Going Green

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Pub Date Dec 08 2020 | Archive Date Dec 22 2020
Amazon Publishing UK | Lake Union Publishing

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Description

From the bestselling author of Dumped, Actually comes a laugh-out-loud story about saving your job…and maybe saving the planet in the process.

Meet Ellie Cooke. When it comes to all things environmental she’s, well, a bit ‘green’. It’s not that she doesn’t care about things like climate change and plastic pollution, it’s just that life has always got in the way of that sort of thing.

But when the PR firm Ellie works for is taken over by keen environmentalist Nolan Reece, it’s clear that if she wants to save her job, she’s going to have to get serious about being green—or face being recycled.

Going green is no walk in the park, though. It involves a lot of big changes, tough choices…and at least one case of accidentally showing your knickers off to your boss.

Can Ellie do enough to save her job, and maybe do her bit to help save the planet while she’s at it? And what will Nolan think of her, now that she can’t stop thinking about him…?

From the bestselling author of Dumped, Actually comes a laugh-out-loud story about saving your job…and maybe saving the planet in the process.

Meet Ellie Cooke. When it comes to all things...


A Note From the Publisher

Nick Spalding is the bestselling author of fifteen novels, two novellas and two memoirs. Nick worked in media and marketing for most of his life before turning his energy to his genre-spanning humorous writing. He lives in the south of England with his wife.

Nick Spalding is the bestselling author of fifteen novels, two novellas and two memoirs. Nick worked in media and marketing for most of his life before turning his energy to his genre-spanning...


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ISBN 9781542017503
PRICE $14.95 (USD)

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Featured Reviews

The book leads you into a green world via office politics. We meet characters who try to get through life in a modern story based on going green. Their antics are very funny and we are introduced to some very oddball
people.. We find lying and deceit alongside camaraderie and jolly good fun. The green theme runs well throughout the book in many varied locations.
The only downside is some unnecessary swear words. The book is able to stand without rudeness...

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The writing - ⭐⭐⭐
The story - ⭐⭐⭐
Overall - ⭐⭐⭐

I smashed through this in a couple of hours, and it was... Ok. It was easy to read, engaging and there were moments that properly tickled me, but I don't know how much I really enjoyed it overall. The lead Ellie came across as pretty manic all the time and everything she seemed to do just ended up in chaos. Once one thing went wrong, something else would then go wrong and it just kept ramping up, and up, and up, and up...! As a format it quickly became cringeworthy and tired and it didn't make me like her as a character, I kept finding myself thinking 'what now?!' as Ellie found herself in yet another ridiculous situation she kept making worse. You'll have to read it to find out if she sorts it all out in the end!

If you're looking for a quick and easy filler read this is perfect, I reckon it'll be good as a 'palate cleanser' book!

Fave quote - 'Rest assured I will not be using the word synergy again, and I apologise for even bringing it up once. It's one of those buzzwords that make me want to tear every follicle of my hair out, and every time it spills out of my mouth I want to punch myself for it. If I ever utter the word "holistic", you have my permission to hunt me down and do terrible things upon my person'

Fave moment - The bit on the bikes, I genuinely sat chortling my arse off.

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First impression - Ellie is a trainwreck. And she stays that way, but that's her superpower. If you are looking for fun and whimsy twirling with ribbons around a heavy topic like climate change, this book is great fun. If you're more of a take things seriously person, you'll feel like you're trapped in an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm. Super awkward scenarios.
NOTE: The American audience might need clarification - we say "potted plants". You leave off that "-ted" and we are monumentally confused and thinking Ellie is about to encourage the whole office to partake in some other activities. Just saying.

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Actual rating 3.5 stars.

The title of the latest offering from Nick Spalding, Going Green is self explanatory. Alighting on a highly debated subject, the environment ,the author explores ways we as individuals can change our habits in a bid to reverse the damage humans have inflicted on the planet. Ellie Cooke is the woman around which this ‘green’ storyline is centred. Most definitely not environmentally conscious, with her single use plastic water bottles and her gas guzzling clapped out Mercedes, she needs a complete change of heart given the publicity company she works for, Strategem is having a change of ownership. Nolan Reece intends to turn this struggling company into a highly successful one that represents environmentally friendly businesses but the only spanner in the works is there will inevitably be job losses. Ellie expects to be a casualty of this streamlining but she’s not going down without a fight! Expect to witness our hapless heroine pulling out all the stops as she assumes the mantle of eco friendly warrior in her concerted bid to impress her new boss. With the author’s tongue in cheek jibes (never malicious!) at vegan loving hippie type characters can these earnest well meaning individuals convert Ellie to their cause?

Nick Spalding delivers another comic tale, with some genuinely funny moments thanks to the chaotic central character Ellie Cooke who is determined to embrace the whole environmentally friendly, climate change,save the planet concept if it means keeping her job at the newly named Viridian PR. I couldn’t help but like this woman who is so desperate to impress her new boss Nolan to the extent she’ll spend a fortune on office pot plants, join a protest march acting like a dying panda, wear hemp underwear and even dress as a plastic bottle! She is on a mission, determined to go green, or go home (minus her job) and the fact Nolan is unconventionally handsome hasn’t passed her by. My favourite incident by far has to be the publicity shoot for bamboo bicycles closely followed by the taco eating cockatoo but the author spoils his readers for choice with escapade after escapade involving comic unfortunate incidents and general mayhem thanks to the eccentric characters Ellie crosses paths with. However there’s only so much silliness I can tolerate before I think enough is enough and this is a storyline that goes into overdrive with disaster after disaster befalling Ellie. It made me want to yell at her to get a grip since her behaviour at her age does strike you as rather immature. This type of character always reminds me of Mr Bean, someone you can laugh at and ridicule but who ultimately can end up being highly irritating. Despite her less than subtle approach to impressing the boss, her attempts often hilariously backfiring, she’s the ideal candidate for listening and taking note of what the environmentalists have to say, thanks also to the clued up informed ‘sticky things’ (schoolchildren) she meets when conducting her market research . Ellie may be far from the environmentally conscious individual she pretends to be at the beginning of this novel but surely all this effort must subconsciously affect her behaviour as change her for the good? As an added bonus it may even win the heart of Nolan, who gives off a possibly too good to be true vibe.

Combining slapstick humour, a smattering of romance and a theme that is highly topical, Going Green is a quick easy read and amusing up to a point. The humour did start to wear thin towards the end although I was slightly but pleasantly surprised by the topsy turvy direction life took for Ellie, Nolan and her Viridian PR colleagues. I think I’d been expecting an entirely different outcome! Whilst this won’t win any prizes in the literature stakes, it is a good piece of escapist fiction which I can recommend if you’re in the mood for some lighthearted hilarity and let’s face it who isn’t?? If it also prompts you to consider your own contribution, or lack of, towards the saving of our planet then the author has achieved more than simply providing the reader with a few belly laughs. My thanks as always to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.

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This is my first of Nick Spaldings novels and I found it very enjoyable. It is a light-hearted book based around the serious topic of climate change and current environmental issues.

In this story we meet Ellie, a girl who is so far from 'Green' she can barely see it in the distance. She drives a fuel guzzling monstrosity which emits noxious gases every once in a while much to the alarm of passers by, spends the majority of her wage on clothes from primark only for them to sit unworn in her wardrobe, drinks from single use plastic, eats as much meat as she can fit on a BBQ and has no idea what is happening in the world around her regarding the plight of the planet. So when the PR firm she works at is taken over by an earnest, environmentally friendly enthusiast intent on rebranding the companies image she knows she has to do something drastic to keep her job!

What ensues is a comedy of errors of extreme proportions as she attempts to prove just how conscious of the environment she is. From joining protests to wearing underwear made out of hemp she does everything she can to prove her worth at the company and show how much she cares for the planet. But is it enough? Will her plan to be more 'green' become more than just a ploy to keep her job?

I did enjoy this book. It was very light hearted and there were many laugh out loud moments, so much so that after one particular outburst , my three year old wanted to know what was so funny. Imagine inappropriately dancing around in some Bridget Jones style pants made of hemp and you have some idea.

At times I did find the writing style a little overwhelming, there was so much detail and description surrounding all of Ellies thoughts that it sometimes came across as frantic. All of her escapades were extremely chaotic and sometimes a bit too cringeworthy, I found myself willing that not all her ventures would turn into such calamities. However the story did wind in a nice direction and there were some unexpected parts along the way, I felt satisfied in her journey by the end of the story.

If you enjoy a laugh out loud, comedy of errors with outlandish characters and a passionate (if not extremely chaotic) leading lady then you will enjoy this book. It is an easy read once you get used to the energetic way it is written and is full of funny, original scenes; from plastic Narwhals to taco eating cockatoos. Overall I am glad I read it and it has reignited my own passion for 'going green'.

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Sadly this wasn't my cup of tea. I thought the storyline overall was great and it was unique as a fiction book around the topic of sustainability and ethics but I really didn't get along with the way this was written. The main character Ellie (and her internal monologue) had me cringing the whole way through.

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An absolutely brilliant humourous read. A tongue in cheek novel covering up the more serious issue of climate change making the reader, without realising it, think of a more environmentally friendly life style. Impulsive Ellie, into consumerism, goes on a journey of 'Going Green' and saving the Planet in order to save her job getting more passionate and involved as she goes along. There are some superbly illustrated characters along the way with some truly eccentric ones plus the situations Ellie impulsively gets herself into are wonderfully depicted. Light hearted read with a serious message to make the reader escape, to take stock, stop rushing about and think what we can all do to in our own small ways to improve life in the long term,.

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Going Green by Nick Spalding is a humorous, lighthearted book which tackles the issues facing the world such as climate change.
The book is based around Ellie and her chaotic attempts to "Go Green" in an initial attempt to keep her job. It is an easy read while still tackling a serious topic.
Going Green is not the sort of book I would normally read but I quite enjoyed it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for my ARC.

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This is a very lighthearted book - it follows the same format as previous books by Nick Spalding: the main protagonist suddenly needs to change their ways, and the whole novel is about them struggling to adapt to their new lifestyle, but learning a lesson or two along the way. This is the case here with Ellie Cooke whose new PR employer decides to be environmentally friendly and to run an ethical company - Ellie has to seriously change the way she lives and the causes she believes in if she wants to keep her job.
It is pretty funny and easy to read - took me the afternoon to read it back to back. The writing and the humour felt a bit forced at times - it definitely has its cheesy moments and the jokes can only be called "dad jokes" really. Enjoyable enough though.

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The book is described as a "laugh out aloud story" and it certainly does that!

From reading the first word, it felt like I had stepped inside Ellie, the main character's head, "Yes, brain! I like your thinking".

And the way scenes are described well, you (okay, at least me) can imagine seeing them with your own eyes. From panda vs dolphin impressions to fighting with a taco-pinching cockatoo, as well as dealing with an angel and devil on her shoulders, life certainly gets interesting for Ellie, the main character!

I could even relate to some of Ellie's dilemmas, yes, I too, have forgotten my reusable bags from time to time.

The laugh out loud moments, and there were a few, some that you could almost visualise - a bit like watching something happen in slow motion. Some were cliché and stereotypical of life as we know it, like travelling to an important meeting - what could go wrong?!

A light-hearted and funny read that manages to reflect real-life situations of going green.

Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for the eARC.

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You know what you’re getting with a Spalding novel. A lighthearted read, some big smiles. Never a challenging read, but that’s not why you’re here. And he’s done it again.

This is not a read of the year. But it’s warm and funny and will pass a day - a good, solid novel.

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Grace Cooke expects to lose her job when the PR company she works for is sold to Nolan Reece who wants to create an ethical, environmentally green company with clients to match the ethos. Grace sets out to prove she has the necessary credentials.

First of all - Grace, she’s quite something! She thinks on her feet, she’s a blagger, gets herself in a helluva lot of scrapes with often funny and unexpected results that put me in mind on occasions of Bridget Jones! She’s so enthusiastically daft at times you have to love her! The characters are good, there’s a manspreader to sneer at, there’s one to loathe and some to admire and smile with. I like the lively and very engaging way it’s written and in places it’s laugh out loud funny. However, Nick Spaulding makes some very valid point but in an fun accessible way without being preachy. There are some very colourful and lively events that Grace attends and she sure puts her heart and soul into it with results she did not expect at the start. I like the chapter headings and the clever play on names which makes you chuckle. The surprising conclusion is a tad convenient but I still like it!

Overall, a very entertaining but thought provoking read in the company of a character I really like.

With thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the arc for an honest review.

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Ellie has to pretend that she is something she is not in order to keep her job.
A lovely laugh out loud tale. about a Woman doing all that she can for the sake of her job, her man, and the planet.
Vibrant characters, and clumsy situations that make make the main protagonist real and relatable.

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If you enjoy very light-hearted, situational humor, this would be the book for you. I do think the author might be better off writing male main characters, rather than female. I found this one just a bit too unrealistically dense.

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Nick Spalding’s Going Green takes a humorous, lighthearted stab at tackling the issues climate change.

The book is based around the protagonist Ellie who is kind of a train wreck, but a train wreck with great intentions. Her.... lets go with less then desirable attempts to "Go Green" in an attempt to keep her job. Although Ellie seems to just go from one disaster to another, but you’ll have to read it yourself for the details.

Although this isn’t the type of book that I would normally read I rather enjoyed it. Hold onto your bamboo bicycles and give this a read

Thank you to publishers for this ARC

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30something Ellie Cooke is desperate to keep the job she really doesn’t enjoy, but with a new boss, Nolan, and a different direction for the company she’s determined to do everything she can to ingratiate herself with Nolan. Unfortunately she’s a bit a of a klutz, and gets carried away with her enthusiasm at times. However, she finds herself warming to the environmental issues she is faced with.

A timely and relevant nod to environmental issues, which is worth a read just for that. I didn’t take to Ellie, but there are a couple of laugh out loud moments although also some that made me wince. However a fairly light hearted and easy read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

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I liked parts of this book, but I found a lot of it too cringey and I didn't like the main character at all! I did have a laugh about some of her escapades but mostly I just sound it really unbelievable

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Fans of Nick Spaulding will enjoy this book, lighthearted and funny it follows Ellie in her, somewhat misguided quest to become more environmentally aware to keep her job, and her man. Easy to read and quite engaging it’s a bit let down by Ellie herself who is just silly throughout the story, her internal monologue is hard to bare at times as she makes one daft, sometimes judgemental, and always cringeworthy mistake after another!

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I’m a massive fan of Nick Spalding so I was really pleased to be given an ARC by Netgalley and the publisher.

And he has done it again, the author has a knack of honing into a specific issue and bringing out its absurdity in all its glory. This time focuses on environmentalism and ‘going green’.

I adored the main character, Ellie, a wayward PR consultant who decides to fake her green credentials to keep her job. There were moments that I laughed out loud (a lot), which my husband found intensely irritating. But a good belly laugh is something we all need right now so I am not repentant at all...

All in all, a light frothy read, which I would thoroughly recommend. Keep them coming Nick!

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This is such a cute book. It was funny and a wonderful story. You will laugh out loud at the antics of the main character. It was the perfect weekend read.

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A fun environmental themed rom com depicting the budding love story of the quirky protagonist. Original and highly recommended!

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Nick Spalding first entered my life with his book, Logging Off. While being an entertaining read it also inspired me to take digital detoxes every now and then.

Now, Nick is back with his latest read, Going Green. Going Green tells the hilarious story of Ellie Cooke is really just wants to save her job but in the process ends up also trying to save the world.

Nick has done a great job of writing a female lead who is very relatable. I'll be honest, when I first realised the lead was a woman I was curious as to how she would turn out as I can't think of a single book I've read by a male author who writes from the female perspective. It's not something I avoid, it's just something I haven't come across. But I think Nick has done a brilliant job. Ellie is just your average girl next door, who ends up going down rabbit holes (who doesn't?), who can be a little crude (who isn't?) and who ends up in the most ridiculous situations (who hasn't?). So if you fancy a book that'll give you a giggle and potentially have you laughing out loud, I definitely recommend this one.

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Poignantn witty and laugh out loud funny. One of those books i can't read at night due to my laughing waking not only my wife but the neighbours. Some fantastic characters and the female lead is an incredible person. Not only is this book funny but it brings a very serious subject to the fore in a lighthearted way instead of preaching which puts many people off. It's a stellar piece of work and i would recommend it to absolutely everyone who likes to read.

A much needed laugh in some incredibly dark times now and in the all too near future.

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It’s definitely the year to turn to light hearted entertainment and Nick Spalding’s latest book certainly offers a very humorous look at being more environmentally friendly. Ellie is a very relatable character who aims to be more environmentally friendly but so often forgets her bag for life and finds a Boots meal deal just too easy an option for lunch. I loved reading about her various escapades in trying to be more green and work with those who are, some more far fetched than others but all very tongue in cheek. It’s thought provoking without being lecturing and I loved how it concluded, very well thought out. I’ll be looking out for the next Nick Spalding book for certain,

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Sorry, I couldn't get past the third page of this book - I found it unreadable. Arch, coy, forced, unfunny.

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Read and reviewed in exchange for a free copy from NetGalley. Although I've heard of Nick Spalding before, I'd never read any of his books, but enjoyed my first taste of them and would be interested to read more. 'Going Green' was entertaining and easy to read, with a likeable if somewhat cringeworthy protagonist. Although for the most part the supporting characters weren't particularly developed, it was easy to follow and an enjoyable read.

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A funny novel, in keeping with Mr Spalding's reputation for comedy. I have not read a Nick Spalding novel before, and was pleased to find it was a good read with mostly funny bits in it, but some very serious parts, when his main character and others who gradually influence her, talk about the environmental issues involved in the book. I do not wish to spoil the end, so I will say nothing of it, but I would recommend this novel.

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I am always a big fan of Nick Spaulding and have enjoyed all books and this didn’t change it. It’s about Ellie whom tries to become more environmentally friendly and social aware. A good easy read

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The story opens with Ellie working for a failing PR company which is taken over by a new 'green' minded boss and there are going to be lay-offs., Nolan. Despite having no green aspirations Ellie comes up with a strategy to keep her job - pretend to be an eco-warrior and impress the boss.

The rest of the book follows Ellie in her often misguided attempts to impress, while being attracted to Nolan. There is slapstick humour and there were some genuine laugh-out-loud moments, like the incident with the ebikes.

Alongside the humour is Ellie's slow awakening to the fact that what she is doing as a ploy to remain employed is actually important to the planet and increasingly to Ellie herself.

If I have one niggle it was the mentions of Nolan's physical likeness to Adam Driver. Once was enough but several times was too much. As someone who doesn't find him attractive (sorry, Adam Driver) this was very distracting and a bit off-putting, and as a reader I prefer to come up with my own mental images of what a character looks like, based on a description.

This was a very light, fun read with a satisfying conclusion.

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Many thanks to the author, publishers and Netgalley for a free ARC of this ebook.
I have read most of this authors previous novels, and found most of them to be entertaining, albeit lightweight reads. They are quite funny and I've enjoyed them. This new book, sadly isn't one of them. I debated whether or not to leave a review, as it isn't up to the authors usual standard at all. So rather than launch into a very poor review I'll just say that it wasn't to my taste, I probably wouldn't bother with any more of his books and leave it there.

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This is the kind of book we need during a global pandemic and a gloomy winter lockdown! Full of laughs and romance, this book also tackles the serious issue of climate change, but in a light-hearted and non-preachy way. I really enjoyed the character development of Ellie throughout and it was some much-needed light relief.

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Started off really well. It is without doubt a laugh out loud book, but am afraid i got a bit bored with it as it progressed, it seemed a little too predictable, but on the whole a nice easy read.

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A really funny book where we meet Ellie Cooke who works for a PR company going through a fundamental change. The company has a new boss, Nolan Reece, whose main concern is making the company environmentally friendly - something quite new for Ellie.

Can Ellie persuade Nolan that her heart is set on going green rather than her current lifestyle?

I found this a fun, lighthearted book which was a pleasure to read, but not one which will stay with me forever.

I received a ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Ellie's on her way to work with her single use bottle of water, lunch and her newly bought bag for life (she has loads at him) in her car that puffs out black smoke. A meeting is called by her boss who tells everyone that he has sold the company to someone who prides themselves on their green credentials.

This is such a fun read lots of laugh out loud moments. I love how she bumbles along from one hilarious mishap to the next. Great, relatable characters. I enjoyed this book.

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Hilarious story of trying to go green. Ellie's new boss at the PR company she works for is hot. He's also very concerned about the environment. Ellie decides to improve her green credentials to impress him. She ditches her high-emission, clapped-out car for a Tesla, stops eating ready meals and takes part in an environmental demo, all for the wrong reasons. Then she starts to realise how much she enjoys being more planet-conscious. Her humorous experiences along the way are great fun. Nick Spalding has an engaging, chatty style of writing, making for a real laugh out loud book!

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was my first Nick Spalding novel, I found it a quick easy read. There were parts that tickled me and parts that made me question how I live my life! It was light hearted but based on a serious topic.

I took to Ellie, I didn’t guess the ending at all which made this book even more enjoyable for me as recently everything I have read I have guessed the ending!!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Meet Ellie Cooke. When it comes to all things environmental she’s, well, a bit ‘green’. It’s not that she doesn’t care about things like climate change and plastic pollution, it’s just that life has always got in the way of that sort of thing.

But when the PR firm Ellie works for is taken over by keen environmentalist Nolan Reece, it’s clear that if she wants to save her job, she’s going to have to get serious about being green—or face being recycled.

Going green is no walk in the park, though. It involves a lot of big changes, tough choices…and at least one case of accidentally showing your knickers off to your boss.

Can Ellie do enough to save her job, and maybe do her bit to help save the planet while she’s at it? And what will Nolan think of her, now that she can’t stop thinking about him…?

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I can only apologise but I really did not get into this book at all and only read about an 8th of it just did not resonate with me at all I am sure others will love it

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This was okay. From the first few pages I could tell that Ellie was going to be one of those chaotic characters that I'm supposed to find charming but just think are exhausting. There was a twist at the end and it wraps up pretty nicely.

Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Probably more of a 2.5 star but I'm rounding up. GOING GREEN is the second book I've read by Nick Spalding so I'm a little familiar with his style and enjoyed it before, but this was ultimately a disappointment. I read it very quickly - it's fast-paced and upbeat (perhaps bordering on manic), but it lacked any true substance.

ELLIE is a 30-something-year-old employee in a small PR company who is terrified she will lose her job when the company is bought by NOLAN, who promptly announces that the company will specialize in eco-friendly companies only. She immediately begins a plan to act like the most eco-conscious person there (often times seeming entirely crazy - like when she is found with her trousers down in her bosses office to show him her hemp underwear) Somewhere along the line, she actually starts to learn and grow and want to become a more eco-friendly person. She also begins dating Nolan in secret - which she thinks is going great. That is, until a fight between them leads her to follow him as he trades his usual Tesla for a gas-guzzling car, smokes a pack of cigarettes, eat a bucket of KFC, and buy a bunch of Primark fast-fashion. When Ellie confronts Nolan about the Earth-betrayal, he tells her he never cared anyway and was just putting on a façade in the hopes to get clients and ultimately sell the company -- and that's when Ellie gets her revenge.

Overall this felt more like a collection of super outlandish, chaotic events than an actual story with substance. And the best bit - the reveal and revenge - happened in the last 5-10% of the book. That being said, I still enjoyed the fun spirited nature of the writing. It reminds me of a not-quite-as-good-but-still-fun Sophie Kinsella. I would read another of his books, but wouldn't recommend this one.

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Hemp knickers, a taco stealing parrot & an awful green BMW.... what more could you want in a book?! I did like this book & some parts were funny but have preferred some of his previous books & indeed found them a lot more funnier. But there is a good message at the end which I will be following!!

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I must say i enjoyed this from the start, it kept me hooked throughout. It was a light and easy read but had some laugh out loud moments. It also had a few twists and turns, so you see coming others surprise you. I always look forward to reading on of Nick's books and this didn't disappoint

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Nick Spalding ‘Going Green’ follows Ellie, a publicist from a PR company that has not been doing well recently. With their job on the line, Ellie and her co-workers face uncertain future until Nolan Reece takes over, re-branding the company as an environmentally friendly PR firm.

What sounds like an interesting read, was unfortunately very disappointing for me. ‘Going Green’ has a good message at its heart – that of looking for our planet and taking actions necessary to be, at least, a bit more environmentally friendly in our everyday life. But unfortunately, I have not enjoyed the execution. Ellie, the main protagonist that undergoes a great chance throughout the book and starts carrying for the environment, was annoying and her actions were ridiculous too many times. The story throughout the book has not engaged me too much for most of the book, and I have felt disappointed especially by the latter part of ‘Going Green’. Without giving up too much, I have felt that the narrative has been forced and a bit absurd at moments towards the end.

Overall, despite the premise, ‘Going Green’ wasn’t a book for me. But it’s a short story that has an important message at its heart, and with things in the world getting worse, all of us should take a look on what we can do to help and not damage our planet further.

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Laugh-out-loud and actually relevant novel about environmentalism.

As a huge fan of Nick Spalding's HILARIOUS novels, I said yes to this advance copy immediately! As usual, Spalding wrote a laugh-out-loud, heartwarming and relevant book which was perfect for me when in need of a light read.

Going Green is a story of Ellie Cooke - an environmentally UNconscious, totally ignorant regular woman who is forced to change her ways by her new boss Nolan Reece. It's Ellie's job on the line, so she transforms her life into an eco-friendly gal... while also forming a major crush on Nolan.

This was so fun and so relatable, both in the ecology department and in romance. The best light read I could have reached for.

*Thank you to the Publisher for a free advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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In dark times, everybody needs a bit of Nick Spalding. Comforting as an oversized sweater and a takeaway, these sweary comic masterpieces never fail to cheer up even the most difficult days. I've read a lot of Mr. Spalding's books, and while this one isn't my favourite - Fat Chance, Dry Hard and Checking Out are my top three - Going Green is still a pleasant antidote to 2020 and dare I say it, even a bit topical if you can pick the morals out of all the silliness. Here's how your average Nick Spalding book plays out:

1. The main character indulges in unhealthy behaviour around food, booze, tech or unsustainable living.
2. The main character has some sort of embarrassing breakdown owing to their obsession, usually involving nudity and/or bodily functions. Sometimes these happen a bit later, but they're never far off.
3. After several encounters with local eccentrics, usually involving masochists, sadists, hippies, social media influencers and group sex enthusiasts, the character embraces a more moderate way of life and is rewarded with a new romance, or a new lease of life in their relationship if they're with someone already.

Going Green is a bit different to the usual template, though still with plenty of set pieces in the 'several eccentrics' vein including a vegan wizard. For a start, the heroine Ellie's behaviour isn't that bad - she's just not very environmentally friendly. Secondly, I never really bought her crush on her new boss and Adam Driver lookalike, Nolan Reece, who's just bought the firm where Ellie works and renamed it Viridian PR, or why Ellie would be so worked up about him knowing she used to date another of the firm's clients, a man with an overinflated sense of self-worth and a very average penis.

Spalding has a great ear for a funny line and there are two particularly great scenes, one where Ellie and Nolan have to ride bamboo bikes that ideally require 'concrete genitals' (which they don't have) up a motorway, and one where Ellie is dressed as a plastic bottle and trying to impress a potential new client for the firm by running to the front of a parade and performing a Time Warp/Macarena hybrid. 'I look as though I'm trying to shag the horizon' she says, in one of my favourite lines.

As usual, the humour is strongest when it's most specific and relatable, so I enjoyed the scene where poor Ellie is trying to get to a meeting in Belgium by environmentally friendly (if emotionally ruinous) train journeys, rather than the broad comedy of the one where she falls into a septic tank. But when you pick up a Nick Spalding book, for better or worse, this is the sort of thing you get. Embrace it, there's only a month of this year to go.

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Not my thing. I read about 20% and had to give up. A hapless young woman, Ellie, is going to lose her job if she doesn't do something to win over the new boss. However, the story is so slapstick and juvenile, I couldn't read any more.

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I enjoyed Dumped, Actually by Nick Spalding and also enjoyed Going Green! He has a distinct writing style filled with over the top scenarios. I don't think this type of book is for everyone but I do like it.

Meet Ellie Cook. She works at a PR agency and isn't particularly environmentally conscious. She drinks from plastic water bottles, drives a gas guzzling car and loves ordering clothes from ASOS. When the PR agency she works for is sold to a new eco friendly owner she's very worried about losing her job. Ellie decides she needs to change her ways and show her new boss just how much she cares about the planet in order to save her job. There are a lot of outrageous things that happen along the way but she eventually becomes concerned about the Earth and embraces the green lifestyle. But when Ellie learns the truth about her boss she needs to find the courage to step up and do the right thing.

I enjoyed this fun and easy read! Ellie was a very over the top character who manages to get into a lot of scrapes but her heart is in the right place throughout the book. She's always trying to do the right thing and cares about those around her and the environment. She felt very genuine and I liked her as a main character. The plot twist happened almost at the very end of the book and I honestly didn't see it coming. It caught me off guard and I didn't feel like there was anything fishy about Nolan until the end part when Ellie learns the truth about him. The situations Ellie gets herself into are obscene and funny, if you don't like ridiculous scenarios in books this isn't for you. I loved all the crazy things Ellie got into and how she always managed to make the most of things.

I felt like the ending was a bit rushed and while it did all work out perfectly I wanted more details. I think this book could've used one more chapter to tie up a few lose ends, even just a short epilogue would've been nice to see how everything played out. Other than that this was a funny book even though it dealt with serious issues. It was hilarious and ridiculous while still discussing the real problem of climate change. If you're looking for a quick and lighthearted read this is a good one.

Overall, this was a nice quick read that was enjoyable and funny while still having a serious undertone. The writing is fast paced and the book pulled me in. I'd recommend it!

Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions are my own.

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As the title suggests, Ellie decides to pretends she is green to save her job. The book was an easy read which I whizzed through and was just what I needed. I found some of the book very far fetched but was happy to accept that as I wanted a light read. Ellie is promoted and deals with some interesting clients and situations. The ending is a surprise but also a little predictable.

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I could not have loved this book more! What an absolutely fun read. I literally laughed out loud throughout this book and it was just so much fun and so enjoyable to read. The characters were so believable and you wanted to root for them. I just loved this book and I am very sad that it is over now. Everyone who likes romance, likes to laugh, needs some brevity in their lives this year, and loves reading should buy this book when it comes out. Seriously, what a slam dunk!!

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This has got to be the funniest book I’ve read this year. And it’s all about the time really. I loved the characters and the interactions. I had a feeling he was too good to be true and he truly got his comeuppance. I loved the parade in Brighton. I could imagine it happening. And what a fantastic ending. I cheered!

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You can always rely on Nick Spalding's books to be fun, silly and make you laugh out loud. Sometimes, like in this one, there is a message to take away from it, delivered in a light hearted, non preachy manner. The message here is climate change and the steps we can take to help the planet and generally be more environmentally conscious.

We follow main character Ellie Cooke as she goes from someone who is aware of what she should be doing to help to planet to someone who is practically obsessed with her carbon footprint. Leading her to find herself in some hilariously funny scenarios.

Now I will say that this isn't my favourite of Spalding's books. There were a few scenes and chapters that have me laughing out loud, and I thought the final few chapters were the strongest and most enjoyable of the book. But they are long chapters and a bit repetitive, I think Spalding could have got the story and his point across in about 60 less pages than he did!

If you are a big fan of Spalding's writing (which I am) then you will enjoy this book for what it is. If you are new to his books then I'm not sure this one will convince you to read his other books! If you want to know where to start, my particular favourites are Love From Both Sides along with the other Love… books in that series. And his non fiction, Life With No Breaks is really funny!

Recommended if you like books like Why Mummy Drinks!

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A really captivating story, mixed with a really powerful message. I really enjoyed reading this book, and even though it covered such an important topic, it made me feel more empowered than helpless which is positive.

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Ellie Cooke is afraid of losing her job with the PR firm she works for when the company is purchased by Nolan Reece. Nolan wants to redirect the company to support green, eco-friendly businesses. Ellie pretends to be concerned about the environment to keep her job and in the process transforms into a real eco-warrior. The book had the potential to be meaningful and funny but it pushed every humorous situation to far, for my taste. Ellie came off as too judgmental and unlikeable. More than once I wondered why the auhor had chosen to make the main character a woman rather than a man based on ellie's character traits.

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When Ellie’s job is on the line she tweaks her interests a little well a lot to be done more environmentally conscious to impress her new boss and to keep her job. For a girl into disposable fashion and a petrol guzzling car this is quite a jump but soon she has more to deal with.
This was pure fluff with plenty of chuckles and a great fun read. Only issue was the author used the word incandescent a lot over a few pages which was a bit grating!
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

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I am a massive Nick Spalding fan so requesting this on NetGalley was a no brainer. Mr Spalding does not disappoint in this his newest book, I have always found myself laughing out loud at his wit in the stories he writes, and I urge you to read this (and all of the others) at your earliest convenience. Nick Spalding has a knack for taking an aspect of modern life, finding the humour but also writing the poignant and thought-provoking elements. Not only did I laugh, it made me think about my own carbon footprint. Nick Spalding continues to write extremely funny books with an underlying message.

As with most of Spalding’s novels the story is built around a simple general concept - here it is going green. Around the concept Spaulding writes a series of tangentially connected anecdotes. In his best novels these anecdotes have genuine laugh out loud moments...like this one did. The book confirms that Spalding’s writing is comic genius and actually demonstrates the skill in creating humour with an engaging plot and varied characters. Fantastic book, I loved every page.

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As I'm involved with a company who is very proud of it's green credentials (leaping bunny, vegan society and carbon neutral accredited) and I'm honestly not the most green person on the planet, I really thought this book would be speaking my language!
Going Green is an easy read that you can get through really quickly, but it is a bit manic and OTT, therefore I found it best if I read it in short bursts and read something a bit heavier in-between.
The PR company that Ellie works for is being taken over by a planet saving, green enthusiast who unfortunately doesn't have enough money to employ all of the current staff. Ellie's on a mission to make a good, green impression with her unconventionally handsome new boss in order to save her job.
When I say she's on a mission, I mean that Ellie will literally do anything to try and save her job, this woman has no shame and is able to get herself into more scrapes than Bridget Jones. This book is one continuous rollercoaster of disasters with barely enough time to catch your breath in-between, sometimes to the point of being too much. Take a break woman and live like a normal person for a few days!!!
The descriptions that Spalding writes are absolutely brilliant. I did find it laugh out loud funny on many occasions and the images he painted so vividly in my head were hilarious. I even managed to wake my husband up when laughing so hard the bed was shaking.

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I'd rate this book a 3.5/5.

In Going Green, Ellie Cooke works at a PR firm that has just been bought by Nolan Reece, a committed environmentalist who wants the firm to become the go-to PR company for businesses concerned about the environment. To keep her job, she lies about her own committment to save the environment... and I'll stop there to avoid spoilers.

This is a light-hearted and very very funny book. It's been years since I laughed so much with a book. To the point that I was in tears when reading about the trip by train (it reminded me of my own experience with the British railway). It's a quick read that you can get done in a weekend (or an afternoon, if you have not much more to do).

I would have given it 4 stars if it wasn't for the fact that towards the end Ellie becomes a complete lunatic and it felt like a copy of Bridget Jones. The book was great fun to read up until "the chase", and then it felt to me like it had lost its otherwise hilarious ways.

Many thanks to the author, NetGalley, and Lake Union Publishing for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Although romantic comedies are my favorite, I had never read a book by Nick Spaulding prior to reading GOING GREEN so I wasn’t sure what to expect.

The book begins with the protagonist Ellie Cooke facing potential job loss. She makes some rather unscrupulous choices to avoid updating her resume. Liars really get my goat so I was on the fence about continuing with the story when I saw the false and farcical lengths Ellie was willing to pursue. Ellie’s internal monologue (and conscience) rode her pretty hard for the lying though. I began to reconsider abandoning her in her adventures as she seemed on the hero’s journey. She expressed both regret and a willingness to change her ways. Also, while some scenes, like wearing hemp underwear, were a bit too ridiculous for me, I had some great laughs while reading this book! “ A small man wearing a woollen beanie is making farting noises and hopping up and down on one leg. What animal that is meant to be, I have no f$&king idea. I’ll have to run it by David Attenborough the next time I see him.“ And “crap badgers...” I’m an American but think the British have some great expletive slang and Spalding often turned a phrase that was creative and LOL funny.

The finale of the book gobsmacked me! Having never read a Nick Spalding novel I’m not sure if this new tale follows a pattern but I was utterly floored by the plot twist. When it was over, I felt a bit of whiplash. I did like it though. I will definitely pick up another book by this author.

The publishers in cooperation with NetGalley graciously gave me an ARC of GOING GREEN but this did not sway my review. #GoingGreen #Netgalley I’d recommend this book to friends who enjoy eccentric, British humor.

There’s no infidelity. Sex happens but it’s “off stage” and mentioned mostly in passing. There’s some profanity but I didn’t find it gratuitous nor offensive.

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Another great book from this very funny author I was really excited to see that Nick Spalding had a new book out and couldn't wait to read. I read this in one sitting and it brighten ed up a full day and put a smile on my face. Nick Spalding has a knack for writing about everyday issues in a very relatable and engaging way and this story was no exception drawing on. Climate change and the environment and how Ellie's quest to keep her job and impress her new boss led to far more than she had bargained for whilst helping her to save the environment at the same time. A fun and engaging read which at the same time covered a very serious and current topic.

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Have you ever felt like you have had to go above and beyond to show your worth in a company? Have you ever been so concerned you may lose your job that you will do anything to keep it? This is exactly what Ellie Cooke felt and boy did she go above and beyond to ensure her position in the firm.

This was a great read. It was filled with laughter, love and some important issues such as climate change and being more eco-friendly.

This was the first Nick Spalding novel I had read and I have a confession to make. I had never heard of Nick before this. However I am definitely going to be reading more of his titles soon (so soon, I am actually reading Checking Out as we speak)

One of my favorite aspects of this book was the narrative. He wrote in first person which can be difficult to do but was pulled off perfectly. Not only this but he had the character directly talking to the reader as if Ellie was taking to a friend about her life. Not only did this make you like her more but she became a lot more relatable as well as making you feel like you are a bigger part of the action.


This particular narrative style worked really well in this novel, particularly as the underlying topics of the environment are so important. The way Ellie spoke to the reader made sure we were aware of what was going on as well as raising our awareness of being more green.

It was the perfect mixture of seriousness and comedy and the ending was superb!!

I would highly recommend this if you need a feel good read during these tough times, it certainly brightened my day!

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great story, characters and plot. The perfect combo for a rom com with an important message underlying the entirety.

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Going Green by Nick Spaulding is about a young woman who fears losing her job in public relations at a company which is failing. Instead the company is bought by an environmental organization which needs to lay off some of the employees. Fearful that she will be one of those laid off she goes to hilarious lengths to prove she is environmentally conscious. She has never been concerned with the environment so is caught up in situations which turn out to be ridiculous. As part of these escapades she becomes aware of the importance of improving the environment and becomes a fanatic. This results in another set of ridiculous circumstances. The novel moves between the absurd to the profound, so you are alternating laughing to being serious. This well written novel keeps you entertained and interested in the environment.

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Received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.

Great characters, but a bit preachy about the eco warrior stuff. I loved the ending! It was great fun! Fun story, like everything he writes, give it a go.

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This book was the perfect escape. It was lovely and fun. It was my first book by this author and I will definitely be on the look out for more!!

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I adore Nick Spalding. This man has the ability to make me laugh/snort out loud at the most inappropriate times! This book was amazing it really made me think about what I can do. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Ellie change throughout the book and I must admit there was a little twist that shocked me. The story is hilarious while also teaching an important lesson about the value of being eco friendly, recycling, and educating ourselves more on what we're doing to help the future of our planet. It's a fabulous read it'll make you laugh out loud and it's Important at the same time

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Very very funny! As someone in a somewhat similar work situation I really identified with Ellie’s struggles here and chuckled my way through this book.

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My first Nick Spalding novel and although I didn’t find it to be laugh out loud it was often amusing and the writing style is easy to read. The subject matter is dealt with from different perspectives, I can’t expand on this for fear of giving too much away. What I did find disappointing was that the main characters who were committed environmentalists were portrayed as being typically weird, hairy, hippie types and this is not the case these days, a somewhat old fashioned stereotype. However this does at least deal with the subject of going green, which is not an easy choice of lifestyle at the moment, easier than previous decades but still involves commitment. Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity of reading this in exchange for an honest review.

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Nick Spalding is by far my favorite author of humor. He balances satire with plain everyday life that is quite real yet still madcap.

He has not disappointed with any of his stories yet!!! A genius with humor!

HIGHLY RECOMMEND (as always).

Many Thanks to the Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

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This is a fun, light hearted read with an environmental theme. Hilarious in parts, it will entertain readers from start to finish. Empathetic characters and realistic settings.

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*Disclaimer I was permitted an Advanced Reader Copy of this book, from NetGalley in return for an honest review”

Environmentally funny romantic comedy I think is how this book would be described if it was a movie.

I’ve been fan of the author, Nick Spalding for a few years now, in fact the first books I ever d9wnloaded were his.

As with all of them this story was just as witty, funny and entertaining. He really writes women’s points of views on romantic and life, career situations with such clarity and humour. I have to check sometimes that the book is written by a male author.

This book had me howling with laughter at some points, smacking my head into my hand in frustration at some of the daft things the leading lady Ellie Cooke says and does and wanting to throw more than a pair of primark boxers at a certain character (that sentence will make sense once you’ve read the book). Who knew the world of Public Relations could be so entertaining.

As we approach the weirdest festive season of a generation we are all look for that quick light relief book and this book definitely delivers that in spades.

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Brilliant! I really did laugh out loud while reading this book. Ellie is the hapless heroine, who has the best of intentions in being environmentally aware. But life gets in the way. Until her PR agency becomes one of green focus and her environmental savvy is the only thing between her and the unemployment line ( as we say in the US). Her missteps are hilarious, from participating in a “die in” to wearing hemp underthings. But the learnings along the way are heartfelt and the ending is truly brilliant— unexpected yet satisfying. A wonderful glorious read.

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This novel started out promising enough—there were amusing lines, but unfortunately, the story and writing devolved.

Ellie Cooke is desperate to keep her job when the public relations firm she works for is sold, and the new owner wants to shift to representing clients who are committed to environmentally friendly business. Ellie, like many of us, acknowledges dire things are happening to the environment, but doesn’t actually want to do much on her own to help out. When Nolan Reece becomes CEO, however, she pretends she couldn’t be more committed. This leads her into doing a bunch of silly Bridget Jones-esque things that largely feel forced and not believable.

Over time, she does in fact learn more about what’s happening in the world, and thus changes her behavior. Unfortunately, her relationship with Nolan and much of the book itself does not feel substantial. It’s superficial unrealistic joke-y stuff, not all the similes hit the mark, and sometimes Spalding settles for cliches. I had to speed read the last half because it actually got painful. There was a nice twist at the end, but not good enough to make it worth a read.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel, which RELEASES DECEMBER 8, 2020.

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This was a quick and easy read. Ellie Cooke lies about her environmental enthusiasm in order to keep her job at a PR firm when it is bought out. In her zeal to show her spirit, she ends up being promoted and learns to love her job and all that it stands for.

I thought it was entertaining but nothing memorable. I found the situations a little bit over the top and unrealistic. The protagonist reminded me of a less entertaining Bridget Jones. It was fun but it’s not a title I’ll be thinking about a few months from now.

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Going Green by Nick Spalding is cute fast read to brighten your mood. It's a little predictable and goes over the top but all in all enjoyable. As long as you are looking for light reading this is the book for you.

Thank you Nick Spalding and Netgalley for giving me a sneak read.

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A fun easy read about Ellie who wants to keep her job when the company she works for is taken over by a keen environmentalist.
Ellie becomes very green.
It’s fun, easy to read a little over the top.

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I looked forward to reading this but was disappointed and gave up after one chapter. The language was too repetitive and didn't ring true. The narration was too frenzied. The lead character anticipated being sacked. I'd have sacked her, she was truly irritating. Shame, because the subject sounded appealing.

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This is Nick Spalding at his best. Taking hugely important topics and coming up with the funniest scenes to get across their significance.
Ellie was a wonderful character to read about, and the supporting cast were great, although not as likeable!
The humour that oozes out of the pages had me laughing out loud, and this was definitely one of his funniest novels.
The subject matter was poignant and definitely made me reflect on my life choices too.
Highly recommended!

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Just loved this book which had me laughing out loud from the very beginning. Great characters bought vividly to life by the author. This was the first Nick Spalding book I have read but I will be reading many more in the future. I can recommend this to everyone as a feel good clever and funny story that will leave you with a big smile. A definite 5 stars

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Really entertaining book with some great laugh out loud moments in it! The characters are great in it with some little quirks that aren't always visible.

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I've been looking forward to this book for a long time. I've read several of Nick's books & while I haven't loved all of them, they have all managed to make me cry with laughter at least once throughout the novel. Until now. That's not to say 'Going Green' isn't funny. It is, but it is more snarky than pee your pants laughing. The absolute funniest moment for me was towards the beginning. The rest was rather relatable actually.

Nick seemed to have a genuine, "WTF guys we need to save the planet" attitude when he wrote this. As a full time eco farmer for nearly 2 decades, I agree. If it wasn't for the fact that I expected Nick to have me sobbing with laughter, I would have given this 5 stars. I could totally see both sides of the coin. The "greenie" & the regular person. The digs on Vegans, Hempaware. All of it. What I didn't see coming, well, that was great too.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

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This was brilliant. Nick Spalding is about the only author who has me literally crying with laughter. The hemp pants, the dance of the dying animals in the shopping centre and many more scenarios honestly, just give this a read. I know humour is subjective, but Nick's books always cheer me up and I find them hysterical.

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Going Green is a great book. This is the first time in my reading experience that had me laughing while crying. This was, without a doubt, the funniest book ever written—not in a bad way, but in a good way that this book will cheers you up. This is the first Nick Spalding book I’ve ever read, and I’m looking forward to read more.

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Nick Spalding wrote a comical novel with a serious undertone about the importance of going green. He also showed the value of treating people kindly through the quick witted Ellie. She learns to be strong and stand up for what she knows is right after finding out her boss (and lover) is not who he leads people to believe he is . Other than the language being a little strong for my liking, I enjoyed Going Green.

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A lighthearted book about a funny professional woman who realized that her made-up lie to keep her job is really a platform worth fighting for. We follow her from lie-to-lie as she pretends to be environmentally conscious to keep her job and as a result, gets herself mixed up in hilarious antics. But the deeper she delves into this world, she begins to realize that it's something that's actually important to her and she becomes serious in her quest to make a difference. A light, easy read that combines humor, romance and a lesson for all of us.

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Ahhh Ellie!!! What a character. Her story of becoming an eco warrior is just too funny. With a bit of romance thrown in for good luck, this book was a wonderful escape from a challenging year (2020- I’ll say no more).

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Thank you NetGalley, Nick Spalding and Lake Union Publishing for the book Going Green.This is my personal review.
Ellie Cooke works for a PR firm that has been sold. The new owner and CEO Nolan wants the company to be an environmentally friendly run firm. The first day he is there he lets them all know that there will be a few employees looking their jobs due to wanting to cut costs and save money.
To keep her job Ellie wants to put forward that she is very aware there are environmental issues. She just needs to let Nolan see this, so she is not one to lose her job. She does things but knows it will have to be more to make herself stand out.
I read the book but did not find much of it to be hilarious but more forced on putting the humor in the story.

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Going Green by Nick Spalding is a quirky and somewhat silly book with a bold and important message. Ellie Cooke is on a journey to learn as much about being an environmentalist as she possibly can in order to further her career but in the long-run becomes a sincere naturalist with a passion for climate change education and living. I applaud Mr. Spalding for his new novel with its theme of making the world a better place, and I hope people will read it for persuasion, information and entertainment-as we all should train our thinking to doing what we can for our planet's future.

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I love Nick Spalding's books and always`find them very funny and this did not disappoint! Ellie works in PR and the firm she works for is about to be sold to Nolan Reece, who is determined to turn it into an ethical, green, PR firm, representing people who care about the environment. Keen to impress him and keep her job, Ellie enters into a series of hilarious situations from wearing hemp knickers to eating vegan dishes and joining a parade dressed as a plastic bottle!
Very funny and all is not as it seems!

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I read the first couple of chapters and frankly could not read any more. I was embarrassed for the woman making a fool of herself in order to keep her job.

I received a digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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When I picked up and started reading this book I was skeptical to say the least, humor of this type in books is always a bit overdone for me, but I came to find out Nick Spalding is a wordsmith when it comes to comedy.

Ellie, an always late, under enthusiastic employee of a recently sold PR firm, is desperately trying to keep her job by essentially being the opposite of all she is in the eyes of the new boss. Who of course happens to be a very cute, and also very environmentally conscious, man. Ellie does her best to impress him, and everyone else, about how green she truly is (which is zero BTW) and truly fails miserably at almost every turn. The beginning few chapters were a bit too slapstick for me, it was predictable and not very exciting. But as the book went on I laughed out loud quite a few times (to the alarm of my poor boyfriend) and became pleasantly engrossed in the tale of poor loveable Ellie. Overall a fun, easy read, and I’m glad I was introduced to Nick Spalding and look forward to checking out more of his work.

3.5/5 ⭐

Thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

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The premise and message of this story are good. Ellie becomes more "green" and Eco-friendly. I don't necessarily agree with her antics, but it was good to see that after a discussion with kids she saw that she needed to be better educated, and needed to make some serious changes, so she did. That is a message I think we all can and should get behind. Maybe not to the extreme that she did, but doing more to make our environment better is a good thing.
This story is supposed to be laugh out loud funny, but I did not find it humorous at all. I was completely turned off by the constant f-bomb and the descriptions of the male anatomy. I do not know any female who talks like Ellie does, it comes off more as locker room male humor. This is the first book that I have read by this author and it will be the last.
While there was things I did not like about the book, I did finish the book because I was curious how it ended. The writing overall is decent and the story line did make me want to finish the book. I love how Ellie handles the ending of the book and that is my favorite part of the book.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and net galley for an honest review.

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Ellie Cooke is pretty sure she's going to get fired from the best job she's ever had. The company is failing, she just had a huge fight, culminating in a break-up, in front of the whole office... oh and her ex happened to be a huge client (or at least he was...). So, when her boss says he's selling the company at first Ellie thinks it might not be such a bad idea. However, tides quickly change when the new boss, Nolan Reece, explains that he intends to move the PR company forward with an environmental kick.

It's not that Ellie doesn't care about the environment, she just hasn't thought about it much, or at all. So when she finds herself on the bad side of Nolan, Ellie decides to do whatever she can to make sure she keeps her job, even if it means becoming an eco-warrior.

I really wanted to like this book, and actually, I did like it for quite a while. Probably about 2/3 of the book I really enjoyed, but the ending really ruined it for me. Without providing any spoilers I will just say that I found all of the characters quite irredeemable in the end. I wasn't sure who I was supposed to care about or who I was supposed to be rooting for, if anyone. Despite the fact that Ellie kept telling herself she'd changed, it really didn't feel like that to me. It felt like everything she did was a show and more-so for her own good and she did everything spur of the moment instead of putting any actual thought into her actions. As much as I wanted to like this book the ending really killed it for me. Reading 2/3 of the way through only, I would have given the book a solid 4 of 5.

2/5 Stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and Amazon Publishing UK for providing me with an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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I had no choice but to award this read 5 stars. For me it was funny AND it did not conclude how I thought it would!
Ellie Cooke is desperate to keep her job at Stratagem PR when it is taken over by Nolan Reece. Nolan is an environmentalist and is looking to represent ecological companies working hard to save the planet. Good-time, somewhat disorganised and hapless Ellie, is hardly the embodiment of all that is 'green'. For a woman in her thirties she comes across as rather immature, often in need of older brother Sean's wisdom.
However Ellie comes up with a plan to keep her job by pretending that she cares deeply about single use plastic, energy saving lightbulbs, not eating meat and protecting the oceans. And she needs to work fast, as she nearly ran over her to-be-boss Nolan in her clobberdy-bang (such a super word!) class C petrol guzzling C class Mercedes, so first impressions need to be reversed!
What then ensues is a hilarious collection of attempts by Ellie to impress. She starts by joining Worriors for the Plonet (the a's have been replaced by earth symbols) in a public demonstration outside a shopping centre where she is required to participate in a 'die-in'. The scenes and dialogue just kept me in stitches, aghast but entertained by the sheer lengths Ellie will go to, to fake her belief in promoting greener ways.
Along the way she meets some super characters, a Joanna Lumley look-a-like, Petal O'Hare who partners husband Mordred in their business Veganthropy, Kevin the inventor of the bamboo electric bike (where Nolan ends up careering across a roundabout and catapulting over the handlebars, whilst Ellie's nether regions suffer on the cement like saddle), and the 12-year old founder (not really, he just looks very young) of Hempaware, maker of all things hemp. The scene where she is itching so much from wearing hemp knickers had me crying with laughter, as did her meal with Nolan in the bird sanctuary. Basically whatever could go wrong does go wrong and yet you can't help willing Ellie to carry on doing good. She is the sort of person that would either irritate you in real life or charm with her ditsy-doings.
There is a romantic angle to the story too and a sense of someone changing for the better, actually learning more about the environment and instead of faking interest actually believing in a new way of living. She is helped along by her brother's Year 6 class and all the clients she builds relationships with. She might not be a fan to start with but she undergoes a huge transformation to the point where she becomes so obsessed she ends up in a septic tank!
As well as entertaining me, I too found the topic fascinating and it got me thinking about all the ways I could make a difference myself.
With an unexpected turn in the tale, Ellie Cooke will take you by surprise and prove that we can all do What We Can if we are brave enough to try.
(I am also going to start reading more Nick Spalding books.)

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DNF

Not my cup of tea, could not warm to the lead character I’m afraid. Have awarded 2 stars as there is nothing wrong with the writing I just couldn’t get on with the book, I got about a third of the way through but didn’t finish.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

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The publishers describe Nick Spalding’s style as “genre-spanning, humorous writing”, and that’s probably about as accurate as you’re going to get. His books are impossible to pigeon hole. Apart from the laughs — which are guaranteed — you can never be sure what you’re going to get.

I haven’t read any Spalding for a long time; not since his “Love … “ series, which I pretty much devoured. Based on that experience and the blurb for Going Green, I fully expected this latest novel to be a lighthearted romp of a romcom.

I couldn’t have been farther off the mark. Yes, it’s very funny, frequently in a laugh-out-loud, actual guffawing, spray-the-coffee kind of way. And, yes, there is a bit of romance in there too. But, there’s actually quite a serious commentary about climate change and the environment running through the narrative as well, which adds to the whole “genre-spanning” vibe.

It’s an odd kind of mix, and I’m not convinced that Spalding pulls it off.

The premise is sound: PR girl Ellie is forced to “go green” or risk losing her job, when the firm she works for is taken over by environmentalist Nolan Reece. Cue all kinds of crazy shenanigans, as she tries to prove her green credentials and impress her new boss.

Unfortunately, the farce quickly descends into a cringe-making kind of slapstick that actually becomes embarrassing to read at times. Instead of rooting for Ellie, I found myself being turned off by her crazy, manic behaviour and the increasingly ridiculous situations she gets herself into.

Spalding does attempt to rescue the plot towards the end, with an unexpected twist, but not quite enough to fully redeem it in my eyes. There’s a fine balance between funny and cringe-worthy, and I’m afraid he lost his footing on this occasion.

My thanks to NetGalley for the advance review copy of this book.

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While climate change is a very serious topic, this is not a very serious book in many ways. Afraid that she is about to lose her PR job when the company she works for is sold to Nolan, someone interested in representing environmentally conscious companies, Ellie goes all out to make herself appear greener than she is. This leads to many blunders and at times can be a bit unbelievable. In the course of performing her new job as second in command, she actually does become very concerned about the environment, which only leads to more chaos in her life. Heartwarming in the end, Ellie finds her new path and hopefully makes a positive impact on climate change.

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I received a free ARC of this book from Netgalley.
This is the 2nd book I've read by Nick Spalding. The two that I've read are both a bit over the top and remind me of a Bridget Jones type humor which some people might consider over the top. I enjoyed this book about a woman who tries to impress her new boss by looking more environmentally-conscious than she actually is, but then she really gets into it. I laughed out loud several times while reading this book.

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Ellie is going to lose her job. The PR company she works for has just been sold and the new boss need to makes some cuts. Ellie needs to impress Nolan, her new boss. And if it means going all green and environmental crazy., this is what she is going to do. But when in the process Ellie will really learn a lesson about the climate change and the importance of doing what we can and she will find her strength to become a better person, Hilarious, funny and wake up global consciousness.

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Brilliant! Laugh out loud funny!

I have not read nick Spalding (something I will now be rectifying) before and was intrigued by this book synopsis.

From start to finish it was hilarious, I love the character of Ellie. She is so relatable. The book follows Ellie as she faces redundancy, turns her world view around in order to keep her job, and learns a lot about saving the planet and who she really is.

While covering a very important topic in a very down to Earth way, this book will have you shrieking with laughter at the scenarios Ellie find herself in.

The ending is a triumph and I truly hope Ellie succeeds in her new venture!

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I absolutely LOVED this book by Nick Spalding, and was honoured to be able to read it for free, in return for providing an honest review.

I love his style of writing and this story is extremely witty, clever and well written. It flows so well, and I found myself wanting to know what was going to happen. Read it - you won’t be disappointed!

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I found this to be a delightful romp in and out of love while trying to keep her career.
Often funny, and (perhaps unintentionally ironic.

Gets my recommendation !

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I thought this was adorable and funny. After a new owner takes over the PR firm Ellie works at, the new owner decides the new direction for the company is to be very environmentally conscious and friendly - it's a crusade for him really. So our MC, Ellie, also takes on that crusade - in a effort to keep her job.

But along the way she makes mistakes, sure, but most of them are really telling small lies and getting backed in to a corner. It also means, however, that she learns a lot as well - about how to be more environmentally conscious. Sure, the story was silly at times and there were a few times I cringe and chuckled, but this was the perfect, light, up-beat cute story I needed when I picked it up. So glad I gave it a try!

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Ellie is such a hoot. She has mild to to no control over what she says or does. She acts completely on impulse, and it is delightful. This is the first book I've read by Nick Spalding, and I really enjoyed it. He has a very unique writing style that takes a minute to get used to, but overall I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I'm looking forward to checking out more of his work.

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I love all of Nick Spaldings books and they never fail to make me chuckle. This one isn't my favourite but an enjoyable read nonetheless.

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Ellie decides to remake her life and become not only green but an eco-"worrier" when the PR firm she works over is taken over by ardent environmentalist Nolan Reece. Good idea and a good message but the novel itself felt frantic and slapstick-y at times. Spalding has hit all the tropes and caricatures of the green movement. It might make you laugh out loud in spots (I did once or twice) but you might also find yourself flipping pages to find out what happens. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC.

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A humorous look at environmental issues through the eyes of a thirty something woman desperately trying to save her job. The PR company Ellie works for has been in decline and begins laying off employees prior to being sold to a young, handsome entrepreneur that is moving the company into a different direction by taking on only environmentally sustainable companies to represent. Ellie embarks on a mission to prove that she is serious minded and fully committed to saving the environment thus making her the perfect employee to retain on the job. What follows are a series of somewhat humorous often disastrous events that Ellie finds herself at the center of. While I didn’t find this to be laugh out loud funny there were times I found myself chuckling. Through it all the message comes across that our planet needs our help and it is up to all of us to find our own way to help. * NOTE: as a reader from the US many of the terms were unfamiliar to me and I was thankful that I read this on my Kindle to quickly look up definitions.

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Whilst I am not convinced that comic novels are the best vehicle for putting across serious messages ‘Going Green’ makes a decent fist of the attempt to piggy back serious environmental issues onto a humorous tale. In truth, the humour works better than the ‘green’ messaging. Nick Spalding has a rare gift that makes it difficult to read his books in bed next to a partner who is reading something serious. The stifled laughs - and indeed ripping guffaws and giggles - are always going to irritate someone who isn’t reading the same humorous text!

The storyline is fine, mixing as it does a bit of romcom, a slice of revenge, gentle mocking of green zealots and the deserved victory of good over evil......perhaps that overstates things, but the good guy (gal?) comes out on top.

If this book doesn’t prompt a fair number of laughs, chuckles and occasional hysterical laughter it may be that you need your sense of humour upgraded!

Recommended

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This is Nick Spalding on top form. ‘Going Green’ has all you could wish for in a modern rom-com - a brilliantly funny and relatable heroine in Ellie along with a great supporting cast of characters, generous helpings of Mr Spalding’s trademark slapstick set-pieces including one starring a wayward parrot and another particularly toe-curling nightmare featuring a pair of planet-saving eco-knickers; there’s also a background of social comment about global warming running alongside a pinch of romance for good measure. Not wanting to give anything away, but there is also an skilful unforeseen twist at the end that completely made the whole experience for me and I turned the last page definitely wanting to give both Ellie and Mr Spalding a well deserved high five for reaching such a satisfying conclusion.

Thoroughly recommended. Many thanks to Lake Union Publishing, to Mr Spalding and to NetGalley for letting me read and review this very entertaining book.

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Loved this! You will laugh out loud and cringe as you get to know Ellie Cooke.

Ellie fears she may loose her job in PR after a new, very eco friendly boss takes over, what lengths will she go to, to keep her job? Can she change her ways and become more green to save her job?

This is the first book I’ve read by Spalding, but it won’t be the last. I love the way it was written and the humour that runs throughout (often at Ellie’s expense!)

The themes in this book are very current and will certainly get everyone thinking! I believe anyone reading this book (even if they haven’t thought about climate change before) will go away and re-evaluate some aspects of their lives. If even half of the people that read this do that, this book will have a positive effect on the environment!

You probably won’t see the ending coming, but I thought it was a fabulous twist!
You will fall in love with Ellie’s character as this book progresses.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and most importantly the author, for the chance to read this book, in exchange for an honest review.

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I enjoyed this book! The protagonist was a bit zany at first but then she came into her own. I really enjoyed the twist at the end and like that it didn’t turn into your normal romance/happy together book.

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A funny easy read. Ellie wrestles with the difficulties of going green. Everything is told with a sense of humour which made this an enjoyable read. It is also thought provoking as to how we can help reduce our carbon footprint.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

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I really enjoyed the story development between Ellie and Nolan. I loved the fact that Mr. Spaulding draws you in with Ellie's hot mess of a life and you see her character grow into the person she's meant to be. Too often a character stays flat until a pivotal moment but in Going Green you get to know Ellie and all the angst that comes with her. Sometimes you'll be cringing and sometimes you'll laugh out loud with her journey. It was so easy to identify how you sometimes get swept away and become passionate about things and don't realize the whirlwind you've become until you look back on the swath of damage you created, good intentions or not. The ending was a great twist and I took away one star because some of the reactions/actions of Ellie were a little bit too over the top for me. Overall a fun read.

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Quick easy read full of slapstick humor and some romance. Good palate cleansing read. Loved the end.

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A rather different kind of Going Green story .. a girl who wants to impress, so takes up a life that's more environmentally friendly, just so she can keep her job.

Her new boss is easily impressed .. but are her efforts all for nothing?

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Great message diluted by some silliness and overkill🤔

3.5-4🌟 stars
For the most part I really liked the plot of this story and the way it addresses the issue of climate change. Spalding tells the tale with wit and whimsy.

Public relations is female lead Ellie's work and to keep her job she will go to extremes, but along the way a group of kids and some business clients committed to the fight to save the planet really get to her. Ellie starts the story a bit flighty and transforms as her attitude changes. I really liked the new Ellie and her can-do ways. I also liked the unexpected twist the story takes as Ellie stumbles over her boss Nolan's secret. The appeal at the book's conclusion made me hopeful that individuals can make a positive difference against a dire global threat.

I would have enjoyed it more and rated Going Green higher but Ellie's Belgium trip was just too over the top and the longer it went the more annoying it got. There were other frankly slapstick moments that I did not find all that amusing but Chapter 10 was the low point for me. In this case, less would have been more plausible and more appealing to me.

Thanks to Amazon and Lake Union Publishers and NetGalley for providing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

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There were some funny scenes in this sendup of companies "going green" but the romance felt perfunctory. It might be the length--there was scarcely time for the characters to be established, much less for the character evolution of a love story, which is the main point of a romance for many readers. While the green set pieces were mildly humorous, and the pacing was brisk (maybe too brisk?) the romance kept feeling like plot points checked off. It ended feeling like the author wrote this over a weekend to meet a deadline--not nearly as good as others by the same person.

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I fancied something different to read (I read a lot of crime & mystery books) and this certainly fitted the bill . Ellie works for a PR company which isn't doing well . It is taken over by Nolan Reece with the premise of the company becoming as green as possible. Ellie has a steep learning curve regarding being enviromentally friendly as she drives an old, gas guzzling car and shops in shops reknowned for throw away fashion. At first she fakes her enviromentally sound behaviour, though this becomes her way of life as she becomes aware of some of the consequences of her lifestyle choices. You start off thinking that Ellie is a girl mostly interested in keeping het job (which she is) but as the book moved on I came to respect her more .
Parts of this book were quite funny,I found parts a little irritating *(regarding sound effects of the car , for example) and theree were times that Ellie seemed to go completely over the top . All in all though the message is that we all do what we can and the future looks optimistic for the PR company . The sideline of the office romance was OK, though it seemed to blow hot and cold and Ellie blamed herself for problems .Ididnotreally see the twist in the story coming, but it added an interesting perspective to the story
Thank you to NetGalleyfor the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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I requested to read and review this book for free from Lake Union Publishing. This was the first book I have read by author Nick Spalding. He does a great job keeping the reader intrigued until thr very end. The setting is in Europe. I was blown away by the ending just when you knew how it was going to end and bam a completely different turn. But loved how it ended. The book will make you see the environment a little differently. It has romance, mystery, comedy. You will meet characters such as Nolan, Ellie, Nadia and some other that you will want to meet. Can you mix business and romance you will want to read to find out.

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You have got to sympathise with Ellen and her "fake it til you make it" green credentials when she is thrown headlong into a new career path following the takeover of her workplace.
Falling headlong into some utterly ridiculous experiences in her bid to prove herself greener than green and competent at her newly improved role Ellen careens from protest to demonstration to parade and back to the office all in a bid to impress her new boss both workwise but also maybe personally.
Romance is definitely in the air but all is not as it seems and Ellen makes some shocking discoveries...not least that she has inadvertently become an eco warrior!
Witty and with just enough romance to counterbalance the crazy!

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This book was truly a ‘Laugh Out Loud’ kinda book! I was in chapter 2, and one of the scenes where our main character Ellie was pretending to be a dying panda, it was hilarious! I literally had tears in my eyes while I was laughing. There are not one, not two but way too many instances where I was laughing so hard that I actually had tears in my eyes!!!!

This book has a subtle message of climate change, how we humans are destroying the environment and the benefits of ‘Going Green.’ Ellie, who was trying very hard to retain her job at PR firm ends up being second in command to a new boss who is forming a PR brand gear towards environmental conscious clientele base. In her new role Ellie comes to appreciate and values the benefits of going green, but at the same time falls for her current boss, Nolan. The story really goes through lots of up and downs, laughs and more laughs, but the turning point towards the end was unexpected. The book ends on a really high note!

Thank you #netgalley #lakeunionpublishing #nickspalding for the free copy of ARC on exchange of my honest review!!

I would highly recommend this 5 star book to everyone out there who wants to have a good laugh!!

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Going Green is a book about Ellie Cooke, who has never been very environmentally conscious. Her company is bought by a new CEO who wants to do all things “green” and she knows she needs to get on board to keep her job. This was a humorous book, with sometimes over the top Bridget Jones esque predicaments the heroine gets herself into. As I read, I became frustrated at where I thought the book was going with her boss, but fortunately it completely redeemed itself in the ending. I appreciated that this book mentions lots of information about the environment and ways we are hurting it, and also ways we can help improve it. I am big on recycling and try to do my part. I think what I loved most about Ellie Cooke’s story is that as we follow her along and laugh, we also learn it’s important for the environment to do... what we can.

Thank you to NetGalley, Nick Spalding, and Amazon Publishing UK for the advanced copy.

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This story made me laugh out loud in parts. Ellie Green the lead character in the book is happily going about her life as an executive in a marketing company when the company gets taken over by a new boss who seems to be an eco warrior.
Ellie wants to remain in her job so she goes all out to prove that she is greener than green and some of her escapades back fire on her to comic effect. During the story and as she gains more knowledge Ellie changes and becomes passionate about the cause. This is a feel good book that has romance and personal development but can Ellie get the happy ending she wants.

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Absolutely brilliant, I laughed out loud throughout the book, as well as learning something about green issues.

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One thing you always know you will get with a Nick Spalding book is quirky characters and a good laugh. Oh wait! That was two things! After a few heavier books, this was a wonderful escape. Admittedly the basic subject, the environment and how humans are ruining our planet, is a dark one, but the story handles the situation in a wonderful lighthearted manner. Mr. Spalding seems to continually find the sweet spot between characters and situations. I frequently chuckled thinking that if you only knew about people from England through his books, you would wonder how the country can continue to operate. His characters are always having slip-ups and really odd situations pop up and Ellie is no exception! Her initial deception takes over her life in a most humorous manner. I always enjoy my time spent in a world created by Mr. Spalding!

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I was hooked on this author after reading Logging Off. I've learned two things about Spalding's books: 1) they are laugh-out-loud funny, and 2) don't read this sitting next to your husband trying to watch a football game! I also appreciate a male who can write from a woman's perspective (and vice versa) so we get a first-person account from protagonist Ellie who works in a PR firm that is taken over by Nolan who is determined to make the world more environmentally-friendly. Ellie, determined to wow her boss (and because she's crushing on him), volunteers for many assignments, including rallies where she must play "dead" and an event where she must ride a bamboo bicycle. I'm still giggling thinking about these scenes. Beyond the humor, Spalding also addresses social issues that are thought-provoking and relevant. Not my last book by him for sure!

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I thought I would try something different from my normal crime and thriller books. This was an okay read- good and relevant messages.

I liked the main protogonist but not loved her if that makes sense.

This was my first book by Nick Spalding and I may explore others when I want a light read.

I was given an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest and fair review which I have done.

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Thank you to Amazon Publishing U.K./Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for an advance review copy of ‘Going Green’ by Nick Spalding.

As with other novels that I have read by Nick Spalding this was great fun yet also provided plenty of food for thought around its central issue. Here the focus is upon awareness about climate change and the environment. Its protagonist and narrator is thirty-four year old Eleanor ‘Ellie’ Cooke.

When it comes to the environment Ellie’s a bit ‘green’ but her good intentions often get sidetracked. Then the PR firm that Ellie works for is taken over by keen environmentalist Nolan Reece. With redundancies in the air, it becomes clear to Ellie that if she wants to save her job, she’s going to have to get serious about going green.

Ellie gets herself in some seriously ridiculous situations while seeking to prove her Green credentials. In these and her internal monologue, Ellie is a Bridget Jones for our time. In addition, she finds herself thinking a great deal about her new boss, Nolan. Oh Ellie....

This novel proved very entertaining, while making important points about environmental issues. He has created a very relatable lead in Ellie. I was impressed at how well Nick wrote from a woman’s point of view. I really enjoyed it as I have his other books.

He is an author that my reading group has chosen to read a couple of times and I certainly plan to suggest ‘Going Green’ as one of our upcoming 2021 selections.

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A light hearted look at a serious topic. Ellie Cooke is an endearing character and we meet her as she is trying to save her job and, in doing so, change her ways. As one might expect from a Spalding book, this does not always go to plan and hilarity often ensues.
The other characters were not as engaging as Ellie but helped to unfold the plot which was not nearly as formulaic as you might initially expect...
Definitely worth a read. Now I must go and sort that recycling...

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Nick Spalding's new novel 'Going Green' is a hilarious series of events, all rooted in our heroine's quest to save her job (and perhaps the planet). At the outset, Ellie Cooke is a consumer of fast fashion, owns a gas guzzling car and buys a plastic bottle with every Boots Meal Deal. Enter Nolan Reece, Ellie's new environmentally conscious boss who has been drafted in to save Ellie's PR company from ruin by rebranding it as an eco-friendly business. If Ellie is to save her job, she needs to get serious about the environment... or at least keep up appearances for as long as she needs to. And perhaps a romance with the 'unconventionally handsome' Adam Driveresque Nolan could be an added bonus.

The main reason I enjoyed this book was because of Ellie. She manages to get herself in a lot of ridiculous situations (being dressed as a plastic bottle and doing The Time Warp gives you a flavour of it...) but her character development is completely authentic. What starts as faking enthusiasm for preserving the environment turns into genuine passion. Ellie is a strong heroine, to me giving off Becky Bloomwood vibes, always trying to do the right thing but not necessarily always pulling it off with the most elegance.

Spalding's writing style also adds to the comedy throughout. Ellie narration regularly breaks the fourth wall to banter with the reader which were my favourite moments, plus the chapter headings are delightful. The book finishes with a truly great twist (which I guessed only a few pages ahead which is a record for me!) which caps off the storyline perfectly. Such a good ending!

All in all, do not go into this if you are wanting lots of romantic content. However, Ellie's character (as bizarre as the situations she finds herself in are) makes the whole thing more than worth the read. Get ready to laugh and learn a thing or two about being an environmentalist at the same time. 4 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher who provided an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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I have to say I enjoyed this book. It is a light read and not exactly challenging but then again sometimes you just want something comfortable in these uncomfortable times.
A great book to settle down on the sofa with on a cold winter's day.
Humorous rather than hilarious but none the worse for that.

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Girl lies about being environmentally conscious in an effort to keep her job at a PR company. She falls for her new boss who thinks she’s as green as he is. What could possibly go wrong?

This was an enjoyable read. It reminded me a lot of Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic series in writing style and voice. It’s all a bit madcap! And what a twist that I didn’t see coming!

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A light fun read of a young woman trying to survive working in the ups and downs of a business in PR. When a new owner takes over with the intention of targeting clients working a green issue, she sets out to present herself as being committed to those issues to keep her job. Being ignorant of such matters it results in making some hilarious blunders until something happens to bring her up short to face the harsh realities of cutthroat business. Hilarious

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When the PR company Ellie works at is bought out, she is desperate to keep her job. Nolan, the new owner intends to change direction of the firm, they will now only be taking on clients that specialise in eco-friendly ideas. Ellie is not that environmentally conscious however she tries everything to secure her position. This leads to her becoming Nolans second in command and when she discovers Nolan’s big secret his threats spur her on to standing up for herself and the clients she has come to really believe in.

This is a light hearted read, that will make you laugh. There is an empowering moment at the end which has all the feels or ‘that’ scene in Bridget Jones Diary, where Bridget tells Daniel where to go. Hilarious!

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A really funny and yep LOL a lot of the time read
Was unsure after reading ‘Logging Off’ earlier this year if would love or kinda like this but for me this was way way better ( and Logging Off wasn’t bad )
This time the author takes on the persona of Ellie, a ‘normal’ 30’s surviving in P.R. kind of gal who like everyone else in the office is shocked when the company is sold
to Green God ‘Nolan’....some changes are needed in her life and career to appear Green and in the authors clever way of Adrian Moleish style and ‘chatting’ to you she tries her best to do this, there are some pure comedy gold chapters especially when she visits the Vegan Food Company and when she goes for a meal to a veggie restaurant that encourages tropical birds to ‘dine with you’ plus the carnival chapter
There is a bit of OTT ness is some of the dialogue but that’s ok and when Ellie falls for Nolan you start to realise how much you like her....and then the story really starts
Not too preachy on Green issues and those raised are done in an interesting and often humorous way
Very real, very funny, very readable and very needed in 2020

9/10
5 Stars

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I am a huge Nick Spalding fan since reading Fat Chance so I jumped at the chance to read this.

Ellie Cooke's character was incredibly relatable and I thought this had an important message wrapped up witihin the humour of the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the ARC

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The main character has a relatable personality and I liked all the information about climate change, the environment, etc. There were a few inconsistencies (one chapter the main character was able to wrestle a man under her arm because she had been to the gym so much, another chapter mentioned her never getting to the gym so her gym leggings were practically new) but overall I enjoyed the book. Some chapters did seem a little drawn out and I did get bored with the story once or twice, which is why I rated it a 4.

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What a riotously funny and refreshing read. I love that Spalding has combined a relevant environmental theme with a hilarious take you away from it all book - thanks for the great time!

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Comedy is make or break for me!
I feel bad about not finishing this ARC which I specifically requested. I was not a huge fan of Spalding’s book Logging Off as the humour was amiss for me. I actually loved the premise of the book and message behind it. I thought I may have been too critical at the time so I gave Going Green a go as the synopsis intrigued me. The humour again was amiss for me... it’s very slapstick and overdone at times. A few chapters in and I couldn’t get into the writing. I think it is marmite humour #loveitorhate. If you’re into escapist fiction, lighthearted and easy-reading comical books then this may be a great read for you but this was not my cup of tea.

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I've requested Going Green because it promised hilarity and I thought I need a bit of fun in my life right about now. Overall I cannot say it disappointed. There's enough situational and language humor, even a bit of sarcasm/irony. It made me laugh/chuckle inwardly quite a few times, but for some reason that I can't put my finger on, it didn't make me laugh out loud nor made me think to myself: "this is so funny".

As light reads go, this is well written. The writing itself is solid, the plot developed nicely and I really enjoyed the main female character. In fact the strong point of this novel is its female character. A well balanced woman, good at her job and she knows it. She does have some insecurities, but nothing major just those good insecurities that help us keep our head on our shoulders while allowing us to improve when we have the right info/proof. Despite getting from mediocre employee to CEO in a matter of months(I think) it didn't feel pushed at all, as it's clear she was just complacent, preferring a quiet life that ends at 17.30 on the dot instead of pushing herself a little bit more. She also handled well both her lovers, without unnecessary humiliations that one tends to read in this type of books.
The irony of a male author giving us such a good female character in a light read(chick lit) is not lost on me ;).

All in all an enjoyable read if you are looking for something that's not challenging and relatively funny.

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I enjoyed this book it was an easy read combining humour with an important message for today’s society.

The protagonist is Ellie Cooke working for a PR company that is taken over by a new owner Nolan Reece who changes the direction of the company to all things green and environmentally friendly.

The book is light hearted and Ellie finds her self in some ridiculous situations trying to improve her green credentials. Ellie’s character is relatable , quirky and comes across as genuine..

The nature of the book is humorous and entertaining with a relevant ethical message for today and showing that people can do their small bit for the environment .
A refreshing light hearted read that gets the message across.

Thanks to Net galley and Amazon publishing for this ARC copy.

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I’ve loved Nick Spalding’s books for so long now, they’re always ones I recommend to people as they’re guaranteed to pop a smile on your face and make you laugh out loud!

Poor Ellie, she didn’t half have some bad luck in this one. As always, Nick Spalding included some cringey embarrassing moments for our protagonist that were so funny to read. I mean when she visited Paradise in Flight and discovered the only cockatoo in the world to love tacos, I actually laughed out loud at her experience! I liked the character of Ellie, but she didn’t exactly make things easier for herself, but by doing that she made the story so much funnier so I can’t complain about that! As usual, Spalding didn’t disappoint! I won’t lie, it’s not my favourite book of his, but he has so many fab reads it’s going to be hard to top some of them for me. I did still love it though!

As much as this is a light hearted comical read, there is such a deeper message in this one. As you can tell, this one is all about the environment, and through Ellie’s antics, there’s that warning we all need to take note of, we need to do that little bit more. I don’t think I’ll go as far as wearing hessian knickers, but it did make me think about what I do, and what I can do more of (or less) for the environment.

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Going Green, the latest novel from Nick Spalding, follows Ellie, a PR professional who is a bit of a mess, but nothing if not determined. In an effort to keep her job amid its transition into an environmentally-friendly firm, Ellie fakes it til she makes it (although her making it is very manic!) Overall, we get to watch as she comes into her own after heading advice and learning how to be more environmentally friendly. The main takeaway that comes in the end is a great encouragement on "going green" that I wish more would hear! There's even a plot twist that I didn't really expect.

One of my favorite thing about Nick Spalding books is that they are reliable. You can count on them to read like a comedy movie where the main character finds themselves in ridiculous situations over and over again, which then leads to a happier, more hopeful ending. Going Green fits that mold and is a great quick read for when you want something to pick you up out of the doldrums. Be prepared to be annoyed with Ellie and her seemingly manic episodes, but still be rooting for her. I won't lie, sometimes my brain skimmed some of her internal dialogue because it started to stress me out, but I still found the book very enjoyable. If you are a fan of late 90s-early 2000s rom-coms/comedies, then this book might be for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for providing an ARC.

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Ellie Cooke isn't the top of the class when it comes to all things environmental, but that's not because she doesn't care, it's just that life often gets in the way of doing the right thing.  When the PR firm she works for is taken over by a keen environmentalist, it's clear that she really needs to step up her game if she's going to keep her job, and impress her handsome new boss in the process.

Nick Spalding has become an author I know I can rely on for an easy, fun read that also makes you think about a certain topic, at least a little bit.  This time he's turned his attentions to being environmentally friendly.

Ellie Cooke is an incredibly relatable character, or she is to me anyway.  She's not unaware of environmental concerns, and certainly not in the 'doesn't care' camp, but finds it hard to juggle a busy life with being 100% green.  She knows she could do more.  I really liked seeing Ellie transition as the book progressed, and almost go off the opposite end of the scale.

As I've come to expect with Spalding's books there was plenty of humour throughout, and a very light-hearted tone to it.  Thats not to say that he downplays the seriousness of Global Warming and the need for us all to do more, that's definitely not the case.  There are several scenes in the book that do remind the reader of the seriousness of the topic in hand.  I personally find that tackling these issues with humour means that the serious moments hit home that bit harder.

If you're looking for a book that takes a hot topic and pokes a little light fun at it then this is definitely the book for you.  It did give me some food for thought too.

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I have read one or two of Nick Spalding's previous books and I’ve really enjoyed them. In fact, they’re some of the very few that have actually made me laugh aloud. Going Green had me doing the same, although not as frequently if I’m honest. I really enjoyed reading it even though Ellie, the main character, did at times frustrate me. Some of her decisions left me scratching my head. Of course this book features a lot of reference to climate change and the effects humans have on the planet. Although primarily a humorous story these real issues are never mentioned in such a way as to preach to the reader. It’s more a case of, ‘This is happening, how can we change it?’ There is also a lot of scope for great comedy characters within some of the more intense climate change groups but there’s never any poking fun at the larger issues. Nick Spalding gives us another of his fun books with interesting characters and often over the top situations and it might just make you think.

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Easy-to-read, well-written, very witty.

This book started off as I expected, considering the title “Going Green”, lots of environmental issues amongst the wit. As the story progressed it was really good to see some deep thinking and character development, along with the fun romps.

I gave this book four stars rather than five, because there was a lot of internal monologues, while often witty it did go on at times and I didn’t always like the main character, she made some pretty weird choices. I don’t always have to like the main character (although it does make it easier for me if I can relate to the character. I’m sure others of a different personality or those that are younger with less life experience would relate better).

About halfway through the book, the story moved into territory I “thought” I didn’t want it to go - one of the characters started getting preachy about everything. But never fear, keep reading! This is the pinnacle, the peak, the climax of the story. The author used this scenario in a really interesting way. I love the ending. I can’t say more or I will end up giving you spoilers.

- My favourite quote -
“Something rather amazing has occurred...
I’m happy.
More specifically - I’m happy at work. Now, for those of you who are blessed with a job that they’ve always been happy with - and never had any complaints about - that might come as something of a surprise to hear.
But then, there are only seven of you out there who actually feel like that, so I won’t worry too much that you might not get what I’m talking about.”

I recommend you read this book to find out what happened with our characters Ellie and Nolan, to get some idea’s on how you might “Go Green” and to smile along with me in some laugh out loud moments.


- From the publisher -
From the bestselling author of Dumped, Actually comes a laugh-out-loud story about saving your job…and maybe saving the planet in the process.
Meet Ellie Cooke. When it comes to all things environmental she’s, well, a bit ‘green’. It’s not that she doesn’t care about things like climate change and plastic pollution, it’s just that life has always got in the way of that sort of thing.
But when the PR firm Ellie works for is taken over by keen environmentalist Nolan Reece, it’s clear that if she wants to save her job, she’s going to have to get serious about being green—or face being recycled.
Going green is no walk in the park, though. It involves a lot of big changes, tough choices…and at least one case of accidentally showing your knickers off to your boss.
Can Ellie do enough to save her job, and maybe do her bit to help save the planet while she’s at it? And what will Nolan think of her, now that she can’t stop thinking about him…?

I would like to thank NetGalley and Amazon UK & Lake Union publishing for an advance copy.
#GoingGreen #NetGalley

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Really enjoyed this book, poor Ellie did everything with gusto not always with a great result. Made me laugh out loud and often, cringe for her often and cheer for Ellie at the end. Well done Ellie you've made a difference

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Going Green by Nick Spalding is a light, easy read full of attraction, humor, climate change, anger, and hope. The bright green cover is quite attractive and the title makes you think twice about your own lifestyle, doesn’t it?

Ellie Cooke works at a PR firm that seems to be going under. At least until the new owner is brought in. She does all she can to show her new boss that she cares about the environment. while a couple are laid off, Ellie is promoted! All is going well for her, or so it seems.

This book is the first that actually had my literally laughing out loud a really long time. I may have snorted a few times as well, but there’s no evidence. Maybe I need to add more humor reading to my life?

This book hear me enjoying Ellie‘a character. She reminds me of me a bit. Her thoughts are all part of the story. It reminds me of what I once told my staff, if there was a sitcom of what goes on in my head, it would be award winning! Well, same goes for the thoughts in Ellie head! Maybe I should consider writing a book on what goes on in my head?

My favorite part of the story is when Ellie and her boss—boyfriend—Nolan take a weekend at a B&B. It seems Ellie is in over her head in spending time with so many people who are concerned with the planet and climate change that she’s becoming one of them and she just can’t help it!

A digital copy of Going Green by Nick Spalding was provided complimentary in exchange for an honest review by Amazon Publishing UK via NetGalley. I give this book 5 out of 5 tiaras as it has me literally considering my own attempts to lessen my carbon footprint as well as having me laughing out loud. Ellie is a character who I think I would be great friends with!

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I enjoyed this so much! Witty and entertaining, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book but I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for the advanced e book!

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Hmmm....this was an ok read. The main character, Ellie, I had mixed feelings of how I felt of her character. It has been a bit of a struggle for me to read this one as I didn't really connect. It wasn't my cup of tea, I guess? It was probably a 5 star read for some, but unfortunately, not me.

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When the PR firm Ellie Cooke works for is taken over by an uber-environmentalist, Ellie has to do whatever it takes to save her job. She starts learning everything she can about going green. and completely overhauls her life. It is tough going.... no mindless shopping? spending twice as long to get somewhere just because it is a greener way to travel? And how will she ever remember to bring one of the dozens of those reuseable shopping bags she has accumulated with her when she goes shopping?
This book was so much fun. It was laugh-out-loud funny. It reminded me a lot of the Shopaholic books by Sophie Kinsella, so if you enjoy those, you will love this. I highly remcommend tiis entertaining novel.

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This was my first Nick Spalding book so I had no idea what to expect but I was laughing out loud within the first several pages. The main character, Ellie Cooke, is somewhat of a trainwreck when she realizes the PR firm she works for might be going under and she will therefore be out of a job. But when the firm is sold to a big shot environmentalist she pulls out every possible stop to save her job including filling the office space with plants, investing in environmentally sustainable underwear and more comical endeavors. If you're looking for some satire and humor set against a British office environment then this is your book!

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Nick Spalding gives us another fun read with Going Green! Ellie Cooke is a thirtysomething working in PR. Unfortunately, the company she is employed with is going under. In swoops Nolan Reece to save the day! He not only keeps Ellie on staff, but promotes her. There is the small issue of Ellie pretending to be more environmentally aware than she actually is. Plus she is developing feelings for her new boss. All of this mixed in with the usual hijinks I've come to expect from Spalding's books makes for a fun read!

There were times in the book when Ellie was a bit much. I'm glad I stuck with her though and got to the ending! Loved the ending. I hope Spalding writes a follow up on how Ellie is doing in the future. She developed as a character and I want to know if those changes stick! It was refreshing to read a humorous book. The humor is always right in your face with Spalding and I enjoy it. It was also a great way to get you thinking more about the environment without being so gloom and doom only. You realize you cannot do everything, but you could probably be doing more - just like Ellie!

As an American I had to laugh at Ellie and her pot plants. Here we say potted, so with this being a Spalding book I thought for a moment Ellie might be decorating the office with marijauna plants because she was confused. It seemed plausible for one of his characters to be that silly, but it was just my own ignorance.

If you enjoy Spalding's other books then you will love Going Green! If you do not like over the top scenarios where characters make fools of themselves then you should give this a pass. I just discovered this author in 2020 and I'm glad I did. I have definitely needed the laughs!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!

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A light humorous read. We met Ellie who discovers going green may be the only way to keep her job. Her attempts to become environmentally friendly also have a serious side and may make the reader question how 'green' they actually are. The twist at the end was totally unexpected and made for an interesting ending.

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If you need a rip roaring laugh, this is the book to read. Narrated by the main character, Ellie, it gives a running monologue of her every thought and conversation. Her choice of words and inner monologues will leave you in stitches. It is a very humorous story about how she changes her lifestyle to suit her job and her boss. The catastrophes that befall her are strange and funny. An all out out great book.

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This book was a fun read, while also being lightly educational on environmental issues. Plus I got caught by surprise with an unexpected twist!

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This was just a good fun read 😁 I’m a HUGE fan of British romantic comedies (although this one wasn’t the love story I was expecting!) and if you are too then I highly recommend @nick.spalding! Thank you to @netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. Releasing Dec 8th! 5/5 ⭐️#netgalleyreview #bookstagram #reader #bookworm #booknerd

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I don’t read enough purely comic novels but after finishing this one, I think it’s a genre that I could really do with indulging in every now and then.

Ellie Cooke is a publicist who somehow manages to land herself in the strangest, most hilarious situations. When a new manager turns up at work with a mission to create the most environmentally friendly PR agency around, there is talk of job losses but Ellie is determined to prove her worth to her Nolan. She will become the greenest, most eco-conscious employee the world of PR has ever seen.

I genuinely howled with laughter several times while reading this book. The humour isn’t subtle at all, so I really think the magic is all in Spalding’s writing style. It’s the way he writes sentences and delivers the punchlines that made it very funny. Without this talent, I suspect that I may have found Ellie to be a pretty unrealistic, bumbling hindrance which wouldn’t have helped me get on board with her character development at all.

In Chapter Five, we are introduced to Young Adrian who is described as such an insignificant person that were he a character in a novel, he wouldn't even appear until Chapter Five. I love books that display self-awareness. I wasn’t expecting it but it added to the quirky, tongue-in-cheek vibe of the whole narrative and I thought it was genius.

Of course, there are some serious parts too. There’s a chapter where Ellie conducts some market research with her brother’s Year 6 class. She is amazed at how much they know about climate change and what’s really going on in the world. This is actually the catalyst for her monumental character shift. Seeing how scared these kids are for their future and realising that the adults of today are responsible for making that future bright and safe for them gives her (as it should give us too) the kick up the backside to make some real changes to make a big difference.

It even got philosophical in places. Reflections on why society is the way it is are essential to understanding how we can change it and watching Ellie have these revelations was really lovely to watch. It made me feel that if someone who worships fast fashion, gas-guzzling cars and uses a different plastic water bottle every day can change their lifestyle, anyone can.

Ultimately, this is a simple story about a woman growing and continuing to strive to be a better person. There is a romance thrown in that I had my doubts about from the very start but it is what drives Ellie in certain parts of the book, so although it was certainly a necessary part of the story, she doesn’t need a man to be the very best version of herself. In fact, we can all be the very best versions of ourselves without anyone’s ‘advice’ or influence at all.

Going Green is a hilarious, heartwarming story about making the world a better place. It’s very rare that a book makes me belly laugh like this one did, so I have to thank Nick Spalding for that. I highly recommend it, if you’re looking for a fantastic character arc and inspiration to do better.

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This is the first book that I've read by Nick Spalding and it did not disappoint!
Think Bridget Jones meets eco-warrior and you won't be far wrong!
Ellie is a young woman who goes to many lengths to win over her new environmentally conscious boss Nolan, her plan is to prove to him that all living things, plant based or animials are the most important things in her life.
There are some real laugh out loud moments throughout the book, my favourite being the Cockatoo and the tacco.
The comedy and romance is abundant throughout and this is a lovely light hearted read that will lift your spirits!
I'll definitely be seeking out more books by Nick Spalding!

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Going green by Nick Spalding
I give this book 3.75 stars

Meet Ellie Cooke she’s not at all green.
But when the PR firm she works for is taken over by keen environmentalist Nolan Reece,if she wants to save her job, she’s going to have to get serious —or face being recycled.
Can Ellie do enough to keep her job, and maybe do her bit to help save the planet while she’s at it?
And what will Nolan think of her, now that she can’t stop thinking about him?

This book is narrated by Ellie who is a down to earth if slightly accident prone character that l loved.l found this story an entertaining and well written read.
Amusing and educational with a dash of romance,a great insight into going green because you have to and then realising it’s maybe what you actually want!

With thanks to Netgalley,Nick Spalding and Amazon Publishing for my chance to read and review this book.

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An enjoyable book with a good current storyline. It made me laugh out loud several times. My only issue was that it dragged out a bit too much

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I love Nick Spaldings books, so lovely to have something to read that is so light hearted and puts a smile on your face with a few laugh out loud moments. I really enjoyed this book and the topic of being environmentally friendly, a funny book but with an important message for us all.

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I've read many of Nick Spalding's previous titles and enjoyed them all so was not disappointed with the this one. After the perils of DIY, losing weight and giving up alcohol, the subject tackled now is the ever topical environment. There are comic mishaps and misunderstandings but these lend themselves to the plot. It seems that initially the female protagonist was not averse to recycling, considering helping the environment with lifestyle changes or enjoying vegan cookery. (Leaving aside her gas guzzling car) So the transformation to eco warrior was not unexpected although the twist at the end was. What I didn't enjoy so much was the romantic relationship between her and her boss, it seemed too forced initially and didn't convince me after that. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me an ARC and I do reccommend this to read, romance aside - it was not needed for the humour.

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Exactly what the doctor ordered in these strange times! Imagine Bridget jones becoming an eco warrior and you’ll have a pretty good idea about the optic of this novel. I belly laughed and recognised myself in a lot of the situations. This book was a breath of funny air and was read in 2 sittings. The underlying message is definitely not lost and does remind you of the importance of taking care of our planet while still not taking yourself too seriously. Absolutely loved it!

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The read and the language is quite entertaining, but nothing more - I had higher expectations in the beginning, first few chapters. The plot develops quite predictably and it is sort of a 'environmental hero' story.

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This is a GREAT lighthearted read to round out this horrible year. Literally laugh-out-loud and informative while entertaining. At times cheesy (like most in this genre), Ellie is quick & adorable and Nolan is the perfect dork, making the romantic storyline all the more lovable.
Highly recommend to basically anyone- especially fans of comedies & romance, those interested in environmental issues (hopefully everyone?), and anyone needing a good laugh to end the dumpster fire of 2020.

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This is the first Nick Spalding book I’ve read – but it certainly won’t be the last! It’s not often that a book makes me laugh out loud, but this one did. I’m not going to ‘tell the story’ as I think that is unnecessary (it’s in the book description). All I need to say is that this was a well-written, easy, fun read, with an interesting topic and a great twist at the end. It cheered me up, I learned a lot, and I loved it!

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I loved this book! Ellie Cooke’s character is laugh out loud hilarious, and she narrates directly to the reader so you are part of her story. You instantly fall in love with her character as a ‘normal’ 30-something year old in London, trying to live her life, and she’s relatable as her character is built on things many people do - buying fast fashion (especially in an ASOS sale!) and forgetting carrier bags while shopping.

The story line is also interesting, and Spalding touches on many aspects of climate change and not in a preaching way, so readers won’t be put off. The ending was far from what I expected to, and is what made it bump up to 5 stars. Some of Ellie’s dialogue is cringe-worthy and OTT but it adds to her character build and a definite read for anyone wanting a hilarious book!

Thank you @netgalley and @amazonpublishing with @lakeunionauthors for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

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Going Green had me laughing out loud from page one. Ellie Cooke is an absolute hilarious mess, thinking everything you ever wished you could say out loud. She is having to deal with a new boss and a new job, which leads to uproarious shenanigans.

The book is warm and heartfelt, funny and touching. An easy, relaxing read that will keep your off those pesky day to day things in your own life.

I recommend this book if you enjoy satirical comedy. Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

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“The clobberdy-bang has been going on for a few months now, but the car is still driving okay, and the noise really isn’t all that loud – especially if you turn the radio up.”

Ellie Cooke is expecting to lose her job at a public relations firm when Nolan Reece takes over and wants to turn it into an ethically run, environmentally green firm. Desperate to keep her job, she fakes a love of the environment and joins protests to prove her worth as the “greenest” employee at Viridian PR.

I almost choked to death reading this book 🤪. I often read during my lunch break at work, but I would NOT recommend doing that. I am not sure that I have ever laughed out loud more reading a book. This book is FUNNY. Ellie is an absolute hoot and the situations she finds herself in had me snort laughing. Imagine, if you will, someone who purchases fast fashion and drives a gas guzzling Mercedes trying to insert herself into environmental protests with veryyyy passionate people. People who physically imitate animals dying. Imagine. She wears costumes for effect and gives a save the Plonet 🌎 (if you read it you’ll understand) presentation to students she refers to as “sticky things”. But through it all, she gets educated. She finds out that she really DOES want to help the environment. That is does matter.

I loved watching Ellie’s transformation from dating “manspreading,” private jet flying men to an actual green advocate. She is real and honest and one of the funniest characters I’ve ever read. I need an Ellie in my life. We all do. I think we’d smile a lot more 😊. If you want a literal laugh out loud funny story of a girl with a heart of gold, give this one a go. Just don’t eat lunch while you’re reading it.

Thank you to @netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. Publication date December 8, 2020...TODAY ☺️

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I received a free electronic ARC copy of this interesting novel on November 20, 2020, from Netgalley, Nick Spalding, and Lake Union Publishing. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this novel of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. Nick Spalding has a quirky sense of humor that always tickles me. You cannot read ten pages of his work and still be depressed. He is an author I follow. Thank goodness he's so prolific, he keeps me out of the doldrums, even now as we are living them.

Eleanor Rose Cook is 34, coming off of a busted romance with an ex-coworker. Feeling she was treated badly, every little aspect of her life seems out of kilter. Now there are many changes happening at her work, a place where she thought she was safe from angst and disappointment. Wrong. Doesn't sound like a laugh a minute romance, huh? Ah, but it is...

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What a fabulously funny book. I was chuckling all the way through. Poor Ellie struggles with going green to not only please her boss but keep her job. Isn’t she in for a surprise!
I love how her determination to be as green as she can takes her over until she’s not doing it for show anymore. Being green takes over her life. I chuckled all through the book. There are some cracking one liners and laugh out loud moments - I’m never going near a cesspit, that’s a fact! I love how the story eventually evolves, Ellie along with it - to a feel good kind of ending.
Treat yourself to this book, curl up with it on the sofa with a coffee and have a good old chuckle.

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Great read. I thoroughly enjoyed 'Logging off' as one of my first reads of 2020 and Going Green did not disappoint. I love the tone of Nick Spalding's writing, it's ver tongue in cheek but there are also some quite thought inducing aspects to these hilariously funny novels. I may not be trying any hemp underpants or bathing in sewage any time soon but I'll certainly be adding a little more though to my throwaway purchases.

I can't wait to read the next one!!

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This is the second book I have read by Nick Spaulding. Thanks to Netgalley for recommending. We are all guilty of adding to our carbon footprint. What if our job depended lessening that footprint? Could we do it? This book made me laugh out loud at times picturing Ellie and the spots she gets herself into trying to fit in a new lifestyle. I enjoyed the ending because I honestly did not expect it.

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Thank you to Amazon Publishing U.K. and NetGalley for providing me with the e-arc of Going Green in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

What can I say about this book? Well, it’s a great fun read, that doesn’t depend on a Prince Charming to bring about a happy ending.

Ellie Cooke is completely stuck, plodding along at work and generally existing, until the worst happens and she’s seriously at risk of losing her job. What can she do? She has to show her new boss that she’s the staff member he absolutely can’t sack!

Add to the mix that her new boss is taking the firm in a whole new direction, the company is going green! Poor Ellie, Asos, Primark, plastic water bottle addicted, with absolutely no idea what this means, has to pívot and adapt to this shift in her world.

Throw in green demonstrations, random taco stealing parrots, campaigning in a plastic water bottle costume and inadvertently falling for your new boss, and you have the makings of a great story.

Nick Spaulding throws all this and a fantastically wry sense of humour into this story to deliver a funny, eco-aware tale that keeps you engrossed from start to end.

