The Countess Conspiracy - Courtney Milan

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.

It took me a long time to write this review because I really had a hard time collecting my thoughts about this book. I wanted to love it. The idea of female scientists in the past appeals to me and I would love to see them recognised. I also liked the idea of someone as steadfast in his feelings as Sebastian apparently was. The thing is, I didn't really like Violet!

I'm thinking that it might be because I felt little empathy with her character. I couldn't help feeling sorry for her and her past but I never warmed up to the character.

On the other hand I loved Sebastian. I loved his sense of friendship, how strong his love for her was and how that made him  better person. I couldn't understand why he had fallen in love with her but I liked him.

Surprisingly I also liked Violet's mom very much. I only realised it more than halfway through the book but she was  very intelligent lady and with the courage required to save herself and hr daughters.

I am curious about the next book but I am not sure if I will be in a hurry to get it as Milan's heroines don't seem to work well for me.

Grade: 3/5

Three Weddings and a Murder - Anthology

"The Scandalous, Dissolute, No-Good Mr. Wright" by Tessa Dare
Because of a foolish mistake in her youth, Miss Eliza Cade is not allowed "out" in Society until her three older sisters are wed. But while she's trying to be good, Eliza keeps bumping elbows--and lips--with the notorious rake Harry Wright. The passions he stirs in her are so wrong...but she just can't resist Mr. Wright.
"The Misbehaving Marquess," by Leigh LaValle
Having awaited the return of her husband for half a decade, Catherine Raybourne, the Marchioness of Foster, has no intention of reconciling with her misbehaving marquess. But when he insists he needs an heir--immediately--she must confront her own lingering desires. Can she protect her heart while attempting to win his once again?
"The Lady Always Wins," by Courtney Milan
Railway financier Simon Davenant has waited seven years for a second chance with his childhood sweetheart and best friend. He isn't about to let his impending financial ruin destroy the opportunity. This time, he'll do anything he can to secure her hand in marriage--even if it means losing her heart for good.
"Solomon's Wisdom," by Carey Baldwin
Bad-boy-turned-pediatrician Charlie "Drex" Drexler returns to Tangleheart, Texas hoping to reconnect with his old flame--but Anna won't cooperate, his dark past resurfaces, and his best friend's baby disappears. How will Drex and Anna mend their broken hearts while dodging bullets and racing to bring baby home safely?

Another anthology I had in the TBR pile and decided to pick up when I had an afternoon free. My favourites were Tessa Dare's and Courtney Milan's. They were both interesting with developed characters and while none were characters I liked they were readable stories.

The other two weren't as interesting to me and, especially, the last one felt  bit disjointed.