What do you think?
Rate this book
Price of Privilege Trilogy #1-3
Price of Privilege Trilogy (Set of 3) Born of Persuasion Mark of Distinction Price of Privilege
This Collection combines all three books in Jessica Dotta’s historical-romance Price of Privilege series into one volume for a great value!
#1 Born of Persuasion:
The year is 1838, and seventeen-year-old Julia Elliston’s position has never been more fragile. Orphaned and unmarried in a time when women are legal property of their fathers, husbands, and guardians, she finds herself at the mercy of an anonymous guardian who plans to establish her as a servant in far-off Scotland. With two months to devise a better plan, Julia’s first choice to marry her childhood sweetheart is denied. But when a titled dowager offers to introduce Julia into society, a realm of possibilities opens. However, treachery and deception are as much a part of Victorian society as titles and decorum, and Julia quickly discovers her present is deeply entangled with her mother’s mysterious past. Before she knows what’s happening, Julia finds herself a pawn in a deadly game between two of the country’s most powerful men. With no laws to protect her, she must unravel the secrets on her own. But sometimes truth is elusive and knowledge is deadly.
#2 Mark of Distinction:
London is said to be the glittering jewel of society, a world unto itself—but to Julia Elliston it is a city of shadows. Her life is swiftly dissolving into scandal. And in Victorian society, even a whisper of scandal—substantiated or not—can be the death of a young woman’s reputation. Now under the watchful eye of Lord Roy Pierson, one of most influential men in England, Julia begrudgingly accepts his protection. But Chance Macy’s power is far-reaching as well, and he is eager to assert his claim over her. Thrust into society as the Emerald Heiress, Julia is the toast of London, a celebrated curiosity. But in reality she’s trapped between the clutches of two powerful men. Aided only by a gentleman whose intentions she prays she can trust, Julia must finally take control of her own fate—but outwitting one’s foe rarely goes according to plan.
#3 Price of Privilege:
Having finally discovered the truth of her birthright, Julia Elliston is determined to outwit Chance Macy at his own game. Holding a secret he’d kill to keep, however, is proving more difficult than she imagined. Just when Julia thinks she’s managed to untangle herself from Macy’s clutches, he changes tactics with a risky ploy. As the scandal of the century breaks loose, drawing rooms all over London whisper what so far newspapers have not dared to print: Macy’s lost bride is none other than Lord Pierson’s daughter—and one of the most controversial cases of marital law ever seen comes before Victorian courts. Though Julia knows Macy’s version of events is another masterful manipulation, public opinion is swaying in his favor. Caught in a web of deceit and lies, armed only with a fledgling faith, Julia must face her fiercest trial yet.
#1 Born of Persuasion:
The year is 1838, and seventeen-year-old Julia Elliston’s position has never been more fragile. Orphaned and unmarried in a time when women are legal property of their fathers, husbands, and guardians, she finds herself at the mercy of an anonymous guardian who plans to establish her as a servant in far-off Scotland. With two months to devise a better plan, Julia’s first choice to marry her childhood sweetheart is denied. But when a titled dowager offers to introduce Julia into society, a realm of possibilities opens. However, treachery and deception are as much a part of Victorian society as titles and decorum, and Julia quickly discovers her present is deeply entangled with her mother’s mysterious past. Before she knows what’s happening, Julia finds herself a pawn in a deadly game between two of the country’s most powerful men. With no laws to protect her, she must unravel the secrets on her own. But sometimes truth is elusive and knowledge is deadly.
#2 Mark of Distinction:
London is said to be the glittering jewel of society, a world unto itself—but to Julia Elliston it is a city of shadows. Her life is swiftly dissolving into scandal. And in Victorian society, even a whisper of scandal—substantiated or not—can be the death of a young woman’s reputation. Now under the watchful eye of Lord Roy Pierson, one of most influential men in England, Julia begrudgingly accepts his protection. But Chance Macy’s power is far-reaching as well, and he is eager to assert his claim over her. Thrust into society as the Emerald Heiress, Julia is the toast of London, a celebrated curiosity. But in reality she’s trapped between the clutches of two powerful men. Aided only by a gentleman whose intentions she prays she can trust, Julia must finally take control of her own fate—but outwitting one’s foe rarely goes according to plan.
#3 Price of Privilege:
Having finally discovered the truth of her birthright, Julia Elliston is determined to outwit Chance Macy at his own game. Holding a secret he’d kill to keep, however, is proving more difficult than she imagined. Just when Julia thinks she’s managed to untangle herself from Macy’s clutches, he changes tactics with a risky ploy. As the scandal of the century breaks loose, drawing rooms all over London whisper what so far newspapers have not dared to print: Macy’s lost bride is none other than Lord Pierson’s daughter—and one of the most controversial cases of marital law ever seen comes before Victorian courts. Though Julia knows Macy’s version of events is another masterful manipulation, public opinion is swaying in his favor. Caught in a web of deceit and lies, armed only with a fledgling faith, Julia must face her fiercest trial yet.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
Paperback
First published May 1, 2017
2 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Dotta
4 books245 followersJessica Dotta has always been fascinated by the intricacies of society that existed in England from the Regency through the Edwardian era. She writes in a manner that blends past and modern fiction techniques. She lives in the Nashville area and works as a free lance media consultant and publicist. Her first novel Born of Persuasion releases in September of 2013.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 10, 2020
I have lost count of how many times I have read this trilogy. Often, I don't even read the whole thing, I just slip into favourite moments and skip to parts that remind me how brilliantly sewn together these connected books are.
It is the only book experience that wakes me up at night with thoughts about it... I have never had such a visceral reaction to the end of a book and I always revisit that amazing moment when I was blown away not only by the heart-wrenching ending but how Dotta seamlessly interwove every last thread.
This book series breaks every rule of inspy fiction and does so brilliant. You see, I maintain this trilogy is an allegory. And I maintain it is the greatest Christian fiction series ever written.
All this to say, I learn a lot about myself as a human and as a creator and as a book lover from this world and I need Dotta to write eight trillion more books.
It is the only book experience that wakes me up at night with thoughts about it... I have never had such a visceral reaction to the end of a book and I always revisit that amazing moment when I was blown away not only by the heart-wrenching ending but how Dotta seamlessly interwove every last thread.
This book series breaks every rule of inspy fiction and does so brilliant. You see, I maintain this trilogy is an allegory. And I maintain it is the greatest Christian fiction series ever written.
All this to say, I learn a lot about myself as a human and as a creator and as a book lover from this world and I need Dotta to write eight trillion more books.
April 24, 2018
So many twists and turns! Jessica Dotta is an excellent writer. I did find the main character annoying at times. She’s hyper emotional, wishy washy, and doesn’t stand up for herself enough. But I’m still impressed that an author can make you fall for three different men at once, including the bad guy. The ending is perfect. Unexpected and bittersweet.
October 20, 2023
Wow! This is no ordinary regency romance story. These books are rich with beautiful language. The characters are deep, complex and realistic.Julia's journey of love, growth, and faith is heart wrenching, frustrating, hopeful, and beautiful. This story will make you laugh, cry, and ponder your own life. I wish I could adequately describe what an unexpected surprise this series was. I consider this story a classic. Reminiscent of North and South or Little Dorrit. I definitely recommend it!
P.s.
When I started book one, it was dark and a bit disturbing. I really didn't know if I was going to like the book, but by the end I understood. The villain is a really well written character. You're drawn in by him, but yet you know you shouldn't be, so you're left with an unsettling feeling, like "where is this heading?" Just keep going!
P.s.
When I started book one, it was dark and a bit disturbing. I really didn't know if I was going to like the book, but by the end I understood. The villain is a really well written character. You're drawn in by him, but yet you know you shouldn't be, so you're left with an unsettling feeling, like "where is this heading?" Just keep going!
August 3, 2019
This trilogy is full of mystery, hidden secrets, heartbreak, double crossing, greed, murder, pain, romance, etc. I couldn’t stop reading. I laughed, I cried, I wanted to scream at and shake Julia’s father. There were so many plot twists that I was left guessing the whole way through. I didn’t even predict the bittersweet ending.
August 4, 2018
Had to read twice, back to back...
I was so anxious over the suspense of this series the first time I read it that I had to immediately REread it to capture and process all the details! One very dark but very desirable "master", one "golden" truly honorable and adoring gentleman, and one loyal and selfless "shepherd of souls" are all in competition for one poor "lost lamb"... the primary character, Julia. After an unexpected revelation, Julia is throughout this series ALSO controlled by a dictator-like family member whom she previously never knew. Poor Julia was (quite honestly) a bit cowardly and fickle for my taste. However, I tried to see things as she might see them given her very sad early life experiences, so I might understand why she is the way she is. I loved the darkness and suspense which drove me to reread this. I loved all the very well-developed supporting characters around Julia... although I think the "shepherd" could have been made a much stronger character. I loved the overall detail and flow of writing... I could "picture" this story. There were some rather shocking events which left me very sad. And I think Julia should have been a little more "faithful" to the one she truly loved. (BTW, I was completely at a loss on the single reference to "Rachel"... was this a reference to Jacob's Rachel?? That just didn't seem to fit...). I would give this 5 stars if Julia would not have been so fickle. Maybe that was intended, but it left me with a negative feeling toward the primary character, which makes it hard to fully cheer on a book. Great writing overall though deserves at least 4 stars!
I was so anxious over the suspense of this series the first time I read it that I had to immediately REread it to capture and process all the details! One very dark but very desirable "master", one "golden" truly honorable and adoring gentleman, and one loyal and selfless "shepherd of souls" are all in competition for one poor "lost lamb"... the primary character, Julia. After an unexpected revelation, Julia is throughout this series ALSO controlled by a dictator-like family member whom she previously never knew. Poor Julia was (quite honestly) a bit cowardly and fickle for my taste. However, I tried to see things as she might see them given her very sad early life experiences, so I might understand why she is the way she is. I loved the darkness and suspense which drove me to reread this. I loved all the very well-developed supporting characters around Julia... although I think the "shepherd" could have been made a much stronger character. I loved the overall detail and flow of writing... I could "picture" this story. There were some rather shocking events which left me very sad. And I think Julia should have been a little more "faithful" to the one she truly loved. (BTW, I was completely at a loss on the single reference to "Rachel"... was this a reference to Jacob's Rachel?? That just didn't seem to fit...). I would give this 5 stars if Julia would not have been so fickle. Maybe that was intended, but it left me with a negative feeling toward the primary character, which makes it hard to fully cheer on a book. Great writing overall though deserves at least 4 stars!
April 17, 2019
In the wreckage and devastation of this last novel, it is difficult to know how to rate its conclusion. Deus ex machinae seem to appear again and again in the form of a lovely butler (Jamison), an old antagonist (John), and the return of one thought dead (Isaak's brother), but these prove not to transform, but to partake. And yet, there is little resolution to what captivated and kept us on edge for 30+ hours... Christian ideas fade into the one: sacrificial love. There is no satisfaction that the truth is being told before Julia pens the story for posterity. Readers may also find it difficult that Edward plays so small a role in most of the story. The meeting with Kate after the events of the tragic sacrifice is utterly wrenching. What would have helped, I feel, is to have glimpsed more of what good is formed of the broken pieces- to have witnessed healing in so many injured souls- and better yet, to have seen our heroine create a solution for herself... and it would have been simple, common courtesy, for Dotta to have let Jamison have something wise and amusing to say in the very end- to have let us in on his and Nancy's continuing stories... I rate this novel a full 5 although I'm utterly crushed by it.
November 24, 2019
Jessica Dotta is an incredibly talented writer and I cannot help but give her 5 stars for a mesmerizing series. And yet I didn't especially enjoy it: the story is grim. What I did enjoy was the final chapter and the Epilogue in the third book, where Julia sums up life lessons and spiritual lessons acquired through the entire ordeal. That section was absolutely brilliant and shows considerable maturity as a writer and a Christian.
I agree with the reviewer who says she wishes there was more of Edward in the story. I don't understand why everyone objected to him and did their utmost to keep Julia away from Edward. Especially her Mama... why? Wouldn't marriage have been the best protection for the girl? But then there wouldn't have been much of a story, I suppose.
Julia had way too many control-freaks in her life. I was frustrated with how Julia was over-ruled and made powerless, again and again. Were women really silenced and manipulated to such a degree? I don't think all women were forced into such submission, although many probably were, especially if power and money were at stake. The household servants had more freedom to express their opinions than Julia did. It's no wonder that Julia made mistakes, considering she had no one she could trust and was constantly in a hostile environment wherever she went.
I would label this series as gothic suspense with romance on the side. I do recommend the books and I'm glad I read them. I wonder if the author intended the story to be an allegory because I can see potential for that.
I agree with the reviewer who says she wishes there was more of Edward in the story. I don't understand why everyone objected to him and did their utmost to keep Julia away from Edward. Especially her Mama... why? Wouldn't marriage have been the best protection for the girl? But then there wouldn't have been much of a story, I suppose.
Julia had way too many control-freaks in her life. I was frustrated with how Julia was over-ruled and made powerless, again and again. Were women really silenced and manipulated to such a degree? I don't think all women were forced into such submission, although many probably were, especially if power and money were at stake. The household servants had more freedom to express their opinions than Julia did. It's no wonder that Julia made mistakes, considering she had no one she could trust and was constantly in a hostile environment wherever she went.
I would label this series as gothic suspense with romance on the side. I do recommend the books and I'm glad I read them. I wonder if the author intended the story to be an allegory because I can see potential for that.
July 22, 2020
I've read this trilogy twice and found them can't-put-down good both times. About a decade passed since I first picked up this trilogy; I enjoyed re-reading this series with redeemed eyes.
March 5, 2025
I really enjoy the story line and atmosphere of this series. Very gothic and exciting whilst still being completely clean. What's not to love about a gothic British family mystery set in the 1840s?
May 1, 2017
This was such a good period drama! I have to admit I liked it as much or more than Austen, Alcott and the likes. It definitely has a spiritual component but is a far cry from your average Christian romance, in a good way. I listened to the audiobooks this week and the narration was spot on. It was one of those books that had me thinking about and missing it whenever I wasn't reading, staying up late to read, and waking up early to pick up where I left off. Definitely a binge worthy series.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews