by E. J. Noyes
Table of Contents
Synopsis
Other Books by E. J. Noyes
About the Author
Acknowledgments
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Bella Books
Synopsis
Jana Fleischer loves her life—wonderful family, best sister in the world, awesome soon to be sister-in-law, fabulous job, and a never-ending stream of men to chew through and spit out. So what if everyone says she’s too picky and she’s never had a real relationship?
When a chance meeting with Brooke Donnelly leaves Jana literally and figuratively off-balance, it doesn’t take long for her initial annoyance to turn into the first sparks of friendship. Jana always thought she was happy with her life, but the more time she spends with Brooke, the more she realizes something is missing. And maybe not just in the friendship department.
But how do you make that leap when you’ve never even considered kissing a woman, and have spent your whole life avoiding romantic commitments? Being brave, taking the first step, and admitting she wants to try to make things work with Brooke is only the beginning. Whether it’s the beginning of a disaster—or everything Jana hadn’t realized she wanted—depends on if Brooke can also be brave enough…
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Praise for E. J. Noyes
Alone
E. J. Noyes is easily one of the most gifted writers pulling us into whatever world she creates making us live and feel every emotion with her characters. Definitely, loudly, vehemently recommended.
—Reviewer@Large, NetGalley
Alone is an absolutely stunning book. This book is not a 5 star, it is well above that. You don’t see books like this one very often. Truly a treasure and one that will stay with you long after the final page.
—Tiff’s Reviews, goodreads
For being one of my most anticipated want to read books to read in 2019, this one sure had a lot of expectations to live up to! I can say with full authority, that it met or exceeded every single hope that I had. Noyes has done it again, cementing her place as a “must-read” author. Alone lived up to all the hype, and is easily one of the best books of 2019!
—Bethany K., NetGalley
There are only a handful of authors that I will drop everything to read as soon as a new book comes out, and Noyes is at the top of that list. It seems no matter what Noyes writes she doesn’t disappoint. I will eagerly be waiting for whatever she writes next.
—Lex Kent’s Reviews, goodreads
There are only a few books out there so compelling they seem to take control of you and force you to read them as quickly as possible. You can’t put them down. You just want the world to go away and leave you alone until you can finish this story. Alone by E.J. Noyes is that book for me. This novel is absolutely wonderful.
—Betty H., NetGalley
Not only is this easily one of the best books of 2019, but it has worked its way onto my personal all-time top 10 list. There is not one formulaic thing going on, and it’s “unputdownable”.
—KarenC., NetGalley
I cannot give this anything more than five stars, but damn I wish I could. I would give it 15.
—Carolyn M., NetGalley
Ask, Tell
“This is a book with everything I love about top quality lesbian fiction: a fantastic romance between two wonderful women I can relate to, a location that really made me think again about something I thought I knew well, and brilliant pacing and scene-setting. I cannot recommend this novel highly enough.”
—Rainbow Book Reviews
“Noyes totally blew my mind from the first sentence. I went in timidly, and I came away awaiting her next release with baited breath. I really love how Noyes is able to get below the surface of the DADT legislation. She really captures the longing, the heart-break, and especially the isolation that LGBTQ soldiers had to endure because the alternative was being deemed unfit to serve by their own government. I applaud Noyes for getting to the heart of the matter and giving a very important representation of what living and serving under this legislation truly meant for LGBTQ men and women of service.”
—The Lesbian Review
“EJ Noyes was able to deliver on so many levels… This book is going to take you on a roller coaster ride of ups and downs that you won’t expect but it’s so unbelievably worth it.”
—Les Rêveur Reviews
“Noyes clearly undertook a mammoth amount of research. I was totally engrossed. I’m not usually a reader of romance novels, but this one gripped me. The personal growth of the main character, the rich development of her fabulous best friend, Mitch, and the well-handled tension between Sabine and her love interest were all fantastic. This one definitely deserves five stars.”
—ceLEStial books Reviews
Turbulence
“Wow… and when I say ‘wow’ I mean… WOW. After the author’s debut novel Ask, Tell got to my list of best books of 2017, I was wondering if that was just a fluke. Fortunately for us lesfic readers, now it’s confirmed: E.J. Noyes CAN write. Not only that, she can write different genres…Written in first person from Isabelle’s point of view, the reader gets into her headspace with all her insecurities, struggles and character traits. Alongside Isabelle, we discover Audrey’s personality, her life story and, most importantly, her feelings. Throughout the book, Ms. Noyes pushes us down a rollercoaster of emotions as we accompany Isabelle in her journey of self-discovery. In the process, we laugh, suffer and enjoy the ride.”
