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typedtruths 's review for:
Off Base
by Annabeth Albert
I decided to give Off Base a chance purely because it is the spinoff to [b:Connection Error|28807263|Connection Error (#gaymers, #3)|Annabeth Albert|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1465442518s/28807263.jpg|49020831], which I read for Diversity Bingo last year and quite enjoyed.
The romance was sweet. I liked that the roommates trope allowed for a lot of cute domestic scenes but the chemistry between Zach and Pike was slightly too reliant on events in the previous novel for me. I was lucky I had read that book before - so I understood the references - but it still made their relationship feel less developed than it was in reality.
Both of the characters were likeable enough and the plot kept me engaged easily. I did really appreciate that none of the difficulties of being in a relationship with a closeted partner was glossed over. However, the focus on Zack coming to terms with his sexuality and dealing with homophobic parents and workplace bullying meant that we got to know little else about him. I hate to insinuate that sexuality is not a big identifier but I felt that the author could have written a much more engaging and well-rounded story if Zack and Pike had more to them than their closeted/out status.
The fact that this book really highlighted the importance of support networks made me happy, though. It showed why labels can be so important to people: that they help you feel less alone and find people who share similar experiences with you.
Overall? This was a decent contemporary romance that tackled difficult topics with respect. I liked the characters - especially Zach - and the domesticity of the romance but I wanted a little more. I’d really recommend [b:Back Piece|34442289|Back Piece (Skin Deep Inc., #1)|L.A. Witt|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1489034053s/34442289.jpg|55550455] to any fans looking for something similar (and better, imo).
🌻 Trigger warnings for homomisia, bullying, workplace harassment, coming out themes, recounted child abuse, queermisic parents, serious injury to a loved one, and hospitals.
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The romance was sweet. I liked that the roommates trope allowed for a lot of cute domestic scenes but the chemistry between Zach and Pike was slightly too reliant on events in the previous novel for me. I was lucky I had read that book before - so I understood the references - but it still made their relationship feel less developed than it was in reality.
Both of the characters were likeable enough and the plot kept me engaged easily. I did really appreciate that none of the difficulties of being in a relationship with a closeted partner was glossed over. However, the focus on Zack coming to terms with his sexuality and dealing with homophobic parents and workplace bullying meant that we got to know little else about him. I hate to insinuate that sexuality is not a big identifier but I felt that the author could have written a much more engaging and well-rounded story if Zack and Pike had more to them than their closeted/out status.
The fact that this book really highlighted the importance of support networks made me happy, though. It showed why labels can be so important to people: that they help you feel less alone and find people who share similar experiences with you.
Overall? This was a decent contemporary romance that tackled difficult topics with respect. I liked the characters - especially Zach - and the domesticity of the romance but I wanted a little more. I’d really recommend [b:Back Piece|34442289|Back Piece (Skin Deep Inc., #1)|L.A. Witt|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1489034053s/34442289.jpg|55550455] to any fans looking for something similar (and better, imo).
🌻 Trigger warnings for homomisia, bullying, workplace harassment, coming out themes, recounted child abuse, queermisic parents, serious injury to a loved one, and hospitals.
Blog • Goodreads • Twitter • Instagram