Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Better Not Pout

AUTHOR: Annabeth Albert

PUBLISHER: Carina Press

LENGTH: 288 pages

RELEASE DATE: November 11, 2018

BLURB:

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.

REVIEW:

Nothing like an ill-timed heart attack to change some plans. But the magic of a small town and Santa’s elf, work to make this Scrooge of a Santa fill-in smile. This was a sweet book. Definitely gets you in the frame of mind for Christmas and the holidays. Of snow, and family get togethers. Hot chocolate and skating. Snowball fights and snow angels. But it also helps you remember there are those who don’t have those things. Many are homeless or close to it. They can’t afford to get presents for their children or necessities. Maybe we could all be a little less gruff for Christmas.

Poor Teddy lol. He is usually happy go lucky but he got stuck with the world’s biggest Scrooge for a Santa this year. And too bad too. This Santa IS HAWT. But all Nick wants to do is get this over with, retire from the MPs and go relax in Florida where it never sees snow and the like. And oh these two are funny. Teddy is determined to be happy no matter what and Nick is determined to be a sourpuss. But a little Christmas magic and Nick’s eyes are beginning to open at what this playing Santa is doing for people. Especially the kids.

Teddy has worked with social services. He went to school for things like that. But ended up taking over the Helping Hands place. Making sure people have food and get the help they need with utilities and such. What impressed Teddy, though, was how Nick jumped in to help. With people he doesn’t even know. He had a feeling Nick was all bark. Nick was sneaking gift things for the little kids. Imagine this gruff bear in his fatigues looking through the dolls and teddy bears so little ones can have Christmas. And going over budget…pfft. no problem. So sweet.

The chemistry between these two is dynamic. Amd the more Teddy gets to know Nick, the more he’s liking everything. But Nick is determined to leave when his retirement starts. And at this point, I want to strangle Nick. *Sigh* so hard headed. It’s obvious to EVERYONE they are a lot more than friends. And as much as Nick is changing, it still doesn’t seem to be enough to make him stay. Yes I screamed at the book. My kid thinks I’m nuts lol.

Sometimes plans change. And when love enters the equation, it definitely changes. But both have to be willing to compromise. And admit that love is in the air. Yeah, it takes some longer than others, but hopefully not too long. Lol.

This was a really good book. I recommend getting it. It heartfelt and has the whole May/December thing going on. Something about older men. mmm mmmm. But it will bring joy to your heart and hopefully give you the Christmas spirit that will remind you what Christmas is all about.

RATING:   

BUY LINKS: 

carinapress

amazon