What do you think?
Rate this book
Ex Marks the Spot
*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
Published May 7, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 10, 2026
Thank you to the publisher for giving me an advanced copy of this brilliant book!
I loved this book, it was witty and clever, and although it had an important message threaded through it (about protecting history but not closing it off from people!) It didnt ram it down your throat!
It was a bit slow at the start, but as soon as the plot got going (probably 1/4 way through) it was a galloping read.
I loved how it cleverly linked in with The Great Orchid Heist (I love a linked universe), but was it's own clever story.
Evie was a fun lead to follow as she attempts to navigate life, work, and love (and sometimes fails at all three!) And Nic was a fun romantic lead. It was a perfect pairing.
Finally,p if you love treasure hunts, Oxford, and high jinx. This book is for you!
I loved this book, it was witty and clever, and although it had an important message threaded through it (about protecting history but not closing it off from people!) It didnt ram it down your throat!
It was a bit slow at the start, but as soon as the plot got going (probably 1/4 way through) it was a galloping read.
I loved how it cleverly linked in with The Great Orchid Heist (I love a linked universe), but was it's own clever story.
Evie was a fun lead to follow as she attempts to navigate life, work, and love (and sometimes fails at all three!) And Nic was a fun romantic lead. It was a perfect pairing.
Finally,p if you love treasure hunts, Oxford, and high jinx. This book is for you!
Want to Read
December 20, 2025Sapphic librarian named Evie??? Literally me
May 9, 2026
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
oxford has its annual treasure hunt that has been the highlight of evies stay.... she loves living there but atm she is a burnt out academia and is living her best life in the library, she is trying to get back into her studies but is being rejected at each turn..... and then one day she finds a book .... a book that has links to the very treasure hunt that oxford holds every year....
its a book that has been missing for years
evie old nemesis is also back at the university as a visiting honorary professor, Nic Morelli and evie were more than friends and broke up .... all evie sees is nics shining light where as hers has dulled... can life get any harder
yes it can.... because a shadowy group of treasure hunters are on evie trail now that the book has been found and have threatened her.....
can she go to nic for help unravelling the clues that the book opens up... time will tell
its an interesting read for people that like treasure hunting and academia, will be keeping an eye out for more of this authors works
oxford has its annual treasure hunt that has been the highlight of evies stay.... she loves living there but atm she is a burnt out academia and is living her best life in the library, she is trying to get back into her studies but is being rejected at each turn..... and then one day she finds a book .... a book that has links to the very treasure hunt that oxford holds every year....
its a book that has been missing for years
evie old nemesis is also back at the university as a visiting honorary professor, Nic Morelli and evie were more than friends and broke up .... all evie sees is nics shining light where as hers has dulled... can life get any harder
yes it can.... because a shadowy group of treasure hunters are on evie trail now that the book has been found and have threatened her.....
can she go to nic for help unravelling the clues that the book opens up... time will tell
its an interesting read for people that like treasure hunting and academia, will be keeping an eye out for more of this authors works
April 22, 2026
Eleanor Vendrell’s Ex Marks the Spot is an assured follow-up to her brilliant debut (I think it was) The Great Orchid Heist. I found myself quite charmed by this academic-rivals-to-lovers rom-com with a fun high-stakes medieval treasure hunt thrown in. The story is set against the atmospheric backdrop of Oxford, and the author brings this out vividly (something I really appreciated since I love books set in such places).
Three elements stood out for me. The witty dialogue is pulled off well, and I smiled my way through the scenes between the two MCs, Evie and Nic. Their banter is sharp, funny, and crackles with years of history. The academic-adventure blend is also handled well. Ms. Vendrell successfully merges the cozy “dark academia” aesthetic with a propulsive mystery. And both leads are strong individually and together. Evie’s struggle with her mental health and her feeling of displacement at the university feel authentic, and it grounded the more whimsical adventure elements. Nic’s supposed easy-as-anything life might not be quite as Evie thinks it is.
4.5 stars! This is a joyful, heart-filled read that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a second-chance romance with a dash of suspense.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and to NetGalley for the opportunity to enjoy the hunt and the romance in this ARC.
Three elements stood out for me. The witty dialogue is pulled off well, and I smiled my way through the scenes between the two MCs, Evie and Nic. Their banter is sharp, funny, and crackles with years of history. The academic-adventure blend is also handled well. Ms. Vendrell successfully merges the cozy “dark academia” aesthetic with a propulsive mystery. And both leads are strong individually and together. Evie’s struggle with her mental health and her feeling of displacement at the university feel authentic, and it grounded the more whimsical adventure elements. Nic’s supposed easy-as-anything life might not be quite as Evie thinks it is.
4.5 stars! This is a joyful, heart-filled read that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a second-chance romance with a dash of suspense.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and to NetGalley for the opportunity to enjoy the hunt and the romance in this ARC.
April 5, 2026
*3,5/5 stars*
In this story we follow Evie, an historian who finds a mysterious book. With the help of her ex Nic they go on a treasure hunt to find the hidden treasure. Will they find it? And will they solve their issues along the way?
