Honor is as honor does ____ 3 1/2 stars

Lady Gemma Amberson knows there's a mystery surrounding her father's death. That's why she spends her time at polite society gambling parties in an attempt to learn something, anything! Lord Winton, he of the slimey snake charmer abilities, drops hints to her that a visit to a certain Miss Devonshire in Charing Cross might help her enquiries. Of course that hint comes with a demand for payment of the more personal kind.
That's where Cole Hewitt one of the owners of the Underworld, a gambling hall of note, finds her when he visits as his alter ego Mr. Goodworth.
Cole is smitten but he knows the gap between them is real and not even possible.
Cole and Gemma's story had great potential but to my mind it just wasn't pulled off with the same riviting quality that Den of Iniquity had. I liked Cole and Gemma but their relationship, although heated, was just a tad two dimensional. Their interactions were slightly flat.
The gambling hall, the Underworld is really just a backdrop. We see more of who Cole is when he's in Charing Cross reflecting on his awful childhood. Those hints reveal more about him, but not enough. Being locked in the closet gave us hints, but again they only hint at his past.
Still I'm hooked on the series and want to see where the next story takes us.

A NetGalley ARC
(August 2017)

Not for me - sorry. I tried it a couple of times, but couldn't get into it. I'm sure there'll be other people who do like it and who it does work for, because the description is intriguing. It just wasn't for me.

I love this new series! This second book was even better than the first one! I could not wait to turn to the next page. This is the story of Cole and Gemma, both from two different worlds, fell in love almost at first sight. I love Cole, he is kind and generous.Cole is a joint owner of the Underworld, a gambling hall. Gemma is Lady Amberson. So many twists and turns and such a colorful story. You experience the darker side of humanity and the curiosity of a coddled girl who blooms into a loving woman, full of love and kindness for humanity. . Anabelle Bryant can weave a book into a wonderful tapestry! I cannot wait for book 3!

I read INTO THE HALL OF VICE by the indomitable Anabelle Bryant several weeks ago, and at the time I wasn't able to put into words what I felt about the book. Sometimes things just get in the way. Now that I am back from a very inspiring time at the RT Booklovers convention, I feel the need to share a book that should be represented. First of all, Ms. Bryant's writing is superb. This author is a wonder at spinning a web to entrap the reader, and this story is one of her finest. So whether Anabelle Bryant is a new name to you, or you have read her tales in the past, THE BASTARDS OF LONDON series is a must read.

Despite his meager beginnings, Cole Hewitt has what many crave, good looks, money and power. Part owner of London's infamous Underground gaming hell, Cole may seem to have it all, but the one thing he actually craves, love. Bastard born and thrown into the streets by the peer father who wanted nothing to do with his by blow, Cole sets himself a high bar now after struggling to survive. On the outside it appears that Cole has it all, but he himself doesn't feel that way at all. Seeing his business partner find the love of his life give Cole pause to reflect on what he doesn't have, Cole's heart is still empty and wanting.

Once Lady Gemma Amberson, The Duke of Kent's sister, leaves off her mourning attire that has clouded her persona for the past two years, she is now determined to find out what exactly happened to her father. His death still fresh on her mind daily, was not a completely clear, and Gemma is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery.

A chance meeting between two strangers is enough to spark a fire between Cole and Gemma that begins a tumultuous journey of adventure and heartache... Which will win? You must read INTO THE HALL OF VICE by Anabelle Bryant to find out!

This is book two of this new and addictive Bastards of London Series, this time we are introduced to Cole Hewiit, the second manager of the Underworld. We got a glimpse of Cole in the first book; The Den of Iniquity and from that brief introduction you fell right under his charming spell, Cole is so different from explosive Max Sinclair. Cole isn’t one to use violence, even though he can look after himself when he has to, he uses his brains and his cunning to get what he wants.

On meeting Cole in the first book we got a sense of an educated man who is charming as well as cool and aloof, but he is so much more. He is completely different from Max Sinclair, Cole is a master of disguise, a man of the streets, he is like a chameleon who can adapt to any environment whether that be as a high and powerful aristocrat of a transient from the street.

I am really getting into The Bastards of London and yet again I am looking forward to reading the next instalment.

