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3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
3 stars ⚝
"he's good for my heart but he's bad for business. tears me apart when he grants my wishes. all of my friends think i've gone crazy, but they don't know me like my baby."
⤷ the league of gentlewomen witches. in a world where magic mixes with everyday life, miss charlotte pettifer is part of a secret group called the league of gentlewomen witches. when the powerful black beryl amulet shows up after many years, charlotte has to keep it safe from falling into the wrong hands. trouble is, she meets alex o'riley, a pirate with a knack for stealing many things, hearts included. as they reluctantly team up to steal the amulet, sparks fly between them. but with danger all around, they'll have to be careful not to lose more than just the amulet—they might just lose their hearts too.
| “Do not look so concerned on my behalf, Captain. It is a common enough statement. For example, I myself love that house there with the wooden shutters. I love tea. I love you, and your smile, and the way you sigh in your sleep. See, common. Unconcerning. We are still enemies.”
⤷ the world building. if you're like me and have the habit of reading books in interconnected standalone series in a random order, don't worry; you won't feel confused! although this is book two in the dangerous damsels series, everything about the pirate and witches feud will be explained to you very early on.
the setting development is very quirky and charming. everything from the way witches try to deny that they exist, even when it's fairly obvious, to how pirates can fly around with the house felt ripped (in a good way) from a page of "the princess bride". it felt a bit too much at certain times, but i assume that's what the author was going for.
⤷ charlottealex. they are swoon-worthy, but i still have some complaints. they started as the perfect enemies to lovers, with charlotte fixed on using alex to get to the amulet and going as far as pointing a pistol at him, while alex did not care about this random witch who ended up inside his flying house, trying to lock her in the closet or his "dungeon". it was going great! they had the chemistry! the tension! the "i'm going to murder you" vibes! at least, until the 20% mark. after that, especially after their first kiss (which happens way too early in the book), their connection felt very instalove-y.
sure, they had chemistry, and it was a cute pairing, but i wanted to have more time between the "enemies" and the "lovers" part of their romance. in the end, their relationship felt a little hurried.
⤷ the genre this is mostly my fault, but the book is pegged as both historical romance and fantasy, and it was definitely heavier on the fantasy, which slightly disappointed me. sure, it took place back in the 1800s, but it didn't feel like it did. it had some moments where the book seemed to remind itself that it should take place in the past, but it soon forgot again, focusing solely on the fantasy part.
if you're looking for a book that has that wonderful historical romance feeling with the tension, and the overall atmosphere, this might not be the book for you.
| “"Tomorrow I'm taking you there."
"Where exactly?"
"Anywhere, darling. Into the forever. Into a life of endless wondrous beginnings."”
⤷ who should read the league of gentlewomen witches ? those looking for a pirate love interest, fans of "forbidden romance", enjoyers of cozy fantasies.
"he's good for my heart but he's bad for business. tears me apart when he grants my wishes. all of my friends think i've gone crazy, but they don't know me like my baby."
⤷ the league of gentlewomen witches. in a world where magic mixes with everyday life, miss charlotte pettifer is part of a secret group called the league of gentlewomen witches. when the powerful black beryl amulet shows up after many years, charlotte has to keep it safe from falling into the wrong hands. trouble is, she meets alex o'riley, a pirate with a knack for stealing many things, hearts included. as they reluctantly team up to steal the amulet, sparks fly between them. but with danger all around, they'll have to be careful not to lose more than just the amulet—they might just lose their hearts too.
| “Do not look so concerned on my behalf, Captain. It is a common enough statement. For example, I myself love that house there with the wooden shutters. I love tea. I love you, and your smile, and the way you sigh in your sleep. See, common. Unconcerning. We are still enemies.”
⤷ the world building. if you're like me and have the habit of reading books in interconnected standalone series in a random order, don't worry; you won't feel confused! although this is book two in the dangerous damsels series, everything about the pirate and witches feud will be explained to you very early on.
the setting development is very quirky and charming. everything from the way witches try to deny that they exist, even when it's fairly obvious, to how pirates can fly around with the house felt ripped (in a good way) from a page of "the princess bride". it felt a bit too much at certain times, but i assume that's what the author was going for.
⤷ charlottealex. they are swoon-worthy, but i still have some complaints. they started as the perfect enemies to lovers, with charlotte fixed on using alex to get to the amulet and going as far as pointing a pistol at him, while alex did not care about this random witch who ended up inside his flying house, trying to lock her in the closet or his "dungeon". it was going great! they had the chemistry! the tension! the "i'm going to murder you" vibes! at least, until the 20% mark. after that, especially after their first kiss (which happens way too early in the book), their connection felt very instalove-y.
sure, they had chemistry, and it was a cute pairing, but i wanted to have more time between the "enemies" and the "lovers" part of their romance. in the end, their relationship felt a little hurried.
