Smooth writing and good storyline, I loved the characters a d their developing relationship. The book was very sexy reading!!

I was really loving this series up until wheels up. Things started to slip for me a bit in that book. And I was hoping with this book that it would’ve pulled me back in. But I have to say... I struggled with most of this book. It wasn’t bad. But it definitely took me awhile to get into it.

I had a hard time with Mark’s character. I have to admit I didn’t know a lot about Marks sexuality. He had a lot of worries about what he couldn’t do. It really took a toll on him. He wanted a relationship he didn’t care if it was a man or with a woman. He never thought he could have that because of his sexual needs. They were really different than other people.

He needed to really connect with a person. He also didn’t find the typical things people find as attractive like looks and body. He found other things attractive like voice snd smiles and just conversations...connecting with someone. That’s what did it for him.

This was definitely different for me. And a lot slower. It wasn’t bad. But I was able to appreciate their time together. But I still missed that little bit of action. We only got that once in this book. The bathroom scene! I really enjoyed that!! But he still struggled.

“I’m scared of being hurt again, but I’m more scared of what happens if we don’t try.”

Mark for most of the book kept Isaiah in the dark about a lot of things. He thought he could make these decisions without including Isaiah in them. That really got to me. Because he treated Isaiah like he was always going to take off on him. Even though Isaiah told and proved that he was willing to go the extra mile for him and the kids.
I loved Isaiah’s character. He was so loving and caring towards Mark and the kids. He really made them pull together and be a family. And I loved that!

Like I said before.... it took me a while to get into this book. But the story did picked up for me at the 60% mark. It’s a little too late for me. But I’m still glad I read this book. I’m really looking forward to the next book in this series.

Tears... I should have known given the description, but there were tears!

I really liked this book in the Out of Uniform series, for so many reasons. I love books that include kids, especially books that include them for more than just props. I also love books that center around a strong sense of family... Squared Away had all that and more.

Mark loved his family, but his life as a Seal kept him away. Isaiah loved his family too and even though he played the part of "wild party boy" he had his priorities. He was there for them and not just because of his proximity. Because of the physical distance between them, it was natural for Mark to not really know the man that Isaiah had grown into. It didn't take long for Mark to realize that his assumptions had been wrong, but he still couldn't shake the idea that Isaiah might fall back into the person who couldn't commit and wasn't dependable enough to take on the responsibility of his sister's kids - plus, he wanted to keep his heart safe.

One of the other reasons why I loved this book is because it was so "real." The juggling of kids and working. The crushing grief that both Mark and Isaiah experienced and the strength they had to muster to be there for the kids. The judgement that came with Isaiah not only being a man, but gay. Mark wasn't the only one who thought that Isaiah was in over his head, so he had a lot to prove. The kids came first, regardless and in the end, that's what made me grow to admire both Mark and Isaiah. Neither one of them were perfect, but together, they were great.

Basically, this story had a lot of heart and was a great addition to the Out of Uniform series. <3 A couple of characters from past books made appearances in Squared Away and fit in well - offering the support that both Isaiah and Mark needed. Tight Quarters is next and I can't wait!

This was lovely. Romantic and full of feelz. The book starts six years in the past when Mark and Isaiah meet for the first time. Isaiah's cousin is marrying Mark's sister. The two men have a connection and Isaiah makes a pass which Mark brushes off. There's an age difference and Mark feels Isaiah is too young.

The two men are thrown back together when their sister and cousin are killed in a car accident and they are left with their three small children. The legal documents aren't clear as to which of them is going to be given custody so while they're working this out they live together and take care of the kids. Mark has it in his mind Isaiah is a party boy and is pretty hard on him at first. As the story goes on Mark realizes Isaiah is becoming the rock of their little family.

Mark has never been very sexually attracted to other people and he knows he's different than most. As the story progresses he and Isaiah have a lot of conversations about Mark's orientation and his wants and needs. It was really well done and it was a unique plot twist. There aren't a lot of sexually explicit scenes but there is a lot of romances, touches, talking, kissing. It made for a beautiful romance. It was nice to see a couple get to know each other and to fall in love without the ever present sex scenes that fill most romance stories. This was a lovely example of how love and sex aren't the same thing all the time.

This ended up being one of my favorite books in this series. I think the author did a really great job with this one.

