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It's Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake
It's Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake by CLAIRE CHRISTIAN will be available Feb 23, 2021. Preorder your copy today!
348 pages, Paperback
First published September 29, 2020
374 people are currently reading
16983 people want to read
About the author
Claire Christian
6 books244 followersClaire Christian is a novelist and playwright who lives in Brisbane.
Claire’s debut young adult novel BEAUTIFUL MESS won the 2016 Text Publishing Text Prize. It has been translated into four languages across five different countries – and counting. She is currently working on adapting it to film. In 2019 she secured a three-book deal with Text Publishing, the first of which will be released in October 2020. It’s Been A Pleasure, Noni Blake is a pleasure seeking, queer, romantic comedy.
Claire has written a bunch of plays you can read; TALKING TO BRICK WALLS, LYSA AND THE FREEBORN DAMES, THE LANDMINE IS ME and HEDONSIM’S SECOND ALBUM.
She has had the great joy of directing Michelle Law’s smash-hit play SINGLE ASIAN FEMALE from 2017. Claire is a proud member of the theatre collective THE MAMAS BOYS.
Claire has over fifteen years’ experience teaching, and facilitating, across multiple education and community sectors; where she has mostly works with teenagers helping them to tell excellent stories.
Claire’s debut young adult novel BEAUTIFUL MESS won the 2016 Text Publishing Text Prize. It has been translated into four languages across five different countries – and counting. She is currently working on adapting it to film. In 2019 she secured a three-book deal with Text Publishing, the first of which will be released in October 2020. It’s Been A Pleasure, Noni Blake is a pleasure seeking, queer, romantic comedy.
Claire has written a bunch of plays you can read; TALKING TO BRICK WALLS, LYSA AND THE FREEBORN DAMES, THE LANDMINE IS ME and HEDONSIM’S SECOND ALBUM.
She has had the great joy of directing Michelle Law’s smash-hit play SINGLE ASIAN FEMALE from 2017. Claire is a proud member of the theatre collective THE MAMAS BOYS.
Claire has over fifteen years’ experience teaching, and facilitating, across multiple education and community sectors; where she has mostly works with teenagers helping them to tell excellent stories.
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April 18, 2021dnf @ 35%
liked the bi rep in this & liked the humor but i could tell it wasn't going to do much for me. the story is about our heroine sleeping with people to find herself. totally valid. but i tend to prefer my romances to have a central thread and this was a little all over the place. i guess maybe i was too dumb to see the point of it? idk.
liked the bi rep in this & liked the humor but i could tell it wasn't going to do much for me. the story is about our heroine sleeping with people to find herself. totally valid. but i tend to prefer my romances to have a central thread and this was a little all over the place. i guess maybe i was too dumb to see the point of it? idk.
May 10, 2021
3.75 stars. I had originally DNF'd this one a few months back because it just wasn't quite what I was looking for at the time, but I decided to pick it back up on a whim the other day and it really pleasantly surprised me! I listened to it on audio during my nightly walks and I found myself wanting to take longer and longer walks so that I could keep listening to the story, lol. Love to read about a bisexual fat woman living her best life and doing the absolute most. This was so much fun!!!
CW: fatphobia, cheating, miscarriage, IVF complications, death of a child
CW: fatphobia, cheating, miscarriage, IVF complications, death of a child
March 23, 2021
4.5 stars
With the stress of everyday life, I'm always game for a fun read and this book certainly fit the bill. The writing style reminded me of Sophie Kinsella but with more colorful language and some uh, detailed bedroom scenes. I loved the message of the book which is go out and do things for yourself and quit worrying what other people think.
It's been awhile since Noni and her long-term girlfriend, Joan, broke up. Noni has come to the conclusion she needs to make some big changes in her life in order to truly be happy. She's going to stop overthinking things and instead just do what feels good in the moment. Hmm... doing everything she wants. What could go wrong and what could go right?
I'm thankful the author chose to feature a bisexual main character as the representation in fiction still remains woefully low. Noni has an active sex life and there are some scenes that are graphic and might turn off some readers. (pun intended) We all have our opinions on romance novels and the steam factor. Personally, I thought it fit in well with the context of Noni being a sexually liberated woman.
Noni is a likeable character and while the book is full of humor, you do get background info on a few tough things she's had to deal with in life. The only thing that slightly bugged me was Noni had the ideal personality for this "I do what I want. I choose me." type journey. She's outgoing and it's easy for her to make friends in just about any situation. When everyone seems to think you are awesome, that has to give you a boost in confidence and allows you not to worry as much about other people's opinions. I think the story would have been more interesting if Noni had a quiet and shy personality. Don't get me wrong though, I really did enjoy this book a great deal.
Recommend for anyone who needs a reminder that life is short so you might as well do what makes you happy.
I won a free copy of this book from the publisher but was under no obligation to post a review. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
With the stress of everyday life, I'm always game for a fun read and this book certainly fit the bill. The writing style reminded me of Sophie Kinsella but with more colorful language and some uh, detailed bedroom scenes. I loved the message of the book which is go out and do things for yourself and quit worrying what other people think.
It's been awhile since Noni and her long-term girlfriend, Joan, broke up. Noni has come to the conclusion she needs to make some big changes in her life in order to truly be happy. She's going to stop overthinking things and instead just do what feels good in the moment. Hmm... doing everything she wants. What could go wrong and what could go right?
I'm thankful the author chose to feature a bisexual main character as the representation in fiction still remains woefully low. Noni has an active sex life and there are some scenes that are graphic and might turn off some readers. (pun intended) We all have our opinions on romance novels and the steam factor. Personally, I thought it fit in well with the context of Noni being a sexually liberated woman.
Noni is a likeable character and while the book is full of humor, you do get background info on a few tough things she's had to deal with in life. The only thing that slightly bugged me was Noni had the ideal personality for this "I do what I want. I choose me." type journey. She's outgoing and it's easy for her to make friends in just about any situation. When everyone seems to think you are awesome, that has to give you a boost in confidence and allows you not to worry as much about other people's opinions. I think the story would have been more interesting if Noni had a quiet and shy personality. Don't get me wrong though, I really did enjoy this book a great deal.
Recommend for anyone who needs a reminder that life is short so you might as well do what makes you happy.
I won a free copy of this book from the publisher but was under no obligation to post a review. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
February 26, 2021
It’s Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake is an entertaining and impactful book about the main character putting herself first and finding herself. Noni has always focused on everyone else and for the first time in her life is putting herself first. Noni decides she is moving to Europe for a few months and temporarily leaves her old life behind. Noni focuses on finding herself and discovering what will make her happy. Noni starts this journey still not over a long term relationship that ended eighteen months ago. Noni is a complex character that is relatable at least to some extent. Her trip does not go as planned. Noni ends up in hilarious awkward situations. She is embracing and exploring her sexuality. Noni meets a new friend and finds a job. She finds an unexpected love interest and has to decide what she actually wants out of their time together. It’s Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake is full of funny moments but also serious topics. Noni discusses counseling and the effects of a miscarriage even years later. All of the characters are unique and the story is the perfect mix of entertaining and serious. Noni shows the reader that it’s never too late to find yourself.
