Renzo (Rooster) & Canaan. We first meet Canaan in book 3 On Point, when he has a couple nights with Maddox and Ben. And with Rooster we start to see him through out the series but finally here he gets his own book.

This time around one of our military group is bi-sexual and is 'packing' which comes with problems. However, Canaan to the rescue to help guide Renzo to sexual freedom with his sexuality and intimacy.

The thing I like most about MM romance is the strong characters and less martyrs but Renzo had a bit of martyrdom when he gets transferred and didn't know how to be happy and make his family happy.

" . . . If you love me, let me be an adult, make my own choices."

Thankfully Canaan is the strong one and can guide Renzo through. I did like Renzo and Canaan together but I think Canaan's relationship with his grandpa is my favorite part of the book.

I adore this series and hope there will be more.


3.5/5

I have become a huge fan of Annabeth Albert, I definitely indulged hardcore in the Out of Uniform Series when I started it several months ago. I can admit that each one is definitely a new flavor, some hit or misses on my spectrum of obsession, but I still cannot deny I really enjoy the writing style of Annabeth. I think honestly it is her characters. She really dives deep in each angle of dynamics to ensure each romance is different.

And speaking of characters, Renzo and Canaan were definitely different, not what I was expecting. Renzo was a bit of an issue for me. One one end, I really liked his broody, complicated yet caring individual. He had this blend of sexy, confident yet insecurity about himself that was downright adorable. And I really enjoyed how Canaan really helped Renzo see how amazing he was both as a person and as a sexual piece of man meat. Unfortunately my biggest issue with Renzo comes with his supporting characters, his family. I felt his personality was dictated way too much by his family and honestly made his character appear .... questionable. It made it hard to connect with him. Plus his reasoning for breaking things off (gotta love the drama tropes) with Canaan was.... interesting, not one of my favorite.

Canaan too was interesting. I liked him yet he annoyed me. Though I can honestly say I enjoyed how much Canaan did for Renzo, again, he really brought out the brighter side of Renzo's character but there was still a lot I disliked just as much as liked towards him. He had this free spirit yet always appeared jaded, he was outspoken and yet countered this with insecurity of his past, it was very flip flop. But I still loved getting to know Canaan, especially when I know he appeared in previous books on the Out of Uniform series, he was always a delight then and was a delight even now.

Canaan and Renzo together - oh my lanta, they were delicious. I loved their easy flow with one another, even at the beginning. Being able to read their sexual growth together was just phenomenal. The discovered each others personality, their sexual wants and needs, it really aided in the actual chemistry of their relationship. They had a great chemistry at the beginning, they had fun together and bottom line sexual chemistry was fun.

And though I can honestly admit, I did enjoy the chemistry between Renzo and Canaan, I simply could not get over the 'fake boyfriend' trope. It was something that I felt wasn't needed in this plot. I get why, Canaan's ex-boyfriend was a total tool, but just could have been just as amazing without this dynamic.

Overall, I liked Rough Terrain, but I just did not love it. I had a hard time connecting with the characters, though the chemistry was decent, it wasn't anything to go for a home run for if I am being honest. There was still just a lack luster with the entirety of it that I think that basically threw me for a loop. Between the 'Fake Boyfriend' trope and the honest to goody good 'Break up for the best' kind of angle was just a little overdone when it could have been more simple, especially considering what I felt were plot holes.

Even still, this is a great addition to this wonderful series. Each character dynamic gives a different angle to their emotional struggles that it is just always beautiful to see each one evolve into a better human. The romance is definitely fierce, very passionate in this one. I am definitely excited to see what or who comes next!

Honestly, I just felt like there wasn't really that much plot.. Like, all the drama and everything was really unnecessary.
I especially am not a big fan of the whole "I'm breaking up with you for your own sake" spiel...

This book was all right. I didn't hate it, it didn't wow me. Our two heroes had decent enough chemistry. The settings were the fun part, going from soda shop to army base to peril in the woods. The characters didn't really pop off the page, and there were a lot of cliches, but it wasn't a bad read.

This was such a steamy read! For those of you who are looking to break through the LGBTQ+ romance genre, this title by Annabeth Albert should have a well-deserved spot in your radar / TBR. The way this was written was quite unique, and I really appreciated seeing all these different sides to the characters, and the way their story unfolded intrigued me. I was hooked in no less than a few chapters, and I just can't help but feel like I need to read more from the author. Will rectify this in no time, I hope!

've thought previous books in this series were the last one (it's odd for one series to have 7 books in it, I suppose) but I'm pretty sure when I say now that this is the last book in this series of SEAL novels.

And I was so pleasantly surprised! After the last book, Tight Quarters, I wasn't sure that there was a lot more to explore that hadn't already been carted out in previous books of the series.

We had the forced proximity trope in Off Base
A man with a deceased husband and kids in At Attention
Friends to lovers in On Point
Forbidden love and a take on the gay for you trope in Wheels Up
Family death and new responsibility (as well as a demisexual character!!!) in Squared Away

In this novel, we get Rooster's story, Renzo's story rather, because as it turns out he kinda hates that nickname and can't get away from it. However, his chance might be coming up if he gets this transfer that will pull him closer to his family. Which is important to him, especially given that his parents have the job of looking after his older brother who's had a brain injury since childhood. And Renzo has a hero complex to match.

Canaan happens to work at the juice bar that a lot of the navy SEALs end up visiting. He quite enjoys the eye candy. Most of all, he enjoys seeing Renzo. Although he's been watching the other man for some time, they haven't spoken yet and Renzo is entirely unaware of Canaan's little crush.

This changes when the two of them end up having a night out together at Canaan's invitation. At first, Renzo was just about alleviating some boredom, but things turn a bit more intimate when the two of them go away for a holiday with some of Canaan's old band mates.

This is such a slow burn book with amazing side characters and lovely pacing. I particularly like the family ties that both Canaan and Renzo have. Grandpa was definitely my favourite character here.

While I love this series, this was not my favorite. Renzo and Canaan definitely had plenty of heat, but I just didn't feel the tension that some of the earlier books had.

Cute and fun read with an a slightly obvious plot line. The chemistry between Canaan & Renzo (Rooster) is not obvious in the beginning and develops with the story.

What a fantastic way to end what has been an amazing series. Annabeth Albert is a master at contemporary romance and this military series has been one of the best I've read. She fully brings you into the world of the characters and experience everything right along with them.
Canaan is a 28 year old who has experienced a lot in life but made the right decisions for himself at the time and is happy with the life he has. Training to be a nurse but wanting to meet up with ex band mates is all well and good until he says that he has a boyfriend, who is a SEAL..... who doesn't exist.
Renzo is looking to move back closer to his family and is just focusing on making his way through the ranks towards chief. He didn't expect the wonderful distraction that is Canaan. Or to feel such a connection to the man who is so very accepting of all of Renzo's worries, hang ups and protective instincts.
Together they make good memories, support each other when the times are tough and enjoy moments with families. It's a story that is a joy to read and will, I'm sure, be reread on several occasions.
Whilst this one didn't have any severe nerve wracking/death defying moments, it doesn't mean that the two men don't experience a roller-coaster together in a relationship neither wanted or expected. They work perfectly together, however, and are a wonder to read. There were several moments that had me laughing out loud and a few more that had me upset or angry on their behalf. The intimate moments between the two men are a wonder to read with so much worry coming from Renzo and Canaan bringing confidence and reassurance that they can both enjoy whatever it is they do, a great way to be with your partner.
There are, of course, a great cast of characters. Pop up moments of previous characters from this series as well as new ones from Canaan's life and Renzo's family. My favourites being Canaan's Granpa and Renzo's brother. They bring even more heart and warmth to a great romance.

I liked this so much. Really liked it. I've got this soft spot for this series and at first, I was worried I wasn't going to like this. Just something at the begining or maybe the blurb... not sure what really. I was just worried.