3,5 Stars

I’ve only read one book in this series so I went into this one a bit scared because I like reading in order and I have every plan of reading the books I’ve missed here. But even if I’ve maybe missed the mention of these characters before, I was still able to enjoy this as a standalone which I can appreciate.

SQUARED AWAY packs an emotional punch. The situations both of these characters find themselves in are not easy and I think the author did a great job at bringing us in on that journey with them. As they adapt to their new lives, to their heartache, and to their feelings for each other. As they discovered who the other person really is.

I really enjoyed this romance because it is very character focused and I loved both characters. There was almost an innocence about parts of this story that I really liked. But it could feel slow at times as well which is why I’m not rating this higher. Overall, it’s a nice enjoyable read and it’s definitely left me wanting more from this author and this world.

4 stars

Synopsis: Mark is a medic and is on a mission when he is pulled away from his team because his sister and brother-in-law are killed in an accident. Mark knows that he will be called on to look after his sister's kids, and heads home to do just that. Once there, he finds that his brother-in-law's cousin has been looking after the children. Mark remembers Isaiah as a party boy who sleeps around, and doesn't believe that he is what is best for the children.
Isaiah tried to lose his virginity to Mark at his cousin's wedding, but was shot down. In the ensuing years, he hasn't found a job that he can make a career of, or a man that wants more than a fling with him. What he has done, though, is to be there for his cousin's children, even before his cousin died.
There are conflicting wills, one leaving the children to Mark and the other suggesting that the children be cared for by Isaiah. Until everything is settled, it is suggested that the two of them live together and take care of the children.

What I liked: how Isaiah and Mark communicated and looked after the children together. Isaiah was a little lost after losing a man who he considered his brother, and determined to do right by the children. He refuses to crush on Mark again, and just wants to provide a stable environment for both Mark and the children. Isaiah is tired of not being enough for a serious relationship.
Mark has no other close family, since his parents died a few years earlier in an accident. He doesn't really know his nieces or nephew, and didn't know how bad his sister's habits had gotten. He also wants what is best for the children, and after an incident at the hospital with them, takes steps to make sure that they are all secure, even though those steps are essentially trying to cut Isaiah out.
Mark is also asexual, or somewhere close to it. I really, really liked how understanding and undemanding Isaiah is when he finds out, and that he never puts pressure on Mark, or makes him feel that what he wants is not valid.

What I didn't like: that Mark thought he knew what was best, and kept thinking that Isaiah would want to go back to his mostly empty lifestyle. Mark just kept plugging on, without consulting the people who would be most effected by his decisions.

Overall impression: told in third person POV, from both Mark and Isaiah. I enjoyed the story, but felt that Mark came across as condescending because he was older, although he was supportive of Isaiah starting his own business.

*I received copy through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

Guys – I’ve never read Annabeth Albert. What the heck, self??? I think a publicist reached out about this book asking for a guest post, and when I read the blurb I thought – ooooh, I’ll give this one a try. And I ended up really enjoying this author’s voice. She gives us Isaiah, biracial, and younger than Mark. And Mark, a Navy SEAL who working out his identity.

Mark, who has been deployed for many months gets the news that his sister, Danielle and brother-in-law, Cal have died in a car accident, he rushes home to care for his two nieces and nephew – but someone has already taken over. Isaiah, Cal’s cousin, has stepped in as temporary guardian of a five-year old, three-year-ish, and a baby under the age of one.

Isaiah and Mark know each other, and at Mark’s sister wedding, ten years ago, Isaiah, a fresh-faced eighteen year old, even tried to make out with Mark, who was already a SEAL at that point. Isaiah had the hots for Mark – big time. When he put the moves on Mark that night, Mark somewhat reluctantly pushed him away – and then got deployed and they lost touch.

Isaiah has had a little less direction in his life than Mark. Changing his majors, not sure the path he wanted to take, he recently got a landscaping certificate and has decided that is what he wants to do with his life. But then Danielle and Cal dies, and he steps in (as there is no local family) as a guardian, and while it’s exhausting, it has never felt more right. When Mark arrives home, he assumes Isaiah will flake out and want to go back to his partying, younger life. But Isaiah wants to be there for the kids, and as him and Mark work out custody (along with the courts) they cohabited, and start a romance.

First let me say, there are three kids in this book, as they are the catalyst for bringing Mark and Isaiah together. These kids are well written, thank the book gods (or maybe thank you Annabeth Albert). They are written age appropriate. The five-year old is not handing out relationship advice! And while the kids are in the book a lot, they didn’t annoy me one bit. (Although I do think the grief could have been examined a little more closely with the five-year old but I’m not here to judge! Maybe just a little!)

What also stands out in this story is that Mark admits to Isaiah, once he feels safe enough, about his sexuality:

“Like naked pictures don’t usually do it for me. I’m the only guy in the world for whom porn doesn’t work.”

“Hardly. I’ve known others. What does do it for you, though?”

“Words. Like someone’s voice. Or a glancing contact.” Mark thought about that morning, Isaiah’s long fingers on his waist. Or how Isaiah’s laugh just always worked for him on some deeper level. “Like I’ll know someone a long time, and then they’ll say something nice or do something for me, and all of a sudden I’ll realize I’m turned on. But I have to… I don’t know… feel a connection or something. It’s rare and never happens with strangers.”

“Words and voices can be fucking sexy.” Isaiah’s voice was reassuring. “All genders?”

“Gender doesn’t seem to really matter. It’s more how much I like someone, if that makes sense. More often it’s with guys, but I’ve felt it a few times with women too. My body’s just wired strange—”

“Quit saying that about yourself.” Isaiah punched him lightly on the arm. “It sounds like you’re ace, but maybe you’re more gray ace or demisexual, where you only get turned on after an emotional bond with people.”

Mark initially thinks this will be a point against him when it comes to Isaiah, who is known for his playboy and sleeping around habits. But Isaiah, who still holds that crush on Mark from all those years ago, is very open and patient and accepting of who Mark is. It’s so sweet and mature, and they have open and honest conversations about it – ongoing too! They just don’t talk about it once and it’s done. They talk bring it up as their relationship progresses and it made their relationship feel full and romantic. Mark still struggles with publicly admitting he is falling in love with a man, and that is addressed well too.

Conflict is brought in when the courts have to clear Mark and Isaiah for guardianship. There were two wills, and they conflicted a bit, and Mark, with his SEAL organization and precision, tries to take the reins and be in charge, inadvertently hurting Isaiah in the process. The communication surrounding this could have been handled better and it was a little predictable.

The grief over losing a sister and best friend are there, there is a slow-burning, sexy romance. Two really good guys, an interracial couple and lots of chest muscles.

And guys – most of all – the way Mark, Mr. Navy SEAL, mops a floor or cleans a bathroom – until they are absolutely spotless – had both Isaiah and myself swooning off our chairs.

Fun book.

Grade: B

Each time I read an Annabeth Albert book I am guaranteed several things - lots of emotions, steamy hot chemistry, good character connections and supporting characters that I wish were my friends. Squared Away delivered on all the points and more. Mark and Isaiah reconnect over less than positive circumstances as they both have to deal with the death of their family members, while also trying to learn to parent the three small people left behind. So many emotions. So much angst. So much chemistry. Isaiah knows that his attraction toward Mark has never gone away, but he also knows that right now Mark may need a friend more than anything. Mark, being the tough SEAL that he is doesn't want to need anyone or anything but he also sees that Isaiah is there for him however he needs him. Mark is fighting with himself over the feelings he is having toward Isaiah, giving in may be the best thing he's ever done.

These two men blew me away with their care, their honesty, their desire. I hurt for Mark in trying to make sense of his feelings, to own what he needs to feel whole and happy. I cheered for Isaiah as he owned what he wanted, as he fought to be the parent to these three children and build a family with Mark. Just a beautiful told story and again this whole cast of characters in this series are just so well done by Albert. Loved it!!!

Mark and Isaiah…Mark’s sister married Isaiah’s cousin, and thus a crush is born.

At their wedding several years ago, Isaiah saw Mark and wanted him so bad. Unfortuntaely, Mark being a Navy SEAL, and Isaiah being so young, Mark turned him down when Isaiah propositioned him, then spent the next several years avoiding him as best he could. Then, tragedy strikes and they lose the people they had in common, and it’s so hard on both of them. Harder even because they’ve left their three kids behind, with a confusing will and neither know what to do about it, but both of them want the kids. Have I mentioned, ever how big of a sucker I am for hot guys with cute kids? I mean come on! Who doesn’t love that?!?!

