I haven't read the other books in this series, but I will definitely be trying them after reading this book. On Point had everything I loved: slow burn, friends to lovers, and the military of course. Highly recommended!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆☆
4 Miscommunication stars.

On Point is the third installment of the Out of Uniform series by Annabeth Albert. Readers would have no issue reading On Point as a standalone. However, other characters from the previous books are mentioned, as Maddox and Ben's journey started in those books, so it would help form an emotional connection to the main characters sooner to read about them from book one.

Maddox and Ben are on the same Navy SEAL team, roommates, best friends, and ignorant to the fact that the other is in love with them. On Point is definitely the epitome of friends-to-lovers, with slow-burn romance tossed in.

The novel starts out with a bang, deep in military action, which is the catalyst for the life change for both characters.

Ben is a cad after his divorce, and Maddox has forever been a homebody. In the beginning of the book, there is a bit of a mystery about what angst both Ben and Maddox are fretting over. I will say, it was hotter than Hades (the voyeurism). This lust-driven passion didn't last past that point, as romance became more front and center for the guys. The between-the-sheets action felt tucked in between scenes, not necessarily flowing into the story.

When Ben and Maddox started dating, it's like the book shifted gears and became a bit too sugary sweet. It was abrupt after the first half.

Since these guys have been best friends for 12 years, had each other's backs in combat, and saved each other’s lives, it was bizarre that they wouldn't trust each other enough to 'talk it out.' There are hundreds of pages of miscommunication on the pages, where a single 3-minute conversation would have cleared up any and all conflict. So, if they knew so little of the other in over a decade, where is this love stemming from? (In regards to Maddox wanting a different sort of life.)

Usually this type of plot rubs me a bit raw, but in the case of friends-to-lovers, it lent validity to their journey. But near the 80% mark of the book, it did get a bit much for me to swallow, where I started to resent the characters for not being adult enough to just talk. It felt a bit drawn out due to this.

Recommended to fans of MM Romance, especially those who need a ton of romance and a happily ever after. I'm highly looking forward to the fourth book in the series, and enjoy this author's writing style.

Note: I had an advance copy, so they may have been resolved. The flashbacks weren't denoted by italics, with an extra space, or a symbol. I struggled many times trying to figure out if it was in the past or present. The present would flow right into the past and back into the present without the reader knowing. This type of storytelling does even out after the halfway mark. But there was another occasion near the end, where Ben is remembering an event similar to the one he's experiencing in the now, and I had no idea it was a flashback for three paragraphs, and it was beyond confusing.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars

I absolutely loved this story! This series is all about military men and, for the first time, the author starts the story with a terrifying SEAL deployment that goes horribly wrong. The initial action sequence is horrific but grimly realistic and it provides readers with an intense introduction to Ben and Maddox. Once home, this friends-to-lovers story is gritty and full of soul searching angst as Ben and Maddox weigh their feelings for each other against the very different future each man envisions for himself.

During rehabilitation, Maddox realises he doesn’t want to re-enlist. He wants to open a bakery and he wants a husband and a family. Ben can’t wait until he’s cleared and medically fit. He loves being a SEAL. He’s also terrified of commitment. For years, Maddox and Ben have been inseparable. They live together, they socialise together, and they’ve been secretly in love with each other for much of their friendship. And their sexual chemistry is off the charts (there are some scorching hot scenes in this book!). These two are wonderful together.

I do have a couple of reservations about this book – there were moments where Ben’s self-destructive behaviour was more than irritating. I also struggled with Maddox’s need for a traditional, monogamous heteronormative life. The experienced Navy SEAL reads a little bit like a needy Bridget Jones at times and some scenes feel unnecessarily emasculating. This is the second book in this series that seems to assign m/m couples outdated traditional m/f gender roles and mindsets and it really doesn’t work for me.

I know I’m over analysing a wonderful story that I read in a single sitting. It left me on a feel-good high and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The friends-to-lovers story is intensified by the fact that these two aren’t just friends, they regularly entrust their lives to each other. This is definitely my favourite story in the series and I’m hoping for some more action scenes in the next book.


Angie – ☆☆☆☆☆
I really enjoy this series, alpha men, hot sex, and deep feelings. How can you go wrong with that? You can't in my book. There were times I wanted to smack the living hell out of Ben though, man, he really ticked me off a time or two. Maddox just made me want to crawl into my Kindle and hug him. These two had such deep feelings for each other but were so afraid to tell the other one; I get it, I really do, but sometimes you just have to jump in with both feet. I loved seeing couples from previous books too, that was nice. I loved how Maddox would hum or sing to calm himself down, my nephew does that and it just made me connect with him more as a character. There are some smoking hot sex scenes too. I hope we get to see more of these two in upcoming books and I hope there isn't a long wait, I need more!


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/M Military Romance

Ben and Maddox have known each other for years. There was always a deep friendship, but both were attracted to each other, but the timing was always off. When the timing is right, both Ben and Maddox take a chance.

Both men are fit and yummy to think about – they can tangle with the baddest people around but when their feelings take them further into a relationship, they are explosive. I liked that their relationship was developed – it wasn't an insta-love relationship, but one that was years in the making. They knew each other and that helped to create great chemistry and love.

When things happen, trust is needed, love and forgiveness too. Will Ben and Maddox let their relationship die or take a chance and maybe get what they have both wanted for so long?


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
Ben and Maddox are best friends, Navy SEAL teammates, and also roommates. But their relationship is strained. At the beginning of the story the guys are seriously injured on a mission. The story takes us from the present where they are in the Indonesian jungle, to times of the past few months, showing us how things between them became so strained.

When the guys return to US soil, they agree to date while they are recovering from their injuries. I loved Ben and Maddox. They are different but they fit together perfectly, even though they don't necessarily see it. They are trying so hard to be together, but their inability to be open and honest causes problems.

On Point had a huge emotional pull for me. It is dual point of view and I loved both guys, so when they were having troubles, I didn't know whose side to take. My heart was all confused and I shed tears several times. Luckily, by the end of the book I'd cried happy tears too. I loved On Point and I know this is a book that is going to be one that gets added to my re-read list.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the series, and is a great addition, giving us Ben and Maddox's story. The characters from the other books do feature, so it would be sensible (and very enjoyable) to read them in order, but this is a strong book that could stand alone.

These two men are the very best of friends and work colleagues, and yet have been hiding their feelings for each other for years – and only because they fear losing their friendship, rather than any ethical SEAL issues. Living in the same house puts a strain on everything, as Ben continues to work his way through the local twink population – something that, due to a voyeuristic moment, gives us one amazingly hot scene!

The story cuts forwards and back a few times, to give context and to establish just why things have to change. The op that they are on together that goes wrong is described in vivid detail, making quite an impression on me. It serves its purpose in bringing their fears and dreams into sharp relief and requiring them both to do some serious thinking.

I found Maddox to be a really interesting character, with his strict upbringing, which rejected him, yet he still found peace in his beliefs and friends in a more welcoming community. His love of baking and cooking, and his desire for calm – even though he was a prize-winning sharpshooter. The drive to succeed and make his hateful family proud was more important than his own needs – so much was woven into his character as we read further into the story. I am not saying that I didn't like Ben, but he was the more vivacious and yet needy of the two, and so pulled less at my heartstrings!

Really looking forward to seeing what comes next and catching up with these guys.

This book was FLAMAZING!! Super hot. Hottt with a great story, very engaging story and characters. I really liked the authenticity of the SEAL details. Inever felt like the author was showing off her research. I've read one other in this series and it too was awesome.

4.5 - 5... these boys just about broke me. *sigh* Ben and Maddox have been the fun 'non-couple' for a while now. Their relationship was inevitable, but it wasn't easy.

Maddox and Ben both did some soul searching while they were waiting for their rescue. Things started getting complicated once they got home. They were both dealing with the fact that they almost lost each other. Maddox was more than ready to give them a chance, but Ben was so afraid of losing Maddox that he was afraid to risk it.

I loved these guys, but I wasn't kidding about them just about breaking me. It would have been really easy to get upset with Ben for his reluctance, but he was truly terrified. When Maddox stalled on re-enlisting, that terror was magnified. He tried to over compensate and be the 'perfect boyfriend' but that drove Maddox nuts. He just wanted Ben.

I also loved seeing the characters from the previous books in the Out of Uniform series. They loved and supported Ben and Maddox. They also knew that Maddox and Ben cared about each other and were more than room mates long before they did. So yeah, they almost broke me but it was totally worth it in a way. I walked away from this one feeling good about the future Ben and Maddox were finally ready to build with each other.

The Out of Uniform series by Annabeth Albert has had some interesting heroes to date – a virgin newish recruit in book one, Off Base, and a widowed active duty father in book two, At Attention. Now she turns her hand to a fairly common trope, that of best friends and roommates who are attracted to each other, a classic friends-to-lovers romance. But being Navy SEALs, in an environment where the ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ political policies of previous administrations still resonate despite being repealed, makes it no easy task to admit to their feelings. On Point tackles these complications in a heartfelt (and sometimes heart stopping!) way, providing an exciting and sexy romance with characters who have to go through an awkward transition phase before they get their happy ending as a couple.

For ten years, since basic training, Maddox Horvat and Ben Tovey have had each other’s backs. Enlisting at a time when being gay was not openly admitted, some leading conversations had them admitting the truth to each other and they’d become best friends. A relationship between them though? No way. Over the course of their friendship they’ve each had other partners, including a whirlwind marriage and divorce for Ben. After the breakup of his marriage Ben moved in with Maddox while getting back on his feet, and ended up staying permanently as his roommate.

Coming up on thirty, Maddox isn’t sure whether he’s going to re-enlist but hasn’t figured out a way to tell Ben yet. When their latest mission puts them in harm’s way, they are forced to confront their feelings for each other. Life or death decisions have a way of sharpening reality and soon, they’re going to have to make choices that could keep them together or break them apart for good.

The first section of this story is a nail biter! I don’t want to give away too many details except to say that it is an action packed mission with some pretty serious consequences. After such an exciting start the story settles down into less action but more emotion as Maddox and Ben deal with the fallout. But what happens during that time affects both of them quite seriously, physically and emotionally.

Maddox and Ben are quite different characters. Maddox is a quiet, calm and focused guy which makes him an excellent sniper. When he’s in a relationship, he’s all in. Ben is the playboy, the easy-going guy who has had his heart broken and is only looking for sex and not commitment. Ben brings Maddox’s attraction for him out in the open by instigating a voyeuristic threesome with a hookup guy he brings home, and since then things have been strained between them. Ben is worried that he’s screwed things up badly by trying to bring sex into what had been – to that point – a platonic and strong friendship.

For them both, their latest mission is a real wake-up call about their feelings for each other but definitely doesn’t make things easier. Once home again, Ben wants to pursue an intimate relationship in private and Maddox is unable to say no to something he’s always wanted. Maddox wants more than just a secret friends-with-benefits arrangement, but gender aside, romantic relationships between teammates are forbidden, so to remain working together in the military means they can’t be open about what’s changed between them. The problem would be solved if Maddox left the military, which he is seriously contemplating, but this becomes a main source of conflict for the couple. Ben is sometimes frustrating here, because he comes across as selfish in his focus on how much he relies on Maddox to be at his back. He really struggles to understand that Maddox has different feelings about re-enlisting, and sees it as a betrayal of their friendship, instead of looking at it from his best friend’s point of view.

Like in many families, being gay can come with many challenges and this is the case for Maddox. He’s got parents and a sister who are proud of him being in the military but absolutely do not accept that he is gay. There are some heartbreaking scenes between them, ones that affirm for Maddox how lucky he is to have his real family, his Navy family, at his back. Ben has a supportive father, but a strained relationship with his mother – not because of being gay, but because she left him and his father when he was younger. It’s given him a lot of self esteem issues that he hides behind his brash, confident persona, but inside makes him wonder whether he’s worthy of love. He has to address some of those feelings before he can be a committed partner for Maddox.

What I am really enjoying about this series is that it takes a realistic look at the challenges facing men in the military. While there is obviously an emphasis on the extra issues for gay men, it takes into account all the other things like at-home partners, family relationships, health issues, PTSD, and post military careers. It’s not an easy life, and finding love amid the turmoil is something to be celebrated. Maddox and Ben are realistically portrayed with all their flaws and the courage that makes them honorable soldiers. On Point is an exciting and emotionally satisfying story and the Out of Uniform series continues to deliver well-crafted military romances.

This review has been posted at All About Romance.

This book gave me a case of reviewers block, so I'll keep it short and sweet.

What I loved:

-Best friends to lovers
-Well developed characters and characters growth
-Awesome chemistry between Maddox and Ben
-I won't go into detail, but there were a couple of things I've never seen from Annabeth Albert before, and she nailed them.
-And the end was sweet and fluffy.

This book just further cemented why I love this series and this author! 5 Stars!

I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I love Annabeth Albert and her Out of Uniform series is seriously wonderful!!! I have been looking forward to Maddox and Ben's love story since they were first introduced. It was obvious to anyone who met them that they had this special something between them.

Now, if you haven't read Off Base or At Attention, (plus the extra short Homecoming which is available via Instafreebie: https://instafreebie.com/free/kbNNR), don't despair. You don't have to read the preceding books in this series since they are each standalone. But, why would you do that to yourself? This series is so awesome!!! I think you should read each book, and it does help to read them since you are introduced to Ben and Maddox prior to this book. You will get a better feel for their dynamic.

Like I said, I have been looking forward to reading about Ben and Maddox for a long time, and I was very interested in learning why they were not a couple yet. I didn't particularly like Ben's reasoning for not being in a relationship again since his divorce. He's crazy about Maddox - and I understand him not wanting to mess up his friendship, but he refused to at least try to be with Maddox. At first. See, Ben realizes that at some point Maddox is going to find someone to marry and buy a house with, have kids, the whole shebang. And Ben is all super jealous about that, and yet he still practically breaks out in hives at the thought of being in another relationship. But his jealousy is greater and since nobody is good enough in Ben's eyes for Maddox, Ben decided to give being in a relationship with Maddox a try.

