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Go Around
Avery Weston is doing fine.
Sure, she’s not doing as fine as her ex―award-winning actress and current television It Girl, Elise Hayes―but Avery enjoys her work as a Federal Air Marshal and also enjoys almost being over Elise walking out on their relationship fifteen months ago. Until Elise is seated next to her on a flight, and the emotional progress Avery thought she’d made is reset in an instant.
Just like their first flight together, this one also has some bumps. But this time they don’t have to make a go around for a safe landing; they just have to deal with an overzealous fan threatening Elise. And when Elise comes begging for a place to stay until the stalker situation is resolved, Avery has to agree it’s the perfect solution to keep Elise safe. After all, nobody knows Elise Hayes used to have a girlfriend.
It’s only for a few weeks, what’s the harm? Except for some tiny issues, like when you’re still kind of in love with your ex and the mutual spark is as strong as ever, it’s easy to fall into familiar habits. Then there’s Elise’s apologies and genuine regret over leaving, which makes it hard for Avery to hold on to past hurts and sends her simmering emotions to a boil.
But love and sparks aren’t always enough. If Avery and Elise can find a way to move past everything that came between them last time, maybe they’ll get a chance to go around and try landing their relationship again.
Sure, she’s not doing as fine as her ex―award-winning actress and current television It Girl, Elise Hayes―but Avery enjoys her work as a Federal Air Marshal and also enjoys almost being over Elise walking out on their relationship fifteen months ago. Until Elise is seated next to her on a flight, and the emotional progress Avery thought she’d made is reset in an instant.
Just like their first flight together, this one also has some bumps. But this time they don’t have to make a go around for a safe landing; they just have to deal with an overzealous fan threatening Elise. And when Elise comes begging for a place to stay until the stalker situation is resolved, Avery has to agree it’s the perfect solution to keep Elise safe. After all, nobody knows Elise Hayes used to have a girlfriend.
It’s only for a few weeks, what’s the harm? Except for some tiny issues, like when you’re still kind of in love with your ex and the mutual spark is as strong as ever, it’s easy to fall into familiar habits. Then there’s Elise’s apologies and genuine regret over leaving, which makes it hard for Avery to hold on to past hurts and sends her simmering emotions to a boil.
But love and sparks aren’t always enough. If Avery and Elise can find a way to move past everything that came between them last time, maybe they’ll get a chance to go around and try landing their relationship again.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2021
87 people are currently reading
1573 people want to read
About the author
E.J. Noyes
19 books1,990 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 248 reviews
November 2, 2021
4.25 Stars. While I was tempted to spend my Halloween reading something paranormal, I just could not stand to look at Noyes’ book sitting on my Kindle any longer. It was total book torture trying to wait until closer to the release date to read/review this so I finally had to give in. Not only is Noyes one of my all-time favorite authors, but she is absolutely one of the best Sapphic fiction authors ever. Sapphic fiction has come so far since I started reading it and I feel lucky that there are authors like Noyes out there that work so hard to entertain us. I happily make no apologies for being a total Noyes fangirl. When it comes to this new book, I liked it a lot, but I do have to mention that it isn’t one of my top Noyes books. When it comes down to it, it is more subject related as I am not the biggest second-chance romance fan –instead I prefer watching a couple from meet-cute to relationship- but Noyes’ writing was superb as always and I still enjoyed this very much.
This is the second time that Noyes has ventured into the romantic-intrigue genre. Her book Alone, technically fits into it too, but that book is so out there and different –in the best way possible- that it’s hard to really put Alone in any category. This book felt like it fit more into the classic example of a romantic intrigue book. This was heavy on romance, but had a couple of really well done exciting scenes. As I mentioned, this is a second-chance romance so the romance was actual pretty dramatic. While I don’t love second-chance romances, this really was what a second-chance romance should be. There was none of this “oh I’m mad but I forgive you after 5 minutes”. Instead, this was the anatomy of what a break-up means, with big issues and feelings and everything messy that comes with it. This book was more emotional than I expected. While I wasn’t reaching for the tissues like I was while reading Ask Me Again, the emotions of the characters felt real and moved me. These characters were new to me yet I still felt the real hurt there because Noyes sure knows how to write.
The romance also happened to be a Hollywood romance which is always fun to read about. While the second chance part felt pretty dramatic at times, I wouldn’t really call this a heavy book. You have interesting jobs with one character being an actress and the other character an undercover Federal Air Marshal. Plus, you have this impressive chemistry, that is made from two people that should be together but are not… so you can probably imagine this book is also on the steamy list. And lastly, for dog lovers out there, you have a great doggy character that actually steals the book away from the mains.
I think the main reason why I can’t rate this higher is that the middle slowed down a little too much for me. It did not drag, but I wish Noyes would have mixed things up a little more like maybe visiting the TV /movie set, or something to give the middle a little pep. I absolutely loved the beginning and ending of this book. Those parts were such great reads that when the middle was more in the ‘second-chance romance part’, I was wishing for a little something extra. Again, the writing is very good during this part, and I expect people that are big second-chance romance fans to enjoy this part more than I did. Even with me not rating this as high as some of her other books, this story still ends up being better than two thirds of the books I read this year.
TLDR: I’m always happy to get my hands on a new Noyes book and I’m glad she tried the romantic intrigue category again and again delivered. While this is also a Hollywood romance, I would strongly recommend this to second-chance romance fans. I’m not a big fan of this genre, but this was well written and felt like a very emotionally realistic second-chance romance. The romance also had strong chemistry and steamy sex scenes. And finally, this book has an amazing dog character that absolutely steals the show. I enjoyed this read and I have a feeling this one will stick with me for a long time.
An ARC was given to me for a review.
This is the second time that Noyes has ventured into the romantic-intrigue genre. Her book Alone, technically fits into it too, but that book is so out there and different –in the best way possible- that it’s hard to really put Alone in any category. This book felt like it fit more into the classic example of a romantic intrigue book. This was heavy on romance, but had a couple of really well done exciting scenes. As I mentioned, this is a second-chance romance so the romance was actual pretty dramatic. While I don’t love second-chance romances, this really was what a second-chance romance should be. There was none of this “oh I’m mad but I forgive you after 5 minutes”. Instead, this was the anatomy of what a break-up means, with big issues and feelings and everything messy that comes with it. This book was more emotional than I expected. While I wasn’t reaching for the tissues like I was while reading Ask Me Again, the emotions of the characters felt real and moved me. These characters were new to me yet I still felt the real hurt there because Noyes sure knows how to write.
The romance also happened to be a Hollywood romance which is always fun to read about. While the second chance part felt pretty dramatic at times, I wouldn’t really call this a heavy book. You have interesting jobs with one character being an actress and the other character an undercover Federal Air Marshal. Plus, you have this impressive chemistry, that is made from two people that should be together but are not… so you can probably imagine this book is also on the steamy list. And lastly, for dog lovers out there, you have a great doggy character that actually steals the book away from the mains.
I think the main reason why I can’t rate this higher is that the middle slowed down a little too much for me. It did not drag, but I wish Noyes would have mixed things up a little more like maybe visiting the TV /movie set, or something to give the middle a little pep. I absolutely loved the beginning and ending of this book. Those parts were such great reads that when the middle was more in the ‘second-chance romance part’, I was wishing for a little something extra. Again, the writing is very good during this part, and I expect people that are big second-chance romance fans to enjoy this part more than I did. Even with me not rating this as high as some of her other books, this story still ends up being better than two thirds of the books I read this year.
TLDR: I’m always happy to get my hands on a new Noyes book and I’m glad she tried the romantic intrigue category again and again delivered. While this is also a Hollywood romance, I would strongly recommend this to second-chance romance fans. I’m not a big fan of this genre, but this was well written and felt like a very emotionally realistic second-chance romance. The romance also had strong chemistry and steamy sex scenes. And finally, this book has an amazing dog character that absolutely steals the show. I enjoyed this read and I have a feeling this one will stick with me for a long time.
An ARC was given to me for a review.
November 2, 2021
Exes and stalkers.
There's a reason why E.J. Noyes is many people's favourite author. She has fine writing skills and an incredibly creative mind that produces stories that are out of the ordinary like Reaping The Benefits and Alone. But even when she does regular tropes like this book, her stories are still fantastically good.
One thing for sure, her characters are never boring. They're the ones you'd chat up at parties because they're interesting people with interesting jobs you'd want to get to know. Avery is a Federal Air Marshall and Elise is a Emmy award-winning actress and for this alone I picked up this ARC right away. I love that we get to see Avery in her element and the only thing I had hoped to see more of is Elise shine at her work too. But of course I appreciate that we get to see the real Elise behind the celebrity façade. Avery and Elise are good together, the chemistry is great, but what I also love is that both characters are so distinctive and are equally attractive in their own right.
Noyes seems to always find the right balance between story and character development. I love how the crazy fan stalker scenario is always there to prod the second chance romance along. I love how Noyes gives the characters time to get reacquainted, talk things out and work out issues that they never got to do the first time around. At the same time, I'm incredibly happy with the amount of steamy time Noyes has set aside in this one too.
Once again, Noyes has done it. Great story! Love it!
I received an ARC from Bella Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
There's a reason why E.J. Noyes is many people's favourite author. She has fine writing skills and an incredibly creative mind that produces stories that are out of the ordinary like Reaping The Benefits and Alone. But even when she does regular tropes like this book, her stories are still fantastically good.
One thing for sure, her characters are never boring. They're the ones you'd chat up at parties because they're interesting people with interesting jobs you'd want to get to know. Avery is a Federal Air Marshall and Elise is a Emmy award-winning actress and for this alone I picked up this ARC right away. I love that we get to see Avery in her element and the only thing I had hoped to see more of is Elise shine at her work too. But of course I appreciate that we get to see the real Elise behind the celebrity façade. Avery and Elise are good together, the chemistry is great, but what I also love is that both characters are so distinctive and are equally attractive in their own right.
Noyes seems to always find the right balance between story and character development. I love how the crazy fan stalker scenario is always there to prod the second chance romance along. I love how Noyes gives the characters time to get reacquainted, talk things out and work out issues that they never got to do the first time around. At the same time, I'm incredibly happy with the amount of steamy time Noyes has set aside in this one too.
Once again, Noyes has done it. Great story! Love it!
I received an ARC from Bella Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 1, 2021
I absolutely loved “Go Around” by E.J. Noyes. It’s a second chance romance along with a thriller/suspense plot line. Avery Weston is a Federal Air Marshal and she’s finally starting to get over her famous ex-girlfriend, Elise Hayes. She’s shocked when on a return flight to LA her seatmate is none other than Elise.
Second chance romance is probably my favorite trope so as soon as I saw that in the blurb, I was hooked. I love how Noyes writes and I was interested to see how she would tackle the trope as everyone seems to do it a bit differently. She doesn’t bog you down with flashbacks but she’s still able to get everything important from the initial romance and breakup included into the narrative.
This is one of the few times where I absolutely liked both characters. They were both so different from each other but you could understand what drew the other one in. Even with the stalker storyline, I felt like this was more character driven and that’s why I was so into this. There are a lot of discussions and arguments between the two as they try to come to grips with their past and try and move on, whether together or separately.
Some people might consider this to be high angst but it was like catnip to me. Avery and Elise have scorching chemistry and there’s a lot of push/pull between them because the reason for the breakup is still there, but their love for one another is still going strong.
The stalker storyline was also gripping. He’s an unhinged fan and with the way it’s written it felt very realistic and scary. It doesn’t take up a whole lot of page time as it’s more in the background for a good portion of the book; but what is there is a page turner.
Highly recommend for fans of second chance and/or celebrity romances.
I received an ARC from Bella Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Second chance romance is probably my favorite trope so as soon as I saw that in the blurb, I was hooked. I love how Noyes writes and I was interested to see how she would tackle the trope as everyone seems to do it a bit differently. She doesn’t bog you down with flashbacks but she’s still able to get everything important from the initial romance and breakup included into the narrative.
This is one of the few times where I absolutely liked both characters. They were both so different from each other but you could understand what drew the other one in. Even with the stalker storyline, I felt like this was more character driven and that’s why I was so into this. There are a lot of discussions and arguments between the two as they try to come to grips with their past and try and move on, whether together or separately.
Some people might consider this to be high angst but it was like catnip to me. Avery and Elise have scorching chemistry and there’s a lot of push/pull between them because the reason for the breakup is still there, but their love for one another is still going strong.
The stalker storyline was also gripping. He’s an unhinged fan and with the way it’s written it felt very realistic and scary. It doesn’t take up a whole lot of page time as it’s more in the background for a good portion of the book; but what is there is a page turner.
Highly recommend for fans of second chance and/or celebrity romances.
I received an ARC from Bella Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 12, 2021
Getting over a breakup when your ex’s face is everywhere isn’t easy. And maybe Avery Weston doesn’t really want to get over the woman who broke her heart when she chose her career over their relationship. Convinced at the time that being closeted was the best move, Elise Hayes can’t help but wonder if she’s maybe made the wrong choice. An incident on a plane brings the Federal Air Marshal and the award-winning actress together, opening up all sorts of possibilities.
If you’ve read my reviews before, you already know how much I love second chance romance novels. And while this book didn’t wow me as completely as Noyes’s previous books, she brings something to the trope that I haven’t read often, or at least not so well-written and described. She takes time to analyze the breakup, really raises the issues that made the relationship fail the first time around, showing that love and hurt aren’t antithetical even when the loving seems meant to be.
There is no lack of love in this story. In fact, Avery and Elise are always telling the other how much they love them. And yet, all this love, this huge, overwhelming, undying love doesn’t seem to matter, or to be enough at any rate, in the face of so much fear. While I was reading this book, Kristen Stewart’s engagement to Dylan Meyer was announced. And I couldn’t help but think, Elise, if Kristen can come out, you can too.
I love both main characters. They’re endearing, they’re real, they’re strangely relatable for people with unusual jobs. Even when I wasn’t sure where the story was going, I cared about them and what would happen to them.
A couple of things bothered me. While I was hoping Elise would fix the situation, her turnaround felt rushed. One day she can’t see a way out and the next, it’s done. Another regret was the bad guy arc, which seemed simplistic, a word I never thought I’d use for a Noyes book.
As I mentioned above, lack of love was never the problem in this relationship, and neither was lack of chemistry. Sparks fly every which way whenever Avery and Elise are in the same room and it doesn’t take them long to get reacquainted, even as they agree they can’t be together. And as usual, E. J. Noyes delivers on intimate scenes. For me, they’re the best part of the book (with the fact that the characters are very likeable) and made me forget every issue I might have had with the story.
A new release by E. J. Noyes is always thrilling news. Now I’m waiting for May 2022 and If I Don’t Ask, Rebecca Keane’s point of view on the Ask, Tell series. How exciting is that?
