The Scandalous Suffragette

by Eliza Redgold

Votes for women!

Can she fight for freedom and for love?

When chocolate heiress Violet Coombes is caught hanging her suffragette banner in a most shocking place, Adam Beaufort, Esquire, proposes a marriage of convenience! His good name will avert scandal for her family, and her money will save the estate Adam’s father gambled away. Violet accepts, but she’s determined nothing will distract her from the Cause—including her oh-so-tempting husband!

Genres: Romance, Historical, Historical Romance

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 1, 2019

About the author

Eliza Redgold is an author and 'romantic academic'. Her natural pen name is based upon the old, Gaelic meaning of her name, Dr Elizabeth Reid Boyd. English folklore has it that if you help a fairy, you will be rewarded with red gold. She writes fiction as Eliza Redgold and non-fiction as Elizabeth Reid Boyd. She is represented by Joelle Delbourgo Associates US.

Eliza Redgold’s bestselling historical and romance fiction includes her Ladies of Legend trilogy, starting with 'NAKED: A Novel of Lady Godiva' released internationally by St Martin’s Press New York. Her historical romances including 'Enticing Benedict Cole' and WH Smith Historical Romance bestseller 'Playing the Duke's Mistress', are published by Harlequin Historical, London (Harper Collins) and translated internationally. Her next Harlequin Historical romance will be out in 2019.

Dr Elizabeth Reid Boyd is author of the Spiritual Aristocracy series that includes 'INSPIRITRIX: The Complete Spiritual Aristocracy Sourcebook' and three individual handbooks, 'The Real Princess', 'The Queen of the Castle' and 'Lady Love'. They offer women a fun and accessible way to discover their Aristocratic Archetypes, a Princess, Queen or Lady, and harness their inner wisdom with centuries-old female lore.

'The Secrets of Mindful Beauty' by Elizabeth Reid Boyd and Jessica Moncrieff-Boyd (Skyhorse, New York) provides women with mind-body techniques in mindfulness and self-care that will change how you look and how you feel. 'The Secrets of Mindful Beauty' hit number one on Amazon in both Health/Beauty and Mindfulness categories concurrently.

Dr Elizabeth Reid Boyd has presented academic papers on women and romance. She has written for The Guardian (UK), The Conversation and is a contributor to the Encyclopedia of Romance Fiction. She has degrees in psychology and gender studies and has taught interpersonal skills including meditation, self-awareness, self-care, and mindfulness at university level for almost two decades.

She loves to hear from readers (especially their Aristocratic Archetypes, so do take the 'Princess, Queen or Lady' quiz!) www.elizaredgold.com

Reviews

[Renae · Rating 1 out of 5]

Me: *sees suffragette romance*
Me: *requests that shit from the library ASAP*
Also me, halfway into the book: …what white nonsense IS this???

Look. The political climate in the world isn’t promising for women, people of color, LGBT folk, disabled folk, or any other marginalized group. (Not to say that the political climate generally is promising for us, but you know what I mean.) Additionally, the creation of art is a political act. Books are art—yes, even romance novels, for those haters in the back; I see you.

A romance novel about the fight for women’s suffrage during the early 20th century is just blatantly political. There’s no way around this.

And so when I open a romance novel about marginalized people fighting for equality and recognition of their humanity, I expect certain things. What I do not expect, however, is to find that the love interest is spouting the same MAGA-hat-wearing bullshit that virtually every Trump-voting white person says. That’s a huge fucking no from me, dawg. And before you @ me saying that the book takes place in England and the author isn’t American…stop. There are oppressive white men in other countries, too. In fact, The Scandalous Suffragette is supposedly about challenging these selfsame oppressive white men as they existed in Edwardian England.

So why is the effing love interest here being an oppressive white man? Why would you do this.

Okay, so let’s back up. Heroine Violet is a suffragette who plans on dedicating her life to the Cause. She is somehow forced into marrying Hero Adam, an impoverished gentleman. The deal they strike regarding their marriage-of-convenience is this: Adam gets all the money, Violet is allowed freedom to pursue her political agenda. This sounds fine and dandy. Except:

At an annual garden party hosted at Adam’s country home, Violet makes the opening speech to the gathered guests, including a particular MP who represents their area of Kent. Obviously, this speech is an inspiring clarion call for women’s equality; also obviously, the MP is enraged by the speech. Said MP then approaches Violet, lays hands on her, and verbally abuses her. Adam then steps in and the MP is sent home. Violet is unharmed, it seems like all will be well. Except:

Violet asks Adam, her husband, who is supposed to support her and be her ally, one question: why did you vote for that MP?

Adam’s response: “I don’t support him personally. I support our party.”

So let’s back up. Violet has just been physically assaulted by a powerful political figure for voicing an opinion that this figure does not share. Violet reasonably wants to know how her husband, a supposed ally, supports this man. Adam indicates that he does not like or respect this man or otherwise think he’s a good leader, but he supports the party! The goddam fucking party.

