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Wrapped Up in You
Hayden
When I fled to the cabin after a fight with my father, I wasn’t expecting to find my uptight stepbrother. Once again, my impulsivity has me in a bind, and now we’re stuck here together in the middle of a snowstorm. Might as well make the best of it.
Jonathan
With my divorce finalized and my parents on vacation, I came to the cabin to drink my way through the holidays. Pity party of one, please. But when my much younger stepbrother bursts through the door in the middle of a blizzard, he turns my world on its axis.
Forced to spend time together, I see a different side of him that has me questioning everything I thought I knew. And when a drinking game has things heating up between us, I find myself too weak to resist.
But can what happens at the cabin stay at the cabin? Or will this fling turn into something more?
Wrapped Up In You is a steamy, opposites attract, age gap, stepbrother, MM Romance, featuring a loveable guy with ADHD and an uptight divorcé in need of a shake-up.
When I fled to the cabin after a fight with my father, I wasn’t expecting to find my uptight stepbrother. Once again, my impulsivity has me in a bind, and now we’re stuck here together in the middle of a snowstorm. Might as well make the best of it.
Jonathan
With my divorce finalized and my parents on vacation, I came to the cabin to drink my way through the holidays. Pity party of one, please. But when my much younger stepbrother bursts through the door in the middle of a blizzard, he turns my world on its axis.
Forced to spend time together, I see a different side of him that has me questioning everything I thought I knew. And when a drinking game has things heating up between us, I find myself too weak to resist.
But can what happens at the cabin stay at the cabin? Or will this fling turn into something more?
Wrapped Up In You is a steamy, opposites attract, age gap, stepbrother, MM Romance, featuring a loveable guy with ADHD and an uptight divorcé in need of a shake-up.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2023
98 people are currently reading
490 people want to read
About the author
Melody Claire
6 books86 followersMelody Claire writes emotional contemporary MM romance stories with moderate heat and a whole lot of heart. She hails from Kansas City but resides in Omaha and loves setting her stories in the Midwest. She is married with two almost grown kiddos, a dog, and a kitty. By day, she teaches middle school, and by night can be found writing on her laptop or curled up with her kindle. She's addicted to Pink Drinks and the sound of her husband's laugh, and loves nothing more than to escape into a love story.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
December 8, 2023
I'm sure the book will find its fans, unfortunately I won't be one of them.
Does it cause bad karma if you don't particularly like a Christmas story?
I was looking forward to this book soooo much ... Damn
It's good, but it falls very short of its potential. And that's only because it's sloppily done, in my opinion. I would love to see the original manuscript to know what was cut.
My main problem - zero build-up, really absolutely none at all. Of course the book is insta-ish, which is totally fine, I wasn't expecting anything else. But is it too much to ask for at least a little introduction to the characters? Like 2-3 pages, that's all it takes. The way it is now, you're thrown in and no atmosphere builds up for ages because there's simply no connection to the personalities. Johnathan and Hayden seem totally wooden and their relationship is so strange that it took me ages to really like them.
The back story and the portrayal of the personalities comes bit by bit, but unfortunately that ruined the beginning of the book at that point.
I liked the middle part of the book best.
Unfortunately, the ending isn't great either. A bit rushed, boring at the same time ...
Does it cause bad karma if you don't particularly like a Christmas story?
I was looking forward to this book soooo much ... Damn
It's good, but it falls very short of its potential. And that's only because it's sloppily done, in my opinion. I would love to see the original manuscript to know what was cut.
My main problem - zero build-up, really absolutely none at all. Of course the book is insta-ish, which is totally fine, I wasn't expecting anything else. But is it too much to ask for at least a little introduction to the characters? Like 2-3 pages, that's all it takes. The way it is now, you're thrown in and no atmosphere builds up for ages because there's simply no connection to the personalities. Johnathan and Hayden seem totally wooden and their relationship is so strange that it took me ages to really like them.
The back story and the portrayal of the personalities comes bit by bit, but unfortunately that ruined the beginning of the book at that point.
I liked the middle part of the book best.
Unfortunately, the ending isn't great either. A bit rushed, boring at the same time ...
November 28, 2023
3.5 stars
- age gap
- stepbrothers
- opposites attract
- forced proximity
- ADHD rep
With his divorce finalized a few days before Christmas, Jonathan heads to his family's cabin in the mountains to spend the holidays getting wasted. What he doesn't expect is his stepbrother Hayden crashing his one man party.
Unfortunately the pair are forced to spend time together thanks to a bad winter storm, and the two use that time to get to know each other better and start to see the other in a new light. A drinking game pushes the limits of the new found tension between them, and lines get crossed.
Wrapped Up In You was my first read by Melody Claire, and overall I enjoyed it.
I'm a sucker for stepbrothers and forced proximity, and I ate that up in this book! My biggest complaint is that I wish the relationship pacing hadn't been so fast. Johnathan's attraction to Hayden came out of nowhere, and I would have liked a bit more build up between them before things got spicy and they fell in love.
- age gap
- stepbrothers
- opposites attract
- forced proximity
- ADHD rep
With his divorce finalized a few days before Christmas, Jonathan heads to his family's cabin in the mountains to spend the holidays getting wasted. What he doesn't expect is his stepbrother Hayden crashing his one man party.
Unfortunately the pair are forced to spend time together thanks to a bad winter storm, and the two use that time to get to know each other better and start to see the other in a new light. A drinking game pushes the limits of the new found tension between them, and lines get crossed.
Wrapped Up In You was my first read by Melody Claire, and overall I enjoyed it.
I'm a sucker for stepbrothers and forced proximity, and I ate that up in this book! My biggest complaint is that I wish the relationship pacing hadn't been so fast. Johnathan's attraction to Hayden came out of nowhere, and I would have liked a bit more build up between them before things got spicy and they fell in love.
December 5, 2023
2.5 stars
Can I just say that I didn’t hate this book but was a whole lot disappointed in it?
Let me explain:
There was no build up whatsoever. Who were Jonathan and Hayden? Don’t know. Why did they fall in love in 0.5 seconds even though they really didn’t know each other and the only connection they had was them being stepbrothers? Don’t know that either.
The drinking game that got their whole romance rolling lasted about two pages long and didn’t really do anything for the plot. It was there, it was a scene and it most definitely was unnecessary.
Of course, since this was a insta love kind of story, they fell in love out of nowhere and want to stay together for the rest of their life’s. Not that it made much sense to me considering their was little context nor was there really any kind of backstory. But to be fair the romance between them was kinda cute…
And with every stepbrothers story we get the problem of the parents too. Did that „problem“ do anything for the plot? Nope, it was rather a sad excuse of a bit of drama. It didn’t work, not for me at least.
The HEA was fine I guess but honestly a bit underwhelming and just so damn predictable.
As negative as my review sounds it wasn’t total shit. Honestly. It was disappointing though because the potential was there. This could have been great. But it wasn’t.
Can I just say that I didn’t hate this book but was a whole lot disappointed in it?
Let me explain:
There was no build up whatsoever. Who were Jonathan and Hayden? Don’t know. Why did they fall in love in 0.5 seconds even though they really didn’t know each other and the only connection they had was them being stepbrothers? Don’t know that either.
The drinking game that got their whole romance rolling lasted about two pages long and didn’t really do anything for the plot. It was there, it was a scene and it most definitely was unnecessary.
Of course, since this was a insta love kind of story, they fell in love out of nowhere and want to stay together for the rest of their life’s. Not that it made much sense to me considering their was little context nor was there really any kind of backstory. But to be fair the romance between them was kinda cute…
And with every stepbrothers story we get the problem of the parents too. Did that „problem“ do anything for the plot? Nope, it was rather a sad excuse of a bit of drama. It didn’t work, not for me at least.
The HEA was fine I guess but honestly a bit underwhelming and just so damn predictable.
As negative as my review sounds it wasn’t total shit. Honestly. It was disappointing though because the potential was there. This could have been great. But it wasn’t.
December 31, 2023
Enjoyable!
I liked this . Both main characters were great guys. They were definitely opposites who fit together perfectly. The book got better as it went along in my opinion. As we learned more about them I liked them more and more. And then when we got to see them interact with other people I liked them even more. 3.75 for the first 60% of the book and 4.25 for the last 40% for a total of a solid 4.0 rating!
I liked this . Both main characters were great guys. They were definitely opposites who fit together perfectly. The book got better as it went along in my opinion. As we learned more about them I liked them more and more. And then when we got to see them interact with other people I liked them even more. 3.75 for the first 60% of the book and 4.25 for the last 40% for a total of a solid 4.0 rating!
December 2, 2025
Jonathan + Hayden 🖤
Stepbrothers | So many forehead kisses | First times | Opposites
"He was looking at me like I was something special. Like maybe I meant something to him. And I realized that I wanted that more than I’d ever wanted anything in my life."
"I stalked toward the bedroom like a tiger on the hunt. “You better be ready for me in there, Lucy. ‘Cause ready or not, here I come.”
...
⚠️potential spoilers below in detailed tropes, content and warning lists
Tropes/content:
Stepbrothers
8 year age gap (32 and 24)
When their parents married Jonathan was already moved out so they didnt grow up together
Dislike to lovers
Opposites attract
ADHD rep
Cabin
Fireplace
Christmas
H had a crush on J early on after their parents got married
Jonathan cuts himself and Hayden gets super concerned and bandages it while they "hate each other"
H thinks J is straight since he was married to a woman and didnt know any of his other history
Truth or dare
H learn that J's middle name is Lucien. He jokingly calls him Lucy - what starts as a taunt turns into a nickname that J loves hearing
Hayden plays guitar and sings
H overheard J jacking off in the shower and proceeded to jerk off as well
The first time they get fully naked together they end up just hugging for awhile until those pesky emotions came up and they both played it off like they werent both desperate for some real intimacy and affection
They're "just doing this to pass the time" but catch feels really fast
J's first time getting rimmed
Tells him he's beautiful
Deep emotional conversations they've never had with anyone else
Consent kings
Lots of healing hugs and cuddles
Lots of forehead kisses and hand holding
Haydens first time having a boyfriend
Tenderness
Healthy communication between MCs
Showering together
Hayden is the first man that Jonathan trusts to top him
Mr quiet and controlled turned bossy in the bedroom
Spanking
Dirty ass eating
Edging
Love making
Marking - some hickeys and bites
Old man jokes from Hayden to Jonathan
Small town book store visit together
Versatile roles
Parents accept them being together easily
Epilogue - 2 months after the book ends. They agreed to move in together
Bonus epilogue - 1 year later - (separate download) - road head turned side-of-the-road head, new puppy and proposal at the cabin
Warnings:
Jonathan's ex wife cheated on him and verbally abused him, blamed him for the cheating, etc.
Some dysfunctional family dynamics between each of them and their dad's. Conversations are had and things are worked on.
Stepbrothers | So many forehead kisses | First times | Opposites
"He was looking at me like I was something special. Like maybe I meant something to him. And I realized that I wanted that more than I’d ever wanted anything in my life."
"I stalked toward the bedroom like a tiger on the hunt. “You better be ready for me in there, Lucy. ‘Cause ready or not, here I come.”
...
