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Service Before Self
The biggest threat to their love story isn’t just military regulations. It’s their own history.
As Alex counts down the days to a massive promotion, he hopes it will allow him to improve the life he shares with his sister and finally make up for her sacrifices during his childhood. The two of them have lost enough to know they are the only family they need.
Falling for an officer might screw up all his carefully laid plans.
A year after leaving his ex, Finn still struggles to live life on his terms. One unexpected hookup changes everything. Seeing the sergeant in uniform the morning after should have been the end of it, but their tentative friendship soon turns into something more.
That Alex sees the best in everything may be a feature, not a bug, but Finn has been burned by military relationships before. When Finn’s ex-husband discovers their connection and threatens their future together, they’re forced to decide whether their growing bond is worth upending the lives they’ve worked so hard to build.
Alex already has one foot out the door, and Finn is trapped by his past.
They’ll have to challenge family, uncertainty, and the U.S. Air Force to make this work.
Service Before Self is an M/M contemporary romance featuring grumpy/sunshine vibes, a forbidden(ish) relationship, and unconventional heroes—because the other 99% of the military deserves love, too. This is a standalone novel with a happily ever after and no cliffhanger.
As Alex counts down the days to a massive promotion, he hopes it will allow him to improve the life he shares with his sister and finally make up for her sacrifices during his childhood. The two of them have lost enough to know they are the only family they need.
Falling for an officer might screw up all his carefully laid plans.
A year after leaving his ex, Finn still struggles to live life on his terms. One unexpected hookup changes everything. Seeing the sergeant in uniform the morning after should have been the end of it, but their tentative friendship soon turns into something more.
That Alex sees the best in everything may be a feature, not a bug, but Finn has been burned by military relationships before. When Finn’s ex-husband discovers their connection and threatens their future together, they’re forced to decide whether their growing bond is worth upending the lives they’ve worked so hard to build.
Alex already has one foot out the door, and Finn is trapped by his past.
They’ll have to challenge family, uncertainty, and the U.S. Air Force to make this work.
Service Before Self is an M/M contemporary romance featuring grumpy/sunshine vibes, a forbidden(ish) relationship, and unconventional heroes—because the other 99% of the military deserves love, too. This is a standalone novel with a happily ever after and no cliffhanger.
217 pages, Paperback
Published July 9, 2024
19 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Gribble
14 books72 followersJ.L. Gribble writes speculative fiction and romance, but she’s happiest when combining the two and adding a dose of the unexpected or nontraditional. When not writing, Gribble reads an eclectic range of books, adds to her LEGO collection, and plays video games. She lives in Ellicott City, Maryland, with her husband and three vocal Siamese cats. Find her book review blog and info about her publications at jlgribble.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 25, 2024
⭐️ 3 stars ⭐️
Service Before Self was a fluffy military romance with very little angst. The characters had potential, but the plot lacked some oomph, some depth.
It also states in the blurb that it’s a grumpy/sunshine, but I really didn’t get that vibe. They were both pretty sweet, they both had their grumpy moments. These characters don’t really fit my view of the grumpy/sunshine trope.
It was ultimately pretty cute, a little smutty, but just not enough.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Miltary MCs
- Anxiety
- Asshole ex
- References to past cheating (not between MCs)
- References to past parental death
- Frotting
- Vers MCs
“We can’t have what we want.” Trying to deny their want for each other was lost cause.
“Guess we’ll have to take whatever is left.”
Service Before Self was a fluffy military romance with very little angst. The characters had potential, but the plot lacked some oomph, some depth.
It also states in the blurb that it’s a grumpy/sunshine, but I really didn’t get that vibe. They were both pretty sweet, they both had their grumpy moments. These characters don’t really fit my view of the grumpy/sunshine trope.
It was ultimately pretty cute, a little smutty, but just not enough.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Miltary MCs
- Anxiety
- Asshole ex
- References to past cheating (not between MCs)
- References to past parental death
- Frotting
- Vers MCs
July 2, 2024
3.5 stars. It was refreshing to read a military based story without the need for front line action. The characters were quite interesting and the reasoning behind their decisions was good. I just didn't really feel their emotions somehow.
September 1, 2024
He wanted to learn whether the rest of them fit together as well as their feet had beneath the table. He wanted more of Alex's bright smiles, and he wanted their cause to be the way he touched Alex, not because he made a lucky guess to a trivia question.
4.5 stars
A sweet story about the realities of non-frontlines military life for these two men (at least, I'm assuming, given I know nothing about that world). It is a refreshing angle for a writer to take!
I adored the way Alex and Finn met, and the perfection of trivia as a first not-date. How supportive Alex's friends were. How Finn's house became a metaphor. How well the text message conversations progressed the story, and how they had me fully laughing out loud at times.
Good thing neither of them played poker. Sage's face was an open book, and Weston's point on some undetermined psychological spectrum made the fucker a blank wall. Dude should have been a spy.
4.5 stars
A sweet story about the realities of non-frontlines military life for these two men (at least, I'm assuming, given I know nothing about that world). It is a refreshing angle for a writer to take!
I adored the way Alex and Finn met, and the perfection of trivia as a first not-date. How supportive Alex's friends were. How Finn's house became a metaphor. How well the text message conversations progressed the story, and how they had me fully laughing out loud at times.
Good thing neither of them played poker. Sage's face was an open book, and Weston's point on some undetermined psychological spectrum made the fucker a blank wall. Dude should have been a spy.
July 4, 2024
This is a sweet story revolving around two servicemembers. Because I was in the USAF, I was both intrigued and a bit hesitant when I started this book: intrigued because I’ve never read a modern USAF romance before, hesitant because I was worried that I’d be annoyed if any military details were super inaccurate. Well, I’m definitely not an expert, but there was nothing that stuck out to me as completely implausible, so I needn’t have worried about that! I was able to just enjoy this story of two guys falling in love. 💙
I also have to say that I did really like both of the MCs. Each had their own hangups and/or priorities that provided some obstacles for them to be together as a couple, but it was nice to see them work through things. There was a bit more back and forth with their relationship than I expected, but it wasn’t without reason.
In all, this was an enjoyable book and I’ll be looking for the next in the series. I plan to read that one also!
I received an ARC of this book; this is my honest review of it.
I also have to say that I did really like both of the MCs. Each had their own hangups and/or priorities that provided some obstacles for them to be together as a couple, but it was nice to see them work through things. There was a bit more back and forth with their relationship than I expected, but it wasn’t without reason.
In all, this was an enjoyable book and I’ll be looking for the next in the series. I plan to read that one also!
I received an ARC of this book; this is my honest review of it.
September 2, 2024
Reviewed for Love Bytes – 3.5 hearts.
Like many dates, the one between Finn and Alex began with an App. Unfortunately, after they discovered their compatibility was fire, the day job came into force and burned a possible forever. But embers remained – all they needed was fanning.
Service Before Self was a sweet story with lovely men that I enjoyed, but one that I also felt a bit cheated on. The blurb says that this is a military story – and technically it is, but it was more of a background feature, using the uniform, rules, and regs rather than life and maneuvers.
The story is told in the third person with alternating chapters from the viewpoints of Finn and Alex. The first 20% provides background information on the characters, which, although pertinent to the tale, the volume of it tempted me to skim-read. Any character's history is often best spread through the narrative and doesn’t need to be restricted to the opening chapters. While the blurb says that Finn and Alex’s history plays a big part in the narrative, it could have been presented better. Also, the blurb uttered that drool-worthy word, military, and I wanted the boys in uniform – which I had to wait for.
The blurb doesn’t mention Alex and Finn’s profession other than Air Force. I understand that many worthy professions are within the military infrastructure, manned by huge-hearted, loyal men and women proud to serve their country. However (and I’m getting into broken record territory), when any blurb says military, I - probably wrongly but tough - expect a pilot, SEAL, Marine, etc., and some uniformed action. Neither was there a pilot nor action. Despite these expectations, a military story deserves military action, e.g. I loved M.A.S.H. It can highlight the essential service these awesome people provide.
Finn is a nurse embroiled in a messy divorce from an absolute piece of work of an ex who uses smarmy gestures, and veiled threats to influence an outcome. Finn is also restoring his house to a home. Understandably, given his history, he fears what else he could lose and how others could be affected, and acts accordingly. Alex is an IT specialist with a huge heart and a hopeful outlook, willing to do anything for those he loves. He’s a man who would give away his last Rolo. Together, they must battle temptation vs reason and reframe emotions to navigate their way to their HEA. With that goal - whatever happens between Finn and Alex, there always seems to be a, but – yes, I mean but, not butt – which made for some interesting reading. Towards the end, there was more military inclusion, which was wonderful. However, up to that point, I found the events were somewhat typical for the genre and could have been set in other government agencies.