A hugely enjoyable, sophisticated Historical Romance and I cannot recommend it enough.

Full Review at Chicks Rogues and Scandals
https://chicksroguesandscandals.wordpress.com/2017/05/04/review-into-the-hall-of-vise-bastards-of-london-2-by-anabelle-bryant/

5☆ ++   Full of Mystery and Passion

Another Fabulous book by Ananbelle Bryant.
Into the hall of Vice is the second book in the series. Although it can be read as a standalone novel, i think you really get a full sense of love for the characters if you read Den of Iniquity first.

Into the hall of vice is a story about mystery, intrigue, romance, love and passion and friendships.
It's about people's status and forbidden love.
 It's about poverty and riches, unwanted children and mistress.
It's about loss and trying to gain answers.

Cole and Gemma are the main characters within the story and I fell in love with them the minute they met outside Maggie's house.

Cole works in the underground gambling hell. 
Unlike he's partners he is a gentle soul, he has had a rough start in life, but when he is taken in by Maggie he's life takes a turn for the better.
Maggie is like a mother to Cole. She took him in and taught him life lessons. In return he looks after her.
Cole has made something for himself, despite being fathered by money to a mistress who didn't want him.

Gemma, is a lady and has been born into money.
When her father is killed she demands to know answers.
Her brother Kent refuses to tell her anything and her sister Rosalind has refused to speak since he's death.
Gemma feels alone.
That is till she meets Sophie.

Like Gemma, Sophie is looking for answers.
Sophie's brother has gone missing and she too is looking for answers.

Gemma attracts the unwanted attention of Winton. He tells Gemma he has information regarding her father in exchange for a kiss. This is improper behaviour but Gemma is so desperate she agrees.

The information she is given leads her to Maggie's door! Where she gets no answers.

Gemma and Sophie decide to go in disguise to the gaming hell as Sophie believes her best friend Vivienne' s husband Max can help them get answers, without fulfilling Winton's kiss.

Sophie backs out and Gemma goes alone.... It's here she meets Cole.

The first time their eyes met was when Gemma went to see Maggie. Cole was also disguised and Gemma still has no clue who Cole is.

Cole was infatuated and intrigued by Gemma.
He was curious of the nature of business she has with Maggie and the gaming hell.
Even though Gemma was dressed as a man he couldn't resist kissing her.
He left Gemma speechless and wanting more.

Cole for me is like a lost soul, he craves a sense of belonging.
He believes he is not worthy of Gemma's heart although he can't keep away.
Their liaisons were passionate and sensual. Stolen kisses and tender moments.
Made the build up more exciting.

Cole was playing a dangerous game. He knew Gemma was off limits. She was from money and he... well he was born to the streets.
But he couldn't help following her.
He knew these were dangerous liaisons, but he needed Gemma.

Cole took he's time to woo Gemma. She was special. Every meeting he's heart longed for her.
Cole has become addicted to Gemma and he knows he wants to be with her.

Kent, Gemma's brother angers me. He is an Earl and has a lot to do with parliament.
He comes across as very arrogant and derogatory towards women.
He believes she is not entitled to an opinion or that she should be entering the poverty part of London.

He puts Gemma under chaperone as Winton informs Kent that she is getting friendly with Cole. Which is forbidden!
Winton wants Gemma and will stop at nothing to get her!!

This doesn't stop Gemma, she just becomes more creative and adventurous.
Cole then becomes her forbidden fruit.
She is not ready to give him up just yet.
She wants passion and adventure, she is falling hard for Cole.

For me I Loved Cole and Gemma. They warmed my heart. It wasn't all about sex with them. It was more than that. They adored each other.

I loved the mystery of this book. It wasn't just about romance. There was an undercurrent of danger and a fabulous twist I really didn't expect.

It was exciting, I wanted to know the answers to Gemma's questions. Why is Rosalind mute, what happened to her Dad, what is the connection to Maggie.

All these are answered.
But the build up is exciting and certainly addictive.

I highly recommend this book to readers who love Regency books with a difference.

The characters are very well developed and the story line is gripping.
If you enjoy romance, passion, mystery and a little suspense then this is Definetly the book for you!

