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Resilient Heart
Originally released as part of the Unconditional Surrender bundle, now available as a stand-alone novella complete with BRAND-NEW 10,000 word short story/epilogue. When a wounded soldier is forced to accept help from his former best friend, both men discover the true strength of their entwined hearts.
Army IT specialist Xander keeps his emotions wired as tight as his NETCOM gear, but when he’s seriously injured by an IED, his whole life unravels. Running out of options, Xander must accept help from his ex-friend-with-benefits, Mackey. However, Xander’s had feelings for Mackey for years, and close quarters only complicates his emotions. Further, Xander doesn’t know which is worse: combating his inner demons or dealing with Mackey’s guilty kindnesses.
Mackey’s always kept his emotions close to his chest, but now he’s got a secret that could destroy his one chance with the man he cares far too much for. Both men will have to heal their wounded hearts to ensure a future together.
Entwined Future: In this new short story, Mackey has news that could change everything for him and Xander, but a visit from Xander's family jeopardizes Mackey's plans--and forces Xander to confront some harsh truths.
Army IT specialist Xander keeps his emotions wired as tight as his NETCOM gear, but when he’s seriously injured by an IED, his whole life unravels. Running out of options, Xander must accept help from his ex-friend-with-benefits, Mackey. However, Xander’s had feelings for Mackey for years, and close quarters only complicates his emotions. Further, Xander doesn’t know which is worse: combating his inner demons or dealing with Mackey’s guilty kindnesses.
Mackey’s always kept his emotions close to his chest, but now he’s got a secret that could destroy his one chance with the man he cares far too much for. Both men will have to heal their wounded hearts to ensure a future together.
Entwined Future: In this new short story, Mackey has news that could change everything for him and Xander, but a visit from Xander's family jeopardizes Mackey's plans--and forces Xander to confront some harsh truths.
118 pages, ebook
First published January 27, 2015
52 people are currently reading
547 people want to read
About the author
Annabeth Albert
110 books3,753 followersFrequent tweeter, professional grammar nerd, and obsessive reader, Annabeth Albert is also a Pacific Northwest romance writer in a variety of subgenres.
Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.
Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
December 29, 2018
I am on a lucky streak right now! This is another wonderful masterpiece of military romance!!
Resilient Heart is absolutely gorgeous!
Grittingly realistic, just the right kind of dark with a beautiful heartwarming romance and two insanely well written leading guys.
It can't get better. It could have been longer, though. When I like a story, I simply don't want it to end!
Xander and Mackey have been roommates in their network communications unit of the US Army.
A few nights of shared hand jobs in the dark lead to something that Xanders doesn't even dare give a name to, knowing that bisexual Mackey is all over the ladies too and would never choose him permanently as a lover.
Things are even more difficult for Xan, as Mackey - who is a 'let's get it done' type of guy - has troubles talking about his feelings and more often than not makes things hard for Xan without intending to.
The story starts with Xander waking up in an army hospital after his truck blew up due to an IED and he lost his hand and had severely injured his leg. After going through several surgeries, he is now in rehab to somehow get back on track with his life, but his PTSD and depression are keeping him from moving on and accepting help from anybody. His best friend *slash* friend with benefits Mackey is by his side at the hospital and picks him up to stay with him until he's back on his feet.
Xander doesn't understand why Mackey even helps him now instead of enjoying the sun at some army base in Hawaii, as he feels completely worthless with his missing arm. Xander describes it so perfectly:
And why does Mackey suddenly rent an accessible apartment with pool access? After all, the guy has been eating in the army chow hall and sleeping in the barracks for years just so he could save on groceries and living expenses!
Offering Xander a temporary place to crash seems to turn into a domestic living arrangement that freaks Xander out because it's exactly what he would have wished for back when he was still whole and madly in love with his hot bisexual best friend.
Now that he's a broken shell of his former self, he cannot let himself accept Mackey's love and devotion and writes it off as a guilt trip:
However, when things turn really dark for Xander, Mackey is the light that helps him back into his life.
It's just a novella, so I can't get into more details without giving everything away, but this story seriously impressed me. It's even going on my top 10 reads in 2018 shelf!
I totally loved how a severe depression was pictured here. Xander's thoughts rang absolutely true and I'm deeply impressed that Mackey supported him through all this, even when Xander was a complete dick about everything and didn't want to accept a life where he wasn't a marathon runner who looked like Captain America aka Chris Evans.
He still looked like Captain America, but with scars and a prosthetic hand. And with Xander being a pretty vain guy, it's easy to imagine how hard this change was for him.
I seriously love stories like this one by Annabeth Albert. They're not as dark as some other excellent works out there (Special Forces kinda sparked my love for military romances), but there's still enough of the highly charged and masculine military life to make me swoon whenever one of these bad-ass macho guys gives in and lets his feelings take over. I absolutely love that.
So, 5 stars without any doubt!!! And on my favorites shelf!
Resilient Heart is absolutely gorgeous!
Grittingly realistic, just the right kind of dark with a beautiful heartwarming romance and two insanely well written leading guys.
It can't get better. It could have been longer, though. When I like a story, I simply don't want it to end!
Xander and Mackey have been roommates in their network communications unit of the US Army.
A few nights of shared hand jobs in the dark lead to something that Xanders doesn't even dare give a name to, knowing that bisexual Mackey is all over the ladies too and would never choose him permanently as a lover.
Things are even more difficult for Xan, as Mackey - who is a 'let's get it done' type of guy - has troubles talking about his feelings and more often than not makes things hard for Xan without intending to.
The story starts with Xander waking up in an army hospital after his truck blew up due to an IED and he lost his hand and had severely injured his leg. After going through several surgeries, he is now in rehab to somehow get back on track with his life, but his PTSD and depression are keeping him from moving on and accepting help from anybody. His best friend *slash* friend with benefits Mackey is by his side at the hospital and picks him up to stay with him until he's back on his feet.
Xander doesn't understand why Mackey even helps him now instead of enjoying the sun at some army base in Hawaii, as he feels completely worthless with his missing arm. Xander describes it so perfectly:
But something was broken in Xander’s brain. It was like he could see people being nice to him, but the only effect all that niceness seemed to have was to piss him off.
