I have read all of the prior entries in Sydney Jane Baily's "Diamonds of the First Water" series and for the most part, enjoyed them. "Brilliance" definitely falls to the bottom of the pile. The FMC (Brilliance) falls in insta-love with the MMC (Lord Vincent) when she comes across him playing piano during a house party. He is incredibly rude, but she just knows there is something there. The MMC somehow becomes intrigued by Brilliance, who is naive, tactless, and oftentimes just plain rude. I get where Baily was trying to go with portraying Brilliance as someone who doesn't play games, says it like she thinks it is, etc., but Brilliance came off as a little bit dumb and fairly annoying.

Vincent is equally unlikeable. His decision to court Brilliance seems more like a path of least resistance than anything more. And he is very easily able to throw her over due to his own insecurities. Vincent is cruel to Brilliance yet somehow the entire incident that leads to their initial parting is her fault? Vincent is unwilling or unable to truly stand up for himself and instead blames others for his failures. Brilliance, while annoying, at least spoke her beliefs and was willing to put herself out there for what she thought was right.

So yeah, I didn't care for either of the main characters. The writing was fine and I would definitely read other works by Baily. But skip this one.

2 stars, simply because I know Baily can do better. Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for a complimentary ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.

The characters, the plot... it didn't work for me. There is only so much one can overlook for the sake of youth and beauty. The female protagonist had an open heart... and mouth. She was just too unfiltered and mettlesome. The male counterpart a saint or sinner? The plot meandered in a way that kept me wondering but not in a good way.

This is the first book I have EVER DNF'd.

I hated the POV it was written in, it made it very difficult for me to read. I also felt like the story line was just boring. Nothing was happening except FMC was straight up rude to the other female characters and instantly fell in love with the MMC because he could play music. I also felt like the way she was acting wasn't fitting for the time period the book was set in. I didn't like her at all. So those things combined I had no interest in finishing the book.

This is a joyful romantic tale. The heroine is spontaneous, guileless and shines brilliantly, adding sunlight to his somber lifestyle. Misunderstanding, the past and thievery are just some of the obstacles they need to overcome. Turns out, the couple are creative and generous at achieving their HEA.

I received an ARC from Netgalley and leaving my review voluntarily.

Cute, funny Victorian romance, takes place during 1854, in London, England.

When Lady Brilliance Diamond, is invited to a party in in country for a week, she never expected to fall in love. She leads with her heart first and oftentimes speaks without thinking; but it makes her honest in a time when women are told to sit back and listen.

Lord Vincent Hewitt, is invited to his cousin's house party, but he'd rather stay at his own country home writing music than attend. But when he sets his eyes on Brilliance, he slowly changes his tune. She loves listening to him play the piano, but he's been burned twice before. But when she finally wins his heart, she makes a mistake and loses him at the same time.

Can this setback between the lovers be fixed? Or will Bri always love him from afar.

Lovely Lady Brilliance Diamond meets Lord Vincent Hewitt at a house party hosted by his cousin. The pair fall in love, and together, they conquer the betrayals of his past.

I loved this story. I loved Brilliance and the entire Diamond family. Brilliances character was a joy to read, her humour, loyalty, and the unique way she saw the world. She sometimes came across as socially awkward but charmed me all the same. I could read about her all day. Vincent was a bit of a prickly porcupine at first, and I enjoyed seeing him fall in love with Brilliance.

This is my first book the Sydney Jane Bailey (thank you Netgalley) and I will definitely check out the rest of her works.

An interesting and somewhat humorous finish to this great series. Not my favourite book as I found Brilliance a bit cringe worthy at times but the premise of a composer who had his work stolen by his best friend and ex fiance was a good one. Overall this was a great series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Brilliance is not my favorite book in the Diamonds of the First Water Series, which I have enjoyed. It started off well, and Lady Brilliance is definitely not your average Lady, she is truly original, which I liked. I did not care so much for Vincent, he may have had some good reasons for being unhappy, but he just came across, to me, as a real jerk. The book went on too long, with not much happening, so I lost interest It just wasn't what I, personally, enjoy. 3-1/2 State

I received a free ARC but am leaving my honest opinion voluntarily.

Loved reading the amazing and awesome romance story. When Brilliance hears someone playing the piano, she can't help herself and is drawn to the person playing, Lord Vincent Hewitt. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read riveting love story. Can't wait to read another story by the fabulous and fantastic author, Sydney Jane Baily!

Brilliance is so up my alley. I love the character of Brilliance! She is the essence of innocence, honor, and love. Whatever she does she does so full heartedly. So this book was wonderful to see she gets exactly what she needs in a husband although fickle he is just as wonderful.
I have read this whole series, however, you could read this as a single novel. But the others in this series are just as good so you'd probably want to go read about Brillance's siblings and her parents as well.
I recieved a free copy so that I might tell you what I honestly think. Hope you enjoyed my review. Now go enjoy the book

I have read some but not all of this fun series from Sydney Jane Baily. The series focuses on the family of Lord Diamond. Brilliance Diamond is the youngest of the family and I am assuming this finishes the series. Bri is properly reared but tends to speak without thinking. She isn’t tackless but is more naive and without guile. At a weeklong house party she meets Lord Vincent Hewitt. He is a cousin on the hostess and has a house on neighboring property. He is at first annoyed and then charmed by the Brilliance. Vincent loves to play and compose music which leads to some intrigue. I enjoyed the previous book I read slightly more but this is still a fun and entertaining Victorian romance. Thank you to NetGalley and Wolf Publishing for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review. (3.5 Stars)

I am just going to say do yourself as a reader a favor, block out a couple of hours and truly settle down with this great book.