4.5 Stars!!!

Dustin and Wes have been chatting on Joe4Joe for almost 6 months when Wes suggests they meet while Dustin is in DC. While Dustin is not too sure about meeting up in person, he agrees and he and Wes hit it off and have a great night together, even if neither of them knows who the other really is or what they do in the military.

The last thing either of them expected was for the other being a SEAL or that they'd end up on the same team or that Dustin is lieutenant and Wes is enlisted, which means that a relationship between them is impossible. Never mind that Wes is out and Dustin couldn't be further inside the closet.

I loved Wes. He was such a good man and brother and son, I felt bad that he was having such a hard time adapting to his new team, especially with all that was happening to his sister. I liked Dustin, even if I was a bit annoyed at his reasons for not coming out. I guess they were understandable reasons, but even if he couldn't come out to his parents (or rather, his father), I didn't quite get why he couldn't tell Apollo, seeing as he was his best friend.

I loved Dustin and Wes as a couple, they actually came very close to Ben and Maddox as my favorite OoU couple. I adored how Dustin supported Wes as much as he could with everything that was going on with Wes' sister, even knowing that he was risking his own career. They were sweet and hot together and I really see them working great in the future, even away from the military. There's a bit of D/s (tying, edging, power play) in the book, but it wasn't anything major and was actually very hot.

It was great catching up with Dylan and Apollo and the girls and seeing them doing so well!

Overall, this was a fantastic addition to the story and I enjoyed it a lot, it was hot and passionate and angsty, and had a bit of the SEAL action that I loved from the previous book. Highly recommendable!

*** Copy provided to the reviewer by Carina Press via NetGalley for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

Really enjoyed these two men together -- hot, kinky (but not in a hardcore way, if that's your worry) and sweet.

I do wish their early chats and cyber scenes had been included (in the beginning) and some of the constant drag of "we can't! Okay but just this one more fuck....ONE MORE....Wait, seriously ONE MORE" cut out. That would have made the pacing and story a bit smoother and more complete, IMO. That being said, I think Albert handled the (very real) trouble of their relationship pretty well, I was just a bit tired of the back-and-forth from it after a while and wanted something more.

I also talk about this one on my podcast, Whatcha Reading (11/04/17 episode).

A really hot book! With some deep emotions too.

From our first introduction to Dustin and Wes’ online chats we can’t wait for them to meet and to see the sparks fly. And they don’t disappoint!

They have a long road ahead of them with their military positions getting in the way of them having a relationship. But their chemistry and mutual attraction can’t be denied and seeing them work towards a solution is very rewarding.

I loved both Dustin and Wes and they were the perfect compliment to one another. They both had their moments of supporting the other, and while they did some D/s stuff in the bedroom it didn’t define their relationship.

A great addition to the Out of Uniform series.

Annabeth Albert's Out of Uniform series is turning out to be one of my favorites by her. Wheels Up is about Dustin Strauss (older brother of Dylan from At Attention) and Wes Lowe. Dustin is an officer and Wes an enlisted man. They meet using a hook-up app and then once in person figuring that they'd never see each other again except when chatting online. Imagine their shock when Wes turns out to be the new person on Dustin's SEAL team. Fraternization between officers and enlisted men is totally forbidden.

This is sort of a coming-out story. Thirty-two-year-old Dustin just now coming to terms with his bi-sexuality. Since his brother came out as gay Dustin has felt a lot of pressure from his father to settle down with a nice girl and carry on the family name; he doesn't know how to tell him he's interested in a man.

Wes is gay and out to his close friends. He is transferred away from his family just when they need him most. His sister is sick and he hates that he can't be there to provide support for his mom and dad. He misses the comradery he had with his former SEAL team.

Wheels Up has some mild kink elements. Dustin likes a little pain and he likes to submit (not that he'd ever admit that to anyone but Wes). Wes loves to give Dustin what he wants and needs; these two are made for each other.

I didn't have as much of an emotional reaction to this book as I've had with most of Annabeth's but the story was great anyway. In fact, once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. That will teach me to start one of her books in the late evening. I stayed up to 5 a.m. reading Wheels Up. Thank goodness I'm retired. 😊

I felt the deep connection between these two guys; their need for each other really made my heart ache when it seemed like they would have to sacrifice their relationship. I know that Annabeth Albert always delivers an HEA, though, so I was never really worried.

I am so happy that there will be several more stories in this series. I love hot guys in uniform!

A review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book.

