Canaan Finley works at a smoothie shop that Renzo Bianchi (aka Rooster) and other SEALs like to frequent. He doesn’t only have a weakness for men in uniform, there’s more to him. He takes care of his grandfather and he’s studying to be the nurse and he sometimes fills in as a drummer for his former band when needed. When he is invited on a camping trip with those former bandmates, they don’t want him coming alone. He makes up a story saying his SEAL boyfriend may not be able to make it, duty calls at any time. The problem is, he doesn’t have a SEAL boyfriend. After spending an evening with Renzo he broaches the topic to see if may Renzo wouldn’t mind pretending for the weekend. When disaster strikes, they both acknowledge that there may be something more there. But can Canaan handle being with someone in the military, who moves around when it’s needed and is deployed at moment’s notice?

Oh, ya’ll, fake boyfriend trope? Sign me up every freaking time. Add in lots of kissing? Annabeth Albert can write some intense kissing scenes. Like when I become a super amazing author, I want to write kissing scenes like hers, kind of intense. There was an intimacy Renzo and Canaan’s kisses that I feel like a lot of authors over look between their characters. That level of intimacy shows a level of trust, understanding and caring between Renzo and Canaan. I’m a sucker for it and I have no shame.

Renzo, no matter how much pride he takes in his body, he’s still insecure. It hurt knowing that there were parts of his romantic life he had been denying himself. He tried so hard to be the perfect SEAL, son, brother and I think that quest for perfection caused a rift in himself. I could relate entirely on that part (except my body is NOT a temple lol). Canaan was so gentle with Renzo and showed him bits and pieces of his life. I think Renzo needed the balance that Canaan offered him and because of that balance he bloomed.

Of course there were parts that you wanted to shake Renzo and be like, “Why are you doing this to yourself?!” But it took someone at work, which everyone should have a boss like that, who kind of woke him up to what was happening and why he was feeling the way he was.

I absolutely loved this installment of the Out of Uniform Series and I’m looking forward to Annabeth’s new series that is to be set in Alaska!! She is definitely one of my favorite authors that I recommend to everyone who reads, or is interested in reading M/M.

Another one in out of uniform series that I absolutely loved. I loved seeing Renzo and Canaan grow together as couple and individually. I loved Canaan and his grandfather is simply amazing. Renzo is under a lot of pressure especially by his parents expectations. Honestly I didn't like his mother that much.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I'm a bit sad that this is the last in the series. Annabeth albert has always written stories that I don't want to put down and this one is not anydifferent.
*ARC kindly provided by a NovelTake PR via NetGalley in return for an honest and unbiased review

3.25 Stars

Somehow, this latest entry to Annabeth Albert’s “Out of Uniform” series didn’t work as well as the the previous ones. Despite some really substantial issues the hero of the story had - such as youth blunder and family obligation - I wasn’t exactly drawn to Canaan and Renzo. The earliest portion of the story painted the men to be a bit on the shallow side, with such fixation on “perfect figure” and the endless lustful thought one or the other felt. Then again, I had to salute Albert and her penchant for creating varied characters with their complex background and personalities. It just so happened the heroes she put on the spotlight didn’t strike my fancy this time. After all, Rooster didn’t exactly fall among my favorite SEAL characters on this series to begin with.

As it was, between Canaan salivating over Renzo and Renzo’s assent to pose as Canaan’s boyfriend for a trip, the sparks between the pair didn’t strike me as convincing. I generally don’t have issue with any pace of the story, yet the unhurried one applied here got under my skin. Also, having nay-saying committed relationship repeatedly, Renzo’s change of heart seemed happening overnight - well, blame it on the almost tragedy that ignited things. But both men grew on me with how close and affectionate they were to their family. I guess overall “Rough Terrain” didn’t left as great impression as the previous books in the series. I liked it enough and glad things working out for our heroes, but it wasn’t that memorable enough for me.


Advanced copy of this book is kindly given by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I love Annabeth Albert, and each installment of her Out of Uniform series fails to disappoint. Rough Terrain focuses on Canaan and Renzo, a nursing student and SEAL, respectively. Their relationship develops so nicely and is based on both physical and internal qualities; I really liked everyone, and I really enjoyed how they were able to use their words.