To reiterate my earlier words, Service Before Self was a sweet read with lovely characters, but the story used the military as a uniform and convenient set of rules, which is why I felt cheated.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
Like many dates, the one between Finn and Alex began with an App. Unfortunately, after they discovered their compatibility was fire, the day job came into force and burned a possible forever. But embers remained – all they needed was fanning.
Service Before Self was a sweet story with lovely men that I enjoyed, but one that I also felt a bit cheated on. The blurb says that this is a military story – and technically it is, but it was more of a background feature, using the uniform, rules, and regs rather than life and maneuvers.
The story is told in the third person with alternating chapters from the viewpoints of Finn and Alex. The first 20% provides background information on the characters, which, although pertinent to the tale, the volume of it tempted me to skim-read. Any character's history is often best spread through the narrative and doesn’t need to be restricted to the opening chapters. While the blurb says that Finn and Alex’s history plays a big part in the narrative, it could have been presented better. Also, the blurb uttered that drool-worthy word, military, and I wanted the boys in uniform – which I had to wait for.
The blurb doesn’t mention Alex and Finn’s profession other than Air Force. I understand that many worthy professions are within the military infrastructure, manned by huge-hearted, loyal men and women proud to serve their country. However (and I’m getting into broken record territory), when any blurb says military, I - probably wrongly but tough - expect a pilot, SEAL, Marine, etc., and some uniformed action. Neither was there a pilot nor action. Despite these expectations, a military story deserves military action, e.g. I loved M.A.S.H. It can highlight the essential service these awesome people provide.
Finn is a nurse embroiled in a messy divorce from an absolute piece of work of an ex who uses smarmy gestures, and veiled threats to influence an outcome. Finn is also restoring his house to a home. Understandably, given his history, he fears what else he could lose and how others could be affected, and acts accordingly. Alex is an IT specialist with a huge heart and a hopeful outlook, willing to do anything for those he loves. He’s a man who would give away his last Rolo. Together, they must battle temptation vs reason and reframe emotions to navigate their way to their HEA. With that goal - whatever happens between Finn and Alex, there always seems to be a, but – yes, I mean but, not butt – which made for some interesting reading. Towards the end, there was more military inclusion, which was wonderful. However, up to that point, I found the events were somewhat typical for the genre and could have been set in other government agencies.
To reiterate my earlier words, Service Before Self was a sweet read with lovely characters, but the story used the military as a uniform and convenient set of rules, which is why I felt cheated.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
June 28, 2024
Service Before Self is my first read by JL Gribble and I enjoyed it overall. There's disability rep for Alex's sister with her injuries from her time serving the military, and there's a forbidden romance element due to Alex and Finn's ranks in the military.
Finn has a good reason to be wary and fearful of another relationship with someone in the military after what his ex-husband did and still tries to get from Finn with the divorce. Alex is surprisingly upbeat for someone who experienced quite a rubbish childhood and now helps his sister to live with her life changing injuries.
Their initial meetup is fun in that it doesn't go the way it was planned but both want to come back for more, drawn to the other in unexpected ways. The strength of their attraction and connection means they both want more, despite the regulations of the military but with Alex due to rank up soon, there's the possibility of a future for them that will make everyone happy. At least if Finn's ex keeps out of the way and Finn can deal with the stressors of what could happen.
Charlie, Alex's sister, is a good character. Will absolutely say what she thinks and I think that was true even before her TBI. The strength of their relationship has been hard fought and they've faced many challenges together. I felt bad for Finn as he doesn't really have anyone except for one work colleague so Alex brings that added family feel along with his friends into Finn's world.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Finn has a good reason to be wary and fearful of another relationship with someone in the military after what his ex-husband did and still tries to get from Finn with the divorce. Alex is surprisingly upbeat for someone who experienced quite a rubbish childhood and now helps his sister to live with her life changing injuries.
Their initial meetup is fun in that it doesn't go the way it was planned but both want to come back for more, drawn to the other in unexpected ways. The strength of their attraction and connection means they both want more, despite the regulations of the military but with Alex due to rank up soon, there's the possibility of a future for them that will make everyone happy. At least if Finn's ex keeps out of the way and Finn can deal with the stressors of what could happen.
