I went into this romance with no expectations as I requested an advanced reader copy purely based on vibes... (that cover!) and was happily surprised by how much I loved it. Why? I related very hard with the main character Lauren. Not the being a foster kid part (though this forms a core part of her personality and is explored well) but the way she often feels a little outside the easy friendship circles of others, can be seen as stand-offish and un-fun and doesn't understand or appreciate pranks and teasing.

She works as a bookkeeper at a themed attraction in Florida called Cold World, which is basically an old ice skating risk with a few dinky other little things for families to see and do. Asa, our bisexual blue-haired, laid-back MMC has worked there forever. After getting off on the wrong foot with Asa at her first work Christmas party, Lauren has fallen into a low-key office rivalry situation with him that involves sniping remarks and small pranks.

The beauty of this romance is the way that these two find their way to each other - once they get to know each other (in a beautiful forced proximity situation where they get locked in the building overnight!) their attraction is deep and fast (and sexy). They are rivals in a work project for most of the book in that the boss has asked them to present ideas on how to "improve" (read: SAVE) Cold World but this goes out the window the minute they get closer. The sexy times scenes are very good and I love the way they can't keep their hands off each other.

The other beautiful thing about this book is the themes explored - both Lauren and Asa have issues with family - Lauren is involved in helping out foster kids in her adult life and as you'd imagine has issues with abandonment and being worthy of love; Asa's religious family kicked him out when he came out as bi and he carries the feelings of rejection associated with that.

I really loved Thompson's writing and characters including the minor characters like Kiki. I'd not be surprised to see other romance books adjacent to this one about Asa and Kiki's housemates!

In summary, if you love a workplace rivals-to-lovers romance where two lovely people fall hard for each other, this is for you. I'll definitely be seeking out Thompson's previous book Love in the Time of Serial Killers.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.

I read this in one sitting and loved every minute! The perfect dynamic of rivalry and competitive reluctant co-workers to sweet romance was just lovely.

I loved Asa’s engaging personality and Lauren’s backstory, as well as their shift in relationship. It evolved so well and their chemistry seemed so natural as they realised their feelings. I enjoyed seeing how they opened up to one another and how their story developed. The supporting characters were interesting and was great compared to so many romances where the main characters appear to have no friends or support. There are themes and a depth of emotion to both Ada’s and Lauren’s back stories that some might find difficult to read but I liked these inclusions and was glad to see it dealt with sensitively.

The first book I have read by this author and I look forward to reading more the future!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved With Love, From Cold World and would 100% recommend it! It was heartwarming, funny, and had me captivated throughout, I couldn't put it down. The characters were so entertaining and likeable (except for Daniel and Asa's dad) and the setting of Cold World was super charming and nostalgic sounding which I really enjoyed. Lauren and Asa couldn't be more different, or so it appeared at first, but as the story progresses we learn more about their characters and begin to see that they're more similar than they think and what they thought was mutual hate may be something else entirely. I had my fingers crossed that they would end up together, but won't give any spoilers. There are so many other great characters in the story too including the ever fashionable Cold World boss Dolores, and Asa's friendly and supportinve group of housemates. I loved the housemate dynamic with Kiki, John, Elliot and Asa, and could read more stories set in their house with those characters plus Lauren. With Love, From Cold World has become one of my favourite books and I can't wait to read more by Alicia Thompson.

I wanted to LOVE this book, but it was average for me. While I loved how the relationship between the Asa and Lauren developed, I felt that it was very slow at first. Lauren was a very introspective type of person (I'm not sure if this is the right word - there were a lot of inner thoughts), I kept wishing that there were more dialogues and interactions. I think I liked Asa more compared to Lauren. I felt that he was always bringing a spark to the scenes, which I really appreciated. As for the drama with the boss's son, I was not interested at all.
Overall a decent enough read.

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Alicia Thompson just might be one of my favorite authors right now
Her books are always so original!

This book is a workplace romance between two people who work at Cold World, a kind of winter wonderland tourist attraction in Florida. We have Lauren, who's the bookkeeper of the attraction and takes life very seriously, and Asa, who has worked at Cold World for a number of years in a lot of different positions and is known as a jokester. However, as we get to know them, we understand that there's a lot more to them than that and that they both had a difficult upbringing and have trouble connecting with people. Both Lauren and Asa are asked to come up with plans to improve the situation in Cold World since the attraction is currently not doing that well, and being in contact makes them notice each other in a very different way.

I loved this book! I thought the setting was quite fresh. These characters felt very real and flawed. I was just in love with everything about it.

Do yourself a favor and pre-order this one asap

This was such a sweet read. I really liked it. It was fun and just easy read. Read it in one sitting.

4 stars for me.

— 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 —

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: With Love, From Cold World
𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: N/A
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫(𝐬): Alicia Thompson
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Romance
𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭: eARC
𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝: 3rd August 2023
𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝: 6th July 2023
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 4.25/5

Oh, this was just excellent.

With Love, From Cold World features Lauren and Asa, both working in Cold World and wanting to come up with proposals on how to improve it. Forget enemies-to-lovers, I need more laid-back-socially-apt versus socially-awkward-control-freak romances!
For anyone who is a fan of the US version of The Office, the enmity between Asa and Lauren makes me think of if Jim and Dwight had a romance, with Asa being Jim, and Lauren being Dwight. I laughed at their pranks whilst rooting for their chemistry to develop. There is nothing like a chaotic fumble in the workplace to melt a frosty relationship!

I thought that both characters had depth. Their backgrounds were congruent and touching and lent them both a vulnerability that made them both relatable and provoked compassion in me. I loved the bisexual representation and thought that the author used this book for insight into relevant contemporary issues such as homophobia, fostering, abusive relationships, and workplace sexual harassment. During all of this, the reader is let in to every single inside joke between Lauren and Asa, allowing emotional investment to fully develop.

I enjoyed this so much more than I enjoyed Love In The Time of Serial Killers. Alicia Thompson is a romance author to watch out for.

—Kayleigh🤍
@ Welsh Book Fairy🧚‍♀️✨

Alicia Thompson delves into finding love while healing from past trauma in the poignant and heartwarming 'With Love, from Cold World'.

Former foster kid and Cold World bookkeeper Lauren Fox has learnt to take as little space as possible. She values order and spreadsheets. She knows she's viewed as a wet blanket by her workplace nemesis Asa Williamson, the popular tattooed, blue-haired jack-of-all-trades jokester. Both Asa and Lauren rub each other up the wrong way yet can't help be drawn to each other, especially after their boss Dolores asks them, along with her son Daniel (and Lauren's unrequited crush) to present ideas to improve the slowly failing business.

Behind Asa's easy-going facade though lies his own trauma. The son of a pastor, he was kicked out of the family aged 17 after his father discovered he was bisexual. Both Lauren and Asa's coping mechanisms rub each other up the wrong way - Asa doesn't realise his jokes about Lauren being stringent hurt her, while Lauren doesn't realise her cutting barbs about being loose and casual hurt Asa. Coupled with their growing chemistry this makes for an interesting tension, especially when locked overnight at Cold War, phoar!

Thompson does a sterling job moving the story forward with resolving Asa and Lauren's issues with each other and how they come to understand how the other sees them. It's beautiful and poignant when they (especially Lauren) slowly realises that they are truly seen by the other, and, most importantly, accepted as enough. Both have had to raise themselves and both have always felt like they weren't good enough to accept love. I love stories where you can see the personal growth arc carefully plotted, and Thompson truly excels here. She also pulls no punches with toxic family, especially Asa's. Where most books cop out with a happier resolution with everyone forgiving a bit too easily, Thompson leaves Asa's family more open-ended (don't get me started about potato soup, go Lauren!). This is the sad reality for many LGBTIQA+ people.

Despite its references to the cold, 'With Love, from Cold War' is heartwarming, swoony and tender. Alicia Thompson masterfully creates two damaged characters with rejected, fragile hearts who learn to heal themselves and each other through giving and receiving unconditional love. I couldn't put this book down, Asa and Lauren felt so real, I almost looked up where Cold World was so I could meet them.

Thanks to Random House UK/Transworld and NetGalley for the ARC.

This book was just so cute and will be perfect for the Christmas holidays! I'm actually hoping this gets picked up and featured in a book box because there could be such good customisations for it!