***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions***

This was a cute book. It starts out with these guys chatting and they have apparently been doing some pretty sexy things via chat or webcam I guess. Then they are going to be in the same place so decide to meet. Both are a bit anxious but excited and a sexy as heck night happens. Skip forward and there are some major problems that come about sue to the nature of their relationship but they try to work through them. I for one am not good with secrets, so I knew it had to be hard lol. Then the drama happens. The ending was sweet and overall it was a really good story.

I love this pairing of secretive heroes. Their initial encounter is both hot and sweet. Wes's reassurance and patience are clear indicators of his personality. Dustin's hungry yet hesitant actions also reflect his capability and his caution.

The obstacles they face in developing a relationship are real. The story benefits from the slow reach to a happy ending--lots of tiny pieces have to fall into place for it to even be a possibility, and this is amplified by Dustin's extreme reluctance to come out.

As a side plot Wes is dealing with a sick younger sister. Plenty of pathos there. We also see the other boys from the previous Out of Uniform books, and that is always a great part of any series. I love catching up with Apollo and Dylan, & Maddox and Ben. I did read this a while ago so I don't think we had much to do with Zack and Pike. But that's ok.

The military field components are acceptable because I know nothing about this sort of thing, and as long as it sounds plausible, I am happy to go along with the tension and action and enjoy the ride. They break up the angsty romantic sexy chatty times just at the right moments, and if there's one thing this author has learned, it's about how to pace and balance the elements of a story.

I am uncertain if there will be any more of these books, but I will continue to read anything she writes. Copy advanced through Netgalley and read with thanks. Wheels Up will be released on November 7.

As always, Albert's protagonists are complex and likeable, and the weight of their predicament is handled respectfully. Fans of m/m military romance will adore this series.

The Out of Uniform series has been one of my top favorite M/M series this year. I’ve loved getting to know these men and following their emotional (and sexy) journeys. Wheel’s Up was another smartly written, emotionally charged, and sizzling hot addition to this fantastic series.

I was pulled in to Wes and Dustin’s story immediately. Ms. Albert is a masterful storyteller so even during a time when I had trouble settling my mind enough to focus on any one thing for more than a few minutes at a time, her storytelling and writing drew me right in and hooked me on this story right away.

Unfortunately, it was a bit of an uneven ride for me after that. I was sometimes completely spellbound, reading greedily as these men fumbled their way through their situations and towards each other. Other times I found myself skimming passages, a little bored, waiting to be sucked back in. I didn’t always connect with this story. I wasn’t always patient with it. I can’t completely pinpoint my issue with it, which leads me to believe that at least a part of the problem was just me and my own state of mind. Trust me when I tell you this is not a bad book. It just didn’t connect with me the way I wanted it to.

That said, it’s definitely one of the hottest books of this series. The kink was something I wasn’t sure I would respond well to initially, but in the end I felt like it added some dimension to the relationship that I really appreciated. And I loved these guys – they really were wonderful. I loved the attention to detail that went into the story and the ending was just perfect for them. In the end, Wheels Up was not my favorite of the series, but still a satisfying and rewarding read. ~ 3.5 stars

Dustin is no longer the hell raiser he used to be, but he has kept a secret from everyone he knows, Wes is a take charge, blow things up kind of guy. When they meet on a hookup website, they have some great encounters, but then things go off kilter when they meet in person for the first time. Neither knows that the other is also a Navy Seal or their respective ranks, they have kept all talk of work out of their chats. When Wes is given transfer orders and meets his new XO, Dustin, things good from looking great to a possibility of ending their careers if they are found out.

This was a good book, both Wes and Dustin were great character who each tried their hardest to follow the rules but sometimes the heart over rules the brain. Which is exactly what happened to these two.

SEXY, EMOTIONAL, & THE CHEMISTRY IS OFF THE CHARTS!

Honestly, I LOVE each book in this series. Annabeth Albert's Out of Uniform Series has it all, and Wheels Up is an amazing addition! Dustin and Wes's chemistry is awe-inspiring. The angst, and heart-wrenching forbidden moments, had me feeling all the feels. I couldn't put this book down, and I am really looking forward to many more books in this addictive series! If you love M/M story's that are well written, with captivating story-lines and you haven't already picked any of these books up, I highly recommend them! LOVED IT!

**ARC RECEIVED IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW**

I generally enjoy Albert's work, and while this was by no means awful, it was certainly my least favourite of the series. My primary problem was that I didn't buy the relationship between Dustin and Wes, and the kink elements didn't connect for me. Certainly won't stop me picking up Albert's work again in the future, but this one was a miss.

