I'll Sleep When I've Read... The League of Gentlewomen Witches by India Holton

 

Title: The League of Gentlewomen Witches
Author: India Holton
Publication: 15 March 2022
Format: Kindle eArc via NetGalley & Berkley

Amazon Description

Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the teahouse. . . .

Miss Charlotte Pettifer belongs to a secret league of women skilled in the subtle arts. That is to say—although it must never be said—witchcraft. The League of Gentlewomen Witches strives to improve the world in small ways. Using magic, they tidy, correct, and manipulate according to their notions of what is proper, entirely unlike those reprobates in the Wisteria Society.
 
When the long lost amulet of Black Beryl is discovered, it is up to Charlotte, as the future leader of the League, to make sure the powerful talisman does not fall into the wrong hands. Therefore, it is most unfortunate when she crosses paths with Alex O’Riley, a pirate who is no Mr. Darcy. With all the world scrambling after the amulet, Alex and Charlotte join forces to steal it together. If only they could keep their pickpocketing hands to themselves! If Alex’s not careful, he might just steal something else—such as Charlotte’s heart.

Ramble-y Teaserish Stuff

Before I start oohing and aahing over how splendorific The League of Gentlewomen Witches is, I need to make one thing very clear : get thee to a bookstore and get (and read) The Wisteria Society for Lady Scoundrels first. I devoured it in January and almost immediately started to beg the kind folks at Berkley to approve me on NetGalley for the second book. I think the begging may have even started before the book was actually on NetGalley. Several characters overlap and even if they didn't, it's an amazing book and should be read. So do it ... or walk the plank ... or be turned into a toad ... or something.

The League of Gentlewomen Witches is the story of Charlotte and Alex ... and a whole lot of other witches (if there was such a thing) and pirates (who make absolutely no secret of there being such a thing). Charlotte is the prophesized heir to the League. Alex is a hot-as-all-hell Irish pirate and the best friend of Ned from The Wisteria Society. It's a love-hate relationship from the beginning since the League and the Society have a long-standing feud that no one wants to see end, and Alex has his own reasons for despising witches. They end up having to work together after she stows away in his house -- which he realizes after it has already gone airborne -- in order to chase after Black Beryl's stolen amulet ... and the kidnapped Tom, fiancé of Oply (pirate and "close personal friend" to the Queen).

It's a joyous thrill ride with humor and angst and Jane Austen references ... and plenty of "exercise." A third book hasn't been announced that I've seen, but I'm already planning on pestering Berkley for an advanced read ... and I'm already hoping that we see more of our favorites from the first two. I would particularly very VERY much like to see Miss Dearlove and Bixby. 

(Yes, it's cheating. No, I still don't care. My blog, my feature, my rules ... and ... pirates.

If you want to share whatever has kept you up past your bedtime because you just needed one more chapter ... or the entire book ... please comment! My TBR pile is already toppling, but I can always add more.