Reviewed by Valerie and Kat
TITLE: The Geek Who Saved Christmas
AUTHOR: Annabeth Albert
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 266 pages
RELEASE DATE: November 9, 2021
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His grumpy neighbor needs some holiday sunshine…
Gideon Holiday is the perfect neighbor. Need a cup of sugar? Spare folding chair? Extra batteries? He’s always ready to help. And he’s waited years for his hot, grumpy, silver fox neighbor, Paul, to need him. For anything. But this December, Gideon would be happy if he could just get the Scrooge-like Paul on board with the neighborhood holiday lights fundraiser.
Paul Frost has no intention of decking his halls or blazing any Yule logs. Even if his spunky bowtie-clad neighbor does look perfect for unwrapping, Paul would prefer to hide away until December is done. But when his beloved younger brother announces an unexpected visit, Paul needs all the trimmings for a festive homecoming—and fast.
Luckily, Gideon is there with a color-coded plan to save Christmas. Soon Paul’s hanging lights, trimming trees, and rolling out cookies. And steaming up his new flannel sheets with Gideon. How did that happen?
It’ll take some winter magic to preserve their happiness and keep these rival neighbors together longer than one holiday season.
The Geek Who Saved Christmas is a low-angst m/m holiday romance with a guaranteed happy ending. This grumpy/sunshine, neighbors-to-lovers, found family tale features two heroes in their forties figuring out that maybe their sexily-ever-after was right next door the whole time. It stands alone and is not connected to any of the author’s other universes. However, it does contain a heaping helping of the same emotions and steamy moments readers have come to expect!
KAT’S REVIEW:
I fell in love with Annabeth Albert’s men in Rainbow Cove, Oregon and now she has become a must-read, one-click author for me.
Gideon Holiday lives up to his name “Mr. Holiday” perfectly. He spearheads all things holiday in his neighborhood. Now if he can just finally convince the sexy but cool, grumpy and aloof silver fox Paul Frost to just let him string a few strings of lights to complete the neighborhood look for the annual drive-by fundraiser. When Paul realizes his much younger brother has decided to bring his soon-to-be fiancé home for Christmas Paul realizes he needs the quirky neighbor with the sexy bow ties help. Renovating a house is easy but making it look like a warm and cozy home is not part of his skill set. When Bossy Gideon shows up with his lists Paul is more than happy to turn it all over to him. And by all I mean everything!
I love than even though most of the book took place between Thanksgiving and the day after Christmas it never felt rushed or insta-love. In fact, at times, there was almost a slow-burn effect. Annabeth does a great job of writing her men as slow to react. She has them have to struggle with their inward feelings before they can get out what they truly want and need. Both Gideon and Paul did that a lot. And I loved that these weren’t young men trying to figure out dating and love but men in their forties with baggage to get through before they could open their hearts to each other. This wasn’t just a romp in the sack to get off for either of them but the building of something real and lasting.
I loved how both men began to figure out what was special about the other and also how much they held in for the sake of other’s feelings to be protected. Both Paul, with his sacrifices fir his little brother, and Gideon, with his friendship with his ex-wife and her wife and kids. Both were used to just letting things slide that hurt so that those around them were comfortable and happy. I loved that they both learned to get it out and be honest.
I will say that I wish I had a BFF like Gideon around. That man was simply amazing. No matter how bossy he might be he got things done in a precise time and order. My life would be so much easier with him being there to prod me like he did his silver fox.
I loved the last name choices for both characters. Paul was a bit gruff and frosty to people not in his very tight circle so Frost worked. And Gideon was the epitome of holiday spirit so Holiday was very apropos!
This book truly got me started in the Christmas spirit early this year. I am already ordering presents that are just the right fit. Just like Gideon, I listened to my grands and made what I hope are the perfect picks.
I can’t recommend this book enough. I suggest you pour yourself a steamy cup of hot cocoa and settle down for a warm Christmas read. Oh and don’t forget the extra marshmallows and a plate of cookies to snack on!
KAT’S RATING: 
VALERIE’S REVIEW:
The Geek Who Saved Christmas would make a sweet holiday movie. Gideon Holiday has a new project to plan: getting Paul Frost to defrost his demeanor and get ready for Christmas. In this grumpy/sunshine romance, it’s not long before bossy, bow-tied Gideon turns Ebenezer’s frown upside down.
Other than both being over forty, gay, and single, the next-door neighbors have little in common. Gideon makes the most of his outgoing, take-charge personality by heading up the neighborhood holiday lights committee, while Paul doesn’t “do seasonal celebrations and quite possibly went into hibernation each December.” It’s a thorn in Gideon’s side each year that his very own neighbor is devoid of any holiday joy, so he takes it upon himself to offer his services – decorating services – to the sexy silver fox. No, no, and no says Paul (even though he wouldn’t mind spending more time with his cute, geeky neighbor), until his much younger brother announces he and his girlfriend are coming for Christmas. Nothing in the world means more to Paul than Brandon, the brother he raised on his own after they were orphaned. He wants to give him a picture-perfect holiday, so he has no other choice but to enlist Gideon’s help to convert his house and yard into a veritable Christmas village with the aid of his color-coded spreadsheets.
Gideon and Paul form an easy friendship, sharing their pasts and enjoying playful banter. The lightheartedness follows them to the bedroom where Paul is particularly fond of Gideon’s bossiness. It’s a relief for him being told what to do.
The story begins with Gideon devising a plan to save Paul’s Christmas, but just maybe they saved each other’s Christmases. Both men experience growth and help each other navigate the holidays. Gideon didn’t realize how lonely he felt as a middle-aged, single man around the holidays, always on the periphery of others’ family gatherings. This year, Paul makes him feel special and gives him a sense of belonging. However, with self-reflection Paul realizes some of his actions are feeding Gideon’s insecurities so he has to course correct.
In return, Gideon helps Paul appreciate that the addition of lights, decorations, and holiday cheer turns his house into a home. Gideon lost sight of how holiday memories can be painful for others, but upon that realization shows Paul that sentiment doesn’t have to be avoided.
Annabeth Albert could’ve tacked on an HEA at the halfway point and had a cute, fluffy novella. I’m so pleased she added the complexity of personal growth to the story to bring it to another level. Good things come to those who wait, in this case, much more delightful story and a very satisfying happily ever after. Anyone who enjoys their MM romance with some Christmastime cheer should give this one a try.
VALERIE’S RATING: 
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