Thank you MIRA, HARLEQUIN Trade Publishing, and NetGalley for It’s Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake.
Full Review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
Thank you MIRA, HARLEQUIN Trade Publishing, and NetGalley for It’s Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake.
Full Review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
June 25, 2021
1.5 stars
This book…. I really expected to enjoy it, and it really was a miss for me.
The biggest positive of the book was we got a bisexual heroine which I don’t see a lot in romance (and I would like to see more of). But other than that, this book was all over the damn place with the story and the characters. And while for the most part this book was a 3 star read, somewhere near the middle I just wanted it to be over and was no longer enjoying the book.
If I were to try and describe this book to someone, I would say it’s a bisexual High Fidelity but instead of revisiting old relationships the MC decides to go back and sleep with everyone she wished she had and everyone else along the way. And reading it, it didn’t seem like something that was freeing for this character (like I think it was supposed to be?) instead it seemed like she was spiraling and putting herself in scenarios where she was drunk and consent to sex wasn’t always clear. And let’s not talk about the guy she slept with who had a racist tattoo. Not even sure how to touch on that one.
Overall, meh. Just… lots of meh.
This book…. I really expected to enjoy it, and it really was a miss for me.
The biggest positive of the book was we got a bisexual heroine which I don’t see a lot in romance (and I would like to see more of). But other than that, this book was all over the damn place with the story and the characters. And while for the most part this book was a 3 star read, somewhere near the middle I just wanted it to be over and was no longer enjoying the book.
If I were to try and describe this book to someone, I would say it’s a bisexual High Fidelity but instead of revisiting old relationships the MC decides to go back and sleep with everyone she wished she had and everyone else along the way. And reading it, it didn’t seem like something that was freeing for this character (like I think it was supposed to be?) instead it seemed like she was spiraling and putting herself in scenarios where she was drunk and consent to sex wasn’t always clear. And let’s not talk about the guy she slept with who had a racist tattoo. Not even sure how to touch on that one.
Overall, meh. Just… lots of meh.
November 26, 2020
This was hyped up so much on Instagram and as a bisexual, chubby woman in her 30’s, I was desperate to get my hands on it because the main character is.. drumroll... a bisexual, chubby woman in her 30’s (she could be pansexual but I’m going with Bi as it isn’t exactly stated in the story) but... mate!
I was completely annoyed at this book by the end. It took me 3 days to finish because it was making me roll my eyes and just not want to read it!
At no point did this come across as a “feel good rom com” or “inspiring”. It was literally a book of Noni Blake having sex with every bloke she meets and a couple of women...
It was just so unbelievable! Every bloke she meets on her journey from Australia to Europe finds her sexy and wants to sleep with her immediately and all her friends think it’s brilliant even though she doesn’t think her body is “good enough” - certainly doesn’t stop her banging everyone.
No one questions her 6 month long holiday turned “pleasure quest” following a death of a one night stand and a long standing flirtation with zero promise of being more than that.
This story at its core isn’t about Noni finding herself or loving herself.. it’s all about sex and nothing more. There is nothing feel good about that.
I couldn’t feel any love between her and the Viking. I couldn’t even feel the connection between her and Molly.
There was no real depth to Noni... I just could not connect to her at all and it honestly was devastating to me because I wanted so much more from this book then what I got.
I was completely annoyed at this book by the end. It took me 3 days to finish because it was making me roll my eyes and just not want to read it!
At no point did this come across as a “feel good rom com” or “inspiring”. It was literally a book of Noni Blake having sex with every bloke she meets and a couple of women...
It was just so unbelievable! Every bloke she meets on her journey from Australia to Europe finds her sexy and wants to sleep with her immediately and all her friends think it’s brilliant even though she doesn’t think her body is “good enough” - certainly doesn’t stop her banging everyone.
No one questions her 6 month long holiday turned “pleasure quest” following a death of a one night stand and a long standing flirtation with zero promise of being more than that.
This story at its core isn’t about Noni finding herself or loving herself.. it’s all about sex and nothing more. There is nothing feel good about that.
I couldn’t feel any love between her and the Viking. I couldn’t even feel the connection between her and Molly.
There was no real depth to Noni... I just could not connect to her at all and it honestly was devastating to me because I wanted so much more from this book then what I got.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2021
A pleasure read! Noni leaves a bad breakup and a job behind in Australia in pursuit of whatever she can say yes to in Europe, including maybe checking off some people from her list of missed hookups. This would be a great gift for a friend (or yourself) who has put herself last for too long. Very sex positive, bi friendly, and overall joyful even through some hard situations.
I had a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. It came out February 23, 2021.
I had a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. It came out February 23, 2021.
July 22, 2020
To say that I was eager to read Claire Christian's sophomore novel would be an understatement, as would to off-handedly mention that her books are not really written with a middle aged, middle class, heteronormative white guy in mind. So I was thrilled when I was finally able to pick up an advanced copy.
Her debut novel reminded me of all of the many feelings of adolescence so perfectly that I found myself missing my manga sized swoosh haircut and getting out my emo mixtapes, and she has followed that up with a modern update of the romcom genre that Netflix would be proud to have in their growing stable of life affirming tales of love and otherness.
Claire is very clearly passionate about empowering her audience, and her capacity for joy is evident as Noni Blake discovers the real pleasure of putting herself first via some completely outrageous sexual (mis)adventures, an unanticipated encounter with an Aussie backpacker in Amsterdam (but who hasn't met an Aussie backpacker every time they've traveled?) which made me gasp in delight and the kind of wish fulfilment fantasy that genres are made for. And that's before you even consider the modern take on the classic romantic lead - Beau the educated, emotionally intelligent, insanely handsome, bearded tattooist - dispatched on to the page in an attempt to sweep Noni out of my life forever.
There are moments I may never forget, I have already used one of Noni's questionable sex scenes as an anecdote on a date to demonstrate that things could definitely be worse that having a beer with me for example, and I definitely could have done with a lot more of the adventure and less of the romance - see the first paragraph - and whilst on the surface it might appear to be a much lighter novel than Beautiful Mess, Noni Blake's pleasure quest actually tackles the same important themes of self care, self worth, and finding your place in the world, no matter how old you are, how many times you have let yourself down, or how often somebody has covered you in honey during a one night stand.
Her debut novel reminded me of all of the many feelings of adolescence so perfectly that I found myself missing my manga sized swoosh haircut and getting out my emo mixtapes, and she has followed that up with a modern update of the romcom genre that Netflix would be proud to have in their growing stable of life affirming tales of love and otherness.
