Pride Comes Before a Fall: A Novel

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 Romance, Adult

330 pages, Kindle Edition

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]

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]

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]

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!

[Tiffany]

4.5 rounded up
This was adorable! The banter, the rebel and the duke, the secrets, the banter (yes there was soo much), the class wars and voting rights were also so up my alley. I love a good rebel and Portia was just that! She was certainly showing that she can stand her ground with the men while also doing her "duties" as a lady or a nanny as well.
This is also a big "he falls first and hard" situation and there were so many times I laughed and smiled at Leopold and Portia's relationship.

If you love Golden Retriever energy in a regency rom-com or a FMC with a stubborn attitude then this book is certainly for you!

[eyes.2c]

Fun romp!

A delicious story featuring a dyed in wool reformist influenced by the writings of Mary Wollstonecraft and a swoony much put upon Duke (with dimples).
Portia Kendall is a governess from the well respected Miss Prentice’s School for Young Ladies. Her secret passion is writing incendiary political pamphlets.
Portia has been offered the position of assistant editor with the newsletter Equitas in Bath. Unfortunately it turns out to be voluntary. Portia must find another source of income in this very expensive city.
Leopold Sloane, the Duke of Debden, has had enough of his mother’s lax chaperoning of his two sisters. He’s determined to cut their wings somewhat.
Cue stage right! Portia lands a job in Leo’s household and is immediately plunged into a whirlwind of misunderstandings—and attraction.
A delightful regency romantic comedy that invigorates!

A St. Martin’s Press ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

[Pam]

It's been a minute since I've read a reformer duke book I could get behind. Usually, I find them to be too outlandish to want to read, but I should have known Virginia Heath would have me covered. She crafted a world where our characters made total sense, including a duke who is a member of the Whigs.

Thanks to St. Martin's and NetGalley for the complimentary ARC of Pride Comes Before a Fall.

Portia Kendall has left her secure job as a governess in Mayfair to take up the role of assistant editor at Equitas, a reformer newspaper based in Bath. But what she doesn't know before taking the role is that it's unpaid. This leaves Portia in Bath with no place to live and no income to afford rent. She decides to apply for the position of social secretary and chaperone to the Duke of Debden's two sisters—a role with strict working hours that will give her plenty of time to devote to her writing and editing. And it comes with room and board in the Duke's home. The trouble is, it also comes with a Duke with legs the size of tree trunks and dimples for days.

Leopold Sloane, the 11th Duke of Debden, is at his wits' end with his sisters. They have both gotten into such trouble that he has removed them from London and ensconced them at his estate in Bath. But his mother, who has chaperoned them since they came out, is on strike after Leo's last tirade against his sister's behavior, so he's had to turn to hired help. Portia Kendall was not the most obvious candidate for the role, but her good sense and superior logic won her the job. Unfortunately for Leo, she is also the most attractive woman he has ever seen. But she's his employee, and he has two unruly sisters to manage, so he has no time for pretty chaperones, even when she is the only woman who has ever called him out.

This book could have gone one of two ways for me. It could have been a complete triumph, or it could have been a book that tried to superimpose too many modern elements on the past to create reasonably believable characters. Luckily for us all, Virginia Heath is excellent at her job and knew how to put together a book with a plot and characters who could feasibly exist in Georgian England but with a supremely modern sensibility.

Feminism as we know it today did not exist in the early 19th century, but Portia could reasonably be described as a proto-feminist. She has experienced the injustices of the class and gender divide in Britain firsthand and understands how the two are linked in a way we would describe as "intersectional" today, but was simply her reality. Women were very much part of reform movements in the 19th century, whether it was the fight for suffrage, abolition, or labor rights. Even if they would not directly benefit from the franchise, they understood that rising tides lifted all boats and marched alongside the men who would. I loved Portia's perspective on Georgian society and enjoyed how she stood as a proxy for the reformer of today in the narrative.

