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kasimmonds's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-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
yourbookishbff's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
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? No
5.0
I raced through this. We've had so many glimpses of Violet and Sebastian through the first two books in the series, that I thought I might suspect what their story would feel like, and I was entirely wrong. This is a flawlessly executed childhood friends-to-lovers. And, surprisingly, it doesn't depend on flashbacks or dual timelines to build our faith in their bond, and manages to convey the depth and longevity of their friendship while staying entirely in the present. There are so many small details - their private code words, their secret paths between homes, their usual meeting places, their shared habits - that build the universe of their friendship and love for the reader so beautifully that it's hard to remember who else exists in their universe.
At the heart of their love story, though, is really bad timing and heaps of trauma. Violet's slow unburdening through the first half is painful to witness; this woman who has always been forthright and confident and independent in her previous cameos is so much more than we could have imagined. I was so surprised by how well the story's inverted structure worked, and while I don't want to spoil anything, readers who prefer external conflicts for the main couple will love how deeply respectful, sincere and communicative Violet and Sebastian are with one another from page one. This is a tender and redemptive love story that affords both characters second chances at life and individual happiness. I loved it.
At the heart of their love story, though, is really bad timing and heaps of trauma. Violet's slow unburdening through the first half is painful to witness; this woman who has always been forthright and confident and independent in her previous cameos is so much more than we could have imagined. I was so surprised by how well the story's inverted structure worked, and while I don't want to spoil anything, readers who prefer external conflicts for the main couple will love how deeply respectful, sincere and communicative Violet and Sebastian are with one another from page one. This is a tender and redemptive love story that affords both characters second chances at life and individual happiness. I loved it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, Sexual content, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexual harassment, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Confinement
Minor: Murder
While Violet's backstory involves significant physical, emotional and sexual trauma, all intimacy between the two main characters is consensual, with enthusiastic verbal consent throughout and on-page discussion of pregnancy prevention (and actions taken).ennie_reads's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
This was a cute read. I thoroughly enjoyed the biology/science plot line in the narrative, and the portrayal of the struggles Violet faced (because of her work in science) due to her gender. The main love interest, Sebastian was a respectable, mature man - which is always a pleasure to read. Whilst the narrative didn't necessarily leave a huge impression on me, it was a good book to pass the time.
This was a cute read. I thoroughly enjoyed the biology/science plot line in the narrative, and the portrayal of the struggles Violet faced (because of her work in science) due to her gender. The main love interest, Sebastian was a respectable, mature man - which is always a pleasure to read. Whilst the narrative didn't necessarily leave a huge impression on me, it was a good book to pass the time.
birdloveranne's review against another edition
5.0
Brilliant. I adored this entire book. Can be read as a stand alone, FYI.
unsuccessfulbookclub's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
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
I wish the ratings went higher because this book deserves infinite stars. WHAT AN EMOTIONAL RIDE. The pining! The caretaking (emotional)! The absolute stunning supremacy of a friends to lovers plot! This book has it all as well as a scientific genius (not the one you think!)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, Chronic illness, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Suicide and Sexual content
southerngirlinexile's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
creativelifeofliz's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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? Yes
3.5
I really enjoyed the science of this story and how Violet and Sebastian talk about it. I was a bit less attached to the romance itself, although their support of one another was heartwarming to read.
autumnfallreader's review against another edition
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
4.0
Seperti dua buku sebelumnya yang bahas tentang peran wanita yang disabotase habis-habisan pada zaman itu, buku ini juga bahas itu. Kali ini dari segi saintis.
Setting cerita ini adalah 1867, bertepatan sama teori Darwin tentang Evolusi. Maksudnya, teori dariwn itu muncul tahu 1800-an, kan. Nah, di sini kita ketemu Sebastian Malheur, seorang saintis di bidang genetika.
Hal yang kusuka dari buku Countess Conspiracy ini adalah:
1. Walaupun ini buku Historical Romance, tapi romance-nya nggak bikin giung dan pas.Engga over power dan tetep lebih fokus sama isu yang happening pada masa itu. Banter Sebastian sama Violet juga asyik.Kadang aku ngerasa ngang-ngong, sih, kalau mereka udah ngobrolin teori yang disambung-sambungin. Udah berasa dunia milik berdua, wkwkwk.
2. Sebenernya, yang paling menarik dari buku ini adalah isunya, sih. Jadi, Violet ini pinter dan dia yang jadi penemu teori genetik itu. Mirisnya, karena dia cewek, dia nggak bisa punya hak yang sama kayak cowok. Makalahnya nggak diterima sama akademisi. Tapi pas Sebastian yang ambil alih makalahnya, langsung banget dilirik.
Paling miris adalah ketika Violet akhirnya menampakan diri ke permukaan, dia di penjara, Kek?????????
Aku bahkan nggak habis pikir, deh. Zaman itu, yang jadi penguasa di Inggris, kan Ratu Victoria, tapi patriarkinya masih gila-gilaan, lho.
3. Selain romance-nya dan isunya, aku juga suka dengan persaudaraannya. Sebastian sama Violet dua-duanya punya kakak. Dan dinamika hubungan keduanya tuh bertolak belakang tapi dari awal udah ketahuan yang mana yang tulus, yang mana cuman manfaatin doang.
Aku suka sih sama penceritaan persaudaraan ini karena dua-duanya punya arc yang beda, dan keduanya saling melengkapi.
4. Semua rasa ada di sini, sih. Momen terharunya ada, momen hangatnya ada, momen sedihnya ada, momen keselnya ada. Beneran one package banget.
Dua aja sih yang rada turn off:
Seperempat awal emang bosenin. Ini khas dari Courtney Milan sebenernya, tapi tetep aja aku ngerasa lama banget bacanya karena butuh effort buat sampai titik serunya.
Ini entah dari terjemahannya atau emang gaya nulisnya Courtney Milan, tapi narasinya kadang nggak mudah dipahamin maksudnya apa. Harus bolak balik baca dulu buat ngerti poin yang lagi diomongin tuh apa gitu.
Tapi overall aku tetep sukaa.
Setting cerita ini adalah 1867, bertepatan sama teori Darwin tentang Evolusi. Maksudnya, teori dariwn itu muncul tahu 1800-an, kan. Nah, di sini kita ketemu Sebastian Malheur, seorang saintis di bidang genetika.
Hal yang kusuka dari buku Countess Conspiracy ini adalah:
1. Walaupun ini buku Historical Romance, tapi romance-nya nggak bikin giung dan pas.Engga over power dan tetep lebih fokus sama isu yang happening pada masa itu. Banter Sebastian sama Violet juga asyik.Kadang aku ngerasa ngang-ngong, sih, kalau mereka udah ngobrolin teori yang disambung-sambungin. Udah berasa dunia milik berdua, wkwkwk.
2. Sebenernya, yang paling menarik dari buku ini adalah isunya, sih. Jadi, Violet ini pinter dan dia yang jadi penemu teori genetik itu. Mirisnya, karena dia cewek, dia nggak bisa punya hak yang sama kayak cowok. Makalahnya nggak diterima sama akademisi. Tapi pas Sebastian yang ambil alih makalahnya, langsung banget dilirik.
Aku bahkan nggak habis pikir, deh. Zaman itu, yang jadi penguasa di Inggris, kan Ratu Victoria, tapi patriarkinya masih gila-gilaan, lho.
3. Selain romance-nya dan isunya, aku juga suka dengan persaudaraannya. Sebastian sama Violet dua-duanya punya kakak. Dan dinamika hubungan keduanya tuh bertolak belakang tapi dari awal udah ketahuan yang mana yang tulus, yang mana cuman manfaatin doang.
Aku suka sih sama penceritaan persaudaraan ini karena dua-duanya punya arc yang beda, dan keduanya saling melengkapi.
4. Semua rasa ada di sini, sih. Momen terharunya ada, momen hangatnya ada, momen sedihnya ada, momen keselnya ada. Beneran one package banget.
Dua aja sih yang rada turn off:
Seperempat awal emang bosenin. Ini khas dari Courtney Milan sebenernya, tapi tetep aja aku ngerasa lama banget bacanya karena butuh effort buat sampai titik serunya.
Ini entah dari terjemahannya atau emang gaya nulisnya Courtney Milan, tapi narasinya kadang nggak mudah dipahamin maksudnya apa. Harus bolak balik baca dulu buat ngerti poin yang lagi diomongin tuh apa gitu.
Tapi overall aku tetep sukaa.
millysreads's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? Yes
3.75