Diamonds of the First Water Book Three
Adam — The heir to an earldom must take a suitable wife… unless he falls for a middle-class governess with a shadowy past.
Lord Diamond leads a charmed life. The only brother amongst four sisters, he is touted as the best thing since frothy syllabub. Every young lady in London wants his leg shackled to hers. Summering in Bath brings freedom from the marriage-minded Mayfair mothers and reaps a new crop of single females. Problem solved!
Mrs. Alice Malcolm has an ideal situation tutoring two young ladies in an upper-class home. A clean room, a roof over her head, and best of all, she is safe from the demands and threats of her former brother-in-law. What does it matter if she is living a lie?
While Adam pursues Alice to be his mistress—anything more is unthinkable—she has only two options… ignore his amorous advances or flee for her life. Will pride, prejudice, and secrets keep these two out of paradise?
Reviews from Other Authors and from Readers
(As an Amazon Associate, Sydney Jane Baily earns a teeny-tiny amount from qualifying purchases.)5.0 out of 5 stars
“That was as well written as any love 😘 story, I ever read. Couldn’t put book down. Had to finish it in one day. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.”5.0 out of 5 stars: An Improper Romance
“This is a beautiful story illustrating the stark difference in class in those early Victorian times of 1851 masterfully written and presented. We have surprises, adultery, greed, gambling and alcohol addiction, accidental death, bankruptcy and delicious, sensuous steam. I really and thoroughly enjoyed.”5.0 out of 5 stars: Steamy Romance
“This is the third installment of Ms. Baily’s Diamonds of the First Water and focuses on Adam the only son among 4 sisters. I was initially uncertain about this book as the plot sounded somewhat overdone (lord meets governess). But I like Ms. Baily’s series so I started.I found the characters to be interesting and well written. Adam starts with the usual TON view of the world but learns to look closer at the people around him. And to appreciate the strengths and efforts of others. Alice has made mistakes in her first season. Her parents were uncaring and did not help her navigate the social waters! She was impetuous and allowed several gentlemen to kiss her. That led to a compromise with a rake and drunk and a forced marriage. He had the grace to die 2 years later and leave her a widow.
I liked the growth of both characters in the course of the story. Adam comes to recognize that he has always had the protection and support of his family and wealth. He realizes that others have a harder time. Alice learns that she can learn to trust and lean on people and have their trust and support. The characters all well defined. The plot had more twists than expected. I really enjoyed the book and recommend this story!”
5.0 out of 5 stars: In Pursuit of Alice
“The Diamonds are a close family, but the heir to the Earl of Diamond, Adam makes his own way in the world. From the moment he encounters Alice, his heart rules over his head. She may be a governess, but Adam reaches the point he doesn’t care and wants her not as his mistress, but as his wife. Alice has a complicated past that keeps her from entering society functions and is hesitant to marry Adam. The last thing she wants is someone to recognize her, bring up her past and jeopardize her relationship with Adam. The one man who threatens her the most is the one she fears will destroy her marriage. Running away is always her first instinct, but the Diamond family takes care of their own. The third book in the series keeps a nice pace with an exceptional hero, but sometimes a frustrating lady.
Heat level 3+
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.”4.0 out of 5 stars: Spiders and Watercress
“This is a lovely engaging Regency romance. Like any dutiful titled son, Adam is seeking marriage with the appropriate lady for him. He desires an intelligent, charming, and accomplished lady with whom he has more than just a passing affection. None of the vacuous, clinging, and obsequious maidens of the ton will do. By chance, he meets Alice, the governess for the Beasley’s (family friends to his mother). Alice is not at all what she seems to be and is hiding from her past in London by living in Bath. Adam and Alice’s affection for each other grows but their mutual happiness is hampered by a villain who continues to darken their door.
For those who love historical romances, readers will be enchanted. Looking forward to the rest of the Diamond series.
I received an ARC from Booksprout and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.”