REVIEW: At Attention (Out of Uniform, Book 2) by Annabeth Albert

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Blurb

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.

Review

RATING:

The 2nd standalone book in the series, it's Apollo's turn to get his HEA. If you read the first book, you'd have met him briefly there. He'd have caught your attention, I have no doubt. There was just something about him that makes you wanna find out more. Hello, SEAL and widower with children, for starters!!

Apollo was widowed at a young-ish age due to a freak accident so he's now a single dad to these adorable twin girls. He found himself sorta' hiring Dylan, who's the younger brother of a good friend. Dylan crushed on Apollo when he was younger but he's all grown up now. 

Apollo is one yummy daddy, and a yummy toppy *g* He did challenge me a few times. There was only so much waffling a gal can take. Yes, I get it, losing someone unexpectedly scars you but at times, it felt really unfair for Dylan the way he was in denial about his feelings.

Dylan is one sweet kid. He's so good to the kids. The way he understood Apollo was really endearing to see. Although not as much, he challenged me a bit too. For all his talk of standing his ground, he caved in often enough to Apollo and tried to justify it in his head as just seizing the moment.

But I suppose that's what you do when you love the person.You want to be understanding and compromising. And having said all that, at the end of the day, I still really enjoyed it. What's not to like, really! Both characters did grow. They did make me laugh. You get a glimpse of Zack and Pike. You get two adorable kids you just want to keep in a bear hug. Then there's the smokin' chemistry. Woosh!

Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

REVIEW: Off Base (Out of Uniform, Book 1) by Annabeth Albert

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Blurb

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.

Review

RATING:

This somehow got buried in my TBR, not sure why. New fan of Annabeth here and knowing how gooey she makes me feel with her stories, I don’t know why I didn't jump at this asap. #prioritizingfail

The beginning of a new series, it’s a spinoff from the Gaymer series. This is delving some more in the world of Ryan and his likes, men in uniform, sweeeet! It’s the story of Zack, a new SEAL, and Pike, the man who would change his world.

When we meet Zack, he’s fully in the closet and this is about him learning about himself, admitting who he is, and dealing with his coming out to his family, his friends and his work. Pike is expanding his wings, so to speak. He knows who he is and what he wants but also in a way this is him learning about himself because of how his past experience shaped him.

How the relationship built between these 2 just built so naturally that like Zack, I find myself caught off guard when it hit me at that point when they realized how deeply they feel for each other. There is such authenticity to their interaction that lulls you then sucks you right in. These are 2 are so sweet! Le sigh… How Pike truly did his best to be what Zack needed, how Zack sincerely did his best to be the man that Pike deserves… Le sigh…

I swear I was with them every step of the way that when that critical time came, I was teary eyed before I even realized it. I felt every ounce of their hurt, doubts and fear. These young ‘uns totally squished my heart. To get to their happy ending just made it feel 10x more rewarding…

Oh, and seeing Ryan and Josiah was also a nice added treat… definitely a bonus…

There’s just something to Annabeth’s writing that seems all light and sweet but the depth she gives her characters adds gravity in a way that catches you off guard emotionally. So while you may think you’ll be in for a nice easy read, which you will be, you’ll get all kinds of feels as well, trust me. In other words, she’ll take you on this ride with ups and downs but she’ll get you through it ever so smoothly. So I guess what I’m trying to say is Annabeth’s got skillz!

 

Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

REVIEW: Connection Error (#gaymers, Book 3) by Annabeth Albert

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Blurb

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?

Review

RATING:

The 3rd standalone book in this series, it’s Josiah turn with Ryan.

Josiah met Ryan by pure coincidence on a plane, and thanks to a diverted trip, they ended up spending a night somewhere. A friendship was born but who are they kidding, it is more than that. As this is part of #gaymers series, gaming plays a big part, of course, in how their relationship evolved.

Josiah, dealing with his ADHD, may lack the necessary filters in his communication but at least you know he means what he says and says what he means. He’s considerate of Ryan, adorable with his insecurities. I’ve lost count of the times I found myself with this silly grin on my face with his lines and thoughts.

Ryan was still recovering, physically, mentally and emotionally, from his military tour that would his course in life. When he met Josiah, a lot of things are still new to him and Josiah definitely was unexpected. Josiah becoming a part of his life was definitely not part of his plan. He’s grumpy in a charming way and Josiah has the right temperament to create a chink in his armor. He’s an alpha through and through but now saddled with his new reality and that’s a tough pill to swallow. And it was just as adorable to see him be unsettled by Josiah.

Josiah and Ryan’s story has a heavier feel than the first two. I think Annabeth handled it deftly and respectfully without trivializing the aftereffects, especially when I think of Ryan’s situation.

In my mind, while this was not perfect in its execution like the first 2 bks in the series, what I can’t deny is the perfection of the characters in all their imperfections. They cannot be any more endearing in my head. There’s just something in the way Annabeth exposes the “flaws” of these men in such a fashion that makes you love them even more without shoving angst in your face. She gives me characters I would want to surround myself with in RL. And just like the first 2 books, she gave me a story that’s complex in its simplicity, like a hot cup of tea with a surprising spice to it. Like chai, maybe? LOL

Two opposites gravitating towards each other, reading each other to give each other what they need and finding in each other what they want… sigh… Can’t get any better than that!

About the Author

Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Annabeth loves finding happy endings for a variety of pairings and is a passionate gay rights supporter. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.

Website || Twitter || Facebook || Goodreads

Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

 

REVIEW: Beta Test (#gaymers, book 2) by Annabeth Albert

RATING:

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Blurb

Player vs. Player. Fight!

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?

Review

I swear there is just something about Annabeth’s writing that feels like a warm cozy blanket on a chilly night. For its length, everything was just right. I didn’t wish it to be longer, nor did I think of it as too short.

Tristan is so adorkable with his methods and systems. Ravi is like the cool kid in the class. It's dual POV so you have access to both their mindsets. Tristan cannot get any more "WASP-y" than he already is, and Ravi brings in his own flavor of culture. I get it, being of minority myself. Yet despite their differences, they can't be any more perfect for each other. I love how they're surrounded by decent people, with the exception of Tristan's mother.

The build up to the relationship from a tentative friendship was just right. The reservations and the inner struggle on both ends felt right. The coming of 2 worlds happened right. The heat hit you right. The sprinkling of familiar characters, the introduction of new ones, the amount of angst, the amount of humor, right, right, right, right…

And on a more personal note, I thoroughly enjoyed their road trip as it was a familiar experience, taking the exact same route (albeit not the same stops) and taking us even further past Seattle. Reminded me of good times. Not as good a time as Tristan and Ravi had, but still good times... hehe...

Can you tell how much I love this one?!?:p

If you're looking for a nice light read with genuine emotions, this book, this series, has got to be on your list!

Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

REVIEW: Status Update (#gaymers, Book 1) by Annabeth Albert

I realized I haven't posted this here on the blog even though I have reviewed this on Goodreads and Amazon. With Beta Test around the corner, another 5-napkin read btw and review coming soon as well, what better time than to post this, right?

RATING:

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Blurb

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 geoarchaeologist 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?

Review

(As posted on GR)

This is a first Annabeth read for me and definitely won’t be the last.

This is such a sweet story that just felt authentic to the core.

Noah and Adrian met by happenstance, and from that, and in a short amount of time to boot, something developed, from their easy camaraderie to a deeper understanding of each other.

In as much as nothing stands out here per se nor an extreme high or low in the story arc, I really enjoyed everything about it. With Noah and his conundrum, did it feel realistic, considering his age? I suppose? But in the end, what I took away was how real his emotions were. And Adrian, I love his easy-going spirit without minimizing his experiences. And there is such consideration for each other. It didn’t mean that it was all sunshine and rainbow for them throughout the book but regardless of their inner conflicts, especially on Noah’s part, I believed the effort each one took for each other. Yes, Noah almost lost me for a bit and in my head, only a grand gesture can fix that because Adrian definitely deserved more, and I felt he delivered.

I’m telling ya, this just makes me gooey inside. And considering their work backgrounds, it just totally spoke to the geek in me. What more can I ask for, right?

Off to look at Annabeth’s other books, wheee!!!

Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie