The problem with starting the year out with an absolutely amazing book is that I have to hope that everything else lives up to it.

In the third Brown sisters book, Eve gets a shocking ultimatum from her parents: figure out her life or no more trust fund (okay, it's more complicated than that, but that's what she hears). As she drives away in despair and fury, she finds herself in a small town with a lovely B&B that just happens to be hiring a new chef. To nobody's surprise, especially hers, she doesn't get the job...until she accidentally hits the gruff, grumpy owner with her car and has to take care of the B&B until he gets back on his feet. Until then...she can hide from her family in a random town miles away from anyone who knows her.

Eve and Jacob are my favorite. I say that about every Hibbert couple but this time it might even be true...at least for now. They have their own messy personalities and personal issues to deal with and each goes through some serious growth that is both fantastic and necessary. And the banter. Top. Notch. And I really, really hope that the Montrose siblings are the center of Talia's next series. Or just Skybriar in general. Love it so much.

CW: Discussion of toxic parenting; mention of panic attacks; unacceptable commentary about a person with autism (checked); abandonment issues; broken limb; concussion; I'll add more if I remember them...

Thanks to either Netgalley or Edelweiss for providing a digital copy of this book even though I primarily read it in print (thanks to HarperCollins).

While each Brown sister has their qualities, Eve is my favorite. I could really relate with her fear of failure and quirky personality. The romance was a perfectly crafted enemy to lovers trope. The Bed & Breakfast setting gave it a cozy vibe but the sex scenes were oh so spicy! If you're looking for a feel good read, give this contemporary romance a chance.

3.5 stars, rounded up

This was a cute romance novel that had an endearing couple and a few funny moments. We follow Eve as she begins working at a bed and breakfast owned by Jacob. These two are quite opposites in many aspects but mesh well.

I am not a huge fan of having a whole lot of steam in romance novels or the enemies to lovers trope, so I knew that I wasn’t going to adore this one based on those two aspects. I am glad to have read it, but when reading it, unfortunately, I kept comparing it to the rest of the novels in the series and this one didn’t come out as my favorite of the series.

Overall, it was a cute read that I would recommend to those who like romances with a bit more substance and with a substantial amount of steam!

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for the gifted e-book in exchange for an honest opinion!

The way this author writes about disabilities is truly perfection. The hype is real and for good reason. The character development makes you love the MC from the very beginning and I truly wanted the best for her. I highly recommend!!! Run don’t walk

I fell in love with the Brown sisters about halfway through the first book in the series, Get a Life, Chloe Brown! So, it should come as no surprise that Act Your Age, Eve Brown was on my most-anticipated list for 2021! I’m so happy that I was sent an ARC to read and review because I was very eager to devour this rom-com, let me tell you.

We got to know Chloe in the first book, and then Dani in Take a Hint, Dani Brown. I got a bit more of a sense of Dani’s character in Get a Life, Chloe Brown, but not so much Eve’s in either of the first two books, so I was excited that she would get her own story and that I would get to know her better!

I loved the set-up for this particular romantic plot in the synopsis, and I’m happy to say that the book itself took that set-up and made it better than promised! I’ve encountered books where the plot outline in the synopsis sounds totally up my alley, but it’s executed completely differently in the book itself. I’m so happy this wasn’t the case with Act Your Age, Eve Brown!

I loved the plot, and I loved the characters! I’m so happy I got to learn more about Eve. She’s so funny and awesome, haha. Also, Jacob was just great, and together they made quite a few sparks fly. Hibbert does dialogue so well, and also the more steamy bits! She just does romance so so well. I can’t wait to see what sort of book she has in store for us next (and I’ll be reading her backlisted books in the meantime)!

I read the other two books in this series and enjoyed them, and if you also enjoyed them, this one is in the same vein. Hibbert does a good job of representing people that aren't usually in literature: in this case, two characters that are on the spectrum. She does this very well and clearly has done research in showing different characteristics. I loved that part of this book a lot.

However, I had a hard time like Eve. I thought she was very immature and just kind of breezed through life. She was handed everything and just tossed it away. She's handed a job even though she didn't have an interview or even a resume, and how is that realistic?

