Rough Terrain is the seventh book in the Out of Uniform series and I believe it's the last! I'm a huge fan of Annabeth's and I have read this entire series and really do love them all. I'm sad that this is the end, but knowing Annabeth, we'll see them again somewhere! Renzo is a SEAL and he's Italian (total bonus!). He's into fitness and he takes his job very seriously. He's a by the book kinda guy and he has a few hang ups about relationships and sex. Canaan works at the smoothie place on base and has always had a thing for Renzo. He's fun and flirty, but he's working to put himself through nursing school. He used to play drums in a band, but left that life behind to take care of his grandparents. He can't help but flirt with Renzo and after a fun and exciting date he has a proposition for him. Be his fake boyfriend for a camping weekend with his old bandmates. They have obstacles to overcome. They both have separate dreams to fulfill. Can they find a way to get everything they want including each other? I loved this story! I loved watching them get to know each other. It was sexy, funny and so sweet! Renzo's seriousness balances out Canaan's freeness and that makes them the perfect couple. I'm sad that the series is over, but these SEALs and their men will forever be in my heart!

ARC from the publisher

Rough Terrain is the seventh and final installment in Annabeth Albert’s Out of Uniform series, and let me tell you - I am not ready to say goodbye. Rarely do I start a series and stick with it promptly enough to be there for every release, but I was waiting on tenterhooks for every installment of this one. I have loved each and every one of these men (to varying degrees,) and been so happy to see them work for their happily ever afters. After all, this series, at its core, is about love, compromise and good-hearted men.

Canaan and Renzo meet when Renzo and his team come into the smoothie shop where Canaan works. Sparks fly, but it’s a while before things really take off for these two. After a childhood tragedy, Renzo’s been carrying the burden of being a hero to his family, which they’ve perpetuated ever since. But it’s clear that they love him. Canaan is much more easygoing, living with a grandfather who adores him and who he adores in return. Renzo (also known as Rooster in previous installments, which he is not a fan of,) and Canaan’s relationship was fun from the get go. So easygoing and sweet. But Canaan throws a wrench in things when he asks Renzo to pose as his boyfriend, and things take a turn from there. Renzo’s insecurities kick in and Canaan is quick to realize that sometimes the past is better left in the past. At first, Renzo’s insecurities reared their ugly heads so often it was getting to be too much, but after pieces of his past were revealed, it makes sense that they’d be constantly plaguing him; it would have been odd if they hadn’t been at the forefront of his mind. And all it takes is one trip with his past friends and bandmates for Canaan to realize he’s better off looking toward the future. As for the camping trip and getting stranded together, I did think this would be a bigger part of the story, but it was the aftermath of the events that dominated the plot, while also highlighting how well Canaan and Renzo worked together. I felt like there were more steamy scenes in this one than I’m used to (and that’s not a complaint,) and they well written - sexy while also being sweet and conveying both men’s personalities perfectly. Canann and Renzo’s road to happy ever after was filled with hurdles and angst, and I loved every moment. It was everything I’ve come to expect from an Annabeth Albert book. Another thing I appreciated was that we weren’t hit over the head with previous characters from this series, as some authors are inclined to do when wrapping things up. The ones that did show up made appearances because it suited the plot.

I think it’s clear I adored everything about these characters and this story. Rough Terrain was a perfect series ender, embodying everything I love about Annabeth Albert’s writing. The only thing I didn’t like about this is that it’s the end. And that’s, of course, for selfish reasons; I’m just not ready to let go. The upside is that now I have something new to look forward to from this author. And I can’t wait!

This review was originally posted on Books & Beauty Are My Bag.

I truly enjoyed this contemporary M/M story. I found both Renzo and Canaan extremely interesting and watching their story unfold was a real treat. Everyone knows that Canaan has a thing for a man in uniform and Renzo Bianchi fills his out better than most. Too bad relationships aren't for Renzo so friends it is. That is until Renzo needs a fake boyfriend to meet the parents and put their worries to rest. On a crazy trip home there is lots of fun, flirting and even a near death experience. Will Renzo finally let his heart go?

Great read and one I highly recommend.

I'm a huge, huge Annabeth Albert, but Rough Terrain wasn't my favorite in the series.

I love military men and I love bisexual men, so it's a little puzzling to me why this story didn't click for me like others have. I think the use of the fake boyfriend trope was a little strange here, and, really, not necessary. I actually enjoyed the forced intimacy from the dire situation that happens in the book (no spoilers so no further details), but I think if it wasn't for that, I would have struggled with the chemistry as well.

Canaan's ex-boyfriend was a total asshole, and I didn't like him even having any page time in the story. I also thought Renzo was way too influenced by his family, and they bothered me also. However, my least favorite thing was the "I'm breaking up with you because it's 'for the best'" trope that reared its ugly head near the end. One of my huge pet peeves.

Now that I'm done with my complaining, I can get onto the good aspects. I thought the sex was SUPER hot, and I loved them getting to know each other and their bodies. Smoking. The pair overcoming Renzo's sexual hang ups was pretty enjoyable to read about. More of that, please!

I also could feel the beginnings of something wonderful between them, though I didn't quite get there in buying the intense emotions. It was almost really great, but stopped short. I also really loved Canaan's relationship with his grandfather. It was very, very sweet and make me like Canaan even more.

While not a stand-out in the series, I think Annabeth Albert fans and fans of the series should still give this one a go.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

So sweet and a bit of a tear jerker too!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There’s nothing like a topic devoted to hot men when it comes to an exciting new book and this one had all of the earmarks of being just that.

Combining military men and romance is something I can certainly sink my teeth into. The author did not disappoint when it came to crafting this book.

I love the fact she took two a-typical male characters and created a relationship that balanced the strengths and weaknesses of each of them. I also love the fact that our strong and tough military man had a lot of vulnerability with issues we don’t expect from someone like that.

The author created a story with a lot of interest between the steaming and sexy connections, the great character development, humor and emotion, and the precarious element of love.

There were many parts with written with raw emotion that she actually had me shedding a few tears. I can honestly say I think that’s the first time in a M/M story that’s ever happened.

Surprising and full of deep emotion you can completely connect with, this book is not a typical M/M read. Great story!

Renzo and Canaan are different characters, and I liked that they had diverse interests and yet found some common ground. I liked their cute/meet, and that the relationship progressed naturally from lusting after a type (Canaan liking SEALS), to him acknowledging strong feelings for THIS particular SEAL.

Renzo's hang ups were different, and interesting. Of course he's not a talker, so that's half the story right there, but it worked within the context of them unsure of how serious they wanted to get, and the other obstacles in their way.

The camping trip was a chance for them to cement trust, although I would have liked to see the connection between Canaan and his band mates a little more. We were told they were close since childhood, but I didn't really feel it.

Grandpa is awesome, and it was nice to connect with a couple of partners from the previous books. This is a strongly plotted, sexy addition to the Out of Uniform series, and if you like the others, I am certain you will want to read this one as well.

The first chapter of a new series was added to the end, and it sucked me straight in. Love this author's ability to develop fresh ideas and characters.

Thanks Netgalley and publisher for early copy. It's out on Jan 14.

Rough Terrain was a bit of a mixed bag for me. There's some danger, and both Canaan and Renzo have their share of issues to work through, so the book does have the required angst. Nevertheless, it all felt a little too easy. Most issues are worked through quickly with the exception of Renzo's... umm, intimacy problems. There was quite a lot of time devoted to Canaan reassuring him, including during sexy times. Those times were certainly hot, but the continued mention of that one thing grew repetitive and tedious. For me, there were other things that should've been more of an obstacle in the relationship than that one, but they're almost glossed over. I did enjoy the wit and banter throughout the story, and Canaan's grandfather was one of my favorite characters, but for a lot of the book, it felt like this story couldn't decide what it wanted to be - fun and lighthearted or emotional and angsty. There's nothing wrong with a combination of both, but this one seems to go from one extreme to other and the result is somewhat choppy. In the end, there were things I liked and things I didn't, landing me somewhere in the middle.

In my opinion, the blurb for this book is not actually very reflective of the story. A lot of the development of the relationship between Canaan and Renzo happens before and after the two of them get in trouble hiking. That may be the most dramatic part of the plot, but I found all the rest of it just as important to their romance.

Take the beginning of the book. The blurb makes it sound like all Canaan wants from Renzo is a hot fake boyfriend. That’s not the case, though. Canaan very quickly comes to like and respect Renzo enough not to want to use him like that. He just genuinely wants to spend more time getting to know Renzo. (Now, if it also includes getting some action, well, Canaan’s not going to turn that down.)

Renzo has some hang ups related to sex that are not typical for a m/m romance, or at least I haven’t encountered it often in the ones I’ve read. I’m not going to give details, but that part of the plot added an interesting dimension to the story even before they go on that hike.

After their rescue, other obstacles affect their relationship. As in many military romances, Renzo’s career creates issues, because his life isn’t really his own—it’s Uncle Sam’s. Beyond that, though, Canaan and Renzo are very dedicated to their families, and their relatives’ needs exert pressures on both men that they must overcome.

So, there’s a lot more going on in this romance novel than a fake relationship plot. The author also has a gift for writing characters that are easy to care about and root for, and that’s the case in this book as well.

