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Dangerous Damsels #2
The League of Gentlewomen Witches
Miss Charlotte Pettifer belongs to a secret society skilled in a very particular art. That is to say - although it mustn't be said too loudly - witchcraft.
But when rumours of a long-lost amulet with very special powers start to circulate, Charlotte is determined to discover the truth.
Together with the dastardly pirate, Alex O'Riley, Charlotte sets out to find this treasure and bring it back to the Society.
But might she also find love along the way?
But when rumours of a long-lost amulet with very special powers start to circulate, Charlotte is determined to discover the truth.
Together with the dastardly pirate, Alex O'Riley, Charlotte sets out to find this treasure and bring it back to the Society.
But might she also find love along the way?
324 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2022
1388 people are currently reading
58187 people want to read
About the author
India Holton
10 books3,899 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 3,386 reviews
March 12, 2023
"Tomorrow I'm taking you there."
"Where exactly?"
"Anywhere, darling. Into the forever. Into a life of endless wondrous beginnings."
The Princess Bride meets Jane Austen in this quirky romance.
✔️ Forbidden romance
✔️ Enemies to allies to lovers
✔️ Historical romance
✔️ Witch FMC x Pirate MMC
✔️ Only one bed
✔️ Insta lusty with angst (if that makes sense)
✔️ Spicy (2/5) 🌶️
This is the second book in the series, The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels. While I absolutely adored the first book, this one fell short and could not compete. I could not overlook the flaws.
The plot is pretty simple, the pirate and the witch hunting for an amulet for their own purposes. Both enemies to each other, find themselves in a position where they become allies. It sounds good but I had problems with it in the sense, that except for the romance I had zero interest in the amulet which was a major part of the plot. It was supposedly very powerful and blah blah blah but all I cared about was the romance, which India Holton does write well.
Alex, our MMC wasn't half as charming as Ned in the Wisteria Society. I started warming up to him in the second half of the book but there's not much to his personality except for being a pirate and loving Charlotte (which he does quite well). Charlotte, our FMC was okay-ish but even after 324 pages, I don't know much about her 🤷♀️ She has her moments, she's witty at times but couldn't create the same magic as Cecilia. Not me saying she couldn't create magic even tho she's a witch. Humour me, laugh. Ned and Cecilia make appearances throughout the book and their presence overpowered Alex and Charlotte's easily. Ned still continued to be charming and I loved it.
Although an enemies to allies to lovers, the romance came across as insta lusty to me. I would've preferred some longing, slow burn. It was angsty in some places but I won't be nit picking over it cause the two actually make a good couple and have chemistry.
I liked how this book didn't have too many characters compared to the first one. Shame about the plot tho cause the book is actually well written but the whole amulet journey did not appeal to me. Overall, it's an okay read if you just read it for the historical romance.
"Where exactly?"
"Anywhere, darling. Into the forever. Into a life of endless wondrous beginnings."
The Princess Bride meets Jane Austen in this quirky romance.
✔️ Forbidden romance
✔️ Enemies to allies to lovers
✔️ Historical romance
✔️ Witch FMC x Pirate MMC
✔️ Only one bed
✔️ Insta lusty with angst (if that makes sense)
✔️ Spicy (2/5) 🌶️
This is the second book in the series, The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels. While I absolutely adored the first book, this one fell short and could not compete. I could not overlook the flaws.
The plot is pretty simple, the pirate and the witch hunting for an amulet for their own purposes. Both enemies to each other, find themselves in a position where they become allies. It sounds good but I had problems with it in the sense, that except for the romance I had zero interest in the amulet which was a major part of the plot. It was supposedly very powerful and blah blah blah but all I cared about was the romance, which India Holton does write well.
Alex, our MMC wasn't half as charming as Ned in the Wisteria Society. I started warming up to him in the second half of the book but there's not much to his personality except for being a pirate and loving Charlotte (which he does quite well). Charlotte, our FMC was okay-ish but even after 324 pages, I don't know much about her 🤷♀️ She has her moments, she's witty at times but couldn't create the same magic as Cecilia. Not me saying she couldn't create magic even tho she's a witch. Humour me, laugh. Ned and Cecilia make appearances throughout the book and their presence overpowered Alex and Charlotte's easily. Ned still continued to be charming and I loved it.
Although an enemies to allies to lovers, the romance came across as insta lusty to me. I would've preferred some longing, slow burn. It was angsty in some places but I won't be nit picking over it cause the two actually make a good couple and have chemistry.
I liked how this book didn't have too many characters compared to the first one. Shame about the plot tho cause the book is actually well written but the whole amulet journey did not appeal to me. Overall, it's an okay read if you just read it for the historical romance.
April 4, 2022
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.
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.
February 12, 2023
✨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.
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.
April 24, 2025
Her amulet. Just thinking of it almost brought a smile to her face. With such power, no one could prevent her from sitting in a quiet corner to read ruling the League uncontested.
