4.5 - 5 -> this one turned out to be one of my favorites.

Oh Canaan and Renzo… as sorry as I was that Rough Terrain marked the end of the Out of Uniform series, I don’t think it could have ended with a more perfect couple.

On the surface, Canaan and Renzo weren’t even close to a perfect match. Renzo was totally focused on his military career and he had reasons for that focus. Canaan was just as focused. He was working his way through nursing school. He was also “nursing” a broken heart, but that didn’t stop him from being attracted to Renzo – and the feeling was mutual.

Attraction isn’t always enough and it took them almost losing each other to make them realize that their “pretend” romance was a little more real than they realized.

There was so much to love about this final installment. Like a few cameos from previous characters that I always enjoy. A glimpse at military life that’s pretty close to accurate (or as close to accurate as fiction can get.) Then there was the connection between Renzo and Canaan. The supporting characters were both great and aggravating at times – the perfect balance. Although I’m still sad that Out of Uniform has come to an end, I can’t wait to see what Annabeth Albert has in store for readers next. 😉

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

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

Canaan is working hard to earn his degree in nursing. He was able to live the life of a traveling drummer for a while, but when his grandpa gets sick, Canaan knows that his priorities need to change. While attending his classes, Canaan also has a hobby of staring at the local SEALs that come in to buy protein smoothies. Despite his overactive imagination and fantasies, Canaan doesn't really think that he'll have a chance with anyone. I really enjoyed Canaan's character. He was thoughtful, sweet, flirty, and when it mattered, very honest and serious.

Renzo is a tough SEAL, but underneath it all, he is also just a son who is trying his hardest to please his family. Despite loving his job, Renzo lives with this constant guilt. While I liked his character enough, I did think that he was a little too whiny and insecure. Yes, he had some issues with his family expecting a lot from him, but he also never really talked about it either.

Renzo and Canaan have great chemistry. They are fun and sexy together. When push comes to shove, both Renzo and Canaan will have to decide if what they are starting is worth the fight or if they had their fun and now they can each get back to their own lives. I enjoyed this story a lot and think that it fit well with the previous books in this series.


Angie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the last book in the series and it was different than the rest. This book was a little more light, fluffy, and sweet. Canaan and Renzo worked well together even though I thought their first date was more like something teenagers would do than grown men. It wasn't my favorite book in the series, but it also wasn't my least. It was a good ending to a good series. I wish we would have seen more characters from previous books since this was the last book, but oh well.


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
In Rough Terrain, author Annabeth Albert has given us another strong m/m romance with a hot Navy SEAL. I loved the relationship between Navy SEAL Renzo and nursing student/drummer/shop assistant Canaan. Here is Renzo, this totally buff, hot guy you’d expect to be confident with dating and sex, but he had some heavy insecurities and they really were kind of sweet. It is Canaan who had the confidence to flirt and lead in that department. Even thinking about them now makes me smile. I also loved that both men are close with and love their families and that their careers were important to them. Despite the fact that Canaan was once a member of a semi-famous band and Renzo is an elite member of the armed forces, I felt like these were just two everyday guys and I really did love them.

I highly recommend Rough Terrain. It is book #7 in the Out of Uniform series but could easily be read as a standalone.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
This is the story of the SEAL who falls for the cute guy at his local smoothie shop. Renzo and Canaan are an unlikely match on almost every level, but I love how they work together.

A few books ago, I was worried that this series was becoming a little bit formulaic and predictable. Thankfully, the last couple have been fresh and this story feels really original.

As a rock drummer turned nursing student, Canaan is a more complicated character than we first realise. Like Renzo and Canaan’s ex-boyfriend, I was initially wary of Canaan’s slightly obsessive interest in SEALs in general – and it took a while before I was convinced Canaan saw Renzo before he saw the SEAL. I love Canaan’s relationship with his grandfather, it's wonderful and I was plotting my own revenge scenarios for his ex from the moment he opened his mouth.

I really like it when the author adds action scenes into these books and I love that the hiking trip at the start of this one completely took me by surprise. Unfortunately, while I really liked the hiking adventure, the hiking trip probably established Renzo and Canaan as a couple too early and the men spend a little bit too much of the rest of the book in relationship limbo. I didn’t enjoy the time spent with Renzo and Canaan running around in circles, scared to commit to each other or plan for their future. Another consequence of coupling too early is that the romantic tension fades too quickly and much of the end feels like hard work as they hammer out practical solutions for a life together.

