New Release & Review: TAKE A HINT, DANI BROWN by Talia Hibbert

TAKE A HINT, DANI BROWN by Talia Hibbert

Release Date: 23rd June 2020

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Talia Hibbert returns with another charming romantic comedy about a young woman who agrees to fake date her friend after a video of him “rescuing” her from their office building goes viral…

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?

★4 STARS★

Let’s hear it for inclusive reads that celebrate individuality with style, humour and aplomb!

Take a Hint, Dani Brown is the sophomore novel in The Brown Sister’s series, and in keeping with the family tradition, Dani is a unapologetic whirlwind of sass and intelligence. Unlike the adage “All work and no play..”

Dani’s PhD does not stop her from satisfying her penchant for exactly that. She has no desire to enter a relationship, but seeks the help of intervention in deciding upon who her next friend with benefits should be.

Zafir Ansari has admired Dani from afar, he appreciates a great woman when he sees one and his interactions with her are the highlight of his day. He daren’t dream of ever being able land a woman like Dani but the power of social media and #DrRugbae has other plans for them.

Zaf has a history of his own and his journey to now security guard is paved with grief and some regret. He battles anxiety but even with his struggles he seeks a position of betterment for himself and others like him. He is a wonderful man and for all his grumpiness incredibly sweet.

Dani and Zaf’s friendship was awash with hilarious banter but also genuine care for one another. The move into a physical relationship seemed like a seamless one and I cheered from the stands as their thoughts belied just how deeply their affections ran. They were hugely supportive of one another and I enjoyed witnessing the unfolding of their relationship.

We are two for two with the Brown Sisters and I am not so patiently waiting for Talia to bring on the first lady, Eve!

DON’T FORGET TO MEET CHLOE!

About Talia Hibbert:

Talia Hibbert is a Black British author who lives in a bedroom full of books. Supposedly, there is a world beyond that room, but she has yet to drum up enough interest to investigate.

She writes steamy, diverse romance because she believes that people of marginalised identities need honest and positive representation. Her interests include makeup, junk food, and unnecessary sarcasm.

Talia publishes independently via Nixon House and is represented by Courtney Miller-Callihan at Handspun Literary.