When He Was Wicked: Bridgerton: Francesca's Story

A New York Times Bestseller

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Julia
Quinn comes the story of Francesca Bridgerton, in the sixth of her beloved
Regency-set novels featuring the charming, powerful Bridgerton family, now a
series created by Shondaland for Netflix.

FRANCESCA’S STORY
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 . . .

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Published Jun 29, 2021

464 pages

Average rating: 7.98

138 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

fromlizaslibrary
Mar 29, 2025
8/10 stars
Francesca was a mystery to me throughout this series. She wasn’t present often and there were mostly just mentions about her and how she’d been widowed after 2 years of marriage, so I was very intrigued to get her story. John’s death is not a shock but Michael’s character was a bit of a surprise for me. It’s interesting to see how much he already loved Francesca and although we can tell she cares for him too, everything felt a bit rushed. I won’t deny I really loved their story, this actually might be one of my favorites in the series, but when I really think about it the relationship just kind of.. happened. What was different about this one though was the spice. It’s the spiciest of the Bridgerton books in my opinion and not because of volume but rather the content. I’ll just say the book is appropriately named when we say he is wicked.
Bri_b
Jan 10, 2025
8/10 stars
Audio version!
hxllybxnnxtt
Aug 14, 2024
8/10 stars
For once in a period romance, it's so refreshing and somewhat attractive, to see the hero pining after the heroine. Watching Michael guiltily pine over Francesca, whilst she was battling her conflicting and confusing feelings towards the man, made for such an angsty, yet interesting read. It took a different approach to the rest of the books in the series, because Francesca was clearly married before and left widowed, which made for interesting read.
Brilovesbooks
Jul 30, 2024
8/10 stars
I didn’t like how she held out for so long but I did like her guessing and second guessing and both of their struggle to come to terms with their feelings
Princessjm216
May 04, 2024
9/10 stars
steamy af

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