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zefrien's review
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
shippychaos's review against another edition
loved the first book, love the way noyes writes, but this was just too difficult to enjoy reading (leading up to the 2020 US elections) i will probably reread when i’m more emotionally prepared for a heavy book
jeh's review
5.0
It took me a long time to finish this book because it was so heavy — in a good way. I’ve never read any account of PTSD this nuanced and (seemingly) authentic.
wc4's review
5.0
Definitely harder to read than the 1st book (which I read in a couple of days). Not because it's bad, but because the subject matter, PTSD, is difficult and complex to tackle. That actually speaks to how well-written it is, when the author can make you empathize and feel deeply for the characters. That this is book#2 is also a big factor, at least for me. I've gotten to know Sabine and Rebecca from the 1st book. I've seen who they are, before "The Incident". As a reader, one is rooting for them to get better and be happy together. Also appreciate that this is not a "Love cures all" story. We know Sabine and Rebecca love each other. But PTSD is a disease that is insidious. It's an enemy that is invisible and hard to defeat. It also does not just affect the person who went through the trauma, it affects their family and friends, too. All these were beautifully written in this book. We go through it all with the characters and come out the other end, hopefully, with a better understanding of those afflicted with this condition.
lezreviewbooks's review
5.0
This is the sequel of 'Ask, tell' which was one of my favourite lesfic books of 2017, so I was anxiously waiting for it and wondering where was Ms. Noyes taking one of my favourite couples in lesfic. If you haven't read 'Ask, tell' I strongly recommend that you read it first as this sequel won't have the same emotional impact if you don't understand the background story and, anyway, it's a must read for any lesfic fans.
'Ask me again' is a different kind of book by Ms. Noyes. Normally, she writes romances in which conflict is a mechanism to create tension and move the story forward. In this case, the conflict is in the driving seat of the story and the romance is in the background. The main issue is Sabine's PTSD as a consequence of serving as an army surgeon in Afghanistan and her partner Rebecca trying to help her cope with it. As you can imagine, this isn't a light read. It's intense, raw, emotional and even heartbreaking. At times I wanted to crawl inside the book and give the characters a hug, it's a story that gets the reader that emotionally involved.
This author normally writes in first person point of view. 'Ask, tell' was written from Sabine's but this sequel is written from both Sabine's and Rebecca's points of view in alternating chapters. It works well as the reader has a prime view to Sabine's OCD and anxiety issues and it gives a new dimension to Rebecca's character. Both of them have their own distinct voices and their personalities are built to the tiniest of details. This couple works not only in their chemistry but in a deeper level of relationship which feels realistic and believable. A surprising addition is Jana, Sabine's sister, a larger than life character who introduces some very much needed levity to this book. Ms. Noyes is planning to write a book based on her and I can't wait to read it.
Overall, a novel with a surprising level of depth and a sequel that does justice to the characters' story. Both highly recommended books to read in chronological order. 5+ stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.com
'Ask me again' is a different kind of book by Ms. Noyes. Normally, she writes romances in which conflict is a mechanism to create tension and move the story forward. In this case, the conflict is in the driving seat of the story and the romance is in the background. The main issue is Sabine's PTSD as a consequence of serving as an army surgeon in Afghanistan and her partner Rebecca trying to help her cope with it. As you can imagine, this isn't a light read. It's intense, raw, emotional and even heartbreaking. At times I wanted to crawl inside the book and give the characters a hug, it's a story that gets the reader that emotionally involved.
This author normally writes in first person point of view. 'Ask, tell' was written from Sabine's but this sequel is written from both Sabine's and Rebecca's points of view in alternating chapters. It works well as the reader has a prime view to Sabine's OCD and anxiety issues and it gives a new dimension to Rebecca's character. Both of them have their own distinct voices and their personalities are built to the tiniest of details. This couple works not only in their chemistry but in a deeper level of relationship which feels realistic and believable. A surprising addition is Jana, Sabine's sister, a larger than life character who introduces some very much needed levity to this book. Ms. Noyes is planning to write a book based on her and I can't wait to read it.
Overall, a novel with a surprising level of depth and a sequel that does justice to the characters' story. Both highly recommended books to read in chronological order. 5+ stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.com
corrie's review
5.0
Ask Me Again is not a light read (or listen in this case as it was the audio book). PTSD is just a very serious subject matter and it was heartbreaking to witness Sabine’s struggle. I have a serious character crush on Rebecca, or maybe it’s a combination of E. J. Noyes’ masterful writing and the silken voice of Abby Craden bringing her to life.
OMG!!! Abby fucking Craden is a marvel. Her voice acting absolutely took my breath away. And with so many emotional scenes this must have been a tough book to narrate. The end was glorious. Noyes wrapped it all up with a big bow and it felt so good because these two women really deserve to be happy.
Noyes is such a bright star in lesfic today. I love her work to bits! Keep on shining!!
f/f explicit
Themes: PTSD, I want to marry Abby Craden just so she can talk to me all day ;-)
5 Stars
OMG!!! Abby fucking Craden is a marvel. Her voice acting absolutely took my breath away. And with so many emotional scenes this must have been a tough book to narrate. The end was glorious. Noyes wrapped it all up with a big bow and it felt so good because these two women really deserve to be happy.
Noyes is such a bright star in lesfic today. I love her work to bits! Keep on shining!!
f/f explicit
Themes: PTSD, I want to marry Abby Craden just so she can talk to me all day ;-)
5 Stars
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