Pride of Honor

Pride of Honor by Andrea K. Stein, Men of the Squadron Series #1, 2020

This Regency story takes place in 1819 with Captain Arnaud Bellingham fighting slave traders off the coast of Africa. He receives his own ship and is in London preparing it for another voyage. While walking with Dr. Cullen McCloud, his ship’s doctor, they see Sophia Brancelli attacked and nearly kidnapped before they rescue her. She uses her parasol and hatpin to ward off her abductor.

Sophia is the illegitimate granddaughter of a duchess and must marry a member of the ton before turning 21 in six months or lose her inheritance. Arnaud is planning to marry his mistress, a woman he doesn’t love but thinks can handle the fact he spends up to two years at sea and would be away most of the time.

The story has plenty of interesting characters, and many will appear in future books in the series. There are several villains, mostly hired by the main villain left to the end to be revealed. Don’t peek.

Arnaud and his men protect Sophia while she attends parties and balls in search of a husband. Arnaud goes from denying any feelings to jealousy and desperation as Sophia searches for someone other than Arnaud, who refuses to marry her and leave her for such long periods of absence.

The story is brisk, action-packed, and holds a few surprises. Enjoy.

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