A review by jadeandsuch
Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

First off, I’m going to need these all these amazing romance authors to stop writing literally the perfect men. It’s starting to hurt my feelings and feel personal. Secondly, this book is so lighthearted and warm and just plain fun. The writing is hilarious and the characters are diverse and real and people you would absolutely want to know in real life. It was an absolute breath of fresh air to read about a woman battling chronic pain and fibromyalgia and to actually know and feel that this is exactly how one would react to these circumstances while battling endless pain. It all felt very real and personal and touched my heart.

The backstory of an abusive relationship is handled with such care and grace, while also being very raw and real. It is a plot many readers have lived and felt and it was reassuring, in a way, to read about it in a romcom setting and have it be addressed and dealt with. It lends a feeling of community and knowing that, if you’ve experienced that kind of trauma, you aren’t alone.  Your actions and reactions may not always make sense to others, but sometimes we don’t get to control how our brains choose to protect ourselves; we can only learn and grow and forgive ourselves for processing trauma the way that we do.

I truly loved reading about a fat heroine (curvy, plus size, whatever you want to call it; I’m sticking with fat because it isn’t a word that makes me feel bad about myself). While she is first and foremost a Black woman battling chronic pain, I couldn’t help but love seeing her so comfortable in her skin and her size. And I absolutely adored seeing Red love every bit of her. It was reaffirming. He didn’t love her becauseof or despite her size; he didn’t fetishize her (which is a fear most fat women face). He just loved her, all of her, all the things that made Chloe Chloe, and that really got me in my feelings. 

This was such an incredible read and I cannot wait to read the stories of the other sisters. Their short scenes in this book were filled with such character and warmth and I just know it’s going to be a good time reading their tales.

If you love romcoms, smut, heartfelt stories, and badass heroines, read this book. If you love strong men who feel their feelings and take care of people, read this book. 

Now. If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go figure out how to manifest my own Redford while consuming Hibbert’s other novels.
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