The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love
Author: India Holton
Reviewer: Jen
Rating: A
What I’m Talking About:
Set in an alternate version of historical England, The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love shares a world filled with magical, and often deadly, birds. Ornithologists are often wily and deceptive in their efforts to become Birder of the Year. So when the International Ornithological Society announces a competition with the winner being named Birder of the Year, rival professors Beth and Devon find they must team up not only to win, but to stay alive.
The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love is another highly entertaining historical fantasy romance from Holton. The author creates two delightful characters in Beth and Devon, a pair that is meant for one another. Holton builds passion through dreamy sighs and looks of longing. My heart was a flutter with each interaction, wondering would this be the time Beth and Devon give into their desires. And I love that it’s not just a physical attraction or created because of the excitement of their joint efforts in the contest, but a deep desire to learn all they can about one another and an appreciation of intellect.
Beth is darling. She is sincere and honest, believing the best of everyone. But as she reminds Devon, just because she adheres to good manners, it does not mean she’s nice. Tired of mansplaining and belittlement, Beth learns to stand up for herself and say no. I adore Devon and how enamored he is of Beth. He goes from his rakish ways to someone who creates poetry every time he sees Beth. I’ll admit I got a bit swoony knowing how much he loves and admires Beth.
The author’s quirky sense of humor is spot on and makes me chuckle. From chapter 6:
”We are indeed geologists! Rock-solid characters, honest to a fault.” …
“If you’re not ornithologists, why are you so desperate to get horses?” the engineer asked suspiciously.
“We have a rock emergency.”
“Oh. Well, that makes sense.”
I absolutely enjoyed every moment of The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love. The book is an exciting adventure, with sharp wit and quirky humor, all wrapped up in a beautiful romance. I highly recommend!
My Rating: A Loved It
Jen
About the Book:
Rival ornithologists hunt through England for a rare magical bird in this historical-fantasy rom-com reminiscent of Indiana Jones but with manners, tea, and helicopter parasols.
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.
Release Date: July 23, 2024
Publisher: Berkley
Series: Love’s Academic #1
Genre: Historical Fantasy Romance
Format(s): paperback (384 pages), e-book, audiobook
Book Source: Publisher / NetGalley
Purchase Info:
Amazon (affiliate link)