Book Details
Title: Rough Terrain
Series: Out of Uniform #7
Author: Annabeth Albert
Genre: MM Romance
Length: 264 pages
Publication Date: Jan 14, 2019
Format Read: Kindle
This book was not provided free
Review
Warning! This review will contain spoilers!
What an ending to a nice series. Rough Terrain is a great send off.
Renzo. aka Rooster from previous books. Don’t call him that though, he hates that nickname. Muscle man workout-a-holic, social media superstar. bisexual big dicked hottie. He is a family man through and through.
Canaan. We met him briefly as Ban and Maddox hookup in Book #3. Former punk band drummer, turned nursing student caring for his lonely grandpa. Oh, and he has a thing for SEALs. Until Renzo shows up, then it’s all about him.
The beginning may start out fast, but let’s look at their histories. Canaan has been single for three years and likes to fool around, one, two, ten people at the same time. Doesn’t seem to phase him. Renzo also has periodic hookups, although monogamous, he did take someone to a wedding at the end of Book #6, which didn’t work out. So it makes sense that they both kinda get flirty.
They go on some adventures, Canaan taking Renzo to some of his favorite spots. They want to continue hanging out. Wait a minute, Canaan has this camping trip that his former band mates invited him to! Perfect opportunity to invite Renzo. Of course Renzo ends up saying yes. They go have fun.
Tragedy strikes as a flash flood threatens to drown them both, but with Renzo’s training and quick thinking, he saves Canaan and himself. We get to see that SEAL training in action. They both get rescued, Canaan’s ex and his ex’s new boyfriend get injured, and all is well.
They started the camping adventure as fake boyfriends, but ended as real boyfriends.
We end the book with Renzo getting to do his jump master training and relocated to the East Coast. Away from Canaan. Renzo must watch too many movies because he thinks if you love someone who you think won’t follow, then best to let them go right? Canaan from the top rope, wants none of that bullshit. Renzo doesn’t see it, so they break up for a week.
Renzo becomes distracted, thinking a lot. Thinks of his mom and dads story of love at first sight. That’s what he has with Canaan. So he goes to Canaan’s concert and reengages the relationship. Turns out, Renzo is a dumb-dumb for not talking it out with Canaan. Cause Canaan would totally make it work. Canaan is totally down with being with a SEAL, and dealing with trainings and deployments.
Needless to say, they end with a HFN.
Scoring
Characters: 5 / 5
I feel like this is the most in depth perspective of characters in this series that I’ve read. They both have intricate backstories with family lives. Both have goals and ambitions explored in the story. And both have fears and pasts they have to deal with while running away. There was just a great mix of everything that to me, had these characters mesh so well together.
Story: 5 / 5
While this story conflict may have hinged on a miscommunication. I don’t think, compared to other books in this series, that it was too much, or over the top. It was short and sweet. Only lasted about a week, where they both missed and wanted to still be together.
I felt like the pacing was on point. it even felt like it was two books in one. I was so engrossed in the first half, that by the time it was over I thought the book was done. Then I got a whole other half of the book to enjoy the characters!
Writing: 5 / 5
If you’ve read my other six reviews on Annabeth Albert and this series. You will know. Writing is great.
Romance: 5 / 5
While not the most romantic book ever. I am keeping this score at 5, because it was just the right amount to keep me happy. It started with flirty, and they built up a real bond with each other. The way Renzo took care of Canaan in the canyon. The way Canaan took care of Renzo when he was self conscious of his body. How Renzo took Canaan to the overlook that Canaan first took him to. And the skydiving. Even though I was just reading a book, I could see how these two looked at each other, with love and trust in their eyes. They were made for each other.
Steam: 🍵🍵🍵
Average amount of steam which seems on point for this series. From deep kisses, to frotting, to switching penetration. The author hinted (and I took it as a promise) at fisting. But we didn’t get that, most we got was three fingers. But the size of Renzo, hinted that it was basically fisting anyways.
Overall: 5 / 5
I don’t count the steam level in my final score, because how graphic and detailed sex scenes don’t determine how much I like the book.
Final Thoughts
After the mess that was Book #6, I am glad this is the one to finish the series. I just love this one so much, I feel so giddy. Almost like I wish I was there with them, like a live-in voyeur or something.
Now, I am self-aware enough to know that maybe my judgement is clouded after reading Book #6, and maybe this isn’t a perfect book in that sense. However, the scores are my own, and it’s how I feel.
Tea Suggestion
A spiced chai could go well with this. Something that is sweet and bold, with a little kick that makes you anxious for the turn out. But in the end it’s just totally delicious.
Thanks!
Thanks for reading my review of Rough Terrain by Annabeth Albert. If my review inspires you to read it, let me know! If you have read the book, leave me a comment below or on any of my socials letting me know what YOU thought of it.
Until next time, enjoy a book and a drink.
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