Review: It's Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake by Claire Christian

We all know a disaster person (in my case, it’s me), but Noni Blake is definitely the cream of the crop for disaster people- and is the main character of It’s Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake! A funny, engaging, and light-hearted story, and definitely an interesting read for those who like a bit of a more carefree story.

Speaking of carefree- Noni Blake at the start of the book calls herself beige and basically not carefree. Two years after her separation from Joan, her long-term partner, she finds herself still trying to pick up the pieces. Even more so is that her most recent flirt is no longer around either, so that makes her feel lost. I loved how this builds the character of Noni Blake, as if she was some sort of true blue actual person, and it really sets the scene for the story to come.

Speaking of great characters, Lindel, Noni’s best friend is also excellent- wise in a friendly way, but also very encouraging, something I’d love to see in more characters in more books. Lindel and his partner Graham are such an excellent support system for Noni, and it just warmed my heart to read! Heck, they basically push her to take on ehr pleasure list, after sitting down one night and list their should haves and missed opportunities. 

Following on from this list, Noni finds a way to make a quest for herself, to try find her inner zest (and by doing so, making some bold choices). Some of these bold choices were rather intimate and sexual in nature, and others were more general life choices, which sometimes even ended up with her going ‘nope’ - which I feel is important to touch in literature because sometimes you have to find what you do and don’t want in life. I love how this book touches on the topic of happiness in that way because we all need that little light in our lives.

Speaking of disasters, Noni feels that way in different kinds of ways- her job, her love life, even what she wants in life. Sometimes I feel like a disaster too, which makes me feel a little sympathetic. I also love how she goes and explores Europe and does wild things that I can only imagine doing myself. Heck, I’d love to even be able to leave my own city at the moment- but isolation does that to you. I love how she finds her purpose whilst in Europe, even though that sounds super cliched, but it’s definitely worth it!

Even more so, I found the relationships and writing went down smoother than shaved legs (seriously have you ever felt just shaved legs? Bliss), and made even reading some of the saucier bits of the book easy to read. 

If you’re looking for a romcom type book, but make it bi, this may be the type of book for you! 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 a bit!

I was supplied with an eARC of this title by the publisher- Text Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4/5

Note: This review also features on The Nerd Daily!