This novel started slow, but eventually grew to a heartwarming romance. The importance of an autistic woman lead in a romance novel is needed in this polarizing environment for autistic individuals. The slow start could be an attempt to allow readers to struggle in the confusion many autistic people have in relationship with others (in relationship meaning with another person, friend, family, romantic, etc.).

I was hoping for more from this one. I liked the idea of returning to a small town after going off to university for the first time. I appreciated the neurodivergent character could be the golden child of the small town as well. I didn't love her sister being mean to her and the whole movie premiere thing. I did like her best friend standing up for her and the scenes with her at the bar. I would have liked a bit more holiday but overall this was ok.

Perfect small town, enemy to lovers story to get us ready for winter 🩵

The author did an amazing job developing characters and bringing their stories to life. She touches on more deeper topics including portraying the character being neurodiverse. She writes it well and brings light to something people deal with daily.

Cute and touching start to the winter season.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review.

I listened to Elle McNicoll’s first book, A Kind of Spark, earlier in 2024 and enjoyed how much it dug into the emotions and processes of a young autistic girl taking a special interest and running with it. So I dove into her first YA Contemporary small-town Romance, Some Like It Cold. I enjoyed it as I listened to the entire book in one day while on a road trip. The emotions were gripping, the journeys interesting, the bonds deep, and seeing how these neurodiverse characters deal with being themselves in a small town.

The story follows two young neruodiverse people in Lake Pristine dealing with huge pressures in their lives. Jasper is a young autistic woman coming home from university winter break, intending to leave forever afterwards. Arthur is a young filmmaker dealing with anger issues and his father’s death. Jasper dislikes Arthur from her teen years, and running into each other on Jasper’s first night back throws her original plans for a turn. The next few weeks might have them see another side of each other. And throughout it all, we explore this so-called perfect small town of Lake Pristine and that it’s hiding many secrets.

In general, I tend to enjoy romance books that has an equally as important non-romantic plot line, such as self discovery or coming to a major choice, adding more depth to the characters than simply falling in love. Much like A Kind of Spark, our protagonists feel that Lake Pristine is suffocating with parental expectations and being forced to mask. Secrets is a major theme in the book, and not even Jasper and Arthur are immune to them. In short, this is an introspective slice of life at the crossroads and finding love in the middle of it.

Jasper herself was an endearing protagonist, and while at first, she’s in her shell, she does things like making goals lists to be brave and vulnerable, and she blossoms into one of my favorites. I do like how we have an idea how autism affects Jasper’s mannerisms and life overall, and since the author is autistic herself, it’s not seen as negative or tragic, but authentic and real. I do like how things like masking, reading other’s emotions and sensory overload are explained in a dynamic way that’s easy to understand for everyone. It was interesting that Jasper and her parents saw her autism diagnosis differently, and was an interesting source of conflict.

While it did take me a little bit to warm up to Arthur, he was great as well, displaying a brooding personality at first due to his background, but we see through his POV, that he’s dealing with his own demons. The romance between Jasper and Arthur was interesting to see grow, as the two slowly transition from adversaries to appreciating each other, all with some fun banter and emotional navigation.

The rest of the cast was fleshed out with great depth and differentiation, which is hard to do in a standalone. My favorite secondary characters were Odette and Christine. I enjoyed how each of them was so different from each other, we see people of all ages, and they felt like they had a long established relationship, which is much how it is in a small town, further enhancing the themes of belonging and acceptance.

The setting of Lake Pristine reminded me of a small exclusive town located somewhere in the UK, and felt cozy, yet restrictive for those that don’t fit in. Between the vivid descriptions and people in the town, Lake Pristine was almost a character in itself. Almost like you wanted to visit, despite the secrets hidden away. I did find it was interesting that this was set in December in a snowy town, as many times, autistics are seen as “emotionally cold”, but it shows that it’s far from the truth. I do like how other flavors of neurodiversity are covered as well.

The prose of this book was smooth and easy to understand, and very cozy as well. It does have that teen romance feel, even though the protagonists are near the end of their teens, which is a good thing. The narrator, Charlie Sanderson, was lovely to listen to and easy on the ears, and got very emotional in spots, which I really appreciated.

If you’re interested in seeing neurodiverse characters dealing with how to be themselves in a town that seems to require hiding your true self and falling in love at the same time, as well as authentic autistic experiences, this is for you, especially if you’re autistic and/or ADHD!

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, Macmillan Young Listeners, Firsk Ink, Wednesday Books, Elle McNicoll, and Charlie Sanderson (audio narrator) for the opportunity to read and listen to the audiobook of Some Like it Cold in exchange for an honest review.

Jasper Montgomery tried going to the school for the career her parents wanted to. Being neurodivergent (on the autism spectrum, of which Jasper things and responds in ways that may seem cold, but are actually just part of how her brain is wired) makes her parents seem to feel like they need to guide her future. But she loves fashion and sewing.

