India Holton

Rival ornithologists hunt through England for a rare magical bird in this historical-fantasy rom-com reminiscent of Indiana Jones but with manners, tea, and helicopter parasols. 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.

The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love

Cassidy Nolan

Then Devon’s mouth began to slide into a crooked smile, as if he simply could not keep his wicked charm suppressed for long.

With a sardonic smile, Devon released her hands and turned to the clerk and engineer. Beth took the opportunity to discreetly flex her fingers, which thrummed with the sensation of his touch.

Conversing with this woman was like the most delicious foreplay, only with technical descriptions of an avian species in lieu of touching.

She wanted to laugh. She wanted to climb into the kiss and build a home there, grow a bright garden, and wake every morning to joyful birdsong.

“I swear when this competition is over, I am going to buy you a new dictionary.”

Beth flicked him disdainful sidelong look, but humor tugged at her mouth. “Villain,” she said lightly.

Emma Hak-Kovacs

Monsieur Chevrolet was reputed to have the mustache of an Adonis and the thighs of a Zeus-and a highly informative manner of lecturing, of course.

After all, fun was lovely and kisses were sweet, but tenure was forever. And birds were her only friends.

The lady ornithologist's reputation is most exposed to danger when traveling alone; therefore, it behooves her to always carry a petite revolver, a personal supply of tea, and a false marriage license should the necessity for one arise.

ETH DISEMBARKED THE train at Oxford Station with a great weight upon her. Namely, her suitcase, which she was used to leaving in the care of Hippolyta's footmen. Nevertheless, determined to beat Devon to their mutual destination, she wrapped both arms around it and ventured forth with such speed, several shocked pedestrians muttered to each other, "There goes a feminist!"

The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love quotes

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