There's something reassuring about know that you're going to get exactly what you set out for with an author. Having read plenty of Annabeth Albert's books now, I know that when I pick up one of her books I'm going to have a fun read with minimal angst and I appreciate that.

Albert has returned to writing military romance books with her newest series, Shore Leave. Sailor Proof is a fun MM romance featuring fake dating, brother's best friend and only one bed tropes. Chief Derrick Fox is returning home after his most recent deployment aboard a submarine, and, determined to show up his ex-boyfriend, ends up finding a 'fake' boyfriend for the return. His best friend convinces his younger brother, Arthur, to play the part of the boyfriend, and it's all fun until everyone around them begins to think of it as a real relationship. The two decide to continue the ruse through Arthur's family camping trip, which forces them to confront their mutual attraction to one another when they get stuck in a cabin with only one bed. 

This book had some really lovely scenes between Derrick and Arthur. At all points, they're respectful to one another, through the initial 'ruse' to the extended stay amongst Arthur's family. Derrick, who'd previously thought he would never be cut out for a serious relationship, begins to see the appeal in it, and how that might change his career focus. For Arthur, spending time with Derrick gives him the extra push to stand up to his family on some of the things that have bothered him for a long time.

I absolutely adored the scenes between Arthur, Derrick and all of Arthur's much-younger cousins, as they put on a talent show for the families during the camping trip. Arthur, a musician, is constantly seeking to show his cousins that they all have talents and that they all deserve to be appreciated for who they are and it's just gorgeous.

I'm looking forward to reading the second book in the Shore Leave series, which follows Arthur's brother (and Derrick's best friend).

Another hit out of the park for Annabeth Albert! I love her military men and this is no exception. A lovely romance dealing with the realities of navy life. I loved the work life vs. home life struggles and how seriously this balance was handled. It was also pretty dang cute with the right amount of steam and adorableness to keep me reading. Can't wait for the next one! :)

I was excited for a new military series since Out of Uniform is my favorite of Albert’s series. This was a cute, fun book with a fake boyfriends theme. There were some adorable moments and some hot ones too. Solid start to the series!

I’d like to see a bit more of the submarine/Navy action in future books in the series.

Review will be published on my blog Aug 28

Naval Chief Derrick Fox is a little miffed when his ex wins "first kiss" duty with his new man. When his best mate, Calder suggests that Derrick set up a fake first kiss of his own to draw attention... they cook up a plan. Calder's little brother, Arthur is the plan.

Arthur has always had a bit of a crush on Derrick but even if the interest was reciprocated, Arthur doesn't want a navy relationship. He's seen what his family has gone through and doesn't want to be the one waiting at home.

Arthur agrees to give Derrick a kiss and make it hot... and boy is it ever! What neither man bargained on was that Arthur's parents made a special trip down to the base to welcome their son...and see Arthur and Derrick's kiss. Clearly, the two men have done a good job of making the epic greeting memorable because Arthur and Calder's parents are convinced the relationship is real. They're so convinced that they invite Derrick along to a family reunion.

Although both men are reluctant to agree at first, there are some rewards in the offing! If Arthur finally brings a partner to a family event he won't have to bunk with the kids and his mother offers him a private cabin. As for Derrick... the fake kiss went viral so Derrick really doesn't want to spend two weeks at the barracks being teased and tormented by his shipmates.

As soon as the fake boyfriends head off to the family reunion things begin to get convoluted. Naturally, there's only one bed in the cabin... and then there's the fact that neither of them seems inclined to refrain from acting on their mutual attraction.

There are some lovely moments between the two main characters as they get to know one another. I loved that Arthur was a bit of a rebel in his family, his love for music and his absolute hatred of all things outdoors made me giggle a lot.

Although there is a spark between Derrick and Arthur I always enjoy the way that Albert paces stories. There's no rush for them to make decisions and this book gave me the "Officer and a Gentleman" ending I didn't know I needed!

I love anything Annabeth Albert writes!

Need a sexy mm for a nice relaxing read? This book is absolutely perfect for just that! I devoured this book with all of its tropes! The fact that Annabeth was able to put so many tropes in one book is certainly the best thing I've read, it just pulled out all the stops. I love the whole grumpy/sunshine, only one bed, best friend's brother, etc. (yes, I can keep going, it's insane) I loved this book and I'm so excited for more!

And the best part?? It's a series!! And we get a sneak peak of Calder's story in the end of this book which I'm SO excited for!! Is it age gap?? I think so!! Silver fox, here I come!

Thank you to NetGalley and Carina Adores for the earc in return for an honest review.

It feels like it's been a while since I've read or requested anything by Albert but in truth it hasn't been that long -- she's just put out so many books I've lost any and all sense of time. But the ones I have picked up have been few and far between and the results have been more fine or just okay than anything that really got me excited. I had sorta suspected I had outgrown the author. Or at least the books she was putting out after a certain point. But with this new series, and a return to her military-theme, I thought to give it a go.

But I was right.

There is nothing wrong or bad about this story. Nothing annoyed me, nothing was unforgivable, but I just wasn't interested or moved. I was ambivalent or bored. This didn't really do anything new, which is fine, but neither was I entertained by the content.

So I'm calling it. I think Albert and I are done. We had a great ride, though, I not only enjoyed but flat out loved so many of the author's books and series. I've just clearly moved on.

But if you're interested to give this a go, here are some fun tropes to expect: best friend's younger brother. Fake dating. And "oh no there's only one bed". This'll definitely hit the right notes for many readers. So take this review with the usual grain o'salt.