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: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Marriage Of Convenience, Regency, Adult

336 pages, Paperback

Published 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

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pride Comes Before a Fall by Virginia Heath

Book Blurb: 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.

Rating: ****
Feels: Amused, Intrigued, Giggly, Happy
Style: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Regency Romance
First published July 28, 2026 : 336 pages

Themes & Setting: I am always such a fan of the Regency setting and this was such fun !!. A Duke with the responsibilities of his sisters, a stalwart mother and a sweet interfering chaperone in the form of a very tempting Portia !!! I loved that the duke was such a sweet, protector type character while Portia is wanting to build towards her dream job !!
FMC: Portia is all fire and reform and I adore her. I love that she is looking to make everyone's lives better and is also not going to just do what society thinks is best for her !!!
MMC: Leo while being a Duke was also such a lovely Golden retriever !! I loved his energy and care throughout the book and he makes for such an all around great guy !!!
Conclusion: This was fun, amusing and an all around good time !! I loved the themes and how they came together to make this a feel good, change the world for the better and also Portia & Leo. The romance was such sparkling development throughout the read and I loved seeing it bloom between these two. All around great read !!!

Favorite Quote: "Trust me, your grace. Nothing good ever comes of playing with fire and I truly don't want you to get burned."

This book has:
Regency Vibes
Lots of Shenanigans
Forced Proximity
He falls first
Marriage of Convenience
Spicy
Golden retriever MMC

[Angie Miale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes a book surprises you in the best way, and Pride Comes Before a Fall was exactly that. Even though it’s the third book in the series, I jumped in without reading the first two and never felt lost. It works wonderfully as a standalone.

Portia has always made her own way in the world. After leaving her position as a governess, she heads to London hoping to make a living as an investigative reporter. When journalism doesn’t pay the bills, she reluctantly accepts a position caring for the two younger sisters of the Duke of Deben. She expects an older, stuffy employer—instead she finds Leopold, a charming duke with dimples who quickly proves to be much more than she bargained for.

This is packed with some of my favorite romance tropes: marriage of convenience, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, and my beloved “he falls first.” Leo falls hard for Portia long before she’s ready to admit her own feelings, and watching that unfold was one of my favorite parts of the novel.

Portia is an especially enjoyable heroine. She’s independent, ambitious, and ahead of her time in the way she challenges expectations placed on women. Virginia Heath balances those modern ideas with the charm and escapism I look for in historical romance, making Portia feel empowering without losing the warmth and wit that make the genre so enjoyable.

The romance has a wonderful blend of sparkling banter and genuine swoon-worthy moments. While there is one open-door scene, I’d still consider this fairly low-spice overall.

My only small criticisms are that I would have loved to spend more time getting to know Leo’s younger sisters, and the pacing occasionally felt either a little rushed or a touch slow in places. Neither issue took away from my enjoyment, though. At just over 300 pages, this was a quick, satisfying read that kept me smiling.

This ended up being such a pleasant surprise, and I’ll definitely be going back to read the first two books.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the gifted finished copy.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Published: July 28, 2026

[Jeannine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Virginia Heath has quickly become a new favorite in the historical romcom genre for me. While her characters deal with big issues and there is a lot of social commentary in her books, Virginia weaves in fun scenes that show her great sense of humor. Miss Prentice's Protegees quickly wormed into my heart as a result.

I this book, we have the third friend's story. Portia seemed to have her ducks in row in the other books. She easily got her first job and manages to stay active in the reform movement. A the start of this book, she resigns from her governess job to work full time at a reformist publication, but only finds out that the job is unpaid on the first day. She scrambles to find a job and place to live in Bath, landing at a Duke named Leopold's household where she'll chaperone two teens who a great a slipping away. At night, she does the sneaking so she can go to the publication office. Of course this can't last and the moments when her worlds collide are great fun.

The romance between Portia and Leo is rocky to say the least, with misunderstandings left and right. Class conflict is a common theme in this series and it goes without saying that a romance between a Duke and a chaperone has some obstacles.

This was a fun, fast read and I know I'll revisit it in the future!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this enemies to lovers marriage of convenience historical romance that has a Duke hiring a feminist revolutionary writer to chaperone his wayward sisters only to find himself falling for her against his better intentions. It was good on audio and I loved the spirited women in the Duke's family. Perfect for fans of Bridgerton. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review. The third in a series but this works as a standalone too.

[Nikki (awallflowerreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I forgot how silly and hilarious Virginia Heath’s writing is! Don’t get me wrong, she still delivers a strong plot in this with a steady political undertone. But I’m also giggling throughout, and that has a large part to do with the way she writes in her characters' heads. You can really feel their emotions and thoughts, which are often clever and quippy.

Portia has always been married to the cause, with her political writing and work with a reformist newspaper, that is until she starts falling for her employer. The man who is not only a Duke, and the older brother of her two chaperone charges, but also the local magistrate who could take her paper down. This one had a ton of fun twists and turns when it came to the various things getting in this couple’s way, and the many ways their lives are intertwined. And Heath's upbeat writing keeps this from feeling too angsty, even as the stakes keep piling higher.

