| Title | : | The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love (Love's Academic, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 384 |
| Publication | : | First published July 23, 2024 |
Beth Pickering is on the verge of finally capturing the rare deathwhistler bird when Professor Devon Lockley swoops in, capturing both her bird and her imagination like a villain. Albeit a handsome and charming villain, but that's beside the point. As someone highly educated in the ruthless discipline of ornithology, Beth knows trouble when she sees it, and she is determined to keep her distance from Devon.
For his part, Devon has never been more smitten than when he first set eyes on Professor Beth Pickering. She's so pretty, so polite, so capable of bringing down a fiery, deadly bird using only her wits. In other words, an angel. Devon understands he must not get close to her, however, since they're professional rivals.
When a competition to become Birder of the Year by capturing an endangered caladrius bird is announced, Beth and Devon are forced to team up to have any chance of winning. Now keeping their distance becomes a question of one bed or two. But they must take the risk, because fowl play is afoot, and they can't trust anyone else—for all may be fair in love and war, but this is ornithology.
The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love (Love's Academic, #1) Reviews
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two rival ornithologists become the victims of an elaborate marketing plan …. and suffer intense yearning, birding mishaps, and mixed variations of there was only one bed trope
everything about this was absurd in the best way and i loved it so much
beth and devon’s dynamic was just:
beth: i wonder if he likes me
devon: the sunlight glitters in her eyes and rises and sets with her smile
thank you to edelweiss for the arc!
Follow me on Instagram -
“All may be fair in love and war, but this is ornithology. Cheating is practically one of our scientific principles. “
Ornithology: (noun) the scientific study of birds
I like birds as much as the next person, but I never imagined they could be this much fun!
The blurb describes this as a historical-fantasy rom-com set in 1890’s England with shades of Indiana Jones, as it involves a madcap dash by a group of competing ornithologists to be the first to safely deliver their version of the Holy Grail: a rare magical bird called a caladrius while avoiding both human and magical bird peril. The prize offered by the British Tourism Board and the International Ornithological Society? The coveted Birder of the Year title, 5,000 pounds and a tenureship for any professor who wins. However, as my opening quote suggests, when it comes to birding … no one plays fair!
Prim and proper Beth Pickering and roguish Devon Lockley are Ornithology professors at Oxford and Cambridge, respectively. They’re also rivals in this new competition, but someone needs to remind them of that, as they seem to spend as much time watching and trying to capture each other’s interest, as they do the magical bird at the center of the competition! When, in the course of events, they find themselves under attack by a succession of less than friendly birds, such as a Rabid Flesh-Eating Lapwing, Frostbird or Whopper Swan, they band together to stay out of harm’s way. Ironically, the birds aren’t their biggest worry, as it’s their fellow ornithologists and those behind the scenes who pose the most danger ... well, that and their own hormones!
As these two capture the attention of the media and the romantic imaginations of the public, will their relationship take flight or will the wings of their budding relationship be clipped? I can assure you that this story left my heart soaring! Beth and Devon are a couple I won’t soon forget. Beth’s hilarious mistranslations of French and comical politeness regardless of the situation had me giggling throughout, and she and Devon’s chemistry and banter was delightful. Side characters like pretentious Hippolyta Quirm, whose entertaining quotes begin each chapter, press agents Monsieurs Fettick and Flogg, the French fishermen and the sisters Fotheringhman were a hoot as well.
In the first of the Love’s Academic series, new-to-me author India Holton has written a book that’s so full of charm and witty humor that even the villains were fun to spend time with! Her prose is gorgeous, the world she’s created with ordinary humans using some extraordinary tools (example: helicopter parasols … how cool is that?!) and interacting with magical birds is so richly imagined that I would’ve enjoyed staying there even longer. I listened to this on audio while reading along, and the narration by Elizabeth Knowelden was stellar. This is a book that I would HIGHLY recommend listening to!
I don’t typically read historical romance or fantasy, so I give major props to Holton for writing a story that left me eager for the next in the series! Side note: Read the author’s note if you can.
★★★★ ½
Thanks to Berkley Publishing, NetGalley and author India Holton for this digital ARC to honestly review. It’s out now. -
I smiled beatifically at tomatoes in the grocery store. I burst out laughing as I drove wobbily down the street. I giggled uncontrollably as I stood in lines, strangers noting my amusement with polite bemusement. I fanned myself as my face grew alarmingly flushed walking through parking lots. All this, because I listened to this audiobook and enjoyed it so so much.