I really enjoyed reading this book and the way that it was told in first person, as if Ellie was telling me as her friend, simply enhanced those feelings of joy, sadness, embarrassment, hilarity and jubilation from beginning to end. Nick Spaulding has delivered the perfect balance of seriousness, comedy, and entertainment, topped off by a perfect ending!

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During lockdown #1 the company I worked for got bought by a vegan. I just HAD to read this book.

Ive laughed so much, Nick Spalding's humour perfectly matches mine and its just brilliant.

Despite all the laughs this is quite a poignant read, the chapter at the school broke my heart, and it has me wanting to do what I can. I really enjoyed the story and loved the protagonist too!

I think I could re-read this and laugh along and enjoy just as much the second time around. 5/5.

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A woman discovers the best way to save her job is to become more environmentally conscious. As she takes steps to convince her new boss that “green” is the only way she lives, she comes to realize there’s more in the balance than just a paycheck. Humor fiction author Nick Spalding returns with a story that doesn’t quite live up to the mark of his previous releases in Going Green.

Lately, going to work has become a real drag for Ellie Cooke. As one of the publicists at Stratagem PR, she and her colleagues used to love their jobs. The office would buzz with excitement and energy. It’s a small firm, but they all got along well and supported one another.

Since the breakup of the couple who founded the firm, though, morale has nosedived. Then comes word that the remaining partner has sold the company to Nolan Reece, a man with a reputation of turning things around. While Ellie is struck by how handsome Nolan is, she’s also feeling a little bit of dread.

Nolan talks about finding new clients whose companies make conscientious efforts at being environmentally sustainable. Who has time to worry about things like that? Ellie’s car is a few miles from dropping dead below her, and she’s still nursing a broken heart from a relationship with a former company client. The relationship imploded in the most spectacular way in the office, and Ellie wants none of that ever again. Never mind that she can’t keep her eyes off Nolan.

When he announces possible layoffs, Ellie knows she has to do what she can to impress her new boss. If he wants environmentally conscious employees, then she’s going to become so green people will wonder if she’s actually turned into a tree. She does her best imitation of a dying panda at a protest, buys potted plants for the office, and braves the indignities, both physical and psychological, of wearing underwear made of hemp. Before she knows it, not only has she secured her job she’s even gotten a promotion.

Which sounds great in theory—until Ellie realizes that the promotion means more work finding more ways to promote more companies that believe in sustainability. As Ellie goes on client calls and starts to get to know the people behind the movement, she learns about the harsh reality of climate change. The other change in the office is her increasing fondness for Nolan. Both come at her in unexpected ways, and both leave her wanting to make the world a better place.

Author Nick Spalding offers readers another humorous novel with a protagonist who finds herself in a position to undergo a major life transformation. Spalding’s strength comes in creating characters who are every-day people with relatable problems and issues. While she might come across as a little wacky at times, Ellie’s deep desire to do almost anything to keep her job rings true to life.

Unfortunately, Ellie’s voice does not. The writing is funny at times as are the situations, yet Ellie’s decisions and thought process don’t always come across as authentic to a woman’s experience. At her worst, she just sounds like a person. In some cases, this works because the sitcom-type nature of the book lets readers focus on the scene. In other cases, the narrative fails to capture the nuances of what Ellie is thinking and feeling as a woman attracted to a man.

Readers might find the profanity a little distasteful, and some of the circumstances Ellie manages to get into come across as a little too off-the-wall. Yet Spalding manages to surprise readers with the ending, and the good-natured tone he uses in every book is just as delightful in this one. I recommend readers Borrow Going Green.

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This was the second book I’ve read by Nick Spaulding, the first was called Logging Off which I also gave 3 stars. I have to say, I liked this one a little bit more, but they both had a very similar feel. In this book, Nick did very little of the talking directly to the reader that I found so irksome in the first book. In this book, the heroine reminded me a bit of Stephanie Plum from the Janet Evanovich series, but unfortunately, she comes off a bit more childish... almost like Amelia Badelia from the children’s series. Still, it was a cute read. I wouldn’t recommend it, but I didn’t hate it either.

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This will be an awkward, ambivalent review, as GOING GREEN, while well-written, is . . . not my cup of tea. It does have good messages: we should do what we can to save our environment, we’re all imperfect but imperfect people and efforts can make a difference, and listen to the children (especially that one). Those lessons add value, and the madcap slapstick mishaps and improbable solutions are funny, a bit like an R-rated I Love Lucy, comic relief in the time of COVID. I have friends who wouldn’t read past the first page (Fair warning — rough language and gross descriptions), and friends and younger relatives who wouldn’t bat an eye. I’m glad I kept reading, and I will, when I need to smile, flash back to the image of parading in a water bottle costume.

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A sometimes funny book where we meet Ellie Cooke who works for a PR company going green.. The company has a new boss and possible boyfriend material -,Nolan Reece. We also meet other employees and Ellie's old boyfriend.

The green issues are described well with Ellie getting into all sorts of adventures to further her career. The trouble was that most were unbelievable. A good read though.

Thanks to Net Galley for the chance to read and review.

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Going Green presents a serious topic in a funny, often over the top, way. The main character, who like most people we know is not overly environmentally conscious, finds herself working for a true environmentalist. Her way to becoming an environmentalist herself is full of silly and hilarious situations. A quick and entertaining read with a surprising twist at the end.

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I really enjoyed this book with its mix of environmental responsibility and how difficult it can be to follow all the rules. It's really funny too and humour /escapism is something we need more of in these difficult times.

I enjoyed this so much that I finished it in 2 days. Highly recommended.

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Ellie Cooke, once loved her job in Strategem PR, now not so much... then all change when new boss Nolan Reece takes over the company with a new vision for the company. In the hope of keeping her job, Ellie endeavors to impress her new boss with just how environmentally friendly she is... this being a personal challenge in changing her ways.

Whilst Ellie tries hard to impress her new boss/potential new clients, things don't always go to plan. When things don't go to plan, Ellie's owns her mistakes, and laughs with you. In many ways her character reminds me of Bridgette Jones character.
This book makes you laugh from the very beginning and keeps you entertained until the end. I've not read any by this author before, but definitely would again. A great read, look forward to reading more.

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Ellie Cooke works for Stratagem, a PR firm that is taken over by Nolan Reece, who renames it Veridian PR. In a desperate effort to ensure she keeps her job, the Mercedes-driving, ASOS loving Ellie embarks on a crusade to convince her new boss that she is environmentally aware. The problem for Ellie then is keeping up the pretence.

Although, with the clients she meets and situations she finds herself in, Ellie begins to find her life - and priorities - changing. Along the way, she meets a mad inventor, a taco-loving cockatoo, and a Joanna Lumley lookalike, dresses up as a plastic bottle, and ends up almost head first in a septic tank.

And that's before she finds out the truth about her boss. When she does, it gets VERY interesting. I love the ending!

I hadn't read anything by Nick Spalding before, but will definitely do so again. I chuckled in a lot of places, but especially the episode with the bamboo bikes. Ellie is slightly annoying to start with - and definitely more than a little accident-prone - but she is genuine and you will be rooting for her by the end.

I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Amazon Publishing UK, in return for an honest appraisal.

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Delightful story of PR executives dealing with the new green philosophy. The dialogue was bright and snappy and the characters were very engaging.. Was surprised to see that the author was a man. He did a superb job!
Very cute and instructional read!

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I chose this book as it sounded like it could be fun & I wasn’t wrong. It was proper laugh out loud funny if a little bit OTT at times but who cares we could all do with a bit of that right now. The author has taken on the persona of Ellie who is In her thirties & works in the offices of a PR Company. Ellie’s world turns upside down because the PR company she works for is taken over & they have Been told a couple will lose their jobs. The new owner Nolan Reece is all about the environment & climate change. This has Ellie in a flap as she knows she definitely needs to change more than a few things in her life towards going green & caring more about the environment. It’s either that or lose the job she loves. Ellie gets her self in to really stupid situations & so daft at times you wonder what she will do next . I like how the environmental issues are covered as they are really interesting & informative without being moralistic. Ok it’s a bit over the top but I enjoyed the story & it made me laugh .

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As someone who likes to do my bit for the planet, this book intrigued me. Ellie works in PR and when her company is taken over by Nolan Reece's company who wants to promote environmentally aware businesses, she has a panic. After all, she knows nothing about being green. In a bid to keep her job, she starts looking into climate change and saving the planet in order to understand and represent clients.
Of course, the fact that Nathan, her boss, is dishy has nothing to do with this.
A brilliant twist at the end saves this book from being a kind of Bridget Jones goes green kind of tale. It is also cringeworthy and could have been so much better.
Thanks Netgalley for the advance copy for an honest review.

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What a delightful jump down the rabbit hole of climate change concepts with our main character, Ellie, running full tilt into the fray. When the PR company she works for is bought out by a "greener" enthusiast, Nolan, Ellie finds she has no experience with the idea of going green. She throws herself into her job of securing new clients who are seriously bent on saving the planet from human destruction. Fake it until you make it style. Her intenseness and neurotic putting herself down can be a little much, she paints herself into a corner more than once. Falling for her boss adds to her neuroses, as she has lied her way into her new position. Will he still respect her once she confesses to her truth? Will she still have a job at all? Going Green is the first book I've read of Nick Spalding's, and I enjoyed the humor and quick pace of the story. I am thrilled to see there are many back titles I can dive into.

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I have enjoyed Nick Spalding’s books in the past but I feel he has missed the mark this time. The premise of the book is of a superfical British woman doing anything needed to keep her job after a change in ownership at a PR firm. This includes going green if that is what’s necessary, first as her scam, then as an obscession, and finally growing into a modern green consciousness. I feel the author falls short in the execution. His style of writing is chapter long funny vignettes some of which do not always hit the mark of being funny to me. And funny, of course, is a personal thing. I gave it three stars which equates to being funny half of the time. Maybe I missed some of the British humor. Thank you, Nick and Net Galley, for giving me the opportunity to give an honest review.

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Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me. I have never read anything by Nick Spalding before, this was a real treat. I laughed out loud at so many of Ellie’s antics as she frantically tries to embrace the green movement as a way of securing her job. Parts were definitely cringe worthy, but I think many of us can relate to jumping into things a little too enthusiastically. Working inPR can lead a person to do all kinds of things, so when Ellie dressed up as a plastic bottle and is chased in a parade by a narwhal made of plastic waste I could picture it happening. Spalding used humor to highlight the very serious problems our environmental crisis. Behind all the humor this is a book to make you think.

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As usual Nick Spalding does not disappoint. A topical book about our carbon footprint and what we are doing to the planet. Grace is convinced she will lose her job when her company is taken over by a company wanting to turn it green. She goes all out to show her worth in a sometimes entertaining way. Definitely worth a read.

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First of all, I’d like to thank NetGalley, publisher Lake Union Publishing and author Nick Spalding for providing an advance reader copy of Going Green.

It took me a while to finish the book. By saying this, it means that I had to force myself every time to read the book. I will not say there is something wrong with it. The pace drags which makes it difficult for me to continue to the next chapter. There are several scenes where I have lost interest. Most people would just give up and categorize this under “Did Not Finish.” I guess the quirky humor is what kept me going.

If you have strong opinions and views about things such as the environment and a certain type of diet, this book would either raise your hackles or amuse you. However, if are fairly neutral in these types of subjects, then the book would be fine.

Told in one dimension through the voice of the main character Ellie Cooke, this funny story about a girl who works at a PR firm that suddenly changed ownership. The new boss who is an Adam Driver look-alike is an advocate for the environment. As with any new business acquisition or management, the new boss needed to make some changes by letting go of two personnel. Ellie has done ridiculous things to make sure the boss notices her as passionate about the environment as he is so she can keep her job.

Three stars for the humor and good writing. The pace and story are where the book fell short in my opinion.

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Thoroughly enjoyed this story of a very 'non-green' girl who is forced to start going green by the new owner of the PR firm she is employed by. Her humorous adventures to prove herself and change her ways will make you laugh and cringe at the same time. There are surprises, sweat, stench, romance and rashes. The end is not what I expected but was the best outcome for this story. I am looking forward to read more from Nick Spalding.

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Going Green by Nick Spalding is a quick light read with the message of doing your bit for the environment at its heart. It follows the adventures of Ellie Cooke, a woman who realises she will have to pull up her socks when it comes to environmental issues when the PR company she works for is bought out by a man who intends to target clients who are eco conscious. Ellie is full of good intentions, from avoiding disposable shopping for clothes she does not need to finally getting around to sorting out the problem that is causing her car to belch black smoke ,but somehow her actions never seem to quite work out. Desperate to keep her job and keen to make a good impression on her attractive new boss, she sometimes goes a little too far on her environmental crusades with amusing consequences.
I would describe this book as a mildly amusing, light hearted read, easy to pick up but not all that memorable. I found Ellie irritating as a character as she never seemed to learn from her mistakes and lurched from one silly escapade to another. None of the other characters were particularly well developed either. Not my favourite book from this author.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

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Whilst I normally love Nick Spalding's books, I'm afraid to say this wasnt his best. Dont get me wrong, it was still a good read but I can think of other better books by him.
This had a very bridget jones feel, there were bits so cringey (and not in a good way) that I found myself skipping a couple of pages. Half way through I was worried it would end up being quite predictable but thankfully it wasnt, the end took me a little by surprise which is never a bad thing
Clearly Nick Spalding has done alot of research into this topic and that shows in various parts of the book and as usual he discusses subjects that are relevant and that need to be talked about.
There are a few clever lines, particularly in chapter 5 and I wont spoil it by revealing which line I am referring to.
I guess for me this felt a little rushed and didnt live up to the brilliance that was Checking out (which in my view is his best book).

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A ok story about going green and the enviroment.
It is about Ellie and Nolan who she likes and the situations and people she meets while trying to get his attention.
Some fun and romance.
Voluntarily reviewed

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The book was hilarious enough to hurt my stomach by making me laugh at every single page. The story plot was interesting and gripping to hook you on the book. The transformation of 'Black smoke emitting Mercedes' Emily to 'Worrying about the 4 non-environmental bulbs' Emily is such an unbelievable process. The way the story involves and evolves around the environmental issues and workspace relationships were worth the reading. While reading this, just like Emily, I can't avoid being guilty ridden of our planet. The only thing that I feel a little off about this book was the non-stop chattering of Emily and her brain and the over-obsessive nature of everything. This is my first read by Nick Spalding. I absolutely loved this. Recommend it.

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I liked this book - it was an easy read, but I never fully felt invested in it. The story felt fresh and new, which I really appreciate in world of tired and recycled (get it!) story lines, but this was refreshingly different.

I just never really felt the story click for me and my interest level.. I was easily distracted while reading, but would recommend overall.

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Going Green is a fun little tale of deception in a Public Relations firm, and how that deception can lead to both good and bad outcomes. Ellie isn't much of an environmentally responsible citizen until she tries to impress her boss with her activism in Climate Change. Nolan, her boss, wants to take the company in a "greener" direction, and Ellie has a crush on him. What ensues is a light story of Ellie's antics and her discovery of the plight of our planet and her cute boss's business strategy.

This book gets a little silly in parts, and should have been edited down slightly. I found myself skimming a little in the middle of the book.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read Going Green.

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In Going Green, the author has shown a light on the issue of climate change. A PR company decides to focus on clients who are going green. This leads a whole staff to become more environmentally conscious, Ellie leads the way, changing her ways as she becomes more aware of environmental issues. She finds herself dating the boss as they bond over becoming more green, Ellie discovers that her boss Nolan isn’t really committed to going green, but is rather using the focus on the environment as Wray to make himself more money before he sells the PR company. Ellie manages to turn the tables on him and expose him for the fraud that he is.

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Ellie Cooke is worried about keeping her job. The public relations firm she’s been working for is having problems. The partners split, and business has been slowing ever since. But there is some hope on the horizon. Nolan Reece is buying the company, and he has very specific ideas on what he wants to do with the firm. He wants to go green.

Nolan is a vegetarian and an environmentally conscious businessman. He thinks that companies are looking for an ethical, conscientious PR firm to represent them. So he is reinventing the business as Viridian PR and specializing in representing companies who are striving to make the world better.

Ellie is excited. It sounds like Nolan wants to breathe new life into the company, and it needs it. But she’s not so sure if she’s the right person to be there for it. She spends her weekends buying instant fashion at the stores of the energy-slurping mall, which she drives to in her big Mercedes. But she’s determined to do what it takes to keep her job.

Her first foray into environmentalism brings her to a demonstration outside the mall. She saw on social media that Nolan was going to be there, so she jumped in and got ready to participate alongside him. Only, it turns out that Nolan was just watching as the hardcore Warriors for the Planet showed their dedication to the cause by acting out the deaths of the animals killed by climate change and human interference in their habitats.

In order to prove her dedication to the environment, Ellie also fills the office with potted plants, dresses up as a plastic bottle for a potential client, and shows off her love of hemp underwear in an embarrassing moment in her boss’s office. But all this hard work pays off, as Ellie not only gets to keep her job but gets promoted to Nolan’s #2 in the company.

As Ellie gets to know their clients, spending time with them and getting caught up in their passion for their causes, she gets caught up too. The Mercedes gets traded in for a hybrid. The disposable fashion gets traded in for used and vintage clothes she finds online. And the previous, forest destroying boyfriend gets traded in for Nolan.

But when she finds something out that could destroy the firm’s ethical, environmental reputation, Ellie is faced with a dilemma—does she go along with the lie to keep her job, or does she stand by her newfound principles and stay true to her new green?

Going Green is the newest novel from laughter inducing British writer Nick Spalding. Although this book gets a little deep into some serious questions of morality, there are also several sequences where Ellie finds herself overthinking her way into awkward and hilarious situations, and in one instance, a septic tank. Finding a balance between the self-righteous and the self-indulgent, Spalding takes these characters to extremes for our education and enjoyment.

I really enjoyed Going Green. I liked the characters (except for the obvious ones I wasn’t supposed to like), and I enjoyed the story. There were laughs, there were surprises, there was a little bit of guilt for being such an evil consumer, but there was also balance. I recommend this one, or any of Spalding’s novels, for any reader looking for a bit of a laugh at the end of a long day. Lots of green fun!

Egalleys for Going Green were provided by Amazon Publishing UK through NetGalley, with many thanks.

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This book was well written and covered an interesting topic of being greener to help the planet. The story followed Ellie trying to impress her boss and keep her job by going green. Some good pieces of information about our planet but the story seemed slightly far fetched in places. The book did not grip me until the final few chapters where I couldn’t put it down. Thanks to Netgalley for the early e book copy.

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This was the first Nick Spalding book that I have read and so I did not come to it with any preconceived ideas.

Going Green is a light-hearted, comedic read centred around Ellie, a PR worker who will do whatever she thinks it takes to keep her job when it is threatened. Ellie reminded me a lot of Sophie Kinsella's Rebecca Bloomwood from her Shopaholics series, and, if you've enjoyed these books, you'll probably like this one.

Going Green is a brilliant way to spend a couple of hours. It's not a challenging read but a perfect bit of escapism. It was easy to picture the situations that Ellie found herself in, and, in all honesty, what would happen, but that was part of the magic of the book for me - it was a relatable if a little magnified, reality. There are some great laugh-out-loud moments (tacos and bicycles in particular). I could see this on the screen - it would work well.

Recommended.

With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

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Nick Spalding has a winning formula in his novels, he grabs contemporary issues and adds drama and humour to create entertaining and thought-provoking stories. He seems to be on a quest to address as many of the outstanding matters in modern life as possible. In Going Green the backdrop is the environment, recyclable energy and climate change. Nick doesn’t preach these issues but rather tells a story with multiple twists, laugh out loud scenes and characters that are fascinating and prone to more than the odd mishap.

Ellie Cooke works in PR for Stratagem PR and finds that the boss she loves has just sold the business to Nolan Reece, a successful marketing entrepreneur, that has a new market niche that he wants to target, stating “I want to run an ethical PR company that prides itself on its green credentials.” Ellie drives a petrol-guzzling, smoke polluting car and knows nothing about the green agenda, but as her new boss has indicated, he can only keep on some of the employees in the now rebranded Viridian PR. Ellie is determined to demonstrate that she should be one of them and plans to stand out as a committed environmental activist. When I say Ellie was an interesting character it should be followed by a hmmm because I felt quite detached from her at times and I couldn’t quite get her reasoning for some of the decisions she made. At the same time, she did entertain and as I’ve come to eagerly expect (because Nick Spalding is so good at it) the scenes that go awry and leave you laughing out loud. Ellie is a go-getter, but in meeting new clients who are all committed, and often obsessive to the green cause, something starts to shift in her conscience.

“Up until now, all of my efforts have been purely directed at keeping and maintaining my pay packet, and it’s felt like a noble and just cause to me. But there’s something about the meeting that I’ve just had with the owners of Veganthropy Foods that has shifted my thinking.”

The lies mount from several of the characters and I wondered how this would all end, especially as I’m prepared for the moral lesson of the story. Well, it didn’t go as I was expecting but probably a lot of other readers will see it coming.

Going Green is a book I can recommend and as always it leaves you with an ethical ponderance and an entertaining experience that has many light-hearted and humorous moments. I would like to thank Amazon Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC copy in return for an honest review.

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Nick Spalding has a winning formula in his novels, he grabs contemporary issues and adds drama and humour to create entertaining and thought-provoking stories. He seems to be on a quest to address as many of the outstanding matters in modern life as possible. In Going Green the backdrop is the environment, recyclable energy and climate change. Nick doesn’t preach these issues but rather tells a story with multiple twists, laugh out loud scenes and characters that are fascinating and prone to more than the odd mishap.

Ellie Cooke works in PR for Stratagem PR and finds that the boss she loves has just sold the business to Nolan Reece, a successful marketing entrepreneur, that has a new market niche that he wants to target, stating “I want to run an ethical PR company that prides itself on its green credentials.” Ellie drives a petrol-guzzling, smoke polluting car and knows nothing about the green agenda, but as her new boss has indicated, he can only keep on some of the employees in the now rebranded Viridian PR. Ellie is determined to demonstrate that she should be one of them and plans to stand out as a committed environmental activist. When I say Ellie was an interesting character it should be followed by a hmmm because I felt quite detached from her at times and I couldn’t quite get her reasoning for some of the decisions she made. At the same time, she did entertain and as I’ve come to eagerly expect (because Nick Spalding is so good at it) the scenes that go awry and leave you laughing out loud. Ellie is a go-getter, but in meeting new clients who are all committed, and often obsessive to the green cause, something starts to shift in her conscience.

“Up until now, all of my efforts have been purely directed at keeping and maintaining my pay packet, and it’s felt like a noble and just cause to me. But there’s something about the meeting that I’ve just had with the owners of Veganthropy Foods that has shifted my thinking.”

The lies mount from several of the characters and I wondered how this would all end, especially as I’m prepared for the moral lesson of the story. Well, it didn’t go as I was expecting but probably a lot of other readers will see it coming.

Going Green is a book I can recommend and as always it leaves you with an ethical ponderance and an entertaining experience that has many light-hearted and humorous moments. I would like to thank Amazon Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC copy in return for an honest review.

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A decent book with a good ending but no real laugh out loud moments, like in previous books. I will keep reading Nick's books in the hope they get back to being as funny as Love From Both Sides and Fat Chance.

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This was the first book I have read by Nick Spalding and it did not disappoint! This read was super easy and quick and I enjoyed every bit of it. Spalding's writing was fantastic and there were so many laugh out loud moments.

Ellie was over the top but in the best way (I believe the kids today would call her a bit "extra"). She had such a good heart and always had the best intentions but things just couldn't go her way. The plot twist came out of no where near the end of the book and was a bit of a curve ball.

All in all this was a great read and I would absolutely recommend.

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Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of Going Green by Nick Spaulding.
I liked the concept of this book and the importance of going green. There is a difference between talking green and actually trying to implement ways to go eco-friendly and ways to support eco-friendly businesses. It was fun to watch how Ellie evolved in to her new job description. Again, I enjoy books where the character evolves. This was also an interesting look at interactions in the workplace and how we can effect other's world views when we try. There were quite a few interesting characters and clever character twists in the book but I do not wish to give any of that away.
Even though I would recommend this book to others and found it to be unique and thus stand out from many of the books out there, I felt there were 2 flaws . First, I had to read the first chapter or so multiple times because I felt that I was inside a man's head and not a woman's. It felt as if a man was writing a female ,which is what is going on, but normally I am not affected by whether a male or female is writing a male or female character. It definitely improved as the story continued but there were several instances throughout where I found it glaring. I'd find myself thinking, that's not how a woman would think. Perhaps just not this woman, so that might to be a flaw for anyone else. Second, I understand that it was supposed to be humorous in the "Bridget Jone's Diary" style; yet ,sometimes Ellie's antics were just a bit too far gone. It might be great for a film adaptation for sight humor but in the book it was a bit over the top for me. Overall, though, I enjoyed the book and am glad to have read it.

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Witty and humorous. Follow the funny misadventures of a completely not earth friendly woman on journey to save her job but not the planet.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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3.5 stars. I debated between 3.5 and 4 stars. I loved some parts of the book, which were laugh out loud funny. Ellie’s train journey, for example. I liked the overall premise of the book too. Ellie Cooke is as far from environmentally conscious as possible and pretends to be interested only to impress her boss, and keep her job. Somewhere along the way she become genuinely invested. The problem is in the details. I understand that there will be some exaggeration for comedic effect, but sometimes Ellie just appears unhinged. I like the writing style but wish the plot was more fleshed out.

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This is an interesting novel about the importance of going green. The book follows the story of Ellie as she tries to keep her job after the PR firm she worked for is sold. It’s a well-written book that explores an important topic although I struggled to connect with the character and the storyline which seemed a bit over the top and chaotic in places. Many thanks to NetGalley for a review copy.

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I found this an easy story to read. Mostly. Ellie is a little hard to like and hard to root for but it works in the context of the story and I guess, as a way to lighten up the topic of caring about the environment and climate change.
I liked the office politics aspect of the book in presenting the topic and though this is what I've come to expect from British stories like this, which means it was a bit (a lot) over the top at times and often it was cringeworthy, It works to a certain extent and if you can get beyond that, you'll enjoy the story a bit more.

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Enjoyable fun book! In order to keep her job, the main character has to pretend to be very caring about climate change as her new boss wants to make her PR company exclusively focused on ecological causes. Her pretending will result in many funny situations involving plastic bottles, the macarena and sharing a table with a cheeky parrot. Definitely worth reading if you're looking for a light fun read!

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This book was a total miss and, truth be told, I skimmed the second half of it. The premise was promising enough but the overall execution was just really, really poor. The characters are trite and cynical to the point of total annoyance, and the plot was just... bad? I feel like maybe this story could have done well in the 90's. But in the current era it felt completely tone deaf and so tediously sarcastic. Also there were some jokes that bordered on being outright offensive. Maybe I don't get British humor? Or maybe this is just not a good book.

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When Ellie Cooke discovers that the new boss of the PR company she works at wants to promote green companies, she decides there’s only one way to keep her job - become the greenest person possible. Overnight she tries to become a vegetarian, joins action groups and gets a hybrid car. But as her green credentials improve, and her relationship with boss Nolan hots up, is everything as it seems?

At the beginning, Going Green appeared as if it would be another formulaic novel - ditsy girl meets good looking bloke, falls over herself trying to make him notice her, and we all live happily ever after - but then something shifts. Yes, Ellie is quite ditsy, and there were times when her antics were bordering on the ridiculous (dressing up in a foam water bottle costume and being chased by a giant plastic narwhal for example). However, somewhere along the line she becomes a serious environmentalist, and that’s when the story takes off. I loved the ending, slightly improbable as it may be, and it really finishes the book on a high.

A good book, with some serious messages contained within the light hearted tone.

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I received this ARC from the publisher through Netgalley. Thank you!

Going Green is the first book that I read by Nick Spalding. Going Green is a book about climate change and recyclable energy. I liked the way that Nick Spalding tell us about climate change and we learn about the effects of climate changes along with the characters.

Ellie Cooke works in PR Strategem and she likes her job but now she finds out that she will have a new boss Nolan Reece, a successful marketing entrepreneur who wants his new employees to be more green and to be more aware of the environment.

Nolan Reece announces that he needs to fire two employees, Ellie Cooke is trying to demonstrate to her new boss that she deserves to be kept employed and she is green and she is very aware of climate change.
Ellie was funny in her attempt to convince her boss that she is an activist and very aware of the environment. In her attempt to save her job, she learned more about the planet. The meetings with her new clients helped Ellie to realize that she needs to change if she wants to contribute to saving the planet.

I liked Going Green By Nick Spalding and I learned more about climate change. I liked Ellie because she changes her view about climate change and she changes her life to contribute to saving the planet. I think that sometimes she was too obsessive.
Blog post on 20.12.2020 // https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3686579168?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1
Goodreads review - 20.12.2020

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I already reviewed this book, but I will repeat. Not my cup of tea. "Heroine" seems very immature and even silly, not funny, in her reactions to life and others. True, she "redeems" herself in the end, but only after finding out someone else has lied even more atrociously than she has. Even here she goes overboard, becomes a stalker and then destroys the liar. Glad she gains in her self-confidence, but it happens so easily that it doesn't work for me. Some enjoyable parts of this novel did make me smile and I am going green, which is why I chose this book to read. Worthy subject but unworthy advocates for going green.

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Loved the way the main character grew in this book without it feeling preachy and really appreciated it that the ending (spoiler alert) did not end in boy and girl falling in love. There are a bunch of amusing situations and funny characters. Ellie grows as a person and gains more confidence in both her personal and professional life.

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Wow, what a thoroughly enjoyable read, Very interesting and exciting. Never a dull moment and definitely a book you won’t want to put down.
5 stars all the way.

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I’ve been a fan of British “chick lit” for several years and always wondered, but had never read one by a male author. Although the premise of the story was promising, the characters were very over the top, especially some of the supporting characters. A story where the protagonist grows and learns is usually satisfying and the main character, Ellie, is likable and a better person at the end of this story. With all the impact of climate change the past several years, I found it uncomfortable reading a book where the climate “warriors” were made to seem comical and simple. Would only recommend to avid readers of chick lit.

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Going Green centres around PR specialist Ellie Cooke, after the company she works for is taken over by keen environmentalist, Nolan Reece. Ellie isn’t particularly known for her green credentials (the single use plastic bottles and gas-guzzling Mercedes give her away), but after losing her partner, she’s determined not to lose her job too! The book is about how she tries to change her ways, succeed at her job and resurrect her love life.

If you enjoy slapstick style, almost farcical, comedy then Going Green will probably be exactly your cup of tea! Ellie is quite a chaotic character and she seems to mostly stumble from one disastrous encounter to the next: if she’s not getting caught out in a lie and scrabbling to try and dig herself out of it, then she’s flashing her knickers to her new boss!

But as lighthearted as it is, there is obviously quite a serious point being made throughout about climate change. I’m in two minds as to whether I thought this juxtaposition between the very serious and the completely absurd fully worked. I think, for me, it maybe missed the mark slightly.

Nevertheless, I did enjoy reading it, and the laughs were just what I needed.

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4.5 stars

This was a really unique and fun read! It’s the first fictional book I’ve read where climate change and “going green” was the center focus of the book, and while Nick Spalding’s take on the subject had some serious components, I found the majority of the story comical.

It begins with Ellie who works for a PR firm that has been taken over by environmentalist Nolan Reece, and in order to save her job, she jumps at the opportunity to impress her new boss...even if that means turning her life upside. Her attempts at being more environmentally friendly often backfire, but it’s clear she’s grabbed Nolan’s attention as they worldly closely together. But is her job and her new infatuation with Nolan really worth all the hassle?

I enjoyed reading this book and thought Ellie was fantastic! Her witty banter and ability to push through tough situations that often resulted in hilarious outcomes showed just how strong of a character she was. Highly recommend!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3675224041

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I thought this sounded like a cute book. I thought it was a little too goofy - the situations were unbelievable and the characters were over the top.

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Going Green by Nick Spalding is a contemporary, humourous romance novel about environmentalism. ⁠

Ellie Cooke works in PR. Her struggling company is bought by Nolan Reece, a keen environmentalist, so Ellie must prove her green credentials to stand a chance at keeping her job. it's all going so well until she starts to fall for the new boss...⁠

Going Green is hilarious at points. I actually laughed out loud at it, which is quite an accomplishment for me. I enjoyed the light-hearted take this book presented on the environmental movement. Whilst presenting a humorous romance, and showcasing Ellie's conversion to a green lifestyle, it does bring up some serious points about the sustainability movement. ⁠

For instance, if we are to drive our cars and fly much less, the train and bus networks need some serious improvement. ⁠

Whilst this book does poke fun at environmentalism, it does so in a good-natured way. I never felt like it was hitting below the belt. ⁠

I enjoyed it, though I did find Ellie's character a little unbelievable. She's a very over-the-top person, and I'm not sure women like her exist outside of rom-coms.

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I just hope I can help make sure that world for as long as possible. Because there's Summer to think about. And Alex. And Jade. And Aiden too - with his finger up his nose, and his brain afire with worry about what the adults are doing to stop the disastrous climate change going around him.

I'll do what I can, because that's what they've asked me to do.
That's all I'm capable of.
...but that might just be enough.
I hope you feel the same way.

Do what you can. The rest will come in time."

Thank you NetGalley & Amazon Publishing UK for providing me with an e-arc.

Ellie Cooke works at PR and lives in the pure bliss of ignorance. All she wants to focus on is keeping her job at her workplace which is in a terrible condition until one day an environmentally-conscious celebrated publicist buys her company, and she starts to go to lengths that she would never do, just to keep her job. But will the lies cost her dearly or will it go on to change lives?
Narrated in the first person, Going Green is a satirical fiction on environmentalism with fair focus on capitalism, activist guilt, sustainable & vegan small businesses & lifestyle, awareness on the climate emergency, and importance of doing what we can for our planet & our future generations.

Filled with humour that will make you cringe (you know, it is cringy 'coz it's true) and laugh out loud at the same time, Going Green is a brilliantly written satire that is so very necessary for today's world. Dealing with environmentalism, Nick Spalding takes you on a journey only he would perfectly lead you through. Even when the first half of the book felt slow, it felt realistically paced as I inched towards the second half of the book. It quite set the tone and Ellie's world and aimed towards making the readers quite uncomfortable and anxious, capturing the true essence of the theme. What's excellent are the characters, especially our protagonist, who is realistically portrayed. Even though you begin your read and instantly spite Ellie, it is quite hard to not sympathise her or like her because, hey, at the least, she is mind-blowingly honest. But by the end of the book, I loved Ellie! And god, I did not see the twists coming! This piece yet again proved that I will always pick any books by Nick. I have to have a readathon and read all his other works that I have not yet been able to read.

With so many aspects that are rarely captured authentically, one of them that stood out to me was the importance of awareness & educating oneself and the space to grow & be a better human being than one is yesterday. In a world where 'cancel culture' is a day-to-day phenomenon where SJW's pick on celebrities and public figures for what they have done years ago when they have clearly shown signs of growth or even talked about their growth in a space, it was such an enlightening experience reading about something that focused equally on giving space for growth & not shaming people over that. With that and environmentalism, this book turned out to be a piece that is definitely one of the must-reads of 2020.

Rating: 3.75/4

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An enjoyable, silly book about a serious topic. It’s very Bridget Jones, but without the diary entries and calorie counting. 3 stars for the storyline, 4 stars for the comedy.
Thanks #NetGalley for the kindle copy. #GoingGreen.

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Ellie Cooke fears she is about to lose her job when Nolan Reece shows up as the buyer of the PR firm she works at... with the plan to turn it into a PR company that works with environmentally friendly businesses. With her “cloberty-bang” Mercedes and her shopping at places that create more waste than good, she has no idea how to show her new boss that she’s a keeper when he has mentioned that a few of the staff will be let go... but despite that, Ellie is a woman with a plan, who won’t let anything get in her way. In fact, she will do just about anything to get a job done... even if it means she will embarrass herself or everyone else in the process. So begins Ellie’s story with Viridian PR... but this is just the beginning, as life gets more complicated and more interesting as this zany story unfolds.

Going Green moved a little slowly for this reader but had some laugh out loud moments that kept this reader reading till the end.

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This is my second Nick Spalding book, and it's apparent that he and I share the same sense of humor. His books are laugh out loud funny.

Ellie is in her early 30s working at a PR firm, not married, no responsibilities so she is the center of her own universe. In comes a new owner who wants to change the image of the firm into one that is focused on the environment with clients who support a green agenda. Surely Ellie knows what going green means, but she certainly doesn't follow the basic principles, with her plastic water bottles, plastic bags and retail therapy. But that won't stop her from acting like environmentalist. But can she fake her way in this new organization?

As expected, it does not go smoothly and she is plagued with mishaps galore. This is a light fun read, with many laugh out loud moments. It is also inspiring and a great underdog story. 4.5 stars rounded up.

Thank you Nick Spalding for being my sense of humor soul mate. But let's not tell my hubby 😂

Thank you Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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This a funny book had me laughing out loud in some bits of the book.

Ellie works for a pr company and if she wants to stay in her job she must tell a few lies to stay in the job.

She certainly gets herself in situations where they are so funny. Ellie starts to see things in a different light in this book and you may see her changing her perspective.

I certainly didn't see things that was going to happen in the book.

Hopefully there is a follow on to see what happens to Ellie.

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I really enjoyed this quirky and funny book by an author I had not previously read.

Ellie Cooke worries she is about to loose her job, when the PR firm she works for is sold to a man who wants to build an environmentally 'green' company that supports companies who want to save the planet.

Ellie is decidedly not 'green' but she tries to behave as if she is, to keep her job. As she starts to fall for her new boss, Nolan, some very funny events occur. Ellie begins to change her views for real, as she works with people who open her eyes to the dangers of climate change.

It was a quick and enjoyable read, and I learned a number of things too!

I look forward to reading other books by this author.

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I have read and thoroughly enjoyed all of Nick Spalding’s previous books so I was over the moon when Netgalley accepted my request for a review copy of Going Green.

Although I did enjoy this one, I can’t help but feel like something was missing. I still laughed in parts but nowhere near as much as in his previous books. It felt like a bit of a slog to get through and I found the ‘green theme’ a tad preachy at times. I was going to give this review two stars, but the story really picked up near the end and had a very good ending.

Don’t get me wrong, even at his worst - Nick Spalding is still one of the funniest fiction writers out there.

Thanks to Amazon publishing and Netgalley for the review copy.

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I enjoyed this book but the ending felt somewhat rushed. There were some really funny moments and some great information on climate issues without it feeling preachy. Overall, I enjoyed this and would recommend giving it a go.

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An easy to read book some good laughs.

The book has a Bridget Jones-esque cringy feel a lot of the time and although the characters are likeable, they’re not particularly developed.

Enjoyable holiday book, if we could go on holiday!

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I have enjoyed books by Nick Spalding namely Logging Off and Bricking It but unfortunately Going Green was not one for me.

I found the scrapes that the main character got into too be unrealistic and very slapstick. I also felt that I was being preached at to recycle and lecturing about saving the planet.

This one certainly missed the mark for me. I was disappointed as I had so enjoyed the other books.

Many thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this ARC for which I have given my voluntary and unbiased review.

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Going Green - Nick Spalding

I have read 3 or 4 of this authors books and have enjoyed them all, they are always layered with humour and catastrophic comedy, but at the same time usually very relatable while covering some quite difficult social topics.

Sadly, I felt this one failed to hit the mark in comparison to his other books. Going Green follows the narrative of Ellie Cooke a thirty something, single woman, working for a PR agency in the South of England. Her life is thrown a curve ball when her boss announces he is selling the agency to Nolan Reece, a young entrepreneur who is very environmentally conscious and wants to reposition the agency to focus on clients who have products who are “Green”. However, some roles within the agency will need to go in the short term to balance the books. Ellie immediately fears for her job, given she is the least “Green” person at the agency, She proceeds to try and prove to Nolan the complete opposite and save her job.

Where in previous books the catastrophe and comedy seemed to oil the cogs of the story, with Going Green, it all feels a little awkward and a bit forced. All in all, it is still an ok read. Ellie is an ok character if somewhat unstable, she changes a lot in this book, from a gas guzzler driving Primark buying woman, to environment fanatic overnight almost. Just not particularly relatable or likeable.

The last quarter of the book felt a little more akin to earlier books and prevented this from being a lower rating. I’m wondering if a change of tack for the next book is needed, as this didn’t work as well at all. I give this a 2.5/5. rounded up to. a 3. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this free advance copy.

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What the world needs now more than anything else is some light hearted comedy. This book is pure escapism at it’s best. Nick Spalding never fails to make me laugh out loud whilst getting across an important message. I read this book for the humour element which was plentiful but will take away thoughts about the importance of looking after our world. Each person can make a difference to the environment by making small, positive changes for the future. Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union publishing for the opportunity to enjoy this great read. And a big thank you to Nick Spalding, cannot wait for the next book. #netgalley #nickspalding #goinggreen #readersofinstagram

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As someone who reads a lot of "chick lit", it's always refreshing to read a Nick Spalding novel. I loved the background of climate change and how much a reader can learn about the environment while also enjoying a fresh new novel. Without giving too much away, I loved how the ending was completely unexpected and left me audibly gasping. It had me laughing out loud and smiling big smiles. Definitely worth a read if you need an escape from reality.

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This is the book for you if, like me, you sometimes need a light-hearted, fun read. Highly Recommended.

Strong, likeable characters, with an important underlying message and actionable take-aways for us all.

Ellie Cooke works in PR for Stratagem PR. Her boss announces that he’s just sold the business to Nolan Reece, a successful marketing entrepreneur. Nolan wants to rebrand the company to Viridian PR and move into a niche market. “I want to run an ethical PR company that prides itself on its green credentials.” Unfortunately the company finances are tight so there will be a number of redundancies at the end of the week.

Eek! This rings alarm bells for Ellie, who;

- drives a knackered old and very polluting car
- has an addiction to online clothes shopping
- drinks from plastic water bottles
- doesn’t know much about ‘Going Green’

But Ellie loves her job. She needs to find quick ways to ‘fake it’ as a committed environmental activist, whatever that is, she’ll just Google it. Pot plants in the office, that’ll do right? Oh dear…

I really enjoyed Ellie’s character, her desperate attempts to keep her job led her to make impulsive decisions, most of which had disastrous but hilarious consequences.

This is the first Nick Spalding book I’ve read, and I liked his writing style. As well as being a funny read, Going Green is at times thought-provoking. It touches on issues such as the environment, recyclable energy and climate change.

A big thanks to Netgalley for my digital copy for an honest review.

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I found myself wanting to read something different than I normally would so I gave this one a try. This reminded me of Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic novels. Humorous, well intentioned female main character that finds herein very awkward situations. It’s a fun, quick read.

**I received an electronic ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review of this book.

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A great read.

Ellie is worried about keeping her job when the PR agency she works for changes hands and begins to focus on companies with green and sustainable aims. That is not her, but she pretends it is to keep her job, but it backfires when she is promoted because of her interest in all things environmental.

Some twists you aren't expecting, and lots of points that make you consider climate change and the environment yourself.

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The writing style of this book was uncomfortable for me to read. I regret that I was unable to complete it.

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How do you know if you really know someone? Is it by spending every waking moment with them? Is it just trusting your gut?

How well do you know yourself? Are you the person you want to be? Are you striving to be better?

These are questions I found myself asking as I read this romcom about a woman in advertising that decides she needs to “go green” to save her job. The follies she endured are hilarious and gut -wrenching.

You’ll enjoy this fast paced read.

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I really wanted to like this book, the synopsis was right up my alley. It was too slapstick in humor for my taste, i love a bit of it but this felt like every scene was 2x too much - the travel sequence was just too much, it wasn’t funny anymore by the end. I wish it had more character development that came in the last 10% of the book, instead of just at the end.

I can see this being really fun for people who like fast paced humor!

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4.5 Stars

Ellie is one great character, she acts well before she engages her brains and that lands her in all manner of situations. Some of them were hilarious, others just amusing, but the whole time you are willing her on, and wanting good things for her.

I'll admit straight up that I didn't laugh anywhere near as much as I normally do with a Nick Spalding book, I'm not sure whether it was due to the subject matter, my frame of mind, or whether I was missing a trick but I didn't find it as funny.

That being said there were for me a few snort out loud moments which the author always seems to make me manage, and it certainly is humorous, so I'm guessing the issue was my sense of humour went partially on holiday while I was reading this!

It's thought a really good story, with some certainly memorable moments such as the plastic bottle costume and the narwhal, the hunt for the composting system and Ellie's first encounters with Nolan. Oh and the meal with the birds that was brilliant! Actually thinking back although the scene with hemp underwear didn't make me laugh as I was too busy wincing in sympathy, it was certainly memorable too!

Ok... there may have been a great chapter involving fabulous descriptions of a bike ride too, a character who seemed obsessed with leeks and a very specific species of moth, and the various train journeys were of note too! I'm purposely leaving out the details so as not to spoil the reasons while all of those were memorable for me, but definitely some of the highlights of the book!

And well I didn't see that outcome to the book coming in a million years, I wouldn't have guessed that. It was fantastic, so fitting and really unexpected!

Then there is Ellie's inner voice that is continually reminding her of reality, of what she should possibly be admitting to, as she's doing everything she can initially to keep her job when the PR company becomes environmentally friendly, not being completely invested in the cause, well until she has an epiphany at which point well you can find out for yourself.

There is a clear message with this book about considering the environmental impact of everything you do, and whether you can or should be attempting to be greener yourself.

Although not my favourite book by the author it is still another highly enjoyable read that I loved reading.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

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I requested to read this novel because the last one I read by this author (Logging Off) had lots of funny, laugh out loud aspects to it. This story not so much. I really wanted to like this story there were a few lines that made me laugh like this one, “Hugh Burnley Fishingstool tells me I should be buying more of my drinks in glass bottles, instead of plastic ones, but how the hell am I supposed to do that when there are literally none on display here in the Meal Deal section of Boots?”

It’s not any one’s fault but I just could not connect with main character Ellie Cooke and her situation. I stopped reading Chapter 5. I did not want to read about any more of her failed attempts at becoming something she was not to get in good with her new boss and keep her job.

I will read other books by this author I just could not connect with this one. I’m glad others did.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog

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I was intrigued to read this as I have heard good things about this author before, however this was nothing ground breaking.

I liked that the concept was original, the protagonist learns more about saving the planet.. BUT she only wants to do this to impress her boss.. because she fancied him? Tropes like this anger me, as it reinforces the fact women change themselves to 'win' a man or meet their expectations. She was not an environmentalist, the only green thing she did was recycle, yet she was charmed to become more eco friendly because of his devilish good looks (rather than Earth's impending doom, the threat of animal extinction, dangers of pollution etc). I dislike books that make women seem desperate for male approval, and this book did just that. YES, ok at the end she did seem to have a passion for it and was pleased she had changed her ways, but the reasons for the change in the first place were to please a man.

Lack of a subplot also made the story less compelling. Romances are not my thing anyway but I didn't realize the only storyline would be about the protagonists efforts too woo her boss with her hemp underwear! There was nothing to keep me gripped, as the relationship seemed inevitable and predictable.

There was Bridget Jones style humour throughout, with the protagonist getting into some scrapes (mostly in her attempt to flirt with her boss) but at least this provided some light relief.

Not a terribly written book, but not one I would rush to recommend.

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This is the 1st book I've read by Nick Spalding and it for sure won't be my last! I haven't laughed this hard in some time!
Going Green! The title alone had me sucked in. Everywhere we go these days, it's all you hear, so seeing a storyline about Ellie doing all she can to save her very Green work environment, I knew this was going to be good!
Ellie meets Nolan the new PR company owner and soon learns he is taking the company into a direction that is the complete opposite of what Ellie is used to. When she realizes the company will be promoting eco-friendly businesses, Ellie goes above and beyond to prove to Nolan that she is worthy of keeping her job.
This story isn't likey for most, but I have a goofy sense of humor, so I laughed until I cried! The lengths Ellie took were beyond reason and so hilarious that it will keep in my mind for days!
Thank you Mr. Spalding! I needed this laugh more than you can know. And thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this for review.

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Thank you NetgGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Nick Spalding for the advance readers copy of "Going Green" for my honest review.

Ellie works at a PR firm which has been recently purchased by a company all about saving the planet - recycling and climate change. Ellie is none of these and has to quickly change her ways. The book is written with a sense of humor dealing with climate changes. Ellie was over the top at times and a bit too many of the "F" words used for my liking

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Fans of Helen Fielding’s “Bridget Jones” series will like this fun book from Nicholas Spalding. The main character, Ellie Cooke, is worried she will lose her job when the PR firm she works for is sold to a man who wants to represent environmentally conscious clients. Ellie pulls all kinds of antics in an attempt to keep her job. It’s all very life-changing & eye opening for Ellie. By the end of the book you’ll be cheering her on!

Thank you to @Netgalley.com for allowing me to preview the arc in exchange for an honest review.

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I really struggled to get into this book. Some of the situations the protagonist got herself into were just cringe worthy and ridiculous and it seemed like it was going to be a predictable plot. I persevered, though, and the ending - which was not at all what I expected - saved it from a 2 star review.

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Totally hysterical woman trying to pretend she is environmently aware to keep her job. She does not think ahead, totally reactive to all situations and sounds like a nightmare. The plot is ok, but the journey is painful. The book is not funny, just a load of cringeworthy scenes turning into disasters.

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I love Nick Spalding's writing and have read many of his books.
This is such a fun tale where we meet Ellie Cooke who drives a gas-guzzling Mercedes and buys her disposable fashion from online retailers - so it's a surprise when the PR company she works for is taken in a new direction of representing environmentally green clients. Obviously, this doesn't fit in with the way Ellie Cooke lives her life and she sets out to open her eyes to climate change and to impress her new Boss - Nolan.

As with all of Nick's work - the encounters and situation Ellie gets herself entangled in are hilarious - especially the Belgium trip - I found myself really rooting for her!

A really fun and enjoyable read.

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I thought this book held great promise between its pages, as the first few had me laughing. Sadly though, it soon descended from the sublime to the ridiculous, as our female protagonist, Ellie Cooke goes all out to save both her job and her man. Some of the scenes were just far too dramatic and far fetched and the book quickly lost its charm. I did finish it though, and would like to thank Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read it.

My review is on Goodreads, and is pending approval on Amazon.

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When I originally downloaded this book, i have to say I was skeptical. Its hard for some to mix humor with the this type of book. But I am glad I gave it a shot.

Ellie, an always late, under enthusiastic employee of a recently sold PR firm, is desperately trying to keep her job by essentially being the opposite of all she is in the eyes of the new boss. Who of course happens to be a very cute, and also very environmentally conscious, man. Ellie does her best to impress him, and everyone else, about how green she truly is (which is zero BTW) and truly fails miserably at almost every turn. The beginning few chapters were a bit too slapstick for me, it was predictable and not very exciting. But as the book went on I laughed out loud quite a few times (to the alarm of my poor boyfriend) and became pleasantly engrossed in the tale of poor loveable Ellie. Overall a fun, easy read, and I’m glad I was introduced to Nick Spalding and look forward to checking out more of his work.

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Originally published on The Best Freking Book Blog

Pitch for Going Green: Romance, but make it unnecessary

Going Green by Nick Spalding was a heck of a lot of fun. Ellie Cooke is a PR Consultant for a firm that is going under. Morale is low. Her car ka-thunks its way down the road, emitting tons of greenhouse gases. She’ll get around to fixing or replacing it because, ya know, the environment. However, she has more important things to do, like redo her CV (This book is VERY British).

The firm is within weeks of closing when Nolan Reece steps in at the eleventh hour to save the day. He announces that the firm will be moving in a new direction, working exclusively with ecofriendly businesses. Oh, and he has to let some people go to save some money and he will let them know sometime soon. This spurs Ellie into action in order to save her job. She buys plants for around the office, trying to impress Nolan with her (extremely forced) go-getter attitude and her love of the environment, even going as far as buying hemp underwear even though she is apparently allergic.

Surprisingly, this somehow saves her job and even gets her promoted. Of course, this is the start of the romance subplot. Honestly, it was totally unnecessary. This book could have excised that entire subplot and would still be just as charming and funny. That’s not a bad thing by any means, if anything, it shows how good of a writer Spalding is.

As for the environmental message, this book is incredibly preachy and that is a good thing. The way it handles how people talk about climate change is nuanced and well done. In the middle of the book, Ellie visits a Year Six (please explain I’m not British) classroom to get some focus group data or something (please explain I’m not a businessperson). She prepares relatively easy questions for them as they are young and, she thinks, stupid. Kids these days are definitely not stupid. They are terrified of the planet that Boomers destroyed, Gen X made worse, and Millennials can’t do anything about. They pepper her with questions about doomsday scenarios that are totally plausible. It’s the wake up call Ellie needs to change her non-ecofriendly ways which ultimately leads to disaster.

My biggest issue with this book were the chapter titles. This is just a personal quibble, but I ABHOR cutesy chapter titles. And, ho boy, this book has them, so many of them. This doesn’t take anything away from my rating or anything, but I just needed to warn you before you dive in.

Going Green is fun, quick witted, and just a delight. It’s a great primer for how to start being a better global citizen, as well. Overall, it’s a 4/5, 7/10. Make sure you pick this one up, as it is available now!

Thanks again to NetGalley for letting me read this eARC!

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I’ve read several of Nick Spalding’s books now and I do enjoy them however they generally have one person who is very irritating and find themselves doing things that are quite predictable.

In this story Ellie is the main character and although there are several instances where I did laugh she tends to do things which make me cringe. I now tend to figure out what the outcome is going to be however that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy his books. This isn’t one of my favourites of his though.

Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the opportunity to read an advance copy in return for my honest review.

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The formula here is pretty straightforward – each chapter presents the main character, Ellie, with a problem. She then tackles it, and things go awry and devolve into craziness. The level of craziness varies from one scenario to another, and some of them were kind of cringe-worthy (to me).

I actually liked the “not supposed to be funny” thread that ran throughout the book, despite it being fairly predictable: our heroine learns a lot, grows, and becomes a better person. One of the things I liked about this growth story is that it was not totally linear – it zigs and zags into other areas of her life a bit at times. After learning a lot about climate change, Ellie becomes kind of critical of other people who aren’t doing all the things she’s learned to do.

Her final lesson is one she learns outside the “rom” part of this rom-com – or maybe in spite of it? She was fairly independent in the beginning anyway, but she was basically skating along to get by. She learns to be independent and in charge by the end, which is as happy an ending as I needed.

This book was released earlier in December, and I read an advanced copy from NetGalley.

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I am going to use the word gutted here in my review! Sadly I just could not get into this one, every other book of Nick's I have loved and have read each more than once. This one just did not do it for me. It was almost because I could tell the main character who is a woman was written by a man! It was just a bit boring with none of the laughs I have come to expect of Nick's writing. Will definitely not let it put me off reading others by him.

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Another laugh out loud offering from Nick Spalding. Not as long or as well defined as previous books but still an enjoyable escape from reality.

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Going Green is the perfect book if you are looking for some laughs as well as an education. Ellie is a bit of a goofball (provides most of the laughs) who pretends to be very worried about the environment just to keep her job. Thankfully she educates herself (and us) about some very important issues and how everyone can do something to help. While I enjoyed the majority of the book, there were times when I just wanted it to move on. Too much detail or conversation. I would recommend this book as a beach read.

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It did take me a bit to get into this book and thought from the off it was going to be obvious what happened. Thankfully I was proved wrong and with a lot of LOL moments along the way, it was an enjoyable book to read.

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Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for a review. I LOVE Ellie's character. She is like 1,000 percent all in all the time and that is my kind of girl. This really gave a whole new meaning to lying about who you are. I love the environmental route that this story takes. There are not many fiction books that include environmentally conscious characters, much less different companies. Nolan.....what an interesting character indeed. I really enjoyed how this book turned out and the incredible strength of Ellie and her friends and co-workers. It was a great reminder about how I need to be environmentally conscious in my way of life and my dietary choices. This book was laugh out loud funny and a definite 5 star read!

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This is a funny story about a girl, Ellie Cook, who works at a PR firm that switches ownership. The first half read a little slow and it took me awhile to connect with the characters and writing. There were some very funny parts, laugh out loud parts. The book was well written and filled with good humor.

I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley.

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Thank you to NetGalley for a free ebook in echanage for an honest review.

I have made a real conscious effort to make more environmentally friendly choices this year (reusable water bottle, shopping in charity shops etc) so I was really interested to read this book as it also tied in my current favourite genre, womens fiction!

The book follows Ellie Cooke who is bumbling along knowing she could be making better choices but just isn't able to. For example, she spends ages in Boots looking for a plastic free drink to offset the fact she is getting another meal deal! Yet when it comes down to it, driving her gas guzzling car and retail shopping she isn't doing much. However, when the PR firm she works for gets taken over by Nolan Reece, who is an green thinking environmentalist and wants to evolve the company to follow his beliefs and represent other environmentalists in the process, Ellie realises that her decisions may have a detrimental effect on her chance of keeping her job so changes need to be made.
As Ellie starts making changes and meeting new clients something begins to change in her and suddenly her motivations are different, however this leads to some new problems..

There were a number of moments that made me laugh in this book, as well as some that I just felt were a bit much in a Bridget Jones way.. I did really enjoy the book though and read it really quickly, the twist wasn't what I was expecting at all! Although in hindsight maybe I should have seen it coming!

I really enjoyed the clients characters and the fact that they ranged from what you might expect for a vegan food company owner to the less expected but all equally believable. There were times when I felt the stress Ellie was facing and wanted to cry with her!

I think this would be a really great book to read if you are starting to/wanting to make changes to be kinder to the environment as it does give you pause for thought but in a non 'preachy' way!

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Ellie, who works in a PR company, wants to impress her new boss who is super green. She goes overboard and in doing so, becomes even more green than she could imagine. If you've read a Nick Spalding book, you'll know things are not how they seem. I enjoyed this as I usually do

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Going Green by Nick Splading is a humorous contemporary fiction novel about saving one's job and potentially saving the planet. Meet Ellie Cooke, who isn't very environmental friendly person, of course she cares about plastic pollution and climate change, but life gets in her way.

The PR firm she works for is over taken by an environmentalist Nolan Reece, who of course wants to incorporate all things green in his office and in the lives of his employees. The author seems to be on a drill to write about global issues and bring out humor and drama to these stories.

I liked how the story progresses in the book, but the start was off. The characters were promising. I liked many conversations between them and other characters in the book. I liked the character of Nolan Reece and also the side character - Grace. Nick was off at times and wasn't consistent with her character in the book.

The twist at the end was good, but overall the book will be a one time read for me. I quite just read it for the sake of reading it and did not enjoy it much. Humor wasn't what I quite expected.
______

Thank You to NetGalley and Publisher for sending me an eARC in exchange for a honest opinion.

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Going Green by Nick Spalding is feel good story about a girl who turned from careless human being to "a make the earth a better place" individual. Different chapters of the novel are filled with different adventures that are pretty funny. We learn about the transition into the green world that the main character has to make and enjoy the process with her.
I like how easy the read was. Even though all the chapters are about an hour long, I could easily stop reading and get back to the chapter later without losing it.
I am always excited about Nick Spalding new books because you sort of know his pattern and enjoy the comfort of it.
I am very thankful to #netgalley for providing the opportunity to read this book.

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I have read a couple of books by Nick Spalding, notably my favourite "Bricking It", and have come to expect lots of anecdotal humour, wild slapstick comedy and tongue-in-cheek observations of the crazy modern world we live in. Spalding always delivers, and "Going Green" is no exception.
At the heart of the story is Ellie Cooke who jumps out of her skin to save her job, inadvertently ending up in the 'saving the planet' camp. Her antics at trying to impress her new eco-friendly (and quite dishy) boss Nolan Reece are at times hilarious. The scenes at the protest march in front of the shopping centre had me in stitches. Ellie may be desperate but she is also out of her depth and all her efforts come across as utter non-starters (at least in the eyes of her colleagues). Yet, she gets her point across to her boss and it looks like she has saved her job. But that's not quite the end of the story. Expect quite some twist at the end!
"Going Green" has a topical storyline, a hapless but in her special way principled heroine and a motley crew of minor characters.
The story is told from Ellie's point of view and is narrated by her. Spalding makes her believable by reducing her language to colloquial with some curses thrown in to spice things up. Perhaps a touch too many for me, but hey, that's how most of us would speak if our job was on the line.

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This was my first Nick Spalding book, but won't be my last. The voice of the narrative was so direct that it took me a chapter or two to orient myself in the story—but once I did, I found myself along for an off-beat, clever, and often laugh-out-loud funny ride. At the heart of this book is the ability to laugh at ourselves even when--perhaps especially when--our good intentions go awry. A witty novel of surprising sincerity, personal growth, and doing the right thing not just for the planet, but for ourselves.

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I really enjoyed the start of the book and found Ellie’s antics comical, but around half way through found them a little cringeworthy and found myself skimming through them. I liked the environmental message that ran throughout though and that the lead female character was strong and independent, she just became a little too self righteous for me.

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Interesting approach to discuss a very important topic such as climate change and what needs to change to tackle it. I found the storyline original, especially the unexpected twist at the end, quite a fun read too, however the characters could have been developed a bit more.

Ellen Cooke works in a PR agency, which is suddenly bought by Nolan Reece who intends to support the green cause and only work with companies matching his ethics. Ellen, in order to impress her new boss, becomes a champion of all things green and ends up being promoted as a result. The more she works with ethical clients, the more Ellen finds herself genuinely wanting to make changes to help save the planet and starts a romantic relationship with Nolan. However all is not as it seems at the PR agency....

Thank you Amazon Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange of an honest review,

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Wasn't sure if I would like this book at first. I absolutely did! Its been billed as a laugh out loud comedy and it is! Some much needed hilarity right now.
Great book.

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Nolan Reece, a keen environmentalist, has taken over the PR company - Stratagem - who employs Ellie Cooke. Fully expecting to find herself out of a job Ellie realises drastic is needed from her and sets out to convince Nolan that she has was it takes to adapt and fit in with his environmentally-friendly ethos.

This was my second Nick Spalding book and what a really enjoyable read! It was funny, engaging and heartwarming in equal amounts. As I have come to expect with this author, he cleverly mixes serious events with slap-stick comedic scenes, creating an absorbing rollercoaster ride of emotions for the reader to experience as well as a few mishaps- Bridget Jones style. I definitely recommend this book, particularly if you're looking for a lighthearted read that still has plenty of substance. I shall certainly be reading more of Nick Spalding's back catalogue. Fast and funny, I had an absolute blast reading Going Green and laughed out loud more than I can remember doing for a while. You must get yourself a copy of this book as I'm sure you’ll enjoy it.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Amazon/ Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

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If you're searching for escapism and light hearted relief from these dark times I can recommend ‘Going Green.’ This is a beautifully constructed, pacy story, full of the deliciously funny escapades of Ellie, the quirky PR consultant battling to save her job and justify her green outlook on the world. I can certainly see ‘Going Green’ becoming a five part BBC Sunday night series. If I were to write more I may give away spoilers instead I would suggest that you download or order a copy and prepare yourself for some hearty belly laughs. Having experienced Nik Spalding for the first time I will definitely be reading more of his work.

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I like this but I also didn't, if that makes any sense.

Basically a climate change/being greener book disguised as a chick lit novel. An interesting concept that almost works.

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Going Green by Nick Spalding was a very slow burn for me. The main character Ellie was maybe a little too wacky and irritating and I didn’t get the “laugh out loud” thing that other reviewers are shouting about. Too predicable and slapstick to engage me properly. Now the last section of the book was a whole different story. I suppose that’s when Ellie seems to grow up (in every sense) and I loved her analysis and actions. To be fair, the early bits did set the scene and are thought provoking in relation to planet impact and climate change. I love the bit in school where even the teacher is astounded at the depth of the kids awareness of the dangers of our current consumerist, throwaway lifestyles. Overall then I give 3.5stars which I’ll round up to 4 for the subject matter and the last section.

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I wasn’t sure if I would like this book as I am far from an eco-warrior. It turns out that Ellie was far from that too!
The story is written with humour with Ellie changing the way she sees the world in order to save her job. However I think even Ellie couldn’t see this transformation coming!
At some parts it did get a cringey but I kept going and was pleased to see Ellie finally stood up to the bad guys.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.

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Going Green by Nick Spalding
Publisher: Amazon Publishing UK, Lake Union Publishing
General Fiction (Adult) | Humor | Women's Fiction
Release Date: December 8, 2020

Going Green is a romantic comedy by Nick Spalding.

This was an interesting book about Ellie Cooke, who has to quickly learn how to care about the environment so she can save her job. The premise of the book was good and the characters were likeable. There were some very cute scenes and some funny moments.

I'm so grateful to Nick Spalding, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.

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This was a fun, easy read but it struck a cord as the protagonist immersed herself in the green life. Ellie pulls out all of the stops to convince her new boss that she is all about the environment so much so that she participates in a protest in the town centre one Saturday afternoon. Thank you netgalley for a good, green read!

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I have never read a Nick Spalding book, but I really enjoyed it! Made me laugh a lot and the story is written very well! Very thought provoking as well! Can't wait to read more by this author!

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I received an ARC of this book via netgalley. It has an interesting premise that of a struggling PR firm being taken over and making it's mantra being protection of the Planet. Nolan is incoming MD / CEO, environmentally aware successful businessman. Ellie is one of the former company's employees hoping to keep her job. Neither is holding all their cards out to view.

What follows is the story of an evolving business and relationship. Ellie has a sometimes hapless air and Nolan seem to have ways of dealing with that. It has a good pace about it and is a fairly easy road. I am not sure it is laugh out loud humour but it has a good feeling to it

I like the characterisation and the skirmish with environmental issues but don't expect it to be anything deep and meaningful

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Great for a giggle! Lighthearted, easy read. Absolutely perfect to take my mind off the world right now. Love, love, loved it!

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Not really my cup of tea but the book is well written and I found myself laughing aloud. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

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This book tells the story of Ellie Cooke who works for a PR company which is not doing very well and there are rumours of job losses. In an effort to keep her job and impress her new boss she goes all out to impress him and prove her green credentials and her mission to save the planet.

She gets herself in some funny situations to prove herself and impress the boss but she is starting to have feelings for him. Will she save her job and get her man?

Thank you to Net Galley for my advance copy of this book.

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This is actually my first Nick Spalding book, but my mother loves them, so I thought I'd give it a try. There were parts of this book that I really like, it was funny, comical, you could see the character development coming a mile away and yet still appreciate it. But for me, some of the parts of the book were so cringeworthy that I wanted to skip through them just to get it out of the way. Maybe that's just me, I'm not great with awkward social situations.

Saying that. I really loved the environmental aspect of the book. It's what a lot of us are probably secretly like (Ellie Cooke is worse than me, but I definitely have a lot to learn). We know the environment is important, we hear about it all the time, and we try to do our bit, BUT, there is a potential laziness to it. Ellie's character is a bit obsessive, which I can't relate to, so found it difficult to see how she could take it to such an extreme, I am definitely a lot more moderate. Which lead to parts where I just didn't find it realistic at all. But I loved the end message that came across from the book.

I'd definitely try another Nick Spalding book. It was a fun easy ready, but with a surprisingly important message underyling it.

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A very funny read with the serious message about climate change running throughout it.. I liked the characters and found Ellies journey interesting....I can definitely see some of myself in her!

4 stars

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This is a seriously funny book, and once you get past the Britishisms, easy to read. Unfortunately, there were quite a few phrases that I was forced to look up because I didn’t understand them. For example, there’s a character to whom Nick Spalding keeps referring at the beginning with varying names (Hugh Burnley Fishingstool, Hugh Wormley Fittingshawl, Hugh Turnley Wobblingschool) which I can only assume are a play on words of some famous British person, but I don’t know for sure. It was funny, but I felt like I was missing something.

Nick Spalding has a gift for turning a phrase into something hysterical (like “a pair of pants that feel like they’re garrotting your undercarriage” or “Seeing him all twitchy and out of sorts is like watching a sloth breakdancing”), and as if that weren’t enough, he also creates the most ridiculous and hilarious situations, which are described in excruciating detail for maximum effect

The writing is from the POV of Ellie, told in first-person present-tense. There’s a certain self-awareness that is very endearing and makes her relatable. After having introduced most of her coworkers during various parts of the narrative, Ellie mentions a nondescript young man named Adrian: “If Young Adrian was a character in a novel, he most certainly would only ever be one of the bit players, and probably wouldn’t even get mentioned until at least chapter five.” It was chapter five. After referring to “passionate kissing by the ficus,” Ellie says, “If I ever write a fictionalized account of my office romance with Nolan, that will probably be the title of the book,” in a statement dripping with irony.

Ellie is not an environmentalist at the beginning of the novel. Her description of a new vegan food (crispy tofu) that she tries made me laugh: “This isn’t food. This is the negation of food. The repudiation of everything food stands for. It is the anti-food. If I just ate this every day, I’d be dead of starvation in a week.” This is followed up by her experience tasting beetroot, spelt, and lentil chili, which, not surprisingly, is so spicy her “FACE EXPLODES.” She continues: “If crispy tofu is the negation of food, then this chili is the unequivocal reinforcement of food as a concept. This the most food I have ever had in my mouth. My entire being is instantly consumed by it. There is now only the vegan chili and my poor, poor taste buds in this universe, locked in a dance of death.” It should go without saying that Elie is a bit histrionic and prone to exaggeration.

Characters in this book are unique, memorable, and amusing, from the nominally determined Kevin Flounder to Mordred, a man with a beard of such consequence, “a beard of such overwhelming beardness that I’m surprised there aren’t other smaller beards, currently circling in its gravitational influence…. Watching Mordred get nearer is what it must feel like to be stalked by an enraged, ambulatory hedge.”

Overall, I really enjoyed the book and found myself laughing out loud on several occasions. I particularly enjoyed the ending—a true hero’s journey with a resilient character who emerges from difficulties stronger than ever and inspires the reader to do the same. I highly recommend it.

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Murphy's Law rules over Ellie, a PR publicist whose struggling firm is bought out by a PR guru who turns the firm Green with a capital G. Struggling to embrace the Green movement and convince her new boss that she is committed to the cause, Ellie trips from one catastrophe to another. It's laugh out loud funny as she takes us through the pressure and tensions of trying to maneuver through office politics and a cause that she doesn't quite embrace.

Quirky and fun if you enjoy awkward. I give Going Green by Nick Spalding 3.5 stars for a lighthearted look at a series subject of office politics meet environmental concerns.

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Another brilliant nick spalding read, and with a message too, a great story with some great charecters, loved it

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Yet another fantastic book by Nick Spalding. I’ve been a fan of his work for years, and he’s just as good as always. Thank you for allowing me to read this.

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This turned out to be little too much for me. It started out a bit like Bridget Jones on speed, but I rapidly lost interest in the story line. I appreciate Amazon Publishing UK for providing access to a digital ARC on NetGalley, but don't think I'm the target audience for this.

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I had such hope for Going Green! It was a fun, timely storyline, but it did not deliver. It was a total knock off of Bridget Jones or a Shopaholic book. Except the main character just appears dumb and uncaring, instead of a quirky big-hearted woman.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC for an honest. review.

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I've not read any books by Nick Spalding before but I have heard of quite a few of them.

I didn't love this book but I would definitely pick up another of Spalding's books and give it a go.

I loved the theme of climate change in this book - definitely think it's a theme and topic that needs to be mentioned more as it is becoming more of an issue in our world.

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This book will make you chuckle and think at the same time. A light read about a lady about to lose her job because of a sellout the buyer turns the company into representing green companies and the humor proceeds. At times the antics got a little over the top but still gave you a chuckle. The environmental issues make you want to be better. The ending has a twist I much enjoyed.

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Requested this because I wanted to read something easy and light, but this is not really my kind of humor. The main characters also aren't that relatable or likeable and the plot and writing are a little cliched.

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I was delighted to receive an advance copy of Going Green, I love all of Nick Spalding's books and this one certainly didn't disappoint. Our heroine is Ellie who tends to she acts before she engages her brain and that lands her in all sorts of difficult situations. She's not very 'green' at the start of the book then her company is taken over by an environmentalist Nolan Reece, who of course wants to incorporate all things green in his office and in the lives of his employees. To save her job she blunders into one situation after another and the story takes on an interesting slant with an even more interesting ending.

I loved it, as with all Nick's books it makes you think, he makes them very relevant to current life and it's challenges. Will he do a 'pandemic' book I wonder?

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for the advance copy in exchange for an unbiased review.

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I am a firm believer that there is a right time for everything, including books.
Going Green by Nick Spalding is a fun and light-hearted read, and God knows I needed a good laugh!
It's all about Ellie Cook, who's ready to do everything to save her job, even pretending to be environmentally conscious.
I laughed and giggled all the time, and I bet you would do the same with a character that is a mix between Bridget Jones and Samantha Jones!
Be aware, Going Green is not just about laughs. You can't read this book without starting to think about your part in tackling climate change and reducing the use of single-use items.
Anyway, I really enjoyed this. It's fast paced and totally readable.
A belated thank you to NetGalley and Amazon publishing.

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I initially received a free copy of this for reviewing, but the file expired about halfway through. I was enjoying the book, though, and actually decided to go and buy my own copy on Kindle. Worth the money for sure!
Eleanor or Ellie Cooke is the main character in this novel. She turns up to work one day to find that the company has been sold; further, the name has changed and they're entirely rebranding. Stratagem PR is renamed Viridian, and their focus is backing and supporting eco-conscious companies, big or small. But the new boss, Nolan Reece, is going to have to let some of the workers go for financial reasons. Of course, Ellie is terrified of losing her job, so she goes above and beyond to prove to Nolan just how 'green' she is.
The problem being that she is not green. At all.
Ellie's antics are rather funny, and most definitely embarrassing. But over time, she learns how important this eco stuff actually is, and with the help of some sticky children, her mindset is completely changed.
Further, Nolan is a great guy. Working alongside him inevitably leads to some romance (and more hilarious events). It's kind of an obvious plot, this romance, but it works. Especially with how this book ends. Oh, the ending is great. Not what I expected at all.
While I didn't like Ellie at first, she goes through some major character development and I do actually kind of respect her by the end of the book. I even learned a fair bit about our planet through this book. Yet it was an easy, light read, and definitely fun and enjoyable. It's not the kind of book I'd usually go for at all, but I highly recommend it. 4 stars!

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I enjoyed this novel, though I did start it and put it down again, as I thought it started slow and predictable. But it got better and enjoyable. I did chuckle a few times but not laugh out loud funny, but I find very few books laugh out loud funny. Anyhow...I also don't know how this novel will stand the test of time. I would like to think a day is coming when we look back and CAN not imagine there was a day everyone DIDN'T recycle and "go green".
Ellie is endearing and a little "off" i would have loved a more endearing supporting cast but she is enough. and she is redeemable ...almost possible to pave way for a follow for her, the company, and Nolan....I was a little bit reminded of the tv show "Zoey's Infinite Playlist"...anyone else get those vibes?

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Going Green by Nick Spaulding

This is a laugh-out loud story about saving your job, and hopefully saving the planet in the process.


This was an interesting book about climate change and saving our earth. Also, the main character wants to save her job. She certainly seems challenged about her work. This was a lioght cozy read. It was okay.

Thanks to Net Galley for sending me an advanced reader’s copy for review.

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Going Green is a wonderful, light hearted read that really did keep me intrigued throughout.
Tackling the issues that are facing the world today, including climate change.
Following the life of Ellie, who is determined to 'Go Green' in order to keep her job. Although the story is truly humorous and easy to read, it still highlights a rather serious topic.
This book was wonderfully written and fascinating from the start. I loved the depths of the leading character and the way in which her character grew as the story progressed. The storyline was well structured and had a unique storyline. A wonderful story.

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This was a fun but thought provoking book. It was a light hearted approach on a serious subject and very entertaining.
Many thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

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Sorry this book was not for me. The storyline was interesting, but I did not interact with the book .
Ellie , the main character annoyed me and I did not like the writing style

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This is the first of Nick Spalding's books I've read and I get that the book is supposed to be a humorous, fun, hilarious read. Some of the bits were really funny and had me laughing right out loud. Having a humorous book to read is certainly much needed and this author seems to be able to give that very easily. His descriptions are in most cases quite hysterical. But, after a few chapters I found myself wanting just getting tired of Ellie's over-the-top antics and she began to be just a bit too much for me to believe in. I really wanted to like this book, but it just didn't do it for me.

I do appreciate Net Galley for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest review.

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PLOT (as described by the publisher):
From the bestselling author of Dumped, Actually comes a laugh-out-loud story about saving your job…and maybe saving the planet in the process.
Meet Ellie Cooke. When it comes to all things environmental she’s, well, a bit ‘green’. It’s not that she doesn’t care about things like climate change and plastic pollution, it’s just that life has always got in the way of that sort of thing.
But when the PR firm Ellie works for is taken over by keen environmentalist Nolan Reece, it’s clear that if she wants to save her job, she’s going to have to get serious about being green—or face being recycled.
Going green is no walk in the park, though. It involves a lot of big changes, tough choices…and at least one case of accidentally showing your knickers off to your boss.
Can Ellie do enough to save her job, and maybe do her bit to help save the planet while she’s at it? And what will Nolan think of her, now that she can’t stop thinking about him…?

WHAT DID I THINK?

I could totally relate to Ellie Cooke. I would like to be more earth conscious, but I definitely don’t consider ALL the ways in which we can go green. Much like Ellie, I really do like some of my non-green luxuries. Her journey to going green was quite fun and had many laugh out loud moments. There were many antics (some predictable), but all fun. I missed the deadline to read this on NetGalley so I grabbed it thru Kindle Unlimited and listened to it. The narrator was great and I really enjoyed it. There was a plot twist that I didn’t see coming which took the book in an entirely different direction than I expected. It was full of heart and I would definitely recommend it!

3 ½ stars (rounded up to 4)

Published December 8, 2020. Thank you #netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

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I was intrigued by the premise of this book (a woman that is a bit clueless about the environment needed to get it together for her job), but was not able to get into it.

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Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3 stars

I like how Nick Spalding is able to write about current issues within the context of a novel without getting too preachy about it. Here, he takes on the issues of climate change and the environment through Ellie's character and her own personal discovery of the issues. I like how her discovery and life changes are central to the character's development.

While I really appreciate the zany characters and crazy situations that are woven into this novel, there are times when I felt like I was being hit over the head with the humour and certain scenes went a little too far for my tastes. I think if this part of Spalding's writing style were toned down a bit, it would be a better read and I wouldn't feel the author's presence so much in the book. It's only in these overt attempts at writing humour that I feel the author trying to make me laugh. For me, it throws me out of the story and disrupts my enjoyment.

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Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel.

I enjoyed this book more than I expected to! It was an easy read which is exactly what I was after. But also very thought provoking, leaving me questioning how green I truly am and what more I can be doing.

I thought it was going to be quite predictable and I thought I had the book sussed fairly early on. I was pleased to learn I was wrong though, the ending was a brilliant curveball which left me feeling quite uplifted! Overall I really enjoyed reading.

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I expected this to be a lighthearted romantic comedy type of book, and it was. But it meandered too much, and so it was hard to stay focus. This is the definition of a breezy beach read, where you can't expect too much out of the characters. If you just go along for the ride and try to forget how immature a few of the characters act and don't expect too much in the way of character development, then 'Going Green' can be a fun, lighthearted read. It was just too frustrating dealing with the immaturity of a few for me to give it more than three stars. It's not a bad book at all, it just isn't really a great book either. It's just a nice, inoffensive, middle-of-the-road read. Nothing wrong with that.

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This was a charming book that also gave insight to environmental needs without lecturing. Character development is excellent. I thought I knew where the book was going so loved the surprise ending.

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This is not the first Nick Spalding book I have read and I usually devour them. Not quite so here.
The insight into the worlds of marketing and green activism are quite interesting and well documented, which I quite enjoyed, but the pleasure in reading the book was rather slow starting.
This was mainly due to the 'flat' and stereotypical main character and narrator as I did have problems relating to her for quite some time.
This definitely improved towards the end since she became more interesting as the story and her personality developed but it partly dampened my enjoyment of the book which I read to the end but which I could also have left it aside at some point.
So a mitigated review, but perhaps Nick Spalding's new readers would be more forgiving than I was.

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I found Going Green a bit harder going than Nick Spalding's previous books, but still an enjoyable read.

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This book tells the story of Ellie Cooke. In an effort to keep her job and impress her new boss she goes all out to impress him and prove her green credentials and her mission to save the planet.

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I didn't finish this one. Seemed like a Sophie Kinsella wanna-be that fell short. It is rare that I don't finish a book but this one just didn't hold my interest.

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Our female protagonist, Ellie Cooke, works in public relations. When her company gets bought out by an environmentalist and needs to downsize, she goes a little over the top in trying to show how environmentally conscious she is in order to impress her new boss. It works a little too well and not only does she not get fired, she gets a promotion.

The beginning of this book is pretty hysterical. Lots of comedic moments and situations Ellie gets herself into. But about halfway through, the story was moving pretty slow and the character was just kind of one dimensional and flat. She’s dating her new boss and the relationship doesn’t make a lot of sense, and we don’t get much info about what works and what doesn’t between the characters. It’s just kind of not connecting.

I hate to say this, but the female protagonist really felt like how it feels when a man tries to write a female character, without depth or nuance. The ending was a twist that I didn’t see coming, but it was also just like a lot of stuff thrown in there at the end to wrap up the story. I didn’t really follow the story line halfway through, it just didn’t work for me. I would give it three stars because there was a lot of comedic value at different times that made up for some of its drawbacks.

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Going Green by Nick Spalding is a silly romcom about 30-something Ellie Cooke, whose PR agency was just bought out by Nolan Reece, a very handsome environmentalist. Under this new management, her PR firm will focus on green projects and businesses that want to help save the environment.

Having never really given the environment a second thought, Ellie pretends to be extremely pro-vegan and pro-green in order to look good to the new boss and save her job. In doing so, she actually turns into the person she’s trying to pretend be but to the extreme, turning into the very obnoxious and overbearing vegan stereotype she used to make fun of.

Written as a comedy while also educating the reader about the environment, it was overall a fun read, but I personally found it a little too cheesy and slapstick in places for my taste.

Thank you to @netgalley and @amazonpublishing for granting me an #ARC of this book! For you @KindleUnlimited members, this book is free with a #KindleUnlimited membership and comes with #audible narration, which I love! Billie Fulford-Brown does a great job narrating with her adorable British accent.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Going Green by Nick Spalding / Pages: 332 / Genre: Fiction / Narrator: Billie Fulford-Brown

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This was a fun book to read with humour included. An easy read, with a great story.

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

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THank you @netgalley for my advanced copy of #goinggreen.
I can honestly say I havent laughed so much at a book since Nick Spaldings last one. The boy knows how to write humour!!
Highly recommend for anyone that's after a hilarious, feel good romcom.

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I enjoyed this funny lighthearted tale of a woman trying to be more eco friendly in order to get a job she wants whilst realising a few things about herself and other along the way! Nick Spaulding is a talented writer.

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Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and the author Nick Spalding for an advanced copy of this title for an honest review.
I originally requested this book because I am a keen environmentalist who tries to inspire EVERYONE to reduce their carbon footprint and plastic usage.
I have to say, I was disappointed. There were a number of values that contributed to my lack of enjoyment of this novel.
I didn't love the new invented "words" and I found Ellie's character annoying and disruptive, this book had the power to be brilliant but with the use of Ellie's narrative and her "inner voice" it just went in the wrong direction.
In conclusion, I loved the idea of this eco friendly rom-com but felt it wasn't executed to its full potential.

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Thank You NetGalley for the ARC of Going Green!
Interesting Characters. Wanting to laugh? Wanting to learn about the environment? This is a good read.

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A funny story about going green Some of the parts were LOL funny and the whole thing was a gas. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher!

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I enjoyed this book. A really enjoyable story that kept me engrossed throughout. Light hearted and fun. Definitely worth a read.

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I thought this was a cute read. As a newbie to all things green myself, I really enjoyed the evolution throughout the piece. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the protagonist, but the story was enjoyable and I was absolutely entertained. I would recommend this read.

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A romantic comedy with an ecological twist with some humorous moments that makes it enjoyable. It explores current ecological issues but in a lighthearted way.

I received a copy of this book from Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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I've been a fan of Nick Spalding ever since I got a Kindle. He has a formula for most of his books where he handles a "fish out of water" character in a humorous way. This is the first of these where I fell he has slightly missed the target.. There's a twist at the end, but it seemed a bit of an extreme one. I did however care for the characters and so was happy to continue reading and see them through to the inevitable happy ending.

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Ive read an earlier book by Nick Spalding and liked it. This one lost me early on because of the rather silly name of the the person who seemed to be lead character (I'll never know if he was, I didn't read further). The name was obviously a spoof on a celebrity. I have no particular affection for the real person, but, shallow as I am, I thought the transformed name lacked imagination and it coloured my impression of the book. So I dropped it.
Judge me if you like, but on this occasion I was put off. I suggest you read the book for yourself, Nick Spalding is an able and engaging writer but not for me on this occasion. I'll give it four stars because I don't like leaving bad reviews and it seems unfair to drag the rating down because of my quirk.

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I was really drawn to the premise of Going Green - a funny read that also sings the virtues of taking a more environmentally positive approach to life.

This was definitely an easy read - lead character Ellie is the one who finds herself on a new path when her PR firm is taken over by an environmental enthusiast, so she has to get in line pretty quick in order to keep her job.

There's romance, there's funny moments and a unique take on the story with its central green theme. I didn't find myself taking to Ellie enough though, she had Bridget Jones vibes but maybe a little too slapstick for me. Just personal preference there, would recommend if you're looking for a light=hearted read with an environmental spin!

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This novel follows Ellie through some changes in management at her PR firm toward a more environmentally conscious mindset and clientele. She does not seem to be well-versed on the climate crisis and her initial motive of being environmentally conscious is quite selfish - solely for the means of keeping her job rather than caring about the environment.

While I ended up thinking this novel was different and interesting in theory, I felt that the execution was more of a satire. I disliked how this novel made it seem “on trend” to be conscious of the climate crisis and even seemed to be poking fun at being an environmentally friendly person. Having previously read a few of Nick Spalding’s pieces, I know that this is his style of writing and his way of bringing up important topics; however, overall it just didn’t sit well with me. On top of that, this novel is published by Amazon Publishing and I find it so ironic that they published a novel about being environmentally friendly when they are such a gigantic company that clearly doesn’t care about the environment in the least.

I would recommend this book to someone who wants a light read with British humor that gives you some laughs.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the gifted e-book in exchange for an honest opinion!

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Thank you to Netgalley and Nick Spalding for providing me with an ARC in return for an honest review.

I liked this book a lot. It was an unusual take on a contemporary romance. Ellie is a bit to self absorbed for my liking but it was a good story, so it's fine.

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Love, lies and thought provoking green issues was the crux of this story. I enjoyed how the topic was explored by the younger generation through Nick's eyes and I hope these are some of their true beliefs.

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This is a tough book to review. I wish I could give half marks as this is a 7/10 so a 3.5, but I can’t round up to 4 sadly.
I’ve enjoyed this author’s work before so was disappointed that I didn’t like the main character, Ellie, enough to really care too much about the story. The story itself is light enough with some comical moments, but at the same time I *think* the author was trying to get across a serious topic (climate change, environment) which at times felt forced and schmaltzy whilst filled with outdated stereotypes.
The train journey to Brussels was perfectly described and I could feel the snake of anxiety tightening as I was reading.
This is an easy read and could get some people to think differently about environmental issues through light hearted fiction.
I don’t want to reveal any spoilers but I will say that the best part of the book is at the 85-90% to end part.

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I've read a few of Nick Spaldings books and was excited to read this latest one. I found the topic interesting - and topical - and how Ellie evolved with her "green" journey. As with his other books I found many humorous parts and its was a book the kept me engaged till the end. Recommended! #GoingGreen thanks to #NetGalley for a copy of the book for an honest review

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Firstly, I would like to thank Net Galley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

This is a very lighthearted read about Ellie, a bit of a trainwreck of a person, who in trying to keep her job, and impress her new boss, pretends to be something she isn’t – a person with strong green credentials. She does find herself in some unusual and silly situations, all of her own making, and it is quite funny most of the time.

Not my usual kind of read, but it was a good way to spend an afternoon.

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When her PR company gets sold to an environmentally conscious new owner and not everyone will get to keep their jobs, Ellie Cook is determined to show how green she can be. The problem is... she's really not! She drives a gas guzzling Mercedes, drinks from plastic water bottles, and loves meat. Determined to fake it til she makes it, she finds herself in several awkward situations, totally humiliated in front of her hot new boss, Nolan Reece. She may have oversold her commitment to green when instead of getting fired, she gets promoted.
This book was so funny it had me laughing out loud and fascinated to find out what Ellie would get into next. From itchy hemp underwear to bearded hippie vegans, gas-guzzling cars to the disgusting habits of humans on public transport, this book is full of hilarious scenes. And after all the entertainment and laughs, it leaves you wondering what you can do yourself to help the environment.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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This was a light, easy read. It ebbed and flowed and it never proved to be too taxing. It centred around Ellie who was always quite laizze faire when it came to matters of the environment. She works for a PR firm and when the new bosses make it known that environmental awareness and care is their primary objective she much mend her ways quick smart or find herself in search of another position. And of course with every such dilemma come many bumps and pit falls along the way. The story did lull at times but it provided some laughs too.

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This was a book that drew me in immediately, thinking what would it relate to the environment. I enjoyed the dialogue the main character had with herself and how she processed the different things she was dealing with. I def did not see the twist until it nearly happened when just before it happened I guessed what might be. Overall a great easy read with a few things you may want to consider yourself,

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I like the "forbidden love" trope. While heavily used in a lot of books, it's still a tried and true plot for most stories, when they're given justice. This is one of those books that gives that trope justice. You take a main character and give her a new boss who is the total opposite of herself in values, but also forbidden because they're coworkers and it's typically "forbidden." Definitely an interesting and engaging novel.

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I didn't really get away with this book and didn't finish it, its my first from this author and other books have been received better, I may well give it another go or another book at some point.

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This was an interesting book about finding yourself and being true to who you are. Even if Ellie didn’t start her journey for the right reasons, she certainly followed the right path. Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC

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Unfortunately this book was not my cuppa tea, I just couldn’t get into the storyline. It probably is someone else’s cuppa tea but just not mine, but I do love the cover of the book colour is very fitting for the name off book. I wish the Author all the best for the future sorry that I didn’t get into your story.
One day I may try and persevere and try and get read this again.

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not quite my cup of tea - "forbidden love" isn't very interesting to me but then again i don't like romance driven books in general. i am quite sure there are many who find this book enjoyable. i have read Spalding before and liked his work so it is just the subject matter for me that was not a good fit.

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I really enjoyed this novel; Nick Spalding stays, as usual, just the right side of slapstick with the humour in the story and creates a main character in Ellie who is likeable, real and doesn’t try to hide her flaws. Some nice twists and turns but not an over-complicated read. The more I read by this author, the more I want to read.

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Nick Spalding is definitely an auto buy author for me. I love the humour he brings to his writing. I enjoyed this story. It added a humorous level to a very serious topic and yet didn't take away from how important the topic of climate change is. If you like a book that gives you plenty of belly laughs pick this up.

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I am a big fan of the author and have personal challenges around the green agenda so I was attracted to this book.
I really enjoyed the story which was both very funny and able to challenge my behaviours around recycling.
The end has a real twist which was unexpected . All in all a great read.

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I LOVED this book! It has hilarious, laugh-out-loud, and read the section to your partner funny moments. It has a lovable, yet misguided character. An epic plot twist, and an ending that you're totally rooting for!! I would honestly read this again for the laughs. Well done!

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This was an strange book about a women, who isn't really committed to going green, attempts to do so to save her job. Don't take this too seriously but it was amusing.

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Sorry this wasn't for me, I had hoped to enjoy but found it boring and not very well written. I have read books by Nick before but this one I really could not get into or recommend.

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An interesting book about love, life and discovering yourself. This book is quite funny and fairly easy to read but it didn’t leave me wanting more. It was ok.

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Topical an interesting. I enjoyed this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.

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Going Green by Nick Spalding
This book was a quick, easy and entertaining read. I loved the main character who gave me a lot of laughs

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Ellie works for a PR company. It's taken over by Nolan who wants the company to go green so Ellie then starts to try and have Nolan believe that she's really green orientated. Didn't expect the ending.

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Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to review this book. Such a fun lighthearted read!

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“A laugh-out-loud story about saving your job…and maybe saving the planet in the process”


Those of you who follow my reading schedules and reviews, will know that a contemporary comedy, albeit with a smidgen of the rom/com about it, really isn’t my type of book at all. However, I had heard and read such good things about Nick Spalding’s books, that when one of those not-to-be-missed NetGalley ‘Read Now’ offers came up, I just couldn’t resist downloading it.

This style of anecdotal, observational and conversational comedy, is one I really enjoy, and the way in which we Brits seem to have the unique ability to laugh at ourselves, never ceases to amaze me. But how would it translate into a full length story, I wondered? Well, if you had been anywhere near me when I was reading the book (which I did in just a couple of sittings), you might have wondered who the raving loony was, laughing and chuckling away to herself in the corner and this time the tissue wasn’t for tears of sorrow!

From the very first paragraph (shared above), the play on the name of an English celebrity chef, television personality, journalist, food writer, and campaigner on food and environmental issues, was enough to have me smiling and that just set the tone for the entire story. As you can tell, this one hits the ground running; the storyline is relentless in its pace and humour; the ending is oh! so satisfying and replete, in the rather sickly and cliched way I had come to expect, but not until after that one final curved ball, the sting in the tail I never saw coming – and to be honest, neither did Ellie! The chapter breaks were really only there to give me chance to draw breath and re-group for the ongoing battle, although the chapter headings themselves were an absolute triumph in their own right.

Narrated in a single timeline and voice, by Ellie herself, makes this very much her own story, to do with as she wants. In fact it reads more like a personal diary in storybook format, the kind of thing that should really be kept under lock and key, a ‘for your eyes only’ read! Ellie is very prone to having ‘conversations’ with herself, sometimes not very silently, although she doesn’t always realise she has spoken aloud, and always totally honestly, in a no-holds-barred kind of way. Her thought and speech bubbles would make a great graphic book!

How far would you go to save your job? That’s the dilemma Ellie faces when the PR company she works for is sold and her new boss turns out to be a keen environmentalist, who intends to refocus and transform the business, to take on PR assignments exclusively for ethical / green brand clients. The thing is, Ellie, by her own admission, is one of the least environmentally green people in the country and is definitely the queen of cheap, chain store clothes shopping when she puts her mind to it. What would anyone faced with that situation do? – Why, lie of course! Ellie becomes an overnight convert, with some very unexpected results (you really shouldn’t miss the itchy hemp knickers debacle!), not all of which are quite so dramatic, but all of which give Ellie pause to stop, think and re-evaluate her life.

The trouble is, when you go from thinking about taking action, to actually taking action, sometimes the lines become a little blurred, the scales of reason can get tipped too far the other way and passion becomes obsession. Then when you find you have been right royally deceived by someone you thought you could trust, flipping out is only the beginning of a journey which can either make you stronger, or cause you to crumble. You really don’t want to be in Ellie’s path when the flipping out starts, that’s for sure!

Nick has written a fluent, well structured and multi-layered story, which is current, topical and bang on trend, but never preachy and always told with heart and humour. There were plenty of subtle twists in the seamless storyline to keep me guessing and because of Ellie’s frenetic and chaotic pace of life, the air was always full of latent tension. Skilled in the imagery of words, Nick’s writing has great visual depth and range, and I could almost imagine myself alongside Ellie – outside the smelly train toilet; egging the crowds on as a giant foam plastic bottle; and with her head stuck down a cess pit – and that’s not even the half of it! I don’t know how much of it is smoke and mirrors, and whether I am doing Nick a disservice, but it feels as though the words simply wrote themselves, as everything flows so well. Such an effortlessly assured and compelling style of narrative and dialogue.

Nick has also created and breathed life into a cast of well developed characters, who more than ably complement his writing style and totally claim the story as their own. Whilst it may not have been easy to connect with and relate to all of them, because of their passionate eccentricities, they were always addictive, authentic, emotional, raw and passionate, with the possible exceptions of the duplicitous scumbags, Nolan and Rob, who really did deserve everything they had coming to them- and then some!

Engagingly Enjoyable; Entertaining Escapism; Enthusiastically Emotional – what other great reasons did I need to read this book.

In the world Nick has created for Ellie, the female of the species is definitely more deadly than the male – and certainly more vocal!

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Funny and thought provoking. I really enjoyed this book and would like to thank the publisher and netgalley for the opportunity to read this.
What took me so long?

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I’m very sorry but this book is just not my kind of thing. It’s always difficult when something is described as ‘laugh out loud funny’ and I’m afraid it just didn’t really appeal to my sense of humour. I also found it very repetitive, as if the jokes were constantly being explained.

It is very good to see someone writing about such an important issue and someone with a different sort of humour would probably really get a lot from it.

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Ugh. This had potential. In my 20s, I read and enjoyed some books with the lovable, screwup female main character who learns lessons along the way. This feels like it wants to be that... but isn't. Ellie? I just don't like her.

Ellie's PR firm is bought by an environmentally conscious man who she's already nearly run over with her gas-guzzling, black exhaust-spewing car. It's announced that there need to be some cutbacks in staffing and Ellie's response is to lie, shop and just be annoying in her attempts to show her new boss how "green" she is and keep her job. It's just all so ridiculous. Rather than wait a few minutes for a bathroom to be available, she uses her boss's office to adjust her itchy hemp underwear?? It really bothered me how the environmentalists and vegans are portrayed so negatively. I only made it 1/3 off the way through this and just can't care enough to see if she changes. Everything has been super predictable to this point so I'm guessing she'll become enlightened eventually, but I don't like her character enough to continue. This is definitely is not for me.

Thanks to Amazon Publishing UK, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

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I wouldn't call this the funniest or least problematic book ever...but it was a fun read, and the hijinks were just over-the-top enough to not make you roll your eyes (and/or throw the book at the wall). It's a nice break from real life, a humorous read, like watching a rom-com that's more disaster than cute, and having a nice-enough time. That's what I was looking for in this after reading tiresome non-fiction for a while, so if this is the ticket you're looking for, then take a look at this one

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Ellie Cooke never takes a bag for life with her to the shop, she drinks out of single use plastic bottles and loves fast cheap fashion. That is until the PR company she works for is taken over by green campaigner Nolan who, in a weeks time, will be letting two people go.

The book is written like a narration from Ellie, which I found extremely grating to begin off with. Once I got used to it, and got in the flow of Ellie’s thought process it became quite amusing. She has quite the calamity of mishaps along her way to becoming greener, the shopping centre to be a particular highlight, however there is a heart to the story which does make you think about being greener yourself.

The only way I can sum this book up is a Bridget Jones for the world we live in now….just not as good.

Thank you Netgalley for a copy of the book in return for an honest review.

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This is my first Nick Spalding novel and I particularly enjoyed his humour and the many laugh out loud moments I had throughout this one.

Ellie is in her 30’s, single and working in a PR firm and such a likeable character. Her company and purchased by a new owner keen environmentalist Nolan Reece and Ellie does her absolute best to embrace this new way of thinking in order to keep her job.

It was a fun and light hearted read with many laughs throughout and a great underdog story.

I want to thank The Publisher and Netgalley for generously providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review.

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I have read a few books by Nick previously so when i was approved for his new one, I was looking forward to it. Entertaining and comical. Looking forward to his next book.

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This story is wonderful. It shows a very realistic journey of self discovery and awareness centred around climate change and sustainability. There is a very clear message at the end about doing what we can.

Do what you can. The rest will come in time.

I highly recommend this book. It’s funny but also serious. It’s hugely topical and it’s captivating.

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Not really read many books written by a man , but once I got going I didn’t real notice a difference. The story was believable and had strong characters. Enjoyed the story and felt the plot was believable.

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This is quite funny and a conundrum at the same time. Does going green require a lot of choices..a conscious effort? Does going green to save your job still count as being an environmentalist? The heroine must become environmentally family in order to save her job. Can she do it? Is she being a fraud! It’s an enjoyable read.

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Absolutely loved this hilarious, light-hearted novel with an important underlying message about climate change. This was my first book by Nick Spalding but definitely won't be my last. Highly recommended if you want something fun to read. With thanks to NetGalley for my copy.

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This is one of those times where it is not the book; it is me. I have read Nick Spalding in the past and enjoyed his books. I am simply having difficulty getting into this book and keeping with it.

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I just didn't care for this one at all. It was over the top silly, extremely predictable and I didn't finish it.. It just wasn't for me.

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Funny book. Not bad overall. Ellie was over the top but I don't mind that, characters are supposed to be fun.

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It’s been awhile since I last read a Nick’s book and how I missed! Goin green has great characters, and even more laughs in the romp of the world of environmentally friendly PR companies. I loved the ending! Excited to read more from the author

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This was the first book I have read by this author and will not be the last, it was full of humour while dealing with some serious issues and it got the balance perfectly right

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