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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 smoldering desire be snuffed out before it can blaze into love?
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 smoldering desire be snuffed out before it can blaze into love?
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2022
642 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
Sydney Jane Baily
60 books185 followersUSA Today bestselling author Sydney Jane Baily writes historical romance with engaging characters, attention to period detail, and sensual romance ~ often with a touch of intrigue. Amazon page: author.to/SydneyJaneBaily
A first-generation American daughter of Brits from either end of London, Sydney resides in Massachusetts with her family -- human, feline, and canine. The rest of her extended family live in the U.K. where she spent many happy childhood summers. She loves shandy, Maltesers, Cadbury bars, fish and chips, and anything from Harrod's food hall or in a Fortnum and Mason's basket.
Learn more about her books, read her blog, and contact her via her website at https://www.SydneyJaneBaily.com. She loves to hear from readers. On her site, you can also sign up for her Readers' Group and receive an occasional (not bothersome) newsletter along with a free book.
A first-generation American daughter of Brits from either end of London, Sydney resides in Massachusetts with her family -- human, feline, and canine. The rest of her extended family live in the U.K. where she spent many happy childhood summers. She loves shandy, Maltesers, Cadbury bars, fish and chips, and anything from Harrod's food hall or in a Fortnum and Mason's basket.
Learn more about her books, read her blog, and contact her via her website at https://www.SydneyJaneBaily.com. She loves to hear from readers. On her site, you can also sign up for her Readers' Group and receive an occasional (not bothersome) newsletter along with a free book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
May 2, 2022
The Aunt was awful
She almost ruined the book for me. And the hero himself annoyed me for a good portion of the book. He was just so staid and he let his Aunt run his life. His parents died and she made the little boy think it was his fault! She wouldn't let him visit his friends. She sent him to a school where they beat him and she took all of the joy out of his life. She wanted him to marry someone like her. She hated the heroine and totally undermined her at every opportunity until the hero thought his wife was incompetent and couldn't fulfill her duties as his wife. Except in bed of course. They totally clicked there. They were not graphic scenes either but you could see they loved each other. And I adored Clarity. She was fun and filled with life and she captured his heart. They fell in love early in the book too. It was his aunts interference that caused many problems and his fear of her dying. It was sad. But the ending was great. Free in KU and I can't wait to read more about this family!
She almost ruined the book for me. And the hero himself annoyed me for a good portion of the book. He was just so staid and he let his Aunt run his life. His parents died and she made the little boy think it was his fault! She wouldn't let him visit his friends. She sent him to a school where they beat him and she took all of the joy out of his life. She wanted him to marry someone like her. She hated the heroine and totally undermined her at every opportunity until the hero thought his wife was incompetent and couldn't fulfill her duties as his wife. Except in bed of course. They totally clicked there. They were not graphic scenes either but you could see they loved each other. And I adored Clarity. She was fun and filled with life and she captured his heart. They fell in love early in the book too. It was his aunts interference that caused many problems and his fear of her dying. It was sad. But the ending was great. Free in KU and I can't wait to read more about this family!
May 24, 2023
2-Diary-of-Wimpy-Kids-Stars
I have one statement for this book - spineless idiots, the lot of them. BORING with NO STEAM. Yeeesh.
I have one statement for this book - spineless idiots, the lot of them. BORING with NO STEAM. Yeeesh.
March 26, 2022
She’s a fun-loving earl’s daughter and he’s a titled stick in the mud!
Clarity and Alex are meant to be the best option in romance. Clarity is fun loving just as she was a child.
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.
Alex was fun loving as a boy but after living with his aunt he is no longer that way.
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?
Love is the last thing that entices them to be together.
This sometimes comical story is a good one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Clarity and Alex are meant to be the best option in romance. Clarity is fun loving just as she was a child.
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.
Alex was fun loving as a boy but after living with his aunt he is no longer that way.
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?
Love is the last thing that entices them to be together.
This sometimes comical story is a good one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
April 4, 2022
4.5 Stars
Firstborn daughter of a loving, 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 Alex 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.
The first book in a new series about the Diamond siblings. I was drawn in from the prologue & the more I read the better it became. I loved Clarity who could light up a room, I couldn’t believe what a stick in the mud Alex had become. However I loved how these childhood friends fell in love, it took Alex some time to discover his feelings & to realise he could act on them. The pair actually marry about halfway through the book but their early days & months of married life are not easy sailing as there’s a thorn in Clarity’s side & their happiness is nearly taken from them. A well written delightful read with strong characters & a story that flowed so well. There was humour & some pathos as well as a lovely love story, I look forward to Clarity’s delightful siblings having their stories
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Firstborn daughter of a loving, 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 Alex 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.
The first book in a new series about the Diamond siblings. I was drawn in from the prologue & the more I read the better it became. I loved Clarity who could light up a room, I couldn’t believe what a stick in the mud Alex had become. However I loved how these childhood friends fell in love, it took Alex some time to discover his feelings & to realise he could act on them. The pair actually marry about halfway through the book but their early days & months of married life are not easy sailing as there’s a thorn in Clarity’s side & their happiness is nearly taken from them. A well written delightful read with strong characters & a story that flowed so well. There was humour & some pathos as well as a lovely love story, I look forward to Clarity’s delightful siblings having their stories
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
April 8, 2022
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and this is my freely given opinion.
Clarity Diamond and Alex Hollidge were fun-loving childhood friends, but lost touch when Alex's parents died in a carriage accident. In the years between, Clarity grew into a popular, beautiful woman, who continued to be sunny-natured, joyful, and fun-loving. Orphaned Alex was raised by his dour aunt, and blamed his own mischievous childhood antics for his parents deaths. He had cut ties with the Diamonds, and became an overly somber young man. He took on his father's title as viscount, and focused all his time and energy into excelling in his studies, and learning to manage his estates, while under the management of his aunt. He and the Diamonds meet again, when he re-enters Society to seek his perfect wife.
Unfortunately Alex has lost all his sense of fun, and has become overly serious, and lacking in any social grace. He is is incredibly rude, and dismissive of Clarity and her family at several points, considering her to be too frivolous, while he is searching for a suitable viscountess, to continue his line, and manage his household. Despite this, he is very attracted to the fun, and beautiful Clarity, and as a consequence, blows hot and cold. He runs between kissing her passionately, to berating her behaviour, or rudely insulting her.
To be frank, I could not fathom how Clarity could even find herself loving him, let alone even liking him. He is changed beyond recognition from her childhood friend. This is part of the reason I did not like parts of this story - his behaviour was so rude and dismissive of her that for her to love him while he treats her and her family this way made me question her own sense of esteem.
When he comes around and realizes he loves her, and values the joy she brings to his life, he is still clueless about the nuances in his own household, and how the relationship he has with his aunt, and her role in his life and household completely undermine Clarity, and his relationship with her, until it is almost too late. I wanted to beat him with a shoe - clueless man! Maybe Clarity was a bit overly sunny and perhaps a bit frivolous, but that does not mean she is stupid, or should be so devalued, or treated like she is unable to take care of or think for herself.
Eventually his eyes open, but I do not feel that he groveled sufficiently in the end, or that the aunt truly got what she deserved, considering how she almost ruined the man by stealing all his joy and spirit, and ran his life.
On saying that, this was written well, and I was engaged in the story, and enjoyed the development of the various characters, and their interactions, especially within the Diamond family. Also, the storyline of Alex's struggle with his sense of self, and his guilt and perceptions about his parent's death, and how it affects his relationship with Clarity and her family.
3.25 stars out of 5.
Clarity Diamond and Alex Hollidge were fun-loving childhood friends, but lost touch when Alex's parents died in a carriage accident. In the years between, Clarity grew into a popular, beautiful woman, who continued to be sunny-natured, joyful, and fun-loving. Orphaned Alex was raised by his dour aunt, and blamed his own mischievous childhood antics for his parents deaths. He had cut ties with the Diamonds, and became an overly somber young man. He took on his father's title as viscount, and focused all his time and energy into excelling in his studies, and learning to manage his estates, while under the management of his aunt. He and the Diamonds meet again, when he re-enters Society to seek his perfect wife.
Unfortunately Alex has lost all his sense of fun, and has become overly serious, and lacking in any social grace. He is is incredibly rude, and dismissive of Clarity and her family at several points, considering her to be too frivolous, while he is searching for a suitable viscountess, to continue his line, and manage his household. Despite this, he is very attracted to the fun, and beautiful Clarity, and as a consequence, blows hot and cold. He runs between kissing her passionately, to berating her behaviour, or rudely insulting her.
To be frank, I could not fathom how Clarity could even find herself loving him, let alone even liking him. He is changed beyond recognition from her childhood friend. This is part of the reason I did not like parts of this story - his behaviour was so rude and dismissive of her that for her to love him while he treats her and her family this way made me question her own sense of esteem.
When he comes around and realizes he loves her, and values the joy she brings to his life, he is still clueless about the nuances in his own household, and how the relationship he has with his aunt, and her role in his life and household completely undermine Clarity, and his relationship with her, until it is almost too late. I wanted to beat him with a shoe - clueless man! Maybe Clarity was a bit overly sunny and perhaps a bit frivolous, but that does not mean she is stupid, or should be so devalued, or treated like she is unable to take care of or think for herself.
Eventually his eyes open, but I do not feel that he groveled sufficiently in the end, or that the aunt truly got what she deserved, considering how she almost ruined the man by stealing all his joy and spirit, and ran his life.
On saying that, this was written well, and I was engaged in the story, and enjoyed the development of the various characters, and their interactions, especially within the Diamond family. Also, the storyline of Alex's struggle with his sense of self, and his guilt and perceptions about his parent's death, and how it affects his relationship with Clarity and her family.
3.25 stars out of 5.
November 9, 2025
Storytelling at its Best!
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 propers 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.
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 propers 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.
April 22, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Wolf Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
“Clarity” is a first time read by Sydney Jane Bailey, new author to this reader. I love a good trope of friends to lovers and this story was okay for me. Lady Clarity Diamond was childhood friends with “stick in the mud” Alex, now Lord Hollidge. After the deaths of his parents, he disappeared and now has returned to society, at the bequest of his aunt, to find himself a wife. Believing he was the cause of his parent’s death; he has grown into a refined gentlemen and not the fun-loving person Clarity once new as a child. When he sets eyes on Clarity’s sister Purity as his prospective wife, she turns him down flat and recommends the aid of Clarity to shape into what he needs to be to garner the appropriate wife.
Well-written Victorian story that was fun to read. The heroine is likeable and eventually I warmed up to the hero’s character as he slowly melted into what I anticipated from the start. I enjoyed the budding romance between the angst and banter of the two characters, however there were parts of the story that had me wondering why the heroine even cared for hero as he had changed drastically from childhood. Alas, he grew up and she stayed somewhat as that carefree girl of old. In the end, it delighted me to see Alex break away from the constructs of his crude auth and finding his own way to true happiness.
3.5 Stars
“Clarity” is a first time read by Sydney Jane Bailey, new author to this reader. I love a good trope of friends to lovers and this story was okay for me. Lady Clarity Diamond was childhood friends with “stick in the mud” Alex, now Lord Hollidge. After the deaths of his parents, he disappeared and now has returned to society, at the bequest of his aunt, to find himself a wife. Believing he was the cause of his parent’s death; he has grown into a refined gentlemen and not the fun-loving person Clarity once new as a child. When he sets eyes on Clarity’s sister Purity as his prospective wife, she turns him down flat and recommends the aid of Clarity to shape into what he needs to be to garner the appropriate wife.
Well-written Victorian story that was fun to read. The heroine is likeable and eventually I warmed up to the hero’s character as he slowly melted into what I anticipated from the start. I enjoyed the budding romance between the angst and banter of the two characters, however there were parts of the story that had me wondering why the heroine even cared for hero as he had changed drastically from childhood. Alas, he grew up and she stayed somewhat as that carefree girl of old. In the end, it delighted me to see Alex break away from the constructs of his crude auth and finding his own way to true happiness.
3.5 Stars
May 26, 2022
Clarity, the first in a series about a family four sisters named after diamonds, missed the mark on too many occasions to merit a much higher rating, I'm afraid.
In this book, eldest daughter Clarity sees her old childhood friend Alex for the first time in 12 years. The friends-to-lovers trope is a major favorite of mine, but this book missed all the appropriate checkboxes. Yes, I understand the events that resulted in the situation, but it's not really clear to me why Clarity's mother didn't try harder to keep Alex in their lives (I get it but not really). Lter in the book, there are parts that try to show how much Clarity missed him, but for the most part, she moved on.
When they finally see each other again, Alex is uptight and obnoxious, and he spends much of the book being a dismissive prick. Clarity supposedly sees the old Alex in there, but ick. He is bedazzled by her but at the same time has such a low opinion of her, not seeing any true value in her as a person; that he writes her off as a beautiful and fun woman who lamentably is careless and flighty and not worth enough to be his viscountess..
I wanted Clarity to prove him wrong (and then find someone else), but I'll-be-damned, he's not actually wrong. Clarity does act before thinking and she doesn't seem to do much with her days. She isn't even especially kind--she is by no means cruel, but her tendency to put her mouth in gear before engaging her brain is aggravating.
The biggest disappointment was that when these two former besties finally do get together, it lacks that wonderful friends-to-lovers moment of "Oh! There you are!" That dreamlike feeling of "my friend is who I've been waiting for all my life."
Don't get me wrong; the book is readable and has its good points. It just isn't a keeper, and I'm not entirely sure I'd want to read book two, Purity's story.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!
In this book, eldest daughter Clarity sees her old childhood friend Alex for the first time in 12 years. The friends-to-lovers trope is a major favorite of mine, but this book missed all the appropriate checkboxes. Yes, I understand the events that resulted in the situation, but it's not really clear to me why Clarity's mother didn't try harder to keep Alex in their lives (I get it but not really). Lter in the book, there are parts that try to show how much Clarity missed him, but for the most part, she moved on.
When they finally see each other again, Alex is uptight and obnoxious, and he spends much of the book being a dismissive prick. Clarity supposedly sees the old Alex in there, but ick. He is bedazzled by her but at the same time has such a low opinion of her, not seeing any true value in her as a person; that he writes her off as a beautiful and fun woman who lamentably is careless and flighty and not worth enough to be his viscountess..
I wanted Clarity to prove him wrong (and then find someone else), but I'll-be-damned, he's not actually wrong. Clarity does act before thinking and she doesn't seem to do much with her days. She isn't even especially kind--she is by no means cruel, but her tendency to put her mouth in gear before engaging her brain is aggravating.
The biggest disappointment was that when these two former besties finally do get together, it lacks that wonderful friends-to-lovers moment of "Oh! There you are!" That dreamlike feeling of "my friend is who I've been waiting for all my life."
Don't get me wrong; the book is readable and has its good points. It just isn't a keeper, and I'm not entirely sure I'd want to read book two, Purity's story.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!
June 10, 2022
Rating: 3.5/5.0
This story is the beginning of what appears to be a dazzling series.
Read full review in the 2022 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
This story is the beginning of what appears to be a dazzling series.
Read full review in the 2022 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
March 24, 2022
I throughly enjoyed reading Alex snd Clarity's story, I can’t wait to read about the rest of the Diamond siblings. Alex and Clarity have known each other since they were both in leading strings, their parents were the best of friends and summered together at Oak Grove almost every summer, until one fateful day a tragic accident claimed the lives of Alex's parents and he went to live with his Aunt.
Clarity and Alex were not to meet again for another 12 years during the start of the 1846 season where Alex, Lord Hollidge would finally make an appearance before polite society.
She was everything that Alex didn't require in a wife, but everything that he needed. She was exuberant, happy, expressive and full of life whereas Alex was a shadow of his former boyhood self gone was the funny mischievous, prank loving boy in his place was a 'stiff, humorless dried up stick'. Life and living with his Aunt had changed him, boarding school and a life lived believing that he was the cause of his parent's accident had changed him.
Can Clarity help Alex to once again be the boy that he once was, to become the man that his parent's would wish him to be had they lived. Can she help him to see that he is worth loving and to find the strength to live a happy life once more.
Clarity and Alex were not to meet again for another 12 years during the start of the 1846 season where Alex, Lord Hollidge would finally make an appearance before polite society.
She was everything that Alex didn't require in a wife, but everything that he needed. She was exuberant, happy, expressive and full of life whereas Alex was a shadow of his former boyhood self gone was the funny mischievous, prank loving boy in his place was a 'stiff, humorless dried up stick'. Life and living with his Aunt had changed him, boarding school and a life lived believing that he was the cause of his parent's accident had changed him.
Can Clarity help Alex to once again be the boy that he once was, to become the man that his parent's would wish him to be had they lived. Can she help him to see that he is worth loving and to find the strength to live a happy life once more.
April 9, 2022
London 1846
A wonderful start to a new series that will certainly be amazing if this first story is any indication!
Entertaining characters, engaging banter and a journey to a happy ever after that will have several twist and turns. Sidney has a gift for telling a delightful story filled with humor and the emotions of the characters being brought to life.
Childhood friends rediscover each other, although life has dealt them different hands, but maybe, just maybe they can reconnect and she will bring him back to the joyful boyhood friend he use to be. Cannot wait for more of these Diamonds!
A wonderful start to a new series that will certainly be amazing if this first story is any indication!
Entertaining characters, engaging banter and a journey to a happy ever after that will have several twist and turns. Sidney has a gift for telling a delightful story filled with humor and the emotions of the characters being brought to life.
Childhood friends rediscover each other, although life has dealt them different hands, but maybe, just maybe they can reconnect and she will bring him back to the joyful boyhood friend he use to be. Cannot wait for more of these Diamonds!
March 29, 2022
They knew each other as kids but after 12 years they meet again and he is no longer the funny kid . He is like a stone with no feelings after the accident that killed both of his parents . He lives with his aunt who likes rules . Clarity is very energetic and the joy of life . Will she be able to make me as he was with her love ?
I received this book from netgalley and the puclisher as an arc . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .
I received this book from netgalley and the puclisher as an arc . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .
April 30, 2023
Clarity and Alex
They grew up as friends, as there mother's were best friends. He was an orphan at a young age his heart turned to stone, and the laughter died in his eyes the moment he was orphaned. Alex came back for the season. to find a wife 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?
Read this excellent story
They grew up as friends, as there mother's were best friends. He was an orphan at a young age his heart turned to stone, and the laughter died in his eyes the moment he was orphaned. Alex came back for the season. to find a wife 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?
Read this excellent story
March 29, 2022
This was an enchanting story about two people who "opposites mostly definitely attracts". One fun-loving lady and one stick in the mud gentleman, made for interesting and amusing reading. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book, and look forward to reading the next book released about the life story of Purity, Clarity's younger sister.
April 10, 2022
Clarity and Alex . . .
Delightful story of a firstborn daughter in a prominent family. Lady Clarity Diamond has always had a smile on her face and made others feel her joy. This Season, Lady Clarity is on a mission to find a husband.
Lord Alex Hollidge, a childhood friend of hers, has had responsibility and duty thrust on him at an early age as he became a viscount when his parents died. He must do his duty now and find a wife. Lady Clarity would be much too frivolous with her smiles and sunshine. And his controlling aunt would never let him look twice at her.
With everyone freely offering their advice recommending they stay away from each other, will they listen and accept the advice? Or will they investigate the desires they feel for each other as he follows his heart this time?
