While there were aspects of this book I thoroughly enjoyed, I struggled to stay engaged and connect to the characters. I wished for more depth throughout.

If I Dig You has been pulled from publishing due to the controversy surrounding the author. Based on this information, I will no longer provide a review for this book.

I have learned this book is not being published anymore, as well as the fact that Wilkens may not actually be Native American, so I will not be writing a review

There have been allegations that Colby Wilkens is not actually Native, according to a genealogical study. Although the organization that conducted the study is itself controversial, the Cherokee Nation, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians have a clear statement on who is allowed to claim an identity as Cherokee. I do not support white authors claiming to be indigenous or people of color if they are not.

Unfortunately I will not be reviewing this one due to the controversy surrounding the author and this book.

DNFed at 30%. I started this book a while ago and any time I tried to pick it up again it just dragged so I'm letting it go.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.

I had to DNF bc the information has come out that the author doesn’t have any connections to the Cherokee or ancestry discussed in the book

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.