~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...

All of the Brown Sisters books are delightful and this final one is no exception. Eve and Jacob are so funny and snarky. Watching them fall in love is such a perfect escape from this awful year. I highly recommend this hot, funny, lovely book.

Eve Brown, the youngest sister of the three Brown sisters, has just been told she has to get herself together and act her age. Get a stable job and most importantly, don’t give it up, like every other career adventure Eve has attempted. Subsequently, Eve stumbles upon a little B&B and turns the owner, Jacob Wayne’s, life upside down. What ensues is a delicious bantering animosity and brewing romance between these two cuties that was unputdownable.

There’s just some books that evoke such adoration from the very pit of your soul, and Talia Hibbert’s books do this for me. I really, really cannot convey as damned hard as I might, what the Brown sisters series means to me.

Get A Life Chloe Brown is my favourite book - when I finished it, I literally cried, cradled and hugged the hell out of the book due to how understood I felt. As someone who suffers from chronic pain, Chloe’s story was very, very close to the bone. As is Eve’s. So, to say I had really high expectations for Eve’s story, and it being my most anticipated book of 2021, is a massive understatement.

But from the opening chapter, I knew Hibbert had done the third and final Brown sister justice. I know that’ll read absurd to many bookworms, but I just knew.

Anyone who feels like they haven’t found their calling, particularly those in their twenties, Eve Brown is a kindred spirit. The thing that made me love Eve was her insecurity about her intelligence and capability. Throughout the book she is riddled with self doubt, because of past failings and comparing herself to her sisters, which I’ll be hard pressed to believe nobody understands (at least the majority of us). Her fears are so relatable and believable, it made the book (and Eve) all the more endearing and memorable.

For me, Jacob is probably the most enjoyable love interest of the sisters stories - although full disclosure, that sentiment may or may not be subject to change when I reread Red and Chloe again. Jacob was funny, he was sharp, he was charming and so real. He’s taken up real residence in my heart, with Eve and Chloe. That’s the thing, these characters aren’t just characters who you empathise, sympathise or invest in, they’re the kind that worm their way into the very fabric of your heart and soul.

I hated, hated, hated the ending. BUT! Only because it’s the ending and I have to accept that it’s all over. Hehe sorry if I made you sweat there. I just didn’t want it to end. I had the exact same problem with Take A Hint, Dani Brown. I have to admit I do feel a little unsatisfied, but I do concede that may have more to do with how invested I am in this fictional family than any great misfire from Hibbert.

I’ll tell you what wasn’t a misfire... Are you thirsty? Because hooooott damnnnnn lady!!!!! Talia did NOT hold back on the steam! I actually - physically - literally lost grip of my kindle from the heat!!! Definitely, in my opinion, Eve’s liaison has had the most hot steam. I near enough keeled over from my heart pounding zing! I’m not ashamed one bit to say the thirst was huge. Overall, Jacob and Eve’s romance was built really well to leave me feeling all mushy and fluffy.

Most importantly, I love how comforting Hibbert’s writing is. It’s sincere, humorous and truly heartfelt. It provides a dimension to the story that is just the right amount of reality but also renews faith in happily ever after. And the fact Hibbert has illustrated autism in an insightful, joyous and celebratory portrayal is representation that means more than anything I can articulate. Especially contrasting the different experiences of autism through Jacob’s and Eve’s respectively. Thank you.

I’ll forever feel gratitude to Hibbert for creating this family of beautiful people who give those who live on the outskirts of the norm a place to feel accepted and even better, loved for who they are. I genuinely cannot thank you, Talia Hibbert, enough for these books. I’ve never loved a book series quite as much as I do these. I see the Brown Sisters series, especially Eve’s instalment with a very homey and enjoyable setting, as a cosy Netflix original and I’ll cross my fingers that materialises one day. Until then, I’ll be rereading this series time and time again.
Thank you kindly to Talia, the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Talia Hibbert never fails to create stories about diverse characters that feel very true to life. I love that every time I read one of her books, I feel like I see a new side of how different people can be and how lovely that makes them. In this book, Eve and Jacob are two very loveable characters on the autism spectrum who share unique qualities that help them connect. I loved this fun, steamy read and highly recommend it.

