When I looked up over the internet about the various Bridgerton novels and their rankings, I found this novel somwhere at an average rating. But as I read the synopsis, it piqued my interest. The novel is about moving on and letting go of guilt, of embracing change and accepting a new person. Francesca was a character never really explored much in other novels. She was very much non-existent. That fleshed out well as her character is shown to be fiercely private and reserved. Francesca kept an air of mystery around herself, and so did her match- Michael Stirling. He hid his true feelings and remained loyal to his cousin John for as long as he could. When Francessca was ready to move on and find a husband to have babies, love was the last thing in her mind. She had experienced marital bliss which she wasn't willing to share with anyone else so she was pretty sure she wanted a loveless marriage. But little did she know Michael had been pining for her for far too long, and he could provide her everything that John gave her. But that would mean she was enjoying her episodes with Michael and that would mean she had forgotten John. Which broke her heart.
The last chapter brought me to tears. It really is hard to give up on your first love. To mourn, to let go, to keep those flowers on their grave. It really is difficult. Tormenting even.
And to add to the torment, the author also introduced infertility. I am not a person who wishes to have children, but I am sure that if I am told I can't have them, I would cry every night to sleep. It is devastating to think that so many couples who crave desperately to hold a little piece of their partners in their arms, are denied that fate. Thankfully by the end of the epilogue they are given that chance.
What I loved about this book was the male lead was not some proud bloke wandering without a goal. The Bridgerton boys were privileged in all sorts of ways. Anthony may act as the patriarch, but even in his book he acts as a douche for most of the story, misusing his power and mostly enjoying in his rakish lifestyle. Michael on the other hand was man to whom everything was thurst upon. He was a mix of all Bridgerton boys, and still was his own thing. He was a rake like Anthony once was, as cocky as Collin and as wicked as Benedict. But what he was not, was that he had utter respect for his woman right from the beginning. She was not his foe, or pastime, or sidekick. She was his muse. And he was desperately in love with her. But even with all that he never forced his way on her. He let her take charge- every single time. He let her come to him, and always waited for consent.
(Of course I wouldn't say the Bridgerton boys did not ask for consent. But in more ways they had their way with their women and the girls simply fell to them losing any control of their situation). Michael let himself be dragged and played and tore apart, if only it meant Francessca was happy. He never forced anything. He tried whatever he could and let her take her time.
I wouldn't say this is my favorite one, but it is definitely better than Collin and Anthony's stories. My favorite is Benedict's story though, reasons I would elaborate in the review of that book. The stakes were simply higher and I found Sophie to be a woman of high integrity. And having read Frncessca's story, I find her to be a woman of regard as well. She is a tough protagonist, (Sophie was tougher), who also has a wicked sexual side. [This book should actually be named: When SHE was wicked]. Nevertheless, I enjoyed their love story more than other Bridgerton novels. Not because it was as thrilling as Benedict's, or as erotic as Anthony's, but rather it was way more functional as it's own. The love between the two was selfless, and they shared values that could be passed on without shame. The conflict that drove them, was very relatable to any of us. Grief. And the guilt of letting go of the grief, of a person we promised ourselves that we will mourn for life, is quite a big deal. All my stars to this book.
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![When He Was Wicked: Bridgerton (Bridgertons Book 6) by [Julia Quinn]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51RuYQ6aZ7S._SY346_.jpg)
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I don’t like about this book is the quality of the book, the book title in the spine overlaps in the cover page. I never thought Hachette would allow such poor quality book to be sold.
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Book quality not satisfactory
By Kindle Customer on 8 April 2022
I don’t like about this book is the quality of the book, the book title in the spine overlaps in the cover page. I never thought Hachette would allow such poor quality book to be sold.
By Kindle Customer on 8 April 2022
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