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Love's Academic #3
The Antiquarian's Object of Desire
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Expected 21 Apr 26Win a free print copy of this book!
3 days and 08:09:52
5 copies available
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When two history professors and best friends are forced to fake hate to protect their reputations, chaos ensues, in the next rollicking historical-fantasy rom-com from beloved author India Holton.
Magical-antique experts Amelia Tarrant and Caleb Sterling have been best friends forever, although lately each has begun secretly wishing for more than friendship. But when rumors about their relationship spread, they're forced to fake being enemies to protect their reputations and keep their jobs.
The resulting arguments spark havoc across Oxford University, and when they cause an explosion while fighting over a magical antique, it’s the final straw for their exasperated faculty head. He dispatches them to a job in Cumbria where even they can’t get into trouble.…
Which proves just how wrong one man can be. In a stormbound old manor house, Amelia and Caleb face magical mayhem and rampaging ghosts that make the previous havoc look mild in comparison. Most troublesome of all, though, is the secret of how they feel about each other. When it comes to tackling deadly antiques, hiding the truth in their hearts could destroy them for real.
Magical-antique experts Amelia Tarrant and Caleb Sterling have been best friends forever, although lately each has begun secretly wishing for more than friendship. But when rumors about their relationship spread, they're forced to fake being enemies to protect their reputations and keep their jobs.
The resulting arguments spark havoc across Oxford University, and when they cause an explosion while fighting over a magical antique, it’s the final straw for their exasperated faculty head. He dispatches them to a job in Cumbria where even they can’t get into trouble.…
Which proves just how wrong one man can be. In a stormbound old manor house, Amelia and Caleb face magical mayhem and rampaging ghosts that make the previous havoc look mild in comparison. Most troublesome of all, though, is the secret of how they feel about each other. When it comes to tackling deadly antiques, hiding the truth in their hearts could destroy them for real.
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Expected publication April 21, 2026
8047 people want to read
About the author
India Holton
11 books3,875 followersIndia lives in New Zealand, where she writes fantasy romcoms featuring unconventional women and men who adore them.
India's writing is fuelled by tea and thunderstorms.
India's writing is fuelled by tea and thunderstorms.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
November 5, 2025
“Talk to me, Amelia.”
“I am,” she answered, frowning. “We’re having intercourse right now.”
“Hm. If that were true, I think I’d have noticed."
i am SWOONING over caleb, if you loved wendell and emily you NEED to read this!!! 💖
india holton delivered w her usual delightfully sassy charm, laugh out loud moments, and imaginative take in this fantasy of manners hisrom! the nod to the gothic era of the time w this rain-drenched, haunted mansion made this a perfect fall read and the fun twist of *fake* hate to love between secret best friends was so fun!
“Sorry. Looking at you in your evening attire, I completely forgot I’m supposed to hate you.”
the slowburn!! the tension!!! the adoration!!!! they were so cute but also so steamy 🤭 i was throwing my ereader at the wall (in the best way)!!!!
Amelia’s pulse began to run around madly, throwing off its clothes and hauling on lacy lingerie.
holton always knows how to write a simp who can smolder the chemise off any reader and a leading lady who keeps them on their toes. i just wanted to give amelia a hug (she would absolutely hate that tho so maybe a quick pat on the wrist).
Caleb found himself thinking, not for the first time in their long acquaintance, just how lovely her eyes were, soft and dark, with lashes so long they rightfully belonged on a morally gray hero.
if you haven’t gotten into holton yet, you must but esp to get to this book 💙✨
She was his magic; she had enchanted his life from the moment he first met her.
an honest arc review ♡
“I am,” she answered, frowning. “We’re having intercourse right now.”
“Hm. If that were true, I think I’d have noticed."
i am SWOONING over caleb, if you loved wendell and emily you NEED to read this!!! 💖
india holton delivered w her usual delightfully sassy charm, laugh out loud moments, and imaginative take in this fantasy of manners hisrom! the nod to the gothic era of the time w this rain-drenched, haunted mansion made this a perfect fall read and the fun twist of *fake* hate to love between secret best friends was so fun!
“Sorry. Looking at you in your evening attire, I completely forgot I’m supposed to hate you.”
the slowburn!! the tension!!! the adoration!!!! they were so cute but also so steamy 🤭 i was throwing my ereader at the wall (in the best way)!!!!
Amelia’s pulse began to run around madly, throwing off its clothes and hauling on lacy lingerie.
holton always knows how to write a simp who can smolder the chemise off any reader and a leading lady who keeps them on their toes. i just wanted to give amelia a hug (she would absolutely hate that tho so maybe a quick pat on the wrist).
Caleb found himself thinking, not for the first time in their long acquaintance, just how lovely her eyes were, soft and dark, with lashes so long they rightfully belonged on a morally gray hero.
if you haven’t gotten into holton yet, you must but esp to get to this book 💙✨
She was his magic; she had enchanted his life from the moment he first met her.
an honest arc review ♡
November 28, 2025
The Antiquarian’s Object of Desire felt like an alternate universe or something of a prequel to the Harry Potter series, mostly because it was set in Victorian England, and the magical elements the series is based on. The magical teaspoons, ghosts, and potions were also parts that reminded me of the Harry Potter movies. The best friends to fake enemies to lovers arc was fun and different from other stories I’ve read, and was very charming to watch play out.
