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Shore Leave #2
Sink or Swim
Winning and losing are subject to sexy interpretation…
Navy chief Calder Euler loves to win big. His latest score? A remote mountain cabin. Checking it out is supposed to be a quick trip, but Calder’s luck abruptly turns when a freak injury and a freakier snowstorm leave him stranded.
Oh, and the cabin isn’t empty. A silver fox caring for two young girls claims that the property is his, but Calder’s paperwork says otherwise.
Felix Sigurd is on a losing streak, and his ex-husband risking the cabin in a reckless bet is only the latest in a series of misfortunes. He’ll tolerate the handsome stranger for a couple nights--even care for his injuries—but that’s it.
Calder doesn’t know a damn thing about kids, but making pancakes for Felix’s girls is a surprising delight. Trapped in the cabin, the four of them slip easily into the rhythms of a family. But when the ice melts, they’ll have to decide if a future together is in the cards.
Navy chief Calder Euler loves to win big. His latest score? A remote mountain cabin. Checking it out is supposed to be a quick trip, but Calder’s luck abruptly turns when a freak injury and a freakier snowstorm leave him stranded.
Oh, and the cabin isn’t empty. A silver fox caring for two young girls claims that the property is his, but Calder’s paperwork says otherwise.
Felix Sigurd is on a losing streak, and his ex-husband risking the cabin in a reckless bet is only the latest in a series of misfortunes. He’ll tolerate the handsome stranger for a couple nights--even care for his injuries—but that’s it.
Calder doesn’t know a damn thing about kids, but making pancakes for Felix’s girls is a surprising delight. Trapped in the cabin, the four of them slip easily into the rhythms of a family. But when the ice melts, they’ll have to decide if a future together is in the cards.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2022
68 people are currently reading
2694 people want to read
About the author
Annabeth Albert
106 books3,733 followersFrequent tweeter, professional grammar nerd, and obsessive reader, Annabeth Albert is also a Pacific Northwest romance writer in a variety of subgenres.
Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.
Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 351 reviews
January 19, 2022
I think that Annabeth Albert is at her best when she is writing military men, and so I was beyond excited to read her new Shore Leave series. I'm very pleased to report that Sink or Swim, the second in the series, is a total winner.
For those series-skippers, don't worry about reading book one first if you are interested in this one. It is very easy to just jump right in to the story, even though I'm sure reading book one would have given me a bit of background.
As someone who is in the medical field, I love when we get a doctor MC. I'm a sucker for intellect, what can I say! I thought that Felix was a loving person and a compassionate parent, though I think he made it a little too hard for Calder to get to know him.
I thought the initial gambling set up was a little weird, especially since it wasn't that important to Calder in the end. I think it has to do with Calder's character development from book one, but that is just a hunch. In the end, Calder won me over with his vulnerability and willingness to step out of his comfort zone for Felix.
I loved how Annabeth Albert showcased a different type of intimacy with these two men. For those who only like lots of sex in their romances, this one might not fit the bill. Calder is on the asexuality spectrum, and though his chemistry with Felix is fierce, sometimes it manifests with just lots of kissing and cuddling. I adored how it showed an alternate to the non-stop sex that we often see in romance, and gave a different perspective.
Overall, this book won me over with its unique characters and it's hard-fought romance between two guys with their own personal baggage. I was cheering for this romance, and I think you will be too. Now it's time to go back and read the first in the series!
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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For those series-skippers, don't worry about reading book one first if you are interested in this one. It is very easy to just jump right in to the story, even though I'm sure reading book one would have given me a bit of background.
As someone who is in the medical field, I love when we get a doctor MC. I'm a sucker for intellect, what can I say! I thought that Felix was a loving person and a compassionate parent, though I think he made it a little too hard for Calder to get to know him.
I thought the initial gambling set up was a little weird, especially since it wasn't that important to Calder in the end. I think it has to do with Calder's character development from book one, but that is just a hunch. In the end, Calder won me over with his vulnerability and willingness to step out of his comfort zone for Felix.
I loved how Annabeth Albert showcased a different type of intimacy with these two men. For those who only like lots of sex in their romances, this one might not fit the bill. Calder is on the asexuality spectrum, and though his chemistry with Felix is fierce, sometimes it manifests with just lots of kissing and cuddling. I adored how it showed an alternate to the non-stop sex that we often see in romance, and gave a different perspective.
Overall, this book won me over with its unique characters and it's hard-fought romance between two guys with their own personal baggage. I was cheering for this romance, and I think you will be too. Now it's time to go back and read the first in the series!
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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January 1, 2022
Sink or Swim is book two in the Shore Leave series by Annabeth Albert. In the first book, Sailor Proof, we met Naval Chief Derrick Fox and Arthur Euler. Now, in this one, we are meeting Derrick’s best friend and also Arthur’s older brother, Navy Chief Calder Euler, and single parent to his two adorable nieces, Felix Sigurd. You can definitely read this one without having read the first book though.
Calder Euler is somewhere in his thirties. His life is the Navy. He lives to be on the sub. But he’s been stuck on shore for awhile now due to a head injury. Calder loves to organize things, he loves his spread sheets and the higher ups are enjoying his expertise in solving problems. Calder is one of four brothers and is also very competitive. He loves to play cards but only bets big when he’s sure he’s going to win. Which is how he came into ownership of a mountain cabin. He won it in a poker game. He’s got the keys and paperwork to prove it and is on his way up to check out his new vacation hideaway. The snow is starting to fall but he should be fine. Until someone else showed up, also claiming that the cabin is his!
Felix is guardian to his two adorable nieces. He’s all they have and he loves them. They are his priority. Felix is recuperating from a nasty divorce. His ex-husband, Tim, is taking him for everything he can. But Felix won ownership of the cabin that had been in his family for generations. He’s taking the girls for a much needed weekend away when he walked in to find a stranger in the cabin claiming it’s his. When the stranger is injured and the snow turns into a huge storm, it seems they are stuck with each other.
These two couldn’t be more different but on one thing they did agree. Neither believed in relationships. For Calder, his life was the Navy and having fun in his down time. He didn’t want anything more. For Felix, been there, done that. His ex was still disrupting his life. He just wanted to take care of the girls. But as these two were stuck together, as they began to become a little more comfortable with each other, a friendship was born. A friendship that soon turned to kisses.
“I’d been waiting years for a kiss like this. I’d heard songs and movies joke about the earth moving, never quite getting what the big fuss was. This. This was all consuming.”
Calder is facing some important decisions about his career. And Felix is just trying to survive on a daily basis. They both begin to look forward to seeing each other, to their daily text interactions and phone calls. But Felix is convinced that he can’t take the risk again with the girls. That they could never be what Calder wants. He might think so now, but in the long term, it wouldn’t work.
Calder is ready to make a new bet, a bet on his own future. A bet he knows he’ll win, if he can only convince Felix to take the chance with him.
These two were so perfect for each other. Both had some hang ups and somehow, they just balanced each other out. And the girls were adorable. Calder, who had no experience with kids, just seemed to get them. I wanted Felix to trust in his heart more, to trust Calder and his actions. But things worked out as they needed to in their own time. This was so sweet. It was steamy but more than that, just sweet. I love when the adults seem to learn more from the kids in the end. This is the perfect addition to this series. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Calder Euler is somewhere in his thirties. His life is the Navy. He lives to be on the sub. But he’s been stuck on shore for awhile now due to a head injury. Calder loves to organize things, he loves his spread sheets and the higher ups are enjoying his expertise in solving problems. Calder is one of four brothers and is also very competitive. He loves to play cards but only bets big when he’s sure he’s going to win. Which is how he came into ownership of a mountain cabin. He won it in a poker game. He’s got the keys and paperwork to prove it and is on his way up to check out his new vacation hideaway. The snow is starting to fall but he should be fine. Until someone else showed up, also claiming that the cabin is his!
