by India Holton
Dangerous Damsels is, by far, my most favourite new series. Combining elements of satire, fantasy, adventure, and historical fiction/romance, this series is an absolute riot. The premise is completely creative and outlandish, setting it distinctly apart from the pack. The series’ refusal to take itself too seriously grants it a fresh perspective and is the exact escapism I’m craving in these overwrought times. It’s smart too. The self-reflexive nature of the book and its engaging, confident (albeit flawed) characters are like a conspiratorial wink to the reader. I have read this entire series wearing a silly grin, barking out laughter and gasps at regular intervals.
I cannot get enough of Dangerous Damsels. I hope India Holton has many more adventures on deck.
Review: The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels (Dangerous Damsels #1)
March 15, 2022
“As much fun as the English language will permit.”—New York Times Book Review on The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels
Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the teahouse. . . .
Miss Charlotte Pettifer belongs to a secret league of women skilled in the subtle arts. That is to say—although it must never be said—witchcraft. The League of Gentlewomen Witches strives to improve the world in small ways. Using magic, they tidy, correct, and manipulate according to their notions of what is proper, entirely unlike those reprobates in the Wisteria Society.
When the long lost amulet of Black Beryl is discovered, it is up to Charlotte, as the future leader of the League, to make sure the powerful talisman does not fall into the wrong hands. Therefore, it is most unfortunate when she crosses paths with Alex O’Riley, a pirate who is no Mr. Darcy. With all the world scrambling after the amulet, Alex and Charlotte join forces to steal it together. If only they could keep their pickpocketing hands to themselves! If Alex’s not careful, he might just steal something else—such as Charlotte’s heart.
The League of Gentlewoman Witches follows the events of 2021’s The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels. While the first book in this series followed the outrageous adventures of house-flying lady pirates, book two centres on The League of Gentlewoman Witches, a coven of high society witches, operating covertly and in complete opposition to the pirates. The league’s young heir apparent, Charlotte Pettifer, aims to capture and secure a talisman, an amulet the pirates also claim as their own. When one particularly unhinged lady pirate absconds with the amulet, Charlotte is forced to team up with Alex O’Riley, a notorious pirate bachelor. Readers of the first installment will recognize the dark and dangerous O’Riley as the long-time friend of Ned Lightbourne. Of course, the tenuous alliance between Charlotte and Alex soon becomes something far spicier.
Dangerous Damsels is, by far, my most favourite new series. Combining elements of satire, fantasy, adventure, and historical fiction/romance, this series is an absolute riot. The premise is completely creative and outlandish, setting it distinctly apart from the pack. The series’ refusal to take itself too seriously grants it a fresh perspective and is the exact escapism I’m craving in these overwrought times. It’s smart too. The self-reflexive nature of the book and its engaging, confident (albeit flawed) characters are like a conspiratorial wink to the reader. I have read this entire series wearing a silly grin, barking out laughter and gasps at regular intervals.
I cannot get enough of Dangerous Damsels. I hope India Holton has many more adventures on deck.
Review: The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels (Dangerous Damsels #1)
Five Sheep
Bianca Greenwood
India resides in New Zealand, where she's enjoyed the typical Kiwi lifestyle of wandering around forests, living barefoot on islands, and messing about in boats.
Now she lives in a cottage near the sea, writing books about unconventional women and charming rogues. Think slow burn with sudden explosions.
India's writing is fuelled by tea, buttered scones, and thunderstorms.
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