I’ve yet to read a book by Annabeth Albert that I didn’t like. Maybe I’ve just been lucky, or maybe she’s just that good—I don’t know for sure. I do know that based on the preview at the end, I’m going to be reading her next romance, too. (Mountain man and supermodel . . . I am intrigued!)

A copy of this book was provided through NetGalley for review; all opinions expressed are my own.

4 stars

Review title: Fake boyfriend with benefits

So first of all, I have not read all of the books in this series (in fact, I have only read Out of Uniform (Book 1) at this point, but I really loved it!), so I was not familiar with these characters assuming they had been introduced in earlier installments. I don't think it mattered in terms of my ability to enjoy the story; I didn't feel "lost" or that I was missing vital information, so I can say that this book could be read as a standalone.

I don't particularly care for the "fake relationship" angle because I feel that it is overused in the genre, but the author made it work better than in some of those who have used that plot line. I think part of why is the insane chemistry between the two main characters. You could feel the tension, and it made the steamy scenes all the more enjoyable! I didn't love the "friends" they went camping with, but I think it was intentional on the author's part. I can say that I am a bit of a sucker for the "stranded" plot line, so that part was equal parts fun, suspenseful, and hot! Overall, a recommended read if you enjoy likeable, hot men steamy goodness!

The seventh and final book in the Out of Uniform series, Rough Terrain was a well written finale. I loved the characters and how a first impression is not always all there is. The interaction was dynamic and the story engaging and although I wish it didn’t have to end Annabeth Albert delivered a wonder book and series and one I look forward to recommending to others.

Page turning wonderfulness, this book brings us the story of Navy SEAL Renzo Bianchi and Canaan and former drummer, now a nursing student.
It shows the way that love can overcome all obstacles if you just open your heart and your mind. This story touched my heart so much. It was a pleasure reading it.

I have some mixed feelings about Rough Terrain. Overall I enjoyed it, but there were some niggles.

Bad news first:

-Fake boyfriend trope is never a favorite but has worked for me before. I didn't enjoy it here. I hated the person it was done for and wished Canaan has just stood his ground.

-I also didn't care for the for the rescue mission. It felt too similar to Tight Quarters except I got a little bore and skimmed some of it in this book.

-I hated most of Canaan's old bandmates. Their lousy behavior almost felt contrived; it was too much.

The good news:

-I Loved Canaan and Renzo. They were great guys who were family oriented.

-Nice relationship development.

-Steaming chemistry.

-Dual POVs

-A strong HEA.

As for my final rating, I was torn between 3 and 4 stars. I'll go with 3.5 and round up to 4 since the second half of the book was my favorite.

I am not quite sure how to rate this book. I know that I didn't hate it and did actually enjoy the writing and the story in some way but now that it's finished, I don't really remember much of the story.
I'd probably call it a solid book. Will I ever read it again? Not likely, which is why it gets 3 stars.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5 stars
🔥🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 4

Heart, trust, and healing! Wow, what a wonderful story!!

This is the first book of this series that I’ve read and honestly, the first novel of Annabeth’s and I can’t wait to read more, such a talented writer!

I found this story compelling right from the start and while it included a fake-boyfriend trope at the beginning, I felt that this was never really ‘fake’ and the connection between Canaan and Renzo transcended this trope.

I loved Canaan and Renzo! These characters have so much depth, they felt so real to me. I could feel Renzo’s insecurities and his overwhelming guilt, and I could empathize with Canaan’s situation and his desire to just be loved. Annabeth has weaved a wonderful, compelling story with ups and downs, a close call that rattles the characters and a realistic but superb happy ending! This book was an eventful ride to find ‘the one’ no matter who they may be and fighting for that love no matter the sacrifice!

A highly commendable ending to the series and a recommended read! I can’t wait to see where Annabeth will take us next!!

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My 4 star review is up on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2585083821?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1

It will be posted on blog and social media upon release and and social media and blog links go live at 6 am cst on 1/14/19..

4 stars
Canaan Finley is a nursing student and works in the smoothie shop frequented by SEALS. He has had his eye on Renzo "Rooster" Bianchi for awhile but never knew that Rooster might swing his way as well. So when he finds out, he makes an offer to hang out and the two share a bit of fun and city adventures.

Rooster is a perfectionist, control freak, and a work-a-holic, but with intimate relationships he is a bit more awkward. Canaan is more flirty, easy-going, bold, and fun. When Canaan needs a plus one for a camping trip with his old band, he convinces Rooster to be his fake boyfriend to get his friends off his back.

