Talia Hibbert’s Get a Life, Chloe Brown is not just a rom-com. It is a beautifully crafted story of personal reinvention, emotional healing, and slow-burning love. Set against the backdrop of an ordinary Nottinghamshire apartment block, the novel introduces readers to Chloe Brown—a chronically ill, curmudgeonly but endearing heroine—and Redford Morgan, a handyman with a past and the soft heart of an artist.
The novel belongs to The Brown Sisters series and sets the tone for the books that follow, each exploring the life and love of a different Brown sister. Hibbert’s writing is deeply human, with rich internal monologues and biting wit that make even the smallest interactions sparkle.
The Plot: Lists, Life, and Love
“Get a Life, Chloe Brown” begins with Chloe’s brush with death. It’s not dramatic in the traditional sense—a Range Rover misses her by mere feet—but it’s enough to make her reevaluate her existence. Realizing she’s merely been surviving rather than living, Chloe pens a “Get a Life” list. This six-point plan includes tasks like “Ride a motorcycle,” “Enjoy a drunken night out,” and “Have meaningless but thoroughly enjoyable sex”.
As she moves into her own flat, Chloe meets Red, her building’s superintendent, who, on paper, ticks many boxes from her rebellious to-do list. He’s tattooed, rides a motorcycle, and broods in the most attractive way. But Red has demons of his own—he’s recovering from an emotionally abusive relationship and hasn’t painted seriously in over a year.
Their slow friendship—filled with reluctant truces, tender observations, and hilarious banter—blooms into something deeper. Chloe is snarky, guarded, and self-sufficient, but Red sees through her thorns. Red is sunny, affable, but quietly scarred—and Chloe, in turn, begins to understand the world beyond her pain.
Character Deep Dive
Chloe Brown: A Prickly Powerhouse
Chloe is not your typical romance heroine. She suffers from fibromyalgia, a chronic condition that affects her stamina, mobility, and comfort. Hibbert writes Chloe’s pain with nuance—not as a plot device, but as a lived reality. What makes Chloe shine is her relentless determination. Her list isn’t just about thrills; it’s a roadmap to autonomy, to joy, to rediscovering herself.
Her growth is beautiful to witness: from a woman tightly bound in rules and control, to someone brave enough to open her heart, admit mistakes, and take up space. And importantly, she doesn’t achieve this through being “fixed” or “saved” by Red. She empowers herself, and that distinction is critical.
Redford Morgan: The Artist Behind the Tattoos
Red is an ex-London art star whose career crumbled under the emotional weight of a toxic relationship. Now working as a handyman, he hides his artwork and his fears. He is warm, considerate, and quietly feminist—the kind of leading man who notices when someone’s in pain and adjusts his stride.
His arc is one of regaining confidence, of facing trauma head-on. Through Chloe, he learns to reclaim his identity as an artist, and through himself, he learns to set boundaries and heal on his own terms.
What Makes This Romance Work
The chemistry between Chloe and Red is magnetic and slow-building. Hibbert doesn’t rely on forced proximity or sudden declarations to ignite their romance. Instead, she allows their connection to evolve through:
Mutual respect
Personal vulnerability
Terrific banter and comedic misunderstandings
Physical attraction underpinned by deep emotional stakes
They fall for each other not despite their emotional wounds, but through the courageous act of sharing them.
Hibbert’s Writing Style: Sharp, Sassy, and Deeply Sincere
One of Hibbert’s greatest strengths is voice. Chloe’s internal narration is bitingly funny and astutely observant. Her sarcasm is both a shield and a form of self-expression. Red, on the other hand, speaks with warm restraint. His emails are sweet, awkward, and revealing in their simplicity.
Hibbert balances humor with gravity. She touches on trauma, racism, classism, chronic illness, and emotional abuse, without ever sacrificing the joy of the romance. The prose is fast-paced but textured with emotional intelligence, making it readable and re-readable.
Themes That Resonate
1. Chronic Illness and Autonomy
Chloe’s fibromyalgia is written with care and complexity. It affects her relationships, energy levels, and sense of independence—but it does not define her. This portrayal will resonate with many readers who long to see authentic, dignified representation of chronic illness.
2. Healing from Trauma
Red’s experience with a manipulative ex is delicately handled. His anxiety about returning to art, his fear of losing himself again—these are not magically cured. Instead, Hibbert shows that love is not a replacement for therapy, but it can be a source of support.
3. Sisterhood and Support
The Brown sisters—Chloe, Dani, and Eve—are a delightful trio. Their teasing, bickering, and relentless love provide comic relief and emotional grounding. Readers will be thrilled to know that Take a Hint, Dani Brown and Act Your Age, Eve Brown delve into their lives with just as much charm and honesty.
What Could Have Been Better
While the novel shines in emotional depth and character development, there are moments where the pacing feels uneven. The conflict toward the climax feels slightly rushed, and the resolution—though sweet—leans into neatness that contrasts with the otherwise grounded tone.
Additionally, some of the romantic tropes, such as jealousy or overprotectiveness, are played for laughs and swoons but may not appeal to every reader. A few emotional beats could have used more space to breathe, especially given the heavy topics the book navigates.
Final Verdict: Why You Should Read It
Get a Life, Chloe Brown is a triumphant blend of humor, romance, and real-life challenges. It offers the warmth of a hug and the comfort of a good cry. If you’re looking for a romance that makes you laugh and feel deeply, this one deserves a spot on your shelf.
It’s also the perfect gateway into The Brown Sisters series, which only gets richer and more hilarious with Take a Hint, Dani Brown—a romance between a sunshine academic and a brooding security guard—and Act Your Age, Eve Brown, a delightful enemies-to-lovers tale featuring a chaotic chef and a grumpy B&B owner.
If You Loved This, Try These
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang – A heartwarming romance with neurodiverse representation and a similar mix of steam and sincerity.
Beach Read by Emily Henry – For its witty banter, emotional wounds, and opposites-attract dynamic.
The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary – Featuring unconventional living arrangements and slow-burn affection.
Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade – A plus-sized heroine, fan fiction, and a hidden-identity celebrity romance with depth.
Wrapping It Up
Get a Life, Chloe Brown is more than a love story—it’s a declaration of life lived on your own terms, with pain, with courage, and with unexpected joy. Talia Hibbert’s voice is authentic, witty, and deeply human. Chloe and Red aren’t perfect people, but they’re perfect for each other—and that, in the end, is what makes this romance unforgettable.
If you haven’t yet gotten to know the Brown sisters, now is the perfect time to start. Chloe’s journey will make you laugh, swoon, and maybe even write your own “Get a Life” list.