Romance Annotation

Author: Talia Hibbert

Title: Get a Life, Chloe Brown 

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publication Date: November 5, 2019

Number of Pages: 384 pages

Geographical Setting: England

Time Period: Present Day

Series: The Brown Sisters

Plot Summary: After a near-death experience, Chloe Brown becomes painfully aware that she leads a boring life. This experience encourages her to not let her chronic illness control her life. She decides to  create a list of things to accomplish that will help her "get a life." The list includes riding a motorcycle and travelling the world with only a carry-on. 

To "get a life," Chloe first moves out of her family's home and into her own apartment. She meets Redford Morgan, the apartment's superintendent, who also happens to be a motorcycle-riding artist. They initially despise each other but eventually, Chloe realizes that Red can help her with her list. They strike up a deal: Red will teach her how to live and Chloe will help design his website. Their mutual dislike for each other quickly morphs into something much more. Red and Chloe's witty banter and emotional vulnerability will draw you in and have you rooting for them individually and as a couple. 

Subject Headings:

Subject Headings Listed on Novelist:

• Men-women relations
• European people
• Fibromyalgia
• Interracial romance
• Artists
• People with chronic illnesses 

Appeal: 

Characters: The characters are the heart of this novel. The hero and heroine are multi-dimensional characters who are noteworthy on their own and as a couple. Chloe is a Black woman living with fibromyalgia who is fiercely independent as well as loyal to her loved ones. Beyond Red's "tough guy exterior," he is also someone who cares deeply for others and has a difficult time trusting due to an emotionally abusive ex. Together, their chemistry is undeniable and they compliment each other well. Chloe's sisters, Dani and Eve, show up throughout the story and they are both equally delightful. Each sister gets their own book and happy ending in the series.

Writing Style: The writing style is fast-paced and easy to follow. The novel is told from both Chloe and Red's perspective. This helps readers to better understand both characters. Talia Hibbert does an excellent job writing witty banter that feels like you are overhearing a conversation in real life. 

Romance: The romance in this novel is a perfect blend of steamy and heartwarming. The tension that builds between Chloe and Red is equally as important as the emotional connection they form. 

3 terms that best describe this book: Heartfelt, Swoon-worthy, and Funny 

3 Relevant Fiction Works and Authors: 

The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang

Both novels are described as "moving" and "complex." They are both contemporary romances that explore deeper themes such as chronic illness in Get a Life, Chloe Brown and autism in The Heart Principle. Bonus: both include a hero who rides a motorcycle! 

The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer

This novel is a great choice for readers looking for another story that features a heroine living with a chronic illness. 

The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory

Chloe and Red started off disliking each other but weren't exactly enemies. If you are looking for a true enemies-to-lovers romance, The Wedding Party is a great choice! 

3 Relevant Non-Fiction Works and Authors: 

The Invisible Kingdom: Reimagining Chronic Illness by Meghan O'Rourke

O'Rourke uses her own experience and interviews with health professionals to explore chronic illness in Western medicine. 

Invisible: How Young Women with Serious Health Issues Navigate Work, Relationships, and the Pressure to Seem Just Fine by Michele Lent Hirsch

Hirsch interviews women living with invisible illnesses.

After: A Doctor Explores What Near-Death Experiences Reveal about Life and Beyond by Bruce Greyson

This non-fiction novel explores the study of near-death experiences.