This Frozen Heart

by Jes Drew

She's a rebel with a cause.
He represents everything she's fighting against.
But they need each other to survive the land of endless winter.

Gerta was raised wild and free in the winter tundra, and she will fight to remain free of the foreign oppressors alongside her clan. When the Empire sends a new garrison to the fortress, Gerta and her clan are ready to teach them a lesson. But they are unprepared for just what kind of garrison has come.

Kay was trained to bring law and order to the far corners of the Empire. Newly appointed to lead the Emperor's finest, his first assignment is to handle the clan causing trouble with the northern fortresses. But he is unprepared for the wild woman determined to make him regret ever laying his eyes on her.

But the tundra is a treacherous to all, citizen or foreigner. When a terrible storm separates both captain and captive from the rest of their company, the pair have no choice but to rely on each other if they want to survive. But there is a greater enemy to fear than two souls on opposite sides of a territory line or even a merciless landscape. After all, the Queen of Winter is said to prowl the north, hunting for hearts to make her own . . .

This Frozen Heart is the second book in the Seasons of Legend series, a multi-author collection of no-spice romantic fantasy novellas designed to be read independently. Each standalone features a different season and retelling with an enemies to lovers twist. In this wintry tale you will find a Snow Queen reimagining with forced proximity, polar opposites, and true love's kiss.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Fairy Tale Retellings, Retellings, Fairy Tales, Fantasy Romance, Enemies To Lovers

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2024

About the author

Jes Drew is the author of the Cursed Fae of Orphydice Manor Series, the Sunset at Dawn trilogy, The Samurai's Student saga, the Ninja and Hunter trilogy, the Howling Twenty trilogy, the Kristian Clark saga/The Man on the Run series, the Castaways trilogy, The Dystopian Takeover trilogy, Summers of Yesteryear series, The Clockwork Faerie Tale Novellas, the Legends of the Master Spy series, The New ESE Files series, Tales from Parallel Worlds, Genie and Serena, Accidentally on the Run, This Side of Heaven, and The Death of a Hero.


She has three degrees, including a Master of Arts in Behavioral Counseling. Also, she has about five million houseplants (and counting— the plants and not the degrees . . . unless she relapses). She is still debating if having a fae husband is worth the hassle.


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Reviews

[Sarah Ryder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever wonder what Frozen would have been like if Anna had been an impulsive freedom fighter, Kristoff a stiff solider who most certainly doesn’t have a reindeer nor talks for it, Hans was actually a woman that’s highly suspicious to the reader but never to the characters for some reason werecat shifter, and Elsa was an ice flying vampire with high and mighty views about trespassing?

Yeah me neither, but this book is pretty darn close!

All fun comparisons aside, this book isn’t much like Frozen at all (I just thought it’d be fun but then couldn’t stop seeing the possibilities once I started, lol) but it does have strong ties and clever twists of the original tale both stories are inspired by, The Snow Queen.

And contrary to my opening about the characters I really liked the cast (except Wolf, she’s just Suspicious with a capital S and I will have zero shock if she turns out to be a villain in another book) and how they’re all so unique and different from each other plus other characters Jes has written in other books. Gerta and Kay shouldn’t work so well as a couple either but they do and if they weren’t so cute together I might be unfairly jealous of how well this is written. Prince is a literal mad RIOT and I didn’t expect him to be so insane for the Snow Queen it was WILD, and I’m soooo curious as to WHY (which has been answered in This Thawed Heart the unofficial sequel you should read as soon as it comes out!).

Wait, I’m just realizing that in my Frozen comparison chart Prince would be Olaf but instead of a snowman being obsessed with summer it’s the Snow Queen…yeah, okay, I’m gonna stop with the comparisons now, this is getting weird, lol.

There is a part where a guy and a girl get stuck in a blizzard and due to their wet clothing they have to strip down to their underwear and sleep together in said underwear only under the same blanket with lots of noticing each other’s bare skin (for good reason, how awkward, I’d die from embarrassed mortification if this happened to me). Nothing sexual happens nor is it sensual in any kind of a lustful way, but heads up if a scene like that would make you uncomfortable.