⚠️potential spoilers below in detailed tropes, content and warning lists
Tropes/content:
Stepbrothers
8 year age gap (32 and 24)
When their parents married Jonathan was already moved out so they didnt grow up together
Dislike to lovers
Opposites attract
ADHD rep
Cabin
Fireplace
Christmas
H had a crush on J early on after their parents got married
Jonathan cuts himself and Hayden gets super concerned and bandages it while they "hate each other"
H thinks J is straight since he was married to a woman and didnt know any of his other history
Truth or dare
H learn that J's middle name is Lucien. He jokingly calls him Lucy - what starts as a taunt turns into a nickname that J loves hearing
Hayden plays guitar and sings
H overheard J jacking off in the shower and proceeded to jerk off as well
The first time they get fully naked together they end up just hugging for awhile until those pesky emotions came up and they both played it off like they werent both desperate for some real intimacy and affection
They're "just doing this to pass the time" but catch feels really fast
J's first time getting rimmed
Tells him he's beautiful
Deep emotional conversations they've never had with anyone else
Consent kings
Lots of healing hugs and cuddles
Lots of forehead kisses and hand holding
Haydens first time having a boyfriend
Tenderness
Healthy communication between MCs
Showering together
Hayden is the first man that Jonathan trusts to top him
Mr quiet and controlled turned bossy in the bedroom
Spanking
Dirty ass eating
Edging
Love making
Marking - some hickeys and bites
Old man jokes from Hayden to Jonathan
Small town book store visit together
Versatile roles
Parents accept them being together easily
Epilogue - 2 months after the book ends. They agreed to move in together
Bonus epilogue - 1 year later - (separate download) - road head turned side-of-the-road head, new puppy and proposal at the cabin
Warnings:
Jonathan's ex wife cheated on him and verbally abused him, blamed him for the cheating, etc.
Some dysfunctional family dynamics between each of them and their dad's. Conversations are had and things are worked on.
December 18, 2025
⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️
A sweet & cozy stepbrother romance. I liked that the holiday vibes weren’t too Christmassy, just cuddly warmth, a snowy cabin, and an unexpected romance.
Fluffy and short, but still packed with some emotion to keep me hooked. While too short to really fall in love with them, I still enjoyed Hayden and Jonathan’s love story, and the ADHD rep.
I picked this up randomly, so it being both a cute read AND in theme with the season was a pleasant surprise.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Mentions of cheating (not MCs)
- MC w/ ADHD
- Age gap (24 vs 32)
- Mostly top/bottom (one switch scene)
- Frotting
- Rimming
Fuck. This wasn’t supposed to be about feelings. This was supposed to be a bit of fun while we blew off some steam. A way to pass the time while stranded in the wilderness. But fuck if I could remember the last time someone had held me.
I didn’t want to let go.
A sweet & cozy stepbrother romance. I liked that the holiday vibes weren’t too Christmassy, just cuddly warmth, a snowy cabin, and an unexpected romance.
He was looking at me like I was something special. Like maybe I meant something to him.
Fluffy and short, but still packed with some emotion to keep me hooked. While too short to really fall in love with them, I still enjoyed Hayden and Jonathan’s love story, and the ADHD rep.
“Do you know how frustrating it is to have a messy brain? To be an adult and still feel like you don’t have a handle on your own life, no matter how hard you try?”
I picked this up randomly, so it being both a cute read AND in theme with the season was a pleasant surprise.
“Do you want to stop?” I held my breath, waiting for his response. “No, I don’t want to stop. And I think that’s what scares me the most.”
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Mentions of cheating (not MCs)
- MC w/ ADHD
- Age gap (24 vs 32)
- Mostly top/bottom (one switch scene)
- Frotting
- Rimming
November 30, 2023
So… cabin in the woods, locked in a snowstorm on Christmas Eve, stepbrothers, grumpy sunshine golden retriever, good cooking, incredible hot sex! 💯 in for me.
Loved this even with some huge damn flaws that would be so easy fixed.
But Lucy and Hay filled and warmed my heart with so much love that I’ll totally ignore those flaws and happily rate this 4 ⭐️!
It was rushed, insta, lacked context about their life’s and personalities before, but the story actually mode up on that. We get to know them.
This is a zero angst book, everything is resolved easily, sweetly, hotly.
Lucy is a weird nickname, but it grown on me.. and if Lucifer can be Lucy, Jonathan Lucius also can!
Loved the ADHD rep, I identified with Hay’s struggles and issues so much 🥹
They are so sweet and adorable, and truly complemented each other… they became better version of themselves because of their love and they made my day ❤️❄️
Loved this even with some huge damn flaws that would be so easy fixed.
But Lucy and Hay filled and warmed my heart with so much love that I’ll totally ignore those flaws and happily rate this 4 ⭐️!
It was rushed, insta, lacked context about their life’s and personalities before, but the story actually mode up on that. We get to know them.
This is a zero angst book, everything is resolved easily, sweetly, hotly.
Lucy is a weird nickname, but it grown on me.. and if Lucifer can be Lucy, Jonathan Lucius also can!
Loved the ADHD rep, I identified with Hay’s struggles and issues so much 🥹
They are so sweet and adorable, and truly complemented each other… they became better version of themselves because of their love and they made my day ❤️❄️
December 18, 2023
I adored this! So far this is the third Christmas book in a row I’m loving so I hope I can keep the streak going! This book, while taking place on and around Christmas, is mainly just between Jonathan and Hayden in the cabin. It’s not “Christmasy” per say but it was enough for me.
I’ve never read this author before and I enjoyed her writing immensely. She really bc wrote a beautiful, fully fleshed out story. I loved how the attraction between Jonathan and Hayden was there but it was also a growing relationship between two men who just fully understood each other once they saw their true selves.
**edited to add:
I also read the bonus epilogue offered through Book Funnel and it was perfect!!!!
I’ve never read this author before and I enjoyed her writing immensely. She really bc wrote a beautiful, fully fleshed out story. I loved how the attraction between Jonathan and Hayden was there but it was also a growing relationship between two men who just fully understood each other once they saw their true selves.
**edited to add:
I also read the bonus epilogue offered through Book Funnel and it was perfect!!!!
December 5, 2023
What a unexpected brilliant story!! Give this a try it was great!!
December 28, 2023
Loved this low angst Christmas read!
I personally have ADHD so I totally connected with Hayden. He was easily distracted and messy, even though he don’t mean to be! I really liked how the ADHD was addressed and explained.
I loved the dynamic between the stepbrothers, even with it being over a short period of time the feelings they had felt real and natural.
I liked how they took turns in showing their vulnerable side, and how they were both there for each other. They had a few hic ups along the way but they worked through them and learned how to navigate their new relationship.