And why does Mackey suddenly rent an accessible apartment with pool access? After all, the guy has been eating in the army chow hall and sleeping in the barracks for years just so he could save on groceries and living expenses!
Offering Xander a temporary place to crash seems to turn into a domestic living arrangement that freaks Xander out because it's exactly what he would have wished for back when he was still whole and madly in love with his hot bisexual best friend.
Now that he's a broken shell of his former self, he cannot let himself accept Mackey's love and devotion and writes it off as a guilt trip:
“Hell, Mackey, you’re not even gay. Tell me this whole boyfriends business isn’t about you tossing the cripple a bone.”
However, when things turn really dark for Xander, Mackey is the light that helps him back into his life.
It's just a novella, so I can't get into more details without giving everything away, but this story seriously impressed me. It's even going on my top 10 reads in 2018 shelf!
I totally loved how a severe depression was pictured here. Xander's thoughts rang absolutely true and I'm deeply impressed that Mackey supported him through all this, even when Xander was a complete dick about everything and didn't want to accept a life where he wasn't a marathon runner who looked like Captain America aka Chris Evans.
He still looked like Captain America, but with scars and a prosthetic hand. And with Xander being a pretty vain guy, it's easy to imagine how hard this change was for him.
I seriously love stories like this one by Annabeth Albert. They're not as dark as some other excellent works out there (Special Forces kinda sparked my love for military romances), but there's still enough of the highly charged and masculine military life to make me swoon whenever one of these bad-ass macho guys gives in and lets his feelings take over. I absolutely love that.
So, 5 stars without any doubt!!! And on my favorites shelf!
February 1, 2015
4.5 stars
I bought but never read
an anthology in which this story first appeared.
Shame on me!
I love Annabeth Albert's writing, and this is her hottest story to date.
Xander and Mackey: You can't get more real than this.
Trust, faith, healing . . . it's all here.
There is such tenderness between these guys. Xander suffers from deep depression and PTSD following an explosion in Iraq that left his body and mind shattered. The happy, easy-going Xander who loves to laugh and tease is gone.
But Mackey's not giving up on Xander, not now, not ever.
The two men used to have a cozy little friends-with-benefits arrangement, even if Xander never trusted Mackey to give the relationship his all, and Mackey wasn't honest with Xander, not about his feelings and not about his choices.
But the way Mackey cares for Xander, the way he cajoles and loves and touches, you know Xander is IT for him.
This new edition includes an extended epilogue that did me in: such HEAT and HAPPINESS and CLOSURE.
This may be my favorite M/M military story of all time. Even if you read the original in the anthology, buy this one and reread. The epilogue alone is worth the small price.
Gorgeous, evocative, sweet:
all that AND a Golden Retriever!
And for those who serve(d): Thank you THEN, thank you NOW, thank you ALWAYS.
I bought but never read
an anthology in which this story first appeared.
Shame on me!
I love Annabeth Albert's writing, and this is her hottest story to date.
Xander and Mackey: You can't get more real than this.
Trust, faith, healing . . . it's all here.
There is such tenderness between these guys. Xander suffers from deep depression and PTSD following an explosion in Iraq that left his body and mind shattered. The happy, easy-going Xander who loves to laugh and tease is gone.
But Mackey's not giving up on Xander, not now, not ever.
The two men used to have a cozy little friends-with-benefits arrangement, even if Xander never trusted Mackey to give the relationship his all, and Mackey wasn't honest with Xander, not about his feelings and not about his choices.
But the way Mackey cares for Xander, the way he cajoles and loves and touches, you know Xander is IT for him.
This new edition includes an extended epilogue that did me in: such HEAT and HAPPINESS and CLOSURE.
This may be my favorite M/M military story of all time. Even if you read the original in the anthology, buy this one and reread. The epilogue alone is worth the small price.
Gorgeous, evocative, sweet:
all that AND a Golden Retriever!
And for those who serve(d): Thank you THEN, thank you NOW, thank you ALWAYS.
June 10, 2017
Gawd this right here encompasses everything I could want in a romance - military MC's, hurt comfort, and tons of angst.
Yes, I know I complain and balk at something being potentially angsty, but obviously, deep down, there is a kind of emotional pain that I do like to torture myself with - and this right here had that lovely gut twisting, push/pull, with tons of longing and insecurity and doubt. Yep.
As a recap, Mackey and Xander are bff's with benefits, each wanting more but too afraid to talk about it, let alone act on it. It doesn't help that Xander thinks Mackey's bisexuality is a fleeting indulgence, nor does it help that Mackey interprets Xander's reluctance to come out to his family as fear of commitment. It takes an unfortunate accident to wake Mackey up, and he's determined to right some wrongs. However, now more than ever, Xander is not on the same page due to his new disabilities.
So yes, this was full of feels, had excellent pining and loving proclamations, with the added bonus of some scorching smex!! I need more!
Note: though originally part of an anthology, the new standalone version has a hot and fulfilling epilogue - my favorite kind!
Yes, I know I complain and balk at something being potentially angsty, but obviously, deep down, there is a kind of emotional pain that I do like to torture myself with - and this right here had that lovely gut twisting, push/pull, with tons of longing and insecurity and doubt. Yep.
As a recap, Mackey and Xander are bff's with benefits, each wanting more but too afraid to talk about it, let alone act on it. It doesn't help that Xander thinks Mackey's bisexuality is a fleeting indulgence, nor does it help that Mackey interprets Xander's reluctance to come out to his family as fear of commitment. It takes an unfortunate accident to wake Mackey up, and he's determined to right some wrongs. However, now more than ever, Xander is not on the same page due to his new disabilities.
So yes, this was full of feels, had excellent pining and loving proclamations, with the added bonus of some scorching smex!! I need more!
Note: though originally part of an anthology, the new standalone version has a hot and fulfilling epilogue - my favorite kind!
February 4, 2015
Oh, this is my favorite kind of book! A fabulous short story that was originally in an Anthology, specifically Unconditional Surrender - An M/M Military Bundle, that comes out later as a stand-alone book with extra details and an extended epilogue added. I loved the short story the first time around, but for 99¢ we get the SUPER SIZED story and there was so much more to love!
