I am happy and sad to be writing this review! I am happy as I loved Rough Terrain with Renzo and Canaan's story, but sad that this apparently is the end of the Out of Uniform series!! Boo hoo! I have loved them all-of course I have my favorites, but Annabeth Albert wrote such a profound and varied series that is believable!

I loved Canaan! We met him before in On Point-Ben and Maddox's story. Kind of seen as a SEAL chaser, I was glad to see he was so much more. He was a truly caring and compassionate person. He had the hots for Renzo and I was glad they got a chance to embark on a soul changing journey!

Renzo/Rooster has ghosts of guilt that he has never been able to shake. I understand why he did what he did, but I was also glad that he stopped running once Canaan was in his life. These two were a slow, but steady burn! There was quite a few obstacles they had to overcome, but I was intrigued about how they would work it all out!

Canaan's former band, outside of a couple, were complete idiots! Friends don't treat friends that way! I could feel all the hurt and resentment Canaan felt when he saw them again. And let's not forget what a complete douche-canoe Damian was! Canaan and Renzo were on solid ground, but I hated how Damian just wanted to cause trouble. He was jealous of what Canaan had I guess. I loved how Canaan always wanted to talk things out-no questioning what the other is thinking here. It was refreshing that they discussed everything together.

The secondary characters gave a strong sense of commitment and family. Canaan with his grandpa, and Renzo with his SEAL team and immediate family. It was unfortunate that Renzo misunderstood his mom's hero worship which in turn, saddled him with a huge weight upon his shoulders!

I really enjoyed this couple and was glad to see them achieve their HEA!

opinion.

I’ve definitely been up-and-down with this series. Some books in this series just clicked better than others for me. I would have to say this book was hard for me. I didn’t hate it... but I definitely wasn’t falling all over it.

I loved Canaan. His personality, how easy he made it to make Renzo feel relaxed. Getting Renzo out of his comfort zone.

Renzo.... he was a struggle for me. It took me a very long time to like him. I wasn’t feeling all his hang ups. It just felt like Canaan was constantly having to beg him to do things with him.... sexually. It was just hard for me to feel them as a couple. I wanted Renzo to loosen up a little. And that didn’t happen until almost the end.

At times too... I felt like there was too much focus on Renzo’s workout routine. And his diet. I mean I got it. He’s a health nut. I just hated how he would justify himself eating carbs all that time.

Overall this was an ok read for me. I’m glad it ended the way it did. But being the last book in this series. I don’t know. I was expecting something a little different.

*ARC provided by HARLEQUIN - Carina Press via Netgalley*

Rough Terrain is the story between a SEAL and a smoothie barista. It also mixes in the love trope of a fake relationship since Canaan needs a boyfriend for a trip coming up or he'll have to admit that he made the whole thing up. Lucky for him, the SEAL he's had his eye on accepts his invitation to go camping and plays along to help Canaan out. However, like all good fake relationship tropes, pretty soon these two find themselves no longer acting a part.

This was a good read but I will be honest that it wasn't my favorite from the series. I think it had to do with Canaan's character. Canaan has had a thing for the sexy men who serve our country. There's never a short supply of them since he works at a juice bar on base. However, the ones that really catch his eye are the Navy SEALs. He's had one in particular on his mind lately. On their first outing together, Canaan came on way too strong. Immediately talking about hooking up and just seemed way too eager to mark another notch on his bedpost. As the book progresses Canaan either toned it down a lot, or I just got used to it. However, his pushiness to get in bed with Renzo just left me feeling weird.

Renzo's character was a lot more laid back. In all honesty, he balanced out Canaan. He was a lot more subtle in his approach, a lot more reserved, and just really leveled out the playing field. He likes Canaan, but isn't sure if he's being used or if there's something really there with Canaan. It doesn't help that Canaan's ex jokes about him being a SEAL chaser, and then later they bump into fellow SEAL buddies of his and it turns out Canaan slept with them in a threesome. So yeah, he wasn't quick to give his heart away to Canaan. Renzo also has a lot riding on his shoulders with his family back home. He's been on the other side of the country from them since he entered the military and he's ready to get back to the east coast to spend more time with them. So, their relationship had a lot of obstacles to overcome.

Which is one thing that I love about this series. Each couple in the series has something pretty big, but also pretty normal, that they have to face in order to move forward. Whether it's fraternization, or getting ostracized by a team that you need to know has your back 110%, to just the basic uncertainty of being in the military. I loved that there wasn't any crazy unnecessary drama. Being in the military and having a relationship is hard enough as it is. I just really appreciated that the author didn't go adding some weird stuff in just to make a story seem more interesting.

Rough Terrain is the last book in the series and it was nice to see Rooster (Renzo) get a HEA. Over the course of the series you meet these guys, go on missions with these guys, and it's just so hard not to become attached to them and want to see them happy. So, I'm glad that Renzo got his moment in the spotlight.

This review originally appeared on the All About Romance website.

Off Base, the first in the Out of Uniform series, was my first military romance. Although I didn’t love that story, I liked the writing and the premise of the series, and decided to stay with it. I’m so glad I did. Over the course of seven wonderfully disparate books, the series has been reliably good (often amazing) and satisfying, and Ms. Albert’s love for her characters permeates each novel. I was sad picking up Rough Terrain, knowing it was the last book in the series, but happy to spend some more time in the Out of Uniform world. It’s too short – as the conclusion to this marvelous series and as a standalone title; readers don’t get nearly enough backstory. It’s a shame because this romance is sexy, smart, and I was engaged from start to finish.

In earlier novels in the series, we briefly met Navy SEAL Renzo Bianchi, aka “Rooster.” In I Do (a novella linked to At Attention), Rooster outed himself as bisexual; he’s also handsome, fit and famous (his workout videos have garnered him loyal fanbase on Instagram). Renzo loves being a SEAL, but is anxious to get back to the east coast and his close-knit family – who hero-worship him both for his military service and the way he takes care of them; he’s also hoping to be picked for jumpmaster training. Renzo isn’t looking for a boyfriend, and a recent failed relationship has left him doubting himself. He’s struggling under the pressure of his family’s expectations, and insecure about his appeal (to either sex); despite the positive attention he gets from his videos, Renzo is a study in contradictions. He also can’t stop thinking about the hot guy at the local smoothie shop, wondering if he should take him up on his offer to “find some trouble” together.

Canaan Finley thought he had life figured out. Drummer for up-and-coming rock band, Kirby’s Revenge, he spent years on the road traveling from gig to gig, until three years earlier his life took a major detour when his grandmother was diagnosed with stage four cancer. Canaan took a hiatus from the band to return home and help care for her, and after she died, he realized life on the road no longer held the same appeal. Now, Canaan is living with his grandfather, working part time at a smoothie shop, and pursuing a nursing degree in geriatric care. His former bandmates are touring in the US and want him to join them for a weekend camping trip. Canaan wants to go, but with everyone coupled up – including his asshole ex-boyfriend, he panics and tells them he might be bringing someone too. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have a boyfriend, and time is running out. When the hot Italian Navy SEAL he’s been crushing on stops in with friends one night, Canaan impetuously invites him out.

Renzo takes Canaan up on his offer to spend time together, but doubts about Canaan’s expectations for the night nearly derail the evening before it begins. Worried Canaan is a SEAL chaser (he is), and reluctant to pursue something that can’t go anywhere, he tries to keep his attraction at bay. But he likes Canaan. A lot. Their evening is easy and effortless, and Canaan has an uncanny ability to intuit exactly what Renzo needs. His charming ‘friend’ makes it clear he’s up for more, but never presses. Renzo struggles to resist him until Canaan asks him for a favor and confirms what he already suspected: Canaan was using him all along. He has no desire to be anyone’s fake boyfriend or go camping. Canaan tries – in vain – to reassure him he’s interested whether or not Renzo goes on the trip, but the damage is done and it’s clear Renzo is hurt. They part as friends, but Canaan worries he’s ruined everything.