Of course lots of yummy spicy times but also forehead kisses and hand holding (swoon)
I loved Melodys first book and I very much enjoyed this one too. I can’t wait to see what she gives us next
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🏠MM Holiday Romance
🎄Stepbrothers
🌨️Stranded in a Blizzard Low Angst/High Heat
🏠Age Gap
🎄ADHD Rep
🌨️Bi Rep
I personally have ADHD so I totally connected with Hayden. He was easily distracted and messy, even though he don’t mean to be! I really liked how the ADHD was addressed and explained.
I loved the dynamic between the stepbrothers, even with it being over a short period of time the feelings they had felt real and natural.
I liked how they took turns in showing their vulnerable side, and how they were both there for each other. They had a few hic ups along the way but they worked through them and learned how to navigate their new relationship.
Of course lots of yummy spicy times but also forehead kisses and hand holding (swoon)
I loved Melodys first book and I very much enjoyed this one too. I can’t wait to see what she gives us next
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🏠MM Holiday Romance
🎄Stepbrothers
🌨️Stranded in a Blizzard Low Angst/High Heat
🏠Age Gap
🎄ADHD Rep
🌨️Bi Rep
November 20, 2023
4.75 Stars!
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
This book was exactly what I needed. 🥰
Jonathan and Hayden may be stepbrothers, but they never really had the chance to get to know one another. When they get snowed in at the family cabin together, they shatter the preconceived notions they have about each other and find out that opposite personalities can indeed go very well together.
I like to think of Hayden and Jonathan as a Golden Retriever and a Cat, respectively. The cat isn't grumpy, per se, but the cat wants what it wants and there is no leeway. And maybe the golden retriever is a little too wild for the cat initially, but then one day you walk in the room and the cat is happily purring whilst sitting atop the golden retriever's back. Idk, that just reminds me of Hayden and Jonathan. Their brains work in totally different ways--Jonathan needs structure and routine to thrive, but Hayden's ADHD has put him on a more freeform path--but each is able to give the other something they didn't know they needed.
I really vibed with the writing style of this book. I liked that each character had a distinctive voice in the narrative and dialogue, so the story as a whole didn't seem one-note. I also enjoyed the pacing of the book. Considering that most of the book takes place in a short time period over the holidays, the author did a great job not making the romantic feelings or physical intimacy feel rushed. In fact, special shout-out to the development of the romantic feelings in this book; the book made me cry a few times (whether happy or sad, I'm not saying! muahaha), and so I consider that to be a job well done by the author.
Ok, emotions--yay! But also another special shout-out to the spice in this book! I have to be honest--I didn't see the spice coming in this book; it totally surprised me. The cover (which btw I think is gorgeous) looks so innocent, quiet, and blissful. And like, yeah, the book as a whole was swoony and light and happy. BUT THE SPICE. The spice was spicing in this book! Goodness (fans self), I found this to be much steamier than I expected, and the sex scenes and dirty talk were *chef's kiss* perfection for me.
Some Details:
Pairing: MM, Jonathan (32) & Hayden (24)
POV: 1st Person Dual
Tense: Past
Angst: 1.4/5 😟
Spice Frequency: 3.6/5 🥵🥵🥵🥵
Spice Level: 3.5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes/Themes:
Stepbrothers
Forced Proximity
Holiday
Age Gap (8 years)
Opposites Attract
Golden Retriever x Cat
I received a free ARC of this book, and this is my honest review!
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
This book was exactly what I needed. 🥰
Jonathan and Hayden may be stepbrothers, but they never really had the chance to get to know one another. When they get snowed in at the family cabin together, they shatter the preconceived notions they have about each other and find out that opposite personalities can indeed go very well together.
I like to think of Hayden and Jonathan as a Golden Retriever and a Cat, respectively. The cat isn't grumpy, per se, but the cat wants what it wants and there is no leeway. And maybe the golden retriever is a little too wild for the cat initially, but then one day you walk in the room and the cat is happily purring whilst sitting atop the golden retriever's back. Idk, that just reminds me of Hayden and Jonathan. Their brains work in totally different ways--Jonathan needs structure and routine to thrive, but Hayden's ADHD has put him on a more freeform path--but each is able to give the other something they didn't know they needed.
I really vibed with the writing style of this book. I liked that each character had a distinctive voice in the narrative and dialogue, so the story as a whole didn't seem one-note. I also enjoyed the pacing of the book. Considering that most of the book takes place in a short time period over the holidays, the author did a great job not making the romantic feelings or physical intimacy feel rushed. In fact, special shout-out to the development of the romantic feelings in this book; the book made me cry a few times (whether happy or sad, I'm not saying! muahaha), and so I consider that to be a job well done by the author.
Ok, emotions--yay! But also another special shout-out to the spice in this book! I have to be honest--I didn't see the spice coming in this book; it totally surprised me. The cover (which btw I think is gorgeous) looks so innocent, quiet, and blissful. And like, yeah, the book as a whole was swoony and light and happy. BUT THE SPICE. The spice was spicing in this book! Goodness (fans self), I found this to be much steamier than I expected, and the sex scenes and dirty talk were *chef's kiss* perfection for me.
Some Details:
Pairing: MM, Jonathan (32) & Hayden (24)
POV: 1st Person Dual
Tense: Past
Angst: 1.4/5 😟
Spice Frequency: 3.6/5 🥵🥵🥵🥵
Spice Level: 3.5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes/Themes:
Stepbrothers
Forced Proximity
Holiday
Age Gap (8 years)
Opposites Attract
Golden Retriever x Cat
I received a free ARC of this book, and this is my honest review!
November 27, 2023
Pub Date: November 28, 2023
This was my first book by Melody Claire and I absolutely adored it. This was such a fun holiday read and it was just what I needed.
❄️MM Holiday Romance
❄️Bi-Rep
❄️Age Gap
❄️ADHD Rep
❄️Stepbrothers
❄️Hurt/Comfort
❄️Forced Proximity
❄️Opposites Attract
❄️Low Angst/High Heat
❄️Stranded in a Blizzard
After his divorce becomes finalized, Jonathan decides to head to the cabin his grandfather left him. However, his stepbrother, Hayden, shows up unannounced, forcing them to spend time together.
Since their parents got married, they hadn’t really been around each other much. They quickly learn that they have completely misjudged each other. Hayden and Jonathan learn a tough lesson about judging and making assumptions.
Hayden and Jonathan’s personalities clash a little but also complement each other so well. I love the way these two came together. The relationship moves fast but I wouldn’t change anything about it. Melody Claire did an amazing job writing this.
I loved these two so much. I love how it had an extra layer, with some confronting things from the past with their dads. Also, I loved the nicknames.
Thank you, Melody Claire for the opportunity to read this ARC for you.
This was my first book by Melody Claire and I absolutely adored it. This was such a fun holiday read and it was just what I needed.
❄️MM Holiday Romance
❄️Bi-Rep
❄️Age Gap
❄️ADHD Rep
❄️Stepbrothers
❄️Hurt/Comfort
❄️Forced Proximity
❄️Opposites Attract
❄️Low Angst/High Heat
❄️Stranded in a Blizzard
After his divorce becomes finalized, Jonathan decides to head to the cabin his grandfather left him. However, his stepbrother, Hayden, shows up unannounced, forcing them to spend time together.
Since their parents got married, they hadn’t really been around each other much. They quickly learn that they have completely misjudged each other. Hayden and Jonathan learn a tough lesson about judging and making assumptions.
Hayden and Jonathan’s personalities clash a little but also complement each other so well. I love the way these two came together. The relationship moves fast but I wouldn’t change anything about it. Melody Claire did an amazing job writing this.
I loved these two so much. I love how it had an extra layer, with some confronting things from the past with their dads. Also, I loved the nicknames.
Thank you, Melody Claire for the opportunity to read this ARC for you.
December 8, 2023
I loved this story.
Snowed in
Forced proximity
Age gap
Step brothers
Grumpy/sunshine
My only issue was that I saved it for Christmas because I wanted a festive read, but apart from being set at Christmas, it wasn't Christmassy at all.
Snowed in
Forced proximity
Age gap
Step brothers
Grumpy/sunshine
My only issue was that I saved it for Christmas because I wanted a festive read, but apart from being set at Christmas, it wasn't Christmassy at all.
November 17, 2023
4.5 stars
Jonathan and Hayden are stepbrothers who accidentally end up together in a cabin during a snowstorm. Jonathan needs to grieve the end of his marriage and Hayden wants to stay away after a fight with his father.
They never spent a lot of time together, due to their age gap and their completely different personalities, but thanks to the forced proximity they get to know each other better and they're able to ge over the assumptions they made over the years.
I loved very much how the author portayed Hayden's ADHD, his struggles, all the difficulties, the failures. Hayden's character has many layers that Jonathan discovers little by little and that make him not only fall for his stepbrother but also admire and encourage him.
And Hayden supports Jonathan too, helping him understand that he's an amazing man who's got a lot of love to give.
The sex scenes are my favourite kind, when they're not only physical, but include intimacy and feelings as well.
What prevented me from giving an higher rate:
Jonathan and Hayden's sexual relationship starts a little too soon, in my opinion: while it's true that Hayden has always been attracted to him, for Jonathan it was different, he barely noticed him in the few times they met over the years. So it's attraction seemed a little too fast.
Also, the fear of the parents knowing they're together was anticlimatic.
Melody Claire delivered another wonderful book, I cannot wait to read more of her work.
Totally recommeneded
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
Jonathan and Hayden are stepbrothers who accidentally end up together in a cabin during a snowstorm. Jonathan needs to grieve the end of his marriage and Hayden wants to stay away after a fight with his father.
They never spent a lot of time together, due to their age gap and their completely different personalities, but thanks to the forced proximity they get to know each other better and they're able to ge over the assumptions they made over the years.
I loved very much how the author portayed Hayden's ADHD, his struggles, all the difficulties, the failures. Hayden's character has many layers that Jonathan discovers little by little and that make him not only fall for his stepbrother but also admire and encourage him.
And Hayden supports Jonathan too, helping him understand that he's an amazing man who's got a lot of love to give.
The sex scenes are my favourite kind, when they're not only physical, but include intimacy and feelings as well.
What prevented me from giving an higher rate:
Jonathan and Hayden's sexual relationship starts a little too soon, in my opinion: while it's true that Hayden has always been attracted to him, for Jonathan it was different, he barely noticed him in the few times they met over the years. So it's attraction seemed a little too fast.
Also, the fear of the parents knowing they're together was anticlimatic.
Melody Claire delivered another wonderful book, I cannot wait to read more of her work.
Totally recommeneded
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
November 28, 2023
Perfect Holiday Read!
Wrapped Up In You is a steamy, opposites attract, age gap, stepbrother, MM Romance, with some forced proximity. It's about a sweet guy with ADHD, Hayden, and his stepbrother, Jonathan, newly divorced and uptight, very structured...predictable. They both end up spending the holiday snowed in a cabin. From there, a lot of self discoveries were made, as well as seeing other sides of one other. They're total opposites, but they compliment each other so well. I really enjoyed their journey to their HEA. This book left me with sweet, feel good vibes, perfect holiday read!
Wrapped Up In You is a steamy, opposites attract, age gap, stepbrother, MM Romance, with some forced proximity. It's about a sweet guy with ADHD, Hayden, and his stepbrother, Jonathan, newly divorced and uptight, very structured...predictable. They both end up spending the holiday snowed in a cabin. From there, a lot of self discoveries were made, as well as seeing other sides of one other. They're total opposites, but they compliment each other so well. I really enjoyed their journey to their HEA. This book left me with sweet, feel good vibes, perfect holiday read!
November 28, 2023
*** ARC Review***
This is my honest and voluntary review for the ARC I received.
I love a good age gap romance. Add stepbrothers and the holidays into the mix and I’m just delighted. Jonathan and Hayden are both grown men who happen to be stepbrothers, though they weren’t raised together. They have an eight year age gap. They end up snowed in at a cabin together (hello forced proximity).
