Love Is for the Birds by Deborah M. Hathaway: Book Review

Details

• Genre: Historical fiction
• Series: Bachelors of Blackstone’s (Book #5)
• Length: 378 pages (Kindle edition)
• Publication Date: June 1, 2025

Tropes

• Forced proximity
• Rivals to lovers

My Rating

Book Description

“He’s a professional. She’s an amateur. There can be only one victor… 

Bird enthusiast Lark Fernside will stop at nothing to prove she has a place in the male-dominated, bird-observing community. When the chance comes to prove her worth by joining an excursion across England, she jumps at the chance — especially when she discovers that famed naturalist Henry Branok will be joining the trip, as well. Lark has heard tales of his impressive travels and hopes to receive advice on how to become a better observer. However, when she meets him, she is quickly unimpressed with his arrogant words and behavior and learns the hard truth that one should never meet one’s heroes — even if they are devastatingly handsome.

Henry Branok hadn’t meant to sound arrogant. He’d only wanted to impress the gorgeous Miss Fernside with tales of the birds he’d seen around the world. Anxious to make up for his behavior, he swiftly issues a challenge to allow her to showcase her own: whomever ends the excursion with the most birds recorded takes the title of “Best Bird Observer in England.” To his joy and admiration, Miss Fernside swiftly accepts his challenge, and the two embark on a months-long adventure, both desperate to take the title.

Along the way, they are adamant that neither of them has time for romance in their lives, as observing birds is their one true love. But when they begin to observe each other in their own natural habitats and the cages fall down from around their hearts, they have to decide for themselves if love really is just for the birds.”

— from Goodreads

My Review

Will these two birds of a feather decide to flock together?

I loved learning about the various birds both in England and around the world.

Lark and Henry had some great banter and teasing. Their meet-cute was funny, but poor Lark 😂 that had to have been embarrassing.

A lot of their disagreements could have been solved if they’d just communicated which was a bit frustrating.

I was also disappointed in Uncle Francis. I don’t doubt he cares for his niece and I get he’s being protective.  But he was cordial to Henry before he knew about Blackstone’s and then reversed his attitude almost immediately because he put more stock in rumors than in actions.  He could have at least tried to hear Henry out.

Mr. Chumley and Mr. Dunn were a bit insufferable. I’m so glad Henry spoke up, and Lark stood up for herself.

Favorite Moments

🦜 second dinner in Yorkshire 
🦉 the blue gown
🦜 on the stairs
🦉 in the library
🦜 rescuing the owl
🦉 in the rain
🦜 looking for the nightjar 
🦉 hiding from the Shepherds
🦜 finding the nightjar 
🦉 chasing after Henry
🦜 epilogue

Favorite Quotes

“He delivered a small smile. ‘When you said you would not create another disturbance…I certainly hope that is untrue. For what is life without a little disturbance now and again?’“

Deborah M. Hathaway

“Winking at her, teasing her, creating challenges she agreed not to tell her family about…The man was a complete scoundrel. She couldn’t wait to interact with him again.“

Deborah M. Hathaway

“‘That is easier for you to say than for me to do. You are loved and embraced by all.’

His features sobered. ‘Not all.’ He peered off as if deep in thought. ‘But I have learned these last few years that we needn’t prove who we are.  We simply need to be who we are.’“

Deborah M. Hathaway

“‘Bending the rules is what makes life enjoyable.’

‘If you say so.’

‘What do you say?’

She eyed him, grateful for the lightened tone in their conversation. ‘I say you’re as cunning as a crow and as pesky as a pigeon.’“

Deborah M. Hathaway

“‘You believed in my ability to help with the owl. You did not push me back indoors. You are the only gentleman who has not told me to hide from the rain.  Instead, you protected me from it…and sacrificed your own comfort to do so. That is why I wish to be near you.’“

Deborah M. Hathaway

“Lark supposed she’d been wrong all those months ago.  Love wasn’t just for the birds.“

Deborah M. Hathaway

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