How many synonyms for the word diamond, can you turn Into a girl's name? Turns out 5, with Brilliance being the 5th. The 5th book in a series, all about 5 Diamond sisters. Diamond being their surname .
I actually went to read the previous 4 books in the series before this one, in order to understand the background. Not really necessary, and makes a change from following a series through after.
Obviously, I enjoyed the books and liked the storylines. Thought this was a good series from a good author.

I was looking forward to this book but it didn’t actually appeal to me. I missed chemistry between the main characters. Brilliance quite scatterbrained. She often makes observations at inappropriate times, blurts out every single thought that pops in her mind and is overall quite foolish. That can be endearing but I doubted her mental state, to be honest. She brought Vincent fruits because she thought it would “help him tremendously.” Even Vincent wondered if she had sawdust between her ears. Anyway, Vincent didn’t appeal to me either. He came across as arrogant and self-centered. At a party he only wanted to practice playing the piano but he didn’t want to engage with other people or perform for the enjoyment of others. And these two people end up kissing on many occasions, out of the blue. Very unrealistic. It might be enjoyed by a lot of people but it wasn’t quite my cup of tea.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved the humor, and Brilliance was a breath of fresh air. A charming romance story.
Many thanks to Wolf Publishing and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

As with the other Diamond stories Brilliance was an amazing adventure that kept me coming back for more even when it meant tuning out my husband so I could continue reading.

A fab read that I really enjoyed characters were well rounded and the story kept me hooked on what was going to happen next

Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
👫🏼👫🏼
I really loved the beginning of this book, Brilliance was such a bubbly, effusive, and innocent character, and you can't help but love her. She knew what she wanted(Vincent) and went after it. I liked her unfiltered mouth. She literally said anything that came to mind.
👫🏼👫🏼
Ironically, she's also the reason I gave the book 3.8 stars instead of 4 stars. Brilliance is the kind of person needed in short doses, anything longer than that, and she just becomes annoying. I also didn't like how she was useless throughout the book6 did nothing, nothing except fall in love. She had no hobby, no passion and it was annoying. She was smart and had a lot of opportunities, but there was nothing. I'd have loved it if she had more going for her.
👫🏼👫🏼
I also liked Vincent, he was okay, and I understood the trauma he was facing with his music. Although I don't like how he treated Brilliance after she printed his songs without his permission (it was for a surprise). If a guy said something like that to me, he'd give me heaven and earth before I forgive him. Brilliance is clearly a better person as she forgave him easily.
👫🏼👫🏼
All in all, I loved the book, the storyline and the chemistry between Brilliance and Vincent, the side characters were not too bad.
👫🏼👫🏼
I recommend this book, it was worth it, I just wanted Brilliance to be more.

I found myself putting this book down quite a bit. I could only take it in small samples. That’s never a good sign as I typically devour my books. The problem I had with this one is that I couldn’t engage with either main character. Although they had their great moments, I found myself repeatedly annoyed with them. I also felt that the first third of the book dragged for me.

I believe Brilliance (love the name) was meant to be quirking and fun. But she came across as having NO filter. This led to a number of funny moments. But it also created some cringe-worthy interactions. I could not believe that she could be so totally clueless (and heartless) at times. I left me feeling that she was “Too Stupid to Live” on a number of occasions. As I got deeper into the book, I found myself becoming frustrated more often. I also got a little Deja vu feeling. I saw the same “love at first sight” from the previous book, Radiance. Brilliance pursued Hewitt relentlessly because she knew he was the man for her.

And what can I say about Hewitt? There’s not much to say. He ran hot and cold for me. I never was able to pin him down as to what type of hero he wanted to be. Too often, he left me shaking my head. He felt more like a placeholder; needed to further the mystery. He also wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed.

This can be read as a standalone. But this is part of a series. If you have been following the series; you’ll probably want to read this. But if this is the first Bree Wolf book that you’re thinking of, I believe there are far better ones to choose from. Bree has written some exceptional books. This, unfortunately, is not one of them.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wolf Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is part of a series about the Diamond family in 1824 England. I haven’t read the other books in the series but I didn’t feel like I had to do so to understand the plot and characters. Lady Brilliance is the youngest of the Diamond children and she certainly seems to have been “babied”. While she’s guileless and sweet, she comes off as kind of a bubblehead and I found that annoying. She sets her marital sights on Lord Vincent Hewitt but her immediate attraction to him is poorly explained. He’s a classical pianist and composer but has been deceived in the past by his former fiancé and his former good friend. Brilliance and Vincent have a bumpy ride to love with misunderstanding and hurt feelings…fairly standard historical romance fare. it was a nice story but I wouldn’t read the rest of the series.

