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Dangerous Damsels #1
The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels
A prim and proper lady thief must save her aunt from a crazed pirate and his dangerously charming henchman in this fantastical historical romance.
Cecilia Bassingwaite is the ideal Victorian lady. She's also a thief. Like the other members of the Wisteria Society crime sorority, she flies around England drinking tea, blackmailing friends, and acquiring treasure by interesting means. Sure, she has a dark and traumatic past and an overbearing aunt, but all things considered, it's a pleasant existence. Until the men show up.
Ned Lightbourne is a sometimes assassin who is smitten with Cecilia from the moment they meet. Unfortunately, that happens to be while he's under direct orders to kill her. His employer, Captain Morvath, who possesses a gothic abbey bristling with cannons and an unbridled hate for the world, intends to rid England of all its presumptuous women, starting with the Wisteria Society. Ned has plans of his own. But both men have made one grave mistake. Never underestimate a woman.
When Morvath imperils the Wisteria Society, Cecilia is forced to team up with her handsome would-be assassin to save the women who raised her--hopefully proving, once and for all, that she's as much of a scoundrel as the rest of them.
Cecilia Bassingwaite is the ideal Victorian lady. She's also a thief. Like the other members of the Wisteria Society crime sorority, she flies around England drinking tea, blackmailing friends, and acquiring treasure by interesting means. Sure, she has a dark and traumatic past and an overbearing aunt, but all things considered, it's a pleasant existence. Until the men show up.
Ned Lightbourne is a sometimes assassin who is smitten with Cecilia from the moment they meet. Unfortunately, that happens to be while he's under direct orders to kill her. His employer, Captain Morvath, who possesses a gothic abbey bristling with cannons and an unbridled hate for the world, intends to rid England of all its presumptuous women, starting with the Wisteria Society. Ned has plans of his own. But both men have made one grave mistake. Never underestimate a woman.
When Morvath imperils the Wisteria Society, Cecilia is forced to team up with her handsome would-be assassin to save the women who raised her--hopefully proving, once and for all, that she's as much of a scoundrel as the rest of them.
336 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 2021
4618 people are currently reading
121569 people want to read
About the author
India Holton
12 books3,890 followersIndia lives in New Zealand, where she writes fantasy romcoms featuring unconventional women and men who adore them.
India's writing is fuelled by tea and thunderstorms.
India's writing is fuelled by tea and thunderstorms.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 9,376 reviews
May 17, 2023
Holly hell, this is way too much entertaining, hilarious, witty to be accompanied by tea and biscuits ( of course I added at least four drops of bourbon into my tea : that’s why I giggle too loud and luckily you cannot hear the ear bleeding villanelle laugh I’m performing!)
It’s a great combination of espionage, fairy tal-ish fantasy, smart action, regency romance with very smart and sarcastic sense of humor!
Think about a group of multi tasking women who can use weapons expertly as they resume sipping their teas and gossiping about last royalty scandals. And of course they can steal everything in front of your eyes cunningly and adroitly without getting noticed and then taking the direction of their houses to fly them anywhere they want like a skillful pirate captain who controls his ship. Cheers to those ladies!
Especially the hilarious opening gave me so much: we’re introduced Cecilia and her aunt are waiting for their luncheon when they hear the bang on the door. Cecilia meets with our tempting chameleon hero disguised like a salesman tries to give her a brochure and after Cecilia’s rejecting, he tries to climb up to their window , telling her the cruel lady Isabella Armitage- long time nemesis of the family and black widow who has brilliant techniques to get rid of her husbands, hired an Italian contract killer to take her life.
A few minutes a grenade is thrown at their house and the same man Captain Neil Lightbourne who is also her vicious assassin salutes her with cunning smile. Yes, what an action packed opening!
This is very creative, extremely funny , truly gripping and riveting, absolutely enjoyable adventure with thief/ assassin enemies to lovers theme!
And i have to admit as a supporting character Pleasance earned entire awards( wait till find out her interesting identity: I think she’s better cook version of myself! )
A bookish, independent, loyal, witty heroine and a hero expert of disguise, keeping secrets, suffering from deep family issues just like our heroine teamed up against the threat of Wisteria Society crime sorority! What a thrilling ride!
It was genuinely amazing waltz between different genres and I didn’t expect to have so great time but I truly liked the unique and clever writing experience, hilarious dialogues and surprising world building which earned extra half star from me : so I’m rounding up 4.5 stars to 5 extra funny, feminism vibes, intellectual, sassy, wise stars!
Go and read this book, devour cups of teas or just like I did : devour your whiskey and dark chocolate and enjoy your time! This is so good!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
It’s a great combination of espionage, fairy tal-ish fantasy, smart action, regency romance with very smart and sarcastic sense of humor!
Think about a group of multi tasking women who can use weapons expertly as they resume sipping their teas and gossiping about last royalty scandals. And of course they can steal everything in front of your eyes cunningly and adroitly without getting noticed and then taking the direction of their houses to fly them anywhere they want like a skillful pirate captain who controls his ship. Cheers to those ladies!
Especially the hilarious opening gave me so much: we’re introduced Cecilia and her aunt are waiting for their luncheon when they hear the bang on the door. Cecilia meets with our tempting chameleon hero disguised like a salesman tries to give her a brochure and after Cecilia’s rejecting, he tries to climb up to their window , telling her the cruel lady Isabella Armitage- long time nemesis of the family and black widow who has brilliant techniques to get rid of her husbands, hired an Italian contract killer to take her life.
A few minutes a grenade is thrown at their house and the same man Captain Neil Lightbourne who is also her vicious assassin salutes her with cunning smile. Yes, what an action packed opening!
This is very creative, extremely funny , truly gripping and riveting, absolutely enjoyable adventure with thief/ assassin enemies to lovers theme!
And i have to admit as a supporting character Pleasance earned entire awards( wait till find out her interesting identity: I think she’s better cook version of myself! )
A bookish, independent, loyal, witty heroine and a hero expert of disguise, keeping secrets, suffering from deep family issues just like our heroine teamed up against the threat of Wisteria Society crime sorority! What a thrilling ride!
It was genuinely amazing waltz between different genres and I didn’t expect to have so great time but I truly liked the unique and clever writing experience, hilarious dialogues and surprising world building which earned extra half star from me : so I’m rounding up 4.5 stars to 5 extra funny, feminism vibes, intellectual, sassy, wise stars!
Go and read this book, devour cups of teas or just like I did : devour your whiskey and dark chocolate and enjoy your time! This is so good!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
October 26, 2023
this actually gave me a headache. at times i was charmed, but most of the time i was annoyed. why the fuck did the houses need to fly. why did this dude constantly want to fuck. i guess the latter makes sense but like... please. keep thine dick in thy trousers and all that.
February 19, 2023
This was so imperfectly perfect 😍 It's when Bridgerton meets Peaky Blinders.
Plot- 3.5/5🌟
Spice- 1.5/5🌶️
It's different yet so familiar, you just ease into it. The romance is done quite amazingly, tho the plot lacks refinement. Let's go over the tropes first-
✔️ Historical romance (Victorian setting)
✔️ Enemies to lovers
✔️ Female pirates
✔️ Assassin MMC x FMC pirate
✔️ Reverse grumpy x sunshine
✔️ Only one bed
✔️ Ballroom scene
Ned, our MMC and assassin has been assigned to kill Cecilia, our FMC who's a pirate in the becoming by someone from her own pirate society. Sparks fly when they meet each other, well at least for Ned. But it's not as simple, there are many other players at work and it all comes down to what choice Ned makes. Does he kill her, sell her or fall in love with her?
Honestly, this book is not perfect but the way Ned and Cecilia interact with each other and mostly Ned and his charismatic personality, it's so hard to dislike the book. The romance is swoon worthy. The dialogues are quote worthy. We get a scene of Ned helping her get undressed, knife to her throat but all they do is flirt with each other, him stealing a whole library for her just cause he knows she loves books. Do I need to say more? Ahhh.
Ned is so charming. He loves to love Cecilia. Cecilia is a pirate in the making and with fire in her personality. She can be slightly dumb towards the end but it's okay, it showed how patient Ned was with her. The chemistry and the witty banter is chef's kiss. I was laughing, blushing and smiling throughout.
Few things I believe that could've been better was the main plot - it wasn't refined. It came across as slightly messy and a tad too chaotic. There could've been lesser characters and it would have been easier to keep track of as most of them got blended in my head. Lastly, better clarity on what Ned actually does would've been appreciated. Other than that am quite happy with it and enjoyed a lot.
*Places order for the next book in the series immediately.* Do check it out if Historical Romance is your thing.
Plot- 3.5/5🌟
Spice- 1.5/5🌶️
It's different yet so familiar, you just ease into it. The romance is done quite amazingly, tho the plot lacks refinement. Let's go over the tropes first-
✔️ Historical romance (Victorian setting)
✔️ Enemies to lovers
✔️ Female pirates
✔️ Assassin MMC x FMC pirate
✔️ Reverse grumpy x sunshine
✔️ Only one bed
✔️ Ballroom scene
Ned, our MMC and assassin has been assigned to kill Cecilia, our FMC who's a pirate in the becoming by someone from her own pirate society. Sparks fly when they meet each other, well at least for Ned. But it's not as simple, there are many other players at work and it all comes down to what choice Ned makes. Does he kill her, sell her or fall in love with her?
