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Out of Uniform #2
At Attention
Lieutenant Apollo Floros can ace tactical training missions, but being a single dad to his twin daughters is more than he can handle. He needs live-in help, and he's lucky a friend's younger brother needs a place to stay. He's surprised to see Dylan all grown up with a college degree…and a college athlete's body. Apollo's widowed heart may still be broken, but Dylan has his blood heating up.
It's been eight years since the teenage Dylan followed Apollo around like a lovesick puppy, and it's time he showed Lieutenant Hard-to-Please that he's all man now—an adult who's fully capable of choosing responsibility over lust. He can handle Apollo's muscular sex appeal, but Apollo the caring father? Dylan can't afford to fall for that guy. He's determined to hold out for someone who's able to love him back, not someone who only sees him as a kid brother.
Apollo is shocked by the intensity of his attraction to Dylan. Maybe some no-strings summer fun will bring this former SEAL back to life. But the combination of scorching desire and warm affection is more than he'd expected, and the emotion between them scares him senseless. No fling lasts forever, and Apollo will need to decide what's more important—his past or his future—if he wants to keep Dylan in his life.
It's been eight years since the teenage Dylan followed Apollo around like a lovesick puppy, and it's time he showed Lieutenant Hard-to-Please that he's all man now—an adult who's fully capable of choosing responsibility over lust. He can handle Apollo's muscular sex appeal, but Apollo the caring father? Dylan can't afford to fall for that guy. He's determined to hold out for someone who's able to love him back, not someone who only sees him as a kid brother.
Apollo is shocked by the intensity of his attraction to Dylan. Maybe some no-strings summer fun will bring this former SEAL back to life. But the combination of scorching desire and warm affection is more than he'd expected, and the emotion between them scares him senseless. No fling lasts forever, and Apollo will need to decide what's more important—his past or his future—if he wants to keep Dylan in his life.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 10, 2017
About the author
Annabeth Albert
100 books3,588 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 759 reviews
February 7, 2017
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways: age gap, flirting, slow burn, hurt/comfort, passionate sexy times (Apollo has a thing for mirrors), and a beautiful HEA.
Apollo is a widower raising two young girls on his own. His husband, Neal, passed away two years ago, and Apollo’s grief is like a noose around his neck; he hasn’t moved on at all. Watching Apollo cocoon himself in the bedroom he shared with Neal is heartbreaking.
Enter Dylan, 10 years Apollo’s junior, with a high and tight butt—just the way Apollo likes ‘em. The contrast between Dylan and Apollo is startling. Dylan is light and joy. He’s fun and flirty, and so good with Apollo’s girls. He’s good with kids period and wants to be an after-school program director.
Dylan doesn’t even mind Apollo’s OCD planning, even though the man has a household binder and meals planned down to the very last pea. Apollo grounds Dylan, and Dylan, well, he makes Apollo fly.
Apollo tries to resist Dylan’s advances, but Dylan is no longer his best friend Dustin’s pesky little brother. Apollo still calls Dylan “kid” until Dylan shows him he’s ALL man and all ready.
The chemistry and passion in this story are explosive. Dylan is no shy virgin, and the moment the men touch, it’s FIREWORKS and lingering kisses. Apollo introduces Dylan to the joys of rimming, and both men are eager to give and receive. So hot & SO gorgeous.
Honestly, I wanted to throttle Apollo more than once. He’s unfair to Dylan, pushing him away time and again.
Fortunately, the dual POV helped me understand Apollo’s mindset; so many of his actions were motivated by fear. He lashes out at Dylan because he’s fucking terrified of losing him, losing the girls. Apollo deals with death everyday—he’s a Navy SEAL after all—but he hurts more than he lets on.
I’m not typically a fan of kids in romance novels, but Apollo’s daughters are cute and, despite being very present (which was completely realistic; kids demand a lot of time and attention), don’t get in the way of the romance. They also act and talk like actual 5-year-olds who like glitter and swimming, instead of precocious child prodigies overly invested in adult relationships.
I’m glad Dylan stood up for himself. I wanted him to make Apollo beg a little, but that’s just not who Dylan is. He’s not a player. He makes it clear Apollo is it for him and while he wants to protect his heart, he’s not ready to give up on his lifelong crush.
Not just JOY but sexy ferry rides, fluffy towels, messy kitchens (Dylan means well, but cooking's hard), and puzzle pieces—the permanent kind.
Give yourself over to this book. Savor every moment.
Apollo is a widower raising two young girls on his own. His husband, Neal, passed away two years ago, and Apollo’s grief is like a noose around his neck; he hasn’t moved on at all. Watching Apollo cocoon himself in the bedroom he shared with Neal is heartbreaking.
But Apollo knew well and good that wishes were nothing more than dust held together with hope, impossible to hold and foolish to dwell on. Life was full of bittersweet truth, not wishes.
Enter Dylan, 10 years Apollo’s junior, with a high and tight butt—just the way Apollo likes ‘em. The contrast between Dylan and Apollo is startling. Dylan is light and joy. He’s fun and flirty, and so good with Apollo’s girls. He’s good with kids period and wants to be an after-school program director.
Dylan doesn’t even mind Apollo’s OCD planning, even though the man has a household binder and meals planned down to the very last pea. Apollo grounds Dylan, and Dylan, well, he makes Apollo fly.
Apollo tries to resist Dylan’s advances, but Dylan is no longer his best friend Dustin’s pesky little brother. Apollo still calls Dylan “kid” until Dylan shows him he’s ALL man and all ready.
The chemistry and passion in this story are explosive. Dylan is no shy virgin, and the moment the men touch, it’s FIREWORKS and lingering kisses. Apollo introduces Dylan to the joys of rimming, and both men are eager to give and receive. So hot & SO gorgeous.
Honestly, I wanted to throttle Apollo more than once. He’s unfair to Dylan, pushing him away time and again.
Fortunately, the dual POV helped me understand Apollo’s mindset; so many of his actions were motivated by fear. He lashes out at Dylan because he’s fucking terrified of losing him, losing the girls. Apollo deals with death everyday—he’s a Navy SEAL after all—but he hurts more than he lets on.
I’m not typically a fan of kids in romance novels, but Apollo’s daughters are cute and, despite being very present (which was completely realistic; kids demand a lot of time and attention), don’t get in the way of the romance. They also act and talk like actual 5-year-olds who like glitter and swimming, instead of precocious child prodigies overly invested in adult relationships.
I’m glad Dylan stood up for himself. I wanted him to make Apollo beg a little, but that’s just not who Dylan is. He’s not a player. He makes it clear Apollo is it for him and while he wants to protect his heart, he’s not ready to give up on his lifelong crush.
"Wow," they both breathed at the same instant, then laughed because that was what they did. They laughed. They made joy.
Not just JOY but sexy ferry rides, fluffy towels, messy kitchens (Dylan means well, but cooking's hard), and puzzle pieces—the permanent kind.
Give yourself over to this book. Savor every moment.
February 7, 2017
4.5 stars
Holy dirty talk! I have to tell you, I have read just about every book Annabeth Albert has published and this is the hottest sex I have read by her to date. Just filthy, dirty, toppy, alpha male deliciousness. I can recommend reading it for the sex scenes alone! And mirror sex. MIRROR SEX! A personal weakness. Mirror sex!
Gotta do some obligatory example GIFs, of course.
Apollo (APOLLO! How perfect is that name??) is a widower raising twin 4-year-old daughters. His husband died two 2 years ago and he has no intention of falling in love again, believing he had his great love and is happy with that.
Dylan, Dustin's younger brother, comes into the picture right as Apollo's mother (and Grandma daycare provider) goes on a holiday with her friends. She will be gone all summer and Apollo needs someone to step in and nanny. Dylan gets the job because of his family relations and his degree in early childhood and PE education.
A HOT & HEAVY friends-with-benefits sexfest starts shortly after Dylan arrives but now the boys have to decide if the relationship should end at the end of the summer. Did they fall in love? Can Apollo put his husband's ghost out of his mind to love someone else? Is it fair to Apollo's daughters to have another father figure? Will their 10 year age difference and the fact that Dylan is Apollo's best friend brothers be too big of an obstacle to overcome? Well, you'll have to read it to find out!
Great sex, strong emotions, cute daughters and adorable Dylan makes this a win. Apollo had his dickish moments, knocking a half star off my rating, but he is eventually redeemed. Because, of course he is!
Highly recommended.
PS: For those of you who have read the #gaymers series, this is a spinoff and you will see characters from that series here. At Attention can be read as a standalone, but it was lovely to see some of the other boys too.
Also, January 9th was 48th birthday! I got my present in the form of a military themed M/M romance Advanced Review Copy by one of my favorite authors, Annabeth Albert. It was a perfect birthday read.
I hope you enjoy the book!
Advanced review copy of At Attention provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
Holy dirty talk! I have to tell you, I have read just about every book Annabeth Albert has published and this is the hottest sex I have read by her to date. Just filthy, dirty, toppy, alpha male deliciousness. I can recommend reading it for the sex scenes alone! And mirror sex. MIRROR SEX! A personal weakness. Mirror sex!
Gotta do some obligatory example GIFs, of course.
“I want it like this because I want to see your face as you take my cock.” Dylan’s whole body clenched at that suggestion. “And I want to watch you work in the mirror. So fucking hot.”
“Fuck. You love this, don’t you? Sucking me off? You want my come?” Saying the words, freeing the dirty, demanding side of his brain made his whole body tense."
“I want to watch you come.” Apollo turned them so that Dylan was sitting facing the mirrored closet doors. “Fuck, you are hot. Want to fuck you like this, you riding me. Want to watch you fly.”
Apollo (APOLLO! How perfect is that name??) is a widower raising twin 4-year-old daughters. His husband died two 2 years ago and he has no intention of falling in love again, believing he had his great love and is happy with that.
Dylan, Dustin's younger brother, comes into the picture right as Apollo's mother (and Grandma daycare provider) goes on a holiday with her friends. She will be gone all summer and Apollo needs someone to step in and nanny. Dylan gets the job because of his family relations and his degree in early childhood and PE education.
A HOT & HEAVY friends-with-benefits sexfest starts shortly after Dylan arrives but now the boys have to decide if the relationship should end at the end of the summer. Did they fall in love? Can Apollo put his husband's ghost out of his mind to love someone else? Is it fair to Apollo's daughters to have another father figure? Will their 10 year age difference and the fact that Dylan is Apollo's best friend brothers be too big of an obstacle to overcome? Well, you'll have to read it to find out!
Great sex, strong emotions, cute daughters and adorable Dylan makes this a win. Apollo had his dickish moments, knocking a half star off my rating, but he is eventually redeemed. Because, of course he is!
Highly recommended.
PS: For those of you who have read the #gaymers series, this is a spinoff and you will see characters from that series here. At Attention can be read as a standalone, but it was lovely to see some of the other boys too.
Also, January 9th was 48th birthday! I got my present in the form of a military themed M/M romance Advanced Review Copy by one of my favorite authors, Annabeth Albert. It was a perfect birthday read.
I hope you enjoy the book!
Advanced review copy of At Attention provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
February 7, 2017
Annabeth Albert is one of my favorite authors, and she delivers again with a great military man, age-gap romance.
I have a love/hate relationship with stories involving second chances at love after a previous partner has passed away. When they work, they blow me away, but sometimes having the ghost of a former lover hanging over a new relationship can be a bit... heavy. This book felt heavy, but I really liked it anyway.
I'm a big fan of an age gap, and the age gap here was just to my liking. I actually think Annabeth Albert could have made Apollo even older and given a bigger age gap (10 years isn't a huge difference), but I enjoyed the tension and contrasts a good deal. Dylan was young, take-charge, tenacious, and resilient, which was good contrast to Apollo's more broody persona.
Sometimes kids in romance work for me and sometimes they don't. Here, I was pretty meh about the twins part of the story, but it didn't detract from the couple at all, IMO. What the kids did was give this book a more serious feel than I was expecting. The book felt weightier than the previous in the series, which isn't good or bad, just a fact.
I think where Annabeth Albert really shines in this book is with the sex scenes. I liked when Apollo got toppy and verbal, and I could have used even MORE of it, to be honest. I enjoyed the chemistry of the two guys together, and I thought that they made a fabulous couple.
My one complaint is that I thought Apollo dicked Dylan around too much for my liking. He was too hot and cold, and I got annoyed with Apollo near the end. However, I easily would buy and read this book again, and I think this series is pure gold! Though I liked the first in the series more (Off Base), Annabeth Albert is really bringing it with her military men, and I hope she never stops!
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I have a love/hate relationship with stories involving second chances at love after a previous partner has passed away. When they work, they blow me away, but sometimes having the ghost of a former lover hanging over a new relationship can be a bit... heavy. This book felt heavy, but I really liked it anyway.
I'm a big fan of an age gap, and the age gap here was just to my liking. I actually think Annabeth Albert could have made Apollo even older and given a bigger age gap (10 years isn't a huge difference), but I enjoyed the tension and contrasts a good deal. Dylan was young, take-charge, tenacious, and resilient, which was good contrast to Apollo's more broody persona.
Sometimes kids in romance work for me and sometimes they don't. Here, I was pretty meh about the twins part of the story, but it didn't detract from the couple at all, IMO. What the kids did was give this book a more serious feel than I was expecting. The book felt weightier than the previous in the series, which isn't good or bad, just a fact.
I think where Annabeth Albert really shines in this book is with the sex scenes. I liked when Apollo got toppy and verbal, and I could have used even MORE of it, to be honest. I enjoyed the chemistry of the two guys together, and I thought that they made a fabulous couple.
My one complaint is that I thought Apollo dicked Dylan around too much for my liking. He was too hot and cold, and I got annoyed with Apollo near the end. However, I easily would buy and read this book again, and I think this series is pure gold! Though I liked the first in the series more (Off Base), Annabeth Albert is really bringing it with her military men, and I hope she never stops!
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
April 19, 2017
Unicorn Group Review!
Unpopular Opinion Ahead. Please don’t stone me.
If you had told me prior to reading this I'd be rating it anything less than 4 hearts I would've been all, 'the hell you say!' and maybe hit your face with my glove (lightly, because lady). Just reading the blurb had me all lightheaded and inspired an overwhelming urge to spin around in a field of bluebonnets. I mean, age difference, size difference, second chance romance, possessive MC all reduce me to zombie arms and possible drooling. I just knew At Attention was going to be the turn-the-corner book betwixt me and this author.
Here’s the thing, though, for all of Albert’s devoted fans At Attention will likely work for you. My success with Albert is spotty at best. She seems to have her own romance algorithm that includes this push-pull thing between protagonists. The reasons vary and sometimes it works for me and sometimes it doesn’t. This time it didn’t.
What happened here was Apollo’s incessant lying to himself and Dylan about his feelings got old. He strings him along. He advances and retreats again and again. Sometimes an author can make this push/pull thing work for me if they show me and make me believe there’s a valid and compelling reason for it. I need lots of exposition and character building so I can truly understand what motivates them to hurt their love interest again and again. I need to feel it and, more importantly, to sympathize with the character and that didn’t happen. Because Apollo.
He really is. No one loves a grump more than I but there’s a big difference between grump and asshat. He’s controlling, jealous, the possessiveness I hoped would have my eyebrows waggling skidded sideways into 'whoa whoa, slow your roll there, craycraybenaynay' territory with a quickness. Add to that his mood changes on a dime and the next thing I knew we were back to…
It made my head spin and it made me feel sorry for poor Dylan. Apollo’s mercurial nature negatively impacts his self-image, making him feel unworthy, lesser which made me want to tell him to RUN FORRR-REST RUUUUNNNNN!!!!! and sapped all the good feels I had going into this book.
I need for my couples to be happy for a certain period of time in a narrative and not just at the end. There needs to be a balance so I understand what it is they’re fighting for beyond sexual chemistry. Why are they so invested in each other? The truth is Apollo and Dylan are hardly together. Sure, you can bet when they are they’re going to have some hot mirror sex with a side of dirty talk *grunts* but then you can bet the farm Apollo’s going to turn arctic afterwards, like right afterwards. Can I not enjoy a lil glow?
No. Because. For the cheap seats in the back.
He gives a myriad of excuses as to why they won’t work-their age difference, his mourning, Dylan’s future plans-but it all rang hollow; it felt like drama for drama’s sake. Especially when I had his POV which didn’t match his hateful and, at times, cruel words and actions. All the excuses and dramatics made Apollo look like a fickle teen when he’s the one that supposedly has all the life experience and wisdom. Dylan at 23 puts him to shame in both the communication and acting like an adult departments.
So, the sex is hot and I did like Dylan but those weren’t enough to save this read for me. Obviously, my opinions are my own and YMMV.
A review copy was provided by NetGalley.
February 7, 2017
While this story was good, it totally didn't blow me away. It almost felt like I'd read something pretty similar before, so it didn't really cover very much new ground for me.
I'm not sure exactly why, but even by the end of the story, I still only really felt like I knew Apollo, the alpha Navy SEAL suffering from grief, and Dylan, the best friend's kid brother with the remnants of a teenage crush, on a fairly surface-level basis.
I think that maybe a few flashback scenes with Apollo and Neal living their day-to-day lives, sharing their hopes and dreams pre-accident, might have helped in that respect. And maybe a bit more about Dylan's experiences with his ex-boyfriends, too. Just something deeper to help me connect with them 'before.'
Also, there was just something slightly off about the sex scenes, which didn't grab my attention and made me want to skim past them. This was one book where fade to black sex scenes wouldn't have bothered me.
I did like that Dylan had enough self-respect, confidence and pride to step back, after speaking his piece to Apollo, versus allowing things to continue unresolved. And I loved the scene where Apollo finally has his long overdue, posthumous 'talk' with Neal.
Don't get me wrong, I did thoroughly enjoy the story, but it just wasn't quite 'love,' so I'd rate this one at around 3.5 stars.
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My ARC copy of the story was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
January 16, 2019
Two years ago Apollo lost his husband, Neal in an accident. Now he's alone and raising their young twin daughters by following a strict schedule. He has help from his mother and sometimes from his mothers-in-law. He's set in his ways and has no plans for love or relationships. Dylan is young but serious. When he was younger he had a crush on Apollo that never really went away even when he was crushed when Apollo got married. It's been eight years since he and Apollo have laid eyes on each other. Oh, and he's also Apollo's best friends (Dustin) younger brother. Dylan is in town for the summer working at a kids camp. His brother thinks he's the perfect solution for Apollo's problem of needing someone to look after his girls since his mother (who is the live in nanny) will soon be leaving for her vacation. Apollo is of course against this idea from the start. He remembers Dylan as a young scrawny nosey pimply boy who had a crush on him. He never imagined when Dylan walked in to his home that it would be the same young guy he was ogling at the grocery store. That makes him want to say no even more because he knows that having Dylan in his space will only disrupt his tight schedule and there is no room for the kind of distractions this young sexy Dylan will cause. But in the end he gives in and sparks start flying.
The relationship was a rough road of ups and downs and it took it's sweet time getting to it's final destination. I was frustrated a lot with Apollo. I understood his grief and that grief has no time limit, but he could have gone at it in a different way in how he treated Dylan a lot of the times. There was a lot of hot and cold going on. Dylan was a saint when it came to being understanding and patient. He loved Apollo and was willing to wait.
I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy this one. I was afraid that Apollo being a widower would leave the book being heavy most of the time and it was. But the difference in this book than other's I have read with this same trope was that we had a character like Dylan to lighten the mood and to bring Apollo out of his inner turmoil. Another bright spot was Apollo's adorable twin girls. The book wasn't kid heavy, but it had just the right amount of kid and romance.
It's a sweet story of second chances at love and family. I think the next book is going to be even better. I can't wait for Maddox's and Ben's book!
Happy reading dolls! xx
The relationship was a rough road of ups and downs and it took it's sweet time getting to it's final destination. I was frustrated a lot with Apollo. I understood his grief and that grief has no time limit, but he could have gone at it in a different way in how he treated Dylan a lot of the times. There was a lot of hot and cold going on. Dylan was a saint when it came to being understanding and patient. He loved Apollo and was willing to wait.