I enjoyed the characters in this story and I really like Renzo and Canaan together. I love that this feels like a fresh and original addition to the series. I just wish the structure and pacing had allowed the chemistry between these two to build for a bit longer.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the seventh book in the series, and definitely has links to previous books, but you could definitely enjoy it as a standalone too. Series readers will remember Canaan for sure, and will see the change as a clear indication of his change in interest levels now he has met Renzo.

This is a really enjoyable story, as in addition to the obvious attraction of sexy SEAL Renzo, we also get ex-drummer of successful band Canaan, who left it behind to care for his sick grandpa. After a slow start, and a strange mix of attraction, but caution, the two men agree to play boyfriends for a band reunion. When they all go on a trip into the wilds, little did they expect the drama that ensued. It certainly puts their feelings front and centre, but still doesn't make a future simple.

I love the pacing of this book, as we go from family, to adventure, to slow thoughtful resolutions, and some very fun and sexy private times. A really good addition to the series, thank you, Annabeth Albert.

Anothe great story from Annabeth Albert. It’s sexy, romantic and a great fun love story. Well written characters pull together a romance and Albert does this so well.

This is the 7th book in the Out of Uniform series, and the last. I’ve really enjoyed all of these books, though of course some more than others. However, with the series now over, at least I can say that we’ve focused on all the main players throughout. The last one who needed a love story was Navy SEAL Renzo. He’s often referred to as Rooster by his Navy brothers, but he’d much rather go by his real name, and Canaan is happy to oblige.

I really felt for Renzo. He seems like someone who is confident all the time and has it all together, but he had insecurities too and they were things he had to work through in the book if he wanted to make a real go of it with Canaan. And yes, I really liked Canaan too! I think him and Renzo made a good couple.

Since this is the final book, I just have to say that I think you should start at the beginning if you’re curious about the Out of Uniform series. Each book focuses on a different couple, though previous characters show up in subsequent books. Rough Terrain wasn’t my favorite in the whole series, but I still really enjoyed it.

Rough Terrain is, sadly for me, the last book in the Out of Uniform series by Annabeth Albert and just like she started strong with the sweet and at times painful coming together of Zach and Pike, she finished strong with the pairing of Renzo and Canaan. We met Canaan before in On Point, when he and Ben and Maddox hook up but like so often in her books, Ms. Albert writes a character that is not to be summed up by one encounter. Canaan and Renzo though on the surface different, are similar in their devotion to family and in the way they have both sacrificed in order to care for the family they love. Both have a journey to make to realize that going for their own happiness, taking care of themselves by being with one another, is allowed and needs to be embraced. They also need to see themselves for the depth of character they display in their actions instead of via the caricatures that Canaan's former band mates/friends and Renzo's needy family have convinced them that they are. Their story was so well done. Even though there is not a lot of time from the time they start to see each other as partner to their realization of the depth of their connection, they experience a lot together in a way that allows for a strong connection that is based on who they really are, vulnerabilities and all. I was so happy at the end but sad that the series is at a conclusion. I have enjoyed every story and I have read them all.

FR- Alors alors…. alors je pense que je n’ai plus besoin de vous présenter cette série ni de vous dire que j’adore cette série. Je suis à peu près sûre que vous avez compris à quel point j’aime cette série et je dois bien dire que j’ai eu un petit pincement au coeur à l’idée qu’il s’agissait du dernier tome de la série.

Mais toutes les bonnes choses ont une fin et ce tome 7 est une fin parfaite. Il s’agit de l’histoire de Rooster et j’avais vraiment hâte de lire son histoire. Et j’ai énormément aimé. De toute façon j’ai beaucoup aimé tous les tomes de cette série et je savais d’avance que celui ci ne ferai pas exception à la règle.

J’ai beaucoup aimé le thème de ce roman et j’ai adoré le personnage de Canaan . Je l’ai trouvé vraiment intéressant et j’ai adoré le voir évoluer tout au long du roman. J’ai beaucoup aimé Renzo aussi (oui , le vrai nom de Rooster) et j’ai adoré ses interactions avec sa famille. J’avoue que plus d’une fois j’ai versé ma petite larme. Et j’ai énormément aimé que l’auteure explore cette piste.

