I did not expect to like this book as much as I did -- just the right amount of Elizabethan intrigue, not so much drama as to drive me crazy, and good, likeable characters. Hooray! ( )

This isn't one of my absolute favourite books, but it's quite enjoyable, and soooooo funny. I probably wouldn't have reread it if it weren't for the fact that I found the next book and couldn't remember this one too well, but I'm sort of glad I did. There isn't a ton to this book maybe, but it just leaves me feeling really happy.
And I really needed something happy after Our Dark Duet.

PLOT

I can't really say this is a plot driven book. It's very much a romance, but there is quite a few threads to it, and I like the way they all tie together. This book switches between four different narrators... There's two main ones, but the other two add another layer to the story.
By which I really mean Jane adds another layer to the story, while Ness adds a completely unrelated subplot... As far as I can tell it had nothing to do with the other three narrators story. It was a bit odd.

SETTING

This was set in sixteenth century England, and I though it was very well done. The author obviously put quite a lot of research into it, and the setting felt really rich and real.
I love historical fiction set in England... I'm not quite sure why, I just really do. So I really liked the setting.
There was a lot of political stuff going on, which I know doesn't appeal to some people, but I found it fascinating. It really added to the story, and it made the setting feel even more real.

CHARACTERS

I really like the characters in this. They're super great!

- Ellie was awesome. I admit at times she needed saving and whatnot, which annoyed me a bit, but for the most part, she was actually great.
She wasn't strong in the typical YA heroine way. She wasn't really badass, or sassy and sarcastic, or anything like that. She never really fought against the way her life was going. But I thought she was actually a really strong character. She had this quiet strength, and maybe she didn't fight, but she endured. And the thing is, she didn't fight because of her love for her father. She could have ran away, and started her own life, and I don't doubt that she was capable of it, but instead she stuck with her father, because she loved him, and didn't want to abandon him. And I don't think that makes her weak.

-Will was... I really liked him the first time I read this, and I still quite liked him, but... at times I found myself questioning his actions. He had a strong sense of duty at times, and I think it led him to do some unreasonable things.

- Jane was my absolute favourite character. (The next book is about her, and I am SO excited!) When she first comes in, she seems sort of awful, but she's actually so completely amazing! This girl us strong. She doesn't let anything get in the way of what she wants. But she's also an amazing friend.
Her and Ellie have such an amazing friendship, and I love it! I'm so pleased with this book for having such an amazing female friendship. Jane would completely fit the stereotype of the bitchy mean girl. But she isn't. She is so completely there for Ellie, and it's amazing!

- Then there's Nell... I guess maybe she'll play some part in the next book, because I swear she had no point in this one. She was also absolutely awful. You can't root for her, and I sort of hate her. But she's a very well done character.
I just think she was completely pointless.

- James and Tobias were Will's brothers, and wow, I love the dynamic between them. Sure they argue all the time, and James teases Will for absolutely everything, but they are really close, and it was so nice to read about such a loving family. His mother and sister, although smaller characters, were great as well. They were always there for each other, and it made me so happy.
Also the banter. The banter was amazing.

OVER ALL

I really like The Other Countess. I don't think this book is for everyone, but personally, I really enjoyed it, and I'm really looking forward to the sequel, which I am now going to go read. ( )

This was too sickly sweet and unrealistic for my liking but will appeal to young female readers who crave romance. ( )

I really enjoyed the storyline in this book. It wasn’t that heavy on the history although the setting was well done. It was the characters that did the trick with this book and the romance. Now I’m not a romance type of reader but the romance aspect of the story was nice and sweet and went well hand in hand with the story as well.

There’s lots of chemistry between the main couple really helped this book come along. Besides Ellie and Will, the other characters were very memorable (Jane and James, Diego are great examples).

Usually with this type of historical fiction you have a nice blend of political intrigue, this story, doesn’t have that - but it’s good, because it’s not needed. However Edwards adds in the conflict between Catholics and Protestants to give it a more historical feel to it but not so overwhelming on the history lesson - which is great since this book caters to Young Adults.

Wonderful read, and with a beautiful ending. I know there’s two more books after this so I’ll be sure to pick them up. This was a great read with characters that are well done and memorable. It’s a sweet romance without it being cheesy and silly. It’s worth reading even for those who aren’t into romances like I am. ( )

I completely adored this book. Of course, I'm a sucker for period pieces, but, hey, this was definitely a good one, even coming on the heels of Grave Mercy. Ellie is a fantabulous, feisty girl. She is well-educated and doesn't conform to society's expectations of her. If someone tries to take advantage of her or lie to her, she calls them out on it and defends herself. Love her.

Her dad is seriously frustrating. If I were her, I would have left him behind ages ago if possible. She feels a loyalty to him, even though he's always neglected her for his alchemy. On the one hand, I do admire her for this, but it's also sad because she's so strong and commanding when dealing with other men but so weak to her father. No one can mess you up like your parents!

Books like this you don't really read for the plot. Obviously, it's about romance and you pretty much know what essentially is going to happen from the opening pages. However, that's no problem if the journey is a good one. And, oh my, but it is. I loved that Edwards added in some serious historical elements, like the religious persecution in Elizabethan England. Plus, I totally dig the Shakespearean flair the romantic shenanigans have.

The story also follows, although slightly less frequently, Lady Jane. Based on her introduction, which has her falling prey to the seduction of an obvious rake, I expected to loathe her. However, I came to like her too. She's no Ellie, of course, but beneath her exterior, she's just a person longing to be loved like the rest of us. Besides, it's no wonder she has become so cold on the surface with everyone after her money and only her awful brother for company.

Apparently, the next book, The Queen's Lady, will continue on with her story. Thank goodness for that, because I was really disappointed not to read her happy ending! Moving on to book two posthaste! ( )