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Snowed In - Valentine's Inc. #7
Snow Way Out
He's twice his size and a lot older, but will Mac let Quentin come out on top?
Quentin is searching for…something.
Respect.
Answers.
His identity.
Most of all, he’s searching for a man who will let him be in charge, despite the fact that he looks like an elf.
But all that will have to wait because right now, he’s searching for shelter after getting stranded in the middle of nowhere, New York with a massive snow storm about to hit. He finds an unexpected host in Mac, a man the whole town seems to hate. Mac has secrets…but so does Quentin.
Sparks fly between them, but can it lead to more when Mac is twice his size, a lot older, and practically a virgin… and when Mac can’t leave and there’s no way Quentin will stay?
Snow Way Out is a steamy contemporary gay romance with an age gap, a dash of kink, a ton of snow, a gentle giant of a man, and a bossy twink. It’s a standalone book in the Snowed In – Valentine’s Inc. series, which are only connected by the same writing prompt.
Quentin is searching for…something.
Respect.
Answers.
His identity.
Most of all, he’s searching for a man who will let him be in charge, despite the fact that he looks like an elf.
But all that will have to wait because right now, he’s searching for shelter after getting stranded in the middle of nowhere, New York with a massive snow storm about to hit. He finds an unexpected host in Mac, a man the whole town seems to hate. Mac has secrets…but so does Quentin.
Sparks fly between them, but can it lead to more when Mac is twice his size, a lot older, and practically a virgin… and when Mac can’t leave and there’s no way Quentin will stay?
Snow Way Out is a steamy contemporary gay romance with an age gap, a dash of kink, a ton of snow, a gentle giant of a man, and a bossy twink. It’s a standalone book in the Snowed In – Valentine’s Inc. series, which are only connected by the same writing prompt.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2020
408 people are currently reading
1050 people want to read
About the author
Nora Phoenix
126 books2,208 followersWould you like the long or the short version of my bio?
The short? You got it.
I write steamy gay romance books and I love it. I also love reading books. Books are everything.
How was that?
A little more detail? Gotcha.
I started writing my first stories when I was a teen…on a freaking typewriter. I still have these, and they’re adorably romantic. And bad, haha. Fear of failing kept me from following my dream to become a romance author, so you can imagine how proud and ecstatic I am that I finally overcame my fears and self doubt and did it. I adore my genre because I love writing and reading about flawed, strong men who are just a tad broken..but find their happy ever after anyway.
My favorite books to read are pretty much all MM/gay romances as long as it has a happy end. Kink is a plus… Aside from that, I also read a lot of nonfiction and not just books on writing. Popular psychology is a favorite topic of mine and so are self help and sociology.
Hobbies? Ain’t nobody got time for that. Just kidding. I love traveling, spending time near the ocean, and hiking. But I love books more.
Come hang out with me in my Facebook Group Nora’s Nook where I share previews, sneak peeks, freebies, fun stuff, and much more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/noras...
Wanna get first dibs on freebies, updates, sales, and more? Sign up for my newsletter (no spamming your inbox full…promise!) here: http://www.noraphoenix.com/newsletter/
You can also stalk me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NoraFromBHR
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nora.phoenix/
On Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/nora-...
The short? You got it.
I write steamy gay romance books and I love it. I also love reading books. Books are everything.
How was that?
A little more detail? Gotcha.
I started writing my first stories when I was a teen…on a freaking typewriter. I still have these, and they’re adorably romantic. And bad, haha. Fear of failing kept me from following my dream to become a romance author, so you can imagine how proud and ecstatic I am that I finally overcame my fears and self doubt and did it. I adore my genre because I love writing and reading about flawed, strong men who are just a tad broken..but find their happy ever after anyway.
My favorite books to read are pretty much all MM/gay romances as long as it has a happy end. Kink is a plus… Aside from that, I also read a lot of nonfiction and not just books on writing. Popular psychology is a favorite topic of mine and so are self help and sociology.
Hobbies? Ain’t nobody got time for that. Just kidding. I love traveling, spending time near the ocean, and hiking. But I love books more.
Come hang out with me in my Facebook Group Nora’s Nook where I share previews, sneak peeks, freebies, fun stuff, and much more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/noras...
Wanna get first dibs on freebies, updates, sales, and more? Sign up for my newsletter (no spamming your inbox full…promise!) here: http://www.noraphoenix.com/newsletter/
You can also stalk me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NoraFromBHR
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nora.phoenix/
On Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/nora-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 301 reviews
January 4, 2026
Something about this was just so fucking icky, but I couldn't tell you what it was?
Maybe it's just because they're fucking and getting relationship-y after 18 hours together? I don't know.
When the first "baby" was dropped, I physically grimaced in my car like:
And that was a sign that I should have stopped.
I'd been looking for twink tops/beefy bottoms, but SOMETHING ABOUT THIS FELT SO WEIRD????
Also, I hate that Mac was super rude to the hotel lady. Sure she was being painted like a rude bitch to Quentin, but he was having a petulant melt down like a child over a refund and it was gross.
Quentin... I wish the best for the sweet baby angel.
Maybe it's just because they're fucking and getting relationship-y after 18 hours together? I don't know.
When the first "baby" was dropped, I physically grimaced in my car like:
And that was a sign that I should have stopped.
I'd been looking for twink tops/beefy bottoms, but SOMETHING ABOUT THIS FELT SO WEIRD????
Also, I hate that Mac was super rude to the hotel lady. Sure she was being painted like a rude bitch to Quentin, but he was having a petulant melt down like a child over a refund and it was gross.
Quentin... I wish the best for the sweet baby angel.
February 19, 2020
Snow Way Out is #7 in the set of stories, with different authors, and plots. THIS TERRIFIC TALE IS SUPERB ! I'd give it more stars if I could !
Let me start with the MCs now in upper New York;
* Quentin, 23, is a marvelous guy, a smaller man,
lean and strong, brazen and fierce, as a new Dom, honing his craft. He's working on his P.H.D. about small towns and becomes stranded.
* Mac/Augustus, 38, pierced, tattooed, big muscled man,
is the town handyman and Junkyard owner with a brutal past, tows Quentin's car, and becomes an important player for Quentin.
* By 14%, I liked each man and I was full of anticipation for what was to come.
