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El corazón de una Bridgerton (Bridgertons #6)

by Julia Quinn (Goodreads Author)

3.94 · rating details · 5,384 ratings · 271 reviews

pEl diacute;a que conocioacute; a Francesca Bridgerton, Michael proboacute; por primera vez el dulce sabor del amor y el amargo gusto de la desesperacioacute;n. Porque ella era la uacute;nica de las muchas mujeres que habiacute;a conocido que le inspiraba auteacute;ntica pasioacute;n, pero era tambieacute;n la mujer de su primo John, al que queriacute;a maacute;s que a un ...more

Paperback, 350 pages

Published June 15th 2007 by Spanish Publishers (first published 2004)

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Nov 24, 2010

Shawna rated it

· review of another edition

Recommends it for: Fans of steamy, emotional historical/regency romance

Shelves: historical-romance, julia-quinn, historical-romance-regency, aar-top-100-romances-2007-2010, series-bridgertons, brothers-sisters-cousins-family, made-me-cry, hh-widow-or-widower, pregnancy-fertility-baby-kids-drama, offlimits-bf-likekidsister-jailbait, friends-to-lovers, unrequited-love, heroine-i-wanna-bitch-slap-annoying, hero-cad-rake-rogue‎-scoundrel, hero-bad-boy-playboy, angsty-dark-heavy-lotsa-drama, favorite-romance-series, 2010-reads, dirty-talk-turns-me-on, favorite-love-scenes, favorites, hero-abused-scarred-tortured-angst, hero-alpha‎, hero-expert-skilled-voracious-lover, hero-im-gaga-over, hero-mix-of-alpha-beta, hh-aristocracy-nobility-royalty, hero-stud-mantel-hall-of-fame, hero-stalk-me-baby-possessive, highlanders-hunks-in-kilts-scots, love-triangle-vying-courtships, married-couples-married-convenience, hh-physical-mental-disability-ill, i-read-own-faves-keepers, 5-stars, older-gal-younger-guy-cougar, heroine-undeserving-of-awesome-hero, hero-besotted-so-smitten-its-sexy, hero-brooding, hero-silent-quiet-type-reticent

5 stars – Historical/Regency Romance

I’ll be honest, this is the book that attracted me to Julia Quinn’s Bridgertons to begin with and the story that I was most looking forward to reading in the series. I mean, with a title like “When He Was Wicked”? Well, I knew I simply couldn’t pass it up. Although I really liked this, surprisingly, it’s not my favorite of the series. That honor is still tied between the breathtaking, fairy tale romance An Offer From a Gentleman and the sweet, ...more5 stars – Historical/Regency Romance

I’ll be honest, this is the book that attracted me to Julia Quinn’s Bridgertons to begin with and the story that I was most looking forward to reading in the series. I mean, with a title like “When He Was Wicked”? Well, I knew I simply couldn’t pass it up. Although I really liked this, surprisingly, it’s not my favorite of the series. That honor is still tied between the breathtaking, fairy tale romance An Offer From a Gentleman and the sweet, whimsical Romancing Mister Bridgerton, both of which I loved immensely.

The main reason I didn’t enjoy this quite as much as I’d hoped is because I found the heroine, Francesca, rather frustrating. Of course I felt sorry for her being widowed young and for the pain and grief she endured, but her wishy-washy attitude toward Michael really annoyed me at times. It seemed as if she sensed his hidden feelings and deep yearning all along and that she liked having him at her emotional and sensual beck and call. I honestly didn’t feel like she gave him much in return with her companionship, other than managing his estate, until towards the end that is, and there were times that I really wondered why the heck he was so completely enamored of her. But then who can possibly predict what attracts one person to another or claims to know the great, elusive mystery that is love, anyway? It is certainly not I, my friends.

Michael is such a loyal, caring, to die for, wickedly sexy, dirty talkin’ (oh my, yes!) hero, and his unrequited love for Francesca broke my heart several times over. And the love scenes? WOWZA! Let’s just say that the title is absolutely fitting. It has an endearingly sweet, deeply touching, and achingly romantic ending that brought some serious tears to my eyes, soothed my irritation with Francesca, and improved my overall enjoyment and rating. And I highly recommend reading the second epilogue, When He Was Wicked: The Epilogue II, which gives a beautiful glimpse into their future and solidifies that they truly belong together. 5 stars!

Oh, and one final thought. If I had a nickel for every time Francesca uttered the phrase “I don’t know” in this, I’d be able to buy a book! That drove me crazy!

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Feb 04, 2011

♥ Sam ♥ ~S2~Im made of awesomness rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, bridgerton-series, blog-reviews-for-my-wenchy

....'Thou Shalt Not Covet Thy Cousins Wife'....

Straight away with this chapter of the Bridgerton series you notice how different it is from the prior. Firstly there is the very noticble lack of Bridgerton family presence. Also, there has never been any real mention of Francesca in the past books. I dont even remember her being married but apparently that happened also.

Thinking back over the Brigerton Series to write these reviews I realised this was one of my favourites....more

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Dec 01, 2009

Linds rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: 1800-s, bromance, england, historical-romance, romance, unrequited-love, regency, highlander-romance, scottish

This is definitely the most intense of the Bridgerton series that I've read so far.

