Reviewed by Amber
TITLE: Off Base
SERIES: Out of Uniform #1
AUTHOR: Annabeth Albert
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 304 pages
RELEASE DATE: January 9th, 2016
BLURB:
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.
REVIEW:
The Out of Uniform series is a spinoff of Annabeth Albert’s #gaymers series. If you couldn’t guess from the series/book titles these books are centered on the military, which so happens to be one of my favorite genres to read…so lucky me!! It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of this author so I jumped at the opportunity of reviewing a military series from her. Off Base did NOT disappoint, this was a great book and I’m very excited to see where the author takes this series.
Navy SEAL Zach Nelson is so far in the closet that he can’t find his way out. A member of one of the most elite Special Forces branch of the military as instilled in him some archaic ways of thinking. It doesn’t help that some of his team members let the gay jokes flow freely. Firmly believe he’d be ostracized if he ever came out Zach buries his feelings way deep.
Pike Reynolds doesn’t have time to deal with Zach’s issues. Needing to find a job and a place to live are the most important things for him, currently. Circumstances arise that have Zach and Pike living together while renovating a house Zach’s living in.
Being in close proximity to out and proud Pike leaves Zach at a loss. He knows he’s attracted to Pike but he knows he can’t be out on the teams.
Unable to stop the attraction Pike and Zach delve into a behind closed doors only relationship but what starts as physical slowly turns into something more and what was suppose to remain a secret comes out in the open.
I think what surprised me was the weight of shame that Zach carried around with him. It was suffocating. I hated the abuse and blackmail, made my stomach hurt. I loved how freeing it felt when he got fed up and was able to live his truth.
I thoroughly loved the support system that rallied around Zach. This was a great start to this series and I can’t wait for more.
Recommend.
RATING: 
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