From USA TODAY bestselling author Naima Simone. Feel the drama and passion in the Dynasties: Seven Sins series! Some men are meant to sin… Pride made him what he is but desire might change him forever… Millionaire CEO Joshua Lowell earned his icy reserve and arrogant pride through painful experience. He refuses to allow gorgeous but determined reporter Sophie Armstrong to dredge up his … Armstrong to dredge up his family’s dark past–or circulate rumors of his secret child. But Joshua’s fierce pride is at war with his heated desire for Sophie, the only woman who could ruin him…or save him from himself.
Harlequin Desire: Luxury, scandal, desire–welcome to the lives of the American elite.
One man’s betrayal can destroy generations. Fifteen years ago, a hedge-fund hotshot vanished with billions, leaving the high-powered families of Falling Brook changed forever. Now seven heirs, shaped by his betrayal, must reckon with the sins of the past. Passion may be their only path to redemption. Experience all Seven Sins!
DYNASTIES: SEVEN SINS
Book 1: Ruthless Pride by Naima Simone
This CEO’s pride led him to give up his dreams for his family. Now he’s drawn to the woman who threatens everything…
Book 2: Forbidden Lust by Karen Booth
He’s always resisted his lust for his best friend’s sister–until they’re stranded together in paradise…
Book 3: Insatiable Hunger by Yahrah St. John
His unbridled appetite for his closest friend is unleashed when he believes she’s fallen for the wrong man…
Book 4: Hidden Ambition by Jules Bennett
Ambition has taken him far, but revenge could cost him his one chance at love…
Book 5: Reckless Envy by Joss Wood
When this shark in the boardroom meets the one woman he can’t have, envy takes over…
Book 6: Untamed Passion by Cat Schield
Will this black sheep’s self-destructive wrath flame out when he’s expecting an heir of his own?
Book 7: Slow Burn by Janice Maynard
If he’s really the idle playboy his family claims, will his inaction threaten a reunion with the woman who got away?
more
Secrets, romance–you’ll be turning the pages to see what happens next!
I’m excited to dive into this new Naima Simone book!
Author Naima Simone is a gifted author of stories with heart and steamy sexiness. Ruthless Pride is no exception. Ruthless Pride is an exceptional love story of self-discovery and real life emotions. The power of Josh and Sophia’s undeniable love made me literally swoon. Beautifully well-written. I loved this story. ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the idea behind the storyline, the icy guy who wants to restore his family’s reputation, after what his father did and who seems unreachable, falls in love with the journalist who wants to did deeper, into what actually happened with his father and what is going on now.
Featuring one of my favorite tropes, enemies to lovers. But the execution was not there. The start was promising, but it didn’t pull me in, and was left mostly confused by the end.
While I like back and forth between the characters and the attraction that was instant between them, I didn’t connect with the romance or them.
received from Netgalley
Check out this first book in the Seven Sin series. Naima Simone kicked off the series with a bang!
Opposites attract with a heated punch! With the first book in the highly anticipated Dynasties: Seven Sins series, Naima Simone kicks it all off with an unlikely match in RUTHLESS PRIDE. The characters are appealing and the story was fast paced. I’m looking forward to more to come in the series.
Joshua Lowell is dedicated. He’s determined to right the wrongs from the past and was willing to give up his dreams to do so. When a reporter starts nosing around, he’s determined to stop the ruckus from stirring up around his family again.
Sophie Armstrong comes across as fair and honest the minute she meets Josh. She wants to tell stories that mean something, not just sell sensationalism. She gets off on the wrong foot with him, but he slowly starts to understand that maybe there’s more to her than he expected.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes a fast paced, dramatic romance. There’s a continuation happening in this series that should bring answers to some of the mysteries along the way. Looking forward to it!
If you love billionaire CEOs, intrepid reporters, secret babies, and ALL THE FEELS, you won’t want to miss this new Harlequin Desire by Naima Simone!
A new book by Naima Simone? I’m in! I just love Naima’s steamy tales and passionate romance. She never disappoints!
Full review appeared at Reader’s Edyn on 05/10/20
Sophie is one-heck of a reporter, having received accolades galore. Her latest focus is on Joshua Lowell and the devastation his father caused several members of Falling Brook fifteen years ago when he embezzled from the trust fund he ran and disappeared. Now as the anniversary of the debacle approaches, she is writing about Joshua intending to put a different spin on the story. She’s uncovered a lot of information and it would seem that the heir of the Lowell family is much more than he displays for the cameras – an altruistic side he never exposes. But Joshua refuses to participate so she runs with the story she has – and garners his attention full force. Invited behind the scenes for a follow-up story, they each glimpse a side of one other that they normally keep well protected. Sophie doesn’t have a past she is proud of either and Joshua is exactly the kind of man who will shatter her. She should stay far away, but that magnetic pull is fierce and before too long, each succumbs to the flaming desire, terrified of how their own story will end.
