The League of Gentlewomen Witches by India Holton is the second book in the Dangerous Damsels series.
Miss Charlotte Pettifer enjoys tea, books, making her Aunt proud and the odd bit of witchcraft. Charlotte is the "Prophesied One" and destined to take over a secret society of witches. This society practices in secret, the do "little" magics for the benefit of others... nothing like that Wisteria Society of pirates and scoundrels.
When the lost amulet of Black Beryl is discovered, it is up to Charlotte to find and keep the amulet from ending up in the wrong hands. Unfortunately, pirate and rake, Alex O'Riley, wants the amulet as well and no demure witch is going to stop him, no matter how lovely she is.
When Charlotte and Alex team up to rescue the amulet from a pirate of the worst reputation, propriety will go out the window and, worse, the tea may go cold.
India Holton can do no wrong. I was so, SO excited to get back to this Victorian fantasy world of pirates and witches. All our favorite characters from the first book are back and yet, the story is completely new as it follows the spark between Charlotte and Alex. The two characters play off each other so well, you just can't help but root for them. Oh! And they way Holton leaves us, there just has to be another book coming. *please, please, please!*
I think what I love most about these books is just how remarkably Holton combines what we know of Victorian culture with humor and romance and swashbuckling, thieving, evil pirates and witches. What a freakin' combination! Someone mentioned Victorian Steampunk to me and I totally get that vibe, without the mechanics.
This was just an awesome read and just what I needed. The audiobook was fantastic too. This one gets five stars from me.
That's all for now!
-M-