Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Historical Romance
Length: 384 pages
Author: Julia Quinn
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: June 29th, 2004
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

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.

WICKEDLY GOOD.

Sometimes I think I’m funny.

Any who. This didn’t surpass my love for Anthony’s story buuut I did think it was a great read! A great audio book read that I adored.

Poor Michael cracked me up. Wow do I love a man smitten from FOREVER. I did appreciate how that situation was handled and that no gray area cheating or anything like that occurred. It made me be able to connect to the new romantic relationship development between Michael and Francesca.

Francesca was a lovable heroine who worked past her grief to find a new love in life. Allowing herself to feel and be open to experiences that could once again leave her in heartbreak. She had some endearing qualities about her and I loved watching the friendship turn into pure romance.

The conflict was dragged out a little bit further than I was hoping. At the time I figured it would be resolved it wasn’t. And it did get a little past my spice comfort level. But besides that, I’m reading randomly through the Bridgerton series and enjoying them immensely!

Overall audience notes:

• Historical Romance
• Language: none
• Romance: three open door (one very long)
• Violence: low
• Trigger/Content Warnings: infertility, miscarriage, sudden loss of a husband

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