I'm a big fan of the friends to lovers trope and I really enjoyed it here. These two were great together. I like how this author presents military relationships. While I have no first hand knowledge, it always feels so authentic.

I really enjoyed this one.

Thorns and Fangs is the first book in the Thorns and Fangs series by author Gillian St. Kevern. This book is extremely well written. I liked the pacing and the characters a lot. The one drawback to this book is there is a ton of information. At places, it feels like information overload. Like being forced eat just one more bite when you are full.
I can see where this is a set up for future books though. This is a paranormal but had a real fantasy feel to it.
The one character who was the clearest to me is Nate. He is an escort. He is doing this to pay off his student loans and to help his family with money. He is such a good soul. I liked his sense of humor and he really drew me into this story.
Ben, he is more complicated. I felt like I didn’t get a good feel for him. Like there is a piece to the Ben puzzle I am still looking for to make it complete.
Ben is a good character, he is a vampire. He has to learn to accept himself and his duties. What they mean to him both personally and professionally.

Overall this is a good but not fast read. You should read this one when you have time to really sink into a book and absorb what you are reading. But I think this series is worth exploring more. I know I would love to read them.

Interesting though not as captivating as other work from this author. I'm not quite sure what would have made the book better...maybe the base idea just didn't lend itself to the creation of a page-turner? Nonetheless, I do not regret reading this book. Thank you

I started the series with this book, promptly stopped and started the series at the beginning. This was romance popcorn. I could NOT stop reading.

I have read a fair amount of books by LA Witt and feel like the author has hit a high point with this series. Both plot and prose are tighter than anything else I've read of theirs. There was a good balance between the military and in creating a world in which queer characters could--and did--support each other. All too often, m/m characters exist in a vacuum. In this series, each character seemed to have awareness of the out and proud. Furthermore, the plot didn't entirely revolve around "do I come out or don't I?" This book was the exception. Across the series, everything from chronic pain, anxiety, alcohol abuse, domestic abuse, racism, homophobia, immigration was represented. For the most part, the relationship developed more around the characters and their development, less around having magic genitalia. Not that the latter wasn't present, just that other stuff mattered.

Chris and Dalton are likable but, unlike the MC's of some of the other books, they didn't leap off the page. For that, Just Drive (Anchor Point #1) or Once Burned (Anchor Point #6) were the best.

The one serious con. The language the characters used was all pretty much the same. For a book --never mind a series of 8 books--that is told in alternating POV's, that's a real weakness. For this book, this point is especially true.

This particular book of the series played up to more stereotypes about coming out (or not to come out), along with expected homophobia from peers and superiors. The resolution to the problem building throughout the book was easily remedied at the end, thanks to the reappearance of heroes from prior books in this series. Just because this book was the weakest of the series doesn't mean it wasn't enjoyable. Because it was. And it probably was the best in terms of the community stepping in to help our heroes.

Triggers:
Homophobia
Racism
Harassment from a superior

I don't normally read military type books, they're just not my thing, however I loved the cast of characters. Dalton and Chris were great friends but even better together. Friends-to-lovers is one of my favorite tropes and L.A. Witt had written a book that expresses the trope in a great light, as well as have a strong and believable plot.

I'm a fan of this series but this one wasn't my favorite. I just didn't like the whole investigation aspect with the corrupt supervisor. I understand their are bad supervisors but it seemed that for a long time it was just taken as "that's just the way it is" and that there weren't any other options that Chris and Dalton could consider. I'm not sure I believe that the investigation would have happened the way it did. There were just too many other witnesses that would hopefully have told the truth and the investigative team would be unbiased so the Chief shouldn't have that much sway. I liked Chris and Dalton but I think the whole negative plot points didn't really work for me.

Anchor Point is turning into one of my favorite Military Romances. I'm not sure if I can say that Going Overboard was my favorite in the series, but it's close. There were a couple of things that made this book unique to the series and although it could probably be read as a stand alone, there were a couple of key characters who would make it worth reading the rest of the series. If for no other reason, just to get to know them better. ;)

So what makes Dalton and Chris' story different? Well, first, they've known each other for a long time. They started out together, got separated for a while, then ended up on the same base. They had a long history and they had grown to love and respect each other long before there was any romance between the two. Especially since Dalton had no idea that Chris was gay because he kept it hidden from everyone, including him. On the surface it may have seemed unnecessary, but the color of Chris' skin had subjected him to more than enough discrimination. He didn't need to add being gay to the mix. Plus, falling for your best friend is complicated. There was just too much to lose.

