Everything was so much simpler... when he was wicked.
In
every life there is a turning point. A moment so tremendous, so sharp
and breathtaking, that one knows one's life will never be the same. For
Michael Stirling, London's most infamous rake, that moment came the
first time he laid eyes on Francesca Bridgerton.
After a
lifetime of chasing women, of smiling slyly as they chased him, of
allowing himself to be caught but never permitting his heart to become
engaged, he took one look at Francesca Bridgerton and fell so fast and
hard into love it was a wonder he managed to remain standing.
Unfortunately for Michael, however, Francesca's surname was to remain
Bridgerton for only a mere thirty-six hours longer—the occasion of their
meeting was, lamentably, a supper celebrating her imminent wedding to
his cousin.
But that was then... Now Michael is the earl and
Francesca is free, but still she thinks of him as nothing other than her
dear friend and confidant. Michael dares not speak to her of his
love... until one dangerous night, when she steps innocently into his
arms, and passion proves stronger than even the most wicked of
secrets...
We are at Francesca’s story in The Bridgerton's saga. Early in the series we learn that Francesca is married to an Earl, but we don’t get the details of the relationship. In When He was Wicked, we get Francesca and John Stirling’s backstory. They are still married and very much in love. Michael Stirling, John’s cousin, and best friend has loved Francesca from afar since he met her at their wedding. Michael never let anyone know his feelings and played the rake with a bevy of women to cover his true desire. Francesca and Michael are friends. They enjoy each other’s company in a purely platonic way. The three of them spend a lot of time together laughing and having fun. John’s sudden death changes everything.
Michael is now Earl. He is consumed by grief and worries that he wished John dead because of his love for Fran. One would think that Michael would begin to pursue his friend and longtime love interest as soon as appropriate, but no. Michael is grieving and makes some decisions that surprised me. I understand his grief, John is his best friend. Michael feels guilty for his feelings, but he never acted inappropriately with Francesca. Francesca is grieving too. Her husband is gone, and her best friend, Michael, leaves her to grieve alone.
When Francesca decides that she can begin to look for a new husband, Michael becomes jealous. Now the push-pull that I hate becomes the name of the game. I am already angry with Michael because he leaves Francesca to grieve alone. Now he comes back in her life and still treats her with kid gloves not like the friends they were.
I was also angry with Francesca. After her mourning years, she wants a husband, and yet she throws Michael's advances back at him. They rubbed me the wrong way to the point that I had to walk away from the book for a few hours. I don’t have a problem with push/pull when there is a valid reason, but these two were just ridiculous.
Parts of the story were a little confusing because the
timeline is parallel to the two previous books.
It took me a few chapters to get this timeline straight in my head. I loved Colin in this book. We see the old Colin that wasn’t present in
his book. He recognizes what is going
on with Michael and Francesca. He gives
solid brotherly advice in true Colin fashion.
I also loved the ending when these two get their heads on straight. When He Was Wicked is important
to the series, but not as memorable as other books in the series. If you get this book, make sure it includes the second epilogue--it makes the story.
3.5 STARS
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