What do you think?
Rate this book
Some Like It Cold
A big-hearted small-town romance from bestselling, award-winning author Elle McNicoll, Some Like it Cold is perfect for fans of Alice Oseman, Talia Hibbert and Gilmore Girls.Jasper Montgomery is heading home for the holidays and keeping secrets. Determined to return to her small town home one last time before leaving for good, Jasper doesn’t bank on accidentally ruining her sister's engagement - or bumping into her teen adversary, budding filmmaker Arthur Lancaster.Jasper came back to Lake Pristine for one to say goodbye. But during the holidays, old relationships come to light, small-town tensions rise, and a certain brooding film buff starts to look like a very big reason to stay. Can Jasper decide what she wants from Arthur, and from Lake Pristine, before she leaves them both forever?
368 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2024
About the author
Elle McNicoll
12 books546 followersHey, I'm Elle. I'm Scottish, autistic and an author/screenwriter who is really bad at logging her reading choices.
I write about autistic girls finding out who they are and what makes them happy, because I'm an autistic girl trying to find out who she is and what makes her happy.
I don't read reviews, as they are for readers, but I'm grateful to any and everyone who engages with my work, on the page or on the screen. My Young Adult Romance debut is called Some Like It Cold in it will be published on the 3rd of October. Official professional shiz below:
Elle McNicoll is a bestselling and award-winning novelist and screenwriter. Her debut, A Kind of Spark, won the Blue Peter Book Award and the Overall Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, as well as Blackwell’s Book of 2020. She is a four time Carnegie nominated author, and was shortlisted for the Books Are My Bag Awards 2020, 2021 and 2022, the Branford Boase Award 2020 and The Little Rebels Award 2020 and 2021. She was also honoured in the US with the Schneider Award, 2022.
Her second Middle Grade novel, Show Us Who You Are, was Blackwell’s Book of the Month and one of The Bookseller’s Best Books of 2021. Her first fantasy middle grade, Like a Charm, was nominated for Best Children’s Book for Older Readers in the first ever Week Junior Book Awards, and was highly praised in the New York Times.
Her debut novel, A Kind of Spark, has also been adapted for television, which debuted on UK and US screens on the 2nd of April, 2023. It is Emmy nominated and won Best Children’s Programme at the Broadcast Awards and the Royal Television Society Awards in London, 2024 and is now streaming in many territories around the globe. A second season is currently airing on CBBC.
Her debut Middle Grade was named as one of the greatest children’s books of all time, coming in at number 75, and she is twice nominated for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award.
Her YA debut, Some Like It Cold, will be published on October 1st (US) and October 3rd (UK). She is an advocate for better representation of neurodiversity in publishing, as an autistic and dyspraxic novelist, and currently lives in North London.
I write about autistic girls finding out who they are and what makes them happy, because I'm an autistic girl trying to find out who she is and what makes her happy.
I don't read reviews, as they are for readers, but I'm grateful to any and everyone who engages with my work, on the page or on the screen. My Young Adult Romance debut is called Some Like It Cold in it will be published on the 3rd of October. Official professional shiz below:
Elle McNicoll is a bestselling and award-winning novelist and screenwriter. Her debut, A Kind of Spark, won the Blue Peter Book Award and the Overall Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, as well as Blackwell’s Book of 2020. She is a four time Carnegie nominated author, and was shortlisted for the Books Are My Bag Awards 2020, 2021 and 2022, the Branford Boase Award 2020 and The Little Rebels Award 2020 and 2021. She was also honoured in the US with the Schneider Award, 2022.
Her second Middle Grade novel, Show Us Who You Are, was Blackwell’s Book of the Month and one of The Bookseller’s Best Books of 2021. Her first fantasy middle grade, Like a Charm, was nominated for Best Children’s Book for Older Readers in the first ever Week Junior Book Awards, and was highly praised in the New York Times.
Her debut novel, A Kind of Spark, has also been adapted for television, which debuted on UK and US screens on the 2nd of April, 2023. It is Emmy nominated and won Best Children’s Programme at the Broadcast Awards and the Royal Television Society Awards in London, 2024 and is now streaming in many territories around the globe. A second season is currently airing on CBBC.
Her debut Middle Grade was named as one of the greatest children’s books of all time, coming in at number 75, and she is twice nominated for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award.
Her YA debut, Some Like It Cold, will be published on October 1st (US) and October 3rd (UK). She is an advocate for better representation of neurodiversity in publishing, as an autistic and dyspraxic novelist, and currently lives in North London.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 298 reviews
October 1, 2024
Some Like It Cold is a heartwarming, charming, and delightful small town romance with an enemies to lovers troupe. I thought the author, Elle McNicoll did a fantastic job capturing the small-town vibe. The setting was fantastic and atmospheric which added to the town’s charm. I also enjoyed both of the main characters and rooted for them both.
Jasper has come back to Lake Pristine, her hometown for the holidays to say goodbye before leaving for good. She is not only carrying her luggage, but also secrets as well. Arthur Lancaster is Jasper's childhood advisory. Now he is a budding filmmaker also back in Lake Pristine....
I enjoyed both characters and their dynamic. I enjoyed their banter, their backstory, their whit, their relationships with the other characters(good and not so good) in this book and their perspectives. They have great chemistry and as I say, it is all about the journey with romance books.
I also thought the author did a great job showing Jasper as a neurodiverse character. This book also touches on many things such as family/family issues, expectations, relationships, autism, friendships, and bullying to name a few.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Jasper has come back to Lake Pristine, her hometown for the holidays to say goodbye before leaving for good. She is not only carrying her luggage, but also secrets as well. Arthur Lancaster is Jasper's childhood advisory. Now he is a budding filmmaker also back in Lake Pristine....
I enjoyed both characters and their dynamic. I enjoyed their banter, their backstory, their whit, their relationships with the other characters(good and not so good) in this book and their perspectives. They have great chemistry and as I say, it is all about the journey with romance books.
I also thought the author did a great job showing Jasper as a neurodiverse character. This book also touches on many things such as family/family issues, expectations, relationships, autism, friendships, and bullying to name a few.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
October 5, 2024
✰ 2.5 stars ✰
“To be loved so well for exactly who you are, after being told you are unlovable: it was a beautiful, golden act of revolution.”
I've very much enjoyed Elle McNicoll's middle grade books. Ardent fan. Really feel for her writing style and connect with her characters. 😊 Loved each of them with all my heart. When I heard that she was writing a romance - a Young Adult one & with such a vibrant cover, I was skeptical, but still curious enough to give it a shot, hopeful that some of that spark of magic would find its way here. 🥲
If you ever want to see the antithesis of the cozy friendly vibes that a small town usually captures, then be sure to head over to Lake Pristine, where literally almost everyone was simply downright mean. 🙅🏻♀️ I know it may not be a pet peeve for others and it is probably a moot point to be bothered by, but we don't ever get to know which country this story is taking place in! Not a clue! And for the life of me I could not understand why from her family to her co-existing people, Jasper was subjugated to such vile and awful people.
