Book Description
When two history professors and best friends are forced to fake hate to protect their reputations, chaos ensues, in the next rollicking historical-fantasy rom-com from beloved author India Holton.
Magical-antique experts Amelia Tarrant and Caleb Sterling have been best friends forever, although lately each has begun secretly wishing for more than friendship. But when rumors about their relationship spread, they’re forced to fake being enemies to protect their reputations and keep their jobs.
The resulting arguments spark havoc across Oxford University, and when they cause an explosion while fighting over a magical antique, it’s the final straw for their exasperated faculty head. He dispatches them to a job in Cumbria where even they can’t get into trouble.…
Which proves just how wrong one man can be. In a stormbound old manor house, Amelia and Caleb face magical mayhem and rampaging ghosts that make the previous havoc look mild in comparison. Most troublesome of all, though, is the secret of how they feel about each other. When it comes to tackling deadly antiques, hiding the truth in their hearts could destroy them for real.
Book Review: The Antiquarian’s Object of Desire
Genre: Paranormal & Fantasy Romance
Hello Book Friends,
Today I’m reviewing India Holton’s final novel in the Love Academics series, The Antiquarian’s Object of Desire. First, I absolutely love the main characters. Caleb is a handsome darling, charming, witty and has a deep affection for his best friend. While Amelia might be rough on the edges, mainly because all the men in academia underestimate her, but she is truly the gentlest and kindest of souls.
Out of the three novels, this one was bit more slow paced, although still had all the fun quirky laugh-out-loud moments readers expect from a Holton novel. This fake enemies, friends-to-lovers, he clearly is in love with her first, slowest of burns, dark academia romance will sweep you off your feet and find the object (or person) of Amelia and Caleb’s desire.
Make sure to add this one to your TBR.
Happy Reading ~ Cece
RATING: 
– Satisfyingly Inked
About the Author
India Holton lives in New Zealand, where she’s enjoyed the typical Kiwi lifestyle of wandering around forests, living barefoot on islands, and messing about in boats. Now she lives in a cottage near the sea, writing books about uppity women and charming rogues, and drinking too much tea.
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publication details
| Pub Date | ISBN | Page Count | Publisher | Age Group | Source & Format | Review Posted Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21-Apr-26 | 978-0593641491 | 368 | Berkley | Adult | NetGalley, Digital ARC | November 9, 2025 |
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From the Publisher
Check These Out:
The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love, India Holton
The Geographer’s Map to Romance, India Holton
OTHER BOOKS YOU MAY ENJOY
Welcome Reader!
I’m Cecelia and I’m so glad you’re here! You’ll find honest reviews, book recommendations, along with other bookish essentials. So happy you stopped by!
– C
Let’s Be Friends
ABOUT THE CREATOR
CECE BECKMAN
Cece holds a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing from California State University, Long Beach. She lives in California with her husband and children. When she’s not reading or writing reviews she can be found wandering book aisles at local bookshops, drinking iced cold lattes with cold cream foam, or passing the time with her cats.
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