⤷ the genre this is mostly my fault, but the book is pegged as both historical romance and fantasy, and it was definitely heavier on the fantasy, which slightly disappointed me. sure, it took place back in the 1800s, but it didn't feel like it did. it had some moments where the book seemed to remind itself that it should take place in the past, but it soon forgot again, focusing solely on the fantasy part.
if you're looking for a book that has that wonderful historical romance feeling with the tension, and the overall atmosphere, this might not be the book for you.
| “"Tomorrow I'm taking you there."
"Where exactly?"
"Anywhere, darling. Into the forever. Into a life of endless wondrous beginnings."”
⤷ who should read the league of gentlewomen witches ? those looking for a pirate love interest, fans of "forbidden romance", enjoyers of cozy fantasies.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
I loved the first one of this series so this was a big disappointment. The book might as well have been over in the first 30% because they were instantly in love/lust. Alex was a lame copy of Ned (despite being so promising in the first book). I love India Holton’s witty humor but it came across as forced and repetitive in this one. Overall boring and difficult to get through. Could not care less about this couple. ☹️
funny
fast-paced
adventurous
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
3.5
Less charming than the first one, maybe because the surprise and the charm of the world has worn off ?...
There is not much of a story, and the romance is very repetitive : wicked smile, sensual frown, kissing and more, repeat. I liked the beginning but after that it was a little bit boring. I still love the writing, so just for that I enjoyed reading it anyways. Too bad there is no plot, just a vague quest as an excuse to have the two main characters frolick around.
And I confess there is too much miss and mrs for me, I couldn't keep track of who was who, wich auntie with a feathered hat and iron corset !
Less charming than the first one, maybe because the surprise and the charm of the world has worn off ?...
There is not much of a story, and the romance is very repetitive : wicked smile, sensual frown, kissing and more, repeat. I liked the beginning but after that it was a little bit boring. I still love the writing, so just for that I enjoyed reading it anyways. Too bad there is no plot, just a vague quest as an excuse to have the two main characters frolick around.
And I confess there is too much miss and mrs for me, I couldn't keep track of who was who, wich auntie with a feathered hat and iron corset !
"She was no heroine, bravely facing whatever life sent her way. She was a witch, Capable of inverting the laws of physics to get things done."
These books do not get enough hype. The best way I can describe this book is chaotic but in the best and funniest way possible.
India Holton has quickly become a new favorite of mine. This is a standalone novel and the second in India Holton's Dangerous Damsels series. This book is a historical fantasy romance. It is a funny and low-stacks story that is filled with fluff and is set in the Victorian era.
This book is very Jane Austen meets Sherlock Holmes. India’s writing style is whimsical, witty, romantic, and brilliant. The humor, mayhem, and antics are top-tier. I got hooked on this story a lot faster than the first book and was obsessed till the end!
These characters are so funny and intriguing. Alex and Charlotte were fun to read about, I loved their chemistry, from the sarcasm, banter, and angsty forbidden romance. Charlotte's love of Jane Austen and the references to those novels immediately made her my favorite.
Read this if you like:
- Historical Fantasy Romance
- Enemies to Lovers
- Flying Battle Houses
- Witches, Pirates, and thieves
- Forbidden Romance
- Only one bed
- Victorian Era
- Hate to Love
- Jane Austen
- Witty Banter
- Hilarious Lighthearted Plot
If you’re looking for a low stacks, funny, and cozy fantasy with an adorable romance, I highly recommend this book!
Thank you so much @penguinbooksya for the gorgeous review copy
These books do not get enough hype. The best way I can describe this book is chaotic but in the best and funniest way possible.
India Holton has quickly become a new favorite of mine. This is a standalone novel and the second in India Holton's Dangerous Damsels series. This book is a historical fantasy romance. It is a funny and low-stacks story that is filled with fluff and is set in the Victorian era.
This book is very Jane Austen meets Sherlock Holmes. India’s writing style is whimsical, witty, romantic, and brilliant. The humor, mayhem, and antics are top-tier. I got hooked on this story a lot faster than the first book and was obsessed till the end!
These characters are so funny and intriguing. Alex and Charlotte were fun to read about, I loved their chemistry, from the sarcasm, banter, and angsty forbidden romance. Charlotte's love of Jane Austen and the references to those novels immediately made her my favorite.
Read this if you like:
- Historical Fantasy Romance
- Enemies to Lovers
- Flying Battle Houses
- Witches, Pirates, and thieves
- Forbidden Romance
- Only one bed
- Victorian Era
- Hate to Love
- Jane Austen
- Witty Banter
- Hilarious Lighthearted Plot
If you’re looking for a low stacks, funny, and cozy fantasy with an adorable romance, I highly recommend this book!
Thank you so much @penguinbooksya for the gorgeous review copy
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
There is something so great about they way India Holton tells a story. Another funny, crazy, and entertaining book full of pirates, witches, love and a most amusing villain. There is more focus on the relationship in the novel versus the first one, and that is the only reason for taking off one star.