She falls for Jacob, seemingly instantly, which is odd. She doesn't like him and then she's imagining him naked. I'm not sure how they fell in love as it just seemed a bit too convenient (she literally hits the guy with her car and then moves into his B&B?).

This has the lack of communication storyline which is seemingly ever-present in romances, but isn't as dragged out as in some others. This book does have explicit sex scenes, which don't bother me, and are similar to the previous two books. Basically, if you liked the previous two, you'll enjoy this as well as they are all very similar, just with different quirky characters.

The third book in this series did not disappoint! I think this is my favorite of the three. The topic of being on the autism spectrum is treated in a very tactful and informative way, learning about this piece of a character really took the book to another level for me. I must say, the sexual tension was A+, highly recommend! I also found myself laughing out loud several times as the banter is top notch. I've really enjoyed this series

The youngest Brown sister, Eve, is a “certified hot mess.” After her parents have a hard conversation where they lay down the law, Eve takes a drive and ends up hitting Jacob with her car. Eve ends up working and moving into Jacob’s B&B. Jacob and Eve are total opposites - Eve is all over the place and Jacob is always in control.

Will opposites attract in this enemies-to-loves forced proximity romance? Of course! Act You Age, Eve Brown is laugh-out-loud funny. I definitely recommend you read this, but make sure you read Chloe’s and Dani’s stories first.

Thanks to @NetGalley and Avon + Harper Voyager for my ARC!

I am devastated that Talia Hibbert's Brown sisters’ series is over, BUT this was a perfect ending to wrap everything up.

This book was a whirlwind of emotions. Eve and Jacob were such tender babies that I wanted to cradle against my chest. The way Jacob was able to give Eve additional context and language to understand her life was so 😭

Once again, this series is an erotic romance so be prepared for some ~intense~ scenes.

Now I'm off to read Hibbert's other work to satisfy my craving until she comes out with a new series 👀

The Brown Sisters series is such a fun series! Filled with so much representation, heart and family, it’s sad to see this series end. My favorite will always be book 1, Get a Life, Chloe Brown, but this one is a close second. Eve is the youngest sister who can’t seem to find what she wants in life. When her parents cut her off financially and tells her it’s time to grow up, Eve decides to prove everyone wrong. She knows she can stand on her own two feet. This determination brings her to a bed and breakfast where the owner, Jacob is a class a jerk. After the failed interview, she accidently hits him with her car, and it is here where he unwillingly allows her to become the B&B chef and to help him out. I loved watching their relationship grow. It was definitely nice to see Jacob who is on the spectrum open up to Eve. I really enjoyed their relationship! I also loved seeing the characters from the other books throughout. Overall a great ending to a wonderful series!

Having read the two previous books in the trilogy, I was so ready for this next installment in the Brown Sisters series.

Eve Brown has always had trouble committing to a career or really anything that includes her 'growing up'. When she gets in a fight with her parents after a disastrous wedding she planned, she decides it's time to self-actualize her life on her own. She ends up in Skybriar and happens upon a bed and breakfast and its owner Jacob. The BnB needs a chef badly and Eve loves to cook; this could be her temporary fix while she works through her actualization. Now she would just have to steer clear of the seriously grump and hot Jacob and any feelings that might brew along the way...

I have to say, I totally dug Eve and Jacob both. The way they bounced off each other and could be honest and vulnerable. The way they became each others' person because they understood each other and what they were going through better than anyone. I think on an emotional level it's probably the best match out of the three sisters. I mean, the others fit each other pretty well, but there was just something uniquely different between Eve and Jacob that resonated so deeply.

I think one thing that did smack me as odd is how their parents handled Eve. We've not had the Brown parents abundantly in the past books, but I've never gotten the feeling that the other Brown sisters felt unsupported by their parental figures when it came to their mental/physical issues. If nothing else, they always had GiGi. I never felt like there was neglect or even underhanded mental abuse. Maybe I missed something? But to me, looking at Eve's story, she's had something going on her whole life. Every person who is on the spectrum appears on it differently. And instead of trying to get her real help, her parents just keep throwing money at her and hoping it 'fixes' Eve. I'm sorry, but that screams mental neglect. Thank goodness Eve had her sisters and her grandmother.

