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Alone
Half a million dollars will be Celeste Thorne's reward for spending four years of her life in total isolation. No faces. No voices. No way to leave.
Since Celeste has never really worried about being alone, the generous paycheck she'll receive for her participation in the solitary psychological experiment seems like easy money.
When she finds an injured hiker in the woods bordering her living compound, her strictly governed world is thrown into disarray. But even as she struggles with the morality of breaking the rules of the experiment, Celeste can't deny her growing attraction to the kind and enigmatic Olivia Soldano. Still, how much can you really trust a stranger? And how much can you trust yourself when you know all the faces you've seen and voices you've heard for the past three years have only been your imagination?
But what's real? Celeste's reality may lie somewhere between the absolute truth and a carefully constructed deception.
Since Celeste has never really worried about being alone, the generous paycheck she'll receive for her participation in the solitary psychological experiment seems like easy money.
When she finds an injured hiker in the woods bordering her living compound, her strictly governed world is thrown into disarray. But even as she struggles with the morality of breaking the rules of the experiment, Celeste can't deny her growing attraction to the kind and enigmatic Olivia Soldano. Still, how much can you really trust a stranger? And how much can you trust yourself when you know all the faces you've seen and voices you've heard for the past three years have only been your imagination?
But what's real? Celeste's reality may lie somewhere between the absolute truth and a carefully constructed deception.
Audio CD
First published May 15, 2019
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About the author
E.J. Noyes
19 books1,976 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 460 reviews
May 11, 2019
Edit 5/11/19 I have been thinking about changing my rating from 4.5 to a full 5 stars for about a week now. This doesn't happen to me often, changing ratings, but it happened to me with Ask, Tell too. Noyes writes books I can't quite forget about. I think I was a little conservative in my first rating because this is still one of the best books I read all year and it deserves the full 5 stars.
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. While I pride myself on being a fair reviewer, I know I can be a little picky at times. But every time Noyes puts a new book out she manages to blow my mind just a little more. While I do admit the storyline of this book is not my favorite by Noyes (it’s hard to compete with one of my all-time favorite books in Ask, Tell or the sweeping romance of Gold) but this might actually be one of her best written books. It’s hard to show growth, as an author, when your debut is fanfreakingtastic, but it is clear to see Noyes’ writing just gets better and better with every book she writes.
This book is quite different than any Noyes has written before. Actually, if you look at her complete body of work no two books feel the same which I think is really impressive. It’s hard to pick categories to fit this book into. It is a romance, but again it’s different from the norm. It is also psychological but not a psychological thriller; there really aren’t other lesfic books out there like this. And while Ask Me Again was absolutely heartbreaking at times, I think this is the most emotional book Noyes has written. It sure took me on a ride and messed with my feelings. This is what a good first person story is supposed to do. It is supposed to draw you into the character and make you feel. Well I was feeling something alright. I cried, I smiled, I was angry and disgusted, and I was sad but also relieved. This book put my emotions through a wringer and it was exactly what I wanted.
When it came to the romance I thought it was well written. Again, it is very different but here’s that word again, emotional. With the way the two characters meet, the chemistry does build slowly, but when the characters are together it was almost powerful. It made you feel like you were reading about two people that were meant to be connected to each other. And the sex scenes… my gosh were they steamy. But it’s not just the steam factor, they were intimate and consuming. I’ve always been impressed by the sex scenes Noyes writes but these seemed like a noticeable step-up.
I do have to point out this is a slower paced book. The story is about someone living in isolation for years. So there is plenty of just everyday living and someone trying to keep sane in the face of complete loneliness. And there were even some parts you could see coming as a reader, but even with some parts being a little telegraphed, the outcome still almost wrecked me. Again, this is the testament to the excellent writing skills of Noyes.
If you are a Noyes fan, don’t hesitate to get this. If you are a romance fan but want to read something different, get this. It seems no matter what Noyes writes she doesn’t disappoint. I will eagerly be waiting for whatever she writes next.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
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. While I pride myself on being a fair reviewer, I know I can be a little picky at times. But every time Noyes puts a new book out she manages to blow my mind just a little more. While I do admit the storyline of this book is not my favorite by Noyes (it’s hard to compete with one of my all-time favorite books in Ask, Tell or the sweeping romance of Gold) but this might actually be one of her best written books. It’s hard to show growth, as an author, when your debut is fanfreakingtastic, but it is clear to see Noyes’ writing just gets better and better with every book she writes.
This book is quite different than any Noyes has written before. Actually, if you look at her complete body of work no two books feel the same which I think is really impressive. It’s hard to pick categories to fit this book into. It is a romance, but again it’s different from the norm. It is also psychological but not a psychological thriller; there really aren’t other lesfic books out there like this. And while Ask Me Again was absolutely heartbreaking at times, I think this is the most emotional book Noyes has written. It sure took me on a ride and messed with my feelings. This is what a good first person story is supposed to do. It is supposed to draw you into the character and make you feel. Well I was feeling something alright. I cried, I smiled, I was angry and disgusted, and I was sad but also relieved. This book put my emotions through a wringer and it was exactly what I wanted.
When it came to the romance I thought it was well written. Again, it is very different but here’s that word again, emotional. With the way the two characters meet, the chemistry does build slowly, but when the characters are together it was almost powerful. It made you feel like you were reading about two people that were meant to be connected to each other. And the sex scenes… my gosh were they steamy. But it’s not just the steam factor, they were intimate and consuming. I’ve always been impressed by the sex scenes Noyes writes but these seemed like a noticeable step-up.
I do have to point out this is a slower paced book. The story is about someone living in isolation for years. So there is plenty of just everyday living and someone trying to keep sane in the face of complete loneliness. And there were even some parts you could see coming as a reader, but even with some parts being a little telegraphed, the outcome still almost wrecked me. Again, this is the testament to the excellent writing skills of Noyes.
If you are a Noyes fan, don’t hesitate to get this. If you are a romance fan but want to read something different, get this. It seems no matter what Noyes writes she doesn’t disappoint. I will eagerly be waiting for whatever she writes next.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
May 3, 2019
'ARC generously provided by both NetGalley and The Publisher in exchange for an honest review'
**'Description begins in the writer's imagination but should finish in the reader's mind..Storytelling reveals meaning without committing the error of defining it..'
Rich in good characterization and storyline, 'ALONE' is a dazzling narration that offers an insightful and some meaningful perspectives on what is false or real when showing endearment to another while being enclosed from the outside world. Readers might deem it impossible to imagine or believed that someone could give up everything to be secluded in a habitat to have their life continuously monitored for a span of three plus years -- from a technologically advanced society which in essence, was the melodramatic core of the storyline and what did happen.
Part of the story also delineates the noir profundity of Ms.Noyes's storytelling in the context of both leads' (Olivia & Celeste) narratives and bonding. While in her concealed domain, Celeste's precise sense of the place and painful insights about the indomitability of her true feelings parallel that of Olivia's. Plus it did pit her heart and mind against her anger towards Olivia after-the-fact.
There's also a few here-there paragraphs where the author did seem a bit obsess with the torrid abusive treatment suffered at the hands of Celeste and her kid sister's mother during their childhood and this 'loser' mentality aim at her while growing up.
Ms.Noyes did mix realism with relatability, disorienting with dreamlike, entrapment with obligations and finally keeping independence out of reach with Celeste's degeneration at times.
Overall, the writing was well written,clever,poignant and it even tried to render a significant examination about a complicated relationship -- of one protagonist needing to overcome her anger and distrust towards the other with forgiveness which led to recreating that emotional and passionate connection from before. A highly recommended book!
**'Description begins in the writer's imagination but should finish in the reader's mind..Storytelling reveals meaning without committing the error of defining it..'
Rich in good characterization and storyline, 'ALONE' is a dazzling narration that offers an insightful and some meaningful perspectives on what is false or real when showing endearment to another while being enclosed from the outside world. Readers might deem it impossible to imagine or believed that someone could give up everything to be secluded in a habitat to have their life continuously monitored for a span of three plus years -- from a technologically advanced society which in essence, was the melodramatic core of the storyline and what did happen.
Part of the story also delineates the noir profundity of Ms.Noyes's storytelling in the context of both leads' (Olivia & Celeste) narratives and bonding. While in her concealed domain, Celeste's precise sense of the place and painful insights about the indomitability of her true feelings parallel that of Olivia's. Plus it did pit her heart and mind against her anger towards Olivia after-the-fact.
There's also a few here-there paragraphs where the author did seem a bit obsess with the torrid abusive treatment suffered at the hands of Celeste and her kid sister's mother during their childhood and this 'loser' mentality aim at her while growing up.
