Title: The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels
Author: India Holton
Series: Dangerous Damsels #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Pirates, Regency romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

I absolutely adored this novel. I mean, the premise intrigued me (which is why I bought it). But I quite frankly, didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I actually did. I mean, it was such a funny and enjoyable story to start with. But the balance between Proper English behaviour and the insanity of law-breaking pirates? That was just hilarious.

The idea of a fleet of flying houses instead of pirate ships was a major surprise, but one that worked brilliantly. I kind of want a beautiful British home that I can just… cast a spell and make it fly to a whole new destination. Although, the idea of lady scoundrels who are getting on in years piloting such a vessel is somewhat concerning…

Honestly, Ned is everything I want in my life. Or at least, in a roguish pirate. Who is also an assassin. Who is also a crown spy. I mean, he’s kind of adorable, totally competent, but also somewhat naive about the skills etc of Cecelia. At least to begin with. In an entertaining and light-hearted story, he’s also the perfect entertaining and light-hearted romantic lead.

At first, I found some of Cecelia’s passivity with her aunt and the Society a little bit annoying. But as the story progressed it grated a little less. Probably because, even though in some ways she’s a little too passive, in others she is kind of contrary. Just in a far more subtle and ladylike way than I would be used to.

Honestly, as much as I loved Cecelia and Ned, I also found the secondary characters adorable. Miss Darlington was downright precious and just what I would imagine of an elderly lady scoundrel. A proper, tea drinking one that is. And Movrath, the villain, both a little bit scary, but also somewhat comedic. Yes, he almost seems to be terrifying and winning a multitude of times. But then, he’s also just so damn… cringeworthy.

A perfectly splendid book to drink a cup of tea to.

<- More India Holton

The League of Gentlewomen Witches ->

Image source: Bookety Book Books