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*

Bless Apollo's broken heart. He's so torn. Torn that he is not honoring his husbands memory, thinks he does not deserve to be happy again, does not want to lead anyone on.....but he can't help himself when he is reconnected with his best friend's younger brother Dylan.....

Dylan has always had a crush on Apollo, but now he's all grown up and just as quirky as ever. He's determined to be a friend to Apollo for the summer while he is helping him out with his two young daughter's. But of course, he cannot help himself around this sexy man, and of course....he falls for him.

But can these two men find their way towards what they each so desperately want and need if one does not think he is worthy?

I am so in love with this series! And Annabeth Albert did another excellent job in writing tow MC's that you can't help but both love and hurt for!!

Another good read from Annabeth Albert, who always delivers sexy and interesting dynamics in her romances. This one features a slow-burn age-gap relationship that involves grief, love, family, and hope. The emotional journey of the characters could have been more fully developed (the ending felt rushed), but this was very engaging and well-written.

Loved it! These two guys were perfect for each other. To be honest, I wasn't a fan of book one but this book was fantastic. The second chance stories are always a favorite for me and reading about Apollo getting his HEA after such a great loss was such a great read. Dylan never giving up on what he wanted just proves that there are people that know what they want in their lives and know there are things that are worth fighting for. Strength, resilience to never give up, and true love are worth fighting for.

I loved it.

Ms. Albert is a fairly new to me author. I read the first book ( Off Base ) in the Out of Uniform series, and though I liked it, I wasn't crazy about the principals and/or the story arc. I'm so glad I listened to friends & fans of Ms. Albert & decided to request At Attention on Netgalley because I enjoyed it so much. I finally get the Annabeth Albert hype & I'm singing her praises now too. Lucky me - so many books in her back catalog.

At Attention is Apollo's story. We met him & liked him in the first book - but weren't given much of his back story. And it's heartbreaking. After finding and losing the love of his life two years ago (hmmm), he's raising twin 5 year old girls with some help from his mom & in-laws. He runs his family/home life like he ran his SEAL teams - organization, discipline & a well defined routine/plan define each day. Weighed down by his grief over Neal's death two years ago, consumed with his professional and personal responsibilities, and convinced he'll never love again, Apollo is an automaton just getting by day-to-day.

That is, until Apollo spots a hottie in the grocery aisle and can't force himself to look away.

Dylan is in San Diego to spend the summer with his brother (and Apollo's best friend), and work at the local Boys & Girls club when he spots Apollo checking him out in the grocery aisle. He recognizes the older man right away - because he had a massive crush on him as a fifteen year old. He makes every effort to catch Apollo ogling him - but Apollo refuses to give him any opening to approach. He likes the attention and knows he'll get his chance with Apollo soon enough. After all, he's just picking up beer for the cookout he's been invited to at Apollo's house later that afternoon. Wink, wink.

When Apollo realizes who Dylan is, he's relieved (sort of). Dylan is his friends kid brother & therefor, even if he wanted to hook up with him (he does), that makes him off limits. He feels guilty about his attraction to Dylan, and disloyal to Neal. Events & circumstances conspire to bring them together anyway. Apollo needs help with the girls during the summer (his mother is taking a trip) and Dylan is great with kids. Before he really knows what's happening, Dylan is moving in and Apollo is facing a day-to-day struggle to keep his intense attraction to Dylan under wraps. It's just too bad for him that Dylan has a completely different agenda for their summer relationship.

Lucky for us, Dylan is a babe. He's also great with children and Apollo. Attraction leads to flirting and flirting leads to sexy times. And when I say sexy, I mean it. Ms. Albert more than makes up for the not-so-hot Off Base hook-ups between Zack & Pike with some terrific sex scenes between Apollo and Dylan. Both men know what they're doing in the sack (though Apollo has some new skillz to teach Dylan) and the sex is hot. I loved their dirty talk in bed & how Ms. Albert ramped up the anticipation between Apollo and Dylan & then gave us supremely satisfying (and romantic) sex scenes. The relationship, the sex, the feelings - it's all intense and unfortunately, ripe for one or both men to screw up.

The fling/relationship goes off the rails when a secret Dylan's kept from Apollo is abruptly revealed when both men are still struggling to figure out what they mean to each other. Though they both know in their hearts the relationship is more than a fling, only one of them is willing or emotionally able to admit it. Guess who?

I loved almost everything about this story, especially Dylan. He's so much more in touch with his emotions than Apollo - and despite his age, he shows great emotional maturity as he deals with all of Apollo's hangups and anxieties. I wasn't as crazy about Apollo, perhaps because I was raised by a type-A military dad & well, let's just say I think Ms. Albert does an excellent job selling those things as positives (when they aren't!). And in case it isn't clear, I loved the sexual relationship between Apollo and Dylan. No fumbling, no awkwardness. Dirty, naughty & intense - no wonder they couldn't keep their hands off each other.

At Attention deserves your attention - it's so good.

I called it. This book is filled with angst, and I loved it. At Attention is a slow burn, sexy, age gap romance, and it delivers.

We met Apollo Floros in Off Base as a Lieutenant, 34, with the SEALs and we had learned that his husband had passed away sometime before the series began. In this book, from Apollo’s POV, we get a better sense just how deep his despair is. With his husband’s death, Apollo probably would have spiraled into depression. He’s never gotten grief counseling, but the one thing that keeps him going is his twin girls, Chloe and Sophia. Apollo’s mother usually looks after them, but for this one summer, she’s booked a vacation to Europe and will be away for two months. Apollo’s work schedule keeps him busy and he needs someone to relive him of some every day work and to look after the girls when he’s gone.

Apollo’s best friend’s younger brother, Dylan, has had a crush on Apollo ever since he met him at 15. It’s a cute little crush, but now Dylan is out of college, 23, and in need of a place to stay over the summer while he works as a children’s day camp counselor. He gets hired on to help Apollo out around the house, and woah, the sparks start flying. It’s definitely more lust and physical attraction rather than love that overtakes the two and Apollo and Dylan are hot.

Apollo is constantly feeling guilty about his conflicted feelings toward Dylan. The man still keeps his wedding ring on, but goodness sakes. He has a very regimented system in place, not only at work, but around the house as well that, luckily, Dylan adapts to pretty well. Dylan’s had lovers in high school and college, but he has to remind Apollo that he’s not a kid anymore. Dylan is an adult with responsibilities and I like that he knows when to set his foot down in order to make Apollo make up his mind and stop being so wishy-washy.

I love the alternating POV, so that we can get a sense of how Apollo and Dylan feel about each other. If it were just from Apollo’s POV, we would never be able to know that Dylan is struggling between accepting their relationship as a hot summer fling with an end date or wanting it to be something more. If this were just in Dylan’s POV, we would never know that Apollo’s is terrified of letting go of his ex and also starting to realize that Dylan might mean something more to him than just a kid brother of his best friend. There’s a definite age-gap between Apollo and Dylan, but I’m just dying whenever Apollo makes himself out to be one step away from a hospice. He’s only 34. And Apollo’s tattoo. It’s so cliché and cringe worthy, but it is meaningful.

Apollo’s twin girls are 5-years-old, but they never feel intrusive. They’re absolutely adorable and I loved reading about them. Kids in romance storylines can often feel like they’re just in the way of the main couple getting together, but the author manages to work Chloe and Sophia into the storyline and actually makes me love them.

The secondary characters are very enjoyable to read. Apollo’s friends, Ben and Maddox, are entertaining as hell and has the potential to be very interesting. I’m hoping we get a story with these two, so they can get a HEA. At the moment, it seems very much a one-sided romance and I AM HERE FOR THIS. Isaiah is introduced late in the story, but I think his story would be enjoyable to read since we hardly know anything about him. Zack and Pike from Off Base appear in this story a few times and are still totally adorable.

Apollo and Dylan are just heart-wrenchingly angsty, but I can understand why. Sex is not a problem for these two (*coughmirrorsexcough*), but everything else is a hurdle they need to overcome. I was audibly gasping out loud in the last two chapters at some very <333 moments and I simply can’t wait to see what else Annabeth Albert has in store for the Out of Uniform universe!!!

***Thanks to Carina Press for providing me an ARC through NetGalley***

Annabeth Albert just keeps getting better and better! Not only is this book sexy, it hits you right in the feels over and over again! 5/5 stars.

*This novel is the military equivalent to a GRAND SLAM!*

I can't get over how well Annabeth can weave a story of love, hope, broken hearts, keep me tangled up in knots, staying up all night, and eagerly flipping the pages in search of that HEA.

The second book in the Out of Uniform series was one I was highly anticipated and jumped at the chance to review. Off base having been the first M/M and not knowing what to expect, this novel gave me everything that one didn't. (in only the best ways) Two experienced men.(not fumbling first timers, though I did love that) and smoking hot heat to go along with it!

I loved the dynamic the children and families brought to the table as this made it seem like something out of real life, which i highly enjoy.

this book is a definite re-read for me, and I am hoping there is more Brewing for Maddox, Ben, Isiah and the rest of the gang!

At Attention sizzles off the pages with its hot sex, dirty talk and the sexy as hell banter. I enjoyed Apollo and Dylan very much and I look forward to reading more

great read, good couple.

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.

"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 Apollo.

"'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, and puzzle pieces—the permanent kind.

Give yourself over to this book. Savor every moment.

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 true.

-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 me eager 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!

~ Book provided by NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion

Truth be told after reading the synopsis I was a bit afraid - for two reasons. First because I couldn't quite remember who Apollo was and if he even was in the previous book. I'm bad at remembering names, let me tell you that. Reason number two was that a few days ago I've read a book about a married guy with children, who was secretly gay, but never came out to his wife and then she died. So, because I couldn't remember who Apollo was, I thought it would be the other book all over again. Note: I didn't like that other book. But of course, I didn't need to worry, everything was totally different. I really need to work at remembering names. I remembered there was a guy in the military who was gay with children, but I didn't know anymore that that man was Apollo.

So if you made it through my little "I am stupid" paragraph, let me tell you that I love this book. I rarely give a book a full 5 star rating, but I just can't do anything different with At Attention. I loved the character, loved the story and loved the writing.

I loved Dylan, Apollo's love interest. He was adorable. ADORABLE. He didn't push Apollo into starting something new after his husband's death, but let him decide the pace. Also he was really good with the children. He was fun and at the same time everyone thought of him as a child, even though he's long grown up.

Then there was Apollo. There were some scenes where I wanted to bash his head in, because he kept hurting my poor Dylan without knowing it, but I still also loved him.

At Attention didn't have too much talk about the military part of Apollo's job. There were a few scenes that dealed with that topic, but overall it only took a minor role in the book.

I can't wait to read the next book in the series, which could be about Ben and Maddox, but I'm not quite sure it actually is. I guess I have to wait and see.

Also I told myself to wait before I start reading At Attention. I didn't want to start till March. Joke's on me. I already finished it and it isn't even February yet. LOL.

Rating: 5 stars