Honestly, this book is not perfect but the way Ned and Cecilia interact with each other and mostly Ned and his charismatic personality, it's so hard to dislike the book. The romance is swoon worthy. The dialogues are quote worthy. We get a scene of Ned helping her get undressed, knife to her throat but all they do is flirt with each other, him stealing a whole library for her just cause he knows she loves books. Do I need to say more? Ahhh.
Ned is so charming. He loves to love Cecilia. Cecilia is a pirate in the making and with fire in her personality. She can be slightly dumb towards the end but it's okay, it showed how patient Ned was with her. The chemistry and the witty banter is chef's kiss. I was laughing, blushing and smiling throughout.
Few things I believe that could've been better was the main plot - it wasn't refined. It came across as slightly messy and a tad too chaotic. There could've been lesser characters and it would have been easier to keep track of as most of them got blended in my head. Lastly, better clarity on what Ned actually does would've been appreciated. Other than that am quite happy with it and enjoyed a lot.
*Places order for the next book in the series immediately.* Do check it out if Historical Romance is your thing.
July 5, 2021
This had the potential to be SO great. A lady pirate society with a gun-wielding heroine? An assassin hero who's been hired to kill her but he's also a spy? A hero who's totally gone for the heroine from the moment he sees her? This all would have been perfect for me, but I just could not get into the writing. It's too quirky and all over the place. I could not believe when I read about "flying houses," the characters were literally flying their houses in midair. The concept of the story is intriguing and fun and the romance is super cute with all the banter. I even laughed out loud at some parts. But the bizarre way the story is told sadly didn't work for me. I will say though this probably would make for an excellent movie.
July 30, 2021
I don't know if maybe the problem with this book was the marketing, but I thought this was going to be an adventure story with a romance on the side.
This book is actually your standard trashy romance novel with a bloated, quirky plot adding volume to its pages.
The story arc goes like this: protagonist hates men. Protagonist meets one man, declares that he's "charming" (sources needed here, lady, unless his face was working overtime he absolutely was not) and then she argues with herself about whether or not to have sex with him. Spoiler alert, she decides to have sex with them. Then they're in love! ✨Character development!✨
Almost everything about the Wisteria Society exists for cheap laughs because it's ~silly. The chapters regularly begin with a purported saying or belief integral to the Society. One of the ones that sticks out is about always holding a grudge and always getting revenge. All of the antagonists of the novel are motivated by revenge, and for the main antagonist it results in his ruin. It could have been interesting to have the main character reflect on that in terms of what she's been raised to believe and aspire to. But she does not!
Cecilia never grows as a person. She's consistently nasty to the other junior members of the society. She's unpleasant toward her love interest up until she does a 360 and decides to sleep with him, with the exception of the time he got her extremely drunk knowing full well that she was inexperienced with drinking alcohol. That's romantic, right ladies? You like it when men purposefully impair you for their own amusement, right?
One of the prime examples of the book valuing its attempts at humour over character development is when Cecilia's aunt, the woman who raised her after her mother died, is kidnapped. There's a scene where Cecilia remarks to herself that obviously, while it would be faster to ride horseback, she must take a carriage to rescue her because a woman can't be seen wearing colour on horseback. I presume this is referring to something Victorian society would think of as a faux pas. But why does she care? Why can't she throw caution to the wind, just once? For the sake of her aunt? Why is she a pirate who steals things, but also a woman who cares very deeply about the social norms? How does she pick and choose which rules to flout and which rules to follow?
Another failure at humour comes from a scene where a man finds out the girl he's been sleeping with lied about her age. She claimed to be 19 when she was really 16. The man is horrified. I don't believe the man's age is ever stated? But this reads as extremely gross to me, not funny. The man finds out he's been having sex with a child and it's played off as if she's just mischievous and precocious, and the man and girl continue to have scenes together as if they might rekindle their romance eventually. He's portrayed as being unreasonable for being angry and uncomfortable. Ummmm ok.
The book begins with a plot involving an old woman and an assassination attempt, but that plot is dropped like a hot potato. The old lady disappears at one point and is never brought up again. I'm assuming this is supposed to leave room for a sequel but comes across as a loose end. Also there's a scene where it's revealed that the old lady keeps her house key in her vagina. Take a moment to really absorb that. In. Her. Vagina. Now I really need to know what kind of metal that house key is made of. Most keys in the Victorian era would be made of brass or iron, right? Brass corrodes over time. Iron rusts. She is absorbing all of that through the thin walls of her vagina. Ruminate on that for a while, dear readers. Ruminate on that.
This book is actually your standard trashy romance novel with a bloated, quirky plot adding volume to its pages.
The story arc goes like this: protagonist hates men. Protagonist meets one man, declares that he's "charming" (sources needed here, lady, unless his face was working overtime he absolutely was not) and then she argues with herself about whether or not to have sex with him. Spoiler alert, she decides to have sex with them. Then they're in love! ✨Character development!✨
Almost everything about the Wisteria Society exists for cheap laughs because it's ~silly. The chapters regularly begin with a purported saying or belief integral to the Society. One of the ones that sticks out is about always holding a grudge and always getting revenge. All of the antagonists of the novel are motivated by revenge, and for the main antagonist it results in his ruin. It could have been interesting to have the main character reflect on that in terms of what she's been raised to believe and aspire to. But she does not!
Cecilia never grows as a person. She's consistently nasty to the other junior members of the society. She's unpleasant toward her love interest up until she does a 360 and decides to sleep with him, with the exception of the time he got her extremely drunk knowing full well that she was inexperienced with drinking alcohol. That's romantic, right ladies? You like it when men purposefully impair you for their own amusement, right?
One of the prime examples of the book valuing its attempts at humour over character development is when Cecilia's aunt, the woman who raised her after her mother died, is kidnapped. There's a scene where Cecilia remarks to herself that obviously, while it would be faster to ride horseback, she must take a carriage to rescue her because a woman can't be seen wearing colour on horseback. I presume this is referring to something Victorian society would think of as a faux pas. But why does she care? Why can't she throw caution to the wind, just once? For the sake of her aunt? Why is she a pirate who steals things, but also a woman who cares very deeply about the social norms? How does she pick and choose which rules to flout and which rules to follow?
Another failure at humour comes from a scene where a man finds out the girl he's been sleeping with lied about her age. She claimed to be 19 when she was really 16. The man is horrified. I don't believe the man's age is ever stated? But this reads as extremely gross to me, not funny. The man finds out he's been having sex with a child and it's played off as if she's just mischievous and precocious, and the man and girl continue to have scenes together as if they might rekindle their romance eventually. He's portrayed as being unreasonable for being angry and uncomfortable. Ummmm ok.
The book begins with a plot involving an old woman and an assassination attempt, but that plot is dropped like a hot potato. The old lady disappears at one point and is never brought up again. I'm assuming this is supposed to leave room for a sequel but comes across as a loose end. Also there's a scene where it's revealed that the old lady keeps her house key in her vagina. Take a moment to really absorb that. In. Her. Vagina. Now I really need to know what kind of metal that house key is made of. Most keys in the Victorian era would be made of brass or iron, right? Brass corrodes over time. Iron rusts. She is absorbing all of that through the thin walls of her vagina. Ruminate on that for a while, dear readers. Ruminate on that.
June 19, 2021
2.5 Not a good match stars
I decided to give this new series a try. Love, love the whimsical cover.
It appealed to me because of the added whimsy and humor, but it really wasn't a good match. I appreciate the "outside the box" approach of creative fantasy. It is chock full of things such as flying houses, pirates and other elements of magic and fantasy.
I'm still asking myself, "What did I just read?" It was certainly a trip, but not one I would venture on in the future.
Read all the reviews raving about it and if fantastical adventures are your thing maybe you'll rave too! Wrong reader here.
Thanks to NG and the publisher for my early review copy. OUT as of June 15, 2021
I decided to give this new series a try. Love, love the whimsical cover.
It appealed to me because of the added whimsy and humor, but it really wasn't a good match. I appreciate the "outside the box" approach of creative fantasy. It is chock full of things such as flying houses, pirates and other elements of magic and fantasy.
I'm still asking myself, "What did I just read?" It was certainly a trip, but not one I would venture on in the future.
Read all the reviews raving about it and if fantastical adventures are your thing maybe you'll rave too! Wrong reader here.
Thanks to NG and the publisher for my early review copy. OUT as of June 15, 2021
June 15, 2021
First and foremost a swoony romance, The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels is also a whimsical, fantasy adventure comedy in the tradition of The Princess Bride, complete with boundless oxymoron, paradoxes, and conundrums as swashbuckling pirates, scoundrels, thieves, and proper Victorian ladies mix it up in a madcap plot that truly has to be experienced first hand. Language lovers will appreciate the witticisms that overflow throughout the book. If there is one mild criticism, it is that the puns and quips are so numerous that I found myself taking a breather from the madcap pace of the book from time to time. This is a book that revels in its highly stylized approach to romance, and I think I never loved the story more than when it was mocking romance genre conventions. I loved the use of meta-fiction that places the writings of the Brontes, Byron, Wordsworth, Longfellow (!), and Keats alongside the characters' desire to live large and always think of themselves as poetic creatures crafting an aesthetic life, even (or especially) as they swindle their way toward prosperity and happiness. Books, reading, and love of all things literary play a predominate role in this story.
Cecilia, our heroine, is from a long line of Cecilias, though according to the hero of the book, she is the best Cecilia of them all. She is a first-rate scoundrel and pirate who wants more than anything to take her place alongside the great scoundrel pirate ladies of her family. She has alas though been interning as a pirate for years and has become stalled in her attempt to be awarded a full seat at the table of the Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels. Being the baby of the family, Cecilia has a difficult time convincing her elders she's ready to adult. Since all of the characters in the novel are paradoxes, Cecilia is also a very proper Victorian young lady with upright morals and ethics, which are endless sources of perplexity for a pirate hero trying to court her. Ned Lightbourne (one of his many aliases) is a skilled pirate as well, in addition to being a courtier under Queen Victoria, a member of the secret service, an orphan, an Italian assassin, and a lovely beta hero to Cecilia's own confusing personalities. They meet when Ned is commissioned by one party to rescue her and at the same time by another party to assassinate her. Cecilia feels assured that she too will likely have to assassinate Ned, if only he weren't so good-looking and didn't wear such tight-fitting trousers. Ned in the end is rarely confused about his role in Cecilia's life because he took one look at Cecilia and fell in love. I'm generally not a fan of instant love, but trust me when I say that in this whimsical story, the author makes it work.
I will save the outlandish, high speed plot descriptions for readers to experience first-hand themselves. It is, however, a perfectly-plotted cheeky novel. I can't wait to revisit it and I cannot wait to read more from this talented new author. It's early in 2021 but I feel assured to say that The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels will be on my favorite end-of-year list of books.
Cecilia, our heroine, is from a long line of Cecilias, though according to the hero of the book, she is the best Cecilia of them all. She is a first-rate scoundrel and pirate who wants more than anything to take her place alongside the great scoundrel pirate ladies of her family. She has alas though been interning as a pirate for years and has become stalled in her attempt to be awarded a full seat at the table of the Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels. Being the baby of the family, Cecilia has a difficult time convincing her elders she's ready to adult. Since all of the characters in the novel are paradoxes, Cecilia is also a very proper Victorian young lady with upright morals and ethics, which are endless sources of perplexity for a pirate hero trying to court her. Ned Lightbourne (one of his many aliases) is a skilled pirate as well, in addition to being a courtier under Queen Victoria, a member of the secret service, an orphan, an Italian assassin, and a lovely beta hero to Cecilia's own confusing personalities. They meet when Ned is commissioned by one party to rescue her and at the same time by another party to assassinate her. Cecilia feels assured that she too will likely have to assassinate Ned, if only he weren't so good-looking and didn't wear such tight-fitting trousers. Ned in the end is rarely confused about his role in Cecilia's life because he took one look at Cecilia and fell in love. I'm generally not a fan of instant love, but trust me when I say that in this whimsical story, the author makes it work.
I will save the outlandish, high speed plot descriptions for readers to experience first-hand themselves. It is, however, a perfectly-plotted cheeky novel. I can't wait to revisit it and I cannot wait to read more from this talented new author. It's early in 2021 but I feel assured to say that The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels will be on my favorite end-of-year list of books.
January 23, 2024
22nd january:
this was such a light-hearted and funny book with a gorgeous cover!!
➥ plot
this wasn't exciting in a tension-filled way, but in a comforting, gilmore girls kind of way - and I absolutely enjoyed it. i like that it was about the romance while also being about morvath and the theft of the houses, it gave the opportunity to avoid info dumping, which is always great!
the book also talks about feminism. it never gets super detailed but handles the topic with wit, which made it very fun and easy to follow while still getting some important points across.
➥ magic and world
i have to say that i was extremely, and i mean extremely, confused in the beginning. i didn't understand anything about the way the house magic worked and seriously doubted that it'd get better. luckily, I continued and was enlightened eventually - i just wish it would've been a liiiittle but early to spare me from the small reading slump it put me in.
besides that, I enjoyed the world. I liked the setting in England in the Victorian time, I always love to read about that time with all the dresses and balls, which I also got here! additionally, I enjoyed the varied locations the story took place at - both the countryside and the city.
in this world, women rule and I loved it.
➥writing
one of my favourite things about this book was the writing. it was written in such a , it felt quite unique. I can't really pinpoint what exactly makes it so good, but one of the reasons is definitely how normal it was made that women carry weapons. it was almost written in a way that made it so natural, so "oh yes, of course" - do y'all get what I mean? I laughed so many times and already miss this writing!!
moreover, I liked that there were multiple povs! the transitions from one to another were done flawlessly and I love that I also got povs from characters that were seen as an enemy.
➥ characters
the characters weren't super deep and multifaceted but still very likeable!
Cecilia is so cool. she's strong, funny and knows how to fight but is also vulnerable - I adore fmcs like that! In my opinion, her character actually developed because in the end, she was able to face the freedom she now had and could separate her needs and wants from her aunt's, which is amazing because in the rest of the book, she struggled a bit with that.
Ned was my favourite character of the book. despite being a bit confused in the beginning about if he was only one person (iykyk), I was instantly charmed by his humour and charm. he's very sweet and treats Cecilia in such a wonderful way, never doubting her for even one second.
the side characters were all awesome!! I especially loved the wisteria society ladies, they were so funny and also so cool. i would've loved to see more of oply because i actually really liked her.
morvath as the enemy was great! even though i got introduced to him quite late, i still got enough information about him to understand why he was evil and to therefore dislike him.
➥ CeciliaNed
they were unexpectedly hot together!! they're not slow burn but also not insta love, it's more the perfect in-between.
ned was literally head over heals from the beginning and i had so much fun to see him kind of pining for cecilia. she on the other hand did feel attracted to him but was more cautious towards him and her feelings, thereby making room for their feelings to develop to love.
their banter and tension are incredible, they had me giggling every time they were together.
also, their kisses?? omg i swooned!! and the ending?!!? it just proves even more that ned is literally perfect for her AHHHH
➥ conclusion
if you want a funny, sweet palette cleanser with likeable for in-between darker books, then this is for you!!
i really enjoyed it and will definitely read the other two books as well!
---------------------
this was extremely funny and adorable!! so glad I decided to read it 🤭
rtc!
this was such a light-hearted and funny book with a gorgeous cover!!
➥ plot
this wasn't exciting in a tension-filled way, but in a comforting, gilmore girls kind of way - and I absolutely enjoyed it. i like that it was about the romance while also being about morvath and the theft of the houses, it gave the opportunity to avoid info dumping, which is always great!
the book also talks about feminism. it never gets super detailed but handles the topic with wit, which made it very fun and easy to follow while still getting some important points across.
➥ magic and world
i have to say that i was extremely, and i mean extremely, confused in the beginning. i didn't understand anything about the way the house magic worked and seriously doubted that it'd get better. luckily, I continued and was enlightened eventually - i just wish it would've been a liiiittle but early to spare me from the small reading slump it put me in.
besides that, I enjoyed the world. I liked the setting in England in the Victorian time, I always love to read about that time with all the dresses and balls, which I also got here! additionally, I enjoyed the varied locations the story took place at - both the countryside and the city.
in this world, women rule and I loved it.
➥writing
one of my favourite things about this book was the writing. it was written in such a , it felt quite unique. I can't really pinpoint what exactly makes it so good, but one of the reasons is definitely how normal it was made that women carry weapons. it was almost written in a way that made it so natural, so "oh yes, of course" - do y'all get what I mean? I laughed so many times and already miss this writing!!
moreover, I liked that there were multiple povs! the transitions from one to another were done flawlessly and I love that I also got povs from characters that were seen as an enemy.
➥ characters
the characters weren't super deep and multifaceted but still very likeable!
Cecilia is so cool. she's strong, funny and knows how to fight but is also vulnerable - I adore fmcs like that! In my opinion, her character actually developed because in the end, she was able to face the freedom she now had and could separate her needs and wants from her aunt's, which is amazing because in the rest of the book, she struggled a bit with that.
Ned was my favourite character of the book. despite being a bit confused in the beginning about if he was only one person (iykyk), I was instantly charmed by his humour and charm. he's very sweet and treats Cecilia in such a wonderful way, never doubting her for even one second.
the side characters were all awesome!! I especially loved the wisteria society ladies, they were so funny and also so cool. i would've loved to see more of oply because i actually really liked her.
morvath as the enemy was great! even though i got introduced to him quite late, i still got enough information about him to understand why he was evil and to therefore dislike him.
➥ CeciliaNed
they were unexpectedly hot together!! they're not slow burn but also not insta love, it's more the perfect in-between.
ned was literally head over heals from the beginning and i had so much fun to see him kind of pining for cecilia. she on the other hand did feel attracted to him but was more cautious towards him and her feelings, thereby making room for their feelings to develop to love.
their banter and tension are incredible, they had me giggling every time they were together.
also, their kisses?? omg i swooned!! and the ending?!!? it just proves even more that ned is literally perfect for her AHHHH
➥ conclusion
if you want a funny, sweet palette cleanser with likeable for in-between darker books, then this is for you!!
i really enjoyed it and will definitely read the other two books as well!
---------------------
this was extremely funny and adorable!! so glad I decided to read it 🤭
rtc!
May 30, 2024
4.75 out of 5 stars.
Now I need someone who would steal a library for me and make it my new home.
*********************************
I received this book as a gift from a friend today and it made my entire day.
Now I need someone who would steal a library for me and make it my new home.
*********************************
I received this book as a gift from a friend today and it made my entire day.
November 23, 2023
4 ⭐️
Ahhh I actually had sm fun with this!! 🫶🫶 It's giving Bridgerton except the characters are Victorian pirates & assassins who are flirting and bantering while trying to kill each other 🤭🤭🩷🩷
“We are exactly that, Signor. Corsairs, robbers, pirates. I, however, am also a bibliophile, and you are impeding my visit to the library. So either assassinate me now and get it over with, or kindly step aside.”
The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels follows Cecelia Bassingthwaite, a very proper Victorian lady- who also happens to be a part of a society for female pirates. She feels like she's never valued by the other pirates- until an assassin is sent after her and she finally feels important. What she didn't account for is how charming the assassin, Ned, is and sparks fly between them instantly. But she really doesn't have time for a romance between trying to save the society from an enemy trying to bring them down- right?
“I needed a book in case of emergencies."
"You mean like being attacked by foul-mouthed highwaymen?"
"No, I mean those moments when nothing important is happening, such as during travel. After supper. Before sleeping. Or whilst one's opponent reloads their gun.”
I picked this up hoping for just a quick, fun read- and it definitely delivered on that!! 🤭🤭 Genuinely one of the most ridiculous & unserious books i've ever read so it's definitely not for everyone, but i had a great time 🫶
There's a lot to love about this!! ✨️ the characters were really well done imo. The mc, Cecelia, was such a great protagonist- she was so fierce but very entertaining. i loved following her journey, she was such a queen 👑👑 Plus she was actually so relatable- i mean, she loves books AND is in love with ned?! me too bestie 🤭🤭
And Ned- THIS MAN 🤭 He's a very charming, roguish pirate- and he completely won me over 🫠🫠 every time he entered a scene i was giggling & kicking my feet and he just made the whole thing so enjoyable to read 😋 And some of the words that came out of his mouth?! sir- 😮💨😮💨
The writing and the vibes were also so so fun!! 🥹🥹 the writing was actually so goofy and unserious, but it was really entertaining. and the vibes were GIVING 🤭🤌 i love how these women were kicking ass and doing other pirate-y things while being ✨️proper victorian ladies✨️ it cracked me up a lot. and the bridgerton vibes were also there!! 🩷🩷 have i read/watched any of bridgerton? ...no. but did i still love the vibes? absolutely 🫶🫶
The romance tho?? 🦋🦋 it had me giggling & kicking my feet, running around my room and screaming 😩😩🤭🤭 It just start off a tad insta-lovey but dw that didn't last that long and the banter & tension made up for it. bc their banter was TOP TIER i was lovingg it 😋😋
They actually had sm good scenes/tropes tho!! 🤌🤌 knife to the throat, only one bed, he was sent to kill her, ballroom scene, and he had to help out of her corset at one point.... 👀😮💨 and then to top it all off he STOLE A LIBRARY FOR HER 🫠🫠 husband material frr 😫💋
“He had kissed her twice now. Outrageous! Indefensible! Would he kiss her in the sunlight next time? My goodness, she hoped not! Would he hold her close, his hand stroking her back as if she was something to be handled with care, cherished? Heaven forbid!”
The only reason it isn't getting a higher rating is the the plot was a bit all over the plot. like what was the plot you ask? i couldn't tell you 🙈🙈 This was basically just vibes and romance, with some action in parts. And the sheer ridiculousness of it all got a bit overwhelming at times. but otherwise it was really good!! 🫶
“I’m thinking of starting a Society of Gentlemen Scoundrels.” “You’re millennia too late. It already exists and is called the patriarchy.”
Overall, just a ridiculous & super fun read!! 🤭🤭🩷🩷 Definitely give this a try if you want:
✔ Super bingeable
✔ Bridgerton vibes
✔ Stunning historical romance
✔ New book bf <3
Where can i get my own Ned?! 👀
《 2023 Challenge: Book 142 of 110 》
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Omg this was sm fun!! 🤭🤭 now I also want to be a female Victorian pirate and fall in love with an assassin sent to kill me 🥹🥹🩷🩷
rtc!
Ahhh I actually had sm fun with this!! 🫶🫶 It's giving Bridgerton except the characters are Victorian pirates & assassins who are flirting and bantering while trying to kill each other 🤭🤭🩷🩷
“We are exactly that, Signor. Corsairs, robbers, pirates. I, however, am also a bibliophile, and you are impeding my visit to the library. So either assassinate me now and get it over with, or kindly step aside.”
The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels follows Cecelia Bassingthwaite, a very proper Victorian lady- who also happens to be a part of a society for female pirates. She feels like she's never valued by the other pirates- until an assassin is sent after her and she finally feels important. What she didn't account for is how charming the assassin, Ned, is and sparks fly between them instantly. But she really doesn't have time for a romance between trying to save the society from an enemy trying to bring them down- right?
“I needed a book in case of emergencies."
"You mean like being attacked by foul-mouthed highwaymen?"
"No, I mean those moments when nothing important is happening, such as during travel. After supper. Before sleeping. Or whilst one's opponent reloads their gun.”
I picked this up hoping for just a quick, fun read- and it definitely delivered on that!! 🤭🤭 Genuinely one of the most ridiculous & unserious books i've ever read so it's definitely not for everyone, but i had a great time 🫶
There's a lot to love about this!! ✨️ the characters were really well done imo. The mc, Cecelia, was such a great protagonist- she was so fierce but very entertaining. i loved following her journey, she was such a queen 👑👑 Plus she was actually so relatable- i mean, she loves books AND is in love with ned?! me too bestie 🤭🤭
And Ned- THIS MAN 🤭 He's a very charming, roguish pirate- and he completely won me over 🫠🫠 every time he entered a scene i was giggling & kicking my feet and he just made the whole thing so enjoyable to read 😋 And some of the words that came out of his mouth?! sir- 😮💨😮💨
The writing and the vibes were also so so fun!! 🥹🥹 the writing was actually so goofy and unserious, but it was really entertaining. and the vibes were GIVING 🤭🤌 i love how these women were kicking ass and doing other pirate-y things while being ✨️proper victorian ladies✨️ it cracked me up a lot. and the bridgerton vibes were also there!! 🩷🩷 have i read/watched any of bridgerton? ...no. but did i still love the vibes? absolutely 🫶🫶
The romance tho?? 🦋🦋 it had me giggling & kicking my feet, running around my room and screaming 😩😩🤭🤭 It just start off a tad insta-lovey but dw that didn't last that long and the banter & tension made up for it. bc their banter was TOP TIER i was lovingg it 😋😋
They actually had sm good scenes/tropes tho!! 🤌🤌 knife to the throat, only one bed, he was sent to kill her, ballroom scene, and he had to help out of her corset at one point.... 👀😮💨 and then to top it all off he STOLE A LIBRARY FOR HER 🫠🫠 husband material frr 😫💋
“He had kissed her twice now. Outrageous! Indefensible! Would he kiss her in the sunlight next time? My goodness, she hoped not! Would he hold her close, his hand stroking her back as if she was something to be handled with care, cherished? Heaven forbid!”
The only reason it isn't getting a higher rating is the the plot was a bit all over the plot. like what was the plot you ask? i couldn't tell you 🙈🙈 This was basically just vibes and romance, with some action in parts. And the sheer ridiculousness of it all got a bit overwhelming at times. but otherwise it was really good!! 🫶
“I’m thinking of starting a Society of Gentlemen Scoundrels.” “You’re millennia too late. It already exists and is called the patriarchy.”
Overall, just a ridiculous & super fun read!! 🤭🤭🩷🩷 Definitely give this a try if you want:
✔ Super bingeable
✔ Bridgerton vibes
✔ Stunning historical romance
✔ New book bf <3
Where can i get my own Ned?! 👀
《 2023 Challenge: Book 142 of 110 》
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Omg this was sm fun!! 🤭🤭 now I also want to be a female Victorian pirate and fall in love with an assassin sent to kill me 🥹🥹🩷🩷
rtc!