Beyond this, I did, as usual, enjoy the writing--plot. The straight up wit, sass, and humor had me belly laughing at times. I did ADORE Eve's t-shirt collection. The first shirt made me think of Buffy. It so fit right in with Eve's personality too though, the collection. Eve trying to find a way to express herself and constantly changing it up, ever on the lookout.

I truly did love this book. I'm SO sad this trilogy is over. Thank you, Talia!!

What had a surprisingly slow start for me grew into an obsessive read that I stayed up almost all night to finish!

At the beginning, I found Eve quite unlikeable and the premise of how they’re thrown together a bit unrealistic. But page by page it for better and better as we legit see these characters grow and evolve into recognizing the true best parts of themselves - that they bring out in each other.

Touching and sweet and STEAMY, I love Eve and Jacob for each other.

Now I just want a spin-off series with Mont and the twins. Pleeeease??

This is my favorite of the Brown Sister's series hands down! Jacob and Eve were delightful to read about. I adored the Bed and Breakfast and the journey each of these character's went on as they fell in love. THANK YOU for giving us two neurodivergent leads. I fell in love with both of them.

I knew I was going to love this. I read and adored Chloe Brown, but have not read Dani Brown yet. (I will be reading it ASAP, don't worry)! This was such an enjoyable and adorable story.

I'm so glad I chose this as the first book to read after getting out of my slump! It was fun, steamy, and quick!

I love these sisters so much. How they are all so different from each other and yet equally amazing!

𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲: Sisters, Steam, Cute Couples, Family.

I have grown to love Talia Hibbert’s books SO much in the last year. I first read I Get a Life, Chloe Brown and liked it, but didn’t vibe with the male main character. I was way more interested in Chloe and how she was dealing with her chronic illness. Then I read Dani Brown and fell head over heels for those characters. Dani and Zaf’s romance is one of my favorites and it made me so excited for the third and final installment, Act Your Age, Eve Brown.

And Eve didn’t disappoint! I could relate to Eve so much more than the other Brown sisters but I still think Dani’s book was my favorite. Which Brown sister is your favorite?!

ActYouAgeEveBrown.jpeg
Synopsis: “Eve Brown is a certified hot mess. No matter how hard she strives to do right, her life always goes horribly wrong. So she's given up trying. But when her personal brand of chaos ruins an expensive wedding (someone had to liberate those poor doves), her parents draw the line. It's time for Eve to grow up and prove herself--even though she's not entirely sure how...

Jacob Wayne is in control. Always. The bed and breakfast owner's on a mission to dominate the hospitality industry and he expects nothing less than perfection. So when a purple-haired tornado of a woman turns up out of the blue to interview for his open chef position, he tells her the brutal truth: not a chance in hell. Then she hits him with her car--supposedly by accident. Yeah, right.

Now his arm is broken, his B&B is understaffed, and the dangerously unpredictable Eve is fluttering around, trying to help. Before long, she's infiltrated his work, his kitchen--and his spare bedroom. Jacob hates everything about it. Or rather, he should. Sunny, chaotic Eve is his natural-born nemesis, but the longer these two enemies spend in close quarters, the more their animosity turns into something else. Like Eve, the heat between them is impossible to ignore... and it's melting Jacob's frosty exterior.”

What I Liked:

How I Could Relate to Eve—Eve went to drama school and knew what she wanted to pursue as a career her whole life, but after some life circumstances help her realized maybe she doesn’t want to do it forever, is trying to find a new career path. Though our circumstances are different, it was really comforting to read about a performer having to find a new passion after the year I’ve had. I still am an actor first and foremost and never want to give it up, but I have had to find some new passions to sustain me.

The Humor—Talia Hibbert knows how to write humor. I think this was the one that made me laugh out loud the most!

The Romance—I really liked the development of Jacob and Eve’s relationship. While Jacob isn’t a top book boyfriend for me (Zaf still reigns supreme!), I could really appreciate their connection and liked seeing it grow.

What Didn’t Work:

The Rushed Ending—This seems to always be my biggest issue with the Brown sisters’ books and it’s just personal preference. I just always want a little more because I love them so much!

