When He Was Wicked

Francesca was nice and all, but I didn't immediately love her as much as the other Bridgerton ladies. Also, it turns out I find realistic grief rather boring? Michael started out great, but kind of... I don't know. I'm kind of left feeling nothing about this book. Which, I guess, is much better than hating it! ( )

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. ( )

a very touching story... ( )

My least favorite Bridgerton book so far, but still an OK read. ( )

Francesca felt like the forgotten Bridgerton, in the other stories she's the one who was married and away so she conveniently didn't feature in the stories of her other siblings - other than her eldest sister. I think I might have like this book a little more if we have a real reason why Michael - and then Francesa - loved each other. Mainly it was physical attraction, and while that is all well and good, it can't be lasting. Their conflict was her deceased husband, and allowing themselves to be together after his death, and this was fine, but I wished there was more. ( )