Swashbuckling and Saucy—These Witches Will Steal Your Heart!
4.5
The League of Gentlewomen Witches Book Cover The League of Gentlewomen Witches
Dangerous Damsels (Book 2)
India Holton
Victorian Historical Romance, Romantic Fantasy
Berkley
March 15, 2022
ebook, paperback, audiobook
352

“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.

“It is a truth seldom acknowledged that a single woman in possession of a good fortune is not especially in want of a husband.”

If you’re not familiar with India Holton, then let me introduce you—if the literary love child of Jane Austen and William Goldman created a brain, it would assuredly reside within India Holton. Written with quippy and cunning wit, The League of Gentlewomen Witches is a swashbuckling tale, a magical romance, and treasure hunt in one delightful novel.

Charlotte Pettifer is a witch and don’t you dare even think that she is anything like those lady pirates of The Wisteria Society. Determined to live up to the glory in which she was prophesized to be Black Beryl’s heir and keeper of the recently discovered amulet Charlotte must first outwit the Lady Scoundrels of the Wisteria Society as well as guard her heart against the cunning and chivalry of one infamous and handsome pirate—Alex O’Reily.

“Alex did not believe in happiness. He believed in temporary self-delusion and gin.”

Charlotte and Alex are remarkably attuned to each other, which makes this the best sort of enemies to lover romance. They also—delightfully—give in to each other quite quickly and repeatedly while also still maintaining their meticulously intricate courting disguised as a treasure hunt. I adore that this romance is equal parts fantastical as well mysterious, and I honestly could not get enough of the quippy fun.

The League of Gentlewomen Witches is not a book that should be read in one sitting, but I won’t blame you if you gobble this in one sitting. The way India Holton crafts her story is so smart that I think each chapters should be savored. From the delightful teases in the chapter heading to each individual scene that makes up a little snapshot in Charlotte and Alex’s adventure—all are crafted with cunning and finesse.

“Alex drew a breath as if to chastise her. She smiled, daring him. And then he kissed her. And she discovered there was a magic beyond words.”

If you haven’t read The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, I highly suggest you do so since many of the same characters make an appearance in Charlotte’s story, though it isn’t necessary. The League of Gentlewomen Witches is equal parts magic and fantasy and one hundred percent enchanting. This is one historical fantasy romance that shouldn’t be missed especially if you love any or all of those elements!