I am really enjoying this series about the small Navy base and all the smexyness going on there. We met Will previously in Chief’s Mess as Clint’s friend and coworker who helped set him straight with his drinking. This story is similar, yet different.

Here the men are facing a few issues at once. Aside from the fraternizing law, there is the rank issue – a lieutenant and and enlisted, as well as being somewhat closeted at work, as well as with the families. Will and Brent meet when Will is called to a domestic in which Will was involved, though he had no idea at the time the woman was single. Trying to get each other out of their respective heads, they end up meeting again out a the bar. Still knowing any type of relationship between them is strictly a no no, they decide on enjoying one night, which turns into another, and another, etc. You get the picture. Clint is also a bit gun shy after his last long-term boyfriend cheated on him. But, meanwhile, they both know it can’t continue, but neither wants to stop. An enjoyable aspect to this is that Clint is the more dominant of the two, while Brent is superior to Clint in ranking. Neither of them care much about the rank issue though, so they carry on in secret.

Both men have some family issues to deal with as well. Brent was brought up to believe the Navy was his only option – follow in the familial footsteps, his career and rank are far superior to any enlisted personnel, and anything that will hinder any chances of moving up that particular ladder should be pushed aside no matter what. On the flip side, Clint’s family (most of it anyway) don’t want anything to do with his gay life. In other words, at home, he isn’t gay, can’t talk about it, can’t bring anyone home, etc. This takes quite a toll on both of them as they try to figure out their lives, what they truly want career-wise v. relationship-wise.

This is the typical high quality Witt writing I’ve always enjoyed. She does military extremely well, both with the details, as well as conveying what they must be going through (with regards to DADT, etc.), and her sex scenes are always off the charts hot. The next installment looks like it is going in another slightly different direction, and I’m definitely looking forward to more from this series.

Explicit, smoldering, and racy!

In this fourth novel in the Anchor Point series, Rank & File, Witt gives us a story that focuses on the struggles and hardships of falling in love in the military, including fraternization, responsibility, pressure, reputation, and work schedules.

The writing is exceptionally steamy. The characters are brave, bold, and determined. And the plot even though it’s not extremely deep, angsty, or emotional is certainly titillating, sultry, and fervent.

Overall, even though Rank & File wasn’t my favourite novel in the series if you’re looking for a book with lots of dirty talk, sexual tension, and heat with a happy-ever-after ending this one won’t disappoint.

Of the Anchor's Point titles, book four is my new favorite. The chemistry between Will and Brent is hot--combine it with the risky taboo element of dating a subordinate, it's scorching.

I love this series and this book is no exception. The age gap and military rank differences made this an enjoyable read that I found it hard to put down..
While I'm not familiar with military hierarchy I found the book to be insightful without overly complicated their positions.
Brent and Will were both adorable. they might not have chosen their respective career paths themselves I'm glad they both joined the Navy.

I received an ARC for a honest review

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. Loved the storyline and absolutely loved Will. The book was so well written that the connection between Will and Brent could be felt throughout the book. The sexual episodes in the book were very erotic. It has a HEA but there was a lot of soul searching that each of them had to do before this could happen. I would highly recommend this book.

I love this series, seriously just love it! So when Rank & File came up, I was stalking Net Galley waiting for this book, and as is so often the case with any L.A. Witt book, it did not disappoint.

First, if you like to read “on paper”, steamy, sweaty, graphic man/man sex, this is the book for you (conversely if you do not, you may want to skim those scenes). And there are a lot of them. These two men want each other…a lot…so there is quite a bit of on screen sex. But if that normally scares you, the sex scenes are very well done. They aren’t raunchy scenes, but scenes that are appropriate for their story. These two men have a one-night stand that turns into more, and the sex scenes completely tell that story. As their relationship grows and changes, so does their sex. It is still super hot, don’t get me wrong, but they become infused with little bits of humor, revelations, as well as learning and acknowledging their partners needs and wants. These were not sex scenes merely for the sake of making it an erotic book, but for advancing their relationship from f**k buddies to “this is the man I need in my life”, which made them all the more satisfying as a reader.

