If you loved books like Half a Soul, then this has to be on your TBR. This historical fantasy is for those who love magical creatures, rivals, and romance. It’s swoony and historical snuggling right into the charm. Keep reading this book review of The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love for my full thoughts.
Summary
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.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
We love the premises of he falls first, rivals, Indiana Jones, and birds. And The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love 100% delivers. This story blends magical birds – in the best way – and a historical fiction Victorian type England. Cue the parasols. It has a steam punk feel which is my favorite type of historical fiction fantasy in England. The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love is all about stealing birds and hearts. It’s full of rivals, one who totally doesn’t see it as a rivalry and the other who does. (We love this dynamic!).
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With puzzles, competitions, and plenty of running I can see where the Indiana Jones comparison comes into play. This has plenty of banter, social niceties, and only one bed. It’s so fun and I am truly living for this cozy fantasies with birds! If you like any historical fantasy romances or magical bird loving characters, this has to be on your TBR. It’s precious and swoony. The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love is about the people they are together. All while running, getting into trouble, and competing (against each other).
Find The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Bookshop.org, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.