Maddox is super suspicious at first - who wouldn't be? Ben has been on his anti-relationship kick for years now, and for him to suddenly change his mind - Maddox is giving Ben "what the fuck" face a lot. :-)

[Okay, they do the secret relationship thing because Maddox doesn't want to explain this to their friends or co-workers, especially since Maddox is so uncertain about this "thing" lasting. Ben does everything he can think of to be "The Best Boyfriend EVER," and it does indeed woo Maddox. Buuuuuut, Maddox is not re-enlisting and Ben is super mad because now his Best Friend, his team mate (the man who always had his back) wasn't going to be there with him, and Ben feels super betrayed. Storming out, non-communication, and copious amounts of alcohol consumption abound, until finally Ben gets his head stuck on right and sees that Maddox is entitled to be happy with his life, and if being a SEAL wasn't it (Maddox wants and does open a small bakery), then Ben finally becomes okay with that. (hide spoiler)]

The majority of the story is after Maddox and Ben are seriously injured in the jungle. They recuperate together, help each other when their breaks and pains are too much, and just generally are there for the other. Now, how to say this without seeming to downer the story....after seeing more of Ben, I didn't really get Maddox's infatuation. Ben was/is a player and he brings home different men all the time, and Maddox has seen him with these men [it kind of turn Maddox on to watch and there is a little ménage...sort of (hide spoiler)]. So what Maddox sees in Ben I don't really know. Is he a good man? Yes. Is he smart? A good team mate? Trust worthy in the field? Yes, yes and yes. But again, Ben is a player. He wasn't always that way; his divorce really messed him up, but we don't get to see Ben before the divorce, so we are left clueless as to the type of man he was before that.

Aside from wishing Ben's epiphany about trying a relationship with Maddox hadn't been so clinical, yes, clinical I say, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and can't wait for the next book in the series. Can't wait for the audio to come out!!! :-D

In this friends to lovers story, Maddox and Ben has been in the Navy together since the beginning, relying on each other whether on a mission or not. Ben's been playing the field, preferring one-night-stands over commitment as his last relationship left him with scars. When one of the casual encounters ends up involving Maddox, everything changes between the two men.

Maddox has been keeping his feelings about Ben to himself, but when a fateful night changes all of that, their relationship with Ben becomes strained. Maddox wants a steady relationship, commitment, stability -- and he wants it with Ben, but he hesitates to talk to him about it, causing tensions between the two friends.

When a mission goes awry and Ben and Maddox are in dire straits, it's a huge gut check for both of them. I loved this part of On Point -- it's super suspenseful and I felt Ben and Maddox's anguish as they both are faced with a very serious situation.

But Maddox and Ben still can't really talk to each other openly and honestly. Maddox makes assumptions about Ben and so does Ben. When Maddox makes a decision that impacts them both, Ben has quite a bit of soul searching to do.

I loved the first half of this book. There was so much tension and unresolved conflict between these two that I just had to keep turning the pages to see what was going to happen. The second half got a little repetitious for me, and I wished that Ben and Maddox would just talk to each other. I did like that it took some time for them to find their way back to each other.

This is a terrific series and I'm eager to see the next story from this group of SEAL's. There's a vulnerability here that is done so very well.

An ARC was provided for review.

This has been a solid and well written military series thus far, and this installment fits right in with the rest. This could be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend reading the previous books to know who all the players are, as quite a few of them make appearances here.

Ben (who we met in At Attention) and Maddox are best friends, roommates and SEAL partners on the cusp of re-enlisting. They are on a mission when this begins, in which they are both seriously injured and barely made it home. They have been friends since they were young and both have had long-time crushes on the other. But the timing has always been off with each of them seeing other people. Then there is the issue of each of them believing the other can’t be what they need – Ben believes Maddox wants and needs the picket fence, monogamous, fall in love forever relationship; and Maddox believes Ben will never be able or want to make a long-term commitment (due to his past relationship). And they really don’t want to ruin their friendship, though lines have crossed here and there causing quite a bit of tension on that relationship.

It takes a while for these guys to get on the same page, or at least in the same book. There is a lot of miscommunication and assumptions that set them back, and a bit of heartbreak in between, before they both finally concede and convince each other they belong together. Also standing in the way of all this is their re-enlistment. Ben is a lifer who loves everything about being a SEAL, but that has all hinged on Maddox being by his side and having his back. Maddox, on the other hand, has other dreams, and being a SEAL just isn’t making him happy anymore. Short term, this feels like a betrayal, but long term, seems like an obvious solution and answer to some of their problems. As I said, it takes them a while to get there, but it was worth it in the end.

This continues to be a wonderful series with hot military action and sexy but vulnerable alpha males that is engaging and exciting, sexy, sweet and humorous at times but full of emotion as well. This was a fabulous addition to the series, and I am really looking forward to the next installment!

Sometimes a book will remind me of a song of three. And this one for me while reading On Point is Smooth Criminal...



That's what Ben is.

Well to me, anyway.

The couple that seemed super obvious finally happens in the friends to lovers romance, On Point. Navy SEALs Maddox and Ben are best friends for life. They do everything together ever since the beginning of their military careers, sharing life experiences along the way. Now nearing thirty, reenlisting is on the horizon and Maddox wants out. He's tired of pining for a man he can't have, tired of watching him hooking up with randoms and just wants to bake. Sniper Maddox is one of the best marksmen in the Navy, but his aims for the one man he loves? No dice.

Ben is anti relationship after his failed quickie marriage has been crashing at Maddox's condo for two years. Coming from a divorced home, he thinks love is a myth. And the closest thing he'll have to that his his friendship with Maddox. And maybe... he might be finally admitting his attraction to the quiet gentle giant. But he's not going to do anything about it because Maddox is all about monogamy and Ben is a one night kinda of guy.

Enter a shared mission where both men get injured and their priorities on life changes. Both men sort of get their heads out of their asses and do something the obvious chemistry they have.




I enjoyed the story. Almost as much as book #2, but not quite. What I loved is getting to learn about Ben and Maddox's backgrounds. See they share similar family angst: Maddox (ultra religious, conservative homophobes) and Ben (divorce, anger toward mother leaving to join a commune). Though I'm not going to lie, Maddox's family made me rage. I know families like that, you probably know families like that. Even reading about it still burns my skin.

Maddox's friends are his true family and realizes it. So when Ben offers to try something different and be together for a trial run, I was a little happy, a little hesitant.

I came to this with a different set of expectations for Maddox and Ben. I started this series on book #2 (my fave of the series so far). Maddox was the quiet one who observed everything and secretly pined. Ben was the man whore who is using his dick as his healing prod - fuck romance, just fuck. And we get a semblance of that and not really. The characters change a little, I was expecting their personalities to be a little different but it works for the story.

The sex is hot: versatile, seductive and bed pounding fun with a friend. Those are always great qualities to have. It might've been my favorite part during the sex scenes, the two were easily able to argue and fuck and then make. They could read each other, know how they were feeling. Good stuff. No telling, a lot of showing.

Do I have any issues with On Point?

My gripe is Ben. He is frustrating, stubborn and one tracked minded. Jesus Christ, he step in just so he can't have no one else? Years of being single together... and the moment he looks like he's over pining for your ass, now he's not as slow on the uptake? There were moments when Ben treated Maddox like a possession rather than a friend. And something about it pissed me off. Because for a while, he just wasn't getting that Maddox is more than his obligatory best friend who has to do everything with him but just can't get a piece of his heart romantically.

And sweet talked to get his way.

Even with that fucking gripe, I still enjoyed this story. Whose the bigger fool, me or Maddox?

I liked the men separately and as a couple. Do I think they'll last? Yeah, if the love wasn't there, there's be a field full of determination. The story ends with a sweet HEA, I was a little surprised but happy nonetheless.



Recommended for fans of friend to lovers, mild angst and bakers.

4.5 Stars

I’ve been anxiously awaiting Maddox and Ben’s story and this is probably my favorite of the 3 books in the series. I’m a huge fan of friends to lovers, especially between guys with so much history.

The opening few scenes with the guys was a bit scary and gruesome. Both guys went through some really heavy emotions and realized just how much they need each other. As the story progresses, they realize that they also take each other for granted.

While I loved what Ben did at the beginning of the book, I didn’t like how he acted in the middle of the book. I know he’s hurting from past experiences. I know he doesn’t want to trust or love Maddox but he doesn’t want to live without him and he kind of came off as a selfish, whiny b!tch at times. After their big blow up and his subsequent meltdown, I thought he was super sweet.

I liked Maddox throughout the book but he was a bit unfair to Ben by not being honest or telling him what he really wanted. He also didn’t trust him not to be a man whore which got in their way more than once.

When they finally put all the crap aside and really talked about what they want, their emotions really got to me. They are truly soulmates and need each other and it took falling apart for them to realize it…and it hurt a lot to read. But when they finally figure it out…oh man, it was so worth it.

“You were my best friend, and I used that as a...shield, sort of. It was easier to be your buddy than to admit that I was hopelessly in love with you.”

And Ms. Albert - Imma need a follow up novella. The tease at the end needs to happen. I NEED that.

And it looks like we get a book about – surprise – Dustin. I don’t know if I missed his sexuality in previous books or it wasn’t revealed but I’m a bit surprised by this and the description sounds AWESOME! Can not wait!

When you put together two hot Navy SEALS in a friends-to-lovers romance, you have the elements of a great story. Add in Annabeth Albert’s fantastic storytelling and you have a book that you won’t be able to put down. Each book in this series keeps getting better and better and I am eagerly awaiting the next one before this one is even released! I stayed up way past my bedtime with this one.

