•*´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`Second chance love.

Trusting Isaiah when it came to sex was easy. Trusting him with his heart and his future was a whole different matter.

When love attracts, no matter how hard you fight it, something is always going to bring truths and joy. Mark and Isaiah had a rough time coming together despite knowing inwardly that life was made just for them.

I almost cried when Mark finally was able to be true to himself and Isaiah was able to show him that no matter what the past threw their way, he was able to go as slowly as Mark wanted to make it right.

I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the publisher through Netgalley.

Annabeth Albert is always a one-click author to me, and with this book, she once again proved why I love her so much. It is a story of a second chance at love. This is a well-known trope, but this author makes it into so much more. First of all with her writing. That is so catching, flowing and funny. I flew through the pages. Then her characters. They are real. Real-life persons from the main characters Isaiah and Marc to the little ones, Daphne, Zoe, and Liam. I became so engrossed in their lives and kept rooting for them. And as always, she had me feeling so much. Laughter, sadness, grief, anger, all these emotions were circling through me.
Then Annabeth Albert adds two welcome elements to the mix. That is that Marc is demisexual, gray ace, and Isaiah, as well as the children, is biracial. Both topics are, sadly, still rare in this genre. Isaiah’s background is not mentioned often. Marc’s sexuality and his acceptance of it are at the core of this book.
Isaiah is easy to love. He is a fun-loving, sunny man who has grown a lot since his attempt at seducing Marc at eighteen years old. Although the people around him still have trouble seeing him as a mature man, good enough to care for the children. It is a constant battle to convince everyone he is not the flighty man he once was, but stable and reliable. Even Marc has a hard time believing it.
I wouldn’t say I didn’t fell in love with Marc. It only took me a while longer. He is used to taking charge, help others, and make split-second decisions in his military life, but when it comes to his personal life, he is as indecisive as he comes. It is no wonder really. He is struggling with his sexuality, the death of his sister, the care of his nieces and nephew. There is a lot going on. And it is easier to give others advice and decide for them than it is to do it for yourself. He has to go through a lot of introspection and soul-searching to come to the point he knows what he is and what he wants. Their journey is slow, and I have to be honest here, sometimes a bit too slow. But maybe that is partly due to the fact I wanted so much for them to get together.
It was enlightening to read about his demisexuality. I learned a lot. And I loved how acceptant Isaiah was. It shows that love comes in many forms and varieties. Love without a lot of sex is still love.
The fun part of a series is that characters from the previous books make an appearance. It is nice catching up with their lives.
This book is the fifth in the Out of Uniform series but can be read as a stand-alone.

Mark and Isaiah are thrown together when they become parents to their nieces and nephews. They had a moment back when Isaiah was just eighteen, but have kept their distance from each other since then. Now they have to work together to do the best thing for the 3 kids while figuring out their relationship, their careers, and lives.

What I loved most was how Mark's sexuality was explained and handled. Mark has never liked labels, but he has realized that if there has to be a label for himself it would be grey ace or maybe demi. Love that we get a character within this sexual spectrum, as it's not something you see very often. And I loved even more that Isaiah was completely respectful and supportive when he learned that. I love that he wanted to make sure that Mark enjoyed whatever they did, or didn't do, together. Simply making out was something so sensual for them both, and I thought that that came through very well through in the writing of this story.

And I loved Isaiah. How he was so ready to do whatever he had to do for these kids, to give them a good life, and I kinda had this feeling that Mark was going to do something to kinda throw things off course. I wish that Mark had been just a bit more open about what he was doing and why he was trying to do it. I was glad that they were finally communicating before things got too un-fixable.

In the end, they are totally the one for each other, and each other's person. The ending was super sweet, and I'm so happy that this family of 5 got the HEA that they deserve.

4-4.5 stars for me. While I adore this series, and I enjoyed this one, for whatever reason it just didn't resonate with me quite the same way that some of the other stories in the series have. That's not to say that I didn't enjoy it, or that I wouldn't recommend this series (because I did, and I definitely would!), and I can't wait for the next one!

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

It’s no secret that I adore the Out of Uniform series by Annabeth Albert. They’re romance books with wonderful stories at the core, and Squared Away is no exception.

The core of this story follows Isaiah and Mark as they become parents overnight after the death of their siblings in a tragic car accident. Isaiah is determined to become the full-time guardian of his nieces and nephew, and Mark is used to being the person in control. The strongest point of this book is the way that both men’s concern for the well-being of the children they find in their care is front and centre all the time. Kids don’t go away just because adults want to have alone time; they’re there and they’re a priority, which is fantastic.