Jonathan has just divorced his wife. Hayden just had a fight with his father. Since they don’t really know one another that well, both MCs make assumptions about the other, both at the cabin and beforehand. Some of their comments strike a nerve, but a game of Truth or Dare turns everything on its head. Jonathan (Lucy) and Hayden (Hay) act on their attraction to one another. I like how Melody Claire alludes to Hayden’s long ago crush on Jonathan in contrast to Jonathan’s newfound attraction to his stepbrother.
While Lucy and Hay have some intense chemistry, they also unexpectedly develop some intense feelings for one another. It was really sweet watching the transformation in Jonathan as he allowed a little bit of light, laughter, and chaos into his super structured and orderly life. Hayden is basically a golden retriever. He’s such a bright spot in the world. I definitely sympathized with his reality dealing with ADHD. I appreciated how both men supported one another, especially the way Jonathan supported Hayden’s dream of being a musician.
This book is high heat. Jonathan and Hayden manage to have honest and vulnerable conversations though. They fall fast and hard, but it comes across as authentic and appropriate for them. This book is pretty low angst, despite a much needed conversation between both MCs and their respective fathers. Claire gives us a winter wonderland just before Christmas and through New Year’s. I loved Jonathan’s resolution at the end of the story. The epilogue is great (and features another holiday). Their HEA is satisfying. These two are an adorable couple and this story is utterly captivating. Definitely check it out when it releases!
This is my honest and voluntary review for the ARC I received.
I love a good age gap romance. Add stepbrothers and the holidays into the mix and I’m just delighted. Jonathan and Hayden are both grown men who happen to be stepbrothers, though they weren’t raised together. They have an eight year age gap. They end up snowed in at a cabin together (hello forced proximity).
Jonathan has just divorced his wife. Hayden just had a fight with his father. Since they don’t really know one another that well, both MCs make assumptions about the other, both at the cabin and beforehand. Some of their comments strike a nerve, but a game of Truth or Dare turns everything on its head. Jonathan (Lucy) and Hayden (Hay) act on their attraction to one another. I like how Melody Claire alludes to Hayden’s long ago crush on Jonathan in contrast to Jonathan’s newfound attraction to his stepbrother.
While Lucy and Hay have some intense chemistry, they also unexpectedly develop some intense feelings for one another. It was really sweet watching the transformation in Jonathan as he allowed a little bit of light, laughter, and chaos into his super structured and orderly life. Hayden is basically a golden retriever. He’s such a bright spot in the world. I definitely sympathized with his reality dealing with ADHD. I appreciated how both men supported one another, especially the way Jonathan supported Hayden’s dream of being a musician.
This book is high heat. Jonathan and Hayden manage to have honest and vulnerable conversations though. They fall fast and hard, but it comes across as authentic and appropriate for them. This book is pretty low angst, despite a much needed conversation between both MCs and their respective fathers. Claire gives us a winter wonderland just before Christmas and through New Year’s. I loved Jonathan’s resolution at the end of the story. The epilogue is great (and features another holiday). Their HEA is satisfying. These two are an adorable couple and this story is utterly captivating. Definitely check it out when it releases!
December 13, 2023
Wrapped Up in You was a fun and short holiday read! My MM book club chose it as our book of the month, which gave me an extra push to get it done. And I thoroughly enjoyed it! If you love forced proximity holiday books, stepbrothers or age gap romance, you are going to LOVE this one. Add to your holiday TBR immediately!
Hayden and Jonathan became stepbrothers later in life, and they have never had much time to get to know each other. When they both decide to drive up to their family cabin for a Christmas alone, they certainly do not expect to see the other there. Jonathan is reeling after a difficult divorce; Hayden is struggling to figure out his future. When they realize they are stuck in the cabin with no way out, they end up opening up to each other. Though Hayden has had a long unrequited crush, Jonathan is surprised to find he's attracted to his stepbrother too. However, can their undeniable chemistry translate into a relationship when they are finally able to leave the cabin to go back to their lives?
What is it about stepbrother romance that is SO HOT?! There is spice very early on in this one and it's super hot, REALLY fast burn y'all. The fact that the guys have known each other for years (without really KNOWING each other) makes the instalove situation make sense, because their chemistry is off the charts almost immediately. I would have liked to see the guys spend a little bit more time getting to know one another before jumping into a relationship, but I can totally suspend belief for the sake of a relatively short story arc. And I loved all the holiday vibes of the story! I love a good snowed-in trope.
If you need a short and spicy read to add to finish out the year, I highly recommend checking this one out!
Hayden and Jonathan became stepbrothers later in life, and they have never had much time to get to know each other. When they both decide to drive up to their family cabin for a Christmas alone, they certainly do not expect to see the other there. Jonathan is reeling after a difficult divorce; Hayden is struggling to figure out his future. When they realize they are stuck in the cabin with no way out, they end up opening up to each other. Though Hayden has had a long unrequited crush, Jonathan is surprised to find he's attracted to his stepbrother too. However, can their undeniable chemistry translate into a relationship when they are finally able to leave the cabin to go back to their lives?
What is it about stepbrother romance that is SO HOT?! There is spice very early on in this one and it's super hot, REALLY fast burn y'all. The fact that the guys have known each other for years (without really KNOWING each other) makes the instalove situation make sense, because their chemistry is off the charts almost immediately. I would have liked to see the guys spend a little bit more time getting to know one another before jumping into a relationship, but I can totally suspend belief for the sake of a relatively short story arc. And I loved all the holiday vibes of the story! I love a good snowed-in trope.
If you need a short and spicy read to add to finish out the year, I highly recommend checking this one out!
July 31, 2025
Wrapped Up In You is a short and sweet standalone story by Melody Claire.
When I saw the tropes for this story, I felt instantly attracted. Stepbrothers, forced proximity, age gap, opposites attract: I was totally feeling it.
This book gave me great Holiday warm feelings. I enjoyed the attraction both men had for the other. Once the lust kicked in, it felt very natural. Nothing was rushed even though it was a short novel (about 200 pages). I also loved that Hayden and Jonathan were able to say it like it is. They had great communication and even though they were very different, they were able to support each other.