This was a wild, fun, very cold and frozen (I couldn’t resist, heehee) ride that I really enjoyed and would highly recommend! Another standout from Jes!


‼️Content‼️

Violence: fighting with weapons, magic, and hand to hand (not detailed); injuries and blood (not detailed); characters get trapped in a blizzard and nearly freeze; a knife is held to a character’s throat; a knife stabs a character’s shoulder (not detailed); characters slide down and fall off a cliff; ice stabs a character’s heart and curses/enchants them (not detailed)

Sexual: a guy and a girl strip to their underwear and share a blanket in order to keep warm and survive but do notice each other’s bare skin (nothing sexual happens); “looking at my arse”; a guy says a girl can yell at him about touching her arse once he saves her; kissing (not detailed)

Alcohol/Drugs: characters drink ale and some get quite drunk

Other: magic; magical abilities/powers; a woman freezes people’s hearts and enslaves them; animal shifters; an avalanche; a blizzard; a vampire

[°✧ susu ✧° · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5!!!

Thank you to the author for this earc copy! All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this! The MOMENT I met Kay I was a goner. He was the right amount of golden retriever mixed with fierce protector that I needed. I couldn’t help but melt.🫠

It is on the shorter side, so I wasn’t expecting in depth development, but I was surprised. The characters were humorous and had a purpose to the story, including the side characters. I’m excited to read more and find out their stories.

The world was nice and cozy. I don’t think I’ve read a book quite like this. It’s unique in its fairy tale retelling aspect, with the division of creatures and the war. Enemies to lovers always hits especially if they’re on opposite side of a war.

Kay has healing abilities as well, which I enjoyed reading about. But I wish we got more magic in this installment.

Overall I definitely recommend!

[c_reads_books_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ Rating: 3.75/5
🌶️ Rating: RCRS 2 (hand holding & kissing)

This was a quick, fun retelling of The Snow Queen that served as a great palate cleanser between longer, more detailed stories.

The tale serves as a lesson in contrasts between the passionate, wild Greta & logical, reserved Kay who stand on opposite sides of political lines. A need to survive the harsh landscape of The Snow Queen’s mountains throws them together and forces them to begin to see good in each other. Until the dreaded Queen comes to collect a debt and they’re forced to choose who will lose their heart.

I really enjoyed this novella which read like a fairytale. However, I would have liked to have a little more insight into the main characters back stories that informed their decisions in the moment. They stuck true to their moral codes but I would have liked a deeper understanding as to why.

Thank you to BookSirens & Drew for the opportunity to read and review This Frozen Heart early.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me just start by saying that the world building was absolutely amazing! It was so realistic that I could picture the frozen atmosphere in my mind. The childhood enemies to lovers storyline exceeded my expectations and the witty banter between Greta and Kay had me in a chokehold! I loved this clean, unique Snow Queen retelling novella so much and can’t wait to read more from this fabulous author!

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

"This Frozen Heart" is an entertaining quick read, especially for fans of fairytale retellings and winter romances. It's a delightful blend of classic elements with a modern touch, making it a perfect choice for curling up with on a cold day.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annette McIntyre · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn't finish this as the main characters were just not appealing to me and the story dragged.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me just start by saying that the world building was absolutely amazing! It was so realistic that I could picture the frozen atmosphere in my mind.
The childhood enemies to lovers storyline exceeded my expectations and the witty banter between Greta and Kay had me in a chokehold! I loved this clean, unique Snow Queen retelling novella so much and can't wait to read more from this fabulous author!

