When he was wicked

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Language
English

Description

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 . . .

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Contributors
Landor, Rosalyn Narrator
Quinn, Julia Author
ISBN
9780062353788
9781980088004
9780062424136
9780786270835

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Also in this Series

  • The Duke and I (Bridgerton series Volume 1) Cover
  • The viscount who loved me (Bridgerton series Volume 2) Cover
  • An offer from a gentleman (Bridgerton series Volume 3) Cover
  • Romancing Mister Bridgerton (Bridgerton series Volume 4) Cover
  • To Sir Phillip, with love (Bridgerton series Volume 5) Cover
  • When he was wicked (Bridgerton series Volume 6) Cover
  • It's in his kiss (Bridgerton series Volume 7) Cover
  • On the way to the wedding (Bridgerton series Volume 8) Cover
  • The Bridgertons: happily ever after (Bridgerton series Volume ) Cover
  • Queen Charlotte (Bridgerton series Volume ) Cover

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Similar Series From Novelist

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for series you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Some Regency families seem to have a proclivity for steamy romance: witness the Effingtons and the Bridgertons. Their character-driven tales are passionate and compelling, though the Bridgertons appear to have a better sense of humor. -- Mike Nilsson
Character-driven, witty, and engaging, these sensual Regency historical romance series follow large, lively, and close-knit families as each member pursues a highly individual path to love, marriage, and happy-ever-after. Siblings play supporting roles before taking center stage in subsequent installments. -- NoveList Contributor
Regency romance fans looking for steamy, character-driven stories will find much to love in these two series, which each focus on the romantic schemes and complications of a single aristocratic family. -- Alina Gerall
Readers who appreciate the interpersonal dynamics between the Bridgerton siblings may also enjoy the romantic pursuits of the Hathaways. The Bridgerton series tends to be more playful and light-hearted than the Hathaway series, but both offer steamy encounters and banter-filled relationships. -- Halle Carlson
Regency era England is the backdrop these steamy historical romance series. Each novel follows a different slow-burn pairing amidst the British aristocracy, and can be read as a standalone. While Bridgerton features heterosexual couples, Feminine Pursuit's are between two women. -- Jennie Stevens
Quick-witted banter (Bridgerton) and Yiddish colloquialisms (East End) add to the entertaining narratives of these character-driven Regency romances, as do passionate, well-rounded protagonists who don't shy away from a good sultry tryst. -- Basia Wilson
Regency romance featuring hot heroines, rakish heroes, and a whirlwind of steamy goings-on. Wit and humor figure prominently in both series, as do character development and scandalous behavior. The ton has never been so wonton! -- Mike Nilsson
Love is a family affair in these steamy, engaging Regency historical romances, which introduce aristocratic siblings who court scandal en route to happily-ever-after. Witty banter and well-developed supporting characters provide richness and depth while setting up subsequent series installments. -- NoveList Contributor
Each book in these light, amusing historical romance series stars one member of a close family as they find love. Surrounded by well-rounded secondary characters, the protagonists trade heated encounters and witty banter on the road to everlasting happiness. -- Halle Carlson

Similar Titles From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for titles you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
These books have the theme "large cast of characters"; the genres "regency romances" and "historical romances"; the subjects "earls and countesses," "nobility," and "dukes and duchesses"; and characters that are "well-developed characters."
NoveList recommends "Once upon the East End" for fans of "Bridgerton series". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Lady Worthing mysteries" for fans of "Bridgerton series". Check out the first book in the series.
These books have the genres "regency romances" and "historical romances"; and the subjects "earls and countesses," "nobility," and "single women."
NoveList recommends "Feminine pursuits" for fans of "Bridgerton series". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Love by numbers" for fans of "Bridgerton series". Check out the first book in the series.
These books have the appeal factors steamy and multiple perspectives, and they have the themes "friends to lovers" and "best friend's sibling"; the genres "regency romances" and "historical romances"; and the subjects "earls and countesses," "nobility," and "aristocracy."
These books have the themes "friends to lovers" and "large cast of characters"; the genres "regency romances" and "historical romances"; and the subjects "earls and countesses," "nobility," and "dukes and duchesses."
These books have the appeal factors steamy and banter-filled, and they have the themes "large cast of characters" and "marriage of convenience"; the genres "regency romances" and "historical romances"; the subjects "earls and countesses," "nobility," and "single women"; and characters that are "well-developed characters."
NoveList recommends "Wicked Worthingtons" for fans of "Bridgerton series". Check out the first book in the series.
These books have the appeal factors funny, and they have the genres "regency romances" and "historical romances"; and the subjects "earls and countesses," "secrets," and "social life and customs."
NoveList recommends "Girl meets duke" for fans of "Bridgerton series". Check out the first book in the series.