The nearby small town that his thesis is about, is also where Quentin was born, then his Dad disappeared and his Mom moved him to California. Mac/Augustus has been treated badly by the whole town, he stutters and has a secret shame, which we are enlightened about later. For now, the men are forced into staying together, from the snow storm, at Mac's huge Junkyard.
* I loved this whole dynamic story, with our guys talks, Quentin's acceptance of Mac as just another human being, and a special one, at that. Mac is equally happy with the way Quentin treats him, and their attraction begins.
* BDSM, D/s, and deep passion rule this book. Nora Phoenix books are very well written, with understanding, and perfection in her descriptions of the thoughts and actions of our guys.
Exquisite detail is given in the D/s scene with ropes. Every thought, motion and response are well detailed.
* In and out of bed, these men need each other, and they are amazing together are partners in the other parts of their relationship. Quentin pitches in, and handles some situations for Augustus very fiercely. You'll see what I mean when you read this gem.
* We get tension in the form of Quentin's two reasons for choosing the small town, and when it backfires, his Professor has to call him back, to start again elsewhere. Big, solid emotions are felt.
You will be filled with joy for Augustus at his strength of purpose, and defending himself after all of the towns folks abuse.
This is simply magnificent.
Highly recommended !
ENJOY !
======
Let me start with the MCs now in upper New York;
* Quentin, 23, is a marvelous guy, a smaller man,
lean and strong, brazen and fierce, as a new Dom, honing his craft. He's working on his P.H.D. about small towns and becomes stranded.
* Mac/Augustus, 38, pierced, tattooed, big muscled man,
is the town handyman and Junkyard owner with a brutal past, tows Quentin's car, and becomes an important player for Quentin.
* By 14%, I liked each man and I was full of anticipation for what was to come.
The nearby small town that his thesis is about, is also where Quentin was born, then his Dad disappeared and his Mom moved him to California. Mac/Augustus has been treated badly by the whole town, he stutters and has a secret shame, which we are enlightened about later. For now, the men are forced into staying together, from the snow storm, at Mac's huge Junkyard.
* I loved this whole dynamic story, with our guys talks, Quentin's acceptance of Mac as just another human being, and a special one, at that. Mac is equally happy with the way Quentin treats him, and their attraction begins.
* BDSM, D/s, and deep passion rule this book. Nora Phoenix books are very well written, with understanding, and perfection in her descriptions of the thoughts and actions of our guys.
Exquisite detail is given in the D/s scene with ropes. Every thought, motion and response are well detailed.
* In and out of bed, these men need each other, and they are amazing together are partners in the other parts of their relationship. Quentin pitches in, and handles some situations for Augustus very fiercely. You'll see what I mean when you read this gem.
* We get tension in the form of Quentin's two reasons for choosing the small town, and when it backfires, his Professor has to call him back, to start again elsewhere. Big, solid emotions are felt.
You will be filled with joy for Augustus at his strength of purpose, and defending himself after all of the towns folks abuse.
This is simply magnificent.
Highly recommended !
ENJOY !
======
August 13, 2024
„Here he was, on his knees for another man, hell, almost flat on the floor, literally kissing his feet…but he’d never felt more powerful. He’d never felt more free. He’d spoken the truth, and the rest was up to Quentin. He was at Quentin’s mercy, and that was exactly where he wanted to be.“
This book had no right to turn out this sweet and leave me this emotional.
This book had everything what I loved in it, story was amazing,and got me hooked really quick. And the characters were unique and layered beautifully, i loved Mac so much pls this man has my whole hart! Both Quentin and Mac are deeply hurt characters, their dynamic and their understanding for each other was so beautifully, i enjoyed every single minute with them.
Another really beautiful aspect was their unwavering and deep trust ,they had in each other. And it was portrait beautiful, especially with Macs submission to Quentin. Some scenes really left me speechless and breathless, not really because of the hotness (where I do have to say their encounters were spicy hehe) but because of the raw emotions that was there .
Quentin was so unsure about himself, if it was actually okay for him to be dominate, because of his twinkish look and Macs more maskulin and bear looking self.
And this is something I just loved here, because larger bottom and smaller top is something that not often is portrait in books…
But Mac wanted nothing more to submit and take care of Quentin and he had no problem to show him that.
I loved every single aspect of this book for me it fulfills all my wants. I also want to say that sometimes when book have a character who stutters, it’s not really well or accurate written,what makes me actually hate it, but this was absolutely not the case here. And last thing …the plottwist I really haven’t seen that coming! It was amazing.
This book had no right to turn out this sweet and leave me this emotional.
This book had everything what I loved in it, story was amazing,and got me hooked really quick. And the characters were unique and layered beautifully, i loved Mac so much pls this man has my whole hart! Both Quentin and Mac are deeply hurt characters, their dynamic and their understanding for each other was so beautifully, i enjoyed every single minute with them.
Another really beautiful aspect was their unwavering and deep trust ,they had in each other. And it was portrait beautiful, especially with Macs submission to Quentin. Some scenes really left me speechless and breathless, not really because of the hotness (where I do have to say their encounters were spicy hehe) but because of the raw emotions that was there .
Quentin was so unsure about himself, if it was actually okay for him to be dominate, because of his twinkish look and Macs more maskulin and bear looking self.
And this is something I just loved here, because larger bottom and smaller top is something that not often is portrait in books…
But Mac wanted nothing more to submit and take care of Quentin and he had no problem to show him that.
I loved every single aspect of this book for me it fulfills all my wants. I also want to say that sometimes when book have a character who stutters, it’s not really well or accurate written,what makes me actually hate it, but this was absolutely not the case here. And last thing …the plottwist I really haven’t seen that coming! It was amazing.
July 22, 2025
I don't know why I listened to this entire thing when I didn't like it 😅 I'm going to use the excuse that I was doing projects around the house and couldn't be bothered to stop and find a different book to listen to 🤷🏼♀️
I can't point to any one specific thing or even a list of things that bothered me, it was more like the entire book felt off or sloppily written? The plot was weak, the characters were only okay, and the BDSM/kink was slapdash at best. Sadly, it was an unmemorable book experience 🫠
This was also my first audiobook narrated by Kenneth Obi, and I think the jury is still out on whether I like him or not. Credit where credit is due though, he did a great job portraying Mac/Augustus's stutter. Otherwise, I found his accent unusual, and it oddly grew stronger at times.
For instance, when Quentin went to the small town for his research project, everyone there sounded vaguely Southern even though the setting is upstate New York??? It not just the people from the small town but Quentin as well. Suddenly, born and raised in California Quentin sounded Southern-ish when he started speaking at the diner. Was it a magical place that converts everyone's accent or just my imagination? Who knows, maybe the paint fumes from my home project were getting to me? Either way, it was weird to me 😂
I can't point to any one specific thing or even a list of things that bothered me, it was more like the entire book felt off or sloppily written? The plot was weak, the characters were only okay, and the BDSM/kink was slapdash at best. Sadly, it was an unmemorable book experience 🫠
This was also my first audiobook narrated by Kenneth Obi, and I think the jury is still out on whether I like him or not. Credit where credit is due though, he did a great job portraying Mac/Augustus's stutter. Otherwise, I found his accent unusual, and it oddly grew stronger at times.
For instance, when Quentin went to the small town for his research project, everyone there sounded vaguely Southern even though the setting is upstate New York??? It not just the people from the small town but Quentin as well. Suddenly, born and raised in California Quentin sounded Southern-ish when he started speaking at the diner. Was it a magical place that converts everyone's accent or just my imagination? Who knows, maybe the paint fumes from my home project were getting to me? Either way, it was weird to me 😂
July 10, 2023
You have to love both characters...Quinton because of how devoted he is to life and how hard he works to make the things that are important in his life work out in spite of a huge school debt, and how he wants the people in his life to be happy. He never expected the gigantic snowstorm...he's a California boy and he had never even seen much snow much less all this white stuff. He decides that fate must hate him, because now he's stranded in this small New York town with a broken-down car and an almost empty wallet. To make matters worse...if that is even possible, the guy that owns the salvage yard and come to his rescue is his idea of a dream walking on two legs...but he seems eager to be rid of him and begins to do so by hauling him into town to the nearest...and only inn...which has no electricity...so no heat...plus it seems everyone in town hates his rescuer and the big giant just lets it all happen with a sigh. WHAT THE HECK IS THIS ABOUT??? Mac...the walking dream...has a generator, therefore he has heat...but now he also has Quinton under the same roof with him. I loved Quinton and Mac, (the walking dream). I hated the townspeople for the way they treated Mac, but I also hated Mac through most of the story for allowing it. Then we watched as both characters began to grow and evolve. Overall...it was a fun story, but it was filled with almost too many challenges that the characters had to face in the outside world, however a great deal of care is given to their evolving relationship in the "indoor" world. Nora Phoenix has beautifully provided for the mismatched characteristics of Quinton and Mac... a younger, smaller man who struggles with actually being a Dominant and the older, larger, tatted and pierced "walking dream" who desperately wants to be the young Dom's submissive. Overall, what we get is an entertaining, beautifully written, story, with loads of heart and kink.
September 20, 2021
Oh dear God I hated this 😂 but I managed to finish it!
It came recommended on a popular MM group when someone was looking for the trope bigger bottom/twink top, which ofc fits. And I like the trope, so I mean, I dug in.
It was bad. Really bad. Flat characters with dramatic pasts, insta-love at its finest, an abnormal, annoying quantity of stereotypes (even when the author probably thought she was "subverting" them), a stupid (and I mean, STUPID) plot twist and the OVER ABUSE of the word "baby". Ew. Jeez this was so sappy and cringe.
And plus, this author has no idea how a PhD works, does she 😂😂😂 that was just the final drop.
It came recommended on a popular MM group when someone was looking for the trope bigger bottom/twink top, which ofc fits. And I like the trope, so I mean, I dug in.
It was bad. Really bad. Flat characters with dramatic pasts, insta-love at its finest, an abnormal, annoying quantity of stereotypes (even when the author probably thought she was "subverting" them), a stupid (and I mean, STUPID) plot twist and the OVER ABUSE of the word "baby". Ew. Jeez this was so sappy and cringe.
And plus, this author has no idea how a PhD works, does she 😂😂😂 that was just the final drop.
May 11, 2024
*3.5 stars* RTC
December 28, 2020
This book took my by surprise. I don't know why but it has been waiting in my library for a really long time and I've never gotten around to it. I'm happy I finally did. I started listening to it while walking my dogs and I couldn't stop after that. Ignoring everything, I had to finish it. I had to know what the happy ending would look like. And here we are, it's the middle of the night and I'm sobbing because it grabbed me so much. It's something special, finding those books that grabs you and won't let you go. Leaving you emotionally wrecked in the very best way. I will remember and think about this book for a very long time.
This book is about Quentin and Mac. Both men having had their fair share of trouble. Quentin is on his way to do a research project in a small town when his car breaks down in the middle of nowhere. Luckily for him he gets rescued and meets Mac. Mac is a big man. Almost scary. But on the inside he's the gentlest of souls. My heart was bleeding for Mac pretty much from the start and I just wanted to hold him. Make him feel less lonely. Just like Quentin did. Quentin on the other hand is by all definitions a twink. But he craves more. Things some men have a problem with because of his size. But not Mac. He craves the exact thing Quentin wanted to give.
Read this book. I recommend it wholeheartedly.
This book is about Quentin and Mac. Both men having had their fair share of trouble. Quentin is on his way to do a research project in a small town when his car breaks down in the middle of nowhere. Luckily for him he gets rescued and meets Mac. Mac is a big man. Almost scary. But on the inside he's the gentlest of souls. My heart was bleeding for Mac pretty much from the start and I just wanted to hold him. Make him feel less lonely. Just like Quentin did. Quentin on the other hand is by all definitions a twink. But he craves more. Things some men have a problem with because of his size. But not Mac. He craves the exact thing Quentin wanted to give.
Read this book. I recommend it wholeheartedly.
