What do you think?
Rate this book
Ex Marks the Spot
Not yet published
Expected 7 May 26*Pre-order the brand new enemies-to-lovers romcom from the author of The Great Orchid Heist.*
Two rival historians reluctantly team up to decipher an ancient treasure hunt, in this delightfully bookish enemies-to-lovers romcom with an action-adventure twist.
'Fun, sexy hijinks' Lex Croucher
'A total joy' Laura Kay
*
Librarian Evie has hit rock stuck on a never-ending mental-health break from her studies, she spends her days shelving books she's desperate to return to and giving tours of the university where she no longer truly belongs.
As if things couldn't get worse, she's been assigned to help Oxford's insufferable new honorary professor - infuriatingly charming and chaotic social-media historian, Nic Morelli, who happens to be Evie's oldest rival.
So when Evie finally stumbles across something extraordinary in the stacks - the ancient Book of Treasures, a map to uncovering a long-lost medieval artefact - Nic is the very last person Evie wants to tell. There are those who would kill to find the ancient treasure first, and it wouldn't be the first time Nic has betrayed her.
But as a shadowy group of treasure hunters close in and the danger of working alone becomes clear, Evie is forced to admit that Nic could be the only person who can help decipher the book's clues.
As long as they can keep old feelings for each other safely buried . . .
Escape to the libraries of Oxford for a totally addictive second-chance sapphic romance, perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood, Jo Segura and Casey McQuiston.
🔥 Academic rivals
💕 Second-chance romance
📚 A long forgotten manuscript
💎 A treasure hunt for the ages
Readers love Eleanor
'Witty, entertaining and has a lot of heart'
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'I was totally captivated'
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'Romance, real life, friendships and a great mystery! ... it's a brilliant book'
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'Wrapped me up in a coziness I was not expecting... I loved every minute'
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'Funny and joyful'
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'Such a fun sapphic romance that kept me turning the pages'
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'Lots of genuine laugh out loud moments and a gorgeous love story'
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'Witty dialogue, simmering romance, and a dash of nail-biting suspense'
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Two rival historians reluctantly team up to decipher an ancient treasure hunt, in this delightfully bookish enemies-to-lovers romcom with an action-adventure twist.
'Fun, sexy hijinks' Lex Croucher
'A total joy' Laura Kay
*
Librarian Evie has hit rock stuck on a never-ending mental-health break from her studies, she spends her days shelving books she's desperate to return to and giving tours of the university where she no longer truly belongs.
As if things couldn't get worse, she's been assigned to help Oxford's insufferable new honorary professor - infuriatingly charming and chaotic social-media historian, Nic Morelli, who happens to be Evie's oldest rival.
So when Evie finally stumbles across something extraordinary in the stacks - the ancient Book of Treasures, a map to uncovering a long-lost medieval artefact - Nic is the very last person Evie wants to tell. There are those who would kill to find the ancient treasure first, and it wouldn't be the first time Nic has betrayed her.
But as a shadowy group of treasure hunters close in and the danger of working alone becomes clear, Evie is forced to admit that Nic could be the only person who can help decipher the book's clues.
As long as they can keep old feelings for each other safely buried . . .
Escape to the libraries of Oxford for a totally addictive second-chance sapphic romance, perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood, Jo Segura and Casey McQuiston.
🔥 Academic rivals
💕 Second-chance romance
📚 A long forgotten manuscript
💎 A treasure hunt for the ages
Readers love Eleanor
'Witty, entertaining and has a lot of heart'
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'I was totally captivated'
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'Romance, real life, friendships and a great mystery! ... it's a brilliant book'
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'Wrapped me up in a coziness I was not expecting... I loved every minute'
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'Funny and joyful'
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'Such a fun sapphic romance that kept me turning the pages'
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'Lots of genuine laugh out loud moments and a gorgeous love story'
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'Witty dialogue, simmering romance, and a dash of nail-biting suspense'
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 7, 2026
205 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Want to read
December 20, 2025Sapphic librarian named Evie??? Literally me
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Gay historians!!!! Gay historians!!!!! Run don’t walk to preorder this friends because this book is about GAY HISTORIANS!!!!
The minute I started this book and saw it was dedicated to ‘all the hot bisexual nerds’ and quoted both Red, White and Royal Blue and Julian of Norwich I knew this was going to be a fun time. And I was not disappointed.
I love history. I love history so much. I love the work of history as a process, as a discipline, for what it can tell us about the past- for what it can teach us about ourselves. For how it should, when we as historians do our jobs, be for everybody- be for all of us.
This book is a love story between the two wonderful and loveable main characters but to me it also read as a love letter to history. A celebration of the stories from the past that touch us, that we want to find out more about and share with others.
Truly this book is a joy. If you love history or even like it a little bit- if you love chaotic queer nerds- this book is for you. Evie and Nic are great- but the diverse cast of supporting characters are wonderful too. I particularly liked Ash- I just felt really happy anytime I was reading about them!
On a slightly more serious note this book also really spoke to me as someone who could be thought of as a ‘failed academic’. Unfortunately Evie’s experiences of lack of support in academia felt way too real to me and mirrored my own a lot. I also really appreciated that this book explored the paranoia that academia sets in to you. How it can make you see people who should be your allies and friends as rivals, because the entire system is set up so you see your cohort as competition. I felt really seen by this book and felt it was very realistic to a lot of people’s experiences.
Overall, this is a fantastic read that I can’t recommend enough. Thank you so much to Mountain Leopard Press and NetGalley for this arc!
The minute I started this book and saw it was dedicated to ‘all the hot bisexual nerds’ and quoted both Red, White and Royal Blue and Julian of Norwich I knew this was going to be a fun time. And I was not disappointed.
I love history. I love history so much. I love the work of history as a process, as a discipline, for what it can tell us about the past- for what it can teach us about ourselves. For how it should, when we as historians do our jobs, be for everybody- be for all of us.
This book is a love story between the two wonderful and loveable main characters but to me it also read as a love letter to history. A celebration of the stories from the past that touch us, that we want to find out more about and share with others.
Truly this book is a joy. If you love history or even like it a little bit- if you love chaotic queer nerds- this book is for you. Evie and Nic are great- but the diverse cast of supporting characters are wonderful too. I particularly liked Ash- I just felt really happy anytime I was reading about them!
On a slightly more serious note this book also really spoke to me as someone who could be thought of as a ‘failed academic’. Unfortunately Evie’s experiences of lack of support in academia felt way too real to me and mirrored my own a lot. I also really appreciated that this book explored the paranoia that academia sets in to you. How it can make you see people who should be your allies and friends as rivals, because the entire system is set up so you see your cohort as competition. I felt really seen by this book and felt it was very realistic to a lot of people’s experiences.
Overall, this is a fantastic read that I can’t recommend enough. Thank you so much to Mountain Leopard Press and NetGalley for this arc!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5
Ex Marks the Spot is perfect if you are a fan of academic settings and a good tense romance (Sapphic Historians anyone???). Obviously I can't say this is dark academia, there is nothing about this that is dark. But the Oxford setting is so atmospheric, the feeling this book gives is what I associate with dark academia - bundled up cozy in a warm library while its dark and gloomy outside, a hot cup of coffee in a cute cafe with someone you have hidden passionate feelings about, big academic secrets that impact every decision the characters make and how they evolve with one another.
Evie and Nic had a brief but very impactful relationship during their first year of Uni at Oxford that quickly spiralled into a bitter rivalry for their remaining years. We meet them both roughly 10 years later, in very different places in their careers. It's immediately obvious to the reader that there are still feelings on both sides, and the tension between them is delicious from the get-go. Throw in a highly coveted, long lost treasure hunt, intricate puzzles that needed our historians to knuckle down on their academic teamwork, some miscommunication, great side characters and an evil organsiation that wants to find the treasure before our heroins do and you have a great action packed romance novel.
I particularly loved the focus on Evie's growing disillusionment with academia and her struggles with realising the life she might always have envisioned for herself might not be right for her anymore. I feel like this might strike a cord with a lot of readers of a similar age to Evie!
(Oh and I squealed when Lily and Phil from the The Great Orchid Heist turned up - it was fun to spend time with them again!)
Thanks to Netgalley and Headline for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ex Marks the Spot is perfect if you are a fan of academic settings and a good tense romance (Sapphic Historians anyone???). Obviously I can't say this is dark academia, there is nothing about this that is dark. But the Oxford setting is so atmospheric, the feeling this book gives is what I associate with dark academia - bundled up cozy in a warm library while its dark and gloomy outside, a hot cup of coffee in a cute cafe with someone you have hidden passionate feelings about, big academic secrets that impact every decision the characters make and how they evolve with one another.
Evie and Nic had a brief but very impactful relationship during their first year of Uni at Oxford that quickly spiralled into a bitter rivalry for their remaining years. We meet them both roughly 10 years later, in very different places in their careers. It's immediately obvious to the reader that there are still feelings on both sides, and the tension between them is delicious from the get-go. Throw in a highly coveted, long lost treasure hunt, intricate puzzles that needed our historians to knuckle down on their academic teamwork, some miscommunication, great side characters and an evil organsiation that wants to find the treasure before our heroins do and you have a great action packed romance novel.
I particularly loved the focus on Evie's growing disillusionment with academia and her struggles with realising the life she might always have envisioned for herself might not be right for her anymore. I feel like this might strike a cord with a lot of readers of a similar age to Evie!
(Oh and I squealed when Lily and Phil from the The Great Orchid Heist turned up - it was fun to spend time with them again!)
Thanks to Netgalley and Headline for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 18, 2026
ARC Review 4.75/5
My theme for 2026 seems to be hot nerds, and Ex Marks the Spot delivered! I was hooked from the dedication, and I didn't want to put this book down!
We follow Nic and Evie, two academic rivals who end up having to work together on a treasure hunt. I absolutely loved the tension between these two as they work together to solve the treasure hunt, as well as sort through their feelings from the past. I also really loved how the book approached Evie's struggle with academia, her DPhil, and the impact it had on her mental health - it felt very relatable for anyone with people-pleasing tendencies in higher education!
The treasure hunt was also so much fun, and the author's love for history, and particularly Oxford, really shone through in the story. I will fully admit that I wouldn't have a chance of solving it, even though I tried really hard to put the clues together.
The found family of Evie's house also has my heart, I adored Ash, Bruno and Evelyn and I really want a book about each of them now. For anyone who has already read The Great Orchid Heist, we also get an amazing cameo from Phil and Lily; I squealed with excitement when they showed up
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys funny, fast-paced sapphic stories with academic rivals and delicious tension!
Thank you so much to Mountain Leopard Press and NetGalley for the eARC.
My theme for 2026 seems to be hot nerds, and Ex Marks the Spot delivered! I was hooked from the dedication, and I didn't want to put this book down!
We follow Nic and Evie, two academic rivals who end up having to work together on a treasure hunt. I absolutely loved the tension between these two as they work together to solve the treasure hunt, as well as sort through their feelings from the past. I also really loved how the book approached Evie's struggle with academia, her DPhil, and the impact it had on her mental health - it felt very relatable for anyone with people-pleasing tendencies in higher education!
The treasure hunt was also so much fun, and the author's love for history, and particularly Oxford, really shone through in the story. I will fully admit that I wouldn't have a chance of solving it, even though I tried really hard to put the clues together.
The found family of Evie's house also has my heart, I adored Ash, Bruno and Evelyn and I really want a book about each of them now. For anyone who has already read The Great Orchid Heist, we also get an amazing cameo from Phil and Lily; I squealed with excitement when they showed up
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys funny, fast-paced sapphic stories with academic rivals and delicious tension!
Thank you so much to Mountain Leopard Press and NetGalley for the eARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In this second chance book, you not only go on a treasure hunt, but you also get to watch Evie and Nic fall in love again. Or were they ever not in love? I liked the mix of sweet and tingly moments between the two, the funny banter, and the treasure hunt. I was on the edge of my seat until the end, hoping that they would make it: get back together and, of course, find the treasure.
It was very slow burn, so you need to be patient with the two of them. I liked that you gradually learned about their past and took little trips back to their college days together. I often found myself wondering what had actually happened between them that made them hate each other so much and want to avoid each other.
I rooted for them until the very end! Lots of heart-pounding moments, tingles, sweet touches, laughter, but also heartbreak. A great couple with a lot of humor, whose story many people should read. Highly recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
It was very slow burn, so you need to be patient with the two of them. I liked that you gradually learned about their past and took little trips back to their college days together. I often found myself wondering what had actually happened between them that made them hate each other so much and want to avoid each other.
I rooted for them until the very end! Lots of heart-pounding moments, tingles, sweet touches, laughter, but also heartbreak. A great couple with a lot of humor, whose story many people should read. Highly recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ex Marks the Spot completely swept me away. I absolutely loved the setting. The Oxford atmosphere felt rich, immersive, and full of character, giving the whole story a bookish, slightly magical charm.
The slow‑burn romance was beautifully done, layered with tension, history, and just the right amount of emotional pull.
What really stood out to me was how unique and different the story felt. The blend of academic rivals, adventure, and heartfelt moments made this book refreshing compared to typical romcoms.
This was my first book by Eleanor Vendrell, and I’m officially hooked. I’ve already pre‑ordered the audiobook and ordered her other novel I can’t wait to read more from her.
A wonderful, cozy, clever read with characters you can’t help rooting for. Highly recommend!
The slow‑burn romance was beautifully done, layered with tension, history, and just the right amount of emotional pull.
What really stood out to me was how unique and different the story felt. The blend of academic rivals, adventure, and heartfelt moments made this book refreshing compared to typical romcoms.
This was my first book by Eleanor Vendrell, and I’m officially hooked. I’ve already pre‑ordered the audiobook and ordered her other novel I can’t wait to read more from her.
A wonderful, cozy, clever read with characters you can’t help rooting for. Highly recommend!
March 26, 2026
ARC Review
3.5 ⭐️
This was a super fun treasure hunt/sapphic romance.
Having just visited Oxford for the first time recently, it was the perfect time to read this book.
It was a quick and easy read, but with enough twist to keep me intrigued the whole way through. The development of Evie and Nics relationship was fun to see.
This was far from the best book I’ve ever read, but equally I cannot fault it. It’s the perfect palate cleanser read!
Thanks to NetGalley and Headline for inviting me to review this book!
3.5 ⭐️
This was a super fun treasure hunt/sapphic romance.
Having just visited Oxford for the first time recently, it was the perfect time to read this book.
It was a quick and easy read, but with enough twist to keep me intrigued the whole way through. The development of Evie and Nics relationship was fun to see.
This was far from the best book I’ve ever read, but equally I cannot fault it. It’s the perfect palate cleanser read!
Thanks to NetGalley and Headline for inviting me to review this book!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Friends, there's a new hot & nerdy rivals to lovers romcom in town!!
Kept me up reading way past my bedtime. This one is stuffed with history: the yearning second chance kind and the literal medieval history for a treasure hunt kind. Loved all the questions of who history belongs to, the Oxford setting, nuanced depiction of academia, and the second chance tension which was top tier.
Kept me up reading way past my bedtime. This one is stuffed with history: the yearning second chance kind and the literal medieval history for a treasure hunt kind. Loved all the questions of who history belongs to, the Oxford setting, nuanced depiction of academia, and the second chance tension which was top tier.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
DNF @ 23% unfortunately I am just not the target audience for this one, I just didn’t connect to the characters and I didn’t really care about the historical aspects/the treasure
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline Publishing for th advanced reader copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline Publishing for th advanced reader copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
'Ex Marks the Spot' by Eleanor Vendrell.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely loved this book. The main reason I was drawn to it was because it mentioned libraries and I'm a sucker for a library based story. The book didn't disappoint, it was a sapphic Indiana Jones/National Treasure type adventure. I love Evie and Nic's relationship throughout from awkward ex's to friendship and adventurers. If you love a good love story with maps and treasure then give this book a read.
Librarian Evie has hit rock bottom: stuck on an endless mental-health break from her studies, she spends her days shelving books and giving tours of the university where she no longer truly belongs.
To make matters worse, she's just been assigned to help Oxford's insufferable new honorary professor: charming and chaotic social-media historian, Nic Morelli, who happens to be Evie's former rival - and ex.
So when Evie stumbles across something extraordinary in the stacks - an ancient manuscript with clues to a long-lost medieval treasure hunt - Nic is the last person Evie wants to tell.
But some would kill to find the treasure first, and as a shadowy group of treasure hunters close in, reuniting with Nic might be the only way to decipher the book's clues first.
As long as they can keep old feelings safely buried . . .
Thanks so much to Netgallery UK, the publishers and the author for letting me read this in return for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely loved this book. The main reason I was drawn to it was because it mentioned libraries and I'm a sucker for a library based story. The book didn't disappoint, it was a sapphic Indiana Jones/National Treasure type adventure. I love Evie and Nic's relationship throughout from awkward ex's to friendship and adventurers. If you love a good love story with maps and treasure then give this book a read.
Librarian Evie has hit rock bottom: stuck on an endless mental-health break from her studies, she spends her days shelving books and giving tours of the university where she no longer truly belongs.
To make matters worse, she's just been assigned to help Oxford's insufferable new honorary professor: charming and chaotic social-media historian, Nic Morelli, who happens to be Evie's former rival - and ex.
So when Evie stumbles across something extraordinary in the stacks - an ancient manuscript with clues to a long-lost medieval treasure hunt - Nic is the last person Evie wants to tell.
But some would kill to find the treasure first, and as a shadowy group of treasure hunters close in, reuniting with Nic might be the only way to decipher the book's clues first.
As long as they can keep old feelings safely buried . . .
Thanks so much to Netgallery UK, the publishers and the author for letting me read this in return for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews