Sunday, November 3, 2024

Some Like It Cold by Elle McNicoll

Love in the Frost: A Slow-Burn Romance That Warms the Heart

"Some Like It Cold" is the kind of book that leaves you with a warm, fuzzy feeling long after you've turned the last page. It's a love letter to small towns, to being true to yourself, and to the kind of love that makes you want to be a better person.

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Picture this: a quaint little town nestled by a frozen lake, twinkling lights everywhere, and the promise of love in the frosty air. Sounds like the perfect setting for a Hallmark movie, right? Well, hold onto your hot cocoa, because Elle McNicoll’s “Some Like It Cold” is about to sweep you off your feet and into a world that’s so much more than your average small-town romance.

As someone who’s devoured more YA novels than I care to admit, I approached this book with a mix of excitement and skepticism. I mean, how many times can we read about a girl coming home and falling for the boy next door? But let me tell you, McNicoll’s take on this classic trope is as refreshing as a cool breeze on a summer day.

Welcome to Lake Pristine: Where Everyone Knows Your Name (and Your Business)

First things first, can we talk about Lake Pristine? This town is practically a character in itself. It’s the kind of place where gossip spreads faster than wildfire, where everyone’s got an opinion on your life choices, and where you can’t sneeze without someone offering you a tissue (and probably asking if you’re coming down with something).

McNicoll’s writing brings this town to life in such vivid detail that I swear I could smell the pine trees and hear the crunch of snow under my feet. It’s like Stars Hollow from “Gilmore Girls” got a wintery makeover, and I am here for it.

Meet Jasper: The Golden Girl with a Secret

Now, let’s talk about our heroine, Jasper Montgomery. Oh boy, where do I even start? Jasper is the kind of character that sneaks up on you. At first, you might think she’s just another small-town golden girl – you know, the type who’s good at everything and loved by everyone. But as you peel back the layers (and trust me, there are layers), you realize there’s so much more to her.

Jasper is autistic, and McNicoll’s portrayal of her neurodiversity is both sensitive and authentic. It’s not a plot point or a quirky character trait; it’s just part of who Jasper is. As someone who’s often felt like the odd one out, I found myself nodding along to Jasper’s inner monologue, especially when she talks about masking her true self to fit in.

The List That Changes Everything

Here’s where things get interesting. Jasper’s got a secret list—a bucket list of sorts—of things she wants to do before leaving Lake Pristine for good. And let me tell you, this list is the heart and soul of the story. It’s got everything from “skate on Lake Pristine” to “do something brave.” It’s like a roadmap of Jasper’s journey to find herself, and I was rooting for her to check off every single item.

Enter Arthur: The Grumpy Filmmaker with a Heart of Gold

And then there’s Arthur Lancaster. Oh, Arthur. If you’re a fan of the grumpy-sunshine trope, prepare to fall head over heels. Arthur is the local cinema manager, aspiring filmmaker, and resident grump. He’s the kind of guy who looks like he’d rather eat a pine cone than smile, but underneath that prickly exterior is a heart of pure gold.

The dynamic between Jasper and Arthur is electric from the get-go. Their banter had me grinning like an idiot, and the slow burn of their relationship? It’s the kind of romance that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and a cup of hot chocolate and just bask in the warm fuzzies.

A Documentary That Shakes Things Up

Arthur’s documentary project adds an interesting layer to the story. It’s like holding up a mirror to the town, and not everyone likes what they see. The way McNicoll uses this plot device to explore themes of identity, perception, and small-town politics is honestly brilliant. It’s not just a backdrop for the romance; it’s a catalyst for change and self-reflection for many characters.

More Than Just a Love Story

While the romance between Jasper and Arthur is swoon-worthy (seriously, I may have squealed out loud a few times), “Some Like It Cold” is about so much more than just two people falling in love. It’s about:

  • Finding your true self in a world that often wants you to fit into a mold
  • The complexities of family relationships (Jasper’s relationship with her sister Christine is particularly well-crafted)
  • The courage it takes to follow your dreams, even when it means leaving behind everything you know
  • The power of community and belonging

McNicoll tackles these themes with a deft hand, never veering into preachy territory. Instead, she weaves them seamlessly into the fabric of the story, making for a rich and satisfying read.

A Cast of Characters You’ll Want to Befriend

One of the things I loved most about this book was the supporting cast. From Odette (Jasper’s best friend) to Grace (Arthur’s little sister), each character feels fully realized and adds something special to the story. I particularly enjoyed:

  • The evolution of Jasper’s relationship with her sister Christine
  • Odette’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment
  • The way the town rallies around Jasper in unexpected ways

Writing That Hits All the Right Notes

McNicoll’s writing style is a joy to read. It’s witty, warm, and often laugh-out-loud funny. But what really struck me was her ability to capture those small, quiet moments that make up a life. There’s a scene where Jasper is ice skating on the frozen lake that’s so beautifully written, I felt like I was right there with her, feeling the cold air on my face and the exhilaration of gliding across the ice.

A Few Nitpicks (Because No Book Is Perfect)

While I absolutely adored this book, there were a couple of minor things that niggled at me:

  • The pacing in the middle section felt a tad slow at times
  • Some of the secondary conflicts were resolved a bit too neatly for my taste

But honestly, these are such small quibbles in the grand scheme of things. They didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment of the story one bit.

The Verdict: A Must-Read for Romance Lovers and Beyond

“Some Like It Cold” is the kind of book that leaves you with a warm, fuzzy feeling long after you’ve turned the last page. It’s a love letter to small towns, to being true to yourself, and to the kind of love that makes you want to be a better person.

If you’re a fan of:

  • Small-town settings with big personalities
  • Slow-burn romances that make your heart flutter
  • Characters who feel like real people you might meet on the street
  • Stories that make you laugh, cry, and everything in between

…then you need to pick up this book ASAP.

Who Should Read This Book?

  • Fans of YA romance looking for something with a bit more depth
  • Anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t quite fit in
  • Readers who love a good enemies-to-lovers story
  • People who appreciate authentic representation of neurodiversity in fiction

Similar Books You Might Enjoy

If you loved “Some Like It Cold,” you might also enjoy:

  • “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” by Jenny Han
  • “Fangirl” by Rainbow Rowell
  • “Heartstopper” by Alice Oseman

Final Thoughts

Elle McNicoll has crafted a story that’s as cozy as a warm blanket on a cold night, but with enough depth and heart to keep you thinking long after you’ve finished reading. “Some Like It Cold” is a testament to the power of being yourself, falling in love, and finding your place in the world—even if that place isn’t where you expected it to be.

So, grab a copy, curl up in your favorite reading spot, and prepare to fall in love with Lake Pristine and its charming inhabitants. Just don’t blame me if you suddenly feel the urge to move to a small town and open a quaint little bookshop. That’s just the magic of Elle McNicoll’s writing working its spell on you.

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"Some Like It Cold" is the kind of book that leaves you with a warm, fuzzy feeling long after you've turned the last page. It's a love letter to small towns, to being true to yourself, and to the kind of love that makes you want to be a better person.Some Like It Cold by Elle McNicoll