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A review by yourbookishbff
The Countess Conspiracy by Courtney Milan
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).