Things I loved:

1, The bi-visibility, especially as it was a male that was bi-sexual.
2. The queer representation, including a side character that uses 'they' pronouns and it's not made a big deal of.
3. The fact that the characters are normal people who have normal working class jobs
4. The found family vibes it has to it.
5. The slowburn to the spice.

Things I didn't like so much:

1. The male main character really would not be my type personality wise or how they were desribed physically, but thats down to personal preference.

Overall, a really cute workplace enemies to lovers romance, that fits firmly in the category of holiday romance.

I unfortunately could not get into this book. But this might be for another type of reader, and wish the best for the writers.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% my own.

With Love from Cold World is a love-hate workplace romance set in an ice themed tourist attraction in Florida. Both MCs have childhood trauma, which has led to them being opposites.

The LGBTQ+ representation in this book is fantastic. The MMC is bisexual and he lives with other LGBTQ+ housemates.

The FMC is reserved and described as ‘robotic’. She is treated horribly by the MMC at the start of the book and by a few other characters who don’t understand her. The MMC shows very little guilt or care towards her during this time, which made it hard to root for these characters as a couple until about 50% of the way through the book.

I’m not usually a third act breakup fan, but it worked in this book as it showed that even though the MCs had shown some character development, their original insecurities are still there.

With Love, From Cold World is an utterly captivating workplace romance that left an indelible mark on my heart. Alicia Thompson has once again showcased her talent for crafting unique and electric love stories that resonate with readers.

The story follows Lauren Fox, the bookkeeper at Cold World, a winter wonderland located in sunny Orlando, Florida. Lauren's reserved nature contrasts with her coworker Asa Williamson, a fun-loving and playful individual. When they are tasked with proposing ideas to boost revenue, their rivalry ignites, leading to a competition that takes unexpected turns.

Thompson masterfully weaves a tale of banter, chemistry, and personal growth between Lauren and Asa. The dynamic between the grumpy Lauren and the sunshine-like Asa is absolutely delightful. Their interactions felt genuine, and I found myself cheering for their inevitable romance.

One of the standout aspects of the book is the incredible representation it offers. Asa's bisexuality and his complicated relationship with his parents are portrayed with nuance and sensitivity. Similarly, Lauren's experiences growing up in foster care are thoughtfully explored, making her character feel authentic and multi-dimensional. Thompson's attention to these important themes sets this romance novel apart.

The winter attraction setting adds a magical touch to the story, and I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it takes place during the Christmas season. The cosy and nostalgic atmosphere adds an extra layer of charm, making it a perfect read for the holidays.

The pacing of the book is deliberate, allowing for substantial character development and a gradual progression of Lauren and Asa's relationship. Thompson navigates sensitive topics with grace, incorporating discussions on mental health, past trauma, sexuality, and the challenges faced by individuals with bigoted parents.

Potentially even better than her first novel! Set in a quirky Winter Wonderland, it puts our two main characters, one supposedly cold and stuck up, and other a slacker, against each other on a project to revamp the park. Their constant bantering, chemistry hiding as hatred, is endlessly charming. But there's much more to either of them than the other expected, and Thompson deals with some pretty heavy themes in between all the fake snow and heated kisses.

Lauren is reserved and introverted while Asa is easygoing and sweet. these two spent their years working at Florida's winter attraction "cold world". While having had a Few awkward run-ins Lauren never understood asa. so while their boss suggests they work together to save cold world Lauren refuses to get caught up in asa game, but somehow ends up falling For him.
this was a cute story, I loved both characters, and their interactions felt genuine. I don't normally enjoy third person however this one didn't bother me
the representation in this book is wonderful, From asa being bi, to Lauren growing up in Foster care.
I enjoyed this book up to the 80 percent mark, I did Feel like the ending conflict was unnecessary which didn't create a satisfying ending for me however it was a very cute quick read. Thank you to NETGAlley for the arc in exchange for my honest opinion :)

Content warning for parental neglect and homophobia

Wanna know the best feeling? Reading a stunning romance at JUST the right time in your life and I thank Alicia Thompson for this experience.

Ugh I was so excited for this one and I'm so happy it was as wonderful as I thought it would be. I haven't read Thompson's debut Love In The Time of Serial Killers which I really need to get to now, but the writing was really great. Just enough wit and vulnerability, which is a balance I always love.