The League of Gentlewomen Witches, the second book in the Dangerous Damsels series, is Charlotte Pettifer's story as she sets out to claim a magical amulet that should rightfully be hers (thereby fulfilling a convenient prophecy) - at the same time ensuring it doesn't fall into the hands of pirates, while she surprisingly falls into love with one of said pirates and not so surprisingly discovers how liberating magic use can be.
Her spirit flung out its arms and laughed. Her actual body, rigid with the posture drilled into her from earliest childhood, sat quietly and used its proper good sense to clutch the roof tiles. But Charlotte knew in her heart she was ruined.
Charlotte's character development as a sensitive girl taught to be first and foremost unobtrusive in her use of magic, and her arc to finding joy and freedom in her magic was very satisfying to read. Charlotte meeting Alex and the subsequent romance might have played a role in this, or it might actually be the other way around.
Jane Austen’s heroines, begged for assistance, offered bewildered silence. Unless he tried to propose marriage, they were at a loss as to how she might defeat him.
India Holton's scintillating writing is the best part of this book, and series, to me. Her wry sense of humour in repurposing classics provided a great foundation for showcasing Charlotte's growth from a decorous woman always looking to literary heroines for behavioral guidelines, to a more self-assured woman finally going after what she wants.
I also enjoyed the glimpses of Cecelia and Ned, from The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, as well as Bixby and Dearlove.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
The rating for this book is 3 1/2 stars, rounded up to 4 for the sheer number of Jane Austen (mis) quotes which led me to laugh out loud. I'm guessing there were at least a few I didn't spot.
[3/4 star for the premise and the whole book; One star for the writing; 3/4 star for the character arcs; Half a star for the story arc; Half a star for the world-building - 3 1/2 stars in total].
The League of Gentlewomen Witches, the second book in the Dangerous Damsels series, is Charlotte Pettifer's story as she sets out to claim a magical amulet that should rightfully be hers (thereby fulfilling a convenient prophecy) - at the same time ensuring it doesn't fall into the hands of pirates, while she surprisingly falls into love with one of said pirates and not so surprisingly discovers how liberating magic use can be.
Her spirit flung out its arms and laughed. Her actual body, rigid with the posture drilled into her from earliest childhood, sat quietly and used its proper good sense to clutch the roof tiles. But Charlotte knew in her heart she was ruined.
Charlotte's character development as a sensitive girl taught to be first and foremost unobtrusive in her use of magic, and her arc to finding joy and freedom in her magic was very satisfying to read. Charlotte meeting Alex and the subsequent romance might have played a role in this, or it might actually be the other way around.
Jane Austen’s heroines, begged for assistance, offered bewildered silence. Unless he tried to propose marriage, they were at a loss as to how she might defeat him.
India Holton's scintillating writing is the best part of this book, and series, to me. Her wry sense of humour in repurposing classics provided a great foundation for showcasing Charlotte's growth from a decorous woman always looking to literary heroines for behavioral guidelines, to a more self-assured woman finally going after what she wants.
I also enjoyed the glimpses of Cecelia and Ned, from The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, as well as Bixby and Dearlove.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
The rating for this book is 3 1/2 stars, rounded up to 4 for the sheer number of Jane Austen (mis) quotes which led me to laugh out loud. I'm guessing there were at least a few I didn't spot.
[3/4 star for the premise and the whole book; One star for the writing; 3/4 star for the character arcs; Half a star for the story arc; Half a star for the world-building - 3 1/2 stars in total].
July 7, 2022
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????
also flying houses????
May 24, 2023
no one is more upset about this than me
July 2, 2024
3.75 Stars!
I was constantly debating whether I should should give this book three stars or round it up to four. I think I'm pretty satisfied at the moment with my rating.
Also, this has become one of my new favorite series!!
Spoiler-y question:
Have I missed something or the couple (who weren't mentioned by looks or names btw) who got married in the epilogue were neither the main couples from book 1 nor 2.
Does that mean it was for us readers a preparation or a setup for book 3? 👀
________________________________
I need something as weirdly funny as 'Lady Janies' and I LOVED book 1 of Dangerous Damsels.
So here I go? I guess?
I was constantly debating whether I should should give this book three stars or round it up to four. I think I'm pretty satisfied at the moment with my rating.
Also, this has become one of my new favorite series!!
Spoiler-y question:
Have I missed something or the couple (who weren't mentioned by looks or names btw) who got married in the epilogue were neither the main couples from book 1 nor 2.
Does that mean it was for us readers a preparation or a setup for book 3? 👀
________________________________
I need something as weirdly funny as 'Lady Janies' and I LOVED book 1 of Dangerous Damsels.
So here I go? I guess?
November 15, 2022
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
March 24, 2022
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.