Delightful story of a firstborn daughter in a prominent family. Lady Clarity Diamond has always had a smile on her face and made others feel her joy. This Season, Lady Clarity is on a mission to find a husband.
Lord Alex Hollidge, a childhood friend of hers, has had responsibility and duty thrust on him at an early age as he became a viscount when his parents died. He must do his duty now and find a wife. Lady Clarity would be much too frivolous with her smiles and sunshine. And his controlling aunt would never let him look twice at her.
With everyone freely offering their advice recommending they stay away from each other, will they listen and accept the advice? Or will they investigate the desires they feel for each other as he follows his heart this time?
April 5, 2022
A Romantic & Heartwarming Start to a New Regency Romance Family Saga!
Clarity is a Regency gem! Completely charming heroine? Completely unlikeable hero (who you often want to throttle)? Must be a match made in friends-to-enemies-to-lovers heaven!
The Diamond family are endearing from Sydney Jane Baily's first note describing their family history and how they came by their unique last name. As a welcome change from many romance novels (including most of my own! whoops!), the Diamond parents are both still living and thus available to guide their four daughters and one son, as well as show them a wonderful example of what a "love match" really looks like.
The Diamonds are all wonderfully crafted characters but the two siblings we see the most in this first book in the series are Clarity, the eldest, and her next closest sister, Purity. While Clarity is an exuberant, verbose young woman, Purity is her practical counterpart. She is excellent at providing her older sister with practical wisdom and offering the hero, Alex, Lord Hollidge, wonderful set-backs, such as describing his partnership with her at a ball as "Like dancing with a stick." When Lord Hollidge is of a mind to select Purity as his bride (the reader will quickly rankle at his reasons for passing over Clarity), Purity does not allow that delusion to last long and her rebuke was one of my favorite scenes.
But who is this Lord Alex Hollidge and why is he such a stick in the mud? He grew up alongside the Diamonds, for their parents were fast friends. As children, he and Clarity Diamond were the best of pals until a tragic accident took the lives of his parents...and left Alex under his aunt's guardianship. Alex's aunt is the Cinderella's stepmother character of the book and she does a wonderful job fulfilling this role. She has shaped her nephew into a cold, socially awkward, joyless man who is only interested for what a wife can do for him (provide an heir and help manage his estates, of course) rather than in finding an emotional connection.
However, to his great annoyance, Alex finds an emotional connection with Clarity--one he very much does not want and tries to ignore. Scorching desire blossoms between Clarity and Alex no matter how they try to resist it. Their enemies to lovers chemistry is red hot! Gradually Alex evolves from his original status as "A beast of the forest brought in by mistake" to a man finding healing in the renewed friendship and, later, arms of a now-grown-up woman who he comes to cherish in a whole new way.
I won't spoil the mid-book twist but Clarity is a story of healing and redemption. It has wit and steam and so much suspense I had to speedread the second half in one go and ignore the clamor of my family!
Clarity is an emotional, romantic ride, and it will leave you desperate for more of the delightful Diamonds! I cannot wait for Purity's story.
March 31, 2022
I received an ARC of this book from Wolf Publishing from a new-to-me author. I really enjoyed it. It has an unusual plot with fascinating characters and a great deal of tension. I don’t want to ruin the plot, but as of the writing of this review, I cannot find a plot summary on Amazon or Goodreads, or anywhere else for that matter. So here goes.
Clarity is the oldest daughter of the Diamond family. Her father is an earl, patriarch to a boisterous family, full of love and excitement. Alexander is the son of a viscount and only a few years older than Clarity. They play together and get into a lot of trouble; most of the time their parents laugh it off, but Alex’s aunt is a bitter widow who seems devoid of joy. Thus, she is usually criticizing the discipline exercised by Alex’s parents. The Diamonds and the Hollidges are the best of friends so the children play together frequently.
Then, Alex’s parents die unexpectedly when he is still quite young (12, I think) and they don’t see each other anymore. His aunt becomes his guardian. When they run into one another once again, Clarity is still the same enthusiastic and happy person, but Alex has changed. He barely smiles and seems intent on finding a wife with a bland personality who will help oversee the households of his various properties and provide him with an heir. Meanwhile, Clarity is disappointed, but she sees the occasional glimmer of the boy she used to love. Of course, Alex immediately tells her she is not the kind of wife he wants because she is not conservative enough. Despite their best intentions, each is drawn to the other, and eventually, they admit they love one another.
Any other book would end there, but we still have to deal with that rotten aunt mentioned earlier. It quickly becomes obvious that she is the reason Alex is the way that he is. And after Clarity and Alex are married, she becomes a thorn in the side of Clarity. Alex seems unaware and eventually, things reach the boiling point. I expected Aunt Elizabeth to be ousted from the house, but we discover she’s not really the monster we thought. She’s still a monster, to a certain extent, but we learn her motivations and her history so she’s a bit more sympathetic. Based on her life experience, she was doing what she truly thought was best for Alex.
It’s almost like getting two stories in one. The first dealt with Clarity and Alex trying to find their way to one another, and the second dealt with Clarity, and by extension Alex, learning how to deal with a controlling, set-in-her-ways aunt who shares their home, but really considers it hers because she has been there so long. Descriptions are clear and the characters are engaging. The writing is easily comprehensible, without any need to decipher what the author is trying to say. It’s really quite well written and I’m excited to read more from Sydney Jane Baily.
Clarity is the oldest daughter of the Diamond family. Her father is an earl, patriarch to a boisterous family, full of love and excitement. Alexander is the son of a viscount and only a few years older than Clarity. They play together and get into a lot of trouble; most of the time their parents laugh it off, but Alex’s aunt is a bitter widow who seems devoid of joy. Thus, she is usually criticizing the discipline exercised by Alex’s parents. The Diamonds and the Hollidges are the best of friends so the children play together frequently.
Then, Alex’s parents die unexpectedly when he is still quite young (12, I think) and they don’t see each other anymore. His aunt becomes his guardian. When they run into one another once again, Clarity is still the same enthusiastic and happy person, but Alex has changed. He barely smiles and seems intent on finding a wife with a bland personality who will help oversee the households of his various properties and provide him with an heir. Meanwhile, Clarity is disappointed, but she sees the occasional glimmer of the boy she used to love. Of course, Alex immediately tells her she is not the kind of wife he wants because she is not conservative enough. Despite their best intentions, each is drawn to the other, and eventually, they admit they love one another.
