bookedandbusy's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I absolutely loved this book. I loved Lauren and Asa and their character development, and I loved the found family feeling it had!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Outing, Homophobia, Sexual harassment, and Addiction
katelynnelawson's review against another edition
emotional
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Workplace rivals Lauren and Asa have been at odds since they met. Where Lauren is uptight and controlling, Asa is laidback and whimsical. When their boss selects them to develop plans to revamp Cold World, the failing Orlando indoor theme park where they work, the two end up spending more time together, including getting locked into the park overnight. As the two work against, and eventually with, one another, they grow to realize how much they didn't truly understand the other - and how much they really, fundamentally, understand one another now.
While on a the surface level With Love, from Cold World seems like a playful romantic comedy, it goes deeper, discussing some tough topics. Lauren and Asa are both standout characters. While their personalities clash due to being so different, they both come from the same place, a fear of rejection due to troubled pasts. This is a memorable read that takes a surprisingly steamy turn.
While on a the surface level With Love, from Cold World seems like a playful romantic comedy, it goes deeper, discussing some tough topics. Lauren and Asa are both standout characters. While their personalities clash due to being so different, they both come from the same place, a fear of rejection due to troubled pasts. This is a memorable read that takes a surprisingly steamy turn.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Abandonment, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Addiction, Outing, and Death of parent
felishacb's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Religious bigotry, Sexual content, Homophobia, Outing, Abandonment, Addiction, and Drug abuse
Minor: Outing
greatestheights's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
4.5 stars for Asa, Lauren, and everything about their rivals to lovers arc. Love a bi main character, and especially love a bi male main character. Also, as a former CASA (known as guardians ad litem in Florida), I loved how realistic and well-done Lauren's volunteer work storyline was.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Outing, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Abandonment, Addiction, and Sexual harassment
Important to note foster care plays a huge role in this book. CW for foster care and the family court system.grimmbleton's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Abandonment, Biphobia, and Homophobia
Moderate: Sexual harassment and Outing
Minor: Addiction and Death of parent
uranaishi's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia, Outing, Alcohol, and Cursing
Minor: Death, Emotional abuse, Sexual harassment, Bullying, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Abandonment, Death of parent, Grief, Physical abuse, Sexism, and Suicidal thoughts
katrinaward's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Religious bigotry, and Outing
britreadsbooks_'s review
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Biphobia
Minor: Outing, Drug abuse, Child abuse, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, and Death of parent
titaniumtammy's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
With Love, From Cold World by Alicia Thompson is an opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, enemies to lovers workplace romance, which combines the fun tropes of a romcom with the realism of difficult pasts. These characters have been coworkers for years at a struggling holiday entertainment park, which was the definition of cuteness with snow globes, ice skating & gift wrapping galore. In some ways, it reminded me of a holiday TV movie, but it also went beyond that with serious real life struggles, childhood traumas, some family drama mixed with the perfect amount banter & spice.
I really appreciated that this book had a really cool concept in terms of a setting with the winter based theme park. I thought it was also enthralling that both leads had complex histories, which shaped them into the people they are because they both had very valid & important stories to tell. It showcased grief, loss, the struggles of family estrangement as well as personal growth. I loved that both characters volunteered & gave back to their community. There was just so much good in this book. Realistic pasts & storylines always heighten the experience for me & I feel like they create important depth & just bring the book to life.
I highly recommend reading this if you’re like me & enjoy these things…
❄️ Opposites Attract, Grumpy/Sunshine
❄️ Bisexual hero
❄️ Found family friend group
❄️ Realistic Storylines
❄️ Forced proximity, workplace romance
I cannot wait to read more form this author!
Massive thanks to NetGalley & Berkley Publishing for the gifted arc, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.
Content Warnings: Biphobia, loss of parent, childhood trauma, foster care, family estrangement & forced outing.
I really appreciated that this book had a really cool concept in terms of a setting with the winter based theme park. I thought it was also enthralling that both leads had complex histories, which shaped them into the people they are because they both had very valid & important stories to tell. It showcased grief, loss, the struggles of family estrangement as well as personal growth. I loved that both characters volunteered & gave back to their community. There was just so much good in this book. Realistic pasts & storylines always heighten the experience for me & I feel like they create important depth & just bring the book to life.
I highly recommend reading this if you’re like me & enjoy these things…
❄️ Opposites Attract, Grumpy/Sunshine
❄️ Bisexual hero
❄️ Found family friend group
❄️ Realistic Storylines
❄️ Forced proximity, workplace romance
I cannot wait to read more form this author!
Massive thanks to NetGalley & Berkley Publishing for the gifted arc, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.
Content Warnings: Biphobia, loss of parent, childhood trauma, foster care, family estrangement & forced outing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Outing, Death of parent, and Biphobia
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