Felix is guardian to his two adorable nieces. He’s all they have and he loves them. They are his priority. Felix is recuperating from a nasty divorce. His ex-husband, Tim, is taking him for everything he can. But Felix won ownership of the cabin that had been in his family for generations. He’s taking the girls for a much needed weekend away when he walked in to find a stranger in the cabin claiming it’s his. When the stranger is injured and the snow turns into a huge storm, it seems they are stuck with each other.
These two couldn’t be more different but on one thing they did agree. Neither believed in relationships. For Calder, his life was the Navy and having fun in his down time. He didn’t want anything more. For Felix, been there, done that. His ex was still disrupting his life. He just wanted to take care of the girls. But as these two were stuck together, as they began to become a little more comfortable with each other, a friendship was born. A friendship that soon turned to kisses.
“I’d been waiting years for a kiss like this. I’d heard songs and movies joke about the earth moving, never quite getting what the big fuss was. This. This was all consuming.”
Calder is facing some important decisions about his career. And Felix is just trying to survive on a daily basis. They both begin to look forward to seeing each other, to their daily text interactions and phone calls. But Felix is convinced that he can’t take the risk again with the girls. That they could never be what Calder wants. He might think so now, but in the long term, it wouldn’t work.
Calder is ready to make a new bet, a bet on his own future. A bet he knows he’ll win, if he can only convince Felix to take the chance with him.
These two were so perfect for each other. Both had some hang ups and somehow, they just balanced each other out. And the girls were adorable. Calder, who had no experience with kids, just seemed to get them. I wanted Felix to trust in his heart more, to trust Calder and his actions. But things worked out as they needed to in their own time. This was so sweet. It was steamy but more than that, just sweet. I love when the adults seem to learn more from the kids in the end. This is the perfect addition to this series. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
December 24, 2021
4.5*
There is some really fabulous demi rep in this book and I was really pleasantly surprised by Calder, who isn't anything like he came across in his brother Arthur's story.
Calder is a bit lost when this book starts, he's been grounded on desk duty after an accident on his sub and he's chomping at the bit to find something to do. When he "wins" a cabin in a poker game, he thinks it's perfect timing to get away and see what his prize is like.
Of course, it's never plain sailing 😁 and the cabin comes with the unexpected surprise of Felix and his two nieces, who he's bringing up as a single dad following his half-sister's death a few years ago.
The two of them have an instant prickly attraction to each other and what I really loved about this book was the organic way Annabeth navigated them through their own hidebound ideas about what they might want for their future with what they actually were both craving for.
This is a kind of slow-burny romance, they move into a friends with kissing benefits and the occasional leisurely hand job/frotting but Calder's got a pretty low sex drive and he's lacking in self-assurance when it comes to bedroom matters, which I really found made a nice change.
The other thing I ADORED about this book is the communication. There's no ridiculous flouncing or misunderstandings, these two men sit and talk about everything, their feelings, their worries, what the future might hold and whether it's worth the pain of reaching for happiness again.
It's a definite "grown up" romance with two men who are facing huge life changes, Felix with the girls, Calder with his Naval career, and the care given to each of them involving the other in their discussions really resonates.
It's low steam, which absolutely suits them as a pairing, both men are thoroughly committed to the other by the end and I also liked that Annabeth got the involvement of the girls pitched just right. Madeline and Charlotte are important but never take over the narrative.
Another great entry in this new military series.
#ARC kindly received from the publishers Carina Press via NetGalley in return for an honest and unbiased review
There is some really fabulous demi rep in this book and I was really pleasantly surprised by Calder, who isn't anything like he came across in his brother Arthur's story.
Calder is a bit lost when this book starts, he's been grounded on desk duty after an accident on his sub and he's chomping at the bit to find something to do. When he "wins" a cabin in a poker game, he thinks it's perfect timing to get away and see what his prize is like.
Of course, it's never plain sailing 😁 and the cabin comes with the unexpected surprise of Felix and his two nieces, who he's bringing up as a single dad following his half-sister's death a few years ago.
The two of them have an instant prickly attraction to each other and what I really loved about this book was the organic way Annabeth navigated them through their own hidebound ideas about what they might want for their future with what they actually were both craving for.
This is a kind of slow-burny romance, they move into a friends with kissing benefits and the occasional leisurely hand job/frotting but Calder's got a pretty low sex drive and he's lacking in self-assurance when it comes to bedroom matters, which I really found made a nice change.
The other thing I ADORED about this book is the communication. There's no ridiculous flouncing or misunderstandings, these two men sit and talk about everything, their feelings, their worries, what the future might hold and whether it's worth the pain of reaching for happiness again.
It's a definite "grown up" romance with two men who are facing huge life changes, Felix with the girls, Calder with his Naval career, and the care given to each of them involving the other in their discussions really resonates.
It's low steam, which absolutely suits them as a pairing, both men are thoroughly committed to the other by the end and I also liked that Annabeth got the involvement of the girls pitched just right. Madeline and Charlotte are important but never take over the narrative.
Another great entry in this new military series.
#ARC kindly received from the publishers Carina Press via NetGalley in return for an honest and unbiased review
March 7, 2022
4.5 “I want to be scared together. Let’s try being the kind of friends who date too.” stars
Felix kissed me in earnest, and I’d never felt more like a winner in my life. I loved him so fucking much. It was funny, how long and hard I’d chased that label. I’d wanted so badly to prove I was a success. But it turned out there were other labels I wanted more. Dad. Partner. Husband. And hustling for those titles was going to be my biggest score. And Felix was the key, the true prize, not one I could win, but one I could earn if I were truly lucky.
I will be honest here, this book felt personal for me, in a way that it won’t be for most readers. MM books about main characters taking care of kids can be triggering for me because I had a kind of absent father when I was growing up and it just reminds me of all the moments that I missed out on while I was growing up. And this book is mostly about two main characters who take care of two young girls, and while this topic really got to me while I was reading the book, it’s also the reason why I read this book in the first place, I wanted to read a book about a close and caring family taking care of kids and this is exactly what I got. All of this to say that this book emotionally impacted me on a level that it probably won’t impact most people, because I could relate to the characters of this book, and it made me feel all the feels. So, my enjoyment of this book is deeply connected to my life experiences and that’s mostly why I loved this book so much.
Brief summary
Calder wins a cabin in the mountains. He goes to visit it and when he arrives there, he finds Felix and the two young girls he’s the uncle to living there and Felix says that the propriety is his. Calder sprains his foot, and he cannot drive to go back to his house, so he stays with them for a few days, but then a snowstorm hits and they have to spend time together and Calder and Felix fall in love.
First, I just adored both Calder and Felix. They were both very nicely fleshed out characters and I just enjoyed their persona so much, they both seemed like people I’d love to meet in real life. I just loved both guys, as characters and as a couple. They fit each other well and were just such a strong couple.
Seconds, Calder didn’t know he wanted kids and wasn’t really a fan of them, he also wasn’t a big relationship guy, but his caretaker side really came out with Calder and the girls and he kept doing everything to take care of them and to make sure that they had everything that they want and desire. I just loved how dedicated to taking care of the kids Calder was, he was such a good father figure.
Third, Calder doesn’t always enjoy having sex, he prefers cuddling and physical touch to having sex, he preferred just kissing Felix and holding him to having sex most times. And they did have sex, but it wasn’t really a priority for them. Because of that, I liked how sensual the sex scenes felt in this book, they were more about making each other feel good than about rushing to get off and that really worked for me. I loved how much please they both took into exploring each other’s body, that was just so lovely to read to me.
Fourth, if there is one thing that I feel like isn’t present enough in books, it’s smaller gestures of affections, I love reading about anything that has physical touch as a love language and I always want to see more hand holding, more cuddles, more kissing and I loved how this book put such a bit emphasis on those. Every small gesture and them just touching each other was greatly described and they both loved every second of it and that really worked for me. The kissing scenes in this book were described in so many details and they were so vivid that I couldn’t help but just adore all of them. They were just perfect to me.
Fifth, I absolutely adored how many small moments of Calder and Felix playing with the kids there was in this book. Reading this book felt like I was talking to my good friends, and they were telling me in detail what they did with their kids that week and that vibe really worked for me. I just loved seeing all the family moments in this book.
Sixth, if there is two people who are amazing at communicating and telling each other what they want, it’s these guys. I loved how they talked about everything and talked everything over before they did something. These guys had some of the best communication I have ever read in a book, and I just loved it.
Seventh, Felix didn’t really want to be in a relationship because his last one hadn’t gone down very well, and I understood all his reasons and worries but it just made me a little sad how he kept telling Calder no when all Calder wanted was to date him. Calder kept showing how committed he was, and Felix kept being wary of Calder. In fact, Calder kept showing Felix that he was here to stay and how much he cares about Felix and the kids and Felix kept thinking that Calder would leave them when Calder never made indication that he would, and that just made me a little sad to read. Sometimes it felt like Calder was a little more committed to making the relationship work than Felix and I just wanted everything to be a little more equal.
I really enjoyed reading this one and it was such an experience for me, one I’m really glad I experienced.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest opinion
Felix kissed me in earnest, and I’d never felt more like a winner in my life. I loved him so fucking much. It was funny, how long and hard I’d chased that label. I’d wanted so badly to prove I was a success. But it turned out there were other labels I wanted more. Dad. Partner. Husband. And hustling for those titles was going to be my biggest score. And Felix was the key, the true prize, not one I could win, but one I could earn if I were truly lucky.
I will be honest here, this book felt personal for me, in a way that it won’t be for most readers. MM books about main characters taking care of kids can be triggering for me because I had a kind of absent father when I was growing up and it just reminds me of all the moments that I missed out on while I was growing up. And this book is mostly about two main characters who take care of two young girls, and while this topic really got to me while I was reading the book, it’s also the reason why I read this book in the first place, I wanted to read a book about a close and caring family taking care of kids and this is exactly what I got. All of this to say that this book emotionally impacted me on a level that it probably won’t impact most people, because I could relate to the characters of this book, and it made me feel all the feels. So, my enjoyment of this book is deeply connected to my life experiences and that’s mostly why I loved this book so much.
Brief summary
Calder wins a cabin in the mountains. He goes to visit it and when he arrives there, he finds Felix and the two young girls he’s the uncle to living there and Felix says that the propriety is his. Calder sprains his foot, and he cannot drive to go back to his house, so he stays with them for a few days, but then a snowstorm hits and they have to spend time together and Calder and Felix fall in love.
First, I just adored both Calder and Felix. They were both very nicely fleshed out characters and I just enjoyed their persona so much, they both seemed like people I’d love to meet in real life. I just loved both guys, as characters and as a couple. They fit each other well and were just such a strong couple.
Seconds, Calder didn’t know he wanted kids and wasn’t really a fan of them, he also wasn’t a big relationship guy, but his caretaker side really came out with Calder and the girls and he kept doing everything to take care of them and to make sure that they had everything that they want and desire. I just loved how dedicated to taking care of the kids Calder was, he was such a good father figure.
Third, Calder doesn’t always enjoy having sex, he prefers cuddling and physical touch to having sex, he preferred just kissing Felix and holding him to having sex most times. And they did have sex, but it wasn’t really a priority for them. Because of that, I liked how sensual the sex scenes felt in this book, they were more about making each other feel good than about rushing to get off and that really worked for me. I loved how much please they both took into exploring each other’s body, that was just so lovely to read to me.
Fourth, if there is one thing that I feel like isn’t present enough in books, it’s smaller gestures of affections, I love reading about anything that has physical touch as a love language and I always want to see more hand holding, more cuddles, more kissing and I loved how this book put such a bit emphasis on those. Every small gesture and them just touching each other was greatly described and they both loved every second of it and that really worked for me. The kissing scenes in this book were described in so many details and they were so vivid that I couldn’t help but just adore all of them. They were just perfect to me.
Fifth, I absolutely adored how many small moments of Calder and Felix playing with the kids there was in this book. Reading this book felt like I was talking to my good friends, and they were telling me in detail what they did with their kids that week and that vibe really worked for me. I just loved seeing all the family moments in this book.
Sixth, if there is two people who are amazing at communicating and telling each other what they want, it’s these guys. I loved how they talked about everything and talked everything over before they did something. These guys had some of the best communication I have ever read in a book, and I just loved it.
Seventh, Felix didn’t really want to be in a relationship because his last one hadn’t gone down very well, and I understood all his reasons and worries but it just made me a little sad how he kept telling Calder no when all Calder wanted was to date him. Calder kept showing how committed he was, and Felix kept being wary of Calder. In fact, Calder kept showing Felix that he was here to stay and how much he cares about Felix and the kids and Felix kept thinking that Calder would leave them when Calder never made indication that he would, and that just made me a little sad to read. Sometimes it felt like Calder was a little more committed to making the relationship work than Felix and I just wanted everything to be a little more equal.
I really enjoyed reading this one and it was such an experience for me, one I’m really glad I experienced.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest opinion
August 10, 2022
I think I would have enjoyed the story more if I had read it myself rather than listen to the audiobook. One of the narrators absolutely ruined half of the story for me. His weird attempt at a nasally, highbrow, East Coast doctor was terrible.
Honestly, this entire story was a bit of a disaster. They were good moments here and there, but the sexual relationship between these two men was so…uncomfortable and odd. I'm glad they found each other.
Honestly, this entire story was a bit of a disaster. They were good moments here and there, but the sexual relationship between these two men was so…uncomfortable and odd. I'm glad they found each other.
December 13, 2021
*Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for an eARC of this book.*
I was SO STOKED when I got an ARC of this title. I read Sailor Proof last month and I enjoyed it so much. It was a sweet Brother's Best Friend MM romance and this follow up novel is about said brother.
Calder is a Navy Chief on a submarine and he has been shore leave do to an injury for the last little bit. He is getting restless, so a weekend at his recently acquired cabin in the mountains sounds like the perfect thing to relax him. Except… this cabin he won in a poker game? Yeah, it belongs to the ex-husband of the man he "won" it from.
Felix is basically a single dad. He is the guardian of his two young nieces and he is wholly devoted to them. When he shows up at his grandfather's cabin with the girls to discover it has been gambled away to this hunky young sailor… he is anything but thrilled. Even worse, Calder gets injured and they get snowed in together for the weekend.
Neither of them is looking for commitment, or so they think.
I was just enchanted with this book. I was so caught up in deep connection growing between these two. I loved how they got to know each other and how.. Intimate their relationship becomes and not just in the way you think. They are more honest with each other than they are with anyone else. They discuss things in ways they never have with anyone else.
I was honestly so stunned by how sweet and deep their relationship was by the end. The way they are able to be raw and open with themselves. In the bedroom and in the kitchen, haha! It was so beautiful.
I absolutely Love the Shore Leave series by Annabeth Albert and she is changing the way I look at Gay Romance.
Do yourself a favor and give this series a try.
5/5 stars
I was SO STOKED when I got an ARC of this title. I read Sailor Proof last month and I enjoyed it so much. It was a sweet Brother's Best Friend MM romance and this follow up novel is about said brother.
Calder is a Navy Chief on a submarine and he has been shore leave do to an injury for the last little bit. He is getting restless, so a weekend at his recently acquired cabin in the mountains sounds like the perfect thing to relax him. Except… this cabin he won in a poker game? Yeah, it belongs to the ex-husband of the man he "won" it from.
