Pride Comes Before a Fall

Miss Prentice's Protegees #3

by Virginia Heath

In the third installment of this witty Regency romcom series, a headstrong chaperone is torn between following her rigid principles or her heart

Despite his many responsibilities, there is nothing Leopold Sloane, the 11th Duke of Debden, takes more seriously than the safety of those he loves. When one of his sisters is injured at a protest rally, he drags his family to Bath for the summer to keep his reckless and rebellious siblings out of harm’s way. The only flaw in his plan is his overwhelming but inexplicable attraction to the new chaperone he has hired to watch out for them. An outspoken conundrum of a woman who soon causes him more trouble than both his sisters combined...but who calls to his soul regardless.

From the moment Portia Kendall read her first revolutionary pamphlet beneath her bedcovers at Miss Prentice’s School for Girls, she realized that her true calling was to make the world a fairer place for the masses downtrodden by the aristocracy. A calling that led her to Equitas, a radical newspaper that champions reform. But as Portia discovers, writing doesn’t pay the bills. To make a living, she must push aside her principles and serve the very people she criticizes weekly in her column. A temporary position as a chaperone in the home of a pompous duke seems like the perfect way to earn enough to follow her heart. Unfortunately, the duke who hires her seems to be more dashing and noble than pompous and soon begins to call to her heart too—as much as she tries to deny it. But dare she risk her principles for love or will her pride always come before a fall?

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Adult, Regency Romance

336 pages, Paperback

Expected publication July 28, 2026

About the author

When Virginia Heath was a little girl it took her ages to fall asleep, so she made up stories in her head to help pass the time while she was staring at the ceiling. As she got older, the stories became more complicated, sometimes taking weeks to get to the happy ending. Then one day, she decided to embrace the insomnia and start writing them down. Twenty books and two Romantic Novel of the Year Award nominations later, and it still takes her forever to fall asleep.

Her new Regency Romcom for St Martin's Press ~ Never Fall For Your Fiancée ~ is on sale November 9, 2021

If you want to find out more check out virginiaheathromance.com or follow her on Facebook @VirginiaHeathAuthor

Reviews

[Abigail velotta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley

I used to not be a big fan of historical romance, but recently I have started to enjoy them more and more, so I was very excited to receive an advanced copy of this book! Chapter 1 was a little bit tough for me to get into, but chapter 2 immediately began to catch my attention! The author is very descriptive, which I do like, but I found at time I got a little lost in the details and had to re read a few sentences before continuing. As far as the characters go, I loved Portia, she was determined and witty. I also really liked Leo, I loved how he was level headed and didn’t abuse his power as the Duke. I loved how he cared for his animals and was a hopeless romantic, it’s not as often that the MMC is the romantic one! I really enjoyed Letitia, Leo’s mother, as well! Abigail and Emilia were a handful, and at times frustrating, but they would not have been in need of a chaperone had they not been. By chapter 13, the sexual tension is so strong, and I just couldn’t put the book down from that point forward! I was practically biting my nails with questions, ‘will they end up together?’ ‘Will Leo find out that Portia works for Equitas?’ I adored how this book kept you on your toes. Every time you thought things were finally going to workout, they wouldn’t. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to checking out more from this author!

[Syd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are there some problems and plot holes in this book? Yes. Do I care? No. I love Leo and Portia too much. Their banter, his protectiveness, her stubbornness, it was all too addicting. Virginia Heath sure knows how to get me hooked on a historical romance and I loved this one!! I related to Portia in a lot of ways and I just need a patient, obsessed, and besotted Leo in my life! Seriously, you guys… this man YEARNED for her. I adored it so much and you will too ☺️

TROPES:
🖋️Historical Romance
💍Marriage of Convenience
🖋️Workplace Romance
💍Forced Proximity
🖋️Dislike to Friends to Dislike to Lovers
💍He Falls First/Boy Obsessed
🖋️Romantic x Cynic

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Virginia Heath for the ARC!! I cannot wait for Kitty’s story next!! 💘

[megan mien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was a bit uncertain about Pride Comes Before a Fall when I first started it. The opening chapters had me flipping back to the synopsis puzzled because there was a lot of background information. But once the story settled in (or rather once Leo was introduced) I was completely hooked.