Isaiah may have been a party boy and may have been flighty and irresponsible before, but with those kids…he’s fierce and protective and they all love each other so much. He would’ve went down swinging for them for sure. Unfortunately, Mark had been deployed and busy with his own life, so he didn’t have a relationship with them, but wanted to, now that he could. He couldn’t do it without Isaiah though, he was the one holding them all together.

Now, there were terms I had to look up, because I didn’t understand what gray ace was, or demisexual, there are so many different labels, I had to look them up. I wonder how many people struggle with that? Thinking that there’s something wrong with them and not knowing what…Or feeling broken somehow and not knowing that there are other people out there with the same preferences. I loved that this story used that. I was ignorant to it before and I like learning new things, so… thanks for that!

There were times I wanted to shake Mark and wonder how in the world he didn’t know that some of the things he was doing, could and probably would hurt Isaiah, because in my opinion…Isaiah was so much more patient and understanding than I would’ve been. Not about Mark coming out, but just about everything. Mark was kind of lost, and trying to find his way with this new “relationship”, not only romantically, but as uncles who were raising 3 children and trying to the best they could with that they had. A lot fell on Isaiah, and it had to be a lot of strain on him…I admired him for keeping it together and wanting to do what was right for the babies, even when he was hurting so bad, with everything that was getting thrown at him, left and right. I was rooting for both of them, but I had such a soft spot in my heart for Isaiah.

I also loved seeing the other guys from this series, and seeing how they took Mark’s back when he needed them, even though it took him forever to let his guard down and trust them to have it. Tackling same sex marriages in the military at all is tricky business, so I love reading stories where it’s accepted and even celebrated, even if only in small ways. One of these days we’ll get to a place where it won’t be a thing we even have to differientiate. Fingers crossed.

Until then, I’ll keep reading and loving these stories, and I thought this one was an excellent addition.

4 pieces of eye candy from me!

Annabeth Albert has delivered an amazing book touching on so many topics it might make your head spin. But hold on tight, because Annabeth does it with style. This book deals with a main character, whose a SEAL, trying to figure out his sexuality while in a relationship with an openly gay male, all the while taking over guardianship of three very young kids after a tragic family accident occurs. Even one of those items can be daunting, but all of them??? Kudos for getting it all in and not overwhelming the reader with too many details.

Although this book was very angsty for me, I wholeheartedly loved reading it! Annabeth gives us a peek into a demisexual/gray-ACE sexuality. Mark is the SEAL and he is trying to figure out what he is sexually, and it baffles him. He wants to label it, but he's still confused. He has tried some varied things in the past with both men and women, and knows what he doesn't get into. I liked finding out what makes him excited. And how Isaiah seems to be that person that excites him is intriguing.

Isaiah propositioned Mark many years ago, and although he was turned down, he never forgot a kiss they shared. When they are forced into a situation of cohabitating while legal details are sorted, things take a turn. Attraction is there and as time goes, there is a mutual respect gained.

This is a slow building story, so if you are looking for a lot of SEAL drama and action, this is not that book. There are very little sex scenes involved as well. This is a relationship building type book and it deals with feelings-so many feelings! We get dual POV so we get to see how the other is feeling-right or wrong. I love that in a book.

Overall, this is a heartfelt, caring, and loving book. Both men have to come to terms with so many things, and all at once. It was overwhelming and demanding, but very enlightening. They made the best choices they could, and little by little, made changes. Both grew as a person from these experiences and it was a pleasure to see it happen.

reviewed by Deb

4 Stars!

After Isaiah's cousin and his wife die in a tragic accident, both him and Mark Whitley's, the wife's brother, are left dealing with the aftermath and trying to keep the couple's 3 young children in their custody. Mark thinks Isaiah is too young at 24 to really know what he's getting into and Isaiah is determined to prove him wrong.

Squared Away is book 5 in the Out of Uniform series and can be read as a standalone, although I suggest you pick the whole series as it's amazing and you won't regret it.

When I started reading the book, I found Isaiah very likable and wasn't too sure about Mark, then I started liking Mark and getting slightly frustrated with Isaiah, and thankfully, by the end, I got to a happy medium and ended up liking both of them. Isaiah was young and wasn't too certain of what he really wanted to do with his life, other than taking care of his cousin Cal's children, and I really enjoyed seeing him find something he could be passionate about. He was great with the children and I really enjoyed their interactions. Of course, he was also in a bit over his head and refused to ask for help until Dylan pointed it out that he should put the children's welfare above his ego. He was really patient with Mark as he figured things out, and really, I can't fault him for getting fed up that Mark just refused to give it a try. Now, Mark, well, I wasn't too sure what to make of him at first, although I liked his journey of self-discovery as he finally accepted his sexuality and kind of settled on a label. It took him a long time, too, which was a bit annoying. I just couldn't understand what the problem was with others finding out he was with Isaiah, but I guess all's well that ends well.

