If I Don’t Ask, the latest book in the Ask, Tell series, is absolutely fantastic. Noyes wraps up the final book of the series brilliantly, ending almost where she began. She displays a real mastery of her craft in this series by playing with point of view. This makes the series not only interesting, but compelling. In Ask, Tell, Sabine delivers the narrative. In Ask Me Again, the narrative is shared, alternating points of view between Sabine and Rebecca. In If I Don’t Ask, the storytelling circles back to the beginning of Sabine and Rebecca’s journey, with Rebecca telling the story from her perspective. This writing style is perfect for this series. It has impact and weight, giving the storytelling an overall complexity and depth.

Because this is a complex and layered series, I would not recommend picking up If I Don’t Ask without reading book one first. Ask, Tell helps shape the series arc and define the inner conflicts of the main characters, especially Sabine’s. In Ask, Tell, readers learn what makes Sabine tick. They are presented a sympathetic character that has relatable desires and fears. Most importantly though, her perspective in Ask, Tell is the counter point to Rebecca’s narrative in If I Don’t Ask. It’s necessary for a full appreciation of not only If I Don’t Ask, but Rebecca and Sabine’s journey as well.

This is a character driven series and because it is, Noyes takes real care to meticulously construct her characters. She pays close attention to the details of their development. Because she does, her character work is phenomenal. She gives enough backstory to create a picture of what these women believe and trust. She does this with carefully crafted scenes and splendidly structured dialogue. In addition to that, she gives each of these women a distinct and identifiable voice, one that’s fitting with their personality. Because her character development is exemplary, these women jump off the page. Readers love Rebecca and Sabine; they care deeply about them. And because they do, their story—their journey—matters.

Final remarks…

I love this series, and I’m ecstatic that If I Don’t Ask gives readers an opportunity to get to know Rebecca as intimately as they did Sabine in Ask, Tell. Being privy to Rebecca’s thoughts and inner logic is especially enlightening. She’s a gorgeous character and If I Don’t Ask dovetails her perspective beautifully with Sabine’s point of view. Most significantly though, it proves to be essential in rounding out the series. These two characters are two of my favorites in lesfic. Their love story is incredible and ranks in the top 3 for couples in series for me. If you’re one that likes romance, then there’s no way you will want to miss out on If I Don’t Ask or it’s companion books.

Strengths…

Captivating main characters
Heartfelt and moving romance
Engaging secondary characters
Engaging themes
Immersive story world
Well-scripted dialogue
Engaging writing style

If I Don't Ask was my introduction to E. J. Noyes and the Ask, Tell series. I am beyond impressed with this novel, E. J. Noyes's writing, and how much I adored the overall execution of an army-based WLW story.

I must admit that while I read that If I Don't Ask was told from Rebecca Keane's perspective, it took me a little bit to catch on that this was a part of a series. To my delight, it means I now have three other novels to devour, including Sabine's point of view and the original work within this series.

This book satisfied a need I did not realise I had. I absolutely adored Rebecca as a character, and I loved that she was a mature woman in her forties. She was incredibly sure of herself and her wants, her desires, which made for her and Sabine's relationship feel real to me. E. J. Noyes's writing was so refreshing and detailed. I loved the maturity of the writing, the realistic progression of the romance, and the slow burn of the main character's desire.

The only reason this book was not quite five stars (but a resounding 4.25) was because I wanted more interactions between Rebecca and Sabine. Since this is book four, and understandably reliant on book one's events, I understand there was little room to build on their relationship on base. I found that Rebecca's feelings progressed toward love without (what I felt were) enough interactions, stolen glances, conversations, and overall intimate moments to aid in the development of those feelings. I don't quite feel like Rebecca knew Sabine was well as the author described (such as why Sabine was so type A, why she didn't like talking about her feelings, and other details such as these), thus making me feel like there was just a little bit missing in terms of the romance.

Otherwise, I am absolutely going to search for and read E. J. Noyes's other works because If I Don't Ask has undoubtedly become somewhat of a comfort read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bella Books, and E. J. Noyes for allowing me access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

It was great to revisit these characters, and to hear Rebecca's side of the story. I loved the original, and I actually re-read it before this one arrived to refresh my memory, but I think that may have done me a disservice because there was a lot of the same exact scenes from the original book played out again here, and I think it was too fresh in my mind so it at times moved quite slowly for me. I wanted more new information I suppose. But overall a great catch up with some favorite characters.

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 Ask Tell, 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 If The Shoe Fits 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

Well I always wondered what was in that brilliant mind of Rebecca keane. Ask, Tell is one of my favorite books so I was super excited to read If I Don’t Ask from Rebecca’s Pov. How Rebecca felt, the pining, and the strength she had was right on point with what I conjured up in my head from reading Ask, Tell. Noyes writing is top tier, and I loved every bit of this book!


Thank you Bella Books for the ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Set in the same timeline as "Ask, Tell" but from Rebecca's point of view. Was just as good but interesting to get Rebecca's feelings. Like most of this author's books.

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.

The Ask, Tell series is one of my all time favorites. If I start one of the books I find myself having to go full cycle and read all three…and believe me I’ve done that way too many times to count, it’s gotten to be a touch embarrassing to have to admit it.

In “If I Don’t Ask”, we get Rebecca Keane’s POV which was all kinds of fabulous. In the first book “Ask, Tell”, since we only have Sabine’s POV, Rebecca’s character is a little mysterious and the only insight we get is the pedestal that Sabine has put her on.
In this book, there is so much more that is revealed through Rebecca’s POV and even though most of the plot line is the same, everything from the dialog exchange and feelings expressed feels incredibly fresh - it’s wonderful.