One thing I love about L.A. Witt’s stories is that she brings realism into her stories, no matter what environment her main characters are in, and telling the story of these men and their different experiences with the Navy, and all that goes along with it shows that she researches heavily before she writes. Myself, as a civilian, I would have never guessed that an enlisted man could not date an officer, even if they do not have any interaction at work. It seems to be an arcane regulation, yet could have caused one or both men to be ushered out of the Navy without a care to their career history. And her resolution to this issue could have been a fiction one that would have never happened in a real life Navy situation. Instead, she creates a resolution that isn’t perfect, but real for where these characters are in their lives and careers.

There are other things I appreciated about how this book was written. Like the fact that there was an age difference of about 10 years between the two MC’s, and yet it was little more than a blip on the screen. It doesn’t have to be an issue for RL people, and the author doesn’t use it to create another conflict for these men. It is mentioned (admittedly more than once) but not with anything other than the mention, and then the characters move on.

My heart broke for these men when they had to try to figure a way to live without each other, but merely existed on a day to day level. Finding their way back to each other took thoughtful work on their part, in their lives, and even how they presented themselves to others.

I really loved this book, probably my favorite in the series, so far, and I will fan girl enough to say that I would love to see more of this series. I can’t seem to get enough!

4.5 stars

Although he’s never sure what kind of challenges each day will bring on NAS Adams, Senior Chief Will Curtis has always loved his career in the Navy. And, despite the toll it’s taken on his personal life, he can’t imagine doing anything else. Even so, a one-time only, forbidden hookup with a sexy younger officer might be exactly what he needs to get over his lying, cheating ex. It would have been perfect, if once had been enough.

Having been surrounded by his family’s military heritage his entire life, Lieutenant Brent Jameson always assumed he’d spend the rest of his days continuing the tradition. Following any other path was, literally, unthinkable. But, choosing between a future he doesn’t believe in and the “unduly familiar” relationship that makes him happy won’t be easy—and it’s bound to hurt either way.

While I’ve generally liked the other stories I’ve read in the Anchor Point series, Rank & File is my favorite yet. PTSD and alcoholism are extremely important issues, and I think the author has always dealt with them well. But, Will and Brent’s struggle to find happiness was more external and possibility-oriented, and I became increasingly invested in the outcome as the narrative progressed.

Rank & File is also one of the steamier novels in the series. Brent and Will’s relationship begins with a very naughty hookup in a public place, and it’s indisputably clear that they’re both getting exactly what they want. The frequency with which their encounters continue could have strained the other aspects of the story if it was the only indication of their compatibility, but it’s not. On the contrary, sex between Will and Brent has another welcome purpose: it opens the door to the kind of intimacy they both crave, but would never explore otherwise.

Another refreshing thing about Rank & File is that it handily dodges the “anything for love” trope that would likely have diluted the internal conflicts both men deal with throughout the story. The unfairness of the policy that is technically causing Will and Brent problems on the surface is certainly noted, but the narrative wisely doesn’t rely on it as a scapegoat. Each must make a difficult choice based on certain things they can’t change, even if an intersection of those paths in the future isn’t guaranteed.

Rank & File is absolutely among my favorite of the Anchor Point stories yet. Will and Brent aren’t so much fighting their own demons as they are trying to figure out or accept who they are. Though there are tough moments throughout the book, there is also a pleasantly well-balanced amount of laughter and sweetness that softened the edges without sacrificing the point of the narrative. The chemistry between them was sort of just icing for me after all that. Overall, I liked Brent and Will a great deal, and, with several more titles left to go in the series, I’d really enjoy seeing them again down the line.

Like all the others from the Anchor Point series a strong sexy story.

Will and Brent both in the navy couldn't be together. Their attraction is overwhelming strong and no horse can separate them.
Will is some years older and lower in rank than Brent, working hard to get up higher...
Brent's life was meant to be in the navy indoctrinated by his father there was no other choice.

Together they are explosive hot and the more together the more hot they are.
They are inseparable, every free second together in secret until it seems they aren't so secret anymore. This could be the end of their careers.
Will ends their relationship before they will be discovered.

Great read with many steamy parts. Strong charming written with two impressive men.
Love this story, didn't always understand the navy terms, but it wasn't less because of it.

Kindly received an ARC through Netgalley

4.5 Stars!

Will Curtis is determined to make master chief and retire after 30 years of service. Lieutenant Brent Jameson is hoping his life will be better once he advances in his military career because so far, it hasn't been anything like he expected.

When Will and Brent meet, they know they can't give into their attraction. Not without serious repercussions to both their careers in the Navy, at least. But when the temptation proves too much, they decide to give it a try even if it has to remain a secret. After all, neither of them expects it to become more than sex, until it does.

I absolutely loved Will and Brent, they had such a sizzling chemistry. There was no way they couldn't give into temptation with how hot their attractions for each other burned. The sex scenes were plentiful, intense and passionate, and from the start, it was obvious it was more than sex. Their connection was too strong. And while they had to keep things under wraps and remain hidden, the progression of their relationship and their growing feelings was awesome to see.

While I loved Will, I can't say I loved how he handled finding out that they had been potentially discovered. I really wanted to shake him and ask him what he was thinking. I understand Will's reasons, but they made me wonder if he was the right man for Brent.

I loved that they both had great support, Brent from his boss and Will from his friend Noah. They really helped them a lot, especially in the last portion of the book.

Overall, this was a fantastic read! Very enjoyable, very well-written, very hot and sexy, with lovable characters I couldn't help but root for. Definitely recommendable!

*** Copy provided to the reviewer via NetGalley for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

Another great military romance novel from L.A. Witt. I love this series.

Will and Brent's story is super hot. Lots and lots of smexy time. It's a little sweet too, mostly because both guys are a little sweet themselves. Throw in just a bit of angst and we have a nice new romance to enjoy.

Selfish me always wishes for more so I would have liked some resolution with their families. Maybe a critical point with each of them. But there's nothing wrong with the way it was left and I'm looking forward to the next installment in this wonderful series.

Remarkably similar in concept to a recent release by another popular author, this one is pure LA Witt in style. In fact, if were on a panel, blindfolded to all but the story in front of my face, I could read a few paragraphs—well, let me make that a sex scene!—and I’d know it was her work. It differs from the other book in that this one is almost exclusively about the couple themselves—their sexual attraction, relationship-building, career choices, and ultimately their love.

Told in alternating POV’s, these guys get together for one reason only—sex. They know upfront that it’s against navy policy, since one’s enlisted and one’s an officer, yet they do it anyway—and they continue to do it, despite knowing it would result in court martial if they were caught. That’s half the thrill, though. In fact, it isn’t until they spend a weekend together in Portland that they realize they aren’t just fuck buddies anymore. Yet neither wants to acknowledge that out loud. So against all regulations, they continue to get together at each other’s apartments late at night, always leaving before the next morning, always looking over their shoulders to assure they aren’t seen. As readers can imagine, this takes its toll, particularly after they’d spent such an enjoyable weekend being “out” together in Portland.

Will is a Senior Chief career enlisted military cop and he intends to put in another eleven years to get to his thirty-year retirement, hopefully with an overseas tour and a promotion along the way. Brett is a Lieutenant, with only nine years in, having come through Annapolis in the tradition of his navy family and with his career planned out since he was old enough to talk and walk. His father is insistent that these years doing paperwork and boring activities are all a prelude to rising through the ranks and he’s never allowed Brent to even consider another career. And Brent hasn’t—until an innocent remark by Will gets him thinking about it and he’s gobsmacked with the thought that he’s never even explored another possibility. After all, he wasn’t allowed to think of anything but the navy as a career so he simply didn’t.