—Gaby, goodreads
“This was hot, steamy, even a little emotional… and I loved every second of it. This book is in first person. I know some don’t care for that, but it works for this book, really. Always being in Isabella’s head, not knowing for sure what Audrey was thinking, gave me almost a little suspense. I just love the way Noyes writes. I know I am fan-girling out a bit here, but her books make me happy. All other romance fans, I easily recommend this. I just hope I don’t have to wait too long for another Noyes book.”
—Lex Kent, goodreads
“The entire story just flowed from the first page! E. J. Noyes did a superb job of bringing out Isabelle and Audrey’s personalities, faults, erratic emotions and the burning passion they shared. The chemistry between both women was so palpable! I felt as though the writer drizzled every word she wrote with love, combustible desire and intense longing.”
—The Lesbian Review
Gold
This is Noyes third book, and her writin
g just keeps getting better and better with each release. She gives us such amazing characters that are easy for anyone to relate to. And she makes them so endearing that you can’t help but want them to overcome the past and move forward toward their happily ever after.
—The Lesbian Review
“This book is exactly the way I wish romance authors would get back to writing romance. This is what I want to read. If you are a Noyes fan, get this book. If you are a romance fan, get this book. I didn’t even talk about the skiing… if you are a skiing fan, get this book.”
—Lex Kent, goodreads
“I love everything about it—the setting, the protagonists, sweet and convincing romance, a nice bunch of secondary characters, the skiing…The writing is excellent with great dialogue and pacing. There is some well-placed angst along with a really believable conflict. On top of all that, the ending (the entire last chapter) is truly great. I love when the author knows how to write a really satisfying ending.”
—Pin's Reviews, goodreads
Other Bella Books by E. J. Noyes
Ask, Tell
Turbulence
Gold
Ask Me Again
Alone
About the Author
E. J. Noyes lives in Australia with her wife, a needy cat, aloof chickens and too many horses. When not indulging in her love of reading and writing, E. J. argues with her hair and pretends to be good at things.
Copyright © 2019 by E. J. Noyes
Bella Books, Inc.
P.O. Box 10543
Tallahassee, FL 32302
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without permission in writing from the publisher.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.
First Bella Books Edition 2019
eBook released 2019
Editor: Cath Walker
Cover Designer: Kayla Mancuso
ISBN: 978-1-64247-056-7
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.
Acknowledgments
I owe a massive thank you to my D.C. and beer guru, Christina for taking on research for me with such enthusiasm. And by extension, thanks to all the pals you annoyed for me. I think I know more about your city now than I do about mine…
American Kate, your cheerleading, constant support and well-timed GIFs saved me. Thanks for looking at wedding dresses and hairstyles with me, and being one of my ‘Hey, American, what would you call this?’ people.
BFF Kate… Too bad, I’m saying thanks. You helped a lot. Deal with it.
Thanks to the usual suspects at Bella. You guys are awesomesauce. And sorry about the last-minute cover nub fiasco…
Cath, it was a quick game indeed. Thank you for being such a good scorekeeper.
Pheebs, I know some of Brooke’s “faults” are your (ahem, adorable) quirks but I promise they don’t annoy me. This one is for you. Out of all the gals you could have gone gay for, I’m kind of pleased you chose me. I’m still so sorry for laughing during my wedding vows.
Chapter One
The picture of my sister and me had a huge smudge mark right across Sabine’s face, which made her look as warped as one of Picasso’s Cubist portraits. I kept a lid on my laughter and focused my attention back on Joseph Weisman who was still trying to make me see reason, as he kept putting it. Jamming the phone between cheek and shoulder, I stretched across the antique solid walnut desk I’d inherited from my mentor and plucked a tissue from the box kept there for clients.
As I wiped the smudge from the glass, I finally interrupted with my best take-no-shit-schoolmistress tone. “Joseph, let’s lose the bullshit. We both know your client won’t get sole custody, so for the hundredth time, whyyyy are you still pushing for it?”
“Jana,” he purred like the sleaze he was. We’d been out a few times before I realized that the arrogant prick attorney façade was no façade. The bastard still thought he could charm me, and he still mispronounced my name. “What can I do to help you see our point of view?”