Portia Kendall begins the book with what can only be described as a life-altering realization- "not so much an epiphany as an earth-shattering, mind-blowing, seismic realization." From there, learning about the expectations drilled into her since childhood- duty, decorum, diligence, and discretion at all times- was fascinating. Being handpicked at sixteen to become a governess and being raised to keep her head down, those expectations shape so much of who she is, and they make her inner conflict between her heart and her head incredibly compelling.

And then there's the Duke- Leo. The way he deadpans things is hil-ar-i-ous. At only thirty, the weight of his responsibilities already feels like its aging his soul, and that contrast between his dry humor and his burdens made him such a memorable character.

Their dynamic develops into a really charming slow-burn romance that was incredibly satisfying and sometimes wonderfully frustrating to watch unfold. Super entertaining.

One of the things I loved most about this book is how the author shows rather than tells. The scenes are painted so vividly that it almost feels cinematic, like you're watching everything unfold rather than just reading about it. The writing is genuinely beautiful- sharp, witty, and immersive. Lines like "Nothing killed a wholly futile, totally inappropriate romantic moment quite like guilt" had me laughing while others had me holding my breath.

There were moments where the characters' thoughts circled the same feelings, but honestly, I didn't mind at all. They're such strong, engaging characters that being inside their heads was part of the fun. I couldn't wait to pick this book back up every time I had to put it down.

And when the title line appeared- "They say pride comes before a fall, Miss Kendall..." it was oddly satisfying. Those little moments landed perfectly.

This book made me feel everything. It was funny, tense, romantic, and surprisingly thought-provoking. At times it even had me sweating- clammy hands and all- because I was so invested in what was happening.

I don't think I've ever enjoyed a book this much-and I've read a lot of five-star books. This one felt different. This one takes the cake. I was completely enthralled from beginning to end. The writing, the characters, the humor, the tension, and the plot twists... It all came together perfectly.

I'll definitely be rereading this, and I'm already planning to order myself a physical copy on release day. Thank you, Virginia Heath, for writing something that felt so immersive, heartfelt, and unforgettable.

This has officially taken the spot as my favorite book of all time.

Five (Hundred) Stars.

[S.K. O'Connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an ARC read …Thank you! I appreciate being introduced to the work of Virginia Heath
⭐️⭐️⭐️½

The Concept was Great, but the Execution Missed the Mark

I have very mixed feelings about Pride Comes Before a Fall. On one hand, it was an easy, interesting historical romance with a sweet middle and a unique concept. On the other hand, I spent the last half of the book feeling incredibly frustrated by the "follow-through."

The Regency Atmosphere

While the story is set in the Regency era, the sensibilities and verbiage felt far too anachronistic. Just as I would start to feel immersed in the time period, a modern phrase or thought process would pull me right back out. I appreciated the author’s attempt to shed light on historical activism and reform, but it felt heavy-handed. At times, the focus on the cause overshadowed the romance, making me wonder if the book wanted to be a historical study or a love story; trying to do both so intensely felt like too much.

Character Growth (or Lack Thereof)

I was most disappointed in Portia during the final chapters. She was handed a golden opportunity to show maturity and growth, but she didn't take it. She remained immature, and seeing her still resorting to lying and deception to get her way at the very end was a letdown. I wanted to see a woman who learned from her mistakes, not one who just kept pushing until her husband gave in.

The "Romance Formula" Overload

I understand the typical romance formula—the slow burn, the hurdle, the resolution—but the back-and-forth between Leo and Portia felt unnecessary and immature. Instead of one or two significant hurdles, it was a constant cycle of being all over each other one minute and having a terrible fight an hour later.

• The Misunderstandings:

They were so clueless for so long that it became tedious.

• The Ending:

Leo’s instant change of heart after being upset for so long felt rushed, and his final "essay" covered things that really should have been handled in a conversation much earlier.

Loose Ends

I would have much rather seen the follow-through on the actual plot points—like the evidence against the constable or the resolution of Portia’s initial charges—rather than the repetitive bickering. Even the dinner with his sister and her fiancé was just left hanging!

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, this felt less like a "feisty" romance and more like a promotion of a dysfunctional relationship where power plays replaced open communication and compromise. I loved the intention and the plot, but the character dynamics just weren't for me. It was frustrating enough that I felt the need to write my own "essay" in this review just to get it out of my system!