They had no idea this was going to be more challenging than they expected. Not only will they be putting on a show, but they will also be put in difficult situations where they will have to trust and rely on each other. But the biggest adventure of all might be trying to figure out if there is any way for them to make a real relationship work when back in their daily lives.

They were not looking for a relationship or love, so their connection was unexpected. Renzo is plagued by expectations, guilt, and pressure. Canaan has his own obligations and has been making changing to his life, but also misses certain aspects of his old one. Both have been working towards new opportunities in their careers. They are both family oriented, unfortunately their families are on opposite coasts. They both add excitement and passion to each other's lives, but also ground and balance each other. But there are no easy fixes to the roadblocks in their way. And they have a tendency to cope and make decisions in different ways.

It all will come down to honesty, choices, faith, hard work, and sacrifice. But getting to that point will take a leap of faith and believing in themselves and each other.

I really liked both Renzo and Canaan and thought they made a good pair that balanced each other out. They had good chemistry, patience, and fun rapport. I enjoyed both of their families and seeing some cameos. This one seemed to be a bit longer than some of the others so some parts might have dragged a bit, but the characters did go through a lot. I felt they were well developed and their problems were realistic ones.

Renzo and Canaan

This author is master with conversations and monologues. Not one dull moment

Canaan... dear, sweet and honest... no second agenda... Renzo has to adjust to all the honest actions.
Renzo is very conservative... always on his guard... most of the time I didn’t like him... but on the other side I love it when characters are flawed... so kind of contradicting huh.. I know...
They are far out of each others league but Canaan knows a way to connect with Renzo.
Asking Renzo to go with him on a weekend trip with his ex band members, as his fake boyfriend so his ex boyfriend will not bother him further, is changing their whole friendship... they start some kind of a relationship. It’s quite a complicated relationship and that’s more because of Renzo and his issues and attitude..
Renzo is a SEAL and before he’d known Canaan he ask for a translocation...

A large story, a lot is happening and like I said not one dull moment. Friends, colleagues, family, a band, a survival trip, sweet lovemaking and a lot more things you can find in this read.
This author has a tremendous way of writing, always well developed main and secondary personalities... overall a wonderful story.

Kindly received an arc from the publisher through NetGalley

Rough Terrain by Annabeth Albert is an adorable conclusion to the Out of Uniform series. It’s been a wild ride!

Canaan has been eyeing the sexy SEAL, Renzo, for a while, and Renzo agrees to go on a date. Canaan doesn’t expect to fall hard for the determined, sweet, and surprisingly vulnerable Rooster.

This was relatively low angst, and it was definitely a character-driven romance. There’s no mission, per se, and I liked the change of pace. I really adored Renzo the most. He has a secret vulnerability to him that I don’t see often, and I loved how it was integrated into the story. There’s no way you can’t just fall in love with the man!

Canaan brings the humor, and he is so forthright and honest, and it was exactly what Renzo needed. They balanced each other out so well! I could have done without the OM drama on Canaan’s side, but I loved his grandpa.

Family and friendship are forefront in this novel, and I enjoyed how everything wrapped up.

3.5 stars!

I’ve always loved Albert’s books and I still do after reading this one.
She has a way of conveying feelings in to a book that touches my heart.
The storyline on this one has a nice build up and the connection between Canaan and Renzo is so sweet and makes the read impossible to put down.
No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings and dialogues is plenty, nice!
I felt that Renzo’s insecurities was sweet because I think if his experiences had been different he could have been a cocky badass. Canaan is showing a lot of understanding and waits patiently for Renzo to catch up.
I love their slow easing in to the love making with all the closeness it builds. Excellent writing!!!!

I can see their future and I would love to see a little more from them sometime later.

Magnificent 5 stars ✨ mm romance.

I've been a fan of Annabeth Albert for a long time and her Out of Uniform series is one of my favorites. Of the title in the series, Rough Terrain just might be my favorite. I LOVED the chemistry between Renzo and Canaan.

I had to reread this as I left it too long between reading and reviewing and I have to say I enjoyed it just as much the second time. I loved Renzo and Canaan and thought they worked so well together despite being so different from each other. The chemistry between them was great and I loved how being with each other made them grow and come to new realisations about what it was they truly wanted in their lives, as well as them both being so sweet together. I thought Canaan's love for his grandfather was really lovely and how if you wanted him then it was a package deal. Canaan's friends, especially Eric, from his old band, I wasn't too keen on and was glad Renzo was their for him when dealing with them. They both had to struggle with life issues to make the relationship work, especially Renzo and I thought that struggle made it that much more intense. I have enjoyed the whole Out Of Uniform series, but I think this is my favourite.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin-Carina Press for a copy in return for an honest review.