Rough Terrain

Just what I needed in a challenging world, an M/M romance that shows two nice people falling in love and having hot sex. This is why I like contemporary romance sometimes; no fancy paranormal or sci-fi plot gimmicks, just the joys and terrors of finding someone who isn't perfect but is perfect for you. Both Canaan and Renzo have their insecurities and baggage, but they move naturally from attraction to like to love with only a minimum amount of angst. The fake boyfriend plot isn't even necessary (neither is the Evil Ex); I would have been happy to hang out with them while they open up and get to know each other in and out of bed.

This was my first book in this series though it will not be my last. The slow burn story was amazing from beginning to end. Well thought out, well written and paced perfectly. The story played heavily on family and planning which kept me interested. I enjoyed the way that Ms. Albert wove Renzo's military family into the story along with both other families. I'm surprised that this book isn't rated higher. Highly recommended.

This is a sweet romance between navy seal Renzo, and a smoothie maker (remember Game Changer?!)/ex drummer/nursing student Caanan, around the fake boyfriend trope.

The outing where Canaan requires a fake boyfriend is a camping trip in some canyon national park - I didn't catch whether it was Utah but sounded like it. The drama that unfolds there is a satisfying read that saves the book.

Pesky, fastidious things come up in this book around appearances and sex, and Albert creates an unusual situation where the character who is all good looks, muscle and accomplishment is the one who is insecure about sex.

Canaan is an innocent in the world, kind and caring, and was knifed in the back at work, ie manipulated out of his role in the band. show more Renzo is a perfectionist in all things to do with his work and rising through the ranks, but as sea when it comes to personal happiness. This tension between the two life experiences is a solid basis for the story.

Somehow the MCs names are bound up in this too. I know that a response to a name is a subjective thing, but their names are perfect here - Canaan with that massively strong name; and Renzo with his somewhat romantic, flamboyant name. Albert has named them perfectly, but you might have expected that she would have given the drummer the name Renzo and the seal, Canaan.

I'm often amazed at how skilful writers are at naming their characters. And listening to the audiobook of Rough Terrain, time and again I thought what an asset to each MC their name was.

As usual, the author's empathy for characters and ability to write the most touching scenes is why I'll always pick up one of her books when I find one. show less

A solid 3.5..!!!

The Out of Uniform series has been so much fun to read, especially considering the unique challenges that the characters face due to being part of the lgbtq community while also being from the armed forces. This book is obviously bittersweet because it’s the end of the series, but I was so happy to have been able to get the review copy.

Canaan is a nursing student working as a smoothie barista and also a former drummer. Despite missing his bandmates, he doesn’t really miss touring anymore and is very confident about his chosen path. He also enjoys ogling at the SEALS and it took some time for me to figure out out that he is the one who had an almost threesome with Ben and Maddox in On Point. I particularly liked his show more flirty nature and very open communication.

Renzo carries a lot of guilt from a childhood incident and also feels burdened by the expectations of his family. He is also very insecure about sex and certain bad experiences have put him off any relationships. However, he is wonderful at his job and also very devoted towards his fitness regimen; it was actually quite interesting to see a character who is sort of a social media fitness icon.

The attraction between Canaan and Renzo was almost immediate but I loved the development of their friendship first. They have such open and honest conversations, especially about Ren’s sexual hangups and it was very refreshing to read. There are lot of very sexy and sweet moments and it was a delight to see the progression of their love. Even when they are threatened by separation due to the nature of the job, each of them only thinks what’s best for the other and they made me cry a bit. I absolutely loved the resolution and the HEA.

There was a lot of importance given to family bonding in the book and I think it was done really well. Despite both of them having to make life changing decisions due to family issues, they are never resentful and their relationships are depicted beautifully. There are a few good friendships too but we don’t see them developed a lot, except Canaan’s ex who is definitely a douche. And that little awkward cameo of Ben and Maddox was a wonderful surprise.

Even though the first two books in this series will always be special, this book is definitely a nice addition and I liked that the author decided to end it on such a sweet note. Definitely recommend if you like Annabeth Albert’s adorable love stories. show less

Rough Terrain by Annabeth Albert
Book #7: Out of Uniform Series
Source: NetGalley
My Rating: 5/5 stars

**MINI-REVIEW**

The Bottom Line: I know I say this every single time I review one of these books, but they just keep getting better, staying totally fresh and relevant, and reaffirming my love of this genre. While I generally like one of the leads better than the other (in most books, let’s be fair!) but I found myself equally enamored with both Renzo and Canaan this time around. Renzo is such a wonderful blend of confidence and self-doubt, while Canaan is simply a care giver through and through. In other words, Renzo and Canaan are the perfect balance, perfect match for one another. To say Renzo and Canaan are put through the wringer is show more a vast understatement, yet through everything, they support and encourage one another, love one another, and try to overcome each obstacle one at a time. It isn’t all fun and games (and hiking trips) and as expected, there is an emotional roller coaster component to this that always make me quite happy. What else makes me happy?? Grandpa!! As far as secondary characters go, Grandpa kind of killed it and I am so glad to have had him along for the ride. In all, Rough Terrain was an excellent read and I am so glad to still be finding strength and variety in this series. show less

Pre-flood:
I really did not like the beginning. Canaan was very pushy and also straightforward, and I liked his honesty, but that combination is very intimidating. But then I started warming up to him. It's refreshing when you don't have to guess what you're love interest thinks and wants, coz he tells it to your face. The dialogue was sometimes awkward however.

Ren was a surprise. I thought he would be more flirty and laid-back, you know, a dudebro. He is quite the opposite. Very self-concious when it comes to sex, with good reason, which I found funny at first. Coz that wasn't a problem in any of the MM books I've read. But yes it's a real problem I guess, and not that funny.
I kind of expected them to be in a reversed role, this dynamic show more felt weird at first, but I liked it. Macho guy needing reassurance.

This fake boyfriend trope did not work that well for me. Before they became fake boyfriends, it was established that they liked each other more than just friends, there was mutual interest. I mean Canaan was coming on so strong, he couldn't have been any clearer. So it was very frustrating when Renzo was thinking 'oh he just sucked me off to get back at his ex, because of revenge. He didn't really want to'. Dude, he's so into you, he literally told you he wants you, whyyy are you acting like this. Grrr. :@

Past-flood:
Everything was better after what went down in the canyon. Renzo seemed to be more trusting, which helped the relationship move forward, and their feelings to go deeper.

The best part of this book was the preview of the author's new book, Arctic Sun. I'm looking forward to the new series. show less

This series isn't happy-go-lucky, but it IS consistently pretty heartwarming. After reading a dark and stressful mystery romance I was pleased to have another of these to whip out like an antidote. =D I can't do Hallmark Movie levels of fluff, but this fulfills a similar comfort for me. This had a few small slightly weaker spots, but overall I liked the characters and felt good about their HEA.