Annabeth Albert - Rough Terrain

Navy SEAL Renzo Bianchi has a soft spot for Canaan Finley, and not only because the man makes a mean smoothie. He’s the first guy to get Renzo’s motor revving in a long time. But when he agrees to Canaan’s insane charade—one all-access fake boyfriend, coming right up—he never expects more than a fling.
Creating a hot Italian SEAL boyfriend to save face seemed like a good idea…until his friends called Canaan’s bluff. Now he’s setting off into the woods with the very man who inspired his deception, and Canaan is not the outdoorsy type. The sparks are already flying when a flash flood separates them from their group, leaving Renzo and Canaan very much trapped…very much alone in the wilderness.
Working together to come up with a plan for survival is sexier than either of them expects. But back in the real world, being a couple is bringing its own set of hazards…

Comment: This is the final full length installment in the Out of Uniform series by Annabeth Albert. There are several short stories in between all the books but I have not read them.

Renzo Bianchi is a Navy Seal who loves what he does and who also happens to have some fame posting videos with exercises, although never referencing the military. He also likes what he sees in Canaan, the guy who prepares the smoothies he and his friends drink after their work outs, and after one fun conversation, they agree on a date. Following that, Renzo accepts Canaan's request to help him with an event camping and hiking, which was organized by his former band mates but it turns out that Renzo and Canaan get along way better than they imagined. However, their jobs and personalities might lead them in different directions too... is there hope for a relationship between them?

This is the last story in the series, featuring several Navy Seal characters and those who interact with them. I have liked most of the stories for the focus is mostly on romance and the relationship challenges and not as much on military content and scenes.

Both protagonists of this story had been secondary in other books but I will say that Canaan had not impressed me much because he had been a key element at one specific part of the plot of book #3, which was the one I liked the least. He had seemed rather aloof then, and showcased as someone who liked to party and some kink and, traditionalist as I think of myself, his character didn't interest me. This is mostly why I had some trepidation in reading this story but, thankfully, there is more to Canaan than who he was before.

In fact, Canaan is studying to become a nurse and he has some jobs in the meantime, which he doesn't ind because it also helps him to keep an eye on his grandfather, with whom he lives. He also has a past of being a party guy, which doesn't bother him much but being with Renzo makes him realize he might more ready for a commitment than he imagined, and I think the author did a good enough job in revealing us how vulnerable he was, and how his past shaped him to be this person who seems one thing but it's not just that.

Renzo seemed, at first, an easier guy to read but he obviously hiding some vulnerability too, and we are told he feels he needs to be closer to his family on the eat coast. This was an important part of the conflict after a while, because the setting is on the west coast and how would a nee relationship survive long distance.... I think everything was dealt with in a satisfying manner, but it also seemed as if some sequences of the plot were there for drama and not because those were really the only options. Still, the difficulties provided a new way of seeing the guys' personalities.

I kind of expected Canaan's past to be more of an obstacle for the romance but this was actually dealt with very quickly. I also thought Renzo's videos would be more of an issue for his career, considering how often they were mentioned in the beginning of the book and in the previous installment, but it didn't really go anywhere specific after all. This is to say that the plot wasn't as intense as I imagined, if I were to think of the possible obstacles, but those things still added layers to what was happening.

This author's writing style is clearly appealing to me, but I have enjoyed other books by her more. This series, as a whole, was satisfying and entertaining, but apart from one book (#4) whose plot was more interesting, all the to hers were more or less average in how gratifying they were. I will certainly read more by this author, at some point.

Grade: 7/10

Annabeth Albert - Tight Quarters

Petty Officer Bacon, a navy SEAL and ace sharpshooter, has been on the front lines of more than his fair share of dangerous ops. Yet when a minor injury relegates him to the beta team, he’s tasked with what may be his riskiest assignment the silver fox journalist he’s babysitting is the hottest, most charismatic man he’s ever encountered.
Award-winning journalist Spencer Bryant may have been named one of Pride magazine’s most eligible bachelors of the year, but he’s not looking to change his relationship status. He’s a consummate professional who won’t risk his ethics or impeccable reputation by getting involved with a source. Even a sexy-as-hell military man. But while Spencer can resist his physical attraction to Bacon, he has less control over his emotions—especially when the mission goes sideways and the two men are trapped alone.
Getting out of the jungle alive turns out to be easy compared to facing the truth about their feelings for one another back in the real world. And whether or not they can build a future is a different story altogether.

Comment: This is the sixth installment in the Out of Uniform series by Annabeth Albert. I have been going through this series, but only the full length novels, although there are several novellas in the mix.

In this story we finally have petty officer Bacon as a protagonist, after several books in which he was a secondary character. Bacon has had a slight issue during a training and that is the main reason why he is assigned a special mission: journalist Spencer Bryant, an award winner and cover of a LGBT magazine, was given permission to follow a team of Navy Seals around and even to participate in an ordinary mission and Bacon is his babysitter. Some elements in the team aren't happy about this and Bacon reluctantly accepts, not expecting Spencer to be as captivating as he is. He even feels they could have something outside of this situation, but can they match their feelings with each others's very specific careers?

I had a good enough time reading this novel. I think Bacon and Spencer were good individuals to follow and I liked it that they did make an effort to be in a relationship, but I will say that sometimes the obstacles they set up for one another felt like too much work, and the reward didn't always seem to be that strong. I can believe they would get a valid HEA but I wasn't always convinced of it.

I liked the story but my favorite part was definitely the beginning, until Bacon and Spencer admit they desire each other and become intimate. Until this happens, it's all a great "game" of flirtation and wondering if the other feels/thinks the same. Added to the fact that Spencer is in a situation that is uncommon for civilians and that certain rules and expectations need to be met, I think the dynamics were quite interesting.

Bacon is a likable guy, sees himself as pan, and I was curious to see how he would feel while falling in love. I also liked how the story portrays the situation in which he felt he wasn't being treated right by some elements of his team but he had not admitted he is pan, so the need to see his self validated while debating the consequences of saying he was were adding interesting complexity to the plot. We also have several references to the characters of book #4, whose relationship caused some fraternization issues among the team and what that would mean in a setting where trust is key.

Spencer was not as complex to me, although we are told he felt the pressure of his career choices, opposed to what his parents imagined for him as an important part of his character development. He was a good guy but he is aiming to write a book on Navy Seals and how the mental health issues are not discussed and dealt with properly. Of course this had to increase the antagonism with others, if it were to be known, but the more he gets to know Bacon, the more he debates if such a book would not cause more harm than good, at least the way he wants to expose more the negative aspects.

Individually, both the guys had interesting issues to deal with and had serious thoughts about what they could do vs what they should do, but where things kind of lost steam for me was when the romance comes into place. I'm sorry to say but I was not convinced a relationship between them would work long term, mostly because they are too different and their jobs would always clash, if Spencer is to keep up with his writing ideas. Certainly, the author solved this, but I was not sold on how.

The romance was also a little vibrant after the moment they become intimate. It no longer felt as exciting or as thrilling to imagine what they would do next or how would they evolve as a couple.... I mean, there's nothing wrong about them together, but it wasn't as fun as it was before and the emotional aspects no longer seemed as solid as the promise of them... I can't explain better. Anyway, in spite of my personal issues, of course it was a general good addition to the series. 

Now one book is missing, I hope it will be good, although one of the main characters, someone we've seen before in the series, doesn't inspire me much confidence, let's see...

Grade: 7/10

Annabeth Albert - Squared Away

In the wake of tragedy, SEAL Mark Whitley rushed stateside to act as guardian to his sister’s three young children. But a conflicting will could give custody to someone else—someone Mark remembers as a too young, too hot, wild party boy. Even after six years, Mark can’t shake the memory of his close encounter with Isaiah James, or face up to what it says about his own sexuality.
Isaiah’s totally over the crush that made him proposition Mark all those years ago. In fact, he’s done with crushing on the wrong men altogether. For now, he’s throwing himself into proving he’s the best person to care for his cousin’s kids. But there’s no denying there’s something sexy about a big, tough military man with a baby in his arms.
As the legal details get sorted out, their long-buried attraction resurfaces, leading to intimate evenings after the kids are tucked in. A forever future is within reach for all of them, if only Mark can find the courage he needs to trust Isaiah with his secrets—and his heart.

Comment: This is the 5th full length installment in the Out of Uniform series by Annabeth Albert, following a group of Navy Seals while they deal with life and romance.

In this story, tragedy changes the lives of Isaiah and Mark, when their cousin and sister, a married couple, die in a car crash. Now, conflicting wills make them the guardians of the couple's three children and since Mark had been deployed, Isaiah has been there to take care of the kids. They met at the wedding and it seemed they were on the same page regarding their mutual attraction but Mark refused to admit anything and this left them kind of estranged. There are some family members who would not mind take care of one or two of the kids but not the three, and Isaiah is adamant they will not be separated. Financial issues come to play too, but if Mark and Isaiah could come up with a plan, everything would be easier, but will close proximity be what they needed to finally have a frank conversation?

This story had a very predictable premise but I kind of liked where things went, in terms of the family relationships. Coping with mourning and taking care of three children under five cannot be easy and Isaiah made it seem like love and dedication are half the ingredients one needs to make it work. I think the author addressed some key elements here but, in a way, not as deeply or as complexly as it probably required. Still, this is mostly a romance novel, so...

Mark and Isaiah met at the wedding of Cal and Danielle, the children's parents, and Isaiah felt like there could be something between them but Mark, although only four years older, and being very serious type of person, wasn't ready. Now six years have gone and Mark has been on his Navy Seal missions and so on, and Isaiah has been drifting between several things, even though landscaping gardens and horticulture seem to be the field where he is truly himself. Despite their differences, they now need to be a team, since they were named guardians of the kids, but there are still things left unsolved between them.

Reading this story was engaging because the focus wasn't on them having an insta-relationship. There were several details about themselves and their personal lives that had to be dealt with before anything really serious happened. I liked it that the plot addressed some issues regarding what it means to be guardian of children, how it works (I assume it is the correct process) and what is necessary for approval. I also liked that the way things happened, Mark and Isaiah were the most obvious choices, and not the other, slightly more elderly, family members.

A big part of the story is the adaptation to parenting and how the two guys need to work for the sake of the children's welfare even if that meant to put aside some personal issues. Still, they did talk like grown ups and even dealt with other situations, namely Isaiah's apparent lack of focus and Mark's often unavailability to be present due to work. These things were mentioned and sort of "solved" but considering the certain emotional complexity, for this plot, I feel these things were rushed.

The romantic relationship was cute and the HEA at the end was beyond sweet but their path towards this wasn't as easy as one might imagine. In fact, both of them had way more emotional baggage to deal with than what it seemed and, again, these things were a bit too big and I feel something else could have been done to give us the notion they had dealt with them properly.I feel some of their decisions weren't as strong as it seemed. Besides, the romantic part of them being a couple was also a little superficially presented, in my opinion.

As one can imagine, there are also financial and legal issues being mentioned in all this which give the story a more "serious" vibe, which I don't mind, but it did clash with the romance sometimes and made that part feel like it had less focus. I feel glad the guys worked things out and that they are a family for themselves and for the kids, so that has to count more than other things, but yes, there were situations throughout the novel that weren't as smoothly presented as, perhaps, they should.

Grade: 7/10

Annabeth Albert - Wheels Up

Lieutenant Dustin Strauss is a reformed man. No longer a twentysomething hell-raiser, he's his SEAL team's new XO-and a man with a secret. Or seven. He's kept his bisexual identity under wraps for years, along with his kinky side and a fondness for the military-themed semianonymous hookup website Joe4Joe. His latest chat buddy is more than a sexy online distraction-they're taking their very not-safe-for-work relationship into real time.
Petty Officer Wes Lowe has a smart mouth, a take-charge attitude and an uncanny ability for making things go boom. The life of an enlisted man isn't always enough to satisfy him, but one wild, no-questions-asked weekend with his online love comes close. When a transfer order comes in, Wes feels ready and centered. He'll make a good impression on his new SEAL team and keep his growing feelings for Dustin on the down low.
But as they log more time online and some very real emotions surface, Dustin and Wes struggle to pretend they're just a harmless fling. And when his commander introduces Dustin to his team's newest member, they're in for the shock of a lifetime…and a crushing disappointment: their difference in ranks means even a friendship without sexual contact could end their navy careers for good.
With their hearts on the line, Dustin and Wes may not survive their next mission, let alone find a way toward a future together.

Comment: This is the fourth installment in the Out of Uniform series by Annabeth Albert. There are several novellas in between all the full length books, but I will probably skip them.

In this book, Dustin is a lieutenant who has seen most of his close friends pair up and become happy with someone, while he remains single. He has registered at an app made for military men and he has struck an online friendship with some benefits with someone and now that person wants to meet in person. He meets Wes at a museum and they have as much chemistry in real life as they do online and a night together seems to be perfection. However, they soon realize they have a huge problem because what they thought would be a simple hook up that might lead into something stronger becomes a night mare when they find each other face to face at work, as Wes is arriving to become part of Dustin's team, meaning they can't ever be a couple as they were dreaming of... is there any hope for them?

I liked this story way better than the last one because it has more interesting dynamics. I do like this "forbidden" romance vibe and I feel the author did it quite well, portraying the difficulties, both legal and emotional, of wanting to be with someone who isn't suitable. I'd still change a few details for my personal taste, but this story felt way more convincing than what I imagined.

The fact the two men are part of the same team is a huge factor and sexual orientation apart, it's understandable why people who work together in such an environment aren't suitable for it, considering all the aspects, the legal and the emotional but also everything related to HR and hierarchies. I don't know much about military rules (apart from what I've seen in movies and books) but I can understand the legalities of such things. There are jobs/settings where this would not matter, but here I see why it does.

Thus, Dustin and Wes are placed at a terrible position, of wanting to develop a connection which one doesn't find easily with anyone else but which would cause them problems at several levels. Still, the emotional connection is there and although they try to avoid it, ignore it, it isn't that simple to just turn off feelings and emotions, especially after months of getting to know one another online and after a real life encounter. I think the author did a good job giving evidence of how much of a struggle this was for them, at the same time things weren't easy to avoid and they did give in to their feelings at times, even for something as simple as accepting a phone call.

Of course this gets more poignant because we know how they feel about each other before they acknowledge it verbally. I think the dynamics of the romance were captivating to see because it wasn't superficial and they had to work for things to work out. While they work together and try to do the right thing, there's always this notion of how perfect the other person is and I did like how we got to get this impression as the story developed.

I think an element that contributed for this was the fact Dustin had not shared he is bisexual and he felt he let time drag to do so and now it would feel odd to say something, but his feelings for Wes aren't something he can/wants to ignore. I think his emotional journey into personal acceptance and identity was well done and I "suffered" along him while he had his inner debates. What I wasn't as fond of was the light D/s vibe he and Wes have. I could totally do without this and yes, it's unfair but that's on my personal preference;I dislike stories with this content.

Wes was as complex, in a way, as Dustin, more so because he is enlisted and his sister has heart issues and everything at the same time messes up with his head. However, he knows Dustin is the perfect person for him and to also have to pretend it isn't so only adds up to his emotional state. Again, I think their interactions and conversations on why they should or not be together were quite on point, and when a decision is made, which can affect their possible future, I was eager to see what would happen.

Obviously, this story has an HEA and I think it was credible enough in regards to their military status and how their relationship could be seen by others or better, perceived by others. I would say the end was logical and allowed them to reach for the things they wanted. I also liked the scenes where Dustin finally shares this part of himself with his family. All in all, a much stronger emotional story to consider and now I hope the next one is similar, emotionally I mean.

Grade: 8/10

Annabeth Albert - On Point

Pushing thirty, with his reenlistment looming, decorated navy sniper Maddox Horvat is taking a long look at what he really wants in life. And what he wants is Ben Tovey. It isn’t smart, falling for his best friend and fellow SEAL, but ten years with Ben has forged a bond so intimate Maddox can’t ignore it. He needs Ben by his side forever—heart and soul.
Ben admits he likes what he’s seen—his friend’s full lower lip and the perfect muscles of his ass have proved distracting more than once. But Ben's still reeling from a relationship gone to hell, and he's not about to screw up his friendship with Maddox, too.
Until their next mission throws Ben and Maddox closer together than ever before, with only each other to depend on.
Now, in the lonely, desperate hours awaiting rescue, the real challenge—confronting themselves, their future and their desires—begins. Man to man, friend to friend, lover to lover.

Comment: This is the third full length installment in the Out of Uniform series by Annabeth Albert. I wasn't really planning on reading the following installments, but a part of me wants to get closure and finish the series, at least the main books. There are several short stories in the mix but I admit I don't feel the need to get those... 

In this book best friends Ben and Maddox are at a crossroads. Their friendship has been the basis for a great relationship, in and out of their military missions, but things are weird now. During a mission which didn't go quite as well as planned, they both leaned in each other and now need to recover from the physical hurt they endured, but it seems this is what Maddox needed to really think about what he wants to do with his life, both professionally and personally. Is Ben ready to accept his friend's decision? Can he put aside his own feelings and be who his friend really needs? Can they be more than friends?

I really don't tend to like the "friends to lovers" trope much and this book is almost a classic textbook of why, for my personal taste. It is simply too weird to see the dynamics change but even more difficult to see is how the feelings evolve, especially Ben's, who doesn't act as someone who wants to settle down.

Honestly, I don't remember much about these guys from the previous books but it does seem to have been established they were best friends,that Maddox has been in love with Ben without telling him, preferring to be his best friend and while they both had other romantic relationships. This is why the friends to lovers evolution doesn't convince me, in general. There is an established relationship, which is set on experiences, dynamics, knowledge... switching this all to be a couple seems unfair at times, and even too much of a risk.

The story is simple, they are both having other thoughts of one another, but Maddox thinks Ben would never settle, Ben doesn't think he can have it all with Maddox and one day they simply have the sexual click which didn't exist before since they had been interested in other people, and now things are weird between them. Then the mission goes wrong, they are injured and while recovering and thinking about how great it is to have their best friend alive and on the road to becoming better, they both start seeing the other differently. This change of heart didn't happen because of the injuries, but... it helped.

Thus, I feel rather conflicted and not really convinced they were genuinely falling in love. Or, at least Ben didn't seem to... I think the author established so perfectly Ben's personality that I confess I didn't buy his change of opinion in seeing Maddox as his forever guy. Ben's mother left him and his father and their relationship was never the same, something that affected Ben's perspective of future connections. I understand, I think it's realistic but it made him too set on his need for quick romantic entanglements, without much commitment...even his marriage was in an open relationship.