I absolutely loved the two main characters and felt so deeply for them. Asa is a lovely baby who is my idol and Lauren must be protected at all costs. And thank goodness for their stunning chemistry and AHHH I SHIPPED THEM SO HARD.

Also, I LOVED the care that went into these characters so well-rounded. Asa is bisexual but his parents are awful and I thought that was handled excellently. And Lauren had a rocky upbringing in foster care and the author did such a good job at making this a part of their character, not just a side thought, which not every author can get right.

Overall, this was a delightful adult romance that I didn't know I needed to read and she saved my mental health. If you're looking for workplace rivals to lovers with sneaky pranksters, mental health discussions and a not-so-cold heartwarming romance, then look no further <3<3<3

4.5 stars

A wonderful workplace romance between two very different people, who have spent years just rubbing each other the wrong way, never becoming close. This was a perfect grumpy-sunshine dynamic, reserved and distant Lauren, and blue haired, friendly Asa - their banter and chemistry was spot on.

I loved the winter attraction setting, but I didn't realise this took place around Christmas - so it's a great festive read! It was incredibly cosy and nostalgic.

Pace wise this was slow, but worked well with character development and the progress of Lauren and Asa's relationship.

I was also impressed with how sensitive topics were portrayed in this story - opening up about past trauma, sexuality, bigoted parents, foster care.

Lauren confronting Asa's parents was incredible - I loved how she stood up for him, refusing to sugar coat and offering support. And I loved how Asa didn't forgive his parents for abandoning him after they found out he was bisexual, that he wasn't pressured into forgiveness.

Although the misunderstanding towards the end does make sense, taking into account Lauren's childhood and experiences, I'm just not sure I liked it and how hurtful it was towards Asa. It was resolved well though, and ending on a focus on found family was brilliant.

Such a cute, fun, entertaining story with a genuine enemies to lovers and grumpy x sunchine trope mix with forced proximity! Two of my very faves! The dual POV made the characters more relevant, we could have a better glimps into their personal struggles and what/how they had to work on themselves in order to be right for each other!

Fast and enjoyable romance read and I absolutely LOVE the cover!

Thank you so much for the publisher for the earc of this book!

Such a unique book, I loved the plot, and oh my god the characters we're so amazing!! I definitely will be recommending it!!

Thanks so much to Random House, Alicia Thompson and NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

This story is such a moving and well written novel. The story follows Asa and Lauren, bother dealing with difficult pasts. With the story set at the tourist attraction, Cold World, Lauren and Asa find themselves working together (although they already have a strained relationship rooted in rivalry).The tension between the characters is excellent with both finding each other a little too much. When both are forced together to come up with ideas, their relationship intensified and forces the two to become much closer.

the story is a moving depictions that explores the concept of abandonment and rejection. The characters are so well written and complex and I loved seeing the way they grew through the novel.

I highly recommend this read!

✨"Not fate,Just proof that sometimes it's not the way you plan it, it's how you make it happen!'✨

You know that feeling of coziness and heartwarming that only a Christmas movie paired with a hot drink can give you? Well "With Love from Cold World" is exactly that!

🎄This is one of those genuine stories that combines the element of enemies to lovers and grumpy (or Grinch) - sushine with a touch of found family,sexuality ,dysfunctional families, foster parents and social anxiety issues.
🎨Asa is not the classic hero: he has tattoos,blue hair and is bisexual. He is the sunshine of the couple and I loved him. He is genuine, outgoing and an art lover. Another thing I loved is that very open and honest about his identity despite his past.
📝 In contrast, Lauren is referred to as a "robot" by Asa himself. Due to a traumatic childhood she feels the need to have everything under control ,believes she is not worth enough and finds it very difficult to make connections with someone both from a friendship and romantic point of view.
❄️ Together Asa and Lauren were extremely real: despite the initial physical attraction they both had to work on themselves to overcome their own stumbling blocks and learn to recognize those of the other person. Simply put, it is one of those slow-burns that turned out to be so authentic that you can't help but love it.
✨In conclusion, I could compare this read to a cup of hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows. I loved reading about an insecure protagonist and a big-hearted hero within a Christmas story that was able to make me smile and make my heart ache and with Taylor Swift's "Snow on the Beach" vibes throughout .
PS: thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the copy