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Summary
Summary
"A vibrant story of self-discovery...sure to capture readers' hearts."--Publishers Weekly, starred review
A sparkling, feel-good tale about starting over, for anyone who's spent too much of their own life making other people happy.
What if you made yourself your number one priority?
Of all the women and men Noni Blake has pleased in her life, there's one she's often overlooked--herself. After the end of a decade-long relationship, Noni decides it's time for that to change. She's finally going to prioritize her wants and desires and only do things (and people) that feel good in the moment.
As she embarks on a pleasure-seeking quest that takes her halfway around the world, she discovers that maybe she can have everything, and everyone, she's ever wanted.
Effortlessly hilarious and relatable, Claire Christian spins a fresh, uplifting story about starting over as a thirtysomething woman who's been living life for everyone else. A story of self-discovery for the ages, Noni's journey serves as a reminder that life is what we make of it--so why not enjoy it?
"Funny, refreshing and empowering."--Lindsey Kelk
"Pure pleasure...sexy and joyful."--BookPage, starred review
Reviews (4)
Bookseller Publisher Review
Claire Christian's first adult novel is billed as a contemporary romantic comedy and while there is a delicious romance plot, the true love story is between the eponymous protagonist and herself. At the beginning of It's Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake our main character is in her mid-30s, single after the end of a long-term relationship, in a job she no longer finds fulfilling, and restless with a sense that time is running out. Supported by her gorgeous best friend Lindell, Noni decides to take a break from her life with the hope of starting over. There's something almost fairytale-like about this story, a quest that begins with a 'fuck-it' list and ends with the protagonist finding her place in the world--older, wiser and rewarded for her efforts with self-confidence, a sense of purpose and stronger relationships. If the pacing of the novel sometimes drags, the messy charm of the main character and the infectious optimism that fuels the narrative more than make for it. It's Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake is the fun, wise, progressive chick-lit story to get us through 2020. Kate Cuthbert is program manager at Writers Victoria.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Christian's delightful sophomore outing (after A Beautiful Mess) is a vibrant story of self discovery. After Noni Blake's nine-year relationship fizzles out, Noni, a plus-sized, bisexual teacher, is ready to jump back into the dating scene. She creates a list of people she wishes she'd slept with when she had the chance and sets out to amend these missed connections on a semester-long vacation during which she'll travel from Australia to the U.K. But when a string of disappointing sexual encounters culminates in sleeping with her college crush only to discover that the woman has a girlfriend, Noni changes her focus from romance to the pursuit of pleasure. Her quest for joy sees her buying lingerie, eating without guilt, and posing in a nude photo shoot. But she's unprepared for Beau, a brazen Scottish tattoo artist, to weasel his way into her heart. As their fling grows serious, Noni must figure out how to carry the pleasure she's found on vacation into her daily life. Noni is equally sincere and hilarious as she learns to be true to herself, and Beau's unwavering support is sure to make readers swoon. Both a celebration of pleasure and a dissection of the restrictions people place on their own lives, this is sure to capture readers' hearts. Agent: David Forrer, InkWell Management. (Feb.)
Booklist Review
Australian tenth-grade English teacher Noni Blake is nearing 40 and still recovering from a breakup with her life partner, Joan. But after a hot one-night stand with a firefighter, Noni is thankful that her two-year dry spell is finally over. This new impulsive Noni pledges to go on a Pleasure Quest, or as she and her best friend call it, a "should-have-boned-list," that takes her on an erotic adventure abroad. The plan was to meet up with an old flame, but reality sets in when she finds out that "the one that got away" isn't right for her anymore. Instead, she makes new friends that she can't imagine leaving behind. Then a snap decision to get a tattoo in Scotland lands her in the arms of a giant Viking of a man who astounds her with his sincerity and ardent desire. Can Noni return to her boring, predictable life now that she's discovered true happiness? YA author Christian (Beautiful Mess, 2018) has spun an adult, female-focused romantic comedy, a LGBTQ diverse variation on Bridget Jones's Diary.
Library Journal Review
Following the end of a long-term relationship and then a one-night stand with an unexpected aftermath, Noni Blake, a thirtysomething bisexual and overweight teacher in Australia, decides to travel to Europe on a six-month pleasure quest where she will finally put her desires and needs first. She seeks out the one who got away and explores what makes her truly happy. She has a lot of sex with different partners, meets new friends, and meets someone who might just keep her from her firm plan of returning to her life back home. Along the way, Noni realizes that not only is she desirable but she is the common denominator in her happiness and that she can find joy anywhere. VERDICT Christian's sophomore novel (but her debut adult novel--Beautiful Mess was her debut YA novel) is an inspirational chick lit/romantic comedy that should appeal to readers who like stories about self-discovery and self-esteem, friendships, and romantic and sexual entanglements. However, it is definitely not for readers who don't care for explicit sexual scenes.--Samantha Gust, Niagara Univ. Lib., NY