Joshua isn’t about to trust the head-strong reporter any farther than he can throw her. Keep your enemies closer is the old adage, so he’ll be sure to do so. And maybe the benefits that follow aren’t so bad either. But Sophie has a way of slipping right under Josh’s armor of protection and quickly has him yearning for a life that he long since left behind – scattered to the wind with his father’s betrayal – Josh, the only one to step up and right all of the wrong none of them saw coming. But with his past and people always scrutinizing him, Josh trusts no one. They always leave him anyway in one way or another. Sophie will be no different. So when she suddenly appears to have betrayed him, he is quick to lash out first, never giving her a chance to leave him. He knows it is inevitable anyway. But his mistake could cost him his perfect match in every way and a shot at a life he never dreamed he could ever get back.
I have read Ms. Simone in the past and have enjoyed her work. It’s also been a minute since I have immersed myself in some sexy Harlequin reads. When I came across a new series made up of seven books by seven authors and Ms. Simone kicking them off, I knew I had found something I wanted to dive into. At this point, I have obtained the first three books in the series, so I will be able to continue at least that far in the series. After reading this wonderful book, my excitement has jumped a notch. At just over 200 pages, this book can be devoured easily within a couple of hours. The story started off with a crazy amount of tension and sexual chemistry and kept on giving. Despite their growing feelings for one another, the mistrust lies heavy, like an elephant in the room. Once Josh and Sophie give into their undeniable, nearly tangible attraction, the sparks fly and the defenses crack even further. But the suspicion remains – at least on Josh’s part.
I appreciated Josh’s sense of responsibility and determination to set right the mess of destruction left in his father’s wake. But this inspiring trait also becomes his crutch and greatest flaw. He has become so worried about judgment upon himself based on his father’s decimated reputation, that he loses sight of who he used to be and what he once wanted for his life – preferring to forget about that period in his life since it can never be reclaimed. But Josh isn’t doing it just for himself. He is also trying to repair his mother and brothers’ reputations through his own efforts. But for all of his attempts, he has only garnered disgust from his own siblings who see him as a copy of their traitorous father. Sophie, however, sees past all of this. In her thorough investigative journalism, she has uncovered the Josh of the past and can see the man inside, lying dormant under the tough business mogul persona he projects to the rest of the world. She also realizes that their time together is more than likely going to be limited, so she does her best to help him realize a way back to his old self; the person he lost, and who he longs to be despite his adamant claims otherwise. Sophie draws him out and gives him a kind of hope for the future he hadn’t been able to grasp since taking over the hedge fund. She also recognizes that an artist with talent that oozes out of his pores like Josh’s does isn’t one to be wasted. Unexpectedly, she is given a tool to nudge him in the right direction. If it helps create those small glimpses of happiness he keeps carefully guarded, she isn’t above making use of that tool.
What I do not understand is what happens with the DNA tests. This is the foremost reason that Sophie and Josh end up agreeing to help one another. But other than the reveal of who leaked the results to Sophie, nothing else ever comes of it. It’s revealed early on that Zane supplied a lot of Sophie’s article information, so him giving her the results is no spoiler. However, his book appears to be next, so I am hoping there is some kind of closure to this cliffhanger component. Or are we to assume it was all a ruse and never true? It’s unclear and a bit aggravating. Zane is one of the family heirs that was destroyed by Senior Lowell’s duplicity, so he’s got a chip on his shoulder the size of Texas. I am also assuming that Josh’s brothers will have a book of their own, but I could be wrong. I felt that they were left unfinished also. Their assumptions that Josh had turned into their father was cruel and unfair. Given Josh’s search he now has going on, I would say reconciliation is in the air. So there are a few things left wide open and annoyingly incomplete, but I can only guess those elements with tie-up somewhere in the next six books. I also felt the ending was a bit rushed. Granted, the book isn’t all that long anyway, but another chapter or two would have been nice. Don’t get me wrong. It was a perfectly romantic grand gesture for a billionaire romance, but it was fast. Given Sophie’s resolve in their last encounter, her rapid capitulation in that particular scenario didn’t fit and also would have likely affected her career reputation, so a bit off for this specific character.
Despite the oddities above, I found this book enjoyable and a fascinating start to a new Harlequin series. I will be jumping into the next book soon and look forward to seeing how the series progresses. Will the authors have worked together on the plots, or just written something as a stand-alone that doesn’t incorporate the previous books? I don’t know. But I will soon. I truly hope for intersecting plots. If you are looking for a quick read, enjoy millionaire romance, and crave hot and steamy, then this book will bring satisfaction. Ms. Simone did a great job in setting this series up, guaranteeing my return for the next installment.
