Diamonds of the First Water Book One
Clarity — An earl’s daughter is caught between the man who wishes to wed her and the one who desires her.
She’s a fun-loving earl’s daughter and he’s a titled stick in the mud!
Firstborn daughter of a prominent family, Lady Clarity Diamond came into the world smiling and has always brightened the lives of everyone around her. This social season, she’s decided to find a husband amongst her flock of suitors. And then her childhood friend appears, tall, handsome, and … as amusing as a box of rocks.
Lord Alex Hollidge’s heart turned to stone, and the laughter died in his eyes the moment he was orphaned. Taking up the mantle of a viscount at a young age, he has known nothing but responsibility and the tragedy of life. Now, it’s time to take a wife. Pity the lovely Lady Clarity is too frivolous to be his viscountess.
With everything—and everyone—telling Alex and Clarity to stay apart, and both of them promised to others, will their smouldering desire be snuffed out before it can blaze into love?
Reviews from Other Authors and from Readers
(As an Amazon Associate, Sydney Jane Baily earns a teeny-tiny amount from qualifying purchases.)“What a brilliant start to a new series. Clarity is the eldest daughter of Earl Diamond – and a true Diamond indeed! With her adventurous, fun, and bubbling personality, she wins you over right from the start.
And it’s this carefree personality that Viscount Alex Hollidge needs in his life. If only her vivaciousness wouldn’t be such an inappropriate characteristic for his future viscountess! What a wonderful and fun journey indeed!”
~ Bree Wolf, USA Today Bestselling author“Sydney Jane Baily writes a poignant, seductive Victorian tale that kept me turning the pages! Clarity is witty and charming, with a hint of delicious intrigue. Excellent dialogue and a compelling hero and heroine! I can’t wait for the next book in the Diamond series!”
~ Tracy Sumner, Award-winning historical romance author“Baily’s Victorian romance wonderfully captures the strict social rules that bind the lords and ladies of society. Clarity explores, with passion and humor, the journeys of two people trying to be true to themselves and their hearts while playing by society’s rules. The fun, of course, happens when they break the rules — in the stables, in a study, a tree, in short, in the most delicious of places. With humor and small, quiet moments of raw vulnerability, the tempestuous Clarity and rigid Alex must push past their flaws to find their HEA.”
~ Charlie Lane, Regency romance author“Clarity is an emotional, romantic ride, and it will leave you desperate for more of the delightful Diamonds!”
~ Fenna Edgewood, Regency romance authorZena
5.0 out of 5 stars Storytelling as its Best!
Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2022
“Four daughters and a son, all considered as Diamonds of the First Water by their parents, Geoffrey and Caroline.
This first book is about Clarity and her love for her childhood friend, Alex.
There are so many ups and downs for her in this relationship but she is a true Diamond of the First Water and faces what life and certain people present her with and grows and prospers because of this.
It is a beautiful and passionate story where true love prevails and the characters grow from strength to strength.
I read an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) and my voluntary and unbiased review is recorded above.”