Nick is a soon to be retiring Sergeant Major living a solitary life when his CO asks for a favor of playing Santa for a local charity event. He can’t very well say no. The elf working with him is much younger than him, full of life and happiness and all too tempting. I should mention the age difference. Nick is 46 and Teddy is 28.

BETTER NOT POUT is actually quite a simple story so I don’t want to give more than that away. This is kind of a fling to lovers (is that the name for it?) where the typical broody, I’m not good enough for you has to come around and be swayed by the lively and happy one. Teddy (the happy and younger one) is a joy and such a good guy. I really liked his character. He has a big heart and wants to help everyone in his town and his family. At the same time he wants to help Nick come out of under that dark cloud he’s been living.

But then we have Nick. I really have to say he’s my least favorite thing about the story. Not because he starts off as a Grinch because I love me a jerk or grumpy hero. But to me he just felt really flat. While I got a really well rounded sense for who Teddy was, Nick was a void. I think that reflects in the fact that I just didn’t see much of what Teddy saw in Nick in order for me to care too much about them as a couple.

All that being said though, this was still a quick and cute holiday read. You may feel different about the characters, as I know I’m in the minority, and it’s a low-angst, sweet holiday book with an adorable small town and a great feeling of family.

Nothing like a grumpy Santa to make me happy. LOL. I think I can understand where Nick is coming from. Each man is looking for something different or that's what they both think. Nick is ready to move on and start his new life and Teddy is very happy where he is in his work life. These two men were made for each other if opposites really do attract, stoic by the book Nick and fly by the seat of your pants Teddy, but each bring something to the other that they both need.
I enjoyed the building of their relationship because it did not have the insta-love aspect, they worked on what they were building.
Great May-December Christmas story.

Such a woderful read, it was perfect for the cold weather and it really made me want to drink a hot chocolate and enjoy these characters that were so full of Christmas magic.

There were so may endearing, romantic and laugh out loud moments that I don't hesitate in recommeding this book to anyone looking for a feel good, get all the feels read.

Sure it was cheesy, but who doesn't love some cheese at Christmas? It was cheesy like a Hallmark movie, which I think we can all agree is the best kind.

Better Not Pout by Annabeth Albert is Teddy and Nick’s story.

This is a sweet May/December romance. Teddy and Nick’s paths cross when Nick is filling in as Santa as a favor for a friend. The attraction between them was apparent from the start. But Nick is retiring soon and moving to Florida plus he is a lot older than Teddy so this can only be a holiday romance.

I enjoyed Nick and Teddy’s story and characters. Teddy’s character is such a caring person but is lonely. Nick’s character is lonely too but doesn’t think he deserves true happiness. Will Teddy and Nick drop their walls of comfort and take a chance on love?

FYI, contains mature content. This is a M/M gay romance. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

4.5 stars Nick and Teddy

This was the best... I loved this gorgeous read. It had so much.
A big grumpy Sergeant Major fill in for a sick Santa > Nick
A tiny always in high mood elf > Teddy
Age-gap
A lot of various sexiness
No promises
A lot of feelings
Friends forever
Love as in hea

I loved this read immensely. Written with so much feelings it made my day.
Both Nick and Teddy were engaging personalities, I loved them instant.
Even Christmas is over... there always be Christmases to read this awesome story

Kindly received an arc from the publisher through NetGalley

A sweet Christmas story, with a grumpy Santa and a life changing challenge for both Teddy and Nick.
This is a default Christmas story, with all the sweetness of the family. I liked Teddy and his bluntness, I thing he is the one that Nick needed in his life. I didn't really connect with Nick in the beginning, he's too grumpy and gloomy, full of doubt. Especially with the age differences.
I mean, like Teddy said, he's not 'that' old. Nick's only 46 and Teddy 28. Adult. Yes, quite a difference, but still, not and old man lusting after a 'boy'.
But eventually, Teddy and Nick worked on their differences, place to live, age, work, and had to admit that how could they live without each other? That's not an option.
Because, as soon as they put some space between them, the longing keeps pulling them deeper and deeper. At one point, they have to surrender to love, right?

2.5 stars

I don’t know why but I couldn’t ever connect with this. I wasn’t a big fan of Teddy’s and I didn’t get the connection between him & Nick. It took me close to a month to finally get through the entire book, I started it and put it aside and then picked it up again.

The writing was not a problem, I like Annabeth Alberts writing style. Maybe it’s because I’ve been a grinch this season and I’m having a hard time buying into the Christmas in the small town with the big family. Maybe next year I’ll try this again and enjoy it more.

Annabeth Albert’s Better Not Pout pairs a grumpy Santa with a twinkly elf, a snowstorm, and a looming separation. I was astonished this traditional Christmas tale could be updated with so much charm and panache.

