A review by spootilious
The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

 

Read: February 9, 2023
 Title: The Wisteria Society for Lady Scoundrels
 Series: Dangerous Damsels #1
 Author: India Holton
 Genre: Historical Romance 

 Rating: 2.5/5
 Review:
 This book is whimsical and has some funny moments. However, it really breaks even for me. I don’t think I’ll pick it back up or continue reading the series. 

The characters are fun enough and the cross between upstanding society and piracy is amusing. It is very ‘Princess Bride’. Though I suppose my biggest problem with the book is that Holton is obviously a very skilled technical writer; her choreographing and action descriptions are easily understood and effective. However, when it comes to creative writing which I feel this book should have been written with, her writing comes off as mechanical (especially that sex seen). 

The writer’s skill vs the quality of the story don’t quite match up. 

In addition, the main character Cecilia is painted as perfection from the very beginning but is nothing more than a tool for characters and the author to advance the story. She ends up not even being the heroine of her own story which is just sad. (And that’s not even to mention that absolutely NO ONE died).  

I suppose I’m most upset about the fact that I can not recommend this book to anyone I know. The whimsy and fun is perfect for a number of them but the sex scene (which was terribly cold and mechanical) and for the people I know that would enjoy the romance would hate the whimsy. 

Now, don’t get me wrong if the sex scene was cut (faded to black or simply handled a different way) the book would be amusing. It has a unique premise and fun characters. I honestly would have like more of the story and less of the romance and would have loved it. 

 

 
 Quotes:
 “I needed a book in case of emergencies… those moments when nothing important is happening such as during travel. After supper. Before sleeping. Or whilst one’s opponent reloads their gun.”