Ratings43
Average rating3.5
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…
Reviews with the most likes.
This took me forever to get through and I was not a fan of either character or their story.
Time to reset the “books since last sexual assault” timer! It's not as clear cut as in the first book, but it's very uncomfortable and I'd say it crosses the line. I believe this is the first book with the main couple having premarital sex.
The book starts out strong emotionally. Fran is married, his brother is attracted to her, and then husband dies and they both struggle with survivor's guilt. She deals with it, he runs away with it. And then Michael drops that part of his character because he wants to bang.
I always include major spoilers (hidden), to help with my memory issues. Read them at your peril!
If you love long drawn out angst where the hero spends most of the novel believing that he can never have the one woman that he has ever loved, this will be right up your street. As it's a Bridgerton story, their mutual sexual attraction eventually gets the better of them. This comes much later in the story than with other Bridgerton tales though. As ever, the wider Bridgerton family add humour and continuity to the story.
Francesca née Bridgerton has not long been married when her beloved husband suddenly dies . His cousin and their best friend, Michael, has been in love with her from first sight and cannot bear the guilt of inheriting John's estate whilst still loving Francesca , as if he has somehow wished this to happen. He goes abroad for several years, returning just as Francesca is ready to start looking for a second husband, only because she wants a baby .