Kindle version provided by NetGalley/Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.
Ruthless Pride by Naima Simone is a story about families, choices and second chances. Joshua Lowell is a man used to being in control. He is a protective and determined man. He will do what is needed for his family, even if it means letting go of his dreams. Sophie Armstrong is doing her job and is just as determined. As a journalist, she wants to do a piece on Joshua, but he wants nothing to do with it. But he definitely desires her. Can he take a risk on her? I am excited to read the rest of the series.
Happy reading!
Larrissa
Another fabulous read!!!
Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2020
Sophia and Joshua was such avoid story. I hate reviews that detail the story line. What you need to know is Ms. Someone’s writing was superb. It was definitely opposites attract. But I loved as they let each other in you got a little deeper into how they each tick. It was fascinating. Their chemistry was insane. I loved how the story included real life situations, real feelings and real passion. I also was real deep in the feels for them. That is what I love about her writing!! Enjoy this quick story!
The setup:
Fifteen years prior, Vernon Lowell embezzled funds from seven prominent families. When he takes the money and runs, his oldest son is left to pick up the pieces. On the anniversary of the scandal, a reporter has written a story for the local paper. She wanted Joshua Lowell’s perspective, but he was too angry that the story was being drug out for public scrutiny again to give her the time of day. But…there’s chemistry there!
Main Characters:
Joshua Lowell, former artist and now millionaire CEO of the Black Crescent Hedge Fund
Sophie Armstrong, the reporter covering the anniversary of the Black Crescent Scandal
Tropes: Millionaire, Family Scandals, Just One Night, Enemies to Lovers
My thoughts:
I was thrilled to see Naima Simone take the lead book on this series, because she writes her characters in such a way that I, as a reader, cannot help but to feel for them. In the case of Ruthless Pride, my heart broke for Josh- the child of a very unhappy marriage, the young man that found his place in the world through art but wasn’t taken seriously by his father, and then the young man that gave up that happiness to act as savior for his family, repairing the damage that his disapproving father had wreaked. That his family not only doesn’t seem to appreciate his sacrifice, but judges him harshly for stepping in to save the company his father destroyed, is even more heartbreaking. In the case of Joshua’s character, his pride stems from a need to clear the taint of his family name. His high walls are carefully built in order to protect himself from more pain, and who could blame him? As for Sophie, I loved that she saw beneath Josh’s icy exterior. She never set out to change him in any way, instead recognizing what made him the man he is, while insisting that Joshua was not only NOT responsible for his father’s crimes, but should he lauded for everything he’d done to help others. I also really loved that while she had feelings for him, she knew what she deserved from a relationship and wasn’t willing to settle for a man that could not give her his trust. When she told him she pitied him, WOW! I cheered out loud for her!
It goes without saying, that the author also brought the heat with this book! The first half was wrought with sexual tension and the build-up to the first kiss left me breathless. Passionate, emotional, powerful. It was *chef’s kiss* perfection! The consent in this book was written so well, with Josh telling Sophie SHE has all the power. Yes, yes, yes! Seriously, I could read endless books about this couple. I loved their chemistry and the way they saw each other.
Quite frankly, I didn’t get ENOUGH of this couple (a drawback to these HQN series) and was left wanting to know so much more about them. Which is, in this reader’s opinion, always a good thing because it means I was invested.
As for the overarching series plot-the paternity issue-I’m hooked and need to know who this mystery child is, and what does any of this have to do with the seven families. I have my suspicions and can’t wait to find out if I’m on the right trail.
Favorite quote: “When do you get the chance to live in the sun in your own light?” -Sophie
Naima Simone has a way with writing romance that is a giant gut punch in the feels with super smoking hot tension, and this book was no different!
Josh and Sophie are the perfect enemies to lovers pair. Josh has been through so much and has tried to make amends and be tgere for everyone, but he’s tapped out and his creative outlet is gone. Then Sophie comes in, shaking up his life and adding a new spark. The chemistry was spot on, and I loved how these two played off each other and gave as good as they got.
I recommend!
Joshua Lowell is an artist by trade but has to leave the artist world behind to take over his father’s Vernon financial investment firm Black Crescent. Joshua’s father embezzled funds from his clients and left them penniless along with his own family and left the country and no one knows his whereabouts. Joshua being the loyal, kind and all-round awesome alpha male takes over as CEO of Black Crescent Investments and turns it around and makes restitution for the clients that loss their fortunes along with taking care of his family.
