Pride and Privilege

by Simone Leigh

The Spoiled Rich Boy and the Ex-Call GirlJaye is in love with Saffron – at least, he thinks he is.
Saffron likes Jaye, but she knows she isn’t in love with him. Still, she’s promised to stay with him long enough allow time for her friendship to develop into love.
In return, he will buy her a home all of her own.
Can either of them keep their promise?
A Steamy Billionaire, Bad Boy, Romantic Suspense Story

Total Approx 56,000 Words

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 29, 2025

About the author

Simone Leigh is a writer of intelligent, romantic steamy fiction. Her red-hot thriller, ‘Target’, won the Reader Voted #BestBook Award in the ‘Inks and Scratches’ Summer Splash Book Awards.

To claim a FREE copy of Target, visit this link: https://www.simone-leigh.com/books/ta...

Although English, Simone has lived in Spain for the last few years. Here, she divides her time between working on her tan, decorating her beautiful villa, writing hot romance and thrillers, and swimming naked in her swimming pool.

According to one internet troll, she is 'beyond redemption'...

Visit her website to claim a FREE book and lots of other freebies and giveaways.

https://www.simone-leigh.com/

Follow Simone on Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/perfumepetal...

Follow Simone on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/simon...

And for those following the 'Buying the Virgin' story, here's a link to a 'Suggested Reading Order' for the books.

https://www.simone-leigh.com/suggeste...

Reviews

[Terra Oenning · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a good story, but a cliffhanger and that will definitely have you wanting more from these characters. Jaye is an alcoholic and works with his father's company, but doesn't get to help out and his parents are trying to match him up with women, but Secretly hides Saffron whose not from his side of the tracks so to speak but when pushed passed her limits will she push him away? Good story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

The apartment and more secrets

Pride and Privilege is the first book in The Thornton Legacy series. Be warned that this book does have potential triggers and it also ends with a cliffhanger...so be prepared to wait for the next book to see what happens next. The story of Saffron and Jaye started in the prequel, Dirty Halo. So you should read that novella first. This is an opposites in so many ways that you have a hard time seeing just how they would fit together. But they do and it all works with the push/pull, rich and spoiled vs. working class and making ends, romance. I liked Saffron but Jaye I wavered on several times, and also wanted to cuff him upside the head more than one. I am invested in this couple and can't wait to read the next book to see what happens next.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Saffron used to be hooker but when she meets Jaye he ask her stop and be his. Will she agree and can he stand up to is father before it's too late?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lorri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Great story! Saffron and Jaye have an interesting relationship. I did find myself getting frustrated with their conversations. Lol. But I did like how characters from another series are part of this one. It does end in a cliffhanger. Can’t wait to see where it goes next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Slwd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets

“Pride and Privilege” is book one of Simone Leigh’s The Thornton Legacy. Before settling in to read this, I reread the prequel “The Dirty Halo.” Since it had been awhile, I wanted these characters fresh in my mind before continuing their story. I would suggest reading “The Dirty Halo” first to get to know the characters and the setting. As far as I know, it is a free download on many reading platforms. Now onto book one of the series. Jaye and Saffron have made an agreement and that’s what this installment is all about. Their relationship is definitely going through some serious growing pains as the former hooker and the rich man’s son with a silver tablespoon hanging from his fingertips get to known one another. When all else fails, Jaye and Saffron do what they do best, have sex, and they do a lot of it. I really liked these two characters in “The Dirty Halo”, all told from Saffron’s perspective. In this installment, the reader is given Jaye’s perspective as well as Saffron’s as the chapters flip flop all the way through. Jaye definitely seems more like an overgrown, spoiled kid than a grown up man of thirty plus. He has grown up in a life of privilege that is second nature which often clashes with Saffron’s life experiences. She wants an apartment that suits her, not a huge mansion that Jaye is used to. Saffron wants to cook and save leftovers, Jaye’s belief is only poor people eat leftovers. Saffron enjoys vintage clothes shopping in thrift and second hand stores, Jaye insists she doesn’t have to do that anymore, she doesn’t have to wear other people’s clothes because he can afford what she needs. I like the fact that Saffron doesn’t want to live off Jaye’s (rather his father’s!) money. She is used to earning and paying her way and she doesn’t want to stop. Good for her! Now, if Jaye could grow up and out of his parent’s shadow hopefully he could be a better man. We do see glimmers of his attempts to break free and be his own man. How far will he get? I guess we will have to wait and see what’s in store for this mismatched couple in Simone’s next installment of The Thornton Legacy. Open door and super steamy, this story is centered around an evolving relationship that is both rocky and smooth. This does end on a cliffhanger….

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simone Leigh’s latest, Pride & Privilege, is the continuation of the Dirty Halo story, bringing us back into sex-worker Saffron and wealthy scion Jaye’s journey together. We learned in Dirty Halo that this couple is starting to embark on a tenuous relationship together. Jaye wants her in his life as his lover. He wants her to be exclusive to him. Saffron’s willing to try that, though it means giving up her only source of income. But she’s not sure that rich-boy Jaye is mature enough or trustworthy enough for the kind of relationship she wants.

He is 30 years old, but Jaye is having growing pains, for sure. Just as he appears to have developed a little mature self-insight, he stumbles backward again. And, sadly, that is much to Saffron’s frustration. It doesn’t help that Jaye’s parents are pushing him in a direction he doesn’t want to go: a “proper” wife chosen for him by them. And why ARE they hammering at him so forcefully about this? Perhaps that’s part of a future suspense theme, because this IS a romantic suspense story. The suspense, thus far, is mild, but that may change as the overall story progresses. The story is definitely steamy. Sooo darn steamy, mm-mmm. As per usual with Simone’s work, the story is very well-written and compelling so don’t miss this one. Yes, there is a bit of a cliffy at the end. But, hopefully, Ms. Leigh won’t keep us waiting long!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read a new book by this author I am reminded of how powerful her writing is, and why I keep coming back for more. Her prose is so well crafted that it is a joy to read. We are instantly transported into a new world, full of colour, sounds, light and movement. Her characters leap off the page and spring fully to life, and we become involved in what happens to them. It’s great to be back in the same familiar fictional world as her earlier books, with a brand new storyline that intersects with previous characters, keeping the momentum going. This story is very different, and fascinating because of that. We empathise with the main female character, and alternately despise and feel for the male character. He seems to be his own worst enemy, messing up his life on all fronts. Can he redeem himself ? That’s what keeps us wanting to know more.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simone does it again with a spoiled rich boy and a woman with a non traditional job!
Simone is one of my top 10 authors and I will always look for her next book as they never disappoint! In the prequel, we met Saffron at a bar and is stood up by her john when she eyed Jaye across the room. Jaye works for his father who works with Richard, Elizabeth and James from the Charlotte series and seems a bit lost in life with his father controlling his strings. Whenever Jaye sees a work acquaintance, he is always quick to avoid a meetup, so it won’t get back to his father who keeps pairing him off with suitable females. When Jaye asks Saffron to give up her life with the offer of her own place, she accepts. Jaye is trying to forge a life for himself outside of his father with Richard’s company. How will it all end? You have to read to find out and will definitely want more of Jaye and Saffron!

[Lorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing Pains
I am loving the fact that the story continues with Richard and James being front and center. Of course Beth makes key appearances and keeps ALL of the men in her presence on point! Jaye is not where he wants or needs to be. Little Rich Boy, kept child, floundering man child and many other titles have been thrown at him and yet he just does not see a problem with his situation. Saffron, the female love interest has been asking pointed questions and not getting anything back that’s constructive. Can Jaye or better yet, will Jaye work to become what his potential says that he can be? Overbearing parents. Old money control. Living the FUN life. WOW what’s a guy to do? Hurry Simone because I have a feeling the next book is going to make or break this man child.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Fabulous Spin-off!!! I’m loving this story! I was so happy to see this follow up from the prequel. The Triad is my all time favorite thruple story so it was great to read their cameos in this story. Similar to the spin-off with Kirstie’s story, this story has fabulous characters with interesting backgrounds. I am invested in finding out if this couple with completely different backgrounds, values and interests can really make it work. I”m rooting for both of them! I hope the ending becomes more of a wake up call and less so a tragedy. This couple needs a chance to try and make it work. So excited to read what’s in store for them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marlene Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaye Thornton was privileged son of man who said was going to retire and wanted son to take over business, but he never allowed Jaye to take the lead on any project, thus he stilled lived in family mansion and had to put up with parades of vacuous women presented as potential brides by his parents...but he had a secret, carefully kept from them...Saffron...call girl who he finally talked into a monogamous relationship by offering to purchase her a home...which presented its own problems, like how to keep purchase secret when his father's company built the apartment buildings...or does he just want a beck and call girl??? You will need to read the story to see what happens...I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saffron is a beautiful single woman who wants to open her own photography studio. Jaye is the son of a billionaire and he still lives at home at the age of thirty one. Jaye works at his father’s business as president of urban planning. His father doesn’t allow Jaye to oversee any projects on his own so he hasn’t learned how to run them. He meets Saffron and falls instantly in love with her. He wants Saffron to fall in love with him so he buys her, her own place where she can live and have her business. This is a great book! I can’t wait to read the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[PugLover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jaye is still trying to keep Saffron a secret. He finds a way to get her into an apartment. As time goes by Saffron starts to catch feelings for Jaye but their differences start to cause a divide. Jaye is so entitled with no sense of how the less fortunate live. As the problems he has with his father increase he seems to take it out on Saffron and reverts back to treating her like paid help instead of a romantic partner. This book does end on a cliffhanger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Dirty Halo we were introduced to Jaye and Saffron. This book follows them through the ups and downs of their relationship. At times Saffron can see herself falling in love with him. But he still treats her like an escort. Jaye lives with and is under the thumb of his overbearing father. Jaye is desperate to get away but lacks the self-discipline to achieve that goal. Saffron is running out of patience with his immaturity. Beware this book contains a lot of sex and ends with a huge cliffhanger. Can't wait for more!

[Helena Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Jaye is the rich boy. Never earned his own money, just took it all from parents. Saffron is normal and loves looking through second hand stores to try and find a bargain. Jay doesn't like it because he can buy her anything, which she doesn't want him to.
If he grows up and stops thinking about his heritage he may keep her but only if he survives the ending. Loved it!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a self-entitled man-boy Jaye turned out to be. I would have cheered Saffron if she kicked him to the curb for looking down on her for her lifestyle. Always having the comfort of money and self-entitlement makes it hard to see how the other side lives. I can't wait to see how Saffron and Jaye's lives change in the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kellie Waldron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a little much for me

Saffron was a lady of the evening. She was free to do what, who and when she wanted to do things.

Jay on the other hand was under his parent's thumb. He was baited along to be kept in line. There were times when Jay was making light of Saffron wanting just the basics, but Jaye had been brought up with the super rich. At times you wanted to not like Jaye for some of this thoughts and actions.

It was a good read.

[Brina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great start to the series. A lot of moving parts, differing personalities, and twists that I know are going to turn into so much more later on. There did seem to be quite a bit of inner monolog and explanations of things that weren't really relevant. I feel like that slowed the story down somewhat.
I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

A slow burner that keeps you thinking where it's going to go. Rich boy wanting to break free from his parents clutches. Nice having characters from Simones other book and how they could all be intertwined. Can't wait for the next one in this new series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Erika]

Simone Leigh has written a wonderful story with well written characters. Jaye is a spoiled rich kid who is having trouble evolving into an adult. Saffron is a former call girl that catches the eye of Jaye. Will they be able to overcome the obstacles?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[L KQ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Project Goals

Simone Leigh knows how to leave a reader wanting more with a suspenseful cliffhanger. Honestly, while the story itself is intriguing so far, I don't like Saffron all that much at the moment. I understand Jaye and hope to see him continue to evolve in the next installment.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a very enjoyable read, wouldn’t really expect anything less from Simone Leigh. Simone a very talented writer always enjoyed reading her books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I love this Beautifully written story because Joye Thornton is trying to find himself ,while also realizing he may have a issue

[maria martignetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this author and this offering


I really enjoyed this
A great start to a new series


Loved the characters and enjoyed their story

Looking forward to more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following from their prequal story (Dirty Halo) is Jay and Saffron, the woman he thinks he's in love with. A steamy read with plenty of old faces and drama mixed in, and a cliffy ending too.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lesley-jane Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Steamy Bad Boy Romance. His father wants him to marry and keep trying to set him up with friends daughters. Jaye however has fallen for Saffron an ex Call girl who he is still hiding from his family. will this work out the way he wants?

[Sammye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part of the Thorne Legacy series. Saffron and Jaye are great characters. They are an unlikely couple because, their personalities are totally opposite. I did enjoy their interesting story