Although this is a follow-up to Game Changer, this can be read as a standalone. In fact, most of this takes place before bI would rate this 4.5 stars.
Although this is a follow-up to Game Changer, this can be read as a standalone. In fact, most of this takes place before book one and then catches up to that timeline, so you could read them in either order. Scott from book one has a brief appearance.
Shane Hollander is on the Montreal ice hockey team and Ilya Rozanov is on their historic rival team of Boston. The author gives the reader a glimpse at what their relationship is like, and then flashes back to when they first met eight years ago. Each interaction over the following seven years is highlighted, showing the personal rivalry both on and off the ice in dual POV. But having hot, steamy encounters for so many years draws them closer. Their status and similar positions in the hockey world make for a strange connection that no one else could really understand. This is an enemies to lovers story and they are not romantic or a couple for the majority of the book, so if it will bother you that they have sex (off page) with other people, this might not be the book for you. While Shane has to confront the fact that he's gay, Ilya has to confront that even though he's bisexual, he only really wants Shane anymore. When their dynamic shifts in a way that frightens them both, they have to decide if this is worth their careers.
I loved these guys from start to finish. I loved when they were enemeies, loved how they strangely became friends, and I loved them as a couple. This was a hot, entertaining erotic romance. I also found it a bit more realistic and evenly written than the first book. I was fine with how it ended, although some might not like the practicality.
Merged review:
I would rate this 4.5 stars.
Although this is a follow-up to Game Changer, this can be read as a standalone. In fact, most of this takes place before book one and then catches up to that timeline, so you could read them in either order. Scott from book one has a brief appearance.
Shane Hollander is on the Montreal ice hockey team and Ilya Rozanov is on their historic rival team of Boston. The author gives the reader a glimpse at what their relationship is like, and then flashes back to when they first met eight years ago. Each interaction over the following seven years is highlighted, showing the personal rivalry both on and off the ice in dual POV. But having hot, steamy encounters for so many years draws them closer. Their status and similar positions in the hockey world make for a strange connection that no one else could really understand. This is an enemies to lovers story and they are not romantic or a couple for the majority of the book, so if it will bother you that they have sex (off page) with other people, this might not be the book for you. While Shane has to confront the fact that he's gay, Ilya has to confront that even though he's bisexual, he only really wants Shane anymore. When their dynamic shifts in a way that frightens them both, they have to decide if this is worth their careers.
I loved these guys from start to finish. I loved when they were enemeies, loved how they strangely became friends, and I loved them as a couple. This was a hot, entertaining erotic romance. I also found it a bit more realistic and evenly written than the first book. I was fine with how it ended, although some might not like the practicality....more
Griffin Barrett is ex-military and a recovering alcoholic mourning the loss of his best friend and a series of bad decisionI would rate this 4.5 stars
Griffin Barrett is ex-military and a recovering alcoholic mourning the loss of his best friend and a series of bad decisions. Griff's dream is to have his own little cabin in the middle of nowhere. The only thing keeping him from being a lone mountain man is helping with his family's wilderness adventures business. When his uncle's surgery means he has to be the tour guide for a group booked for photography, he is way out of his comfort zone having to deal with the customers on a 10 day trip. His mother and uncle seem determined to use this as an excuse to meddle: make Griff be more social, more involved in the family business, and more involved in life in general. But Griff is using the isolation and routine to help manage his demons.
One of said customers is River Vale, a former supermodel and now travel writer. Known as a foodie and "professional nomad," he doesn't have or want a home. Or is that true? It seems he's been on the run from one place to another since his mother died. It becomes clear right away he has an eating disorder but he's not quite the pampered, spoiled model Griff was expecting. Griff's antisocial behavor intrigues River, who is used to everyone liking him and doesn't know what to make of Griff's attitude. The author does a good job of setting up a dynamic where both of them are off balance during their interactions.
There is an instant opposites attract dynamic. It soon becomes apparent they both have enough baggage for an airport, and more in common than either would have thought. The seduction of a reluctant Griff is strangely fun to witness. River is enticing. What is supposed to be a casual fling gets complicated. The love scenes are meant to further the characters' intimacy and it's great to see that they match the personality of the characters--the scenes are about them, not just to tantalize the reader. Yes, they are still hot.