I have read all of the books in this series and have enjoyed every one of them including "Brilliance".
I loved that Brilliance was naïve and had no filter on her thoughts or on voicing those thoughts out loud. I can see how some may have been annoyed with her character or just plain did not like it but I found her amusing and refreshing!! As for Vincent, he was ok, but I felt he really was unfair and somewhat cruel to Brilliance in the beginning although he redeemed himself by the end of the book.
I would recommend this and the others in the series to regency romance readers. I give it a 4 star rating.
Thank you to Wolf Publishing and to Net Galley for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

Brilliance by Sydney Jane Baily is part of the series called Diamonds of the First Order. This is a historical romance in a new series and by a new author for me. The book did not catch me right away, but slowly Brilliance grew on me. She was not a usual character, as she said whatever was on her mind and was unpredictable, something not acceptable in society.

Brilliance Diamond was at a house party when she heard Lord Vincent Hewitt playing a piano. She was entranced and immediately started a conversation, not understanding her unexpected entrance and intervention, was not enjoyed. Brilliance jumped to a conclusion about the conversation and proceeded to make interesting decisions during the entire house party. Vincent Hewitt tried not to speak with her, and avoided her when possible. Eventually, Brilliance wormed her way into Vincent’s thoughts, but it was impossible to have a relationship (ie marriage) with someone like her.

Vincent knows what betrayal is. His best friend stole his music and her fiance. Vincent expects betrayal from everyone… including from Brilliance. And then something happens and both are crushes.

Brilliance by Sydney Jane Bailey was an interesting read.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

Lady Brilliance Diamond may be the youngest of her siblings, but that doesn't mean she isn't ready for her own adventure. Spending time at a house party following her first season, she butts heads with Lord Vincent Hewitt, the cousin of her hostess, and finds she is drawn to him like she never was to any other gentlemen she's met. However, she can be unpredictable at times, and unintentionally she sparks a series of events which bring up the worst memories in Vincent's life. Can she make amends, or is their relationship doomed to fail?

Well, the one thing that immediately comes to mind is: "thank god that's over with!" I've never loved this series, but I've liked it, and I honestly wanted to DNF this book so many times. Brilliance is one of the worst heroines I've ever had the misfortune to read. She was so scatterbrained, and dangerously naive, it was ridiculous. I couldn't really understand how she was the sister to the MC from the previous books, as she was so different, and not in a good way. I understood why many of the guests at the house party, and even Vincent himself, were annoyed with her, and I wasn't rooting for the relationship at all. Towards the end it did pick up, but only enough to move this into 2 star (and only just 2 star) territory. Such a disappointing ending to the series.

A fittingly nice regency romance to end the Diamond series. I enjoy the quips from Brilliance and the interaction between her and Vincent. Glad it all works out in the end.

This book had a concept I have not seen yet in romance books and it was a nice change. Vincent and Brilliance work together deal with a past traumatic event that Vincent went through in his youth and it helps grow and build their relationship. I liked both of the main characters and I especially liked that Brilliance was forth coming with wanting kisses ^.^. However, this book dragged a little and I think was potentially too long for the plot and out come. This was a 3.5 for me and I think I will go back and read other stories in this series. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Brilliance. What can I say about this love story? Absolutely everything! Ladies and Gentlemen, you will not believe me when I tell you this. I was Hypnotize by the overwhelming, intoxicating.
Joyful. Caring. Beautiful personality of Brilliance Diamond. I believe that Her character is the best one in the book. Never have I read a character where the heroine or main character took command of a story from beginning to end.
Brilliance tried to appear as though she’s not smart, but I think that she was the most brilliant one in the room, hence Brilliance is the name. Her character was written so wonderfully. I thought that she engaged well with all the characters. Brilliance story interacts well with the plot. Vincent.
Poor Vincent. He didn’t know what he was getting himself into. Considered as one of the main catches among the gentlemen at a local gathering. Vincent longs to find solace with his music. Now it’s his story that some how becomes everyone’s story.
Mind you back then the beau monde was very nosy and gossiped a lot. And with that the entertainment shoots out like diamonds in the sky. I thought all the characters were terrific. They contributed their opinions and actions very well to the story. The dialogue.
The action. The emotions. They all read so well in the story. I without a doubt love it when a writer gives you a story that captures your imagination and carries you away with a terrific story. This is a story where it’s so in sync with the characters.
I call that darn good writing. The background story or plot, I thought was very logical and current. It was a great motivational goal for Vincent and Brilliance to fight for and share with the ones that they love. The romance was oooo so sweet.
I was very pleased with the way Vincent and Brilliance very heated romance was spread out in the book. This is an exceptionally good romantic story. The writer did spectacular job with this book. I look forward to the next story in this series. I give this story two snaps and a, “Lady Georgina if you would like to keep those prickly Tentacles don’t touch my man again.”
Until next time my fellow readers… read on! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

This is Brilliance and Vincent’s story. They meet by accident. She is drawn to the music he is playing. He has written it. She is sure someone else wrote it. There are many misunderstandings between them but they have a simmering attraction between them.

