Bridgerton: When He Was Wicked
Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate link(s). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
When He Was Wicked, a book review
The sixth book in the Bridgerton series follows Francesca’s story. Julia Quinn writes the ‘dangerous’ trope of the reformed rake and an attempt at some type of forbidden love.
The book starts a little differently than the others. Francesca is already married to her love, John. John unexpectedly passes away leaving the estate in the hands of Francesca and his cousin, Micheal.
Michael was a brotherly best friend to John, and later a ‘third wheel’ to John and Francesca, making the three best of friends. Michael, being the wild and free rake, held a deep secret. Feelings and longing for Francesca! He could never betray and disrespect John by having Francesca for himself, even long after John’s passing.
You can purchase this book on Amazon here, or listen to the audiobook on Audible!
Thoughts
I did get a bit frustrated with this book, and it made me realize that maybe smutty romance novels aren’t my thing. Or I just might be too critical when it comes to characters.
What I perceived as the type of conflict between the two main characters, especially Michael, was that it was man versus himself. Both Francesca and Michael ended up having strong lusty feelings for each other. Michael before John’s death, but for Francesca it was long after John’s death. When things started to get too steamy for both of them to handle, both of them had a hard time admitting their feelings because of John.
It bothered me. The first reason is that I personally thought that the author did not give us readers enough time to really form an attachment to John. Yeah, he is a great guy and loves his wife and his cousin dearly. It would be an easy guess if he had time to grant wishes before his unknown death, he would be ok and most likely happy and content that Michael married Francesca. Secondly, during these times, it was not uncommon for a widow to remarry to a sibling or cousin of the deceased husband.
I just thought it was a weird denial emotional struggle that both characters faced. Especially Michael. Maybe it was guilt that I just didn’t understand.
Another note…
I realized I do not speak on the smut in these books. They are romance novels, so there is a lot of it. I do have to say that so far in this Bridgerton series, this is the smuttiest book. Scandalous.
Francesca
I do like Francesca. She is a bit of the oddball in the family. But more in a way that she is more reserved and to herself. She loves her family but she also values and enjoys her own space and company.
It did irritate me when she once called out for Michael a bunch of times. But I can let go and forgive.
Michael
Michael the rake. I do not know. The reform player trope is such a dangerous one. The reason why is because it is so unrealistic, and yet many women still try and believe that they can change a man’s ways. I mean I love that crap, but as I am getting older, the trope does not seduce me as it did anymore.
An Austen Moment
I did not find anything that related to Jane Austen, which is a bummer to me. I wish it was for the sake of this review to make it more aligned with this blog. The Bridgertons is still Regency Era, for now. The books’ settings are now toward the end of the Regency Era.
If interested in reading the book, you can purchase on Amazon or listen to the audiobook on Audible!
Read next: It’s in His Kiss
Read the previous Bridgerton book reviews here: book 1, book 2, book 3, book 4, and book 5.