Ms.Noyes did mix realism with relatability, disorienting with dreamlike, entrapment with obligations and finally keeping independence out of reach with Celeste's degeneration at times.
Overall, the writing was well written,clever,poignant and it even tried to render a significant examination about a complicated relationship -- of one protagonist needing to overcome her anger and distrust towards the other with forgiveness which led to recreating that emotional and passionate connection from before. A highly recommended book!
March 24, 2019
Gold is still my favorite by Noyes, but Alone is not too far behind. It is a kind of psychological romance with some dark undertones, but not dark in its essence. On the contrary, it is essentially positive and motivating. It is different and weird, but in a good way. It is emotional in a big way. We can be angry, afraid, ashamed, angsty, crazy and happy along with the protagonist Celeste. We can laugh and cry with her. We can even hear voices in our head. All of that we can experience in this eccentric romantic story thanks to the great imagination and great writing skills of the author.
Alone (about 93,000 words) is written in first person present tense (just like Ask, Tell), from the point of view of Celeste. I consider it a good choice regarding the theme of the story. The same applies to the somewhat slower pace.
I can not wait to see what Noyes will serve us next. I am even unsettled a little. ;) With her vivid mind and imagination, who knows. LOL
Highly recommended.
4.75 stars
March 24, 2019
*A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.*
Alone (about 93,000 words) is written in first person present tense (just like Ask, Tell), from the point of view of Celeste. I consider it a good choice regarding the theme of the story. The same applies to the somewhat slower pace.
I can not wait to see what Noyes will serve us next. I am even unsettled a little. ;) With her vivid mind and imagination, who knows. LOL
Highly recommended.
4.75 stars
March 24, 2019
*A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.*
November 28, 2019
Update Nov 28 2019:
Listened to the audiobook 3 times by now. Oh Abby Craden, you really know how to bring characters to life. If you haven't read or listened to this yet, you need to change that because the story is extraordinary. Rating updated to 5*.
*GASP* What?! No 5 stars?
Admit it that was your first reaction right? Honestly, it was mine as well. So what gives?
First thing's first, if you're expecting an actual review, stop reading now. You won't get it, simply because EJ Noyes is a ridiculously talented author who once again wrote a great book and you should already know this. In other news; the ice caps are still melting, butterflies are terrifying and mushrooms are the source of all evil. Moving on!
So here's the real reason why I haven't given this book 5 stars; it was emotionally exhausting! Prior to reading this book I had spent several weeks going over all kinds of personal relationships in my life because I was about to come out to a some family members.
Picking up this book and reading about Celeste's heartbreaking romantic and familial relationships proved to be too much and I needed to take several breaks. Obviously I was wrong when I thought a book by an author of EJ's caliber wouldn't affect me too much but because of the audio book release scheduled for the 13th I went ahead and read this anyway. Ouch, lesson learned!
So there you have it. For now my rating stands at 4* but who knows what will happen after I listen to the audio book.
Listened to the audiobook 3 times by now. Oh Abby Craden, you really know how to bring characters to life. If you haven't read or listened to this yet, you need to change that because the story is extraordinary. Rating updated to 5*.
Admit it that was your first reaction right? Honestly, it was mine as well. So what gives?
First thing's first, if you're expecting an actual review, stop reading now. You won't get it, simply because EJ Noyes is a ridiculously talented author who once again wrote a great book and you should already know this. In other news; the ice caps are still melting, butterflies are terrifying and mushrooms are the source of all evil. Moving on!
So here's the real reason why I haven't given this book 5 stars; it was emotionally exhausting! Prior to reading this book I had spent several weeks going over all kinds of personal relationships in my life because I was about to come out to a some family members.
Picking up this book and reading about Celeste's heartbreaking romantic and familial relationships proved to be too much and I needed to take several breaks. Obviously I was wrong when I thought a book by an author of EJ's caliber wouldn't affect me too much but because of the audio book release scheduled for the 13th I went ahead and read this anyway. Ouch, lesson learned!
So there you have it. For now my rating stands at 4* but who knows what will happen after I listen to the audio book.
May 13, 2019
Alone by E.J. Noyes is an absolutely stunning book. I mean seriously, this is a book you start and are just riveted page after page. A few chapters in an I asked myself what am I reading. Knowing full well this book is on the next level. Pick it up, read it, and then strap in because you are in for one hell of a ride. My proverbial hat is off you E.J. Noyes because you have written something extraordinary. I will give a little bit of synopsis but I am going to leave you with my final review. This book is not a 5 star, it is well above that. This one is at the pinnacle of the lesbian romance genre. You don't see books like this on very often. Truly a treasure and one that will stay with you long after the final page.
Celeste Thorne is part of an experiment where she has removed herself from all human contact for over three years. For $500,000 she has not seen, spoken to or had any contact with a human form. It has begun to have taken an effect on her mind but she has not broken. With a half a year left Celeste is hanging in there. Things all take a drastic turn when Olivia Soldano crashes into her remote compound. That's the basics of the story, now go read it! You will not be disappointed in this gem.
Celeste Thorne is part of an experiment where she has removed herself from all human contact for over three years. For $500,000 she has not seen, spoken to or had any contact with a human form. It has begun to have taken an effect on her mind but she has not broken. With a half a year left Celeste is hanging in there. Things all take a drastic turn when Olivia Soldano crashes into her remote compound. That's the basics of the story, now go read it! You will not be disappointed in this gem.
February 14, 2020
Second read. I liked it less than the first time. And for that, I am rating it down a star. This is still an absolutely excellent and unique story, but there were some things that I didn't care for this time around. The songs/sayings that go through her head and then says 'Stop' was super repetitive and didn't add anything. The quick use of 'baby' all of the sudden in the end was not good for me. I highly dislike 'baby' as an endearment. Definitely not during sex. And especially not after you just get together. Don't let those picky things dissuade you if you are the one person who has not read this yet. Definitely read it.
----
Noyes creates a captivating story that focuses on physical and emotional loneliness.
Celeste answers an advertisement that leads her to live in a habitat without physical or audible human contact for 3/4 years. She is deep into her routines when an unexpected visitor arrives just after the 3 year mark. She is afraid that this contact has broken the rules and jeopardized her arrangement. But Celeste is so deprived of connection, she considers allowing the stranger to stay in secret for awhile.
This is a very heavy read. Celeste is secluded for a long time and we get a lengthy view into what life is like in her habitat. The mundane, the repetitiveness, the desperation, and the hallucinations. The main characters' pasts are filled with painful experiences. Thankfully we are just told about and not shown them.
At times, I felt that Celeste was too 'oh woe is me' and self deprecating but I had to keep reminding myself of the situation she has been in. That made interpreting her actions different than you might consider in other stories.
Above all, this is a love story. It was mostly predictable with exception to the length of time it took to have a resolution. Nobody will be able to claim it had an 'abrupt ending.' But I felt it. It hurt. Then kept hurting. I had a lump in my throat and glossy eyes for the last 1/4 of the book. Some of the scenes were so filled with tension, I could hardly stand it. The dialogue shines in this one.
I recommend to those who love romance, science, seclusion, tension, and Montana.
I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
----
Noyes creates a captivating story that focuses on physical and emotional loneliness.
Celeste answers an advertisement that leads her to live in a habitat without physical or audible human contact for 3/4 years. She is deep into her routines when an unexpected visitor arrives just after the 3 year mark. She is afraid that this contact has broken the rules and jeopardized her arrangement. But Celeste is so deprived of connection, she considers allowing the stranger to stay in secret for awhile.
This is a very heavy read. Celeste is secluded for a long time and we get a lengthy view into what life is like in her habitat. The mundane, the repetitiveness, the desperation, and the hallucinations. The main characters' pasts are filled with painful experiences. Thankfully we are just told about and not shown them.
At times, I felt that Celeste was too 'oh woe is me' and self deprecating but I had to keep reminding myself of the situation she has been in. That made interpreting her actions different than you might consider in other stories.
Above all, this is a love story. It was mostly predictable with exception to the length of time it took to have a resolution. Nobody will be able to claim it had an 'abrupt ending.' But I felt it. It hurt. Then kept hurting. I had a lump in my throat and glossy eyes for the last 1/4 of the book. Some of the scenes were so filled with tension, I could hardly stand it. The dialogue shines in this one.
I recommend to those who love romance, science, seclusion, tension, and Montana.
I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
January 13, 2020
Alone is not in any way, shape or form a run of the mill book. I don’t think it was meant to be one.
The book feels clinical at first because Celeste, the mc, is telling her story via a sterile report, documenting an experiment in which she is the subject. She’s been left isolated in the middle of the woods bound by a 4 year contract which is now mercifully ending within a year. Of course, she has her basic needs met, but there is no communication with the outside world and most importantly, no human contact allowed other than scant computer messages with the scientists. Hello, Kafkaesque Lesfic?
Celeste already comes from a brutal past and probably has always been on the precipice of mental well-being and tragedy but this experiment is a relentless pummeling to both body and soul. Creating imaginary friends for companionship, hearing voices in a silent world, and most heartbreaking, having a hug tree to fill the cruel void of touch deprivation are just a few examples. When a stranger appears, Celeste struggles with morals and ethics, trying to remember who she is in the middle of all the falseness.
At times, I felt like the story was metaphorical, describing chapters in people’s lives when we can become emotionally isolated because of past hurts and how it’s a steep climb to re-engage with another, to trust again.
For anybody keeping track, there are also plenty of hot moments and an intense slow burn/insta romance as illogical as that sounds. It somehow all works because the author makes it work.
The book feels clinical at first because Celeste, the mc, is telling her story via a sterile report, documenting an experiment in which she is the subject. She’s been left isolated in the middle of the woods bound by a 4 year contract which is now mercifully ending within a year. Of course, she has her basic needs met, but there is no communication with the outside world and most importantly, no human contact allowed other than scant computer messages with the scientists. Hello, Kafkaesque Lesfic?
Celeste already comes from a brutal past and probably has always been on the precipice of mental well-being and tragedy but this experiment is a relentless pummeling to both body and soul. Creating imaginary friends for companionship, hearing voices in a silent world, and most heartbreaking, having a hug tree to fill the cruel void of touch deprivation are just a few examples. When a stranger appears, Celeste struggles with morals and ethics, trying to remember who she is in the middle of all the falseness.
At times, I felt like the story was metaphorical, describing chapters in people’s lives when we can become emotionally isolated because of past hurts and how it’s a steep climb to re-engage with another, to trust again.
For anybody keeping track, there are also plenty of hot moments and an intense slow burn/insta romance as illogical as that sounds. It somehow all works because the author makes it work.
May 20, 2019
4 for the plot, 2 for romance for a grand total of 3 stars.
I liked the story but the romance didn't work for me. Even though I usually enjoy power imbalance a lot in fictional relationships, this one was too one-sided for my taste. Borderline predatory even. No matter how many excuses are given, this is basically on the level Twilight - it's fine because a conventionally hot person is doing it.
I just couldn't believe it working out as it did. I didn't feel the emotional intimacy. Too much was brushed away for this HEA to work out in my view. By the end of the book, I didn't even want for them to get together anymore. If they hadn't, I'd give this a higher rating.
I generally like E.J. Noyes books, I've given all of them 4 stars. This is my least favorite of hers so far but I can't say I regret this read since the plot was engaging and Celeste's personal journey was really well done.
I liked the story but the romance didn't work for me. Even though I usually enjoy power imbalance a lot in fictional relationships, this one was too one-sided for my taste. Borderline predatory even. No matter how many excuses are given, this is basically on the level Twilight - it's fine because a conventionally hot person is doing it.
I just couldn't believe it working out as it did. I didn't feel the emotional intimacy. Too much was brushed away for this HEA to work out in my view. By the end of the book, I didn't even want for them to get together anymore. If they hadn't, I'd give this a higher rating.
I generally like E.J. Noyes books, I've given all of them 4 stars. This is my least favorite of hers so far but I can't say I regret this read since the plot was engaging and Celeste's personal journey was really well done.
May 19, 2019
I loved the storyline obviously like everyone else nothing new here ! Also, Noyes writes EXTREMELY well, again, nothing new here! I finished it in less than a day (working in between), again nothing new here! So why a 4?
The romance didn’t work for me.. I actually really really wanted it to work more with Samantha and not for Celeste and Liv to get back together.. I know it’s kind of weird but that’s how I felt :)
Overall, this is a very solid 4, which means it’s a GREAT read and I totally recommend it.
P.S: if they paid me 10 million dollars, I wouldn’t go on this experiment.. if u ladies want to comment on my review, please state if you would ever go, and for how much (just to play, nothing more.. this should be fun hahahahaha)..
The romance didn’t work for me.. I actually really really wanted it to work more with Samantha and not for Celeste and Liv to get back together.. I know it’s kind of weird but that’s how I felt :)
Overall, this is a very solid 4, which means it’s a GREAT read and I totally recommend it.
P.S: if they paid me 10 million dollars, I wouldn’t go on this experiment.. if u ladies want to comment on my review, please state if you would ever go, and for how much (just to play, nothing more.. this should be fun hahahahaha)..
June 5, 2019
E.J. Noyes continues to impress. Alone is a masterpiece. We’ve all pondered what life on that imaginary deserted island would be like (some of us would need a power supply for our kindles) but Noyes brings this fantasy to life by placing Celeste in isolation for years for research purposes. She has her routines to follow each day and regular check ins with faceless controllers. I loved the contrast between her chaotic past and this organized present. Just when the voices in her head make her question her sanity a new challenge in the form of lost hiker Olivia complicates Celestes isolated life.
What an emotional rollercoaster. I loved the theme of endurance, both physical and emotional, how her past hurts and insecurities crash into her present mindset. The slow doling out of information kept me engaged and desperate to understand her relationships with her mom and sister. I loved the raw attraction she feels toward Olivia all the while questioning whether her response is reactive or genuine. The sexual tension between the two is off the charts.
I simply loved everything about this book. A stellar must read.
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
What an emotional rollercoaster. I loved the theme of endurance, both physical and emotional, how her past hurts and insecurities crash into her present mindset. The slow doling out of information kept me engaged and desperate to understand her relationships with her mom and sister. I loved the raw attraction she feels toward Olivia all the while questioning whether her response is reactive or genuine. The sexual tension between the two is off the charts.
I simply loved everything about this book. A stellar must read.
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
December 7, 2021
Social experiment.
Jude recommended this to me when I first started listening to audiobooks. It's one of those stories where E.J. Noyes just lets her creativity run wild and it's a brilliant piece about the human need for social life. It's told in the first person POV of a character who has dedicated three years of her life to complete isolation as part of a social experiment and has a year left to go in the contract when a mysterious woman appears at her doorstep.
There's a lot of telling in this book rather than action because the human mind is complex. Celeste lives alone with no human interaction. There's a lot of internal monologue that goes on in Celeste's head and she hears voices and interacts with imaginary people all the time. The sudden appearance of Olivia, a complete stranger, is disruptive and Celeste is suddenly caught between craving for Olivia and wanting to finish what she started out to do.
When it comes to Celeste and Olivia, their relationship, their feelings and their intimacy, I can't decide if it's true love or something else. But I don't really care. This story itself is intriguing, it's passionate and Abby Craden's sultry voice makes it even better.
Jude recommended this to me when I first started listening to audiobooks. It's one of those stories where E.J. Noyes just lets her creativity run wild and it's a brilliant piece about the human need for social life. It's told in the first person POV of a character who has dedicated three years of her life to complete isolation as part of a social experiment and has a year left to go in the contract when a mysterious woman appears at her doorstep.
There's a lot of telling in this book rather than action because the human mind is complex. Celeste lives alone with no human interaction. There's a lot of internal monologue that goes on in Celeste's head and she hears voices and interacts with imaginary people all the time. The sudden appearance of Olivia, a complete stranger, is disruptive and Celeste is suddenly caught between craving for Olivia and wanting to finish what she started out to do.
When it comes to Celeste and Olivia, their relationship, their feelings and their intimacy, I can't decide if it's true love or something else. But I don't really care. This story itself is intriguing, it's passionate and Abby Craden's sultry voice makes it even better.
June 2, 2019
Have you ventured into E.J. Noyes' latest psychological STUNNER, "Alone," yet? No? Oh, you must! TOP MARKS for Noyes' distinctive creativity, original, delectable ingenuity, and her quintessential storytelling virtuosity in this philosophical psychology piece, cleverly wrapped in a soul-stirring, deeply yearning, all-consuming love story. Yet another bona fide gem from Ms. Noyes, imho. End of.
"Alone" was essentially a case study of introspective psychology, measured in a controlled environment designed to promote isolation. The test subject in Noyes' story was Celeste. Before I continue, Noyes was right when she indicated that this book was different than her previous ones. The style, the tone and the approach to telling the story in this book were nothing like her usual ones. Even her well-known single, first-person POV present-tense narrative had a different rhythm. A very personal rhythm. Also worth mentioning is that this story, to me, was not strictly a romance, per se. At least not in any conventional sense of the genre. In fact, the romance served more like a backdrop to the singular, personal journey of Celeste, told and projected from inside her mind via different voices of characters in her life, representing different emotions and thought processes whilst in solitary confinement. Noyes perfectly visualised and personified every psyche of Celeste's mind via those characters, representing different behaviours and mental processes that she was going through with each thought.
Whilst I have a shitload of psychoanalytic bollocks to gob off about this because this story, for me, is no ordinary story, all I can tell you is, "Alone" is a RESOUNDING MUST-READ!! It transcends the meaning of romance, love, life. Philosophical. Psychological. Emotional. It's nothing like what I've encountered before in lesfic. It defies the conventional wisdom of what constitutes as a romance novel. A richly emotional and cerebral piece of literary art that was masterfully constructed, brilliantly weaved and affectingly told that by the end of it, I found myself immersed in quiet contemplation..
Meanwhile...
Buckle up, Dorothy, 'cos Kansas is going bye-bye! Whilst this book is categorised as a Romance, and I'm sure many read it and enjoy it as such but I can tell you that, for me, it's way beyond that... Well, that's the beauty of art, innit? Subjective, interpretative. From my interpretation of Noyes' concept in presenting Celeste's journey, I experienced one of the most philosophically psychological, introspective, emotionally reverberating stories I've ever read culminated in one of the most deeply reflective, provocative, heartrendingly poignant, soul-penetrating romance that I will be revisiting very often. Utterly spellbinding. Unforgettable.
READ IT. FEEL IT. PONDER IT. THEN...RE-READ IT.
Feel the changing perspectives upon every re-read. It did for me. Gratifyingly exhilarating and enlightening experience. Every. Single. Time. 'Nuff said.
"Alone" has become another one of my all-time favourite lesfic books written by Noyes. Yet another multiple reread material, that's for sure and most definitely on my Top Ten Lesfic list of 2019. Obviously.
Bloody well done, Ms. Noyes and THANK YOU for this unforgettable experience!
Obviously, I vomited a shitload of psychoanalytic bollocks in me commentary below.
**Disclaimer: My own postulation about the story as something transcending romance is simply it. My own. How it jolted my senses is solely based on how I experienced the story altogether, interpretative undertones, perceived notions, speculative implications and all. Noyes might not have even had any kind of inclination, whatsoever, about anything other than telling a well-constructed, complex and emotional love story. However, art is subjective. Therefore, its interpretation is in the mind of the beholder, innit?**
So, if you wanna know what I really think about this story, be forewarned. It's warped. So, read it at your own risk! 😅
Full commentary here.... In Bugs' Own Words
Otherwise, just READ THIS BOOK. You will NOT regret it, that's a guarantee!
"Alone" was essentially a case study of introspective psychology, measured in a controlled environment designed to promote isolation. The test subject in Noyes' story was Celeste. Before I continue, Noyes was right when she indicated that this book was different than her previous ones. The style, the tone and the approach to telling the story in this book were nothing like her usual ones. Even her well-known single, first-person POV present-tense narrative had a different rhythm. A very personal rhythm. Also worth mentioning is that this story, to me, was not strictly a romance, per se. At least not in any conventional sense of the genre. In fact, the romance served more like a backdrop to the singular, personal journey of Celeste, told and projected from inside her mind via different voices of characters in her life, representing different emotions and thought processes whilst in solitary confinement. Noyes perfectly visualised and personified every psyche of Celeste's mind via those characters, representing different behaviours and mental processes that she was going through with each thought.
Whilst I have a shitload of psychoanalytic bollocks to gob off about this because this story, for me, is no ordinary story, all I can tell you is, "Alone" is a RESOUNDING MUST-READ!! It transcends the meaning of romance, love, life. Philosophical. Psychological. Emotional. It's nothing like what I've encountered before in lesfic. It defies the conventional wisdom of what constitutes as a romance novel. A richly emotional and cerebral piece of literary art that was masterfully constructed, brilliantly weaved and affectingly told that by the end of it, I found myself immersed in quiet contemplation..
Meanwhile...
Buckle up, Dorothy, 'cos Kansas is going bye-bye! Whilst this book is categorised as a Romance, and I'm sure many read it and enjoy it as such but I can tell you that, for me, it's way beyond that... Well, that's the beauty of art, innit? Subjective, interpretative. From my interpretation of Noyes' concept in presenting Celeste's journey, I experienced one of the most philosophically psychological, introspective, emotionally reverberating stories I've ever read culminated in one of the most deeply reflective, provocative, heartrendingly poignant, soul-penetrating romance that I will be revisiting very often. Utterly spellbinding. Unforgettable.
READ IT. FEEL IT. PONDER IT. THEN...RE-READ IT.
Feel the changing perspectives upon every re-read. It did for me. Gratifyingly exhilarating and enlightening experience. Every. Single. Time. 'Nuff said.
"Alone" has become another one of my all-time favourite lesfic books written by Noyes. Yet another multiple reread material, that's for sure and most definitely on my Top Ten Lesfic list of 2019. Obviously.
Bloody well done, Ms. Noyes and THANK YOU for this unforgettable experience!
Obviously, I vomited a shitload of psychoanalytic bollocks in me commentary below.
**Disclaimer: My own postulation about the story as something transcending romance is simply it. My own. How it jolted my senses is solely based on how I experienced the story altogether, interpretative undertones, perceived notions, speculative implications and all. Noyes might not have even had any kind of inclination, whatsoever, about anything other than telling a well-constructed, complex and emotional love story. However, art is subjective. Therefore, its interpretation is in the mind of the beholder, innit?**
So, if you wanna know what I really think about this story, be forewarned. It's warped. So, read it at your own risk! 😅
Full commentary here.... In Bugs' Own Words
Otherwise, just READ THIS BOOK. You will NOT regret it, that's a guarantee!
January 11, 2020
5+ Stars for E.J. Noyes novel, Alone
What a way to start 2020 with a 5+ Star book!
I actually bought this book when it first came out and it sat there on the top of my TBR list for months. I bought it because I’ve loved Noyes’ previous books but I hesitated for a long time because it sounded angsty and I don’t do angst. It was getting 5 Star reviews across the board – so I thought. OK, I’ll end 2019 with a great book. Well, I started on Dec 29th read a a few chapters but with traveling, finishing up reading my annual Holiday books and fanfics, it got pushed it aside. I didn’t pick it up until after the New Year. Don’t get me wrong – its not a hard book to get into, its just me wanting to read Christmas books and stories during the season. I finished it in 2 days, which is fast for me.
Celeste Thorne has volunteered to be in an experimental study in which she is totally alone – no direct human contact. If she lasts for 4 years, she’ll receive half a million dollars. The only contact she has is daily brief reports and requests via text messages to the “Controllers” and she keeps a daily log. A few months from the end of the study, Celeste finds an injured hiker, Olivia Soldana. Celeste brings her into her compound/home to nurse her injuries. Does she tell the Controllers she has compromised the experiment?
The book is told in the first person from Celeste’s point of view – we hear the voices that she hears in her mind, what she is feeling and how she is coping (or not) and we go along with her as she goes about her daily routine. What is real? What is just her imagination? It was very effective and very emotional. I actually teared up at one point. I did guess parts of the book early on, but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment.
Noyes is an incredible and unique writer. None of her books are like the other. The only exception is perhaps her first two books of her series Ask, Tell. You just never know what you are going to get when you read her books – other than it will be well written, there will probably be some sort of romance but most likely atypical, it could be a light book or heavy (like this one or Ask Me Again ) and in my case it will be a 5 Star book. I’m looking forward to her next book, this time a paranormal romance, Reaping the Benefits.
What a way to start 2020 with a 5+ Star book!
I actually bought this book when it first came out and it sat there on the top of my TBR list for months. I bought it because I’ve loved Noyes’ previous books but I hesitated for a long time because it sounded angsty and I don’t do angst. It was getting 5 Star reviews across the board – so I thought. OK, I’ll end 2019 with a great book. Well, I started on Dec 29th read a a few chapters but with traveling, finishing up reading my annual Holiday books and fanfics, it got pushed it aside. I didn’t pick it up until after the New Year. Don’t get me wrong – its not a hard book to get into, its just me wanting to read Christmas books and stories during the season. I finished it in 2 days, which is fast for me.
Celeste Thorne has volunteered to be in an experimental study in which she is totally alone – no direct human contact. If she lasts for 4 years, she’ll receive half a million dollars. The only contact she has is daily brief reports and requests via text messages to the “Controllers” and she keeps a daily log. A few months from the end of the study, Celeste finds an injured hiker, Olivia Soldana. Celeste brings her into her compound/home to nurse her injuries. Does she tell the Controllers she has compromised the experiment?
The book is told in the first person from Celeste’s point of view – we hear the voices that she hears in her mind, what she is feeling and how she is coping (or not) and we go along with her as she goes about her daily routine. What is real? What is just her imagination? It was very effective and very emotional. I actually teared up at one point. I did guess parts of the book early on, but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment.
