There’s something magical about small towns in winter. The twinkling lights, the cozy cafes, the sense that everyone knows your name (for better or worse). Elle McNicoll’s “Some Like It Cold” plunges us headfirst into Lake Pristine, a snow-globe of a town that’s about to be shaken up by the return of its prodigal daughter, Jasper Montgomery.
As someone who grew up in a town where the annual Christmas tree lighting was the social event of the season, I found myself instantly transported to Lake Pristine. McNicoll’s writing wraps around you like a warm scarf, inviting you to settle in for a story that’s as comforting as it is captivating.
Meet Jasper: Not Your Average Hometown Hero
Jasper Montgomery is… well, she’s complicated. And thank goodness for that! In a genre often criticized for one-dimensional heroines, Jasper stands out like a burst of color against Lake Pristine’s snowy backdrop. She’s autistic, she’s creative, she’s conflicted about her place in the world—and she’s utterly, refreshingly real.
McNicoll, herself an advocate for neurodiversity in literature, has crafted a protagonist who feels like someone you might actually know. Jasper’s struggles with masking her true self, her passion for design, and her complex relationship with her family all ring true. As an autistic reader myself, I found myself nodding along to Jasper’s internal monologues, recognizing the exhaustion of constant social navigation and the joy of finding someone who truly “gets” you.
A Love Story with Depth
Now, let’s talk about Arthur Lancaster. The grumpy cinema manager with a heart of gold is the perfect foil for Jasper’s sunny (if sometimes forced) disposition. Their enemies-to-lovers arc is a slow burn that’ll have you wanting to yell “Just kiss already!” at the pages.
But what I really appreciated about their relationship was how it wasn’t presented as a “cure” for Jasper’s autism or a solution to all her problems. Instead, Arthur is someone who sees and appreciates Jasper for who she is, quirks and all. Their banter is sharp, their chemistry is palpable, and their growing understanding of each other is genuinely touching.
More Than Just Romance
While the love story is central, “Some Like It Cold” offers so much more. Here are just a few of the themes McNicoll explores:
- Family dynamics and expectations
- The pressure of small-town life
- The struggle to find your authentic self
- The impact of art and creativity
- The complexities of female friendships
A Town Full of Characters
Lake Pristine is populated by a cast of characters who could easily feel like small-town stereotypes, but McNicoll breathes life into each one. From Jasper’s high-strung sister Christine to the meddling Mrs. Heywood, everyone feels like a real person with their own motivations and quirks.
Standout supporting characters include:
- Odette: Jasper’s best friend, dealing with her own relationship drama
- Grace: Arthur’s sister and aspiring ballerina
- Henry: Arthur’s brother and voice of reason
The Power of Representation
As an #OwnVoices author, McNicoll brings authenticity to her portrayal of an autistic character. Jasper isn’t defined by her autism, but it’s an integral part of who she is. The book touches on issues like sensory overload, masking, and the exhaustion of constant social navigation in a way that feels organic and true to life.
Moreover, the budding relationship between Odette and Hera adds a layer of LGBTQ+ representation that feels natural and unforced. It’s refreshing to see diverse characters in a small-town setting without making their identities the sole focus of the story.
A Cinematic Style
Given Arthur’s passion for film, it’s fitting that McNicoll’s writing has a cinematic quality to it. Her descriptions of Lake Pristine are vivid and atmospheric, from the twinkling lights of the winter market to the icy expanse of the lake itself. You can almost hear the crunch of snow underfoot and smell the scent of pine in the air.
The pacing is also reminiscent of a well-crafted rom-com, with moments of humor balancing out the more emotional scenes. The documentary subplot adds an interesting meta layer to the story, allowing us to see the characters through different lenses.
Quotable Moments
McNicoll has a knack for turns of phrase that’ll make you want to underline passages. Some standout quotes include:
“There’s no mild or spicy with autism. It’s a spectrum, not a binary.”
“A gold cage is still a cage.”
“Love isn’t supposed to feel like a test. It isn’t supposed to feel like an audition.”
A Few Frosty Patches
While “Some Like It Cold” is a delightful read overall, there are a few areas where it could have dug a little deeper:
- The resolution of Christine’s storyline feels a bit rushed.
- The documentary subplot, while interesting, doesn’t quite reach its full potential.
- Some secondary characters could have been more fully developed.
However, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise engaging and heartwarming story.
The Verdict: A Cozy Read with a Big Heart
“Some Like It Cold” is the literary equivalent of curling up by a fireplace with a mug of hot cocoa. It’s warm, it’s comforting, but it also has enough depth to keep you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page.
McNicoll has crafted a romance that feels both classic and thoroughly modern. It’s a love letter to small towns, to the power of authenticity, and to the kind of love that sees and appreciates you for who you truly are.
If you’re a fan of Rainbow Rowell’s “Fangirl” or Netflix’s “Gilmore Girls,” you’ll find a lot to love in Lake Pristine. And if you’re looking for a book that celebrates neurodiversity without making it the sole focus of the story, “Some Like It Cold” delivers in spades.
Who Should Read This Book?
- Fans of YA romance with depth
- Readers looking for authentic autistic representation
- Anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider in their hometown
- Film buffs who’ll appreciate the cinematic references
- Those who love a good enemies-to-lovers story
So grab a blanket, brew some tea, and settle in for a visit to Lake Pristine. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to stay long after the last page is turned.
About the Author
Elle McNicoll is a bestselling and award-winning children’s novelist. Her debut, “A Kind of Spark,” won the Blue Peter Book Award and the Overall Waterstones Children’s Book Prize. “Some Like It Cold” marks her foray into YA romance, and it’s clear her talent for creating compelling, neurodiverse characters translates beautifully to this genre.
Similar Books You Might Enjoy
- “Fangirl” by Rainbow Rowell
- “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” by Jenny Han
- “The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight” by Jennifer E. Smith
- “Love and Other Words” by Christina Lauren
Remember, sometimes the coldest places can warm your heart in unexpected ways. Happy reading!