You all know where I’m headed with this. How many regretful white people voted for Donald Trump, even though they didn’t “support him,” just because they supported the Republican Party. My white female coworker looked me in the face, and said she hated the president but felt she had to vote for him because of the Supreme Court nominations. (Basically, she voted for Trump, a rapist, so that she could have Kavanaugh, another rapist. Brilliant.) Kids, I’m not going to go on, but Eliza Redgold is astonishingly tone-deaf if she thinks readers are willing to root for a hero who votes for oppressive, psychotic white men just for reasons of party loyalty. Especially because this book is supposed to be about empowering women.

How is any of this acceptable? “Sorry, honey, I know that terrible man just assaulted you, but I’m still going to vote for him!” Fuck off, Adam.

At what point does seeing real people in pain as a result of a politician’s nightmare regime sink in? When do you stop and consider that theoretical party philosophies do not compare to actual, daily harm being perpetrated upon minorities? When is enough enough? Where is the line?

I love historical romance more than anything, but this genre is so, so toxic.

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[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great story not only did I get to enjoy Adam and Violet’s journey to a wonderful HEA, but I also learnt a lot about the woman who were suffragettes and there is also the chocolate, who doesn’t love chocolates, this is a story that I highly recommend, it is a page turner.

Violet Coombes is an only child to parents who own Coombes chocolate, they make the best violet creams, the family are in London for the season hoping that Violet will make a good match, but Violet is a suffragette and marriage is the last thing on her mind, but when she falls into the arms of a handsome man trying to hang a banner, and then causing shock waves through the ton said handsome man proposes marriage, one of convenience, which suits Violet very well, for a while.

Adam Beaufort has been left the family estate which is in dire straits thanks to his wasteful father, he has his mother and two sisters to think about, but when he meets the beautiful Violet and comes up with a plan that will suit both of them and avoid scandal, he is sure that they can be friends and he will support her suffragette ways, but will he be able to stop an entanglement between them.

I really enjoyed this story, it is beautifully written, Violet is such a strong heroine who knows her mind and what she wants, and Adam wow what a hero, he is so easy to fall in love with, I loved their journey there are ups and downs along the way, and so much to learn for them both. Thank you MS Redgold for a fabulous story, one that I am sure will leave a lot of readers smiling.

[Nas Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE SCANDALOUS SUFFRAGETTE by author Eliza Redgold is a Harlequin Historical Romance series release for April 2019.

Violet Coombes has just brought scandal on her family by her activities within the suffragette movement. Her parents are upset but then Adam comes in with a marriage proposal. He needs her money to save his family’s reputation and Violet and her family need his name to avert the disaster. A perfect marriage, right? Wrong!

After they hash out the details of their marriage of convenience, Adam is determined to keep his distance from Violet, yet the attraction between them wouldn’t let Adam keep away. He also doesn’t want Violet to be part of the suffragette movement as it has become dangerous, but Violet walks out on him when he tries to lay the rule down. Could he change himself enough to be the person Violet wanted?

THE SCANDALOUS SUFFRAGETTE is a romance filled with emotions and drama. Author Eliza Redgold brought this story to life on the pages where a reader would sympathize with Violet and Adam yet root for them too. Violet is a strong heroine and Adam is a good guy. He is sensitive and caring. And the story was full of fun and witty dialogue among the more serious issues of fighting for women’s rights. Thanks to the research and beautifully written story, I feel as I know Violet personally. Her struggles and her triumphs, her strengths and her fears and also her heart.

Highly recommended for all readers of historical romance.

[EuroHackie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Marriage of convenience is my favorite trope, and I love HR that contains actual history, so this should've been 1000% my jam. Unfortunately, it did not pass the 100 page smell test. The history is wallpaper at best, the author tends to tell more than show, and there has never been a heroine more in need of a Female Intelligence Society as this one.

If the idea of this book appeals to you, do yourself a favor and seek out Beverly Jenkins's work instead.

[Janie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet Coombes is the Heiress to The Coombes family chocolates. Adam Beaufort literally catches her one night after she falls when trying to hang a banner for women. As society finds out what she has been up to Adam proposes a marriage of convenience to help him regain the loss of his family fortune. There is much more to this story and the author doe an amazing job in giving us a little bit of History behind the women's movement for the right to vote while keeping it a Romance novel too.

[Tambra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific book first time reading Eliza. Loved the story so fresh so interesting. Could not put it down. Great story and characters, youll love her book.

[Bea Tea · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF p. 17.

This might be my fastest DNF in my reading history. Luckily for me this book lets me know from page 1 what I'm in for.

* Heroine clumsily falls from second floor balcony and neatly lands into the hero's arms. So dainty, so effortlessly, like a feather, she floats down into his embrace. They gaze into each others eyes and stare at each others lips. Oh my. Ohhhh those eyes, oh her heaving bosoms. Meanwhile, in the real world, a woman falling onto a man from the second story would probably kill him.

* Immediately after this she stamps her foot in a tantrum.

* After this she's giggling like a school girl. Tee hee hee I'm so feisty.