Resilient Heart tells the story of Army buddies Xander and Mackey who were best friends and fuck buddies while serving together. While Xander quietly loved Mackey during their years together, Mackey kept the sex casual and on his terms. When Xander is wounded and has to leave the Army because of those injuries, Mackey finally wakes-the-fuck-up and realizes that Xander is so much more than a fuck buddy and spends months changing his entire life to get back to Xander and help him heal and express his feelings. But, not so fast! Xander is suffering from PTSD and is all kinds of depressed and isn't willing to trust Mackey's declaration of love. And, oh how delicious it is to watch Mackey get back into Xander's good graces and help Xander heal. Hurt/healing/comfort overload! SO GOOD!
If you like the military boys and hurt/healing/comfort (Cuteness warning! There is a PTSD doggy involved here!) then you have GOT to read this excellent story. It now sits proudly on my absolute favorites shelf. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
July 12, 2017
This was my first book from this author and although I liked it, I didn't love it as much as I hoped I would and I can't even exactly pinpoint why...
I have a penchant for everything military-related and the more realistic and authentic an author deals with PTSD and depression the better, which was definitely the case here IMO. Sometimes I couldn't relate to certain reactions of the characters, though, for me they were a bit staged, especially the 'let's have sex, it will make everything better' thing they had going. It felt like the author felt the need to put in those scenes to make it more attractive for the reader.
Apart from that, I adored Mackey and loved how he saw through Xander's attitude, how he dealt with him by calling him out on his BS sometimes and how he would even sacrifice his own happiness for Xander's well-being. Xander's fate pulled at my heartstrings, but I definitely had a problem with his scoffing about Mackey's bisexuality and I wanted to give him a clip round the ear for that.
Lots of my friends loved this book more than I did, so it seems to be another case of 'it's me, not the book', and it won't keep me from reading more from this author.
I have a penchant for everything military-related and the more realistic and authentic an author deals with PTSD and depression the better, which was definitely the case here IMO. Sometimes I couldn't relate to certain reactions of the characters, though, for me they were a bit staged, especially the 'let's have sex, it will make everything better' thing they had going. It felt like the author felt the need to put in those scenes to make it more attractive for the reader.
Apart from that, I adored Mackey and loved how he saw through Xander's attitude, how he dealt with him by calling him out on his BS sometimes and how he would even sacrifice his own happiness for Xander's well-being. Xander's fate pulled at my heartstrings, but I definitely had a problem with his scoffing about Mackey's bisexuality and I wanted to give him a clip round the ear for that.
Lots of my friends loved this book more than I did, so it seems to be another case of 'it's me, not the book', and it won't keep me from reading more from this author.
May 4, 2017
***3.5 Stars***
An enjoyable, though at times emotionally difficult read about PTSD, depression, fortitude, perseverance, honesty, trust and overall....unconditional love.
"Haven't you figured out yet that you take care of me every bit as much as I take care of you? We take care of each other. Always have."
May 14, 2019
**** A must read, **** deeply amazing story of true love !
Gosh, I'm so glad I read this beautiful story.
Xander, 28, was injured, is scarred mentally and physically. He feels so alone. No more job he loved, IT Unit in the Army, before the IED hit. He hates life right now, with an amputated arm, and gimpy foot, plus the PTSD, he figures he's doomed.
Mackey, is Xander's best friend (with benefits), who has shown up to take him home from the hospital. Mackey has a permanent 5 o'clock shadow, big muscled body, and is on a "rescue and revive" mission.
We get frank and honest language, with deep undercurrents of thoughts. Each man has been in love with the other for years, but kept their feelings
under wraps. Mackey plans to change that. He takes Xander to his new place and they settle in. He's taken time off to care for cantankerous Xander.
Loved these two men. They had brutal truthfulness and raw emotions. The daily battle is shown and later, Xander's suicidal thoughts. In addition, we have family to deal with.
This is intense, fascinating, riveting, and worthwhile. Xander finally agrees to therapy, signs himself in, and later gets a service dog. Ruby...
We see the men actually talk about their wants and needs and express their love. Magnificently writing.
Our men argue, have hot sex, and the characters seemed so real. * The conversation with the little girl while at Target was wonderful, poignant, and pertinent. We get a "four months later" chapter, and then an Epilogue chapter that is outstanding !
Xander and Mackey have a "first time" which is powerfully sexy. A very relevant book.
Highly recommended. ENJOY !
===
* Thank you so much, dear Martin, for the recommendation ! :)x
======
Gosh, I'm so glad I read this beautiful story.
Xander, 28, was injured, is scarred mentally and physically. He feels so alone. No more job he loved, IT Unit in the Army, before the IED hit. He hates life right now, with an amputated arm, and gimpy foot, plus the PTSD, he figures he's doomed.
Mackey, is Xander's best friend (with benefits), who has shown up to take him home from the hospital. Mackey has a permanent 5 o'clock shadow, big muscled body, and is on a "rescue and revive" mission.
We get frank and honest language, with deep undercurrents of thoughts. Each man has been in love with the other for years, but kept their feelings
under wraps. Mackey plans to change that. He takes Xander to his new place and they settle in. He's taken time off to care for cantankerous Xander.
Loved these two men. They had brutal truthfulness and raw emotions. The daily battle is shown and later, Xander's suicidal thoughts. In addition, we have family to deal with.
This is intense, fascinating, riveting, and worthwhile. Xander finally agrees to therapy, signs himself in, and later gets a service dog. Ruby...
We see the men actually talk about their wants and needs and express their love. Magnificently writing.
Our men argue, have hot sex, and the characters seemed so real. * The conversation with the little girl while at Target was wonderful, poignant, and pertinent. We get a "four months later" chapter, and then an Epilogue chapter that is outstanding !
Xander and Mackey have a "first time" which is powerfully sexy. A very relevant book.
Highly recommended. ENJOY !
===
* Thank you so much, dear Martin, for the recommendation ! :)x
======
April 1, 2018
A solid 4 stars!!! Ok... Maybe even 4.5 😉
It was a very emotional read... And well-written, too!
I have nothing to do with medicine, but for me Xander's depression and PTSD were very real... I felt as if I suffered with him :(
There was so much anger in his thoughts, so much feeling of helplessness...
And Mackey...? Mackey was incredible... How much compassion, and strength and support (and yes, guilt, too!) can a human being be capable of having and showing and giving?
