Loved this story! An amazing series — very sad to see it end!


Sink or Swim is the eighth and final book of the Anchor Point series, and is precisely the reason I’m quick to recommend this set of standalones to any fan of military romances. The pairing of a Protestant chaplain and a former military member who’s a practicing Muslim was definitely unique. As I’ve come to expect from this author and series, both men and their religions were fairly represented and described in a compassionate way that not only delivered an interesting storyline, but also provided a window into their distinctive experiences.

I found both heroes likable. However, it was their backgrounds and history that really pulled me in because they were so different than the norm. The honest reflection of military life during don’t-ask-don’t-tell and Muslim service members’ experiences post 9/11 gave this story depth and richness beyond the typical military romance. I also enjoyed the slower, steady approach to Alhazar and Dylan’s relationship. There was plenty of time for the connection to develop, and though their chemistry had blistering moments, the men’s easy emotional bond struck me most.

For those who have read other books, there are some great cameos of past couples and even a wedding included in the storyline that really gives the Anchor Point series a fitting send-off. A fantastic set of romances that offers honest portrayals of life in, with, and after the military, this is one series I never hesitate to mention to fans of the trope. Each book offers up a unique set of characters with interesting stories and backgrounds that showcase the diversity of military members and their experiences, and Sink or Swim was a great cap, leaving me sad the series is over but really happy with how it ended.

Reviewed by Alpha Book Club

I love Sink or Swim. La Witt always entertains and this one is no exception. No one captures the military better than LA.

The blurb on this really drew me in. In general I don't like religion in my books but I decided to see how the author would address two people of such opposite religions. I thought it was an interesting mix of two religions and two ethnicities.

I thought the overall plot was handled well and it wasn't preachy and it didn't present religion as oppressive. I liked both of the MC's and I liked how they both have some flaws yet were trying their best to live their lives in a positive way and in a way that means something to their gods.

This series has been hit or miss for me but this was one of the hits.

**ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

I love all of LA Witt's books and I can't wait for more, but I just could not get into Sink or Swim. I could not feel the sexual tension between the two main characters so it just felt like they were going through the steps. I'm sure that it's just a miss for me and I'm looking forward to her next book.

In starting this, I really was not sure how I'd like it. I'm not usually overly fond of books with differing religions. I'm not religious at all, and reading about religion in and of itself is not a turn off for me, but I really need to be in the mood for it.

I was surprised to really enjoy this. I really shouldn't have been because I I feel like I know what to expect when it comes to any L.A. Witt book. Sill, I had a little bit of a plesent feeling to read this throuh and not have many issues.

And my issues? Really just little things. I wanted the relationship to move faster. I wanted things to resolve more quickly. But in the end, the pace of their relationship was good because had this been real life, I would have wanted that care and thoughfullness. On the other hand, I did have issues with Dylan and how he could provide such on point counceling, and yet not be so good at taking any for himself. I wanted him to be stronger. And I know that even the strongest of people who do councel others can have their own issues and faults. I really just wished he was stronger and didn't put up with so much crap in his own life.

I enjoyed this.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars
M/M Military Romance
Triggers: Sexual harassment, Abusive relationship.

I have read several in this series. I do not believe the you need to read the previous books in this series in order to understand what and who are in this story.

Alhazar Bukhari is a civilian now; however, his job is still within the Navy. He has a great co-worker, but both are used to enduring abuse or inappropriate behavior directed towards them. Bukhari is nervous on his first day when he goes to see if he can do his daily prayers in the local church. He is used to being turned away, ridiculed and treated like less than mud. Imagine his surprise when the chaplain accepts him with open arms – no judgment and even allows him to use space in the office. Bukhari isn't sure if it's genuine or not, but he's not going to argue.

Dylan Pedersen is the local chaplain. Despite having just gotten out of a very long-term relationship, he realizes too late how isolating and horrible that relationship really was. To make matters worse, mutual friends of his and his ex are trying to get him to give his ex another chance. Nobody truly knows the abuse that Dylan put up with for years. When Alhazar walks into the chapel, Dylan catches himself staring.

