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Ask, Tell #3
If the Shoe Fits
Jana Fleischer loves her life—wonderful family, best sister in the world, awesome soon to be sister-in-law, fabulous job, and a never-ending stream of men to chew through and spit out. So what if everyone says she’s too picky and she’s never had a real relationship?
When a chance meeting with Brooke Donnelly leaves Jana literally and figuratively off-balance, it doesn’t take long for her initial annoyance to turn into the first sparks of friendship. Jana always thought she was happy with her life, but the more time she spends with Brooke, the more she realizes something is missing. And maybe not just in the friendship department.
But how do you make that leap when you’ve never even considered kissing a woman, and have spent your whole life avoiding romantic commitments? Being brave, taking the first step, and admitting she wants to try to make things work with Brooke is only the beginning. Whether it’s the beginning of a disaster—or everything Jana hadn’t realized she wanted—depends on if Brooke can also be brave enough…
Genre: Romance
Editor: Cath Walker
Cover Designer: Kayla Mancuso
When a chance meeting with Brooke Donnelly leaves Jana literally and figuratively off-balance, it doesn’t take long for her initial annoyance to turn into the first sparks of friendship. Jana always thought she was happy with her life, but the more time she spends with Brooke, the more she realizes something is missing. And maybe not just in the friendship department.
But how do you make that leap when you’ve never even considered kissing a woman, and have spent your whole life avoiding romantic commitments? Being brave, taking the first step, and admitting she wants to try to make things work with Brooke is only the beginning. Whether it’s the beginning of a disaster—or everything Jana hadn’t realized she wanted—depends on if Brooke can also be brave enough…
Genre: Romance
Editor: Cath Walker
Cover Designer: Kayla Mancuso
Audible Audio
First published November 14, 2019
135 people are currently reading
2288 people want to read
About the author
E.J. Noyes
19 books1,976 followersE. J. Noyes is an Australian transplanted to New Zealand, which may be the awesomest thing to happen to her. She lives in the South Island with her wife and the world’s best and neediest cat, and is enjoying the change of temperature from her hot, humid homeland.
An avid but mediocre gamer, E. J. lives for skiing (which she is also mediocre at), enjoys arguing with her hair, pretending to be good at things, and working the fact she’s a best-selling and award-winning author into casual conversation.
If you want (very) sporadic emails about what E. J. is doing, you can sign up for the E. J. Noyesletter at: https://ejnoyesauthor.com/
An avid but mediocre gamer, E. J. lives for skiing (which she is also mediocre at), enjoys arguing with her hair, pretending to be good at things, and working the fact she’s a best-selling and award-winning author into casual conversation.
If you want (very) sporadic emails about what E. J. is doing, you can sign up for the E. J. Noyesletter at: https://ejnoyesauthor.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 314 reviews
November 8, 2019
This book was everything I was hoping for. This is the third and final book in the Ask, Tell series and it was great sendoff to one of the best wlw romantic series ever. I still remember when I first read an ARC of Ask, Tell. It was a military, medical-romance book from an unknown author named Noyes. I was so blown away reading a debut that good that I knew I had something special in my hands. What I didn’t realize was that it was the start to career by one of the current best writers in lesfic. Yes, I’m fangirling a bit here, but Noyes is just dominating and her books have deserved ever single one of my rarely given out full 5 stars.
This book centers on Jana, Sabine’s younger sister. Could you read this book without reading the others in the series? Technically yes. Since this book centers on a new romance for Jana, you could pick it up here. The problem is this is also the book that lets you know what happens to the two fantastic characters of Sabine and Bec. If you don’t read those first two books, you miss out on every important step that they went through. And considering Ask, Tell is what I consider a lesfic staple, one of those books every lesfic fan should read, it is no hardship at all to start at book one. It will only make the whole reading experience that much better for you.
Even though I gave this book 5 stars, I was still considering if there were any issues or complaints that I wanted to bring up. I can rate a book 5 stars and not have it be perfect, it’s based on how much I loved it. But even wracking my brain trying to think of any issues, I could not find one complaint. I loved everything about this book.
Right of the bat you notice that the book is a nice long length. It allows the story to go at a real nice steady pace that never feels rushed. It helps you to believe in the timeline and how everything is actually unfolding for the characters. This is a new friends to lovers romance and I believed every second of this relationship.
If you have read the first two books, you already know how wonderful Jana is. This time being in her POV, she shines even brighter. From her take no nonsense attorney badassery to her warm and caring heart, she’s a character with depth that you can’t help but love. I was a little concerned how Noyes would balance such a dynamic personality in her potential match, but the character of Brooke was more than up for the job. I loved how Brooke was quirky and dealt with anxiety at times, but she was still sporty and sexy. All the women in this series are completely likeable and crush-on-able.
While I love the family dynamics in this book and even the slight humor, this book shines for its romance. I thought the chemistry was great. It built and built and got better and better until you find yourself yelling at the book, “just kiss her already!” Not only was the chemistry there but the sex scenes where great too. They matched the characters and included plenty of steam. Also, they were a nice variety so it wasn’t reading the same scenes over and over.
If you want to read a really good romance, that will make you feel, don’t pass this book up. If you are a fan of Noyes or a fan of this series, I think you will be really happy after you read this. Although, I’m sad to see it end, Noyes gave this fantastic series the ending it deserved. This series means a lot to me and it’s not one I will ever forget.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
This book centers on Jana, Sabine’s younger sister. Could you read this book without reading the others in the series? Technically yes. Since this book centers on a new romance for Jana, you could pick it up here. The problem is this is also the book that lets you know what happens to the two fantastic characters of Sabine and Bec. If you don’t read those first two books, you miss out on every important step that they went through. And considering Ask, Tell is what I consider a lesfic staple, one of those books every lesfic fan should read, it is no hardship at all to start at book one. It will only make the whole reading experience that much better for you.
Even though I gave this book 5 stars, I was still considering if there were any issues or complaints that I wanted to bring up. I can rate a book 5 stars and not have it be perfect, it’s based on how much I loved it. But even wracking my brain trying to think of any issues, I could not find one complaint. I loved everything about this book.
Right of the bat you notice that the book is a nice long length. It allows the story to go at a real nice steady pace that never feels rushed. It helps you to believe in the timeline and how everything is actually unfolding for the characters. This is a new friends to lovers romance and I believed every second of this relationship.
If you have read the first two books, you already know how wonderful Jana is. This time being in her POV, she shines even brighter. From her take no nonsense attorney badassery to her warm and caring heart, she’s a character with depth that you can’t help but love. I was a little concerned how Noyes would balance such a dynamic personality in her potential match, but the character of Brooke was more than up for the job. I loved how Brooke was quirky and dealt with anxiety at times, but she was still sporty and sexy. All the women in this series are completely likeable and crush-on-able.
While I love the family dynamics in this book and even the slight humor, this book shines for its romance. I thought the chemistry was great. It built and built and got better and better until you find yourself yelling at the book, “just kiss her already!” Not only was the chemistry there but the sex scenes where great too. They matched the characters and included plenty of steam. Also, they were a nice variety so it wasn’t reading the same scenes over and over.
If you want to read a really good romance, that will make you feel, don’t pass this book up. If you are a fan of Noyes or a fan of this series, I think you will be really happy after you read this. Although, I’m sad to see it end, Noyes gave this fantastic series the ending it deserved. This series means a lot to me and it’s not one I will ever forget.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
November 5, 2019
'ARC provided by both NetGalley and The Publisher in exchange for a honest review'
**'Characters are define by the kinds of challenges they cannot walk away from...One of the main rule of writing is if you as a writer do it with enough assurance and confidence, then you're allowed to do whatever you like..'
'IF THE SHOE FITS' is a remarkably delicious and compelling dramatic story which is also a spin-off from Ms.Noyes's 'Ask Me' series -- that encompassed a few of the same memorable characters, most notably Sabine & Rebecca -- who plays a huge role in guiding Jana (Sabine's sister) on the path to finding that special someone.
On every page, Jana appears to readers as bold, outspoken, opinionated, feisty but thoughtful and is also a fiercely independent woman who is forced to come to terms with her feelings towards another woman. Her ability to express her Love for her family and then switch to that intense desire for said woman, makes her a deep and provocative protagonist to this storyline. What Ms.Noyes does here is brilliantly explores the often vast paradox many straight women struggles with when having feelings for other women.
Bumping into said woman was a special moment: during which she (Jana) then cast aside her fears and threw herself headlong into this lesbian love affair -- one that will take her where she's never been before and to wonder if this relationship was safe.
Brooke is a nurturer, loyal, Loving and passionate plus has all the qualities Jana's been searching for in that special someone -- but she does has her flaws, fights her attractions to Jana, struggles with confrontations and has self-harming issues. Then always in the background is her deeply flawed and homophobic father and those past unhealthy relationships.
This storyline is packed with seduction, sensuality, charming characters, snappy dialogue and is bursting with vivid description of many sexually expressive scenes. I think incorporating places as a character adds an important cog in the wheel of this narrative plus what's most engaging are the believable anecdotes and biting wit, mostly written with that enthusiastic feel.
Moreover, Ms.Noyes's mastery of complex emotions begets this well written story of impulse and the nature of Love --- who we love, how we're loved and most important no giving up on true Love regardless of our circumstances.
The feelings this story evokes will stay with readers long after this book is put down. A highly recommended book to everyone!
**'Characters are define by the kinds of challenges they cannot walk away from...One of the main rule of writing is if you as a writer do it with enough assurance and confidence, then you're allowed to do whatever you like..'
'IF THE SHOE FITS' is a remarkably delicious and compelling dramatic story which is also a spin-off from Ms.Noyes's 'Ask Me' series -- that encompassed a few of the same memorable characters, most notably Sabine & Rebecca -- who plays a huge role in guiding Jana (Sabine's sister) on the path to finding that special someone.
On every page, Jana appears to readers as bold, outspoken, opinionated, feisty but thoughtful and is also a fiercely independent woman who is forced to come to terms with her feelings towards another woman. Her ability to express her Love for her family and then switch to that intense desire for said woman, makes her a deep and provocative protagonist to this storyline. What Ms.Noyes does here is brilliantly explores the often vast paradox many straight women struggles with when having feelings for other women.
Bumping into said woman was a special moment: during which she (Jana) then cast aside her fears and threw herself headlong into this lesbian love affair -- one that will take her where she's never been before and to wonder if this relationship was safe.
Brooke is a nurturer, loyal, Loving and passionate plus has all the qualities Jana's been searching for in that special someone -- but she does has her flaws, fights her attractions to Jana, struggles with confrontations and has self-harming issues. Then always in the background is her deeply flawed and homophobic father and those past unhealthy relationships.
