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  • Rocky Start

  • A-List Security, Book 4
  • By: Annabeth Albert
  • Narrated by: Kirt Graves
  • Length: 9 hrs and 20 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (10 ratings)

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Rocky Start

By: Annabeth Albert
Narrated by: Kirt Graves
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Summary

I think I’m falling for my bodyguard coworker. Now I need protection…from myself.

As a former SEAL intelligence officer, I’m supposed to be smart. Unfortunately, those smarts don't apply to love. I did a nice thing and took my heartbroken fellow bodyguard out for a Valentine’s dinner. Just us bros. But my plan worked a little too well, and a night that ended with a scorching kiss has turned into the most awkward morning at the office ever. Now we’re working together as bodyguards on a remote mountain movie shoot. And we’re roommates.

I’ve never been attracted to a guy before, but something about Avery calls to every protective instinct I have. We’re not dating, but every night alone together, I fall a little deeper. It's also Avery’s first time with a guy too, and while we’re both enjoying all sorts of new things together, I worry my heart will be broken when we return to civilization.

No matter how badly this may end, I can’t seem to stop wanting Avery. All of him. I want to see who he'll become if he ever manages to get out of his own way. I want to be his biggest cheerleader, best friend, and the guy he comes home to. But going from secret hookup to forever after is a big ask. Are we both brave enough to take the leap?

Rocky Start is book four in the A-List Security series. It features two highly protective SEAL bodyguards, a double awakening, an exploration of the sexy, lacy kind, and all sorts of brand-new emotions. Get ready for all the high heat, big feels, and found family feels listeners expect from this fan-favorite military romance author. Join A-List Security for this lower-angst series featuring former SEALs and celebrity clients. Happy endings and no cliffhangers guaranteed!

©2023 Annabeth Albert (P)2023 Annabeth Albert

What listeners say about Rocky Start

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    5 out of 5 stars
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The best in this series

I love the journey those guys do together! Both have so much to deal with and Avery’s inner homophobia is palpable and a real struggle.

Kirt Graves narration is spot on!

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My favorite of the series!!

Been impatiently waiting for this to release on audio and I’m so glad I did!

Easily my favorite of the series! As always Annabeth’s books are like comfort listening, but this one also had me cackling out loud multiple times because Avery is out here just blurting out the funniest things.

This was also a bit higher in the spice department than the first three books imo, but it didn’t feel forced and worked naturally for the story. Their dynamic was like the perfect combo of what we got from Dustin & Wes (Wheels Up) and Josiah & Ryan (Connection Error).

And as always the narration from Kirt Graves is spot on!

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Listener received this title free

Avery stole my heart

Narration : kirt Graves gives a flawless performance in bringing the characters of Avery and Malik to life. He is consistent throughout the whole performance and makes each of the characters easily distinguishable from the others as cadence and tones are on point.



Avery and Malik are coworkers, former SEALs and identify as straight until one kiss has them rethinking everything. Of course there are ups and downs along the way and my heart went out to Avery as he struggled with becoming the person he always wanted to be. Fortunately he has Malik who is compassion personified and is always uplifting Avery in every way and accepts everything about him unconditionally.

There is a touch of angst as these two wonderful characters find their way to a well deserved HEA. There’s also plenty of steam, lots of sweet, silky lace and a little bit of kink as they explore the boundaries of their newfound sexuality.

The author has portrayed the struggles Avery and Malik have due to their military service in a compassionate and sensitive manner. Combined with a very interesting and engaging plot and a terrific cast of characters and was left with a full and happy heart at the end.

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Listener received this title free

Lovely Romance x

This is a hot and steamy romance, with both loveable and addictive characters. I adored Malik's savoir faire, and the surety of his feelings for Avery, he's just what the poor guy needs. Avery is truly a mess, he finds the pull he feels towards Malik scary and confusing. His story is such a rollercoaster journey, I could feel the intensity of his emotions throughout. I loved Malik's protectiveness towards him, and his desire to keep Avery safe. Malik is such a sweet guy, and sets about showing Avery what life would be like if he both accepts his true self and Malik's love. The characters are so well drawn, and the development of the romance and the problems they have to face kept me fully involved til the very end. Avery's character development and his eventual acceptance of himself was lovely.

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Listener received this title free

Brought to life in a completely new way

I have loved all of the books for this series, so I jumped at the chance to listen to it. Kirt Graves has brought these two characters to life, and their relationship (which I absolutely love) as it quickly becomes full of care, communication and consent. These two are my favourites - you will not be disappointed in this listen!

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Listener received this title free

Double coming out

This is such a contrast in stereotypes and reality. Two former military men who believe themselves to be straight, while working together as security, are attracted to each other.

While neither of these two have been with another man before they seem to figure out things pretty easily. Malik is more willing than Avery to come out about them but Avery really holds back.

