I think I'm gonna need to reread before I can write a fully fleshed out and comprehensive review of this book, because I inhaled it in a delighted frenzy, too caught up in the absolute joy that is this book to actually...take notes or process my thoughts. So. Here are the main takeaways:

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 like the romance takes priority over the adventure a tiiiiny bit. Not enough to bother me (I actually prefer it), but it does feel heavier on the romance than the first. But seriously, their relationship is delicious and downright swoon-worthy. Enemies to lovers at its finest.

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.

Since Charlotte's story felt so personal to me, I'll have to wait for my reread to really go more in depth on Alex, but for now just know that he 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.

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

The League of Gentlewomen Witches is the second book in the Dangerous Damsels by India Holton. A paranormal historical romance with a hint of magic. This fast-paced well-written read is clever and engaging, with numerous references to Shakespeare and Austen. Highly recommend to readers who enjoy fantasy and romance all rolled into one.

The Wisteria Society for Lady Scoundrels was one of my favourite reads of 2021. I loved the bonkers, witty and swoony fantasy romance that India created. How could a second book top it? Well, I am happy to announce that India exceeded my expectations and kept me highly entertained while I read what may already be one of my favourite books of 2022. The League of Gentlewomen Witches picks up a little after The Wisteria Society ends. We meet Miss Charlotte (Lottie) Pettifer, whose been raised to be the future leader of witches.. She’s been raised with a gaggle of witches who have heavily influenced her on the roles of a witch in society (important), what kind of emotions (very little) she should feel and how she should act at all times (perfectly proper, even when stealing or casting spells). Lottie hides in books and is an avid reader of Jane Austen. She uses Jane’s heroines as lighthouses to direct her own life. But her world is turned upside down when she runs into the handsome Alex O’Riley, whom readers will remember for The Wisteria Society. Witches and pirates, although similar in their magic, do not get along. In fact they like to pretend that the other does not exist. I loved reading about Lottie and Alex’s adventures in this wacky world. In fact, I loved that India delved deeper into some world building and character building in the League of Gentlewomen Witches. We learn more about society, rules, and roles all while India keeps the story rolling with her signature wit.

This book has a solid focus on romance. Lottie and Alex have a terrific meet-cute, and I’m hooked on them from the start. Lottie is smart, talented and snarky. She’s a bit of a terror and I adore her. Alex is the same handsome Irish rake whom we met in book one, but we learn more about his history throughout the story. Watching Alex and Lottie fall in love and then fall in like was so wonderful: like star-crossed lovers they know their love is forbidden, but they can’t stay away from each other. When they abduct each other to chase after a valuable magical amulet they find ways to expand their relationship while still trying to maintain their distance. India plays with some beloved romanceland tropes with delightful and bonkers results. The romance scenes are steamy and open door and very delightful. Their banter is stellar and made me laugh and sigh at points. Where I think the relationship really sings for me, though, was when Lottie and Alex dropped their personas and very vulnerably opened themselves up to each other. Every person should be so lucky as to have someone like Alex look at them and bring out their true shining character with his love. Oh, I’m swooning again.

I loved the cast of characters that India has continued to develop in book two of her series. We revisit some old friends including Ned, Cecilia and Lady Armitage as well as meet a whole new slew of witches, detectives and people who get in the way. India’s world is filled with smart feisty women and the men who adore them. But one character stole the show for me. Alex’s butler, Bixby, is a most magical character. He’s as proper as a butler to a pirate can be. He excels at cleaning up Alex’s mess while keeping the pirate house a float and his cocktail glass filled. He also develops a soft spot for Lottie and is one of her first true friends who sees her for who she is, all while keeping a stiff upper lip. I certainly hope to meet Bixby again.

I thoroughly enjoyed The League of Gentlewomen Witches: it’s smart, funny and self assured. It isn’t a normal romance or fantasy book, rather you have to throw yourself into India’s world and just let her take you along for the ride. While this is the second book in the series, I think you could read it as a stand alone, although you’d be seriously missing out if you didn’t read the first one too. I can hardly wait to see what India has in store for us next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Similar to her first book, League of Gentlewomen Witches turns "proper" behaviour on its head. Why, thieving is the best thing a lady could do to show her respect! With a swoony pirate romance, adventure and hilarious banter, what more could you want? Houlton is a gem and I am here for all her books.

Review: This was a delightful adult fantasy romance, with fantastic characters! I loved the humor in the book. Overall, I would definitely recommend reading this novel to anyone who thinks it sounds interesting!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

What to say about The League of Gentlewomen Witches?

I’ll start with the fact that it’s the second in the Dangerous Damsels series. I didn’t read the first one, and I’m thinking I should have. Maybe it would’ve helped orient me in this story.

We jump right into this odd land of witches, magic, pirates, and flying houses, with absolutely no world building. I couldn’t visualize this place where houses were flown like planes, then landing all over the place in a jumble.

I also got no sense of the community. I wanted to know more about these groups and their feud, as well as why certain kinds of magic weren’t allowed.

Then we have the characters. They’re quirky and fun, but again, absolutely no development.

Confession: I almost gave up about one-quarter in.

I’m glad I persevered, because the second half of the book came together for me. I loved Charlotte’s character and her defiantly unromantic approach to romance.

Moral of the story: Start with book one, The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels. Probably.

4.5 stars
This book was just so incredibly enjoyable. It was witty and hilarious and had an interesting plot.
I read the first book in this series as an arc, so it was a while ago. I was happy to realize that it wasn't necessary to remember every detail of the first book to absolutely enjoy this one.
Charlotte was a really fun main character. She is the prophesized inheriter of Black Beryl's amulet which holds a lot of power within the Wicken League. That's where this whole thing started. The amulet was going to be on display and of course as a witch (but witches don't exist), the amulet had to be stolen. But the witches aren't the only ones who want to steal it. The pirates also want to steal it (including Cecilia and Ned from the first book).
Charlotte just wants to be a proper witch. She doesn't want to mingle with pirates. But she ends up chasing the amulet with Alex O'Riley, a pirate. Alex was also a really fun character. Both Charlotte and Alex had things they were trying to work through and as "mortal enemies," they didn't want to work through them together depsite being stuck together. They wanted to do...other things.
The writing style of this book was fantastic. I laughed so many times and I was never bored. The plot moved along quickly and everything that happened felt like it needed to happen. The dialogue was witty and so were the thoughts of the characters.
All the side characters were really fun too. I especially enjoyed Alex's butler Bixby. There were actually a lot of important side characters in this book, but I never got confused or forgot who was who.
This series is really fantastic if you are looking for some romance, fantasy and humor!

India Holton has done it again! This book is an utter delight from start to finish. It is quirky and funny and so, so droll. Charlotte is the whip smart heroine I love and Captain Alex O'Reilly is simply delicious. The razor sharp banter and simmering heat between them leapt off the page and I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. I devoured this book!

When the lost amulet of Black Beryl, the first witch, resurfaces, every witch and pirate in London vies for the (dis)honor of stealing it — and keeping it. When the worst pirate of the lot makes off with it, a pirate and a witch join forces to steal it back… and their respective criminal communities join forces to separate them, lest they actually overcome their differences and thus put generations of (gleefully) bitter feuding to waste.

The feud and the respective sides’ commitment to it is probably my favorite thing about this book. They like their feuding, darn it, and no youngsters will get in the way of it! Nor will silly little facts, like how witches and pirates are basically the same, except for the fact that witches do their magic in secrecy (or would, if witches existed *wink wink wink*) and pirates fly their houses around and land wherever they want, even if another house happens to be there already. Watching the flamboyant pirates and uptight-but-just-as-bloodthirsty witches bend over backwards to keep the feud going even as they work together, all while exchanging the most delicious backhanded compliments, had me laughing out loud… and rooting for the feud to never end because it really is too fun to give up for anything.

Which brings me to the two people endangering that feud with their “reluctant” fraternization, Charlotte and Alex. They would have you believe they’re just as dedicated to the feud as their comrades (Alex even has a legitimate reason for hating witches), but the gentlewoman and gentleman doth protest too much, methinks. Their words are barbed — and their hands are full of even more dangerous weaponry — but their attraction and growing affection are undeniable. They made me laugh out loud and swoon, but they absolutely did not make me cry. There was just a lot of dust in my eyes, okay?? Very inconvenient that that happened just as they realized their love for each other.

