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With Love, from Cold World
She has a to-do list a mile long and falling for her coworker isn't on it--yet somehow he's become her top priority in this romantic comedy from the national bestselling author of Love in the Time of Serial Killers.
Lauren Fox is the bookkeeper for Cold World, a tourist destination that's always a winter wonderland despite being located in humid Orlando, Florida. Sure, it's ranked way below any of the trademarked amusement parks and maybe foot traffic could be better. But it's a fun place to work, even if "fun" isn't exactly Lauren's middle name.
Her coworker Asa Williamson, on the other hand, is all about finding ways to enliven his days at Cold World--whether that means organizing the Secret Santa or teasing Lauren. When the owner asks Lauren and Asa to propose something (anything, really) to raise more revenue, their rivalry heats up as they compete to come up with the best idea. But the situation is more dire than they thought, and it might take these polar opposites working together to save the day. If Asa thought Lauren didn't know how to enjoy herself, he's surprised by how much he enjoys spending time together. And if Lauren thought Asa wasn't serious about anything, she's surprised by how seriously he seems to take her.
As Lauren and Asa work to save their beloved wintery spot, they realize the real attraction might be the heat generating between them.
Lauren Fox is the bookkeeper for Cold World, a tourist destination that's always a winter wonderland despite being located in humid Orlando, Florida. Sure, it's ranked way below any of the trademarked amusement parks and maybe foot traffic could be better. But it's a fun place to work, even if "fun" isn't exactly Lauren's middle name.
Her coworker Asa Williamson, on the other hand, is all about finding ways to enliven his days at Cold World--whether that means organizing the Secret Santa or teasing Lauren. When the owner asks Lauren and Asa to propose something (anything, really) to raise more revenue, their rivalry heats up as they compete to come up with the best idea. But the situation is more dire than they thought, and it might take these polar opposites working together to save the day. If Asa thought Lauren didn't know how to enjoy herself, he's surprised by how much he enjoys spending time together. And if Lauren thought Asa wasn't serious about anything, she's surprised by how seriously he seems to take her.
As Lauren and Asa work to save their beloved wintery spot, they realize the real attraction might be the heat generating between them.
384 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2023
About the author
Alicia Thompson
20 books979 followersAlicia Thompson is a writer, reader, and Paramore superfan. As a teen, she appeared in an episode of 48 Hours in the audience of a local murder trial, where she broke the fourth wall by looking directly into the camera. She currently lives in Florida with her husband and two children.
Annotations:
Also currently under consideration for other superfan distinctions, including but not limited to: Juliet, Naked (the movie), Phoebe Bridgers, Crash Bandicoot, Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael, Tegan and Sara, the audiobook for Sophie Kinsella’s I’ve Got Your Number, and taking really long naps
Does this sound creepy? You should’ve seen my face. It was really creepy.
Yes, I’ve seen an alligator in a neighborhood retention pond.
https://www.aliciathompsonbooks.com/
Annotations:
Also currently under consideration for other superfan distinctions, including but not limited to: Juliet, Naked (the movie), Phoebe Bridgers, Crash Bandicoot, Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael, Tegan and Sara, the audiobook for Sophie Kinsella’s I’ve Got Your Number, and taking really long naps
Does this sound creepy? You should’ve seen my face. It was really creepy.
Yes, I’ve seen an alligator in a neighborhood retention pond.
https://www.aliciathompsonbooks.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,063 reviews
August 2, 2023
i didn't ask for much from this book.
just that it be the cutest thing in existence and make me happy and fill the void within me.
not a recipe for disaster at all!
unfortunately, it seems that those expectations were "too tall of an order," an expression which reminds me of when i go to a diner for breakfast which of course means pancakes and a side of crispy bacon and a cup of coffee that is somehow simultaneously too strong and also water and i bypass the "shortstack" option and i go right for the big boy and i am overwhelmed by a mountain of buttery syrupy goodness.
but here it means i didn't like this book that much.
it has a cover that implies that it will be quirky, and cute, and funny, and romantic, and possibly sexy.
besides maybe that last thing, this wasn't really any of those. it was heavy!!! which is fine. i think romance has as much right as any other genre to Contain Emotional Multitudes.
but i do feel like the rest of the book felt shallow because of everything going on - not enough time for romance, or humor, or, you know. character development.
the little things.
bottom line: back in my resting state (having unpopular opinions and craving pancakes).
(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc)
just that it be the cutest thing in existence and make me happy and fill the void within me.
not a recipe for disaster at all!
unfortunately, it seems that those expectations were "too tall of an order," an expression which reminds me of when i go to a diner for breakfast which of course means pancakes and a side of crispy bacon and a cup of coffee that is somehow simultaneously too strong and also water and i bypass the "shortstack" option and i go right for the big boy and i am overwhelmed by a mountain of buttery syrupy goodness.
but here it means i didn't like this book that much.
it has a cover that implies that it will be quirky, and cute, and funny, and romantic, and possibly sexy.
besides maybe that last thing, this wasn't really any of those. it was heavy!!! which is fine. i think romance has as much right as any other genre to Contain Emotional Multitudes.
but i do feel like the rest of the book felt shallow because of everything going on - not enough time for romance, or humor, or, you know. character development.
the little things.
bottom line: back in my resting state (having unpopular opinions and craving pancakes).
