Excellent story about Bacon who is a SEAL assigned to watch the reporter, Spencer, who is embedded in their unit. When the mission explodes, Spencer is removed from the field. Now that they aren't working together these guys want to find out what's between them. But Spencer is still a reporter, and Del is still doing secret missions.

This book was a slow start for me but it definitely picked up! I really enjoyed the dynamic between Spencer and Bacon. Even though there was an age gap. It was never an issue with them. The real issue with them was Spencer’s work. That was hard on Bacon.

"I'm asking, yes. Please. If what we have is real, then fight for that."

Spencer wanted to be true to himself and write the story he felt would make a difference.... but he was letting his job make the decisions. And totally ignoring what his heart was telling him.

I felt Bacon went all in and jumped with both feet in with Spencer. He wanted it all. And in the end it bit him in the butt.

"I'm a SEAL. We don't try. We do. And I do want to do this with you."

I loved how there was nothing over the top between Spencer and Bacon. They both realized how much they wanted each other and went after it.
I loved them together!! The sex was spot on!! I loved how they both gave themselves to each other.

This was a good read! I can’t wait for the next book in this series!!

I'm not sure how Ms. Albert does it but this series just keeps getting better. I liked how even though there is a 15 year age gap, it was never an issue. I hate when the older MC in books consistently obsess about it and calls the younger MC kid. Bacon, doesn't like Spencer when they first meet as he looks at "babysitting" him as a punishment. But, the more time they spend together the more they find out that they just might like each other. The mission they go on goes horribly wrong and once they are back from it Spencer is told he can no longer stay with the team. Once he is no longer embedded, the mutual attraction between the two goes wild & they burn up the pages. I love how Spencer is his safe harbor. When Bacon returns from a particularly rough mission, and I'm glad that the author did not go into great detail about it, that causes him some very serious anxiety, Spencer is there to hold and soothe him. Things were not always easy going. There was something that Spencer wanted to do that Bacon didn't & they go their separate ways, bitterly. But love does prevail & they do find their HEA. I liked seeing some of the guys from the previous book pop up. I can't wait for the next book in this series.

Oh Boy what a book. This was second favourite in the series. Hot guys checked. Great story checked. Burning sex scenes checked. It was refreshing to have Spencer being an older, mature guy, out in the open. His and Bacon road to happily ever after didn't have loads of roadblocks, massive thumb up for that. Thanks Annabeth Albert for another fantastic read.
I received this ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review that is all my own.

Tight Quarters is the sixth book in the Out of Uniform series. I liked both Bacon and Spencer they were believable characters and the storyline flowed well. I look forward to seeing what Ms Albert writes next

Another strong romance from reliable author Annabeth Albert. She sets up an intriguing pairing between a SEAL and a journalist embedded with the team. It's not quite an enemies-to-lovers romance, but Bacon and Spenser certainly have different goals at the outset. I'm not 100% sure that Albert addressed all of the issues keeping them apart (view spoiler) but she does manage to support both the importance of the press and the military. Series readers aren't looking for political statements, though, and they will be happy with the trademark Albert action, sexytimes, lots of talking in-between sexytimes, humor, male bonding, glimpses of happily paired off couples from previous books, and promising characters for the next installment. Bacon (part of the fun is finding out his real name) is a great MC, a pansexual SEAL sharpshooter with a semi-tragic backstory and a goth-emo childhood. Spenser is a little harder to warm up to - he's a tad pretentious and self-righteous, but he does an admirable grovel and he does take good care of Bacon when he needs it.

I wish Albert would write more books in her Gaymers or Portland Heat series, (her MCs are much more my romance catnip) but I guess military romances sell better, so I can't begrudge her success.

ARC received from Net Galley in exchange for objective review.

3* Bacon's much-mentioned pansexuality never really went anywhere...

I had an inkling that Bacon would end up with a tale of his own about 2 books back in this series, and I looked forward to it, as the guy had seemed a little bit of a mystery. It ended up being not a bad tale, but it didn't fulfil its promise.

