Review: Deck the Palms by Annabeth Albert

Note: An advance reader copy (ARC) was provided by the author.

A lot of holiday romances have the main characters basking in wintery goodness--snow, pine trees, and cold weather that may lead to a desire to share body heat. So, Annabeth Albert's newest M/M holiday romance being set in Oahu, Hawaii felt like a breath of fresh air, especially considering I could relate with the tropical, non-snowy setting that the main characters were in. Deck the Palms is a grumpy/sunshine romance between Nolan Bell (33), a stage actor from New York helping out his sister-in-law, nieces, and new nephew in Oahu while his older brother is deployed, and Merrick "Merry" Winters (32/33), a single father to eleven-year-old twin boys, Ryder and Legend, and a shop teacher at Anuenue Middle School--the same middle school where Nolan is now employed as a substitute teacher. The two are paired to work together on the school's annual Lights Festival, with the principal hoping Nolan will breathe new life into it and with Merry assisting once again as the head of the sets and lights. As much as Merry tries to resist the charming Nolan, the draw is too much. For as long as it's clear that anything between them is temporary, what with Nolan returning to New York in a few months, then there shouldn't be any harm in indulging in their mutual attraction. But what if Nolan gets an extension? If Nolan stays, will Merry run?

This was a sweet and steamy read, with two main characters who seemed to not have a whole lot in common, but then that's why they say that opposites attract. Nolan was truly the sunshine to Merry's grumpiness, bringing some much needed light to Merry's world that focused mostly on his responsibilities as a father and a teacher. Merry didn't really want to become involved in any sort of committed relationship again, not when his last one turned him off to delving into something serious again. Suffice it to say that Merry was a wee bit (TOTALLY) hard-headed and stubborn. He had preconceived notions regarding Nolan when they first met simply because Nolan was from New York. Then there was the whole thing about cutting ties just when you thought fate was on their side. I swear, if I could have jumped into my Kindle and knocked some sense into Merry, I would have. Nolan, even with his patience and sunny disposition was also human, and kudos to him for refusing to pine needlessly. Communication is a thing, people! Gah! But all's well that ends well. After all, this is a romance novel, and HEAs are a must, especially during the holiday season. Four stars for Deck the Palms.

Date Read: 28 November 2024

Learn more about Annabeth Albert.

Purchase Deck the Palms on Amazon.