'Thaw" is a quiet, sweethearted novel centered around Abby, an asexual librarian, and Gabrielle, a haughty actress-turned-model. Told from Abby's point of view, their relationship blossoms from a sense of mutual interest, though it's off to a rocky start: Gabrielle isn't particularly forthcoming about anything, and Abby frets about disclosing her ambivalence to sex. Surrounded by a cast of supportive friends (there is more than one decoration scene--I hesitate to use the term "makeover") and anxious about her library's closure, Abby decides to pursue the relationship.

Of course there's a conflict, but I appreciate that the story resolved itself via a combination of grad gestures and communication. I especially liked that Abby was very adult in reacting to disappointment: a relationship doesn't work out and she's probably going to lose her job, but she's an essentially kind and likable person who handles the situation in a realistic manner. It's not a showstopper story, but it was a nice portrayal of asexuality and romance.

I would give this book a 3 1/2 stars if I could. I think the author has some real talent, and the premises of the book was intriguing to me, however I kind of felt like I was robbed of layers. The characters all felt pretty one dimensional, and I never felt like I really got to know them passed surface characteristics. Even our main character Abby, who I feel like I don't really know other than she's asexual and a librarian. I can't even remember if she has siblings...

Also, the books description made it seem like this would focus on Abby being asexual, but she doesn't even say anything until almost the end. This book was really was about Abby trying to deal with losing her job while also trying to get to know Gabrielle who is very standoffish.

The chemistry between the two main characters was off too. They basically have two pretty bad dates, and a few good moments with each other in between. That some how leads to them being in love. I just think the good didn't outweigh the awkward moments between them, so it was hard to follow along with their feelings deepening. Truthfully, Gabrielle didn't change enough for me to have Abby fall for her.

Again, I don't think the authors style of writing was the problem, I just wish I had felt a deeper connection to our characters and understood them a little more.

Recommendations: Buy it if you like the series.

Even though the book is well written, I find it not to be my cup of tea. To me, the whole asexual matter of Abby kind of colored her relationship with Gabrielle... I suppose and I believe (hope) it doesn't have to be that way when one (or both) partners are asexual, but in this novel, there was a lack of warmth, flirting, the lack of that banter, that tactile sensuality, so to speak, that actually creates chemistry between characters in the books. Of course, Abby being decidedly and affirmatively asexual, I didn't expect there to be actual mutual sex scenes, but nevertheless, there had to be a way to create better and deeper physical and emotional connection, so he chemistry could actually be felt and almost palpable to the readers.

Thaw is the second book in the Seasons of Love series, brings back the character of Abby, who so briefly appeared in Whiteout. For people who haven't read that first, it's not required reading in order to understand this one, but it's definitely worth the read because it's fun as hell.

Like Whiteout, Thaw heavily utilises a trope that I personally am fond of to pull its narrative together. Abby happens to meet Gabrielle by chance, only vaguely realising that she's a famous model before Gabrielle asks her to dance.

Abby, by contrast, is a normal young woman in a job that pays her only just enough to live on. Her life could not be more different to that of Gabrielle. At the same time, Abby is told that her library job may not be around for much longer due to council funding reasons that seemed all too plausible.

If everyone could write a character like Gabrielle, who so clearly speaks English with an accent, who holds herself up to a certain standard even when she's relaxing from her Ice Queen exterior, and with such clear body language that it comes through off the page as if you were watching a moving picture, I feel as though the quality of literature would vastly improve.

On the other hand, while the characterisation of Gabrielle was fantastic and unique, I found that some of the interactions between Abby and Gabrielle lacked something. I kept waiting for the heat, the obvious shows of affection that would lead to the love both woman experience. It just wasn't there on the page for me. I don't think that everyone will necessarily read it this way; I think that was just my take on the romance.

I particularly liked the point where Gabrielle was offered a role in Hamilton, although I was sad to see that the theme of Rent wasn't continued in this book, despite the series name.

Elyse Springer delivers! Amazing book!

Abigail is a librarian with an unique look at the world. She loves books and feels awkward in social situations. However as the author so brilliant crafts Abigail into a character that ends up being emotionally sensitive, funny, kind and ultimately has great strength. I also admire how the author took on Abigail's sense of sexuality and sensuality. It's beautifully written.

Gabrielle is just as dynamic of a character, with a distance and coldness to her from her past. I don't want to give away spoilers. What is terrific is how Gabrielle is also kind, sensitive and does her best to "melt' and allow her vulnerability to Abigail.

The book's pace is perfect, the support characters of Nathan and Sara are terrific. This book deals with some difficult situations and how we process our individual needs and find romantic relationships with partners who love us for ourselves. And where compromise, compassion and love meet.

This book has humor, grace and just a lot of enjoyment. It also has some tense realities of greed. I will share this book is not a lot on sex, but the energy is so wonderfully written and the 'heat' just jumps off the pages with the chemistry between Abigail and Gabrielle. So you definitely feel the fire of romance!

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Abigail is content with her quiet life as a librarian. But when she’s invited to a high-profile charity auction, she finds herself dancing with one of the most beautiful women she’s ever met. Abby’s sure she’ll never see her again, but then Gabrielle calls and asks her on a date. And soon after, another.

Supermodel Gabrielle Levesque has a reputation as the Ice Queen—cold and untouchable—except she warms up whenever she’s with Abby. Only Abby isn’t interested in the heat between them; she’s asexual, and she’s worried that admitting as much to Gabrielle might spell the end of their blooming romance.

They’re two different women from two very different worlds, but Abby knows she can love Gabrielle. Her passion for books, travel, and theater prove there’s more to the Ice Queen than meets the eye. But they’ll have to overcome Abby’s fears—and Gabrielle’s own threatening secrets—in order to find their way to love.