I should have known better. This book was fun and entertaining, with a little bit of adventue. I enjoyed the way Renzo and Canaan got to know each other, the tentative way they made their way and worked on being friends. And I liked that it was so much more than just them surviving on a trip because that happens and is passed quickly with so much more book left. This is where the blurb is sort of misleading because beyone that on incident, they have a lot more to work through, towards, and accomplish. The work they put into it is where the book shined for me.

So, another hit for Annabeth Albert.

Ahh...this is what I love about Annabeth Albert.
Canaan works in a smoothie shop as he makes his way through nursing school, Renzo is our resident SEAL in this story. You remember Canaan? He may have had a little part in a threesome with a couple of our other fave SEALs from On Point.
I loved Canaan's relationship with his grandpa, and while Renzo had a bit of a guilt ridden relationship with his family, he loved them completely.
All in all, I really enjoyed Renzo and Canaan. They got to know each other over a series of dates and a little exciting adventure. I liked their growth as people and as a couple. I would have said things were a bit too perfect, I mean even Renzo's problem is sort of the perfect problem for Canaan to solve (and what a really fun, steamy solving they do)...but then there was the "I know what is best for you" issue and I realized that even the best characters have their flaws. :)
I will admit that I didn't quite understand the fake boyfriend plot, that I think it would have been a little more believable if Canaan had asked Renzo to go with him as a friend and presented him as such. Like, "Hey, douchbag ex-boyfriend, the whole bring my boyfriend thing didn't work out but here is my friend Renzo."
I am sorry to see this series end, but I am sure Annabeth will keep us updated on Renzo, Canaan and all the other Out of Uniform guys!

This is a wonderful conclusion to an interesting series. I loved Rooster/Renzo and Canaan, especially the stranded part. It was easy to read and interesting, like all books by Annabeth Albert. Full review to come soon.

Rough Terrain features the following:
❤️ fake boyfriend trope
💛 camping trip from hell
💚 Canaan, hipster smoothie barista/nursing student/former drummer
💙 Renzo, the buff SEAL/fitness guru/Insta influencer, who has a rather, erm, LARGE problem
💜 Family bonding
💞 Sweet and sexy times

I have really enjoyed the whole Out of Uniform series, and Rough Terrain is a solid book to finish the series on. What made this series special for me is that each couple/MC is so uniquely different and they all faced different challenges

Après avoir été séduite par le précédent opus, il me tardait de savoir ce que l'auteur allait me réserver avec ces SEAL ultras torrides... Et bien à nouveau, ce fut un pur régal...

L'histoire suit celle de Canaan & Renzo. Un duo hors norme comme tout qui m'a séduite chacun à leur manière. Tous deux portent de lourds bagages. Ensemble et individuellement, ces deux forts caractères imparfaitement parfaits vont vous surprendre à bien des égards.

Le premier est un jeune barman ouvert et franc en fin d'études d'infirmier qui a toujours le béguin pour ce ténébreux SEAL. L'autre est un militaire complexe qui suite à une douloureuse expérience a du mal à donner sa confiance. Mais il aura suffit d'une proposition des plus étonnantes et un malencontreux évènement pour que leur vie prenne un tournant à 360°. Ensemble, ils vont devoir faire face à ces troublants sentiments ainsi qu'à de nombreux obstacles s'ils veulent une chance d'un avenir...

En bref... Un final qui porte le titre parfait (Terrain Difficile) dans tous les sens du terme... Une lecture qui vous happe dès les premières pages et qui vous fera vibrer de la meilleure façon qui soit... Une magnifique histoire avec des moments doux, émouvants mais également torrides qui évolue tout en douceur... C'est simple j'ai adoré chaque instant dans ce livre... Je dois bien le reconnaître que le style d'Annabeth Albert ainsi que l'univers si particulier des SEAL m'ont littéralement captivée. Et j'espère que beaucoup d'entre vous se laisseront tenter....