This storyline is packed with seduction, sensuality, charming characters, snappy dialogue and is bursting with vivid description of many sexually expressive scenes. I think incorporating places as a character adds an important cog in the wheel of this narrative plus what's most engaging are the believable anecdotes and biting wit, mostly written with that enthusiastic feel.
Moreover, Ms.Noyes's mastery of complex emotions begets this well written story of impulse and the nature of Love --- who we love, how we're loved and most important no giving up on true Love regardless of our circumstances.
The feelings this story evokes will stay with readers long after this book is put down. A highly recommended book to everyone!
February 20, 2023
Well, it's happened. I've seen so many gr friends praise E.J. Noyes and...I am now a believer.
I'd been wary of delving into Noyes for two reasons: 1. I saw military stuff at first, which isn't really my thing. And 2. Her work, to my knowledge, is mostly first person.
And then I made the new year's resolution to stop being so stuck up about first person. I still have a preference, but when it comes to amazing books, I'm no longer as limited. It's a whole new world out there!
Yeah, enough about me. Other users have said it already: this book is everything. An immediate favorite. This writing style really, really works for me, and I would say its voice is pretty similar to my own? If that makes sense. (Again, enough about me!) Noyes has an awesome sense of humor. She also makes her characters communicate? Unheard of!
Jana and Brooke. (Let me squeal) JANA AND BROOKE! I needed their love to happen and when it did...it was Swoon City for me. What a fine burn until our toaster oven Jana decided to be honest with herself and explore more-than-friendship with Brooke. Ugh, how they first met, just so romantic and romcom-like. Don't mind me kissing my Kindle.
Brooke. Oh, Brooke. I could write sonnets about her. I'm so in book-love with her.
I'm mostly babbling. Can you tell I love this? Oh, there's plenty of sex. Woohoo! The chemistry—both in and out the bed—is delicious. There are a lot of pencil skirts and heels and gorgeousness and badass businesswoman and artist talent, just a femme-femme feast, if you will.
I'd actually started it, loved it, then took a break when life happened so that I could enjoy it in all its glory later. I made the right decision. Mood can really affect the romance.
Okay. I don't think this review is getting any more helpful. I love it. I love Brooke. Five stars!
I'd been wary of delving into Noyes for two reasons: 1. I saw military stuff at first, which isn't really my thing. And 2. Her work, to my knowledge, is mostly first person.
And then I made the new year's resolution to stop being so stuck up about first person. I still have a preference, but when it comes to amazing books, I'm no longer as limited. It's a whole new world out there!
Yeah, enough about me. Other users have said it already: this book is everything. An immediate favorite. This writing style really, really works for me, and I would say its voice is pretty similar to my own? If that makes sense. (Again, enough about me!) Noyes has an awesome sense of humor. She also makes her characters communicate? Unheard of!
Jana and Brooke. (Let me squeal) JANA AND BROOKE! I needed their love to happen and when it did...it was Swoon City for me. What a fine burn until our toaster oven Jana decided to be honest with herself and explore more-than-friendship with Brooke. Ugh, how they first met, just so romantic and romcom-like. Don't mind me kissing my Kindle.
Brooke. Oh, Brooke. I could write sonnets about her. I'm so in book-love with her.
I'm mostly babbling. Can you tell I love this? Oh, there's plenty of sex. Woohoo! The chemistry—both in and out the bed—is delicious. There are a lot of pencil skirts and heels and gorgeousness and badass businesswoman and artist talent, just a femme-femme feast, if you will.
I'd actually started it, loved it, then took a break when life happened so that I could enjoy it in all its glory later. I made the right decision. Mood can really affect the romance.
Okay. I don't think this review is getting any more helpful. I love it. I love Brooke. Five stars!
November 9, 2019
The third book in the Ask, Tell series is another great story by E.J. Noyes. The main character is Jana, Sabine's younger sister, and the whole narrative is from her point of view. She is both a really great character and a great person. Noyes did an excellent job with her. If the Shoe Fits is in a way the most entertaining book in the series because of her and her relations with other characters. Her love interest Brooke is nice and likable, but the driver of everything is Jana. The protagonists from first two books, Sabine and Rebecca, are getting married here. They are nicely blended in this plot without being forced so this book can be very readable as a standalone, but for full comprehension it is recommended to read Ask, Tell and Ask Me Again first. Do it and you will certainly not regret it.
Kudos to Noyes again and I can not wait to see what she will serve us next. Whatever will be served, I will consume.
4.75 stars
November 9, 2019
*A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.*
Kudos to Noyes again and I can not wait to see what she will serve us next. Whatever will be served, I will consume.
4.75 stars
November 9, 2019
*A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.*
November 10, 2019
I’ve had such high expectations for this book! Ask, Tell is one of my favorite books ever and this is the 3rd one in the series. This book even surpassed my expectations! It is an INCREDIBLE read!
For starters, I totally recommend that your read the first 2 books before jumping into this one. While it’s being sold as a stand alone, I do not believe you will enjoy it as much as I did if you haven’t read the first 2. That’s besides the fact that I would feel sorry for everyone who hasn’t read the first 2 books :)
So going back to this read, Jana is such a well developed character that we got to meet previously , but since she’s now the MC, you really get to see how a smart, strong and brilliant character the woman is! I actually even like her character slightly more than her sister Sab! She’s funny, supportive to her sister and family and a Kick Ass lawyer! (Did you all just sense my crush on her? Hahaha)
The other MC is also very well developed and I have to say the author took her time with those characters to an extent that you feel you know them so well in real life! I can’t even explain that part because it is very rare when you connect with MCs and their families like that!
The book ticked all the boxes for me! Romance was great, sex scenes were very hot, and the dialogue was brilliant! The connections between all characters was just so good! I mean even the relationship between the 2 sisters is sooooo heartwarming!
I totally and highly recommend this read! It’s a long read, and worth every second of your time!
“I received an ARC for an honest review.”
For starters, I totally recommend that your read the first 2 books before jumping into this one. While it’s being sold as a stand alone, I do not believe you will enjoy it as much as I did if you haven’t read the first 2. That’s besides the fact that I would feel sorry for everyone who hasn’t read the first 2 books :)
So going back to this read, Jana is such a well developed character that we got to meet previously , but since she’s now the MC, you really get to see how a smart, strong and brilliant character the woman is! I actually even like her character slightly more than her sister Sab! She’s funny, supportive to her sister and family and a Kick Ass lawyer! (Did you all just sense my crush on her? Hahaha)
The other MC is also very well developed and I have to say the author took her time with those characters to an extent that you feel you know them so well in real life! I can’t even explain that part because it is very rare when you connect with MCs and their families like that!
The book ticked all the boxes for me! Romance was great, sex scenes were very hot, and the dialogue was brilliant! The connections between all characters was just so good! I mean even the relationship between the 2 sisters is sooooo heartwarming!
I totally and highly recommend this read! It’s a long read, and worth every second of your time!
“I received an ARC for an honest review.”
November 27, 2019
“Communication is sexy.”
I’ll say. What a wonderful romance and a perfect ending to a series which began with so much angst and ends with so much joy. Ask,Tell and Ask Me Again featured Sabine and Rebecca and how they navigated their relationship in a Don’t Ask,Don’t Tell military. Both books are stellar and will give the reader a better understanding of the relationship between Sabine and her younger sister, Jana, the star of If the Shoe Fits.
That said, for those who aren't interested in a lot of angst or the military, Jana and Brooke's story can be read as a standalone novel. It’s lighter in tone and features the same beautiful prose we’ve come to expect from this author. Noyes understands how delicious a slow awakening of attraction can be for we love-starved readers and she delivers with this friends to lovers beauty of a read.
I loved the way Jana and Brooke communicate when the going gets rough. There is great chemistry between these two and their sexy times are extra special. I loved how in spite of their demanding jobs (and families) they find time for each other while trying not to appear too eager, afraid to break something so special and so right. I enjoyed how Jana’s inner monologue rolls from self effacing to wonder to a good dose of sarcasm. Her relationship with her big sister Sabine is almost as special as her new interest in Brooke. I loved how messy and real this story felt. Very few of us go through life alone. There is often a village of well meaning if at times overbearing family and friends who are happy to butt in with their opinions and occasionally offer some sage advice. Whether that advice is taken or ignored is up to Jana and Brooke.
Plug in your toaster ovens and enjoy the ride. This one is special.
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
I’ll say. What a wonderful romance and a perfect ending to a series which began with so much angst and ends with so much joy. Ask,Tell and Ask Me Again featured Sabine and Rebecca and how they navigated their relationship in a Don’t Ask,Don’t Tell military. Both books are stellar and will give the reader a better understanding of the relationship between Sabine and her younger sister, Jana, the star of If the Shoe Fits.
That said, for those who aren't interested in a lot of angst or the military, Jana and Brooke's story can be read as a standalone novel. It’s lighter in tone and features the same beautiful prose we’ve come to expect from this author. Noyes understands how delicious a slow awakening of attraction can be for we love-starved readers and she delivers with this friends to lovers beauty of a read.
I loved the way Jana and Brooke communicate when the going gets rough. There is great chemistry between these two and their sexy times are extra special. I loved how in spite of their demanding jobs (and families) they find time for each other while trying not to appear too eager, afraid to break something so special and so right. I enjoyed how Jana’s inner monologue rolls from self effacing to wonder to a good dose of sarcasm. Her relationship with her big sister Sabine is almost as special as her new interest in Brooke. I loved how messy and real this story felt. Very few of us go through life alone. There is often a village of well meaning if at times overbearing family and friends who are happy to butt in with their opinions and occasionally offer some sage advice. Whether that advice is taken or ignored is up to Jana and Brooke.
Plug in your toaster ovens and enjoy the ride. This one is special.
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
November 30, 2019
Double character crush!
Honestly I don't know whether I want to hug Jana & Brooke or adopt them. Or wrap them in bubble wrap to protect them against the horrors of other human beings. Was it just me though or did this book have more humor in it? There were several chuckle worthy moments that I don't remember encountering in other EJN books.
One of the funnier ones was when Sabine was offering baby Bi Jana advice and handed her a copy of The Joy of Lesbian Sex. I never read that one but the scene had me snorting with laughter because when my baby Bi's rainbow light bulb went off I read this particular book. ← [link]
The other important thing I really loved about this book is the difference between Jana and Brooke's families. The reactions to them coming out were so polar opposite and it was hard to read how Brook was struggling. Her parents really need a long walk on the ocean floor.. while wearing lead shoes.
I loved that despite there being lots of possibilities for miscommunication, none of it happens. If feelings and motives were questioned, the MC's actually spoke about it like adults instead of the mind games some writers create for their characters.
Speaking the MC's, as much as I liked Brooke, it was Jana that totally won me over. She rambles when she's nervous, hates shopping, has a strange thing for cereal and has no coffee loyalty whatsoever. Be still my heart!