✧ Amelia is a very capable antiquarian and professor, whose hardened exterior reflects the years of perseverance in a cruel male dominated academic world. At her core, she is a total sweetheart who deserves nothing but the best, and part of her arc is really just her discovering that for herself.
✧ Caleb is a charming, happy go lucky golden retriever. The picture of a gentleman, has been in love with Amelia (who has been oblivious) all along. He really only just wants to be where Amelia is. I really liked him.
This was a very sweet romcom overall! Amelia’s guarded strength was balanced well between Caleb’s unwavering affection for her, even when they were meant to be hating on each other… it anchored the novel in a nice way. It was so easy to read and fun to watch Amelia’s walls crumble, finally allowing herself to indulge in happiness. I enjoyed it but did find the pacing to be a little slow, before realizing durr this is a slow burn. And trust me this was a …..SLOWww…… BURN 🔥 though it was really strong in the butterfly department. The love scenes just felt a little confusing to read because they weren’t very descriptive/written mostly in metaphors 😂
There were also parts of the story that touched on women’s rights in the era, and how our main character Amelia had to overcome the hurdles of being one of the only female professors at the respected university that she was employed by. Some of the scenes felt powerful, while others fell a little flat.
Full disclosure; I haven’t read the other two books, but don’t feel let out at all. I really appreciated that while this book was a story included in an ongoing series, it still stood firm on its own, and wasn’t confusing trying to acclimate to the story or magic systems.
Story- ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ★
Spice- ☆ ☆ ★ ★ ★
Overall- 4/5
Thank you so much to NetGalley to sending me a copy to review in exchange for an honest review! 🥄✨
✧ Amelia is a very capable antiquarian and professor, whose hardened exterior reflects the years of perseverance in a cruel male dominated academic world. At her core, she is a total sweetheart who deserves nothing but the best, and part of her arc is really just her discovering that for herself.
✧ Caleb is a charming, happy go lucky golden retriever. The picture of a gentleman, has been in love with Amelia (who has been oblivious) all along. He really only just wants to be where Amelia is. I really liked him.
This was a very sweet romcom overall! Amelia’s guarded strength was balanced well between Caleb’s unwavering affection for her, even when they were meant to be hating on each other… it anchored the novel in a nice way. It was so easy to read and fun to watch Amelia’s walls crumble, finally allowing herself to indulge in happiness. I enjoyed it but did find the pacing to be a little slow, before realizing durr this is a slow burn. And trust me this was a …..SLOWww…… BURN 🔥 though it was really strong in the butterfly department. The love scenes just felt a little confusing to read because they weren’t very descriptive/written mostly in metaphors 😂
There were also parts of the story that touched on women’s rights in the era, and how our main character Amelia had to overcome the hurdles of being one of the only female professors at the respected university that she was employed by. Some of the scenes felt powerful, while others fell a little flat.
Full disclosure; I haven’t read the other two books, but don’t feel let out at all. I really appreciated that while this book was a story included in an ongoing series, it still stood firm on its own, and wasn’t confusing trying to acclimate to the story or magic systems.
Story- ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ★
Spice- ☆ ☆ ★ ★ ★
Overall- 4/5
Thank you so much to NetGalley to sending me a copy to review in exchange for an honest review! 🥄✨
Want to read
June 3, 2025BEST FRIENDS TO LOVERS WITH FAKE HATING (to protect their reputation???).
THIS IS NOT A DRILL.
India Holton you will always be famous.
THIS IS NOT A DRILL.
India Holton you will always be famous.
October 7, 2025
Disclaimer: I received a free electronic ARC of this title from the publisher & Edelweiss in my capacity as a bookseller. I was not paid for this review.
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I really loved this childhood friends-to fake hating-to lovers story. There was a perfect blend of genuinely funny playful ribbing of English society in the Victorian period and a swoon worthy romance between Caleb and Amelia. The atmosphere is deliciously described at Ravenscroft Manor, while the supporting cast - while not exactly fleshed out - still feel like amusing obstacles to these two just trying to find a moment to talk to each other and maybe kiss.
Also, Caleb? Probably the MOST Howl Pendragon coded MMC I’ve seen in ages. He’s genuinely hilarious but also incredibly romantic and a character worth rooting for, 100%. He feels very well fleshed out in balance with Amelia, the FMC. She’s absolutely great - capable and knowledgeable, but with a vulnerability to her that makes her really wonderful and engaging.
I had a lot of fun with this title, as a fantasy romance rom-com it really nails the tone of playful comedy, commentary on how women are treated in academia, and heartfelt romantic tension between the lead characters. This was great.
-
I really loved this childhood friends-to fake hating-to lovers story. There was a perfect blend of genuinely funny playful ribbing of English society in the Victorian period and a swoon worthy romance between Caleb and Amelia. The atmosphere is deliciously described at Ravenscroft Manor, while the supporting cast - while not exactly fleshed out - still feel like amusing obstacles to these two just trying to find a moment to talk to each other and maybe kiss.
Also, Caleb? Probably the MOST Howl Pendragon coded MMC I’ve seen in ages. He’s genuinely hilarious but also incredibly romantic and a character worth rooting for, 100%. He feels very well fleshed out in balance with Amelia, the FMC. She’s absolutely great - capable and knowledgeable, but with a vulnerability to her that makes her really wonderful and engaging.
I had a lot of fun with this title, as a fantasy romance rom-com it really nails the tone of playful comedy, commentary on how women are treated in academia, and heartfelt romantic tension between the lead characters. This was great.
October 19, 2025
Well this is every thing I wanted it to be and then some.
I am a huge India Holton fan and was honored to receive this as an ARC.
This is the fake-hating relationship you never knew you needed. Amelia and Caleb are best friends who have to be fake enemies. It works about as well as one would expect.
This book carried all the whimsy Holton always provided. However, I feel it reaches even deeper in character development because of their friendship. This book had me giggling, tearing up, and beyond excited for every page.
I am a huge India Holton fan and was honored to receive this as an ARC.
This is the fake-hating relationship you never knew you needed. Amelia and Caleb are best friends who have to be fake enemies. It works about as well as one would expect.
This book carried all the whimsy Holton always provided. However, I feel it reaches even deeper in character development because of their friendship. This book had me giggling, tearing up, and beyond excited for every page.
upcoming
July 25, 2025LOVE this series! So excited!
I hope the Cover is a royal blue? And that an ARC shows up in my inbox???
I hope the Cover is a royal blue? And that an ARC shows up in my inbox???
October 31, 2025
okay this was cute!!! on the rare occasions when i actually like friends to lovers, i really like it and this was definitely one of those cases. i thought the main characters were so sweet and funny, which made the story fly by for me. the only downside is more of a personal thing since i’m not really into historical fiction but it was totally worth the read!!
November 24, 2025
everything about this was beautiful. i do not think i have giggled while reading a series like this before. every thing you would expect from a fantasy rom com has been fulfilled, even going above and beyond.
india holton just knows how to balance romance with a worldbuilding that begets a whimsical charm. there was a plot that progressed the romance. the romance on its own was just stunning. caleb and amelia were interesting characters, and they shared a very codependent, i-go-wherever-you-go love and friendship, which was just so much fun to read.
the best friends to lovers trope has always been my most favourite trope, and this is one of the gems this trope offers.
thank you to netgalley and berkley for this ARC!!
india holton just knows how to balance romance with a worldbuilding that begets a whimsical charm. there was a plot that progressed the romance. the romance on its own was just stunning. caleb and amelia were interesting characters, and they shared a very codependent, i-go-wherever-you-go love and friendship, which was just so much fun to read.
the best friends to lovers trope has always been my most favourite trope, and this is one of the gems this trope offers.
thank you to netgalley and berkley for this ARC!!
Want to read
June 4, 2025I can rate this 5 stars and know I won't be rating it lower 🙌🏻
November 12, 2025
This book was every bit as good as I expected it to be but it surprised me by being even better than that. I’m charmed by the unexpectedly wry comparisons which India Holton makes, they often make me chuckle. I also enjoy the author’s use of different formatting for words and phrases to highlight and also convey a different meaning.
Hilton’s creative turn of phrase constantly keeps the reader engaged and on their toes, such as “…she wore a striped dress that didn’t just say I mean business but practically gave a podium speech about it.” There is no boring ‘middle of the book slump’ here!
The story moves along at a brisk pace, keeping the reader engaged and interested to see what happens next. The various magical outbursts sure keep things exciting. I admit that I found the constant ‘forced hate’ interactions a bit wearing after a while. I feel that they could be cut back slightly so they don’t drag the story down. They give the book a farcical feel which is perhaps what Holton wishes to accomplish.
Goodness me but I found Vanity annoying (which is what I expect the author wanted). The secondary characters are broadly drawn, almost as caricatures, which give the book some of its playfulness.
I love the plot twist about Lady Ruperta, it caught me off guard. I had figured out a couple of the red herrings but that one was a surprise.
The smouldering romantic tension between Caleb and Amelia keeps the reader anticipating and breathless throughout the book. The occasional tryst just serves to ratchet up the heat until both the reader and the couple can hardly contain their impatience. What sweet relief when they finally reach that sweet, shimmering peak in that intense scene.
Caleb is funny, charming, oh-so-handsome and also has been head over heels for Amelia since they were children. Who wouldn’t fall under his spell?! I feel like Amelia has more recently discovered her true feelings for Caleb. Her awakening desire is creating tremors, mentally and physically, that astonish and unsettle her, but in a good way.
I was delighted with the cameos of Gabriel and Elodie, Devon and Beth. How entertaining to get a whole scene with all of them interacting together. It’s so fun to be reminded of them and their stories. I always enjoy books that have crossovera seriesories that intertwine.
I love how Holton handles the theme of women’s treatment in academia with her trademark serious humour. She delivers a message but in a witty, amusing manner.
The series has been so enjoyable and this third instalment has really been the best one yet. It is charming, quirky, fun yet delivers a message about women’s experiences in the world. Deftly written, thoroughly diverting and highly recommended.
My thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book and this is my frank review of it.
Hilton’s creative turn of phrase constantly keeps the reader engaged and on their toes, such as “…she wore a striped dress that didn’t just say I mean business but practically gave a podium speech about it.” There is no boring ‘middle of the book slump’ here!
The story moves along at a brisk pace, keeping the reader engaged and interested to see what happens next. The various magical outbursts sure keep things exciting. I admit that I found the constant ‘forced hate’ interactions a bit wearing after a while. I feel that they could be cut back slightly so they don’t drag the story down. They give the book a farcical feel which is perhaps what Holton wishes to accomplish.
Goodness me but I found Vanity annoying (which is what I expect the author wanted). The secondary characters are broadly drawn, almost as caricatures, which give the book some of its playfulness.
I love the plot twist about Lady Ruperta, it caught me off guard. I had figured out a couple of the red herrings but that one was a surprise.
The smouldering romantic tension between Caleb and Amelia keeps the reader anticipating and breathless throughout the book. The occasional tryst just serves to ratchet up the heat until both the reader and the couple can hardly contain their impatience. What sweet relief when they finally reach that sweet, shimmering peak in that intense scene.
Caleb is funny, charming, oh-so-handsome and also has been head over heels for Amelia since they were children. Who wouldn’t fall under his spell?! I feel like Amelia has more recently discovered her true feelings for Caleb. Her awakening desire is creating tremors, mentally and physically, that astonish and unsettle her, but in a good way.
I was delighted with the cameos of Gabriel and Elodie, Devon and Beth. How entertaining to get a whole scene with all of them interacting together. It’s so fun to be reminded of them and their stories. I always enjoy books that have crossovera seriesories that intertwine.
I love how Holton handles the theme of women’s treatment in academia with her trademark serious humour. She delivers a message but in a witty, amusing manner.
The series has been so enjoyable and this third instalment has really been the best one yet. It is charming, quirky, fun yet delivers a message about women’s experiences in the world. Deftly written, thoroughly diverting and highly recommended.
My thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book and this is my frank review of it.
November 14, 2025
4.5/5 stars! I have (and always will) read everything India Holton writes. She is my comfort writer. I can always count on her for witty humor and the ability to have me kicking my feet in delight at all hours of the night. She is a master at writing historical rom coms with light fantasy. While the romance in this one wasn’t my favorite, I had such a delightful time with the story. It was such a treat to be whisked away into a world with magical objects. I love the academic aspect that this series has to offer. If you like the academia aspect and dynamic of the characters in the Emily Wilde series, I would highly recommend picking this up when it is out! At times the dynamic between our two main characters reminded me of Wendell and Emily. I really appreciated how self aware this book is and borderline satirical. The entire time Amelia and Caleb spend at the gothic manor felt very much like a satirical gothic novel. (Much to Caleb’s delight) As always, India Holton’s characters are so eccentric and entertaining that they practically leap off the page. Her writing is just as wonderful as always. I so enjoyed the autumnal imagery. As previously mentioned, the romance wasn’t my favorite. I did really love the male main characters/love interest though. I really appreciated how Holton wrote a male character that wasn’t afraid of his feminine side. I wish more authors would create characters like Caleb. At times I kind of got lost in the plot and forgot what exactly Amelia and Caleb’s end goal was. We did get there eventually! Overall, this was just as charming as Holton’s other works. I will be anxiously rereading all her books as I wait for whatever she publishes next.
*Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!*
*Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!*
October 22, 2025
Cutie patooties
October 14, 2025
Edelweiss arc review: The main characters work extremely well together as a couple. The childhood friends-turned fake rivals have always loved one another secretly. The writing pulls this off really well and makes it both believable and enjoyable. The magical elements are intriguing and the plot makes sense. It's my favorite of the series!
October 12, 2025
India Holton can write romance, there just wasn’t enough of it in this installment for me. I like Caleb and Amelia’s dynamic but it was overshadowed by the plot for most of the book - which meandered at times I’ll still be reading more of her work but this one wasn’t my favorite.
October 26, 2025
I enjoyed this book the most out of the trilogy. Best friends to lovers slow burn with yearning for days is one of my all time favorite combinations, and this one was delivered with a twist: fake hating. The fake enemies trope was a first for me, and it created some fun banter, but after a while you could see the toll it was taking on both MCs. I cried so much for these characters both romantically and professionally. Two PhD history profs that experience academia so differently just because of their difference in gender. Amelia was so relatable, and her struggles in academia were just a mirror of what they still are today for women in male dominated fields. The ending was absolutely perfect. This trilogy was a bit interesting to me in that each book was written as complete standalones, but the last chapter of this final book gave a nice update for all 6 MCs. Aside from that final chapter, the other books’ storylines don’t overlap, so there’s no need to read the whole series if you don’t want to, but I would say that as the series progressed, I got more comfortable with the setting and the fantasy aspect of the books. I’m not a fantasy reader though, so maybe that wouldn’t impact everyone like it did for me. This book was well written, had an excellent plot and character development, and incredibly light spice.
November 23, 2025
I absolutely DEVOURED this magnificent book! Friends to fake enemies to lovers, I mean COME ON. I seriously love everything India Holton writes. This story was hilarious and heartbreaking and sometimes hit wayyyyy too close to home. But it was a fantastic and lighthearted story of friends who have loved each other from the start and just took a while to admit it. I also love the kookie magical historical objects that we get to see along the way.
If you love historical rom-coms with a dose of magic, you will absolutely love this book. If you want more of a sci-fi with academic rivals, I wouldn’t necessarily choose this one. There is definitely more yearning than scientific discovery.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this amazing story!
If you love historical rom-coms with a dose of magic, you will absolutely love this book. If you want more of a sci-fi with academic rivals, I wouldn’t necessarily choose this one. There is definitely more yearning than scientific discovery.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this amazing story!
November 10, 2025
SHAMELESSLY CO DEPENDENT LOVERS (BEST FRIENDS) ARE SO BACK!!!!!!!!!!
OMG okay i need to chill a bit whew. there's nothing more iconic and romantic than best friends to lovers and I'll die on this hill once again. calebamelia have my whole heart and they're right up there now as my favourite india holton couple. I absolutely FLEW through this book. I have so much more to say but I need to collect my thoughts for it so I'll leave it at that for now
thank you sooooo much to berkley and netgalley for this arc and I'm really looking forward to how different wishspun would be from the typical india holton books🤓
OMG okay i need to chill a bit whew. there's nothing more iconic and romantic than best friends to lovers and I'll die on this hill once again. calebamelia have my whole heart and they're right up there now as my favourite india holton couple. I absolutely FLEW through this book. I have so much more to say but I need to collect my thoughts for it so I'll leave it at that for now
thank you sooooo much to berkley and netgalley for this arc and I'm really looking forward to how different wishspun would be from the typical india holton books🤓
October 15, 2025
I have the absolute best time reading everything India Holton writes. The nuance and humor in each line/word/look is enough to force me to savor her words. Taylor Swift’s “Ruin the Friendship” was on repeat in my head while reading this one. I love Caleb and Amelia so much, and I loved watching them adventure through a world of magical teaspoons with a mind of their own, misogynistic male superiors, and the forever respite they have in one another. Such a joy and such a lovely world to escape to.
Thanks to Berkley and Edelweiss for the ARC!
Thanks to Berkley and Edelweiss for the ARC!
December 3, 2025
I received an ARC of this book.
This was a very difficult book to review. I enjoyed the characters and found myself pulled into the story because I enjoyed them and their banter (and this is despite the fact that this book contains my LEAST favorite trope: best friends to "lovers."). But the plot and storyline was meandering at best, and repetitive, boring, and pointless at worst. I kept waiting for something interesting to happen in the midst of our MCs cataloging antiques and trying to hide not only their friendship but love for each other. But nothing DID happen. And then once it finally did, the characters still drifted from one ridiculous situation to another. It became increasingly frustrating. So, even though I enjoyed the characters, and wanted to enjoy the book..I did not.
This was a very difficult book to review. I enjoyed the characters and found myself pulled into the story because I enjoyed them and their banter (and this is despite the fact that this book contains my LEAST favorite trope: best friends to "lovers."). But the plot and storyline was meandering at best, and repetitive, boring, and pointless at worst. I kept waiting for something interesting to happen in the midst of our MCs cataloging antiques and trying to hide not only their friendship but love for each other. But nothing DID happen. And then once it finally did, the characters still drifted from one ridiculous situation to another. It became increasingly frustrating. So, even though I enjoyed the characters, and wanted to enjoy the book..I did not.
Want to read
October 8, 2025i want to thank god and also jesus christ for the arc
November 24, 2025
Beth and Devon cameo my heart 🤎
October 18, 2025
Hear me out: Let's say you have a matchmaking teaspoon, but it's only capable of Austin's Emma at a demolition derby level matchmaking. Yay or stay the heck away?
October 19, 2025
Overall, a cute addition to the series.
Unfortunately, I don't think it holds up against Holton's work as a whole. Amelia and Caleb have a unique element going for them, given that they're true friends when this novel begins, but I really struggled to retain interest in their plot. The sequence of them getting lost on the grounds of the manor, then the servant's quarters, then back inside the manor proper was just ... so long. I think there's an element of "teasing" the reader with tropes you think are going to happen in this book between Meely and Caleb, then doing something else (the friends to lovers experiment phase, for example), but I think it would have been a more enjoyable read if they'd actually explored that trope.
Not a terrible read, but not as fun as I'd hoped for how much I enjoy Holton's writing. This one just wasn't for me
Unfortunately, I don't think it holds up against Holton's work as a whole. Amelia and Caleb have a unique element going for them, given that they're true friends when this novel begins, but I really struggled to retain interest in their plot. The sequence of them getting lost on the grounds of the manor, then the servant's quarters, then back inside the manor proper was just ... so long. I think there's an element of "teasing" the reader with tropes you think are going to happen in this book between Meely and Caleb, then doing something else (the friends to lovers experiment phase, for example), but I think it would have been a more enjoyable read if they'd actually explored that trope.
Not a terrible read, but not as fun as I'd hoped for how much I enjoy Holton's writing. This one just wasn't for me
November 29, 2025
*Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review*
I have to admit, I went in to this one with some trepidation. 1. Because I'm very, very picky about my friends-to-lovers romances and 2. I didn't really like the 2nd book in this series, so I thought me liking the first one was a fluke. But I'm happy to say that the author exceeded my expectations and delivered a funny, heart-felt, spicy romance that hit all the right notes.
Amelia Tarrant (sister to the 2nd book's romantic lead) is an academic who deals with the pressures of expectations from her peers and her family. Her best friend in the world and fellow academic, Caleb, is her rock. Unfortunately, due to her precariousness as a woman in academia (unmarried!!!!), her relationship and comfort with Caleb ends up having to be disguised with rivalry and enmity. It's just unfortunate for them both that he tends to know the exact buttons to push to bring out her emotions in a way that often causes magic to... well, explode.
Caleb could have very, very easily fallen into the trope of "best friend who is an asshole except to one girl because she's ~not like other girls~", but he's not. He's sweet and cares so very deeply for Amelia. He genuinely likes her as a person. Whereas, Amelia is bound and determined to not see Caleb as anything other than a friend because she's terrified of losing his friendship and also doesn't entirely want to fall into the expectations people have of a man and woman interacting. The two of them have some exceptional banter and just the genuine love and support they have for one another GETS me right in the feelings.
Though, slight spoilers, if you don't like unfulfilled sexual encounters, don't read this one because HOO BOY do they get cockblocked A LOT. Personally, I found it hilarious and it made the actual moment they finally get to fulfill their desires that much sweeter.
I think this is the last book in this series (which would be a shame...), but I'm glad it ended on such a high for me. Definitely pick this one up if you liked the other books in the series. It has the author's trademark humor and fun that I've really come to adore.
I have to admit, I went in to this one with some trepidation. 1. Because I'm very, very picky about my friends-to-lovers romances and 2. I didn't really like the 2nd book in this series, so I thought me liking the first one was a fluke. But I'm happy to say that the author exceeded my expectations and delivered a funny, heart-felt, spicy romance that hit all the right notes.
Amelia Tarrant (sister to the 2nd book's romantic lead) is an academic who deals with the pressures of expectations from her peers and her family. Her best friend in the world and fellow academic, Caleb, is her rock. Unfortunately, due to her precariousness as a woman in academia (unmarried!!!!), her relationship and comfort with Caleb ends up having to be disguised with rivalry and enmity. It's just unfortunate for them both that he tends to know the exact buttons to push to bring out her emotions in a way that often causes magic to... well, explode.
Caleb could have very, very easily fallen into the trope of "best friend who is an asshole except to one girl because she's ~not like other girls~", but he's not. He's sweet and cares so very deeply for Amelia. He genuinely likes her as a person. Whereas, Amelia is bound and determined to not see Caleb as anything other than a friend because she's terrified of losing his friendship and also doesn't entirely want to fall into the expectations people have of a man and woman interacting. The two of them have some exceptional banter and just the genuine love and support they have for one another GETS me right in the feelings.
Though, slight spoilers, if you don't like unfulfilled sexual encounters, don't read this one because HOO BOY do they get cockblocked A LOT. Personally, I found it hilarious and it made the actual moment they finally get to fulfill their desires that much sweeter.
I think this is the last book in this series (which would be a shame...), but I'm glad it ended on such a high for me. Definitely pick this one up if you liked the other books in the series. It has the author's trademark humor and fun that I've really come to adore.
October 10, 2025
4.5 ☆'s
I absolutely love India Holton's works, I have read the two prior books in this series and they are golden perfection. This one has her fun quirky writing style, but it felt so different from the other two books in this series. More subdued. This really felt like a Fall book, with the rainy weather, ghosts, and a house crammed with antiquities. So, at the time of this review (Oct 2025), this was the perfect season to read this.
I flew through this book in less than a day, and was loath to put it down. But, it is unfortunately my least favorite book in the series. Which is shocking. I KNOW. I think it's the less muchness, maybe that was off about it. It was something. But, that being said I am a mood reader, and the thing off very well could be my mood.
I loved our main duo. Caleb is so extra in the best ways possible and such a great mmc. His motivations for what he does are swoon worthy. Amelia is a wonderfully nuanced woman, with the weight of expectations so heavily featured in her life. I love their love, and the lifetime of friendship they have had. It was a quiet thread that grew louder throughout the story. The end of this story was so fitting for the end of this trilogy, and I will genuinely miss the world these stories took place in. This series will be a re-read for me, and I look forward to revisiting this book as well when it's out in print. Huge huge thank you to Berkley and Netgalley, I adored reading this and was so excited to get to do so early.
Expect a different tone from the first two in the series, but it's definitely worth the read.
Published: April 2026
I absolutely love India Holton's works, I have read the two prior books in this series and they are golden perfection. This one has her fun quirky writing style, but it felt so different from the other two books in this series. More subdued. This really felt like a Fall book, with the rainy weather, ghosts, and a house crammed with antiquities. So, at the time of this review (Oct 2025), this was the perfect season to read this.
I flew through this book in less than a day, and was loath to put it down. But, it is unfortunately my least favorite book in the series. Which is shocking. I KNOW. I think it's the less muchness, maybe that was off about it. It was something. But, that being said I am a mood reader, and the thing off very well could be my mood.
I loved our main duo. Caleb is so extra in the best ways possible and such a great mmc. His motivations for what he does are swoon worthy. Amelia is a wonderfully nuanced woman, with the weight of expectations so heavily featured in her life. I love their love, and the lifetime of friendship they have had. It was a quiet thread that grew louder throughout the story. The end of this story was so fitting for the end of this trilogy, and I will genuinely miss the world these stories took place in. This series will be a re-read for me, and I look forward to revisiting this book as well when it's out in print. Huge huge thank you to Berkley and Netgalley, I adored reading this and was so excited to get to do so early.
Expect a different tone from the first two in the series, but it's definitely worth the read.
Published: April 2026
December 2, 2025
"People asked him sometimes why he'd chosen to become a historian specializing in antiques, and he always answered with a crooked smile, 'Because of the magic.' And it was true. Because of her. She was his magic; she had enchanted his life from the moment he first met her."
Professor Amelia Tarrant is a historian, more specifically an antiquarian who evaluates thaumaturgically charged antiques to determine their worth and potential for causing disaster. However, academia still harbors some distrust for women, leading her to be under watchful eyes after being too friendly with a childhood friend, Professor Caleb Sterling. Together, they must prove they are no longer friends, rather enemies, while simultaneously not having too much animosity towards each other. This friends to enemies? to lovers tale focuses on exciting academic adventures and slow-burn romance.
I absolutely adored this book! Of the trio, this is absolutely my favorite. While I'm not sure if our dynamic duo of leads was the cause or simply having an amazing grasp on this world and its unique magic, this book was thrilling and exciting the whole way through. Problems are thrown at Amelia and Caleb left and right, and not only do they take it all in stride, they continue to demonstrate their friendship towards each other and their budding romance at every turn. Truly, I had a wonderful time reading this book and I can't recommend it enough in general but especially if the first two books of this series hit the mark. This series is amazing for cozy adventure reads with an academic tie in!
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Professor Amelia Tarrant is a historian, more specifically an antiquarian who evaluates thaumaturgically charged antiques to determine their worth and potential for causing disaster. However, academia still harbors some distrust for women, leading her to be under watchful eyes after being too friendly with a childhood friend, Professor Caleb Sterling. Together, they must prove they are no longer friends, rather enemies, while simultaneously not having too much animosity towards each other. This friends to enemies? to lovers tale focuses on exciting academic adventures and slow-burn romance.
I absolutely adored this book! Of the trio, this is absolutely my favorite. While I'm not sure if our dynamic duo of leads was the cause or simply having an amazing grasp on this world and its unique magic, this book was thrilling and exciting the whole way through. Problems are thrown at Amelia and Caleb left and right, and not only do they take it all in stride, they continue to demonstrate their friendship towards each other and their budding romance at every turn. Truly, I had a wonderful time reading this book and I can't recommend it enough in general but especially if the first two books of this series hit the mark. This series is amazing for cozy adventure reads with an academic tie in!
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2025
I love India Holton so much, she's one of my favourite writers currently writing. Historians Amelia and Caleb have been best friends since childhood (which leads to various lovely flashbacks in the book, there's something special about friends to lovers that feels like home) but aren't allowed to let their feelings speak for themselves to preserve their jobs - they need to pretend to hate each other whenever someone's near, while secretly harbouring deep, magical feelings. In pursuit of magical knowledge, they're sent to remote Cumbria (aka away from civilisation) where they encounter ghosts, amongst other unwelcome guests.
The writing is SO incredibly clever in this and India's wit is unmatched - I found myself writing down several sentences multiple times. Caleb is a sweetheart but I had a bit of trouble connecting with Amelia (who doesn't read novels - goodness me) and the book felt too long for me, hence the four stars, but this is such a good read.
The ending is so incredibly sweet as we are given a chance to check on the previous couples in the series, which was such a treat. I highly recommend this series and author. She's so rereadable too, I've read several of her books multiple times and the plots and writing are so rich I find something new in them every time. The ARC I received didn't have the teaser for Wishspun, her upcoming cosy fantasy novel, but the final book will, I can't wait!
My endless thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for this ARC!
The writing is SO incredibly clever in this and India's wit is unmatched - I found myself writing down several sentences multiple times. Caleb is a sweetheart but I had a bit of trouble connecting with Amelia (who doesn't read novels - goodness me) and the book felt too long for me, hence the four stars, but this is such a good read.
The ending is so incredibly sweet as we are given a chance to check on the previous couples in the series, which was such a treat. I highly recommend this series and author. She's so rereadable too, I've read several of her books multiple times and the plots and writing are so rich I find something new in them every time. The ARC I received didn't have the teaser for Wishspun, her upcoming cosy fantasy novel, but the final book will, I can't wait!
My endless thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for this ARC!
October 12, 2025
4.5*
this series feels like it was written for my exact tastes!!
Amelia and Caleb, best friends who must fake-hate each other to keep Amelia's job and reputation safe because MISOGYNY. She is a brilliant woman working a male dominated field, and as you can imagine her every action is scrutinized, especially the interactions she shares with Caleb. So despite being incredibly close, they barb each other and put on make-believe arguments whenever they are near colleagues... which unfortunately they frequently are.
The tension between them is so fantastic. Their faking turns into heated banter that has both of them feeling *feelings*. The mutual pining? exquisite! the "friends can kiss right?"? DELECTABLE.
As with the previous two books in the Love's Academic series, the author finds the perfect balance of humor, emotion and steaminess. This plot was as expected, a ridiculous romp (complimentary)! Caleb was hilarious, he yearned and I mean.. a man who wears makeup and nail polish just does it for me. He is genuinely such a sweetheart and so caring when it comes to Amelia. There's something about the intimacy of best friends being in love. It gets me every single time!
This review is a mess, but the book was amazing!!
