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A review by jpaulthunders77
When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn
3.0
This story is quite different from the first five in terms of tone. It's a heavy story, by heart, because of the inclusion of miscarriage, illnesses, and death of a husband. But Julia Quinn manages to take these sensitive issues with care.
I enjoyed Francesca's character. She's quiet and reserved, but she's very warm to the people she loves. Her love for her first son John is so admirable. She mourned for her husband for four years! Imagine that. She never thought that she would fall in love again, but it happened with her first husband's cousin, Michael.
Michael is a rake, a playboy, but he's not an asshole to a certain extent. He always seeks for approval for women before he beds them. If any of them feels uncomfortable, he'll stop—no questions asked. His pining for Francesca is so intense, but very controlled. He feels sorry for loving and desiring Francesca when John was still alive. I like how he doesn't act rashly and thinks about the consequences of his actions. The way he reveres John, the way he imagines if John would approve what he'll say and do with Francesca is what I also love about his character. He's a gentleman, a true respectful man.
BUT, here's the BUT: despite my liking for these characters separately, in terms of romance, I can't feel the fiery attachment and chemistry between them. Some people might say that both Francesca and Michael are emotionally cowards. I think it's valid, but for me, I think they're just treading carefully on the water. They're situation is complicated and hard enough for them to be attracted to each other. When they married, it is out of convenience, not for love. Although in the end, Francesca and Michael realizes that they love each other, I think it was too late for me to get invested in the ROMANCE part. The sexual tension is present, and in terms of sex, it's very hot. I mean, two chapters allotted for sex scenes only? That is FIRE! They are super steamy and sensual. But then again, it's just lust. The love part came in the end, which is pretty formulaic and a bit unsatisfying for me.
Nonetheless, if in the previous books, you find the hero and the heroine pretty problematic, you won't find them here. I think they're relationship is pretty healthy compared to the other Bridgerton siblings, but just a little bland for me.
On to the 7th book!
I enjoyed Francesca's character. She's quiet and reserved, but she's very warm to the people she loves. Her love for her first son John is so admirable. She mourned for her husband for four years! Imagine that. She never thought that she would fall in love again, but it happened with her first husband's cousin, Michael.
Michael is a rake, a playboy, but he's not an asshole to a certain extent. He always seeks for approval for women before he beds them. If any of them feels uncomfortable, he'll stop—no questions asked. His pining for Francesca is so intense, but very controlled. He feels sorry for loving and desiring Francesca when John was still alive. I like how he doesn't act rashly and thinks about the consequences of his actions. The way he reveres John, the way he imagines if John would approve what he'll say and do with Francesca is what I also love about his character. He's a gentleman, a true respectful man.
BUT, here's the BUT: despite my liking for these characters separately, in terms of romance, I can't feel the fiery attachment and chemistry between them. Some people might say that both Francesca and Michael are emotionally cowards. I think it's valid, but for me, I think they're just treading carefully on the water. They're situation is complicated and hard enough for them to be attracted to each other. When they married, it is out of convenience, not for love. Although in the end, Francesca and Michael realizes that they love each other, I think it was too late for me to get invested in the ROMANCE part. The sexual tension is present, and in terms of sex, it's very hot. I mean, two chapters allotted for sex scenes only? That is FIRE! They are super steamy and sensual. But then again, it's just lust. The love part came in the end, which is pretty formulaic and a bit unsatisfying for me.
Nonetheless, if in the previous books, you find the hero and the heroine pretty problematic, you won't find them here. I think they're relationship is pretty healthy compared to the other Bridgerton siblings, but just a little bland for me.
On to the 7th book!