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The 7 Deadly Sins series that inspired four Lifetime original movies continues with this unputdownable novel following mortgage broker Journee Alexander as she tries to escape the secrets of her past without losing all she has worked to build in the present.

Journee Alexander grew up believing that the only person she could depend on was herself. After being abandoned by her mother, burning bridges with friends, and narrowly escaping bad business dealings with her first mentor, her trust is hard to earn and harder to keep. But she has overcome all of that and now, as a successful mortgage broker at the top of her game in Houston’s booming real estate market, she has every reason to be proud of her accomplishments. She achieved this massive success on her own—there’s no need to put her trust in anyone else.

But when Journee starts receiving cryptic text messages from an unknown number threatening to destroy everything she has worked to build, she is out of her depth for the first time. Forced to consider accepting help from someone, Journee turns to the first man she loved, the one who got away. But old habits are hard to break and after trusting only her own instincts for so long, can she put her pride aside and accept advice from an old flame? Or should she put her trust in a brand-new love who is in sync with all that she wants to do?

Journee is forced to confront the secrets of her past, the old hurts that never seem to heal, and the fact that sometimes a meteoric rise is just the first step in a devastating fall that will change her life forever.

368 pages, Paperback

Published April 4, 2023

21 people are currently reading
2473 people want to read

About the author

Victoria Christopher Murray

68 books2,361 followers
Victoria Christopher Murray is the author of nine Essence bestselling novels, including The Ex Files; Too Little, Too Late; and Lady Jasmine. Winner of the African American Literary Award for Fiction and Author of the Year (Female).

She has received numerous awards including the Golden Pen Award for Best Inspirational Fiction and the Phyllis Wheatley Trailblazer Award for being a pioneer in African American Fiction. Since 2007, Victoria has won nine African American Literary Awards for best novel, best Christian fiction and Author of the Year — Female. After four nominations, Victoria finally won an NAACP Image Award in Outstanding Literary Work for her social commentary novel, Stand Your Ground.

Victoria splits her time between Los Angeles and Washington DC.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Tiffany Tyler.
689 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2023
Now, this is how you write a book. Pride, as we know, is one of the seven deadly sins and is the latest installment in the series written by Victoria Christopher Murray. It’s a well thought out plot which will easily adapt to another small screen movie.

I’m sure others will write a wonderful long review, but just know, if you’ve ever allowed your pride to stand in your way then this is a book you should read. I’ve never been in the position as the main character, but I did catch myself saying, “Well, I’ve said that or behaved in similar fashion in the past.” And, while we sometimes turn to books for an escape, we sometimes need them to act as a mirror.

This one is definitely worth a read!
Profile Image for Kelsie Maxwell.
430 reviews87 followers
January 5, 2023
Pride is book five in the Seven Deadly Sins series by Victoria Christopher Murray. Though part of a series, this novel is a standalone.

Journee Alexander is a proud business owner. Her pride is deeply-seated and keeps her from listening to sound advice from her ex, Ethan Thomas, during and after their relationship. They say pride goeth before a fall. Will this hold true for Journee?

Victoria Christopher Murray is once again successful in producing riveting multicultural fiction. The characters are well-conceived, fully-fleshed, and vibrant. The plot is intense, well-developed, and suitably paced, except for a little slower beginning. The ending is appropriately satisfying. Overall, Pride is an excellent read. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to readers who enjoy multicultural thrillers.

My thanks to Gallery Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
Profile Image for Tammy  Washington.
144 reviews9 followers
April 16, 2023
Victoria Christopher Murray did NOT come to play. She delivered an impeccable story. This book is filled with trauma, scams, bitterness, love, hate, healing and PRIDE!! Whew!! Well done.
Profile Image for Kristina Giovanni.
121 reviews2 followers
January 13, 2023
In the propulsive fifth installment of her Seven Deadly Sins series, Murray continues to deliver heart-pounding parables of the rise and fall of success-driven women, and their ultimate redemption from sin.

When her mother reluctantly gave her away to be raised by a Christian woman of means, Journee vowed to never speak to her mother again, even after her baby sister made contact and reunited their broken family. Despite her difficult childhood, Journee Alexander is proud that she is one of Houston’s top real estate brokers, but someone knows how she and her corrupt mentor earned their ill-gotten gains and is threatening revenge. Journee turns to her ex, Ethan, the best criminal defense attorney in Texas, and he advises her to lay low before the feds find out what she’s been hiding, but she’s compelled to discover who the culprit is. Could it be her new beau, or her ex-best friend, or the unethical mentor who coerced her into his criminal enterprise?

Fans will enjoy watching this compelling seven-part series unfold on A&E, as each has been optioned for an original Lifetime movie.
Profile Image for April.
325 reviews4 followers
May 9, 2023
Known as one of the seven deadly sins, Pride, is the latest installment in VCM’s series. As always, it does not disappoint. The book is well written, plot through and well planned, characters likable and realistic, events seem all to real.

Journee Alexander is a well educated and decorated mortgage broker who loves helping her clients but her start to this great career wasn’t always so honest. Her past has come back to haunt her so being proactive she turns to her ex. Despite his warning to lay low, Journee continues to allow her pride to get in the way. Will it be her downfall or will she come out of top without help?

I definitely recommend this book to any reader, especially those that have allowed pride to reign supreme in their lives. This book will be an eye opener for all!
Profile Image for Ellowyn.
554 reviews62 followers
March 1, 2023
This was a great read. The plot was well-written and the suspense kept you on the edge. This book will have you experiencing many emotions. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Profile Image for Crystal.
522 reviews3 followers
April 10, 2023
She’s done it again! Another masterpiece that I did not want to put down! I couldn’t wait to get to work to finish this book. Don’t judge me.
Profile Image for Lit_Vibrations .
412 reviews37 followers
May 12, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this book it was the perfect example of, “Everything that glitters ain’t gold.” Being book 5 in the 7 Deadly Sins series I can honestly say the author did not disappoint.

Over the course of the novel, we watch as mortgage broker Journee Alexander tries to escape the secrets of her past without losing all she has worked to build in the present. Abandoned by her mother as a child she grew up believing the only person she could depend on was herself. Then after burning bridges with old friends and walking away from a bad business deal with her mentor Journee’s trust was now hard to earn. But while basking in the glory of all her accomplishments Journee begins receiving threatening text messages from an unknown number attempting to ruin her reputation. Although she seeks advice from a former lover/attorney Journee’s pride will be the cause of her downfall.

I love how character-driven the novel is we see Journee undergo a transformation from the beginning to the end. One minute she has it all the next she has nothing. Her pride and being so naive was the reason she ended up in that predicament. But her ex Ethan tried helping but she just wouldn’t listen because she thought she knew what was best. Then the fact she let Quincy in so easily just grinded my gears. I knew from the moment he showed up something was off so you can only imagine he was my least favorite character by the end.

But the pacing was great and well plotted. The emotions from all of the characters and the dialogue was so authentic. The ending wrapped up rather quickly but I loved knowing Journee finally learned her lesson. She was one of those characters that will have you stressed out. When everything finally caught up with her I was like now you see what happens when you don’t listen.

Overall, the book was magnificent it will literally make you forget you’re reading a book. So, if you haven’t picked up this book I definitely recommend you give it a read. Special thanks to the author, @gallerybooks , & @netgalley for my advanced copy!!!!
Profile Image for Tamyka.
385 reviews11 followers
June 3, 2023
She did it again! The fifth deadly sin of the series did what needed to be done! I read it all in one sitting not wanting to sit it down. Even when I suspected what was gonna happen, I couldn’t turn away from the car wreck.
Profile Image for Paula Allen.
106 reviews45 followers
February 28, 2023
PRIDE is the tale of Journee Alexander, a successful real estate broker in Houston, TX. Journee is proud of her accomplishments and her ability to rise above homeless and parental abandonment. Journee’s life turns around when her best friend Vivian Wallace invites her to join her uncle Simon’s real estate mortgage company. Simon takes Journee under his wings as a mentee and the two engage in practices that was not above board. A tragic event that took place because of their schemes drives Journee to pull away from Simon and start her own mortgage firm.

Someone knows about Journee’s past shady business dealings and is threatening revenge for her actions. She enlists the assistance of her ex-boyfriend Ethan Thomas, a criminal defense attorney to get ahead of the threatening text and potential lawsuit as her former boss and mentee may be facing criminal charges. Journee’s situation becomes more dire as she refuses the advice of those who are trying to help her, thinking that doing it her way is best. Her meddling presents more challenging issues and exposes her to her nemesis.