I'm eager to get my physical copy so I can annotate it to match books one and two, which are both tabbed AF.
many thanks to Berkley for the arc copy in exchange for an honest review
this series feels like it was written for my exact tastes!!
Amelia and Caleb, best friends who must fake-hate each other to keep Amelia's job and reputation safe because MISOGYNY. She is a brilliant woman working a male dominated field, and as you can imagine her every action is scrutinized, especially the interactions she shares with Caleb. So despite being incredibly close, they barb each other and put on make-believe arguments whenever they are near colleagues... which unfortunately they frequently are.
The tension between them is so fantastic. Their faking turns into heated banter that has both of them feeling *feelings*. The mutual pining? exquisite! the "friends can kiss right?"? DELECTABLE.
As with the previous two books in the Love's Academic series, the author finds the perfect balance of humor, emotion and steaminess. This plot was as expected, a ridiculous romp (complimentary)! Caleb was hilarious, he yearned and I mean.. a man who wears makeup and nail polish just does it for me. He is genuinely such a sweetheart and so caring when it comes to Amelia. There's something about the intimacy of best friends being in love. It gets me every single time!
This review is a mess, but the book was amazing!!
I'm eager to get my physical copy so I can annotate it to match books one and two, which are both tabbed AF.
many thanks to Berkley for the arc copy in exchange for an honest review
November 3, 2025
Thank you Net Galley for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review. This book comes out April 21, 2026!
3.75⭐️
I really enjoyed this book! I jumped into this series without having read the other books and didn’t still completely understood what was going on.
Caleb and Amelia, long time best friends, work together as professors at a school in England. Their focus is on historical magic antiques. Although they are best friends, they have to act like they hate each other due to the sexism in the workplace at the time. Amelia and Caleb were discovered hanging out as friends but a colleague and their jobs were threatened because it was thought they were being “romantic” with each other.
After a magical disaster in the schools library, Caleb and Amelia are sent to the English countryside to help sort and log magical antiques in a nobleman’s house. During this time you can see their friendship and love for each other grow.
Aspects I liked about this book:
-slow burn
-friends to lovers
-the humor from both characters
-the magic system
Things I disliked:
-slow at times
-a lot of random characters thrown into the plot (maybe from previous books?)
-I wish there was less telling and more showing (lots of thoughts from the main characters instead of showing it through dialogue)
Overall a really fun read!
3.75⭐️
I really enjoyed this book! I jumped into this series without having read the other books and didn’t still completely understood what was going on.
Caleb and Amelia, long time best friends, work together as professors at a school in England. Their focus is on historical magic antiques. Although they are best friends, they have to act like they hate each other due to the sexism in the workplace at the time. Amelia and Caleb were discovered hanging out as friends but a colleague and their jobs were threatened because it was thought they were being “romantic” with each other.
After a magical disaster in the schools library, Caleb and Amelia are sent to the English countryside to help sort and log magical antiques in a nobleman’s house. During this time you can see their friendship and love for each other grow.
Aspects I liked about this book:
-slow burn
-friends to lovers
-the humor from both characters
-the magic system
Things I disliked:
-slow at times
-a lot of random characters thrown into the plot (maybe from previous books?)
-I wish there was less telling and more showing (lots of thoughts from the main characters instead of showing it through dialogue)
Overall a really fun read!
November 10, 2025
✨Thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley Romance for the ARC in exchange for an honest review✨
So, let me start by saying that this is definitely an honest review, but it’s bias because India Holton is an auto-buy author for me and I am OBSESSED with her work! I just love how she writes such fun and sweet stories while poking fun at historical time periods.
Now that that’s out of the way, I cannot express to you how much I love Amelia and Caleb! All of the magical antiques added so much fun and whimsy to this story.
This is a historical fiction, fantasy, rom-com and just like every other time India Holton delivered lovable, funny characters and a cute, cozy story to go along with it.
Some tropes: Fake hating, Friends-to-Lovers, so much pining and yearning it’ll have you kicking your feet for hours. There is also some misunderstandings that happen and you’ll be shouting at them both to pull their heads from their rear ends and just kiss already 😂
Amelia is definitely a woman of her time and struggles with misogyny within her academic career field, but Caleb obviously doesn’t (again it’s the times, but still PMO). I enjoyed Amelia’s journey of self-discovery and love. I’m honestly sad this series is coming to an end.
So, let me start by saying that this is definitely an honest review, but it’s bias because India Holton is an auto-buy author for me and I am OBSESSED with her work! I just love how she writes such fun and sweet stories while poking fun at historical time periods.
Now that that’s out of the way, I cannot express to you how much I love Amelia and Caleb! All of the magical antiques added so much fun and whimsy to this story.
This is a historical fiction, fantasy, rom-com and just like every other time India Holton delivered lovable, funny characters and a cute, cozy story to go along with it.
Some tropes: Fake hating, Friends-to-Lovers, so much pining and yearning it’ll have you kicking your feet for hours. There is also some misunderstandings that happen and you’ll be shouting at them both to pull their heads from their rear ends and just kiss already 😂
Amelia is definitely a woman of her time and struggles with misogyny within her academic career field, but Caleb obviously doesn’t (again it’s the times, but still PMO). I enjoyed Amelia’s journey of self-discovery and love. I’m honestly sad this series is coming to an end.
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