Lord of Vice

historical-romance netgalley

This might just be my favorite installment in this series. Both Briony and Max were loveable characters on their own, and together, they were perfect equals setting out on future adventures.

Max, having worked his way up from nothing to owning a popular gaming hell, is trying to finally be rid of his investor who holds the last shares in his club. Finding out that his mystery benefactor is a woman of willpower and brains to match his own, he is far from appalled at a woman having the nerve to reach above her station. Intrigued, he sets out figure out what makes this woman who she is. Bryony, with her analytical nature and mathematical skills, has always been laughed at. Her mother is driven to despair by what she calls her "mannish", uncontrollable daughter and finally offers an ultimatum: decide on a husband, or marry the man of her parents' choosing. She is not amused when her daughter seems to settle for a commoner…

This was really cute and fun! I loved how Max and Bryony got to know each other, admired each other's talents and made sure the other one got a chance to shine. They are such a lovely couple, it can't be said enough!

*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Page Grey (Editor)

718 reviews419 followers

cannot-suspend-my-disbelief hard-to-connect-to-heroine historical-romance

This is one quick read and I really enjoyed it.

Maxwell and Bryony are perfect for each other and their chemistry is just palpable. I love their banters and even their simple conversation, I found enjoyable to read. It's also very refreshing to see a Hero in a Historical Romance who is not a duke or not a member of high society but have wealth thru his own abilities. Just like the heroine, who can have everything without hardship, yet wanted her freedom and refuse to let anyone dictate her life. And brave enough to run around in a lad's clothes. Their first meeting and those that followed were so cute with Bryony in a lad's clothes.

I love that their romance didn't right away turn into sexual part. It was developed in the right pace. Though I think this book is too short for me. That's one of the reason why I didn't give it a perfect rating. I think the story could be better if it was longer. It's not that it's shallow but somehow, the story was so easy to predict. Also I found some repetitive mention of some things by the same person. Which means the book can still be shorter if that was edited.

By the way, I read the ARC copy so some parts would surely be still edited. :)

Overally, I recommend this one. It's a quick read and the characters are very likeable. :)

cameff_1512136642287

historical-romance

Ursula

603 reviews185 followers

July 14, 2019

1.5 stars.

This was a bit of a silly story, with the implausible plot of a young miss owning half of a gambling club building and thus being the landlord of the hero. Because that was possible in Regency England.
Hmmm.
Anyway, I couldn't get very excited about the story, or the characters, and found Bryony way too forward and modern for it to work. Oh well.
I made it through to the end of this series, because I like to do that, but it wasn't a wonderful series, unfortunately. The plots stretched the bounds of credibility and there was a sameness to the story arcs that became more obvious as I read on.
Competent writing and I know this author appeals to many. She just doesn't do it for me.

Caitlyn Lynch

Author 210 books1,825 followers

I think Bryony Grenville might just be my favourite Regency heroine ever, and that’s seriously saying something. She’s amazing, though, a violin prodigy who plays only to please those she loves, a mathematical and business genius who has no choice but to operate under a pseudonym. She sneaks into the hero’s office and when he catches her, she totally disarms him with her unique manner and when he is (rightfully) outraged and called her a couple of unflattering names, she is quite unaccountably delighted because nobody has ever looked at her in that way before. ‘That way’ being as something other than a debutante who is way too unconventional for most men.

Finding a debutante in his office dressed in men’s clothing is the last thing Maxwell Gideon expects. Discovering she knows almost more about his business than he does is a shock, but he’s not above using her brains to help him improve his profit margins. Somehow, she worms herself into his life, and before he knows it, he can’t do without her. Or doesn’t want to, anyway.

I absolutely loved this couple together. The way Max respected Bryony’s unique skills and treated her as an equal was so refreshing, as was Bryony’s attitude. She loved even her demanding mother, but was still determined to live her own life, and on her terms, and Max not only accepted that, he actively aided and abetted her to finding her way forward. The romance between them was just a juicy sidebar to the greater story of character development.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this series by Erica Ridley, and this one was the best of the lot, with only minor appearances from characters from earlier books and no need to have read them to understand everything which happened in this one. If you’re not already reading this excellent author, make sure you put this one on your list to read!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.

Tracy DeNeal

380 reviews19 followers

Heather K (dentist in my spare time)

Bryony and Max

Loved it! Bryony meets her match on her own terms. I have loved the independent spitfire Grenville sister from the beginning. Her match was inspired. Everything about this story was wonderful.