The other thing that makes Chris and Dalton's story different from the previous stories in Anchor Point is that they were being personally attacked by a superior officer. All the couples before them had obstacles to overcome, but they were different. The battle that Chris and Dalton were fighting seemed so daunting to them that they had no choice but to give up. There were times that I wanted to push these two into trusting someone, anyone, who could stand up for them and actually help. They had to make that decision on their own though. I think the "mom" in me came out because these guys seemed so young compared to all the characters who had come before them.

I'm looking forward to the next book in the Anchor Point series. At least one of the characters in Once Burned was introduced in Going Overboard, which promises to keep things interesting. ;)

Having been born into a Navy family, MA2 Chris Ingram always knew that following in his parents’ footsteps was what he wanted to do. Even though being a coxswain in charge of a ship and progressing through the different rates has made up the last fifteen years of his life, the high-year tenure rules in place mean that he’s running out of time to advance. At least he’s not alone, his best friend (and long-time crush), Dalton, being in exactly the same situation. But, coming out just isn’t in the cards right now—that is, until Chris almost loses Dalton for good.

While he may have joined the Navy to get away from his life in Nebraska, Dalton Taylor knew that becoming a Sailor was his calling. Being out and proud hasn’t always been easy, but with the repeal of DADT he doesn’t have to hide, at least. Serving with his friend Chris makes his assignment to NAS Adams just about as perfect as he could have hoped for. Still, nearly dying in a boating accident upends all of Dalton’s best-laid plans, and wanting Chris may not be a secret he can keep for much longe—except that losing his heart to “straight guy” Chris will hurt far more than anything else Dalton’s ever known.

Having read all but one of the Anchor Point stories with somewhat mixed opinions, I have to say that Going Overboard is probably my favorite so far. While I had a little trouble accepting that Dalton had no idea at all about Chris’s sexuality after so many years of being best friends, I wanted them to be happy very much. Additionally, the fight that they both have to make under the circumstances surrounding the accident that nearly killed Dalton was highly engaging, and made the bad guys involved extremely easy to hate.

I liked Chris and Dalton as a couple very much. A lot is made later on about how both men feel like they’ve been together longer than the calendar suggests, and, in this case, that rings true in the narrative. From the beginning their friendship seemed to be not only solid, but positively drenched in “if I could I would” longing. The author makes it clear that this isn’t insta-love, but something far stronger which culminates in a sexual chemistry that seems to be more of a relief that they’re both right than achieving a goal.

Something that might be familiar to readers of the previous stories is the threat posed to the central relationship by the Navy itself. While certain regulations have been an unfair impediment before, the ones imposed by “Big Navy” on Dalton and Chris seem positively evil. Even more dangerous in Going Overboard are the favoritism, threats, sinister manipulations, and coerced silence employed by their superior officer. I couldn’t help but be livid on the men’s behalf, especially when pondering how easily those same tactics could be used in real-life situations. Fortunately for Chris and Dalton, Senior Chief Curtis (from Rank & File) and Chief Jackson (from Chief’s Mess) provide much needed balance and support.

Overall, I think the Anchor Point series continues to grow stronger with each new addition, and, hopefully, Going Overboard is a good indicator of that trend continuing. Chris and Dalton’s relationship was filled with mutual respect and believable intimacy, and I enjoyed being on their side all the way through the narrative. Although there are several stories still to come, I’m especially excited about the next story, half the proceeds of which will also go to an excellent cause.

*A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley and I'm freely giving my honest review.*

This is what I didn’t like about the book; I feel like there is some repetitions in the story that makes it a little slow and the connection between Chris and Dalton didn’t feel so strong in the beginning. Still, I enjoyed it.

