Wash Out
Author: L.A. Witt
Reviewer: B.
Rating: B+
What I’m Talking About:
Having lost far too much to his memories and resulting addiction, Logan Carter is finally turning his life around, finding help in the most unlikely of places. After watching too many of his fellow Marines die on the battlefield, he’d used alcohol to quiet the past, nearly destroying any chance at a decent future. Now, six months sober, he’s getting a fresh start as a civilian contractor at NAS Adams, rebuilding a friendship with his ex, and going to regular therapy sessions. The only thing that would be better—or worse—would be falling for the handsome Gunner’s Mate in the next cubicle.
GM2 Casey Olsen has had one goal his entire life: to be a Navy SEAL. He’d never questioned his ability to fight on the front lines, until a horribly broken leg yanks that destiny out from under him, leaving him angry and unsure about his own future. Unable to chase his dreams, but too fit to be medically discharged, he’s in limbo and frustrated. At least his current officemates are fun—especially the sexy new guy who draws him like a magnet. After all, what could possibly be wrong with having a little fun while the Navy figures out what to do with him?
Like the other stories in the Anchor Point series, Wash Out is a standalone that manages to successfully tie in characters from previous stories, which I greatly appreciated. As is also the case in earlier narratives, Logan and Casey are trying to find their place in the world with regards to the Navy, and are carrying around some serious burdens to boot. Though I feel bad about the reaction, I don’t think that Wash Out was as balanced as some of the pervious titles, and couldn’t help siding with one character more than the other on occasion.
The requisite instant chemistry between MCs is very much present as well, and Casey and Logan don’t wait long to explore it. Casey’s injury forces them to go a little slower than they might have otherwise, however, which works to the story’s advantage. Instead, they engage in other avenues of physical intimacy, and I found the combination of tethered impatience and joyful curiosity refreshing.
One of my favorite things about Wash Out is that its ending is a HFN, rather than a HEA. The narrative makes it clear that everything can change in an instant, whether on the front lines or during a training run on the beach, and Casey and Logan’s present situation isn’t a permanent solution. This inevitability actually made these characters feel more real to me than any other aspect of the story. Still, there is a kind of time limit placed on the uncertainty they have to contend with which lends the idea of a “forever” between the two a great deal of potential.
With one more story to go, the Anchor Point stories are among the stronger long-term series I’ve read from this publisher. Not just another romance set against a military backdrop, Wash Out is a good reminder that the sacrifices demanded of these heroes on our behalf aren’t always obvious, and are never easy to bear. I liked both Casey and Logan, although it was Logan who made me feel overly concerned and protective. Lastly, I was happy for the return of some other familiar faces again, and hope to see even more of them next time.
My Rating: B+ Liked It A Lot
About the Book:
Casey Olson has always known he was destined to be a Navy SEAL, and the best day of his life was when he was accepted into training. The worst day was when a snapping bone ended his dream.
After three combat tours in five years, Logan Carter left the Marines and self-destructed. Now he’s sober and, thanks to a forgiving ex with friends in high places, has a promising job as a civilian contractor. All he has to do is stay on the rails and out of a bottle, even when his demons won’t leave him alone.
Logan likes his job, and he really likes the gorgeous man at the next desk. Casey tries not to check Logan out, but who is he kidding? From the start, despite their best efforts, neither man can resist the other. Sizzling chemistry leads to sex so hot they can both almost forget why they’re stuck in this office to begin with.
It would be perfect, except Logan can’t stop reliving wars he’ll never forget and Casey can’t stop grieving the SEAL he’ll never be. And they’ll never have a future together until they can make peace with their pasts.
Release Date: May 21, 2018
Publisher: Riptide Publishing
Series: Anchor Point #7
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Military, LGBTQ, m/m
Format(s): paperback (257 pages), e-book, audiobook
Book Source: NetGalley
Purchase Info:
Amazon
Reviews in the Series:
Afraid to Fly by L.A. Witt (Anchor Point #2)
Chief’s Mess by L.A. Witt (Anchor Point #3)
Rank & File by L.A. Witt (Anchor Point #4)
Going Overboard by L.A. Witt (Anchor Point #5)
Once Burned by L.A. Witt (Anchor Point #6)
About Anchor Point
Welcome to Anchor Point!
Nestled on the northern coast of Oregon, this small town is home to Naval Air Station Adams. On base, you’ll find freshly minted Sailors who’ve just graduated boot camp, salty officers counting down till retirement, grounded pilots who’ve landed behind desks, and everyone in between—and they’re all looking for love. Well, not all of them, but that won’t stop love from finding them.
So pull up a barstool, grab a beer, and get ready for some sea stories as these men in uniform—or not—navigate the waters of love and life in the military.
Anchor Point stories can be enjoyed in any order. Hop in wherever you’d like!
About LA Witt
L.A. Witt is an abnormal M/M romance writer who has finally been released from the purgatorial corn maze of Omaha, Nebraska, and now spends her time on the southwestern coast of Spain. In between wondering how she didn’t lose her mind in Omaha, she explores the country with her husband, several clairvoyant hamsters, and an ever-growing herd of rabid plot bunnies. She also has substantially more time on her hands these days, as she has recruited a small army of mercenaries to search South America for her nemesis, romance author Lauren Gallagher, but don’t tell Lauren. And definitely don’t tell Lori A. Witt or Ann Gallagher. Neither of those twits can keep their mouths shut…
L. A.’s backlist is available on her website, and updates (as well as random thoughts and the odd snarky comment) can be found on her blog or on Twitter (@GallagherWitt).
Giveaway
To celebrate the release of Wash Out, L.A. is giving away reader’s choice of two eBooks off of her backlist! (Excludes Wash Out.) Leave a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on May 26, 2018. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following along, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!
This giveaway is sponsored by the publisher. Open to participants who are legally allowed to participate in such a contest as allowed by their local laws. All federal, state, local, and municipal laws and regulations apply. Void where prohibited. No purchase necessary. By participating in the contest, participants agree to be bound by the decisions of the contest sponsor. Prize will be delivered by the contest sponsor. This blog, its reviewers, and the owner are not responsible for items lost in the mail. By entering this giveaway, participants agree to abide by these terms.