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.
NiewieraReads –
This was adorable. I normally hate the miscommunication trope but I think the fact that the miscommunication was in the past made it easy. I loved these two. Nathan is so sweet and genuine and Eli is feisty. Also stepbrothers! Yes please!
Pam Daake –
This was a fantastic read/listen! There are a couple of tropes in this one but I have to say enemies to lovers works the best for me. I love that they were able figure their stuff out. I loved the families reactions!!
This.Girl.Readss –
This was a short and sweet, cozy Christmas story! I enjoyed Eli & Nathan’s story more than I expected to. I’m not usually a fan of miscommunication but in this instance, it was in the past and wasn’t frustrating. It did cause this one sided enemies to lovers dynamic which was fun. Eli is snarky and bratty and Nathan is cool, calm and collected (and possessive). I wish there was a little more build up to the relationship once they returned to their lives instead of insta love but with their past history it was easier to take. I love how supportive their family was. The audio was also fantastic. The characters came to life and was easy to picture them throughout the story!
Ash –
A HOLIDAY EARTASTIC AUDIOBOOK!
I liked Eli and Nathan very much. I liked how this audiobook brought another way to enjoy their story. Good listening experience.
Vania –
This was a super sweet and cozy Christmas Story.
There is also the fact that Eli and Nathan are stepbrothers, and that adds that extra kick and element of forbidden and confusion to the mix, as does the fact that Nathan has (apparently) never been attracted to men.
I adored Eli’s cut grumpiness. Which is exclusively directed towards Nathan, as he is a big ol’ ray of sunshine with everyone else. As soon as they get snowed in together and Eli is forced to be in Nathan’s presence long enough to clear the air of something that happened years prior, all the hatred and his walls crumble pretty quickly.
I also loved Nathan: he’s steadfast and sure of himself enough not to freak out when he finds himself attracted to another man, who also just happens to be his stepbrother. Growly, possessive Nathan was quite funny, too.
I loved Zachary Zaba’s performance; I don’t know why he is not mentioned more when beloved narrators are listed, because he always does a great job portraying different characters and emotions, in my opinion.
S Veldhuis –
Audiobook – excellent narration with good voices.
Story – Eli had been very standoffish and grumpy towards his stepbrother Nathan for quite some time. Nathan had no idea until being snowed in together forced them to start communicating. It was refreshing to have a stepbrother romance without the usual angst. Eli being grumpy only towards Nathan was also good. A good holiday story where miscommunication was in the past.
Thanks for the advanced copy, I am happy to leave a voluntary review.
.Fernanda –
Such a cute and adorable book between 2 stepbrothers (I personaly don’t agree with this, because they don’t share any parente, but it is what it is)
Eli hates Nathan but after a storm they are forced to share an empty cabin and everything can happens, Eli can “kills” Nathan or Nathan can find out why Eli hates him.
A fireplace is going to help
Loved this book
ButtonsMom2003 –
Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
This is a step-brother story that I really enjoyed; and the reason is…because it didn’t beat the step-relationship to death. It was mentioned briefly a couple of times and not in an “oh we shouldn’t” way. The MCs were older teens when their parents married and they didn’t get together until after they were both adults therefore, I don’t consider it a taboo story at all so that was a plus for me.
Snowed-in and forced proximity tropes are favorite for me at this time of year. Eli and Nathan get snowed-in and Eli isn’t happy about it at all. He doesn’t like Nathan one bit but turns out there was a little bit of a misunderstanding that caused his dislike.
I really enjoyed everything about this story. Zachary Zaba did an excellent job performing the audiobook and I’m really glad I had the opportunity to listen to an early copy of it.
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
LC –
I can’t even find words to describe how much I enjoyed this book. Maybe it was because I started reading it after the holiday, but it made me so happy. I liked the idea of renting a cabin and the entire family being there. It made me wonder what will happen when my kids are that age.
Eli and Nathan had a rough relationship. It started out great and then hit a huge pothole. The hurt was so deep for Eli that it kept him on the outs of his stepbrother for years. Nathan is so sensitive and such a sweet character as well. When they finally clear the air, you can practically feel their relief. For me, it felt like multiple happy endings. One for their friendship, their relationship, Nathan’s relationship with his dad, and their family. Bottom line: Snowed In with You is a wonderful holiday read!
Audio
Performance: Zachary Zaba’s voice is so soothing! I was so tuned into his storytelling that I never noticed the traffic through town. Zaba somehow sounds exactly like I imagined Eli and Nathan would sound. This is such a great listening experience.
Jeanette Waters –
Audiobook
I live in a state where two inches of snow bollocks the whole kit and kaboodle, and larger amounts are “Snowmaggedon”. So, besides the holiday themes in my reads, I absolutely love ginormous snowfalls which force close, very close, proximity, one bed and a roaring fireplace. All from my comfy chair, snuggly blanket and hot cocoa.
Snowed in With You is an excellent winter read. Except for the bed because they had to sleep in a blanket pile in front of the fire. And it has…. stepbrothers and a one sided enemies to lovers trope.
This story is part of the Corio Heights universe. There’s lots of trips to Caleb’s bakery and he gives baking tips to one of the MCs, Eli. About seven years ago, Eli overheard Nathan and his friends making fun of him. Already struggling with his sexual identity, any friendship between the pair became dust. Nathan hasn’t a clue why Eli hates him. It was worse when Nathan’s father married Eli’s mom. A detour which was not in the same direction of their family’s rented cabin, a flat tire and a brewing snowstorm and they’re stuck in Nathan’s uncle’s cabin. When Nathan realizes why Eli is so angry, his apology is sweet and sincere.
This leads to their acknowledging the heat between them. I absolutely love lightbulb, omg moments. Eli explores Nathan’s new bi-sexuality, and Nathan is chuffed to be Eli’s first. First kiss, first in bed experience. When confronted a few weeks later, they were open with their feelings.
Zachary Zaba’s narration of the story is wonderful. Zabo’s voice is smooth and comfortable. There was some minor angst and a few sweet twists, and his relaxed story telling just added to the magic of Rye Cox’s words.
I received an advanced copy of this audiobook and this is my review.
Anne M –
This was so cute. While this wasnt a “Daddy” book, Eli had characteristics of a young “Boy’ and Nathan had serious “Daddy” vibes with how he wanted to take care of Eli. I’m a sap for that.
I loved both of the MCs. They had amazing chemistry that I could feel. This was a fast paced, fun, angst free and drama free story. I could not put it down and listened to it all in one listen. While I think the no drama is a bit unrealistic, I guess stranger familial pairings do exist. This is definitely a story I will listen to again. Another great book by this author. I also loved the Promises series and I’m working my way through this authors past works.
I love Zachary Zaba so much. I hope more authors use him. This was a fantastic performance. He has great sounding voice to listen to. He sounded age appropriate for the roles. He kept a good pace/flow. He gave all the characters including the side characters their own distinct voice that suited them perfectly and made the story easy to follow and brought the story to life. It was a pleasure to listen too.
Marion Cee –
This book is a standalone read in the universe of Corio Heights. This is the story of Eli and Nathan. They are stepbrothers but for unknown reasons Eli hates Nathan. And Nathan has no idea why. Eli has hated his stepbrother Nathan ever since he overheard his friends making fun of him and Nathan did nothing to defend him. And the fact that he thinks Nathan is just pretending to not know why just irritates him more. The family decides to borrow a cabin for a winter wonderland Christmas. Unfortunately for Eli and Nathan, they are trapped alone at the cabin due to a snowstorm. This is their story. I enjoyed how irritated Eli was around Nathan and not around others. Luckily Nathan found everything that Eli did cute so that helped smooth things out a bit. Once the two are finally forced to discuss what happened, I liked that the author didn’t have a instant fix to their relationship. This is a sweet and charming holiday read. I enjoyed this book.
Mandy Paton –
4.5 stars
This is a cute and sweet read. Eli and Nathan are both wonderful people but Eli hates Nathan with a passion after a misunderstanding when they were teenagers. Watching them work things out amid snowstorms, family, Christmas and beyond, was lovely and entertaining.
This is a one-sided enemies-to-lovers story that is low angst, with emotion and heat, and I enjoyed it from the first page to the last. Highly recommended.
Barb Tuttle –
This was a very enjoyable story! Nathan and Eli has a big misunderstanding between them but they finally get things worked out, very well I might add! This was a pretty sweet and fun read that will warm your heart right up! I really enjoyed these two characters and thought they were adorable together. Their family was great also! A very entertaining and enjoyable read that I definitely recommend! This is my honest opinion of this complimentary copy of this book
Benedicte –
This is a sweet and fun step brother, (one sided-) enemy to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, holidays story. I liked both main characters and their chemistry, the tension between them, and to read about the relationship development. I also liked that both characters, were not so young. While the story is first based in a miscommunication issues, and I don’t like that “trope”, I appreciated it was something from the past and that it was resolved relatively quickly. Overall great reading to get into holidays mood.
