Member Reviews
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!
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.
I love this series! This book was very hard to put down! I totally fell in love with Bryony and Max. Both were just fantastic characters. I’m sad Bryony is the last of the Grenville siblings. I really enjoyed them all.
I really enjoyed that the heroine wins the attention of the hero with her business acumen and sharp mind, although having read several books in this series, can't figure out how, with four kids who married unconventional Regency partners, the parents remain such turds about it.
Wow, this is the best book in the series so far. We have met Maxwell Gideon many times throughout Erica Ridley’s books. He is normally the dark dangerous character that no one wants to mess with. In this book, we are able to see a gentler side. Bryony Grenville has a talent. A talent for walking the line of acceptable societal behavior. She knows that she is outrageous, but does not care. She also has a wonderful talent for numbers and investing. Since she is a female, her brother brokers all her deals. Maxwell is trying to figure out who has bought the land that The Cloven Hoof is sitting on. He wants to buy it back. Before Bryony will let him buy it, she wants to know why he wants it so bad. She concocts a plan to circumvent Maxwell by invading his lair and looking over books on the clubs day off. She does not expect the owner to come in while she is there. He comes in and she is caught. She must find away out of the mess that she has created. Can she do it? This book is wonderful. I love that two people of two different classes can enjoy happiness, even if it is just for a short amount of time.
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.*
Erica Ridley always writes wonderful historical romances and this one is no exception We are introduced to the decadent world of the vice dens of regency England.
The Cloven Hoof is one of the most successful Vice dens in London it is partly owned by Maxwell Gideon a man who though he may not be accepted by the ton has come a long way from his roots on the London docks He just wished he could find out who his partner is so that he could buy him out and own the business wholly. Bryony Grenville is the daughter of a Baron but if it ever came out that she was the part owner of The Cloven Hoof she would be ostracized. When she is caught in the office of the club by the other owner there are sparks between them is instant Now is there anyway they can have a future together You will need to read to see. A wonderful story about a man who made himself and a woman who wants more than what her time will give her.
Max is known at the Lord of Vice but few know his true nature. If only he could have ownership of the building his gambling den is in, he dream of expansion could come true. Since he doesn't know who the owner is, everything is at a standstill. Bryony is a wiz with numbers and the owner of the building Max wants. I enjoyed this read because the characters were refreshingly honest with themselves and others. The only time Bryony wasn't totally honest was with her mother. She didn't want to hurt her nor could she do much about her marriage situation due to her station in life and time she lives in. Would I recommend this? Yes. I think it's a quick read with a wonderful resolution.
Lord of Vice by Erica Ridley (Rogues to Riches, #6) is a stand alone historical romance. Oh man! After reading Lord of Secrets, I was anticipating Max's story. Maxwell Gideon is the Lord of Vice and proprietor of The Cloven Hoof. He has set the bar high for what he wants to accomplish in life. His next goal is to purchase the deed to the land on which his establishment sits. Bryony Grenville is his perfect match in every way except she is a Baron's daughter. These two characters banter well with each other and I enjoy the uniqueness of the storyline. I love how this author engages the reader throughout the story. Thank you to netgalley for providing a copy to review. If you like The Dukes of War Series, you'll need to pick up this one from The Rogues to Riches Series soon!
Lord of Vice is Book six in the Rogues to Riches series and hands down my favorite. Byrony may well be one of my favorite heroines in historical romance ever. Smart, unconventional, and adventurous, she does not conform to society's standard's for a baron's daughter. Extremely talented on the violin, she is the driving force behind her family's musicals. To her great chagrin, her mother's matchmaking just seems to point out how much she does not fit in. She wants financial independence and has invested in numerous projects with the most successful being the gaming club, the Cloven Hoof. Dressed in her brother's hand me down clothes, Byrony sneaks in and meets the man who treats her as his equal and may just be her perfect match. Lord of Vice, Maxwell Gideon is a self made man with a boulder of a chip on his shoulder against the aristocracy that has looked down their noses at him. But love seems to know no class as Bryony and Max embark on an unlikely courtship that seems ill fated from the beginning. A man that sees the mind behind the beauty and a woman that sees the worthiness of an untitled man for a sweet, fun love story that stays with the reader far beyond the last page. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from Netgalley.
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.
Sweet with sensual passages.
Maxwell Gideon is handsome, arrogant, and thought to be ruthless. His gaming hell, The Cloven Hoof is extremely popular, but Max only owns half of it. He desperately wants to buy out his silent partner if he could find out who his silent investor is.
Bryony Grenville is his secret partner. He know and keeps trying for a meeting with the investor.
She wants more information before she makes a decision, and enters the hall after hours to get it....and is caught by the sexy man....and falls for him during their meetings, as he does for her...but he knows his place.
Will they find a Happy Ever After? Eventually...definitely!
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC to peruse.
Beyond and Max make a formidable team. I love their interaction, the way their minds work and the spark of passion between them. I think that her parents' capitulation was a tad quick, but overall a good romance that spans the classes!
Lord of Vice included everything I like: hot, but infuriating hero and intelligent heroine. I love how the author put two people from different social circles but yet, so alike, together. They are perfect for each other even though they both have their own insecurities. Both are very stubborn and while Max looks like a devil on the outside, he’s the angel on the inside. Max doesn’t know how he’ll fit in her world and Bryony is afraid she’ll never fit into his, especially because being the owner of the gaming parlor is not something the ton would approve. They both want a place to belong.
But of course, the question is: Can their love survive everything?
This was my second book by Erica Ridley and I loved it. I love how well they both complemented each other. Ms Ridley knows how to write a book that will absorb you completely in its pages. I recommend this book to anyone who loves independent, smart women who know how to challenge a man, who is their worthy opponent and the perfect match in any way.
While I did love their witty conversations, sometimes I missed more romance. This is why I’m giving Lord of Vice four stars. I still need to read other books in the series but I can’t wait to read other books by talented Ms Ridley in the future! I am so glad to find another amazing author of historical romances!
This long-awaited addition to the series, was definitely one waiting for, a scintillating satisfying read indeed. Max was given a dose of ice cold water to wake him up, in the form of Bryony, she was the last of her lot, and with all her mysterious endeavours she was considered most unlikely to be wed, but did, get married that is, and what a wonderful journey it was for her to get to the altar. A fantastic read with the right dose of excitement, temptation, and sexiness, Enticing and sweet, a delectable morsel indeed, an exciting must read.
Erica Ridley writes a great romance. You can read the Rogues to Riches series in any order, but you'll want to red them all.
Entertaining from beginning to end, Lord of Vice captured my romantic heart. Maxwell Gideon is everything a women might want. Sinfully handsome, it seems he can make good things happen to those in need as he runs the Cloven Hoof, a gambling establishment. He only owns half and does not really know who owns the other. But when he meets up with Miss Bryony Grenville, he is in for a surprise! Silently owning half of the Hoof, she is an intelligent business savvy women!
When these two get together, the chemistry is off the charts and it is fun to see the the interaction between the two and how their romance develops!
Another amazing story from Erica Ridley in the Rouges to Riches series. It is always fun to see past characters come back and interact, although this can be read as a stand alone book! But trust me, you will want to read them all!
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.
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.
Lord of Vice was another great story by Erica Ridley. Max Gideon was a merchant that owned half of a gaming hell known as The Cloven Hoof. He is trying to buy out his silent partner by making offers but doesn't know the man's identity. Miss Bryony Grenville is the daughter of a baron and is secretly financing the Cloven Hoof but is questioning why Max is willing to pay so much for the deed of the property so she figures she will sneak in a check out his records. Her mother is pushing for her to marry and has given her a month to find a suitable match. She is the youngest and the last of her siblings remaining and wants no part of marriage. As I don't want to give the story away, I will leave it to you to see how smart and loving she is.