At Attention by Annabeth Albert
Book #2: Out of Uniform Series
Source: Netgalley
My Rating: 4½/5 stars
My Review:

Apollo Floros never saw himself as anything but a single, career military man. Love, however, can change everything, and when he met his husband, everything in Apollo’s world changed. He found himself a married, career military man with twin daughters he was hopelessly in love with. Fate, like love, can change everything.

To be sure, Apollo is still hopelessly in love with his twins, but the last year without his husband has been hellish. An accident took his partner and now Apollo can’t see a life beyond his grief and caring for his daughters. In an effort to keep them safe, Apollo has an air-tight control on every aspect of their lives, with lists and protocols in place. In fact, if it weren’t for the lists, the routine, and his mother, Apollo may not have made it this far. Problem is, his mother has a cruise scheduled for the summer, and if Apollo can’t find a live-in nanny for the girls, he’s going to be up a creek.

Dylan was just a gangly teenager the last time he saw Apollo, his brother’s best friend. The torch Dylan’s carried for Apollo over the years has barely diminished and when the opportunity arises to help the soldier and his girls, Dylan’s all in. Dylan’s career path has led him to Apollo’s door; both his college degree and his experience make Dylan the perfect person to look after Apollo’s girls and if that experience also puts him Apollo’s sights, all the better. As the summer wears on, Dylan proves time and again he is an amazing caretaker and good friend. Dylan has made it perfectly clear he wants more from Apollo, but understands the man is still grieving the loss of his partner. Additionally, Apollo is older than Dylan and is having a very, very hard time seeing the boy he once knew as the man he now is. Until, they kiss. There’s no mistaking the grown-up Dylan has become, which means Apollo now must deal with his own issues if he ever wants to be truly happy again.

The Bottom Line: In my review for the first book in this series, Off Base, I noted how hard first-in-a-series books can be, and I hoped the second installment would up the ante. Mission accomplished! Apollo and Dylan are such a handsome and caring couple which made rooting for them and their HEA so very easy to do. Apollo’s heart and his world were shattered by the loss of his husband yet, there’s Dylan who represents all Apollo wants for his future. The big issues in this read are truly big: loss of a loved one, survivor’s guilt, the guilt over loving another, and age discrepancy. Mixed into all of this are some yummy naughty bits and some funny moments that certainly help lighten the overall tone of the read. Overall, At Attention raises the bar for the Out of Uniform series and is a standard I sincerely hope will be met in all future installments.

This was the first book I've read by Annabeth Albert and I absolutely loved it. The two main characters, Lieutenant Apollo Floros and Dylan, his best friend and fellow Lieutenant's little brother, were so cute from the very beginning.

Dylan and Apollo first meet 8 years ago when Dylan was 15 and now Dylan's brother thinks he's the best one to help Apollo take care of his twin daughters for the summer.

Apollo can't seem to keep his eyes off Dylan but he's 12 years older than Dylan and he knows this whole thing is a bad idea. But Dylan hits it off with Apollo's kids and finally with Apollo. Their relationship has their ups and down but hang in there with them, they get their happily ever after.

This is a really cute, fast read and I would highly recommend it.

There's this feeling trepidation I get when starting a new book, especially one with an alpha male who's trying to raise kids on his own. I always yearn and hope for a fantastic story but don't always get it. At Attention didn't let me down.

A well written story, it's got a lot of the things I hope for in a book about love and family. Apollo is not how I pictured him, either. He has many of the alpha characteristics, but he's so much more. The love he has for his girls is immense and wonderful. The loss he still feels over the death of his husband is so palpable. I really felt that loss deep, and it's really beautiful, that kind of love. There's this fierce devotion that he's feeling, making it hard for him to move on... and along comes Dylan.

Dylan is possibly the most incredible soul ever, quickly becoming a necessary and welcome addition to the Floros household. Providing a lot of help with the girls, Dylan makes sure Apollo feels comfortable and not stressed about their care, as well as giving him a much needed break from the ridged structured life he's been living.