I also appreciated how Albert portrayed their relationships with friends and family; it wasn't just a novel focused on two people, because these two people were deeply committed to their communities.

ROUGH TERRAIN is another recent read that is slow to boil but with a satisfying end.

I have definitely struggled with the <I>Out of Uniform</I> series as it progressed, and never knew if it was the stories themselves that failed to measure up to the earlier ones or if I was just outgrowing the series, but I feel like this was a really sweet note to end things on. It had a rough (hah) start where things just felt kind of.. young, or less polished, with twenty-six year olds (and older) acting kind of simplistically but it did even out as the story progressed. Of course, it wasn't without moments of frustration (Renzo's mum was a sore point for me and the Damian nonsense was a little OTT) but I was totally delighted that, in waiting for the shoe to drop to send things into another angsty spiral near the end, instead we have.. no angst. Just happiness.

I actually found this couple to be very well-suited and, overall, found the whole plot to be a little fluffier than I'm used to for this series. And as a wrap-up I'm good with those warm and fuzzies. We don't get too many cameos but one in particular did make me laugh (Ben and Maddox, haha).

While it's certainly not my favourite, I'm happy with the ending, and also happy to see the end of this series. I'm looking forward to different things from this author and hopeful we'll be returning to <I>Rainbow Cove</I> soon (easily my favourite of Albert's last string of releases). Excited to see where she goes next.

This is the last book in this series and I hate to see it end. Like all the books in this series, this one didn't disappoint either. Renzo and Canaan are great together. The book was funny, sexy, and romantic. Love the way he took of Canaan when they were stranded after the rainstorm. I have read all of Annabeth Albert's books and I'm looking forward to the next one. The military ones are really my favorite.

Renzo is a SEAL, he loves his job and can’t believe his life could be any better. Till he meets a teasing, flirty, oh so memorable man. Going out with him will either be the best or worse thing he’s ever done. He’s went out with men before but his luck just hasn’t been good.

Canaan is an ex drummer in a band, going to nursing school and currently working in a smoothie shop. He doesn’t love the job but he does love the eye candy in the form of the navy SEALs that frequent the shop.

I loved these guys, (I do know they aren’t real but wow)! Good story, enough drama to make it interesting, some of the hottest sexy times I’ve read. Renzo’s problem probably shouldn’t be funny but the way it was written was perfect, (have to read the book cause my lips are SEALed). When a book makes me giggle and then makes me get that tight feeling in my chest, I know this one is going in the favorites folder.

This is the first and only Annabeth Albert book that I have not liked. I love every other book in this series, so it was sad that this one was not as good in my opinion. I did not feel that Rooster and Cannan had much chemistry, it felt forced and unfolded quite quickly. I did not feel much tension between the two of them and I did not enjoy any parts of Cannan's former band. I did love the story of Cannan's grandfather, he was a hoot.

The final book in this series is very enjoyable. The fake boyfriend trope didn't feel forced like I normally feel it does in similar story lines. There was a lot of character development and learning about each other as the Renzo and Canaan move from acquaintances, to friends, to more that I greatly appreciated. I don't believe that you have to read the full series to enjoy this story although there are a few cameos from previous books in the series. While it is a book about a SEAL, the out of uniform aspect takes the forefront here with a lot of the interaction coming with civilian Canaan's friend group. It was an enjoyable read and one I'd return to again.

This is #7 in the awesome Out of Uniform series. I haven't missed a single one. In fact, I'm a little early with my review of this one, but I couldn't resist diving in.

BTW, that cover looks a lot like our MCs. :-)

Navy SEAL Renzo Bianchi (Rooster to his team because he's very image conscious) has been enlisted for a decade and is nearing some well deserved training and promotion. The Navy changed Rooster's life in many ways. Not only did it give him a purpose and satisfaction in life, it also changed a chubby kid into a body conscious, healthy eating and healthy lifestyle man. In his spare time he films and vlogs fitness videos. Rather on the down-low from the Navy which ignores the hobby as long as it doesn't interfere with Renzo's duties. In spite of him being a little reserved, his image does catch more than one eye.