Reader, Renzo goes on the trip (it’s in the book description) after trying and failing to resist his desire to spend more time with Canaan. He doesn’t quite trust Canaan and resents his role as ‘fake boyfriend,’ but he can’t stay away. Resolving beforehand to keep his hands to himself and get through the weekend as Canaan’s friend, he stubbornly tries to resist Canaan’s flirtatious teasing. Unfortunately, Canaan makes it EXTREMELY difficult to do so. He’s charming, funny, and forthright, and totally unfazed by Renzo’s attempts to keep his questions and curiosity at bay. No subject is off-limits and even when Renzo confesses sex hasn’t always been easy or pleasurable for him (and explains why), Canaan doesn’t stumble. He stubbornly sticks to his pursuit of more from Renzo, and eventually, Renzo is forced to admit resistance is futile – he can’t control his attraction to the other man.

From the start, the camping trip goes awry. Renzo doesn’t like the way Canaan’s bandmates treat him (especially his ex), and their behavior informs his own. Protective and devoted, he’s everything Canaan wants in a real boyfriend and there’s nothing pretend about his response to their intense connection. When they find themselves alone in their hotel together the first night, Renzo quits pretending. Their sex is hot, passionate, and playful, and nothing like Renzo has ever experienced; it confuses him. Is it real or an act? For his part, Canaan is a skillful and patient lover, carefully and systematically dismantling Renzo’s preconceived expectations, and teaching him the pleasures to be had with the right partner.

The story detours shortly after the camping trip gets underway; Renzo and Canaan are separated from the group by a flash flood and have to depend on each other for survival. Their ordeal and time together triggers a protective instinct in both men, along with a new awareness there’s nothing simple or fake about their feelings for each other. I loved the refocus and where the narrative goes from this point forward, but I wish Ms. Albert had made better use of their sojourn in the wilderness. Although we finally discover how each man became the person they are when the story begins, the revelations felt more like an awkward info dump that permits the author to pivot and introduce the second half: the rough terrain they face once they return to San Diego.

Ms. Albert does a marvelous job confounding reader expectations for Rough Terrain. Renzo is no preening rooster as earlier books suggested, and while Canaan might be a SEAL chaser, he recognizes Renzo is someone special; there’s never anything ‘fake’ about this relationship, and this isn’t a wilderness survival story (that’s actually a very brief portion of the book). Instead, Ms. Albert takes two stubborn and opposite men and reveals how they learn to love and trust in each other and themselves despite their less than auspicious beginning. I liked them and their journey, and the author perfectly captures the tenderness, affection and HEAT between them (there are some STEAMY scenes in this one). Although Rough Terrain isn’t the best in the series (that’s a toss-up between On Point and Tight Quarters), it’s a lovely conclusion to this excellent series.

3.5 Stars

It seems like yesterday that I read about this exciting new series about SEALs getting their HEAs, and now suddenly I’m looking at book seven and don’t want to say goodbye to one of my favorite series. It’s been two years since the release of the first book! Can you believe it? It wasn’t all smooth sailing and high ratings for me, but in general, I liked the stories we got. My absolute favorites were Wheels Up and At Attention, and they’ll keep their spot at my top-shelf for a long time to come.

The final book in the Out of Uniform series gave me some mixed feelings. There’s a fake boyfriend trope that doesn’t last very long, and two stubborn guys who don’t want to see what’s right in front of them. I liked the start of their relationship and their dates. Canaan’s friends are another matter, though, and didn’t win any prizes from me, especially his ex and Eric, who were annoying and obnoxious.

Renzo’s story was shocking, but I loved his brother and how they were together. His parents were pushy without meaning to be, and kept shoving high expectations at him that Renzo had no way of not trying to live up to.

Up until halfway, or even 3/4 of the way, I was engaged and wanted to see what would happen next, but then the ever-present break-up-near-the-end-of-the-book came, and for pages upon pages we went around in circles reading Canaan’s and Renzo’s thoughts that were the same thing over and over again. The book could easily be a couple dozen—or even more—pages shorter without the story missing anything important.

We got to see couples from the previous stories as always, but sadly no one from my favorite books. Still, Maddox and Ben made a special appearance, and I must admit that I had completely forgotten about meeting Canaan in their book for the first time. The ending was satisfying, and everyone got what they most wanted, so no surprises there. All in all, this was a good wrap for the series, but it won’t get a spot in my favorite reads.

I can’t wait to see what Annabeth Albert is getting ready for us next!

