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**

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
Annabeth Albert has an amazing talent with writing stories about military men, and this one is another winner for me. Most of the action happens off base, but Nick is most definitely the ultimate in military men, yet he is about to retire, and is not looking forward to it at all.

His last few weeks of service see him stepping up to help his CO and stand in as Father Christmas in the local town. Here he meets Teddy, who appoints himself his guide, as well as being his faithful elf. I really enjoyed Teddy's family at Thanksgiving, and the contrast with Nick's was crucial in explaining the man. It is fun watching the grumpy, older, Nick falling for Teddy's youthful exuberance and charm. However, he has promised that he will join his old pal in Florida, and he is all about following a plan.

There is plenty of snow, Christmas magic, and some lovely humour. If you want a little kick start to the festive season, this will bring a smile to your face!


Angie – ☆☆☆☆
I'll be honest, this book started rough for me and I almost stopped reading. After the first few chapters, the book finally picked up and I could feel the characters and their connection. I wanted to beat the tar out of Nick several times, he was so obsessed about the age difference and keeping his promise to his buddy in Florida. I loved Teddy, he was so sweet and giving. Once Nick and Teddy did the deed, these two were on fire and you couldn't help but hope they would end up together. The way Nick drew out the sex made it even better... poor Teddy. This was a feel-good Christmas story, low on angst and high on steam.


Sarah – ☆☆☆
I love a bit of Christmas schmaltz, so I was very excited to receive this book. When Nick, a growly, solitary, military man meets a charity worker and his big happy family, he starts to let himself imagine a very different future for himself.

I expected to love this book. I’m a huge Annabeth Albert fan and I love the author’s military men. However, I really couldn’t get into this story. I know this is fluffy Christmas romance, but I feel like there are too many predictable tropes and not enough character development. Nick is a guarded, closed character that I found it difficult to get to know him. Teddy is a more relatable character, but the story is told from Nick’s slightly dour perspective. I felt like the relationship went round in circles and I really didn’t feel any chemistry between Nick and Teddy. Nick is irritated by Teddy right up to the point that he falls for him. Unfortunately, the whole thing didn’t work for me.

I don’t know if I just wasn’t in the right headspace for this story, but I had to double check the author because the writing just didn’t feel like it belonged to an Annabeth Albert book. This is a personal response and I feel almost guilty for not getting on with the story. Hopefully other readers will engage with this book better than I have.

This was such a quirky holiday read. Teddy is a man that gives to others and loves Christmas. Nick is about to retire from the military and is kind of a Scrooge. When the two come together for a holiday event they annoy one another to no end. Nick is counting his days until he can retire and get to warmer weather but slowly his heart opens to love and the possibilities of sticking around. I loved that this book was situated in an area of upstate NY that I know so that added to the fun and ambiance of the book. I also love everything that I have read of Annabeth Albert.

Fabulous! I absolutely adored this story. It’s my first Christmas read this year and what a great start to my festivities.

Nick and Teddy. Crikey. Talk about opposites attract. Nick is soon to retire from his career as a military police officer. He’s got a job lined up but his hearts not in it. Nick finds himself as a stand in Santa for a charity. Here he meets Teddy the oh so sweet Elf. Teddy’s a wonderful character. He’s gotta be cheerful if he’s gonna be an elf doesn’t he lol

This is a slow burn mm read sprinkled with some angst. This is one of them stories that make you all warm inside. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

When I started Better Not Pout I wasn't really feeling it. Not because I didn't enjoyed the writing style or liked the characters, I liked both of those things, no, it was simply because I wasn't feeling the holiday spirit. The next holiday we celebrate here is Christmas and by the time I read this book Christmas was still 2.5 month away.
By the end of Better not pout I was totally feeling the Christmas spirit and wouldn't be mad about it if Christmas would be next week.
I absolutely love anything Annabeth Albert writes so it's not surprising that I really liked this book as well. If you've never read a book by her, maybe try this one since it's a standalone and it's holiday themed with an adorable elf and a grumpy Santa clause.

Rating: 4 stars

4 .5 Stars for Better Not Pout
Annebeth Albert is a new author to me but after reading this book that’s about to change. This story will give you all the feels you could wish and it will leave you feeling all warm and cozy inside. A classic Christmas tale with a twist this time it’s a bossy elf who has a heart of gold and a grumpy Santa that need to save the day.......
Nick and Teddy are complete opposites and once you add in the twenty year age gap you start to wonder if they are meant to be together but as the saying goes opposites attract and there is an instant attraction as well as some sizzling chemistry going on between Santa and his bossy elf.
A perfect mix of love and humour with just a sprinkling of angst makes this a wonderful holiday read
I love Christmas and I loved this story if love M/M and holiday love stories with HEA’d I can highly recommend Better Not Pout.

Teddy was adorable and Nick was prickly… but there was a lot more to each of them than that.

The last thing that Nick wanted to do was play Santa, but he only had a little bit of time left before his retirement so turning down his new CO wasn’t an option. He had no idea what he was in for and Teddy was definitely not what he expected.

Teddy considered Nick a challenge. He knows that there is more to Nick than the grumbly guy he first meets. The more he gets to know him, the more the challenge turns into a lot more than either one of them bargained for.

Better Not Pout was the perfect Holiday read. Full of a little sweet, a little bit nice and a little bit naughty. It fits right into what I’ve come to expect from Annabeth Albert’s military romances. 🙂

I had a good time reading this light, and mostly angst free, Christmas story. Teddy and Nick are likeable enough - one is a grumpy pants and the other an eternal optimist. I liked that they complimented each other so well. They were each able to bring that special something to the relationship that the other was lacking.

Overall, the really good writing, the lovely setting, and great secondary characters made this close to 4 stars for me. A lovely story just perfect to curl up with at Christmastime.

This is my first holiday read of the season and it didn’t disappoint. I could totally see this as a holiday movie on some cheesy Christmas channel. It’s a typical low angst feel good story. I absolutely adored Teddy he had such a good heart, now Nick I wanted to smack round the head for being so stubborn and not seeing what was right in front of him. I’m just really glad that these guys found their happily ever after.

An assignment Nick couldn't refuse put him in the ever-sunny orbit of Teddy, the resident elf that is far too tempting for the grumpy military man. Except pride and a slick road put him even closer to Teddy than he wanted to be...well, only when he was lying to himself. Snowed in together they end up giving in to their attraction and what they find makes both men a bit nervous. One night wasn't enough, though, so for the month that Nick has left they decide to make the most of their time together. If neither man finds the courage to risk their heart and choose a life not according to their plan they'll end up letting that month be their only time together and that would be enough to make any Jolly Old St. Nick or Cheery Elf rue a choice that should have brought a forever's worth of Christmas warmth and love.

Nick rubbed me the wrong way at first. He's so determined to be a grump that he's not just gruff, he's dismissive and insulting in an aloof, crotchety old man way. He eschews good sense in favor of avoidance and pride and ends up in a situation he could have been incredibly injured from. There's nothing intelligent about that. And his misplaced sense of honor is also a bit frustrating. Although things do work out, it's only when he softens and begins to yearn for something he believed was far beyond his reach that I warmed up to him. He needed every bit of Teddy's effervescence and care so he could thaw and become the man that was always inside of him.

Without the experience with Nick, Teddy would have continued to live his life in a happy yet lonely way. He would have continued to shy away from risks and rejection because making the safe choice was the one he was most familiar with. I liked his zest for life and his gigantic heart. Those things made him the ideal partner for the taciturn man who had pretty much given up on himself.

Teddy also discovered things about himself with the distance between the men and I was glad that things didn't resolve too quickly so both of them could realize what they needed as individuals to be happy and how they could go after who they wanted to share their lives with. I thought the legal decision regarding their future was cute and fitting for who both Nick and Teddy are. An overall sweet feeling bolstered by great characters that felt real and drew me in over the course of the story.

