Scan barcode
rougeang13's review against another edition
5.0
Solid work from EJ Noyes. Another audible “reread” for me. I really enjoyed Abby Craden’s narration of the book. It didn’t change the way I felt when I first read it.
This time the POV alternates every chapter between Sabine and Rebecca so there’s no confusion which head you’re in. Noye’s writing voice is very strong and she does an excellent job developing the MCs. I love how supportive they are of each other. Very swoonworthy.
This time the POV alternates every chapter between Sabine and Rebecca so there’s no confusion which head you’re in. Noye’s writing voice is very strong and she does an excellent job developing the MCs. I love how supportive they are of each other. Very swoonworthy.
elvang's review against another edition
5.0
Well done. This second book is much darker than Ask, Tell and it needs to be. I know, I know, the first book in the series had lots of angst built into it and you don't want to cry again. If you have not read Ask,Tell stop reading this review. If you have, then you need to pick up this book to see what happens to Sabine and Rebecca. You will be rewarded with an awesome read.
I loved reading this book from the perspective of both women. It cemented my understanding of the love each had for the other and fears each had that they would screw things up and ruin their relationship. I don't know when I have read a better study of PTSD than what we see Sabine dealing with when she returns Stateside. I found this the most powerful aspect of the whole novel and I was impressed with the author's ability to show us her mental state and inner turmoil. Watching her unravel and shun assistance from loved ones and professionals felt all too real. The reader feels as helpless as Rebecca and Sabine's sister in trying to support her recovery.
Terrific read.
I loved reading this book from the perspective of both women. It cemented my understanding of the love each had for the other and fears each had that they would screw things up and ruin their relationship. I don't know when I have read a better study of PTSD than what we see Sabine dealing with when she returns Stateside. I found this the most powerful aspect of the whole novel and I was impressed with the author's ability to show us her mental state and inner turmoil. Watching her unravel and shun assistance from loved ones and professionals felt all too real. The reader feels as helpless as Rebecca and Sabine's sister in trying to support her recovery.
Terrific read.
grassy's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
mjsam's review against another edition
5.0
I bought this a while back after reading [b:Ask, Tell|31374674|Ask, Tell|E.J. Noyes|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1475303757l/31374674._SX50_.jpg|52063970] but it’s been in my TBR pile since then because I knew it would be a heavier read and have been kind of avoiding it. I just received book 3 as an ARC, so decided I should read this before I can start that one.
I won’t bother recapping the plot, the synopsis tells you what the book is about and other reviews also touch on it. This was a hard read, it’s not a happy book, but then PTSD books rarely are. And there’s a lot of struggling in this book, Sabine is obviously struggling with her PTSD, feelings of disconnection, trying to get better, and trying to find her way in her relationship. Rebecca is also struggling with many of these things, as well as her guilt about what happened to Sabine. Both of them are clear on one thing though, that they love the other one above all else.
I was glad this book was told through both POVs, I thought Ask, Tell’s only flaw was the lack of Rebecca’s POV, and here it’s inherently necessary, because what happens to Sabine happened to her as well, I also liked that we got to revisit some of what happened in the first book from Rebecca’s perspective.
Sabine’s parents and her sister Jana, plus her friends Mitch and Amy also appear and while I liked that Rebecca had been welcomed into Sabine’s family (and loved the scene between Sabine’s father and Rebecca) I did feel like she lacked the same support system Sabine had, and I felt bad for her. In all actuality, the only problem I had with this book is that Rebecca doesn’t seek any help, even though others prompt her to. She should have, and I would have liked to see her receive that help. I was also a little wary of Vanessa (and totally think Sabine was right about her), but was glad that it was never an issue from Rebecca’s POV. Rebecca was so steadfast in this book, and I loved that she never wavered.
This isn’t your usual lesfic story, nor your usual lesfic sequel. But while it wasn’t comfortable to read, it’s a great story, and so well told, and while a lot of the story is bleak, the end is uplifting, and hopeful. I’m also glad there’s a book 3 so that we get to touch base with these characters again. 5 stars.
