On Point by Annabeth Albert
Book #3: Out of Uniform Series
Source: Netgalley
My Rating: 5/5 stars
My Review:

Maddox Horvat has proudly and willingly served his country for a lot of years. As a SEAL sniper, Maddox has earned a reputation as one of the best in the business and if you asked his teammate and best friend, Ben Tovey, re-upping for another tour is a foregone conclusion. There’s a whole host of things Ben thinks he knows about Maddox . . . . .

As far as Maddox is concerned, another tour just isn’t in the cards. He’s nearly thirty years old and there is so much beyond the military Maddox would like to do with his life. He wants to open a small bakery, he wants to get married and have a family, and he desperately wants all this with his best friend. All it took was one night of seeing Ben with another man for Maddox to know, in his bones, that Ben is the man for him. Unfortunately, admitting his feelings for Ben on top of ending his service would likely send Ben over the edge and Maddox isn’t willing to lose his best friend. Some sort of relationship is better than none, right?

Ben Tovey is a career SEAL and that’s a foregone conclusion! Since the beginning, he and Maddox have served together and as far as Ben is concerned they will continue to serve until it’s time to retire. As a bonus, Maddox will be by his side and he can continue to nurse his intense lust(?)/love(?) for Maddox. Ben isn’t interested in examining his feelings for Maddox too closely until they both barely survive a mission that went ugly sideways. Ben is not only forced to acknowledge his feelings for Maddox, but to examine why it is he’s so resistant to the idea of settling down and beginning a proper life with Maddox. For a time, Ben is certain everything is right and good between he and Maddox and then, it all blows up leaving both men heartbroken and certain they have each lost absolutely everything!

The Bottom Line: This series just keeps getting better. Maddox and Ben are so fundamentally different that they shouldn’t work, but in the end, they most certainly work. The tension in this read is prevalent and fluctuates throughout depending on the situation. The tension doesn’t let up until the very end and it really makes the read so much better. Some reads, some characters just beg for tension and this is absolutely one of those reads! As always, I appreciate the fact the author populates her novels with characters from past reads. There truly is a sense of community in this series and it’s one of the things I like the best about the Out of Uniform world.

On Point is the third book in the Out of Uniform series by Annabeth Albert, and while you'll definitely want to read the entire series, I think this book could easily be read as a stand-alone.

Ben and Maddox have been friends since they met during Hell Week of SEAL training, and over a decade later, their friendship remains solid and reliable. The story starts with a mission that goes wrong, leaving Ben and Maddox stranded and gravely injured in the jungles of Indonesia and struggling to reach the Plan B pick-up zone. I read the first third of On Point in one fell swoop, not really breathing until they were finally rescued. This plot is the most gripping and engaging of the series in my opinion.

And then Albert gives us a truly wonderful second act as Ben and Maddox move from friends to lusting after one another with heaps and heaps of steamy UST, and eventually to lovers in a way that just feels right.

"... some things just defied explanation. Like how he and Ben fit so well together. Like how Ben kissed him like they’d been doing it for years and also like it was Maddox’s first kiss ever. And good lord, the man could teach a graduate-level chemistry class in how to ignite a spark ..."

We get both POVs and I love how these complex and flawed men battle their issues. Maddox has to decide if he remains a SEAL or if he dares starting a new career. Ben goes from the "High Prince of Group Escapades and Kink" to really struggling with trust and commitment and although there was a point in the book when I wanted to repeatedly hit him with a big "get a clue" stick, the resolution is sweet and worth the wait.

“And I know it’s hard to trust. I’m struggling with that too. But maybe it’s a leap of faith we have to make together. Like a jump. We’ve got to trust that the landing’s not going to kill us.”

This is my favorite book of the Out of Uniform series. FYI, there are a few brief scenes with Pike and Zeke as well as Apollo and Dylan, and there is another book coming out in November about Dylan's brother, Dustin. I highly recommend On Point and give it 5 stars!

"But what makes me happy is you. What makes me strong is you. You in my life, in whatever capacity I can get. Much as it terrifies me, I want that life together."