This had all the things I love in a romance, a part from the second chance trope, so I hoped I was going to love it way more than I did. I enjoyed the treasure hunt even if the pacing felt off in a few scenes. I didn’t feel super connected with the MCs and that was my biggest problem. Second chance is my least favorite trope, but I didn’t mind it here since their relationship was quite cute in the end.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
In this story we follow Evie, an historian who finds a mysterious book. With the help of her ex Nic they go on a treasure hunt to find the hidden treasure. Will they find it? And will they solve their issues along the way?
This had all the things I love in a romance, a part from the second chance trope, so I hoped I was going to love it way more than I did. I enjoyed the treasure hunt even if the pacing felt off in a few scenes. I didn’t feel super connected with the MCs and that was my biggest problem. Second chance is my least favorite trope, but I didn’t mind it here since their relationship was quite cute in the end.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2026
omg so true the real treasure was a rekindling rivalry with the lost lover we found along the way
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2026
A very special thank you to NetGalley UK, Headline and author Eleanor Vendrell for this fantastic ARC! I am thrilled to share my honest review.
I was beyond excited to have the privilege of an advance copy of this book! The cover art was bold and bright and definitely captured my attention. But it was the blurb that sold me and I couldn't have been more pleased when the book outshone my expectations. Eleaonor Vendrell is a new to me author but I will absolutely look for more from her in the future. Ex Marks The Spot was so good! I can honestly say it is one of the most fun and addicting books that I have read this year. I couldn't put it down! This book has it all from fierce academic rivals to second chance romance all while taking the reader on the adventure of a lifetime. I found this book to be utterly charming, delightfully whimsical and just a blast to read.
I love books with a University background and this was such a wonderful thrill ride set in the iconic and historically rich Oxford University. I loved the careful attention to detail in describing Oxford. The University plays such a big role in the story and I felt fully immersed. This story achieved an excellent balance between sapphic romance and action packed treasure hunt adventure. I was very pleased!
We meet Evie working in the University library as she takes a much needed mental hiatus in her doctoral studies. She is emotionally and mentally exhausted in a way that really resonated with me and I was immediately smitten with her. I could feel her passion for history as well as her disillusionment with academia all at the same time. I became her champion as she nestled her way into my heart from the start. She is tasked with assisting the new honorary professor who is none other than her infuriatingly hot and painfully charming ex lover and academic rival, Nic. Honestly, the spark between the two is very much still there and is quite evident right away. Evie stumbles upon an ancient text while avoiding her life and it becomes the adventure of a friggin lifetime!
Much to Evie’s chagrin she must ask Nic for help if she is to have any chance at making any headway with this treasure hunt. This was a fun play on forced proximity and I was all about it! I knew that once the girls were forced together and thrust into an adventure full of historic mysteries and ancient libraries that they would re-ignite what was once lost. More importantly, with the pressures of going head to head academically removed, they could truly bond. They are no longer rivals and instead it is the two of them versus a group of unscrupulous bad actors... and Nic works together to find the treasure. AHHH I loved it! The mystery escalates and every clue feels meaningful and I feel like the adventure aspect was supremely thrilling. The romance payoff was extremely satisfying as well. I loved Nic and Evie together and it was so exciting to watch them choose each other again with a truer understanding of where they went wrong the first time around. Their happy ending felt earned and my heart melted as they fell in love.
I very much enjoyed the writing and found Vendrell’s prose to be witty, clever and sharp. This book was very fun to read and extremely character driven which worked so well for me. I have to love the characters to love the book and I most certainly did love them. I appreciated the entertaining dialogue and sort of back and forth banter between Nic and Evie. They made me laugh and I just liked them both individually and together. The tension was just delicious and it all worked so well. The pacing is on point and I felt my pulse quicken with both the adventure aspect as well as the romance.
Ex Marks The Spot was just a ton of fun to read and I will be adding it to my re-read list. This book is a really strong book that truly pulls off an entertaining treasure hunt that will keep you on the edge of your seat and a sweet sapphic romance that will make you swoon. I highly recommend it!
I was beyond excited to have the privilege of an advance copy of this book! The cover art was bold and bright and definitely captured my attention. But it was the blurb that sold me and I couldn't have been more pleased when the book outshone my expectations. Eleaonor Vendrell is a new to me author but I will absolutely look for more from her in the future. Ex Marks The Spot was so good! I can honestly say it is one of the most fun and addicting books that I have read this year. I couldn't put it down! This book has it all from fierce academic rivals to second chance romance all while taking the reader on the adventure of a lifetime. I found this book to be utterly charming, delightfully whimsical and just a blast to read.
I love books with a University background and this was such a wonderful thrill ride set in the iconic and historically rich Oxford University. I loved the careful attention to detail in describing Oxford. The University plays such a big role in the story and I felt fully immersed. This story achieved an excellent balance between sapphic romance and action packed treasure hunt adventure. I was very pleased!
