I got roughly 70% through this novel and had to throw in the towel. I REALLY enjoyed the writing style, it's witty, clever and just sarcastic enough to keep me smiling. However I realized pretty quickly that this story just wasn't going to click with me. I was hoping the writing style and my love of magic and Jane Austen would save me but in the end it just didn't happen.
I'm a Pride & Prejudice super fan, okay? I've got the hand touch scene from the 2005 masterpiece tattooed on my arm for Pete's sake. Even I was beyond annoyed with this characters constant harping about different Jane Austen novels. It felt like when a kid learns a new word and forces it into conversations even when it doesn't really make sense in the context. After I while I found myself mentally checking out when our main character asked herself what Emma or Elizabeth Bennett would do, and then surprising herself by doing something different? Also the Austen references were lack luster and did nothing to enhance my reading of the story. They didn't feel clever or unexpected, they were forced quotes shoved into a conversation with words changed to try and make them make sense (unsuccessfully).

The League of Gentlewomen Witches was high on my anticipated list for this year since I love Wisteria Society so much. This far exceeded my expectations.

Charlotte Pettifer is a witch—although she would never admit to that. She also would never be caught consorting with a pirate like Alex O’Riley, which works out perfectly for him since he despises all witches. However, when the long lost amulet of Black Beryl—a powerful talisman that rightfully belongs to Charlotte, Beryl’s true heir—is discovered and falls into the wrong hands, they’re forced to team up to recover it. But their unwilling alliance proves to be even more than they bargained for when they realize that the amulet isn’t the only thing they’re stealing.

India Holton does it again with a delightfully absurd and whimsical tale of romance and adventure. I loved the characters. Alex is the perfect swoonworthy combination of sexy and sweet, and Charlotte is a strong, uptight heroine you can’t help but love. There is also a fair bit of Cecilia and Ned’s story woven throughout, which was a nice, unexpected treat.

Although the plot to recover the amulet is present, and serves as the main driving force for the plot, the relationship between Alex and Charlotte steals the show. Their witty banter is on point, they have amazing chemistry, and they bring out the best (or worst, as they would say) in each other. Their interactions strike the perfect balance between soft and sexy, truly making them the perfect pair.

I almost didn’t want this book to end. I haven’t come across another book quite like the ones India Holton writes, and I can’t wait to read whatever she comes out with next.

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

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for this arc of The League of Gentlewomen Witches!

This series is just pure over the top whimsical fun. Its messy and wild, and yet I still want to stay and figure out what is going to happen next. This one could be read as a standalone but I would recommend reading the first one still just for the backstory. Charlotte was a wonderful heroine for this story, and Alex (a pirate GASP) was her perfect match.

Definitely recommend this one if you read and enjoyed the first one!

3.75 stars

This is another over the top rollicking adventure featuring the Wisteria Society (pirates) and the League of Gentlewoman Witches. They don't even get along with each other, let alone with the other group. And when they do battle, they have moving houses that are like giant warships and lumber through the air crashing into each other, exploding, catching fire, and shooting off cannons.

Yes, it's all preposterous but great fun. Fast-paced, humorous, and featuring some unforgettable characters. When pirate Alex meets up with witch Charlotte, sparks fly in every possible way. Their great verbal and warring jousting serves as foreplay for the two adventurers.

It is possible to mention this in the same breath as Romancing the Stone and the Princess Bride. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Another fantastic, whimsical book from India Holton! I'm excited to see where the Dangerous Damsels novels take us. They have seriously just been so FUN to read! This one dialed down the humorous writing just slightly, and I think that was for the better. Overall you can tell that her writing has matured from her debut - something we all like to see! I highly HIGHLY recommend this series to historical romance, fantasy, and adventure novel lovers!

I would consider The League of Gentlewomen Witches a companion novel to The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels rather than a sequel. It takes place a few months after the first novel ends, this time focusing on Alex O'Reilly (Ned's roguish friend from the first book) and a newcomer - Charlotte Pettifer, a witch (if witches existed). Witches and Pirates don't associate - they're complete opposites (or so they say). But opposites attract when Charlotte and Alex team up on a chase to track down a stolen amulet. Cecilia, Ned, Lady Armitage (our villain, once again), and the rest of the pirates are all in on this chase as well, so we get to see some familiar faces. Our bookish friend Charlotte is obsessed with Jane Austin and her heroines; her conscience often takes the form of Elizabeth Bennet. Charlotte and Alex absolutely DO NOT fall in love and Charlotte is absolutely NOT a witch (or she wouldn't be, if witches existed).

This one has a lot more spice than the first installment - they make sure to get their "exercise" in every few chapters. Much of it is closed-door, so it doesn't impede on the story. The action/adventure part of the book is always moving. During a tender moment between Charlotte and Alex, the butler asks "Is this a romance or an adventure?" and to answer him, it's a good mix of both! I have about half the book highlighted, and I kept sending screenshots to my friends and it didn't take much convincing to get them on board with this series!

I THINK we got an Easter egg of the next book's MC if I'm not mistaken. She says she is not a pirate or a witch - I'm very excited to find out what, exactly she calls herself!

A feud between witches and pirates, flying houses, and a stolen amulet are all just a part of the fun of this book, The League of Gentlewomen Witches by India Holton. Witty banter, unconventional magic, and a cute enemies to lovers troupe are all sure to guarantee an entertaining read.
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I smiled and laughed throughout this book and wished I could plop myself right down in the middle of story.
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“And then he kissed her. And she discovered there was a magic beyond words.”
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The romance was great, this mismatched couple were perfect together, a beautiful bookish witch and a dashing magical pirate. The chase for the amulet was a great tool to bring these two together and keep me turning the page.
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Thank you so, so much to Berkley Romance for providing an e-arc of this!! All thoughts and opinions are still my own.

This series is so fantastic!! I love how quirky, funny, and unique this world is and I can't get enough of it. These characters - especially Alex - stole my whole heart.

This is a companion to book 1 so it could technically be read on its own - however I highly recommend starting with book 1 (because it's fantastic). After how much I loved that first book, I had really high executions going into this one. But this had absolutely everything I loved about that first book with new charming and wonderful characters.

I loved following Charlotte's journey throughout this story. You get to watch her come into her own and develop her confidence and strength. It was so much fun following her and I adored her a main character.

Alex was everything I wanted in a swoony pirate. He's charming and smooth but secretly a big softy (especially for Charlotte). Their chemistry and banter was fantastic and I swooned the whole way through.

I just can't get over how India Holton balances these stories so perfectly. Between the humor, the historical & fantasy elements, the romance, the complex family dynamics, this series could easily become muddled. But she hits that perfect note and balance between all the elements and completely sweeps me into this world.

I will forever read anything and everything in this series!

3.5 stars

The League of Gentlewomen Witches was just as wild and unique as book 1 in this series. It took me a bit to get reacquainted with the world and characters (there are a lot!), but overall this was an enjoyable adventure.

Alex and Charlotte had wonderful banter and I loved the enemies to idiots to lovers progression of their relationship. They truly saw the other and I loved watching them verbally spar and slowly recognize their growing feelings for each other. There's lots of action and laughs in this one, but I did feel the story stalled a bit in the middle, which made it feel overly long. The writing was very clever and funny, but the numerous asides and stream of consciousness style of writing made it difficult to focus. The point was quickly lost in all of the descriptions and details. This could definitely be an "it's me, not you" issue, but I certainly struggled at times with this book. India Holton is clearly a gifted writer, but I can imagine that this style of storytelling may not work for every reader.

CW: fighting/violence, parental neglect/abuse (past), physical punishment (past), fire/explosions

*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*

What could throw people off?
This book was very chaotic! Like a lot of things happening and it could feel like whiplash. While, this didn’t bug me because I thought it was very purposeful and went with the theme and action of the story well, I could see it not being for everyone.

What I loved?
This book was SO SILLY and SO FUN.

This chaotic story about a witch and a pirate who are “mortal enemies,” made me laugh a lot. From the pirates and witches they run into to the mission they’ve set themselves on and the question of who kidnapped who…to all the banter and hijinks in between, this book was special and different from most historical romance books I’ve read.

The level of silliness, at times, made it feel like a spoof but I was drawn in and felt super connected to the characters, all the same.

If you’re looking for a romance with outrageous situations and even more outrageous characters? I definitely would check this out!

Now, I need to read book 1 of this series because I’m in love with all these people.

