife. I loveyou, the
one woman I can never have. I loveyou, Francesca Bridger-ton Stirling.”
“In every life there is a turning point. A moment so tremendous, so sharp and clear that one feels as if one’s been hit in the chest, all the breath knocked out, and one knows, absolutely knows without the merest hint of a shadow of a doubt that one’s life will never be the same.”
“This thing between them, this bond—it wasn’t just passion,
and it wasn’t wicked.
It was love, and it was divine.”
“Did you wonder?” he whispered. “Did you leave me and wonder what I hadn’t told you?” He leaned in, just so she’d feel his lips move whisper-light against her ear.
“Did you want to know what I did when I was wicked? Do you want me to tell you?” he murmured. He felt her jerk slightly in surprise, and he chuckled. “Not about them, Francesca. You. Only you.”
“There were only so many ways a man‟s heart could break, and he had a feeling his couldn‟t survive another puncture.”
“Thou Shalt Not Covet Thy Cousin‟s Wife.
Moses must have forgotten to write that one down”
“It was one of those things that had to be experienced to be understood”
“A lot of women want children.”
“Right,” he said, coughing on the word. “Of course. But… don‟t you think you might want a husband first?”
“Of course.”
“Why? It’s because I love you, damn me to hell. Because I’ve always loved you. Because I loved you when you were with John, and I loved you when I was in India, and God only knows I don’t deserve you, but I love you, anyway.”
When He Was Wicked Review
As a long-time fan of the “Bridgerton” series, I was eager to read “When He Was Wicked” and see how Quinn would continue the story of the Bridgerton family. I was not disappointed.
The exploration of societal expectations and restrictions placed on individuals, particularly women is also nicely portrayed.
The romance between Michael and Francesca is also well done. Quinn takes her time building up their relationship, and the chemistry between them is palpable. I didn’t like about the novel was the way that Michael’s reputation as a rake was used as a plot device.
An enjoyable Read !!
