The Victorian gaslamp fantasy madness continues in this follow-up to The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels. This time around, the story focuses on pirate Alex O'Riley and Charlotte Pettifer, who is most definitely *not* a witch [insert exaggerated wink emoji here]. Pirates and witches have been happily feuding for nearly two centuries, but when the dreaded Lady Armitage steals Beryl Black’s amulet (and Constantinopla Brown’s fiancé), Alex and Charlotte (sort of) agree to join forces.

Come for the chaos. Stay for the misappropriated Jane Austen quotes.

This is one of those books where you just jump in and go with whatever happens, no matter how unexpected. I enjoyed the sense of fun and all the word play. I also like the satirical elements of two societies that are nearly identical, but absolutely hate each other on principle. The deliberate similarities between Cecilia and Charlotte were particularly interesting to me. Also, who could possibly not love a book that includes weaponized shoes?

While I did love the high flying and insanely polite adventures of The League of Gentlewomen Witches, I feel I did miss out on some of the fun and style of the author's writing by only reading the second book. I will be reading the first in the series in due course.
Overall I found the blend of Historical based fantasy with romance and adventure really engaging and India Holton knows how to make a literary reference with just a wink and a nod. A great novel and I am sure a fabulous second in the series. Now if you will excuse me, I need to go read the first.

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

CW: violence, parental neglect/abuse (past), corporal punishment (past)

This is the second book in the series and could probably be read as a standalone but the first really gives you an introduction into the world

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/f historical fantasy romance
-enemies/rivals to lovers
-forbidden romance
-rake of a pirate
-bookish chosen one who is definitely not a witch
-this is just a hookup

I love this series so much it is so original and just a bit bonkers. I loved the rivalry between the witches and the pirates, and of course I can't get enough of the flying houses. How Charlotte and Alex definitely kidnapped the other both in denial about their feelings for a long time.

I loved having glimpses of Celia and Ned. This book had me constantly laughing and turning the page to figure out what was going to happen next. Full of adventure, shenanigans, and an obsession with Austen characters this is pure escapism and just what I needed. I truly hope that there is more coming in this series.

Steam: 3 (you know they're having sex but vague terms used)

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 🌶🌶🌶.5*/5

*extra .5🌶 added for the yearning of it all

I'm so torn about what to say regarding this book. On one hand, it is unique, clever, and drips with literary inside jokes. And there were lines that legitimately made me laugh. But on the other hand, on the whole, the story is just too zany for me. I think this would make an incredible movie with all the action and chaos, but as a book, it was just to much for my brain to follow.

Thank you to Berkley, Netgalley, and the author for the eARC in exchange for my review.

I loved this book! I know this style of book is not for everyone, but I absolutely love quirky historical romances. This is the second book in the Dangerous Damsels series, so I would recommend it for anyone who enjoyed the first book. I thought this was book was longer than it needed to be, but I still enjoyed reading every page of it.

[ full post to be published March 13th -- https://wellreadpiratequeen.blogspot.com/2022/03/ISWIR-gentlewomen-witches.html ]

Before I start oohing and aahing over how splendorific The League of Gentlewomen Witches is, I need to make one thing very clear : get thee to a bookstore and get (and read) The Wisteria Society for Lady Scoundrels first. I devoured it in January and almost immediately started to beg the kind folks at Berkley to approve me on NetGalley for the second book. I think the begging may have even started before the book was actually on NetGalley. Several characters overlap and even if they didn't, it's an amazing book and should be read. So do it ... or walk the plank ... or be turned into a toad ... or something.

The League of Gentlewomen Witches is the story of Charlotte and Alex ... and a whole lot of other witches (if there was such a thing) and pirates (who make absolutely no secret of there being such a thing). Charlotte is the prophesized heir to the League. Alex is a hot-as-all-hell Irish pirate and the best friend of Ned from The Wisteria Society. It's a love-hate relationship from the beginning since the League and the Society have a long-standing feud that no one wants to see end, and Alex has his own reasons for despising witches. They end up having to work together after she stows away in his house -- which he realizes after it has already gone airborne -- in order to chase after Black Beryl's stolen amulet ... and the kidnapped Tom, fiancé of Oply (pirate and "close personal friend" to the Queen).

It's a joyous thrill ride with humor and angst and Jane Austen references ... and plenty of "exercise." A third book hasn't been announced that I've seen, but I'm already planning on pestering Berkley for an advanced read ... and I'm already hoping that we see more of our favorites from the first two. I would particularly very VERY much like to see Miss Dearlove and Bixby.

