Duke of Pryde

This was my first Mariah Stone book, also my first taste of regency romance, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved the blackmail plot and how well the author handled the mystery of the letters and the big reveal of the culprit (my favorite part of the book because I didn't see it coming). I also completely fell in love with Modesty, her love story with Constantine, and how hard she fought to protect little Augustus. Modesty stole my heart from the beginning: I loved her innocent yet very strong and somewhat rebellious personality, especially her love for history, antiquities, and archaeology. I loved reading how she fiercely protected Augustus, fighting to have him by her side and give him a happy life, and especially how she wants to keep her word to the little boy's mother. Plus, this character had a tremendous amount of growth, and THAT moment toward the end of Duke of Pryde demonstrating it was everything! Constantine was a little harder to love, a proud duke, with many secrets and a great fear of them coming out, which leads him to make decisions that sometimes I didn't understand and other times were a little frustrating, but I have to admit that when Constantine shows his loving, tender, and adorable side with Modesty & Augustus it was also beautiful. Something I love about his character was that strong bond he has with the other Dukes, how they support each other and protect their families together, that melted my heart.

Blackmail, a marriage of convenience, and a ton eager for scandal. They say pride is the deadliest of the seven sins and our Duke of Pryde makes some choices that nearly causes him everything. I loved their journey to falling in love, it was definitely rocky and I love how our heroine showed off her shinny spine, but it made them stronger and a better match in the end. This is a story about two people learning that it is safe to be yourself and in being yourself your life will be much richer. Loved and highly recommend.