Review of Off Base by Annabeth Albert

by Annabeth Albert

3.5 Stars

After trading the barracks for a fixer-upper rental, navy SEAL Zack Nelson wants peace, not a roommate—especially not Pike, who sees things about Zack he most wants to hide. Pike's flirting puts virgin Zack on edge. And the questions Pike's arrival would spark from Zack's teammates about his own sexuality? Nope. Not going there. But Zack can't refuse.

Pike Reynolds knows there won't be a warm welcome in his new home. What can he say? He's an acquired taste. But he needs this chance to get his life together. Also, teasing the uptight SEAL will be hella fun. Still, Pike has to tread carefully; he's had his fill of tourists in the past, and he can't risk his heart on another, not even one as hot, as built—and, okay, yeah, as adorable—as Zack.

Living with Pike crumbles Zack's restraint and fuels his curiosity. He discovers how well they fit together in bed…in the shower…in the hallway… He needs Pike more than he could have imagined, yet he doesn't know how to be the man Pike deserves.

We really enjoyed Off Base by Annabeth Albert.  She puts a military spin of the gay-for-you tried and true storyline and it really works.  

Zach is a good boy Navy SEAL who is struggling with who he really is, and the pressures from his family.  And man do you feel for him.  He is struggling with his everyday choices and his parents and their expectations make him feel that nothing he is feeling is right.  They keep trying to push the all-American-boy, marry-a-girl, have-lots-of-babies on him, and he is unsure what he wants.  But meeting and moving in with Pike, an out gay man, he is faced with temptation everyday. 

This story has so many good points, some seriously hot scenes, great secondary characters (and let’s hope the next one is the series is about Apollo!) and some really sweet boys in love.  And although the GFY storyline is a bit overdone, the pressure in  Zach’s life really give credibility that he is struggling with his sexuality. Being that this is a spin-off of the Gaymer Series, it is really nice to see some old faces. 

But there are a few things that get a little bit much.  The angst.  Don’t get us wrong we feel for Zach being closeted, but the push and pull of what he wants or needs gets a little tiring, and our heart breaks a little for Pike that he doesn’t trust what they have. And honestly, the homophobia is overwhelming, not only from his parents but Cobb, another soldier, it gets a bit grating after a while.   

So, if you like a good GFY romance with sweet characters and some steamy between the sheets action then pick up Off Base by Annabeth Albert.