Honestly, though, my heart squeezed. Despite the outward differences between the straight-laced good girl and the incorrigible rake, Charlotte and Alex are kindred spirits. Both cynical and wounded, they never expect to find friendship and safety with anyone, let alone each other, and they fight tooth-and-nail to hold onto their delusions, just like the other witches and pirates trying to hold onto the larger feud. But if a pirate and a witch are holding hands as they declare their undying hatred for each other… will you believe your eyes or your ears? Personally, I believe my heart, which says these two belong together. Because with each other, they can be strong, fierce, gorgeous, brave… and most important, vulnerable.

Much as I loved The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, in my heart of hearts, I love The League of Gentlewomen Witches even more — which, really, is exactly what I want when reading the follow-up to a debut novel. Holton has done a great job not only maintaining everything that made the first book great — the humor, the banter, the action (I could write a whole post on how well she handles visual comedy and action in a written medium), and all our favorite characters — but also improving on it. The humor is funnier, the romance swoonier, and the plot zippier. I’m excited to see Holton continue growing as an author — and to follow along on more adventures in the wonderfully zany world.

Until the next installment, however (dare I hope Bixby will get some love? you know how I enjoy a proper butler with a wild side), I’m off to steal a tall, dark, and handsome stranger’s briefcase and hope it will lead to a goodhearted kidnapping and a shenanigan or two. Tally ho!

My thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing an eARC for an honestly enthusiastic review and to India Holton for the many much-needed laughs (and cackles and shrieks) that probably frightened my neighbors as I read.

India Holton has created a world so unique and I can't get enough of it. Having read the first book, The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, going into this second book I was much more prepared for the silliness and the tone of the writing which made me love this one even more than the first.

I loved Charlotte and Alex, but I think what makes this series special is the entire extended cast. God bless Tom - wrong place, wrong time, indeed. I could read a full book about ANY of the characters and just be thrilled.

While you don't necessarily need to have read the first to read this book, I would definitely encourage it to get acclimated to the world. PLUS it seems like there may be a third installment, based on this book's ending, which I already can't wait to get my hands on!

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the advanced e-book!

I really enjoyed Holton's The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, so I was pretty confident going into The League of Gentlewomen Witches that I was going to have a good time. I'm happy to report I believe this novel is even better than the last. It was easy to slip back into the world Hilton has created and jump back into the fray - that now includes (alleged) witches - with our beloved pirates who are now on the hunt for Black Beryl's amulet. The book focuses primarily on Charlotte, who is next in line to lead the (alleged) witches league, and Alex, a pirate we met briefly in TWSLS. I love Charlotte and Alex's romance. It was both swoony and hilarious, and you never quite knew what to expect from them next. This book is not short on pirates, (alleged) witches, or adventure either, so do not despair. It is full of all the hijinks and hysterics of the first book and oh so fun!

Thank you so much for the ARC of this book, unfortunately it just did not do it for me. I enjoyed India Holton’s first book but for some reason I’m just not connecting with this one and am putting it aside for now. I find I have to be in a special mood for a fantasy, comedy, historical romance and just haven’t found the right time.

This was hilarious. I loved this fantasy version of Victorian England in which pirates fly houses armed with cannons. Witches and pirates do not get along, with a long-standing feud over who is correctly using the incantations from the first witch or pirate, Beryl Black. So when Black's missing amulet is suddenly found and included in a library exhibit, all of the Wisteria Society of pirates and the Wicked League of "alleged" witches wish to steal it.

Alex O'Riley is a pirate who tries to work independently. Charlotte Pettifer is not only a witch, but the Prophesized One. Their meet-cute is hilarious and perfectly fitting for the two of them. I especially love Charlotte, as she regularly asks herself what Jane Austen's characters would do in any given situation.

I love the little mini synopses at the start of each chapter. Indeed, the writing style for the whole book is so appealing. India Holton has created such a unique world with the etiquette of a Jane Austen novel merged with witches, magic, pirates, and flying houses.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. These opinions are my own.

I enjoyed the first book to this series so much, but I loved this even more. The writing is phenomenal. It’s hilarious and had me screaming (what felt like) every other page. I won’t apologize for the person I am now that I’ve read this.

This book is true enemies to lovers. He’s a pirate (a rogue) and she’s a witch (a proper lady though). There’s forced proximity. They’re mortal enemies. The innuendos were supreme (you should see how much I tabbed this book). THE BANTER!