On Point by Annabeth Albert is the third book in the Out of Uniform series. I found this is a series that has to be read in order. You will have a hard time with this book, if you don't understand the dynamics of the group. Really powerfully written story. I loved the connection of the two characters in this one. Really felt a part of this story.
This is a story of best friends becoming more. I like stories like that. Friends make the best lovers if you ask me.
Maddox navy seal. Tough guy. He really loves Ben with all of his heart and soul. He doesn't want to lose Ben by telling him at first.
Ben he also is a navy seal. He has had a lot of relationships go bad, so he is scared to be in one, but he deeply loves Maddox.
One jungle mission they cannot deny their love any more. I loved how life and death made these two really see what they could lose if they didn't take more chances.
Both men are strong and very alpha. Love makes them even better friends. This is one I keep re reading. I cannot wait for more from this series. I hope it comes soon! I will be in line for the next seal to find love.

Five Shooting Stars

Ben and Maddox stood out in At Attention. Best friends and roommates? Also, both openly gay SEALs. Yep, we all wanted a story shipping these two. Fortunately, we got it!

The first chapter sets us up with the knowledge that SOMETHING happened to strain Ben and Maddox’s relationship. When they end up on a mission that goes terribly wrong, we slowly get their back story and find out what caused their current drama. But the story doesn’t start and end on their mission. SPOILER ALERT…..they do make it home. They both come home with the knowledge of how much the other means to them and what they are and are not willing to do to hold onto each other. Unfortunately, those things don’t necessarily match up. Ben is excited to re-up with the Navy and continue to work and live with his BFF. But Maddox is seriously considering retiring and doing something new. Yeah, their plans aren’t matching up and Ben has a real issue with it. What he doesn’t understand is that Maddox has a real issue with unrequited love he’s experiencing right now.

Friends-to-lovers stories are my absolute favorites. I know I’ve mentioned it before but that love started with Emma by Jane Austen and it hasn’t waned in the 20 some years since I first read it. That existing bond that grows even bigger and grander than anything they could have ever imagined? The fear of losing what they have if they ask for more? Yeah, total catnip for me. And the cherry on top of this delicious sundae of a story is that Maddox is a…<cough, cough>…..total beta hero! Yep, a SEAL that isn’t an alpha character. I loved Ben but Maddox made my heart melt.

This story is full of push and pull and the angst that goes with it. But never so much that I needed to take a break. On the contrary, I couldn’t put the damn thing down. I haven’t given five stars in a REALLY long time but this book earned it. I was instantly immersed in Ben and Maddox’s story. To the extent that the book hangover I had after this one was epic.

Do yourself a favor and read this, and while you are at it, read the first two in the series, Off Base and At Attention.

Nat

Another fantastic book from Annabeth Albert, this series is high up there with one of my favourites and I can't wait to see where Annabeth takes us next.

4.25 stars

Maddox and Ben have been best friends ever since they were still in SEAL training. While they always have each other's back, personality wise especially when dealing with love and relationship cannot be more different.

Maddox is a great sniper, but his passion is not the military. He loves baking, he wants to open a bakery, he strives in church activities. Basically, Maddox wants a life outside of the military, and he longs for a committed relationship, preferably with Ben, whom Maddox has been nurturing crush over for years.

Ben, on the other hand, avoid love and long-term relationship. It probably stems from the fact that Ben thinks people change their mind and leave -- like his mother, like his ex-husband. So Ben embraces one night stands, sex with a lot of people, wild nights ... anything but commitment. His only commitment is the military; and Ben thinks Maddox will always be with him in this case.

Until one mission gone awry, they almost die, and Maddox starts thinking of leaving...

----

I have been wanting to read about best-friends Maddox and Ben so much, especially after getting a glimpse of Maddox's feeling towards Ben in the previous book, At Attention. What can I say ... friends-to-lovers, people! I don't think I will EVER get tired of this particular trope. It has been one of my favorites since I read romance two decades ago.

It just evoked ALL THE FEELINGS inside me!