Overall, I think the two of them showed a lot of growth throughout the book and it was nice seeing the progression of their relationship.

While Squared Away wasn't my favorite book in the series, it was still pretty good, a bit angsty and heavy in parts, but well balanced with the romance and becoming an instant family. I loved that the kids were such an integral part of the story without taking it over, too. And of course, it was nice catching up with other characters from the series. All in all, this was a lovely hurt/comfort read and I have no trouble recommending it.

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

I just want to start by saying that this book is the fifth of Out of Uniform series but it can be read as a standalone, which is what I did. As in many romance novels, the characters may have appeared before, but I had no problems.

In the beginning, Isaiah is just determined to lose his virginity to the brother of the bride (and his cousin’s wife). Yet Mark despite being really tempted, declines the ‘invitation’. Fast forward six years in the future, Mark, the badass navy SEAL with the nickname ‘Wizard’ comes back home due to a tragic event – his sister and her husband have been killed driving while drunk, and leaving behind them three children.

Despite being a young and irresponsible (and also known as promiscuous), Isaiah takes care of the three children when they cannot reach Mark. And even though he is struggling, and rejecting help from others, Isaiah is doing quite a good job despite the circumstances. He’s helped taking care of them before so he knew them.

But when Mark comes home, two conflicting wills create…well, a conflict. And Mark and Isaiah have to live in the same house and take care of children together. To be honest, I found Mark a bit annoying in the beginning. He comes back home and suddenly he is the one who should take care of the children despite barely knowing them?

But as the story progressed, I started liking Mark more. Trying to figure out his relationship with Isaiah, his sexuality, AND dealing with children and grief makes for a hard time. I loved how patient Isaiah was with Mark as well as Mark trying to figure it all out and dealing with it and eventually telling his friends he is gray-ace.

I think the dealing with grief was quite well done, it seemed realistic and it was not over in a couple of seconds but it took a lot of time to start dealing with it. The children were also lovable and realistic.

But one of my favourite parts of all was Isaiah finding the job he took pleasure in. Despite his father criticising it a lot and almost forcing him to go back to school, he stands up for himself and finds work that he takes pleasure in (and which also help him take care of children).

All in all, it was a nice book and I will definitely pick up the author’s other books as well.

3 Stars - Isaiah and Mark met each other at Dani and Cal’s wedding (Mark’s sister and Isaiah’s cousin), six years ago. At the time, Isaiah was eighteen and wanted to lose his virginity. He’d chose Mark but not only Mark rejected him but he claimed he’s not gay. Six years later, Dani and Cal die in a car accident. They both had separate wills and in each will, one of Mark or Isaiah were chosen to be the guardianship. So until the court settles everything, they have to share custody. And both of them want to prove they are the best choice for the guardianship!
Well, this one is my least favorite in this series so far. For the first half I really struggled and thought maybe the second half would be better but no, that didn’t happen and after reading 60% of the book I started skimming. I couldn’t connect with the characters, both of them. Told in dual POV, 3rd person. It’s the fifth installment in the "Out of Uniform" series, with character crossover but it can be read as a stand-alone.
Thanks to Annabeth Albert, NetGalley and Carina Press for the advanced digital copy in exchange an honest review.

I actually was waiting for Wizard's book from the moment I met him in the other books and when I read this my expectations were totally satisfied.

Wizard, Mark how's his name not being the amazing SEAL doctor, is finding his guided life in toll when his siter and her husband die, causing an accident while DUI.
He and Isaiah are those who are in charge of the three children but first, instead of being a team, they have to deal with their own emotions - because it's not easy to deal with the grief when both actually have more feelings for each other than they want to admit.

I loved how Mark was displayed, how he is trying to be a guy in charge, taking care of everything but notices he is somehow replaced by Isaiah, the cousin of Mark's sister's husband and uncle and "surrogate" father for the children, giving them guidance and taking care of them.

I was hooked by Isaiah and how well he could deal with the kids, how he is the perfect partner for Mark but who doesn't seem to notice it first.

When the feelings are getting more involved and Mark is finally admitting what he has with Isaiah, it was so sweet and adorable I was becoming a pile of goo.

It's no secret I love children in books and in my opinion Annabeth Albert creates small human beings totally worth and unable not to love; they brighten my day and I love to see them around the serious men, those who normally work under hard pressure and being "manly macho" (or need to keep this attitude up ;)) sometimes, havinf to deal with dirty, heavy stuff, physically as well as mentally.

The way how the tension was put into the book, with the children's parents death and the process of grief of all characters or how Mark's sexuality was a matter, without being used as a dramatic outlet, but important for a lot of actions and how Mark acted and why he is vulnerable and hesitant, was great delivered by Annabeth Albert and again a joy to read.

This book is as marvelous as the other books, heavy on the kissing and snuggling side, but no objections here, because I loved it. :3 Mark is such a sweet, kind of guy, romantic to the core and I adore how he worships Isaiah, and I was a puddle of goo again when Isaiah accepted Mark fully who he is and what he prefers.

This book is, with book two - At Attention - my favorite in the series, and I think it's not only because of the amazing characters but also because of the family setting. :3 5 out of 5 stars for it. <3

Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words

I love the writing of this author and with Annabeth Albert, the story is the thing. She has a way of telling the story that is genuine and emotional and the intimacy is just right to tell the story. I would characterize this as the story of frenemies to lovers with a bit of a twist as they have much more to consider than their own feelings. I think that Mark, the Navy SEAL has much to learn on this journey of self-discovery and it is engaging and even fun to watch him change as he learns to listen and observe.

Emotional tension becomes sexual tension when two men connected by the marriage of Mark’s sister and Isaiah’s cousin come together as the result of a tragedy. The characters in this story are very different, yet complement each other. Mark is the Navy SEAL in every way and Isaiah, formerly a bit of a party boy has grown up quickly to care for his cousin’s children. Each man has an idea about what the new normal will be following the tragedy without taking into account, the plans of the other man or of the deceased parents of the young children. Mark believes that his strength will serve him in his new role but he has no relationship with the children nor any experience with children. Isaiah is vulnerable yet determined and resourceful but the task ahead is not for the weak. The author delivers an emotional and satisfying story in her own indomitable fashion.

Received an ARC via Netgalley

I think this may be my new favorite in the series. I really loved this romance. There are some minor quibbles. Mark slut shames Isaiah A LOT and it's never really addressed appropriately for me. Especially when contrasted with how much care and understanding Isaiah gives Mark's sexuality and his journey, which he shouldn't get a pat on the back for being a decent person but I just wish it had been equal or reciprocated. I really loved Mark's journey with his sexuality, I feel like it was handled with care and respect but not like a schmaltzy after school special. (Though take my opinion with a grain of salt, I'm not an expert or authority on being Ace/Demi.) Along with the grief, Mark is pretty densely selfish for a lot of the books, he doesn't mean to be but he is. Isaiah loses his brother and friend, but I don't remember Mark ever truly acknowledging that (at least out loud to Isaiah). This sounds like I really didn't like him but I did! He's just a little bit of a work in progress. Isaiah, contrary to how the characters act, has it a lot more together IMO. He gets kind of treated like crud by his father, and by Mark, but I loved the way his relation with his father progressed. It felt real and relatable. The kids were great, present enough to be a factor but not the stars of the book. I love seeing the other guys from the series. I enjoy when they all pop in. It's the whole appeal of a series. I'm hoping Bacon is next!

I was a little hesitant about this book at first, because I didn't exactly like how the whole rejection thing went down (not because it happened, just how the characters, more specifically, Isaiah, acted), but thankfully once there was the fast forward to 'the present', things definitely got a lot better. We get to learn more about those characters and I honestly loved them, Mark seriously deserves a hug and to be protected. I loved how they're both incredibly stubborn independent people who want to take care and protect each other, but the other keeps refusing and the relationship development was simply incredible. I don't really think this was anything innovative, but the characters and their relationship were really the best part, and I think it's what this kind of book is about, really. My main issue, was the lack of something telling when the POVs changed, especially when the change would happen in the middle of a chapter. This was a really nice and sweet read and I will definitely be picking up more books to read by Annabeth Albert in the future,.