Smoothie barista, Canaan always enjoys the SEAL eye candy that regularly comes into his store. He's had a special eye on Renzo for a while. When he accidentally learns that Renzo bats for his team, Canaan gets his courage up and makes a move. It's just an outing as friends since Renzo is so reserved. Easy going, fun loving Canaan has no problem with that. In fact, he enjoys the company so much that he asks for a favor. Will Renzo pretend to be his boyfriend for a weekend of hiking with Canaan's old bandmates? It turns out that Renzo is great boyfriend material. :-)))

I adored Canaan. What a wonderful, caring, easy-going character. He would be my favorite friend. I wasn't as enamored of Renzo. He was more difficult for me to like. He was quite self-absorbed and a hard body isn't the end-all be-all for me. How does an Italian boy love Asian food so much? LOL, that kept throwing me off. I also did not like his family (particularly his mother) - at all. On the other hand, I adored Canaan's grandpa.

Overall, it was very one-sided for me in this particular story. Surprisingly enough, I didn't fall on the SEAL side as I usually do. As always, I did enjoy the romance and the sex scenes were smokin' hot. More in this series please. :-)

I absolutely loved this final book in the Out of Uniform series and thought it was a perfect ending to the series. I love seeing Canaan and Rooster again.

I loved getting to read Canaan and Renzo's story! They're an excellent pair of opposites attract and I'm so happy with their HEA!

This was a good addition to this series that I am so sorry to see end. Canaan and Renzo's story was not drama filled but the characters had different issues. Both had personal issues with security, trust, familial guilt and intimacy issues to name a few. Their story progresses along well for them and I enjoyed watching both characters work through their issues and come together. When either character was not fighting their inner demons, I found both of them to be thoughtful and sweet as a couple despite their whole relationship having an almost insta love feel to it which obviously worked for them. I liked that both characters had a strong sense of family and good relationships with both even though I felt that Renzo's mother put a lot of pressure on him with her hero worship making her not a favorite character for me. I also enjoyed the return of characters from previous books even if brief as well. I enjoyed this book as all of the other books of this series and I would recommend it to others.

5 star

What can I say Annabeth Albery never disappoints with her books. She has a way of making you fall in love with her characters and Renzo and Canaan are no different.

Strong minded Seal who wants to please his family. And a man who gave up everything to be closer to his. This book is filled with adventure, freak storms an jerks of ex best friends. But can these two go from being fake boyfriends to the real thing? Read to find out!

I absolutely loved this book. The way Annabeth went about evolving not only the relationship but the characters in their own personal issues and battles was so realistic. It made me want to believe that anyone can have that soul deep love that can overcome all fears. Thank you so much for letting me be a part of the journey. Gotta go get the rest of the books. I'm giving this 5*

I felt like this book skipped a lot of the more interesting stages of the relationship, so the "we're in love" kind of came out of nowhere and didn't feel that believable for a while. Overall, this book was definitely more PWP-y than I expected.

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.