For much of this book, I was a smiling fool. Everything is well balanced... not too much of any character, I never felt like there was anyone missing, the children's presence throughout was important, and the loss that Apollo felt was a heavy topic that never once seemed like it was one that was over written. Nope. Every feeling, every cry, every frustrating moment was necessary. Every smile, laugh, and tender moment was pure beauty.

I loved the instant attraction, the slow and methodical way the friendship moves from one tentative moment to the next, and then the way that friendship grows into something more. Both men work hard at this, making sure this is where they want to go. It's not easy, and there are the lives of two little girls to think about. I love that I feel like I lived this story with them. It touched me and I hope/want everyone who reads this to feel that too. It's adult relationship building here, so it feels real, and real feelings are what I'm after in a book about love and family.

Review posts on the blog and Goodreads closer to release date.

I LOVED the emotion in this book! I was enthralled for the whole story!

Annabeth Albert never lets me down! The men here are amazing and a single dad, this was a win. Watching the characters come together and get through their trials and problems together and wind up proving that once again love will win. Plus the twin daughters are charming. I have a full review to come on my blog.

Fabulous, I am really enjoying this series overall and am looking forward to new books!

This was legit filthy, dirty, with an toppy, alpha male.

“I want it like this because I want to see your face as you take my cock.” Dylan’s whole body clenched at that suggestion. “And I want to watch you work in the mirror. So fucking hot.”

OMG, I was sure my kindle was going to ignite!

I have a love/hate relationship with stories involving second chances at love when a previous partner has passed.. When they work, they blow me away, but sometimes having the ghost of a former lover hanging over a new relationship can be a bit... much. I felt this at times was a bit much.

but in the overall ending, I sure did enjoy it a little to much!

I have yet to read a bad book by this author. This one happens to be one of my favorite tropes--single parent. I like the way the author brings us into the life of our military. Married or not, children or not, the job is hard. Having to juggle all that as a single father is even more of a challenge. I liked that Dylan and Apollo have been friends for years although Dylan is the typical no touch best friends brother in this relationship. That history made their getting together even more meaningful.

Great series by this author. Looking forward to meeting more of her military heroes.

At Attention by Annabeth Albert is the second book in the Out of Uniform Series. This series can be read out of order. I love the connection these characters have. The way Ms. Albert brings them together makes the story unforgettable.
This book is about Apollo and Dylan.
Apollo has been married before. He is gay but could never be out in the service. He has twin girls. He had a surrogate to have the twins. His partner Neal died. Neal had been a physical therapist.
Loved Apollo he is hauntingly sweet. Loving and caring person. The kind of person you want on your side for always.
Dylan has always had a crush on Apollo. But Apollo has been his big brother's best friend so off limits. Now he has a chance to watch Apollo's children and live with him for the summer. Can he keep his growing love for Apollo a secret?
This is a super sweet story. I fell in love with both characters and wanted them to end up together. Each is at a very different place in their lives, but they can meld and become a couple if they just give the other a chance. This is a great second chance at love story I wont soon forget.
Five Shooting Stars

Can I just say: I love the books in this series. They're simple, built on a tried and true romance formula, but the character interactions and the chemistry is why I keep going back.

Apollo is the single father of twin girls since his partner Neal passed away two years before. For all that it's two years since that death, I reckon that Neal takes up as much page time and consideration as both Apollo and Dylan. Which is both a good thing and a bad thing.

Dylan has known Apollo since he was fifteen. In fact, Apollo was the first guy that Dylan had a crush on. Now they're back in each others' lives, and Dylan is basically worried that Apollo is always going to look at him as 'Dustan's little brother.'

Of course, Dylan has also bulked up a fair bit since he was fifteen. Apollo can't deny his attraction, and Dylan kind loves every time he notices it happening.

Now let me talk about the twin girls, because they are absolutely beautiful! I loved the relationship they have with Dylan, the truly honest way about their complaints when Apollo has too much work and basically everything about the way they were written. Every scene that had them in it added to the story as a whole in ways that I don't even think the sex quite managed.