A nice love story and an enjoyable read. Nothing spectacular but worth adding to a library collection.

Once again Annabeth Albert has taken me on a journey to find a happy ending. This time we go back to and connect two characters that made previous appearances in her Out of Uniform series. Renzo and Cannan were a bit of a slow simmer to me, but one I totally enjoyed. It was obvious they both had an attraction to the other, but I think Renzo was totally surprised by what he found in Cannan. There was for sure an awkwardness initially, with them both not sure what to do or say that I found endearing and sweet. Their passion was off the charts, and I loved the dirty talk that sometimes caused Renzo to blush; but when he finally let go and did his own talking it was hot, hot, hot! Their building friendship and respect made me love them as much as their beautiful love story.

The Out of Uniform series sort of crept up on me. Through seven novels and a bunch of short stories, I’ve had a blast reading about these men in uniform and the people they love.

I’ll be sad to see the series go, but ‘Rough Terrain’ ends it on a really good note!

I think what I enjoyed most about Canaan and Renzo’s relationship was just how much fun they had together. There weren’t necessarily any swoon-filled emotional moments (at least not at first), but instead there was a lot of laughter and playful competitiveness.

Plus, I loved how family meant so much to both men. Canaan’s grandfather was just precious.

And the sexual tension. These two were hot while fake boyfriends, and even hotter when it became something real.

But of course, not everything was sunshine-and-roses. There was a life-and-death situation that brought the men closer together.

And then there was relationship drama. The book dragged a bit for me at this point, simply because Renzo was being deliberately obtuse. Things didn’t have to get as complicated as they did.

Luckily, Canaan’s made of sturdier stuff, and Renzo gets his head out of his ass pretty quickly. The happy ever after was perfect.

If you’re looking for an MM series about soldiers in love, give the Out of Uniforms series a try!

rough terrain is the seventh book in the out of uniform series, and really just another winner. navy seal renzo and smoothie-maker canaan have the best meet-cute. both have been burned, but both are really interested in seeing if that spark between them is real.

when canaan asks renzo to be his plus one on a camping trip, he knows that the fake boyfriend thing might be a little much. but he's already interested in more, and when it turns out that having a navy seal with you happens to be a life-saving idea, canaan doesn't regret it.

renzo has some serious hang ups about relationships, but together he and canaan work through them. what makes these books so meaningful is that these characters have to make hard choices to get to their happy ending, but when they do, it's all that more meaningful.

**rough terrain will publish january 14, 2019. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/carina press in exchange for my honest review.

4.5 - 5 -> this one turned out to be one of my favorites.

Oh Canaan and Renzo… as sorry as I was that Rough Terrain marked the end of the Out of Uniform series, I don’t think it could have ended with a more perfect couple.

On the surface, Canaan and Renzo weren’t even close to a perfect match. Renzo was totally focused on his military career and he had reasons for that focus. Canaan was just as focused. He was working his way through nursing school. He was also “nursing” a broken heart, but that didn’t stop him from being attracted to Renzo – and the feeling was mutual.

Attraction isn’t always enough and it took them almost losing each other to make them realize that their “pretend” romance was a little more real than they realized.

There was so much to love about this final installment. Like a few cameos from previous characters that I always enjoy. A glimpse at military life that’s pretty close to accurate (or as close to accurate as fiction can get.) Then there was the connection between Renzo and Canaan. The supporting characters were both great and aggravating at times – the perfect balance. Although I’m still sad that Out of Uniform has come to an end, I can’t wait to see what Annabeth Albert has in store for readers next. 😉

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/M Military Romance

Canaan is working hard to earn his degree in nursing. He was able to live the life of a traveling drummer for a while, but when his grandpa gets sick, Canaan knows that his priorities need to change. While attending his classes, Canaan also has a hobby of staring at the local SEALs that come in to buy protein smoothies. Despite his overactive imagination and fantasies, Canaan doesn't really think that he'll have a chance with anyone. I really enjoyed Canaan's character. He was thoughtful, sweet, flirty, and when it mattered, very honest and serious.

Renzo is a tough SEAL, but underneath it all, he is also just a son who is trying his hardest to please his family. Despite loving his job, Renzo lives with this constant guilt. While I liked his character enough, I did think that he was a little too whiny and insecure. Yes, he had some issues with his family expecting a lot from him, but he also never really talked about it either.

Renzo and Canaan have great chemistry. They are fun and sexy together. When push comes to shove, both Renzo and Canaan will have to decide if what they are starting is worth the fight or if they had their fun and now they can each get back to their own lives. I enjoyed this story a lot and think that it fit well with the previous books in this series.


Angie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the last book in the series and it was different than the rest. This book was a little more light, fluffy, and sweet. Canaan and Renzo worked well together even though I thought their first date was more like something teenagers would do than grown men. It wasn't my favorite book in the series, but it also wasn't my least. It was a good ending to a good series. I wish we would have seen more characters from previous books since this was the last book, but oh well.


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
In Rough Terrain, author Annabeth Albert has given us another strong m/m romance with a hot Navy SEAL. I loved the relationship between Navy SEAL Renzo and nursing student/drummer/shop assistant Canaan. Here is Renzo, this totally buff, hot guy you’d expect to be confident with dating and sex, but he had some heavy insecurities and they really were kind of sweet. It is Canaan who had the confidence to flirt and lead in that department. Even thinking about them now makes me smile. I also loved that both men are close with and love their families and that their careers were important to them. Despite the fact that Canaan was once a member of a semi-famous band and Renzo is an elite member of the armed forces, I felt like these were just two everyday guys and I really did love them.

I highly recommend Rough Terrain. It is book #7 in the Out of Uniform series but could easily be read as a standalone.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
This is the story of the SEAL who falls for the cute guy at his local smoothie shop. Renzo and Canaan are an unlikely match on almost every level, but I love how they work together.

A few books ago, I was worried that this series was becoming a little bit formulaic and predictable. Thankfully, the last couple have been fresh and this story feels really original.

As a rock drummer turned nursing student, Canaan is a more complicated character than we first realise. Like Renzo and Canaan’s ex-boyfriend, I was initially wary of Canaan’s slightly obsessive interest in SEALs in general – and it took a while before I was convinced Canaan saw Renzo before he saw the SEAL. I love Canaan’s relationship with his grandfather, it's wonderful and I was plotting my own revenge scenarios for his ex from the moment he opened his mouth.

I really like it when the author adds action scenes into these books and I love that the hiking trip at the start of this one completely took me by surprise. Unfortunately, while I really liked the hiking adventure, the hiking trip probably established Renzo and Canaan as a couple too early and the men spend a little bit too much of the rest of the book in relationship limbo. I didn’t enjoy the time spent with Renzo and Canaan running around in circles, scared to commit to each other or plan for their future. Another consequence of coupling too early is that the romantic tension fades too quickly and much of the end feels like hard work as they hammer out practical solutions for a life together.

I enjoyed the characters in this story and I really like Renzo and Canaan together. I love that this feels like a fresh and original addition to the series. I just wish the structure and pacing had allowed the chemistry between these two to build for a bit longer.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the seventh book in the series, and definitely has links to previous books, but you could definitely enjoy it as a standalone too. Series readers will remember Canaan for sure, and will see the change as a clear indication of his change in interest levels now he has met Renzo.

This is a really enjoyable story, as in addition to the obvious attraction of sexy SEAL Renzo, we also get ex-drummer of successful band Canaan, who left it behind to care for his sick grandpa. After a slow start, and a strange mix of attraction, but caution, the two men agree to play boyfriends for a band reunion. When they all go on a trip into the wilds, little did they expect the drama that ensued. It certainly puts their feelings front and centre, but still doesn't make a future simple.

I love the pacing of this book, as we go from family, to adventure, to slow thoughtful resolutions, and some very fun and sexy private times. A really good addition to the series, thank you, Annabeth Albert.