The audiobook is narrated by Zachary Zara, and it’s great! He does a wonderful job! I enjoyed a lot listening to the story.
I got an ALC, and this is my honest review
GreenwingReads –
*Reviewing 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.
Cathy Brockman –
This is a really cute, fun, Holiday romance. Its also a sweet slow burn. I loved the characters and the story was interesting yet a little predictable
I listened on audio and the narration was absolutely fabulous and really elevated the story. I loved the distinctive voices.
If you like holiday romance, snowed in, enemies to lovers, bi awakening, virgin, stepbrother, a touch of humor and a sweet romance this is definitely for you!
Deborah –
Snowed in With You is exactly the kind of festive, feel-good romance I crave at Christmas, full of humour, heat, soft emotions, and just the right amount of forced proximity chaos. Eli and Nathan’s dynamic is a brilliant twist on the enemies-to-lovers trope, mostly because the “enemy” part is so hilariously one-sided. Eli has nursed his grudge for years with the dedication of a man who refuses to let a good sulk go, while Nathan remains baffled but endlessly patient, never quite understanding why his once-hopeful friendship with his new stepbrother evaporated overnight.
When a snowstorm strands them in a remote cabin, all that pent-up tension finally has nowhere to hide. Eli’s snarky barbs and dramatic glares contrast beautifully with Nathan’s warmth and gentle persistence, and watching the walls between them crumble is equal parts funny and heart-melting. Their spark is undeniable, and the blend of emotional honesty and simmering attraction is handled with a lovely balance of sweetness and steam.
Cosy, romantic, and packed with holiday charm, this novella delivers a wonderful blend of banter, tenderness, and festive intimacy. A perfect Christmas treat, and a heartfelt, joyful journey for two stepbrothers who finally get the chance to become something much more.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
Sabrina –
When Eli’s mom had remarried, he thought it would be great to have a brother. They were getting along great and he thought he would have a new best friend. Until he overheard Nathan’s friends talking about him and Nathan just laughing alongside them. It’s been years since then but Eli still holds a grudge. Because while Nathan appears like this really sweet and nice guy, Eli can’t help but feel like it’s some sort of lie. But then when they get snowed in together on their way to meet their family for Christmas, well, it may be time to clear the air. Nathan has never understood why Eli hates him. He thought they were getting along great until one day they weren’t. He has tried many times of the years to be nice and connect but Eli wasn’t having it. Who would have thought that being trapped together may finally clue him in to what was a misunderstanding. And being trapped and honest, well turns out there is more feelings both had their either let themselves think about. This was a cute, fun romantic Christmas story! A grumpy and sunshine tale that gave us some pretty great banter. I loved getting to know Eli and Nathan and for them to finally realize that they were always supposed to be way more than just stepsiblings and friends. They were actually quite cute! This is definitely a fun story you don’t want to miss!
Traci S –
Audiobook Review
This is a great holiday listen if you like cozy holiday vibes, snarky banter, and a tons of humor. The narrator is engaged and the characters are quite lovable. The story had good tension but never gets overly angsty. I loved the supportive family as well, this is a charming and light holiday listen.
JayKayDee –
Well, this was just a cute grumpy-at-you/sunshine story, with a step brothers twist, and I was here for it.
Eli hates Nathan. Nathan doesn’t know why. Both really liked the other until whatever happened.
Now we are years down the track, snowed in and nothing to do but talk, and, we, you know.
I loved that the miscommunication is in the past, and we are getting the older, wiser Eli and Nathan, sorting it out. With a lot of snark and banter.
Their family is great, supportive and fun.
This is a fun, quick read to get you into that Christmas spirit.
Diane Fair –
This was great!
So much fun getting from enemies to lovers!
You’ll never guess what happens when stepbrothers, Eli and Nathan, reach an understanding…
And you’ll love all their feisty exchanges.
Thanks to Neon and Rye for this great ‘holiday’ story
One of my favorite ARC’s of the season.
It’s definitely the time of year for romance, family and forgiveness.
Belinda Zamora –
This is an audiobook review.
Eli is a pretty great guy, except when it comes to Nathan, his step brother.
Then he becomes a prickly brat and none of their family or friends can understand.
It stems from a misunderstanding when they first became fa
Hmily, Eli thought Nathan was laughing at him along with his jerk friends.
Nathan has made so many efforts over the years but to no avail.
Now, traveling together to their winter cabin family holiday and snowbound in the empty cabin before everyone can arrive, they’re forced to delve into the situation.
Beyond that initial animosity that is quickly resolved, there’s lots of chemistry between them.
I loved how they took their time and actually got to know one another better for their HEA.
Zachary Zaba did an amazing job narrating and bringing these characters to life.
Karen Neeper –
Poor Eli was quite touchy when it came to Nathan. But I guess we would not have a story without the misunderstanding and grudge he carried. I loved that Nathan was actually quite sweetheart. I was happy the miscommunicating was in the past and that the warmth of the fireplace helped them connect and clear things up. Very romantic and I loved Zachary Zaba’s narration. He brought each of their personalities.
Marylene R-N –
Snowed In With You turned out to be exactly the kind of cozy, emotional listen I needed. Eli and Nathan’s tension felt so real. Years of misunderstandings, hurt, and unspoken feelings wrapped up in this grumpy/sunshine dynamic that I love. Once they’re snowed in together, the walls between them start to crack in such a tender, believable way. Zachary Zaba does a great job capturing both Eli’s sharp edges and Nathan’s gentle warmth, which makes their connection feel even deeper. It’s a soft, snowy, bi-awakening romance that left me smiling, and the perfect audiobook to curl up with during winter.
Cindy Sorensen –
Eli hates his big hunky stepbrother Nathan with a passion and Nathan can’t figure out why as he’s always wanted a brother. When they are stuck in a snowed in cabin, they learn they are not enemies but so much more. I loved these guys as a couple. Nathan is a sweetheart and Eli is so prickly. It’s steamy and a delight to read.
Dee A –
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5
This was my first time listening to the book and reading it at the same time. I enjoyed the different voices rather than creating them in my head. At times, I turned off the audiobook and read the next chapter alone, and found the voices stayed with me without the audio on. I enjoyed the enemies to lovers, bi-awakening for Nathan, the misunderstanding/miscommunication with Eli, the tenderness and caring from Nathan for Eli after the lake episode, and the development of the relationship once Eli was able to get past the hurt from five years ago. A sweet, entertaining and relatable story that held my interest and had me rooting for them to get beyond the past and on to their future together.
angel.shlyne2481 –
“Even after four and a half years of knowing him, I can’t figure him out. I probably never will. I just have to accept the fact and move on. But for whatever reason, I can’t. Eli’s dislike of me bothers me more than I want to admit.”
Snowed in with You by Rye Cox is a standalone cosy Christmas read in the universe of Corio Heights. At the beginning I thought it would be another forced-proximity romance with some miscommunication, but Eli and Nathan soon captivated me.
Eli is only grumpy and moody when Nathan’s around. He can’t stand him and acts like he’s got a personal vendetta. Nathan just gets on his nerves, even though he’s somewhat stuck with him because they’re stepbrothers.
The butterflies in my stomach flutter harder, and I attribute it to how irrationally annoyed he makes me.
Nathan, on the other hand, is just this steady, serene, sunny guy who is completely perplexed as to why Eli hates him. He actually likes Eli and has no clue why he’s so cold and distant with him.
“Maybe it’s because I’ve never had anyone hate me so openly. I was lucky to be born with onventional good looks, and that’s already enough to get most people to like you. Being athletic helps too…. I think it’s part of the reason Eli’s distaste for me stings so much. I treat everyone I meet with an open and kind heart, and people are always receptive to it. The only exception being Eli.”
When they end up trapped together in the cabin (because of the snowstorm) everything finally comes out. I really liked how Eli didn’t stay mad and was willing to forgive Nathan. And Nathan doesn’t waste any time owning up to his mistake admitting he messed up and explaining why he did what he did.
“I have no clue why he has such a low opinion of me, but I’m getting tired of being hated on without even knowing why… Eli, whatever you think I did—” “Think? I don’t think anything. I know exactly what you did. (view spoiler) A memory surfaces, causing a lightbulb moment. Eli notices, too.”
I liked how Eli gradually lowered his guard and how Nathan quickly embraced his emotions rather than freaking out. They have a nice balance of cute and “ohhh okay, we’re doing this” chemistry.
“Our being there for each other, taking care of one another? I really like the sound of that as well.”
Snowed in with You was a charming and sweet holiday read.
The audiobook is even better with the excellent narration by Zachary Zaba.
I received an eARC from the author for free, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
Shana Waverman –
3.5 stars. For the most part, I would say this was an enjoyable book. The writing is good and the story is kind of sweet. I have to say that I actually liked the side characters more than I liked the MCs. I found that both of the MCS and their interactions in the first half of the book really rubbed me the wrong way for some reason. I was actually turned off by Eli and I found Nathan way too sweet to be true, especially in his interactions with Eli. I was questioning why Nathan would even like Eli, while I also found the bi-awakening scenes a little hokey in a way I can’t explain. Thankfully, the last half of the book improved and I liked the ending.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Audiobook:
I also listened to the audiobook copy of this story, narrated by Zachary Zaba. I really enjoy him as a narrator, and his expression and character voices vastly improved the story as far as I was concerned. 5 stars for the narration!
I received an audiobook copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Amanda –
I read AND listened to this on bookfunnel. The book was a real quick and easy. It flowed well and I was engrossed from page one. Eli is so feisty! I loved how Nathan owed up to his mistakes. I also love how green flag obsessed he was with Eli. Zachary Zaba was the narrator in the audio and he was 🤌🤌🤌🤌I haven’t listed to a lot of his narrations but this performance was perfect.
Xanthe GrAce –
**4.5** (ebook)
What a great festive read! It has a hint of enemies to lovers, though it’s only Eli who ‘hates’ his stepbrother, Nathan. Nathan wishes they had the friendship that started when they first met but something Eli overheard put an instant stop to that.
Now they’re forced to share a car ride to head up to the cabin for their family Christmas vacation, with a little pitstop that has them snowed in together as well!
Eli is hilarious in his strong dislike and comments towards Nathan, whereas Nathan just tries to get along, and even become friends. Though, maybe the physical help he offered was a step over that line! It’s sweet, hot, funny and heartwarming as these two come together Christmas (pun intended!) and have to figure out what comes next!
A highly recommended festive romance that has all the warm feels and a HEA that both men want, and need. Eli is so sweet in what he offers Nathan towards the end and I enjoyed the lack of angst in regards to the bi-awakening and a certain conversation with their parents.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Lisa K –
I really loved this step-brothers holiday story. Rye always has a way of creating characters that you wish you were friends with in real life. This will be a definite re-read.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
Melinda Rueter –
I love a good snowed-in, forced proximity trope. Eli and Nathan are step-brothers with miscommunication that has affected their relationship for years. When they are forced to spend time together, they start to see who the other really is. Eli is definitely prickly and crumpy while Nathan is sweet (and sunshine). Lots of fun banter and interesing interactions with other family members. Cox always has the perfect balance between sweetness and snark. Definitely recommend!
Kelly H –
I enjoyed this sweet, low angst story. When Eli and Nathan’s parents married, and they became stepbrothers, both thought it would be great to have a new brother. Then Eli overhears Nathan’s friends making fun of him, and Nathan laughing along with them, and his attitude changes completely. Suddenly he spites Nathan at every turn, and Nathan doesn’t understand why Eli seems to hate him now. Nathan gets on with everyone else but Eli. (Nathan’s a sweetheart.) Fast forward to the holidays, and Eli has to ride with Nathan to the family get together. Not good times for Eli, and he is rather grouchy and snippy with Nathan on the way. Ten a detour and a snowstorm leaves then stranded together is a cabin. It’s a touchy situation, but feelings are expressed, stories get shared, and Eli finally tells Nathan why he dislikes him. Nathan was unaware all this time, so he is glad to have the air cleared. Along with this new understanding, simmering feelings and attraction also come to light, but how will they deal with this when they are back with the rest of the family? It’s an engaging and realistic story of how miscommunication can derail connections, and how simple honesty and sharing can set things back on the right path. Eli and Nathan’s family were great supporting characters, and barely batted an eye when the relationship was revealed.
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Dawn B –
Nathan & Eli
I lived this story. Nathan and Eli were so cute and I loved reading along as things developed for them throughout this holiday story. I also had a great time listening to the audiobook. Zachary Zaba’s narration was perfect for this.
