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Out of Uniform #1
Off Base
After trading the barracks for a fixer-upper rental, navy SEAL Zack Nelson wants peace, not a roommate—especially not Pike, who sees things about Zack he most wants to hide. Pike's flirting puts virgin Zack on edge. And the questions Pike's arrival would spark from Zack's teammates about his own sexuality? Nope. Not going there. But Zack can't refuse.
Pike Reynolds knows there won't be a warm welcome in his new home. What can he say? He's an acquired taste. But he needs this chance to get his life together. Also, teasing the uptight SEAL will be hella fun. Still, Pike has to tread carefully; he's had his fill of tourists in the past, and he can't risk his heart on another, not even one as hot, as built—and, okay, yeah, as adorable—as Zack.
Living with Pike crumbles Zack's restraint and fuels his curiosity. He discovers how well they fit together in bed…in the shower…in the hallway… He needs Pike more than he could have imagined, yet he doesn't know how to be the man Pike deserves.
Pike Reynolds knows there won't be a warm welcome in his new home. What can he say? He's an acquired taste. But he needs this chance to get his life together. Also, teasing the uptight SEAL will be hella fun. Still, Pike has to tread carefully; he's had his fill of tourists in the past, and he can't risk his heart on another, not even one as hot, as built—and, okay, yeah, as adorable—as Zack.
Living with Pike crumbles Zack's restraint and fuels his curiosity. He discovers how well they fit together in bed…in the shower…in the hallway… He needs Pike more than he could have imagined, yet he doesn't know how to be the man Pike deserves.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 9, 2017
540 people are currently reading
5465 people want to read
About the author
Annabeth Albert
110 books3,758 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 1,102 reviews
February 10, 2017
Alert, alert! Closeted VIRGIN military man, alert!
Okay, I loved this one. Annabeth Albert is one of my favorite authors, and she never steers me wrong. Off Base was no exception, pairing a virgin (a favorite of mine) with a geek, leaving me in total bliss!
Though it isn't mentioned in the blurb, this book is definitely part of the #gamers series and that world. I think it is best if you read the #gamers series first, though it isn't a "must." I'm a HUGE fan of the #gamers series, so this one was a no-brainer.
It has taken me a long time to realize that I'm a fan of military men in romance, mostly because I really hate romantic suspense. This book is a contemporary romance that happens to feature a military man, and something about the SEAL aspect of the story was just... delicious! I think I have a new kink!
Speaking of kinks, I mean one of my top favorite kinks is virgins/first timers. Zach was so innocent and sooooo corruptible that it was sweet, sweet ecstasy when he finally got it on with Pike. I LOVED how it took the two a little while to get there because there is nothing I love more than intense sexual tension with a slow-burn buildup!
Pike is wonderful as a flirty, smart, ginger geek with a naughty side. I really liked his professor storyline, and I thought that he was a perfect balance to Zach.
Off Base was SO satisfying. Super hot, lots of feels (beware of some intense homophobia from Zach's religious family and some SEAL teammates), and with a lovely, realistic plot. I couldn't stop reading this one, and I'd recommend it to all fans of military men, closeted guys, first-timers, coming out stories, and Annabeth Albert. Loved it!
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Okay, I loved this one. Annabeth Albert is one of my favorite authors, and she never steers me wrong. Off Base was no exception, pairing a virgin (a favorite of mine) with a geek, leaving me in total bliss!
Though it isn't mentioned in the blurb, this book is definitely part of the #gamers series and that world. I think it is best if you read the #gamers series first, though it isn't a "must." I'm a HUGE fan of the #gamers series, so this one was a no-brainer.
It has taken me a long time to realize that I'm a fan of military men in romance, mostly because I really hate romantic suspense. This book is a contemporary romance that happens to feature a military man, and something about the SEAL aspect of the story was just... delicious! I think I have a new kink!
Speaking of kinks, I mean one of my top favorite kinks is virgins/first timers. Zach was so innocent and sooooo corruptible that it was sweet, sweet ecstasy when he finally got it on with Pike. I LOVED how it took the two a little while to get there because there is nothing I love more than intense sexual tension with a slow-burn buildup!
Pike is wonderful as a flirty, smart, ginger geek with a naughty side. I really liked his professor storyline, and I thought that he was a perfect balance to Zach.
Off Base was SO satisfying. Super hot, lots of feels (beware of some intense homophobia from Zach's religious family and some SEAL teammates), and with a lovely, realistic plot. I couldn't stop reading this one, and I'd recommend it to all fans of military men, closeted guys, first-timers, coming out stories, and Annabeth Albert. Loved it!
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
October 26, 2016
~4.25~
I didn't realize until I started reading this book that it's a spinoff from the #gaymers series, which I loved.
One of the MCs in this book, Zack, is the guy with whom Ryan had to share a hospital room in book 3. Zack came across as a complete douche, spouting casual comments about "those gays."
It turns out Zack is one of them. The gays, that is.
SURPRISE!
But he's in such deep denial, he barely acknowledges his sexuality to himself, much less anyone else.
Zack is used to cowering. He cowered when his older brother bullied him. He cowers when his parents guilt him with prayers and platitudes. And he cowers when one of his SEAL teammates spews homophobic slurs and threatens to expose him. Zack doesn't know how to stand up for himself.
When Zack ends up alone with Pike (Josiah's friend from #gaymers 3) at a nightclub, he's mildly terrified. Pike drinks him under the table, and Zack LIKES it; he likes Pikes. He can't keep his eyes off the men who bump and grind on the dance floor, especially when it's Pike out there moving like sin.
Zack and Pike become roommates, then friends, then more. And Pike is okay with that. Mostly. Until Zack is hurt, and Pike realizes that as far as Zack's family and colleagues are concerned, he doesn't exist.
Pike is flirty and fun. Raised by a hippy, accepting mother, Pike has never hidden his sexuality, and he's not sure he's willing to go back in the closet. Not even for Zack.
While Off Base does contain an abundance of homophobia (from two of Zack's teammates and from Zack's parents), the story doesn't feel angsty or overly dramatic. There are enough secondary characters in the book, including Ryan and Josiah from Connection Error, who are gay or gay-friendly that I felt like the positive outweighed the negative.
Granted, I was frustrated with Zack for refusing to own his identity and his relationship with Pike, but I understood WHY he acted the way he did.
The steam level here is moderate, heavier in the beginning but pettering off toward the end. Still, the chemistry between the men is palpable.
The resolution isn't randomly thrown out there. Zack has some hard decisions to make, as does Pike (with regards to his own career and his relationship with Zack). But the guys do get their HEA, and the epilogue is full of sweetness and questionable kitchen cabinet choices.
Two cool cats included.
P.S. I don't think we've seen the last of Pike's friend Harper, and Lieutenant Apollo intrigues me!
Damn, Chanukah came early this year!
It's a new Annabeth Albert series about military men.
I say YES! PLEASE. MORE.
I didn't realize until I started reading this book that it's a spinoff from the #gaymers series, which I loved.
One of the MCs in this book, Zack, is the guy with whom Ryan had to share a hospital room in book 3. Zack came across as a complete douche, spouting casual comments about "those gays."
It turns out Zack is one of them. The gays, that is.
SURPRISE!
But he's in such deep denial, he barely acknowledges his sexuality to himself, much less anyone else.
Zack is used to cowering. He cowered when his older brother bullied him. He cowers when his parents guilt him with prayers and platitudes. And he cowers when one of his SEAL teammates spews homophobic slurs and threatens to expose him. Zack doesn't know how to stand up for himself.
When Zack ends up alone with Pike (Josiah's friend from #gaymers 3) at a nightclub, he's mildly terrified. Pike drinks him under the table, and Zack LIKES it; he likes Pikes. He can't keep his eyes off the men who bump and grind on the dance floor, especially when it's Pike out there moving like sin.
Zack and Pike become roommates, then friends, then more. And Pike is okay with that. Mostly. Until Zack is hurt, and Pike realizes that as far as Zack's family and colleagues are concerned, he doesn't exist.
Pike is flirty and fun. Raised by a hippy, accepting mother, Pike has never hidden his sexuality, and he's not sure he's willing to go back in the closet. Not even for Zack.
While Off Base does contain an abundance of homophobia (from two of Zack's teammates and from Zack's parents), the story doesn't feel angsty or overly dramatic. There are enough secondary characters in the book, including Ryan and Josiah from Connection Error, who are gay or gay-friendly that I felt like the positive outweighed the negative.
Granted, I was frustrated with Zack for refusing to own his identity and his relationship with Pike, but I understood WHY he acted the way he did.
The steam level here is moderate, heavier in the beginning but pettering off toward the end. Still, the chemistry between the men is palpable.
The resolution isn't randomly thrown out there. Zack has some hard decisions to make, as does Pike (with regards to his own career and his relationship with Zack). But the guys do get their HEA, and the epilogue is full of sweetness and questionable kitchen cabinet choices.
Two cool cats included.
P.S. I don't think we've seen the last of Pike's friend Harper, and Lieutenant Apollo intrigues me!
Damn, Chanukah came early this year!
It's a new Annabeth Albert series about military men.
I say YES! PLEASE. MORE.
January 14, 2019
4.5*
As usual I waited for the hype to die down before I read this. And as usual I regret waiting because I really enjoyed this one. There's just something about Military men, especially Navy SEAL's, that really does it for me.
As much as I really loved this book it also frustrated me. All the homophobia really got under my skin. I spent the majority of this book on a roller coaster of emotions of pissed off to being a pile of mush from how completely right these guys were for each other. I was mostly frustrated with how Zack allowed himself to be a doormat to, Cobb. Holy Hell, did I ever wish I could go through the screen of my Kindle to slap a fictional character! lol
Zack Nelson grew up in a small town with small minded people. Growing up with homophobic parents kept Zack so deep in the closet that being in denial was something that wasn't even on his radar. Zack has basically been bullied his whole life. First by his brother who verbally abused him making him feel weak and defenseless. Then by his parents who put an extremely large amount of pressure on him to be the perfect son they could be proud of since his older brother was such a royal jacked up mess. This left him feeling the need to be stronger and better which led him wanting to be a Navy SEAL. But even there he wasn't safe from the bullying. A teammate caught him ogling another member of their team and decided to make Zack's life Hell by saying awful homophobic crap to him and literally blackmailing him into doing stuff in order to stay quiet. The thing Zack fear's the most is being exposed of who he truly is. He doesn't believe he can be a SEAL and be gay. He doesn't believe he can be the perfect son to his homophobic religious parents and be gay. So he suffers in silence and literally makes himself sick over it. Thank God, Pike enters his life!
Pike is a flirty out and proud smart ginger who isn't afraid to be himself. He is everything Zack isn't, but wants to be. Pike likes to push all of Zack's buttons and makes him extremely uncomfortable. Zack doesn't even really like Pike and really doesn't like being left alone with him where is exactly he ends up being when the rest of their gang bow's out of their get together for drinks. So left alone with Pike and feeling unsure of himself, Zack gets extremely drunk which leads to some steamy dancing and some drunken confessions.
Later on these two end up sharing a home and that is where all the good stuff happens.
As they get to know each other better the casual sex isn't enough anymore. It has lead them to something more and it's only natural that real feelings start building and true emotions come into play making their arrangement even more complicated.
Pike is struggling. He is trying to hold on and to stick it out with Zack but a past experience keeps rearing its ugly head and making him have doubts that Zack will ever be out and open with their relationship.
I absolutely adored these guys. They were so good together and for each other. The chemistry was off the charts. Zack being a virgin and so clueless about all things sex was just so damn endearing. I loved how innocent he was and yet very eager to learn and do it all. He was a bossy top, even if he didn't understand the meaning of it. He took and needed control since he felt so out of control in his daily life. Pike had no problems giving it to him either. But of course Pike also had no problems being his sex teacher as well.
Awesome story and I can't wait for the next one. I NEED IT!!! LOL
As usual I waited for the hype to die down before I read this. And as usual I regret waiting because I really enjoyed this one. There's just something about Military men, especially Navy SEAL's, that really does it for me.
As much as I really loved this book it also frustrated me. All the homophobia really got under my skin. I spent the majority of this book on a roller coaster of emotions of pissed off to being a pile of mush from how completely right these guys were for each other. I was mostly frustrated with how Zack allowed himself to be a doormat to, Cobb. Holy Hell, did I ever wish I could go through the screen of my Kindle to slap a fictional character! lol
Zack Nelson grew up in a small town with small minded people. Growing up with homophobic parents kept Zack so deep in the closet that being in denial was something that wasn't even on his radar. Zack has basically been bullied his whole life. First by his brother who verbally abused him making him feel weak and defenseless. Then by his parents who put an extremely large amount of pressure on him to be the perfect son they could be proud of since his older brother was such a royal jacked up mess. This left him feeling the need to be stronger and better which led him wanting to be a Navy SEAL. But even there he wasn't safe from the bullying. A teammate caught him ogling another member of their team and decided to make Zack's life Hell by saying awful homophobic crap to him and literally blackmailing him into doing stuff in order to stay quiet. The thing Zack fear's the most is being exposed of who he truly is. He doesn't believe he can be a SEAL and be gay. He doesn't believe he can be the perfect son to his homophobic religious parents and be gay. So he suffers in silence and literally makes himself sick over it. Thank God, Pike enters his life!
Pike is a flirty out and proud smart ginger who isn't afraid to be himself. He is everything Zack isn't, but wants to be. Pike likes to push all of Zack's buttons and makes him extremely uncomfortable. Zack doesn't even really like Pike and really doesn't like being left alone with him where is exactly he ends up being when the rest of their gang bow's out of their get together for drinks. So left alone with Pike and feeling unsure of himself, Zack gets extremely drunk which leads to some steamy dancing and some drunken confessions.
Later on these two end up sharing a home and that is where all the good stuff happens.
As they get to know each other better the casual sex isn't enough anymore. It has lead them to something more and it's only natural that real feelings start building and true emotions come into play making their arrangement even more complicated.
Pike is struggling. He is trying to hold on and to stick it out with Zack but a past experience keeps rearing its ugly head and making him have doubts that Zack will ever be out and open with their relationship.
I absolutely adored these guys. They were so good together and for each other. The chemistry was off the charts. Zack being a virgin and so clueless about all things sex was just so damn endearing. I loved how innocent he was and yet very eager to learn and do it all. He was a bossy top, even if he didn't understand the meaning of it. He took and needed control since he felt so out of control in his daily life. Pike had no problems giving it to him either. But of course Pike also had no problems being his sex teacher as well.
Awesome story and I can't wait for the next one. I NEED IT!!! LOL
December 12, 2016
To start my review, here are the notes I took while reading it:
1. These boys are both 23ish, out of college and in their first jobs. BUT, they felt very young to me. As is says in the blurb, one of these boys is a virgin. I would categorize this as YA/NA, with hot sex.
2. There was a LOT of homophobia in this book.
3. This is a spinoff of the #gaymers series.
4. THIS BOOK COMES OUT ON MY BIRTHDAY!
Now let's break it down.
Our heroes are Navy SEAL Zack and his roommate redhead Pike (best name ever and a ginger!). Zack is gay but has never had a sexual experience with a man before. Pike curls his toes and the romance and sex are inevitable. I'm not a big fan of teen and new adult romances, and ever though these boys are in their early 20's, they read younger to me. Late teens young. That's just not my thing but I know that is something a lot of you guys enjoy.
Zack's parents are the WORST. Like, terribly homophobic and hurtful. They treat Zack's coming out with disgust and Zack is justified in his fear of revealing his sexuality. I really do hate that shit, but it worked here to show Zack's younger state of mind.
For those of you who have read the #gaymers series, this is a spinoff and you will see characters from that series here. Off Base can be read as a standalone, but it was lovely to see some of the other boys too.
January 9th is my 48th birthday! I got my present early in the for of a military themed M/M romance by one of my favorite authors, Annabeth Albert.
I hope you enjoy the book!
Galley copy of Off Base provided by Carina Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
1. These boys are both 23ish, out of college and in their first jobs. BUT, they felt very young to me. As is says in the blurb, one of these boys is a virgin. I would categorize this as YA/NA, with hot sex.
2. There was a LOT of homophobia in this book.
3. This is a spinoff of the #gaymers series.
4. THIS BOOK COMES OUT ON MY BIRTHDAY!
Now let's break it down.
Our heroes are Navy SEAL Zack and his roommate redhead Pike (best name ever and a ginger!). Zack is gay but has never had a sexual experience with a man before. Pike curls his toes and the romance and sex are inevitable. I'm not a big fan of teen and new adult romances, and ever though these boys are in their early 20's, they read younger to me. Late teens young. That's just not my thing but I know that is something a lot of you guys enjoy.
Zack's parents are the WORST. Like, terribly homophobic and hurtful. They treat Zack's coming out with disgust and Zack is justified in his fear of revealing his sexuality. I really do hate that shit, but it worked here to show Zack's younger state of mind.
For those of you who have read the #gaymers series, this is a spinoff and you will see characters from that series here. Off Base can be read as a standalone, but it was lovely to see some of the other boys too.
January 9th is my 48th birthday! I got my present early in the for of a military themed M/M romance by one of my favorite authors, Annabeth Albert.
I hope you enjoy the book!
Galley copy of Off Base provided by Carina Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
November 22, 2017
This was my M/M fix from last month lol I still haven't found the time to review it :( I really liked it, though! Men in uniform are hot. Men loving men in uniform is even hotter!
June 2, 2017
Zack Nelson is a hot Navy SEAL who is so deep in the closet, there is an iron wall surrounding it. He is absolutely terrified what will happen if it ever gets out to his SEAL team that he is gay. Plus, he has an extremely homophobic family to contend with. If that isn’t enough, he is stuck, alone, having drinks with Pike, a guy that he doesn’t even really like that much. Why then is he drawn to him?
These two guys were absolutely adorable together. Zack is a bad ass SEAL, but he is a virgin and his cluelessness about sex was so endearing, but don’t worry, Pike is a willing teacher. Pike is a nerd, and never had to hide his sexuality. He is funny and easy going, a complete opposite of Zack. Before they know it, real emotions are involved and feelings may get hurt. Pike tries to understand what Zack is going through, yet he doesn’t want to hide forever.
The writing is flawless and enables you feel the despair of Zack and Pike’s struggles. My heart hurt watching them doing their best, yet so concerned about the other.
Even though this is spinoff of the Gaymer’s series, I was not lost at all and was able to follow the storyline/characters without any trouble.
I received a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
These two guys were absolutely adorable together. Zack is a bad ass SEAL, but he is a virgin and his cluelessness about sex was so endearing, but don’t worry, Pike is a willing teacher. Pike is a nerd, and never had to hide his sexuality. He is funny and easy going, a complete opposite of Zack. Before they know it, real emotions are involved and feelings may get hurt. Pike tries to understand what Zack is going through, yet he doesn’t want to hide forever.
I want to know your story. I want to be more than a footnote to this chapter of your life. I want to write our story together ~Pike
The writing is flawless and enables you feel the despair of Zack and Pike’s struggles. My heart hurt watching them doing their best, yet so concerned about the other.
Even though this is spinoff of the Gaymer’s series, I was not lost at all and was able to follow the storyline/characters without any trouble.
I received a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 30, 2017
4 Stars
Zack is a SEAL. He always on about how straight he is even if he attracts to men but he can’t or won’t accept it. He comes from a religious family. He has some problems at barracks. So he is looking for off-base housing. Then his senior chief came to him with this deal that he can use one of his places but it needs some things done. So he can help out about it and stay there rent free. The house is big and Zack can ask one of his friends for housing too.
Pike is gay. He always knows who he is and what he wants. He is a little naughty. He doesn’t know if Zack is gay or straight but he has his own doubts. He needs some place to live for a while for his teaching job. So he somehow convinces Zack to live with him. And meanwhile Pike helps Zack to know himself more.
This story was really good and I enjoyed it but it could have been more emotional. I loved Pike’s character but on the contrary I couldn’t accept Zack’s insecurity! Why did he let others bullying him?! I couldn’t accept his fear of being gay or showing it! But every thing else in this story was great. The story line was good and It was well-paced. It told in dual POV, 3rd person and it can be read as a standalone. I really liked it and hope you enjoy it like me!
Zack is a SEAL. He always on about how straight he is even if he attracts to men but he can’t or won’t accept it. He comes from a religious family. He has some problems at barracks. So he is looking for off-base housing. Then his senior chief came to him with this deal that he can use one of his places but it needs some things done. So he can help out about it and stay there rent free. The house is big and Zack can ask one of his friends for housing too.
Pike is gay. He always knows who he is and what he wants. He is a little naughty. He doesn’t know if Zack is gay or straight but he has his own doubts. He needs some place to live for a while for his teaching job. So he somehow convinces Zack to live with him. And meanwhile Pike helps Zack to know himself more.
This story was really good and I enjoyed it but it could have been more emotional. I loved Pike’s character but on the contrary I couldn’t accept Zack’s insecurity! Why did he let others bullying him?! I couldn’t accept his fear of being gay or showing it! But every thing else in this story was great. The story line was good and It was well-paced. It told in dual POV, 3rd person and it can be read as a standalone. I really liked it and hope you enjoy it like me!
January 9, 2017
A perfect romance! I assumed this was more of a military romance, actually, which this book isn't, but I guess it's called 'Off Base' for a reason (duh!).
Still, I absolutely loved Pike and Zack's difficult journey.
Growing up in a conservative religious family hasn't really helped Zack Nelson embrace his homosexuality. Going for the badass Navy SEAL training is one thing in his life that Zack can actually do right, both appealing to his masculinity and his wish to make his parents proud. A night out celebrating his completed SEAL training, making him officially Petty Officer, turns into disaster with most of his friends cancelling on short notice. The only one who actually shows up is a friend of a friend, and not one Zack is happy to see:
Recently graduated Math teacher Pike Reynolds is openly gay and not shy about it. He flirts with *straight* Zack and even dances with him (after several shots), confusing the young soldier until Zack drowns himself in alcohol and is barely able to walk. All inhibitions gone, Zack throws himself at the guy. Pike, however, isn't interested in a tumble in the sheets with an intoxicated bi-curious straight guy.
Zack feels ashamed and isn't prepared to see Pike ever again, but as fate has it, sometimes, the people you try to avoid the most are the ones you'll find on your doorstep sooner than you expect.
I absolutely loved the story. Zack is a good guy who tries to please the people around him by conforming to what everyone expects him to be. He knows he's gay, but he would never EVER admit it, for fear his team mates wouldn't have his back in a fight, or that his parents would turn away from him. When he finds himself in an unexpected 'roommate' situation with the guy he's been lusting for, it's just way too easy to approach Pike and talk him into fooling around behind closed doors without anyone knowing.
But sex turns to feelings and feelings turn to love. A terrible incident shows Zack the value of having a partner to come home to - a partner that will stand by your side when you need him the most.
5 stars!
Still, I absolutely loved Pike and Zack's difficult journey.
Growing up in a conservative religious family hasn't really helped Zack Nelson embrace his homosexuality. Going for the badass Navy SEAL training is one thing in his life that Zack can actually do right, both appealing to his masculinity and his wish to make his parents proud. A night out celebrating his completed SEAL training, making him officially Petty Officer, turns into disaster with most of his friends cancelling on short notice. The only one who actually shows up is a friend of a friend, and not one Zack is happy to see:
Recently graduated Math teacher Pike Reynolds is openly gay and not shy about it. He flirts with *straight* Zack and even dances with him (after several shots), confusing the young soldier until Zack drowns himself in alcohol and is barely able to walk. All inhibitions gone, Zack throws himself at the guy. Pike, however, isn't interested in a tumble in the sheets with an intoxicated bi-curious straight guy.
Zack feels ashamed and isn't prepared to see Pike ever again, but as fate has it, sometimes, the people you try to avoid the most are the ones you'll find on your doorstep sooner than you expect.
I absolutely loved the story. Zack is a good guy who tries to please the people around him by conforming to what everyone expects him to be. He knows he's gay, but he would never EVER admit it, for fear his team mates wouldn't have his back in a fight, or that his parents would turn away from him. When he finds himself in an unexpected 'roommate' situation with the guy he's been lusting for, it's just way too easy to approach Pike and talk him into fooling around behind closed doors without anyone knowing.
But sex turns to feelings and feelings turn to love. A terrible incident shows Zack the value of having a partner to come home to - a partner that will stand by your side when you need him the most.
5 stars!
February 10, 2017
BR with The Adam!
3.5 Hearts
The OFY trope continues to be hit or miss for me, though Off Base was more hit than miss. What seems to work for me is if the protagonist is struggling with their own acceptance of their sexuality rather than their closetedness being fear of society's judgment based.
Zack is both. He's a SEAL with openly homophobic team members AND his family is small town religious right while also being a virgin who hasn't even indulged in gay porn.
Pike is at the other end of the spectrum. He's out and loud and proud about it. And he's got Zack's number. I really loved that he played along with Zack's "straightness" knowing to challenge it would've spooked him in a heartbeat. Zack is thirsty, curious and Pike is willing to keep things on the DL for the time being and it's not as though Pike's getting nothing out of their... activities. There is a good amount of sex that clocked in the low to medium range of hotness for me. But I am a filthy perv, so grain of salt. Or maybe more like a block.
[blog only pic]
Naturally events transpire that force both their hands, so to speak. In this regard, to me, the story was well plotted. The events might've been a tad cliché but not unfathomable and certainly relatable.
The usage of military terms and acronyms gave the story an authenticity without veering into overly technical territory all of which a thoroughly enjoyed and is primarily what drew me to the book in the first place.
What I'm 50/50 on is the dramatics/angst. Some of the internal dialogue for both men was, on the one hand, eyebrow raising in its intensity, an intensity that I didn't necessarily think matched their actions. On the other hand, it's very sweet and that sweetness mitigated some of the unpleasantness that gets lobbed at Zack along with my ire, so there is that.
What is preventing me from rating higher is I didn't sink into this story and become absorbed by it or either of these characters. However, I am invested in this series, particularly Apollo's story and would recommend it to MM romance fans, especially those who like military men.
An ARC was provided by NetGalley.
3.5 Hearts
The OFY trope continues to be hit or miss for me, though Off Base was more hit than miss. What seems to work for me is if the protagonist is struggling with their own acceptance of their sexuality rather than their closetedness being fear of society's judgment based.
Zack is both. He's a SEAL with openly homophobic team members AND his family is small town religious right while also being a virgin who hasn't even indulged in gay porn.
Pike is at the other end of the spectrum. He's out and loud and proud about it. And he's got Zack's number. I really loved that he played along with Zack's "straightness" knowing to challenge it would've spooked him in a heartbeat. Zack is thirsty, curious and Pike is willing to keep things on the DL for the time being and it's not as though Pike's getting nothing out of their... activities. There is a good amount of sex that clocked in the low to medium range of hotness for me. But I am a filthy perv, so grain of salt. Or maybe more like a block.
[blog only pic]
Naturally events transpire that force both their hands, so to speak. In this regard, to me, the story was well plotted. The events might've been a tad cliché but not unfathomable and certainly relatable.
The usage of military terms and acronyms gave the story an authenticity without veering into overly technical territory all of which a thoroughly enjoyed and is primarily what drew me to the book in the first place.
What I'm 50/50 on is the dramatics/angst. Some of the internal dialogue for both men was, on the one hand, eyebrow raising in its intensity, an intensity that I didn't necessarily think matched their actions. On the other hand, it's very sweet and that sweetness mitigated some of the unpleasantness that gets lobbed at Zack along with my ire, so there is that.
What is preventing me from rating higher is I didn't sink into this story and become absorbed by it or either of these characters. However, I am invested in this series, particularly Apollo's story and would recommend it to MM romance fans, especially those who like military men.
An ARC was provided by NetGalley.
January 7, 2017
"A virgin SEAL --" […] "I'm just saying, you must be rarer than a fucking unicorn."
I do love me some military themed M/M romances. Eat 'em up, yum! Off Base, book 1 of Annabeth Albert's Out of Uniform series delivered in the best of ways.
One of the MC's, Zack, was briefly introduced in book 3 of this author's #gaymers series, Connection Error, though I don't think you need to read that series to enjoy this one. Ryan and Josiah, who were the MC's for Connection Error do show up a few times in Off Base, though, and I was happy to visit with them a bit.
Zack Nelson is a newly minted Navy SEAL. He seems like a confident Alpha male, over achiever type of guy, until you get to know him, and then you see his vulnerabilities. He excels at navigation and surveillance and he made it through SEAL training, so he's got my respect. He doesn't give up, ever. Zack has something to prove, though. To his parents, his bully of a brother and mostly, himself.
His parents are extremely conservative and religious and they warned him about that "west coast lifestyle", ie liberal, and that he needed to find a church like at home and stay away from the gays. And they really are that bad. His older brother is a fuck-up whom the parents still bail out of jail every time he gets arrested and every time his brother gets into trouble, Zack feels even more pressure to be what his parents consider to be "perfect". The problem? Zack is gay. But the poor boy is so conflicted by it, he does his best to just wish it away. And to make things even worse, one of his SEAL teammates noticed Zack looking a little too long at another guy, once, and like the bully he is, decided that making Zack's life hell was a fine way to pass the time, and assert his manliness.
Through his best friend, Ryan, Zack meets Pike Reynolds, who is the best friend of Ryan's boyfriend, Josiah. Pike is flirty with everyone, including Zack and it makes Zack so uncomfortable. Pike, though, is pretty perceptive and notices that Zack looks a little too long (and longingly) at gay couples to be a straight guy - no matter how much Zack insists he is straight. Pike has a thing for military guys, and though he has a personal rule to not go after straight guys, because that can only spell trouble. But when Pike finds a job teaching in San Diego and needs a place to live, Zack comes to mind and to the rescue.
I enjoyed Off Base, and thought it was a pretty good start to this new series. Zack and Pike become friends before they become lovers, and even though Zack was nowhere near ready to come out, at first, Pike showed a whole lot of patience and compassion. Zack had a lot to work out and had to find his way through the fear - the fear of losing his family, the fear that his teammates wouldn't have his six, the fear of disappointing everyone - especially, himself. Pike isn't without baggage, either, but his is a bit less severe. But it takes an event that leaves Zack uncertain if he could keep Pike, without coming out to show him that he has friends that care for him and will not only have his back, but will also show others that bullying can't and won't be tolerated, and that gives Zack the courage to take the chance at happiness.
Recommended.
-----------------
ARC of Off Base was generously provided, by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2017
4,5 rounded to 5 stars
I loved this book!
It's been a while since I've read At Attention and On Point. But I missed the first book in the series and now that I've read it, I have to say I'm sorry I waited so long, because I really loved it! I was super enthusiastic about the other stories in this series, but this one was SOOO good!
At the end of my On Point's review I mentioned I was looking forward to Wheels Up and wanting a different story, maybe a straight man falling for a guy and here I got my wishes come true. Oh boy, I was surprised by this one!
I really love Annabeth Albert's writing style!
I've read some nice stories lately, but this one was really exactly what I was looking for! I loved everything about it! Military hot straight man super attracted to another man, a smart mouth out and proud man!
This story was extremely HOT! And the attraction, the chemistry, everything felt intro place! I really loved it!!! It was much more than I expected.
It hurt to see Zack so afraid to accept he was falling for his gay roommate. It was endearing how Pike understood and accepted Zack's need to hide, but everything between them felt real and the end of the book melted my heart.
This one was one of the sweetest and hottest stories I've read in a while and I'll surely read anything by this writer. Looking forward to Wheels Up!
I loved this book!
It's been a while since I've read At Attention and On Point. But I missed the first book in the series and now that I've read it, I have to say I'm sorry I waited so long, because I really loved it! I was super enthusiastic about the other stories in this series, but this one was SOOO good!
At the end of my On Point's review I mentioned I was looking forward to Wheels Up and wanting a different story, maybe a straight man falling for a guy and here I got my wishes come true. Oh boy, I was surprised by this one!
I really love Annabeth Albert's writing style!
I've read some nice stories lately, but this one was really exactly what I was looking for! I loved everything about it! Military hot straight man super attracted to another man, a smart mouth out and proud man!
This story was extremely HOT! And the attraction, the chemistry, everything felt intro place! I really loved it!!! It was much more than I expected.
It hurt to see Zack so afraid to accept he was falling for his gay roommate. It was endearing how Pike understood and accepted Zack's need to hide, but everything between them felt real and the end of the book melted my heart.
This one was one of the sweetest and hottest stories I've read in a while and I'll surely read anything by this writer. Looking forward to Wheels Up!
September 3, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this. Zach and Pike are great together, the little family they have with Pike's cat is so cute. The Navy SEAL dynamic is really interesting, with the don't ask, don't tell being repealed, but Zach still fearing coming out because of his teammates homophobia and homophobic jokes. The topic is a serious one and I think the author handled it very well.
The friend group was also a great aspect. It obviously took a backseat to the romance, but it was still there which was great as often times in some romances it can seam as if the couple lives in a bubble by themselves.
Really looking forward to reading the next books and following other couples.
--
Zach Nelson is a closeted Navy SEAL. When a homophobic guy on his team finds out he's gay and harasses Zach, he decides of get accommodation off base. His superior officer has a property he's been wanting to flip so he lets Zach live there on the condition that he helps renovate the place.
Pike Reynolds has accepted a teaching gig at the university after being turned down for his dream job of working at a video game company. He needs a place to stay, Zach and him have friends in common and do hang out together but there's is a wall up between them (probably, Pike being an openly gay man has something to do with it). Anyway, Pike's pretty handy with renovating, so Zach agrees to let him room.
The two eventually start a relationship, but quickly run into problems as feelings deepen but Zach is still held back by fear of what his SEAL team members will think.
The friend group was also a great aspect. It obviously took a backseat to the romance, but it was still there which was great as often times in some romances it can seam as if the couple lives in a bubble by themselves.
Really looking forward to reading the next books and following other couples.
--
Zach Nelson is a closeted Navy SEAL. When a homophobic guy on his team finds out he's gay and harasses Zach, he decides of get accommodation off base. His superior officer has a property he's been wanting to flip so he lets Zach live there on the condition that he helps renovate the place.
Pike Reynolds has accepted a teaching gig at the university after being turned down for his dream job of working at a video game company. He needs a place to stay, Zach and him have friends in common and do hang out together but there's is a wall up between them (probably, Pike being an openly gay man has something to do with it). Anyway, Pike's pretty handy with renovating, so Zach agrees to let him room.
The two eventually start a relationship, but quickly run into problems as feelings deepen but Zach is still held back by fear of what his SEAL team members will think.
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July 18, 2024
Off Base is book one in the Out of Uniform series by Annabeth Albert. This is the story about a Navy Seal who has lived his life trying to be the man he thought he should be, trying to be a good son, a good team mate to his Seal team. And always denying himself any chance of being happy.
Zack Nelson is twenty three years old. He has pretty much always known he wasn’t attracted to women. But being raised in a religious home and an older brother who is an addict, he tried to be the son his parents wanted him to be. Now a Navy Seal, he’s still fighting against his true self. And when one of his teammates begins to bully him, it makes him even more determined to keep his secret to himself. Until a man comes into his life that gives him a glimpse of what happiness feels like.
Pike Reynolds has finished his graduate degree and now just needs a job. He also needs a place to live. When he is offered a temporary teaching job and finds out Zack has moved off base to a fixer upper home, something Pike is good at, he offers to move in and help. Getting to stare at the wall of muscles that Zack possesses is definitely a perk.
These two form a friendship first but Pike is definitely crushing. He has been down this road though. Falling for a straight man. Although he suspects that Zack isn’t as straight as he tries to make everyone believe he is. But the more time they spend together, the stronger their bond grows. Zack can’t hide his attraction anymore than Pike can. As their feelings grow, they form a sort of bubble when they’re at home. But how long will Pike be happy with living their lives in secret? Will Zack ever be ready to come out?
I have to say that a good portion of this book was pretty heart breaking. Zack had no one, not one person he could go to. He had Pike at home but Pike was his happy place. He wasn’t going to drag him down with what he was dealing with on base. And as sunshiny as Pike was, the weight of living life in secret was wearing him down. I felt so bad for both of them. I struggled a bit with how sad most of the book was. I admit, though, that the ending was super sweet. Book two is called At Attention and it features someone that intrigues me, Apollo Floros.
“I want to know your story. I want to be more than a footnote to this chapter of your life. I want to write our story together.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Zack Nelson is twenty three years old. He has pretty much always known he wasn’t attracted to women. But being raised in a religious home and an older brother who is an addict, he tried to be the son his parents wanted him to be. Now a Navy Seal, he’s still fighting against his true self. And when one of his teammates begins to bully him, it makes him even more determined to keep his secret to himself. Until a man comes into his life that gives him a glimpse of what happiness feels like.
Pike Reynolds has finished his graduate degree and now just needs a job. He also needs a place to live. When he is offered a temporary teaching job and finds out Zack has moved off base to a fixer upper home, something Pike is good at, he offers to move in and help. Getting to stare at the wall of muscles that Zack possesses is definitely a perk.
These two form a friendship first but Pike is definitely crushing. He has been down this road though. Falling for a straight man. Although he suspects that Zack isn’t as straight as he tries to make everyone believe he is. But the more time they spend together, the stronger their bond grows. Zack can’t hide his attraction anymore than Pike can. As their feelings grow, they form a sort of bubble when they’re at home. But how long will Pike be happy with living their lives in secret? Will Zack ever be ready to come out?
I have to say that a good portion of this book was pretty heart breaking. Zack had no one, not one person he could go to. He had Pike at home but Pike was his happy place. He wasn’t going to drag him down with what he was dealing with on base. And as sunshiny as Pike was, the weight of living life in secret was wearing him down. I felt so bad for both of them. I struggled a bit with how sad most of the book was. I admit, though, that the ending was super sweet. Book two is called At Attention and it features someone that intrigues me, Apollo Floros.
“I want to know your story. I want to be more than a footnote to this chapter of your life. I want to write our story together.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
January 12, 2017
El que más me ha gustado de la autora con diferencia. El comienzo de una nueva serie vinculada a la de Gamers, de la que me he leído algún libro que se quedó en un: it was ok, sin embargo Off Base me ha gustado.
Leyendo libros anteriores de Annabeth Albert, siempre me quedaba con la impresión de que no escribía mal, pero a sus libros les faltaba tensión, pasión o alma. Aquí la historia de Pike, gamer, matemático y out, y Zack, SEAL y muy closeted, sí que me ha llegado, he sentido cómo la relación de los personajes crecía y se transformaba en amor y cómo se enfrentaban a sus dudas, conflictos personales, inseguridades y en el caso de Zack realmente he podido empatizar con cómo se siente roto entre las dudas de lo correcto para él y lo que se espera de él.
La historia de amor me ha gustado, la relación de los personajes, los diálogos (aunque alguno parece un poco forzado), los personajes, pero he de confesar que también he tenido que pasar por alto mis opiniones personales sobre el ejército de los USA, porque algún momento de rolling eyes, hay, más de uno.
Un muy buen rato, recomendable.
Leyendo libros anteriores de Annabeth Albert, siempre me quedaba con la impresión de que no escribía mal, pero a sus libros les faltaba tensión, pasión o alma. Aquí la historia de Pike, gamer, matemático y out, y Zack, SEAL y muy closeted, sí que me ha llegado, he sentido cómo la relación de los personajes crecía y se transformaba en amor y cómo se enfrentaban a sus dudas, conflictos personales, inseguridades y en el caso de Zack realmente he podido empatizar con cómo se siente roto entre las dudas de lo correcto para él y lo que se espera de él.
La historia de amor me ha gustado, la relación de los personajes, los diálogos (aunque alguno parece un poco forzado), los personajes, pero he de confesar que también he tenido que pasar por alto mis opiniones personales sobre el ejército de los USA, porque algún momento de rolling eyes, hay, más de uno.
Un muy buen rato, recomendable.
October 21, 2016
This is Pike (Josiah's friend) & Zack's (Ryan's Friend) story and we get to watch these two navigate their way to HEA. We met them both in the #Gaymers Series and now we get to watch these two learn to adult and fall in love.
This story is set more in the military world and deals with a lot of Homophobia. If homophobia, slurs, the thought that being gay is a choice, and mention of ways to help the gay person get over being gay are trigger subjects for you - this story may not be a happy read. In addition, Zack's family are Ultra conservative and religious (his dad carries a Bible in his pocket) - needless to say they are a huge issue in the story. Know these things going into the story - because Annabeth Albert has written a story that is pretty emotional and in your face with homophobia.
Zack - he is so far in the closet, even Narnia is closer to the door than he is -- and Zack has no idea how to even begin to find his way out. When he meets an energetic, sexy, ginger man - with sexy freckles and gorgeous eyes. Zack starts looking for ways he can be the man, the SEAL, the son he was raised and trained to be -- all while being a man that Pike would want as well.
Pike -"Pike was the type of guy who would flirt with wallpaper, but he seemed to have singled Zack out for special attention ever since their first meeting at a LAN party." Having never been in the closet unless it was while changing clothes - and he refuses to go in the closet for anyone. Even a sexy, muscled man - a man that makes his heart go pitter-patter and makes him think of happily ever afters, homes, family..going from me to an us.
When these two find themselves spending a lot of time together - feelings and sexual attractions grow. Then Pike finds out Zack isn't just in the closet but he is also a Virgin...
Let's just say...Pike and Zack have a lot of fun during Zack's sexual education! Zack earns A+ in all subjects!
The chemistry and passion in this book is perfect! When these two fall... they fall hard, even if they don't acknowledge it right away..
Overall 4 stars -- great book. I would have liked to see more of the happiness, the fallout with the family just sort of stalled out, and a couple other areas were not fully resolved - but it's a great story and an awesome start to a new series!
Review Copy of Off Base provided by Carina Press for an honest Review.
This story is set more in the military world and deals with a lot of Homophobia. If homophobia, slurs, the thought that being gay is a choice, and mention of ways to help the gay person get over being gay are trigger subjects for you - this story may not be a happy read. In addition, Zack's family are Ultra conservative and religious (his dad carries a Bible in his pocket) - needless to say they are a huge issue in the story. Know these things going into the story - because Annabeth Albert has written a story that is pretty emotional and in your face with homophobia.
Zack - he is so far in the closet, even Narnia is closer to the door than he is -- and Zack has no idea how to even begin to find his way out. When he meets an energetic, sexy, ginger man - with sexy freckles and gorgeous eyes. Zack starts looking for ways he can be the man, the SEAL, the son he was raised and trained to be -- all while being a man that Pike would want as well.
“You. Are. Not. A. Distraction.” Zack toppled Pike backward, loomed over him. “You’re my everything. And I won’t let them have you. Won’t them ruin this.”
Pike -"Pike was the type of guy who would flirt with wallpaper, but he seemed to have singled Zack out for special attention ever since their first meeting at a LAN party." Having never been in the closet unless it was while changing clothes - and he refuses to go in the closet for anyone. Even a sexy, muscled man - a man that makes his heart go pitter-patter and makes him think of happily ever afters, homes, family..going from me to an us.
When these two find themselves spending a lot of time together - feelings and sexual attractions grow. Then Pike finds out Zack isn't just in the closet but he is also a Virgin...
“A virgin SEAL—”“Shut up.” He shoved Pike’s shoulder. Pike neatly sidestepped his grip. “I’m just saying, you must be rarer than a fucking unicorn. I thought you guys got all the ass— of any gender— you wanted.”
Let's just say...Pike and Zack have a lot of fun during Zack's sexual education! Zack earns A+ in all subjects!
The chemistry and passion in this book is perfect! When these two fall... they fall hard, even if they don't acknowledge it right away..
"Kissing Pike always felt like breathing— necessary, important and vital to his well-being— but right then it felt more like a sacrament . Or like super glue instantly sealing their bond together. And that’s what this was— a bond . His mouth might not be able offer many promises to Pike, but his body could pledge an oath, swear to Pike with each thrust that this meant something, meant everything."
Overall 4 stars -- great book. I would have liked to see more of the happiness, the fallout with the family just sort of stalled out, and a couple other areas were not fully resolved - but it's a great story and an awesome start to a new series!
Review Copy of Off Base provided by Carina Press for an honest Review.
December 8, 2016
~4.5 stars~
This was magnificent! One of my favorites, if not the favorite, by Annabeth Albert. I can tell that this is going to be an amazing series.
This story is a spinoff from the #gaymers series. Pike is Josiah's friend, and Zack is the douchebag that shared a hospital room with Ryan, all the while spewing homophobic insults. You know what they say for those that complain too much, right?
Zack is so deep in denial, he is completely lost. And then his insistence on keeping Pike his dirty secret was frustrating (but very understandable). There is something very genuine in his story, and his journey towards self-acceptance, though. It all happens so natural. Not easily, but in a very realistic way.
Zack and Pike are polar opposites. Zack is the big, bad SEAL (he's soft as a marshmallow inside, despite the shitty attitude, I swear), and Pike is the funny, out and proud nerd. He's also a ginger (freckles and all) and we all know how I feel about them.
There's fire between Zack and Pike from the beginning, but nothing can come of it. Zack will not accept this part of himself, and Pike will not be someone's experiment. Never again. But when these two become roommates, everything changes. And it starts with the hottest shower ever!
Be prepared, there is a lot of homophobia in this book that comes from Zack's environment. His overly religious parents, his bully of a brother, and some of his SEAL teammates. I always read these stories with a heavy heart, but this one tugged on my heartstrings a little more and made my stomach churn. Because imagine all this hate coming from the people that are supposed to have your back in the battlefield. I can't even imagine the vulnerability Zack must have felt. It's no wonder he didn't even want to consider the possibility of coming out at first.
But despite all this, the story didn't feel overwhelmingly angsty. On the contrary, it is very ...readable. And the last part of the book is downright hopeful. When Zack decides to take action and claim his man and the right to happiness, he realises he's not alone. And he finds much more than he thought he would.
There are some pretty interesting secondary characters and I'm hoping for a story about Lieutenant Appollo. I also loved Pike's teaching storyline and the way it played out in the end.
Great writing, multi-dimensional and complex characters, and a beautiful HEA. I might be wrong, but I have the feeling that we 'll see more of these two in the future, even if it's a short story or a cameo appearance in someone else's book.
Highly recommended!
December 31, 2017
Thank you to my secret santa for gifting me this book!
3.5 stars
I've been seeing lots of goodreads friends reading this series and I wanted to see what the fuss was about. Lots of mixed reviews on this first book, but I am excited to read more in this series, it seems to get better.
Off Base is about closeted Navy Seal Zack and young professor Pike. The two know each other through personal friends and under random circumstances the two become roommates. The attraction has always been there, but Zack doesn't want to admit he likes men and Pike is not eager to be some man on the down low. But living in close quarters means things are bound to explode.
I really enjoyed this story, it's one that got better as you kept reading. The beginning was a bit jarring because the characters were kind of thrown at us and together really quickly, a bit too quickly in my opinion. But once they were together the book really worked and I started to like the characters a bit more.
I'm definitely eager to read the other books in the series, this was a cute start but I felt like I needed to have read other books by this author first to understand some of the characters. Like I was missing something.
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3.5 stars
I've been seeing lots of goodreads friends reading this series and I wanted to see what the fuss was about. Lots of mixed reviews on this first book, but I am excited to read more in this series, it seems to get better.
Off Base is about closeted Navy Seal Zack and young professor Pike. The two know each other through personal friends and under random circumstances the two become roommates. The attraction has always been there, but Zack doesn't want to admit he likes men and Pike is not eager to be some man on the down low. But living in close quarters means things are bound to explode.
I really enjoyed this story, it's one that got better as you kept reading. The beginning was a bit jarring because the characters were kind of thrown at us and together really quickly, a bit too quickly in my opinion. But once they were together the book really worked and I started to like the characters a bit more.
I'm definitely eager to read the other books in the series, this was a cute start but I felt like I needed to have read other books by this author first to understand some of the characters. Like I was missing something.
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May 25, 2017
Annabeth Albert's books just make me happy. She's always got the perfect blend of:
feel good + angst + sexy times= a happy Lili
Off Base by Annabeth Albert is the story of closeted Navy Seal Zack Nelson and flirty and fun Pike. The attraction is there from the start, but neither one was expecting what would ensue when they end up as roommates.
My highlights:
- Zack and Pike. They were well fleshed out characters and showed character growth as the story progressed.
-Relationship development. I'm a sucker for friends to lovers with an undercurrent of sexual tension.
-Narration: Dual POV
-The pace is quick and easy. The book is listed as 304 pages long on GoodReads, but it never felt long.
-The steam. They were so sexy and sweet together. They trust they had in each other just added so much more emotion to their intimate scenes.
-Secondary cast. It was so great to see Josiah and Ryan (Connection Error #gaymers #3). Plus, we're introduced to some fresh faces I hope we get further acquainted with the future.
-The end. It was realistic but still very sweet. In life not, everything will work out hunky dory, and it bugs me sometimes in books when everything is magically fixed. She left the boys in a good place, and that was all I cared about.
Anything negative to report? Nope. I think Annabeth Albert did an outstanding job with this book.
My rating: 5 Stars. It's got it all:
Feel good vibe ✔
Sexy times ✔
Emotional ✔
Hurt/Comfort/Healing ✔
HEA ✔
HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.
February 9, 2017
4 Stars
Zack Nelson is a virginal navy SEAL struggling to come to terms with his sexuality. Raised by extremely conservative parents and facing homophobic attitudes by members of his SEAL team, Zack is determined to stay in the closet as not to rock the boat, even to the detriment of his own happiness.
For 23 years he’s been able to keep his feelings in check, until (through mutual friends) he meets Pike Reynolds, an open and proud young gay man who lives his life flirty and free.
Sparks immediately ignite between the two, but while Zack is determined to deny any and all attraction he may feel towards Pike, Pike is as equally determined not to get involved with another closeted/confused straight man.
When a college teaching job brings Pike to San Diego, circumstance and fortuity lead to him moving in with Zack off base. As hard as these two fight their attraction, little can deny the effortless way they learn to live and thrive together. Before long, they are sharing a bed as well as hopes for a future together – one where they can be open and free to be with one another without fear of harassment and discrimination.
This was a lovely military themed M/M romance. I was impressed by the way Albert handled the themes within, especially when it came to creating Zack’s character – a gay man so deeply in the closet that his constant denial could have been beyond frustrating to the reader, but instead, due to his obvious sweet nature and good-heart, he actually presented as extremely lovable and, at the very least, understandable in his fear driven reactions (at least to me).
As a spin-off to Albert’s enjoyable #gaymers series, this one could be either read in conjunction with said series or as a standalone without much fuss – but I always recommend pursuing correct reading order for best results, especially with a series this good.
Yet again, Albert has delivered an engaging story, featuring great characters who share amazing chemistry. I look forward to seeing what comes next in this series.
Zack Nelson is a virginal navy SEAL struggling to come to terms with his sexuality. Raised by extremely conservative parents and facing homophobic attitudes by members of his SEAL team, Zack is determined to stay in the closet as not to rock the boat, even to the detriment of his own happiness.
For 23 years he’s been able to keep his feelings in check, until (through mutual friends) he meets Pike Reynolds, an open and proud young gay man who lives his life flirty and free.
Sparks immediately ignite between the two, but while Zack is determined to deny any and all attraction he may feel towards Pike, Pike is as equally determined not to get involved with another closeted/confused straight man.
When a college teaching job brings Pike to San Diego, circumstance and fortuity lead to him moving in with Zack off base. As hard as these two fight their attraction, little can deny the effortless way they learn to live and thrive together. Before long, they are sharing a bed as well as hopes for a future together – one where they can be open and free to be with one another without fear of harassment and discrimination.
This was a lovely military themed M/M romance. I was impressed by the way Albert handled the themes within, especially when it came to creating Zack’s character – a gay man so deeply in the closet that his constant denial could have been beyond frustrating to the reader, but instead, due to his obvious sweet nature and good-heart, he actually presented as extremely lovable and, at the very least, understandable in his fear driven reactions (at least to me).
As a spin-off to Albert’s enjoyable #gaymers series, this one could be either read in conjunction with said series or as a standalone without much fuss – but I always recommend pursuing correct reading order for best results, especially with a series this good.
Yet again, Albert has delivered an engaging story, featuring great characters who share amazing chemistry. I look forward to seeing what comes next in this series.
January 13, 2017
3.5 Stars!
I liked this one fine. But it didn't wow me.
A few things bugged me that kept me from rating this one higher:
--Zach's inner thoughts regarding his denial that he was gay got a little old the first half of the book.
--Harper got off WAY too easy. He was just as big of a dick as Cobb.
BUT.....
--VIRGIN sex. Always a plus there.
--Zach DID step up when it counted.
So yeah, I liked it. But I didn't love it. I am intrigued by Apollo though and....age gap. So I'll definitely be giving that one a go.
I liked this one fine. But it didn't wow me.
A few things bugged me that kept me from rating this one higher:
--Zach's inner thoughts regarding his denial that he was gay got a little old the first half of the book.
--Harper got off WAY too easy. He was just as big of a dick as Cobb.
BUT.....
--VIRGIN sex. Always a plus there.
--Zach DID step up when it counted.
So yeah, I liked it. But I didn't love it. I am intrigued by Apollo though and....age gap. So I'll definitely be giving that one a go.
February 21, 2017
4 stars!
My first book by this author and it was really really good. I liked how it started where the MC Zack/Pike have already met and it seems like they already have an attraction. That first chapter was pretty dam hot with all that dirty dancing.
On "Off base" we have Zack, a navy seal, his gay but in denial. Then there's Pike, who is openly gay and loves flirting especially with Zack. Pike/Zack have friends in common and somehow end up being roommates.
Of course living in the same house and seeing each other daily only adds to their attraction and soon the make up session starts. But they also start to know each other and Zack realizes that Pike, is not just a good time kinda guy, his also caring and smart. Pike also sees that Zack, is more than just a guy his trying to hook up with.
Oh the angst in this book was so good it had my heart squeezing, and my stomach full of butterflies. My heart went out for Zack, because he had to deny and hide who he truly was. But the way he was brought up and his parents pressure on him I could understand why he couldn't face it. Pike, he was awesome he really surprised me, how patient and loving he was to Zack. The passion between this guys was sexy and sweet.
It was an incredible journey for Zack/Pike to see their physical attraction blossom into a passionate and beautiful love. Zack, I'm so happy you stood up not just for yourself but for the love of a man who truly loved you. Pike, you gave Zack the strength he need to find his way to YOU! ❤
My first book by this author and it was really really good. I liked how it started where the MC Zack/Pike have already met and it seems like they already have an attraction. That first chapter was pretty dam hot with all that dirty dancing.
On "Off base" we have Zack, a navy seal, his gay but in denial. Then there's Pike, who is openly gay and loves flirting especially with Zack. Pike/Zack have friends in common and somehow end up being roommates.
Of course living in the same house and seeing each other daily only adds to their attraction and soon the make up session starts. But they also start to know each other and Zack realizes that Pike, is not just a good time kinda guy, his also caring and smart. Pike also sees that Zack, is more than just a guy his trying to hook up with.
Oh the angst in this book was so good it had my heart squeezing, and my stomach full of butterflies. My heart went out for Zack, because he had to deny and hide who he truly was. But the way he was brought up and his parents pressure on him I could understand why he couldn't face it. Pike, he was awesome he really surprised me, how patient and loving he was to Zack. The passion between this guys was sexy and sweet.
It was an incredible journey for Zack/Pike to see their physical attraction blossom into a passionate and beautiful love. Zack, I'm so happy you stood up not just for yourself but for the love of a man who truly loved you. Pike, you gave Zack the strength he need to find his way to YOU! ❤
February 10, 2017
Zack and Pike wrapped themselves around my heart and squeezed. I peeked into their lives and had myself an angst fest.
Pike is perfect. Simply perfect. He is patient, communicative, self-assured, kind, smart, talented, caring and fun to be with. <-- I didn't run out of adjectives, I was afraid you'd run out of patience with me. I love Pike.
Zack. Oh Zack! :-( Zack is so far in the closet that he can't even see his own hand in front of his face. He's dealing with religious fanatic parents. He's dealing with homophobic SEAL teammates. He's dealing with his own lost identity in his quest to be the perfect son.
Friends in common and happy chance bring these two together. Rooming together for convenience quickly shows them their compatibility. They get along well and enjoy spending time together. When things start to warm up between them Pike needs
Pike is out and proud and has never been otherwise. He certainly doesn't need to be played or used for experimentation. But Zack...Zack pushes all his buttons. Pike starts to care, to try to get through to Zack.
Zack can't even imagine being out, being himself.
What Zack had to do took great courage, but what Pike had to do took immense strength. It was heartbreaking to watch. Both sides made me sad. Both sides made me proud. Both men made me love them.
I wished for a little more towards the end. A little more time in the situation with all the characters involved. A little more detail in a couple of scenes. But overall I highly recommend this one. It's a gorgeous, hard-won love story.
4.5 stars!
Review ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley
Pike is perfect. Simply perfect. He is patient, communicative, self-assured, kind, smart, talented, caring and fun to be with. <-- I didn't run out of adjectives, I was afraid you'd run out of patience with me. I love Pike.
Zack. Oh Zack! :-( Zack is so far in the closet that he can't even see his own hand in front of his face. He's dealing with religious fanatic parents. He's dealing with homophobic SEAL teammates. He's dealing with his own lost identity in his quest to be the perfect son.
...he was the gayest straight person Pike had ever met.
Friends in common and happy chance bring these two together. Rooming together for convenience quickly shows them their compatibility. They get along well and enjoy spending time together. When things start to warm up between them Pike needs
The reminder that Zack was most likely an otherwise straight guy who was merely curious.
Pike is out and proud and has never been otherwise. He certainly doesn't need to be played or used for experimentation. But Zack...Zack pushes all his buttons. Pike starts to care, to try to get through to Zack.
"...he knows who he is and accepts himself —these are important things too, man. I mean I get that family and your religion is important to you, but that’s not everything.”
Zack can't even imagine being out, being himself.
Zack tried to visualize a future...where he had a large friendship circle of LGBTQ friends, where he had Pike at the center of all that… and simply couldn’t. But he also couldn’t envision a life without Pike.He puts Pike in an untenable situation. He knows he shouldn't but he can't seem to let go nor open up and reveal who he is.
What Zack had to do took great courage, but what Pike had to do took immense strength. It was heartbreaking to watch. Both sides made me sad. Both sides made me proud. Both men made me love them.
I wished for a little more towards the end. A little more time in the situation with all the characters involved. A little more detail in a couple of scenes. But overall I highly recommend this one. It's a gorgeous, hard-won love story.
4.5 stars!
Review ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley
February 5, 2017
*4,5 stars*
This is one, fine example of what a romance novel should be like.
Two Mcs, both torn in their own ways:
Zach has to come to terms with his sexuality - he knows he is gay, but admitting it to himself, not to even mention his ultra conservative parents and the fact that he is a navy SEAL, is a huge mountain to climb.
Pike wants to be taken seriously and find a place in life. He's been badly burnt by a closeted guy in the past and has no intention of repeating this mistake.
Believable circumstances that throws the guys together:
I was wondering at the beginning how Zack and Pike would end up in one apartment, considering their 'animosity'. I really liked the way it happened, and how the two men started working together on the flat, giving them more common ground and a basis for friendship.
A love story that felt real:
There is attraction first. There is a good amount of pining and UST on both parts. Then there is friendship, until finally the barrier both men put up between them falls. But once Zack and Pike have taken that step, there is no going back. Despite set-backs, extreme insecurities and doubts neither is willing to give the other one up, and they fight for being together and talk to each other until they eventually figure it out.
Amazing character development:
Zack's journey in particular is incredible - it was breath-taking to see him change, baby step by baby step, until he can accept who he is and acknowledge his relationship openly. He also learns how to deal with the homophobia he is facing on two fronts. Annabeth Albert does a stellar job at showing us exactly how his attitude develops. Ah, and of course with him being a virgin, there are all those lovely firsts - one of my most favourite trope!
And I so felt for Pike who knows that he might have placed his heart in the hands of someone who can't deal with it. His patience is endless and his love just shines. His willingness to put up with Zack's hesitancy, although he has no guarantees there will be a future for them, is epic.
That was one hell of a good book, and I'm already looking forward to #2!
Highly recommended.
This is one, fine example of what a romance novel should be like.
Two Mcs, both torn in their own ways:
Zach has to come to terms with his sexuality - he knows he is gay, but admitting it to himself, not to even mention his ultra conservative parents and the fact that he is a navy SEAL, is a huge mountain to climb.
Pike wants to be taken seriously and find a place in life. He's been badly burnt by a closeted guy in the past and has no intention of repeating this mistake.
Believable circumstances that throws the guys together:
I was wondering at the beginning how Zack and Pike would end up in one apartment, considering their 'animosity'. I really liked the way it happened, and how the two men started working together on the flat, giving them more common ground and a basis for friendship.
A love story that felt real:
There is attraction first. There is a good amount of pining and UST on both parts. Then there is friendship, until finally the barrier both men put up between them falls. But once Zack and Pike have taken that step, there is no going back. Despite set-backs, extreme insecurities and doubts neither is willing to give the other one up, and they fight for being together and talk to each other until they eventually figure it out.
Amazing character development:
Zack's journey in particular is incredible - it was breath-taking to see him change, baby step by baby step, until he can accept who he is and acknowledge his relationship openly. He also learns how to deal with the homophobia he is facing on two fronts. Annabeth Albert does a stellar job at showing us exactly how his attitude develops. Ah, and of course with him being a virgin, there are all those lovely firsts - one of my most favourite trope!
And I so felt for Pike who knows that he might have placed his heart in the hands of someone who can't deal with it. His patience is endless and his love just shines. His willingness to put up with Zack's hesitancy, although he has no guarantees there will be a future for them, is epic.
That was one hell of a good book, and I'm already looking forward to #2!
Highly recommended.
January 4, 2017
This is was my first outing with Annabeth Albert and after devouring Off Base in the space of a day, I'll certainly be checking out her back catalogue; she has a writing style that worked for me with characters and a journey which I quickly became completely invested in and I'm not quite sure why it's taken me until now to pick up one of her books.
"I’ve spent the last year trying to make sense of me, but when I’m around you, it feels like the answer might actually be out there."
Navy SEAL, Zach and math professor, Pike were both charming and sexy, but not without their more vulnerable sides. Flirty, smart and completely open with his sexuality, Pike is the opposite of Zach who is struggling to accept his sexuality, largely down to the homophobic people he's surrounded by. But when Pike temporarily moves into the house Zach is helping refurb for his boss, they get to know one another a little better behind closed doors.
This could have been laced with drama and angst, however it wasn't and Zach and Pike's growing feelings for one another were balanced well against the difficult realities they face as individuals and as a couple. And it's this aspect that brings the emotional angle and has you cheering them on: as frustrating as Zach's thoughts and decisions were at times, they are completely understandable and Pike's patience and gentle understanding is quite lovely.
"Wait for me?"
With scope for more courtesy of intriguing secondary characters, I'm very much looking forward to seeing where Annabeth Albert takes this series.
Copy received courtesy of Carina via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
"I’ve spent the last year trying to make sense of me, but when I’m around you, it feels like the answer might actually be out there."
Navy SEAL, Zach and math professor, Pike were both charming and sexy, but not without their more vulnerable sides. Flirty, smart and completely open with his sexuality, Pike is the opposite of Zach who is struggling to accept his sexuality, largely down to the homophobic people he's surrounded by. But when Pike temporarily moves into the house Zach is helping refurb for his boss, they get to know one another a little better behind closed doors.
This could have been laced with drama and angst, however it wasn't and Zach and Pike's growing feelings for one another were balanced well against the difficult realities they face as individuals and as a couple. And it's this aspect that brings the emotional angle and has you cheering them on: as frustrating as Zach's thoughts and decisions were at times, they are completely understandable and Pike's patience and gentle understanding is quite lovely.
"Wait for me?"
With scope for more courtesy of intriguing secondary characters, I'm very much looking forward to seeing where Annabeth Albert takes this series.
Copy received courtesy of Carina via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
September 3, 2018
3,5 Estrellas, pero redondeo hasta las 4 porque los protagonistas son taaaan monos. Me pones un SEAL y pierdo el oremus.
Me ha gustado mucho cómo nace y se desarrolla su historia de amor, sus idas y venidas con su relación y el arreglo de la casa, así como esos amigos tan maravillosos que tienen. Pena que no me acabe de creer mucho que en el ejército de USA sea tan fácil salir del armario.
Y como yo soy así, me entero a media lectura que sus amigos Ryan y Josiah tienen su propia historia en una serie anterior (Gamers), conectada con esta. Pues la leeré también. Aunque el que voy a coger con ganas será el 2 de esta serie, a ver quién es la guapa que se resiste a un SEAL gay construido como una montaña, viudo con gemelas y llamado -redoble aquí- Apollo Floros? Venga, ¿quién?
Me ha gustado mucho cómo nace y se desarrolla su historia de amor, sus idas y venidas con su relación y el arreglo de la casa, así como esos amigos tan maravillosos que tienen. Pena que no me acabe de creer mucho que en el ejército de USA sea tan fácil salir del armario.
Y como yo soy así, me entero a media lectura que sus amigos Ryan y Josiah tienen su propia historia en una serie anterior (Gamers), conectada con esta. Pues la leeré también. Aunque el que voy a coger con ganas será el 2 de esta serie, a ver quién es la guapa que se resiste a un SEAL gay construido como una montaña, viudo con gemelas y llamado -redoble aquí- Apollo Floros? Venga, ¿quién?
February 4, 2017
**** 4 stars ****
---------------------
"This was home. This house. This man. Home."
---------------------
Off Base featuring Navy SEAL Zack Nelson and Pike Reynolds, is a spinoff from Albert's #gaymer series. We briefly met Zack at the end of #3 Connection Error sharing a room with one of the main characters, Ryan, who’s also military. We also met Pike, who's Josiah's friend. Josiah's is Ryan's love interest in Connection Error. While it's strictly not necessary to read Connection Error before starting Off Base, you’re not doing yourself a favor. Off Base can be read as standalone, but I really recommend reading Connection Error, because it’s a great book, and you’re able to fully enjoy Ryan and Josiah’s appearance in Off Base, and get most out of these books.
Pike is an outgoing guy. Not being out is not something he ever had to deal with, because there never were a question about his sexuality. He always knew he was gay, and the world around it knew it too. He has grown up with a great, accepting mom, and mostly accepting environment around him. He did get burned by falling for his straight best friend when he was a teenager, and that burn still hurts. Pike is a guy who would flirt with wallpaper, he’s got no filter and he’s got a keen sense of observation. He also got a thing for military guys (who doesn’t?).
------------------------
(..) Pike knew that, like Fireball shots, he was an aquired taste. And twice as much fun. Or at least he liked to think so.
------------------------
Pike scares the heck out of Zack. Zack grew up with his very conservative parents, and a bully of an older brother. He doesn’t want to look too closely at his sexuality that he has repressed for so long. He feels a big urge to be the perfect son, the perfect SEAL. Mostly to try to keep his own focus away from his repressed interest in guys.
Zack frustrated me a lot throughout the book. He was so far in the closet he had Narnia snow on his shoulders. Pike manages to lure him out, though, and Zack helplessly follows. He wants and needs so much. He really is into guys, and especially Pike, he just don’t want to acknowledge what it will mean for him if he does. Zack wants only Pike, but he also only want him inside the confine of their shared house. Zack struggles so much, and still continues to deny that part of himself throughout most of the book, and in denying himself, he also denies Pike. Pike and Zack were wonderful together, and I really loved their moments, and blossoming friendship and relationship. He frustrated me, though. I felt he never stood up for himself. He pulled away from Pike at moments of importance, instead of standing proud beside him. I understand why he did it, it just frustrated me.
-----------------------
"Please stop lying to yourself. It's killing me to watch. [Pike]"
-----------------------
I really liked the side plots of Pike being a professor and teaching. Him caring for his students really warmed me to him. Zack had trouble with bullying during his training, and my frustration with him continued. It got worse, before it got better. But when it did get better, and Zack finally acknowledged himself, it got awesome! I loved how things was resolved. They weren’t easy resolutions, but both Zack and Pike worked through them. Pike deserves a medal for his patience.
-----------------------
I realized that telling was what I needed for myself too. It was a relief almost.
-----------------------
I got really curious about Lieutenant Apollo, who was introduced at the end, and apparently the next book is about him. I also have a feeling that I haven’t seen the last of Harper, one of the other SEALs.
All in all, it was a pain suffering through Zack’s denial. Pike had endless patience. There were lots of good moments, and they were so good together. The last 20% shifted my feelings from frustration, to just gooey. I’m so happy for Zack and Pike!
Recommended!
An ARC copy was given me from the author. I wrote an honest review after finished reading it.
---------------------
"This was home. This house. This man. Home."
---------------------
Off Base featuring Navy SEAL Zack Nelson and Pike Reynolds, is a spinoff from Albert's #gaymer series. We briefly met Zack at the end of #3 Connection Error sharing a room with one of the main characters, Ryan, who’s also military. We also met Pike, who's Josiah's friend. Josiah's is Ryan's love interest in Connection Error. While it's strictly not necessary to read Connection Error before starting Off Base, you’re not doing yourself a favor. Off Base can be read as standalone, but I really recommend reading Connection Error, because it’s a great book, and you’re able to fully enjoy Ryan and Josiah’s appearance in Off Base, and get most out of these books.
Pike is an outgoing guy. Not being out is not something he ever had to deal with, because there never were a question about his sexuality. He always knew he was gay, and the world around it knew it too. He has grown up with a great, accepting mom, and mostly accepting environment around him. He did get burned by falling for his straight best friend when he was a teenager, and that burn still hurts. Pike is a guy who would flirt with wallpaper, he’s got no filter and he’s got a keen sense of observation. He also got a thing for military guys (who doesn’t?).
------------------------
(..) Pike knew that, like Fireball shots, he was an aquired taste. And twice as much fun. Or at least he liked to think so.
------------------------
Pike scares the heck out of Zack. Zack grew up with his very conservative parents, and a bully of an older brother. He doesn’t want to look too closely at his sexuality that he has repressed for so long. He feels a big urge to be the perfect son, the perfect SEAL. Mostly to try to keep his own focus away from his repressed interest in guys.
Zack frustrated me a lot throughout the book. He was so far in the closet he had Narnia snow on his shoulders. Pike manages to lure him out, though, and Zack helplessly follows. He wants and needs so much. He really is into guys, and especially Pike, he just don’t want to acknowledge what it will mean for him if he does. Zack wants only Pike, but he also only want him inside the confine of their shared house. Zack struggles so much, and still continues to deny that part of himself throughout most of the book, and in denying himself, he also denies Pike. Pike and Zack were wonderful together, and I really loved their moments, and blossoming friendship and relationship. He frustrated me, though. I felt he never stood up for himself. He pulled away from Pike at moments of importance, instead of standing proud beside him. I understand why he did it, it just frustrated me.
-----------------------
"Please stop lying to yourself. It's killing me to watch. [Pike]"
-----------------------
I really liked the side plots of Pike being a professor and teaching. Him caring for his students really warmed me to him. Zack had trouble with bullying during his training, and my frustration with him continued. It got worse, before it got better. But when it did get better, and Zack finally acknowledged himself, it got awesome! I loved how things was resolved. They weren’t easy resolutions, but both Zack and Pike worked through them. Pike deserves a medal for his patience.
-----------------------
I realized that telling was what I needed for myself too. It was a relief almost.
-----------------------
I got really curious about Lieutenant Apollo, who was introduced at the end, and apparently the next book is about him. I also have a feeling that I haven’t seen the last of Harper, one of the other SEALs.
All in all, it was a pain suffering through Zack’s denial. Pike had endless patience. There were lots of good moments, and they were so good together. The last 20% shifted my feelings from frustration, to just gooey. I’m so happy for Zack and Pike!
Recommended!
An ARC copy was given me from the author. I wrote an honest review after finished reading it.
January 1, 2017
A tag team review with Cupcake!
As soon as I found out that Zack and Pike would be the MCs for this book, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. Both MCs appear in Connection Error, but ‘Off Base’ can be read as a stand-alone.
Readers are introduced to Zack and Pike while they’re still acquaintances. They’re attracted to each other, but between Zack denying his sexuality and Pike refusing to sleep with a supposedly-straight man, it doesn’t go anywhere.
Zack’s behaviour didn’t win him any brownie points early on, with him denying his feelings to himself and the lengths he goes to hide his sexual orientation. But I could understand where he was coming from. I’d say Zack’s hang-ups had less to do with hating himself than with the pressures of those around him.
Pike was instantly likeable. He won’t settle for less than he deserves, but he’s willing to be patient and take things slow. He’s willing to make reasonable compromises to make their relationship work.
I really liked how the two became friends before moving on to something more. It made their relationship all the more believable. The two filled the emptiness that the other felt. Zack and Pike gave each other the shoulder needed to deal with the stresses of work and life in general.
Plus, they have great sexual chemistry. A virgin SEAL learning the joys of man-on-man sex? Yes please!
Throughout the book, I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. It was clear that something had to give for Zack to come out, and for Pike to decide whether Zack was worth staying for in the long-haul.
When the shit finally hit the fan, the fallout tested Zack and Pike’s relationship to the limits. But I was really happy with the outcome. Both MCs pulled through, and their relationship came out the stronger for it. Zack completely makes up for what he put himself and Pike through.
Overall, I really enjoyed ‘Off Base’. The romance was angsty but the HEA was very sweet, and you can’t help but root for Zack and Pike. A great start to this author’s new military MM series!
As soon as I found out that Zack and Pike would be the MCs for this book, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. Both MCs appear in Connection Error, but ‘Off Base’ can be read as a stand-alone.
Readers are introduced to Zack and Pike while they’re still acquaintances. They’re attracted to each other, but between Zack denying his sexuality and Pike refusing to sleep with a supposedly-straight man, it doesn’t go anywhere.
Zack’s behaviour didn’t win him any brownie points early on, with him denying his feelings to himself and the lengths he goes to hide his sexual orientation. But I could understand where he was coming from. I’d say Zack’s hang-ups had less to do with hating himself than with the pressures of those around him.
Pike was instantly likeable. He won’t settle for less than he deserves, but he’s willing to be patient and take things slow. He’s willing to make reasonable compromises to make their relationship work.
I really liked how the two became friends before moving on to something more. It made their relationship all the more believable. The two filled the emptiness that the other felt. Zack and Pike gave each other the shoulder needed to deal with the stresses of work and life in general.
Plus, they have great sexual chemistry. A virgin SEAL learning the joys of man-on-man sex? Yes please!
Throughout the book, I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. It was clear that something had to give for Zack to come out, and for Pike to decide whether Zack was worth staying for in the long-haul.
When the shit finally hit the fan, the fallout tested Zack and Pike’s relationship to the limits. But I was really happy with the outcome. Both MCs pulled through, and their relationship came out the stronger for it. Zack completely makes up for what he put himself and Pike through.
Overall, I really enjoyed ‘Off Base’. The romance was angsty but the HEA was very sweet, and you can’t help but root for Zack and Pike. A great start to this author’s new military MM series!
January 9, 2017
Pike and Zack.
Pike fully out and Zack as a Navy SEAL so not.
They were left on their own in a bar by their friends. Zack gets an advice through a message 'no shots with Pike' Well of course they end up with shots.
Zack has a hard time at the navy, an awful bully, blackmailing him for being gay.
Pike needs a room and Zack has a room off Base so Pike moves in.
They have both a side job and working together works well.
Zack can't deny his feelings for Pike but can't out himself. They are friends with benefits, but it became so much more. Zack has to make a point or else he will lose Pike.
I took my a while to really like Zack because of his attitude. Pike ahh he is lovable.
Zack has it hard. A job with dadt....Very complicated religious parents. Pike is so easy going he is the best for Zack. The more they are together the more Zack feelings for Pike grows.
After an injury where the procedure is 'call who is on the list" Pike realize he is not Zack's number one and probably will never be. He withdraw and takes a job interview.
Zack finally holds his back straight and fights for his love...hopefully in time.
Smoothly written and entertaining story about the hard love life of a navy SEAL who finally dare to step up for himself and his lover.
ARC received from DivineMagazine given by Publisher
Pike fully out and Zack as a Navy SEAL so not.
They were left on their own in a bar by their friends. Zack gets an advice through a message 'no shots with Pike' Well of course they end up with shots.
Zack has a hard time at the navy, an awful bully, blackmailing him for being gay.
Pike needs a room and Zack has a room off Base so Pike moves in.
They have both a side job and working together works well.
Zack can't deny his feelings for Pike but can't out himself. They are friends with benefits, but it became so much more. Zack has to make a point or else he will lose Pike.
I took my a while to really like Zack because of his attitude. Pike ahh he is lovable.
Zack has it hard. A job with dadt....Very complicated religious parents. Pike is so easy going he is the best for Zack. The more they are together the more Zack feelings for Pike grows.
After an injury where the procedure is 'call who is on the list" Pike realize he is not Zack's number one and probably will never be. He withdraw and takes a job interview.
Zack finally holds his back straight and fights for his love...hopefully in time.
Smoothly written and entertaining story about the hard love life of a navy SEAL who finally dare to step up for himself and his lover.
ARC received from DivineMagazine given by Publisher
August 15, 2021
FYI - Off Base is the first book in a new series by Annabeth Albert - a spin-off of her #gaymers series - featuring Zack and Pike (who were both briefly seen in Connection Error).
Zack, a young Navy SEAL, has a lot to deal with - a SEAL bully making his life hell, figuring out how to move off-base because of said bully, choking down a steady diet of guilt sandwiches from his uber-Christian conservative parents, and most importantly, denying his sexuality, to himself as well as his SEAL buddies. When Pike becomes Zack's roommate, what follows is a slow and steady development of trust between the two men that blossoms into love.
I love how we get both Pike and Zack's POV throughout and these guys feel real and fully-developed. Pike is an out and proud math PhD starting a new career as a professor and needs a place to live in the San Diego area. He's very attracted to Zack, thinking "he was the gayest straight person Pike had ever met" but he's also saddened by the need that rolls off Zack as he looks at Ryan and Josiah, or wistfully watches men dancing in a bar. "There was this certain look Zack got in his eyes—an expression of confusion and longing Pike had witnessed a bunch of times."
I really felt for Zack because he's a good guy who keeps trying and trying to be something he's not:
I thought Off Base was a beautifully written story and I'm looking forward to the next books in the series and hope the next book will be about either Harper or Apollo Flores.
I received an ARC from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
Zack, a young Navy SEAL, has a lot to deal with - a SEAL bully making his life hell, figuring out how to move off-base because of said bully, choking down a steady diet of guilt sandwiches from his uber-Christian conservative parents, and most importantly, denying his sexuality, to himself as well as his SEAL buddies. When Pike becomes Zack's roommate, what follows is a slow and steady development of trust between the two men that blossoms into love.
I love how we get both Pike and Zack's POV throughout and these guys feel real and fully-developed. Pike is an out and proud math PhD starting a new career as a professor and needs a place to live in the San Diego area. He's very attracted to Zack, thinking "he was the gayest straight person Pike had ever met" but he's also saddened by the need that rolls off Zack as he looks at Ryan and Josiah, or wistfully watches men dancing in a bar. "There was this certain look Zack got in his eyes—an expression of confusion and longing Pike had witnessed a bunch of times."
I really felt for Zack because he's a good guy who keeps trying and trying to be something he's not:
“That’s not how my family would see it. Every good thing I’ve done, every choice I’ve made, none of it would count if I were gay. So I’ve told myself for a decade now that I’m not. Doesn’t matter what goes on in my head when I…you know. I figured I could be straight if I wanted it bad enough.”Pike sees what Zack is going through and is honest with him - "Please stop lying to yourself. It’s killing me to watch." - but also willing to let Zack find his own way.
I thought Off Base was a beautifully written story and I'm looking forward to the next books in the series and hope the next book will be about either Harper or Apollo Flores.
I received an ARC from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
May 25, 2017
May 25, 2017 : amazon .99$ deal alert! https://tinyurl.com/mzmf5fu
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OFF BASE is my first read by Albert but I've already run to NG to request the sequel. If you love m/m, heck, if you love romance, you'll love this book. As an added bonus there is a military setting and nerdy boys, so, I mean, why aren't you reading this yet?
I definitely misread the synopsis when I first put this book on hold through my library. I thought both Pike and Zack were service men, with Pike being older or something, so I was way off base (get it? sorry) when it came to what I was actually in store for. Instead we have Zack, a SEAL, very much in the closet and very twisted up about it not only because of his profession, but his very religious family and their expectations, not to mention the risk of being out in the military; which is compounded by some pre-existing harassment Zack has been fighting throughout his training days.
Then there's Pike. Charming, flirty, fun, and very out, who has been fighting his instincts to both help and torment (in a teasing way) his obviously conflicted not-really-friend. Circumstances throw them together as roommates and Zack slowly starts to embrace not only Pike but the man he wants to be.
This story was so lovely, so fun (a few moments had me lol'ing like crazy), super sexy, and also heartbreaking. All of which was done so well. While the homophobia and harassment scenes were far from awesome, they were real. You felt for the characters just as you would if it was happening to your friend or loved one. The support from others, meanwhile, was amazing without being cheesy or ramped up to outweigh the bad. Also the progression and awareness from some of the others felt natural even as they struggled to understand Zack's choices from their own perspective.. and I liked that some never did and never would. Everything that happened had heart while still being realistic and I loved it.
We had such a great range of diverse and interesting characters in OFF BASE, some that I now understand are from Albert's #gaymers series (which I've always meant to read!), and one of which, outside of the main couple and the pair from Albert's other series, I fell in love with immediately. I knew it had to be him starring in book two, or at least later in the series, and it looks like I'm right, Apollo is up next! I wants it, I needs it, precious.
Highly recommend this read and can't wait to explore more from this author.
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OFF BASE is my first read by Albert but I've already run to NG to request the sequel. If you love m/m, heck, if you love romance, you'll love this book. As an added bonus there is a military setting and nerdy boys, so, I mean, why aren't you reading this yet?
I definitely misread the synopsis when I first put this book on hold through my library. I thought both Pike and Zack were service men, with Pike being older or something, so I was way off base (get it? sorry) when it came to what I was actually in store for. Instead we have Zack, a SEAL, very much in the closet and very twisted up about it not only because of his profession, but his very religious family and their expectations, not to mention the risk of being out in the military; which is compounded by some pre-existing harassment Zack has been fighting throughout his training days.
Then there's Pike. Charming, flirty, fun, and very out, who has been fighting his instincts to both help and torment (in a teasing way) his obviously conflicted not-really-friend. Circumstances throw them together as roommates and Zack slowly starts to embrace not only Pike but the man he wants to be.
This story was so lovely, so fun (a few moments had me lol'ing like crazy), super sexy, and also heartbreaking. All of which was done so well. While the homophobia and harassment scenes were far from awesome, they were real. You felt for the characters just as you would if it was happening to your friend or loved one. The support from others, meanwhile, was amazing without being cheesy or ramped up to outweigh the bad. Also the progression and awareness from some of the others felt natural even as they struggled to understand Zack's choices from their own perspective.. and I liked that some never did and never would. Everything that happened had heart while still being realistic and I loved it.
We had such a great range of diverse and interesting characters in OFF BASE, some that I now understand are from Albert's #gaymers series (which I've always meant to read!), and one of which, outside of the main couple and the pair from Albert's other series, I fell in love with immediately. I knew it had to be him starring in book two, or at least later in the series, and it looks like I'm right, Apollo is up next! I wants it, I needs it, precious.
Highly recommend this read and can't wait to explore more from this author.
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