Book Title: Lord of Vice

Overall rating: 4/5

Heroine (Bryony): ⅘ I like her, she’s funny, smart, and just wants to be an equal to the man she marries. She’s the youngest daughter of a baron, and the only child yet to marry.

Hero (Max): ⅘ He is tall, dark, and handsome. To society he’s a devil that stalks in the shadows, but to those in need he’s got a heart of gold. He’s a self made business owner with a chip on his shoulder about not belonging with the aristocracy. It is the overwhelming self doubt through the book that earned him a star reduction.

Plot: ⅗ Everything could have been solved sooner if Max could just get out of his own head

Personal Review: Overall, this was a fun and easy read. I loved the characters, even with their flaws. Sometimes because of their flaws. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a strong female lead and broken hero that has to learn to live and love.
The overall plot goes as follows; Bryony owns the land and a stake in Max’s club The Cloven Hoof under a assumed name as women at the time couldn’t do things outright like that. Max wants to own his club outright and tries to throw more and more money at Bryony to try to get her to sell out. Bryony worries she doesn’t have all the facts and breaks into Max’s office at the club to see why he would fight so hard to get the deed and only ends up running into Max. Both feel attraction but neither is going to deal with their feelings just then. Bryony keeps showing up at the club after close and helps Max with business decisions as she proves herself very knowledgeable and Max isn’t one to discriminate on the basis of gender. They fall for eachother, the truth of Bryony owning the land comes out, love wins out but Max believes he can’t have her and tries very had to stamp down his feelings. Bryony is persistent though, when she sees something she wants, she goes after it.
Bryony is an independent businessman who happened to be born the daughter of a Baron. I liked that her brother enables her to conduct such business ventures by acting as a go between, it was nice that her siblings at least support her ventures. Bryony is booksmart, she can do math easily in her head, enjoys learning new subjects, and figure out problems to be solved with the business she’s involved in. Overall, she is very likable and though I wouldn’t want to be subjected to her cooking, she seems like the type of person I would be happy to spend time with.
Max who has worked his way up from being a dock worker to owning his own club has a bit of a chip on his shoulder because now he was rich and connected enough to walk in some circles of the aristocracy, but he would rather sit in his club and lament on his opinion that he will never be good enough for them. I understand it but it was odd, he had the son of a Baron inviting him to his home, the daughter of a Baron interested in him, a Duke extending open invitations to him for his parties. There were clearly people ready to reach down (as Max sees it) and help in into society. For a guy that spends much of the book waffling on if he and Bryony would stand a chance, he sure is quick to turn down the offers to attend of society functions. Though, he does eventually make it to a couple of events he initially turned down.

This book was very very good. The characters were well developed. The settings well envisioned. Overall a great book. I look forward to reading more from this author

Publisher's Description:

Appearances can be deceiving…

Vice merchant Maxwell Gideon is wickedly handsome, sinfully arrogant, and devilishly ruthless. Rumor has it, his gaming hell has the power to steal souls and grant miracles. Truth is, Max only owns half of The Cloven Hoof. He’d buy out his silent partner if he knew the man’s identity. But it’s hard to focus on business matters when a fallen angel tumbles right into one’s lap…

Miss Bryony Grenville has a well-earned reputation as an unrepentant hoyden. But even the gossipiest of the pinch-faced matrons ruling High Society could never imagine the daughter of a baron secretly financing the ton’s most infamous gambling parlor. Its maddening, sexy proprietor doesn’t suspect a thing… and two can play at temptation!

My Thoughts:


I loved this newest release in Erica Ridley's Rogues to Riches Series.

Bryony is quite the character. She is unrepentant of her slightly mannish ways. Is it not just like this daughter of a baron to secretly finance an infamous gambling parlor a fact that even it's owner is unaware of.

Maxwell Gordon is determined to buy out his secret co-owner of the Cloven Hoof. He has no idea who it is. When he discovers the identity of this person he is surprised to find a woman behind the mask.

Will their clash of wills be the end of what could be a magical relationship or will they come together to create something more?

I gave this newest book in this series 4.75 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 3.5 of 5.0 flames. The heat between this hero and heroine is palpable and makes for some very sensuous and heated exchanges.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book by invitation to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

J received a free ARC version of the book in exchange for a honest review. All critiques and opinions are my own.

As the blub says, Max owns a gambling hell and Bryony is his silent partner (unkown to him). She wants to know more about the business and eventually they meet face to face in an unorthodox way.

I wasn't expecting to love the book as much as I did. I love a rogue as much as the next women but Max is ingenious (and extremely hot). From the first books description of him, I didn't think I would like him as much or he would be more on an anti-hero (I love that type of romance book as well but he's still a hero, albiet a little unorthodox). Bryony is the impitamy of a modern women in a historical time. She loves math, intellectual challenges and craves independence. She doesn't want a husband that wants her for her dowery because her mother managed to trap him for her. She really wants to be independently wealthy or at least have the freedom to choose her own future. She and Max feel perfect for each other. They think alike in so many ways.

