I enjoyed this book immensely and will recommend it to everyone I meet. It was so entertaining to read and the characters all had superbly written personalities. I laughed a ton while reading this book because the banter and the characters were just so great. I love how the ladies are so cavalier about discussing violence, murder, and assassinations. The old ladies in this book are the best and are a whole other level of sassy. The romance was so steamy and it takes a while for the love interests to get together, but even their flirtatious banter was just. so. sexy. Enemies to lovers written in the best way possible. The worldbuilding in this book was also so fascinating with how pirate society operates and how instead of ships, they have flying houses. It's not very logical, but it's a highly entertaining concept. Overall I loved this book so much and need to add it to my library.
6/5 Stars

This outlandishly fun + ridiculously clever historical romance is as charming as they get. India Holton creates a whimsical world of simultaneously dashing + prim and proper lady pirates, a secret society, magical flying houses, dastardly villains, swoonworthy romance and adventure at every turn. This book was a PURE delight and I quickly lost myself in the creative story telling, quirky + brilliant writing, and the endearing characters. Fans of Lauren Willig’s Pink Carnation series + Martha Waters’ The Regency Vows series + The Princess Bride movie will be utterly charmed.

Thank you so much to berkleyromance + netgalley for this book in exchange for an honest review. Can’t wait for the next book in this series already!

The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels is a fantastical romp through Victorian England. Pirates, flying houses, a villain with delusions of grandeur…there’s a lot of quirky goodness to be found in India Holton’s debut. Holton’s style and irreverent humor will appeal to fans of Gail Carriger.

Cecilia Bassingwaite is a pirate whose wings are slightly clipped by her overprotective aunt and the pirate society she belongs to. But when assassin Ned Lightbourne appears on her doorstep, Cecilia thinks she finally has her chance to join the Wisteria Society. She just has to foil the pesky assassination attempt first. Except Ned is more than what he seems and his mission isn’t quite clear and oh dear, he is a rather tempting man. Cecilia can’t seem to keep the delicious rogue out of her mind and the land-bound pirate does seem to be equally attracted to her. Together they have to unravel several plots, the most pressing being the threat of Captain Morvath who is determined to rid England of strong women.

The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels is quirky and fun. It has a lot going on – kidnappings, assassination attempts, multiple pirate plots, a romance, the politics of family and the Society – and I won’t go into it because this is a story that benefits from the plot being unfolded. The book does take a while to gain steam, but overall it’s a charming romp. Cecilia and Ned have an easy banter though the romance did leave me wanting just a bit more. The various characters were all unique and the world Holton has built is an interesting one (the flying pirate houses made me grin) and I hope to learn more about it in future Dangerous Damsels books. As I mentioned before, there is a lot going on in this story but the one downside is you don’t seem to go too deep into a lot of it. There’s a lot of style over substance in this story but oh, does Holton have style.

I don’t know if going into this book blind was a bad idea or actually very smart. Let’s just say when I see “Berkley Romance” this is not the plot I would have pictured.

As a fantasy reader I caught on to the fantasy side of this book quickly, I can get behind things that aren’t logical. But this book is just so much. I think the term genre bending is most appropriate to describe this book. I saw historical fiction, fantasy, and romance all tied in to one with this book.

Cecilia and Ned have the best enemies to lover banter, and gosh all the characters truly made me laugh. This book is so quirky and fun! While it comes off a little confusing at first by chapter 6 I was really able to roll with it and it just kept getting better. Then throw a little twist in there at the end for a audible gasp moment for me.

If you like pirates, regency era themes, fun banter, a little steam, and a cast of quirky funny characters then this is the book for you! I hate to say more because you really should go in blind and enjoy the ride!

This is a fast paced hilarious ride and I LOVE IT. Lady pirates who steal, trick, and avenge their way to the top. From laugh out loud lines to swooning prose, I loved it! (And REALLY want this to be a movie some day. Directed by Wes Anderson please) I never knew how Cecilia would get from point A to B but she’s creative witty and can also use a hairpin in the most creative ways. When Captain Morvath orders Ned to deliver Cecilia to him, Ned has to decide if he really wants to follow through. But they’ll learn no man should ever underestimate a Lady.

Pick this up today if you want a fast paced comedy with little care for society rules. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

When I opened The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels for the first time and read the Table of Contents, I thought to myself ‘this is either going to be awesome or a hot mess.’ Fellow readers, it was awesome! This book is packed with hilarity, romance, and adventure topped with flying houses, hot pirates in tight trousers, proper Victorian ladies, and delightful literary allusions. It’s created a whole new genre - Historical Victorian Fantasy Pirate Romance! If you are up for a rollicking adventure combined with a truly swoonworthy love story, then read on!

Cecilia Bassingthwaite just wants to be admitted as a full member to the Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels. She has been a junior member forever and has completed all the tasks necessary for promotion - robbed several banks, blackmailed a marchioness, flown the Channel, and even gone dress shopping with Bloodhound Bess. But now Cecilia has been marked for assassination by another member of the society - which is surely the final accomplishment needed for promotion. But no promotion is forthcoming. It may have something to do with the fact that her father Patrick Morvath has been plotting to destroy the society for years. Is the society concerned that Cecilia will eventually align herself with Morvath? She will need to prove to them once and for all that her allegiance lies with the lady scoundrels and not with her father.

Ned Lightbourne (one of his many aliases) has been hired by Lady Armitage of the society to assassinate Cecilia. He has also been hired by Morvath to kidnap Cecilia and by the Queen to protect Cecilia. When Ned comes to the Darlington residence (where Cecilia lives with her aunt), he falls in love with Cecilia’s beauty, dry wit, and prim attitude. He is delighted with the conundrum that is Cecilia - a proper Victorian lady who is also a merciless pirate which, being a pirate himself, he appreciates about her. When all the lady scoundrels are kidnapped by Morvath, Ned and Cecilia must join forces to rescue the ladies and Ned makes the most of this opportunity to woo her.

The Wisteria Society for Lady Scoundrels is India Holton’s first novel and what a triumph it is. Her storytelling ability is top-notch and her masterful use of language is impressive. The witticisms flow off the pages with hardly a paragraph passing without something to laugh (or downright snort!) about. Cecilia is such a mixed bag of lady and pirate. She could steal the rings off your fingers without your noticing but she is also charmingly naïve about life and love. She’s been raised as a sort of sheltered pirate by her aunt Miss Darlington who worries endlessly about Cecilia contracting random illnesses - Miss Darlington would not even let her drink Communion wine, believing it the surest way to catch rabies.

It is a delight to watch Cecilia fall in love with Ned (against her better judgment). Ned is a perfect hero - kind, funny, supportive, smart, and determined to win his lady. He patiently stands by her while she slowly comes to the realization that she can’t live without him. Even the love scenes are well done - somehow sexy, tender, and funny!

Every lady scoundrel we meet is a delightful combination of prim matron, assassin, and thief. The society only has three rules: No killing civilians. Pour the tea before the milk. And no stealing each other’s houses. Anything else is fair game! Its motto is: It is violence that best overcomes hate, vengeance that most certainly heals injury, and a good cup of tea that soothes the most anguished soul. And these lady scoundrels exemplify their rules and motto.

Morvath is a villain-you-love-to-hate. He believes he is the son of Branwell Brontë and tries to follow in the Brontë footsteps by writing horrific poetry. He is driven to destroy the society (and the Queen) by his intense hatred of women:

“That I inherited his brilliance proves God is on my side and that my mission of restoring England to men’s superior rule is a divine one.”

Readers, you will want to keep on your toes while frolicking through this alternate Victorian universe. Literary allusions and funny historical references are sprinkled liberally throughout the story. My favorite was a remark made by Prince Wilhelm of Germany when Morvath crashed the Queen’s jubilee party:

“Who is this conceited fellow?” Prince Wilhelm demanded. “What does he think he’s doing, invading our banquet and spoiling the peace in this belligerent fashion? What kind of man does that?”

Oh the irony! I also enjoyed the feminist undertone of the novel, sometimes subtle and sometimes in your face:

“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.”

You see what I mean - if I quoted all the funny scenes I would have to quote the whole book.

We are about halfway through the reading year and I have no doubt The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels will be on my best of 2021 list! This is the perfect book to brighten your summer. Just be warned - read it where snorts and guffaws are welcome!

Buy it at: Amazon, Audible, or your local independent retailer
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Oh, we've got a wild, adventurous and swoon-worthy book! Historical romance with a sprinkle of fantasy has got to be one of my favourite kind of book and I devoured this one. It surprised me with how different it turned out to be than what I was expecting from the summary, it cracked me up and the narration swept me away to its setting. Cannot recommend this enough!

Cecilia Bassingwaite is a respectable member of the Wisteria Society, excited that she’s attracted her first assassination attempt. She’s long desired a promotion within the group of lady scoundrels, and she’s certain this will be the catalyst. Ned Lightbourne, sometimes pirate, sometimes assassin, and sometimes one of a dozen other professions, takes the contract to kill Miss Bassingwaite, but he also works for her pirate father, tasked with kidnapping her.

The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels is a zany historical romance that features polite pirate ladies who fly houses while looting the English countryside. The premise is silly and fun, filled with several off-the-wall zingers and crazy thieving antics. I love a good parody, and while the book isn’t necessarily spoofing the historical romance genre or a specific piece, overall it reads as such. With that said, after a while the droll humor started to interrupt the flow of the book. At times the book felt choppy, and it made it difficult to stay submersed in the storyline.

Cecilia, the always obedient niece to society matriarch Miss Darlington, longs to kill her disgraceful father and branch out on her own. Something sparks within her after meeting Ned, and she starts to imagine a life away from her aunt. Her struggle is the heart of the story and what makes The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels a good book. She’s treated like a frail child and kept out of the inner circle for reasons that are hypothesized but never fleshed out. Yet she remains loyal and wants to be the perfect pirate. Even after Ned points out the irony of following the rules to being a scoundrel, she cannot break free of her gilded cage. The last 20% or so of the book was my favorite. While there are still silly shenanigans and outrageous banter, Cecilia’s plight is moving and my heart hurt. She is sacrificing love for her career, yet the Wisteria Society seemingly doesn’t want to promote her.

While it took me some time to get through the book, in the end, I rather enjoyed it. I love the mix of silliness and magic tossed into a twisted Victorian history. I can’t imagine what adventures are ahead, but I look forward to joining the Wisteria Society and flying off into the sunset.

My Rating: B, Liked It

India Holton’s The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels tells the story of Cecilia Bassingwaite, a proper Victorian lady and….a thief! Since her mother’s death, she’s lived with her overprotective aunt and has been trying her best to get admitted into The Wisteria Society.

Every time she thinks she’s finally going to be approved, the ladies make up another excuse. As Cecilia comes to find out, her past is much darker than she first thought and it’s about to come back to haunt her in a big way.

She also must deal with a fellow thief (or is he?), Ned Lightbourne. They first meet when Ned tries to break into Cecilia’s house and the spark between them ignites immediately. And that spark does not seem to go out despite the fact that Ned has been hired to assassinate Cecilia. What’s a little assassination between wannabe lovers, right?

Read the rest at Culturess: culturess.com/2021/06/15/the-wisteria-society-of-lady-scoundrels-review/

The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holten is a whimsical, humorous, and delightful debut!

Cecilia is a proper Victorian Lady who enjoys tea, Brontë novels, and libraries. She also happens to be a cunning thief who wants nothing more than to be accepted as a senior member of a crime sorority known as the Wisteria Society. When an evil villain kidnaps Cecilia’s great-aunt, Cecilia sets out to rescue her and the rest of the Wisteria Society members. She meets Ned, an assassin, who immediately becomes smitten with her. The only problem is that he was hired to kill her! Did I mention there are also flying houses, ghosts, pirates, and tea drinking, weapon yielding ladies!?

Cecilia was a smart and sassy heroine who won me over from page one! It took me a bit to warm up to Ned, but I adored the interactions between him and Cecilia! I loved the witty and hilarious dialogue, the multitude of literary references, the exciting and adventurous plot, the enemies to lovers romance, and of course the fabulous lady pirates! It was such a fun and delightful escape!

If you’re looking for a unique, clever, and entertaining story, then pour yourself a cup of tea and pick up this book!

I received an advanced copy of The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels from the publisher to help celebrate its release! Be sure to head over to my blog (link in bio) for an excerpt from the book that you won’t want to miss!

Content Warning: Mild violence and death of a parent

Many people seem to operate under the illusion that one cannot be both a proper and a scoundrel simultaneously. And, in this case, many people are also incorrect. Cecilia Bassingwaite is the perfect Victorian lady, an occupation that perfectly matches her tendency towards thievery and mischief. Along with her fellow members of The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, Cecilia is an upstanding criminal in the world, which is a pretty fine thing to be. That is until an annoyingly handsome assassin arrives with the mission to eliminate Cecilia and her cohorts. Ned Lightbourne has been hired to assassinate presumptuous women, specifically those in The Wisteria Society, but he wasn’t expecting someone like Cecilia as his target. From the moment they meet, sparks fly. But, no amount of romantic chemistry will save Cecilia and Ned from the trouble awaiting their ill-advised romance!

You can get your copy of The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels today from Berkley Books!

Decorum and debauchery clash in this hilarious historical romance! Though The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels is India Holton’s debut novel, it felt as though it had been written by an author well-versed in the world of romance! From the tension between the characters to the twisting plot, each element of this book was well written. I was especially fond of the Victorian setting, and the ways that gender roles were subverted to the benefit of the characters. The concept of a society for lady scoundrels is an exciting one to me, as it challenges the ways that women were expected to behave in the past. I, for one, cannot wait to see where Holton takes the series next!

My Recommendation-
If you loved the combination of romance and hijinx in Bridgerton, you need to pick up a copy of The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels! This steamy and thrilling book is a must-read for all fans of historical romance novels!

Ahoy, darlings! Have I got a treat for you today! So, sit down, let me pour you a nice cup of tea, and no, don’t take it personally when I lift your valuable trinkets or make not-so-subtle (but always civil) threats to your life. We’re all friends here, and we know this is simply the way of things in The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels. Have a biscuit? I pirate-promise, it isn’t poisoned.

Wisteria Society has been garnering a lot of hype the past few months – Berkley is definitely hustling for it – and I’m happy to say this is one instance where the hype is deserved. A flirty, quirky adventure that blends the absurd fantasy of Neil Gaiman’s Stardust with the sparkling (im)propriety of Tessa Dare, this is pure swashbuckling, screwball delight. (Also recommended to fans of movies like The Mask of Zorro [1998] and The Mummy [1999].)

The banter between Cecilia and Ned flies fast, filled with threats both veiled and blatant, as well as a strong undercurrent of attraction. This couple is part of that long tradition of enemies who can’t help respecting each other’s skill (well, to be honest, Ned respects Cecilia a little more – but who can blame her? he’s a pirate who doesn’t even have a house!) and for whom flirting and fighting are one and the same. Some writers can’t pull off this dynamic, but Holton has a light touch and a strong sense of humor, so it works.

But the romance isn’t the only highlight, of course. The cast is full of flamboyant characters who could all, I’m sure, carry their own stories, from the delightfully proper and bloodthirsty Wisteria Society matrons to the housemaid who communes with ghosts while preparing dinner. And then the world itself is so much fun: Here is a story where not only do houses fly but where feminist book clubs turn to piracy and differing opinions on Wordsworth create lifelong enemies. You know I love a world where people take their literature seriously. In that respect, Wisteria Society even reminds me a bit of the “Thursday Next” books, wherein disagreements about Shakespeare’s authorship can erupt into violent riots, with factions operating more like gangs than ordinary literary enthusiasts. (Although now that you mention it, my own book club can get pretty rowdy!)

All in all, this book delivers. If you enjoy shenanigans, shameless flirting, and high adventure (literally – it’s airborne), I do recommend giving this a try. I think you’ll find there’s a reason so many people are talking about it. And now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to commandeer a house and find a disgraced pirate with whom to parry insults and cross swords!

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

THE WISTERIA SOCIETY OF LADY SCOUNDRELS by India Holton
Available Now

If you have ever found yourself wondering what is the best knife to hide in a corset or the most effective poison to administer to a traveling dignitary during a seven course meal, then Reader Friends, do I have the book for you. While The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels is a fabulous romp full of humor and adventure, it also serves as a guide for those wondering how to be the most civilized and proper murderer and thief. For example, a pirate should always make sure to leave the house equipped with a hat, parasol and gloves to ensure that they do not succumb to The Great Peril. The Great Peril of freckles, that is.
It just isn’t done.
When a washed up bottle leads to the discovery of a spell that can move objects, no matter the size or weight, a former book club became the grand Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels. The Wisteria Society takes their pirating extremely seriously and takes great pains to raise their daughters as proper Lady Pirates. One such young lady, Cecilia Bassingthwaite has been eagerly, but not too eagerly, awaiting her formal induction to the Society. Having learned how to kill with a teaspoon, steer a flying house and always pour the tea before the milk, she is ready to join the ranks of this illustrious society. However, someone is trying to assassinate her, and not in any type of clever way, and between fending off attempts of murder and locating a new novel, there just hasn’t been the time.
When the members of the Society are kidnapped, Cecilia must use her wits and the help of an unlikely ally, whose identity seems to change more often than his waistcoat, to save her aunt and the other Society members.
I have never been more thrilled to find out a book is the first in a series. The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels is one of the most enjoyable reading experiences I’ve had in a long time. It’s incredibly funny and thoroughly enjoys mocking it’s own genre, while at the same time, is a love letter to historical romance. It is a wonderfully madcap steampunk adventure filled with magical elements that shows not only the strength of women, but the power they hold when they come together.
Thoroughly entertaining, The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels is the fantastical romance of the summer.

Thank you to Berkley and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this title. All opinions and mistakes are my own.

Blackmailing friends, flying houses, stealing treasure--all in a day's work for the scheming lady scoundrels of the Wisteria Society.

Cecilia Bassingwaite has happily embraced the Victorian-ish high society life while also coming into her own as an expert pirate in the care of her aunt. She’s confident she’s finally secured her spot at the table in the Wisteria Society after a hit is taken out on her. Ned--the assassin-- is immediately smitten with his would-be mark. And why wouldn't he be? Cecilia is a doll. She’s about as book obsessed as you can get, so bibliophiles will likely fall head over heels for her. The pair continue to cross paths until they are forced to work together to rescue the ladies of the Wisteria Society from the evil Captain Morvath.

What a wild, wonderful, and whimsical book! The writing is so vivid that I had no trouble imagining the fantastical, piratical (is that a word?!) world of the Wisteria Society. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book where the humor was so intricately and effortlessly woven throughout the pages. It’s magical, irreverent, and just plain delightful to experience.

I’ll admit, the title and/or genre is not one I would typically grab from the shelves, but I can’t tell you how disappointed I would have been to have missed out on this story. Thanks so much to Berkley for inviting me to be a part of the tour for this title, and for the digital review copy. If you like stories with strong female protagonists and writing that makes you laugh out loud, PLEASE add this to your TBR today!

My Review:⭐️⭐⭐/ 5 stars

One of my most anticipated reads this year, based on the description and cover alone. It’s a fantasy, historical fiction taking place during the Victorian times where there is an all ladies pirate society aka the Wisteria Society. They are ladies, but also carry guns and knives, steal, and frown upon the patriarchy. Cecilia Bassingwaite has waited to join the this group since she was a child, her “aunt” Miss Darlington is involved and she knows its her birthright. Her father, Captain Morvath, had killed her mother and has now hired a handsome assassin, Ned Lightbourne to kidnap her to return her to her father. Morvath hopes to destroy the Wisteria Society and all of the women pirates.

As much as I loved all the ingredients going into this story including Victorian England, Pirates, enemy to lover trope, badass feminist women, and a touch of magic - the story fell a bit short. There was just too much going on ie. flying houses, stealing of said houses, multiple lighthearted assassination attempts and it took a while to get into the story. It definitely was not what I was expecting. It was like the Addams family meets Victorians meets Pirates. It was definitely a fun story, but overall, not what I was expecting.

Thank you to Berkley Publications and netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review! US Pub date - June 15, 2021

I absolutely consumed this delightfully, clever novel. I love a good historical romance with a dash of fantasy. Initially when I read the description, I saw that there was going to be pirates in the book and was so excited because I love a good pirate/nautical read. Turns out while there are pirates in the book, they are not pirates in the traditional sense. They don't sail ships and create chaos on the seas. No, they fly magical houses. That's right, houses that levitate of the ground and fly through the air with secretly hidden cannons and weaponry for battles in the skies. Absolutely blew my mind.

I was quite shocked when I initially read about the flying houses, but this entire book was a pleasant, humorous, and heartfelt surprise. I truly have not read anything like this before and it was absolutely charming. I cannot recommend this book enough and if you are looking for a truly unique book unlike anything you have ever read, then this is the book for you.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A young member of a society of house-flying Victorian pirate women falls in love with her would-be assassin as they join forces to defeat her murderous father.

Sherry Thomas meets Gail Carriger in this hilarious, sexy, thoroughly bizarre historical romance with speculative elements. In addition to making me laugh aloud, it also checked all my boxes on what I want from a historical romance: a hero and heroine who I actually like, both independently and as a couple, a meaningful project not directly related to romance on which they can collaborate, and of course a healthy dose of swoon-worthy love scenes. Still, as you can probably guess from the house-flying pirates, this won't appeal to all historical romance readers. I'd start by recommending it to Parasol Protectorate fans or romance readers who also like Jasper Fforde's Thursday Next novels--and to any historical romance reader who finds the premise as hilarious as I do.

A Delightful Wimsical, Fantasy Adventure!
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THE WISTERIA SOCIETY OF LADY SCOUNDRELS
by India Holton
india.holton
Pub Date: 🌱TOMORROW 🌱
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Thank you so much @berkleypub for this ARC!
Berkley Trade Paperback Original
On Sale: June 15th, 2021
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Magical flying houses ✔️
Alternative Victorian Setting ✔️
Tongue-In-Cheek Satire ✔️
Assassins
Scandalous Swashbuckling Feminist Lady Pirates ✔️
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The Wisteria Society Of Lady Scoundrels, is a whimsical fantasy set in alternative universe of Victorian Britain. This is the first installment in the "Dangerous Damsels Series by a new to me author India Holton.
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Cecilia Bassingthwaite, wants nothing more than to be apart of the highest ranks of an only woman’s group of thieves and scoundrels, better known as the Wisteria Society. They happen to be cut throat lady pirates, who take part in a whole lot of shenanigans, while drinking tea! In this inventive steampunk style fantasy world, instead of Airships the navigate Pirate Houses. How clever is that.
This is madcap adventure, so be warned it’s not a traditional Victorian at all! It’s down right thrilling and hilarious.

The author has done a splendid job adding just enough dry witty humor, and some of the best secondary theatrical characters I have come across. There is a slow burn chemistry and sexual tension between the main characters, and the feminist take is a definite showstopper.
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The Wisteria Society Of Lady Scoundrels is an enjoyable twisted up adventure that takes so many turns that you will fine you can’t trust anyone.
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It’s frolicking rambunctious satire at its best.

#thewisteriasocietyofladyscoundrels #indiaholton #berkleypublishing #berkleyromance

Oh, boy, did I love this book. I haven’t read much historical romance besides the Outlander series, but it’s definitely gotten me hooked after reading this.
The Wisteria Society for Lady Scoundrels centers around the story of Cecilia, a classy Victorian lady and junior member of the Wisteria Society, a crime sorority that dedicates its life to flying around England in their fancy homes in search of treasure. She’s desperate to climb the ranks of the Wisteria Society and, therefore, doesn’t have time for love, especially in the form of a charming rake named Ned.
Ned is absolutely smitten with her upon their first meeting. It’s too bad he was both hired by a member of the Wisteria Society to kill her and to kidnap her for Captain Morvath, a pirate hell-bent on destroying the Wisteria Society. But when Captain Morvath kidnaps the entire Wisteria Society save for Cecilia, she must put aside her distrust for Ned and partner with him to not only save the women who trained her in the ways of piracy but prove to them she is deserving of a higher spot in their ranks.
This book is so many things, it’s hard to really describe it. It’s funny and intelligent, soft and sweet, and just a little bit spicy. I loved every moment of it. The characters are well-developed and absolutely hysterical. Cecilia is fierce and independent, and Ned is charming and utterly swoon-worthy. They have such steamy chemistry, but there are also some tender moments between them that had me falling in love with them as a couple.
The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels is somehow unapologetically Victorian and modern at the same time. I truly haven’t read another book quite like it. It has witty banter, daring battles, strong women, charming rakes, a little magic… what more could you want in a book?

This is such a fun read. Romantic, hilarious, and with a touch of fantasy.

All Cecilia wants is to join the senior ranks of the Wisteria Society like her aunt. But all of her plans derail when she is being chased down by an assassin and then her aunt is kidnapped. Unexpectedly, it seems like her best chance to save her aunt is teaming up with her would-be assassin, Ned.

With flying houses, powerful women, and a touching and banter-filled romance, this was such a light and silly read.