May 19, 2023
These books are bonkers in the best way...what's not to enjoy about pirates that fly around in battle houses embroiled in a secret society rivalry with witches (that don't exist) all after the famed amulet/necklace of the woman who first discovered the incantation that gave the pirates the ability to fly their houses and the witches (that still don't exist) to do all sorts of other fun things such as levitating any item that can be maneuvered when other members misbehave or catching themselves & others from falling off the roofs of flying houses and bewitching/bespelling shoes into weapons of convenience to name but a few 😈
Mix in some 1800s manners, round-about barbed conversations in every direction and our favs from book1 all up to "no good" thieving all around them in their quest to claim Black Beryl's amulet...I told you bonkers in the best way 🤭
One part of the ending felt a little samey from book1 and the entire storyline with the snivelling half of that dynamic did nothing for me either 🤷♀️ but am already invested for book3 & looking forward to those characters taking center stage especially as they come from very different walks of life from the Wisteria Society & Wicken League and I cannot wait to see where their secrets take them but 🤐 so as not to give anything else away other than I'm really glad these two are up next - I was hoping we hadn't seen the last of them 🙃
3.5* cos I preferred Charlotte's arc to Cecilia's altho her + peacock & obvs all Oply scenes were fun especially the popcorn etc the end 🤗
Mix in some 1800s manners, round-about barbed conversations in every direction and our favs from book1 all up to "no good" thieving all around them in their quest to claim Black Beryl's amulet...I told you bonkers in the best way 🤭
One part of the ending felt a little samey from book1 and the entire storyline with the snivelling half of that dynamic did nothing for me either 🤷♀️ but am already invested for book3 & looking forward to those characters taking center stage especially as they come from very different walks of life from the Wisteria Society & Wicken League and I cannot wait to see where their secrets take them but 🤐 so as not to give anything else away other than I'm really glad these two are up next - I was hoping we hadn't seen the last of them 🙃
3.5* cos I preferred Charlotte's arc to Cecilia's altho her + peacock & obvs all Oply scenes were fun especially the popcorn etc the end 🤗
August 5, 2025
this was cute, but admittedly i wasn't as into it as the first book 😔
the dynamic was super cute w witch vs pirate, but i felt like things fizzled out towards the end. there is still plenty of banter, magic, whimsy, and swoony chemistry tho.
really hoping book 3 pulls thru a bit more for me!
the dynamic was super cute w witch vs pirate, but i felt like things fizzled out towards the end. there is still plenty of banter, magic, whimsy, and swoony chemistry tho.
really hoping book 3 pulls thru a bit more for me!
November 14, 2021
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.
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.
March 8, 2023
This series keeps getting better and better. Wow! If you want to read a romcom set in Regency England with flying houses, pirates, and witches, you definitely need to start reading the Dangerous Damsels series. India Holton never misses! ✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚
This book follows Charlotte, a witch, and Alex, a pirate. Their first meeting is super funny and from that point on you pretty much how the vibe is going to be between them. They're mortal enemies because witches and pirates don't mix, both of these societies have hated each other for such a long time. But Charlotte and Alex "team" up in order to retrieve a magical amulet. They soon realize their chemistry and attraction is amazing and why not dabble a bit on the steamy side, right? I mean... no one would know. PRETTY MUCH EVERYONE KNOWS LMAO.
These two are my absolute favorite. They have one of the best relationships? Yeah, they want to unalive each other, but the other person makes them feel for the very first time. They want a forever with each other, but don't know how the other will react. They've never felt like that! It's so sweet and lovely to see this relationship develop. I mean, their dynamic is so fun and you instantly adore how much they tease each other. But when they start saying all of these nicknames with so much love, you start to see the relationship change completely. When they can't stop holding hands and everyone is like "oh so you have that kind of relationship" and they're like "we're just holding hands so the other one doesn't escape" or something like that lmao LIKE THEY TRY SO HARD TO MAKE EVERYONE SEE THIS IS NOT LOVE. But newsflash! It totally is.
I'm excited about the next book: Daniel and Alice! Spies! Intrigue! Marriage of convenience (I heard?)! I'm readyyyyy to read this asap.
This book follows Charlotte, a witch, and Alex, a pirate. Their first meeting is super funny and from that point on you pretty much how the vibe is going to be between them. They're mortal enemies because witches and pirates don't mix, both of these societies have hated each other for such a long time. But Charlotte and Alex "team" up in order to retrieve a magical amulet. They soon realize their chemistry and attraction is amazing and why not dabble a bit on the steamy side, right? I mean... no one would know. PRETTY MUCH EVERYONE KNOWS LMAO.
These two are my absolute favorite. They have one of the best relationships? Yeah, they want to unalive each other, but the other person makes them feel for the very first time. They want a forever with each other, but don't know how the other will react. They've never felt like that! It's so sweet and lovely to see this relationship develop. I mean, their dynamic is so fun and you instantly adore how much they tease each other. But when they start saying all of these nicknames with so much love, you start to see the relationship change completely. When they can't stop holding hands and everyone is like "oh so you have that kind of relationship" and they're like "we're just holding hands so the other one doesn't escape" or something like that lmao LIKE THEY TRY SO HARD TO MAKE EVERYONE SEE THIS IS NOT LOVE. But newsflash! It totally is.
