A review by beccasllibrary
How to Excavate a Heart by Jake Maia Arlow

3.5

Found myself both enjoying this and frustrated by it. Very great atmosphere and well rounded characters with unique identities outside of their relationship that remain for the entirety of the plot. The first half set up a great dynamic between the two characters as well as their other struggles. Halfway through I thought this would be 4.5 or higher when they had established a relationship but were still struggling with limerence and setting boundaries. This was incredibly refreshing in a genre where a relationship often fixes all problems and is seen as the most important part of a person's story rather than a part of it requiring balance like any other. I would have loved to see the characters learn hwo to communicate and set boundaries before eventually finding a balance in their relationship that can be sustained long-term. However,
the multiple breakups/ghosting before getting back together irked me. I wish these ideas were explored without relying on the third act (and forth act, just for good measure) breakup to keep the story going
. The side characters were a little flat but that's most romance books so whatever. The barista part was uncomfy. A fun hallmark type holiday book that had potential to do something really unique with the themes it explored but lost me at the end.
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