Francesca Bridgerton is Michael's ultimate "Jessie's Girl." He has been completely in love with her since the first time he met her. She is his cousin's (who is like a brother to him) wife. He never tries to win her, or even wish for her, but has resigned himself to bitter acceptance and self hatred for secretly wanting his cousin's wife. He tamps all his feelings down and is ashamed of hims...more

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Sep 22, 2009

Rane rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: regency-romance-napoleonic-era

After four long years of mourning her beloved husband Francesca Bridgerton Stirling is finally going back into society. Still young, she feels the longing to be a mother, and has decided to find herself a husband. But when her husband’s cousin and once her close friend returns, her simple plan seems to fly out the window.
Michael Stirling has been in love with Francesca for many years, and after the sudden death of his cousin, his life was turned upside down. Feeling he was betr...more After four long years of mourning her beloved husband Francesca Bridgerton Stirling is finally going back into society. Still young, she feels the longing to be a mother, and has decided to find herself a husband. But when her husband’s cousin and once her close friend returns, her simple plan seems to fly out the window.
Michael Stirling has been in love with Francesca for many years, and after the sudden death of his cousin, his life was turned upside down. Feeling he was betraying his cousin’s memory by loving Francesca, ran away to India for four years. Now that he has return, his mind has finally settle into his new role of Earl and his grief has passed, he’s not surprised he’s still deeply in love with Francesca, but when he finds out she wants to remarry he’s shocked, but when a plan starts to form in his head, he decides to finally risk it all on love and marry Francesca himself!

When he was Wicked has a tragic tone throughout the book, starting with the sudden death of John Stirling, Francesca’s husband and Michael’s cousin. The tone and pace never faulted but did run into a few bumps in the road.
Francesca is the lead whom changed the most, stuck in limbo after John’s death, she’s having to deal with life after a love one’s death. Turning to Michael the only other person whom loved John as much as she, was hurt when he just up and left. Not understanding that her words cut him deeply as he was to take over the role of his cousin whom he loved and seeing the woman he loved and now being to help her..

Through the book Francesca comes out from the shadows and starts to see life, but sees Michael as a man not as a friend but more. Francesca was said to be more of the loner from the Bridgerton’s with a cool head and calm persona. Sadly, she came across as more wishy-washy, always assuming she knew Michael and what he was thinking, then being hurt when she figured out she truly didn’t know the Michael now. I can fully understand her grief toward her husband, but I didn’t understand sometimes why she come across as spiteful, although she did eat crow a few times, I thought it was out of character. She did grow a see she her second chance at love with Michael and grabbed it with both hands.

Michael was scared, thrown into a role, he always saw his cousin in, then having to deal with lost and feeling he was hurting his cousin’s memory by loving Francesca. It took a long time for Michael to come to terms with all the changes in his life. But when he returned, he was more stable, more mature and ready for the role he now held. Michael could be a butthead, but he was still trying to hide his love for Francesca, but when a idea is given to him, he can’t let it go and goes out to win Francesca hand in marriage. Michael was at times more open minded to things around him then Francesca, maybe because he loved her but I felt he moved on, where Francesca still needed that push in the right direction I liked Michael and how he kept that love close to his heart for so many years and was happy he finally was able to give that love and be loved in returned.

If read as a stand alone, this book made great sense, but reading it in a series and order was kinda strange. In the time line this book takes place at the same time as Romancing Mister Bridgerton and To Sir Phillip, With Love. Luckily, they don’t dwell to much on those books, but it did feel odd to see a single Colin in the start (and half way through) the book then a sudden marriage from Eloise.
The love scenes were pretty steamy for JQ, with a almost frenzy feel to them as Michael ignites the passion and love in Francesca, whom never felt that way before. It did take a little while for Francesca to see her love for Michael, but when she does it brings a tear to your eye as they exchange “I Love You.”

Overall: a beautifully written story of second chances at love that don’t come everyday and to everybody, but when they do, one should grab them with both hands and hold them close to your heart. (less)

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Jun 21, 2011

Kelly22 rated it

· review of another edition

Recommends it for: Fans of sweet historical romance of couples with second chance

Shelves: gorgeous-handsome-attractive-hero, alpha-hero, bad-boy-rake-rogue-casanova, viscount-earl-marquess, historical-romance, highland-scotts-medieval, marriage-of-convenience, witty-humerous-funny-comedy, sweet-reunions-second-chances, hero-smitten-in-love-in-pursuit, friends-to-lover, cop-lawbody-army-bodygrd-hero, beloved-favorites, favorite-hero, good-girl-bad-boy, dirty-talker, favorite-story, reformed-rake-player, silver-tongued-sweet-talker-hero, widow-widower-divorcee, julia-quinn, heartbreaking-powerful-romance, 5-stars, 5-stars-and-higher, family-moments, hero-i-am-crazy-abt, hero-god-s-gift-to-woman, hero-flirt-playful-skilled-charmer

5.00+ stars - Regency/Historical Romance

For me this one was a reread. Julia Quinn’s When He Was Wicked, the sixth in the Bridgerton series tells a story of a saga that narrates the game played by a seductively charming hero and a vulnerable confused widow in their transition of friends to lover.

