This is all sorts of fun. It is my first xmas read of 2018, so yay for it being such a good one.

I loved the contrast of the two main characters - Grumpy wary Nick, and open-hearted Teddy. There is only a marginal amount of military here, mostly focusing on how Nick spends time in and helps around Teddy's home town.

I liked that the ending wasn't easily wrapped up - that Nick had to really push through this vulnerabilities to be the active one who finally commits.

Quirky, but totally engaging read. As per usual for this author.

Thanks publisher and Netgalley. Out on November 12.

An ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

It's Christmas!!!!! Well, almost. But this book certainly put me in the holiday spirit. :D For those who have read Annabeth Albert's Out of Uniform Series, Better Not Put is nothing like that. I've not read all of AA's stories so I don't know if it's similar to any of her other work, but I have read the majority of her Uniform series and the type of story this is is completely different. Same great writing quality, but the characters are different.

Teddy is a bubbly happy person who sees the good in everyone, wants to help everyone and do everything he can to make their wishes come true. He is 28 and living in a small town with little to no hope of finding a partner. He is very close to his family (large extended family too) and the people in his town. I absolutely adored Teddy and his attitude. And boy, do I wish there was a picture of him in his elf costume. ;) Bet that was totally cute.

Nick is Teddy's complete opposite. He's in his 40s, about to retire from the military as an MP (military police), and he's basically a grump. Not close to his family (for reasons), doesn't think he deserves to be happy with someone (his last relationship didn't go well), and he has resigned himself to living life alone, except for some friends - maybe. Nick fills in as Santa for Teddy's charity center and no, the sparks don't instantly fly between them. They certainly notice each other, and that was GREAT! Don't get me wrong, I love a good "love at first sight" tale (mostly), but I want some realism mixed in and Teddy and Nick get to know each other before they jump into bed (or was it the couch?).

Not a slow burn, per se, but Nick doesn't want to start something with Teddy when he is only going to be in town another month before he retires and moves to Florida. Teddy is hesitant for the same reason, except he is much more willing and ready to be with Nick just for the sake of sex while Nick is in town. And yeesh, was there a lot of sex. Waaaaaay too much sex. I'd guess 70% of the story is sex (just a guess; may not be that high). I got so sick of the sex I skipped it, like all of it. I didn't even read the kissing because I was so over them being together in that way. Sure, they are trying to pack in as much of the orgasms as they can before Nick leaves town, but does it all need to be on page? The story could have (would have) been much shorter without all the unnecessary on page sex.

I don't want to spoil the ending but of course there is a happy one, I just won't share what that is. Nick and Teddy had a great romance in the month they had together, and despite not wanting to fall in love or caring about the other, they couldn't fight it and that made for a delicious holiday story. There was so much snow and winter in this tale I wanted to move to Florida myself. ;) This will make for a delightful read snuggled up in a blanket next to a fire drinking hot chocolate.

I give this 4 stars.

I find it hard to get in the Christmas spirit before Thanksgiving (and sometimes even afterward). The good news about this Christmas-themed romance is that the holidays are just a framework for the larger story, which is about opening yourself up to the possibilities of love.

Christmas does set up the meet-cute between the two leads, as reluctant stand-in Santa Nick meets his elf, Teddy, as part of plans to fundraise for the charity Teddy manages. Nick is a sergeant major about to retire from the Army, and he’s not terribly pleased that his last month in the service is going to involve running around dressed as Santa. However, grumpy Nick is reluctantly charmed by the much younger Teddy’s good cheer; the fact that he’s pretty darn cute doesn’t hurt, either. Soon Nick and Teddy are involved in what is supposed to be a fling before Nick heads off to retirement in Florida. Both of them quickly realize that they feel more than they should for a casual relationship. But Nick is used to being alone and is reluctant to change his plans for a guy, while Teddy is firmly rooted with in his small town in upstate New York, so it doesn’t seem like anything long term is in the cards for them.

While the holiday season sets up the time frame for the plot, the story itself is really a timeless one. Nick has shut himself off from building close bonds with other people due to family trauma and a bad experience with a former boyfriend. He is afraid to surrender to his feelings for Teddy. Teddy is much more generous with his emotions, but he’s in his comfort zone with his town and family and job and can’t really even imagine accommodating Nick’s plans. Though the two of them fall in love, they throw up their own roadblocks to building a lasting relationship that they have to overcome to have their HEA. Albert does a great job showing the developing May-December romance between two men who initially seem very different but who really complement each other in many ways.

So, even if you’re an OG (original Grinch) like me, you can just read this as a really sweet (with plenty of heat) romance.

A copy of this book was provided through NetGalley for review; all opinions expressed are my own.