Uff, such unbearable and horrible human behavior - simply atrocious at how childish and spiteful they behaved! It was as if when the title insinuated Some Like It Cold it actually meant how to be as cold as possible towards others. I did not get the feeling that it was a lighthearted nor cozy vibe; it's not a romcom, either, more like a family drama to the highest level. It also felt more like a coming-of-age for neurodivergent 'Jasper who never said no' who returns home from college, a month before Christmas and the sudden unexpected announcement of her older sister's wedding on New Year's Eve. 😟
“You drive me out of my mind.”
It was not untrue.
“Well,” he said, shrugging. “I’m all about you. All of the time. So. Whatever.”
The sad part is that the slow burn enemies to lovers romance between the town's 'golden girl and the other a grieving, grumpy cinema manager', Jasper and her longtime sworn enemy Arthur Lancaster, affectionately also known as Grumble was portrayed well. If anything, romance was probably the only strong point. Their chemistry and their banter was spot-on and I liked how their feelings for each other slowly started to emerge into something more sweet and gentle and tender. 🩷🤍 As an aspiring filmmaker who is keen on keeping his late father's theatre up and running, Arthur definitely was the most likeable character in Jasper's life - a caring brother and a generous soul, despite his tall, dark, and brooding, one who never hid what he had to say, even when he had been hiding the truest intentions of his heart. He was not afraid to point out how Jasper was too good for everyone, even when she treated everyone with so much kindness. 🥺
As one who does not know much about neurodivergence, I was a bit perplexed when I read that being neurodivergent was considered a disability. I did look it up and was surprised that it was labeled as such; even though it feels odd to, considering those who are neurodivergent do not wish to be treated or regarded differently. So, it was nice to see how much context and insight was provided into it. But, at the same time, I don't feel like it is in my right to be offended by it, but in terms of the writing, I do wish it was not such an integral focus of the plot. 😕 Yes, it did serve as one of the reasons why Jasper was at fault with her family, but even the constant need to bring it up and have to explain it was something that became a bit exhaustive at times, as it took away from the story itself. It is not so much that she defined herself by it, but it often became something that she often weaponized against others for their lack of empathy towards her. I know it is not my place to speak about it, but it's just - I don't know... I was also baffled at how forgiving Jasper was of her own overbearing sister's antics and dramatics. 😶🌫️
“I’m not judging you, Princess. I just wonder how much you can love a town if you’re so keen to leave it.”
“Of course I love it, I just don’t … love me in it.”
If I was to look at it objectively, I think the true nature of the story was for Jasper to come to terms with her own personal decisions regarding her future and where Lake Pristine fit into it. Whether her choices and actions upon her return amongst the very community she left behind and one she held in such high regard, would determine whether or not it was worth it or not to speak her mind and for herself. 😥 It was those converging thoughts and situations with all present company that eventually paved the way for her to shine in her own right. 'She had worn the golden girl mask for so long and sometimes it was too frightening to imagine removing it' - until she finally does. To see her finally grow more confident and self-assured about what she wanted was somewhat rewarding, even though there was just so much animosity thrown her way - to the point that it felt a bit too far-fetched - to get to that cathartic moment. 🙁
And yet, I really cannot say that I enjoyed reading it. I read it with a heavy heart at how much fuel was added to the fire of spite and just horridness. Jasper and Arthur really were the only worthwhile characters, and I did find myself at odds with the writing style and the way the characters interacted at times. It felt a bit formal and off-setting, like they were talking as strangers, with a hand keeping each other apart, but never hesitated in being as cutthroat as possible. 🤦🏻♀️ And so much family drama, so much unnecessary cruelty and baseless hatred just took me out of it. I did not even feel appreciative of certain characters realizing the error of their ways, when so much of their behavior did not deserve to be forgiven or felt excusable - mainly, Christine. I was not happy during reading or even afterwards, definitely troubled by it, hence the rating... I feel bad because their middle grade reads have been such great hits with me, but this just left me feeling so empty... 😔
“To be loved so well for exactly who you are, after being told you are unlovable: it was a beautiful, golden act of revolution.”
I've very much enjoyed Elle McNicoll's middle grade books. Ardent fan. Really feel for her writing style and connect with her characters. 😊 Loved each of them with all my heart. When I heard that she was writing a romance - a Young Adult one & with such a vibrant cover, I was skeptical, but still curious enough to give it a shot, hopeful that some of that spark of magic would find its way here. 🥲
If you ever want to see the antithesis of the cozy friendly vibes that a small town usually captures, then be sure to head over to Lake Pristine, where literally almost everyone was simply downright mean. 🙅🏻♀️ I know it may not be a pet peeve for others and it is probably a moot point to be bothered by, but we don't ever get to know which country this story is taking place in! Not a clue! And for the life of me I could not understand why from her family to her co-existing people, Jasper was subjugated to such vile and awful people.
Uff, such unbearable and horrible human behavior - simply atrocious at how childish and spiteful they behaved! It was as if when the title insinuated Some Like It Cold it actually meant how to be as cold as possible towards others. I did not get the feeling that it was a lighthearted nor cozy vibe; it's not a romcom, either, more like a family drama to the highest level. It also felt more like a coming-of-age for neurodivergent 'Jasper who never said no' who returns home from college, a month before Christmas and the sudden unexpected announcement of her older sister's wedding on New Year's Eve. 😟
“You drive me out of my mind.”
It was not untrue.
“Well,” he said, shrugging. “I’m all about you. All of the time. So. Whatever.”
The sad part is that the slow burn enemies to lovers romance between the town's 'golden girl and the other a grieving, grumpy cinema manager', Jasper and her longtime sworn enemy Arthur Lancaster, affectionately also known as Grumble was portrayed well. If anything, romance was probably the only strong point. Their chemistry and their banter was spot-on and I liked how their feelings for each other slowly started to emerge into something more sweet and gentle and tender. 🩷🤍 As an aspiring filmmaker who is keen on keeping his late father's theatre up and running, Arthur definitely was the most likeable character in Jasper's life - a caring brother and a generous soul, despite his tall, dark, and brooding, one who never hid what he had to say, even when he had been hiding the truest intentions of his heart. He was not afraid to point out how Jasper was too good for everyone, even when she treated everyone with so much kindness. 🥺
As one who does not know much about neurodivergence, I was a bit perplexed when I read that being neurodivergent was considered a disability. I did look it up and was surprised that it was labeled as such; even though it feels odd to, considering those who are neurodivergent do not wish to be treated or regarded differently. So, it was nice to see how much context and insight was provided into it. But, at the same time, I don't feel like it is in my right to be offended by it, but in terms of the writing, I do wish it was not such an integral focus of the plot. 😕 Yes, it did serve as one of the reasons why Jasper was at fault with her family, but even the constant need to bring it up and have to explain it was something that became a bit exhaustive at times, as it took away from the story itself. It is not so much that she defined herself by it, but it often became something that she often weaponized against others for their lack of empathy towards her. I know it is not my place to speak about it, but it's just - I don't know... I was also baffled at how forgiving Jasper was of her own overbearing sister's antics and dramatics. 😶🌫️
“I’m not judging you, Princess. I just wonder how much you can love a town if you’re so keen to leave it.”