On Point goes back to a group of friends and SEAL teammates that we have already met, and we get to see how they are all doing in their relationships. This time focusing on Ben and Maddox, the story is told partly in flashbacks and partly in present day. In flashbacks, we relive the moments that caused an awkwardness to appear between these two best friends as they each realize that they have feelings for one another that go beyond friendship. In present day, we experience the terror and desperation of a mission gone wrong and Ben’s frantic attempts to save Maddox.

Through both of their recoveries, these two men are stubborn. They know how they feel about one another and give dating a try, but both harbor fears. Fears that they won’t be enough for the other person, fears that they will be abandoned, and fears that when their dating experiment fails, they won’t even have the friendship to fall back on.

Maddox and Ben are a delicious couple to watch. They are total opposites and yet fit together perfectly. Ben is the loud, brash, gung-ho soldier that muscles his way though everything. Maddox is an expert marksman who is solid and quiet, sings at church and dreams of opening a bakery. Ben is looking for Mr. Right Now at the local bars while Maddox is yearning for someone with whom he can have a quiet forever. They couldn’t be more different and yet Ms. Albert’s writing made me love them both and root for their happy ending.

Review copy provided for a voluntary review.

The blurb had me hooked - friends to lovers, military men, and a good amount of angst.

Maddox was immediately likeable. He’s calm and level-headed. Through his POV and flashbacks, readers get a front-row seat to how Maddox tried to suppress his feelings for Ben over the years, and how seeing Ben with other men hurt him.

It was easy to connect to Maddox. He just wanted someone to love, and for someone to love him back.

It took me more time to warm up to Ben. He spends much of the book being deliberately oblivious, refusing to acknowledge what Maddox meant to him.

The romance is slow and steady. Between their injuries and Ben’s refusal to acknowledge the truth, Maddox and Ben spend a lot of time circling around each other.

But I liked the slow build-up. The flashbacks and introspections paint of picture of Maddox and Ben that made it easy to root for them. The two so obviously belonged together.

Also, it was incredibly sweet how Ben tried to so hard to be the perfect boyfriend.

The main roadblock to their happiness is miscommunication. Both of these men find it difficult to share. It takes a while for the two to be honest and open with each other.

Maddox and Ben have to work hard for their happy ending, but once they finally do, it’s all sunshine and roses. The happy ever after was perfect.

If you’re looking for a friends-to-lovers MM read with a healthy dose of angst, I’d recommend giving ‘On Point’ a try!

My 4.5 star review is posted on Goodreads and will be posted on blog tour on blog and social media around release and links will be updated at that time.UPDATED 6/5/17

4.5 stars
This is Maddox and Ben's story. They have been best friends for over a decade and have become room mates for the last couple of years. They have always been there for each other but in recent months things have been more awkward due to sexual tension and unresolved feelings.

Maddox is the dependable, optimistic, in control, Navy sniper. He is serious about life and relationships. He is looking for a real partner. Ben has always been a confidence booster for him, but Maddox has never revealed his true feelings for his best friend. He has other interests besides the Navy and he is not sure if he wants to re-enlist again.

Ben had a bad relationship that turned him against them. He is bitter, angry, broody, and only parties and hooks up now. He relies on Maddox to have his back, and is dedicated to the Navy. He feels unworthy and not good enough at times.

This story throws Maddox and Ben into challenging situations physically and emotionally. We see them fighting for their lives on a mission and in need of rescue. We see flashbacks of the situations that caused awkwardness in their friendship and was causing them to drift apart. We also see them try to figure out their issues and explore more options together.

There is danger and suspense, tender moments, sexy times, and emotional turmoil. These two are so bonded together, but that also gives them baggage. They both have fears, insecurities, trust and communication issues, Both are afraid to trust and believe that they could have more that could last. They have differing experiences and ideas about relationships and their future careers. Their family dynamics have shaped them in various ways and reinforced some personal feelings. It is easier for them to avoid the touchy subjects at times adding more problems. But the biggest issue is fear of losing the other.

This was suspenseful, emotional, angsty, sexy best-friends-to-lovers-story. I was drawn in with the perilous military action in the beginning, but was distracted a bit by the time jumps and flashbacks providing more of the background to their issues. But this story can almost be divided up into sections with one focusing more on a mission, one the after effects, then the trial with attempting to progress their relationship. Of course there is drama, angst, and growing pains. These guys are so emotionally tied, but struggling to figure out how to deal with changes and not hurting the other or getting hurt themselves. They are opposites in a lot of ways, but also could balance each other. But there were times I wanted to shake both of them, especially Ben. The characters were well developed and their fears and flaws were quite fleshed out. I was expecting the drama to occur, but I am not sure I completely bought into how some of it played out. But that was the only small issue I had and I got over it by the end.

It will all come down to believing in themselves and the other and deciding if they can take a leap of faith. They have always trusted each other with their lives, but it is more difficult with their hearts. These two definitely had a lot of changes to navigate, and it was an engaging and dynamic story. I enjoyed getting more with the other couples from the series: Pike and Zack and Apollo and Dylan. I was so glad to get an epilogue.

I am looking forward to Dustin in Wheel's Up

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Cupcake - 4.5 Hearts

I don’t even have the words to express how glad I am that this worked out. I tiptoed into this house of cards like it was going to come crashing down around me at any second.



But it turned out to be my most successful Albert read! I devoured it too.

Maddox and Ben are best friends who are on the same SEAL team. I’m a fan of the friends to lovers trope and this was really good best-friends-who-don’t-want-to-lose-their-best-friend-but-damn-I’m-so-attracted-to-everything-about-you. There is also quite a bit of mission action and I enjoyed that plus all the SEAL/military speak.

Mad and Ben are on a mission that’s gone tits up for much of the first half with flashbacks of their recent past. Both are hurt pretty badly and it’s touch and go there for a minute as to whether or not Mad is going to make it. Being inside both of their head’s during this time really showed me how much they love each other and gave me a good sense of the fundamentals of both of them as characters.

Albert sprinkled in some of those details that I crave like Mad’s tendency to hum or sing when nervous and Ben’s tendency to go alpha when tensions are high. I also really enjoyed the SEAL team dynamics.

Once they both recover they have to figure out what to do about the shitstorm of awkward that’s been between them since the Canaan Experiment 2.0 that left a whole lot of WTFery in its wake.

You legit could’ve knocked me over with a feather when Ben was all, ‘let’s date! For science’.



I fumbled my kindle!!!!!! No joke!

Not to be rude or anything but my previous reads by this author’s tend to drag out the push/pull thing until like 85-90% until someone cracks and lays their card on the table, so I was ready for more of the same but this cropped up BEFORE the 50% mark!

Their communication is still pitiful and Mad’s utter and complete lack of faith in Ben and their relationship despite all evidence to the contrary was annoying, but at least they’re both honest about their attraction to the other!

The sex was fair. I did like the begging and dirty talk, but I think the connection between them and the romanceyness is what I liked more than anything else. Two big bad ass SEALS being all gaga over each other gave me a serious case of the heart eyes.


…removed him from his anger and hurt, left only this part of him that was always going to require Maddox more than oxygen.



I like both of these guys, but maybe Mad a teensy bit more. Course it didn’t hurt that he likes to cook and bakes regularly, that his life goal is to have a little bakery and he thinks up recipes when he’s bored or stressed. And anyone who signs up for and attends a cupcake seminar is my kind of people! But I really get Ben, why he is the way he is and what motivates him. In my opinion, these were the best characterizations I’ve read from this author as far as depth and dimension are concerned to date.

You can see the conflict coming from a country mile away but I think it played out realistically and stayed true to these characters and I liked that Mad didn’t immediately let bygones be bygones.

I would certainly recommend this to anyone who enjoys best friends to lovers or military guys.

ARCs were provided by NetGalley.

Based on the summary, I thought this book might take place mostly on the mission while the two wait for rescue, but that’s really just the beginning of the story. I really loved On Point. I’m a big fan of friends to lovers romances, and I think this one was done really well. On Point is the third in the Out of Uniform series – and this is a favorite series of mine! I can’t wait for the fourth book. You can read these books out of order, but I suggest reading them in order since you’ll see the characters in all the books. For example, I already knew a bit about Ben and Maddox before reading On Point and it just made me even more excited to check out their story.

One thing that I really loved about On Point is that while the two guys are already best friends, that doesn’t mean that becoming more than that is easy. They still have their doubts and worries, and these are things they have to work through – together. Definitely recommended!

On Point in the third book in the Out of Uniform series by the fabulous Annabeth Albert. I'm so grateful I discovered her and now I just read everything she writes! I’m addicted to this series. I love these sexy, strong, SEALS and I just can't decide who my favorite is. That's a good thing! Maddox and Ben have been best friends for years. Something is going on between them and the tension is getting thicker. When they're out on a mission and find themselves injured and alone, but together, they both do some soul searching. Somewhere over the years, feelings became involved in this friendship. They are teammates and can always count on each other, but can they trust the other with their heart? Maddox and Ben and both stubborn, sexy, smart and dedicated. Together they are smokin' hot and a little sweet. Dirty mouthed and loving. The greatest thing about best friends to lovers is how well they know each other. I loved the dynamic between Maddox and Ben. Once they decide to try, they go all in. It's a delicious and emotional ride and I loved every second of it!

"Ben…" Maddox warned. "We need to talk."
"You pronounced f*** wrong."

"For someone who rarely curses, you do like the dirty talk, don’t you?"
"You're pretty good at it."

Review shared on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads and V's Reads: https://vsreads.com/2017/06/05/friends-to-lovers-on-point-review-and-giveaway/

Maddox Horvat and Ben Tovey have been friends and teammates as Navy SEALS since they completed BUD/S training ten years ago. They have always had each others’ backs, but Maddox has wanted more for a long time, now. Especially since the past two years when Ben has lived in his apartment, after his nasty divorce from Trey. Ben’s been a man-about-town, never banging the same guy twice, since Trey disappeared, not that he didn’t get around bunches what with their very open marriage. But Maddox wants Ben all to himself, and struggles to hide his desires in order to maintain their close friendship.

