On the surface, Violet Waterfield is a put-together, intelligent and respectable widow. Associated with Sebastian Melhuer, a notorious rake who intrigues minds with his scientific theories during the day and ravishes women by night, Violet knows that a secret will forever bind them together. However, what she doesn't realize is that Sebastian wants out. He doesn't want others to believe that the work he is presenting is his. The truth is, he is just a front. Violet is the one who does all the work. However, when Sebastian tries to end it and expose the secret, it doesn't go as planned.

Futhermore, Violet is completely oblivious to the fact that Sebastian is in love with her. Even when he admits his emotions, she doesn't believe in them. This is largely due to the fact that Violet cannot bare to be touched by another person. But Sebastian doesn't give up that easily. When he decides to court her, this is where the magic of this story truly lies.

Courtney Milan has made quite a name for herself as one of the most loved Historical Romance authors of our time. Though THE COUNTESS CONSPIRACY started out slow for me, the development of events eventually catches a wave and manages to sweep you off your feet. As you learn more about Violet and her vulnerabilities, readers discover that she isn't completely unfeeling after her husband's death.

Romantic is the best word for me to describe THE COUNTESS CONSPIRACY. Milan returns to what Romance is all about and takes the simple, necessary steps of seduction to make readers fall in love, one by one.