Any other book would end there, but we still have to deal with that rotten aunt mentioned earlier. It quickly becomes obvious that she is the reason Alex is the way that he is. And after Clarity and Alex are married, she becomes a thorn in the side of Clarity. Alex seems unaware and eventually, things reach the boiling point. I expected Aunt Elizabeth to be ousted from the house, but we discover she’s not really the monster we thought. She’s still a monster, to a certain extent, but we learn her motivations and her history so she’s a bit more sympathetic. Based on her life experience, she was doing what she truly thought was best for Alex.
It’s almost like getting two stories in one. The first dealt with Clarity and Alex trying to find their way to one another, and the second dealt with Clarity, and by extension Alex, learning how to deal with a controlling, set-in-her-ways aunt who shares their home, but really considers it hers because she has been there so long. Descriptions are clear and the characters are engaging. The writing is easily comprehensible, without any need to decipher what the author is trying to say. It’s really quite well written and I’m excited to read more from Sydney Jane Baily.
April 23, 2022
Where to start on this book! The Diamonds are a big, kooky, lovely family. They're very Eloisa James Wilde family-esque. Clarity, the heroine of the book is eldest of her family and charming and an absolute delight. So was her first suitor that proposed, I wish he was the hero of the book. Alex, the hero, is an old family friend, who after his parents die in a terrible accident, hasn't seen Clarity for about a decade. Alex is a horrible stodge of a character and I found little redeemable in his character. There have been quite a few male characters in books that I've hated, but also loved but Alex was not one of them. I don't understand what it was in him that Clarity loved so much. Their whole relationship went from 0 to 100 way way way too fast. One minute he's thinking that she's a mess and totally inappropriate for him then the next minute they're turning down other relationship interests and next minute they're both mutually in love with no conflict or anything in-between. It made no sense.
I love when a male character "breaks." Especially one that I strongly dislike but has some redeemable qualities, but I hate Alex so much when he broke I wanted it to be forever and for him to be miserable forever and for Clarity to leave him for good. He was too negative, too critical and everything he said or let his aunt or first marriage prospect say about Clarity made me wonder how did he want to marry her? That was so unsatisfying. And his aunt! I can't even get started on how the reader has no satisfaction with that part. She is terrible, and her lack of any enjoyable resolution (to the reader to make up for her terrible behavior) was disappointing. I'm 100% on Clarity's side and she should have just washed her hands of both those lame characters.
The daughters names are strange and a little off-putting, but small quibble. I liked the writing and the style, the heroine and her fun family. The Clarity and Diamond family parts were fun to read, and super charming. I just was really put off by Alex and his aunt, and their confusing behavior and glossing over of it and lack of a strong resolution to the conflicts that made up the book. I will read the next book in the series, even if this one wasn't my favorite. I did like the Diamond family, even with their odd names. This is my first Sydney Jane Baily book and if it is her first book maybe the next will be better, the series has promise!
I was sent this book as an ARC and all opinions are my own.
I love when a male character "breaks." Especially one that I strongly dislike but has some redeemable qualities, but I hate Alex so much when he broke I wanted it to be forever and for him to be miserable forever and for Clarity to leave him for good. He was too negative, too critical and everything he said or let his aunt or first marriage prospect say about Clarity made me wonder how did he want to marry her? That was so unsatisfying. And his aunt! I can't even get started on how the reader has no satisfaction with that part. She is terrible, and her lack of any enjoyable resolution (to the reader to make up for her terrible behavior) was disappointing. I'm 100% on Clarity's side and she should have just washed her hands of both those lame characters.
The daughters names are strange and a little off-putting, but small quibble. I liked the writing and the style, the heroine and her fun family. The Clarity and Diamond family parts were fun to read, and super charming. I just was really put off by Alex and his aunt, and their confusing behavior and glossing over of it and lack of a strong resolution to the conflicts that made up the book. I will read the next book in the series, even if this one wasn't my favorite. I did like the Diamond family, even with their odd names. This is my first Sydney Jane Baily book and if it is her first book maybe the next will be better, the series has promise!
I was sent this book as an ARC and all opinions are my own.
February 15, 2023
I discovered this series (and author) through the Naughty or Nice Anthology by Wolf Publishing. After reading A Diamond for Christmas, I had to know more about this family.
Clarity was a great way to start the series. She's vivacious, fun, whimsical, not exactly a proper lady, a bit of a tomboy, and absolutely perfect for her childhood friend, Alex. When they were kids, they would pull pranks and get into trouble together. Their parents were great friends, which made it easy for Clarity and Alex to do the same.
But tragedy struck for Alex and the two of them went for years without seeing each other or exchanging any sort of communication. They're grown adults now and both are on the marriage market. He's now a viscount and needs a suitable wife and an heir. The problem is he's been out of society for so long, he's messing up the etiquette. He sets his sights on Purity, Clarity's younger sister, but she doesn't want him. She's prim and the embodiment of propriety. Clarity is too loud, laughs too much, likes to compete and have fun--no, she won't do. Not at all. He needs somebody who will stay within the restrictions of society and never embarrass him.
Clarity has a man who is in hot pursuit, but after seeing Alex again, he's got her attention. She realizes that he went from this fun-loving, exuberant boy to this stodgy old man in a young man's body and is determined to bring back that fun guy. She knows he's in there somewhere. She just has to convince him to let him come out and play and to hell with his old biddy of an aunt! Falling in love with Alex was only the natural thing to do.
Alex was being led around by his aunt, Lady Aston. She had a bride picked out for him and it certainly wasn't Clarity Diamond. She was making all of his decisions concerning women, social affairs, and running his household. She had a stick up her backside, was mean, underhanded, conniving, and interfering, but she was a heck of an antagonist. She angered me so many times then I got mad at Alex for not reining her in. I wanted to grab him by his jacket and ask him why he was letting this go on.
This was a fantastic story. I loved Clarity and the camaraderie with her family. I liked the fun Alex and felt bad for the stick-in-the-mud Alex. I understood where he was coming from and why he acted like he did. His only hope at happiness was with Clarity. There is a fair amount of angst, some mild steam, and the characters were so dynamic that I found myself wanting to be a part of their group.
Easy, easy five stars.
Clarity was a great way to start the series. She's vivacious, fun, whimsical, not exactly a proper lady, a bit of a tomboy, and absolutely perfect for her childhood friend, Alex. When they were kids, they would pull pranks and get into trouble together. Their parents were great friends, which made it easy for Clarity and Alex to do the same.
But tragedy struck for Alex and the two of them went for years without seeing each other or exchanging any sort of communication. They're grown adults now and both are on the marriage market. He's now a viscount and needs a suitable wife and an heir. The problem is he's been out of society for so long, he's messing up the etiquette. He sets his sights on Purity, Clarity's younger sister, but she doesn't want him. She's prim and the embodiment of propriety. Clarity is too loud, laughs too much, likes to compete and have fun--no, she won't do. Not at all. He needs somebody who will stay within the restrictions of society and never embarrass him.
