How Freaking Romantic by Emily Harding
Published by Gallery Books on July 1, 2025
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Goodreads
In this sharply funny solo debut, an aspiring lawyer is forced to work alongside the opposing counsel in her best friend’s divorce case, which leads to the biggest irreconcilable difference of love.
Beatrice Nilsson has a lot to be angry about. The wage gap, the pink tax, the repayment schedule on all those student loans…the list goes on. But that anger is also what makes her such a good friend—the perennial sidekick who fights for her loved ones’ happily ever after, even while conveniently neglecting her own. So when the marriage of her two best friends falls apart—and the divorce proceedings get ugly—Bea is ready to step in and help pick up the pieces.
First on her to-do list? Storm the office of Nathan Asher, her friend’s ex-husband’s lawyer, and tell him exactly what he can do with his divorce petition. But what should end with a few choice words and a slam of the door soon spirals into uncharted territory when Nathan shows up at her NYU Law office a few days later. As a newly-minted adjunct professor––and her new colleague––he proves to be annoyingly intelligent, relentlessly patient, and unfairly attractive. Bea still hates him, of course, but it’s not long before that hate begins to feel a lot like something else.
There’s just one when you’ve spent your life focusing on everyone else’s love story, it’s not easy to take the starring role in your own. And as uncomfortable truths emerge about the divorce that started it all, Bea must choose whose happily ever after to everyone else’s or her own.
In an effort to defend her friend, Bea confronts the ex's divorce lawyer, Nathan. Never expecting to see him, Bea is surprised to find herself crossing paths with Nate as her feelings for him evolve from hate to love.
I adore Harding's For the Love of Austen series and was excited to read her solo debut. I am happy to report that How Freaking Romantic was a hit!
Bea was one of those very layered characters. I think her mother said it best when she described Bea as a coconut - hard on the outside, sweet on the inside. Bea struggle with connection due to her childhood, but when she found her core group of friends at NYU, she held tight to them. Then everything began to change. Two left the city and the other two were getting divorced. This upheaval was very upsetting for Bea, and as the fixer of the group, she wanted to do what she could to make things better. Little did she know that her outburst would catch Nate's attention.
Nate was a high powered family lawyer who was representing Bea's ex-friend. She saw Nate as the enemy, but when circumstances pushed them together, she began to see the outstanding and kind man beneath the shiny veneer.
There was something special about this couple. Bea was intense. She had big emotions and would fight to the death for those in her circle, but she also seemed to keep others out of her world. She came off as prickly, but this was how she protected herself. Under it all, she was scared of all the changes and the thought of losing her friends. She was also lonely, but more afraid to make new connections due to the fear of losing them. I beg you readers - give Bea a chance because I believe she can capture your heart.
I was overjoyed that Bea piqued Nate's interest. He was a great foil for her and did a good job of balancing her out. He could see beyond her defenses to provide her with the type of support she needed. Together, they delighted me. I loved their banter and chemistry, and the way they seemed to complete each other.
Reading How Freaking Romantic was a grand experience. Packed with humor, fantastic characters, a worthy personal journey, and a stellar romance, I found myself glued to the pages with a smile on my face.
The Spirit of Love by Lauren Kate
Published by G.P. Putnam's Sons on July 1, 2025
Age/Genres: Adult, Enchanted Realism, Romance
Goodreads
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Kate comes a magical time-slip love triangle about a man split into two—one version young and carefree, the other suave but jaded—and one woman’s quest to reunite his broken pieces.
Two loves. One soul. One choice.
Fenny’s got that boss glow. Not only did she just have the best sex of her life, but she’s finally about to direct the TV show she’s been a screenwriter on for ten years. Only one thing could floor her—finding out she’s been replaced by a hotshot director named Jude. Wait, no. Two things. Jude looks exactly like the guy who just turned her bones to jelly. Same dimples, same eyes, but he looks older and has a sadness Fenny wants to fix.
Last weekend, Fenny met Sam when he movie-style rescued her from a storm on Catalina Island. Here he is again, just … different. Can Sam and Jude be the same man? And if they are, will Fenny’s love be enough to put him back together?
In order to center herself before her big directing debut, Fenny goes on a weekend getaway to Catalina. She expected to enjoy some solitude, but found herself in a dangerous storm. Not to fear, as Sam, a young and attractive Search and Rescue responder, came to her aid. Fenny could not fight the attraction between them and enjoyed an amazing weekend fling. Energized from her weekend, Fenny was ready to take on directorial duties but discovered that she has been replaced by directing wunderkind, Jude. She wanted to hate him, but Fenny could not deny the energy between them. Caught in a sort of love-triangle, what will Fenny decide?
My reading had been rather slow this past week, but there was something about this book that had me devouring the pages. First, I was recognizing Fenny's friends, and sure enough, this book was set in the same world as What's in a Kiss? Obviously, I was excited to catch up with the gang, partake in their celebrations, and get to know Fenny better. It's always a special treat when I get to revisit characters I adored, but there was so much more to savor in The Spirit of Love.
First of all, I loved Fenny. She was funny and witty and bantered in a way you would expect a top notch TV writer to banter. The dialogue was truly sparkling, and I could often be seen grinning as I read it. The time on the set of the show was rather fun, except for when I was raging for Fenny. HOW DARE THEY!!! It felt good to feel so much passion for Fenny, and I loved rooting for her.
I also could not help rooting for Fenny and Jude. Yes, Sam was this amazing Labrador who gave Fenny a shot of confidence and opened her eyes to the wonders of nature, but Jude was...everything. The dynamic, the chemistry, the energy between him and Fenny was undeniable. And he had a grumpy dog he name Walter Matthau! I couldn't get enough of him, or Jude, or Fenny and Jude.
The supporting cast was fantastic as well. They added so much to the fun. Fenny had some amazing ride-or-die friends, and they quickly embraced Jude. Her sister and the kids were good for laughs as well. I liked basking in all their love and chaos and was happy Fenny had them all.
There was also a touch of magic in this tale. I will admit that I was glad I did not read the synopsis. It made that element of the story have greater mystery and for me, I felt the payoff was bigger because I went in blind. Regardless, the magical element was interesting and could be open to much interpretation.
Overall, I was delighted by this magical romance which filled me with glee.
*ARCS PROVIDED BY THE PUBLISHER
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