When He Was Wicked Review
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ROMANCE · HISTORICAL FICTION
Is This the Best and Spiciest Bridgerton Book?
In this review of When He Was Wicked, the sixth Bridgerton book by Julia Quinn, I’ll analyze Francesca Bridgerton’s character development, the novel’s emotional depth, its spiciness level, and how it may differ from the upcoming Netflix adaptation.
What Is When He Was Wicked About?
When He Was Wicked is the sixth installment in Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series and one of its most emotionally mature romances. It centers on Francesca, the sixth-born daughter of the Bridgerton family.
After reading the previous Bridgerton books, we knew that Francesca got married to John Stirling, the Earl of Kilmartin (I believe the wedding happened between the third and fourth books). However, two years into their marriage, John had a sudden death.
In this installment, Francesca must navigate widowhood, rediscover her sense of self, and decide whether her heart is capable of loving again.
Let’s cut to the chase. How is the book When He Was Wicked?
When He Was Wicked is great! I think it may have become my favourite Bridgerton book.
So far, we’ve had plenty of different love stories: enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, slow-burn, etc. Francesca’s story starts as a one-sided love and ends in what we could consider a “forbidden love story”.
How Spicy Is When He Was Wicked?
What makes this sixth installment of the Bridgerton saga stand out is its spiciness. Don’t get me wrong, the previous books were all spicy too. Interestingly, Francesca takes it to another level.
The love story between Francesca and Michael (don’t worry, this isn’t a spoiler; it is obvious since the first chapter of the book) is centered on their sexual attraction.
Their connection is driven by an undeniable physical pull that neither of them can ignore. In short, When He Was Wicked is easily the spiciest Bridgerton novel so far.
This sixth Bridgerton novel blends emotional intensity with palpable sexual tension, making it one of the most passionate stories in the series.
When He Was Wicked vs Netflix’s Bridgerton
I can’t wait for Francesca’s season in the Netflix Bridgertons series. That said, I admit I’m a little worried.
Julia Quinn’s book centers mainly on three topics: Francesca’s infertility, Francesca and Michael’s forbidden love, and Michael’s struggle to fit into John’s position.
Nevertheless, Netflix has made a huge change in Francesca’s story, since we won’t have a Michael (a man), but a Michaela (a woman). That means the Bridgertons series will have important differences from the book. Michaela won’t inherit John’s title, Francesca’s infertility will take another route, and we will have a queer relationship.
I still don’t know if I like the changes or not. Before reading the book, I was angry at Netflix for making such big changes. However, now that I have finished reading When He Was Wicked, I believe that Netflix can actually pull off such a big shift in Francesca’s story.
The book and the series will be different, indeed. But that doesn’t mean the series will be disappointing. So far, all Bridgerton seasons have had differences, yet all of them have captured our hearts. I can now say I’m no longer worried about Francesca Bridgerton’s upcoming season.
What do you think about Netflix’s decision to change Michael’s gender? I want to know your opinions.
My Ranking of the Bridgerton Books So Far
All in all, When He Was Wicked has become my favourite Bridgerton book so far. I know I have been saying the same thing in all my reviews. First with The Duke and I, then with The Viscount Who Loved Me, and now with When He Was Wicked. I promise it’s because the books get better every time.
When He Was Wicked proves that the Bridgerton series isn’t just about ballroom flirtations and witty banter; it can also explore grief, guilt, longing, and second chances with surprising emotional depth. If you’re looking for the most mature and intense Bridgerton romance, this might just be the one.
Have you read the Bridgerton books? Which one did you like the best? Let me know your ranking in the comments.
Summary
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…