Charlie, Alex's sister, is a good character. Will absolutely say what she thinks and I think that was true even before her TBI. The strength of their relationship has been hard fought and they've faced many challenges together. I felt bad for Finn as he doesn't really have anyone except for one work colleague so Alex brings that added family feel along with his friends into Finn's world.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
July 4, 2024
Service Before Self is quick read about two servicemen, Alex and Finn, who meet through a dating app. While neither of the two is interested in anything serious, they can’t deny their compatibility and soon tumble headfirst into a relationship complete with accidental dates, home renovations and secrets. The two are breaking fraternization rules that say an officer and an enlisted can’t be in a relationship but it will soon be a moot point as Alex has been accepted into Officer Training School. After Finn’s manipulative ex tries to blackmail him by threatening Alex, the relationship abruptly falls off the rails as Finn and Alex have to decide what is more important, their careers and homes or each other?
I liked the beginning of this book more than the end. I loved reading about Alex and Finn accidentally dating instead of hooking up like they originally planned. Their flirty banter was cute and I thought it was funny that they both recognized that this is not how it was supposed to go but neither of them cared and both wanted to continue seeing the other. The end got a little too bogged down in the self-sacrificing drama and even though there was a happy ending, it didn’t feel real or lasting with how fast it occurred after the relationship ended in such a way that left both men hurting. I liked that this was a military story without the need for a separation due to a deployment or an injury during combat. It made the story different, in a good way, from other military-based books I have read in the past.
I liked the beginning of this book more than the end. I loved reading about Alex and Finn accidentally dating instead of hooking up like they originally planned. Their flirty banter was cute and I thought it was funny that they both recognized that this is not how it was supposed to go but neither of them cared and both wanted to continue seeing the other. The end got a little too bogged down in the self-sacrificing drama and even though there was a happy ending, it didn’t feel real or lasting with how fast it occurred after the relationship ended in such a way that left both men hurting. I liked that this was a military story without the need for a separation due to a deployment or an injury during combat. It made the story different, in a good way, from other military-based books I have read in the past.
July 4, 2024
Both Alex and Finn are at a point in life where they are trying to make their way forward. Alex is a guy who tries to see the positive in life and who is trying his best to help take care of his sister Charlie who was injured while in the service. He is trying for a promotion which will help them live better and he acknowledges that he and Charlie are a team. He gets the promotion he wants which will send him to officer training school for a few months. The timing for a hookup is fine but a relationship - probably not the best. Finn has been cheated on by his husband and he is trying to recover from that and get his life back in order including renovating the house his parents left him when they passed. His ex is a snake. Both Alex and Finn try a dating app in hopes of meeting someone and getting back in the game but they have no luck until they happen on one another. They click. The timing is not the best given the complications posed by Finn's ex and Alex having to go away, but they click. They have to fight hard and there are missteps along the way as they navigate the curves life sends their way. But they wind up together and they both thrive because of it, as a pair. The timing was not great but the outcome was better than either was expecting given where they were when their story started.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 3, 2024
Rating: 3.5
Steam: 2
PoV: dual, 3rd person
Genre: contemporary military romance, MM
Tropes / tags: hookup to more, secret relationship, slow burn
Service Before Self was a sweet romance, and I loved seeing Alex and Finn slowly fall for each other, despite the odds against them.
Alex and Finn's relationship development was full of complications and hesitance, both of them had their fair share of baggage and weren't necessarily looking for a relationship. I liked their chemistry and how well they fit together, seeing them flirting over text / on app was really sweet! Their easy banter and connection worked well here and it was fun to see them get to know each other and go on not-dates together.
There was some drama with Finn's ex husband, and that paired with regulations forbidding them to be together, meant that these two had quite a long and bumpy road until they found their HEA. The plot was a little predictable at times, and the evil ex-thing felt a little exaggerated and sadly didn't fully work for me. It was easy to root for Alex and Finn though, and I liked how they both grew attached to one another without really meaning to.
Service Before Self was overall a sweet romance story and I enjoyed the military aspect of it. It wasn't like any other military romance I've read, which was refreshing. This was a new author for me, and I look forward to read more by them - I've already added Weston, Sage and Val’s novella to my TBR.
-
Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Steam: 2
PoV: dual, 3rd person
Genre: contemporary military romance, MM
Tropes / tags: hookup to more, secret relationship, slow burn
Service Before Self was a sweet romance, and I loved seeing Alex and Finn slowly fall for each other, despite the odds against them.
Alex and Finn's relationship development was full of complications and hesitance, both of them had their fair share of baggage and weren't necessarily looking for a relationship. I liked their chemistry and how well they fit together, seeing them flirting over text / on app was really sweet! Their easy banter and connection worked well here and it was fun to see them get to know each other and go on not-dates together.
There was some drama with Finn's ex husband, and that paired with regulations forbidding them to be together, meant that these two had quite a long and bumpy road until they found their HEA. The plot was a little predictable at times, and the evil ex-thing felt a little exaggerated and sadly didn't fully work for me. It was easy to root for Alex and Finn though, and I liked how they both grew attached to one another without really meaning to.
Service Before Self was overall a sweet romance story and I enjoyed the military aspect of it. It wasn't like any other military romance I've read, which was refreshing. This was a new author for me, and I look forward to read more by them - I've already added Weston, Sage and Val’s novella to my TBR.
-
Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
July 2, 2024
As a former military spouse many, many years ago, I was able to relate to this book and the choices and sacrifices that need to be made to things beyond your control like trainings and deployments. The life of a military spouse or significant other is not easy, and many of the considerations Alex and Finn faced were realistic ones. The relationship between Finn and Alex developed naturally, taking the initial attraction and letting it develop over time, both aware of the conflict between their desire for more and the crossing the line between an officer/enlisted relationship, and the relative insecurities on both sides for what it could mean in the long run. Getting caught up in their thought versus actually communicating their concerns, wants and needs led to more problems than if they had faced them head-on and together. Alex had more pressing concerns than Finn in my view, but Finn’s desire to protect Alex, although well-meaning, led to more fractures in the relationship that would need rebuilding if it were to last. I was glad to see the change in Charlie, which did make things less stressful for Alex. I enjoyed the book and want to check out Weston, Sage and Val’s story, too. Will look for more from this new author.
June 26, 2024
This is a new-to-me author and I think it won't be the last book I read from her.
It's a military romance which is very different from the usual offerings, no action, no special ops, no pilots, but two men with normal jobs navigating their lives.
I really like Alex and Finn. Both come with a huge amount of baggage which does mean this romance they end up accidentially starting, is not an easy road they take.
Alex's need to ensure he gets a better place in life to help his sister vs Finn, whose broken down marriage is still dragging him down. The small issue of regulations is the easy bit they have to overcome.
There is a small amount of angst when Finn means well but screws up. I think his sudden solution to his problem comes a bit fast and surprisingly, it's a good one but I would have loved to see more of his thoughts about it.
Both guys are well written, there is definitely chemistry and while I don't think the grumpy/sunshine logo fits perfectly, there is enough difference between them to make them individual.
I hope the author continues writing military.
It's a military romance which is very different from the usual offerings, no action, no special ops, no pilots, but two men with normal jobs navigating their lives.
I really like Alex and Finn. Both come with a huge amount of baggage which does mean this romance they end up accidentially starting, is not an easy road they take.
Alex's need to ensure he gets a better place in life to help his sister vs Finn, whose broken down marriage is still dragging him down. The small issue of regulations is the easy bit they have to overcome.
There is a small amount of angst when Finn means well but screws up. I think his sudden solution to his problem comes a bit fast and surprisingly, it's a good one but I would have loved to see more of his thoughts about it.
Both guys are well written, there is definitely chemistry and while I don't think the grumpy/sunshine logo fits perfectly, there is enough difference between them to make them individual.
I hope the author continues writing military.
July 5, 2024
Intense! Alex, is an enlisted man awaiting a promotion to help aleviate his financial obligations. Finn, left his ex and is still trying to make sense of his new life as a single man. He and Alex have a one nighter, then discover their rank the next day. There are regulations against Fraternization which is a romantic relationship between an officer and an enlisted person.Military bearing must be maintained to foster morale among military members. As these men grow emotionally closer, they put themselves at risk and ensure they must make crucial decisions that will affect the rest of their lives and everyone affiliated with them. This is a serious very little talked about real situation in the military. The author, handled the dilemma seriously with tack an a large touch of reality. Misommunication is the bedrock of stories that create a great puzzle to solve. This is a tense story that has many threads and outcomes. Great job. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 23, 2024
I read JL Gribble's short story "Toward Unity" in the Limitless Love: A Polyamorous Charity Anthology and loved it, so when I got the chance for an advance copy of Service Before Self, I grabbed it.
J.L. Gribble isn't a new author, but they are new to MM contemporary romance. I wouldn't have known that, though, not from reading this well-written, entertaining romance with great characters and just enough military jargon to be convincing without overdoing it.
I loved that these two men are military but are not Special Operations. It takes more than pilots to run the Air Force. I also enjoyed that Finn's ex, while a jerk, wasn't a caricature. I wanted him to get payback for being a cheating narcissist, but he wasn't portrayed as an over-the-top bad guy.
J.L. Gribble isn't a new author, but they are new to MM contemporary romance. I wouldn't have known that, though, not from reading this well-written, entertaining romance with great characters and just enough military jargon to be convincing without overdoing it.
I loved that these two men are military but are not Special Operations. It takes more than pilots to run the Air Force. I also enjoyed that Finn's ex, while a jerk, wasn't a caricature. I wanted him to get payback for being a cheating narcissist, but he wasn't portrayed as an over-the-top bad guy.
July 4, 2024
This is my first time reading a book by this author, and I'm looking forward to exploring more of their work.
Finn and Alex are not your typical main characters; they come with a substantial amount of history, making their journey to a HEA a complex and emotional one. The depth of their backstory adds richness to the narrative, making it a compelling read.
The story includes a touch of angst, which fits perfectly with the plot and content. Without it, the story wouldn't feel as authentic. Finn and Alex are wonderfully grounded and real and I especially appreciated the focus on their military careers. The author's unique approach highlights the daily aspects of military life rather than the usual combat scenes, offering a fresh perspective.
Overall, this book features great main characters, excellent representation and a solid story and plot. It was an enjoyable read and I'm excited to see what else this author has to offer.
Finn and Alex are not your typical main characters; they come with a substantial amount of history, making their journey to a HEA a complex and emotional one. The depth of their backstory adds richness to the narrative, making it a compelling read.
The story includes a touch of angst, which fits perfectly with the plot and content. Without it, the story wouldn't feel as authentic. Finn and Alex are wonderfully grounded and real and I especially appreciated the focus on their military careers. The author's unique approach highlights the daily aspects of military life rather than the usual combat scenes, offering a fresh perspective.
Overall, this book features great main characters, excellent representation and a solid story and plot. It was an enjoyable read and I'm excited to see what else this author has to offer.
June 30, 2024
I normally don't go for military romances, as I don't have much interest in tough guys and too-strong patriotism, but I liked the quieter support for service shown here. Alex has found a way to make the National Guard work for him, as a solid career with benefits he needs and the support he craves. Finn's job as a nurse gives him the understanding to cope with Alex's support of his sister, in spite of his own broken and battered heart. The conflict keeping them apart in spite of their attraction, that the two are on the wrong sides of the enlisted/officer divide, was unusual for me to read and provided a tension with a set end point. The thing that didn't work for me was the super-evil, self-centered ex, as that seemed exaggerated out of keeping with the rest of the work. (I was given a free digital ARC in return for this review.)
July 3, 2024
Often I am not a fan of military romances as they are not written with realism, but that is not the case of this book. It is perfection in presenting the choices, challenges, and consequences faced by gay men in the military. Both Alex and Finn were likable and as written they worked. I love how Alex was hoping to make up for his crappy childhood (for he and his sister), and totally understand why Finn was weary of relationship with others in the military as they often end in disaster. Fortunately these two find love among the conflict (conflict of being in Air Force and Finn's ex). You may or may not agree with how they resolved these conflicts, but it works for them. One of the best military gay romances I have read. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.
July 4, 2024
I really liked the two main characters, Finn and Alex are wonderfully grounded and real. I also liked the focus on Alex and Finn’s military careers. This felt like an original take, the author focuses more on the military day to day without the combat or battlefield moments. The characters both are relatable and definitely easy to root for but it dragged a little for me and I didn’t love the poor communication keeping them apart. Finn and Alex are lovely but I wasn’t feeling much of a connection between them. I did enjoy the ending and really appreciated the extended peek into the future for Alex and Finn.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
June 28, 2024
OTS, GAL, PCS, AGR, copper basin, eye-watering wallpaper, crab mac 'n cheese
The military does love their acronyms. And talk about high drama! So much self-imposed angst! This being a character driven book lent itself well to it.
Being a minority myself, I appreciate how J.L. Gribble touched upon it. But didn't make it an issue between the MCs or amongst their circle of friends and family. The storyline is somewhat believable and interesting. I enjoyed reading this book and will look for more works by this author.
The military does love their acronyms. And talk about high drama! So much self-imposed angst! This being a character driven book lent itself well to it.
Being a minority myself, I appreciate how J.L. Gribble touched upon it. But didn't make it an issue between the MCs or amongst their circle of friends and family. The storyline is somewhat believable and interesting. I enjoyed reading this book and will look for more works by this author.
June 25, 2024
This book is unlike any other military books I've read before and from me that's saying something. These men must make hard choices that will not only affect their family but their careers as well. Alex is offered a promotion, which will allow him financial stability for him and his sister and a real chance with Finn. Finn was burned in the past from a fellow military officer, so he has his apprehension in trying this out. They start as friends and become more, but when times get rough, Finn choose to save them from possible military ramifications. I won't say I love this part of the story or agree with the choices he made, but I can understand them. I can also understand why Alex does allow him another chance he's all in. I'm happy to see how they move past this and make a lasting relationship even when I wanted to maybe punch someone.
June 27, 2024
I enjoyed the story as a whole and Alex and Finns relationship was adorable. The build up and friendship was interesting and I loved the moments of texting both through the app and regular messaging were great I do love a romance that includes those details.
However there was something missing that I can’t quite put my finger on.
I do want to have a nosy at this authors back list as this was my first read from them.
However there was something missing that I can’t quite put my finger on.
I do want to have a nosy at this authors back list as this was my first read from them.
July 5, 2024
I really enjoyed this sweet romance. The relationship building was excellent and Alex and Finn had so much to overcome and plenty of baggage especially with Finn's ex husband and if course the military regulations forbidding a relationship, it was fraught at times! Brilliant chemistry between them and loved their banter! It was such a pleasure following them as they overcome all their issues and get their well deserved HEA.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review.
July 6, 2024
I enjoyed this story and liked Finn and Alex I enjoyed their story, I didn’t like Finn’s ex and thought he seemed to be the type of person to try to manipulate things to suit himself. I loved Alex’s relationship with Charlie and how Finn automatically accepted their special relationship, I enjoyed this story and liked the epilogue and am going to look for Sage, Weston and Val’s story next to read.
July 4, 2024
His life has not been easy and he hopes the promotion will make life better for them. There is one huge problem he meet a man who makes him feel good but he is also in the forces which is banned. How will it all go? Can they keep their relationship a secret? What if they are found out? See how it will all go
July 5, 2024
This book is a story about two guys that hook up that are both in the air force. Because of a difference in rank, there is some issues that arise, especially because Finn's ex- husband makes threats that could lead to a devastating conclusion. Overall, I enjoyed this low- angst story about two guys in the military finding their way to love.
July 9, 2024
I really enjoyed the way the author took the obviously intense connection between Alex and Finn and complicated it with military regulations, a jealous ex who threatens to use those regulations against them, family responsibilities and career choices. These two have to make some hard decisions on the way to their HEA and carefully weigh what is most important in their lives.
July 12, 2024
Alex and Finn's relationship development was full of complications and hesitance, both of them had their fair share of baggage and weren't necessarily looking for a relationship. I thought they had great chemistry and that the book was well written. This is a new author to me. I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.
June 29, 2024
This is the first book I've read from this author and while I probably won't read this again there was some promise here so I won't give up on the author. The story was okay and I finished the book, I just probably wouldn't read it a second time.
July 3, 2024
This was a very cute, low angst book. I loved how much Finn cared for Alex’s sister and the level of compassion and empathy he had. Alex was a selfless brother, friend and lover. As always, Please check the triggers
July 4, 2024
This was a good read about just living a life in the military with no war or special forces but with other things that are a part of military life. Alex and Finn are dealing with that part.
They have a lot to work out and I am happy they did.
They have a lot to work out and I am happy they did.
July 6, 2024
3 stars ⭐️
Overall this was a really sweet story and had great characters. It's not a deep story even though the blurb leads you to believe it may go there. It was worth the read though.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
Overall this was a really sweet story and had great characters. It's not a deep story even though the blurb leads you to believe it may go there. It was worth the read though.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
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