Thank you so much for an advanced copy of The League of Gentlewomen Witches. This book was really interesting!

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Pub Date: March 15, 2022

I really liked this book. To be honest, I was lukewarm, at best, on the first book in the series. I'm happy to report, though, that I am a major fan of this book! I loved the characters in this story. I thought that Charlotte was a feisty main character full of fun and spunk! I also loved Alex; he was such a pirate!

This story employs one of my favorite tropes, enemies to lovers, and it was really well executed. I thought the banter between Alex and Charlotte was perfection. Their chemistry was evident from the beginning, and I really liked their instant spark (NOT instant love, thankfully).

I feel like the world building was way better in this book compared to the first, and I didn't feel as lost. This story/setup is really unique in the historical fiction/historical fantasy the story employs, and definitely felt like that world building was clearer in this book. Two thumbs way up!

The League of Gentlewoman Witches is a fun second book in the Dangerous Damsels series by India Holton. This is another fun romp through Victorian England and this time we meet a league of Witches, sworn enemies of the Wisteria Society and all pirates. The story is full of comical action scenes that I could easily visualize and imagine as a movie. The fighting, the pointed conversations, and the romantic tension all lept off the page. The tongue-in-cheek tone of the story is supported by witty dialogue. Charlotte and Alex, Witches and Pirates, and everybody in between are on the hunt for Black Beryl’s stolen amulet. Some of my favorite moments were the interactions between the witches and their sworn enemies, the Wisteria Society. Both sides take group politics to a new level in often hilarious fighting covered up by immense politeness. Charlotte and Alex are the couple we are here for, however. These two opposites have heated chemistry from the start, but they are too busy trying to one up the other to realize before it is too late. The book is more romance driven then the first book and the pursuit of the amulet sometimes takes a back seat. I am excited to see where this series leads as they are so enjoyable to read.

Thank you Netgalley and Berkeley Publishing for the arc.

The League of Gentlewomen Witches is set in the same world as the The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, but instead of following the antics of house flying pirates, this book follows the antics of witches. This second instalment in the Dangerous Damsels series has the same whimsy and fun and is as full of literary references as the first.

I didn't think that any book could come close to the wacky charming zaniness of THE WISTERIA SOCIETY OF LADY SCOUNDRELS --- until I read THE LEAGUE OF GENTLEWOMEN WITCHES by India Holton.

Whooo what a manically fun ride! High-flying crackpot adventure! Forbidden swoony romance! Casual not-so-petty thievery! Prim and proper manners! Corsets that conceal tempting treasure! Completely not bloodthirsty family legacies!

Charlotte isn't a witch because of course witches aren't real, but if she was a witch she would never fall into league with an untidy, rude pirate of the Wisteria Society - especially not a roguishly handsome and devilishly audacious like Alex. Even if they had to work together to steal, er, retrieve a priceless artifact that could bestow unimaginable powers on its possessor, they could never find a way to work together. Afterall, pirates can only fly houses and steal jewelry while witches can brew the perfect tea.

Back for more pirates, floating houses, and witches! India Holt's writing style is so distinct, and it carries readers along like they're on a joyride. Alex and Charlotte were such engaging characters who both get their chance to grow and shine throughout the story. I loved Charlotte's thinking about Austen heroines and how they'd go about things, and I think romance readers will jump at those tie-ins.
The race to get the amulet was a fun setting for their madcap adventures throughout the book. It's always enjoyable when two characters with plans fall in love despite themselves.

Second book in this fun series by India Holton. Charlotte uses magic to try to make the world a better place. When a lost amulet is found she has to make sure that it doesn’t get in the wrong hands so she joins forces with Alex, a pirate. Fun novel, great writing.

Oh, my goodness! I thoroughly enjoyed this entertaining romp through Victorian England. India Holton has once again hit it out of the park. The League of Gentlewomen Witches, the second installment in the Dangerous Damsels series, is just as witty, sarcastic, and funny as The Wisteria Society. Witches and Pirates come together in the best way. I laughed aloud numerous times and then swooned at all the lovey parts.
Charlotte and Alex are (not) working together to recover a stolen amulet, and they most certainly do (not) like each other. Because pirates and witches are enemies and nothing good will ever come of them working together. Adventure and love await our unlikely duo.
If you enjoy witches, pirates, flying houses and love then this is the book for you. I can only hope there will be another installment of the Dangerous Damsels.
Thank you to Net Galley and Berkley Publishing for an arc of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Are you ready for a bombastic Victorian England? Strighten your bustle, and get ready for the ride!

The opening pages of The League of Gentlewomen Witches charmed me. Pirates flying houses is hilarious, and witches pretending to not be witches had me chuckling every time it was mentioned. Charlotte is primed to take over the witch's association, trained by her aunt—a prissy, tight, non-emotional beast. Then there's Alex—swagger, muscles, a tragic past. And who are enembies? Witches and pirates, naturally.

Who could resist this lineup? It's rollicking fun and superscillious in the best ways.

This book as open door scenes *wink. So, keep it for the adults.

I think you'll love this book if you enjoy historical, humorous, swashbuckling pirates, daredevil women, and romance novels.

Just as crazy, just as fun, but ultimately hotter than before. I couldn’t get enough of this insta-hate, enemies to lovers that needed to work out the tension way more than one time. India writes so cleverly and I just adore her style. The historical romance meets fantasy is the best genre mix. I laughed, I craved more, and I can’t wait to see who we might meet next! I also loved still getting to be in the same world of Cecelia and Ned and all the little sneak peaks we got of them throughout the book. But charlotte and Alex were…whew! They were sexy, funny, and just such a great couple to lead the second book in this series!

Charlotte Pettifer (heir-apparent to lead the League of Gentlewoman Witches once her aunt steps down) and Alex O'Riley, a pirate, are after the same amulet. They argue over who kidnapped who, and the decoration and cleanliness of flying houses.

This series is so much fun! It's official, I will read anything India Holton writes. The banter between Alex and Charlotte is witty and hilarious, their chemistry very real. I love the continuous law-breaking that is committed with the utmost politeness. If you enjoy fantasy and/or historical romance, get yourself a copy of this series immediately! You will not be disappointed.

This was such a fun story! I loved that it made me laugh, but had some great romance in it as well! I enjoyed the relationship between Alex and Charlotte, but there are some great side characters that got to me too! I think this is one that romance readers are going to love!

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Pub for the earc of this book!

This book was absolutely delightful! When I read book one, the thought in my head was “ where the heck this story is going?” But going into this one, I knew exactly what to expect and got that and more

The story was hilarious, and sweet and hot! From the moment Alex and Charlotte came to the same page, the sparks came with them. The chemistry between the two was definitely an amazing starting point to their relationship. But they actually spent time with each other in the middle of all the crazy. It was just so sweet and beautiful and created the most amazing friendship between them which always gets me.

I loved the crazy families, seeing Ned and Cecilia again! But my favorite part of this book was the constant double talk :) There is a scene when Charlotte is feeling awkward and Alex is like “Yup, let’s go! I am kidnapping you!” I need someone to do it for me!

Just go read this book and enjoy every second!

The League of Gentlewomen Witches is a fun and unique addition to India Holton’s Dangerous Damsels series. The story combines two of my favorite genres, fantasy and historical romance, and it is an entertaining read! Charlotte Pettifer is the future leader of a league of women who practice witchcraft, and she is determined to retrieve a recently discovered, powerful amulet before it gets into the wrong hands. Enter Alex O’Riley, pirate extraordinaire and definitely the wrong hands. However, with so many others trying to get the amulet, Charlotte and Alex agree to work together to steal it.

Charlotte and Alex have the best banter, and I loved their enemies-to-lovers romance. From their very first meeting, it’s clear there’s a spark between them, and their chemistry is off the charts! Both characters are layered and interesting, and their stories and growth as they slowly fall in love are fantastic. The secondary characters are as entertaining and dynamically developed as Charlotte and Alex, and I adored the representation of strong, independent, and supportive women.

The worldbuilding is also fantastic, and I like how the author continues to expand upon it, creating a fantastical Victorian London with magic, witchcraft, pirates, flying houses, and more. But my favorite part of the book is the humor. The sarcasm, the laugh-out-loud moments, the witty dialogue, and the funny Jane Austen references all make for a clever and humorous read. It’s so smart and quick and outrageous!.

I enjoyed this entertaining story. It’s clever and funny, and a little zany, and the romance is positively swoon-worthy. I would definitely recommend this to romance readers looking for a fun and swoon-worthy love story and are willing to suspend disbelief, and I am grateful to NetGalley and Berkley Books for providing me with a copy. All thoughts are my own.