Charlotte Pettifer, a witch of the Wicken League (rivals of the Wisteria Society), finds herself at odds with the pirate Alex O’Riley. Pirates and witches notoriously do not get along – and Charlotte and Alex are both trying to steal the same powerful artifact. Sparks fly every time they meet (sometimes in the form of literal explosions) and in spite of Charlotte’s disdain for pirates and Alex’s disdain for witches, as well as his disdain for the idea of love – they find they are drawn to each other.

This book is the sequel to The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels. Like many romance series, you don’t necessarily need to read the first one to appreciate the later installments, but knowing the context, and the recurring characters, does add to the reading experience. It is just as silly and absurd as the previous book in the series – and just as much fun to read. In fact, I think I might like it better than the previous installment. It’s just a little more polished than the first.

Delightful

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.

Having not read the first in the Dangerous Damsel’s series, The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, I can already say I regret missing it and will rush out to my nearest library to fetch it as soon as possible. This delightful journey into the world of English Witches is some of the best fun I’ve read in quite some time. Quite madly mixing Jane Austen and Shakespeare and a sheer delight in the English language, author India Holton has created the perfect blend of derring-do and romance, adventure and extraordinary characters. 

Once you begin reading, you realize if you are the unusual, the prickly, the unpopular, you will immediately crawl into Charlotte’s head and not leave. And let’s not forget Alex, who while a pirate and a rogue, is not nearly so stern of heart as he pretends. Charlotte yearns to unleash her spirit while Alex yearns to open his heart and on their mad adventure to steal Black Beryl’s amulet, they soon find they have more in common than expected between a pirate and a witch. 

India Holton has done a beautiful job of playing in the tone of a historical period novel but combining it with adventure, witches, pirates, and magic. She has created a plot that drags the reader in with the first few sentences and keeps you there as you fall in love with her fantastic and darling characters. Despite Charlotte’s prickly nature, the fun is in how competent and dangerous she truly is and how powerful a woman can be. The story also illustrates that while a woman may not need a man, she may need love and friendship in whatever form it arrives in. I do dare any reader who loves pirates, witches, or the English language to walk away from reading this book. 

I found every word delightful, every argument a joy, and the story wrapped me around it’s little finger until I finished in the wee hours of the morning. I truly look forward to the next novel in the series and am off to find the first.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

The League of Gentlewomen Witches is the second book in India Holton's Dangerous Damsels series, but it reads like a standalone novel. This delightful romp is one part historical fiction, one part romantic fantasy, and one part comedy, stirred, and ultimately shaken. Written in a style reminiscent of and influenced by 19th century female English authors of the time, don't be fooled by what at first seems like stiff dialogue and mannerisms. Rather, carry on and you'll find our characters are quite adept at holding conversations brimming with innuendo and implication.

Holton delivers delightful characters full of life, wit, and adventure that fly right off the page, carrying the reader with them. Charlotte, the young heir of Beryl Black and future leader of the Wicken League, has quite the load of expectations to live up to. Her inner dialogue frequently consults her heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, during trying situations, such as being in close proximity to the fierce pirate Alex O'Riley. She knows she has a duty to uphold, but feels the pull of a quieter life, one more free from obligation. Alex, a pirate and insufferable rogue, and altogether distrustful of witches, finds himself gravitating towards Charlotte once their worlds collide, through absolutely, positively no fault of Charlotte's.

When Beryl Black's long lost amulet is discovered, the Wicken League oh so rightfully declares that they must recover (steal) it. But, as a matter of fact, so do the pirates of the Wisteria League. And so ensues comedy and error in the recovery of this powerful artifact. Though governed by the facade of decorum and manners, every witch is out for the amulet. Charlotte knows she must get to it first if she is to uphold the line of Beryl Black. But when a dread pirate snatches the amulet, Charlotte and Alex decide to team up to retrieve it. Or, more aptly, Charlotte kidnaps Alex and appropriates his flying cottage (yes, pirates have flying houses), upending all the decorum and modesty prized and upheld by the Wicken League.

There is a whole cast of colorful characters, in addition to Charlotte and Alex, that Holton introduces right before the first chapter. The descriptors paired with each character offer some humorous insight into their personalities before plunging into the story. Though the story follows Charlotte and Alex, for the most part, the secondary and peripheral characters are just as entertaining. Miss Plim, Charlotte's aunt and leader of the Wicken League, embodies how she believes all witches should behave: prim, proper, dismissive of love, disdainful of pirates, and wholly devoted to upholding the sanctity of the league. Bixby, Alex's butler, is unflappable in the face of the unexpected. I could go on, but know there's not a single dull moment with such a vivid cast of characters.

