Honestly, I was really really surprised at how much I loved this book. The Title was a bit off-putting and puzzling, as well as the cover, like how could this title and these 2 characters ended up with HEA when the title has a but of a sharp edge to it? But wow, I cannot tell you, how much I enjoy the banter, not only between MCs, but to the peripheral characters too.

Basically, law student Bea found out her best friends are getting divorced, and also how unreasonable the alimony is going to be. As a good friend that Bea is, she stormed to the opposing attorney's officer and 'nailed his balls to the side of the building'. I think Nathan was so shocked that for once, someone in NYC, in that circumstance, she takes up this fight on behalf of her friends. Of course, as life goes, the more you think you did a teensy thing to be forgotten, is the very thing that comes back to haunt you. Nathan kept showing up at where she is, know the same people she knows, and her fav. prof is his fav. prof too. Wow, how small New York really is?!

You go thru her journey, and the banter keeps up, and it's peppy. She's true to her friends, and shell out all the love and energy to keep them together as their core, but she realized she's lonely. As Bea and Nathan slowly drift together, tension is high, and he really want to get to know her in the most honest, sincere way. When she talks about this core group of friends, even Nathan pointed out, who's taking care of you while you takes care of everyone? He's not wrong, and totally went for the gut, but also made her face the music in the truest way.

There are a few self-sabotage in there and who can blame her with her mother as a role model of what NOT to do in love and marriage. I was most pissed off at how self-center the mom is, but most pissed off at her describing in a very back-handed way that she's a tough nut to crack and love, but once. you get past all that, she's a great nut to love (aka coconut). I get what she meant, but also very annoyed as a mom, she didn't provide the nurture and gave her tough lessons to make her who she is today. Back to the self sabotage, her experience with her mom made her feel unloved, why bother trying, let's protect than try. But good for Nate, who remembered a story Bea told him, and the morale of that story is 'Love is not easy, it's simple'. He's listening, he understood, and he gets her. No matter how she push him away, call him names, and take actions that contradicts, he's there, he understand that's underneath it all, that's not what she wants... sometimes she doesn't realizes it, but he gets her. Ugh, they're just so good together.

Truly, I really thought with the title and the cover that it'll be a meh kinda romance. But I literally can't put it down but did to force myself to go to bed and during the day, while I"m listening to other books, or reading other stuff, my mind kept thinking what's going on with Bea and Nate. I really love the two of them. I like the pacing, the character development is good, I can use more backstory on Nate but appreciate Bea's perspective. Also grateful that they move the relationship from the I-don't-Know phrase, to Awkward phase, to what-the-hell-am-I-doing phrase, to I-really-love-this-person phrase. Author didn't dwell on it, but gave each stage a good pause and show how Bea grew, that was a really good growth journey.

Thank you to NetGalley & Gallery Book for this ARC, I really truly loved it.

This was first book I've read from Emily Harding. I enjoy her writing style and will definitely follow her for more.

Bea is a bit frustrating at times, how abrasive she can be, but the whole "she's too much" theme - hits a chord that so many women can relate too. The banter and strong FMC kept me hooked for a quick read.
Yes, Would recommend.

Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC.

“How Freaking Romantic” is a romance (sorta enemies to lovers) by Emily Harding. This book follows Bea Nilsson, who is a very passionate person - she feels anger, she wants to protect and take care of “her” people and will do nearly anything in order to do so. Bea comes off a bit way too harsh/strong at the beginning, but as the story unfolds her less caustic side emerges - and the reasons why she’s so harsh emerges (I happened to love the description of her by her mother - yes, Mom for the win there). Nathan has the patience of a saint (or the patience of many saints) - viewing Bea with a more amused lens than she probably warrants. I do think the conflict between them could’ve been solved by that wonderful thing called communication, but both were a bit heated in the moment (though if Bea had spoken up and if Nathan had engaged his brain, the conflict would’ve been smoothed over much faster). I liked some of the side characters (what was the resolution with Frank? And, you go Mrs. Seigel!) and wished that there’d been a bit more development of Bea’s friend circle - but overall this was a pretty good story with engaging characters.

Phenomenal! I devoured it it one sitting! Very relatable and appealing protagonists. Nathan is sort of a unicorn book boyfriend - very mature, well mannered, swoon worthy and did I say SUPER patient?! I loved the character development of both protagonists. Also, great side characters. I liked that there was just about enough detail about the side characters, which complemented the story line without being distractors.

The tension between the protagonists was quite palpable in every page & this was a wonderful slow burn romance! NYC has been captured in full glory with vivid details, kudos to the author! As a reader I felt like the author was virtually taking us through all the nooks and corners of NYC and I could almost feel like I was physically present :)

For some reason Nathan here, reminded me of the male protagonist in Devon Daniels' "Meet you in the middle" (another favorite book of mine), just that Nathan felt less cockier :) Although Bea had her anger issues, by the end, the author beautifully depicts the character's growth. The third act breakup felt organic and was tied into the story beautifully.

Overall, loved it! Eagerly looking forward to checking out the author's next.

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

#NetGalley, #HowFreakingRomantic

When I saw Emily Harding was coming out with a standalone novel, I was eager to see how it would turn out. How Freaking Romantic was a great solo debut! I liked the premise of the story. It was fun watching Bea and Nathan go from "enemies" to friends to lovers. I enjoyed the way Harding set-up and progressed their relationship. It was cute watching Bea and Nathan become more comfortable as work colleagues. Bea was a complex character. At first, I wasn't the biggest fan of hers. Bea comes out hot at the beginning of the book. Her reaction to the divorce and Nathan came across as rude and inappropriate. Once I got to know her character better, I understood where she was coming from. Bea got better over time. She is the type of character that feels everything and is trying so hard to keep everything together. Stick with her...she'll change your mind! I adored Nathan's character. He was a fantastic book boyfriend. He was mature, intelligent, and well-developed. His scarf was 😍...step aside Jake! I didn't mind the supporting cast of friends. I would have liked a few more scenes with the friend group together. I thought Mrs. Seigel's character added a comedic layer to the story. The Frank storyline felt incomplete. We never did get an update about what was going on with Frank. I liked the ending, especially the epilogue. Overall, this was a captivating and quick read.

How Freaking Romantic by Emily Harding was such a delightful, sharp, and funny read that I couldn't put down! The story follows Beatrice Nilsson, an aspiring lawyer who’s always had her friends' backs but never focused on her own happiness. When her best friend's divorce turns ugly, Bea ends up working alongside Nathan Asher, the opposing counsel, and—surprise—he's annoyingly smart, patient, and way too attractive. What starts as pure disdain quickly turns into undeniable chemistry, and Bea has to grapple with her growing feelings while sorting out everyone else’s mess. The tension, witty banter, and emotional depth in this book kept me hooked as Bea navigates the challenges of love, friendship, and self-discovery. If you love a funny and heartfelt romance with a bit of legal drama, this one’s definitely worth reading!