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Save the Date

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Randall Young has one duty as his sister’s “man of honor”: to ensure she has the best wedding ever. That includes an epic bachelorette pub crawl, leading him to Portland’s most popular gay bar… and into Hunter Mitchell’s well-muscled arms. A one-night stand with a sexy soldier is the perfect way to ditch that pesky V-card and get himself in the mood for a weekend of flowers, cake, and nuptials.

Hunter wants to blow off some steam before he stands up as his best friend’s best man. He's already married to his military career, not looking to settle down. He certainly doesn’t intend for the one guy he met (and, okay, got off with) in Oregon to be his counterpart in the wedding party. Or a virgin. Definitely wasn’t intending that. Luckily, they have the rest of the weekend for Hunter to show Randall what he's been missing.

The more they’re thrown together by the wedding, the more Randall and Hunter grow together outside the bedroom… which is dangerous because there’s a lot more than 2500 miles standing between them and a happily-ever-after. If they want a future beyond their wedding weekend hookup, both must find the courage to take a chance on love.


Length: approx. 38,000 words

153 pages, ebook

First published March 27, 2017

602 people are currently reading
1408 people want to read

About the author

Annabeth Albert

106 books3,722 followers
Frequent tweeter, professional grammar nerd, and obsessive reader, Annabeth Albert is also a Pacific Northwest romance writer in a variety of subgenres.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.

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5 stars
586 (20%)
4 stars
1,105 (39%)
3 stars
920 (32%)
2 stars
183 (6%)
1 star
36 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 474 reviews
Profile Image for ~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~.
3,488 reviews1,051 followers
March 16, 2017
Annabeth Albert is a rockstar, but Wendy Qualls is a new-to-me author, so I wasn't entirely sold on this whole co-writing thing. But I'm happy to report that this writing duo delivered a fun, steamy story.

Highlights:

- Opposites attract (toppy Army sergeant from Alabama and geeky astrophysicist who likes to be bossed about)

- WTH-is-my-one-night-stand-doing-HERE?! scenario (awkward but delicious)

- Smoldering sexy times (so hot!)

- Eager virgin (Randall wants everything Hunter has to offer; he begs for it even.)

- Fun cast of secondary characters

- Light on the angst (Hunter and Randall have the same dreams and are willing to talk things out, so the miscommunication is short lived.)

- Tentative HEA (Novellas sometimes feel rushed, and, yes, I wanted MORE of these guys, but the ending's quite satisfying.)

Conclusion: Save an hour to read Save the Date!
Profile Image for ~Mindy Lynn~.
1,396 reviews661 followers
April 8, 2017
Short, cute, and sexy. That pretty much sums up this book.


A story of a Military man and a virgin nerd hooking up. Throw in a few awkward moments and some really sexy scenes I was totally sold. What else do you need to know in order to pick this one up?

A little more? Are you crazy? The above should be enough for any MM lover. But I'll give a bit more. LOL

It wasn't an earth shattering read, but it was enjoyable and I liked the two MC's. I liked how Randall was pretty shy in the sheets but was courageous and vocal outside of them. He wasn't scared to do things that made him uncomfortable or scared him. Hunter was big, sexy and just looking for someone to let off some steam with before one of his best friends wedding. What he got was a sexy geek who checked all the boxes of his biggest fantasy who also just happened to be his best friends fiancé's little brother. Awkward! But of course they both got over that and fell back into bed with each other.

There was little drama and barely any angst. Communication could have been better between the MC's, but that seems to be a reoccurring theme in most books so you can't get to mad about it.

I think my biggest issue with this, as it usually is for me with short books, is that it felt rushed and things happened a bit fast for them to just have known each other in a 3/4 day period. If longer and more interaction besides some wedding activities and getting their sexy on I think I would have liked it more.

But a lot of people loved this and it's probably just me always having issues with short books that kept me from loving it like they all did. So pick this up. Especially since it is still FREE!