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
If you’ve read my reviews before, you already know how much I love second chance romance novels. And while this book didn’t wow me as completely as Noyes’s previous books, she brings something to the trope that I haven’t read often, or at least not so well-written and described. She takes time to analyze the breakup, really raises the issues that made the relationship fail the first time around, showing that love and hurt aren’t antithetical even when the loving seems meant to be.
There is no lack of love in this story. In fact, Avery and Elise are always telling the other how much they love them. And yet, all this love, this huge, overwhelming, undying love doesn’t seem to matter, or to be enough at any rate, in the face of so much fear. While I was reading this book, Kristen Stewart’s engagement to Dylan Meyer was announced. And I couldn’t help but think, Elise, if Kristen can come out, you can too.
I love both main characters. They’re endearing, they’re real, they’re strangely relatable for people with unusual jobs. Even when I wasn’t sure where the story was going, I cared about them and what would happen to them.
A couple of things bothered me. While I was hoping Elise would fix the situation, her turnaround felt rushed. One day she can’t see a way out and the next, it’s done. Another regret was the bad guy arc, which seemed simplistic, a word I never thought I’d use for a Noyes book.
As I mentioned above, lack of love was never the problem in this relationship, and neither was lack of chemistry. Sparks fly every which way whenever Avery and Elise are in the same room and it doesn’t take them long to get reacquainted, even as they agree they can’t be together. And as usual, E. J. Noyes delivers on intimate scenes. For me, they’re the best part of the book (with the fact that the characters are very likeable) and made me forget every issue I might have had with the story.
A new release by E. J. Noyes is always thrilling news. Now I’m waiting for May 2022 and If I Don’t Ask, Rebecca Keane’s point of view on the Ask, Tell series. How exciting is that?
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 24, 2021
4.5 stars. There is always a feeling of anticipation and excitement when a new book by Noyes is released. You never know exactly what to expect. Needless to say, I couldn’t wait to read this. This time it was a second chance romance with a suspense/thriller element to it and it was once again a fantastic read.
Told, as customary for Noyes, in first person from the POV of Avery, the story almost immediately drops you into the action. Avery is a Federal Air Marshal and is inconveniently seated next to her ex, Elise, the beautiful actress that Avery never stopped loving. As if that is not bad enough they have to deal with a crazy fan on the flight and a stalker situation and Elise has no place to go but stay at Avery’s place for a while. The thing with second chance romances is that they often have many flashbacks, and I’m not a fan of those, but of course I should not have worried, because it is dealt with so perfectly. Tidbits of the past are woven into the storyline without me even noticing the flashbacks, it all felt so natural, this is the way flashbacks should be handled. Also, the romance was perfectly executed, good communication, no immediate forgiveness, and enough drama without going over the top. Noyes has a way of always making me care so much about the characters, even the ones without a POV.
The only minor point of critique I have on this book is about the suspense arc, it starts full on with the crazy fan on the plane, but then it slows down for quite some time. That, while second chance romances are actually one of the few romance tropes that can get away with a heavy suspense arc, as the MCs already have a history together. But, this was not the route that was chosen, the middle part of the book is heavy on the romance and I found myself constantly waiting for the inevitable to happen. However, once it did happen…..wow, that was excellent suspense!
I also liked the secondary characters, but one character deserves a special shout out and that’s Bennet (aka Bennie) Avery’s massive gentle dog, he stole my heart.
I’m sure all fans of Noyes will have this book on their automatic to-read list (and there are a few fun references to “Alone”), but for those who don’t, I highly recommend this book. A great second-chance romance, and steamy scenes. Did I mention those? No, I did not, so, yes, steamy scenes and some good suspense!
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Told, as customary for Noyes, in first person from the POV of Avery, the story almost immediately drops you into the action. Avery is a Federal Air Marshal and is inconveniently seated next to her ex, Elise, the beautiful actress that Avery never stopped loving. As if that is not bad enough they have to deal with a crazy fan on the flight and a stalker situation and Elise has no place to go but stay at Avery’s place for a while. The thing with second chance romances is that they often have many flashbacks, and I’m not a fan of those, but of course I should not have worried, because it is dealt with so perfectly. Tidbits of the past are woven into the storyline without me even noticing the flashbacks, it all felt so natural, this is the way flashbacks should be handled. Also, the romance was perfectly executed, good communication, no immediate forgiveness, and enough drama without going over the top. Noyes has a way of always making me care so much about the characters, even the ones without a POV.
The only minor point of critique I have on this book is about the suspense arc, it starts full on with the crazy fan on the plane, but then it slows down for quite some time. That, while second chance romances are actually one of the few romance tropes that can get away with a heavy suspense arc, as the MCs already have a history together. But, this was not the route that was chosen, the middle part of the book is heavy on the romance and I found myself constantly waiting for the inevitable to happen. However, once it did happen…..wow, that was excellent suspense!
I also liked the secondary characters, but one character deserves a special shout out and that’s Bennet (aka Bennie) Avery’s massive gentle dog, he stole my heart.
I’m sure all fans of Noyes will have this book on their automatic to-read list (and there are a few fun references to “Alone”), but for those who don’t, I highly recommend this book. A great second-chance romance, and steamy scenes. Did I mention those? No, I did not, so, yes, steamy scenes and some good suspense!
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2022
EDIT: Just completed the audiobook, and I bump this up to 5 stars. I just love it.
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Woke up this morning to find my city blanketed by its first snowfall of the season. Big fatty flakes, which is ace. And Ms. Noyes makes a small shout out to Canada for the first time in her books, much to my delight, so high fives for that!
Canada aside (except for that women's soccer gold medal), let's hear it for second chance romances. This one was done perfectly in my eyes. MC Avery and MC Elise were truly made for one another, had 5 fantastic years together before Elise made the decision to leave. As a top actress, she wasn't ready to be out, was pressured to stay in the closet, and even though we readers have seen this scenario countless times in lesfic, Ms. Noyes handles this in a unique manner. Her characters are mature and they COMMUNICATE, GUYS which is so sexy. We are privy to these conversations as to what went on to lead up to Elise's decision, what life has been like for both since the break-up, and Avery is able to find her words and state how much it affected her. No mixed messages! There are a lot of laugh out loud moments throughout, but also heart break and anger. Ms. Noyes' writing is just....so.....good. Even in slow moments her talent shines.
The events that lead them back together are harrowing, and too brief. The bulk of the story is them talking about their relationship, what went wrong, why it was so right, should they shouldn't they. The passion still simmers, and we get some sa-WEET sex scenes. Too bad this snow wasn't around yesterday for me to dunk my head in.
Even though the story was well done, I'd say the only part that lost some (minor) points for me was the (see above) long dissection of the relationship, because it slowed the flow. The day to day tasks are detailed in excess, a lot of dog-talk (like a LOT, even though he truly seemed neat!) and the pace doesn't pick up until right at the end. I would have liked a little more drama interspersed and more oomph to the ending, which felt somewhat rushed.
Anyone else think best friend Nicola was basically a gay Amy from Ask, Tell series? I effing loved her. She gets too little play. Very fun dynamic between her and Avery, their banter and wit was excellent. I do hope Ms. Noyes brings her up in the future for a story.
All in all a great read, solid 4.25/5.
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Woke up this morning to find my city blanketed by its first snowfall of the season. Big fatty flakes, which is ace. And Ms. Noyes makes a small shout out to Canada for the first time in her books, much to my delight, so high fives for that!
