Wicked Becomes You by Meredith Duran

"Gwen Maudsley is pretty enough to be popular, and plenty wealthy, too. But what she's best known and loved for is being so very, very nice. When a cad jilts her at the altar -- again -- the scandal has her outraged friends calling for blood. Only Gwen has a different plan. If nice no longer works for her, then it's time to learn to be naughty. Happily, she knows the perfect tutor -- Alexander Ramsey, her late brother's best friend and a notorious rogue.

So why won't a confirmed scoundrel let her be as bad as she want to be?"
(from the publisher)

my thoughts:

Wicked Becomes You by Meredith Duran was absolutely divine! Gwen Maudsley, a turn-of-the century London debutant, is everything society expects of her....genteel, well-mannered, wealthy, attractive, and kind-hearted. So what's wrong with this picture? She's been jilted -- twice -- and just can't grasp how she will ever come to terms with the gut-wrenching humiliation of two suitors backing out of their intended marriage to her. What's worse, her latest suitor, the Viscount Pennington, has literally bolted out of the door wearing a ring that belonged to Gwen's deceased brother, Richard, and it breaks her heart to think that she will never be able to retrieve her beloved brother's ring.

After her latest disaster at the altar, something inside of Gwen just snaps -- she's had enough of being the good girl that people take advantage of, and she realizes that it's high time to take control of her life and her independence. She never really loved either of her suitors, so why mourn? She's fabulously wealthy, so she really doesn't need a man to take care of her. It's time to say exactly what's on her mind, regardless of the consequences or what others might think. She pens a letter to the Viscount telling him exactly what she thinks of him, and fully intends to get her brother's ring back even if she has to hunt him down across the globe!

Meanwhile, dashing Alex Ramsey has watched as his best friend's sister has suffered yet another humiliation. He made a promise to Richard shortly before he died to watch over his sister...and Alex is obligated to honor the death-bed promise. Intercepting Gwen with her trunk and letter in hand as she plans to leave, Alex is both amused and intrigued with her new attitude, but decides her must follow her to protect her.

From the Moulin Rouge in Paris to the casinos of Monte Carlo, Gwen and Alex become involved in danger and intrigue, and along the way, discover that the feelings they develop for each other are also leading them down a very dangerous -- and interesting-- path.

Absolutely loved it! Alex is intense and romantic -- he's a hunky bad boy with a heart ;) -- and I truly wanted Gwen to find what will bring her happiness and independence. Lots of surprises and revelations.....highly recommended! This one is going on my keeper shelf, right next to Kleypas' Lady Sophia's Lover; it's that good!

5/5 stars

Title: Wicked Becomes You
Author: Meredith Duran
Pocket Books
2010
402 pages
genre: historical romance