by Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgertons #6
Narrator: Simon Prebble
Length: 9 hours and 54 minutes
Genres: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
Narration: 4.5 cups
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 . . .
I am continuing my journey with the Bridgertons’ on audio. When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn shares the story of notorious rake, Michael Stirling, and Francesca Bridgerton. Quinn made me weep, laugh and hope as these characters suffered, stumbled and discovered.
When He Was Wicked is the sixth novel in the Bridgertons series. Set in Regency England we’ve witnessed the romances of this wonderful, loud and heartwarming family.
Caffeinated Reasons to grab your earbuds and listen to When He Was Wicked
- Michael fell in love with Francesca the moment he laid eyes on her, unfortunately, it was also the moment she married his best friend and cousin, John, the Earl of Kilmartin. The three of them became wonderful friends, and Micheal was frequently in residence. Francesa and John had a happy marriage and it suited Fran. I loved seeing the three together and the teasing way Fran was with Michael who never showed his feelings but took joy in their happiness.
- When tragedy strikes Michael realizes he could have everything only grief and guilt overwhelm him and he leaves Fran at Kilmartin and travels.
- Grab some truffles because Quinn will make you weep. I loved that she allowed us to know all three before tragedy struck as it connects the listener on a very emotional level.
- Quinn did such a splendid job developing these characters and sharing their sorrow, fears, desires and more. One cannot help but get caught up in their story.
- Four years have past and Fran is finally ready to come out of mourning. Will Michael finally make her his? You’ll laugh, pull your hair in frustration and weep as their unconventional romance unfolds.
- Meddling and updates from the family added lighter moments and a little excitement.
- Simon Pebble narrates and he did such a splendid job of capturing the characters. He added another layer to this already heartwarming tale. I’ve listened to this narrator before and appreciate his tone and pacing. He offered a distinct voice to each character that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I’ve loved the stories in this series and When He Was Wicked was different then it’s predecessors as we explored love, loss, and friendship. Grab some truffles before beginning this one!
When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn shares the story of notorious rake, Michael Stirling, and Francesca Bridgerton. Quinn made me weep, laugh and hope as these characters suffered, stumbled and discovered. #audio Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Bookworm Brandee
Okay, so I’m feeling like a total sap but I kinda got teary just reading your review. :/ JQuinn is an author I’ve meant to try but haven’t yet. However, I’m thinking I may check out this series in audio. 🙂
Kimberly
Ha, I am a total sap and will readily admit it.
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
The first time I read this one I didn’t really like it because it was SO different from the lighter previous books but the second time I really enjoyed it. I loved Francesca and Michael. Now you have me wanting to reread this!
Kimberly
Yes, it had so many feels 🙂
Daniela Ark
wow this sounds really lovely. And book 6 and so good! I’m glad you found this series and you are enjoying it so much Kim!
Kimberly
Yes. It is nice that each book focuses on a sibling.
MarthaE
I love this author and this series. I’m glad you found them to enjoy.
Kimberly
Glad to hear you enjoy her too Martha.
Lark @ The Bookwyrm's Hoard
I think this one and To Sir Phillip, With Love are my second favorites in the series, falling closely behind The Viscount Who Loved Me and Romancing Mister Bridgerton. Quinn really hits it out of the park with this series. I’m glad you’ve been enjoying them.
I’ve been wondering: Do romance audiobooks work better with male narrators, or female narrators?
Kimberly
To be honest Lark, I think both male and female narrators work but prefer that they chosen based on the protagonist. In this instance, he was the main narrative. I also love dual narratives.
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
First off – I adore when narrators can do different voices for the characters. It brings something special to the book itself. I also heard Julia’s books are really good and your rating has me wanting to look into her books. I haven’t been able to read her HR yet but I think I will totally have too. Great review!
Mary
Kimberly
Completely agree. When a narrator does the voices and does them well it enhances my experience.
Mary Kirkland
I haven’t read this but it sounds good.
Kimberly
Thanks Mary 🙂
Ailyn Koay
hey this is cool! I do like the story progression. Hope I get to read it one day
Kimberly
Glad to hear its on your list <3
Michelle
I don’t think I have read this book but I definitely will pick this one up. Glad that you enjoyed this. 🙂
Kimberly
This family is a hoot, Michelle.
Christy LoveOfBooks
So many HR books I want to read, yet a big ole slack I am.
Kimberly
LOL. So many books, so little time!
Lindsi
You had me at “rake,” lol. I love books that refer to scoundrels/unsavory menfolk as rakes. It somehow seems more dignified. 😉
I feel like this one might make my heart hurt, but sometimes those are the best reads! Adding this one to my list!
Do You Dog-ear?
Kimberly
Lol. I love those terms too.
Stefanie
I’ve read the whole series. Some I liked. Only a few I loved. And the rest, *yawns*. But I think it’s an intriguing idea to listen to them on audio…
Kimberly
Have a good weekend.
Stefanie
Thank you. It’s starting off well with a workout and now my husband’s tummy is happy with turkey bacon, overeasy eggs, and breakfast sausages in it, LOL. Thank you for the PJ pants commiseration. I’ll be making another pair today but with a different pattern.
Nadene
It is hard watching the person you love married your best friend. Poor guy.
Kimberly
I can not imagine and then staying with them. Yikes, I would move to Bora Bora.
Debbie Haupt
I wish I liked historical romance more Kim some of these look really good, this one does because the heroine isn’t 15. One of these days
Kimberly
Hmm, not many of the historical romances I read have heroines who are fifteen Debbie, unless its YA.
Debbie Haupt
Well maybe it is time I try them again, Like i said i quit reading most of them except for a few years ago ( like 12yrs). I remember a Johanna Lindsay where the heroine was 16, it was kind of like reading child porn and it turned me off.
Kimberly
Tessa Dare, Sara MacLean or Julia Quinn….try any one of those
Lorna
I’ve still only read book one. I did however buy several of them at a used bookstore. I am really hoping this one is in that bag!
Kimberly
Ooo I hope you do too. Glad to hear you’ll be reading them.
Heidi
IDK why I can’t get into regency romances. I have tried but they never seem realistic to me. Maybe I should try this author.
Kimberly
This really centers on the family themselves and has delightful banter, sibling teasing etc.
Angela Adams
I don’t read a lot of historical romance, but when I do Julia Quinn is on my list! Thanks for the post.
Kimberly
She always delivers. Have a lovely weekend.
Melliane
it’s an author I need to try because I heard a lot about her books!
Kimberly
Yes, I hope you do.
blodeuedd
I do not know what to call it but at leas for me the screen is showing these black boxes here and there on your side now…hmmm
Kimberly
That is strange. Let me see if I can duplicate it.
Sophia Rose
I already have a soft spot for the hero knowing he did the honorable thing even though it must have been so tough to stay close and stay friends.
Kimberly
Right. He was swoon-worthy indeed.
Lily
wow there is a lot of depth in this book, sounds absolutely wonderful. I have heard nothing but lovely things about this series, so awesome to see just how developed all her characters are
Kimberly
I hope you try it Lily 🙂
Cyn @ Bookmunchies
Glad this was a good listen!! I love this series and it ws nice this one was a little different than the rest of the serirs. Lovely review, Kim!
Kimberly
I am glad you loved them too Cyn. Have a great weekend!
RO
I remember that show The Weakest Link which was pretty fun, and kudos to Ms Quinn for laughing all the way to the bank. I’ve read quite a few of her books, and really enjoyed them. Sounds like this is a real winner! Hugs…RO
Kimberly
She always delivers 🙂 thanks Ro
Cindy
This does sound intriguing. He fell in love with her when she married his best friend, now that makes for some great reading!
Kimberly
Yes. How difficult that must have been.