Similar Authors From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for other authors you might want to read if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Both authors combine sensuality, humor, and strong heroines in a Regency setting. Readers may also appreciate how both authors write about ties of love outside of romance, including ties between close friends and family. -- Jennifer Lohmann
Julia Quinn fans will feel right at home reading Patricia Cabot's Historical Romances. They are fast-paced, action-packed, and sexy - as well as humorous. -- Krista Biggs
Julia Quinn and Stephanie Laurens write friendly, engaging books filled with themes of family commitment and the abiding bonds of love. Both authors write well-crafted stories with great endings and warm, lovely moments while exploring issues of female power and the effects of childhood trauma. -- Victoria Fredrick
Amanda Quick is frequently compared to Julia Quinn, and no wonder: they both write the same brand of historical romantic suspense, including strong family attachments, hidden agendas, and a large helping of humor and sexual tension. Both authors use witty dialogue to keep their stories moving along towards their satisfying conclusions. -- Katherine Johnson
Both write steamy Regency romances with plenty of humor and wit. Their books tell passionate love stories with real emotional heft and genuine understanding between the lovers. Their heroines are strong women who reach for their dreams, and are smart enough to know a good thing when they find it. -- Melissa Gray
Both Victoria Alexander and Julia Quinn write historical romances that focus on the character development of likable leading ladies and their romantic interests. Intriguing secondary characters in both authors' works often get their own novels. -- Shauna Griffin
Writing engaging romances generally set in Regency England, these authors create complex, attractive heroines and smart, handsome heroes who are self-aware and clever. Their witty, humorous tales contain a wealth of steamy scenes and a richly-detailed London where social niceties are as important as affairs of the heart. -- Mike Nilsson
Julia Quinn and Lisa Kleypas both write witty, steamy historical romances, primarily about the Regency and Victorian eras. They are known for their well-developed characters, banter-filled dialogue, and engaging storylines that lead to satisfying and well-earned conclusions. -- Halle Carlson
Julia Quinn and Lenora Bell both write steamy Regency romances filled with witty banter and well-developed characters. Their novels balance the emotional heft of their stories with a dash of humor. -- Halle Carlson
Deborah Simmons writes humor-laced historical romance including several set in the Regency era. Her humor is a bit more "broad" than Quinn's, sometimes bordering on slapstick, and her romantic encounters are not as steamy, but she is certainly worth introducing to fans of Quinn's racy Regencies. -- Krista Biggs
Karen Hawkins writes with a style and tone very similar to Quinn's - and, like Quinn, her characters move in a rather small social circle and pop up in each other's books. -- Krista Biggs
These authors' works have the appeal factors steamy and banter-filled, and they have the genres "historical romances" and "regency romances"; and the subjects "nobility" and "english history."

Published Reviews

Publisher's Weekly Review

Unlike the hero of Quinn's newest Regency-era romance, who falls in love with his cousin's wife upon first sight, readers won't be swept off their feet by the protagonists of this tale. Indeed, while Michael Stirling, dubbed the Merry Rake, is charming enough, subdued Penelope Bridgerton rarely seems worthy of his pursuit. All is well at the novel's outset, aside from the fact that Michael covets his cousin, the Earl of Kilmartin's, wife. Then, barely two chapters into the book, his cousin suffers an aneurysm and dies. Devastated and unable to cope with his new position as earl and his feelings for Penelope, Michael flees to India for four years, only to return still very much in love and suffering from malaria. In London, the two attend social events, trade quips and try to restore their friendship, but the more intimate they become, the more their feelings of guilt gnaw at them. Guilt is the only thing that stands in the way of the couple's happiness, and it's often frustrating to witness their slow, overwrought progression from denial to acceptance. While this book possesses some of the qualities that Quinn's fans have come to expect-sprightly prose, feverish love scenes and well-developed secondary characters-it is weighed down by the sheer intensity of the protagonists' grief. Agent, Steve Axelrod. (July) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
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Library Journal Review

Unlike the hero of Quinn's newest Regency-era romance, who falls in love with his cousin's wife upon first sight, readers won't be swept off their feet by the protagonists of this tale. Indeed, while Michael Stirling, dubbed the Merry Rake, is charming enough, subdued Francesca Bridgerton rarely seems worthy of his pursuit. All is well at the novel's outset, aside from the fact that Michael covets his cousin, the Earl of Kilmartin's, wife. Then, barely two chapters into the book, his cousin suffers an aneurysm and dies. Devastated and unable to cope with his new position as earl and his feelings for Francesca, Michael flees to India for four years, only to return still very much in love and suffering from malaria. In London, the two attend social events, trade quips and try to restore their friendship, but the more intimate they become, the more their feelings of guilt gnaw at them. Guilt is the only thing that stands in the way of the couple's happiness, and it's often frustrating to witness their slow, overwrought progression from denial to acceptance. While this book possesses some of the qualities that Quinn's fans have come to expect-sprightly prose, feverish love scenes and well-developed secondary characters-it is weighed down by the sheer intensity of the protagonists' grief. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Publishers Weekly Reviews

Unlike the hero of Quinn's newest Regency-era romance, who falls in love with his cousin's wife upon first sight, readers won't be swept off their feet by the protagonists of this tale. Indeed, while Michael Stirling, dubbed the Merry Rake, is charming enough, subdued Penelope Bridgerton rarely seems worthy of his pursuit. All is well at the novel's outset, aside from the fact that Michael covets his cousin, the Earl of Kilmartin's, wife. Then, barely two chapters into the book, his cousin suffers an aneurysm and dies. Devastated and unable to cope with his new position as earl and his feelings for Penelope, Michael flees to India for four years, only to return still very much in love and suffering from malaria. In London, the two attend social events, trade quips and try to restore their friendship, but the more intimate they become, the more their feelings of guilt gnaw at them. Guilt is the only thing that stands in the way of the couple's happiness, and it's often frustrating to witness their slow, overwrought progression from denial to acceptance. While this book possesses some of the qualities that Quinn's fans have come to expect-sprightly prose, feverish love scenes and well-developed secondary characters-it is weighed down by the sheer intensity of the protagonists' grief. Agent, Steve Axelrod. (July) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
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