Reviewed by Ky

I've been waiting for Rooster's story so getting here was just delightful! Renzo and Caanan had an odd start but it worked for them. I loved how open and honest they were with one another. They didn't have an easy time with all of their outside issues, family, friends, past bs. But they worked through it by... ya know, communicating!!! I love that. I also love that one if the locations they had a date was somewhere I used to spend a lot of time. Great read!!!

I can't believe this is the last book in this series! But WOW, what a way to end things! I just LOVED Renzo and Canaan's story, their journey to their HEA even made me cry just a bit, and that rarely happens. Annabeth Albert really hit it out of the park with this one, and this couple might be one of my favorites from the whole series.

Canaan works in a smoothie shop on base and takes care of his grandfather. He used to be a drummer in an up-and-coming band, but gave it up when his family needed him, and now he is working towards getting his nursing degree so he can help others like the people who helped his grandmother. He loves getting to look at all the eye-candy that being on base brings (and who wouldn't?!) but especially loves his moments with Renzo, or Rooster as his friends call him.

This starts with a fun trope - the fake boyfriend! But what starts as fun and flirty moments, turns serious when Renzo and Canaan are separated from their hiking group and a flash flood makes the situation even more grim. I loved how in-tuned these two were with each other, and how Renzo was determined to get Canaan out and how Canaan was also determined to be there for Renzo. These two! Ugh, my heart.

I loved Renzo and Canaan and the chemistry they had together, as once they get back to the real world they decide to make things real. As they get to know each other and figure out what works best for them, they definitely get to explore plenty of fun things to do together, and it's sizzling. Their connection is just so instant, it's no surprise that they're all in with having only been together for a couple of months. Magic lube FTW!

There is also a strong sense of family in this story - from Canaan and his grandpa, to Renzo and his family and everyone wanting to do the "right" thing - but Canaan and Renzo needed to figure out the right them for THEM, not necessarily just their families. That whole "if you love something, set it free..." quote plays heavily into this story, and my heart just broke as both men just wanted what was best for the other, and they were both willing to give up their happiness for the sake of the other's. I'm so glad that they fought for a way to make it work, and I just LOVED how this story ended.

This story stands very well on its own, but if you are a fan of military romance, (some stories have age gap, some have single dads, friends-to-lovers, seriously there's a trope for everyone here) you will love this series. Highly, highly recommended!

Can't wait to see what else Annabeth Albert has in store for us in 2019!

I received an arc copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I would rate this 4 stars.

This is the last book in the Out of Uniform series, but this will read fine as a standalone. Canaan is studying to be a geriatric nurse and working at a smoothie place by the base. When his friends and former band members pressure him to bring someone on their camping trip since everyone is coupled up, he invites his SEAL crush Renzo. The thing is, the plot is not that complicated. As always with Annabeth Albert, it's the attention to detail and the skill put into making the audience care about her characters that elevates the book. They are both real, awkward, and honest--to a point as they both guard their hearts. Their interactions show how they fit together in both mundane and extreme circumstances. Seeing them deal with the outside pressure of others while they are on uneven footing was interesting, but the novel takes off when they get seperated from the group in a camping adventure gone wrong. The forced proximity and emergency bring them closer.

You have to admire Canaan for taking a chance and putting himself out there. He never lies to Renzo about who he is, his past, or what he wants. He usually instigates some pretty frank sex talk. I agree completely: if you can't talk about it, you probably shouldn't be doing it. The love scenes are steamy and sweet as they work out what works for them. Renzo took longer for me to know with all of his layers, and compartmentalizing. It's not that Renzo can't feel sexual attraction without an emotional connection, he just doesn't want to. He's also had some negative sexual encounters that gave him some hang-ups.

I think the strong ties that both guys have to their family ultimately help them to realize they could have those ties to each other if they take the chance. Relationships are work and compromise. With Renzo being away for long periods of time for military service, the commitment and trust have to be there. This is a good addition to the series, which I have really enjoyed. I would recommend them all, but my favorites are At Attention and Wheels Up.

This is book seven and the final book in the series.it is the story of Renzo and Cannan. I love this series so much and am really not ready for it to end. Renzo is a Seal and Cannan is working on gettting his nursing degree. Love how the chemistry develops between these to men and their story..

