A review by laurenjodi
When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn
3.0
When He Was Wicked
3.5 Stars
Synopsis
Michael Stirling fell in love with Francesca Bridgerton at first sight. The only problem is that she was about to marry his cousin. Michael vows to keep his love secret but everything changes when his cousin John dies and Francesca is suddenly free. Will she ever see him as anything more than a handsome rake? Can she reconcile the idea of one of her oldest friends with the man for whom she feels a sudden and unexpected passion?
Review
A disappointing addition to the series.
The beginning is incredible and had me on the verge of tears, but the book loses momentum thereafter and it isn't until the last few chapters that things pick up again. Moreover, the witty dialogue and humorous antics that characterize the other books are lacking, and the absence of most of the Bridgerton clan is very noticeable. Finally, the timeline is also problematic as the story takes place in parallel with books #4 and 5, and the allusions and references to these stories creates disunity and may be confusing to some readers.
That said, Michael is an amazing hero - so patient, loyal and loving. He is simply fantastic and to be honest, Francesca doesn't deserve him. She comes across as obtuse and irritating. Her constant rejection of Michael had me growling in frustration. Again, it is only at the end that I managed to warm up to her and the final scenes are excellent.
Overall, not my favorite but worth reading just for Michael.
3.5 Stars
Synopsis
Michael Stirling fell in love with Francesca Bridgerton at first sight. The only problem is that she was about to marry his cousin. Michael vows to keep his love secret but everything changes when his cousin John dies and Francesca is suddenly free. Will she ever see him as anything more than a handsome rake? Can she reconcile the idea of one of her oldest friends with the man for whom she feels a sudden and unexpected passion?
Review
A disappointing addition to the series.
The beginning is incredible and had me on the verge of tears, but the book loses momentum thereafter and it isn't until the last few chapters that things pick up again. Moreover, the witty dialogue and humorous antics that characterize the other books are lacking, and the absence of most of the Bridgerton clan is very noticeable. Finally, the timeline is also problematic as the story takes place in parallel with books #4 and 5, and the allusions and references to these stories creates disunity and may be confusing to some readers.
That said, Michael is an amazing hero - so patient, loyal and loving. He is simply fantastic and to be honest, Francesca doesn't deserve him. She comes across as obtuse and irritating. Her constant rejection of Michael had me growling in frustration. Again, it is only at the end that I managed to warm up to her and the final scenes are excellent.
Overall, not my favorite but worth reading just for Michael.