Thank you to the publisher for the gifted book.

I do not recommend this book or this author. Please research them.

While what I read was well written, I cannot in good faith recommend a book when the author has had such a controversy over utilizing an identifier (Indigenous) that they do not have.

I will not be providing a review for this book as it has, understandably & rightfully, been pulled from publication

I am a professional archaeologist for a Native American tribe, and I heard about all of the contention with this book prior to its expected release date. It appears that this book never released as far as I understand, however I do have a few comments after reading. The love story between Louise and Isi was refreshing and fun to read, and their friends to lovers relationship was super cute. The mystery behind Isi’s mother’s disappearance was a nice plot point, but I can see how the narrative of the Cherokee treasure hunt can be hurtful for the living descendants of the tribe. Overall, the romance between the two main characters was cute and fluffy, and I enjoyed their banter.

I want to first say thank you for allowing me to receive an ARC of If I Dig You. I feel it’s unfair for me to rate the novel due to the fact that I dnf-ed it quite early one. I tried multiple times to start it, but unfortunately I don’t believe it’s a book for me. I wish the author all the best in their future works though!

I think this book needed a sensitivity read and written without the Native plot lines. It is inauthentic since the author didn't actually have true connections to the ancestry.

I was super excited for this book and really upset to hear that it had been pulled from the market -- but I was even more upset to find out why. Hate to see another instance of authors trying to write a very Native-specific lived experience without having that experience themselves (even if they are ultimately able to show some degree of Native ancestry, which also seems unlikely at this point).

🌿 Book Review: If I Dig You by Colby Wilkens 🌿

Best friends. Buried feelings. Lost treasure. 🧭💖

Isadora Ross and Louise Morgenstern have been best friends for sixteen years. But when Lou takes a job in Turkey, leaving Isi behind, their bond is strained. Upon Lou's return, Isi is avoiding her, grappling with unspoken feelings and resentment. But when Isi uncovers a journal hinting at the legend of lost Cherokee gold, the two are thrust into an adventure that tests their limits and their hearts.

This f/f romance is a thrilling blend of mystery, adventure, and second chances. With themes of trust, healing, and rediscovery, it's a journey you won't want to miss.

📚 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
💬 Favorite Quote: "Digging up the past has never been hotter."

#BookReview #RomanceReads #IfIDigYou #ColbyWilkens #AdventureRomance #SecondChances #LGBTQReads #Bookstagram #MustRead

I ended up DNFing this book about 17% of the way in. The writing feels rushed and under developed and the main characters were already irritating me. I was very excited about the premise of this book and it was disappointing to have it fall flat for me so immediately.

Couldn’t get into this book. I struggled staying interested and connecting with the characters. I loved the cover art for this book.

I will not be providing feedback anymore because I had not read this book before it was pulled from publication.

I have nothing to say about this book because of the authors behavior. It’s icky that she lied about her heritage in order to sell “native stories.”

Dnf due to a problematic author and poor writing. Didn't like the author's debut either but wanted to give this one a chance, until I saw some stuff about her faking her heritage? Really disappointing. Her books have such interesting premises but the execution just doesn't pay off, and with the issues surrounding the author, I won't be trying any more of her books if she publishes again.

3.5 out if 5 stars!

From the moment this book was announced, I knew I had to get my hands on it—and somehow, the stars aligned and I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of a story I’d been eagerly anticipating for months.

First off, can we take a second to appreciate that stunning cover? It's serving major pop art vibes and I am so here for it. Bold, vibrant, and impossible to ignore—just like the story inside.

What unfolds is an absolutely delightful mix of sweetness and adventure that had me hooked from the very first chapter. I was completely swept up in the journey of these two characters, rooting for them the whole way as they chased down both answers and a sense of closure. It’s heartfelt, fast-paced, and left me feeling full in the best way.

***Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review***

DNF at 57%

I tried, but I just couldn't get into this.

Isi's mom disappeared into the mountains, now presumed dead, but she left behind a treasure map that Isi and her friend Louise are determined to use to find the treasure. However, they are not the only ones looking for it. Clarice Walker and her band of kidnappers are also after the map. They do catch Isi and Louise, tying them up. They manage to escape, and then the rest of the book (as far as I got anyway) we're just told over and over that Isi is in love with Louise and Louise is in love with Isi as they are running away from the kidnappers while having lusty thoughts about each other. It doesn't seem like they're that concerned though, because they stop to sleep not too far away from where they lost them, and chill in the hot springs while participating in certain solo activities.

Also, after requesting this book, I found out about the controversy surrounding the author. I can't in good faith promote a book or support an author who is claiming something without proof.

Colby Wilkens is a compelling author of queer romances that feature suspenseful elements. In her second book, If I Dig You, Isadora and Louise are archeologists that are finding their way back to each other after a long friendship hit some bumps in the road. When Louise returned from working abroad, they struggled to reclaim their closeness. Fate stepped in and forced them to work together to find a treasure while avoiding the bad actors who are intent on cashing in. The chase elements were a bit too intense for me, but the romance/love story kept me engaged throughout.

Will not be giving feedback for this book that was not read prior to it being pulled from publication.

This was a great sapphic slow burn. Could be described as Indiana Jones vibes but make it gay. I'm a sucker for books with STEM roots or academic influence. This is a great read if you are looking for a sapphic romance pick this one up!

Getting this book off my list since it will no longer be published. Hopefully the situation is sorted out in time.

Thank you St. Martin’s for the review copy. I enjoyed If I Dig You. It had everything I wanted in a romance.