Canada aside (except for that women's soccer gold medal), let's hear it for second chance romances. This one was done perfectly in my eyes. MC Avery and MC Elise were truly made for one another, had 5 fantastic years together before Elise made the decision to leave. As a top actress, she wasn't ready to be out, was pressured to stay in the closet, and even though we readers have seen this scenario countless times in lesfic, Ms. Noyes handles this in a unique manner. Her characters are mature and they COMMUNICATE, GUYS which is so sexy. We are privy to these conversations as to what went on to lead up to Elise's decision, what life has been like for both since the break-up, and Avery is able to find her words and state how much it affected her. No mixed messages! There are a lot of laugh out loud moments throughout, but also heart break and anger. Ms. Noyes' writing is just....so.....good. Even in slow moments her talent shines.
The events that lead them back together are harrowing, and too brief. The bulk of the story is them talking about their relationship, what went wrong, why it was so right, should they shouldn't they. The passion still simmers, and we get some sa-WEET sex scenes. Too bad this snow wasn't around yesterday for me to dunk my head in.
Even though the story was well done, I'd say the only part that lost some (minor) points for me was the (see above) long dissection of the relationship, because it slowed the flow. The day to day tasks are detailed in excess, a lot of dog-talk (like a LOT, even though he truly seemed neat!) and the pace doesn't pick up until right at the end. I would have liked a little more drama interspersed and more oomph to the ending, which felt somewhat rushed.
Anyone else think best friend Nicola was basically a gay Amy from Ask, Tell series? I effing loved her. She gets too little play. Very fun dynamic between her and Avery, their banter and wit was excellent. I do hope Ms. Noyes brings her up in the future for a story.
All in all a great read, solid 4.25/5.
February 13, 2022
E.J. Noyes and Abby Craden are a duo that can't really disappoint.
A second chance romance, with interesting characters, a well-done backstory about their breakup, a stalker situation that brings suspense, and dog Benny is the third main character. Another entertaining solid story.
A second chance romance, with interesting characters, a well-done backstory about their breakup, a stalker situation that brings suspense, and dog Benny is the third main character. Another entertaining solid story.
November 21, 2021
4.5 stars
One of my favorite things about EJ Noyes's books is that each one is completely unique. She never returns to familiar settings or themes. So when she releases something new it's like a wonderful gift you didn't know you needed or wanted.
Air Marshal Avery Weston and A-list Actress Elise Hayes are really likable characters. The reason for their split prior to when the book begins was believable and I appreciated that some real thought and reflection was put into the circumstances around it. While the secondary story line is about Elise's stalker, this is primarily a romance about how couples that are genuine soulmates work their way through issues to be together.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that this is also the author's most sex-heavy book - and that's saying something considering she also wrote Turbulence. I'll admit - I still think Turbulence is her sexiest story overall, but this is definitely way up there. As I was listening to Abby Craden's expert delivery of said love scenes, I thought about when people ask questions in Facebook groups about why Abby is so popular with lesbian listeners. HELLO - if you enjoy sexual situations, she delivers them so wonderfully! She's all in. And no - that's not the extent of why she's a favorite. Craden truly performs works - and brings all the emotion and vulnerability with it. The Noyes/Craden combo continues to hit it out of the park and I'm thrilled that it continues.
While this story focused on rebuilding the relationship and trust, the suspense and climax of the stalker story line was something else and had me on the edge of my seat! I loved that Avery was an air marshal, as that's not a career I've ever seen portrayed in lesfic.
Definitely a great addition to the Noyes catalog and my library!
One of my favorite things about EJ Noyes's books is that each one is completely unique. She never returns to familiar settings or themes. So when she releases something new it's like a wonderful gift you didn't know you needed or wanted.
Air Marshal Avery Weston and A-list Actress Elise Hayes are really likable characters. The reason for their split prior to when the book begins was believable and I appreciated that some real thought and reflection was put into the circumstances around it. While the secondary story line is about Elise's stalker, this is primarily a romance about how couples that are genuine soulmates work their way through issues to be together.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that this is also the author's most sex-heavy book - and that's saying something considering she also wrote Turbulence. I'll admit - I still think Turbulence is her sexiest story overall, but this is definitely way up there. As I was listening to Abby Craden's expert delivery of said love scenes, I thought about when people ask questions in Facebook groups about why Abby is so popular with lesbian listeners. HELLO - if you enjoy sexual situations, she delivers them so wonderfully! She's all in. And no - that's not the extent of why she's a favorite. Craden truly performs works - and brings all the emotion and vulnerability with it. The Noyes/Craden combo continues to hit it out of the park and I'm thrilled that it continues.
While this story focused on rebuilding the relationship and trust, the suspense and climax of the stalker story line was something else and had me on the edge of my seat! I loved that Avery was an air marshal, as that's not a career I've ever seen portrayed in lesfic.
Definitely a great addition to the Noyes catalog and my library!
November 22, 2021
5 Stars - EJ Noyes, Love love love.
I bought the audio book, cuz Abby and EJ Noyes is a no brainer combo. I really liked the story and the bookends of exciting action where *chef's kiss*.
If you follow the author on twitter, you can see a lot of her own video game obsession in one of the MCs - I loved it. Also loved that she had one of the MCs about to be a lead actress in the film adaptation of Alone (if only!!)
anyway... can recommend the audiobook.... so good!
I bought the audio book, cuz Abby and EJ Noyes is a no brainer combo. I really liked the story and the bookends of exciting action where *chef's kiss*.
If you follow the author on twitter, you can see a lot of her own video game obsession in one of the MCs - I loved it. Also loved that she had one of the MCs about to be a lead actress in the film adaptation of Alone (if only!!)
anyway... can recommend the audiobook.... so good!
November 3, 2021
When you get approved for an EJ Noyes ARC book, it automatically jumps to the top of the list. She is simply one of the best. I love second chance romances. They're some of my favorite tropes to read as I love angst and juxtaposition between longing and hesitation. So one from EJ Noyes is exciting!
Go Around follows Avery Weston and Elise Hayes. Avery is a federal air marshal almost done nursing a broken heart over her A-list actress ex-girlfriend Elise. Her recently mended heart starts to tear again when she runs into Elise on a plane trip, then instantly afterwards Elise shows up at Avery's house asking to stay to be safe from a stalker. Avery agrees and this proximity brings up a lot of old feelings for each other good and bad.
I was super into this book from the getgo. For a romance novel there is a fair bit of action scenes, both fictional and real with Avery's job and those just suck you right in.
The angst between Avery and Elise was great. The connection between them was so palpable from the start, and they were so drawn together. I loved them both. Their chemistry was so strong. And it was really touching having Avery be the one person who sees Elise. Connections like that feel very real to me. If I have one smaller complaint it's that I would have loved a touch more drama between them hashing out their past. Yelling can be fun to read!
The story was really compelling too. And that's coming from me as primarily a character reader. EJ Noyes is probably one of the best at combining a romance novel with a compelling plotline as well. We come for the characters, love, and steam- and stay for the enticing stories. And this was gripping with the stalker situation, Elise star status and how everything would resolve.
And for some small notes, I also was tickled by her headnods to Alone, my favorite by her. And Bennett the dog was absolutely adorable.
While isn't my favorite book by EJ Noyes, she's still one of the best writing lesbian fiction and it's still a damn good book. 4.5/5
Thank you to Netgalley and Bella Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review
Go Around follows Avery Weston and Elise Hayes. Avery is a federal air marshal almost done nursing a broken heart over her A-list actress ex-girlfriend Elise. Her recently mended heart starts to tear again when she runs into Elise on a plane trip, then instantly afterwards Elise shows up at Avery's house asking to stay to be safe from a stalker. Avery agrees and this proximity brings up a lot of old feelings for each other good and bad.
I was super into this book from the getgo. For a romance novel there is a fair bit of action scenes, both fictional and real with Avery's job and those just suck you right in.
The angst between Avery and Elise was great. The connection between them was so palpable from the start, and they were so drawn together. I loved them both. Their chemistry was so strong. And it was really touching having Avery be the one person who sees Elise. Connections like that feel very real to me. If I have one smaller complaint it's that I would have loved a touch more drama between them hashing out their past. Yelling can be fun to read!
The story was really compelling too. And that's coming from me as primarily a character reader. EJ Noyes is probably one of the best at combining a romance novel with a compelling plotline as well. We come for the characters, love, and steam- and stay for the enticing stories. And this was gripping with the stalker situation, Elise star status and how everything would resolve.
And for some small notes, I also was tickled by her headnods to Alone, my favorite by her. And Bennett the dog was absolutely adorable.
While isn't my favorite book by EJ Noyes, she's still one of the best writing lesbian fiction and it's still a damn good book. 4.5/5
Thank you to Netgalley and Bella Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review
November 14, 2021
I really wanted to like this one more but just felt the romantic conflict took a big time to resolve when in reality, it was quickly and obviously resolved. Aside from that, Noyes caliber writing, which is better than 95% of everyone out there on any given day.
May 6, 2022
Classic E. J. Good story, great writing and characters you get attached to easily. All through my read I kept having déjà vu re the plot. Odd but it did not stop me.
This is a second chance romance between an actress and an Air Marshal and a dog. Yes, dogs have feeling too. 😉
This is a second chance romance between an actress and an Air Marshal and a dog. Yes, dogs have feeling too. 😉
January 27, 2023
"Go Around" is another excellent book by EJ Noyes.
Federal Air Marshal Avery Weston, who got her heart broken by her ex girlfriend, famous actress Elise Hayes, a bit more than a year ago, is on a flight for work when she coincidentally meets Elise again.
I love everything about this book, which isn't a surprise since EJ Noyes is one of my favorite authors and so far I've enjoyed all her books very much.
Avery and Elise are both wonderful, interesting characters. They are well fleshed out and feel authentic and I love their mature and honest communication. Their chemistry is great and believable.
Another great thing is that Bennett plays such a big part in the story.
The storyline is very entertaining and keeps you turning the pages. I couldn't stop reading because I really needed to know if Avery and Elise will find a way to be together again and what will happen with her creepy stalker.
If you like second chance and celebrity romances with amazing characters, great chemistry and an interesting, gripping storyline, this book is for you.
Federal Air Marshal Avery Weston, who got her heart broken by her ex girlfriend, famous actress Elise Hayes, a bit more than a year ago, is on a flight for work when she coincidentally meets Elise again.
I love everything about this book, which isn't a surprise since EJ Noyes is one of my favorite authors and so far I've enjoyed all her books very much.
Avery and Elise are both wonderful, interesting characters. They are well fleshed out and feel authentic and I love their mature and honest communication. Their chemistry is great and believable.
Another great thing is that Bennett plays such a big part in the story.
The storyline is very entertaining and keeps you turning the pages. I couldn't stop reading because I really needed to know if Avery and Elise will find a way to be together again and what will happen with her creepy stalker.
If you like second chance and celebrity romances with amazing characters, great chemistry and an interesting, gripping storyline, this book is for you.
November 21, 2021
4.5 stars...
Another fab read by E.J Noyes, and most definitely one of my favorites by this author. She has this fantastic talent of not only writing good stories but is able to write about some heavy topics but able to include some banter in areas of the book too, so it cushions some of the harder issues. This story is gripping, it's a book where you can't seem to put it down for longer than 5 minutes. Loved, loved how 'Alone' was brought into a conversation between the 2 main characters, that was pure genius!
I was given an Arc copy for an honest review.
Another fab read by E.J Noyes, and most definitely one of my favorites by this author. She has this fantastic talent of not only writing good stories but is able to write about some heavy topics but able to include some banter in areas of the book too, so it cushions some of the harder issues. This story is gripping, it's a book where you can't seem to put it down for longer than 5 minutes. Loved, loved how 'Alone' was brought into a conversation between the 2 main characters, that was pure genius!
I was given an Arc copy for an honest review.
December 29, 2021
It was a nice and entertaining read full of great chemistry! Not one of my Noyes' favorites though, but a good one!
November 17, 2021
E.J. Noyes is one of my favorite authors. Her works are just awesome! I love every single one of her books. Her newest novel, Go Around is definitely being added to my “I love this!” list.
This is an absolutely splendid second-chance, romantic intrigue, celebrity story with Emmy award winning actress Elise Hayes as one main character, and Federal Air Marshal Avery Weston as the other. The tale also includes a really creepy and possibly dangerous stalker (or stalkers) and a secondary character that comes pretty close to stealing my heart, Avery’s dog, Bennett.
Noyes excels at writing both romance and intrigue and it shows in this book. Her characters might as well be real they are so well-written. I’m a pretty big fan of second-chance love stories, and I love the way this one is done. You get the angst you expect from the two women trying to get past the pain of their separation and work their way back to being a couple in love. The outside forces that had a role in their breakup are still around and have to be dealt with. Add in a nasty bad guy (or guys) who are physically and psychologically stalking Elise and you get a tale full of danger, excitement, intrigue, and romance.
I also love the Easter egg the author included for her book Alone. I actually laughed out loud at that little scene.
E.J. Noyes’ works always get my highest praise and recommendation, and this novel is no different. You really need to read this book.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bella Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections: https://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
This is an absolutely splendid second-chance, romantic intrigue, celebrity story with Emmy award winning actress Elise Hayes as one main character, and Federal Air Marshal Avery Weston as the other. The tale also includes a really creepy and possibly dangerous stalker (or stalkers) and a secondary character that comes pretty close to stealing my heart, Avery’s dog, Bennett.
Noyes excels at writing both romance and intrigue and it shows in this book. Her characters might as well be real they are so well-written. I’m a pretty big fan of second-chance love stories, and I love the way this one is done. You get the angst you expect from the two women trying to get past the pain of their separation and work their way back to being a couple in love. The outside forces that had a role in their breakup are still around and have to be dealt with. Add in a nasty bad guy (or guys) who are physically and psychologically stalking Elise and you get a tale full of danger, excitement, intrigue, and romance.
I also love the Easter egg the author included for her book Alone. I actually laughed out loud at that little scene.
E.J. Noyes’ works always get my highest praise and recommendation, and this novel is no different. You really need to read this book.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bella Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections: https://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
December 31, 2021
Sorry but I don't agree with my friends here at goodreads. In this story I find the romance part so-so and the thriller/action part nothing to write home about. Consequently I give this book a 3 star rating.
November 12, 2021
A new E.J. Noyes book is always a treat. She writes characters I absolutely fall in love with; Rebecca Keane, Morgan Ashworth, Audrey Graham and now Avery Weston. This book is quintessential E.J., utilizing first person storytelling and scorching hot scenes to weave together a beautiful story.
Avery Weston spends her days flying the skies as an air marshall and her nights snuggling her dog Bennett, while watching her ex-girlfriend on tv's hottest show. Fifteen months after having her heart ripped out she still loves her. When she finds herself on a flight with her ex, Emmy winning actress, Elise Hayes, she can't believe it. Elise wants to talk to her after they land but what is there to say. She left Avery after her manager told her she would never get her big break acting if her sexuality came to light.
