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Ask, Tell #4
If I Don't Ask
Rebecca Keane has it all figured out. With a successful career as an Army surgeon and a fresh promotion to Lieutenant Colonel, she loves her life leading a surgical team. Even if that life means she’s spent years hiding her sexuality and ignoring her desires under the Army’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy. Then Captain Sabine Fleischer’s arrival sets off an attraction that cracks Rebecca’s carefully cultivated armor and brings about fresh complications.
As Sabine’s direct commanding officer, Rebecca knows she cannot act on her attraction but that knowledge does nothing to squash her desires. Unable to keep her thoughts about the alluring other woman under control, Rebecca resigns herself to years of censoring her thoughts and feelings until Sabine’s time in the Army is done. She’s spent decades suppressing parts of herself for her job, so what’s a few more years?
But as Rebecca and Sabine work closely together on Army bases in Afghanistan and the States, the undeniable sparks between them begin to ignite. And despite Rebecca’s constant self-censure, her denials and her knowledge of every obstacle standing between them, her resolve crumbles with each passing day. But when the consequences of your love run deeper than just breaking one of the unbreakable rules of the military, you risk losing more than just your heart.
If I Don’t Ask is the must-read story telling Rebecca’s side of the best-selling Ask, Tell.
Genre: Romance
Editor: Cath Walker
Cover Designer: Kayla Mancuso
As Sabine’s direct commanding officer, Rebecca knows she cannot act on her attraction but that knowledge does nothing to squash her desires. Unable to keep her thoughts about the alluring other woman under control, Rebecca resigns herself to years of censoring her thoughts and feelings until Sabine’s time in the Army is done. She’s spent decades suppressing parts of herself for her job, so what’s a few more years?
But as Rebecca and Sabine work closely together on Army bases in Afghanistan and the States, the undeniable sparks between them begin to ignite. And despite Rebecca’s constant self-censure, her denials and her knowledge of every obstacle standing between them, her resolve crumbles with each passing day. But when the consequences of your love run deeper than just breaking one of the unbreakable rules of the military, you risk losing more than just your heart.
If I Don’t Ask is the must-read story telling Rebecca’s side of the best-selling Ask, Tell.
Genre: Romance
Editor: Cath Walker
Cover Designer: Kayla Mancuso
286 pages, Paperback
First published May 17, 2022
87 people are currently reading
1,224 people want to read
About the author
E.J. Noyes
17books1,878followersE. J. Noyes is an Australian transplanted to New Zealand, which may be the awesomest thing to happen to her. She lives in the South Island with her wife and the world’s best and neediest cat, and is enjoying the change of temperature from her hot, humid homeland.
An avid but mediocre gamer, E. J. lives for skiing (which she is also mediocre at), enjoys arguing with her hair, pretending to be good at things, and working the fact she’s a best-selling and award-winning author into casual conversation.
If you want (very) sporadic emails about what E. J. is doing, you can sign up for the E. J. Noyesletter at:
An avid but mediocre gamer, E. J. lives for skiing (which she is also mediocre at), enjoys arguing with her hair, pretending to be good at things, and working the fact she’s a best-selling and award-winning author into casual conversation.
If you want (very) sporadic emails about what E. J. is doing, you can sign up for the E. J. Noyesletter at:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
April 20, 2022
'ARC provided by both NetGalley and The Publisher (Bella Books) in exchange for a honest review'
**'Whenever there's really good storytelling, the secret to it is either writing something old in a new way or writing something new in an old way..'
4.5stars!
More often than not, readers read a story and the majority of the storyline focuses more on one of the main characters, only giving a little about the other. Well what E.J. Noyes did with 'IF I DON'T ASK' which is the perfect title for this added bonus book to the 'ASK, TELL' series -- is to tell Rebecca's story. From the very first time that they (Sabine & Rebecca) met on base to their growing relationship to seeing her fall in love to their first romantic tryst to her ultimate life changing decision to living together and many more meaningful moments. She even laid out all things Rebecca; like her vulnerability, doubts, feelings, self-reflection, thoughts, emotions and fears etc..
The storytelling was compelling from beginning to end and is one of those 'just one more chapter before I go to bed' books that kept me turning page after page. I also think 'IF I DON'T ASK' nicely ties up all or most of what we (readers) did not read in the series.
Furthermore, Noyes's extraordinarily written fourth book may be her most inspiring of the series even though I did enjoy the 3rd book because of Jana's energy. Those few paragraphs that she was mentioned of her interactions with Rebecca and then Sabine showed how winsome, engaging, funny and being a dutiful & caring sister that she was.
Overall, this book is utterly captivating, intricately detailed and well paced. Another thing, by the time readers got to the part where they declared their 'I love you's' -- that meant a whole lot more to them than either thought because it let them become more expresses with their feelings and intimacy. This story/series will stay with you long after you're finish.
A highly recommended book and series!
**'Whenever there's really good storytelling, the secret to it is either writing something old in a new way or writing something new in an old way..'
4.5stars!
More often than not, readers read a story and the majority of the storyline focuses more on one of the main characters, only giving a little about the other. Well what E.J. Noyes did with 'IF I DON'T ASK' which is the perfect title for this added bonus book to the 'ASK, TELL' series -- is to tell Rebecca's story. From the very first time that they (Sabine & Rebecca) met on base to their growing relationship to seeing her fall in love to their first romantic tryst to her ultimate life changing decision to living together and many more meaningful moments. She even laid out all things Rebecca; like her vulnerability, doubts, feelings, self-reflection, thoughts, emotions and fears etc..
The storytelling was compelling from beginning to end and is one of those 'just one more chapter before I go to bed' books that kept me turning page after page. I also think 'IF I DON'T ASK' nicely ties up all or most of what we (readers) did not read in the series.
Furthermore, Noyes's extraordinarily written fourth book may be her most inspiring of the series even though I did enjoy the 3rd book because of Jana's energy. Those few paragraphs that she was mentioned of her interactions with Rebecca and then Sabine showed how winsome, engaging, funny and being a dutiful & caring sister that she was.
Overall, this book is utterly captivating, intricately detailed and well paced. Another thing, by the time readers got to the part where they declared their 'I love you's' -- that meant a whole lot more to them than either thought because it let them become more expresses with their feelings and intimacy. This story/series will stay with you long after you're finish.
A highly recommended book and series!
April 18, 2022
This was easily my most anticipated book of 2022, and it did not disappoint! I wonder if Noyes felt some pressure writing this one, as this is a companion book to her best seller . And it’s not like Ask, Tell is just a good book, no it’s fanfreakingtastic and easily one of my all-time favorite books. I still remember that feeling when I got an early copy of it, and back then had no idea what the name E.J. Noyes even meant yet, but I realized I was reading something very special that was going to stay with me for a long time, and it has. So I think there were a lot of high expectations on this book, and I’m happy to say that Noyes delivered and I think Ask, Tell fans are going to be very happy.
After loving , we were lucky that Noyes gave us a wonderful sequel in , and she even gave us a sweet ending with the spin-off of . But even with all that extra time spent with our favorite couple, Bec and Sab, it still felt like something was missing. As much as I enjoy sequels, there has been times when I have loved a book or movie so much that I wished for a remake or something that could capture that same magic again. Well that is what Noyes did here by writing the Ask, Tell story again, but through Rebecca’s POV instead of Sabine’s. The reason this all worked is because Noyes is an amazing first person author so we now get that missing piece, we get to see how Bec falls in love with Sab, which really means that we get to experience their full love story now.
This whole book was really well done. I was a little worried it might seem too similar to Ask, Tell, which seems obvious, but it somehow didn’t. I read Ask, Tell about once a year and still this book gave me all the feels and even had me needing a few tissues. There were times when the characters were not together so there is plenty of brand new story. But even when the characters are together, finally having Bec’s POV adds a lot of depth to their romance. There was so much added angsty pining that I never truly realized before. There were also two big moments that I always wanted to know more about. One is a big step that Bec takes related to the romance, and the other is related to the main excitement of the book which I won’t give away but people who have read Ask, Tell will know what I mean. Anyway, those two moments are so big and important that it always bothered me not knowing what made Bec do one of them, and not knowing how she was feeling during both of them. Now, having this full picture really added so much to the Ask, Tell story and made it even better.
I would love to talk even more about the book but I don’t want to ruin anything encase there are people reading this who haven’t read Ask, Tell yet. I still think I would lean more toward recommending people read first, because of a few scenes that happen, but you could absolutely read this book first if you wanted to. I’m actually thinking of trying to read this and Ask, Tell, at the same time, going back and forth, since I think it would be a lot of fun and probably pretty amazing. If you are an Ask, Tell fan, when this comes out run, don’t walk to get this. This book actually made one of my favorite stories better and I’m a happy fangirl.
An ARC was given to me for a review.
After loving , we were lucky that Noyes gave us a wonderful sequel in , and she even gave us a sweet ending with the spin-off of . But even with all that extra time spent with our favorite couple, Bec and Sab, it still felt like something was missing. As much as I enjoy sequels, there has been times when I have loved a book or movie so much that I wished for a remake or something that could capture that same magic again. Well that is what Noyes did here by writing the Ask, Tell story again, but through Rebecca’s POV instead of Sabine’s. The reason this all worked is because Noyes is an amazing first person author so we now get that missing piece, we get to see how Bec falls in love with Sab, which really means that we get to experience their full love story now.
This whole book was really well done. I was a little worried it might seem too similar to Ask, Tell, which seems obvious, but it somehow didn’t. I read Ask, Tell about once a year and still this book gave me all the feels and even had me needing a few tissues. There were times when the characters were not together so there is plenty of brand new story. But even when the characters are together, finally having Bec’s POV adds a lot of depth to their romance. There was so much added angsty pining that I never truly realized before. There were also two big moments that I always wanted to know more about. One is a big step that Bec takes related to the romance, and the other is related to the main excitement of the book which I won’t give away but people who have read Ask, Tell will know what I mean. Anyway, those two moments are so big and important that it always bothered me not knowing what made Bec do one of them, and not knowing how she was feeling during both of them. Now, having this full picture really added so much to the Ask, Tell story and made it even better.
I would love to talk even more about the book but I don’t want to ruin anything encase there are people reading this who haven’t read Ask, Tell yet. I still think I would lean more toward recommending people read first, because of a few scenes that happen, but you could absolutely read this book first if you wanted to. I’m actually thinking of trying to read this and Ask, Tell, at the same time, going back and forth, since I think it would be a lot of fun and probably pretty amazing. If you are an Ask, Tell fan, when this comes out run, don’t walk to get this. This book actually made one of my favorite stories better and I’m a happy fangirl.
An ARC was given to me for a review.
April 30, 2022
Oh, the longing�
For once, I’m not going to say anything about the story. Either you’ve read and you already know it, or you haven’t and you really should. Read it first then come back to this book. Whether you read the second book, , and the third, , before or after this one doesn’t really matter unless you’re like me and need to read in order.
I usually fall in love with the characters over the course of the story but in this case, I went in already head over heels. Rebecca Keane is one of the most loved characters in sapphic fiction, I’m not immune to what makes her so special.
In the acknowledgements that open this book, the author explains that “with everything swirling around us, [she] just needed to spend some time with fictional friends�. That’s what this book feels like for this reader too, time with friends. As soon as I began reading If I Don’t Ask, it felt like home, a feeling at once wonderful and a little sad. I honestly didn’t expect to feel so much so soon. As I posted , once in a while, I’ll start reading a book and, a few pages in, wish I hadn’t. Because I will never have the anticipation again of reading it, will never read it for the first time again. That’s why I keep some “classics� unread, why I never binge read an author’s back catalogue if I love them. I keep at least one book to look forward to. There’s a reason Alone, by the same author, is one of these unread classics.
The fact that If I Don’t Ask is not a sequel but a retelling of an already well-known and much-loved story is exciting because the reader knows what is going to happen. We’ve lived it already, we can bask in the certainty and yearning of what’s coming. What we weren’t sure of yet was how Rebecca experienced it and that’s the gift Noyes gives us.
And that in itself is a tour de force. Telling the same story twice is always a risk. It could be boring, simply recycling. It could ruin the original. It could be seen as the author lacking the imagination to create something new. But this is E. J. Noyes, and she pulls it off magnificently.
Far from ruining the original, If I Don’t Ask adds to it. I, for one, didn’t remember Sabine was so cute and funny. Was she? Or is she when seen through Bec’s eyes?
If I Don’t Ask is also a perfect example that while dialogues and banter can be awesome, inner thoughts, when you’re in the head of someone as fascinating and well-written as Rebecca Keane, can be captivating. Even when all she’s thinking about is her attraction to Sabine and how impossible it is. There are other things happening in her life, however, that give a new perspective on her actions.
Rebecca Keane will always have Abby Craden’s voice for me, maybe because she was my first (Ask, Tell was my first Craden narration) or maybe because Abby Craden is perfect for the character. Either way, I had her voice in my head while reading and I’m very impatient to listen to the audiobook and hear her iconic “darling� again�
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog:
For once, I’m not going to say anything about the story. Either you’ve read and you already know it, or you haven’t and you really should. Read it first then come back to this book. Whether you read the second book, , and the third, , before or after this one doesn’t really matter unless you’re like me and need to read in order.
I usually fall in love with the characters over the course of the story but in this case, I went in already head over heels. Rebecca Keane is one of the most loved characters in sapphic fiction, I’m not immune to what makes her so special.
In the acknowledgements that open this book, the author explains that “with everything swirling around us, [she] just needed to spend some time with fictional friends�. That’s what this book feels like for this reader too, time with friends. As soon as I began reading If I Don’t Ask, it felt like home, a feeling at once wonderful and a little sad. I honestly didn’t expect to feel so much so soon. As I posted , once in a while, I’ll start reading a book and, a few pages in, wish I hadn’t. Because I will never have the anticipation again of reading it, will never read it for the first time again. That’s why I keep some “classics� unread, why I never binge read an author’s back catalogue if I love them. I keep at least one book to look forward to. There’s a reason Alone, by the same author, is one of these unread classics.
The fact that If I Don’t Ask is not a sequel but a retelling of an already well-known and much-loved story is exciting because the reader knows what is going to happen. We’ve lived it already, we can bask in the certainty and yearning of what’s coming. What we weren’t sure of yet was how Rebecca experienced it and that’s the gift Noyes gives us.
And that in itself is a tour de force. Telling the same story twice is always a risk. It could be boring, simply recycling. It could ruin the original. It could be seen as the author lacking the imagination to create something new. But this is E. J. Noyes, and she pulls it off magnificently.
Far from ruining the original, If I Don’t Ask adds to it. I, for one, didn’t remember Sabine was so cute and funny. Was she? Or is she when seen through Bec’s eyes?
If I Don’t Ask is also a perfect example that while dialogues and banter can be awesome, inner thoughts, when you’re in the head of someone as fascinating and well-written as Rebecca Keane, can be captivating. Even when all she’s thinking about is her attraction to Sabine and how impossible it is. There are other things happening in her life, however, that give a new perspective on her actions.
Rebecca Keane will always have Abby Craden’s voice for me, maybe because she was my first (Ask, Tell was my first Craden narration) or maybe because Abby Craden is perfect for the character. Either way, I had her voice in my head while reading and I’m very impatient to listen to the audiobook and hear her iconic “darling� again�
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog:
April 19, 2022
The other POV.
If you haven't read Ask, Tell by E.J. Noyes, I would recommend that you do. It's one of the better and most popular sapphic romances involving military personnel affected by the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy. The main characters are also part of a direct reporting chain structure so their love is doubly forbidden, which made it totally my type of book. Ask, Tell is written in the POV of the subordinate, Captain Sabine Fleischer who develops feelings for her supervisor, LTC Rebecca Keane while on deployment and I fell in love with the characters and their love story. Due to their circumstances, the characters tiptoe around their feelings for some time before facing them head on and I loved every part of their journey. However, I must say that some moments came about abruptly as well because we only had one POV and these moments took me by surprise.
If I Don't Ask retells this fantastic love story in Rebecca's POV and it is a welcomed addition to the Ask, Tell series as it fills in all the gaps of the earlier book. The reading experience is different this time because I'm not waiting to see what comes next. Instead, there's a sense of fulfillment as we now have the full story (Rebecca's POV) and I fell in love with both of them all over again particularly Rebecca.
This book can technically be read as a standalone, of course, but I don't recommend it. The best reading experience would be to read them all in chronological order.
I received an ARC from Bella Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
If you haven't read Ask, Tell by E.J. Noyes, I would recommend that you do. It's one of the better and most popular sapphic romances involving military personnel affected by the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy. The main characters are also part of a direct reporting chain structure so their love is doubly forbidden, which made it totally my type of book. Ask, Tell is written in the POV of the subordinate, Captain Sabine Fleischer who develops feelings for her supervisor, LTC Rebecca Keane while on deployment and I fell in love with the characters and their love story. Due to their circumstances, the characters tiptoe around their feelings for some time before facing them head on and I loved every part of their journey. However, I must say that some moments came about abruptly as well because we only had one POV and these moments took me by surprise.
If I Don't Ask retells this fantastic love story in Rebecca's POV and it is a welcomed addition to the Ask, Tell series as it fills in all the gaps of the earlier book. The reading experience is different this time because I'm not waiting to see what comes next. Instead, there's a sense of fulfillment as we now have the full story (Rebecca's POV) and I fell in love with both of them all over again particularly Rebecca.
This book can technically be read as a standalone, of course, but I don't recommend it. The best reading experience would be to read them all in chronological order.
I received an ARC from Bella Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 22, 2022
Five years after “Ask, Tell� Noyes gives us the other POV and it is so very satisfying!
Like many other readers here “Ask, Tell� is one of my all-time favorite books. Written in first person, so characteristic for Noyes’s writing, “Ask, Tell� brings you all the feelings that Sabine experiences during her first deployment in Afghanistan as an US Army surgeon. It also shows Lieutenant Colonel Rebecca Keane, who you just have to love, but who also remains a little bit of a mystery. That is, up until now, and I can’t describe how much I liked to see her side of the story in “If I Don’t Ask�, to read about her struggles with the situation, and the processes that lead up to some of the decisions she makes.
This book has the same storyline as “Ask, Tell� so I knew what was coming, but I wasn’t bored for one second. Perhaps it even heightened my anticipation at some parts of the book, wanting to know how a certain situation was like for Rebecca. And if I hadn’t already fallen in love with Rebecca in the first book I would have in this book.
This book can be read as a standalone like “Ask, Tell�, but they are both so good that you should read them both (and the other two books in this series). Personally, I would recommend to first read “Ask, Tell�. The feeling of both books was very different to me, so for me that order works best. These books are written in first person, so you get completely absorbed in the mind of the MCs and Sabine’s train of thought and behavior is almost the polar opposite of that of Rebecca. To me “Ask, Tell� had much higher energy and angst levels due to Sabine’s perfectionism, slightly neurotic tendencies and general awkwardness around Rebecca. Rebecca on the other hand has a more calming and mature personality, and her actions might even seem cool at times, but those actions are never made lightly or without thought and she’s actually one of the most caring people. To me, the overall feeling of this book was a bit more relaxed due to Rebecca’s personality, which makes the absolute perfect ending for the series. It would be interesting to read them at the same time though, I might give that a try someday.
I’m not going to say anything about the storyline, many will already know it, and I can only say to those who don’t, go read these books, you won’t be disappointed!
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Like many other readers here “Ask, Tell� is one of my all-time favorite books. Written in first person, so characteristic for Noyes’s writing, “Ask, Tell� brings you all the feelings that Sabine experiences during her first deployment in Afghanistan as an US Army surgeon. It also shows Lieutenant Colonel Rebecca Keane, who you just have to love, but who also remains a little bit of a mystery. That is, up until now, and I can’t describe how much I liked to see her side of the story in “If I Don’t Ask�, to read about her struggles with the situation, and the processes that lead up to some of the decisions she makes.
This book has the same storyline as “Ask, Tell� so I knew what was coming, but I wasn’t bored for one second. Perhaps it even heightened my anticipation at some parts of the book, wanting to know how a certain situation was like for Rebecca. And if I hadn’t already fallen in love with Rebecca in the first book I would have in this book.
This book can be read as a standalone like “Ask, Tell�, but they are both so good that you should read them both (and the other two books in this series). Personally, I would recommend to first read “Ask, Tell�. The feeling of both books was very different to me, so for me that order works best. These books are written in first person, so you get completely absorbed in the mind of the MCs and Sabine’s train of thought and behavior is almost the polar opposite of that of Rebecca. To me “Ask, Tell� had much higher energy and angst levels due to Sabine’s perfectionism, slightly neurotic tendencies and general awkwardness around Rebecca. Rebecca on the other hand has a more calming and mature personality, and her actions might even seem cool at times, but those actions are never made lightly or without thought and she’s actually one of the most caring people. To me, the overall feeling of this book was a bit more relaxed due to Rebecca’s personality, which makes the absolute perfect ending for the series. It would be interesting to read them at the same time though, I might give that a try someday.
I’m not going to say anything about the storyline, many will already know it, and I can only say to those who don’t, go read these books, you won’t be disappointed!
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 18, 2022
Ask, Tell was written by Noyes in 2017 and describes Sabine’s work and life as an Army surgeon who falls in love with her commander, Rebecca. This is during the time of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell in the U.S. Armed Forces.
If I Don’t Ask is the same story yet told from Rebecca’s viewpoint. Noyes could not have timed the gap between books with any more precision. There is just enough time to cloud the memory from Ask, Tell.
Rebecca’s voice is strong, confident and just feels right in my head. As the story unfolds it proves once again that Noyes is at the top of her game and intends to stay there. The idea for this book, genius! The quality of writing is superb. And for all those who fell in love with Sabine in the first book, we are given a second chance to have her in our consciousness once again.
If you have read the first book or reading this as a stand alone, you will not be disappointed. A great story will stand tall no matter what and by my estimation If I Don’t Ask stands ten feet tall.
I received an advanced review copy from Bella Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
If I Don’t Ask is the same story yet told from Rebecca’s viewpoint. Noyes could not have timed the gap between books with any more precision. There is just enough time to cloud the memory from Ask, Tell.
Rebecca’s voice is strong, confident and just feels right in my head. As the story unfolds it proves once again that Noyes is at the top of her game and intends to stay there. The idea for this book, genius! The quality of writing is superb. And for all those who fell in love with Sabine in the first book, we are given a second chance to have her in our consciousness once again.
If you have read the first book or reading this as a stand alone, you will not be disappointed. A great story will stand tall no matter what and by my estimation If I Don’t Ask stands ten feet tall.
I received an advanced review copy from Bella Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 2, 2023
An absolute pleasure to read
My feelings after finishing this book can be summarised in a four-letter word: sigh. I’m an unashamed fan of the Ask, Tell series and when Ms. Noyes announced that she was writing another book, I did a happy dance. This novel feels like a belated birthday present, so thank you, EJ Noyes, thank you, Bella Books.
Lieutenant Colonel Rebecca Keane is a successful US army doctor leading a surgical team deployed in Afghanistan. She’s used to repressing her sexuality under the strict Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy. But when Captain Sabine Fleischer joins her team, she feels an attraction that is hard to suppress. As Sabine’s direct commanding officer, Rebecca knows she cannot act on her desires but when a mutual attraction grows between them, it gets harder to ignore her feelings. However, under strict Army rules, acting on their attraction means risking not only their hearts but their careers.
This is book 4 of the Ask, Tell series formed by Ask, Tell (book one and Noyes’s excellent debut, 2017), Ask me Again (book 2, 2018), and If the Shoe Fits (book 3, 2019). If you are new to the series, first, what are you waiting to read it? and second, I don’t recommend following the publishing order. If I don’t ask retells the events of Ask, Tell (which was told from Sabine’s point of view) this time from Rebecca’s perspective. The timeline of both books is very similar though If I don’t ask starts a bit earlier. However, I suggest starting with Ask, Tell, following with this book, then Ask me Again and finishing it with If the Shoe Fits. The reason for this is that Ask, Tell has an element of surprise that you don’t want to miss but, at the same time, it creates an enigma around Rebecca Keane that this book reveals. (After writing this review, I noticed that Ms. Noyes suggests the same reading order in her blog post at ).
We are rarely privy to the same set of events told in two separate books from different points of view. This novel reminded me of the Winter Jacket series by Eliza Lentzski which covers part of the same story in book 0 and book 1. Rebecca Keane � like Hunter in Winter Jacket � is a pleasure to unveil when getting into her headspace. Some reviews of Ask, Tell complained that Rebecca’s actions seemed rushed but now that we can see the depth of her feelings and her personal circumstances, her decisions make complete sense. This book closes the full circle of the story and completes it.
If you have read Ask, Tell, then this novel loses any element of surprise but it doesn’t mean that it’s not heart-wrenching all over again, even if you know what’s coming. Additionally, Rebecca’s point of view, the discovery of her most intimate thoughts, her relationship with her best friend Linda (who unfortunately doesn’t appear in the rest of the series), a glimpse of her moral compass and work ethics, give a fresh perspective of the same events. In the acknowledgments, Ms. Noyes says that this book felt like a self-indulgent project but let me tell you, it’s not. At the risk of sounding like a hard-core fan of the series (which I am) I’d say that this book is necessary, plus, it’s a pleasure to read and who can reject that? I can’t wait to listen to Abby Craden narrate this story on audio and say “darling� again. More sighs coming from me.
Overall, another winner by EJ Noyes. An absolute pleasure to read. 5 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
My feelings after finishing this book can be summarised in a four-letter word: sigh. I’m an unashamed fan of the Ask, Tell series and when Ms. Noyes announced that she was writing another book, I did a happy dance. This novel feels like a belated birthday present, so thank you, EJ Noyes, thank you, Bella Books.
Lieutenant Colonel Rebecca Keane is a successful US army doctor leading a surgical team deployed in Afghanistan. She’s used to repressing her sexuality under the strict Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy. But when Captain Sabine Fleischer joins her team, she feels an attraction that is hard to suppress. As Sabine’s direct commanding officer, Rebecca knows she cannot act on her desires but when a mutual attraction grows between them, it gets harder to ignore her feelings. However, under strict Army rules, acting on their attraction means risking not only their hearts but their careers.
This is book 4 of the Ask, Tell series formed by Ask, Tell (book one and Noyes’s excellent debut, 2017), Ask me Again (book 2, 2018), and If the Shoe Fits (book 3, 2019). If you are new to the series, first, what are you waiting to read it? and second, I don’t recommend following the publishing order. If I don’t ask retells the events of Ask, Tell (which was told from Sabine’s point of view) this time from Rebecca’s perspective. The timeline of both books is very similar though If I don’t ask starts a bit earlier. However, I suggest starting with Ask, Tell, following with this book, then Ask me Again and finishing it with If the Shoe Fits. The reason for this is that Ask, Tell has an element of surprise that you don’t want to miss but, at the same time, it creates an enigma around Rebecca Keane that this book reveals. (After writing this review, I noticed that Ms. Noyes suggests the same reading order in her blog post at ).
We are rarely privy to the same set of events told in two separate books from different points of view. This novel reminded me of the Winter Jacket series by Eliza Lentzski which covers part of the same story in book 0 and book 1. Rebecca Keane � like Hunter in Winter Jacket � is a pleasure to unveil when getting into her headspace. Some reviews of Ask, Tell complained that Rebecca’s actions seemed rushed but now that we can see the depth of her feelings and her personal circumstances, her decisions make complete sense. This book closes the full circle of the story and completes it.
If you have read Ask, Tell, then this novel loses any element of surprise but it doesn’t mean that it’s not heart-wrenching all over again, even if you know what’s coming. Additionally, Rebecca’s point of view, the discovery of her most intimate thoughts, her relationship with her best friend Linda (who unfortunately doesn’t appear in the rest of the series), a glimpse of her moral compass and work ethics, give a fresh perspective of the same events. In the acknowledgments, Ms. Noyes says that this book felt like a self-indulgent project but let me tell you, it’s not. At the risk of sounding like a hard-core fan of the series (which I am) I’d say that this book is necessary, plus, it’s a pleasure to read and who can reject that? I can’t wait to listen to Abby Craden narrate this story on audio and say “darling� again. More sighs coming from me.
Overall, another winner by EJ Noyes. An absolute pleasure to read. 5 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 14, 2022
Let’s pretend none of us has read Ask, Tell or any other book in the series. None of us has obsessed and bought multiple versions of the same books, none of us has gathered virtually to do impromptu book chats to dissect and debate passages for well over 5 years. Nobody has decreed themselves Team Sabine or Team Bec. I’m going to review with fresh eyes.
If I Don’t Ask is the soulful telling of two women who find love during the most difficult of times. Both are surgeons in the army, stationed together in Afghanistan between 2007-2009, there to take care of soldiers injured on the nearby battlefields. Incredibly stressful and heartbreaking, yet their medical team meet the challenges of working under the most tragic circumstances. It’s no wonder that relationships are intense.
Lieutenant Colonel Rebecca Keane is all about being career military, embracing a life of discipline and leading a firm command. The story is told from her first person pov and it is engrossing. She is an incredibly powerful woman who is tough but fair and genuinely cares for those under her. For someone who is a stickler for rules, it comes as a shock to her when she finds herself falling for Captain Sabine Fleischer, a warm-hearted, younger woman who is one of her new surgeons. As Sabine’s commanding officer and under the DADT policy, there is no honorable way for Rebecca to even consider a romantic relationship with Sabine. But as is stated so often in the book, the heart wants what the heart wants.
Bec and Sabine’s story is a must read no matter which way it’s told. I am adding this volume to my yearly loop of rereads of the series. Waiting for the audio now.
If I Don’t Ask is the soulful telling of two women who find love during the most difficult of times. Both are surgeons in the army, stationed together in Afghanistan between 2007-2009, there to take care of soldiers injured on the nearby battlefields. Incredibly stressful and heartbreaking, yet their medical team meet the challenges of working under the most tragic circumstances. It’s no wonder that relationships are intense.
Lieutenant Colonel Rebecca Keane is all about being career military, embracing a life of discipline and leading a firm command. The story is told from her first person pov and it is engrossing. She is an incredibly powerful woman who is tough but fair and genuinely cares for those under her. For someone who is a stickler for rules, it comes as a shock to her when she finds herself falling for Captain Sabine Fleischer, a warm-hearted, younger woman who is one of her new surgeons. As Sabine’s commanding officer and under the DADT policy, there is no honorable way for Rebecca to even consider a romantic relationship with Sabine. But as is stated so often in the book, the heart wants what the heart wants.
Bec and Sabine’s story is a must read no matter which way it’s told. I am adding this volume to my yearly loop of rereads of the series. Waiting for the audio now.
October 9, 2023
EDIT: I just read the book, after doing up the audio the first time around, and OF COURSE I LOVED IT JUST AS MUCH. I am now going back to book 1 for the upteenth time, as I have Sabine and Rebecca on the brain. *laugh*. How can one not. So so so so amazing.
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I changed it up this time around and went straight for the audiobook when If I Don't Ask came out. I consider myself a platinum member of the Sabine/Rebecca club, having read the other two books too many times to count, and "hearing" Rebecca was the salve I didn't know I needed at this moment. I LOVED this experience, the emotion positively dripping from Abby Craden's once again stellar narration, and was fully invested from the first word. Bec remains one of my favourite lesfic women.
Having this series written as full-length books from both character's POV is so unique for lesfic, I can't think of another author who has managed a series like this (or so well!). We all know what a phenomenal writer Ms. Noyes is, and I was delighted to see how she wove Bec's experiences into the originalstory of Ask, Tell. Surely Ms. Noyes didn't realize what a powerhouseshe was unleashing with her first book in 2017, but these stories were like matched puzzle pieces. And c'mon people, how many times DID you listen/read to the last part of chapter 19/chapter 20? Goddamn smokin'.
This one delved more into the loneliness and isolation of DADT, I really felt this from Rebecca's position,maybe because of her role of commanding officer. I believe the phrase "lonely at the top." Of course DADT is highlighted in the other books, but this felt so much more raw, more vulnerable, and so heart-breaking. We also find out more about her relationships, friendships, and loss of family. All of this plus not being able to share openly at her workplace that she's devoted most of her life to just kept building. This is one of the reasons this series is so powerful, the waiting, wanting, yearning (cue Madonna's Justify My Love). Her attraction to Sabine burns so fucking bright.
I just.....I am standing and applauding right now. I am equally so happy this came out so I could devour it with unwavering attention, and also grieving the end of the series, as I don't see where else Ms. Noyes can go with them from here. And I'll learn to be ok with that. Eventually. :).
What a beautiful way to wrap up Sabine and Rebecca's story.
--------------------------------
I changed it up this time around and went straight for the audiobook when If I Don't Ask came out. I consider myself a platinum member of the Sabine/Rebecca club, having read the other two books too many times to count, and "hearing" Rebecca was the salve I didn't know I needed at this moment. I LOVED this experience, the emotion positively dripping from Abby Craden's once again stellar narration, and was fully invested from the first word. Bec remains one of my favourite lesfic women.
Having this series written as full-length books from both character's POV is so unique for lesfic, I can't think of another author who has managed a series like this (or so well!). We all know what a phenomenal writer Ms. Noyes is, and I was delighted to see how she wove Bec's experiences into the originalstory of Ask, Tell. Surely Ms. Noyes didn't realize what a powerhouseshe was unleashing with her first book in 2017, but these stories were like matched puzzle pieces. And c'mon people, how many times DID you listen/read to the last part of chapter 19/chapter 20? Goddamn smokin'.
This one delved more into the loneliness and isolation of DADT, I really felt this from Rebecca's position,maybe because of her role of commanding officer. I believe the phrase "lonely at the top." Of course DADT is highlighted in the other books, but this felt so much more raw, more vulnerable, and so heart-breaking. We also find out more about her relationships, friendships, and loss of family. All of this plus not being able to share openly at her workplace that she's devoted most of her life to just kept building. This is one of the reasons this series is so powerful, the waiting, wanting, yearning (cue Madonna's Justify My Love). Her attraction to Sabine burns so fucking bright.
I just.....I am standing and applauding right now. I am equally so happy this came out so I could devour it with unwavering attention, and also grieving the end of the series, as I don't see where else Ms. Noyes can go with them from here. And I'll learn to be ok with that. Eventually. :).
What a beautiful way to wrap up Sabine and Rebecca's story.
May 25, 2022
5 ⭐️
Awesome
First of all, I have to say I absolutely love the "Ask, Tell" series. It is the story of Sabine and Rebecca. A novelty for me is that there are two books with the same story (#1 and #4), from two different points of view (I only know this from movies) and it's the perfect complement to the series. In "If I Don't Ask" is telling us Bec her side of the story.
Captain Sabine Fleischer is deployed to Afghanistan where she meets her new team and her commanding officer, Lieutenant Rebecca Keane. It's Sabine's first overseas assignment, along with her best friend Mitch, they are flown to Afghanistan. Rebecca is the head doctor of the surgical unit and their superior.
I loved to reconnect with the people I already knew. I can't remember all the details from the first book but more and more memories came back. And Bec's vision brought out other nuances that had previously remained hidden. They are wonderful people and I can imagine that living and working in such a dangerous place makes the bonds between them much stronger. I loved the banter and the flag football matches they played, especially the rivalry between Mitch and Sabine. What I will never be able to imagine is what they have to face in such unfriendly and sometimes deadly surroundings, the suffering of people, the risks they have to take, and how often they are reminded of their own mortality.
The romance part is fantastic, from the first moment, the attraction between the two women is palpable, the chemistry was great and sparks flew from the beginning. Even the DADT rule could not keep them away from each other, but it very much influenced their actions and their relationship. The story is absolutely riveting, totally annoying with DADT, very emotional, and hot as hell. But be aware, it isn't all happy and fun. When the incident happened, to hear and feel Bec's despair and fear when she learned that one of the victims was Sabine, had me in tears immediately again.
Abby Craden makes the story an absolutely sensual experience with her ability to empathize perfectly with the characters and give them and their emotions a soulful voice. And oh my god, Sabine's raspy voice is hot and sensual - Abby at her best. Now I absolutely have to listen to "Ask, Tell" as well, although I don't know how I'm going to survive Sabine's voice for hours, I'll probably just melt away silently but happy.
I recommend the whole series, and please be sure to follow the order
Awesome
First of all, I have to say I absolutely love the "Ask, Tell" series. It is the story of Sabine and Rebecca. A novelty for me is that there are two books with the same story (#1 and #4), from two different points of view (I only know this from movies) and it's the perfect complement to the series. In "If I Don't Ask" is telling us Bec her side of the story.
Captain Sabine Fleischer is deployed to Afghanistan where she meets her new team and her commanding officer, Lieutenant Rebecca Keane. It's Sabine's first overseas assignment, along with her best friend Mitch, they are flown to Afghanistan. Rebecca is the head doctor of the surgical unit and their superior.
I loved to reconnect with the people I already knew. I can't remember all the details from the first book but more and more memories came back. And Bec's vision brought out other nuances that had previously remained hidden. They are wonderful people and I can imagine that living and working in such a dangerous place makes the bonds between them much stronger. I loved the banter and the flag football matches they played, especially the rivalry between Mitch and Sabine. What I will never be able to imagine is what they have to face in such unfriendly and sometimes deadly surroundings, the suffering of people, the risks they have to take, and how often they are reminded of their own mortality.
The romance part is fantastic, from the first moment, the attraction between the two women is palpable, the chemistry was great and sparks flew from the beginning. Even the DADT rule could not keep them away from each other, but it very much influenced their actions and their relationship. The story is absolutely riveting, totally annoying with DADT, very emotional, and hot as hell. But be aware, it isn't all happy and fun. When the incident happened, to hear and feel Bec's despair and fear when she learned that one of the victims was Sabine, had me in tears immediately again.
Abby Craden makes the story an absolutely sensual experience with her ability to empathize perfectly with the characters and give them and their emotions a soulful voice. And oh my god, Sabine's raspy voice is hot and sensual - Abby at her best. Now I absolutely have to listen to "Ask, Tell" as well, although I don't know how I'm going to survive Sabine's voice for hours, I'll probably just melt away silently but happy.
I recommend the whole series, and please be sure to follow the order
June 26, 2023
Audio: I have been saving the audio for a rainy day. Also, wanted to listen to this one first, then ‘Ask, Tell� to see how it affected the flow of the story. I think it works either way (not that I could forget the story I know by heart). Abby Craden, as if it were possible, actually made this book better. Her narration of Bec’s despair was fabulous and an outright acting job with superb emotions.
‘If I Don’t Ask� is a recount of Sabine and Rebecca’s story from Rebecca Keane’s point of view. The story starts when Sabine Fleischer and Mitch Boyd join Rebecca’s command at FOB Atlantis Military Hospital in Afghanistan. From how they came to be needed in the unit, to that first surgery and the he will ‘live-r� lame joke, we get to hear from Bec’s thoughts in Noyes� exquisite, and always entertaining, first person narration.
This is the fourth book in the ‘Ask, Tell� universe by EJ Noyes. You do not have to read the others in order to enjoy this one. In fact, I already had a discussion with reviewer extraordinaire Gaby about the order in which the books should be read (Easter morning, what better way to spend it?). I would still say read ‘Ask, Tell� first, but then this one. Although I would love to talk to someone who read this one first and their perspective on this issue-is it really an issue or just an ‘Ask, Tell� nerd moment? On that note will add the next discussion with also fellow reviewer J, would it be repetitive to read these two books back to back? My answer is I do not think so. Noyes did a great job with mentioning the events we already know but expanding on what we don’t-Bec’s thoughts.
Ms Noyes mentioned needing to spend time with fictional friends with everything going on in the world as the reason to indulge in this project. Thank you once again, since I was in need of some fictional friends as well. This has been the most challenging year in my life and this book was a happy read that revisited one of my all time favorite couples and their story. I always wondered about Bec rubbing her fingers at certain times with Sabine, or how she found out about The Incident. Rebecca unhinged was a bit surprising. And as I’ve read/listened to ‘Ask, Tell� more than is care to admit, I was surprised by a discrepancy on how the military paramedic managed Sabine’s care on the field (yeah, yeah, another nerd moment). There is also a more substantial reason for Rebecca to be on leave at the same time as Sabine, and we are introduced to a great character, Bec’s best friend Linda. She is levity and emotion, and certainly a necessary soundboard for Bec. Perhaps the most wonderful part is knowing that indeed, Bec’s love for Sab was not rushed but simply was there, unrequited for so long. The move to end her military career was not as drastic a decision as readers thought now that we know Bec’s journey.
Fans of the series will love revisiting the FOB and things like the football games at the base, along with the pang of loneliness and longing we endured with our fictional friends the first and certainly the second time around (‘Ask Me Again�). Easily 5 stars.
ARC generously provided to me by BB via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
‘If I Don’t Ask� is a recount of Sabine and Rebecca’s story from Rebecca Keane’s point of view. The story starts when Sabine Fleischer and Mitch Boyd join Rebecca’s command at FOB Atlantis Military Hospital in Afghanistan. From how they came to be needed in the unit, to that first surgery and the he will ‘live-r� lame joke, we get to hear from Bec’s thoughts in Noyes� exquisite, and always entertaining, first person narration.
This is the fourth book in the ‘Ask, Tell� universe by EJ Noyes. You do not have to read the others in order to enjoy this one. In fact, I already had a discussion with reviewer extraordinaire Gaby about the order in which the books should be read (Easter morning, what better way to spend it?). I would still say read ‘Ask, Tell� first, but then this one. Although I would love to talk to someone who read this one first and their perspective on this issue-is it really an issue or just an ‘Ask, Tell� nerd moment? On that note will add the next discussion with also fellow reviewer J, would it be repetitive to read these two books back to back? My answer is I do not think so. Noyes did a great job with mentioning the events we already know but expanding on what we don’t-Bec’s thoughts.
Ms Noyes mentioned needing to spend time with fictional friends with everything going on in the world as the reason to indulge in this project. Thank you once again, since I was in need of some fictional friends as well. This has been the most challenging year in my life and this book was a happy read that revisited one of my all time favorite couples and their story. I always wondered about Bec rubbing her fingers at certain times with Sabine, or how she found out about The Incident. Rebecca unhinged was a bit surprising. And as I’ve read/listened to ‘Ask, Tell� more than is care to admit, I was surprised by a discrepancy on how the military paramedic managed Sabine’s care on the field (yeah, yeah, another nerd moment). There is also a more substantial reason for Rebecca to be on leave at the same time as Sabine, and we are introduced to a great character, Bec’s best friend Linda. She is levity and emotion, and certainly a necessary soundboard for Bec. Perhaps the most wonderful part is knowing that indeed, Bec’s love for Sab was not rushed but simply was there, unrequited for so long. The move to end her military career was not as drastic a decision as readers thought now that we know Bec’s journey.
Fans of the series will love revisiting the FOB and things like the football games at the base, along with the pang of loneliness and longing we endured with our fictional friends the first and certainly the second time around (‘Ask Me Again�). Easily 5 stars.
ARC generously provided to me by BB via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 8, 2023
Reread 2023: Okay, so I listened to the audiobook this time and Jesus Christ. It was even BETTER due to Abby Craden’s stellar narration. Sabine and Rebecca are two of the most beloved characters in sapphic fiction for a reason. I am head over heels in LOVE with their love!! I swear every time I read about them I fall in love with them even more. Also can I be Rebecca Keane when I grow up (minus the military and medical stuff)? She’s so caring, capable, and admirable, and I envy her leadership skills. Also I’m majorly in love with Sabine. God, what a woman. She is EVERYTHING!!!
Original read 2022: Oh my god, this book was just what I needed. As other reviewers have said, reading it felt both familiar and new: not unlike reading a great fanfiction!
Sabine Fleischer and Rebecca Keane are two of the loveliest, most swoon-worthy characters I’ve ever encountered within the pages of a book. Thinking about their love story makes me feel content, ecstatic, warm, and full. Ask, Tell got me hooked on their story, Ask Me Again made me feel all the things, and If the Shoe Fits was the most delightful spin-off. Heck, I love these characters so much that I even created Sims of them! So of course, when I heard about this book, I was over the moon.
I loved spending time in Rebecca’s head. Her calm, collected exterior hides the fact that she’s endured lots of hurt and that she’s trying to fight a maelstrom of attraction toward Sabine (god, some of her thoughts are just 🔥🥵!). We also get some never-before-seen scenes of her being hot and in charge 🔥! Ask, Tell did leave me with a few questions about how things happened, and I appreciate how this book fills in the blanks.
Rebecca’s best friend Linda plays a large supporting role in the story, and I absolutely adored her fun, understanding personality. If I’m remembering correctly, I don’t think Linda was mentioned in the series before, and that feels odd to me considering how important she is to Rebecca. I can overlook this minor issue, though, because it’s the only real complaint I have.
As much as I adore Rebecca like the rest of the lesfic community does, I’ve always had more of a soft spot for Sabine. I just…AHHH! Sabine is so earnest and warm and goofy and intelligent and precise, and she steals the scene for me whenever she’s on the page. So, watching Rebecca fall deeply in love with Sabine and all her little quirks and nuances was intensely gratifying, and I swooned throughout most of the book. 😍
Something I love about this series is that, while the actual romance may happen quickly, the prolonged longing from both women leaves their story feeling complete. While under the confines of DADT, Sabine and Rebecca are so attuned to each other and can communicate by reading between the lines. Rebecca comes to adore everything about Sabine while they’re working together in dire conditions, so when thoughts of love pop into her head, it made perfect sense to me (and let’s face it, I’m a bit in love with Sabine too, so I completely get it).
While I’m sad to say goodbye to this series, I’m so excited to read E.J. Noyes� next books!
content warnings: homophobia in the form of DADT, war, medical stuff, blood, gore, injury, graphic sex, trauma/PTSD, violence, death, terminal illness (cancer), alcohol (recreational), loss of loved ones, infidelity, vomiting, emetophobia
Original read 2022: Oh my god, this book was just what I needed. As other reviewers have said, reading it felt both familiar and new: not unlike reading a great fanfiction!
Sabine Fleischer and Rebecca Keane are two of the loveliest, most swoon-worthy characters I’ve ever encountered within the pages of a book. Thinking about their love story makes me feel content, ecstatic, warm, and full. Ask, Tell got me hooked on their story, Ask Me Again made me feel all the things, and If the Shoe Fits was the most delightful spin-off. Heck, I love these characters so much that I even created Sims of them! So of course, when I heard about this book, I was over the moon.
I loved spending time in Rebecca’s head. Her calm, collected exterior hides the fact that she’s endured lots of hurt and that she’s trying to fight a maelstrom of attraction toward Sabine (god, some of her thoughts are just 🔥🥵!). We also get some never-before-seen scenes of her being hot and in charge 🔥! Ask, Tell did leave me with a few questions about how things happened, and I appreciate how this book fills in the blanks.
Rebecca’s best friend Linda plays a large supporting role in the story, and I absolutely adored her fun, understanding personality. If I’m remembering correctly, I don’t think Linda was mentioned in the series before, and that feels odd to me considering how important she is to Rebecca. I can overlook this minor issue, though, because it’s the only real complaint I have.
As much as I adore Rebecca like the rest of the lesfic community does, I’ve always had more of a soft spot for Sabine. I just…AHHH! Sabine is so earnest and warm and goofy and intelligent and precise, and she steals the scene for me whenever she’s on the page. So, watching Rebecca fall deeply in love with Sabine and all her little quirks and nuances was intensely gratifying, and I swooned throughout most of the book. 😍
Something I love about this series is that, while the actual romance may happen quickly, the prolonged longing from both women leaves their story feeling complete. While under the confines of DADT, Sabine and Rebecca are so attuned to each other and can communicate by reading between the lines. Rebecca comes to adore everything about Sabine while they’re working together in dire conditions, so when thoughts of love pop into her head, it made perfect sense to me (and let’s face it, I’m a bit in love with Sabine too, so I completely get it).
While I’m sad to say goodbye to this series, I’m so excited to read E.J. Noyes� next books!
content warnings: homophobia in the form of DADT, war, medical stuff, blood, gore, injury, graphic sex, trauma/PTSD, violence, death, terminal illness (cancer), alcohol (recreational), loss of loved ones, infidelity, vomiting, emetophobia
September 30, 2022
The Ask, Tell series is one of my favorites, so when I saw E.J announce that we were getting a full book from Rebecca’s point of view, I was ecstatic. Then I saw it was available for me to request an arc and I jumped on that opportunity. This series was so incredibly detailed and If I Don’t Ask is no different, from the locations, to the surgeries, to the feelings. You get absorbed into the story as if you’re there (I feel like I say this about every E.J. Noyes book, but it’s the truth). Getting more of the background from the time before Ask, Tell begins was incredible and makes their love story that much more special. I didn’t think there could be more chemistry, but knowing how Rebecca had felt, and feeling Sabine’s feelings through Rebecca, was breathtaking.
Once I got to the timeframe where Ask, Tell began, I read the chapters of that and If I Don’t Ask simultaneously and it was perfection. Highly recommend.
Cant wait for my preorder to arrive as I’ll definitely be reading this again.
I received an ARC from Bella Books in exchange for a honest review.
Once I got to the timeframe where Ask, Tell began, I read the chapters of that and If I Don’t Ask simultaneously and it was perfection. Highly recommend.
Cant wait for my preorder to arrive as I’ll definitely be reading this again.
I received an ARC from Bella Books in exchange for a honest review.
April 17, 2022
Rebecca Keane finds herself in a tough position after falling for Sabine Fleischer from afar. It’s 2009 and they are in the Army, still under DADT, and currently deployed in Afghanistan. Worse yet, Rebecca is Sabine’s commanding officer. This book is a retelling of the events in the prequel to this, Ask, Tell but from Rebecca’s POV instead of Sabine’s. This has been a series that I’ve read several times over so it was an easy choice for me to pick up this new one. I was a bit scared though as I’ve read other books attempt to retell the story in a different POV and not been thrilled with the result. I should have known better than to doubt EJ Noyes would be able to pull this off without a hitch. I feel like this type of book would be incredibly hard to write but the draw of getting to know characters you have already fallen in love with in a new light is exciting. If I Don’t Ask was just the right mix of old familiarity and exciting newness. It was a lot of fun reading about Rebecca’s feelings during the early years of their relationship. This book is one of the many reasons that I will read anything that EJ Noyes writes in the future, it is a guaranteed hit. Her work is consistently good, characters always entertaining and full of heart. I’m definitely a reader for life.
April 25, 2022
I can think of no better book to return from my break from reviewing than If I Don't Ask by EJ Noyes. EJ Noyes has well and above marked herself as one of the best in lesbian fiction beginning with her novel , which is the sister story to this one. I actually have a funny relationship to this series- It was the introduction to EJ Noyes for me as it was for most people. But I actually started out of order. I saw the series and thought "I'm not particularly interested in military stories" but I stumbled upon before other of Noyes' works, read it, loved it, and needed to know more. And that's where my love of Noyes' writing and particularly this series began- so I'm so happy to see it added here.
If I Don't Ask is essentially Rebecca's narrative through the events of Ask, Tell, but really it's so much more than that. Often when the concept of "this story told from the other character" is floated I kinda like the idea but I often wonder would a fully fleshed out book would be like and if it would be samey. But this wasn't for me at all. It's incredible how Noyes told this story despite all of us knowing exactly how it would end, but instead of it being boring, it breathed fresh life into the book and expanded it.
I also really liked the introduction of the new character to the series in Rebecca's best friend Linda. Her inclusion definitely helped this book have a whole new level of emotion, and also helped explain some of Rebecca's narrative that we didn't see before. I didn't remember any mention of her in the original books and I wish she was there! I liked her a whole lot.
The emotions in this book are wonderful. All of the angst you could want is still just as present as it was in the first book. All of the love too.
This book is an absolute read if you loved the Ask Tell series, or if you love lesbian fiction. I had a blast with it. 5/5
Thank you to Bella Books and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review
If I Don't Ask is essentially Rebecca's narrative through the events of Ask, Tell, but really it's so much more than that. Often when the concept of "this story told from the other character" is floated I kinda like the idea but I often wonder would a fully fleshed out book would be like and if it would be samey. But this wasn't for me at all. It's incredible how Noyes told this story despite all of us knowing exactly how it would end, but instead of it being boring, it breathed fresh life into the book and expanded it.
I also really liked the introduction of the new character to the series in Rebecca's best friend Linda. Her inclusion definitely helped this book have a whole new level of emotion, and also helped explain some of Rebecca's narrative that we didn't see before. I didn't remember any mention of her in the original books and I wish she was there! I liked her a whole lot.
The emotions in this book are wonderful. All of the angst you could want is still just as present as it was in the first book. All of the love too.
This book is an absolute read if you loved the Ask Tell series, or if you love lesbian fiction. I had a blast with it. 5/5
Thank you to Bella Books and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review
May 25, 2022
Recap of ebook versionreview:
It will be a surprise to absolutely no one that this book is terrific like its predecessors. As I was reading this story - which takes place at virtually the same time as Ask, Tell but from LTC Rebecca Keane's Point of View - I kept thinking how incredibly grateful I am that EJ Noyes felt the need to revisit these characters. That readers needed to know what Rebecca was thinking and feeling during this time, when we'd only seen it from Sabine Fleischer's point of view. And it doesn't feel like a retread at all but new, fresh material.
It's amazing how much has changed since the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy was revoked, but at the same time, I can't help but feel nervous that we may be moving into an era where it might happen all over again. And while a part of me wants to go back and read Ask Me Again, (the second in the series) it's such an incredibly painful book to read because Noyes captures Sabine's struggle in such a deep way. She has a gift for that. Like her incredible novel Alone, these are books that leave a reader so raw that you almost have to be in the right frame of mind to go there.
But this book - this and Ask, Tell, I can do again. Though, god, it leaves me wanting more yet again.
Audiobook review:
I. LOVED. THIS. AUDIOBOOK! 5+ stars
Abby Craden proves time and time again that even the best books can be improved upon withthe right narrator. One of her greatest talents is that she accesses, then conveys emotions so beautifully that the listener feels every single thing. From the sensual to the tormented, her work on this is just exquisite. I was completely enthralled down to the last seconds of the book. And the consummation scene? Oh my god. Oh. My. God. Just amazing. And now I feel the need to listen to Ask, Tell again. Because I just don't want to let these characters go.
It will be a surprise to absolutely no one that this book is terrific like its predecessors. As I was reading this story - which takes place at virtually the same time as Ask, Tell but from LTC Rebecca Keane's Point of View - I kept thinking how incredibly grateful I am that EJ Noyes felt the need to revisit these characters. That readers needed to know what Rebecca was thinking and feeling during this time, when we'd only seen it from Sabine Fleischer's point of view. And it doesn't feel like a retread at all but new, fresh material.
It's amazing how much has changed since the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy was revoked, but at the same time, I can't help but feel nervous that we may be moving into an era where it might happen all over again. And while a part of me wants to go back and read Ask Me Again, (the second in the series) it's such an incredibly painful book to read because Noyes captures Sabine's struggle in such a deep way. She has a gift for that. Like her incredible novel Alone, these are books that leave a reader so raw that you almost have to be in the right frame of mind to go there.
But this book - this and Ask, Tell, I can do again. Though, god, it leaves me wanting more yet again.
Audiobook review:
I. LOVED. THIS. AUDIOBOOK! 5+ stars
Abby Craden proves time and time again that even the best books can be improved upon withthe right narrator. One of her greatest talents is that she accesses, then conveys emotions so beautifully that the listener feels every single thing. From the sensual to the tormented, her work on this is just exquisite. I was completely enthralled down to the last seconds of the book. And the consummation scene? Oh my god. Oh. My. God. Just amazing. And now I feel the need to listen to Ask, Tell again. Because I just don't want to let these characters go.
May 19, 2022
I saved this read for when I was away and could fully focus and be absorbed by it. I re-read Ask, Tell right before I dug into this beauty. And geez� Ask, Tell got even better the second time around, but this other POV? Amazing.
Rebecca and Sabine, Sabine and Rebecca� They must be one of the most beloved couples in sapphic romance. And why wouldn’t they be? Told in first person POV from Rebecca’s perspective we finally get answers to the questions that might have plagued you since reading Ask, Tell. I knew exactly what was coming but still this was the best read. I think because this perspective is just so different. Where Sabine’s perspective is a bit more high energy, Bec’s seems more mature and thought out.
Bec’s POV gives us some extra layers to this already great story and made me fall a little more in love with her (please don’t tell the OH).
The longing, the pining, all the distress and worrying, Noyes writes it so well I almost feel all those feels as well. It’s amazing how you can think Ask, Tell is perfect, but when you read one after the other it’s just this glorious love story that hardly can be topped.
I suggest you read Ask, Tell before reading If I Don’t Ask. Also, shame on you if you haven’t read Ask, Tell yet ;)
Rebecca and Sabine, Sabine and Rebecca� They must be one of the most beloved couples in sapphic romance. And why wouldn’t they be? Told in first person POV from Rebecca’s perspective we finally get answers to the questions that might have plagued you since reading Ask, Tell. I knew exactly what was coming but still this was the best read. I think because this perspective is just so different. Where Sabine’s perspective is a bit more high energy, Bec’s seems more mature and thought out.
Bec’s POV gives us some extra layers to this already great story and made me fall a little more in love with her (please don’t tell the OH).
The longing, the pining, all the distress and worrying, Noyes writes it so well I almost feel all those feels as well. It’s amazing how you can think Ask, Tell is perfect, but when you read one after the other it’s just this glorious love story that hardly can be topped.
I suggest you read Ask, Tell before reading If I Don’t Ask. Also, shame on you if you haven’t read Ask, Tell yet ;)
November 20, 2023
women: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
high powered older femme women in uniform: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
high powered older femme women in uniform: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 21, 2022
I have been waiting quite impatiently for If I Don’t Ask by E.J. Noyes to land in my e-reader. I believe the Ask, Tell Series is one of the best series of WLW novels around and this book is the perfect addition to this group.
What is intriguing about this newest story is that with some exceptions and additions, it covers the same major events as the first book in the series. What makes this novel so different and exciting is that we see the events through the eyes of Lieutenant Colonel Rebecca Keane, a surgeon and the commanding officer of the surgical unit that includes Captain Sabine Fleischer, the main character in the first tale. If I Don’t Ask begins in 2007, two years before Ask, Tell and of course, DADT has a major influence on both stories.
The romance between Rebecca and Sabine is even more multi-layered as we now get to see it through Rebecca’s perspective, which provides so much more meaning and feeling to their love story. In this book we get to see how they meet. We also get to watch them slowly become aware of the chemistry between them even as they must hide it because of DADT and their positions in the Army. Although I knew when some of the major events would happen, they all seemed new and fresh coming from Rebecca’s perspective. For instance, I knew when “the incident� was going to happen, but seeing it through Rebecca’s eyes had me in tears all over again.
It was great seeing all the characters again that I’d connected with in earlier novels. They are just as real and human as I remember them. The setting of the hospital unit in Afghanistan is so vividly described, I almost felt like I was there. I felt the extreme cold and dry heat. I marveled at the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets the two women shared. I felt like I was there in the surgical rooms during the traumatic events. The author made this story come alive through her descriptions.
This novel and this series has my highest praise and recommendation. If you have already read the other novels, make sure you read this one. If this is a new series for you, then you should read them all. I normally say you should read them in order, but I’m going to change that here. I know this book will be listed as the fourth book in the series, but you might enjoy reading it as the second one, and then finish the rest of the novels as normal. Whatever you do, read this book.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bella Books for an honest review.
What is intriguing about this newest story is that with some exceptions and additions, it covers the same major events as the first book in the series. What makes this novel so different and exciting is that we see the events through the eyes of Lieutenant Colonel Rebecca Keane, a surgeon and the commanding officer of the surgical unit that includes Captain Sabine Fleischer, the main character in the first tale. If I Don’t Ask begins in 2007, two years before Ask, Tell and of course, DADT has a major influence on both stories.
The romance between Rebecca and Sabine is even more multi-layered as we now get to see it through Rebecca’s perspective, which provides so much more meaning and feeling to their love story. In this book we get to see how they meet. We also get to watch them slowly become aware of the chemistry between them even as they must hide it because of DADT and their positions in the Army. Although I knew when some of the major events would happen, they all seemed new and fresh coming from Rebecca’s perspective. For instance, I knew when “the incident� was going to happen, but seeing it through Rebecca’s eyes had me in tears all over again.
It was great seeing all the characters again that I’d connected with in earlier novels. They are just as real and human as I remember them. The setting of the hospital unit in Afghanistan is so vividly described, I almost felt like I was there. I felt the extreme cold and dry heat. I marveled at the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets the two women shared. I felt like I was there in the surgical rooms during the traumatic events. The author made this story come alive through her descriptions.
This novel and this series has my highest praise and recommendation. If you have already read the other novels, make sure you read this one. If this is a new series for you, then you should read them all. I normally say you should read them in order, but I’m going to change that here. I know this book will be listed as the fourth book in the series, but you might enjoy reading it as the second one, and then finish the rest of the novels as normal. Whatever you do, read this book.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bella Books for an honest review.
April 19, 2022
If I Don't Ask gives us the Ask, Tell story from Rebecca's point of view. Being back with Rebecca and Sabine again is like getting together with old friends. You didn't realize how much you missed them until you see them again. It's exactly the book I wanted it to be and I'm so glad E.J. Noyes brought them back into our lives.
Dr. Sabine Fleischer arrives at the Army base in Afghanistan that is under Rebecca's command. Rebecca is impressed by Sabine's talent and dedication but is also attracted to her both physically and emotionally. There are many obstacles in the way of a relationship between the two women, from DADT to Sabine being Rebecca's subordinate. Anyone who has read Ask, Tell knows how the story turns out but getting the story from Rebecca's point of view adds so much to an already brilliant story.
E.J. Noyes writes Rebecca's love, longing and when tragedy strikes, her pain, so beautifully. Rebecca and Sabine's story is one of my favorite. Their love is undeniable and all encompassing. It's one of the most beautiful love stories I've ever read and being able to read both sides of their story is a gift. Ask, Tell was E.J. Noyes first book and she has done nothing but continue to impress with each book since.
This is book ten and she has come full circle by returning to these wonderful characters.I couldn't recommend this book more. Sit back, grab a glass of wine and fall in love all over again with Rebecca and Sabine.
An ARC was received from Bella Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
Dr. Sabine Fleischer arrives at the Army base in Afghanistan that is under Rebecca's command. Rebecca is impressed by Sabine's talent and dedication but is also attracted to her both physically and emotionally. There are many obstacles in the way of a relationship between the two women, from DADT to Sabine being Rebecca's subordinate. Anyone who has read Ask, Tell knows how the story turns out but getting the story from Rebecca's point of view adds so much to an already brilliant story.
E.J. Noyes writes Rebecca's love, longing and when tragedy strikes, her pain, so beautifully. Rebecca and Sabine's story is one of my favorite. Their love is undeniable and all encompassing. It's one of the most beautiful love stories I've ever read and being able to read both sides of their story is a gift. Ask, Tell was E.J. Noyes first book and she has done nothing but continue to impress with each book since.
This is book ten and she has come full circle by returning to these wonderful characters.I couldn't recommend this book more. Sit back, grab a glass of wine and fall in love all over again with Rebecca and Sabine.
An ARC was received from Bella Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
April 24, 2022
I think the majority of people who have read E.J.Noyes first book ‘Ask,Tell�, will have been waiting for eagely for this book, � If I don't ask� which is told from Rebbecca Keanes point of view. It’s just pure brilliance. I read this book in one sitting. I was gripped as soon as I read the first page, not only is it gripping, it's heart warming, has the ‘banter� to break the angst in the story, and it's emotional. This is one of the books that should be read, if you've not heard of this author before, pick up her first book and enjoy. If you've read her previous books, you need to get yourself a copy of this latest book, ‘If I Don't Ask�. I promise you will not be disappointed.
I've given it a 5/5.
I've given it a 5/5.
May 25, 2022
I think Rebecca is one of my fav characters in contemporary sapphic fiction. This was a lovely way to get her pov in the first book of this series, and hearing Abby Craden do one of her favorite voices of mine in her repertoire for a WHOLE BOOK!! Was just *chefs kiss* perfection.
November 16, 2024
If I Don’t Ask is definitely one of my favorite books. It’s a wonderful continuation of the Ask, Tell series, and E.J. Noyes has once again created a story that kept me hooked from start to finish. I was really excited to read this book, and it absolutely lived up to my expectations.
This time, the story is told from Rebecca’s perspective, which adds a deeper layer to the events of the previous book. Seeing Sabine through Rebecca’s eyes only made me appreciate both characters more. Their relationship felt even more real and layered, and I became even more invested in their journey. Noyes does a fantastic job of building on the story, adding emotional depth that enhances the whole series.
Although we know the major events already, this retelling is still incredibly engaging. Noyes’s writing is so immersive that, even though I knew what was coming, I was never bored or disinterested. The emotional depth, character development, and storytelling are what make this book stand out and feel fresh.
Like the previous books in the series, I finished If I Don’t Ask with that familiar "book hangover" - that feeling when you just don’t want to start a new book right away. But the best cure? Going back and reading it all over again. And I can’t wait to do just that!
Audiobook review:
After reading the Ask, Tell books several times, I decided to try the audiobooks, and I’m so glad I did. Abby Craden’s narration brought Rebecca and Sabine to life in a whole new way. Her voice really captured the emotions of the characters and added a level of intimacy to the story that I hadn’t fully experienced in the written version. Listening to the series made me appreciate it even more, and I’d definitely recommend the audiobooks to anyone who enjoys them.
No matter how many books or audiobooks I read in the future, this series will always hold a special place in my heart. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who loves a beautifully written, deeply emotional story about love, trust, and vulnerability.
This time, the story is told from Rebecca’s perspective, which adds a deeper layer to the events of the previous book. Seeing Sabine through Rebecca’s eyes only made me appreciate both characters more. Their relationship felt even more real and layered, and I became even more invested in their journey. Noyes does a fantastic job of building on the story, adding emotional depth that enhances the whole series.
Although we know the major events already, this retelling is still incredibly engaging. Noyes’s writing is so immersive that, even though I knew what was coming, I was never bored or disinterested. The emotional depth, character development, and storytelling are what make this book stand out and feel fresh.
Like the previous books in the series, I finished If I Don’t Ask with that familiar "book hangover" - that feeling when you just don’t want to start a new book right away. But the best cure? Going back and reading it all over again. And I can’t wait to do just that!
Audiobook review:
After reading the Ask, Tell books several times, I decided to try the audiobooks, and I’m so glad I did. Abby Craden’s narration brought Rebecca and Sabine to life in a whole new way. Her voice really captured the emotions of the characters and added a level of intimacy to the story that I hadn’t fully experienced in the written version. Listening to the series made me appreciate it even more, and I’d definitely recommend the audiobooks to anyone who enjoys them.
No matter how many books or audiobooks I read in the future, this series will always hold a special place in my heart. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who loves a beautifully written, deeply emotional story about love, trust, and vulnerability.
June 23, 2022
At the begining of the book I've sensed a different Rebecca from the one I met in Ask Tell. She seemed to lack of many of the great qualities she use to have in the prior books. The influence of her own point of view ... maybe?
Later on the book brought alive the Rebecca I've remembered: The great leader, professional, smart, strong, the confident one.
I fell in love with Bec's personality one more time.
Second half of the story overweighted the first half by far.
And Noyes worked her incredible magic, since I couldn't put the book down, even If I knew what was coming next in the story, amazing !
4.3 rounded to 5
Great read!
Later on the book brought alive the Rebecca I've remembered: The great leader, professional, smart, strong, the confident one.
I fell in love with Bec's personality one more time.
Second half of the story overweighted the first half by far.
And Noyes worked her incredible magic, since I couldn't put the book down, even If I knew what was coming next in the story, amazing !
4.3 rounded to 5
Great read!
June 23, 2022
I agree with everything everyone of my friends have already said about this book! Rebecca’s point of view is bloody brilliant!
May 29, 2022
5 stars! I‘ve been in love with Rebecca Keane ever since I first read „Ask, Tell�, and I‘ve re-read Ask, Tell every year. And now having Rebecca‘s perspective of the story in part 4 of the series feels like a real treat. In my opinion, it‘s hand down the strongest book in the Ask Tell series, and undoubtedly my most anticipated book ever sonce I learned of its existence!
The story of „If I don’t ask� is basically the same, just with a different focus and from a new POV. If you fear it might be too close to Ask, Tell don‘t worry, it‘s really not.
Freshly promoted Lieutenant Colonel Rebecca Keane has to discharge two of her team members of her surgical team because of adultery, and she is immediately attracted to one of the new additions to her team, Captain Sabine Fleischer. The Don‘t ask don‘t tell policy is still in place, and so Rebecca lives with constant remorse and self-censorship while trying to be a good leader.
Rebecca really is every bit as wonderful as I imagined. She‘s considerate, mature in her thoughts and communication, and all in all utterly adorable. I truly enjoyed how much she enjoys being a leader and how important good leadership is to her, and how she still shows her vulnerability. I could swoon every time she admonishes someone for "a word!?".
Her love for plants and her loving to do jigsaw puzzles was a nice addition, and I adored her friendship with Linda. It‘s very Rebecca, and also truly heartbreaking. If one thing was missing for me, I would have loved to see a bit more interaction with and feelings about her team, but it was only ever Sabine.
What I didn‘t really expect was the 2,5 years of pining, of longing for Sabine. How utterly delightful!
What I also didn't expect was her remorse about the incident. Another thing that was heartbreaking to learn.
I also liked to see how she saw Sabine. While I liked Sabine just fine before, I never really grasped her character, and so it was good to rediscover her through Rebecca‘s eyes.
This book is first person POV at its best. E.J. Noyes does this so well, but what we have here is really special. Due to shipment problems, I listened to the audiobook before I got my paperback copy. I knew it was going to be awesome, but this audiobook is.. just wow. „Ask, Tell� was probably my very first Abby Craden book, and I‘ve loved her voice ever since. And yet, her voice in „If I don‘t ask� is even better. Abby outdid herself and her Bec voice is truly something else. The whole book is such a sensual experience, with Abby‘s voice which is perfect for both Rebecca and Sabine.
Very much looking forward to reading the paperback now. Usually in the audio (I've listened twice already) I miss more details than in the written words and I'm really looking forward to discovering these details.
TL;DR: Wow. Highly recommended, especially the audiobook narrated by Abby Craden!
The story of „If I don’t ask� is basically the same, just with a different focus and from a new POV. If you fear it might be too close to Ask, Tell don‘t worry, it‘s really not.
Freshly promoted Lieutenant Colonel Rebecca Keane has to discharge two of her team members of her surgical team because of adultery, and she is immediately attracted to one of the new additions to her team, Captain Sabine Fleischer. The Don‘t ask don‘t tell policy is still in place, and so Rebecca lives with constant remorse and self-censorship while trying to be a good leader.
Rebecca really is every bit as wonderful as I imagined. She‘s considerate, mature in her thoughts and communication, and all in all utterly adorable. I truly enjoyed how much she enjoys being a leader and how important good leadership is to her, and how she still shows her vulnerability. I could swoon every time she admonishes someone for "a word!?".
Her love for plants and her loving to do jigsaw puzzles was a nice addition, and I adored her friendship with Linda. It‘s very Rebecca, and also truly heartbreaking. If one thing was missing for me, I would have loved to see a bit more interaction with and feelings about her team, but it was only ever Sabine.
What I didn‘t really expect was the 2,5 years of pining, of longing for Sabine. How utterly delightful!
What I also didn't expect was her remorse about the incident. Another thing that was heartbreaking to learn.
I also liked to see how she saw Sabine. While I liked Sabine just fine before, I never really grasped her character, and so it was good to rediscover her through Rebecca‘s eyes.
This book is first person POV at its best. E.J. Noyes does this so well, but what we have here is really special. Due to shipment problems, I listened to the audiobook before I got my paperback copy. I knew it was going to be awesome, but this audiobook is.. just wow. „Ask, Tell� was probably my very first Abby Craden book, and I‘ve loved her voice ever since. And yet, her voice in „If I don‘t ask� is even better. Abby outdid herself and her Bec voice is truly something else. The whole book is such a sensual experience, with Abby‘s voice which is perfect for both Rebecca and Sabine.
Very much looking forward to reading the paperback now. Usually in the audio (I've listened twice already) I miss more details than in the written words and I'm really looking forward to discovering these details.
TL;DR: Wow. Highly recommended, especially the audiobook narrated by Abby Craden!
April 14, 2022
If you have read Ask Tell, Ask me again, then it’s a no-brainer that you are going to not only read If I don’t ask but love it too.
There are 2 sides to every story and this beautifully crafted story is from the delightful point of view of Dr Rebecca Keane. It is great to see the scenes through her eyes and get some more background and history of the character.
If you haven’t read any of EJ Noyes books then crawl from under the rock you have been living under and catch up!
Now I’m off to read Ask Tell again, I’m interested to do so with my insider knowledge!
I am grateful to have received an ARC from NetGallery and Bella Books, still I had already pre-ordered the book!
There are 2 sides to every story and this beautifully crafted story is from the delightful point of view of Dr Rebecca Keane. It is great to see the scenes through her eyes and get some more background and history of the character.
If you haven’t read any of EJ Noyes books then crawl from under the rock you have been living under and catch up!
Now I’m off to read Ask Tell again, I’m interested to do so with my insider knowledge!
I am grateful to have received an ARC from NetGallery and Bella Books, still I had already pre-ordered the book!
May 15, 2022
It will be a surprise to absolutely no one that this book is terrific like its predecessors. As I was reading this story - which takes place at virtually the same time as Ask, Tell but from LTC Rebecca Keane's Point of View - I kept thinking how incredibly grateful I am that EJ Noyes felt the need to revisit these characters. That readers needed to know what Rebecca was thinking and feeling during this time, when we'd only seen it from Sabine Fleischer's point of view. And it doesn't feel like a retread at all but new, fresh material.
It's amazing how much has changed since the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy was revoked, but at the same time, I can't help but feel nervous that we may be moving into an era where it might happen all over again. And while a part of me wants to go back and read Ask Me Again, (the second in the series) it's such an incredibly painful book to read because Noyes captures Sabine's struggle in such a deep way. She has a gift for that. Like her incredible novel Alone, these are books that leave a reader so raw that you almost have to be in the right frame of mind to go there.
But this book - this and Ask, Tell, I can do. Though, god, it leaves me wanting more yet again. And luckily we will have it - when Abby Craden puts her stamp on the audiobook. I cannot wait.
It's amazing how much has changed since the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy was revoked, but at the same time, I can't help but feel nervous that we may be moving into an era where it might happen all over again. And while a part of me wants to go back and read Ask Me Again, (the second in the series) it's such an incredibly painful book to read because Noyes captures Sabine's struggle in such a deep way. She has a gift for that. Like her incredible novel Alone, these are books that leave a reader so raw that you almost have to be in the right frame of mind to go there.
But this book - this and Ask, Tell, I can do. Though, god, it leaves me wanting more yet again. And luckily we will have it - when Abby Craden puts her stamp on the audiobook. I cannot wait.
June 28, 2022
Really good book - forgotten how well Noyes writes and how stupid the Military were / are. Loved the story - highly recommended.
April 27, 2022
Oh, Rebecca, Rebecca, Rebecca.
I love Ask, Tell. It's one of the first few books I've read when I first step into the sapphic fiction world. I can not tell how happy I was when I read the announcement from E.J. Noyes that the Ask, Tell series will have a book 4!!
If I Don’t Ask is like a book 0.5~1 of the series, and it's told from Rebecca's POV. It's satisfying to read it because all the mystery you feel from Rebecca and the story blank from Ask, Tell will all be fulfilled; it completes the series and makes them even more perfect.
I highly recommend If I Don’t Ask and the whole series.
Thank you NetGalley and Bella Books for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review
I love Ask, Tell. It's one of the first few books I've read when I first step into the sapphic fiction world. I can not tell how happy I was when I read the announcement from E.J. Noyes that the Ask, Tell series will have a book 4!!
If I Don’t Ask is like a book 0.5~1 of the series, and it's told from Rebecca's POV. It's satisfying to read it because all the mystery you feel from Rebecca and the story blank from Ask, Tell will all be fulfilled; it completes the series and makes them even more perfect.
I highly recommend If I Don’t Ask and the whole series.
Thank you NetGalley and Bella Books for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review
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