Avery’s real person doesn’t fit the stereotype Seal. He is more prone enjoy his feminine side, liking more the feminine submissive personality.
Malik was an intelligence officer and he more fits that by his way of taking control. He works hard at building Avery’s self-image.
As their relationship develops so many situations happen that lead to them coming out.

Megan, Avery’s sister, is super supportive. She is busy planning her wedding and pushes Avery into being a part of it.
Tiffany who is a friend of Megan’s and an actress, is working on a film that Avery and Malik are working at. Tiffany plays a big part in supporting their relationship.
Most entertaining is the parents. Malik’s mom, being a single mom, is very close to Malik and pushes him to be better. She is funny as a take charge person. Avery’s parents are more worried about public appearance but manage to accept the relationship with a little pushing from Megan.

I appreciate the author wrapping up the ending letting me know their lives forward. I feel they perfectly fit in their new roles and together.
Overall an interesting double coming out.

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Listener received this title free

Sweet and Hot!

I read this book with my eyes when it was first published. I loved it then and I loved it even more after listening to Kirt Graves perform the audiobook. I can’t think of anything else to say that I didn’t put in my original review which is shown below:

Avery and Malik don’t quite understand what’s happening between them. They started out as friends just experimenting but it seems like it’s turning into so much more. When circumstances have them sharing a hotel room while on a job at a remote location. things get awkward and then they get HOT.

I loved how these two guys explored new things with each other. Both of them always dated women and Avery, especially, believed himself to be straight. Any other desires he’d ever had he kept locked down. His father is a former pro-football player and Avery was always expected to do masculine things. When he and Malik begin exploring each other he slowly begins letting his more feminine side come out.

Until Avery, Malik had never wanted to be with a man but after a little experimenting he really wants more with him. He enjoys helping Avery explore his desires and learning about what he likes – like silky underthings.

There were tense moments for Avery throughout the story, because he had a difficult time coming to terms with wanting Malik and his own desire for silky things. Malik helps to show him that his feelings aren’t wrong and he shouldn’t be ashamed of how he feels.

A pivotal moment finally makes Avery realize that he needs to be true to himself and not let anyone tell him he shouldn’t love Malik. The final chapter in the book lets us know what these two are doing about a year after the main story ends. It’s an epilogue to me, even if it has a chapter number, and I love epilogues. 😊 Annabeth Albert remains firmly on my list of favorite MM romance authors!

This is a standalone story in the A-List Security series but all of the books are great so I highly recommend reading them all.

A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.

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  • BaileyMom
  • 24-04-23
Listener received this title free

Great audio version of Rocky Start

I loved this book when I read it and listening to it was great, too. Graves sometimes uses accents I don’t expect or are inconsistent, but I still enjoy listening.

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  • Birdie G
  • 03-04-23
Listener received this title free

Made me feel lots of feels!

Another great books by Annabeth Albert!

Malik and Avery are a couple that grow together throughout the book and learn to ask for (and accept) what they need to be their best selves.

AA has her first (to my knowledge) Middle Eastern hero and added thoughtful cultural pieces throughout the book.

Easily going into my re-read “stack” when I need a dose of a sweet couple who are learning to live and love (themselves and each other.)

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  • Neta_BER
  • 24-03-23
Listener received this title free

The best in the series

The narration was good, it seemd like the narrator grew into the stories and characters as the series progressed.
I loved this book on so many levels! It was the best in the series in my opinion, the steam was AMAZING and Avery is so adorable.
I enjoyed reading a story about a character with a disability where it was not the main issue in the story. You see how it affects Avery's life, but it's not about him learning to deal with it or getting used to his body post accident.
You feel how stuck he is, how much he holds himself back, and the way he evolved throughout the story was remarkable. The addition of kink was just the icing on the cake (and it was DELICIOUS!). Not to mention the chemistry between Avery and Malik was electric, I could totally read a 400 page novel of just them getting it on.
I loved how they both became intertwined in each other, as co-workers, friends, partners. How Malik new what Avery needed, and how Avery became brave to take what he wants.

We also got a cameo from another book, my absolute FAVORITE Annabeth couple, and it was EVERYTHING!

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  • cabc
  • 18-03-23
Listener received this title free

Love Avery and Malik’s self discovery journey and romance!

Narration: Kirt is a really hit or miss narrator for me and this performance fell somewhere in between. While I enjoyed it enough to keep listening, and Kirt’s voice fit the characters well enough, Kirt doesn’t have a large range and basically uses the same 2 “voices” with every book. I can think of some other narrators I would’ve personally preferred for Avery and Malik, but again Kirt was totally fine. And I do love the emotion you can hear in Kirt’s parts in the more tense/passionate parts.