Claire is very clearly passionate about empowering her audience, and her capacity for joy is evident as Noni Blake discovers the real pleasure of putting herself first via some completely outrageous sexual (mis)adventures, an unanticipated encounter with an Aussie backpacker in Amsterdam (but who hasn't met an Aussie backpacker every time they've traveled?) which made me gasp in delight and the kind of wish fulfilment fantasy that genres are made for. And that's before you even consider the modern take on the classic romantic lead - Beau the educated, emotionally intelligent, insanely handsome, bearded tattooist - dispatched on to the page in an attempt to sweep Noni out of my life forever.
There are moments I may never forget, I have already used one of Noni's questionable sex scenes as an anecdote on a date to demonstrate that things could definitely be worse that having a beer with me for example, and I definitely could have done with a lot more of the adventure and less of the romance - see the first paragraph - and whilst on the surface it might appear to be a much lighter novel than Beautiful Mess, Noni Blake's pleasure quest actually tackles the same important themes of self care, self worth, and finding your place in the world, no matter how old you are, how many times you have let yourself down, or how often somebody has covered you in honey during a one night stand.
dnf
August 2, 2020DNF'd at 12%. I picked this up because the premise sounded fun and I'm always down for disaster bisexuals. In the first couple of chapters, I found myself liking a lot of things including the author's voice, the queerness, and the main character's best friend. But then the story started taking a bizarre direction and I was done.
August 10, 2022
4.6/5 stars, I had such a fun time with this one!! Loses .4 just for minor cringe/cheesy factor. BUT, beside that, love love love.
This book follows Noni Blake, fresh out of a 10 year relationship, confused about life, feeling as though she’s hit a wall. In turn, she creates an “almost slept with list” which leads her to fly across the world to chase the girl who could of been. This sets up for the most outrageous 6 month journey of self-discovery, self-love, and most importantly, PUTTING NONI BLAKE FIRST!
Claire Christian has written a TRUE romCOM, heavy on the romance and heavy on the comedy!! It had me swooning one page and then laughing out loud the next! I find it difficult to write genuine comedy, but this book had no struggle.
This novel is VERY sex positive, in many different ways, which I thought was so refreshing. The good and the bad parts of sex, and everything in between. It’s smutty, it’s vulgar, it’s real. Noni Blake shows us it’s never too late to learn new things about yourself. Listening to your inner truth is hard, but chasing that pleasure brings true happiness. Noni shows us how bright life can be when you actually put yourself first.
The best part was definitely Noni and surrounding characters. She has the most amazing support system and circle of friends. The way they love Noni, made me so happy, because I don’t think anyone deserved it more than her. All the characters were unique and vibrant and full of life!
I truly loved this book. Yes, it may have been mildly cheesy or cringey at some points but entirely loveable! I think this book offers such great advice or just reminders that your life is YOURS and the only person who needs to be happy about it, is YOU. So make the best out of the one life you’re given!
This book follows Noni Blake, fresh out of a 10 year relationship, confused about life, feeling as though she’s hit a wall. In turn, she creates an “almost slept with list” which leads her to fly across the world to chase the girl who could of been. This sets up for the most outrageous 6 month journey of self-discovery, self-love, and most importantly, PUTTING NONI BLAKE FIRST!
Claire Christian has written a TRUE romCOM, heavy on the romance and heavy on the comedy!! It had me swooning one page and then laughing out loud the next! I find it difficult to write genuine comedy, but this book had no struggle.
This novel is VERY sex positive, in many different ways, which I thought was so refreshing. The good and the bad parts of sex, and everything in between. It’s smutty, it’s vulgar, it’s real. Noni Blake shows us it’s never too late to learn new things about yourself. Listening to your inner truth is hard, but chasing that pleasure brings true happiness. Noni shows us how bright life can be when you actually put yourself first.
The best part was definitely Noni and surrounding characters. She has the most amazing support system and circle of friends. The way they love Noni, made me so happy, because I don’t think anyone deserved it more than her. All the characters were unique and vibrant and full of life!
I truly loved this book. Yes, it may have been mildly cheesy or cringey at some points but entirely loveable! I think this book offers such great advice or just reminders that your life is YOURS and the only person who needs to be happy about it, is YOU. So make the best out of the one life you’re given!
March 28, 2021
just finished the ebook of this one and i think it's highly highly overrated. the main character Noni Blake is going on a self discovery to Europe but turns out it was more about the number of people she's had sex with. like, she's having sex in almost every chapter. i felt completely put off by that. her meetings with strangers on her journey were so unbelievable and not at all realistic. this book does have a pretty cover and at times Noni was funny as hell but i felt like i've been reading some *thingy* diary lol. this was just too much
December 20, 2020
There wasn’t one big thing that bothered me about this book, just a bunch of small things that rubbed me the wrong way, unfortunately. In particular, I didn't like the conflation of 'pleasure' and 'self-enlightenment' with sex/romance, at the expense of exploring Noni's feelings about her parents, her career, and whether or not she wanted to have a baby. I didn't like how cheaply the encounter with the firefighter who kicks off this story was treated. And, I also found the dialogue to be 'off'; I wasn't convinced by how open and brash everyone was with each other, all the time.
I did like that this is a queer book that's not about being queer (Noni's bisexuality is a total non-event), but I wish I'd enjoyed it more.
I did like that this is a queer book that's not about being queer (Noni's bisexuality is a total non-event), but I wish I'd enjoyed it more.
September 4, 2021
Super quirky and steamy! This was a fun read! I loved the sex positivity as well as the body positivity. Noni has has always put everyone else first, but now it’s her turn. She heads to Europe from Australia to live her best life and boy does she! This was so funny, Nonie is an absolute hoot! And boy oh boy can the girl get herself into some awkward situations! Another review said the book reminded them a bit of Sophie Kinsella and I can see that. Nonie is a lovable impetuous relatable character just like most of Sophie‘s characters, however there is a lot more steam in this book, for sure! 🔥
March 27, 2021
Noni is a 36-year old teacher who has recently experienced loss, grief, and the end of a long-term relationship. She's in a rut and has reached a point in her life where she no longer has a plan. She's afraid she'll die and no one will have anything to say about her life. Rather than settle into the rut, she decides now's the time for her to focus on herself, and travels to Europe to explore and find happiness.
I thought the story was ok. I didn't know anything about this book, but the cover was catchy and the blurb called it a hilarious story so I figured I'd give it a try. I didn't necessarily find it to be all that funny. I mostly found it to be repetitive and absurd.
This is a highly rated book, so it clearly just wasn't a good fit for me. I guess I was expecting something more like Love Your Life, which I read recently and thought was fantastic.
I thought the story was ok. I didn't know anything about this book, but the cover was catchy and the blurb called it a hilarious story so I figured I'd give it a try. I didn't necessarily find it to be all that funny. I mostly found it to be repetitive and absurd.
This is a highly rated book, so it clearly just wasn't a good fit for me. I guess I was expecting something more like Love Your Life, which I read recently and thought was fantastic.
November 12, 2022
What an inspiring story - had me laughing out loud a lot of the time! How is this book not more popular? Definitely one of my favourite reads this year!
May 10, 2023
When fuck is in the opening lines you know it’s going to be a good book.
You know the feeling when you’re trying to pick and book and nothings scratching that itch. This book was my book, it made me feel all the feels. And made me stay up to midnight because it consumed me.
Noni is in a rut. Her life ended when her partner of 9 years Joan (the house, the dog and the failed ivf) left. Noni struggled to find herself and couldn’t build her confidence back up form a negative value.
The best way to get over someone is to get under someone else right? A sexy firefighter sparks her interest they hit it off and she has a one night stand. Tragically she dies and Noni has a midlife crisis moment and decides she needs a fuck it list of all the people she wish she’d fucked and a plan to begin her pleasure quest.
Noni backs her bags and heads to Europe in search of fulfilment, pleasure and exploration. Then she meets Beau, the hot, tattooed, Vikings that changes the course. Happiness is always the right choice.
Updated review - Read 3 it was just as freaking amazing!
You know the feeling when you’re trying to pick and book and nothings scratching that itch. This book was my book, it made me feel all the feels. And made me stay up to midnight because it consumed me.
Noni is in a rut. Her life ended when her partner of 9 years Joan (the house, the dog and the failed ivf) left. Noni struggled to find herself and couldn’t build her confidence back up form a negative value.
The best way to get over someone is to get under someone else right? A sexy firefighter sparks her interest they hit it off and she has a one night stand. Tragically she dies and Noni has a midlife crisis moment and decides she needs a fuck it list of all the people she wish she’d fucked and a plan to begin her pleasure quest.
Noni backs her bags and heads to Europe in search of fulfilment, pleasure and exploration. Then she meets Beau, the hot, tattooed, Vikings that changes the course. Happiness is always the right choice.
Updated review - Read 3 it was just as freaking amazing!
March 12, 2021
4.5/5
Ok I loved this one you guys! I didn’t expect it to be so inspirational and uplifting, but it was really wonderful. How often do we, as adults do things just for the simple pleasure of it? Not often I’m afraid, and following along with Noni as she embarks on a pleasure quest was such a damn delight. It was a unique way for her to start a path of self discovery and I was rooting for her so hard!
Noni was such a complex and well crafted character, she was very honest and vulnerable throughout the book as she faced her own insecurities. There was so much body positivity and sex positivity and I am SO here for that. It was refreshing to read about a strong woman going after what she wanted and to put her own needs and wants first. I adored my time with Noni and was sad to say goodbye. Read this is you want to feel empowered and hopeful, it was sexy, funny and utterly charming.
Ok I loved this one you guys! I didn’t expect it to be so inspirational and uplifting, but it was really wonderful. How often do we, as adults do things just for the simple pleasure of it? Not often I’m afraid, and following along with Noni as she embarks on a pleasure quest was such a damn delight. It was a unique way for her to start a path of self discovery and I was rooting for her so hard!
Noni was such a complex and well crafted character, she was very honest and vulnerable throughout the book as she faced her own insecurities. There was so much body positivity and sex positivity and I am SO here for that. It was refreshing to read about a strong woman going after what she wanted and to put her own needs and wants first. I adored my time with Noni and was sad to say goodbye. Read this is you want to feel empowered and hopeful, it was sexy, funny and utterly charming.
October 29, 2020
It’s Been A Pleasure, Noni Blake is the second novel by Australian novelist and playwright, Claire Christian. Eighteen months out of a nine-year relationship, Noni Blake is still, unintentionally, celibate, until a one-night-stand with the firefighter. The tragic event that follows is the impetus to stop “putting on twelve kilos, dyeing my hair too dark, spending way too much money on therapy” and start trying again.
The result of a late-night drinking session with her best friend since third grade, Lindell and his partner, Graham, is the list of the Should-Have-Boned. Ever her sounding board for all things, Lindell supports and encourages her to take the big step: Europe, and the last name on that list, Molly. “Doing this may disrupt the very comfortable fabric of my life. And that’s petrifying, because I’m very comfortable here. I know how things work. How I work. I’m happy being relatively unhappy.”
When Molly becomes a major disappointment, Noni’s unfailing London friends step in to comfort and distract, and an Edinburgh retreat results in Noni’s Pleasure Quest. This includes quite a lot of sex, a trip to Amsterdam, a tattoo (and encountering a Viking-like tattoo artist, Beau).
It’s likely that Noni, both in thought and action, will initially strike the reader as immature: thirty-six going on sixteen. She lacks self-esteem, has body image issues, fails to listen to the inner voice, and makes poor decisions, some of which she justifies with “Sometimes we need to experience things to know they’re what we don’t want.” She does, eventually, get it together (“I feel like an idiot for thinking diving into my past would change anything about the present”), even if she spends way too long in angsty self-analysis.
There’s copious use of expletives which, while perhaps fitting for the characters and their cohort, may bother some readers, as may Noni’s rampant promiscuity and the explicit sexual descriptions. But Christian does have a way with words: “Like I’m a blob of paint and a brush has come in and swirled me in a perfect circle” and there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.
Christian does give her characters some wise words and insightful comments: “I think aging is actually just about getting used to yourself, you know? Getting used to the way you are, the way you work, the way you process things, the weird things that make you unique. I think we spend so much time early on figuring that out. Or fighting against it.” While it won’t appeal to everyone, Claire Christian’s second novel is funny and ultimately feel-good.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Text Publishing.
The result of a late-night drinking session with her best friend since third grade, Lindell and his partner, Graham, is the list of the Should-Have-Boned. Ever her sounding board for all things, Lindell supports and encourages her to take the big step: Europe, and the last name on that list, Molly. “Doing this may disrupt the very comfortable fabric of my life. And that’s petrifying, because I’m very comfortable here. I know how things work. How I work. I’m happy being relatively unhappy.”
When Molly becomes a major disappointment, Noni’s unfailing London friends step in to comfort and distract, and an Edinburgh retreat results in Noni’s Pleasure Quest. This includes quite a lot of sex, a trip to Amsterdam, a tattoo (and encountering a Viking-like tattoo artist, Beau).
It’s likely that Noni, both in thought and action, will initially strike the reader as immature: thirty-six going on sixteen. She lacks self-esteem, has body image issues, fails to listen to the inner voice, and makes poor decisions, some of which she justifies with “Sometimes we need to experience things to know they’re what we don’t want.” She does, eventually, get it together (“I feel like an idiot for thinking diving into my past would change anything about the present”), even if she spends way too long in angsty self-analysis.
