Release Day Blitz ~ Wheels Up (Out of Uniform #4) by Annabeth Albert (Excerpt + Giveaway)
“Sexy, sweet and heartfelt, Annabeth Albert's Out of Uniform series is a fresh take on Navy SEALs that will delight and entertain romance readers.”
--Layla Reyne, author of the Agents Irish and Whisky series.
Title: Wheels UpPublisher: Carina Press
Release Date (Print & Ebook): November 6th, 2017
Subgenre: M/M Contemporary Military Romance
Links: Amazon | Apple | B&N | Kobo
Book Blurb:
Lieutenant Dustin Strauss is a reformed man. No longer a twentysomething hell-raiser, he’s his SEAL team’s new XO—and a man with a secret. Or seven. He's kept his bisexual identity under wraps for years, along with his kinky side and a fondness for the military-themed semi-anonymous hookup website Joe4Joe. His latest chat buddy is more than a sexy online distraction—they're taking their very not-safe-for-work relationship into real time.
Petty Officer Wes Lowe has a smart mouth, a take-charge attitude and an uncanny ability for making things go boom. The life of an enlisted man isn't always enough to satisfy him, but one wild, no-questions-asked weekend with his online love comes close. When a transfer order comes in, Wes feels ready and centered. He'll make a good impression on his new SEAL team and keep his growing feelings for Dustin on the down low.
But as they log more time online and some very real emotions surface, Dustin and Wes struggle to pretend they're just a harmless fling. And when his commander introduces Dustin to his team's newest member, they're in for the shock of a lifetime…and a crushing disappointment: their difference in ranks means even a friendship without sexual contact could end their navy careers for good.
Short excerpt: I’m not sure how much longer I can do this. Dread, sick and sharp, pierced him right in the gut. He simply wasn’t prepared for dealing with this avalanche of emotions, this overwhelming need to ensure Wes’s safety. He’d done his duty for well over a decade now, and never, not once, had he been as freaked out as he was right then. Something’s got to give.
Excerpt:
“So?” Wes prompted after she’d left again. “You don’t want me to hook you up with someone, even hypothetically, but what would you like tonight? Burger and watch the game? Or…”
“Or?” Dustin sounded more curious than off-put, which was good.
“Or…and I’m just throwing this out there…I’ve got a hotel room close to here. We could go hang there after we eat. Just talk. And stuff.”
“Define stuff.” Dustin fiddled with his paper napkin, but he hadn’t said no. And he was cautious, which was a good thing, smart. Another trait all the marines Wes knew had—they were wary, always ready for the next threat.
“Talk. Like how we usually do on Saturday nights.” Wes raised his eyebrows and nodded, telegraphing that he knew perfectly well how those nights usually ended, both of them drenched in sweat and spunk, yawning goodnight into the phone.
Dustin hissed in a breath. “And you’d be good with that? Just our usual?”
“Oh trust me—” taking a risk, Wes leaned across the table, putting his lips against Dustin’s ear “—there’s nothing usual about what I want to do to you. And absolutely nothing boring about a live-action version of our regular game.”
He sat back down in time to watch Dustin’s eyes light up at the mention of game. Yeah, Wes knew how to get him going. And the equal measure of trepidation and anticipation in his eyes made Wes’s pulse speed up. He wanted this, far more than he was willing to let on.
“I…” Dustin glanced around again. “I’m not…”
“Shh. You don’t have to give me an answer yet. We can enjoy our food. And the game. Hopefully UVA loses spectacularly so I can gloat about that when I call home tomorrow, and my dad will be in a better mood.”
“Okay.” Dustin sighed, and Wes knew he wasn’t imagining the relief on his features. Darn it. “How’s your sister doing?”
Wes had told Dustin a little about Sam’s heart condition on a night a few months back when he was feeling particularly down. Dustin remembering how close he was to Sam made warmth spread through his chest. “She’s good. Always got to be on the lookout for infection though. Hopefully this year’s cold and flu season isn’t too rough. She made me a new playlist today. I’ll forward you the link.”
“More of that alternative-country?” Dustin made a face. They might share a taste in movies and TV, but in music they differed, almost comically so.
“Yup. Be glad you’re not riding back with me.” His insides gave a little twinge at the reminder that all he had with Dustin was this one night. And that’s why he needs to say yes. If all they had was tonight, then Wes was going to make it one they both remembered for a long, long time.
4.5 Stars!!!
Dustin and Wes have been chatting on Joe4Joe for almost 6 months when Wes suggests they meet while Dustin is in DC. While Dustin is not too sure about meeting up in person, he agrees and he and Wes hit it off and have a great night together, even if neither of them knows who the other really is or what they do in the military.
The last thing either of them expected was for the other being a SEAL or that they'd end up on the same team or that Dustin is lieutenant and Wes is enlisted, which means that a relationship between them is impossible. Never mind that Wes is out and Dustin couldn't be further inside the closet.