This is the seventh book in the Out of Uniform series. It is a MM contemporary romance. This was an excellent book, it grabbed my attention from the very first page. The characters are developed and the pace is perfect. The main characters both have their flaws, yet they learn to love each other. Even though this is the seventh book in the series it can be read as a stand-alone.

Every time I think Annabeth Albert can't possibly come up with another couple that challenge while also complimenting each other, she proves me wrong. On the surface, Renzo and Canaan seem like they're a case of opposites attract. Once they start getting to know each other, though, the similarities in what they want out of life are so similar.

I developed a soft spot for Renzo right away, with his confidence as a SEAL coupled with his shaky self-image. I love that Albert is able to write characters who are strong and confident while also showing that they have real insecurities and doubts. As always, the conversations about consent were a highlight of the book for me. Completely in-character, appropriate and endearing without being heavy-handed.

The fake-boyfriend trope is one of my least favorites, but I did enjoy it here. Canaan's bandmates are kind of tools, so I didn't enjoy the parts with them as much. Canaan's grandfather is a joy, though.

Overall, as sad as I am to see the series end, I'm very happy with the connection between Renzo and Canaan. It was a fitting send-off.

Rough Terrain is the final book in the Out of Uniform series, though I understand there will still be occasional shorts and novellas within the universe. The great thing about this series is it’s easy to jump around and out of order as I’ve done. Although characters from previous books often make appearances, their roles are such that each book is a true standalone. While I have yet to read the series in full, it has yet to disappoint and Rough Terrain proved to be another enjoyable and entertaining story featuring great characters.

It was impossible not to like Renzo and Canaan from the start. Their opposites attract romance was cute and I liked how Canaan’s boldness steadily pulled the quieter Renzo from the background. I also loved how the author worked the fake boyfriend trope into Rough Terrain. It made for an interesting and entertaining story while pushing the romance along at a faster, but still believable, pace. Though Canaan and Renzo were certainly different in many respects, Miss Albert also highlighted their similarities, such as their admirable devotion to their families, making it easy to see just how well these two fit. Between the trouble Renzo and Canaan got into on the camping trip, the flirty and often sexy banter, and characters you couldn’t help but love, this sweet, fun romance easily kept my attention and made for a very enjoyable read I’d recommend.

Annabeth Albert’s “Rough Terrain” exposes two newly dating men to a life-threatening circumstance. On their return home, however, they realize what we all know too well. Everyday problems can be far worse. It’s not the elephant in the bedroom that kills you, it’s the ants in the kitchen!

SEAL Renzo Bianchi has been his family’s hero since his brother’s teenaged mishap. He adores his family, but it’s exhausting to be the best at everything. Unfortunately, this man, who is terrified to harm anyone needlessly, falsely believes his (ahem) largess is a flaw.
Just before his band hit it big, drummer Canaan Finley gave up touring to help his grandmother fight (and lose to) cancer. Now in nursing school, he helps care for his grandpa, and doesn’t regret his choice, not when he has SEALs to ogle while he works part-time at a smoothie shop. He’s carefree, the perfect foil to an intense SEAL – until pressure to bring a boyfriend on his ex-bandmates camping trip puts him and his new crush in danger’s way.

This standalone from Ms. Albert’s “Out of Uniform” series perked me up while I was sick. She has a knack for presenting complex thoughts and characters so simply they penetrated a fevered brain. For example, when Canaan realizes his band friendships aren’t what they once were, Renzo simply sits with him, not speaking. “It was almost…humbling, him staying here with Canaan. Holding space or whatever Canaan’s friends back at school would call it.”

There is simply lovely byplay between Canaan, the easy-going flirt and Renzo, the intense perfectionist. We know people like these guys, and might wonder how two men with very different characters could blend. But Ms. Albert makes us believe in them. We root as we are shown how they make their differences enhance one another.

Ms. Albert also offers an excellent exploration of life for those who love a member of the armed services. Their sacrifices impact families in every manner, and I had my heart in my throat wondering if, and how, these two could make it. And what about Grandpa? We’re rooting for him as well!

Want average Joes engaged in the not so average journey called life? Want romance with your heated bedroom scenes? Want to see what sacrifice really looks like? “Rough Terrain” is the book for you!

