Reviews

If the Shoe Fits by E.J. Noyes

mischievous_monkey's review against another edition

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3.0

I was very into this book in the beginning. I thoroughly enjoyed the “getting to know you” phase of the main character’s relationship. The remainder of the book was a little bit higher angst than I enjoy. I did like getting more of Jana’s story and appreciated the interactions with Sabine and Bec.
This audiobook was performed well by Kelsey Navarro.

leymag's review against another edition

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2.0

2.75 stars ---
(Audio)

This was both a necessary AND unnecessary addition to this series.

I didn't think I wanted it. I thought I could do without Jana's story. I wanted to focus on Rebecca and Sabine more than I wanted to know about Jana's life.

But, as Brooke was introduced and her confusion unfolded and her attraction became something Jana couldn't ignore anymore, I found myself more invested than I thought.

Brooke is extremely likable. Even if her and Jana hadn't of made it work I would have liked to know more about Brooke's character. She was well developed and her background made her acknowledged in the face of her adversity.

I will say, I became tiresome of the back and forth between Jana and Brooke in regards of their decision to make their relationship long-term. Jana became too persuasive at some points and came off whiny and picky. I don't know why Jana needed an answer so bad, their relationship was so new and I feel like there is plenty of time for them to have been able to figure out something (I understand the permanency with Brooke's promotion, but even then I wasn't a fan of the pressure.) I was happy to hear Sabine's and Rebecca's opinion on the whole thing and their suggestion for Jana to have patience.

I do understand the purpose of Jana's worries for the story though. It made Brooke's decision to defy her father and stand up for the relationship that much more sweet. I just wish the plot had the potential to drive everything out a little longer, but I understand the decision Noyes made to keep the story this way.

Overall, I resonated with Jana's struggles. I found that the sexuality turmoil was properly executed and I loved how Jana's confusions reflected on me as a reader. And Brooke having to overcome the judgement and ridicule for her sexuality from her family is unfortunately something the LGBTQ+ can resonate with as well. It made everything seem more human and I will forever be grateful for this series for highlighting those struggles.

elreichle's review against another edition

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lighthearted

3.0

bookish_alone's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25

sarahduensing's review against another edition

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lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

gabyyelton's review

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funny inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

mellysue's review against another edition

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  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

3.0

the_kara_kara's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

thankyou's review against another edition

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nothing hideous here, just burnt out with these boring characters and plots in lesbian romance. make these women insane.

aliu6's review against another edition

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4.0

4.25 stars

Jana Fleischer has high standards—at least, that's what she says when people tell her she needs to stop dumping guys for the silliest reasons. Jana doesn't need a man anyway when she has a loving and supportive family and a hot, er, super cool new best friend Brooke Donnelly. But soon Jana finds herself thinking that she may have found her perfect match—in Brooke! Can both Jana and Brooke overcome their fears and take a chance on love?

Once again, EJ Noyes does not disappoint. This was a fun read, and I really enjoyed watching the tension build up between the characters as they tried to figure out whether their feelings were returned or the other was just being ~friendly~.

That being said, there are a few serious topics tackled in this book: questioning one's sexual preferences/orientation, homophobic parents, self-harm. These are very real issues that members of the LGBTQ+ community deal with daily, and I appreciated their inclusion in this story.

I liked both characters a lot. Jana could be too hotheaded at times, and Brooke was sometimes wishy-washy, but I was definitely cheering them both on.

A few reasons why this didn't get the 5th star for me:
- It was a bit long. I was super into it until about 3/4 through, when I got a little restless. Not sure if there were some parts that could have been shortened or if it just needed a bit more action.
- I thought some of the things that happened in the book were a bit unrealistic.
SpoilerBrooke ends up re-coming out to her dad and also telling him that she doesn't want to take over the family business. As someone with homophobic parents and the weight of their expectations on my shoulders, I would not have done that for someone I had started dating less than a month ago. Also, I thought they fell in love a bit too quickly. I get that they were friends first, but still, a few weeks in seems really early.

- There were also loose ends at the end that I didn't feel had been wrapped up or adequately addressed.
Spoiler These include: Brooke's relationship with her brother, the life-sized statue of Jana, Brooke's commissioned piece for Bec and Sabine, Jana's court case with the bisexual mother.


Still, for fans of the earlier Ask, Tell books should definitely pick up this book as well. Overall, it's an enjoyable read. Would recommend.