I am so saddened that this is the last book in this series :(. I loved that there was no unnecessary drama or misunderstandings in this book. The sex was by far the hottest I have read in a very long time. We have a story of two guys who are attracted to each other but are carrying some baggage. There were times that I want to smack the crap out of Renzo as he was was carrying some misplaced guilt for an unfortunate accident that was of no fault of his from years ago. And his mother just appeared to be dumping so much pressure on him that I wanted to smack her too. Canaan talks Renzo into being his fake boyfriend for a weekend as he is meeting with his old band mates. But the fake portion doesn’t last very long and they rapidly become more. Renzo has issues with sex as he is rather well endowed and has had issues in the past. Canaan shows him that there is more things to enjoy and again some of the hottest sexy scenes ensue. The epilogue was perfect and I was happy to see these two happy together. I am so glad that Ms. Albert wrote this series and she gives us a glimpse to a new series at the end of this book and I can’t wait for it.

Fanatic addition to this series. I’ve been waiting for “Rooster” (who I can no longer think of as Rooster) since he was previously mentioned. Canaan has also been previously mentioned so it was a real treat to read. It has all the “usual suspects” of this series; SEAL aspects, family foundation, and of course sexy times!
I find it impossible to read other SEAL stories bc they don’t compare to her authenticity!
Bravo!

A definite 3.5 stars...!!!

The Out of Uniform series has been so much fun to read, especially considering the unique challenges that the characters face due to being part of the lgbtq+ community while also being from the armed forces. This book is obviously bittersweet because it’s the end of the series, but I was so happy to have been able to get the review copy.

Canaan is a nursing student working as a smoothie barista and also a former drummer. Despite missing his bandmates, he doesn’t really miss touring anymore and is very confident about his chosen path. He also enjoys ogling at the SEALS and it took some time for me to figure out out that he is the one who had an almost threesome with Ben and Maddox in On Point. I particularly liked his flirty nature and very open communication.

Renzo carries a lot of guilt from a childhood incident and also feels burdened by the expectations of his family. He is also very insecure about sex and certain bad experiences have put him off any relationships. However, he is wonderful at his job and also very devoted towards his fitness regimen; it was actually quite interesting to see a character who is sort of a social media fitness icon.

The attraction between Canaan and Renzo was almost immediate but I loved the development of their friendship first. They have such open and honest conversations, especially about Ren’s sexual hangups and it was very refreshing to read. There are lot of very sexy and sweet moments and it was a delight to see the progression of their love. Even when they are threatened by separation due to the nature of the job, each of them only thinks what’s best for the other and they made me cry a bit. I absolutely loved the resolution and the HEA.

There was a lot of importance given to family bonding in the book and I think it was done really well. Despite both of them having to make life changing decisions due to family issues, they are never resentful and their relationships are depicted beautifully. There are a few good friendships too but we don’t see them developed a lot, except Canaan’s ex who is definitely a douche. And that little awkward cameo of Ben and Maddox was a wonderful surprise.

Even though the first two books in this series will always be special, this book is definitely a nice addition and I liked that the author decided to end it on such a sweet note. Definitely recommend if you like Annabeth Albert’s adorable love stories.

3.5 stars

After two years, Annabeth Albert’s Out of Uniform is ending with book seven, Rough Terrain, featuring Canaan Finley and Navy SEAL Renzo Bianchi.

The main conflict of this book can be summed up to this: Renzo doesn’t trust Canaan enough – Canaan is a bit of a player before meeting Renzo, plus there’s joke that Canaan is a SEAL chaser. On top of that, Renzo is planning to get a permanent change of station to East Coast, closer to his family. Therefore, having perpetual relationship with Canaan is out of the question…

In between that, there’s this Renzo’s ‘issue’ with sex – apparently, his dick is monster size, so sex has not always been an enjoyable one.

I’m afraid that the numerous sex scenes bored me. Renzo’s issue is interesting at first, but in the end, it wasn’t something I particularly have interest with. Thus, Renzo keep having doubts and Canaan trying to convince him that sex with Canaan can be fun becomes repetitive after a while, and I ended up skimming.

My favorite times of this book is the one that has nothing to do with sex talks – like when Renzo and Canaan are trapped after flash flood during their camping trip and Renzo talks about his family and his reason for joining Navy. Or when Renzo’s family is visiting and Canaan making good connection with them. Or when Renzo meeting Canaan’s grandfather. THOSE are the highlights of this book for me, and I feel like I understand them better because of it.

I liked Canaan better than Renzo, though. I think his uninhibited attitude towards sex is positive. I adore Canaan’s relationship with his grandfather. Plus, Canaan is the one making Renzo sees that there’s more to their relationship. Renzo … well, he’s kind of needing that slap on the hand, in my opinion.

It's still a good one to end the series, not my top favorite (that will be Ben and Maddox's story, On Point) but not a complete let down. I did wish to see more cameos from previous couples, though.

~4.5~

Canaan works at a smoothie shop on a military base, but he has life goals. He's taking care of his grandfather and studying to be a nurse. Canaan used to be the drummer for a band that made it big (or at least bigger) after he left.

But Canaan doesn't regret his decision, nor does he regret ogling the navy SEALs, or one SEAL in particular, who come into the smoothie shop to load up on protein.

Renzo (Rooster to his navy friends) enjoys flirting with Canaan more than he wants to admit. It's not that Renzo isn't out. His colleagues and family know he's bi, but his time in San Diego may be limited and relationships require time, something that's in short supply for a dedicated SEAL.

When Canaan offers trouble, Renzo can't say no, and so begins a relationship built on adventure and kisses. Renzo goes camping with Canaan and Canaan's former band mates (including Canaan's douchey ex), posing as Canaan's boyfriend.

When the men get trapped on a trail during a deluge, their flirting moves to another level. Canaan credits Renzo with saving his life and doesn't want to let Renzo go.

Renzo and Canaan's relationship is strong from the start. Canaan is big on talking things out and realizes quickly that Renzo is a perfectionist, especially when it comes to sex.

Renzo has a rather, uh, BIG problem. But Canaan assures him he can take it (really, it's no hardship!) and there are other ways to have fun. Renzo and Canaan burn up the sheets. This book has some of the hottest frotting scenes I've ever read. I loved all the sexy in this story!

There's also a strong sense of family. Both men want to do right by the people who raised them. Canaan adores his grandpa, who takes a liking to Renzo, especially when Renzo proves he can cook.

Renzo's family, especially his mom, puts him on a pedestal; the hero worship makes Renzo feel like he'll never be enough. His brother needs constant care, and Renzo still feels guilty for an accident that wasn't his fault.

Rough Terrainn is well paced and tender, with overtones of hurt/comfort. There is some mild relationship angst toward the end, but it's resolved without undue drama.

I really loved this couple and was thrilled with their wonderful HEA. These two will fly high and land together. Always.

P.S. We've met Canaan before in a previous Out of Uniform story, but it took me nearly two-thirds of the book to have an a-ha moment.

We are deep into Annabeth Albert's series about Navy SEALs, and it's beginning to show. This couple, Renzo and Caanan, is charming but not perfect. They have career and family obligations that challenge their relationship, just like the rest of Albert's SEAL couples, but they never put the relationship in peril. Overall, Rough Terrain is very enjoyable, but without the sharpness of emotion that is so powerful in Albert's best work.

3.5 stars rounded up for mature conversations to balance out the angst!

I actually enjoyed this much more than I thought. Both main characters were a bit young (26 and 28)and angst-ridden for my taste, but the way they actually worked through their issues through open communication and worked hard at their relationship made me enjoy this a lot! It was such a turbulent journey for two guys who were so different and yet somehow worked perfectly together. They had adorable bickering, strong and supportive families and friends, and were just fun to spend time with! I absolutely adored this book, and it seems like the perfect note on which to end a series I seriously need to catch up on.

I adored this book! Probably favorite of the whole series.

Rough Terrain follows Renzo, a SEAL who is a fitness Instagram star and wants to be a jumpmaster, and Canaan, a former rock star working on his nursing degree. Canaan works at the smoothie place on base where Renzo often goes, and when Canaan hears Renzo’s teammates discussing him bringing a man as his date to friend’s wedding, he flirts seriously and offers “trouble.” They go on a date after which Canaan offers to bring Renzo along with his former band-mates on a camping trip.

I loved the progression of the relationship and how close Canaan is to his grandfather. There’s some tension with Renzo’s family between them being Catholic and him being bi and him having guilt and pressure to be the hero. Despite the tension and pressure, it’s so easy to see they love him and want him to be happy.

There is a definite element of insta-attraction but there’s still a great slowness to the emotional development. I also like the blunt discussions around sex and sexual wants and needs. Renzo has some insecurities and I like that Canaan respects those and doesn’t shame them, discussing them clearly to help him gain confidence and security.

I really just adored this book. It was a great read and I adored the ending. Things weren’t the easiest for Canaan and Renzo, but they work together to reach the future they both want, together.

*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*

- Review to come

<a href="">Review</a> originally posted on my blog with added content <a href="https://mikkuchan.wordpress.com/">Mikku-chan / A world full of words</a>

Rough Terrain, is one of my favourite books from the Out of Uniform series, definitely in the top three. Renzo and Canaan are honestly one of the sweetest couples; they're fun with the perfect amount of angst. I also really loved the cameos of past characters. This book is such a high note to finish of an excellent series.

While I love this series, I have to say that Renzo and Canaan were my least favorite couple. In the grand scheme of things with this series, it was par for the course story and writing wise. However, for me, Renzo and Canaan were just,,,,just ok for me.

Canaan has had a thing for the tall, dark and sexy Seal who frequents the smoothie place where he works. Needing a fake boyfriend for a camping trip with his ex, Canaan decides to flirt with Renzo and see if he would be game for the trip. Little did he know that having Renzo with him will be life-saving and highly emotional. But can the two men who obviously have sparks flying, make a deeper connection and finally get their HEA? Or will an upcoming transfer put the brakes on a relationship that was destined to fail? With adorable characters and a storyline that had me on the edge of my seat from the opening pages this was another great addition to the series.