[Shreya · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.65/5

[Brooklyn L. Wolves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jes Drew has crafted a truly exceptional and thrilling adventure in This Frozen Heart. From the very first page, I was completely drawn into the harsh and beautiful world of the winter tundra, a place where survival is a constant battle. The premise is fantastic: a rebel woman, Gerta, fiercely protecting her way of life and her clan against a powerful empire, clashes with Kay, the rigid and disciplined leader sent to subdue them. But what starts as a clear-cut conflict quickly evolves into something far more complex and compelling.

Gerta is a heroine to root for - wild, independent, and brimming with a protective fire. Her connection to the land and her people is palpable, and you feel her determination in every word. Kay, initially presented as the stoic enemy, is equally well-developed. His journey from hardened soldier to someone questioning his beliefs is beautifully executed and incredibly engaging. Their forced proximity, born from a brutal winter storm, is the perfect catalyst for a captivating slow-burn relationship.

What makes this book truly shine is the way Drew interweaves action, romance, and a hint of the fantastical. The descriptions of the frozen landscape are breathtakingly vivid, making the setting feel like another character in the story. The tension between Gerta and Kay is electric, and their reluctant alliance is both thrilling and heart-warming. And then, just when you think you know where the story is heading, the introduction of the Queen of Winter adds a whole new layer of intrigue and peril.

This Frozen Heart is not just a romance; it's a story of survival, of clashing cultures, and of finding connection in the most unlikely of places. It's a page-turner that will keep you up late into the night, desperate to see what happens next. Jes Drew has created a world that I can't wait to return to, and I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a beautifully written, action-packed, and emotionally resonant fantasy romance. A definite must-read!

[Jozie | Cozy Romantasy Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 3.25☆

This Frozen Heart is a fun retelling of the Snow Queen and a clean romance featuring enemies to lovers and forced proximity.

Gerta and Kay have one thing in common: they are both Gaelic orphans. While Kay was adopted by a high-ranking Imperian family due to his rare bloodline, Gerta outgrew the orphanage and became a Gaelic rebel. Their paths cross again years later when Kay becomes a soldier for Constantinium and sets out on a mission to capture the rebel leader, Gerta. Once they are bound together by cuffs, their only chance of survival in these harsh winter conditions is each other.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was an enjoyable read that caught my attention. There were a nice variety of characters, which included a shapeshifter, elf, and an estrie. The imagery when Kay and Gerta first ran into the Snow Queen was so vivid that it had my senses reeling. I easily imagined her haunting melody as she came toward the pair, gracefully floating above the snow. Prince was an interesting side character, and I would love to learn more about where his obsession with the Snow Queen began in their love story, This Stolen Heart. I couldn't find that emotional connection with either of the main characters, Gerta and Kay. When Gerta initially took Kay into their clan as a prisoner, I was suspicious. It bothered me that Gerta and her clan didn't seem to think twice about how easily Kay basically captured himself and let their guard down completely by getting drunk.

Overall, this was a good read. I recommend This Frozen Heart to readers who enjoy fairy tale retellings and romance without spice.

clean romance • dual pov • elf • enemies to lovers • fairy tale • forced proximity • retelling • romantasy • shapeshifter • standalone

[Sαɱιɾα · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick Highlights
(+/-) gives you definitions for any and everything you could need
(-) design is not compatible with kindle dark mode
(+) Force Proximity
(+) Enemies to Lovers
(+) Dual POV and Witty Characters


Overall Rating: 4.25

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, the way it was written, and the characters. I did have a little bit of trouble getting into the book right at the start, simply because I skimmed some definitions at the start and not others. If you choose to read this book, just know that the definitions at the beginning are important to the story, and you will likely go back to look at them multiple times (I know I did). While I typically do prefer for the types of magic, and other important context to be given throughout the story rather than in a glossary format, I definitely appreciate the information.

I thoroughly enjoyed the forced proximity trope in this novel. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with the trope done this way specifically, but I really appreciated it. I think the author did a great job of showing and telling the emotions of the characters and how their relationship/feelings for one another developed. I think one of the primary ways she did this was with the Dual POV, as it allowed me to really get into the characters' heads and see what they were thinking in the different situations.