But what about Frances, Lambley and Courteland? Will any of them make a match?

Tracy Emro

2,130 reviews64 followers

September 19, 2018

Maxwell Gideon is a self made man, he is the owner of the gaming hell The Cloven Hoof. He has worked hard and has grand plans, but unless he can get his silent partner to sell him the property that houses his club, all his plans will be for nothing.

Bryony Grenville is many things, a debutante, a violin virtuoso, an investment genius and currently her mother's pet project. As the youngest and only unmarried child, her mother wants Bryony to make a spectacular match and has told her that she will find a husband this season or her parents will find one for her. Bryony wishes she could live her life as she desires, that she didn't have to hide her talent for investing behind a fake identity. When her brother Heath comes to her with Max's latest offer to buy the property, Bryony is intrigued, Max is offering twice what the property is worth and she wants to know why.

This is the beginning of a most unusual friendship. Max is unwillingly captivated by the young woman who sneaked into his club, he sends her away, but is not was upset as he should be when she returns the next night. Bryony is thrilled, Max actually listens to her suggestions and doesn't treat her like an oddity. She really likes him and enjoys working with him, she wonders if they could be partners in truth, but when he finds out who she really is, all her hopes turn to ash.

Max likes Bryony, but she is a member of the nobility, he wants nothing to do with her. But Bryony won't be ignored or judged for her birth, she continues to visit Max and promises she will consider his offer to buy the property, she just wants a month of his time to learn the business and get to know him before she gives him her decision.

As they spend more time together, they both begin to have hopes for a future together, but when reality comes calling, Max reverts to his previous belief that they are of different worlds and can never be together. When Bryony makes a last ditch effort to change his mind, it backfires and she concedes defeat. Will Max realize what he has lost before her parents marry her off? Will she forgive him for his hurtful words?

This was a quick read, well written and entertaining. Bryony and Max are wonderful characters and have great chemistry. There are cameos from previous characters, a lot of amusing dialogue, some warm love scenes, a little heartache and a great ending. This is the sixth book in the series, but it could be read as a stand alone title with no problems.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*

netgalley-reviews

4,110 reviews6,722 followers

October 1, 2018

*3.5 stars*

Enjoyable and entertaining, Lord of Vice was another good book by Erica Ridley.

I had a little bit of trouble in the beginning believing the whole set up. I couldn't picture Bryony having the level of freedom that she did, sneaking around London with ease and without anyone from her house knowing she was missing. I also didn't buy that Max would be cool with her breaking into and chilling in his study. No, not him. I just couldn't see it.

I also thought that the romance was too fast. They were feeling these deep feelings way too quickly. I like a really slow burn where emotions and romance take a long time to develop, so the speed of their romance took me by surprise.

However, once I got past my initial obstacles and made it into the second half of the book, I couldn't put it down. I still don't think this story was very historically feasible, but I was too swept up in the romance to care. The second half of the story was very lovely and totally enjoyable, and I stayed up WAY too late to finish.

Though Lord of Vice started off a little shaky, it ended beautifully. A very nice read in the Rogues to Riches series.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

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Susan

7,275 reviews69 followers

Lord of Vice Maxwell Gideon part owner of the gambling club, The Cloven Hoof, wants to find out who his silent partner is so that he buy the gentleman out. Miss Bryony Grenville that silent partner, wanting to determine what price to set, visits the club believing it to be empty. A night that changes both their lives.
A well-written good paced fun story with very likeable characters. It can easily be read as a standalone book but I would recommend the whole series if you like Regency romances.
A NetGalley Book

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Kristi

636 reviews9 followers

August 20, 2018

This book was fantastic and such a quick read. I couldn't put it down! It has a good storyline and two main characters that readers will fall in love with. Lord of Vice may be my favorite Erica Ridley book yet!

I loved the two main characters in this book. Bryony and Max were a perfect couple and I loved the way they interacted with each other. Both are headstrong, independent and have a stubborn streak a mile wide. They are a great match and I loved watching their relationship grow.

This book has a wonderful storyline and the pace is right on. There's never a dull moment and the story is so interesting that it was hard for me to put it down. When I did have to stop reading I couldn't stop thinking about the story and the characters and how long until I get return to reading.

This book can definitely be read as a standalone. The entire series is great though so I do recommend reading all of the books. You won't be disappointed!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.

Julia

Author 1 book50 followers

August 26, 2018

Wonderful sixth book in the Rogues to Riches series. As much as I loved the previous books, this is my favourite.

Two great main characters, lots of witty banter, a cast of wonderful secondary characters including the Grenville siblings, other former Rogues, and there's one character we've all been hoping to see in a scene or two (thanks Erica).

Bryony and Max dance around each other for quite some time, but it's not a boring dance at all.

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Aline

23 reviews

I absolutely loved this story! It even made me cry, which is rare, indeed. I was so involved in the tale, that it was as if I were right there, watching everything unfold. I can only hope there's more to this series... excellently done, Ms. Ridley!

Dee Deacon Foster

421 reviews19 followers

netgalley regency-romance

Oh, how I love the Grenvilles! Bryony Grenville is just as smart and entertaining as her siblings and she definitely has a mind of her own. Preferring to be an independent woman rather than married to someone she doesn’t love, Bryony has spent years investing (with the help of her “fixer” brother, Heath). When the owner of The Cloven Hoof wants to buy out her silent owner share she is determined to find out how he’s coming up with the money. A venture that teaches her more than she expected.
Maxwell Gideon, known throughout London as the Lord of Vice, is fastidious in every aspect of his life. His gaming hell caters to the rich and poor alike. A highly profitable venture that he wants to own 100%. If only he could get the silent partner to sell. Max is a man with a harden heart that a maddingly intrustive, smart, beautiful angel threatens to soften.
Thank you, Erica Ridley for another entertaining tale that had me laughing, wanting to smack characters (Max), and crying. Now that the Grenvilles have found their HEA – who’s next?

eyes.2c

3,115 reviews110 followers

September 11, 2018

[Maxwell Gideon] "was trouble in every possible sense!"

Hoyden high society Miss and accounting genius meets unrepentant arrogant gambling den owner. Of course the sparks will fly!
When Maxwell Gideon ("tall, dark, and sinfully handsome") sought funds to start his exclusive club (aka gambling den) he little knew he was being financed by Miss Bryony Grenville, daughter of the ton who much preferred to don her brother's castoffs and reckon financial and economic matters, than attend soirées and Almanacks.
Now is the time for Maxwell to buy out his silent partner, but that process was meeting dead ends. All Maxwell had to do was find out his partner's name. That was proving harder than he thought. To top it all off he finds a young woman, disguised as a boy in his club after hours. That's when things became decidedly strange, at least for Maxwell. Bryony's in seventh heaven!
And then there's the annual Grenville family musicales!
Did I mention that Bryony's parents have turned on the screws and are demanding she marries before the end of the season--even if they have to choose the groom.
Imagine how an independent spirit takes that!
I must say I was in awe at how Bryony was able to sneak away. Definitely not a normal ability for most regency young women. And just how did she keep getting away with it--without coming to harm?
A pleasing regency romp down murky alleyways and through both respectable and not so respectable doorways.

A NetGalley ARC

Picky_Book_B1tch

625 reviews57 followers

September 10, 2021

Not for me. So many words with so little going on. I generally love introspection but this was over the top. At some point characters need to actually move, do, converse, and I need a lot more doing and a whole lot less telling.

Alison

3,693 reviews145 followers

Sissy's Romance Book Review

Loved it!

Over the past few books we have seen the wicked Lord of Vice Maxwell Gideon preside over his exclusive gambling den The Cloven Hoof. Created to provide a club for men who were ostracised from the elite gambling hells, the Cloven Hoof has now become one of the most popular clubs where membership is purely at Maxwell's discretion. He's built a thriving business and has a hand in many pies but his sole aim is to buy out his silent partner so that he can truly be beholden to no man, if he only he knew his identity.

Similarly we have seen Miss Bryony Grenville as a brilliant financial wizard, investing wisely and using the profits to donate anonymously to her sister's school. She is ready to cash out her investment in the Cloven Hoof, brokered by her brother, until Maxwell's offer is so much higher than he should be able to afford that she becomes suspicious, has he been holding out on her all these years? In disguise she enters The Cloven Hoof only to be discovered by Maxwell.

Maxwell is blissfully unaware of the identity of his mysterious visitor, by turns vexing and intriguing she has a keen mind and a brilliant grasp of business. But as Bryony's mother becomes more strident in her demands for Bryony to get married to a suitable member of the aristocracy can there ever been anything more between the son of a dock worker and a member of the ton?

I'm a sucker for a clever woman romance, especially if her hero is a clever man and these two were just great together and apart. Even their disagreements were clever because they showed how others can misconstrue our intentions.

Erica Ridley writes lovable heroines, glorious heroes, wonderful families and she has surpassed herself with this one.