I never thought I would've used this one word to explain an Annabeth Albert's book. But I found Wheels Up , the fourth book in her Out of Uniform to be BORING.

The basic is this ... Dustin and Wes first meet online, they don't really share a lot of personal information when they decide to have face-to-face encounter. But after that one night, Wes finds out after being transferred that Dustin is his new XO. Which means they cannot pursue further relationship since fraternization among officers and enlisted officers ends up with serious ramifications. Of course it's easier said that done...

I think THAT is my problem. I know that the author is trying to portray this type of relationship as realistically as possible, unfortunately as a story, personally I think Wheels Up is nothing but rinse and repeat. The conflict is stretched pretty thin to fill in the pages. As in ... Dustin and Wes try to stay away from one another but they can't, then comes the guilt, then they try to stay away (again), but they can't ... and so on.

I also found it hard to connect with these two men because I didn't feel like I knew or understood them in the end. Wes having a very sick sister but I didn't feel like his emotional turmoil was explored enough -- especially since his sister was sort of kept off page for the most part. Then there was Dustin ... he has been hiding his bisexuality ALL of his life... considering that his younger BROTHER is gay, his best friend too, and his brother actually MARRIED to his best friend, I struggled to understand why Dustin never said anything. Yeah, sure, maybe not immediately to his parents... but to Dylan, or Apollo?

I figure the sex scenes are probably good for most readers. But I'm always one who enjoy sex MORE when I'm invested enough with the characters. Since I didn't, well I ended up SKIPPING most of them (yes, I got bored).

I'm rounding this slightly to my "just okay" category because there were still moments that hit me the right way, like when Dustin consoles Wes when Wes receives news about his sister. And of course I like reading about Apollo and Dylan again, even if it's just a short update.

I LOVED the last three Albert's books that I read. I hit bump with this one but hopefully her next book will be better for me.

RATING: 3 out of 5

Such a forbidden affair but these two could not stay away from each not matter the consequences. I adored Wes, being such a young guy he still knew what he wanted and went about making his life his own and doing things his way. No matter their ages or ranks I felt that with Wes being more open, he was more mature in life than Dustin, not that Dustin wasn't mature enough. Dustin was a character that did for others instead of himself. I liked the dynamic of their home life to work life reversal.
The push and pull of their love was so well written, they felt it, they showed it, they just didn't know how to say it until it was absolutely needed and it was perfect.

I don't know how to review this book, I've been stumped since I finished it.

Wheels Up by Annabeth Albert is a kinky forbidden love story of two Navy Seals who meet through a military app.

My highlights:

-Kink. I like when authors venture outside their norm. This book shows a kinkier side of Ms. Alberts and her attempt was successful.

-Friends to lovers. Dustin and Wes met through an app. They talked online and got off together occasionally so from the beginning of the book they're already friends.

-The sex scenes are hot and intense. D/s elements, light BDSM that didn't make me squirm as I'm not a huge fan.

-Push and pull. Sometimes push and pull can get on my nerves but because of the situation that they're in with the military, it made perfect sense. It just made their longing for each other and the forbidden aspect of their relationship that much better.

-Bisexual representation.

-Family angst without it being overdramatic or contrived.

-I loved the supporting cast, they added to the story.

-The end was realistic and left me with a feeling that these guys are in for the long run and will make things work.

All in all, a win. Wheels Up is an outstanding addition to the Out of Uniform Series- which I think is the best military series out there.

4.25 stars!

Dustin is a lieutenant and XO of a SEAL team.  He's also heavily guarded his deepest secret of being a bisexual from everybody for years.  Outside of using a hookup app called Joe4Joe, he keeps on the straight and narrow.  When his recent buddy he has been chatting up recommends meeting, Dustin is both excited and scared.

Wes is an openly gay man. He is also active on the Joe4Joe app and is talking continually with Dustin-but both use screen names to keep anonymous.  When he meets Dustin for a weekend after chatting for months, he knows it did not satisfy his growing need for the hunky man.  After an unexpected transfer sends him into Dustin's world, things get murky-fast.

Wes shows up to his new SEAL assignment to find Dustin is his immediate commander of his new SEAL team.  They have to keep their feelings buried. Not only is it a shock to be close together, but given the difference in rank, it is a major blow.  The Navy's no fraternization rules are serious and neither wants to jeopardize their careers, but it gets increasingly hard to stay away too.  As they navigate their budding yet-to-name relationship, how can they be together given the rules.

Wheels Up! is book four in Annabeth Albert's Out of Uniform series and it was an awesome story to read.  These two had some serious chemistry! They fell slowly and sweetly for each other and it was very endearing! Neither expected their feelings and were almost surprised when they realized they were all in.  Yes, there were a lot of serious rules they knew they were breaking, and it could have been a disaster.  I am glad they were able to navigate a way to finally be together.  I definitely would have liked an epilogue to see some of what they waited so long for!  I also loved seeing some of the other series characters pop up here and see how happy they still are!

I have read a lot of Annabeth's books and she does an phenomenal job of writing great M/M stories. All of her series are worth reading, but the Out of Uniform series holds a special place in my heart!!

reviewed by Deb

4.5*

Dustin and Wes have been chatting for months under screen names on an app called Joe4Joe. Not really knowing their full names or even their faces fully, and definitely not their actual jobs.

When SaucerMan (Wes) learns hat Godzilla (Dustin) is young to be in his neck of the woods *let's meet* are he first words out of his mouth.

Dustin is this gigantic man. Built, broad shoulders, thick thighs, not to mention, a SEAL. So to see him so nervous is kind of endearing. To top it off, he likes his guy a bit bossy, and SaucerMan is definitely up for that job. It's also "unexpected". I love it when the "smaller" man is in charge, break that stereotypical mould.

Their online interactions and their commonality in things such as movies and documentaries is basically a nerdy wet dream. So it's only right that they would fit together naturally in real life. But after their DC trip and Wes goes ghost, only to show up in Dustin's squad, it's like the bottom drops out. You see, there's zero fraternizing especially with a leader and someone enlisted. So these guys have to find a way to just be teammates.

Only months of being basically besties with some bennies, it's a very tough situation. I was waiting for that other shoe to drop the whole time. Waiting for them to get busted, and Dustin to get sanctioned.

There were a lot of ups and downs and emotional highs and lows. Not even just between the guys, but Wes and his family and the turmoil Dustin feels because all he wants to do is comfort Wes.

I can't say this book is a HEA, but it is definitely a HFN, which is another aspect to the book that I really dig. It's a long road, and one they're fighting for in silence, but it will be well worth it once they get to be where they need to be. I think it also leaves a lot of story open for future books, even if they're not the sole purpose of said book.

I think Dustin and Wes are my current favorite OoU guys and I really hope they pop up in future stories. As for Curly.... I'm still kind of mad at him, but I hope he can be fully redeemed and I hope we get some Bacon in the future :)

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

Their love is forbidden, but their hearts aren't listening to rules and regulations.

Lieutenant Dustin Strauss is a reformed man. No longer a twentysomething hell-raiser, he's his SEAL team's new XO-and a man with a secret. Or seven. He's kept his bisexual identity under wraps for years, along with his kinky side and a fondness for the military-themed semi-anonymous hookup website Joe4Joe. His latest chat buddy is more than a sexy online distraction-they're taking their very not-safe-for-work relationship into real time.

Petty Officer Wes Lowe has a smart mouth, a take-charge attitude and an uncanny ability for making things go boom. The life of an enlisted man isn't always enough to satisfy him, but one wild, no-questions-asked weekend with his online love comes close. When a transfer order comes in, Wes feels ready and centered. He'll make a good impression on his new SEAL team and keep his growing feelings for Dustin on the down low.

But as they log more time online and some very real emotions surface, Dustin and Wes struggle to pretend they're just a harmless fling. And when his commander introduces Dustin to his team's newest member, they're in for the shock of a lifetime...and a crushing disappointment: their difference in ranks means even a friendship without sexual contact could end their navy careers for good.

With their hearts on the line, Dustin and Wes may not survive their next mission, let alone find a way toward a future together.

Wheels Up is the fourth story in Annabeth Albert's Out of Uniform series and it's just outstanding.  One of the things I look forward to in every story is a different window on Navy life, in particular the SEALs.  Here the element is fraternization, something I hadn't really given any thought to, why the military (all branches) would have such a rule in place and its impact on those who fall in love with the wrong rank.  Of course it doesn't start out that way.  It all starts out in complete lovely ignorance and lust.

Lieutenant Dustin Strauss and Petty Officer Wes Lowe meet through an ap called Joe4Joe, a  Grindr sort of hookup place and startup an "online" relationship, part lust/part growing friendship.  They have no idea of their real names or jobs, just that they seem to get along and might be sliding into something real if they let it.  Albert's believable characters and wonderful dialog brings us wholly into Dusty and Wes' lives, both together online and separately as a SEAL (Dusty) and a demolitions man (Wes).

We need the alternate perspectives because both men lead such full, stress-filled lives.  For Wes, that includes a younger sister Sam, with a life threatening illness as well as being a ordinance or demolitions man, meaning explosives.  For Dusty he's now a XO,  and as the oldest and "last straight" son of the family, the pressures from his father to be that family man is forcing him to hide the fact that he's bisexual and he's resenting the fact that out of all the other sons, he's the one shouldering the burden.  Two men, lives of unbelievable strain and responsibility and their outlet is each other via the internet and anonymity, a wall they no longer may want to hide behind.

The author makes their online "connection" hot, sexy and emotionally intimate.  We can feel the bond that's formed between them and the fear that rises when the moment comes to meet in RL.

Of course, nothing prepares either man  for what happens afterward, after the "after meeting" and the coincidence of Wes ending up under Dusty's command.  And that's where I think this story really takes flight.  Because the fraternization policy is in place for a reason.  To protect those of lower rank from being abused from their officers (something that does occur in the service).  It's a good rule and it should be enforced.  But Albert looks at it from the flip side.  What happens when a couple who loves each other also has to abide by the same law, there's no addendums that apply.  This storyline comes across as fresh and authentic.  The pain each man feels is anguished and in the moment.  Their need for each other immediate and unlawful.  Plus you have to look at the impact it has on their teammates which Albert also covers in a frank manner.

We travel every hard step with each man, through the family drama, the military minefields, the emotional and mental roads they must traverse.  There's some kink, some bdsm as Dusty needs to let go and have someone else been in charge.  It's understandable and hot.  Wes and Dusty together are an unforgettable pair.

The only thing that keeps this from an absolute 5 stars rating is that I wanted a look a little into their future I guess, not far, maybe months or a year.  I guess I wasn't ready to let them go yet.  Maybe the author is listening and I'll see them again soon.  Here's hoping.  Until then, pick it up and begin your new Out of Uniform journey with Dustin Strauss and Wes Lowe, a hot, sexy, team in and out of the bed!  I highly recommend them and this series.

Cover art is perfect for both men and this story. Loved it.

To say I loved this story and addition to the "Out of Uniform" series is an understatement. As always, Annabeth delivers with her flawless writing and unique and accurate story telling. How she knows SOO much about the daily lives of SEAL members and their loved ones floors me.

This "forbidden love story" of Dustin and Wes TWO SEALS will have your heart ready to explode literally and figuratively. What begins as as anonymous online friendship, gets taken to the next level with an in-person meet up. While coming together in an unexpected way, these two have to put their lives and hearts on the line in every page of this book.

I was turning kindle pages at break neck speed to find if these two could make it work and get their HEA.

Would recommend their story along with the previous 3 Out Of Uniform stories as they have each been unique, standalone, and full of heat!

I adore this series (and Albert's writing) but this book fell a little flat for me.

Wes and Dustin have been chatting and skyping online after meeting through a dating app and an opportunity comes up for them to meet in person.

Right off the bat, I felt no connection with these two. Like, why were they continuously drawn to each other? Besides their mutual shared kink. I got the physical attraction but not why they felt something special. And their draw to each other is almost at the exclusion of all other characters which is rare for Albert's stories. Neither has any type of support system despite being surrounded by wonderful friends and family.

I understood their fears and reservations - even having supportive people around you doesn't mean coming out is easy but the story was written in a way that the characters just kept going around in circles. I want you - I can't be with you - be together anyway - rinse and repeat.

There was a clinginess between the two that felt unhealthy rather than empowering. They both became hot messes in the training field and on deployments, and the solution to all this is introduced so early on that it was a struggle for me to hang in there waiting for Dustin to figure it out.

This book was good just not blow me away good. All it made me to is want to read Dylan (Dustin's brother) and Apollo's story again after their cameos.

If you love the series, and particularly if you like a light D/s, dirty talk relationship than I think it might work better for you.

This book had me in tears most of the way through. Sometimes in laughter, sometimes in sadness, and sometimes in pure devastation. Only a really a truly emotional realistic story can get me to do that for me. Dustin and Wes are just two men that are two souls that were destined to be together. They just have to get through some obstacles both personal and professional before they can have their happily ever after.