The heroine is strong and willing to fight for what she thinks is right. The hero has had his music stolen by a former friend. They work together to get him to be recognized for his accomplishments. They fall in love. The story was well written. It was very enjoyable.

unfrotunately I cannot recommend this book. I didn't understaqnd why the hero would like someone so ignorant vberging on not smart. Here engaging personality and honesty was refreshing but it was mixed in with her being either ignorant, or not smart or perhaps on the spectrum, none of it was made clear

"Brilliance" is the last in Sydney Jane Baily's Diamond family series. In it, Brilliance Diamond attends a week-long house party hosted by Colonel and Lady Twitchard. One of the guests is a relative to Lady Twitchard, her cousin Lord Vincent Hewitt. Brilliance and Vincent meet when she stumbles across him playing the piano in the conservatory. They exchange banter, and from there a friendship/flirtation ensues. Eventually both admit to wanting more, but just after, Brilliance does something that sets off a chain reaction of difficulty for Vincent, and herself. Like all romances, the problem eventually gets solved and the couple ride off to their happily ever after.

I wish I had enjoyed this last book of the series, but it was difficult to do so, for the following reasons:
A. Brilliance rubbed me wrong. She's got no book sense, no commonsense, and doesn't think before talking or acting. For all her genuine heart, she has shockingly low regard for respecting other people's desires. This is a gross disservice to the family she is a part of, none of which are presented in the other books with these type of qualities.
B. It made no sense why Brilliance, her mother and her father felt it was their place to decide what Vincent should do with his talent. He had every right to keep it to himself and only display it as HE saw fit.
C. The 'problem' of the anonymously published composition ends up coming off as unnecessary. It also makes Vincent look stupid because he never realized he had proof of his authorship via his works done to commemorate his mother's birthday every year!! The fact that Brilliance figured this out is so obviously a ploy to make her look smarter than she is.

After this, I doubt I'll read another Sydney Jane Baily book anytime soon. Thanks to NetGalley and Wolf Publishing for this advanced copy, which I voluntarily read and reviewed.

The plot had potential, but the MFC was so annoying. I think she was supposed to be clever and witty, but she was, to me, just too outspoken and rather obnoxious, sticking her nose in everything -- and certainly for the time period of an historical romance -- and brazen. She mentally berated another female for throwing herself at the MMC, but she did exactly the same thing, but it was okay for her since she was the female lead. She just had no redeeming characteristics -- oh, wait, she was supposed to be beautiful. I finished the book, and there was a typical female viper around, the semi-villain for the MMC to oppose, a "hidden" secret of the MMC's. But I really couldn't bring myself to care much for either of the leads. I just couldn't see what the MMC saw in the MFC. Sorry, can't recommend. It's not that it needs more character-building. The characters just need more . . . . "character." I haven't read the previous books in the series, but if they are like this one, I won't go back now and look for them (which I will do if I come into a series a couple of books into the series and like that book enough to go back and find the previous books) #Brilliance #NetGalley

I absolutely love Sydney's writing and I thoroughly enjoyed reading Brilliance's story. She is such a breath of fresh air when it comes to characters with her outright remarks and lack of thinking which makes her provide some hilarious commentary. Her romance with Vincent is cute and sweet. Although this is not my favourite in the series (that would be Radiance's story), I found this to still be enjoyable and very cute to read. Would definitely recommend especially if you love regency writing.

Not your typical heroine, Brilliance says what she thinks before she thinks about it. She takes most things literally and really has no talents expected of a young lady. So when she hears a gentleman playing piano at a house party, she quietly enters to enjoy the music. Only the gentleman is very rude to her for disturbing his solitude and she tells it like it is instead of apologizing and leaving.
Vincent is only at his cousin weekend house party as a favor to her. Not what he enjoys, so he is hiding out with his music till he must show himself. He has anger issues but is entitled to them, his best friend married his fiancée and she stoled music he composed. The both of them are now famous due to Vincent music and taking all the credit. And now he is interrupted while losing himself playing his song, of course Brilliance believes it his ex friend composition and says so. He realizes he was rude and apologizes, as does Brilliance even though she is not sure what she did wrong.
A fun, page turning read. A story of standing up for yourself and what it right Learning to trust and love again. Thank you NetGalley for this eARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story. #NetGalley #Brilliance #WolfPublishing