When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn 2004
Description from back of book:
"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 bachelor, 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..."
I love this book!!! It's different than a lot of books out there in a lot of ways. First, Michael is Francesca's best friend - not some man she saw and fell madly in love with. Secondly, it's Michael who's pining, which seems against the grain - and I'm very glad because I'm tired of it always being the girl's job to pine. Thirdly, it's the first book I've read where the hero suffers from malaria for a significant portion of the book. Fourthly, it's one of the few books I've read where the widow actually truly loved her husband before he died. Fifthly, this book begins very sadly, and a touch of that sadness continues through the rest of the book. Despite that, this book is amazingly good. Very touching, and sweet, and really everything a romance novel should be expected to be. Michael, while prickly and tortured, is completely lovable - although far from perfect - and Francesca struggles to come to terms with her husband's death and her growing feelings for his cousin and her best friend. Truly charming!!!
RATING:
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RATING:
1/2
No comments:
Post a Comment