Get a Life, Chloe Brown wasn't for me. While its premise was intriguing I was never convinced by its romance. The book follows the titular Chloe Brown as she enlists her landlord, Red in helping her cross off items on her 'Get a Life List'. While there's an initial animosity between the two they eventually fall for each other.

My first hurdle with the novel was Chloe and Red's relationship. The two begin the story as rivals and this made it difficult to root for their romance. The miscommunication and assumptions between the two made them feel incompatible. Talia Hibbert then failed to illustrate the couple's transition from animosity to romance. The jump was sudden and barely explained outside of the two finding each other physically attractive making it difficult to connect with the relationship. Hibbert attempted to endear the reader to the relationship through banter but I needed more than that to be convinced of their chemistry.

While Chloe and Red eventually settled into a vaguely believable dynamic the nail in the coffin of their relationship for me was their third act break up. That fight illustrated the massive cracks in their relationship. However, despite these fissures after an apology and explanation the two end up happily together. But, because I was barely convinced of their viability as a couple and the lack of growth or change by the characters post-break up, I couldn't believe that Chloe and Red would genuinely be happy together in the long term.

Something that niggled at me throughout this novel was Talia Hibbert's handling of class. The class difference between Red and Chloe is a central part of the conflict between the two, yet Hibbert never unpacked that to a satisfying degree. This is mainly because the class conversation is very one-sided and Chloe is never forced by the narrative to contemplate her wealth making the story feel underbaked.

Despite disliking their romance, I was initially engaged by Chloe and Red as characters. Chloe's 'Get a Life List' and desire to take risks after years of self-isolation due to her fibromyalgia could have been compelling. However, the list became a background element of the story. Because the list was shafted in favour of milquetoast romantic moments Chloe's growth ultimately felt lacking. Red was better served by the narrative; Hibbert dives into the effects being in an abusive relationship had on his life well. However, I felt exploring that trauma in a romance that requires a happily ever after undercut Red's clear need for healing and growth before dating again.

The major failure of 'Get a Life, Chloe Brown' was it never convinced me that Red and Chloe were good for each other. They bantered, had sex, and said they loved each other but I never believed in their romance. The story had potential, but it ultimately failed.