Review – The Antiquarian’s Object of Desire (Love’s Academic, Book 3) by India Holton (5/5 stars)

Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Historical Fantasy / Romance
Length: 367 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Release Date: April 21, 2026
ASIN: B0FJDYY2SL
Stand Alone or Series: 3rd book in the Love’s Academic series
Source: Borrowed ebook from Library
Rating: 5/5 stars

“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.”

Series Info/Source: This is the 3rd book in the Love’s Academic series. I borrowed this on ebook from my library.

Thoughts: This was an incredibly fun and cozy fantasy and does a fantastic job wrapping up this series. This whole series has been very entertaining and is a wonderful feel-good magical read.

This series follows Amelia Tarrant and Caleb Sterling. The two have been best friends forever, but lately, a misplaced hug between the two has rumors swirling. As a result, Amelia and Caleb are pretending to be enemies to protect Amelia’s reputation and both of their jobs. However, the pretending is wearing on them, and the friendship seems to be creeping into more romantic territory. When they are tasked with going out to a remote, ghostly estate to evaluate magical antiquities for donation to the British Museum, things get very explosive.

This was a hilarious, adorable, and at times heart-wrenching book about two very good friends navigating the path to becoming lovers. Additionally, they are navigating working together, inequalities of society, and what it means to be truly happy.

I loved all the characters in here; they are quirky and fun. I loved the gothic setting and all the crazy unexpected magic Amelia and Caleb find. It was heart-warming to watch Amelia and Caleb support each other through various wacky events and watch them both come out the other side more mature. Mostly, though I love that Amelia chose herself and happiness over all the other noise.

This was easy to read, fast-paced, and full of witty, entertaining dialogue. I have really enjoyed this whole series and how it ties academics, science, magic, adventure, and romance into a well balanced, easy to read story. However, I do think this was my favorite book in the series. Watching lifelong friends become lifelong partners is heartwarming, and the crazy magical devices throughout are truly entertaining.

My Summary (5/5): Overall I absolutely loved this book and thought it was the best book in this series. This whole series does an excellent job giving fast-paced, cozy stories that are entertaining and engaging. Holton does a fantastic job balancing academics, science, magic, adventure, and romance into a fantastic story. I plan to check out her other series. I would recommend to those looking for a fast-paced adventure fantasy with magic, science, and romance.