Better Not Pout

September 10, 2018
Albert (Off Base) dresses up this tender and funny contemporary romance with Christmas elements. Gruff giant Sgt. Maj. Nicholas Nowicki is a no-nonsense Army MP, one month from retirement, who’s temporarily stationed at Fort End in Upstate New York. When he’s roped into playing small-town Santa for a day, he meets perky do-gooder Teddy MacNally, who runs a local charity in the tiny, bucolic burg of Mineral Spirits. Their sexual chemistry is explosive, but Nick is planning on going into business with an old Army buddy in Florida, and tells Teddy that a relationship isn’t in the cards. Despite trying to keep things short and sweet, both men fall fast and have no idea how they’re going to say goodbye. Albert’s obvious affection for her characters, particularly Nick, makes this tale a pleasure from the humorous start to the pleasant, if somewhat predictable, ending. Agent: Deidre Knight, Knight Agency.

October 15, 2018

After 30 years of military police service, Sgt. Major Nicholas Nowicki can't wait to retire from snowy upstate New York to Florida in only one more month. But when his commanding officer asks him to fill in for her ailing husband as Santa for a celebration in nearby Mineral Springs, he can't refuse--and is surprised to be attracted to charity director Teddy MacNally. Naturally, a serious relationship is out of the question--Teddy is far too young for him and, anyway, Nick will be leaving soon. But fate has other plans, and as their relationship deepens, Nick is forced to reassess his skeptical views about love as they try to sort out the future. VERDICT This gently witty, over-the-top sexy M/M romance overflows with family, friends, and good cheer and hits most of the right holiday notes. Albert (Tight Quarters) lives in the Pacific Northwest.

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