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kiingchika's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
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
5.0
First of all, this is the first romcom I’ve read with a black, bisexual female lead and my heart is literally so happy because I’ve always wanted a main character that reminded me of me?
That aside, this book made me so sick bro like shed a little one two tears for this. Like put aside my beef with British people for this. Like obliterated my sleeping schedule for this.
Danika motherfucking Brown, the woman that you are. The one of a kind, flawed, and intriguing woman that you are. I loved every second of this book, and Zafir is literally the most perfect complex sweetheart I’ve ever met. This book was beautiful and everything about it from the inclusivity (okay Grandma Gigi!) to the raw honesty around grief and mental illness to the completely unraveling scenes had me struck. I haven’t read the other books in the series so I’m bias, but this is definitely my favorite.
I was very glad that Zaf’s “fuck off” moment to the man who tried to talk to him at Dani’s event did NOT come to bite him in the ass, I was so scared he was about to get cancelled on Twitter or something and I just wouldn’t be able to deal with that unnecessary, stressful conflict.
That aside, this book made me so sick bro like shed a little one two tears for this. Like put aside my beef with British people for this. Like obliterated my sleeping schedule for this.
Danika motherfucking Brown, the woman that you are. The one of a kind, flawed, and intriguing woman that you are. I loved every second of this book, and Zafir is literally the most perfect complex sweetheart I’ve ever met. This book was beautiful and everything about it from the inclusivity (okay Grandma Gigi!) to the raw honesty around grief and mental illness to the completely unraveling scenes had me struck. I haven’t read the other books in the series so I’m bias, but this is definitely my favorite.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Panic attacks/disorders, Death, Death of parent, Car accident, and Mental illness
Minor: Infidelity
literarypenguin's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
5.0
Talia Hibbert gives us the second exciting addition to the Brown Sisters trilogy, this book follows Danika Brown after wishing for a new no strings attached relationship ends up being saved from an elevator by her grumpy campus security guard friend Zafir. Soon the rescue is public knowledge and everyone starts speculating that they are dating. For each of their benefits they continue the ruse, letting people believe they really are dating. Though in fake dating things are never as simple especially when very real feelings come into play.
I adored the relationship between Dani & Zafir, how sweet their friendship is before leading into an even sweeter romance. At first it seems like the two of them are so different but as you read more you begin to see that they may be more similar then you first thought. I loved the dynamic between the jaded anti romance woman with the hopeless romantic big gruff guy! It was so cute and the chemistry they had was off the charts! The banter was very entertaining and I liked how they could tease each other and hit back with a witty comment.
One thing I really appreciated was Zafir's willingness to talk about mental health and to help other young men to talk about their feelings and struggles. That was so refreshing to see a male character be so open to talking about mental health and wanting to help others with it as well. Zafir's own mental health struggles with depression and anxiety was very well portrayed and it was fantastic to see a character in a book that was going through those illnesses like so many other people go through every day. I liked Zafir's love for his family especially his bond with his niece. I thought it was so cool how he was a good uncle to her.
Dani's bisexuality was another thing I liked, how even though she was beginning to be involved with a man she still is attracted to woman. She was still involved with women in the past. How anyone who identifys with whatever identity feels right to them can still be validated and have their identity not be questioned. Also Dani's interest in spiritualism was another interesting part of her character along with her friendship with her friend. Her bond with her sisters was so heartwarming and how her sisters could see through her act to who she was. That bond was a thing I adored from the first and I am happy to see it once again here!
As with the last book there is a conflict in the third act, this one is more believable then the last one. It resolved itself quickly and in a more realistic way which I appreciated. I have to say I enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read the last book to see where the trilogy takes me!
I adored the relationship between Dani & Zafir, how sweet their friendship is before leading into an even sweeter romance. At first it seems like the two of them are so different but as you read more you begin to see that they may be more similar then you first thought. I loved the dynamic between the jaded anti romance woman with the hopeless romantic big gruff guy! It was so cute and the chemistry they had was off the charts! The banter was very entertaining and I liked how they could tease each other and hit back with a witty comment.