It introduces a new style which is thus far exhibited by Quinn in the series. It is a sexy, witty yet serious and somewhat intense historical romance novel. There is no confusion, no ...more5.00+ stars - Regency/Historical Romance

For me this one was a reread. Julia Quinn’s When He Was Wicked, the sixth in the Bridgerton series tells a story of a saga that narrates the game played by a seductively charming hero and a vulnerable confused widow in their transition of friends to lover.

It introduces a new style which is thus far exhibited by Quinn in the series. It is a sexy, witty yet serious and somewhat intense historical romance novel. There is no confusion, no perplexity in the motive of the writer when it came to the relationship between the H/h.

Michael Stirling, London’s most infamous rake excels in his womanizing and flirting ways with his gift of superior good looks and unblemished charm. He is sorted out by all varieties of women. They completely adore him. He is a laid-back decommissioned army who is happy with his rakish devil-may-care lifestyle and his status as a cousin to John Stirling, the Earl of Kilmartin. Nevertheless, through fate of irony Michael falls hard in love with his cousin’s bride Francesca Bridgerton on the day of her marriage. Knowing the fact that he could never have his brother’s bride in his existence, he accepts the shortcomings of his destiny and continues to be a merry rake to hide his romantic feelings for Francesca from the world. But destiny and cupid together yet plays another twisted game when Michael finds himself in the position of the new Earl of Kilmartin due to his brother’s untimely death.

Now, Francesca is a widow. And Michael is the Earl and a sorted out bachelor who needs to marry in order to secure the earldom for future generation. What will Michael do? Should he keep ignoring his feelings for Francesca or should he utilize his effortless magic of seduction skills to make Francesca fall madly in love with him for the rest of her life and hence marry him in accord?

The book promises an excellent love story and a truly swoon worthy sexy hero who is quite a lady’s man with a silver tongue and a surprisingly intense ability to love. I was absolutely besotted with the hero! The much adorable Violet Bridgerton and the witty banters of the Bridgerton siblings were not forgotten by the author and were revisited with their usual magnetism (…happy sigh) . The only thing I didn’t like about this book is the heroine Francesca, who proved to be annoyingly frustrating to convince. Francesca, who is the sixth of the Bridgerton siblings turned out to be rather different from her family who is known for their chatty, friendly and connected ways. She liked her freedom and her forlorn traditions. But at times, I felt she was almost always never satisfied and very emotionally cold when it came to Michael who practically worshipped her from in and outside the bedroom throughout the novel. But I couldn’t hold it against the book since I was so taken by Michael and his steamy courtship talents! The love scenes where scorching hot which pretty much manage to set the pages on flame and the hero proved to be just about every woman’s dream of passionate, seductive and sweet lover!

Though both the leads where quite opposite in their person, they found a distinct uncanny solace among themselves, which helped them to build a relationship which might prove to be a stronger one to conquer the journey of life with love and passion for each other.

The book tells a rather simple story with outstanding expressions and sensitivity and is highly recommended.

Once again it is definitely a Julia Quinn keeper!
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Jul 30, 2011

Duchess Nicole rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: e-pcs-tbr, read-in-2011

This is a beautiful and touching book. Michael and Francesca's story was not as lighthearted as the other Bridgerton sibling's books. While I did get frustrated with Francesca at times, overall, I was so engaged in both characters that any frustration was overshadowed by the delight of seeing their relationship develop. This is how lovers should begin, by building on a friendship, and letting the rest come naturally.

Although this was a heartbreaking story at times, I do want to me...more

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Jul 29, 2008

Brenda (b) rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: historical, romance, 1-print-books, 2-2008-read

Francesca was the sister least talked about in the previous novels. I wasn't sure if I was going to connect with her, but I think I did. For me, this one has been the most emotional of the Bridgerton stories so far. Michael's unrequited love was heart-rending. John's death was so sudden and tragic. Francesca and Michael both had to come to terms with losing him and they needed each other so much. The epilogue, the letter from John's mother to Michael, did me in.

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Jun 17, 2009

Michelle rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: regency, romance-historical, read-own, 2009

I really enjoyed the 6th book in the Bridgerton Series. The first part of the book tells of the relationship of Francesca with her husband John and his cousin, her dear friend, Michael. After Johns sudden death and Francesca misfortunate miscarriage Francescas needs Michael more than ever but instead of helping her during her time of need he leaves the country and spends 4 years in India. Not only can he bear to be near the woman he has loved for so many years but he does not like the fact that ...more

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Jan 15, 2010

Cheryl rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, julia-quinn, books-i-own, all-time-favorites

This was an amazing book! Michael and Francesca's story was totally believable and I enjoyed every minute of it. Sometimes I find it really annoying when the hero and heroine in a story take forever to let go of their hold on their feelings and fall in love. But in this story it makes sense! They both loved John so much and Michael had such guilt that it took a while to find peace for both of them. My emotions went on a roller coaster ride through this story and it was thrilling!! I recomm...more

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Jan 31, 2012

Izamari rated it

Decidido, quiero vivir dentro de una novela de Julia Quinn. Y es que con semejantes historias y personajes, quien no quiere hacerlo.

Seguimos con la trama de esta extensa familia, que desde el primer libro me han encantado. En este libro la protagonista es Francesca, que es la más tranquila de la familia a la que incluso agobia un poco la exuberancia y bullicio de la casa de su familia. Se casa con John al que conoce desde siempre y ha sido su amor de adolescente y comparte una vida fel...more

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Oct 19, 2011

Sabrina Sam rated it

· review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I was amazed at how well written this book was. Quinn does an incredible job in expressing the characters' emotion with such great detail that leaves readers feeling connected and engaged in the story. I literally was able to feel the emotions being described in each chapter. The relationship between John, Francesca, and Michael was beautiful. John's death was heartbreaking. My heart went out to him, which was surprising because he was such a mysterious man to me and yet he captured my heart. I'...moreI was amazed at how well written this book was. Quinn does an incredible job in expressing the characters' emotion with such great detail that leaves readers feeling connected and engaged in the story. I literally was able to feel the emotions being described in each chapter. The relationship between John, Francesca, and Michael was beautiful. John's death was heartbreaking. My heart went out to him, which was surprising because he was such a mysterious man to me and yet he captured my heart. I'll admit, it usually takes me awhile to warm up to characters, so for Quinn to be able to do it within the first chapter, BRAVO!!!
Michael's love and admiration for Francesca was breathtaking. How he was always able to sense her presence was captivating! And the love scenes were HOTTTTT! My only criticism would be how fast the hero/heroine's feelings transitioned. I understand Michael was in love with Franscesca for a very long time and his feelings for her were bound to unfold, I just wish it would have happened differently. It seemed a little out of nowhere when he finally decides to pursue her in marriage. And although I love everything about Franscesca, I felt her love for Michael wasn't as genuine as it should have been. Throughout the book, you get a good glimpse of how much Michael loves her, but barely do you get the same response from her. I had a harder time believing her love for him was as strong as she implied it to be. Maybe if Quinn would have added a few more chapters describing her new feelings for him, it would have been more plausible...which brings me to my next point, the ending. I must say, although it wasn't a bad ending, I expected more. You'd think that a story that started out soo strong would end strong as well, especially when the author does an amazing job in making sure the readers grasp every detail, but in this case, the ending just felt rushed. I would have liked to see more of Franscesca's love for Michael, and a better result from Janet, John's mother. The letter I felt didn't really express as much as I would have liked it to. A reaction from Franscesa's family would have been nice as well. If I remember correctly, Francesca and Michael never went back to London. I would have liked to see the families' joy and blessing for the H/h and possibly the birth of a child from the heroine, especially since she wanted one soo bad and lost her first. BUT, overall this was a good book. I give it 4 stars because the ending didn't leave me feeling as satisfied as I am when it comes to other 5 star novels (such as A Kingdom of Dreams, Almost Heaven, A Knight in Shining Armor etc.). There was just a little too much unanswered questions. BUT, I still recommend you to read it.(less)

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Sep 05, 2011

Crystal rated it

· review of another edition

There's a lot to like in this book. Everyone is as clever and lovable as usual, even though there are far fewer laughs. Understandably, as the problems the protagonists face are a lot heavier than most of the previous entries in the series. The dialogue and plotting, although not perfect, are both much improved over earlier books. And I know I've been known complain about Quinn's snoozy sex scenes, but that's not an issue here. I confess I clutched my pearls a time or two!

On the boo s...more

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Jul 09, 2011

Leah, Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle Yeah rated it

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Shelves: 3-stars, author-julia-quinn, get-on-medication-youre-so-bipolar, historical-harem, love-triangles-can-kiss-my-ass, series-the-bridgertons, slap-a-bitch, thats-some-funny-shit, quotes-quotes-everywhere, horrible-heroine-alert, its-all-in-the-accent

3.5 stars

So. I've finally found my dud. I believe with every book series, there has to be at least one book that I rate very low for some reason or other. I was lucky with this series, loving the first five books, and thought I'd love this one just as much. Alas, it was not meant to be.

Francesca is one of the two Bridgerton siblings we know the least about (Gregory being the other one). That in and of itself made me a little wary about her. Upon reading this b...more