There’s copious use of expletives which, while perhaps fitting for the characters and their cohort, may bother some readers, as may Noni’s rampant promiscuity and the explicit sexual descriptions. But Christian does have a way with words: “Like I’m a blob of paint and a brush has come in and swirled me in a perfect circle” and there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.
Christian does give her characters some wise words and insightful comments: “I think aging is actually just about getting used to yourself, you know? Getting used to the way you are, the way you work, the way you process things, the weird things that make you unique. I think we spend so much time early on figuring that out. Or fighting against it.” While it won’t appeal to everyone, Claire Christian’s second novel is funny and ultimately feel-good.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Text Publishing.
August 10, 2020
You know when a friend, a book friend tells you to read a book, you think ohh this is going to be good.
Wrong.... this is all the way to the moon and back, orbiting somewhere in the galaxy, fantastically good.
Noni is having a melt down, she’s ended her relationship after 9 years with Joan, the one night stand she just rather enjoyed, the fit firefighter tragically dies, and after a deep and meaningful conversation with her two male gay friends she decides to hop it to Europe and in her words go on a ‘pleasure quest’ - what’s that?
It’s doing small things, everyday things, that you really want to do but tell yourself you can’t because... because well because you just can’t bloody do them you’ve got to be sensible and pay bills, go to work, you get the drift and besides what will people think?
You know we all think it, and feel it and if your truly honest, we all have a million conversations in our head each day about what you want to do, wear, think, feel, and how you SHOULD behave...
well, Noni has those conversations. Reading this you are nodding and smiling in agreement as she sets off on a mission, and gets brave and begins her quest of finding out what will make her happy.
Meeting Beau along the way who is an extremely savvy, sexy Viking no messing god of a man helps and if you think this is just another Rom - com and your eyes are now glazing over your wrong. This book is a romance but is also about being true, doing what you totally want, - to eat,✅ drink,✅dye, ✅kiss, ✅fuck✅ (yes there’s a lot of that kinda talk and action in this one) and hell yes getting a tattoo ✅if you think you really should.
This is about Noni taking control of her life, sex with who she wants (that will have some squirming) (and some smiling).
A book that tackles, self love, self care, finally being just you.
Strong language, sex scenes and normal life!
Thank you Claire Christian for making me smile for 300 plus pages and Net galley for this cracker of an advanced copy and Text Publishing you’ve got a hit on your hands here.
5 pleasure quest stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publishes 29 September in the UK and February for the USA
Wrong.... this is all the way to the moon and back, orbiting somewhere in the galaxy, fantastically good.
Noni is having a melt down, she’s ended her relationship after 9 years with Joan, the one night stand she just rather enjoyed, the fit firefighter tragically dies, and after a deep and meaningful conversation with her two male gay friends she decides to hop it to Europe and in her words go on a ‘pleasure quest’ - what’s that?
It’s doing small things, everyday things, that you really want to do but tell yourself you can’t because... because well because you just can’t bloody do them you’ve got to be sensible and pay bills, go to work, you get the drift and besides what will people think?
You know we all think it, and feel it and if your truly honest, we all have a million conversations in our head each day about what you want to do, wear, think, feel, and how you SHOULD behave...
well, Noni has those conversations. Reading this you are nodding and smiling in agreement as she sets off on a mission, and gets brave and begins her quest of finding out what will make her happy.
Meeting Beau along the way who is an extremely savvy, sexy Viking no messing god of a man helps and if you think this is just another Rom - com and your eyes are now glazing over your wrong. This book is a romance but is also about being true, doing what you totally want, - to eat,✅ drink,✅dye, ✅kiss, ✅fuck✅ (yes there’s a lot of that kinda talk and action in this one) and hell yes getting a tattoo ✅if you think you really should.
This is about Noni taking control of her life, sex with who she wants (that will have some squirming) (and some smiling).
A book that tackles, self love, self care, finally being just you.
Strong language, sex scenes and normal life!
Thank you Claire Christian for making me smile for 300 plus pages and Net galley for this cracker of an advanced copy and Text Publishing you’ve got a hit on your hands here.
5 pleasure quest stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publishes 29 September in the UK and February for the USA
dnf
September 22, 2021I made it 30% into this bisexual chick lit romp, but I got tired of Noni just sleeping around and nothing else happening. I think some other kind of story and/or character development probably comes later but too little too late for me!
January 4, 2021
You know that experience where it's the middle of the night and you've accidentally started watching decades-old reruns of Sex and the City on E! or some random other channel, and you're suddenly absolutely horrified by how horrendously everyone treats their sexual partners?
That's this book.
There's even a moment late in the novel wherein our protagonist has an actually very cute and poingant conversation with her boyfriend's teenaged son about treating his sexual partners with respect, and I wanted to scream because that's good advice but lady I've known you for three hundred fucking pages and you have literally NEVER done that! No one hates people they choose to sleep with as much as Noni does. They're interchangeable hatable sex toys for almost all of this goddamn book. And, frankly, sometimes it seems like everybody's so drunk that one or both parties in every encounter is only dubiously able to consent. Why in the fuck did I read this.
Admittedly, there are some good and even great parts of this novel. Our protagonist is bisexual, and it's nice that's not something she angsts about even though the book bizzarely does absolute summersaults to avoid using the actual word, like it somehow has cooties. The endgame love interest is a delight, especially once Noni stops treating him like an interchangeable sex toy without a name. That teenaged son is so great he steals every scene he's in. Noni's friends are genuinely funny. It's compellingly written.
But it's 1990's Sex and the City - candy-coated fun with a seedy underbelly. Yes, it's great and feminist to focus on a woman getting pleasure from sex - but not when it's at the expense of treating one's partner like a human being. Like, this story even fridges some random faceless nameless sexual conquest of a woman to kick off Noni's sex quest, because nobody else matters. That callousness is the initial incident and just leads to more and I...just couldn't get past that.
That's this book.
There's even a moment late in the novel wherein our protagonist has an actually very cute and poingant conversation with her boyfriend's teenaged son about treating his sexual partners with respect, and I wanted to scream because that's good advice but lady I've known you for three hundred fucking pages and you have literally NEVER done that! No one hates people they choose to sleep with as much as Noni does. They're interchangeable hatable sex toys for almost all of this goddamn book. And, frankly, sometimes it seems like everybody's so drunk that one or both parties in every encounter is only dubiously able to consent. Why in the fuck did I read this.
Admittedly, there are some good and even great parts of this novel. Our protagonist is bisexual, and it's nice that's not something she angsts about even though the book bizzarely does absolute summersaults to avoid using the actual word, like it somehow has cooties. The endgame love interest is a delight, especially once Noni stops treating him like an interchangeable sex toy without a name. That teenaged son is so great he steals every scene he's in. Noni's friends are genuinely funny. It's compellingly written.
