| Title | : | The League of Gentlewomen Witches (Dangerous Damsels, #2) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0593200187 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780593200186 |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 352 |
| Publication | : | First published March 15, 2022 |
Miss Charlotte Pettifer belongs to a secret league of women skilled in the subtle arts. That is to say—although it must never be said—witchcraft. The League of Gentlewomen Witches strives to improve the world in small ways. Using magic, they tidy, correct, and manipulate according to their notions of what is proper, entirely unlike those reprobates in the Wisteria Society.
When the long lost amulet of Black Beryl is discovered, it is up to Charlotte, as the future leader of the League, to make sure the powerful talisman does not fall into the wrong hands. Therefore, it is most unfortunate when she crosses paths with Alex O'Riley, a pirate who is no Mr. Darcy. With all the world scrambling after the amulet, Alex and Charlotte join forces to steal it together. If only they could keep their pickpocketing hands to themselves! If Alex's not careful, he might just steal something else—such as Charlotte's heart.
The League of Gentlewomen Witches (Dangerous Damsels, #2) Reviews
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I was so delighted by this book!!!
I fell in love with The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels last year, and the insane premise that a woman known as Black Beryl found an enchantment in a bottle brought in by the sea which allowed her to levitate any object, thus creating a culture of lady pirates whose ships were their flying houses. I mean!!!!! What???? Put it in my veins!!!!!
The League of Gentlewomen Witches introduces the witches as the pirates’ enemies. They all levitate stuff and don’t actually have a geniune reason to be fighting – they just wake up and choose violence, which I can understand.
Charlotte Pettifer, our heroine, has been – fraudulently – prophesized as Black Beryl’s heir, and will soon inherit The Wicken League. She’s incredibly powerful and is obsessed with Jane Austen but has no time for silly things such as feelings.
Alex O’Reilly is her exact opposite. He’s a rogue Irish pirate with the most gorgeous blue eyes and the most wicked charm. I love his whole face.
After a few sexually charged run-ins, Alex and Charlotte are forced to team up – both believing they have kidnapped the other – in search of Black Beryl’s long lost amulet, which has been stolen by Lady Armitage, the most dangerous pirate of all (or the craziest, if you remember her antics in the last book).
I was so excited for this book and I was not at all disappointed. It’s as if the Pirates of the Caribbean had a baby with Pride and Prejudice. The best of both worlds!
India Holton, I don’t know you, but I think we would be best friends. -
✨If Moira Rose wrote a book, it would speak this language.✨
I adored The League of Gentlewomen Witches even better than The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels and I LOVED TWoLS! The main relationship in The League of Gentlewomen Witches was front and center and it was SO SWOONY!! Somebody get me a fainting couch and a stiff… drink. By drink I of course mean a stiff, tattooed pirate whom I’d love to down like a tall, dark, and handsome glass of water.
I would also definitely recommend reading book one first. If you like Jane Austen, The Princess Bride, A Midsummer’s Night Dream, Fun Times, Good Times, Sexy Times, and myriad other Times, I’d say give it a bang.
The romance stole my unmentionables and burned them on the funeral pyre of my last shreds of dignity. I have come undone. I am messily in love with this book. I love Alex so hard.
I’m still reeling over these two pushing two beds together at an inn. Legendary behavior. And I want MY romantic ballroom moment such as Jane Austen herself might have composed. And I NEED a pirate in possession of a hefty sword and remarkable stamina. And when said pirate in possession of a certain set of skills first let it slip that he loved his wicked witch???? And when said wicked witch casually mentioned how she loved a certain skilled pirate??? End my misery for I will NEVER recover from those scenes.
I also just really relate to Charlotte’s way of thinking:
”Besides, she was merely being practical. It had become apparent the tension between them needed releasing on a regular basis, for the sake of their health—no, wait, for the sake of obtaining the amulet! Charlotte could not focus on that goal if constantly arguing with a pirate. It was her League duty to have sex with him.”