What happens to these two men as they grow and mature in their relationship and they consider the importance of career versus life partner is the main thrust of this story. If you like sex scenes, have no fear—there are many of those—and when I say many, I mean MANY. But there’s also quiet times and fun times and scenes of work and every day life. There’s a small bit of character carryover from previous stories but it’s all minor so this can easily be read as a standalone. For lovers of MM romance, particularly between big, muscular, “Alpha-type” men, this one is one to consider.

Rank and File is the fourth book in the Anchor Point series.
Enlisted Senior Chief Will Curtis is working towards his retirement so he will have a full pension. Lieutenant Brent Jameson is a naval officer whose whole family have served in the navy as he was expected to do.
They first meet when Will is called to a domestic fight between a husband and wife, Brent is caught in the crossfire at their home as he had picked up the wife at a bar not realising she was married. (He's bisexual)
They meet up again at a gay bar and are extremely attracted to each other and end up having sex, neither looking for a relationship.
They start having feelings for each other, but relationships between enlisted personnel and officers are strictly forbidden, and could cause them both a lot of trouble, particularly Will, he could loose his pension.
The actual story doesn't differ a great deal from the previous books but it was good to catch up with and read how the previous characters were doing.
This was a quick and easy read but enjoyable and entertaining as L A Witt books usually are.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for opportunity to review this book.

I love the Anchor Point series, and Rank and File is probably one of my top favorites out of the four so far. Senior Chief Will Curtis has been in the Navy for a lot longer than Lieutenant Brent Jameson, but their titles mean that, technically, Brent has rank over Will. It doesn’t exactly seem fair, but it’s the main reason Brent and Will can’t be out together. They meet each other in a slightly awkward situation, but it doesn’t take long before the attraction for each other kicks in. Another chance meeting leads to them hooking up for the first, and what is supposed to be the last, time. Of course, this just leads to them sneaking back and forth into each other’s apartments.

Throughout these clandestine meetings, the two really get to know each other and lust definitely turns into love over time. Of course, there is still the issue of them not being allowed to date. As the summary states, Will could retire – he’s closer to that time – or Brent could resign. Obviously neither of these options seem great since they have both worked a really long time to get where they are, and Brent especially has a lot to lose by giving up his Navy career. I loved Will and Brent together, but there is always the undercurrent of when things are going to blow up, so to speak. Readers will definitely be rooting for some way for the two of them to make it work, and still be happy with their jobs and each other.

Personally, I don’t mind drama in a book, especially when it feels warranted and not too overdone. However, Rank and File doesn’t really have much in the way of drama, at least when it comes to Will and Brent. They understand perfectly the situation they created for themselves, and while they might not be happy about the seemingly inevitable conclusion, they don’t take that out on each other. Definitely a mature relationship that worked well! I can’t wait for Anchor Point #5!

I read Annabeth Albert's Wheels Up just last week and loved the hell out of it. Rank & File is also about two military guys, an enlisted cop and a lieutenant, and also focuses on a forbidden love affair: fraternization is highly frowned upon in the military.

Maybe it's an unfair comparison, but I didn't find Witt's book nearly as intense or interesting as Albert's. The two MCs meet in unusual circumstances and attempt to fuck each other out of their systems. But the more they get, the more they want.

This is a very sexy story, but there wasn't much plot besides Will and Brent attempting to stay away from each other and failing repeatedly. This back and forth got a little tiresome.

I like how Brent handled the situation; he really came into his own as a character. The epilogue gave us a glimpse of the men's tentative HEA without being too sappy.

If you're in the mood for a lower-angst, steamy story and dig military boys, this is a good choice.

