The Nature of Falling in Love

by Carrie Clarke

[The Romantic Comedy Book Club]

*ARC Review. Spoilers removed (which is a lot of the review so it jumps around) , full review is on the site.*

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*Each time I begin a book by Carrie Clarke, I secretly challenge her to outdo her last male protagonist. While I'll admit I still have eyes for Ben (he's a tough act to follow!), Will is definitely contending with Josh for the number two spot. "The Nature of Falling in Love" wasn't just a beautifully woven friends-to-lovers story; it was an entire experience. Carrie's depiction of Will's grief is so incredibly vivid, it's as if she's channeling her own emotions onto the page. Whether that's the case or not, for those of us who have known grief, the authenticity of Will's struggle with denial, self-destruction, and eventual growth is undeniable.

Life can change in an instant. One moment, you're a casual observer of life's daily dramas—the growing tension between your business partner and the interior designer, your best friend falling for your sister, and you're secretly in awe of your brother's hidden life. Then, suddenly, you're faced with the grim reality of a family friend's funeral announcement, you're lashing out at a key client, and numbing your spiraling life with alcohol while banished to the family farm. These are the ever-haunting thoughts Will faces as he wakes from yet another hangover—choosing the bottle over confronting grief, pain, and the family rift that sent his brother fleeing to cope with a future without the love of his life. He can't undo what has happened, and until he can get his head on straight, he is stuck in Bangalay. Determined to make the most of a challenging situation, Will dives headfirst into the country lifestyle. Although his farm manager Doug is anything but welcoming, he finds help and a friend in local vet Dr. Freyja Hooper. After a previous run-in when he came into town (he nearly ran her over as she was trying to save a joey), she offers her services as his vet, along with her nurse, Paul. Becoming a fast friend, Freyja helps Will acclimate with the right clothing, much-needed knowledge, and more insight than he could have imagined as he slowly starts to take on the challenge of the farm. With grief as his companion, Will hasn't had any thoughts about the opposite sex for months. Yet things take a surprising turn when Freyja assists with the breech birth of twin cows. Overwhelmed by her capabilities, intelligence, and strength—contrary to her small stature—Will finds his body coming to life for the first time in ages. The problem is, he knows his stay is temporary, and he needs to return to his life in Sydney. This was only supposed to be a brief detour, but a certain struggling vet may be just what the doctor ordered.

In the first three books, Will is portrayed as the responsible one—the friend, brother, and best friend. He is the voice of reason, the balance, the conscience of those around him. Knowing all this going into book four amplifies the impact of what Will is going through. His behavior is uncharacteristic; he is out of control, drinking excessively, needing to be "handled", and banished to a distant place to regain some resemblance of self-control (okay, it's the family farm, but to him, anywhere away from his desk feels like another planet). Carrie does an amazing job of personifying Will's grief; it almost seems to take on a life of its own, and his struggle to reclaim his former self seems like a losing battle.

The evolution of grief and the diverse ways individuals process it are central to this book. Within the large Carter family, we see different characters experiencing loss in various ways. The narrative provides a multitude of perspectives, allowing any reader to relate to the characters’ experiences and the transformations they undergo. Having been part of this family for three books, witnessing such devastation is heart-wrenching, but we also see the love and support from this remarkable family, especially when they rally around Will.

While addressing themes of loss and despair, Carrie also ensures that humor is ever present, keeping the story light when it could easily go dark. Will's profound struggles are paired with hilarious moments of friendship between Freyja and Paul, as well as his blunders on the farm. 

When Carrie turns to what she does best—unadulterated spice—the intensity is through the roof! I can't pick a favorite scene, but let's just say I'll never look at a farm the same way again. Knowing how deeply buried this side of Will was, when it finally comes to the surface, it's intense in the best possible way.

Will’s journey through grief is incredibly portrayed. Carrie sets the stage perfectly for a slow burn romance, transitioning from strangers to friends to lovers. Unlike some romantic comedies where the relationship's foundation is overlooked, here we see the trust develop between Will and Freyja.

Although it's sad to know that only one story remains in the series, the journey has been memorable. Since her debut, Carrie has created male leads that are easy to fall for, female protagonists who represent strength and independence authentically, and a cast of secondary characters that feel like friends and family. I can't wait to read Ethan's story, to catch one final glimpse of the Carter clan, and to find out if those lingering questions find their answers in a deserved happily ever after.* *