Clarity has a man who is in hot pursuit, but after seeing Alex again, he's got her attention. She realizes that he went from this fun-loving, exuberant boy to this stodgy old man in a young man's body and is determined to bring back that fun guy. She knows he's in there somewhere. She just has to convince him to let him come out and play and to hell with his old biddy of an aunt! Falling in love with Alex was only the natural thing to do.
Alex was being led around by his aunt, Lady Aston. She had a bride picked out for him and it certainly wasn't Clarity Diamond. She was making all of his decisions concerning women, social affairs, and running his household. She had a stick up her backside, was mean, underhanded, conniving, and interfering, but she was a heck of an antagonist. She angered me so many times then I got mad at Alex for not reining her in. I wanted to grab him by his jacket and ask him why he was letting this go on.
This was a fantastic story. I loved Clarity and the camaraderie with her family. I liked the fun Alex and felt bad for the stick-in-the-mud Alex. I understood where he was coming from and why he acted like he did. His only hope at happiness was with Clarity. There is a fair amount of angst, some mild steam, and the characters were so dynamic that I found myself wanting to be a part of their group.
Easy, easy five stars.
October 7, 2022
Victorian Era / grupmy-sunshine / second chance romance.
The vivacious Lady Clarity is the eldest of five siblings in the close knit family of Lord Diamond. Lord Alex is her childhood playmate, son of her mother's best friend.
When young Alex's parents die in an accident he is sent away boarding school, then on to university. Many years pass until Clarity is reintroduced to Alex at a London ball. Her fun-loving childhood friend is now a serious, staid and downright boring man - albeit a handsome one.
Alex has no family other than his dragon of an aunt, who has been his guardian since his parents' death. Aunt Elizabeth is cold and serious. She is intent on Alex making a practical match; finding a bride who will complement his status by being the perfect cookie cutter wife - emotional attachment not required.
Alex starts the book completely emotionally stunted. He has serious emotional trauma from his parents' accident and has been fed lies by his aunt causing him to feel guilty and somehow responsible for everything. He becomes reacquainted with Clarity, who is a fun-loving, generous and generally sweet person, but despite being attracted to her, his aunt vetoes Clarity as totally unsuitable.
Clarity had always enjoyed getting into mischief with Alex, but this new Alex is so completely different and unhappy, she wants to help him.
The two keep running into each other at various events and slowly but surely, Clarity begins to bring Alex back to life. The trouble is, his aunt has arranged for his betrothal to another girl, and Clarity also has other suitors.
The two finally get on the same page and declare their feelings - end act one.
The second half of the book is basically Clarity moving in with Alex and his aunt, and the drama she has with the woman who refuses to give up her tight control over the household. Unfortunately, Alex is next to useless here. I think he really has no idea what's going on under his roof. But Clarity isn't supported and everything starts falling apart.
Eventually we get our HEA. Even the aunt is taken care of, so everyone wins.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
The vivacious Lady Clarity is the eldest of five siblings in the close knit family of Lord Diamond. Lord Alex is her childhood playmate, son of her mother's best friend.
When young Alex's parents die in an accident he is sent away boarding school, then on to university. Many years pass until Clarity is reintroduced to Alex at a London ball. Her fun-loving childhood friend is now a serious, staid and downright boring man - albeit a handsome one.
Alex has no family other than his dragon of an aunt, who has been his guardian since his parents' death. Aunt Elizabeth is cold and serious. She is intent on Alex making a practical match; finding a bride who will complement his status by being the perfect cookie cutter wife - emotional attachment not required.
Alex starts the book completely emotionally stunted. He has serious emotional trauma from his parents' accident and has been fed lies by his aunt causing him to feel guilty and somehow responsible for everything. He becomes reacquainted with Clarity, who is a fun-loving, generous and generally sweet person, but despite being attracted to her, his aunt vetoes Clarity as totally unsuitable.
Clarity had always enjoyed getting into mischief with Alex, but this new Alex is so completely different and unhappy, she wants to help him.
The two keep running into each other at various events and slowly but surely, Clarity begins to bring Alex back to life. The trouble is, his aunt has arranged for his betrothal to another girl, and Clarity also has other suitors.
The two finally get on the same page and declare their feelings - end act one.
The second half of the book is basically Clarity moving in with Alex and his aunt, and the drama she has with the woman who refuses to give up her tight control over the household. Unfortunately, Alex is next to useless here. I think he really has no idea what's going on under his roof. But Clarity isn't supported and everything starts falling apart.
Eventually we get our HEA. Even the aunt is taken care of, so everyone wins.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
April 6, 2022
I loved reading about the Diamond's family origins and history. It really lent a foundation of historical realism and made the story much more richer for the reader.
This is about a humbling, realistic love that involves three people. Clarity, Alex and Alex's Aunt Elizabeth. There was definitely friction all the way around and caused Clarity the most problem. However, Clarity had the strength to persevere. Alex needed an attitude adjustment and Aunt Elizabeth just had to go away. But I felt bad for Clarity that she was thwarted by Elizabeth every time she exerted her requests as mistress of her new home. It took months of separation for Clarity and Alex to be on the same page. When Clarity returned back with Alex she fought Elizabeth for the position of mistress of the household. Clarity was determined not to back down from Elizabeth. It took strong moves for Clarity to achieve it. But she accomplished her goals. Clarity tried to include Elizabeth into her and Alex's life but Elizabeth could not be swayed into relaxing, letting her hair down every once in a while, and enjoy life. So sad.
One will find this book to be one of changing emotional highs and lows. This is definitely a page turner. As well as realistic and relatable. I highly recommend this book. You will not be disappointed.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read
Entertaining
Funny
Happily Ever After
Romantic
Realistic
Steamy
Unpredictable
Witty
Wonderful characters.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is about a humbling, realistic love that involves three people. Clarity, Alex and Alex's Aunt Elizabeth. There was definitely friction all the way around and caused Clarity the most problem. However, Clarity had the strength to persevere. Alex needed an attitude adjustment and Aunt Elizabeth just had to go away. But I felt bad for Clarity that she was thwarted by Elizabeth every time she exerted her requests as mistress of her new home. It took months of separation for Clarity and Alex to be on the same page. When Clarity returned back with Alex she fought Elizabeth for the position of mistress of the household. Clarity was determined not to back down from Elizabeth. It took strong moves for Clarity to achieve it. But she accomplished her goals. Clarity tried to include Elizabeth into her and Alex's life but Elizabeth could not be swayed into relaxing, letting her hair down every once in a while, and enjoy life. So sad.
One will find this book to be one of changing emotional highs and lows. This is definitely a page turner. As well as realistic and relatable. I highly recommend this book. You will not be disappointed.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read
Entertaining
Funny
Happily Ever After
Romantic
Realistic
Steamy
Unpredictable
Witty
Wonderful characters.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 12, 2022
Excellent start to a new series. Sydney Jayne Bailey is rather an underrated writer in the Regency romance genre. I wasn't crazy about her previous series, but this one is a return to form, using one of my favorite tropes: grumpy H meets firecracker h and sparks fly. I enjoyed all of the characters here, including the secondary characters--with the notable exception of one (which I'll explain below).
While the blurb makes it sound as if the plot will focus on the romance between Alex and Clarity, after they get married around the halfway mark, it's really about Clarity gaining confidence in a new role as wife and lady of the household. This means that she has to deal with a manipulative relative who is blatantly reluctant to give up her position and who has been keeping Alex under her thumb since he was a child. While Alex experiences fears and nightmares of losing Clarity based on the untimely deaths of his parents, Clarity must deal with his aunt's machinations.
Like most readers, there are times I end up giving a book 4 stars instead of 5 due to my emotional response to a character and how their plotline is resolved. I'm just going to admit I had a problem with the aunt, and her behavior impacted how I viewed Alex as a husband at the end. POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD................The aunt raised Alex in a repressive household and convinced him as a boy that he was responsible for his own parents' deaths, which is an absolutely egregious thing to do. We're supposed to feel some sympathy toward her by the last couple of chapters, but she's a textbook example of a toxic personality. I felt that Alex should have had Charity's back much sooner than he did and given aunty an ultimatum. Instead, he confided in her and looked to her for advice for way too long. I had a hard time believing in everyone's HEA with the woman still in the household by the end. But again, this is just my emotional reaction to the character.
Overall, this is a strong start to a new series, and I'm looking forward to the next book!
Note: although this cover looks innocent (which seems to be the trend in Regency romance covers these days), there is plenty of steam. This is a not a "sweet and clean" book, if that's your taste.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Thanks to the author, publisher, and Booksprout.
While the blurb makes it sound as if the plot will focus on the romance between Alex and Clarity, after they get married around the halfway mark, it's really about Clarity gaining confidence in a new role as wife and lady of the household. This means that she has to deal with a manipulative relative who is blatantly reluctant to give up her position and who has been keeping Alex under her thumb since he was a child. While Alex experiences fears and nightmares of losing Clarity based on the untimely deaths of his parents, Clarity must deal with his aunt's machinations.
Like most readers, there are times I end up giving a book 4 stars instead of 5 due to my emotional response to a character and how their plotline is resolved. I'm just going to admit I had a problem with the aunt, and her behavior impacted how I viewed Alex as a husband at the end. POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD................The aunt raised Alex in a repressive household and convinced him as a boy that he was responsible for his own parents' deaths, which is an absolutely egregious thing to do. We're supposed to feel some sympathy toward her by the last couple of chapters, but she's a textbook example of a toxic personality. I felt that Alex should have had Charity's back much sooner than he did and given aunty an ultimatum. Instead, he confided in her and looked to her for advice for way too long. I had a hard time believing in everyone's HEA with the woman still in the household by the end. But again, this is just my emotional reaction to the character.
Overall, this is a strong start to a new series, and I'm looking forward to the next book!
Note: although this cover looks innocent (which seems to be the trend in Regency romance covers these days), there is plenty of steam. This is a not a "sweet and clean" book, if that's your taste.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Thanks to the author, publisher, and Booksprout.
March 29, 2022
The prologue grabbed me right away and I couldn’t put the book down. Alex was a mischievous child always getting in trouble with his pranks and taking Clarity with him. Clarity worshipped her friend Alex and their mothers thought a match between the two would be wonderful. They were both full of life and happy and were perfect for each other. But alas Alex’s life changed in a heartbeat. He lost both parents to a coaching accident and for many years he blamed himself for his loss.
Clarity missed her childhood friend. Alex never came to visit her and her family until one night ten years later at a ball, she saw him as a grown man. Handsome and serious looking with no joy in his eyes, no laughter in his face just all propriety, and frankly boring. She was going to try to help him remember the young Alex, but all he did was be critical of every thing she did and remind her she was not a child anymore and she needed to grow up. He was looking for a wife that was all proper and a love match was not a prerequisite. Clarity was crushed to think she had lost him.
Can Clarity bring back the fun loving Alex, the boy she never forgot, the boy she idolized since she was 5 years old? I was beginning to think maybe not but then surprise surprise, something happened to give her hope. A most enjoyable story.
I was given an advance copy of this ARC review and am giving my honest opinion.
Clarity missed her childhood friend. Alex never came to visit her and her family until one night ten years later at a ball, she saw him as a grown man. Handsome and serious looking with no joy in his eyes, no laughter in his face just all propriety, and frankly boring. She was going to try to help him remember the young Alex, but all he did was be critical of every thing she did and remind her she was not a child anymore and she needed to grow up. He was looking for a wife that was all proper and a love match was not a prerequisite. Clarity was crushed to think she had lost him.
Can Clarity bring back the fun loving Alex, the boy she never forgot, the boy she idolized since she was 5 years old? I was beginning to think maybe not but then surprise surprise, something happened to give her hope. A most enjoyable story.
I was given an advance copy of this ARC review and am giving my honest opinion.
March 29, 2022
I loved this book! As always, this author brings humor & fun to the strait-laced society rules, that makes for a wonderful, well-written book.
Lady Clarity Diamond is the first-born daughter of a prominent family & has always brought sunshine to the room with her fun-loving ways & bright smile. She has many suitors & this season she will find a husband - until her childhood friend, Alex, makes a long overdue appearance in society. But what happened to her impish, mischief-making friend? He has been replaced by a rigid, regimented, austere grouch.
Lord Alex Hollidge's carefree, fun life was cut short when the death of his parents required him to take the title of viscount & live with his aunt. Now, twelve years later, he has returned to society to do his duty to provide an heir. Clarity is just as he remembered her, frivolous & happy, which is exactly why she cannot be an option for a wife.
If it can't be possible, will Alex & Clarity be able to fight their desire? Can Clarity break down all the walls that life built around his heart & bring back the boy she loved & his parents would have wanted him to grow to be? A wonderful romance with humor, passion, & mystery! I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
Lady Clarity Diamond is the first-born daughter of a prominent family & has always brought sunshine to the room with her fun-loving ways & bright smile. She has many suitors & this season she will find a husband - until her childhood friend, Alex, makes a long overdue appearance in society. But what happened to her impish, mischief-making friend? He has been replaced by a rigid, regimented, austere grouch.