This is book #2, in the Out Of Uniform series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. For reader understanding and enjoyment, I recommend reading series in order.

Apollo has known Dylan for almost 20 years. His big brother is Apollo's best friend. He has always thought of him as a "kid." Being attracted to him is a shock.

Dylan has been in love with Apollo for as long as he can remember. Now it is like breathing. He knows Apollo needs his help, but he wants to be more. What will it take to be seen as an equal?

This was a story that made me feel everything. I laughed, cried, and wished for them to get together pretty much right away. This author never disappoints. I always love seeing the big alpha's fall. Great addition to the series. I cannot wait to read the next book.


***This copy was given in exchange for an honest review, by Netgalley and its publisher.

Albert's books are always gripping and emotional and oh so sexy.

I wasn't sure about the single dad aspect but it really works here, especially with Dylan as their caregiver. The kids are, obviously, an integral part of their lives but aren't so precocious as to overwhelm the story.

It covers a few tropes (single, widowed dad, best friends brother) in a way that's shows and respects Apollo's struggles to move on.

Dylan could be a little pushy at times but in the end I loved how he realized that both he and Apollo needed to find their own ways before becoming something new - together.

Another stand out book from Albert. I can't recommend her books enough.

Annabeth Albert is not a new writer but she’s new to me and now one of my all time favorites, based on just one book: At Attention.
When Dylan was a teenager he followed his older brother Dustin around until Dustin enlisted and Dylan enrolled in college. It was in this way that Dylan met Dustin’s best friend Apollo. Dylan knew he was gay and came out when he was about 13 years old. Don’t Ask Don’t Tell was still in force so when Dylan asked Apollo, “You’re like me, aren’t you?” Apollo answered, gay, yes, out, no. Dylan backed off but admired the handsome Apollo from afar and Apollo noticed the kid who loved to follow him around.
Time passes and in the next few years, Apollo married the love of his life, Neal, they used a surrogate to have beautiful twin daughters, and tragically, Neal died. With two toddlers to raise alone, Apollo’s mother stepped in to help him. When she plans a trip she has yearned for for years Apollo needs help fast. Dustin mentions his brother has graduated college and needs a place to live for the summer, so Apollo hires “the kid.” Dustin is grown, has degrees in early childhood education and physical education. Sounds like a match made in heaven. It would be if Apollo were ready to move on two years after Neal passed away and if he saw Dylan as anything other than a kid. The answers to both are no, but he hires Dylan out of desperation.
Dylan’s love for Apollo again blooms but Apollo has only lust for Dylan, and the summer fails to loosen the ties Apollo still has for Neal. Dylan has a secret that hurts Apollo, just when things might be improving, and it looks like all is lost. Or is it?
This is a wonderful love story, a romance that requires an HEA for Dylan and Apollo but it’s looking sketchy for that kind of ending. Maybe, if Apollo can just let go and move on things will turn out right for both men.
I love this style of writing and the characters Ms. Albert develops. The children are precious, the grown men yumilicious, and the ending is…well read it for yourself. Totally worth it. Book 2 of 3 but can be read as a stand alone. I’m so eager for the next book!

RATING: 4 out of 5

Lt. Apollo Floros loses his husband four years ago, leaves him a single dad with their two twin daughters to take care of. Dylan is the younger brother of Apollo’s best friend, 10 years Apollo’s junior, who currently needs a place to stay while he works his summer job. Dylan had huge crush for Apollo when he was a teenager … and he definitely still has strong feeling for the older man.

Personally, I think second-chance romance about a widower (or widow, in M/F case) where the first love died can be quite tricky to enjoy. As a reader, I must be convinced that the second love doesn’t simply substitute the first love. But, I don’t want the first love to be a strong shadow that overwhelms the second romance. At the same time, I also don’t want the first love to be easily forgotten to make way for the second love.

Yeah, like I sad, tricky.

