Deck the Palms: A Heartfelt MM Holiday Romance That Redefines Family and Forgiveness

When Christmas collides with chaos—and two very different lives are thrown together—love might just be the most unexpected gift of all.

Annabeth Albert’s Deck the Palms isn’t your typical holiday romance. Yes, there are festive vibes and sun-soaked beaches, but beneath the tropical backdrop lies a story with emotional depth, messy family dynamics, and a love story that feels refreshingly honest. If you’re looking for an MM holiday romance with substance, sweetness, and a touch of sparkle, this book delivers it all—wrapped in tinsel and tied with a bow.

Albert is known for her emotionally grounded queer romances, and here she gives us two men who seem like total opposites on the surface but who each carry unspoken burdens. What begins as an accidental vacation pairing slowly unfolds into a warm, genuine connection that’s as healing as it is romantic.

A Christmas vacation, a parenting mishap, and a romance born under palm trees

In Deck the Palms, we meet Bran, a single dad and former military man who’s determined to make Christmas magical for his adopted daughter. When a travel booking error lands him in the same tropical resort as Harrison, a wealthy, openly gay businessman also traveling with his niece, sparks fly—not immediately in romance, but in frustration, misunderstanding, and clashing holiday styles.

Harrison is polished, vibrant, and far more experienced in luxury. Bran is structured, serious, and more accustomed to doing things himself. They couldn’t be more different in their approach to parenting or life in general. But as the vacation unfolds, the two men are pulled closer by the unexpected challenges of traveling with kids—and the even more surprising realization that they like each other. A lot.

What starts as a forced holiday co-parenting situation soon shifts into something deeper: a second chance at love built on patience, respect, and the quiet thrill of emotional connection.

Warm sun, holiday cheer—and real emotional depth

Opposites attract, but not without tension.

The dynamic between Bran and Harrison is electric—not just because of their differences, but because of how those differences challenge them. Harrison’s warmth softens Bran’s rigidity. Bran’s steady reliability grounds Harrison’s confidence. Watching them learn from each other is just as rewarding as watching them fall in love.

Found family at the heart of it all

Both men are navigating the complexities of non-traditional family structures. Bran’s role as an adoptive father and Harrison’s commitment to his niece speak volumes about the kind of men they are—and how deeply they care. Deck the Palms explores what it really means to be a family, especially during a season when that definition often feels rigid.

A tropical Christmas without losing the magic

While most holiday romances rely on snowy backdrops and cozy cabins, Albert refreshes the genre by taking us to a sunny, palm-fringed resort. But make no mistake—the festive spirit is still there, woven through every beachside moment, awkward Santa encounter, and heartwarming gift exchange.

Queer romance with authenticity

As always, Albert delivers a queer love story that feels lived-in, layered, and affirming. There’s no coming-out arc here—just two grown men finding a meaningful connection amid the chaos of life, parenting, and Christmas pressure. It’s sweet, sexy, and grounded in emotional truth.

Themes and tropes to fall in love with

• Grumpy/sunshine dynamic: Bran is quiet and broody, Harrison is the glitter and glow
• Forced proximity: Thanks to a vacation booking mix-up, they’re not going anywhere
• Single-parent romance: Both are caring for kids—and learning from each other as they go
• Found family: A powerful undercurrent that runs through every page
• Opposites attract emotional vulnerability at the center
• Holiday healing: For both the heart and the past

Who will adore Deck the Palms?

• Romance readers who love holiday stories with depth, not just fluff
• Fans of MM romance where queer love is celebrated, not explained
• Anyone who enjoys emotional slow burns with excellent banter and high emotional stakes
• Readers who gravitate toward stories of single parents, blended families, and imperfect love
• Fans of Albert’s previous works (like Catered All the Way) who want another hit of warmth, wit, and heart

Final Thoughts

Deck the Palms is a tropical twist on the classic Christmas romance—a story about letting go of control, opening your heart, and choosing love even when it’s inconvenient, complicated, and unexpected. Annabeth Albert once again proves she’s a master of writing characters you want to root for and relationships that feel real, flawed, and utterly worth it.

So, if you’re ready for a holiday escape that blends sunshine, second chances, and soul-deep romance, let this book be your next cozy read.

Because sometimes, the most magical holidays happen when you stop planning—and start feeling.