Happy reading dolls!
Profile Image for Martin.
807 reviews571 followers
April 7, 2017
This was a very sweet story! Hunter is a typical Annabeth Albert military hunk (meaning I LOVE him) while Randall is an astrophysicist and a 27 year old gay virgin.

Both guys hook up in a club and run into each other again when they realize that they're attending the same wedding that weekend.

They decide to keep their weekend fling going which turns into a smooth HEA.

I liked the story, but it was a bit too smooth for my taste. No serious conflicts, unlike in other books with military characters by Ms Albert.

Still, a solid story with two likable guys.

3 stars!
Profile Image for Ele.
1,319 reviews40 followers
March 31, 2017
I liked the first half more than the second. For some reason, I felt there was a strong MF vibe in this one. And for the life of me, I can't figure out why everyone was up on Hunter's business by 75%. People would keep judging him for his lifestyle, and although he made no promises, Randall acted like a damsel in distress.

Profile Image for Elsa Bravante.
1,156 reviews198 followers
March 31, 2017
Muy agradecida porque es una historia gratuita, pero... ufff. It was ok, empieza muy bien, pareja interesante, pero cuando alcanza la mitad del libro la cosa empieza a decaer, a llenarse de estereotipos, y parece que los personajes han sufrido una lobotomía y todos los de alrededor porque todo cambia y no sabes de dónde viene la cosa.
Profile Image for .Lili. .
1,275 reviews272 followers
March 21, 2017
Sometime last year, Annabeth Albert and Wendy Qualls made an announcement in Annabeth's Angels (Annabeth's Facebook Group) that they'd be co-writing and asked fans to what kind of story they'd like to read through a series of poll questions. I thought the idea neat, and I was excited to see what they'd come up with. Annabeth Albert is a favorite author of mine but having never read Wendy Qualls I wondered how the story would come out. The answer: turned out awesome.

Save the Date is a sexy, fun novella about:

Two best men (well, one best man & one "man of honor")+ an intellectual virgin + sexy soldier + opposites attract = yes, please!




That combination is enough for my inner romance reader to combust.

My highlights:

-The characters. I found the main and secondary cast of characters fleshed out and felt the main characters experienced character growth throughout the story.

-Chemistry. These guys were on fire!

-The vibe of the story is light and feel good.

-I was also happy that for a novella it was well rounded. We get a full story. While I wanted more at the end (and would love a follow up), I was left happy that these guys would make it.

Do I recommend it? Yup.

1. It's great

2. It's FREE. Yes, you read that correctly- this novella will be free. I'd have happily paid for this, btw.

So, don't forget as soon as this goes live to go 1-click on this short, sweet, sexy story!
Profile Image for Kati *☆・゚.
1,222 reviews630 followers
dropped
October 8, 2022
dnf @45%


I went in for the smut only, but this was… bad. I felt uncomfortable with the language and was bored by the rest of it. One MC I didn’t like at all and for the other one I couldn’t have cared less. This would’ve been a pretty short read anyway but it wasn’t even worth that much of my time.

I was thrown off already when their whole first encounter was full with all the Dude-talk. Imo "dude" is for frat-bros, not for lovers - or even hookups. Is there anything less sexy?
Profile Image for * A Reader Obsessed *.
2,616 reviews563 followers
June 14, 2017
4.5 *High Five* Stars!

Oh yeah… this little gem just made my day - maybe my whole week! Seriously?? I’m not going to apologize for loving this because it was absolutely what I needed and pretty much holds all the components of what I like in a contemporary romance.

Hunter just wants to have a mindless hookup so he can temporarily put his current problems on the back burner, especially the one just ahead of him - being best man for his oldest friend. When he spots his shy geeky fantasy come true at the club, he can hardly believe his luck. Even better, the guy seems to like it when Hunter takes initiative and control, and he’s not going to look a gift horse in the mouth.

Randall is a virgin. It’s not like he’s been avoiding sex or has a terrible past, he’s just not had the time nor the opportunity while pursuing his career. On the off chance, he somehow catches the eye of a hot military type -the type that absolutely gets his engine going. This is the perfect opportunity to blow off the stress of his sister’s upcoming wedding and get some experience right??

