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!!

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!!!!

Again Victoria delivers a great book! Reading this after a long slump reaffirmed that I needed to return to one of my favorite authors. Pride was a ride and I loved every minute.

3.5
Journee is a business owner who's prove keeps her my accepting help and listening to advice from her ex. she ends up needed him when she starts receiving threatening messages about her past. the beginning starts very slow but once you push through its an intense, developed story.

This book was EVERYTHING & then a little more. VCM did not disappoint. As usual the book was well written with a clear plot and some love to hate characters. The situations were real and there were several moments that had me either clutching my imaginary pearls, wanting to snap somebody’s neck, or ready to hurl my tablet or phone across the room. I’m definitely recommending this book to any and everyone that will listen. Kudos VCM & team!!

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.

This book was phenomenal. I can't wait to this one comes to the Lifetime screens. Journee is a young mortgage broker who has been dealt a bad hand at life. Losing her father, being raised a church member and feeling alone in the world. Unfortunately some questionable things she did in the past rear their ugly head when she starts receiving texts that end with a scripture. Her pride won't allow her to ask for help at first but eventually she does. And from there the book takes off. It's a mystery of who this person is and at times I would think it's one person and then another just a chapter later. This book will have you in the edge of your seat for sure.

Wow! This book was action packed from beggining to end. My first read from Victoria Christopher Murray and thank you Netgalley and Galley publishing for sending me this read. This book contained a heaviness from the beginning that let me know this it was going to be good. Victoria told the such a good story. Journee an "abandoned" child that only grew up to be angry and prideful because of her childhood. We were able to see her fall to nothing and lose almost everything before she realized that her prideful ways needed to change and she needed to seek God to help change and to forgive. A great read! I can't wait to read more from Vicotria Murray.

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.

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.

PRIDE
Victoria Christopher Murray
3.5 stars

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 turn 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.

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.

Before I go onto my review, I should share that this is an author I’ve read for many years, and typically enjoy. However, this book so was far fetched, the plot so implausible, that I felt pretty let down. I’ve read all of the other books in the series and did not feel this way about them. I cousins believe that a woman could exist who is that out of touch with reality. I figured out the “twist” pretty early on as well. I was about 60% into the book before I found myself even remotely caring what happened next—and that was chiefly because I wanted to see how the author brought it all back around. This was simply not her best work.

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.

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!

I highly recommend "Pride" by Victoria Christopher Murray. The story is about what greed and pride can do to damage a person's life. However, it also shows you how forgiveness and repentance can change your entire life around. Kudos to Ms. Christopher Murray on a job well done!

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.