Some Like it Cold

The best word I can come up with at the moment for this book is electric! I had so much fun reading this one. It’s a bit of a slow-burn romance, with plenty of humor, angst to keep the reader locked in.

I adored this heartwarming small-town romance! “Some Like It Cold” by Elle McNicoll is the latest novel from the author, and is a delightful journey. As readers, we are taken into the heart of Lake Pristine, which is a small-town where secrets simmer, old rivalries resurface, and love blossoms unexpectedly. With achingly honest prose and a cast of endearing characters, McNicoll weaves a tale that captures the essence of small-town life and the magic of unexpected connections.

Meet Jasper Montgomery. She has returned to Lake Pristine for the holidays, her heart heavy with secrets. She plans to bid farewell to her childhood home before embarking on a new chapter far away. But fate has other plans. When Jasper accidentally disrupts her sister's engagement and crosses paths with her teenage adversary, budding filmmaker Arthur Lancaster, her carefully laid-out exit strategy takes an unexpected turn.

I enjoyed the character depth! McNicoll excels at creating characters who feel like old friends. Jasper's vulnerability and determination resonate, while Arthur's brooding charm adds layers to their dynamic. Their chemistry crackles off the pages, leaving readers rooting for their happily-ever-after.

I loved being enveloped with small-town charm. Lake Pristine comes alive in McNicoll's vivid descriptions. The cozy cafes, snow-dusted streets, and quirky locals evoke a sense of nostalgia. You'll want to sip hot cocoa by the fireplace and join the town's annual snowball fight.

As always, I’m here for the enemies-to-lovers trope. The tension between Jasper and Arthur is palpable. Their witty banter and unresolved history create a delicious slow burn. As they navigate their feelings, McNicoll skillfully balances humour, heartache, and hope.

I really enjoyed the themes of home and belonging. At its core, "Some Like It Cold" explores what it means to belong in all forms: to a place, to family, and to someone special. I feel Jasper's internal struggle mirrors our own longing for connection and acceptance.

I tip my hat to the subtle nods to romance classics. McNicoll pays homage to the romance genre, infusing her story with nods to beloved tropes. As much an ode to romance's history as a modern love story, this book celebrates the genre's timeless appeal.

This story is more than a romance; it's a warm hug on a frosty day. McNicoll's prose wraps around you like a cozy scarf, inviting you to believe in second chances and the magic of unexpected love. Whether you're a seasoned romance reader or a newcomer, this book will leave you with a smile and a longing for your own Lake Pristine.

As Lizzie Huxley-Jones, author of "Make You Mine This Christmas," aptly puts it: "Achingly honest and heartfelt... quite literally my favourite romance novel of all time." Don't miss this enchanting tale because it's the literary equivalent of a steaming cup of cocoa by the fireside.

"Some Like It Cold" is a must-read for anyone who believes in the power of love, even in the chilliest of winters. McNicoll's storytelling prowess shines, and I eagerly await her next masterpiece.

Thank you to NetGalley, Wednesday Books, and St. Martin's Press for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I loved it. I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish reading and am bawling. This book is like coming home to the comforts and warmth of what’s familiar. I loved how the characters and relationships grew and developed from start to finish. I found myself rooting for Jasper and Art, and wanting to visit the town of Lake Pristine. Elle McNicoll empathetically navigates the complexities of friendships, families, romantic relationships, grief, and neurodivergence in this novel. Kudos and well-done! Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

What a FUN book! I loved the main character, and the theme behind this one. I love a good dramatic love story. So sweet! Highly recommend

“Some Like It Cold” was a beautiful story. Jasper is autistic/neurodivergent and knows firsthand that her struggling to understand social cues or becoming overstimulated in environments makes neurotypical people uncomfortable. Her family, especially her mother, have also instilled in her the belief that her diagnosis means she is imperfect, and that the world would consider her imperfect. As a result, she has become an expert at masking. Jasper is also almost universally beloved in her small hometown of Lake Pristine because she is a genuinely caring person who is always willing to lend a hand, putting other people’s needs before her own.

However, trying to live up to her family’s expectations and the image the townsfolk have of her has become emotionally overwhelming. She has been away at college, but it has been a horrible experience. Jasper is planning to finally do something for herself and pursue her dreams, even though it will likely mean being ostracized by her family and having to give up Lake Pristine.

However, before that happens Jasper has to get through one more Christmas in Lake Pristine, including dealing with her family, and putting on an amazing performance of the Nutcracker (her mom runs the ballet studio and Jasper is a former prima). This becomes more difficult when she arrives home to witness her sister’s very public marriage proposal and becomes enmeshed in the wedding planning. Her sister Christine is not the nicest person, and the stress of the wedding preparations increases her rudeness towards others, including Jasper. If that was not enough, Arthur, the one person in town whose annoying behavior Jasper will actually react to, is making a film about small town life in Lake Pristine that will prominently feature her family. Beneath his grumbly exterior, Arthur is actually a pretty good guy. He is also harboring a secret love for Jasper, although it is not as hidden as he believes, except to Jasper. However, the making of the film and other events in town will result in Arthur and Jasper gaining a better understanding of each other.

Jasper is a wonderfully developed and complex character. I enjoyed watching/reading as she finally allowed herself to be vulnerable and to stand up for herself. I also liked the Jasper - Arthur dynamic. The story even contains a redemptive arc for Jasper's family, especially Christine.

10 * stars! This was such a beautiful book. It was such a sweet and lovely story. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. And I learned so much from it.

Some Like it Cold by Elle McNicoll is a poignant romance novel that captivates readers with its sweeping scope and emotional depth. McNicoll skillfully weaves a powerful ode to love in its various forms: from the bonds of community and the comfort of home, to the journey of self-discovery. This clever and poignant love story offers a healing narrative that celebrates the genre of romance itself.

Oh wow! Buckle up for a rollercoaster of emotions with this absolutely heartwarming, unbelievably witty, irresistibly charming, and profoundly thought-provoking story featuring the incredible Jasper! She's not your average character; she's neurodivergent, fiercely independent, and on a thrilling quest to navigate the twists and turns of her diagnosis, the complexities of friendship, and above all, her burning desire to carve out her very own path in life. With her overprotective and controlling family always on her back, Jasper's determined to break free and follow her heart's deepest desires. Let's not forget the intriguing Arthur (does she like him or not), changes brewing with her best friend (does distance make the heart grow fonder or creates more distance), and the task of dealing with her bridezilla sister (I’m warning you that she is a lot) - all wrapped up in the coziness of a quaint town under the spell of winter (my favorite season). The characters? Utterly believable and oh-so-charming. The setting? Simply delightful. And the message about pursuing your dreams, being true to yourself, and steering your own ship? It's going to stay with you long after you turn the last page. Trust me, you don't want to miss out on this gem!