Book Review: The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love

Over the past few years I have read and loved India Holton’s books in her Dangerous Damsels series (The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, The League of Gentlewomen Witches, and The Secret Service of Tea and Treason). So I knew I would love the first book in her new Love’s Academic series, The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love.

This is another victorian era fantasy romcom, and was so whimsical and entertaining. The novel follows rival ornithologists for magical birds, Beth Pickering and Devon Lockley. They are both competing in a competition to be named Birder of the Year. To win, they need to find and capture the caladrius bird. They are rivals and both want to win – one of the prizes is tenure! – but they’re both secretly very attracted to each other and try to fight their feelings so they keep trying to work on their own. However, fate or maybe some other people, keep throwing back together throughout the competition.

The book was so entertaining and funny. I love the little bits of magic threaded throughout the book. It just makes you feel happy and cozy! Beth and Devon were great characters and I loved their slow burn.

I’m looking forward to reading book 2 when it comes out this spring!

Read this if you want a Victorian era fantasy romcom with the enemies to lovers and slow burn tropes.

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