The final conflict in this felt so appropriate for the characters and the plot. It’s no outrageous kidnapping (don’t get me wrong, I do love those too), and it felt really grounded in their reality. It’s always bugged Portia that Leo does not use his power for reform, and this finally comes to a head in the end. It felt satisfying in that full circle way, and also reaffirmed to me that this couple might actually make it after the epilogue. Heath always delivers a lighthearted, hilarious time that still brings a real romance and conflict to the surface. Her characters feel grounded but also the right kind of silly, and I was both laughing and swooning. My favorite combo!

4/5
political writer heroine, she’s also a governess, reluctant Duke, protective eldest brother, Duke of dimples, 2 dogs and a cat (his), cynical FMC, prison rescue, she writes essays to work through her feelings, he’s got anxiety,

[Mama Needs to Read Romance]

This is probably a case of "right book, wrong time". I just can't get into it. I wish this author well, and am confident the novel will find its way into the right hands! 😃

[Lisa Mandina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed both of the other books in this series, so when the publisher sent me a widget to read this early, I was excited to read it. Portia was such a principled woman, even more so than I think we’ve seen with any of the other independent women in the other books in the series so far. So much that she was even writing articles for the reformation paper. Unfortunately when she gets the full time job at the paper, it isn’t a paid job, and so she must fall back on what she was trained for by Miss Prentice. And that leads her to chaperoning for Leo, the Duke of Debden’s, younger sisters.

The two girls aren’t going to give Portia a break, even as it seems she may have something in common with at least one of the sisters. Of course Leo and Portia have chemistry, both finding the other attractive. Portia is against anything to do with him because he is a duke and therefore part of the whole system she is trying to fight. And of course Leo isn’t looking for a wife, and is too good of a man to feel like it would be appropriate to make any advances towards an employee.

But soon there are dangers popping up and Portia ends up arrested along with one of Leo’s sisters. In saving both of them, he ends up putting Portia at a bit of a disadvantage, which leads to a kind of marriage of convenience, but mostly to save her from being sent to the colonies or to prison. There are a lot of bad people in the constables and nobles of the area, but Portia does see that maybe Leo as a magistrate isn’t all bad, and he is kind of on her side. And the reason he gets up set with her about her being a part of the reformers is that he is worried about her getting hurt.

As with this type of romance, we do have one true steamy scene, followed by one more that is more fade to black in the end. There is a lot to do with the whole social situation of the time period, and that was definitely a great addition to the story. I also liked how Leo’s family was actually pretty good, not the noble people that Portia was fighting against for the most part. Especially as we learned more about his mother. And there were some fun scenes with the animals that were part of Leo’s family.

Another fun addition to this series!

[Lindsay pinkcowlandreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Prentice’s Protégées keep impressing me! Virginia Heath’s Pride Comes Before the Fall is the third book in the series and I find I can’t get enough of these feisty governesses!!!

Portia Kendall is excited to leave London and governess behind to head to Bath to focus on her work for Equitas, a radical and somewhat seditious newspaper… only to find out that her newspaper editorial position is for gratis and she needs a job to pay the bills!

Lucky for her, Leopold Sloane, the Duke of Debden is a need of a chaperone for his two rebellious sisters that he’s trying to seclude in Bath. Portia doesn’t seem old enough or strict enough to take care of his sisters, but she is definitely persuasive enough!

I’m not usually a fan of class difference, romance, but Leo and Portia have such a fun dynamic between them that I found myself easily swept away in their unlikely romance. Virginia Heath does an excellent job with the banter between these two. The tension was delicious.

Along with class difference, I don’t usually enjoy extreme radical characters, but Porsche and her gang of news writers not only believed in their cause, but they did it in a realistic manner. Not jumping in the freight, just because…. But because someone they cared about was in need. I also enjoyed the left, leaning Duke being pushed even further for the cause by the radical Portia.

Overall, I had so much fun with this book! The characters were witty and interesting, the plot has some fun with some turns, but didn’t go off the rails with anything too outrageous. I can’t wait for book four, to get to see what the last single governess, Kitty gets up to next!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series so I couldn’t wait to pick up the newest book, and it did not disappoint! I loved the concept of a revolutionary chaperone and the Duke that hires her falling in love amid plots and secret writing! The characters were charming, the tension was incredible, and the political plot line was a fun addition! I love this series and can’t wait to see what Virginia Heath writes next!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[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!

[Stacey Skelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Headstrong FMC. Cinnamon roll MMC. Loved it!

[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.

[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!! 💘

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pride Comes Before a Fall is the third book in Virginia Heath's sparkling historical romance series Miss Prentice's Protegees. I absolutely loved the first two books of the series (though book 2 has been my favorite so far), and this one did not disappoint! I just adore Ms. Heath's writing; I love books that actually make me laugh out loud, but also have me close to crying at times. The dialogue was bubbly like champagne, and gave me that fizzy feeling. Though this is the third book in the series, it can stand alone. However, you will want to start from the beginning, as you won't want to miss any of the laughter and love.

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?

In the first chapter, we learn how Portia became a reformer after reading a pamphlet by Mary Wollstonecraft when she was 16 years old. It wasn't a passing fancy for her; at 24 years old her passion was still going strong. She left her job as a governess to become an assistant editor of Equitas, a radical newspaper that championed reform. When she arrived at the paper, however, she learned that it was not a paying job. Oops. She needed a job, and her search brought her to the home of Leopold Sloan, the 11th Duke of Debden, who was looking for a chaperone for his sisters Emilia and Abigail. He had brought them to Bath against their will when Abigail, a fledgling reformer, was hurt at a protest. Nothing was more important to him than the safety of his family. Portia was really not the woman he planned on hiring, but he just couldn't seem to resist her; she intrigued him. So we have a duke who's not happy when he must appear at the House of Lords, as he just wants to take care of his estates and family, And he unknowingly hires a writer at a radical paper who wants to change the status quo. Portia had her hands quite full with Abigail and Emilia, who would sneak off from the house at night. Emilia could be about as much of a problem as Abigail - the girl could not resist a military Redcoat! I absolutely loved Leo from the start. He just wanted his family safe and happy, but he had trouble handling that easily. He would have panic attacks when he imagines what could happen to his sisters, and he tended to overreact, upsetting everyone. He was drawn to Portia...she called to his soul. Yes, one of the most romantic thoughts ever! Portia was very attracted to Leo, too, but it was hard trying to keep the secret about how she spends her evenings and days off. There was a lot of humor in this book; just try not to laugh when Leo is trying to get Portia off a wall that she got stuck on while climbing over it one night. I laughed and giggled throughout the whole book. I really liked Portia, as well, though it pained me that she lied to Leo; of course, it was understandable, but still... When they get together physically, you'll just about swoon. The supporting characters were all very good, but I especially loved dogs Snifferson and Barrington, as well as M'Lady Cat. (The cat was especially hysterical.) When Leo almost ruins things between them while panicking, you will adore the way he tries to make it up to Portia. I breezed through this book in two days; I just didn't want to put it down! I can't wait to read Kitty's book; she's the romantic of Miss Prentice's girls. It's sure to be a welcome addition to the series.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barbara’s rating: 3.5 out of 5
Series: Miss Prentice’s Proteges #3
Publication Date: 7/28/26
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 336


As always, I was delighted by Virginia Heath's wit and humor. She has a remarkable talent for slipping a touch of humor into even the most intense scenes, making it feel completely natural. That said, this is probably my least favorite of her books. Much of that stems from the seemingly endless misunderstandings between the hero and heroine, who repeatedly make assumptions instead of having honest conversations. These are two highly intelligent people, yet neither seems willing to communicate openly—a pattern that continues almost to the very end of the story.

Portia Kendall, a graduate of Miss Prentice's School for Young Ladies, has been a devoted social reformer ever since reading a Mary Wollstonecraft pamphlet at the age of sixteen. After graduation, she supports herself as a governess while dedicating much of her free time to writing pamphlets, speeches, articles, and essays for The United League for Reform in London. When she is offered the position of assistant editor for the organization's newspaper, Equitas, she eagerly leaves her governess position and relocates to Bath. Unfortunately, despite all of her intelligence and careful planning, she somehow overlooks one crucial detail—the newspaper position is entirely voluntary. Suddenly unemployed and without an income, she must quickly find paid work to support herself while continuing her reform efforts.

Leopold (Leo) Stone, the Duke of Debden, has more responsibilities than any one man should. His two headstrong younger sisters have already come perilously close to causing a scandal in London, aided by a mother who indulges them far too much. Determined to avoid further disasters, Leo relocates the family to their principal estate in Bath for the remainder of the summer. Realizing his sisters need someone capable of keeping them in line, he interviews several candidates before selecting one particularly prickly applicant. She is every bit as determined, resourceful, and stubborn as the young ladies she is meant to supervise. Surely she can handle them... can't she?

While I enjoyed the story overall, I struggled to connect with Portia. Much of that was because she was so completely unyielding. Ironically, she never seems to recognize that her own views are every bit as prejudiced as those she condemns. To Portia, the entire aristocracy is morally corrupt—selfish, lecherous, and determined to oppress the lower classes. She leaves almost no room for the possibility that some members of the nobility might actually be honorable people. Although she eventually acknowledges that Leo is different, she clings to her broader assumptions throughout most of the novel.

What made the romance less convincing for me was that Leo appeared to shoulder nearly all of the personal growth. Despite already holding fairly liberal views himself, he is the one who continually bends, compromises, and adapts, while Portia changes very little. Because of that imbalance, I found it difficult to fully believe in their happily-ever-after. A lasting partnership, in my view, requires growth and compromise from both people.

I also felt several loose ends deserved more attention. I would much rather have seen the constable dealt with, the sedition charges resolved, and Abigail and Percy's romance given a proper beginning than spend quite so much time in London. In fact, when I reached the final page, I was surprised to find the Author's Note instead of an epilogue. For me, this was definitely a book that needed one.

Even with those criticisms, I did enjoy the novel, and I hope you will too. What ultimately won me over were Virginia Heath's trademark moments of humor—the antics involving the cat and the raven, as well as the wonderfully entertaining escape from the King's presentation ceremony. Those scenes reminded me why I continue to look forward to each of her books.

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jess Firlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so glad this book is about Portia and not Kitty cause Portia deserves justice after how Kitty and Miss Prentice treated her in the last book! (Even better now that Portia outranks them both, love that for her). That was the best part of this entire book, Portia being validated and not told to "shut up" whenever she mentioned anything remotely political. She still had people against her sure, but she now had people she admired supporting her and that was just lovely.

With two adult siblings to mind as a chaperone and social secretary, Portia found herself in new territory than she did as a governess. I do wish more had been focused on that relationship. I'd have loved to see Portia slowly win over the sisters, Abigail and Emilia, or at least get them to see things more rationally and have the three of them work together to trick Leo into doing whatever they wanted.

It is a safe assumption that the next book will focus on Kitty, but I would 1000% prefer for a book about Emilia and how she loses her senses at the very sight of a red coat! (Ironically, Emilia is more like Kitty from Pride & Prejudice than the Kitty in this series is herself. Only, I suspect Emilia would not be nearly as insufferable and self-obsessed). Since learning that Kitty writes 'fairy tales for adults' though I am more intrigued by the thought of a historical smut loving reader and writer.

Portia and Leo had quite a few moments of fun flirty banter and I adored the fact that they felt safe to tell one another anything, which was usually Portia telling Leo off lol However, they both played into the miscommunication trope, except since they were both intentionally withholding information or outright lying, their miscommunication didn't feel like a farce.

It was cute how Leo is so gone for Portia that he repeatedly flies off the handle at the smallest provocation and always does too much as a result. Very much Edward and Bella lol

At one point, Leo is standing on a chair and to held steady him Portia holds his ankles. I am not sure how that would help stabilize anything, when in actuality holding onto the chair would have been the logical action, but alas, that didn't result in physical contact between them therefore never stood a chance.

I do despise how much things are exaggerated though. It seems that it is intentionally done by Heath to replicate some more disastrous moments from rom-coms, think any situation Bridget Jones has found herself in which felt exemplified within the movies, but these scenes come across as being more similar to informercial where people dramatically fail at basic tasks.

For instance, a single vase of water manages to soak an entire evening dress, including all if its train and then is later mentioned to have been "several gallons of water" (which when I convert to liters for my Canadian bastardized understanding of measurements, is nearly 8L, which is TWO big milk jugs). Pouring that much water, allegedly from a single vase, would have taken quite some time and wouldn't have been just an instant knee-jerk reaction.

There's SO much finger wagging. Literally one character will wag their finger while talking and then when the other character replies they'll also wag their finger. I rarely ever see people going about all willy nilly with their finger wagging like this. I've only ever done so sarcastically, but Portia wags her finger constantly in total earnestness.

Whilst Heath unfortunately reuses idioms to her own detriment, her vocabulary is exemplary and more than makes up for the repeated shortcomings. Fortunately, these colloquialisms are only mildly irksome and not ridiculously annoying.
Idioms I hated (I only started noting them down when I was over halfway through the book, so I'm certain there are at least a few more, but I had noticed this reoccurring in books 1&2 as well):
-in his prime
-loved to distraction
-sick to the back of his/her teeth

[Erin Arkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virginia Heath delivers another delightfully romantic installment in her *Miss Prentice’s Protegees* series with Pride Comes Before a Fall. Blending banter, genuine emotional warmth, and thoughtful social commentary, this third book pairs a staunchly reform-minded heroine with a dutiful duke—proving that love has a habit of upending even our most deeply ingrained convictions.

The story follows Portia Kendall, an alumna of Miss Prentice’s School for Girls who secretly channels her fiery passions into writing for *Equitas*, a radical newspaper championing reform for the working class. Portia is dedicated to exposing the flaws of the aristocracy, but lofty ideals don't pay the rent. Out of economic necessity, she reluctantly accepts a temporary position as a chaperone for the family of Leopold "Leo" Sloane, the 11th Duke of Debden.

Leo is a man carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. After his rebellious younger sister is injured at a political protest rally, he whisks his family away to Bath to keep them out of trouble. What he expects in a chaperone is quiet discipline; what he gets in Portia is an outspoken, quick-witted woman who challenges him at every turn—and instantly captivates him.

What makes this historical romance so compelling is how Heath bridges the gap between two people who start on completely opposite sides of the social and political spectrum.

Portia’s journey is defined by learning to look past rigid prejudice. Having grouped all aristocrats into a single box of unearned privilege and indifference, she initially views Leo’s title with deep suspicion. However, spending time in close proximity forces her to confront her own hypocrisy and bias. As she observes Leo’s quiet kindness, genuine care for his tenants, and fierce devotion to his family, Portia realizes that nobility is a matter of character, not just a line in the peerage. Watching her dismantle her own pride to accept the complex, good-hearted man beneath the ducal title is immensely satisfying.

For Leo, life has been a relentless effort to maintain control and keep everyone safe. His arc centers on learning that protecting people doesn't mean insulating them from life or controlling their choices. Portia’s vibrant energy and refusal to bow to his authority disrupt his neat, orderly world in the best possible way. Through his interactions with her, Leo learns to loosen his tight grip, share his burdens, and express his own vulnerabilities.

Rather than ignoring the stark differences in their social standings, the narrative embraces them. Their relationship is built on mutual respect and intellectual sparring. They don't just fall in love despite their backgrounds; they challenge each other to become better versions of themselves. Portia pushes Leo to see the human impact of broader social issues, while Leo offers Portia a grounded, compassionate perspective that softens her cynicism.

Overall, Pride Comes Before a Fall is a wonderful, heartwarming Regency romance that balances witty dialogue with genuine heart and character growth. Heath handles the class conflict and Portia's shift in perspective with nuance, ensuring the romance feels earned every step of the way. It’s a stellar continuation of the *Miss Prentice’s Protegees* series, and I can't wait to see what Virginia Heath writes next!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[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!

[Winnifred D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes: class difference; forced proximity; marriage of convenience; he falls first; Big Secret(s)
Steam level: 2-3
Part of a series; works well on its own

Another "can't put it down" entry in this series with a focus on social inequality, led by a memorable heroine, Portia, the assistant editor of a newspaper labeled as seditious by local authorities. Her foil is employer Leo, a duke with unruly sisters and multiple responsibilities who is trying to keep everyone in his life in line (he also acts as town magistrate). Portia, a graduate of Miss Prentice's School for Young Ladies with solid references, is hired to be a chaperone for Leo's sisters and fears telling him anything about her family background or reform activities. While their relationship starts off as insta-lusty, with a couple scenes of humor that border on OTT, it's also genuinely engaging, sweet moments and hints of steam emerging as both wonder whether acting on their attraction is wise.

But Portia has more to worry about than falling for her employer. During the Regency period in England, freedom of speech and right to peaceful assembly weren't automatically granted to the masses, with the upper classes fearful of a repeat of the Reign of Terror. Portia has to walk a slippery slope between her desire for social justice and maintaining her bond with the Duke and his family, while maintaining her own safety. This book's true strength is in the portrayal of a woman with little recourse in many aspects of her life, but still wanting to stand up for what's right. Although Portia certainly makes missteps, she's a refreshing working-class heroine.

Other characters are more of a mixed bag. Leo starts as a cinnamon roll and continues to have his moments in the second half, but his outbursts and temper tantrums become tiresome toward the end. Unpleasant words and questionable judgment meant more grovel was needed before the HEA, I felt. I was hoping that Leo's sisters, especially the impulsive Abigail, would form closer relationships with Portia, but it never quite happened, except perhaps off-page. Also, I felt that Leo's mom, while often likable, could have done more to improve the family dynamic. Even Sir William, the laidback editor of the newspaper, triggered conflict. There was a loose thread regarding Portia's fairly indifferent mom; much of her conversation with Leo was off-page. An epilogue would have helped with closure on some of these relationships.

Bottom line: plenty of tension and keeps you reading, even if the characters aren't all fully developed. Portia was the star for me.

This is an honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book. Thanks to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for this opportunity.

[Lina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 / 5 Stars
I am happy to add another author to my list of great regency romance writers. I enjoyed this book and am interested in the rest of the series.

I was really intrigued by how the author would tackle the issue of Portia being a reformer who hates the establishment and Leo being the establishment (as a duke). I still struggled a little because I think the distinction lay in Portia being a reformer rather than a revolutionary. Perhaps I was thinking of a more modern meaning of a revolutionary and it seemed that this book was associating revolution with violence (which maybe makes sense for that time) and perhaps it would have been better not to focus on semantics and just go with the flow a little more to see how Portia and Leo could work together. I think we got there in the end, but at times, I was really stuck trying to understand where the line was and why it would or would not work.

I did enjoy Portia and Leo’s relationship. I love a man who loves a headstrong, independent, wily woman and I love a headstrong, independent, wily woman. I thought their chemistry was palpable and that the hijinks they got into were pretty silly but fun.

I liked Portia’s journey at the newspaper and as a woman in the reform movement (where, PS, sexism is still a thing - guess not everyone wanted to reform that). I won’t spoil the twist in the middle but it was a fun one.

