This book was so amazing and fun. Every time I picked it up it was like a breath of fresh air. I will admit the first 30 pages I was wondering how I was going to end up feeling but I think I really just needed to get a grip on the level of the magic system. Which ended up being super minor which I preferred. It is a little cheeky thing they put on the back of the book about flying parasols and yes they exist in this book but the only level of magic I really perceived was that the birds were magical species. They would find or run into a bird and the nature and capabilities of that bird were quickly discussed either internally or externally in a very seamless way. The rest felt like historical romance including discussions on feminism of the time, all tongue in cheek so it never felt like a heavy story of historical oppression but I'm just trying to say the other world of this was the "real" world.

The writing of this was so fun. This was like watching a tennis match between all characters but especially the main love interests and their BANTER. The dialogue between them but also the writing between the author and the reader was so charming and genuinely funny. This is also non-stop action as it's a race for Birder of the Year and the competitors are ruthless.

This does have a bit of rivals to lovers but neither characters are ever unlikeable or unforgiveable to each other and through other meta romance means are thrown together. I beg you to read it to see what I mean. I ate this up.

Thank you so much to Berkley for the free book. This one caught me by surprise.

The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love is India Holton's first book in the Love's Academic series. If you've read and enjoyed her Dangerous Damsels series, I think you will like this one too as it flows very similarly. I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one because her stories are unique and by reading the summary of this one I knew it was going to be another good one.

Beth Pickering is so close to capturing the deathwhistler bird when Professor Devon Lockley swoops in and not only steals her bird but also her way out of the jungle. And even though he is charming and handsome, she knows she can't trust him and is determined to keep her distance. Unfortunately (or fortunately...depending upon how you look at it) he keeps turning up.

When Devon meets Professor Beth Pickering he can't help being drawn to her. She's pretty, polite, and she knows how to handle a fiery, deadly bird. As rivals though, he knows he can't get close. After all, they are both after the same thing.

When a competition is announced to become Birder of the Year by capturing an endangered bird species, Beth and Devon are forced to team up. They work well together and while they don't know if they can trust each other, after all tenure is at stake, they do know they need each other because they can't trust anyone else.

I loved how Holton developed this story and these characters. Who would have thought that a story about ornithologists and a bird competition would give you enough to build out a romance and solid story but there you have it. Holton also doesn't write her stories in the way you would expect a normal historical romance and I think that is what I love about them. Expect the unexpected. It's funny and quirky and I truly enjoyed the entire thing. I'm absolutely looking forward to the next book too...you had me at marriage of convenience.

Have you ever thought I want a romcom set in 1980s Europe with British professors chasing magical birds? Me either. But oh my gosh (see I'm learning from the characters) it works so well. I don't think I've ever laughed so much while reading. It's definitely heavy on the romance and low on the fantasy. This distinguishes Ornithologist's Field Guide from Emily Wilde, which is also British professors chasing magical creatures in 1900s. Emily Wilde is more serious and delves deep into the fantasy. Ornithologist's Field Guide more humorous and delves into romance tropes.

We have multiple POVs. Obviously our MCs, but we also have publicists. The reader is a unique situation where we know the Birder of the Year challenge is a publicity scam by the International Ornithological Society (IOS), British Tourism Board and the prestigious universities. Our MCs and their colleagues competing have no idea. Devon Lockley is a genius but also incredibly attractive so the IOS pinned him as their rigged winner, which I mean yeah pretty smart. Devon keeps running into Beth Pickering, Britain's youngest professor. The publicists have the bright idea that what would sell better than a hot man is a torrid rivals to lovers romance. Forced proximity? Only one horse? No bed? Too good to be true? Yeah, it is. The publicists manufacture these events. My personal favorite is where they bought out every single room in an inn except for the honeymoon suite.

I love the added layer of 1800s propriety to these tropes. Women were very restricted, so why not have fun reading about a women who expands her boundaries while diligently keeping to the etiquette book, well until she meets the rouge, Devon. Beth and Devon are so cute together. They push each other's buttons but compliment each other really well. I love that they found their home with each other.

I'm so excited for the next book. As soon as Devon's cousin showed up I hope we would get a book about him. But then we found out he was married and I was a bit confused. The sneak peak of the next book in the Love's Academic series shows that Gabriel's book will be about a marriage of inconvenience! While Ornithologist's Field Guide leaned heavy into the tropes, it looks like Geographer's Map to Romance will turn tropes on their heads. I can't wait!

Thank you to Berkley Romance and Netgalley for the ARC.

5 Stars

I think I may love the series more than India‘s first! Not only did this book make me genuinely laugh out loud, but it is so witty almost on the level that Gilmore Girls’s writing is witty. We get to follow a pair of Ornithologists in a fun and quirky hunt to become the TOP ornithologist (AND TENURE!) similar to India’s first series, but I feel like the writing within the story is much easier to follow and more accessible to readers. The Romance is *chefs kiss* and I was obsessed with this couple. She is laid the foundation perfectly for the second book and I cannot wait to read it!

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

Beth Pickering and Devon Lockley are professional rivals when it comes to ornithology, continually at odds in the seeking of rare magical birds. The competition for Birder of the Year puts them in close contact as they find themselves on the same side in the quest to find and protect the endangered caladrius bird, powerful chemistry and unexpected romantic feelings arising with each moment they spend together.

The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love is a lighthearted, humorous historical fantasy romp with scintillating chemistry between its two leads. Beth considers herself socially awkward, dry and unlikable, but for Devin, it was practically love at first site. Devin loves her sharp mind and thinks she’s beautiful, enjoying every moment he spends with her. Beth is drawn to the devilish handsome, charming and intelligent ornithologist with his adventurous air. Devin is not used to women wanting him more than just a few fun hours, but finds he could see forever with Beth. 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. The scholarly tone air adds authenticity to story as it’s centered on leads who are very much grounded in academia. Plenty of quirky secondary characters who interact with Beth and Devon on their adventures add to the zany 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.

BY JOVE India Holton’s books make my heart take flight and her newest installment is no exception!

Devon and Beth (who just happen to be rival professors and ornithologists) are new comfort characters to me. i saw so much of myself in Beth—in her need to always be polite and do the right thing in hopes that no one will find a fault in her or have a reason to dislike her. i absolutely loved getting to watch her confidence bloom right in front of my eyes.

and Devon! the flirty little ornithologist (see: rakish villain who is secretly a romantic?!) that he is!! he has his own walls up, but it doesn’t take long for him to fall hard and fast for Beth🤭

the adventure these two embark on, both literally and emotionally, was such a joy to read! there were so many breath-catching moments i lost count. and goodness me, the banter between them as they are (quite literally) forced together in attempts to capture a rare magical bird (as a part of a secret marketing campaign) is, well, as magical as it is scandalous.
alas Devon will tell you, all’s fair in love and ornithology.

but there’s no shortage of other ornithologists and professors trying to get in their way and capture the bird for themselves. filled with endless hijinks and even a kidnapping, it’s as they say: there’s nothing as ruthless as ornithology. especially when there’s magical birds involved and tenure (!!!) is at stake!

truly nothing brings me as much joy as an India Holton book! they are always romantic, swoony, magical, hilarious, and heartwarming, and i will recommend them endlessly. thank you, Berkley, for this ARC! it was a highlight of my year🥲

read if you love:
+ one horse
+ rivals to lovers
+ hijinks and shenanigans
+ (manipulated) forced proximity
+ guy falls first
+ only….seven beds?
+ “villain.” x “ruthless woman.” 🤭
+ only one train compartment
+ neurodivergent rep
+ Victorian England with a twist

I do love India Holton's writing and wit! I enjoyed Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love, and the subject matter (a bird competition!) was really fun and unique. I did not connect to the characters as much as I would have liked, but still enjoyed the story and the humor.

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!

