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Shore Leave #1
Sailor Proof
The sexy Navy chief and his best friend’s adorkable little brother…
It’s petty, but Naval Chief Derrick Fox wishes he could exact a little revenge on his ex by showing off a rebound fling. His submarine is due to return to its Bremerton, Washington, home base soon and Derrick knows all too well there won't be anyone waiting with a big, showy welcome.
Enter one ill-advised plan…
Arthur Euler is the guy you go to in a pinch—he's excellent at out-of-the-box solutions. It's what the genius music-slash-computer nerd is known for. So when he finds out Derrick needs a favor, he’s happy to help. He can muster the sort of welcome a Naval Chief deserves, no problem at all.
Except it is a problem. A very big problem.
When Arthur’s homecoming welcome is a little too convincing, when a video of their gangplank smooch goes enormously viral, they're caught between a dock and a hard place. Neither of them ever expected a temporary fake relationship to look—or feel—so real. And Arthur certainly never considered he'd be fighting for a very much not-fake forever with a military man.
It’s petty, but Naval Chief Derrick Fox wishes he could exact a little revenge on his ex by showing off a rebound fling. His submarine is due to return to its Bremerton, Washington, home base soon and Derrick knows all too well there won't be anyone waiting with a big, showy welcome.
Enter one ill-advised plan…
Arthur Euler is the guy you go to in a pinch—he's excellent at out-of-the-box solutions. It's what the genius music-slash-computer nerd is known for. So when he finds out Derrick needs a favor, he’s happy to help. He can muster the sort of welcome a Naval Chief deserves, no problem at all.
Except it is a problem. A very big problem.
When Arthur’s homecoming welcome is a little too convincing, when a video of their gangplank smooch goes enormously viral, they're caught between a dock and a hard place. Neither of them ever expected a temporary fake relationship to look—or feel—so real. And Arthur certainly never considered he'd be fighting for a very much not-fake forever with a military man.
262 pages, ebook
First published September 28, 2021
149 people are currently reading
1662 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 570 reviews
July 21, 2021
~4.5~
Annabeth Albert's Out of Uniform series is a favorite of mine, so I've been waiting with bated breath for Shore Leave.
I'm thrilled to report this first installment was a big win for me. Everything about this story jived:
- Fake to real boyfriends. It doesn't take long for Derrick and Arthur to realize they want it all, despite Arthur's reluctance to date a military man.
- Opposites attract. Derrick is serious and intense, all logic and straight lines, while Arthur is joyful, artistic, and chaotic.
- THAT KISS, and the many kisses that follow. Arthur is a virgin in the wild, but he sure craves Derrick's hands (and mouth, and tongue ...) on him.
- Family and more family, but not in an annoying way (Arthur's family is supportive, but Arthur is tired of everything being a competition with them.)
- Mild angst while Derrick and Arthur decide if the sacrifices are worth it. (Hint: they are.)
- True HEA (So perfect and swoony, I can't even).
If you like relationship-driven, low-key stories involving military men, don't miss Sailor Proof.
Annabeth Albert's Out of Uniform series is a favorite of mine, so I've been waiting with bated breath for Shore Leave.
I'm thrilled to report this first installment was a big win for me. Everything about this story jived:
- Fake to real boyfriends. It doesn't take long for Derrick and Arthur to realize they want it all, despite Arthur's reluctance to date a military man.
- Opposites attract. Derrick is serious and intense, all logic and straight lines, while Arthur is joyful, artistic, and chaotic.
- THAT KISS, and the many kisses that follow. Arthur is a virgin in the wild, but he sure craves Derrick's hands (and mouth, and tongue ...) on him.
- Family and more family, but not in an annoying way (Arthur's family is supportive, but Arthur is tired of everything being a competition with them.)
- Mild angst while Derrick and Arthur decide if the sacrifices are worth it. (Hint: they are.)
- True HEA (So perfect and swoony, I can't even).
If you like relationship-driven, low-key stories involving military men, don't miss Sailor Proof.
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July 25, 2021
Sailor Proof is book one in the brand new series, Shore Leave, by Annabeth Albert. This is a MM, Fake Relationship romance that is sweet, sexy and low angst.
Naval Chief Derrick Fox has been stuck on a submarine with his ex who loves to flaunt that he will be the one kissing Derrick’s cheating ex when they return home and are greeted by their loved ones. Derrick wishes that someone would be there to kiss him when he gets off the sub. Someone that would make his ex jealous. His friend Calder has just the answer. Calder’s younger brother owes him a favor and will play his fake boyfriend and greet him with so much enthusiasm it will definitely take Derrick’s ex down a notch.
Arthur Euler composes musical scores for video games. He’s a bit of a musical genius and definitely a computer nerd. Arthur grew up in a military family and has one rule for himself. He will not date anyone in the military. But when his brother asks him to help out Derrick to get back at his ex, he’s all in.
Arthur and Derrick haven’t seen each other in a couple of years. As soon as their eyes meet, it’s like time stood still. And when their lips met in their welcome home kiss, the kiss that was supposed to be fake, everything else faded away. But, Arthur hadn’t planned on his parents being there seeing their kiss. Or the video of their fake reunion going viral. Or his parents inviting (insisting) that Derrick accompany the family on their week long family reunion. They will just have to pretend a little longer.
What happens when their cozy little cabin only has one bed? What happens when the more time they spend together, the more they begin to feel for each other? What happens when their fake relationship somehow became real, and they don’t want it to end?
These two were so cute together. Derrick found a family in the Eulers. He began to like who he was when he was with Arthur. And Arthur seemed to gain confidence with Derrick. Together, they brought out the best parts in each other. They saw the parts of each other no one else ever bothered to notice. But, is a relationship that began as a ruse destined for failure? What happens when Derrick is deployed again? Do they have a future with each other or is this just a temporary thing?
These two really were adorable together. I loved how they just fit, how they complimented each other. This really is a sweet, sexy story that is sure to make you smile. I look forward to the next book in the series that will be Arthur’s brother, Calder’s story.
“It was Arthur. He was magic.”
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...
Naval Chief Derrick Fox has been stuck on a submarine with his ex who loves to flaunt that he will be the one kissing Derrick’s cheating ex when they return home and are greeted by their loved ones. Derrick wishes that someone would be there to kiss him when he gets off the sub. Someone that would make his ex jealous. His friend Calder has just the answer. Calder’s younger brother owes him a favor and will play his fake boyfriend and greet him with so much enthusiasm it will definitely take Derrick’s ex down a notch.
Arthur Euler composes musical scores for video games. He’s a bit of a musical genius and definitely a computer nerd. Arthur grew up in a military family and has one rule for himself. He will not date anyone in the military. But when his brother asks him to help out Derrick to get back at his ex, he’s all in.
Arthur and Derrick haven’t seen each other in a couple of years. As soon as their eyes meet, it’s like time stood still. And when their lips met in their welcome home kiss, the kiss that was supposed to be fake, everything else faded away. But, Arthur hadn’t planned on his parents being there seeing their kiss. Or the video of their fake reunion going viral. Or his parents inviting (insisting) that Derrick accompany the family on their week long family reunion. They will just have to pretend a little longer.
What happens when their cozy little cabin only has one bed? What happens when the more time they spend together, the more they begin to feel for each other? What happens when their fake relationship somehow became real, and they don’t want it to end?
These two were so cute together. Derrick found a family in the Eulers. He began to like who he was when he was with Arthur. And Arthur seemed to gain confidence with Derrick. Together, they brought out the best parts in each other. They saw the parts of each other no one else ever bothered to notice. But, is a relationship that began as a ruse destined for failure? What happens when Derrick is deployed again? Do they have a future with each other or is this just a temporary thing?
These two really were adorable together. I loved how they just fit, how they complimented each other. This really is a sweet, sexy story that is sure to make you smile. I look forward to the next book in the series that will be Arthur’s brother, Calder’s story.
“It was Arthur. He was magic.”
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...
