3.5/4 – rounding up to 4 stars.

This was my first book of the Brown sisters series, so kind of reading backwards but nonetheless, it wasn't too tricky to follow along and get to know the Brown family pretty well.

A few great things I did love about this read: Talia Hibbert, you write b e a u t i f u l l y. Your descriptions, how you seamlessly weave character's thoughts in third person blew me away. Judging from my other reviews, one can tell that I am not a huge fan of books written in third person. But "Act Your Age, Eve Brown," has changed my mind– it can be done right! Huzzah!

Also, let's give a round of applause for an interracial couple. Freaking LOVE this– and, as an individual in an interracial relationship, it was sweet to see ourselves represented in literature. Question– why isn't there more of this?

There were various moments throughout this book that I just gosh darn laughed out loud. The banter between Eve and Jacob had me HOWLIN'. And the autism rep? Talia, even more reasons why you rock. So much representation in this book.

Now, onto why I am giving this a 3.5 (rounding up to 4) out of 5 stars.

I wish Eve and Jacob would've gotten to know each other a lot more; gotten to really dive deep into their personal struggles, childhood wounds, etc., before the steamy lil more than makeout sesh that occurred a little more than halfway through the book.

I know I know, this sounds oddly particular. But hear me out.

The reason why I say this is because after ~le steam~ it all kind of falls apart. Eve and Jacob start getting weird with each other after their encounter (to which, their encounter was...interesting to say the least, but I do appreciate how sex positive Talia is, even though certain actions in this steamy scene did catch me off guard). Now back to what I was saying. It all falls apart– Eve is second guessing, Jacob is being short, and it all seems as if they are walking on egg shells with each other. Which makes sense.

But I wasn't too attached to them. I wasn't cheering them on, invested in their story. I wasn't thinking, "Yeah, fight for this." And I think it was because at this point in the book, the story seemed to revolve around their encounter. I think that if we would've gotten to know each of the characters better, as well as them both getting to know each other better (rather then him just thinking she looks cute) prior to this rift, I would have been more attached and cheering for them.

I want a couple I can scream from the rooftops for, a couple that just makes sense to be together. Overall, their story started out great, then plateaued. The 2nd half just didn't keep me as intrigued as the first did, hence my 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for sending me a digital ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Eve is the youngest and flightiest of the Brown sisters. She didn’t really make much of an impression on me in her sisters’ books other than she was present when they needed her. That’s a really good characteristic, being there when needed. At the beginning of Act Your Age, Eve Brown, Eve is updating her journal explaining why she has shuttered her wedding planning business after one successful (except for one disaster) wedding. She is determined to put the incident behind her and move on to the next thing when her parents harsh her mood by insisting it’s time she act like an adult. She is cut off from her trust money until she can hold down a job for a year. Her parents offer her a choice of employment in either of their offices, but Eve insists she can make her own way and find here own job. She leaves in a huff, jumps in her car and drives away.

In the space of a few short hours, she walks into a job interview at an B & B, horrifies the owner with her lack of preparation, and hits him with her car. Jacob Wayne has sunk everything into his B&B. On top of the disaster of losing his chef, a woman he definitely does not want to hire, but might have to out of desperation, breaks his arm with her car. With that inauspicious beginning, Eve and Jacob learn to work together. Jacob is clear about his standards and expectations and Eve is a good chef and good with people. Eve is sunshine, but not as chaotic as Jacob expects her to be. Jacob is a starchy grump, but not as unreasonable or uncaring as Eve expects. Because Eve takes Jacob seriously and Jacob cares more that Eve tries than that she succeeds, they can relax around each other.

Talia Hibbert builds her characters from the inside out, so that there are layers of reasons why they are the way they are. Their quirks are not oddities and their defenses were built for good reason. Hibbert has been recommended in the past for excellent autism representation. She doesn’t give her characters sets of behaviors, she gives them rich personalities. As far as I know, I am not on the autism spectrum, but my squirrel brain and chronic depression and anxiety have made me feel too much for people at times. The way Jacob and Eve see and accept each other made me tear up more than once. And because Hibbert writes complex characters, love does not cure them of their mental illness or neuro-divergence. Love gives them support and community to be exactly who they are.

Act Your Age, Eve Brown is a slow burn romance with excellent pining, some beautiful friendship moments, a spectacularly hot scene where a tightly wound man comes undone, and a third act break up that reaffirms that we can all royally screw up and be forgiven.

I received Act Your Age, Eve Brown as an arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was the third book in a series. I loved it!! Great characters as usual. I enjoyed this whole series.

Oh wow y’all. This book. THIS BOOK. I’ve read two amazing books in two days and I don’t know what to do with myself. I loved the first two Brown sisters books by @taliahibbert and was thrilled when I got an early copy of Act Your Age, Eve Brown, as my very first ARC. I was nervous going in - I loved Dani’s story so much that I wasn’t sure how this could measure up, and WOW I was wrong. Eve Brown is a sweet, funny, sexy as hell book. It has two neurodivergent leads, forced proximity, and a badass heroine who owns who she is and learns to stand up for herself and what brings her joy. It made me laugh out loud and I read most of it in an afternoon with a cuddly Sophie. This is a truly wonderful book and I can’t wait for the rest of the world to meet Eve. Act Your Age, Eve Brown releases on March 9, 2021, and you can preorder it now! While you’re at it, go buy the other two in this series - they’re some of my very favorite contemporary romance reads. Thanks to #NetGalley for the ARC!

At this point, Talia Hibbert is a sure bet. Her books are always the perfect amount of sweet and spicy. While I think Dani Brown is still my fave of the three, this one is such a fun time and really what makes this sing is the setting. Who wouldn't love to fall in love in a English countryside B&B? It's a sweet escape and it's hard to not immediately love the main couple.

Eve is now officially my favorite Brown sister! I LOVED her resilience, her spirit, and most of all, her sunshine. Jacob is the perfect match for her. I just can’t express how much I love this brilliant and beautiful love story. I laughed, I cried, I just felt EVERYTHING! Just spectacular!

Talia Hibbert did it again. I didn’t think it was possible to trump the previous book, but she made it happen.

Jacob and Evie were amazing characters to read about and I’m in awe of how real these characters were. Grumpy/sunshine is one of my favorite tropes to write about and this was so so good.

Jacob and Evie get off on a rocky start and it is an absolute joy to read about them warming to each other. Jacob and Eve emotional acumen was at its finest. They communicated with each other rather than let misunderstandings and secrets get in the way and I loved this book.

I was almost nervous to read this book as I so deeply loved both Chloe and Dani's stories and I didn't want this series to end. While I'm sad the series is over, I'm so happy that Eve's story was just as great as I hoped it would be!

Like the other books in this series, Act Your Age, Eve Brown made me laugh aloud and made my heart swell. I loved the "meet-ugly" in this book, and while I thought the turn from irritation to romance was a bit abrupt, I loved every aspect of Eve and Jacob's relationship. As I've also come to expect from this series, the romance was smokin' hot, to the point where I had to pick my jaw up off the floor at one point because I was so overwhelmed (in a good way!) by what I had just read. I particularly loved Jacob; I loved reading his perspective, and his feelings for Eve felt so palpable they almost leapt off the page.

I should note that while I can't speak to the accuracy of the depiction of autism and the autism spectrum in the book, it seemed as though it was handled with care and consideration, which I also felt was the case in terms of how the other books in this series addressed chronic illness and anxiety. It's wonderful to see this representation in romance. Also, kudos for the inclusion of content warnings at the beginning of the book - this really needs to become the norm.

Dare I hope that we get more about some of the other characters we met in this book? I would love a return to Skybriar featuring the Montrose siblings, I'm just saying...

I loved this book! Talia Hubert hit it out of the ballpark with this third book in the Brown sisters series! This can be read as a stand-alone.

One of my favorite things about this book was the joyful and realistic representation of autistic characters falling in love and a happily ever after. I also loved a main character who unashamedly loves glitter, lip gloss, and purple braids. Bonus points for body positivity. Definitely pick this one up if you are looking for a steamy and fun contemporary romance.

~Act Your Age, Eve Brown Review~
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5/5 stars
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I read both Get a Life Chloe Brown and Take a Hint Dani Brown this year and became obsessed with Hibbert and her work! I knew that I had to take my chances requesting Act Your Age Eve Brown on Netgalley and I’m so glad I did! This book is so addicting and definitely doesn’t disappoint!
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Pros:
+Right off the bat I love how Hibbert included an authors note that warns against possible triggers. I think that’s such a simple but important thing and want to see more authors doing that in the future
+I loved their meet cute! It was killer (almost literally haha)
+I love Hibberts writing style. It’s ridiculous, relatable, and really easy to read
+I thought it was really amazing to see both main characters be on the autism spectrum. I felt like the representation was respectful and accurate and I loved how mature the discussion around it was. I’m looking forward reading own voice reviews on this matter!
+Speaking of representation I love that Eve is plus size and unapologetic with her style!
+The banter is EXQUISITE *chefs kiss* worthy wit and spunk. They definitely worked well together and I loved seeing their growth
+Dare I say Eve is my favorite of the Brown sisters (and no I’m not just saying that because I’m the youngest of three sisters too)
+The sweet TENSION omg I swear I’m literally drooling and fanning myself it’s so STEAMY
+I loved seeing cameos from her sisters and their boyfriends! It makes me want to reread their stories
Cons:
-The big old miscommunication trope! I do understand Jacob has been hurt in the past but I feel like if they had just taken a second to talk like normal people the whole conflict could have been avoided
-Maybe it was just because I read it in like two days but it felt very short and I wish it had a couple more chapters! I was having such a great time I just wanted it to last forever
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Overall I really enjoyed this series and can’t wait until more people have read this final story! It was such a delight and I can’t wait to get the physical book because the cover is gorgeous!!
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(Will post to Goodreads closer to the release date)

I loved this book! It is my favorite out of the three books The Brown Sisters trilogy. Eve Brown is the youngest Brown sister, and her parents have ordered her to keep a job for a full year before they will reactivate her trust. They want her to stop running away from her failures and to actually commit to her goals. When Eve pulls over into a Bed and Breakfast in the Lake District with an opening for a chef, she feels like it's a sign. After an awkward interview and accidentally hitting the owner with her car, Eve begins her new job as a chef. Jacob Wayne is used to things organized and in control. Eve's carefree nature initially rubs Jacob the wrong way, but he cannot stop the growing friendship that is developing between them.

I loved the relationship building and chemistry between Jacob and Eve. All of the characters in this book were well-developed and nuanced. This book was funny, realistic, romantic, and full of angst. The sex scenes in this book were a lot smuttier than I expected (not in a bad way, I was just surprised because of the cover art). I am glad there are more romance books featuring interracial couples. It was also nice to see a main character who is on the autism spectrum. It is hinted that Eve is also on the autism spectrum, and I wish that we were able to see how her family responded to this revelation. I cannot wait to read more books by Talia Hibbert! For fans of The Bride Test by Helen Hoang.

Act Your Age, Eve Brown is the third book in The Brown Sisters trilogy. I had high expectations for this book, as I loved the first two.

Eve is trying to prove herself to her family and show that she isn't just a spoiled child. She wants to prove that she can hold a job and that she won't give up on herself. After emotionally storming off she meets Jacob, the owner of a cute little bed and breakfast. Jacob is desperate for a new cook and Eve finds herself wanting to give it a try. After a little run-in Jacob hires Eve.

I love both Eve and Jacob so much. They seemed so flawed and realistic. They were entertaining to read and I found myself not wanting to put down this book. I loved the layers and banter in this book. I especially enjoyed the autism representation. Talia Hibbert is amazing at including representation into her books, helping us realize that it's not just able-bodied individuals that deserve love or fall in love.

I'm sad that this book and the Brown Sisters series is over. But I'm excited to read the next adventure from Talia.

Devastated the Brown sisters trilogy is over - one of my most requested series for romance lovers! While I still think Dani's book was my favorite Eve was a close second, with a very swoon worthy male protagonist!

Reading Notes:
- I want to name a pet Montrose. Nothing to do with anything, but that character name is speaking to me. 😂
- YAAASSSS! Finally a character that just comes right out and states their condition (is that the appropriate way to phrase that?). It’s such an amazing “help me, help you, help me” moment. Stating facts in such a destigmatized way.
- I love that these characters seem so distinct and unique from her others. In fact, I feel that way about the entire series. It’s a romance book but it’s not cookie cutter.
- I love how this book, more than her others, challenges and examines people’s perceptions of others. So good.
- Holy smoke show. I’m in need of some ice water. Possibly an ice bath. That was some steamy sheet action.
- Really liked the push and pull between these Eve and Jacob. Their deep seeded insecurities are so well explored.
- I wish we had had more of the Montroses! I wanted to see more of those friendships built on the page. A longer exploration of their outings. I love when we get more than just the romance between the two MCs.
- Definitely wanted more. I could absolutely have done with 50 more pages of falling in love. But that also speaks to the strength of the characters. Loved them.
- Overall, fantastic. No spoilers. Could read it over and over again, though. Kind of mad there are no more Brown sisters left.

Eve Brown is a bit of mess. She can't seem to find a job that holds her attention, and so her parents cut her off. In a fit of anger, she drives off and finds herself at a charming B&B in the Lake District that just so happens to be holding interviews for a new chef. Lucky for Eve that she's taken some cooking classes and has all her licenses in order from one or another of her previous gigs. Jacob is the owner of said B&B, and he is the opposite of charming. He is blunt and a perfectionist... and autistic. After Eve accidentally hits Jacob with her car after a disaster of an interview, she takes the job to atone for the hurt she caused. As the two work together, they laugh together, talk together, care together, and love together.

*operatic singing* This book is perfect! All the stars! I love, love, love how Eve comes to self-diagnose her autism, AND Jacob's inner musings about how he thinks she might be on the spectrum and how/if he should talk to her about it. I love how they find love for one another and how they show they care for one another. More, please!

Diverse reads:
- Jacob is autistic, with a formal diagnosis from childhood.
- Eve comes to realize that she is also on the autism spectrum, self-diagnosed. Eve is also Black.

Act Your Age, Eve Brown is the final installment in Talia Hibbert's Brown Sisters series. I read both Get a Clue, Chloe Brown and Take a Hint, Dani Brown this year and fell in love with each of the Brown sisters and their stories of finding love. I knew instantly when I saw this title on Netgalley that I wanted to request and read it because I knew I would enjoy it.

Eve Brown is the youngest of the Brown sisters, and unlike her older sisters, Eve has struggled with finding a career, lasting love and fulfilling friendships. It seems like everything she tries ends up going disastrously and her so called friends are only there when they need her not because they genuinely like her. At the start of the book, Eve has just started, and quickly failed, at an event planning job. When her parents find out they tell her that they are cutting her off financially until she gets a job and keeps it for at least one year. Furious at this proposition and hurt that they do not believe in her, Eve drives to a small town and ends up at the driveway of a B&B that has a sign posted seeking a chef. Even though she doesn't have any paperwork on her nor is she dressed for an interview, Eve enters the B&B to apply for the job. There she meets Jacob Wayne, who instantly dislikes her. When the interview goes poorly and Eve leaves, Jacob realizes he needs to give Eve a try because he is desperate for a chef. But when he finally sees her in her car Eve ends up running him over. Now Jacob has a concussion and Eve feels like she needs to stay and help him. But as time passes their relationship evolves to one of friendship and maybe more.

I loved so much about this book. One thing I always love about this series is the representation. I loved the exploration of neurodiversity and I was happy that this book showed that everyone is capable of finding love regardless of if someone is on the autism spectrum or not. I love how you could see Eve trying to view things from Jacob's perspective. She was still herself but she took time to understand the things that Jacob did or said. I also really loved their relationship. I liked seeing their relationship evolve as the spent more time together. You could tell the moment when Jacob realizes that he actually liked Eve beyond just her physical attractiveness. I liked how confident Eve was about her body, because for me as a plus size woman body positivity is important. I also felt like I understood Eve. She is 26 when this book starts and I also did not have a stable job until then. I struggled a lot in college with deciding what to do and switching majors several times because I "failed." I love how patient and reassuring Jacob was when Eve was telling him about her past. Both Jacob and Eve are multi-dimensional characters. There is not just one thing that defines them, and I felt like the characterization was strong in this book. Like Take a Hint, Dani Brown I felt that this book was smart, cleverly written, and steamy without going overboard. The only thing I don't like is that this series is now over. I will definitely pick up more of Talia Hibbert's books because I just love the stories she creates.

I liked this one, but didn't love it. Eve grew on me for sure but I had a hard time sympathizing with her at first given the whole incredibly privileged flaky rich girl thing she had going on. I did think her character development was handled well, and she and Jacob had great chemistry but something was just a little off for me. Part of it was definitely the completely unrealistic plot points, part of it was feeling like this wasn't different enough from the other sisters' stories and probably part of it was that these just aren't my usual tropes.

I am convinced that Talia Hibbert is an actual goddess. Her books are phenomenal. And the conclusion to the Brown Sister series was no exception. The romance is swoony, the characters are a delight, and everything is just so funny and delightful.

I love the Brown sisters! I can't say that enough. I am enthralled with them and would love to have a peek at what makes their grandmother tick!

Eve Brown is the youngest of the Brown sisters and the flightiest. She hasn't really found her direction in life, and she's dabbled in quite a few things. Finally, her parents somewhat force her out of the nest and out on her own. She finds herself in a small town, and what's this? the B&B is holding interviews for a new chef! Perfect for the person who loves to cook and entertain, i.e. Eve. When she doesn't get the job, she heads back to the car and backs out of her spot - right into Jacob, the B&B owner and her interviewer (he was going to offer her the job). Now that he has a broken arm, Eve agrees to help out with the day-to-day work, as well as taking the chef job.

As is to be expected with a Talia Hibbert book, the love scenes are very steamy. Very. And there is so much around acceptance of one's self and others, body positivity, nuerodiversity, and of course, the love of family and good friends. What a feel-good story. I'm sorry to see this series end (unless maybe it continues??), but I look forward to Ms. Hibbert's next adventure.

My thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for an advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

I am freaking OBSESSED with this book!!! I knew I was going to love it going in (especially given how much I adored Take a Hint, Dani Brown earlier this year), but I didn't expect to love it THIS much.

Thank you SO much to NetGalley and Avon for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I've grown to absolutely love Talia Hibbert's writing this year, but Act Your Age, Eve Brown might be my favorite out of the Brown Sister series (and that's really saying something because Take a Hint, Dani Brown is one of my favorite romances ever). This book is just a delight and I'm SO grateful to have been given this opportunity to read and review it early.

Eve Brown's voice is so chaotically charming that you can't help but be captivated; Can't help but relate to her feelings of inadequacy. We follow her journey in trying to prove herself to her family and to find herself. Jacob is tightly composed, in constant need of control, and struggling to ask for help (even after Eve runs him over with her car...). They are one of the best examples of Sunshine and the Grumpy one that I've ever read!! Plus, all of the new side characters are equally charming - Mont, Tessa, and Alex.

This book is *genuinely* funny! I found myself cracking up in multiple parts and grinning along to all of their jokes. Their banter is witty and quick. Plus, similar to the other stories, the representation is just sublime. Growing up, I never thought that I would read about a romance heroine with a body similar to mine, and here I am with 3 INCREDIBLE examples. Jacob wears glasses (which is common, but I feel like you never read about it??). And while I can't speak on the legitimacy, there is also a lot of autism rep!

I'm SO sad that this is the last in the Brown Sisters series, but there isn't a better way to end a series. You HAVE to pick up this book when it comes out in March. You won't regret it.

...now to make my way through Talia Hibbert's backlist....don't mind me...