I'm excited about the next book: Daniel and Alice! Spies! Intrigue! Marriage of convenience (I heard?)! I'm readyyyyy to read this asap.
May 24, 2023
and here we have a new contender for my favourite contemporary romance novel.
charlotte pettifer is a witch belonging to the league of gentlewomen witches in wisteria society who correct and manipulate as they see fit unlike the pirates they live alongside - the very same pirates from india holton’s first novel the wisteria society of lady scoundrels. she is jane austen obsessed and a respectable lady thank you very much. however, when the black beryl amulate, promised to charlotte as the future leader of the league, falls into the wrong hands, it is up to her and rogue pirate alex o’riley to recover it through the art of stealing. the amulet is not the only thing to be stolen though as our pair soon find themselves in love, hearts stolen by the other, in this swoon-worthy romance.
elegant when need be, witty always, and full of the tension needed to corroborate a romance, holton’s prose had me giggling and kicking my feet. the chemistry between charlotte and alex was noticeable from the moment they met, only increasing as each page was turned. with each denial that they were nothing more than enemies, nothing more than kidnapper and the kidnapped, the pair easily etched their way into my heart as one of austen’s pairings would. obsessed is an understatement.
charlotte pettifer is a witch belonging to the league of gentlewomen witches in wisteria society who correct and manipulate as they see fit unlike the pirates they live alongside - the very same pirates from india holton’s first novel the wisteria society of lady scoundrels. she is jane austen obsessed and a respectable lady thank you very much. however, when the black beryl amulate, promised to charlotte as the future leader of the league, falls into the wrong hands, it is up to her and rogue pirate alex o’riley to recover it through the art of stealing. the amulet is not the only thing to be stolen though as our pair soon find themselves in love, hearts stolen by the other, in this swoon-worthy romance.
elegant when need be, witty always, and full of the tension needed to corroborate a romance, holton’s prose had me giggling and kicking my feet. the chemistry between charlotte and alex was noticeable from the moment they met, only increasing as each page was turned. with each denial that they were nothing more than enemies, nothing more than kidnapper and the kidnapped, the pair easily etched their way into my heart as one of austen’s pairings would. obsessed is an understatement.
November 15, 2023
4.5 stars So delightful! Sly jokes, rakish pirates looking upon determined witches with unbridled lust even as he plots against her, dazzlingly silly puns, and affectionate nods to Jane Austen.
There are some modern turns of phrase and liberties with plot/characterization for sure, but I don’t mind them at all in this series the way I do in many others. The author establishes a believable historical world (not just in the usual details, but in mood and manner), uses language skillfully and intelligently in dialogue and phrasing, and the anachronisms are included cheekily. It works here because she understands all the rules before she breaks them, versus books that feel as though the author learned history and etiquette solely through Netflix Bridgerton. Effortlessly witty romances like these are so rare, and I found myself laughing throughout the whole splendid thing.
Audio Notes: I wish I’d heard a bit more of a lilting Irish accent for Alex, but otherwise Elizabeth Knowelden’s voice and performance is perfect for these books. So very enjoyable.
There are some modern turns of phrase and liberties with plot/characterization for sure, but I don’t mind them at all in this series the way I do in many others. The author establishes a believable historical world (not just in the usual details, but in mood and manner), uses language skillfully and intelligently in dialogue and phrasing, and the anachronisms are included cheekily. It works here because she understands all the rules before she breaks them, versus books that feel as though the author learned history and etiquette solely through Netflix Bridgerton. Effortlessly witty romances like these are so rare, and I found myself laughing throughout the whole splendid thing.
Audio Notes: I wish I’d heard a bit more of a lilting Irish accent for Alex, but otherwise Elizabeth Knowelden’s voice and performance is perfect for these books. So very enjoyable.
July 17, 2024
India Holton is just so good at writing romantic fantasy comedies. Like her comedy is perfect I’m never cringing, & then on the flip said the way she writes about love is just stunning. The dialogue between characters is also just written so perfectly idk how to explain it. I’m so excited to read the last one & then I need her to release more. Seriously if you want a fun lighthearted rom-com w/ a hint of whimsical energy, ya gotta read these books.
March 22, 2022
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.
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.
March 18, 2022
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.
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.
March 29, 2022
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!)
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!)
August 3, 2023
I've been sitting on this review for a few days now partly because I'm in mourning that the book is over and I'm trying to sit it its wonderfulness for as long as possible but also I don't quite know how to put into words how much I adored this book. I can't quite put my finger on why this series has such a hold on me but it has me well and truly in the palm of its hands. India Holton is a truly superb writer. This book (and the first) made my heart so happy. It was comforting, genuinely funny and its quick wit had me smiling from ear to ear. It's whimsical and bizarre and utterly fabulous and I have no doubt I will be rereading it many times over. I simply can't get enough.