TW/CW: N/A

Character Authenticity: 5/5 Steam Rating: 3/5—Two scenes Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Eve Brown made me laugh and cheer!! I have been looking forward to the last book in this trilogy for a long time, and it did not disappoint. I found exactly the humor, heart, and sex-positive attitude that I was expecting to find in a Talia Hibbert book. Hibbert shines at writing a distinct voice and personality for each of her main characters, and Eve was no exception. This book also captures that stellar blend of raunchy, steamy sex with adorable sweetness and fluff. It is an emotionally healthy book, that truly feels anchored in a contemporary mindset of communication and consent. The pacing was a little different than I expected based on the previous two books in the trilogy; while those both felt more slow-burn, this title felt very fast paced. But there is something refreshing, too, about allowing the characters to lean into the chemistry earlier on. While the sexual content was a little more than I expected, it felt on-par with the story's development, not out of place at all. It is relieving to know that all three books in this trilogy are exceptional. Perhaps it is the most predictable of the three, since it follows variations on the same process Hibbert's stories have used before and within the romantic tropes we often expect, but the characters are so unique, vibrant, and fully-realized that knowing the destination doesn't stop you from enjoying every part of the journey there.

I love the Brown sisters series! Although this book (Book #3) didn't pack the same punch as the first two. I wasn't as engaged with the main character so the rest of the story fell flat for me.

I appreciate the chance to read an advanced copy and look forward to more work from this author.

The third book in the Brown Sisters trilogy but (confession!) the first that I've read, "Act Your Age, Eve Brown" is a contemporary British rom-com with a diverse cast of characters and a heart-warming story of self-actualization and some steamy romance at its center. And a few asshole ducks and geese around its edges.

While driving through the countryside, burning off her anger at a parent ultimatum, youngest Brown sister, Eve, impulsively interviews for the first job she sees. It's obviously not a good fit — interviewer/B&B owner Jacob is short-staffed and overwhelmed but he's also extremely particular and Eve's colorful "hot mess" persona isn't his particular cup of tea. After totally bombing the interview, Eve accidentally hits Jacob with her car and feels compelled to stay and help until he's back on his feet.

"Act Your Age, Eve Brown" is a classic forced-proximity, enemies-to-lovers, sunshine/grumpy pairing that is updated with diverse representation, body positivity, a damsel saving herself, and more. I especially liked the autism rep and the way it addresses the differences in how autism is perceived and experienced in men and women. It's a smart, sexy, fun, and funny story. The previous Brown sisters and family have a bit more than a cameo, but you don't need the full backstory to jump in here at the end and enjoy it. You will probably want to clear some TBR room for the previous two books, though.

Content notes: ableist (anti-autistic) jokes and microaggressions (appropriately addressed), parental neglect and abandonment (backstory), steamy explicit sex scenes and sexual jokes/innuendo, strong language

My thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for a digital ARC!

I spent the last week binge reading the entire Brown sisters series and had a pleasant time doing so! Finishing up with Eve Brown, this was a wonderful conclusion to the entire story! While Dani will likely be my favorite of the three sisters, I enjoyed Eve's self discovery throughout her novel and the joy she gains by the conclusion of the story. This book tackles tough subjects like autism and family neglect that made the reader appreciate the characters a bit deeper, but I still felt like we could have gotten to know Jacob a bit more to make his connection with Eve feel a bit more believable. Talia has a way of writing these romance novels, with so much steam that I have warned a few people who tend to get uncomfortable with that sort of writing to be prepared! But this was a fun feel good set of books that I'm so glad I finally picked up to read.

This was a solid 4 star series and I'm excited to see the spin-off series Talia Hibbert has in the works for two other fun characters we're introduced to in Eve Brown! Thank you so much to William Morrow and Netgalley for a physical and digital copy of Act Your Age, Eve Brown!

I feel terrible giving this book 2 stars because there was so much to love about it, but I’m just not the right reader. The autism representation was so important and something I loved, but I was seriously ready to quit around 60% in. The banter was cloyingly sweet to the point and being unreadable and I just skimmed the steamy sections. Most of the problems in this book and the will-they-wont-they could’ve been fixed if they’d communicated with each other instead of speculating what the other was feeling. Overall I do recommend this book because it’s worth the read, but I personally didn’t enjoy it.