I have read some other book s by L.A. Witt, just not this particular series, so perhaps starting like 3 books in was not the smartest idea. I felt like the author started te book with energy but got bored throughout it, to the point that the last couple of chapters feels more like going through the motions than an actual fluid story. With this being said, I quite liked the characters (at least at first), I liked that miscommunication was not used as a plot device (even though it could have been done) and the use of backstory of previous characters, who were side characters here really made me want to read the rest of the books of this series.

Will and Brent met at a domestic police call, and unfortunately for Brent, he was involved. But as Will drives him to his car, both men can't keep their eyes off each other. But while sparks fly and chemistry ignites, their relationship but stay secret because their is a Navy rule of no fraternization between enlisted and commissioned individuals. If they are found out it could be the end of both their careers. Will the secrecy be too much? Will someone figure out they are together? Will one leave his career behind to put love first? This story is the next installment in a great series. L.A Witt really knows how to create wonderful characters with a heartwarming plot. The pages just melted away and I was sorry to see the story end. Cannot wait for more in this series.

(¯`v´¯)
.`•.¸.•Sometimes there's this pull to read a book, be it the cover, the synopsis, KNOWING the characters... When I chose Rank & File, it was all the above, plus the author was one who had redeemed herself in my books with this series.

Men in uniform, double check.

Taboo affair, oh, you've got me by the nads.

Happily ever after, keep writing.

Will was an enlist, a police officer at the base that surrounded this series. After losing his partner to cheating (please read book 3 Chief's Mess if you haven't), he was at a lost. He never knew one domestic call would lead him to his future and the one person he could lose his career over.

Brent was younger, but he was an officer. In the military, getting together with someone off rank was a no-go. Being found out fraternizing could destroy what he had been pushed to become. But the heat and intensity between him and Will was like lighting a match next to oil. Completely explosive, but oh, so real.

Rank and File explored the difficulities of dating when you shouldn't, finding your way with family expectations and refusing to settle. I have a serious love for this series and look forward to more books.

Rank & File is the 4th book in L.A. Witt's Anchor Point series but can easily be read as a stand alone (I haven't read the earlier books in the series but I will definitely be going back to read them now).

I have a love/hate relationship with military romance books. I love them unless they aren't realistic because then I find myself picking them apart thinking that would never happen or the military just doesn't work that way. I'm so happy to say that this one is utterly realistic. I adored both Will and Brent and so wanted them to find a way to be together but one that could actually happen and that I would find believable.

Will is enlisted and Brent is an officer. Although DADT has been repealed the two can't be together. Fraternization is a very big deal in the military and almost nothing will get you in trouble faster than having a relationship between enlisted/officer. I really liked the way that Brent and Will meet as it added a lot of dimension to both characters. Although they are initially attracted to each other neither one realizes the other isn't straight. When they both go to the same gay bar because they haven't been able to stop thinking about each other and see each other there is no stopping the attraction. The fact that they both were willing to take a chance for a one night stand was reasonable given the chances of getting caught were pretty slim. Those first scenes between the two were super hot and steamy. Will and Brent connect and even though they know it isn't a good idea they decide to continue to sneak around and see each other.

I'm guessing that Commander Wilson was a previous character and I loved him in this book. His empathy was moving and yet there is only so far he can truly go before being put into a situation where he can longer help Brent. When he tells him that the base is small and incestuous I had to laugh because it's so true. When you are assigned to a small base it seems eventually everyone knows more about your personal life then you'd like them to.

I also loved the career struggles that Brent was going through and the difference between him and Will. The military certainly isn't for everyone and it truly does need to be a calling if you are going to put up with everything that comes along with it. Will and Brent are at different places in their career and have different struggles with the Navy but it showed two completely different sides that was lovely to read about.

Brent and Will's struggle to be together was emotional, moving and I loved every moment of it. Both characters were likable and well developed and I really enjoyed the secondary characters as well. The only reason this wasn't a five star read for me was that the pacing was a bit slow at times but it was a wonderful read and I Anchor Point has just become a must read series for me.