December 24, 2021
For me, Annabeth is at her absolute best when she's writing military based romances, I've yet to not absolutely adore every one she's created.
This was no exception as she gives the reader a fabulous twist on the fake boyfriend/only one bed/best friend's brother tropes and mixes them all up into an utterly delightful romance between two very different guys.
From the moment Derrick's best friend Calder arranges for his younger brother Arthur to come and greet him when their submarine docks after a long deployment - during which Derrick's ex cheated on him with a fellow officer who's now won the First Kiss raffle - the two men are on a collision course into falling in love.
Arthur is everything Derrick isn't - he's younger, musically gifted, outgoing and disorganised - while Derrick's focus has been on his Navy career, he's disciplined, reserved, logical and secretly nursing a whole world of vulnerabilities.
From their supposedly staged First Kiss which goes viral thanks to Arthur's social media influencer BBF Selina, to all the ones they subsequently share, these two men are on fire.
Arthur is a virgin and Derrick, while reluctant at first to take all his first moments, slowly comes to realise he not only wants to be the first, but he wants to be the only one Arthur is with.
They're both holding back feelings, there's a tad of martyrdom on both their parts but thankfully it never becomes too much and they do talk a fair bit about the rules of their fake relationship and whether they should continue it after the initial holiday with Arthur's family.
The gorgeous cover on this book absolutely matches the gorgeous romance inside it as both Derrick and Arthur come to realise that because they started off as fake, doesn't mean they can't actually have real feelings.
As the lovely Dani said in her review, the Epilogue is insanely swoony and ridiculously romantic and this is a Happy Ever After you will truly believe in.
Now roll on Calder's book because from the blurb and the sneak peek, that's going to be an absolute cracker!
#ARC kindly received from the publishers Carina Press via NetGalley in return for an honest and unbiased review
This was no exception as she gives the reader a fabulous twist on the fake boyfriend/only one bed/best friend's brother tropes and mixes them all up into an utterly delightful romance between two very different guys.
From the moment Derrick's best friend Calder arranges for his younger brother Arthur to come and greet him when their submarine docks after a long deployment - during which Derrick's ex cheated on him with a fellow officer who's now won the First Kiss raffle - the two men are on a collision course into falling in love.
Arthur is everything Derrick isn't - he's younger, musically gifted, outgoing and disorganised - while Derrick's focus has been on his Navy career, he's disciplined, reserved, logical and secretly nursing a whole world of vulnerabilities.
From their supposedly staged First Kiss which goes viral thanks to Arthur's social media influencer BBF Selina, to all the ones they subsequently share, these two men are on fire.
Arthur is a virgin and Derrick, while reluctant at first to take all his first moments, slowly comes to realise he not only wants to be the first, but he wants to be the only one Arthur is with.
They're both holding back feelings, there's a tad of martyrdom on both their parts but thankfully it never becomes too much and they do talk a fair bit about the rules of their fake relationship and whether they should continue it after the initial holiday with Arthur's family.
The gorgeous cover on this book absolutely matches the gorgeous romance inside it as both Derrick and Arthur come to realise that because they started off as fake, doesn't mean they can't actually have real feelings.
As the lovely Dani said in her review, the Epilogue is insanely swoony and ridiculously romantic and this is a Happy Ever After you will truly believe in.
Now roll on Calder's book because from the blurb and the sneak peek, that's going to be an absolute cracker!
#ARC kindly received from the publishers Carina Press via NetGalley in return for an honest and unbiased review
abandoned
March 13, 2022I decided not to finish this one at around 60%.
It's really sweet and romantic and everything.
But it's clear right from the start that these guys have feelings for each other. Their 'pretend boyfriend' gig feels like a lame joke and basically you could end this story already within the next three pages with a HEA.
So I'm not highly motivated to work myself through an additional 40%, to be honest.
It's really sweet and romantic and everything.
But it's clear right from the start that these guys have feelings for each other. Their 'pretend boyfriend' gig feels like a lame joke and basically you could end this story already within the next three pages with a HEA.
So I'm not highly motivated to work myself through an additional 40%, to be honest.
October 29, 2021
4 “I’m always going to want you.” stars
“You make me happy. Happier than I’ve been maybe ever. I don’t regret a thing about any of this, and if this is goodbye—because it could be—it was worth it to be this happy, and to have had you even for a while. I want you to know that, to feel it.”
I really loved most Annabeth Albert books I have read and her style really works for me so I was super excited to read this book. I will admit that this book wasn’t anything revolutionnary and I have read many books similar to this one but this take on the subject really worked for me. As I mentioned before, Annabeth Albert style of books really works for me and this one wasn’t an exception. It really worked for me and I loved reading it, I had a wonderful time.
Brief summary
Derrick is in the navy and there is a guy in his group that really pisses him off because he’s dating Derrick’s ex and talking about it a lot. Derrick’s friend comes up with a plan to set up Derrick and his other brother, Arthur so that they can start fake dating and get the other guys off Derrick’s back. They start fake dating and experimenting what it would to be boyfriends, but in a totally fake way, and surprise surprise, they go on a vacation with Arthur’s family and turns out that there is only one bed. Which is when they realize that they like each other and want to date for real.
First, I really enjoyed how even if they were in a fake relationship, the second they meet up for the first time in the book, they were attracted to the other and starting pining for each other right away. I prefer my fake romances when the two main characters are attracted to each other from the start so that really worked for me. I liked that the only thing that felt fake about their relationship was the name they put to it, because they were super attracted to each other and it always felt like a very real start of a relationship.
Second, I really enjoyed the relationship progression in the book. I really liked how it went from fake dating, to them being attracted to each other, to being friends and communicating really well, and finally to them dating, it all flowed really well for me.
Third, I really liked Derrick and Arthur together, they were so damn sweet. They were really good to each other and always thought about the other’s feelings before they acted. I liked how they always talked to each other and always trusted each other.
Fourth, Derrick is a quiet dude who doesn’t have many friends and who doesn’t know how to relax and take time for himself and I just loved that about it because I could relate to him a little bit too him. It was fun for me to read about him because he reminded me of myself a lot.
Side note, Arthur wanted to make music video game for a living and thats such a cool choice of career I just had to mention it.
Fifth, I absolutely adored how good these guy’s communication was. They were always talking about everything and making sure that they decided things together, as an unite. It was so lovely to me how they had issues and then they just talked about it and apologized to each other. I just absolutely adored that part of the book.
Sixth, I just want to mention the sex scenes because hot damn. They were hot and really good. I liked how there was plenty of them and how they were all different from each other, it really worked for me.
Seventh, I loved how relalistic their relationship felt. They were good together, they had good communication and they clearly loved each other. I liked how the navy was an issue because it separated them for long periods of time, but they made it work and still were there for each other. The entire relationship between these two just really worked for me.
Eight, while this book was absolutely lovely and so damn sweet, a lot of the book was just them being sweet and spending time with each other. And while I really enjoyed that I did wish that was a little more happening in the book because it starting a little stale after a while. It was still super sweet but it was always the same sweet couple stuff happening and I just wanted a little more action to happen. While I would have liked a little more action, I will say that that part didn’t bother me that much because it felt like a very realistic relationship and I appreciated it for it, a lot.
Ninth, they both had a couple of issues and Derrick was gone often because of his jobs and Arthur didn’t want to date someone in the navy at first. So I really liked how the book didn’t end with one of them sacrifing their life or what makes them happy to be together, I liked that they talked and came to a compromise that made both of them happy in the relationship. It was definitely a really mature way to handle the situation and I absolutely loved it.
I really enjoyed the time I spend reading this book and it was so damn sweet.
I received a copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
“You make me happy. Happier than I’ve been maybe ever. I don’t regret a thing about any of this, and if this is goodbye—because it could be—it was worth it to be this happy, and to have had you even for a while. I want you to know that, to feel it.”
