| Title | : | The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love (Love's Academic, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0593547284 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780593547281 |
| 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!
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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. -
4.5
this was actually really good and it had me giggling so much, the romance ATE. -
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. -
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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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 -
"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! -
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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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 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. -
"In the dreaming twilight, he knew nothing but her."
TW: alcohol, animal cruelty, death, death of a loved one, gun violence, kidnapping, misogyny, sexual content, violence.
Easily one of my favorite covers of the year.
Unfortunately, I can't say the same for the interior.
If I was basing this entirely off of preference, this would be rated much lower. But I went into it without the knowledge that this was meant to be more... light-hearted and quirky (almost to the point of being satirical) and I won't lower the rating just because I had different expectations.
So for what it was trying to be, I don't think this was a bad book. There's a lot of humor and magical birds and hijinks that may appeal to the target audience - one I'm not a part of.
However, even once I removed my expectations and accepted that this wasn't meant for me, I believe this book fell short in quite a few ways. It is repeated a million times how intelligent our two main characters are, but to prove this, every other character is the biggest idiot you've ever seen in your entire life. It wasn't funny how stupid they were, it was irritating.
The closest comparison I can think of is that this read like an adult, steamy version of a middle grade fantasy novel - complete with over the top humor, ridiculous situations, and garishly stupid bad guys.
Overall, I really disliked this but I don't think it was terrible and I do think it (mostly) succeeded at being what it intended to be.
If this sounds interesting to you and you're someone that doesn't mind your books being heavy on the silliness, with hints of the most cardboard feminism you've ever seen in your life - I think you could really enjoy this.
I truly wish I could have enjoyed it more. -
If you want to…
LAUGH out loud
SWOON over an educated man
ROMP across Europe
…then you need to read this.
All may be fair in love and war, but this is ornithology. Cheating is practically one of our scientific
principles.
The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love starts with an exciting, humorous bang! And that energy was met chapter to chapter.
How do I explain it? The vibes are just *vibing* It’s SO FUN. I laughed out loud multiple times. Do you know how difficult it is for a book to make someone laugh out loud and not just expel air out their nose?
Heroic professors rescuing a bird from the clutches of a tyrant! Sacrificing their own dreams to keep it safe! Dangerous henchmen! Romance! A desperate race across the country! Children everywhere will want to be ornithologists after this.
Beth Pickering is a professor at Oxford who is traveling with a fellow birder in Spain when they are outsmarted by an unscrupulous fellow ornithologist and his annoyingly handsome colleague Devon Lockley. The two continue to run into each other amid the bloodthirsty world of ornithological rivalries and magical (sometimes deadly) birds.
Despite the love interest starting out as only a male capable of smirking and winking, Holton’s writing proved to be magnetic. And the love interest, Devon, quickly became the man girls dream about. He was utterly taken with Beth and continuously cited how beautiful he thought she was while admiring her academic prowess and adorable habits. He is attentive, communicative, and protective.
This is definitely a book for fans of Emily Wilde but with many more scenes between the protagonists. The academic setting I adore was present but the romance is the main focus…and I wasn’t even mad about it because it fit so snugly with the plot.
It even breaks the fourth wall and references the OxfordxCambridge rivals-to-lovers romance. Hilarious.
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There is one chapter I would define as borderline explicit but other than that just innuendos that were a little...much. 😅 Sometimes the tension between the leads was perfect and then it veered into unnecessary territory. This almost affected the five star rating because I try to avoid books like that especially when they seem to degrade strong emotional relationships between characters in exchange for the sex that sells. But this is an Adult novel so I should have expected it. Overall, I decided that I loved the story too much for one chapter to ruin it for me.
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You are my sunshine.
You are my wild wind. 🥺 -
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! -
This book gets 4.5/5 🤩 simply bc how it made me feel. The plus of the fun story and the quirky ass writing/ fourth wall breaking is so so worth this read. It’s funny bc at first I was hesitant about continuing this story after reading the sample. Then quickly I realized I was in for such a fun ride. These characters are truly so fun you cannot even dare to hate the villains. Neurodivergent representation written by a neurodivergent author is something that is unfortunately rare but exist bc of this book!! I’m so happy that I stuck with this. If you’re looking for a fun, quirky, safe, quick, and sexy romance this is your jam here.
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The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love is a book set in the Victorian Era (with a few fantasy elements thrown in) and follows Beth Pickering and Devon Lockley as they work together and at times against each other to save a magical bird and be named “Birder of the Year.”
First off I want to say I adored this book! Historical academic romances have kind of become my thing over the last year whether they be realistic or magical and this book gave me so much of what I love about the sub genre! Beth and Devon were great characters with so much love poured into them. It was so easy to root for them and their banter was hilarious! It was fun to watch them bring the best out of each other throughout their adventures across some of Europe and basically all of England.
The World was also a lot of fun to dive into! It took me a few chapters because the setting although realistic most of the time, it did have some very wacky elements thrown into it that I wasn’t expecting. Once I wrapped my head around it though i just accepted the craziness and hung on for the ride. I am so happy I did because it was so much fun! I also loved learning about ornithology in this world. I love reading from the perspective of naturalist and scientists in the Victorian era. Whether they be lepidopterist and natural historians with Veronica and Stoker, a dragon naturalist with Lady Isabella Trent, or some faerie scholars like Emily and Wendell . So the fact that I now get to add Ornithologists to the mix? I am beyond happy! I also can’t wait for the sequel where we get to follow two magical geographers!
All of this to say I absolutely adored this book and I am so excited to continue on with Holton's work!
Thank you so much to India Holton, Berkeley Publishing and NetGalley for an advance reader copy of this book! I already went out and bought a physical copy and I HIGHLY suggest if you like the sound of my review, you do the same! -
Just everything I love about an India Holton book! The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love is cozy and full of whimsy and adventure, with a very sweet rivals-to-lovers romance at its heart. I particularly enjoyed the competition element of this story, and the way I was giggling out loud at the jokes. The magical birds/fantasy elements were also so fun and well-done—they were exactly what they needed to be for this concept to be perfectly executed. I'm so excited about the second book in this series (the cover of which is absolutely stunning—the way these two are going to match on my shelves is everything to me).
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The cardinal rule of writing a review for a bird-themed romance book is to cram in at least one fowl related pun. I’ve gotten mine out of the way so here are my thoughts: this book was DE-LIGHT-FUL. I laughed out loud so many times (Ms. Holton’s sense of humor is the best) and thought the romance was sweet. Some points off for spicy scenes (I was aware they would be in the book but it’s my prerogative to indicate I would have liked it better without) and the ending being a weeee bit slow. But, it was absolutely worth the preorder; and I can’t wait for the next installment, featuring one of my favorite romantic tropes: marriage of convenience.
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Literally no one writes lighthearted whimsy like India Holton!!
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4.5
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*I received a copy via the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Ornithology is a cutthroat profession, and none knows that better than Beth Pickering. She was on the verge of capturing a rare deathwhistler bird when it was snatched from her grip by the annoyingly handsome, Professor Devon Lockley. Beth swore to devote the rest of her career to both the study of birds and the hatred of Devon Lockley. When a competition to become Birder of the Year gets announced, Beth jumps at the chance to finally make a name for herself (and to secure an elusive tenure position.) The only problem? Beth keeps finding herself thrust together with Devon at every turn.
Devon Lockley has been smitten with Beth since first laying eyes on her. She's pretty, intelligent, and can beat a man with a parasol in the cutest way. He knows that he should keep things professional, but he can't help himself when she starts spouting academic facts. The pair decide they have a better chance at winning if they combine forces, but they start to suspect there's more to this competition than meets the eye. But Beth and Devon quickly realize the most difficult part of the competition may not be the rogue birds or sabotaging colleagues but trying to hide their feelings from one another.
Oh, to live in an India Holton novel where there are magical birds and the simple act of a hand kiss is enough to make one weak in the knees. I've been obsessed with Holton's writing since her debut, and that adoration isn't slowing down anytime soon. I devoured this book in one sitting because I couldn't stop myself from turning the pages. The premise was so wacky but worked so well. Two rival ornithologists falling in love while hunting a magical bird? Yes, please. Beth and Devon were so entertaining, and their banter was full of Holton's signature wit and charm. If you're looking for an absurd, madcap adventure, then I can't recommend her books enough. -
ladies, what's the hottest thing a man can say and why is it "apologize to the lady for annoying her"?
india is such a singularly talented writer. her stories are SO voicey and simultaneously the dryest of wit and the most ridiculous absurdism. this book is no different - two academic rivals are competing to find a rare magical bird while someone else seems determined to rig the competition against them AND the competition's publicists are planting stories about them being in love to try and boost the competition's profile. that's a lot!!! and india weaves it all together flawlessly.
a thing i really appreciate about india's writing is how she manages to poke fun at the genre by breaking the fourth wall, but it always feels like a wink and a nod to the reader, the kind of teasing that comes from a deep understanding and love for romance. her books are always such a sheer delight to read, and i'm already disappointed i'll have to wait for the next one.
thank you Berkley and Edelweiss for the ARC! -
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. -
This book is spectacular! This was my first India Holton book, and I loved every page!
I went into this book without knowing any background, except that the main characters were ornithologists. It is billed as a “historical-fantasy rom-com” - I was so intrigued by this premise. A magical romance with birds? I was in from the start.
Professor Beth Pickering is the youngest professor at her university, and she becomes part of a contest to find a rare bird. The prize is tenure and the title of Birder of the Year. This fits in with Beth’s goals. Enter a rival professor, Devon Lockley. Devon has his eyes on the prize as well.
Beth is amazing, and to say that Devon is swoon-worthy would be an understatement. I absolutely adored these two main characters. They are both so unique, and I truly didn’t want their story to end. There is a fabulous cast of characters to complement them. Not only is this book romantic, it is hilarious!
Don’t get me started with the birds! They are terrific characters too. I would read an illustrated companion about these magical creatures.
This book is out on July 23rd. I got my copy early from Book of the Month - it is a July add-on. Pick this incredible book up - it is the perfect summer read, and I highly recommend it!