It’s time for Maddox to re-up with the SEALs, and he’s not sure he wants to. He’s got some money saved, and has been working on his baking for years now. Even if his dream comes to pass and he and Ben become a couple, they couldn’t stay on the same team any longer. Besides, the reason Maddox got into the service in the first place was to prove to his homophobic family that he was just as much a man as any other, no matter who he loved. Knowing that they will never accept him as he is, even if he should die for his country? Well, kinda takes the impetus away for proving one’s self.

While out on a dangerous mission, Ben and Maddox get temporarily left behind, and it brings their world together into extreme focus for both men. Maddox is seriously injured, and Ben is tasked with keeping off the enemy and keeping Maddox alive until they can be rescued. During those stressful hours Ben recognizes that he needs Maddox in his life, no matter what. And the peculiar feelings he’s been having–about him and Maddox together for real–are banging through his concussed head.

Stateside, their healing isn’t only of the physical. Maddox and Ben need to be near one another to feel whole, and their time in the hospital brings clarity for Ben: he needs to try to love Maddox they way he needs to be loved–because Ben can’t exist in a world where Maddox isn’t by his side. Maybe, Ben thinks, if he seduces Maddox, then Maddox won’t leave the SEALs; won’t leave him, as his mother and husband did…

I really enjoyed the slow burn as these two felt their way toward a loving, intimate relationship. They have always been each other’s best friend, and they’ve had a deep intimacy in terms of knowing one another, but the step into lovers hasn’t been easy. Maddox has very defined ideas about monogamy, thoughts Ben hasn’t had in years now, but for Maddox he’d give up a whole lot. Maddox knows Ben wants him on his team, in the trenches, and in bed–behind closed doors–but Maddox is beyond doing what other people want. He needs to do for himself, and if Ben walks away, well it’ll hurt deep, but Maddox will weather that storm and find a man who can love him for who he is, not what he does. Maddox wants a settled life, and he wants Ben in it, but Ben has to choose him. And, well, I’ll just say that (eventually) Ben makes the right choice.

This one is hot and steamy and sexy and sentimental and fabulous. I could hang out in Maddox’s kitchen all day and half the night. Ben is a grouch, but the kind of grouch that is endearing. He grows a lot during the time of the story, and makes the right decisions, eventually, to find his own happiness. I liked how he made things right within his family, and opened himself up to forgiving people who’d hurt him. I highly recommend this one! I read a review copy via NetGalley.

I could have told you when I was not even halfway done with this book how many stars I would wind up giving it. That’s how good this story was, and how far down the rabbit hole I fell with Maddox and Ben. I’m already a sucker for friends to lovers, now add in the fact that this is a military romance as well, and that it’s part of a series that I already enjoy and right there I was immediately attracted to this book.

Maddox—everything about him was checking off every one of my boxes, and I can only hope that one day I will find a Maddox of my own. He is such an amazing, supportive and sensitive man—and talented in so many ways to boot. Ben’s a bit wilder, more of a wheels up-get the job done-party hard-start it again guy, but he’s also solidly connected to his best friend and would do absolutely anything for him. It takes a mission gone sideways to make both men see what’s important, and to start building something together.

The suspense and emotion in this story in the first half were just off the charts, and from the moment Ben and Maddox set off on the mission with their team I was fully immersed in their story. The intensity of everything that happened turns the story up more than a notch, and it made this one of those books that I just did not want to put down. Complicating things are Ben’s trust and abandonment issues, and he is almost trying too hard to make everything perfect for Maddox. That contributed to some high amounts of angst and tension, which turned into just another hook that embedded itself so that I wound up reading the story straight through in one sitting.

As a reader, you can see as the story goes on once Ben and Maddox get together where their relationship traps are, and for me I was on edge wondering just when things were going to go off the rails. It’s a tremendous buildup of emotion for both men, which inevitably leads to some spectacular fireworks (and not the fun kind) when things come to a head.

Annabeth Albert has a knack for drawing me in with her characters, and Maddox and Ben had me fully wrapped around their little fingers. On Point was an outstanding 5-star read for me, and made for another exciting story in the Out of Uniform series. I highly recommend this story to any M/M romance fans, especially if you love the friends to lovers trope or SEAL/military characters. This one is hot, steamy (even with both men a bit on the wounded side for a good chunk of the story), and full of plenty of emotion to keep readers riveted to the pages. This story is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and explicit, dirty-talking M/M sexual content. I can’t wait for the next one in this series!

See linked review below. Key takeaway:

"As usual, despite the muddled timeline issues I mentioned above, Albert has left me wanting more."