I really loved most Annabeth Albert books I have read and her style really works for me so I was super excited to read this book. I will admit that this book wasn’t anything revolutionnary and I have read many books similar to this one but this take on the subject really worked for me. As I mentioned before, Annabeth Albert style of books really works for me and this one wasn’t an exception. It really worked for me and I loved reading it, I had a wonderful time.
Brief summary
Derrick is in the navy and there is a guy in his group that really pisses him off because he’s dating Derrick’s ex and talking about it a lot. Derrick’s friend comes up with a plan to set up Derrick and his other brother, Arthur so that they can start fake dating and get the other guys off Derrick’s back. They start fake dating and experimenting what it would to be boyfriends, but in a totally fake way, and surprise surprise, they go on a vacation with Arthur’s family and turns out that there is only one bed. Which is when they realize that they like each other and want to date for real.
First, I really enjoyed how even if they were in a fake relationship, the second they meet up for the first time in the book, they were attracted to the other and starting pining for each other right away. I prefer my fake romances when the two main characters are attracted to each other from the start so that really worked for me. I liked that the only thing that felt fake about their relationship was the name they put to it, because they were super attracted to each other and it always felt like a very real start of a relationship.
Second, I really enjoyed the relationship progression in the book. I really liked how it went from fake dating, to them being attracted to each other, to being friends and communicating really well, and finally to them dating, it all flowed really well for me.
Third, I really liked Derrick and Arthur together, they were so damn sweet. They were really good to each other and always thought about the other’s feelings before they acted. I liked how they always talked to each other and always trusted each other.
Fourth, Derrick is a quiet dude who doesn’t have many friends and who doesn’t know how to relax and take time for himself and I just loved that about it because I could relate to him a little bit too him. It was fun for me to read about him because he reminded me of myself a lot.
Side note, Arthur wanted to make music video game for a living and thats such a cool choice of career I just had to mention it.
Fifth, I absolutely adored how good these guy’s communication was. They were always talking about everything and making sure that they decided things together, as an unite. It was so lovely to me how they had issues and then they just talked about it and apologized to each other. I just absolutely adored that part of the book.
Sixth, I just want to mention the sex scenes because hot damn. They were hot and really good. I liked how there was plenty of them and how they were all different from each other, it really worked for me.
Seventh, I loved how relalistic their relationship felt. They were good together, they had good communication and they clearly loved each other. I liked how the navy was an issue because it separated them for long periods of time, but they made it work and still were there for each other. The entire relationship between these two just really worked for me.
Eight, while this book was absolutely lovely and so damn sweet, a lot of the book was just them being sweet and spending time with each other. And while I really enjoyed that I did wish that was a little more happening in the book because it starting a little stale after a while. It was still super sweet but it was always the same sweet couple stuff happening and I just wanted a little more action to happen. While I would have liked a little more action, I will say that that part didn’t bother me that much because it felt like a very realistic relationship and I appreciated it for it, a lot.
Ninth, they both had a couple of issues and Derrick was gone often because of his jobs and Arthur didn’t want to date someone in the navy at first. So I really liked how the book didn’t end with one of them sacrifing their life or what makes them happy to be together, I liked that they talked and came to a compromise that made both of them happy in the relationship. It was definitely a really mature way to handle the situation and I absolutely loved it.
I really enjoyed the time I spend reading this book and it was so damn sweet.
I received a copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
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November 15, 2021dnf @ 56%
fucking boring.
fucking boring.
August 9, 2022
This was really cute! Definitely a fun fake dating romance that passed the time. I really enjoyed how this was a best friend's brother romance that was fake dating at a family reunion to developing real feelings. I think the audio was the best way to read this because I could enjoy the story but didn't get too bored during it. This was just a super sweet m/m romance that was a great palate cleanser between all fo the angst I've been reading lately.
October 2, 2021
2.5 ⭐️ This was cute and sweet, but a little boring.
Sailor chief Derrick’s ex cheated on him with another guy from his sub, and they are now dating. Derrick needs a fake boyfriend to kiss at homecoming to upstage them. This part made no sense. He cheated because he hated deployments, but ends up with another sailor? Anyway. Enters Arthur, Derrick’s best friend’s dorky virgin little brother. They kiss, and kiss, and kiss. It goes viral.
Arthur’s parents were there too, and now our boys are trapped into this fake boyfriend thing, and head to family camp for a week. In a small one bed cabin.
The camp part was…wholesome? Family, children, a talent show. 😴 I lost interest, even though the sex was really hot. But it was way more family time and kid time that I like in my romances. I have three kids, I get plenty of that IRL.
It gets better after they get back home, especially once Derrick gets deployed and they are not ready and unsure where they stand. But it was still too smooth sailing to really give me any feelings.
If you are looking for cute and angst free, this may be for you.
Sailor chief Derrick’s ex cheated on him with another guy from his sub, and they are now dating. Derrick needs a fake boyfriend to kiss at homecoming to upstage them. This part made no sense. He cheated because he hated deployments, but ends up with another sailor? Anyway. Enters Arthur, Derrick’s best friend’s dorky virgin little brother. They kiss, and kiss, and kiss. It goes viral.
Arthur’s parents were there too, and now our boys are trapped into this fake boyfriend thing, and head to family camp for a week. In a small one bed cabin.
The camp part was…wholesome? Family, children, a talent show. 😴 I lost interest, even though the sex was really hot. But it was way more family time and kid time that I like in my romances. I have three kids, I get plenty of that IRL.
It gets better after they get back home, especially once Derrick gets deployed and they are not ready and unsure where they stand. But it was still too smooth sailing to really give me any feelings.
If you are looking for cute and angst free, this may be for you.
October 28, 2021
A steamy, fake-dating, M/M romance with sailors? Hell, yes, I'm on board for Annabeth Albert's newest book,
Sailor Proof
!!
It started out as a ploy to make his ex jealous. When Derrick’s submarine is scheduled to come home to its base in Washington State, his ex, Steve, is going to have some new random guy waiting to kiss him. Derrick will have no one, and while he’s fine not rushing into a relationship, he’d love to piss Steve off.
And that’s where Arthur comes in. He’s the younger brother of Derrick’s best friend Calder and he’s all too happy to help Derrick out. Derrick is unprepared for just how hot Arthur has gotten, so the scheme isn’t quite a hardship.
Apparently their welcome-home kiss is a little too convincing and a video of it goes viral, and before long they’ve been swept into a fake relationship. Of course, as they continue pretending, their feelings for each other grow. But Arthur is determined not to have a relationship with someone who will be deployed, and Derrick isn’t sure he wants to leave himself vulnerable again.
Will their relationship have to just remain a fictitious one?
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were really complex, their relationship was great, and the steam was HOT. (No complaints whatsoever, just letting you know.) I also thought the story was really well-developed and emotional at times, too.
I’m all in for this series—Book 2 will feature Calder as its main character—and in the meantime, I’ll be checking out more of Albert’s books!!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
It started out as a ploy to make his ex jealous. When Derrick’s submarine is scheduled to come home to its base in Washington State, his ex, Steve, is going to have some new random guy waiting to kiss him. Derrick will have no one, and while he’s fine not rushing into a relationship, he’d love to piss Steve off.
And that’s where Arthur comes in. He’s the younger brother of Derrick’s best friend Calder and he’s all too happy to help Derrick out. Derrick is unprepared for just how hot Arthur has gotten, so the scheme isn’t quite a hardship.
Apparently their welcome-home kiss is a little too convincing and a video of it goes viral, and before long they’ve been swept into a fake relationship. Of course, as they continue pretending, their feelings for each other grow. But Arthur is determined not to have a relationship with someone who will be deployed, and Derrick isn’t sure he wants to leave himself vulnerable again.
Will their relationship have to just remain a fictitious one?
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were really complex, their relationship was great, and the steam was HOT. (No complaints whatsoever, just letting you know.) I also thought the story was really well-developed and emotional at times, too.
I’m all in for this series—Book 2 will feature Calder as its main character—and in the meantime, I’ll be checking out more of Albert’s books!!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
September 28, 2021
It feels like it's been a while since I've read or requested anything by Albert but in truth it hasn't been that long -- she's just put out so many books I've lost any and all sense of time. But the ones I have picked up have been few and far between and the results have been more fine or just okay than anything that really got me excited. I had sorta suspected I had outgrown the author. Or at least the books she was putting out after a certain point. But with this new series, and a return to her military-theme, I thought to give it a go.
But I was right.
There is nothing wrong or bad about this story. Nothing annoyed me, nothing was unforgivable, but I just wasn't interested or moved. I was ambivalent or bored. This didn't really do anything new, which is fine, but neither was I entertained by the content.
So I'm calling it. I think Albert and I are done. We had a great ride, though, I not only enjoyed but flat out loved so many of the author's books and series. I've just clearly moved on.
But if you're interested to give this a go, here are some fun tropes to expect: best friend's younger brother. Fake dating. And "oh no there's only one bed". This'll definitely hit the right notes for many readers. So take this review with the usual grain o'salt.
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
But I was right.
There is nothing wrong or bad about this story. Nothing annoyed me, nothing was unforgivable, but I just wasn't interested or moved. I was ambivalent or bored. This didn't really do anything new, which is fine, but neither was I entertained by the content.
So I'm calling it. I think Albert and I are done. We had a great ride, though, I not only enjoyed but flat out loved so many of the author's books and series. I've just clearly moved on.
But if you're interested to give this a go, here are some fun tropes to expect: best friend's younger brother. Fake dating. And "oh no there's only one bed". This'll definitely hit the right notes for many readers. So take this review with the usual grain o'salt.
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
August 27, 2021
Pretty good. Mixed feelings somewhat. 3.5 Stars - That cover tho - YUM
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is the first book I have read by this author but she grabbed me with her delicious character development for our leading male. Ohhh, Derrick is a dream boat and the perfect character for this story. I quickly fell for him in this revenge plot with the best friend's brother that backfired just a bit.
I actually had some mixed feelings about this story due to the fact that the guys, really Arthur, seemed very immature and I had a tough time picturing a career navy man with a young YA type guy. Pushing for the physical relationship hard made me cringe a few times.
The story offers some great elements and characterizations that endear you to the couple and Albert steams up the pages a few times. They have great chemistry and balance together. However, Arthur is just not my favorite character and that really made it tough for me to enjoy Sailor Proof completely.
Overall, Derrick is the clear reason to read this combustible story as the author dives into life and love with a military man. Enjoyable and sexy, I just had to pick sides! I will definitely read an Annabeth Albert book again.
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/sailor-proof...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is the first book I have read by this author but she grabbed me with her delicious character development for our leading male. Ohhh, Derrick is a dream boat and the perfect character for this story. I quickly fell for him in this revenge plot with the best friend's brother that backfired just a bit.
I actually had some mixed feelings about this story due to the fact that the guys, really Arthur, seemed very immature and I had a tough time picturing a career navy man with a young YA type guy. Pushing for the physical relationship hard made me cringe a few times.
The story offers some great elements and characterizations that endear you to the couple and Albert steams up the pages a few times. They have great chemistry and balance together. However, Arthur is just not my favorite character and that really made it tough for me to enjoy Sailor Proof completely.
Overall, Derrick is the clear reason to read this combustible story as the author dives into life and love with a military man. Enjoyable and sexy, I just had to pick sides! I will definitely read an Annabeth Albert book again.
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/sailor-proof...
October 19, 2021
If there's something Annabeth Albert is excellent at it's writing military romance, so I had high expectations on this one and for me, it really worked. There were times that I was afraid that it would run out of steam, but right after it picked up nicely again.
It was light hearted, funny and really hot. I can't wait for the second book.
It was light hearted, funny and really hot. I can't wait for the second book.
October 8, 2021
Derrick was a nice guy and Arthur was a nice guy. They started as fake boyfriends and then decided to give real dating a try and they lived happily ever after. Sounds very similar to at least two thirds of the fake boyfriend trope shelf. Why do I do this to myself😩.
Want to read
November 14, 2021Thank you for the gift, Santa's Drunk Little Elf!
December 3, 2021
I have read SO MANY series and standalones by this wonderful author and loved every last one of them...so I was...to say the least... excited to see a new book and a new series by Annabeth Albert. SAILOR PROOF sets the tone for another great character driven military romance series. The two main characters are really cute and sweet together. Though they start out as a fake relationship it quickly moves into a secret fling. They work through family and distance with lots of love and a new chance at happiness for both of them... but when Derrick is called away it will be a new test of their growing relationship. I really liked how the author allowed Derrick and Arthur to find their “happily ever after”. I can't wait for more books in this series. My two friends that supply me with these books are now letting me read them FIRST. Good guys...think I’ll keep them.
December 4, 2021
4.5 stars
You in the mood for Men In Uniform?
Audiobook: Narrated by the Joel Leslie Froomkin and Greg Tremblay
Why should you read this book?
1. Derrick: Yummy Navy chief of a submarine vying for the chance to get a *First Kiss* when they disembark. #ChapstickReady
2. Arthur: The snarky musical prodigy who is more than happy to give Derrick his *First Kiss*.
#CameraReady
3. Tropes: Best Friend's Brother, Close Proximity, ONLY ONE BED. #HeavenHelpMe
4. Romance-meter: sweet, swoony, tender and everything in between. #CueHeartEyes
5. Steam-o-meter: Steamy, with a side of sexy. #KidAintAKidNoMore
6. Angst-o-meter: Low angst. #NoPlaceForSadness
7. HEA: YOU BETCHA!! #SoSweet
#HappyReading
You in the mood for Men In Uniform?
Audiobook: Narrated by the Joel Leslie Froomkin and Greg Tremblay
Why should you read this book?
1. Derrick: Yummy Navy chief of a submarine vying for the chance to get a *First Kiss* when they disembark. #ChapstickReady
2. Arthur: The snarky musical prodigy who is more than happy to give Derrick his *First Kiss*.
#CameraReady
3. Tropes: Best Friend's Brother, Close Proximity, ONLY ONE BED. #HeavenHelpMe
4. Romance-meter: sweet, swoony, tender and everything in between. #CueHeartEyes
5. Steam-o-meter: Steamy, with a side of sexy. #KidAintAKidNoMore
6. Angst-o-meter: Low angst. #NoPlaceForSadness
7. HEA: YOU BETCHA!! #SoSweet
#HappyReading
August 24, 2021
Sailor Proof by Annabeth Albert contains two tropes that I typically avoid: fake boyfriend and close proximity. But seeing as I love her military men, I had to give this a shot, and it didn't disappoint.
-Opposites attract
-Best friend's brother
-Romance
-UST
-Family
-Low angst, feel good
-HEA
This was just a fun, and sweet read, a great start to the Shore Leave series.
-Opposites attract
-Best friend's brother
-Romance
-UST
-Family
-Low angst, feel good
-HEA
This was just a fun, and sweet read, a great start to the Shore Leave series.
September 29, 2021
Derrick and Arthur are put together by Calder (Arthur's brother and Derrick's friend) as a way to get back and Derrick's ex. They have a big kiss when Derrick returns from sea that ends with them having to fake a relationship. However during the ruse the two end up catching feelings. The fake relationship becomes not so fake anymore.
Overall it was a cute story with a HEA. It did have the whole fake boyfriend thing going on which I usually drool over but this one did not quite work out for me. I think I had a disconnect with the MCs. So it may just be a me problem. Plus the whole family reunion was a bit too much for me. I just was not a fan of Arthur's family 🤷🏽♀️
Overall it was a cute story with a HEA. It did have the whole fake boyfriend thing going on which I usually drool over but this one did not quite work out for me. I think I had a disconnect with the MCs. So it may just be a me problem. Plus the whole family reunion was a bit too much for me. I just was not a fan of Arthur's family 🤷🏽♀️
November 3, 2021
Sugary sweet military romance.
This book had such a strong start! I love a good fake romance to make the ex jealous trope and it was glorious. The two MCs didn’t beat around the bush and both admitted being hot for each other. I’m here for the communication.
The middle lagged and the ending was lackluster. There was no tension and I just found myself bored. It was pretty disappointing.
I’m still rating it a 3 because I did finish the book and loved almost the entire first half.
This book had such a strong start! I love a good fake romance to make the ex jealous trope and it was glorious. The two MCs didn’t beat around the bush and both admitted being hot for each other. I’m here for the communication.
The middle lagged and the ending was lackluster. There was no tension and I just found myself bored. It was pretty disappointing.
I’m still rating it a 3 because I did finish the book and loved almost the entire first half.
November 29, 2021
* 2 stars *
When I first read about this new series by Annabeth Albert I got excited, because I was hoping for a repeat of the awesomeness that her Out of Uniform series was.
Well, sadly, the sparks didn't fly this time for me.
"Sailor Proof" is more about the civilian side of life than the military one and it mainly takes place over a family week vacation at a camp site. Nature, games, family, all the expected elements such a week would entail. With the added detail of a fake relationship in the midst of it all.
The story was light hearted and easy to read. Derrick and Arthur hadn't seen each other for years but they found their supposed roles in the fake relationship easily. In fact, they found them so easily that the fake part stopped being accurate pretty quickly.
I liked how minimal the drama was, even though there was a bit of struggle as Arthur was reluctant to date a military man after being around similar relationships his whole life.
Arthur was the odd one out with his family and he didn't like how everything was a competition, but Derrick clued in quickly on how uncomfortable Arthur was with all that and tried to support him and help him have a good time.
I didn't like the fast pace of the relationship and the many details that surrounded the family activities, as it took time out of building said relationship between Arthur and Derrick to something more solid.
~ An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me, through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. ~
When I first read about this new series by Annabeth Albert I got excited, because I was hoping for a repeat of the awesomeness that her Out of Uniform series was.
Well, sadly, the sparks didn't fly this time for me.
"Sailor Proof" is more about the civilian side of life than the military one and it mainly takes place over a family week vacation at a camp site. Nature, games, family, all the expected elements such a week would entail. With the added detail of a fake relationship in the midst of it all.
The story was light hearted and easy to read. Derrick and Arthur hadn't seen each other for years but they found their supposed roles in the fake relationship easily. In fact, they found them so easily that the fake part stopped being accurate pretty quickly.
I liked how minimal the drama was, even though there was a bit of struggle as Arthur was reluctant to date a military man after being around similar relationships his whole life.
Arthur was the odd one out with his family and he didn't like how everything was a competition, but Derrick clued in quickly on how uncomfortable Arthur was with all that and tried to support him and help him have a good time.
I didn't like the fast pace of the relationship and the many details that surrounded the family activities, as it took time out of building said relationship between Arthur and Derrick to something more solid.
~ An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me, through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. ~
September 27, 2021
3,5 stars
I love Annabeth's military series and when she decided to write a new series, I was kind of thrilled to find out. And then I also got to read this first book as an ARC, which made me even happier!
I have to be honest, though, and point out that it didn't entirely work for me the way I hoped it would. It was still a solid, well written book. I mean, Annabeth always delivers a story that is well balanced, enjoyable and you can always count on her amazing writing skills. But there was something about this story that didn't really grab me the way I thought it would, which really is a bummer.
In this story we meet Naval Chief Derrick Fox, who, on his return to his homebase, wants to have someone waiting for him to kiss. He wants to get back at his ex boyfriend, who easily moved on after their break up. His best friend tells him his younger brother Arthur owes him, and so a plan is made. But it doesn't turn out the way they thought it would. Their kissing seemed a bit too real and there's certainly sparks. And when their very convincing homecoming video goes viral, Arthur's parents make assumptions too, and they invite Derrick along for dinner, and later on for a family weekend.
The story worked fine for me until that family weekend getaway. Arthur's family is a bit exhausting, and they took up a too large piece of the story. Everything's a bet, every game has to be played to win. I am not a fan of children in my mm romances, and there were too many here. Arthur and Derrick worked just fine, their romance developing, their intimate moments quite hot. But I had a hard time feeling them, which is sad, but true. I didn't feel their connection the way I wanted, and I didn't warm up for either of them the way I wanted either. And oh, I hate when that happens, specially with an author whose work I usually love. Yes, I know, there will always be a book that works less for you, even from a favorite author, but still...doesn't mean I have to like it when that happens! I always wonder if it might be the wrong moment, that I might like it better when I gave it another chance at another time. Maybe I'll try to find out some time.
For now, unfortunately it's a 3 star read for me (which still isn't bad!) and adding an extra 0,5 star because it's Annabeth.
I can see a lot of readers enjoying this one very much. There's not a lot of angst, it's sweet and well written, something that is appealing to a lot of romance readers. It just wasn't my kind of story this time. Will I be reading the second book? For sure!
I kindly received an ARC by the author and this is my honest, unbiased review
I love Annabeth's military series and when she decided to write a new series, I was kind of thrilled to find out. And then I also got to read this first book as an ARC, which made me even happier!
I have to be honest, though, and point out that it didn't entirely work for me the way I hoped it would. It was still a solid, well written book. I mean, Annabeth always delivers a story that is well balanced, enjoyable and you can always count on her amazing writing skills. But there was something about this story that didn't really grab me the way I thought it would, which really is a bummer.
In this story we meet Naval Chief Derrick Fox, who, on his return to his homebase, wants to have someone waiting for him to kiss. He wants to get back at his ex boyfriend, who easily moved on after their break up. His best friend tells him his younger brother Arthur owes him, and so a plan is made. But it doesn't turn out the way they thought it would. Their kissing seemed a bit too real and there's certainly sparks. And when their very convincing homecoming video goes viral, Arthur's parents make assumptions too, and they invite Derrick along for dinner, and later on for a family weekend.
The story worked fine for me until that family weekend getaway. Arthur's family is a bit exhausting, and they took up a too large piece of the story. Everything's a bet, every game has to be played to win. I am not a fan of children in my mm romances, and there were too many here. Arthur and Derrick worked just fine, their romance developing, their intimate moments quite hot. But I had a hard time feeling them, which is sad, but true. I didn't feel their connection the way I wanted, and I didn't warm up for either of them the way I wanted either. And oh, I hate when that happens, specially with an author whose work I usually love. Yes, I know, there will always be a book that works less for you, even from a favorite author, but still...doesn't mean I have to like it when that happens! I always wonder if it might be the wrong moment, that I might like it better when I gave it another chance at another time. Maybe I'll try to find out some time.
For now, unfortunately it's a 3 star read for me (which still isn't bad!) and adding an extra 0,5 star because it's Annabeth.
I can see a lot of readers enjoying this one very much. There's not a lot of angst, it's sweet and well written, something that is appealing to a lot of romance readers. It just wasn't my kind of story this time. Will I be reading the second book? For sure!
I kindly received an ARC by the author and this is my honest, unbiased review
October 7, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Annabeth Albert has a new military series, and I am here for it. I am a fan of this author, and love the characters she creates. The two MCs here are no exception. I loved both Arthur and Derrick, the way they interacted with each other, and the way their relationship evolved.
Told in alternating first person POV, we really get to delve into both characters, where they are coming from, and their journeys. And Albert does a good job here balancing both MCs. They both have their baggage, and their own growth, and I really liked the way that not only did we get both, but that they worked well with each other. These guys are becoming individually stronger as they grow in their relationship with each other.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Annabeth Albert has a new military series, and I am here for it. I am a fan of this author, and love the characters she creates. The two MCs here are no exception. I loved both Arthur and Derrick, the way they interacted with each other, and the way their relationship evolved.
Told in alternating first person POV, we really get to delve into both characters, where they are coming from, and their journeys. And Albert does a good job here balancing both MCs. They both have their baggage, and their own growth, and I really liked the way that not only did we get both, but that they worked well with each other. These guys are becoming individually stronger as they grow in their relationship with each other.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
November 10, 2021
5 stars for the narration, 4 for the story.
My review of the book is HERE so I won't rehash it. But with those two narrators at the helm (!!), I couldn't NOT listen to it as well, and of course, the performance is excellent. If you do audio and fancy a cute, low-angst sexy romance performed by M/M romance royalty, then go for it!
My review of the book is HERE so I won't rehash it. But with those two narrators at the helm (!!), I couldn't NOT listen to it as well, and of course, the performance is excellent. If you do audio and fancy a cute, low-angst sexy romance performed by M/M romance royalty, then go for it!
September 30, 2021
4 "I belong with you" stars
LET'S TRAIN TO BE THE PERFECT BOYFRIEND
This was a fairly enjoyable blossoming love story between a music nerd - who could completely forget his boyfriend is in the same room - and a dashing Naval Chief. The beginning was a real firework - that kiss 🤯 - and then the story got way deeper than I thought it would at first sight.
Derrick and Arthur were both good characters, with enough background and personality to be credible. Our Naval Chief was driven and focused on his job, which was the only thing he had in life actually. He was broody, but we could immediately see there was a lot more to him hidden inside. His time with Arthur showed him he could have more - love and family - and be someone who didn't need to prove himself everyday. He became softer and caring towards Arthur. Seeing him evolve was very heartwarming considering his lonely past.
Arthur was "the odd one" in his Navy/Care-taker family. He felt like he didn't belong and actually tried to prove himself a few times during the book - with more or less good results. Because of that, he was very defensive, which got on my nerves sometimes. I understand why he was like that, but it seemed petty - even if his brother was also acting like a 5 y/o. Arthur needed to feel understood and appreciated, something he got with Derrick by his side.
The story was heavily focused on the Navy, talking about duty and long separations. The last bit of the novel was one of my favourite parts. It was more emotional, with a lot questioning and uncertainty. I loved Derrick right there😥
I wished we'd discuss the queer community's status in the Navy, thanks to the opening kiss going viral, but it clearly wasn't the point here. I'd still be interested to read a book about it someday, so if you've a recommendation, I'm all ears !
LET'S TRAIN TO BE THE PERFECT BOYFRIEND
This was a fairly enjoyable blossoming love story between a music nerd - who could completely forget his boyfriend is in the same room - and a dashing Naval Chief. The beginning was a real firework - that kiss 🤯 - and then the story got way deeper than I thought it would at first sight.
Derrick and Arthur were both good characters, with enough background and personality to be credible. Our Naval Chief was driven and focused on his job, which was the only thing he had in life actually. He was broody, but we could immediately see there was a lot more to him hidden inside. His time with Arthur showed him he could have more - love and family - and be someone who didn't need to prove himself everyday. He became softer and caring towards Arthur. Seeing him evolve was very heartwarming considering his lonely past.
Arthur was "the odd one" in his Navy/Care-taker family. He felt like he didn't belong and actually tried to prove himself a few times during the book - with more or less good results. Because of that, he was very defensive, which got on my nerves sometimes. I understand why he was like that, but it seemed petty - even if his brother was also acting like a 5 y/o. Arthur needed to feel understood and appreciated, something he got with Derrick by his side.
The story was heavily focused on the Navy, talking about duty and long separations. The last bit of the novel was one of my favourite parts. It was more emotional, with a lot questioning and uncertainty. I loved Derrick right there😥
I wished we'd discuss the queer community's status in the Navy, thanks to the opening kiss going viral, but it clearly wasn't the point here. I'd still be interested to read a book about it someday, so if you've a recommendation, I'm all ears !
September 26, 2021
This is the first book in the new Shore Leave series and I absolutely adored it. It has some of my favourite tropes:
🚢Fake relationship
🚢Brother's best friend
🚢Opposites attract
🚢Navy
🚢One of the best first kiss ever
🚢Family camp fun
🚢Dual POV
Derrick and Arthur have great chemistry from the start and I loved how their relationship developed. Fake relationships is one of my all time favourite tropes and I totally loved it. I like how they don't take too long to decide on their feelings and the ending was swoon worthy!!!
If you like low angst and sexy romance with fake boyfriends, definitely recommend this one!!! I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
*ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
🚢Fake relationship
🚢Brother's best friend
🚢Opposites attract
🚢Navy
🚢One of the best first kiss ever
🚢Family camp fun
🚢Dual POV
Derrick and Arthur have great chemistry from the start and I loved how their relationship developed. Fake relationships is one of my all time favourite tropes and I totally loved it. I like how they don't take too long to decide on their feelings and the ending was swoon worthy!!!
If you like low angst and sexy romance with fake boyfriends, definitely recommend this one!!! I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
*ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
September 11, 2021
Set on making his ex jealous, Naval Chief Derrick Fox accepts help from his best friend’s younger brother, Arthur Euler. But the kiss that quickly goes viral does more than just get revenge - it also ignites a fire neither man expected.
Before they know it, the two men are locked in a temporary fake relationship at a family retreat, and it doesn’t take long for them to take full advantage of their private cabin.
Right off the bat, the setup was delicious. Opposites attract, best friend’s younger brother, and a fake relationship? Yes please!
From their first “fake” kiss, these two light some fireworks! And it only gets better. 10/10 for making the most of their unplanned proximity.
It also doesn’t hurt that Arthur and Derrick have a genuine emotional connection to go along with the physical from the get-go. They make the best of their awkward situation, and they do it with mutual respect and some laughs.
It was sweet how Derrick took all of Arthur’s concerns seriously, and that Arthur felt comfortable sharing how he felt about his family’s competitiveness. Even better, how both of them naturally began looking out for each other.
In just a few days, each private moment and shared confession leads to the “fake” relationship beginning to feel more and more real. It was adorable!
Did things move a bit quickly? Sure, but this is one of those romances where it makes complete sense, and where the main characters just click from the start.
This isn’t a particularly angsty romance. The big stumbling block is Derrick’s job, which takes him away from the US for long periods of time, and makes Arthur wary of a long-term relationship.
It takes some serious thought and a bit of time for both men to decide if what they have is worth the fight. And not surprisingly - it totally is!
The HEA was perfect in every way! Arthur and Derrick more than deserved their happy ending.
This was a great start to a new series from Annabeth Albert. If you’re looking for a sweet romance, some heat, and lots of good feels, give Sailor Proof a try!
Before they know it, the two men are locked in a temporary fake relationship at a family retreat, and it doesn’t take long for them to take full advantage of their private cabin.
Right off the bat, the setup was delicious. Opposites attract, best friend’s younger brother, and a fake relationship? Yes please!
From their first “fake” kiss, these two light some fireworks! And it only gets better. 10/10 for making the most of their unplanned proximity.
It also doesn’t hurt that Arthur and Derrick have a genuine emotional connection to go along with the physical from the get-go. They make the best of their awkward situation, and they do it with mutual respect and some laughs.
It was sweet how Derrick took all of Arthur’s concerns seriously, and that Arthur felt comfortable sharing how he felt about his family’s competitiveness. Even better, how both of them naturally began looking out for each other.
In just a few days, each private moment and shared confession leads to the “fake” relationship beginning to feel more and more real. It was adorable!
Did things move a bit quickly? Sure, but this is one of those romances where it makes complete sense, and where the main characters just click from the start.
This isn’t a particularly angsty romance. The big stumbling block is Derrick’s job, which takes him away from the US for long periods of time, and makes Arthur wary of a long-term relationship.
It takes some serious thought and a bit of time for both men to decide if what they have is worth the fight. And not surprisingly - it totally is!
The HEA was perfect in every way! Arthur and Derrick more than deserved their happy ending.
This was a great start to a new series from Annabeth Albert. If you’re looking for a sweet romance, some heat, and lots of good feels, give Sailor Proof a try!
