When He Was Wicked: Love, Loss, and Second Chances

Rating: ★★★★☆

Genre: Recency Romance

Available On: Amazon (You can get the full Bridgerton set here, alas my beautiful Illumicrate editions are out of print)

Julia Quinn takes a more emotional turn with When He Was Wicked, the sixth book in the Bridgerton series. This time, it’s Francesca Bridgerton’s turn in the spotlight—a quieter, often overlooked sibling whose story packs an emotional punch. If you’re expecting the playful banter and light-hearted romance of the earlier books, think again. Francesca’s journey is one of grief, healing, and forbidden love, centring on her complex relationship with Michael Stirling, her late husband’s cousin. It’s a slower burn, full of longing, heartache, and moments that will tug at your emotions. This isn’t the instant-swoon romance some readers might expect, but it’s deeply rewarding in its own way.

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When He Was Wicked: Plot Overview

Francesca Bridgerton has always been a bit of an enigma within the boisterous Bridgerton family. While her siblings thrive on social gatherings and lively conversations, Francesca prefers a quieter, more introspective life. Her happiness seems complete when she marries John Stirling, the Earl of Kilmartin—a kind and devoted husband who deeply loves her. However, tragedy strikes when John dies suddenly, leaving Francesca devastated and widowed at a young age.

Unbeknownst to Francesca, John’s charming cousin and best friend, Michael Stirling, has been secretly in love with her since the day they met. Despite his rakish reputation and devil-may-care attitude, Michael has always respected John’s marriage and kept his feelings hidden. But with John’s death, everything changes. Michael unexpectedly inherits both the title of Earl and the immense burden of his guilt—guilt over his unspoken love for Francesca and the deep conflict of wanting her while mourning the man they both lost.

Francesca and Michael’s paths continue to intertwine as they navigate their shared grief. Francesca is determined to honour her late husband’s memory, never imagining she could find love again. Meanwhile, Michael struggles to accept his new responsibilities and reconcile his love for Francesca with his loyalty to John’s memory.

What follows is a slow-burning, emotionally charged romance. Their connection evolves through moments of vulnerability, confrontation, and passion, as both grapple with the pain of the past and the possibility of a future together. But can Francesca open her heart to love again, and will Michael finally let go of his guilt and claim the woman he’s always loved? Their journey is as tumultuous as it is tender, filled with heartbreak, healing, and the delicate dance of second chances.

Why This One’s A Little Different

Francesca’s journey from a devoted wife to a grieving widow, and eventually to a woman confronting new love, is portrayed with depth. Her internal struggles with loyalty to her late husband and emerging feelings for Michael add layers to her character. Michael’s transformation from a carefree rake to a man burdened by guilt and unspoken love is compelling, highlighting his internal conflict and desire for redemption.

This novel stands out in the Bridgerton series for its mature and somber tone. It addresses profound themes such as grief, guilt, and the challenges of embracing love after loss. The emotional depth offers a contrast to the lighter narratives of earlier installments, providing a more introspective reading experience.

While many readers appreciate the emotional complexity and character development, some find the pacing slow, particularly in the first half. The heavy focus on internal monologues and the protagonists’ prolonged reluctance to confront their feelings can be perceived as repetitive. Additionally, the shift from the vibrant settings of London to more secluded locales may not appeal to all fans of the series.

How Spicy Is When He Was Wicked?

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Julia Quinn doesn’t shy away from the passion in When He Was Wicked. Compared to earlier Bridgerton books, this instalment leans into a more sensual, emotionally intense romance. Francesca and Michael share a connection charged with longing and restrained desire, which finally explodes into heated, passionate moments as they confront their feelings for each other.

What makes the intimate scenes in this book particularly impactful is their emotional weight. The tension builds slowly—rooted in grief, guilt, and unspoken love—which heightens the payoff when the characters finally give in to their desires. Expect a balance of tenderness and fire, with scenes that reflect both the depth of their shared history and the complexities of their relationship.

For readers who enjoy a mix of emotional and physical intimacy, When He Was Wicked delivers with a blend of slow-burn tension and passionate release. It’s not all about steamy encounters, though—those moments are carefully placed and serve to deepen the characters’ emotional journey, making each scene feel earned and meaningful.

What Romance Tropes Are In The Novel?

Trope Count: 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Julia Quinn masterfully blends several beloved romance tropes in When He Was Wicked, creating a story that’s both emotionally rich and undeniably swoon-worthy. Here’s a look at the key tropes you’ll find:

Unrequited Love

Michael Stirling has loved Francesca from the moment he met her—but there’s one massive problem: she was already married to his beloved cousin, John. Michael’s feelings remain painfully unspoken for years, intensifying the emotional stakes. His journey from silent longing to finally expressing his love is full of angst and heartache, making this trope one of the story’s most compelling elements.

Forbidden Love

The relationship between Michael and Francesca is complicated by guilt and social expectations. Loving the widow of your cousin—and your closest friend—comes with its share of inner conflict. Both characters wrestle with whether their love is acceptable, making their eventual romance all the more poignant.

Slow Burn

This isn’t a whirlwind romance. Francesca and Michael’s connection develops over time, simmering with unresolved tension. The slow pace builds anticipation, as every shared glance, lingering touch, and heartfelt conversation moves them closer to the inevitable. When they finally give in to their feelings, it’s incredibly satisfying.

Friends to Lovers

Michael and Francesca share a long history as friends, though it’s complicated by Michael’s secret feelings. Their familiarity with each other adds depth to their romance, as they slowly transition from friendship to a deeply intimate relationship.

These tropes are woven into the narrative with Quinn’s signature style, striking a perfect balance between angst and heartwarming moments. If you enjoy a romance that tackles themes of love, loss, and redemption, When He Was Wicked is a standout in the Bridgerton series.

Final Thoughts On When He Was Wicked

When He Was Wicked offers a deeper, more contemplative exploration of love and loss within the Bridgerton universe. Readers seeking a romance that delves into the intricacies of human emotion and the journey of healing may find this installment particularly resonant.

Note: If you’re wondering where I got my editions of Bridgerton, they’re Illumicrate limited editions and unfortunately are not currently in print. They’ve done a couple of print runs of this, I missed out the first time, but managed to snag a set on the reprint. If you’re desperate for them try buying second hand on eBay, but otherwise I’d suggest following Illumicrate and keeping an eye out for another print run. BUT be aware the last update they made (that I’ve seen at least) was to state that they’re not planning to do another run any time soon, so please stop asking!