La relation entre Canaan et Renzo est tout simplement génial. Il y a des thèmes que j’aime en romance MM et le « fake boyfriend » en est un. Et celui ci est particulièrement bon. J’ai adoré les rapprochements entre les deux personnages et j’ai aimé chaque petit moment entre eux, chaque hésitation, chaque tension et chaque moment de bonheur. J’ai adoré retrouver les personnages des autres tomes même si c’est brièvement et comme je vous le disais je n’ai pas pu m’empêcher d’avoir en tête qu’il s’agissait du dernier tome et de savourer plus intensément chaque ligne.

Il est difficile de parler du tome 7 d’une série mais je vais juste profiter du fait que ce soit le dernier tome pour vous dire que cette série est à mon sens un incontournable dans le genre, que je suis à la fois triste de quitter cet univers et super excitée pour la prochaine série à venir, Frozen Hearts qui est annoncée pour début avril.

Alors si vous n’avez pas encore découvert cette série, ni cette auteure… vous savez ce qu’il vous reste à faire!





ENG- So well well well… well I think I do not need to introduce you to this series anymore or to tell you that I love this series. I’m pretty sure you understand how much I like this series and I must say that I had a little pang in my heart at the thought that this was the last volume of the series.

But all good things have an end and this volume 7 is a perfect ending. This is Rooster’s story and I was really looking forward to reading his story. And I loved it a lot. Anyway I liked all the volumes of this series and I knew in advance that this one will be no exception to the rule.

I really liked the theme of this novel and I loved the character of Canaan. I found it really interesting and I loved seeing it evolve throughout the novel. I loved Renzo too (yes, Rooster’s real name) and I loved his interactions with his family. I admit that more than once I shed my little tear. And I really liked that the author explores this track.

The relationship between Canaan and Renzo is just great. There are themes that I love in MM romance and the « fake boyfriend » is one of them. And this one is particularly good. I loved the connections between the two characters and I loved each little moment between them, each hesitation, each tension and each moment of happiness. I loved to find the characters of the other volumes even if it is briefly and as I told you I could not help but have in mind that it was the last volume and enjoy more intensely each line.

It’s hard to talk about Volume 7 of a series but I’m just going to take advantage of the fact that this is the last volume to tell you that this series is in my opinion a must in the genre, that I am both sad to leave this universe and super excited for the upcoming upcoming series, Frozen Hearts which is announced for early April.

So if you have not yet discovered this series, or this author … you know what you have to do!

If you have been following my reviews you'll know I am a fan of Annabeth Albert's work, and with stories like this one it's no surprise. But I did something different this time, I didn't read the ARC given to me right away because I knew that I had a few days after the release before I would be posting this Blog Tour Promo Post so I waited and purchased the kindle book along with the audio version, and I am sooooo glad I did. WOW! Greg Boudreaux did a phenomenal job with the narration of this book. I enjoy audio books, the way they envelop you into the story, it really adds another layer to the enjoyment I get from reading and this is why I am so glad I decided to go this route with Rooster and Canaan's story.

I'm not a huge fan of the Fake Relationship trope but I don't shy away from it either, I will say that I am glad the "Fake" part didn't last to long and both men realized what they had was something worth exploring. We've met both Rooster and Canaan in previous books but don't worry if you haven't read them yet this book can be read as a standalone. I will say that once you meet the men that make up the Out Of Uniform series though you will want to read each and every story!

Rooster (Renzo has some hangups about sex and rightfully so, I won't tell you what they are you'll have to read the book to find out, but Canaan is just the person to help him out with any issues he may have. But not only is Canaan good for Renzo but Renzo is good for Canaan as well. I really enjoyed how these two men were compatible there was just enough differences to keep things interesting but they weren't total opposites.

This book is easy to recommend, heck the entire series is. I honestly don't think any of them rated less than four stars for me. I am so sad that this is the last book in the series but I am looking forward to Annabeth's new series, Frozen Hearts. I hope you start at the beginning and work your way through the series because each of these men were great and it's always nice to see how things play out for the couples in future books. Happy Reading!!!

I’m in love with this series and the author. Military stories or any type of law enforcement stories are my weakness and this has been a wonderful ride to be on. I highly recommend this series and hope that you enjoy it as much as I have. Looking forward towards anything this author writes.

3.75

While not my favorite in the series, Rough Terrain is an enjoyable finale. Three years after his grandmother’s death from cancer, 26-year-old Canaan Finley’s life is a lot different from when he was the drummer for the up-and-coming band, Kirby’s Revenge. Instead of traveling through Europe with his high school friends/bandmates, he’s studying to be a nurse and working at a smoothie shop on the base where he gets all the SEAL eye candy he could hope for, including his favorite Renzo “Rooster” Bianchi. When he makes an offer to help Renzo find “trouble”, he’s surprised when the guy he sees as way out of his league takes him up on it, and even more surprised that he enjoys hanging out so much that asking Renzo to be his fake boyfriend for the camping trip with his former bandmates slips out.