June 25, 2024
3.5✨ sweet but kind of ott for me
February 4, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Snow Way Out is one of those books that grabbed me right from the moment I heard the words snowbound, bossy twink, gentle giant, and age gap. The story has so many of my favorite things, I couldn’t wait to check this one out and I was not disappointed. The book is that perfect combination of sexy and sweet that just gave me a warm, happy feeling as I read it. I couldn’t help but fall in love with both of these characters. Mac, in particular, just grabbed by heart. He looks gruff and intimidating, but he is a big, mushy marshmallow inside. He has learned to expect hatred and derision from everyone and he is really suffering in his small town. So it is so lovely to watch him just light up around Quentin and the younger man just showers him with love and support. Mac is sweet and dotes and Quentin and just adores everything about him. For his part, Quentin has gotten used to people expecting him to be a certain way based on his size and appearance and he is often disappointed by his relationships and hookups. But Quentin isn’t hung up on expectations and he turns out to have a perfectly compatible set of interests and kinks. The guys explore some light BDSM as they try out a Dom/sub dynamic, and the book is overall pretty steamy, but there is also a real sweetness to their connection. The guys fall pretty fast and hard, and their relationship comes together pretty easily, but I think that works here, as the conflicts are all external. So we get a lot of warm, cozy, yumminess, along with a lot of heat.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Snow Way Out is one of those books that grabbed me right from the moment I heard the words snowbound, bossy twink, gentle giant, and age gap. The story has so many of my favorite things, I couldn’t wait to check this one out and I was not disappointed. The book is that perfect combination of sexy and sweet that just gave me a warm, happy feeling as I read it. I couldn’t help but fall in love with both of these characters. Mac, in particular, just grabbed by heart. He looks gruff and intimidating, but he is a big, mushy marshmallow inside. He has learned to expect hatred and derision from everyone and he is really suffering in his small town. So it is so lovely to watch him just light up around Quentin and the younger man just showers him with love and support. Mac is sweet and dotes and Quentin and just adores everything about him. For his part, Quentin has gotten used to people expecting him to be a certain way based on his size and appearance and he is often disappointed by his relationships and hookups. But Quentin isn’t hung up on expectations and he turns out to have a perfectly compatible set of interests and kinks. The guys explore some light BDSM as they try out a Dom/sub dynamic, and the book is overall pretty steamy, but there is also a real sweetness to their connection. The guys fall pretty fast and hard, and their relationship comes together pretty easily, but I think that works here, as the conflicts are all external. So we get a lot of warm, cozy, yumminess, along with a lot of heat.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
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April 17, 2024
Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Oh man, what a beautiful story.
I had no expectation going into this one. But the story immediately sucked me in and I was unable to put it down. Quinton and Mac/Augustus fit together perfectly and I think they have become one of my favorite couples now.
Also really enjoyed how the small town trope was represented in different way in the story.
Oh man, what a beautiful story.
I had no expectation going into this one. But the story immediately sucked me in and I was unable to put it down. Quinton and Mac/Augustus fit together perfectly and I think they have become one of my favorite couples now.
Also really enjoyed how the small town trope was represented in different way in the story.
February 17, 2020
OMG I just LOVED this! If you're a fan of sweet, sexy, age gap of about 15 years romance between a big, beefy, gentle giant, inexperienced man on bottom, and a younger, dominating, experienced man on top - you just have to read this.
I absolutely loved Quentin and Augustus (he's known around town as Mac, but his full name is Augustus) - how different they were, and how well they complimented the other. I love that Quentin wanted Augustus to talk and didn't care about the stutter or try and "fix" him, and that he brought out new confidence in Augustus.
Although this is part of a "series," it's all written by different authors with a similar theme - revolving around snow and winter. This has one of my favorite tropes - snowed in together, and Nora just killed it.
Light kink, since it's something new for Augustus, but very well done - he's just a natural submissive for Quentin, and I love how well they communicated together as they learned what the other liked in bed. Just so beautiful!
I absolutely loved Quentin and Augustus (he's known around town as Mac, but his full name is Augustus) - how different they were, and how well they complimented the other. I love that Quentin wanted Augustus to talk and didn't care about the stutter or try and "fix" him, and that he brought out new confidence in Augustus.
Although this is part of a "series," it's all written by different authors with a similar theme - revolving around snow and winter. This has one of my favorite tropes - snowed in together, and Nora just killed it.
Light kink, since it's something new for Augustus, but very well done - he's just a natural submissive for Quentin, and I love how well they communicated together as they learned what the other liked in bed. Just so beautiful!
November 30, 2025
This one was ridiculously sweet, but somehow also ridiculously sad?
"I've always been an outcast, but with you......I fit."
Mac(nee Augustus) is a 38 year old muscly bear who lives in a small town that collectively decided more than 20 years ago to punish him for the sins of his father. That and the addition of his speech impediment (a stutter) means that he's very lonely and barely has anyone to connect with since his mother passed years ago.
Until Quentin. 23 year old twink whose car breaks down in town just as he's arrived in said town to do his doctoral research on small town dynamics. Can't believe his luck when he finds his dream man at the town junkyard.
Also can't figure out why the entire town treats this gentle giant with disdain, or like he's simple. Mac is anything but simple.
Cue what seems like instalove because things between these two progress alarmingly fast after Mac offers Quentin a place to stay while he's in town, but these two slot together quite well.
Mac's never met anyone that treats him like he's normal, or wants to be friends. He can't believe this relative stranger would stand up for him against people who've known him their whole lives and still treat him like shit. He worries Quentin won't like him anymore after he tells him why the town hates him.
Quentin's never met such a physical manifestation of his type on paper, though he can't quite believe Mac would let him dominate him, not with the difference in their body types and the associated stereotypes. He can't help wanting to protect this sweet man from the townspeople that hate him so much that he needs a gun just to open his door. He also worries that Mac won't understand when ye realizes Quentin has a connection to the town that he didn't mention from the start.
Somehow these two find a sweet(and healthy) way to figure their stuff out and find a happy ending.
Mac wants allllll the dominance Quentin wants to give and Quentin can eat everything Mac cooks almost faster than he can cook it, so even that works out.
They really just fit together really well. It's a case of each finding someone that has exactly what the other needs and needing exactly what the other wants to give.
Not too much angst, even though I was very curious to know what Mac had done to turn the town against him.
Kenneth Obi does a really good job on the narration.
Very complimentary 3* rating.
"I've always been an outcast, but with you......I fit."
Mac(nee Augustus) is a 38 year old muscly bear who lives in a small town that collectively decided more than 20 years ago to punish him for the sins of his father. That and the addition of his speech impediment (a stutter) means that he's very lonely and barely has anyone to connect with since his mother passed years ago.
Until Quentin. 23 year old twink whose car breaks down in town just as he's arrived in said town to do his doctoral research on small town dynamics. Can't believe his luck when he finds his dream man at the town junkyard.
Also can't figure out why the entire town treats this gentle giant with disdain, or like he's simple. Mac is anything but simple.
Cue what seems like instalove because things between these two progress alarmingly fast after Mac offers Quentin a place to stay while he's in town, but these two slot together quite well.
Mac's never met anyone that treats him like he's normal, or wants to be friends. He can't believe this relative stranger would stand up for him against people who've known him their whole lives and still treat him like shit. He worries Quentin won't like him anymore after he tells him why the town hates him.
Quentin's never met such a physical manifestation of his type on paper, though he can't quite believe Mac would let him dominate him, not with the difference in their body types and the associated stereotypes. He can't help wanting to protect this sweet man from the townspeople that hate him so much that he needs a gun just to open his door. He also worries that Mac won't understand when ye realizes Quentin has a connection to the town that he didn't mention from the start.
Somehow these two find a sweet(and healthy) way to figure their stuff out and find a happy ending.
Mac wants allllll the dominance Quentin wants to give and Quentin can eat everything Mac cooks almost faster than he can cook it, so even that works out.
They really just fit together really well. It's a case of each finding someone that has exactly what the other needs and needing exactly what the other wants to give.
Not too much angst, even though I was very curious to know what Mac had done to turn the town against him.
Kenneth Obi does a really good job on the narration.
Very complimentary 3* rating.
February 17, 2020
4.5 stars
This story was so sweet, with a touch of kink. Mac, is a gentle giant with tattoos, piercings and a stutter. Things haven't been easy for him, alone in his unforgiving small town. Quentin is younger, smaller, well educated and not afraid to speak his mind. They are seemingly opposite in every way, but once they get together, it becomes clear that they are just about perfect for each other in every way they could imagine, if not voice.
Their pasts both weigh on them for different reasons and that is where most of the drama comes from in the story, which is otherwise very light and focused on the two men getting to know each other and falling in love. The kink is light, and the fact that Quentin is the younger more dominant partner and Mac is eager to be the submissive in the relationship was a nice change of pace.
This was just the book I needed to put a smile on my face this weekend after some heavier reads.
This story was so sweet, with a touch of kink. Mac, is a gentle giant with tattoos, piercings and a stutter. Things haven't been easy for him, alone in his unforgiving small town. Quentin is younger, smaller, well educated and not afraid to speak his mind. They are seemingly opposite in every way, but once they get together, it becomes clear that they are just about perfect for each other in every way they could imagine, if not voice.
Their pasts both weigh on them for different reasons and that is where most of the drama comes from in the story, which is otherwise very light and focused on the two men getting to know each other and falling in love. The kink is light, and the fact that Quentin is the younger more dominant partner and Mac is eager to be the submissive in the relationship was a nice change of pace.
This was just the book I needed to put a smile on my face this weekend after some heavier reads.
July 24, 2020
3 Stars
Heartwarming and sweet with a dash of kink, a bossy twink, and a gentle giant.
I realize it was probably intentional for the story to be sugary sweet at times (which is fine) but their relationship progressed far too quickly IMO. They had only known each other for two days and dived headfirst into sexual discovery for Augustus (aka 'Mac') and light BDSM. Additionally, the feelings of love were almost instantaneous and it seemed like every other sentence had the pet name "baby" in it.
There is a subplot regarding their fathers and a burden Augustus feels he has to bear, but other than that it was pretty angst-free and a feel-good story. I thought Quinten and Augustus were really sweet together but things seemed almost too easy for them at times. Overall, a pleasant read if you're in the mood for something light.
Heartwarming and sweet with a dash of kink, a bossy twink, and a gentle giant.
I realize it was probably intentional for the story to be sugary sweet at times (which is fine) but their relationship progressed far too quickly IMO. They had only known each other for two days and dived headfirst into sexual discovery for Augustus (aka 'Mac') and light BDSM. Additionally, the feelings of love were almost instantaneous and it seemed like every other sentence had the pet name "baby" in it.
There is a subplot regarding their fathers and a burden Augustus feels he has to bear, but other than that it was pretty angst-free and a feel-good story. I thought Quinten and Augustus were really sweet together but things seemed almost too easy for them at times. Overall, a pleasant read if you're in the mood for something light.
June 2, 2023
Changed the rating to 5⭐️ I am always in for a change of the usual. Here we get a gentle giant who is naturally submissive and have the sweetest stutter in the world ❤️❤️❤️ Augustus❤️ And we have Quentin, the body of a twink but the heart of a (caring) Dom. Both were never in a relationship they wished for cause when people saw Quentin, a twink, a bottom, not someone who wanted to be in charge.
Augustus was the outcast the whole town hated because of something his father did and Augustus was blamed for it. The main part is their relationship and how the town hates Augustes. We get a lot of first for Augustus because he had zero experience with men. It was a simple, quick enjoyable read with not too much and even better without unnecessary drama. I appreciate it when an author doesn’t put in avoidable drama to make it more…. emotional. Thumbs up, not the last one I am going to read from this author.
Augustus was the outcast the whole town hated because of something his father did and Augustus was blamed for it. The main part is their relationship and how the town hates Augustes. We get a lot of first for Augustus because he had zero experience with men. It was a simple, quick enjoyable read with not too much and even better without unnecessary drama. I appreciate it when an author doesn’t put in avoidable drama to make it more…. emotional. Thumbs up, not the last one I am going to read from this author.
January 3, 2023
1/23 re-read
Oh sweet rose colored glasses Rin.
So far most of the re-reads I’ve had after a significant amount of time have held up. I absolutely adored this book when I read it the first time. Unfortunately it didn’t stand the test of time. Or present-day Rin. 🤣
I will say I still adore Augustus and I do like the trope flip here. But there were issues with the writing, mainly addressing the sort of vague way stuff with the townspeople and the money his father owed them. It just felt improbable that he would spend 20 YEARS just…. blindly paying everyone when he didn’t owe them shit.