I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy this one. I was afraid that Apollo being a widower would leave the book being heavy most of the time and it was. But the difference in this book than other's I have read with this same trope was that we had a character like Dylan to lighten the mood and to bring Apollo out of his inner turmoil. Another bright spot was Apollo's adorable twin girls. The book wasn't kid heavy, but it had just the right amount of kid and romance.
It's a sweet story of second chances at love and family. I think the next book is going to be even better. I can't wait for Maddox's and Ben's book!
Happy reading dolls! xx
March 20, 2017
5 HOT stars!
This book kept me up ALL night. Well I ended up sleeping for ONE whole hour, before going to work.
I thought I'll read only a few chapters before going to sleep, but ended wide awake until 5.30 A.M. The very definition of reading in one sitting. And I LOVED each page, each scene, each chapter!
This is my first book by Annabeth Albert and I adored her writing style! The pull between the characters is almost palpable, SO much sexual chemistry, SO many hot scenes. It also has some bearable angst, but this one blew my mind, for sure!
Apollo (LOVE his name!!!) - is such a careful father of 2 twin daughters, and a strong and capable man. When his husband died, he never thought he'll end up feeling something as strong for someone else. What seemed at first as only a fling, ended up being way more.
I loved the slow burn, the chemistry between the characters and I must admit the sex scenes were phenomenal! I was so hooked by this author's writing! I will definitely read her other books.
This book has everything I love in MM books: age-gap, great chemistry, unexpected jealousy, angst and some pretty sweet scenes. It was a great combination! Just my kind of HOT MM story.
I received an ARC from the Publisher - Carina Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
This book kept me up ALL night. Well I ended up sleeping for ONE whole hour, before going to work.
I thought I'll read only a few chapters before going to sleep, but ended wide awake until 5.30 A.M. The very definition of reading in one sitting. And I LOVED each page, each scene, each chapter!
This is my first book by Annabeth Albert and I adored her writing style! The pull between the characters is almost palpable, SO much sexual chemistry, SO many hot scenes. It also has some bearable angst, but this one blew my mind, for sure!
Apollo (LOVE his name!!!) - is such a careful father of 2 twin daughters, and a strong and capable man. When his husband died, he never thought he'll end up feeling something as strong for someone else. What seemed at first as only a fling, ended up being way more.
I loved the slow burn, the chemistry between the characters and I must admit the sex scenes were phenomenal! I was so hooked by this author's writing! I will definitely read her other books.
This book has everything I love in MM books: age-gap, great chemistry, unexpected jealousy, angst and some pretty sweet scenes. It was a great combination! Just my kind of HOT MM story.
I received an ARC from the Publisher - Carina Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
December 19, 2017
Enjoyed this one a lot. This series keeps getting better! There's not much military action going on here but the book is about a military single dad who has lost his husband and is having hard time moving on. Until a younger guy comes around for the summer to help him out with the kids. Ugh, it was cute and hot and a bit heartbreaking, if I'm being honest.
April 19, 2017
I practically jumped on this book the minute I read the blurb because it has everything I could ask for in a book. Two sexy as hell guys, brothers-best-friend trope, an age gap, and a single dad. All a recipe for YUMMY!
I really enjoyed the chemistry between Apollo and Dylan, and it steamed up my Kindle from the very beginning. I haven't read the first book in this series yet, and this one could be read as a standalone with no issues, but I can't wait to get to that one. This author does mm spectacularly well so I need to catch up with more of her hotties.
April 25, 2017
A great book. Annabeth has written one awesome Toppy Alpha with Apollo and his perfect counter part and partner with Dylan.
I enjoyed this book in written format even though Apollo was upsetting at times - he was hurting and emotionally crippled by the loss of his husband. It was beautiful watching him be brought back to life by Dylan and the romance as it blossomed between them, much to Apollo's attempts to thwart it.
----
Then I listened to this book and found I loved it even more! The narration added another layer to the story and made my commute back and forth to work enjoyable and at times a little heartbreaking.
I recommend this series and story to all!
I enjoyed this book in written format even though Apollo was upsetting at times - he was hurting and emotionally crippled by the loss of his husband. It was beautiful watching him be brought back to life by Dylan and the romance as it blossomed between them, much to Apollo's attempts to thwart it.
----
Then I listened to this book and found I loved it even more! The narration added another layer to the story and made my commute back and forth to work enjoyable and at times a little heartbreaking.
I recommend this series and story to all!
November 18, 2017
4.25 "Joy Making" Stars
"Sometimes the only thing worse than not having something is getting it."
When Dylan was fifteen-year-old, he had a huge crush on his brother’s best friend, Apollo, who was twenty-six-year-old. Now eight years later, Dylan has come to the city for summer and needs a place. With Apollo’s resistance, eventually he agreed with Dylan staying (but reluctantly). And instead Dylan helps out with Apollo’s girls. After these years, Dylan still likes Apollo so much but there is a little problem; Apollo’s dead husband! So how can Dylan fight with a ghost!?
To be honest, now that I think, this one was more interesting than Off Base for me (and I’m trying so hard don’t corrupt my previous rating). It was funnier and there wasn’t so much insecurity. The characters were more likable. I liked Dylan so much; he was almost eleven years younger than Apollo but he was so mature and I have a feeling that I gonna love the next installment (about Ben & Maddox). I think with each book the stories getting better and better!
The story is told in dual POV, 3rd person. It’s the second installment in the "Out of Uniform" series but it can be read as a stand-alone. All in all, It was a good read for me and I hope you like it as well!
"Sometimes the only thing worse than not having something is getting it."
When Dylan was fifteen-year-old, he had a huge crush on his brother’s best friend, Apollo, who was twenty-six-year-old. Now eight years later, Dylan has come to the city for summer and needs a place. With Apollo’s resistance, eventually he agreed with Dylan staying (but reluctantly). And instead Dylan helps out with Apollo’s girls. After these years, Dylan still likes Apollo so much but there is a little problem; Apollo’s dead husband! So how can Dylan fight with a ghost!?
To be honest, now that I think, this one was more interesting than Off Base for me (and I’m trying so hard don’t corrupt my previous rating). It was funnier and there wasn’t so much insecurity. The characters were more likable. I liked Dylan so much; he was almost eleven years younger than Apollo but he was so mature and I have a feeling that I gonna love the next installment (about Ben & Maddox). I think with each book the stories getting better and better!
The story is told in dual POV, 3rd person. It’s the second installment in the "Out of Uniform" series but it can be read as a stand-alone. All in all, It was a good read for me and I hope you like it as well!
May 9, 2020
Re-read May 9, 2020 Yup, still love it !
Loved this pair ! Magnificent storytelling !
Camo, uniforms, dirty talk, steamy mirror sex, soccer team, twin girls, a busy kitchen, age difference, and oh, did I say steamy mirror sex? LOL ! Yet, there is so much more.
Lt. Apollo Floros, 34, SEAL Trainer, with a crew cut, hazel eyes, lost his husband two years ago, and is raising his twin, 4 1/2 yr. olds.
Dylan, 23, graduated U of O with honors in Children's Psychology, has dark curly hair, is lively, happy, and on a soccer team.
He's come for the summer to watch Apollo's girls, Chloe and Sophia. Dylan's brother Dustin, is Apollo's best friend, and Dylan has crushed on Apollo since he was a teen.
Both men are drawn to each other, but stubborn Apollo keeps himself closed off, he won't move on. The girls are terrific; Dylan can manage them beautifully, and Apollo is happy about that.
Our men, of course, being in close proximity, end up in a scorching kiss that leads to sizzles and sparks, super hot mirror sex, and fulfillment. Each man is experienced, but manage to find first times and laughter in the bedroom. Their passion is intense and emotions break into their summer "fling." Apollo's angst is profound, as he feels guilt, and it seems so realistic. ( I experienced it myself, years ago when my husband died.) The deep need makes him feel guiltier, and as they move along, argue and tussle with thoughts, Apollo has an epiphany.
The time apart doesn't cool their passion. We get awesome characters, with cute, realistic banter, and situations.
All of the cast are down to earth and marvelous as they agree and disagree.
The epilogue is fantastic, with a feel good HEA, which has us wanting more.
This wonderful, unique series by Annabeth Albert has recurring characters, but each can stand alone.
Highly recommended. ENJOY !
====
Loved this pair ! Magnificent storytelling !
Camo, uniforms, dirty talk, steamy mirror sex, soccer team, twin girls, a busy kitchen, age difference, and oh, did I say steamy mirror sex? LOL ! Yet, there is so much more.
Lt. Apollo Floros, 34, SEAL Trainer, with a crew cut, hazel eyes, lost his husband two years ago, and is raising his twin, 4 1/2 yr. olds.
Dylan, 23, graduated U of O with honors in Children's Psychology, has dark curly hair, is lively, happy, and on a soccer team.
He's come for the summer to watch Apollo's girls, Chloe and Sophia. Dylan's brother Dustin, is Apollo's best friend, and Dylan has crushed on Apollo since he was a teen.
Both men are drawn to each other, but stubborn Apollo keeps himself closed off, he won't move on. The girls are terrific; Dylan can manage them beautifully, and Apollo is happy about that.
Our men, of course, being in close proximity, end up in a scorching kiss that leads to sizzles and sparks, super hot mirror sex, and fulfillment. Each man is experienced, but manage to find first times and laughter in the bedroom. Their passion is intense and emotions break into their summer "fling." Apollo's angst is profound, as he feels guilt, and it seems so realistic. ( I experienced it myself, years ago when my husband died.) The deep need makes him feel guiltier, and as they move along, argue and tussle with thoughts, Apollo has an epiphany.
The time apart doesn't cool their passion. We get awesome characters, with cute, realistic banter, and situations.
All of the cast are down to earth and marvelous as they agree and disagree.
The epilogue is fantastic, with a feel good HEA, which has us wanting more.
This wonderful, unique series by Annabeth Albert has recurring characters, but each can stand alone.
Highly recommended. ENJOY !
====
April 14, 2017
***3.5 Stars***
This book had a bunch of ingredients that I love in my romance:
Best friend's younger brother trope. Even though Dylan's brother, Dustin, didn't appear many times in the book...it was always a factor that weighed heavily on Apollo's mind. And I absolutely adored that this ended up being a non-issue.....adults allowing adults to make their own decisions? Big win in my book. Unrequited love. Oh man, I'm a sucker for this trope. Dylan's crush on Apollo first appeared when he was a teenager. Apollo was someone he could talk to, someone who knew what Dylan was going through. Eventually life took them in different directions, Dylan went away to school and Apollo settled down and started a family. But Dylan carried that crush around with him until the two meet again. Secret hook ups/just a fling. I love the whole "pffft, this'll be no big thing. We'll hook up when we need to scratch an itch, but then on this and this date, we'll go our separate ways and just be friends...no biggie!" It's never no biggie....and I live for that angst. Dylan had his work cut out for him talking Apollo into this situation, but once these two got together, they would devour each other. The comfort and affection that Apollo found in Dylan's arms freed him from the weight of grief, responsibility and worry that held him down. And Dylan got a piece of the man that he always wanted. But them pesky feelings can never stay away."There's about nine hundred reasons why this should never - "
"And one why we should."
Hurt/comfort. It's been two years since Apollo's husband passed away, but he's still stuck in the grieving period. Everything in his heart and home frozen in place. He lived a robotic life filled with routines, checklists and safety precautions. Dylan threw a wrench into all of that. He showed Apollo that you could have organization and still allow for flexibility. He gave Apollo someone to count on, someone he could lean on when needed. Dylan loved Apollo's girls, loved taking care of everyone, loved being the phone call that Apollo made when he needed something...but were they truly a team or was Dylan stepping into someone else's shoes?Dylan, both fearless and trusting at the same time, demanded everything Apollo had to give, didn't shy away from his messy emotions.
Family. I'm a sucker for a book with kids, and Apollo's girls were the perfect balance of comedic relief, pushing the story forward, offering that sage insight that kids like to notice...and just being downright adorable. All of these things worked for me.
Unfortunately, what didn't work for me was Apollo running hot and cold for the majority of this book....which turned into Dylan spending most of his time chasing Apollo.
Once Apollo got over his initial hurdle of having a summer fling, he would be all in on his time alone with Dylan. Passionate nights filled with fevered kisses, desperate touches and body-shuddering orgasms. But once the morning came, Apollo would retreat into his stoic shell and ice Dylan out.
And Dylan would let him. Apollo would retreat, Dylan would chase. They'd have an amazing time together...and then guilt and fear slammed down the gate between them. Rinse and repeat. For every one step forward these two would take, quickly the mood would change and they'd move two steps back.
Apollo and Dylan were great together, but the hot and cold frustration kept me from enjoying this book more. And because of that, when we got to the epilogue....I just wasn't sold on the depth of their feelings. Too much time on the merry-go-round left me dizzy and unable to focus on what else I felt while on the ride. All I could think about was the dizziness.
So, even though I didn't love this as much as I wanted to, it was still a really enjoyable read.
We got a brief glimpse of Zack and Pike...and were introduced to Ben and Maddox (best friends and roommates...and some unrequited love going on there too!). I'm really looking forward to their book next.
**Unfortunately, there are some editing issues. There were a handful of instances where there were extra words in a sentence or a word missing or words in the wrong order. I tend to only point out errors if they distract me or if they cause a stumble in my reading flow...unfortunately, both of those things happened here.
April 9, 2017
3.5 stars.
Older brother's best friend ✔️
Age gap ✔️
Single dad ✔️
All tropes I am a lover of.
"He’d waited eight years for Apollo to see him as more than Dustin’s pesky little brother."
I like an more angsty read and when you have a grieving widower in the mix you can be sure of some of that. And whilst there were many parts of At Attention I did indeed love, they were somewhat over shadowed by the fact that Apollo, grieving widower, single dad and overworked lieutenant, was still very much grieving the death of his husband and his inner torment and running hot and cold throughout became a little wearisome.
"I just don’t want to lead you on—"
Dylan, child whisperer and much younger brother of his best-friend was what saved this story for me. For me, he was the hero with his confidence, his wonderful relationship with Apollo's daughters, his honesty and patience yet self-care. Did he deserve better? I think so and don't get me wrong, I didn't dislike Apollo; he's hurting, juggling work with raising his girls, and you can't deny in the moments when he does run with his heart as opposed to his head, he and Dylan were lovely together creating moments that were tender and those that bring some heat.
"You can watch in the mirror."
It wasn't a difficult read and there were many enjoyable moments amongst those that frustrated so it's definitely one I'd say read and decide for yourself. For me it was simply a case of frustration and Apollo's moment of realisation coming too late on in the day for me to rate this any higher: I am however looking forward to Maddox and Ben's journey from best-friends to lovers in On Point.
Copy received courtesy of Carina via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Older brother's best friend ✔️
Age gap ✔️
Single dad ✔️
All tropes I am a lover of.
"He’d waited eight years for Apollo to see him as more than Dustin’s pesky little brother."
I like an more angsty read and when you have a grieving widower in the mix you can be sure of some of that. And whilst there were many parts of At Attention I did indeed love, they were somewhat over shadowed by the fact that Apollo, grieving widower, single dad and overworked lieutenant, was still very much grieving the death of his husband and his inner torment and running hot and cold throughout became a little wearisome.
"I just don’t want to lead you on—"
Dylan, child whisperer and much younger brother of his best-friend was what saved this story for me. For me, he was the hero with his confidence, his wonderful relationship with Apollo's daughters, his honesty and patience yet self-care. Did he deserve better? I think so and don't get me wrong, I didn't dislike Apollo; he's hurting, juggling work with raising his girls, and you can't deny in the moments when he does run with his heart as opposed to his head, he and Dylan were lovely together creating moments that were tender and those that bring some heat.
"You can watch in the mirror."
It wasn't a difficult read and there were many enjoyable moments amongst those that frustrated so it's definitely one I'd say read and decide for yourself. For me it was simply a case of frustration and Apollo's moment of realisation coming too late on in the day for me to rate this any higher: I am however looking forward to Maddox and Ben's journey from best-friends to lovers in On Point.
Copy received courtesy of Carina via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
January 12, 2017
Annabeth Albert,
This book's got me all giddy!
At Attention is the second installment of the Out of Uniform Series. We met Apollo towards the conclusion of the first book Off Base. We found out he was a widowed father of twin girls. In this book, Apollo allows his best friend's little brother to stay with him for the summer. The only problem is that Dylan is not the awkward teenager with puppy eyes he remembers. He's all grown up now, and Apollo has a hard time keeping his eyes and hands to himself.
My highlights:
-Apollo. Broody, anal retentive, SEAL, and devoted father.
-Dylan. Sigh, what was there not to love about him? He was the epitome of patience, understanding, and love.
-Push and pull. I generally detest this plot device, but it made sense in this instance. Apollo just wasn't ready to open his heart- he had to heal first.
-The supporting cast. The twins, the in-laws, mom, and the cameos from past characters were simply awesome and made excited for future stories to come.
-Narration. Dual POV- my favorite.
-The pace of the story- it was smooth and quick.
-The sex scenes.... haawwwwt! Wait until y'all go into the spare room with the mirror. ;)
-Relationship development. It felt real. Apollo wasn’t perfect, and Dylan was wise beyond his years. The progression of feelings felt natural.
-The end. It made me teary eyed. ♥
Can it be read as a standalone? Yes, but don't do it. READ Off Base!! Don't deprive yourself of a great book!
In conclusion, do I recommend At Attention? Hells yeah!
Annabeth Albert just keeps getting better and better, and At Attention is a testament of that. This a heartfelt story of healing, family, and new beginnings. 5 Stars!
ARC kindly provided by Carina Press via NetGalley.
Review is cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
December 8, 2017
4.5 stars!
What a rollercoaster of emotions at least that how I felt about the relationship between Apollo/Dylan.
Apollo lost his husband a couple of years ago he mourns him deeply and feels like he'll never love again. Dylan is Apollos's best friend younger brother, Dylan has always had a crush on Apollo. When circumstances brings them face to face they both feel an undeniable attraction to each other.
At first I thought I was going to be frustrated with Apollo's push and pull but as the story moved along I felt for him especially for his two daughters. But did he annoyed me sometimes? why yes! he surely did! But I understood him, and the emotions he was battling. Then again I felt like Dylan wasn't upfront with his own feeling towards Apollo. So I can honestly say they both made mistakes and the lack of communication caused them both pain.
I enjoyed seeing their feelings slowly get deeper from a physical attraction to love. This is the kind of angst I love, it's the kind that grabs your heart and squeezes out all the emotions this characters live. I love both guys they were both passionate and their sexual encounters were dam hot!
Apollo's daughters were so adorable they added a sweetness to the story an enjoyable read for sure. I'm loving this series so much can't wait for the next couple.❤️
What a rollercoaster of emotions at least that how I felt about the relationship between Apollo/Dylan.
Apollo lost his husband a couple of years ago he mourns him deeply and feels like he'll never love again. Dylan is Apollos's best friend younger brother, Dylan has always had a crush on Apollo. When circumstances brings them face to face they both feel an undeniable attraction to each other.
At first I thought I was going to be frustrated with Apollo's push and pull but as the story moved along I felt for him especially for his two daughters. But did he annoyed me sometimes? why yes! he surely did! But I understood him, and the emotions he was battling. Then again I felt like Dylan wasn't upfront with his own feeling towards Apollo. So I can honestly say they both made mistakes and the lack of communication caused them both pain.
I enjoyed seeing their feelings slowly get deeper from a physical attraction to love. This is the kind of angst I love, it's the kind that grabs your heart and squeezes out all the emotions this characters live. I love both guys they were both passionate and their sexual encounters were dam hot!
Apollo's daughters were so adorable they added a sweetness to the story an enjoyable read for sure. I'm loving this series so much can't wait for the next couple.❤️
April 10, 2017
Just Released!!!