When a duke is on the page, I want him to be an entitled asshole. Dukes are the historical romance equivalent of billionaires—they should not be egalitarian, and I really don't want them to be crusaders for good. Part of the draw of a duke is that he has to learn something in the book to become palatable to the reader and the heroine.

In this case, Leo has good instincts but lacks follow-through. He believes in a more equal society and sees many problems in the justice system, but he also doesn't recognize the level of privilege he has to do something about them beyond his small community. It takes Portia smacking him upside the head for him to realize the breadth of his influence and that he is squandering it with his laissez-faire attitude toward his seat in the House of Lords. If you're going to put a liberal duke on the page, he has to have some other major character flaw, and Virginia Heath found one that worked for me.

I listened to most of this book in audio, but did flip back to the ebook from time to time. I thought the two narrators for the audiobook did an excellent job. They were engaging and worked well with each other as they swapped points of view. This book is in dual narration, so it's important that each narrator understand the other's choices, and that was clearly apparent here. I definitely recommend this one in audio, and it's available on Spotify Premium for subscribers.

Pride Comes Before a Fall was excellent. An easy 5-star read from an author I know I can trust.

[Michelle (Bamamele.reads)]

Thanks to PRHAudio for the free audiobook. All opinions are my own.

3.5 stars

On one hand, I really enjoyed this starchy duke x radical chaperone romance. On the other hand, Leo frustrated me so much at times, I wanted to scream.

Portia is a reformer who writes for a “seditious rag,” but unfortunately seditious rags don’t pay the bills so she needs to find a position in a duke’s household to chaperone his wayward sisters. Leo is actually reform-minded himself, but his temper and his desperation to keep his family safe (and the unhealthy ways that manifests) gets in his way a lot. I did like their banter and their slow burn romance. But good lord, Leo really couldn’t get out of his own way. His last outburst put me off him so badly I couldn’t even appreciate his grand gesture and groveling.

I’m still very much invested in Miss Prentice’s protégés, though I’m a bit worried Kitty will be too optimistic for me in the next book. We shall see!

[Shannon]

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)]

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! 😃

[Sandy]

What's funny is that I keep avoiding the books in this series even though I know I want to read them because I keep predicting wrongly. Because Portia is so forward-thinking, I could only assume that her character would be super annoying to me. I don't really like female characters in books or in real life that are domineering and dogmatic. Overly forceful in their views. And for some reason, I really pictured Portia as being a feminist in today's terms and not as much in the historically accurate way. Either way, I was pleasantly impressed with this book and Portia.

I won't say that Portia isn't concerned with gender differences, but her attention seems to be focused on the differences between the commoner and the aristocracy. She has been writing for a newspaper that writes what is considered sedition for many years. But now she has risen in rank and relocated to Bath. Unfortunately, she didn't realize that the position doesn't come with any income. So she still needs to provide for herself. She ends up applying for the position of being a companion for a duke's sisters who are determined to thwart their brother. She didn't realize that the duke is also a magistrate.

Leo is just trying to protect his family. After his sister is injured on his watch, he has taken that responsibility to a new level. But his "protection" has come in the form of control. But his sisters are determined to do what they want. And they are not happy with being sent to Bath during the Season. He hires Portia because she is fiery and spunky. And that seems to be what his sisters need to keep them in line. But he finds himself drawn to her as well.

I enjoyed Portia and Leo's relationship. I don't want to spoil too much, so I can't describe all of the pieces that I liked the most. They had a few moments of intensity that closed-door readers might not appreciate, but I did appreciate that for the most part they went about things in the "proper" way. Spice is something hard to quantify because all readers have different tolerances and preferences. For me, I thought there was less descriptive scenes than other books I've read by Virginia Heath, which I appreciate.

Favorite quotes:

-"I want equality and change to come from enlightenment and not down the threatening barrel of a gun."

-"That is the unique curse of us dukes. To always be underestimated simply because we were born with a silver spoon in our mouths and always be judged solely on our impressive title and even more impressive ducal exteriors."

-Nothing killed a wholly futile, totally inappropriate romantic moment quite like guilt.

-"I've honestly never met anyone like you before. You call to my soul, Portia."

-"Oh for goodness' sake! People change, Portia, and what they want changes too. It is perfectly acceptable for a grown woman of four-and-twenty to reevaluate what she thought she wanted as a child of sixteen!"

-"Women who use their privilege as a platform and the finances at their disposal as a weapon and, while I agree that it might be slow, as change so often is, in the end they really make a difference."

I absolutely loved that Portia had to learn that not all aristocrats are evil or the enemy. Shades of grey can be found in all levels of society. There are morally great people at all levels. And there are morally bankrupt people at all levels. Even still today. The title isn't the enemy. Evil is the enemy.

Pride Comes Before the Fall was better than I expected. I liked Portia better than I expected. I had no idea who her MMC was going to be, but I really think Leo was the perfect pairing for her. Pride Comes Before the Fall gets 4 Stars. Have you read Pride Comes Before the Fall? If so, what did you think? Let me know!

[Lisa Mandina]

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!

[Amy Living Well Read]

This newest Regency romance novel of Virginia Heath’s is my favorite one yet in her Miss Prentice’s Protégées series. I have been generously #giftedbyuplit the last two summers with the previous two novels in this series, All’s Fair in Love and War and Look Before You Leap, and they kept the goodness coming for me this summer with Pride Comes Before a Fall, which released at the end of July.

You all know I’m a bit of a curmudgeonly romance reader, but after reading what felt like SO MANY sad, heavy books this summer, this one was just what I needed. It’s fun and funny, and journalist and revolutionary Portia Kendall was the perfect heroine for me—smart and substantive, exactly like I like my protagonists. And Leopold Sloane, the Duke of Dubden, who employs Portia as a chaperone for his younger sisters, is a delight of a hero. I really, genuinely enjoyed this romance novel. Sometimes I feel like I have to work to say nice things about a romance novel 🤪, and I honestly just thoroughly enjoyed this one. There’s a plot point that I won’t give away because it happens midway through the novel, but it’s one of my favorite romantic tropes.

This is definitely an adult romance novel—there is one very open door scene that I skimmed past and some spicy allusions and moments scattered throughout the novel. Virginia Heath is great at building romantic tension, and Portia and Leo have SUCH good chemistry here, so if you’re a conservative reader, be aware.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this one, @uplitreads!

Have you read this series by Virginia Heath or any other of her books? Add this one to your list if you need a fun, “dessert” sort of read that still has wonderful substance to it.

[Lindsay pinkcowlandreads]

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]

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!

[carolyn.reads.books]

4.5⭐️
2🔥

Quick Breakdown

Historical Romance
Duke x Chaperone
Class Difference
Political Activism
He Falls First
Slow Burn
Dual POV / Dual Audio
Open Door - Mild

Portia has traveled to Bath to take on the position of temporary assistant editor for a radical newspaper. Only she missed one important detail - it wasn’t a paid position. Not looking to drain her savings, she applies for the position of chaperone to the two adults sister of the Duke of Debden. Problem is, working for the elitist class goes against everything she believes in, even if he has the most desirable dimples. She quickly learns that Leopold, the Duke, isn’t anything like the noblemen she’s known before & he can’t seem to stay away from her either.

I LOVED this. Virginia never misses with her historical romances & this did not disappoint. Give me a working woman & a Duke who can’t help himself but be besotted with her, thank you. I loved Leopoldo for appreciating Portia for who she was with all her wit & slightly sharp edges. I also couldn’t get enough of all the secondary characters.. Portia’s colleagues from the paper, Leopold’s family, especially his mother. There was also so much humor weaved in.

I snagged the audio through Libby & found myself quickly enchanted. It’s dual narration by Eva Feiler & Shane East who brought Portia & Leopold to life. Their voices were perfectly suited for these MC’s. The pair had narrated the audio for this entire series & I highly recommend each and every one!

[Abigail velotta]

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!

[Tracy Lewis]

Overall a quick read; I just find it really hard to imagine Portia’s antics tolerated during that time period, so a few 🙄🙄 for me.

[Vanessa E]

Cute! I liked the first two books better, but this was still entertaining.

[emma]

Great writing and an interesting story! Portia’s commitment to the cause was wonderful, and Leo was a great love interest. However, I didn’t always find Portia a compelling main character.

[Stacey Skelton]

Headstrong FMC. Cinnamon roll MMC. Loved it!

[Deanna]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[Malin]

3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and St.Martin's Press for this ARC. My opinions are my own. This book is on sale now.

Leopold "Leo" Sloane, the Duke of Debden, has dragged his two younger sisters to Bath in an attempt to keep them out of trouble. The youngest is crazy for any man in uniform, and the eldest snuck out of the house and got injured during a protest march. After saying some less-than-complimentary things to his mother about her ability to keep them in hand, she promptly goes on strike (good for her), returns to London and leaves Leo to handle them himself. Obviously, he cannot.

Portia Kendall discovered Mary Wollstonecraft's writing when she was sixteen, and has burned for reform and a better life for the downtrodden masses ever since. When she is given the job as assistant editor of Equitas, one of the foremost papers that champions reform, she rather impulsively quits her position as a governess in London to travel to Bath, only to discover that none of the people working for the paper actually get paid. They also have to keep their work secret, since the local constabulary and most of the magistrates consider their writing seditious and would like nothing more than to arrest everyone involved in running it.

Portia despises the aristocracy, but she also needs a paying job, so when she sees the Duke of Debden is looking for a chaperone and social secretary for his sisters, she goes to the interview, but is kept waiting for so long that by the time it's her turn, she has given up any chance of actually getting the job, and is sharp and snarky and very honest during her conversation with the (far too handsome) duke, and is therefore shocked when he actually hires her. As it turns out, his younger sisters are both determined to give her hell, and she certainly earns her salary trying to keep them in line.

Once Portia discovers that Leo is one of the local magistrates, and that the constable most determined to bring Equitas down reports directly to him, she is tempted to resign her position. She can tell that for a nobleman, Leo is a lot more progressive than most of his peers, but he is very much at the top of the social class she is violently opposed to, which makes it all the more difficult that she finds herself increasingly more attracted to him, and her feelings seem to be reciprocated.

This is the first novel I've read by Virginia Heath, but it's unlikely to be my last. There was a lot to like here, but also some things that annoyed me.

Things I liked:
- Portia is a great heroine. She's intelligent, hard-working, principled and loyal to her cause, but also pragmatic enough to realise that you can't survive on political ideals alone. She is not deterred from her duties, even when Leo's sisters are being difficult little shrews.
- Portia writing essays to debate with herself on various things.
- Leo's Mum is a delight. Good for her that she refused to stay and be criticised by her overly protective son.
- The dogs and cat were a fun addition.
- The plot took quite a few unexpected turns.

Things I didn't like as much:
- Leo's extreme protectiveness and frankly unreasonable demands towards his female relatives and later, Portia. It's like Anthony Bridgerton in The Viscount Who Loved Me, but less charming (and Anthony behaves like a d*ck in a lot of that book, so that should tell you something). For a lot of the book, Leo is a total golden retriever, except when he's suddenly a very unreasonable, almost crazy dictator
- Leo's extreme dislike of his eldest sister's suitor, in particular
- While the goofy dogs and the psychotic cat were mostly a fun touch, they also contributed to some farcical elements that went a bit too far.
- Leo reading Portia's private writing.
- Much of the final bit, including the whole incident at Parliament.

On the whole, this was an enjoyable read, and a blue-stocking heroine is always going to appeal to me. I may go back and read the previous two novels in the series next.

[S.K. O'Connor]

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!