“Annabeth Albert delivers another charmer with Better Not Pout. A sweet and sexy holiday read that finds a grumpy St. Nick charmed by a do-gooder elf and his snowy town. Better Not Pout will warm your heart and soul this holiday season.”
— Layla Reyne, author of the Agents Irish and Whiskey and Trouble Brewing series
“Better Not Pout was charming, sweet, and sexy all at once! I love everything Annabeth Albert writes and this was no exception.” — Cat Sebastian, author of The Soldier's Scoundrel, The Ruin of a Rake, and The Regency Imposters series
Better Not Pout by Annabeth Albert
Publisher:
Carina Press (Harlequin)
Release Date (Print & Ebook):
Ebook: Monday November 12, 2018
Print (mmp): Tuesday November 27, 2018
Length (Print & Ebook):
Ebook: 288
Print (mmp): 288
Subgenre:
Contemporary Romance, Male/Male Romance, Holiday Romance, Military Romance
Order at: Carina Press: | Barnes & Noble (mmp): | Barnes & Noble (ebook): | Amazon:
Book Synopsis:
One hard-nosed military police officer.
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.
***
Annabeth Albert says that, “BETTER NOT POUT is a male/male holiday romance featuring endearing characters with a fun, flirty plot that will remind readers of their favorite holiday rom-coms.”
Teaser
“Okay, let’s get your wig and beard on.” Rhonda turned a critical eye on Nick. “Let me help.”
“I’ve got—” Nick’s protest died as Rhonda did her typical pushy thing and plucked the wig from his grasp. Watching her try to flirt with their Santa model had not been on Teddy’s agenda for the day. He’d been picturing another man like Wallace Grace who was older than his wife with thinning hair and a paunch that padded well for the Santa part. Instead, they’d received this muscled Polish God, and it was no wonder Rhonda lost her head a little. And if Teddy knew a brief flare of jealousy, he quickly tamped it down. Chances were extremely high that this guy had some adorable woman and a flock of tall children waiting back on base.
“So, did your family follow you to Fort End?” He figured a little fishing expedition could ward off more of Rhonda trying to get somewhere.
“Nope.” Nick held still while Rhonda fussed over him, tugging the wig and beard this way and that. “Not married.”
Rhonda’s eyes took on a predictably feral glint and Teddy barely suppressed a groan.
“Single? So nothing stopping you from having a drink with me after the shoot? The Lucky Scot has great happy hour specials.” She beamed at him.
“Uh… I’m a bit old…” A faint pink tinge spread across Nick’s cheeks.
“You are not.” Rhonda lightly punched him on the arm. “Now, I’m going to take some fabulous pictures of you, and then we’re going to get a drink, and if you’re nice, I’ll show you the proofs.”
“I don’t really drink…” Nick coughed and looked skyward like he wouldn’t mind if one of the two-hundred-year-old beams came crashing down on him.
Teddy took pity on him. “Rhonda. Not everyone is interested, okay?”
“Fine. Guess I am an acquired taste.” Rhonda’s face fell, a pretty good copy of her face as a kid when she didn’t get her way.
“You’re lovely,” Nick rushed to reassure her. “But I…uh…different team, you know?”
“Oh.” Rhonda’s eyebrows danced near her wool hat, and Teddy was sure his own eyes were similarly wide. “Teddy, why do all the cute ones have to play for your team? Life just isn’t fair.”
4.25 Stars!
I've been in the mood for holiday stories lately and I love Annabeth Albert's writing, so of course, I had to try Better Not Pout and I'm so happy I did!
Teddy and Nick were total opposites. Teddy was sweet, caring, giving and easygoing, he has a large family and he's intent on staying in his hometown, even if he's aware there aren't as many chances of finding his true love there. Nick is a MP on the local base, older and jaded, he's only going through the motions while waiting for the date in which he'll retire, which isn't helping his mood. He's a bit adrift over what he really wants to do after retiring, seeing as he's spent the last 30 years in the military. And he doesn't believe love is for him.
Teddy was fun and I loved how he went after what he wanted (i.e. Nick), he put himself out there, even if he knew it could all backfire on him. Nick was more cautious, even if he's attracted to Teddy, he wouldn't have given into it if Teddy hadn't pursued him. They were explosive together and I loved that even if they said it was a temporary arrangement, it wasn't just about sex.
Much as I liked them together and separately, I was very frustrated by Nick and his continued refusal to give them a chance at something more. That his estranged mother, who Nick barely had any contact with, was the one to point it out, just made me want to scream. At least he finally got his head out of his shapely behind to make things right, so there's that.
Overall and despite my annoyance at Nick, I really enjoyed this book. It was sweet and entertaining, with a great cast of characters that just made it even more interesting, some low angst and a lovely epilogue. It was definitely a fantastic start to my holiday reading!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
About Annabeth Albert:
Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer. Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Her critically acclaimed and fan-favorite LGBTQ romance series include the #OutOfUniform, #Gaymers, #PortlandHeat, #RainbowCove and #PerfectHarmony series.
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.
Connect with Annabeth Albert:
- Website: http://annabethalbert.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annabeth_albert/
- Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/Nb9yv
Giveaway: Win 1 of 2 e-copies of any OUT OF UNIFORM series book or a finished Paperback copy of BETTER NOT POUT!
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