At Attention (Out of Uniform #2) by Annabeth Albert
****4.5 Stars****
Before I even read a blurb for this book, knowing it was going to be Apollo's story, I'm not gonna lie....I was so excited. In Off Base, Apollo was such a force of strength and integrity; you couldn't help but fall in love with him. In all honesty, I'm not always a huge fan of age gap stories, but the idea that he falls for his kids caretaker...I was sold.
From Off Base, we knew the basics of Apollo's story, a former SEAL team commander, he is a widower and a single dad. When At Attention starts, Apollo is raising his twin five year old daughters, and it has been two years since the passing of his husband, Neal. There is no denying Apollo had been struggling, finding it easy to slip into a spiral of grief and regret, but most of all he is lonely.
Apollo's mother, who lives in a converted apartment above the garage to help with the girls, is taking a dream vacation and will be gone most of the summer. Dustin, Apollo's best friend, has just the solution in his baby brother, Dylan. Ok, this is where we're going to have to take a moment and just appreciate all that is Dylan.
Dylan is just about perfect...he's just graduated from college, he's crazy smart, he's fun, he's loves kids, he can find the positive in just about any situation, and he is off the charts HOT. He is in California to do an internship running a youth summer program; he originally came to spend the summer with his brother who is now being deployed. Apollo is not crazy about having the kid brother who, he remembers from years ago mooning over him with an obvious crush, spend the summer with him and his girls. What Apollo doesn't realize is Dylan is no longer a pimple faced teen, oh no, he is definitely all man now.
As soon as these two meet, the sparks start to fly. Apollo tries so hard to resist temptation, he wants no part of it, but it proves impossible to deny the attraction between them. To say the chemistry between these two is off the charts is a huge understatement. I've read several books by this author, and this book is in a league of its own, she was able to capture something special with this couple. When the sex finally happens, it is explosive.
Review posted at https://dirtybooksobsessiongroup.word...
At Attention (Out of Uniform #2) by Annabeth Albert
****4.5 Stars****
Before I even read a blurb for this book, knowing it was going to be Apollo's story, I'm not gonna lie....I was so excited. In Off Base, Apollo was such a force of strength and integrity; you couldn't help but fall in love with him. In all honesty, I'm not always a huge fan of age gap stories, but the idea that he falls for his kids caretaker...I was sold.
From Off Base, we knew the basics of Apollo's story, a former SEAL team commander, he is a widower and a single dad. When At Attention starts, Apollo is raising his twin five year old daughters, and it has been two years since the passing of his husband, Neal. There is no denying Apollo had been struggling, finding it easy to slip into a spiral of grief and regret, but most of all he is lonely.
Apollo's mother, who lives in a converted apartment above the garage to help with the girls, is taking a dream vacation and will be gone most of the summer. Dustin, Apollo's best friend, has just the solution in his baby brother, Dylan. Ok, this is where we're going to have to take a moment and just appreciate all that is Dylan.
Dylan is just about perfect...he's just graduated from college, he's crazy smart, he's fun, he's loves kids, he can find the positive in just about any situation, and he is off the charts HOT. He is in California to do an internship running a youth summer program; he originally came to spend the summer with his brother who is now being deployed. Apollo is not crazy about having the kid brother who, he remembers from years ago mooning over him with an obvious crush, spend the summer with him and his girls. What Apollo doesn't realize is Dylan is no longer a pimple faced teen, oh no, he is definitely all man now.
"He'd waited eight years for Apollo to see him as more that Dustin's pesky little brother"
As soon as these two meet, the sparks start to fly. Apollo tries so hard to resist temptation, he wants no part of it, but it proves impossible to deny the attraction between them. To say the chemistry between these two is off the charts is a huge understatement. I've read several books by this author, and this book is in a league of its own, she was able to capture something special with this couple. When the sex finally happens, it is explosive.
"Life's too short to dance around sex or be afraid to talk about it. I'm not ashamed of loving it."
"I want to watch you come." Apollo turned them so that Dylan was sitting facing the mirrored closet doors. "Fuck you are so hot." "So are you."
"Fuck I love my big ideas." "I think I do too."
I'm not kidding here; the sex was so hot...and kinky in the best kind of way. It was fun, playful, filled with dirty talk...yep...it was...yep, AWESOME!
But, beyond the sex, Apollo had a lot of issues going on. He is really emotionally closed off and doesn't want to deal with all the baggage he has left over from Neal's death. I am really thankful for the dual POV, without it, Apollo would have come across as such an unfeeling asshole. His saving grace was his actions didn't come from a mean or uncaring place; they were a direct result of his pain. However; I was very frustrated with how unfairly he was treating Dylan with his hot and cold act. I have a hard time with the whole I want you...I don't want you routine. But Dylan was such a strong character, especially for being so young, even with his heart on the line he wasn't going to be jerked around. He knew what he wanted, how he deserved to be treated and he took a stand.
All in all this book is fantastic, I love this series and most of all these two men. They just fit together....hopefully forever! I highly recommend this book.
**This book was kindly provided to Dirty Books Obsession in exchange for an honest review**
Review posted at https://dirtybooksobsessiongroup.word...
April 9, 2017
Remember your best friend's kid brother? That gangly, pimpled 15 year old teen who had the biggest and most embarrassing crush on you, some 8 years ago when you showed up on the back of a butch motorcycle, exploring the Oregon coast with your friend? The kid who looked up to you and asked awkward questions about being gay while you've been in the middle of enjoying your freedom in your mid-twenties, having no patience for a teenager's coming out struggles?
Your life has changed in the meantime. You found love and made a family with your man - the one Mr Right you finally settled down with after sowing your wild oats for years, only to have your heart ripped out again, getting chewed and spit out by the life you've come to enjoy, mourning your man and watching over two young girls who call you 'Baba', because 'Daddy' is in heaven now...
You're broken and miserable and want nothing to do with your best friend's suggestion of having his -now grown up- younger brother staying with you over summer to take care of your kids while your mother is on a well-deserved vacation.
A babysitter would come in handy, though. Right?
Meeting the guy for the first time after all those years, you expect the boy's weird crush to flare up again. You expect to see the awkwardly hopeful looks of a teenager who admired you with more than just hero worship in his eyes - which you know you don't deserve anymore.
What you don't expect... is your friend's kid brother to have become a man...
Because..... damn!
Where's the kid gone, right?!
At 23 years of age, Dylan knows he's a stud. A degree in education and PE have shaped his body and mind and made him an expert at dealing with young kids in the after school programs he runs - as well as confidently handling guys who want to get inside his pants.
He remembers his brother's gorgeous best friend and Navy mate Apollo. The gay Greek God he's hoped would wait for him to grow up, so they could ride happily ever after into the sunset. Yeah, right...
Apollo had married, though, so Dylan had dropped his infatuation at some point growing up and moved on.
Finding the object of his youthful wet dreams as a widowed single dad and heart-broken man, pains Dylan. He sets out to make life easier for the troubled guy, taking care of his daughters - and hopes to find a way into the older man's heart.
But some walls are too high to crumble easily and there's only so much rejection an out and proud young guy can take...
This book was out of this world. One of the best books ever!
The psychology behind it was intense and amazing! The author sketched both MCs with a love for detail that puts many similar books to shame!!
Yes, Apollo is a difficult character. Some may even come to absolutely hate him. BUT he's exactly the type of grouchy troubled mid30s guy that I've come to LOVE in the m/m genre!!
Seeing him work through his issues makes this book an incredibly captivating read. How could I put this down for even a minute...? I just couldn't!
I consider At Attention my best read in 2017 so far and will put this one on my Top 10 List of All Time Favorites!
Oh, and the sex was incredible. So, so good!
This was so much better than Off Base (which was already a 5 star book for me) and *someone* (me) now expects Maddox' and Ben's book too. Just so you know, LOL.
5 stars, of course!!
Your life has changed in the meantime. You found love and made a family with your man - the one Mr Right you finally settled down with after sowing your wild oats for years, only to have your heart ripped out again, getting chewed and spit out by the life you've come to enjoy, mourning your man and watching over two young girls who call you 'Baba', because 'Daddy' is in heaven now...
You're broken and miserable and want nothing to do with your best friend's suggestion of having his -now grown up- younger brother staying with you over summer to take care of your kids while your mother is on a well-deserved vacation.
A babysitter would come in handy, though. Right?
Meeting the guy for the first time after all those years, you expect the boy's weird crush to flare up again. You expect to see the awkwardly hopeful looks of a teenager who admired you with more than just hero worship in his eyes - which you know you don't deserve anymore.
What you don't expect... is your friend's kid brother to have become a man...
Because..... damn!
Where's the kid gone, right?!
At 23 years of age, Dylan knows he's a stud. A degree in education and PE have shaped his body and mind and made him an expert at dealing with young kids in the after school programs he runs - as well as confidently handling guys who want to get inside his pants.
He remembers his brother's gorgeous best friend and Navy mate Apollo. The gay Greek God he's hoped would wait for him to grow up, so they could ride happily ever after into the sunset. Yeah, right...
Apollo had married, though, so Dylan had dropped his infatuation at some point growing up and moved on.
Finding the object of his youthful wet dreams as a widowed single dad and heart-broken man, pains Dylan. He sets out to make life easier for the troubled guy, taking care of his daughters - and hopes to find a way into the older man's heart.
But some walls are too high to crumble easily and there's only so much rejection an out and proud young guy can take...
This book was out of this world. One of the best books ever!
The psychology behind it was intense and amazing! The author sketched both MCs with a love for detail that puts many similar books to shame!!
Yes, Apollo is a difficult character. Some may even come to absolutely hate him. BUT he's exactly the type of grouchy troubled mid30s guy that I've come to LOVE in the m/m genre!!
Seeing him work through his issues makes this book an incredibly captivating read. How could I put this down for even a minute...? I just couldn't!
I consider At Attention my best read in 2017 so far and will put this one on my Top 10 List of All Time Favorites!
Oh, and the sex was incredible. So, so good!
This was so much better than Off Base (which was already a 5 star book for me) and *someone* (me) now expects Maddox' and Ben's book too. Just so you know, LOL.
5 stars, of course!!
