India Holton burst onto the historical romance scene a couple of years ago with her quirky series about pirates, damsels in distress, and tea. I read the first book in the series and thought is was charming, if a bit confusing at first, but overall I thought it was a refreshing new read with interesting content! I missed the second book as I wasn’t able to fit it into my review schedule but when I saw this one was coming out, I decided to download the second book on Audible to listen to it so I could read this one when it comes out!
The series is funny, adventurous, charming, and romantic and I am eager to check this book out as but all accounts it has been labeled one of the funniest books in the series thus far. I love how unique this series is and how much humor goes into the plots. Theres magic, romance, history, and so much humor and charm that they make for great reads.
While this book is part of a series, I think the books can be read independently of each other. Some of the other nuances of the larger narrative would be helpful to have from the other books, I don’t think it’s absolutely necessary. Listening to the second book now, the author does a great job explaining the world and how things work etc so if I were a new reader jumping in with book two, I would be able to understand the world and characters etc. I cannot wait to read this one a little later this spring but for now it’s out and available to purchase now so if you love dashing hero and a unique story reminnsisat of the Princess Bride, this is a great series for you!
Summary
Two rival spies must brave pirates, witches, and fake matrimony to save the Queen.
Known as Agent A, Alice is the top operative within the Agency of Undercover Note Takers, a secret government intelligence group that is fortunately better at espionage than at naming itself. From managing deceptive witches to bored aristocratic ladies, nothing is beyond Alice’s capabilities. She has a steely composure and a plan always up her sleeve (alongside a dagger and an embroidered handkerchief). So when rumors of an assassination plot begin to circulate, she’s immediately assigned to the case.
But she’s not working alone. Daniel Bixby, otherwise known as Agent B and Alice’s greatest rival, is given the most challenging undercover assignment of his life— pretending to be Alice’s husband. Together they will assume the identity of a married couple, infiltrate a pirate house party, and foil their unpatriotic plans.
Determined to remain consummate professionals, Alice and Daniel must ignore the growing attraction between them, especially since acting on it might prove more dangerous than their target. (summary from Goodreads)
The Lit Bitch 