The writing is an exemplary example of using the full extent of the English vocabulary to construct sharp, succinct dialogue to say but not say exactly what one means. I don't read 19th century English literature because it's not my cup of tea, but Holton modernizes the style, making it more approachable for people like me. Many a time I smirked to myself and occasionally giggled out loud. I loved reading Charlotte's and Alex's interactions, whose chemistry is undeniable. Though mostly lighthearted, our dear main characters do work through their own personal struggles, made more prominent in their minds with each passing day in each others' captivity (I mean, presence). Charlotte works to overcome the expectations instilled upon her by the league, both with respect to responsibility and decorum. Alex must face his wariness of witches and love, no thanks to some traumatic events in his childhood.

Because I hadn't previously read anything in this subgenre, I went into this book with zero expectations...and ended up loving it. I now have a hankering for more books of this type and yes, I absolutely will read the first book of this series. The League of Gentlewomen Witches is a very entertaining, lighthearted read where the intermingling of witch and pirate society is concerned. Though if you happen to be (like) Miss Plim, I dare say this whole story is absolutely a scandal (delight) and should be dealt with straight away.

[Link goes live on my website on 3/21/22]

The League of Gentlewomen Witches by India Holton is a highly entertaining and clever mashup of historical fiction, romance, and fantasy!

Charlotte, a proper witch, and Alex, a rakish pirate, are sworn enemies. They very reluctantly team up to recover a stolen amulet and embark on an adventure full of magic, flying houses, and endless cups of tea.

I really enjoyed Holton’s debut, The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, and this second book in the Dangerous Damsels series did not disappoint! It was full of wit, humor, and quirky characters! Charlotte was so spunky and fearless, and the enemies to lovers romance between her and Alex was swoony and steamy! I just loved their banter and I cracked up countless times! I also adored all the Jane Austen references! This was such a fun and adventurous romp through Victorian England! I can’t wait for the next installment in this whimsical series!

So much fun! I love, love, love this book! More please!

Okay, that’s a lot of exclamation points. But, honestly, I had so much fun reading this book, laughing out loud, and spying on the silly romance of witch Charlotte Pettifer and pirate Alex O’Riley.

I say silly because these two people are so remarkably different, no one would ever put them together. But both have a strong, self-assured personality, which is, ultimately, what brings them together. Plus, they have a common goal. Getting their hands on Black Beryl’s amulet. All manner of witches and wizards are after the same thing which makes for hilarious magical antics all around.

Things to like this book: flying battlehouses (yes, that is what I said), levitation, classic literature, loving moms, magic at the call of crazy people, and a very fine butler. Also, of course, the romance between the witch foretold to become the leader of witches and a very charming, handsome pirate.

Through Netgalley, the publisher provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This is the 2nd in the Dangerous Damsels series. Charlotte the heir to the head of the Wicken League or due to prophecy.

When the British Museum opened a exhibition on Beryl Black and her amulet, it is stolen. Charlotte goes to search for it all the while showing up in the same places as a handsome pirate, so they decide to work together. One thing to know pirates and witches, they do not get along. Well they normally don't these two however can't seem to get enough of eachother. The banter between these two which is so proper yet very inappropriate is so 👌 The public house with the last room too, wow now that changed the course of their relationship and they were very practical about it lol. Loved it. 

I love how Charlotte's inner conscience is either Lizzy Bennett, Anne Elliott or Fanny Price and all of her experiences were interpreted through Janes books. Honestly I'm pretty sure a lot of us have these characters in our head.

These books are so whimsical and magical with the flying houses, pirates and witches. Very proper witches that still have to hide cause they are still persecuted.

Though there was a bit of something with a witch hunter and a witch and I hope you expand on that one lol. That seemed volatile like they might murder eachother but also get very 🔥🔥lol. 

Now off to get some "exercise" 😉

Thank you berkleyromance and netgalley for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.

The League of Gentlewomen Witches satisfied two of my deep literary loves - historical fiction and a good ol' Salem reference. Refreshingly less stereotypical than most Salem references, I couldn't put it down!

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Books for the digital ARC.

