Renzo is a SEAL, he loves his job and can’t believe his life could be any better. Till he meets a teasing, flirty, oh so memorable man. Going out with him will either be the best or worse thing he’s ever done. He’s went out with men before but his luck just hasn’t been good.

Canaan is an ex drummer in a band, going to nursing school and currently working in a smoothie shop. He doesn’t love the job but he does love the eye candy in the form of the Navy SEALs that frequent the shop.

I loved these guys, (I do know they aren’t real but wow)! Good story, enough drama to make it interesting, some of the hottest sexy times I’ve read. Renzo’s problem probably shouldn’t be funny but the way it was written was perfect, (have to read the book cause my lips are SEALed). When a book makes me giggle and then makes me get that tight feeling in my chest, I know this one is going in the favorites folder.

Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads

"Rough Terrain: A Fake Boyfriend Gay Romance" by Annabeth Albert is a delightful and charming love story that explores the complexities of relationships. The book follows two characters who enter into a fake relationship, but their connection soon becomes all too real. Albert's writing is witty and infused with humor, creating a heartwarming and engaging read. With its likable characters and delightful romance, "Rough Terrain" is a delightful option for fans of LGBTQ+ romance.

I'm so sad to see this series end. I've really enjoyed it, Ms Albert has created some great stories and memorable characters. This wasn't one of my favourites, but I still liked it. It's both well written and the character development is spot on.

Although, Canaan and Renzo connect almost immediately, there is some hand wringing on whether or not they should get together. I loved it when they just sat and talked to one another. The sex is hot, but I liked the romance and discoveries of their dialogue.

This is not just about romance, it's also about family. Canaan's relationship with his grandfather is lovely, as is Renzo's with his family, although his mum is somewhat overbearing and pushy at times, and I did find it a little annoying. However, one thing the two MCs have in common is their dedication to said families, and it's delightful to read about.

Still, a decent addition to a great series. I've thoroughly enjoyed the romance all the way through. Generally, highly recommended. 4.5 for this one.

It was an okay ending. Honestly, I was expecting more. I just didn’t click with the characters nor did I understand the need for the fake dating. It was just okay.

This is a solid addition to the series with well written men with complex feelings and aspirations. Their coming together was solid and affectionate as well as passionate once they left all the hesitations and reservations behind. It wasn't an easy go of things, but it was worth the effort because both men had to put aside the things that were weighing them down on their own to truly come together on a more equal footing. They really worked together and I adore the way this author can write reality into a fictional story. I fully believe in these men's HEA.

I loved this book! 5 stars...so sad to see this series ending. As usual the characters and plot in Annabeth Alberts books are one of a kind, and her ability to write hot as hell sex scenes just gets better and better!

AnnaBeth is such an amazing Author, and the representation in her books is always on point. Cant recommend enough!

This one might be my favorite in the Out of Uniform series....fake romances that become real is one of my favorite romance tropes. I loved this story and and I loved the characters and how they found their HEA. I devoured this one in about a day and it gave me all the swoony feels that I love.

This series is a favorite! I don’t always read an entire series but not only have I read every book in this series but I’ve reread them. You can’t help looking forward to the next release.

Canaan Finley works at a smoothie bar and he enjoys watching the Navy SEALS who come into the shop. Canaan has a particular eye for Renzo “Rooster” Bianchi, and is thrilled when some flirting leads to Renzo accepting his offer of a night out. The guys have a great evening together, so much so that when Canaan’s former bandmates pressure him to bring a date to an upcoming camping trip, he asks Renzo along to pose as his boyfriend. Canaan left the band to focus on his family, but with his ex coming on the trip, he appreciates Renzo’s company, especially if it helps make clear to Damian that Canaan has moved on. But after being used in the past, Renzo is a little worried that Canaan isn’t really as interested in him as he hoped, but instead is just looking for some SEAL arm candy.

It turns out that the trip is a chance for Renzo and Canaan to really connect, despite Renzo’s reservations. And when disaster strikes and the guys are trapped alone, the strength the men provide one another and the connection they build leads them both to want to continue things when they return home.

The guys are falling hard for one another and for the first time, building a relationship that could become something real. But Canaan worries that he doesn’t have much to offer, as he is still in school and helping to take care of his grandfather and not really settled into his life yet. And while Renzo is more settled in his career, he is used to having to take care of everyone and be the perfect son, solider, and partner. Learning to trust in Canaan and believe that there can be a true partnership isn’t easy for him. Even if they can get past all that, however, Renzo’s life in the military means that time apart is inevitable and making a relationship work is hard. Now the men must be honest with their feelings and trust one another enough to take a chance on what they are building between them.