A fantabulous night of anonymous pleasure was just what the doctor ordered, and neither expects to see each other again. Surprise!!!

These two were combustible. Unf

Of course, they deny their growing attachment to the other, they deny that they just might want something more than the awesome sex that they’re having, and of course, they both realize that a chance at love is ultimately worth the risk. Never once did I get annoyed, never once did this devolve into ridiculousness. This perfectly showcased my favorite kind of angst of insecurity, doubt and jealousy, with the added bonus of a bit of dirty talk and the delicious progression and slow introduction of Hunter taking Randall’s card oh-so-nicely. Mmmm hmmmm.

More pretty please! With sugar on top?
Profile Image for Meags.
2,433 reviews672 followers
June 2, 2017
4.5 Stars

This was a big win for me. I was all over the various tropes and character archetypes being explored here; the combination of the sweet virginal geek and the confident military man worked an absolute treat.

This is a must-read for all Annabeth Albert fans, and I must say, I now eagerly look forward to exploring co-author Wendy Qualls upcoming series too.
Profile Image for Mirjana **DTR - Down to Read**.
1,472 reviews805 followers
June 4, 2018

***4 Stars***

Sexy soldier + geeky scientist + one night stand + wedding setting + virgin exploration = ONE HAPPY READER!!

I really enjoyed this sweet and steamy, with just the right amount of angst novella! The perfect quick read. The MCs are well developed, the pacing doesn't feel rushed, and the ending left me with a big ol' smile on my face.

And guess what?!?! IT'S CURRENTLY FREE!!!

https://www.amazon.com/Save-Date-Anna...
Profile Image for Ariana  (mostly offline).
1,640 reviews92 followers
March 30, 2017
This was just lovely and great fun, too!

Randall and Hunter are well drawn characters with quite a bit of depth, and I loved both of them.
Hunter who oozes strength, but is so gentle, considerate and tender it makes your heart melt. (Not to forget his hidden vulnerability!) And Randall, the most adorkable nerdy, brainy guy, with a cuteness factor of 12/10 whose blushes and shyness are wonderfully contradicted by his determination and willingness to try anything.

What I really loved:
.) there are so many feels for such a short novella
.) Firsts are one of my most favourite trope, and the way Hunter introduces Randall to .. well, pretty much everything was absolutely swoon-worthy.
.) the opposites attract trope was done brilliantly and, for me, in a totally believable way.
.) the genuine emotions between these two are tangible and the resulting sex hot and steamy, and full of feeling
.) no weird and far fetched misunderstandings or miscommunication in the plot just for the sake of it, just a bit of a rattle until they get their priorities right

Main complaint: I wanted more. Randall and Hunter are really sympathetic characters, and there is quite a bit of scope in the set-up for future hick-ups in their relationship. So I would not mind another book about these two at all!

Recommended!
Profile Image for Christelle.
808 reviews
April 6, 2017
What to say ? This one felt bland for me.

It’s a short story with 2 guys that met in a bar, had a hot night together, then realized they will spend some times together at a wedding. They are completely different from each other but they develop deep feeling for each other.

Nothing really to write about, except for the nice epilogue that “saved the day” for me.
Profile Image for Dia.
534 reviews148 followers
September 22, 2019
2,5 stars