The best out of the current series. It's sexier, funnier, wittier and the main characters are so vibrant. Nothing short of hilarious and perfection.

Charming and witty. Eve has a habit of running away when the going gets tough and Jacob has a history of people running away from him. Seemingly hating each other at first, or at the very least getting on each other’s nerves, they must work together after Eve accidentally hits Jacob with her car. Oops.

It’s the writing style that I enjoy the most-funny and clever bits that seem sort of random but somehow fit together. I never miss a Talia Hibbert book.

There was one small odd moment where a common phrase was used that has racially insensitive origins. I didn’t know if I should mention it at all considering this is an uncorrected ARC.

Thank you Avon and NetGalley for the ARC!

I am a huge fan of The Brown Sisters series and this latest installment exceeded my already high expectations. Talia Hibbert is an expert on writing about multifaceted Black women who are on journeys of personal growth and finding love.

The best thing about Hibbert's novels isn't the romance (although that is so, incredibly well done). It's the well-rounded characterization of her main characters. Every Brown sister is an intelligent, strong, and confident Black woman but they still have their own vulnerabilities and fears to overcome. It is such a satisfying and joyful experience watching them grow and seeing them get their happily ever afters.

Eve Brown is a self-described hot mess who quits careers at the first sign of failure, much to the dismay of her highly successful family members. A series of unexpected events leads Eve to become a chef at a small town B&B where she learns a lot about herself while also falling for Jacob, the uptight but passionate B&B owner.

Eve and Jacob's relationship was an interesting take on the enemies-to-lovers trope. Jacob is determined to ignore his positive feelings towards Eve in order to protect himself and Eve is determined to see the man behind all of his emotional walls. It's more like a trying-to-be-enemies-but secretly-finding-each-other-irresistibly-charming situation. Their relationship progression from being "enemies" to developing a passionate, intense relationship is an absolute thrill to read.

Also, I loved that the author explored neurodiversity in the novel without using harmful stereotypes. It was clear that Hibbert understands that people on the autism spectrum are very much capable of having passionate romantic relationships and close friendships, despite what stereotypes may lead people to believe.

Overall, "Act Your Age, Eve Brown" was another joyful and compulsively readable installment in The Brown Sisters series. It's possibly my favorite Talia Hibbert book of all time. I can't wait to see what she writes next!

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

Eve and Jacob have the best, most amazing chemistry!!! Their banter is not just god-tier. It's titan-tier (yes i know titans were overthrown shut up). I have so many lines from this book highlighted because every Jacob and Eve interaction, there was something highlight-worthy. These two are a delight! They are funny and sweet and just adorable together and individually. I'm so excited for the rest of the world to fall, laughing on the floor, face-first, madly in love with them.

This series was absolutely perfect for me! All three sisters were my kind of quirky and their stories were beautiful! I'm over here crossing fingers and toes and whatever else I can do for luck in the hopes that Alex, Tessa, and Mont from Act Your Age, Eve Brown get their own series because I NEED THAT TO HAPPEN!

Of the three Brown sisters, Dani was my favorite, hands down not even Eve could dethrone her, but I still loved this book! The English hamlet vibe of the setting and the inn was a dream and I appreciated the character growth that Talia Hibbert always knocks out of the park. Another point that I always love from Hibbert is her diverse characters! Every book has people of different races, and religions as well as characters struggling with mental health issues, living with chronic illnesses, or are neurodiverse and I AM HERE FOR IT! I recommend these books all the time and I will keep recommending them! I can't wait to see what Hibbert has for us next!

I read my first Talia Hibbert book about six months ago, and she became one of my 'one-click' authors. I'm quite sure I will read anything Talia Hibbert writes, even if it's horror (which I don't read because it doesn't do good things for my mental health).

Act Your Age, Eve Brown was a phenomenal conclusion to the Brown sister saga. I am always so happy reading Talia Hibbert's books because she brings us characters that aren't cookie cutter mainstream. Talia Hibbert shows neurodivergent people thriving, loving, and doing all the things they really should be able to do even though our society tries its best to stop them. Talia Hibbert shows Black joy, Muslim joy, bisexual joy, etc. And not only that, she does so with words that are witty, funny, and lovely. I can't adequately express how much I love this book, but I do and I want everyone to read it.