3.5 of 5 Stars

This is the final book in the series and while good it wasn’t my favorite. I liked both characters but there were a few things about this book I didn’t understand or that didn’t work for me.
- The need for the fake boyfriend for the ‘reunion’ camping trip made no sense to me at all. Canaan didn’t want to get back with Damian (thank God because he’s a jerk and I have no idea why he ever wanted to go out with him in the first place) and Canaan and Renzo spent most of their time avoiding Damian and Eric on the trip because they were so unbearably awful. The band ended up in Southern California later any way so I’m not sure why Canaan didn’t just meet with the people from the band he wanted to see then instead of going on the wasted trip. I honestly didn’t understand the whole Damian dynamic at all. Canaan and Renzo never really acted like fake boyfriends and all this did was feed Renzo’s insecurities about whether Canaan really wanted to be together.
- Breaking up with someone because it’s what’s best for him/her/them without letting that person decide what he/she/they want NEVER works for me. It drove me nuts that Renzo wouldn’t even consider any other options with Canaan at first. Renzo just decided that Canaan couldn’t possibly handle a military relationship, so he sacrificed himself for the betterment of Canaan’s life. Just no.
- Renzo’s mom was too much for me.

What I did like was Canaan and Renzo working through Renzo’s insecurities together. Renzo’s past lovers did a number on him and his insecurities ran deep. I loved seeing Canaan help him get past that…and their sexual chemistry was off the charts!

The book is a bit predictable, but it is a good story...one I’m glad I read. There is of course an HEA and fans of the series shouldn’t miss this final chapter.

Navy Seal Renzo isn't really looking for a hookup or a relationship with smoothie-maker Canaan even though there's a mutual attraction there. But when Renzo is encouraged to take a few days off, he agrees to a go on a camping trip arranged by Canaan's old band. There's a lot of history there for Canaan and showing up with Renzo will do a lot for letting his friends know he's moved on.

A surprise rain storm strikes the camping trip, putting Renzo and Canaan in harm's way, but Renzo is completely prepared and averts disaster. Facing the situation together puts their relationship in the spotlight and they decide to give the relationship a try, but there's only one thing in the way -- Renzo's request for a transfer back east.

Like all the books in this series, the story moves along quite nicely and I was invested in what would happen to these two men early on in the story. There was just enough conflict to make things interesting and enough feelings that this reader wanted Renzo and Canaan to at least have a chance at happiness together.

I enjoyed Rough Terrain, especially the exciting drama on the camping trip. It's a good addition to a great series.

An ARC was provided for review.

OMG Y'ALL! Albert immerses the reader in charactery goodness right from the first chapter as her two heroes work to build their attraction into a friendship and from there to potential HEA territory. Add in multiple layers of tension in every other part of their lives, skillfully interwoven with their romance, and I couldn't tear myself away. 4.5 stars.

It's a great series starting point, too, though you WILL want the other Out of Uniform books.

I loved this book! It was the final book in the Out of Uniform series and it may wind up being my favorite (at least until I do another re-read of the other books!). I really fell for Renzo and Canaan and the challenges they faced together. Renzo’s realization of what he wanted in his relationship with Canaan was just everything for me. This book gave me all the feels and I laughed, and I cried. I really tried to keep myself from ugly crying at my desk at one point but just gave in! I just had to see where Renzo and Canaan’s story was going to go before I could start my day at work! I loved how Renzo and Canaan worked out the inevitable military life unknowns. I’m truly going to miss reading about these wonderful characters, but this last story will stay with me for a long time!

This series meant a lot to me, one of my initial introductions into MM Romance with the first book, Off Base. While each book could be read stand-alone, be sure to check out each book as some of the characters overlap, and story each is wonderful in its own way.

I hate to see this series end.

Well, someone once said "all good things must come to an end" but that doesn't mean we have to be happy about it. 😊 I have loved the Out of Uniform series so much! Each book in this series can easily be read as a standalone story and each one has been special in its own way.

Rough Terrain is now tied for first place as my favorite in the series; my other favorite was On Point. I think there must be something about two guys getting stranded together with no one else around that really works for me. Canaan and Renzo's relationship starts out pretty slow but Renzo is as attracted to Canaan as Canaan is to Renzo – Canaan just doesn't know it.