I loved Wes. He was such a good man and brother and son, I felt bad that he was having such a hard time adapting to his new team, especially with all that was happening to his sister. I liked Dustin, even if I was a bit annoyed at his reasons for not coming out. I guess they were understandable reasons, but even if he couldn't come out to his parents (or rather, his father), I didn't quite get why he couldn't tell Apollo, seeing as he was his best friend.
I loved Dustin and Wes as a couple, they actually came very close to Ben and Maddox as my favorite OoU couple. I adored how Dustin supported Wes as much as he could with everything that was going on with Wes' sister, even knowing that he was risking his own career. They were sweet and hot together and I really see them working great in the future, even away from the military. There's a bit of D/s (tying, edging, power play) in the book, but it wasn't anything major and was actually very hot.
It was great catching up with Dylan and Apollo and the girls and seeing them doing so well!
Overall, this was a fantastic addition to the story and I enjoyed it a lot, it was hot and passionate and angsty, and had a bit of the SEAL action that I loved from the previous book. Highly recommendable!
*** Copy provided to the reviewer by Carina Press via NetGalley for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Wheels Up is the fourth book in Annabeth Albert’s Out of Uniform series. Though there are scenes with previous characters and couples, I think this book could be read as a standalone. Will you get more enjoyment from reading in the appropriate order? Of course you will!
I really struggled with this book and it probably took me more than 60% of it to get engaged with the characters. I liked Wes, for the most part. Minus the interaction and behaviors with Dustin, I liked Wes. Wes managed to do his job and not be hidden in a closet reaching middle earth. Anyone important in his life knew he was gay. He hid nothing. I loved Wes’ interactions with his sister and family. I think that’s what endeared him to me and made me engage with the characters, eventually.
Side note: I think too many times in books there’s such a big deal made about being “out”, that we forget that millions of people go to work, do their jobs and make no reference to being hetero or not. Because it’s work, not the club, not a family reunion, not a lunch with friends. And many people are just there doing their jobs. They’re not in or out of the closet.
I didn’t like Dustin through most of the book. He has been working out to understand what he wants in life. I get that, it takes time to be comfortable. But his bisexual self was hidden in the middle earth closet. I mean, come on, he freaked out about being seen in a public museum with Wes. When he himself acknowledged he went to bars with his friends, even gay bars. And his best friend is gay and marrying Dustin’s brother. I thought his behavior was over the top ridiculous. And that’s how the book starts, with Dustin waffling on whether he should meet Wes in person and whether he can be seen in public. He knew Wes was in some branch of the military. What was the likelihood that he was going to be wearing a rainbow sign proudly declaring he was gay? This kind of behavior made me really not enjoy the first part of the book.
When Dustin and Wes first talked and met, they didn’t know what the other did or where they did it. Eventually, they ended up being on the same Seal team where the issues came in because Dustin was a higher rank. Dustin rightfully ended any communication. Or attempted to. What I didn’t like about Wes was his constant engaging of Dustin, outside of work. He refused to let the pseudo-relationship end. I thought it was really disrespectful of him to put Dustin in that position, especially when Dustin faced severe consequences if anyone found out. I felt zero sympathy for both men regarding all of this. They know the rules. The rules are there for a reason. They knew what they needed to do so they could have a relationship.
Eventually, Dustin gets it together and makes the journey from his closet in middle earth to tell his gay brother and his gay best friend that he’s bisexual. And the earth still existed. They were appropriately hurt by his silence but they loved him and didn’t make a big deal about it. He used the time to figure out what he wanted when he wasn’t trying to meet his father’s expectations and went about making the necessary changes in his life. Wes also decided what he wanted and made the changes necessary to get it. This story ends with a strong HFN ending, with the HEA believable.
One item I didn’t mention above was the dynamic in Dustin and Wes’ bedroom time. Dustin liked to be tied and controlled and Wes liked to tie and control him. So, for those that enjoy light BDSM, you’ll want to check out this book! And for the many others who enjoy strong men, military stories and self-discovery. This book is for you!
Rating: 4 stars
Author Bio:
Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer. The #OutOfUniform series joins her critically acclaimed and fan-favorite LGBTQ romance #Gaymers, #PortlandHeat and #PerfectHarmony series.
To find out what she’s working on next and other fun extras, check out her website: www.annabethalbert.com or connect with Annabeth on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Spotify! Also, be sure to sign up for her newsletter for free ficlets, bonus reads, and contests. The fan group, Annabeth’s Angels, on Facebook is also a great place for bonus content and exclusive contests.
Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Annabeth loves finding happy endings for a variety of pairings and is a passionate gay rights supporter. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two active children.
Connect with Annabeth: Twitter | Facebook | Facebook Group | Newsletter | Instagram | Website
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