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From forbidden love under military policy to the complexities of PTSD and self-discovery, Noyes crafts an unforgettable Sapphic romance series that’s as emotional as it is authentic.
E.J. Noyes entered the literary scene with her debut novel, Ask, Tell, and has since crafted a series of impactful Sapphic romances that deserve a place on every reader’s shelf. The Ask, Tell series is a masterful blend of emotion, resilience, and humor woven through the lives of beloved characters Sabine, Beck, and Jana.
In Ask, Tell, Noyes delves into the restrictive military policy of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT), which banned openly LGBTQ+ individuals from serving in the armed forces. This first book is narrated by Captain Sabine Fleischer, a skilled army surgeon who finds herself falling for her commanding officer, Lt. Colonel Rebecca Keane, amid the high-stakes environment of a combat hospital in Afghanistan. The intense attraction between them, heightened by their enforced silence under DADT, grows unbearable. But a traumatic incident changes everything, challenging Sabine and Beck to navigate their careers, their love, and the intense guilt that threatens to unravel them both.
The story continues with Ask Me Again, where Noyes deepens her exploration of trauma and healing by introducing alternating perspectives from Beck and Sabine. With DADT repealed, the two can pursue their relationship, but post-deployment challenges linger. Sabine’s attempt to mask her PTSD puts their bond to the test, as Beck, desperate to support her partner, encourages her to seek professional help. The novel shines in its raw, compassionate portrayal of how trauma can impact even the closest relationships.
In If the Shoe Fits, Noyes lightens the tone with Sabine’s younger sister, Jana, as the main character. This novel brings a refreshing dose of whimsy and humor, following Jana, a divorce lawyer struggling to find a meaningful connection on dating apps. A chance encounter with a quirky, carefree woman in her office building’s lobby sparks an unexpected friendship and romance, challenging Jana’s ideas of love and self-discovery. But even this love story has complications, reminding us that real-life baggage can impact relationships even in romantic comedies.
Finally, If I Don’t Ask revisits Ask, Tell from Beck’s perspective, giving readers a deeper look into her character, past, and the friendships that shape her. Noyes carefully fills in gaps from the original story, allowing us to experience Beck’s struggles firsthand and witness the resilience that defines her.
The Ask, Tell series is a poignant, authentic exploration of life in the armed forces, the strains of military family life, and the personal toll of military deployment. With profound empathy, Noyes captures the complexities of love, trauma, and identity in a deeply moving series that’s a joy to read.
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E.J. Noyes is an Australian who found her new home in New Zealand—a move she considers one of the best things that’s ever happened to her. Now settled on the South Island with her wife and their adorably needy cat, she’s embracing the cooler climate as a welcome change from the heat and humidity she left behind. An enthusiastic (if not overly skilled) gamer, E.J. also loves skiing, engaging in a daily battle with her hair, and pretending to be better at things than she is. She’s not shy about dropping into conversation that she’s both a best-selling and award-winning author—an achievement she finds every excuse to work into her daily life.