I love this series and sad to see that it's ending but happy to see Rooster getting his much deserved HEA.

The love story between Bianchi and Canaan started slowly but quickly transitioned to more. They were a great team and proved that they could work well under pressure.

While I enjoyed the book I think it could have used more heat at times as well as condensing it down a bit.

The final Out of Uniform romance brings a really satisfying ending to what has been a quite outstanding series from Carina Press and Annabeth Albert.

Of the seven books, there isn't one I've starred less than four and the majority have been five star reads. This one falls at a four but only because I'd have loved to have had more when the two of them were together.

I loved Canaan and Renzo, they were such a study in contrasts but absolutely perfect for each other. My full review of this book is on both Goodreads and my own blog.

There’s a comfortably predictability about the Out of Uniform series that keeps bringing me back to read every new book that’s released. We all need those reads that we know we’re going to enjoy and be immersed in, and that’s what Rough Terrain was like for me.

While not my favourite read of the series, it was easy to fall into, with familiar characters – just new leads in Renzo and Canaan – and a new story with a happily ever after… after a whole lot of bumps in the road.

Renzo is a SEAL on the West Coast, but who hails from the East where his family consider him a hero (and would love for him to come home). He’s got plans to transfer back and to be accepted into the Jumpmaster training program, and everything’s going along perfectly until he crosses paths with Canaan – a worker at the local smoothie place who’s easy on the eyes and fun to be around. Canaan’s working while studying nursing after leaving his band former band (he was a drummer) under less than ideal circumstances. He’s being roped back in for a camping trip with his mates, and former ex, and to bring along his ‘boyfriend’… who doesn’t exist.

Enter Renzo.

I don’t mind a bit of the fake boyfriend trope in books – and it was done reasonably well in Rough Terrain. Renzo is quite an uptight character who’s insecure in himself due to his past, but has found some strength in sharing his fitness videos on Instagram. He’s also a nice guy, but his relationship experiences have been strained by his insecurity. Canaan has no such hang-ups which leads to some hilariously awkward conversations between the two of them.

The camping trip is a bonding experience which draws the two of them together – between Canaan’s ex-boyfriend’s deplorable attitude and a situation that leaves Canaan and Renzo stranded and in need of rescue – the two not only begin to unpack their feelings for one another but also their understandings of themselves as people, too.

While not my favourite book in the series, it’s definitely enjoyable and I’m glad I read it. It was nice to have male lead characters dealing with their insecurities and not being ridiculed for it by others.

Now I just need to wait for another Annabeth Albert book…

I enjoyed this book. I felt that it wasn't necessarily as great as some of the previous books, but I definitely liked it! The romance was sweet and it was easy to ship the main characters together.

Renzo and Canaan are both very family focused. I think this is wonderful. If only their families were on the same coast.
Of course it helps that Renzo and Canaan are hot. Made Rough Terrain, a very enjoyable book to read.

3* Well-written, but I didn't connect at all with Renzo The Obsessed and the blurb doesn't cover the gist of the tale.

This is the final book in this series by AA, and tbh, it feels like it should be a final book - it feels like this isn't an organic tale and though it's well-written, as always by this author, it's not one that I believed in, or could really gel with.

Yes, the events in the blurb do happen, but on a much lower scale, i.e., they're almost low-key in the actual 'drama' that there is in this tale, a drama that felt a bit, 'Really, that's your issue?' in the grand scheme of things. I can't elaborate on this because it'd Spoiler things, and also because I'd go off on a tangent about how hmmmm this is, but I'd summarise by saying that Renzo has issues. Issues that he needs to think through and get his head around. At times, I felt like saying to him that he should look at a less fortunate character and be thankful for his blessings, rather than fixate on one not-that-big-a-thing. Seriously, he went on and on and on, even after Canaan had made it clear that Renzo's issue was more along the lines of a dream come true for him.

I loved Canaan's relationship with his granddad, and how they did little things for each other, and I loved how Canaan sacrificed what he did to be able to be there for a loved one, and in another loved one's time of need. But, in contrast, I thought Renzo's father was distant, distracted and disinterested and his mother a bit of a hypocrite who didn't seem as if she was trying very hard to hold back her true feelings - the way I'm expressing this makes it sound more dramatic than it actually is, but it's as if she was silent as a form of a weapon, though at the end, apparently the word 'family' had caused her to have a miraculous turnabout.

Renzo and his social media, which we learned about in the previous book, made him look vain and shallow, especially when it kind of seemed things had to be his way or no way. And, at times he seemed the tiniest bit... deceitful and Me, Me, Me. I didn't connect with him, but Canaan was a total sweetie.

I think the earlier books in this series are the best, perhaps the first 4, but this is a take-it-or-leave-it one for me.

ARC courtesy of Carina Publishing and NetGalley for my reading pleasure.