Noyes is an incredible and unique writer. None of her books are like the other. The only exception is perhaps her first two books of her series Ask, Tell. You just never know what you are going to get when you read her books – other than it will be well written, there will probably be some sort of romance but most likely atypical, it could be a light book or heavy (like this one or Ask Me Again ) and in my case it will be a 5 Star book. I’m looking forward to her next book, this time a paranormal romance, Reaping the Benefits.
May 17, 2019
This is a superb novel, from concept to execution. Celeste Thorne is a little tired of her life and job when she notices a flyer with an interesting opportunity on it. She signs herself up for an experiment to live on her own for four years with a big pay check at the end of it. After a thousand days in solitude she finds a hiker on the border of her habitat. Not having human contact for so long and now having to consider somebody else is a daunting prospect.
The beginning has a very gentle pace but gives enough time to have a really good impression of what Celeste is going through and how she’s coping on her own. She’s at the point where voices from the past are interfering with her but she still manages to keep her routines and daily chores going. Celeste is a fantastically well-created character and I hadn’t realised how invested I was in her until the page started blurring and tears were running down my face.
So much of it reads like speculative fiction and I suppose, in many ways, it is, by taking the familiar ‘trapped-in-a-cabin’ to an extreme and then adding in the psychological experiment aspect to it. I sometimes struggle with characters in a vacuum because there’s not enough interaction but Noyes counteracted that brilliantly by bringing to life the influences in Celeste’s past.
This novel elicited so many emotions and responses from me. It’s clever, beautiful, sad, romantic, imaginative, humorous, unusual and completely engrossing.
Book received from Netgalley and Bella Books for an honest review.
The beginning has a very gentle pace but gives enough time to have a really good impression of what Celeste is going through and how she’s coping on her own. She’s at the point where voices from the past are interfering with her but she still manages to keep her routines and daily chores going. Celeste is a fantastically well-created character and I hadn’t realised how invested I was in her until the page started blurring and tears were running down my face.
So much of it reads like speculative fiction and I suppose, in many ways, it is, by taking the familiar ‘trapped-in-a-cabin’ to an extreme and then adding in the psychological experiment aspect to it. I sometimes struggle with characters in a vacuum because there’s not enough interaction but Noyes counteracted that brilliantly by bringing to life the influences in Celeste’s past.
This novel elicited so many emotions and responses from me. It’s clever, beautiful, sad, romantic, imaginative, humorous, unusual and completely engrossing.
Book received from Netgalley and Bella Books for an honest review.
July 6, 2021
July/2021 audiobook in my Noyes’ marathon: I loved it even more. This one was truly masterful and I will admit, I didn’t quite see it the first time. The board games and the reveal were simply brilliantly written by Noyes and delivered perfectly and full of emotion by Craden.
Aug/19 AUDIOBOOK Narrated by Abby Craden.
This one was another amazing performance by Ms Craden. The narration was flawless and totally enhanced an already wonderful story. Olivia’s voice was beautiful and just spot on with the accent. I’ve listened to many audiobooks performed by her and this is one of my favorites. I can’t imagine someone else narrating Ms Noyes’ books. Thankfully I don’t have to, as she also narrates Tubulence (November 2019 release).
Uff, this one was intense!
I just need to start at the beginning of my experience reading this novel. Literally as I read the first sentence, I smiled. Yep, happy sigh. First person POV, you have become my favorite. First person POV written by EJ Noyes, I love you! Ms Noyes, at the risk of sounding like a lunatic to you (again), you singlehandedly are responsible for my first person POV obsession. Your first person POV is simply genius. I’ve read other books written in first person, but none that resonate with me like when written by this author.
I mentioned my smile right? Well, that’s the last time I did until later, later in the book. This is Celeste Thorne’s first person POV recount of her participation on a psychological study. The goal is for her to endure 4 years in close to complete isolation from human contact. The story begins after the third year, when suddenly Olivia Soldano, a lost hiker, appears on the edge of the compound. Suddenly Celeste must readjust to this person who is simply everything she ever wanted. The problem is that after such isolation, Celeste’s feelings are in disarray and she struggles to determine what is real and what is part of an elaborate lie.
Both characters are very likable. However, Celeste’s turbulent past suffering physical and emotional abuse from a mother who was addicted to meth makes her incredible endearing. We find out about her past not on your typical flashbacks, but in the auditory hallucinations Celeste is suffering from after such prolonged isolation. This was a brilliant way to introduce characters in an otherwise desolate place. And FYI Bella Books, it will make a fantastic audiobook with someone that can nail the voices.
As the mains connect, the first real touch is an embrace. Such a common and ordinary thing that Ms Noyes turns into such sweet and heartfelt experience. If you read this author before, we had The Incident, now The Lie. It may sound exciting, but unfortunately both events are gut wrenching and will leave you in tears. Ms Noyes is just so talented that the words suck you in and you can feel the agony and despair right alongside the characters. Does Ms Noyes even know how good she is?! On that note, I hereby declare Noyes’ five novels a must read for every lesfic fan. Period.
There is an interesting concept throughout the book regarding time and how at times it is linear vs erratic, slow vs fast. Thought that was interesting as slow time is regarded as one living life at its fullest. Makes me concerned that my time flies by...
Quick shoutout to Judith Fellows, who designed such a beautiful cover. It has been taunting me for months!
And before I forget Ms Noyes, is the goat trapping scene based on personal experience? :)
Would definitely recommend, but beware of the angst.
Aug/19 AUDIOBOOK Narrated by Abby Craden.
This one was another amazing performance by Ms Craden. The narration was flawless and totally enhanced an already wonderful story. Olivia’s voice was beautiful and just spot on with the accent. I’ve listened to many audiobooks performed by her and this is one of my favorites. I can’t imagine someone else narrating Ms Noyes’ books. Thankfully I don’t have to, as she also narrates Tubulence (November 2019 release).
Uff, this one was intense!
I just need to start at the beginning of my experience reading this novel. Literally as I read the first sentence, I smiled. Yep, happy sigh. First person POV, you have become my favorite. First person POV written by EJ Noyes, I love you! Ms Noyes, at the risk of sounding like a lunatic to you (again), you singlehandedly are responsible for my first person POV obsession. Your first person POV is simply genius. I’ve read other books written in first person, but none that resonate with me like when written by this author.
I mentioned my smile right? Well, that’s the last time I did until later, later in the book. This is Celeste Thorne’s first person POV recount of her participation on a psychological study. The goal is for her to endure 4 years in close to complete isolation from human contact. The story begins after the third year, when suddenly Olivia Soldano, a lost hiker, appears on the edge of the compound. Suddenly Celeste must readjust to this person who is simply everything she ever wanted. The problem is that after such isolation, Celeste’s feelings are in disarray and she struggles to determine what is real and what is part of an elaborate lie.
Both characters are very likable. However, Celeste’s turbulent past suffering physical and emotional abuse from a mother who was addicted to meth makes her incredible endearing. We find out about her past not on your typical flashbacks, but in the auditory hallucinations Celeste is suffering from after such prolonged isolation. This was a brilliant way to introduce characters in an otherwise desolate place. And FYI Bella Books, it will make a fantastic audiobook with someone that can nail the voices.
As the mains connect, the first real touch is an embrace. Such a common and ordinary thing that Ms Noyes turns into such sweet and heartfelt experience. If you read this author before, we had The Incident, now The Lie. It may sound exciting, but unfortunately both events are gut wrenching and will leave you in tears. Ms Noyes is just so talented that the words suck you in and you can feel the agony and despair right alongside the characters. Does Ms Noyes even know how good she is?! On that note, I hereby declare Noyes’ five novels a must read for every lesfic fan. Period.
There is an interesting concept throughout the book regarding time and how at times it is linear vs erratic, slow vs fast. Thought that was interesting as slow time is regarded as one living life at its fullest. Makes me concerned that my time flies by...
Quick shoutout to Judith Fellows, who designed such a beautiful cover. It has been taunting me for months!
And before I forget Ms Noyes, is the goat trapping scene based on personal experience? :)
Would definitely recommend, but beware of the angst.
June 8, 2019
Read this book. Read it now. Start it immediately. That’s it. That’s the review.
June 22, 2019
THIS BOOK HAD ME SCREAMING. It's honestly my favourite book of 2019 so far. It gave me so many feelings. The first 45% had me anxious and tense. And even though I had predicted what was going to happen, I was still pretty shocked. And angry. And heartbroken. E. J. Noyes is a fantastic author. I could feel every emotions Celeste was feeling and I had no idea how to deal with it most of the time hah. Sorry if this doesn't make much sense. I'm probably going to attempt writing a more coherent review in a few days. but I highly recommend it. READ IT.
August 17, 2019
Review of 'Alone' by E.J. Noyes
Audiobook narrated by Abby Craden
Celeste Thorne is taking part in a scientific experiment that involves solitary confinement for four years with a final prize of half a million dollars. More than three years into the study, she finds a woman lurking in the border of her compound. Olivia Soldano is beautiful, caring and enigmatic but her sole presence in the house breaks the rules of the experiment and ultimately, can Celeste trust her?
As in her debut 'Ask, tell', this novel is written in present tense which works well to tell the story as a chronicle and to provide immediacy to Celeste's solitary confinement. In her twisted reality, artificially created to study her behaviour, Celeste learns the meaning of relativity of time: slow when it's pleasurable, fast when it's solitary routine. However, from the reader's point of view, I felt exactly the opposite: whenever Celeste is alone, caught up in her repetitive tasks, I felt that the book lagged, while when Celeste is accompanied, it seemed to propel forward. Some readers might not like this partial slow pace, for me, it worked fine in setting this world of contrasts with events sometimes mundane, others intense.
Despite Celeste's isolation, there are a few secondary characters that crowd her daily routine. Each one have their own distinctive voice and a unique relationship with Celeste. The systematic appearance of these characters is unsettling, disorienting and sometimes painful. The reader can only empathise with Celeste's present and past sufferings and our hearts break for her. But, as her isolation comes to an end, the readers witness the subtle changes in her mood and we start to discover the real Celeste. Her redeeming moments are the readers' too. My favourite is Celeste's first hug in almost four years, the description of that scene is incredibly poetic and moving.
Regarding the mystery side of the story, I think the author plays tricks with the reader by giving certain (maybe too many) hints of what is about to come. I think it was made on purpose because, even with a big advance notice of what was about to happen, the readers are still caught unawares. But, despite its darkest moments, this is a romance and, as usual, Ms. Noyes describes it beautifully. The chemistry between the mains is developed slowly but surely and in parts, it's almost poetic. If you know Noyes's work, this is closer to 'Ask, tell' than 'Turbulence' for the level of angst and the intense relationship between the characters. However, this novel has a feel-good ending that will leave romance fans completely happy.
Having read and loved this book and knowing that Abby Craden was narrating it, for me it was a no-brainer to get it as soon it was out. I can tell you it's worth every penny. Now, if this book was excellently written, the audio result is extraordinary. People who read my reviews know I'm quite demanding and don't give the highest rating lightly but this audiobook breaks the 5+ star glass ceiling. Ms. Craden excels in bringing every single character to life, every angsty feeling, the loneliness, the despair, and the intimacy. Her narration is so vivid that it feels like watching a 4D film and makes the listening experience an absolute pleasure.
This is another excellent novel by E.J. Noyes. 'Alone' is a work of contrasts: dark but also optimistic, intense though gentle, unsettling but, at the same time, hopeful. 5 stars. Ms. Craden's extraordinary narration performance deserves 6 stars. Overall, 5+ stars. Unmissable.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
Audiobook narrated by Abby Craden
Celeste Thorne is taking part in a scientific experiment that involves solitary confinement for four years with a final prize of half a million dollars. More than three years into the study, she finds a woman lurking in the border of her compound. Olivia Soldano is beautiful, caring and enigmatic but her sole presence in the house breaks the rules of the experiment and ultimately, can Celeste trust her?
As in her debut 'Ask, tell', this novel is written in present tense which works well to tell the story as a chronicle and to provide immediacy to Celeste's solitary confinement. In her twisted reality, artificially created to study her behaviour, Celeste learns the meaning of relativity of time: slow when it's pleasurable, fast when it's solitary routine. However, from the reader's point of view, I felt exactly the opposite: whenever Celeste is alone, caught up in her repetitive tasks, I felt that the book lagged, while when Celeste is accompanied, it seemed to propel forward. Some readers might not like this partial slow pace, for me, it worked fine in setting this world of contrasts with events sometimes mundane, others intense.
Despite Celeste's isolation, there are a few secondary characters that crowd her daily routine. Each one have their own distinctive voice and a unique relationship with Celeste. The systematic appearance of these characters is unsettling, disorienting and sometimes painful. The reader can only empathise with Celeste's present and past sufferings and our hearts break for her. But, as her isolation comes to an end, the readers witness the subtle changes in her mood and we start to discover the real Celeste. Her redeeming moments are the readers' too. My favourite is Celeste's first hug in almost four years, the description of that scene is incredibly poetic and moving.
Regarding the mystery side of the story, I think the author plays tricks with the reader by giving certain (maybe too many) hints of what is about to come. I think it was made on purpose because, even with a big advance notice of what was about to happen, the readers are still caught unawares. But, despite its darkest moments, this is a romance and, as usual, Ms. Noyes describes it beautifully. The chemistry between the mains is developed slowly but surely and in parts, it's almost poetic. If you know Noyes's work, this is closer to 'Ask, tell' than 'Turbulence' for the level of angst and the intense relationship between the characters. However, this novel has a feel-good ending that will leave romance fans completely happy.
Having read and loved this book and knowing that Abby Craden was narrating it, for me it was a no-brainer to get it as soon it was out. I can tell you it's worth every penny. Now, if this book was excellently written, the audio result is extraordinary. People who read my reviews know I'm quite demanding and don't give the highest rating lightly but this audiobook breaks the 5+ star glass ceiling. Ms. Craden excels in bringing every single character to life, every angsty feeling, the loneliness, the despair, and the intimacy. Her narration is so vivid that it feels like watching a 4D film and makes the listening experience an absolute pleasure.
This is another excellent novel by E.J. Noyes. 'Alone' is a work of contrasts: dark but also optimistic, intense though gentle, unsettling but, at the same time, hopeful. 5 stars. Ms. Craden's extraordinary narration performance deserves 6 stars. Overall, 5+ stars. Unmissable.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
November 9, 2023
This book broke me then put me back together again!
June 25, 2019
Another excellent book by E.J. Noyes. The story is amazing and well written, the characters are unique and the romance was perfect. This book was definitely a five star from me and I have no issue recommending it because I would read it again.
May 7, 2019
"In the absence of companionship, your brain makes it up for you...."
My first thought when starting this was to compare it to the Tom Hanks movie Castaway. If we could have been privvy to his innermost thoughts, would they have been similar to Celeste's? Voices from his past, creating caricatures of himself to play Scrabble, ear worms a plenty?
This was an astounding read by Ms. Noyes. Absolutely incredible. Not only is the narration of MC Celeste almost perfect, but the psychological aspect of this story was like a throat punch. This hit every single one of my "wants" in a good solid lesfic. We get into Celeste's head for real in this one, and her past and present is all laid out bare and raw for us. Raw as in salt and lemon rubbed into in a fucking 3rd degree sunburn on top of severe road rash topped off with a healthy dose of long paper cuts.
As Celeste has been 100% isolated for over three years, we see her grip on reality shake, and her constant questioning of what is real/not real was 100% believable. She has auditory and olfactory hallucinations that are quite simply, incredible. The conversations with her long-absent abusive mother really affected me. We readers get a complex view of Celeste and her upbringing, and all the traumatic experiences that she has stuffed away in a small compartment come forth due to being Alone. Her traumas, ones she thought she had left behind, come rearing their ugly heads back up as she processes them in an environment we could only imagine. But don't let all of this intensity-speak turn you off, there are tons of moments of hope, of enjoying life's simple things, of realizing what is important in her life, and we also see what a compassionate, caring and loving character Celeste is. Holy fuck what a ride.
I challenge you to find anything in lesfic more heart wrenching than Hug Tree. I literally tear up when I think back to Celeste's desperation to feel SOMETHING....something tangible, something solid against her. "...I cling to the smooth bark, pressing myself into it. The tree can't hug me but it relieves the tension in my muscles. It gives me pressure back against a body that has forgotten how to be held. ....I can pretend I'm in a nice home, being hugged by someone who really loves me." jesus christ in a bread bag I am all emosh right now, damn it all.....
Even though this book written from Celeste's POV, we get an absolute treat by being able to see a small part of other MC Olivia's thoughts and her perspective in a unique fashion in the latter part of the book. This nugget of truths comes forth unexpectedly, adding yet another dimension to the story that was so necessary! I damn-well melted all to shit.
GAH, this was distressing and captivating, it was sorrowful yet hopeful, and even had moments I laughed out loud. Ms. Noyes is also incredibly talented at the intimacy, the lead up, the smoking hot sex scenes but also with adding in erotic moments when you least expect them. Characters simply conjuring up thoughts of a passionate encounter in a one-liner that often caused me to hitch my breath. Oh like me suddenly thinking about that in my staff meeting today, in amongst talk of staff changes, therapy groups and totally important policy thingys. Great timing. *sigh*
Everything is just so damn right in this one. The darling Anna Kendrick sums it up well....
Ms. Noyes wrecked me, fully, and I don't think I will ever be the same. I throw her out a massive handshake and bottle of fancy gin, as I can't imagine how emotionally draining nor what a head trip writing this must have been. She has given us readers a helluva reading experience.
*HUGE thank you to NetGalley who provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review!*
My first thought when starting this was to compare it to the Tom Hanks movie Castaway. If we could have been privvy to his innermost thoughts, would they have been similar to Celeste's? Voices from his past, creating caricatures of himself to play Scrabble, ear worms a plenty?
This was an astounding read by Ms. Noyes. Absolutely incredible. Not only is the narration of MC Celeste almost perfect, but the psychological aspect of this story was like a throat punch. This hit every single one of my "wants" in a good solid lesfic. We get into Celeste's head for real in this one, and her past and present is all laid out bare and raw for us. Raw as in salt and lemon rubbed into in a fucking 3rd degree sunburn on top of severe road rash topped off with a healthy dose of long paper cuts.
As Celeste has been 100% isolated for over three years, we see her grip on reality shake, and her constant questioning of what is real/not real was 100% believable. She has auditory and olfactory hallucinations that are quite simply, incredible. The conversations with her long-absent abusive mother really affected me. We readers get a complex view of Celeste and her upbringing, and all the traumatic experiences that she has stuffed away in a small compartment come forth due to being Alone. Her traumas, ones she thought she had left behind, come rearing their ugly heads back up as she processes them in an environment we could only imagine. But don't let all of this intensity-speak turn you off, there are tons of moments of hope, of enjoying life's simple things, of realizing what is important in her life, and we also see what a compassionate, caring and loving character Celeste is. Holy fuck what a ride.
I challenge you to find anything in lesfic more heart wrenching than Hug Tree. I literally tear up when I think back to Celeste's desperation to feel SOMETHING....something tangible, something solid against her. "...I cling to the smooth bark, pressing myself into it. The tree can't hug me but it relieves the tension in my muscles. It gives me pressure back against a body that has forgotten how to be held. ....I can pretend I'm in a nice home, being hugged by someone who really loves me." jesus christ in a bread bag I am all emosh right now, damn it all.....
Even though this book written from Celeste's POV, we get an absolute treat by being able to see a small part of other MC Olivia's thoughts and her perspective in a unique fashion in the latter part of the book. This nugget of truths comes forth unexpectedly, adding yet another dimension to the story that was so necessary! I damn-well melted all to shit.
GAH, this was distressing and captivating, it was sorrowful yet hopeful, and even had moments I laughed out loud. Ms. Noyes is also incredibly talented at the intimacy, the lead up, the smoking hot sex scenes but also with adding in erotic moments when you least expect them. Characters simply conjuring up thoughts of a passionate encounter in a one-liner that often caused me to hitch my breath. Oh like me suddenly thinking about that in my staff meeting today, in amongst talk of staff changes, therapy groups and totally important policy thingys. Great timing. *sigh*
Everything is just so damn right in this one. The darling Anna Kendrick sums it up well....
Ms. Noyes wrecked me, fully, and I don't think I will ever be the same. I throw her out a massive handshake and bottle of fancy gin, as I can't imagine how emotionally draining nor what a head trip writing this must have been. She has given us readers a helluva reading experience.
*HUGE thank you to NetGalley who provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review!*
September 27, 2025
RTC
Wow, what a ride. 5 stars ⭐ just for Celeste and her healing journey, everything else is a huge enormous plus
Let's go mentally unstable kind lesbians!!!
I'm so in love. So well written, the emotions, the unstability, the trauma, the healing, the ANGST, the love, the "obssession".... also, what a fucking fantastic book to start in autumn 🥹
Rep: lesbians MCs
Wow, what a ride. 5 stars ⭐ just for Celeste and her healing journey, everything else is a huge enormous plus
Let's go mentally unstable kind lesbians!!!
I'm so in love. So well written, the emotions, the unstability, the trauma, the healing, the ANGST, the love, the "obssession".... also, what a fucking fantastic book to start in autumn 🥹
Rep: lesbians MCs
June 25, 2019
E.J. Noyes is a sure bet, she could write a phone book and it would be exciting to read.
Celeste Thorne is chosen for a research experiment, four years living alone in a remote place, with no social contact in any form except the written words with her controller, who checks in on her daily. Olivia Soldano is working for the company, that was commissioned to carry out the experiment.
As others mentioned, this story is different from Noyes other books. It is written in the first person from Celeste’s POV. as the setting suggests, there is much alone time for her. It was like we are one of her brain cells, and we witness everything she´s doing, seeing, talking and feeling. We witness her talking with the voices in her head. Feel how her chaotic past intertwines with the solitude of her present. How can Celeste trust her feelings about another person, who invades her life after such a long time of being alone? Which ones are real feelings and which ones are wistful thinking? Her emotions are all over the place. Will there be a chance of a life together in the real world after the experiment?
I could never exist for such a long time only by myself. I would go really crazy just after a few months. And all my books wouldn’t help.
Noyes is a master in creating an interesting and gripping story, which is very well developed. Celeste and Olivia are great characters, caring women with some flaws but loveable and they had great chemistry. The romance is a slow burn and the sex scenes were steamy but also emotional and intimate. The story is an emotional rollercoaster ride and a psychological journey with Celeste.
A must read. My rating 5 stars
PS: During the FIFA Women's World Cup it is hard to share my time with reading a book and watching soccer ;)
Celeste Thorne is chosen for a research experiment, four years living alone in a remote place, with no social contact in any form except the written words with her controller, who checks in on her daily. Olivia Soldano is working for the company, that was commissioned to carry out the experiment.
As others mentioned, this story is different from Noyes other books. It is written in the first person from Celeste’s POV. as the setting suggests, there is much alone time for her. It was like we are one of her brain cells, and we witness everything she´s doing, seeing, talking and feeling. We witness her talking with the voices in her head. Feel how her chaotic past intertwines with the solitude of her present. How can Celeste trust her feelings about another person, who invades her life after such a long time of being alone? Which ones are real feelings and which ones are wistful thinking? Her emotions are all over the place. Will there be a chance of a life together in the real world after the experiment?
I could never exist for such a long time only by myself. I would go really crazy just after a few months. And all my books wouldn’t help.
Noyes is a master in creating an interesting and gripping story, which is very well developed. Celeste and Olivia are great characters, caring women with some flaws but loveable and they had great chemistry. The romance is a slow burn and the sex scenes were steamy but also emotional and intimate. The story is an emotional rollercoaster ride and a psychological journey with Celeste.
A must read. My rating 5 stars
PS: During the FIFA Women's World Cup it is hard to share my time with reading a book and watching soccer ;)
May 18, 2019
Wow... I loved it..
June 8, 2019
I wasnt going to do a review. Just leave the stars to do the work. But I feel I should write something with this one. Like all E.J Noyes books.. this was an absolute stunner of a book! You have the character's that give you the feels from the start! It's all there, the chemistry etc. The plot.. well. I've not read anything like it before and it works.. its brilliant. Its everything you want in a book.. and I cant actually speak for anyone else but I was left with the "chills".. can you imagine been on your alone for nearly 4 years?
February 19, 2022
5 stars
The premise was fascinating and I'm very happy to report that the execution surpassed my expectations and then some. Very good
The premise was fascinating and I'm very happy to report that the execution surpassed my expectations and then some. Very good
May 14, 2019
This book is going directly to my recommended books of the month and possibly to my list of best lesfic books of 2019!
https://lezreviewbooks.com/recommende...
Celeste Thorne is taking part in a scientific experiment that involves solitary confinement for four years with a final prize of half a million dollars. More than three years into the study, she finds a woman lurking in the border of her compound. Olivia Soldano is beautiful, caring and enigmatic but her sole presence in the house breaks the rules of the experiment and ultimately, can Celeste trust her?
Oh well... E.J. Noyes cannot stop surprising her readers, can she? 'Alone' is a book hard to categorise: it's a game of contrasts. It's dark but also optimistic, it's about solitude but features a couple, it's unsettling but, at the same time, hopeful. If you are acquainted with Ms. Noyes's work, you will recognise the imprints of her style that readers have learned to love. Her books are always written in first person usually from the point of view of a broken woman with her co-lead presented as a flawed but righteous rescuer. What I consider outstanding is that, despite this apparent repetition, the stories have very different settings (war zone, corporate world, sports and now a psychological experiment) that make them all very distinctive, original and, at the same time, realistic.
As in her debut 'Ask, tell', this novel is written in present tense which works well to tell the story as a chronicle and to provide immediacy to Celeste's solitary confinement. In her twisted reality, artificially created to study her behaviour, Celeste learns the meaning of relativity of time: slow when it's pleasurable, fast when it's solitary routine. However, from the reader's point of view, I felt exactly the opposite: whenever Celeste is alone, caught up in her repetitive tasks, I felt that the book lagged, while when Celeste is accompanied, it seemed to propel forward. Some readers might not like this partial slow pace, for me, it worked fine in setting this world of contrasts with events sometimes mundane, others intense.
Despite Celeste's isolation, there are a few secondary characters that crowd her daily routine. Each one have their own distinctive voice and a unique relationship with Celeste. The systematic appearance of these characters is unsettling, disorienting and sometimes painful. The reader can only empathise with Celeste's present and past sufferings and our heart breaks for her. But, as her isolation comes to an end, the readers witness the subtle changes in her mood and we start to discover the real Celeste. Her redeeming moments are the readers' too. My favourite is Celeste's first hug in almost four years, the description of that scene is incredibly poetic and moving.
Regarding the mystery side of the story, I think the author plays tricks with the reader by giving certain (maybe too many) hints of what is about to come. I think it was made on purpose because, even with a big advance notice of what was about to happen, the readers are still caught unawares. But, despite its darkest moments, this is a romance and, as usual, Ms. Noyes describes it beautifully. The chemistry between the mains is developed slowly but surely and in parts it's almost poetic. If you know Noyes's work, this is closer to 'Ask, tell' than 'Turbulence' for the level of angst and the intense relationship between the characters. However, this novel has a feel good ending that will leave romance fans completely happy.
Overall, another excellent novel by E.J. Noyes. 'Alone' is a work of contrasts: dark but also optimistic, intense though gentle, unsettling but, at the same time, hopeful. 5 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
https://lezreviewbooks.com/recommende...
Celeste Thorne is taking part in a scientific experiment that involves solitary confinement for four years with a final prize of half a million dollars. More than three years into the study, she finds a woman lurking in the border of her compound. Olivia Soldano is beautiful, caring and enigmatic but her sole presence in the house breaks the rules of the experiment and ultimately, can Celeste trust her?
Oh well... E.J. Noyes cannot stop surprising her readers, can she? 'Alone' is a book hard to categorise: it's a game of contrasts. It's dark but also optimistic, it's about solitude but features a couple, it's unsettling but, at the same time, hopeful. If you are acquainted with Ms. Noyes's work, you will recognise the imprints of her style that readers have learned to love. Her books are always written in first person usually from the point of view of a broken woman with her co-lead presented as a flawed but righteous rescuer. What I consider outstanding is that, despite this apparent repetition, the stories have very different settings (war zone, corporate world, sports and now a psychological experiment) that make them all very distinctive, original and, at the same time, realistic.
As in her debut 'Ask, tell', this novel is written in present tense which works well to tell the story as a chronicle and to provide immediacy to Celeste's solitary confinement. In her twisted reality, artificially created to study her behaviour, Celeste learns the meaning of relativity of time: slow when it's pleasurable, fast when it's solitary routine. However, from the reader's point of view, I felt exactly the opposite: whenever Celeste is alone, caught up in her repetitive tasks, I felt that the book lagged, while when Celeste is accompanied, it seemed to propel forward. Some readers might not like this partial slow pace, for me, it worked fine in setting this world of contrasts with events sometimes mundane, others intense.
Despite Celeste's isolation, there are a few secondary characters that crowd her daily routine. Each one have their own distinctive voice and a unique relationship with Celeste. The systematic appearance of these characters is unsettling, disorienting and sometimes painful. The reader can only empathise with Celeste's present and past sufferings and our heart breaks for her. But, as her isolation comes to an end, the readers witness the subtle changes in her mood and we start to discover the real Celeste. Her redeeming moments are the readers' too. My favourite is Celeste's first hug in almost four years, the description of that scene is incredibly poetic and moving.
Regarding the mystery side of the story, I think the author plays tricks with the reader by giving certain (maybe too many) hints of what is about to come. I think it was made on purpose because, even with a big advance notice of what was about to happen, the readers are still caught unawares. But, despite its darkest moments, this is a romance and, as usual, Ms. Noyes describes it beautifully. The chemistry between the mains is developed slowly but surely and in parts it's almost poetic. If you know Noyes's work, this is closer to 'Ask, tell' than 'Turbulence' for the level of angst and the intense relationship between the characters. However, this novel has a feel good ending that will leave romance fans completely happy.
Overall, another excellent novel by E.J. Noyes. 'Alone' is a work of contrasts: dark but also optimistic, intense though gentle, unsettling but, at the same time, hopeful. 5 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
May 10, 2019
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. The pacing of the story is perfect. It grabs you, pulls you along and will hardly let you stop to breathe. The main characters are realistically created with both strengths and flaws that affect their personalities and interactions with each other. Celeste is especially well drawn. The tale is written in first person through Celeste’s eyes, and I am amazed at the depth of her character. Ms. Noyes makes the reader feel every emotion, hear every thought, and experience the world as Celeste experiences it. This is a fine example of this author’s wonderful talent.
Alone is the first novel I’ve read by this author, but it won’t be my last. This book has my highest rating and is definitely going into my favorites folder. Don’t miss this fascinating and brilliantly written novel.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bella Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections:
https://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
This novel is absolutely wonderful. The pacing of the story is perfect. It grabs you, pulls you along and will hardly let you stop to breathe. The main characters are realistically created with both strengths and flaws that affect their personalities and interactions with each other. Celeste is especially well drawn. The tale is written in first person through Celeste’s eyes, and I am amazed at the depth of her character. Ms. Noyes makes the reader feel every emotion, hear every thought, and experience the world as Celeste experiences it. This is a fine example of this author’s wonderful talent.
Alone is the first novel I’ve read by this author, but it won’t be my last. This book has my highest rating and is definitely going into my favorites folder. Don’t miss this fascinating and brilliantly written novel.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bella Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections:
https://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
June 19, 2020
Celeste Thorne agrees to participate in a science experiment to be alone with no human contact at all for four years. Her only contact is with her "Controllers" on a messaging system. Nearing the end of the experiment she comes across an injured hiker, Olivia Soldano. Will she risk breaking her contract with the controllers by helping the injured woman? That is her dilemma.
This book started out slow for me but I suddenly found myself hooked and couldn't put it down. I had a feeling I knew what was happening and each chapter just confirmed it. I couldn't put it down. I would like to have had more background on Olivia, however.
This is a book I am very likely to re-read.
This book started out slow for me but I suddenly found myself hooked and couldn't put it down. I had a feeling I knew what was happening and each chapter just confirmed it. I couldn't put it down. I would like to have had more background on Olivia, however.
This is a book I am very likely to re-read.
April 12, 2021
"Some things are worth keeping even if it doesn’t seem like it."
This was not the one-woman-against-the-elements epic I expected it to be. Its setup feels contrived to precisely force the conflict its two leads experience.
It reminded me a little of the Tom Hanks film "Castaway" - when I saw it I signed up for Tom Hanks on an island, but a large chunk of that story is about what comes after, and that is also the case here.
This bothered me as I was reading. I felt like the story had peaked too soon, but in hindsight it works. Celeste and Olivia spend too long estranged when they just needed to sit down and share their feelings honestly, but that's how characters in a romance novel are wont to behave.
For me, ultimately this story is about Celeste coming to terms with a rotten start in life, recognizing her own strength and self-worth and learning to face the world ALONE. And I can get behind that and admire her for it.
Despite my misgivings expressed above, the writing kept me hooked. I enjoyed the first-person narration from Celeste and her highs and lows felt appropriately triumphant and devastating, and sex when it happens is super steamy and intimate.
4.5 stars
This was not the one-woman-against-the-elements epic I expected it to be. Its setup feels contrived to precisely force the conflict its two leads experience.
It reminded me a little of the Tom Hanks film "Castaway" - when I saw it I signed up for Tom Hanks on an island, but a large chunk of that story is about what comes after, and that is also the case here.
This bothered me as I was reading. I felt like the story had peaked too soon, but in hindsight it works. Celeste and Olivia spend too long estranged when they just needed to sit down and share their feelings honestly, but that's how characters in a romance novel are wont to behave.
For me, ultimately this story is about Celeste coming to terms with a rotten start in life, recognizing her own strength and self-worth and learning to face the world ALONE. And I can get behind that and admire her for it.
Despite my misgivings expressed above, the writing kept me hooked. I enjoyed the first-person narration from Celeste and her highs and lows felt appropriately triumphant and devastating, and sex when it happens is super steamy and intimate.
4.5 stars
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