I loved all the tension that happened between the two men, how they approached the change from friends to lovers, how Ben trying to keep Maddox from leaving, how Maddox contemplating between wanting to live but at the same time not hurt Ben in process, I loved reading both Maddox and Ben's perspectives.

I cannot really say much because that will spoil the whole story. Let's just say that there was progress happening, characters growth, that wasn't just because of or due to sexy times. THAT I always appreciate so much in romance. I guess it also helped that while Ben leaned a lot to physical sex, Maddox didn't :). Plus that epilogue was GOLD.

The only reason why I couldn't rate it a bit higher was because the beginning was a little muddled with flashbacks and military action. But in overall, On Point is definitely my favorite of the series so far.

♥.•*¨)☆♡¸.•*´¨)☆♡¸.•♥*´¨)☆♡♥
♡☆(¸.•♥´This one was on point for 4.5 Stars

Four months ago, their ten year relationship changed. Now Maddox and Ben were hanging by a thread. One night that should have meant nothing wrapped its way around the men. Instead of moving on, guilt prevailed. Their friendship was being tested as Maddox finds that feelings that should not be had was factoring in his relationship with the closed off Ben.

Now on a mission, stranded, they learn to reflect on each other and what should have been. "Ben." Maddox’s voice was soft, and Ben couldn't tell if there was disappointment or simply exhaustion there. "We can't keep doing this."

"No. I mean…I think you should date. Date me. We should date." ~Ben

Theirs should have been a smooth transition. They had friendship and years of knowing on their side. But when Maddox made a life changing decision, it was one than Ben could bear.

I just cannot get enough of this series!!! I was hooked from book one and want it to go on.

Friends-to-Lovers stories are some of my favorite. I love the fact that the relationship is built on solid ground and they have a foundation to build on. Ben and Maddox have been friends forever. After a mission gone bad, they both realize that they want more with the other. However, both of them are afraid of risking their friendship to pursue a relationship together.
I loved Ben and Maddox individually as well as them together. It was obvious from the very beginning that they belonged together. Although there were times that I wanted to pummel Ben, I understood where he was coming from. Their past experiences shaped both of them and made them weary to trust in the other during a relationship - which should be comical considering the fact they trusted each other with their lives during service - but it isn't. It's a truth that hard to realize. Transitioning from something you've always know is bound to put the strain on the trust factor. I loved Annabeth Albert's writing style and can't wait to read more from this author.

*honest review given in exchange for an ARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley*
There isn't too much I'm going to say about this book. It was okay. The story was decent. But, it just didn't agree with me. I absolutely loved Maddox. And I absolutely hated Ben. Even at the end. He was such a whiny, selfish, asshole I just couldn't care if he ended up happy or not. In fact I was hoping that Maddox would end up with somebody else if I'm honest. The two MC's were 30 years old here and only ONE of them acted like it. Ben acted like a immature little brat. Constantly. The way he was written is the reason I don't bother with YA or NA books. I can't stand the immaturity and forced and unnecessary angst that go along with characters that are so young and immature.
So, in closing, I guess all I can say is this: I can see and maybe even understand the appeal of this book to many readers. I get it. I know this author is a reader favorite as well, based on the reviews of her other works. I, too liked the first book in this series to give it 3 stars. I ended up skipping the second because of the young age of one of the MC's. Also, please know that I was never lost at all during my reading of this book after skipping the one before it.
I understand that there is at least one more book coming in this series. The jury is still out if I'll read it or not.

3.5 Stars

I've been thinking on this one for a while now. I finished it weeks ago, but could not decide how I felt.

On Point is not like the other two books in this series. This one had me feeling a lot more melancholy, a little more sad, and frustrated. The friendship between Ben and Maddox, and the obvious attraction we get a glimpse of in books one and two, plays out here in a slower paced story with flashbacks to previous encounters that have led them to a situation where they are both on edge, both feeling extremely lonely, and very confused on how to proceed.

I guess I struggled with the pacing a bit, but I also struggled with Ben and his various issues. Ben trouble with relationships due to a failed past marriage, abandonment by his mother, and a very deep dependency on his best friend Maddox. This dependency on Maddox is really an issue for both of them, causing more problems in the end than you'd think.