Maddox was a bit easier to read, he has loved Ben all this time but he is also aware they want different things. Maddox is also thinking about his future and he isn't certain the military is it. I did like knowing Maddox better, I liked seeing where his mind was when it came to why he enlisted, why he liked being part of a military family but not allowing this to be the only focus of his dreams. I felt sad for him, that his parents didn't accept him and that they didn't have a relationship he could feel was supportive, but he remained a sweet, optimistic guy.

After their recovery, they decided to speak and try to be a couple. Sometimes this meant cute scenes, sometimes cringe ones but that genuine, organic vibe that they were it as a couple never really swayed me to believe it properly. I was happy they saw themselves happy, but it wasn't something I could see easily. When they finally have a heartfelt conversation, towards the end, it was meant to put an end to doubts but, again, I didn't see it that way and Ben's explanations felt like something he had to say to prove to Maddox he wanted to be him, rather than something he really considered.

All in all, this was nice but not great for me. I was not sold on the romance, and my favorite parts were the ones where they interacted with the protagonists from the other books.

Grade: 5/10

Annabeth Albert - At Attention

Lieutenant Apollo Floros can ace tactical training missions, but being a single dad to his twin daughters is more than he can handle. He needs live-in help, and he's lucky a friend's younger brother needs a place to stay. He's surprised to see Dylan all grown up with a college degree…and a college athlete's body. Apollo's widowed heart may still be broken, but Dylan has his blood heating up.
It's been eight years since the teenage Dylan followed Apollo around like a lovesick puppy, and it's time he showed Lieutenant Hard-to-Please that he's all man now—an adult who's fully capable of choosing responsibility over lust. He can handle Apollo's muscular sex appeal, but Apollo the caring father? Dylan can't afford to fall for that guy. He's determined to hold out for someone who's able to love him back, not someone who only sees him as a kid brother.
Apollo is shocked by the intensity of his attraction to Dylan. Maybe some no-strings summer fun will bring this former SEAL back to life. But the combination of scorching desire and warm affection is more than he'd expected, and the emotion between them scares him senseless. No fling lasts forever, and Apollo will need to decide what's more important—his past or his future—if he wants to keep Dylan in his life.

Comment: This is the second installment in the Out of Uniform series by Annabeth Albert. I had read the first book back in 2017 - actually, it was my first book by the author as well - and could not remember I had liked it that much, but I did. 

I simply got distracted by other series (truth to be told, with less installments) but decided to give this one another go.

Apollo Floros is a man who is used to be in charge of a team in critical missions, but he knows he can't manage his twin daughters on his own. Thankfully, his friend Dustin's younger brother is available to help him, while he is preparing to go back home.

Dylan has always had a crush on Apollo and his interest hasn't changed with the years. He likes working with children and in education in general so it's not a difficult decision to help with the twins. However, living in Apollo's house and seeing him so often isn't good for his peace of mind... especially since Apollo also seems to like what he sees in Dylan...

I didn't remember anything from the first book in this series when I started this one, not even the characters' names. Since the book isn't big, it was still easy to go through and some small things came to mind as I was reading but it was practically a novelty again. This book would feature a age gap romance but also a romance with people who had known each other before... this isn't really my preferred dynamic, but I had hopes to be entertained.

Apollo is a man with an established life, and he has his daughters to worry about and to take care of, but now that he is a widower he knows things will be harder to manage. While his usual helper, his mother, is away he decides to accept his friend's Dustin idea of hiring Dylan, Dustin's younger brother. Apollo still remembers him as a teenager but the truth is that Dylan is now a 23 year old with a physique to prove it and the credentials in education to justify the decision.

Dylan, as expected, remembers Apollo quite well and he doesn't hide it that he is attracted to him still, but he isn't that naive to assume that things will change easily. At first their interactions are very proper, even with the aura of mutual attraction, but it gets to a point Apollo will need to figure out if he wants to stick to the image of his past relationship, or if he feels ready to accept Dylan isn't only his age.

In terms of how these two got along and interacted while dealing with feelings for one another, things were captivating enough and the age gap plays quite an important role in why they don't simply start something right away. I also liked it that they were both conscious of being around two kids and that they shouldn't act in such a way that would confuse them. Nevertheless, it becomes obvious they are going to end up together and the journey towards that was the key element to look for. Honestly, the story develops in a quick fashion and I wasn't that thrilled by who they were as a couple.

Dylan and Apollo have interesting backgrounds and I was glad they finally found each other but their relationship is very cliche and it wasn't that special to read about them as a couple who is eager to have a life in common. It is to be expected that they don't think this right away, Apollo in particular, and then to have them behave as if they were a couple and then a conflict happens and then they change their minds again... the story isn't big enough for these elements to feel convincing to me. But, to be fair, if they hadn't known each other before, perhaps this would not have sounded as "weak" to me.

As other readers have mentioned, I struggled to feel an emotional connection with these two.Everything about them is great on paper but there was a time I actually envisioned dramatic scenarios in which they would separate and would mourn each other instead and that would be a surprising end instead... Of course, they get their HEA so this isn't what happens, but...it would have been an OK end to me anyway, you know?

Things do end in a happy note for them, which is great. But I don't think I'll miss them as characters.

Now I'm wondering if I'll stick to this series or if I'll try another one by the author instead...

Grade: 6/10

Annabeth Albert - Out of Character

Jasper Quigley is tired of being everyone's favorite sidekick. He wants to become the hero of his own life, but that's not going to happen if he agrees to help out his former best friend turned king of the jocks, Milo Lionetti. High school was miserable enough, thanks, and Jasper has no interest in dredging up painful memories of his old secret crush.
But Milo's got nowhere else to go. His life is spiraling out of control and he's looking to turn things back around. Step one? Replace the rare Odyssey cards he lost in an idiotic bet. Step two? Tell his ex-best-friend exactly how he feels—how he's always felt.
Jasper may be reluctant to reopen old wounds, but he never could resist Milo. There's a catch, though: if Milo wants his help, he's going to have to pitch in to make the upcoming children's hospital charity ball the best ever. But as the two don cosplay for the kids and hunt for rare cards, nostalgia for their lost friendship may turn into something even more lasting...

Comment: At the beginning of the year, I've read the first book in this duology? and was happy enough with it. Now I've finally had the chance to start the sequel, featuring another friend of the small group we've met in the first book.

Jasper Quigley is a young man with a good head on his shoulders and with a loving family, a small but good group of friends, he is almost done with college and hopes to work in something related to his gaming passion. He feels like things are going on at a good pace but when the story begins, his ex best friend from high school shows up at the gaming store he works at, hoping Jasper can help him with a problem: he lost a set of rare cards which belonged to his brother at a game. He now needs Jasper, obviously more knowledgeable about gaming, to help him find new ones before his brother discovers what he did. 

Milo knows he did bad when he and Jasper stopped hanging out because he felt his new soccer friends wouldn't respect him if he kept being friends with a nerd. But life teaches you many lessons and Milo now knows he did make plenty of mistakes...he wishes Jasper can help him but will he be ready to face the fact they might have been much more than friends if he had been braver?

This story read to me as the majority of the author's book have been so far, meaning a slightly above average rating but more on the upside than the downside. I have liked them all more or less the same, for the vibe, the writing style is pretty consistent and the characters are, usually, likable and easy to sympathize with, as well as having enough balance in their lives that we could think of them as friends in real life.

Jasper and Milo work out well as a couple, in my opinion, because they do talk, they take time to process their feelings and some of their behavior when facing a sudden situation feels believable. Ok, perhaps not always, some things are a bit too pragmatic and thoughtful when in real life people make way more assumptions, but considering their story here is to rekindle their past friendship and going a step further, I feel the author dealt with this in a very adult and dependable manner.

The whole gaming content is something I don't find much interest in but I appreciate how the author uses this as an integral part of the reason these characters bond and spend time together. At the same time, this isn't a subject discussed to perdition so I don't feel it was boring, and it did help us to see another side of characters who, for all purposes, have complicated situations in their lives, especially Milo.

Milo is a complex character, he has lived through bad experiences, his love for soccer is intrinsically linked to the memory of his father, whom he loved and admired but that he knows had flaws, namely the fact he was a drunk and he would not accept Milo is gay. This colors a lot of Milo's decisions and when he made a serious mistake which cost him his soccer and his scholarship, Milo feels no is to blame but himself and his overall attitude is one of lack of self esteem. I could very easily commiserate with him and understand some of his thoughts, like his reluctance of appearing in public in costume in one or two scenes, fearing attention would be on him...

Jasper seems to be a bit more confident on who he is on what he wants and his past helps explain it. He was sort of bullied and he lost his best friend, but his family is supportive, they are all close because of his sister's illness and we get to see the kind of negative experiences he lived through helped him feeling stronger in facing adversity, unlike Milo. I liked both of them, even though I could more easily want to see Milo's evolution in the story.

As for the romance, it was cute. Sweet moments, a slow paced going from being close again to wanting to act on the attraction.. this was cute yes, but it did make me think of them as young adults and not as much young men really confident on each other's feelings. I don't mean to say they should have been ore aggressive or determined in ow they approached a sentimental or sexual relationship but there were moments where it felt this was too cutesy-like and not as if it was a need for them to be together.

I liked the amount of secondary characters' presences and how they helped or added the plot moving forward, even though the most antagonist character felt like a caricature at times. Some scenes with him weren't as thrilling and other situations where the protagonists discussed certain gaming issues also felt a little too much for me, but overall, my enjoyment of this book follows the same trend I had felt from other books. I liked most of the story but it wasn't quite the best it could be for my taste.

Grade: 8/10

Annabeth Albert - Conventionally Yours

Charming, charismatic, and effortlessly popular, Conrad Stewart seems to have it all...but in reality, he's scrambling to keep his life from tumbling out of control.
Brilliant, guarded, and endlessly driven, Alden Roth may as well be the poster boy for perfection...but even he can't help but feel a little broken inside.
When these mortal enemies are stuck together on a cross-country road trip to the biggest fan convention of their lives, their infamous rivalry takes a backseat as an unexpected connection is forged. Yet each has a reason why they have to win the upcoming Odyssey gaming tournament and neither is willing to let emotion get in the way―even if it means giving up their one chance at something truly magical.

Comment: Another book by Annabeth Albert from my TBR... I saw it was a little different from her usual style and decided to give it a try.

In this new series, the focus is on college students who like gaming. When this story starts, a well established you tube team is going to do a road trip to promote their page and a specific game in hopes of participating in the decisive contest in Las Vegas. The prize is everything for Conrad, whose life got very complicated recently, and that would help him start over without being afraid to try so he bets pretty much everything on winning the competition...but first he has to arrive in Vegas. Having the same idea but for different reasons, is Alden, whose mothers are putting pressure on him to pick a path for the future and he isn't certain yet on what would fulfill him. Alden and Conrad don't seem to get along, although they are part of the same team, but will a road trip where they have to spend time together make them see each other through different eyes?

I've read this author's gaymers series, featuring slightly older characters, and liked it. I wasn't really planning on going into this one already but at the same time, it does leave my shelves more organized. Plus, the opinions by people whose taste is similar to mine when it comes to m/m romance has been generally positive and of course I would want to try...

This is basically a road trip plot with an enemies to lovers trope. I mean! It just had to be a good story overall, but the characters would make or break the success of this book. I've seen some pertinent opinions that the fact this was more new adult instead of the author's usual adult target audience means the focus was more on the characters' connection and processing of their personal issues instead of highlighting the romance.

I can understand this because for a good part of the novel, the romance was non existent and since they start off as enemies, it's obvious things between them don't happen quickly. Personally, I don't mind as I prefer these types of romances (slow and more character driven) to something immediately physical or just focused on the erotic part of the relationship. I feel Conrad and Alden had time to respect each other, to give the other time to talk and explain things, to understand each other and by the time they were half way in love with each other, I was already believing it.

The romance might not be the most romantic one, it certainly lacked more sexual tension to make their connection feel more "destined to be" or something like that, but clearly the author wanted to convey the many possibilities we can find in so many different people. Alden is neuro-diverse, or appears to be, and his reactions aren't merely indifference or not caring for someone else, only he acts and reacts differently. I liked he wasn't immediately able to know how to act as others would expect, I liked he took time to think and analyze his surroundings and I liked he wanted to help Conrad and liked him for what made him unique.

Conrad still felt the most intriguing for me, for his issues come from a situation that might go one way or another. By the end of he book, I kind of liked the author didn't go the cheesy path and wrapped up everything in a perfect bow, but let it be possible that change can happen but it might be slow. Conrad's issues in life felt more urgent to me, in terms of how quickly one might solve them, in detriment to Alden's, although one issue isn't any less demanding or reason to worry than the other. I think the complexity of these situations were what truly made me enjoy the book and root for the guys.

Some pacing was a bit too slow, though. I think there was a bit too much time spent on showcasing the animosity between them at first...at the same time I liked the author did exactly that, instead of just telling us about it. Hard to explain why I didn't like this more but there you go, too much slowness in some moments made for some boring parts here and there and since sexual tension wasn't highlighted in a more obvious way (them thinking about the other sometimes doesn't count), in some scenes I doubted how romantic this would actually end up being. I also didn't pay much attention to the constant gaming talk, which is a big part of the plot but that I find no interest in whatsoever.

Nevertheless, there's a HEA happening in the end, the two guys talk and decide to admit their feelings and I was glad they found a way to want to compromise for their future, that they could rust and rely in one another. This might not have been the perfect book, but it was engaging for the most part.

Grade: 8/10

Annabeth Albert - Level Up

Landon can’t believe he’s let himself get roped into participating in a charity calendar, let alone one that features tastefully photographed nudes. The genius physicist is hardly model material, and he’s dreading the nude part of the photoshoot. Amid his reluctance, the one bright spot is his emails back and forth with the photographer.
However, Bailey turns out to be not exactly what Landon expects, and their first meeting is decidedly awkward. Bailey’s persistent though, and gradually Landon warms to the burly photographer, and they discover they have a shared love of gamer culture.
A tentative friendship is born, but the road from friends to lovers isn’t easy. Landon’s battling past trauma and must decide how much of a risk he’s willing to take. A sexy connection may not be enough to keep them together unless both are willing to put their hearts on the line.

Comment: This is the last installment in the gaymers series by Annabeth Albert, which I have been reading for the past months. This is a very loosely connected novella, in fact, and not a full length story. I think this ended up affecting my enjoyment of it.

In this novella we meet Landon, a professor who is asked to be a model for a charity calendar and the photographer is someone Landon exchanged emails with, so he is eager but anxious to meet face to face. That is why he gets quite a surprise for he thought Bailey was actually a female and although that doesn't change the fact he had liked to flirt with Bailey in the emails, he now feels very awkward. It's not he might not like Bailey for being a man but the fact he is burly is a turn of for him.

Bailey has also liked to flirt by email and he thought there were enough clues online for Landon to have figured out he was male but he can't help being disappointed by his reaction upon meeting at last. Still, their shared interests have to count and gaming is one of them, so when the opportunity to spend more time with Landon arises, he doesn't say no. But are they really on the same page when it comes to want to be in a relationship after all?

I was expecting the connection between this novella and the other books in the series to be more obvious. It turned out there isn't but that wasn't such a negative aspect in the end. The loose references to the game and one or two familiar characters was enough and I was ready to just like these two guys for their own worth.

I guess that is where the big issue (for me) happened, because I struggled to like these two together. I saw other reviews out there where readers pointed out better than me why this felt this way but to summarize, the kind of issues they both have, Landon in particular, to address in order to be a solid couple weren't dealt with in the best way. I think Landon ended up being a bit too stiff in how he engaged with Bailey, even though one can accept his reserve.

The thing is, Landon has had a traumatic experience with someone physically similar to Bailey and he can't help but reacting in certain situations. I can understand this and I think it's quite realistic we don't always follow a pattern when it comes to personal ways of dealing with things, so I can accept Landon's uniqueness. What is more complicated to accept is how he fails to explain this properly to Bailey and when he finally does, he doesn't want to compromise, putting Bailey in an unfair situation of having to measure up to something he can't control.

I think it's great for the author to add content to her stories to make us think about all the many possibilities which can arise in a relationship but this is also a romance. I would expect something romantic and something to make Landon want to find a way to cope, especially by doing therapy or something. I think the sort of eureka moment at the end when he finally thinks about Bailey's feelings on the whole thing, come a bit too late - and conveniently - for the story to wrap up. In a full length story, for instance, I can imagine the relationship would have more pages to feel it was "maturing" and their decisions to feel more natural.

As for their personalities, I think we got to have a pretty good idea about who they were and all that but to be honest, I still think there was this lack of instant connection which didn't seem obvious in the other stories. I really have to conclude the lack of pages made a difference here. Still, this was good enough to read but it didn't reach the level (snort*) of the previous installments.

Grade: 6/10

Annabeth Albert - Connection Error

It's typical of video game programmer Josiah Simmons to be the last one on the plane on the way to the biggest meeting of his career. Though he's (mostly) coping with his ADHD, he can't handle another distraction. But he also can't ignore his rugged seatmate—especially once he learns the military man's a fan of his game.
Ryan Orson refuses to let his severe injuries pause his career as a navy SEAL. He's got hours of grueling physical therapy ahead of him, and no time for anything that might get in the way of his return to active duty. But that doesn't mean he's above a little first-class flirtation with geeky-cute Josiah.
When a delay strands the pair in St. Louis, they agree to share a hotel room and a night of gaming. Neither expects their new connection to move to the next level in the light of day. Opposites may attract, but is this game over before it's even begun?

Comment: This is the third installment in the gaymers series by Annabeth Albert, featuring a cast of characters somehow related to a game company. I liked the previous books and have decided to finish the series.

In this book we have the story of Josiah Simmons, whose behavior in the previous novel made him look rather scatterbrained but in this novel there is a slight focus on his ADHD and that means  he sometimes  can't remain focused long enough to realize how others might be reacting. He copes, though, and tries his best to not lose track of things. When the story begins he is boarding a plane on a work travel and that is how he meets Ryan Orson, his seatmate. He thinks Ryan is very attractive but he also knows he can't get distracted from what he is doing although they flirt a little. He can't avoid his immediate reaction, though, when he sees Ryan is in a wheelchair when the plane has to land over a weather issue. He has a chance to try again when Ryan kindly lets him share a hotel room and they indulge in their love for gaming but could it be more between them than a sudden and temporary attraction?

I liked this book. I don't think I'll remember it as being a favorite down the road but it had an interesting story and personal themes for each protagonist. The author does seem to think about ways to make the books feel fresh and engrossing even when some tropes have to be repeated.

The story line isn't too complicated although there are some elements of improbability that could only work in extreme situations (like inviting a stranger to share a hotel room) but in this case I went along with it because of how the conversation between Ryan and Josiah happened during the flight. I think the author did well in allowing us to be surprised by Ryan's condition and how Josiah couldn't fake his sudden reaction. As with everything, it's by getting to know more about something that we stop thinking of it as different and, in a way, that was what Josiah had the chance to do.

Josiah is an interesting character, I think his deficit attention wasn't such a big deal in the sense the author didn't use this to justify his flaws or the things he didn't accomplish. It was just something he had to live with but wasn't the only extent of his personality. Josiah is cute and a little too nice but I think his transition from someone trying to be the dependable guy into someone with more confidence in himself was done well enough.

To me, the biggest point of interest in this story was actually Ryan. I'm not saying this because of his physical issues and how often people see him because of that although the author did things in such a way that we also gt to see an example of how people in wheelchairs are often treated as incapable by others, as if they lose their adult self due to their physical dependency. What I found more interesting was really his look at life and how he worked so hard in physical therapy to reach a goal his body might not be able to accomplish. I think this side isn't often seen in novels, or the characters are resigned and used to a life of limitation or they miraculously recover. In this case we have the situation in between and I think it added a very emotional and unique look to the whole thing.

The romance was quite a compromise because they both had something to deal with, they both think at some point they might not be the best partner-to-be but they talked about those things, they worked though issues even with some minor setbacks, and I think it was very positive to see how focused they both were in trying to be a good person to be with and not just the best romantic partner.

I had a good time reading this book despite one or two things I wasn't too keen on but the overall impression is a positive one. I think the author had a solid plan with the series and of the three I've read, I'd say this and the 2nd are hand in hand in my appreciation, being both slightly better than the first. This one was a very entertaining story and I also liked the somewhat slow development of the romance.

Grade: 8/10

Annabeth Albert - Beta Test

Brilliant graphic designer Ravi Tandel is ahead of the game—he's just been asked to present a top secret project at a huge conference in Seattle. All systems are go…until he learns his buttoned-up office nemesis is coming along for the ride.Tristan Jones isn't really the gamer type, but he knows the back end of the video game business inside out. Together, he and Ravi will give an awesome presentation. If they survive the cross-country trip first.
Tossed together in close quarters, Ravi's shocked to see Tristan's sexy, softer side emerge from such a conservative shell. He's less shocked to learn his handsome colleague's prominent family would never support an out-and-proud son. But Ravi didn't struggle through his own coming out to hide who he is now. To be together, Tristan will have to push past his fear and ultimately decide: Does he want a future with Ravi? Or is it game over before they've even begun?

Comment: This is the second installment in the gaymers series by Annabeth Albert. I like her writing style and I have decided to keep up with this series. In fact, at some point, I hope I'll go through most of her series...

In this second book the focus is on Tristan and Ravi, two co workers who meet at the game company Adrian (from the previous book) also works for. Their first meeting, when both are going to start their first day, doesn't go too well, between bad first impressions and an apparent clash over their different personalities. Tristan is reserved, serious and doesn't seem to be able to relax, always adhering to his plans and lists. Ravi is more of a laid back guy, he is a professional but knows how to separate work and fun. The two clash man times over work related stuff and things get to a final confrontation of sorts when Tristan admits he is gay while provoked by Ravi. What appears to be a "no turn around" situation finally changes when the two are the only ones from the top positions at the company who will be able to deliver products to a conference they worked for. During the travel, will they be able to finally get to now the other guy and see how wrong they probably were about each other?

I think it's pretty obvious this is a road trip kind of romance. The set up makes it realistic why these two need to be the ones to do the job but of course, the closed proximity does allow for not only a need to fill the silence and that means more opportunities to get to know someone, but also for noticing little details about the other person and that can be a clue on itself.

I liked the book, it was very easy to read, the alternate focus on the two characters allowed me to understand each one a little bit and that made it easier for the traits of both to slowly become visible. I liked the fact they were attracted to one another but the way the story is told, even though the road trip doesn't last that long, it was still possible, or at least it was for me, to have an idea they didn't give in to their sexual attraction too early. It did feel as if they were getting to know one another before any intimacy happened.

I liked them as a couple. They are opposites in several issues but they were able to talk and understand each other. It was interesting they come from different cultures but the expectations their families put on both were kind of similar. It was nice they faced the same kind of issues and that they both wanted to please their families and were a bit conflicted on what that would entail when some family members didn't like their sexual orientation. In the end of the book I think some information on this was a bit sugary, it seemed a bit forced how some details were included relating to the family's feelings on acceptance but the majority of the book compensated for the less than well done elements.

I identified more easily with Tristan, in the sense he is quiet and prefers being alone..or, should I say, he prefers to be in an environment he controls. Ravi is apparently more of an extrovert but it was very good to see he was not malicious or uncaring to the fact Tristan might not feel as comfortable. It was even better to imagine they might help each other in the future. I don't think they will be the most memorable couple in gay fiction ever, but I liked them.

All in all, this was a successful book to me, very entertaining despite the little things I'd change to better suit my taste, and I'll definitely read the next one.

Grade: 8/10

Annabeth Albert - Status Update

Adrian Gottlieb is winning at life. He’s a successful video game designer with everything a man could ask for, including a warm comfy ride to Denver and a date for his sister’s wedding. But he finds himself in need of a total reboot when he’s left stranded at a snowy campground in Utah. Holiday plans? Epic fail.
That is until Noah Walters offers him shelter for the night and a reluctant cross-country ride. Nothing about the ultraconservative geo archaeologist should attract Adrian, but once he discovers Noah’s hidden love for video games, the two connect on a new level. Soon, a quiet but undeniable chemistry sparks.
Something doesn’t add up, though. As the miles accumulate and time runs out, Noah must face the most difficult choice of his life. Meanwhile, Adrian must decide whether he’s ready to level up. Is their relationship status worth fighting for, or has this game ended before it’s even begun?

Comment: This is the first story in the "gaymers" series by Annabeth Albert. I had only read another book by this author and liked it but it was about different characters with another theme (military), so I was curious to see her work in a different setting. The result was slightly less well achieved for me, but still satisfactory.

In this book we meet Noah Walters as he walks his dog at a trailer park where his RV stays for the time being, a secluded location while he writes a dissertation in peace and quiet. That peace is disturbed when another man. Adrien, shows up with his own dog and he just plays with his phone while the dog bothers Noah's. Things change quickly, though when Adrien is left stranded by his boyfriend and Noah decides to help him. As the two share close space and an interest in video games, they discover all the things they have in common and let the attraction between them to unfurl. However, there's real life to get back to, for both of them. Will t be possible to overcome the bindings that have shaped Noah's life? And could Adrien trust this is the right man at last?

This wasn't a bad story but I admit I expected a bit more of it at first. I think the idea was a great one and the main couple had chemistry where it counted but I still think the emotional place where both were at the end was not completely convincing to me as having reached a good balance. I finished the book thinking Noah probably would need more time to let go of his old beliefs in himself.

The biggest obstacle between the guys is, at first, geography. They meet by chance and they develop a cute friendship while attraction simmers during the time Noah helps Adrien. Once they decided they might have what it takes to be a couple, geography (among other emotional issues) gets on heir way and Adrien knows how tiring it can be to have a long distance relationship. I think these things were dealt with well enough, after all it's not that easy to solve your professional/geographical life without some time, without some legal stuff which can delay things more than people want. When this happens for the guys, I think that it was just an excuse, of course, for the real reason why they were apart.

The thing is, Noah is in the closet and works as a teacher in a very conservative private college. He knows that legally, he could fight the clause he signed where he is forbidden from displaying bad morals and similar stuff but who he is should not be up to debate. For several personal reasons, Noah feels he has to maintain his quiet persona, he feels he might be looked at as a failure if he doesn't continue with his work and this affects his state of mind quite a lot. For me, this was the most interesting part of the story, Noah's inner struggles and because he has his psychology issues, I felt his relationship with Adrien, while they were in the RV, was done a little too superficially, a little too focused on the physical and I would have preferred that part to have been done differently.

I suppose I wanted Noah's thoughts to be a bit more progressive in time and it felt that geography, instead of just adding more stress for Noah to be compelled to make a decision, was only another stress factor and the guys felt like were at odds in a way that didn't totally convince me of how strong their life together could be. Yes, the author writes things in a way that makes sense for this to happen but there was something about it that could have been better to me.

I've been talking more about Noah but Adrien has his own issues... I just think that, for me, Noah's character and psyche were more interesting to think about. I should say, though, that some of the details why Adrien was in a complicated place over the wedding of his sister were... too weird. I can accept them but they still felt too weird.

Thinking of this as a whole, the story isn't too bad but there a few details I'd definitely change. There are also some scenes which feel a bit too fluffy, a bit too sugary. I don't think this is so much I couldn't enjoy/believe most of what was happening, but I don't think they would be that necessary. I'm still curious about other books by this author, so I'll read more and I hope other books can be easier to connect with and to enjoy.

Grade: 7/10

Annabeth Albert - Off Base

After trading the barracks for a fixer-upper rental, navy SEAL Zack Nelson wants peace, not a roommate—especially not Pike, who sees things about Zack he most wants to hide. Pike's flirting puts virgin Zack on edge. And the questions Pike's arrival would spark from Zack's teammates about his own sexuality? Nope. Not going there. But Zack can't refuse.
Pike Reynolds knows there won't be a warm welcome in his new home. What can he say? He's an acquired taste. But he needs this chance to get his life together. Also, teasing the uptight SEAL will be hella fun. Still, Pike has to tread carefully; he's had his fill of tourists in the past, and he can't risk his heart on another, not even one as hot, as built—and, okay, yeah, as adorable—as Zack.
Living with Pike crumbles Zack's restraint and fuels his curiosity. He discovers how well they fit together in bed…in the shower…in the hallway… He needs Pike more than he could have imagined, yet he doesn't know how to be the man Pike deserves.

Comment: I got this book after seeing several positive opinions around. This is the first book by the author I've tried and, in general, I liked the writing enough to feel interested in trying something else by her in the future.

In this book - the first of a spin off of the Gaymers series - we meet Zach Nelson, a young Navy Seal who silently suffers some bullying and harassment from a co worker, afraid he might tell others he was ogling a fellow military man, something Zach wasn't even aware of doing. Life at the base where he currently is with his team has become unbearable even more so because he can't think enough about his sexual preferences and hides himself from everyone.

Things start to change when Zach knows about a house his superior rents and immediately Zach accepts the chance to renovate it so as long he can live there. In comes Pike Reynolds, a friend of a friend who has always stirred Zach's attention, and who also needs a place to live now that he accepted a teaching job nearby.

Together, Zach and Pike don't seem to have much in common but the attraction and the blatant need Zach of a friend can be the beginning of something wonderful, as long as Zach can trust himself to accept and enjoy life as it is.

This was a very well thought story, in fact. I confess I wasn't expecting such a complex story, not much in terms of happenings and situations but the emotional aspect of Zach's struggles and the consequences of his little actions were quite engaging.

Zach is in a very uncomfortable position, I kept imagining what it must be like to be in a line of work where you not only need to pay attention to details so things don't go wrong but where you also need to trust those around you and to think Zach always had someone nearby who would not help him because he is gay (even if not out) seems quite suffocating. He also had problems with his over conservative parents who see him as a saint when his older brother has always been a black sheep. The sort of pressure put on him was a lot. On top of this, he tries to deny a side of him that alone might be bearable while he wasn't ready to deal with, but along with the other things, it got out of proportion as well. 

I did feel for Zach and his pain in not being able to control things was difficult to envision but I bet it's more common and realistic than we imagine. This was my favorite aspect of the plot. How realistic Zach's struggles were and how complicated it was for him to overcome everything. Even at the end, with a deserved HEA and the help of friends, his life wasn't simply solved but it got easier.

Zach's romantic interest is Pike, a man who is not afraid of being who he is, who has had a much different upbringing so his way of seeing things is different too. He's not obtuse, though. But I can also understand why it was not easy for him to just accept Zach's reluctance and fear of holding hands for instance. The romance was sweet and tender when necessary and I liked how both characters acted in a believable way but I also admit it was not always easy to see how quickly Zach decided to be with Pike in a situation where he was not at his best. For someone so afraid and shy... well, the romance had to start somehow, but it's not how I'd associate Zach's personality to a first step.

The professional situation that affects Zach is also solved but not before something very complicated happens. At this point of the novel some scenes had been just ok, others not as easy to accept considering the situation, others poignant and serious, like when Zach shares some of his fears.

Pike too needs to deal with a professional situation which can affect his being with Zach.

The way things ended was cute and believable enough and I felt glad they decided to be a team and trust one another completely.

Like I said, this was a complex story, in real life I bet it wouldn't be as easy to deal with everything we were told, but I still think this was a good story, some details I liked less, but a good one overall.

Grade: 8/10