When He Was Wicked - Julia Quinn

Initial draw: ✰✰✰✰
Character development: ✰✰✰
Plot/Writing style: ✰✰✰
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐

From the cover:

"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..."

Okay, Julia. Okay. This book has a weird premise, but I'll go for it. 

Things I'm here for: Francesca and Michael banging for weeks while Francesca steadfastly refuses to accept his proposal of marriage. Hell yeah, girl, get that dick! Being married is not a requirement for having a good time! Also, is this the first book where a man actually goes down on a woman? Because SNAPS for that. Sorry, fellas, I don't care how big Julia says your dicks all are, I'm not convinced that any of you were getting these women off with penetration alone. I don't buy it. Be like Michael. Give them some legit foreplay.

That said...the THING with all capital letters that I am decidedly not here for: Michael scheming to trap Francesca into marriage by seducing her and subsequently attempting to knock her up. MICHAEL, NO, WHAT ARE YOU DOING? Thankfully, he wises up and changes course pretty quickly, but bro. Ew. Supremely not cool.

Anyway...as mentioned, this book has an incredibly strange premise, but...it was solid.