I received a free copy of this book from the author via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

2018-read arc english

8,992 reviews16 followers

2018-read 5-star arc-netgalley

Lord of Vice by Erica Ridley is book 6 in the Rogues to Riches series. This is the story of Maxwell Gideon and Bryony Grenville. I have read the previous books, but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Bryony has a sharp mind for investments but has to conceal it via a false identity due to her standing and being a women. But as the last sibling not married and considered somewhat of a hoyden...her marriage minding mamma is working to get her married.
Max owns The Cloven Hoof but their is a silent partner involved with his business that he is trying to unmask so that he can fully own the business and land.
Bryony sneaks into The Cloven Hoof to try to get more information on this buy out of the business she is secretly involved in. This leads her to meet Max and they start a friendship of sorts. But what was building up has now come crumbling down...can they find themselves back to each other?
Another great read by this author! Can't wait for the next book by Ms. Ridley.

Julien Dixon

4 reviews

This is the story of Bryony Grenville. The sixth book in the Rogues to Riches Series.
Another excellent book by Erica Ridley. It captures the reader's attention from the very first page. It is a fast moving story and easy to read. I found it impossible to put down -so much so I read it in one day.

Hailee (haibooklovers)

530 reviews97 followers

May 7, 2019

Well I freaking loved that! Was looking for a distraction over my indecisiveness in choosing my next book and this totally hit the spot.

Plus, I’m a Data Analyst and the main character is a numbers whiz so she and I would totally have been friends.

recency-ish

Patricia Wissore

695 reviews6 followers

August 31, 2018

3 1/2 stars for me. The first half of the book had me suspending belief too much. Bryony was supposedly attending ton functions, yet was at the Cloven Hoof every night. Plus she was always going places without a chaperone with ease. The fact that Max let her in and stay without knowing anything about her didn't sound feasible either. I will admit I loved the 2nd half of the book and the way Bryony and Frances acted with each other. The 2nd half of the book was what made the 1st half worth reading. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy!

AnnMarie

1,303 reviews34 followers

September 6, 2018

Lord of Vice is the sixth book in the Rogues to Riches series by Erica Ridley. Although it's part of a series it can easily be read as a standalone story. Having read the other books in the series I must admit that it's nice to have a catch up with the other characters from those books in this one.

Bryony Grenville is a virtuoso when it comes to playing the violin. She always takes part in the special musicales her family perform once a month at her mother's insistence. She only wants to marry for love and her parents despair of her being left on the shelf. It wouldn't be so bad if she decided to travel playing her violin, but she doesn't want that. She is happy with her life as it is. One of the highlights of her life is the part she plays as a secret partner with the Lord of Vice.

Maxwell Gideon is that man. He has worked his way up from nothing to becoming a rich man and the owner, or at least majority owner, of a gaming club called The Cloven Hoof. Rent and a small percentage of the profits have been going to his silent partner. The contract is due to expire and he wants nothing more than to buy the lease from him, he has no idea it's Bryony who is his landlord. When the club is officially all his then Max will finally feel as if he has made it. Then he can concentrate his efforts on helping his sister with her finances.

Max is willing to pay above the odds to buy the lease back and Bryony can't help but wonder how he can possibly afford to pay that much when really he is only just making a nice profit. With that question in mind she sneaks out after dark when the club is shut, and she knows Max won't be there. She wants to snoop around his office to find out just what he is hiding. Unfortunately for her he returns to the club and catches her in his office.

Their meeting is a novel one especially as she is dressed in men's clothes at the time. She doesn't tell him who she is, apart from her first name, and he finds himself intrigued by her. She shows an amazing aptitude for numbers and despite him telling her not to visit there anymore, she ignores him and over time she helps him make some changes and some more profit from his club. They both start to have feelings towards each other, but Bryony can't let herself give in to him unless she tells him who she really is. Something she dreads doing because she knows he won't be happy when he knows.

What will happen when he finds out? You will have to read the book to find out.

This whole series has been a delight to read with each book as wonderful as the one before it. I love the Grenville family and have thoroughly enjoyed reading each sibling's story. Bryony and Max's story was wonderful because they were so obviously perfect for each other and I couldn't read quickly enough to find out how they could have their happy ever after. There were some fabulously lighthearted moments, a particular scene I enjoyed involved a lot of children and a brilliant card game! Then, of course, there were some beautiful romantic scenes between Max and Bryony and other heartbreaking ones which I won't give any spoilers about. Suffice to say that his book made me run the gamut of emotions and I thoroughly recommend it.

