Talia Hibbert has been writing sexy, diverse romances for a while now, but she really rocketed into the awareness of many readers (and onto their TBR piles) with GET A LIFE, CHLOE BROWN, which introduced the memorable title character discovering love and romance despite living with chronic pain. We also became acquainted with Chloe’s larger-than-life family, especially her two sisters, Dani and Eve. Dani got her own happily-ever-after last year, and now it’s Eve’s turn for a moment in the spotlight.

Youngest sister Eve has never had either of her siblings’ professional ambition. She has started many different projects and professions, but inevitably has run away when something has gone horribly awry. The same could be said for her romantic history. Now, though, Eve’s parents are practicing some tough love. They’re withholding access to her trust fund until she can find and hold down a job for at least a year.

"With her portrayal of a Black British woman and a neuroatypical man, Hibbert continues to demonstrate that love stories can happen anywhere, and that a wide range of characters deserve to star in their own love stories."

Frustrated and embarrassed, Eve strikes out on a drive and makes her way to a charming village in the Lakes District. On a whim (because that’s her style, after all!), she spots a “help wanted” sign for a cook at a B&B and decides to apply. The inn’s owner, Jacob Wayne, is not impressed by her seat-of-your-pants approach to life, but he’s undeniably attracted to her, despite himself. Jacob has autism, and this condition, along with his childhood history of family instability, means that he always wants to be in control. But when Eve (again, on the verge of running away after her job interview) collides her vehicle with Jacob in the parking lot, he might not have a choice about surrendering control for at least the next several weeks while his broken arm heals.

Eve is soon learning her way around the B&B’s kitchen --- and she and Jacob are navigating a tentative friendship that might be more. Among other developments, Jacob is pleasantly surprised by how Eve accepts his personality quirks, and Eve discovers some things about herself after spending time with Jacob and learning more about the autism spectrum.

ACT YOUR AGE, EVE BROWN might lack some of the tension and conflict involved in Hibbert’s two previous novels --- it’s pretty much a foregone conclusion that Eve and Jacob will end up together, and there are few obstacles in their way --- but their love story is no less satisfying as a result. With her portrayal of a Black British woman and a neuroatypical man, Hibbert continues to demonstrate that love stories can happen anywhere, and that a wide range of characters deserve to star in their own love stories.

Hibbert also introduces readers to the charming town of Skybriar, which (as rumor has it) will be the focus of her next series of romance books, loose retellings of Jane Austen novels. Readers are bound to fall in love with several unconventional Skybriar denizens, and they’ll look forward to their opportunity for a return trip.