The third book in the Brown Sisters trilogy but (confession!) the first that I've read, "Act Your Age, Eve Brown" is a contemporary British rom-com with a diverse cast of characters and a heart-warming story of self-actualization and some steamy romance at its center. And a few asshole ducks and geese around its edges.

While driving through the countryside, burning off her anger at a parent ultimatum, youngest Brown sister, Eve, impulsively interviews for the first job she sees. It's obviously not a good fit — interviewer/B&B owner Jacob is short-staffed and overwhelmed but he's also extremely particular and Eve's colorful "hot mess" persona isn't his particular cup of tea. After totally bombing the interview, Eve accidentally hits Jacob with her car and feels compelled to stay and help until he's back on his feet.

"Act Your Age, Eve Brown" is a classic forced-proximity, enemies-to-lovers, sunshine/grumpy pairing that is updated with diverse representation, body positivity, a damsel saving herself, and more. I especially liked the autism rep and the way it addresses the differences in how autism is perceived and experienced in men and women. It's a smart, sexy, fun, and funny story. The previous Brown sisters and family have a bit more than a cameo, but you don't need the full backstory to jump in here at the end and enjoy it. You will probably want to clear some TBR room for the previous two books, though.

Content notes: ableist (anti-autistic) jokes and microaggressions (appropriately addressed), parental neglect and abandonment (backstory), steamy explicit sex scenes and sexual jokes/innuendo, strong language

My thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for a digital ARC!