From reading other reviews on Goodreads, it looks like Albert has quite the following, especially for her military romances, and I’ve got to say that I can see why. Her writing is enjoyable and her characters are likable. Throw in a story-line that handles some of romance’s most popular tropes well and she delivers a satisfying read.

My favorite part is the support that solid, oh-so-serious Derrick gives Arthur and the enjoyment of life that the more laid back Arthur teaches him in return. They appreciate each other for who they are and prop each other up whenever they need it, balancing each other out. And, unlike a lot of romances, they talk! There is honesty between them as they face their concerns about themselves, their fake-becoming-not-so-fake relationship, and their future. It’s refreshing to not have a lot of miscommunication and drama or a third act that blows everything up before we finally get where we want to go.

Sailor Proof isn’t quite perfect though. While Derrick does a fantastic job of helping Arthur feel more comfortable within his family, I think there was an opportunity for them to really understand him and embrace him for who he is. For there to be a bit more of an adult relationship to develop between them all. Arthur does let go of some of his hurts and gets a better understanding of how things work in the other relationships in his family but I felt like there was a chance for more for this odd man out.

I also am not sure why Derrick didn’t feel like he was good enough for Arthur. I get that he’d been on his own for a long time, most of that spent in the military separated from people, and his last (and only real) relationship went belly up but it seems like there was more going on there. He’s a good, strong man and I was so happy for him that he found someone that fit him as well as Arthur. I’m just not sure why he didn’t get it sooner