India Holton has infused her Victorian rival ornithologists romance with vigorous adventure, rapier wit, and an intoxicating blend of lust and tenderness. It's a little Fantastic Beasts + rugged Indiana Jones-style academic pursuits, all of it wrapped up in a dazzling storm of magic and helpless attraction.
Beth was the first person he'd met who truly spoke his language. Her presence made the world finally slide into place for him. She was beautiful, unconsciously sexy, and he was drawn to that, of course, but it was only a minor part of how he felt. His attraction to her was so intensely intellectual, it affected his very brain function.
and my favorite birding bit, aside from a passing mention of demon ducks:
She leaned closer, wanting to kiss the humor back into him, but something flashed in the night behind his shoulder, closer than a star, brighter than a fragment of moonlight. Beth stared, as the speck of light began to dance.
"What is that?" she breathed.
Opening his eyes, Devon looked only at her. He smiled. "That, darling, is my favorite bird."
Their physical attraction to each other is inexorably entwined with their mutual professional respect and their care for magical creatures, and their shy vulnerabilty in their feelings is lovely contrasted against their assured confidence in their knowledge of ornithology. This would make a splendid film, as the visuals of helicopter parasols and ice birds are so clear in my mind, and of course the author's ferociously intelligent (and punny) humor just makes the entire chase a delight.
So excited for book two!
4.5 stars
Audio Notes: It's no secret that I exhibit stalkery levels of smitten when it comes to Elizabeth Knowelden reading India Holton. I cannot imagine another voice actor so deftly handling the playful language, so much so that I turned down a chance to read the ARC months ago so that I could wait and listen to her read the story. Worth the wait, as it’s practically perfect in every way. -
✨A bird in the hand is worth two professors getting it on in a bush✨
TL;DR: Hmm the romance was great and Holton’s writing remains a national treasure, but I could honestly have cared less about the plot (sorry to the birds). While it’s not my favorite Holton novel, I have no egrets <3
✨
This book was fun and definitely classic India Holton™ bonkers, but I was just not as intrigued by the birds as I was by her pirates/witches/spies. Maybe it was because I’m terrible at picturing things in my head, but I was just like…what do you mean magical birds??? I felt like we got even less rules in this universe and my brain kinda hurt. My eyes were going a bit spiraly. I couldn’t really get lost in the world quite like I did in the last series.
Don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy the birds and the absurdity of it all, but I just wanted more romance and less plot (because even the plot didn’t have much plot…if that makes sense). The way Holton writes characters falling in love is by far my favorite thing about her books. Was there much romantic tension because this was some of the instaest insta love I’ve ever read? No, not really, yet I was SO CHARMED. They were the definition of romance. “Apologize to the lady for annoying her” was pure sex.
While I did get a bit bored of the bird chasing, I was so invested in the “publicity” subplot. Basically there were some ornithologist PR agents trying to drum up public interest in ornithology by heavily promoting the Romance of it all. They kept calling reporters and orchestrating only-one-bed scenarios, which was GREAT fun. It was an endearing amount of farcical and kept me giggling, kicking my feet, etc.
After evaluation, The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love is most similar to The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels. They both do a lot of work as intros to series (and absurd magical worlds), the romances were set up very similarly (rivals to lovers pretending to be enemies to lovers who spend half the book being friends to lovers), and the romance took a lesser role to the plot.
I also feel like book two is going to be my favorite of the series, the same way The League of Gentlewomen Witches stole my heart. The teaser for book two was somehow more interesting than this entire book. Like India Holton writing second chance???—former marriage of convenience, current (and estranged) marriage of inconvenience???—I am LIVING!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️.5/5
I received an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own. -
DNF 9%
This is just too silly and quirky for me. I can enjoy unserious fantasy sometimes but this was over the top even in the short amount that I read. Just not my taste. -
This was IMPOSSIBLY cute. Two rival ornithologists who compete in a competition to find a rare magical bird in Victorian England and are set up by two publicists to fall in love in order to increase applications to Ornithology programs???? Everything about this was perfect.
The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love is the first book in India Holton's new series and feels like a combination of the madcap humor of her Dangerous Damsels series and the STEM love perfection of Ali Hazelwood's
The Love Hypothesis.
