The Secret Service of Tea and Treason - (Dangerous Damsels) by India Holton (Paperback)

About the Book

"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"--

Book Synopsis

An International Bestseller!

One of...
Library Journal's Best Romances of the Year
Amazon's Best Romances of April
Buzzfeed's Romance Books To Look Out For In 2023

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.

Review Quotes

"The Secret Service of Tea and Treason was everything I wanted and everything I didn't know I needed. No one writes like India Holton-and I have never met a more immersive read! This Victorian romcom absolutely sparkles! It was tenderly strong, hilariously romantic, and deliciously steamy. A pitch perfect addition to this fantastical series!"--Sarah Adams, author of The Cheat Sheet

"Oh my giddy heart! The Secret Service of Tea and Treason is brilliantly bonkers, romping fun--sleuthing shenanigans, explosive action, and most of all, radiant, romantic joy. I adored every page."--Chloe Liese, author of Two Wrongs Make a Right

"With moments of high comedy and incredible sweetness, a gazillion more uniquely Holton-esque shenanigans, and a wonderful neurodivergent heroine to boot, The Secret Service of Tea and Treason is joyous, marvellous fun."--Sangu Mandanna, author of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches

"The Secret Service is a caper of the highest order. If you've read India Holton, prepare for more of everything you love: magic, mayhem, literary misquotes, and two misfits falling in love. If you haven't...hold on to your parachute hat."--Alix E. Harrow, author of The Ten Thousand Doors of January

"Following up The League of Gentlewomen Witches, one of my favorite romances of all time, was no easy feat, but Holton manages to match its perfection with this exemplary undercover romance."--Buzzfeed

"Holton's trademark wit and prose are present throughout The Secret Service of Tea and Treason, and there is no shortage of sparks between Alice and Bixby. You'll find yourself laughing out loud and swooning at numerous parts of the story."--Paste Magazine

"The dialogue and humor are so fun that there wasn't a single page of this book that I didn't enjoy."--Observer

"It's funny, it continues the series' strong world building, and it has cracking chemistry between its leads...This is a swiftly-moving, snappily written little novel. The Secret Service of Tea and Treason is a glorious and big-souled bit of magical romance, and it's a ton of fun to dive right into."--All About Romance

"India Holton seamlessly blends historical fantasy, romantic comedy, and espionage in The Secret Service of Tea and Treason...this memorable and funny novel has adventure, romance, a mystery, and plenty of excitement."--Mystery and Suspense

"This delightfully bananas romance features some of the genre's most beloved tropes (fake relationship, rivals-to-lovers, forbidden love, only one bed) and, in true Holton style, invents all new ones (organizing a closet together, dodging murderous pirates, and preferring death to playing parlor games). Alice, especially, is a loveable, complex character, who compassionately and sensitively represents neurodivergence..."--Historical Novels Review

"Holton's signature tongue-in-cheek style shines, pairing dry wit with ludicrous situations to excellent effect. Alice and Daniel's banter is a particular highlight, and their tender connection helps to ground all the action. This may be Holton's best yet."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Witty, deeply clever, and read-it-like-you-just-robbed-some-pirates fast. Those who have been with the books from the start (the last installment was The League of Gentlewomen Witches) will be gleeful, and those finding them now will immediately want to read back. Flying houses ahoy, buy in bulk."--Library Journal (starred review)

"A comedic romance with maximum vibes"--Kirkus Reviews

"Raucous fun"--Booklist

"The highly entertaining adventure that follows includes flying houses, pirates, witches, whimsical wordplay and a castle with secret passages and professional ghosts. Daniel and Alice race around England to try and solve the case, all while falling in love and engaging in tender scenes of sensual awakening."--BookPage

About the Author

India Holton lives in New Zealand, where she has enjoyed the typical Kiwi lifestyle of wandering around forests, living barefoot on islands, and messing about in boats. Now she lives in a cottage near the sea, writing books about uppity women and charming rogues, and drinking too much tea.