Coming back to her small hometown of Lake Pristine for the holidays and her sister's wedding, Jasper has already applied to a different school for the new semester, and she doesn't care what her parents say. She needs to do what she wants. She is just unsure of how to tell them. During her time back, she encounters a former classmate: Arthur, making a film about the small-town feel. As former adversaries, Arthur is reluctant to ask Jasper to be in his film, but she is the perfect example for the small-town feel and the escapism that often comes with those who grow up in such a place with helicopter parents and few opportunities.

Lo and behold, even though they were enemies previously, a budding romance ensues. Can their past rivalry overcome their feelings in the present? Will Arthur be able to understand Jasper's way of thinking and become the person she didn't realize she needs? And what about when she leaves to her new school?

While I enjoyed the audiobook narrator, I found the display of the neurodivergence might have come across better by reading it on my own. The perspective didn't really seem to fully fit the stigma in some ways, but it did in others. What I really liked was the theme about being one's own person and doing what they want for themselves and their own life. Jasper's drive to do what she loved despite what others think really made me appreciate her as a person. Arthur felt a bit flat at first, but I enjoyed his character by the end.

This is a cozy romance perfect for the holidays. Teen readers will find a diverse perspective with the main character being neurodivergent. This is also a really fun novel for new adults, those who may have graduated high school and are trying to figure out what to do next. An inspirational read.

This was a cute #ownvoices YA winter romcom featuring a young autistic woman living in small town England. While the romance part of the story was just okay for me, the book really shines in its depiction of what its like to live with autism. The exhaustion of masking, the misunderstandings of others and much more. I especially liked the interview included at the end of the audiobook between the author and her narrator who is an undiagnosed neurodiverse person, was really fantastic. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

*Some Like It Cold* by Elle McNicoll is a charming and heartfelt novel that explores themes of friendship, identity, and embracing one's uniqueness. Set in a vibrant community filled with quirky characters, the story centers on a group of diverse friends navigating the complexities of adolescence.

McNicoll's writing is both lyrical and accessible, making it easy for readers to connect with the characters and their struggles. The narrative is infused with humor and warmth, capturing the joys and challenges of growing up. The author’s keen observations about social dynamics and the pressures young people face resonate deeply, creating a relatable backdrop for the story.

The central characters are richly drawn, each with their own dreams, insecurities, and aspirations. McNicoll does an excellent job of showcasing their individual journeys while highlighting the importance of friendship and support. The dialogue is authentic and witty, bringing the characters to life and adding to the overall charm of the novel.

Key themes of self-acceptance and the celebration of differences run throughout the book. McNicoll encourages readers to embrace their true selves, showing that vulnerability can lead to genuine connections and personal growth. The narrative is uplifting, offering a message of hope and empowerment that is especially important for young readers.

Overall, *Some Like It Cold* is a delightful read filled with warmth, humor, and insightful reflections on the teenage experience. Elle McNicoll has crafted a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking for a heartwarming tale about friendship and self-discovery. Whether you're a young adult or simply young at heart, this novel is sure to leave you smiling.

Some Like it Cold is a fantastic book featuring a neurodiverse character! I really enjoyed the narrator for this audiobook! Teens and new adults will devour this story and find it relatable. Recommended purchase for YA collections.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!!

What a good book! I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I loved the main characters! They had great chemistry and worked so well together. I loved how the book just flowed. My first by this author but will not be my last!! I love a good Christmas book!!

A cute YA romance that has hidden depths to it. This book explores the world of a girl has autism and brings awareness to stereotypes that she faces. A story of finding where you belong and discovering who you are at the core.

The narrator did a fantastic job with this book, and even had an accent that sounded Scottish.

No spice, with a fade to black scene and kissing. Some language is present, though.


--I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review--

"Some Like It Cold" by Elle McNicoll is a heartwarming and beautifully crafted story that delves into themes of friendship, acceptance, and self-discovery. The narrative follows a young protagonist navigating her unique challenges and the complexities of adolescence, all set against a backdrop of a wintery adventure. McNicoll’s writing is both sensitive and engaging, offering readers a vivid glimpse into the character's thoughts and emotions. The warmth of the relationships and the exploration of individuality make this book a touching read. With its relatable characters and uplifting message, "Some Like It Cold" is a delightful journey that resonates with readers of all ages.

Some Like It Cold by Elle McNicoll, narrated by Charlie Sanderson, brings light to the neurodivergent population with this sweet little romantic comedy. Jasper, an 18 year old autistic girl comes home for the Christmas holiday with secrets a plenty and plans galore. When she gets home it feels almost like Jasper has been completely forgotten about by her family and her being home is more of an afterthought. Jasper is hurt by her family so begins spending more time with Arthur. The cute boy working down at the theatre. As Christmas Day fast approaches and Jaspers date to head back to college looms overhead what will Jasper and Arthur do? The narration is superbly done in this sweet little rom-com. Some Like It Cold is billed for young adults but it a great, simple romance for adults as well

I received an advanced audiobook from Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley in lieu of my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this book and especially loved the neurodiverse representation with the main character as I am neurodiverse myself. This book made me laugh and cry and if you're looking for a book with all of the feels then this book is for you!