Felix is basically a single dad. He is the guardian of his two young nieces and he is wholly devoted to them. When he shows up at his grandfather's cabin with the girls to discover it has been gambled away to this hunky young sailor… he is anything but thrilled. Even worse, Calder gets injured and they get snowed in together for the weekend.
Neither of them is looking for commitment, or so they think.
I was just enchanted with this book. I was so caught up in deep connection growing between these two. I loved how they got to know each other and how.. Intimate their relationship becomes and not just in the way you think. They are more honest with each other than they are with anyone else. They discuss things in ways they never have with anyone else.
I was honestly so stunned by how sweet and deep their relationship was by the end. The way they are able to be raw and open with themselves. In the bedroom and in the kitchen, haha! It was so beautiful.
I absolutely Love the Shore Leave series by Annabeth Albert and she is changing the way I look at Gay Romance.
Do yourself a favor and give this series a try.
5/5 stars
April 7, 2022
I don't know why but I was bored through most of this book. Not that it was a bad read, Annabeth Albert's work is always having a high standard when it comes to the writing. This one was not an exclusion.
As much as I liked the writing itself. And as much as I did like Calder as an mc. I did like Felix sometimes as well, even though I think he was quite annoying. Anyway as much as I liked them I can't help feeling that the plot of this one was almost non existent. And when it wasn't non existent I needed Felix to get out of his own head. I was so close to starting skimming,
As much as I liked the writing itself. And as much as I did like Calder as an mc. I did like Felix sometimes as well, even though I think he was quite annoying. Anyway as much as I liked them I can't help feeling that the plot of this one was almost non existent. And when it wasn't non existent I needed Felix to get out of his own head. I was so close to starting skimming,
June 3, 2023
This simply bored me. It wasn’t bad, I just didn’t connect with the characters, and so I didn’t really care about what happened. The characters were boring to me, too. Ah well, at least it was on Hoopla so I didn’t have to pay for it.
March 7, 2022
3.75 stars
Calder’s lucky win quickly evaporates when the real owner of the cabin walks in with his two nieces in tow. His luck continues downward when he injures himself and gets snowed in with strangers.
But on the upside, Felix is a very attractive man and seems to cautiously return Calder’s interest.
The snowed-in trope is one of my favourites. You’d think I’ve read enough by now to be bored of it, but you’d be wrong. Give me all of the cliché!
In Shore Leave, the storm forces Felix and Calder to make the best of the situation. That includes playing in the snow with the girls, reading stories, and cooking together.
The close quarters also set off feelings that neither man had expected. And it isn’t just the physical attraction - it’s easy to share space and their thoughts with each other.
When the storm ends and they have to return to the real world, Calder convinces Felix to have dinner with him - not a date, just for fun. It sets a pattern - hangouts, long phone calls, and thinking about each other when they’re not together.
This isn’t a particularly angsty book, and actually quite slow. I really liked the cozy feeling.
The big hurdle is how different the two men are. Calder lives in the moment and likes to have fun. Felix is cautious and has to put the girls first.
I loved how they balanced each other - Calder brings Felix out of his shell, and Felix gives Calder a taste of the slower life. They’re both equally protective and caring.
The two have to adjust and eventually figure out how to mesh their lives together. It was sweet how Calder set out to convince Felix that he was all-in for a serious relationship and the kids.
Speaking of the kids - very much so present in the book, and adorable. Madeleine and Charlotte were just kids being kids.
Felix and Calder eventually reach a tipping point, and make decisions for their future. Their happy ending is sweet, and left me with warm fuzzy feels.
If you’re looking for a drama-free family-focused MM romance, give ‘Shore Leave’ a read!
Calder’s lucky win quickly evaporates when the real owner of the cabin walks in with his two nieces in tow. His luck continues downward when he injures himself and gets snowed in with strangers.
But on the upside, Felix is a very attractive man and seems to cautiously return Calder’s interest.
The snowed-in trope is one of my favourites. You’d think I’ve read enough by now to be bored of it, but you’d be wrong. Give me all of the cliché!
In Shore Leave, the storm forces Felix and Calder to make the best of the situation. That includes playing in the snow with the girls, reading stories, and cooking together.
The close quarters also set off feelings that neither man had expected. And it isn’t just the physical attraction - it’s easy to share space and their thoughts with each other.
When the storm ends and they have to return to the real world, Calder convinces Felix to have dinner with him - not a date, just for fun. It sets a pattern - hangouts, long phone calls, and thinking about each other when they’re not together.
This isn’t a particularly angsty book, and actually quite slow. I really liked the cozy feeling.
The big hurdle is how different the two men are. Calder lives in the moment and likes to have fun. Felix is cautious and has to put the girls first.
I loved how they balanced each other - Calder brings Felix out of his shell, and Felix gives Calder a taste of the slower life. They’re both equally protective and caring.
The two have to adjust and eventually figure out how to mesh their lives together. It was sweet how Calder set out to convince Felix that he was all-in for a serious relationship and the kids.
Speaking of the kids - very much so present in the book, and adorable. Madeleine and Charlotte were just kids being kids.
Felix and Calder eventually reach a tipping point, and make decisions for their future. Their happy ending is sweet, and left me with warm fuzzy feels.
If you’re looking for a drama-free family-focused MM romance, give ‘Shore Leave’ a read!
February 28, 2022
Sink or Swim
is definitely better read for me than the first one of this series, Sailor Proof. Mainly because I LOVED the journey arc that both Calder and Felix experienced in the course of their relationship from strangers who came together under forced proximity setting, to acknowledging their attraction, to friends who kisses, to friends who dates, and well, to later as family.
Being with Felix, a single father with two girls (well, he's actually the girls' uncle but their mom died so Felix now is the girls' legal guardian) who recently out of a divorce, Calder learns that life is not always about the "winning" ... it can be about the "earning". He also learns that he can switch priorities, that he can let go of one phase of his life into the next. I loved Calder's interaction with the girls too, and his determination to not easily let Felix succumbs to his fear of relationship.
While being with Calder, Felix learns to have accept help and have fun. As he is now a single father, Felix tends to think that he has must do everything by himself because the girls are his responsibility. Especially after his ex-husband bailed on him, Felix doesn't easily trust his heart to someone else, even if he acknowledges that Calder is different.
Both learn from each other... and that's a huge win for me. Oh, plus the kids, because I do like kids in my romance 😊. Even the whole sexy things don't too bother me this time (even though I still skip them several times)
Now I wonder if there's another book in this series -- maybe Calder's friend, Max? Because I'd love to see glimpses of updates about Calder and Felix in THAT book (just like there's update about Arthur and Derrick getting married in this one)
Being with Felix, a single father with two girls (well, he's actually the girls' uncle but their mom died so Felix now is the girls' legal guardian) who recently out of a divorce, Calder learns that life is not always about the "winning" ... it can be about the "earning". He also learns that he can switch priorities, that he can let go of one phase of his life into the next. I loved Calder's interaction with the girls too, and his determination to not easily let Felix succumbs to his fear of relationship.
While being with Calder, Felix learns to have accept help and have fun. As he is now a single father, Felix tends to think that he has must do everything by himself because the girls are his responsibility. Especially after his ex-husband bailed on him, Felix doesn't easily trust his heart to someone else, even if he acknowledges that Calder is different.
