Snowed in With You by Rye Cox

SNOWED IN WITH YOU is a step brothers holiday romance.


From the blurb:

Eli
There was a time when I thought my new stepbrother, Nathan Bailey, and I could be friends. Best friends, even. But then I walked past his room and hear his friends make fun of me. Instead of defending me, he laughs with them. And his clueless act when I give him the cold shoulder? That just seals the deal. I hate Nathan Bailey.

The only thing that can be worse than being forced to drive to our family’s annual Christmas retreat with him is being caught in a snowstorm and trapped in a different cabin. Alone.

Nathan
When my dad married Eli Madison’s mom, I was excited about the possibility of having a brother. We seemed to be on our way to a great friendship when Eli suddenly stopped speaking to me. He’s been a cute, angry kitten for years now, and I don’t know why. It would help if he talked to me, but when he isn’t ignoring me, his words drip with disdain. What I do know is that Eli Madison hates me.

The only good thing about being trapped in this cabin with him is that he can finally tell me what I did wrong all those years ago… and maybe I can figure out why cute is the first word that comes to mind when I think of him. My stepbrother.

Snowed in With You is a standalone MM Christmas story featuring grumpy-only-to-you/sunshine stepbrothers, a bi-awakening, only one fireplace, and a couple of Corio Heights cameos.


Molly Otto's review:

Eli unable to drive is told he will be getting a ride with his stepbrother Nathan instead of his sister Ava this year for the family's annual celebration at their cabin. What started on what could have been a a great friendship ended when Nathan does what teen boys do, and Eli is unable to move past it, assuming this was his true thoughts. Now on their way to the cabin, snow causes them to have to face their truths and be real once more. The tension of these men is palpable and when they allow their truths free, pure passion is set free.

Absolutely adored the tension than the possessiveness that these two evoked for one another. Eli & Natha allow the other to see in themselves what really makes them happy. Now mix in we get to hear from Conner during his college days, just all the yeses. So happy to get to visit Sweet Buns and see the success of both the bakery along with Caleb & Zacks lasting relationship. The Corio Heights series is how I found Rye so it will always have me appreciate to see more of these men! A great addition to this years holiday lineup.

GreenwingReads review:

*Reviewing both the ebook, paperback, and audiobook*

I loved this snowed in story! I have been on a snowed-in trope binge and I really enjoyed this one. I liked it enough that I also bought the paperback because the illustrated cover is adorable.

First, the narration was great, as always with Zachary Zaba. He does such a great job bringing characters to life.

I listed to it and read it, so I think it's safe to say that I have enjoyed this story in every way possible. I loved Eli the most. He was so prickly and ornery, but also so sweet and loving. His family has the kind of dynamic I wish mine had. You can tell how much the siblings love each other, but they also never totally let him off the hook for his behavior toward Nathan. I could see why what happened would make Eli hate Nathan, though the grudge did seem extreme. To me, it came off as one of those things that just grew so big and Eli held onto so tightly, it became a beast he couldn't let go of.

Nathan was super sweet. It's easy to see why everyone liked him so much. His dynamic with his dad surprised me and I was glad to see they were working on their relationship by the end. I was kind of surprised that Eli's mom had put up with it for so long when she was so close and involved with her own kids. The only thing that gave me any pause was Nathan's treatment of Eli after the holidays when he goes back to work. It didn't really seem believable that Nathan couldn't find thirty seconds to shoot Eli a text at all. But that aside, the rest of the plot worked well and I liked how well developed all the characters were. Rye Cox also has an enjoyable writing style that makes their books easy to enjoy in a single sitting.

This story would be perfect for a cozy evening as it snows outside.

Heather's Review:

This book was everything you want in a stepbrothers holiday romance - an opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine vibe with a past hurt/misunderstanding, a little forced proximity and a whole lot of awakened feelings!  I totally vibed off the tension and the bi awakening - and I also love that when their relationship grew, it was explosive and exponential...

If you've read Rye's other stories you'll catch cameos from Corio Heights couples, but even if this is your first read from this author, you'll truly enjoy the experience. 

Snowed in With You is currently available as an audiobook and e-book