The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love was a chaotic read! Having read one of Holton's previous works, this book fit her usual bill of fast paced and silly. There were some funny bits in this story. I thought the French fisherman storyline was hilarious. The main characters had some funny one-liners. I thought Beth and Devon were cute. I enjoyed their banter and the "he falls first" trope. I did find it a little hard to keep track of all the side characters. The birder of the year competition plot line was fun. Holton did a great job with the pacing and action of the story. About half-way through the story, I found the book a little too silly for me. I've given this author a few tries now and I've determined that her books just aren't for me. Although Holton's books don't necessarily click with me, I can see other readers getting into them. Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC.

Such a bright, lighthearted fantasy about ornithologists competing to find a rare, magical bird. The fun and sometimes wacky banter had me actually laughing out loud so many times. It's just so refreshing to read a fantasy book that doesn't take itself too seriously, and it genuinely was a joy to read. There's adventure, swoon-worthy romance, rivals to reluctant allies, magical creatures, and bucketloads of charm. Overall, such a fun read!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.

There’s was a charm that I’m used to from India’s previous series that was missing here. The nonsense in her previous series was fun and whimsical and had this theatrical quality that was so fun to read. But here, the shenanigans just felt silly and didn’t add much to the story. Or they did add to the story, but it wasn’t fun and often, it came across as too absurdist even for a book about magical birds.

I think Holton does a great job of smashing time accurate Victorian historical elements with fantastical magic elements so that was a plus! But we were swimming in ornithology jargon for no real reason other than to remind us this was about birds. Yes I know the jargon had a place but I spent so much time googling what half of these words were and it was so distracting.

Hello, this was fun! I've enjoyed India Holton's other books and I'm excited for this series to continue! Read if you like:
-Academic rivals to lovers
-A competition
-Magical birds
-An impeccable sense of humor
-Did I mention magical, potentially deadly, birds?
Like Holton's first series, this book is full of wit and puns and so much fun; I do have a blast (pun intended) reading these! This one was missing a certain something that would bump it to a 4- or 5-star read, but I enjoyed it overall and would recommend. There's a fun bit of narration that pops up every now and again, giving the book a very un-serious feel, that was a very nice touch as well. I look forward to the next one in this series!

The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love is a really fun idea for a book. Academic rivals-to-lovers who research magical birds in a fantasy-historical setting immediately drew me. I think this book would be great for people who enjoyed The Princess Bride. The humor and dialogue really reminded me of something that could’ve come from that universe. However, I’m not a huge fan of The Princess Bride and the ramble-y over the top narration style just didn’t work for me. Paired with the large cast of characters with humorously long names it all made it hard for me to focus on what was happening. Overall, this was just not for me. I think there is definitely an audience that will love this. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this to my friends that love the Princess Bride. But, unfortunately, I decided I wasn’t going to force myself to finish this and DNF’d at 25%.

India Holton's use of language is truly unique. On the micro level, her writing is unexpected and hilarious. Each sentence on its own is a little masterpiece of wit and charm. But on the micro level, we find it difficult to connect with her characters. The love story is overwhelmed by the wry humor and feels like a collection of bons mots rather than a coherent relationship arc. It feels like style over substance.

Her last series was about pirates who roamed the British countryside in flying houses and a collection of their enemies and colleagues (spies, witches, etc.). These are all disreputable characters, and much of the humor came from their subversion of the 19th Century comedy of manners. This book is about academics who act exactly like the witches and pirates from the first series: they double cross each other and resort to cartoonish violence to capture rare birds. We think that the point might be that academia doesn't reward ethical scholarship. Maybe? But since these characters act just like people who unabashedly call themselves villains, it didn't hit quite the same way.

At the base, we think this book just isn't the right fit for us as readers. Yes, we love bonkers, silly, lighthearted romance novels, but we also apparently really love sincere, unabashedly romantic love stories. Everything in this book feels held at arms' length, and we want a real embrace.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

5 stars. The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love is my first book from India Holton, but it will absolutely not be my last. This book was completely bonkers in the best way. It's a bit of magical realism mixed with historical romance mixed with rom com, and everything about that combination worked. I loved that the two main characters were ornithologists but what was even coolers is that the birds in this book were magical! And deadly. Very very deadly. But also magical! The book makes fun of of academic rivalries, but takes it to the extreme with ornithologists, who apparently are the most unscrupulous, stopping at nothing to achieve tenure. If you've ever seen the movie Rat Race, The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love reminded me a LOT of that, only instead of a bunch of amoral people trying to win money amazing race style, it's a bunch of academics trying to find a rare bird and be awarded tenure. Which is just hysterical in one of those funny because it's true type of ways. But, in order to make things interesting (because apparently magical birds aren't interesting enough), the race's organizers have a really heavy hand orchestrating chaos. And believe me, there is CHAOS. In addition to being a lot of fun, the romance was also really sweet. Both characters really had a lot in common (obviously), and I loved how they went from academic rivals to partners to lovers. The story is pretty fast past and truly, something wild and exciting feels like it happens in every chapter. The quality of the writing itself far exceeded my expectations. There was banter, romance, magic, and a lot of laughter. I cannot wait to continue this series, but I also can't wait to back track and read Holton's back list. I loved this one so much that even though I was gifted an eARC, I did go ahead and purchase a physical copy for myself.

Thank you so much to Holton, Berkley, and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. I absolutely loved this one!

SO MUCH FUN! India Hilton knows how to write a quirky and fun story that keeps you flipping the pages with joy and a need to know what happens to these characters she so perfectly crafts and makes her readers care about.

India Holton has NEVER failed me and honestly after reading her fourth book I doubt she ever will. All of her books are so fun, this one included. Devon and Beth have such a cute dynamic and India continues to write some of my favorite banter and romance plot lines. Honestly, she is such an underrated author and I really hope this book does well. I absolutely loved it!

The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love is my second India Holton book and I am pleased to say it’s my favorite of the two. If you want a humorous, cheeky rom-com set in a highly stylized version of England this might just be your new favorite book.
This follows Beth Pickering, a precocious young woman who happens to be the youngest professor of ornithology at Oxford. We initially meet her as she and another famous ornithologist try to capture the deathwhistler - a rare magical bird whose song can kill. Unfortunately, ornithology is practically a competitive sport and a rogue duo come in and steal the deathwhistler right from under Beth Pickering’s nose. Professor Devon Lockley is a brilliant scholar at Cambridge (oh, the rivalry!) and though he won’t turn down an opportunity like nabbing the deathwhistler, he’s quite stunned by Professor Pickering’s beauty. You can make a guess at where this might be going and you’d be right.
While all this drama is going down, the International Ornithological Society (IOS) is trying to drum up hype for the birding world and offers a hefty prize for the capture of a rare bird called a caladrius. Obviously this sends the entirety of the ornithological community stampeding back to England. Pickering and Lockley keep finding themselves pushed together rather unavoidably and, well, this is a rom-com after all.
This was overall a very entertaining read. It was surprisingly steamy and all around a good time, though it perhaps veered into the ridiculous and humorous a bit too much for my tastes. Or perhaps I should say the brand of humor was not quite for me. If you’ve read India Holton’s previous series, beginning with The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, you will know exactly what I mean. The premise is quite fun and I liked the addition of magic birds. A bird that can strip a human down like a school of piranhas or one that can breathe fire certainly kept things interesting and only added to the wild antics of our main characters and the IOS in the name of publicity and tourism. The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love is also the first in a series called Love’s Academic, which appears to be a series of interconnected standalones focusing on a new couple in each book.

Who knew birders could be so provocative and sexy!

The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love had me laughing out loud. This couple's pining over one another, but neither knew made for some hilarious moments. Two famed birders are vying for the convened prize of "Birder of the Year." The magical birds encapsulating this book were unusual and captivating.

Beth believes the good in all and proper etiquette complimented Devon's rogue mannerism and crassness. For two opposites, they found themselves in the following situations: one bed; one horse; small broom closets; simple caresses and smoldering over one another.

Simply loved this couple!

Thank you, Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley