My Thoughts on How Freaking Romantic
This is one of the times a book’s cover reflects its contents. I unfortunately was not a fan of the title or cover.
I saw a lot of potential in this book. However, I’m pretty sure my copy (book of the month edition) explicitly states that Bea is the lawyer for her friend, so I was already thrown off when I learned she was a student. Kind of threw off my enjoyment (I am just not a fan of school romances or student/professor even if she is a TA).
The characters needed a bit more depth. We are told, rather than shown, almost every facet of our characters aside from Bea’s anger. Nate suffered from a large lack of personality. I think his only characteristic was patience (sometimes) and being very understanding of Bea’s mental state despite barely knowing her. Most of their relationship develops off page as well, which made it hard for me to believe in the love.
2.75/5 ⭐️ stars, rounded up to 3
2.5/5 🌶️ level
So, you've read my honest take on 'How Freaking Romantic' by Emily Harding, and maybe you're wondering if my experience is a standalone, or if there's more to consider. When I dive into a contemporary romance, especially one with a title as bold as 'How Freaking Romantic,' I'm looking for swoon-worthy moments, deep emotional connection, and a storyline that keeps me invested in the characters' journey. Unfortunately, for me, this book didn't quite hit those marks, and it's a common pitfall in romance novels when certain elements aren't fully fleshed out. One of the biggest struggles I had, as mentioned, was with the characters. We're often told about their traits rather than seeing them in action, which makes it hard to form a genuine connection. For a romance to truly shine, I believe readers need to feel the characters' emotions, understand their motivations, and witness their growth, not just be informed about it. This is particularly true for the male lead, Nate. His patience with Bea, while admirable, often felt like a plot device rather than an organic personality trait, making their love story feel less earned. Another point that often makes or breaks a contemporary romance for me is the believability of the relationship's development. When crucial moments or significant leaps in connection happen 'off-page,' it leaves the reader feeling a bit disconnected. We want to be there for the sparks, the vulnerability, the inside jokes – those intimate moments that build a relationship from the ground up. When I'm turning pages, whether it's a physical copy I picked up at Barnes & Noble or an e-book, I want to be immersed in their world, not just told that they fell in love. If you're like me and crave contemporary romances with incredible character depth and undeniable chemistry, I have a few recommendations that consistently deliver. Books like Emily Henry's 'Beach Read' or 'Book Lovers' excel at showcasing witty banter, complex characters, and relationships that feel incredibly real and earned. Helen Hoang's 'The Kiss Quotient' also stands out for its unique characters and heartfelt emotional journey. These authors master the art of 'showing, not telling,' allowing their characters to truly blossom and their love stories to unfold authentically. It’s also worth considering how we discover books. My copy was a Book of the Month edition, and while I love the concept of curated selections, sometimes a book just doesn't resonate with everyone, no matter how popular it seems. Every reader's taste is unique, and what one person finds 'freaking romantic,' another might find lacking. It highlights the importance of reading diverse reviews and even sampling a few chapters if you can, to see if the author's style and the characters' voices genuinely speak to you. Ultimately, finding your next great read is a personal journey, and hopefully, my insights help you navigate your own romantic literary adventures!