I think Leo’s character worked for me because I saw the author say that this book has anxiety representation. Leo’s anxiety is not named directly so it was helpful to know that he was experiencing anxiety and in fight or flight, he was choosing to fight. I think if you don’t have that context, his behavior doesn’t make much sense and seems irrational (anxiety often is).

I found that the first half was well paces and then the second half felt like it sped through a lot of emotions and plot points and locations. I kind of wished that we had stayed in Bath and continued at the pace for the first half.

Overall, I would recommend this if you are looking for a very solid historical romance. I hadn’t read the other books in the series and I didn’t feel lost and now I am intrigued to go back and read them.

You will probably like this book if you like:
⭐ Regency historical romances
⭐ Hate to love (but it’s one sided)
⭐ She wants to reform the establishment and he is the establishment
⭐ He falls first
⭐ Anxiety representation

Thank you St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing the eARC ! All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: July 28, 2026

⋆ ೀ ⋆ Follow me on Instagram @book.recs.by.lina for book recommendations and general fun times ⋆ ೀ ⋆

[Cheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Believe the blurb of this book when it tells you that Portia is invested in making the world a better place. She is not a person to give up the fight for equality just because of raids, stigma, and the threat of prison. Which means she does it all secretively and often uses an alias. Standing up for what is right doesn’t pay the bills or put food in her stomach, so Portia falls back on what she was trained to do.

Although Leo’s sisters are too old for a governess, he feels they cannot be trusted alone. Portia is hired on as a companion for the girls, as well as a social secretary for the family. From the start, she intrigues Leo. As Leo is a duke, he is not used to anyone other than his sisters pushing back at him when they believe he is wrong. Portia is fearless, which speaks to Leo in a visceral way. And though Portia has spent her adult life railing against the aristocracy, she cannot help but notice that Leo is often a rational person with good morals.

There are a lot of moving pieces to this story, and I think some of them got dropped too soon. Portia’s mother is mentioned numerous times and even shares the page with another character at one point, but is never seen with Portia. I feel this was a missed opportunity. While this is a series of standalone stories, I also missed Portia spending time and/or getting advice from the other women she grew up with. There’s a little of that, but in my eyes, it was another missed opportunity to give Portia a sounding board who knew and understood her, but also could look at her problems from other angles.

The connection between Leo and Portia is palpable. Their stubborn natures and headstrong opinions have them butting heads, but there is always that thread of attraction through their interactions. I love how obviously gaga Leo is over Portia, and how blind they both are to his true feelings. I did get a bit annoyed with how they would purposely misunderstand each other at times. Yet, at other times, the way they truly did understand each other served them well.

This is by no means a perfect book, but I had a lot of fun with it. At first, I thought the talk of Portia’s “radical” ways was going to get too heavy-handed, taking away from the overall story. That didn’t happen. The more I got to know Portia and Leo, the more I enjoyed seeing them fighting the good fight to make the world a better place.

**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

At a young age, Portia Kendall found comfort in Mary Wollstonecraft's Vindication of the Rights of Women (she thought a dry pamphlet would put her to sleep... she was wrong). Since those days at Miss Prentice's, Portia has been fighting for a more equal world. She knows there's irony in making a paycheck by working as a governess for the wealthy while penning radical articles for the rights of the lower classes. When she discovers her new newspaper position is a volunteer role, she takes on a position as governess to the younger sisters of Leopold Sloane, Duke of Debden. The duke is too handsome and too reasonable for Portia, who wants to despise the upper class. Leo is instantly smitten, knows it's a bad idea, and can't help himself for falling for this woman who speaks her mind.

I always enjoy picking up a book by Virginia Heath. She's such a solid writer, and I know I can expect a certain standard of prose and character development from her. This series is tied together by a friend group who all attended the same boarding school, and while other characters from previous books are mentioned, this book stands alone very well.

Portia is the kind of outspoken heroine I really enjoy in a historical romance. She's smart, feisty, but grounded in her quest for equal rights. She never wavers from her beliefs, even in her darkest moments. In fact, she uses some of those darker moments to highlight injustices. She's passionate about her writing, which turns to passion about Leo. Leo is a classic starchy duke who cares deeply about his land and his tenants, and most of all for his family. He also has a hard time controlling his temper, and the combination of his stubbornness and the way he lashes out at those he loves when he feels vulnerable frustrated me as a reader. While it makes for a realistic character, and a very realistic third act conflict, it made the resolution a little less enjoyable for me.

All of that said, I really enjoyed the plot with the Equitas and the external conflict with the magistrate. Virginia Heath does a nice job of weaving in historical details, and the Peterloo Massacre and subsequent anti-sedition laws play an import part in the story.

Thank you to St Martin's Press for an eARC. Pride Comes Before a Fall is out 7/28/2026.

[Bookish.Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the third Miss Prentice’s Protegees novel, which follows Portia, a secret writer of political essays for the reformist paper Equitas. Although she longs to write full time, she’s forced to take employment as a chaperone for a handsome (very handsome) duke’s sisters during the season in Bath. The tension between her commitment to justice reform and the fact that the duke is a magistrate adds a clever layer of conflict. I loved the Bath setting, the secondary characters and pets, and the way the story balances comedy with thoughtful discussions of sensitive political issues. The reminder that only 3% of Regency England had the right to vote resonates sharply with current conversations about disproportionate power held by a similarly small, privileged demographic today.

Portia wants to fight for a fairer world and wants to dislike the duke, but he is absolutely not what she expects. The push and pull between them is fantastic. Their chemistry is vibrant, and the slow burn simmering beneath every interaction is a delight. Virginia Heath writes rom coms with such skill, and her physical humour, often involving unruly pets, is genuinely laugh out loud funny. The comedy threaded through the various character dynamics adds another layer of joy, while the yearning and dual point of view make the romance compelling and delicious to read. There’s a bit of steam, but in a story driven by slow burn tension and real obstacles, it feels exactly right.

I loved both mains. Portia’s tenacity, resilience, and refusal to live a hypocritical life make her easy to root for. Her deceit occasionally borders on infuriating, but Heath always shows the reasons behind it, keeping the reader firmly on her side. Leo, with his tendency toward anxiety and panic that flares into red hot anger, also maintains our sympathy through his remorse, his gestures of atonement, and his genuine desire to do better. The ending is absolutely splendid. I won’t give anything away, but Leo pays attention, takes good notes, and passes Portia’s test with flying colours. It’s a clever conclusion that suits two clever protagonists. I closed the book feeling thoroughly satisfied. Highly recommend.

[Rekha O'Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes the right book arrives at exactly the right time. I picked up Pride Comes Before a Fall while I was under the weather and looking for something engaging without being emotionally exhausting, and it was exactly what I needed.

This is the third book in Virginia Heath’s Miss Prentice’s Protégés series. Although I haven’t yet read the first two books, I’ll definitely be going back to them after finishing this one.

Portia Kendall is an outspoken social reformer and assistant editor of the radical newspaper Equitas. When she relocates to Bath, she unexpectedly finds herself employed as chaperone to the two younger sisters of Duke Leopold Sloane. Portia has little time for the aristocracy, and given how few rights women and ordinary people possessed at the time, her resentment feels entirely understandable. Leo, meanwhile, isn’t a reformer, but he is more progressive than many of his peers, even if traces of the old establishment still shape his outlook. Watching these two clash over their differing beliefs made for a wonderfully original romance.

Neither character is perfect. Pride and prejudice cloud the judgement of both Leo and Portia, and fear causes Portia to keep everyone at arm’s length. Their flaws make them frustrating at times, but also believable. Their relationship develops gradually, and I appreciated that neither of them changed overnight. The emotional growth felt earned, and Leo’s grovelling at the end was immensely satisfying.

Virginia Heath balances humour beautifully throughout the novel. It’s genuinely funny without ever tipping into slapstick, and the banter sparkles. The supporting cast also deserves special mention. Leo’s sisters and his mother aren’t simply there to move the plot along; they add depth to Leo’s character and help explain the choices he makes.

This was a warm, witty historical romance with plenty of heart, memorable characters and a wonderfully satisfying conclusion. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I’m now looking forward to reading the earlier books in the series as well as the next instalment.

4 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

📖 Title: Pride Comes Before a Fall-Miss Prentice's Protegees #3

✍🏾 Author: Virginia Heath- I read Look Before You Leap and gave it 5/5

📅 Publication date: 7/28/26 | Read: 7/27/26

📃 Format: e-Book 320 pgs.

Genre:
*Regency Romance
*Women's Fic

Tropes:
*workplace romance
*political activism
*family drama
*marriage of convenience
*opposites attract
*pet friendly
*wealthy

👆🏾POV:3rd person

⚠️TW: sexism, classism

🌎 Setting: Bath to Mayfair

Summary: After Portia leaves her governess job to write for a sedition newspaper Equitas, she discovers they don't have the money to pay her. She is forced to find another family-The Sloanes- and serve as chaperone to the duke's sisters. Leopold is at his wit's end with his rebellious sisters, so he hires Portia to keep them out of trouble. He and Portia have chemistry, but her political activism is more than he can handle.


👩🏾 Heroine: Portia Kendall-24, a governess and fighter for equal rights

👨🏾 Hero: Leopold Sloane- 30, Duke of Debden and a magistrate

🎭 Other Characters
* Abigail-Leo's sister
* Emilia-Leo's younger sister
*William Stowe-editor in chief @ Equitas, Portia's boss
*Constable Nolley-wants Equitas gone and all supporters arrested
*Percy-newly hired @ Equitas-works for Portia
*Edgar-works @ Equitas, a misogynist
*William Reynolds-was previous asst @ Equitas/ had Portia's job, he turned violent and got arrested
*Letitia-Leo's mother

🤔 My Thoughts/Likes:
-Leo's relationship with his sisters
-Portia's political views and resistance
-Leo's groveling apology at the end
-Leo and Portia's witty relationship

Rating: 4/5 ✨
Spice level: 4/5 🌶️

🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press| St. Martin's Griffin, and Virginia Heath for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Portia Kendall, 16, is a new student at Miss Prentice’s School for Young Ladies. She shares a dormitory with Kitty, Georgie, and Lottie. Her father passed away recently. He had been a gamekeeper for a wealthy estate. Portia and her mother were immediately turned out of their cottage and only given a part of her father’s pension. It is a mystery to Portia that she was sent to this school.

Portia found an old pamphlet written by Mary Wollstonecraft that lit a fire inside her. She began writing her own essays about the way the lower classes were looked down upon and oppressed by the wealthy. Now, she has graduated from the school as a trained governess and has worked two jobs as a governess but has now chosen to accept a position as temporary assistant editor of “Equitas,” a reforming periodical based in Bath. Upon arrival at her first day on the job, she is shocked to find that it does not pay a salary. She needs a job to make some money.

Leopold (Leo) Sloane, the Eleventh Duke of Debden, 30, is furious with the defiant actions of his younger sisters, Abigail and Emilia. As they continue to get into trouble, he has decided that they will spend the season in Bath rather than in London because he simply cannot trust them to stay out of trouble. In addition, he has advertised for a chaperone and social secretary for them. When Portia applies, Leo is taken with her confidence and outspoken manner and hires her. Her job leaves her evenings free so she can still work at the “Equitas” at night. However, the sisters continue to test Portia who is equal to their larks and can keep up with them showing her strength and determination. Leo has two dogs and a cat who get into antics at times.

This book is really good and I enjoyed it immensely just as I have enjoyed so many of this author’s books. There is a lot of back and forth between Portia and Leo on where they stand with reform. That made me question things a bit but it all evens out in the end. Enjoy!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[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.

[SJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the early 1820s in Bath, England, Portia Kendall is a trained governess and a writer for a radical newspaper pushing for reform. Leopold Sloane, Duke of Debden, hires her as a chaperone for his two younger sisters and finds himself drawn to Miss Kendall. But Leo represents what Portia has been battling against, or so she thinks. As she gets to know him more, Portia can't help but also feeling more. But Portia knows she has to keep her work for the newspaper a secret as Leo is one of the local magistrates with a constable set on shutting down the newspaper. When he finds out of her involvement at the worst time, they have to confront harsh realities. Can they find love in the end?

I loved Leo! His character goes through growth that was so earnest. He wanted to take care of the people he loved but struggled with past trauma. And the yearning!! I also liked the small mentions of the other characters from the series (though I would have liked more).

For me, I struggled with liking Portia at times. While I appreciated her challenges by the end, it was too little too late. Leo's family grew over time (though not as much as I wanted either). Several other secondary characters fell flat for me. The romance including lots of study of the injustices of the era, which didn't always mesh. And I just wanted more of the ending (maybe one or two more scenes to resolve the constable issue? or more time for the two of them to interact in their new relationship such as with his sister and fiancé?). While this isn't my favorite in the series, I enjoyed the journey and look forward to more!

This historical romance features:
💕 Forced proximity
💕 Advocating for reform
💕 Boss/employee
💕 He falls first

Open door / spicy (one main scene)

3.5 / 5 stars

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

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this eARC!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and UpLit Reads for the digital ARC and finished copy of Pride Comes Before a Fall by Virginia Heath. All opinions are my own.

After reading and enjoying the first two books in the series, I was excited to read this third book. I'm honestly blown away with how good this book was! I feel like each book in the series has been even better than the previous book.

Pride Comes Before a Fall had amazing characters, social injustices that the characters fought against, and some fun surprises.

Portia was such an interesting and complex character. She had a heart for fighting against injustice and had such an amazing way with words. Although she had prior views of the aristocracy, I liked that she also allowed herself to change her mind about people. She admitted when she was wrong, and I thought she was very brave in standing up for what was right.

I loved Leo as well because he wasn't the typical duke of the time, and he also admitted when he was wrong. He also wasn't afraid to admit his feelings especially after he got to know Portia. He really tried to do the right thing even when other people were against him. I thought he used his influence and status as a duke in an honorable way, and it honestly made him the perfect match for Portia.

Leo and Portia were so good together, and I loved their many romantic moments. I especially loved Leo's grand gesture because it showed how well he understood Portia and it was just really romantic.

Leo's mother was a great side character. Unlike a lot of other books I've read, this lady of status had morals and really cared about her children. I thought she understood Leo very well, and I felt for her after losing the love of her life.

Leo's sisters drove me crazy at first with their awful antics, but over the course of the novel, I did come to enjoy them a bit more.

Overall, I loved every bit of this book and will definitely be re-reading it in the future.