April 26, 2025
“I received only the basic instruction at home—reading, writing, horse riding, navigation, weapons handling, piano, harp, the principles of burglary, geography, arithmetic, anatomy, metalwork, confidence trickery, history, battle tactics, dining etiquette.”
“Do you ever feel the loss of a thorough education?”
“Sometimes. I should like to know how to cook, and to embroider my own gun wipers.”
Riotous fun, with just the right amount of quirkiness and proper etiquette for piracy! The best part is the scintillating writing - perfect for readers who like the nineteenth century classics and are looking to laugh out loud at a light-hearted rom com. I loved all the Brontë references and the scientist in me laughed out loud at the Darwin mentions. Like Cecelia, I couldn't help but hope for more of this story - an epic adventure, or a Gothic mystery at the very least. But I enjoyed the rom com and as Ned points out, the story has just begun and I'm looking forward to reading more of this series and author India Holton!
🌟🌟🌟
[Half a star for the premise and the whole book; One star for the writing; Half a star for the story; Half a star for the characters; Half a star for the world-building - Three stars in total].
“Do you ever feel the loss of a thorough education?”
“Sometimes. I should like to know how to cook, and to embroider my own gun wipers.”
Riotous fun, with just the right amount of quirkiness and proper etiquette for piracy! The best part is the scintillating writing - perfect for readers who like the nineteenth century classics and are looking to laugh out loud at a light-hearted rom com. I loved all the Brontë references and the scientist in me laughed out loud at the Darwin mentions. Like Cecelia, I couldn't help but hope for more of this story - an epic adventure, or a Gothic mystery at the very least. But I enjoyed the rom com and as Ned points out, the story has just begun and I'm looking forward to reading more of this series and author India Holton!
🌟🌟🌟
[Half a star for the premise and the whole book; One star for the writing; Half a star for the story; Half a star for the characters; Half a star for the world-building - Three stars in total].
October 13, 2023
Okay look, either "silly Victorian lady pirates who fly houses" is absolutely your thing, or else it isn't. I understand that. But The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels was exactly my sort of humour.
In The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, the heroine is a very polite pirate, the hero has a dozen different identities, proper old ladies have tea and take out assassination contracts on one another, and everyone carries far too many weapons on their person at any given time. My favourite character by far, though, was the heroine's villainous father, who spends the entire novel trying to force everyone else to act as though this book is Wuthering Heights instead of a Victorian Monty Python skit.
(Also, Queen Victoria dines with a portrait of Prince Albert next to her at all times, and regularly engages it in conversation. I don't care if you don't get that joke, it made me laugh myself sick.)
I actually can't recall the last time I read a book that so steadfastly refused to take itself seriously. The first chapter utterly delighted me—Holton does wit and banter and slapstick humour all very well—but at the back of my mind, I began to worry that at some point, the audience would be asked to take Victorian ladies flying houses into battle Very Seriously. I am here to reassure you that this never happened, not once. Instead, this book was a joyful, unapologetically ridiculous ride from beginning to end. If you're at all familiar with traditional gothic heroines and their over-the-top woes, you'll find it even more entertaining.
If silly but strangely dignified is also your thing, then I can't recommend this book highly enough. If, however, the Ministry of Silly Walks makes you want to throw things at your television, then you may wish to leave it for the rest of us.
In The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, the heroine is a very polite pirate, the hero has a dozen different identities, proper old ladies have tea and take out assassination contracts on one another, and everyone carries far too many weapons on their person at any given time. My favourite character by far, though, was the heroine's villainous father, who spends the entire novel trying to force everyone else to act as though this book is Wuthering Heights instead of a Victorian Monty Python skit.
(Also, Queen Victoria dines with a portrait of Prince Albert next to her at all times, and regularly engages it in conversation. I don't care if you don't get that joke, it made me laugh myself sick.)
I actually can't recall the last time I read a book that so steadfastly refused to take itself seriously. The first chapter utterly delighted me—Holton does wit and banter and slapstick humour all very well—but at the back of my mind, I began to worry that at some point, the audience would be asked to take Victorian ladies flying houses into battle Very Seriously. I am here to reassure you that this never happened, not once. Instead, this book was a joyful, unapologetically ridiculous ride from beginning to end. If you're at all familiar with traditional gothic heroines and their over-the-top woes, you'll find it even more entertaining.
If silly but strangely dignified is also your thing, then I can't recommend this book highly enough. If, however, the Ministry of Silly Walks makes you want to throw things at your television, then you may wish to leave it for the rest of us.
June 4, 2021
Maybe 2.5 stars.
This book was absolutely not what I was expecting based on the blurb provided by the publisher, I was expecting a fun, Victorian romp along the lines of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and I ended up with a Mel Brooks and Monty Phyton Victorian-era fantasy collaboration. I finished this book and my first thought was – what the hell did I just read? Even now, a day later, I am still not sure.
Basically, Cecilia is a lady pirate, but not your ordinary pirate, no, she is a junior member of the Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels – a group of ladies that steal, try to assassinate each other, drink tea and fly their houses (yes, not pirate ships - pirate houses). Cecilia hopes to be made a senior member of the society and is sure that is about to happen since another member has hired an assassin to do her in.
Edward “Ned” Lightbourne (AKA Teddy Luxe, AKA Signor de Luca, AKA Major Candent) was hired to kill Cecilia, but that is not really his true purpose – he may or may not be in league with her crazy father or maybe he works for the Queen – either way – he doesn’t really plan to kill her, in fact after meeting her, killing her is the last thing he wants to do.
And so starts a very bizarre and at times completely absurd story that left me wondering how in the world this got assigned to the historical romance genre, it is clearly historical, but I would put it in the fantasy genre, rather than romance. Do not get me wrong, the book is well-written, albeit a trifle wordy, and the author has an amazing vocabulary that she puts to good use in this book. But sadly for me, even that was not enough to make me a fan of this book. For me, the romance was lacking, the plot was ridiculous, and will someone please tell me what is up with the recent trend of thinking that feminism and misandry are the same things?? It is hard to buy into a romance when the heroine clearly dislikes men. I didn’t hate this book, but I am not sure I would read another book in this series.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. *
This book was absolutely not what I was expecting based on the blurb provided by the publisher, I was expecting a fun, Victorian romp along the lines of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and I ended up with a Mel Brooks and Monty Phyton Victorian-era fantasy collaboration. I finished this book and my first thought was – what the hell did I just read? Even now, a day later, I am still not sure.
Basically, Cecilia is a lady pirate, but not your ordinary pirate, no, she is a junior member of the Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels – a group of ladies that steal, try to assassinate each other, drink tea and fly their houses (yes, not pirate ships - pirate houses). Cecilia hopes to be made a senior member of the society and is sure that is about to happen since another member has hired an assassin to do her in.
Edward “Ned” Lightbourne (AKA Teddy Luxe, AKA Signor de Luca, AKA Major Candent) was hired to kill Cecilia, but that is not really his true purpose – he may or may not be in league with her crazy father or maybe he works for the Queen – either way – he doesn’t really plan to kill her, in fact after meeting her, killing her is the last thing he wants to do.
And so starts a very bizarre and at times completely absurd story that left me wondering how in the world this got assigned to the historical romance genre, it is clearly historical, but I would put it in the fantasy genre, rather than romance. Do not get me wrong, the book is well-written, albeit a trifle wordy, and the author has an amazing vocabulary that she puts to good use in this book. But sadly for me, even that was not enough to make me a fan of this book. For me, the romance was lacking, the plot was ridiculous, and will someone please tell me what is up with the recent trend of thinking that feminism and misandry are the same things?? It is hard to buy into a romance when the heroine clearly dislikes men. I didn’t hate this book, but I am not sure I would read another book in this series.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. *
December 13, 2021
It seems like December is going to be about rereading some of my favorites from 2021, so of course the first one had to be The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels.
This is a book I knew I was going to love, but it truly blew every one of my expectations out of the water. It’s the most bonkers romance novel I’ve ever read in my life!!
Here are some of the things you can find in this story:
- Lady pirates with flying houses;
- Cocaine pills “in case of toothache, neuralgia, or syphillis”;
- Haunted mansions;
- Haunted people;
- Hired assassins;
- Only-one-room-at-the-inn;
- Enemies AND lovers.
Our main characters are Cecilia Bassingthwaite, who is both a proper lady and a pirate, and Ned (of uncertain last name), who has so many different identities he is basically five different characters in the book.
Cecilia and her aunt are a part of The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, a ladies’ society where they discuss things like embroidery and guns.
Ned was hired by different people to kill/kidnap/protect Cecilia, which is hilarious, and makes it really hard to understand what his true motivations are. Ned finds himself underestimating her at every moment only to be surprised (usually with a knife at his throat).
This is a wildly romantic book with the craziest storyline you’ve ever heard. I can’t wait for the second one in the series!!! 💕
This is a book I knew I was going to love, but it truly blew every one of my expectations out of the water. It’s the most bonkers romance novel I’ve ever read in my life!!
Here are some of the things you can find in this story:
- Lady pirates with flying houses;
- Cocaine pills “in case of toothache, neuralgia, or syphillis”;
- Haunted mansions;
- Haunted people;
- Hired assassins;
- Only-one-room-at-the-inn;
- Enemies AND lovers.
Our main characters are Cecilia Bassingthwaite, who is both a proper lady and a pirate, and Ned (of uncertain last name), who has so many different identities he is basically five different characters in the book.
Cecilia and her aunt are a part of The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, a ladies’ society where they discuss things like embroidery and guns.
Ned was hired by different people to kill/kidnap/protect Cecilia, which is hilarious, and makes it really hard to understand what his true motivations are. Ned finds himself underestimating her at every moment only to be surprised (usually with a knife at his throat).
This is a wildly romantic book with the craziest storyline you’ve ever heard. I can’t wait for the second one in the series!!! 💕
October 23, 2020
So fierce! So feminist! So FUNNY! A romp like no other...two pages in and I was already in love.
I can't get over what a barrel of fun this book was. These ladies were drinking tea with one hand and calmly gunning down their enemies with the other, but were never too busy to whomp someone with their razor edged parasol for using the wrong fork at dinner. Transports you to a whole other world quite a bit more proper and fun than ours.
Basically, this is the book you'd get if Mark Twain and Jane Austen teamed up--with a wee bit of whiskey in the tea--to write about lady pirates.
Utterly unique and completely charming.
I can't get over what a barrel of fun this book was. These ladies were drinking tea with one hand and calmly gunning down their enemies with the other, but were never too busy to whomp someone with their razor edged parasol for using the wrong fork at dinner. Transports you to a whole other world quite a bit more proper and fun than ours.
Basically, this is the book you'd get if Mark Twain and Jane Austen teamed up--with a wee bit of whiskey in the tea--to write about lady pirates.
Utterly unique and completely charming.
June 26, 2021
I might be too harsh but i was not feeling this book at all towards the middle. The book is very zany. Everyone is pulling guns on each other. Our heroine is smart, strong, and capable but she turns into a fool when she's with our hero. Our hero is a flirt and all he wants is to keep kissing her. The characters are always popping in and out of scenes very quickly which makes me have whiplash. And more importantly, their grand adventure of assassination is boring to me. I also did not expect the fantasy elements to it like ghosts lol
July 30, 2025
“Two roads diverged in a yellow-wallpapered room, and we pirates took the better one.”
rating: 4.25⭐️
this was so charming omg? imagine a regency fantasy blended w wes anderson, piracy, and a lotta sultry sass and you’ve got the wisteria society.
“We have only three laws in our Society, Cecilia. No killing civilians. Pour the tea before the milk. And no stealing each other’s houses.”
i enjoyed how holton managed to take something so iconically uptight like the manners of regency and blends it w its complete opposite of piracy and scoundrelism into a delightful enigma.
It’s an honor to have provoked your anger, although I’m still hoping to make you smile.
the moment ned appeared w that slutty hoop earring i was down, but his utter adoration for cecilia puts him at the top league of fictional men.
“You are a scoundrel," she whispered furiously.
"Yes," he agreed. "I'm thinking of starting a Society of Gentlemen Scoundrels."
"You're millennia too late. It already exists and is called the patriarchy.”
flying houses, charming assassins, lady pirates, and family drama of Grecian proportions, this is a fabulous start to a magical series!
rating: 4.25⭐️
this was so charming omg? imagine a regency fantasy blended w wes anderson, piracy, and a lotta sultry sass and you’ve got the wisteria society.
“We have only three laws in our Society, Cecilia. No killing civilians. Pour the tea before the milk. And no stealing each other’s houses.”
i enjoyed how holton managed to take something so iconically uptight like the manners of regency and blends it w its complete opposite of piracy and scoundrelism into a delightful enigma.
It’s an honor to have provoked your anger, although I’m still hoping to make you smile.
the moment ned appeared w that slutty hoop earring i was down, but his utter adoration for cecilia puts him at the top league of fictional men.
“You are a scoundrel," she whispered furiously.
"Yes," he agreed. "I'm thinking of starting a Society of Gentlemen Scoundrels."
"You're millennia too late. It already exists and is called the patriarchy.”
flying houses, charming assassins, lady pirates, and family drama of Grecian proportions, this is a fabulous start to a magical series!
February 12, 2023
✨“Explosions (sensual).”✨
The aura of this book is a magically intoxicating blend of The Princess Bride and Wuthering Heights, from the writers of Shrek 3 with a touch of Up, and of course the pen of India Holton. It’s incredible how this one inspired so many memories in me but is still precisely and fearlessly it’s own beautiful thing.
Inigo and Wesley sword fighting is exactly how Cecilia and Ned talk to (and also fight) each other. A long line of Cecilias (and a Cilla)? Cathy and Catherine love the tribute. Frederick and Captain Morvath are such fun additions because they were over-the-top and just so theatrical. Think Prince Charming trying to act in Shrek 3. The lady scoundrels having a “craft-making session” is both the princesses and the fairy tale villains (in the most lovable way possible). The magical floating houses invoke the whimsy of Up.
Incredible, smart, vivid prose leaps off the page and lands in a battle stance ready to stab you with a fork, where it will then write you a beautiful poem about your demise. The amount of heart and care that went into the characters is as palpable as it is enchanting; the amount of wit and humor is intoxicating. The entire book is just so goddamn clever.
The chapter headers are incredible and also incredibly hilarious. The ending is a true storybook love story and inspired so many potential adjectives I can’t even begin to choose the perfect fit.
Ned and Cecilia’s fairytale title would be Beauty and the Blackstocking. Cecilia is gloriously turned on by Ned’s purloining and he’s hopelessly in love with her(s). The romance is slow burn but their chemistry is tantalizing from the beginning. There were little mysteries throughout and the pace never faltered.
Here are some of my favorite lines short enough for me to quote:
🏴☠️You’re right. I am the ghost of Emily Brontë.
🏴☠️Ned silences Cecilia inappropriately.
🏴☠️Neither thought for a moment to stop and actually properly talk.
🏴☠️Kindly convey our apologies to Olivia. (In modern parlance: “Fuck off.”)
🏴☠️If society wanted me to keep track of my illicit lovers, they should have educated me better.
🏴☠️So this is merely a romance?
Overall, I desperately didn’t want this one to end. I’ve already grown roots pining for the next book. I have a good feeling about Alex. I have such a good feeling about the Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶/5
This book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The aura of this book is a magically intoxicating blend of The Princess Bride and Wuthering Heights, from the writers of Shrek 3 with a touch of Up, and of course the pen of India Holton. It’s incredible how this one inspired so many memories in me but is still precisely and fearlessly it’s own beautiful thing.
Inigo and Wesley sword fighting is exactly how Cecilia and Ned talk to (and also fight) each other. A long line of Cecilias (and a Cilla)? Cathy and Catherine love the tribute. Frederick and Captain Morvath are such fun additions because they were over-the-top and just so theatrical. Think Prince Charming trying to act in Shrek 3. The lady scoundrels having a “craft-making session” is both the princesses and the fairy tale villains (in the most lovable way possible). The magical floating houses invoke the whimsy of Up.
Incredible, smart, vivid prose leaps off the page and lands in a battle stance ready to stab you with a fork, where it will then write you a beautiful poem about your demise. The amount of heart and care that went into the characters is as palpable as it is enchanting; the amount of wit and humor is intoxicating. The entire book is just so goddamn clever.
The chapter headers are incredible and also incredibly hilarious. The ending is a true storybook love story and inspired so many potential adjectives I can’t even begin to choose the perfect fit.
Ned and Cecilia’s fairytale title would be Beauty and the Blackstocking. Cecilia is gloriously turned on by Ned’s purloining and he’s hopelessly in love with her(s). The romance is slow burn but their chemistry is tantalizing from the beginning. There were little mysteries throughout and the pace never faltered.
Here are some of my favorite lines short enough for me to quote:
🏴☠️You’re right. I am the ghost of Emily Brontë.
🏴☠️Ned silences Cecilia inappropriately.
🏴☠️Neither thought for a moment to stop and actually properly talk.
🏴☠️Kindly convey our apologies to Olivia. (In modern parlance: “Fuck off.”)
🏴☠️If society wanted me to keep track of my illicit lovers, they should have educated me better.
🏴☠️So this is merely a romance?
Overall, I desperately didn’t want this one to end. I’ve already grown roots pining for the next book. I have a good feeling about Alex. I have such a good feeling about the Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶/5
This book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2022
This book has become one of my favorite books EVER.
The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels is a magical unicorn of delight and passion and hilarity. It's so fantastical that I wanted to hug it to my chest and squeal happily from every single page. India's writing feels fearless, and this entire story is exactly what I've been dying to read. The themes of womanhood and bravery and overcoming were the cherries on the top.
I want to be a pirate now.
Favorite line:
"Just who shall assassinate whom, Captain Charming Ned Flirting Lightbourne?"
The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels is a magical unicorn of delight and passion and hilarity. It's so fantastical that I wanted to hug it to my chest and squeal happily from every single page. India's writing feels fearless, and this entire story is exactly what I've been dying to read. The themes of womanhood and bravery and overcoming were the cherries on the top.
I want to be a pirate now.
Favorite line:
"Just who shall assassinate whom, Captain Charming Ned Flirting Lightbourne?"
June 22, 2021
DNF
This was such a hodge podge. I was really struck by the fact that there is just so much going on in this book. Between the flying houses, idiotic pirates, metallic corsets, hundreds of characters, super-weaponry, class dynamics, spies, some sort of romance and general silliness, I just did not know what to focus on. It felt as if I were dropped into the center of an environment with elements I couldn’t fully assimilate.
There was a definite attempt to recreate an alternative version of Victorian England, but the author just didn't get it quite right somehow. Will not be reading the rest of this series.
This was such a hodge podge. I was really struck by the fact that there is just so much going on in this book. Between the flying houses, idiotic pirates, metallic corsets, hundreds of characters, super-weaponry, class dynamics, spies, some sort of romance and general silliness, I just did not know what to focus on. It felt as if I were dropped into the center of an environment with elements I couldn’t fully assimilate.
There was a definite attempt to recreate an alternative version of Victorian England, but the author just didn't get it quite right somehow. Will not be reading the rest of this series.
April 11, 2022
This was a romp and I mean that mostly in a good way. If a group of women discovered a spell that let them turn random structures into flying machines and they kept that secret close and used it to establish a feminist pirate society that teaches its inner circle rogue skills along with proper etiquette, you'd have the beginnings of this story.
The only problem I had with the story is that the tone is inconsistent. The dire stakes are hard to maintain when assassination contracts are considered no big deal and Cecilia simply tosses a bomb back out the window it arrived through without breaking the tea-time mood. And yet the plot rests on a threat along those same lines and it was a bit difficult to take seriously when similar threats are casually dismissed.
It was a consistent-enough problem that it pushed me out the the story kind of randomly. Still, it's a fun romp and with lots of vivid characters I enjoyed spending time with. Holton keeps a spanking pace and has some fascinating characters striding the landscape. And don't miss because that kind of madcap hijinks is so well-delivered that I near cackled in delight.
So this ends with a strong four stars, though I know I'll have to be in the right mood if I plan on going further in the series.
A note about Steamy: Unfortunately, I left this review a week or so and now I can't remember just how steamy the sex scene got. I'm pretty sure it tripped the steam tag but also pretty sure it didn't dwell long there. But I don't know that for sure...
The only problem I had with the story is that the tone is inconsistent. The dire stakes are hard to maintain when assassination contracts are considered no big deal and Cecilia simply tosses a bomb back out the window it arrived through without breaking the tea-time mood. And yet the plot rests on a threat along those same lines and it was a bit difficult to take seriously when similar threats are casually dismissed.
It was a consistent-enough problem that it pushed me out the the story kind of randomly. Still, it's a fun romp and with lots of vivid characters I enjoyed spending time with. Holton keeps a spanking pace and has some fascinating characters striding the landscape. And don't miss because that kind of madcap hijinks is so well-delivered that I near cackled in delight.
So this ends with a strong four stars, though I know I'll have to be in the right mood if I plan on going further in the series.
A note about Steamy: Unfortunately, I left this review a week or so and now I can't remember just how steamy the sex scene got. I'm pretty sure it tripped the steam tag but also pretty sure it didn't dwell long there. But I don't know that for sure...
November 9, 2025
The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels
⤷ ⭑⭑⭑⭑.𝟮𝟱
𓏲⋆🫖.* Cecilia Bassingwaite has always taken pride in being the ideal Englishwoman. She possesses pristine etiquette, impeccable posture, and an unusual penchant for thievery, much like the pirate ladies of the Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels and their flying houses.
However, her tranquil days of reading and hosting tea parties are abruptly interrupted when Ned Lightbourne knocks on their door, declaring his intention to kill her. But remember, never underestimate a woman.
⟢ For everyone who has followed my reading updates on this book, you know how much I loved every moment, despite the crazy plot. It's important to understand that the logic of this book is that there is no logic; you simply need to accept things as they come. I believe this is why I enjoyed it so much, and I am rating it based on the overall reading experience.
This book is aimed at a specific target audience, and I am that audience. I was amazed at how quickly I read this book! Holton has a fantastic writing style that makes the story incredibly easy to digest and full of humor. The eccentric characters, dry wit, and absurd plot all came together so perfectly. Just when you think things won't get crazier, you're proven wrong, so this kept me hooked from start to finish. I can’t recommend it enough!
I hate insta-romance, but this one was love at FIRST FIGHT. Impeccable banter, Top-tier rebuts, and an exciting dynamic that kept me on my toes. You could really feel the chemistry between Cecilia and Ned. The pure dislike she had of him was hilarious. (Literally) trading jabs and witty comebacks. It was such a refreshing take on romance, where sparks fly not just from sweet words but from a thrilling clash of personalities (and guns or swords —depending on what they had).
Here is a paragraph I've highlighted that summarizes their relationship throughout the book:
A jolly good time. I loved that this was my first India Holton book, and it certainly won't be my last. ଘ(੭*ˊᵕˋ)੭* ੈ♡‧₊˚
More titles by India Holton: ✶⋆.°
✶ The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love
ꫂ❁
post-read : BEST. READING EXPERIENCE. EVER.
pre-read : taking an arc break because i miss reading my physicals so much. heard this book is a silly fun time and i need a bit of ridiculousness right now ⋆.˚⟡ ࣪ ˖
⤷ ⭑⭑⭑⭑.𝟮𝟱
˚˖𓍢ִ໋❀ ❝ A lady stays tranquil and poised under all circumstances. Instead of panicking, she squares her jaw, protects her heart, and ensures that she has enough ammunition to gun down everyone in her path. ❞
𓏲⋆🫖.* Cecilia Bassingwaite has always taken pride in being the ideal Englishwoman. She possesses pristine etiquette, impeccable posture, and an unusual penchant for thievery, much like the pirate ladies of the Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels and their flying houses.
However, her tranquil days of reading and hosting tea parties are abruptly interrupted when Ned Lightbourne knocks on their door, declaring his intention to kill her. But remember, never underestimate a woman.
⟢ For everyone who has followed my reading updates on this book, you know how much I loved every moment, despite the crazy plot. It's important to understand that the logic of this book is that there is no logic; you simply need to accept things as they come. I believe this is why I enjoyed it so much, and I am rating it based on the overall reading experience.
જ⁀➴ “Marry me,” Ned whispered to Cecilia.
“Over Freddy’s dead body,” she muttered in reply.
“This afternoon, then,” Ned said. “The poor chap is about to expire from hysterics.”
This book is aimed at a specific target audience, and I am that audience. I was amazed at how quickly I read this book! Holton has a fantastic writing style that makes the story incredibly easy to digest and full of humor. The eccentric characters, dry wit, and absurd plot all came together so perfectly. Just when you think things won't get crazier, you're proven wrong, so this kept me hooked from start to finish. I can’t recommend it enough!
I hate insta-romance, but this one was love at FIRST FIGHT. Impeccable banter, Top-tier rebuts, and an exciting dynamic that kept me on my toes. You could really feel the chemistry between Cecilia and Ned. The pure dislike she had of him was hilarious. (Literally) trading jabs and witty comebacks. It was such a refreshing take on romance, where sparks fly not just from sweet words but from a thrilling clash of personalities (and guns or swords —depending on what they had).
Here is a paragraph I've highlighted that summarizes their relationship throughout the book:
𓏲 ๋࣭ ࣪ ˖ ❝ Ned sighed dreamily as he limped through Miss Dole’s downstairs rooms, filling his pockets with small valuable items and trying to ignore the pain in a certain part of his anatomy. If Cecilia Bassingthwaite hadn’t injured him, he would be having quite the opposite reaction to their meeting. So much for implacability! So much for delicate pallor! Fire ran through her veins! He’d felt it in her throat, pulsing against his knife. He’d felt it in her breath beneath him. She had witchcraft in her lips!—and hands, and knees. ❞
A jolly good time. I loved that this was my first India Holton book, and it certainly won't be my last. ଘ(੭*ˊᵕˋ)੭* ੈ♡‧₊˚
❝ I’m thinking of starting a Society of Gentlemen Scoundrels.”
“You’re millennia too late. It already exists and is called the patriarchy. ❞ ꕤ
More titles by India Holton: ✶⋆.°
✶ The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love
ꫂ❁
post-read : BEST. READING EXPERIENCE. EVER.
pre-read : taking an arc break because i miss reading my physicals so much. heard this book is a silly fun time and i need a bit of ridiculousness right now ⋆.˚⟡ ࣪ ˖
April 9, 2023
Super quirky writing style as it bounced around messing with my mind till I got a little more used to it.
The humour was present from the start, we all know I'm a sucker for the linguistic barbs in period set stories 🙃
Add in female pirates that are thieves who fly around in battle houses and would-be-assassins with more names than anyone can possibly remember each more amusingly layered into the story than the last and this tale tripped along reminding me of the Felicity Jones adaptation of Northanger Abbey (if anyone else has seen that)...soz if not describing this properly but I guess all I can say is please read it and come share potentially confused thoughts with me 🤭
The ladies of the Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels are very memorable characters who'll take out a hit against you as quickly as they'll rock up to save you and is a romp of an intro to this unique series 🤣
I just kind of wish C for all her actions, training and super interesting reactions throughout her tussles with he of many names had reached the ending decisions herself and been a smidge more proactive 🤐 but even my greedy @$$ can admit the end result is adorbs at the same time 😅
Oply is my book MVP, their scenes were all priceless - the adventure to London *cackles*
3.25* and already have book2 ready to read - y'all know an Irish bff was gonna reel me in 🤗
The humour was present from the start, we all know I'm a sucker for the linguistic barbs in period set stories 🙃
Add in female pirates that are thieves who fly around in battle houses and would-be-assassins with more names than anyone can possibly remember each more amusingly layered into the story than the last and this tale tripped along reminding me of the Felicity Jones adaptation of Northanger Abbey (if anyone else has seen that)...soz if not describing this properly but I guess all I can say is please read it and come share potentially confused thoughts with me 🤭
The ladies of the Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels are very memorable characters who'll take out a hit against you as quickly as they'll rock up to save you and is a romp of an intro to this unique series 🤣
I just kind of wish C for all her actions, training and super interesting reactions throughout her tussles with he of many names had reached the ending decisions herself and been a smidge more proactive 🤐 but even my greedy @$$ can admit the end result is adorbs at the same time 😅
Oply is my book MVP, their scenes were all priceless - the adventure to London *cackles*
3.25* and already have book2 ready to read - y'all know an Irish bff was gonna reel me in 🤗
October 23, 2021
What this book does well it does REALLY well. I loved the world-building. The lady pirates with their floating houses and strict rules of etiquette are such a delight. The humor tends towards absurd without feeling too jarringly anachronistic. And every line about assassination left me chuckling. (And how often can you type that sentence?)
The pacing of the plot brought the book down, though.
It just kept going on...and on...and on...
As a reader, I lacked a clear understanding of what the goal was. Defeat the bad guy? Wrap up the romance? Win fame and fortune? The story itself even mocks this near the end when the heroine admits to all the ways she contributed nothing.
But whatever the goal, every time I thought we'd reached it, I would be surprised to discover my audiobook still had 20% to go.
I also didn't necessarily like the heroine. I love the idea of the romance. The two have chemistry. But I never fully clicked with them as individuals. POVs from side characters also kept distracting me from the main storyline.
And finally, in full disclosure, I'm rather tired of Queen Victoria making appearances in my strong-women fiction. Leave the poor woman alone.
Overall, though, this was a light, enjoyable story and I just might pick up the sequel.
The pacing of the plot brought the book down, though.
It just kept going on...and on...and on...
As a reader, I lacked a clear understanding of what the goal was. Defeat the bad guy? Wrap up the romance? Win fame and fortune? The story itself even mocks this near the end when the heroine admits to all the ways she contributed nothing.
But whatever the goal, every time I thought we'd reached it, I would be surprised to discover my audiobook still had 20% to go.
I also didn't necessarily like the heroine. I love the idea of the romance. The two have chemistry. But I never fully clicked with them as individuals. POVs from side characters also kept distracting me from the main storyline.
And finally, in full disclosure, I'm rather tired of Queen Victoria making appearances in my strong-women fiction. Leave the poor woman alone.
Overall, though, this was a light, enjoyable story and I just might pick up the sequel.
October 9, 2023
Not a hugely plot-heavy paranormal romance, but so very fun.
Recommended for fans of Soulless--this one has less focus on world-building, but has a similarly dizzyingly cheerful tone in the face of disaster. The endless literary allusions, often humorously integrated, are amusing to catch, and there are some magical spectacles that are visually very striking. It's also hard to resist such a briskly competent heroine and a dashing gentleman who looks upon her with such unbridled affection and lust and respect.
Audio Notes: I rarely listen to romances on audiobook, but I am so very glad I did with this one. The banter is quick and witty, and Elizabeth Knowelden's perfect delivery and varied voices made it a hugely enjoyable experience. I suspect the lightness in plot might be more obvious during a regular reading experience, but on audio it's absolutely delightful.
Recommended for fans of Soulless--this one has less focus on world-building, but has a similarly dizzyingly cheerful tone in the face of disaster. The endless literary allusions, often humorously integrated, are amusing to catch, and there are some magical spectacles that are visually very striking. It's also hard to resist such a briskly competent heroine and a dashing gentleman who looks upon her with such unbridled affection and lust and respect.
Audio Notes: I rarely listen to romances on audiobook, but I am so very glad I did with this one. The banter is quick and witty, and Elizabeth Knowelden's perfect delivery and varied voices made it a hugely enjoyable experience. I suspect the lightness in plot might be more obvious during a regular reading experience, but on audio it's absolutely delightful.
January 26, 2021
An enchanting pastiche of historical romance, Victorian fantasy, and worldbuilding all the author's own. India Holton's witty prose had me laughing out loud and the plot kept me turning the pages. With a piratical heroine who would rather be reading and a hero whose many disguises hide a (slightly tarnished) heart of gold, The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels is the perfect diversion for a rainy afternoon with a cup of tea.
What fun!
What fun!
June 29, 2022
Zany and fun. I liked the tone. It felt reminiscent of Princess Bride. Rather than ever admitting error, the characters would pivot with conviction and claim some absurdity as the reality.
I enjoyed the world Holton created, and I look forward to trying more.
I enjoyed the world Holton created, and I look forward to trying more.
August 22, 2022
Great premise, great first chapter, but the rest didn't deliver on story or romance. A lot of randomness and zany things thrown together.
Will be in my next vlog
Will be in my next vlog
May 31, 2021
Series: Dangerous Damsels #1
Publication Date: 6/15/21
Period: Victorian
Number of Pages: 336
** 2.5 Stars **
The GoodReads blurb for this book made it sound like a fun, entertaining, lighthearted, witty, and exciting read. I could hardly wait to get my hands on either the purchased copy or an ARC – whichever came first. To say I was sorely disappointed would be putting it mildly. Please take this as just one person’s opinion because we all like different things and we all find different things humorous. I’m sure some of you will read the book and love it – I just did not. After reading it, I am of the belief that they need to invent a whole new genre just for this book. I think it was just too much – too much of everything – too busy – it reminded me of some of the descriptions I’ve read from people having LSD trips.
If you get rid of the chaff, you have a nice love story. I couldn’t bring myself to like the heroine, Cecilia, but I did like the hero Nate. He was actually the only person in the story I did like.
In this alternate/fantasy universe, the members of the Wisteria Society fly their houses from place to place, dislike and disrespect men, love nobody, hire assassins to murder their friends, poison their husbands (or stab them, or …), steal the possessions of others, well, you name it – I sort of thought they were worse than the mafia. Queen Victoria even flies Windsor Castle into battle.
I really, really wanted to love this book as much as I loved the book blurb, but I just couldn’t get there. The writing is well done, I loved the author’s way of turning a phrase and the way she handled the internal dialogue, etc. I just couldn’t get into the story or the characters. I am sorry to say that I won’t be looking for further books by this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 6/15/21
Period: Victorian
Number of Pages: 336
** 2.5 Stars **
The GoodReads blurb for this book made it sound like a fun, entertaining, lighthearted, witty, and exciting read. I could hardly wait to get my hands on either the purchased copy or an ARC – whichever came first. To say I was sorely disappointed would be putting it mildly. Please take this as just one person’s opinion because we all like different things and we all find different things humorous. I’m sure some of you will read the book and love it – I just did not. After reading it, I am of the belief that they need to invent a whole new genre just for this book. I think it was just too much – too much of everything – too busy – it reminded me of some of the descriptions I’ve read from people having LSD trips.
If you get rid of the chaff, you have a nice love story. I couldn’t bring myself to like the heroine, Cecilia, but I did like the hero Nate. He was actually the only person in the story I did like.
In this alternate/fantasy universe, the members of the Wisteria Society fly their houses from place to place, dislike and disrespect men, love nobody, hire assassins to murder their friends, poison their husbands (or stab them, or …), steal the possessions of others, well, you name it – I sort of thought they were worse than the mafia. Queen Victoria even flies Windsor Castle into battle.
I really, really wanted to love this book as much as I loved the book blurb, but I just couldn’t get there. The writing is well done, I loved the author’s way of turning a phrase and the way she handled the internal dialogue, etc. I just couldn’t get into the story or the characters. I am sorry to say that I won’t be looking for further books by this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 7, 2022
This book was a wild and psychedelic ride and ultimately it did not work for me. The story was bizarre and outlandish. After I was halfway through it I found myself skipping pages. There is just too much going on, way too many characters, and endless dialogue that gets boring after a while.
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