I cut him off with a flat declaration. “Nothing. Frankly, you’re being sexist and insulting to both my client, and to me because as I’ve told you repeatedly, my name is pronounced Yah-nah. But back to the matter at hand. Aside from the fact he travels constantly for his job, Bradley Denham has anger management issues. He can’t provide a stable or safe environment for his daughters. Honestly, you should consider yourself lucky that visitation is even on the table.”
“And your client’s a lesbian,” Joseph fired back. “Do you really think she’s going to be awarded sole custody?”
A flash of anger heated my neck. Actually, and not that it mattered in the slightest, Michelle Denham was bisexual. But pointing that out wasn’t going to help my case at the moment, though I wanted nothing more than to rant and rave and tell Weisman where to shove his homophobic misogynist views—namely so far up his ass they’d wither and die. Instead, I tamped down my annoyance and smothered him with calm realism. “Oh, the alleged same-sex relationship? That’s flimsy and you know it. There’s been absolutely no proof. I wish you’d give up on this pointless avenue and stop trying to deflect from the facts.”
The word alleged had stuck in my throat. My client’s sexuality had absolutely nothing to do with her excellent parenting ability, but her soon-to-be-ex husband was an asshole and grabbing at anything he could to discredit her. Because that was pretty much the only card he had to play. Every time I cautioned Michelle that she should keep her sexual preferences quiet—at least until I’d wrung everything I could from her husband, and her kids were safely in her custody—I felt like an all-round horrible person. And a fraud.
I knew what keeping secrets like that did to people, having witnessed my sister spend a chunk of her Army career suffering under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, even as she was falling in love with her fiancée slash ex-commanding officer. I saw what hiding Sabine’s sexuality did to her, and there I was telling someone else to hide an essential part of themselves too.
Joseph answered with a grunted, “Whatever.” Such an ineloquent shithead.
Despite his rugged good looks, he had multiple unattractive traits and I mentally slapped my forehead for ever agreeing to go on a date with him. I consoled myself with the reminder that it’d been the nice thing to do because he’d been new in town, and if nothing else—I was a fucking nice person.
I set the now-clean photo back on my desk. “Let’s get back on track here. As outlined, we’re asking for sole custody with generous visitation for your client, providing he keeps up with his child support payments and attends anger management counseling. My client is not at fault here. Among other things, your client committed adultery.” With his twenty-year-old secretary of all things. What an unimaginative cliché. “If it wasn’t for Bradley’s…indiscretion I highly doubt my client would wish to have their marriage annulled.” A sidestep. On our second meeting Michelle had whispered, around her tears, that she was relieved and grateful he’d been caught in his latest affair, giving her an excuse to finally end sixteen years of emotionally abusive married non-bliss.
Joseph’s response was another grunt. Neanderthal. This time I gave myself a mental pat on the back to congratulate myself for never sleeping with or even kissing him. I swung side to side on my cha
ir and executed a perfect slam dunk of tissue into wastebasket. “As I’ve stated numerous times, Michelle Denham wants to keep this out of court and would rather resolve it through mediation because she cares about the effects this divorce is having on her daughters. You’re just wasting everyone’s time and lining your pockets while doing so.” A text from Sabine drew my attention away from his response.
Dinner ordered for 7 under your name x
I glanced at my watch. Shit, almost six thirty. Time to get the hell out of the office for the night. One-handed, I closed my laptop and started packing files into my briefcase. Joseph picked up his droning, until eventually I had to cut him off. Again. “Look. You know I’m right. Think of what losing this case will do for your reputation, and convince your client that mediation is the best way to proceed.”
He sighed. “Fine. But he’s set on having his day in court and I still don’t know why. I’ll put it to him and get back to you.” Just as quickly he executed an about-face back to smarmy prick. “What are you doing now? Want to get a drink?”
“No. Even if it wasn’t a conflict because of our current clients, I really just don’t want to see you socially. Also, I have to help my sister plan her wedding. To another woman. Goodbye, Joseph.” I hung up without waiting for his response.
And if the bastard tried to use something from my personal life, like my sister’s sexuality, against my client? I’d hang him out to dry.
I used my key to unlock the front door of Sabine and Rebecca’s house, calling out their names as I made my way through to the kitchen. Sabine jogged down the stairs, jumped over the last two and landed lightly on the polished wooden floor. “Hey, Jannie.”