I won’t bother recapping the plot, the synopsis tells you what the book is about and other reviews also touch on it. This was a hard read, it’s not a happy book, but then PTSD books rarely are. And there’s a lot of struggling in this book, Sabine is obviously struggling with her PTSD, feelings of disconnection, trying to get better, and trying to find her way in her relationship. Rebecca is also struggling with many of these things, as well as her guilt about what happened to Sabine. Both of them are clear on one thing though, that they love the other one above all else.
I was glad this book was told through both POVs, I thought Ask, Tell’s only flaw was the lack of Rebecca’s POV, and here it’s inherently necessary, because what happens to Sabine happened to her as well, I also liked that we got to revisit some of what happened in the first book from Rebecca’s perspective.
Sabine’s parents and her sister Jana, plus her friends Mitch and Amy also appear and while I liked that Rebecca had been welcomed into Sabine’s family (and loved the scene between Sabine’s father and Rebecca) I did feel like she lacked the same support system Sabine had, and I felt bad for her. In all actuality, the only problem I had with this book is that Rebecca doesn’t seek any help, even though others prompt her to. She should have, and I would have liked to see her receive that help. I was also a little wary of Vanessa (and totally think Sabine was right about her), but was glad that it was never an issue from Rebecca’s POV. Rebecca was so steadfast in this book, and I loved that she never wavered.
This isn’t your usual lesfic story, nor your usual lesfic sequel. But while it wasn’t comfortable to read, it’s a great story, and so well told, and while a lot of the story is bleak, the end is uplifting, and hopeful. I’m also glad there’s a book 3 so that we get to touch base with these characters again. 5 stars.
theamandashelby's review against another edition
5.0
This was my 3rd book by Noyes. I really have no idea why I waited so long to start reading them. They have all been fantastic. This is the sequel to Ask, Tell. I loved Ask, Tell and think this one was very good, for me it just wasn't as good as the first. Still a 5 star book, and honestly if you haven't read Ask, Tell or this book buy them both today. You will not be disappointed. Can't wait to read other books by this author.
sanity's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
brennooth's review against another edition
5.0
I was anxious to start reading this because it's like I was just expecting all the emotional pain. And there was a lot. It was a lot of "suffering but you're gonna be happy about it" themed stuff going on. It was heartbreaking to see Sabs struggle so much. Absolutely amazing how Bec never once left her side and never once stopped supporting her. Never leaving, always trying to help while not being okay herself. I am in awe of the two of them. They really found their endgame and I love them to bits. Also, once again, yey for Jana just telling them to talk to each other instead of hiding away their own pain to be there for each other. I adore every single one of them. And I miss them already.
The fact that Sabs had the ring the moment she returned from Afghanistan and only managed to ask Bec to marry her at the end of the book was such a powerful thing of showing her progress with herself and the progress of finding back to each other through times that were anything but easy. And just Bec asking her to ask her again... MY. HEART.
The fact that Sabs had the ring the moment she returned from Afghanistan and only managed to ask Bec to marry her at the end of the book was such a powerful thing of showing her progress with herself and the progress of finding back to each other through times that were anything but easy. And just Bec asking her to ask her again... MY. HEART.
ladyykatieee's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
First read: 2018
Most recent reread: April 2020
*Spoilers for first Book, Ask, Tell below*
I read the first book, Ask, Tell in 2017 as part of a 9 month hyperfixation on lesbian erotica (as one does); so I obvi was all over this when kindle recommended it.
Unlike the first, I had a hard time getting through this book. It very well could have been the massive age difference between the main couple and I, but it was just so hard to relate to. I also thought it focused too much on the shock value of combat PTSD, but that is very personal preference as too detailed PTSD scenes are an ick because of my own.
