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A review by gothbaby
If I Don't Ask by E.J. Noyes
emotional
medium-paced
4.25
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!
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!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore