When He Was Wicked: Bridgerton

· Bridgertons Book 6 · Sold by HarperCollins
320 reviews
Ebook
448
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Eligible

About this ebook

A New York Times Bestseller

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn comes the story of Francesca Bridgerton, in the sixth of her beloved Regency historical romance novels featuring the charming, powerful Bridgerton family, now a series created by Shondaland for Netflix.

FRANCESCA’S STORY

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, this tale of unrequited love was complicated by the fact that 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. In this emotional friends-to-lovers story, 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 . . .

A New York Times Bestseller From #1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn comes the story of Francesca Bridgerton, in the sixth of her beloved Regency historical romance novels featuring the charming, powerful Bridgerton family, now a series created by Shondaland for Netflix. FRANCESCA’S ...

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Ratings and reviews

320 reviews
Lidia Reyes Vindel
February 27, 2026
There were moments really interesting, like how Francesca lived as a widow; however it seems Francesca had a more active sexual life with Michael than with John to say Francesca was more experienced than other main female leads in JQ's books; Michael was literally teaching Francesca how to do things. Also, Francesca's infertility being suddenly "cured" is not exactly a realistic portrayal of couples experiencing infertility and how they form families in the end. However, the self imposed guilt they feel thinking it's not right for them to love and marry each other is delicious. (Though Michael did look weird for actively becoming obsessed with Francesca while knowing she married John) Also, Janet and Helen being so supportive and getring along with each other was nice to see
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Joyce Marzan
April 5, 2021
while the author took great care to ensure that her characters' experience of medical conditions was consistent with what would have been known in the 1800s, there are anachronisms in how Frannie and Michael think or speak about persons and relationships. I like the personalities of Francesca and Michael, but there is something less than satisfying about how their ambivalence towards a relationship is resolved. Frannie's confusion about her relationship with Michael seems inconsistent with the clarity, wisdom and strength of character she must have had to run the earldom efficiently.
14 people found this review helpful
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Fiona Derriman
October 14, 2025
Now, of all the Bridgerton books, so far, Francesca's story was my least favourite. At first I found Francesca lovely, loyal and a real Bridgerton, but after Johns death,....annoying, in the fact that she believed herself to be a respectable widow and yet strung poor Michael along for far too long! A proper prick tease! Also, the steamy sex scenes through the books have become the same old, same old.... boring and overused. But how can it be any different....?
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About the author

#1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn began writing one month after graduating from college and, aside from a brief stint in medical school, she has been tapping away at her keyboard ever since. Her novels have been translated into 43 languages and are beloved the world over. A graduate of Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges, she lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest. Look for BRIDGERTON, based on her popular series of novels about the Bridgerton family, on Netflix.

#1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn began writing one month after graduating from college and, aside from a brief stint in medical school, she has been tapping away at her keyboard ever since. Her novels have been translated into 43 languages and are beloved the world over. A graduat...

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