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.

As usual, Annabeth Albert delivers well developed heros in Nick and Teddy all wrapped up in a Christmas blanket.

I like each hero's individual journey but especially Nick's as he resees his life as he get ready to retire.

It is a sweet romance and quiet. The love story itself could be more compelling but I am charmed.

I was given this book for an honest review. So, there you have it!

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?

4 Stars!

This was an enjoyable Christmas romance story.

I liked both characters. They had really great chemistry and some really steamy scenes.

The problem is that although both men have great chemistry and they seem to be falling hard for each other they are both set in their ways and neither refuse to budge on. Teddy is comfortable in his life. He loves his job, his town, and his family who all live in that town. The only thing that is missing is someone to spend his life with. He thinks he finds that in his disgruntled Santa Nick.
Nick has been alone the majority of his life. He's had a very long military career which is about to come to an end with retirement. He has plans in place. He's heading to Florida to go into a tourist boating business with a buddy of his from the military. Not even the strong feelings he's become to have for Teddy will keep him from leaving. The goodbye is bittersweet. But in the end the heart wants what it wants and chances are taken and love conquers.

It was a definitely one of the better holiday books I have read. It had just enough angst for my taste.

Happy Holidays dolls! xx

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.

3.75 Stars!

A lovely Christmas story of an older military MP and a younger, small-town charity director falling for each other. Teddy and Nick really are opposites. Teddy is caring and generous. He stays in his hometown to be near his large and loving family even though that means that his love life is sparse. Nick is older, jaded and nonplussed that he needs to retire from the military. His base commander asks him to fill in as Santa, which doesn't lighten his mood in the least. He just wants to finish out his remaining time and move somewhere warmer and without snow.

I loved Teddy and how he goes out of his way to help everyone that he can. He really put himself out there for Nick, even knowing that things may not go well and had a limited time span. I liked how Teddy's family embraced Nick even as they tried to ensure that Teddy didn't get hurt. Nick had to grow on me. He gave up on love years before and uses his past as an excuse to avoid Teddy. Nevertheless, you can see that the time he spends with Teddy and the other peoples in town really make him long for the connections he hasn't had for years. I found myself really annoyed with how he refused to see what was right in front of him, even after Teddy pointed out a perfect opportunity for Nick.

While I was unhappy with how stubborn Nick was, I was happy to see both men make a point to stay connected after Nick made his move to Florida. I thought it was great that Nick realized finally what a mistake he was making and did all that he could to rectify it as soon as he could.

I loved Teddy's interfering cousin and how close they were to each other. The cast of supporting characters were great as well. All in all, I enjoyed this one and was very happy at the end for them both.

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

‘Better Not Pout’ is an entertaining, uncomplicated, sexy, fun holiday story that takes one grumpy wanna’ be Scrooge with a slightly broken family and adds in a cute, sexy, twinkish elf with blond curls and a well meaning but meddlesome family then dresses it all up with a small community, some snow and a series of unfortunate events often tinged with humorous moments to create a holiday story filled with the spirit of the season and the best Christmas present ever…the gift of love.

At 46 years old Sergeant Major Nick Nowicki is about to retire…whether he’s ready or not and he’s got a plan. Nick’s also a bit of a bah-humbug sort of guy and Karma’s about to mess with him in the form of his CO making a slightly irregular request of him. But Nick’s determined to see it through when she asks him to step into the role of Santa Clause that her husband normally fills. Feeling like he can’t say no, Nick agrees and heads off to Mineral Spirits where he meets Santa’s elf in the form of one sexy, mischievous, blond haired and twinkish elf, named Teddy.

Teddy gets one look at his new Santa and he’s ready to climb him like a tree. Nick likes what he sees when he meets Santa’s elf, but he’s determined to get in, do the job and get out...keep it strictly professional. What he’s not counting on is just how much one adorable, feisty elf can melt his heart with nothing more than sincerity, honestly and some adorable blond curls.

On paper this pair probably shouldn’t work…there’s a fairy significant age gap, Nick’s a by the book career military man, he’s estranged from his family all but his sister and while they try to maintain a relationship it’s nothing like the closely-knit bonds that Teddy shares with his own family. Nick’s a by the book military man who’s buried himself in his career losing contact with not only his family but friends over the years as well, but Teddy’s all about the family and friends so much so that after college he’s returned to the community where he grew up to use his education in a position that allows him to help out and give back to the community that he grew up in. These two men are even polar opposites physically but in spite of everything they’re drawn to each other.

Despite all their differences Nick and Teddy work as a couple. They fit. Teddy knows it and he wants a happily ever after for him and Nick but wishing and wanting doesn’t always make dreams come true especially when one man’s heading for Florida and the other man isn’t sure that he can bring himself to give up his hometown, it’s going to take both men willing to compromise and meet in the middle to give them the holiday happiness that will last throughout the years to come.

This is only my second time reading this author and I have to admit I’m looking forward to reading a lot more. I loved the pacing and flow of this story and once again Ms Albert has taken the adage of ‘opposites attract’ and made it into a story that’s every bit as believable as it is enjoyable. This one’s definitely recommended for anyone who’s looking to find out what happens when Santa Clause comes to town!

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!