Books like When He Was Wicked

A deeply passionate, angst-laced exploration of secret yearning and the guilt of finding love after devastating loss. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with When He Was Wicked.

intimate
melancholic
swoony
emotionally charged

01
The Viscount Who Loved Me
Julia Quinn
A sparkling, banter-filled battle of wits that slowly melts into a deeply vulnerable, swoon-worthy romance.
Shares:
- swoony
- earnest
02
The Bridgertons
Julia Quinn
A warm, witty victory lap with a beloved fictional family that proves the happily-ever-after is just the beginning.
Feels:
- cozy
- joyous
- sentimental
03
When the Duke Returns
Eloisa James · 2008
A sparkling, sensual battle of wills where a fiercely determined wife sets out to seduce her own reluctant husband.
Shares:
- swoony
- witty
04
My Wicked Marquess
Gaelen Foley
A swoony historical romance where scandalous reputations mask noble hearts and undeniable attraction defies high-society gossip.
Shares:
- swoony
- passionate
05
Ways to Be Wicked
Julie Anne Long
A fiery, banter-filled historical romance set against the boisterous backdrop of the London theater.
Shares:
- witty
- passionate
06
The devilish pleasures of a Duke
Jillian Hunter
A swoony, scandalous historical romance where strict propriety collides with irresistible temptation.
Shares:
- swoony
- passionate
07
Just Wicked Enough
Lorraine Heath · 2007
A delightful battle of wills where a cynical aristocrat tries to substitute passion for love, only to lose his heart in the process.
Shares:
- swoony
- witty
- earnest
08
Lady Sophia's Lover
Lisa Kleypas
A masterclass in simmering tension where calculated revenge melts into desperate, all-consuming passion.
Shares:
- intimate
- emotionally charged
- yearning
- earnest
09
What I Did for a Duke
Julie Anne Long
A masterclass in crackling banter and slow-burn tension, where a cynical revenge plot is entirely derailed by unexpected emotional intimacy.
Shares:
- emotionally charged
- witty
- passionate
10
London's perfect scoundrel
Suzanne Enoch
A spirited battle of wills melts into passionate surrender in this classic tale of a tender heart taking on a notorious rake.
Shares:
- swoony
- earnest
11
Some Like It Wicked
Debbie Raleigh
A delightfully scandalous romp where a pragmatic business arrangement melts into genuine, sizzling passion.
Shares:
- witty
12
A Perfect Scoundrel
Heather Cullman
A delightful dance of mistaken identity and forced proximity where a quiet wallflower finally brings a charming rogue to his knees.
Shares:
- swoony
- earnest

Back to When He Was Wicked