I received this book for free
from Netgalley. That did not influence this review.
Pride Comes Before a Fall by
Virginia Heath is the third book in the Miss Prentice’s Protegées
series. In these novels, deserving young women are taught how to behave in
society so that they can make more or less decent wages as ladies’ maids,
chaperones, or governesses to aristocrats. Portia Kendall is one of these women.
However, although she makes use of the skills she has learned, Portia has always
been infuriated by injustice and has become a determined reformer. She dislikes
aristocrats as a matter of course.
It is now 1821, and Portia has moved
to Bath to take on the role of assistant editor for a reformist newspaper, Equitas.
It’s a position that excites her, as she has a way with words and a devastating
pen, and she can’t wait to do her part for the cause. Unfortunately, when she
arrives at the newspaper office, which is discreetly hidden away from the
authorities, she learns that it is an unpaid position. In order to support
herself, she must take another job working for the enemy.
Leo, the duke of Debden, is a
handsome, 30-year-old duke with two exasperating sisters who seem determined to
run headlong into scandal. He has brought them to Bath where he thinks he can
better control them, but soon finds he needs help. When Miss Kendall applies
for the position of chaperone, he is impressed enough to hire her. (Unfortunately,
he is one of the authorities the reformers are hiding from.)
Portia is certain that the duke of
Debden is just another entitled, overbearing aristocrat. His overprotectiveness
with his sisters and quick temper convince her she is right. But she soon
discovers he’s politically liberal, and they are on the same side of most
issues. Moreover, they are intensely attracted to one another. Can two people
from such wildly different backgrounds make a relationship work?
Pride Comes Before a Fall is
an enjoyable romance that also delves into class differences in the mid-1800s
and the struggle for equality. The protagonists are a likeable pair who deserve
their happily-ever-after.
No comments:
Post a Comment