The Antiquarian’s Object of Desire
Author: India Holton
Reviewer: Jen
Rating: B+
What I’m Talking About:
Set in an alternate version of historical England, The Antiquarian’s Object of Desire features two rival Oxford professors who study and contain ordinary objects (antiques) imbued with magic. Amelia Tarrant and Caleb Sterling have been best friends since they were eight. However earlier in the year, they were caught hugging, and it didn’t matter that he was only consoling her after her grandfather passed. Their boss told Amelia to marry Caleb or quit her job (as their behavior was scandalous). She did neither, because the pair pretended they are no longer friends and started an over-the-top show of disagreement when in front of others.
Their latest fake argument ends up causing a lot of damage when a magical object, attune to their emotions, goes off. Now the pair are being sent to the countryside to investigate the collection of Sir Nigel Harroway, who is donating several pieces to the British Museum.
The Antiquarian’s Object of Desire is another highly entertaining historical fantasy romance from Holton. The author creates two delightful characters in Amelia and Caleb, a pair that is meant for one another. It is clear that each has more-than-friend feelings for the other, but neither wants to ruin their beautiful friendship. That said, as academics they decide they want to experiment with affection after an initial kiss proves swoon-worthy. Yet, because their colleague (who reported them for hugging) is present, they have to continue their arguing. I like this spin on friends to lovers. Normally the friends avoid crossing the line out of fear of the impacts to the friendship. Here the pair wants to try more, but they can’t because of external factors.
Holton builds passion through dreamy sighs, looks of longing, and accidental touches. Amelia and Caleb are so in-sync and adorable. There is a physical attraction, but also each appreciates the other’s wit and intellect. However, the fake hating is affecting Amelia, and she struggles to distinguish where her job ends and her true self begins. Holton keeps the story light, but there are serious moments of reflection that give the story honesty and grounding. Yet the subtle humor is a consistent buoy. The author’s quirky sense of humor is spot on and makes me chuckle. From chapter 8:
“Even if it did explode, the most that would happen would be us all feeling a vague sense of déjà vu. And that’s not very scary—trust me, I’ve experienced it before.”
In addition to flirting, the pair uncovers a dastardly plot and saves the day. Overall, The Antiquarian’s Object of Desire is silly and sweet. I loved the stolen looks and touches. Caleb and Amelia know one another so well. The story is an exciting adventure, with subtle wit and quirky humor, all wrapped up in a beautiful romance. I highly recommend!
My Rating: B+
Jen
About the Book:
Magical-antique experts Amelia Tarrant and Caleb Sterling have been best friends forever, although lately each has begun secretly wishing for more than friendship. But when rumors about their relationship spread, they’re forced to fake being enemies to protect their reputations and keep their jobs.
The resulting arguments spark havoc across Oxford University, and when they cause an explosion while fighting over a magical antique, it’s the final straw for their exasperated faculty head. He dispatches them to a job in Cumbria where even they can’t get into trouble.…
Which proves just how wrong one man can be. In a stormbound old manor house, Amelia and Caleb face magical mayhem and rampaging ghosts that make the previous havoc look mild in comparison. Most troublesome of all, though, is the secret of how they feel about each other. When it comes to tackling deadly antiques, hiding the truth in their hearts could destroy them for real.
Release Date: April 21, 2026
Publisher: Berkley
Series: Love’s Academic #3
Genre: Historical Fantasy Romance
Format(s): paperback (368 pages), e-book, audiobook
Book Source: Publisher / NetGalley