When He Was Wicked

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

More by Julia Quinn

• To Sir Phillip, With Love (2003)
• The Duke and I (2000)
• Minx (1996)
• Dancing at Midnight (1995)
• The Bridgertons (2013)
• The Wit and Wisdom of Bridgerton (2021)
• → Julia Quinn books in order (full reading guide)

Where to read When He Was Wicked

When He Was Wicked is widely available in ebook and print — check your library, Kindle Unlimited, or your preferred retailer. Prefer to start a whole collection at once? The Margot St. James bundle gives you ten full-length Regency romances for less than the price of one paperback.