"Better Not Pout: A gay Christmas romance" by Annabeth Albert is a heartwarming holiday love story that brings the spirit of Christmas to life. The book follows two characters on a journey of unexpected romance during the festive season. Albert's writing is charming and filled with humor and tenderness, creating a delightful and feel-good read. With its endearing characters and cozy Christmas setting, "Better Not Pout" is a touching and uplifting holiday romance that leaves readers with a warm and joyful heart.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 12 November 2018.

What a gem of a book. Nick's hurt so badly, afraid of what has gone before and too scared to envision a future. He's wrapped himself in his loneliness and a 'don't care' attitude, and has actually convinced himself that he's OK as he is.

Then along comes Teddy, who's Nick's complete opposite. What follows is a magical love story, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It resembles both The Christmas Carol and The Grinch, in that one of the MCs is a 'Bah Humbug' type, and the other is full of the joys of the season.

Ms Albert has written a satisfying, sweet story with lovely realistic characters. Nick comes across as closed off and disagreeable at first, but it didn't take me long to warm up to him. It was obvious from the start that he was just scared and insecure about getting attached. I understood his reluctance, it seemed real and not contrived for the sake of the story.

Right from the beginning l totally believed in both the MCs and was immediately pulled into their world. The premise was well written and completely believable. Not a heavy story, but not too light and fluffy either. There was just enough angst to keep the tension high til the end. Lots and lots of Christmas atmosphere, and a story I will definitely read again.

This book was reviewed in episode 169 of the Big Gay Fiction Podcast. There is not text copy for the review as it is all in the audio program. You can access it at the link.

Sweet and sexy holiday romance. Annabeth Albert always delivers a great story!! I have actually read this book twice now and loved it each time!

This book was so sweet and exactly what I wanted from Annabeth Albert. She's reliably great with male/male romance and I can't wait to see more from her.

I have a terrible habit of reading the books I request and then forgetting to review them. And this is the case with Better Not Pout. I guess I think my memory will be better than it is or I have good intentions to leave a review shortly after finishing and then get distracted. Now here we are a few years later and I'm at a loss on what to say. Goodreads tells me I gave this book 4 stars so I really liked it at the time that I read it, but here we are in 2020 and I don't recall many details on the actual story.

It's the week before Thanksgiving and Sergeant Major Nick Nowicki is dressed in an ill-fitting Santa suit on his way for a PR shoot in Mineral Spirits, a timy hamlet in upstate NY. His CO at Fort End's hubby usually does the Santa gig, but he's suffered a heart attack and Nick doesn't have to asked twice for this favor. He likes Commander Grace--even as he hates this final post of his military career; he has one month left in his 28-year enlistment now that the army has decided not to renew his commitment. Nick isn't close with his family, due to a tragedy that broke his parent's marriage and his mother's many years of alcoholism. In his life and career, he's been mainly solitary, with only one long-term boyfriend who hit the road while he was deployed. A native of Phoenix, Nick has virtually no experience in driving the harsh winter storms that are a part of life near Fort End, and he can't wait to retire to Florida where he plans to open a fishing charter with an old army friend.

Teddy MacNally is a small town boy through-and-through, and at 28 he's made good for himself he's made good for himself. Always been a compassionate one, he got a masters in social work and came back to Mineral Spirits--where half the town is one relation or another--to run the Helping Hands Resource center. He raises funds that help folks with basic needs and right now he's dressed as an elf for the Where's Santa? photo spread that the local paper publishes to drum up donations for the center's Giving Tree, a Christmas present for needy kids-type of thing. And, Saint Nick is sure a grumpy Santa. But Teddy sees a loneliness in Nick that he empathizes with--he's pretty isolated in Mineral Spirits. Not counting the sleazy, married men on his Grindr, there aren't any male companions in a reasonable distance.

