Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Spice Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (4/5 - Hot and Emotionally Charged)
Plot Rating: 📚📚📚📚 (4/5 - Engaging with Some Predictable Beats)
Let's get one thing straight from the start: Victoria Price is a bitch. Not in the derogatory way that word is usually thrown at women who dare to be successful or assertive. No, Victoria is a Bitch with a capital B, and she's built a multi-million dollar empire teaching other women how to embrace their inner bitch and stop apologizing for taking up space in a man's world.
But here's the thing about revenge plots wrapped in designer clothes: they're only as good as the secrets they're hiding. And Victoria Price? She's got more secrets than a CIA operative with a side hustle in identity theft. Because Victoria Price isn't even her real name. Fifteen years ago, she was Isabel Diaz—a mousy, insecure Mexican-American girl who fell head over heels for a rich white boy named Parker Maxwell. And when that relationship imploded in the most spectacular way possible, Isabel decided to do what any rational person would do: get extensive plastic surgery, change her name, build a business empire based on hating men, and plot elaborate revenge.
"Wicked Beautiful" by J.T. Geissinger is what happens when you take a second-chance romance, add mistaken identity, throw in serious family trauma, and wrap it all up in sharp, witty dialogue. It's a story about reinvention, forgiveness, and the fine line between strength and self-destruction. It's also proof that sometimes the best revenge isn't revenge at all—it's healing.
Spoiler alert: feelings get involved. Feelings always get involved. And when they do, things get messy, complicated, and absolutely delicious.
Plot Summary: Bitches Do Better (But Do They Really?)
Victoria Price has it all figured out. She's a bestselling author, a sought-after life coach, and the queen of teaching women how to be ruthless, successful, and immune to emotional manipulation. Her book, "Bitches Do Better," is a manifesto for female empowerment, and her seminars are packed with women eager to learn her secrets. She lives in a fabulous Manhattan penthouse, wears designer clothes, and has a rotation of boy toys who know better than to expect anything more than a good time.
But beneath the perfectly curated exterior, Victoria is still Isabel—the girl who got pregnant at seventeen, was abandoned by the boy she loved, and watched her family fall apart. Her father turned to gambling and drinking, losing all their money. Her younger brother died because they couldn't afford his medical treatment. Isabel was locked away by her shame-filled parents, forced to give up her baby for adoption, and left to pick up the pieces.
So she reinvented herself. Plastic surgery fixed her crooked nose and teeth. Contact lenses replaced her glasses. She became Victoria Price—a woman who would never let a man hurt her again.
Enter Parker Maxwell, the man who started it all. Fifteen years later, he's a successful restaurateur, philanthropist, and infamous playboy with three simple rules for the women he dates: no questions about his past, no expectations for the future, and no spending the night. He's gorgeous, charming, and completely closed off emotionally—because he's still mourning the loss of his first love, a girl named Isabel who he believes committed suicide.
When Victoria and Parker meet at a charity event, the attraction is immediate and explosive. Parker doesn't recognize her—she's completely transformed. But Victoria recognizes him, and she sees an opportunity for revenge. Her plan is simple: make him fall in love with her, destroy his reputation, and break his heart.
There's just one tiny problem: Parker Maxwell isn't the villain she's spent fifteen years hating. He's kind, genuine, and falling for her with an intensity that makes her question everything. And the more time they spend together, the more Victoria realizes that the story she's been telling herself might not be the whole truth.
As their relationship deepens, secrets start to unravel. Parker begins to suspect Victoria is hiding something. Victoria struggles with the realization that her revenge plot is hurting her more than him. And when the truth finally comes out—about what really happened fifteen years ago, about the baby they had together, about the lies that tore them apart—both must decide whether love is worth the risk of being vulnerable again.
Without spoiling the ending, "Wicked Beautiful" delivers an emotionally satisfying conclusion that proves forgiveness isn't weakness—it's the bravest thing you can do. But getting there? That's a journey filled with passion, pain, and plenty of moments that will make you want to shake both characters and tell them to just TALK to each other already.
Characters: The Bitch, The Playboy, and The Fabulous Supporting Cast
Victoria Price/Isabel Diaz is a fascinating study in contradictions. On the surface, she's everything she preaches: confident, successful, and completely in control. She's built an empire teaching women to be strong and to never let a man define their worth. But underneath that carefully constructed armor, she's still the scared seventeen-year-old girl who lost everything.
What makes Victoria compelling is that her strength is both real and performative. She genuinely believes in female empowerment, but she's also using it as a shield to avoid dealing with her trauma. Her "bitch" persona isn't just about being strong—it's about never being vulnerable again. When Parker starts to crack through that armor, Victoria has to confront the fact that true strength includes vulnerability.
Victoria is sharp, witty, and unapologetically ambitious. She's also deeply flawed—her revenge plot is petty and self-destructive, and she spends too much of the book lying to Parker when honesty would serve her better. But that's what makes her human. She's not a perfect feminist icon; she's a woman who's been hurt and is trying to protect herself the only way she knows how.
Parker Maxwell is the kind of hero who could easily have been a cliché—the rich playboy with a tragic past—but Geissinger gives him enough depth and genuine goodness to make him swoon-worthy. Yes, he's gorgeous and wealthy, but what makes him attractive is his emotional intelligence and his refusal to play games.
From the moment he meets Victoria, Parker sees through her act. He recognizes that her bitchy exterior is a defense mechanism, and instead of being intimidated, he's intrigued. He wants to know the real woman beneath the armor, and he's willing to be patient and persistent to get there.
What's refreshing about Parker is that he's not a typical alpha male who tries to dominate. He's confident enough to let Victoria take the lead, but he also calls her out when she's being dishonest. He demands authenticity from her, which is both frustrating and exactly what she needs.
Parker's backstory—believing that Isabel killed herself because of him—adds tragedy to his character that makes his emotional walls understandable. He's not a playboy because he's shallow; he's protecting himself from guilt and pain. When he starts to fall for Victoria, he's risking that pain all over again.
Darcy is Victoria's best friend and a food blogger/critic who is absolutely delightful. She's a plus-size Black woman who is confident, funny, and completely unapologetic. Darcy provides comic relief and emotional support, and her friendship with Victoria feels genuine and warm.
Tabby is Victoria's assistant and a genius hacker who dropped out of MIT because it was too easy. She's fierce, loyal, and has zero patience for bullshit. Tabby does the dirty work of Victoria's revenge plot, but she's also the voice of reason who questions whether revenge is really what Victoria needs. Her dynamic with Connor sets up the second book in the series.
Connor is Parker's friend and provides great moments of male friendship and support. His interactions with Tabby are hilarious and hint at an enemies-to-lovers romance in the next book.
Tropes: A Revenge Plot Buffet
Second Chance Romance - At its core, this is a story about first loves getting a second chance, even though one of them doesn't know it yet.
Secret Identity/Makeover - Victoria has completely transformed herself, and Parker doesn't recognize her. This creates delicious tension and dramatic irony.
Revenge Plot - Victoria's entire plan revolves around making Parker fall in love with her so she can destroy him. Of course, feelings complicate everything.
Enemies to Lovers - Well, one-sided enemies. Victoria hates Parker (or thinks she does), while Parker is just trying to figure out why this fascinating woman keeps pushing him away.
Forced Proximity - As Victoria executes her revenge plan, she has to spend more time with Parker, which means more opportunities for feelings to develop.
Grumpy/Sunshine - Victoria is the grumpy, cynical one who's built walls around her heart. Parker is surprisingly optimistic and open.
Playboy Reformed - Parker has a reputation as a player, but he's really just been protecting his heart. Meeting Victoria changes everything.
Miscommunication/Secrets - So. Many. Secrets. The entire plot hinges on what really happened fifteen years ago and the lies that kept them apart.
Emotional Walls - Both characters have built elaborate defenses to protect themselves. Watching those walls come down is both painful and beautiful.
Trigger Warnings: Heavy Themes Ahead
"Wicked Beautiful" deals with some serious content that readers should be aware of:
- Teenage Pregnancy - Victoria/Isabel gets pregnant at seventeen and is forced to give the baby up for adoption
- Parental Emotional Abuse - Isabel's parents lock her away during her pregnancy to hide their "shame"
- Death of a Sibling - Victoria's younger brother dies from muscular dystrophy because the family can't afford treatment
- Grief and Loss - Both main characters deal with unresolved grief from their past
- Classism and Racism - The book addresses the prejudice Isabel faced as a Mexican-American girl dating a wealthy white boy
- Gambling Addiction - Victoria's father's gambling problem destroys the family financially
- Suicidal Ideation - Referenced in Parker's backstory (he believes Isabel killed herself)
- Revenge Plot - The premise involves one character plotting to emotionally destroy another
- Emotional Manipulation - Victoria manipulates Parker as part of her revenge plan
These themes are handled with care, but they're integral to the story and may be difficult for some readers.
What Works: The Wicked Good Stuff
The Writing - J.T. Geissinger has a gift for sharp, witty dialogue that crackles with energy. The banter is top-notch, and the prose is both accessible and intelligent. She balances humor with emotional depth beautifully, making you laugh one moment and tear up the next.
The Feminist Themes - While the book isn't perfect in its execution, it tackles important issues around female empowerment, body image, and the double standards women face. Victoria's "Bitches Do Better" philosophy is both empowering and a defense mechanism, and the book explores that complexity thoughtfully.
The Character Development - Both Victoria and Parker undergo significant growth. Victoria learns that true strength includes vulnerability, and Parker learns that he can't live in the past forever. Their evolution feels earned rather than rushed.
The Chemistry - The sexual tension between Victoria and Parker is electric. Their intimate scenes are hot, emotionally charged, and feel like a natural extension of their relationship.
The Emotional Depth - Beneath the revenge plot and witty banter, this is a story about trauma, healing, and forgiveness. The emotional beats land with real impact.
The Supporting Characters - Darcy, Tabby, and Connor are all well-developed and add richness to the story. They have their own personalities and story arcs.
The Pacing - For the most part, the story moves at a good clip. There's always something happening, whether it's a revelation, a confrontation, or a steamy scene.
The Quotes - Geissinger has a way with memorable lines. From "Hate will devour you. Anger, no matter how righteous it feels, is a straight, short path to hell" to "Hearts can't lie," the book is full of quotable moments.
What Doesn't Work: The Wicked Problematic Stuff
The Plastic Surgery Plot Device - The idea that Parker doesn't recognize Isabel because she had her nose and teeth fixed, got contacts, and grew a couple of inches strains credibility. People's essential features don't change that dramatically. It requires significant suspension of disbelief.
Victoria's Prolonged Deception - Victoria has multiple opportunities to come clean with Parker and doesn't take them. This becomes frustrating, especially when Parker is being so open and honest. The lying goes on too long and makes Victoria less sympathetic.
The Rushed Ending - After all the buildup and emotional turmoil, the resolution feels somewhat hurried. The final revelations and reconciliation happen quickly.
Stereotypical Characterizations - Some reviewers have noted that certain characters fall into problematic stereotypes: the fiery Latina heroine, the plus-size Black friend who provides comic relief, the vapid Italian character with broken English. While the author may have intended diversity, the execution sometimes reinforces stereotypes.
The Mexico Escape - Victoria's decision to run away to Mexico and create yet another new identity feels like a regression rather than growth. After all her character development, reverting to avoidance is disappointing.
Underdeveloped Mother Subplot - Victoria's mother plays a crucial role in the tragic misunderstanding, but her character and motivations aren't fully explored.
The Revenge Plot Payoff - Victoria never really follows through with her revenge plan in any meaningful way. She keeps saying she's going to destroy Parker, but never actually does anything concrete. This makes the revenge plot feel more like a premise than a driving force.
The Verdict: Wickedly Entertaining Despite Its Flaws
"Wicked Beautiful" is a smart, sexy, emotionally engaging romance that tackles serious themes with wit and heart. It's not perfect—the plastic surgery plot device is a stretch, some characterizations are problematic, and the ending feels rushed—but the strengths far outweigh the weaknesses.
The 4.5/5 rating reflects a book that does so much right. The writing is sharp and engaging, the chemistry is scorching, the emotional depth is real, and the character development is satisfying. Victoria and Parker are complex, flawed characters who feel like real people dealing with real trauma.
The spice rating of 4/5 is well-deserved. The intimate scenes are frequent, hot, and emotionally resonant. They're not just physical—they're moments of vulnerability and connection that deepen the relationship. The sexual tension builds beautifully.
The plot rating of 4/5 reflects a story that's engaging and well-paced but has some predictable elements. If you've read second-chance romances before, you'll see some beats coming. The revenge plot doesn't deliver as much as it promises. But the journey is entertaining enough that these issues don't derail the overall experience.
Who Should Read This:
- Fans of second-chance romances with high stakes
- Readers who love revenge plots
- Anyone who enjoys sharp, witty dialogue and banter
- Fans of feminist themes in romance
- Readers who appreciate emotionally complex characters
- Those who love hot chemistry and steamy scenes
Who Should Skip This:
- Readers who need believable plot devices (the plastic surgery thing is a stretch)
- Those frustrated by prolonged deception and miscommunication
- Readers sensitive to themes of teenage pregnancy, loss, and family trauma
- Anyone looking for a light, fluffy read (this has emotional weight)
Bottom Line: "Wicked Beautiful" is a wickedly entertaining romance that proves J.T. Geissinger knows how to write complex characters, sharp dialogue, and emotional depth. Yes, it has flaws—the plastic surgery plot device requires suspension of disbelief, some characterizations are problematic, and the ending feels rushed. But the core of the story—two broken people finding their way back to each other and learning that forgiveness is stronger than revenge—is beautifully executed.
Victoria's journey from bitter, revenge-focused "bitch" to a woman who can be both strong and vulnerable is satisfying. Parker's unwavering love and patience makes him a hero worth rooting for.
This is a book that will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you believe in second chances. It's a reminder that sometimes the best revenge isn't revenge at all—it's living well, loving deeply, and having the courage to forgive.
As Victoria learns: "Hate will devour you. Anger, no matter how righteous it feels, is a straight, short path to hell. Only forgiveness will set you free. Only forgiveness can heal your scars. Forgiveness not only for those who've wronged you but also for yourself."
And really, isn't that what we all need to hear sometimes? Even if we have to hear it from a self-proclaimed bitch in designer heels.
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