3.5 Stars. I enjoyed this Christmas book but the pacing was a bit slow for me. This book centers around Sergeant Major Nicholas Nowicki who is getting ready to retire from the Army but not because he wants his military career to be over. In fact, he is a bit lost about what to do next and how he'll transition into civilian life. This aspect of the book was spot on and I really loved Nick's character along with his doubts and fears about the future. It's hard to explain how difficult it is to transition when you've spent the better part of your life in the military but I thought the author did an admirable job of this. Teddy was a bit harder for me to connect to and I don't think I understood him until later in the book after he has a conversation with his best friend about how he always plays things safe. This is really a book about two lonely men who connect and have to learn to compromise to make it work. It's also full of fun and sweet Christmas moments and Teddy's family is adorable and a great part of the story. I really loved how Nick was able to open up and really start to dream about a future he wanted and how Teddy realized that some things are worth taking risks for.

As his time in service comes to an end, Sergeant Major Nick Nowicki agrees to help out his commanding officer which includes wearing a Santa suit and working with the locals to put together their holiday celebration.

It's bad enough that he has to wear a suit that barely fits him, but he's also paired with Teddy, who loves his little town and the holidays. His incurably happy attitude does nothing for Nick, except make him grateful that he's almost done with his obligations and ready to head south for a new life with an old buddy.

That is until Teddy starts to get under his skin. He's not immune to all of Teddy's charms and when Nick realizes that they may actually have more in common than he first thought -- he agrees to a last fling of sorts. The only problem is that after spending time together, Nick's future starts looking a little hazy. But Nick is also a man of his word, so he's definitely not staying in New York, no matter how much he really enjoys spending time with Teddy.

That is until he ends up south and missing Teddy something fierce. These two are perfect for each other if they could only get on the same page. While I thought the build up to the end was a bit on the slower side, I did like how they decide to resolve their situation. They are so adorably cute together and it was great how Teddy and Nick really did complement each other when it came down to it.

I absolutely adored Teddy. He's such a good person and it just showed through in all he did. Nick had a good heart too, and a whole bucket load of honorable intentions. He really was quite conflicted between his promises and his newly found happiness with Teddy. Even though I knew there would be a HEA/HFN, it was rewarding to see Nick go through his paces to figure it all out.

This is a nice M/M kickoff for the holiday season. If you are a reader of Annabeth Alberts Out of Uniform series, I think you will like this one too!

An ARC was provided for review.

A definite must read for fans of Christmas stories.
We have a man who doesn't do Christmas put to work as Santa along with a man dressed as an elf who gives his all to those he loves and those in need. Nick is one sour puss, normally keeping away from all things merry but due to illness, he's stepped in to cover and meets Teddy, the man who is his complete opposite and the one to save Christmas!
The two men together are wonderful to read, especially as Nick goes through the activities he's booked to be Santa and his forced proximity to Teddy makes for some funny and heart warming moments. Nick isn't a bad man but hasn't had the family around him to learn and share the Christmas spirit but Teddy is all set to change that.
We have a wonderful community to explore and share in the Christmas spirit, many of whom are Teddy's family who want Nick to join them nearly as much as Teddy does.
This is a highly enjoyable read, full of Christmas spirit, love and warmth. Great characters along with a festive story is a big win for me!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and am happily giving a review.

This is a sweet, low angst story that is full of holiday spirit. The characters in the story quickly drew me in and had me wanting to know what was going to happen next. Two people who are completely opposite find themselves drawn to each other and it works well. I enjoyed following along on these characters journey as they found their way toward each other.

Better Not Pout is Annabeth Albert's newest sexy, holiday romance. I love the holidays so I was extra excited for this. What can go wrong with a grumpy, sexy Santa and a fun, flirty elf? Well, ripped pants, bitter cold and a snow storm, that's what. Sergeant Major Nicholas Nowicki is only doing this as a favor. He's not a big fan of Christmas or the cold weather. But, he's loyal and he keeps his word. It can't be that bad. Until he meets Teddy. The man who runs the Helping Hand Resource Center and he loves his job, his town, his family and the holidays. They are complete opposites. Teddy and his wild curly, blond hair and overall cheerful demeanor and Nick with his military police attitude, giant muscles and his grouchy attitude. Oh, and the age difference. Teddy's twenty-eight to Nick's forty-six (YES!). Teddy could care less about the age difference, but Crankypants Santa thinks he's too old for Teddy. He's retiring and moving to Florida in a month and Teddy has his whole life ahead of him. But the snowstorm has Nick trapped with Teddy and he's not as strong as he thinks he is. Teddy is just too cute, sexy and appealing and Nick can't hold out for long. But can they just do casual until Nick leaves? What happens if feelings get involved? I loved this story! It's a fast, sexy, funny story that had me laughing, fanning myself, smiling and wanting to put up my Christmas decorations!

