Wheels Up is an amazing read. Normally I don't enjoy books where the angst level is turned up to 11, but I liked this story very much. Dustin and Wes were such lovable characters that I was able to survive and even thrive through the emotional roller coaster of their relationship. That the crisis moment brought me to tears is unusual for me, but it felt inevitable with this book. The hardest part was not relieving my stress by peeking at the end, but I somehow managed to resist.
I really like how their relationship started out on-line. My one and only criticism is that their on-line dialog is not very differentiated from the text. I would have liked italics, quotes, or at least new paragraphs to separate what they were actually saying from the narrative. I'm pretty sure I figured it out, but it was distracting the font was slightly different but I would have preferred more obvious dialog. Formatting aside, I love how the story starts with "We should meet." (quotation marks are mine) As someone who knows quite a few people on-line only, I have some idea how stressful that idea would be. I don't have the same type of (ahem) intimate on-line relationships as Wes and Dustin do, but giving up the anonymity of the internet for the real world would still be stress inducing.
Their meeting was both sweet and sexually charged. It was the first time they actually saw each other and could touch, but they had already known each other and shared sexual encounters for six months. Their on line acquaintance created an instant intimacy that was believable. That meeting, as well as Wes' unanticipated transfer to Dustin's unit, sets off an emotional storm that neither man is able to escape. The reader is swept along with them, wanting them to be together but fearing their discovery by the Navy.
Besides the excellent portrayal of a fraught relationship, the author handles another area with skill as well. Dustin and Wes have a little bit of a kink going--Dustin likes to be bossed around in bed and Wes likes to run the show. The way this is portrayed does not come across as demeaning or bullying in any way. Dustin and Wes have some very hot and imaginative scenes but Wes is always respectful and cautious in how he handles Dustin. This is not a BDSM story, but there are definitely some Kindle--melting scenes. Wes has some unnamed misgivings throughout the story; when they are finally revealed the picture of his and Dustin's relationship is completed.
Finally, the plot line that keeps Dustin and Wes apart is believable. Often the angst--inducing problem romance characters face is very contrived or just silly. The reader is left thinking that if the relationship was stronger they would find a quicker, easier way to overcome their problems. While there are solutions to Dustin and Wes' problems they are not easy or consequence--free. Their problems are tough ones and they handle them pretty well.
I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good love story with very sexy men and lots of feels.
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About the author
Wes & Dustin
This is book 4 in Annabeth Albert’s Out of Uniform series. While this couple’s relationship and story arc stands well on its own – the series as a whole is best enjoyed in order (and Dustin is introduced/featured quite a bit in book 2, At Attention). I loved the idea of these two guys hooking up semi-anonymously only to learn that they’re both SEALs when Wes is transferred to Dustin’s team. The struggle with feeling an amazing connection to someone pitted against the Navy’s no-fraternization rules provides a lot of tension and angst. While this level of kink doesn’t always work for me – I enjoyed it here. Not just from a steam factor, but also Dustin working through what ever hang ups he’s bringing into the relationship and Wes’s encouragement to move beyond social expectations. Consent and communication made this really sexy. I enjoyed the evolution of their relationship, the clandestine nature, and I was pleasantly surprised by the resolution Albert provided for them. Wes & Dustin are perfect for each other. I’m excited for Mark & Isaiah’s book, Squared Away. Narration: I enjoyed Greg Boudreaux’s performance. These books are almost exclusively male characters with a pretty hefty cast. Boudreaux gives them all unique sounds and personalities. Wes’s Southern accent was a delight. Great listen.
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Top reviews from other countries
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- Fay's MM ReadsReviewed in Australia on September 2, 2018
5 Plus Stars 🔥🔥💖 A smoking hot story
Format: KindleVerified Purchase - A HarveyReviewed in the United Kingdom on November 21, 2017
Angst and agony galore but so so good
Format: KindleVerified Purchase - okee1Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 2, 2018
Loved this one
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