Both learn from each other... and that's a huge win for me. Oh, plus the kids, because I do like kids in my romance 😊. Even the whole sexy things don't too bother me this time (even though I still skip them several times)
Now I wonder if there's another book in this series -- maybe Calder's friend, Max? Because I'd love to see glimpses of updates about Calder and Felix in THAT book (just like there's update about Arthur and Derrick getting married in this one)
March 6, 2022
I am a huge Annabeth Albert fan. She has a truly wonderful way of writing well-rounded characters who are dealing with real world problems without making the story feel heavy...usually. This one frustrated me slightly. I absolutely loved Navy Chief Calder Euler. He was always above board with his opinions and honest in his assessment of the relationship between him and Dr. Felix Sigurd. I wanted almost desperately for everything to turn out well for them, but I alternated between shaking Felix and outright strangling him though most of the book. I'm also not a fan of children in these stories but I know that this author nearly always writes in one or more of the little rug rats:) In this case it was Felix's two nieces that he was raising. I found them both irritating and overbearing in so many ways, especially the older one Throughout the story we see Calder and Felix not only navigate their relationship, but the fallout from Felix’s divorce and Calder’s indecision about the future of his career, but then there was the happy balance of the family members and the friends who just want to see them both happy. I’m still an Annabeth Albert fan in spite of the minor irritations I found here, and in the long run I know I am always guaranteed a good time with any Annabeth Albert book.
March 20, 2022
The second book in Annabeth Albert's standalone Shore Leave series, Sink or Swim is a fun, sweet, and sexy forced proximity romance.
I love Albert's stories with macho military men, and I loved Calder! Talk about finding his perfect place, this guy really blooms when he gets together with Felix. And the careful, caring way Felix addresses Calder's issues totally melted my heart.
The slower pacing works great for this pair, and the way Calder bonds with the kids is the icing on the cake. Marvelous!
thank you to Carina Press and Harlequin, through NetGalley, for providing a copy of Sink or Swim, all opinions are my own
I love Albert's stories with macho military men, and I loved Calder! Talk about finding his perfect place, this guy really blooms when he gets together with Felix. And the careful, caring way Felix addresses Calder's issues totally melted my heart.
The slower pacing works great for this pair, and the way Calder bonds with the kids is the icing on the cake. Marvelous!
thank you to Carina Press and Harlequin, through NetGalley, for providing a copy of Sink or Swim, all opinions are my own
June 10, 2022
[4.5] my newest comfort read 😌
March 16, 2022
This series is giving a+ quality Annabeth Albert writing.
I love mm romance with kids (especially when it's realistic but also the kids don't detract from the story). MCs were so cute together, yes yes to found family and love <3
I love mm romance with kids (especially when it's realistic but also the kids don't detract from the story). MCs were so cute together, yes yes to found family and love <3
Want to read
May 5, 2021Feb 2022? No matter. I see Annabeth Albert and a military title and I smash that “want to read” button.
February 1, 2022
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Annabeth Albert never fails to entertain me.
A forced proximity romance with a bit of a twist.
Recent divorcée and newly single parent to two little girls, the last thing Felix Sigurd expects to find at his family cabin - the one thing he fought to keep in the divorce from his nasty ex - is to find a sexy navy chief Cauler Euler with supposed ownership papers.
Albert gives us snowed in shenanigans, pancake breakfasts with fully fledged out (and adorable) kid characters, and a romance that puts a lot of focus on communication and trust.
I love seeing this shift in romance books, this felt like a real relationship with real conversations about sex.
Excited for more in this series.
Annabeth Albert never fails to entertain me.
A forced proximity romance with a bit of a twist.
Recent divorcée and newly single parent to two little girls, the last thing Felix Sigurd expects to find at his family cabin - the one thing he fought to keep in the divorce from his nasty ex - is to find a sexy navy chief Cauler Euler with supposed ownership papers.
Albert gives us snowed in shenanigans, pancake breakfasts with fully fledged out (and adorable) kid characters, and a romance that puts a lot of focus on communication and trust.
I love seeing this shift in romance books, this felt like a real relationship with real conversations about sex.
Excited for more in this series.
February 25, 2022
SINK OR SWIM is the second book in the SHORE LEAVE SERIES but can be read as a standalone, for those that have read the first book you won't want to miss this one!
Calder loves to play cards when he's on leave and one win scored him a cabin but shortly after he arrives at the cabin he finds out that Felix's ex had no rights to the cabin that he lost in the bet. But that wasn't the worst part of the encounter, Calder actually gets hurt in a fall and with the bad snow storm heading their way and roads closing he is forced to stay at the cabin for a few days with the good looking silver fox and his two nieces that he's raising....okay so maybe falling wasn't so bad after all. 😉
I don't know who was more charming in this story Navy chief Calder Euler, whom I really liked in his brothers book SAILOR PROOF and couldn't wait until he had his own HEA, or Uncle turned single parent Felix Sigurd, who is raising his half-sisters two daughters after she passed, both men had such great qualities that you can't help but hope that they get everything their hearts desire.
Oh, and lets us not forget about the adorable girls that Felix is raising, Madeline and Charlotte, they are so cute and Charlotte Oh My the things that she would say had me rolling.
One of the things I love most about Annabeth Albert's books is that I never know what she is going to gift us with as far as where her characters fall on the sexual spectrum, while Felix is Gay I would say that Calder is Graysexual. So there is a lot of kissing and cuddling going on between the two men, there are a couple of steamy scenes but it's the more intimate ones that resonate and build their relationship.
If you enjoy MM Romances, Single Dad Romances, Military Romances, or Forced Proximity Romances I would recommend this book to you.
Happy Reading!!!
Calder loves to play cards when he's on leave and one win scored him a cabin but shortly after he arrives at the cabin he finds out that Felix's ex had no rights to the cabin that he lost in the bet. But that wasn't the worst part of the encounter, Calder actually gets hurt in a fall and with the bad snow storm heading their way and roads closing he is forced to stay at the cabin for a few days with the good looking silver fox and his two nieces that he's raising....okay so maybe falling wasn't so bad after all. 😉
I don't know who was more charming in this story Navy chief Calder Euler, whom I really liked in his brothers book SAILOR PROOF and couldn't wait until he had his own HEA, or Uncle turned single parent Felix Sigurd, who is raising his half-sisters two daughters after she passed, both men had such great qualities that you can't help but hope that they get everything their hearts desire.
Oh, and lets us not forget about the adorable girls that Felix is raising, Madeline and Charlotte, they are so cute and Charlotte Oh My the things that she would say had me rolling.
One of the things I love most about Annabeth Albert's books is that I never know what she is going to gift us with as far as where her characters fall on the sexual spectrum, while Felix is Gay I would say that Calder is Graysexual. So there is a lot of kissing and cuddling going on between the two men, there are a couple of steamy scenes but it's the more intimate ones that resonate and build their relationship.
If you enjoy MM Romances, Single Dad Romances, Military Romances, or Forced Proximity Romances I would recommend this book to you.
Happy Reading!!!
February 24, 2022
We first met Calder in Sailor Proof as Arthur’s older brother. Loud, brash and competitive, Calder seemed to be just your average fun loving guy. But in Sink or Swim, we get to see the real Calder, and he is just adorable.
The meet cute between Calder and Felix happens almost immediately with a case of mistaken identity. Or rather, mistaken intent, as Felix and his nieces believe that Calder is an intruder in their cabin. Through a series of mishaps, Calder winds up stranded at the cabin with the stand-offish doctor and his girls, providing the perfect opportunity for these two to get to know one another.
Felix is not looking for love. Fresh off a divorce and taking over custody of his nieces, Felix has all that he can handle. A new entanglement, even with a sexy Navy Chief, is not on the horizon. But Felix is drawn to Calder, as are the girls, and the forced closeness only serves to accelerate the attraction between the two.
I love that Annabeth Albert often deals with sexual preferences in romance that may not always be those most often written about. In Calder’s case, he was closer to the asexual end of the spectrum, preferring the time with Felix, the cuddles, the closeness. For him, it truly was not about the end goal of getting a partner into bed, but the journey and time in getting there. I love the connection that these two men had. Not just when they were trapped together in a mountain cabin, but when they returned to their real lives back on the city, communication became key for them.