“Of course I love it, I just don’t … love me in it.”
If I was to look at it objectively, I think the true nature of the story was for Jasper to come to terms with her own personal decisions regarding her future and where Lake Pristine fit into it. Whether her choices and actions upon her return amongst the very community she left behind and one she held in such high regard, would determine whether or not it was worth it or not to speak her mind and for herself. 😥 It was those converging thoughts and situations with all present company that eventually paved the way for her to shine in her own right. 'She had worn the golden girl mask for so long and sometimes it was too frightening to imagine removing it' - until she finally does. To see her finally grow more confident and self-assured about what she wanted was somewhat rewarding, even though there was just so much animosity thrown her way - to the point that it felt a bit too far-fetched - to get to that cathartic moment. 🙁
And yet, I really cannot say that I enjoyed reading it. I read it with a heavy heart at how much fuel was added to the fire of spite and just horridness. Jasper and Arthur really were the only worthwhile characters, and I did find myself at odds with the writing style and the way the characters interacted at times. It felt a bit formal and off-setting, like they were talking as strangers, with a hand keeping each other apart, but never hesitated in being as cutthroat as possible. 🤦🏻♀️ And so much family drama, so much unnecessary cruelty and baseless hatred just took me out of it. I did not even feel appreciative of certain characters realizing the error of their ways, when so much of their behavior did not deserve to be forgiven or felt excusable - mainly, Christine. I was not happy during reading or even afterwards, definitely troubled by it, hence the rating... I feel bad because their middle grade reads have been such great hits with me, but this just left me feeling so empty... 😔
September 12, 2024
This just wasn't for me. Great writing
March 6, 2024
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.
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.
October 12, 2024
‘The storytellers of the past had made Jasper feel that girls like her were not made to be loved…to be loved so well for exactly who you are, after being told you are unloveable: it was a beautiful, golden act of revolution’.
Lake Pristine = Gilmore Girls vibes. Beautiful writing. Loved Jasper.
Lake Pristine = Gilmore Girls vibes. Beautiful writing. Loved Jasper.
July 12, 2024
Some Like It Cold is a wonderful, small town romance with a Gilmore Girls feel. This book is full of extremely well written imagery, giving a very nostalgic feel for those lucky enough to grow up in a small town. Elle McNicoll does an excellent job with the enemies to lovers trope. I can not wait to read more books by this author. This would be a great winter read!
Thank you NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press|Wednesday Books for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press|Wednesday Books for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 1, 2024
This one had a fun premise, but lost a few things in execution!
Jasper is the black sheep of her family, thanks to her autism, which her mom has basically had her hide since childhood. Her family aims for perfection and focuses on her older sister, Christine, who is getting married on New Year's Eve. Jasper reluctantly returns home to Lake Pristine for the wedding festivities, with the secret knowledge that she's dropping out of college with dreams of going into interior design.
SOME LIKE IT COLD has a lot of good points to make about neurodivergence and autism, but good grief, it gets repetitive, as if it's beating us over the head with Jasper's diagnosis! It doles out symptoms like we're reading from WebMD, rather than learning about an actual human. Her sister Christine is horrible with no true redeemable qualities, making it difficult to root for the sisters to reconcile.
Jasper's love interest is Arthur, who has remained in Lake Pristine to run his late father's movie house. The two were childhood enemies, but with Jasper's return this childhood hatred turns into a spark. This is quite confusing, as it seems like they truly hated each other, and the story never makes clear how that hate actually manifests as unrequited love.
The story has some cute points, including its picaresque small town holiday setting and Jasper's friendship with Arthur's little sister, but it's bogged down by repetition and a lack of forward momentum. There's also far more telling than showing with the prose, making the book feel very long. Note that this is characterized as YA, but both Jasper and Arthur come across as older.
Overall, this has some fun Christmas aspects, but I couldn't quite get past all the flaws. 2.5 stars.
Jasper is the black sheep of her family, thanks to her autism, which her mom has basically had her hide since childhood. Her family aims for perfection and focuses on her older sister, Christine, who is getting married on New Year's Eve. Jasper reluctantly returns home to Lake Pristine for the wedding festivities, with the secret knowledge that she's dropping out of college with dreams of going into interior design.
SOME LIKE IT COLD has a lot of good points to make about neurodivergence and autism, but good grief, it gets repetitive, as if it's beating us over the head with Jasper's diagnosis! It doles out symptoms like we're reading from WebMD, rather than learning about an actual human. Her sister Christine is horrible with no true redeemable qualities, making it difficult to root for the sisters to reconcile.
Jasper's love interest is Arthur, who has remained in Lake Pristine to run his late father's movie house. The two were childhood enemies, but with Jasper's return this childhood hatred turns into a spark. This is quite confusing, as it seems like they truly hated each other, and the story never makes clear how that hate actually manifests as unrequited love.
The story has some cute points, including its picaresque small town holiday setting and Jasper's friendship with Arthur's little sister, but it's bogged down by repetition and a lack of forward momentum. There's also far more telling than showing with the prose, making the book feel very long. Note that this is characterized as YA, but both Jasper and Arthur come across as older.
Overall, this has some fun Christmas aspects, but I couldn't quite get past all the flaws. 2.5 stars.
October 6, 2024
I have read all 5 of Elle McNicoll’s published Middle Grade books and loved them all so had very high expectations going into this and was very excited to have an early copy to read.
Some Like it Cold follows Jasper who has come home from uni for the first time after 18 months and with secrets she's keeping from both her family and the town that means she’s back to stay goodbye. Arthur who runs the local cinema with his brother and is attempting to create a film about Lake Pristine, but to Jasper he is looking like a reason why saying goodbye might not be the best idea.
This is Elle McNicoll’s YA debut romance book and I love that she has made the decision to write romance because I loved this so much and we need more autistic romances. This is definitely for the upper end of YA but it still feels like it’s for YA which YA books don’t always feel like they are.
We get the perspective of both Jasper and Arthur throughout the story which I liked to see. It was nice to see the feelings build up during the story but also I really connected with Jasper and a lot of that came from being in her head. It was also nice to see Arthur’s perspective on a lot of things that went on with Jasper. This worked really well for the story as a whole.
Something else I really liked about the writing was how many of the things that Jasper struggled with were written, including masking, which I don’t think has ever been discussed as much in any book I have read before, the way she has learned to read people and the way she experiences sensory overload. There were so many quotes I connected too and wrote down so that I can look back on. Often books describe things that I am unable to in ways that I really connect to, so those quotes are great ways to describe how I feel with specific things to people that don’t experience things in the same ways.
Along with Arthur and Jasper we see a lot of other characters who live in this town and they went to school with. You see a wide variety of characters that live in town, whether they be older than Jasper, her age or younger. You see how big of a range of people live here which was great because there were characters you liked, you understood and you think needed a stern talking to.
I liked seeing Odette and Jasper’s friendship, how it’s changed due to Jasper being at university and how much they still mean to each other. Odette was a character whose actions felt very understandable and it’s really nice to see how much they still have a strong understanding of each other after this time away and over the course of the book you see Odette make some realisations and Jasper and Odette come back together after some distance between them that felt complete real between these characters in a way that you would expect to happen when one moves away.