I liked how naturally the author brought the leads together, but the storyline got cut short because of something happening that didn't go to plan, so they ended up apart for a lot of the tale. Yes, they managed to find chances to get it on a time or few, but I can only describe the leads as 'painted', not characters with real depth.

Spencer had the potential to have some real depth because of his job and what had led him to join Bacon's company, but Bacon was pretty wishy-washy a character, and when he gave Spencer an ultimatum, whilst their relationship was still in the fledgling stage, it didn't ring true and it turned me off the tale, as it made Bacon out to be a bit of a selfish arse.

In the end, said ultimatum was for nothing, as circumstances changed, so that went nowhere. I don't even recall Bacon apologising much for his actions, if at all. And Bacon's self-professed pansexuality? Nothing got explained, there were no examples of it, and it went nowhere. Yes, we got the obligatory flashback-to-teen-years, but nothing came of it. To me, it felt as if the word was dropped in to hype things a little, but that the author never went there with it. And, the May-December aspect of the relationship never went anywhere, which felt really unrealistic.

The ending a few months later didn't ring true either, especially with something as mundane as base or maybe off-base housing being the reason something that should have been special got mentioned.

The series is starting to feel a bit tired, but again, a potential future lead got dropped in. He, too, seems a decent enough, slightly maverick type of character, so I might take a look at it.

I'm a big fan of the author, this series and this book! I thought the hangout did a great job bringing the feels to Fight Quaters.

I loved Bacon and Spencer together . They were so different but worked so well as couple. I was on an emotional rollercoaster but loved every word.

.

Stay. Your laughter fills every hole in my soul. Stay in my bed, in my life, in my heart. Stay.

A Navy SEAL with deadly precision.

A journalist who lives for the story.

When desires collide, no one escapes unscathed.

From the first moment, Bacon lays eyes on Spencer, he knows he's in trouble. As an embedded journalist, Spencer becomes Bacon's charge. Bacon wants to be in the thick of the action, but he's stuck babysitting. It's not Spencer's fault, but Bacon can't help but be resentful. One thing Bacon has to grudgingly admit, however, is that Spencer is in amazing shape. For an old guy.

Spencer is 15 years Bacon's senior. Bacon hasn't hit 30; Spencer passed 40. But age really is just a number, and the age gap is entirely irrelevant here.

The problem is that Spencer wants to write a book about how the military fails its veterans, a book the Navy, which released Spencer after a mission went seriously wrong, will be none too happy about.

Spencer has to choose: Bacon or the story?

Both of these men are multi-faceted, complex characters. Bacon, who's pan, is a sniper whose job is to kill the enemy, but he's not a heartless guy. He's giving, loyal, and cares about his comrades, even the ones who throw out homophobic remarks like candy.

Spencer was once married and has a friendly relationship with his ex-husband. He travels constantly and lives to get the big scoop. Spencer has no time for love, yet he finds himself falling for Bacon.

Slower now, more sensual ... until all Spencer knew was this man, this song, this rhythm that they built together.

Tight Quarters, brimming with passion, romance, and action, had me on the edge of the metaphorical seat.

The first part, when Spencer is in the field with Bacon, is fast-paced and riveting, but the story mellows once Spencer returns home and starts corresponding with Bacon.

And mellow most definitely does not translate to boring. Spencer and Bacon enjoy hanging out and making out. While on deployment, Bacon misses Spencer's cooking, his bed, and his fancy shower. But more than anything, he misses Spencer.

When Bacon returns from a rough mission that causes him serious anxiety for the first time in years, Spencer is there to hold and soothe him. And when Spencer's mind overflows with ideas, Bacon's the first person he wants to call.

I loved how STRONG their relationship was; they had incredible chemistry, but they also talked and shared and laughed. I believed in them because they were real.