Great historical romance about two people from complete opposite backgrounds falling in love with each other. I loved Cole and how good he was despite the circumstances of his childhood. Gemma sees the man he is on the inside and she doesn't care about the rules of society. These two let nothing stand in the way of their love. Looking forward to Luke's story!

Cole Hewitt is one of the owners of the gambling club, The Underworld.
Like his friends Maxwell Sinclair (Sin) and Luke Reece, he is a bastard son of a nobleman.
After being denied by his parents, he decides to give himself a new name and makes a promise to do the impossible to improve his situation.
He had Maggie Devonshire's help, and for that, he was always grateful to her and to this day he helps her in her struggle to care for other abandoned boys.
Imagine Cole's surprise when he arrives at Maggie's house, at Charing Cross, and comes across a lady, certainly from some rich and influential family, looking for Maggie. What was the reason for the lady's visit?

Lady Gemma Amberson was the Duke's of Kent sister.
Her father had died two years ago in a strange accident, and ever since, Gemma didn't believe it would have been an accident.
In search of answers to this question - since she could not count on the help of her brother, who had silenced about everything and inherited the responsibilities of the title, and her younger sister Rosalind, who since the death of her father has been mute - , She starts to frequent on the Bardsley's Friday evening card party, playing Loo. There she asked her questions to find the truth.
One of the game's participants, Lord James Winton, wants to get to know the lady deeper, and for this he confesses to withholding information about Gemma's father. The first information he gives for free, but requires something in return to give something else.
Winton says that on the night of the Duke's death he was seen visiting Miss Devonshire on Edith Avenue in Charing Cross.
Gemma meets a gentleman who calls himself Mr Goodworth, but she can not find Miss Devonshire. Gemma has her reticule stolen by a boy.

Gemma meets Sophia Daventry, who has also family problems since her brother Crispin disappeared after going to The Underworld.
Sophia comes in contact with her friend, Vivienne, now, Mrs Sinclair, and asks for help to enter the club, but on that night, Sophie gives up to go, not wanting to bring more bitterness to her parents. Gemma pursues the plan, not knowing that in that den of vices, she would meet Mr Goodworth ... Or rather, Cole Hewitt, the man who had not forgotten her since that meeting and who could do more for her than simply help her to find out what had happened to the duke ...

Cole knew that his life story wouldn't allow him to have any relationship with a duke's daughter and sister, but his heart didn't hear the reason.
Involved in mysteries, the two go on to investigate Maggie's relationship with the old duke and how it would affect the dukedom today.

4 stars

Bastard, disguise, gambling hell owner, forbidden romance, charity, love…all elements in this story that make it a fantastic read. I fell in love with Cole from the beginning and if he is a vice, then bring it on. Gemma’s quest to find out what happened to her father and her awakening to the plight of those from the lower class is a wonderful story. A great romance with wonderful characters.

I have many questions about the secondary characters: Luke, Kent, Crispin (where did he go), Maggie, Sophie. Hoping stories for all of these will be shared.

Into The Hall of Vice Book 2
By Anabelle Bryant
Stars 5
Steam 4

Cole Hewitt part owner of The Underworld gaming hell has risen from his humble beginnings to a prominent wealthy gentleman. Although his recollections of abandonment by his mother and cruelty at his aristocratic father hands at a very young age was the driving force for his wealth and the need for respect and the reason for the walls he erected around his heart. His hearts desire for the love of a good woman and family was something he craved but knew he could never have, from that desire Second Chances home for the down trodden was born. With the help from Maggie the woman that had saved him as a boy he runs the halfway house. For a while the work was satisfying, the void in his heart was growing until his shared kiss with one yellow haired green eyed vixen outside his gaming hell - what an earth shattering experience his world turned upside down and the void in his heart screamed MINE!

Lady Gemma Amberson the sister to the Duke of Kent must be a picture of propriety even more so since her father's untimely death. Her brother has changed into a stuffy condescending aristocrat since acquiring the title. Not being the biddable young miss Gemma knows that her father's death wasn't accidental and she won't leave no stone unturned until she finds the truth. One of her clues bring her face to face with Cole Hewitt one of The Underworlds owner and her world as she knows it transforms to a world where only Cole exists! She's willing to go to any lengths for just one more of his kisses and caress! But danger is hard on Gemma's heels and Cole knows that he will never step aside and loose the woman that has captured his heart!

Anabelle Bryant has a winner in this captivating historical romance that takes you to the underground world of London's grittier side instead of the glittering ballrooms.
Awesome love story, an epic romance! An exciting edge of your seat romance with twists and villainous characters that will have you glued to the pages. The connection between Gemma and Cole is a scandalously scorchingly hot fan worthy affair. You will definitely fall in love with Into the Hall of Vice and the notorious men of the Underworld and the women who dare to love them. Stay tuned for book 3

Received a complimentary copy from NetGalley for my unbiased honest opinion.

In a time when linage and family pedigree meant far more than the heart, soul and intention of a person, two people meet and lives are changed. In the world of highest society one would walk naturally there, even if a bit cautiously because of changed circumstances. The other would skirt the edges having known great poverty, homelessness and despair in their younger years, to rise in wealth to the status of, or financially better than many of the titled citizens of the time. Two people from what would be considered by many as the opposite ends of the social standing yardstick will discover that nothing can stand in the way of the heart, no matter the price that must be paid. With that one right person at their side, there is nothing they cannot conquer together.

Cole is a partner in the infamous gaming hell Underworld. While the financial security of this endeavor, as well as the quite honest emotion of taking money from those who look down upon him and his friends, it’s not Cole’s only passion. He secretly helps to run Second Chances, a place for children who like he once was, find themselves on the streets, in danger with a questionable future. Few know of this association for obvious dangerous reasons, but that doesn’t prevent Cole from dropping in often – disguise is a wonderful thing to play with. The one thing that Cole knows he will never find is that elusive love, somewhat like his friend Max and Vivienne have found. A part of him might long for it, but he doesn’t truly believe that he will ever be that fortunate. Right up until he encountered Gemma.

With the official mourning for her father now over Gemma can truly begin the investigation into her father’s death. She knows it is not as simple as it’s been made out to be… a simple carriage accident. If it were only that natural of an accident, although painful, why has her sister Rosalind not spoken a word since that day of discovery. No, there are too many things that do not make sense, and Gemma is determined to know the truth. During their father’s life, Gemma, her sister and brother had a wonderful, loving life. Now her sister is silent and her brother has become a man she no long recognizes. Upon taking the title, the new Duke of Kent is a pompous ass who looks down upon those of a lower class, and practically has made his sisters prisoners in their home with watchful servants and bodyguards surrounding them at all times. Yet her brother is in for a rude awakening if he believes that will stop her questions or her search for the truth of their father’s death. She’ll simply have to be more sneaky, cautious and deceitful than he has become in order to avoid detection. She knew she was on her own in this quest for answers, right up until she met Cole when absolutely everything changed.

Into The Hall of Vice is Anabelle Bryant at her best. The Bastards of London series has been darker, edgier than her previous romances. And I’m finding them completely fascinating in depth and characters. Unfortunately life isn’t all beautiful gowns and glittering ballrooms, often it’s harsher, uglier and more demeaning than we could ever imagine. On the surface Cole and Gemma may appear to be opposites, yet in the heart where love lies they are so right for each other. In a time period where class does matter to many, they will defy convention for the love of each other. There are puzzles to solve, danger lurking around corners, mysteries cloud personality changes and someone must eventually pay for a crime. The search for truth is not easy, especially when someone does not want that truth to be uncovered.

Gemma and Cole are wickedly delicious together. That spark that makes a great couple is easy to see as they work their way to discovering the truth. It is always fun for me to run into old friends, and seeing Max, Vivienne and Sophia once again was a treat. As much as I loathed him at times, I do hope that one day the new Duke of Kent will find himself redeemed. Perhaps an odd thought, but I sort of want him to experience what he tried to stop and maybe become the better man for it. Probably would never happen, but I do have a soft heart at times.

I would highly recommend Into The Hall of Vice for any reader who loves romance, no matter the genre. Cole and Gemma’s story is passionate, mysterious, loving with enough edge to keep you guessing until the reveals. Yes, anyone who loves Romance would enjoy this one. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure,, also consider picking up The Den of Iniquity, the first story in this series. While each can be read alone, a series is always better when you know everything, don’t you think? Read this one, I believe you’ll fall in love with the story and the characters quite easily.