The D/s dynamic was dealt with oddly as well, and considering this is Nora we’re talking about, that’s surprising. Like… cool, the smaller younger guy is the top to the bigger beefy bottom, but the D/s dynamic felt almost thrown in, and it felt kind of weird. I dunno. It was kind of unnecessary. Either go all in with it or don’t do it at all.
For some reason I didn’t particularly like Quentin on this read. I don’t know why. There’s nothing wrong with him. He just felt kind of flat.
This was still sweet in many ways but overall, I’d probably not recommend it to anyone again.
————
I cannot express how much I love this book
I wish I could give it more than 5 stars. Not only is the relationship dynamic not common in this genre, add in all the other elements to Mac and it just made this a positively sweet and steamy dynamic. One of the best from Nora.
Oh sweet rose colored glasses Rin.
So far most of the re-reads I’ve had after a significant amount of time have held up. I absolutely adored this book when I read it the first time. Unfortunately it didn’t stand the test of time. Or present-day Rin. 🤣
I will say I still adore Augustus and I do like the trope flip here. But there were issues with the writing, mainly addressing the sort of vague way stuff with the townspeople and the money his father owed them. It just felt improbable that he would spend 20 YEARS just…. blindly paying everyone when he didn’t owe them shit.
The D/s dynamic was dealt with oddly as well, and considering this is Nora we’re talking about, that’s surprising. Like… cool, the smaller younger guy is the top to the bigger beefy bottom, but the D/s dynamic felt almost thrown in, and it felt kind of weird. I dunno. It was kind of unnecessary. Either go all in with it or don’t do it at all.
For some reason I didn’t particularly like Quentin on this read. I don’t know why. There’s nothing wrong with him. He just felt kind of flat.
This was still sweet in many ways but overall, I’d probably not recommend it to anyone again.
————
I cannot express how much I love this book
I wish I could give it more than 5 stars. Not only is the relationship dynamic not common in this genre, add in all the other elements to Mac and it just made this a positively sweet and steamy dynamic. One of the best from Nora.
September 14, 2020
I loved loved loved this one.
Everything about it goddamn.
It was a bit angsty but never too much, it was only done in a way that showed real problems that could happened to anyone and I really appreciated it, how nothing was over the top.
I also loved their communication, these two were so honest with each other. There was no relationship ansgt in this. They knew they wanted to be together and they found for it. No big drama, no anything. I LOVED that. I love it when a couple communicate with each other and do everything in their power to make it work.
And oh my are these two made for each other.
I loved Augustus so much, I just want to wrap him in my arms and protect it. What a pure soul of a man.
This one was just perfect to me. Two lovely men that more than deserved each other and did everything to get what they wanted.
Everything about it goddamn.
It was a bit angsty but never too much, it was only done in a way that showed real problems that could happened to anyone and I really appreciated it, how nothing was over the top.
I also loved their communication, these two were so honest with each other. There was no relationship ansgt in this. They knew they wanted to be together and they found for it. No big drama, no anything. I LOVED that. I love it when a couple communicate with each other and do everything in their power to make it work.
And oh my are these two made for each other.
I loved Augustus so much, I just want to wrap him in my arms and protect it. What a pure soul of a man.
This one was just perfect to me. Two lovely men that more than deserved each other and did everything to get what they wanted.
August 17, 2022
This started out okay then went from dumb to dumber. Ridiculously bad by the ending. Use of the word baby ad nauseam.
I'm thinking this author is not for me. Duly noted. ✅️
I'm thinking this author is not for me. Duly noted. ✅️
January 10, 2025
younger top dom/ older bottom sun
tats piercings
stutter
troubles past
convicted felon
audio
reread
steamy
tats piercings
stutter
troubles past
convicted felon
audio
reread
steamy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2020
3⭐️ plus an extra star for having my secret kryptonite (toppy/dom twinks)
September 23, 2021
Dnf 40% it was a struggle to get to there.
The characters are paper thin, a series of stock characters that are slotted into the story. The plot is ridiculous, I skimmed on a bit, the Mac tragic backstory makes little to no sense and I didn't care enough to discover Quentin's (I only just stopped and hit delete to the book yet had to check his name!).
It's insta-insta with contrived situations. There's sudden guns - maybe American readers will find that less of a WTF than I did? Because seriously any character tucks a gun in their waistband my thinking is they're putting their romance hero chances at severe risk!
Quentin has no money, no contingency plan, no weather appropriate clothing, drives a clapped out motor that dies on him. But hey he's very smart, he'll tell you so himself.
Mac.... Is almost infantilized, it creeped me out. Despite his size he's read to, spoken for, ultra passive. I don't know if this is meant to be kink or hurt/comfort, there was a clear d/s element developing, but to me it read odd rather than cute. These men had barely met, they didn't know each other. Mac is clever and highly capable yet written to be completely vulnerable, not passive by choice but more beaten down.
Plus baby, baby, baby. The 'baby' count per page was increasing.
This really wasn't working for me.
The characters are paper thin, a series of stock characters that are slotted into the story. The plot is ridiculous, I skimmed on a bit, the Mac tragic backstory makes little to no sense and I didn't care enough to discover Quentin's (I only just stopped and hit delete to the book yet had to check his name!).
It's insta-insta with contrived situations. There's sudden guns - maybe American readers will find that less of a WTF than I did? Because seriously any character tucks a gun in their waistband my thinking is they're putting their romance hero chances at severe risk!
Quentin has no money, no contingency plan, no weather appropriate clothing, drives a clapped out motor that dies on him. But hey he's very smart, he'll tell you so himself.
Mac.... Is almost infantilized, it creeped me out. Despite his size he's read to, spoken for, ultra passive. I don't know if this is meant to be kink or hurt/comfort, there was a clear d/s element developing, but to me it read odd rather than cute. These men had barely met, they didn't know each other. Mac is clever and highly capable yet written to be completely vulnerable, not passive by choice but more beaten down.
Plus baby, baby, baby. The 'baby' count per page was increasing.
This really wasn't working for me.
November 21, 2022
Coming out on top is a wonderful story with an age gap, Mac or better August is stuttering and Quentin is a twink who likes to be the dominant part of a relationship, hence the title.
Those two fit together absolutely perfect and the tropes all worked nicely for me.
Sometimes I would have wished a little more subtle approach to get the message across - the town hated August for a crime his father had committed 20 years ago and it got a little too much at times.