Annabeth Albert is an amazing writer. From the start, I was hooked on both characters and her writing style. She touches on alcoholism and homomisia from family members and how they can do better.


This story features an amazing gay representation romance with an age gap (including a height difference!), and the grumpy hero – Nick, the military man – and a sunny hero – Teddy, the social worker – falling in love.


Both Nick and Teddy are so interesting and complex that I was feeling a wide range of emotions while reading this story. For half of the book, I was heartbroken at the thought that Nick was going to retire to a nice boat across the country and leave the life he could have had with Teddy and for how long it took Nick to realize that he deserved to be loved just as much as Teddy did. These boys just loved giving me heart palpitations and making me so invested in their future that I had to turn my kindle off a few times to take some breaths.


Overall, it was an incredibly sweet story that had me wanting so much more until they got their happily ever after.

Get ready to get warm and cozy!! I loved this story about Nick and Teddy! They were somewhat opposites, not only in job scope, but also in age. Not that it actually mattered, they went together like peas and carrots!
When Commander Grace's husband is unable to be Santa for a local food bank, Nick is asked to fill in. Once he arrives, he meets Teddy, and is kinda flummoxed about him. Teddy runs the food bank and is Santa's elf side-kick. He's all sorts of cute, but he wouldn't be interested in a stodgy, old, military man would he? Turns out he just might be!!
Teddy has always had a thing for muscled, military guys. When Nick rolls up to be the stand in for Santa, he nearly swoons! He doesn't care that he is much older than himself, he just can't help fawning over Nick! But Nick is about to retire and leave the area for good. Oh well, he's all for a month with Nick. It'll be fun! Only the month flies by and neither want to say goodbye! Can Teddy be the one to make Nick stay and want to put down roots?
I enjoyed Teddy and Nick and their dynamic! Teddy is funny, kind, and genuine, but doesn't take many risks. Nick is steadfast and responsible-always doing what is right. Teddy is slight, where Nick is a big military cop! Opposites in all aspects for sure! As they got to know one another, I loved what their togetherness brought out in the other! Teddy would get all bossy, and Nick would get all cuddly-it made for some charming and adorable interludes! They seriously fogged up the windows in this one!!
Annabeth Albert is a one-click author for me and she never disappoints! Better Not Pout is such a heartwarming book to read and it will give you so much to cheer about!

reviewed by Deb

Teddy needs a Santa for the outreach program he runs. What he gets is Nick, Sergeant Major Grinch. Teddy only has thirty days to convince the beautiful, older, Santa that they belong together. Nick only has thirty days until he is out of the service and on to warmer climes. Surely he can keep from losing his heart to the Elf that is trying his hardest to capture it.

Seeing the tough military man realize how much he needs Teddy’s brand of holiday crazy was very sweet. A story of opposites attracting. A gruff military man used to being alone. A younger man who revels in his family closeness.

Christmas stories are hit or miss for me. This one definitely pushed all my buttons. I can happily recommend this book to anyone who loves an older/younger man. Throw in a grumpy Santa and an irrepressible Elf and it’s a hit.

I’m one of those people who doesn’t start feeling Christmassy until a couple of weeks beforehand. I hate the fact that the cards and decorations start appearing in the shops at the end of August; I won’t listen to a Christmas song until well into December if I can avoid it, and it’s not time for It’s a Wonderful Life, Scrooge or The Muppet Christmas Carol until at least the second week of the month. The same holds true for Christmas-themed books; I don’t tend to pick them up until well into December, but I made an exception for Annabeth Albert’s Better Not Pout because the premise sounded so damn cute – a hard-boiled military police officer playing Santa for charity gets stranded in a snowstorm with a too enthusiastic (and too attractive) elf and realises that perhaps his life needn’t be so regimented after all.

Sergeant Major Nicholas Nowicki has spent twenty-eight years as a military police officer, and now, aged forty-six, is a month short of his retirement. Truth be told, he doesn’t want to retire – but he isn’t being given the choice. The military has been his family and his life for the entirety of his adulthood and it suits him. He likes the structure, he likes the work, the thought that he’s serving his fellow personnel and his country – and the prospect of no longer having all that is a daunting one. After he leaves the military, he plans to join a friend and former colleague in Florida who now runs a small business chartering boat trips for tourists; it’s pretty clear from the outset that this is unlikely to be a particularly good fit for Nick, but he figures he has to something with the rest of his life – and it might as well be this, right? He’s made a firm commitment to his friend, and Nick never reneges on his promises; as the clock ticks down to his last weeks and days in the service, he tries to find some enthusiasm for the future… but his heart just isn’t in it.

He’s in something of a state of limbo as regards his job, too. It’s his last month on the base at Fort End in upstate New York, but in many ways it seems everyone around him has already moved past his leaving and he feels as though he’s somewhat superfluous to requirements. So he’s not in the best frame of mind when his commanding officer asks a favour of him. The local small town of Mineral Springs has a thriving charity centre called the Helping Hand, and her husband usually dons a Santa suit around this time of year to support the drive to generate funds and gifts for families in need. But he’s unwell and is unable to participate this year – and Nick is asked to take his place. Nick is far from enthusiastic but doesn’t feel he can say no, so he heads off to the Helping Hand Resource Center – where he is greeted by an extremely chatty and almost sickeningly upbeat young man dressed as an elf, who turns out to be the director of the charity and the centre.

Born and bred in Mineral Springs, Teddy MacNally absolutely loves his job and is dedicated to helping those in need, and runs the centre with efficiency and good humour. He takes one look at his grumpy Santa and is determined to at the very least make sure he has a good day, maybe even get him to raise a smile. But Nick is guarded and stonewalls Teddy’s good-natured attempts at flirtation; clearly getting the guy to let down his guard is going to require a bit of effort on his part. But that’s just fine by Teddy; after all, the things most worth having in life always take a little work.

In spite of Teddy’s warnings about the worsening weather, Nick opts to return to base at the end of the day. Teddy is altogether too attractive, too tempting – and, at twenty-eight, too young for him, but the weather – and the fates – are conspiring against Nick when he ends up getting lost and runs his truck into a snow-covered ditch. Nick tramps back to the road, relieved to see a car making its way slowly towards him… and is not so relieved when he recognises the car as belonging to Teddy.

There’s nothing for it but to head back to Teddy’s place for the night, and they end up spending a surprisingly good evening together, chatting, playing board-games and generally hanging out. Teddy makes clear his interest in taking things further, but he leaves it up to Nick to make a move – and Nick can’t resist any longer. Even though he thinks he’s too old for Teddy, and that Teddy deserves some hot young thing who can keep up with him, Nick decides to indulge himself – both of them – for the night. After all, he’s leaving in a month and this isn’t the time to start anything – but it quickly becomes apparent to both men that one night isn’t enough, and they agree to a casual fling until Nick leaves for Florida.

The chemistry between the pair simply crackles, and the attraction that burns between them is palpable. Teddy is completely adorable; funny, kind, and just brimming with life and vitality, and I loved the way he wormed his way under Nick’s skin and into his heart by simply being him. They know their time together is finite and to that end are determined to make the most of it while also – somehow – avoiding becoming too deeply involved. (Heh – good luck with that, guys!) Nick spends Thanksgiving with Teddy’s large, boisterous and loving family, who accept him (and almost adopt him!) and Teddy is Nick’s date to his retirement ceremony. The bumps along the way to true love are fairly minimal, it’s true, consisting mostly of Nick’s unwillingness to break a promise to a friend and his inability to believe that he’s right for Teddy, simply because his last relationship was with someone younger than he was who eventually left him. But Teddy’s risk-averse nature has a part to play, too. Unwilling to put pressure on Nick and ruin their short time together, Teddy fails to see that perhaps he needs to stop playing it safe and be more proactive instead of just sitting back and letting the best thing that’s ever happened to him just walk away.

