Talia Hibbert

A Novel

Take a Hint, Dani Brown

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?

Men need fancy corner offices to presumably rule the world and women would simply do it from a bathroom, while refreshing their makeup - you can't change my mind. 

Leonie

Dani thanked Inez Holly again, possibly a little too profusely. Then Inez Holly wrote down the shade of Dani’s lipstick, which was rather thrilling, and took Dani’s email address, because “It’s always good to stay in touch,” which was excessively thrilling, and by the time Dani left those toilets she felt as if she could rule the world.

“The thing is,” he said, “I’m nervous because, back when I used to play, something bad happened. One day my dad and brother were in a car crash, and they, uh, died.” He always stumbled over that part. Not because it hurt— although it really fucking did— but because it seemed so . . . small. So simple and flat and anticlimactic a phrase for something as monumental as death. You told people “they died,” and hell was folded up inside those two short words. Some people got it. Some people didn’t.

“Is this panel thing open to the public?” “Yes, indeed,” she murmured. “Want me to come?” “No,” she said instantly. But then, just as quickly, she looked up at him and blurted, “Would you? Why would you? You wouldn’t. Would you?” Well. That was interesting. “It’s like cheering someone on at a match, right? I’ve got to come.” “Because I’m your fake girlfriend.” 

“Because you’re my real friend,” Zaf said, and meant it.

If Zaf didn’t know any better, he might think she was blushing. But Dani should already know how adorable she was. She should’ve been told a thousand times by a thousand different people, and the suspicion that she hadn’t been was making Zaf feel personally offended.

She was surrounded by her sisters and her best friend, and it felt like being wrapped up in a blanket as soft as clouds and strong as armor. This was love, and a part of her had always known that if she shared her darkest thoughts with these women, she'd receive such love instantly. Maybe she'd held off because deep down, she hadn't thought she deserved it.

A family. A broken one, true, but broken didn't mean ruined. He and Danika had broken clean in half this morning, but nothing about her was ruined, either. Because the world wasn't split into unhappy endings and happily ever agtets. There were blessings everywhere and a thousand shades of joy around him.

"Major or minor, if something keeps you human when pressure makes you feel like a volcano, hold on to that thing by whatever means necessary."

"Hurdles were made to be jumped, glass ceilings were made to be smashed."

Abigail | 

'Talia Hibbert is a rockstar! Her writing is smart, funny, and sexy' Meg Cabot One of Oprah Magazine's 21 Romance Novels That Are Set to Be the Best of 2020 USA Today bestselling author 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 - perfect for fans of Sally Thorne, Jasmine Guillory and Helen Hoang! Danika Brown knows what she wants: professional success, academic renown and an occasional roll in the hay to relive all that career-driven tension. But romance? Been there, done that, burned the T-shirt. So Dani asks the universe for the perfect friend-with-benefits... When brooding security guard Zafir Ansari rescues her 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. Dani's plan is simple: fake a relationship in public, seduce Zaf behind the scenes. But grumpy Zaf is secretly a romantic - and he's determined to corrupt Dani's stone-cold realism. With every fake date and midnight meeting, Dani's easy lay becomes more complex than her thesis. Has her wish backfired? Or is the universe waiting for her to take a hint? *** 'Funny, sexy and intensely romantic' Lucy Parker, author of The Austen Playbook 'Clever, sweet, sexy and brilliant' Carrie Ann Ryan, New York Times bestselling author 'So so so so good' Andie J. Christopher, USA Today bestselling author of Not the Girl You Marry 'A pure exuberant delight. I loved this book... Exactly what a romance should be' KJ Charles, author of Proper English '[An] awesome book, so full of heart and warmth and feels!' Charlotte Stein, author of Never Sweeter 'A thrilling, life-altering adventure that will keep readers riveted... Best of all, the romance is sizzling hot. This contemporary is a page-turning winner' Publishers Weekly

Kayla 

It was very steamy which is perfect considering the MC was a commitment phobe. I loved the diversity of characters in terms of race, religion and culture. 

L’enthusiast

It was very steamy which is perfect considering the MC was a commitment phobe. I loved the diversity of characters in terms of race, religion and culture. 




This was a cheesy book in a way that didn’t make me cringe - which is a very fine line to walk. It was cutesy and had some heartfelt moments that I found really sweet. A great comfort read that I sped through, I really enjoyed Zaf and Dani’s dynamic and the way their characters felt so real and so relatable.

Olivia Rousseau 

Gelaine Trinidad

So this book definitely took me by surprise not only in the manner I completely inhaled the entirety of it. Picked it up, had no recollection of why I had added it to the library in the first place, but it somehow felt right for the moment and right it was! Already a fifth in, I noticed that it unfortunately was the second part of a series but for the enjoyment of this book alone it didn’t have a negative effect for me at all. 