(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc)
July 14, 2023
I’m so thankful to Berkley Publishing for sharing these amazing ARC copies with me, making my entire year and putting a permanent smile on my face! But I especially want to thank Alicia Thompson for writing this poignant, beautiful story and introducing me to these amazing, extremely lovable, and huggable characters!
This is a heartfelt holiday story that blends enemies-to-lovers and sunshine-meets-the-grump (or Grinch in this case) with a sensitive approach to foster care, abandonment, sexuality, dysfunctional families, and social anxiety issues.
Lauren Fox has worked as a bookkeeper for Cold World, a winter wonderland and tourist attraction, for two years. Even though she finds her job boring, she plans to get her master's degree to achieve her freelance business plans. After being abandoned by her mother at a young age and raised by foster parents, she forms a coping mechanism by building high-security walls around herself, scared of getting abandoned again. She’s quirky, extra nerdy, has a lack of cultural references, enjoys organizing her clothes, reading prized books highly mentioned on Goodreads, and updating her status on the app. She doesn't have many friends and isn't a big talker, but she’s not a robot who doesn’t care or feel what people think about her either, like her arch-nemesis Asa Williamson thinks.
Asa is an unconventional hero, with blue hair, tattoos, carefree, and social. He’s been working in the same position for ten years without higher career expectations. He’s bisexual, the son of a pastor, and was shunned and kicked out from his family house at the age of 18 because of his sexual orientation. He is living with his tight-knit group of friends, including Kiki, who may be the only person called a friend to Lauren.
Despite his friendly, easygoing personality, he cannot get along with Lauren. He calls her a wet blanket, and she calls him a clown. They rub each other the wrong way, making hostile comments, bringing out the worst in each other, until one day their boss, Dolores, wants them to work on a presentation teaming up with her son, Daniel. In Asa’s opinion, Daniel is a privileged, pretentious marketing guy he hates the guts of, and for the worst, Lauren seems like a long-time crush for him, which irritates him even more.
Making the presentation and beating Lauren at her own game seems like a big win, but what if Lauren is not the uptight ice queen he’s thinking of? After a lock-in at the work premises incident that results in spending the night together, both of them realize they have a huge palpable, ripping-your-clothes-off kind of chemistry. After that night, both of them may have second thoughts about giving their friendship a chance and teaming up together for the sake of their company, which has financial problems. But what if they want more than friendship, and they are afraid of opening up about their feelings?
Overall, I know the publishing date will be in August, but just like Die Hard, which was released in the summer and turned into my favorite Christmas movie, it seems like this book is also going to be one of my favorite swoon-worthy, feel-good holiday romance books!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this wonderful book's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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This is a heartfelt holiday story that blends enemies-to-lovers and sunshine-meets-the-grump (or Grinch in this case) with a sensitive approach to foster care, abandonment, sexuality, dysfunctional families, and social anxiety issues.
Lauren Fox has worked as a bookkeeper for Cold World, a winter wonderland and tourist attraction, for two years. Even though she finds her job boring, she plans to get her master's degree to achieve her freelance business plans. After being abandoned by her mother at a young age and raised by foster parents, she forms a coping mechanism by building high-security walls around herself, scared of getting abandoned again. She’s quirky, extra nerdy, has a lack of cultural references, enjoys organizing her clothes, reading prized books highly mentioned on Goodreads, and updating her status on the app. She doesn't have many friends and isn't a big talker, but she’s not a robot who doesn’t care or feel what people think about her either, like her arch-nemesis Asa Williamson thinks.
Asa is an unconventional hero, with blue hair, tattoos, carefree, and social. He’s been working in the same position for ten years without higher career expectations. He’s bisexual, the son of a pastor, and was shunned and kicked out from his family house at the age of 18 because of his sexual orientation. He is living with his tight-knit group of friends, including Kiki, who may be the only person called a friend to Lauren.
Despite his friendly, easygoing personality, he cannot get along with Lauren. He calls her a wet blanket, and she calls him a clown. They rub each other the wrong way, making hostile comments, bringing out the worst in each other, until one day their boss, Dolores, wants them to work on a presentation teaming up with her son, Daniel. In Asa’s opinion, Daniel is a privileged, pretentious marketing guy he hates the guts of, and for the worst, Lauren seems like a long-time crush for him, which irritates him even more.
Making the presentation and beating Lauren at her own game seems like a big win, but what if Lauren is not the uptight ice queen he’s thinking of? After a lock-in at the work premises incident that results in spending the night together, both of them realize they have a huge palpable, ripping-your-clothes-off kind of chemistry. After that night, both of them may have second thoughts about giving their friendship a chance and teaming up together for the sake of their company, which has financial problems. But what if they want more than friendship, and they are afraid of opening up about their feelings?
Overall, I know the publishing date will be in August, but just like Die Hard, which was released in the summer and turned into my favorite Christmas movie, it seems like this book is also going to be one of my favorite swoon-worthy, feel-good holiday romance books!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this wonderful book's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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November 25, 2023
When I needed you the most, you appeared in my life and made me fall in love with romance again. Made me sigh and smile and cloud my vision, and give me the strength to believe there are good books out there ready to be discovered.
With Love, From Cold World is not everyone’s type of romance, hence the 3.89 average rating, but it’s perfect for those who just get it, those who are tired of one-sided romances and blue princes made of cardboard. There is something about how real it feels that makes this book even more romantic. I don't want to marry a prince or a mafia boss, I want to read about flawed people with mundane problems living the dream of finding the person who makes their world a bit less cold.