Also Quentin's insecurity about his role was a little strange, especially when he realized how much August liked his dominance.
The sub/Dom aspect was not too dominant (literally) in the story, I enjoyed it and it remained quite light and fit the dynamics of the couple well.
I really had a good time reading this and for me it was a great 3.5 star read.
Those two fit together absolutely perfect and the tropes all worked nicely for me.
Sometimes I would have wished a little more subtle approach to get the message across - the town hated August for a crime his father had committed 20 years ago and it got a little too much at times.
Also Quentin's insecurity about his role was a little strange, especially when he realized how much August liked his dominance.
The sub/Dom aspect was not too dominant (literally) in the story, I enjoyed it and it remained quite light and fit the dynamics of the couple well.
I really had a good time reading this and for me it was a great 3.5 star read.
February 8, 2020
Love this couple, they suit each other so well.
October 5, 2021
Started off strong but I felt some sort of disconnect after the halfway point.
The kink of this was very underdeveloped, and I felt like some aspects of it were tacked on too haphazardly for comfort.
The kink of this was very underdeveloped, and I felt like some aspects of it were tacked on too haphazardly for comfort.
November 8, 2020
Y'all this book kind of wrecked me. It was unexpected, uniquely sweet and I ended up sobbing into my pillow by the time I was done. There are books that you know will make you emotional, books that just make you feel good and there are books that are so unexpected they crush your heart and then put it back together all within a few hundred pages. This was one of those books.
Quentin is working his way to get his PHD and is across the country in upstate New York to do a bit of research on a small town. Now why travel across the country when there are small towns everywhere? Quentin's dad disappeared without a trace almost 20 years ago and he figures why not kill two birds with one stone. Go to the last place he has any knowledge of his Dad and do his research. Apparently, fate had other plans, his car breaks down not far from his destination and with the only hotel in town being without heat during a terrible snowstorm Quentin has to find alternative lodging. He doesn't expect for the gentle giant who bought his car for scraps to be the one to offer him his home but what other option does he have?
Mac is tall, built, pierced, tattooed and not someone you would want to encounter in a dark alley. After having been the town outcast his whole life because his father nearly bankrupted every person in town Mac is not used to people treating him with kindness. When a small elf a guy's car is totaled, he thinks it will be another day, another transaction for him but he doesn't expect this stranger to treat him normal but he does. Mac has a stutter that makes people treat him like even more of an outcast then he already is. When Mac gets a call to fix the heater at the hotel and realizes he can't fix it he offers Quentin a place to stay until he can get a new car. Mac isn't sure why he offered this guy a place to say but he knows there is something different and gentle about him that he isn't used to.
After one encounter with Quentin in his underwear Mac understands why he never really felt like sex with women was enjoyable. He is attracted to men and it is something that has never crossed his mind. After only two days Quentin and Mac are exploring one another and embracing this new intimacy that is different for both men, but this isn't just about their sexual chemistry which is HOT!!! Quentin and Mac seem to get each other on a whole different level because they have both have a rough go of things with each other things just seem to fall in to place. What was supposed to be a few days turns in to a week and then a month but when Quentin receives tragic news about his father, he must return home to California. Can these two men find a way to be together through the next couple years or will it just be too much?
GAH! I know I have said it over and over, but this story was beautiful and unexpected. I fell hard for both Mac and Quentin, more than I have for a book couple in ages! Coming Out on Top was my first Nora Phoenix novel and the first in this series by different authors but I will be reading more by Phoenix in the near future and maybe even some more in the Snowed in - Valentine's Inc series as well.
Quentin is working his way to get his PHD and is across the country in upstate New York to do a bit of research on a small town. Now why travel across the country when there are small towns everywhere? Quentin's dad disappeared without a trace almost 20 years ago and he figures why not kill two birds with one stone. Go to the last place he has any knowledge of his Dad and do his research. Apparently, fate had other plans, his car breaks down not far from his destination and with the only hotel in town being without heat during a terrible snowstorm Quentin has to find alternative lodging. He doesn't expect for the gentle giant who bought his car for scraps to be the one to offer him his home but what other option does he have?
Mac is tall, built, pierced, tattooed and not someone you would want to encounter in a dark alley. After having been the town outcast his whole life because his father nearly bankrupted every person in town Mac is not used to people treating him with kindness. When a small elf a guy's car is totaled, he thinks it will be another day, another transaction for him but he doesn't expect this stranger to treat him normal but he does. Mac has a stutter that makes people treat him like even more of an outcast then he already is. When Mac gets a call to fix the heater at the hotel and realizes he can't fix it he offers Quentin a place to stay until he can get a new car. Mac isn't sure why he offered this guy a place to say but he knows there is something different and gentle about him that he isn't used to.
After one encounter with Quentin in his underwear Mac understands why he never really felt like sex with women was enjoyable. He is attracted to men and it is something that has never crossed his mind. After only two days Quentin and Mac are exploring one another and embracing this new intimacy that is different for both men, but this isn't just about their sexual chemistry which is HOT!!! Quentin and Mac seem to get each other on a whole different level because they have both have a rough go of things with each other things just seem to fall in to place. What was supposed to be a few days turns in to a week and then a month but when Quentin receives tragic news about his father, he must return home to California. Can these two men find a way to be together through the next couple years or will it just be too much?
GAH! I know I have said it over and over, but this story was beautiful and unexpected. I fell hard for both Mac and Quentin, more than I have for a book couple in ages! Coming Out on Top was my first Nora Phoenix novel and the first in this series by different authors but I will be reading more by Phoenix in the near future and maybe even some more in the Snowed in - Valentine's Inc series as well.
March 14, 2020
Sweet, angsty, and smutty. Aka, my church
Yeah, it's good. But that doesn't really come as a surprise to anyone now does it. But for those of who are new here, allow me to explain.
This was much more than just a simple force proximity, toppy twink book. Which for those of us who were familiar with Nora's work, is expected. Those of you who aren't will be pleasantly surprised. There was strong hurt/ comfort element in this book and the understanding and kindness (and basic human decency) Quinton has for Augustus was so great to read.
