Just when you think you’ve seen it all when it comes to romantic comedy novels, along comes a new take on the genre that turns it on its head. That’s how I felt while reading Claire Christian’s inventive, heartfelt, naughty new book, IT’S BEEN A PLEASURE, NONI BLAKE.

Australian Noni has gotten in a rut without even realizing it. Ever since the demise of her relationship with her longtime girlfriend, Joan, nearly two years earlier, Noni has tried her best to find meaning and fulfillment in her work as a teacher with at-risk students and her relationships with her friends. But a tragedy that befalls her latest one-night stand really shakes Noni up, inspiring her to request a sabbatical from her job and go on a six-month “pleasure quest” to Europe.

"It’s a wickedly funny novel that doesn’t take itself too seriously yet will lead to some truly serious self-reflection."

Ostensibly, Noni’s journey is intended to inspire exploration, saying yes to opportunities --- but most specifically the chance to finally hook up with Molly. Molly is on a list of “could have been” sexual conquests that Noni compiles one drunken evening with friends. Now she’s running a chain of backpacking hostels in Europe, and this seems like the perfect time for Noni to explore if they might be right for one another.

When the reunion with Molly doesn’t go quite as planned, Noni shifts gears, leaving herself open to new experiences and --- especially since she’s bisexual --- a variety of sexual encounters, some more fulfilling than others. While she’s least expecting it, she also discovers something that goes beyond pleasure --- real love --- which hits her by surprise and leaves her wanting more. But what happens when time runs out on her self-defined “pleasure quest” and real life comes storming back in? Can Noni continue saying yes to new experiences back in Australia, or is she ready for something else?

At first blush (and if you’re a blusher, there will be plenty to blush about in these pages), Noni’s journey of self-discovery sounds a bit like a sexier version of EAT, PRAY, LOVE. In addition to scenes that can be both steamy and cringe-inducing, Noni does partake in more than a couple of pretty deep and probing conversations about what it takes to be happy and what it means to prioritize yourself.

In the end, that’s what makes IT’S BEEN A PLEASURE, NONI BLAKE such a pleasure and a surprise to read. It’s a wickedly funny novel that doesn’t take itself too seriously yet will lead to some truly serious self-reflection. I’d be willing to bet that Noni’s story will inspire more than one reader to embark on their own quest for pleasure and fulfillment --- wherever it might take them.