Asa Williamson is the soul of Cold World and everyone’s favorite employee-except Lauren's, who can’t stand him fooling around. When their boss asks them to work on a project to save Cold World, Lauren realizes she got it all wrong. Everything about Asa is warm, from his jokes to his ever-present smiles to the tattoos she can’t stop wondering about. Maybe it’s time to get out of her shell and let Asa show her what it's like to let it go.
There is something that drives me crazy and that’s authors who think a ‘hot’ main character is made merely by throwing words like ‘tall’, ‘six-pack’ and ‘model face’. A hot main character is so much more than that. A hot main character is the one that makes you shiver when you hear them talk, that you can sense the personality behind the mask, the reason why that pretty face is the face you want to fantasize about.
Quotes like this one filled my heart with hope, because this is the author telling you: ‘I’m going to make you see what makes this character sexy, and it’s not a six-pack, I'm going to work for you to never forget him.’ And, girl, did I fall. I adore heroes able to communicate, to be vulnerable, to be kind and to tease and laugh when they are teased at. Asa Williamson is the new standard I’ll measure all the men against. I’m so glad Lauren was able to see it, even if it took her a bit.
Another aspect I appreciated is that Lauren has a crush on another man at the beginning of the book, but the author didn’t fail in the typical cliché of making her oblivious to her feelings towards the real main character (Asa) in order to use that as the third act problem. Although you’ll be a bit frustrated with her being into some boy having THE MAN right in front of her, it makes sense having a crush on someone you think it’s more alike to you, especially for someone as reserved as Lauren. But she was never oblivious about how she felt when Asa was close, how good he smelled, how much she wanted to follow his tattoos as they disappeared behind the t-shirt.
You might have noticed the amount of one and two star romances I’ve been reading lately. It was so bad I was hesitant to review, rate or even upload them to goodreads. I didn’t want to be that reader who just hates everything she’s reading. That’s why finding such a jewel was so important for me. Not only made me want to read all the romance in the world when I was starting to feel like a complete failure, it confirmed that I wasn’t being a picky brat; I was just choosing the wrong books for me.
Overall, it was a pleasure falling in love with this book, even if I wished it was longer and we had more time to spend with the characters. If you are tired of typical romances and want something that feels real while staying in the I-wish-it-was-my-life category, I heartily recommend it to you. You deserve a book that steals your breath away.
Thank you so so much, Ren for recommending me this one. From now on I’m only reading mf romances you pick up, you always choose the perfect one for me ❤️❤️ you can read her wonderful review here
*rating: 4.5/5
With Love, From Cold World is not everyone’s type of romance, hence the 3.89 average rating, but it’s perfect for those who just get it, those who are tired of one-sided romances and blue princes made of cardboard. There is something about how real it feels that makes this book even more romantic. I don't want to marry a prince or a mafia boss, I want to read about flawed people with mundane problems living the dream of finding the person who makes their world a bit less cold.
A friendship between them would be unlikely. Anything more than friendship even more unlikely. He was well-liked, easygoing, and confident. She was uptight and nervous and shy. He'd probably kissed a dozen people for no reason other than he felt like it, whereas she was always holding back, scared to put herself out there for fear of rejection
Asa Williamson is the soul of Cold World and everyone’s favorite employee-except Lauren's, who can’t stand him fooling around. When their boss asks them to work on a project to save Cold World, Lauren realizes she got it all wrong. Everything about Asa is warm, from his jokes to his ever-present smiles to the tattoos she can’t stop wondering about. Maybe it’s time to get out of her shell and let Asa show her what it's like to let it go.
There is something that drives me crazy and that’s authors who think a ‘hot’ main character is made merely by throwing words like ‘tall’, ‘six-pack’ and ‘model face’. A hot main character is so much more than that. A hot main character is the one that makes you shiver when you hear them talk, that you can sense the personality behind the mask, the reason why that pretty face is the face you want to fantasize about.
He was tall and lean, lanky in a way that should make him seem awkward. But instead he always seemed easy, effortless, and comfortable in his own skin.
Quotes like this one filled my heart with hope, because this is the author telling you: ‘I’m going to make you see what makes this character sexy, and it’s not a six-pack, I'm going to work for you to never forget him.’ And, girl, did I fall. I adore heroes able to communicate, to be vulnerable, to be kind and to tease and laugh when they are teased at. Asa Williamson is the new standard I’ll measure all the men against. I’m so glad Lauren was able to see it, even if it took her a bit.
Another aspect I appreciated is that Lauren has a crush on another man at the beginning of the book, but the author didn’t fail in the typical cliché of making her oblivious to her feelings towards the real main character (Asa) in order to use that as the third act problem. Although you’ll be a bit frustrated with her being into some boy having THE MAN right in front of her, it makes sense having a crush on someone you think it’s more alike to you, especially for someone as reserved as Lauren. But she was never oblivious about how she felt when Asa was close, how good he smelled, how much she wanted to follow his tattoos as they disappeared behind the t-shirt.
You might have noticed the amount of one and two star romances I’ve been reading lately. It was so bad I was hesitant to review, rate or even upload them to goodreads. I didn’t want to be that reader who just hates everything she’s reading. That’s why finding such a jewel was so important for me. Not only made me want to read all the romance in the world when I was starting to feel like a complete failure, it confirmed that I wasn’t being a picky brat; I was just choosing the wrong books for me.
Overall, it was a pleasure falling in love with this book, even if I wished it was longer and we had more time to spend with the characters. If you are tired of typical romances and want something that feels real while staying in the I-wish-it-was-my-life category, I heartily recommend it to you. You deserve a book that steals your breath away.
Thank you so so much, Ren for recommending me this one. From now on I’m only reading mf romances you pick up, you always choose the perfect one for me ❤️❤️ you can read her wonderful review here
*rating: 4.5/5
August 16, 2023
❄️ It's such a cold, cold world (hello cold world)❄️
Well this was absolutely delightful!!! It was a giant mug of hot cocoa warm and cozy feelings. Asa and Lauren were the squishy marshmallows on top. I’m currently deep in the clutches of a Minnesota winter, so it was doubly impressive that I actually felt love for snow again…it’s been 84 years.
*Minor spoilers and/or plot things below*
With Love, from Cold World was such a good enemies to lovers workplace romance!!! Their banter really hit the spot, and I don’t think it really ventured into uselessly childish or cruel. They each had a lot of preconceived notions about each other, so it was really nice watching them…break the ice. (I couldn’t resist.) It’s dual POV (unlike LITTOSK), so I got a great sense of both of their misunderstandings and personal roadblocks.
It’s one of those books where the relationship and emotions escalate quickly but it’s incredibly believable because they already had that simmering passion, they just needed a little nudge… WHICH WAS BEING LOCKED IN COLD WORLD AFTER HOURS ALL NIGHT. I’M SORRY FOR YELLING BUT IT WAS SO GOOD. Everything about that scene!! And the conversations that followed and how they processed everything and worked together! UGH it was just so soft.
Asa and Lauren were lovely. The found family element of the book was my absolute favorite. The camaraderie between Asa’s roommates felt so real and frankly I’d die for John. Lauren was also working with a child in the foster system, while Asa volunteered with a LGBTQIA+ youth crisis line. They were both helping out where they received help and/or struggled in the past. Lauren was put in foster care as a child and Asa was kicked out by his parents in high school for being bi.
On that note, I love whenever an MC defends the other one, especially in front of shitty parental figures! I also loved how Asa wasn’t pressured into forgiveness. Not everything ended perfectly in that regard, because he wasn’t ready to repair those relationships. Lauren and Asa’s relationship felt so restorative and safe.
Overall, I wasn’t expecting to feel so invested in the setting of Cold World. It felt so nostalgic. I swear I could smell that cold rubber mat hockey player popcorn scent of ice rinks. Maybe I should go sharpen my skates just to feel something.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️.5*/5
*I wasn’t sure how hot this would be but whoo the snow was melting!!! We got a bit more than LITTOSK, but the writing in both was explicit. The scenes aren’t very long, but I could tell that Alicia is a romance reader and reads a lot of it. She has an excellent handle on how to craft a really hot scene in a short amount of space. Asa and Lauren had such great chemistry.
Thanks so much to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.
Well this was absolutely delightful!!! It was a giant mug of hot cocoa warm and cozy feelings. Asa and Lauren were the squishy marshmallows on top. I’m currently deep in the clutches of a Minnesota winter, so it was doubly impressive that I actually felt love for snow again…it’s been 84 years.
*Minor spoilers and/or plot things below*
With Love, from Cold World was such a good enemies to lovers workplace romance!!! Their banter really hit the spot, and I don’t think it really ventured into uselessly childish or cruel. They each had a lot of preconceived notions about each other, so it was really nice watching them…break the ice. (I couldn’t resist.) It’s dual POV (unlike LITTOSK), so I got a great sense of both of their misunderstandings and personal roadblocks.
It’s one of those books where the relationship and emotions escalate quickly but it’s incredibly believable because they already had that simmering passion, they just needed a little nudge… WHICH WAS BEING LOCKED IN COLD WORLD AFTER HOURS ALL NIGHT. I’M SORRY FOR YELLING BUT IT WAS SO GOOD. Everything about that scene!! And the conversations that followed and how they processed everything and worked together! UGH it was just so soft.
Asa and Lauren were lovely. The found family element of the book was my absolute favorite. The camaraderie between Asa’s roommates felt so real and frankly I’d die for John. Lauren was also working with a child in the foster system, while Asa volunteered with a LGBTQIA+ youth crisis line. They were both helping out where they received help and/or struggled in the past. Lauren was put in foster care as a child and Asa was kicked out by his parents in high school for being bi.
On that note, I love whenever an MC defends the other one, especially in front of shitty parental figures! I also loved how Asa wasn’t pressured into forgiveness. Not everything ended perfectly in that regard, because he wasn’t ready to repair those relationships. Lauren and Asa’s relationship felt so restorative and safe.
Overall, I wasn’t expecting to feel so invested in the setting of Cold World. It felt so nostalgic. I swear I could smell that cold rubber mat hockey player popcorn scent of ice rinks. Maybe I should go sharpen my skates just to feel something.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️.5*/5
*I wasn’t sure how hot this would be but whoo the snow was melting!!! We got a bit more than LITTOSK, but the writing in both was explicit. The scenes aren’t very long, but I could tell that Alicia is a romance reader and reads a lot of it. She has an excellent handle on how to craft a really hot scene in a short amount of space. Asa and Lauren had such great chemistry.
Thanks so much to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.
September 23, 2023
Good grief, this book hit me right in the feels. Witty and healing and sexy and hopeful. Loved, loved, loved it.
