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elyseo's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Miscarriage
mmandolynn's review against another edition
4.0
Oops, another book I started before bed and accidentally finished in one go. I’d seen it cited as an example of a book that is actually romantic, on the BookTok of a person who has discerning tastes, so I gave it a try. There’s a time and a place for a romance that is all fluffy romp, but I do love a romance that is really *about* something, and this one is about learning to be loved and un-learning that you are unloveable, even when you’ve taken on being unloveable as a defense mechanism against the cruelty of others. And it really was very romantic. I’m a sucker for a hero who is heartbreakingly gentle with a deeply heartbroken heroine.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage and Rape
tak_everlasting's review against another edition
hopeful
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage
Moderate: Misogyny, Domestic abuse, and Terminal illness
Minor: Suicide
cynthiareads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Enjoyable romance with more than a little genetics content!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Miscarriage
greymalkin's review
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Loved this one! The characters were nuanced and had great chemistry. In particular I loved how the heroine felt like a brilliant scientist instead of a character who spouts some technical terms to sound "science-y". She actually thought about it at odd times, different moments would inspire new thoughts and solutions, her passion for the subject was clear. I also love the way the ending played out.
Courtney Milan neatly took the tired Noble Martyr trope and made a really satisfying story out of it. I also loved that the whole reason the heroine resisted their attraction was completely legitimate and not some manufactured miscommunication or "lost letter" or any one of a million typical romance plots for the "oh no we mustn't!" fluttering.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Miscarriage
morganphoenix's review
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Miscarriage
andra_mihaela_s's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book goes neck to neck with "The Heiress Effect"!!!
We follow Sebastian Malheur, the briliant and funny scientist we met in previous books, and his best friend, widowed Countess of Cambury, Violet Waterfield...a most proper lady who would never hide something from society! >...>
Content warnings: misscariage, implied domestic abuse.
I loved the fact that throught the series we get to see little snippets of all the characters the stories will be focusing on. I especially appreciated that in regards to Sebastian and Violet. We got to see more of his struggle with the role of joker in the friend group and the pressure of being equally loved and hated, crucial things in understanding his journey in this book. Loved the relationship Sebastian had with the other Brothers Sinister. Up until now, we only got to see the bright side-the companionship; now, we also had some additional dynamic issues addressed as well. Amazing! ^^
I think Courney Milan took the best decission when she put Benedict in the picture...it really gives a solid foundation for Sebastian's struggle!
Violet....Lovely Violet... I'm really happy to get such a representation on a romance novel. Even today is still hard to get in books and other media, women who don't wish the whole package for themselves (or what society wants them to wish for), who have unique interests and views on life and fight for them! I really resonated with her in several ocassions, both as a woman working in what is traditionally a men's field and as an individual with her own dreams for her future.^^
This is a friends to lovers story and I find myself thinking this type of love is my favorite! We get to see a whole and well-established relationship, with banter and understanding(implicitly acceptance thrown in the mix as well); nice scenes that don't need extra words or motivations brought up for no reasons and no over the top drama (not a fan of that) >..<
The author created a complete world using just several characters besides the ones we already know of, with some key places where the action is happening, and that's really a mark of a good writer.
We get to know Violet through Sebastian, the rest of the group, her sister,Lucy, and her mother. For Sebastian, we have Violet's inside view, his brother's- Benedict's- opinions, and the Sinisters.
This type of narration gives life to people on page!
What really drew me to them. was the fact that despite their amazing understanding of themselves and their place in the world, they fail like everybody else when it comes to the ones they care about...nobody can hurt you more than a family member/ a friend.
Before I forget, I loved the implications with Violet's mother! Such a baddass! ^^I also liked the way in which Lucy and Benedict were painted...after all, in their world, they are right. This gets to show how complex life and choices are!(and also: to what lengths people are willing to go in order to feel safe in their mind...Lucy did a terrible thing in the end..but, at least we got Benedict on the right track! ^^)
Before I finish this review, I want to mention just how wonderful it was to see Sebastian understand Violet's trauma..without endless explications that will destroy the victim's mind and make her/him ashamed for what happened to them, and with no promises beyond friendship. This felt great! Courney Milan is amazing on what she sets her mind to do! (After reading other books from her, I think this is no coincidence!)
For those of you who already read this book, I hope the following istallments don't nullify their perfect understanding of what they want or can give: Amanda and Harry are just perfect for them!
To sum it all up, this book is a wonderful representation of a friends to lovers story, with complex and complete characters, in which the author explores themes and ideas such as:
-the role of women in science in the late XIX and XX century;(the author's note is vey helpful in making us understand just how rare a woman ever got appreciation for her work -even as a small footnote in the paper)
-the weight of societal rules and beliefs that many scientist faced with each breakthrough;
-the role of a wife and the trauma that can be caused by it;
-fertility in the late XIX and XX century;
-preferential treatment when it comes to more wealthy people(the author uses a scene with Violet in order to aknowledge the unfairness of the treatment done to her in contrast to other women who would be in her position).
If any of the above sounds interesting to you, please give "The Countess Conspiracy" a try! I'm sure you will love it! ^^
Enjoy
We follow Sebastian Malheur, the briliant and funny scientist we met in previous books, and his best friend, widowed Countess of Cambury, Violet Waterfield...a most proper lady who would never hide something from society! >...>
Content warnings: misscariage, implied domestic abuse.
I loved the fact that throught the series we get to see little snippets of all the characters the stories will be focusing on. I especially appreciated that in regards to Sebastian and Violet. We got to see more of his struggle with the role of joker in the friend group and the pressure of being equally loved and hated, crucial things in understanding his journey in this book. Loved the relationship Sebastian had with the other Brothers Sinister. Up until now, we only got to see the bright side-the companionship; now, we also had some additional dynamic issues addressed as well. Amazing! ^^
I think Courney Milan took the best decission when she put Benedict in the picture...it really gives a solid foundation for Sebastian's struggle!
Violet....Lovely Violet... I'm really happy to get such a representation on a romance novel. Even today is still hard to get in books and other media, women who don't wish the whole package for themselves (or what society wants them to wish for), who have unique interests and views on life and fight for them! I really resonated with her in several ocassions, both as a woman working in what is traditionally a men's field and as an individual with her own dreams for her future.^^
This is a friends to lovers story and I find myself thinking this type of love is my favorite! We get to see a whole and well-established relationship, with banter and understanding(implicitly acceptance thrown in the mix as well); nice scenes that don't need extra words or motivations brought up for no reasons and no over the top drama (not a fan of that) >..<
The author created a complete world using just several characters besides the ones we already know of, with some key places where the action is happening, and that's really a mark of a good writer.
We get to know Violet through Sebastian, the rest of the group, her sister,Lucy, and her mother. For Sebastian, we have Violet's inside view, his brother's- Benedict's- opinions, and the Sinisters.
This type of narration gives life to people on page!
What really drew me to them. was the fact that despite their amazing understanding of themselves and their place in the world, they fail like everybody else when it comes to the ones they care about...nobody can hurt you more than a family member/ a friend.
Before I forget, I loved the implications with Violet's mother! Such a baddass! ^^I also liked the way in which Lucy and Benedict were painted...after all, in their world, they are right. This gets to show how complex life and choices are!(and also: to what lengths people are willing to go in order to feel safe in their mind...Lucy did a terrible thing in the end..but, at least we got Benedict on the right track! ^^)
Before I finish this review, I want to mention just how wonderful it was to see Sebastian understand Violet's trauma..without endless explications that will destroy the victim's mind and make her/him ashamed for what happened to them, and with no promises beyond friendship. This felt great! Courney Milan is amazing on what she sets her mind to do! (After reading other books from her, I think this is no coincidence!)
For those of you who already read this book, I hope the following istallments don't nullify their perfect understanding of what they want or can give: Amanda and Harry are just perfect for them!
To sum it all up, this book is a wonderful representation of a friends to lovers story, with complex and complete characters, in which the author explores themes and ideas such as:
-the role of women in science in the late XIX and XX century;(the author's note is vey helpful in making us understand just how rare a woman ever got appreciation for her work -even as a small footnote in the paper)
-the weight of societal rules and beliefs that many scientist faced with each breakthrough;
-the role of a wife and the trauma that can be caused by it;
-fertility in the late XIX and XX century;
-preferential treatment when it comes to more wealthy people(the author uses a scene with Violet in order to aknowledge the unfairness of the treatment done to her in contrast to other women who would be in her position).
If any of the above sounds interesting to you, please give "The Countess Conspiracy" a try! I'm sure you will love it! ^^
Enjoy
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infertility, Miscarriage, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Domestic abuse
dms's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I finally did it. At last, I found a romance novel that I loved. Not that I like, but found the romance aspects chaffing. Not that was fun, but the romantic interest sucked. Not that was an okay way to spend the time. That I LOVED.
Because adorable scientists are adorable.
And nothing is sexier than consent.
The first half was a bit slow, but the second half more than made up for it. OMG all the things. All the things. That happen. In the second half!
I think the only way this could have been better would be magic. Or knife fights? Whatever.
This is book 3 in a series of 4 novels and 3 shorter works. Looks like book 1 is free on Kindle (US) right now, so sold.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Miscarriage
emeraldalchemist's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Sexual violence, Sexual content, Sexism, and Miscarriage
readclever's review
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Normally, I love Courtney Milan's heroines. I could not like Violet. She was so shrouded in self-abuse via thought, which grew tiresome ten pages in. It took her way too long to get some gumption and stop living in the past. Like 75% of the book. It wasn't just imposter syndrome, but a key part of her personality. Post her father's suicide.
The story spends a lot of time with tangential side plots, often with similar stories, and yet it doesn't help the main thread. Bless Sebastian for loving her. It's not that Violet is prickly, or even unlikeable.I love characters like Jennifer Estep's Gin Blanco. It's the fact Violet does nothing but put herself down. And depends on others to fulfill her needs since she refuses to stop calling herself selfish.
The only saving grace was the last 20% or so. Even with even more melodrama. It felt more like a romance. There's a lot of inconsistency in the writing, how a character mercurial flips traits depending on plot need. And an exorbitant amount of miscommunication and hidden truths.
The miscarriage information in addition to her first husband's sexual assaults were a lot to handle, too. In total, Violet had 19 in 11 years. It seemed like a lot of heroine torture for the sake of it. I struggle with infertility and that number absolutely dropped the book almost a full star. Because it loses impact among all the other melodrama. (And I love me some melodrama. Hello 1990s soaps)
I waddled between 2 and 3 stars. I only came down on 3 because Sebastian was a very well-developed character, very patient, and there were great points in the book. It's a very low 3 stars.
But I didn't enjoy the read and won't ever reread. I usually love the heroines and focus on their arcs when reviewing. I can't in this one. And that makes me sad. I'm sad I couldn't love a popular, well-regarded recced book. Unfortunately, sometimes you can't.
The story spends a lot of time with tangential side plots, often with similar stories, and yet it doesn't help the main thread. Bless Sebastian for loving her. It's not that Violet is prickly, or even unlikeable.I love characters like Jennifer Estep's Gin Blanco. It's the fact Violet does nothing but put herself down. And depends on others to fulfill her needs since she refuses to stop calling herself selfish.
The only saving grace was the last 20% or so. Even with even more melodrama. It felt more like a romance. There's a lot of inconsistency in the writing, how a character mercurial flips traits depending on plot need. And an exorbitant amount of miscommunication and hidden truths.
The miscarriage information in addition to her first husband's sexual assaults were a lot to handle, too. In total, Violet had 19 in 11 years. It seemed like a lot of heroine torture for the sake of it. I struggle with infertility and that number absolutely dropped the book almost a full star. Because it loses impact among all the other melodrama. (And I love me some melodrama. Hello 1990s soaps)
I waddled between 2 and 3 stars. I only came down on 3 because Sebastian was a very well-developed character, very patient, and there were great points in the book. It's a very low 3 stars.
But I didn't enjoy the read and won't ever reread. I usually love the heroines and focus on their arcs when reviewing. I can't in this one. And that makes me sad. I'm sad I couldn't love a popular, well-regarded recced book. Unfortunately, sometimes you can't.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Death, Miscarriage, Suicide, and Sexual assault