Michael Stirling never thought he would fall in love. No woman in the ton ever held his interest more than a few weeks and many had tried. Then it happened: he saw her, the woman of his dreams. Life suddenly had purpose until he found out the smiling angel was his Cousin John's fiancŽ. The love of his life was married three days later to his best friend and cousin, the Earl of Kilmartin.

Francesca, unaware of Michael's attraction, was overjoyed to meet John's cousin. She soon included him in all of her plans with John. Michael served as scintillating wit to John's down-to-earth manner. Often Francesca would beg Michael to tell her something wicked that he had done. It was difficult for Michael to keep casual company with the woman he adored, but what was even worse was the feeling that he was committing adultery in his heart. John's unexpected death due to a brain aneurysm tripled his already staggering guilt. It was as if God knew about his lust for Francesca; it was a blasphemous thought and it frightened him more than any of his wartime experiences. Then there were the minor nobles who started whispering how lucky he was because he would be Earl. It all seemed so wrong to Michael because he loved John more than a brother, and everything that was John's suddenly came to him. Michael was distraught in his grief and guilt.

With the sudden death of her husband and miscarriage of her child, Francesca turned to her closest friend, Michael. For reasons unknown to her, Michael would not comfort her; in fact he wouldn't even befriend her. Instead he journeyed off to India and left her in charge of everything. Francesca's anger was so great she would not even respond to Michael's letters. Years passed until one day she decided it was time to remarry-just about the same time Michael returned from India. The obvious would be for the friends to become lovers, but they could barely stand beside each other with the ghost of John always between them. A few of the colorful members of the ton gave both good and bad advice to the star-crossed couple with painful and sometimes comic results.

WHEN HE WAS WICKED includes the colorful Bridgerton family from Julia Quinn's previous novels, plus the usual clubs, balls, and pastimes of London's ton that add to an enjoyable read. The premise is a simple one of unrequited love, but when has love ever been simple? Michael and Francesca engage in such a torturous dance of misunderstood actions, higher ideas, and lost opportunities that a tissue box should be kept at hand, at all times.

WHEN HE WAS WICKEDis a delightful addition to previous books about the Bridgerton family. For those who are new to Julia Quinn and her marvelous tales, this is a good one to start with. Tuck this book in your purse; you'll want to carry it with you until you're done-it's that good.

Reviewed by Morgan Wyatt
(c) August 2004