Ask, Tell

Ask, Tell #1

by E.J. Noyes

Where can you turn when you’re caught in a crossfire of war and passion? Captain Sabine Fleischer is a skilled and dedicated U.S. Army surgeon deployed to a combat hospital in Afghanistan. She is also one of the thousands of troops who are forced to serve in silence because of the military’s anti-gay policy of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT).” Usually driven and focused, Sabine finds that battles raging both inside and outside the perimeter walls are making it more and more difficult for her to deal with her emotions. Dealing with loss and mortality, lack of privacy, sleep deprivation, loneliness and the isolation forced on her by “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” are all taking their toll. Plus, her long-term relationship with a civilian back home is quickly becoming another casualty of war. Colonel Rebecca Keane is an enigmatic career officer who runs the surgical unit like clockwork. Well liked and respected by those who work with and under her, she walks a fine line to preserve the military’s chain of command while connecting with those under her care and supervision. Sabine knows the Colonel is way off-limits, but can’t help fantasizing about her. Especially when she starts picking up unspoken cues—a stolen glance, a secret smile, an “accidental” brush of hands. Or is it just wishful thinking? After all, Rebecca’s wedding ring shines almost as brightly as her deep blue eyes…

Genres: Romance, LGBT, Lesbian, Military Fiction, Audiobook, Fiction, Contemporary

283 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 15, 2017

About the author

E. J. Noyes is an Australian transplanted to New Zealand, which may be the awesomest thing to happen to her. She lives in the South Island with her wife and the world’s best and neediest cat, and is enjoying the change of temperature from her hot, humid homeland.

An avid but mediocre gamer, E. J. lives for skiing (which she is also mediocre at), enjoys arguing with her hair, pretending to be good at things, and working the fact she’s a best-selling and award-winning author into casual conversation.

If you want (very) sporadic emails about what E. J. is doing, you can sign up for the E. J. Noyesletter at: https://ejnoyesauthor.com/

Reviews

[Lex Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Read Nov 10, 2018: Anyone who knows me knows I don’t reread books often. Actually this is my first reread of 2018. I can only reread a book that I truly love and one that sticks with me and doesn’t want to let go. And this happens to be the perfect description for this book Ask, Tell. This is the best military romance I have ever read and one of my favorite medical romances period. If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. Being almost two years since I read this I was wondering would it hold up to my strong memories? I’m happy to say that yes, I loved this just as much the second time around. The sequel to this book, titled Ask Me Again, is coming out in a few days. I can’t wait! If you have yet to give this book a chance, now is the perfect time to read this. This is a debut book for Noyes and still one of my all-time favorites.

Original review: I am a sucker for military and cops & docs type books. So to have a book that covers two of those, surgeons in the army, yes please! This book absolutely lived up to my expectations. I really enjoyed it. In fact, I think it is one of the better medical military books I have read.

This book takes place a few years before Don't Ask, Don't Tell, was repealed. DADT, was put in place to make things less discriminatory for gays and lesbians, but it was like putting a band-aid over a bullet wound. It still kept people in fear of being found out and being discharged, especially if they were caught "in the act". This is a first person story told through the eyes of Sabine, a surgeon who is a Captain in the Army. Sabine, has had a crush on her boss, Colonel Rebecca Keane, since they met. When Sabine starts noticing signs her feelings might be mutual, she doesn't know what to do. Is there a chance at a relationship, or will the Army's policy stop them before it can happen?

This appears to be Noyes' debut book, and I'm floored by that. This was really well written for a debut, heck it's really well written period. Noyes must have done a ton of research. This book was very realistic and well done. I do have to mention, there is some very graphic scenes. They are surgeons in Afghanistan, so this book is bloody and gory in parts. But it was not over done. It was believable and you felt like you were right there while it was happening.

Both main characters were very likeable, especially Sabine, whose headspace we are in the whole time. The thoughts and feelings of Sabine were very realistic, especially in a scene when she is sleep deprived. It was very well written.

I also enjoyed the romance. The chemistry is obvious, and there was some good intimate scenes. The relationship might have moved a little quickly, but considering everything else going on, I get it, so I didn't mind.

There is more I would love to talk about, but I don't want to spoil anything by accident. I read this book in one setting, and my only disappointment is that I would have liked the book to be longer. Noyes, has made it to my must read author list. I absolutely recommend this, and hope others enjoy it as much as I did.

An ARC was given to me by Bella, for a honest review

[Diane Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impressive read!
....so intense with so much more

[Ted · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having served both before and during DADT, I can tell you it was a terrifying time to identify as anything other than straight in the military. This book is a really good look at what it was like during that time. I very much enjoyed it. An epilogue would have been icing on the cake, but shrug. I'll live.

[gloria .☆ﾟ. · Rating 2 out of 5]

➥ 2 Stars *:･ﾟ✧

Rebecca runs her nails over my stomach, pausing at the small scar just above my right hip. "Appendix?"

I nod and she continues trailing her nails up over my breasts before she reaches around to unhook my bra, letting it swing from a forefinger before she tosses it away.

━━━━━━━━━━━ ♡ ━━━━━━━━━━━

Guess who's finally writing a review for this book 🤪😌. Anyways, I had to skim read this book twice to find one (1) quote that I thought was decent enough to set as the featured one. I was so fucking excited to read this book because the cover was hot, women in uniform (duh) and I thought this would have a nice forbidden aspect to it. I really thought they'd be stealing kisses in hiding spots but no, what a disappointment.

The characters were meh. Just so unimpressive and unoriginal:

➥ Sabine, god how I hate her. She's one of the most insufferable heroines I've ever read about and I cannot stand her inner monologue. She's beyond annoying and I really don't understand why Rebecca likes her? Also, I don't like her name.

➥ Rebecca, the love interest. Uh, she was ok. Her character just felt so shallow and wasn't fleshed out enough.

➥ Mitch, the best character lmao. He's Sabine's best friend, he's decently funny, supportive, and just the only thing that kept me going while reading this. However, he is kinda the gay man stereotype so idek atp.

To start off with something positive, the medical/military aspect was thoroughly and impressively researched. It's clear that Noyes was well informed when writing this book and I can appreciate that.

What most annoyed me was the writing (I think.) This is written from 1st person but only from Sabine's perspective. It would have definitely been nicer for it to be dual pov because I felt so distanced from Rebecca and her character since I couldn't see what she was thinking.

But wait, Sabine's internal monologue was worse. She talks about herself in 3rd person in her head and it made me want to rip out my hair.

Don't do it, Sabine.
Stop it, Sabine.
Of course, Sabine.
Don't be stupid, Sabine.
No, Sabine.
Don't be silly, Sabine.
You idiot, Sabine.

Enough!!! It was torturous and really hindered my enjoyment of the book. The main character was so fucking immature.

Regardless, I read this book for the romance of course, but it was so severely disappointing.

➥ Insta love, ohmygod. Sabine has a crush on Rebecca from the beginning of the book and all we see is her inner monologue where she's got the hots for Rebecca and ugh, it was so annoying.

➥ There was little to no romantic dialogue/banter. I literally don't understand why these girls like eachother? They have no chemistry, no interactions and no conversations.

➥ Most of the romance happens outside of the military base? They both take leave together, have sex and boom. They're in love apparently? I'm so lost, am I missing something? This book (and author) is so loved by the sapphic community but I cannot, for the life of me, understand why.

➥ No angst, you'd expect that, because this romance is forbidden or whatever, that there's a decent amount of angst but no, lol. These girls are like "oh you like me?" "yeah" "ok" *in love*.

➥ Zero sexual tension. This kind of goes along with the angst, but there was just nothing hot about them? Nothing swoon-worthy, nothing that made my heart skip a beat. Just so bland and pointless.

➥ The sex was also bland and below average, surprise surprise. I think one time, the author uses the word "cavern"? Bleh, get it right. There were 2 scenes, both outside of the military setting, and they were both short and bland.

Then towards the end, the fmc has a main character moment and decides to cut?? her hair?? into a karen?? haircut?? Absolutely not.

And the ex-drama, so dumb and useless, again. Everything about this book just gets on my nerves.

Oh now, let's talk about the end because what the fuck 😀. I don't even know what to say?? I understand this is a military romance, but no need for such theatrics please, I'm not trying to get traumatised. I literally cried, they didn't deserve that, I loved them :(

Anyway, what a disappointment. I really did want to add quotes to this review but there are zero (0) quotes that are even worth writing. I'd never recommend this to anyone. This book scared me into thinking that all these types of sapphic books are bad but, fear not, that is not the case!!!

━━━━━━━━━━━ ♡ ━━━━━━━━━━━

[Gaby LezReviewBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Ask, tell by EJ Noyes


This is a beautiful love story between two US army doctors (one higher ranked than the other) in times of the Don't ask don't tell policy. Written in first person and in present tense, it takes a couple of chapters to get used to but, despite the potential problems of this stylistic choice, the author pulls it off perfectly. This book goes beyond the typical lesbian romance, it has suspense, action, angst and there is even place for social and political criticism. All perfectly balanced, realistic and beautifully written by a surprisingly debut author.

In a nutshell, the best lesbian military book I've ever read. Cannot recommend it more. 5+ stars. 

This book is in my list of recommended books of the month:

https://lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com/...

[Farah · Rating 5 out of 5]

" War, what is it good for?
Absolutely nothing "

The only person / party who should be making money from death is The Undertaker (should not be confused with Mark William Calaway)

According to Goodreads, there are 127 reviews written for Ask, Tell. Almost everyone either:
z. loved it.
y. captivated by it.
x. wanted Sabine / Rebecca / Jana in their lives.
w. declared Ms.Noyes, a freaking genius.
v. hated one of the most horrible and inhuman policy ever created and implemented to these brave individuals who voluntarily left their homes to work under hostile environment in hell on Earth.
u. all of the above
There aren't enough F Yous that I can say to convey my feelings towards 'v'. To those who served under it, I dedicate Tina Turner's Simply The Best to all of you.