This is probably EJN's most lighthearted book so far and I LOVED it! Full 5* rating once again.
Honestly I don't know whether I want to hug Jana & Brooke or adopt them. Or wrap them in bubble wrap to protect them against the horrors of other human beings. Was it just me though or did this book have more humor in it? There were several chuckle worthy moments that I don't remember encountering in other EJN books.
One of the funnier ones was when Sabine was offering baby Bi Jana advice and handed her a copy of The Joy of Lesbian Sex. I never read that one but the scene had me snorting with laughter because when my baby Bi's rainbow light bulb went off I read this particular book. ← [link]
The other important thing I really loved about this book is the difference between Jana and Brooke's families. The reactions to them coming out were so polar opposite and it was hard to read how Brook was struggling. Her parents really need a long walk on the ocean floor.. while wearing lead shoes.
I loved that despite there being lots of possibilities for miscommunication, none of it happens. If feelings and motives were questioned, the MC's actually spoke about it like adults instead of the mind games some writers create for their characters.
Speaking the MC's, as much as I liked Brooke, it was Jana that totally won me over. She rambles when she's nervous, hates shopping, has a strange thing for cereal and has no coffee loyalty whatsoever. Be still my heart!
This is probably EJN's most lighthearted book so far and I LOVED it! Full 5* rating once again.
April 14, 2020
I was ready for the Ask, Tell series to stop at two extraordinary books. I am so grateful E. J. Noyes thought a third one was necessary. If the Shoe Fits is the perfect ending (or maybe not? One can always hope) to a trilogy that is so much more than romance. Don’t get me wrong, I love romance novels but these are next level. Way above. There are so many feelings and emotions, so beautifully written, that I had to take breaks in my reading so as not to forget to breathe.
Jana Fleischer is a serial dater trying to find the perfect guy, the one whose little quirks won’t annoy her so much. She’s turned not-committing into an art, blaming her career as a successful divorce lawyer for her lack of time and interest. Falling (literally and figuratively) for a woman has never been her plan, not only because she doesn’t want to walk in her sister Sabine’s footsteps as far as her love life is concerned. Enter Brooke Donnelly, the woman she didn’t know she needed in her life.
If the Shoe Fits can be read as a standalone, but don’t. If you haven’t already, do yourself a favour and read the first two books, they’re some of the best I’ve read in years. Also, even though this is Jana’s story, Sabine and Bec are more than minor characters in this instalment.
Like other readers, I resented Jana a little in Ask Me Again for her misdirected anger at Bec. While I could empathize with her frustration, I didn’t like that she added to Rebecca’s burden. I loved how much she loves her sister, though, and her friendship with Bec, among other things. If the Shoe Fits gives her a starring role, and I didn’t realise how much she deserved it. She’s smart, vivacious, driven. When she begins to understand that she’s not as straight as she thought she was, she’s not bothered. Confused, definitely, but she embraces the situation fully, because, nitpicking about men’s mannerisms aside, that’s how she is. It’s that uncompromising quality that, at first, makes it difficult for her to understand why Brooke, who has been an out and proud lesbian for many years, isn’t as prompt as she is to let the whole world (in particular, her father and employer) know how delightful their relationship is.
E. J. Noyes is one of the smartest and most talented writers I’ve read. She keeps taking her readers to unexpected places. With her string of dates and almost blasé view of life, Jana should be the obvious one to be wary of getting too involved in the relationship, and yet it’s Brooke who tries to slow things down. While the irony doesn’t escape her, Jana doesn’t shy from her quickly growing feelings. She doesn’t worry that Brooke’s quirks, her anxiety, her past, don’t annoy her. She simply goes for it.
There’s so much to love in Noyes’ books that I worry I’ll fall into spoiling territory if I write too much. So in a few words: great (and lighter) way to end the series, fantastic characters as usual, awesome writing, steamy sex scenes. And yes, communication, in and out of the bedroom, is sexy. Very, very sexy.
Jana Fleischer is a serial dater trying to find the perfect guy, the one whose little quirks won’t annoy her so much. She’s turned not-committing into an art, blaming her career as a successful divorce lawyer for her lack of time and interest. Falling (literally and figuratively) for a woman has never been her plan, not only because she doesn’t want to walk in her sister Sabine’s footsteps as far as her love life is concerned. Enter Brooke Donnelly, the woman she didn’t know she needed in her life.
If the Shoe Fits can be read as a standalone, but don’t. If you haven’t already, do yourself a favour and read the first two books, they’re some of the best I’ve read in years. Also, even though this is Jana’s story, Sabine and Bec are more than minor characters in this instalment.
Like other readers, I resented Jana a little in Ask Me Again for her misdirected anger at Bec. While I could empathize with her frustration, I didn’t like that she added to Rebecca’s burden. I loved how much she loves her sister, though, and her friendship with Bec, among other things. If the Shoe Fits gives her a starring role, and I didn’t realise how much she deserved it. She’s smart, vivacious, driven. When she begins to understand that she’s not as straight as she thought she was, she’s not bothered. Confused, definitely, but she embraces the situation fully, because, nitpicking about men’s mannerisms aside, that’s how she is. It’s that uncompromising quality that, at first, makes it difficult for her to understand why Brooke, who has been an out and proud lesbian for many years, isn’t as prompt as she is to let the whole world (in particular, her father and employer) know how delightful their relationship is.
E. J. Noyes is one of the smartest and most talented writers I’ve read. She keeps taking her readers to unexpected places. With her string of dates and almost blasé view of life, Jana should be the obvious one to be wary of getting too involved in the relationship, and yet it’s Brooke who tries to slow things down. While the irony doesn’t escape her, Jana doesn’t shy from her quickly growing feelings. She doesn’t worry that Brooke’s quirks, her anxiety, her past, don’t annoy her. She simply goes for it.
There’s so much to love in Noyes’ books that I worry I’ll fall into spoiling territory if I write too much. So in a few words: great (and lighter) way to end the series, fantastic characters as usual, awesome writing, steamy sex scenes. And yes, communication, in and out of the bedroom, is sexy. Very, very sexy.
November 3, 2019
Edited to add that the ARC has been fixed, and to add a paragraph below.
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I love EJ Noyes’ books and this is no exception. It’s book three in the Ask, Tell series, and while you could possibly read it as a stand-alone, you should NOT because the other books are great, and you should read them. Seriously, go read them!
This is a rarity for me, in that the third book in a series is my favourite. I love Sabine and Rebecca and both of their books (for different reasons as they have different tones) but I really fell hard for both Jana and Brooke.
Anyone who has read the other two books knows Jana is Sabine’s sister, and she plays a fair sized part in both of the first two books, but here she shines. The book is told from her POV, and while I usually prefer a POV switch, like there was in book 2, I can see why Noyes chose to just tell the story from Jana’s perspective. Brooke is supposed to be closed off, and seeing her through Jana’s perspective plays into that.
Jana and Brooke work in the same building, Jana is a lawyer and Brooke is a property developer/architect who hates her job. They have a ‘meet cute’ first meeting that moves into a lovely friendship. Jana is straight and dating her way through a plethora of men she doesn’t really click with (carried over from the previous books), but slowly comes to realise that she may have more than friendship feelings for her new BFF.
This is where the true delight of the book was for me, Jana has some moments of self-enlightenment, and some lovely conversations with her sister about Brooke, but rather than the push-pull, ‘I’m not sure I should’ stuff that usually comes with ‘I just discovered I might not be straight’ storylines, once Jana is sure of her feelings and tells Brooke about them, she’s pretty much all in.
Brooke has family and anxiety issues, and she’s actually more hesitant than Jana. She’s out, but avoids discussing her sexuality with her father, and is also working for him though she doesn’t want to. This does create issues towards the end and I (like Jana) was a bit ‘just do what you want’ about it, but I also understand doing things to please your family and avoiding confrontation, so could see both sides.
I also LOVED that these two talked to each other, right from the start. Their friendship was so believable, and so was the idea that they then developed feelings for each other. At one point I thought we were headed for the usual breakup cliff, but lo... they actually talked it out like mature adults, gotta say, there’s not nearly enough of that in lesfic. There’s also some lovely sexy times (also filled with proper communication!). Seriously, communication in lesfic is like my kryptonite, and Noyes was killing me here.
We also spend ample time with Sabine, Bec and their usual passel of supporting characters, and therefore get not one but two happy endings here, and they both felt well earned. If you’re in the mood for a grown up love story about people who care about each other and want to support each other, then this is the book for you. 5 stars.
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I love EJ Noyes’ books and this is no exception. It’s book three in the Ask, Tell series, and while you could possibly read it as a stand-alone, you should NOT because the other books are great, and you should read them. Seriously, go read them!
This is a rarity for me, in that the third book in a series is my favourite. I love Sabine and Rebecca and both of their books (for different reasons as they have different tones) but I really fell hard for both Jana and Brooke.
Anyone who has read the other two books knows Jana is Sabine’s sister, and she plays a fair sized part in both of the first two books, but here she shines. The book is told from her POV, and while I usually prefer a POV switch, like there was in book 2, I can see why Noyes chose to just tell the story from Jana’s perspective. Brooke is supposed to be closed off, and seeing her through Jana’s perspective plays into that.
Jana and Brooke work in the same building, Jana is a lawyer and Brooke is a property developer/architect who hates her job. They have a ‘meet cute’ first meeting that moves into a lovely friendship. Jana is straight and dating her way through a plethora of men she doesn’t really click with (carried over from the previous books), but slowly comes to realise that she may have more than friendship feelings for her new BFF.
This is where the true delight of the book was for me, Jana has some moments of self-enlightenment, and some lovely conversations with her sister about Brooke, but rather than the push-pull, ‘I’m not sure I should’ stuff that usually comes with ‘I just discovered I might not be straight’ storylines, once Jana is sure of her feelings and tells Brooke about them, she’s pretty much all in.
Brooke has family and anxiety issues, and she’s actually more hesitant than Jana. She’s out, but avoids discussing her sexuality with her father, and is also working for him though she doesn’t want to. This does create issues towards the end and I (like Jana) was a bit ‘just do what you want’ about it, but I also understand doing things to please your family and avoiding confrontation, so could see both sides.
I also LOVED that these two talked to each other, right from the start. Their friendship was so believable, and so was the idea that they then developed feelings for each other. At one point I thought we were headed for the usual breakup cliff, but lo... they actually talked it out like mature adults, gotta say, there’s not nearly enough of that in lesfic. There’s also some lovely sexy times (also filled with proper communication!). Seriously, communication in lesfic is like my kryptonite, and Noyes was killing me here.
We also spend ample time with Sabine, Bec and their usual passel of supporting characters, and therefore get not one but two happy endings here, and they both felt well earned. If you’re in the mood for a grown up love story about people who care about each other and want to support each other, then this is the book for you. 5 stars.
February 5, 2020
UPDATE: Just finished the audio of this book. Um, hello Kelsey Navarro, would you like to narrate my life? Yes? Great. She was the perfect Jana.
___________________
Anyone else think of this oldie-but-goodie while reading "the shoe" scene? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eC6TF...
Of course, thank jesus Ms. Noyes did not have a dude in a terribly unflattering suit and poofy hair smiling creepily in her scene, but rather a gorgeous architect lady with great taste in footwear.
I don't know how I can add anything new to the amazing reviews I have already read about If The Shoe Fits, except that I am on the same positive bandwagon, waving my "goddamned this author can WRITE" flag. This was a thoroughly mature romance novel starring two strong, intelligent and accomplished women in their 30s, and has the very very sexy quality of characters who actually communicate with one another, laying out their fears, their joys, their insecurities, their vulnerabilities, their hopes, their disappointments. I was so pleased to see that Ms. Noyes had her characters face their emotions immediately, rather than the usual trope of one running away rather than speaking her mind, while the other tears her hair out wondering what she did wrong, yada yada yada. And boy oh boy, this is much welcome.
The theme of loyalty and family ties is huge, and I admit I became reflective after the last page was read....thinking about my own journey of coming out, my partner's, and what an integral role family plays. In Jana and Brooke's storyline, Jana has the epitome of an accepting, loving family as she navigates her first relationship with a woman, whereas Brooke sadly has what many of us have and continue to experience: rejection and dismissal. I thought Ms. Noyes did a phenomenal job of writing about the emotional aspects of this. It made me feel things, but I can't let it ruin my street cred, so, ssshhhh.
All in all I adored this book, giving it a solid 4.25. Sabine and to some extent, Bec, are featured prominently, making me want to re-read Ask Tell and AMA for the 5th time. The writing itself is great, flows beautifully and there were enough one-liners and wit that kept me chuckling throughout the seriousness. For example, the Grape Nuts dream. Unlike this vintage clip of Euell, (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGp7O...) , Jana eats it right out of the box in the grocery store while, uh, distracted by, well.....
___________________
Anyone else think of this oldie-but-goodie while reading "the shoe" scene? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eC6TF...
Of course, thank jesus Ms. Noyes did not have a dude in a terribly unflattering suit and poofy hair smiling creepily in her scene, but rather a gorgeous architect lady with great taste in footwear.
I don't know how I can add anything new to the amazing reviews I have already read about If The Shoe Fits, except that I am on the same positive bandwagon, waving my "goddamned this author can WRITE" flag. This was a thoroughly mature romance novel starring two strong, intelligent and accomplished women in their 30s, and has the very very sexy quality of characters who actually communicate with one another, laying out their fears, their joys, their insecurities, their vulnerabilities, their hopes, their disappointments. I was so pleased to see that Ms. Noyes had her characters face their emotions immediately, rather than the usual trope of one running away rather than speaking her mind, while the other tears her hair out wondering what she did wrong, yada yada yada. And boy oh boy, this is much welcome.
The theme of loyalty and family ties is huge, and I admit I became reflective after the last page was read....thinking about my own journey of coming out, my partner's, and what an integral role family plays. In Jana and Brooke's storyline, Jana has the epitome of an accepting, loving family as she navigates her first relationship with a woman, whereas Brooke sadly has what many of us have and continue to experience: rejection and dismissal. I thought Ms. Noyes did a phenomenal job of writing about the emotional aspects of this. It made me feel things, but I can't let it ruin my street cred, so, ssshhhh.
All in all I adored this book, giving it a solid 4.25. Sabine and to some extent, Bec, are featured prominently, making me want to re-read Ask Tell and AMA for the 5th time. The writing itself is great, flows beautifully and there were enough one-liners and wit that kept me chuckling throughout the seriousness. For example, the Grape Nuts dream. Unlike this vintage clip of Euell, (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGp7O...) , Jana eats it right out of the box in the grocery store while, uh, distracted by, well.....
July 31, 2022
5 ⭐️
A great addition to the Ask Tell series, this time with Jana, sister of Sabine, at the center.
Jana finds out that love sometimes takes wonderful and surprising paths. When Brooke Donnelly crosses her path or rather runs into her, she is effectively thrown off balance - in more ways than one.
Jana with a perfect, kind-hearted, and accepting family, and Brooke with the opposite. One with bad experiences in relationships, the other with none worthy of the name relationship. And these were not the only opposites, but we know already, that opposites attract.
I loved both women from the beginning. The evolution of their relationship to friendship and then love is perfectly told and shown. The dialogue was good and there was no shortage of humor. The insecurities, problems, and hurdles they had to face most were understandable and real. And I absolutely loved Jana's family, especially Sab and Bec (but that's no surprise since I've had a character crush on both since book #1).
The chemistry was great and sparkling and when they finally kiss the thermometer rises rapidly. In other words, I loved everything about this story.
A great addition to the Ask Tell series, this time with Jana, sister of Sabine, at the center.
Jana finds out that love sometimes takes wonderful and surprising paths. When Brooke Donnelly crosses her path or rather runs into her, she is effectively thrown off balance - in more ways than one.
Jana with a perfect, kind-hearted, and accepting family, and Brooke with the opposite. One with bad experiences in relationships, the other with none worthy of the name relationship. And these were not the only opposites, but we know already, that opposites attract.
I loved both women from the beginning. The evolution of their relationship to friendship and then love is perfectly told and shown. The dialogue was good and there was no shortage of humor. The insecurities, problems, and hurdles they had to face most were understandable and real. And I absolutely loved Jana's family, especially Sab and Bec (but that's no surprise since I've had a character crush on both since book #1).
The chemistry was great and sparkling and when they finally kiss the thermometer rises rapidly. In other words, I loved everything about this story.
November 10, 2019
Jana is a family law attorney and the sister of Sabine, from the 'Ask, Tell' series. She is a serial dater, fears commitment, and is picky beyond reason. One fateful morning, on her way to important court appearance, she runs into Brooke, who works in the same building. They begin to see each other more and more after that initial encounter.
This is the right way to do a spin-off. The whole reason original books are well liked are because of their main characters. So it seems obvious that you should include them in the spin-off. So many authors will include them but very briefly and not advancing any of their story. I'm happy to say that Noyes included Sabine and Rebecca often and they didn't just seem randomly inserted to placate fans of the previous two books. And there is no need to have read the other two books prior to reading this.
The book is well written and I was completely into it. Jana is completely blindsided by her sudden attraction to a woman. Certainly she should have known if she ever had the inclination toward liking women. Especially with an out and proud lesbian sister. So she has to carefully analyze what is happening. It is realistically done with valid concerns. I enjoyed wondering what would become of Jana and Brooke's friendship.
There is a lot of dialogue in this one. Conversation after conversation after conversation. There were some parts that felt repetitive in the way that we would be privy to Jana's thoughts and then we would hear them spoken to Sabine. It was tolerable because we then received some type of wisdom or advice. The conversation wasn't just between the two sisters. Jana and Brooke had the most mature dialogue that I've ever read in a book. It would make any therapist proud. But in a way, that minimized a lot of the angst that could have been fun to experience with this story line. There was SOME angst. But it was literally a chapter's worth. If that. As an angst lover, I was a bit disappointed. Especially because 'Ask me again' was FULL of it. I just had an expectation here and it wasn't met. But all you angst haters will be happy!
The little bit of drama was a result of Brooke's family and past. I know homophobia still exists. I do. But I'm literally tired of reading about it. I was right there with Jana's feelings on the matter. And she is a better woman than me. I couldn't have tolerated it.
There was a lot of spicy scenes. They were pretty hot. Mainly because there is an abundance of communication in this book. And talking through sex is nice. One complaint here. We were teased about a toy but that scene never came to fruition. What is it about books doing this?! I know. When do I ever critique a book for not enough sex? Well, there was plenty of it. Just not the one I wanted to read.
This is 1st person. Jana's POV. Usually I get annoyed with that. I hate being inside characters' heads. I can't get beyond feeling that the author thinks highly of themselves and puts a lot of their own thoughts and opinions into abundant inner monologues. Thankfully that didn't happen. A testament to how skilled Noyes is as an author that she can do 1st person POV right.
Though the entire book is really predictable, it was sweet, sexy, and had a little bit of depth. Both characters had fun personalities that caused you to like them and care about what happens.
I recommend this book to people who love romance, family, sisters, lawyers, art, questioning sexuality and extra ordinary self aware mature characters.
I received an ARC from Bella Books for an honest review.
This is the right way to do a spin-off. The whole reason original books are well liked are because of their main characters. So it seems obvious that you should include them in the spin-off. So many authors will include them but very briefly and not advancing any of their story. I'm happy to say that Noyes included Sabine and Rebecca often and they didn't just seem randomly inserted to placate fans of the previous two books. And there is no need to have read the other two books prior to reading this.
The book is well written and I was completely into it. Jana is completely blindsided by her sudden attraction to a woman. Certainly she should have known if she ever had the inclination toward liking women. Especially with an out and proud lesbian sister. So she has to carefully analyze what is happening. It is realistically done with valid concerns. I enjoyed wondering what would become of Jana and Brooke's friendship.
There is a lot of dialogue in this one. Conversation after conversation after conversation. There were some parts that felt repetitive in the way that we would be privy to Jana's thoughts and then we would hear them spoken to Sabine. It was tolerable because we then received some type of wisdom or advice. The conversation wasn't just between the two sisters. Jana and Brooke had the most mature dialogue that I've ever read in a book. It would make any therapist proud. But in a way, that minimized a lot of the angst that could have been fun to experience with this story line. There was SOME angst. But it was literally a chapter's worth. If that. As an angst lover, I was a bit disappointed. Especially because 'Ask me again' was FULL of it. I just had an expectation here and it wasn't met. But all you angst haters will be happy!
The little bit of drama was a result of Brooke's family and past. I know homophobia still exists. I do. But I'm literally tired of reading about it. I was right there with Jana's feelings on the matter. And she is a better woman than me. I couldn't have tolerated it.
There was a lot of spicy scenes. They were pretty hot. Mainly because there is an abundance of communication in this book. And talking through sex is nice. One complaint here. We were teased about a toy but that scene never came to fruition. What is it about books doing this?! I know. When do I ever critique a book for not enough sex? Well, there was plenty of it. Just not the one I wanted to read.
This is 1st person. Jana's POV. Usually I get annoyed with that. I hate being inside characters' heads. I can't get beyond feeling that the author thinks highly of themselves and puts a lot of their own thoughts and opinions into abundant inner monologues. Thankfully that didn't happen. A testament to how skilled Noyes is as an author that she can do 1st person POV right.
Though the entire book is really predictable, it was sweet, sexy, and had a little bit of depth. Both characters had fun personalities that caused you to like them and care about what happens.
I recommend this book to people who love romance, family, sisters, lawyers, art, questioning sexuality and extra ordinary self aware mature characters.
I received an ARC from Bella Books for an honest review.
November 9, 2019
I was thrilled when I first heard that E.J. Noyes was going to write another story which would give one of my all-time favourite lesfic couples, Sabine (Sab) and Rebecca (Bec), from the "Ask, Tell" and "Ask Me Again" books their well-deserved, fully celebrated happy ending! Plus, the book would be about Sab's sister, Jana, who was featured as a secondary character in the previous two books.
Anyway, "If The Shoe Fits" was a brilliantly written story about self-discovery, sexual awakening, truth and reconciliation, and living one's true self, ultimately. I love Noyes' voice in her writing because it's always filled with emotional depth that relates and resonates so the characters and situations she creates are realistic. At least for me. Obviously, the same happened with this story as Noyes took us on Jana's journey of metamorphosis. Speaking of, this story was told in a first-person narrative, focussing solely on Jana's journey. I must say, Noyes' first-person narrative always sucks me in, fully invested in the MC from the start because of how she crafts the character's entrance and scene.
So, it was no surprise that Jana caught my attention and focus ever since she appeared on the first pages of the book. I'd always been intrigued by and curious about Sab's sister, since "Ask, Tell." But because she was written as a heterosexual woman, I didn't think I'd see her being featured as Noyes' follow-up to "Ask Me Again"! See, from Books 1 and 2, Jana's character always gave me the impression that she was so much more than what Noyes had revealed, and I reckoned that the depth of her character, potential growth and expansion could be moulded and portrayed as a possible queer character, having her own story to tell, but I perished the thought effectively because I didn't think Noyes would actually contemplate doing that! And she did! Needless to say, I was a happy camper upon learning about "If The Shoe Fits"! Go, law of attraction! Hee!
Full commentary here.... In Bugs' Own Words
**I was given, with much thanks and appreciation, an ARC of this book, by Bella Books, in return for an honest review.
Anyway, "If The Shoe Fits" was a brilliantly written story about self-discovery, sexual awakening, truth and reconciliation, and living one's true self, ultimately. I love Noyes' voice in her writing because it's always filled with emotional depth that relates and resonates so the characters and situations she creates are realistic. At least for me. Obviously, the same happened with this story as Noyes took us on Jana's journey of metamorphosis. Speaking of, this story was told in a first-person narrative, focussing solely on Jana's journey. I must say, Noyes' first-person narrative always sucks me in, fully invested in the MC from the start because of how she crafts the character's entrance and scene.
So, it was no surprise that Jana caught my attention and focus ever since she appeared on the first pages of the book. I'd always been intrigued by and curious about Sab's sister, since "Ask, Tell." But because she was written as a heterosexual woman, I didn't think I'd see her being featured as Noyes' follow-up to "Ask Me Again"! See, from Books 1 and 2, Jana's character always gave me the impression that she was so much more than what Noyes had revealed, and I reckoned that the depth of her character, potential growth and expansion could be moulded and portrayed as a possible queer character, having her own story to tell, but I perished the thought effectively because I didn't think Noyes would actually contemplate doing that! And she did! Needless to say, I was a happy camper upon learning about "If The Shoe Fits"! Go, law of attraction! Hee!
Full commentary here.... In Bugs' Own Words
**I was given, with much thanks and appreciation, an ARC of this book, by Bella Books, in return for an honest review.
June 7, 2021
The third and final instalment in the Ask, Tell series by E.J. Noyes, you could read this as a stand-alone, but why in the world would you? The other two beaks are great, I might even say my favourites of all time.
This book centers around Jana, Sabine’s sister who we have met in the other two books. Although this is Jana’s romance we also find out what happens with Bec and Sabine. And they are so cute, I’m so happy they are heavily involved in this book. Jana is a take no prisoners fun character with a mouth that just never stops. Such a fun character! She meets Brooke in this totally rom-com way and it doesn’t even bother me, it never feels cheesy. This really shows Noyes’s talent this could have easily been written as a fun but slightly cheesy romance, I’m so glad it isn’t. Don’t get me wrong it is fun, and hot and cute, but not of the cheesy kind. Brooke has her flaws, but next to Bec might just be my favourite character of the series. Who am I kidding really… I love them all.
Throughout the book I was just waiting for “it” to happen and when it finally did, cuteness. This book is by far the lightest one of the series and after the very emotional Ask Me Again I was worried this wouldn’t work. It actually works really well and the humour that’s in this book, well done. This series is an emotional ride that I’d gladly take again and again.
Anyway, read this, read the two other books in this series. You won’t be disappointed. This series is my favourite lesfic series and I think a must read for everyone, also for the the DADT that is dealt with in the series, amongst other heavy and funny and light things. But mostly this series is about true love, finding your person and sticking with them.
This book centers around Jana, Sabine’s sister who we have met in the other two books. Although this is Jana’s romance we also find out what happens with Bec and Sabine. And they are so cute, I’m so happy they are heavily involved in this book. Jana is a take no prisoners fun character with a mouth that just never stops. Such a fun character! She meets Brooke in this totally rom-com way and it doesn’t even bother me, it never feels cheesy. This really shows Noyes’s talent this could have easily been written as a fun but slightly cheesy romance, I’m so glad it isn’t. Don’t get me wrong it is fun, and hot and cute, but not of the cheesy kind. Brooke has her flaws, but next to Bec might just be my favourite character of the series. Who am I kidding really… I love them all.
Throughout the book I was just waiting for “it” to happen and when it finally did, cuteness. This book is by far the lightest one of the series and after the very emotional Ask Me Again I was worried this wouldn’t work. It actually works really well and the humour that’s in this book, well done. This series is an emotional ride that I’d gladly take again and again.
Anyway, read this, read the two other books in this series. You won’t be disappointed. This series is my favourite lesfic series and I think a must read for everyone, also for the the DADT that is dealt with in the series, amongst other heavy and funny and light things. But mostly this series is about true love, finding your person and sticking with them.
October 20, 2020
My reaction to "If The Shoe Fits" is more mixed than I expected. Based on my previous readings of this author and other's reviews I was expecting "Wow!" but came away with "Eh" with some bonus points for some interesting elements.
As a side, I've read the first book in the "Ask, Tell" series but not the second...I actually didn't realize this was PART of that series but it more or less is the third book that wraps up events for the previous characters. However, it can be read as a standalone.
Regardless of how you come across this book, the theme is basically a "gay for you" f/f romance. Jana, a once thought completely heterosexual woman, is a hard on the outside, soft on the inside family law attorney with a super pro-gay stance since her sister is gay and that sister is her favorite person in the entire world. If you didn't catch any of that, don't worry. It's all on repeat for a lot of the book.
Jana meets Brooke, the hesitant yet hot architect that works in her building, and sparks fly (eventually), making Jana question her own sexuality.
I DID find the book interesting in that it this was written from the perspective of the person that was questioning their sexuality and falls for a lesbian. I think most books I've read with the “gay for you theme” is from the established lesbian's point of view or both characters are questioning their sexuality. So, yes, I did find that to be fresh.
And there were some unique elements. Jana, the "straight one", didn't judge her new same sex attraction to be bad but she did want to make sure it was real in order to not confuse Brooke or herself and jeopardize their friendship. And Brooke, the confirmed lesbian, was more in the closet in some ways than Jana. There were some interesting nuances here that challenged the status quo and made their dynamic more engaging.
But, my impression on reading the book was I was actually a little bored. Noyes chose to give Jana and Brooke a lot of friendship building scenes which in one way helps establish their bond and in another way got to the point of “Come on, just do it already!” There’s so much lead time, thinking about feelings and talking about feelings with each other and other characters that it became somewhat tedious.
But my main issue, is Brooke. I haven’t seen any other reviews mention this so perhaps it’s just me but Brooke’s character seemed to switch once they got into a relationship to such a point that it was jarring. I was wondering, “Wait. Where did Brooke go? This isn’t Brooke”. Brooke is a more hesitant, anxious person but she then gets a confident, even crasser edge to her. I don’t know. It threw me and I didn’t like it.
What is good is that Brooke and Jana constantly communicate through the book and that’s always a bonus even if the conversation seems redundant. I’d rather have over communication than none or the leads are working on assumptions.
Anyway, I came away thinking it was better than okay and an interesting slant on the "gay for you" romance but I definitely wasn’t as entertained as I’d expected to be. 3.7 stars
As a side, I've read the first book in the "Ask, Tell" series but not the second...I actually didn't realize this was PART of that series but it more or less is the third book that wraps up events for the previous characters. However, it can be read as a standalone.
Regardless of how you come across this book, the theme is basically a "gay for you" f/f romance. Jana, a once thought completely heterosexual woman, is a hard on the outside, soft on the inside family law attorney with a super pro-gay stance since her sister is gay and that sister is her favorite person in the entire world. If you didn't catch any of that, don't worry. It's all on repeat for a lot of the book.
Jana meets Brooke, the hesitant yet hot architect that works in her building, and sparks fly (eventually), making Jana question her own sexuality.
I DID find the book interesting in that it this was written from the perspective of the person that was questioning their sexuality and falls for a lesbian. I think most books I've read with the “gay for you theme” is from the established lesbian's point of view or both characters are questioning their sexuality. So, yes, I did find that to be fresh.
And there were some unique elements. Jana, the "straight one", didn't judge her new same sex attraction to be bad but she did want to make sure it was real in order to not confuse Brooke or herself and jeopardize their friendship. And Brooke, the confirmed lesbian, was more in the closet in some ways than Jana. There were some interesting nuances here that challenged the status quo and made their dynamic more engaging.
But, my impression on reading the book was I was actually a little bored. Noyes chose to give Jana and Brooke a lot of friendship building scenes which in one way helps establish their bond and in another way got to the point of “Come on, just do it already!” There’s so much lead time, thinking about feelings and talking about feelings with each other and other characters that it became somewhat tedious.
But my main issue, is Brooke. I haven’t seen any other reviews mention this so perhaps it’s just me but Brooke’s character seemed to switch once they got into a relationship to such a point that it was jarring. I was wondering, “Wait. Where did Brooke go? This isn’t Brooke”. Brooke is a more hesitant, anxious person but she then gets a confident, even crasser edge to her. I don’t know. It threw me and I didn’t like it.
What is good is that Brooke and Jana constantly communicate through the book and that’s always a bonus even if the conversation seems redundant. I’d rather have over communication than none or the leads are working on assumptions.