I loved sweet Alex so much. His backstory absolutely broke my heart. Lottie was positively brilliant in her bravery and attitude. I thoroughly enjoyed both of their POVs and even more so them as a couple.

Holton goes on my list or favorite authors for sure. This series is a delight and I need everyone to read it.

I loved the mashup of genres and the quirky tone India set in this series with The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels. I cannot think of a book to compare to its unique character. My expectations for The League were mildly out of control, to be honest. I wanted to dive back into this world full throttle.
Going into book two, there is the added addition of witches. Compared to pirates, they appear to be more proper, more reserved, and more intentional with their use of magic. While there is some exploration of the hard-knock-witch-life in this book, it focused more on the chemistry developing between love interests Alex and Charlotte and less on the fun world India has built.
The tongue-in-cheek way India writes is spot on and puts a smile on my face. Her wit and banter continues and shines. I am on the fence about whether this can be read as a standalone because I adored Wisteria to the point that it remains my favorite of the series.
I'm crossing my fingers - and toes! - that there's a book three (my googling skills are not giving me this information) and that it's about Miss Dearlove. IYKYK.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Romance: innuendo and multiple references to steam

If Jane Austen and Oscar Wilde had a book baby, this would be it. Full of wry wit, shenanigans, and longing looks, this historical romance is so much fun!

Charlotte, is the long prophesied about witch of witches and Alex is a rogueish pirate. And they’re each determined to steal/regain a magical amulet.

You get:
Insta attraction
So much romantic/sexual tension
All of the innuendo that you could ever want
Enemies to lovers
Dazzling banter
Chaotic chases with floating houses
Over the top fight scenes

If you like your romcoms historical, this is for you. For fans of Gail Carriger and Manda Collins.

I received a gifted galley of THE LEAGUE OF GENTLEWOMEN WITCHES by India Holton for an honest review. Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review!

THE LEAGUE OF GENTLEWOMEN WITCHES follows Charlotte and Alex. Charlotte is a witch, and one who prides herself on living by the lessons learned in Jane Austen novels. She’s prim and proper and she only steals from those who can afford it so she can redistribute the wealth to those most in need (even if it is sometimes herself). Alex is a pirate and where witches are all about flying under the radar, pirates are big and bold. It is hard to miss their flying battle houses, after all.

Witches and pirates are constantly at odds, but when a talisman is stolen, Charlotte plants herself in Alex’s house to go in pursuit. Still at odds, though also very attracted, the pair must work together. Perhaps they will see that a witch and a pirate might be able to get along after all.

This is the second book in the author’s Dangerous Damsels series. I haven’t read book one, but thankfully I didn’t feel like I was at all lost when starting the book. We do see the characters from book one in this story, but the author does well at catching the reader up. I will say after reading this book, I definitely would be happy to go back and read book one!

This was such a fun read. It is full of magic and silly antics that are over the top in the best way possible. I mean, you have to laugh at the idea of a house flying across the sky in a wild chase scene! I loved the tongue in cheek humor and the Jane Austen related quips throughout as well!

India Holton strikes again with another adventurous romance read. A good addition to any romance reader's bookshelf. The story was relatively faced paced with an original story that takes place in the same universe as her Lady pirates novel.

I adored India Holton's debut and whooped when I was approved by Berkley for the ARC of this second in the series. And let me say, THE LEAGUE OF GENTLEWOMEN WITCHES is even better. Hurrah!

Holton's narrative boasts wit, histfic fantasy, and a slow burn romance between witch Charlotte and pirate Alex that will make you swoon! I loved the characters and the fabulous world building that will keep you happily lost until you turn the last page. One of my favs so far in '22! Out March 15.

Thanks to India, Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.

#indiaholton #theleagueofgentlewomenwitches #berkleypub #NetGalley

Sometimes I skim books. Shameful, but true. But not this book--I couldn't risk missing a single, hilarious word! From the absurdity of this series' premise to the banter between the hero and heroine to the wealth of cleverly overturned literary allusions, I was laughing aloud the whole time. Add to that the deliciously steamy romance, thrilling adventure plot, and substantive cameos from the hero/heroine of the previous book, and you have a five star historical romance that you won't be able to put down. I cannot recommend this series highly enough!