I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton Series: Dangerous Damsels #1
Published by Berkley on June 15 2021
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Historical fantasy
Pages: 336
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
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The nitty-gritty: A lively adventure with plenty of romance, The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels lost me when it came to the unexpected fantastical elements.
“You are a scoundrel,” she whispered furiously.
“Yes,” he agreed. “I’m thinking of starting a Society of Gentlemen Scoundrels.”
“You’re millennia too late. It already exists and is called the patriarchy.”
He laughed. “Touché. Alas, I will never best you in conversation, will I?”
“No.”
“Although I have rendered you wordless several times now, and that’s even more satisfying.”
I wanted to try a different genre, and because a publicist from Berkley invited me to read this title, I thought why not? At first glance, The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels appears to be a historical romance, and although it has those elements, I was surprised to discover it was a fantasy as well. I know what you’re thinking: What’s wrong with a surprise fantasy element? I think it boils down to expectations. I went in expecting one thing but got another, and because of that this didn’t completely work for me.
The story is set in a Victorian era-like time period and involves a group of lady thieves who call themselves the Wisteria Society. Cecilia Bassingthwaite is a young member of the group whose only wish is to be granted acceptance as a senior member, ladies who have proven their worth and are part of the inner circle. She lives with her great-aunt Miss Darlington, an overprotective woman who won’t allow Cecilia to go outside alone, and certainly not without protection from the Great Peril (also known as the sun—Miss Darlington does not want her to get freckles!). When the story opens, Cecilia is confronted by a mysterious man calling himself Eduardo de Luca, an assassin who has his sights set on assassinating none other than Cecilia herself. Rather proud of the fact that she’s been targeted for assassination (which could be her ticket into the inner circle of the Society), Cecilia is shocked when Eduardo tells her that the woman who hired him is Lady Armitage, another member of the Society.
She’s also dismayed to realize she finds herself attracted to the rather handsome Signor de Luca. In an interesting twist, we find out that de Luca, who also goes by Ned Lightbourne, has been hired by Cecilia’s father Captain Morvath to bring Cecilia to him unharmed. But Morvath has an ulterior motive: he’s determined to bring down the women of the Wisteria Society once and for all. In order to save her fellow Wisteria Society members, Cecilia needs all her wits and bravery, and she must keep Ned at arm’s distance no matter what.
It sounds like fun, right? And guess what? It was a lot of fun. Holton has a true gift for perfectly timed comedic dialogue, and I found myself laughing out loud over and over again. The banter between Ned and Cecilia was snappy and funny, and their sexual chemistry is off the charts. In fact, speaking of sex, I was a little surprised to find some pretty explicit scenes between the two, despite the restrictions of the time period. So yes, I loved the romance and thought it was nicely done, although it might be a little on the bawdy side for those who are expecting something more restrained.
The story is also a treat for fans of classic literature and includes lots of references to the Brontë sisters and Jane Austen. Holton does some interesting things with her story by making Morvath a relative of one of the Brontës, and Cecilia spends a good part of the story trying to read Wuthering Heights (a shocking book according to her great aunt!). Cecilia’s childhood home is cheekily called Northangerland Abbey, a nod to Jane Austen, and those are just a few examples of the many delightful mentions from the classics.
But let’s talk about the fantasy element in the story and the main reason this book didn’t quite work for me. The ladies of the Wisteria Society live in flying houses, controlled by magic. Think of a pirate ship, if you will, and the Society’s houses as those ships, but flying through the air rather than sailing the seas. I’m sorry, but I found this idea to be ridiculous, and after the first mention of Cecilia and her aunt and their flying house, I had a hard time enjoying the story. This element changed everything for me and turned what could have been a fun historical romance into an absurd story that was just too silly for my taste.
I also found the story to be crammed full of too many things and confusing in places. Ned AKA Eduardo goes by at least four names (and I honestly don’t feel like looking them all up), which adds to his mystique but doesn’t make it easy to figure out what role he’s playing at any particular time. The story becomes overwhelming at times, with all sorts of elements like gun fights, ladies with concealed weapons, flying houses chasing each other, Cecilia’s and Morvath’s complicated backstories, and much much more. In the midst of all this are the steadfast traditions of Victorian society, like drinking tea and wearing the proper clothing for the occasion. Although I have to mention that one of the funniest running gags in the story is that Cecilia and her aunt never miss an opportunity to drink tea, even in the midst of battle.