Both Arthur and Jasper’s families were heavily involved in the story. I really liked both of Arthur’s siblings, the three of them were close in ways that were great to see and Grace was a character who I was always happy to see. Jasper’s family on the other hand are known to be one of the top families of the town and have struggled to accept her diagnosis properly and what it means for Jasper. I had mixed feelings towards Christine at many times because she was great to Jasper but also really mean to Jasper and many others in the town but by the end of the book she had definitely grown in my opinion she still wasn’t my favourite. Jasper’s parents also improved over the course of the story but I again I can’t say I was their biggest fan by the time I got to the end.
There were many other characters in town that I liked including Hera that I would like to see more of and I’m so glad Elle McNicoll is writing more in Lake Pristine but I would love to know which character’s we will be following because I love Lake Pristine and it’s residents so so much.
Jasper and Arthur were both flawed and had things that they were aware weren’t perfect about them but they were still characters that I really liked and wanted the best for at all times in the story. I really connected to Jasper as a character and was so glad to have read her story because of how much I connected to her and her struggles.
You could see how much the author loves rom coms when reading, it comes right through into the story when reading about both Jasper’s special interest and the love story between Arthur and Jasper. There was fantastic neurodivergent representation in this book which is exactly what I have come to expect from Elle McNicoll in six books, it discussed masking in an amazing way, sensory overload and social interactions it didn’t feel like it was just added in because she wanted to have people understand what being autistic is like instead it felt like it was authentic to Jasper and who she was as a person and how her life was as an autistic girl in a small town that wasn’t the most understanding. Jasper’s family and their views on her diagnosis was also interesting to see because it’s not something that I think I see often in books in the way that it was represented here and how Jasper’s opinion on it differed to theirs.
This book made me feel so seen in such an amazing way that I haven’t felt so strongly in any book before and I know the story will stick with me for quite a while. I would highly recommend it to all readers because the romance is fantastic as is the representation and it’s one that upon release I definitely think you should be picking up from bookshops. It is a new favourite YA romance that I will be rereading many times, and could not rate anything but five stars.
Thank you to Pan Macmillan and Bethan Thomas for an early proof ahead of the release.
Some Like it Cold follows Jasper who has come home from uni for the first time after 18 months and with secrets she's keeping from both her family and the town that means she’s back to stay goodbye. Arthur who runs the local cinema with his brother and is attempting to create a film about Lake Pristine, but to Jasper he is looking like a reason why saying goodbye might not be the best idea.
This is Elle McNicoll’s YA debut romance book and I love that she has made the decision to write romance because I loved this so much and we need more autistic romances. This is definitely for the upper end of YA but it still feels like it’s for YA which YA books don’t always feel like they are.
We get the perspective of both Jasper and Arthur throughout the story which I liked to see. It was nice to see the feelings build up during the story but also I really connected with Jasper and a lot of that came from being in her head. It was also nice to see Arthur’s perspective on a lot of things that went on with Jasper. This worked really well for the story as a whole.
Something else I really liked about the writing was how many of the things that Jasper struggled with were written, including masking, which I don’t think has ever been discussed as much in any book I have read before, the way she has learned to read people and the way she experiences sensory overload. There were so many quotes I connected too and wrote down so that I can look back on. Often books describe things that I am unable to in ways that I really connect to, so those quotes are great ways to describe how I feel with specific things to people that don’t experience things in the same ways.
Along with Arthur and Jasper we see a lot of other characters who live in this town and they went to school with. You see a wide variety of characters that live in town, whether they be older than Jasper, her age or younger. You see how big of a range of people live here which was great because there were characters you liked, you understood and you think needed a stern talking to.
I liked seeing Odette and Jasper’s friendship, how it’s changed due to Jasper being at university and how much they still mean to each other. Odette was a character whose actions felt very understandable and it’s really nice to see how much they still have a strong understanding of each other after this time away and over the course of the book you see Odette make some realisations and Jasper and Odette come back together after some distance between them that felt complete real between these characters in a way that you would expect to happen when one moves away.
Both Arthur and Jasper’s families were heavily involved in the story. I really liked both of Arthur’s siblings, the three of them were close in ways that were great to see and Grace was a character who I was always happy to see. Jasper’s family on the other hand are known to be one of the top families of the town and have struggled to accept her diagnosis properly and what it means for Jasper. I had mixed feelings towards Christine at many times because she was great to Jasper but also really mean to Jasper and many others in the town but by the end of the book she had definitely grown in my opinion she still wasn’t my favourite. Jasper’s parents also improved over the course of the story but I again I can’t say I was their biggest fan by the time I got to the end.
There were many other characters in town that I liked including Hera that I would like to see more of and I’m so glad Elle McNicoll is writing more in Lake Pristine but I would love to know which character’s we will be following because I love Lake Pristine and it’s residents so so much.
Jasper and Arthur were both flawed and had things that they were aware weren’t perfect about them but they were still characters that I really liked and wanted the best for at all times in the story. I really connected to Jasper as a character and was so glad to have read her story because of how much I connected to her and her struggles.
You could see how much the author loves rom coms when reading, it comes right through into the story when reading about both Jasper’s special interest and the love story between Arthur and Jasper. There was fantastic neurodivergent representation in this book which is exactly what I have come to expect from Elle McNicoll in six books, it discussed masking in an amazing way, sensory overload and social interactions it didn’t feel like it was just added in because she wanted to have people understand what being autistic is like instead it felt like it was authentic to Jasper and who she was as a person and how her life was as an autistic girl in a small town that wasn’t the most understanding. Jasper’s family and their views on her diagnosis was also interesting to see because it’s not something that I think I see often in books in the way that it was represented here and how Jasper’s opinion on it differed to theirs.
This book made me feel so seen in such an amazing way that I haven’t felt so strongly in any book before and I know the story will stick with me for quite a while. I would highly recommend it to all readers because the romance is fantastic as is the representation and it’s one that upon release I definitely think you should be picking up from bookshops. It is a new favourite YA romance that I will be rereading many times, and could not rate anything but five stars.
Thank you to Pan Macmillan and Bethan Thomas for an early proof ahead of the release.
October 13, 2024
4.5 stars
Headlines:
Perceptions
Family expectations
Being neurodiverse
This whole audio was a delight, I couldn't turn it off, needing to see what was going to happen with Jasper and needing some comeuppance for her family and they way they were. This whole story was a beautiful exploration of life through Jasper's neurodiverse eyes and equally how she was perceived.
This family was tough to read, they controlled and did not accept Jasper's differences beyond the label. She had been trained and conditioned to do what was expected of her and this story started as she returned home from a break from university with plans to step outside of their expectations. The story unravelled from there. I couldn't stand her sister despite some later redeeming features and as for the mother and weak-willed father, they were equally awful.
One person truly saw Jasper and that was Arthur. He was a wonderful character, charming and yet a bit of a grump. His long term crush was endearing. These two grew a friendship that was most lovely and unintentional. This part of the storyline was joy.