[Julie - One Book More · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars
Unfortunately, this was not a favorite of mine, which is a bummer because I generally love Virginia Heath's historical romances. I think it was mainly because I didn't like the main characters and the way they treated each other. They say some hurtful things, and their arguments get repetitive. I also didn't really love the secondary characters, especially Leo's sisters. They were so selfish and entitled, and I hate how they treated Leo and Fiona. They didn't show much growth over the course of the story and remained pretty flat. The plot also left a couple of things unanswered, which I found disappointing.

I did like Fiona's role at the newspaper and her passion for reform. She is smart and determined with a gift for writing, and her thoughts and articles about social inequities were interesting. With protests, arrests, threats of punishment for sedition, and abuse at the hands of authorities, there's definitely a lot to write about. I also like how Fiona uses her gift for writing to help her process her feelings, but she is sooo stubborn and set in her ways. Leo is stubborn, too, and the pair butt heads a lot. Personally, it was too much for my liking.

Also, while I was reading, I kept wondering how many times Leo was going to flash his dimples. It happens an eye-rolling amount. Leo knows he's charming, and he uses it to his benefit when he learns how it affects Fiona, but in the next breath, he's mad and yelling at her again. Make up your mind, man! Do you forgive her, or are you going to continue to punish her? lol There's also a scene after they meet royalty that is so ridiculously outlandish that I again caught myself rolling my eyes. This was another scene where Leo's behavior irritated me, especially the laughing at this moment. He came across as immature and rude.

Overall, I think this just wasn't the right fit for me. Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

[Carol lowkey.bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third installment in the Miss Prentice’s Protégées series, and I thought it was a fun, entertaining read. I immediately got pulled into Portia and Leo’s story, especially because their relationship starts in such a chaotic, high-stakes way. I loved how the book balanced humor with romance right from the beginning.

I had to giggle at some of the scenes, especially the moment where Portia is in full court dress, think Marie Antoinette, and her wig catches fire. Leo douses her with gallons of water and orchestrates her escape from the palace to save her from the prying eyes of the gossips at court. I thought the whole scene felt like a comedy of errors in the best way, and set the tone for the rest of their relationship.

I really enjoyed Portia as a heroine. She is an agitator, writing against the nobility and willing to take risks for what she believes in. I also thought the marriage of convenience worked well here. Leo marrying Portia to get her out of prison was both practical and romantic in its own way.

My favorite character was Leo because he’s just a softie, a golden retriever in a Duke’s body. I liked that what starts as a strategic move on his part turns into something deeper, especially since he actually wants to stay married. I loved his grand gesture in the end to risk his own standing by writing publicly about his love for her.

Overall, I found this book to be a delightful mix of funny situations, romance, and just the right level of steam. I enjoyed how it didn’t take itself too seriously while still providing an emotional side to the story.

I received and advance free review copy from the publisher via Netgalley; all opinions are my own.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 / 5 stars rounded up! 💫

This is my favorite of Virginia Heath’s Miss Prentice's Protegees series so far! I just had a great time reading it. ✨

Pride Comes Before a Fall is a Regency era historical romance featuring reformist Portia Kendall and Leo, the the 11th Duke of Debden. After moving to Bath to write for a revolutionary newspaper, Portia ends up working as a chaperone for Leo’s rebellious sisters (hello, forced proximity!). 🫖

I loved the political focus of this book. It explores various areas of British society of the time, including the judicial system, class inequality/tensions, and movements for political reform. The nature of these topics also adds interesting bits of adventure to the narrative. Portia and Leo were also both wonderful characters for this setting. Huzzah for a protestor girlie and a liberal, progressive Duke! That said, if 19th century British cultural and political issues don’t interest you… this isn’t the book for you, lol. But I found the topic engaging, the story (mostly) well paced, and the characters enjoyable. Overall a great historical romance! 🇬🇧

All that said, I must add a caveat: this was probably a 5-star read for me up until about the 94% mark when an additional conflict was introduced – I thought this conflict was unnecessary, given all that the main characters had overcome already in the narrative, and I found the resolution to be a different tone/vibe from the rest of the book (and perhaps a bit silly?). However, given that this is an advanced copy, I didn’t let it affect my rating too much… I’ll be curious to see if any of this is altered in the final copy after publication. 📝

Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC! 💌

[Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

(I received an eARC from the publisher in exchange for my review.)