Their past takes a backseat when a fan grabs Elise with plans to take her off of the plan with him. Avery will not let the asshat hurt Elise and subdues him. They aren't able to talk after the plane lands and that leaves Avery feeling unsettled. She wanted to make sure Elise was ok after such a harrowing experience. She is surprised when she arrives at home to find Elise waiting for her. She is too afraid to go home and asks Avery if she can stay with her for a while. Avery can't very well send her away when they've both been through such a traumatic event and it turns out she's not the only one with lingering feelings.
A few days turns into a few weeks. Is this the second chance Avery never thought she would have? Will Elise have the courage to come out or will she choose her career yet again over love? Will Elise's crazed fan try again to make her his? Will Bennett the dog ever catch the damn opossum that haunts him?
How awesome is to to legit love every single book an author has written? There aren't too many authors I can say that about, however, E.J. is definitely one of them. Avery is an absolute dream and having the story told from her perspective worked perfectly. E.J. beautifully conveyed Avery's broken state even after having fifteen months to deal with the breakup. I felt her sorrow as she watched the love of her life starring on a hit tv show. Elise appears to have it all while Avery can't really move on because her heart can't let go.
Even though the story is told from Avery's perspective, I still feel like we get to know Elise well and can feel the pain she carries from the decision she made to end the relationship. Her professional dreams may have come true but losing Avery haunts her every day. Even though she realized early one her mistake, fear of rejection kept her from reaching out to Avery. Sometimes the scariest events we experience, lead us to the best possible outcome.
The only one in this story who isn't in pain is Bennett, the dog, who is just thrilled to have his second mom back home so he can sleep on the couch again. Bennett is the best dog and I want him to get all of the treats and to have his moms reunite so his doggie dreams come true.
Go Around checks a lot of my favorite things off. It has the previously mentioned second chance at love, a Hollywood actress, a bit of suspense, a lot of sex, cute dog, adorable co-worker (Nicola, who is so cute, all gushing about Elise to Avery, completely clueless) and most importantly, it's written by E.J. Noyes. She just keeps solidifying her place as one of the best writers in the genre. She has such a beautiful way with words. I highly recommend you read this book.
ARC received from Bella Books for an honest review.
https://sapphicbookreview.com/review/...
Avery Weston spends her days flying the skies as an air marshall and her nights snuggling her dog Bennett, while watching her ex-girlfriend on tv's hottest show. Fifteen months after having her heart ripped out she still loves her. When she finds herself on a flight with her ex, Emmy winning actress, Elise Hayes, she can't believe it. Elise wants to talk to her after they land but what is there to say. She left Avery after her manager told her she would never get her big break acting if her sexuality came to light.
Their past takes a backseat when a fan grabs Elise with plans to take her off of the plan with him. Avery will not let the asshat hurt Elise and subdues him. They aren't able to talk after the plane lands and that leaves Avery feeling unsettled. She wanted to make sure Elise was ok after such a harrowing experience. She is surprised when she arrives at home to find Elise waiting for her. She is too afraid to go home and asks Avery if she can stay with her for a while. Avery can't very well send her away when they've both been through such a traumatic event and it turns out she's not the only one with lingering feelings.
A few days turns into a few weeks. Is this the second chance Avery never thought she would have? Will Elise have the courage to come out or will she choose her career yet again over love? Will Elise's crazed fan try again to make her his? Will Bennett the dog ever catch the damn opossum that haunts him?
How awesome is to to legit love every single book an author has written? There aren't too many authors I can say that about, however, E.J. is definitely one of them. Avery is an absolute dream and having the story told from her perspective worked perfectly. E.J. beautifully conveyed Avery's broken state even after having fifteen months to deal with the breakup. I felt her sorrow as she watched the love of her life starring on a hit tv show. Elise appears to have it all while Avery can't really move on because her heart can't let go.
Even though the story is told from Avery's perspective, I still feel like we get to know Elise well and can feel the pain she carries from the decision she made to end the relationship. Her professional dreams may have come true but losing Avery haunts her every day. Even though she realized early one her mistake, fear of rejection kept her from reaching out to Avery. Sometimes the scariest events we experience, lead us to the best possible outcome.
The only one in this story who isn't in pain is Bennett, the dog, who is just thrilled to have his second mom back home so he can sleep on the couch again. Bennett is the best dog and I want him to get all of the treats and to have his moms reunite so his doggie dreams come true.
Go Around checks a lot of my favorite things off. It has the previously mentioned second chance at love, a Hollywood actress, a bit of suspense, a lot of sex, cute dog, adorable co-worker (Nicola, who is so cute, all gushing about Elise to Avery, completely clueless) and most importantly, it's written by E.J. Noyes. She just keeps solidifying her place as one of the best writers in the genre. She has such a beautiful way with words. I highly recommend you read this book.
ARC received from Bella Books for an honest review.
https://sapphicbookreview.com/review/...
April 9, 2022
I enjoyed this a lot! This is an author that people seem to reaaaaly love, which so far I mostly just seem to like, so it was wonderful to get totally into this one. My preference in romance stories is not first person, and to get in both (or more) characters heads/povs, and EJ Noyes, of the ones I’ve read so far, seems to mostly not do that, which i think is part of why i'm less inclined to love her books as much? idk. This one was primed for me to get more into the story from the get go, I love second chance romances and celebrity romances, add in a little bit of a “and they were roommates” at least temporarily, and a little thriller/suspense elements and I’m on board. I really loved the character Elise, and totally fell in love with her. I wish we had gotten her POV too, but even without it, she felt full realized. Abby Craden is such a good narrator and this was a great listen.
September 4, 2024
3.5 rounded up.
E.J. Noyes continues to impress with her beautifully crafted prose in Go Around. While this book didn’t capture me as much as her other works—it still had its moments.
Noyes has a way with words; her writing is smooth, effortless, and engaging. However, Go Around felt more frustrating than fun, with a repetitive “I love you, but I can’t come out” loop dominating the first two-thirds. Despite this, the emotional journey culminated in a satisfying HEA, leaving me wishing the earlier chapters had the same momentum as the last ones.
E.J. Noyes continues to impress with her beautifully crafted prose in Go Around. While this book didn’t capture me as much as her other works—it still had its moments.
Noyes has a way with words; her writing is smooth, effortless, and engaging. However, Go Around felt more frustrating than fun, with a repetitive “I love you, but I can’t come out” loop dominating the first two-thirds. Despite this, the emotional journey culminated in a satisfying HEA, leaving me wishing the earlier chapters had the same momentum as the last ones.
December 13, 2021
After spending some time doing marathon on E. J. Noyes's book the previous months, now I kinda catch her vibe in writing. Easy and fun, sometimes intense.
I have to say, at some point of this book, the story are a bit slow with the whole reconnecting thingy between Avery and Elise and I am getting more anxious over pages, anticipating something nerve-wrecking related to the stalker to happen. And that actually makes it hard to stop reading.
Now let me talk about things I love about this book. The mention of the author's best book, "Alone" and this line from the obviously the author herself, "Whoever wrote that sounds seriously weird.” That was like LOL, so funny I can't. And I love Bennie. Like really falling in love with him. I am not a dog person and have some kind of dog phobia but Bennie is otherworldly lovable.
And yes, I highly recommend this one, too.
I have to say, at some point of this book, the story are a bit slow with the whole reconnecting thingy between Avery and Elise and I am getting more anxious over pages, anticipating something nerve-wrecking related to the stalker to happen. And that actually makes it hard to stop reading.
