When He Was Wicked By Julia Quinn

Not my favorite out of the bunch but its a good read in general. The second half is kind of repetitive.

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 has to be, by far, the most witty Historical Romance writer that I know; and When He Was Wicked, amongst the Bridgerton Series is rather a lot different than the rest considering the type of heroine we see (at first she seems quite plain but turns out rather interesting in the end), and also that it is rare to find a Historical Romance which portrays the woman, instead of the man, having had a previous spouse.

Het fijne van dit boek is dat ze makkelijk te lezen is en beter is dan de serie. Hou je van romantische romans, familie series en humor dan is dit een boek voor jou.

Very good + the size of the writing is enjoyable

Wonderfull collection! Great books. Recommend.