This was a romp and I mean that mostly in a good way. If a group of women discovered a spell that let them turn random structures into flying machines and they kept that secret close and used it to establish a feminist pirate society that teaches its inner circle rogue skills along with proper etiquette, you'd have the beginnings of this story.

If only she could leave London with all its cacophony and retire to Hampshire, birthplace of Jane Austen, where green peace whispered wild yet gentle poetry to one's heart. It was never to be - duty forced her presence in London, noble duty (and the fact there was not much of value to steal in the countryside) - yet still, she dreamed.' Thank you so, so much to Berkley Romance for providing an e-arc of this!! All thoughts and opinions are still my own. Ned is so charming. He loves to love Cecilia. Cecilia is a pirate in the making and with fire in her personality. She can be slightly dumb towards the end but it's okay, it showed how patient Ned was with her. The chemistry and the witty banter is chef's kiss. I was laughing, blushing and smiling throughout. She frowned through windswept strands of hair. "I cannot decide if that is a threat or a compliment."The countryside offered more to her sensitive spirit than Mayfair had. She noticed a skylark springing from the earth, although it looked less like a “cloud of fire” the poet Shelley would have her anticipate and more like a flying clod of dirt. She breathed in the fragrance of sun-warmed dust with no thought of lung contamination. She even lifted her face to the gentle breeze. It was altogether so pleasant that by the time she reached the city she was prepared to call herself happy indeed. India: That’s such an interesting question! I’m looking forward to the day I get asked about literary analysis, the Brontes, and all the classic literature Easter eggs sprinkled through the book. Book Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Humor, Mystery, Romance The plot is pretty simple, the pirate and the witch hunting for an amulet for their own purposes. Both enemies to each other, find themselves in a position where they become allies. It sounds good but I had problems with it in the sense, that except for the romance I had zero interest in the amulet which was a major part of the plot. It was supposedly very powerful and blah blah blah but all I cared about was the romance, which India Holton does write well.

The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels" is an enchanting read that transports readers to a world of daring heists, hidden agendas, and unexpected alliances. India Holton's mastery of witty dialogue and her ability to bring characters to life make this book an absolute gem. Whether you're a fan of historical fiction, fantasy, or simply love a good adventure, this book is sure to captivate your imagination and leave you eagerly awaiting the next escapade of the Wisteria Society.

India: Thank you for the compliment! The characters very much came with a life of their own and it was just my job to write that down as best I could. Often I’d have a plan of action for them and they’d choose to do something else—and they always turned out to be right about it. I very much wrote this book with an attitude of “let’s just have some fun here!” and that gave me the breadth to allow my characters to stretch right out and be as fully themselves as possible.

Magnificent in every sense. India Holton's writing is gorgeous and lyrical, her dialogue clever and witty, and her characters loveable and unforgettable Under the employment of the dastardly Captain Morvath - who wants to rid the world of these Lady Scoundrels - Ned knows he has one job to do. It’s a great combination of espionage, fairy tal-ish fantasy, smart action, regency romance with very smart and sarcastic sense of humor! This novel is filled with the same wit and humor as The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels and is just as enjoyable as the first. The circular window in its gable, curtained with lace that had been spun by a convent of elderly Irish nuns made mad by the haunting pagan song of selkies, could dilate open for the deployment of cannons without affecting the window box of petunias set beneath.Smiling at this thought, she nodded to a passing woman, veered away from some children scampering with a puppy, and called briefly in to Sally Lunn’s for an iced bun before continuing on to the library.

I’m thinking of starting a Society of Gentlemen Scoundrels.” “You’re millennia too late. It already exists and is called the patriarchy.” Christina: You’re part of the 2021 Debut group. What have you learned from this group of authors? What is one thing you’d say to someone who might be in a 2022 Debut group? Edward “Ned” Lightbourne (AKA Teddy Luxe, AKA Signor de Luca, AKA Major Candent) was hired to kill Cecilia, but that is not really his true purpose – he may or may not be in league with her crazy father or maybe he works for the Queen – either way – he doesn’t really plan to kill her, in fact after meeting her, killing her is the last thing he wants to do. Do you know that feeling you get when a book is exactly what you’re in the mood for? When it captures you so much you feel sad when it’s over? That’s exactly how this book was for me…As much fun as the English language will permit.”—New York Times Book Review on The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels A joyride of a debut . . . As if The Parasol Protectorate series met The Princess Bride and a corseted Lara Croft: Tomb Raider If books are truly a portable magic, then The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels is a satchel full of powerful spells and glittering fairy dust This book was absolutely not what I was expecting based on the blurb provided by the publisher, I was expecting a fun, Victorian romp along the lines of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and I ended up with a Mel Brooks and Monty Phyton Victorian-era fantasy collaboration. I finished this book and my first thought was – what the hell did I just read? Even now, a day later, I am still not sure.