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A review by ashesmann
When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
0.0
Some spoiler-ish things ahead. I knew it was unlikely I would enjoy this book. The thought of my husband dying suddenly strikes terror to my heart and I could never recover enough to find love again. I don't judge those who can, I just can't connect with that. So it was going to be a challenge anyway. But that was just the start of it.
It was sad enough when John died, but when Francesca also lost her baby it was so frustrating. Especially because for almost the entire rest of the book the child is hardly mentioned. I was disgusted by Michael's complete inability to comfort the woman he claimed to love. There is no right thing to say in that situation, but showing up is important. He not only didn't show, he ran. I don't think I ever forgave him for that. It's beyond cruel. If I was to tell the story I would have had Francesca not lose the baby, but for it to be a girl. So the Earldom did pass to Michael, but he'd stay and help with the child.
I also found Michael to be quite cruel in other ways. He grabs her shoulders roughly. Moments later Francesca tells herself he'd never hurt her, he'd die for her. I hate when characters behave that way. He did hurt you.
And then Michael chases Francesca all the way to Scotland to tell her there was going to be a wedding in her family, her brother was getting married. Instead of going back to town to assist in preparations Francesca waits. For weeks. And during that time she missed not only her brother's wedding, but also her sister. And she has the nerve to be mad about it.
I also hated how Francesca's acceptance of Michael's proposal came about. He kicks her out of his house. Her home of six years, in the night, while it's raining. He tells her to get out of the house and she does. She goes out into the rain and returns 3 hours later saying she will marry him after all. I guess it was either that or die.
I also found it distasteful how they kept comparing how they were together to her her time with John. It's not a competition, and he's dead besides.
At the the end of it I guess my distaste comes from the fact Michael claims to be in love but he doesn't in any way act like it. I honestly can't think of a single time he truly showed genuine love. Also, this may be the raciest of the series.
It was sad enough when John died, but when Francesca also lost her baby it was so frustrating. Especially because for almost the entire rest of the book the child is hardly mentioned. I was disgusted by Michael's complete inability to comfort the woman he claimed to love. There is no right thing to say in that situation, but showing up is important. He not only didn't show, he ran. I don't think I ever forgave him for that. It's beyond cruel. If I was to tell the story I would have had Francesca not lose the baby, but for it to be a girl. So the Earldom did pass to Michael, but he'd stay and help with the child.
I also found Michael to be quite cruel in other ways. He grabs her shoulders roughly. Moments later Francesca tells herself he'd never hurt her, he'd die for her. I hate when characters behave that way. He did hurt you.
And then Michael chases Francesca all the way to Scotland to tell her there was going to be a wedding in her family, her brother was getting married. Instead of going back to town to assist in preparations Francesca waits. For weeks. And during that time she missed not only her brother's wedding, but also her sister. And she has the nerve to be mad about it.
I also hated how Francesca's acceptance of Michael's proposal came about. He kicks her out of his house. Her home of six years, in the night, while it's raining. He tells her to get out of the house and she does. She goes out into the rain and returns 3 hours later saying she will marry him after all. I guess it was either that or die.
I also found it distasteful how they kept comparing how they were together to her her time with John. It's not a competition, and he's dead besides.
At the the end of it I guess my distaste comes from the fact Michael claims to be in love but he doesn't in any way act like it. I honestly can't think of a single time he truly showed genuine love. Also, this may be the raciest of the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Grief, Infertility, Miscarriage, Pregnancy, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship