“Take a Hint, Dani Brown” is a refreshing romance that stands out for its incredible representation and emotional depth. The male main character, Zaf Ansari, is a former rugby player dealing with anxiety and grief after losing his father and brother in a tragic car accident. His journey of coping with these emotions while running a nonprofit adds layers of heart to the story. Zaf is grumpy yet handsome, with a not-so-secret crush on Danika Brown.

Dani, a PhD student, is laser-focused on her academic career and impressing her academic idol. She’s too busy for relationships and emotional commitments, preferring to keep things casual with steamy hookups. What she can do is friendship and banter, and her dynamic with Zaf is electric from the start.

The plot kicks off when a video of Dani and Zaf goes viral, leading them to agree on a fake relationship to boost Zaf’s nonprofit and give Dani what she wants—steamy sex with Zaf. But, as is often the case with fake dating, feelings become real. Zaf falls hard first, and Dani, though initially resistant due to her fear of love and the complexities of being neurotypical, eventually follows.

What I loved most about this book was the witty banter and the depth of the characters. Early on, the story seemed to follow typical romance tropes, but it quickly evolved into a powerful narrative about love, vulnerability, and overcoming grief. Zaf’s struggles with anxiety were handled with care, making his character feel relatable and grounded. Though the book felt a bit formulaic at the beginning, the emotional growth and the heartwarming moments made it stand out in the end.

Overall, “Take a Hint, Dani Brown” delivers humor, heart, and representation that is refreshing and necessary in the romance genre.