Overall Rating: 3/5
Spice Level: 3.5/5
Character Growth: 2/5
Plot: 2.8/5
Humor: 2.5/5

Portia, one of Ms. Prentice's protegees, has been an active reformist since she was sixteen, and has finally achieved her dream "job" (i.e., volunteer job) as assistant editor of England's primary reformist newsletter stationed in Bath. Leopold, Duke of Debden, has just moved his family to Bath for the summer after his sister is injured in a reformist protest. He's in over his head trying to keep both of his sisters in line, serve as one of the only non-corrupt magistrates in Bath, and still run the dukedom. Enter Portia as his sisters' chaperone. What could go wrong?

I enjoyed this read as far as an easy historical romance goes. I usually like Virginia Heath's writing, as her characters are entertaining and generally realistic. For anyone that has siblings, the aggravation Leo's sisters cause definitely rings true., and Leo's mother was warm and kind and I enjoyed her character a lot. The rest of the characters (yes, including the FMC)...left me wanting. Sir William had one character trait. Percy had one character trait. Kitty. The constable. Edgar (I think that was his name, but honestly I've forgotten). And Portia. Leo was the only character who I felt truly experienced any character growth, and I was incredibly disappointed in the last few chapters of the novel where Portia was handed an opportunity to mature and grow as a person and....didn't. All of this I could have overlooked if the rest of the novel was entertaining enough to make it worth my time, but it sadly was not.

[Alanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Virginia Heath crafted a hilarious and heartwarming world I am grateful to have spent a few days in. 


Portia is a woman of her own mind and I love that, even when her light was dimmed, she did everything she could to shine through. From page one right through to the end of the book Portia was a strong, independent woman who did not shy away from conflict except when it was to help others. I appreciate how she was allowed to be such a fierce character but still be soft and gentle. The part that resonated with me the most was the realization we don't need to be who we thought we would at 16. 


Leo was a fantastic love interest. Especially towards the end of the book where his affection for Portia was something he no longer wished to hide away. I adored how caring and thoughtful he was. I think his character had more room to be fleshed out specifically regarding the responsibility he felt for the incidents with Abigail and the overall relationship with both his sisters. 


There were some inconsistencies that gave me pause between the language of that time period I am accustomed to vs the dialogue Heath wrote, but it was a momentary pause and did not take away from the book overall. 


There were points during the read where I was worried about what would happen next and had to put the book down before the anticipation of second hand embarrassment overwhelmed me, but I was pleasantly surprised when the conflict went a different direction. 


Overall, I quite enjoyed this book and will absolutely read more of Heath's works.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Virginia Heath for this advanced reader copy for review.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only thing better than marriage of convenience is marriage of necessity, and this book's landscape of highs & lows maximized its effect! I had no problem enjoying it as a standalone, and thoroughly enjoyed not knowing what tropes to expect.

The elements I didn't enjoy as much:
• Speech sometimes pinged too modern for me
• I didn't care for much of the physical romance's writing
• Rambling sentences (both confusing descriptions and unnatural monologues)
• Supporting characters were highly convenient & lacked individual development

However, I enjoyed the main couple very much. The only aspect of the love interest that I thought needed greater transformation was his anxiety (and trauma) based anger. Although it already is a large element of the story, I wanted demonstrable progress both in his understanding of it and changes to his behavior: I think each reader's tolerance will vary based on their own experiences with angry men.

Also, for a book that focuses on the working class, I expected it to acknowledge race in some aspect. It demonstrates frustration with men in the reform movement who don't respect women, so I expected the FMC to reflect outwards from those experiences about what she might be overlooking as well... not just remain a righteous victim of external struggles as she knows them. That being said, she was an enjoyable witty character.

Overall, I enjoyed and would recommend - Rounded up to 4 ★

Thank you very much to St. Martin's Press & NetGalley for the advanced copy!

[Elspeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been enjoying this series of women who came out of Miss Prentice's finishing school. In this book, Portia has been working as a governess while secretly writing for a reformer newspaper. When she is offered the job of Assistant Editor she takes it, until she finds out it is unpaid. That means she needs to get a job.

Portia ends up being hired by Leo, Duke of Debden, to chaperone his unruly sisters. There are a lot of secrets, some miscommunication, and a lot of the two of them trying to do the right thing while hurting others around them.

It normally doesn't bother me when historical romances have too many modern sensibilities, but I did notice some language and activity that didn't seem historically accurate, but I appreciate Heath's attempt to shed some light on women's activism back in that time period and what they went through when they weren't able to vote and were essentially possessions of their husbands.

I liked Portia and Leo but both of them could have been a bit less clueless about each other's feelings, and there were too many crises that happened where there really didn't need to be so many. The last couple of chapters when Leo got so upset about Portia's writing again was yet another dramatic event in a book full of them.

Overall, though I liked the book and would keep reading the series and Heath's books.

I received an advance copy and am giving an honest review.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️½
This one has such a fun Regency romance setup. It took me a little while to get into it—the first chapter felt a bit awkward, especially the dialogue—but I’m glad I stuck with it. Once I got past the beginning, the story really started to flow and became much more enjoyable.

The premise is really solid, and I think anyone who loves historical romance will find a lot to enjoy here. I liked the setup a lot, even if I never felt totally swept away by the story. Some of the conflicts—especially the class difference—felt a bit undercooked to me. The duke proposing to someone who works for him could have had more of an impact, especially since social rules are such a big deal in this world.

I also had mixed feelings about the heroine’s repeated refusals. She’s certainly stubborn, but at times I wished her motivations were a bit clearer, which would have made the romance more satisfying for me. I found myself wanting deeper character development and stronger emotional arcs for both leads.

Overall, this is an enjoyable historical romance with a charming premise and some genuinely nice moments. While it didn’t fully win me over, I appreciated what the story was aiming for, and with a bit more depth, it could really shine.

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for sharing an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 3 of the series Miss Prentice’s Protegees. I have read the first two books in the series and enjoyed the humor and plot lines. It became clear to me that this book is different because there aren’t as many laugh-out-loud moments as I am used to with this series. By day the protagonist Portia earns her living as a governess, and by night she writes in secret for a newspaper to argue for reforms. Her employer Leo is a duke and therefore represents the aristocratic society that she despises. Portia is a very serious, impassioned woman and takes awhile to recognize that Leo is a liberal aristocrat who wants reform but also wants his loved ones to be safe. Anyway, there are some humorous situations but mostly there’s a lot of conflict between the characters when Portia feels driven to pen her arguments for the newspaper and Leo feels compelled to try to protect her from harm. I did enjoy this book but it was not the lighthearted story that I have been encountering in this series in the other two books. At the end of the book in the acknowledgements the author Virginia Heath mentions how she battled to write Portia’s story, which makes sense because Portia is a serious-minded woman with important aspirations. Both Portia and Leo were appealing and I rooted for their HEA, and Virginia Heath writes with her usual skill. There was never a dull moment!

[Andrée-ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

TAGS: Dual POV, forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers, historical romance, feminism, chaperon, freedom of speech

I received a copies of the book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Portial Kendall is a reformer, she believe everyone should be treated the same way no matter one's status. She is a governess for a noble family which is the total opposite of her beliefs. When she receive an offer to be co-editor-in-chief of a pro-reform newspaper, Equitas, she jumps on the occasion and move to Bath. Sadly, being a reformer doesn't pay the bills and she have no choice but to find another position in a noble house.

Duke Leopold Sloane needs help. His grown up sisters are conspiring to make his life hell and his mother just left him stranded in Bath with both of them. Reluctant at first, he ends up hire Portia has chaperon for the two hellions. This is where everything start to change for both of them.

Portia will learn that not everything is black and white and that a duke can also be an ally. The story goes deeper than what I was expecting. Their life are constructed to show how every aspects of them change and are affected by their actions. I liked how their hardships weren't confined into one space of their life and we were able to go farther than the confine of their initial trouble.

I hope you will enjoy this book!

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled a bit to get through this one. The premise was interesting as a setup: Portia is hired to chaperone the Duke’s sisters, but it’s merely a means to support her financially while she works as an unpaid editor for an outspoken reform newspaper. The Duke, meanwhile, is the magistrate who is tasked with cracking down on illegal activities and has a personal (though irrational) grievance against the reform cause after his own sister was injured at a protest rally. Lots of political drama ensues, with detours into the injustice of the legal system, privileges of the aristocracy, and the lack of rights for women across the board. Amidst all these bigger themes, there’s not much time for the romance to believably grow between Portia and Leo. They are attracted to each other, for sure, but both of them are so over the top and constantly fighting with each other. I wouldn’t categorize this as a true enemies to lovers theme, because they both keep regressing in their character development, so that even up to the very end they don’t feel like they have genuinely changed enough to make their marriage work in the long run.

This wasn’t my favorite of the series, but others may enjoy it more. Hopefully the last of the protégées (Kitty) gets her story next.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for providing an ARC for review!

[megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.5 stars*

This delivered everything I'm used to reading from Heath: a quirky plot, lovable characters, and a romance to root for. With its backdrop of politics and social reform, this book was a refreshing journey through a Regency romance. Both the FMC and LI are passionate characters who hold to their beliefs quite stubbornly when we meet them. But as the plot unwinds, I loved seeing the way the LI grew and learned to let go of some of his controlling tendencies born out of trauma. A highlight of the book for me was the FMC's determination to make the world a better place, and I enjoyed reading about her work with the seditious reform newspaper she helped to author. The romance that grows between the FMC and LI had me smiling a lot, especially at their banter with each other. There is definitely a touch of humor throughout the first half of the book that brought it a lot of charm. However, the latter half of the book lost some steam for me, and the FMC and LI's arguments started to feel repetitive. The ending felt abrupt and left some loose ends regarding side characters that I was curious about, but perhaps we will see them in the next installment. Overall, this was a solid addition to the series.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for providing an ARC for review!

[Kelsey Fredericks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pride Comes Before a Fall is the third book in the Miss Prentice's Protégées series. This book is about Portia who has been passionate about reform in England since she read a Mary Wollstonecraft pamphlet at 16! She is finally getting to work for the cause as the assistant editor of the reform newspaper. Unfortunately, when she gets there she discovers this is a volunteer position and she must find a job. This is where Leo, the Duke of Debden comes in. He is looking for a chaperone for his two wild sisters and hires Portia to do just that! What Portia does not expect is to be attracted to her employer and find that he is nothing like the stereotypical Duke she had in her head.

I really enjoyed this book! Portia is sometimes frustrating because she is clinging so hard to what she thought her future would look like instead of having the courage to change that in order to find happiness. Leo is a sweet, upstanding Duke with a temper when those he loves put themselves in danger. It was fun to watch them fall in love, but frustrating at times to wait for them to get it right!

If you enjoy historical romance, especially that that involves English reform- you should read this book! Thank you St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[jazz ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this story! It's not often that the main characters are so lovable that they overshadow the actual plot for me, but it just happened here with Leo and Portia. Two characters seemingly so unlike one another in terms of class and their lived realities, yet somehow meant for each other. Portia is a woman on a mission, doing so with grace, challenging herself and what she believes, and with a keen sense of the world. And Leo, our golden retriever-esque MMC, tasked with reconciling his duties of the world with his newfound connection with Portia. I felt true yearning in Portia and Leo's chemistry, and I enjoyed being able to see it play out on my pages. Their banter had depth, and you could truly feel the tension through the words.

I am always a fan of well-written historical romances and Virginia Heath absolutely delivered! This was my first book by the author, and I am a huge fan of their writing style. I could truly see the shift in different characters and I felt like the plot was well thought-out and the pacing was absolutely perfect. I am excited to see what's next in this series!

Thank you to NetGalley & St. Martin's Press for an eARC in exchange for an honest review! :)

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was invited by the publisher to review this book. Leopold is the duty bound Duke of Debden, who takes his family to Bath after his sister is injured at a protest. He is determined to protect his reckless siblings from further danger. His carefully controlled plan unravels when he hires Portia as their chaperone; she is an outspoken, principled woman whose presence challenges him and awakens an unexpected attraction. Portia, for her part, is a passionate reformist and writer for a radical newspaper. She reluctantly accepts the position with the Duke for financial purposes, despite her dislike for the aristocracy. As she grows closer to the Duke she once viewed as everything she opposes, Portia must choose between her ideals and her heart or her pride.

This was another joyous book for me to read from this series. The author did a great job of writing characters with good chemistry, even if Portia sometimes took too long to come to her senses. I did love the elements about reform and Portia's commitment to her cause, however.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/St. Martin's Griffin for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Mary Gosse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was just as enjoyable as the others in this series. Although it’s the third book in the series, it could also be read as a stand alone, as there are only a few minor overlapping characters (and these previous relationships are all spelled out).

Both Portia and Leo were well-developed characters and I could easily empathize with their situations. Both let their emotions get the better of them at times, made mistakes, and then owned up to those mistakes. And as much as they tried to resist having feelings for each other, they both just couldn’t help themselves. Like in previous books by this author, I really enjoyed how the story progressed, and that the plot involved more than just their romance, continuing even after they admitted some feelings for each other. I loved Leo’s family as well as Portia’s found family at the newspaper. The essays we got a glimpse of were also a nice touch and heartwarming.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it! I am looking forward to the next book in the series when it comes out! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this free advanced copy - this is my honest and voluntary review.

[ChapterByTina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into Pride Comes Before a Fall expecting a traditional historical romance and ended up getting something that felt much more modern in the best way.

Portia and Leo are not an easy couple. Their relationship is built on tension from the very beginning, but it is not just romantic tension. Their beliefs and perspectives genuinely clash, which makes every interaction feel layered and meaningful.

What I appreciated most is that neither of them compromises too quickly. The push and pull between them feels real, and their growth as individuals is just as important as the romance itself. Watching them slowly move from opposition to understanding made the emotional payoff that much more satisfying.

This is a slower, more character driven romance where the connection builds over time. It is less about sweeping gestures and more about emotional shifts, which gave it a fresh feel compared to more traditional historicals.

If you are looking for a historical romance that leans more modern in tone with strong tension and character development, this is definitely worth picking up. This was an ARC read ….thank you Net Galley!

[Allie Brenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I waited very desperately for this release on Netgalley! I love Virginia Heath, and Miss Prentice's Protegees has been an excellent series. I will start by saying, I hardly remembered anything about Portia's character from past books. However, the way that Virginia writes this character, you dont need to know a single ounce of backstory to get into this book! Portia is engrossing from the beginning, she instantly steals your attention with her passion and stubbornness. And of course Leo falls almost immediately for her, we can definitely tell why. I loved their very Bridgerton-esque love affair. Very forbidden love, but Leo cant even help it because he is down so bad! This book was wonderful, the story was very easy to follow, very engaging. The love story was beautiful, marriage of not-so-convenience but nevertheless the find a way through. And I loved the approach to a romance novel, where the woman is an outspoken leader in a revolution, that is not a topic found often in historical romance.

[Mallory Pryor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Next book up is “Pride Comes Before a Fall” by Virginia Heath. This is the third in her series “Miss Prentice’s Protegees” I read the first two books “All’s Fair in Love and War” and “Look Before You Leap” and they were both great! The female protagonist shines in each book and I love how each book truly feels like it belongs to the protégée featured. In “Pride Comes Before a Fall” Portia is our very serious protégée who wants to make a difference in the world after being let down by those meant to help her. She takes a chance on an opportunity to make a difference but realizes she needs funds, leading her to work as a chaperone for two mischevious sisters of a stubborn (and handsome) Duke. Will she be able to be part of the revolution while working for the aristocracy she loathes? Or will she realize there aren’t as many differences as there once seemed? I recommend “Pride Comes Before a Fall” along with the entire series. There is also one more protégée to be featured, so I eagerly anticipate that book as well!

[Keely Lavelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The latest installment in the Miss Prentice's Protegees series follows Portia, a headstrong Protegee as she balances her life in Bath as a reformer pushing for women's & lower class rights and as a chaperone for a ducal family.

This novel started off a bit cliche, with the classic tropes and storyline. However, some crazy twists start occurring that really pull the reader in. The sisters and mother of our male lead are quite unique for a Regency romance story.

I have liked the Miss Prentice's Protegees series, but this one is probably my favorite (so far)! The duke is a well-thought-out character with an interesting backstory that I felt really elevated the plot and his relationship with the female characters. Portia is a bit more typical but still a fun female lead.

I highly recommend this novel for fans of Regency romance and the forbidden love trope.

This opinion is my own. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

[Deanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press/St. Martin’s Griffin and NetGalley for this ARC! This is my second favourite of the series, following All’s Fair. The banter between Portia and Leo, the hilarity of M’lady the cat, and Portia’s reformist really cemented that.

Portia is very much set in her ways to a) hate the aristocracy, and b) write for the reformist newspaper at any cost. I really enjoyed that about her, she stood up for what she believed in even after it got her in trouble. The threat of prison was not enough to stop her from doing what was right.

My favourite scene was most definitely when the cat dragged in a bird and caused absolute chaos in the house. I was laughing out loud at her shenanigans!

What I didn’t enjoy was the ending, as not only did the conflict at 93% seem unnecessary, it then left little time to wrap up the ending. It felt like a very sudden ending, I flipped the page expecting an epilogue but was met with the acknowledgements.

[Ren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued immediately by the synopsis of this book and was so excited when I was selected to receive an advance copy via NetGalley. The two main characters were well matched in their stubbornness and their witty banter was present from the beginning. The tension (both romantic and otherwise) quickly grew, as did their feelings. The plot was a bit predictable, although the timing caught me by surprise. I really enjoyed that a significant portion of the book dealt with the characters working through their lies and omissions after the big reveal, rather than sticking that in the last 10% of the book. There were still plenty of problems for them to work through, and it took a while for them to get on track. While it wasn’t an easy road for these two, by the last scene my face hurt from smiling at their antics.

Additionally, the side characters added so much to the story and my enjoyment of this book. I can’t wait to read more by this author.

[bexbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Portia is hired by Leo who is the Duke of Debden to chaperone his unruly sisters, and then chaos begins. That's essentially what this book is. 

Portia as a character is delightful and I did love her but Leo carried this book he was just a Golden retriever and the sweetest little bean, I loved him. 

This book does feel a lot like a comedy it's almost like if you take any season of richardton and make it into a screwball comedy you kind of get this book and I loved that. I was actively laughing out loud through some of the antics that take place through this book. 

You also get a lot of really truly great characters. I'm now kind of curious to go back and read the other two books in this series to see some of these characters from their beginning. 

I would say if you like bridgeton then you would probably enjoy this book or if you like any sort of the regency romance this is the book for you especially if you like a little humor involved.

[Fateemah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hold on hold on…a book where both characters have legit flaws but still make a cute couple??

She is a girl who hates rich people (prejudice). He thinks he knows what’s best for everyone all the time (pride).

This book was light and fun, but not some of Virginia Heath’s best work. Both characters were flawed, multi-faceted individuals. The supporting characters were all unlikable as well as people. So if you’re looking for someone to root for 100%, you won’t find that here.

This book wasn’t just about the romance. Portia has a vivid career as an underground revolutionary writer. This created most of the plot of the novel.

The guy, Leo, loves hard but also has anger issues. I love that even as a duke, he had no issues with Portia’s lower station. But MAN did he love blowing up at her randomly.

Loved the backstory about Leo’s parents. Probably would’ve made a good novel in itself.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

[Kim L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This had cute Regency vibes and strong Bridgerton-style energy. Pride Comes Before a Fall follows Portia, a reform-minded heroine who ends up working as a chaperone for a duke’s very chaotic sisters after realizing her dream newspaper job doesn’t pay. Enter Leo, the Duke of Debden—sweet, protective, and not at all what Portia expects.

I enjoyed parts of this a lot, especially the setup and the overall vibe, but I never fully got pulled into the story. Portia’s constant resistance didn’t always make sense, which made the romance a little frustrating at times. I kept wishing for deeper character development and more emotional payoff.

Overall, it’s a decent historical romance with a fun premise. If you love Regency-era stories, this will probably work for you.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC! ⭐️⭐️⭐️½ rounded up!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Virginia Heath’s third book in the Miss Prentice’s Protegees series is another steamy Regency romance, complete with headstrong heroines and strong, forward-thinking men. This installment centers on Leo, a duke who is desperate to find a suitable chaperone for his two spirited sisters, wily young women who seem to find trouble wherever they go, whether in matters of love or sedition. Enter Portia, a governess in need of extra income to support her true passion: writing inflammatory articles for a scandalous news rag that has stirred quite a reaction in society.

I adore Heath’s novels. I always know I am going to enjoy the female main character. She is usually forthright, opinionated, and unapologetic about what she will and will not tolerate. The male leads tend to be men who need a little disruption in their carefully ordered lives, both in terms of romance and the bedroom. This installment follows the series in tone and spirit, and while it nods to earlier books, it also stands well on its own as a Regency romance. Readers can expect a satisfying slow burn, steamy scenes, and plucky protagonists who are more than willing to buck the system.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.