Wicked Becomes You by Meredith Duran

She’s pretty enough to be popular, and Lord knows she’s rich enough for it. But what society loves best about Gwen Maudsley is how very, very nice she is. So when a cad jilts her at the altar—again—an outraged London brays 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.

Unbeknownst to Gwen, Alex’s aloof demeanor veils a very personal interest in her. He has no desire to see her change, nor to tempt himself with her presence when his own secrets make any future between them impossible. But on an educational tour through the glittering casinos of the Riviera, their friendship gives way to something hotter, darker, and altogether more dangerous. With Alex’s past and Gwen’s wildness on a collision course, Gwen must convince Alex that his wickedest intentions are exactly what she needs. [via GoodReads]

I have to confess this is my first Meredith Duran romance. I know, I know, you must be asking yourself if I've been living under a rock right about now... if it makes you feel better, I do own two of her previous works I just haven't gotten around to reading them (bows head in shame). So with that said... wth have I been thinking not to read Meredith Duran before?!?

Ms. Duran is brilliant! I loved her characters. Gwen the jilted (for the second time) super nice, super sweet girl. Alex the rake... I love me a rake. A woman fed up with being the good girl and swearing to live WICKED. A man who has no other recourse but to take care of her (as promised to her late brother) and make sure she gets into no trouble. They were the perfect match with dynamic chemistry, quick wit, and plenty of sigh-worthy moments. And, as if that weren't enough, there's also a bit of a mystery to be solved (although this is not the major plot line in the story). I found this to be more of a character driven novel with plenty of romance, laugh out loud moments, and loads and loads of wickedness (at least what you'd consider wicked for a girl living in the 1890's). Prepare to be whisked away on an adventure through Paris, Nice and Monte Carlo and learn that love comes when you least expect it. This is historical romance at its best and one that I would not hesitate in recommending.

This book was provided for review by Simon & Schuster.