Release Blitz, Giveaway, Excerpt and Review: Squared Away by Annabeth Albert

Reviewer's Rating: 5

5.0Overall score

This was a very emotional story for me; I loved it.

Squared Away By Annabeth Albert

Genre: Romance, Military, Contemporary, GLBTQ, MM

Released: April 16, 2018

Publisher: Carina Press

Series: Out of Uniform, Book 5

Synopsis

In the wake of tragedy, SEAL Mark Whitley rushed stateside to act as guardian to his sister’s three young children. But a conflicting will could give custody to someone else—someone Mark remembers as a too young, too hot, wild party boy. Even after six years, Mark can’t shake the memory of his close encounter with Isaiah James, or face up to what it says about his own sexuality.

Isaiah’s totally over the crush that made him proposition Mark all those years ago. In fact, he’s done with crushing on the wrong men altogether. For now, he’s throwing himself into proving he’s the best person to care for his cousin’s kids. But there’s no denying there’s something sexy about a big, tough military man with a baby in his arms.

As the legal details get sorted out, their long-buried attraction resurfaces, leading to intimate evenings after the kids are tucked in. A forever future is within reach for all of them, if only Mark can find the courage he needs to trust Isaiah with his secrets—and his heart.

Review

Reviewed by ButtonsMom2003

This was a very emotional story for me; I loved it.

I’m not sure what else I can say about Annabeth Albert’s Out of Uniform series that hasn’t already been said. It’s a fantastic series and most of the books have been very emotional reads for me.

Squared Away features Mark who’s confused about his sexuality, specifically his lack of sexual desire; he’s never felt sexual desire for anyone, male or female. He’s read up on asexuality but he’s not really sure where he fits in the spectrum and he hates labels. Isaiah is gay and out. Six years ago, he made a pass at Mark and there was a spark, but Mark wouldn’t act on it because Isaiah was only 18. A horrible tragedy brings these two back together again and memories of all the unresolved feelings they both had come flooding back.

Man, this book really got to me. Both Mark and Isaiah want to take care of the children left behind when Mark’s sister and her husband (Isaiah’s cousin) died. Isaiah is close to the three kids but Mark is a SEAL, and frequently deployed, so he hasn’t spent much time around them. They both want what is best for the children but they are at odds as to what that really is.

While they are waiting for the courts to make a decision about custody of the children Mark and Isaiah grow closer. Isaiah is no longer the randy teenager he once was but he has trouble getting Mark to believe that. After Isaiah learns of Mark’s fears about his lack of sexual desire he is quick to reassure him that he is content to take things as slow as Mark wants. He has to work hard to convince Mark that there are many different ways to make each other feel good and that he loves just making out with him.

It takes a lot of groveling on Mark’s part to get Isaiah to give him another chance after he screws things up but Annabeth Albert always delivers an HEA, no matter how hard it might be for her guys to get there.

I am so happy that there will be more stories in this series.

BTW – each book in this series can easily be read as a standalone story.

♥♥♥♥♥

O Factor: Spicy

Reviews for Annabeth Albert

Goodreads

Add to your TBR on Goodreads.

Buy Now

♥ Amazon US ♥ Amazon CA ♥ Amazon UK ♥ Audible ♥ Barnes & Noble ♥ Google Play ♥ iBooks ♥ Kobo US ♥ Kobo CA ♥ Kobo UK ♥

What Annabeth Albert has to say about this book in her Out of Uniform series:

“I wanted to write a book about the nature of family and how loss and tragedy can shape family, mold it into something stronger, force growth and change. I’m enormously proud of SQUARED AWAY as a result because how I fell in love with this little family.”

“When Wizard first appeared in ON POINT as a secondary character, I was intrigued by him, but it wasn’t until I let myself get into his head that I really saw how complicated he was. I feel honored and privileged to have been able to tell his story.”

“No book gets written in a vacuum and this one is no different. I owe a huge debt on this book to my sensitivity readers who really encouraged me to dig deep.”

Excerpt

“I take it that’s a yes?”
“It’s always going to be a yes for more kissing.” Isaiah scooted closer. They’d done the massage and goodnight kiss routine a few more times, but he was careful to not press for it, to let it be Mark’s idea.
Mark gave him a fast but still electric kiss. “I was thinking about this when I was helping you outside earlier. It’s crazy how much I like touching and kissing you.”
“I love touching you too.” Isaiah trailed his fingers down Mark’s cheek. “You haven’t had that before?”
“Not really. I’ve had a lot of kisses that felt like getting my earlobe chewed by a cat or trying to kiss a salmon. Not awful but not ‘can’t wait to do it again’ either. Had some kisses I liked, but right as I was getting comfortable, the other person would try to take it to the next level. And that was always a disaster.”
“Even with your friend? The other medic?”
Mark shrugged and looked away. “He got huffy when I didn’t want to get naked after a few kisses. Called me a closet case.”
“I’m sorry.” Isaiah patted his leg, not sure what else to say. “You’re a great guy. You deserve all the good kisses—no fish or earlobe chewing allowed. And you deserve to go at your own pace. Always.”
“I feel guilty. Like I should be doing something more for you…”
“Hey now. I’m getting amazing kisses from a hot-as-fuck guy who also likes to massage me until I’m a pile of limp lettuce. Trust me. I’m not getting a shabby deal here. At all.” If anything, Isaiah felt guilty for how very much he was enjoying all this. “And add in yard work help and cleaning? Man, you’d be a lot of people’s idea of a dream date.”
“Good.” Mark leaned in for another, softer kiss. “Because I really like doing this.”
“Me too.” Isaiah tried to calm the thumping of his heart. Careful, he warned himself even as his long-comatose hope monster hefted itself up and did a dance. He couldn’t afford to go falling for Mark again, yet with each kiss, each tentative touch, he could feel his grip on his resolve weakening.

Books in the Series

Out of Uniform Series

♥ Amazon US ♥ Amazon CA ♥ Amazon UK ♥ Barnes & Noble ♥ Google Play ♥ Kobo US ♥ Kobo CA ♥ Kobo UK ♥

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Direct link to giveaway.

About Author

Annabeth Albert

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.

Promoter

Hosted by A Novel Take Promotions