Oh, one last thought – the covers for the Bastards of London series are absolutely breathtaking. I love the feel of danger and a touch of sin that is conveyed through the covers.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Once again Anabelle Bryant does not disappoint! I thought The Den of Iniquity (the first in The Bastards of London series) was my favorite...but the characters of Cole and Gemma captured my attention and my heart! Yes, I just said that! Into The Hall of Vice is a thoroughly enjoyable read with some interesting twists and turns! Cannot wait for the third book!!!

Fabulous story. A mystery with plenty of twists and turns, and very :) ward to solve, but also a great romance between two people who very much deserve their happy ending. Sizzling chemistry and good secondary characters.

Into the Hall of Vice ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐written by Annabelle Bryant
(Bastards of London Series - Book 2)

Cole Hewitt is a part owner of a famous gambling house The Underworld. He is a by blow of an aristocrat of the ton. He does not know his father and grew up on the streets. He has struggled for everything he possesses. The Underworld caters to the wealthy men of the ton.

Lady Gemma Amberson sister of the Duke of Kent has been struggling with the death of her father for two years. Now, out of mourning, she has made it her mission to uncover how and why her father died. It is upon one of her night excursion she meets Cole. Cole has been a man of solitude both in his business and his sexual life. He is quite a closed person carrying a lot of baggage from his childhood.

Although complete strangers, a kiss is exchanged and so the heat begins. The forbidden exchange of a kiss but more so she being of the elite and he being a bastard. The strong attraction they both feel is magnetic.

Ms Bryant has a gift in the way she writes her characters very complex and at the same time simple. Simple desires for happiness in the class oriented world. I am usually pretty good rooting out the mysteries when presented in a story but I must say she was unbeatable with the twists and turns she led you to and fro. Her love scenes scorch the pages.
I did read the first of this series and again I must say this book too outstanding.
A Book Obsessed Chick Review Team Selection

'Into The Hall Of Vice' by Anabelle Bryant is the second book in the Bastards of London series. It follows another of the three men who co-own the gambling hell known as “The Underworld”. Cole Hewitt, an illegitimate child meets Lady Gemma Amberson, sister to the Duke of Kent, when she is searching for clues to her father’s death. She is given a clue by a supposed friend of her father, named Winton, who is pursuing her attention. The clue finds her at an half-way house known as “Second Chance” which has been secretly set up by Cole and his friend Maggie. Despite their attraction, both realise the difficulty they face in their romance as they both come from very different backgrounds.
Whilst this follows on from Book 1, it can be read as a stand-alone novel. Ms Bryant cleverly manages to introduce earlier characters whilst not diminishing the current story. The detail given to the different locations in London, makes this more than a standard romance novel. The secondary characters add further depth to this novel and I look forward to reading about them in further novels.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Love the couple, hope this is a series, too many unanswered questions. Sweet man, could be more Alpha male. I would read the next book, if there is one. Hope there is more conversation. I highly recommend. Thanks. Enjoy,
carolintallahassee

3.5 stars
Cole Hewitt is joint owner of London’s most notorious gambling hall, The Underworld, he spends his days surrounded by wealth and looks every inch the debonair but, unknown to most, he was born a bastard – and knows better than anyone the fine line between the elite and the slums.
One night whilst returning home he overhears a lady & gentleman talking & they mention an address he knows very well. The next day he encounters Lady Gemma Amberson, sister to the Duke of Kent, outside the house. When he falls for Gemma he knows that his past means he will never be considered worthy of her. But Cole has no intention of being cast aside again.
It took me a little while to ‘get into’ the book but once I was a few chapters into it I became involved. The characters are well portrayed & the book is well written. Cole is very likeable & of course tall & handsome & even though he’s pulled himself up from the gutter is more gentlemanly than some of the noblemen. Gemma is trying to cope with her father’s death & her over protective brother. She is intelligent & doesn’t want to be a doormat. Her brother the Duke of Kent isn’t at all likeable far too interested in Parliamentary affairs & his views on the poor & disadvantaged had my blood boiling SUCH a snob & my opinion didn’t change throughout the book. The pace of the book is good & keeps you interested. There are still some unanswered questions so I’ll definitely read the next in the series to find the answers

It takes a great author to make you get so lost in a story, you forget it’s fiction. From the start, I found myself tearing up and falling in love with these characters page by page. Everything about Into the Hall of Vice is perfect!

Cole Hewitt was the joint owner of The Underworld, London’s most notorious gaming hell. He was a “bastard who through no amount of good luck had bettered himself to the level of quality”. At the age of 24, he had established wealth and respect. But he knew the normal privileges, those of family, love, and loyalty, existed for other men. Cole had known little love in his lifetime, having been abandoned by his mother and discarded by his father. He’d been taken in by Maggie, a kind woman, who protected lost boys, providing shelter, clothing, food, basic education, and kindness. Though he’d been saved, the memories of surviving on the streets would not be forgotten. That desire to be loved and wanted after being discarded by the very people who should have cared. Through a need to help others find a meaningful life, Cole had established Second Chances, a halfway house he ran with Maggie. “Survival had taught him a bevy of skills which required few articles of disguise” and he used these to move between The Underworld and Second Chances. It was best no one knew of his involvement with the halfway house. He didn’t want irate gamblers taking retribution there. Lately, it seemed he helped everyone except himself. He was often at a loss to fill time outside of work and sleep. He lacked focus. Cole wanted more. Something his life at the hell couldn’t give him. A feeling of worth. To be important to someone.
Gemma Amberson’s father, a kind and loving man, had passed away 2 years ago. Her brother, Kent, had assumed the title and now dedicated most of his time to the House of Lords. He was no longer the boy Gemma remembered. Gemma understood the responsibility her brother felt in caring for her and her sister, but each day since her father’s death, he made a daily accounting of her schedule. Her life had completely changed in the last 2 years. She felt caged in, suffocated by life. Gemma had accepted her father’s death but as time passed, she couldn’t shed the niggling doubt. Something happened that night other than the reported carriage accident. Gemma had come out of mourning with the intent to discover any information to help her understand the secrecy involving her father’s death. She wouldn’t stop until she discovered the truth. The problem was getting away from her brother’s watchful eye at Stratton House.
In her quest for information, Gemma found herself running into Cole Hewitt frequently, whether it be trying to sneak into The Underworld or investigating leads in Charring Cross. They were captivated by one another from the start. Gemma was beautiful and made Cole feel protective. Gemma found Cole quite handsome, witty, and kind. She felt safe with him. Their encounters became more frequent and less by chance. Gemma searched for ways to meet Cole while evading her brother’s surveillance. Cole knew Gemma was above him. Refined ladies weren’t interested in a bastard whose past contained a long list of shameful activity. “She was fine china, and he a tin cup.” Harboring feelings for Gemma could lead to no good end, but his heart and his body felt otherwise. Gemma knew her brother wouldn’t approve of their association. Cole might claim to come from humble beginnings but in their time together, she’d come to know the soul of the man. He was kind, generous, and honest. She may be the sister of a duke, but in many ways Cole was her better. And when he kissed her, it was heavenly. They couldn’t be more different, but Gemma wanted more of him. And more of his kisses. Could she choose the man she loved over society’s strictures? Gemma may not get the chance to make that choice. Someone thinks she’s getting too nosy, asking too many questions. And Cole’s attraction to Gemma hasn’t gone unnoticed either. What threats will the two lovers have to face to get what they want?