This was free on Amazon when I grabbed it and as I love Annabeth Albert's writing style I thought it was going to be a winner. Unfortunately it took me ages to get invested into the story, even if it's pretty short, and it was too sugary sweet for my taste. It ended being just an OK read. I enjoyed some parts, but it was not what I expected. Low on angst and pretty light.
Profile Image for Carol.
3,616 reviews131 followers
January 18, 2023
A short, (156pages), story of how when it's least expected, opposites sometimes diffidently do attract, and how they can find happiness if they just let it happen. Their relationship is supposed to be temporary, but you can imagine how that turned out. These two couldn't be more different from one another. One was a military man; the other had spent years of his life in school...they don't even live in the same state.... but hey, isn't that why the Wright Brothers gave us the first thing that could actually be called an airplane. While enjoying their time together both Randall and Hunter have time to consider what they want from one another and more importantly if they are brave enough to take a leap of faith and listen to their hearts. I really enjoyed this one. The pace was perfect... their banter was smart and sexy, and in the end, though they seemed so different it was obvious they simply "worked".
Profile Image for Trio.
3,546 reviews201 followers
November 30, 2023
Very sweet! I've owned this one for years and never gotten around to actually reading it lol. There's great humor here, and a super hot "first time" romance. Opposites attract, yeah, all good stuff.
Profile Image for Denise H..
3,215 reviews266 followers
April 4, 2024
*** Wow, this cover is hot ! *****
Randall, 28, is a for real "rocket scientist"; a man who's still a virgin, who meets Hunter, a muscled Army man who is looking for a hook-up. And they do get together for a steamy, hot, gasping, moaning, night of first times for Randall. Wow !
The pre-wedding activities begin the next day. Randall is Autumn's brother, and her "man of honor." Neither man had talked about family, so it was a surprise to find Hunter being introduced as the groom's bother, and Beau's "best man."
This is a cute story, and we love these two men together. Hunter is awesome, and sees what he likes in Randall. I loved the decisions they made, their openness with each other and we get to see the progression of their feelings and how beautifully they fit.

There is lots of "aww" moments and super sexy scenes.

Loved it ! Highly recommended ! ENJOY !
===========
Profile Image for Ami.
6,195 reviews489 followers
June 22, 2017
3.5 stars

Albert and Qualls deliver a smoldering yet sweet novella between an army sergeant and a (virgin) astrophysicist during a wedding weekend. The opposite attracts definitely on the works here :). It's light on angst. Nothing mind-blowing about it, it's practically something to quibble on in between longer novels.

PLUS it's FREE on major e-retailers, people.
Profile Image for Anke.
2,504 reviews97 followers
April 24, 2018
Free from amazon

Yes, that was a nice little heartwarming story.
Profile Image for Vanna (on-hiatus).
781 reviews93 followers
July 18, 2018
4 stars!! Another sweet story which took me by surprise. 😍 I have been a fan of Annabeth Albert for a while but this is my first book by co-author Wendy Qualls. I am now inclined to check her books too. The plot was very simple, brainy geeky virgin meets experienced jaded army guy at a club, they have a one night stand never expect to cross paths again. But destiny has something else in store, turns out geeky guy's sister is getting married army guy's best friend over the weekend. 😉💕. Sparks fly when they meet again and the hook-up starts turning into something more for both of them... catching them unaware. I really loved the realistic portrayal and relatable emotions. The story is short, but there is plenty of heat for fans of smexy stuff..😉😍. Would highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Ligaro.
624 reviews20 followers
January 20, 2020
Nota: 6'5
Annabeth Albert nunca decepciona. Puede no ser su mejor libro, pero está bien. Me apunto a la coautora, Wendy Qualls, para leer más de ella.
La pareja protagonista es descrita por Randall así: "Es casi como una broma lo poco que tenían en común. ¿Un sargento del ejército y un astrofísico? No podría haber inventado una pareja más inverosímil si lo hubiese intentado." Y yo creo que está muy acertado. Precisamente es tan interesante, por lo diferentes que son Randall y Hunter. Sin embargo, me hubiera gustado más longitud, tanto en hojas, como en tiempo de relación
Profile Image for Pati.
871 reviews
March 23, 2017

I'm sorry to say that this was just an okay read for me. I can't point at any one specific thing and say that is why however, these characters just never felt real to me. They just never touched my emotions. They sadly, just remained words on my kindle.

This story started with Randall, his sister Autumn, her friend Krissy and Krissy's girlfriend June standing in line at an "iconic" gay bar in Portland which wasn't actually named. I reread this more than once thinking that I must have just overlooked the name and over looked the "fourth" woman that Randall mentioned. "I'm glad you four are"....(Nope, there were only 3 people with Randall.) Randall was eyeing the muscular man in front of them which may or may not have been Hunter. That is something that is never clarified.

Something else that was missing that I kept thinking was odd was that while Autumn was having her bachelorette party what was her fiance, Beau doing? Why wouldn't Hunter, being Beau's best man, have planned a bachelor party for Beau? That still makes absolutely no sense to me. Moving on to the one night stand I found the repeated "Army dude" and "Sgt. Sexy" just ridiculous. I also am baffled as to why a supposed active duty military man wouldn't be wearing his dog tags. There is never any mention of dog tags which is just one of the many things that made me unable to believe that Hunter is in the Army.

Furthermore, we spent more time in their sometimes rambling thoughts than anything else.

Ultimately, this just wasn't for me though I must say that looking at the reviews I am obviously in the minority so please don't let me influence your decision to read this.

I was provided an ARC by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Profile Image for lucia meets books.
284 reviews149 followers
November 17, 2018
You know I've said I usually don't like short stories? Well, this was one of the exceptions 😂 I adored the characters and didn't feel anything was rushed.

My favorite was definitely Hunter even though Randall was pretty great too. Hunter won a special place in my heart for the way he took care of Randall, he always made sure they were both on the same page and that Randall was as eager as him to do something.

On the other hand, Randall was so smart and knew exactly what he wanted even though he was a bit shy to ask for it. The best aspect about him was how he was such an amazing brother to the point I thought my heart was going to grow too big for my body ❤️.

description

I loved how although it's a fairly short book, we still got to know a lot from the guys' past (mainly Randall). It was all very interesting and it hooked me completely because we have an army man with a couple of problems due to that fact because it isn't easy to be in a war and an astrophysicist who had it rough in a town with closed minded people.

I hadn't payed attention that this book was written by two authors until now that I'm writing this review and I have to admit it was a bit obvious since both of the characters' points of view read very differently which wasn't a problem for me but it's a nice fact to comment 😂.

I would 100% recommend this book, it's so cute and the sex scenes are really hot! 😍 Besides, not everything is sex in this book, their relationship gets to be deeper than that which I loved.

description
Profile Image for Sophia.
Author 5 books392 followers
January 8, 2018
Save the Date was a freebie (still is, I believe) standalone story about two opposites, a rocket scientists and a soldier, who discover a sizzling attraction when they meet at a wedding when Randall's sister is marrying Hunter's best friend.

Misunderstandings, differences of opinion, wedding nightmares, and stress all could sabotage their trysts and growing feelings, but its fear to take chances on love that might ultimately keep them apart. It has sweet moments, a bit of fun, but also some extra spicy encounters.

It moved fast and I got frustrated with the pair of them a few times, but overall I liked it for a nice one-sitting distraction.
Profile Image for Len Evans Jr.
1,492 reviews218 followers
May 20, 2017
This story is a wonderfully sweet and hot tale of how Randall and Hunter met and thereafter. For starters the sex scenes between the two main characters are scorching hot. But what really hooked me on the story is the incredibly intense chemistry between the couple. Most of the story takes place during Randall's sister and Hunter's best friend's wedding weekend; and it is the perfect setting for the two guys to fall for each other. Randall is his sister's Man of Honor while Hunter is his best friend's Best Man. Hunter's toast at the reception had me in tears. All in all, this book was a fun and touching and a definte must read if you like M/M Romance!
Profile Image for Melissa.
1,374 reviews94 followers
August 28, 2017
This is another cutie and I just want to squeeze Randall, he's so cute! :) I wish there were more installments to them, but I don't think there are - or will be. :(

The story might be short, but this isn't an insta-love situation. Their is instant intrigue, attraction and caring, but love comes later. I want to say more but I would just be overloading you with my cuteness obsession, so I won't do that. ;)

Get it, read it, love it. Ciao, baby!
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