Joshua Lowell has spent years rebuilding his family’s and business’s reputation after the disappearance of his father, who duped many powerful corporations and people out of billions of dollars. He had been on his way to becoming a great artist when, as the eldest brother in his family, he gave up his dream and decided to take over the company. His brothers think he’s a sellout, his mother has become a recluse, and while business is booming, people are still wary about associating with the son of a criminal. And now, a nosy reporter is writing an article about the anniversary of his father’s betrayal and wants to interview him in person. .  .

Journalist Sophie Armstrong will do whatever it takes to tell the truth for one of her articles, and even the powerful and incredibly handsome Joshua Lowell won’t stand in her way. Surprised he agrees to meet with her, astounded by the charity work and ways he helps his employees behind the scenes, and aroused by his determined demeanor, Sophie wants to know more about the man Josh really is. When they’re seen leaving a charity gala at the same time, rumors begin to circulate over their relationship and Sophie’s integrity and job are on the line. .  .

Neither Josh or Sophie can deny the attraction between them, and they give in to their passions for one night. And when that night leads to so much more, Josh and Sophie find that something else is there aside from physical attraction. But when Sophie reveals Josh may have a secret love child from an anonymous source, Josh is unsure if he can trust the one person he had allowed himself to be genuine with, and Sophie can’t decide if she’s willing to give up the story of her career for the man she’s quickly fallen for. . . 

The first book in the new multi-author Dynasties: Seven Sins series, RUTHLESS PRIDE by Naima Simone is a perfect example of a well-thought-out billionaire romance. It hits all the beats reader expect - a gorgeous brooding billionaire hero with a heartbreaking past, the hardworking, no-nonsense heroine doing whatever she can to get ahead, painful betrayals, a decent amount of angst, and extravagant galas and events as the backdrop to a deep and passionate romance. Josh is an interesting billionaire romance hero, dealing with the demons of his past and paying for his father’s sins. He’s a multifaceted character coping with a lot of pressures. Sophie wasn’t quite as nuanced of a character as Josh, but she has a backstory that explains her own issues with trust, and her work ethic and determination to do her best was relatable. While they do fall in love rather quickly, RUTHLESS PRIDE’s love story doesn’t feel forced - this hero and heroine have instant chemistry. The repercussions of Josh’s father’s crimes are what tie each of the books to come to this one; each book will deal with someone directly affected by those dastardly actions. There is a secret baby plotline that doesn’t land with the bombshell one would expect, but RUTHLESS PRIDE is written with confidence, sex appeal, and wit by a talented author. Readers can always expect a carefully crafted and steamy read from Naima Simone.

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