Brenda Smith –
Holiday’s Are For Forgiveness
Misunderstanding and miscommunication are what causes separation between stepbrothers Eli and Nathan. The bad feelings have been going on for five years since their parents marriage. Eli a sassy senior in college overheard comments by Nathan’s friends in high school and heard Nathan chuckle about the comment. Nathan a former athlete is sweet and easy going. His mother pasted away when he was eleven. They have to drive to the rental cabin together for the holidays, but an issue with the car before an incoming snowstorm puts them in Nathan’s uncles cabin for the night. This story is sweet, funny, love to hate, grumpy/ sunshine with a happy ending and very enjoyable to read.
Heather D –
One moment caught changed everything for these two stepbrothers and kept them at a distance for years. Until a road trip to meet their family at a cabin, leads to a side quest where they get snowed in. That one night forces them to finally talk about their feelings.
Now they just need to figure out what their feelings mean and if they can make things work.
With a hint of enemies-to-lovers, this is a lovely and cozy holiday romance that finds them finally feeling like family.
You can also listen to this as an audiobook, which gives us the same wonderful holiday vibes as the story itself, because trust me, Zachary Zaba is a great narrator for Rye Cox’s stories.
Terri H. –
Snowed In with You was a terrific romance. Eli and Nathan are stepbrothers who met in their teen years. When Eli overheard Nathan’s friends making fun of him, his feelings for Nathan turned to hatred. Now, years later, the two are snowed in on the way to a family gathering, and they begin to get to know each other much better.
I enjoyed this so much. Nathan was a sweetheart, and all he wanted was to take care of Eli. Eli, who was a bit neurotic, was afraid to believe that Nathan really cared, but the chemistry between them was strong. The fact that they were stepbrothers didn’t really cause any issues for them, which I appreciated. their family members were loving, and Nathan and Eli seemed great together. This was a very good romance.
The audiobook version of this story was nice. I liked the narrator’s performance as Eli much more than Nathan, but overall, it was a good listen.
Alix –
Audiobook is narrated by Zachary Zaba – excellent as always! I love ZZ’s voice especially for twink MCs and so of course he does an especially good job with Eli. The voices for the characters are distinct and I always knew which MC was talking. Really enjoyed listening!
What to Expect:
*MM holiday romance
*one-sided enemies to lovers
*stepbrothers
*forced proximity
*snowed in
*black cat/golden retriever
*queer awakening
*lots of feels
*low angst
*supportive family
*great chemistry
*snarky banter
*first kiss/first times
*holiday baking
*miscommunication
*cameos from Coreo series
Vicki Cunningham –
This book is loosely connected with the author’s Corio Heights series and features stepbrothers, Eli and Nathan.
As the baby of three siblings and coddled by all, Eli was a royal brat even at twenty one and in his senior year of college. Usually that’s a turnoff for me and, if I’m honest, I guess it was a little here too in the beginning but it wasn’t long before I was too wrapped up in the back and forth between Eli and his stepbrother Nathan who he claimed to despise.
I’ve loved every book so far in the Corio Heights series and this one is no exception. The reason for that is because of our two MCs. If I had to describe Eli, I think I’d have to say he reminds me of a chihuahua, cute as a button but all snappy and snarly except without what it takes to really back it up. Nathan, on the other hand, is this big hulking former high school (maybe college too, it wasn’t really clear) football player, with the ability to toss Eli around all over the place if he wanted (and believe me, he wanted) but was actually a teddy bear at heart. And the more Eli snapped and snarled at him, the sweeter and more patient Nathan became—acting like he thought Eli was just so adorable.
I didn’t quite think Eli was all that adorable but I did love him and think the story wouldn’t have been near as good without him. Nathan though, he was my favorite. A little insecure, maybe, after moving from place to place so often as a child, he wanted nothing more than to be liked and to fit in but he was also genuinely nice and kind… not to mention he had all those gorgeous muscles.
This was a one-sided enemies to lovers romance but still, it was pretty much angst and drama free which I particularly loved. It had a pretty good bit of heat (though Eli was NOT happy about being betrayed by his own body!) and so much sweetness I promise you’ll catch yourself awww-ing by the end of the book. Although it occurred around the Christmas holidays, it’s not really a Christmas book so I think anyone would enjoy it, whether or not you celebrate so I hope you’ll check it out. Personally, I thought it was an awesome read. 4.5 stars
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.