This kissing was everything and I was in no hurry for it to be over with.
Annabeth Albert
Sink or Swim
Format:
Audiobook
Publisher’s Synopsis:
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.
Point of view:
1st Person
Rellim’s Thoughts:
This is the second book in Albert’s Shore Leave series. While this stands well on its own – Calder appears in Sailor Proof, 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.
About the author:
Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer. She has penned many critically acclaimed and fan-favorite LGBTQ romance series. To find out what she’s working on next and other fun extras, be sure to join her reader group on Facebook! Also, be sure to sign up for her newsletter for free ficlets, bonus reads, and contests.
Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Annabeth loves finding happy endings for a variety of pairings and particularly loves uncovering unique main characters. In her personal life, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two active children. She’s a compulsive knitter, late night reader, obsessive gamer, and happy bi-pride flag waver.
You can connect with Annabeth Albert here:
About the narrators:
Trained in vocal and stage performance, Greg Tremblay brings a passion for storytelling to every aspect of his life and work. Critically-recognized and listener-beloved, Greg’s work has been praised by Audiofile Magazine’s “Earphone” award, numerous blogs, and is the recipient of the GoodReads Reader’s Choice award for Best Narrator – 2016 in M/M Romance. Greg also maintains a curated collection of uniquely and delightfully spicy boudoir treats branded under the “Greg Boudreaux” narration name. (Rellim’s note: As a rule, I don’t post pseudonyms, but this bio is copied directly from Tremblay’s website.)
You can connect with Greg Boudreaux here:
Joel Leslie is a UK transplant, growing up with American parents in a British commonwealth. A classically trained actor with an MFA in theatre from USC, he is often cast for his unique ability to deliver native, authentic combinations of American and British sounds. His great range and ability to bring characters to life with honesty, wit and versatility delights producers and listeners alike.
You can connect with Joel Leslie here:
My Favorite Quotes
Who the hell are you and what are you doing in my cabin? – Sink or Swim by @AnnabethAlbert @ #Audiobook narrated by @joellesliefro & @GTremblayVoice #MM #Romance #ShoreLeave #SingleDad
Tweet
Don’t worry. Even if you are a burglar, Uncle Felix will fix you up. He’s a doctor. – Sink or Swim by @AnnabethAlbert @ #Audiobook narrated by @joellesliefro & @GTremblayVoice #MM #Romance #ShoreLeave #SingleDad
Tweet
Hot and polite apparently did it for me. – Sink or Swim by @AnnabethAlbert @ #Audiobook narrated by @joellesliefro & @GTremblayVoice #MM #Romance #ShoreLeave #SingleDad
Tweet
This kissing was everything and I was in no hurry for it to be over with. – Sink or Swim by @AnnabethAlbert @ #Audiobook narrated by @joellesliefro & @GTremblayVoice #MM #Romance #ShoreLeave #SingleDad
Tweet
here we were in Chicago having dinner with the Euler family experience, which really needed to be trademarked. – Sink or Swim by @AnnabethAlbert @ #Audiobook narrated by @joellesliefro & @GTremblayVoice #MM #Romance #ShoreLeave #SingleDad
Tweet
My heart was wide open, a reflection of the future I wanted to reach for. And contrary to my tease, we’d be good together. So good. – Sink or Swim by @AnnabethAlbert @ #Audiobook narrated by @joellesliefro & @GTremblayVoice #MM #Romance #ShoreLeave #SingleDad
Tweet
Rellim Reads 