When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn

May 4th, 2018 Kimberly Review 51 Comments

4th May
When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn
When He Was Wicked
by Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgertons #6
Narrator: Simon Prebble
Length: 9 hours and 54 minutes
Genres: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star
Heat Level: One FlameOne FlameOne FlameOne Flame
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 . . .

historical ROMANCE Family HEARTBREAKING

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
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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. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

51 Responses to “When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn”

  1. 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. 🙂

  2. 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!

  3. 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!

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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…

    Stefanie recently posted: A Sewing Lesson 1
      • 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.

  7. 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

  8. 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!

  9. 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.

  10. 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

  11. 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.

  12. 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

  13. 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