What follows is a friendship that develops into more. There is a steep learning curve for both men, as they both were previously married to women and both have children. You could see the premise coming up, but there's nothing you can do but push forward. Even with the confrontations and miscommunications, you know that the capacity for both men to love is huge. This was a sweet story about forgiveness, love, determination, and acceptance.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the eighth in the series, and whilst it will help to ground the story if you have read the others, I do think that it could standalone – mainly you would miss out on the fact that the base has undergone some major changes in terms of acceptance and understanding, but there is still plenty of journey to go.

There are some absolutely fascinating issues dealt with in this book – and I have to admit that I am not usually one to mix religion with romance, the books which combine both often have a negative view of sex, love, and acceptance. But I found that it generally was an interesting element to the story, and definitely a very open and honest viewpoint, rather than a preachy one. What I am trying to say, is that if you were reluctant in the face of the subject matter, I think you should be patient and hopefully will find it refreshingly positive and interesting.

Both Dylan and Alhazar have lived through marriages in spite of being gay, and have now come to a point where their children are old enough, and their careers established enough that they live their lives more openly. Not entirely in Alhazar's case, but both are divorced and have had real relationships. Indeed, Dylan is still escaping the clutches of his abusive ex.

This is a bit of a slow-burn of a story, with no major dramas, and two older men who are really feeling out what they do want from a partner, or not want, and I was getting a little tired of the hesitancy. However, they suddenly have a mission and that starting of a group and purpose to their futures made the story round out well, and leave an opportunity for good things to happen in a future installment too.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
I loved this book. Alhazar and Dylan’s story is sexy, sweet, and wise. It is the story of two older men, both survivors of the US Navy’s DADT years, who find each other while working on the same ship. It is also the story of two devoutly religious men of different faiths who find a way to make their lives work together.

I love Dylan and Alhazar together. The men come from different places and hold different beliefs – but beneath the surface they have so much in common. Like some of the other couples in this series, both men are in their forties and I think their experiences, their children, and their previous relationships make them richer and more complex characters. I love the combination of sexual chemistry and deep friendship and I love their slow-burn romance. Even though Dylan is Christian and Alhazar is Muslim, they share a sense of religious devotion that binds them even more closely together.

I have to admit that I was nervous about the religious aspects of this story. Having grown up with Christian fundamentalism, my atheism is hard won, and I have strong negative reactions to most religion. However, both Dylan and Alhazar practice flexible and inclusive versions of religion that I found inoffensive. And there really isn’t anything preachy about this book. Both men wrestle a little with religious guilt and shame, but they only judge themselves.

I liked getting to catch up with characters from previous books and I loved Alhazar’s relationship with Travis’ daughter, Kimber, from book two. I think this is one of the strongest books in this series and I really loved Dylan and Alhazar.

A solid 3.5 stars. With seven other Anchor Point titles under her belt, L.A. Witt did a good job developing a story around a charged subject that didn't feel forced or overly political. The pace was a bit sluggish in areas for me but overall, an enjoyable read.

Well, I have new series to get better acquainted with! Requested this one on a whim since I love Annabeth Albert's Out of Uniform series, and this seemed similar enough to show some promise. Boy, was I right! If you liked one, you'll like the other. Sexy military men, just enough conflict and tension to make you nervous, and a happy ending. I couldn't ask for more. Recommended!

I received a digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

As a retired Sailor—who’s also Muslim, gay, and divorced—Alhazar Bukhari has experienced plenty of static in his life. Despite the bad, however, he’s raised two loving, incredible children, remained best friends with his ex-wife, and is a source of comfort to others in need. For someone else, that might have been enough. But, having lost love once, he’s hoping for another chance. He just didn’t expect to want it with a Protestant chaplain.

