Title: Better Not Pout
Author: Annabeth Albert
Pages: 288
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Male/Male, Holiday
Imprint: Carina Press
On-sale Date: November 12, 2018 (ebook), November 27, 2018 (MMP)
Price: $4.99 (ebook), $8.99 USD (MMP)
Format: ebook, Mass Market Paperback (MMP)
ISBN: 9781488038686 (ebook), 9781335924841 (MMP)
One overly enthusiastic elf.
One poorly timed snowstorm.
Is it a recipe for disaster? Or a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for holiday romance?
Teddy MacNally loves Christmas and everything that goes along with it. When he plays an elf for his charity’s events, he never expects to be paired with a Scrooge masquerading as Santa Claus. His new mission: make the holiday-hating soldier believe he was born to say ho-ho-ho.
Sergeant Major Nicholas Nowicki doesn’t do Santa, but he’s army to his blood. When his CO asks an unusual favor, Nick of course obliges. The elf to his Kris Kringle? Tempting. Too tempting—Nick’s only in town for another month, and Teddy’s too young, too cheerful and too nice for a one-night stand.
The slow, sexy make-out sessions while Teddy and Nick are alone and snowbound, though, feel like anything but a quick hookup. As a stress-free holiday fling turns into Christmas all year round, Teddy can’t imagine his life without Nick. And Nick’s days on the base may be coming to a close, but he doesn’t plan on leaving anything, or anyone, behind..
Better Not Pout by Annabeth Albert is sweet, funny, steamy, and full of warm feelings. I really liked this holiday romance about a stuffy Army Sergeant Major who believes in structure and the sweet personable man who runs the local charity. Sparks between them flew almost immediately, but that doesn't mean that either of them were going to admit it...initially. What started out as fun turned between Teddy and Nick turned into something more, but their time is limited and Nick isn't planning on sticking around upstate New York longer than he has to. He has a plan after he retires from the Army and it doesn't include snow. Will they be able to leave it as a fling? Will they admit how they truly feel? Will Nick be able to walk away forever? You have to read to find out.
The story was cute and witty and I loved the chemistry between the two main characters. There is plenty of holiday cheer to go around, and the right amount of antics to keep you entertained. On top of that, all of the characters (side and MC) made me chuckle more than once. Teddy and his relationship with his cousin...LMAO. You should one click this book today! 4 stars.
To find out what she’s working on next and other fun extras, check out her website: annabethalbert.com or connect with Annabeth on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Spotify! Also, be sure to sign up for her newsletter for free ficlets, bonus reads, and contests. The fan group, Annabeth’s Angels, on Facebook is also a great place for bonus content and exclusive contests.