Thank you, Berkley, for the complimentary review copy. All opinions are my own and are unbiased.
Content notes: parental abandonment (past, discussed briefly throughout), parental drug overdose (past, off page), being in the foster care system, biphobia (on page, vehemently condemned in the narrative), being outed (past, mentioned briefly), being kicked out by parents due to bisxuality (past, discussed throughout, condemned and confronted in the narrative).
Thank you, Berkley, for the complimentary review copy. All opinions are my own and are unbiased.
Content notes: parental abandonment (past, discussed briefly throughout), parental drug overdose (past, off page), being in the foster care system, biphobia (on page, vehemently condemned in the narrative), being outed (past, mentioned briefly), being kicked out by parents due to bisxuality (past, discussed throughout, condemned and confronted in the narrative).
August 13, 2023
such a fun read/listen! workplace “enemies” to lovers! both asa and lauren were incredibly layered i love them sm
March 9, 2024
Actual rating 4.5 stars.
A gorgeous cover. Enemy-to-lovers and grumpy-sunshine tropes. A dual POV. A bi MC. Childhood traumas. So, a real rom-com-traum. Just my kind of story!
Hot. Cold. Hot. Cold. Hot. Cold. This theme is interwoven throughout the story and I loved it!
Cold World is a winter attraction in Florida, an icy place in a hot state. But an icy area with a snow globe and an ice rink also has hot drinks and a cozy atmosphere that melts your heart. And a warm, sunny state like Florida looks fantastic but can be damp and suffocating too. It’s just like Lauren and Asa. Lauren is aloof, introverted, and seen as an ice queen. Asa is relaxed, bright, and gets along with everyone. But nothing is like it seems. There’s so much under the surface.
With Love, from Cold World, is written in third person. Most times, it’s not my favorite writing style because it can feel distant. But … if written well, it sucks me into a story completely. And that’s what happened to me while reading this fantastic book. The third-person writing fits so well with Lauren’s reserved character. And without realizing it, I drowned myself in the story while my heart opened up and butterflies started flying in my belly. I fell in love with Lauren, who kept her distance because she believed people would leave her eventually, and I adored Asa, easy-going sweet Asa, who had been thrown out of the house at eighteen like he was a piece of garbage.
This book is just like the stunning cover in blue (cold) en red (hot) colors. It’s chilling and heartwarming, biting and moving, sharp and uplifting. It’s the perfect book to read on a cold stormy day buried under warm blankets on the couch.
Be aware that there’s a small HP reference (in a good way, though).
I received an ARC from Random House UK and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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A gorgeous cover. Enemy-to-lovers and grumpy-sunshine tropes. A dual POV. A bi MC. Childhood traumas. So, a real rom-com-traum. Just my kind of story!
Hot. Cold. Hot. Cold. Hot. Cold. This theme is interwoven throughout the story and I loved it!
Cold World is a winter attraction in Florida, an icy place in a hot state. But an icy area with a snow globe and an ice rink also has hot drinks and a cozy atmosphere that melts your heart. And a warm, sunny state like Florida looks fantastic but can be damp and suffocating too. It’s just like Lauren and Asa. Lauren is aloof, introverted, and seen as an ice queen. Asa is relaxed, bright, and gets along with everyone. But nothing is like it seems. There’s so much under the surface.
With Love, from Cold World, is written in third person. Most times, it’s not my favorite writing style because it can feel distant. But … if written well, it sucks me into a story completely. And that’s what happened to me while reading this fantastic book. The third-person writing fits so well with Lauren’s reserved character. And without realizing it, I drowned myself in the story while my heart opened up and butterflies started flying in my belly. I fell in love with Lauren, who kept her distance because she believed people would leave her eventually, and I adored Asa, easy-going sweet Asa, who had been thrown out of the house at eighteen like he was a piece of garbage.
This book is just like the stunning cover in blue (cold) en red (hot) colors. It’s chilling and heartwarming, biting and moving, sharp and uplifting. It’s the perfect book to read on a cold stormy day buried under warm blankets on the couch.
Be aware that there’s a small HP reference (in a good way, though).
I received an ARC from Random House UK and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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August 18, 2023DNF
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
August 7, 2024
With Love, from Cold World deserves a better audiobook narrator. Lindsey Dorcus – I’m sorry to say it – just doesn’t do Alicia Thompson’s second romance novel any favors. Her wooden performance and unappealing portrayal of the male characters leave much to be desired, and, though it’s too late now, I really wish I would’ve instead read the digital review copy the publisher sent rather than listened to the audiobook.
But in all fairness, my three-star rating isn’t all Dorcus’s fault, because Thompson’s follow-up also lacks the sizzle and charm of her debut, Love in the Time of Serial Killers. Cold World is stale in comparison, and the stars of the love story, Lauren and Asa, don’t possess the same chemistry and likability as their predecessors. Plus, I could’ve done without the descriptive pornmance this time around, which, for some reason, didn’t bother me when I read Thompson’s first book. It must be a chemistry thing, the absence of it.
And my final irritation: if a story is set during the Christmas season, the blurb should say so. I knew the backdrop for the romance was a wintry theme park in Florida, but the synopsis leaves out the fact that Lauren and Asa fall in love during the month of December, amidst all sorts of holiday festivities. I wasn’t in the mood for a Christmas romance in August, and I would’ve held off listening to the book until December had I known this.
