The Whimsical World of India Holton

Years have passed since my last post. Life has been overwhelming, but I want to keep up my reviews for the sake of sanity. I am starting a brief series on my top underrated series of all time. My list of book must haves are magic, drama, love, and humour. India Holton hits all the marks in her Dangerous Damsels series, and if her first entry in the Love’s Academic series is any indication for the rest of her upcoming books, she has solidified herself as one of my favourite authors.

The Dangerous Damsels series starts strong with Pirates! Witches! Spies undercover as butlers and maids! I’m a part of the fanbase that recommends reading these books in publishing order. “The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels” sets up a world of enchanted flying houses and rambunctious pirates which carries us on a solid plank to leap right into “The League of Gentlewomen Witches.” These novels are consistently described as Jane Austen meets “Howl’s Moving Castle.” Any romance reader looking for a good laugh will appreciate the endless banter. Lovers of historical romance will pine over the intricate relationships that develop.

My favourite TV series is the BBC’s Downton Abbey, so I’d be remiss not to mention the layered dynamics in “The Secret Service of Tea and Treason.” The final book in the trilogy offers a wholesome conclusion to all three couples. The ode to the lovely, complex spies on the spectrum is perfectly executed. It made me re-watch a few seasons of Lady Mary and Matthew pining for each other.

If you love mischief and manners, these books are a 10/10, highly recommend.

Reading these books before picking up “The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love” is not a necessity, but they certainly act as a gateway drug to Holton’s unique voice and whimsical plots. Her newest series Love’s Academic promises to bring delightful characters into realms of hijinks and scholarship.

“The Ornithologist’s Field Guide” has filled the light academia void in my life. Beth Pickering enters a contest to find a rare magical bird, but her hunt is thwarted by hilarious rivals and dastardly villains. Devon Lockley is a charming professor who ends up setting aside his professional differences to team up with our heroine. I never thought Birder of the Year could be so romantic. The humour is very aware of itself and made for an entertaining nonstop read.

I cannot wait any longer for “The Geographer’s Map to Romance.” And do not even get me started on the just announced “The Antiquarian’s Object of Desire,” 2026 cannot come fast enough!

India Holton is a comfort author and can do no wrong in my books. Perhaps I am imparting my biases by recommending her work so highly, but they truly hit a sweet spot.

Pair these with a cup of milky black tea and toss in a bout of criminal misdeeds.

Let me know if you feel the same about these books!

Comment if you are also eager to pick up India Holton’s next release.