Rough Terrain is the seventh and final book in Annabeth Albert’s fabulous Out of Uniform series. This series seems to be a reader favorite, and deservedly so, as Albert has created some great characters here and engaging stories that we have followed over the books. Interestingly, while this is the final book of the series, it actually stands alone pretty well compared to some of the others. While we have met Renzo in some previous books, and Canaan has had a very minor role as well, this story is very self contained aside from a few small cameos. So while fans of the series will not want to miss this one, new readers can jump in here as well (though my guess is this book will whet your appetite for more of the series!).

This story is very character-driven and focused on both Canaan and Renzo and the two of them working through their relationship. While there are some storyline conflicts, including Canaan’s ex and his former band, as well as their camping trip and ordeal there, most of the story is centered on the two men and how they are figuring out themselves and their connection. Albert has made both of these guys layered, interesting men and I enjoyed watching both of them open up and realize that this could be something real between them. Canaan is strong and determined and even with his own fears, he is also a fighter and willing to go after what he wants. Renzo also has his doubts, as well as some family baggage, and I loved to see him come into his own here with Canaan’s support and love. These two are a good match and even while I saw the conflict coming, I enjoyed seeing how they work it out and ultimately fight for what they want.

So as sad as I am to see this series end, Rough Terrain is a great conclusion. The story is romantic and sexy and really showcases Albert’s great writing and character development. It has a been a great ride and I look forward to more books from the author in the future.

Renzo has always had soft spot for Canaan, especially since he is first man in a long time that Renzo has felt an attraction for. Canaan creates a fake boyfriend that is a Navy Seal based off of Renzo to save face with his friends. Canaan doesn't expect his friends to call his bluff, so he approaches Renzo to get him to play his fake boyfriend on a camping trip.

Sparks fly between Renzo and Canaan from the beginning, but when they get seperated from the group, they are trapped and along in the wilderness. They create a plan to survive but the tension between them also ratchets up a notch, but once they get back to their real world, the face some very different hazards.

This book was different from others in the series, which was nice, in the fact that both of guys are out. Neither of them have to come out of the closet which was a nice change of pace from the other books in the series.

A great book and so happy to see these two get a HEA.

I can't believe this is the last book in this series!! I'm so sad I have to say goodbye to this world.

This book was so sweet. I loved just how well these two worked together. I don't think either thought they were enough for each other but they stuck around and showed each other they were exactly what the other needed.

In previous books I got this image of Renzo (aka Rooster) as this playful guy that's very into himself and his image, but this book shows all the insecurity he hides. I love how Canaan was always there to lift him up and to show him that he was worth so much more. Canaan also has to overcome the image that people have of him, but I loved that it seems that these two were the piece missing for each other. They just fit with each other. They see past all the clutter and see their forever person.

This series is amazing and with each book just gets better and better, I love that Annabeth Albert has created this world with great characters that take your heart away and in whose lives you can't help but feel involved.

This book was funny, romantic and very tender, I loved it!

I tried so hard to get into this book but couldn't. Annabeth is one of my favorites so that's really sad and disappointing.

Renzo Bianchi is a navy SEAL, code name Rooster, who's had some hard times finding a good partner. Generously endowed, but with a heart of gold, Renzo is tired of his mediocre sex life. He's attracted to a man at his local smoothie shop--Canaan Finley--but he's not sure he wants to try even hooking up; fully expecting disappointment. He has a big and loving family, but a childhood accident still haunts him, pushing to be the best ever son to his parents.

Canaan is a local to the San Diego area, having been born and raised there by his grandparents after his teen mom couldn't. Canaan spent years touring with a local punk band, and only gave up drumming professionally when his grandma was dying. He now lives with his elderly gramps, and he's one semester away from graduating with his nursing degree. He works at the smoothie shop to pay his expenses, and he loves the SEAL eye-candy that rolls through, but he's made Rooster his mission, at least for a hook-up. Their flirtation leads to a nice date, and a chance to hang some more: Canaan's old band is planning a reunion camping trip in the Grand Canyon and they've invited Canaan (and his PARTNER) to come along. Only, Canaan doesn't have a partner. The chemistry between Renzo and Canaan seems great though, and he tentatively asks Renzo to come along...and pretend to be his boyfriend.

Renzo can tell that one of the bandmates is especially hostile to Canaan, which gets his protective instincts all riled up. That, and their chemistry is really off the charts, especially once they get some alone-ish time. The trip is tense, though, and it only gets worse when Canaan injures his foot, and the weather creates a harrowing situation. Stranded and waiting for rescue, Renzo and Canaan have lots of time to bond, which ramps up their romance.