The book is part of a series and should be read in order as it has many characters that appear from previous books. Max, himself, was a well known charcter in in previous books. In order to get the full character development the previous books should be read first.

My only issue with the book was how easy the happily ever after came. It felt like there should have been more angst. What do I know though? The book is a Cinderella style historical romance. And even though I felt the ending came too easy, I still loved the book.

Lord of Vice by Erica Ridley has it all! A strong heroine, an intriguing hero, lots of supporting characters with interesting stories of their own, romance, growth and a great story! Highly recommend Lord of Vice for its unique storyline and focus on class.

I simply can not say enough times how much I love this book!! Lord of Vice is the story of Miss Bryony Grenville the last unmarried Grenville sibling, and her parents are determined that she will be wed this season. She is a brilliant woman who has a secret that would shock the entire ton were they to ever to find out. She is the silent partner of Maxwell Gideon, the owner and ruler of The Cloven Hoof, the most popular gambling parlor in London. Max has no idea that his partner is this beautiful, spunky, smart woman, but after she steals her way into his club and his life, he simple cant help but let her into his heart as well. I would definitely recommend this book it was a great read, and I cant wait to see what Erica Ridley will bring us next.

Book 6 in the Rogues to Riches series. - Lord of Vice by Erica Ridley is the story of Maxwell Gideon and Bryony Grenville. The intriguing Bryony has a sharp mind for numbers and investments. She has to disguise her persona for the same as she is a woman.
Max, known as Lord of Vice owns the gaming hell The Cloven Hoof with his silent partner from whom he is trying to buy out the ownership. The book is all about how Bryony and Max finds love for each other and also opens up new and interesting events for the society.
A very good read.

This has been such a fun book to read. It was hard to put it down. I love the characters and the journey to HEA.

Maxwell Gideon has risen from poverty to run The Cloven Hoof, a gaming hell that he controls who can have a membership. He has a silent partner that he wants to buy out but refuses to meet with him.

Byrony Grenville is the youngest daughter of a Baron. Her mother's goal is for Byrony to be married by the end of the season. Byrony a secret. She has used her skills to invest in the ton's most infamous gambling parlor. When Gideon wants to buy her out, she makes a secret visit to The Cloven Hoof to see if her investment is sound. An unexpected meeting leads to temptation. Can two people from opposite sides of society find true love?

I did not want to put this book down once I started reading. I loved the characters. Byrony was a smart heroine that met her match in Max. I liked how Byrony didn't care about Max's background but fell in love with the strong man that is Max. I hope Max's sister gets her own HEA.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the author. Thank you!

I look forward to books with heart, a quality that settles over me as I read. I want to connect with characters and find something in them that makes me care. I found that in Erica Ridley's most recent Rogues to Riches series, LORD OF VICE. Oh, boy, did I find that!

The Regency era in England was a lavish and exciting time -- but only for a select group, collectively referred to as "the ton." Others were simply managing to find their way by existing on the edges of the excitement and frivolity, working for their livings, and taking pride in their own efforts. When characters from each strata come together, there are sure to be some marked differences of opinion. That's exactly where we find Miss Bryony Grenville and Max Gideon when they meet at The Cloven Hoof, Max's gambling club. Max's interest in his club is for obvious reasons, but it turns out the Bryony has good reason for her interest, too. Unbeknown to Max, Bryony owns the building and the land the club sits on, negotiating with Max through her brother, Heath (LORD OF SECRETS).

Bryony is wonderful! She's a strong and independent-minded woman in an era when embroidery is considered a necessary life skill for a female. Bryony disagrees. Vehemently. Instead, she's fascinated by business and investments, only occasionally acquiescing to her mother's demands that she play her Stradivarius violin in programs attended by a few chosen, elite individuals.

Max, too, is strong and independent-minded. He has sacrificed a great deal to finally reach his goals. He needs no one to succeed; he has done it all himself. He'd be satisfied if it weren't for his stubborn sister insisting on continuing to work as a seamstress, or his pesky landlord who will not sell him the building he is currently renting for his club.

Dressed in men's clothing, Bryony sneaks into the club after hours to take a look around (she has a key because, of course, she owns the building) and, unfortunately, is discovered by Max. From an inauspicious first meeting, they grow to understand what motivates the other and find that, perhaps, they are not that different.

I loved both characters and, yes — respected them. They each had such impressive talents, but also a depth of character that was gradually revealed. THE LORD OF VICE definitely had that quality of heart that makes a book so appealing and I enjoyed every word of it.

Ms. Ridley is fantastic. I was hooked and felt connected to the characters within the first few pages.
Her characters have so much depth that makes the reader feel engaged and engrossed in the story. I love Regency stories with strong female characters that challenge social expectations of that time.

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.

This is Bryony and Max' story.
Bryony is a hoydan. She is definitely not a rule follower. Her parents want her to marry and are ready to choose a husband for her. He must be titled and a match that will be adventageous. In other words, boring. Byrony has been secretly making her own way. She has been investing her pin money and amassed a good sum of money. But she cashed that in and secretly donated it to the school her sister runs. The only investments she has left are her portion of the ownership of The Cloven Hoof and the land/building that house it.

Max came from nothing. His mother and father worked themselves to death so their children could have more than they did. When his dad died, Max went to work on the dock in his place. He started the Cloven Hoof as a place where not just the elite and titled could go. But he needed an investor in order to do it. Now that he has succeeded, he wants nothing more than to own everything outright. The business will be all his when the contract expires shortly but he still needs to buy out the owner of the building/property. The person is anonymous so he goes to the person who set up the deal, who happens to be Byrony's brother. He tells him he wants to buy out the owner and makes a high offer. Byrony is concerned and thinks it's a bad business decision. So she sneeks into the club after hours to see what is up. But Max finds her.

Over time, they strike up a friendship and the attraction grows. But how can a gaming hell owner and untitled son of a dock worker marry the daughter of a titled man?

Loved this book and the series. Can't wait for the next one.

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!

This may be my favorite Erica Ridley and a definite keeper. Bryony is a brilliant young lady who's a member of the aristocracy. Her parents are constantly pressuring her to behave "appropriately" in order to marry well. She in turn despises the life she is leading. Her passion is for investments and organization, which she has been successfully pursuing for years under a male pseudonym. One of her most successful ventures is backing The Cloven Hoof, Maxwell Gideon's gambling den. Max too is an interesting character. He is from a disadvantaged background but has managed to create a popular and profitable business while also being a decent human being. Bryony disguises herself as a boy in order to get into the casino in order to assess it's profitability. Her disguise doesn't fool Max for long and the two of them develop a relationship based on mutual admiration and attraction. Both characters are smart and nuanced without the usual stupid behavior and silly misunderstandings. There is explicit sex but it is part of a relationship rather than gratuitous. The relationship has depth and is emotionally involving. A great read.

Love, love, love this series! The Lord of Vice is a brilliant capstone in the tales of Rogues to Riches. Bryony and Max are so perfect for each other and each helps the other let go of old hurts and misconceptions. I adore how harmonious they are, though Max is reluctant to admit this.

Ms. Ridley, as always, is adept at conveying the nuances of emotion and is not afraid to let her characters really feel.

Having read all the other Rogues to Riches novels, I was happy to read Bryony and Max's story, as references to both these characters had been woven into previous books in the series. Max is a self-made man and despite his background, he is nevertheless trustworthy and loyal, never loses control and always does the right thing by the people who count in his life. Bryony is the youngest of the Grenville siblings and to some degree the wildest. She has also been gifted with an amazing business brain, much to her mother's consternation. The attraction between Max and Bryony is inevitable, but crossing the great divide between nobility and commoners is a no-go area. Max has no intention of crossing that line but doesn't count on Bryony's determination. Apart from encountering a man who is willing to treat her as an equal, Bryony finds in Max a man she can respect, for whom she is willing to give up her independence. Unfortunately, there is Lady Grenville to take into account, and Bryony knows that winning her mother's approval will be impossible. Apart from the forbidden romance in this book, it also brings out the strong relationship between the Grenville siblings, who have all found love and happiness, in spite of their mother's interference. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the build-up of the relationship between Max and Bryony, as well as the way in which barriers to their relationship came tumbling down. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

I loved this story between Max and Briony, it's got a few secrets just waiting to come out, romance around the corner, snobbish disapproval from the higher class (parents). I was hooked

I received a copy from Netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion

Rating: 3.75/5

This was a short historical romance that had passionate arguments and designed around the fact that class nor upbringing should determine your fate. I enjoyed this book but wouldn't list it as my absolute favorites. If you're looking for a nice, sweet romance with minimal adventure then this is for you.

- Characters -
Lord of Vice was pretty interesting - all broody and stuck up in his own way because he feels he's never good enough despite his success. I enjoyed Bryony's character more - she was brave and courageous, witty and humorous. I felt she fell too fast in love with Max. With the plot designed the way it was, she should have gone through more obstacles with him before just instantly loving him from that first encounter.

- Setting/World -
I really liked that the author incorporated gender equality in a patriarchal society. It provided the story with enough *relatability* for me to like it. I never understood how women could stand to live in the regency era and this novel turned the tables to show how possible it really was.

- Writing -
Well-paced and thoughtful of each character's personality. Each person definitely had their own voice so you could immediately tell whose POV you were reading. I loved the banter between Max and Bryony - it could have potentially led up to even more playful arguments between them making their love story more meaningful for me.

Loved this book and I couldn't put it down. It was amazing and I was sad to see it end. Can't wait for more.