Squared Away is the fifth book in the Out of Uniform series by the fabulous Annabeth Albert. I'm such a big fan of her and this series. Annabeth just knows how to use words for maximum impact. Whether she wants you to laugh, cry, swoon, get mad or fall in love. Her writing is always fantastic. These SEAL characters are so real to me that it's like a family reunion every time I read a new installment. We have met Isiah before, he's Dylan's best friend. Mark is Bacon's teammate and friend. Mark and Isaiah met years ago at Mark's sister and Isaiah's cousins wedding. Isaiah had a seriously big crush on the older, sexy SEAL, but Mark wasn't going to cross that line. They had fun and shared a connection, but Isaiah was only eighteen and Mark wasn't going there. Years later, tragedy strikes and leaves Isaiah and Mark to raise Mark's sister's kids. Mark is expecting the young, player who he's seen a few times over the years but, Isaiah is all grown up and taking perfect care of the kids. Isaiah's crush on Mark ended years ago, but just seeing the handsome SEAL again brings all those feelings back up. Now that they are living under the same roof, it's hard not to be attracted to Mark again. But Mark is kind of jerky and acts hot and cold around Isaiah. One night they get closer than expected and Mark admits he's demisexual, where you only get turned on after an emotional connection to someone. He felt connected to Isaiah all those years ago and he still does. He's not ready for more and Isaiah is willing to take it slow and easy. What happens when custody hearings and lawyers get involved? Can Mark own up to his feelings and claim Isaiah before he loses his family? I loved this story! It was the first book I read where one of the main characters is on the asexual spectrum and it was incredibly well done and interesting. I felt for Mark. He's grieving and trying to figure out who he is and what he wants. He's not easy on himself and he's used to being a badass SEAL who takes charge of everything. Isaiah is so great! He's funny, sexy, confident, knows who he is and loves the kids like they are his own. He's patient with Mark and isn't willing to push. But he's not going to wait around forever. I loved that about him. He deserves more. Not gonna lie, I wanted to smack Mark upside his head a few times. I know why he was struggling, but he acted like a moron! He did redeem himself in the end, so that made me happy. I loved the kids and their interaction with Mark and Isaiah. Overall, I loved it. Laughed, cried, got mad, got hot and bothered and swooned. I loved the slow burn of the romance. The kissing was outstanding and it was nice to have a love story start slowly and end perfectly.

"I just don't want to be a dirty secret, or some sort of afterthought in your life -"
"Ike. You are my life. You. The kids. You're the think keeping me sane as I deal with the mess of my life."

Kissing had never been like this. This he could jeep doing for hours.

From the first page it’s clear that Mark and Isaiah are complete opposites. Mark is a one-man fortress - stoic and completely self-reliant. Isaiah has more of a wild personality, preferring fun and living life in the moment.

These differences make it hard for the two to understand each other. Their relationship is made more difficult by the fact that Mark rejected Isaiah at a wedding six years ago, something neither man has forgotten.

But despite this history, the two pull it together for their nieces and nephew. The circumstances that bring them together are heartbreaking, but both men know that they have to put the kids first.

Grief is interwoven throughout the book, though it never becomes overwhelming. It’s a realistic depiction, showing how life has to move forward, regardless of the situation.

In working through their grief and trying to do what’s best for the children, the two MCs begin leaning on each other for support. It’s a shaky truce which slowly becomes a real friendship. Isaiah’s attentive to the pressures of Mark’s work as a SEAL, while Mark’s well-aware of the work Isaiah puts in to take care of the kids.

I really liked seeing how Isaiah and Mark began, and the kids, built a family as the story progressed. The kids play a big part in the book. They’re what bind the two MCs together, and a lot of the page time is devoted to them.

But that doesn’t mean the romance is lacking. It’s mellow and builds slowly, but the two MCs just click, building on years of secret pining.

Part of the reason the romance moves slowly is because of Mark’s sexuality - he’s both demisexual and grey ace. It makes for a different relationship experience, but both men are patient and take things step by step.

However, I could have done with less miscommunication or lack of communication between the MCs. It just got too repetitive at a point. Also, while I could understand Mark’s struggle, the hot-and-cold routine didn’t win him any favours.

That being said, I thought the happy ever after was really sweet. I was glad to see Mark, Isaiah, and their kids get the sunshine and roses they deserved!

Overall, this was an enjoyable read. If you’re looking for a slow MM romance with strong themes of family, I’d give ‘Squared Away’ a try.