Lord Alex Hollidge's carefree, fun life was cut short when the death of his parents required him to take the title of viscount & live with his aunt. Now, twelve years later, he has returned to society to do his duty to provide an heir. Clarity is just as he remembered her, frivolous & happy, which is exactly why she cannot be an option for a wife.
If it can't be possible, will Alex & Clarity be able to fight their desire? Can Clarity break down all the walls that life built around his heart & bring back the boy she loved & his parents would have wanted him to grow to be? A wonderful romance with humor, passion, & mystery! I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
November 5, 2022
The writing style is light, lively, and engaging, and kept my interest. I really liked the personality of the heroine, Clarity, but never did warm up to the hero, Alex, although he had a nice moment here and there. The evolvement of their childhood attachment into a rocky adult relationship was believable and well told, although I wanted to smack him for being such a dupe for his horrible aunt. My main reason for only giving this book four stars instead of five is how the aunt is portrayed: she let a young boy believe it was his fault his parents were killed, sent him away while she lived in his homes in grand style, browbeat him into a humorless, dour man and then tried to maneuver him into marrying the humorless, dour woman she had chosen. Alex let himself be manipulated by her even when he was old enough to know better, and then let her run roughshod over Clarity after their marriage. It’s the reason I had lukewarm feelings about him, and I was incredulous when Auntie was never held accountable for any of it, and even more incredulous when it was accepted that “she did her best.” No, doggone it, she actually ought to have been charged with several crimes.
This was my first book by this author, and definitely not my last, but I hope I’ve seen the end of evil relatives who get off scot free.
This was my first book by this author, and definitely not my last, but I hope I’ve seen the end of evil relatives who get off scot free.
April 1, 2022
This book has a lot of things going on in it. Childhood friends Clarity and Alex have not seen each other in many years, since his parents died and he went under the care of his stodgy aunt. When they meet again, Alex has changed a lot from his rambunctious and joyful youth and is now very cautious and series. He's looking for a wife, and the boisterous Clarity is not a contender, even if they're both very much attracted to each other. The first third of the book deals with them courting others but not being able to resist each other. Alex blames himself for his parents' death and Clarity tries to make him see that it was merely an accident and that he should seek joy in his life. The second third deals with Clarity and Alex as newlyweds with his overbearing aunt still running the household and Alex growing more and more worried and stern over Clarity's health and safety. They fight and make up but then still need to deal with the meddlesome aunt in the last third of the book. Overall, it seemed like too many things happening over the course of too long a period of time. While each part was well-written and you could feel for the characters, it just felt like it was too long of a story for a single book.
April 10, 2022
One might better describe this as late Regency as it takes place in the 1840's. Clarity Diamond and Alex are great friends loving to get up to mischief together whenever their parents visit the other which is often as the mothers are best friends. That is until Alex's parents tragically die in an accident leaving the new Viscount Hollidge at just 13 in the care of his strict and unpleasant Aunt, Lady Aston. 12 years pass when Viscount Hollidge again sees Lady Clarity and the Diamond family at a dinner ball. It is the first time Alex has entered society and Clarity's next youngest sister, Purity, finds him as stiff as a stick. When he visits their London house two days later he states his preference and intention to marry Purity to which Clarity is shocked. Purity demurs emphatically. Clarity around 20 is in demand at the society events at which Alex is also seekiing a wife to look after the house and manage the servants at several estates. No mention of love. If anyone can bring him to his senses despite his manipulative and curmudgeonly Aunt it will be the beautiful and vivacious Lady Clarity. Indeed, there are some good steamy parts which help along the narrative. Received this ARC and have voluntarily reviewed.
April 4, 2022
This is the first in Ms. Baily's new series, Diamonds of the First Water. And what brilliant start it is! Clarity is a ray of sunshine and Alex is a bit of a stick in the mud. They've known each other since they were children and their parents were very good friends. They would often vacation together in the summer, but a tragic accident where Alex lost his parents ended all that and he moved away to stay with his aunt. Twelve years later Alex comes back to take his place in society, and Clarity immediately notices he is not the same happy and mischievous boy she once knew. Living with the belief that he was the reason for his parent's accident has taken a toll on him. It is up to Clarity to remind him of the joy and happiness they once shared. This was an absolutely beautiful story full of passion and love with amazing and well-developed characters. The story pulled me in right from the start and immediately captivated me. A delightful and charming romantic story that is sure to put a smile on your face. Looking forward to reading the next one!
Thank you to Wolf Publishing and Ms. Baily for providing a complimentary copy. This is my voluntary and honest review.
Thank you to Wolf Publishing and Ms. Baily for providing a complimentary copy. This is my voluntary and honest review.
April 8, 2022
Clarity and Alex were best friends and almost constant companions until he was orphaned and sent away to school by his Aunt Elizabeth. That was twelve years ago. Alex has finally reenter Society, but he is different. Instead of his old happy self, he is the image of his unpleasant Aunt Elizabeth. Clarity is the same happy, cheerful person she has always been. Alex agrees with his aunt that she is not the kind of wife he needs. Well, the heart does not always follow what the brain, or Aunt Elizabeth, dictates. I really liked this story about lost-and-found friends. Alex and Clarity are the right match. It takes Alex awhile to face that fact. Clarity is patient, but has a limit. The are some missteps and misunderstandings, some hurt and frustration, but the is also fun, family, and romance. The Earl and Countess of Diamond and their children are a delightful, loving family. I enjoyed the interesting family history. They have five children. I look forward to the stories of the rest of their “Diamonds of the First Water.” Good read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
April 8, 2022
Clarity and Alex grew up seeing each other often, as the two mothers were close friends. Twelve years later they meet at a ball and he is the exact opposite of who he was as a child. The death of his parents, and living with his overbearing aunt, have beaten the joy out of his life. Clarity is the life of the party. She’s genuine and witty, beautiful and fun loving…and Alex is drawn to her even though he deems her too improper to marry. This is a emotional rollercoaster ride that certainly has its ups and downs. Just when you think you have reached a happy ending, the ride starts all over again. Alex is such a sympathy evoking character. His true self is buried under, guilt and fear; and because she is his only living relative, he gives his aunt way too much power over his life. Clarity eventually lives up to her name, and Alex finally sees the light. This story is well written, entertaining and has characters that feel real and are easily imaginable. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to the next book in the series.
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I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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