Canaan Finley has a bit of a reputation for lusting after Navy SEALs and Renzo Bianchi sure caught his attention when he and his fellow SEALs came into the smoothie shop where Canaan works. Renzo's attracted to Canaan but doesn't intend to lose his heart or get burned again. His last relationship ended badly when his now ex-boyfriend used him to make *his* ex jealous.

I always enjoy a good fake-relationship story and this one is really great. Canaan's former bandmates are going on a camping trip and insist that Canaan bring his current boyfriend. Canaan might have made up a Navy SEAL boyfriend just to get his ex-boyfriend/ex-bandmate off of his back. So Canaan is happily shocked when Renzo agrees to pretend to be his boyfriend for the weekend.

I felt so bad for Renzo that his few sexual relationships didn't really go well (you'll find out why when you read the book). He likes to cuddle and kiss but doing much more hasn't really worked for him in the past. Canaan is determined to show Renzo that there is nothing wrong with him and that he just hasn't met the right person yet (Renzo is bi).

This story has lots of feels in it. Canaan left the band he was in to be there for his Grandpa when his Grandma got sick. After Grandma died, he's continued to stay in the small apartment in back of Grandpa's house so he can keep an eye on him. Renzo lives across the country from his parents and brother but has requested a change of duty station in order to be closer to them. Family relationships are complicated but important in this book.

I could go on and on about this story but you really just need to read it for yourself. If you are a fan of this series you won't want to miss it. If you haven't started the series yet don't be intimidated by the fact that this is book 7. While I almost always like to read a series in order, I can tell you that you won't feel lost or like you're missing anything if you start with this book. Characters from previous books do make an appearance but they are very brief and not really integral to Canaan and Renzo's story.

While this series is now complete, don't despair; Annabeth has a new one coming up soon called Frozen Hearts and I'm really looking forward to reading it.

A review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book.

***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions***

FYI, I've read three books in Annabeth Albert's "Out of Uniform" series and enjoyed them immensely, but after reading more than a few SEAL-related books lately I was a bit burned out with the general theme. But, holy cow, hold the presses ... I loved the everlasting heck out of "Rough Terrain."

The author has a way of taking various plot devices (fake boyfriend and two MCs in peril that brings them closer) that could be overdone in lesser hands and makes them fresh and insightful. Canaan is an admitted "SEAL chaser" and is fascinated by gorgeous Renzo who, with his SEAL friends, weekly drops by the smoothie place where Canaan works (in addition to finishing up his classes to become a nurse).

Renzo looks like the typical buff SEAL but he's got some issues. He's relatively shy, doesn't like hook-ups, prefers long slow gentle kisses and is uncomfortable with sex. ("Canaan was beginning to suspect that Renzo had a hidden romantic side that really valued the emotional part of sex.") He's also got a huge hero complex and a strong bend towards perfectionism. "He had this ... need to be perfect. [...] To be the best son. Best brother."

Canaan, on the other hand, is very comfortable in his freewheeling existence and his sexuality:

"Ah. There you go. It's a perfectionist control-freak thing with you. No one's great at sex - that's part of the fun. Weird parts knock together. Things get tangled. People fall off beds. Lube runs out. But then you get lucky, and everything works, and it's ... Nothing like it."

But Canaan also knows that "he wasn't the kind of guy people planned futures with." He's still a college student at 26 and basically lives with his grandpa.

Yet, these two dissimilar personalities work so well together, and for the most part because they honestly communicate with one another. They work together to survive a perilous situation and work together for their happy ending. Yes, the sex scenes are pretty darn hot, but it's their basic understanding and appreciation and love for each other that really really works so well in this book. (Personally, I could have done without the subplot about Canaan's evil-ex but that's a small niggle.) 4.5 stars and a Recommended Read.

~4.5 Stars

I'm not a fan of " The Fake Boyfriend Trope" but the author + man in uniform is hard to pass up so I gave it a chance and it worked for me in Rough Terrain. Renzo & Canaan were so sweet together and they actually communicated like grown ass man. Great ending to a great series!!