In a month, Sergeant Major Nick Nowicki, (only 46-years-old) is getting turfed out of the Army. It’s especially distressing since he’s distant with his family. For 28 years the Military Police have been his entire identity, the basis for all relationships. But first Nick must cover for his Commander’s husband, who can’t play his usual part of Santa for the northern town where the base is located.
That’s how he encounters an unexpectedly strong pull to the town elf, Teddy MacNally, a Social Worker who runs the resource center for needy families – when he’s not dressed in green. Teddy knows a fling will lead to sadness when Nick inevitably leaves. But with slim romantic pickings, Nick’s military bearing is all too tempting, especially after witnessing Nick’s “smile, which was still rare enough to feel like witnessing a rainbow.” If Teddy, with his good-hearted demeanor and huge warm, loving family, should flirt and seduce this gruff loner, readers know the pain of their separation will be more than either expected.

But, phew, can Teddy flirt. “I figure we can unwrap each other’s packages a little early. What do you say, Saint Nick?” he asks. Also unexpected, is Nick’s ability to savor every moment, a huge contrast to his military demeanor. The love scenes are touchingly connected, and substantive.

What makes this revamped classic sparkle? Albert first draws the men as broad caricatures and then fills in their deeper characters, just the way we get to know people in our real lives. She makes them recognizable, yet unique.For example, when Nick worries about the age difference with 28-year old Teddy, then notices how carefully Teddy plans his strategy while playing a board game. What an observant way to mark someone’s maturity. We learn so much about both men with these pristine details.
And, as a holiday story, Albert evokes all the traditions we enjoy (or fear) most at this time of year… like the groaning food table and intrusive relatives. For toasty fires, a gun-toting robbery, and acts of charity, make sure to stuff Better Not Pout in your stocking. It will definitely get you in the feel-good spirit to make the most of the season.

Better Not Pout is a standalone, M-M romance full of joy that is not seasonal and low-level angst. This is a story about two opposites most definitely attracting. Nick is an about-to-be-retired Military Policeman, which Teddy is a young Director who works hard for charity. One has a big family, one doesn't. One loves the holidays, one doesn't. I'm sure you get the idea by now. Suffice it to say, these two has some issues to sort out before their HEA, but it is fun and frolics most of the way, giving a thoroughly entertaining and Christmas-spirit filled story.

One thing I do have to say is I loved the ending! I won't go into details, no spoilers here, but I did love how it worked out. I love endings like this one, and it really helped to make the story.

There were no editing or grammatical issues that disrupted my reading flow, and I loved all of the characters, whether they were main ones or supporting. The pacing was perfect, with enough angst to keep you on your toes.

Definitely recommended by me.

Love, love, loved this. Grumpy, stoic MCs are one of my favourite things. Combine them with a positive, upbeat character that can worm through those defences and I'm in heaven. This had everything I need in a Christmas story: Santa, snow, giving. I sobbed my way through the second half while these two idiots sorted themselves out. Then got gifted with a glorious ending and an epilogue.



I honestly loved this adorable story so much I went and bought the audio before my Kindle even had the time to go to sleep.



Highly recommended anytime of the year and doubly so at Christmas.

A wonderful book the writing was good. The plot was entertaining and it was steady throughout the book. I found the story and characters captivating. The characters were developed and thought out. Teddy MacNally and Nicholas Nowicki are the MC’s of this book. There was humor, photos, Santa, an elf, snowstorms, a resource center, friends and family, presents and more in this book. I can recommend this book as a good read. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.

I liked this holiday romance very much. It is somewhat of a May December storyline - not that there is a large age difference. It is based on where each man is in his life. Teddy is younger and starting to make a name for himself in his small town. He is heading up charity work and people are beginning g to look up to the young professional. The trust him being in charge. Nick is a seasoned military man on the verge of retirement - he’s not a grey haired man by any means. He’s put in his time and is looking forward to moving on to his second career with a life on the water.

I love small town love stories, especially when we are introduced to lots of characters, family members and quirky people.

This story started out quite humorous. I wish that had continued throughout the book. The author writes funny scenes - please write more. Loved them. I also felt there were a few too many sex scenes and the inner angst and dialog of the two main characters became repetitive towards the end.

I would love to read more by this author and plan to. She can capture emotion and the ups and downs of life in a small town so well.

Thank you for the review copy of this title.

This review appears on Amazon US and Goodreads - sorry, I’m having trouble copying links.

Aah this was a really wonderful story for the season. Proper, actual review to come a bit later. 😊.

A delightful festive story featuring a May/December couple who meet a month before Christmas. Nick is the grumpy Sgt. Major about to retire from the army and Teddy is the lively and kind-hearted ‘elf’. I liked the initial friction and the interaction that developed between them, plus the steamy scenes as they become friends and lovers in those few short weeks. What I liked most was the angst surrounding Nick’s impending departure to Florida. The goodbye scene and their last few days together had me in tears. Kudos to the author for building up to this point in the story. I loved the happy ending for these two characters who were ideally suited for each other.

I enjoyed reading the story, particularly the second half, and listened to the audiobook soon after—superbly narrated by Sean Crisden

Absolutely adore Albert's writing so I knew BETTER NOT POUT would not disappoint. Only down to it would be my wish it didn't end. So good!

Better Not Pout was a bit of sweet mixed with a lot of hot and steamy, set with characters that are both opposites attract and age gap in a holiday romance…so there’s plenty to like about the story. You know, besides the fact that it’s written by one of my favorite go-to authors.

Nick is your classic military guy, about to retire after almost thirty years of service. He’s pretty straight-laced, serious, and law abiding…with a soft spot to help that we get to see come out when it comes to kids in need. Teddy is super-sweet, upbeat, and has a positive outlook. He comes from a huge, close-knit family—but even so, he has something in common with Nick…they’re both a bit lonely for personal companionship. Though when Nick first meets Teddy he tries to keep his distance, Teddy quickly grows on him and I liked seeing how Teddy softened Nick up and got him to relax.

Nick only means for things with Teddy to be temporary since Nick’s leaving town once he retires from the military, so when those pesky feeling become involved, that’s where much of the conflict is introduced. I could feel that bit of slight disconnect between them with Nick trying to keep Teddy in the “temporary” category in his mind, even with their intimate scenes being as scorching as they were.

I liked the small town setting, and the cast of supporting characters was strong. I did have some odd pictures in my head thanks to Teddy and Nick being in their Santa and elf costumes for certain scenes that were a mix of jolly old Santa Claus with an elf on a shelf being naughty together…

This story was a 4-star read for me, that other star needed that disconnect to disappear and for Nick to be a bit more open to a relationship with Teddy—but Better Not Pout is still a great holiday romance regardless. This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language (oh-so-sweet Teddy can have quite the dirty mouth LOL) and steamy sexual content.

Review going live Friday - 11/30

When I saw the blurb for Better Not Pout, I knew it was the perfect book to kick off a season of Christmas reads. It’s clear that one of these men is a grumpy-pants, and no one writes grumpy heroes like Annabeth Albert. And when he’s offset by a happy-go-lucky man who loves to see the good in things...well, you know begrudging fun is going to ensue. Teddy’s life has been the exact opposite of Nick’s; all he’s ever known is love and joy. Even in the midst of the same kind of family tragedy experience, Teddy’s family banded together instead of falling apart like Nick’s did. This book really was the quintessential Christmas read - lonely heroes find love, but with their life paths diverging, they face obstacles in how to stay together. Of course there’s a happily ever after; Teddy so completely wraps Nick in his love that there was no other way for this to go. Their bumpy road is also hilarious - Teddy’s family is absolutely giddy at the thought of him finding happiness, and they make no bones about it. One of the things I love about Annabeth Albert’s books is that there is always a compromise; both sides always give (or try to give) something up to meet in the middle. And this book was so sweet and the happy ever after so tenuous that I got choked up. Teddy really was everything Nick ever could have wanted, but Nick wanted more (than himself, an old ‘fogie’) for Teddy. The way Teddy inspired Nick to be a better person (mostly being more outward with his feelings, as Nick was already a good guy,) was just one more way they were perfect for each other. Not to mention there was tons of Christmas going on in this books. Santah outfits, elf outfits, helping others in need, and really - have raging snowstorms ever been sexier? I don’t think so! Better Not Pout was so sweet, and if you want to curl up with a holiday read that is sure to bring on the feels, this is the one you’re looking for!

I'm basically obsessed with Annabeth Albert, so it is killing me to say anything negative about Better Not Pout. I mean, Annabeth Albert and a Christmas story?! That pretty much sounds like nirvana.

But... it wasn't, at least for me.

I liked the book, don't get me wrong, but my review will mainly focus on the things that didn't work for me because those are the details that stick in my mind.

The two MCs didn't seem all that into each other, to be honest. I liked the small-town vibe and I enjoyed each MC individually, but that intense chemistry just wasn't there for me. I feel like Teddy just wore Nick down over time, not that Nick had to be with him.

The story was just... fine... just fine. It wasn't great, it was nice, but, ultimately, I found it a bit boring and lacking some chemistry. More than anything, I wanted to like it, and I did, but I know Annabeth Albert can do even better.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

I am a HUGE fan of Annabeth Albert's especially her HOT military romance - Out Of Uniform Series, I felt this story was a mix of that series as well as her sweeter romance, Portland Heat Series.

Nick is enlisted by his Commanding Officer to play Santa for the rec center since her husband isn't able to do it this year do to medical reasons, and of course Nick cannot say NO even though the thought of it doesn't sit well with him.

Teddy is the cutest elf going, so full of holiday spirit I need him to come to my house and help get me in the mood this year. Honestly he goes above and beyond what most would do and it warmed my heart to see that everyone loved and respected him because of his giving nature.

Nick and Teddy are about as opposite as you can get when it comes to the holidays, but a little time with Teddy and he can even turn a Scrooge into Santa.

This was a sweet holiday romance with plenty of steamy moments that will surly get you into the spirit of things no matter which holiday you celebrate. Annabeth's books are always highly recommended by me and this one is no different, in Better Not Pout we have a Sweet and Sexy May-December Romance, Holiday Themed, with two likable Male leads. Happy Reading!!!

**I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book**