Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: June 15th, 2021
336 Pages
Synopsis: A prim and proper lady thief must save her aunt from a crazed pirate and his dangerously charming henchman in this fantastical historical romance.
Cecilia Bassingwaite is the ideal Victorian lady. She’s also a thief. Like the other members of the Wisteria Society crime sorority, she flies around England drinking tea, blackmailing friends, and acquiring treasure by interesting means. Sure, she has a dark and traumatic past and an overbearing aunt, but all things considered, it’s a pleasant existence. Until the men show up.
Ned Lightbourne is a sometimes assassin who is smitten with Cecilia from the moment they meet. Unfortunately that happens to be while he’s under direct orders to kill her. His employer, Captain Morvath, who possesses a gothic abbey bristling with cannons and an unbridled hate for entire world, intend to rid England of all its presumptuous women, starting with the Wisteria Society. Ned has plans of his own. But both men have made one grave mistake. Never underestimate a woman. When Morvath imperils the Wisteria Society, Cecilia is forced to team up with her handsome would-be assassin to save the women who raised her—hopefully proving, once and for all, that she’s as much of a scoundrel as the rest of them. (Goodreads)
The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels is a fabulously fun historical fantasy that definitely delivers on its eye-catching cover, and it thoroughly captivated me from beginning to end. Cecilia is a bibliophile after my own heart. She’s also a first rate scoundrel and lady pirate, out to prove herself to the rest of the Wisteria Society. To say that I loved her, doesn’t quite describe my feelings. While I’m not usually a fan of insta-romance, it’s obvious from the first scene where Ned is attempting to assassinate(?) her, that Cecilia and Ned are destined for one another. Their banter is rapier sharp, and I greatly enjoyed their witty repartee. The secondary characters are equally enjoyable, even the cartoonish, Bronte-obsessed, Captain Morvath, and the plot, well, this is just something you have to experience for yourself. Let’s just say the The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels is utterly bonkers in the very best possible way. It’s so imaginative and original that it’s difficult to come up with a comparison, but if I were to do so I’d say think The Princess Bride, meets Gail Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate series. As whimsically wacky as her debut is, I want to seriously predict that India Holton is going to be a force to be reckoned with in the literary world. If you’re looking for a laugh-out-loud historical fantasy with plenty of derring do over tea and crumpets, and swoon-worthy romance, I can’t recommend this enough!
Mae Clair said:
Oh, this sounds like so much fun. Every now and then I like to escape into a laugh-out-loud book. I’ll have to check this out.
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By Hook Or By Book: Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You’ve got to try this Mae!
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Mae Clair said:
🙂
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beetleypete said:
‘a laugh-out-loud historical fantasy with plenty of derring do’
I wasn’t actually looking for a book like that, but I am really pleased to hear that you enjoyed it so much. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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By Hook Or By Book: Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Pete!
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Darlene said:
This sounds great! Thanks for the review.
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By Hook Or By Book: Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I can’t recommend this enough Darlene!
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jowensauthor said:
This does sound like a fun read. I’ll have to add it to my TBR list.
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By Hook Or By Book: Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’m positive you’ll love this Jeanne.
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booksandbakes1 said:
Oh, I love the sound of this! Thanks x
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By Hook Or By Book: Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It’s definitely going to be one of my favorite books of 2021.
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johnrieber said:
Looks like a fun slice of escapism! Feels in the vein of “Bridgerton”, which as you know is a pop culture phenomenon. My Wife and I just got an early sneak peek of the new Amy Adams film “The Woman In The Window”, based on the thriller by the same name. Following “Gone Girl” and “The Girl On The Train”, that seems to also be a popular genre right now!
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By Hook Or By Book: Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’m a huge fan of Bridgerton, both the Netflix and book series. This is a little similar in terms of the time period, although Bridgerton takes place during the Regency Era and The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels is set during the Victorian Era which was a little later. This has humor like Bridgerton, but even more so, and it has fantasy elements such as flying houses.
I loved the book, Woman in the Window, so I’m quite excited about the movie!
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johnrieber said:
I was lucky enough to see it early…my wife had read the book and was happy with how they translated it to the screen…Amy Adams is, as always, brilliant, and it’s got an incredible cast! Gary Oldman and Julianna Moore as well!
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Sophie @BewareOfTheReader said:
You convinved me Kim! That seems sucha fun one!
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By Hook Or By Book: Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You need to read this Sophie!
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roughwighting said:
This book is JUST what I need. Can’t wait for it to be released. THANKS.
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By Hook Or By Book: Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It’s a lovely escape!
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roughwighting said:
Pre-ordered. 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book: Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
☺️
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ShiraDest said:
Ok, sounds like it’s worth a read!
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By Hook Or By Book: Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Heavens Yes!😁
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ShiraDest said:
Scoundrels, Ay!
🙂
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Books Teacup and Reviews said:
Sounds refreshing and thrilling. Great review!
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By Hook Or By Book: Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It was definitely entertaining.
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Carla said:
Now this sounds fun and I love that cover! Wonderful review Kim. Sometimes Insta-love has its moments.
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By Hook Or By Book: Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You definitely should read this Carla.
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Carla said:
I hope I get approved.
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By Hook Or By Book: Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
🤞🏻
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