When the dust settles and they're back to "real life" Renzo and Canaan are game to give being real BFs a try. It seems to be going great--Canaan has all sorts of tricks for dealing with his enormo phallus. Each man seems to be falling hard, but there are new obstacles. Thanks to the accidents on the trip, Canaan's old band mates want him to step in and do some local gigs. And, before they'd even met Renzo had applied for a transfer to a base in Virginia--so he could be closer to his family in Philly. Canaan meets the family, and helps Renzo get past some of his emotional hang-ups, so it's a big issue when Renzo's new orders come through. I likes how tender this story was, and how cared for Renzo and Canaan made the other man feel. Being inside their POVs helped me see how much each of them wanted to please the other--sacrificing some parts of their own joy or comfort to boost the other. It was so sweet, and bittersweet, with the specter of huge life shifts in the offing.

Expect the resolution to come after a decent break and some serious soul-searching. I liked how they reconnected, and their plans for the future seemed well-considered and realistic. It's another happy SEAL and his mate--and I really enjoyed it from start to finish.

I looked through my "NetGalley - still tbr" shelf this weekend and found this book on it and I was like... wait, I read this, why did I not review it?

Welllllll, I probably didn't feel like it because I didn't like it as much as I had hoped. I reread a few chapters of Rough Terrain to remember why I didn't really like it. I normally love fake relationship story but this one didn't work for me. Also Renzo and Canaan had no chemistry between them.

Sadly this series started out really strong for me, but the last two or three books it went downhill. I'm quite glad that this is the last book of the series and Annabeth Albert started writing a new series.

Maybe this is also a case of "it's me, not you". I'm kind of over the military theme.

Rough Terrain, the 7th book in Annabeth Albert's Out Of Uniform series, is everything I was hoping it would be.

Renzo and Canaan's story is a whole lot of fun. It's full of action, some danger, and some steamy moments.

Renzo's a great character, a Navy Seal who's weighed down by expectations and guilt from his family. He's out as bi, but his options have long been limited. Canaan, an employee at the military smoothie café, cares for his grandfather, and is in school to be a nurse. And he's long had a crush on Renzo.

When the two men become fake boyfriends and go on a camping trip with Canaan's old bandmates, their relationship starts changing. Their adventure includes some eye opening moments for Canaan about his old friends, getting trapped, and some flirting.

One of my favorite parts of their story is the complication with Renzo being extremely well endowed. I love this. There are serious moments, funny moments, and some amazing frotting. I know many tend to enjoy this type of problem in their books, and the way this one is handled won't disappoint.

Another wonderful part is Canaan's grandfather, as he adds a lot to the story. As for Renzo, well, his brother's story will have your tearing up. His brother and his hero worship of Renzo is heart-breaking.

I am a huge fan of Annabeth Albert's Out of Uniform series and Rough Terrain is the perfect addition. The writing is fantastic, the men deep and loving, and the plot's entertaining.

In the seventh instalment of the Out of Uniform series, Navy SEAL Renzo “Rooster” Bianchi has a soft spot for a cashier at the smoothie place. So when Canaan asks Renzo for a favour - to be his boyfriend for a weekend camping with his friends - Renzo accepts as there’s a spark between them. But what starts as a weekend con could be more…

This is as vague as I am willing to go. The book’s blurb goes further and I will talk about that in a tick as I have issues.

So, if you look, I have read two other books in the series - Squared Away (the fifth) and Tight Quarters (the sixth - I mean, it’s almost on brand for me to not read a series in order now, isn’t it?!) - and out of the three, this is probably the weakest.

Ok, let’s sort out what I liked first. I liked the writing, the story moved at a pace and this felt like a light, fluffy beach read with sexy moments. I liked Canaan straight away, though Renzo did take a chapter or two to warm to, but I was on board with them becoming a couple quickly. This was a nice, fun, sexy beach read.

So, why did I not warm to it compared to the previous Annabeth Albert I’ve read? While I liked it, I thought it was very troupe-y and the hurdles that the characters have could have been resolved very quickly if they TALKED TO EACH OTHER. This happens in every Annabeth Albert book I’ve read. They don’t talk to each other, then they get into a fight, a few days/weeks go by and then they talk to each other and everything’s ok. I know we need conflict but am getting a little tired to read in romance stories that the conflict happens because no one talks to each other!

Plus, in the blurb of the book (though not up in my write-up), we are told that there is an incident (I won’t say on here) that will split the couple up from the rest of the camping group. I thought that, as it’s in the blurb, it would happen quite early in the story. This didn’t happen till around the 50% mark, which makes me wonder why it was put on the blurb. It could have been hinted at or left out and have as a surprise “OMG” moment. Why put it in the blurb when it comes halfway through the book?

Ok, I’m being nit-picky on that.

Anyway, I do have one more Annabeth Albert on my kindle TBR so this hasn’tt turned me off her writing. This wasn’t her strongest story, I think, and I hope the next book I read will be a fun, fluffy and romantic read, but if the problem/issue that happens can be resolved if the leads talk to each other, it might be my last…

Stevie‘s review of Rough Terrain (Out of Uniform, Book 7) by Annabeth Albert
Contemporary Gay and Bisexual Military Romance published by Carina Press 14 Jan 19

I’ve been a great fan of the Out of Uniform series, and I’m sorry to see it coming to an end, even as I’m eagerly anticipating what the next bunch of books might hold in store for us. With most of the crowd paired off, it’s really only Rooster, who’d much prefer to be called by either one of his given names, Renzo Bianci, who’s in need of a lasting romance. Fortunately he has a fan in the form of Canaan Finley, a nursing student and part-time worker in the local Smoothie Palace, and a chance remark from one of the other guys might just be the prompt Canaan needs to finally make contact beyond menu choices and daily specials.


Having admired Renzo both on his visits to the shop and via the online fitness videos Renzo posts, Canaan is intrigued enough by the news that his favourite SEAL took a male date to a recent wedding to drop hints that he might be up for more personal interaction once his shift ends. Come the appointed time, the pair set off on a journey round Canaan’s local haunts and do indeed get to know each other better. They soon discover that Renzo is a fan of the indie punk band Canaan used to drum for, who are now on the verge of becoming much more well known. Canaan is still in touch with his old bandmates and has been invited to join them on a camping trip – bringing a plus-one with him. With no actual boyfriend, and feeling left out that all the others are paired off, including his ex, Canaan asks Renzo to accompany him and pretend to be his partner.

Initially reluctant, Renzo eventually comes around to the idea, and he and Canaan head across the country to meet up with the others. It soon transpires that Canaan’s ex is a total jerk who dumped Canaan for the band’s stand-in drummer while Canaan’s grandmother was terminally ill, but is still not particularly happy to see him with Renzo. The rest of the band are cool, though, and they’re soon off hiking in the Grand Canyon. The weather turns on them, just as Canaan and Renzo find themselves in between the two main groups that their party has split into, and they have to climb up a rock face to avoid the flash flood that ensues. Stuck on a ledge, not knowing whether either group has made it to safety, Renzo has to draw on his training to keep Canaan calm and make sure they both get rescued safely once the storm’s over.

Although their adventure speeds the bonding process, life back home doesn’t run smoothly for either of the guys. Renzo has been planning to transfer back to where his family live for quite some time, while Canaan wants to stay where he is, even after graduation, due to his own family ties. When Renzo receives a promotion and his request looks like it’s being granted, it seems that distance may break them up before they’ve had much of a chance at being together, but, in the end, their respective relatives – and a bit of negotiation – provide a solution.

This was a fitting end to a very enjoyable series. I loved Canaan’s granddad in particular out of all the secondary characters, and the various band members all had memorable personalities too. I’m sad that we won’t see any more of these guys in all probability, but I’m looking forward to meeting a new group of characters in a different location later in the year.

Grade: B

I was saddened to see that Rough Terrain was the last in the Out of Uniform series because this has been a series that I have loved from the start, and eagerly looked forward to each new couple. They have all been sexy stories filled with sacrifice and love and more hot navy SEALs than my imagination can hold. But for the first time, I will admit that I had a little trouble getting into the story.

Renzo and Canaan were both likeable characters. They were strong, caring, and family was everything to them. But for guys that seemed to bear the responsibilities of the world on their shoulders, they just felt so young! Vernacular like ‘for reals’ and the way Canaan let his friends treat him just made these guys feel more like overgrown teenagers when I wanted to read about MEN.

Another issue that kept bothering me was the conflict in this story. Here, Renzo’s reluctance to get in a relationship, and what was holding him back from Canaan, was past bad experiences… Because Renzo’s equipment was too large. What?! I felt as if this was a flimsy premise to base a major part of the character’s conflict. Hot, but flimsy. I also had to get past my frustration of the “I know what’s best for both of us” trope. These are supposed to be two people in love, so why does one always feel that love means they can’t discuss what’s best for the both of them?

As I read more of the story, these issues did start to fall by the wayside somewhat as I fell into Annabeth Albert’s writing style, the smoking hot sex scenes, and I became more invested in the lives of these two men. I just feel like something was missing that was present in the first few stories.

Overall, I was entertained by Rough Terrain and this couple, and I enjoyed this series immensely. I will be so sorry to see it end, but look forward to whatever adventure this author is engaging in next.