While I enjoyed this book a lot, I was really stressed and upset for a lot of it. I think all of the tension that comes off Ben and Maddox just flowed into me. It made me feel bad and upset and I just wanted them to get it together and figure themselves out so I could get to the happiness. It's really s struggle for them, so it was a huge struggle for me. Bu this is a really good addition to the series and I'm excited to see what's next.

4 Stars

I was really looking forward to reading this book! The way Ben and Maddox were in the last book with Dylan. I knew it was going to be an interesting read! And it was!

The beginning of this book draws you in. There was so much action going on. And right away you could feel the connection Ben and Maddox had for each other. And at the same time you could feel all the anxiety they both had too! They were really struggling with their feelings for each other!

This book was a little on the deep side. I wasn't expecting that. Lots of angst going on. For a couple that knows each other so well... they were really disconnected. I felt that if they had just sat down and talked. They wouldn't have had so many up's and downs. They wouldn't have assumed so many things. I felt there was a lot of undue angst going on with them. And that was the hard part for me in this book. All the back and forth.

I loved them as a couple. But I felt Ben's hang ups about relationships really put a strain on everything. And I mean everything not just with Maddox. With his family too. He has a hard time forgiving and letting go. And that was his biggest downfall.

I loved the ending of this book! It was really perfect! Ben really stepped it up and showed Maddox the big grand gesture! I knew Ben wanted it too. He just had a lot to work out personally to fully give himself to Maddox.

I loved loved loved how the author put little details about Oceanside (where I happen to live!!) and just place's all around San Diego! It's the little details in books that make the difference.

I liked this one much better than the second one. THAT CHEMISTRY!!!
I'm a bit tired of the miscommunication plot line but I'll take it because I liked how it was resolved. Also, the advance for the next book with Dustin got me so excited, I can't wait to read about him.

Imagine having someone you trust to have your back whether you are at home or out on a mission. Imagine developing a bond so strong with that someone that they become your best friend. Now imagine falling in love with that person. Would you risk that friendship for a chance to have it all? On Point is a friends to lovers story that follows navy SEALS, Maddox and Ben. This is book three in the Out of Uniform series by Annabeth Albert. I have not read the previous books, but I had no problem following this one since each book in the series follows a separate couple.

Maddox and Ben are on a mission to rescue the kidnapped sons of two senators. Things don't go as planned and the two men are separated from their team deep in the middle of enemy territory. Both men are injured, but through Ben's sheer stubborn determination they both manage to survive. Once back home on medical leave the tension builds between them as Maddox and Ben are forced to deal with the feelings that have developed between them.

I really enjoyed this slow burning romance. The chemistry between Maddox and Ben is off the charts hot. Their solid foundation of friendship and shared history make the transition from friends to lovers feel natural. Witnessing Maddox and Ben discovering how to navigate the changes and obstacles that they have to face while trying to maintain their relationship was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. This book will cause some major FEELS.

This was a great friends to lovers romance. I absolutely loved it. Albert's characters are complex and beautifully flawed. The action scenes at the beginning of the book were fast paced and suspenseful. This has some heart wrenching moments so be prepared to break out the tissues. I would recommend this one to anyone that is looking for a romantic read with a military theme or a friends-to-lovers love story.

These two guys were just so much that I don't have words. I loved them both. This series just keeps getting better and better. Having Ben carry Maddox to safety and then collapse, ugh just tore my heart out with so many feelings. These two big men fighting their emotions for each other for years then finally coming together was a wonderful read, my favorite book in the series so far.

One of my favorite series.

The author does a great job drawing the reader into this military world.

The beginning of On Point was difficult to read. The time on the mission was so overwhelming. Not only reading about the mission itself but how Maddox and Ben became who they were. What brought about their feelings towards each other.

These boys were stubborn and had a tough time expressing themselves and want they wanted. They both had trust issues with one another but in the end willing to give it up for the love that they shared for over 12 years.

If anyone deserves a HEA it's these two. Looking forward to reading more in this series.

