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heabooknerd's review
3.0
SINK OR SWIM was a very cute contemporary romance and it nicely hits some favorite tropes like forced proximity and snowed in. When Navy Chief Calder Euler wins a remote cabin in a game of poker he can't believe his luck. That is until he visits the cabin which apparently isn't empty. A sudden snowstorm and an unexpected injury leaves Calder stranded with single dad Felix Sigurd and his two young daughters. Things do not start out well for Felix and Calder and their initial relationship is decidedly prickly but I enjoyed watching these two work things out.
I liked both Felix and Calder and I appreciated how kindly they treated each other. From Calder's understanding over the cabin situation to Felix's compassion toward Calder's needs in bed, these two were just really genuine and sweet guys. While it's never explicitly stated it sounds like Calder might be demisexual or gray ace and I really liked the representation of sex as something other than a race to orgasm. Everyone has different needs, wants, and desires and it was great to see such joy placed on other parts of sex and intimacy like kissing, cuddling, or just touching without the expectation and pressure that it would lead somewhere.
The biggest reason I didn't rate this higher is more of a me thing -- I'm just not reading very much contemporary romance right now so it's a bit hit or miss from me on how much I enjoy it. That being said, if you love forced proximity, single dads, and a gentler romance then you'd probably love this one and I can't recommend Annabeth Albert enough to readers who like M/M romance with lots of tropey goodness.
**ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Content Warning: difficult divorce; previous concussion and concern about further head injuries; references to the death of a family member resulting in custody of children
I liked both Felix and Calder and I appreciated how kindly they treated each other. From Calder's understanding over the cabin situation to Felix's compassion toward Calder's needs in bed, these two were just really genuine and sweet guys. While it's never explicitly stated it sounds like Calder might be demisexual or gray ace and I really liked the representation of sex as something other than a race to orgasm. Everyone has different needs, wants, and desires and it was great to see such joy placed on other parts of sex and intimacy like kissing, cuddling, or just touching without the expectation and pressure that it would lead somewhere.
The biggest reason I didn't rate this higher is more of a me thing -- I'm just not reading very much contemporary romance right now so it's a bit hit or miss from me on how much I enjoy it. That being said, if you love forced proximity, single dads, and a gentler romance then you'd probably love this one and I can't recommend Annabeth Albert enough to readers who like M/M romance with lots of tropey goodness.
**ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Content Warning: difficult divorce; previous concussion and concern about further head injuries; references to the death of a family member resulting in custody of children
bookschaosnart's review against another edition
4.0
I was a bit skeptical when I saw that Calder was getting a story after what you saw of him from his brother's book. However, the premise of him winning a cabin that wasn't actually his to win peaked my interest enough to give it a shot. I truly enjoyed the twist of the playboy falling for someone that doesn't want a relationship. Add in the openness and me reading Calder as part of the ace spectrum (this is not on page). and I think i liked it better than the first in this series. That is saying something becuase I'm normally not a fan of romances with childreen involved. There is some discussion of miltary lfe and all that entails, but the focus is very much on the relationships and growing into yourself rather than battles and a huge plot point. Definitely worth a read and
endemictoearth's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
I was really excited back when I heard that two of my favorite narrators were teaming up for this duology and then book 1 didn't really do much for me. So, I put this one off, but it fit some prompts for recent reading challenges, so I came back to it and I enjoyed this one more than book 1.
I also am a sucker for a snowed in/forced proximity situation. Even with the children there, it definitely is the Instant Pot method for furthering relationship development. I also really liked Calder finding a person who was patient and kind to allow him to take the time he needed in the bedroom, shall we say. It was refreshing to read about some slower sexual energy. My instinct is that Calder is somewhere on the ace spectrum, but it's never really explored or stated, and that's fine.
There were some things about this single dad/aftermath of divorce story that hit the expected beats, but Calder was just such a stand up guy, really stepping into what Felix needed him to be, and not just because he felt obligated. Anyway, this was a pleasant surprise and I'm glad I returned to it. (The narration also seemed a bit more suited to these characters, which I was happy about, as well!)
I also am a sucker for a snowed in/forced proximity situation. Even with the children there, it definitely is the Instant Pot method for furthering relationship development. I also really liked Calder finding a person who was patient and kind to allow him to take the time he needed in the bedroom, shall we say. It was refreshing to read about some slower sexual energy. My instinct is that Calder is somewhere on the ace spectrum, but it's never really explored or stated, and that's fine.
There were some things about this single dad/aftermath of divorce story that hit the expected beats, but Calder was just such a stand up guy, really stepping into what Felix needed him to be, and not just because he felt obligated. Anyway, this was a pleasant surprise and I'm glad I returned to it. (The narration also seemed a bit more suited to these characters, which I was happy about, as well!)
rellimreads's review against another edition
4.0
This is the second book in Albert’s Shore Leave series. While this stands well on its own - Calder appears in book 1, 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.
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.
bentenuala's review
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
Liked it, if I forget that the mmc is a full on military man. I’m big against the military so not my cup of tea unfortunately. Liked the cabin single dad thing going on though!
evethingiread's review against another edition
3.0
I just wrapped up "Sink or Swim," the second book in the Shore Leave series by Annabeth Albert. This installment introduces us to Felix, a single parent, and guardian to his nieces due to their mother's passing, all while going through a divorce with his ex-husband. On the other side, we have Calder, a Navy officer who's known for his carefree and single lifestyle.
The story kicks off with a snowed-in trope as Calder wins a cottage in a poker game, only to discover that it's actually the property of Felix's, not the ex husband. With the snowstorm trapping them together, we get to witness Calder experiencing domestic life, even whipping up pancakes for Felix's nieces. There's a spark of attraction between them from the get-go. In this book, Calder takes on the role of the pursuer, while Felix remains cautious and unsure.
Overall, the romance was decent, but it takes quite some time to reach that point. It's suggested that Calder may be on the asexuality spectrum or simply not very sexually inclined, which adds an interesting layer to their dynamic. Much of their time is spent on non-sexual physical affection, shared dinners, kissing, and bonding with the children. For the majority of the book, I found it hard to invest in the characters or their story. However, in the final 30% of the book, things start to pick up. We see them communicating and figuring out how to make their relationship work, and Calder coming to terms with his desires while Felix learns to accept help and support with the children.
The story culminates with a lovely scene at Calder's family event, which happens to be the wedding of the couple from the first book. Felix and Calder decide to pursue a future together, affirming their love for each other. While it ends sweetly, "Sink or Swim" didn't leave a significant impact on me. It's a pleasant read, but not something I'd enthusiastically recommend.
The story kicks off with a snowed-in trope as Calder wins a cottage in a poker game, only to discover that it's actually the property of Felix's, not the ex husband. With the snowstorm trapping them together, we get to witness Calder experiencing domestic life, even whipping up pancakes for Felix's nieces. There's a spark of attraction between them from the get-go. In this book, Calder takes on the role of the pursuer, while Felix remains cautious and unsure.
Overall, the romance was decent, but it takes quite some time to reach that point. It's suggested that Calder may be on the asexuality spectrum or simply not very sexually inclined, which adds an interesting layer to their dynamic. Much of their time is spent on non-sexual physical affection, shared dinners, kissing, and bonding with the children. For the majority of the book, I found it hard to invest in the characters or their story. However, in the final 30% of the book, things start to pick up. We see them communicating and figuring out how to make their relationship work, and Calder coming to terms with his desires while Felix learns to accept help and support with the children.
The story culminates with a lovely scene at Calder's family event, which happens to be the wedding of the couple from the first book. Felix and Calder decide to pursue a future together, affirming their love for each other. While it ends sweetly, "Sink or Swim" didn't leave a significant impact on me. It's a pleasant read, but not something I'd enthusiastically recommend.
rachel_tb's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
teereadsbooks's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This is a cute, enjoyable, and easy read. There's not much to it. Very low angst. I did like the unexpected chemistry between Felix and Calder. Also, I'm pretty hit or miss with single parent stories. They just don't always do it for me, but this one was cute. It was nice seeing how Calder started warming up to the girls, and how he interacted with them was pretty adorable. This may not be way up there on my list of favorite reads, but I had a good time. If you need an easy, low stress read, then this is perfect.