There's only one bed (in increasingly wild ways)! There's only one horse! He wants to know who hurt her! He demands a man apologize for annoying her! He is obsessed with her! She loves birds and science! There are magic birds and parasols that you can use as mini-helicopters. This was the Indiana Jones style STEM historical fantasy romance I had no idea I needed. I will be recommending this to everyone I know.
✅ MF Historical Romance set in Victorian England
✅ STEM romance with two rival professors who fall in love
✅ Magic birds & steampunk-style gadgets for bird-hunting
✅ One bed/one horse
✅ Who hurt you?
✅ Some spice with a whole lot of tension
✅ Perfection in a book
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 5 stars, I loved it!
🙏🏻 Thank you to India Holton and Berkley Publishing Group for this ARC through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
📅 The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love will be out July 23rd, 2024 - and you should preorder it literally right now -
"But I must warn you, there's a slight bed problem..."
I've never before so strongly felt the author's glee emanating from every page-- rife with devious smiles and cackling laughter.
And just to get this out of the way: this is hands down the nerdiest romance I've read in my life. Peak "talk nerdy to me" energy.
The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love is very much in the vein of Holton's debut series, resplendent with innuendos and puns (and also puns in basic French). This is additionally, probably, her most creative play on the "only one bed" trope out of the four novels I've now read from her. And oh man, do the farces of this romcom reach new farcical heights!!
It's truly a love letter to Romance readers and the nearly fourth-wall-breaking narrative element in this had me giggling constantly. Holton is incredibly self-aware and it's absolutely hilarious to read.
If you're looking for spice or the romance of the ages, you might look elsewhere. But if you'd like a laugh and a fun, goofy adventure with magical birds and kisses that feel like getting the right answer when called on in class-- this just might be for you! It was definitely for me.
"When the going gets tough, find a shortcut."
-- Birds Through a Sherry Glass, H.A. Quirm
Thank you to Berkley for granting me an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own. -
4.5
this was actually really good and it had me giggling so much, the romance ATE. -
Where was the rival aspect? These two were whipped for each other the moment they met.
I also could not find myself to care about the birds, I'm sorry. -
“Why are you here?” she demanded.
He lifted his gaze, and as their eyes met again, it felt like coming home. Which was ridiculous, Beth told herself. She’d only known the man a short while. He was the opposite of home. He was an unmapped horizon, or a bar chart without category names along the x-axis. She’d been right to leave him in Canterbury, and thank God here he was—er, so she could leave him again, that is! She would push him away this very instant and march off down the corridor!
The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love is a nerdy romance of two professors competing to find a rare magical bird, some the mystery of its presence and win Birder of the Year; while finding romance also along the way, ironically deterred by the PRESS agents trying to orchestrate that very romance.
India Holton grows on me with every book she writes! The best part of her work is her humour filled writing, the puns as well as her take on tropes. The lead characters Beth and Devon were very relatable academics, and I enjoyed the nerdiness in this book. There was enough character development and hints of deeper traits without deterring the action and finding their own solution to the competition - its hilarious that in a story which actually gives a plausible reason for all the romance conducive coincidences, the clever and headstrong couple find their own way to romance. And not to forget the magic birds in this world, such a bonus!
I'm definitely going to pick up the next book in this series and look forward to more of Holton's work!
“Good grief,” she muttered. “Why do people have to people?”
🌟🌟🌟🌟
[One star for the premise and the whole book; One star for the characters; One star for the writing; Half a star for the story arc; Half a star for the world-building - Four stars in total]. -
4.5 Madcap, Dastardly Stars!!!
This book. This book! Utterly unputdownable and reminiscent of Rowling.
From the very first page India Holton's writing just sucks you in. It's so lush and so fluid and her characters are so sharp and authentic, that you want to collect them all and make them your friends. Even the badies. And the action is insane. It's part HP world with it's deadly, fantastical, magical beasts and part Indiana Jones with it horse stealing, lasso wielding and helicopter parasol escapes.
Beth, our fmc, tells the story in single first pov and it's such a treat to experience her mind and how she navigates her male dominated world and societal expectations (Victorian era setting) while remaining authentic to herself. I love that she's strong and bright and yet she's vulnerable. The author did such a wonderful job of making Beth well rounded and real. Plus she has some of the best dialogue in the novel.
The book is teaming with robust characters who add to the vibrant tapestry of this story. From angry French sailors to crafty inn keepers and shifty press agents to the dark seedy characters of the ornithological world, this story moves with such speed and force, and with such interesting characters, that it's nearly impossible to find a lull during which to take a break from it. Every element, every character, adds just the right touch, adds just the right color to the tapestry that when you've reached a chapter's end, the story practically glows on the page and you find yourself reaching, desperate to begin the next.
The romance in this book was perfect. It never overwhelmed Beth's story, it never altered her in any way, in fact, as she discovers herself amidst the budding relationship with Devon, it actually makes her more relatable. Devon, who is her equal and, despite first appearances, is as vulnerable as Beth adds the perfect level of steam to the novel. As these to team up together to, at first, find the magical Caladria bird and win Birder of the Year, which then becomes a rescue mission, these two characters are nearly thwarted at every turn. It's one madcap adventure after another as these characters traverse England. These adventures solidify the relationship and bond these two together, and test the steadfastness of their commitment to each other, as well as their integrity amongst a sea of unscrupulous characters.
In the end, I felt so very satisfied with all the elements in the novel. The love story left both characters firmly rooted in their pursuits while still allowing them to blend their lives. All of the story arcs were tied up perfectly and I felt wholly fulfilled. Now I have to go back to the beginning of the series and start there. Though this is listed as Love's Academic #1 it's also listed as book #4 in the Dangerous Damsels series. I'm not complaining. I'd go back and read these irrespective. But I like things to be in order so this bore mentioning.
Anyway, READ THIS NOW!!! It's such an amazing novel and I'm excited to jump back into that world.
Side note: I alternated between the Kindle and audiobook which was so well narrated that it was much like watching a movie in your mind. I highly recommend if you're into audiobooks. -
silly, ridiculous, enchanting, romantic, perfect little book i will love you forever
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The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love is a lighthearted, humorous historical fantasy romp with scintillating chemistry between its two leads. I really enjoyed them as a couple and their connection got me in the feels. They fit together so well and make a couple to root for. India Horton’s prose is bright and punny, with tons of imagination as various magical birds with specific powers are an essential part of the storyline. I loved the teasing academic tone and the zany humor. I feel like this one isn't for readers who don't like a bit of silliness and farcical British humor. This is a fun, refreshing romance with distinct and likable leads for readers who like a healthy dose of fantasy and adventure in their historical romance. I like India Horton's writing style. I'll definitely read more of her books!
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine.
http://affairedecoeur.com
Advanced Review Copy provided by Netgalley courtesy of Berkley Publishing Group.
PS. I totally pictured Henry Cavill as Devin!
Possibly Olivia Cooke as Beth?
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my first historical romance in… two years? maybe 3? & I had so much fun!
Quirky & goofy with whimsical magic that was enough to distract me from my very real dislike of birds. (Maybe magical birds aren’t so bad)
Since I normally read contemporary or fantasy romance, it definitely took me a few chapters to get used to the language of this historical romance - but once I did, it was smooth sailing
This felt like it could be a magical, historical romcom that we’d see on screen. A handsome rake & a quirky female professor compete to catch a magical bird and win birder of the year? But throw in Bridgerton level banter & charm? GIMME
4.5 ⭐️ -
This book has many things that should make me love it. Romance, fantasy, Victorian times, Oxford, birds, MAGICAL birds, ornithologists. But I didn’t love it. I found the story repetitive and boring. I was never invested in Beth or Devon or their relationship. There is so much silliness – SO MUCH silliness – that it is truly hard to take the story seriously. There’s madcap and then there’s so much absurdity that it’s really hard to fall into the story and stay there. At least for me.
At one point they are naked and about to have sex and Devon asks, “do you consent?” Really? After making out and taking off each other’s clothes “I consent” literally needs to be said? OK, never mind, maybe young people having sex today really expect the other person to say “I consent” during the throes of passion. I guess this is supposed to prove what a super nice and trustworthy guy Devon is, but I found it awkward and unrealistic. (Oh, and how very very helpful and convenient that he is sterile and manages to tell Beth before they do the deed.)
In the Acknowledgments, the author says, “While every effort was made to accurately depict the various details of life in 1890, I took considerable artistic licence with the big picture”. You think? Like having an educated gentleman go around using the f word in front of a gentlewoman? (That word felt so out of place in this book.)
Some of the magical creatures seriously reminded me of certain Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Especially the big climax with the magical caladrius flying and filling everyone with magic, healing, and love.
I think it may be time to stop reading India Holton. I read the first Dangerous Damsels and gave it three stars as well. (At least this book was not nonstop nonsense. There is plenty of nonsense, but it’s a little more contained.) She just really is not my cup of tea.
I read an advance reader copy of The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love from Netgalley. -
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the arc!!
4.75 stars
This was such a fun read! It was my first by India Holton, and I can't wait to read more from her. The romance was super fun, the plot was very fast-paced, and overall this book was extremely entertaining. I really loved the main character, Beth! She was such a badass fmc. Devon was a great mmc as well, and I loved watching Devon and Beth's relationship develop. All of the side characters were funny and interesting, and all added to the story in some way (the press agents were some of the funniest bits, in my opinion). I thought the idea of this book was so interesting! I honestly didn't think I would ever read a book about rival ornithologists in love, but here we are (and I loved every second of it). Overall, I would completely recommend this book! :)
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screaming crying thank you Berkley -
⭐️3.5⭐️ rounded up
If the word “tomfoolery” was a book, it definitely would be this💀
This book was goofy and did not really take itself seriously at all. (Honestly at times it was a little too silly imo)
go into this book expecting over the top antics and not any serious magical world building or you will be disappointed.
Devon and Beth were so cute together!! But honestly I think their relationship was a little underdeveloped. They spent sooo much time running from their competitors and I really think that hindered their connection. I think the antics should have been toned down a tad and I would have liked to see the author focus more of that time on developing their connection to each other.
Over all it was a fun and silly read! 😽 -
September 2024 reread
utterly ridiculous and whimsical and cozy. still obsessed.
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thank you thank you thank you to NetGalley for the eARC
⭐️=5 | 😘=5 | 🤬=3.25 | ⚔️=1 | 18
summary: two rival ornithology professors in 1890s Britain embark on a road trip, unwillingly collaborating to find a rare bird. tenure (and love) is at stake!!!!
thoughts: well. gosh. this was delightful. so clever and witty and romantic and silly and unserious and also very emotional and gorgeous?? so fun????? like i was constantly giggling and having the literal time of my life?? cozy and nerdy and unbelievably cute—historical romantasy is such an underrated and relatively unexplored genre. i shall devour however many installments this series includes and provide India Holton with a kidney (one of mine, to be clear) should she require it. -
ִֶָ𓂃࣪⊹✧ 3.5
It is silly and funny and full of humor that makes me giggle so much. There is also drama, such as repeatedly hijacking and plans within plans; by the end, I’m still annoyed by how these people just run around playing with each other. Additionally, Devon is a certified lover boy who would kiss every path that Beth walked, while Beth is your demure genius who spoke in very academic language. At the beginning, she is oblivious to her feelings but eventually falls harder for him. I was somewhat irritated by the ending because it’s unclear why all the crazy adventures these two people had, in pursuit of doing something right, ended like that. All that running around was just to achieve the purpose of making them madly in love (well, I can’t blame this too much since it is a romance, after all). Also, the attempt to make Beth stand up for herself was quite poor; I wanted a more significant action from her. Well, it is what it is, right? As for all the birds, I think they are so beautiful, and with magic, they are made even more magnificent. Overall, it was a fun, lighthearted read, and I enjoyed some of it. -
4.5 stars | 1/5 spice
Two rival ornithologists go on the adventure of a lifetime while trying to capture a mystical bird to win tenure... and love.
I am not a historical romance fan typically but Holton won me over with this hilarious writing style and the wit that was put into this book. Beth and Devon were the perfect MCs - their rivalry mixed with the intense chemistry they had will make it hard to set this one down.
Once the challenge started heating up - I loved how they ultimately teamed up to uncover a conspiracy and take down all of their competitors. There were several funny tropes added to this book such as one horse and not one but TOO many beds. Their banter alone would have kept me addicted but add in Devon's POV showing just how obsessed he was with Beth was perfect.
Now I didn't expect ANY spice in this considering it was a late 1800s historical romance but Holton surprised me with her ability to not only make me GUSH over simple actions such as hand holding and brief kisses - but then she threw in an ACTUAL spicy scene and while it wasn't as graphic as the normal smut scenes I love it was PERFECT for this book.
I found myself equally drawn to the romance side of the story AND the plot. I highly recommend this as a romance to anyone just because of the humor and tension alone in this book. This was my first book from Holton and I will be reading more of her work for sure after this one! -
"In the dreaming twilight, he knew nothing but her." -India Holton in The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love
In this rivals-to-lovers fantasy romcom, two ornithologists, Beth and Devon, hunt through England to capture a rare magical bird to win Birder of the Year and **Tenure!**
India Holton's writing is like indulging in fabulous dark chocolate with raspberry or caramel filling— rich and delicious. She has this astute ability to capture the characters' and readers' hearts. My favorite part about her writing is her unique ability to articulate an observant and distinct style infused with literary references, double entendres, and witty remarks. Indeed, this romance is about two bird nerds falling in love, and I'm so obsessed with it. I am so thankful that romance books exist where neurodivergent people can feel seen and loved. Holton's writing will make you feel warm and cherished, and you will feel like you're falling in love for the first time alongside these characters. Her tangible sentences fly off the page and equip you with wings so that you, too, can soar through the story in pure bliss.
India's latest novel is nothing short of a fun, wild, and swoon-worthy ride.
Things I loved about this book:
-the fast-paced writing
-silly side characters who play on irony & comedic relief
-pinning love interest with a secret (hehe)
-Badass feminist FMC
-The magical birds and references to lore and mythology
-The tension and admiration between Beth and Devon
-Rivals-to-lovers in academia
-India Holton is SO funny. So clever. If you like a screwball comedy, this book is perfect for you.
-The characters are fully fleshed out with backstories, fears, hopes & dreams
-perfectly crafted sentences
-the ROMANCE?! Exquisite
Things I disliked:
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In a nutshell, my love language is sharing my love for India Holton's books with all my friends and family, and in return, people share their love for these books with me. Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. This is my honest opinion. Thank you to Berkley Romance and India Holton for such an incredible story. -
India Holton at her absolute best. So funny, romantic, and charming. If you love birds and sexy shenanigans, you’re going to adore this.
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This is going to END ME.
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Another hit from one of my fav quirky historical fantasy romance authors!! I loved this first book in a new series that sees two rival ornithologists falling in love as they chase down a magic bird and fend off other competitiors.
Full of top notch banter, sexy slow burn romance, action, adventure, helicopter umbrellas and MORE! India has the unique ability to blend genres in a steampunk esque way that I just can't get enough of!! Great on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Sarah Hawley.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review. I cannot wait to see where this series goes next!! A must read for any historical fiction fantasy lovers! -
DNF for me. I'm not wasting my time on something I know I'm not going to like. I only picked this one up because it was free on Spotify and I like birds. But I am personally sick of female main characters - ADULT WOMEN - who can't possibly believe that the male main character might be interested in them. Like, grow up. You're a conventionally beautiful, smart, witty woman and you think the guy doesn't like you?? And I am also tired of FMC who are introverted and bookish. It's like the author is trying to pander to the reader, like "Hey, she's just like you!"
This probably would have been fine, but I'm done with "just fine" books. -
This was everything I was hoping it would be! It was charming, whimsical, enchanting, funny, & swoon worthy. It also had a lot of action sequences that kept the story alive. This book made me smile so many times. Beth and Devon were so good together. The side characters were amusing. I will read whatever India writes because her stories just simply make me happy.
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I wanted to like this as it sounded fun and whimsical but it is just….absurd. Moving on!
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A whimsical, academic romance that is delightfully ridiculous. I love Holton's whimsy and the way she writes neurodivergent characters. Rival academics in a forced collaboration to catch a rare magical bird race all over England and shenanigans occur.
High energy and amusing. Holton's books are always fast paced, but I think for this one, the romance would've benefitted from slowing it down. When Devon and Beth did have a quiet moment, it was charming and steamy. More of that please. -
This is a charming and light-hearted historical romance with touches of fantasy; it's humorous with just a touch of spice.
Beth Pickering and Devon Lockley are rival ornithologists both hunting for a rare magical bird while pursuing the coveted Birder of the Year title. Circumstances and shenanigans force them to team up and romantic tropes ensue, including possibly the silliest 'bed problem at the inn' I've read.
There wasn't much world or character building in this one, just a sort of fast-paced slap-stick pursuit while avoiding their own pursuers and competitors. The birds' magic was touched on lightly, but there didn't seem to be anything else in the way of fantasy elements, except for some helicopter umbrellas which were perhaps scientific?
I did enjoy the characters and banter, and the attraction of each other's intelligence.
Thank you so much to Berkley and Netgalley for this ARC to review!
