Snowed in With You

by Rye Cox

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.

ebook

Expected publication December 4, 2025

About the author

Be sure to follow to stay updated on latest release: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/rye-cox

Rye is an M/M Romance author who is a romantic at heart. She believes that love conquers all, and that's why her stories are guaranteed to always have an HEA. When she's not writing, she escapes to the world of books or daydreams about becoming a future cat lady.

Reviews

[Dani (Daniiireads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐

Eli has hated his stepbrother Nathan ever since he overheard his friends making fun of him and Nathan did nothing to defend him. The fact that Nathan acts clueless about the entire thing just grinds Eli's gears even more!

Worst of all, Nathan is his ride to their family's Christmas retreat—a fate worse than death in Eli's eyes. & if being forced to spend time with him wasn’t bad enough, thanks to a little detour along the way, he and Nathan are stuck weathering out a snowstorm in Nathan's uncle's empty cabin.

The crappy situation has tensions rising between them, and things finally come to a breaking point. When the truth outs, Nathan claims that it was all a misunderstanding, and Eli’s feelings for his stepbrother become even more confusing. Especially when he and Nathan start acting not so brotherly.

Snowed In With You was so cute! I'm not usually a fan of the miscommunication trope, but I was so glad when Nathan and Eli finally cleared the air between them. I loved all the snarky banter and sizzling chemistry between them prior to them realizing their feelings for one another, and how Nathan didn't even flinch when things started heating up between the two of them.

Overall, this was super cozy and fun, and all around a good time!

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- holiday romance
- stepbrothers
- bi awakening
- one sided enemies to lovers
- grumpy, but only with you + sunshine
- forced proximity + snowed in together

[✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Copy received via Neon Rainbow Reviews for an honest review

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.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 & Nathan 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.

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Read With Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

So… stepbrothers, grumpy/sunshine, even though Eli is only grumpy towards Nathan, forced proximity, a fireplace…
I could list more, but why? The book speaks for itself.

When I read the description, I genuinely thought the older brother would be the grumpy one — and then it turns out he’s actually that typically sweet guy who would never hurt anyone.
I loved the “grumpy but only with you” dynamic and the basically one-sided enemies-to-lovers vibe. The character development was amazing, the pacing, the way the story flowed — no unnecessary drama, just Eli’s usual overthinking and the frustration that comes with it.

I especially want to highlight how well Nathan reacted to his bi-awakening — he didn’t even flinch — and how he didn’t dwell on the whole stepbrothers topic for long.
And the moments where the boys communicated without words? Especially when they told their parents they were together? Absolute chef’s kiss.

I received an ARC copy of the book, and this is my honest opinion.

[Mrs.V · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nathan and Eli are stepbrothers with some miscommunication in their past that they need to clear up ASAP! Nathan is a kind soul - but Eli would never believe that side of his stepbrother is real. It takes some Christmastime forced together time for them to overcome their hurt from the past.

I really loved how Nathan didn't shy away from his pull towards Eli even though he had never thought of himself as attracted to men before. But there is something about Eli that has always drawn him in. It's really Eli who is fighting their attraction the most. He gives Nathan a run for his money. But Nathan is patient and honestly, working to earn Eli's trust.

I enjoyed this book and the MCs, but I did feel I would have loved to see more of their emotional connection journey when they returned from Christmas before they jump to the big 3 words. But overall, an enjoyable read that I recommend, especially for those that like a good snowed in Christmas story!

3.5/5 stars

[CatOnABlueBackground · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is enemies to lovers (well, Eli doesn't like Nathan, and Nathan doesn't know why). There's plenty of spice once they get together. Even though they're step-brothers, there's not a lot of angst - the family seems to think it's fine pretty quickly.

Eli and Nathan end up driving together to the winter cabin for a vacation with the family. Eli isn't happy about this because he thinks Nathan is a bully who made fun of him for being gay many years ago. Nathan wants to stop by his uncle's cabin on the way, and they end up getting snowed in due to a flat tire. The power goes out, Eli falls in the lake, there's a bunch of cuddling to conserve body heat (fortunately they have a fireplace). And during that time, Eli realizes Nathan is actually a good guy. The romance starts there, and continues during the week at the family cabin. They get together once they get back to the city and eventually get their HEA.

It's a quick, easy, feel-good read with lots of snow.

[Fedora · Rating 4 out of 5]

SNOWED IN WITH YOU by Rye Cox is an entertaining antagonistic stepbrothers to lovers story, taking full advantage of the wintry magic of the holiday season. As a college senior, Eli Madison needs to be focused on figuring out his post graduation plans, not mooning over his super annoying stepbrother. Nathan Bailey’s just trying to survive his first job out of school, but a snowstorm on their way to a family Thanksgiving weekend gives them both food for thought.

Rye Cox’s story is a sweet one, as Nathan wrestles with his burgeoning feelings for his step sibling, and realizes he’s not as straight as he’d thought he was. And Eli takes a hard look at himself and their past interactions in a different light. Their family and friends provide a supportive chorus as they sort themselves. A great holiday read.

[Sara Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Henna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 stars

Eli and Nathan are stepbrothers, but Eli hates Nathan. Nathan has no idea why, but it all comes out when they get stuck together in a snowstorm.
Maybe Eli doesn't hate Nathan after all. And maybe Nathan isn't as straight as he thought.
This story ticked a lot of tropes I liked (hate-to-love, one (floor)bed, opposites attract etc.) and I liked it. It doesn't really bring much new to the genre or tropes, but you get a lovely and cute story of two guys falling in love.

[R.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snowed in With You is a sweet, low-angst holiday romance that delivers exactly what you’d hope for from a “grumpy-only-to-you” stepbrother story. Frustration and resentment turning to love feels so natural, and I loved it.

Forced proximity (and warmth by the fire!) is an extra win... add in some bi-awakening, and I was sold!

[Rachel Blomberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nathan and Eli

Stepbrothers to lovers after Eli forgives Nathan for something he did with his friends shortly after their parents married. Eli slowly starts to see the real Nathan and loves what he sees. With lots of firsts for both men.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanine Beaulieu St Pierre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book it is so cute in a way that you fall in love with this couple ,,,but they both start off on the wrong foot ,,,,but all it takes is for these two is a storm and one of them being a person that likes to take of anyone that needs it.i have read this book for this author for my honest opinion .

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Pamela Daake · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good enemies to lovers story. I liked Eli and Nathan. I liked the way their relationship changed. Nathan takes responsibility for their falling out and shows Eli he can be trusted. I enjoyed the storyline and liked the characters. Overall it was a good book I read in a couple hours.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A FESTIVE HOLIDAY DELIGHT OF A READ!

I liked Eli and Nathan very much. This is an enemies to lovers, between two step brothers, that I really enjoyed it. I like the progression between these two MC's. This is an ARC review.

[Liette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of step-brothers to lovers. I loved how one is grumpy, baby of the family and he tries to be grumpy to his step brother. I love how the romantic mc is able to soften the grumpy mc. I loved this story, great read for the holidays.

[Stacey Flavin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute enemies to lovers and grumpy/sunshine holiday book. Had lots of my favourite tropes and I enjoyed it. (I received an ARC copy, this is an honest and voluntary review)