I think the lenght was perfect for this story and there was no extra stuff crammed in there just for the sake of it. This story was all about two MCs discovering how good it can feel to be loved and accepted, flaws and all.
Happy Holidays!
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
When I saw the tropes for this story, I felt instantly attracted. Stepbrothers, forced proximity, age gap, opposites attract: I was totally feeling it.
This book gave me great Holiday warm feelings. I enjoyed the attraction both men had for the other. Once the lust kicked in, it felt very natural. Nothing was rushed even though it was a short novel (about 200 pages). I also loved that Hayden and Jonathan were able to say it like it is. They had great communication and even though they were very different, they were able to support each other.
I think the lenght was perfect for this story and there was no extra stuff crammed in there just for the sake of it. This story was all about two MCs discovering how good it can feel to be loved and accepted, flaws and all.
Happy Holidays!
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 20, 2024
4.8⭐️
4🌶️
This Christmas novella was fabulous! Opposites attracted and it was hot as hell. These 2 just held my heart. The spicy was perfect...but also bring on a the sweet and tender too. The perfect combo for me!
Me being so much like Jonathan (Lucy-come on-I adored this nickname!) the one who likes order and schedules and keeping things together and sweet Hayden being just like my wife all over the place or hyper focused but always floating around...this book spoke to me and reminded me so much of the early days of my wife and I getting together. She's even a musician!
Lucy needed Hayden to bring out the side of him that longed to come out and Hayden needed Jonathan and his structure. They both just wanted to be seen for who they were and have the best versions of themselves recognized. To be validated and loved as is.....and boy did they. These two just made my heart smile so much. This will be a re-read every holiday for sure.
4🌶️
This Christmas novella was fabulous! Opposites attracted and it was hot as hell. These 2 just held my heart. The spicy was perfect...but also bring on a the sweet and tender too. The perfect combo for me!
Me being so much like Jonathan (Lucy-come on-I adored this nickname!) the one who likes order and schedules and keeping things together and sweet Hayden being just like my wife all over the place or hyper focused but always floating around...this book spoke to me and reminded me so much of the early days of my wife and I getting together. She's even a musician!
Lucy needed Hayden to bring out the side of him that longed to come out and Hayden needed Jonathan and his structure. They both just wanted to be seen for who they were and have the best versions of themselves recognized. To be validated and loved as is.....and boy did they. These two just made my heart smile so much. This will be a re-read every holiday for sure.
May 19, 2024
I received an Arc from the author in exchange of an honest review and I kind of wish I hadn’t?
The story was whatever, nothing new and very predictable. Both MCs have known each other for like 7 years and yet all it take is 2 days in close proximity for them to fall in love? Ummm, just no.
The story was whatever, nothing new and very predictable. Both MCs have known each other for like 7 years and yet all it take is 2 days in close proximity for them to fall in love? Ummm, just no.
January 4, 2024
❄️𝖂𝕽𝕬𝕻𝕻𝕰𝕯 𝕴𝕻 𝕴𝕹 𝖄𝕺𝖀❄️
Reeling from a divorce, Jonathan goes to the family cabin to spend some time alone when his step brother , Hayden, crashes in on him. Hayden, needing to also get away from being seen as a disappointment by his father is surprised to find his older step brother in the cabin. What happens when two step brothers with a thirst for escape from the real world are stuck in a snow cabin?
Wrapped up in you is a low angst, high heat holiday MM romance with forced proximity and is pretty fast paced .
The step brothers trope is pretty much one of my favorite tropes whilst forced proximity is one of my least favorite micro tropes😅 but i enjoyed this. Hayden has ADHD and i enjoyed watching him break all those assumptions of him and Jonathan getting to actually know him. This was too sweet and is a perfect read for the holiday. (Yes yes it was my first read of the year but Christmas doesn’t end till Jan 31 for me😂😂)
Reeling from a divorce, Jonathan goes to the family cabin to spend some time alone when his step brother , Hayden, crashes in on him. Hayden, needing to also get away from being seen as a disappointment by his father is surprised to find his older step brother in the cabin. What happens when two step brothers with a thirst for escape from the real world are stuck in a snow cabin?
Wrapped up in you is a low angst, high heat holiday MM romance with forced proximity and is pretty fast paced .
The step brothers trope is pretty much one of my favorite tropes whilst forced proximity is one of my least favorite micro tropes😅 but i enjoyed this. Hayden has ADHD and i enjoyed watching him break all those assumptions of him and Jonathan getting to actually know him. This was too sweet and is a perfect read for the holiday. (Yes yes it was my first read of the year but Christmas doesn’t end till Jan 31 for me😂😂)
December 7, 2023
What I loved:
- (as an adhd person) ADHD rep was excellent.
- the characters were layered. Had their own faults and grew from understanding them. We call that a *character arc* and it adds depth and love to see it.
- REDEMPTION ARCS FOR NOT ONE BUT TWO DADS?! yes.
- positive depictions of a nuclear family.
What I did love but didn’t hate:
- insta “love”, yes they knew each other for years but had so few interactions they could count them and there was no build up to it which isn’t my jam but I was willing to ignore that in favor of enjoying the story bcuz it was good!
Tbh you should not go into this expecting too much pre-action development. It’s a novella - it can only fit so much! With the length to keep it short I think Melody did a great job establishing the characters, and making them dimensional.
- (as an adhd person) ADHD rep was excellent.
- the characters were layered. Had their own faults and grew from understanding them. We call that a *character arc* and it adds depth and love to see it.
- REDEMPTION ARCS FOR NOT ONE BUT TWO DADS?! yes.
- positive depictions of a nuclear family.
What I did love but didn’t hate:
- insta “love”, yes they knew each other for years but had so few interactions they could count them and there was no build up to it which isn’t my jam but I was willing to ignore that in favor of enjoying the story bcuz it was good!
Tbh you should not go into this expecting too much pre-action development. It’s a novella - it can only fit so much! With the length to keep it short I think Melody did a great job establishing the characters, and making them dimensional.