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Jul 05, 2011

Melissa rated it

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Shelves: 2011-reads

Another great Bridgerton book! This book was one that I had looked forward to reading. Francesca was one of the Bridgerton siblings that was pretty absent in the previous five books. She was married early and widowed after only two years of marriage. Since that time she spent much of her time in Scotland, so she didn't have an active part in any of the other Bridgerton romances. This book begins during her first marriage to John, but much of the later action of the book takes place simultan...moreAnother great Bridgerton book! This book was one that I had looked forward to reading. Francesca was one of the Bridgerton siblings that was pretty absent in the previous five books. She was married early and widowed after only two years of marriage. Since that time she spent much of her time in Scotland, so she didn't have an active part in any of the other Bridgerton romances. This book begins during her first marriage to John, but much of the later action of the book takes place simultaneously with some of the action of the previous two books as Colin and Eloise both get married. That was kind of fun to read. The story of this book was intriguing. Michael fell in love with Francesca as soon as he laid eyes on her, but unfortunately that was a little more than a day before she married his cousin and best friend, John. That creates quite a dilemma for Michael. He spends much of his time with John and Frannie, so he is forced to see their love before him always. Michael is unable to say how he feels about Frannie, and he would never do so anyway because he loves his cousin too much. Michael is just the merry friend to both of them. He earns a reputation for being a womanizer, but this is simply because he is doing everything in his power to forget about Frannie. Then the unthinkable happens, and John dies suddenly. You would think that this would be a great blessing for Michael, but he does not deal with the death well. First of all, he loves John, and his death was difficult to handle because it was so sudden. Secondly, he feels tremendous guilt for the love he has for John's wife, and in the back of his mind he worries that his pining for Frannie led to John's death, like he had wished it to happen. Frannie is desperate for Michael to comfort her because he is the only other person who could understand her grief, but Michael instead runs away from her to India. He just can't deal with the guilt of his feelings for her. Four years pass and then they are reunited.

I won't get into more of the plot. I'll just express my feelings about what I read. I was rooting for Michael all along the way. It seemed obvious that he would be an excellent candidate for marriage once Frannie decided that she was ready to remarry. He was the only one who truly knew and loved Frannie, but he kept fighting against himself, feeling as if he was dishonoring the memory of John. It was frustrating to read about the two of them as they struggled with their feelings. They both obviously loved one another, but neither one believed that the other felt the same way. So many times I wanted for Michael especially to just open up and tell Frannie how he felt. Well, that finally happened, and I have to admit that I did not like how that played out. Michael had been holding those feelings inside for so many years. It seemed as if when he finally opened up and shared his feelings it would be somewhat romantic. Not so much. I thought that Frannie would take a little more time to absorb everything, but she didn't really spend much time thinking about the fact that her bff had been secretly in love with her since the days of her marriage. I was just disappointed that it wasn't better written and explored. Then, more than in any of the other Bridgerton books I felt like there was such an emphasis on sexuality, not as an expression of the love within marriage, but as a more primal passion used as a means to an end. It irked me to no ends that Michael used sex as a method to somewhat trap Frannie into marriage. That isn't exactly what he thought he was doing. I think that he thought that if Frannie could see that there was passion between them then she wouldn't feel bad about marrying her husband's cousin and friend. But it just read like he was just trying to use her passion to trap her one way or another. This was troubling to read because I felt like it was so unnecessary. They had a perfect relationship. They got along wonderfully and trusted one another in all things. They were already perfect friends. And it was also obvious that both of them were attracted to one another, even if they were afraid to face that. The sex in this book was troubling and unnecessary. When Frannie worried that she was becoming wanton, I'm afraid that I had to agree with her. It took away from the possibility of a great love story.

With all of these complaints, though, it was still a great book. I wouldn't list it as one of my favorite Bridgerton books. There were too many things that played out in the wrong way for me. But still, I enjoyed the two main characters of this book, and it was a quick and fun read. I would say that it rated more of a four and a half star book. But, after all my disappointment, I was happy to see that Michael and Francesca could find their happy ending. I was super happy to see Colin, one of my favorite Bridgertons, take an important role in this book. He saved the day for this relationship.

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Mar 18, 2011

Fiary rated it

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Jatuh cinta memang gak bisa milih orang! Dan itu pula yang dialami Michael, pria tampan, yang terkenal sebagai perayu ulung, yang bukan siapa-siapa hanya sepupu John, sang Earl of Kilmartin, yang jatuh cinta kepada Fransesca, istri Sang Earl.

Bagi John & Fransesca, Michael bukan hanya sepupu tapi sahabat, sehingga dalam setiap kegiatan keluarga, Michael selalu ada dan terlibat. Hal ini sungguh membuat Michael tersiksa...selama 2 tahun dia memendam cinta dan hanya bisa melihat dan men...more

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Dec 24, 2010

~ames~ rated it

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Shelves: 2010-read, historical

I love love love this kind of story. Falling for your friend's significant other...or in this case, your cousin's. Knowing who you want is right there, just out of reach. *sigh* So dramatic.

And then the person you love is free, but there is guilt for wanting them and that to get them another person you cared for or loved had to die for you to be with them. Oh the misery!

Fortunately, Ms. Quinn did not rack the guilt on too much, which is a potential downfall with this storylin...more

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Jul 21, 2010

Rita Jett rated it

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There is always a dark complexity to JQ novels that help endear and set them apart from every other book on the shelf. 'When He Was Wicked' was significantly darker than it's predecessors and didn't give in to any cooky side plots of mysterious murderers or wagers gone awry. Being in love with the wrong woman sucks. Being in love with the wrong woman whose in love with someone else sucks even more. Being in love with the wrong woman whose in love and married to your cousin is as sucky as it g...more There is always a dark complexity to JQ novels that help endear and set them apart from every other book on the shelf. 'When He Was Wicked' was significantly darker than it's predecessors and didn't give in to any cooky side plots of mysterious murderers or wagers gone awry. Being in love with the wrong woman sucks. Being in love with the wrong woman whose in love with someone else sucks even more. Being in love with the wrong woman whose in love and married to your cousin is as sucky as it gets.

