Annabeth Albert can write a MM Romance novel. Seriously, y’all I say it every time and re-reading the few notes I took as I type this up months later ALL THE FEELS come back so fast and then when you add in the two cameos from her Out of Uniform series and The Geek Who Saved Christmas, it just gets even better!
This one of those close proximity, long pining younger brother of a friend romances and I am here for it. There was minimal angst and the story moved along pretty quickly. Atlas, a marine who seems to know a few people from the Out of Uniforms series, has come home for Christmas. He was going to stay with Zeb’s brother, but the house is chaotic with twins on the way and in-laws in town. So, Zeb, a professional gamer, sees this as his opportunity to invite Atlas to stay with him and maybe something will happen in the close proximity—and it sure does.
My favorite scene of the novel is when Atlas and Zeb are running the store that’s connected to the catering space and they just interact so perfectly with a little girl who has come in to purchase ornaments for her family. It was just so heartwarming, and Albert did such a great job of balancing everything out with it being just gushy enough to not be saccharine, but enough to really get you in the Christmas/Holiday feels.
Family is great, and I love mine, but life is too short to be miserable simply because you’re related to someone. (Loc. 628)
If there was one part I could’ve done with a little less of, it was Zeb’s personal angst. He had such a big chip on his shoulder that I couldn’t help but roll my eyes on multiple occasions. Maybe it’s because I’m an older brother, but I was like come on Zeb just take charge and don’t take shit anymore.
In addition to all the awws and sweet feelings, Albert brought her signature humor and knitting mention!
The knitters were at it again. All weekend, Gabe’s bright idea to place all the yarn-based crafters in a row for the handmade gift bazaar had been tempting fate. Someone was going to get stabbed with a giant pointed needle before this Sunday night was over. Quite possibly by me. (Loc. 938)
‘Are you really going to tell me this is some no-strings hookup?’ Aunt Lucy laughed lightly when I made a strangled sound.
‘Yes, dear. I know that word. I’m sixty-something, but I get around. Might even start dating in the new year. Hot grandma and all that.’ (Loc. 2,018)
That second one was great, because it was calling out Atlas and Zeb; and then I nearly did a spit take with the “hot grandma and all that line.”
Recommendation: This was another great read by Albert. Zeb and Atlas were both likeable characters, but not perfect. You get your happy ever after, and you get the briefest of cameos from a few characters from Albert’s characters and I truly appreciated that. The sleepy little town and holiday festive feel were a perfect mix for this MM holiday romance.
Opening Line: “‘What do you mean Atlas isn’t coming?’ I glared at my older brother, who always managed to bring out my grumpy side, especially this early on Thanksgiving.”
Closing Line: “My favorite season would grow more and more magical with each passing year, and I couldn’t wait to see it all.” (Whited out to avoids spoilers, highlight to read.)
Additional Quotes from Catered All the Way
“I’d had plans for his month-long leave, damn it. For the first time, I was ready for Atlas to see me as something other than Gabe’s pesky little brother. I wanted to impress him. I had no idea if he was into guys, but I was more than willing to find out. And all my plans required Atlas in the flesh, so yes, I was a little cranky.” (Loc. 117)
“No more disasters. It had been my mantra all day. After all, it would take a pretty big calamity to top covering my brother’s best friend, the guy I’d had a crush on for a decade now, in cranberry sauce.” (Loc. 301)
“‘You’re fun to watch. I like your . . . enthusiasm. In all things.’ Atlas Orion, smooth military operator, blushed. Like legit pink cheeks and all. ‘But I can’t have sex with you no matter how old you are. You’re still my best friend’s little brother. He’d have a fit.'” (Loc. 773)
“Bi-surprise aside, he’d have the biggest issues with the lying and sneaking and risking Zeb’s big heart on what could only be a short-term fling.” (Loc. 1,382)
“‘The other is for my husband.’ Bow-tie guy pointed at an uncomfortable-looking late-forties guy in a black shirt in the far corner of the room.
‘He’s propping up the wall over there.’
‘A time-honored tradition of introverts everywhere,’ I joked as I assembled the cocktails.
‘Paul’s a good guy.’ The fellow nodded so earnestly I feared his bow tie might pop off. ‘He’s the best really.'” (Loc. 1,424)
“Nah. I couldn’t allow my brain to register that thought. What Zeb and I had was different. Not epic like the bow tie and Mr. Stern. We didn’t glow for each other, didn’t watch each other across a crowded room.” (Loc 1,431)
“The largest house on the corner had row after row of bright lights, along with reindeer on the roof and an illuminated Pride flag in the window. Multiple windows revealed various trees, and to my delight, two male figures were slow dancing by the largest tree in the front room.” (Loc. 2,331)
“‘I’m not sure what you want me to say.’
Say you’ll wait for me. Say you’ll be right where I left you. Say there will always be a place for me in your bed. In your life. Say we can have next Christmas and the one after that.” (Loc. 2,406)
“The SEAL on the other side of the newbie, a bomb specialist nicknamed Rooster, whom I’d worked with several times before, had a far more reassuring voice than me.” (Loc. 2,596)
“‘It’ll likely be New Year’s Eve when you get back.’ Rooster’s smile turned wistful.
‘Can’t believe the holiday season is almost done. I’m missing getting to spend it with my guy like crazy. I’m hoping for a phone call home soon, but I was wondering if you could deliver a personal message and a belated Christmas gift for me?’
‘Absolutely. Consider it done.’ I didn’t even have to consider the request. I’d grant it for anyone, but I’d worked several missions with Rooster, had even had a couple of meals with him and his guy, Caanan. The two were crazy in love, just like me and . . .” (Loc. 2,642)