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

emotional funny hopeful 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

CW: Abusive relationship; emotional abuse; chronic pain/illness; physical abuse

“Once upon a time, Chloe Brown died.” 

Get A Life, Chloe Brown has been on my to-be-read list for way longer than I would like to admit, but I finally got a chance to read this as a beach read last summer! While I liked many things about this book, the ending ruined the story a tad as it relies heavily on the miscommunication trope, which I’m so over in my romances. 

I really liked the characters in this book, as they breathed a lot of life and soul into the story. It’s a relatively small cast, as most of the action centers around Chloe and Red, with a few other folks on the periphery. 

I adored that Red was the complete opposite of what you would expect based on his outward appearance. He’s a tatted-up biker with red hair and presents a tough exterior, but oh my god, he is mush inside. A bit of damaged mush, but mush all the same. Oh, he also is a talented artist. His last relationship did a number on him, something he definitely is working on, and I cannot believe his ex would do the things she did to this sweet mush of a man. Red falls first, and he’s so far gone for Chloe that it’s adorable. I also loved how he doesn’t treat her any differently because of her chronic pain but works to accommodate her needs and acknowledges that her pain and feelings are valid.

Chloe was a bit chaotic and all over the place for me, but I couldn’t help but be charmed by her. Because of her fibromyalgia, she shut herself off from everyone except for her family. When she has her brush with death, she lists seven things to help her “get a life.” Much like Red, her outward appearance is a bit deceiving. He calls her Ice Queen at first and thinks she’s very hoity-toity as she comes from money and is very well put together, but inside her apartment, she’s a bit of a mess. What you see isn’t what you get with her. 

The romance in this book is perfect for grump/sunshine lovers as Chloe is the perfect grump, with Red pushing her out of her comfort zone. They also start on the wrong foot, so they definitely have some antagonism (but I wouldn’t call this enemies-to-lovers). Their first real scene together is super cute, as it involves a cat stuck in a tree, and I feel like it sets the tone perfectly for their relationship. Also, I have to say I wasn’t expecting this book to be so steamy! Once again, a cutesy cover was deceiving. There was some good dirty talk and sexy scenes, but the writing took me a bit out of it at times as I found some of it a bit cringe or too cutesy and forced. 

Where the book lost me a bit was in the third act. Sigh, the third act breakup caused by miscommunications strikes again and claims another victim! Like just TALK TO EACH OTHER. I get Red has some damage from his past abusive relationship, but he isn’t even willing to listen to Chloe when she tries to explain herself. And then she is stubborn and holds on to her grudge against him a tad too long, especially as he’s trying to make amends. She literally won’t read his notes and is even like, “I should read his notes,” before we get to their happily ever after. I wish the ending went in a different direction, as it did lessen my enjoyment of the story. 

Now, I did love the Brown sisters. Their relationship is so wonderful, and each of them is a treat! I’m so excited to read the rest of the books in the series to get to know them more and spend more time with them.

Even though this book ended on a bit of a sour note for me, it is still worth reading, but maybe check it out from the library first to see if you like it! I hope to read book two, Take a Hint, Dani Brown this year. This series makes great summer reads, so I can see that being a pool read soon! 

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