My sincerest appreciation to Alicia Thompson, Berkley, and Edelweiss+ for the digital review copy. All opinions included herein are my own.
But in all fairness, my three-star rating isn’t all Dorcus’s fault, because Thompson’s follow-up also lacks the sizzle and charm of her debut, Love in the Time of Serial Killers. Cold World is stale in comparison, and the stars of the love story, Lauren and Asa, don’t possess the same chemistry and likability as their predecessors. Plus, I could’ve done without the descriptive pornmance this time around, which, for some reason, didn’t bother me when I read Thompson’s first book. It must be a chemistry thing, the absence of it.
And my final irritation: if a story is set during the Christmas season, the blurb should say so. I knew the backdrop for the romance was a wintry theme park in Florida, but the synopsis leaves out the fact that Lauren and Asa fall in love during the month of December, amidst all sorts of holiday festivities. I wasn’t in the mood for a Christmas romance in August, and I would’ve held off listening to the book until December had I known this.
My sincerest appreciation to Alicia Thompson, Berkley, and Edelweiss+ for the digital review copy. All opinions included herein are my own.
September 7, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
was hesitant to read because i didn’t like love in the time of serial killers but this book had me hooked, i binge read it in one sitting
was hesitant to read because i didn’t like love in the time of serial killers but this book had me hooked, i binge read it in one sitting
Shelved as 'dnf'
June 28, 2024This started with quite the list of TW
December 7, 2023
I didn't have many expectations for this book, but this one was a more emotional read and I think the lives of the characters and what they were going through definitely overshadowed the romance. It was nice to listen to the audiobook, but I wasn't obsessed with the story or the romance.
September 27, 2023
RATING: 2.75✨
SPICE: 🌶
Trope/Setting Highlights:
✔ Little over ~380 pages
✔ Standalone cotemporary romance
✔ New adult
✔ Bisexual MMC rep
✔ Reverse grumpy (FMC) x sunshine (MMC)
✔ Trauma bonding
✔ HEA
Review:
With Love, from Cold World is Alicia Thompson’s sophomore novel, published after her debut Love in the Time of Serial Killers, and follows twenty-somethings Lauren and Asa, employees at the floundering winter-themed amusement park Cold World. After a not-so-meet-cute involving Lauren’s suggestion to stop Secret Santa in order to save budget, the pair continue their clash of wills and personalities for the next couple years; that is, until they may be forced to work together to develop a plan to save Cold World.
This wasn’t necessarily a bad book in any way, I just think it wasn’t the book for me. Perhaps after reading the blurb and adoring the concept I had too high of expectations, but that’s my own problem.
While the writing was OK, the overall plot and cast of characters, even the two MCs, fell flat for me. Everything seemed surface level. No characters were particularly likeable. I did love seeing some of the emotional moments of Asa confronting his family, but it was over in the blink of an eye. I think I just kept waiting for something to pull me in, for an emotional investment branch to reach out from the page so I could cling onto it, but then I got to the last page, and I still felt a little cold.
SPICE: 🌶
Trope/Setting Highlights:
✔ Little over ~380 pages
✔ Standalone cotemporary romance
✔ New adult
✔ Bisexual MMC rep
✔ Reverse grumpy (FMC) x sunshine (MMC)
✔ Trauma bonding
✔ HEA
Review:
With Love, from Cold World is Alicia Thompson’s sophomore novel, published after her debut Love in the Time of Serial Killers, and follows twenty-somethings Lauren and Asa, employees at the floundering winter-themed amusement park Cold World. After a not-so-meet-cute involving Lauren’s suggestion to stop Secret Santa in order to save budget, the pair continue their clash of wills and personalities for the next couple years; that is, until they may be forced to work together to develop a plan to save Cold World.
This wasn’t necessarily a bad book in any way, I just think it wasn’t the book for me. Perhaps after reading the blurb and adoring the concept I had too high of expectations, but that’s my own problem.
While the writing was OK, the overall plot and cast of characters, even the two MCs, fell flat for me. Everything seemed surface level. No characters were particularly likeable. I did love seeing some of the emotional moments of Asa confronting his family, but it was over in the blink of an eye. I think I just kept waiting for something to pull me in, for an emotional investment branch to reach out from the page so I could cling onto it, but then I got to the last page, and I still felt a little cold.
September 28, 2023
So, I loved the title and amazing cover of this book. The actual book? Welp…I did not love it. I liked it! But it was a sloooowwwww drag for me, unfortunately. Lauren is a very by the book kinda gal. She likes numbers and calculations, and order. Asa…doesn’t really care. He’s worked at Cold World for a decade to Lauren’s two years, and everyone loves him! Except Lauren, but whatevs. He’s cooler than she’ll ever be, and she notices his attempts to make sure she knows it. No biggie, she’s used to being alone. Until they’re paired up on a project together…along with the owner’s (gorgeous) son Daniel, who Lauren has always been too shy to talk to.
When it becomes obvious that Daniel is about as sharp as a beach ball, Lauren and Asa pair up to work…and after a mishap with a locked door and an alarm, they’re stuck overnight at Cold World. Stuff ensues, fingers wander, and so begins the lukewarm start of a clandestine relationship. We totalllllyyyyyy didn’t see the third act breakup coming. J-fucking-K. Here’s the thing…I hated Lauren’s guts. I really didn’t mesh well with her. Asa? Loved him. I want him to help me dye my hair and also to make out with me. Daniel? Wanted to murder him. Lauren? Wanted to push her down to get to Asa. Anyway, Merry Christmas. I’m gonna go find something Halloweeny to read now….
When it becomes obvious that Daniel is about as sharp as a beach ball, Lauren and Asa pair up to work…and after a mishap with a locked door and an alarm, they’re stuck overnight at Cold World. Stuff ensues, fingers wander, and so begins the lukewarm start of a clandestine relationship. We totalllllyyyyyy didn’t see the third act breakup coming. J-fucking-K. Here’s the thing…I hated Lauren’s guts. I really didn’t mesh well with her. Asa? Loved him. I want him to help me dye my hair and also to make out with me. Daniel? Wanted to murder him. Lauren? Wanted to push her down to get to Asa. Anyway, Merry Christmas. I’m gonna go find something Halloweeny to read now….
September 2, 2023
you know what. i actually enjoyed parts of this book greatly.
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the thing about me is that i am A Sucker for pretty covers. like, if it makes my jaw drop, idc i'm reading it. even if i disliked the same author's last book.
this is genuinely one of the best i've ever seen in the romance genre.
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the thing about me is that i am A Sucker for pretty covers. like, if it makes my jaw drop, idc i'm reading it. even if i disliked the same author's last book.
this is genuinely one of the best i've ever seen in the romance genre.
August 16, 2023
i was giggling and smiling and kicking my feet <33 this was so cute!!!!!!!
April 19, 2023
definitely a unique one! Sweet
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This new story is based on a love-hate relationship. You know the type – you meet someone and they automatically rub you the wrong way. Personalities clash and you think you really don’t like them when in actuality, you just have to get to know them.
Thompson brings a story that has character and flavor with a simmering connection that slowly builds between the two main characters. They are opposites in many ways but yet blend together perfectly with understanding and trust. She adds a solid lineup of secondary characters that help to develop this book into an engaging and compelling read.
The story is definitely unique with the plot and the character development, not to mention the crazy business! Plus, With Love, from Cold World gives us a sweet ending that leaves you with a smile and anticipation for more from this up-and-coming author. (Fab cover BTW!)
* copy received for review consideration
* Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/with-love-fr...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This new story is based on a love-hate relationship. You know the type – you meet someone and they automatically rub you the wrong way. Personalities clash and you think you really don’t like them when in actuality, you just have to get to know them.
Thompson brings a story that has character and flavor with a simmering connection that slowly builds between the two main characters. They are opposites in many ways but yet blend together perfectly with understanding and trust. She adds a solid lineup of secondary characters that help to develop this book into an engaging and compelling read.
The story is definitely unique with the plot and the character development, not to mention the crazy business! Plus, With Love, from Cold World gives us a sweet ending that leaves you with a smile and anticipation for more from this up-and-coming author. (Fab cover BTW!)
* copy received for review consideration
* Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/with-love-fr...
December 2, 2023
3.5 stars
This is my first book by Alicia Thompson and I thought it was really good. I’m going to be honest, it did take me some time to get into the story and for the characters to grow on me, but by the end I loved them both so much! I was happy how the story turned out and Asa and Lauren were great together.
This is my first book by Alicia Thompson and I thought it was really good. I’m going to be honest, it did take me some time to get into the story and for the characters to grow on me, but by the end I loved them both so much! I was happy how the story turned out and Asa and Lauren were great together.
Audio book source: Libby
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Lindsey Dorcus
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 11h 59m
December 28, 2022
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
MORE COHERENT REVIEW TO COME
MORE COHERENT REVIEW TO COME
March 24, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
Another prime example of “good reads gave it a mid rating so I’m hesitant to read it”. People, DO NOT LISTEN TO GOOD READS! Formulate your own opinions! Ok, now that I’m done yelling, this book was so fun. It was so refreshing seeing a bisexual mmc. Asa was funny and charismatic and does that thing where he jokes when he’s feeling anxious or scared (i definitely don’t do the exact same thing. Nope. Not me). I also could resonate with how scared of rejection Lauren was. I, too, have a bad habit of hurting my own feelings or not getting my hopes up because i like to prepare myself before being let down by the world.
The two of these guys were so fun to watch and i was eating up the trauma bonding. I can’t wait to read more books from this author. I’m so bummed it took me this long to start them.
Another prime example of “good reads gave it a mid rating so I’m hesitant to read it”. People, DO NOT LISTEN TO GOOD READS! Formulate your own opinions! Ok, now that I’m done yelling, this book was so fun. It was so refreshing seeing a bisexual mmc. Asa was funny and charismatic and does that thing where he jokes when he’s feeling anxious or scared (i definitely don’t do the exact same thing. Nope. Not me). I also could resonate with how scared of rejection Lauren was. I, too, have a bad habit of hurting my own feelings or not getting my hopes up because i like to prepare myself before being let down by the world.
The two of these guys were so fun to watch and i was eating up the trauma bonding. I can’t wait to read more books from this author. I’m so bummed it took me this long to start them.
January 16, 2024
Full review coming.
3⭐️
3⭐️
January 2, 2024
dnf for now @ 25%
August 13, 2023
This book to me by surprise in the best possible way. I wasn’t expecting to love them as much as I did but god, Asa and Lauren have my entire heart. Their banter is so funny. I love their tension. Their backgrounds made my heart ache. They both dealt with so much and I love that they found each other. This book made me kick my feet and giggle and also clutch my broken heart. I will be thinking about them for a long long time. The only thing I didn’t love was there was a plotline where Lauren becomes a mentor/advocate for a kid in foster care and that storyline felt very underdeveloped and like an afterthought. But other than that I loved this book and them so so sooo much.
Shelved as 'dnf'
July 19, 2023what i liked:
- the name asa (finally a guy name that’s different)
- asa being bi?? never seen a mainstream str8 romcom with a bi dude
- lauren was so sweet and i really loved her awkwardness
- the writing. super tight, super fun, super straight forward
that’s about it :( i think the mass majority will absolutely love the romance, but i hated how fast asa started being into lauren it was sooo ick. what’s the point of reading romance if they already want the other one badly by like the 30% mark? wish we just had lauren’s pov
- the name asa (finally a guy name that’s different)
- asa being bi?? never seen a mainstream str8 romcom with a bi dude
- lauren was so sweet and i really loved her awkwardness
- the writing. super tight, super fun, super straight forward
that’s about it :( i think the mass majority will absolutely love the romance, but i hated how fast asa started being into lauren it was sooo ick. what’s the point of reading romance if they already want the other one badly by like the 30% mark? wish we just had lauren’s pov
August 19, 2023
❄️The story plot featuring a workplace enemies-to-lovers rom-com set at a winter wonderland amusement park during Christmastime, surprisingly located in sunny Florida.
❄️The FMC, Lauren, works as a bookkeeper at Cold War and is portrayed as conservative, somewhat awkward, and uptight. In contrast, her coworker Asa is her polar opposite, with blue hair, tattoos, a laid-back attitude, and a year-round Christmas spirit.
❄️Asa and Lauren decide to work together to help revamp Cold World. As they get to know each other, they find they have more in common than they thought. Their backgrounds become an essential part of their love story, making it incredibly relatable.
❄️While this may seem like a wintery story to cool you off during the hot summer, you'd be mistaken! Asa and Lauren's relationship heats up quickly and becomes quite sizzling.
❄️I enjoyed the chemistry and banter between Asa and Lauren. Thompson also delves into serious issues like childhood trauma, addiction/substance abuse, and the foster care system, adding depth to the narrative.
❄️I recommend reading this book if you enjoy:
o LGBTQ+ representation )
o Found family
o Workplace romance with forced proximity
o Opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine characters.
o Christmas vibes: Secret Santa exchange, ice skating rink, mistletoe, and a real-life snow globe.
🎧Lindsey Dorcus (@lindseydorcus) was the perfect narrator, effortlessly distinguishing between characters with unique inflections. Her engaging reading style brought Cold World's atmosphere to life and helped me visualize the story.
❄️The FMC, Lauren, works as a bookkeeper at Cold War and is portrayed as conservative, somewhat awkward, and uptight. In contrast, her coworker Asa is her polar opposite, with blue hair, tattoos, a laid-back attitude, and a year-round Christmas spirit.
❄️Asa and Lauren decide to work together to help revamp Cold World. As they get to know each other, they find they have more in common than they thought. Their backgrounds become an essential part of their love story, making it incredibly relatable.
❄️While this may seem like a wintery story to cool you off during the hot summer, you'd be mistaken! Asa and Lauren's relationship heats up quickly and becomes quite sizzling.
❄️I enjoyed the chemistry and banter between Asa and Lauren. Thompson also delves into serious issues like childhood trauma, addiction/substance abuse, and the foster care system, adding depth to the narrative.
❄️I recommend reading this book if you enjoy:
o LGBTQ+ representation )
o Found family
o Workplace romance with forced proximity
o Opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine characters.
o Christmas vibes: Secret Santa exchange, ice skating rink, mistletoe, and a real-life snow globe.
🎧Lindsey Dorcus (@lindseydorcus) was the perfect narrator, effortlessly distinguishing between characters with unique inflections. Her engaging reading style brought Cold World's atmosphere to life and helped me visualize the story.
August 21, 2023
2.5 stars. Mixed feelings but overall I found this to be a very frustrating read.
September 7, 2023
I really enjoyed this a lot! I love a romance that manages to balance humour and lightheartedness with characters who each have their own traumas that inevitably come up in relationships. Here, Asa is a bisexual guy whose parents kicked him out while he was still in high school when they found out. Lauren was raised in foster care after age 10, with her mom dying soon after she was placed in care. These two had my heart, especially their little opposites-attract, sort of work enemies but not really beginning. Loved the bi rep! I think this might be the first M/F romance I've read featuring a bit guy? Personally I wanted a little more from the sex scenes, but if you're looking for relatively spicy but short sex scenes you could easily skip, this is a good choice!
December 26, 2022
A perfect perfect perfect book. Review to come closer to pub date.
December 4, 2023
UPDATE: Alicia doesn't miss. RTC
I love how overwhelmingly Florida AND wintry this new cover is! Is it August 2023 yet?
I love how overwhelmingly Florida AND wintry this new cover is! Is it August 2023 yet?
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
July 10, 2023DNF
Read the first 250 pages and fell asleep 4 times. I am fully awake, it’s just a snooze fest for me sorryyyyyy
I think this books pacing is a little too slow for this specific genre, but I do still love this concept and cover!
Read the first 250 pages and fell asleep 4 times. I am fully awake, it’s just a snooze fest for me sorryyyyyy
I think this books pacing is a little too slow for this specific genre, but I do still love this concept and cover!
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