Journee’s character is so full of pride and caught up in self, that she thinks no one is better at doing things than she is, and she can’t advice from others. Her character comes off as gullible and naïve, until you recognize she exhibits that type of behavior because she thinks so highly of herself. Proverbs 16:18 states “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” and Murray clearly pens this in a modern-day tale. This is the fifth book in her Seven Deadly Sins series, and I am trying to get my hands on each one.
Profile Image for Rhonda McKnight.
Author 42 books796 followers
February 2, 2023
In this fifth book in Victoria Christopher Murray’s Seven Deadly Sins series, pride was surely the theme, and it was splendidly delivered. While I have enjoyed all the books in this series, I think Pride is my favorite.

Journee Alexander’s fall perhaps began at birth, when her mother gave her away to be raised by what she thought would be a better life for Journee. As she had a difficult childhood, Journee never forgave her mother for that. Anger and bitterness are often the root of pride. In Journee’s case, she worked hard to be a success, but she also felt she deserved even what was not hers as evidenced by her “what’s wrong if no one gets hurt” attitude about her crimes. Without giving the story away, she pays in many ways. I loved the redemptive ending.

This story was energetic and compelling enough to keep me glued to the text. As expected, the character development was sheer magic. I thought about Journee and Ethan and even Quincy, long after I finished reading. Murray makes the reader feel every emotion. Her dialogue and pacing move the plot in a heart-thumping rhythm.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley. My opinions and thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Dawn “D-Love”.
129 reviews
June 13, 2023
Perfect Example of a Smart Dummy

Journee was the most dense person ever. Just kept doing dumb stuff and blaming stuff on being abandoned by her mother as a child. She was getting on my nerves so bad I almost stopped reading the book. Just kept doing stupid stuff messing up her whole life. If only she would have had enough sense to listen to Ethan EVERY TIME he gave her advice she wouldn’t have be in the messed up predicament she was in which included losing him, her best friend and her livelihood. Then when she wouldn’t listen and then had to suffer she got upset because people would not cater to her sob story. The part that really messed me up was the way she treated her mother. All the way up until it was too late. If she would of listened to could of spent years of quality time with her. The ending was a hanging and I don’t feel completely satisfied with this book. Quincy also deserved to be punished for deceit and taking matters into his own hands. I’m sorry I just cannot give this depressing story a good rating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Neci Waller.
26 reviews2 followers
March 12, 2023
Pride is the 5th installment in the seven deadly sins series by Victoria Christopher Murray (VCM). Journey Alexander is a very successful entrepreneur/mortgage broker. Journey is navigating through life dealing with multiple tarnished relationships, an FBI investigation, and a new beau. While juggling all of this Journey seems to believe she can fix it all on her own. When others who care about her provide advice she doesn’t listen. Journee’s difficult childhood seem to spark her prideful lifestyle.
At this point in her career she’s on a quest to help others after working alongside a corrupt boss. Is it too late for Journee to make things right or will “Pride” get the best of her?
VCM does it again writing a story that keeps you emotionally connected to the characters and allowing you to reflect on whether you reflect traits of the deadly sin at hand.
Profile Image for LaShanda Chamberlain.
612 reviews34 followers
July 10, 2023
I absolutely love Victoria Christopher Murray books. From her first book, Temptation, I’ve been one of her loyal readers for over 20 years. As usually, this one did not disappoint either. But I also love a good book & a “happy” ending! This book did not deliver the “happy ending” that I envisioned but that was by design!! Victoria Christopher Murray always delivers an important lesson in her books. This book was a truly lesson in pride. I don’t want to give away any spoilers but I this verse best sums up the lesson in this one: “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” - Proverbs 11:2. NIV

Take my word for it & check this one out!!! You won’t be disappointed!!
Profile Image for JoJo Rogers.
67 reviews24 followers
January 15, 2023
This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for an unbiased review. The review will also be posted at http://words-review.com/tag/jojos-view/

