I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. An interesting novel. The cover is pretty. This is part two in a series.

this was a great conclusion to the series, the characters were great and I really enjoyed the story elements in the book.

3.5 Stars

I swear I sound like a broken record lately, but AGAIN we have a book that just ENDS, and (IMO) really could have benefited from an epilogue...sigh. 😕

Apart from the above, I enjoyed this one as much as the first. Again, it was very "Zebra historical romance" like, with a lot of sex, angst, and bitter other women throughout. 😂 That said, the writing remained excellent. The setting made for a gorgeous backdrop. It had a diverse cast of interesting side characters.

If not for the less than satisfying ending, this would have been a 4 Star read. 🤷

Thank you Net Galley for the advanced reading copy of the 2nd book! This was an epic duology and a wonderful end to the Ground Sweet As Sugar series. A fitting to story to read during the month that celebrates Irish History and pedagogy, we follow the survival story of one named Charlotte Dillon. The historical references led me to research many different aspects of this period of history: from the privateering/trading in the West Indies in the 17th century to the Irish Rebellion and the political intrigue it brings. At the core of it is a love story that transcends decades and moves this intricate world filled with complex, exciting characters. There is strength and sensibility in all the characters that I met through this series. Even the supporting characters were so memorable. From Keogh, Shea to Juneh -- not just James and Charlotte. I commend Catherine C. Heywood for telling this bold story and educating the reader on many different aspects of this period. It was a fitting read for March 2021 for me and I truly enjoyed the series.

The second book in series.
Charlotte is found and back on the plantation wth James .
Lot of drama,emotions,conflicted feeling between James and Charlotte and passion .
Also a mystery of who Charlotte is finally comes to light
Just a great story that will keep you interested until the end..
Really enjoyed the story.
Voluntarily reviewed.

The Virtues of Vice is sequel to Ground Sweet as Sugar. Charlotte’s time as pirate are over and she is once again under James’ will and before 10% of the book is through our young heroes find themselves in bed and the story gets mildly erotic, to say the least, since those two can not keep their hands from each other. So what do you think, how does the story goes on? :)
If the first book was YA, where our heroine stays untouched through all the book, no matter what kind of company she is in, then this second instalment is NA book, where the newly discovered passion has consequences, and since the protagonists make many wrong decisions, they have to accept the consequences. Their love story can not be easy since there are jilted lovers, envious colleagues, dissatisfied workers and the protagonists do make some seriously stupid decisions.
In a way it is a strange story, with it’s bright moments and some irksome moments, but it is truly a fascinating story.

The Virtues of Vice is exactly the kind of conclusion I wanted for the Ground Sweet as Sugar duet. Catherine C. Heywood took all the puzzle pieces, jagged and otherwise that were laid out before us, and meticulously found their place as James Blair and Charlotte Dillon are reunited after two long years apart. And make no mistake about it, this wasn't the charming kind of reunion where both parties collide happily with one other, tears of gratitude in their eyes. On the contrary, we now had the stoic plantation owner and the rebellious former pirate at each other's throats as James literally locks Charlotte up, only just hesitating at wanting to throw away the key for good.

Wow. What a story. I found a easier kind of rhythm to this book as the pace and execution were all kinds of perfect. There truly are a myriad of emotions that I encountered with each turn of the page, with love no matter how messy or hard-fought being at the crux of this intricate journey. I didn't fault James for his initial treatment of his 'prisoner', his worry for Charlotte's life these past 24 months turning him both furious and desperate. But his indisputable adoration for his feisty and hard-headed soulmate kept his heart beating and his mind secure in knowing that Charlotte, no matter how stubborn she was at refusing to offer any kind of information while being refused sleep, was finally safe and in arms reach.

I just loved that James for all of his bravado and stern reputation, found his weakness in Charlotte and would do anything to make sure she was his forever. The opponents to their pairing and to the very notion of Charlotte existing seem to be growing by the day with jilted betrothed, wretched predators and restless workers trying their best to thwart any chance at happiness. But these two are determined even in moments of weakness and insecurity that they should be together, with James oft-times being the one who has to fight both his enemies and his strong-willed love for what is surely meant to be.

Once more, I enjoyed the back and forth between locations, loose ends being tied up slowly but surely, as more and more characters are brought into the mix who can provide both answers and assurances that things will be all right in the end. I will admit there were times, however, where I was afraid to turn the page knowing that there were way too many who wanted James, in particular, to fail with insights into various scenes away from his plantation making my stomach uneasy with what was to come. But I had faith in his determination and his ability to fight tooth and nail, if need be to keep his growing family safe and together.

Heywood has laid out a story that is both riveting and exciting. There are incredible scenes of heroism alongside those of great sadness. It was a true pleasure getting to know this unforgettable couple and the hardships and triumphs they experience. Each one bringing them what they sincerely deserve whether good or bad, all the while finding that mutual wavelength with their true love. With the war of wills a constant between James and Charlotte, one which undoubtedly had me smiling and increasing my fondness for them even more. In addition, I will say that all the secondary characters, even those who are most decidedly evil, made this book complete. But, of course, it was those who gave James and Charlotte support and their undying devotion who stand out as the true backbone of this book.

This duet is a must-read that kept me captive and glued to my e-reader. I am thrilled I have found a new-to-me author, I can't wait to go back and read the rest of her work.

5 big stars!

Compulsive conclusion to ‘Ground Sweet as Sugar’. Vivid characters will remain with you after you close the pages. Fabulous fiction threaded through history which has completely captured my curiosity. So richly written, feels like I’ve watched a movie rather than read a book.

I did not read the first book but this was difficult to put down and extremely engaging! The characters were in depth and complex...there wasn't a moment I was not in awe of their humanity and flaws. I kept ending up in research rabbit holes with each historical reference. This book was fascinating. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was a wonderful ending to the first book, giving the reader enough suspense and conflict as the first book. The only thing that left me unsatisfied was the ending but perhaps it was because I didn't want the story to end.

The characters and setting were rich with depth and complexity. This story and its characters will stick with me for quite a while and I look forward to more by this author.

'The Virtues of Vice' continues the story began in 'Ground as Sweet as Sugar' (you'll definitely need to read this before to understand what's happening) and our lead characters Charlotte and James are battling with both current events and their feelings for each other. Life in the West Indies remains tough and there's a balance to be found, not only in their personal lives but in the world around them.
The drama certainly continues for Charlotte as she is punished for her part in crimes of the previous book. James is, as always, on her side, even when he perhaps shouldn't be. Heywood's characters have flaws and Charlotte certainly does; this can alienate her from the reader and we have to remember this fiction is set in a far-removed time to understand events and decisions. James and Charlotte's relationship does dominate the book, but we also have dangers and manipulations to deal with. This is a world of strife, greed, desires, domination and despair. But it's balanced by the positives: love, loyalty and friendship.

Heywood, as always provides a story that drags the reader into some wonderful escapism, romance and high drama.
A book of consuming love, justice, power and revenge, where the end to all virtue is finally happiness.

The Virtues of Vice is the second book in the series. If you have not read Ground Sweet as Sugar please do so, these books must be read in order. #VirtuesofVice opens where Ground Sweet as Sugar left off. We continue the stories of Charlotte, James, Keogh, Shae, and Jenny. The plot continues in the Caribbean as well as Ireland. I really hesitate to say more about the plot as it could be a spoiler, if not for this book, for those that haven't read the first one yet. While this is a romance, there are a lot of historical facts and situations that Ms. Heywood included. These additions make for a wonderful backdrop and enriches the book. Thank you #NetGalley for the opportunity to give my voluntary and honest review. I read this book in less than a day, I didn't want to put it down.