Radiance
Series: Diamonds of the First Water #4
Author: Sydney Jane Baily
Published February 9th 2023 by WOLF Publishing

Goodreads Synopsis
In this sparkling early Victorian romance by USA Today bestselling author Sydney Jane Baily, a fiery-haired Diamond daughter sets her cap at this man of science... and he doesn’t stand a chance!

She’s a gifted artisan with sparkle to spare, and he’s a preoccupied man of science.

At Prince Albert’s Great Exhibition, Lady Radiance Diamond falls in love... with gemstones! Jewelry-making becomes her passion, fashioning trinkets as dazzling as her own personality. Yet when an attractive geologist snags her fancy in the lecture hall, she wonders what it will take to catch his eye in the ballroom.

Edward Lockwood has traveled the world, not afraid to scrabble in the muck if it means coming home with precious stones. Charged by Queen Victoria with a most delicate undertaking, he’s bemused to be partnered with a fiery-haired, quick-witted earl’s daughter. An intriguing union, as long as she doesn’t distract him!

With the royal mission growing ever more perilous, Edward keeps his focus on sparkling emeralds over emerald-green eyes and on red rubies rather than ruby-red lips. But Radiance wasn’t bred to be ignored or to step aside. In the world of London’s skilled jewelers—and treacherous thieves—can she unmask an expert forger while showing her dash-fire geologist she’s the most precious gemstone he’s ever held?

Engaging characters, attention to period detail, and passionate romance with a touch of intrigue — you’ll find it all in the stories by USA Today bestselling author Sydney Jane Baily.
Goodreads

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

Lady Radiance Diamond has heard all of the quips about her name, and though she doesn't like the comparison with the gem, she is enthralled by stones of all types. Wanting to work with jewellery, she has been lucky to find an apprenticeship, and knows more than most about how to handle, and work with precious stones. So when she hears a renowned jeweller, Edward Lockwood, and realises that the Hope Diamond he has in his possession is a fake, they form a partnership that takes them to the very top. Some of Queen Victoria's favourite pieces have been swapped with fakes, and she tasks Edward and Radiance with the job to discover who is behind it, and stop them. As Edward realises that Radiance is not someone to underestimate, she finds love in quite the unexpected place.

Well, I really liked this one, a lot more than I was expecting. After the previous books, I found them a little lacklustre, and didn't see how the series could really improve. However, with Radiance and Edward at the helm, and the plot line being such an engrossing one, I was hooked. I liked that Radiance was stepping out from her box, and putting herself, and her brain, out there. She was more than the daughter of an Earl, and she wasn't happy staying at home. Yes, Edward underestimated her to begin with, but soon he saw the true Radiance, and he loved her. He embraced her expertise and brilliance, and supported her at every turn. I liked that the Queen was a part of the story line, and am now hopeful for the final book in the series to be as enjoyable as this one!

Dates Read:
February 11-12, 2023

Rating
3 Stars