This story made my heart ache, and it was truly keeping me at the edge of my seat all the time... I wished so much for Xander and Mackey to get their HEA!
The truth is the main story finished with a strong HFN (at least in my eyes) and I felt lacking something more... Some kind of hope or glimpse of their future together... That's why I'm so happy that A. Albert provided us with this extra short story epilogue (which I don't think had been published before, in the anthology where Resilient Heart first appeared). That epilogue was kickass! Exactly what I needed to stop worry about Mackey, and especially Xander... ;) Now I'm sure they will be OK and happy together :D
Highly recommended!!!
It was a very emotional read... And well-written, too!
I have nothing to do with medicine, but for me Xander's depression and PTSD were very real... I felt as if I suffered with him :(
There was so much anger in his thoughts, so much feeling of helplessness...
And Mackey...? Mackey was incredible... How much compassion, and strength and support (and yes, guilt, too!) can a human being be capable of having and showing and giving?
This story made my heart ache, and it was truly keeping me at the edge of my seat all the time... I wished so much for Xander and Mackey to get their HEA!
The truth is the main story finished with a strong HFN (at least in my eyes) and I felt lacking something more... Some kind of hope or glimpse of their future together... That's why I'm so happy that A. Albert provided us with this extra short story epilogue (which I don't think had been published before, in the anthology where Resilient Heart first appeared). That epilogue was kickass! Exactly what I needed to stop worry about Mackey, and especially Xander... ;) Now I'm sure they will be OK and happy together :D
Highly recommended!!!
February 5, 2025
Very nice military representation, great depiction of depression, PTSD and someone recovering from injuries. I would probably have loved this a full length but as we start the novella with these two already pretty much together I never found myself overly invested in their relationship. Not my favourite by Annabeth Albert, I’ve enjoyed her other military romances in the past.
December 19, 2015
It was good and the comfort-healing theme was done just right.
Not my favourite from this author, though, and Xander's digs about Mackey's bisexuality grated on my nerves a little bit.
Nice job with the epilogue.
August 28, 2022
Kindle-Sort-ReRead
This is good, noone is perfect and there's no magic cure. They work through things, it's a battle. Everything is good by the end but at the same time you know there will still be dark moments, just that now they'll work together and get through. Plus cute dog.
The story gets quite heavy, but never feels forced the emotions were believable rather than for the sake of drama.
This is good, noone is perfect and there's no magic cure. They work through things, it's a battle. Everything is good by the end but at the same time you know there will still be dark moments, just that now they'll work together and get through. Plus cute dog.
The story gets quite heavy, but never feels forced the emotions were believable rather than for the sake of drama.
February 3, 2015
Okay, I admit when I started the story, I was ready to complain about it. The story opens in a hospital scene; Xander has been seriously injured after his convoy was blown up by an IED, he is missing his forearm, his face scarred-up, and right now his ex-friend-with-benefits, Mackey is visiting the mission to take care of Xander.
You see, I always prefer to be with my characters since the very beginning. So the fact that the story started in “the middle” with reference to a big argument that Xander and Mackey had several months ago just annoyed me. Yes, there were a couple of flashbacks that explained what had happened and the conversation between Xander and Mackey helped me to understand what these men had been going through, but I was annoyed with the set-up.
However, as the story progresses, I started to care really deeply for these men. I thought Albert wrote the depression from Xander’s perspective really, really, well. This is a character-driven and quite an emotional story. Xander’s anger towards his current situation, towards Mackey, towards the doctors and the nurses and the army (who he thinks just chucked him away now that he is disabled) feels so earnest. I admired Mackey’s dedication to be with Xander every step of the way. Mackey might not have been there when Xander was first admitted to the hospital, but when he gets there, he will not leave, no matter the hurtful things Xander leashes out to him.
There is one scene – I will not spoil it, you just have to read it by yourself – that I thought was very intense, I felt like my lungs were out of breath and I had tears in my eyes. It is a moment where you are fighting with that dark demon inside you. The important moment when you can just give up or fight your way out of the darkness. It was emotional and frighteningly real. I thought it was one of the most powerful scenes I have ever read.
For a novella-length, I thought Resilient Heart packed a punch. It offers a look inside a soldier’s life who suffers from the dark clutch of PTSD but at the same time provides hope for a healing journey. I was happy that Xander’s healing did not magically happen just because Mackey loves him. The extended epilogue Entwined Future shows that it is a work in a progress. Xander and Mackey still learned to balance out their feeling and relationship and family issues. It’s like life, really, it doesn’t stop just after one big moment happens. It might not be a bed of roses for these guys, but it’s so worth reading and I know that they will be just fine … with the strength of their love (and also a great service dog :p).
Annabeth Albert has definitely entered my list of authors-to-look-forward to. I will be waiting for her next story for sure.
You see, I always prefer to be with my characters since the very beginning. So the fact that the story started in “the middle” with reference to a big argument that Xander and Mackey had several months ago just annoyed me. Yes, there were a couple of flashbacks that explained what had happened and the conversation between Xander and Mackey helped me to understand what these men had been going through, but I was annoyed with the set-up.
However, as the story progresses, I started to care really deeply for these men. I thought Albert wrote the depression from Xander’s perspective really, really, well. This is a character-driven and quite an emotional story. Xander’s anger towards his current situation, towards Mackey, towards the doctors and the nurses and the army (who he thinks just chucked him away now that he is disabled) feels so earnest. I admired Mackey’s dedication to be with Xander every step of the way. Mackey might not have been there when Xander was first admitted to the hospital, but when he gets there, he will not leave, no matter the hurtful things Xander leashes out to him.
There is one scene – I will not spoil it, you just have to read it by yourself – that I thought was very intense, I felt like my lungs were out of breath and I had tears in my eyes. It is a moment where you are fighting with that dark demon inside you. The important moment when you can just give up or fight your way out of the darkness. It was emotional and frighteningly real. I thought it was one of the most powerful scenes I have ever read.