Liz

2,121 reviews16 followers

Maxwell Gideon is the infamous Lord of Vice, owner of the Cloven Hoof, one of London’s most popular gaming hells. An exclusive club where admittance is strictly at his approval only. There is no class distinction at the Cloven Hoof. Members of the nobility rub shoulders with merchants and tradesmen and people are clamouring for membership. Max has very few ambitions in life, mainly to gain sole ownership of his club from his investor, purchase the building its in & expand his enterprise. Unbeknownst to Max his silent partner is none other than Bryony Grenville, who not only put up the money for the Cloven Hoof but is also his ‘landlord’ having bought the title to the property. Bryony has recently been given an ultimatum from her mother, to find a husband, preferably an earl or above or her parents will choose one for her so when she receives Max’s offer to buy out her interest she decides she has to see the club for herself before she can make her decision and, since it’s a Men only club, what’s a girl going to do but disguise herself as a man and break in.

This was the first book I have read by Erica Ridley and it certainly won’t be the last. I loved the way this book is written. The banter between Max and Bryony had me smiling as I read it and I loved the slow, gradual development of the relationship between Max and Bryony – such a refreshing change from the usual love at first sight, at least on the part of the heroine routine. They became friends first with Max being impressed with Bryony’s intellect and business sense while Bryony admired his drive and ambition. This gradually deepens into something stronger but Max doesn’t think that he’s good enough for her. That there’s any chance for the son of a dock worker and a baron’s daughter and even though he meets her family and finds them a diverse group who in no way consider him beneath them. He knows there’s no way her parents would ever find him a suitable match for their daughter. While all this is going on, Bryony still has to tell him who she really is in relation to his club. Will he be able to forgive her or will this just make him decide that he’s right and the differences between them are just too great for them to have any kind of future.

For all this is Book six in the Rogues to Riches series and I’ve read it first I don’t think this spoilt my enjoyment of Lord of Vice even though it has couples in it whose stories were obviously dealt within previous books. I’ve now downloaded two more books from this author and can’t wait to read them. As far as historical authors go, in my opinion, this one is right up there with Stephanie Laurens.

Cathy Geha

4,345 reviews119 followers

Lord of Vice by Erica Ridley
Rogues to Riches #6

Bryony Grenville is the last of her siblings still at home and her matchmaking mama has plans to have her married by the end of the season whether or not Bryony wants to be saddled with a husband. So, with that in mind clothing, hair, behavior and dancing all dances at every event are a must. However, Bryony’s interests lie more along the line of investing money than taking on a spouse – a man who would take over her investments and money and holdings and try to mold her into the woman of his dreams rather than seeing her as she is and liking her just as she is.

Maxwell Gideon is not on the list of any of the ton’s matchmaking mama’s but he is on the list of people Bryony has invested in. With that in mind and a potential change in the investment-wind she sneaks out to his establishment, The Cloven Hoof, to see what she can find out that she might need to know before deciding the future of that particular investment. Well, of course she is caught and thus begins a friendship of sorts that crosses the male-female divide as well as the have/have not divide.

This is a delightful story of two people that in that time period would not be allowed to find a happily ever after together though they are well suited to one another in more than one way. Both have mathematical investment minds. Both are quick witted. Both see the value in people no matter what their monetary worth or social ranking. Both see family as important – perhaps more important than anything. And, both are truly good people though seeing a way for them to be together is more than a bit difficult to figure out.

I loved this story for many reasons and fear this could be the end of the series and that would be sad. I still would like to find out who Lord Lambley will end up with and perhaps whether or not Max’s sister will find true love. But you know what? I am sure that this author will provide me with a wonderful story with whatever she writes because so far every book I have read written by her has left me more than satisfied. I am taken into the lives of people that I would love to meet and have as friends…if only they really existed!

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

Karen

1,034 reviews20 followers

Very entertaining romance story about two adorably intelligent people, navigating tricky things like feelings & emotions in the most rational manner they can think of.

The banter between Max and Bryony, especially in the beginning, is a lot of fun to read and reminded me of Amanda Quick's early books.
Max and Bryony make a great couple. I've been curious to see how their story would unfold and it was all I'd hoped for and more!

I love Erica Ridley's writing style, which is very fluent, whimsical and evocative. Perfect for witty banter as well as deeply emotional moments. The descriptions and symbolism behind Max's waistcoats are a perfect example of that and were a delight to read. I also loved all the historical references (yay Mary Wollstonecraft), especially those with regards to the harsh lives of the working class, which are not often alluded to in historical romances.