There's nothing preachy about this book but we all need some insight into the neurodiverse experience, whether we have that experience personally or live with someone who does, it's great to see this representation woven so well into a super-engaging story.
Ultimately, this book felt uplifting but real. The difficulties Jasper experienced weren't diluted but her warm and kind personality rubbed off across the book, making it hopeful.
I listened on audio and the narration pulled out the characterisation so well.
Thank you to First Ink for the audio review copy.
Find this review at A Take From Two Cities Blog.
Headlines:
Perceptions
Family expectations
Being neurodiverse
This whole audio was a delight, I couldn't turn it off, needing to see what was going to happen with Jasper and needing some comeuppance for her family and they way they were. This whole story was a beautiful exploration of life through Jasper's neurodiverse eyes and equally how she was perceived.
This family was tough to read, they controlled and did not accept Jasper's differences beyond the label. She had been trained and conditioned to do what was expected of her and this story started as she returned home from a break from university with plans to step outside of their expectations. The story unravelled from there. I couldn't stand her sister despite some later redeeming features and as for the mother and weak-willed father, they were equally awful.
One person truly saw Jasper and that was Arthur. He was a wonderful character, charming and yet a bit of a grump. His long term crush was endearing. These two grew a friendship that was most lovely and unintentional. This part of the storyline was joy.
There's nothing preachy about this book but we all need some insight into the neurodiverse experience, whether we have that experience personally or live with someone who does, it's great to see this representation woven so well into a super-engaging story.
Ultimately, this book felt uplifting but real. The difficulties Jasper experienced weren't diluted but her warm and kind personality rubbed off across the book, making it hopeful.
I listened on audio and the narration pulled out the characterisation so well.
Thank you to First Ink for the audio review copy.
Find this review at A Take From Two Cities Blog.
August 19, 2024
a few very beautiful lines does not a great book make
October 5, 2024
“A privileged childhood was just that: a great privilege. But sometimes it felt like a down payment on lifelong subservience.”
Jasper Montgomery has always been the sweetheart of her hometown, Lake Pristine. Think Rory Gilmore in a warped version of Stars Hollow, or Cinderella minus the fairy godmother. So when she left for college, Jasper left behind a big hearted hole no one else in town could ever dream of filling.
Now the prodigal daughter is returning to town, but she’s got a secret- she won’t be returning to college-or coming back to Lake Pristine, anytime soon. Instead she has decided to divert from the plan she had, or rather, the plan her family had for her.
But her arrival coincides with a big announcement of its own-her sister, the high maintenance Christine, is getting married. No stranger to Christine’s desires eclipsing her own, Jasper finds herself once again diving into her sister’s divisive demands, despite tiring of taking on the role her entire life. But being back home, while giving her some sense of creature comfort, also reminds her why she hasn’t wanted to return in the first place. Now in the midst of wedding madness and newfound feelings for an old foe named Arthur, Jasper has some tough decisions to make, and fears to face once and for all.
When I first started reading this story, I had a hard time getting into it. The idea that Jasper was such a people pleaser who was loved by many didn’t jive with the neurodivergent people I have known and if I’m being honest, I’m still grappling with some of those emotions. However, I’m glad I stuck with the story as the second half, especially the relationship between Jasper and Arthur, ended up really grabbing me. I even managed to make some peace with her family, who were God awful throughout most of the book. While I still feel her sister and mother were painted as pretty deplorable people, it takes a special writer to make them some degree of redeemable as author, Elle McNicoll amazingly managed to do.
Jasper Montgomery has always been the sweetheart of her hometown, Lake Pristine. Think Rory Gilmore in a warped version of Stars Hollow, or Cinderella minus the fairy godmother. So when she left for college, Jasper left behind a big hearted hole no one else in town could ever dream of filling.
Now the prodigal daughter is returning to town, but she’s got a secret- she won’t be returning to college-or coming back to Lake Pristine, anytime soon. Instead she has decided to divert from the plan she had, or rather, the plan her family had for her.
But her arrival coincides with a big announcement of its own-her sister, the high maintenance Christine, is getting married. No stranger to Christine’s desires eclipsing her own, Jasper finds herself once again diving into her sister’s divisive demands, despite tiring of taking on the role her entire life. But being back home, while giving her some sense of creature comfort, also reminds her why she hasn’t wanted to return in the first place. Now in the midst of wedding madness and newfound feelings for an old foe named Arthur, Jasper has some tough decisions to make, and fears to face once and for all.
When I first started reading this story, I had a hard time getting into it. The idea that Jasper was such a people pleaser who was loved by many didn’t jive with the neurodivergent people I have known and if I’m being honest, I’m still grappling with some of those emotions. However, I’m glad I stuck with the story as the second half, especially the relationship between Jasper and Arthur, ended up really grabbing me. I even managed to make some peace with her family, who were God awful throughout most of the book. While I still feel her sister and mother were painted as pretty deplorable people, it takes a special writer to make them some degree of redeemable as author, Elle McNicoll amazingly managed to do.
May 16, 2024
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
SOME LIKE IT COLD is a cosy, wintry romance centring an autistic woman in a small town that knows everyone's business - except she's always had to hide herself from them.
Let's start this by saying: I'm autistic. I was diagnosed as an adult. Books like this would have made things easier, given me something I could point at and go "I feel like that" rather than waiting until an adult and things got too much to handle.
This book captures what it's like to be an autistic woman, the expectations and demand to mask that much more. The fact that the stereotype of autism is very male centric and so "you don't look autistic" is used like a weapon to force you into a different shape. The fact that there's so much less leeway given to women who don't conform. The energy drain of always, always having to mask and be perfect.
There was something cathartic - so incredibly painful but also freeing - to see that laid out on the page. Everything hidden being dredged up and shown to any who read it. The pain and anger and resentment and fatigue of continually being misunderstood and having to shrug off comments (I could write an essay on why "Oh, I couldn't tell" is awful to hear.) The overwhelming fear and claustrophobia of overstimulation and the physical and mental effects of that.
And yet for all that painful openness, this is a love story that centres autism, that says you do not need to hide any part of who you are to be acceptable, to be worthy, to be loved. It's so empowering.
I also loved that the book has a more creative woman as the autistic lead. There are quite a few stereotypes about autistic people being naturally inclined to science and maths and not being creative or artsy (and I'm saying this as an autistic physicist!) but that is only one sub-group of the autistic community. It was so nice to see that stereotype challenged, to explore facets of the community that don't traditionally get shown (and the book does not hold back from blasting the role autistic characters are usually given in media.)
Jasper loves interior design and pink and movies. She is a dancer even if she's lost the love of it, and is a great mentor, encouraging and boosting others rather than fighting with them for space or putting them down (her and Grace had such an amazing relationship!)
I look forward to any other YA Elle McNicoll writes.
SOME LIKE IT COLD is a cosy, wintry romance centring an autistic woman in a small town that knows everyone's business - except she's always had to hide herself from them.
Let's start this by saying: I'm autistic. I was diagnosed as an adult. Books like this would have made things easier, given me something I could point at and go "I feel like that" rather than waiting until an adult and things got too much to handle.