Having recently escaped an abusive relationship that lasted for eight, long years, Chaplain Dylan Pedersen is empty. Weary, starving for affection, and terrified on several fronts, he’s kept his encounters as anonymous as possible, praying for things to get better for himself in secret, while providing counseling for others for the Navy. The arrival in the ship’s chapel of the gorgeous, understanding electrician seeking a safe space to do his salat wasn’t at all what he wanted. But, if he can allow himself to trust again, just a little, it might be exactly what he needs.

More than was true of the previous titles in this series, Sink or Swim covers a lot of ground. Once again expanding on the troubles facing LGBTQ personnel in the Navy, it explores religious intolerance, interfaith relationships, sexism, assault and intimidation in the military, other forms of abuse that don’t involve visible bruises, the conflicts that might arise when considering faith vs. human (including physical) needs, and so on. Every one is important, and I agree with the characters that it’s dumbfounding that so many of these issues continue. Addressing them all in a single story was likely a daunting exercise, and, while it overwhelms the narrative on occasion, I think these points ought to be reinforced.

Among the most interesting aspects of the story was the attitude Alhazar and Dylan have regarding their respective religions. Both are devout, both rely on their faith to guide them, yet each has found ways to (usually) balance that devotion with their own humanity—Alahzar, especially. I appreciated seeing two characters exploring their affection for one another, including sex, without that faith dominating every other aspect of their situation.

Another important point made in Sink or Swim is that the way an individual deals with the troubles in their life is a personal, unique, and valid thing. While, in some cases, it might be comforting or therapeutic to share our sorrows with others, it can be harmful, if not dangerous, to quantify and compare them. The concepts of coping and healing are far too complex for such generalizations, and I believe the author successfully presents a case for that fact here.

The Anchor Point series has covered quite a few stories since the beginning, and Sink or Swim goes a long way in tying everything together. Part reunion, part continuation, it catches long-term followers up on the happenings of previously introduced couples, while serving as a reminder that there’s still work to be done. While I did get stuck on one or two parts of the narrative, I enjoyed Alhazar and Dylan’s story a great deal. While new readers should be able to read Sink or Swim on its own, there are so many other characters and narratives leading up to it that I strongly recommend reading the series in its entirety. And, despite the number of offerings so far, I wouldn’t mind visiting the Anchor Point series again.

Ms. Witt gives us yet another story with a unique theme. While they all center around the Navy base, Anchor Point. She also manages to tackle issues in ways that shed light but don’t come across as preachy. This one is about Dylan, the ship Chaplain and Alhazar, the Muslim civilian, who make a connection and are able to be just what the other needs. These guys are dealing with numerous things – being gay in the military, being Muslim in America, a double whammy, among other things. I actually found the religious aspects of this to be very interesting, both from Alhazar’s side, as well as Dylan’s.

Both of these guys have issues to overcome, especially Dylan, with his fears let over from his abusive ex. Those fears are what keep him from moving on, feeling comfortable enough to enter into relationships and trusting people. It has affected Dylan’s life in a big way, and he does confront the abusing ex in order to find closure.

As with the rest of the books of this series, these guys have great chemistry with lots of sexy fun times. It was great to see the differing cultural/faith aspects, and I always love a story about older guys finding love and getting second chances. I really enjoyed how this portrayed acceptance of people’s differences. If only there were more of that in the world today. Another winner for the Anchor Point series!

I finished this book by Lori Gallagher Witt today, and I was so astonished at all I learned. In the Midwestern suburbs, it is very difficult to connect with people of the Muslim faith (and to be honest, people in the Navy-cause "fly over country") and it was so fascinating to me to read a gay romance with someone of the Muslim faith as an MC, where his faith was a vital part of the story-but not in the way people might think. Knowing how Lori researches (follow her on twitter, and you will absolutely see), I can imagine this was not cobbled together from several blog posts someone wrote 6 years ago in passing. This turned how I thought of Muslims living day to day lives on its ears. I cried, for sure, but I also left that book feeling like I gained an, admittedly small, understanding of the good, the bad, and the oh so ugly (the things they deal with-my heart broke at some of it) of people who are Muslim. This book hit me hard, and I am left knowing that I have much more to learn. I'm not sure if that was what Lori was going for, but if she was, she hit it on the head for me.

