Talia Hibbert’s Get a Life, Chloe Brown marks the first book in The Brown Sisters trilogy—a series of emotionally layered, joyfully inclusive romantic comedies that blend charm, humor, and deeply personal storytelling. With Chloe’s story, Hibbert kicks off the series with an unforgettable bang. Our protagonist, Chloe Brown, is a chronically ill, list-making computer geek who, after a near-death experience, decides to “get a life”—with a highly organized list to help her do just that.
Enter Redford “Red” Morgan, her building’s superintendent, an artist recovering from emotional trauma and heartbreak. What follows is a slow-burn romance built on misunderstandings, desire, trust, and a fierce commitment to becoming better—both individually and together.
The Brown Sisters Series: Love, Liberation, and Laughter
- Book 1 – Get a Life, Chloe Brown: The story of Chloe, who reclaims her independence and learns to love again with Red.
- Book 2 – Take a Hint, Dani Brown: A sapphic, magic-loving academic falls for a charming security guard in a delightful fake-dating twist.
- Book 3 – Act Your Age, Eve Brown: The youngest sister, Eve, rebels against expectations and finds romance in the most unexpected workplace scenario.
While each book stands alone, together they present a portrait of sisterhood and self-realization. Chloe’s story sets the emotional and thematic tone for the rest.
Plot Breakdown: Chloe Brown’s List of Liberation
Chloe Brown’s journey begins with a brush with death—a Range Rover misses her by mere feet. This not-quite-death jolts her into writing a list titled “Get a Life,” complete with seven rebellious directives:
- Move out (check!)
- Enjoy a drunken night out
- Ride a motorcycle
- Go camping
- Have meaningless but thoroughly enjoyable sex
- Travel the world with nothing but hand luggage
- Do something bad
She manages the first and needs help with the rest. Cue Redford Morgan—tattooed, brooding, and unknowingly perfect for this role. As Chloe enlists Red to help her tackle her list, their initial friction gives way to real understanding, vulnerability, and eventually, love.
Hibbert excels at creating a plot that moves with natural emotional progression. The list functions both as a literal narrative driver and a metaphor for personal freedom. Chloe’s rigid control—borne of chronic illness and past trauma—gets tested and expanded in the best ways.
Main Characters: Emotionally Complex and Incredibly Real
Chloe Brown
Chloe is no damsel in distress. Smart, sarcastic, and resilient, she refuses to be pitied. Living with fibromyalgia, Chloe is cautious about her energy, her environment, and her heart. Hibbert does not romanticize illness; instead, she gives Chloe the voice of someone who has lived through years of physical pain and emotional invalidation. Her growth—from guarded and self-sufficient to emotionally open and trusting—is written with deep sensitivity and honesty​.
Redford “Red” Morgan
Red is far more than his sexy, rugged exterior. A working-class artist recovering from an abusive relationship, he battles with vulnerability and self-worth. His journey—rediscovering confidence and embracing his passion again—is beautifully intertwined with Chloe’s arc. His tenderness with Chloe, especially when helping her manage her pain, redefines the romantic hero archetype​.
Themes: Illness, Healing, and the Radical Act of Self-Love
1. Chronic Illness and Representation
One of the most compelling aspects of Get a Life, Chloe Brown is its honest portrayal of chronic illness. Chloe’s fibromyalgia is not a footnote; it’s a central part of her identity. Her experiences with medical gaslighting, fatigue, and the mental toll of invisible illness are depicted with refreshing realism​.
2. Emotional Recovery and Trauma
Both Chloe and Red have suffered—physically and emotionally. Their romance is not just a matter of falling in love but a mutual journey toward healing. Hibbert handles themes of abuse, classism, and trust with nuance, never allowing the story to dip into melodrama.
3. Empowerment through Love and Friendship
The romance is steamy, yes, but it’s also empowering. Hibbert frames love as a collaborative effort where both parties must show up, communicate, and respect one another. Chloe’s sisters—Dani and Eve—are delightful secondary characters who add levity and warmth, hinting at the vibrant stories yet to come in the series​.
Writing Style: Witty, Cozy, and Deliciously Romantic
Talia Hibbert’s prose is like a steaming cup of spiced chai—warm, rich, and layered. She writes with a confident, contemporary tone, marked by sharp dialogue, romantic tension, and moments of profound emotional clarity. The intimacy she crafts between characters feels earned and deeply satisfying.
Her use of Chloe’s sarcastic internal monologue and Red’s simmering self-doubt makes both characters relatable. The balance between romantic comedy and emotional gravity is deftly handled, echoing authors like Jasmine Guillory, Helen Hoang, and Mhairi McFarlane.
My Favorite Moments
- The Motorcycle Ride: Equal parts thrilling and vulnerable, this moment cements trust between Chloe and Red.
- Red’s Letter: A heart-melting blend of humor and sincerity, Red’s “Get Chloe Back” list had me both laughing and teary-eyed​.
- Camping Mishap: The awkward, sweet chaos of the camping trip perfectly encapsulates the emotional push-pull of early love.
Critique: Where the Book Falters (Just a Little)
While the romance is engaging and the emotional arcs deeply satisfying, some readers may find the pacing in the middle third of the book slightly sluggish. Chloe and Red spend a lot of time in their heads, and although introspection is one of the novel’s strengths, it occasionally slows the momentum of the external plot.
Also, the resolution—while heartwarming—relies heavily on a romantic grand gesture. For a novel that subverts so many genre tropes beautifully, the ending feels a touch too tidy.
Still, these are minor quibbles in a story that does so much right.
Who Should Read This Book?
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
- Enemies-to-lovers with sizzling chemistry
- #OwnVoices chronic illness rep
- Romantic comedies with emotional depth
- Inclusive, feminist, body-positive storytelling
- Lists (because who doesn’t love a good list?)
If you loved The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang or The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood, you’ll find yourself delightfully at home here.
Final Verdict: Chloe Brown Gets a Life—and So Should You, By Reading This Book
Get a Life, Chloe Brown isn’t just a romance novel—it’s a love letter to people living with invisible pain, to survivors, and to anyone learning to be kind to themselves. Talia Hibbert has crafted a heroine who is flawed, funny, and fundamentally strong.
It sets the stage perfectly for the rest of The Brown Sisters series—especially Take a Hint, Dani Brown, which follows Chloe’s potion-loving, spiritual sister, and Act Your Age, Eve Brown, the whimsical youngest sibling.
Read it for the laughs. Stay for the love. Remember it for the hope.
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