I received a free advanced reader's copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to the author, publisher, and Netgalley.

It was fine.

I haven't read the first book in this series, so this was my first taste of Holton's writing. Much of it was delightful, with incredible characters and a great idea. It was a fun, quick read. However...

I did feel like there was far too much purple prose. There were times where I was convinced the author wrote this book with a thesaurus open. There were also moments that were a little cheesy and I felt that the author leaned too heavily into the marriage of convenience trope highlighted by them both being absolutely in love with each other while simultaneously refusing to say as much and, therefore, believing that they actually hated each other. For me, all of this detracted from what was already a well-written story. Sometimes less is more.

What was done well was the sunshine woman and grumpy man trope. It wasn't overdone and felt like a realistic amount of difference between them.

Overall, a decent read that I won't hesitate to recommend to the right reader.

An absolute DELIGHT. This book perfectly captures the whimsical & magical aspects of this series with a new batch of love interests.

Grumpy x Sunshine professors that have a completely different style - serious & careful versus carefree & daring.

To make matters more interesting - they got married a year ago to land an upscale apartment that ended up getting rented to someone else. So now their “fake marriage” is legally binding and they avoid each other at all costs!!

As a reader that typically sticks to contemporary & romantasy - this book is the perfect combination of magic, action, & romance. All in a Bridgerton-esque setting.

Absolutely adored this.

3.5⭐️

The definition of a rom-com but based on historical fiction AND with magic!! Elodie and Gabriel are both geographers, experts in magical disasters, and conveniently married (and estranged) to each other. Opposites in every way, they are both called on an emergency mission to stop the magic erupting in a small Welsh village.

I really enjoyed how uniquely fun this book was. I’ve never read a historical fantasy rom-com before. Some of the magical components and world-building went over my head but I didn’t it took away from the romance component of the story. I loved that they were secretly pining for each other and we could get both their perspectives. the story overall was so entertaining!

If you like historical romance, marriage of convenience, fantasy and rom-com elements with scheming antics around every corner, thus is for you!! Thank you Berkley, for the free ARC and PRH Audio for the ALC!! All thoughts are my own. Releases April 8th 💚✨

"Geography professors in a failed marriage of convenience inconveniently reconnect for an emergency mission in this swoony historical-fantasy rom-com.

Professor Elodie Tarrant is an expert in magic disasters. Nothing fazes her - except her own personal disaster, that is: Professor Gabriel Tarrant, the grumpy, unfriendly man she married for convenience a year ago, whom she secretly loves.

Gabriel is also an expert in magic disasters. And nothing fazes him either - except the walking, talking tornado that is his wife. They've been estranged since shortly after their wedding day, but that hasn't stopped him from stoically pining for her.

When magic erupts in a small Welsh village, threatening catastrophe for the rest of Britain, Elodie and Gabriel are accidentally both assigned to the case. With the fate of the country in their hands, they must come together as a team in the face of perilous conditions like explosions, domesticated goats, and only one bed. But this is easier said than done. After all, there's no navigational guide for the geography of the heart."

Does anyone else just want to stroke this book cover or is it just me?

ARC Review: The Geographer's Map to Romance by India Holton
Pub Date: April 8, 2025

Thank you @berkleyromance for the #gifted copy and for allowing me to be a #berkleypartner. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Listen if you're here, you likely know that I am a huge lover of marriage of convenience - I will basically read any book that includes the trope. So when I found out that's what this book is, I was super excited! India's books are some of the most unique historical romance fantasy books - her voice is so incredibly HERS - you really can't understand this until you've read her books. Her books are also SO funny and the supporting characters add so much to her books! Honestly I would absolutely reread this book again just to enjoy the humor again! I do find that I have to be in a specific mood for these books, but when I am? Man do they hit! And I really loved this one! Some of the magic/worldbuilding inevitably goes over my head a bit but I don't find that that distracts me from the relationship in the book.

I loved grumpy starchy Gabriel so freaking much - I'm so glad we got his POV and I loved his interactions with Elodie - their banter was great. Her sunshine-y personality was such a perfect foible to his and man I just ate it up with a spoon! Truly just loved how inevitable their relationship felt and how hard they both tried to fight it.

If you like books with incredibly humor and books that know they're just a bit ridiculous, please check out India's books! For this series in particular, I don't think you need to read them in order (and to be honest, the first book in this series was not my favorite). I do love her first series at well, though I would recommend reading that one in order.

DNF at 40%. I like the whimsy of the India Holton’s writing, but it needs to be paired with an equally charming romance, and it just wasn’t. Marriage of convenience is already not my favorite, and the way the miscommunication was written frustrated me.

Thanks to @berkleypub and @berkleyromance for the free ARC/e-ARC and to @prhaudio for the ALC!

@india.holton describes her newest cozy fantasy romcom as “Anne of Green Gables and Mr Darcy meet Twister.” Which made me laugh. Appropriate because so much of this book made me laugh. The witty put-downs of the humanities, the over-the-top what-else-could-go-wrong scenarios, and the quirky characters were all a ton of fun. The steampunk meets magic meets academia vibes were just delightful.

Elodie and Gabriel are loveable protagonists and their inconvenient marriage of convenience creates so much romantic tension. I thoroughly enjoyed this read. And the cover is gorgeous. The narrator did an excellent job on the audiobook. I didn’t read book one of the series, but this one stood alone just fine.

In a magically infused Victorian England, estranged spouses Elodie and Gabriel Tarrant are abruptly thrust together to contain a supernatural disaster—while awkwardly navigating their unresolved feelings. Together, they must save the English countryside from a terrible fate, all while avoiding the minefields of their failed marriage of convenience. With sparkling wit, whimsical worldbuilding, and a slow-burn romance filled with delightful misunderstandings, this enchanting romp proves that love, like magic, is anything but predictable. Readers of the first in the series will love the continuing adventures in this unique alternate Victorian romance.

**Read If You Like:**

- Historical fantasy romance
- Second-chance love stories
- Academia intertwined with magic
- Witty, character-driven narratives
- Marriage of convenience tropes

Professors Elodie and Gabriel Tarrant are experts in magical disasters—and in avoiding each other. Once bound by a marriage of convenience, their relationship has since crumbled into estrangement, though neither has truly let go of their feelings. When a magical catastrophe threatens a Welsh village, they are unexpectedly forced to work together, confronting not only supernatural chaos but also their unresolved emotions. Between dangerous explosions, mischievous goats, and an unfortunate one-bed situation, their mission becomes as much about saving the town as it is about facing their own past.

This novel delivers a charming mix of adventure, magic, and romance, weaving humor into an emotionally rich second-chance love story. Elodie and Gabriel’s sharp wit and undeniable chemistry make their reluctant partnership both entertaining and heartfelt. Set against a backdrop of academic intrigue and whimsical magical disasters, their journey explores love, regret, and the possibility of new beginnings.

With its clever banter, enchanting world-building, and swoon-worthy tension, this is a story that balances the fantastical with the deeply personal, offering a delightful blend of humor, adventure, and romance.

Thanks to Berkley for my ARC!

4.5 stars

I requested this on a whim and I'm so glad I did.

Elodie and Gabriel are pure opposites in personality who just happen to work in the same field, are a bit awkward, and are secretly pining away for the other.

Plot wise, it's a mash up. This story is all about magic and the like, but the star is the relationship and reading these two trying to get out of their head long enough to have a real conversation. There are long passages of inner monologue, which usually brings me down a bit, but both Elodie and Gabriel are so wrecked for each other, I loved getting both sides or the story.

Overall, it was a delightful slow burn that I couldn't get enough of. I can't wait for the next book.

**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**

Another fun romp courtesy of Holton! I greatly enjoy how fun her books have been and continue to be. A perfect next story in this series!

Thank you, NetGalley, Berkley, and India Holton, for the e-ARC of The Geographer's Map to Romance in exchange for my honest review.

This is *The* Romcom I didn't know I needed.

This was lovely. I am elated. I am so sad it's over.

This is perfect for the cozy low-fantasy enthusiasts. This has been the best romcom I've read in years. I genuinely could not tell you the last one I loved this much.

I thought the premise was so cute, and it was executed to perfection. The Magical Disaster plaguing a small town in Wales as a vehicle for our protagonists to rekindle (or well... spark?) their somewhat of a catastrophe of a marriage. I also liked that there were moments of a higher (higher not *high*) stakes nature. (Elodie saved by her wedding ring!!!) The disaster was a vehicle, sure, but it was also gripping!

Also, I did not know that the grumpy/sunshine romance dynamic was something I would gel with, and my god, if more of them are like Elodie and Gabriel? Sign me up. (That being said, I am partial to the Idiots-to-Lovers Trope, which, in my humble opinion, beats both Enemies-to-Lovers and Friends-to-Lovers)

Speaking of which, poor Elodie and Gabe, when I read the line, "And wind rattled against the house like laughter, mocking them." I couldn't help but agree. The wind was me, I was the wind, and I was cackling. They were just so delightful. I loved their banter/barbs/quips for each other—this is the kind of miscommunication I love. Also, their pining slayed me, this. This is the pining I need for all my romance novels. Thank you very much. I *need* this IV'd into my veins forever + a day.

I loved that we got both of their POVs--THIS IS WHY I LOVE 3RD PERSON PERSPECTIVE!!! I could listen to Gabriel wax scientifical (because we know he would “never” wax poetical) about his beautiful Elodie all day, every day. (I'm serious about that IV, where is it?) He was such an adorable little grump. It was comedy gold to see him a teensy bit jealous of Mumbers and protective of Elodie. Basically, I loved seeing this stoic man longingly pine for his wife, who he loves with his whole body, (telescope) and soul.

And Elodie!!! She's so cute what the heck!!! We love and support women in ***STEM, especially bubbly women in ***STEM who are GOING THROUGH IT with their estranged husbands whom they hold so dear. (Again, where is that IV?) Her long-suffering and yearning sighs to her husband, who she thinks hates her. God, I love them so much. (***SThaumaturgyEM

Also, shout out to the loveliest of side characters: Bless you, Algernon, you poor, slightly useless king. Baby, you adorable little demon. Tegan, for somehow keeping everyone and everything from falling apart. And Motthers for losing his funding.

This book has thoroughly ruined me for all other Romcoms—excuse me as I go read the author's entire body of work since I have been missing out.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Berkley, and PRHAudio for the preview. All opinions are my own.

OMG I think this might be my new favorite Holton. I can’t tell you how many times I CACKLED with laughter, kicked my heels in glee, and generally just had a ridiculous big grin on my face.

I don’t usually like second chance romance, but for some reason I DO love “two idiots secretly in love with each other let their idiocy separate them and then are forced to work together again.” Add in just one bed, insane amounts of longing, and lots of hijinks with magic and hapless coworkers, and you have an utter DELIGHT.

I might have laughed the most in this book than ever before. The throwaway one-liners are just custom-made for literature nerds and Austen fans. And Elizabeth Knoweldon’s narration was pitch-perfect for the absurdity. But there was also so much sweetness and adorable moments, I might have had actual hearts in my eyes.

Anyway, HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!

I loved The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love, so when I saw this on NetGalley I had to request it! Book 1 is a tough act to follow, but I think this one held up well on its own.

The two Professors Tarrant are down bad for each other but neither of them know it. Even worse (better) when they’re sent on a mission to solve a geography catastrophe threatening a town. We get such a good mix of tropes like grumpy x sunshine, only one bed/cabin/patch of shade, poetic pining, marriage of convenience, forced/reluctant proximity.

Elodie and Gabriel were absolutely delightful. I so loved the way their personalities bounced off each other in such hilarious ways. Plus, their interactions with the townsfolk and their assistants were SO funny.

I felt the pace dragged a little in the middle so that’s the only reason I didn’t give it a full 5 stars. It’s man vs nature with this one so I didn’t feel like there was a big push to DO anything faster. I think I enjoyed the first one a bit more just because of the competition aspect and the rivalry was really quite funny, but this one was a great read nonetheless!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Pub for this earc

This book was just adorable. And chaotic. That’s honestly all you need to know. The way both Gabriel and Elodie are absolutely obsessed with each other but also have no idea how to communicate that was just hilarious. There is only one bed trop. And only one tree. I think I enjoyed Gabriel’s POV just a little more but only because it was absolutely amazing hearing his thoughts on brilliant his wife was.
This book just was like a chaotic hug. So cute

If India Holton writes it, I will read it! The Geographer’s Map to Romance was another absolutely magical and delightfully whimsy read. Elodie and Gabriel are married but estranged and both hopelessly in love with each other but they think the other hates them. So much wonderful pining as they race to solve a magical disaster. Can’t say I always understood what was happening magically, but I didn’t mind, it was a fun time. I’m ready for Holton’s next charming read already.

I really wanted to love this one, but the miscommunication trope is my absolute least favorite when it drags, and it draaaaaaged. The characters were super cute, though. It's too bad that the frustration got to me because the premise is adorable. Fingers crossed for the next installment!

Professor Elodie Tarrant may be an expert in magical disasters, but many would argue that she is quite the disaster herself. She's prone to flights of fancy and doesn't think twice before charging into any situation. Nothing fazes Elodie except for one person: Professor Gabriel Tarrant, her curmudgeonly colleague in the geography department and husband. Elodie and Gabriel couldn't be more different. The pair agreed to marry as a matter of convenience but were estranged soon after they exchanged their vows. But that hasn't stopped either from secretly pining after each other.

When a magical eruption threatens a small Welsh village, jeopardizing the rest of England, Elodie and Gabriel get assigned to the case. They haven't spoken in a year and can barely look one another in the eye, but they're willing to put their differences aside for their country's sake. But it's hard to keep things professional when faced with explosions, magically infected goats, and a small shared bedroom, and Elodie and Gabriel soon realize it's easier to give in to their desires than fight against them.

Holton continues to delight me with every new book. She's my go-to author when craving something light, humorous, and bonkers. Her characters are always witty, charming, and slightly unhinged (in the best possible way.) I loved how effervescent Elodie was. She had this child-like wonder about her that I found so endearing. On the flip side, Gabriel was stoic and grumpy, so watching them interact was so silly. I thought they had great banter, and you could tell that the pair loved each other but were too shy to act on it. I was yelling, "Just kiss already!" to myself the whole time. There's a nerdy little "my wife" scene that had me kicking my little feet! In typical Holton fashion, the magic system and world-building were pretty zany, but that's the whole appeal of her work. It's outlandish, but in a way that works. These books may not be for everyone, but they are definitely for me, and I can't wait to see what's next.

India Holton brings a whimsical writing quality to the Historical Romantic Fantasy genre. Her writing style is entertaining even if a bit dense. The two main characters in this book are so clearly gone for each other yet don't realize it about the other. I love the archetype of a surly MMC who is obsessed with the FMC and considers himself lucky to breathe the same air as her. Elodie is dangerously close to a manic pixie dream girl but her sharp intelligence goes a long way in making her something else. The plot was far less important than the relationship between our two main characters and that's become par for the course in an India Holton novel. I enjoyed this one a lot!

Rating: 2.25 out of 5

Thank you NetGalley for sharing an advanced copy.

Unfortunately, this book was not it. I’ve read all of India Holton’s books and absolutely adore “The Wister iaSociety for Lady Scoundrels” and “The League of Gentlewomen Witches” but it’s now getting to the point that all of her books are the same. What pulled me in was the whimsiness and I found it unique but when all of her books have the same outline and playfulness, it’s no longer different.

With this book, I was actually looking forward to the marriage of convenience but when we find out that their “problem” all came down to miscommunication…or a rather, lack thereof, well I was unamused. For one, I cannot stand the miscommunication trope but two, these are two highly educated professors…and they do not know how to communicate? There was also not much to their dynamic..they were boring. I loved Wisteria Society because we had tension and we had two main characters who had depth. I wasn’t excited about Gabriel or Elodie.

With the magic, I have no idea what was happening. There was no context to the magic present in this world and I couldn’t connect to the setting. With the Wisteria Society, you were a little confused but you could understand what the different elements did. With “The Geographer’s Map to Romance,” there were made up words that make no sense and when a reader doesn’t care what is happening….that’s a problem.

Overall, disappointed with this read.