I also love the representation in this book (as with the rest in the series). Isaiah is out and proud of the fact. Mark, on the other, hand, is a lot less secure in his understanding of his sexuality and really struggles with that. It’s the first time I’ve read a protagonist that’s gray ace and it was well done, and highlights the emotional state of Mark constantly, which is a great contrast to Isaiah.

There are steamy scenes in here, but the focus is less on smut and more on a sensual and romantic connection between the two characters and that was refreshing.

This is a book that will put you through an emotional wringer, but it’s well worth it. I gave Squared Away 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Annabeth Albert does it again with another emotional, compelling, AMAZING installment in her Out of Uniform series!

I could seriously read Annabeth Albert and only Annabeth Albert and be a happy camper. She just gets me and my taste, you know? *happy sigh*

We get a very character-focused story here, folks. It's really all about these two men and their feelings and journey through some extremely tumultuous personal times. We get a dual POV so we get to see inside both MCs' heads, and I loved that so much.

This isn't a book with a ton of crazy action or a fast-plot, so if you want something suspenseful you won't find it here. I prefer my stories to be about the relationship and the emotional journey, so I was a happy camper.

*Now, I'm going to get into some minor spoilers that are hinted at in the blurb.*

Going into this book, I really didn't know what to expect. I skimmed the blurb but didn't really read reviews, so I assumed that one of the MCs "exploring his sexuality" was going to be same-sex attraction... I was wrong.

I actively seek out stories featuring characters all over the sexuality spectrum, and I was excited to find out that one of the characters is demisexual and gray-ACE. I thought it was some exciting, meaningful, and much-needed representation, and it felt very authentic.

Smut-lovers might not be pleased by this one as the sex-scenes are few and far between, but though there isn't a lot of X-rated action, there is a lot of sensual, romantic kissing and touching, and I didn't feel like I was missing anything at all.

The story is fairly angsty, but it isn't a book that will leave you sobbing or feeling depressed. It's a story about two men recovering from great losses and growing and changing as individuals and as a couple. Squared Away is a moving and powerful story, but, above all, it's a romance-y romance that will give you all the feels, especially at the end.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

The Out of Uniform series is one of my favorites and this is yet another strong installment. Squared Away was almost too angsty for me, but Albert has a gift for taking flawed or complicated characters to the edge and then showing how they learn and grow as individuals before coming together as a couple.

Mark and Isaiah have a lot to work through – a battle over the guardianship of 3 children after the death of Mark’s sister/Isaiah’s cousin, an age difference, Mark's demi sexual/grey ace sexuality (which Isaiah is awesome about), and enormous life changes but they learn to work as a team and overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Isaiah made a pass at Mark at the wedding of Isaiah’s brother and Mark’s sister. Mark soundly rebuffed him. Isaiah was hurt, and continued to be hurt at every family gathering when Mark ignored him. He eventually thought he had let his feelings go.

Five years later, after a tragic car accident the brother and sister were killed. Each giving guardianship of their children to their sibling. Mark is a SEAL, deployed, when he gets news of the deaths. Getting home as fast as he can, he is surprised to see Isaiah already living in the home with the three children. Isaiah has a reputation as a party boy and Mark isn't sure about him being involved in the situation. The guardianship issue come as a surprise to both. Each deciding they would take the responsibility of the children.

Lawyers, judges, family service, and family all come into play, creating conflict and misery. When the men start discovering they might have feelings for each other it becomes even more difficult. Their futures not at all certain. Trying to do best for the family.

This is a very slow burn. Another well done story in the series, I liked it.

this story that have stayed with me and this shows the depth of emotion Annabeth Albert can reach. Readers are guaranteed to live through tough times with these characters--they suffer through grief and obligation, and then attempts to remove the children from their care.

It's all very messy, as is true of real life. Mark is often seen as hostile towards Isaiah's attempts to protect and care for the children who have lost their parents. We might find him annoying and judgemental but he is still grappling with this own intimacy issues, and this has impacts.

Isaiah is still young, and his determination to keep the kids is commendable. I had the most sympathy for his situation, but he is depicted as hopeful and always compassionate. I really wanted him to get the protection and care he deserved.

I do like this author's work. She's an auto-read for me, and this out of uniform series has been very consistent and strong. Thanks Netgalley for advanced copy. I am a bit confused about release date as Netgalley says April 1st, and GR says April 16th. Anyway, whenever it comes out, be sure to track it down.

This book was a very well-done exploration of grief. The way the two main characters connected and supported each other through their heartbreak and life-upheaval was my favorite part of the book, but it never felt like they were just falling together to ignore their pain. They really connected on a very level. My favorite part of this novel was that one of the characters was gray ace which I've never actually seen in a romance novel. Loved it.

While not my favorite book in the series it was still a good read. I loved how both men wanted what was best for the kids even coming from different directions on their care. The slow burn between the two men was a little long but the outcome was great.
I am looking forward to Bacon's book!!

Thank you for the chance to review this book! A full review will be posted closer to release day.

Squared Away by Annabeth Albert was a real gem. It dealt with some weighty topics in a realistic matter. There was guilt and grief that both men carried a secret carried by one of the leading characters. But none of it ever felt contrived in a story which could've easily been full of drama.

What I loved:

-Opposites attract

-The children. Kids in books make me nervous. Sometimes authors make them about to be cartoonish, and they get annoying, thankfully it wasn't the case here.

-Hurt/Comfort/Healing

-The character development/growth was outstanding.

-The emotional connection between Isaiah and Mark- talk about getting warm butterflies in my stomach!

-And that ending- perfection! ♥

This was yet another excellent, moving story in the Out of Uniform Series! If you haven't started reading these, don't wait anymore!! 5 Stars!

Rating:   4.5 stars out of 5



In the wake of tragedy, SEAL Mark Whitley rushed stateside to act as guardian to his sister’s three young children. But a conflicting will could give custody to someone else—someone Mark remembers as a too young, too hot, wild party boy. Even after six years, Mark can’t shake the memory of his close encounter with Isaiah James, or face up to what it says about his own sexuality.

Isaiah’s totally over the crush that made him proposition Mark all those years ago. In fact, he’s done with crushing on the wrong men altogether. For now, he’s throwing himself into proving he’s the best person to care for his cousin’s kids. But there’s no denying there’s something sexy about a big, tough military man with a baby in his arms.

As the legal details get sorted out, their long-buried attraction resurfaces, leading to intimate evenings after the kids are tucked in. A forever future is within reach for all of them, if only Mark can find the courage he needs to trust Isaiah with his secrets—and his heart.

Squared Away (Out of Uniform #5) by Annabeth Albert is another heartwarming installment in her   Out of Uniform series that I just love.  If you asked me to name which of this author's series is a favorite, I'd be hard pressed to name one because each has its own special elements that I adore and draw me back to them.  For her Out of Uniform series, Albert really captures both that sense of what it means to be a   part of the "military unit" with her tight knit group of SEALs and their families.   The author manages to convey their sense of duty to country, their drive to serve, the deep bonds between those that serve together, and yes, the stresses and the reality of what it means to be a part of the military today.

Along with the realism of military life, Annabeth Albert makes her stories delightfully inclusive, reflecting the fact that military today is as diverse as the society itself.  Couples are looking much like the ones you see staring back at you at bars, grocery stores and city streets everywhere...they are racially mixed, not just all white couples.   That's especially true with Squared Away's main characters.  You have SEAL Mark Whitley and the younger (now grown up) man who's been crushing on him since his teens, Isaiah James.  Among the many issues that crop up between them (age differences, perception of attitudes, stability,  etc), race isn't one of them.  I liked that too.

Trust me this couple has enough to deal with as it is.  Young children left orphaned by drunk driving, revelations about who their parents really were, life adjustments, and then Mark having to rearrange how he sees Isaiah, now an adult and how he sees his own path in the military.  Getting one's life 'squared away' is never an easy task, sometimes it takes a monumental sea change.  And that's what happens to both men here.  The challenges each man faces in order to move forward towards their goals comes with frustrations here for them and for the reader who wants to shake them occasionally.

This is one emotional, heart felt ride of a story.  It's typical of Annabeth Albert that we grieve with Isaiah and Mark and the kids, then we chart the growth of their relationship, the steps back and tiny steps forward.  We gnash our teeth in frustration over Mark's inability to communicate and the consequences for all involved.  And because the writing and characters are so wonderful, we've taken them all to heart and we need to know all will be safe and together.  And love the ending so.

Squared Away (Out of Uniform #5) by Annabeth Albert has everything I've come to love and expect from this author and series.  A heartwarming story and romance, great characters, and a ending that left me smiling and feeling happy for hours.  Its why I am again recommending this series and this lovely story.  If you're a Annabeth Albert fan, you're already way ahead of me.

Cover art: is hot, relevant and wonderful.

<b>3.5 stars</b>

As an asexual reader, one thing I need to say <b>first</b> about this book. THANK YOU so much, Annabeth Albert, for writing a character in asexuality spectrum.

Now, I know that experience in sexuality between asexual people can be different, uniquely defined by their own nature vs. nurture environment, I still feel that what Mark has been going through rings through. I also thought in regards to Mark's approach to sex with Isaiah, it was respectful to his sexuality. So, I wholeheartedly appreciated it.

Unfortunately, it was also Mark's journey to understand about his feeling and navigate the newfound relationship with Isaiah that slightly dampen my reading experience about this book.

I was getting frustrated with Mark's indecisiveness; the way that he keeps Isaiah at arms length because Mark feels like he needs to <b>protect</b> Isaiah. That he needs to be in control of EVERYTHING, even as much as not willing to accept help from anyone. Of course, Marks ends up screwing things up.

Throughout the book, I was firmly on Isaiah's corner. I loved the younger man -- Isaiah clearly loved the kids and he knows how to step up for his <i>family</i>I wanted to shake Mark up, and probably slapped him in the head. The fact that Mark coming to realization rather late in the book made me fuming... BUT, I guess at the same time, the words he said to Isaiah melted my heart a bit.

Other than that, this was a good hurt/comfort story. We have three kids in the premise, one is still a baby. Despite my intial worry about "<i>too much kids in my book</i>" apparently they don't overwhelm the pages. So that's good.

BY the way, although it is listed as number five in the <i>Out of Uniform</i> series, any new readers can still start with <b>Squared Away</b> and not feeling lost.


<blockquote><b><i>You’re it for me. Forever. I can see us together, here if possible, raising the kids. I can see us after they grow up too. You’re just…my person. You’re always going to be</i></b></blockquote>

This was a good addition to this series but it was not as good as the other books in this series. I liked the dynamics of the characters Mark and Isaiah. They were both strong characters that were brought together in both happy and then again during a devastating times in their lives. They both worked through their healing process as well as finding their way as to the best ways of raising three children all while trying to define their feelings for each other. The pair also had to work through their trust issues with both each other as well as the important people in their lives. The plot of their story moved along well and flowed well. I enjoyed their story as a whole and would recommend it to others.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy via NetGalley.

I enjoyed reading Squared Away. I found the interaction between Mark and Isaiah quite enjoyable and the storyline well written. I look forward to reading more by this author.

With every book she writes, Annabeth Albert just gets better and better! "Squared Away" is hot, sexy, and hits you right in the feels. 5/5 stars.

Another fabulous addition to this series and probably my favourite of the lot. Beautiful relationship between the two MC's, will def be re-reading. Annabeth Albert is an auto buy for me.

Confession: this is the first book in the “Out of Uniform” series I read. :D What? Why?? Well, I guess I’m the upside down series reader kind. Not often mind. That said, I can honestly state it didn’t dampen my enjoyment of the story so this very much works as a standalone read.

Squared Away is a touching and heartwarming story of overcoming obstacle and second chance. Without knowing either of the characters’ exploits in previous books, I had the advantage of clean sheets and no expectation nor judgement for Mark and Isaiah. That saying, most of the time I found myself siding with Isaiah and wondering how - for a SEAL and a legendary medic one at that - indecisive Mark a lot of the time. However, further into the story I approve his attempt at make amend with Isaiah.

As for the romance, I loved the easy pace Isaiah took with Mark. Theirs is one of the sweetest romance I read in a while. Another thing is: I’m rather green on sexuality spectrum and identity myself, that I was learning along with Mark while reading. On this front, Mark’s fear and rumination to acknowledge and accept himself as he was felt real and genuine to me.

Squared Away gave me all the feels. Paltry niggles aside, this book introduced me with an array of intriguing characters of current and previous books, be they main or supporting characters. For sure I’ll be hunting for other titles of this series and binge-read them!


Advanced copy of this book is kindly given by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

It's a given that I'll enjoy any of Annabeth Albert's novels, but I've been waiting on that utterly special one in this series to give that elusive 5 stars to.

And behold, I have found it.

When Mark and Isaiah first meet, it's due to their siblings getting married. But, right from first sight, Isaiah feels that spark of attraction towards Mark, and he's honestly not alone in that. Fast forward six years, and a horrible accident involving the late married couple, and Mark and Isaiah are thrust into close contact again while they try to figure out what to do with the three children left behind.

Honestly, I loved the presence of children in At Attention, and it was an utter delight to see Dylan and Apollo again in this book. Ben and Maddox, from On Point, also make an appearance, and I'm going to really struggle not to go back and reread both of those books now that I've finished this one.

But what I really, really adored, around the nostalgic presences of characters I'd loved before, was how these characters interacted. Particularly Mark, who is completely baffled by his own attraction because he's acespec. Demisexual and grey ace are both labels that get used with equal measure in this book, and Mark's experience was so close to mine that I couldn't dislike him despite his tendency to leave Important Information Out every so often.

Both characters were really well fleshed out, the age difference, although not extreme, was present and well handled. I just can't think of a bad thing to say about this one.

I will just say one more thing: I am already hopeful and excited to see if Bacon gets his own story next, cause he was an absolute darling in this one.