4.5 pieces of eye candy
https://wp.me/p6h30q-2R2

4.5 stars--

Sink or Swim is the eighth and final book of the Anchor Point series, and is precisely the reason I’m quick to recommend this set of standalones to any fan of military romances. The pairing of a Protestant chaplain and a former military member who’s a practicing Muslim was definitely unique. As I’ve come to expect from this author and series, both men and their religions were fairly represented and described in a compassionate way that not only delivered an interesting storyline, but also provided a window into their distinctive experiences.

I found both heroes likable. However, it was their backgrounds and history that really pulled me in because they were so different than the norm. The honest reflection of military life during don’t-ask-don’t-tell and Muslim service members’ experiences post 9/11 gave this story depth and richness beyond the typical military romance. I also enjoyed the slower, steady approach to Alhazar and Dylan’s relationship. There was plenty of time for the connection to develop, and though their chemistry had blistering moments, the men’s easy emotional bond struck me most.

For those who have read other books, there are some great cameos of past couples and even a wedding included in the storyline that really gives the Anchor Point series a fitting send-off. A fantastic set of romances that offers honest portrayals of life in, with, and after the military, this is one series I never hesitate to mention to fans of the trope. Each book offers up a unique set of characters with interesting stories and backgrounds that showcase the diversity of military members and their experiences, and Sink or Swim was a great cap, leaving me sad the series is over but really happy with how it ended.

All the stars to this one! Sink or Swim is the 8th book in the Anchor Point series. As I state with every review, you can read these as standalones if you want but reading them in order means you’ll recognize previous characters in new books. In Sink or Swim, Alhazar used to be in the Navy but now has a civilian job working on the USS Fort Stevens, where Dylan is a Chaplain. I loved that while Dylan is Christian and Alhazar is Muslim, that’s never an issue between them. They might have different religions but they can talk about them with each other and each one respects the other’s beliefs. I loved this, and it would be amazing if the world was more like these two!

Now, since religion isn’t an issue, there has to be something, right? Well, Dylan is only recently out of a long-term relationship…that was verbally and emotionally abusive. It might seem as if Dylan is moving a bit too quick by being with Alhazar, but I think it was handled well. It’s obvious that Dylan has things he needs to work through, including facing his ex, and this does interfere with what Alhazar is trying to build with him, but it never felt like drama for the sake of drama. In fact, most of their relationship is really good – and Alhazar shows Dylan that there are people out there that will be good to him, and that he deserves that too. By no means is it a one-sided relationship though – Alhazar might admit his feelings quicker, but he finds a partner in Dylan after having “fake” and doomed relationships in the past. Dylan may be a Chaplain, but he doesn’t judge Alhazar’s religion or past choices. I love that both of the men say they might be Muslim/Christian, but that doesn’t mean they’re perfect, and that was definitely an overarching theme throughout the book.

Again, all the stars for this one! I loved it!

This book is the 8th book in the Anchor Point series. It is a very interesting military MM romance. I was intrigued by the religious aspects of the characters in the story. I do not know a lot about the Muslim faith and found it very interesting. This book is set on a Navy ship, which I found different and interesting. Between the setting and religious aspects, it was a great story. I really liked how the author did not let the religious differences of the main characters hinder their interaction. The story moved at a great steady pace and the characters were well developed. This book can be read as a stand-alone book as I have not read the other books and had no problem understanding the story.

4.5 - 5 stars...

When L.A. Witt decides to tackle a subject, she doesn't hold back. I love the real life situations that she has her characters face in the Anchor Point series. Given that most of those situations are unique to the military makes things even more interesting. In Sink or Swim, Alhazar and Dylan had more than one obstacle to over come if they ever wanted to make a relationship work between them.

Despite those obstacles, Alhazar and Dylan had a lot in common. They both were previously married to women and had children. Alhazar married out of necessity, Dylan in an attempt to have a "normal" life. You'll have to read Sink or Swim to get their personal back stories. Parts of both are heart breaking.

I respected both these men a lot. It was refreshing to "meet" a Chaplain - or any religious character - be as open, welcoming and respectful of other religions as Dylan was. I loved Alhazar's devotion to his faith and learning more about it was an added bonus. His family dynamic with his ex-wife and children was great too. The circumstances were unique, but they made it work.

Both men slipped, they weren't perfect and as much as I loved them, there was at least once where I wanted to yell at them both. There were a lot of odds against them and that balance they needed to find didn't come easy. Alhazar had a strong need to protect those he cared about and Dylan felt like he needed to stand up to his fears on his own.

It was great seeing other characters from previous stories. Even though it would be easy to pick any one of the books in the Anchor Point series up as a stand alone, having those simple connections between the characters adds a lot to each book. I think that's what I might like best about series books that include different characters with each book and L.A. Witt does a great job at including those previous characters seamlessly. So... if you haven't started the Anchor Point series up yet, you could start with Sink or Swim, but I'd start with the book that started it all... Just Drive. You can thank me later ;)

Enjoyed the book, it was well written and covered some issues still lingering in the military even with the DADT policy. Dylan (military chaplain) who was in a prior bad relationship, is not sure if he wants anything more than a physical relationship with another man but when he meets and gets to know Alhazar (retired military) he decides to give it another try. The story is about the highs and lows in their new relationship and it is a great read. The books also hits on the issues women face with sexual harassment on male oriented jobs. This book is a great read and I would highly recommend it.

Alhazar Bukhari encounters Chaplain Dylan Pedersen when asking if he can use the ship’s chapel for his daily prayers and surprised to receive a warm welcome and is also drawn to him. His warmth and kindness make him stand out but Alhazar know that nothing could possibly happen. Another enjoyable tale from Anchor Point, L.A. Witt really knows how to transfer emotions to the page.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

I haven’t read all of the books. It’s been hit and miss for me. But I don’t like reading about religion. I guess growing up Catholic left a bitter taste in my mouth. . Don’t know if I would go back and purchase the ones I’m missing in the series. But I am a sucker for military stories. Was happy to see how one of the characters and his ex-wife were co-parenting their kids. But I’m not sure about recommending this particular book to friends.

4.5 Stars

I’m absolutely loving this series. Each story has featured such different men with different backgrounds and backstories who faced, and still continue to face unique challenges. I wasn’t sure what to expect with Sink or Swim, especially with one of the main characters being a Chaplain, but I wasn’t disappointed. I really liked the premise of this story.

This was a great addition to the series, which can definitely be read as a standalone, and Alhazar and Dylan were both so sweet and lovable and they fit perfectly together. They had incredible chemistry, something that is never an issue for L.A. Witt’s stories.

I loved the fact that while both Alhazar and Dylan are deeply religious, I mean Dylan is a Chaplain, and even though they are different religions, both men accepted the other and their beliefs. Neither man tried to change the other or sway what they believe in. If more people were like this, maybe we could get that world peace every beauty contestant asks for. But seriously, it was refreshing that while religion played a huge part in the story, it didn’t get in the way of Alhazar and Dylan being together.

This was a well-written story that flowed well. I loved not only getting to know Alhazar and Dylan, but also getting to catch up with some of the characters from the previous books, especially the swoon-worthy moment between Mark and Diego.

This was a sweet and hot read with a little angst added in for good measure. Very enjoyable and highly recommendable!

*copy provided by Riptide via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

I've read several novels by L.A. Witt, and normally I really enjoy them. I struggled with this novel. The pace felt slower, and I had to continue to push myself to read it. The characters are quite fascinating, and have great chemistry, so it wasn't a character distraction.
*I received an ARC copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review