Warm, romantic, and festive!

Better Not Pout is a sweet, tender, captivating novel that features the kindhearted, fun-loving Teddy, and the grouchy, mature Nick as they discover that the heart wants who the heart wants, and sometimes opposites really do attract.

The writing is heartfelt and comforting. The characters are winsome, dependable, and genuine. And the lighthearted plot is a charming mix of undeniable attraction, sizzling chemistry, Christmas celebrations, charity, patience, understanding, new journeys, and taking chances.

Overall, Better Not Pout is a delightfully merry, passionate, humorous tale that reminds us that the holiday season is truly a time for family, magic, love, and giving.

PICK - Reading Annabeth Albert always feels like coming home, which is appropriate since her latest holiday romance features a social worker in love with his hometown and a military cop who's always been afraid to settle anywhere. Y'all know their relationship helps them both redefine their ideas of home, even as they revel in the magic of the holiday season (my fave!) and explore their intense chemistry. I enjoyed it very much.

this was adorable.. it was interesting and well written and just sweet. lol plus its christmas.. awwww... a good sweet fluffy christmas story lol. i enjoyed this.. the characters are amazing.. their emotions are real and raw.. and the storyline is very well done. i enjoyed it

My first holiday read for the year, and boy was it a good one!

Teddy first meets Nick when they have to spend some time together for a Santa and elf holiday photo shoot. To Nick, Teddy is everything that he is not - young, vibrant, full of pep and life. Nick sees himself as someone getting ready to be put out to pasture. he is retiring from the military and doesn't quite know what to do with himself. He plans on moving from NY to Florida to help a friend out and to enjoy the sun, sand, and beach.

Both knowing that any time they spend together has a clear expiration date, Teddy and Nick still give in to their attraction. And boy, these two brought the heat! Nick is 46 I believe, and Teddy is 28? So CHECK for a sexy age gap romance. And Nick is also all muscle, huge, and towers over Teddy. Can I just say yum? I love how Nick was so aware of his size and making sure he didn't accidentally hurt Teddy, but Teddy just wanted Nick to unleash on him.

I really loved the writing in this, and I loved the characters and all the feels - and there were a lot of them in this story. Both were self-sacrificing - Nick wanting to let Teddy find someone who would give him everything in life, and Teddy wanting Nick to be happy in sunny Florida and find whatever happiness he could. But I love that they both realized that they could compromise, and that being together was worth it.

Definitely recommend this story for a feel good, sexy, emotional Christmas story!

I received an arc through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Dual POV with a delicious age gap, hot sex, feels, and a very happy ending.

It took me a bit to get into it, but once I did, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.

I loved how Nick and Teddy had similar character-forming experiences in their childhood and how it made them able to relate on a deeper level.

Terrific holiday read!

This is a really lovely, sexy, holiday themed opposites attract romance! Teddy is a sweet, small town man with a large, loving family and a caring heart. Nick is a gruff, quiet, lonely, soon to be ex-military officer. Stuck playing Santa to Teddy's elf, Nick finds himself rethinking his retirement plans.

There's a 10+ year age difference between them and that's at the heart of their conflict, as Nick thinks Teddy deserves someone younger and has already experienced a breakup with a younger man. Their love scenes are super sexy, but just as important is the friendship they develop. Nick worries about feeling useful once his retirement comes through, and with Teddy's help, sees a better future than he'd imagined. I picked this one up without even reading the blurb, based on my enjoyment of the author's previous books and I made the right decision!

This review will be posted at sale sites during release week.

This is the first Christmas book of the season for me, and what a perfect way to start getting in the holiday mood. This story hit all the marks: it was sweet and sappy and sexy at the same time, and made me just want to curl up by the fire and watch the snow outside.

I’m a huge Annabeth Albert fan, and I love her hot SEAL men. This book felt like a little detour from the Out of Uniform series that I am used to, but I gobbled it up just the same. Instead of a man balancing the life of an elite soldier with his romantic interests, we have someone that is at the end of their military career trying to make peace with the change of pace and settling down.

With retirement from the military looming ahead, Nick has a plan to move from his current base in (basically) Siberia, USA to Florida, and work with a friend in a fishing venture. That is until he is coerced into playing Santa in the town. And meets Santa’s helper, Teddy the Elf. And soon, despite his protests, he can’t imagine life without Teddy.

Teddy and Nick are about as opposite as two people can be. Nick is retiring from his first career and Teddy is starting his. Nick is a bear of a man while Teddy is lithe. Nick is the eternal realist, set in his ways. Teddy is cheerful, optimistic and outgoing. There is nothing these two have in common, other than their attraction to one another. But it works. They are the missing parts that makes the other whole, and they just fit together like the piece of the puzzle that the other didn’t realize they were lacking. The times they spent with Teddy’s loud and crazy family were so endearing and the sex scenes were hot enough to melt though the snow that was always blanketing the town.

I loved this book, not just as a holiday story, but as a tale of falling in love with someone who makes you a better person. In Teddy, Nick got a family, a town, a home and a second chance to do what he loved, and I got to go along for the ride.

I’m not going to lie, I was scared at the beginning of this book…I didn’t like “Sergeant Major Nowicki” very much at all when we first meet him. He really rubbed me the wrong way. I should have known I could count on Ms. Albert to make it work because I ended up liking him quite a bit when Teddy got him to thaw and be not so Grinch like.

Not only are they opposites in personality, they are pretty much opposites in most every way. Nick gets (Tazmanian Devil) Teddy to slow down and take a breath. Teddy helps Nick enjoy life…he helps him really live instead of grump about and just march through life. Nick is a hulk of a man where Teddy is more lithe. Teddy enjoys the winters in New York, Nick wants to be where the sun always shines. Teddy comes from a loud, boisterous, loving family who seem to all live in the same town. Nick has a sister and mother he rarely sees and they have trouble being in the same room.

All that being said, they work perfectly together. Their banter is entertaining, they are adorable with each other and they have scorching hot sexual chemistry. It takes them a minute to figure out what they want out of life…individually and together but these guys started my holiday reading off just right!

Rating: 5 stars out of 5



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.

Ahhhhh....the holiday spirit is in the air! I'm getting the hankering to set a fire, toast some chestnuts, grab a hot toddy, and look out the window for the first sprinkling of snowflakes! Never mind that our leaves just started turning colors and the tricker or treaters barely had the door slammed on them. Nope, feeling all  holiday and Christmassy here.  Why?  Because Annabeth Albert's story, Better Not Pout, has left me feeling that way!  That's why!

Next I'll be hearing jingle bells up on the roof.  Laughing.

With this marvelous, heartwarming story, characters guaranteed to make you laugh, make you love and yearn for family, and everything that the holidays can bring up in your heart and memories, the author has jump started my Christmas and holiday season.

Sergeant Major Nicholas Nowicki?  A hard case that comes under the spell of Teddy the man with a  huge heart in elf h gear and a town that seems full of people all named MacNally.    I was under this town's and Teddy's spell myself, that's how real Albert makes them all.

It's a slow burn relationship for Nic but he's the only one.  For Teddy and the reader the slide into love is quick and permanent.  I could have stayed with this couple and town for the longest of times.  Definitely past New Year's.

It's the writing that's so well done.  We feel like we know all these people.  The ones in trouble and needing Teddy's assistance, all the many family members, all the situations that Teddy and Nic find themselves in, the snow, the tentative path towards a relationship, and finally, the love.

Yes, this is an excellent story for the holidays.  Or anytime of the year.

Grab it up, a warm blanket or two, get all snuggly and prepared to be transported into the snow, and the town where Christmas and love is alive and well and waiting for two men so very much in need of it.

And yes, I highly recommend this story.

Cover art is not credited but it's adorable and a great representation of the characters. Love it

Set in a small northern town near a military base we have a soon to be retired military man dressed in a Santa costume. As you can imagine, he's pretty strict and tightly wound. Very much in contrast with the optimistic happy-go-lucky charity director/ elf he is working with. 

With realistic small town events, meddlesome family members and demons from the past that haunt both characters this story is hard to put down. Did I mention there's snowstorms, home cooking, and cuddling in front of the fireplace? 

I would recommend Better Not Pout for anyone who enjoys MM Romances, small towns and holiday spirit.

This book is absolutely amazing like all annabeths books. I loved the characters and the plot line and how even though it was not a military book she still worked it in there.

What a lovely 4.5 star story! :)
It starts off with Nick as a grumpy, older, soon to retire Sgt Major and ends with a big softie retired soldier. The reason for the thaw? The pretty irrepressible Teddy.
The writing is great. I loved the humour and was pleasantly surprised how well Ms. Albert avoided the common cliches and stereotypes used for bigger/smaller men pairings. I loved how the relationship between Nick and Teddy grew - the friendship/emotional part slowly, the lust/attraction fast - the 2 aspects morphed into something deep that Nick was a little too stubborn to acknowledge -at first (men!)
This is great read for any time of the year!

I was provided an ARC. My opinions are my own with no expectations.