Unused to letting people know him, Griff gets attached to the one man he has finally let in. River starts to get attached to the one man who seems to actually take care of him. It's easier to be the best you, when you are in an environment you can control. The best part of the book comes when Griff visits River in Vancouver and meets his friends; it really highlights all of the challenges they will face if they are going to be a couple. I still would have liked to see more interactions with both families and friends (even flashbacks), which would have added more depth.
One of things that often frustrates me in books is where a miscommunication about something not that important is the plot device that keeps the MCs apart just a little longer. This book is a perfect example of how to use the fear everyone has that if someone really gets to know you, warts and all, they won't like you. The author gets into the psychology of the characters to show their vulnerabilities and coping mechanisms. But what helps these characters in survival mode, often doesn't benefit them the rest of the time. There is no overnight fix, just the slow working out of things over time and actually talking about the difficult things. In the end, they are sweet building their life together and planning for new adventures.
Merged review:
I would rate this 4.5 stars
Griffin Barrett is ex-military and a recovering alcoholic mourning the loss of his best friend and a series of bad decisions. Griff's dream is to have his own little cabin in the middle of nowhere. The only thing keeping him from being a lone mountain man is helping with his family's wilderness adventures business. When his uncle's surgery means he has to be the tour guide for a group booked for photography, he is way out of his comfort zone having to deal with the customers on a 10 day trip. His mother and uncle seem determined to use this as an excuse to meddle: make Griff be more social, more involved in the family business, and more involved in life in general. But Griff is using the isolation and routine to help manage his demons.
One of said customers is River Vale, a former supermodel and now travel writer. Known as a foodie and "professional nomad," he doesn't have or want a home. Or is that true? It seems he's been on the run from one place to another since his mother died. It becomes clear right away he has an eating disorder but he's not quite the pampered, spoiled model Griff was expecting. Griff's antisocial behavor intrigues River, who is used to everyone liking him and doesn't know what to make of Griff's attitude. The author does a good job of setting up a dynamic where both of them are off balance during their interactions.
There is an instant opposites attract dynamic. It soon becomes apparent they both have enough baggage for an airport, and more in common than either would have thought. The seduction of a reluctant Griff is strangely fun to witness. River is enticing. What is supposed to be a casual fling gets complicated. The love scenes are meant to further the characters' intimacy and it's great to see that they match the personality of the characters--the scenes are about them, not just to tantalize the reader. Yes, they are still hot.
Unused to letting people know him, Griff gets attached to the one man he has finally let in. River starts to get attached to the one man who seems to actually take care of him. It's easier to be the best you, when you are in an environment you can control. The best part of the book comes when Griff visits River in Vancouver and meets his friends; it really highlights all of the challenges they will face if they are going to be a couple. I still would have liked to see more interactions with both families and friends (even flashbacks), which would have added more depth.
One of things that often frustrates me in books is where a miscommunication about something not that important is the plot device that keeps the MCs apart just a little longer. This book is a perfect example of how to use the fear everyone has that if someone really gets to know you, warts and all, they won't like you. The author gets into the psychology of the characters to show their vulnerabilities and coping mechanisms. But what helps these characters in survival mode, often doesn't benefit them the rest of the time. There is no overnight fix, just the slow working out of things over time and actually talking about the difficult things. In the end, they are sweet building their life together and planning for new adventures....more
This is the last book in the Out of Uniform series, but this will read fine as a standalone. Canaan is studying to be a gerI would rate this 4 stars.
This is the last book in the Out of Uniform series, but this will read fine as a standalone. Canaan is studying to be a geriatric nurse and working at a smoothie place by the base. When his friends and former band members pressure him to bring someone on their camping trip since everyone is coupled up, he invites his SEAL crush Renzo. The thing is, the plot is not that complicated. As always with Annabeth Albert, it's the attention to detail and the skill put into making the audience care about her characters that elevates the book. They are both real, awkward, and honest--to a point as they both guard their hearts. Their interactions show how they fit together in both mundane and extreme circumstances. Seeing them deal with the outside pressure of others while they are on uneven footing was interesting, but the novel takes off when they get seperated from the group in a camping adventure gone wrong. The forced proximity and emergency bring them closer.
