Going Green

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...

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.

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.

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.

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'.

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.

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,.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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!

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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,

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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…?

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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 !

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!!

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.

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.

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

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!

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!

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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!

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

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!

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

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

“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 ☺️

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...

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.

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!!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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

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.

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.

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.