As always, all the Grenville siblings were wonderful, and I was really glad that Max had an amazing sister as well. Loved her spirit, independence...and the Medusa joke:-) I sincerely hope Frances gets her own story!
I continue to heartily dislike Bryony's mother, though. I can understand her wanting to marry off her children to rich, titled men, but she is very negative and always scolding her children. She even puts them down in front of outsiders like Mrs. Eastburn and only redeems herself at the very last minute, in a very small way. She's no Lady Bridgerton, that's for sure, although her children are as lovable and quirky as any Bridgerton could be and would fit right in with that boisterous crowd.

I would have liked a scene with Max and Anthony Fairfax, to fix their friendship gone wrong. But maybe they can meet in a future book or "extra" and have a little bromance moment.

All in all, a wonderful new addition to a great series. One of my favorites so far!

historical-romance

Marie

642 reviews4 followers

August 26, 2018

I can't say enough about this book. I absolutely loved it. Max owns a gaming hell, mostly. He has an investor who refuses to meet with him. No one gets into his club unless he permits it. He wants to buy the deed for the land the Cloven Hoof stands on. Lord Heath Grenville has been the go between for Max and his anonymous partmer. Bryony Grenville is a spirited lady who likes to wear britches and roam London after hours looking for adventure. Unbeknownst to Max, she is the secret investor. Byrony decides she wants to see the Cloven Hoof before she sells the deed and slips into the club when it is closed dressed as a boy. Despite it being closed, Max is there and catches Byrony in his office. He knows she is not a boy but a young woman. He doesn't know who she is, but he is fascinated by her. She has great ideas and a head for business. Max is the son of a dock worker, not accepted by the ton. Byrony's mother is determined to marry her off this Season to someone, hopefully with a high title. She would never accept Max as he would be beneath her. When they fall in love, they know her parents will not approve. Will they run off to Gretna Green or will they decide that they will have to give up too much to be together? So many plots within plots. I would recommend it to anyone who loves historical romance. I give it a 5+. I received this book from Net Galley and the publisher for a honest review and no compensation otherwise.

Elayne

1,119 reviews3 followers

August 30, 2018

Well of course Gambling is a Vice and people have been known to lose a fortune and their whole estates at the turn of a card. Hence the proprietor of a Gambling Den in the Regency period might be know as the Lord of Vice.

But perhaps that isn't all he is. Perhaps he is egalitarian as to who he admits - to lose money - everyone welcome as long as you can pay.

Erica has chosen a topic here for this latest in her 'naughty' Lords series which doesn't sit well with me. And her heroine helps her 'Lord' with her mathematical skills - for which we have to laud her - to work out how to make the most profit from the games of chance. Or that is, how to get people to lose the most cash...

But we do like Max - we have met him before in other books in this series, as he does have another side, which is softer and does help those who have fallen on hard times - and not by gambling!

So Bryony, the final sibling meets her match and also the tenant of her property which gives her a goodly amount of profit - which goes back into her sister's school. Bad turned into good?

What I like most about Erica Ridley's books is that she is true to the times. She writes with the 'correct' Regency novel phrasing - as invented by Georgette Heyer and attempts to echo the correct speech mannerisms using some phrases and words which were in common use then, but no longer. She accurately reflects some of societal issues and events - as far as is possible whilst writing a modern novel.

2018

Nicole

856 reviews8 followers

August 26, 2018

I received this novel from net galley and the publisher. Thank you!
This novel was a great read! I really enjoyed the interaction between the two main characters. Miss Bryony Grenville is much more than she appears: she is intelligent, determined, and kind. She gave some of the funds for the development of gaming hall and it has prospered. However, her partner wants to buy her out and Bryony needs to know more of his character. Maxwell Gideon, Lord of Vice, is determined to take care of his family, snub his nose at high society, and buy out his silent partner. Max grew up poor and wanted to have something completely his. He never expected Bryony or the chaos she would bring to his life. He begins to open himself up to her, after trying to push her away by being mean. Bryony is stubborn though and enjoys their interactions, for Max treats her as an equal, unlike most of society. Max sees the changes Bryony suggests and improves the profits of the hall, which shows him her mind for business. Bryony falls in love with Max, but he knows they cannot be together since they run in different social circles. That does not stop Bryony from doing all she can. However, when a misunderstanding leaves Bryony deeply hurt, will Max be able to realize the true motive before he loses the woman he loves?

Debra Martin

Author 28 books250 followers