Getting Lost in a Book - "at Attention" and "The Rainbow Clause"

A World Away Reviews

Inaugural Post of A World Away Reviews

Once upon a time, oh about a year ago, I had a brief stint as a blog reviewer. After a publisher took offense (because I told the truth, and they couldn't take it), I got canned, but the ability to get my personal thoughts on books I loved out there stayed. I've been reviewing books since I started reading MM, about 4 years ago. I don't always like books, I've taken writers to task for any number of reasons. But I've read far more "good" books than bad, and when a book hits me with such force that I give it more than 4 stars, then you've wowed me. A great storyline, interesting characters, amazing dialogue and visuals. Any number of reasons, but overall I could barely put your book down. So I've decided to do this...

Each month, I'll share a recommendation or two. Some books might get a full page review, others an honorable mention. These may be books I've been given to review anyway, or purchases or freebies I've found. I'll let you know.

At Attention (Out of Uniform #2) by Annabeth Albert

This book was provided free by the author in return for an honest review. 

Dylan could almost hear the chatter in Apollo’s head, and it was more than a little clear that Apollo was kissing him to avoid thinking about the meaning of what they were doing. However, Dylan was totally on-board with the sex-as-distraction plan. Apollo freed from his mental chains was sexy as fuck.

Well, what can I say? I'm a sucker for military men falling in love. Give me beautiful, give me respectful, give me heartfelt, brave, and just a bit nervous and I'm all over that.

Apollo Floros is still living with the ghost of husband, even as he tries to survive holding down a military career while raising twin preschool girls. Thank God for mom until a planned trip takes her away for the summer. Enter Dylan, youngest brother of Apollo's best friend, Dustin.

Dylan is a bold 22 year old, who has harboured a crush on Apollo since he was 15. Seven years, he waited, crushed when Apollo married, devastated for him when Apollo’s husband dies. But now, his chance has arrived, and he plans on taking a chance with his heart.

The two men play off each other beautifully. The banter, dialogue, and snarky thoughts had me laughing at many points throughout the story, and there were so many wonderful analogies that caught my eye and made me stop, reread and appreciate the subtlety. 

God, when was the last time he’d laughed this much? A cool breeze swept over the landing, ruffling the banner advertising a sale in one of the boutiques. And it felt like the wind whipped through his life too, clearing out all the cobwebs and cranky thoughts and leaving only crisp, clear skies.

This had all the makings of a sweet, romantic tale, but personal demons and unresolved grief rear their ugly heads. The ending is a bit cliché, but it was unexpected, and oh, so sweet. Do yourself a favor, and take the time to indulge in these lovely men. 5 Stars.

                    The Rainbow Clause by Beth Bolden

This book was provided free by the author in return for an honest review via Goodreads Don't Buy My Love review program.

While technically this might not have been perfect (multiple errors of missing words or wrong word used), I'm a sucker for sports stories. Add in some muscle, some brains, some machismo, and a great storyline, and you got me hook, line and sinker. 

Don’t sleep with the athletes. Don’t like the athletes. Don’t fall for the athletes. It had never been particularly hard to keep them, but Nick had a feeling he was about to be tested.

Sports reporter, Nick Wheeler, has had a crush on quarterback Colin O’Connor for years. He even hired Colin's best friend, Jemma, to be his PA. (It appears there is an M/F book prior to this, but this book holds as a standalone.) A first interview has Nick believing his crush might even “play for his team”. 

Colin has only been in love once, with his BFF Jemma, but he's always been attracted to men. When Jemma finds the love of her life (Gabe), Colin becomes a recluse because you can't be gay and play in the NFL. Right? Finally deciding he has had enough loneliness, he enacts a part of his NFL contract, aptly named, The Rainbow Clause, which allows him to come out albeit in a structured manner designed by the team’s Public Relations department. 

When Nick is assigned to Collin’s story, he insists they have to spend time together and, of course, sparks fly. Together they learn to navigate the treacherous waters of agents, team PR, and the media. 

And they do so with flying colors.

I loved the banter between Nick and Colin. They played off against each other with ease and few tense moments. Colin’s honesty became the breath of fresh air Nick needed in his life. The entire storyline was well thought-out and moved effortlessly from one scene to another, and from one character to the other. 

You trying to impress me, O’Connor?” Nick asked, trying his best to ignore the frisson of pleasure he felt at the thought. 

Colin’s laugh was bright and infectious. “I can’t believe it’s taken you so long to figure that out.” 

It was a little too close to all the thoughts that Nick had been having lately. Thoughts 

like always and forever and boyfriend. And that little four letter word that had never terrified him before.

For me, only two areas I felt were lacking (other than the technical issues I noted above): first, is the drop of Nick's PTSD/nightmares. It was as if by confessing they were suddenly gone and never heard from again. The second is the lack of "immediate family." No mention of moms, dads or siblings, even foster families... I find that hard to believe.

As an added bonus, the story ended with a chance to read a bonus scene taking place six months after the conclusion of the initial story. Again, another well done piece, although I’d have been happier with fewer editing errors. 4.5 stars (for both)