Anyway, I came away thinking it was better than okay and an interesting slant on the "gay for you" romance but I definitely wasn’t as entertained as I’d expected to be. 3.7 stars
February 20, 2020
I am completely entrenched in the EJ Noyes fan club and this is another hit. Noyes doesn’t seem to miss. This is the third in the ‘Ask, Tell’ series and brings Sabine’s younger sister, Jana, into play. I haven’t read the second yet and I’m sure I’ll get to it but I don’t think it altered my enjoyment in this one at all. Jana meets Brooke by accident, literally, in the entrance to their shared office building. A few meetings later, Jana discovers she is really enjoying having a female friend who is not her sister. Then her feelings start changing and she doesn’t know where they came from or what to do with them.
Written in first person from Jana’s point of view, it was a nice change to read the story from the point of view of the supposedly straight character. Jana’s confusion with her burgeoning feelings and her attraction to Brooke was interesting and often entertaining. I didn’t always like Jana’s voice though, but even when I was irritated with her occasional self-centredness I appreciated the beautifully complex character that she was.
Brooke appealed to me much more as a character and I liked that she was just as complex in a different way. Her response to the changing friendship was unexpected as where her continued concerns. Often novels written in first person give quite a limited view of the characters but I felt I understood where Brooke was coming from. Of course, the numerous appearances of Sabine and Rebecca didn’t do any harm either. Another great read.
Book received from Netgalley and Bella Books for an honest review.
Written in first person from Jana’s point of view, it was a nice change to read the story from the point of view of the supposedly straight character. Jana’s confusion with her burgeoning feelings and her attraction to Brooke was interesting and often entertaining. I didn’t always like Jana’s voice though, but even when I was irritated with her occasional self-centredness I appreciated the beautifully complex character that she was.
Brooke appealed to me much more as a character and I liked that she was just as complex in a different way. Her response to the changing friendship was unexpected as where her continued concerns. Often novels written in first person give quite a limited view of the characters but I felt I understood where Brooke was coming from. Of course, the numerous appearances of Sabine and Rebecca didn’t do any harm either. Another great read.
Book received from Netgalley and Bella Books for an honest review.
November 18, 2019
I don't know if this is the best book I've read this year, but I'd go further and say this is the most enjoyable one. I had a permanent smile throughout the entire book.
I think I'm in love with Jana. Sigh!
I think I'm in love with Jana. Sigh!
December 1, 2019
Audiobook update:
So there were a few issues here unfortunately. First, and I’m sure scheduling (gosh, let’s hope that was the reason) was at play, this one was not narrated by Abby Craden as the first 2 books in the series were. Tough for anyone to follow Craden and her already established voices for the characters. This happened in Radclyffe’s Honor series, when Oath of Honor (which is technically a First Responders novel based in the Honor universe) was narrated by someone else. It was disorienting and disappointing that they would split the audiobooks like that. Jana’s voice was not so much of an issue as she was a small part of the first 2 books in the grand scheme of things. However, the characters we love, Bec and Sab’s voices were just not good. Sab’s raspy low voice was nothing like described by the author. Bec’s voice was cringe worthy. I think it was in my Ask Me Again review (btw, one of Craden’s finest narrations in my opinion) that I mentioned how I usually hated the ‘darling’ term of endearment unless well, Bec was saying it. Well, I hated it in this one. The voices overall were flat and not very distinguishable from each other. I was lucky to have just read the book so could follow along the familiar dialog but could have been a difficult task for me if I had no previous knowledge of the book.
On the upside, I am increasing my book rating to 5 stars. I think Lex hit the nail on the head in one of her reviews. Was my rating for the book within the Noyes’ universe or for the book within lesfic? I think this would have been a 5 star for anyone else. Just not my favorite within the series which is one of my favorite all time.
Everyone who is a Noyes fan has been waiting for this one, as it is the third and last book in the Fleisher sisters’ story. The book could work as a stand alone, but don’t do this to yourself, read the other two first as they will enhance this read which is the weak link between all three. Now, in all fairness, the other two books were 5+ stars books that I have read and listened to more than once since their release a couple of years ago.
Jana Fleisher is a lawyer practicing family law in Washington DC. A serial casual dater, she has not been able to find even the desire to date the same man more than a few times. Brooke Donnelly literally bumps into Jana and the pair strike a friendship. They quickly realize there are some romantic sparks that will not only require Jana to consider a woman as a romantic partner, but also her ability to be in a committed relationship. The leap of faith must also come from Brooke as she fights previous relationship ghosts and a disjointed family.
The story picks up after the last book and it is told in first person from Jana’s point of view. I can not say enough about Noyes’ first person POV and how it just clicks with me. Her witty thoughts and self deprecating humor are ever present and simply brilliant once more.
I couldn’t help but feel protective over Jana, as we have known her as Sabine’s little sister. Like I was screening Brooke and hoping she would be good dating material for Jana or, well, earn my disapproval. The pace of the book was good. It reminded me some of ‘Turbulence’ and how the relationship evolves on its own, but perhaps with the need of labels.
The story itself is much lighter and a departure from the previous two, which dealt with some intense topics such as PTSD and war. In that sense, it was a little of a let down since doesn’t quite fit with the intensity of the other books. However, just when I was thinking the only issue here is one of the mains has not dated a woman before, Noyes manages to inject some other challenges with Brooke’s family dynamics. I’ll be honest, I don’t have a lot of patience for those. To me, the decision is pretty clear when it comes to tolerating homophobic family, you just don’t. I need to also understand that it is not as easy to do for some people. In this case I became annoyed with both mains with the emphasis on family and how it was affecting them. To be fair, family has always been a central theme for the Fleisher sisters, it’s just this is the first time it has affected the romance in the story directly.
For those of us that have read the two previous novels, this installment will bring closure to the Sabine/Bec relationship. It was great to see those characters again. Sabine was neurotic as usual and Bec, well, she was just perfect (sigh). The continuity of the characters was great. Like Sabine’s hand talking and Jana’s troublesome driving abilities. Yes, new character traits but all within what we already knew and loved about them.
Overall another good story by Noyes that will please her ever growing fan base. 4.25 stars
ARC generously provided to me by BB via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
So there were a few issues here unfortunately. First, and I’m sure scheduling (gosh, let’s hope that was the reason) was at play, this one was not narrated by Abby Craden as the first 2 books in the series were. Tough for anyone to follow Craden and her already established voices for the characters. This happened in Radclyffe’s Honor series, when Oath of Honor (which is technically a First Responders novel based in the Honor universe) was narrated by someone else. It was disorienting and disappointing that they would split the audiobooks like that. Jana’s voice was not so much of an issue as she was a small part of the first 2 books in the grand scheme of things. However, the characters we love, Bec and Sab’s voices were just not good. Sab’s raspy low voice was nothing like described by the author. Bec’s voice was cringe worthy. I think it was in my Ask Me Again review (btw, one of Craden’s finest narrations in my opinion) that I mentioned how I usually hated the ‘darling’ term of endearment unless well, Bec was saying it. Well, I hated it in this one. The voices overall were flat and not very distinguishable from each other. I was lucky to have just read the book so could follow along the familiar dialog but could have been a difficult task for me if I had no previous knowledge of the book.
On the upside, I am increasing my book rating to 5 stars. I think Lex hit the nail on the head in one of her reviews. Was my rating for the book within the Noyes’ universe or for the book within lesfic? I think this would have been a 5 star for anyone else. Just not my favorite within the series which is one of my favorite all time.
Everyone who is a Noyes fan has been waiting for this one, as it is the third and last book in the Fleisher sisters’ story. The book could work as a stand alone, but don’t do this to yourself, read the other two first as they will enhance this read which is the weak link between all three. Now, in all fairness, the other two books were 5+ stars books that I have read and listened to more than once since their release a couple of years ago.
Jana Fleisher is a lawyer practicing family law in Washington DC. A serial casual dater, she has not been able to find even the desire to date the same man more than a few times. Brooke Donnelly literally bumps into Jana and the pair strike a friendship. They quickly realize there are some romantic sparks that will not only require Jana to consider a woman as a romantic partner, but also her ability to be in a committed relationship. The leap of faith must also come from Brooke as she fights previous relationship ghosts and a disjointed family.
The story picks up after the last book and it is told in first person from Jana’s point of view. I can not say enough about Noyes’ first person POV and how it just clicks with me. Her witty thoughts and self deprecating humor are ever present and simply brilliant once more.
I couldn’t help but feel protective over Jana, as we have known her as Sabine’s little sister. Like I was screening Brooke and hoping she would be good dating material for Jana or, well, earn my disapproval. The pace of the book was good. It reminded me some of ‘Turbulence’ and how the relationship evolves on its own, but perhaps with the need of labels.
The story itself is much lighter and a departure from the previous two, which dealt with some intense topics such as PTSD and war. In that sense, it was a little of a let down since doesn’t quite fit with the intensity of the other books. However, just when I was thinking the only issue here is one of the mains has not dated a woman before, Noyes manages to inject some other challenges with Brooke’s family dynamics. I’ll be honest, I don’t have a lot of patience for those. To me, the decision is pretty clear when it comes to tolerating homophobic family, you just don’t. I need to also understand that it is not as easy to do for some people. In this case I became annoyed with both mains with the emphasis on family and how it was affecting them. To be fair, family has always been a central theme for the Fleisher sisters, it’s just this is the first time it has affected the romance in the story directly.
For those of us that have read the two previous novels, this installment will bring closure to the Sabine/Bec relationship. It was great to see those characters again. Sabine was neurotic as usual and Bec, well, she was just perfect (sigh). The continuity of the characters was great. Like Sabine’s hand talking and Jana’s troublesome driving abilities. Yes, new character traits but all within what we already knew and loved about them.
Overall another good story by Noyes that will please her ever growing fan base. 4.25 stars
ARC generously provided to me by BB via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 12, 2019
E.J. Noyes just keeps getting better and better with each book that she writes. Her most recent novel,
If the Shoe Fits
, the third book in the Ask, Tell series is a wonderful example of her increasing brilliance as an author. It is also a fitting conclusion to this series.
If the Shoe Fits tells the story of Jana Fleischer, the younger sister of Sabine, who is one of the main characters in the first two Ask, Tell books. Jana has a great life. She has a wonderful family, a successful job as an attorney, and the best sister and soon to be sister-in-law in the world. Her only problem is she can’t seem to find the right man to marry and settle down with. Her family says she is too picky, and Jana agrees with them, but still can’t find that special someone. That is until she literally crashes into Brooke Donnelly, an architect who works in the same building as Jana. Thus begins what starts out as a friendship, but slowly develops into something very special.
Ms. Noyes is highly talented in creating complex and memorable characters in her stories. I remember meeting Jana in the novel Ask, Tell and thinking that I would love to have a younger sister just like her. In this story we get to see the world through Jana’s eyes. This gives us an even greater insight into her personality; all the quirks and traits that makes her the person that she is. It is also interesting to see how Jana slowly realizes that she is attracted to Brooke when she has believed for so long that she was totally straight. Ms. Noyes makes Jana real to us with every thought and action, just as she did with Sabine and Bec in the first two novels. I especially like how the author created the character of Brooke. Brooke is such a complex woman with personality traits that seem contradictory until you find out about her back story. Both characters are lovable and flawed at the same time. In other words, the author has made them human.
I fell in love with Sabine and Bec in the first two novels in this series, and I fell in love with Jana and Brooke in this book. Sabine and Bec’s story actually continues in this novel as they are important secondary characters here. You can read this novel as a standalone book, but I would encourage you to read the entire series in order if you can. All three books are excellent and well worth reading. These three novels are definitely in my favorites list. In fact they are right up there at the top of that list. I believe they will be in yours as well.
I received an ARC from Bella Books and NetGalley for an honest review.
If the Shoe Fits tells the story of Jana Fleischer, the younger sister of Sabine, who is one of the main characters in the first two Ask, Tell books. Jana has a great life. She has a wonderful family, a successful job as an attorney, and the best sister and soon to be sister-in-law in the world. Her only problem is she can’t seem to find the right man to marry and settle down with. Her family says she is too picky, and Jana agrees with them, but still can’t find that special someone. That is until she literally crashes into Brooke Donnelly, an architect who works in the same building as Jana. Thus begins what starts out as a friendship, but slowly develops into something very special.
Ms. Noyes is highly talented in creating complex and memorable characters in her stories. I remember meeting Jana in the novel Ask, Tell and thinking that I would love to have a younger sister just like her. In this story we get to see the world through Jana’s eyes. This gives us an even greater insight into her personality; all the quirks and traits that makes her the person that she is. It is also interesting to see how Jana slowly realizes that she is attracted to Brooke when she has believed for so long that she was totally straight. Ms. Noyes makes Jana real to us with every thought and action, just as she did with Sabine and Bec in the first two novels. I especially like how the author created the character of Brooke. Brooke is such a complex woman with personality traits that seem contradictory until you find out about her back story. Both characters are lovable and flawed at the same time. In other words, the author has made them human.
I fell in love with Sabine and Bec in the first two novels in this series, and I fell in love with Jana and Brooke in this book. Sabine and Bec’s story actually continues in this novel as they are important secondary characters here. You can read this novel as a standalone book, but I would encourage you to read the entire series in order if you can. All three books are excellent and well worth reading. These three novels are definitely in my favorites list. In fact they are right up there at the top of that list. I believe they will be in yours as well.
I received an ARC from Bella Books and NetGalley for an honest review.
Read
November 20, 2019This is book three of the ‘Ask, tell’ series which started with the book with the same title. The link between the books in this series is more related to the characters involved rather than the genre of each novel. I can’t remember a series with more diversity in their stories. Book one ‘Ask, tell‘ is a military romance, book two ‘Ask me again‘ is an angsty romance that ties loose ends of the previous installment, and ‘If the shoe fits’ is the most typical romance of them all. Even though the books are so different and you can read book three as a stand-alone, I recommend reading them all chronologically because you’ll understand the background of the story much better and they are so worth it.
Jana Fleisher is a divorce lawyer focused on her busy job with little time for dating. Her love life consists of seeing men casually and not for long, being too picky or easily bored. When she literally bumps into Brooke Donelly, their initial confrontation swiftly develops into a friendship. But as both women get to know each other, Jana starts to have romantic feelings towards Brooke which seem to be reciprocated. Will Jana and Brooke take the leap and commit to each other?
I was excited to read this lesbian coming out romance book as we’ve got glimpses of Jana’s character in the first two books of the series in her role as one of the main characters’ little sister. She’s a spitfire, quirky, extrovert, loyal, and drives like a lunatic. It’s a good follow-up of her relationship with both her sister Sabine and her future sister-in-law Rebecca. It’s a very rich relationship of mutual trust, banter, and support, a testament to Ms. Noyes’s great character building. As we’ve seen in the previous books Jana supporting Sabine and Rebecca, now the tables are turned and it’s Jana who looks for and receives relationship advice from them. As a bonus, the reader catches up with their lives and the evolution of Sabine’s PTSD.
As much as I love Jana, Sabine, and Rebecca, I didn’t feel the same connection with Brooke. She’s a well-written character and her actions are logical within her life experience but, I couldn’t identify with her as much as with the others. The chemistry between Jana and Brooke is hot, and Jana’s realisation that she has feelings for Brooke is very well done and credible. However, I couldn’t relate to Brooke’s family conflict and I felt that its resolution was a bit fast and too ideal. It didn’t sound realistic, which is a pity because Sabine and Rebecca’s story is so compelling and powerful that minimises Jana and Brooke’s. Having said that, if you are looking for an entertaining lesbian coming out romance, you surely going to like this one as it’s well written and the chemistry is hot.
Overall, an entertaining and light coming out romance and a very good end to the series. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
Jana Fleisher is a divorce lawyer focused on her busy job with little time for dating. Her love life consists of seeing men casually and not for long, being too picky or easily bored. When she literally bumps into Brooke Donelly, their initial confrontation swiftly develops into a friendship. But as both women get to know each other, Jana starts to have romantic feelings towards Brooke which seem to be reciprocated. Will Jana and Brooke take the leap and commit to each other?
I was excited to read this lesbian coming out romance book as we’ve got glimpses of Jana’s character in the first two books of the series in her role as one of the main characters’ little sister. She’s a spitfire, quirky, extrovert, loyal, and drives like a lunatic. It’s a good follow-up of her relationship with both her sister Sabine and her future sister-in-law Rebecca. It’s a very rich relationship of mutual trust, banter, and support, a testament to Ms. Noyes’s great character building. As we’ve seen in the previous books Jana supporting Sabine and Rebecca, now the tables are turned and it’s Jana who looks for and receives relationship advice from them. As a bonus, the reader catches up with their lives and the evolution of Sabine’s PTSD.
As much as I love Jana, Sabine, and Rebecca, I didn’t feel the same connection with Brooke. She’s a well-written character and her actions are logical within her life experience but, I couldn’t identify with her as much as with the others. The chemistry between Jana and Brooke is hot, and Jana’s realisation that she has feelings for Brooke is very well done and credible. However, I couldn’t relate to Brooke’s family conflict and I felt that its resolution was a bit fast and too ideal. It didn’t sound realistic, which is a pity because Sabine and Rebecca’s story is so compelling and powerful that minimises Jana and Brooke’s. Having said that, if you are looking for an entertaining lesbian coming out romance, you surely going to like this one as it’s well written and the chemistry is hot.
Overall, an entertaining and light coming out romance and a very good end to the series. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
November 23, 2019
I effing LOVE Noyes!!! Seriously, I just want to spend all my time writing odes and sonnets about her books, and thanking my lucky stars that I'm alive to read her work!!!
There isn't anything that she's written that hasn't been perfect, and exactly what it needed to be. And this is no different.
The love, humour, family, Sabine and bec, Brooke, and most of all, Jana. Perfect. It read so perfectly, the pacing was just... It was all perfect.
Whenever Noyes comes out with a new book, I never think that I might not like it. In fact, I'm so certain that I'll love it, that sometimes I put off reading it just because of that fact. There is no doubt in my mind that her books are capable of dragging me out of any slump I might find myself in, be it a reading slump, or a momentary dip in life itself.
Please keep writing forever and ever!!!
6 stars
There isn't anything that she's written that hasn't been perfect, and exactly what it needed to be. And this is no different.
The love, humour, family, Sabine and bec, Brooke, and most of all, Jana. Perfect. It read so perfectly, the pacing was just... It was all perfect.
Whenever Noyes comes out with a new book, I never think that I might not like it. In fact, I'm so certain that I'll love it, that sometimes I put off reading it just because of that fact. There is no doubt in my mind that her books are capable of dragging me out of any slump I might find myself in, be it a reading slump, or a momentary dip in life itself.
Please keep writing forever and ever!!!
6 stars
November 22, 2019
If the Shoe Fits is the third book in the Ask, Tell series and could easily be read as a stand-alone story. It’s definitely in the same spirit as the first two, commitment to family and finding love but this one is a more light-hearted romance that carries very little sting and none of the darkness of the first two.
Jana Fleischer is a high powered divorce attorney, ambitious and accustomed to being in charge of job and personal life. She’s out to have fun and not get hemmed in so she gleefully discards men who don’t meet her gold standards and why not? Cue the cute meet which includes a broken heel, a body on body collision, and two beautiful women, Jana and quirky but lovable Brooke.
Top notch writing that emphasizes steamy scenes and good laughs. It thrills me that the mc’s from the first two books aren’t just background scenery but instead are integral supporting characters. I definitely recommend if you’re looking for a well written Happy Read. The highest of accolades for the entire series.
Jana Fleischer is a high powered divorce attorney, ambitious and accustomed to being in charge of job and personal life. She’s out to have fun and not get hemmed in so she gleefully discards men who don’t meet her gold standards and why not? Cue the cute meet which includes a broken heel, a body on body collision, and two beautiful women, Jana and quirky but lovable Brooke.
Top notch writing that emphasizes steamy scenes and good laughs. It thrills me that the mc’s from the first two books aren’t just background scenery but instead are integral supporting characters. I definitely recommend if you’re looking for a well written Happy Read. The highest of accolades for the entire series.
December 5, 2019
What can I say (or enough said already)!!....If you are a Noyes’ fan, then ITSF should be another book right up your alley. There’s nothing not to like about ITSF... I simply loved it, adored it!! And rest my case with that statement 😊
November 20, 2019
I’m a fan of Noyes. This author writes everything so beautifully you feel the characters pain and joy. Jana is one of my favorites characters ever. I mean, I’m a family lawyer with a quick temper, I adore my family, and my relationship with my siblings is really codependent, so I had to like her. But, although I would love to say that I identify with her in all aspects, the truth is that I am very similar to Brooke.
The way Jana feels exasperated with Brooke and her situation with her father felt real. That attitude of “If I’m alright with all of this, how come you don’t?” I could feel her disappointment and I got it. But on the other hand, I just knew why that was stressing Brooke and making her uncomfortable and inadequate. Sorry If I’m not making sense, what I’m trying to say is that I loved it, I could relate to both MCs and that made it even better.
Now, Bec and Sabine came a lot in the book BUT they didn’t stole it. It was really well done and they’re just secondary characters, it doesn’t feel like a continuation of their story, but they’re important in Jana's.