This book captures what it's like to be an autistic woman, the expectations and demand to mask that much more. The fact that the stereotype of autism is very male centric and so "you don't look autistic" is used like a weapon to force you into a different shape. The fact that there's so much less leeway given to women who don't conform. The energy drain of always, always having to mask and be perfect.
There was something cathartic - so incredibly painful but also freeing - to see that laid out on the page. Everything hidden being dredged up and shown to any who read it. The pain and anger and resentment and fatigue of continually being misunderstood and having to shrug off comments (I could write an essay on why "Oh, I couldn't tell" is awful to hear.) The overwhelming fear and claustrophobia of overstimulation and the physical and mental effects of that.
And yet for all that painful openness, this is a love story that centres autism, that says you do not need to hide any part of who you are to be acceptable, to be worthy, to be loved. It's so empowering.
I also loved that the book has a more creative woman as the autistic lead. There are quite a few stereotypes about autistic people being naturally inclined to science and maths and not being creative or artsy (and I'm saying this as an autistic physicist!) but that is only one sub-group of the autistic community. It was so nice to see that stereotype challenged, to explore facets of the community that don't traditionally get shown (and the book does not hold back from blasting the role autistic characters are usually given in media.)
Jasper loves interior design and pink and movies. She is a dancer even if she's lost the love of it, and is a great mentor, encouraging and boosting others rather than fighting with them for space or putting them down (her and Grace had such an amazing relationship!)
I look forward to any other YA Elle McNicoll writes.
September 30, 2024
Thank you Wednesday Books and Macmillan Audio for my advanced and audio copies. All thoughts are my own.
Every year when I see the holiday and Winter book covers start to drop, I add them to my ever growing holiday TBR. When I saw this book, I added it immediately! I’ve been reading less YA lately but I still love to dip into the genre. especially in the Fall and Winter.
I really enjoyed this book because as a teacher, i always want to find ways to better communicate with all my students. I think my favorite part about this book was that is brought up a lot of visceral feelings about what it means to be a teenager and part of a family.
Synopsis:
“After a long absence, 18-year-old Jasper is finally heading home for the holidays - and she's keeping secrets.Arthur, a budding filmmaker, is turning the town of Lake Pristine into a small town story worthy of the big screen. His plans are disrupted by the arrival of the town's golden girl - the antagonist of his school days; a girl he's never forgotten.Jasper Montgomery is back in Lake Pristine for one reason: to say goodbye. But before long small-town tensions start to rise, and a certain brooding film buff starts to look like a very big reason to stay . . .The perfect story to get lost in, Some Like it Cold centers Jasper as an autistic heroine in a big-hearted small-town romance that will melt your heart.” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
The Setting—I love a small town and was surprised that this was a small town in the UK! A small town setting always brings out the best side characters and they did not disappoint.
The Neurodivergent/Autism Representation—YA will always be a favorite genre of mine because it is finding more and more ways to fill the genre with diversity.
The Visceral Feelings It Brought Up—While I cannot relate to Jasper on every level, I could relate to her feelings about how her family sees her and her desire to chart her own course.
What Didn’t Work For Me:
I think I might be getting a bit too old, but there were some things that just didn’t feel grounded in reality for me. Still, they didn’t take me out of the story.
Character Authenticity: 4/5 Spice Rating: N/A Overall Rating: 3.75/5
Content Warnings:
ableism, bullying, toxic relationship
Every year when I see the holiday and Winter book covers start to drop, I add them to my ever growing holiday TBR. When I saw this book, I added it immediately! I’ve been reading less YA lately but I still love to dip into the genre. especially in the Fall and Winter.
I really enjoyed this book because as a teacher, i always want to find ways to better communicate with all my students. I think my favorite part about this book was that is brought up a lot of visceral feelings about what it means to be a teenager and part of a family.
Synopsis:
“After a long absence, 18-year-old Jasper is finally heading home for the holidays - and she's keeping secrets.Arthur, a budding filmmaker, is turning the town of Lake Pristine into a small town story worthy of the big screen. His plans are disrupted by the arrival of the town's golden girl - the antagonist of his school days; a girl he's never forgotten.Jasper Montgomery is back in Lake Pristine for one reason: to say goodbye. But before long small-town tensions start to rise, and a certain brooding film buff starts to look like a very big reason to stay . . .The perfect story to get lost in, Some Like it Cold centers Jasper as an autistic heroine in a big-hearted small-town romance that will melt your heart.” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
The Setting—I love a small town and was surprised that this was a small town in the UK! A small town setting always brings out the best side characters and they did not disappoint.
The Neurodivergent/Autism Representation—YA will always be a favorite genre of mine because it is finding more and more ways to fill the genre with diversity.
The Visceral Feelings It Brought Up—While I cannot relate to Jasper on every level, I could relate to her feelings about how her family sees her and her desire to chart her own course.
What Didn’t Work For Me:
I think I might be getting a bit too old, but there were some things that just didn’t feel grounded in reality for me. Still, they didn’t take me out of the story.
Character Authenticity: 4/5 Spice Rating: N/A Overall Rating: 3.75/5
Content Warnings:
ableism, bullying, toxic relationship
November 25, 2024
4.5/5. This feels like such a lovely coming-of-age story.
I really liked the way that there were two points of view, one from Jasper and one from Arthur. They complemented each other well, and it was nice to see the story progress from both sides (as well as sometimes frustrating, as you can see that both of them should sometimes just talk to each other…).
The story itself was nice too – it moved at a pace that was just right for me, and felt quite slice-of-life.
Jasper is really nicely fleshed out (she has lots of interesting characteristics, and I love how her neurodivergence is portrayed – I learned a lot!); Arthur for me could have been slightly more fleshed out, but is definitely a sweetheart.
The only thing that I thought was a pity, but also made this book definitely feel-good, is the fact that It wasn’t super realistic to me, but in the end, it did make me feel very happy.
All in all, I would definitely recommend this book, especially if you’re a mood-reader and very much starting to get into Christmas-y books.
I really liked the way that there were two points of view, one from Jasper and one from Arthur. They complemented each other well, and it was nice to see the story progress from both sides (as well as sometimes frustrating, as you can see that both of them should sometimes just talk to each other…).
The story itself was nice too – it moved at a pace that was just right for me, and felt quite slice-of-life.
Jasper is really nicely fleshed out (she has lots of interesting characteristics, and I love how her neurodivergence is portrayed – I learned a lot!); Arthur for me could have been slightly more fleshed out, but is definitely a sweetheart.
The only thing that I thought was a pity, but also made this book definitely feel-good, is the fact that It wasn’t super realistic to me, but in the end, it did make me feel very happy.
All in all, I would definitely recommend this book, especially if you’re a mood-reader and very much starting to get into Christmas-y books.
October 29, 2024
3.5 rounded up.
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!
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!
November 30, 2024
Elle McNicoll's Some Like It Cold is a beautifully layered small-town romance that stands out for its unique blend of emotional depth, sharp wit, and refreshing perspective. Jasper Montgomery, the golden girl with a hidden vulnerability, returns to Lake Pristine with plans to leave her past behind. Arthur, the introspective filmmaker with a knack for storytelling, sees her as a reminder of old wounds and the muse he never expected. Their chemistry crackles with authenticity, drawing readers into a nostalgia, growth, and connection-filled narrative.