Whenever there was a re-tread of the exact same scene, it was like watching the highlights of your favorite scenes play out and Noyes is able to pick just the right moments (words) to repeat or provide Rebecca’s thoughts on the scene - it was quite marvelous to read and had me smiling.

There’s pining (oh so much pining), drama, so much steam - how is it possible this felt hotter🔥 than the first? 🤷🏻‍♀️ …and a lovely end. Now I have an overwhelming urge to crack open the second book and start my crazy read cycle for this series….😬

If I don’t ask is the book I never knew I needed and I’m so glad that E.J Noyes in her infinite wisdom decide to write it. It’s a lovely read that feels like a warmed up jumper worn straight from the dryer that I enjoyed cuddling into.🥰

If you have not read this series - I’d recommend starting with at least the first book before you read this one, it’s so worth it and I feel quite confident in saying you’ll be reaching for this right after! 5🌟s

Thank you NetGalley and Bella Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

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.

This book is book 0 of a 3 book series. (0, 1 and 2.) Book 0 and 1 are basically the same story but told from 2 points of view. I had read book 1 previously and had the audio version. So I alternated reading book 0 and listening to book 1. That was very interesting.
Noyes is one of my very favorite authors and I read everything she writes. And then I get the audio book because Abby Crayden does such a fantastic job narrating.....The story and the characters take on a very sensual life.
This book is for real Noyes fans. We just were not satisfied with Sabines version...we had to have Rebecca's version. It is amazing the amount of emotional depth in all of Noyes stories.
If you haven't read book 1 and 2, I suggest you do before reading book 0. After reading book 1 you will desperately want to read book 2 and then you will be reaching for this one. Anything to prolong the story and give you further insight into these amazing characters.
I give it 4.5 stars only because it is repetitive.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ask, Tell by E.J. Noyes is one of my favourite lesfic books. For me, it has everything - romance, action, emotion… it’s a near perfect novel. If I Don’t Ask had some big shoes to fill, but for me it completely filled them.

If I Don’t Ask is not purely a retelling, and for that, I was grateful. There are a lot of new insights and new moments within the book that were fantastic to read as they gave this book more substance than just a retelling.

Rebecca Keane is one of my favourite characters in lesfic. Even more so after reading If I Don’t Ask. I spent a good part of this novel completely swooning. It was amazing.

If you’re like me and love Ask, Tell this is a must read. Thank you E.J. Noyes for putting this joy of a novel into the world. ❤️

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bella Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

'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!

Oh my. I had intended to reread Ask, Tell first, but when this advance copy showed up I dropped everything to read it. Of course, I had remembered a lot of the first in the series, but indeed it was five years ago. So as soon as I finished If I Don't Ask I immediately reread Ask, Tell, and there were so many things I had forgotten!

Rebecca's POV actually begins in an earlier deployment that we weren't already privy to, where she and Sabine meet and begin working together. Now we get to see that each of them were secretly longing for the other the whole time. Sabine's POV is written in first person present tense, while Rebecca's is written in first person past tense. Each works perfectly well and feels like the true voice of the character.

I really enjoyed meeting Rebecca's friend Linda and seeing their journey together. And Sabine's breakup through Rebecca's eyes made it impossible to stop reading, especially knowing what was going to happen. But for me the jewel of this book was "the incident" and the absolute heartbreak that Rebecca was experiencing, followed by her career decision and then finally the period of waiting she had to endure.

Some early reviewers have mentioned that this can be read as a stand-alone, but I disagree. And even if you've read Ask, Tell ... read it again first. Thanks to Bella Books for the honor of an ARC.

* If I Don't Ask {book 4}
• Author E.J. Noyes
• Rebecca side of things



E.J. Noyes is hands down one of my favorite authors, so it’s fitting that “If I Don’t Ask” is my 100th review on Goodreads!

I’m so happy that author wrote this story. It touches on a difficult subject matter plus brings us back home to characters we grew to love in Ask, Tell. “If I Don’t Ask” is told from Rebecca’s POV. (Remember Rebecca, I do!) I have read the whole series. This can be read as a stand alone. I have loved each book in different ways. The story takes plans during the “don’t ask don’t tell” era.

I don’t want to give away any of the story, so I’m going to touch on how the characters in this book.

Rebecca is smart and beautiful. She has a heart of gold.


Rebecca and Sabine connection shines through. It takes you through all the emotions, it consumes you, in a good way! We also have an the opportunity to see the relationship between Rebecca and her best friend Linda. It’s a beautiful supporting friendship, that I really enjoyed reading about.

This is a wonderful series and an amazing stand alone book, if that’s all you have time for. Do yourself a favor and read this book, you will not be disappointed.


Thank you to Bella Books and NetGalley for the ARC! 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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.

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.

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.

‘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.

Once again Noyes has given us devoted fans another fantastic book to treasure. As others have said retelling this story from Rebecca’s pov is genius. In Ask, Dont Tell we read the story from Sabine’s POV. Sabine is an army doctor on her first deployment to Afghanistan and a newly minted Captain. Rebecca is her commanding officer as a Lieutenant Colonel and 17 year seasoned veteran. They fall for each other immediately and both suffer the anguish of knowing their military commitment to all the Army regulations and neither wants your beak their military vows. Noyes gives us Sabine’s enthusiastic and gung ho side the first time around and in this new version we get Rebecca’s reserved and full of angst side of the story. We also get more details on how their romance starts from when they first meet. . Noyes fills in the gaps from the fist book for us.

I would really like to thank E.J. For giving us this splendid read. It has all the feels and angst we all love about her books and this very special couple. Here’s to you for your great storytelling and masterful use of words to tell it.

ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.

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.