What a wonderfully told story of love powerful enough to overcome the boundaries of class. Often it’s the hero who is elevated in status. Tales of the society lady and lower class hero are rarer. I think that’s one of the reasons I find this series so refreshing. I don’t know who I loved more, Gemma or Cole. They both were such strong, wonderful characters. Gemma, though the sister of a duke, was so accepting of others. She saw the good in people for their hearts, not their titles. Feelings and relationships were more important than material possessions. She chose not to be that part of society that blamed the fault of the lower classes on sin and vice. She recognized that people need help and if everyone contributed a little, the world would be a better place. I loved watching her become more vocal and assured in her dealings with her brother’s views. Cole gave her that courage. Cole was so kind and generous. He devoted so much of himself to helping others. It had been ingrained in him that people of his class were not worthy of lifelong relationships with people of Gemma’s class. These feelings for Gemma were so new to him. He’d never yearned for something that lay beyond his grasp. Until Gemma.
Though they came from 2 different worlds, they also had much in common. Both were hindered by their station in life. But their kisses had no opinion of society or constraints. Both wanted to be loved for who they were inside. Cole wanted someone to see his worth, to cherish him and see beyond the circumstances of his birth. Gemma did as well. She wanted someone to love her for herself. Not for the dowry, influence, and title they could gain. Together, Gemma and Cole were delightful. I loved their witty repartee. Especially in the bookstore scene and with “Mr. Goodworth”.
The secondary characters were equally fascinating. I was thrilled to revisit with Max and Vivienne from the first book in the series. Cole’s business partner, Luke, reappeared in this book as well. I’m hoping his story is coming soon since he boldly vowed in this story that he was immune to love. Sophie, Vivienne and Gemma’s friend, also made a reappearance. She’s such a pistol. I love her loyalty to her family and friends, and can’t wait to hear her story. Even though Crispin was still missing throughout this book, I’m anxious to see what’s happening with him. I’d even like to hear more of Gemma’s brother, Kent. I didn’t like him but he was so well written, that I hope he is redeemable and finds his way back to his old self. Regardless of whose story is next, I’ll be here for them all. This series is just that addicting. Anabelle Bryant’s stories draw readers in until they feel like they’re the characters. You’ll be so caught up in this story, you won’t be able to help but fall in love right along with them. Though #2 in the series, this can be read as a stand- alone, but these books are like Pokemon, you’ll want to catch ‘em all! A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection

Into the Hall of Vice
By Anabelle Bryant

Lady Gemma Amberson, sister to the Duke of Kent had just shed the black mourning clothes. With the death of her father two years prior, her world had changed drastically.

Her brother inherited the Title, but she didn't recognize the cold, self-absorbed man that become Duke of Kent. He wasn't the same as he had been just prior to her father's death. He was controlling and demanding- and had developed a disdain for the lesser classes that was new.

Her sister, Rosalind hadn't spoken since the day her father had died. All she had been told was that he had been in a terrible accident. At the time, she hadn't questioned it- but now she found herself feeling all was not right.

She tries to gain information from a man that would ruin her at the first opportunity- hoping to gain entry into the influential world of her brother's duchy. Gemma works hard to keep her distance. However her need to find out what really happened to her gentle and kind father consumes her.

She becomes acquainted and then friends with Cole Hewitt, a co-owner of London's most notorious gambling hell. Their friendship takes on a life of itself.

Cole and Gemma risk everything, including their hearts and their lives, to work out the puzzle that is their lives.

I became consumed with reading this - I found myself thinking about it whenever the book was out of my hand.

The story of Gemma and Cole has subplots aplenty--and characters that are well developed. I enjoyed the story.

Even though it's a stand alone book, it's even better if you read book one in the series. As soon as I got past the first three chapters the pace increased dramatically, and I just held on!

I highly recommend to those who like happily-ever-afters that are fraught with twists and turns, and are not so easy to reach! FIVE STARS

'Into The Hall Of Vice' by Anabelle Bryant is book Two in the "Bastards of London" series. This is the story of Lady Gemma Amberson, sister to the Duke of Kent and Cole. I have read the previous book but feel this is easily a standalone book if you choose to do so.
Gemma was discretely looking into how her father died when she met Cole. Cole is a bastard and part owner of a Gambling Hall. So when he starts to run into Gemma he can't help but be attracted to her. In turn, Gemma is of course attracted to Cole and they both know that their station doesn't allow for them to be together but the heart does want what it wants. Gemma is also working to avoid a man named Winton, who has become more aggressive in his pursuit of her.
I think I have read all of Ms. Bryant's books so far and I am happy to say this was another exciting read. It has passion, twist plot story line and great secondary characters! Ms. Bryant's books are hard to put down (I haven't been able to yet!). I hope to see Luke's story next.
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