Better Not Pout is a lovely, feel-good story about two people who are perfect for each other but need just a bit of Christmas magic to help them to see it. Maybe grumpy-older-guy meets perky-younger-one is a bit of a cliché, but they’re such well-drawn characters, and I had such a great time with the story that I honestly didn’t care. The relationship between Nick and Teddy is really well developed and the sex scenes are guaranteed to turn up the heat on the coldest winter evening ;). I teared up a bit near the end, and then closed the book with a happy sigh and a smile on my face, which is never a bad thing.

4.5 stars / B+

--4.5 stars--

Better Not Pout is a comfy cozy holiday romance that was the perfect way to start my November. This May-December, opposites attract romance was relatively low angst with surprisingly high heat, and an easy read that was hard to put down. As I expected, the writing was smooth and well developed with a good flow between the narrative and dialogue. The characters had sufficient depth without getting too heavy, and the plot was well-rounded with a solid resolution that left me with a smile on my face.

From the outset I liked how Nick’s gruffness masked a tender, thoughtful soul, and I enjoyed watching his walls steadily come down as he fell in love with Teddy and the town of Mineral Spirits. Likewise, Teddy’s effervescent and giving spirit was contagious and simply made me happy. I loved the men’s exchanges and the romance was oh so sweet. It was lovely sort of different to have those languid moments between them drawn out. I especially loved how their opposite personalities parried back and forth, even in the bedroom, lending a fun, light-hearted vibe to their relationship. If you’re looking for a sweet love story to kick off this holiday season, I’d definitely recommend Better Not Pout.

A lovely age-gap Christmas story!

Annabeth Albert has done it again! She's written a wonderfully touching story about two very different people managing to find their HEA in spite of their differences.

Better Not Pout is a very sweet, yet sexy, holiday story with a just the right amount of conflict/angst. Nick Nowicki is being retired from the service due to downsizing. He has one month left at his duty station in the wilds of upstate New York where it's cold and snowy! He's anxious to join his friend in Florida where it's warm and there's no snow.

Teddy MacNally loves Christmas and runs the town resource center that caters to those in need. He's in charge of fund raising and Nick has agreed to stand-in and play Santa because their regular Santa is recovering from a heart attack.

While Nick is attracted to Teddy, he knows that it can't go anywhere. For one thing he's way too old for him and he has plans to head for Florida as soon as he finishes his last day on base. Teddy also wants Nick and convinces him that they should enjoy each other while they can. But Teddy soon realizes that he can't keep his heart from getting involved but he won't beg Nick to give up his plans and stay for him.

Teddy has a great family that features heavily in Better Not Pout and in contrast, Nick is somewhat estranged from his family. These dynamics contribute to the story and provide an interesting backdrop for Nick and Teddy's budding relationship.

This book has all the feels; just what I expect from an Annabeth Albert story. I laughed and I cried and I loved it to pieces. Better Not Pout is one of the best holiday stories I've read this year.

A review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book.

***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***

Annabeth Albert is one of my favorite authors, so if you haven’t checked out her books yet, please do so! You could even start with Better Not Pout as it’s a holiday-themed stand-alone. While the book seems like it would focus more on Christmas, it actually starts right before Thanksgiving and goes through New Year’s Eve, so you can start it in November, December, OR January!

Albert is fairly known for writing about military men, so of course, we have Nick, who is about to be retiring from the military and has been enlisted to help the nearby town. The elf to Nick’s Santa, is Teddy, who has lived in the town his entire life (apart from going away to college). He’s much younger than Nick, but the two of them eventually warm up to each other. Nick is someone who feels like he’s meant to be alone, after past failed relationships, and Teddy is a person who always wants to help others. He’s determined to do right by Nick, even if their relationship has to end when Nick retires.

I like all the little holiday moments throughout the book. Teddy has a big family and they were a lot of fun! It was great to see how close they all were, and they were more than happy to bring Nick into their fold while he was there.

Better Not Pout is a cute read and definitely a fun one for the holiday season!