Staff Sargent Elijah Jackson, EJ to his friends, joined the Air Force hoping for refuge from the mess his life had become. For almost ten years he enjoyed new life, success, and love, in spite of the closet he was forced to hide in by the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell military policy. One day it all comes crashing down around him. Now he’s back home with serious decisions to make and a very short time to … to decide how to salvage his life while healing his heart.
Betrayed by his lover and partner, Dr. Dale Chenault left California and his fledgling practice behind. In Sayville, he’s found a home for his counseling service, and on the surface, seems to have his life in order. The truth is some of the decisions Dale made have become a stumbling block in his ability to rebuild the breach in his heart and by extension, his life.
When Dale and EJ meet the chemistry between them is hot but the pain of past betrayals is strong, and trust seems impossible to build. Will they be able to move past what has been to create a future together?
Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is a story of love, trust, betrayal and second chances with an HEA.
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Why did I wait so long to read this book?
First off, I can’t believe this is a debut book for this author. Her gift of setting scenes you can easily vizualize astounded me. The ending – I did NOT see that coming and it will hit home for almost every reader.
Miski Harris, you’ve blown me away and as an avid reader that is not an easy task to achieve.
This is my first Miski Harris book and I loved it. Great story about Dale and EJ. The American air force and a lot of heart ache. But thankfully an HEA.
Well worth the read.
Romance and hidden secrets from within
Harris pens a sexy story in Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. I haven’t read anything from this author before, and I really enjoyed it. The characters were strong and very realistic. The author’s writing style fits this type of genre, and it shows a side that some may not be familiar with, especially with struggling with having to keep a secret, when you just want to be yourself. There is a great chemistry between the characters, and a depth that makes them realistic and flawed. A very well-written story, and I enjoyed it. This author’s characters develop and interacts well with the other characters. It’s a great story to follow and try to figure out what will happen next. EJ and Dale have a connection, and it isn’t forced, which shows the writing skills of the author. It’s interesting how it all plays out. A great read. I look forward to reading more by this author. This book is a definite recommendation by Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews.
Audiobook review:
Overall: 5
Performance: 5
Story: 5
I loved this!
One of my favorite audiobook performers, John Solo, did a live reading of Miski Harris’s Don’t Ask Don’t Tell in his Facebook group recently. John’s live reading was enough to get me very interested and eager to listen to this book. He really gave the story high marks and I respect his opinion.
As part of the live reading, Miski gave away a few codes for Audible copies of the book; I was lucky enough to win one. When I checked my Kindle library, I also found out that I had purchased a copy of the book a while ago. (I’m a one-click addict and own way more books than I’ll ever live to read. )
Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is a novella length story but it felt like it was much longer to me (in a good way!). The story starts off in 1997 and spans four years. It centers around Elijah Jackson (EJ) and Dale Chenault.
EJ was in the Air Force and was betrayed by his lover who was also in the Air Force. The betrayal cut deep and forced EJ to reexamine his life and goals. Dale suffered a similar betrayal by a lover many years ago so he understood what EJ was going through. The two of them met at a party and really hit it off with each other.
The embarrassment and anguish that EJ goes through radiated off of the pages. It’s really hard for me to believe that this was Miski Harris’s first published book. I thought the writing was excellent and the story truly kept me captivated from beginning to end.
I would call this a slow burn story. While the chemistry between Dale and EJ was off the charts, Dale had promised himself years ago that he would no longer engage in casual sex. Because he felt that EJ still wasn’t over what happened to him, Dale insisted that they wait to have a sexual relationship.
Well, this review is already getting too long so I’m going to stop and just say you need to read or listen to this book. The story is compelling and romantic; I just can’t say enough good things about it. I’m really looking forward to reading the next book, Collateral Damage, which I immediately bought a copy of after listening to Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. I hope that it also comes out in audio format at some point.
Gah! I almost forgot to mention how much I loved John Solo’s performance of the audiobook. I’ve never listened to anything he’s performed that I haven’t loved!
A copy of this audiobook was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
Awesome Story & Audible Listen Captivating & Heartfelt!
Don’t Ask Don’t Tell
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Book 1
By: Miski Harris
Narrated by: John Solo
I loved everything about this book, from Miski Harris’ wonderful writing style to the story and characters she created to John Solo’s fantastic narration. This is a well written and well told story about love, loss, betrayal and coming back from it all. The storylines and characters are realistic and easy to relate to. Staff Sargent Elijah Jackson, EJ for short, was having a good life, his career in the Air Force is a success he is on target with meeting his goals. Despite the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy in the military he has found love and is cautious about keeping it hidden. At least he thought he was, when called in to the General’s Office he finds out otherwise and is given an ultimatum, transfer or leave the military. And his partner, James, was on track for his promotion. My heart went out to EJ, especially after finding out what really happened. EJ heads back home, stays with his awesome friend Teddy, whom I just loved. Teddy introduces EJ to Dale, whom I adored too. The two hit it off right from the start but each have been burned in the past so they take it slow. EJ needs to come to terms with everything that happened, needs to tell his family and make the decision of what he wants to do, reenlist or leave. I loved how everything plays out and works out, the story flows naturally and there is never a dull moment with plenty of drama, some angst, both heartbreaking and heartfelt moments and some great ones too. I especially loved the ending. Miski Harris, thank you for this awesome story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
I listened to the Audible edition, John Solo is a gifted narrator and voice artist. He brings the character to life giving each their own voice and personality. I loved how he portrayed each character, how he humanized them by giving them a whole lot of heart, their emotions and mannerisms can be heard in his performance. He is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another awesome listen
An interesting story set in a rightfully finished era in the military. Due to the shorter form there were some shortcuts in the development of the relationship that I would have loved to be expanded, but overall it was a very good read!
EJ joined the Air Force and willingly went from out and proud to closeted due to Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. He wanted a fresh start after being hurt by a cheating lover. Finding himself In love again with a man who wouldn’t even let him tell his family about their relationship, EJ was eventually screwed over again and sent home to make some tough decisions. When he met Dale, who had his life together and made a living out of helping others, it looked like EJ might fall again, and that was not part of his plan. How EJ and Dale began building a healthier relationship than either had experienced in the past, was a sweet story. EJ struggling to let go and let others help him out of an unfair situation was terrific. EJ’s parents and his best friend Teddy were unfailingly supportive, and I really liked those characters. EJ and Dale were a great couple, and I wanted them to make it together. There were a few plot developments that seemed a bit too coincidental, but I was happy and satisfied for the most part. I’m looking forward to seeing what this author does next, as I really enjoyed this book.