June 28, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Age gap, step brothers, opposites attract and it’s forced proximity because they’re snowed in together at a cabin, I had a great time. It does lean into insta-lust, and I found myself wishing there was a bit more build-up between them. Jonathan is bi, and recently divorced from his wife, I wished that was explored more, as he mentioned that he was bisexual and it kind of ran with that… I don’t know how to explain it, but I think even Hayden assumed that he was straight, until he had said he wasn’t.
The nickname “Lucy” (short for Lucifer) that Hayden uses for Jonathan threw me a few times, but overall, this was a fun, spicy read.
*stuff your kindle day purchase*
Age gap, step brothers, opposites attract and it’s forced proximity because they’re snowed in together at a cabin, I had a great time. It does lean into insta-lust, and I found myself wishing there was a bit more build-up between them. Jonathan is bi, and recently divorced from his wife, I wished that was explored more, as he mentioned that he was bisexual and it kind of ran with that… I don’t know how to explain it, but I think even Hayden assumed that he was straight, until he had said he wasn’t.
The nickname “Lucy” (short for Lucifer) that Hayden uses for Jonathan threw me a few times, but overall, this was a fun, spicy read.
*stuff your kindle day purchase*
December 6, 2023
Sweet
High heat and a fast burn, these guys are sweet together. There's a fair amount of family healing too.
Having the words the end at the end of the last chapter before the epilogue was a tad confusing. Those words should be kept for the actual end of the book.
Otherwise, a good read
High heat and a fast burn, these guys are sweet together. There's a fair amount of family healing too.
Having the words the end at the end of the last chapter before the epilogue was a tad confusing. Those words should be kept for the actual end of the book.
Otherwise, a good read
Read
November 30, 2024DNF 47%
too much insta-love with literally 0 character development or chemistry 😭😭 it wasnt terrible but this was way too one dimensional and mushy for me :( i mean my boy really said he was falling for hayden when not even 24 hours earlier he knew absolutely nothing about him and hated him
too much insta-love with literally 0 character development or chemistry 😭😭 it wasnt terrible but this was way too one dimensional and mushy for me :( i mean my boy really said he was falling for hayden when not even 24 hours earlier he knew absolutely nothing about him and hated him
December 7, 2023
3.5⭐️ very sweet and well-written stepbrothers to lovers. I loved the snowed-in, only one bed vibe.
I just wish it had been a slower burn. I would have liked more build-up and angst in the beginning, but instead, they got together very quickly and then the middle part of the book dragged, with them just having a lot of sex until the requisite bit of drama at 80%.
I just wish it had been a slower burn. I would have liked more build-up and angst in the beginning, but instead, they got together very quickly and then the middle part of the book dragged, with them just having a lot of sex until the requisite bit of drama at 80%.
November 25, 2023
It’s still ringing hard in Jonathan’s ears “Boring. Anal. Predictable.” Some of the reasons his wife looked somewhere else for fun.
Jonathan, fresh divorced, isn’t the nicest person to his younger stepbrother Hayden. He doesn’t know him really, still, he’s rigid and uptight and has many prejudices about Hayden and how he lives his life.
Hayden is the sweetest guy, with a brain that works somewhat differently than most, he’s always been condemned by his father. After another fight with his father, he fled to the secluded family cabin.
Guess what… his, already drunk, stepbrother Jonathan is there too. No way to turn back and leave, because there’s knee-deep snow all around.
Getting to know each other in a real, different way, opens up whole new perspectives and ideas about the other.
Jonathan has to admit Hayden isn’t annoying, he’s super endearing. Hayden has to admit Jonathan, when free from the weight on his shoulders, is light and fun.
What started with sexual interaction as a way to kill time, grows into something both couldn’t have imagined.
What follows is a sweet blooming romance with depth and meaningful interactions.
I enjoyed this story, it was fun, steamy, and had seriousness. I’ll put the fast way all the family problems were solved under the Christmas spirit umbrella.
Jonathan, fresh divorced, isn’t the nicest person to his younger stepbrother Hayden. He doesn’t know him really, still, he’s rigid and uptight and has many prejudices about Hayden and how he lives his life.
Hayden is the sweetest guy, with a brain that works somewhat differently than most, he’s always been condemned by his father. After another fight with his father, he fled to the secluded family cabin.
Guess what… his, already drunk, stepbrother Jonathan is there too. No way to turn back and leave, because there’s knee-deep snow all around.
Getting to know each other in a real, different way, opens up whole new perspectives and ideas about the other.
Jonathan has to admit Hayden isn’t annoying, he’s super endearing. Hayden has to admit Jonathan, when free from the weight on his shoulders, is light and fun.
What started with sexual interaction as a way to kill time, grows into something both couldn’t have imagined.
What follows is a sweet blooming romance with depth and meaningful interactions.
I enjoyed this story, it was fun, steamy, and had seriousness. I’ll put the fast way all the family problems were solved under the Christmas spirit umbrella.
April 18, 2024
I see other reviews complaining about the short length and how the characters weren't developed, but I disagree. I read plenty of novellas, and you have to think of them like a "slice of life" story. No, you're not going to get their whole story with detailed background and experiences, but this author did a good job of getting me invested in Hayden and his Lucy (Jonathan). There was enough of a build up from glimpses into their past that I was happy to dive into their story and watch their romance play out.
The Christmas theme was present but not overwhelming, so me reading this in April had no bearing on my enjoyment outside the holiday season.
My favorite part of this book is how both characters realize how wrong they are about each other. They are able to let their guards down, truly see one another, and work through things together. Jonathan's self-discovery is impressive, and his ability to see how his snap judgments and being set in his ways was holding him back. And Hayden pushing aside his fears to give into his music dreams is inspiring. I think this was the perfect length for these two.
The Christmas theme was present but not overwhelming, so me reading this in April had no bearing on my enjoyment outside the holiday season.
My favorite part of this book is how both characters realize how wrong they are about each other. They are able to let their guards down, truly see one another, and work through things together. Jonathan's self-discovery is impressive, and his ability to see how his snap judgments and being set in his ways was holding him back. And Hayden pushing aside his fears to give into his music dreams is inspiring. I think this was the perfect length for these two.
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