I have a lot of love for India Holton's quirky, witty writing. She has created such a fun world with pirates and witches amidst proper Victorian England. The League of Gentlewomen Witches focuses more on the relationship and chemistry between MCs Charlotte and Alex with plenty of banter!

I'm super excited to hopefully dive back into this world in the future!

*Innuendo and multiple references to steam

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for my e-arc of this book. All opinions here are my own.

WOW! This book is SO GOOD! It is witty, adventurous, swoon-worthy, and so much more! Whenever I picked up "The League of Gentlewomen Witches", I was whisked back in time, and went on quite the adventure with this enemies-to-lovers story!

This is the second book in India Holton's "Dangerous Damsels" series, and I hope there will be many, many more! I absolutely love both books thus far in the series! Ms. Holton has such a unique and special way of making a story jump off of the page right before the reader's eyes, and I simply could not put this book down.

Charlotte, a witch, and Alex, a pirate, are enemies. They find themselves both wanting to steal an amulet, along with many others as well. Soon, they begin to work together to get the amulet, and their relationship begins to change. I do not want to say too much do to spoilers, but, I will simply this...READ THIS BOOK! Full of witty banter, heart-pounding moments, and scenes that will have you on the edge of your seat, this book is a must-read!

Also, I LOVE the Jane Austen references!!!!

If you enjoy historical romance and / or historical fantasy, I highly recommend this book! It kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next, and I simply can not wait to read what Ms. Holton writes next!

Thank you so much to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC of this book, and to Berkley Publishing Group for having me as part of the blog blitz for the novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I always love reading about sassy female characters. They bring the books in a better light with their sassy. And this book isn’t any different as well.

Beside the female sassy personality, expect some wizardry shenanigans and world adventures while you read this book. It will keep you entertained as well as make you want to be a witch as well.

Side note, expect to laugh while you read this book. I kept on laughing the entire time as I was reading this book. These characters are such a joy to be around.

I’m going to be honest and say writing this review feels a little daunting. I named India Holton’s debut novel, The Wisteria Society for Lady Scoundrels, my favorite read of 2021. It felt like magic in my hands as I devoured it. Could the second book possibly live up to the sparkle of first? Well, of course it did! But how can I adequately write *in words* how much I loved this book without resorting to strangled huffs and gesticulating wildly with my arms? It feels quite impossible, which also feels wrong because nothing is impossible in Holton’s books. While this will ultimately be a review of her new release, The League of Gentlewomen Witches, this review is also a love letter to both of her witty absurd little books that have fired their battle cannons right at my heart.

Holton’s imagined Victorian London holds two warring factions of respectable ladies; the delightfully thieving pirates of The Wisteria Society and the aggressively charitable League of Gentlewomen Witches. Both of these organizations have one puzzling thing in common; the deliberately muddled history of a woman named Beryl Black. Beryl’s amulet takes center stage in this newest novel, as witch Charlotte Pettifer is determined to steal the amulet from its highly guarded display case in a London Museum. Unfortunately for Charlotte, so is every other pirate and witch in her general vicinity. This quest to liberate Beryl’s amulet from its suffocating case of glass has Charlotte crossing paths with pirate Alexander O’Riley, a decidedly handsome marauder who happens to despise witches – I promise he has a good reason to be weary.

Of course, Alex and Charlotte’s team-up leads them to experience many moments of deliciously witty banter and where’s-my-fainting-couch-because-this-is-so-swoon-worthy levels of tension. Can Alex come to terms with his past and Charlotte’s witchy-ness? Can Charlotte break free from a prophesized family legacy I’ve told you nothing about? Maybe! You should definitely read the book!

If the job was open, I’d probably walk down the street in a sandwich sign hawking these novels – that’s how much I love them. Holton has an incredible wit and proclivity for humor that leaves readers in stitches. Her novels read like nothing else, but give me faint hints of a bunch of different things I absolutely love, like the absurd comedy of plays like Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, the musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder, along with William Goldman’s classic novel The Princess Bride.

In case you haven’t picked up on my successful use of subtlety in this review, I’ll speak plainly: Read this book. Read the first one, also. They’re hysterical. I’ve never had more fun reading words. If you’re looking for action, adventure, magic, and love, then I suggest you hop on your broom and fly over to your local bookstore to pick up India Holton’s League of Gentlewomen Witches today.