Scan barcode
ashley_a_reads's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Every aspect of this book is set up to be something I should like. I love art, I work on websites, and I also live with chronic pain. I am also extremely introverted and am slightly afraid of the world and being hurt. So surface level this is a book I should love.
But something just didn't click. I thought the characters were good. The plot was kind of meh, didn't feel like much happened. Unfortunately, to me this book was kind of forgettable.
Maybe it's because I just read 2 rom-com books that really ticked my boxes that this just didn't do it? I don't know... I'm sad I didn't love it though. It was a perfectly ok book
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Medical trauma, Mental illness, and Toxic relationship
aliceloyallaleon's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Finally a main character that is not white and has a disability that is hidden. So wonderful and a lovely read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Panic attacks/disorders, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Medical content, Medical trauma, Racial slurs, Racism, and Toxic relationship
lesbegays's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Emotional abuse
Minor: Physical abuse, Ableism, Medical trauma, Racism, and Drug use
One half of the couple deals with trauma from a past abusive relationship. there is a small amount of discussion of the abuse experienced, and a relatively large focus on the effects the abuse has had on his life. The drug use is in regards to prescription painkillers, used as directed, to treat chronic pain.anna_wa's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Before this review starts, I will make it clear that I usually only read Young Adult books and therefore you can take my review with a grain of salt. It's possible everything I say will just make you want to read it more, in which case, more power to you and I hope you like it.
I read this series in reverse: I read "Act Your Age Eve Brown" first because it featured an autistic couple, which is something we don't see enough in literature, then when I found out "Take A Hint Dani Brown" was about a bisexual woman I read that too, and throughout both of them Chloe was my favorite side character, so I was excited when I finally got her book in my hands.
And I did enjoy reading about Chloe, and Redford as well. In fact I enjoyed reading about them as individual people so much, that the romance fell flat for me. I remember reading someone else saying that "Act Your Age Eve Brown" had the most sex out of the entire series? Nah man, that award goes to this one.
From the beginning of their relationship (or even before the beginning, really), Chloe and Redford are so lustful for each other that, to me, it was almost ridiculous. Now, I get it, you know what a person looks like long before you know anything about them as a person, but come on. The amount of boners Redford got, the amount of clit-boners(?) that Chloe got when they hadn't even talked to each other in a positive way was just ridiculous and, for me, a bit unbelievable.
For example, in the other two books, Talia Hibbert makes the readers wait until the book is half over before the two of them do the dirty. But in this book, on page 83 out of 369, we have Redfordwaking up from a wet dream and masturbating over a Chloe fantasy in his head . It was way too much too soon, especially after the pace I felt Hibbert had set with the other two books - that you learn who they are, and what they mean to each other, before any clothes are removed.
And even after they finally started developing romantic (not just sexual) feelings for each other, I found myself thinking "okay, but like, are they even friends?" multiple times. There are exceptions for sure. The motorcycle scene and the camping scene both tugged at my heartstrings and made me want more of THAT and less of... whatever the rest of their relationship was. But overall, like I said, the relationship felt flat.
I guess I wanted more of them being themselves. Like, I wanted to learn more over time about Red's ex-girlfriend, about Chloe's ex-man and ex-friends, about Chloe grappling with her fibromyalgia (I don't need the author to make her into an inspiration icon or anything like that, but just... honesty about how it made her feel, more than just one quote in the entire book), about Red grappling with his depression(maybe we could have SEEN rather than been TOLD about his therapy sessions) .
In other words, I feel like this book would have benefitted from being a general adult contemporary book instead of a romance book. If the romance had been a sidebar to Chloe's list and Redford's journey in his mental health and art. If there had been more friendship and less lust to this relationship (doesn't mean no lust at all, because they are only human, but again, a sidebar to their respective journeys).
I don't regret reading this, though, and I would like to thank Talia Hibbert for taking me outside my comfort zone - and for making a book where a disabled woman is considered sexually attractive. Because despite my personal feelings that the lust was overdone, there are not enough books where disabled bodies are considered sexually attractive, and we need more in the world. ♥
I read this series in reverse: I read "Act Your Age Eve Brown" first because it featured an autistic couple, which is something we don't see enough in literature, then when I found out "Take A Hint Dani Brown" was about a bisexual woman I read that too, and throughout both of them Chloe was my favorite side character, so I was excited when I finally got her book in my hands.
And I did enjoy reading about Chloe, and Redford as well. In fact I enjoyed reading about them as individual people so much, that the romance fell flat for me. I remember reading someone else saying that "Act Your Age Eve Brown" had the most sex out of the entire series? Nah man, that award goes to this one.
From the beginning of their relationship (or even before the beginning, really), Chloe and Redford are so lustful for each other that, to me, it was almost ridiculous. Now, I get it, you know what a person looks like long before you know anything about them as a person, but come on. The amount of boners Redford got, the amount of clit-boners(?) that Chloe got when they hadn't even talked to each other in a positive way was just ridiculous and, for me, a bit unbelievable.
For example, in the other two books, Talia Hibbert makes the readers wait until the book is half over before the two of them do the dirty. But in this book, on page 83 out of 369, we have Redford
And even after they finally started developing romantic (not just sexual) feelings for each other, I found myself thinking "okay, but like, are they even friends?" multiple times. There are exceptions for sure. The motorcycle scene and the camping scene both tugged at my heartstrings and made me want more of THAT and less of... whatever the rest of their relationship was. But overall, like I said, the relationship felt flat.
I guess I wanted more of them being themselves. Like, I wanted to learn more over time about Red's ex-girlfriend, about Chloe's ex-man and ex-friends, about Chloe grappling with her fibromyalgia (I don't need the author to make her into an inspiration icon or anything like that, but just... honesty about how it made her feel, more than just one quote in the entire book), about Red grappling with his depression
In other words, I feel like this book would have benefitted from being a general adult contemporary book instead of a romance book. If the romance had been a sidebar to Chloe's list and Redford's journey in his mental health and art. If there had been more friendship and less lust to this relationship (doesn't mean no lust at all, because they are only human, but again, a sidebar to their respective journeys).
I don't regret reading this, though, and I would like to thank Talia Hibbert for taking me outside my comfort zone - and for making a book where a disabled woman is considered sexually attractive. Because despite my personal feelings that the lust was overdone, there are not enough books where disabled bodies are considered sexually attractive, and we need more in the world. ♥
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Chronic illness
Moderate: Cursing, Drug use, Emotional abuse, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Mental illness
Use of opioidsmariahlindz's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Reread 06/10/21-06/11/21
Okay, okay, okay.
Okay, okay, okay.
- Fuckin’ cute as fuck
- Redford Morgan!!!
- Actual sexual tension and build-up? That's actually worth every minute? You love to see it.
- Chloe is a strong character with actual faults, but so loveable and relatable.
- Fuckin’ cute as fuck!!!
- Made my icy heart melt then break and then quickly melt again.
- “You are a woman who, in a life filled with pain, came here to ask about love.” Oof. That line made me break down just a bit, but in a brilliant, life-affirming way.
- Redford Morgan!!!
- Delightful.
- I hate fluffy romance but this was a five-star comfort read. Well done.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Chronic illness, Cursing, and Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Toxic relationship
Minor: Car accident, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Physical abuse
maisierosereads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I've wanted to read "Get a Life, Chloe Brown" ever since I first heard of it, and finally treated myself to the eBook from Hive last night* because 1) payday weekend treat 2) reading about a character with fibromyalgia when my own fibro was playing up sounded like a great act of self care and 3) my spot on the Hear Our Voices book tour for "Act Your Age, Eve Brown" is this coming Thursday! You can follow my blog and social media if you'd like to get a notification when that review + creative content are posted.
I was absolutely right about needing to read this book, and ended up reading it in two sessions. I'd already fallen in love with Talia Hibbert's writing style when I read Eve's book a few weeks ago - her beautiful descriptions, excellent humour, and loveable characters are basically irresistable.
Many aspects of Chloe's experience as a chronically ill woman resonated with me in a way that only own voices content can. My own early years with fibro also took place in Nottinghamshire, something which struck me when our protagonists took a moment to sit down on a certain monument a few streets away from the Galleries of Justice - my partner and I got very well acquainted with sitting on anything flat in those streets when my energy dropped or pain flared
while I was out and about - though before anyone asks, no, we didn't do anything quite so steamy in the streets as Chloe and Red!
I loved the ways Chloe's illness interacted with all of the other aspects of her character and personality in such a realistic way, and Red's ability to notice and accept all of that and make accomodations for her without needing to be asked or reminded constantly. Their relationship dynamic, with both of them working to overcome their own trauma and take care of each other without compromising their own needs, was lovely. The supportive side characters were great to see, too!
While I was able to predict the main conflict well in advance, it didn't spoil my reading experience, particularly given the conventions of the drama. I was concerned about how it would be resolved before I got to it, but should have known to trust in Talia because I didn't really have any issues with the resolution once I'd read it.
I will definitely be rereading this book in the future, and recommend it to anyone who enjoys diverse contemporary romances and/or wants to see a disabled Black woman and an abuse survivor getting the ending they deserve!
* This is an affiliate link, and I might make a small amount of commission from any purchases made through it. You can also purchase Get a Life, Chloe Brown from my Bookshop affiliate store here.
I was absolutely right about needing to read this book, and ended up reading it in two sessions. I'd already fallen in love with Talia Hibbert's writing style when I read Eve's book a few weeks ago - her beautiful descriptions, excellent humour, and loveable characters are basically irresistable.
Many aspects of Chloe's experience as a chronically ill woman resonated with me in a way that only own voices content can. My own early years with fibro also took place in Nottinghamshire, something which struck me when our protagonists took a moment to sit down on a certain monument a few streets away from the Galleries of Justice - my partner and I got very well acquainted with sitting on anything flat in those streets when my energy dropped or pain flared
while I was out and about - though before anyone asks, no, we didn't do anything quite so steamy in the streets as Chloe and Red!
I loved the ways Chloe's illness interacted with all of the other aspects of her character and personality in such a realistic way, and Red's ability to notice and accept all of that and make accomodations for her without needing to be asked or reminded constantly. Their relationship dynamic, with both of them working to overcome their own trauma and take care of each other without compromising their own needs, was lovely. The supportive side characters were great to see, too!
While I was able to predict the main conflict well in advance, it didn't spoil my reading experience, particularly given the conventions of the drama. I was concerned about how it would be resolved before I got to it, but should have known to trust in Talia because I didn't really have any issues with the resolution once I'd read it.
I will definitely be rereading this book in the future, and recommend it to anyone who enjoys diverse contemporary romances and/or wants to see a disabled Black woman and an abuse survivor getting the ending they deserve!
* This is an affiliate link, and I might make a small amount of commission from any purchases made through it. You can also purchase Get a Life, Chloe Brown from my Bookshop affiliate store here.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Minor: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Medical trauma, and Toxic relationship
The toxic relationship, abuse, and medical trauma all occurred before this book but are described by the characters who experienced them.roshnikhatri's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Medical trauma, Toxic relationship, and Emotional abuse
words_and_coffee's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Chronic illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Cursing, and Ableism
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Medical trauma, Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, Car accident, and Drug use
Minor: Racism
lauraeerika's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
3,5 i thought i would enjoy this book, which i did but i guess the romance genre is not for me which well who knows maybe i will like the second book about dani, i listened to the audiobook which i don't recommend it was too cringy to listen to i really couldn't take it, but one of the things that i loved it the chronic illness rep which i enjoyed how it was represented
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma, Medical content, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Chronic illness, and Ableism
snslayer's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book started out strong but somewhere about midway through the characters became so focused on their romantic entanglement that every other beat and every other character vanished from the story. There was still plenty of personal growth but it was nestled between thousand word essays describing the many attractions of the love interests. Which is fine, just not my thing.
This wasn't a great book for me, but it would be an excellent choice for anyone who likes to escape into the fantasy of a consuming romance and plenty of great sex scenes.
This wasn't a great book for me, but it would be an excellent choice for anyone who likes to escape into the fantasy of a consuming romance and plenty of great sex scenes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Emotional abuse, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Ableism, Medical content, Racism, and Toxic relationship
More...