Most recent reread: April 2020
*Spoilers for first Book, Ask, Tell below*
I read the first book, Ask, Tell in 2017 as part of a 9 month hyperfixation on lesbian erotica (as one does); so I obvi was all over this when kindle recommended it.
Unlike the first, I had a hard time getting through this book. It very well could have been the massive age difference between the main couple and I, but it was just so hard to relate to. I also thought it focused too much on the shock value of combat PTSD, but that is very personal preference as too detailed PTSD scenes are an ick because of my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, Body horror, Gore, Gun violence, Medical trauma, Medical content, Outing, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Violence
alloveragain's review
5.0
9/10
I want to say that by now I expect nothing less of E.J. Noyes but somehow she always succeeds to set that bar of expectation even higher. It’s almost impossibly high now. Will I ever find another author who’ll jump high enough to grab it?
I can’t even begin to explain how much I loved this one. I wouldn’t have ever guessed I’d enjoy it as much as I did just by looking at the cover and reading the blurb. Iusually don’t really read books where the MCs are together from the start because it tends to get boring but this is maybe my favourite book now.
You could easily read this book as a stand-alone but to reach the most possible story depth I strongly advise to read Ask, tell, the first book in the Ask, tell series, before this one.
This felt weird. Good weird, though. It was as if the author somehow heard all my opinions and suggestions on what I think would’ve made the first book in the series even more amazing and then did all of it in this book. God, I love that. I love that E.J. Noyes’ writing is only getting better and better.
There’s so much I could say about this one. I could talk about how I adore all the characters. How mentions of M ‘n’ Ms always made me chuckle. How skilfully, but seemingly almost effortlessly, Noyes tells what is going on up in Sabina’s complicated brain. How she and her girlfriend, Bec, are trying to stay afloat while managing some major stress and life changing traumatic events which lead to many issues. How I still adore Jana. How cute the ending was. But most of all I love how everything came together perfectly and made it feel so real.
Read the book. And then, when you’re rereading, listen to the audio. Or vice versa. But get them both. They are gold. I’m going to get that third book (If the Shoe fits) ASAP.
10/10 audio
Abby Craden. Nuff said. Get your hands on everything she narrates.
P.S. Am I the only one crying when reading Acknowledgements in which female authors mention their wives. Every. Single. Time. I feel like I fangirl over that part more than over the whole story that comes after. Such a loser, I swear.
I want to say that by now I expect nothing less of E.J. Noyes but somehow she always succeeds to set that bar of expectation even higher. It’s almost impossibly high now. Will I ever find another author who’ll jump high enough to grab it?
I can’t even begin to explain how much I loved this one. I wouldn’t have ever guessed I’d enjoy it as much as I did just by looking at the cover and reading the blurb. I
You could easily read this book as a stand-alone but to reach the most possible story depth I strongly advise to read Ask, tell, the first book in the Ask, tell series, before this one.
This felt weird. Good weird, though. It was as if the author somehow heard all my opinions and suggestions on what I think would’ve made the first book in the series even more amazing and then did all of it in this book. God, I love that. I love that E.J. Noyes’ writing is only getting better and better.
There’s so much I could say about this one. I could talk about how I adore all the characters. How mentions of M ‘n’ Ms always made me chuckle. How skilfully, but seemingly almost effortlessly, Noyes tells what is going on up in Sabina’s complicated brain. How she and her girlfriend, Bec, are trying to stay afloat while managing some major stress and life changing traumatic events which lead to many issues. How I still adore Jana. How cute the ending was. But most of all I love how everything came together perfectly and made it feel so real.
Read the book. And then, when you’re rereading, listen to the audio. Or vice versa. But get them both. They are gold. I’m going to get that third book (If the Shoe fits) ASAP.
10/10 audio
Abby Craden. Nuff said. Get your hands on everything she narrates.
P.S. Am I the only one crying when reading Acknowledgements in which female authors mention their wives. Every. Single. Time. I feel like I fangirl over that part more than over the whole story that comes after. Such a loser, I swear.