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
Emily Harding’s novel "How Freaking Romantic" dives into themes of love and emotional complexity but seems to struggle with character depth and believable romance dynamics. The protagonist, Bea, is portrayed with a notable anger that colors much of her personality, which adds a sense of realism and grit to her character. However, the novel’s handling of Bea's professional status—as both a student and a lawyer—creates some confusion that can impact reader immersion. Particularly for readers not fond of student-teacher or school romances, this aspect may detract from enjoyment. Nate, the other half of the central couple, appears less developed, described mostly by his patience and understanding nature. Such traits, while positive, may come across as one-dimensional if not explored in greater detail, affecting the chemistry and emotional authenticity between him and Bea. The off-page progression of their relationship also makes it harder for readers to invest emotionally or feel the love's evolution, which is crucial in romantic fiction. For readers seeking a contemporary romance with deeply layered characters and gradual, believable relationship development, this book might feel lacking. However, it still holds appeal for those interested in unconventional portrayals of anger and vulnerability within romantic tension. The title and cover align closely with the story’s content, reflecting the mood and tone, even if they initially caused hesitation. Readers might appreciate the book's attempt at combining legal drama with romance, despite some narrative inconsistencies. Overall, "How Freaking Romantic" offers insights into complex emotions and relationships but may require a forgiving reader willing to navigate certain story and character flaws. Those interested in contemporary romance novels with a grounded, if sometimes raw, emotional core might find some value here.