October 8, 2021
***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 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!
October 24, 2023
Do you know that feeling you get when a book is exactly what you’re in the mood for? When it captures you so much you feel sad when it’s over? That’s exactly how this book was for me…
The League of Gentlewomen Witches is the second book in the Dangerous Damsels trilogy by India Holton and it is a superbly entertaining sequel. With playful dialogue, openly crafty characters and a sizzling romance, this is truly a tale to enchant its readers.
It all starts with the stealing of a briefcase, a flying bicycle, a prophecy and a chaotic hunt for an amulet. Meet Charlotte Pettifer, a powerful witch, if witches existed that is, which they certainly do not. She’s the niece of Miss Plim, leader of the Wicken League, if such a league existed, which it does not. The League use their magic in subtle, sophisticated and morally correct ways, according to their own sense of morals that is. Unlike pirates who openly fly around in their battle houses, witches have more decorum. So when The British Museum announces an exhibition showcasing the long lost, and extremely powerful, amulet of Beryl Black, it is up to Charlotte to steal it for the League before those pesky Wisteria Society pirates do. The only problem is, Charlotte crosses paths with Alex O’Riley, a pirate who is well known for his roguish ways. The pair may be on opposite sides, but when working against each other proves futile, they decide to work together, for the sake of capturing the amulet…and definitely not because they like each other.
Immediately I recognised the same melodramatic tone of the first book, The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, also present in this book, which easily drew me into familiar ground. The world is once again whimsical with flourishes of surreal magic present, the characters are once again eccentric, like caricatures of Jane Austen’s characters with added witty humour and a more skewered view on propriety, and I loved this combination so much. In fact throughout the novel Holton’s love of Pride and Prejudice is clear. With Charlotte, Holton introduces a new character who is bookish and aspires to be just like Elizabeth Bennet. Whenever she finds herself in a situation she’s unsure of she’ll always aim to behave in the same manner as Elizabeth would, that is until she finds herself in situations Elizabeth had never faced. Charlotte at her heart is extremely insecure, her overbearing aunt and passive mother have left her feeling like she cannot be herself, that herself isn’t good enough and I loved seeing her overcome that. Then there’s Alex O’Riley, who happened to be my favourite side character from the first book so I was pleased to see him appear more predominantly here. Alex is cheeky, mischievous but underneath he’s also weighed down by a traumatic childhood. In this instalment the romance is rather heavy handed in comparison to the first and there is a touch of ‘insta-love’ which usually I’d grumble about but here I didn’t mind it one bit. Charlotte and Alex’s relationship grows in the most wholesome way but also in the most hilarious way—seriously they both came out with the best innuendos! Over the years I have become more and more drawn to books which can make me laugh so this aspect was perfect for me.
“Never before in her life had she done more than shake a gentleman's hand. To have his arms around her, his palm pressed against her lips, was—was—Unacceptable! Atrocious! Rousing! No, wait, revolting!
Jane Austen's heroines, begged for assistance, offered bewildered silence. Unless he tried to propose marriage, they were at a loss as to how she might defeat him.”
To my sheer delight, every character, whether minor or major, old or young, have their quirks and the way the League of Witches and the Wisteria Society clashed only served to heighten those quirks. From the antics of Bixby the obscure butler, the meddlesome Miss Plim, to the absurd Mrs Miss Dearlove there was never a dull moment. One of my absolute favourite scenes was when things turned rather chaotic and a touch violent within the British Museum when both sides made their move to steal the amulet. The banter here amazing as even whilst throwing insults at each other, as I expected, there was an air of politeness to it. There were also fights with flying priceless objects, besoms, and witches and pirates being magically flung all around. I laughed so hard! I very much loved seeing the return of Cecilia Bassingthwaite and Ned Lightbourne too. Ned and Alex’s friendship won me over from the beginning of the first book but seeing Cecilia and Charlotte’s odd rivalry blossoming into friendship was definitely something I rooted for.
‘"If you ever change, Charlotte Pettifer, I will hunt you down and kill you."
She frowned through windswept strands of hair. "I cannot decide if that is a threat or a compliment."
"It's a joke, darling."
"Ah" Her tone seemed to express that she considered joking equivalent to a cup of green tea distasteful and to be politely ignored if at all possible. "Are you ready?"
He bounced his eyebrows in reply.’
I feel Holton’s books provide the perfect palette cleanser for when I’ve been reading a lot of dark fantasy or for instances where anxiety has become a little overwhelming. I can be rest assured that within these pages I can switch off from real life and be transported to a world of eccentric ladies doing dastardly deeds and embarking on ridiculous shenanigans whilst also encountering some loveable cheeky rogues along the way.
“She was no heroine, bravely facing whatever life sent her way. She was a witch, capable of inverting the laws of physics to get things done.
She began striding along the road, half-undressed and splashed with blood, her deadly boots clicking against the road like a tsking tongue, her eyes as fiery as the hovering battlehouse overhead. All her life she had tried to restrain herself, to be like a woman in a paper world: a Plim with a teacup and impeccable posture; a nice, proper lady: But now she felt only a bone-deep relief to be Charlotte Pettifer, wicked witch.”
(Although technically each Dangerous Damsels book can be read as standalones I would highly recommend you read them in order. The League Gentlewomen Witches features major spoilers for Cecilia and Ned who are the main characters in The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels and there are also many returning characters from that book.)
The League of Gentlewomen Witches is the second book in the Dangerous Damsels trilogy by India Holton and it is a superbly entertaining sequel. With playful dialogue, openly crafty characters and a sizzling romance, this is truly a tale to enchant its readers.
It all starts with the stealing of a briefcase, a flying bicycle, a prophecy and a chaotic hunt for an amulet. Meet Charlotte Pettifer, a powerful witch, if witches existed that is, which they certainly do not. She’s the niece of Miss Plim, leader of the Wicken League, if such a league existed, which it does not. The League use their magic in subtle, sophisticated and morally correct ways, according to their own sense of morals that is. Unlike pirates who openly fly around in their battle houses, witches have more decorum. So when The British Museum announces an exhibition showcasing the long lost, and extremely powerful, amulet of Beryl Black, it is up to Charlotte to steal it for the League before those pesky Wisteria Society pirates do. The only problem is, Charlotte crosses paths with Alex O’Riley, a pirate who is well known for his roguish ways. The pair may be on opposite sides, but when working against each other proves futile, they decide to work together, for the sake of capturing the amulet…and definitely not because they like each other.
Immediately I recognised the same melodramatic tone of the first book, The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, also present in this book, which easily drew me into familiar ground. The world is once again whimsical with flourishes of surreal magic present, the characters are once again eccentric, like caricatures of Jane Austen’s characters with added witty humour and a more skewered view on propriety, and I loved this combination so much. In fact throughout the novel Holton’s love of Pride and Prejudice is clear. With Charlotte, Holton introduces a new character who is bookish and aspires to be just like Elizabeth Bennet. Whenever she finds herself in a situation she’s unsure of she’ll always aim to behave in the same manner as Elizabeth would, that is until she finds herself in situations Elizabeth had never faced. Charlotte at her heart is extremely insecure, her overbearing aunt and passive mother have left her feeling like she cannot be herself, that herself isn’t good enough and I loved seeing her overcome that. Then there’s Alex O’Riley, who happened to be my favourite side character from the first book so I was pleased to see him appear more predominantly here. Alex is cheeky, mischievous but underneath he’s also weighed down by a traumatic childhood. In this instalment the romance is rather heavy handed in comparison to the first and there is a touch of ‘insta-love’ which usually I’d grumble about but here I didn’t mind it one bit. Charlotte and Alex’s relationship grows in the most wholesome way but also in the most hilarious way—seriously they both came out with the best innuendos! Over the years I have become more and more drawn to books which can make me laugh so this aspect was perfect for me.
“Never before in her life had she done more than shake a gentleman's hand. To have his arms around her, his palm pressed against her lips, was—was—Unacceptable! Atrocious! Rousing! No, wait, revolting!
Jane Austen's heroines, begged for assistance, offered bewildered silence. Unless he tried to propose marriage, they were at a loss as to how she might defeat him.”
To my sheer delight, every character, whether minor or major, old or young, have their quirks and the way the League of Witches and the Wisteria Society clashed only served to heighten those quirks. From the antics of Bixby the obscure butler, the meddlesome Miss Plim, to the absurd Mrs Miss Dearlove there was never a dull moment. One of my absolute favourite scenes was when things turned rather chaotic and a touch violent within the British Museum when both sides made their move to steal the amulet. The banter here amazing as even whilst throwing insults at each other, as I expected, there was an air of politeness to it. There were also fights with flying priceless objects, besoms, and witches and pirates being magically flung all around. I laughed so hard! I very much loved seeing the return of Cecilia Bassingthwaite and Ned Lightbourne too. Ned and Alex’s friendship won me over from the beginning of the first book but seeing Cecilia and Charlotte’s odd rivalry blossoming into friendship was definitely something I rooted for.
‘"If you ever change, Charlotte Pettifer, I will hunt you down and kill you."
She frowned through windswept strands of hair. "I cannot decide if that is a threat or a compliment."
"It's a joke, darling."
"Ah" Her tone seemed to express that she considered joking equivalent to a cup of green tea distasteful and to be politely ignored if at all possible. "Are you ready?"
He bounced his eyebrows in reply.’
I feel Holton’s books provide the perfect palette cleanser for when I’ve been reading a lot of dark fantasy or for instances where anxiety has become a little overwhelming. I can be rest assured that within these pages I can switch off from real life and be transported to a world of eccentric ladies doing dastardly deeds and embarking on ridiculous shenanigans whilst also encountering some loveable cheeky rogues along the way.
“She was no heroine, bravely facing whatever life sent her way. She was a witch, capable of inverting the laws of physics to get things done.
She began striding along the road, half-undressed and splashed with blood, her deadly boots clicking against the road like a tsking tongue, her eyes as fiery as the hovering battlehouse overhead. All her life she had tried to restrain herself, to be like a woman in a paper world: a Plim with a teacup and impeccable posture; a nice, proper lady: But now she felt only a bone-deep relief to be Charlotte Pettifer, wicked witch.”
(Although technically each Dangerous Damsels book can be read as standalones I would highly recommend you read them in order. The League Gentlewomen Witches features major spoilers for Cecilia and Ned who are the main characters in The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels and there are also many returning characters from that book.)
November 4, 2024
Comme pour le premier tome, le style est assez particulier mais étrangement addictif, la romance un peu rapide mais très mignonne, les aventures rocambolesques et l'ambiance très immersive ! C'est original et très sympa, j'ai hâte de lire le troisième opus !
May 6, 2022
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.
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.
November 27, 2022
I just really could not get past the flying houses. The flying houses, the terminology used for the flying, the dialogue, the storyline that was basic and done before, the characters were all so, so cringe.
*potential spoilers below*
(I will give away some plot points but no details)
The main character is supposed to be this "strong, independent" woman but falls at the love interest's feet. They "hate" each other but are having sex at the 30% mark. (Percentage brought to you by Kindle because I read the ebook).
Honestly, the book feels more like a giant joke. Like a spoof on the fantastical romance genre than actually a serious effort. It's not done well in any way. The butler feels like a robot with no character traits or humanity. The main character is whiny and moronic. The main love interest "pirate" is basic and a giant trope with no distinguishing characteristics to set him apart from any other male character in the genre. The terminology in general, but especially the differences between the pirates and whatever witch group Charlotte is in make no sense. It sounded like 2 warring clans that are warring for no reason? They all steal but the pirates aren't supposed to use magic for reasons unknown because they were never given. Or maybe they were and I zoned out because I was bored.
And the dialogue, did I mention how bad it is? The banter between Charlotte and whatever his name is was unbelievable and made me want to throw up. It was so cringey and embarrassing to read. It felt like a high school girl writing it.
Plus, the whole storyline is overdone. I've read this entire plot before, the only difference being those other books with this plot are actually good.
The only word applicable to describe this book is Cringe. I feel like that's all I did. Every other word.
If you want to waste your time and read something basically unreadable and nonstop cringe, this book is definitely for you. It's an embarrassment to the genre.
Not to mention they can't do magic in front of humans but flying houses in plain sight is perfectly normal for humans to see? I swear to God where is the logic! I also don't know if it was me being bored and hating every second but it was hard to follow as well. I was constantly lost in the crappy writing. It didn't flow well, there was no logic, things were not properly explained to help the reader suspend their disbelief. Ugh, I can go on all day about how horrendous this book is I gotta stop.
*potential spoilers below*
(I will give away some plot points but no details)
The main character is supposed to be this "strong, independent" woman but falls at the love interest's feet. They "hate" each other but are having sex at the 30% mark. (Percentage brought to you by Kindle because I read the ebook).
Honestly, the book feels more like a giant joke. Like a spoof on the fantastical romance genre than actually a serious effort. It's not done well in any way. The butler feels like a robot with no character traits or humanity. The main character is whiny and moronic. The main love interest "pirate" is basic and a giant trope with no distinguishing characteristics to set him apart from any other male character in the genre. The terminology in general, but especially the differences between the pirates and whatever witch group Charlotte is in make no sense. It sounded like 2 warring clans that are warring for no reason? They all steal but the pirates aren't supposed to use magic for reasons unknown because they were never given. Or maybe they were and I zoned out because I was bored.
And the dialogue, did I mention how bad it is? The banter between Charlotte and whatever his name is was unbelievable and made me want to throw up. It was so cringey and embarrassing to read. It felt like a high school girl writing it.
Plus, the whole storyline is overdone. I've read this entire plot before, the only difference being those other books with this plot are actually good.
The only word applicable to describe this book is Cringe. I feel like that's all I did. Every other word.
If you want to waste your time and read something basically unreadable and nonstop cringe, this book is definitely for you. It's an embarrassment to the genre.
Not to mention they can't do magic in front of humans but flying houses in plain sight is perfectly normal for humans to see? I swear to God where is the logic! I also don't know if it was me being bored and hating every second but it was hard to follow as well. I was constantly lost in the crappy writing. It didn't flow well, there was no logic, things were not properly explained to help the reader suspend their disbelief. Ugh, I can go on all day about how horrendous this book is I gotta stop.
June 26, 2022
I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as Wisteria Society. There is quite a bit more sex, and where most of the innuendo in the first book was funny, in this one it sometimes was just too much. I was also confused for literally the entire book about why witches are illegal/being "hunted"/etc. when the pirates are using the exact same magic??? The whole side plot with the witchhunter policeman felt clunky because I had no idea why this guy would be obsessed with finding A WITCH when there are literally magic pirates swooping around in flying houses. I got the differentiation between the two groups, and it made sense that the pirates and witches were enemies because of different interpretations of the original magic, but why law enforcement would be obsessed with finding one and not the other made zero sense to me, and also made all the "IF witches existed" jokes feel odd.
Setting that aside, this book is still quirky and loads of fun. It took me a while to warm up to Charlotte, but I already loved Alex from the first book, and it was entertaining to run into plenty of old friends along the way.
I'll still read the third book when it comes out for sure, and hopefully Holton can find her rhythm. This book had a lot of fun shenanigans, but sometimes there were more shenanigans than plot, leaving this book feeling a little more frenetic than its predecessor, yet still somehow dragging a bit in the middle. There's a lot of potential with this world-building and characters, though, and the concept is just too fun. I still enjoyed this one and snickered at several of the snarky one-liners, I just didn't feel like it was as magical as the first book.
Setting that aside, this book is still quirky and loads of fun. It took me a while to warm up to Charlotte, but I already loved Alex from the first book, and it was entertaining to run into plenty of old friends along the way.
I'll still read the third book when it comes out for sure, and hopefully Holton can find her rhythm. This book had a lot of fun shenanigans, but sometimes there were more shenanigans than plot, leaving this book feeling a little more frenetic than its predecessor, yet still somehow dragging a bit in the middle. There's a lot of potential with this world-building and characters, though, and the concept is just too fun. I still enjoyed this one and snickered at several of the snarky one-liners, I just didn't feel like it was as magical as the first book.
September 12, 2021
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.
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.
November 1, 2023
it's halloween week!
April 10, 2022
"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!
"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!
November 5, 2024
2.5
La señorita Charlotte Pettifer pertenece a una liga secreta de mujeres expertas en artes sutiles; es decir, aunque nunca debe decirse, son brujas. Utilizando la magia, la Liga Wicken ordena y manipula el mundo para convertirlo en un lugar mejor (de acuerdo con lo que ellas consideran que es “lo mejor”, una visión totalmente distinta a la que tiene la Sociedad Wisteria).
Cuando se descubre el amuleto de Beryl Black, perdido hace mucho tiempo, Charlotte, como futura líder de la liga, deberá asegurarse de que ese poderoso talismán no caiga en las manos equivocadas. Y cuando se cruza con Alex O’Riley, un pirata que no está ni cerca de ser el señor Darcy, no puede sentirse más desafortunada.
Pero con todo el mundo corriendo tras el amuleto, Alex y Charlotte deciden unir sus fuerzas para encontrarlo juntos. Tan solo tendrán que mantener bajo control sus manos de carteristas, porque si Alex no tiene cuidado, podría robar algo más, como el corazón de Charlotte.
Opinión: Se sintió como una película de Disney, cuando todavía teniamos de ese tipo como "Freaky Friday, Brujillisas, Halloween Town" y así.
Considero que esperaba otro tipo de libro y me enredó en más de una ocasión porque como que tenía mucha información la cual considero no relevante, peroooo siento es que es una buena lectura para este mes spooky
La señorita Charlotte Pettifer pertenece a una liga secreta de mujeres expertas en artes sutiles; es decir, aunque nunca debe decirse, son brujas. Utilizando la magia, la Liga Wicken ordena y manipula el mundo para convertirlo en un lugar mejor (de acuerdo con lo que ellas consideran que es “lo mejor”, una visión totalmente distinta a la que tiene la Sociedad Wisteria).
Cuando se descubre el amuleto de Beryl Black, perdido hace mucho tiempo, Charlotte, como futura líder de la liga, deberá asegurarse de que ese poderoso talismán no caiga en las manos equivocadas. Y cuando se cruza con Alex O’Riley, un pirata que no está ni cerca de ser el señor Darcy, no puede sentirse más desafortunada.
Pero con todo el mundo corriendo tras el amuleto, Alex y Charlotte deciden unir sus fuerzas para encontrarlo juntos. Tan solo tendrán que mantener bajo control sus manos de carteristas, porque si Alex no tiene cuidado, podría robar algo más, como el corazón de Charlotte.
Opinión: Se sintió como una película de Disney, cuando todavía teniamos de ese tipo como "Freaky Friday, Brujillisas, Halloween Town" y así.
Considero que esperaba otro tipo de libro y me enredó en más de una ocasión porque como que tenía mucha información la cual considero no relevante, peroooo siento es que es una buena lectura para este mes spooky
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