This book disturbed my peace in the most criminally delightful manner. The series is fantastic. I’m pining away for book three as we speak ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶.5/5
_________
Initial reaction:
✨ _ITCH READ THIS BOOK IT’S OUT NOW✨
I think this will be a case where I reread before I can write a coherent review bc I highlighted like half of this book. I could pretty much make my entire review a compilation of quotes and I think it would sell you better than anything I could write
I liked it even better than book one and I loved book one! This one was way more centralized on the main relationship and it was SO SWOONY somebody get me a fainting couch and a stiff… drink. I’m not sure if it’s because I already knew the world, but it was also a lot easier to get into this story. I would definitely recommend reading book one first! If you like Jane Austen, A Princess Bride, A Midsummer’s Night Dream, Fun Times, Good Times, Sexy Times, and myriad other Times, I’d say give it a bang.
The romance stole my unmentionables and burned them on the funeral pyre of my last shreds of dignity. I have come undone. I am messily in love with this book. I love Alex so hard.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶.25/5
I’m on the publisher’s influencer team and I received both an eArc and free finished copy! Yes, this book has me by the vagina; no, getting it free did not change that. -
not my cup of tea but read for a video. if the premise intrigues you and you like quirk, this will probably be fun for you. but the main character is a literal never nude so it didn't deliver the sex appeal i'm typically looking for in a romance.
also flying houses???? -
this book started out so good, i was having so much fun but i just don’t think the enemies to lovers lasted long enough? i feel like it was a bit instalove-ish and i just wanted a bit more so burn plus they got together by the 57% mark and i deadass was bored by the end of the book
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India Holton has done it again!
We are back in Holton’s world where pirates fly houses and theft is accomplished as politely as can be that she established in her first book, The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels. However, Holton expands her universe and introduces us to The League of Gentlewomen Witches, where thievery is still rampant but unlike the wily pirates of the first book, we find that witches have their own unique means of lifting a string of pearls from the neck of a duchess – who really should have known better than to wear those pearls with that bonnet.
TLOGW has a little more heat and spice than the first book and the romance between the hero, a handsome Irish pirate named Alex O’Reilly, and the heroine, Charlotte Pettifer, the future leader of The League, is fun and fizzy.
Holton’s writing is consistently clever and engaging, with copious references to Shakespeare and Austen. The action is non-stop and the interplay between the rival Wisteria Society and Gentlewomen Witches is wonderful. Highly recommend for readers who enjoy fantasy and romance all rolled into one. -
Thank you to Berkley, NetGalley, and the author for this advance review copy. While the author and I share a publisher and editor, this in no way influenced my opinions, which are fully my own!
This was such fantastical, romantic fun. Sparkling with witty allusions to Shakespeare and Austen, whimsical adventure, and tenderhearted romance, THE LEAGUE OF GENTLEWOMEN WITCHES is a book lover’s dream come true.
Charlotte Pettifer has been taught her whole life how to be the perfect gentlewoman, prepared to fulfill the prophecy of Black Beryl and become the next prim and proper leader of the Wicken League. But when she crosses paths with the devastatingly roguish Irish pirate, Alex O’Riley, and both the Wisteria Society (who are pirates) and the Wicken League (who are witches) begin a mad chase for Black Beryl’s amulet (the source of great power and a boon to whomever has it in their clutches), her tidy, albeit rather tedious life is thrown into thrilling, adventurous disarray.
Lottie’s journey to discover her true, magical, sensitive, powerful self; the love she finds both for herself and her sworn enemy—a pirate, and Irishman, no less!—absolutely swept me away once again into India’s magical, genre-bending world of swashbuckling and levitation, explosive shenanigans and delightful, fanciful fun. Beneath the romping playfulness of this story is an incredibly heartfelt message of affirmation: that true love loves us for all of who we are, that old wounds can be healed through compassion and the gentle work of building trust, and that our heart’s truth as well as its true love can be found in the most wonderfully unexpected of places. -
India Holton claims in her author bio she writes "books about unconventional women and charming rogues, think slow burn romance with literal explosions," but I really don't think she knows the meaning of the word "slow burn." Instalust and virginal heroine are two of my least favorite tropes but I was willing to try to persevere for the clever writing. Still, when Charolette said she was sleepwalking through life until she met Alex, just days after meeting him, I knew it was time for me to throw in the towel. DNF at 4 hours 10 minutes.
-
***ARC provided through Edelweiss***
The Wisteria Society for Lady Scoundrels has been my favorite book of 2021 and the sequel was just as witty, whimsical and amazing!
Charlotte and Alex I think are my favorite MCs. If pirates and witches were real (which they are not) than Charlotte would be an (alleged) witch (which she isn’t), and Alex an (alleged) pirate (which he is not) and they would most definitely be sworn enemies. Absolutely not partners in crime on a fun and romantic adventure.
Do yourself a favor and pre-order this book! You’re going to LOVE it! -
The League of Gentlewomen Witches is just as witty, referential, and bonkers fun as its predecessor, The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels. This book follows the enemies-to-lovers, road trip romance (but in a flying house) of Alex and Charlotte. Alex is a pirate - meaning that he flies his cottage around the British Isles, thieving and pillaging and generally flaunting his use of magic. Charlotte is a witch - meaning that while she uses magic much more often than a pirate might, she makes sure that it's more subtle and secretive.
It's an absolute romp, laugh-out-loud funny, and manages to be both an homage and a send-up to Jane Austen's oeuvre.
23-Word Summaries:
Laine: Charlotte's behavior is governed by rules of propriety and non-existent-witchery. She definitely shouldn't be cavorting with a sexy pirate based on either standard.
Meg: It is a truth universally acknowledged that a debut romance novel must be in want of a sequel. Charlotte & Alex: Battle couple ahoy!
This objective review is based on a complimentary advanced reader copy of the novel. -
This book is as delightfully bonkers as the first in the series (The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels), and if you know how much I ADORE that book, you'll recognize how big of a deal that is.
Our main couple, Alex and Charlotte, wind up stuck together earlier in the book than Cecilia and Ned did in TWSOLS, and their relationship gets steamy much sooner as well, so it feels heavier on the romance than the first. Their relationship is delicious and downright swoon-worthy. Enemies to lovers at its finest. I also really loved the emotional depth they unlocked in each other; Charlotte was repressed by her upbringing and being taught that her sensitivity makes her wrong, while the abuse Alex suffered as a child lead him to push away anyone attempting emotional intimacy. Their arcs are beautifully parallel, and we get to see both of them let down their respective walls to find freedom and friendship in one another.
The Jane Austen references are frequent, hilarious, and incredibly clever. There are constant references to famous lines that Holton turns on their heads, and Charlotte's habit of relying on the Austen heroines of her imagination to help her when she's unsure what to do (besides being a little too relatable) is such a lovely way for a neurodiverse HR heroine to have adapted to having difficulty in social situations.
Speaking of Charlotte—I love her. She is a little prickly and deflects from her insecurities with pride and her wit, but the core of her journey—learning to give herself the freedom to explore the world and be imperfect, recognizing that she is, in herself, enough—speaks to me on a very personal level, and I think is one a lot of folks will relate to.
And Alex is…maybe the love of my life? And he deserves the world. Also that man is fiiiiiiine the descriptions of his piratical boots ALONE had me sweating. He’s deeply traumatized and lonely and in denial of both, and it takes Charlotte’s prickly arrogance to get under his skin, but he opens himself up over the course of the story as steadily as Charlotte does.
The League of Gentlewomen Witches delivers all the witty Victorian satire and drily delivered fantastical adventure of the first book and more, with plenty of absurd chapter titles and characters that seem to leap off the page. It also happens to be one of the best enemies to lovers romances I've read, which is no small feat. But it's India Holton's style that really makes the Dangerous Damsels books for me. It's dry, witty, romantic, whimsical, ironic, heartfelt...I can't wait to see what she writes next.
Pros: I can't think of a single thing NOT to like about this book??
Cons: If you don't know what you're getting into when you pick it up, it may be a bit jarring (for some readers at least; that's what I see a lot with TWSOLS)
CW: Explicit sexual content, violence, child abuse
Recommended for: HR and/or fantasy readers, Janeites, romance lovers, enemies to lovers fans, readers familiar with Victorian/Romantic lit, anyone looking for a good laugh
(Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Pub for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!) -
"Would you like me to kiss you when we get the chance?" Alex asked
"Try and I'll slap you," she replied.
"Yes, please," she said and grinned sidelong at her.
An absolutely fabulous sequel to The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels! India Holton continues to be one of my new favourite authors. Her witty and clever way of writing truly blows me away. The League of Gentlewomen Witches is an epic combination of Pirates of the Caribbean, Pride and Prejudice but with witchcraft and proper etiquette and manners intact. The Wicken League strive not to be suspected of witchcraft daily by witch hunters and use their magic only to aid in their robberies, pouring tea into their cups, bringing cakes to their plates and serving England by feeding the orphans...to spite other witches with their charity work, obviously.
