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.

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This is a great final installment of this series. If you've enjoyed the previous books, you'll enjoy this. I still enjoy this series and the characters AA has introduced. This book really made me have new love for Renzo and Canaan each. Canaan is more than just a uniform chaser, he is a caretaker. He truly cares for others. Renzo takes self sacrifice to a level that's unhealthy. Because of his past, and past relationships, he's very insecure and self conscious...but in a non-typical way. His hang up isn't something all that common in romance novels, or at least the way he internalizes it isn't. I really enjoyed their relationship and how Renzo comes into his own with Canaan. Canaan on the other hand doesn't have as far to go growth wise. He's pretty well adjusted and even keeled already. The issues I have with this book aren't major, but they detracted from me fully loving and enjoying it. One thing that bugged me is Renzo's mother, and the way she treats him. Because of an incident in the past Renzo lets her slide so much, and while she's not evil or bad intentioned...her comments slowly erode his self worth. The twist isn't that she criticizes, she over-praises and he is so afraid of letting her down and disappointing her. IMO she takes advantage of that. She also says *just enough* to make him doubt himself when it comes to Canaan because she wants him to bring home a nice girl even though she's "accepting" of Renzo's bisexuality. The part that is disappointing is that she's never called out about it. Renzo never stands up for himself really. So she never has to reflect on her actions. Again, she doesn't do anything "bad" and she's not an "evil" character, it's clear she loves him and wants him happy. She takes ownership at one point but it feels swept under the rug. I'm moving on, this is getting too involved. The other disappointing factors are what should've been the catalyst for some drama. Some SOMETHING. But ultimately they end up going nowhere and not really mattering much in the grand scheme. The wilderness incident literally is a flash flood, it happens, it's momentary drama, and it's gone. No true impact, no lasting effects. Just nothing. Canaan's ex also plays a part for a bit. He's a jerk. He's a douchebag. Thankfully Canaan is aware and it's not a case of him being manipulated or wavering. But again, there's no impact. He's not a threat. He doesn't affect the characters or their relationship. They both just see through him. Which is great on one hand, it's refreshing if you think about it a certain way. But it's also just boring. Why introduce him at all? For what purpose? So those three things are what kept this from being a full 5 stars. None of them are major hindrances or complaints, despite how much I just typed about them, but I couldn't leave them unmentioned. I liked Canaan's grandfather, I would've liked more of Renzo's brother and father. Or for either Renzo or Canaan to have some actual friend time. Again, I really did mostly enjoy this story and the coupling of Renzo and Canaan. They were sweet. I believe in their happily ever after. I am sad to see the series wrap up. I'll miss this little world.

ARC provided via Netgalley

I loved this title. I was not a fan of the one prior, but this one definitely took off at a good pace. I loved how in this story Renzo, the SEAL was the more vulnerable one and Finley the arguably more submissive of the two, was the one to do the reassuring in regards to Renzo. Renzo is sweet and a little old fashioned, but whats more, for him, he wants and needs permanence which is really hard to get in the usual scenes. Finley is young and cute and a natural flirt so it was easy to see how the two of them are naturally attracted to each other based on personality, but Renzo is more hesitant.

The sex positive tone in this story is hands down one of my favorite aspects. Finley brings it up and talks about it as though it is regular conversation not something to be shied away from, or to only spoken about as a means of flirtation or dirty pillow talk. Albert did a wonderful job in that aspect I feel like this was even more powerful coming from a rather quiet and not as dominant personality in Finley.

The pace of this is a bit of a slow burn, but it fits because of the dynamics of the main characters. Renzo's hesitancy is so adorable and refreshing. His kind of resistance isn't because he isn't attracted to Finley, and not necessarily about getting hurt, but he's upfront about wanting stability from someone who, for all intents and purposes, would not. This really was one of my favorite parts in this series.

Rough Terrain gave me all the feels. Renzo (aka Rooster) is so different from what I expected from a proud bi and fitness enthusiast who loves showing off in social media. I don't remember Canaan from previous book that much, but he's a cutie who had a crush on Renzo since the beginning. Canaan can flirt shamelessly, while Renzo can get all embarrassed. Who knew Renzo is such a prude when it comes to sexy talk. When I found out the reason Renzo is so reserve about sex and feeling all insecure about it, I went 'Aww.... poor baby'. Thank goodness we have Canaan who is very sex positive and all about experimenting and working around issues.

The story doesn't come with a fast moving plot, just mainly relationship development between Renzo and Canaan. I love that their relationship developed organically from friends who like each other company to something more. Both their family also play a big role in their lives and I admire the way they always put their family first. Did I tell you that Renzo also had a hero complex and a total perfectionist that drives Canaan kinda crazy....... crazy in love with him.

