♡ Thank you for the free audiobook, PRH Audio.
Synopsis
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.
Thoughts
This is a charming and unique story that reminds me of an eclectic combination of books and movies that I have enjoyed in the past. If you were to mix Bridgerton, Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and Birding with Benefits, you just may end up with a book that looks something like this. Considering this story’s interesting plot, entertaining characters, and witty banter, I look forward to continuing the Love’s Academic series.
☊ Listening to this via audio was great. Narrator Elizabeth Knowelden did an excellent job!