I was able to read an advanced copy for a honest review

4* Not my fave of the series, as one guy's a player and the other's too into him to make a stance.

Despite not loving this book, I'm giving it a 4* because it's well done, because the storyline is believable, and because the leads are best friends who've not been able to see beyond damaging that friendship if they revealed their feelings and things went pear-shaped. Friends-to-lovers is a fave trope of mine, but this took its sweet time coming.

But, this book has a voyeuristic ménage scene and one actual ménage one, that whilst both consensual, didn't do anything for me, and in fact, turned me off the Ben character a little. There's quite a lot of bonding in this whilst the guys are on a mission that goes bad, and that was perhaps the most enjoyable part of the tale for me, but I didn't like that the rest felt a bit rushed. It seemed that Maddox's needs/wants/plans/likes were mostly an afterthought and that he didn't get enough page-time.

The leads end up in a good place, with Ben doing the 'I didn't see that coming', which normally would be the icing on my cake, but for me, it missed the mark a little. Yes, he needed to be the one...doing this...but if I were Maddox, I'd have wanted more of a conversation, especially as the mention of future ménages wasn't entirely ruled out.

ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Carina Press, for my reading pleasure.

Super angsty with a lifetime of (good) life or death drama packed into the first 30%.

I kind of wish the book kept the characters trapped in the jungle awhile longer because once they got home I wanted to smack Ben upside the head.

I know this was his journey to growing up and figuring out how to be with Maddox but he really treated Mad like shit a lot. I think I would have been ok with it if Maddox had stood up to Ben and up for himself a little more or at least earlier on. Kind of like Dylan did with Apollo in At Attention.

But I am a sucker for a friends to more story and anything by Albert so I did end up enjoying it and can't wait for the next in the series.

So many things I liked about this. It's my favorite in the series so far. If you're a fan of the friends to lovers trope and/or hurt/comfort I think you're going to love this.

We saw some of Ben and Maddox in the prior books of the series but this can be read as a standalone. You may remember them as the two guys that are totally opposites but are roommates and best friends. When this story starts they've already crossed the line from friends to more but neither is dealing with it well. There is a ton of tension between them and their friendship is in trouble. They go on a mission and Maddox is badly injured. This brings reality crashing down on Ben. He can no longer deny his feelings for Maddox but it's complicated since he is adamantly opposed to committed relationships.

Their romance was really sweet and while they were definitely struggling, there was no over the top angst or drama. Ben gets in his own way a bunch of times but you never doubt how much he loves Maddox. He just needs to resolve some of his personal issues first.

One of my favorite things in this book was Maddox's character. He was a Christian and while he wasn't a "wait till marriage, virgin", he did want to only be in a sexual relationship with someone he had a commitment to. I thought this was a nice change and I don't think I've ever read a character like this in non-Christian romance before (not that I read Christian romance at all but still.....you get the idea) I love when authors give us outside the box, unique characters. Maddox had clear ideas what he wanted and what he expected in how he was treated and he didn't compromise his beliefs.

*never fear those of you who like smexy times in your stories, these two do get down & dirty during the story & when they do they're smoking hot together*

I thought the writing was really good and there was a lot of depth to the characters and the plot overall. I've enjoyed the other books in this series but this was my favorite. I thought it was really, really good.

*ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

I will start off by saying this is the first book I have read by Annabeth Albert, and let me tell you, it will not be the last! OMG, I couldn't put this book down! I devoured it in one afternoon. Ben, and Maddox just blew me away. Their story is so raw, emotional, and intense. I LOVED every minute of it! On Point was a TOTAL PAGE TURNER for me!

Now I know this is the third book in the series, but you are able to be read On Point as a standalone. (thank goodness) There are cameo appearances from previous book characters from Books One and Two, but since I haven't read Off Base or At Attention yet, I had no trouble following along with the story line.

Honestly, this is an amazing book, and I am so glad I found it! If you love reading Military/ M/M books, I highly recommend On Point! It was truly a great story! Am looking forward to starting Off Base, and At Attention next!