Story: What started out as a fun coworkers-to-friends-with-benefits premise and a little forced proximity turned into a beautiful story of self and s*xual discovery. Avery has essentially done everything imaginable to prove his masculinity - even going so far as to join the military and serve time as a Seal - and his friendship with Malik helps him realize just how much of that is internalized homophobia. The story is technically a double awakening, but Malik is much more go-with-the-flow when it comes to his s*xuality and doesn’t care about labels.

These guys finding each other was literally the best thing ever. They have a lot in common including struggling to find a fulfilling purpose in life after the conclusion of their military careers. They’re also their own worst critics and that’s the part I loved most about this story - how they each navigate their self blame and insecurities in pursuit of their happiness. Avery’s true self is just under the surface and he slowly lets it free, and it was so beautiful to see his unwavering trust in and vulnerability with Malik. It’s clear that, even though Avery doesn’t realize it, he’s needed someone to open up to and be himself. The same can be said of Malik. The poor guy has so much buried deep inside and he finds himself opening up to Avery like he’s never before done with another person.

Another favorite thing about this book - it was INCREDIBLY spicy, but also liberating and affirming as these two found themselves and grew close through intimacy. They jump right into exploring different things (including lingerie!) and letting their freak flags fly. Yes, Avery has to work through reservations, but oh boy does he! I have a deep appreciation of and love for writers who can intertwine spicy and romance without compromising either. The writing and storytelling talent in this book is extraordinary and I highlighted a ton of lovely passages/scenes.

I could go on and on, but I’ll just note that the setting was a lot of fun - they’re providing security on a film set that’s in a small town in Colorado - and there’s a great cast of side characters. There are some found family vibes that I loved!

Rocky Start is easily the best book of this series and it might now be my favorite Annabeth book. I loved it so much. It can be read as a stand-alone, so feel free to dive right in, and happy reading!

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    3 out of 5 stars
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  • Nedra81
  • 14-03-23
Listener received this title free

Love the storyline!!

An eventful storyline and wonderful characters. An intense self-discovery in extremely close proximity was well done, while also opening up to one another about their past scars and the added kink was a bonus! I truly appreciated Malik’s family dynamic and how accepting his mother was, unlike Avery's parents. Either way, a dramatic and realistic plot!

Now, I am really big on the role of a narrator, and their ability to bring the characters to life, which, unfortunately, Kirt was not able to do, in my opinion. There were minimal fluctuations in his voice, causing Malik and Avery to sound very similar, which is not a good idea when narrating two different characters. I also was never able to distinguish between the female characters as they all sounded exactly the same.

Loved the storyline, not the narration. If Annabeth decides to make a go of this one again, I would suggest someone with a little more enthusiasm.

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  • Susan R
  • 12-03-23
Listener received this title free

great listen !

I really enjoyed this book so when I found out it was coming out on audio I had to jump at the chance to get it. Kirt did such a lovely job with this book. You know how when you read a book and the charters sound a certain way in your head, well that's what Kirt did for me. He brought a fantastic book to life for me. I truly enjoyed it. I really liked this series a lot.

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  • The Moms Kindles
  • 10-03-23
Listener received this title free

Great story and narration!

Love this series and especially this story! Kirt Graves knocked it out of the park with narration on this one! He added such great depth of character to the voices of all the characters. It made the story that much better.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • lclarke1
  • 08-03-23
Listener received this title free

Great addition to this series!

When I started reading this forth book of this series I was not sure what to expect but in the end I can say that this story of self discovery was not what I was expecting but I enjoyed it from page one.

In the continuation of the A-Lisa Security series we meet Malik and Avery - both former military with their own scars and issues. Malik, freshly out of a serious relationship was looking for friendship and nothing more as he was happy with how his life and career were despite dealing with his PTSD. While Avery, wounded amputee vet and also fresh out of a relationship but curious about his sexuality finds the bravery to explore such things with Malik when the two are assigned a security job where they are forced to share a room and their curiousities.

I thought that this story of self exploration while in close proximity was well written. I thought that the exploration of their kinks was an interesting twist but it was done tastefully. The pair had chemistry and I liked how both of the characters also addressed the 'scars' that they received while serving their country. I felt the anxieties that both characters faced when they came out to their respective family members was believable as well as well written.

Overall, this was a good read that I enjoyed from start to finish and would recommend to others.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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  • Nicki Holt - The Overflowing Bookcase
  • 08-03-23
Listener received this title free

First time is the charm

Nothing worse than being dumped right before Valentine's Day, so when Avery finds himself alone his co-worker at A-List decides to take him to dinner. But what starts off as just a simple friendship turns into so much more when Avery is faced with feelings he had no idea where there. Can you fall in love in an instant before you even realizer your orientation? Or will Avery stay in the closet and wonder why all other relationships have failed? Annabeth Albert has a beautiful way to make the unlikely loveable character into a favorite. Malik and Avery's road to discovery is written with honest feelings and a boatload of integrity that comes across in this audiobook nicely. Kirt Graves does a wonderful job. This was a joy from the beginning to the end.