Michael Stirling saw John Stirling, eighth Earl of Kilmartin, as more of a brother than just a cousin. Michael Stirling also saw John's wife, Francesca, as the most desirable and lovely lady he's ever come across. This was not an ideal situation. Michael's love for John's wife is well hidden behind a mask of preconceived rakeish carelessness, which is really just a front. Michael is a casualty of unrequited love, but when John abruptly dies, that innocent uncontrollable fact begins to weigh even more heavily on Michael's conscience. His secret feelings release within him a sickening sea of guilt, having him believe he has committed the worst sort of betrayal to his dead cousin, and when Francesca needs his comforting presences the most, he high tails it for India.
He stays away for 4 years, but comes back to realize that the distances has done nothing to ease the reaction his heart makes for Francesca. And Francesca, who went through the ringer of emotion with the death of her beloved husband, the miscarriage she saw as her last connection to him broken, and the distance Michael has put between them. She's finally ready to move on with her life and, after a heart-to-heart with her mother, whom also lost her husband very young (but had her 8 children to help her through), Francesca decides that she would like to have a purpose in life, and that purpose is to have a baby.
Now, we've all been to sex ed. class and we all know that you need a mommy and a daddy to make a baby. Since there was no such thing as in vitro back in the 1824, Francesca will logically have to find a baby daddy (and marry the loser so that she and the child can avoid scandal, ofcorse).
In her pursuit for the right candidate, she is taken aback and scared to death by the way her thoughts wander when on the subject of the newly returned Michael. As they balance and flirt with enigmatic temptation, true feelings, and a scary illness, is brought to the forefront and Francesca and Micheal must decide exactly how far to take their second chance at the life they want...

This novel is a cut above and different from all the rest, but all the better for it. It raises the questions of "Can you love twice?" and "Do second chances really exists" and turns them on their heads. The immediate darkness of the plot had the potential to ruin the book, but there was a balance and a genuineness to the progression of love that made everything click. It wasn't a perfect love story. There were harsh realities and morbid themes and even AFTER the main guy gets the main girl, it didn't end with a classic "and they lived happily ever after". Quality is evident in this book and for that reason alone it should definitely be given a read!

[Original review link: http://notanotherromanceblog.blogspot.co...(less)

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Nov 24, 2009

Christine rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: kiss-me-now-you-fool, i-cried-i-ll-admit-it, faves

I skipped a bunch of books in the middle of the bridgerton series and went straight to this one from #2 because my library didn't have the others in stock, but since you basically know who's gonna end up together by the end of the first chapter I don't think i messed up anything too bad.

This book was so different in tone from the first 2, but the lack of funny, airy banter didn't drag it down for me, this one was just so much more emotional than the others. i liked the way the chapt...more

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Jan 29, 2012

Rawles rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: romance

I had two primary concerns going into When He Was Wicked: 1) I was curious to see what Quinn would do with a heroine who GASP isn't a virgin!!1 and 2) I was pretty sure she'd never given more than like five minutes thought to Francesca until it was time to write this book.

Francesca was (prior to this book and following it, honestly) the Invisible Bridgerton. I'm fairly certain that she's only ever present in a scene once in the previous five books, and that's a scene wherein Simon Bass...moreI had two primary concerns going into When He Was Wicked: 1) I was curious to see what Quinn would do with a heroine who GASP isn't a virgin!!1 and 2) I was pretty sure she'd never given more than like five minutes thought to Francesca until it was time to write this book.

Francesca was (prior to this book and following it, honestly) the Invisible Bridgerton. I'm fairly certain that she's only ever present in a scene once in the previous five books, and that's a scene wherein Simon Bassett can't tell her and Eloise apart, so it's entirely possible (and likely since the dialogue in the scene was very, very Eloise) that she literally never had a single line of dialogue before her own book. On top of that she's rarely, if ever, mentioned except in the most casual passing fashion, and the only specific reference to her goings-on that I can recall is when Penelope Featherington reflects on the fact that Francesca was married and soon after widowed at some point in the rather large time gap between An Offer from a Gentleman and Romancing Mr. Bridgerton.

Quinn's solution for Concern #2 was simple: she immediately establishes Francesca as an independent and reserved soul who, while she loves her massive, boisterous family, generally prefers being off and away from them doing her own thing. How convenient!

While that's a perfectly fine personality archetype and Francesca is, indeed, a perfectly fine character, the disconnection from the rest of the Bridgertons necessitated by it means that a huge draw of the series -- the interplay between the Bridgerton family -- is almost wholly absent from the book. Julia Quinn pretty obviously struggles a bit around the middle of the novel attempting to make up for this deficiency by inserting Colin into Michael's half of the narrative essentially for no other reason than to troll him and, I imagine, add some interest by including an appearance from a beloved character. And while it did predictably, delight me, Colin doesn't really belong in this narrative. Indeed, the contrast between how forced his appearance is in this book and how perfectly it fit in To Sir Phillip, with Love is stark. Colin, Eloise, and Francesca's stories all take place concurrently, but while Colin and Eloise's complement each other narratively, structurally, and emotionally, Francesca's, much like Francesca herself, is clearly an afterthought.

Which isn't to say that Francesca is in any way unbearable, again, she's perfectly fine! Or that the book itself is. It's not. Now, Michael isn't all that exciting given how many ~rakes~ we've seen at this point -- almost all of them more interesting than him -- and while his pining for Francesca surprisingly never turns the corner to gross, let's not pretend anyone really cares all that much about his manpain. However, his interactions with Francesca are passably charming -- though, honestly, actually moreso before they become involved. But the book as a whole is just... flat. Francesca's closed off nature (and, again, Quinn's obvious lack of interest in her) makes her almost inscrutable as a character at times, and even though she's the lead, you never quite feel like you've gotten into her head. The emotion in the early portion of the book, when she's with John and immediately following his death, is strong and affecting, but after that it just sort of flounders and never really picks up again. Likely because it skips ahead to when she's pretty much over it (or as over it as anyone can be).

Then the book just dives into her and Michael and their attraction, which is when we finally get to Concern #1. As a widow, Francesca is the only female romantic lead in the Bridgerton series who is not virginal upon her first encounter with the male lead, and I was extremely excited to see how Julia Quinn handled a woman who isn't just learning and stands hopelessly ignorant about the needs and desires of her own body (not that there's anything wrong with that, nor to say that Quinn doesn't actually do pretty well with regard to portraying the various ladies' sexual awakenings, as I think that she does). It turns out, Quinn pretty much just dives in. But much like I actually liked Francesca and Michael's banter more before they became involved, I mostly found them much sexier before... they actually had sex. Whereas the other heroines in the series are, as mentioned, blushing virgins finding out what this and this and that does, Quinn pretty much takes Francesca straight to dominatrix porn star, which cool. And yet! Not doing much for me, personally, alas.

But points for trying. I guess that's my feeling on this book as a whole actually. Points for trying, but ehhh.

I'd probably have to count this the weakest in the series.(less)

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Jan 14, 2009

Edna Lyn rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: 2009, historical-romance

I have read a book about a widow who loved her first husband dearly yet was able to find love again and thought it was well written. Julia Quinn's execution on it was not the best. While I did feel the strong connection and friendship between Francesca and Michael, it irritated me to no end that John was continually brought up. Yes, he was a great husband. Yes, she loved him sooo much. Yes, Michael felt extremely guilty. Over and over, this was brought up and it put a slight damper on the romanc...more

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Oct 07, 2011

Lori rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: easy-read, favorite-author, guilty-pleasure, regency, romance, steamy, british-lit, scottish-lit, kindle-book, 2011_read

The Bridgertons series might be one of my favorite series EVER! I truly adore these books!

When He Was Wicked is right up there as one of my favorites. I always thought it odd that we didn't get to know Francesca. We heard odd bits about her having married a Scottish lord and living in Scotland. But her personality and her presence were sorely lacking. Until this book...

While I appreciate how Ms. Quinn attempts to integrate Francesca into the story, some of the events seem...moreThe Bridgertons series might be one of my favorite series EVER! I truly adore these books!

When He Was Wicked is right up there as one of my favorites. I always thought it odd that we didn't get to know Francesca. We heard odd bits about her having married a Scottish lord and living in Scotland. But her personality and her presence were sorely lacking. Until this book...

While I appreciate how Ms. Quinn attempts to integrate Francesca into the story, some of the events seem contrived. (view spoiler) Each Bridgerton has his or her own personality, and Francesca is no different -- she's the most private and pensive of the bunch.

My heart broke for Michael when he realized he loved Frannie. And when her husband died and all that followed, I couldn't help but empathize with the way he acted. It might seem callous and cruel, but it made perfect sense to me that he ran away... to India... for 4 years. And we see and the book progresses that he did attempt to communicate with Francesca through his letters from India. But she couldn't bring herself to reply.

I could also understand how/why Francesca would find it difficult to want a husband again. And how/why she would expect not to love that man - certainly not as she loved John. It's one of those books where it's heartbreakingly clear to everyone BUT the hero and heroine that they belong together. And when they finally do get together, you wonder if it can last, since they're both still so caught up in not wanting to dishonor one another or John's memory.

I also was relieved and over-joyed at Frannie's talk with her mother about what her mother, Violet, went through when she lost Frannie's father, Edward. And shocked, as Francesca was that none of her children had ever thought to ask her what that was like.

But I so enjoyed Michael's wickedness. *grin* It was a delightful turn of events to finally have a woman who's not a virgin be the object of affection. Frannie's a widow; she's already known intimacy with her 1st husband. But it's fun to read that every love is different... that intimacy is different with a different love.

I laughed, I cried, I ached, I longed... and I happily enjoyed the book the entire way through!(less)

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Mar 03, 2010

UniquelyMoi *~*Dhestiny*~* rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: 2010-reads, author-julia-quinn, historical-romance, historical-romance-series, widow-widower, historical-romance-stand-alones, reviewed-by-me, romance-historical, 5-stars

My Review:

This, the 6th installment of the Bridgerton series, is so different from the rest of the stories that it took me by surprise – a pleasant surprise. Having read and found the previous books lighter, funnier reads, I hadn’t expected to find this one much different. If there was ever any question as to Ms. Quinn’s ability to write a more intense, deeper story, When He Was Wicked has answered it with a resounding yes!

