Tag Archives: India Holton

The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love by India Holton

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love by India Holton

Title: The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love
Author: India Holton
Series: Love’s Academic #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Magic, Romantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2024

Thoughts

Beth and Devon are just way too damn cute, I honestly couldn’t stop reading about them and the insanity that leads to their happily ever after. From the very first sentence, they are a somewhat unorthodox couple in a very unorthodox world. Something that I love about Holton’s writing. They are a cute and hilarious couple, one that obviously belongs together. But, the journey to getting there was so entertaining and fun filled, that I couldn’t put it down.

One of the things I love about this story is just how ruthless and utterly insane the Ornithologists are. I mean, kidnapping, guns, just mayhem and total insanity. All in a race for academic recognition (something that I absolutely can believe). I mean, their insanity had me laughing out loud at moments throughout this story. The fact that there is a façade of hilarious politeness to the ruthlessness was just so very British. I also loved how all of these very British moments and corrections were highlighted with a crossed out line through the more honest words. It just added to the humour and entertainment.

A story that starts out with two ornithologists competing against one another, and then unfolds into a huge conspiracy was vastly entertaining. I absolutely love that there is a huge conspiracy in this competition, and how this steadily unfolds. Plus, there is the structure of the magical world and all of the different types of incredibly dangerous birds messing up Beth and Devon’s plans. Then, there’s the involvement of the media in the conspiracy, constantly trigging and altering the direction of the story line. The power of the media was kind of brilliant, and seriously enjoyable.

I absolutely adored this novel. I couldn’t put it down, and I was laughing throughout the whole thing. Yet, Holton was also able to bring a lot of heart and emotion to the story. Amongst the entertainment and chaos, there is a lot of affection and the building of a great relationship. A relationship that I was completely invested in, something that doesn’t always happen.

<- More India HoltonThe Geographer’s Map to Romance ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels
Author: India Holton
Series: Dangerous Damsels #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Pirates, Regency romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I absolutely adored this novel. I mean, the premise intrigued me (which is why I bought it). But I quite frankly, didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I actually did. I mean, it was such a funny and enjoyable story to start with. But the balance between Proper English behaviour and the insanity of law-breaking pirates? That was just hilarious.

The idea of a fleet of flying houses instead of pirate ships was a major surprise, but one that worked brilliantly. I kind of want a beautiful British home that I can just… cast a spell and make it fly to a whole new destination. Although, the idea of lady scoundrels who are getting on in years piloting such a vessel is somewhat concerning…

Honestly, Ned is everything I want in my life. Or at least, in a roguish pirate. Who is also an assassin. Who is also a crown spy. I mean, he’s kind of adorable, totally competent, but also somewhat naive about the skills etc of Cecelia. At least to begin with. In an entertaining and light-hearted story, he’s also the perfect entertaining and light-hearted romantic lead.

At first, I found some of Cecelia’s passivity with her aunt and the Society a little bit annoying. But as the story progressed it grated a little less. Probably because, even though in some ways she’s a little too passive, in others she is kind of contrary. Just in a far more subtle and ladylike way than I would be used to.

Honestly, as much as I loved Cecelia and Ned, I also found the secondary characters adorable. Miss Darlington was downright precious and just what I would imagine of an elderly lady scoundrel. A proper, tea drinking one that is. And Movrath, the villain, both a little bit scary, but also somewhat comedic. Yes, he almost seems to be terrifying and winning a multitude of times. But then, he’s also just so damn… cringeworthy.

A perfectly splendid book to drink a cup of tea to.

<- More India HoltonThe League of Gentlewomen Witches ->

Image source: Bookety Book Books