I have the e-book in my phone and Vader Jr for months but too chicken to read about the conflicts, the Fucked Up DADT, to share the burden carried by Sabine, to feel the hurt of not being able to touch the woman who owns my heart and soul especially when she's right in front of me and to pursue a relationship with her in public. Many thanks to the 127 amazing reviewers and my new interest in audiobooks, for inspiring me to read this and I am now #128.

Ms.Noyes, I would like to thank you for -
1. Not redeeming your 'I am just a newbie as this is my debut so.. do take it easy on me' points.
2. The extensive research and creating the curiosity folder to Ask,Tell readers to make their own research for better understanding / knowledge bank.
3. Allowing Sabine to go clubbing and do the whole nine yards.
4. The most intriguing doorbell in the history of Romance!!! (I heard my own a second after Sabine's and more money went into the SB)
5. Never being a half - arse author
6. T.H.E. sex scenes that will cause more damage to the Ozone layer.
7. Making me cry over scenes that don't involve death.

Since this is a crowd favorite, pop quiz?

1. What type of undies was Sabine wearing during her first with Rebecca?
2. The name of Victoria's new / old love interest?
3. What did Rebecca order during her first breakfast with Sabine?
4. Sabine drinks her coffee with?
5. In November, who opened the door and let Rebecca in?

I'm going to wait for Ask Me Again audiobook to be released, meanwhile....

Btw, Abby Craden did so much better than her performance in Paper Love but.. when I heard her Mitch's voice in Ask,Tell, I was wondering what the heck was Uncle Norbert from Paper Love doing in Afghanistan instead of being in Freiburg, Germany.

[lov2laf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything about this book is superbly well done.

All of the characters are great, the military life is accurate, the chemistry between Sabine and Rebecca is excellent, dialogue is perfect, pacing is just right...and, in a super rare instance in lesfic, there is a good amount of drama that is actually realistic without becoming melodramatic.

Despite any intensity this book has, there is a light-hearted quality laced throughout it, too, due to the humorous banter between the deep friendships and jokes used to diffuse the tension and tragedy of situations. Because of that, I wouldn't consider this a heavy read though the subject matter is serious.

I'm especially impressed with not only the rich depiction of military life in Afghanistan but that, even as an American that remembers when Don't Ask, Don't Tell came into being, it brought the circumstances of such a situation to light.

Really enjoyable read, overall. 4.5 stars and highly recommend.

[Jem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ask, Tell is about a lesbian surgeon's experience in Afghanistan in a combat hospital, in the dark days of "don't ask, don't tell", as she balances duty, friendships and forbidden love in a stifling and hostile environment. It's a very authentic portrayal that's rich in details, raw emotions and the visceral horrors of war.

Even more powerful is the protagonists' forbidden love story, which, while incredibly sexy, doesn’t get as much attention as I was expecting. (I don't mean the sex, because those were some of the hottest ever written! I meant the two women's scenes were few and far between--and these two sizzled everytime they as much as lock eyes at each other.) Falling for the boss. Or the subordinate, and a same-sex one at that, can pretty much guarantee at least a dishonorable discharge in the military. I was expecting perhaps more fireworks, more troubles and hence, more angst, along these lines. But these two ladies are the epitome of professionalism at work, so it was all just worries, worries and more worries. :) Nothing actually happens to them in the book as a consequence of DADT, despite the title, because, well, it's duty above all else.

Also, the pacing feels rather uneven. The book starts and proceeds at a very deliberate pace, and then rushes to end it. It felt like time was dilated for the first 90% of the book, and compressed for the last 10%. Did the author run up against some publisher page limit?

While the first person POV gave us amazing insight into the main character, it also limited our understanding and appreciation of her lover, who, being the higher ranked officer of the two, had far more to lose than the MC. For someone who's career military, and with her professional experience, confidence, and cachet, she seemed a little too well adjusted at the end to her instant retirement and domesticity.

I think this is one case where an epilogue would have been perfect for the reader to get better closure with the characters.

4.45 stars

[JulesGP · Rating 5 out of 5]

1/22/20: finished audiobook for first time.
ABBY CRADEN. So now I know what the fuss is about. But what really surprised me was how powerful and intense she could be beyond the sexy scenes. Her narration on the Incident nearly pushed me into a real life panic attack. I’m jumping right into her narration of Ask Me Again but I’ll be ready.

Reread on 10/17/19: So glad that I reread this pearl of a book before starting 2 and 3. About 100 Lesfic books under my belt since the original read and I’m in disbelief that this is a debut.

Ask, Tell is the story of an Army surgeon stationed in Afghanistan. Captain Sabine Fleischer and her colleagues operate and stabilize soldiers who are brutally injured in combat. She is also a lesbian during DADT. It’s important, not just because this story is a kind of romance, but because the secrecy and fear of discovery inhabit every experience. So that when good and bad happen to her, Sabine must hold back emotions, words, and even reactions. That’s an incredibly painful way to live.

The story is told in first person and present tense giving the book the feel of a journal. Some of the best books I’ve read are collections of soldier’s oral narratives and that’s how the story flowed. It felt intimate and immediate. When you’re in the hands of a gifted writer and they place you in else’s someone’s skin, it’s very powerful. I felt that way while reading Ask, Tell, throughout the ups and downs of Sabine’s heartbreak and tragedy and then her finding a once in a lifetime love.

Beautiful book.

[Jude Silberfeld-Grimaud · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had been warned but still, I will never be prepared for how sexy Abby Craden’s voice is. And she also rules in non-sexy scenes. I have to say, she might have ruined me for average narrators.

I listened to this audiobook about a month ago but couldn’t get myself to review it before now. Now that I’ve listened to the sequel – Ask Me Again –, I had to review this one first. I read the book in December 2018, and the review I wrote then is kinda pitiful, so it was no help. Maybe I just have to admit I have no words for this book. It’s a debut novel, it’s superbly written, it made me ache and cry and rejoice, both in its written form and in audio.

Captain Sabine Fleischer is a U.S. Army surgeon deployed in Afghanistan. She’s meticulous, dedicated, focused. Except when her boss, Colonel Rebecca Keane, is around. Sabine’s crush on her superior is tremendous but she won’t act on it: she already has a girlfriend at home. And there’s also that teeny-weeny matter of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT). When her girlfriend leaves her, Sabine has to go through the pain and betrayal alone, not allowed to talk about it with anyone, not even her best friend Mitch. The only good thing about it is that she can now allow herself to at least dream of something happening with Rebecca, who seems to struggle as much as her with their forbidden attraction.

As I wrote in my original review, I read a lot and most of the books I read are rather well written, but some are way above the rest. This is one of those. Not in a noticeable way that would make me stop to admire a sentence, as it happens sometimes with other authors, but in a completely organic way. It’s simply so perfect you just flow with it. Add to that the more than stellar narration by Abby Craden and I am in awe.

[Luce · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 stars rounded up to 5 stars

Excellent book! And a first time author at that.
Sabine is an army Captain and a surgeon, stationed in Afghanistan near the end of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT). This story is written in the first person - in Sabine's headspace. I haven't read many first person books - I'm not sure if it's because it's hard to do well or if it's just plain hard to do. Nevertheless, Noyes does it well and overall I liked it. Noyes really captures how I imagine it would be at a modern M*A*S*H type unit. The camaraderie, the discomforts, the difficulties with DADT, along with graphic realistic horrors of war all seen & felt through Sabine. Also helps is that you (Or rather, I) love Sabine and are pulling for her.

There is also well written and rounded out, side characters - from her Commanding officer, Col Rebecca Keene who Sabine has a massive crush on, to her BFF, Mitch who essentially was "adopted" by Sabine's family, to her tent mate Amy who leaves candies in Sabine's pockets and to her sister back home.

Then there is the romance. I wasn't planning on reading this book because the description implies infidelity which I generally avoid. Thankfully I was assured it wouldn't be a problem and it wasn't. Noyes does a good job navigating the difficulties of DADT and a believable romance. You can feel the chemistry and tension between them.

This is a definite re-read for me and a good chance it will be in my top 10 this year. I'll be watching for Noyes next book.

[Tiff · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you see a book get rave reviews, over an over again, you rush to read it right. Shoulda, coulda, woulda! I have had this book on my list of to-reads for months now, why the delay, I am not sure, but I am so glad I finally read this one. It was an amazing way to get 2018 started.

Captain Sabine Fleischer is an Army surgeon currently deployed in Afghanistan. Her days are filled desperately trying to save the wounded men and women that are serving in the war. When we meet Sabine she is struggling to fight her crush on her superior as well as navigate a nine-year relationship that is sinking fast. Her longtime partner is tired of military life. Vic, her girlfriend, was never a being a fan of the Army and the years of separation have created a crater that cannot be fixed. Sabine is trying to get through this deployment and navigate her life back in the States. No easy feat, and it's all begging to crumble around her.

Colonel Rebecca Keane is Sabine's superior as well as the object of her massive crush. She's a gifted surgeon who is rock solid under pressure, respected by her peers and all around a good person. Sabine is drawn to Rebecca even though she knows there is no way they can ever be together. Everything is against them especially her relationship status and military policies. I won't ruin the story for you, just know that Sabine and Rebecca have a magnetic chemistry together, and love always conquers all.

Reading this book, you feel the horrors of war, the pain of a breakup and the utter despair our service members must have felt serving in the military under DADT. This book was amazingly well written, I cannot say that enough! EJ Noyles transported me to the medical camp and put me right there with the main characters. The story is heart-breaking, romantic, sexy as hell and shows the resilience of the human spirit. It's hard to believe that DADT only ended in 2011. Thank goodness it did! A great read well worth your time. 4.25 stars

[Tere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook update

Captain Sabine Fleischer is an Army surgeon serving under the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t tell’ (DADT) policy. Things are stale and disconnected from her girlfriend of nine years but nonetheless, Sab is taken aback when Victoria breaks up with her over a letter while Sab is deployed in Afghanistan. This sends her into a tailspin while only able to confide on her best friend because of DADT. While trying to cope with the loss, Lieutenant Colonel Rebecca Keane, her unit supervisor and platonic crush since meeting a few years back, seems to be interested in Sabine’s wellbeing. Caught in between grief, wanting and rules and regulations, Sabine must keep her feelings buried. That is, until an opportunity arises while on leave in the States and opens the door to an entire new dilemma.

‘Ask, Tell’ was the debut novel by Ms Noyes. And what a debut it was! Narrated expertly from Sabine’s first person POV, the connection the reader makes with the character is powerful. I will credit this author with my love of first person POV. I have never experienced such a link with a character, no doubt due to the range of emotions she endures throughout the length of this book. What the author now refers as ‘The Incident’, was truly moving and left me in tears.

The characters in the book are well developed, a great feat since only seen through Sabine’s eyes. Rebecca is sweet and devoted, and I easily became her cheerleader and champion. Best friend’s Mitch and Amy are just adorable and quirky. Same with Sab’s sister Jana, whose banter with Sabine is endearing and funny. The settings are well described and for the dessert, the imagery left me tasting the dust and feeling the dryness. I could have been an spectator during the unit’s flag football games!

This time around (ok so I’ve read this book a couple, ok a few times), after waiting and waiting, I was able to listen to this story. It so happens that one of my favorite narrators, Abby Craden, was tasked with reading this one. I will admit that Sabine’s voice was a little on the raspy side for my liking, but the first person narration was in a much more soothing voice so I did not mind. It also helps to know that is how Ms Noyes envisioned it. Another very good narration by Ms Craden.

Overall a great story and in my opinion, a must read for lesfic fans. 5+ stars

[Terence M [on a brief semi-hiatus] · Rating 4 out of 5]

25 June 2022:
Modified my rating for this book from
3.0-Stars to 3.5-Stars, rounded to 4-Stars.
Audiobook - 08:30 Hours - Narrator: Abby Craden
3.5^4-Stars - I "liked this book a lot".

Listening to this book represents a couple of 'firsts' for me. It was my first deliberately chosen book from a "Romance" genre and my first from a "Lesbian Fiction (Les-Fic)" genre, if there is such a thing. I was encouraged to listen to "Ask, Tell" by an old friend of mine, a gay woman who pooh-poohed my declaration that I would never choose to read/listen to a "Romance" novel, let alone any book written specifically for readers of lesbian fiction.

She suggested "Ask, Tell" because: a) EJ Noyes is a gay Aussie writer of Les-Fic; b) Noyes used the US military policy of "DADT" (Don't Ask, Don't Tell) which was introduced under the Clinton administration in December 1993, lasting until September 2011, as the main theme of "Ask, Tell"; and c) my friend loved the pure (impure?😏) romance of the plot and storyline and was convinced I would probably like it. I did.

I enjoyed listening to this book. The narrator was very good and the story was pacy, interesting, moving, romantic and just a little bit sexy😉. Set mainly in Afghanistan, the key characters are a Lt. Colonel and a Captain, both females, both battle-trauma surgeons, working in the in-country battlefield operating theatres. Another Captain-surgeon is a gay male who is the best friend of the gay female Captain. Both are extremely aware of the constraints placed on them by DADT and the consequences for any officer or any military personnel who contravene the policy.

The stress this directive placed on the gay members of the US military for the eighteen years before it was rescinded is portrayed in a critical, yet sensitive manner. I can only hope that whatever the current policy dictates and how it is being implemented is a vast improvement on DADT and Clinton's well-meaning but clumsy attempts to modernise the military's approach to homosexuality.

See: https://www.britannica.com/event/Dont... for information on DADT and it's consequences.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second read May 2022. How is that this book got even better a second time around?


How can this be a debut?! It’s crazy good…

Nothing more to say, everything has been said about this author and this book already.

[Simone11 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic story. Loved every second of this book. Highly recommend.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Ask, Tell four times, I’m still completely in love with this book—and after listening to the audiobook narrated by Abby Craden, I might even love it more. If that’s even possible!

The story follows Army surgeons serving in Afghanistan, exploring the intense and emotional struggles of two dedicated professionals caught between their love for each other and their commitment to their country. It’s a deeply moving narrative that sheds light on the challenges of serving under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, while also providing a glimpse into military life, with all its complexities.

The book is told from the perspective of Captain Sabine Fleischer, and being in her headspace truly allows you to feel the emotional weight of serving in a time when being open about one’s sexuality was forbidden. Sabine’s voice is authentic and compelling, and you can’t help but empathize with her struggles. As someone whose wife has served in the Air Force for over 18 years, I can personally relate to many aspects of military life presented in the story, both the good and the bad.

I absolutely love both of the main characters. Sabine is witty, nerdy, and a perfectionist—a brilliant surgeon with a sense of humor that balances the gravity of her role. Lieutenant Colonel Rebecca Keane, on the other hand, is strong, confident, and incredibly sweet. Together, they make an incredible couple with undeniable chemistry, and I have to say, they’ve become my favorite couple from all the books I’ve read so far.

Sabine’s best friend, Mitch, her coworker Amy, and her sister Jana all add rich layers to the story. I particularly enjoyed Sabine’s relationship with her sister, Jana, and I thought it was a lovely touch that the final book in this series focuses on Jana, while still including Sabine and Rebecca.

EJ Noyes’ writing is brilliant, and Abby Craden’s narration is equally exceptional. Their collaboration brought the story to life in a way that exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a heartfelt, intense romance with well-developed characters and a unique setting.


Audiobook Review:
As much as I adore the written version of Ask, Tell, the audiobook brings an entirely new dimension to the experience. Abby Craden’s narration is nothing short of excellent. Her performance brings a depth and emotional resonance to the story that made me fall even more in love with the characters. Craden’s voice is warm and expressive, and she does a fantastic job of conveying the internal struggles of Sabine, as well as the chemistry between her and Rebecca. The pacing of the narration was perfect, and I found myself drawn in from the very first chapter. If you enjoy audiobooks, this one is definitely worth listening to.

[Pippa D · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Captain Sabine Fleischer is a general surgeon in the US Army working in a combat zone in Afghanistan. Dealing with the daily trauma that comes through her operating theatre, Sabine is clever, quick and funny. On her second rotation, she's an old hand, knows the game and plays it well.

Her best friend Mitch is also a surgeon in the same unit. Everyone suspects they're a pair, not knowing that it's safer for them to see that, as both Mitch and Sabine are homosexual. Set during the time of the policy, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" (DADT), Mitch and Sabine hide in plane sight, always careful not to reveal the truth and be forced from the Army.

Their boss is the enigmatic, and meticulous, surgeon Colonel Rebecca Keane. She runs the surgical unit with precision expected from a career soldier. However, subtle cracks in the facade start showing when Sabine is around.

The constant separation from her long-term partner back home is causing difficulties, and Sabine knows that their relationship is suffering and isn't sure it can be saved. So when she starts to suspect that her crush on Rebecca is reciprocated, things start heating up. However the war, and the Army, is going to get in the way.

This was a cleverly written work. Noyes has managed to describe life in a surgical unit in a combat zone well, without it being too traumatising to the audience. She's also grappled with the difficulties of living with the DADT policy, without it crushing the story.

What was so unexpected was that it is written in the first person. It is really rare to read a romance, let alone something which has elements of a thriller in it from that perspective. It was captivating as a result.

Sabine is really well drawn as the main character. Rebecca is less well drawn as the story is told from Sabine's perspective, but I still had a good sense of who she was by the end of the book. It was probably less than I wanted to know about her character though, and this could have been built up a little.

What Noyes handles really well is the difficulty of knowing when to add in detail, and when to skip over chunks of time that is less interesting. She's managed this really well, without the story ever feeling episodic. I won't tell you the precise details of some of the examples of this because it will spoil the story for those of you wanting to read it for the first time.

It was as fascinating look at life in the army during this time, and life as a surgeon on the front lines.

[Agirlcandream · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Reread in to get full value out of her new release, Ask Me Again. Loved this book the second time through as much as I did the first. *

What a terrific read. I love military/medical dramas when they are done well and Ask,Tell hits all the high notes for me. First person is my least favourite point of view but seeing and feeling the events and emotions Sabine experiences makes the reader feel like they are right there, boots on the ground in a war zone. You can't help but admire her self effacing wit and her solid friendship with Mitch as they deal with DADT, knowing one wrong glance or hint of impropriety can end their careers in the military.
The action scenes are screenplay realistic and the operating room scenes are suitibly graphic. Both lend an authentic feel to this well paced novel. Romance in a DADT military is challenging and frustrating and adds a whole new meaning to the term slow burn.

I loved it. One of the best books I've read this year and penned by a debut author. Awesome.

Thanks Lex and Netty for your positive reviews. I may have overlooked this Bella author and novel had it not been for your reviews.

[Sandra★ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book broke me. I was literally crying for like an hour straight.

This is a beautiful yet heartbreaking story. Noyes writing is beautiful. I was as always put off when I read there's infidelity involved in this novel, I usually try to stay away from those sorts of stories. Thankfully though it isn't between the main love interests but in one of their past relationships.