March 5, 2017
At Attention, while book 2 in Annabeth Albert's Out of Uniform series, can be read as a stand alone.
Apollo Floros is a Navy SEAL, the father of twin girls, and a widower. When Apollo's husband died two years ago, Apollo stopped living, too. He breathes, he goes to work, he takes care of his daughters, but Apollo has no time for himself. Because that would mean time to think and time to examine his life and time to grieve. Apollo isn't ready for any of those things. He's not ready to move on and doesn't think he ever will be.
Dylan is the younger brother of Apollo's best friend, Dustin. He is in San Diego for the summer, after graduating college, to run a local summer day camp for kids. It fits his degree and is a step in the direction of what Dylan really wants to do, which is run after school programs for kids. I really liked Dylan a lot. He's a good guy who knows what he wants and makes strides to get it. Dylan is more than a decade younger than Apollo and has crushed on his brother's best friend for years. But Dylan is all grown up, now, and while the attraction is definitely still there, Dylan sees that Apollo hasn't moved on from his husband, and maybe never would.
Though there is sex-a-plenty in At Attention (the sex in front of the mirror being a favorite of mine), the romance had a slow burn feel to it. I wasn't fond of the way that Apollo kept running hot and cold, but I understood, at least a little bit, where his issues were coming from. He's never allowed himself to really grieve for his husband and he feels guilt for not still seeing Dylan as the kid he was when they met. Apollo's coping mechanism is avoidance.
Dylan, though, knows what he's in for and goes for it, anyway, figuring that if he knows up front that the relationship is temporary, that he could protect his heart. He's also self-aware enough to know he's lying to himself. And while he has trouble with Apollo pushing him away when things got heavy, he gave Apollo the space. And I loved it when the time came for the 'come to Jesus' moment, that Dylan stood up for himself and made it clear that he deserved better than to be an afterthought or second choice.
And I even enjoyed seeing the interactions with Apollo's five year old daughters. I'm not much of a kid person (read: at all), but it was great seeing just how well Dylan was with them. Also, I think the kids softened Apollo a little bit. They humanized the big, tough, grumpy SEAL without taking over the story.
I think I enjoyed Off Base slightly more, but both are pretty on par for me and I would recommend this series to those who, like me, enjoy military romance.
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ARC of At Attention was graciously provided by Indigo Marketing, in exchange for an honest review.
Apollo Floros is a Navy SEAL, the father of twin girls, and a widower. When Apollo's husband died two years ago, Apollo stopped living, too. He breathes, he goes to work, he takes care of his daughters, but Apollo has no time for himself. Because that would mean time to think and time to examine his life and time to grieve. Apollo isn't ready for any of those things. He's not ready to move on and doesn't think he ever will be.
Dylan is the younger brother of Apollo's best friend, Dustin. He is in San Diego for the summer, after graduating college, to run a local summer day camp for kids. It fits his degree and is a step in the direction of what Dylan really wants to do, which is run after school programs for kids. I really liked Dylan a lot. He's a good guy who knows what he wants and makes strides to get it. Dylan is more than a decade younger than Apollo and has crushed on his brother's best friend for years. But Dylan is all grown up, now, and while the attraction is definitely still there, Dylan sees that Apollo hasn't moved on from his husband, and maybe never would.
Though there is sex-a-plenty in At Attention (the sex in front of the mirror being a favorite of mine), the romance had a slow burn feel to it. I wasn't fond of the way that Apollo kept running hot and cold, but I understood, at least a little bit, where his issues were coming from. He's never allowed himself to really grieve for his husband and he feels guilt for not still seeing Dylan as the kid he was when they met. Apollo's coping mechanism is avoidance.
Dylan, though, knows what he's in for and goes for it, anyway, figuring that if he knows up front that the relationship is temporary, that he could protect his heart. He's also self-aware enough to know he's lying to himself. And while he has trouble with Apollo pushing him away when things got heavy, he gave Apollo the space. And I loved it when the time came for the 'come to Jesus' moment, that Dylan stood up for himself and made it clear that he deserved better than to be an afterthought or second choice.
And I even enjoyed seeing the interactions with Apollo's five year old daughters. I'm not much of a kid person (read: at all), but it was great seeing just how well Dylan was with them. Also, I think the kids softened Apollo a little bit. They humanized the big, tough, grumpy SEAL without taking over the story.
I think I enjoyed Off Base slightly more, but both are pretty on par for me and I would recommend this series to those who, like me, enjoy military romance.
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ARC of At Attention was graciously provided by Indigo Marketing, in exchange for an honest review.
April 20, 2017
A Group Unicorn Review with Adam and Cupcake
FOUR HEARTS--I've seen this author's work, perused the blurbs and I didn't bite.
But this blurb was the prettiest show pony with SRAL approved buzz words and themes:
widower still grieving after partner's passing (bring on the pain)
widower has kidlets AND needs a manny
manny is the widower's best friend's little brother
best friend's brother has had a crush on widower since his teens
AGE GAP
NAVY SEAL
RING A DING DING!!! GUESS WHO IS COMING HOME WITH ME?
Of course, I lassoed the hell out of this book and gobbled all the words.
Being as it's my first Annabeth Albert read, I'm not sure how it rates on the Annabeth Albert scale. If this was very on her A-game or there's better? *shrugs*
I was entertained and had a great time reading At Attention.
23 year-old Dylan gets a chance of his lifetime when his unrequited crush hires and moves him in his San Diego home for the summer. Dylan's crush, 34 year old Apollo needs a nanny to take care of his adorable 4 year old twins whole Apollo works on a naval base. This book can be read as a standalone, I wasn't lost. And I'm curious about the previous and future pairings.
Dylan tries to tamp down his lusty feelings as Apollo works through his grief. Two years has passed but there is no time limit on grieving. And Apollo is a grumpy, more reserved bundle of emotions. He would take time to start to contemplate having feelings for another man. Luckily, Apollo's libido isn't broken. And try as he might, he can't deny the easiness he has with Dylan. The camaraderie and sharing his daily worries of being a single parent added more base to their friendship foundation formed with Dylan was just a teen.
The story is a good mix of nerdy, adorable, (lightly) angsty, sexy and sweet. Dylan can't stop his feelings from blooming once again. Apollo sees his friend's kid brother in a new light, an adult. They try going the friendship route on equal terms, but their bodies won't be denied.
The sex in this book?
The sex was...hot. If I had to give it a flavor, it's hot vanilla custard. Sweet, varied and with a hint of spice. (highlights: intercrural (yay!), frottage, light domination/ control a smidge of exhibition) There is mirror sex but, it could've been hotter in my opinion. I might have been spoiled by a hotter mirror scene in another NA series I've read.
The grieving and the time given for Apollo to work through his process was more important factor for me. Apollo plays hot and cold. The ghost of his lover is one he surrounds himself with daily and it's hard to break through. Dylan makes him crack through the shell. Plus, he's possessive and doesn't want any other guy getting Dylan's time. He wants it all to his self. That was bonus characteristics that I enjoy. The possessiveness and the control in the bedroom (of course).
The best bonus of all? Dylan wasn't a pushover. And he spoke his mind even if might hurt, be it himself or Apollo. I'm #teamDylan all day!
This story was really good. Not Earth shattering, or extremely memorable. For all themes it had going on, it worked. The writing is easy to read, all of the characters are likeable. All of them from kids to grandmas. I really liked how it ended, well maybe before the fluffed ending. It was added sugar I could have done without. But HEA lovers will totes lurve it.
This couple totally worked for me and I see them having a long loving future ahead of them.
Recommended for readers who enjoy contemporary, like the tropes I listed and wallow in second chance romance.
Come join me as I ride my pretty pony into the sunset.
#NoRegrets #teamDylan
A copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
FOUR HEARTS--I've seen this author's work, perused the blurbs and I didn't bite.
But this blurb was the prettiest show pony with SRAL approved buzz words and themes:
widower still grieving after partner's passing (bring on the pain)
widower has kidlets AND needs a manny
manny is the widower's best friend's little brother
best friend's brother has had a crush on widower since his teens
AGE GAP
NAVY SEAL
RING A DING DING!!! GUESS WHO IS COMING HOME WITH ME?
Of course, I lassoed the hell out of this book and gobbled all the words.
Being as it's my first Annabeth Albert read, I'm not sure how it rates on the Annabeth Albert scale. If this was very on her A-game or there's better? *shrugs*
I was entertained and had a great time reading At Attention.
23 year-old Dylan gets a chance of his lifetime when his unrequited crush hires and moves him in his San Diego home for the summer. Dylan's crush, 34 year old Apollo needs a nanny to take care of his adorable 4 year old twins whole Apollo works on a naval base. This book can be read as a standalone, I wasn't lost. And I'm curious about the previous and future pairings.
Dylan tries to tamp down his lusty feelings as Apollo works through his grief. Two years has passed but there is no time limit on grieving. And Apollo is a grumpy, more reserved bundle of emotions. He would take time to start to contemplate having feelings for another man. Luckily, Apollo's libido isn't broken. And try as he might, he can't deny the easiness he has with Dylan. The camaraderie and sharing his daily worries of being a single parent added more base to their friendship foundation formed with Dylan was just a teen.
The story is a good mix of nerdy, adorable, (lightly) angsty, sexy and sweet. Dylan can't stop his feelings from blooming once again. Apollo sees his friend's kid brother in a new light, an adult. They try going the friendship route on equal terms, but their bodies won't be denied.
The sex in this book?
The sex was...hot. If I had to give it a flavor, it's hot vanilla custard. Sweet, varied and with a hint of spice. (highlights: intercrural (yay!), frottage, light domination/ control a smidge of exhibition) There is mirror sex but, it could've been hotter in my opinion. I might have been spoiled by a hotter mirror scene in another NA series I've read.
The grieving and the time given for Apollo to work through his process was more important factor for me. Apollo plays hot and cold. The ghost of his lover is one he surrounds himself with daily and it's hard to break through. Dylan makes him crack through the shell. Plus, he's possessive and doesn't want any other guy getting Dylan's time. He wants it all to his self. That was bonus characteristics that I enjoy. The possessiveness and the control in the bedroom (of course).
The best bonus of all? Dylan wasn't a pushover. And he spoke his mind even if might hurt, be it himself or Apollo. I'm #teamDylan all day!
This story was really good. Not Earth shattering, or extremely memorable. For all themes it had going on, it worked. The writing is easy to read, all of the characters are likeable. All of them from kids to grandmas. I really liked how it ended, well maybe before the fluffed ending. It was added sugar I could have done without. But HEA lovers will totes lurve it.
This couple totally worked for me and I see them having a long loving future ahead of them.
Recommended for readers who enjoy contemporary, like the tropes I listed and wallow in second chance romance.
Come join me as I ride my pretty pony into the sunset.
#NoRegrets #teamDylan
A copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
April 14, 2017
3.5 stars
I loved Dylan, and I'm such a sucker for the brother's best friend trope, but Appolo's wishy washy behavior was on my last nerve by three quarters in. gah.
I loved Dylan, and I'm such a sucker for the brother's best friend trope, but Appolo's wishy washy behavior was on my last nerve by three quarters in. gah.
April 13, 2017
El anterior me gustó, este me ha gustado todavía más, mi favorito de la autora.
Apollo es un SEAL viudo y con dos hijas y Dylan es el hermano menor de su mejor amigo. Por circunstancias conviven durante un verano y ahí surge una relación llena de obstáculos por la diferencia de ella y fundamentalmente por los problemas de Apollo para pasar página. Un libro, que debido a la temática, tiene momentos muy emotivos pero la autora lo hace bien y no cae en la sensiblería.
Sensible y romántico. Me ha gustado mucho.
Apollo es un SEAL viudo y con dos hijas y Dylan es el hermano menor de su mejor amigo. Por circunstancias conviven durante un verano y ahí surge una relación llena de obstáculos por la diferencia de ella y fundamentalmente por los problemas de Apollo para pasar página. Un libro, que debido a la temática, tiene momentos muy emotivos pero la autora lo hace bien y no cae en la sensiblería.
Sensible y romántico. Me ha gustado mucho.
May 17, 2021
Aww, I love rereading this. It's one of my favourite Annabeth Albert books, and definitely my favourite grumpy-sunshine romance.
Apollo and Dean have tons of chemistry, and the older brother's best friend trope is wonderfully executed here.
“Is it true?Dustin said...you’re...like me?”
Dylan used to be a bit of an ugly duckling, like any teenager, and just sweetly infatuated with Apollo. But, he's definitely not a kid anymore. He's sweet, and caring, and very confident. He knows what he wants, and he knows how to push Apollo's buttons, which makes for some excellent tension.
Apollo...well...
"No one did vaguely pissed-off sexier than Apollo Floros."
He's grumpy, growly, and a little possessive, so yeah, definitely works for me. But he's so much more. He was definitely a little wild, and then he found The One, and settled into domestic bliss. That is, until The One was taken away from him, and he's been struggling ever since then. He battles his attraction to Dylan at every step, but thankfully Dylan knows how to work around that.
Now, having a deceased spouse in romance books gets me conflicted and isn't something I often read. Somehow this book has managed to strike a delicate balance, and it's just beautiful. Apollo and Dylan are wonderful together, there's a lot of push-and-pull, great sex, and great domesticity. There's no discounting the importance of Neal, and there are a couple of really sweet glimpses into that relationship, but I was still absolutely invested into this new, sexy, and very passionate romance. As much as they try to get the attraction out of their systems, it's obvious that it's not going to work. I loved how their relationship developed, I loved how much they grew as characters, and I loved their little family. And again - really really hot.
I think this is one of Annabeth Albert's best writing, the prose here is masterful, and completely immerses you into the character's minds, their conflicts, and their dynamic. There a lot of melancholy and some solid angst, so it really hits you in the feels, but it's beautifully blended with this fun, sexy, completely engaging story that just feels like it's meant to be.
Apollo and Dean have tons of chemistry, and the older brother's best friend trope is wonderfully executed here.
“Is it true?Dustin said...you’re...like me?”
Dylan used to be a bit of an ugly duckling, like any teenager, and just sweetly infatuated with Apollo. But, he's definitely not a kid anymore. He's sweet, and caring, and very confident. He knows what he wants, and he knows how to push Apollo's buttons, which makes for some excellent tension.
Apollo...well...
"No one did vaguely pissed-off sexier than Apollo Floros."
He's grumpy, growly, and a little possessive, so yeah, definitely works for me. But he's so much more. He was definitely a little wild, and then he found The One, and settled into domestic bliss. That is, until The One was taken away from him, and he's been struggling ever since then. He battles his attraction to Dylan at every step, but thankfully Dylan knows how to work around that.
Now, having a deceased spouse in romance books gets me conflicted and isn't something I often read. Somehow this book has managed to strike a delicate balance, and it's just beautiful. Apollo and Dylan are wonderful together, there's a lot of push-and-pull, great sex, and great domesticity. There's no discounting the importance of Neal, and there are a couple of really sweet glimpses into that relationship, but I was still absolutely invested into this new, sexy, and very passionate romance. As much as they try to get the attraction out of their systems, it's obvious that it's not going to work. I loved how their relationship developed, I loved how much they grew as characters, and I loved their little family. And again - really really hot.
I think this is one of Annabeth Albert's best writing, the prose here is masterful, and completely immerses you into the character's minds, their conflicts, and their dynamic. There a lot of melancholy and some solid angst, so it really hits you in the feels, but it's beautifully blended with this fun, sexy, completely engaging story that just feels like it's meant to be.
September 9, 2017
3.5 stars
I Loved Dylan, but i just couldn't warm up to Apollo.
August 15, 2021
We first met Apollo Floros near the end of Off Base - the tattooed bad-ass warrior ... with a minivan and twin daughters. In At Attention we get his story and oooh, it's a great read packed with hot dirty mirrored sex (as in “I want to watch you come.” Apollo turned them so that Dylan was sitting facing the mirrored closet doors. “Fuck, you are hot.”) as well as deep emotion as Apollo finally coming to terms with his grief over the death of his husband, Neal.
When Apollo's mother / live-in babysitter goes on a two-month trip to Greece, Apollo's BF Dustin suggests his brother Dylan as the perfect solution to Apollo's child-care problem. Apollo remembers Dylan as a teenager, but is awestruck to meet the adult Dylan (and his awesome ass) in the so-very-attractive flesh: "High. Tight. Round. Attached to muscular legs poking out of board shorts, the kind of legs that suggested a serious investment in a sport or fitness."
Apollo's got issues - his desire to organize and control, his protectiveness for Sophia and Chloe ("he’d probably still be cutting up his girls’ food when they were fifteen"), his fear of letting go of the past - but Dylan is the perfect person to support Apollo as he finally learns to grieve for Neal and begin constructing his future with Dylan.
I gotta admit that I really liked the dynamic between Zack and Pike in Off Base (the first book in the Out of Uniform series) and didn't feel quite the same connection between Apollo and Dylan, but I realize I'm probably in the minority with that opinion. Also I felt there was a lag in the middle of the book, but I liked how the ending pulls everything together. 4 solid stars for At Attention.
I received an ARC from Carina Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
When Apollo's mother / live-in babysitter goes on a two-month trip to Greece, Apollo's BF Dustin suggests his brother Dylan as the perfect solution to Apollo's child-care problem. Apollo remembers Dylan as a teenager, but is awestruck to meet the adult Dylan (and his awesome ass) in the so-very-attractive flesh: "High. Tight. Round. Attached to muscular legs poking out of board shorts, the kind of legs that suggested a serious investment in a sport or fitness."
Apollo's got issues - his desire to organize and control, his protectiveness for Sophia and Chloe ("he’d probably still be cutting up his girls’ food when they were fifteen"), his fear of letting go of the past - but Dylan is the perfect person to support Apollo as he finally learns to grieve for Neal and begin constructing his future with Dylan.
I gotta admit that I really liked the dynamic between Zack and Pike in Off Base (the first book in the Out of Uniform series) and didn't feel quite the same connection between Apollo and Dylan, but I realize I'm probably in the minority with that opinion. Also I felt there was a lag in the middle of the book, but I liked how the ending pulls everything together. 4 solid stars for At Attention.
I received an ARC from Carina Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
May 20, 2017
3.5 Stars
I kinda see a theme emerging regarding this particular series, where there’s definitely things I liked, with unfortunately, a few things I didn’t. It basically boils down to being uber frustrated about one of the MC's reluctance to fall in love, while at the same time, totally understanding and sympathizing with why they’re having such difficulties, making it that much harder to really be all that disgruntled.
Poor Apollo. He’s loved and lost, and because of grief and guilt too, he has resigned himself to never having someone special in his life again. He’s set on focusing on his job and his two girls; he just doesn’t have the capacity or the interest in wanting more. That is, until his libido is reluctantly piqued by the unlikeliest person.
Enter Dylan, the younger brother of Apollo’s best friend. Apollo finds himselfsaddled somehow the benefactor of Dylan’s services. He’s running the summer program that Apollo’s girls are attending, and he needs a place to stay and is the perfect answer to helping Apollo out. Dylan’s crushed hard on Apollo since he was a teen, and though he knows he’ll probably end up getting hurt, he can’t help but want more from the grumpy, grieving guy.
So yes, Apollo is the most stubborn man alive, and although he’s definitely interested, his torturous internal battle, which is wholly understandable, was quite tiresome as well. He resists and resists and resists some more, which drove me bonkers and made me hurt so much for Dylan. Dylan in turn, fabulously handles Apollo just right, never a doormat, not ever pushing too hard - just seamlessly fitting perfectly into Apollo’s life and slowly unraveling the walls he’s put up against ever moving on.
I did enjoy this a bit more than its predecessor. Toppy, tough military alphas and falling for your best friend’s brother check my box every time. However… it didn’t click with me 100% for the above reasons and despite the hot smex. I think many will (and already have) love this recent addition. Rest assured, I will still read Albert, and I will still read the next in series.
I kinda see a theme emerging regarding this particular series, where there’s definitely things I liked, with unfortunately, a few things I didn’t. It basically boils down to being uber frustrated about one of the MC's reluctance to fall in love, while at the same time, totally understanding and sympathizing with why they’re having such difficulties, making it that much harder to really be all that disgruntled.