McNicoll's portrayal of Jasper as an autistic heroine is not just brilliant, it's inspiring. She offers a nuanced and heartfelt representation that is both empowering and tender, moving readers with its authenticity. The vibrant cast of characters and the vividly drawn town of Lake Pristine provide the perfect backdrop for an intimate and universal story. Themes of self-discovery, forgiveness, and love are handled with McNicoll's signature charm and sensitivity.
This novel stands out not just for its romantic appeal but also for its celebration of individuality and the beauty of embracing one's true self. Some Like It Cold is a testament to the power of coming home—to a place, to a person, or to oneself. The story lingers long after the last page, offering warmth and hope like a comforting winter embrace, leaving readers uplifted and encouraged.
McNicoll's portrayal of Jasper as an autistic heroine is not just brilliant, it's inspiring. She offers a nuanced and heartfelt representation that is both empowering and tender, moving readers with its authenticity. The vibrant cast of characters and the vividly drawn town of Lake Pristine provide the perfect backdrop for an intimate and universal story. Themes of self-discovery, forgiveness, and love are handled with McNicoll's signature charm and sensitivity.
This novel stands out not just for its romantic appeal but also for its celebration of individuality and the beauty of embracing one's true self. Some Like It Cold is a testament to the power of coming home—to a place, to a person, or to oneself. The story lingers long after the last page, offering warmth and hope like a comforting winter embrace, leaving readers uplifted and encouraged.
September 26, 2024
Got an arc from ALA, 4.5 rounded up
I’ve LOVED McNicoll’s middle grad and her YA debut is just as good! It is exactly what it says on the tin, a rom-com that at times feels like an homage to Gilmore Girls, and I loved that about it. I loved seeing neurodivergence loved, even if parts of this made me cry with the relatability (that’s a compliment though!)
I will say, I don’t think Arthur was intended to also be autistic but ever since I saw a tweet that said something like “all the grumpy brooding ya love interests are actually super autistic coded without meaning to be” it’s changed the way I read and…boy I’m not sure you’re neurotypical
I’ve LOVED McNicoll’s middle grad and her YA debut is just as good! It is exactly what it says on the tin, a rom-com that at times feels like an homage to Gilmore Girls, and I loved that about it. I loved seeing neurodivergence loved, even if parts of this made me cry with the relatability (that’s a compliment though!)
I will say, I don’t think Arthur was intended to also be autistic but ever since I saw a tweet that said something like “all the grumpy brooding ya love interests are actually super autistic coded without meaning to be” it’s changed the way I read and…boy I’m not sure you’re neurotypical
December 14, 2024
Sweet little romance 🫶
Entertaining story and characters 😊
Around 3.75-4 ⭐️’s
Entertaining story and characters 😊
Around 3.75-4 ⭐️’s
August 24, 2024
I really enjoyed this arc read as someone who is neurodivergent I really connected with the story. I love YA genre books and I love, especially why a romance because you don’t need something super spicy to be invested into the characters and their stories. So I really appreciate that. Jasper was such a relatable character because autism is some thing that is hard to diagnose in women and it’s something that is not talked about enough. I also love dual POVs so we love that!
I’m someone who masks and is able to put it on and off easily and people are shocked when I tell them I’m on the spectrum and it’s so relatable watching jasper navigate that!
I genuinely loved this story and how multifaceted it was it it was more than just a love story. I feel like it was also a love story for Jasper to love herself. It was about family and friendships and navigating life while having autism. And sometimes family and friends try so hard to relate to you and sometimes all we need is someone to listen.
Thank you so much NetGalley for letting me read this amazing story!
I’m someone who masks and is able to put it on and off easily and people are shocked when I tell them I’m on the spectrum and it’s so relatable watching jasper navigate that!
I genuinely loved this story and how multifaceted it was it it was more than just a love story. I feel like it was also a love story for Jasper to love herself. It was about family and friendships and navigating life while having autism. And sometimes family and friends try so hard to relate to you and sometimes all we need is someone to listen.
Thank you so much NetGalley for letting me read this amazing story!
October 12, 2024
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!
*I received an ARC from Netgalley and Macmillan Audio. All opinions are my own.*
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!
*I received an ARC from Netgalley and Macmillan Audio. All opinions are my own.*
October 16, 2024
This was the perfect blend of a cute and cozy childhood-hate-to-love romance with the often hard realities of being autistic.
It was both heartwarming and heartbreaking but overall wonderfully empowering. My only qualm was with just how awful literally every side character in this book was but Jasper’s and Arthur’s characters were so lovely, they more than made up for it.
Overall this was an uplifting and emotional story of first love, taking your life into your own hands and the power giving yourself permission to be your most authentic self.
What to expect:
• autistic fmc
• small town
• childhood-enemies-to-lovers
• slow burn
• wintery vibes
• familial expectations
• upper ya (mc’s are 18)
TW: ableism, mention of fatphobia
It was both heartwarming and heartbreaking but overall wonderfully empowering. My only qualm was with just how awful literally every side character in this book was but Jasper’s and Arthur’s characters were so lovely, they more than made up for it.
Overall this was an uplifting and emotional story of first love, taking your life into your own hands and the power giving yourself permission to be your most authentic self.
What to expect:
• autistic fmc
• small town
• childhood-enemies-to-lovers
• slow burn
• wintery vibes
• familial expectations
• upper ya (mc’s are 18)
TW: ableism, mention of fatphobia
November 11, 2024
I don't know what Elle McNicoll puts in her books but I am always entirely and utterly obsessed with them
The way she writes Neurodivergence has been bawling my eyes out every single book. I relate to it and hits it like a ton of bricks
This romance is more than just a romance.
Jasper was absolutely brilliant, I adored her truly. The way she was finally able to be herself, I was rooting for her the whole, entire way.
When I tell you I started reading this in Silent Book Club and was trying not to sob my heart out. Then when I finally got back to it outside of book club, I absolutely broke down and sobbed because it was like a part of my soul was being seen.
This book broke me and then mended me all in one. A masterpiece
The way she writes Neurodivergence has been bawling my eyes out every single book. I relate to it and hits it like a ton of bricks
This romance is more than just a romance.
Jasper was absolutely brilliant, I adored her truly. The way she was finally able to be herself, I was rooting for her the whole, entire way.
When I tell you I started reading this in Silent Book Club and was trying not to sob my heart out. Then when I finally got back to it outside of book club, I absolutely broke down and sobbed because it was like a part of my soul was being seen.
This book broke me and then mended me all in one. A masterpiece
October 24, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. It starts with one of my favorite tropes, a college student returning to her small town after some time away, and just continues to be amazing all the way through. The writing is excellent, but it's also unique. This author has a distinctive voice that really resonated with me and made me want to just bask in her words. The audiobook narrator did a fantastic job of further immersing me in the world of the story with her accent and the way she voiced each character. I appreciated the way autism was woven into the plot, and I was completely invested in the romantic subplot. This would be an excellent book for any older teen girl (16+) to read over winter break!
December 11, 2024
If this book could be described as a shoe, it would be an off brand croc that you get from 5 below. I liked the main characters but my GAWD this writing was choppy. Many cringe moments but also good moments?? Nice cute story and it was great to see an autistic FMC being represented but how are we still on track with the “woe is me” attitude when the book only has 2 chapters left? Like we needed to move past this already. Ended great and it all worked out bc it always does in books like these but wow. I felt like I was trying to transcribe a script from 400 BC trying to get through that.
November 1, 2024
I love a happy ending but I love the journey there even more. This is a love story to all the small town communities. And for the girls (and guys) who think they can't be loved
NetGalley ARC
NetGalley ARC
December 11, 2024
Dit was zo cute omg en de main girly was autistisch en het was zo goed verwerkt in t verhaal en het was zo winters (en ik had een gesigneerde versie! Met korting! (Waterstones heeft goeie deals))
Shelved as 'dnf'
September 8, 2024DNF @ 30%
I wanted to love this one since I was excited about a holiday book with a neurodivergent main character, but so far I'm underwhelmed. I'm not a fan of the writing style, and I'm really struggling with many of the side characters, like Jasper's family, who are truly awful to her. I understand that these characters are not meant to be likeable, but it doesn't make for a very enjoyable reading experience, especially for what I was expecting in a holiday read. I'm not invested enough to continue reading, so this one is not for me, unfortunately.
I wanted to love this one since I was excited about a holiday book with a neurodivergent main character, but so far I'm underwhelmed. I'm not a fan of the writing style, and I'm really struggling with many of the side characters, like Jasper's family, who are truly awful to her. I understand that these characters are not meant to be likeable, but it doesn't make for a very enjoyable reading experience, especially for what I was expecting in a holiday read. I'm not invested enough to continue reading, so this one is not for me, unfortunately.
August 27, 2024
I enjoyed this heartwarming book about a small town community, Lake Pristine, where everyone knows everyone’s business. Story is about a shy, autistic young girl, Jasper, who is loved by the whole town. She is the opposite of her sister, Christine who is mean and obnoxious to anyone who doesn’t play her game. She’s especially mean to Jasper and the whole town sees it especially Arthur who has always had a crush on her. Arthur and his cousin decide to put a video together about their cozy and lovely town. They have a first cut screening of the video; the whole town showed up for the viewing. The video wasn’t kind to Jasper’s family, especially Christine. Christine’s true character was revealed and Jasper was shown as her caring and lovable self. Jasper felt betrayed, humiliated and devastated for her family. Arthur was unaware of the cut that his cousin edited to show the town’s people. Although Jasper was humiliated for her family, she realized that the folks of the town loved her especially Arthur whom she thought didn’t like her. She found the courage to speak out to her family. She confronted them about her feelings of how she always was treated like they were ashamed of her because of her disability - her mother always defending Christine’s behavior while Jasper had to be perfect. I would recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2024
very cute little contemporary. I loved the way Jasper was written! The autism rep was done so incredibly well, Jasper felt like such a relatable and realistic character. I also really loved Arthur, and I thought they were very cute together. The rest of the characters is kinda where the story was lacking since almost every other character were like incredibly mean to our main character. I also wasn't a huge fan of the plot itself.
the narrator was very good!
thank you Netgalley and the Publishers for a copy of the audiobook for an honest review!
the narrator was very good!
thank you Netgalley and the Publishers for a copy of the audiobook for an honest review!
August 17, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for an Advanced Reader’s Copy of Some Like It Cold by Elle McNicoll in exchange for an honest review.
My older child has Autism Spectrum Disorder and was diagnosed when they were 14 years old. Two years later, we are still learning a lot about the disorder and how it affects us as parents, as a family, and most of all, how it affects them. Seeing as though it is a spectrum, we know that ASD affects everyone differently, but I have been trying to learn as much as possible to help and understand my child as they enter adolescence. I had previously heard of A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll and had purchased it for my child, but neither of us had read it. Once I saw that Some Like It Cold was available as an ARC, there was no question that I would request it, and I’m so happy I was chosen to read it.
Knowing the author is autistic helped ease my mind because I knew Jasper, the main character with autism, would be portrayed accurately. So often in books I read, ND characters are misrepresented, which is frustrating.
Some of the things that Jasper discussed in the book that I know my child experiences: they have major difficulties in loud, crowded places, They enjoy extreme temperatures at times like VERY hot showers, and they mask as best as they can to try to seem "normal".
As a parent of a child with ASD and another child who is ADHD and is ADHD herself, I also know what it is like to be neurodiverse and not “fit in.” We are not embarrassed by our children’s differences and don’t try to hide them. We do find that it is their news to tell, though, so we don’t advertise it.
The love story between Arthur and Jasper was so sweet. I was so glad that Jasper was able to speak up for herself, as it is difficult to do, and even more so when you have been a people-pleaser your whole life. I HIGHLY recommend this book for everyone.
#Romance, #NetGalley #ARC #WednesdayBooks #YA #ContemporaryFiction #Fiction #DysfunctionalFamily #ASD #Neurotypical #Neurodiverse #Holiday #OverbearingFamily #Ballet #Weddings #FirstLove #StandingUpForOneSelf #LGBTQ+ #Cheating #FriendsLikeFamily #August #2024
My older child has Autism Spectrum Disorder and was diagnosed when they were 14 years old. Two years later, we are still learning a lot about the disorder and how it affects us as parents, as a family, and most of all, how it affects them. Seeing as though it is a spectrum, we know that ASD affects everyone differently, but I have been trying to learn as much as possible to help and understand my child as they enter adolescence. I had previously heard of A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll and had purchased it for my child, but neither of us had read it. Once I saw that Some Like It Cold was available as an ARC, there was no question that I would request it, and I’m so happy I was chosen to read it.
Knowing the author is autistic helped ease my mind because I knew Jasper, the main character with autism, would be portrayed accurately. So often in books I read, ND characters are misrepresented, which is frustrating.
Some of the things that Jasper discussed in the book that I know my child experiences: they have major difficulties in loud, crowded places, They enjoy extreme temperatures at times like VERY hot showers, and they mask as best as they can to try to seem "normal".
As a parent of a child with ASD and another child who is ADHD and is ADHD herself, I also know what it is like to be neurodiverse and not “fit in.” We are not embarrassed by our children’s differences and don’t try to hide them. We do find that it is their news to tell, though, so we don’t advertise it.
The love story between Arthur and Jasper was so sweet. I was so glad that Jasper was able to speak up for herself, as it is difficult to do, and even more so when you have been a people-pleaser your whole life. I HIGHLY recommend this book for everyone.
#Romance, #NetGalley #ARC #WednesdayBooks #YA #ContemporaryFiction #Fiction #DysfunctionalFamily #ASD #Neurotypical #Neurodiverse #Holiday #OverbearingFamily #Ballet #Weddings #FirstLove #StandingUpForOneSelf #LGBTQ+ #Cheating #FriendsLikeFamily #August #2024
Displaying 1 - 30 of 298 reviews