I really enjoyed this story. It wasn’t just about Felix and Calder and the relationship that they created, but it was about the family they chose to make. Low on angst, high on feelings with just the right amount of sweetness, this story was a delight.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
The meet cute between Calder and Felix happens almost immediately with a case of mistaken identity. Or rather, mistaken intent, as Felix and his nieces believe that Calder is an intruder in their cabin. Through a series of mishaps, Calder winds up stranded at the cabin with the stand-offish doctor and his girls, providing the perfect opportunity for these two to get to know one another.
Felix is not looking for love. Fresh off a divorce and taking over custody of his nieces, Felix has all that he can handle. A new entanglement, even with a sexy Navy Chief, is not on the horizon. But Felix is drawn to Calder, as are the girls, and the forced closeness only serves to accelerate the attraction between the two.
I love that Annabeth Albert often deals with sexual preferences in romance that may not always be those most often written about. In Calder’s case, he was closer to the asexual end of the spectrum, preferring the time with Felix, the cuddles, the closeness. For him, it truly was not about the end goal of getting a partner into bed, but the journey and time in getting there. I love the connection that these two men had. Not just when they were trapped together in a mountain cabin, but when they returned to their real lives back on the city, communication became key for them.
I really enjoyed this story. It wasn’t just about Felix and Calder and the relationship that they created, but it was about the family they chose to make. Low on angst, high on feelings with just the right amount of sweetness, this story was a delight.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
March 9, 2022
Book 2 in Albert's Shore Leave series was a lovely read. Calder was not what I expected based on the glimpses I got of him in Sailor Proof. He felt very one-dimensional and not very deep, so I went into this story not expecting the complex character that he was.
I loved loved LOVED all the cuddling Calder and Felix get up to. It was nice to have love interests not immediately jump to penetrative sex; rather, these two slowly get to know each other in all kinds of ways. The demi rep was lovely.
Felix's nieces were a delight and added that extra piece to the story. Without them, I don't think we'd get the same kind of connection between Felix and Calder, and it made Felix's hesitation to let Calder in feel very real. I also loved how Calder was like a big kid with the girls while still being a responsible adult, even if he didn't have the confidence that he could be a parent figure.
I would have liked to have seen them at the family summer camp. I really enjoyed those scenes in Sailor Proof.
***Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.***
I loved loved LOVED all the cuddling Calder and Felix get up to. It was nice to have love interests not immediately jump to penetrative sex; rather, these two slowly get to know each other in all kinds of ways. The demi rep was lovely.
Felix's nieces were a delight and added that extra piece to the story. Without them, I don't think we'd get the same kind of connection between Felix and Calder, and it made Felix's hesitation to let Calder in feel very real. I also loved how Calder was like a big kid with the girls while still being a responsible adult, even if he didn't have the confidence that he could be a parent figure.
I would have liked to have seen them at the family summer camp. I really enjoyed those scenes in Sailor Proof.
***Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.***
May 23, 2022
Book 2
When I grabbed this I didn't realize it was book 2 in a new series. 'Sink or Swim' is definitely a standalone and doesn't require reading the first book "Sailor Proof", but I can't help but feel like if I had read the first I would have been able to get into this a lot more, if that makes sense?
It's a cute story, with plenty of heat, about finding the right person for you. I loved that Felix is a loving uncle trying his best to take care of two kids while navigating a nasty divorce. I loved Calder, a poker loving Navy submariner who's temporarily shore bound. From the first moments they meet, to the way Calder commits was sweet, but I kept feeling like I was missing something. I probably just need to read the first book.
When I grabbed this I didn't realize it was book 2 in a new series. 'Sink or Swim' is definitely a standalone and doesn't require reading the first book "Sailor Proof", but I can't help but feel like if I had read the first I would have been able to get into this a lot more, if that makes sense?
It's a cute story, with plenty of heat, about finding the right person for you. I loved that Felix is a loving uncle trying his best to take care of two kids while navigating a nasty divorce. I loved Calder, a poker loving Navy submariner who's temporarily shore bound. From the first moments they meet, to the way Calder commits was sweet, but I kept feeling like I was missing something. I probably just need to read the first book.
January 23, 2022
Rep: bi MC, gay MC, single dad
This book could have easily gotten a 5 star rating, but it somehow felt like two different books in one.
Calder is a navy chief and loves a good game of cards, especially when he is winning.
His biggest win so far is a cabin in the mountains outside of Seattle. But when he goes there to check it out, it’s already occupied by Felix and his two nieces he is raising.
Felix just got divorced and his ex-husband does everything he can to annoy him. Like gambling away the keys to his families vacation cabin to a total stranger.
I love forced proximity!!!
I totally expected for this story to take place in the cabin the whole time. It did not!
These two guys are snowed in for a weekend with the kids only, but in these few days everything develops rather quickly. They like each other and are very attracted to each other. You can imagine what happens…
The thing is, Calder is kinda written like an aspec character (not canon!), he is not too interested in sex and only really enjoys sex when he trusts someone. So, he knows Felix for a few hours and of course it’s the best sex he ever had.
For me this didn’t work at all. It felt like instalove but replaced with instatrust.
BUT!!!
After this weekend they meet again in the city and have dinner AND everything slowed down a lot, they took their time getting to know each other, went on dates, had long phone calls every night. They talked a lot!
I loved it!!! They were so cute!
Felix recently getting a divorce and taking in his nieces has a lot of trust and abandonment issues.
Calder never had a serious relationship before, he doesn’t have a lot of experience with kids. He recently got a concussion and is forced on shore duty, which he isn’t too happy about.
They both have their little packages.
They learn to trust each other over several weeks. They take care of each other when the other needs it. It was perfect.
One of my favourite things in this were the sex scenes! Calder is this huge muscular guy and only ever had kind of meaningless hookups when on shore. With his statue certain things were expected from him.
But he loves cuddling and going slowly and has a hard time getting off with other people.
He and Felix talk a lot before and during sex, there is a lot of communication and consent about what both of them like. It’s understood that sex and coming isn’t the end goal to their time together in bed. I really loved this and marked a lot of quotes!
This book is also very much drama free, there is no miscommunication or unnecessary drama for plot effects.
Without the beginning this would have been a perfect romance for me. I highly enjoyed it and loved this even more than the first book!
This book could have easily gotten a 5 star rating, but it somehow felt like two different books in one.
Calder is a navy chief and loves a good game of cards, especially when he is winning.
His biggest win so far is a cabin in the mountains outside of Seattle. But when he goes there to check it out, it’s already occupied by Felix and his two nieces he is raising.
Felix just got divorced and his ex-husband does everything he can to annoy him. Like gambling away the keys to his families vacation cabin to a total stranger.
I love forced proximity!!!
I totally expected for this story to take place in the cabin the whole time. It did not!
These two guys are snowed in for a weekend with the kids only, but in these few days everything develops rather quickly. They like each other and are very attracted to each other. You can imagine what happens…
The thing is, Calder is kinda written like an aspec character (not canon!), he is not too interested in sex and only really enjoys sex when he trusts someone. So, he knows Felix for a few hours and of course it’s the best sex he ever had.
For me this didn’t work at all. It felt like instalove but replaced with instatrust.
BUT!!!
After this weekend they meet again in the city and have dinner AND everything slowed down a lot, they took their time getting to know each other, went on dates, had long phone calls every night. They talked a lot!
I loved it!!! They were so cute!
Felix recently getting a divorce and taking in his nieces has a lot of trust and abandonment issues.
Calder never had a serious relationship before, he doesn’t have a lot of experience with kids. He recently got a concussion and is forced on shore duty, which he isn’t too happy about.
They both have their little packages.
They learn to trust each other over several weeks. They take care of each other when the other needs it. It was perfect.
One of my favourite things in this were the sex scenes! Calder is this huge muscular guy and only ever had kind of meaningless hookups when on shore. With his statue certain things were expected from him.
But he loves cuddling and going slowly and has a hard time getting off with other people.
He and Felix talk a lot before and during sex, there is a lot of communication and consent about what both of them like. It’s understood that sex and coming isn’t the end goal to their time together in bed. I really loved this and marked a lot of quotes!
This book is also very much drama free, there is no miscommunication or unnecessary drama for plot effects.
Without the beginning this would have been a perfect romance for me. I highly enjoyed it and loved this even more than the first book!
March 6, 2022
3.5 rounded down
Much like the last book, I liked this one, but something felt missing for me, or just not quite right. I enjoyed the characters, and it was cool to see a character along the grey-ace spectrum, and even the kids didn't annoy me too much, so I'm not totally sure why this didn't completely click. Partially I do think it was a little long, and Felix's continued protestations that they couldn't date even though the had clearly already been dating for months felt a little forced so there'd be *some* tension in what was generally quite a light book. Lower steam, which made sense in the book, though not usually my preference. I did enjoy it, but not quite as much as I'd have expected!
Much like the last book, I liked this one, but something felt missing for me, or just not quite right. I enjoyed the characters, and it was cool to see a character along the grey-ace spectrum, and even the kids didn't annoy me too much, so I'm not totally sure why this didn't completely click. Partially I do think it was a little long, and Felix's continued protestations that they couldn't date even though the had clearly already been dating for months felt a little forced so there'd be *some* tension in what was generally quite a light book. Lower steam, which made sense in the book, though not usually my preference. I did enjoy it, but not quite as much as I'd have expected!
Read
September 3, 2022DNF @ 42%
did-not-finish
November 23, 2023DNF at 5%. Just didn't capture me.
February 23, 2022
Kissing, kissing, lots of kissing! Loved this! I’m so sick of couples having sex within the first 25% of a story and then every few pages after that. Not here, though. This book is a beautifully poignant love story between two men. One is Calder, whom we met in book one, Sailor Proof, when his brother Arthur fell in love with Calder’s bestie, Derrick. Now, due to a concussion, Calder is confined to shore and is missing his whole sub crew and (im)patiently waiting for the all-clear to return to his previous position.
Felix is a divorcee, still working on the property settlement between he and his ex—a property the man gambled and lost to Calder in a card game. Felix is the guardian for his two nieces (one of whom is adorably precocious) and is shocked when he opens the door to his getaway cabin to find Arthur lying at the foot of the stairs, where he landed when he twisted his ankle.
Talk about a slow-build romance! I couldn’t have asked for better. Calder’s sexuality is not labeled, per se, but he’s likely asexual or demi-romantic, though he doesn’t really need a label. He’s simply attracted to Felix, both physically and emotionally, and Felix returns those feelings, even as both men deny any need to date and they keep qualifying their friendship as a non-relationship. Kissing is their favorite thing to do. From the moment Calder first kisses Felix, his senses short circuit. (“Kissing Felix was like a mission critical task on the sub…”) And Felix is on board with the no sex, only kissing “friendship” and, in fact, is happy to keep it simple.
I rooted for these men as I watched each slowly change in their thinking and followed Calder’s struggles as he came to terms with his new choices and shore responsibilities and with his feelings for Felix and his girls. Later in the story as Felix reflects on Calder’s changes, he notes that it didn’t matter what others saw. “What really mattered was that he knew his truth.”
One of the things I like best about Annabeth Albert’s characters is how “normal” they are. They are not superheroes or buff athletes or assassins or other villainous creatures. These guys could be my family or friends or neighbors. I can relate to them, feel their feelings, identify with their hardships, and most certainly root for their happiness.
There were so many amazing descriptive phrases in this story that I’d need to apply for a copyright exclusion to quote them all, but it’s certainly worth noting that when an author can use a few expressive words to paint a vivid visual readers will get an enriching experience. Annabeth Albert does that and does it well.
Those who loved book one will get a bonus with this as Calder and Felix attend the wedding of Sailor Proof’s couple. I’m invested in the future of all the characters we’ve met so far, and I hope we get to meet many more in subsequent stories. This one can be read as a standalone, however it will be much more pleasurable if you’ve already met Calder’s brother Arthur, his family, and of course, Derrick. Don’t miss the chance to pick this up!
Felix is a divorcee, still working on the property settlement between he and his ex—a property the man gambled and lost to Calder in a card game. Felix is the guardian for his two nieces (one of whom is adorably precocious) and is shocked when he opens the door to his getaway cabin to find Arthur lying at the foot of the stairs, where he landed when he twisted his ankle.
Talk about a slow-build romance! I couldn’t have asked for better. Calder’s sexuality is not labeled, per se, but he’s likely asexual or demi-romantic, though he doesn’t really need a label. He’s simply attracted to Felix, both physically and emotionally, and Felix returns those feelings, even as both men deny any need to date and they keep qualifying their friendship as a non-relationship. Kissing is their favorite thing to do. From the moment Calder first kisses Felix, his senses short circuit. (“Kissing Felix was like a mission critical task on the sub…”) And Felix is on board with the no sex, only kissing “friendship” and, in fact, is happy to keep it simple.
I rooted for these men as I watched each slowly change in their thinking and followed Calder’s struggles as he came to terms with his new choices and shore responsibilities and with his feelings for Felix and his girls. Later in the story as Felix reflects on Calder’s changes, he notes that it didn’t matter what others saw. “What really mattered was that he knew his truth.”
One of the things I like best about Annabeth Albert’s characters is how “normal” they are. They are not superheroes or buff athletes or assassins or other villainous creatures. These guys could be my family or friends or neighbors. I can relate to them, feel their feelings, identify with their hardships, and most certainly root for their happiness.
There were so many amazing descriptive phrases in this story that I’d need to apply for a copyright exclusion to quote them all, but it’s certainly worth noting that when an author can use a few expressive words to paint a vivid visual readers will get an enriching experience. Annabeth Albert does that and does it well.
Those who loved book one will get a bonus with this as Calder and Felix attend the wedding of Sailor Proof’s couple. I’m invested in the future of all the characters we’ve met so far, and I hope we get to meet many more in subsequent stories. This one can be read as a standalone, however it will be much more pleasurable if you’ve already met Calder’s brother Arthur, his family, and of course, Derrick. Don’t miss the chance to pick this up!
Read
March 11, 2022I am really disappointed in this audio. Joel Leslie is in such a hurry you hear him getting winded while reading and he rushes over every emotion and nuance. Both narrators are not always clearly differentiating between quotes and thoughts. And Greg Boudreaux recorded his misreadings on a different date and tried to paste it in the original recording, resulting in several sentences with different ambient sound and volume.
I am not sure whether the performance makes the enjoyment less. The characters are flat and I miss the connection with their inner feelings.
I am not sure whether the performance makes the enjoyment less. The characters are flat and I miss the connection with their inner feelings.
January 17, 2022
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Sink or Swim is the second stand alone in the Shore Leave series by Annabeth Albert. A romance between a single parent doctor and a Naval Chief.
Navy Chief Calder wins the keys to a cabin in a poker game, unfortunately it's already owned rightfully by Felix. Felix and his two nieces that he's raising show up at the same time as him, and because of a slip and a whole lot of snow they end up snowed in together for the weekend. Felix is recently out of an unpleasant divorce, still relatively new to being a parent, and doesn't see another relationship in the future for himself. Calder is use to being the fun friend and is always ready to gamble and win, but after meeting Felix and the girls, he starts to rethink what he sees for his future. But will Felix turn down everything Calder has to offer, or will he give him the chance at a future together.
"Meeting his gaze, I tried to tell him with my eyes that this didn't have to be so scary. I believed in him. Believed in us."
The star of Sink or Swim for me was definitely Calder. I loved how he didn't let his fears and comfortableness hold him back from bonding with Felix's girls. Whether it was making them meals or going sledding with them, he made the effort. He also 100% landed somewhere on the asexual spectrum, most likely Demi Grey, but it's not labeled in the story. He had sexual feelings, but the level and frequency was minimal. He was insecure about not always being able to climax with partners but was all for pleasuring his partner. I love that Felix let him know there was nothing wrong with him and that he was just fine if all they did was kissing and cuddles.
" Oh, baby, talk organization to me." Chuckling, Felix returned my kiss. He tasted like red wine and happiness, and I wanted to stay in that moment forever.
I enjoyed Felix and his daughters too. Felix was a little hot and cold, but it was understandable under the circumstances. As a single parent, he has to put stability for his girls ahead of his own wants. However, Calder proved over and over again that he was committed to all of them, and Felix's lack of giving him credit was frustrating. Both girls were darling, one shy and nervous, the other fearless and with a morbid curiosity.
Overall, Sink or Swim by Annabeth Albert was an easy read with a solid happily ever after. Snowed In, forced proximity, pancake mornings, date nights, pantry organizing and lazy kisses.
Sink or Swim is the second stand alone in the Shore Leave series by Annabeth Albert. A romance between a single parent doctor and a Naval Chief.
Navy Chief Calder wins the keys to a cabin in a poker game, unfortunately it's already owned rightfully by Felix. Felix and his two nieces that he's raising show up at the same time as him, and because of a slip and a whole lot of snow they end up snowed in together for the weekend. Felix is recently out of an unpleasant divorce, still relatively new to being a parent, and doesn't see another relationship in the future for himself. Calder is use to being the fun friend and is always ready to gamble and win, but after meeting Felix and the girls, he starts to rethink what he sees for his future. But will Felix turn down everything Calder has to offer, or will he give him the chance at a future together.
"Meeting his gaze, I tried to tell him with my eyes that this didn't have to be so scary. I believed in him. Believed in us."
The star of Sink or Swim for me was definitely Calder. I loved how he didn't let his fears and comfortableness hold him back from bonding with Felix's girls. Whether it was making them meals or going sledding with them, he made the effort. He also 100% landed somewhere on the asexual spectrum, most likely Demi Grey, but it's not labeled in the story. He had sexual feelings, but the level and frequency was minimal. He was insecure about not always being able to climax with partners but was all for pleasuring his partner. I love that Felix let him know there was nothing wrong with him and that he was just fine if all they did was kissing and cuddles.
" Oh, baby, talk organization to me." Chuckling, Felix returned my kiss. He tasted like red wine and happiness, and I wanted to stay in that moment forever.
I enjoyed Felix and his daughters too. Felix was a little hot and cold, but it was understandable under the circumstances. As a single parent, he has to put stability for his girls ahead of his own wants. However, Calder proved over and over again that he was committed to all of them, and Felix's lack of giving him credit was frustrating. Both girls were darling, one shy and nervous, the other fearless and with a morbid curiosity.
Overall, Sink or Swim by Annabeth Albert was an easy read with a solid happily ever after. Snowed In, forced proximity, pancake mornings, date nights, pantry organizing and lazy kisses.
February 22, 2022
3.5 stars
Calder wins a bet in a high stake card game. The bet is a secluded cabin. He is hoping to use the space as a hangout for him and his buddies. Unfortunately, there is a problem the cabin seems to belong to someone else.
Felix is going through a contentious divorce. He is the guardian of his two nieces and after a bad week he is looking forward to a trip to his childhood cabin. What he doesn't expect is a stranger to be there and even worse the stranger claiming the cabin as his. It seems Felix's ex is not done trying to mess with him.
These two do not hit it off on the right foot after the mix up. However, a snow storm and an injury forces them to have to share the cabin until all is cleared. The two may be opposites but, as the saying goes, opposites attract.
I like these two. Felix is going through the life changing process of divorce and Calder is going through the process of figuring out his next steps in his career. With them there was a different form of intimacy here. Calder is asexual so it was not all about jumping into the bed and getting down and dirty. There was the getting to know each other and the simple touches and moments shared.
*ARC provided by author, this is my honest review.*
Calder wins a bet in a high stake card game. The bet is a secluded cabin. He is hoping to use the space as a hangout for him and his buddies. Unfortunately, there is a problem the cabin seems to belong to someone else.
Felix is going through a contentious divorce. He is the guardian of his two nieces and after a bad week he is looking forward to a trip to his childhood cabin. What he doesn't expect is a stranger to be there and even worse the stranger claiming the cabin as his. It seems Felix's ex is not done trying to mess with him.
These two do not hit it off on the right foot after the mix up. However, a snow storm and an injury forces them to have to share the cabin until all is cleared. The two may be opposites but, as the saying goes, opposites attract.
I like these two. Felix is going through the life changing process of divorce and Calder is going through the process of figuring out his next steps in his career. With them there was a different form of intimacy here. Calder is asexual so it was not all about jumping into the bed and getting down and dirty. There was the getting to know each other and the simple touches and moments shared.
*ARC provided by author, this is my honest review.*
May 19, 2022
This is the second book in Albert’s Shore Leave series. While this stands well on its own - Calder appears in book 1, so these are best enjoyed in order.
I love single dad romance. While Felix is technically uncle to Madeline & Charlotte, he’s their full time guardian. Forced proximity is another great one and I like the way Albert set it up here. Once they admit their attraction, they still work to keep things casual. Calder is determined not to go the relationship route and Felix is still recovering from a divorce.
I love that Felix and then Calder make the girls such a high priority. Both kids were well written, but Charlotte was particularly endearing. Really enjoyable to see them become a family.
Calder and Felix’s relationship was fairly low angst even if both were a bit fearful to start something. I really appreciated the way Albert wrote their physical relationship. Communication and openness were so good plus the fact that Calder & Felix both loved kissing so much and the goal wasn’t always to go further. They were just adorable together.
Sweet epilogue. Lovely listen.
Narration:
I enjoyed the pairing of Greg Boudreaux & Joel Leslie again. They’re both terrific when it comes to varied character voices, emotions, and smooth delivery. I loved the way Leslie did the kids’ voices. So cute.
I love single dad romance. While Felix is technically uncle to Madeline & Charlotte, he’s their full time guardian. Forced proximity is another great one and I like the way Albert set it up here. Once they admit their attraction, they still work to keep things casual. Calder is determined not to go the relationship route and Felix is still recovering from a divorce.
I love that Felix and then Calder make the girls such a high priority. Both kids were well written, but Charlotte was particularly endearing. Really enjoyable to see them become a family.
Calder and Felix’s relationship was fairly low angst even if both were a bit fearful to start something. I really appreciated the way Albert wrote their physical relationship. Communication and openness were so good plus the fact that Calder & Felix both loved kissing so much and the goal wasn’t always to go further. They were just adorable together.
Sweet epilogue. Lovely listen.
Narration:
I enjoyed the pairing of Greg Boudreaux & Joel Leslie again. They’re both terrific when it comes to varied character voices, emotions, and smooth delivery. I loved the way Leslie did the kids’ voices. So cute.
February 14, 2022
Annabeth Albert does Military men like no other, and this follow-up to Sailor Proof was definitely a winner. Calder is the brother of Arthur and best friend of Derrick from book one but it can totally be read as a stand-alone. I just loved everything about this one. It's a little different then your typical romances, a lot more kissing and cuddling and a lot less steam but it worked so well for the MCs. I also felt like it was more of the slice-of-life style of romance you don't see too often, but when done right is extremely satisfying. There's good communication, a slow burn romance that just plain works, and honestly it was just great to see a romance between 2 grown-ups trying to figure out how they fit together in life.
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