Now let me talk about things I love about this book. The mention of the author's best book, "Alone" and this line from the obviously the author herself, "Whoever wrote that sounds seriously weird.” That was like LOL, so funny I can't. And I love Bennie. Like really falling in love with him. I am not a dog person and have some kind of dog phobia but Bennie is otherworldly lovable.
And yes, I highly recommend this one, too.
January 3, 2022
This was pretty good. It has a lot of wish-fulfillment elements with both characters pretty powerful in their own rights. Elise is a star-quality actress and Avery is a federal air marshal with some standing/renown (well, within the confines of her career, which is largely anonymous for obvious reasons). And I liked them both pretty early.
This story revolves around coming out, really. In that sense, it's something of what I call a myth-making story. Okay, I just made that up, but it sounds about right. We are largely the stories we tell ourselves and one of the things I like seeing in the LGBTQ community is the diminishing fear and acknowledgement of progress in the last decades. Elise is firmly in the closet and the central conflict is learning why she let that break them up before and why it might be different this go around (hence the title).
And I completely sympathized with Avery's hesitance. She's still reeling a bit from that breakup and isn't eager to go through it again. So even as she is accepting Elise back into her life based on the protection Elise needs, she is very wary of what may happen if she accepts anything long-term. There's some lovely back and forth as they reacquaint themselves and work out their new balance. And it quickly becomes apparent that Elise is asking for another go around (title again) and that she wants to make different choices. This opens up dialogue about coming out and how it's a one-way door for her in her career and questions of motivation and potential regret. This was well-written and engaged me fully.
What tanked this a star is the suspense element that takes over for a scene or two. Not because it was suspense (though I am particularly sensitive to that and avoid suspense subgenres as a rule). But because Noyes manipulates events to maximize drama in ways I felt were unearned. It was very made-for-movies, and not in a good way.
Anyway, a solid four stars for great characters and a plot that only faltered in the end there. And note, I mean "faltered" fully knowing that's a personal response and one fans of suspense will find an enhancement—though come to that, the suspense was really light; practically nonexistent, really.
A note about Steamy: There are three explicit sex scenes and they go on and on edging this into the high end of my steam tolerance. I skimmed them ruthlessly, I'll admit. Pages and pages of skimming.
This story revolves around coming out, really. In that sense, it's something of what I call a myth-making story. Okay, I just made that up, but it sounds about right. We are largely the stories we tell ourselves and one of the things I like seeing in the LGBTQ community is the diminishing fear and acknowledgement of progress in the last decades. Elise is firmly in the closet and the central conflict is learning why she let that break them up before and why it might be different this go around (hence the title).
And I completely sympathized with Avery's hesitance. She's still reeling a bit from that breakup and isn't eager to go through it again. So even as she is accepting Elise back into her life based on the protection Elise needs, she is very wary of what may happen if she accepts anything long-term. There's some lovely back and forth as they reacquaint themselves and work out their new balance. And it quickly becomes apparent that Elise is asking for another go around (title again) and that she wants to make different choices. This opens up dialogue about coming out and how it's a one-way door for her in her career and questions of motivation and potential regret. This was well-written and engaged me fully.
What tanked this a star is the suspense element that takes over for a scene or two. Not because it was suspense (though I am particularly sensitive to that and avoid suspense subgenres as a rule). But because Noyes manipulates events to maximize drama in ways I felt were unearned. It was very made-for-movies, and not in a good way.
Anyway, a solid four stars for great characters and a plot that only faltered in the end there. And note, I mean "faltered" fully knowing that's a personal response and one fans of suspense will find an enhancement—though come to that, the suspense was really light; practically nonexistent, really.
A note about Steamy: There are three explicit sex scenes and they go on and on edging this into the high end of my steam tolerance. I skimmed them ruthlessly, I'll admit. Pages and pages of skimming.
December 7, 2021
This pains me to do, because Noyes is arguably one of the best lesfic writers in the genre right now, and who is a lowly peon like me to question greatness. But while this was a better read than many others in WLW fiction (because, again, it’s Noyes!), I would rate my experience reading “Go Around” an overall 3.5.
The romance is well developed, and the thriller is on point; so I honestly couldn’t put my finger on what was missing while I was reading; I just knew *something* was.
Then towards the end of the book I realized what it was: the great E.J. Noyes has a distinct talent for world building; I’m not talking fantasy, of course, since that’s not her bag. But she does an admirable job of putting her readers IN the settings of her novels. A simple read of “Pas de deux” or “Ask, Tell” is all it takes to know just HOW far she’ll go to research her settings and vocations and add the rich details that make for a believable backdrop. She makes you *excited* to step into the characters’ lives because it’s just so damn textured an experience that it helps you know these people more fully.
The thing about “Go Around” is it’s a novel about an air Marshall and a Hollywood heavyweight actress. So you’d think the atmosphere created would be hella exciting. But save for a few precious scenes, most of the book takes place in one character’s house or another. I’m kind of a massive whore for the glamour of Hollywood romances, so the only very light touch of said glamor was maybe distinctly disappointing for me (meaning I am perhaps not the most impartial judge of the setting in that regard). But the disappointment did actually go beyond my impulse to tramp myself out to glitz and glamour.
On the one hand, I get why the setting didn’t vary much. One character is basically in hiding most of the time, after all. But still, I wish there had been more done to help create a sense of the characters’ real lives rather than staying in this sort of hum drum cocoon with them for 70% of the book. As I said, the rest of the plot elements are well done as ALWAYS. And the writing is still phenomenal. But the usually reliable “oomph” of a richly textured E.J. Noyes book was missing. And that fact unfortunately just took a lot of the color out of an otherwise solid story for me.
The romance is well developed, and the thriller is on point; so I honestly couldn’t put my finger on what was missing while I was reading; I just knew *something* was.
Then towards the end of the book I realized what it was: the great E.J. Noyes has a distinct talent for world building; I’m not talking fantasy, of course, since that’s not her bag. But she does an admirable job of putting her readers IN the settings of her novels. A simple read of “Pas de deux” or “Ask, Tell” is all it takes to know just HOW far she’ll go to research her settings and vocations and add the rich details that make for a believable backdrop. She makes you *excited* to step into the characters’ lives because it’s just so damn textured an experience that it helps you know these people more fully.
The thing about “Go Around” is it’s a novel about an air Marshall and a Hollywood heavyweight actress. So you’d think the atmosphere created would be hella exciting. But save for a few precious scenes, most of the book takes place in one character’s house or another. I’m kind of a massive whore for the glamour of Hollywood romances, so the only very light touch of said glamor was maybe distinctly disappointing for me (meaning I am perhaps not the most impartial judge of the setting in that regard). But the disappointment did actually go beyond my impulse to tramp myself out to glitz and glamour.
On the one hand, I get why the setting didn’t vary much. One character is basically in hiding most of the time, after all. But still, I wish there had been more done to help create a sense of the characters’ real lives rather than staying in this sort of hum drum cocoon with them for 70% of the book. As I said, the rest of the plot elements are well done as ALWAYS. And the writing is still phenomenal. But the usually reliable “oomph” of a richly textured E.J. Noyes book was missing. And that fact unfortunately just took a lot of the color out of an otherwise solid story for me.
November 29, 2021
I love love love this book so much! I don’t know why but I have a thing for stories that take place in a plane or start there and that involve a celebrity and some sort of law enforcement officer 😂 and this one just ticked all my boxes. I just wish it could have been longer so I could read more about Elise and Avery being cute and cuddly and going to premieres together and witness their wedding 😍
100% recommend this book! E.J. Noyes never disappoints 👌🏻
100% recommend this book! E.J. Noyes never disappoints 👌🏻
January 8, 2022
4,5 stars
This was really good. I liked that it focused more on the MCs trying to figure out whether/how to rebuild their trust and relationship instead of the obsessed psycho. Especially because both Avery and Elise acted like grown up women and actually communicated.
Bennett was a nice addition as well.
I also really liked the small "Alone" cameo. It made me smile, I liked that book
This was really good. I liked that it focused more on the MCs trying to figure out whether/how to rebuild their trust and relationship instead of the obsessed psycho. Especially because both Avery and Elise acted like grown up women and actually communicated.
Bennett was a nice addition as well.
I also really liked the small "Alone" cameo. It made me smile, I liked that book
February 26, 2022
WOW
What a fantastic audiobook. The dream team Noyes and Abby Craden did it again. Great story, exceptionally narrated. Highly recommended.
What a fantastic audiobook. The dream team Noyes and Abby Craden did it again. Great story, exceptionally narrated. Highly recommended.
June 12, 2022
Book number 9 from EJ Noyes that I’ve bought and read. Yes…. Noyes is one of my favourite authors and how can I not buy and read them all? I haven’t been disappointed so far and I don’t think that will be the case for Book 9. Reading the synopsis, I doubt I won’t like it since the plot is so up my alley. A second chance romance between a closeted actress in Elise Hayes, and an out and proud officer of the law, Avery Weston with a stalker on the loose, which added some drama to the plot.
Separated for under 2 years, Elise and Avery met again while on a flight where Avery was on duty. An incident happened on the flight which somehow had Elise seeking out shelter from Avery once they have safely landed home. Staying under the same roof and with old feelings that didn’t exactly disappear between the 2… well the obvious happened. No surprises there. Our 2 MCs continued life living under the bubble with Elise trying to figure coming out of the closet without jeopardising her career.
As with Noyes’ writing, one can expect a sexy steamy scene or two. And that sexy scene on eve of new year is just it… Sexy and hot 🥵and then shit hits the fan.
Separated for under 2 years, Elise and Avery met again while on a flight where Avery was on duty. An incident happened on the flight which somehow had Elise seeking out shelter from Avery once they have safely landed home. Staying under the same roof and with old feelings that didn’t exactly disappear between the 2… well the obvious happened. No surprises there. Our 2 MCs continued life living under the bubble with Elise trying to figure coming out of the closet without jeopardising her career.
As with Noyes’ writing, one can expect a sexy steamy scene or two. And that sexy scene on eve of new year is just it… Sexy and hot 🥵and then shit hits the fan.
December 17, 2021
Have I mentioned I love EJ Noyes?? Because damn, I love EJ Noyes. While all her books are outstanding, I think this is one of her best. There’s just something about second chance romance that gets to me — probably because it eliminates the possibility of the romance feeling forced — and Noyes executes it especially brilliantly. There's an intensity and weightiness to Elise and Avery's love story that reminds me a lot of Sabine and Rebecca, though the characters themselves are completely different. This book will appeal to fans of thrillers due to the intense stalking sub-plot, but there are a lot of heavy themes, so I recommend reading the content warnings if you have any triggers. And once again, Noyes and Abby Craden make a dynamic duo!
content warnings: alcohol (recreational), alcoholism (past), blood, death of a sibling (past, off-page), death of parents (past, off-page), death threats, graphic injuries, graphic sex, gun violence, stalking, guilt, homophobia, hospitalization, hostage, panic attack, physical assault, murder (past, off-page), physical assault, suicide (past, off-page), trauma
content warnings: alcohol (recreational), alcoholism (past), blood, death of a sibling (past, off-page), death of parents (past, off-page), death threats, graphic injuries, graphic sex, gun violence, stalking, guilt, homophobia, hospitalization, hostage, panic attack, physical assault, murder (past, off-page), physical assault, suicide (past, off-page), trauma
March 24, 2022
ahhhh!
So good! So much good tension, but not between the MCs (which I like). One of my favorites, by far, from this author.
So good! So much good tension, but not between the MCs (which I like). One of my favorites, by far, from this author.
December 30, 2021
ARC received via Bella Books in exchange for an honest review.
Noyes is always a go to for me, so much so that I requested this without even reading the blurb. Once I got it I realised it was a second chance story, which are hit and miss for me depending on how they pan out, and this also involved a crime element.
The MCs are Avery, an Air Marshall, and her ex Elise, who is a rising Hollywood actress. They were together for 5 years before Elise unceremoniously dumped Avery to further her career and they are reunited on a flight.
As is usual for a Noyes book, this is told in first person, from Avery's POV. This was a limitation here, because Elise was actually the one who drove all of the drama, and we never get her perspective, her story is told only through what Avery reveals about her, but this book would have been far more interesting if we could have been privy to what Elise was also feeling, as Noyes did in Ask Me Again.
Both characters are fairly interesting, and I believed they loved each other and should be together, which was actually also a limitation, because I just didn't buy that Elise would have just broken up with Avery after 5 great years with little to no explanation and then stayed away. There aren't many supporting characters in this that get much to do, the character with the next biggest role is Avery's co-worker Nicole, who added some levity in her scenes. There's also an adorable dog, Bennett, who was the highlight for me. The crime aspect left me a bit cold, mostly because I found the first part of it on the plane pretty unbelievable, and the end section involving that character was the same, how someone who was being stalked and her cop girlfriend wouldn't take more precautions to keep a stalker out was beyond me.
I did like that both characters communicated well with the other and that they talked through their issues once back in each other's realm. The way Noyes worked another of her stories into this one was also quite clever. I also believed that the MCs made a good couple and wanted to see them resolve their issues and get back together, so I enjoyed that aspect, but there were too many other issues for me with this one to add it to my list of Noyes 'must reads'. 3 stars
Noyes is always a go to for me, so much so that I requested this without even reading the blurb. Once I got it I realised it was a second chance story, which are hit and miss for me depending on how they pan out, and this also involved a crime element.
The MCs are Avery, an Air Marshall, and her ex Elise, who is a rising Hollywood actress. They were together for 5 years before Elise unceremoniously dumped Avery to further her career and they are reunited on a flight.
As is usual for a Noyes book, this is told in first person, from Avery's POV. This was a limitation here, because Elise was actually the one who drove all of the drama, and we never get her perspective, her story is told only through what Avery reveals about her, but this book would have been far more interesting if we could have been privy to what Elise was also feeling, as Noyes did in Ask Me Again.
Both characters are fairly interesting, and I believed they loved each other and should be together, which was actually also a limitation, because I just didn't buy that Elise would have just broken up with Avery after 5 great years with little to no explanation and then stayed away. There aren't many supporting characters in this that get much to do, the character with the next biggest role is Avery's co-worker Nicole, who added some levity in her scenes. There's also an adorable dog, Bennett, who was the highlight for me. The crime aspect left me a bit cold, mostly because I found the first part of it on the plane pretty unbelievable, and the end section involving that character was the same, how someone who was being stalked and her cop girlfriend wouldn't take more precautions to keep a stalker out was beyond me.
I did like that both characters communicated well with the other and that they talked through their issues once back in each other's realm. The way Noyes worked another of her stories into this one was also quite clever. I also believed that the MCs made a good couple and wanted to see them resolve their issues and get back together, so I enjoyed that aspect, but there were too many other issues for me with this one to add it to my list of Noyes 'must reads'. 3 stars
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