The Geographer's Map to Romance

 

The Geographer's Map to Romance by India Holton | 368 pages | 2025

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 England, 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.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

This sweet slow-burn romance was so unique! I wasn't necessarily expecting the magical element, but it added so much fun to the narrative. The main duo, Elodie and Gabriel, are polar opposites in the best way. Elodie is dreamy sunshine, whereas Gabriel is pragmatic and shuttered. Watching them balance each other throughout the story was a delight! There was great humor littered through the story, and an irreverent tone that made reading fun.
To be honest, the burn was a little too slow for my usual taste. It made perfect sense based on the excellent character development done by the author. I just found it frustrating as the story went on that the relationship wasn't progressing more. I did appreciate the lower level of spice (I'd say about 2.5/5), which is easier to recommend for my book club.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.