When He Was Wicked: Bridgerton: Francesca's Story Paperback – June 29, 2021

I've read all of the Bridgerton Books (in one week). I won't run through a synopsis of this book (or any others mind you) as each one has been cataloged and described in detail.I initially fell head over heals in love with Simon, Daphne Bridgertons' husband in the first book "The Duke and I". Simon in still a favorite and was so until Michael came along in "When He Was Wicked".I came to love Anthony Bridgerton more through his appearance in subsequent novels than his own "The Viscount Who Loved Me." Although his roles in other novels were brief his strength, authority and the responsibility and love he feels for his family really shine in the two books succeeding his and in Daphne's story preceeding. The dining room scene in "To Sir Philip With Love" is truly priceless. The thought of four gorgeous, powerful and thoroughly all male Bridgerton brothers coming to save the day is enough to make any girl (young or old at heart) giddy.I loved each book, each hero and each heroine separately and for their own individuality. I've read hundreds of novels and I have found that for the most part, other than variations in coloring (hair, eyes etc often completely different than that described in the book) my hero and heroine in each usually retain the same appearance in my minds eye. Not so with the Bridgerton series. Julia had done a brilliant job of bringing each character to life in both personality and looks (even though the Bridgerton children are regularly noted to be so similar in look they are nearly interchangeable). I am able to vividly recall the individuality of each of the Bridgerton children and their perspective spouses throughout each book. From Francesca's blue eyes to Colin's green. I even pictured Benedict's slightly taller stature than his brothers before Julia even mentioned it in the first ballroom scene in "The Duke and I" when Daphne is talking to her three eldest brothers. Only Michael in "WHWW" did I have a hard time picturing with ebony hair, he always came up lighter in my mind. (odd as he's my favorite male by far.)"WHWW", "Romancing Mr.Bridgerton" and "To Sir Philip" actually all take place simultaneously at the same point in time. You could actually read them in any order you like. I'm glad "WHWW" was the one I read last because I don't think I would have enjoyed Colin or Eloise's story as much since I would have been expecting the same level of fever and passion that is in "WHWW"."WHWW" is unlike the other books simply due to it's more melancholy nature. It does however have much more wit and humor in it than I was led to believe it may through other reviews. There is definitely a shift in Julia's writing with "WHWW". It's more mature, deeper emotionally and holy Mary is it steamy. Completely wicked on a level the others don't quite subscribe to. Michael simply took my breath away. As I said there is something delicious and sensual about Simon that endeared me to him from the first book but Michael Stirling leaves me breathless. Ooohhh La La where can I get a man like THAT!? It does take a lot longer for anything to happen between Frannie and Michael than in the other books but under the circumstances had anything happened sooner it would have seriously discredited the grief and guilt that Michael and Frannie were dealing with. Like I said though what Julia makes you wait for is truly worth the wait.Of all the books, "WHWW" was the only one that also really touched me on an emotional level. At the end of the book I found tears rolling down my cheeks as Frannie talked with John at his grave. Julia really did a phenomenal job with this book and hope she realized the task she has laid before herself when both Gregory and Hyacinth have their stories told. Anything less than what Michael and Frannie exposed us to and it will be like raising a sail with a gentle breeze.I miss Michael and Frannie already. I do wish Julia would have added more to the epilogue instead of leaving the reader hanging wondering if Frannie ever does conceive. This was such a main point of the book and the catalyst of sorts that brings the two together. Of course I'm sure if her and Michael have a son (I can only hope this is confirmed in Hyacinth's book) they name him John. It's rather predictable but under the circumstances only fitting.Thank you Julia for creating such a wonderful family and such deliciously, delectable, delightfully, dashing men. It does make returning to the real world a little bitter sweet however.

Julia Quinn did it again! I love the Bridgertons Books series! Her character development is outstanding, I highly recommend reading not only this book but series

It had to be slow. They both loved John and it took a while for them to love each other without guilt. Michael had 4-6 years, which is why it took Francesca time to agree to marry him.And I feel like her issues with getting pregnant were well done.You can watch Brooklyn Nine-Nine Season 7 episode 6. They show the same issue and the actress Melissa Fumero said that it actually happened to her that way and she wanted to be very careful with showing it in TV.A very compelling story but Book 2 and 4 are still my faves.

This book flowed quite nicely. A beautiful love story that swept me off my feet as much as it did our heroine, Francesca. Sometimes, it is difficult to get out of our own way, when looking love in the face. ACCEPT that love, and embrace it for the miracle it truly is,

I loved how it was a different kind of love story. How people deal with loss and grief and still be able to move on and be happy.

I found this book a quick read because I couldn’t put it down! Interesting read. Loved it

But then Michael seeks other women after kissing Francesca... man, it would've been pretty good otherwise 😏(nothing happens since he only wants her- but the intent is there 😑grrrr) AND Francesca was so WISHY WASHY in general that it gave me whiplash😐.The book starts off by showing us what Francesca's life as a married woman is, with her husband John. Then, one day, he dies, suddenly, after experiencing a headache. Francesca's heartbroken, but luckily, she has John's cousin Michael to help her heal, except that Michael has always wanted Francesca since he first laid eyes on her. In fact, he missed getting to know her by MINUTES, minutes in which he could've wooed her first. There's always been this closeness with Francesca and Michael, and of course John as well. It was always the three of them, except that Michael was a rake/playa/manhoar, but Francesca cared for him regardless. Little did she know that the whole time, he was pining for her, secretly.When John passes away, Francesca and Michael form another type of bond as well, except that she's grieving, grieving for the loss of her husband and the loss of the baby she's carrying (she finds out when he passes away😞). Yet Michael still loves her too deeply to continue staying around in their platonic relationship, so he leaves for four years. When he returns, things feel slightly awkward between them, but the friendship that they've always had is still there... until he starts to show how attracted he is to her.Now, I get it, Francesca lost her husband, but when he comes back FOUR years later and feels attracted to Michael, she fights it SO much. Like, SOOOO much🤦🏻‍♀️. This whole time, Michael is still very much in love with her; however, he understands her hesitancy to pursue anything with him, and they BOTH feel guilty😬- UNTIL Michael decides that he wants them to get married and will do anything, ANYTHING to convince her (bow chicka bow wow)🥵🔥.Oh, praise Jesus... the freaking chemistry🔥, the smexy scenes😅, the intimate times were NUCLEAR🥵🥵🥵! I was SWEATING with how steamy my kindle was getting as I was reading. Jeeezus, this is by FAR the STEAMIEST of the Bridgerton books. Thank the Lord because THAT is what helped this book for me🤤. Francesca is the only h in the series that isn't a v (since she was married before) and I LOVED that- because that meant she could be a sly little minx and seduce him back as well😉 (I mean, cue the "bow chicka bow wow" song here🥵) Gah! Thank you Julia Quinn for allowing the h to embrace her sexuality and love of sex- I. WAS. HERE. FOR. IT. ALL!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻I love that this is an "I've had a crush on you for a long time" book (I mean, Colin and Penelope's book, Romancing Mister Bridgerton, is kind of like that, except this is the H that's had the crush). Once Francesca stopped fighting her feelings and attraction to Michael, it gets HOOOOOOOOT🔥- and then... and then... she feels guilty and retreats back into herself (womp womp😐). But, Michael won't back down, and I APPRECIATED his DILIGENT and SEDUCTIVE approach to convince her 😉😅(*rounds of applause*). But that doesn't mean that his patience will last a lifetime either😏.I really enjoyed this book- it would've been perfect if Francesca didn't fight her feelings so dang much AND if Michael hadn't gone to the stupid "club" 🙄(with a brothel section of it). Grrrr!!! 🤬⚠️Safety Squad⚠️-the h's husband dies and we experience her grief-the h suffers a devastating miscarriage-no cheating-no omd/owd (but hold on)-the H goes to his "club" (cough cough brothel cough cough) after he kisses the h because she rejected him and he feels let down. Women seek him out and he THINKS about it, but realizes no one is the h so he can't go through with it

I read this post part 1 of season 3 of Bridgerton - bad call.Immediately sad about John.That said!! I like Michael and I like Francesca. Their constant pushing one another away was a little tiring by the end, but their genuine friendship saved it for me.They have the typical Julia Quinn™️ banter, and when Fran finally opens her eyes, the chemistry really hit as well.

After reading all the other love stories, I was hesitant to start this book. Although it started out a bit slow, it was worth it. And the epilogue brought me to happy tears. As someone who struggled with infertility it really hit home.

I love it! Francesca's story it's simple the best, but the book presentation can be so much better.

Romantic, soft and good entertainment. I loved this book.

Me ha encantado como todas las historias de la saga

libro bellissimo, letto in pochissimo tempo.