Book Review: Off Base by Annabeth Albert

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Off Base
Out of Uniform #1
Author: Annabeth Albert
Reading Level: New Adult | Adult Fiction
Genres: Military | M M Romance | LGBT
Release Date: January 9th 2017
Review Source: Carina Press

After trading the barracks for a fixer-upper rental, navy SEAL Zack Nelson wants peace, not a roommate—especially not Pike, who sees things about Zack he most wants to hide. Pike's flirting puts virgin Zack on edge. And the questions Pike's arrival would spark from Zack's teammates about his own sexuality? Nope. Not going there. But Zack can't refuse.

Pike Reynolds knows there won't be a warm welcome in his new home. What can he say? He's an acquired taste. But he needs this chance to get his life together. Also, teasing the uptight SEAL will be hella fun. Still, Pike has to tread carefully; he's had his fill of tourists in the past, and he can't risk his heart on another, not even one as hot, as built—and, okay, yeah, as adorable—as Zack.

Living with Pike crumbles Zack's restraint and fuels his curiosity. He discovers how well they fit together in bed…in the shower…in the hallway… He needs Pike more than he could have imagined, yet he doesn't know how to be the man Pike deserves.

Off Base was a surprise great romance, not your typical romance at that, but still great. If you have not read an M/M romance before, I think this would be a great starting point. And I say starting point, because it will not be your last. The author does a great job giving us everything we love about a romance that has to fight to stay together. And if you are thinking about the scenes that make you blush, they are written tastefully and will make your heart skip a beat. Nothing that will make you cringe or quit reading the book. I can only say great things about Off Base!

Off Base is the story of Zack, he is a Navy Seal and all full of sexy muscles. Zack has lived many years in doubt and sadness. He hasn't quite figured out his sexuality, he has tried but just can't grasp at it. Plus his family's very religious background scares him in his choices. He has a lot to live up too since his older brother is the black sheep in the family. He knows his mom and dad expect only greatness from him. So when Zack begins to realize that he has always known what he was really into, it freaks him out. He decides living off base will help with his mind. Getting bullied by another Seal is already a lot for his plate with all his training. And he is ready to move on and concentrate on his training.

So when he hits the jack pot and acquires a fixer-upper at no cost, he knows he is way in over his head. This brings on Pike, a friend of Zack's. Pike is the perfect roommate since he is very familiar with flipping homes, the thing is though, Pike is gay. And this is what scares Zack. Zack you can say is still fighting the doubts. But we are human and when your heart is involved, it will crumble any fence you might have up. Zack final accepts that he is gay and begins to fall for Pike. But this is all kept hidden from everyone. Zack is afraid of the repercussion since he is a Seal. 

So now the romance has blossomed and everything is perfect when they are inside their home, but anything outside is the complete opposite. Pike isn't OK with it anymore. Zack and Pike have a lot to figure out and many important choices to make in both their futures. I won't give more away, you'll just have to read Off Base to know what happens of course. 

So again I mentioned, this is a great love story. I recommend it and hope everyone reads it. Now comes the waiting game for the next book in the series.