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audio arc! This one is out now :)

Some Like It Cold was a cozy small town coming of age book with sprinkles of romance and family drama. I really loved the small town setting of this book, which gave it a Gilmore Girls/Bunheads (especially with the ballet studio) vibe which felt perfect for the ease into colder weather we're having right now. I also really cared for our main character Jasper and enjoyed seeing her story pan out. While I cannot speak to the authenticity and quality of the autism representation fully as I am not autistic, from an outside perspective, I appreciated this rep being included, especially in a romance.

Overall, this book does not have a ton of depth of characters, especially our side characters. For me, this was the type of story I was in the mood for, because I was able to just coast along and enjoy the atmospheric town of Lake Pristine and it's various other cozy settings - the lake, the ballet studio, the movie theater etc. rather than having to keep track of characters across the story.

I also really recommend this in audio format - the narrator, Charlie Sanderson, did a fantastic job!

Macmillan Audio ALC
What a sweet YA romance this was. I liked the representation here with Jasper and autism and what that looks like for her in this time of her life. I think the family part of the story of them not being the most supportive is realistic for readers in this age group, even when it was hard to read. Arthur was such a good friend to Jasper and I liked the growth in this relationship throughout the novel. It showed how important a supportive person can be for moving forward towards the future. This will be such a good winter novel for YA readers, and I'll definitely share with those that like these types of stories. I also thought the narrator did such a great job at capturing the tone of this story and making Jasper feel so real.

If you just like Romance, I expect this will work fine for you, but if you’re looking for a solid holiday RomCom, look elsewhere.

This doesn’t have much humor to it, and what’s there feels forced. And for a holiday book, it’s pretty short on setting and atmosphere.

I see why the author wanted to center her book around a neurodivergent character, but I don’t think it worked particularly well, though I do applaud the effort.

In the end the story just doesn’t have much plot beyond the generic parameters of a romance, and as a holiday read it falls really flat.

In this book we are following Jasper who is our autistic main character. We watch her grow into herself and learn to let others in as well. I loved following Jasper and her growth throughout the book. I also enjoyed the romance plotline with Arthur. The problem with this book was there was just A LOT going on. I get why some elements of the story were included to show Jasper's growth but there were just too many little side plots for me. Because of all the stuff going on I sometimes felt drawn out of the main storyline. I would still recommend this book as Jasper was a great character to read about and it was a beautiful coming of age story!

Some Like It Cold by Elle Mcnicoll is an absolute delightful dive into the charming small town of Lake Pristine, where secrets and unexpected connections await!

I completely fell in love with Jasper Montgomery, and reading a book with a neurodivergent main character was so refreshing and captivating!

Jasper returns home for the holidays with plans to make this her farewell visit, which includes a full list of activities to complete before she deviates from her parents (and the towns) plans for her and ventures out on her own path.

Her holiday break soon turns into Jasper having a very full schedule as she’s thrust into the chaos of her sister’s engagement and takes on directing the town ballet performance of the Nutcracker! On top of all that she has multiple encounters her childhood rival, Arthur Lancaster, who along with his cousin is creating a film to showcase their town. The witty banter and undeniable chemistry between Jasper and Arthur creates a captivating enemies-to-lovers dynamic that will keep you hooked.

McNicoll masterfully explores themes of belonging and acceptance against the backdrop of a cozy winter wonderland, making this enchanting romance a must read for anyone who believes in the magic of love!

Huge thank you to #netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook copy of this book!

Some Like It Cold is the story of a neurodivergent teen who returns home to her small town for winter break, to deal with family drama, small town drama and all of the winter excitement. This book was adorable and heartwarming. I loved the charming small town vibes which had a Gilmore Girls feel to it. I loved the romance. I loved the teenage banter and angst. It felt very honest and real, full of lovable characters. It made me want to be cozy and have some hot cocoa.

It took me a little while to warm up to this one (no pun intended). I just needed to settle in and get a feel for the characters to figure out the dynamics at play here. Once I did, I found this heartwarming and tender small-town romance.

Jasper has been away at Uni for the last 18 months but has returned to her little hometown of Lake Pristine for the holidays.

Jasper’s sister, Christine, is getting married and once again is the main focus of the family’s attention. Little do they know Jasper has returned to say goodbye to their little town for good.

But when Jasper runs into Arthur Lancaster, an adversary from her teenage years, she discovers there just might be a reason to stay.

Jasper is a fantastic character, as she is on the Autism spectrum, and she doesn’t want to hide it. And she is done trying to please everyone else. I loved the chemistry between her and Arthur, truly moving from icy cold to cozy warm.

One thing that stood out to me was the family relationships. Jasper’s and Arthur’s families are an integral part of the story, but I wouldn't say I liked Jasper’s family. Her parents didn’t seem to accept her diagnosis, and her sister was selfish and mean at times. Thankfully, there is some character development and relationship repair towards the end.

With themes of belonging, family, and acceptance, the wintery holiday atmosphere set the mood just right for scripting this sweet love story.

🎧 Charlie Sanderson’s narration is wonderful. It brought out so much of the emotion in all the characters.

Thank you @wednesdaybooks and @stmartinspress for the gifted ebook via Netgalley. Thank you @macmillan.audio for the gifted audiobook.