Off Base by Annabeth Albert

Off Base by Annabeth Albert

Review by Lauren

source: copy from Netgalley; all opinions are my own

Official Summary: 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: If you've read the #gaymers series by Albert, then this book starts off essentially where the last one in that series ended. Off Base starts the new Out of Uniform series, but the couple from the last #gaymers novel does appear in Off Base. I really like how the author created a new series but connected to a previous one, especially since I really loved that series.

As for Off Base, I really enjoyed it too and I can't wait to see what the second book, At Attention, brings. Off Base follows navy SEAL Zack and new professor Pike. These two have known each other for awhile, as their respective best friends are dating. However, while Pike has always had a crush on Zack, he wasn't sure if he was gay for awhile. Plus, Zack didn't really hide that he wasn't much of a fan of Pike. This is mostly due to Pike's forward nature and flirting. While Zack is a hard-working guy and loves his friends, he's hiding his sexuality due to a very conservative and religious family. His brother is a screw up, so his parents are always commenting on getting one son right. Zack knows they won't still think that way if he ever comes out.

While I understood Zack's reason for staying in the closet, sometimes I did want him to think of himself more often. Regardless, you have to love him. Pike too, as he's a really patient guy who wants to show Zack love that he hasn't received from anyone else. The two end up being roommates before anything romantic occurs, and that's how they got to know each other better, and I loved that.

Definitely recommend!

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