We meet Evie working in the University library as she takes a much needed mental hiatus in her doctoral studies. She is emotionally and mentally exhausted in a way that really resonated with me and I was immediately smitten with her. I could feel her passion for history as well as her disillusionment with academia all at the same time. I became her champion as she nestled her way into my heart from the start. She is tasked with assisting the new honorary professor who is none other than her infuriatingly hot and painfully charming ex lover and academic rival, Nic. Honestly, the spark between the two is very much still there and is quite evident right away. Evie stumbles upon an ancient text while avoiding her life and it becomes the adventure of a friggin lifetime!
Much to Evie’s chagrin she must ask Nic for help if she is to have any chance at making any headway with this treasure hunt. This was a fun play on forced proximity and I was all about it! I knew that once the girls were forced together and thrust into an adventure full of historic mysteries and ancient libraries that they would re-ignite what was once lost. More importantly, with the pressures of going head to head academically removed, they could truly bond. They are no longer rivals and instead it is the two of them versus a group of unscrupulous bad actors... and Nic works together to find the treasure. AHHH I loved it! The mystery escalates and every clue feels meaningful and I feel like the adventure aspect was supremely thrilling. The romance payoff was extremely satisfying as well. I loved Nic and Evie together and it was so exciting to watch them choose each other again with a truer understanding of where they went wrong the first time around. Their happy ending felt earned and my heart melted as they fell in love.
I very much enjoyed the writing and found Vendrell’s prose to be witty, clever and sharp. This book was very fun to read and extremely character driven which worked so well for me. I have to love the characters to love the book and I most certainly did love them. I appreciated the entertaining dialogue and sort of back and forth banter between Nic and Evie. They made me laugh and I just liked them both individually and together. The tension was just delicious and it all worked so well. The pacing is on point and I felt my pulse quicken with both the adventure aspect as well as the romance.
Ex Marks The Spot was just a ton of fun to read and I will be adding it to my re-read list. This book is a really strong book that truly pulls off an entertaining treasure hunt that will keep you on the edge of your seat and a sweet sapphic romance that will make you swoon. I highly recommend it!
May 14, 2026
There’s something irresistible about a romance wrapped inside a literary treasure hunt, and Ex Marks the Spot delivers exactly that blend of heart-racing adventure and emotional vulnerability. Eleanor Vendrell creates a story that feels equal parts cozy academic mystery and tender second-chance romance, all set against the dreamy backdrop of Oxford libraries, hidden manuscripts, and secrets buried beneath centuries of history.
Evie immediately stood out as a deeply relatable protagonist. She’s stuck in that painful in-between stage of life where everyone else seems to be moving forward while she feels frozen in place. Her struggles with burnout and mental health are handled with honesty and care, making her journey feel authentic rather than overly dramatized. Watching her slowly reclaim confidence throughout the story gave the romance even more emotional weight.
And then there’s Nic Morelli — chaotic, clever, frustratingly charming Nic. The chemistry between him and Evie practically crackles from the first page. Their shared history adds layers to every interaction, turning even simple banter into something emotionally loaded. The push-and-pull tension between lingering hurt and undeniable attraction made this such an addictive read.
The treasure-hunt storyline was genuinely fun. Ancient clues, secret societies, dusty archives, coded manuscripts — it all created the perfect atmosphere for a book that feels made for readers who romanticize libraries and old-world academia. The pacing balances mystery and romance well, keeping the plot moving while still giving space for emotional moments to land.
What I loved most was how hopeful the story felt underneath all the tension and adventure. At its core, this is a book about rediscovering purpose, learning that healing isn’t linear, and realizing that sometimes the people who once hurt us are also the ones who truly see us.
Perfect for readers who love:
academic rivals-to-lovers
second-chance romance
dark academia vibes
literary mysteries
treasure hunts and hidden clues
emotionally messy but lovable characters
This one feels like The Da Vinci Code met a cozy rom-com inside an Oxford library — and honestly, I had the best time.
I read this prior to release and am voluntarily sharing my honest feedback.
Evie immediately stood out as a deeply relatable protagonist. She’s stuck in that painful in-between stage of life where everyone else seems to be moving forward while she feels frozen in place. Her struggles with burnout and mental health are handled with honesty and care, making her journey feel authentic rather than overly dramatized. Watching her slowly reclaim confidence throughout the story gave the romance even more emotional weight.
And then there’s Nic Morelli — chaotic, clever, frustratingly charming Nic. The chemistry between him and Evie practically crackles from the first page. Their shared history adds layers to every interaction, turning even simple banter into something emotionally loaded. The push-and-pull tension between lingering hurt and undeniable attraction made this such an addictive read.
The treasure-hunt storyline was genuinely fun. Ancient clues, secret societies, dusty archives, coded manuscripts — it all created the perfect atmosphere for a book that feels made for readers who romanticize libraries and old-world academia. The pacing balances mystery and romance well, keeping the plot moving while still giving space for emotional moments to land.
What I loved most was how hopeful the story felt underneath all the tension and adventure. At its core, this is a book about rediscovering purpose, learning that healing isn’t linear, and realizing that sometimes the people who once hurt us are also the ones who truly see us.
Perfect for readers who love:
academic rivals-to-lovers
second-chance romance
dark academia vibes
literary mysteries
treasure hunts and hidden clues
emotionally messy but lovable characters
This one feels like The Da Vinci Code met a cozy rom-com inside an Oxford library — and honestly, I had the best time.
I read this prior to release and am voluntarily sharing my honest feedback.
May 7, 2026
Honestly I loved this, having enjoyed the authors first book The Great Orchid Heist I jumped at the chance to read her follow up not surprisingly it was a hoot!
Evie, a burnt out librarian who has taken a mental heath break on her studies at Oxford University, now feeling out of place in her head and her surroundings ends up having to assist the new honorary professor (plus history social media influencer!) Nic Morrelli. Sounds great but unfortunately no - some hidden history between the two, Nic is Evie’s university ex and also main rival.
Evie grumbling in her library work stumbles upon a book that opens up a long lost medieval treasure hunt. The last thing she really wants to do is tell Nic but honestly she best person to help her uncover the treasure and decipher the clues from the ancient text.
We are on the hunt, exploring various areas of Oxford and the surrounding area as well as discovering more about each other, full of surprises, tension and second chances it’s brilliant. This is a full on adventure that I couldn’t wait to see what happened, loved the nod to a well known librarian called Evie that also found a book and went on an epic Egyptian adventure plus a great few chapters where we meet characters from the previous novel to support their quest absolutely just loved this.
Evie and Nic, we slowly unravel the history between the two of them this opens them both up to see each other correctly and what they both lost given way to support, vulnerability and awareness of how they impact a better version of each other when they are together. Lovers, rivals, medieval champions to something much better by the end. Also so much info around Oxford backstory that really brought the history of it all to life (I appreciate that this is a work of fiction so some artistic licence will be held here!).
I am so pleased I was given another opportunity to read Eleanor Vendrell second novel prior to publication via NetGalley and Headline / Mountain Lion Press, enjoyed it so much I was annoyed I had to stop reading to go to work. If your looking for a general joyous book to get your teeth into my advise give this a read it will be well worth you time!
Evie, a burnt out librarian who has taken a mental heath break on her studies at Oxford University, now feeling out of place in her head and her surroundings ends up having to assist the new honorary professor (plus history social media influencer!) Nic Morrelli. Sounds great but unfortunately no - some hidden history between the two, Nic is Evie’s university ex and also main rival.
Evie grumbling in her library work stumbles upon a book that opens up a long lost medieval treasure hunt. The last thing she really wants to do is tell Nic but honestly she best person to help her uncover the treasure and decipher the clues from the ancient text.
We are on the hunt, exploring various areas of Oxford and the surrounding area as well as discovering more about each other, full of surprises, tension and second chances it’s brilliant. This is a full on adventure that I couldn’t wait to see what happened, loved the nod to a well known librarian called Evie that also found a book and went on an epic Egyptian adventure plus a great few chapters where we meet characters from the previous novel to support their quest absolutely just loved this.
Evie and Nic, we slowly unravel the history between the two of them this opens them both up to see each other correctly and what they both lost given way to support, vulnerability and awareness of how they impact a better version of each other when they are together. Lovers, rivals, medieval champions to something much better by the end. Also so much info around Oxford backstory that really brought the history of it all to life (I appreciate that this is a work of fiction so some artistic licence will be held here!).
I am so pleased I was given another opportunity to read Eleanor Vendrell second novel prior to publication via NetGalley and Headline / Mountain Lion Press, enjoyed it so much I was annoyed I had to stop reading to go to work. If your looking for a general joyous book to get your teeth into my advise give this a read it will be well worth you time!
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
What’s not to love?
History, mystery, books, romance all while deciphering clues on a treasure hunt!
Evie and Nic were rivals when they both studied at Oxford, pushing one another to be the best students in each of their classes, and the rivals turned to lovers, briefly. Years later they are together again. Nic is back at Oxford as a visiting professor; and Evie is still at Oxford working in the library while taking a mental health break from her doctoral work.
Evie plans to avoid Nic; but that becomes impossible when she is assigned to assist Nic with her research. Evie distracts herself by cleaning the library. I think we’ve all been there where cleaning is the better option than whatever we actually should be doing! While reshelving books she comes across a book lost for centuries rumoured to lead to a treasure missing for centuries. This might just be what Evie needs to get her life back on track.
Evie and Nic team up to try to decipher the clues contained in the book, all while competing against a less scrupulous group searching for the same treasure.
As Evie and Nic work together we learn what happened to make Evie hate Nic, and that what Evie thought might not be accurate. Evie and Nic both have hidden depths and we learn about their own insecurities that have guided their past actions.
I couldn’t put this book down! I needed to know if they could find the treasure, who was behind the book of mysteries, and if the hunt would bring Nic and Evie back together.
There is an eccentric cast of secondary characters whose own studies and interests help to support the treasure hunt. The story has heroes and villains and sometimes one reveals itself to actually be the other.
Totally recommend this book if you like nerdy and hot academics, a historical city setting, and two women who get a second chance at romance all set around an epic treasure hunt.
Thank you to Headline Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
History, mystery, books, romance all while deciphering clues on a treasure hunt!
Evie and Nic were rivals when they both studied at Oxford, pushing one another to be the best students in each of their classes, and the rivals turned to lovers, briefly. Years later they are together again. Nic is back at Oxford as a visiting professor; and Evie is still at Oxford working in the library while taking a mental health break from her doctoral work.
Evie plans to avoid Nic; but that becomes impossible when she is assigned to assist Nic with her research. Evie distracts herself by cleaning the library. I think we’ve all been there where cleaning is the better option than whatever we actually should be doing! While reshelving books she comes across a book lost for centuries rumoured to lead to a treasure missing for centuries. This might just be what Evie needs to get her life back on track.
Evie and Nic team up to try to decipher the clues contained in the book, all while competing against a less scrupulous group searching for the same treasure.
As Evie and Nic work together we learn what happened to make Evie hate Nic, and that what Evie thought might not be accurate. Evie and Nic both have hidden depths and we learn about their own insecurities that have guided their past actions.
I couldn’t put this book down! I needed to know if they could find the treasure, who was behind the book of mysteries, and if the hunt would bring Nic and Evie back together.
There is an eccentric cast of secondary characters whose own studies and interests help to support the treasure hunt. The story has heroes and villains and sometimes one reveals itself to actually be the other.
Totally recommend this book if you like nerdy and hot academics, a historical city setting, and two women who get a second chance at romance all set around an epic treasure hunt.
Thank you to Headline Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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.
April 19, 2026
Ex Marks the Spot is full of bookish vibes, treasure hunting and enemies to lovers meets second chance romance. It features rival historians working together to uncover the mystery of an ancient treasure hunt - they need to solve the mystery before a group that would destroy the history does. A sapphic enemies to lovers with plenty of adventure and lots of books!
“the thought of seeing Nic feels simultaneously like pressing a bruise in the centre of my chest and staring down the path of an avalanche. It’s not that I couldn’t do it, if it was life and death. I’d just prefer not to.”
Nic and Evie know each other from their university days - academic rivals who dated but it ended badly. Evie is a librarian at the University, having hit some roadblocks in her studies, and Nic is a visiting professor. Nic went viral after a history video went ‘wrong’ and she ended up smashing the artefact - she’s now a history influencer of sorts. They reunite when Evie ends up being the assigned research librarian for Nic’s latest project and end up teaming up to try and solve the mystery of the treasure. There’s plenty of angst and unresolved feelings between the pair and this ranks up the tension!
This is National Treasure vibes but make it sapphic and set in England. With plenty of angst and a thrilling mystery to be solved this was a fun read!
‘I only did that module because I knew you’d choose it. I had no idea what kind of history I was interested in, but you did medieval, so I thought I’d give it a go. And having you in the room was like . . . a lighthouse in stormy seas.”
I really enjoyed the Academic setting of Oxford and the Bookish library vibes gave it a cosy feel. This made the book really atmospheric!
Overall a fun book I’d recommend!
ARC copy provided by Headline & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
“the thought of seeing Nic feels simultaneously like pressing a bruise in the centre of my chest and staring down the path of an avalanche. It’s not that I couldn’t do it, if it was life and death. I’d just prefer not to.”
Nic and Evie know each other from their university days - academic rivals who dated but it ended badly. Evie is a librarian at the University, having hit some roadblocks in her studies, and Nic is a visiting professor. Nic went viral after a history video went ‘wrong’ and she ended up smashing the artefact - she’s now a history influencer of sorts. They reunite when Evie ends up being the assigned research librarian for Nic’s latest project and end up teaming up to try and solve the mystery of the treasure. There’s plenty of angst and unresolved feelings between the pair and this ranks up the tension!
This is National Treasure vibes but make it sapphic and set in England. With plenty of angst and a thrilling mystery to be solved this was a fun read!
‘I only did that module because I knew you’d choose it. I had no idea what kind of history I was interested in, but you did medieval, so I thought I’d give it a go. And having you in the room was like . . . a lighthouse in stormy seas.”
I really enjoyed the Academic setting of Oxford and the Bookish library vibes gave it a cosy feel. This made the book really atmospheric!
Overall a fun book I’d recommend!
ARC copy provided by Headline & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ex Marks the Spot is a fun, low stakes, sapphic romance with a plot centred around finding long lost hidden treasure with a rivals-to-lovers, second chance love story on the side. The book is set in an idyllic, but fictional, Oxford College with all the academia vibes and a rich history the author really brought to life - so much so that I found myself googling what was real and what was fictional when I finished. If you enjoy history and a quest, this one is for you!
I really enjoyed the diverse cast of characters in this book, but especially the FMCs, with Evie being raw and relatable from the start and Nic very quickly growing on me. However, there were also "villains" in the story that I loved to hate. The relationship development between the main characters was so sweet and I loved their vulnerability and gentleness with one another. The treasure hunt aspect being woven in with their story was a real highlight for me and really well done. I was genuinely invested in them finding that treasure and was super satisfied with how it all panned out. Overall a really fun, easy read! Although I am still annoyed with the "villains" who did NOT get the consequences they deserved, but I guess Evie is just a bigger person than I am!!!
I really enjoyed the diverse cast of characters in this book, but especially the FMCs, with Evie being raw and relatable from the start and Nic very quickly growing on me. However, there were also "villains" in the story that I loved to hate. The relationship development between the main characters was so sweet and I loved their vulnerability and gentleness with one another. The treasure hunt aspect being woven in with their story was a real highlight for me and really well done. I was genuinely invested in them finding that treasure and was super satisfied with how it all panned out. Overall a really fun, easy read! Although I am still annoyed with the "villains" who did NOT get the consequences they deserved, but I guess Evie is just a bigger person than I am!!!
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
Ex Marks the Spot is an academic rivals (and exes!) to lovers sapphic romcom, with a clever mystery twist as the protagonists work together to solve a puzzle hundreds of years in the making. Oxford University is the perfect atmospheric setting for a medieval treasure hunt, and I loved hearing Evie's conflicted thoughts on academia.
Evie and Nic are a great couple, and this is such a lovely romance. Their return to each other is slow burn, but consistently charming, filled with playful banter and just the right amount of tension. The two of them brought out the best in each other... eventually! It's not the spiciest romance, but there is absolutely still chemistry.
Fans of The Great Orchid Heist will enjoy a fun cameo from Phil and Lily. While both books still standalone, it's a nice bonus for returning readers.
Sweet, witty and with a genuinely satisfying plot alongside the romance, this is an easy recommendation for sapphic romance fans.
Thanks to Netgalley for the copy.
Evie and Nic are a great couple, and this is such a lovely romance. Their return to each other is slow burn, but consistently charming, filled with playful banter and just the right amount of tension. The two of them brought out the best in each other... eventually! It's not the spiciest romance, but there is absolutely still chemistry.
Fans of The Great Orchid Heist will enjoy a fun cameo from Phil and Lily. While both books still standalone, it's a nice bonus for returning readers.
Sweet, witty and with a genuinely satisfying plot alongside the romance, this is an easy recommendation for sapphic romance fans.
Thanks to Netgalley for the copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Gorgeous sapphic mystery romance set in Oxford. Evie and Nic had a thing a few years ago and while Nic has gone onto better things, Evie is stuck in Oxford, in limbo without a working thesis topic and no Plan B. When Nic comes back as a visiting professor they are thrown together.
Told from Evie’s point of view, I felt all her anguish as Nic seems to be incredibly successful as an influencer, and pushes on all Evie’s inadequacies. Oxford is as much a character as Evie and Nic, and I love all the university history and the quirkiness of the college system. Set in (fictional) St Frideswide’s College, where Evie works in the library, there’s a mystery that keeps everything moving. A treasure hunt is held in Oxford each year and the Chalice of St Frideswide is supposedly the long lost booty. Evie and Nic’s romance blossoms as they investigate the mystery of the Chalice.
Lots of yearning, intelligent secondary characters and a terrific setting make this a fun read.
Thank you Eleanor Vendrell and Headline for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
Told from Evie’s point of view, I felt all her anguish as Nic seems to be incredibly successful as an influencer, and pushes on all Evie’s inadequacies. Oxford is as much a character as Evie and Nic, and I love all the university history and the quirkiness of the college system. Set in (fictional) St Frideswide’s College, where Evie works in the library, there’s a mystery that keeps everything moving. A treasure hunt is held in Oxford each year and the Chalice of St Frideswide is supposedly the long lost booty. Evie and Nic’s romance blossoms as they investigate the mystery of the Chalice.
Lots of yearning, intelligent secondary characters and a terrific setting make this a fun read.
Thank you Eleanor Vendrell and Headline for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5/5 stars
I believe that to review this book properly, I have to split the story in two: the treasure hunt and the romance.
The treasure hunt is well-written, and the pacing is mostly consistent. You can really tell that the author put a lot of effort into crafting the clues and having the MCs follow them. It was quite intriguing, and it kept me wondering whether they would actually find the treasure or not.
As for the romance, I found it a bit disappointing. I expected more "rom" and more "com" (since this is a rom-com), but unfortunately, I found very little of either. The romance is a SLOTH burn; we get nothing but a few "oh, she looks good" moments for the majority of the book. It isn't until the 96% mark that we get more than just two kisses on the cheek and one proper kiss, everything happens in the final 3% of the story. While the ending was cute, the romance felt like it took a backseat to the plot.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
I believe that to review this book properly, I have to split the story in two: the treasure hunt and the romance.
The treasure hunt is well-written, and the pacing is mostly consistent. You can really tell that the author put a lot of effort into crafting the clues and having the MCs follow them. It was quite intriguing, and it kept me wondering whether they would actually find the treasure or not.
