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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
The things I do to heal my heart after the high of The Duke & I takes over my life...
I love Bridgerton with all my heart, and this book was fine. While I found it captivating, especially in the second half, the first half was a bit of a struggle because as a reader I was merely told how I'm supposed to see the relationship between Michael, Francesca and John, instead of actually being shown their dynamic. It's especially a shame that that was underdeveloped because it could've been easily solved by adding one chapter to it that would focus on their dynamic.
I've read a couple of other reviews on here and I have to, to a degree, agree with them. Many said that again the reader is only told that Michael is a shameless flirt and a charming rake, but... You don't really see that. Again, it's something that could've been so easily fixed with a sentence here and there of how he had a sexcapade. Even the one he actually attempts to have falls flat and it doesn't end up happening.
It's just a shame that it seems like the author's heart wasn't in it, as even the writing, especially compared to the first three books and to a degree even fourth, seems so lazy. While Simon, Anthony and Benedict got telling and flowing descriptions, Francesca's book often gets a single simple sentence. It worked amazingly some times, when the tension was broken with humour, but other times it often missed the mark.
The premise of this book is what really drew me in and when Michael's and Francesca's characters actually seemed like they've known each other for a long time and also were really good friends, the chemistry was impeccable. It wasn't a bad book, I just see how it could've, in many ways, been even better. Obviously, if it wasn't good or readable, I wouldn't have finished it as quickly as I have, and while it still remains unmatched to the first three books, Michael was still amazing and loved every bit of him that I could get.
I love Bridgerton with all my heart, and this book was fine. While I found it captivating, especially in the second half, the first half was a bit of a struggle because as a reader I was merely told how I'm supposed to see the relationship between Michael, Francesca and John, instead of actually being shown their dynamic. It's especially a shame that that was underdeveloped because it could've been easily solved by adding one chapter to it that would focus on their dynamic.
I've read a couple of other reviews on here and I have to, to a degree, agree with them. Many said that again the reader is only told that Michael is a shameless flirt and a charming rake, but... You don't really see that. Again, it's something that could've been so easily fixed with a sentence here and there of how he had a sexcapade. Even the one he actually attempts to have falls flat and it doesn't end up happening.
It's just a shame that it seems like the author's heart wasn't in it, as even the writing, especially compared to the first three books and to a degree even fourth, seems so lazy. While Simon, Anthony and Benedict got telling and flowing descriptions, Francesca's book often gets a single simple sentence. It worked amazingly some times, when the tension was broken with humour, but other times it often missed the mark.
The premise of this book is what really drew me in and when Michael's and Francesca's characters actually seemed like they've known each other for a long time and also were really good friends, the chemistry was impeccable. It wasn't a bad book, I just see how it could've, in many ways, been even better. Obviously, if it wasn't good or readable, I wouldn't have finished it as quickly as I have, and while it still remains unmatched to the first three books, Michael was still amazing and loved every bit of him that I could get.
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
"When He Was Wicked" is a delightful installment in the Bridgerton series that follows the journey of Francesca Bridgerton and her love interest, Michael Stirling. Known for her engaging storytelling, Julia Quinn does not disappoint with this narrative.
Francesca and Michael’s romance is a classic slow burn, filled with tension and unspoken feelings that kept me turning the pages. The development of their relationship is beautifully plotted, showcasing both the frustration and the sweetness that come with love. I found myself rooting for them, even as their journey unfolded at a leisurely pace.
Quinn’s sharp wit and charming dialogue added depth to the characters, and I appreciated Francesca’s growth throughout the story. She is a relatable character, grappling with loss while trying to find her place in the world. Michael, on the other hand, is wonderfully flawed, making him an engaging counterpart to Francesca.
While I enjoyed their story and the romantic tension, I must admit that it didn’t quite hold the same special place in my heart as some of the other Bridgerton books. Regardless, it’s a perfect quick summer read, providing just the right mix of humor, romance, and emotional depth.
Overall, "When He Was Wicked" is a charming addition to the series, sure to satisfy fans of historical romance. If you’re looking for a heartfelt tale with memorable characters and a beautiful, slow-building romance, this book is definitely worth your time!
Francesca and Michael’s romance is a classic slow burn, filled with tension and unspoken feelings that kept me turning the pages. The development of their relationship is beautifully plotted, showcasing both the frustration and the sweetness that come with love. I found myself rooting for them, even as their journey unfolded at a leisurely pace.
Quinn’s sharp wit and charming dialogue added depth to the characters, and I appreciated Francesca’s growth throughout the story. She is a relatable character, grappling with loss while trying to find her place in the world. Michael, on the other hand, is wonderfully flawed, making him an engaging counterpart to Francesca.
While I enjoyed their story and the romantic tension, I must admit that it didn’t quite hold the same special place in my heart as some of the other Bridgerton books. Regardless, it’s a perfect quick summer read, providing just the right mix of humor, romance, and emotional depth.
Overall, "When He Was Wicked" is a charming addition to the series, sure to satisfy fans of historical romance. If you’re looking for a heartfelt tale with memorable characters and a beautiful, slow-building romance, this book is definitely worth your time!
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
2.5/5 • Francesca y Michael no me cayeron tan bien. John es mi favorito.
I liked the forbidden love start, with the hero meeting the heroine just as she is about to marry his cousin. Oh no, they can never be, and he's forced to be around that happy couple. And they are happy. So he's content to be a rake, the couple's third wheel, almost best friend to the heroine.
And then his cousin, the Duke or Earl or whatever nobility, has a little headache.
So he heads off the bed. And he's DEAD.
You knew he had to die.
He wasn't the hero of this story. So sorry, John.
We hardly knew you.
Then, when Francesca was finally available, Michael, who has loved her from afar for over 2 years . . . disappears. He's the new Duke, with his cousin dead and no children from his brief marriage to Francesca. What's a Duke to do?
Run away to India.
I liked the chapter headers, showing the progression of correspondence back and forth with Michael and various family members during his years in India before he returns. I like that Francesca never sent him a letter. I liked that they both felt like they didn't deserve happiness, and had to fight for it. It was a good story.
And then his cousin, the Duke or Earl or whatever nobility, has a little headache.
So he heads off the bed. And he's DEAD.
You knew he had to die.
He wasn't the hero of this story. So sorry, John.
We hardly knew you.
Then, when Francesca was finally available, Michael, who has loved her from afar for over 2 years . . . disappears. He's the new Duke, with his cousin dead and no children from his brief marriage to Francesca. What's a Duke to do?
Run away to India.
I liked the chapter headers, showing the progression of correspondence back and forth with Michael and various family members during his years in India before he returns. I like that Francesca never sent him a letter. I liked that they both felt like they didn't deserve happiness, and had to fight for it. It was a good story.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Joder, el final me ha emocionado 🥹❤️🩹. Maravilloso, sinceramente me parece que es el mejor libro de los Bridgerton, acaba de pasar a ocupar el puesto número uno para mí en la saga. Michael y Francesca son perfectos.