I enjoyed watching Danika grow into her emotions tremendously, as she’s such a fierce and strong woman and just had to learn to allow others to take care of her as well, sometimes. Zaf, with his kind, kind heart and the lessons he learned from his past, but still more applies to his trainees than to himself, also needed Dani so much – watching them grow together in more sense than one was simply so heartwarming. 

This book also made me cry more times than I wanted to count – because it was so beautifully written and also had some really heartfelt passages on grief and the journey after loss. 

Safe to say, I devoured this book and onto the “Comfort Book” shelf it goes for me. This is a recommendation I’ll gladly dish out to everyone loving romances, as it’s so genuine and cute and comforting and simply a really good read.

So this book definitely took me by surprise not only in the manner I completely inhaled the entirety of it. Picked it up, had no recollection of why I had added it to the library in the first place, but it somehow felt right for the moment and right it was! Already a fifth in, I noticed that it unfortunately was the second part of a series but for the enjoyment of this book alone it didn’t have a negative effect for me at all. 
I enjoyed watching Danika grow into her emotions tremendously, as she’s such a fierce and strong woman and just had to learn to allow others to take care of her as well, sometimes. Zaf, with his kind, kind heart and the lessons he learned from his past, but still more applies to his trainees than to himself, also needed Dani so much – watching them grow together in more sense than one was simply so heartwarming. 
This book also made me cry more times than I wanted to count – because it was so beautifully written and also had some really heartfelt passages on grief and the journey after loss. 
Safe to say, I devoured this book and onto the “Comfort Book” shelf it goes for me. This is a recommendation I’ll gladly dish out to everyone loving romances, as it’s so genuine and cute and comforting and simply a really good read.

arwen

anna

This was everything. I love Zaf and Dani with all my heart. Will eventually write a better review but this is it for now. Just go read it!!

Sonia Grgas

3.5. Very enjoyable romance, better than the first in series.

Catarina Lopes 

Keely Calagos

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Zaf IS Roy Kent! A former-rugby-star grump, but secretly a softie. Adorable friendship with his niece. Need I say more?

I loved this book, I wasn’t a huge fan of GALCB, it was good don’t get me wrong but I didn’t LOoOoOoVE it. Turns out I’m a sucker for grumpy-sunshine fake-dating so naturally this one was FIVE stars.

Follow for more: https://www.instagram.com/p/CdJF4DNLF...

dani tried for zaf :( she got his books signed by his favorite romance authors :( zaf understood how dani works and didnt expect her to change for him :(

juniper

★★★ // cute and sexy. maybe a little too horny for my taste. but i enjoyed it a lot in a way that i feel happy when two people really try to make a relationship work and when they choose to open up to love despite a lot of hesitations.

—

“He and Danika had broken clean in half this morning, but nothing about her was ruined, either. Because the world wasn't split into unhappy endings and happily ever afters. There were blessings everywhere and a thousand shades of joy all around him. Every shade should be savored.”

“I’m sorry. For hurting you. And for resisting love so hard I almost didn’t notice everything I felt for you.”

“I don’t ever want to hurt you to protect myself. I want to be brave.” 🥹

taryn

Kelsey Munson

CURRENTLY GRINNING PROFUSELY FROM EAR TO EAR.

i really liked this book, the characters are so well written and relatable in my opinion, and i loveee dani and zaf they are so sweet to each other aaaahhh

at firts i dnf'd this book, because there was a third act breakup and im just so tired of them, why not just make a book 35 pages shorter instead? 

but today i decided to pick it back up again and just push trough it and im so glad i did bc the epilogue was soooooooooo adorable

matti horckmans

i really liked this book, the characters are so well written and relatable in my opinion, and i loveee dani and zaf they are so sweet to each other aaaahhh

at firts i dnf'd this book, because there was a third act breakup and im just so tired of them, why not just make a book 35 pages shorter instead? 

but today i decided to pick it back up again and just push trough it and im so glad i did bc the epilogue was soooooooooo adorable

Charlsy Sekyere

oh to be desired and simped for like a brown sister in a Talia Hibbert book. I specifically talking about Zafir. Dani Brown, you are one lucky women. I'm serious. If by any chance you don't want him, pass him this way cuz i'm obsessed.

Personally, my favourite book within the series, even though Eve and Jacob are a very close runners up. Loved the book. 5/5 and will be re-reading for the rest of my life.

might have liked this one better than chloe because fake dating is just that good of a trope

julie reads

love her writing, love every character, chloe is still better

Danika (Dani) is a career-focused PHD canditate with Tenure Professor firmly in her goal sites. She is also allergic to romance and committment. Zafir (Zaf) is a retired professional rugby player working as a security guard on campus for his day job. One day, Dani gets stuck in an elevator in an emergency evacuation drill and Zaf carries her out like a storybook hero. A student takes phone video and it goes viral on social media. They agree to keep up appearances as fake dating #couplegoals to get publicity for Zafir's charity, teaching young boys that is it healthy to play sports and be open with their emotions. After his own experiences, he is passionate about promoting good mental health and combating toxic masculinity in sports.

This is part of the Brown Sisters series by this author. They do not need to be read in order. I loved the first one and this is just as good. There are discussions about grief, anxiety, mental health, and lots of family vibes. The banter is top tier and this is so much fun. There is a little bit of steam which I enjoyed, but there are not a lot of steamy scenes. Can't wait to finish this series. Such great character dynamics and a fun, breazy writing style.

Cheryl Hedlund

Danika (Dani) is a career-focused PHD canditate with Tenure Professor firmly in her goal sites. She is also allergic to romance and committment. Zafir (Zaf) is a retired professional rugby player working as a security guard on campus for his day job. One day, Dani gets stuck in an elevator in an emergency evacuation drill and Zaf carries her out like a storybook hero. A student takes phone video and it goes viral on social media. They agree to keep up appearances as fake dating #couplegoals to get publicity for Zafir's charity, teaching young boys that is it healthy to play sports and be open with their emotions. After his own experiences, he is passionate about promoting good mental health and combating toxic masculinity in sports.

This is part of the Brown Sisters series by this author. They do not need to be read in order. I loved the first one and this is just as good. There are discussions about grief, anxiety, mental health, and lots of family vibes. The banter is top tier and this is so much fun. There is a little bit of steam which I enjoyed, but there are not a lot of steamy scenes. Can't wait to finish this series. Such great character dynamics and a fun, breazy writing style.

Joana da Silva

Did I read this in 1 and a half day? Yes. How I missed the Brown sisters. Last year, Chloe gave me romance, and now Dani gave me all the spiiiiceeee. However, this book tackles (see what I did there?) important matters like accepting feelings and learning the healthy way to deal with them.

Annabella

Ingelin

dear talia hibbert, thank you so very much

The only thing I didn't like about this was the third-act break-up, typical of romance novels.

Other than that, Dani and Zaf are such a cute, comforting couple. They have chemistry, distinct personalities, and representation. I love them, too.

The only thing I didn't like about this was the third-act break-up, typical of romance novels.

Other than that, Dani and Zaf are such a cute, comforting couple. They have chemistry, distinct personalities, and representation. I love them, too.

Alexa M

This was just an okay romance for me. I'm not the biggest fan of the tropes in this especially the "I only do sex I don't believe in relationships or love blah blah". Not a fan at allll. Talia Hibbert knows how to write a romcom though, she's truly slaying!! I knew there was no way this was going to live up to Chloe Brown, I just related to Chloe sooooo hard and that aspect was missing in this novel. 

Also. Delete the pet name "sweetheart" FOREVER. Especially during sex like c'mon. PUKE.

menna

did i love it as much as get a life, chloe brown? no. but does it still deserve five stars? abso-fucking-lutely

I knew before i even started this that i was going to love it,, and i was right. this was a freaking delight

like all of talia hibbert's books this was so effortlessly hilarious, the scenes, the writing and the banter between the characters ESPECIALLY THE BANTER. i swear the amount of times i laughed out loud is unreal.

While reading get a life chloe brown, i loved the relationship between the three sisters so much,, and this just increased that. their relationship is so supportive and teasing and is just everything!! also the crumbs we got of red and chloe made me go aaaaaaaaaaaa every time. I NEED MORE RED AND CHLOE CONTENT IDC. zafir's family is also so great??? I LOVE THEM. nothing makes me want to cry more than sweet and supportive families and they both have the absolute best ones.

Dani as a character is so freaking amazing??? we stan a woman who loves and focuses on her work. she is a badass who takes shit from no one and also the sweetest sweetheart on the planet.

Zafir probably deserves the title of the second sweetest sweetheart on the plant,,, im not kidding they're both so freaking sweet you can't help but love them. they're also so sassy?? their banter is the best thing ever and every conversation made me grin so hard!! also they serve friends to fake dating to friends with benefits to lovers,,, NO ONE ELSE HAS THE RANGE. 

okay but back to zafir, he's literally a grump with a heart of gold WHO READS ROMANCE NOVELS,, he also has a charity to help young rugby players deal with their emotions,,, i mean name a more perfect man.

let me also say that the way this book handled grief and anxiety was so good!!! 

(view spoiler)[danika being the one to make the grand gesture makes me so emotional???? that's so in character for them and thinking about it makes me wanna cry and im probably not making any sense BUT I JUST LOVE THEM SO MUCH. AND THE BOOKS IN THE EPILOGUE??? I LOVE THEM (hide spoiler)]

im not usually a person who needs trigger warnings but talia hibbert putting them in the beginning of her book??? WE STAN

Take a Hint, Dani Brown A Novel

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