The whole novel was beautiful written, the only thing that seemed off to me was how quickly and smoothly Sabine and Rebecca entered into their relationship. The last 20% of the book also seemed kind of rushed, other than that it was perfection.

I don't know much about the military life or anything like that but you could definently tell the author did her research and did it well. I'm even more excited now to read her other novels.

I actually listened to the audiobook of this which I would definently recommend. The narrator Abby Craden did an amazing job.

This is for sure a book I can see myself re-reading many times in the future.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. What a terrific debut novel. I am actually going to immediately re-read it, which is something I rarely do. I just can't leave these two characters behind just yet.

Update: I liked it even more the second time through. And I'm so impressed with her characters. Love them.

It was lovely to read this again. Definitely goes on my all-time favorites list with the sequel.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and educational read - at least for me who have no knowledge of the DADT policy in the US army (or even from where I am!)

Story was told in Sabine’s POV. Would have been more interesting if we get to read Rebecca’s thoughts/POV as well. Plot was well paced and many issues were laid out; infidelity, PTSD, same-sex relationship within the military.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Ask, Tell and look forward to reading Ask Me Again. Highly recommended

5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Laure · Rating 5 out of 5]

🏳️‍🌈👭📚👩‍❤️‍👩🏳️‍🌈

Review left on April 19th 2019 ....

-------------

Since a good friend of mine offered me the paperback of « Ask Me Again » (I still can’t find the words to say « Thank you » properly so, for now, I’ll go with : 🙃🙂😊🤗). I have no choice, I have to read it, right ?? (yeah, I know ... that’s such a sacrifice … LMAO) … But two years between the reading of a novel and its sequel is a long time gap so I decided to re-read « Ask, Tell » before starting « Ask Me Again »’s reading … I wanted to be reacquainted with Sabine and Rebecca.

All the people who know me well know that I usually don’t reread books … Nahhhh, that’s not because I don’t want to, just because I have still hundreds of books to read & dozens of authors to discover ahead of me … (the only books in English I’ve re-read until now – and all this year (2019) -- were a short story & a comic book but that’s another story)
« Ask, Tell » is the kind of book that sticks with me since I’ve read it in 2017and it doesn’t want to let me go … This book is, for me, still the best military romance I have ever read and, in another category, also one of my favorite medical romances (yeah I’m a huge fan of medical and military stories, between other things, so having both themes in one novel is just a pure wonder.). Since I deeply loved it, it wasn’t hard to dive in it once again …

Gosh !!! It’s sooooo good that it’s hard to believe that « Ask, Tell » is E.J Noyes’s debut novel (Attagirl Aussie Lady !!!) and, yes, it’s one of my all-time favorites (and think it’ll stay this way for a long while)

I wasn’t very used to leave some review back then (and just a rookie beta reader) but now I’m very comfortable with that so I decided to leave a review this time … Of course, my rating is still the same : 5 stars (Seriously guys … you sure we can’t add a 6th one , at least from time to time ???)




The story focuses on Captain Sabine Fleischer, a skilled and dedicated U.S. Army surgeon deployed to a combat hospital in Afghanistan … and her boss Colonel Rebecca Keane is an enigmatic, well liked and respected career officer who runs the surgical unit like clockwork. They work together since several years now. For plenty of reasons, beginning by having a GF back home, this bloody US Army DADT policy and Rebecca’s wedding ring which shines almost as brightly as her deep blue eyes, Sabine knows the Colonel is way off-limits, but, of course, she can’t help fantasizing about her. …
The story is told from Sabine’s perspective, at the present tense. And I had absolutely NO PROBLEM (at all) with this … Maybe because I’m used to this now … Or just because it’s a damn good book … IDK … and I don’t care !!!


The PROS :
° The simplicity of both the cover and the title …
° The way it’s narrated. I think the way the story is told, is a huge plus in this case … It helps us (readers) to be even more closer to the characters… Seriously, it’s like watching a documentary … a documentary filmed at the heart of the action by a close & dear friend … And we live all the same emotions as hers (her joys, her doubts, her distress coupled with the internalized loss, angst and pain after Vic’s betrayal, her physical pain in the end and much more … )
° the fact that none of the other characters (starting by the gorgeous and sexy Bec), or more secondary characters (Mitch for example) are diminished … As a matter of fact, they are, like everything else, like printed in 3D …
° Since I’m a huge fan of both themes, the fact that the book is a medical / military - romance
° the fact that the MCs are both mature women (the age-gap between them is a plus …😍😍 ) with a great chemistry between them , so … uber-hot sex scenes guaranteed !!! 😋😜😉
° the interesting plot, the great romance & good dialogues
° the well balanced story (between all the 1st MC’s emotions / feelings) told with style & humor …


The CONS … Hmm sorry (but not sorry) … I didn’t find any …


If I had to make a very short and quite different version of my review it’d be something like this :
Did I enjoy this book? => Hell, yes !!! … even more this time !!!!
Did I find the characters believable? => Totally … and they’re also deeply touching ..
Is this book still included in my « must be re-read »-list? => Yes, absolutely … Think I’ll go for a 3rd round someday.
Would I read another book by this author? => Oh yeah !! And more than one actually, beginning by the sequel « Ask Me Again » …
Would I recommend this book => Yes … to everyone, not just he age gap / military / medical / romance fans … ‘cause it’s definitely a « MUST BE READ ». 🤯 👍👍


No hesitation needed here guys and gals : grab your copy & … Enjoy your reading !!!!.
💜💙💚💛🧡❤️

🏳️‍🌈👭📚👩‍❤️‍👩🏳️‍🌈

[Loek Krancher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just awesome!

A very moving story about the struggle of the two main characters in probably the most difficult time for them in the military. The author gives a well-written, vivid portrait of their lives, their true feelings and their love. Two women who are dedicated soldiers and who are torn between love and serving their country. A beautiful story of friendship, loyalty, living a lie and loving in secret. I highly recommend this book.

[Luce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is for the audiobook of Ask, Tell by E.J. Noyes narrated by Abby Craden. 5 stars for the audiobook and 5 Stars for Craden’s narration. 5+ Stars overall.

It’s been three years since I read this book. I didn’t plan on it being this long between re-reads. But I’m glad I decided on the audiobook. With Abby Craden narrating this first person POV of Army Surgeon Capt. Sabine Fleischer, it is an immersive experience. Sabine is stationed in Afghanistan during “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” or DADT. She is attracted to her commanding officer and surgeon, Col. Rebecca Keene. Sabine is wondering if she is imagining the very, very subtle signals that the Col. is also attracted to Sabine. But where narrator, Craden shines is when Sabine was at her lowest. I almost teared up. Ok, maybe I did shed a tear. But I cry at movies, so no surprise.

If you are thinking of doing a re-read, try listening to this audiobook. If you are trying to decide on your next audiobook – try this book.

Next up. The sequel, Ask Me Again. Also narrated by Abby Craden. Wow. Craden is awfully busy reading LesFic books! Lucky us.

[MJSam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve had this in my TBR pile for awhile due to recommendations, but kept putting it off, because I wasn’t sure about the DADT premise and the implication in the blurb that the characters are already involved with other people. Turns out I should have just gone with the recommendations. I think this might be Noyes’ first novel, and if so, it’s even more impressive. The setting and timeframe provide a glimpse into something that’s not covered in lesfic very often, and provided an interesting backdrop.

Because it’s told in first person, we learn a lot about Sabine, but not much at all about Rebecca, which is the only glaring flaw. I understand the sequel is told from both POVs and I’m looking forward to discovering more about Rebecca. The relationship between the characters is also not overly substantial, since it consists of largely one-sided pining until well over the halfway mark due to the first person limitations. There’s a lot of telling, but not much showing when it comes to the actual relationship between them, but the scenes they do share really crackle. There’s also no infidelity which I was worried about, so that was also a bonus.

The secondary characters are also well-done, especially Mitch, Amy and Jana (although to be honest Rebecca could fit into this category). The solution to their DADT problem was pretty much exactly what I surmised would happen, and had I read this when I first bought it, I’d probably have been a bit disappointed, because I did feel like maybe there was too much time spent on the army stuff, and the end felt a bit rushed, but knowing there’s a sequel helped there. I did enjoy these characters though, so am happy there’s a sequel to see what happens next.

3.5 stars, rounded up.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic debut novel!

I absolutely loved this book. I read it more than a month ago and never got around to reviewing it considering I was dealing with a heavily sprained ankle at the time.
Perhaps when I re-read this (because I definitely will) I will add more details to this review but for now I will just keep it simple, you need to read this!

If there is one thing this book has taught me it's to be even more thankful to those men and women who serve in their country's military. I honestly can't imagine how difficult it must have been to have to hide who you truly are and be even more on your guard, never being able to relax even among your fellow soldiers.

To think this is the author's first novel, what an impressive start. There were so many times I felt my heart break for the main characters. I found myself desperately rooting for them and for the secondary characters to remain safe, since the author did such a tremendous job describing the day to day conflicts and the devastation to human lives that war leaves behind.

Give this book a chance, I doubt you'll regret it.

[Mekeia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only reason I haven't given this the 5 stars it deserves is because the military genre isn't my favourite. However, noyes is an awesome writer, anything by her is always a solid gold.

A big shout out to lex Kent for introducing me to her work :)

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not from the United States and I must say I’m not the greatest fan of their need to send military all over the world getting in other countries business, and maybe that’s why the military romance books aren’t my thing, and I usually avoid them. That said, I really liked this book, I could feel the longing between the MCs, even tough the description of the relationship and the actual time of the relationship was so short.

[Lia A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wonder why I've been so put off to read this. Maybe it was because the military part which made me imagine people deserted in desert lol.

But really.

It's fantastic. I should've read this sooner..... Noyes really killing it. I'll consider to re-read her other book too.