Poor Apollo. He’s loved and lost, and because of grief and guilt too, he has resigned himself to never having someone special in his life again. He’s set on focusing on his job and his two girls; he just doesn’t have the capacity or the interest in wanting more. That is, until his libido is reluctantly piqued by the unlikeliest person.
Enter Dylan, the younger brother of Apollo’s best friend. Apollo finds himself
So yes, Apollo is the most stubborn man alive, and although he’s definitely interested, his torturous internal battle, which is wholly understandable, was quite tiresome as well. He resists and resists and resists some more, which drove me bonkers and made me hurt so much for Dylan. Dylan in turn, fabulously handles Apollo just right, never a doormat, not ever pushing too hard - just seamlessly fitting perfectly into Apollo’s life and slowly unraveling the walls he’s put up against ever moving on.
I did enjoy this a bit more than its predecessor. Toppy, tough military alphas and falling for your best friend’s brother check my box every time. However… it didn’t click with me 100% for the above reasons and despite the hot smex. I think many will (and already have) love this recent addition. Rest assured, I will still read Albert, and I will still read the next in series.
April 17, 2017
3.5 Stars!
I find that Annabeth consistently writes a MC that I just really don't like.
And I just really didn't like Apollo. I tried. I did. But he was just too hot and cold with Dylan. He threw too many mixed signals.
Dylan was a lot more forgiving than I would have been. I got where Apollo was coming from but it was too much and it went on for too long.
Apollo didn't ruin it for me but he definitely prevented me from being able to rate this one higher.
I am curious about the next book though....
I find that Annabeth consistently writes a MC that I just really don't like.
And I just really didn't like Apollo. I tried. I did. But he was just too hot and cold with Dylan. He threw too many mixed signals.
Dylan was a lot more forgiving than I would have been. I got where Apollo was coming from but it was too much and it went on for too long.
Apollo didn't ruin it for me but he definitely prevented me from being able to rate this one higher.
I am curious about the next book though....
July 2, 2017
4 Stars
Lieutenant Apollo Floros is overworked and overtired. He is suffering the loss of his husband two years prior and has been left to raise their two little girls alone. He also works a high stress job training navy SEALS, which often requires him to run out of the house at the drop of a hat when duty calls. What he needs is a little assistance on the home front, someone to help look after his little girls and pick up the slack when he can’t be around himself.
Enter Dylan. Dylan has recently graduated college with a degree in early childhood and physical education. He loves working with kids and has secured himself a job working a local day camp program over the summer. Dylan is also the younger brother of Apollo’s best friend, who suggests to Apollo that he take Dylan in for the summer as a sort of live in nanny. It’s a solution that works for everybody in its practicality, but for Apollo, being in close proximity to the younger, definitely tempting Dylan, causes all sorts of lust and confusion, which mixes heavily with Apollo’s ongoing grief, making him a very torn man.
I enjoyed this story overall. It was well-paced, with a lovely slow-burn romance that the characters definitely had to work for. Apollo’s grief and guilt was heartbreaking stuff, and watching him reject Dylan over and over, even though he was falling for the guy, was often hard to read. I completely understood and empathized with Apollo’s feelings, but I also hated how he treated Dylan most of the time. I really appreciated how Dylan spoke up about his own feelings and what he deserved from their relationship, forcing Apollo to face some hard truths about his grief, and making him face the past and seriously consider what he wanted for his own future.
At Attention was an emotionally charged story, featuring two complex MC's, some delicious hurt/comfort themes, two adorable little girls, some steamy sex scenes (often involving a mirror – hot damn!) and a sweet HEA that made the whole angsty ride worth it.
Lieutenant Apollo Floros is overworked and overtired. He is suffering the loss of his husband two years prior and has been left to raise their two little girls alone. He also works a high stress job training navy SEALS, which often requires him to run out of the house at the drop of a hat when duty calls. What he needs is a little assistance on the home front, someone to help look after his little girls and pick up the slack when he can’t be around himself.
Enter Dylan. Dylan has recently graduated college with a degree in early childhood and physical education. He loves working with kids and has secured himself a job working a local day camp program over the summer. Dylan is also the younger brother of Apollo’s best friend, who suggests to Apollo that he take Dylan in for the summer as a sort of live in nanny. It’s a solution that works for everybody in its practicality, but for Apollo, being in close proximity to the younger, definitely tempting Dylan, causes all sorts of lust and confusion, which mixes heavily with Apollo’s ongoing grief, making him a very torn man.
I enjoyed this story overall. It was well-paced, with a lovely slow-burn romance that the characters definitely had to work for. Apollo’s grief and guilt was heartbreaking stuff, and watching him reject Dylan over and over, even though he was falling for the guy, was often hard to read. I completely understood and empathized with Apollo’s feelings, but I also hated how he treated Dylan most of the time. I really appreciated how Dylan spoke up about his own feelings and what he deserved from their relationship, forcing Apollo to face some hard truths about his grief, and making him face the past and seriously consider what he wanted for his own future.
At Attention was an emotionally charged story, featuring two complex MC's, some delicious hurt/comfort themes, two adorable little girls, some steamy sex scenes (often involving a mirror – hot damn!) and a sweet HEA that made the whole angsty ride worth it.
October 6, 2020
Second instalment in the Out of Uniform series of military romances. This one stars Apollo, a widowed single dad to twin girls and Dylan, his friend Dustin's younger brother who comes around to look after the girls for the summer. Apollo remembers Dylan as a gangly teenager and is shocked to notice the young man in front of him is nothing like it - Dylan on the other hand had a crush on Apollo all through his teen years and finds it hard to shake even now.
It's not all smooth sailing, far from it - Apollo is not over the death of his husband or ready to move on and Dylan, well Dylan would like to be more than just a casual hookup. It takes time and an actual breakup in the form of Dylan getting a new job and moving out before Apollo is ready to admit that he really wants everything with Dylan.
I enjoyed this very much, especially Apollo's struggles with grief were very well handled and the love story was gentle yet passionate - excellent work as always.
It's not all smooth sailing, far from it - Apollo is not over the death of his husband or ready to move on and Dylan, well Dylan would like to be more than just a casual hookup. It takes time and an actual breakup in the form of Dylan getting a new job and moving out before Apollo is ready to admit that he really wants everything with Dylan.
I enjoyed this very much, especially Apollo's struggles with grief were very well handled and the love story was gentle yet passionate - excellent work as always.
February 3, 2017
~4.5 stars~
Out of Uniform is turning out to be my favorite series by Annabeth Albert. At Attention features Lieutenant Apollo Floros, whom we met in Off Base, and Dylan, his best friend's younger brother. That's a favorite trope of mine! So many things worked great here:
-The contrasts. The MCs are polar opposites, which made the story all the more appealing to me. Dylan is the light to Apollo's darkness. Where Apollo is broody, moody and gruff, Dylan is funny, flirty, and full of positive energy. The ten year age gap worked great but not as I expected it to. Dylan is pretty mature for his age, and the wise one in this case. Apollo's grief makes him weak and closed off where Dylan is concerned.
-The grief. It was done to perfection. The dead partner's trope is not my favorite, but here it felt real without it being overwhelmingly angsty. And how refreshing that the dead man is not presented like the bad guy, or someone lesser than Dylan. Apollo really loved Neal, and he just can't let him go, despite all these new feelings he has for Dylan.
The most powerful scene in the book was the one where Apollo finally makes peace with his loss. I may have cried a little bit.
-The smex. Two words: mirror sex! Apollo has a dirty, dirty mouth on him, and a thing for mirrors. Nuff said.
-The kids. I really don't care about kids in my books, but I liked Apollo's twin daughters. Their presence was important to the plot, but I didn't feel that they stole page time from the MCs. Also, they were portrayed very realistically, like actual 5 year olds instead of adults trapped in kids' bodies.
-Greek MC! Ok, the truth is that apart from Apollo's name and a few mentions of his relatives, there's nothing Greek about the story, but hey...I'll take what I can get.
-Very solid HEA. It was almost too much, but this is just who Apollo and Dylan is.
Bottom line, I may have liked Off Base a little bit more, but this second installment was a big winner too. Recommended!
"Puzzle piece, remember? You make everything else make sense."
Out of Uniform is turning out to be my favorite series by Annabeth Albert. At Attention features Lieutenant Apollo Floros, whom we met in Off Base, and Dylan, his best friend's younger brother. That's a favorite trope of mine! So many things worked great here:
-The contrasts. The MCs are polar opposites, which made the story all the more appealing to me. Dylan is the light to Apollo's darkness. Where Apollo is broody, moody and gruff, Dylan is funny, flirty, and full of positive energy. The ten year age gap worked great but not as I expected it to. Dylan is pretty mature for his age, and the wise one in this case. Apollo's grief makes him weak and closed off where Dylan is concerned.
-The grief. It was done to perfection. The dead partner's trope is not my favorite, but here it felt real without it being overwhelmingly angsty. And how refreshing that the dead man is not presented like the bad guy, or someone lesser than Dylan. Apollo really loved Neal, and he just can't let him go, despite all these new feelings he has for Dylan.
The most powerful scene in the book was the one where Apollo finally makes peace with his loss. I may have cried a little bit.
"...I want to live again, Neal. I need to live again.[...]
You don't deserve to be my ghost..."
-The smex. Two words: mirror sex! Apollo has a dirty, dirty mouth on him, and a thing for mirrors. Nuff said.
-The kids. I really don't care about kids in my books, but I liked Apollo's twin daughters. Their presence was important to the plot, but I didn't feel that they stole page time from the MCs. Also, they were portrayed very realistically, like actual 5 year olds instead of adults trapped in kids' bodies.
-Greek MC! Ok, the truth is that apart from Apollo's name and a few mentions of his relatives, there's nothing Greek about the story, but hey...I'll take what I can get.
-Very solid HEA. It was almost too much, but this is just who Apollo and Dylan is.
Bottom line, I may have liked Off Base a little bit more, but this second installment was a big winner too. Recommended!
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