February 26, 2022
Annabeth has gifted us with a new Military Romance Series and I for one couldn’t be happier. Derrick Fox and Arthur Euler are perfect together in this fake boyfriend, best friend’s younger sibling MM Romance. Sailor Proof is the first book in the SHORE LEAVE SERIES which can be read as a standalone, but if you're like me you're going to fall in love with some of the key secondary characters and hope they get their own HEA's.
Well, that part of my review was written after I read this book last September but for whatever reason I never finished my review and only realized it when I read the second book in the series, SINK OR SWIM, which is Archer's brother's book and the one that I was hoping would get his HEA. Anyway, back to this review....
Archer is all in for playing the fake boyfriend to get back at Derrick's ex but when their kiss to make him jealous goes viral and creates sparks neither one expected they find it hard to keep things "fake" for long.
I loved how over the top Archer went with things and pushed Derrick out of his comfort zone, they were perfect together...yin and yang...opposites attract...either way you want to put it, it worked for these two.
If you enjoy MM Romances, Siblings Best Friend Romances, Military Romances, Opposites Attract or Fake Relationship Romances I would recommend this book to you.
Happy Reading!!!
Find out more here ➡ http://bit.ly/NBReviewSP
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
**I also pre-ordered a paperback copy
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
Well, that part of my review was written after I read this book last September but for whatever reason I never finished my review and only realized it when I read the second book in the series, SINK OR SWIM, which is Archer's brother's book and the one that I was hoping would get his HEA. Anyway, back to this review....
Archer is all in for playing the fake boyfriend to get back at Derrick's ex but when their kiss to make him jealous goes viral and creates sparks neither one expected they find it hard to keep things "fake" for long.
I loved how over the top Archer went with things and pushed Derrick out of his comfort zone, they were perfect together...yin and yang...opposites attract...either way you want to put it, it worked for these two.
If you enjoy MM Romances, Siblings Best Friend Romances, Military Romances, Opposites Attract or Fake Relationship Romances I would recommend this book to you.
Happy Reading!!!
Find out more here ➡ http://bit.ly/NBReviewSP
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**I also pre-ordered a paperback copy
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
July 18, 2021
4.25 Stars for Sailor Proof by Annabeth Albert.
With Sailor Proof, Annabeth Albert begins a whole new military series, but from the outset it’s clear she has chosen a different approach from that of her acclaimed ‘Out of Uniform’ series. The Shore Leave series is clearly a more light hearted series than Albert’s earlier military works, but it’s every bit as good.
Based on Sailor Proof and an introduction to Sink or Swim, the second book in The Shore Leave Series, it appears this new series will focus on various members of the Euler family, a multigenerational U.S. Navy family.
Sailor Proof is set in Washington State at the Bremerton Naval Shipyard and the Euler’s Family Camp on Lake Crescent in the Olympic National Park.
It tells the story of Naval Chief Derrick Fox (depicted on the book’s cover), his submarine mate and long time best friend Calder Euler, and Calder’s openly gay brother, Arthur.
Arthur Euler is a red-headed, free-spirited musical genius and computer nerd who agrees to provide a fake first welcome home kiss to Derrick designed to shock and shame Derrick’s ex who will also be waiting on the dock for his new boyfriend, another member of Derrick’s crew.
While every other member of the Euler is constantly racing to win - Arthur believes everyone can be a winner. His work with the family’s younger children and grandchildren provides much of the novel’s humor - and it’s terrific fun. You won’t want to miss how he prepares them for the family’s Amateur Night contest.
At one point, about ¾ of the way through the book, I was afraid the story was about to run out of steam. And then - WHAM!' - the pace truly accelerated.
Sailor Proof is a really sweet, funny start to what appears to be a wonderful new series. It’s low to moderate angst, but even that is offset by its charm. If you enjoy gay m/m military romance, don’t miss Sailor Proof.
I received an Advance Review Copy of ‘Sailor Proof’ from NetGalley and HARLEQUIN - Carina Press in exchange for an honest review. #SailorProof #NetGalley
With Sailor Proof, Annabeth Albert begins a whole new military series, but from the outset it’s clear she has chosen a different approach from that of her acclaimed ‘Out of Uniform’ series. The Shore Leave series is clearly a more light hearted series than Albert’s earlier military works, but it’s every bit as good.
Based on Sailor Proof and an introduction to Sink or Swim, the second book in The Shore Leave Series, it appears this new series will focus on various members of the Euler family, a multigenerational U.S. Navy family.
Sailor Proof is set in Washington State at the Bremerton Naval Shipyard and the Euler’s Family Camp on Lake Crescent in the Olympic National Park.
It tells the story of Naval Chief Derrick Fox (depicted on the book’s cover), his submarine mate and long time best friend Calder Euler, and Calder’s openly gay brother, Arthur. Arthur Euler is a red-headed, free-spirited musical genius and computer nerd who agrees to provide a fake first welcome home kiss to Derrick designed to shock and shame Derrick’s ex who will also be waiting on the dock for his new boyfriend, another member of Derrick’s crew.
While every other member of the Euler is constantly racing to win - Arthur believes everyone can be a winner. His work with the family’s younger children and grandchildren provides much of the novel’s humor - and it’s terrific fun. You won’t want to miss how he prepares them for the family’s Amateur Night contest.
At one point, about ¾ of the way through the book, I was afraid the story was about to run out of steam. And then - WHAM!' - the pace truly accelerated.
Sailor Proof is a really sweet, funny start to what appears to be a wonderful new series. It’s low to moderate angst, but even that is offset by its charm. If you enjoy gay m/m military romance, don’t miss Sailor Proof.
I received an Advance Review Copy of ‘Sailor Proof’ from NetGalley and HARLEQUIN - Carina Press in exchange for an honest review. #SailorProof #NetGalley
March 4, 2022
I listened to this book so it always takes me longer to read them. I prefer to read so I usually only listen while I work out. The narration was a perfect 5. I always love Greg Bordeaux and Joel Leslie.
The story started strong, got bogged down a little, but the last two hours were pure gold. I thought the family constantly interrupting as they started to get intimate was cute at first, but got tiresome. I also thought there was too much inner monologue at times, but all that disappeared in the end. Any book that makes me cry happy tears is certainly a winner for me.
The story started strong, got bogged down a little, but the last two hours were pure gold. I thought the family constantly interrupting as they started to get intimate was cute at first, but got tiresome. I also thought there was too much inner monologue at times, but all that disappeared in the end. Any book that makes me cry happy tears is certainly a winner for me.
November 10, 2021
I've given this a B at AAR.
Annabeth Albert kicks off her new Shore Leave series of military-themed contemporary romances with Sailor Proof, a cute, sexy, low-angst, veritable trope-fest of a love story. We’ve got best friend’s little brother, only one bed, first times and a fake relationship, all thoroughly mixed and cooked to perfection to produce the equivalent of a soufflé in book form!
When a ship comes home to port, it’s tradition for the crew to vie for the privilege of being the first to disembark and greet their loved ones. Naval Chief Derrick Fox has seen more than one marriage proposal come as a result of the First Kiss, and usually, he’s happy for whoever wins that honour. This time however, he’s more than a little bit pissed off that one of the junior officers has won the raffle and is taking great delight in taunting Derrick about the fact that he will be disembarking first and getting to plant one on his new squeeze – who happens to be Derrick’s cheating ex. Derrick’s best friend Calder suggests that what Derrick needs is a hottie in the crowd he can make a beeline for and kiss the hell out of in full view of his ex – but unlike Calder, whose large, loving family is bound to be waiting for him, Derrick doesn’t have anyone. He’s not opposed to the idea in principle, but being deployed on the sub for another two weeks isn’t exactly conducive to meeting said hottie and fixing a dockside smooching session.
But logistics expert Calder isn’t about to let a problem go unsolved. His brother Arthur owes him a favour and he’d be up for being the kissee – but Derrick doesn’t see how kissing Calder’s red-haired, spindly, “too nerdy for band camp” little brother is going to make anyone jealous.
Arthur Euler is the only member of his family who isn’t involved with public service in some way. He’s a super talented musician and award-winning composer who makes his living writing scores for video games, and has always felt somewhat out of step with everyone around him, who seem to think that music is just a phase and that he’ll settle to a real job one day soon. He loves his family dearly, but is tired of never quite being enough in their eyes, of feeling like he’s a disappointment, no matter his achievements. Seeing the toll taken on his mother and their family by his father’s deployments, Arthur has a strict rule against dating anyone in the military – but he really does owe Calder and has no problem with his plan to help Derrick out. After all, Derrick is all but part of the family; he’s Calder’s best friend and they’ve all known each other for years, so it’s no biggie.
Except… when Derrick and Arthur – who haven’t seen each other for a good few years – finally meet up again, sparks fly. Derrick realises Calder was right when he said his little brother wasn’t so little any more and Arthur, who even as a teen knew better than to develop a crush on a military man, can’t believe he’d forgotten how gorgeous Derrick is. Their kiss is electric, leaving them both slightly befuddled – but before either of them can bring the charade to an end, Arthur’s mother Jane arrives on the scene and, delighted to see Derrick and Arthur together, immediately invites Derrick to join them for a family dinner. Reluctantly, Derrick accepts – Jane was like a mother to him when he was growing up and he doesn’t want to disappoint her – and is trying to come up with a way to make a quiet exit when she invites him to join them for their regular week-long family get-together; Arthur will be going so it makes sense for his boyfriend to come along, too, right? Put on the spot, Arthur and Derrick find themselves agreeing to be fake-boyfriends for the duration, but the more time they spend together and get to know each other, they more they realise that they don’t want to be ‘fake’ boyfriends any more. But Derrick knows Arthur’s stance on dating guys in the military – is there any way they can be together without his career coming between them?
Sailor Proof is an easy, light-hearted read featuring likeable characters, a strong secondary cast and a cute, sexy romance that is mostly drama-free. If you’re in the mood for well-written fluff that isn’t going to put you into a sugar coma, then this is your book; the tropes are well integrated and the characters have enough depth that the low-level conflicts that do arise make sense in context. I loved the way Derrick and Arthur decide to make the best of an awkward situation, and do it with so much humour, affection and mutual respect. I really liked their ease with one another and how they so quickly begin to look out for each other, how Arthur is comfortable enough to open up to Derrick about his family’s competitiveness and how it makes him feel, and how he begins to remind Derrick it’s not all about work and that he needs to get out and ‘people’ now and again.
These two balance each other out really well and Ms. Albert does a great job building a genuine emotional connection alongside the physical attraction that hums between them from the start. Their romance does develop quickly, but she makes it work.
The military angle really only comes into play in a big way towards the end of the book, but the ups and downs, the waiting and the uncertainty experienced by so many military families is expertly captured, and it adds a subtle element of realism to the story.
I likened this book to a soufflé at the beginning of this review, and while that’s a delicious thing, it can also be a fairly insubstantial one – and that’s my main criticism of this story. And it’s not really a criticism as such, it’s more of one of those things about which YMMV – this is well-written fluff of the highest order, but I generally prefer something with a bit more heft to it.
That isn’t going to stop me from recommending Sailor Proof however, because it’s a charming and extremely well-crafted character-driven story told with a great deal of warmth and humour, and I had a lot of fun
Annabeth Albert kicks off her new Shore Leave series of military-themed contemporary romances with Sailor Proof, a cute, sexy, low-angst, veritable trope-fest of a love story. We’ve got best friend’s little brother, only one bed, first times and a fake relationship, all thoroughly mixed and cooked to perfection to produce the equivalent of a soufflé in book form!
When a ship comes home to port, it’s tradition for the crew to vie for the privilege of being the first to disembark and greet their loved ones. Naval Chief Derrick Fox has seen more than one marriage proposal come as a result of the First Kiss, and usually, he’s happy for whoever wins that honour. This time however, he’s more than a little bit pissed off that one of the junior officers has won the raffle and is taking great delight in taunting Derrick about the fact that he will be disembarking first and getting to plant one on his new squeeze – who happens to be Derrick’s cheating ex. Derrick’s best friend Calder suggests that what Derrick needs is a hottie in the crowd he can make a beeline for and kiss the hell out of in full view of his ex – but unlike Calder, whose large, loving family is bound to be waiting for him, Derrick doesn’t have anyone. He’s not opposed to the idea in principle, but being deployed on the sub for another two weeks isn’t exactly conducive to meeting said hottie and fixing a dockside smooching session.
But logistics expert Calder isn’t about to let a problem go unsolved. His brother Arthur owes him a favour and he’d be up for being the kissee – but Derrick doesn’t see how kissing Calder’s red-haired, spindly, “too nerdy for band camp” little brother is going to make anyone jealous.
Arthur Euler is the only member of his family who isn’t involved with public service in some way. He’s a super talented musician and award-winning composer who makes his living writing scores for video games, and has always felt somewhat out of step with everyone around him, who seem to think that music is just a phase and that he’ll settle to a real job one day soon. He loves his family dearly, but is tired of never quite being enough in their eyes, of feeling like he’s a disappointment, no matter his achievements. Seeing the toll taken on his mother and their family by his father’s deployments, Arthur has a strict rule against dating anyone in the military – but he really does owe Calder and has no problem with his plan to help Derrick out. After all, Derrick is all but part of the family; he’s Calder’s best friend and they’ve all known each other for years, so it’s no biggie.
Except… when Derrick and Arthur – who haven’t seen each other for a good few years – finally meet up again, sparks fly. Derrick realises Calder was right when he said his little brother wasn’t so little any more and Arthur, who even as a teen knew better than to develop a crush on a military man, can’t believe he’d forgotten how gorgeous Derrick is. Their kiss is electric, leaving them both slightly befuddled – but before either of them can bring the charade to an end, Arthur’s mother Jane arrives on the scene and, delighted to see Derrick and Arthur together, immediately invites Derrick to join them for a family dinner. Reluctantly, Derrick accepts – Jane was like a mother to him when he was growing up and he doesn’t want to disappoint her – and is trying to come up with a way to make a quiet exit when she invites him to join them for their regular week-long family get-together; Arthur will be going so it makes sense for his boyfriend to come along, too, right? Put on the spot, Arthur and Derrick find themselves agreeing to be fake-boyfriends for the duration, but the more time they spend together and get to know each other, they more they realise that they don’t want to be ‘fake’ boyfriends any more. But Derrick knows Arthur’s stance on dating guys in the military – is there any way they can be together without his career coming between them?
Sailor Proof is an easy, light-hearted read featuring likeable characters, a strong secondary cast and a cute, sexy romance that is mostly drama-free. If you’re in the mood for well-written fluff that isn’t going to put you into a sugar coma, then this is your book; the tropes are well integrated and the characters have enough depth that the low-level conflicts that do arise make sense in context. I loved the way Derrick and Arthur decide to make the best of an awkward situation, and do it with so much humour, affection and mutual respect. I really liked their ease with one another and how they so quickly begin to look out for each other, how Arthur is comfortable enough to open up to Derrick about his family’s competitiveness and how it makes him feel, and how he begins to remind Derrick it’s not all about work and that he needs to get out and ‘people’ now and again.
These two balance each other out really well and Ms. Albert does a great job building a genuine emotional connection alongside the physical attraction that hums between them from the start. Their romance does develop quickly, but she makes it work.
The military angle really only comes into play in a big way towards the end of the book, but the ups and downs, the waiting and the uncertainty experienced by so many military families is expertly captured, and it adds a subtle element of realism to the story.
I likened this book to a soufflé at the beginning of this review, and while that’s a delicious thing, it can also be a fairly insubstantial one – and that’s my main criticism of this story. And it’s not really a criticism as such, it’s more of one of those things about which YMMV – this is well-written fluff of the highest order, but I generally prefer something with a bit more heft to it.
That isn’t going to stop me from recommending Sailor Proof however, because it’s a charming and extremely well-crafted character-driven story told with a great deal of warmth and humour, and I had a lot of fun
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