For a novella-length, I thought Resilient Heart packed a punch. It offers a look inside a soldier’s life who suffers from the dark clutch of PTSD but at the same time provides hope for a healing journey. I was happy that Xander’s healing did not magically happen just because Mackey loves him. The extended epilogue Entwined Future shows that it is a work in a progress. Xander and Mackey still learned to balance out their feeling and relationship and family issues. It’s like life, really, it doesn’t stop just after one big moment happens. It might not be a bed of roses for these guys, but it’s so worth reading and I know that they will be just fine … with the strength of their love (and also a great service dog :p).
Annabeth Albert has definitely entered my list of authors-to-look-forward to. I will be waiting for her next story for sure.
July 5, 2017
Wow....how have I not read this before? I think this is one of this author's best works. This was a super good hurt/comfort and second chances book. (Gah....both of which I love so hard) The story starts as Xander's being released from the hospital after serious injuries he got while he was serving in the Middle East. Mackey shows up out of the blue (at least in Xander's mind) because he almost lost Xander once and he's not willing to do it again.
What follows is an intense story as Xander tries to work through his depression and ptsd and get his new life in order. I loved both of the MC's separately and together. There were emotionally touching scenes and some that felt painfully realistic. (& of course a bit of smexy thrown in too)
There was also a little follow up story on these two at the end of the book. Lovely hea.
What follows is an intense story as Xander tries to work through his depression and ptsd and get his new life in order. I loved both of the MC's separately and together. There were emotionally touching scenes and some that felt painfully realistic. (& of course a bit of smexy thrown in too)
There was also a little follow up story on these two at the end of the book. Lovely hea.
March 17, 2022
Short but intense read.
I enjoyed that both Xander and Mackey are flawed and feel very real.
The bonus story at the end was extremely satisfying.
I enjoyed that both Xander and Mackey are flawed and feel very real.
The bonus story at the end was extremely satisfying.
September 6, 2018
I first read this as part of the Unconditional Surrender anthology, though I didn't realize that when I started the story. Nevertheless, I read it through again as it's been expanded and there's a length epilogue bonus in this edition that gives readers a glimpse into Xander's and Mackey's future.
From my first read:
Xander – partial amputee, depressed, and suffering from PTSD is finally about to be discharged from Walter Reed Army Hospital when his longtime friend with benefits, and the man he secretly loves, Mackey, shows up. The story tells the poignant tale of Xander’s journey back to emotional and physical health as well as the story of how the two men come back from what could have been a total breakup to finally admit and show their love for each other. Mackey is there for Xander in more ways than just giving him a ride home and it’s wonderful to watch the strength of his love carry Xander through some very dark times.
Adding to that:
The defects both hide initially nearly break them up, and in Xander's case, it nearly sends him off the roof of a parking garage, but Xander finally utters that four-letter word, HELP, and the healing begins for both. I can't recommend this story highly enough. This author packs so much punch into a few hours reading, it's incredible.
And, oh, I nearly forgot the golden retriever therapy dog that Xander gets at the end. Couldn't be better. The author also includes a few links to nonprofits that help vets for those readers who are interested in supporting veterans further.
From my first read:
Xander – partial amputee, depressed, and suffering from PTSD is finally about to be discharged from Walter Reed Army Hospital when his longtime friend with benefits, and the man he secretly loves, Mackey, shows up. The story tells the poignant tale of Xander’s journey back to emotional and physical health as well as the story of how the two men come back from what could have been a total breakup to finally admit and show their love for each other. Mackey is there for Xander in more ways than just giving him a ride home and it’s wonderful to watch the strength of his love carry Xander through some very dark times.
Adding to that:
The defects both hide initially nearly break them up, and in Xander's case, it nearly sends him off the roof of a parking garage, but Xander finally utters that four-letter word, HELP, and the healing begins for both. I can't recommend this story highly enough. This author packs so much punch into a few hours reading, it's incredible.
And, oh, I nearly forgot the golden retriever therapy dog that Xander gets at the end. Couldn't be better. The author also includes a few links to nonprofits that help vets for those readers who are interested in supporting veterans further.
March 16, 2018
I should have left well enough alone :-/ because I enjoyed it LESS the second time around :-/!! True rating ... wavering between 2 and 2.5 stars ... all in all, it was just "okay" for me :-/!!
**************
I feel like giving this one another go :-) ...
**************
True rating ... 3.5 [rounded down to 3] stars! I didn't round it up to 4 solid stars just because I was a bit let down by the tentative-HEA at the end :-/! I wasn't prepared for the ending ... maybe if I had been, my rating would have been different. I'll mull this one over!
*****
I served as an officer in the Army for several years (active duty/combat in the Middle East [Israel] for most of that time, with my entire military career having been there), so I have a truly special affection/affinity for Military M/M books ❤️❤️❤️!! No matter which Army, if you're on the side of good, we all share a kinship!!
I really hope this book does the subject proud and I hope I enjoy it (I have a strong feeling I will) :-)!!
******
Novella. Borrowed on Kindle Unlimited; if I adore it, I'll purchase it too :-)!!
**************
I feel like giving this one another go :-) ...
**************
True rating ... 3.5 [rounded down to 3] stars! I didn't round it up to 4 solid stars just because I was a bit let down by the tentative-HEA at the end :-/! I wasn't prepared for the ending ... maybe if I had been, my rating would have been different. I'll mull this one over!
*****
I served as an officer in the Army for several years (active duty/combat in the Middle East [Israel] for most of that time, with my entire military career having been there), so I have a truly special affection/affinity for Military M/M books ❤️❤️❤️!! No matter which Army, if you're on the side of good, we all share a kinship!!
I really hope this book does the subject proud and I hope I enjoy it (I have a strong feeling I will) :-)!!
******
Novella. Borrowed on Kindle Unlimited; if I adore it, I'll purchase it too :-)!!
February 15, 2015
4.5 Stars
That new epilogue really made this story. Without it, the story would still be good, but I really think the epilogue made it fantastic. I feel kind of giddy now.
More review to come :)
That new epilogue really made this story. Without it, the story would still be good, but I really think the epilogue made it fantastic. I feel kind of giddy now.
More review to come :)
February 10, 2020
This novella features a truculent army veteran, Xander, who lost an arm and leg in one of his mission and is forced to take a break to recover. His best buddy in the army, Mackey, who also happens to be his fuck buddy, attempts to help him get his life back together.
The book touches on a lot of topics from PTSD, depression, disability, coming out, and homophobia in the army in such a short book. Because of the length of the story, I feel like too many topics were covered and there wasn't enough time to properly develop and establish those topics properly.