What I liked about this book:

* Good storyline
* Well described characters
* No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings
* Lots of dialogues
* When the connection between the main characters was clearer there was a lot of emotions.
* Very hot love scenes that are filled with feelings
* Happy ending

This was a good m/m romance

I love this series but Going Overboard didn't work for me. The storyline was monotonous and the relationship between Dalton and Chris was slow building.
And while I normally like learning about the military there were times that I thought the author got to caught up in the tale.

I received an ARC for a honest review

I completely enjoyed Chris and Dayton's story. This was my first Anchor Point story but I plan to go back and read them all. Not your usual love story because of all the military issues these two must go through in order to not only be together but to protect themselves and others. I was on the edge of my seat wondering how they would finally do what they had to do and still be who they were meant to be and watching these two finally admit how they felt and how they fit together was a great journey. Sexy without being over the top.

Another solid story in the Anchor Point series. This can be read on its own, though a few characters from previous books make appearances. Here, we have a few things going on that make it a bit different from the previous books. This story centers around two best friends and fellow coxswains, Dalton and Chris.

For starters, these guys are coxswains, or the guys who drive and patrol the harbor boats. For various reasons, they are both at a point where they must pass a test in order to move up in rank, something which Dalton must do this time around or his career is in jeopardy.

In the meantime, Dalton has trouble while on patrol when another coxswain who slightly outranks Dalton disregards Dalton’s arguments about the unsafe conditions. An accident causes Dalton to go overboard where he nearly drowns and collides with the boat. The quick thinking and bravery of his other fellow shipmate saves his life. However, it quickly becomes apparent that politics and bullying are going to play a big factor in who goes down as responsible for everything. The tables are turned on Dalton and his savior, and there seems to be little they can do about any of it.

Then, there is the issue of Dalton and Chris. They’ve been bffs for a long time, and though Dalton has harbored a crush on Chris, he believes him to be straight. At the same time, Chris actually has the same feelings for Dalton, but he has not yet told him he’s gay as well. Neither have wanted their friendship jeopardized, so they’ve kept quiet. After Dalton’s accident, things are more clear for each of them, and they end up on the same page. Unfortunately, the politics and bullying from before comes into play here as well.

I really enjoyed this installment about two younger guys whose love grows stronger as they tackle similar issues. I imagine this type of scenario happens all too often with men and women being abused by those in power, trying to keep their own careers on track and how quickly it can all come crashing down. In the end, they were able to figure a way out with the help of those previous characters I mentioned. I definitely recommend this entire series if you’re looking for some hot Navy action with characters facing issues a bit different than the military stories out there. Ms. Witt knows her stuff, makes it really easy to follow and dresses it up with love and hot sex. Can’t ask for much more than that!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/M Military Romance
Triggers: Homophobia

Chris and Dalton have been friends forever. Dalton has been out in his life for a long time. He doesn't hide who he is, but he secretly wants his best friend, Chris. Too bad Dalton truly believes that Chris is straight. Maybe don't know each other as well as they think.

When Dalton is injured and almost dies, Chris can't help but make sure that he and Dalton move to the next level.

This was more about the military issues for each character. Dalton is trying to do the right thing but also knows that he is being discriminated against. He wants to be with Chris but won't let his accident derail Chris' career.

I enjoyed this story a lot. I liked that it was about more than the romance. I liked that it was fast paced, and you wanted to root for the couple and Witt gave you someone to truly hate. I do wish that we had more of a conclusion – it felt a little rushed.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is an exciting story about the consequences of cover-ups and corrupt leadership in the US Navy. It’s also a wonderful friends-to-lovers romance between two men who have always had each other’s backs but who have always hidden their true feelings.

I have to admit that I hesitated before requesting this story because I really didn’t get on with the last few books in the series. Fortunately, this fifth story feels fresh and exciting. This is easily the most original story in the series and the plot is much more complicated and action packed than the last couple of books.

The story starts with Dalton’s harrowing near-death experiences and then follows him through the subsequent fallout and investigation. I found the internal Navy politics both fascinating and terrifying.

The romance in this story is fantastic – I love it when friends-to-lovers is done right, and this is just about perfect. I’m really glad that I continued with this series or I might have missed my favourite book yet.


Angie – ☆☆☆
I have read all the books in this series and this by far is my least favorite. Honestly, I was bored and found myself skimming and just wanting the book to be over. I usually love stories that are friends-to-lovers but even that couldn't keep my interest in this book. I felt that there was so much detail about the job that the love story got lost in the mist. I am hoping this is just a one-off for the series and the next one will be better. I'm sure others will love this installment, but it just missed the mark for me.

This is the 5th book I've read in this series and there hasn't been a single one under 4 stars. It's that good!

L.A. Witt provides an intense amount of detail about Navy life. I find it fascinating at the same time as I cringe at the regimented lifestyle. I'm not one to appreciate orders (or to follow them), so I'm entranced with these men who make the Navy their lives.

Our MCs are best of friends when the story begins. A near fatal accident is the catalyst for them to become a couple. As a mixed race gay couple they not only have to deal with a superior gaslighting them over the accident. They also have to deal with his poorly concealed homophobia. Going Overboard focuses more on the ins and outs of Navy regulation and abuse of power than it does on the MCs romance.

I became so invested in the story that I was fuming over the MCs treatment. I got pretty damn emotional over the whole thing. :-/ So, I can only repeat, "it's that good!".

4.5 stars !!!

After Dalton almost drowned by a stupid 'accident' on board, Chris knows his feelings are only getting stronger. Only no one can know. Homophobic colleagues and superiors make this impossible.

A lot of story, and I just wanted Dalton and Chris being together. At 40% they finally made a move... a kiss. And they end up in bed together and have a steamy sexy night...and after that...the heat is on!!
But sadly they have to keep their relationship on the down-low

An extended story... a lot going on between colleagues and M1, M2 and M3. Dalton has to prove it wasn't his stupid mistake he almost drowned but Anderson's fault.
His own chief wants to bite his head off...telling him what to say to the investigators.
Corruption playing high.
But his chief is more rotten than they expected.... he even got Chris and Dalton on the edge..
Chris makes a decision... and both lovers are miserable about it. They didn't only lost their love but also their best friends in each other.

Dalton isn't the strongest at the moment but he's the one who makes the right choice at the right moment.

I must say at the beginning of this story I was afraid i wouldn't liked it at all. It was a lot to digest and I didn't got into the story. I did go on and I was glad I did because it was getting better and better. I must also confess I'm not the biggest fan of (for me not native) navy stories... sorry. There are too many, work details... oops sorry again ... but two great personalities put in a difficult situation I do like and two people who love each other hard I do like... so after I got better in the whole navy scene... I loved it more and more.
The writing style was good, the plot was well done, the environments totally depending on the fact if you like navy, overall a solid good written story.

Sexy, sweet, and emotional!

Going Overboard is a steamy friends-to-more romance that takes you back to NAS Adams and introduces you to second-class petty officer Dalton Taylor, a confident, young sailor who finds himself on the cusp of losing his career, his life, and the one he adores, as well as fellow second-class petty officer Chris Ingram who may finally have to risk it all to have the one he secretly yearns.

The writing is lighthearted and provocative. The characters are devoted, driven, and supportive. And the plot, from start to finish, is filled to the brim with life, love, friendship, family, longing, angst, drama, military politics and tantalizing romance.

Going Overboard is the fifth novel in the Anchor Point series and is certainly another spicy, entertaining, enjoyable military romance by Witt that highlights her exceptional knowledge into the pressures, challenges, and expectations of Navy life.

*´¨✫)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨)✯ ¸.•*¨)
✮ (¸.•´✶ (¸.•4.5 sea-worthy stars

"All I knew was that somewhere in the chaos, I’d fallen in love with my best friend."

From the first book to this one, I have given Ms. Witt high praises for her continued fascinating navy tale. I cannot get enough of the comraderie, the tension, the need to love in such an environment and the angst that swallows you whole.

Yes, I yelled and cussed throughout this book, I admit it. But it was for the injustice and the way these two men, Dalton and Chris, felt that there was no way out for them. It was for the way they were being stifled and the "ism" that was on their backs.

Love prevails and taking a step toward the unknown can be scary, but once you've crossed that path, you have to be willing to beat the odds.