Book Talk Review; Wheels Up

“Sexy, sweet and heartfelt, Annabeth Albert's Out of Uniform series is a fresh take on Navy SEALs that will delight and entertain romance readers.”

--Layla Reyne, author of the Agents Irish and Whisky series. 

 
Title: Wheels Up

Series: Out of Uniform #4

Publisher: Carina Press

Release Date (Print & Ebook): November 6th, 2017

Subgenre: M/M Contemporary Military Romance


Links: Amazon | Apple | B&N | Kobo


Book Blurb:


Their love is forbidden, but their hearts aren’t listening to rules and regulations…

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 semi-anonymous 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.

Review

I enjoyed this book so much. Wes and Dustin were so insecure at times, but together they came alive. My heart ached for Dustin at times. He had such a hard time following his heart and it hurt to see him deny both himself and Wes what they need the most. 

Wes, oh I loved Wes. From seeing him first on the page, to see him help Dustin come to terms with himself, while also dealing with his own shit. Wes is so personable. So sexy, so everything. 

The love between the two of them was organic. They had chemistry from the first scene they had together. 

This was my first Annabeth Albert book, but now I want to back track and read the other books in the series now, especially the story of Dustin's brother and best friend. While this book is a stand alone I would like to read all of the books as she knows how to tell a love story between two men that is organic and so real and vulnerable. 

Dustin and Wes fell in love slowly, they fell in love because it was right for them, despite the fact that they didn't know if they could make it work. I don't normally like military reads, but this is more about the love than their jobs, despite the fact that they had a hard time being together because of their jobs. 

I'm glad for the ending they got, I just hope that we can see them in future books as I fell in love with them and want to make sure that they're okay. 

-Abri

Quote:

I’m not sure how much longer I can do this. Dread, sick and sharp, pierced him right in the gut. He simply wasn’t prepared for dealing with this avalanche of emotions, this overwhelming need to ensure Wes’s safety. He’d done his duty for well over a decade now, and never, not once, had he been as freaked out as he was right then. Something’s got to give. 

Excerpt:  

“You making me your blanket?” Wes’s smile was so tender that Dustin’s heart pinched—he wanted this for every damn night of his life. He wanted so much more than his sorry ass deserved.

“Don’t go. Not yet.” He wasn’t ready for this to be done, wasn’t ready for the inevitable goodbye and avalanche of guilt.

Wes didn’t answer, smile turning sad and aching, before he kissed Dustin again. And everything was in that kiss—all the feelings they dared not give name to, all the longing, all the wishes and regrets and needs, all piled together.

“I can stay awhile,” Wes whispered against his lips. It wasn’t enough, wasn’t ever going to be enough, but the boulder in Dustin’s throat wouldn’t let him speak, would only let him pull Wes even closer, kiss him that much more desperately. 

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. The #OutOfUniform series joins her critically acclaimed and fan-favorite LGBTQ romance #Gaymers, #PortlandHeat and #PerfectHarmony series.

To find out what she’s working on next and other fun extras, check out her website: www.annabethalbert.com or connect with Annabeth on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Spotify! Also, be sure to sign up for her newsletter for free ficlets, bonus reads, and contests. The fan group, Annabeth’s Angels, on Facebook is also a great place for bonus content and exclusive contests.

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 active children.

Connect with Annabeth: Twitter | Facebook | Facebook Group | Newsletter | Instagram | Website


Rafflecopter prize and code: $10 amazon gift card + any back catalog e-book by Annabeth Albert