There were quite a bit of steamy scenes in the story and I really enjoyed them, which is sadly the best part of the book for me. I can't seem to really get into these two characters, and I think the 'fuck buddies to lovers' trope here didn't really work well for me.
I really liked the side characters like Xander's mom and of course, the therapy dog, Ruby. The whole story is a pleasant read, but there was nothing really memorable or impactful here. I will probably forget about this story totally one year down the road.
3 Stars
The book touches on a lot of topics from PTSD, depression, disability, coming out, and homophobia in the army in such a short book. Because of the length of the story, I feel like too many topics were covered and there wasn't enough time to properly develop and establish those topics properly.
There were quite a bit of steamy scenes in the story and I really enjoyed them, which is sadly the best part of the book for me. I can't seem to really get into these two characters, and I think the 'fuck buddies to lovers' trope here didn't really work well for me.
I really liked the side characters like Xander's mom and of course, the therapy dog, Ruby. The whole story is a pleasant read, but there was nothing really memorable or impactful here. I will probably forget about this story totally one year down the road.
3 Stars
May 11, 2017
Heart warming and beautifully written
Oh the epilogue bonus chapter absolutely made this little novella perfect, it's only losing a star because it was short and I wanted to read more about Xander and Mackey.
I love military romances and Annabeth Albert is a true master of them, managing the mix between hot alpha men and vulnerable and hurting so well.
This one had the added simmering story plot of PTSD and it was treated with empathy and understanding. It's a complex and often misunderstood diagnosis and it has life time repercussions. Xander wasn't miraculously cured by the love of his man and that's wholly believable.
I'd love more of this pairing.
Oh the epilogue bonus chapter absolutely made this little novella perfect, it's only losing a star because it was short and I wanted to read more about Xander and Mackey.
I love military romances and Annabeth Albert is a true master of them, managing the mix between hot alpha men and vulnerable and hurting so well.
This one had the added simmering story plot of PTSD and it was treated with empathy and understanding. It's a complex and often misunderstood diagnosis and it has life time repercussions. Xander wasn't miraculously cured by the love of his man and that's wholly believable.
I'd love more of this pairing.
November 12, 2015
4.5 stars... Whenever I read military books like this, I also think how blessed I am that my husband made it back both times when he was deployed. The whole time they're deployed this or something happening worse to them is always a fear of the spouse. So glad both Xander and Mackey had each other and that Mackey didn't ever give up on Xander .
July 5, 2015
That was sweet. I really liked the bonus epilogue story. :))
But I have to say it's a little bit boring. IDK, it's just me.
But I have to say it's a little bit boring. IDK, it's just me.
March 5, 2015
Currently at a work conference with only my iPad. Can't get into pretty, gif reviews. 3.5 stars.
March 19, 2017
Once upon a time he and Xander had a best-friends-with-benefits thing going, but that thing had blown up the night before an IED made the rest of Xander's life go boom.
RESILIENT HEART is a tough read but definitely worth the pain.
He was pretty sure his therapist had every synonym for 'noncompliant' all over his chart.
Events over in the sandbox have left Xander with a permanent limp, a messed up shoulder, scars on his face, and only one hand. The happy fun and lighthearted IT specialist has been discharged from the army because of his inability to face his depression and his PTSD. With the arrival of his roommate, Mackey, who has switched his placement, taken a new job posting, and rented a ground-floor apartment where Xander can live until he's healed, the injured vet assumes it's the actions of a man riddled with guilt for the way their not-a-relationship detonated the night before the accident that left Xander wounded and Mackey unscathed. And Xander's right; Mackey feels loads of guilt. But not for the reasons he thinks.
"You want the old me? The nice guy? He's gone. You're wasting your time."
"Oh, he's in there. He's smothering under that giant chip on your shoulder, but we can knock that sucker off."
Albert handles a lot of hard subject matter in this read. Depression, survivor's guilt, biphobia, PTSD, thoughts of suicide.. it's all there. But so is tenderness, understanding, support and heat. As frustrating as their lack of communication was, I appreciated the fact that neither of these guys were good at talking things out. They both have different backgrounds and different personalities but they both sucked at expressing themselves and that was very consistent. It was better by the end but it was a very gradual process and one that was still problematic even as their relationship improved. It felt very real and showed how not everything had a magic fix -- just like Xander's anxiety -- and that being together didn't turn them into a perfect couple.
"Xander? I don't give a fuck about your injuries. You're alive. You're alive and we get a second chance. That's what I care about. That's why I'm here. Because I did live. We both did."
I loved the unraveling of the story, the layers of their relationship, all the little flashbacks and the stories that filled in the blanks to define a friendship that had lasted years. Albert doesn't info dump or set the scene from page one. Every moment, defining or casual, is earned as the story progresses. It was so much more than I thought it would be from the opening pages.
A guy didn't come running around the world for a jerk-off buddy, even one who was also an ex-teammate and an ex-barracks roommate.
There are omissions and misunderstandings that get revealed along the way to make this feel like a very well-rounded story despite the novella length. But I have to admit. If not for the addition to the novella, the bonus snippet, this would've been an even more frustrating read after that initial ending. Not only because of what was tackled in that secondary arc but just from the way it resolved. Way more satisfaction in having the bigger picture, even if not everything was entirely wrapped up a pretty bow.
Didn't matter if it was guilt or misguided absolutism, everything Mackey had gone the last few days said he cared.
The endings of each little story felt a little abrupt, and that's not just my way of saying I want more, but I still felt Xander's tragedy to be easier to bear than Albert's other story featuring a wounded vet. Either way it definitely makes me want to reach through my kindle and give them all hugs. And while the ending of the bonus epilogue was a little.. sudden, I'm so happy with where their story ended -- for now?
3.75 "he wasn't sure how they'd gone from 'hey my parents are coming' to 'hey let's fuck' but he wasn't complaining" stars
RESILIENT HEART is a tough read but definitely worth the pain.
He was pretty sure his therapist had every synonym for 'noncompliant' all over his chart.
Events over in the sandbox have left Xander with a permanent limp, a messed up shoulder, scars on his face, and only one hand. The happy fun and lighthearted IT specialist has been discharged from the army because of his inability to face his depression and his PTSD. With the arrival of his roommate, Mackey, who has switched his placement, taken a new job posting, and rented a ground-floor apartment where Xander can live until he's healed, the injured vet assumes it's the actions of a man riddled with guilt for the way their not-a-relationship detonated the night before the accident that left Xander wounded and Mackey unscathed. And Xander's right; Mackey feels loads of guilt. But not for the reasons he thinks.
"You want the old me? The nice guy? He's gone. You're wasting your time."
"Oh, he's in there. He's smothering under that giant chip on your shoulder, but we can knock that sucker off."
Albert handles a lot of hard subject matter in this read. Depression, survivor's guilt, biphobia, PTSD, thoughts of suicide.. it's all there. But so is tenderness, understanding, support and heat. As frustrating as their lack of communication was, I appreciated the fact that neither of these guys were good at talking things out. They both have different backgrounds and different personalities but they both sucked at expressing themselves and that was very consistent. It was better by the end but it was a very gradual process and one that was still problematic even as their relationship improved. It felt very real and showed how not everything had a magic fix -- just like Xander's anxiety -- and that being together didn't turn them into a perfect couple.
"Xander? I don't give a fuck about your injuries. You're alive. You're alive and we get a second chance. That's what I care about. That's why I'm here. Because I did live. We both did."
I loved the unraveling of the story, the layers of their relationship, all the little flashbacks and the stories that filled in the blanks to define a friendship that had lasted years. Albert doesn't info dump or set the scene from page one. Every moment, defining or casual, is earned as the story progresses. It was so much more than I thought it would be from the opening pages.
A guy didn't come running around the world for a jerk-off buddy, even one who was also an ex-teammate and an ex-barracks roommate.
There are omissions and misunderstandings that get revealed along the way to make this feel like a very well-rounded story despite the novella length. But I have to admit. If not for the addition to the novella, the bonus snippet, this would've been an even more frustrating read after that initial ending. Not only because of what was tackled in that secondary arc but just from the way it resolved. Way more satisfaction in having the bigger picture, even if not everything was entirely wrapped up a pretty bow.
Didn't matter if it was guilt or misguided absolutism, everything Mackey had gone the last few days said he cared.
The endings of each little story felt a little abrupt, and that's not just my way of saying I want more, but I still felt Xander's tragedy to be easier to bear than Albert's other story featuring a wounded vet. Either way it definitely makes me want to reach through my kindle and give them all hugs. And while the ending of the bonus epilogue was a little.. sudden, I'm so happy with where their story ended -- for now?
3.75 "he wasn't sure how they'd gone from 'hey my parents are coming' to 'hey let's fuck' but he wasn't complaining" stars
March 24, 2017
Ein Einsatz läuft schief und stellt das Leben des IT-Spezialisten Xander völlig auf den Kopf. Nur knapp überlebt er und kämpft seither mit Depressionen und den körperlichen Beeinträchtigungen. Seine Betreuer sind mit ihrer Weisheit und Energie am Ende und Xander droht ein übles Schicksal nach seiner Zeit im Armeehospital. Doch da gibt es noch Mackey, seinen Freund und Kameraden. Und auch ein Freund mit Specials.
Mackey will und kann Xander nicht aufgeben. Seit Jahren liebt er seinen Freund, doch beim Militär gelten andere Spielregeln und gleichzeitig hat Mackey auch noch Schuldgefühle, da er sich bis zu einem gewissen Grad für Xanders Verletzungen verantwortlich fühlt. Doch Xander macht es Mackey sehr schwer und es braucht sehr viel Geduld und Ausdauer um Xander aus der Dunkelheit zu holen.
Xander ist natürlich am Boden zerstört und kann mit der Freundlichkeit seines Kumpels überhaupt nicht umgehen. Und er versteht nicht, wieso Mackey sich so um ihn kümmert und mehr als nur einen Freund in ihm sieht.
Obwohl die Geschichte kurz ist, konnte sie mich fesseln und auch berühren. Xander ist jetzt kein Held. Er hat gelitten und viel verloren und er droht daran zu zerbrechen. Seine Ausfälle sind völlig verständlich und auch seine Depressionen sind nachvollziehbar. Mackey ist extrem süß, fürsorglich und kümmert sich um alles was Xander betrifft. Er sucht sich sogar einen Job in der Ausbildung und will für Xander da sein, der natürlich aus der Armee ausgeschieden ist.
In dieser Geschichte ist alles dabei. Drama, Romantik, Sex und ehrliche Gefühle, die manchmal auch wehtun können. Kurz und knackig, aber überzeugend!
Mackey will und kann Xander nicht aufgeben. Seit Jahren liebt er seinen Freund, doch beim Militär gelten andere Spielregeln und gleichzeitig hat Mackey auch noch Schuldgefühle, da er sich bis zu einem gewissen Grad für Xanders Verletzungen verantwortlich fühlt. Doch Xander macht es Mackey sehr schwer und es braucht sehr viel Geduld und Ausdauer um Xander aus der Dunkelheit zu holen.
Xander ist natürlich am Boden zerstört und kann mit der Freundlichkeit seines Kumpels überhaupt nicht umgehen. Und er versteht nicht, wieso Mackey sich so um ihn kümmert und mehr als nur einen Freund in ihm sieht.
Obwohl die Geschichte kurz ist, konnte sie mich fesseln und auch berühren. Xander ist jetzt kein Held. Er hat gelitten und viel verloren und er droht daran zu zerbrechen. Seine Ausfälle sind völlig verständlich und auch seine Depressionen sind nachvollziehbar. Mackey ist extrem süß, fürsorglich und kümmert sich um alles was Xander betrifft. Er sucht sich sogar einen Job in der Ausbildung und will für Xander da sein, der natürlich aus der Armee ausgeschieden ist.
In dieser Geschichte ist alles dabei. Drama, Romantik, Sex und ehrliche Gefühle, die manchmal auch wehtun können. Kurz und knackig, aber überzeugend!
March 9, 2015
This is a beautiful story of second chances. I dragged to start reading as stories with PTSD character could be so angsty and full of drama. This was
NOT
like that. It felt real. The hurt, the denial, the acceptance, and - finally - the healing.
Xander and Mackey were best buddies as well as friends-with-benefits for years, as long as their military service time. What they never revealed was their true feelings of each other. One new year's eve while on deployment in the sandbox, they had huge argument and the next day all hell broke loose during their field assignment. It left Mackey unscathed, but had Xander seriously injured and body part removed. The tragic accident, that had other fatal casualties, pushed Mackey to rethink the decisions he took and kept secret years ago..
The story was told alternately from Xander and Mackey POV. It allowed the reader insights to both MC's head, the guilt and fears they kept hidden all along. Both characters were likable despite their (Xander's mostly) hardheaded tendency. In my mind Mackey was this big lovable teddy bear that so wanted to surround Xander with love without being overwhelming. The process of how they finally - FINALLY - come together was achingly touching (impatient that I am, I often wanted to throttle Xan even when I understood his frustration). But the healing was just the beginning of their adjustment and journey together.
In a way I wish the story were longer, but also appreciate it ended the way it did. Xander still had long way to go, with his disability and with his family, and not least - his commitment with Mackey.
Xander and Mackey were best buddies as well as friends-with-benefits for years, as long as their military service time. What they never revealed was their true feelings of each other. One new year's eve while on deployment in the sandbox, they had huge argument and the next day all hell broke loose during their field assignment. It left Mackey unscathed, but had Xander seriously injured and body part removed. The tragic accident, that had other fatal casualties, pushed Mackey to rethink the decisions he took and kept secret years ago..
The story was told alternately from Xander and Mackey POV. It allowed the reader insights to both MC's head, the guilt and fears they kept hidden all along. Both characters were likable despite their (Xander's mostly) hardheaded tendency. In my mind Mackey was this big lovable teddy bear that so wanted to surround Xander with love without being overwhelming. The process of how they finally - FINALLY - come together was achingly touching (impatient that I am, I often wanted to throttle Xan even when I understood his frustration). But the healing was just the beginning of their adjustment and journey together.
In a way I wish the story were longer, but also appreciate it ended the way it did. Xander still had long way to go, with his disability and with his family, and not least - his commitment with Mackey.
April 16, 2016
3.5 stars
Nice hurt/comfort story about two army buddies.
This story starts with Xander being in the hospital. He got blown up by an IED and is now missing his right forearm, has several scars across his face and walks with a severe limp.
Mackey is there to take him home. Mackey, who has been Xander’s fuck buddy for the last couple of years. But Xander thinks it’s just pity, since he got the distinct feeling before that Mackey didn’t want a relationship with him. Xander has been in love with Mackey for years and cannot stand Mackey pitying him.
Now all Mackey needs to prove is that he really is in love with Xander and it is not pity driving him to take care of Xander.
I liked these guys, but this book also depressed me a little. Xander was in a really dark place for most of this book. He was just so angry and I totally got where he was coming from.
But I did like Mackey’s insistence and love for Xander. And I really liked that long epilogue. It tied things up nicely.
Nice hurt/comfort story about two army buddies.
This story starts with Xander being in the hospital. He got blown up by an IED and is now missing his right forearm, has several scars across his face and walks with a severe limp.
Mackey is there to take him home. Mackey, who has been Xander’s fuck buddy for the last couple of years. But Xander thinks it’s just pity, since he got the distinct feeling before that Mackey didn’t want a relationship with him. Xander has been in love with Mackey for years and cannot stand Mackey pitying him.
Now all Mackey needs to prove is that he really is in love with Xander and it is not pity driving him to take care of Xander.
I liked these guys, but this book also depressed me a little. Xander was in a really dark place for most of this book. He was just so angry and I totally got where he was coming from.
But I did like Mackey’s insistence and love for Xander. And I really liked that long epilogue. It tied things up nicely.
January 27, 2015
When I first read this book I fell in love with Mackey and with Xander. The commitment Mackey makes to Xander is just amazing, even when Xander is at his lowest point,Mackey just pulls him through and fights for them.Its an amazing love story. I personally love M/M romances but I really love when the men maintain their gruff exterior and still show their feelings. I like the strong men lol, what can i say!
The emotion and depth of despair to the highest elation set in this book is truly amazing. I struggled along with Xander, and despaired with Mackey. Annabeth brought this world alive in the most amazing detail, the characters completely flawed and it makes them realistic and people we can all understand.
The bonus story was just brilliant! I loved seeing the HEA, I loved seeing their relationship take the next step and I am not referring to Mackey family or their HEA lol.
Annabeth is a brilliant writer and I look forward to following more of her work.
The emotion and depth of despair to the highest elation set in this book is truly amazing. I struggled along with Xander, and despaired with Mackey. Annabeth brought this world alive in the most amazing detail, the characters completely flawed and it makes them realistic and people we can all understand.
The bonus story was just brilliant! I loved seeing the HEA, I loved seeing their relationship take the next step and I am not referring to Mackey family or their HEA lol.
Annabeth is a brilliant writer and I look forward to following more of her work.
January 28, 2015
"I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads."
This is a really life affirming story, which has a wonderful epilogue. The relationship between these two men, how they have got to where we meet them, it all combines to give us a really good read. Strong, damaged military men are hot, two of them are off the temperature scale!
This is a really life affirming story, which has a wonderful epilogue. The relationship between these two men, how they have got to where we meet them, it all combines to give us a really good read. Strong, damaged military men are hot, two of them are off the temperature scale!
February 7, 2015
Mackey and Xander melted my heart with their love & the obstacles they overcame using sheer determination, and caring more about the other as opposed to themself. The epi was wonderful. Grown-up love and each needing the other because of that love. The heartwarming healing for both men. Perfect title. This is moving story of resilience on all levels. Physically, mentally, emotionally, both as individuals and as the couple that they are. I loved it.
January 7, 2019
Main story read as part of Unconditional Surrender - An M/M Military Bundle. Bonus story included here rounded up my rating.
Main story's review:
Realistic approach all along, that was excellent. Despite being all stated, something didn't work for me when it comes to make me feel the MCs's emotional state, most of all regarding Xander and his medical condition
Main story's review:
Realistic approach all along, that was excellent. Despite being all stated, something didn't work for me when it comes to make me feel the MCs's emotional state, most of all regarding Xander and his medical condition
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