Out of all the things (and there are many), these are worthy of a medal:

- the SEX (because it's delicious and dirty and plentiful; the guys are very expressive in bed, where anything goes)

- Bacon's name (Bacon hated his father and hates his name, but Spencer makes it something tender between just the two of them. Spencer calls Bacon (view spoiler), and when Bacon's mother asks him why, he replies, Because that's who he is to me. I like having something special to call him. He's special to me.)

- Spencer's friend and mentor, Oscar, whose final words broke my heart (and made Spencer realize that he made the wrong choice)

- the ending (because it's perfect and afuckingdorable, and made my heart unclench; plus, we get to visit Wes and Dustin and their fluffy cat)

No story is more important than ours. The one we're creating. Our story.

Tight Quarters is the sixth book in the Out Of Uniform series and I kinda don't know what I'm supposed to say about this series anymore. I like it! Didn't loved it, but I liked it. I like the way its written. I like the way the characters are portrayed. I like the story. I like the romance. If I didn't like this series or this particular book I would have abandoned it long ago, but I'm still here, so that should tell you everything.

The thing I especially liked about Tight Quarters is that the age-gap wasn't make into a big deal. I think it was mentioned once - in a thought - and that was it. Really liked that. Normally, at least in most m/f romances I've read it was always made into a problem, even though in most cases it just wasn't one. That's one of the reasons I like m/m romances. Way less unnecessary drama in my opinion. There was some drama in Tight Quarters but not related to the age thing, just saying.

Overall I really liked it and can't wait to read the seventh and if I'm not mistaken last (*cry*) book in this series.

Rating: 3,75 stars

Great book. I didn’t realize this was book 6 of this series, now I want to back through and read the first 5! This book held my interested from the first page to the last! Highly recommend

This is the 6th book in this series about Navy SEALs by Annabeth Albert, and each book manages to be unique. Here, the SEAL, Bacon, isn't out to his teammates, and he starts an affair with a high-profile journalist. Bacon is complicated and sincere.

Tight Quarters is book six in the Out of Uniform Series by Annabeth Albert. Bacon, a SEAL, gets tasked with watching a reporter that is embedding with the team for a story. Spencer Bryant is not what Bacon expected. He may be a little bit older, but he keeps in shape, he’s sharp and he faces the obstacles put to him head on and surprises everyone.

I think what appealed to me most about this book was the fact that there was the push and pull of having to deal with the secrecy of military work and the transparency of journalism. This was something Bacon and Spencer have to come to terms with both on a professional and a personal level. Being able to see them navigate this combine with learning more and more about what each other wants with their relationship both gutted me and left me warm with hope.

When things got tough, neither man backed down. It may have taken them a little bit longer to figure things out and they faced some unnecessary heartache but that made their story that much better.

I loved how Bacon stood up to his friends and their homophobic language and jokes. It’s hard to be that person to tell your friends, cut that shit out. It isn’t right. But Bacon does it. He’s got a quiet confidence about him that I admire. He knows who he is, a pansexual man, and he working towards being open with his friends. It’s not often you see talk about demi, pan, ace characters in books. I’m one of those people who is fluid in how I identify but I see myself much like Bacon sees himself. It was probably one of the first times I had ever had a character I could relate to in this way.

Spencer, oh boy. What can I say about him other than I wish I had my own Spencer in my life? He had his faults, but the way he stopped to evaluate and move forward was what truly mattered. He cared for and took care of Bacon when he needed it the most.

The chemistry between Bacon and Spencer *fans self* was intense. The attraction, the build up, the subsequent scenes. Oh my. They were well written, timed and perfectly done. It didn’t feel gratuitous. It felt right.

I all around loved this book and I was hesitant about it. A seal and a reporter? That spells disaster. But because it was Annabeth Albert, I was like, this is going to be great. And it was! I’m definitely going through her back list of books to read everything I can get my hands on. When I’m able to get lost in a book and read it in one day, you know that it’s got to be good.

This is now my absolute favourite in all the Out of Uniform series.
I utterly fell for Bacon and, as a former journalist and sub-editor for almost 20 years, I could empathise totally with everything Spencer was going through.
Annabeth Albert at her absolute finest in this tale of the Navy SEAL sniper and the embedded silver fox journalist who walks away with his heart.

I love this series because each books delivers a couple that I immediately root for and am emotionally invested in and Tight Quarters really delivered. This book features pansexual and gay main characters. Bacon is pan and a downright lovable guy among his friends and fellow SEALs and he's not afraid to show emotion, not afraid to show that he really cares about his own feelings, the feelings of others, and the repercussions of his actions. It's really nice to read a very NON-flippant mc like that- Bacon always shuts down homophobic insults from his team members and encourages other (straight) guys to shape up and cut the harassment. He has a way of being reckless and also considerate that makes him a walking contradiction, as Spencer, the other mc, likes to point out. Spencer is a journalist embedded on a mission with Bacon and his team which is how they meet. I absolutely adored Spencer's drive and ambition and his dedication to ethics and doing the right thing when it comes to his own morals.

The camaraderie between Bacon and Spencer is developed really nicely because of the initial mission that they're placed on together. It's Bacon's job throughout that time to protect Spencer while Spencer learns what he can for research for his next military-focused writing endeavour. There is a beautiful sense of teamwork between the two characters that flows throughout the whole story from the mission, to when their relationship matures enough that Bacon can admit to himself and to Spencer that Spencer is able to provide the emotional support and give the type of care that Bacon's been missing all his life. Spencer also sees that all the ways he can help Bacon make him really happy, make him question whether the bachelor life is really for him anymore. Spencer also has an extreme investment in the mental health and emotional well being of SEALs that are intensely affected by their time deployed and this makes him really special in my eyes. He shines a light on the things that can't afford to be left in the dark making him a really dedicated journalist as well as just a genuinely good person.

Usually Albert goes a little harder on the "closeted queer guy" storyline and the fact that it wasn't as present in this story was a good thing for me. I really related to Bacon's attitude toward his own pan identity which was that he wasn't really closeted or ashamed of being queer, he was just a private person but always knew he'd come out to his team if he had a partner that was worth the trouble. This sort of in between place where a character isn't closeted but isn't loudly out is something I want to see more of in terms of representation.

Overall, Tight Quarters was super enjoyable. I haven't been seriously let down by any of her books in this series yet- Tight Quarters is one of my favourites thus far. The romance was moving, age gap trope that worked really well and somehow brought out the best, most mature qualities in each character, and the subtlety of further dismantling the homophobic attitudes amongst the SEAL teams made this book more than worth the read for me.

Returning to the Out of Uniform series is always a delight, because the characters and the story are fun, easy to read and always pack a bit of an emotional punch.

Tight Quarters, while not my favourite in the series, is no different, and it was great to see Petty Officer Bacon’s story expanded and fleshed out. His mildly antagonistic attitude towards Spencer initially was also a nice touch to show growth between both characters. I also liked how this book called out and addressed some of the homophobia that still existed within Bacon’s SEAL team in this book. It seemed more out there than usual, and it was refreshing to see the impact that takes mentally on people who identify as LGBTQIA+ and the people who know them, too.

The story, while predictable, remained intense and fun. It was great to return to an active duty character on a mission, and see them deal with the implications of navigating a relationship while on the job. However, given that Bacon was kept in the dark about most of the original mission (and thus the audience), I felt a little disconnected from it, so while Bacon and Spencer had plenty to worry about, the stakes didn’t necessarily feel that high from my perspective as a reader. (But in all honesty, I doubt that was the point of the plot, given it was more about bringing Bacon and Spencer closer together, so that’s a minor issue from me.)

Overall, I loved being back in the series. Great characters, fun stories with romance and some sex thrown in for good measure.

I gave Tight Quarters 4 out of 5 stars.

Annabeth Albert breathes life into her characters, men who are strong and exciting; characters who are believable, yet vulnerable.  The main characters have an age gap, background and lifestyle differences but those do not overtake the emotional journey the two men travel.

This is the story of Navy SEAL Bacon, Petty Officer Bacon.  The SEALS and being a SEAL, is everything to Bacon, his salvation from an abusive childhood and the tragic loss of his closest friend.  Bacon identifies as pansexual and he is comfortable with himself, with his sexuality.  He isn't out to his team brothers with very few exceptions and dealing with homophobic jokes on a daily basis leaves him feeling alone, lonely.  When he learns that he is to 'chaperone' an embedded journalist rather than joining the team in his role as a sniper, he feels cheated.  When he discovers that the journalist is Spencer, who he knows to be a successful, attractive and gay man, Bacon sees the risk of the upcoming tight quarters, on the mission with this charismatic and hot AF older man.  A low angst story, high in emotion and sizzle!

“Show, don’t tell.”

This was the advice given in a writing class that I took years ago, and it has stuck with me. Authors, show your readers what is happening in the story. Don’t just tell them. Don’t rattle off a lengthy explanation that comes off as summarizing. Give them a scene to immerse themselves in. Write a chapter that shows two characters falling in love or shows two characters drifting apart. Avoid anything that sounds like a summed up version of events.

Unfortunately, Annabeth Albert did not take that class, and Tight Quarters was a whole lot of telling and very little showing. I felt like I was on the outside of this story the whole time I was reading, like I arrived late to the meeting and someone had to quickly rattle off five minutes of notes to catch me up. I just couldn’t get engaged in the relationship between Bacon/Del and Spencer, and I couldn’t like Spencer despite trying. His decision to not hook up with Del while being embedded with the team made sense, but his resistance afterwards made no sense. His belief that dating Del would somehow damage his integrity was a load of horse manure.

I wish Albert would have explored more of the emotional consequences of their relationship, especially from Bacon’s perspective because he was definitely the more relatable/emotive of the two characters and hurt by Spencer’s decisions. Unfortunately, each time there was a chance to have a substantive scene, it was passed up for another sex scene. I got bored with this one and really struggled to finish it. I think I will pass on future releases in this series.

I was a little worried about the age difference at first but that actually was a non issue, in part because it wasn't as big as I first feared (there's a 15 year gap between Bacon and Spence) but also because Bacon is kind of an old soul so it really didn't matter in the end. 
Both Spencer and Bacon are very well thought out characters with interesting back grounds and a lot of story to tell. Especially Bacon is more than meets the eye. 

Unfortunately the story was also very predictable and there wasn't that much happening. After reading most books in this series a lot of the SEAL action felt more like a (very repetitive) way to fill the pages than any real addition to the story. 

All in all still a sweet fast read with great characters.

I just adore this series by Annabeth Albert. Hot military boys finding their happily ever afters? Yes, please!

This story focuses on Bacon, who is featured in the previous books (making a big appearance in Wizard and Isaiah's book, too), and a journalist, Spencer, who's just been embedded into Bacon's SEAL team for a story. And unfortunately for Bacon, who's suffering from an injury, he's been ordered to do one thing: keep Spencer safe.

He's determined to do just that. And keep his distance. But he doesn't count on Spencer being so captivating. Or so sexy.

When things go south on a mission and injuries that shouldn't have happened, happen, Spencer gets kicked to the curb by Navy PR... but Bacon isn't ready to let him go just yet. And he's not quite happy about that fact, but he's also not willing to walk away from the chemistry he feels toward the older man.

These two were so...mature. I loved it. How they talked and it wasn't just a whirlwind of sex and then love. This story felt real. There were very true and dangerous situations being discussed here, and there were some tough choices. It wasn't happy rainbows and butterflies all the time. I liked that a lot. When a story feels contrived, I get lost. But this one was believable. I also love how Annabeth isn't just sticking to the normal gay or bisexual identities with her characters here. She's exploring everything and it's clear she's done her research. Bacon identifies and Pansexual here, and in a previous book her character identified as Demi. I'm curious to see what she'll give us next with Rooster's book. Can't wait to read it!