Alright. I have to say … that this may be one of my FAVORITE romance books of all time. And that’s saying a lot. It was a great redemption from reading To Sir Phillip, With Love, aka book 5 in the Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn. This one, that was Francesca’s story, was just so beautifully written.

Synopsis:

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 . . .

My Review:

I loved Francesca and Michael. First of all, this book was so well-written. It was a second chance at love story, as Francesca has been recently widowed. It’s also a friends-to-lovers story, which happens to be my favorite romance trope (second to enemies to lovers trope lol). The book just kept going and going, and the plot did not fall through at all whatsoever, unlike book 5. I liked that it also included scenes and chapters from London, which included other members of the Bridgerton family, which I did not like that book 5 didn’t really include a lot of London scenes and Bridgerton family members. But book 6, When He Was Wicked, did and I thoroughly enjoyed that.

But in addition, I also loved a new setting in Scotland. We also didn’t read much of Francesca in her older siblings’ books, so I didn’t know what to expect with her story, but it definitely impressed me.

I also really loved Michael Stirling. Now, I know that everyone is freaking out over Charlie Lastra from Book Lovers by Emily Henry, but you guys … Michael Stirling is the fictional man that captured my heart.

What didn’t I like? I think, along with the season two of Bridgerton, it was a slow burn. And not in the way everyone thinks of a slow burn (👀), but with the two leads finally getting together and confessing their true feelings for each other. Even when they did (not a spoiler lol), there was still things needed to be resolved and we didn’t get that until the epilogue … and then the second epilogue. Still, I liked the flow and how the story panned out.

Overall, I’d recommend this book (and series) to anyone and everyone. I think I’ll do a ranking once I’m finished reading the entire series, but for now, I think it’s safe to say that this is my favorite book in the entire series.

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