A bit of a mystery, Pride, was captivating from the beginning. I was instantly intrigued by the “whodunit” plot but ultimately figured out who and why quicker than I would’ve liked. Different from VCM’s previous works - I didn’t feel like I saw the “pride” lesson until the end. It also didn’t have the blatant, thought-provoking, self-assessment inspiring scriptures and writing that I’m used to from her. A good and well designed story, four stars.
Profile Image for LaCricia A'ngelle.
Author 11 books7 followers
April 15, 2023
Journee was a woman that seemed to have it all. Truly a life to be envied by those seeking material gain. Unfortunately, her pride causes her to refuse to listen to advice from anyone that doesn’t line up with what sounds good to her. As I read this story some things were obvious to me as a reader although they were meant to be hidden from the main character. Because of this I was missing the element of surprise this series is known for. Overall it was a good story and I was pleased with the ending. I recommend this book to readers. Thank you Gallery Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.
Profile Image for Kanese.
258 reviews2 followers
June 15, 2023
This was great. I gave it five stars because I was so invested in Journee's story. She was very frustrating at times. Her loyalty to Simon was so aggravating. For her to have so much pride and to be so smart, she was very gullible. She was too trusting with the wrong people. I was able to figure out the plot twist with Quincy early in the book, especially when he went against everything Ethan told her to do......which was DO NOTHING. It was very relatable. I am so glad that Journee was able to patch things up with her mom.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ellowyn.
554 reviews62 followers
March 7, 2023
Just when you think you have read a great book by this author your mind will be forever changed. The author did a great job writing this one. The plot is very thought provoking and well written. You will experience many emotions while reading this book. Journee experienced a lot in this book. The suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat. I recommend this book to everyone. Again, great job Victoria Christopher Murray.
213 reviews6 followers
April 11, 2023
Greed, Pride, Grace

Journee is very smart and yet she makes some of the dumbest decisions.

Proverbs 3:5-6. Journee learns that the fast lane is not always the best lane. The love of money and material possessions does not equal success. If you hold onto the hurt that others cause you, you will not have any room for Love.



140 reviews2 followers
April 18, 2023
Indescribable

This was an amazing read! I don't have the words to describe how I feel. But, I loved every nail biting moment. Pride can slip in when you don't even know it. I can't remember praying so much while reading a book. Thank you Victoria for another GREAT, GREAT, GREAT book.
Profile Image for T Yvette.
8 reviews
October 22, 2023
Predictable

I’ve read each book in this series and I dare say that this book was predictable from the moment the tire was changed. That, for me, was very disappointing. It took everything in me not to turn to the last 2 or 3 chapters to confirm my thoughts.

Decent and quick read mostly fueled by my desire see how Journee would come undone.
55 reviews
April 12, 2023
Before the fall

I liked the message in this story. It showed that just like the Bible says the strongest emotion is love. No matter what happens as long as you have love in your heart. Nothing can hurt your soul.
Profile Image for LaDonna.
Author 1 book38 followers
April 18, 2023
I'm conflicted about this book.

I don't think I disliked the book, but rather I disliked the main character. Correction I loathed her.

She needed to take several seats and lay prostrate at the altar for several services.
Profile Image for LaChelle Weaver.
Author 7 books61 followers
July 24, 2023
Sad to say goodbye to the series…

A little disappointed this will be the last book in the series because I’ve enjoyed them all and the Lifetime movies they’re based on. Pride was good but Envy still reigns as my favorite. I figured out the twist very really early on in the story.
Profile Image for Makea White.
7 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2023
I enjoyed this book even though I figured out fairly quickly who was threatening her. I was frustrated with her for not putting the clues together. The ending felt like a cliff hanger like there would be book following this one.
1 review1 follower
April 13, 2025
Enjoyed

I enjoyed the way this book was written, although I didn't have a lot of sympathy for the protagonist, maybe I wasn't meant to. About 3/4 of the way through the book I figured out the twist. I didn't enjoy the overly religious stuff but that's just me.
19 reviews
April 26, 2023
thought provoking

I saw myself in so much of this story. I hope to pass it on to a family member and pray it will help them to heal from their pass.
328 reviews5 followers
June 10, 2023
excellent book about pride and how it can destroy us. When we trust in God and give it to him, He can work wonders in our lives and renew us.
Profile Image for Codie McNutt.
54 reviews8 followers
June 12, 2023
thank you to goodreads and the publisher for the giveaway win! i haven’t read any books in this series and it’s not exactly my usual genre but i’ll give it a go sometime and post my thoughts 🙂
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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