Reviews

Artifacts of an Ex by Jennifer Chen

madalynn_owens's review

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lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

This was far too predictable and quickly became enjoyable. The art piece of it felt uninspired and hard to even begin to believe. The physical relationships felt at odds with the YA of it all.

emp15's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.75

rzimmer0121's review

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

2.5

kindlebabe's review

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4.0

Book : Artifacts of An Ex
Author : Jennifer Chen
Pub Date : 14 Nov 2023

Thank you NetGalley, St Martin’s Press, Wednesday Books & the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This book was so cute from the cover to the storyline/plot etc. I typically do not gravitate towards YA but I’m happy I’m branching out. I sat down yesterday evening and could put this book down until I had finished. I adore Chloe , our MC. I loved watching her grow through the book and develop.

I have recommended this book to my daughter who I feel as a YA would love this book as well. The book was written in such a way it appeases both the YA and Adult readers. I can’t wait to see what else the author comes out with.

booklionqueen's review

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3.0

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.


This book was really cute! I thought that idea with the exhibit was very clever. This is a good YA novel but I found myself suspending my disbelief with the timeline of the series of events. I thought the overall concept was cute and I appreciate the MC’s growth through the book but felt myself wanting a little bit of a slowed down pace at times. I definitely enjoyed the book!

kyleethecatlady's review against another edition

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Not vibing

cobaltbookshelf's review

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3.0

3.5 stars

Artifacts of an Ex was exactly the fun-loving book that I needed this weekend. The characters and romancee were fun and they each had their own, emotional arc to follow. I like that there are a lot of layers to the story, so it didn't feel totally formulaic. All in all, it was a very entertaining book and I totally recommend it.

A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press & Wednesday Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

bargainsleuth's review

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5.0

Whenever I’m in a reading slump, I like to rely upon lighter reads to pull me out of it. Artifacts of an Ex is a YA contemporary romance that did the trick for me.

Chloe is a type A perfectionist who has recently moved from New York City to Los Angeles so her family is closer to her grandmother, who is in the early stages of dementia. Her boyfriend back in New York broke up with her via snail mail. Ouch!

Being an art-centric teen, and finding an unused gallery space, Chloe decides to turn her heartache into an exhibit called Heartifacts. Remember keeping a shoebox of mementos from your relationships? Chloe sends a request out to the WWW for these break-up boxes and gets about ten. On opening night, she meets Daniel and his friend, Vincent, who came to look at his box on display. There’s an instant attraction, but Daniel has been on the wrong side of dating several times over and doesn’t want to be a rebound.

This was a neat book if you enjoy art and social media and a clean romance. I also liked the LGBTQ representation throughout the book, which didn’t feel forced. I also enjoyed learning about a different culture and the foods they eat, broadening my horizons a bit. Recommended!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Wednesday Books; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

For more reviews, visit www.bargain-sleuth.com

miniibooks's review

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4.0

3.5/5

whateves99's review

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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? No

4.5

I liked this book a lot and it was a fun read that I read in between things I had to do this week

Things I liked

  • I liked Chloe a lot and love that the author included what journaling supplies she was using (as someone who’s has a slight obsession with everything journaling, and planning) 
  • Chloe did not seen that shallow to me and I loved how she had more than one interest
  • I liked how she had to keep chasing Daniel instead of them just getting together with no problems
  • I also thought that the author did a good job of making sure we always knew who was who
  • How Chloe had to try different things in Heartafacts until she got it just the way she wanted

Things I did not like

  • How Francesca and Selena’s relationship was confusing at the end,
  • The preview of the book quiz giving away too much of it
 

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