Better Not Pout by Annabeth Albert (Spotlight, excerpt, and review) ADULT title

Happy Veteran's Day! With appreciation to all who have served and sacrificed!








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Better Not Pout

is an ADULT title

by

Annabeth Albert

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.

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Annabeth Albert says that, “BETTER NOT POUT is a male/male holiday romance featuring endearing characters with a fun, flirty plot that will remind readers of their favorite holiday rom-coms.”

Excerpt:

It was entirely possible that standing in Teddy’s office in his drawers was less humiliating than trying to squash himself onto the couch. He narrowly avoided rolling to the floor, but ended up in a sneezing fit because up close and personal, the couch smelled like a combo of woodsmoke and fabric cleaner of some kind. And his neck and thighs were both cramping, but he tried to not groan aloud.

“Yeah. You look totally comfy.” Teddy shook his head at Nick as he finished putting the game away and banking the fire. “Come on. Bed. I’ll even turn on the electric bed warmer for you.”

“We can share,” Nick said decisively. He’d slept next to men on planes and in various mission situations. Surely he could survive the temptation that was Teddy in a warm bed.

“Excellent.” Teddy’s eyes went dark and hot.

“To sleep,” Nick clarified.

“Darn. Can’t blame a guy for hoping?” Teddy gave him a smile over his shoulder as he led the way up to a cozy sleeping loft. A large, high sleigh bed that still looked too small for both of them dominated the room, piled high with colorful quilts. Teddy clambered onto the bed, crawling across it, muttering something about finding a controller but Nick was too transfixed on his bouncing ass to pay much attention to his words. It was surprisingly round and high and rather bitable and…

“See something you want?” Teddy glanced over his shoulder.

Busted. And he must have not been able to wipe the want off his expression fast enough because Teddy crawled back across the bed to kneel in front of where Nick stood, looking like some angelic offering. An offering Nick wasn’t sure he could turn down a second time.

“How about…” Teddy pitched his voice low and seductive, almost a whisper. “I get it, I’m not your type, but maybe I could turn off the lights and you could… I dunno…pretend? Just for tonight?”

“Never said you weren’t my type,” Nick said, voice like sandpaper. True, he’d been thinking just that an hour earlier, but Teddy not being his usual didn’t mean that Nick didn’t see his appeal or that the chemistry wasn’t there. And fuck, it would be so much easier if the chemistry between them didn’t crackle like the downstairs fire. His hand was apparently done taking orders from his brain that evening and reached out to stroke Teddy’s smooth jaw. “Just that it was a bad idea.”

“It’s an excellent idea.” Teddy stretched like a cat under Nick’s touch, eyes drifting shut, like he was every bit as hungry for Nick’s touch as he was to give it. And Nick gave up the fight with a groan. This was a terrible idea for all sorts of good, logical reasons, and things were likely to get awkward, but hell if he could bring himself to stop touching Teddy. He buried his hand in those golden curls, which were far softer than they looked.

And Teddy knew he’d won, closed the remaining distance between them and looped his arms around Nick’s neck. “Now do I get to tell you what I want?”

This time Nick laughed, long and low. “Yeah. You do.”

“Goody.” Teddy beamed at him. “But it’s probably gonna be easier to show you…”

With that, Teddy leaned in, slow enough that Nick could have stopped him if he’d been so inclined. Which he wasn’t. No, he’d made up his mind to have this thing. He’d deal with the consequences—and there would be consequences—like an adult, but for tonight, he was going to let himself have Teddy.

Order at:

Carina Press

Barnes & Noble (mmp)

Barnes & Noble (ebook)

Amazon 

About Annabeth Albert:

Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer. Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Her critically acclaimed and fan-favorite LGBTQ romance series include the #OutOfUniform, #Gaymers, #PortlandHeat, #RainbowCove and #PerfectHarmony series.

To find out what she’s working on next and other fun extras, check out her website or connect with Annabeth on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Spotify! Also, be sure to sign up for her newsletter for free ficlets, bonus reads, and contests. 

The fan group, Annabeth’s Angels, on Facebook is also a great place for bonus content and exclusive contests.

Connect with Annabeth Albert:

●      Website

●      Goodreads

●      Twitter

●      Facebook

●      Instagram

●      Newsletter

●      Facebook Fan group

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GIVEAWAY


Win 1 of 2 e-copies of any OUT OF UNIFORM series book or a finished Paperback copy of BETTER NOT POUT!

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Better Not Pout by Annabeth Albert is a contemporary adult gay military romance that follows Sergeant Major Nicholas (Nick) Nowicki as he copes with not only being conscripted to portray Santa Claus for a few weeks but also dealing with the forced end of his twenty-eight-year military police career and the prospect of moving to a warmer locale. The ebullient elf to his Santa, Theodore (Teddy) MacNally, is younger, loves his hometown, and adores the holiday season. They have nothing in common, but forced proximity could make this a Christmas to remember.

This story does a wonderful job of evoking winter and the hustle and bustle of the holidays. The evolution of the relationship between an older rigid career soldier and a younger tender-hearted man with a degree in social work is delightful to follow, enhanced by the flame that stubbornly grows, despite concerted efforts to ignore the attraction. I love that Nick tempers Teddy’s boundless enthusiasm and rush to completion and it was wonderful to see how they complement each other and get past their respective painful pasts.

Alternating points of view give insights into each man’s thoughts and each has a chance to showcase his talents and prowess at his chosen profession. There are lovely “aw” moments as well as a few heartstopping ones, and the heat that develops between the pair seems natural and probable. This is a feel-good and fun story and I daresay you will be humming a certain seasonal tune for a while after reading it.

A copy of this title was provided to me for review  

 

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Christmas Surprise on MacLean Mountain by Randi Alexander

NOTE: This story was released as part of a fund-raising anthology last year

Christmas Surprise on MacLean Mountain: A Sweet Holiday Romance
by Randi Alexander

Blurb:

Doctor Booker MacLean is shocked when his estranged wife calls and asks to talk to him in person. Is Sybil back to finally ask for a divorce? Three days before Christmas? He hardens himself for the blow that’s sure to come.

Sybil MacLean has been gone from MacLean Mountain and from her husband for seven long months, and now she’s back to admit that leaving was a terrible mistake. She has a secret, but won’t share it with Booker unless he forgives her and takes her back first.

As a powerful blizzard moves into the Colorado Rockies and Sybil and Booker are stranded together atop MacLean Mountain, will his fierce pride and her need for his understanding keep them from spending Christmas with the one they love most?


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To read an excerpt, please go to Randi's website at this link


Buy links:

AMAZON US
AMAZON UK
AMAZON CAN
AMAZON AU
iBOOKS
BARNES & NOBLE
KOBO
ALL ROMANCE eBOOKS
SMASHWORDS

Christmas Bliss by A.S. Fenichel (Book blast, excerpt and GIVEAWAY) TBT

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Emma is running from a tyrannous uncle bent on killing her young brother, just to gain his fortune. John, the Earl of Compton, is looking for something to change his unfulfilling life. When they meet on a dark street, nothing can change their fate.

John is so instantly smitten and socially inept, he proposes in less than twenty-four hours. Emma’s plight to save her brother has her so shaken, she agrees to the hasty Christmas wedding.

The threats to Emma’s life, and John’s fierce defense of her, demonstrate to both that the match might be more than just a convenient arrangement. If only they can thwart her uncle’s devious assault and live to enjoy each other.

Blush sensuality level: This is a sweet romance (kisses only, no sexual content).

A Blush® romance from Ellora’s Cave

 
Christmas Bliss


Excerpt 
Chapter One
 
John Scarborough was just beginning to feel as though he was himself again. The troubles of politics had left him in a bad temper, but the walk in the cold of December brought him back to civility. He could almost imagine his troubles falling away with each step that drew him closer to home. He no longer wished to wring the neck of a certain political opponent.
 
Yes, the man was an idiot, but he felt he could return to his seat without committing murder.
 
At least that was a relief. He laughed at his own sarcastic thought.
 
Most men of his wealth and position would have taken their carriage home, but a brisk walk always made John feel better after a long day of arguing in the House of Lords. His carriage was generally only a few minutes behind him, since the footman and driver refused to leave him completely alone at night on the streets of London. 

A shadow could easily be seen crouching beneath the hedge that fronted his home in the West End of London. Pickpockets and thieves often skulked around in the finer residential areas, hoping to earn a nights work. Often these villains beat their prey and left them for dead.
John took a better hold of his walking stick, prepared to fend off the trespasser if necessary.
 
“You there, what is your business?”
 
He heard a woman gasp. When she stood up from her hiding place, the light of the full moon gave enough illumination for him to see she was well dressed in a fashionable walking costume.
 
His eyes narrowed. “Were you going to accost me as I entered my home, wench?”

“Certainly not.” Her tone was crisp, as if she was offended. It reminded him of when he was a boy and had insulted his nanny.
 
She turned back to the hedge, crouched down and lifted something out of the bushes.
 
John raised his staff. “I am not above striking a woman. Whatever nefarious plan you have, I advise you to desist.”
 
When she turned, the bundle she’d picked up and held to her shoulder turned out to be a small child of five or six.
 
John was rarely surprised by people. In fact, he found most people quite predictable.
 
Everything about this girl had caught him by surprise. Exhaustion must have gotten the better of his senses. He lowered his arm and weapon and gaped at the girl.
 
Her voice was educated and cultured. “I’m sorry we frightened you, Lord Compton. We shall be on our way now.”
 
“You know me?” He didn’t know why that should bother him. Quite a lot of people knew him on sight and he was standing in front of his own home.
 
“Of course.”
 
He could hear the smile in her voice, though the night did not permit him to see her face clearly enough to verify if the sound translated to her lips.
Embarrassment washed through him. His neck felt hot, reminding him of when he’d been at school, and was unsure of an answer demanded by the instructor. “Why are you hiding in my shrubbery?” he demanded.
 
She lifted the sleeping child higher. It was a boy from the look of his clothes. It was past nine and the child slung his arms about her neck and rested his head on her shoulder. He looked as if he was a very heavy sack of potatoes.
 
“That is a very long story, my lord. I apologize again for our intrusion. We shall move along.”
 
“Wait,” he commanded.

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A.S. Fenichel gave up a successful career in New York City to follow her husband to Texas and pursue her lifelong dream of being a professional writer. She’s never looked back.

A.S. adores writing stories filled with love, passion, desire, magic and maybe a little mayhem tossed in for good measure. Books have always been her perfect escape and she still relishes diving into one and staying up all night to finish a good story.

Multi-published in erotic paranormal, contemporary and historical romance, A.S. is the author of the Mayan Destiny series, Christmas Bliss and many more. With several books currently contracted to multiple publishers, A.S. will be bringing you her brand of romance for many years to come.

Originally from New York, she grew up in New Jersey, and now lives in the East Texas with her real life hero, her wonderful husband. When not reading or writing she enjoys cooking, travel, history, and puttering in her garden.

Find A.S. Fenichel Here

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A Christmas Melody by Roberta Capizzi (Book blast and GIVEAWAY) TBT

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Valerie and Ryan have been living the American dream in Boston for more than ten years. Best friends since adolescence, their feelings changed when Ryan nearly lost his life. Now they're engaged and can't wait to break the news to their families and get married.

Valerie has been dreaming of getting married on Christmas Eve since she was a child, and a Christmas wedding back home in Dublin seems like a very romantic way of celebrating the most important day of their lives.

Back on home soil Valerie and Ryan are surrounded by the love of their families and things start to change as homesickness creeps into their hearts. Can seven days erase a decade of hard work and life-long dreams? Or is it only a little nostalgia caused by the festive season?

Doubts fill their minds as they start questioning their choices, until an unexpected complication, only days before the wedding, makes Valerie and Ryan realize it's time they decided where they really belong.

A sweet Christmas romance that will warm your heart this yuletide season and all year long, A Christmas Melody is a novella and a short sequel to The Melody In Our Hearts, but can also be read as a standalone.

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A Christmas Melody Playlist

An avid reader since her childhood years and being an only child, Roberta always enjoyed the company of her fictional friends from the children’s books she loved reading, while she dreamed of writing her own stories one day.

It was when she discovered novels by authors Rosamunde Pilcher and Maeve Binchy in her teenage years that she realized it was time she put down in words the stories she had kept well hidden in her mind until then.

What started as a hobby, soon turned into a real passion and a way of life, until she could no longer keep the stories to herself, and decided to get over her fears and share them with the world.

Roberta lives in Italy, but her dream is to move out of her country and live either in a thatched cottage in the Irish countryside or in a country house with a swing on the back porch, somewhere in the United States, where she would love to spend her days writing novels as a full-time job, and maybe one day even get as far as writing a screenplay for a movie.

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Holiday Wedding by Robyn Neeley (Release Blast and GIVEAWAY) TBT

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$5.00 Amazon eGift Card & Ebook copy of Holiday Wedding or, Winner's Choice Backlist Romance from Robyn Neeley

Going home for Christmas this winter just might turn Drew Cannon into a real Grinch. When his college sweetheart, Lauren Kincaid, broke off their engagement a year ago, Drew retreated to Tokyo to run the Asia-Pacific division of the family’s toy company and lick his wounds. If that weren’t enough, his attempt at a high-profile holiday doll for the company was a bust. Now he’s headed back to New York City to spend the holidays with his lovestruck dad, his pissed-off twin brother, and the ex who broke his heart.

Lauren isn’t exactly keen to spend Christmas with her former flame, either. But as JDL Toys’s marketing director, she’s forced to deal with their doll problem, holiday or not. Things take a turn for the worse when she and Drew are tasked with planning surprise nuptials for his brother.

With all their focus on happily ever after, Lauren and Drew soon discover things might not be so settled between them after all. Can a holiday wedding offer them a second chance at forever?

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Robyn Neeley is an East Coaster who loves to explore new places; watches way more reality TV than she cares to admit; can't live without Dunkin Donuts coffee and has never met a cookie she didn't like. If you have a must read romance suggestion or a fabulous cookie recipe, she wants to know. Visit her at www.robynneeley.com.

Find Robyn Here

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Don't Forget to Grab a Copy of the Companion Novel

DESTINATION WEDDING

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Revving up the Holidays by A.S. Fenichel (review) (ADULT title)

Ok...I am behind, I admit it.  I have been fortunate to have received plenty of titles to edit and I am woefully behind in my reviews (my apologies to all of you who have sent me titles to review...they are not lost, really!) and slowly trying to work my way through the piles so I am juggling frantically but I am still having a ball reading although my sinuses are not crazy about the changes in barometric pressure which complicates matters since that gives me headaches!  This is my long-winded way of explaining why I am finally reviewing some of the seasonal titles a couple of months late.  I had the pleasure of reading Revving Up the Holidays (ADULT title) a few weeks ago but it has taken me a while to get it written up...

                                           


Revving Up the Holidays by A.S. Fenichel is an erotic romance novella with a seasonal twist. Ben Silverman makes an all too rare visit to be with his sister and her family in Atlanta at Hanukkah. He is stunned to reconnect with Giada (Gigi) Leone, who reminds him of the feelings he had for her during high school but never acted on. Their searing attraction to one another is complicated by the specters of the past but they have to learn to compromise just as they must discover how to meld their respective cultures and traditions.

This entertaining contemporary romance is an entertaining combination of spice and family holiday celebrations that span two different cultures. There were lovely descriptions of family traditions that give texture to the story even as the heat rises between the two main characters. It was a little difficult to believe that this is the first time that they finally made a connection after so many years but the story was touching and enjoyable nonetheless. A fun quick read that shows how to heat up a couple of holiday celebrations.

© Night Owl Reviews
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this title as a prize.  (0:

I also had the pleasure of reading the delightful science-fiction erotic romance title, Kane's Bounty, by this author...and hopefully will get my review for that yummy title written up in the near future.