Ask me again

Ask me again

Author	E.J. Noyes
Rating by Ravish Her Tales:	4⭐
Genre	Romance Military Fiction LGBT Lesbian Fiction Lesbian Romance Medical Contemporary Drama
Release Year	November 20, 2018
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Review:

It’s not often that a romance novel tackles the raw, unfiltered realities of PTSD and trauma with such honesty, but Ask Me Again does exactly that. A sequel to Ask, Tell, this novel shifts focus from the traditional arc of falling in love to the much harder journey of staying in love through struggles, setbacks, and deep personal wounds.

I made the (unintentional) mistake of reading this book first, without realizing it was part of a series. Despite missing some of the emotional weight that comes from knowing the full backstory, I was still completely drawn into Sabine and Rebecca’s story. And now, I’m eager to go back and read Ask, Tell to experience their beginnings.

A Story of Love, Trauma, and Healing

Sabine Fleischer, a talented U.S. Army surgeon, is still grappling with the devastating effects of PTSD after surviving a vehicle attack in Afghanistan. Though “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is behind them, and she and Rebecca Keane—her former commanding officer and now partner—can be together freely, Sabine’s mind is still a battlefield.

Rebecca, now running a civilian trauma department, is more than just Sabine’s lover—she’s her rock. But how do you help someone who doesn’t want to need help? As Sabine’s anxiety, OCD, and emotional distance worsen, Rebecca is left struggling with her own pain and helplessness.

What makes this book so compelling and emotionally rich is that it isn’t just Sabine’s journey—it’s also Rebecca’s. The alternating POVs between them allow us to see both the person suffering and the person trying to love them through it. Their relationship is tested in ways that feel painfully real, and at times, all I wanted to do was reach into the book and hug them both.

What Works: Strengths of the Novel

• A Powerful and Authentic Depiction of PTSD – This is not a sugarcoated portrayal of trauma. Sabine’s OCD tendencies, panic attacks, nightmares, and self-destructive coping mechanisms are all laid bare. E.J. Noyes handles this with care, realism, and deep emotional insight, never using PTSD as a plot device but as a fundamental part of Sabine’s experience.

• Dual POV Done Right – Unlike Ask, Tell, which was only from Sabine’s perspective, this sequel alternates between Sabine and Rebecca. This shift is crucial because it allows us to see both sides of the struggle—the person suffering and the partner trying to hold things together. Their distinct voices add depth to their relationship.

• Emotional but Never Melodramatic – The novel is heavy, raw, and at times heartbreaking, but it never tips into unnecessary melodrama. There’s realism in the way emotions unfold, and the love between Sabine and Rebecca is portrayed with deep respect and authenticity.

• Jana, The Unexpected Star – Sabine’s sister Jana is a breath of fresh air in this emotionally intense book. She adds much-needed humor and warmth, breaking up the tension with her larger-than-life personality. I’m thrilled that E.J. Noyes is planning a book centered on Jana—I’ll be first in line to read it.

Where It Falls Short

• Rebecca Deserved More Support – While the book does an amazing job showing how difficult it is to love someone with PTSD, I wish Rebecca’s own struggles were given more space. She’s incredibly strong, but she’s also human. She gives so much to Sabine, and at times, I wanted someone to take care of her too.

• Not a Standalone – This isn’t a flaw per se, but I don’t recommend reading this book without first reading Ask, Tell. Even though I still connected with the story, I know I missed some of the deeper emotional nuances by jumping in at book two.

Final Thoughts

Ask Me Again is not your typical romance novel—it’s a deeply emotional, raw, and beautifully written exploration of love, trauma, and resilience. It’s about what happens after the "happily ever after," when real life, mental health struggles, and emotional wounds come into play.

If you’re looking for a light, feel-good romance, this isn’t it. But if you want a story that will make you feel, make you think, and make you root for love even when it’s hard, Ask Me Again is a must-read.