Sebastian Malheur, a rake and an up-and-coming scientist, is hiding two secrets - that the scientific work he presents is actually his best friend Violet Waterfield's, the Countess of Cambury, and that he is in love with her. The book explores their complex relationship, Violet's past traumas, and the challenges they face in a society that restricts women's intellectual pursuits. The writing style is described as fluid and easy to read, with a focus on societal expectations, scandal, and the different forms of love and acceptance.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, particularly Violet, a brilliant but insecure scientist, and Sebastian, the devoted childhood friend who longs for more than friendship, set against a backdrop of societal expectations and personal struggles.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is fluid and engaging, effectively blending emotional depth with historical context while emphasizing the characters' complexities.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around a brilliant female scientist in the Victorian era who disguises her identity by having her childhood friend present her work as his own. The story explores complex themes of gender inequality and a deep-rooted friendship evolving into love, making it more than just a historical romance.

Setting:

The setting is rooted in Victorian England, providing a rich backdrop that highlights gender norms and societal expectations, particularly regarding women's roles in science.

Pacing:

The pacing is initially slow, focusing on character development and emotional depth, but gains momentum in the latter part of the book, leading to a rewarding conclusion.

Other women of her station might despise sitting in a lecture hall elbow-to-elbow with any person off the streets, no mark of distinction setting her apart from the old friend who sat on her left or t...

Notes:

The Countess Conspiracy features a widowed heroine, Violet Waterfield, who is a brilliant scientist but must publish her research under her friend Sebastian's name because women were not allowed to publish their work in the Victorian era.

Sebastian has been in love with Violet since childhood, and their relationship evolves from friends to lovers amidst societal pressures and personal challenges.

The story explores themes of gender inequality in science, highlighting how many women scientists had their work credited to men during the era.

The book combines romance with deeper issues such as trauma from Violet's previous marriage, infertility, and the emotional toll of being invisible in society.

Courtney Milan's writing style incorporates humor, emotion, and deep character development, making the conflicts feel genuine and relatable.

Readers have commented on the strong character dynamics, particularly Sebastian's unwavering support for Violet and his patience as she navigates her issues.

Violet's character is described as prickly and difficult, which sparks mixed feelings among readers, while Sebastian is often seen as a caring and devoted friend.

The book has received acclaim for its portrayal of the complexities in friendships and romantic relationships, straying from typical historical romance formulas.

Many readers find this book comforting due to its themes of acceptance, duty, and loyalty, wrapped in a love letter to women's contributions to science.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers include themes of trauma, previous marital abuse, infertility, and miscarriage.

Has Romance?

Yes, the romance is a significant element in the story, characterized by deep emotional connections and complexities.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

Sebastian Malheur is the most dangerous sort of rake: an educated one. When he's not scandalizing ladies in the bedchamber, he's outraging proper society with his scientific theories. He's desired, reviled, acclaimed, and despised-and he laughs through it all. Violet Waterfield, the widowed Countess of Cambury, on the other hand, is entirely respectable, and she'd like to stay that way. But Violet has a secret that is beyond ruinous, one that ties her irrevocably to England's most infamous scoundrel: Sebastian's theories aren't his. They're hers. So when Sebastian threatens to dissolve their years-long conspiracy, she'll do anything to save their partnership...even if it means opening her vulnerable heart to the rake who could destroy it for good. The books in the Brothers Sinister series: 1/2. The Governess Affair (prequel novella) 1. The Duchess War 11/2. A Kiss for Midwinter (a companion novella to The Duchess War) 2. The Heiress Effect 3. The Countess Conspiracy Coming soon: 4. The Mistress Rebellion 41/2. Talk Sweetly to Me.

Ratings (10)

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Reader Stats (23):

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Want To Read (9)
Not Interested (4)

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About the Author:

Courtney Milan's debut novel was published in 2010. Since then, her books have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly and Booklist. She's been a New York Times and a USA Today Bestseller, a RITA(R) finalist and an RT Reviewer's Choice nominee for Best First Historical Romance. Her second book was chosen as a Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2010. Courtney lives in the Rocky Mountains with her husband, a marginally-trained dog, and an attack cat.

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The Countess Conspiracy

Courtney Milan

Book 3 in the series:Brothers Sinister