As for the romance, I found it a bit disappointing. I expected more "rom" and more "com" (since this is a rom-com), but unfortunately, I found very little of either. The romance is a SLOTH burn; we get nothing but a few "oh, she looks good" moments for the majority of the book. It isn't until the 96% mark that we get more than just two kisses on the cheek and one proper kiss, everything happens in the final 3% of the story. While the ending was cute, the romance felt like it took a backseat to the plot.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Take an over-achieving but burnt out Doctoral candidate and a social media savvy history influencer. Mix together with forced proximity, a treasure hunt and a second chance at love. Equals a brilliant, witty, heart-warming romcom based in the lofty spires of Oxford!
Evie and Nic are a great pairing and I really enjoyed hunting with them. Their friends are an eclectic bunch and cover a chunk of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. The story mixes together a present day rom com and with scenes from a historical romance that mesh together really well. There is a great representation of academic burn-out and mental health representation.
The banter is witty, there is a nod to The Mummy (one of my favourite films) and we get to see Evie embrace life and seize the day. We see Evie and Nic's vulnerabilities and learn about the real Oxford. The fully formed secondary characters of Bruno, Ash and even the good boy that is Tutz, were all there for a purpose, there were no filler characters.
I'd happily read more books based in this world.
Evie and Nic are a great pairing and I really enjoyed hunting with them. Their friends are an eclectic bunch and cover a chunk of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. The story mixes together a present day rom com and with scenes from a historical romance that mesh together really well. There is a great representation of academic burn-out and mental health representation.
The banter is witty, there is a nod to The Mummy (one of my favourite films) and we get to see Evie embrace life and seize the day. We see Evie and Nic's vulnerabilities and learn about the real Oxford. The fully formed secondary characters of Bruno, Ash and even the good boy that is Tutz, were all there for a purpose, there were no filler characters.
I'd happily read more books based in this world.
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
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Character development 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Plot 👌
Spice 0.5 🌶 (not detailed on page)
I never thought I needed to read a historical sapphic book until I read this one.
It has mystery, treasure hunts, and ancient rivalry. The feminist undertone of the story seeps through the pages and fills you with joy.
Evie is a failed (in her mind) academic scholar. She currently works in the St. Frys library and tutors students. She was perfectly miserable with her life until Nic comes back to haunt her.
Nic is a prestigious historian/influencer who seems to want to make Evie's life hell. But everything is not as it seems.
Nor is the treasure hunt they get themselves into.
Filled with yearning, friendship, diverse characters, breakins, thrilling danger, and some ugly professors who might have it in for Evie, this story kept me up at night, and I'm glad it did.
I loved every bit of it and, most of all, its unexpected ending!
Character development 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Plot 👌
Spice 0.5 🌶 (not detailed on page)
I never thought I needed to read a historical sapphic book until I read this one.
It has mystery, treasure hunts, and ancient rivalry. The feminist undertone of the story seeps through the pages and fills you with joy.
Evie is a failed (in her mind) academic scholar. She currently works in the St. Frys library and tutors students. She was perfectly miserable with her life until Nic comes back to haunt her.
Nic is a prestigious historian/influencer who seems to want to make Evie's life hell. But everything is not as it seems.
Nor is the treasure hunt they get themselves into.
Filled with yearning, friendship, diverse characters, breakins, thrilling danger, and some ugly professors who might have it in for Evie, this story kept me up at night, and I'm glad it did.
I loved every bit of it and, most of all, its unexpected ending!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I saw 'gay historians' on the author's Instagram and as a gay historian (or a gay who studied history over a decade ago anyway 😅) I jumped over to Netgalley for the ARC.
And this delivers exactly what it says it will: gay historians, Oxford vibes, second chance romance and a treasure hunt!
I liked our MC, Evie, a struggling academic and librarian, whose love for history really shines through the page. Her relationship with Nic, both past and present, felt incredibly realistic. I also really liked the ending to the treasure hunt arc (though I wouldn't go in to too much depth why because it would spoil it!)
My only qualm is that the whole situation with the CADs (amateur treasure hunters known for damaging artefcacts they find) was a bit melodramatic. Those few scenes felt like quite a shift in tone that didn't fit.
Overall though, a cute romance and if any of the things listed above catch your attention, you'll probably enjoy this one!
And this delivers exactly what it says it will: gay historians, Oxford vibes, second chance romance and a treasure hunt!
I liked our MC, Evie, a struggling academic and librarian, whose love for history really shines through the page. Her relationship with Nic, both past and present, felt incredibly realistic. I also really liked the ending to the treasure hunt arc (though I wouldn't go in to too much depth why because it would spoil it!)
My only qualm is that the whole situation with the CADs (amateur treasure hunters known for damaging artefcacts they find) was a bit melodramatic. Those few scenes felt like quite a shift in tone that didn't fit.
Overall though, a cute romance and if any of the things listed above catch your attention, you'll probably enjoy this one!
May 6, 2026
This was my first time reading a book by Eleanor Vendrell and what a book to start with. I loved how it was set in Oxford and despite never going or knowing anything about the university I didn’t feel left out or like I had to google things that were mentioned. The location was described beautifully and has definitely made me want to visit Oxford.
Evie and Nic’s relationship really was a rollercoaster, they went from rivals to lovers but were always there with the undercurrent of wanting each other even if they didn’t realise it. You could sense the tension when they first met after their break up, and they slowly and surely went from rivals to treasure hunting buddies to lovers.
The added element of the treasure hunt tied the story together nicely, and really allowed Evie and Nic to let the guard down with each other while nerding out about history.
I can’t wait to read more by this author and would definitely recommend to anyone!
Evie and Nic’s relationship really was a rollercoaster, they went from rivals to lovers but were always there with the undercurrent of wanting each other even if they didn’t realise it. You could sense the tension when they first met after their break up, and they slowly and surely went from rivals to treasure hunting buddies to lovers.
The added element of the treasure hunt tied the story together nicely, and really allowed Evie and Nic to let the guard down with each other while nerding out about history.
I can’t wait to read more by this author and would definitely recommend to anyone!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2026
𝙀𝙭 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙨 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙩 𝙗𝙮
This book was 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜. It was so fun, sweet and full of humour.
This type of book is my absolute favourite, yes it’s a romance but that isn’t the entire plot. 𝙖 𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙝𝙪𝙣𝙩?! Are you kidding me? So fun!
I fell head over heels in love with the gorgeous Oxford setting and the awkwardly adorable characters, especially Tutz, obviously.
Tropes to expect when, not if, 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣, you pick up this dazzling, sapphic, academic rom com (I dare you to say that 5 times fast):
🫧 rivals to lovers
🫧 second chance romance
🫧 cosy academia
🫧 influencer x librarian
Overall this captured my heart way more than I expected it to and I adored every page. Thankyou so much to Mountain Leopard Press & Eleanor Vendrell for the gifted copy of Ex Marks The Spot.
As always, my opinion is honest, and my own.
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!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A treasure hunt steeped in history and mystery? Check. A librarian and an academic with a tangled history of their own? Check. An extremely well-written Oxford backdrop, some genuinely three-dimensional side characters and loads of emotional character development? Check, check and check. Narrator Evie's frustrations and insecurities just rise off the page, and her journey of self-discovery (and realisations that she and Nic have been misunderstanding each other all along) works perfectly alongside the suspense of deciphering clues and attempting to stay one step ahead of their rivals. This is a real page-turner with some lovely humorous writing, and it kept me thoroughly engrossed.
May 17, 2026
I really enjoyed this! As a massive treasure hunt fan and someone who knows Oxford this was always going to be a must read for me but I ended up enjoying it more than I thought I would.
The author has done lots of research about Oxford but manages to incorporate it seamlessly rather than doing what so many books do and add it in really obviously in a way that takes the reader out of the narrative. This isn’t easy!
I loved the treasure hunt part of it. It was clever and well thought through. I’d have loved to have been able to see the treasure book!
The characters were also great and really well rounded. Recommended! Thanks to netgalley for the free copy.
The author has done lots of research about Oxford but manages to incorporate it seamlessly rather than doing what so many books do and add it in really obviously in a way that takes the reader out of the narrative. This isn’t easy!
I loved the treasure hunt part of it. It was clever and well thought through. I’d have loved to have been able to see the treasure book!
The characters were also great and really well rounded. Recommended! Thanks to netgalley for the free copy.
May 21, 2026
*Thank you Mountain Leopard Press and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
Ex Marks the Spot felt like the perfect blend of cozy academia and romantic adventure: Oxford libraries, hidden manuscripts, secret societies, literary clues, second-chance romance. The chemistry between Evie and Nic was easily my favourite part. The BANTER! I also really appreciated how grounded Evie’s character felt beneath all the mystery and adventure. Her struggles with burnout and feeling left behind added very real emotional depth to the story and made the romance hit even harder. I absolutely loved this!
Ex Marks the Spot felt like the perfect blend of cozy academia and romantic adventure: Oxford libraries, hidden manuscripts, secret societies, literary clues, second-chance romance. The chemistry between Evie and Nic was easily my favourite part. The BANTER! I also really appreciated how grounded Evie’s character felt beneath all the mystery and adventure. Her struggles with burnout and feeling left behind added very real emotional depth to the story and made the romance hit even harder. I absolutely loved this!
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
Unfortunately, I'm DNFing this at 46%, I'm just not finding it interesting.
The main characters aren't particularly likeable, I couldn't connect to them. The historical side of things was quite intriguing but it's taking too long to get going, the first half has been really slow and the treasure hunt still hasn't properly started.
*Thank you to the publisher and author for the opportunity to view an advanced copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was provided with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.*
The main characters aren't particularly likeable, I couldn't connect to them. The historical side of things was quite intriguing but it's taking too long to get going, the first half has been really slow and the treasure hunt still hasn't properly started.
*Thank you to the publisher and author for the opportunity to view an advanced copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was provided with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews