Tag: India Holton

REVIEW: The Secret Service of Tea and Treasure by India Holton

REVIEW: The Secret Service of Tea and Treasure by India Holton

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

A.U.N.T. is the Agency of Undercover Note Takers, a secret intelligence agency of “below stairs” staffers like butlers and ladies maids. Alice Dearlove, Agent A, is the top operative in A.U.N.T., and Daniel Bixby is her biggest rival. His identity was a secret to her until recently. But now they have to put their rivalry – and unwelcome chemistry – aside to prevent an assassination.

Review

This is book 3 in the Dangerous Damsels series – and it was a delight from start to finish! Everything I loved about book 1 was back. And the characters and story were just right for me. The backstory of hurts and trauma and longing here is subtle and beautiful, tucked behind hilarious innuendo, riotous chaos, and pirates with magically flying houses. I love this mashup of historical fiction with romance and fantasy. This was a hoot!

At one moment in the middle I realized the characters weren’t really moving forward in their quest to find the weapon and save the queen – and I didn’t really care. I was having too much fun with these characters. The found family elements here are a treat. The innuendo – and Alice’s naïveté – was hilarious! And once again the writing is stellar. I love how Holton crafts a sentence. I would definitely read this again.

Series fans should absolutely pick this one up. I think it helps to have read the previous books, both for the world building and also for some character crossover. But if you start here, I think you can follow the story – but you will want to read more! (Language, sex)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ – I loved it! Would re-read.

REVIEW: The League of Gentlewomen Witches by India Holton

REVIEW: The League of Gentlewomen Witches by India Holton

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Berkley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

The Wisteria Society (pirates) and the League of Gentlewomen Witches have been at war for centuries. And when the long lost amulet of Black Beryl is discovered and put on display, things heat up as both groups want the artifact for themselves.

But when Charlotte, the future leader of the League, and Alex, a pirate, disappear together while chasing down the amulet, the two societies will team up to be certain the two don’t corrupt one another.

Review

I loved this quirky world when I read book one in the Dangerous Damsels series, The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels. The mash up of historical fiction with fantasy elements like flying houses, magic, and then pirates was a lot of fun! That world is expanded a bit here as the pirates return in conflict with their witchy rivals. This unique set up really works for me.

The story took longer to gel for me in this book. While the worldbuilding propelled me forward, it took awhile for the characters to find a rhythm. By the end, I enjoyed Alex and Charlotte and the way their relationship grew and how it influenced their individual journeys. I just had to stick with the story for awhile until I found my footing with it.

Fans of quirky, magical tales as well as fans of the first book in the series should definitely pick this up and give it a try. I’m eager to see what the author does with this world next! (Language, sex)

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½ = Good+

REVIEW: The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton

REVIEW: The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Berkley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Cecilia is a junior member of the Wisteria Society, a group of women pirates and thieves who are also ladies of good breeding and character (well, other than the thieving and assassinations and such). Cecilia lives with her great-aunt who is a full member of the society.

They live in a world of magical flying houses, ghosts, pirates, and vengeance. In fact, Cecilia is the target of an assassin for the first time in her life. It’s quite exciting! Although the assassin, a pirate named Ned, can’t seem to decide if he wants to kill her or kiss her.

But far more dangerous forces are on the move, including Cecilia’s murderous father, Morvath. And he plans to destroy the society and put “women back in their places” – and put himself on the throne of England.

Review

What. A. Hoot! This is a fantastic story – a mix of historical society and magical fantasy that was right up my alley. The writing is sharp and sarcastic and funny. And the whole set up is quirky and fun. I was drawn in by the idea of lady scoundrels, but the magical, piratical pieces of this were more surprising. Such an unexpected delight!

I loved the characters in this so much. And the writing is outstanding. This is the sort of book I will end up buying so I can dog-ear all the clever moments and savor the writing, the banter between characters, and Cecilia’s great reading-related moments. I am almost more enamored by the crafting of the story than I am by the story details themselves. This is an author to watch!

This is the first book in the Dangerous Damsels series. Book 2, The League of Gentlewoman Witches, will release next spring. It’s already on my list of must-reads in 2022. (Language, sex)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ = I loved it! Would read again.