My first Courtney Milan!! and certainly not my last! ( )

This book is such an emotional roller coaster. Throw out everything you know about romance novels because this is now the new standard. There's romance, there's a hunky hero, there's a complex heroine whom readers can identify with. Most importantly, there's a story that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. If you love historical romance, then you must read The Suffragette Scandal.

Edward and Frederica "Free" Marshall both shoulder their own burdens as they fight for the people they love. Free's a fearless editor of a women's periodical and flanked by two other formidable women: Alice and Amanda. Her paper is critical to women's emancipation, and she won't let anything stop her from delivering it, even when powerful foes threaten her and her friends' lives. Her courage pulses throughout the novel; yet, she's not a Mary Sue or a symbol. She's a flesh and blood woman with wants, desires, and fears. She feels human and distinct, which I appreciate.

At first glance, Edward seems like he'll be the prototypical brooding alpha male from scores of other romance novels. Not so! He has true depth, and his traumas are actually believably traumatic and are not what readers expect. When he says he's dangerous and has done bad things, he means it, which is why it's all the more rewarding when Free finally breaks through to him.

The supporting cast also helps bring this story to life. Amanda's growth as a person and as she comes to realize her love for her special someone. She's just as complex as Free without being as much of a firebrand. Even the villain has layers, and is one of those people it's really satisfying to detest while at the same time learning from his mistakes.

More than any other romance I've read, this book makes you feel all sorts of feelings. You despair, you're in suspense, you cheer, and you aww. It's romantic without cliches and without trying too hard. This is a must-read for any romance reader. ( )

This installment of the Brothers Sinister series is the most engaging since the first book. I really enjoyed Edward and Free. The secondary romance was completely wonderful. Fully enjoyed this book. Milan is masterful ( )

I love the series so much that I put this one off for a while for a few reasons; first, it's "adding on" to an existing series that was completed, and second, i feel like almost all Women's Rights romances are about a misogynist hero who Learns. I have got to trust Courtney Milan. She did a good billionaire romance, a good duke romance, a good rake romance, and now this--her hand at a hero who really is something of a "bad guy." But the thing about Edward I liked from the beginning that made him perfect was that he may be a scoundrel, but he's quite pleasant and likeable. He's also perfect for Free, and I can't say how much I loved this book. ( )

Knocked it out of the park again. I love this series, and this author! I admit, I generally read romance, particularly historical romance, for the trashy elements that cater to my particular needs. It doesn't need to be a good book, just to have some angst and a heroine that is chubby, or abused, or a plain, insecure wallflower. It's rather like watching TV for me - an escape to a place where things might work out well for women like me.

These books, however, are different. I enjoy them because they are quality - the plot, the characters, the dialog. I would put these on the same shelf as the rest of the literature and nonfiction I read (my romances are relegated to an embarrassed separate shelf). I tend to only seek out historical romances that cater to my favored tropes, but Milan has me planning to read each and everyone one of her books. Thanks for making me *not* feel like less of a feminist for enjoying this genre!!

Also, OMG LESBIANS, YES PLEASE! Could we maybe get a short story out of Genevieve and Amanda? Pretty please? ( )