'If only she could leave London with all its cacophony and retire to Hampshire, birthplace of Jane Austen, where green peace whispered wild yet gentle poetry to one's heart. It was never to be - duty forced her presence in London, noble duty (and the fact there was not much of value to steal in the countryside) - yet still, she dreamed.'
I loved this book as much as the first one, but I think this one was more funny. I laughed so much. India Holton has a similar sense of humour to me and that's why I found myself nearly crying from laughter at several points. Here's a quote I nearly expired over:
"Mrs. Etterly is sitting three tables behind us, sharpening swizzle stickers with her dagger. And the Rotunders are playing cards over there. Mr Rotunder just discarded his entire hand. Literally. He's screwing on a hook instead."
It was hilarious and action-packed (as witches and pirates hate one another and decide to break out in fights whenever they cross each other's paths). Teacups and books were flying, swords were unsheathed, incantations were whispered and a man in distress in need of rescuing - there was much going on throughout the book that it was never boring. It was far from boring I must say!
I was completely in love with Charlotte and Alex - their romance was perfect! Charlotte Pettifer lives a very sheltered life. As the Propheized One and the future leader of the Wicken League, her strict and dutiful aunt, the current leader of the League, has tried to raise her to be a dutiful and proper witch. But, Charlotte longs to be free. She is loyal to her kind and community, however, sometimes wishes for another life in the quiet country where she can read a book, steal jewels and live like a Jane Austen heroine. When she steals a briefcase as she exits a teashop, its owner follows her up and accuses her, *gasp!*, of witchcraft. The briefcase belongs to Alex O'Riley, the nefariously rogue Irish pirate. He is a friend of Ned Lightbourne and his battlehouse is a dilapidated cottage, which he outright refuses to repaint and keep clean. After several tension-filled run-ins, Alex and Charlotte are forced to join each other - both believing they have kidnapped the other - in search of Black Beryl's long lost amulet which has been stolen by a very dangerous pirate, Lady Armitage.
"It's ungentlemanly for you to tell me what to do. Actually, no. I take that back. It's extremely gentlemanly. You, sir, represent all that is wrong with our patriarchal society!"
"And you, madam, are the most enticing creature I have ever known. I want to lick every inch of you."
She stared at him, open-mouthed. "Upon my word!"
I thought the romance was excellently written! There were no doubts about India Holton's talents, but I feel like my expectations for this book were surpassed. The witty banter and the sexual tension between Charlotte and Alex were just spectacular. I shipped them from the moment they met and Charlotte became too flustered she stole a bicycle and flew it home. And I really loved Charlotte's character - she loved books, she absolutely loved Jane Austen and took a lot of comfort from Austen's heroines whenever she couldn't think of what to say or do in a situation, and above all, she was a very lonely young woman. She felt like she had to suppress her real personality around her aunt and her mother and all the witches of the League, but with Alex, she could be herself. And in turn, Alex could lower his guard around Charlotte, be soft and warm and be himself that laid behind his piriatic ways. It was just beautiful. Very romantic!
I'm super excited to read more from India Holton in the future! -
The League of Gentlewomen Witches is a fun and unique addition to India Holton’s Dangerous Damsels series. The story combines two of my favorite genres, fantasy and historical romance, and it is an entertaining read! Charlotte Pettifer is the future leader of a league of women who practice witchcraft, and she is determined to retrieve a recently discovered, powerful amulet before it gets into the wrong hands. Enter Alex O’Riley, pirate extraordinaire and definitely the wrong hands. However, with so many others trying to get the amulet, Charlotte and Alex agree to work together to steal it.
Charlotte and Alex have the best banter, and I loved their enemies-to-lovers romance. From their very first meeting, it’s clear there’s a spark between them, and their chemistry is off the charts! Both characters are layered and interesting, and their stories and growth as they slowly fall in love are fantastic. The secondary characters are as entertaining and dynamically developed as Charlotte and Alex, and I adored the representation of strong, independent, and supportive women.
The worldbuilding is also fantastic, and I like how the author continues to expand upon it, creating a fantastical Victorian London with magic, witchcraft, pirates, flying houses, and more. But my favorite part of the book is the humor. The sarcasm, the laugh-out-loud moments, the witty dialogue, and the funny Jane Austen references all make for a clever and humorous read. It’s so smart and quick and outrageous!.
I enjoyed this entertaining story. It’s clever and funny, and a little zany, and the romance is positively swoon-worthy. I would definitely recommend this to romance readers looking for a fun and swoon-worthy love story and are willing to suspend disbelief, and I am grateful to NetGalley and Berkley Books for providing me with a copy. All thoughts are my own. -
I'm giving this two stars only out of the benefit of the doubt - that maybe if I got around to reading Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels I might have cared...at ALL - but unfortunately this didn't grab me.
The narrator for the audiobook is too shrill, the comedy is not funny at all (and most of them are repetitive) and I didn't get a grasp of a single character. I have no idea why they like, or hate each other. Besides some blood feud thing. The pirates weren't charming, the witches were annoying, and I couldn't care less about whatever they were trying to do in between having sex while insisting they still hate each other. -
ARC provided by Netgalley
Fun, witty, adventurous, clever and steamy.
Charlotte is a witch and Alex is a pirate. They are meant to be enemies but end up reluctant allies. Favorite characters from the Wisteria Society return. Lady Armitage is a hilarious villain once again.
I thoroughly enjoyed this second book as much as the first. -
3.5 stars
I’m glad I gave the Dangerous Damsels series a second shot. The narrative is much less muddled by the dialogue this time around, and I enjoyed the dynamic between pirates and witches.
"Somewhere at the back of her mind, Jane Austen's heroines were shouting, waving volumes of Mansfield Park, and trying to remind her of the fate awaiting unchaste women. But they were drowned out by the echoing memory of Alex calling her strong, fierce, gorgeous, brave."
I really liked Charlotte and Alex - maybe even more than Cecilia and Ned, though I did enjoy their cameos in The League of Gentlewomen Witches. Charlotte’s inner monologue with authors and their memorable characters was a highlight, as was her banter with Alex. Like Cecilia, Charlotte has been pretty sheltered, but Charlotte is a bit quicker on the draw out in the real world. And where Ned waited until the end to reveal his past and how it has affected him, Alex is a little more haunted by his history. This gives their relationship some room to grow and develop into something believable.
"They gazed at each other, grinning rather foolishly.
'Tsk.'
Turning, they found Bixby shaking his head with exasperation. 'I beg your pardon,' he said without the least hint of apology in his voice, 'but is this a romance or is it an adventure? For I will remind you, we are missing the ongoing action.'"
Like
The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, The League of Gentlewomen Witches has a lot of elements that were good on their own but not entirely successful when put together. It was definitely more cohesive and much easier to read, though, so this series appears to be on the upswing. The next book looks to be a departure from the pirates versus witches theme, but I’m hoping it just keeps getting better.
Review originally posted
here on Britt's Book Blurbs.
Amazon |
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Bookstagram |
Reddit |
Wishlist -
I adored India Holton's debut and whooped when I was approved by Berkley for the ARC of this second in the series. And let me say, THE LEAGUE OF GENTLEWOMEN WITCHES is even better. Hurrah!
Holton's narrative boasts wit, histfic fantasy, and a slow burn romance between witch Charlotte and pirate Alex that will make you swoon! I loved the characters and the fabulous world building that keep you happily turning the pages. One of my favs so far in '22! Out March 15.
Thanks to India, Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.
#indiaholton #theleagueofgentlewomenwitches #berkleypub #NetGalley -
I normally don't read advance review copies this far in advance, but
The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels was one of my absolute favorite books of 2021 and I had to get cracking on the sequel ASAP!
Rather than focusing on the Wisteria Society of female pirates, this book focuses on the Wicken League. According to the Wickens, the Wisteria Society is a lesser offshoot of their founding members who used their magic to fly battlehouses.
The witches use magic not for fun, but for more serious matters. These women don't flaunt their magic in front of mundanes, which is another strike against the pirates in their eyes. Charlotte is one serious witch who knows via prophecy that she will one day lead the Wicken League. But when a handsome Irish pirate catches her eye, she may bring the wrath of the entire clan of witches down on her.
Charlotte's adventures with pirate Alex O'Riley hold just as much fun and romance as Cecilia Bassingthwaite and Ned Lightbourne's interactions in the previous novel. Although Ned was hired to assassinate Cecilia, they were on more equal footing as both were pirates. Charlotte and Alex are sworn enemies, which makes their dialogue and romance all the more intriguing.
This novel is filled with the same wit and humor as
The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels and is just as enjoyable as the first.
Recommended for fans of Jane Austen who like their novels with a side of humor and adventure. Romance readers whose favorite tropes are enemies to lovers or forced proximity will also enjoy this historical adventure.
I received an electronic galley copy of this title from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Read the review here:
https://guenevol.wixsite.com/novelmav... -
Thank you so, so much to Berkley Romance for providing an e-arc of this!! All thoughts and opinions are still my own.
This series is so fantastic!! I love how quirky, funny, and unique this world is and I can't get enough of it. These characters - especially Alex - stole my whole heart.
This is a companion to book 1 so it could technically be read on its own - however I highly recommend starting with book 1 (because it's fantastic). After how much I loved that first book, I had really high executions going into this one. But this had absolutely everything I loved about that first book with new charming and wonderful characters.
I loved following Charlotte's journey throughout this story. You get to watch her come into her own and develop her confidence and strength. It was so much fun following her and I adored her a main character.
Alex was everything I wanted in a swoony pirate. He's charming and smooth but secretly a big softy (especially for Charlotte). Their chemistry and banter was fantastic and I swooned the whole way through.
I just can't get over how India Holton balances these stories so perfectly. Between the humor, the historical & fantasy elements, the romance, the complex family dynamics, this series could easily become muddled. But she hits that perfect note and balance between all the elements and completely sweeps me into this world.
I will forever read anything and everything in this series! -
4.25 stars
“Reprehensible lout,” she murmured, leaning her head on his shoulder.
“Wicked little witch,” he answered, and kissed her hair. She sighed, and the sun set like summer passion in their eyes.
Even better than the first one! Same brand of humour (offbeat, wry and outlandish), same crazy hijinks (pirates vs. witches) but with an extra helping of romancey swoony heart-eyes to go with all the fun. Alex and Charlotte make such a wonderful couple, I loved them both so much in this second book by massively talented writer India Holton.
He reached out to touch her face, but she leaned away. “No, I mean it was—extremely nice. My God, it was incredible. But you’re an unmarried woman, and I’ve corrupted you. When your future husband realizes you’re not a virgin, what will you tell him?”
“To angle slightly to the left, and rub with his thumb.”
🤣🤣🤣 -
A very silly book, and I enjoyed it. Last time it was the Brontës, this time it's Austen flavored. I will have a review for this by the end of tomorrow!!!!
-
Loved it!! I know these books are out there, but it makes it that much more fun. Pirates, witches, flying houses, crazy antics, adventure, and,of course, love, makes for a fun time. This had me smiling and laughing. ♥️♥️♥️
*Won this in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. -
I don't think a series has ever made me so dang HAPPY reading it, I snickered and giggled out loud constantly while reading this, and never could quite wipe the smile off my face. As with its predecessor, The League of Gentlewomen Witches it is full of crazy wonderful adventures and shenanigans, swoony romance, and plenty of wit, wisdom, wise-cracks - basically its one-hundred-percent entertaining fun. **Thank you so much to both NetGalley and Berkley Books for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!**
I'm not going to lie, I was a little scared to start this because I LOVED The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels so so much, and in my mind there was just no way anything was going to equal that. And even though I didn't love Charlotte and Alex quite as much as I loved Cecilia and Ned, I still absolutely loved the story and adventures just as much (i'm pretty sure I highlighted something on almost every other page...that might be a record for me...). And so many of my favorites returned like the aforementioned Cecilia and Ned, along with Oply and poor Tom Eames, plus some wonderfully cantankerous new additions like Miss Plim and the creeptastic Inspector Creeve, not to mention my new favorite butler, Bixby.. However a shout out must go out to my returning favorite bada$$ lady Pirate, that nemesis extraordinaire, Lady Armitage (still flying her battle house, trying to rundown a new husband, and still wearing plenty of scary undergarments).
There is nothing not to like here people. Read, escape, enjoy - It's irreverent, its action packed, its lovely and swoony, its crazy, and its oh so well put down to page. India Holton's writing is just so unique - whimsical and clever - and I will forever read whatever she chooses to write (just so long as it features crazy pirate ladies flying battle houses lol).
And so I leave you now with a quote covering Lady Armitage's view on Dungeons:
"Lady Armitage was excessively fond of a dungeon. There was always so much discomfort,
so much elegiac charm, about them. She had built herself one in the cellars of her battlehouse,
where she might drive husbands down at any time, and collect a few gruesome memories, and
be happy. She advised everyone who was going to maraud, plunder, marry, or generally commit
piracy, to build a dungeon." -
Utterly entertaining, sassy FUN. This cheeky enemies to lovers historical romance is a high key romp of ridiculously fun proportions (and copious amounts of tea), and will henceforth and forever more be my go-to when I want to read something that makes me outrageously happy.
India’s writing style and humor is absolutely, gloriously impeccable…you cannot help but cackle, and possibly chortle in a most unladylike manner, all the way through. I definitely recommend reading Wisteria Society first because 1) it is also FANTASTIC, 2) it provides context and background into the world these books exist in.
As a forever adorer of Jane Austen novels, the frequent references made me very happy…and I think I may love Charlotte even more than Cecilia, if that’s even possible. The pirates vs witches storyline is highly amusing fodder for India’s perilously sharp wit, the banter between them is hysterical. And the enemies to lovers arc between Charlotte and Alex is delicious, spicy fun…but also sweetly tender and I just adore them.
I can only hope and pine most fervently for many more Dangerous Damsels books to come in the future, I am so here for any/all of these wonderfully mad cap adventures!
Thank you to Berkley Publishing for providing with this eARC. -
3.5 stars
The League of Gentlewomen Witches was just as wild and unique as book 1 in this series. It took me a bit to get reacquainted with the world and characters (there are a lot!), but overall this was an enjoyable adventure.
Alex and Charlotte had wonderful banter and I loved the enemies to idiots to lovers progression of their relationship. They truly saw the other and I loved watching them verbally spar and slowly recognize their growing feelings for each other. There's lots of action and laughs in this one, but I did feel the story stalled a bit in the middle, which made it feel overly long. The writing was very clever and funny, but the numerous asides and stream of consciousness style of writing made it difficult to focus. The point was quickly lost in all of the descriptions and details. This could definitely be an "it's me, not you" issue, but I certainly struggled at times with this book. India Holton is clearly a gifted writer, but I can imagine that this style of storytelling may not work for every reader.
CW: fighting/violence, parental neglect/abuse (past), physical punishment (past), fire/explosions
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book* -
This series is RIDICULOUS, but I find it so charming and just a breath of fresh air. Charlotte is a dear and the romance at the heart of this is one of my favorite types, two dummies who won't admit their feelings for each other for reasons. It just happens to be surrounded by flying houses and ancient rivalries between witches and pirates. And I am here for it.
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The League of Gentlewomen Witches by India Holten is the second installment in her popular Dangerous Damsels series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone book. I enjoyed it so much, I rushed out and got the first book in the series, The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, and read it next. This hilarious, audacious, and somewhat steamy story will take you on a ride you didn’t know you needed.
If you want a book that makes sense and is orderly, go find another book, this is not for you. If you want to laugh out loud, snicker, giggle and crackle while reading, then this IS the book for you.
Miss Charlotte Pettifer is a member of The League of Gentlewomen Witches, who strive to improve the lives of women with small touches of gentility. They are very proper women. They would use witchcraft if witches were read, and of course, they are not, because if they were witches, they would be burned at the stake. Charlotte has always known that she is the heir to Black Beryl and is the future leader of the League. So, when Black Beryl’s amulet is discovered, she must have it, in order to keep it out of the hands of evildoers. While trying to secure the Amulet, she runs into the famous pirate, Alex O'Riley and they team up together to find the Amulet.
I really enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting. Flying houses, pirates, witches, and adventure all add up to a very enjoyable book. There is over-the-top madcap humor that I loved, and also more subtle humor that I enjoyed just as much. It’s one of those books that I could read over and over again and it would still be just as funny each time I read it. The little quips and asides in the dialogue are just so clever and funny, and so subtle sometimes, that I know I didn’t catch them all during my initial reading.
If you’re looking for pure escapism that will keep you laughing, this is the book for you. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The League of Gentlewomen Witches by India Holten is the second installment in her popular Dangerous Damsels series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone book. I enjoyed it so much, I rushed out and got the first book in the series, The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, and read it next. This hilarious, audacious, and somewhat steamy story will take you on a ride you didn’t know you needed.
If you want a book that makes sense and is orderly, go find another book, this is not for you. If you want to laugh out loud, snicker, giggle and crackle while reading, then this IS the book for you.
Miss Charlotte Pettifer is a member of The League of Gentlewomen Witches, who strive to improve the lives of women with small touches of gentility. They are very proper women. They would use witchcraft if witches were read, and of course, they are not, because if they were witches, they would be burned at the stake. Charlotte has always known that she is the heir to Black Beryl and is the future leader of the League. So, when Black Beryl’s amulet is discovered, she must have it, in order to keep it out of the hands of evildoers. While trying to secure the Amulet, she runs into the famous pirate, Alex O'Riley and they team up together to find the Amulet.
I really enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting. Flying houses, pirates, witches, and adventure all add up to a very enjoyable book. There is over-the-top madcap humor that I loved, and also more subtle humor that I enjoyed just as much. It’s one of those books that I could read over and over again and it would still be just as funny each time I read it. The little quips and asides in the dialogue are just so clever and funny, and so subtle sometimes, that I know I didn’t catch them all during my initial reading.
If you’re looking for pure escapism that will keep you laughing, this is the book for you. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. -
This was hilarious. I loved this fantasy version of Victorian England in which pirates fly houses armed with cannons. Witches and pirates do not get along, with a long-standing feud over who is correctly using the incantations from the first witch or pirate, Beryl Black. So when Black's missing amulet is suddenly found and included in a library exhibit, all of the Wisteria Society of pirates and the Wicked League of "alleged" witches wish to steal it.
Alex O'Riley is a pirate who tries to work independently. Charlotte Pettifer is not only a witch, but the Prophesized One. Their meet-cute is hilarious and perfectly fitting for the two of them. I especially love Charlotte, as she regularly asks herself what Jane Austen's characters would do in any given situation.
I love the little mini synopses at the start of each chapter. Indeed, the writing style for the whole book is so appealing. India Holton has created such a unique world with the etiquette of a Jane Austen novel merged with witches, magic, pirates, and flying houses.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. These opinions are my own. -
I didn't know how India Holton could possibly follow up the zany, madcap delight that was Wisteria Society, but somehow she managed it. I absolutely fell in love with Charlotte and Alex (not to mention the rest of the pirates and witches) as I laughed and swooned along on this romantic adventure.
This was just as hilarious and brilliant as the first. I absolutely love these characters and their adventures. I love the breakneck pace and the images painted in my mind — pirates will now forever be little old ladies wearing ridiculous hats flying houses through the air, drinking tea and shooting their enemies at the same time.
Charlotte learning to be herself was wonderful, as was the cast of Jane Austen heroines inside her head who she relied upon for the proper response to things. Charlotte had such strength, once she let herself use it, and the slow blossoming of her character was absolutely delightful to see.
It was lovely to see under the uncaring mask Alex shows the world and see why he does that, and what he hides underneath, and it was lovely to see him fall for Charlotte.
Cecelia and Opla and Ned were a delight, more so because I wasn't expecting to encounter them again. I desperately hope there will be more pirate and witch feuding in the future because I can't imagine ever being done with this world and these characters. I laughed more at this (and Wisteria Society) than anything since Terry Pratchett. It's wonderfully clever and I loved it more with every page.
Dare I hope for another class of magic users to appear? Governesses, perhaps? Miss Dearlove was unexpected and wonderful and I feel like there's so much more to her than what we've seen. And her exit from the scene gave me major Mary Poppins vibes, so. I am hopeful.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for providing an e-arc for review. -
4.5 stars
When I read the first book I felt like it was trying too hard to be witty and not-like-other-romance-novels.
With this one I feel like the author relaxed a little and found her stride. It was silly but still endearing, the pacing was good, the romance made me sigh wistfully and go awwww multiple times. Charlotte and Alex were both lovely characters, and of course Charlotte being a lover of Jane Austen was fun.
I recommend this if you like a whimsical, silly, meandering style of writing that still has some heart and some heat. -
<“I am not frightened of being afraid.”
Witches, wonder, romance, and rouges! Could you ask for anything more?