While Renzo finds Canaan fun, easy to be around and sexy, he’s wary of getting too close and getting hurt again when the guy he’s into is only using him to make someone else jealous, but the urge to spend time with Canaan is too hard to resist, and he says yes against his better judgement. When he and Canaan find themselves in a life or death situation, the tentative bond they had started to form grows and each man decides they want to try a relationship when they return home. Unfortunately, communicating what they want from one another is daunting and neither wants to admit to the depth of their feelings, particularly Renzo who has a hard time talking about his emotions and trusting so when their fledgling relationship is put to the test, Renzo has to decide if trusting Canaan and putting in the work to make a relationship last is scarier than losing Canaan completely.

Although Renzo and Canaan are in their mid to late twenties, their relationship issues came across as decidedly NA, as this is Renzo’s first relationship and Canaan’s first relationship since he broke up with his best friend turned boyfriend three years ago. Thus, there is a lot of insecurity and inner hemming and hawing Canaan and Renzo go through when it comes to wanting more from the other than friendship or a causal relationship but being too afraid to admit it, and in Renzo’s case, continually doubting Canaan’s interest, seriousness and feelings.

Naturally, there is also the last act "break-up" to get our MC to re-evaluate what he wants, which between some of the "am I what he wants" back and forth issues during the story made it feel a bit longer than necessary. However, Annabeth Albert’s ability to create engaging MCs with interesting relationship growth and development saves the story from feeling too high school-“does he really like me” angsty. Both Canaan and Renzo have relatable and strong connections to their family, although Renzo’s ties are a bit more fraught as they are tangled up in his perfectionist nature (fed by guilt after a childhood accident), the burden he feels at being his family’s “hero” and worrying he’s not living up to their expectations. If you like a story with a smart, fun, flirty and loyal RN-in-training loosening up a perfectionist, stoic WELL hung SEAL with trust and intimacy issues, you’ll enjoy Rough Terrain.


I received an advanced reader copy from A Novel Take PR.

ROUGH TERRAIN is the seventh book in the Out of Uniform series, and this time we meet up with Renzo (Rooster) Bianchi and part-time barista, Canaan. Canaan has been watching Renzo come into the shop for the past few months and has admired him from afar. When the opportunity arises to flirt, he takes it! Renzo is interested in Canaan, but doesn't want to be used again. He has been the guy to make the boyfriend jealous, and doesn't want to be that person again.

These two are so sweet together! Seriously!!! Their relationship is a slow-burner, which just made the story so much better. The attraction is there, but until Renzo can be sure of Canaan's feelings, he is not prepared to move forward.

As with all Annabeth Albert books, this was exceedingly well-written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading. The story flowed, and the characters are all well-rounded out.

With a strong relationship built on friendship and trust, this is a fantastic addition to the Out of Uniform series, although it can be read as a standalone. Absolutely recommended by me.

Rough Terrain is the 7th and final book in the Out of Uniform series by Annabeth Albert. This book followed Lorenzo "Renzo" "Rooster" Bianchi and Canaan Finley.

Renzo grew up as a glasses-wearing chubby kid but that all changed after his older brother had an accident. His brother wanted to be a SEAL, so out of a sense of guilt, Renzo decided to follow his brother’s dream, enlisting and becoming a SEAL.

Canaan is a student working at a smoothie restaurant while going to school part time to be a nurse. He used to play drums in a band with his ex but came home after his grandmother got sick. After she passed away he stayed on to take care of his grandfather.

Renzo stays away from relationships because of a problem. What starts out as a fake relationship turns into hero worship of sorts turns to a relationship. Will it last?

I liked Renzo. He was interesting, and genuinely a nice character: an amazing big brother, a good son, a good SEAL and a bit of a fitness/workout Instagram icon. Canaan is a drummer, a good grandson and he is going to be a great nurse.

I really liked this book and I am so sad it is the last in the series. Drumming and being an Instagram fitness/workout model were important aspects to each character, but I found both got brushed over a lot in all the drama that was their relationship. However, I will reread this book and the entire series, while I try and curb my excitement for the next upcoming series.

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

The camping trip from hell may be the first stop on the road to happily-ever-after.

Navy SEAL Renzo Bianchi has a soft spot for Canaan Finley, and not only because the man makes a mean smoothie. He’s the first guy to get Renzo’s motor revving in a long time. But when he agrees to Canaan’s insane charade—one all-access fake boyfriend, coming right up—he never expects more than a fling.

Creating a hot Italian SEAL boyfriend to save face seemed like a good idea…until his friends called Canaan’s bluff. Now he’s setting off into the woods with the very man who inspired his deception, and Canaan is not the outdoorsy type. The sparks are already flying when a flash flood separates them from their group, leaving Renzo and Canaan very much trapped…very much alone in the wilderness.

Working together to come up with a plan for survival is sexier than either of them expects. But back in the real world, being a couple is bringing its own set of hazards…

Everytime I think I have a favorite series by this author narrowed down, then Annabeth Albert goes ahead and releases a new story. In this case its Rough Terrain (Out of Uniform #7) and, sure enough my heart and attention is switched back to the Out of Uniform series from #gaymers or whatever series it happened to have landed on from the last Annabeth Albert novel I last finished reading.

It works like that with this author.

She has to ability to imbue her stories and characters with such vitality, such heart that they live beyond whatever electronic device you happen to be reading the novel on.  From the moment you meet them, dive into their lives and whatever messy situations they happen to be in, you are completely sunk!  Hooked by the fact that Albert has connected you heart to heart, thought to thought, emotion to emotion to these men and whatever she and this story has in store for them.

Rough Terrain has so much in store for us as readers and for its main characters!  From meeting Canaan Finley making smoothies and waiting for the SEALs to arrive, especially the one he's crushing on to finding out about the upcoming weekend where Canaan desperately needs to appear with a date, the reader's anticipation starts to rise.  We know who    he will take but how will Albert bring it about?  And what will happen.  Then we meet Navy SEAL Renzo Bianchi and oh my!

This is a series filled with complicated men and rough roads to coupledom. But never have I so eagerly awaited the path these two took together and was so rewarded with the story that followed.

The dynamics between them in various situations from normal daily routines to some of the most traumatic, life threatening scenes imaginable were extraordinary.  From the dialog, to the action I felt every moment, clung to the horror, and almost cried with relief with all the events that take place in the wilderness.  It's truly amazing in every respect.  And that and the romance will make you want to read this story  over and over.  It's really one of the highlights of the series.

If you love contemporary stories, here is a novel and a series you won't want to miss.  If you are a fan of Annabeth Albert, you are probably, like me, already for the next one.

I highly recommend the story, series, and author.  I'm a huge fan of all three.

Cover art by Carina Press art department does a great job in continuing to brand the series with the color tone and overall design.  The figures do well by the main characters and storyline.

I am happy and sad to be writing this review! I am happy as I loved Rough Terrain with Renzo and Canaan's story, but sad that this apparently is the end of the Out of Uniform series!! Boo hoo! I have loved them all-of course I have my favorites, but Annabeth Albert wrote such a profound and varied series that is believable!

I loved Canaan! We met him before in On Point-Ben and Maddox's story. Kind of seen as a SEAL chaser, I was glad to see he was so much more. He was a truly caring and compassionate person. He had the hots for Renzo and I was glad they got a chance to embark on a soul changing journey!

Renzo/Rooster has ghosts of guilt that he has never been able to shake. I understand why he did what he did, but I was also glad that he stopped running once Canaan was in his life. These two were a slow, but steady burn! There was quite a few obstacles they had to overcome, but I was intrigued about how they would work it all out!

Canaan's former band, outside of a couple, were complete idiots! Friends don't treat friends that way! I could feel all the hurt and resentment Canaan felt when he saw them again. And let's not forget what a complete douche-canoe Damian was! Canaan and Renzo were on solid ground, but I hated how Damian just wanted to cause trouble. He was jealous of what Canaan had I guess. I loved how Canaan always wanted to talk things out-no questioning what the other is thinking here. It was refreshing that they discussed everything together.

The secondary characters gave a strong sense of commitment and family. Canaan with his grandpa, and Renzo with his SEAL team and immediate family. It was unfortunate that Renzo misunderstood his mom's hero worship which in turn, saddled him with a huge weight upon his shoulders!

I really enjoyed this couple and was glad to see them achieve their HEA!

opinion.

I’ve definitely been up-and-down with this series. Some books in this series just clicked better than others for me. I would have to say this book was hard for me. I didn’t hate it... but I definitely wasn’t falling all over it.

I loved Canaan. His personality, how easy he made it to make Renzo feel relaxed. Getting Renzo out of his comfort zone.

Renzo.... he was a struggle for me. It took me a very long time to like him. I wasn’t feeling all his hang ups. It just felt like Canaan was constantly having to beg him to do things with him.... sexually. It was just hard for me to feel them as a couple. I wanted Renzo to loosen up a little. And that didn’t happen until almost the end.

At times too... I felt like there was too much focus on Renzo’s workout routine. And his diet. I mean I got it. He’s a health nut. I just hated how he would justify himself eating carbs all that time.

Overall this was an ok read for me. I’m glad it ended the way it did. But being the last book in this series. I don’t know. I was expecting something a little different.

*ARC provided by HARLEQUIN - Carina Press via Netgalley*

Rough Terrain is the story between a SEAL and a smoothie barista. It also mixes in the love trope of a fake relationship since Canaan needs a boyfriend for a trip coming up or he'll have to admit that he made the whole thing up. Lucky for him, the SEAL he's had his eye on accepts his invitation to go camping and plays along to help Canaan out. However, like all good fake relationship tropes, pretty soon these two find themselves no longer acting a part.

This was a good read but I will be honest that it wasn't my favorite from the series. I think it had to do with Canaan's character. Canaan has had a thing for the sexy men who serve our country. There's never a short supply of them since he works at a juice bar on base. However, the ones that really catch his eye are the Navy SEALs. He's had one in particular on his mind lately. On their first outing together, Canaan came on way too strong. Immediately talking about hooking up and just seemed way too eager to mark another notch on his bedpost. As the book progresses Canaan either toned it down a lot, or I just got used to it. However, his pushiness to get in bed with Renzo just left me feeling weird.

Renzo's character was a lot more laid back. In all honesty, he balanced out Canaan. He was a lot more subtle in his approach, a lot more reserved, and just really leveled out the playing field. He likes Canaan, but isn't sure if he's being used or if there's something really there with Canaan. It doesn't help that Canaan's ex jokes about him being a SEAL chaser, and then later they bump into fellow SEAL buddies of his and it turns out Canaan slept with them in a threesome. So yeah, he wasn't quick to give his heart away to Canaan. Renzo also has a lot riding on his shoulders with his family back home. He's been on the other side of the country from them since he entered the military and he's ready to get back to the east coast to spend more time with them. So, their relationship had a lot of obstacles to overcome.

Which is one thing that I love about this series. Each couple in the series has something pretty big, but also pretty normal, that they have to face in order to move forward. Whether it's fraternization, or getting ostracized by a team that you need to know has your back 110%, to just the basic uncertainty of being in the military. I loved that there wasn't any crazy unnecessary drama. Being in the military and having a relationship is hard enough as it is. I just really appreciated that the author didn't go adding some weird stuff in just to make a story seem more interesting.

Rough Terrain is the last book in the series and it was nice to see Rooster (Renzo) get a HEA. Over the course of the series you meet these guys, go on missions with these guys, and it's just so hard not to become attached to them and want to see them happy. So, I'm glad that Renzo got his moment in the spotlight.

This review originally appeared on the All About Romance website.

Off Base, the first in the Out of Uniform series, was my first military romance. Although I didn’t love that story, I liked the writing and the premise of the series, and decided to stay with it. I’m so glad I did. Over the course of seven wonderfully disparate books, the series has been reliably good (often amazing) and satisfying, and Ms. Albert’s love for her characters permeates each novel. I was sad picking up Rough Terrain, knowing it was the last book in the series, but happy to spend some more time in the Out of Uniform world. It’s too short – as the conclusion to this marvelous series and as a standalone title; readers don’t get nearly enough backstory. It’s a shame because this romance is sexy, smart, and I was engaged from start to finish.

In earlier novels in the series, we briefly met Navy SEAL Renzo Bianchi, aka “Rooster.” In I Do (a novella linked to At Attention), Rooster outed himself as bisexual; he’s also handsome, fit and famous (his workout videos have garnered him loyal fanbase on Instagram). Renzo loves being a SEAL, but is anxious to get back to the east coast and his close-knit family – who hero-worship him both for his military service and the way he takes care of them; he’s also hoping to be picked for jumpmaster training. Renzo isn’t looking for a boyfriend, and a recent failed relationship has left him doubting himself. He’s struggling under the pressure of his family’s expectations, and insecure about his appeal (to either sex); despite the positive attention he gets from his videos, Renzo is a study in contradictions. He also can’t stop thinking about the hot guy at the local smoothie shop, wondering if he should take him up on his offer to “find some trouble” together.

Canaan Finley thought he had life figured out. Drummer for up-and-coming rock band, Kirby’s Revenge, he spent years on the road traveling from gig to gig, until three years earlier his life took a major detour when his grandmother was diagnosed with stage four cancer. Canaan took a hiatus from the band to return home and help care for her, and after she died, he realized life on the road no longer held the same appeal. Now, Canaan is living with his grandfather, working part time at a smoothie shop, and pursuing a nursing degree in geriatric care. His former bandmates are touring in the US and want him to join them for a weekend camping trip. Canaan wants to go, but with everyone coupled up – including his asshole ex-boyfriend, he panics and tells them he might be bringing someone too. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have a boyfriend, and time is running out. When the hot Italian Navy SEAL he’s been crushing on stops in with friends one night, Canaan impetuously invites him out.

Renzo takes Canaan up on his offer to spend time together, but doubts about Canaan’s expectations for the night nearly derail the evening before it begins. Worried Canaan is a SEAL chaser (he is), and reluctant to pursue something that can’t go anywhere, he tries to keep his attraction at bay. But he likes Canaan. A lot. Their evening is easy and effortless, and Canaan has an uncanny ability to intuit exactly what Renzo needs. His charming ‘friend’ makes it clear he’s up for more, but never presses. Renzo struggles to resist him until Canaan asks him for a favor and confirms what he already suspected: Canaan was using him all along. He has no desire to be anyone’s fake boyfriend or go camping. Canaan tries – in vain – to reassure him he’s interested whether or not Renzo goes on the trip, but the damage is done and it’s clear Renzo is hurt. They part as friends, but Canaan worries he’s ruined everything.

Reader, Renzo goes on the trip (it’s in the book description) after trying and failing to resist his desire to spend more time with Canaan. He doesn’t quite trust Canaan and resents his role as ‘fake boyfriend,’ but he can’t stay away. Resolving beforehand to keep his hands to himself and get through the weekend as Canaan’s friend, he stubbornly tries to resist Canaan’s flirtatious teasing. Unfortunately, Canaan makes it EXTREMELY difficult to do so. He’s charming, funny, and forthright, and totally unfazed by Renzo’s attempts to keep his questions and curiosity at bay. No subject is off-limits and even when Renzo confesses sex hasn’t always been easy or pleasurable for him (and explains why), Canaan doesn’t stumble. He stubbornly sticks to his pursuit of more from Renzo, and eventually, Renzo is forced to admit resistance is futile – he can’t control his attraction to the other man.

From the start, the camping trip goes awry. Renzo doesn’t like the way Canaan’s bandmates treat him (especially his ex), and their behavior informs his own. Protective and devoted, he’s everything Canaan wants in a real boyfriend and there’s nothing pretend about his response to their intense connection. When they find themselves alone in their hotel together the first night, Renzo quits pretending. Their sex is hot, passionate, and playful, and nothing like Renzo has ever experienced; it confuses him. Is it real or an act? For his part, Canaan is a skillful and patient lover, carefully and systematically dismantling Renzo’s preconceived expectations, and teaching him the pleasures to be had with the right partner.

The story detours shortly after the camping trip gets underway; Renzo and Canaan are separated from the group by a flash flood and have to depend on each other for survival. Their ordeal and time together triggers a protective instinct in both men, along with a new awareness there’s nothing simple or fake about their feelings for each other. I loved the refocus and where the narrative goes from this point forward, but I wish Ms. Albert had made better use of their sojourn in the wilderness. Although we finally discover how each man became the person they are when the story begins, the revelations felt more like an awkward info dump that permits the author to pivot and introduce the second half: the rough terrain they face once they return to San Diego.

Ms. Albert does a marvelous job confounding reader expectations for Rough Terrain. Renzo is no preening rooster as earlier books suggested, and while Canaan might be a SEAL chaser, he recognizes Renzo is someone special; there’s never anything ‘fake’ about this relationship, and this isn’t a wilderness survival story (that’s actually a very brief portion of the book). Instead, Ms. Albert takes two stubborn and opposite men and reveals how they learn to love and trust in each other and themselves despite their less than auspicious beginning. I liked them and their journey, and the author perfectly captures the tenderness, affection and HEAT between them (there are some STEAMY scenes in this one). Although Rough Terrain isn’t the best in the series (that’s a toss-up between On Point and Tight Quarters), it’s a lovely conclusion to this excellent series.

3.5 Stars

It seems like yesterday that I read about this exciting new series about SEALs getting their HEAs, and now suddenly I’m looking at book seven and don’t want to say goodbye to one of my favorite series. It’s been two years since the release of the first book! Can you believe it? It wasn’t all smooth sailing and high ratings for me, but in general, I liked the stories we got. My absolute favorites were Wheels Up and At Attention, and they’ll keep their spot at my top-shelf for a long time to come.

The final book in the Out of Uniform series gave me some mixed feelings. There’s a fake boyfriend trope that doesn’t last very long, and two stubborn guys who don’t want to see what’s right in front of them. I liked the start of their relationship and their dates. Canaan’s friends are another matter, though, and didn’t win any prizes from me, especially his ex and Eric, who were annoying and obnoxious.

Renzo’s story was shocking, but I loved his brother and how they were together. His parents were pushy without meaning to be, and kept shoving high expectations at him that Renzo had no way of not trying to live up to.

Up until halfway, or even 3/4 of the way, I was engaged and wanted to see what would happen next, but then the ever-present break-up-near-the-end-of-the-book came, and for pages upon pages we went around in circles reading Canaan’s and Renzo’s thoughts that were the same thing over and over again. The book could easily be a couple dozen—or even more—pages shorter without the story missing anything important.

We got to see couples from the previous stories as always, but sadly no one from my favorite books. Still, Maddox and Ben made a special appearance, and I must admit that I had completely forgotten about meeting Canaan in their book for the first time. The ending was satisfying, and everyone got what they most wanted, so no surprises there. All in all, this was a good wrap for the series, but it won’t get a spot in my favorite reads.

I can’t wait to see what Annabeth Albert is getting ready for us next!

Reviewed by Ky

I've been waiting for Rooster's story so getting here was just delightful! Renzo and Caanan had an odd start but it worked for them. I loved how open and honest they were with one another. They didn't have an easy time with all of their outside issues, family, friends, past bs. But they worked through it by... ya know, communicating!!! I love that. I also love that one if the locations they had a date was somewhere I used to spend a lot of time. Great read!!!

I can't believe this is the last book in this series! But WOW, what a way to end things! I just LOVED Renzo and Canaan's story, their journey to their HEA even made me cry just a bit, and that rarely happens. Annabeth Albert really hit it out of the park with this one, and this couple might be one of my favorites from the whole series.

Canaan works in a smoothie shop on base and takes care of his grandfather. He used to be a drummer in an up-and-coming band, but gave it up when his family needed him, and now he is working towards getting his nursing degree so he can help others like the people who helped his grandmother. He loves getting to look at all the eye-candy that being on base brings (and who wouldn't?!) but especially loves his moments with Renzo, or Rooster as his friends call him.

This starts with a fun trope - the fake boyfriend! But what starts as fun and flirty moments, turns serious when Renzo and Canaan are separated from their hiking group and a flash flood makes the situation even more grim. I loved how in-tuned these two were with each other, and how Renzo was determined to get Canaan out and how Canaan was also determined to be there for Renzo. These two! Ugh, my heart.

I loved Renzo and Canaan and the chemistry they had together, as once they get back to the real world they decide to make things real. As they get to know each other and figure out what works best for them, they definitely get to explore plenty of fun things to do together, and it's sizzling. Their connection is just so instant, it's no surprise that they're all in with having only been together for a couple of months. Magic lube FTW!

There is also a strong sense of family in this story - from Canaan and his grandpa, to Renzo and his family and everyone wanting to do the "right" thing - but Canaan and Renzo needed to figure out the right them for THEM, not necessarily just their families. That whole "if you love something, set it free..." quote plays heavily into this story, and my heart just broke as both men just wanted what was best for the other, and they were both willing to give up their happiness for the sake of the other's. I'm so glad that they fought for a way to make it work, and I just LOVED how this story ended.

This story stands very well on its own, but if you are a fan of military romance, (some stories have age gap, some have single dads, friends-to-lovers, seriously there's a trope for everyone here) you will love this series. Highly, highly recommended!

Can't wait to see what else Annabeth Albert has in store for us in 2019!

I received an arc copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is book seven and the final book in the series.it is the story of Renzo and Cannan. I love this series so much and am really not ready for it to end. Renzo is a Seal and Cannan is working on gettting his nursing degree. Love how the chemistry develops between these to men and their story..