When He Was Wicked Deluxe Collector's Edition: Bridgerton – A Regency Romance Set in 18th Century London

by Julia Quinn

A stunning hardcover Deluxe Collector’s Edition of When He Was Wicked, the sixth novel in #1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn’s beloved Bridgerton series, featuring beautiful endpapers, a ribbon marker, and a gorgeous, decorated spine. Collect all 8 in the series to unveil the beautiful imagery when shelved together!

Watch BRIDGERTON, 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. But unfortunately for Michael, 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 . . .

Genres: Romance

400 pages, Hardcover

Published March 3, 2026

About the author

#1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn loves to dispel the myth that smart women don't read (or write) romance, and and if you watch reruns of the game show The Weakest Link you might just catch her winning the $79,000 jackpot. She displayed a decided lack of knowledge about baseball, country music, and plush toys, but she is proud to say that she aced all things British and literary, answered all of her history and geography questions correctly, and knew that there was a Da Vinci long before there was a code.

A graduate of Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges, Ms. Quinn is one of only sixteen members of Romance Writers of America’s Hall of Fame. Her books have been translated into 32 languages, and she lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest.

The Bridgertons, her popular series of historical romance, is currently in production by Shondaland as a Netflix original series starring Julie Andrews, Phoebe Dynevor, and Rége-Jean Page.

Reviews

[Oli Turner]

#bridgerton #whenhewaswicked by #juliaquinn published in 2004. Another charming entry in the series. Like most series it strikes that balance of “being the same but different”. Taking a different approach to a similar premise to the last novel. This time a Widow falling in love with her deceased husband’s cousin with whom they are already on very good terms. (Last time it was a widower falling for his deceased wife’s cousin whom he has never met). Seemed to be predominantly from Michael’s perspective. I particularly enjoyed the scenes with Michael and Colin at the club. I would have liked a little more from Francesca, but it wasn’t entirely unbalanced. Not sure if I am getting prudish in my old age but the multiple protracted sex scenes seemed a bit gratuitous. It would have been nice to see them as a married couple for a larger part of the book. The second epilogue had the most delightful and satisfying ending. Would have been nice to spend a little longer there too. Interesting to have Michael as an infamous rake (only to dull the pain from not being with the woman he wants), Francesca felt a bit under written in terms of her character (considering Quinn normally does excellent character work) but I wonder whether that was an intentional authorial choice to express that she is a little outside the bridgerton family, perhaps a bit removed due to her personality and independence and therefore she is a bit distant from the reader as well. There wasn’t quite as much witty repartee this time (but Francesca is dealing with some complex issues: grief, survivor’s guilt, miscarriage and infertility - so a bit difficult for her to be light hearted and comedic). Because she is dealing with these difficult emotions I do not feel I know Francesca’s normal personality very well.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was mostly fine but the end didn’t sit right. Micheal is very manipulative and is open about it, that he’ll do whatever he has to for Francesca to marry him. The rushed wedding felt very not right and for someone who was so concerned for so long with respecting the memory of John and not just replacing him, he decided real quick that oh yea John would’ve been cool with this The trying to baby trap and seduce her hand was crazy. Boo Micheal. Francesca was poorly fleshed out in the novel too. It never once mentions a real interest like playing piano and she just says “I don’t know” constantly. Otherwise though I had liked this book, just wish it had fleshed out her character and their dynamic a bit more.

[Brandy Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg this book was so sweet. I’m honestly I read it because everyone is mad at Netflix for turning Michael into Michelle. Don’t get me wrong I want to meet Michael but I do think it will be okay with Michelle. Not as great but whatever. This was the sweetest and heart warming book I’ve read in a while.

[Sarah Adamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me longer to read this one. Not sure if it was slow to start or if maybe I’m slightly bridgerton-burnt-out, but by the end I really liked the story overall. Francesca is a nice character to follow.

[STish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was really good.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book!

[Sarah Jamieson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Julia Quinn's at her best in this one.

It's different from the first five, and Francesca's such a compelling protagonist.

[.✦ ݁˖Kirsten Basore.✦ ݁˖ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tears were shed

[lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still so cute!