Augustus's stutter was also really well done. If you've ever encountered someone who has a speech impediment, it's not always black and white or as simple as they mess up the first word of a sentence. Sometimes it's the middle of the word, sometimes they can get most of a sentence out, other times it's certain words that will trip them up. That's understood here. So is the harsh reality for people who have a speech impediment. It might be hard for decent humans to understand but it is reality. Humans can be cruel.
This book also gets a little angsty at one point. Not enough to deter anyone, I don't think, but definitely enough that you kind of have to massage your chest a little bit. You know the feeling I'm talking about? The one where you care about the characters enough that any little hardship the encounter effects you too? Like every time someone was mean to Augustus, my heart hurt. There's a line he says to the sheriff about 60% into the book that really hits hard. I'm not going to say what it is, I'll let you experience it for yourself. But when it happens, you'll know it
This brings me to twist(as I am going to call it). I'm not going to say what the twist is because while it can be figured out about 20% into the book, it's not something you can get from the blurb alone. It was good. It wasn't frivolous or random, and it made sense for the setting. It gave us a story more plot and the characters more to ground them and make them real.
And by the way, I loved Quentin and Augustus here. They are so sweet together and individually they were great characters. Quinton was fun to read and Augustus just had my heart. Their relationship was one of healing, understanding, love, and kink. Because btws, there is kink here. It's light but it's still here. So yes the smut was great. A++
This was really good. It also felt a little meatior than some of the other books in this round of the Valentine's inc books. And that's not a stab at the other books. It's just to reiterate that there is a plot that unfolds here so if you're someone who likes to have a little more story to go along with your Romance you'll get that.
I focused a lot on Augustus in this review but that's only because I really enjoyed his character. He's not the perfect alphabear dom we're all so accustomed to. Those characters are great but having that trope twisted on it's head was really refreshing. It makes the character real and one you can connect with. Quinton was great too and without him being who he is I don't know if this story would have worked as well as it did, but Augustus really did it for me.
Also one more thing on the smut just in case I haven't sold you on it yet, it's not perfect. It's great (and happens often) but it's not perfect. If you're wondering what that means give me a minute. If not this will really make you smile.
It's believable smut. It's smut that happens in real life. It's the smut real humans encounter all the time. It's not always going to be perfect and just because you read a couple of things online doesn't I mean things are going to go according to plan. Doesn't mean a good time can't be had by all but it's not always a fairytale.
And that's another thing that I really liked about this. It feels like a fairytale, what with the cute stranger's car breaking down and conveniently the only attractive gay guy in town just happens to have lodging for him. But it's not a fairytale. And it's beautiful.
Anyways, just read it. There's not a lot of age gaps where the younger one tops and we stan. 5 stars. Also can Langley and Alexander get a short or something? Please and thank you.
Yeah, it's good. But that doesn't really come as a surprise to anyone now does it. But for those of who are new here, allow me to explain.
This was much more than just a simple force proximity, toppy twink book. Which for those of us who were familiar with Nora's work, is expected. Those of you who aren't will be pleasantly surprised. There was strong hurt/ comfort element in this book and the understanding and kindness (and basic human decency) Quinton has for Augustus was so great to read.
Augustus's stutter was also really well done. If you've ever encountered someone who has a speech impediment, it's not always black and white or as simple as they mess up the first word of a sentence. Sometimes it's the middle of the word, sometimes they can get most of a sentence out, other times it's certain words that will trip them up. That's understood here. So is the harsh reality for people who have a speech impediment. It might be hard for decent humans to understand but it is reality. Humans can be cruel.
This book also gets a little angsty at one point. Not enough to deter anyone, I don't think, but definitely enough that you kind of have to massage your chest a little bit. You know the feeling I'm talking about? The one where you care about the characters enough that any little hardship the encounter effects you too? Like every time someone was mean to Augustus, my heart hurt. There's a line he says to the sheriff about 60% into the book that really hits hard. I'm not going to say what it is, I'll let you experience it for yourself. But when it happens, you'll know it
This brings me to twist(as I am going to call it). I'm not going to say what the twist is because while it can be figured out about 20% into the book, it's not something you can get from the blurb alone. It was good. It wasn't frivolous or random, and it made sense for the setting. It gave us a story more plot and the characters more to ground them and make them real.
And by the way, I loved Quentin and Augustus here. They are so sweet together and individually they were great characters. Quinton was fun to read and Augustus just had my heart. Their relationship was one of healing, understanding, love, and kink. Because btws, there is kink here. It's light but it's still here. So yes the smut was great. A++
This was really good. It also felt a little meatior than some of the other books in this round of the Valentine's inc books. And that's not a stab at the other books. It's just to reiterate that there is a plot that unfolds here so if you're someone who likes to have a little more story to go along with your Romance you'll get that.
I focused a lot on Augustus in this review but that's only because I really enjoyed his character. He's not the perfect alphabear dom we're all so accustomed to. Those characters are great but having that trope twisted on it's head was really refreshing. It makes the character real and one you can connect with. Quinton was great too and without him being who he is I don't know if this story would have worked as well as it did, but Augustus really did it for me.
Also one more thing on the smut just in case I haven't sold you on it yet, it's not perfect. It's great (and happens often) but it's not perfect. If you're wondering what that means give me a minute. If not this will really make you smile.
It's believable smut. It's smut that happens in real life. It's the smut real humans encounter all the time. It's not always going to be perfect and just because you read a couple of things online doesn't I mean things are going to go according to plan. Doesn't mean a good time can't be had by all but it's not always a fairytale.
And that's another thing that I really liked about this. It feels like a fairytale, what with the cute stranger's car breaking down and conveniently the only attractive gay guy in town just happens to have lodging for him. But it's not a fairytale. And it's beautiful.
Anyways, just read it. There's not a lot of age gaps where the younger one tops and we stan. 5 stars. Also can Langley and Alexander get a short or something? Please and thank you.
February 5, 2020
takie książki to ja lubię i to bardzo !!!!
February 14, 2020
4.75 stars
This is one of my favorite Nora Phoenix's book!! I loved the dynamic between Augustus and Quentin. Age gap, D/s dynamic and younger Dom, older submissive. I LOVE books in the genre. Great addition to this series!
This is one of my favorite Nora Phoenix's book!! I loved the dynamic between Augustus and Quentin. Age gap, D/s dynamic and younger Dom, older submissive. I LOVE books in the genre. Great addition to this series!
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