Nick doesn't want to form any attachments to Mineral Spirits, or Teddy and his loving, oversharing, family because he's leaving in a month--but a bad snow storm lands Nick in Teddy's home for a night and their attraction grows irresistible. And, due to on-going Santa duties and Nick's current car trouble, he's reliant upon Teddy for a few more carpool situations. So, he can't really turn down the many invites he gets, from Teddy his sister and brother, to attend the MacNally Thanksgiving. And, when his CO gives him leave for the entire holiday weekend...well, Nick may <em>want</em> to protect his heart, but he understands the logic of finding some sexy solace with Teddy, even if the sexy elf is nearly 18 years younger than himself.

But, man, those nights they spend are real nice. And, well, Teddy is a grown man--not a kid, no matter his baby face. Being around the MacNally's, who are about as non-dysfunctional as any family Nick has ever met, helps Nick see that his sad life experience isn't the only one out there. And, As Teddy hopes, Nick can envision himself in a place where he has a real community, and maybe a true love to boot. If only Nick didn't have these plans to relocate to Florida...

This is a sweet and sexy age-gap romance in a picturesque small town with two engaging leading men. I liked how they found both comfort and a confidante within their arrangement for camaraderie. Their progression from acquaintance to <em>more</em> follows a quick but acceptable path, due to each man being rather lonely, and finding a chemistry and kinship that suited. The age gap was a big problem for Nick, but Teddy's assertiveness and independence kept chipping away at Nick's preconceived notions about young guys wanting young partners. They are a special couple, and I enjoyed watching them fall in love.

After 28 years in the Army, Sergeant Major Nicholas Nowicki is about a month from forced retirement. Being military police is all he knows and law enforcement is all he has ever wanted to do. But it is time to move on, whether Nick wants to or not, and he has plans to move to Florida after Christmas to work with a friend on his private boat charter business. At least it will get him out of the cold and snow of upstate New York. In the interim, Nick has been drafted to play the role of Santa in the small town near the base. He isn’t thrilled about it, but when he boss asked him to fill in, he reluctantly agreed.

Teddy MacNally has lived in Mineral Springs all his life, and he is related to practically half the town. Teddy went away to college, but couldn’t wait to return to Mineral Springs where he now runs the charitable organization for which Nick is playing Santa. Nick may be gruff and a little surly, but Teddy can’t help but like the guy. When Nick ends up stuck at Teddy’s house when snow hits, Teddy is definitely interested in pursuing a little fun. At first Nick isn’t sure; he has been burned in past relationships, not to mention his time in town is short. Plus Teddy is so young and shiny and cheerful, Nick worries he is not the guy for him, even for a fling. But the chemistry between the men is strong and the hook up is hot — hot enough that they decide to continue having fun together until Nick has to leave.

As the weeks pass, Teddy and Nick find that what was supposed to be just friendship with some sex on the side is turning more serious than either of them expected. Teddy would love to find a way to turn it into more, but Nick is leaving town for his new life in Florida. While Nick has fallen for Teddy as well, he feels a commitment to his friend in Florida. Not to mention he can’t imagine Teddy would really want him for long. Now the guys have to figure out if they are willing to take a chance on love and seize the connection they have built together.

I’ll admit, I have a soft spot for a bit of a curmudgeonly hero and so I was drawn in right away by Nick. It seems particularly appealing in a Christmas story for some reason (despite the fact that I don’t celebrate the holiday), as there is something about watching the wonder of the season — plus a healthy dose of romance — turn someone around to find a happier life. In Better Not Pout, Annabeth Albert pairs the somewhat grumpy Nick with the cheery Teddy to great affect. Teddy just has this enthusiasm and sunny attitude that breaks through all of NIck’s barriers. Nick is wary of getting involved, partly because he is leaving and partly because Teddy just seems too good and shiny for a guy like Nick, but he just can’t resist Teddy’s charm. At the same time, Teddy is not over the top or saccharine sweet, which I also appreciated. He is just someone who is happy with his life and who has love to share.

