Reviews

Head Over Heels by Holly Smale

emilyromanallama's review against another edition

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funny hopeful inspiring 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

4.5

emb27's review against another edition

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

3.25

lillie_readsbooks's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing 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

5.0

1000unreadpages's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

mehsi's review against another edition

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4.0

A new book in the series, and one that I really liked again! Mostly because we can finally see some minor growth in Harriet. Also because of what happened at the end which was long overdue (I knew from the start of the book what would happen).

Harriet is back, and she is (for most) her old obnoxious, how-the-hell-did-you-survive-16/17-years-on-earth. I mean, wow, I know some people aren't really great at stuff like social, but Harriet tops the cake. Why did I rate the book high? Well, because it is fun seeing Harriet try to survive in this world, and also trainwrecks.
I just couldn't get it that she didn't see that organizing EVERYONE of her friends life was controlling, annoying, or not a good thing. Then again, I wish that the whole India stuff was handled better. Now it just felt weird and silly. Yes, I know she was hurt, but why didn't she just talk about it with Harriet? Harriet is an idiot, but she can understand stuff if you explain it. Maybe take her best friend Nat and do it together. Running away, ignoring her, then being a bitch, is just bad.

Now I don't want to talk about the social awkwardness any more. I want to talk about all the good things, and I will just put them in a list type, since I am not feeling all to well, but still want to tell people why I liked this book.
-Wilbur and all that Harriet did for him. Which was just amazing, wonderful, and cute. Go Harriet!
-The dad. He is always my favourite character, but he really shines in this one.
-The grandma. Oh my, she might seem a bit weak and old, but actually she is still young and springy. I just laughed so hard when she surprised Harriet a few times. And she also helped her out.
-The facts. Yes, while they did get a bit annoying to be featured EVERYWHERE, and getting in the story, I still loved reading them. Not that I will remember them, some people are walking random facts machines, but I tend to just forget them if I don't use them. :D
-The modelling!
-Rin! Rin is here and I was just so happy to see her again.
-The travelling.
-The cover.
-The ending. Ahhh, *swoons*.
-Harriet actually doing some effort to look normal.
-Harriet helping out her dad in a great, fantastic, sweet way.
-Harriet sister was just adorable, and it was fun to see that she came with Harriet a few times.

As you can see, a lot of good that really kicked away the not so good. :) I just flew through this book and I can't wait for the special that is coming out soon.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com

dontgrumble's review against another edition

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5.0

*I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for a review*

I adore reading Harriet's stories. They are always full of random knowledge, awkward yet endearing situations and things that make me giggle out loud despite being a lot older than the intended audience.

Harriet is always well intentioned, if not a little self absorbed, fairly typical for a teenager really. This carries on into the 5th instalment of her story. After visits to Japan, Russia, Marrakesh and America I was intrigued to see where this would take us and was pleasantly surprised to find out most of the story was based back in good old England.

Having found friends (plural - not just Nat and a stalker) Harriet appears to be happy and getting over he who shall not be named. When Wilbur calls she drops what she's doing to help him, not quite realising the situation she is in and soon realises how much he needs her help. So she sets one of many plans in motion.

There is a gang (team JINTH), a reappearance from a couple of old but loved faces, a kidnapping (well babynapping of sorts), burnt biscuits, Vogue, and lots of bound plans and colourful project folders to name a few things.

With the promise of more adventures to come I can't wait for the next in the series!

fairynanook's review against another edition

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

3.5

saloniporwal's review against another edition

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5.0

I am so glad that Harriet finally has friends!! This book is gorgeous. Like a sparkling stack of amazing fantasies. You can't not like this book. There's so many relationships in this one. Her five friends (Jasper, India, Nat, Toby, Rin) are great. And Tabitha plays ...more

bhavyahaahha's review against another edition

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4.0

Harriet Manners is definitely a geek. And also a model. And she has an amazing circle of friends, and seems like she is finally getting over a major heartbreak. Life seems perfect. Until...

Unexpected things happen, and like always, she sort of screws up.

I am definintely very happy that I got to read this really amazing series. Head over Heels is the fifth book in the Geek Girl series, and it was a really nice read. I love how the main character - Harriet, grows through the whole series, but specifically this book.

I also fell in love with the characters in this book, specially her circle of friends who always have her back and support her. Wilbur, her out-of-the-world agent, is always a delight. And how can I forgot her slightly overenergetic Grandmother?

The plot was certainly interesting. In the beginning I felt for a tiny fraction of a minute (otherwise called a second) that I wouldn't be able to get through. But, well, I was wrong. I think I felt so because my absolute favourite character in the series wasn't in the book. I did miss them throughout, and that was the only shortcoming of the book, but the journey was good nevertheless.

One of my favourite parts was when Harriet goes to India! I really loved reading what is the first impression of my home on someone who new to the country. I was so excited when her flight lands to see what she thought of this country, and of course, I learned new facts about India from Harriet.

The book wasn't overtly emotional, but being the person that I am, I did shed a few tears towards the end. The way the author says things is just beautiful, and some sections of the book stick for a long time. I spent a lot of time thinking about it, during and after reading this book.

The book ends on an interesting note, and I cannot wait to read the last book in Geek Girl. Definitely recommend this series to someone looking for witty humour, drama, and of course - geekiness.

tazzyreads's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing 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

4.25