One thing I really appreciated was Zafir's willingness to talk about mental health and to help other young men to talk about their feelings and struggles. That was so refreshing to see a male character be so open to talking about mental health and wanting to help others with it as well. Zafir's own mental health struggles with depression and anxiety was very well portrayed and it was fantastic to see a character in a book that was going through those illnesses like so many other people go through every day. I liked Zafir's love for his family especially his bond with his niece. I thought it was so cool how he was a good uncle to her.
Dani's bisexuality was another thing I liked, how even though she was beginning to be involved with a man she still is attracted to woman. She was still involved with women in the past. How anyone who identifys with whatever identity feels right to them can still be validated and have their identity not be questioned. Also Dani's interest in spiritualism was another interesting part of her character along with her friendship with her friend. Her bond with her sisters was so heartwarming and how her sisters could see through her act to who she was. That bond was a thing I adored from the first and I am happy to see it once again here!
As with the last book there is a conflict in the third act, this one is more believable then the last one. It resolved itself quickly and in a more realistic way which I appreciated. I have to say I enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read the last book to see where the trilogy takes me!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, and Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Car accident
belle13's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
❤️Fake Dating
❤️Bi Rep
❤️Plus-Size Rep
❤️Anxiety and Grief Represented Well
❤️Friends with Benefits
❤️Loveable Supporting Characters
❤️Academia (Specifically Women)
Amount of spice:🔥🔥
Explicitness: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was really sexy, really funny and incredibly sweet and cosy. There was a whole lot of fantastic representation and I especially loved the discussions about mental health for men. Zaf is described as grumpy but he’s actually such a gentle, kind guy and he cares so much for Dani and Dani is an absolute witchy goddess - together they make for such a gorgeous couple.
I listened to this as an audio book and the only thing I really had an issue with is that I wish that this had been dual narration and I wasn’t a huge fan of the narrator. I think this might have been a five star if I had read it as a physical copy.
I would recommend it if you’re looking for something cosy and sweet with a lot of great representation and loads of funny banter.
❤️Bi Rep
❤️Plus-Size Rep
❤️Anxiety and Grief Represented Well
❤️Friends with Benefits
❤️Loveable Supporting Characters
❤️Academia (Specifically Women)
Amount of spice:🔥🔥
Explicitness: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was really sexy, really funny and incredibly sweet and cosy. There was a whole lot of fantastic representation and I especially loved the discussions about mental health for men. Zaf is described as grumpy but he’s actually such a gentle, kind guy and he cares so much for Dani and Dani is an absolute witchy goddess - together they make for such a gorgeous couple.
I listened to this as an audio book and the only thing I really had an issue with is that I wish that this had been dual narration and I wasn’t a huge fan of the narrator. I think this might have been a five star if I had read it as a physical copy.
I would recommend it if you’re looking for something cosy and sweet with a lot of great representation and loads of funny banter.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, and Mental illness
Moderate: Car accident and Death of parent
_bookswithbee's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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? No
4.75
I LOVED this book. I think Dani might be my favorite Brown sister. The banter in this one was positively delicious and had me laughing out loud several times. This is probably one of the first times that I’ve related to both the FMC and the MMC. Zaf was just so GOOD. He’s a grumpy introvert, with a hidden goey center, who just loves his book and like SAME lol. Talia did a great job depicting his mental health struggles as well and having Dani support him through them. I also really loved the way he and her ex apologized for expecting her to change despite her being very clear that she doesn’t do relationships. I’m glad Dani was able to get over some seriously high levels of commitment phobia but I also think it’s important that Zaf and Joe both acknowledged that she was pretty up front with them.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
frantic_vampire's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
This was one of the swooniest romances that I think I’ve ever read. I had all of these giddy, happy, swoony feelings floating around in my brain and I literally had a smile on my face the entire time I was reading Take A Hint. It was just so sweet and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Dani and Zaf were so sweet and lovely and swoony. I loved that they were both so gone for each other (even before the fake dating) and how their fake dating made them realize that they might be more than just friends. I also really enjoyed both Dani and Zaf’s inner monologues! They were hilarious and relatable on so many levels. I just really loved them. Anyway, this is getting five stars and I’m so excited for Eve’s book! 😊
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Death of parent, Car accident, Grief, and Death
Death of a sibling should also be taggedmj_86's review against another edition
funny
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, and Sexual content
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, and Grief
Minor: Car accident
kirkspockreads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Death, Car accident, Grief, Mental illness, and Sexual content
Minor: Toxic relationship
immdanii's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent, Mental illness, and Grief
auteaandtales's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
Another fantastic read by Talia Hibbert. The chemistry between Zaf and Dani was SO, so good. The banter?! I loved them.
Firstly, one of my favourite things in romance books is when each love interest is developed as a full individual. They feel fully formed, as people, rather than something that only exists as one half of a relationship. This is probably helped by this people dual-POV (which I don’t normally like, but I did like in this). Zaf has his own family dynamics and it felt so whole, it had those things I always imagine close families do where they have inside jokes and their own banter. His relationship with his niece, Fatima, in particular was incredibly wholesome. Zaf’s best friend was involved in the story, too, which I loved. Dani was the same, of course, as this series focuses on each one of the Brown sisters so their dynamic is centric to the story. It also involved Dani’s best friend, and an ex-girlfriend. There was a lot of their characters already fleshed out, which for me always adds to the romance and makes it that much better.
Dani is so confident, but still had underlying insecurities, and Zaf is a hopeless romantic that struggles with anxiety. It was layered, and I love the way that anxiety was handled as someone who has anxiety themselves. I felt like they balanced each other out so well, they complimented each other and fit very well together. The banter and the chemistry between them was all the more improved because of it.
There was also so much love, kindness and supportive friendship/family in the background, and within the relationship itself. It felt like reading a warm hug.
The effortless diversity was a plus, as well, and I can never go wrong with fake dating.
A++, another masterpiece on romance that I know will stay with me for a while.
Firstly, one of my favourite things in romance books is when each love interest is developed as a full individual. They feel fully formed, as people, rather than something that only exists as one half of a relationship. This is probably helped by this people dual-POV (which I don’t normally like, but I did like in this). Zaf has his own family dynamics and it felt so whole, it had those things I always imagine close families do where they have inside jokes and their own banter. His relationship with his niece, Fatima, in particular was incredibly wholesome. Zaf’s best friend was involved in the story, too, which I loved. Dani was the same, of course, as this series focuses on each one of the Brown sisters so their dynamic is centric to the story. It also involved Dani’s best friend, and an ex-girlfriend. There was a lot of their characters already fleshed out, which for me always adds to the romance and makes it that much better.
Dani is so confident, but still had underlying insecurities, and Zaf is a hopeless romantic that struggles with anxiety. It was layered, and I love the way that anxiety was handled as someone who has anxiety themselves. I felt like they balanced each other out so well, they complimented each other and fit very well together. The banter and the chemistry between them was all the more improved because of it.
There was also so much love, kindness and supportive friendship/family in the background, and within the relationship itself. It felt like reading a warm hug.
The effortless diversity was a plus, as well, and I can never go wrong with fake dating.
A++, another masterpiece on romance that I know will stay with me for a while.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, and Sexual content
Minor: Toxic relationship, Grief, Death, and Car accident
sophiesometimesreads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
I didn't know if this one could best out the last but somehow Talia Hibbert has done it again, and even better than before! Dani and Zafir are wonderful characters, both individually and as a couple, and I loved their growth throughout this story. I was kicking, giggling, screaming through the whole book, I absolutely loved it. The romance denial may have gotten a little old by the end if it wasn't so damn relatable, as someone who has also written off romantic feelings as completely a result of being "besties".
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Death of parent, Grief, and Sexual content
Moderate: Infidelity