”Tell me something wicked.”

I really enjoyed this! I don’t know if I plan to ready anymore of this series (I only read this + the second book) but even if I don’t, I think this is a high note to end on. This book has pining, passion, and tension which is what I was hoping I’d get from this story.

I already said this in a forum post, but I really did enjoy the exploration of the different forms love can take on. There were a couple moments where Francesca would think, “oh this is new, I haven’t felt this before” but I don’t think it was done in a way that detracted from the love she had with John — it was just different. As much as John was safe, comfortable, and steady, Michael is passionate, unyielding, and fiercely protective. Oh, to be loved by a Stirling.

”Why? It’s because I love you, damn me to hell. Because I’ve always loved you. Because I loved you when you were with John, and I loved you when I was in India, and God only knows I don’t deserve you, but I love you, anyway.”

It was fun to spend time in Francesca’s mind for a bit too. She’s independent, witty, sarcastic, and fun. She’s not the loudest in a room, but she has a quiet strength about her that still commands attention in a way that’s enviable and hot in equal measure.

”More,” he demanded. Demanded? She didn’t like that. “Beg me.”

The push and pull + the “will they, won’t they” of it all was fun, even if maddening at times. They more than made up for it, though, with all the passion they were able to drum up in the drawing room, and the cottage, and in their bedchambers, and the library, and outside, etc. 😮‍💨

”You could ride me. Have you ever done that?” She shook her head. “Do you want to?” She nodded. One of his hands left her hips and found the back of her head, pulling her down until they ­were nose to nose. “I’m not a gentle pony,” he said softly. “I promise you, you will have to work to keep your seat.”

Yeah, Shondaland did it better — but this was still very enjoyable if you like histrom! I imagine if I read this before watching the show then I’d have liked it a lot more. Ultimately, the tension Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley created simply can’t be matched. 🥵

I do think that bit about Anthony saying he’s going to tie Kate to the bed should’ve made it into the show, though. 😮‍💨