But it's 1990's Sex and the City - candy-coated fun with a seedy underbelly. Yes, it's great and feminist to focus on a woman getting pleasure from sex - but not when it's at the expense of treating one's partner like a human being. Like, this story even fridges some random faceless nameless sexual conquest of a woman to kick off Noni's sex quest, because nobody else matters. That callousness is the initial incident and just leads to more and I...just couldn't get past that.
September 29, 2020
This book is a great inspirational read. As we follow Noni on her ‘Pleasure Quest‘ to Europe to find what pleases her specifically- it gives the reader insight as to what we all need... to find ourselves again in the crazy world.
The journey was so much more, but the story warmed my heart to follow Noni and her emotional roller coaster.
The journey was so much more, but the story warmed my heart to follow Noni and her emotional roller coaster.
March 10, 2021
Find this review and others at Carlene Inspired.
It's Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake was just such a joy to read. Noni Blake is here, she's queer, she's loud, and she's not really proud yet, but she's getting there. Noni's journey of self discovery, of learning to own her emotions and who she is, was beautiful and so authentic. She's been so bereft since the dissolution of her marriage that she's not paid attention to that fact she's unhappy, that she's been unhappy. Happiness is not as easy as love though, it's not as easy as following a list you make, it's not checking boxes, and Noni's figuring that out. She's doing the what ifs, quite literally, and making up some more along the way. What ensues is a hilarious, sometimes serious, adventure in sexuality, happiness, grief, and love. I read It's Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake in one sitting and if I could read it for the first time again I would, I just loved it so much.
I am of the perspective that her queerness was not looked over, rather Claire Christian writes it matter of fact. You know, the way we should treat it, rather than as some big difference. Why yes, I am queer in case you were wondering, and I do think I should just be treated equally and reading a book where the MC is treated that way was so nice. I am also of the belief that owning our sexuality is our business and what we do with it is personal and not up for discussion, so good for Noni for doing what she wanted sexually. It wouldn't be what I do, but I sure loved reading about it and the power it gave her. Oh, you don't think sleeping around should give people power? Good thing it isn't up to you. It helped things click for her and it made her face good and bad parts of her life, her choices, her thoughts. I was ALL ABOUT IT.
Noni Blake is the kind of character you grow to love, just like she grows to love herself. What is once embarrassingly awkward and painful self-criticism turns to embracing that awkwardness and learning to cheer for oneself. She finds joy in making choices for herself, in putting herself first, and in learning how saying yes, and sometimes no, are the key to happiness even if it doesn't make others happy. It's Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake is a satisfying, profound read about self love and empowerment and I cannot recommend it enough.
ARC provided.
It's Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake was just such a joy to read. Noni Blake is here, she's queer, she's loud, and she's not really proud yet, but she's getting there. Noni's journey of self discovery, of learning to own her emotions and who she is, was beautiful and so authentic. She's been so bereft since the dissolution of her marriage that she's not paid attention to that fact she's unhappy, that she's been unhappy. Happiness is not as easy as love though, it's not as easy as following a list you make, it's not checking boxes, and Noni's figuring that out. She's doing the what ifs, quite literally, and making up some more along the way. What ensues is a hilarious, sometimes serious, adventure in sexuality, happiness, grief, and love. I read It's Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake in one sitting and if I could read it for the first time again I would, I just loved it so much.
I am of the perspective that her queerness was not looked over, rather Claire Christian writes it matter of fact. You know, the way we should treat it, rather than as some big difference. Why yes, I am queer in case you were wondering, and I do think I should just be treated equally and reading a book where the MC is treated that way was so nice. I am also of the belief that owning our sexuality is our business and what we do with it is personal and not up for discussion, so good for Noni for doing what she wanted sexually. It wouldn't be what I do, but I sure loved reading about it and the power it gave her. Oh, you don't think sleeping around should give people power? Good thing it isn't up to you. It helped things click for her and it made her face good and bad parts of her life, her choices, her thoughts. I was ALL ABOUT IT.
Noni Blake is the kind of character you grow to love, just like she grows to love herself. What is once embarrassingly awkward and painful self-criticism turns to embracing that awkwardness and learning to cheer for oneself. She finds joy in making choices for herself, in putting herself first, and in learning how saying yes, and sometimes no, are the key to happiness even if it doesn't make others happy. It's Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake is a satisfying, profound read about self love and empowerment and I cannot recommend it enough.
ARC provided.
March 20, 2021
I totally loved this book...it was laugh out loud funny, an LGBTQ positive, body-positive, female empowerment novel about a woman finding herself again and discovering what she truly wants in this world with some truly witty hilarious inner thoughts and dialogue....and I just really all around enjoyed it. A quick easy beach read....Nothing too serious here, but it made me happy!
April 26, 2021
4.5*
Charming, witty, quirky, funny and delightful. This journey of self discovery has the main character, Noni, falling in love with pleasure, life, herself and a man. It's a disservice to call this book a romance novel, because while there is a romantic relationship that develops the story is more about learning the truths about yourself in your thirties.
I struggled with the beginning. Noni is bi-sexual, which is fine, but her sexcapades were off putting. They are meant to be funny. The circumstances she ends up in are unusual and in some cases humorous, but I preferred the book once she actually left Australia and went to London.
Noni was at a crossroads in her life. She and her partner of 9 years had broken up and their house finally sold giving Noni enough money to take a 6 month sabbatical from her teaching job. A woman firefighter from one of Noni's one night stands dies and Noni decides she needs to find the meaning and pleasure in her life. She had become happy being unhappy. She makes plans to meet up with a friend in London and connects with an unrequited "love".
Her adventures take her all over Europe where she meets some wonderful people. She also stumbles into some crazy situations, but saying yes to possibilities changes her life. It's a story we all know and a lesson we've all heard. When you can love yourself, love will find you - and for Noni, it does.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC of this book.
Charming, witty, quirky, funny and delightful. This journey of self discovery has the main character, Noni, falling in love with pleasure, life, herself and a man. It's a disservice to call this book a romance novel, because while there is a romantic relationship that develops the story is more about learning the truths about yourself in your thirties.
I struggled with the beginning. Noni is bi-sexual, which is fine, but her sexcapades were off putting. They are meant to be funny. The circumstances she ends up in are unusual and in some cases humorous, but I preferred the book once she actually left Australia and went to London.
Noni was at a crossroads in her life. She and her partner of 9 years had broken up and their house finally sold giving Noni enough money to take a 6 month sabbatical from her teaching job. A woman firefighter from one of Noni's one night stands dies and Noni decides she needs to find the meaning and pleasure in her life. She had become happy being unhappy. She makes plans to meet up with a friend in London and connects with an unrequited "love".
Her adventures take her all over Europe where she meets some wonderful people. She also stumbles into some crazy situations, but saying yes to possibilities changes her life. It's a story we all know and a lesson we've all heard. When you can love yourself, love will find you - and for Noni, it does.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC of this book.
October 8, 2025
This one got me good.
I was not expecting my impulsive contemporary romance checkout to punch me in the soul and leave a lasting mark on my heart.
It's just darn good. Noni's eat, pray, love-esque journey is relatable. She unlearns a bunch of crap many of us learn throughout life. She is the relatable Bridget Jones character I have always quested after. Warning, there are some interesting and underwhelming spicy encounters in this book. (it's the rubber sheets for me)
Read this book and then call me immediately so we can chat.
I was not expecting my impulsive contemporary romance checkout to punch me in the soul and leave a lasting mark on my heart.
It's just darn good. Noni's eat, pray, love-esque journey is relatable. She unlearns a bunch of crap many of us learn throughout life. She is the relatable Bridget Jones character I have always quested after. Warning, there are some interesting and underwhelming spicy encounters in this book. (it's the rubber sheets for me)
Read this book and then call me immediately so we can chat.
February 28, 2021
Noni Blake was about a woman finding her truth. There were aspects of the story I enjoyed. I liked that Noni embraced her body and learned what she wanted out of life. I liked that she chased down what she thought she wanted.
I never really cared for Noni though and I'm not sure why. Some of the dialogue also felt a little unbelievable to me.
All in all, the story wasn't a bad story. It just wasn't a story for me.
*EArc Provided by Netgalley for my honest review*
I never really cared for Noni though and I'm not sure why. Some of the dialogue also felt a little unbelievable to me.
All in all, the story wasn't a bad story. It just wasn't a story for me.
*EArc Provided by Netgalley for my honest review*
August 14, 2020
Noni Blake lives her life in shades of beige, she's dependable, steadfast and on the verge of embarking on a pleasure quest throughout Europe. Noni is a formidable woman, we first meet Noni as she's healing from the breakup of her nine year long relationship with Joan, sharing a mortgage and child of the four legged variety. The split was amicable but while Joan has seemingly moved on, Noni uses the opportunity to step out of her beige comfort zone and take life by the balls.
Leaving her fabulously gay best friend behind in Australia, Noni departs for London, a to do list in hand, quite literally. Molly is the one that almost was but neither she or Noni could get their shit together and hook up. So rather than always wonder, Noni plans on making the next six months count.
Sexy times, horrendous sexual encounters, new lingerie, posing nude, drinking, indulging and one incredibly sexy viking later and Noni finds herself the embodiment of female empowerment. The new sexy and confident Noni lives her life to the fullest and I absolutely adored her. She's plump, a bit of a bogan and responsible for her own orgasms. She's bright, outgoing and is learning to embrace her imperfections and find comfort in her own body. I loved Noni's authenticity. She's insecure and vulnerable and completely relatable. She owns her sexuality and after years of teaching and putting others happiness before her own, she's finally finally putting her own needs first.
Noni is bisexual and after her nine year relationship ended, a one night stand prompts her to pack up her life and travel. It's inspirational, not to mention incredibly brave. In much the same way that Marie Kondo asks, does it spark joy, Noni is seeking pleasure through travel, friendships, lovers and finding moments of happiness. Temporary pleasure comes at the hands and mouths of people she meets along her journey, from a female firefighter, high school principal, magician, the one who could have been and the Viking, the gentle and kind tattoo artist Beau. Her sexual misadventures are hilarious, even kinky in some instances but Noni takes each experience in her stride and along with her close circle of friends from home and abroad, is discovering she prefers unbridled, adventurous Noni.
The Viking was delightfully unexpected. On a whim, Noni decides to get herself inked while in London, walking in off the street into small tattoo studio where she meets artist Beau, bearded, burly and gentle and as he marks her skin, she's fantasising about getting on on the table and girl, merry orgasm to you my friend. Beau isn't just a conquest, he could very well be the love of Noni's life but beyond her pleasure quest, her new life of saying yes, of friends and parties and painting the town not quite red because she's still a responsible adult, Noni has her friends, family and career in Australia and Beau seems content to enjoy their fling while it lasts.
Oh how I loved It's Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake! It's fun, flirty and outrageously funny but beneath the surface lies a book about falling in love with yourself. There's a little bit of Noni in all of us.
Leaving her fabulously gay best friend behind in Australia, Noni departs for London, a to do list in hand, quite literally. Molly is the one that almost was but neither she or Noni could get their shit together and hook up. So rather than always wonder, Noni plans on making the next six months count.
Sexy times, horrendous sexual encounters, new lingerie, posing nude, drinking, indulging and one incredibly sexy viking later and Noni finds herself the embodiment of female empowerment. The new sexy and confident Noni lives her life to the fullest and I absolutely adored her. She's plump, a bit of a bogan and responsible for her own orgasms. She's bright, outgoing and is learning to embrace her imperfections and find comfort in her own body. I loved Noni's authenticity. She's insecure and vulnerable and completely relatable. She owns her sexuality and after years of teaching and putting others happiness before her own, she's finally finally putting her own needs first.
Noni is bisexual and after her nine year relationship ended, a one night stand prompts her to pack up her life and travel. It's inspirational, not to mention incredibly brave. In much the same way that Marie Kondo asks, does it spark joy, Noni is seeking pleasure through travel, friendships, lovers and finding moments of happiness. Temporary pleasure comes at the hands and mouths of people she meets along her journey, from a female firefighter, high school principal, magician, the one who could have been and the Viking, the gentle and kind tattoo artist Beau. Her sexual misadventures are hilarious, even kinky in some instances but Noni takes each experience in her stride and along with her close circle of friends from home and abroad, is discovering she prefers unbridled, adventurous Noni.
The Viking was delightfully unexpected. On a whim, Noni decides to get herself inked while in London, walking in off the street into small tattoo studio where she meets artist Beau, bearded, burly and gentle and as he marks her skin, she's fantasising about getting on on the table and girl, merry orgasm to you my friend. Beau isn't just a conquest, he could very well be the love of Noni's life but beyond her pleasure quest, her new life of saying yes, of friends and parties and painting the town not quite red because she's still a responsible adult, Noni has her friends, family and career in Australia and Beau seems content to enjoy their fling while it lasts.
Oh how I loved It's Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake! It's fun, flirty and outrageously funny but beneath the surface lies a book about falling in love with yourself. There's a little bit of Noni in all of us.
Read
June 21, 2024The following book reviews have been shared by Text Publishing – publisher of It's Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake
‘The dialogue is preppy, fun and sharp…I wanted to jump inside the world Christian has created…This is an all-round feel-good read, and utterly charming.’
Jessie Tu, Women’s Agenda
'This is a frank and funny novel that is refreshingly, unabashedly, queer and inclusive. Noni is many things: witty, self-deprecating, fat, loving, considerate, and bisexual; and the fact that Christian has managed to include almost every iteration of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum into this delightful book without making it A Book About Being Queer is actually kind of radical. For readers struggling through a quarter-life crisis, a Saturn rising, a breakup, a tough year, It’s Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake is the romantic comedy you want to lose yourself in. As Noni embarks on her life-changing pursuit of pleasure, you’re taken along on a joyous, absurd, and sex-filled ride. But, underneath it all, there is a great depth of feeling.’
Readings
‘Noni's comic voice is so refreshing, so endearing...I truly felt a bit bolder after reading this book…It felt pleasurable—and we can all do with a bit more pleasure.’
Age
'A funny, engaging, and light-hearted story… I recommend it to anyone who is in desperate need of a holiday (or a mental escape at least), or a bit of saucy fun mixed with disaster people. I assure you, you won’t regret it one bit!’
Nerd Daily
‘A vibrant story of self discovery…Both a celebration of pleasure and a dissection of the restrictions people place on their own lives, this is sure to capture readers’ hearts.’
Publishers Weekly (starred review)
'The perfect rom-com book to carry with you as you take your mind off 2020. It is so comforting to read a story about a queer, single woman in her 30s, seeking out whatever makes her feel good. I laughed out loud countless times.’
Jessie Tu, Sydney Morning Herald
'This book’s amazing. This is hilarious…If you thought Bridget Jones needed more smut, this is for you.’
3RRR
'All in all, this is a highly entertaining and effervescent romp, that also manages to encompass the type of deep self-reflection and learning that comes when life requires big changes from a person.’
Leanne Hall
'Delightful… A celebration of pleasure and a dissection of the restrictions people place on their own lives, this is sure to capture readers’ hearts.'
Publishers Weekly
‘An open-hearted, blazing spark of a novel…And didn’t put it down until I finished. I absolutely relished every page…It reminded me of the inherent power there is to be found in keeping ourselves cracked open to the possibilities in taking agency of our own lives.’
Holly Ringland, Herald Sun
‘A quirky, feel-good comedy about creating the life you want.’
Readings
‘The dialogue is preppy, fun and sharp…I wanted to jump inside the world Christian has created…This is an all-round feel-good read, and utterly charming.’
Jessie Tu, Women’s Agenda
'This is a frank and funny novel that is refreshingly, unabashedly, queer and inclusive. Noni is many things: witty, self-deprecating, fat, loving, considerate, and bisexual; and the fact that Christian has managed to include almost every iteration of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum into this delightful book without making it A Book About Being Queer is actually kind of radical. For readers struggling through a quarter-life crisis, a Saturn rising, a breakup, a tough year, It’s Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake is the romantic comedy you want to lose yourself in. As Noni embarks on her life-changing pursuit of pleasure, you’re taken along on a joyous, absurd, and sex-filled ride. But, underneath it all, there is a great depth of feeling.’
Readings
‘Noni's comic voice is so refreshing, so endearing...I truly felt a bit bolder after reading this book…It felt pleasurable—and we can all do with a bit more pleasure.’
Age
'A funny, engaging, and light-hearted story… I recommend it to anyone who is in desperate need of a holiday (or a mental escape at least), or a bit of saucy fun mixed with disaster people. I assure you, you won’t regret it one bit!’
Nerd Daily
‘A vibrant story of self discovery…Both a celebration of pleasure and a dissection of the restrictions people place on their own lives, this is sure to capture readers’ hearts.’
Publishers Weekly (starred review)
'The perfect rom-com book to carry with you as you take your mind off 2020. It is so comforting to read a story about a queer, single woman in her 30s, seeking out whatever makes her feel good. I laughed out loud countless times.’
Jessie Tu, Sydney Morning Herald
'This book’s amazing. This is hilarious…If you thought Bridget Jones needed more smut, this is for you.’
3RRR
'All in all, this is a highly entertaining and effervescent romp, that also manages to encompass the type of deep self-reflection and learning that comes when life requires big changes from a person.’
Leanne Hall
'Delightful… A celebration of pleasure and a dissection of the restrictions people place on their own lives, this is sure to capture readers’ hearts.'
Publishers Weekly
‘An open-hearted, blazing spark of a novel…And didn’t put it down until I finished. I absolutely relished every page…It reminded me of the inherent power there is to be found in keeping ourselves cracked open to the possibilities in taking agency of our own lives.’
Holly Ringland, Herald Sun
‘A quirky, feel-good comedy about creating the life you want.’
Readings
October 13, 2020
This novel gave me all the warm and fuzzy feelings, got me laughing out loud AND swooning over its characters and their relationships. It’s fun, it’s sexy, and it’s got so much heart. Although it may be light-hearted, it’s in no way ‘fluffy’ and covers some harrowing topics too. I read it during a time when i was feeling a bit fragile physically and mentally and it felt like such a big warm hug.
Noni Blake is a 36 year old high school teacher who’s been getting over a break up of a long-term, committed relationship. When the joint property Noni owned with her ex gets sold, Noni decides to use the money to travel and embark on a ‘pleasure quest’ where she puts herself and her happiness first.
The diversity of the characters feels so organic and natural which was so lovely to read and not feel forced in any way. Sometimes when a book ~tries~ to be diverse, you get the sense that the writer’s just trying to tick all the right boxes, but this wasn’t the sense that i got with Noni.
Noni herself posesses the perfect balance of having insecurities that we can all relate to, but also remarkable self awareness and self-love qualities! I also love how much the characters are able to communicate throughout the book. This sounds like something minor but i often find that most romance books’ premise is built on the miscommunication between its characters that gets dragged out which can be so frustrating! There’s no slow burn moments with Noni, things get resolved quickly but again always in an organic, satisfying way.
I also love the fact that this is a queer novel without it solely ‘about’ being queer. Noni is so comfortable with her sexual identity and it was very refreshing to see.
I don’t think i could love Noni more if i tried - so do yourselves a favour and give this one a read too!
Noni Blake is a 36 year old high school teacher who’s been getting over a break up of a long-term, committed relationship. When the joint property Noni owned with her ex gets sold, Noni decides to use the money to travel and embark on a ‘pleasure quest’ where she puts herself and her happiness first.
The diversity of the characters feels so organic and natural which was so lovely to read and not feel forced in any way. Sometimes when a book ~tries~ to be diverse, you get the sense that the writer’s just trying to tick all the right boxes, but this wasn’t the sense that i got with Noni.
Noni herself posesses the perfect balance of having insecurities that we can all relate to, but also remarkable self awareness and self-love qualities! I also love how much the characters are able to communicate throughout the book. This sounds like something minor but i often find that most romance books’ premise is built on the miscommunication between its characters that gets dragged out which can be so frustrating! There’s no slow burn moments with Noni, things get resolved quickly but again always in an organic, satisfying way.
I also love the fact that this is a queer novel without it solely ‘about’ being queer. Noni is so comfortable with her sexual identity and it was very refreshing to see.
I don’t think i could love Noni more if i tried - so do yourselves a favour and give this one a read too!
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