There are several instances that Canaan being wild and adventurous in the past make Renzo all uncomfortable about it, but it doesn't seems to be a big issue, not until Renzo had a big change in his job that might interfere with their growing relationship. I love these relationship drama that doesn't involve misunderstanding, where they get all confrontational, angry and hurt. I thought despite Renzo misplaced good intention, they are both very mature about it. Their HEA is something I can easily envisioned, it just perfect.

I heard this is the last book of the series, but it doesn't really feel like it. I thought there is going to be a big reunion scene or something that bring all the previous couple together, but there isn't one. So really, is this going to be the last? I'm definitely going to miss this group of soldiers.

Just like with all of the books in this series...I adored Renzo and Canaan's story. I will admit that their slow start had me wavering a little at the beginning, but in the end it turned out to be so perfect and enjoyable. Annabeth's talent for these SEALs and their partners is never-ending, and I really hope there are more books to come in this series, as I would read it forever and ever!!

I've enjoyed Annabeth Albert's books in the past and Rough Terrain was no exception. Good story and loved ll the characters, especially Renzo and Canaan. Though I found the story romantic and quite plausible, I did wish it was longer or at least the last portion of the book was more detailed. In the end, I was left with a feeling of wanting more of the blanks being filled in towards the end of the journey.

The whole scenario was fun and an enjoyable diversion from many of the other M/M romances I've ready lately. Albert gives a really nice balance of story, relationship and character development and passion (steamy content) where so many other authors in this genre choose one and leave us questioning. I can't wait to read more of Albert's work.

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

4.5 Stars

I understand this is the last book in this series, but you don't have to read the others in order to enjoy it. A few familiar faces from the other books may show up, but they do not make you feel like you are missing anything if you haven't read them.

I liked the Mcs. Their story has a few tense moments and the author keeps you guessing on how they are going to get their HEA, but they come out the other side once they really open up. The author did a nice job and I recommend this series.

There are minimal proofreading errors, usually just extra or missing words, or even a few wrong words like "than" instead of "that." Nothing too bothersome.

Another good book by Annabeth Albert. This one involved Canaan and Renzo (Rooster) who met when Renzo and his buddies would come into the smoothie shop where Canaan worked. Canaan had been in a band but left when he and his ex, who was also in the band, broke up. When a chance to reconnect with his band friends for a hiking/camping trip comes up, Canaan needs to bring along his "boyfriend" who he had mentioned in order to save face with his friends. Togetherness on the trip, as well as a weather-related incident, cement their bond. Not only that, Renzo has some hangups about sex and Canaan is only too happy to help him work through those.

I really enjoyed this book and their slow progress from friends/hookup to something much more. Renzo wasn't always honest with Canaan about this future plans but, thankfully, there wasn't TOO much angst while they worked this out.

Definitely recommend.

How to describe this story? Hmm. I feel wrapped up in warmth and goodness. Like I received an unexpected gift. Annabeth Albert paints a clear picture of her characters early in the story so readers, like me, can shadow them and experience their joy, their sorrow, their emotional growth, and yes, their love.

Canaan Finley is working the register when his favorite Navy SEAL, the guy his team calls Rooster, comes into his family’s cafe for a smoothie. The hot guy has caught Canaan’s attention each time he comes in but this time, Canaan isn’t going to let the moment pass without making…a pass. He manages to surprise Rooster who is equally attracted to the cute guy making his smoothie just the way he likes it. A cute intro, I like the way the author set the two up so that it’s natural to ask Rooster when Canaan needs a fake boyfriend. He used to be in a rock band that’s just finished a European tour and would like to attend their “reunion” camping trip but won’t go alone. Why? Because his ex and the guy he cheated on Canaan with are both going to be there and Canaan doesn’t want to seem a loser.

Over the course of the trip, which is no simple excursion to the woods, Canaan and Rooster are caught in a canyon during a flash flood. Rooster’s quick thinking and rock-climbing skills save them both and over the course of time, as the two are stranded on a ledge above the canyon, attraction blooms into a solid foundation for a relationship.

The author’s skills in creating two very different characters who complement one another in unusual ways, getting those characters to be important to readers, and then making the characters important to each other is what I love best about her work. These men are flawed, and they have backstories that include good judgment and bad mistakes, but I got so attached to them after a few chapters that I couldn’t go on with my daily routine until I knew more, more, more! Each scene was better than the previous and I simply had to know what came next and whether or not these two could find their way to their HEA. And if a certain couple named Ben and Maddox (On Point) happened to run into them while they were out on a date, and if that run-in led to Rooster finding out about Canaan’s past adventure with the couple, well, all I can say is that was icing on the cake of my happiness.

I very highly recommend this story. In fact, I very highly recommend the entire Out of Uniform series to all MM romance lovers. And if you love SEALs or military men in your romance, this one is super perfect.

This review is based on an advanced copy.

I haven't read any of the other books in this series, but it's not at all necessary. Both Canaan and Renzo are very enjoyable characters. They both seem very realistic and it was easy to follow their reasoning for the things they did. Even the choices that you don't agree with make sense. The pacing and writing were both excellent and it was a fun read all around. I will definitely be looking into some of the other books in this series.

I always love Annabeth Albert's books and especially her Out of Uniform-series, so when I saw the chance to read this one in advance, I pounced. And I was not disappointed.

So, Canaan is a smoothie-blending-loyal-soon-to-be-a-nurse-ex-band-member who is so sweet and awesome. He's understanding and caring and has no problem communicating - seriously, I loooove characters who are able to communicate how they feel and avoid misunderstandings (another plus in like every one of Albert's books).
Renzo is a heavy-lifting-family-driven-guilty-and-sweet-SEAL who also a great guy, but with his hero-complex-issues standing in the way. It's not easy being a perfectionist in all areas of life. The two of them together is sweet, hot and sexy. Canaan is funny, Renzo is caring.

If I have to pick one thing to not like about Albert's books, it's the constant repeating of worries - we are reading the book, so we know the worries quite well. It's not necessary to write them out every time - hinting is okay. Also, sometimes the conversations feel forced and unrealistic.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for making it possible to read this ARC. This review is all my own.

I enjoyed this entry in the series. I will be sorry to see it end and look forward to reading Annabeth’s new series next year.

I’ve read every book (and I think every novellas) in the Out of Uniform series and I still love it.

I didn’t remember much from either guy from the previous books, but it could easily have been a stand alone.

I really enjoyed both main characters. Canaan is flirty, outspoken, and know what he wants but respects the Ren’s boundaries. I like that dynamic, Canaan the barista, being so careful with Renzo the SEAL who has some intimacy issues. And it leads to some steamy scenes I really enjoyed.

I don’t know how Annabeth Albert keeps it fresh and new in every story but she does. It certainly helps that she changed the settings – in this one, they spend very little time on base. I love all their wandering, around the city, in the amusement park or on the camping trip. It makes it feel like a road trip or and adventure. The camping trip had some memorable scenes with the flash flood, the band mates and Canaan’s awful ex.

I love how Renzo and Canaan are both family oriented, both with very real family difficulties everybody can relate to in some ways. The reactions of Renzo’s family, especially his mom’s well meaning awkwardness, felt true. There was a bit of angst at the end but it was low key and resolved without too much silliness.

Is it really the last book of this series? I could read a dozen more if they were as good.

Canaan is a breath of fresh air to me. He has no filter. Renzo was burned once before and he protects his heart because of it. But, he is not match for Canaan’s resolve to make Renzo his.

A fab book!

I wasn't a very big fan of Canaan in the last book though to be honest it wasn't really his fault- more the problems he stood for. Still, I was a bit worried how I would deal with a book about him. 

Turns out, I love the guy :) He's really lovable and he changes a lot in the course of this book. Lots of that is thanks to Renzo of course who we've also know for part of this series. These two are so cute together and I could have read about their banter and first get togethers forever. 

I have read somewhere that this is the last book of the series. If that's really true it at least ends with a really good one so we get to say goodbye on a more than happy note.

📚I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) from NetGalley and Harlequin-Carina Press as the publisher in exchange for an honest review📚

Book title : Rough Terrain

Author : Annabeth Albert

Release Date : 14 January 2019

“Why does sex have to be so freaking complicated?”

“It’s not. Or at least doesn’t have to be. I mean, I’ll be the first one to admit that emotions can be a bitch and they can complicate sex, sure. But sex itself? Not complicated. Two or more bodies doing what bodies do best. It’s fucking glorious.”

Forget those romance with CEO, millionaire and billionaire thing for a while! Let’s go for a story which is more exhilarating…unique and sweet!  

Meet Canaan Finley and Renzo “Rooster” Bianchi in Annabeth Albert’s last series of the Out of Uniform “Rough Terrain.” The book is a MM novel which offers sweet romance between a Navy SEAL sexy hunky and a former drummer in a popular band who is now in school to become a nurse while working as a smoothie barista. Canaan is one who almost had a threesome with Ben and Maddox in On Point. He is so flirty in nature and so fun. Renzo is more serious and it is probably because he is oppressed by his family to be the best SEAL ever! Yet he is very devoted to his works.

Renzo and Canaan meets and feels the immediate attraction. They decide to have a little bit of fun but their sexual attraction leads them to a friendship and later also leads them to something more emotional…more engaging. However, as Renzo carries a burden from his family’s expectation, he feels insecure and has trust issues when it comes to a relationship.

“Trust. Such a powerful word. His chest felt heavy and full, as if the fear of disappointing Renzo was a palpable thing. For the first time, he wanted more than just to show Renzo a good time – he wanted to earn that trust, wanted to give Renzo a reason to wan a repeat. Wanted this to maybe be the start.”

He later also tries to put off any relationship and to get away from Canaan by willingly being mutated elsewhere. In my personal opinion, Annabeth is so brilliant in writing the farewell plot as this is a problem that most gay couple’s often face in the real life. They decide to run away from their love because of the oppression from family and society or simply feeling insecure about themselves. And this is my favourite part of the story tho!

“Well, I’m going to remember you forever. Remember that you made me want to take that chance. And remember that I did the right thing, letting you be free to have your best future.”

“Ren,” he begged. “Don’t do this.”

“Let me. Please.” Renzo gave him a soft, fleeting kiss. “Let me love you enough to let you go. Please.”

I cannot even find any flaws in this book except for the conflict that is written shortly. It is simply because Annabeth’s story seems like portraying the real life of a gay couple out there. I can simply relate myself to the feeling, the love-denial, and the burden that this couple has to go through. What makes it different from the real life gay couple’s story (which often ends up tragically), Annabeth offers me with a sweet fairy tale of Renzo and Canaan here

“I love you because of everything you are – everything. And the military is a huge part of that. I am not gonna waste my time trying to wish that part of you away, not when it makes up the guy I love too fast. I know my heart, I am not ready to let you go either. Maybe not ever!”

Those highlights should be a reminder that one should read this cute story to sweeten their romance. Ah, could I have this couple, Annabeth? Like for ever and after?

Full review is available at https://literatureisliving.wordpress.com/2018/12/01/rough-terrain-by-annabeth-albert/

I enjoyed this latest installment of the Out of Uniform series. We've met both of the MC's in previous books albeit briefly. Renzo (aka Rooster) is on Bacon's team and Caanan was the guy who had the threesome kind of thing with Ben and Maddox in their book. (and I might be a little jealous of Caanan for that)

The overall plot was entertaining and I really liked Caanan. His grandfather was also awesome. Renzo on the other hand got on my nerves. He was always worrying and fretting and kind of a downer. I also didn't like his mother at all and I struggled with his devotion to his family (which probably makes me a terrible person). His issues with sex were interesting though and a unique plotline that I haven't read before. I love that about this author. You never know what you're going to get in her books.

Overall I enjoyed this but it seemed a bit long and drug in places. This was not one of my favorites in the series but also not one of my least favorites (I'm looking at you Apollo). Just a nice middle of the road story.


*ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Annabeth Albert is always a must read for me as is this series. Renzo aka Rooster has been burned before by someone using him to make his ex jealous. Cannan is figuring out his life but doesn't want to face his past alone. A road trip and camping turns into to much more while both men figure out what they need going forward. Both characters were totally engaging. Renzo is so guided by guilt from his family and Cannan is guided by his fears. Watching both men grow from their relatioship with each other makes you root for them individually and as a couple. Albert always writes multi-layered complex characters with emotional language. This book is no exception. Highly recommend.

ROUGH TERRAIN by Annabeth Albert is an action packed romance. Renzo is a Navy SEAL and Canaan is the former Drummer for a popular band, now in school to become a Nurse. Both have close family ties. It's a great story, I enjoyed reading it!

This was a disappointing book for me. I have really, thoroughly, enjoyed this series so having this one just not work on so many levels was sad for me. This is the last one in the series and I'm sad that for me it ended on this book. I don't want to leave this world of sensitive, queer, tough-as-fuck SEALs and the men they fall for.

What I specifically found disappointing in this one was mostly the main character, Renzo. He has not been my favorite side character and really I probably would have skipped this if I had known this was going to be his book. He's very much the slicked hair, overly muscled kind of man that I just don't really care for. There's nothing wrong with the character it's just not for me.

The other like giant elephant in the room throughout the book was Renzo's family and they way they treat him and his very clear body dysmorphia. Renzo's family demands he be perfect and he sends them most of his money and there is just a lot of guilt based familial interactions that really rubbed me the wrong way. It's one thing to take care of your family, it's another thing to have that family refer to you as their hero and imply that without you giving over all of your money and self that you're a terrible son. And then with his body Renzo talks about how he was pudgy and then he started working out and now he watches what he eats. The reader is subjected to multiple accounts of Renzo not eating something because of the caloric intake. He's a fucking SEAL he burns enough calories. If it had been presented as he needed to eat x amount of protein and less starch or something along those lines I would have been more forgiving of it, but he's clearly got an eating disorder and no one cares.

Outside of that I can admit that the romance and the short survivalist parts are good, but they're way too short. I would have liked more of him being a badass survivalists, but he does behave in a way that is consistent in how he should have behaved (in that in the situation they were in staying put was the best thing to do) but I wanted a bit more action.