You have to admire Canaan for taking a chance and putting himself out there. He never lies to Renzo about who he is, his past, or what he wants. He usually instigates some pretty frank sex talk. I agree completely: if you can't talk about it, you probably shouldn't be doing it. The love scenes are steamy and sweet as they work out what works for them. Renzo took longer for me to know with all of his layers, and compartmentalizing. It's not that Renzo can't feel sexual attraction without an emotional connection, he just doesn't want to. He's also had some negative sexual encounters that gave him some hang-ups.
I think the strong ties that both guys have to their family ultimately help them to realize they could have those ties to each other if they take the chance. Relationships are work and compromise. With Renzo being away for long periods of time for military service, the commitment and trust have to be there. This is a good addition to the series, which I have really enjoyed. I would recommend them all, but my favorites are At Attention and Wheels Up.
Merged review:
I would rate this 4 stars.
This is the last book in the Out of Uniform series, but this will read fine as a standalone. Canaan is studying to be a geriatric nurse and working at a smoothie place by the base. When his friends and former band members pressure him to bring someone on their camping trip since everyone is coupled up, he invites his SEAL crush Renzo. The thing is, the plot is not that complicated. As always with Annabeth Albert, it's the attention to detail and the skill put into making the audience care about her characters that elevates the book. They are both real, awkward, and honest--to a point as they both guard their hearts. Their interactions show how they fit together in both mundane and extreme circumstances. Seeing them deal with the outside pressure of others while they are on uneven footing was interesting, but the novel takes off when they get seperated from the group in a camping adventure gone wrong. The forced proximity and emergency bring them closer.
You have to admire Canaan for taking a chance and putting himself out there. He never lies to Renzo about who he is, his past, or what he wants. He usually instigates some pretty frank sex talk. I agree completely: if you can't talk about it, you probably shouldn't be doing it. The love scenes are steamy and sweet as they work out what works for them. Renzo took longer for me to know with all of his layers, and compartmentalizing. It's not that Renzo can't feel sexual attraction without an emotional connection, he just doesn't want to. He's also had some negative sexual encounters that gave him some hang-ups.
I think the strong ties that both guys have to their family ultimately help them to realize they could have those ties to each other if they take the chance. Relationships are work and compromise. With Renzo being away for long periods of time for military service, the commitment and trust have to be there. This is a good addition to the series, which I have really enjoyed. I would recommend them all, but my favorites are At Attention and Wheels Up....more
Darcy is a part time fake boyfriend to fund other things he is passionate about. It is not an escort service, that still I would rate this 3.25 stars.
Darcy is a part time fake boyfriend to fund other things he is passionate about. It is not an escort service, that still sounds a lot like an escort service with a bit of valet thrown in. Abby is a scientist who spends all her time in a lab. When circumstances seem to force her into bringing a date to a wedding, sparks fly--between Darcy and Abby's brother Adrian.
The plot is thin, relying on manufactured angst due to a cousin. Abby and Adrian act like the reason Abby hires Darcy is a big secret, until it's not. Once the set-up is finished and this gets going, about 30% in, it starts to be more fun. They all have to get through a week of wedding activities without getting caught in this web of lies. The conflict, that wasn't, wraps up abruptly. There are moments of attraction between Darcy and Adrian where I felt a few sparks, but then Adrian has a self pleasuring scene was just didn't do it for me. When the wedding is over, it's time for Adrian and Darcy to get to know each other when Darcy is off the job.
Darcy is thoughtful and solid. Adrian is a bit insecure, yet somehow still trusting. Finally together, I thought they would burn up the sheets, and they do. I just didn't find myself emotionally invested or that hot and bothered. Four months later, they have to come clean to Adrian and Abby's parents if they are going to be together. Yet, there is never a moment when the parents learn about what Darcy does for a living. That is not dealt with at all. The epilogue has the happily ever after people expect.
Merged review:
I would rate this 3.25 stars.
Darcy is a part time fake boyfriend to fund other things he is passionate about. It is not an escort service, that still sounds a lot like an escort service with a bit of valet thrown in. Abby is a scientist who spends all her time in a lab. When circumstances seem to force her into bringing a date to a wedding, sparks fly--between Darcy and Abby's brother Adrian.
The plot is thin, relying on manufactured angst due to a cousin. Abby and Adrian act like the reason Abby hires Darcy is a big secret, until it's not. Once the set-up is finished and this gets going, about 30% in, it starts to be more fun. They all have to get through a week of wedding activities without getting caught in this web of lies. The conflict, that wasn't, wraps up abruptly. There are moments of attraction between Darcy and Adrian where I felt a few sparks, but then Adrian has a self pleasuring scene was just didn't do it for me. When the wedding is over, it's time for Adrian and Darcy to get to know each other when Darcy is off the job.
Darcy is thoughtful and solid. Adrian is a bit insecure, yet somehow still trusting. Finally together, I thought they would burn up the sheets, and they do. I just didn't find myself emotionally invested or that hot and bothered. Four months later, they have to come clean to Adrian and Abby's parents if they are going to be together. Yet, there is never a moment when the parents learn about what Darcy does for a living. That is not dealt with at all. The epilogue has the happily ever after people expect....more
This is a charity anthology, so I tend to think of the stories as a thank you for donating money. All aI would rate this whole collection 3.75 stars.
This is a charity anthology, so I tend to think of the stories as a thank you for donating money. All anthologies are a mixed bag and people will like different stories than I do, but here are a few of my favorites from this collection. There is a variety of combinations (M/M, F/F, M/M/F, M/F) with bisexual, trans, and ace represented. They all contemporary except for the one historical, paranormal romance. The foreword by Roan Parrish is quite eloquent.
R.L. Merrill, Pinups and Puppies (F/F, 4 stars) This is told from the first person POV of Marianne, who is struggling with grief and reintegration after her retirement from the Air Force. She owns a vintage plane and volunteers to transport dogs to help shelters who find them homes. That's how she meets Dinah, who co-owns the shelter. They both seem to have great support systems filled with family and friends. With great chemistry, their lives and interests slot nicely together, making them a cute couple.
Susan Scott, Shelley Sugar Crush (Bliss Bakery Series) (M/M, 4.5 stars) Jack, a horror novelist gets to know a baker, Gabriel when he joins a softball team to help his friend Shane This has an opposites attract trope with great sexual tension and friends as extended family. This is about fitting into someone's life and making room for them to fit into yours--giving each other a safe space and carving out shared time, while still having their own interests. Also, not letting fear or the past get in the way of the future.
Xio Axelrod When Frankie Meets Johnny (M/M, 4.25 stars) DJ meets contractor/teacher in this hurt/comfort tale with an age gap. This story is what you make it. I highly recommend listening to all the songs that he plays for a hell of a good time. If an artist is mentioned, but not a song, pick one that has a title that fits the scene. I would have rated this higher, but I couldn't tell if this was Johnny's first time with a man or he was demisexual? There is certainly a misunderstanding I think could have been handled better, but the story is charming.
Merged review:
I would rate this whole collection 3.75 stars.
This is a charity anthology, so I tend to think of the stories as a thank you for donating money. All anthologies are a mixed bag and people will like different stories than I do, but here are a few of my favorites from this collection. There is a variety of combinations (M/M, F/F, M/M/F, M/F) with bisexual, trans, and ace represented. They all contemporary except for the one historical, paranormal romance. The foreword by Roan Parrish is quite eloquent.
R.L. Merrill, Pinups and Puppies (F/F, 4 stars) This is told from the first person POV of Marianne, who is struggling with grief and reintegration after her retirement from the Air Force. She owns a vintage plane and volunteers to transport dogs to help shelters who find them homes. That's how she meets Dinah, who co-owns the shelter. They both seem to have great support systems filled with family and friends. With great chemistry, their lives and interests slot nicely together, making them a cute couple.
Susan Scott, Shelley Sugar Crush (Bliss Bakery Series) (M/M, 4.5 stars) Jack, a horror novelist gets to know a baker, Gabriel when he joins a softball team to help his friend Shane This has an opposites attract trope with great sexual tension and friends as extended family. This is about fitting into someone's life and making room for them to fit into yours--giving each other a safe space and carving out shared time, while still having their own interests. Also, not letting fear or the past get in the way of the future.
Xio Axelrod When Frankie Meets Johnny (M/M, 4.25 stars) DJ meets contractor/teacher in this hurt/comfort tale with an age gap. This story is what you make it. I highly recommend listening to all the songs that he plays for a hell of a good time. If an artist is mentioned, but not a song, pick one that has a title that fits the scene. I would have rated this higher, but I couldn't tell if this was Johnny's first time with a man or he was demisexual? There is certainly a misunderstanding I think could have been handled better, but the story is charming....more
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