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A review by literarypenguin
Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert
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