The story features several other themes I like, including an age gap between the men, a small town romance, and a little bit of time snowbound. Albert combines the feelings of the holiday season, but it also doesn’t totally dominate the book, so there is a nice balance here.

While the story gives us both Nick and Teddy’s perspectives, in some ways this seems more Nick’s journey as Teddy is already pretty happy and settled in life, albeit lonely. But Nick is really at a crossroads. The life he has always wanted is coming to an end. He sees himself as washed up now that the military is forcing retirement due to reduction in personnel. And he isn’t necessarily excited about this new venture in Florida. So here we see Nick come to recognize that he deserves better, that his life isn’t over, and that he is worthy of the love and happiness Teddy can bring. I will say I would have liked a better understanding of just what is holding Nick back from being with Teddy, or why he feels so locked into this job offer. We can see he is kind of making excuses, but not really why, or at least not until late in the book and I would have liked to understand this better as this is the main source of the conflict. Nick also does something that makes me nuts in my romance novels and that is decide for Teddy that they are better off apart and he isn’t good enough for Teddy, without actually paying attention to what Teddy thinks about all that. But these were minor issues with an otherwise very enjoyable story.

So if you are looking for a nice holiday book with lots of warm feelings, some likable heroes, and a bit of a grump who is won over by a sweet, younger man, definitely check out Better Not Pout.

Annabeth Albert's Better Not Pout is a charming, feel-good Christmas romance.

Teddy plays an elf, and is paired with the grumpy Nick, who's filling in for Santa. Nick may be old, but he's definitely attractive to the younger Teddy, who's just so happens to be a hot twink.

Teddy's quickly smitten and, after they hook up, wants more. And more. When he saves the hot Santa from a snow storm, he is quite relentless.

Their chemistry is hot and I adore their age difference. These two are complete opposites, making for a fun tale.

Their story contains some mixed signals, temptations, fear and guilt. And the wonderful theme of having to find strength to forgive yourself if you're going to allow yourself to be happy.

The author is fantastic, creating a wonderful Christmas setting, adding in two lovable men and one amazing family. Annabeth Albert will definitely leave you happy at the end.

Teddy and Nick are adorable. This is a great holiday read full of all the heartwarming fuzzies that make holiday stories so fun to read. Recommended!

*~~*ARC kindly provided to me for an honest review *~~*

What a charming pre-Christmas story which totally gives you the right feels before the (upcoming) holidays.

Annabeth Albert is back in her well-known area of writing books with hot military men, men in uniform and who have a certain kind of air around them.
I loved how Sergeant Major Nicholas - Nick - Nowicki was presented. He's an experienced military guy who's close to his retirement although it's not that what he wishes for.
I could totally feel his struggle. He lives and breathes the military life; having this snatched away from him, no matter how well he served over these almost 30 years, must be a hardship, but: his time to leave has come.

As a fresh wind Teddy MacNally swifts into his life, unexepected and as welcome as the snowstorm looming over them. Nick isn't in the mood for having a thing with a gleeful, always sunny guy who's wearing the elf costume a bit too good.

What I love about Albert's stories is that she is able to create two very unique, very different characters but in the end their connection point are shared values, the same (bitter) experience or being vulnerable behind their public appearance. In this book we have it too; Teddy isn't always the overcheerful guy; he is partly struggling with his unknown path, his direction in life.

Nick is - obviously - at a crossroad but although Teddy has everything settled his life is a save thing and to be blunt a bit boring, but who is he to challange that? Playing it easy is one thing, taking risk another and that's what both guys are afraid of.

I really loved the humorous innnuendos, the funny, utterly hilarous scenes where we see a grumpy Nick in the Santa costume but also loved the domestic parts in the book, the growing relationship of these two guys.
It really warms your heart and reading it feels like been wrapped with a cozy, snuggly blanket.

This holiday romance with a grumpy military sergeant and his unexpected parner in crime in an elf costume is definitely what you need to get yourself into the holiday spirit. :3

5 out of 5 stars for it.

Review originally posted on my blog with added content on Mikku-chan / A world full of words

I forgot I had this on my Kindle to review, but I was in the mood for Annabeth Albert. So, I gave it a go. This story didn't wow my but it was super cute and exactly what I needed at the time.

Teddy MacNally is the personal persona of Christmas while Nicholas Nowicki is like a walking grinch. These two should be the last two together but Teddy wins over Nick's heart. It was quick and sweet.

Annabeth Albert always hits the right notes with her books. A lovely Christmas read. Highly recommended.

Better Not Pout, A gay Christmas romance, by Annabeth Albert was somehow skipped during the Christmas reading times. Thinking of it as a love story for Valentines helped. The chemistry and pull between the protagonists was delightfully sizzling. If you want a little holiday steam, here’s your ticket. Recommended for romance fans, even after Christmas.

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.

I'm a big fan of the opposites attract trope in the hands of a wonderful author like Ms. Albert. I liked the principal characters and their early dysfunctional relationship, and the circumstances that find them falling in love with each other. Better Not Pout is the perfect kind of book for the holidays: sexy, sweet and easy to read.

Grade: B

I love a story between a grump and a joyful person.
Grumpy, reluctant Santa meets enthusiastic, optimistic elf? Yes, please!
I also love small towns and the dynamic where everyone knows everyone. This town is full of that. Neighbors caring for others always gets me.

Teddy has deep roots in this town and feels bound to it, while Nick has never felt bound to much outside of the military. Now that those ties to the military are being forcibly snipped, Nick is grasping at anything that will give him a landing spot. He has signed up to relax in the sun with a former military buddy. Nick may not have ties to a place, but he follows through on his promises. His promise is not to this town for anything longer than a Santa gig. But, Christmas is a magical time.
In the middle of a snowstorm, reluctant Nick eventually warms up to being Santa, the town and especially Teddy.

Oh, there is an age gap here, but it never feels like a *thing*. They just work so well together once things start to click between them. I loved Teddy and Nick as a couple and as individuals.

This was a winner for me.

This ended up being one of my favorite Christmas stories of 2018. It had a bit of everything. It was sweet and steamy in equal parts. I liked both of the MC's and thought they were great together. I enjoyed watching them figure out their path together.


**ARC provided through Netgalley**

Wow, the best holiday read of the 2018 Holiday Season. This was a truly wonderful story, complete with all the romance, humor, and hot, sweaty sex Annabeth Albert does so well.

I fell hard for gruff and grouchy Sergeant Major Nicholas Nowicki, he was so ready for a bit of loving - and sweet, chipper Teddy is the perfect solution. They're adorable together and hot damn smokin' hot chemistry!

I'm happy to say the ending was absolutely perfect.

The romance revolves around two very different men who find themselves snowed in together. The situation isn’t ideal, especially for Sergeant Major Nicholas Nowicki, but the sexual tension is undeniable.

Nick and Teddy MacNally are polar opposites. Nick is gruff, isn’t a big believer in love, and isn’t a fan of winter. Teddy is warm, wears his heart on his sleeve, and is all about the candy canes and snowflakes.

But Teddy sees right through Nick’s hard shell to the soft man underneath, and Nick finds it hard to not care for the younger man.

The two men spend the holiday season together. They play Santa and his elf for the charity drive, attend the rowdy MacNally family’s Thanksgiving extravaganza, and cuddle while it snows outside.

And slowly but surely feelings get involved. Because Teddy just wants to love and be loved, and Nick so needs someone to love him.

I wanted to punch Nick a couple of times for being so set against an actual relationship with Teddy. And my heart hurt for Teddy, even as he tried to deny that he was falling hard for his military man.

But this is Annabeth Albert after all, so the bit of angst is worth the spectacular happy ending. Nick and Teddy get the perfect happy ever after, with some mistletoe on top.

If you’re looking for a holiday read that’ll give you warm and fuzzy feelings, give ‘Better Not Pout’ a try!