Book Review: Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

 

 

Synopsis:

Danika Brown knows what she wants: professional success, academic renown, and an occasional roll in the hay to relieve all that career-driven tension. But romance? Been there, done that, burned the T-shirt. Romantic partners, whatever their gender, are a distraction at best and a drain at worst. So Dani asks the universe for the perfect friend-with-benefits—someone who knows the score and knows their way around the bedroom.

When brooding security guard Zafir Ansari rescues Dani from a workplace fire drill gone wrong, it’s an obvious sign: PhD student Dani and ex-rugby player Zaf are destined to sleep together. But before she can explain that fact, a video of the heroic rescue goes viral. Now half the internet is shipping #DrRugbae—and Zaf is begging Dani to play along. Turns out, his sports charity for kids could really use the publicity. Lying to help children? Who on earth would refuse?

Dani’s plan is simple: fake a relationship in public, seduce Zaf behind the scenes. The trouble is, grumpy Zaf’s secretly a hopeless romantic—and he’s determined to corrupt Dani’s stone-cold realism. Before long, he’s tackling her fears into the dirt. But the former sports star has issues of his own, and the walls around his heart are as thick as his… um, thighs.

Suddenly, the easy lay Dani dreamed of is more complex than her thesis. Has her wish backfired? Is her focus being tested? Or is the universe just waiting for her to take a hint?

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My Thoughts:

Oh. My. God. This. Book.

It was EVERYTHING!!

I absolutely loved the first book, Get a Life, Chloe Brown, so I had high expectations for this book, and it did not disappoint! It was addicting and engaging from the very first page. From the fact I was already laughing and smiling on the first page, I knew it was going to be amazing.

It was exactly what I needed. I have been in a slump lately and I need something fun, light and easy to read. Take a Hint, Dani Brown is exactly that!

I love the fake dating trope, it is one of my faves! I love it when characters pretend to date and you slowly see them realise their feelings and actions are not faked. *swoon*
I’m so used to this trope in YA but it’s nice to see it in an adult setting – it was sexy and steamy, as you would imagine for an adult romance. It wasn’t cheesy or cringe, which is perfect for me as I get secondhand embarrassment quite easily!
The TENSION, my goodness; I was d y i n g for them to get together. It was everything I enjoy in a romance. I was thriving while reading this.

Anxiety/grief rep: really, really well written. It was very realistic and relatable. (Could be triggering, so be aware if these are your triggers!) The anxiety and grief were well balanced in the novel, though this is a romance and predominantly happy and cheery, it did deal with darker topics – these didn’t feel out of place or forced at all.

Writing style: I love Talia Hibbert’s writing. It is incredibly addictive, so humorous and fun. I literally was obsessed. The banter and sarcasm are just right up my alley, I live for that kind of humour. I laughed out loud at many moments, it was an absolute joy to read. I was laughing and smiling all throughout!

The characters are all incredibly well written and I was instantly attached and invested in all of them. There really wasn’t any negative aspects!

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Characters:

Dani:   Nerdy, Black, fat, & Bisexual

I loved Dani!! Such a great protagonist. She’s cool and relatable, I really liked her personality and sense of humour. I found her easy to connect to, I just want her to be my best friend. Her character is so well written and developed, she feels so real.
She’s so unapologetically herself, she’s super sex-positive, and super sassy!

Zaf: Muslim, ex-rugby player with anxiety/dealing with grief.

OH MY GOD, ZAF. What an actual cinnamon roll!! I need me a Zaf in my life. I love that Zaf is a grumpy, broody type but is a total softy underneath. It was too cute!!. He is a total sweetheart and completely swoon-worthy. I loved him. He’s so caring and lovely and troubled. I just want to give him a hug. 

 

Rating: 4.5 Stars
*Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an early copy

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