Reviews

How to Excavate a Heart by Jake Maia Arlow

cae's review against another edition

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lighthearted fast-paced

3.75

izzys_internet_bookshelf's review against another edition

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3.0

3/5

I really enjoyed this plot and its characters but overall, I felt like it was lacking in romance, which is odd because it is a romcom

louanna23's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

rainbowbookworm's review

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5.0

Super adorable holigay romance!

fairyhag's review

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4.0

super cute book! I had a lot of fun reading this so that's all that matters

morganne_t's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

lizoetic's review against another edition

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2.0

DNF - 40%

I really wanted to like this book, and I think I had high expectations based on the ratings, but I could not finish it. The main character seemed immature to me. I know it's a YA, but it was difficult to listen to (audiobook). I didn't enjoy the story very much either. I wasn't getting much from either the plot or any of the characters. It's a cute love story but I wanted more.

annamickreads's review against another edition

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5.0

Now that the Harper's strike has concluded it's time to gush about this book:

College freshman Shani and May are struggling through the post-Hanukkah-pre-New-Years winter weeks in the cold beginnings of the new year in an enemies-to-lovers sapphic rom-com that you won't be able to help but adore. Not only do Shani and May meet when Shani's Mom almost accidentally hits May with her car, but then Shani ends up walking May's dad's dog so it's really the best combination of chaos and romance you could possibly want in a book!!

On a more serious note, Shani is coming fresh out of a toxic relationship and working a sweet internship, while May grapples with a fraught relationship with her dad. The story could arguably also be a coming-of-age for Shani especially, who is learning about love and her sexuality while also trying to figure out her future career (her internship is for the Smithsonian!).

TL;DR if you like cute nerds, banter, heart-to-heart convos and hilarious meet-cutes, you're sure to have a blast with this one. Congratulations to Jake Maia Arlow on their debut!!!!!!

oldie's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

4.5

genevieve_eggleston's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was a cute, enjoyable, seasonal rom-com read. I loved the characters and I liked seeing how each of them grew on their own and how their budding relationship grew alongside that personal development. Ultimately, this was a fun read that I very much enjoyed, but not one of a kind (which isn’t always a bad thing).