Sophie Armstrong, is an awesome investigative reporter and has decided to write a follow-up story about Black Crescent Investments. She has tried her best to get an interview from Joshua but he refuses to take any of her calls and doesn’t answer any of her emails. The investigative side of Sophie decides to take matters into her own hands and gets into Joshua’s office and asking him for an interview and his answer is a resounding no. There is an instant attraction between Joshua and Sophie. So, with no help from Joshua Sophie goes ahead and writes her article. The article is tastefully done but it dredges up memories for Joshua’s mother who has been shunned and seeing a therapist. Joshua’s brothers of which one is twin and another are down on their luck.
One of the clients whose father’s fortune, that was embezzled by Vernon Joshua’s father Zane Patterson wants restitution and is feeding Sophie information about Joshua and his family.
Joshua requests a meeting with Sophia’s boss and she thinks he is there to get her fired. He wants to know Sophia’s source because that article has some of viable information but Sophia refuses because of confidentiality; but she informs him about him having a 4 y/o daughter unbeknown to him that he is not taking care. Joshua thinks back to all of the women he has been involved with and comes up with nothing.
I enjoyed reading about Joshua and Sophia and suggest you read to find out more about Joshua and Sophia, you will not be disappointed. This a well written story that makes me fall for Joshua. This is book one of the “Dynasties Seven Sin”. I’m looking forward to reading book #2 Zane Patterson’s story to see what happens between him and Joshua and finding out more about this alleged daughter of Joshua.
I received a ARC from the author, and I’m voluntarily given a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Can’t wait to dive into this one!
Arrogant CEOs are my catnip!
I enjoyed reading Ruthless Pride so much! I couldn’t put my kindle down! I enjoyed reading about Sophie and Jordan’s journey to love. I enjoyed the storyline and the plot as well. This book had plenty of romance and steamy love scenes. Naima Simone brought the heat as only she can! Such a fantastic book!
Ruthless Pride by Naima Simone
Dynasties: Seven Sins Series #1
Joshua Lowell is abruptly interrupted by his assistant while working on another business issue when Sophie Armstrong, reporter, walks in. He has been ignoring his email and messages. He gives her a bit of time, realizes he has no interest in her project and sends her on her way. That is in the first few pages but a lot more happens in the rest of the book.
This is a story of two people focused on their jobs. Both have goals based on those jobs. Neither trusts anyone much and trusts the idea of “love” even less. Will they find a way to trust and move forward or will their past baggage stand in the way?
What I liked:
* Sophie’s desire to be evenhanded when reporting. She is also more willing to be open, I think, than Joshua was.
* Joshua’s willingness to step in and make things right when his father had made them so very wrong. I felt for him from time to time but also hoped he would wake up and see things more clearly.
* The hint about the backstories of both
* Wondering about Joshua’s brothers – will they show up in books in the future?
* The idea of a series written by more than one author but all linked together
What I did not like:
* Joshua’s father – unless there is more to the story than appears in this book
* Joshua’s family – his brothers who seemed to lack his moral compass
* Feeling like there was more to the story than showed up in this book – and – there is. Why? Because this is a miniseries and as such the story will be eked out a bit at a time.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in the series? I think so
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 Stars
Another beginning of a wonderful series! I absolutely adored this book. I certainly appreciated the way Ms Simone wrote about the hurt of her hero and her heroine and in what way they could overcome their pasts and go happily into their future together.
Millionaire CEO Joshua Lowell earned his icy reserve and arrogant pride through painful experience. He refuses to allow gorgeous but determined reporter Sophie Armstrong to dredge up his family’s dark past—or circulate rumors of his secret child. But Joshua’s fierce pride is at war with his heated desire for Sophie, the only woman who could ruin him…or save him from himself.
Joshua Lowell has worked his ass off to redeem his family’s name ever since his father took off with millions of dollars of the family company’s clients’ money, their own family’s money, and fucked off to God knows where. He’s controlled, he’s stoic, and he’s a serious workaholic. Then a feisty woman bursts into his life and nothing is ever the same again.
Sophie is fascinated by the man she’s intent on doing a feature on. She can tell there’s much more to the man than just the CEO who helms the family business. She knows there’s an artist in there. She knows he has a big heart, and she’s determined to get him to see that it’s his turn to live his dreams and leave his siblings to finally take some responsibility for their family legacy too. All she has to do is guard her own heart because Josh told her from the start that he doesn’t do relationships. If she wants to have anything with the man, she’ll have to settle for a no-strings attached fling. No feelings allowed. No delving deep beneath to the real Josh inside. Nothing but pleasure and fun…
I loved this start of the Dynasties: Seven Sins series. Josh and Sophie are a fascinating pair of contrasts. I love how she saw through to the real Josh and how he really was not the cold persona he presented to the rest of the world. I am so excited to get further into this world of the devastated heirs to the Lowell empire.