Ultra Meital Reviews: Sailor Proof (Shore Leave #1) [Derrick & Arthur] by Annabeth Albert

It feels like it's been a while! Not sure I remember how to review a book hehe. I'll start by saying - though I enjoyed this book it wasn't my favorite. I liked both MCs, especially getting both their POVs but something was somehow missing. I think I would preferred a different focus. The first part of the book where Derrick and Arthur get to know each other was filled with family and friends where these two could barely find a break. At that point I didn't care that much about anyone else and then when they were finally getting somewhere outside the family vacation it was glossed over. I would have actually enjoyed getting to see how they fit in everyday life more if it makes any sense.

Naval Chief Derrick Fox dedicated his life to his military career and considering he doesn't really have anything going on outside his service it's no wonder he is so invested in advancing as soon as possible. With his best friend Calder by his side (who is as ambitious as him) he's in a good place. Well, he IS sick of his ex's new conquer flaunting how happy they are together and them getting to share "the first kiss" (when they arrive to shore) only makes him more annoyed with the whole thing. Wanting to help Derrick extract a bit of harmless tease Calder offers his little brother as Derrick's new boyfriend, waiting for him on the shore. Neither of them expected what would happen - from the heart stopping kiss they shared to spending a whole family vacation together when the little "scheme" escalated a bit out of hand.

Arthur Euler is just doing his big brother a favor. Honestly when he saw Derrick walking towards them he was pleasantly surprised the guy was even hotter than he remembered so offering him a kiss was no hardship. Also getting to spend the family vacation with him - having a distraction from the usual sporty activities and the family's competitive behavior - sounded like almost a treat. Yeah, it's a bit awkward needing to share a bed together, but honestly they fit together so well - right from the start - the only thing difficult is keeping their hands to themselves. Yet while should they? They are playing at being a couple and they DO enjoy their time together and find each other VERY attractive.. For both it's an opportunity to enjoy themselves with no strings attached.

While Arthur wouldn't mind finding a serious partner, he wouldn't be looking for one in the military. His whole family is enlisted (including and especially his dad) so he knows what it means to stay on shore waiting for your loved one to return - shortly - before disappearing again. He also accepts he isn't the easiest companion, forgetting himself to his music composition or his other hobbies, but somehow spending time with Derrick is the easiest thing. Derrick tried having a relationship but after the way it ended he decided he would better put his energy elsewhere. He loves being around Arthur and taking care of him but he also doesn't believe Arthur would stay by his side when this week is over and the fantasy world is behind them.

I think it's obvious what happens next.. When the vacation is over they don't want to part, but staying together has its prices and they both need to decide what they want more and better understand their priorities. I totally understood the change that went through Derrick's mind. It was beautiful seeing him learning what it means to be loved and appreciated (by Arthur) as well as seeing what a sweet and caring guy he is in return. Both put the effort to be the person the other deserves even if it's just "for now". These two just fit together. I think they were both so very lonely and what they found in each other was a true wonder for both of them. They were STARVED for love.

I hope the next one in the series - about Calder - would be different for me. There's already something going on with him nearing the end of the book. It's unclear if it's something to do with the new couple he didn't expect to have in front of him, a longing to have what they found or something personal he is dealing with. So there's something to look forward for sure!

Before I finish this review I'll just add something that doesn't really have anything to do with this book but MIGHT explain my general feelings.. I've lost my Kindle more than a month ago and I got myself an "upgrade" (or so I thought) in the Boox Nova Color 3. I was SO excited to read on e-ink again! Sadly this device was a total disappointment. Made me miss my beloved Kindle even more. So SOME of my frustration and delayed reading has to do with the device I was using and not the book itself.