But despite these issues, there is a wonderfully playful quality to the story that I quite enjoyed. Cecilia is a complex woman who isn’t afraid to stab her enemies to death, but constantly worries about her aunt’s wellbeing and will do anything to keep her safe. And Ned and Cecilia together are simply delightful, and I never tired of their scenes. This is the first book in a series, and I’m not sure where the author will go next—perhaps a new couple will take the helm? In any case, I’m tempted to keep reading the series, now that I’m aware of the odd fantastical elements. Holton’s dialogue is nearly perfect, and I am curious to see what she does next.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.
First of all, LADY THIEVES? This sounds like such a good read until you reach the fantasy elements. I love fantasy but I don’t think it fits with this kinda story. Like it should’ve just been a historical romance. It’s one of my favorite genres so I’m not sure I would love that aspect as well. But other than that it sounds like great and sexy fun!
Stephanie @ Bookfever recently posted…Review: Mindscaping by Donovon Jenson
It was! And yep, I think it would have been even better without the flying houses, although it wouldn’t have been the same story:-)
This sound so fun! I totally get what you meant about expecting and getting something else instead, but otherwise I’m fully invested in reading this book! Haha! Thanks for the lovely review, Tammy! Had loads of fun reading this post!
Thank you Hasini!
I agree with you on this one. It had a lot of fun elements, especially the lady pirates, but overall there was so much going on that I struggled to really settle into it.
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra recently posted…Review: PACK UP THE MOON by Kristan Higgins
Yes, I actually wanted to stop reading at one point but I pushed through anyway.
I am sorry that this book was, somehow, disappointing, even if it wasn’t so bad. It really seems like an entertaining and funny book, even if the fantasy element seems a bit out of place, or better, it seems like something that the story doesn’t need. But the book seems intriguing all the same and I just have to add it on my TBR!
There were a lot of good things about it, and I think some readers won’t be bothered by the fantasy.
I’ve been reading so many paranormals lately I crave a historical. I would try this one.
You should definitely try it:-)
Well, the concept is intriguing – you had me at “lady thieves” – but what truly seals the deal is the small snippet you shared at the start of your review: that’s the kind of funny repartee that I oh-so-enjoy! Marked for later, and thanks for sharing! 🙂
Maddalena@spaceandsorcery recently posted…DEAD SPACE, by Kali Wallace
And that wasn’t even the funniest bit of dialog:-)
Hmm. It sounds like fun — but I feel like these stories about Victorian ladies having capers are becoming more and more common, and I’m not sure the flying houses would work for me at all.
Yes, it’s definitely a trend, this genre!
Thanks for sharing, Tammy! I am really intrigued to read this historical romance having fantasy elements.
Debjani recently posted…The Mostly Invisible Boy by AJ Vanderhorst – Spotlight
I hope you enjoy it, if you have the chance to read it:-)
Hmmm I’m not sure about this. I love the cover. It sounds like it was fun and great dialogue but also some ridiculous and too many details.
Anne – Books of My Heart recently posted…Series on Saturday: Favorite Audiobooks series
I love the cover too, and it was fun:-)
Too bad all the elements didn’t play together as smoothly as they could have. But for me, good dialogue is a make or break and since it sounds like the author nailed that part, I’m still pretty excited to read this one!
Oh yes, the dialog was maybe the best I’ve ever read:-)
From the cover and title alone I was fairly sure this wouldn’t be for me, and from your review I’m even more sure of it. 🙂 However, I love seeing you trying something different. You just might stumble across something really fantastic.
Exactly, you never know:-)
Lol I actually think this sounds EXCELLENT
It’s definitely worth trying!
I do like the sound of this one, and that cover is lovely 🙂
Pages and Tea recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday: Books that Made Me Want to Read More Books Like Them
Hmm, the romance part of it definitely sounds good, but not sure that the flying houses part would work for me either. Thanks for sharing your review!
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature) recently posted…Review: The Layover by Lacie Waldon
I feel you on SURPRISE fantasy elements. I read a lot of fantasy and try to mix up my genre reading to avoid burnout, so sometimes the surprise element isn’t as welcome and I get a little bitter lol. This does sound like a nice read for the right mood though, and I wouldn’t have given the book a second glance before so thanks for your review~!
Kal @ Reader Voracious recently posted…ARC Review: That Weekend by Kara Thomas
Mmm, yes, I think the flying houses would be a sticking point for me.
Lynn 😀
Oddly enough this looks right up my alley
Thanks for the review!