When He Was Wicked is the story of Michae...more

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Jun 17, 2009

Hanah Tahir rated it

· review of another edition

I was blown away by the ending! It was really wonderful and it was the best simple ending I read on historical romance.. I truly felt the character's feelings all throughout,especially Michael.. I felt my heart ache for him whenever he's in love pain.

but I don't recommend this for a first time historical romance reader.. it's dark and depressing.. I still got that feeling even in the end - not sure why. I love how the story is mostly just about Michael and Francesca! there are not so...more

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Aug 24, 2010

Nonieღserenity2bliss rated it

· review of another edition

When I picked out this book, I didn't realise that it was part of a series. I merely picked it out of curiosity. Julia Quinn is one of the author whose name I'm familiar with but not her work. But since I was in the mood of historical romance, I thought I'd give her book a shot.

For the record, I don't think Julia Quinn is a bad author BUT her style of writing requires some times to get used to.

Reading the back cover, I found the story interesting. But for some reason, I ...more

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Nov 23, 2011

Destinee Sutton rated it

· review of another edition

I think this may be the only JQ book in which the heroine is not a virgin when she meets the hero, which means that this book is a little racier than most of the Bridgerton books. It's also got a much different vibe going on. Lots of people read romance novels because they're full of idealized love, perfect love, completely non-messy love. This book shakes that formula up quite a bit because our heroine, Francesca, has already met and married her perfect man when the book begins. And then he die...more

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May 29, 2011

Yvonne rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: romance, historicals

Historical romance novels are one of my guilty reading pleasures (this probably developed from watching Ever After and First Knight too much as a teen). This was my first Julia Quinn novel. I was recommended this particular book from "On Writing Romance" by Leigh Michaels, as it was used as a good romance example.

To begin with, the main character, Francesca, is married to Michael Stirling's brother-like-cousin, John. Michael develops secret feelings for Francesca, but he's c...more

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Sep 05, 2011

Lacey Weatherford rated it

· review of another edition

I've been a fan of the Bridgerton series from the start, but I have to say this book has been my absolute favorite so far! In fact I think it has made it onto my list of all time favs ever. I loved this book so much that I was about a quarter of the way through when I called up my BFF and said you have to get this book! You will love it!! Well, she went right out and got it and the two of us swooned heavily over Michael together. He was so delicious and the character relationship was just fabul...more

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Jan 20, 2010

Joy rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance

I just knew about Francesca in passing whenever she was mentioned by some of her family members in the previous books, and I was curious about her story. It was very interesting. I've read heroines who were widows and after years of mourning for their beloved husbands, they still feel guilty for falling in love with another man.

From the very start, I loved the Michael-loves-Francesca angle, he never knew what hit him. One could really feel for someone like him, the merry rake who has...more

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Jul 20, 2011

Elise rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: brunette-heroine, own-paper-copy, series, 2011, historical-romance, 5-stars, favorite-male-character, you-had-me-at-hello, reviewed, buddy-read

Phew! So good.
I loved this one. I seriously couldn’t get anything done; all I wanted to do was read and find out what happened. And now that I’m done I’m sad I finished so quickly. This might tie with The Viscount Who Loved Me as my favorite Bridgerton book.

Michael Stirling fell in with Francesca Bridgerton upon first sight and knows she’s the only woman he could see himself giving his heart to. It’s horribly ironic though, because she’s married to his cousin and best friend, ...more

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Jan 12, 2012

Jess rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: for_review, historical

Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog Rating: 4.5/5

“Tell me something wicked…”

Francesca, or Frannie, is happily married to John Stirling. They have a loving marriage and this couple is really a group of three as John’s cousin, Michael, completes their family. He’s Frannie’s close friend and like a brother to John. He’s also madly in love with Francesca. He loves her from a distance because he would never, ever do anything to interfere with his cousin’s h...more

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About Julia Quinn

#1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn loves to dispel the myth that smart women don't read (or write) romance, and in 2001 she did so in grand style, competing on the the game show The Weakest Link and walking away with the $79,000 jackpot. She displayed a decided lack of knowledge about baseball, country music, and plush toys, but she is proud to say that she aced all things British a...more

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Books by Julia Quinn

The Viscount Who Loved Me (Bridgertons, #2)

Romancing Mister Bridgerton (Bridgertons, #4)

An Offer From a Gentleman (Bridgertons, #3)

The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke, #1)

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Quotes from El corazón de una Brid...

“In every life there is a turning point. A moment so tremendous, so sharp and clear that one feels as if one's been hit in the chest, all the breath knocked out, and one knows, absolutely knows without the merest hint of a shadow of a doubt that one's life will never be the same.” — 46 people liked it

“Francesca: It's still a bit cold yet.
Michael: Never stopped John and me.
Francesca: Yes, well, you're Scottish. Your blood circulates quite well half frozen.” — 23 people liked it

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