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This is a great final installment of this series. If you've enjoyed the previous books, you'll enjoy this. I still enjoy this series and the characters AA has introduced. This book really made me have new love for Renzo and Canaan each. Canaan is more than just a uniform chaser, he is a caretaker. He truly cares for others. Renzo takes self sacrifice to a level that's unhealthy. Because of his past, and past relationships, he's very insecure and self conscious...but in a non-typical way. His hang up isn't something all that common in romance novels, or at least the way he internalizes it isn't. I really enjoyed their relationship and how Renzo comes into his own with Canaan. Canaan on the other hand doesn't have as far to go growth wise. He's pretty well adjusted and even keeled already. The issues I have with this book aren't major, but they detracted from me fully loving and enjoying it. One thing that bugged me is Renzo's mother, and the way she treats him. Because of an incident in the past Renzo lets her slide so much, and while she's not evil or bad intentioned...her comments slowly erode his self worth. The twist isn't that she criticizes, she over-praises and he is so afraid of letting her down and disappointing her. IMO she takes advantage of that. She also says *just enough* to make him doubt himself when it comes to Canaan because she wants him to bring home a nice girl even though she's "accepting" of Renzo's bisexuality. The part that is disappointing is that she's never called out about it. Renzo never stands up for himself really. So she never has to reflect on her actions. Again, she doesn't do anything "bad" and she's not an "evil" character, it's clear she loves him and wants him happy. She takes ownership at one point but it feels swept under the rug. I'm moving on, this is getting too involved. The other disappointing factors are what should've been the catalyst for some drama. Some SOMETHING. But ultimately they end up going nowhere and not really mattering much in the grand scheme. The wilderness incident literally is a flash flood, it happens, it's momentary drama, and it's gone. No true impact, no lasting effects. Just nothing. Canaan's ex also plays a part for a bit. He's a jerk. He's a douchebag. Thankfully Canaan is aware and it's not a case of him being manipulated or wavering. But again, there's no impact. He's not a threat. He doesn't affect the characters or their relationship. They both just see through him. Which is great on one hand, it's refreshing if you think about it a certain way. But it's also just boring. Why introduce him at all? For what purpose? So those three things are what kept this from being a full 5 stars. None of them are major hindrances or complaints, despite how much I just typed about them, but I couldn't leave them unmentioned. I liked Canaan's grandfather, I would've liked more of Renzo's brother and father. Or for either Renzo or Canaan to have some actual friend time. Again, I really did mostly enjoy this story and the coupling of Renzo and Canaan. They were sweet. I believe in their happily ever after. I am sad to see the series wrap up. I'll miss this little world.

ARC provided via Netgalley

I loved this title. I was not a fan of the one prior, but this one definitely took off at a good pace. I loved how in this story Renzo, the SEAL was the more vulnerable one and Finley the arguably more submissive of the two, was the one to do the reassuring in regards to Renzo. Renzo is sweet and a little old fashioned, but whats more, for him, he wants and needs permanence which is really hard to get in the usual scenes. Finley is young and cute and a natural flirt so it was easy to see how the two of them are naturally attracted to each other based on personality, but Renzo is more hesitant.

The sex positive tone in this story is hands down one of my favorite aspects. Finley brings it up and talks about it as though it is regular conversation not something to be shied away from, or to only spoken about as a means of flirtation or dirty pillow talk. Albert did a wonderful job in that aspect I feel like this was even more powerful coming from a rather quiet and not as dominant personality in Finley.

The pace of this is a bit of a slow burn, but it fits because of the dynamics of the main characters. Renzo's hesitancy is so adorable and refreshing. His kind of resistance isn't because he isn't attracted to Finley, and not necessarily about getting hurt, but he's upfront about wanting stability from someone who, for all intents and purposes, would not. This really was one of my favorite parts in this series.

Rough Terrain gave me all the feels. Renzo (aka Rooster) is so different from what I expected from a proud bi and fitness enthusiast who loves showing off in social media. I don't remember Canaan from previous book that much, but he's a cutie who had a crush on Renzo since the beginning. Canaan can flirt shamelessly, while Renzo can get all embarrassed. Who knew Renzo is such a prude when it comes to sexy talk. When I found out the reason Renzo is so reserve about sex and feeling all insecure about it, I went 'Aww.... poor baby'. Thank goodness we have Canaan who is very sex positive and all about experimenting and working around issues.

The story doesn't come with a fast moving plot, just mainly relationship development between Renzo and Canaan. I love that their relationship developed organically from friends who like each other company to something more. Both their family also play a big role in their lives and I admire the way they always put their family first. Did I tell you that Renzo also had a hero complex and a total perfectionist that drives Canaan kinda crazy....... crazy in love with him.

There are several instances that Canaan being wild and adventurous in the past make Renzo all uncomfortable about it, but it doesn't seems to be a big issue, not until Renzo had a big change in his job that might interfere with their growing relationship. I love these relationship drama that doesn't involve misunderstanding, where they get all confrontational, angry and hurt. I thought despite Renzo misplaced good intention, they are both very mature about it. Their HEA is something I can easily envisioned, it just perfect.

I heard this is the last book of the series, but it doesn't really feel like it. I thought there is going to be a big reunion scene or something that bring all the previous couple together, but there isn't one. So really, is this going to be the last? I'm definitely going to miss this group of soldiers.