The way Jana feels exasperated with Brooke and her situation with her father felt real. That attitude of “If I’m alright with all of this, how come you don’t?” I could feel her disappointment and I got it. But on the other hand, I just knew why that was stressing Brooke and making her uncomfortable and inadequate. Sorry If I’m not making sense, what I’m trying to say is that I loved it, I could relate to both MCs and that made it even better.
Now, Bec and Sabine came a lot in the book BUT they didn’t stole it. It was really well done and they’re just secondary characters, it doesn’t feel like a continuation of their story, but they’re important in Jana's.
February 26, 2020
Great read!
If The Shoe Fits is an excellent romance. It has the right feelings, complex emotions, an unconditional love between siblings, humor, well fleshed out characters and the love scenes are hot and tender at the same time. It's the story of Jana and Brooke. I liked how they opened their hearts to love, how they managed to find happiness. For me, spending more time with Sabine and Rebecca was a great bonus. In this series, they are my favorite couple. I really enjoyed everything and my only complain is that there was no epilogue. I highly recommend all three books in this amazing series.
If The Shoe Fits is an excellent romance. It has the right feelings, complex emotions, an unconditional love between siblings, humor, well fleshed out characters and the love scenes are hot and tender at the same time. It's the story of Jana and Brooke. I liked how they opened their hearts to love, how they managed to find happiness. For me, spending more time with Sabine and Rebecca was a great bonus. In this series, they are my favorite couple. I really enjoyed everything and my only complain is that there was no epilogue. I highly recommend all three books in this amazing series.
December 23, 2019
With If the Shoe Fits author E. J. Noyes tells Jana’s story. Jana Fleischer, Sabine’s younger sister and side-kick, the rock star divorce lawyer, the pickiest of serial daters. It was a much lighter affair than the previous two books in the series and I was glad about that, because it meant that my darling Sabs and Bec (now side characters, but still present) were finally in a happy place (Sab’s comical bridezilla antics aside).
Noyes presents us with a very sweet friends-to-lovers story that felt genuine and unhurried. I already loved Jana’s character from the earlier books and was really chuffed she got her own love story. Brooke Donnelly is an absolute doll. The only dark cloud hanging over her budding romance with Jana is the strained relationship with her father and the unhappiness she feels in her job. Otherwise there is basically no angst in the story. And the gals know how to communicate! Yay!
E. J. Noyes hasn’t written a dud yet and at this point I don’t believe she is capable.
f/f explicit, great love scenes
Themes: I’m straight but gay for you, Jana Celebrates, Brooke has severe daddy issues, these two were so freakin’ cute together, gah!, a family wedding Fleisher style, a toaster oven for Jana.
5 Stars
* A free copy was provided by Netgalley and Bella Books for an honest review.
Noyes presents us with a very sweet friends-to-lovers story that felt genuine and unhurried. I already loved Jana’s character from the earlier books and was really chuffed she got her own love story. Brooke Donnelly is an absolute doll. The only dark cloud hanging over her budding romance with Jana is the strained relationship with her father and the unhappiness she feels in her job. Otherwise there is basically no angst in the story. And the gals know how to communicate! Yay!
E. J. Noyes hasn’t written a dud yet and at this point I don’t believe she is capable.
f/f explicit, great love scenes
Themes: I’m straight but gay for you, Jana Celebrates, Brooke has severe daddy issues, these two were so freakin’ cute together, gah!, a family wedding Fleisher style, a toaster oven for Jana.
5 Stars
* A free copy was provided by Netgalley and Bella Books for an honest review.
February 2, 2021
When we pick up an E. J. Noyes book we expect intensity, characters with issues (circumstantial and/or internal) and a romance that builds believably. Considering this is Ask, Tell #3 we thought it would have all of the above layered with epic seriousness. We were pleasantly surprised and totally floored by the humour in addition to what was already expected!
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
December 8, 2019
5+ Stars for E.J. Noyes’ book If the Shoe Fits
This is the third book Noyes’ series, Ask, Tell. If the Shoe Fits is a lightest of the trilogy. Ask, Tell and Ask Me Again tell the story of the romance between Captain Sabine Fleischer and Colonel Rebecca Keane. Both surgeons, they meet while serving in Afghanistan during the Don't Ask, Don't Tell era and in Ask Me Again, they deal with Sabine’s struggle with PTSD. Do you need to read the first two books before this one? Maybe not. If like me, you don’t normally read romances with angst – make an exception like I did. In my opinion they are both 5+Star books and you will fully be able to appreciate Sab and Bec’s wedding in this book. I doubt you will regret it.
This book, the focus is on Sabine’s straight younger sister, Jana Fleischer. Jana is a "ball-busting" divorce attorney. The type of attorney you want on your side, because she will fight for you and will probably win. This is a friends to lovers romance and I felt the pace was just right. Jana is run into by Brooke Donnelly when both are getting coffee at their building’s coffee shop. Jana breaks her heel in the collision and so begins the rocky start of a friendship. They meet for coffee every morning before work and soon they are spending time outside of their workplace. Jana learns that Brooke is a lesbian and an architect who is expected to take over her father’s architectural firm in the near future. Although Brooke is out, her orientation is not acknowledged by her homophobic father and she is estranged from her mother. Brooke’s true passion is sculpture which she doesn’t discuss with her family.
Jana is a great character. She is a badass lawyer who loves her sister, Sabine and her soon to be sister-in-law Rebecca. She and Sabine are more than just sisters but are BFFs. She would have to be to understand and tolerate Sabine’s anal retentiveness. Which really comes to the forefront as the wedding date nears and with Sab organizing it. In this instance Jana and Sab are opposites. Sabine is relying on Jana for specific wedding tasks which Jana does intend to get done, but not always in the time frame that her sister expects. Often its Jana’s work schedule interfering, along her lack of enthusiasm of shopping, especially for a pre-wedding dress. Brooke steps in to help Jana, for which Sab is grateful. As Brooke and Jana spend more time together, Jana is realizing that perhaps she is not as straight as she once thought.
I thought Noyes did a wonderful job slowly exploring Brooke’s character. In so many ways opposite to Jana and with a family history such that Jana can’t comprehend some of Brooke’s choices.
I can’t recommend this series high enough. In fact now that I’ve finished, I plan on binge re-reading the series in the coming new year.
This is the third book Noyes’ series, Ask, Tell. If the Shoe Fits is a lightest of the trilogy. Ask, Tell and Ask Me Again tell the story of the romance between Captain Sabine Fleischer and Colonel Rebecca Keane. Both surgeons, they meet while serving in Afghanistan during the Don't Ask, Don't Tell era and in Ask Me Again, they deal with Sabine’s struggle with PTSD. Do you need to read the first two books before this one? Maybe not. If like me, you don’t normally read romances with angst – make an exception like I did. In my opinion they are both 5+Star books and you will fully be able to appreciate Sab and Bec’s wedding in this book. I doubt you will regret it.
This book, the focus is on Sabine’s straight younger sister, Jana Fleischer. Jana is a "ball-busting" divorce attorney. The type of attorney you want on your side, because she will fight for you and will probably win. This is a friends to lovers romance and I felt the pace was just right. Jana is run into by Brooke Donnelly when both are getting coffee at their building’s coffee shop. Jana breaks her heel in the collision and so begins the rocky start of a friendship. They meet for coffee every morning before work and soon they are spending time outside of their workplace. Jana learns that Brooke is a lesbian and an architect who is expected to take over her father’s architectural firm in the near future. Although Brooke is out, her orientation is not acknowledged by her homophobic father and she is estranged from her mother. Brooke’s true passion is sculpture which she doesn’t discuss with her family.
Jana is a great character. She is a badass lawyer who loves her sister, Sabine and her soon to be sister-in-law Rebecca. She and Sabine are more than just sisters but are BFFs. She would have to be to understand and tolerate Sabine’s anal retentiveness. Which really comes to the forefront as the wedding date nears and with Sab organizing it. In this instance Jana and Sab are opposites. Sabine is relying on Jana for specific wedding tasks which Jana does intend to get done, but not always in the time frame that her sister expects. Often its Jana’s work schedule interfering, along her lack of enthusiasm of shopping, especially for a pre-wedding dress. Brooke steps in to help Jana, for which Sab is grateful. As Brooke and Jana spend more time together, Jana is realizing that perhaps she is not as straight as she once thought.
I thought Noyes did a wonderful job slowly exploring Brooke’s character. In so many ways opposite to Jana and with a family history such that Jana can’t comprehend some of Brooke’s choices.
I can’t recommend this series high enough. In fact now that I’ve finished, I plan on binge re-reading the series in the coming new year.
July 14, 2024
I love this book!! For me(and I’m probably alone in this) the best book of this serie. And the best by E.J. Noyes for me. More than 5 stars. I love Jana. It was funny, emotional, and the sex.... wow 🔥🔥🔥 Some of the hottest scenes I’ve ever read, but still intimate. Even the kissing was hotter than in most other lesfic’s I read. And that because the build-up and chemistry was perfect. And I loved reading about Bec and Sabs and how they are doing. Yeah, this goes in my top 25 favorite lesfic’s. Will be re-reading this one.
Having listened to the audio on 17 December 2019 it even made it better if possible. Kelsey Navarro(first time I heard her) did a terrific job. Will be listening to it over and over.
Having listened to the audio on 17 December 2019 it even made it better if possible. Kelsey Navarro(first time I heard her) did a terrific job. Will be listening to it over and over.
February 13, 2020
I really enjoyed this book more than i expected. Though i didnt realise this book is the third of a series 🙈 i’m going to read the first 2 as well.
I really like both main characters, especially Jana. As this book will be first person POV from her only. I got to be in her head, got to know what her thought and what gone through her head with her toaster oven. She is such a great person. Brooke, on the other hand, i found her such a dork in a great way. Their romance was a slow burn? I think. From friend to lover, sweet, and not in a hurry way. I enjoyed how their relationship developed. And they communicate!! Alot. Which is really great, thank you, EJ. Noyes!
Since i didnt read the first 2 series, i feel like i just read some spoiler about Bec and Sabine story, since this book had mention on what happened to those 2. 🙈 i also enjoy these 2 characters as well. And i definitely going to read their story!
All in all, i enjoy this book very much.
I really like both main characters, especially Jana. As this book will be first person POV from her only. I got to be in her head, got to know what her thought and what gone through her head with her toaster oven. She is such a great person. Brooke, on the other hand, i found her such a dork in a great way. Their romance was a slow burn? I think. From friend to lover, sweet, and not in a hurry way. I enjoyed how their relationship developed. And they communicate!! Alot. Which is really great, thank you, EJ. Noyes!
Since i didnt read the first 2 series, i feel like i just read some spoiler about Bec and Sabine story, since this book had mention on what happened to those 2. 🙈 i also enjoy these 2 characters as well. And i definitely going to read their story!
All in all, i enjoy this book very much.
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