* We learn she's trying to attach a political banner to the balcony of a gentleman's club, but the silly sausage has got the wrong address, she's two streets over in the wrong direction. Oh her tizzy little head. Tee hee hee, I'm such a silly miss. She then runs off into the night. Just takes off running.

Yup. That was enough for me.

[AJReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Scandalous Suffragette by Eliza Redgold

Violet Coombes is dedicated to her cause as a Suffragette, however this brings scandal on her family. Adam Beaufort who she met in unusual circumstances comes to the rescue, proposes a marriage of convenience. Violet would be able to redeem her family name and Adam would be able to save his family from disaster. A perfect plan, Adam will be able to save his family estate and Violet would be free to continue her work as a Suffragette, but only if it was that easy. They find there is a growing attraction. Will it be a marriage of convenience or be will it be forever. A great read.

[Gypsylcm · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover caught my attention.

[Bess Korey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I totally agreed with the politics in this book, but almost gave up on it about halfway through. I think the author could be too heavy handed in how she delivered her message, and that made parts of it tedious to read. Especially near the beginning. Thankfully, the story’s plot and pacing improved a lot as it got closer to the end, so I’m glad to have finished it. My enjoyment of these latter parts is why I’m willing to give it four stars. And because I agree with the book’s message. I just think it might have been better if it was delivered in a subtler way.

I read another review here that made it seem like this author was trying to get some kind of conservative agenda across because of how she portrayed a sexist politician. I completely disagree with that person’s opinion. There are a couple of scenes that show that politician acting abhorrently, but I do not think the author is defending his behavior. His villainy is greatly criticized, as are his old fashioned values. He even gets a comeuppance at the end by being thrown out of office.

The main character’s husband doesn’t fully support his wife’s suffrage activism, but not because he’s a misogynist. He doesn’t like how the suffragettes are involved with dangerous activities. This causes a rift between them. But by the end of the book, he no longer stands in his wife’s way, and has joined the fight for women’s rights. As has the rest of their family. It was very idealistic and definitely had a feminist message.

This book is well researched, and makes a good history lesson for anyone interested in learning more about the suffrage movement in the U.K. during the early 20th century. If you’re just reading it to learn some facts, that might make it more enjoyable. As a love story, it can be disappointing, since the plot and romance are too slow moving.

Despite whatever issues I might’ve had, I appreciated what this author was trying to do, and would be willing to read her work again.

[Sandlynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eliza Redgold’s The Scandalous Suffragette, published in 2019, is a Harlequin Historical, so it’s on the shorter side, just under 300 pages.

This book has many of the elements I enjoy in a historical romance. The heroine is Violet Coombes, a chocolate heiress in early 1900s England, who is also a bluestocking interested in joining the suffragettes and fighting for votes for women. Her father — a self-made man, not a member of the aristocracy — and her mother are interested in seeing Violet well married and is very much opposed to her political activities. In fact, Violet risks scandal with her attempts to support the cause, especially as her father is trying to receive a lucrative endorsement of his chocolates from the King himself. Enter Adam Beaufort, Esquire, a member of the gentry whose father has squandered away the money that would’ve saved his family’s estate. Adam catches Violet trying to hang a suffragette banner not once, but on two occasions. During the second attempt, Violet is found out and her father is enraged. In order to cover the potential scandal, Adam steps up and offers Violet an arranged marriage. In exchange for her substantial dowry, he will turn a blind eye to her suffragette activities. She will be freer to pursue her interests as a married woman. Although they unaware of the bargain, Violet’s parents are thrilled at the proposal. Adam’s family is less thrilled, seeing the Coombes family as nouveau riche upstarts with no class. That being said, Violet’s impact on Adam’s family, especially his two sisters, is more than he expected. Furthermore, his acquiescence to his wife’s activities is tested when Violet’s actions become more radical and the stakes involving their family are raised ever higher.

As I mentioned, this type of story is like catnip to me. I enjoy historical romances involving bluestocking heroines, especially those pursuing a cause, a career, or both. I also enjoy those stories involving heiresses who bail out the relatively impoverished aristocrat — mostly because many of these situations involve a better power balance between the couple. Not always, but in the ones that I enjoy. In fact, I was a little surprised how open Adam initially was to Violet’s planned activities — until he wasn’t. There are parts of this book that I didn’t enjoy as much or wanted to know more about. For instance, there are a couple of times when I felt that Violet never faced the consequences, while other women in the book did. She seemingly skated along in life. I wanted to know more about her sisters-in-law and her mother-in-law, who vanishes almost immediately after the marriage. There was a part involving Violet’s father, his health and the possibility of Violet helping with the family company, despite her father’s sentiments against it. I definitely wanted to know more about that. In a sense, being a Harlequin Historical, put the kibosh on exploring these very interesting elements because of page limitations. A mass market historical with a hundred more pages could’ve fleshed out so much and made for a richer story. Nonetheless, I’d give this a B for the parts that I like and a B- for the parts that are … minus or missing.

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Contemporary Women's Fiction, Historical Fiction, 20th Century Historical Romance