10 Best Books Like When He Was Wicked
If you loved When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn, here are the most similar books our readers recommend.
Quick Answer
The best books like When He Was Wicked are:
- 1A Lady by Midnight by Tessa Dare4.3
- 2How to Marry a Marquis by Julia Quinn0#2
- 3A Gentleman's Offer by Emma Orchard4.0
- 4Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase0
- 5The Bride by Julie Garwood4.6
- 6Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel4.4
- 7By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult4.4
- 8A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare4.2#1
- 9A Bachelor's Lessons in Love by Sally Britton4.6
- 10A Shore Thing by Joanna Lowell4.4

London's most notorious rake Michael Stirling falls hopelessly in love with Francesca Bridgerton at first sight—unfortunately, it's at the dinner celebrating her engagement to his own cousin. Years later, after tragedy strikes and circumstances change, Francesca is free and Michael has inherited his cousin's title, but he must keep his forbidden love secret until one dangerous night when passion threatens to reveal everything.
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Detailed Recommendations

How to Marry a Marquis
Agents of the Crown #2 (works standalone)by Julia Quinn
Why you'll love it:
Another Julia Quinn book — if you love their writing style, this is a natural next pick.

A Night to Surrender
Spindle Cove #1 (works standalone)by Tessa Dare
Why you'll love it:
This romance shares a witty and warm tone that will resonate with When He Was Wicked fans.
Quick Comparison: Books Like When He Was Wicked
| Book | Author | Rating | Year | Pages | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Lady by Midnight | Tessa Dare | 4.3 | 2013 | — | Closest match |
| How to Marry a Marquis | Julia Quinn | 0 | 2004 | — | Same author |
| A Gentleman's Offer | Emma Orchard | 4.0 | 2025 | 320 | Similar vibes |
| Lord of Scoundrels | Loretta Chase | 0 | 2009 | 384 | Similar vibes |
| The Bride | Julie Garwood | 4.6 | 2022 | 352 | Similar vibes |
| Like Water for Chocolate | Laura Esquivel | 4.4 | 1992 | 245 | Similar vibes |
| By Any Other Name | Jodi Picoult | 4.4 | 2024 | 544 | Similar vibes |
| A Night to Surrender | Tessa Dare | 4.2 | 2011 | 400 | Similar vibes |
| A Bachelor's Lessons in Love | Sally Britton | 4.6 | 2025 | 280 | Similar vibes |
| A Shore Thing | Joanna Lowell | 4.4 | 2024 | 368 | Similar vibes |
Authors Who Write Like Julia Quinn
If you enjoy Julia Quinn's writing style, explore these similar authors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What books are most similar to When He Was Wicked?
The most similar books to When He Was Wicked are A Lady by Midnight, How to Marry a Marquis, A Gentleman's Offer.
What should I read after When He Was Wicked?
After finishing When He Was Wicked, readers most commonly pick up A Lady by Midnight next. Alternatively, you might enjoy more books by Julia Quinn, such as To Sir Phillip, With Love.
Who writes books like Julia Quinn?
Authors similar to Julia Quinn include Lisa Kleypas, Judith McNaught.
What genre is When He Was Wicked?
When He Was Wicked is a Romance novel by Julia Quinn, published in 2004. It features elements of Regency.
How long is When He Was Wicked?
When He Was Wicked varies in length depending on edition.
More by Julia Quinn
View all →About When He Was Wicked
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 . . .











