5 Reasons Why You Should Read 'It's Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake' by Claire Christian

Many thanks to NetGalley, Text Publishing and the author for an advanced copy of It’s Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake in exchange for my honest review.

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It's Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake book cover

Title: It’s Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake
Author: Claire Christian
Publisher: Text Publishing
Pub. date: 29 September 2020
Series: none
Page count: 368
Source: NetGalley
Genres: adult fiction, LGBTQ, romance, contemporary, chick-lit

A quirky, feel-good romantic comedy about creating the life you want
Noni didn’t expect to be starting over again at the age of thirty-six. But eighteen months after the end of her long-term relationship, she knows it’s time to find out what’s next.
While an encounter with a sexy blonde firefighter is a welcome entry back into the dating world, Noni soon realises she’s looking for more than just a series of brief—if pleasurable—encounters.
That’s how she finds herself travelling to Europe to track down the one that got away: the alluring, elusive Molly. But Europe has other surprises in store, not least of which is Beau, a tall, sexy, tattooist from Edinburgh…

It’s Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake was a totally random pick. I was in the mood for some fun romances, and this blurb drew me in straight away. Before I started reading I thought it sounded like Bridget Jones’s Diary but in Europe. But then I got sucked in and this story started meaning a lot more than just a romance to me!

The story starts two years after Noni Blake broke up with her partner of nine years, Joan. She isn’t happy with her life, working day after day as a high school teacher. Together with her best friend Lindell and his partner Graham, Noni ends up making a ‘should’ve boned’ list to get her out of her rut. Unfortunately, this leads her to a series of hilarious and disastrous hook-ups, but Noni finally connects with a flame from her past: Molly.

Armed with a killer new haircut, Lindell’s cheerleading and a budding sense of adventure, Noni takes six months off and flies to Europe to reconnect with Molly. But, of course, things don’t work out that way and Noni crosses paths with gorgeous Viking tattooist, Beau.

1. Noni’s absolutely brilliant ‘pleasure quest’!

It’s Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake might seem like a rom-com at first glance, but the actual story is more about Noni realising her own self-worth and discovering who she really wants to be. Then give it a good European road-trip twist and we’ve got this deep, beautiful story of a woman’s quest to belonging in her own life. Peppered with some incredible scenes and quotes, this book surprised me with its depth and feeling.

2. A steamy and sweet romance!

Noni ends up with a few absolutely hilarious flings, but there is an amazing romance that develops as well (other than her relationship with herself, of course!). I really loved the steamy scenes because of how comfortable Noni got with her partner and even the dates were just absolutely bliss to read.

3. Lindell.

Lindell is Noni’s best friend, like the absolute best person Noni knows and loves. And I ended up falling in love with this loud, hilarious and fun character too. Even when he was in a totally different country, Lindell still managed to be the sidekick we all need in our lives! He is absolutely brilliant (no really, he gives such amazing advice!) and his parenting scenes (he and Graham have two kids) had me laughing out aloud.

4. The incredible queer rep!

I love a book that addresses something other than the difficulties of being queer. It is a very common trend to see books that deal with the struggles of queerness, and reading a book like Noni Blake, which unapologetically celebrates and normalises queerness is amazing! It is sort of a utopian scenario, but I love the possibilities that it gives the reader. I love how everyone was just unapologetically themselves!

5. Body positivity with a sexy twist.

Part of Noni’s journey was about embracing her body and its flaws. I myself am still drifting through this phase and it is a continuous journey to love one’s own body’s flaws. So, I was thrilled by how Noni tackled her own body positivity, from sexy lingerie hauls to nude photoshoots! Noni Blake is the main character who celebrates being in her own body despite its flaws and perfections!

I do not think it is possible to explain how much I fell in love with Noni Blake while reading this story. The romance was great but Noni’s journey, or ‘pleasure quest’, was inspiring! It’s Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake left me with a lot to think about and I feel so inspired reading about someone who I could relate to in so many ways! Absolutely loved this hilarious, moving and steamy adventure that Claire Christian took me on!

Claire Christian is a storyteller: a writer, theatre-maker and facilitator. She has had four plays published by Playlab, including Lysa and the Freeborn Dames, which debuted at La Boite in 2018. She has also had the great joy of directing Michelle Law’s smash-hit comedy Single Asian Female. Claire’s debut novel, Beautiful Mess, won the Text Prize in 2016. It’s Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake is her first novel for adults.