Well, I would like to say that, for me, Annabeth Albert’s At Attention delivered. Albert plays the emotion and tension between the two men quite well. I enjoyed Apollo’s hot and cold attitude — yeah, sure, it might be frustrating to read at times, but it was right up my alley and I gobbled it up.

Apollo has a reason for acting like so — the combination of losing his husband and Dylan being younger, and a brother of his best friend for that matter. I will probably not like it as much if Apollo just jump Dylan’s bones from the beginning!! I thought the pace of the relationship was just right. Plus it gives me that somber moment that of course made me cry, of course

Besides Dylan held his own!! He is good with Apollo’s kids, he is quite understanding … and at that final moment, Dylan knows that he cannot force Apollo to deal with his loss. I loved how Dylan told Apollo that he needed grief counselor, that clearly Apollo was not okay. I loved that Dylan stepped back to give Apollo his space. I was proud of Dylan for that because he shows Apollo that he wasn’t that kid with crush anymore. He has grown up and he deserved Apollo’s respect — and if Apollo wants him back, Apollo needs to work for it.

This is another winner from Albert for me. I cannot wait to read book #3 though because FRIENDS-TO-LOVERS! Yay!!

Wow... I have so many emotions running through me while reading this book. I absolutely loved it! I love when a book just surprises you like that!
Apollo and Dylan's path together was not an easy one. Apollo had a lot to overcome before he could fully give himself to Dylan. And Dylan I felt was perfect for Apollo. He knew just how to handle him and get him somewhat out of his comfort zone.

I couldn't help but laugh at the way Apollo parents. Meaning their are a couple of types of parents out there. The let's go with the flow kind of parents, the strict kind of parents, or the super anal kind.
I would have to put Apollo in the super anal category with some strictness sprinkled in there. LOL

Omg... I get it. I've been there with my first child. (I have 3) You are super paranoid about everything! I was super anal with my oldest daughter when she was a baby! But by the time the third one came along. As long as there wasn't any blood coming out of where they got hurt. It was all good! LOL
That folder Apollo had was pretty crazy! And that text he sent Dylan killed me even more!
Honestly I loved it. His fridge and cupboards! I wish I was that organized!

I had mixed feeling about Apollo. I sympathized with him and felt bad for him because of Neal. But at the same time I wanted to tell him to get his head on straight with Dylan!
I can't imagine being in his place. It's like he was permanently stuck in limbo. He was straddling the line between moving on and holding back.
And poor Dylan was caught in the middle of all that.

Dylan's crush and infatuation with Apollo I felt carried him through all the rough patches he went through with Apollo. He really put up with a lot with him. I was sad and proud of him for really putting himself first when the time came that he knew he needed more from Apollo.

“I mean, I want you to choose me for me. Not because I’m good with the girls. Not because I fit in your spare room or your spare time. Not because there’s a hole in your life and I help you forget that for a few hours, but for me. I want you to see me and choose me, and I’m going to hold out for that.”

Apollo's conversation with Neal broke my heart. But needed to be done. The pressure Apollo must have felt for those years. The pent up Anxiety of facing his reality. Was hard for him to face and let go. He was scared and didn't know how to deal with it. He was scared of moving on.

The ending of this book was so perfect. Apollo really showed Dylan the grand gesture that he knew Dylan needed in order for them to make it as a couple.

I'm really feeling this series! I can't wait for the next book in this series!

Good heavens! This was an awesome story. And I don’t know what I loved best about it. There’s just too much to choose from. Was it the main characters themselves? Or was it the visit with some of the characters from the Gaymers series? Or perhaps the unbelievably heated sex scenes? Um, can you say mirror sex?

Maybe it was Apollo’s cute twin daughters? His backstory of a love lost to sudden death? His worries about the age gap between him and Dylan, who he first met when Dylan was a young teen? Or simply the author’s writing style—one that I’ve become very familiar with this past year as she rocketed to the top of my reading list?

Suffice it to say, this was a really enjoyable story about a former SEAL team leader who’s now assigned to training in tactical maneuvers instead of being out in front of the action. The main reason for that is an injury he suffered, but the secondary reason is dear to his heart—he’s solely responsible for raising his twin daughters due to the sudden death of his husband a few years before. He has help from his mother and his former mothers-in-law, but this summer, he needs to hire a sitter since his mom is finally taking the trip of her dreams. When the younger brother of his best friend is suggested, he’s reluctant to take on the kid who followed him everywhere eight years before, and when he sees what Dylan looks like now, he’s even more reluctant—but only because the young man is eye-popping gorgeous.

Apollo’s reluctance and Dylan’s work ethic and interactions with Apollo’s girls, create a tug of war between the two men before they finally yield to temptation and decide to just have sex with no relationship. None. No matter what. Or at least that’s what they try. Watching them work out their own personal solution makes this story great. And by the way, by the end of the book, I had a warm and fuzzy place in my heart for these guys and a big smile on my face.

All I can really say is read the reviews, if you are cautious, or simply take the leap of faith if you are not. This story is extra special and sure to be at the top of your list of favorites.

At Attention is the second book in the Out of Uniform series by Annabeth Albert, preceded by Off Base, and focuses on the daily lives of members of various SEAL teams.

In this second instalment, we meet Lt. Apollo Floros, a man raising his twin four-year old daughters after the death of his husband two years prior. He’s assisted by his mother, and his in-laws, but with his mother heading on an extended overseas trip, he’s in need of someone to help out with the twins when he’s called in to work (a frequent occurrence). Enter Dylan, the younger brother of a fellow SEAL and friend, eight years Apollo’s junior. Growing up, Dylan had a crush on the older SEAL whom he knew through his older brother, and the attraction’s never quite gone away.

Being a romance book, there’s more than its fair share of steamy scenes - and they’re great - but the one thing that drew me into this book was the complicated nature of the relationship between Apollo and Dylan. Apollo has not moved on from his husband’s death, and doesn’t know if he will. Instead, he keeps his life (and his family’s life) regimented and in control and safe. Dylan, meanwhile, is a breathe of fresh air - he’s energetic, positive, loves kids (and works at a holiday camp) and doesn’t mind Apollo’s OCD tendencies. He spends a lot of the book trying to get the Apollo to relax.

Annabeth Albert writes lovely, complex character driven stories. Ultimately, as a reader, I felt for all the characters, and could understand why they made the choices they made - even when they drove me (and the other characters) completely crazy. Everything is normal; the characters are relatable and that’s a huge drawcard for me. I just wanted to know if and how Apollo and Dylan managed to make their relationship work.

If you’re a fan of gay romance novels, with great characters, then this is definitely one to check out. (And yes, the twins are adorable!)

I gave At Attention 4 out of 5 stars.

Rating: 4.5 stars ouf 5

at-attentionLieutenant Apollo Floros can ace tactical training missions, but being a single dad to his twin daughters is more than he can handle. He needs live-in help, and he's lucky a friend's younger brother needs a place to stay. He's surprised to see Dylan all grown up with a college degree…and a college athlete's body. Apollo's widowed heart may still be broken, but Dylan has his blood heating up.

It's been eight years since the teenage Dylan followed Apollo around like a lovesick puppy, and it's time he showed Lieutenant Hard-to-Please that he's all man now—an adult who's fully capable of choosing responsibility over lust. He can handle Apollo's muscular sex appeal, but Apollo the caring father? Dylan can't afford to fall for that guy. He's determined to hold out for someone who's able to love him back, not someone who only sees him as a kid brother.

Apollo is shocked by the intensity of his attraction to Dylan. Maybe some no-strings summer fun will bring this former SEAL back to life. But the combination of scorching desire and warm affection is more than he'd expected, and the emotion between them scares him senseless. No fling lasts forever, and Apollo will need to decide what's more important—his past or his future—if he wants to keep Dylan in his life.

Annabeth Albert has become a "go to, must read" author for me quickly. It started with her series #gaymers but Portland Heat and now Out of Uniform is also making her a comfort read as well. If you haven't started any of these series, walk-don't run to your nearest computer and pull them up! At Attention is the second in her Out of Uniform series and oh my, how I do love this one. It has characters I met in the first, we're talking Lt. Apollo Floros. He's widowed with twins and just the small amount of time he appeared in the first story, Off Base (Out of Uniform, #1), was enough to know that you needed more of him. And that he had to have a HEA.

At Attention is his story and romance. Sigh and swoon. The author gives us a man who hasn't yet dealt with his grief over losing his husband. Apollo has just been going through the motions of adjusting to being an only parent with total responsibility of his twins, a job that's taken him out of the field and the daily recognition of the hole in his life. But actual mourning? No, he hasn't let himself do that and so he's stuck in a way that not even his family and friends know how to help him move forward. I love how Albert makes us feel this man's pain and loss as well as his love for his daughters and the man he married. We see how much he needs to move ahead and yet how unable or unready he is to do so.

Then Dylan comes to town for a summer job and his brother, Apollo's friend and teammate. Who hasn't had someone younger crush on them or had a crush on someone older? We know how it goes and feels. Albert captures those old feelings perfectly as well as what happened when the crush and crushee meet years later. Its so hard to let go of those old impressions, especially if you're the older person. I love how that factors into this slow moving relationship because its so very realistic.

There are other obstacles here, not just that past history. Each is believable and realistic as they come. And yet those sparks that fly between these characters are hot, hot, hot!!! The chemistry that the author cooks up between Apollo and Dylan is combustible and I believe in that and them too.

Plus you throw in the girls and their love for Dylan as well and this story just sang for me.

So At Attention is already a favorite of the series and its just book 2. What will the rest of the series bring? I can't wait to find out. Please hurry up with the next story!

Cover art is lovely and works for the series and tale.


Book Details:

ebook
Expected publication: April 10th 2017 by Carina Press
Original Title At Attention
ISBN13 9781488022623
Edition Language English
Series Out of Uniform #2

I used to like Apollo in Off Base. But apparently he made me want to pull his hair until he come to his senses.
His constant denial about what he feels for Dylan and their relationship (without communication!), exhausted me to tears.
Well, until 80 percent mark that is.
He wants Dylan, he doesn't want Dylan, repeat.
And Dylan, almost, almost acted like a doormat in my eyes, and that was not okay.
I mean, well, he had a hero worship back then when he was young. But let Apollo treated him like that, hurts me. Seriously.
It was good that he finally 'out', but still let Apollo he's waiting? Hmm...good for Apollo's ego, but for him.
The kids though safe the rating, they're adorable, and they loved Dylan 'unconditionally'.
I like the ending, it was cute after all. Apollo got his lesson, and he better not make Dylan disappointed in the future.

4.5 Stars

The thing that struck me the most about At Attention was how meticulously written and well thought-out it was. Each character was really fleshed out, and nothing was glossed over when it came to addressing their dreams and desires and fears. The ending was most definitely not your typical Hollywood ending where the hero shows up, proclaims his undying love and sweeps his love interest off their feet. Every single reservation that the characters had about being together felt fully resolved, and it definitely made for a very convincing and satisfying HEA.

The book was well written – no surprise there, as I’ve come to expect this from this author. But it was also very well balanced. With the kids and the age gap, this could’ve been just another “widowed family man meets young stud” type of story, but it was so much more than that. Each main character – in this case I mean the two men AND the two young children – were lovingly written and brought to life. All the parts and pieces of the story – for instance Dylan’s love for the kids, or Apollo grieving for his dead husband – was really well-portrayed and you really felt it, as opposed to just being told about it.

There was a lot of introspection by both men, but I wouldn’t call the book angsty. Far from it – it was two adults learning to acknowledge what they mean to each other, and trying to figure out how they fit into each other’s live in a very real, meaningful way. I cannot recommend this book enough. This is the second book in the series and both books have been homeruns for me.