The only “gripe” I have with this book is the design. I read this book on my Kindle, which I typically keep in dark mode, but I quickly realized I would have to change to light mode. I could only see the outline of the design and the start of the chapter and the text in the design (chapter number and who’s POV we’re reading from this chapter) could not be seen at all.

Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Leigh W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gaelia and Imparia are no longer at war but the generational trauma lasts, especially with those orphaned from the war. Gerta is a rebel leader for a small guerrilla band. They target military convoys and distribute the supplies amongst themselves and those in need. Their latest target leaves them with an unexpected party, a military captain willing to be taken hostage. Gerta doesn't trust Kay, she is unsettled by his attitude about the situation and himself in general. Which is why she didn't see the real plan until she was captured. Imparia decided to put one of their best military minds behind finding the rebel leader to bring them back to face justice. Kay just didn't expect the leader to be a woman. Or to face a blizzard. Finding a cabin seems like a lucky break until Gerta starts talking about the Snow Queen and how she will demand payment for use of her possessions. Kay doesn't believe in local magical tales until she shows up demanding one of their hearts. Running from the Snow Queen isn't recommended but both are willing to fight for their freedom.

For a moment I thought this story was moving super fast and was worried about the story. Then it was revealed, pretty early which is why I don't mind saying so, that Kay was playing a part and went ‘thank goodness’. The banter between these two, their opposing views, and where does one draw their moral lines was thought provoking. For when both parties think they are right, where does the line for right and wrong truly lie? A fun way of retelling the Snow Queen tale, all the elements were there but had a fresh take on it. I want to read more about this world and these people.

[Pamela Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I heard this territory was wickedly untamed...but they certainly did not tell me it was so wild that maidens rained down from the Heavens!"

This Frozen Heart is a fun and witty enemies-to-lovers romance set against a starkly beautiful--and deadly Arctic landscape. Jes Drew delivers a compelling retelling of The Snow Queen, filled with sharp banter, engaging characters, and no spice romance.

I loved Kay, with his dry humor and effortless charm. His verbal sparring with Greta, the fierce and determined rebel leader, is one of the highlights of the book. Their dynamic is electric—full of tension, frustration, and undeniable chemistry. Kay has a knack for getting under Greta’s skin, but she’s no shrinking violet. Greta is a strong, capable heroine who refuses to be merely a damsel in distress. She not only survives in the frozen wasteland but leads a rebellion against the oppressive forces that threaten her people.

The setting, reminiscent of Siberia, adds an atmospheric depth to the story. The icy wilderness is both breathtaking and brutal, shaping the characters and their struggles. The band of rebels surrounding Greta brings warmth and camaraderie to the narrative, making the stakes feel even more personal.

For readers who enjoy fairy tale retellings with a fresh twist, snarky yet swoon-worthy banter, and a romance that builds through challenge and wit, This Frozen Heart is well worth the read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher/author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gerta is determined to fight against the invaders of her land, whatever it takes. But when her guerrilla band captures a strangely compliant captain of the latest supply caravan, she finds she's bitten off more than she can chew. Kay does his best to serve his adopted country and while he was shocked to find that the guerrilla leader he's been ordered to capture is a woman, it won't turn him back. She's frustratingly unwilling to accept that she's beaten, but when the wilderness turns against them, it'll take all they can do together to survive. But there's a worse threat than the weather: the Snow Queen exacts a high cost from those who make use of her hospitality...

This was the first book I've read by the author, but I'd be interested to read more. I'm not generally a big reader of fairy-tale retellings, but I felt like trying something different and this sounded interesting. Well, I wasn't disappointed. Possibly not knowing the story made me enjoy it more (rather than me constantly comparing it to the original as happens far too often) - but I enjoyed the way Gerta's band worked together despite their differences, and appreciated seeing Kay gradually soften from his certainty of right and wrong to seeing the other side of a question. All in all, a good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Moonburst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gerta is fighting to free her wintery land from the oppressive forces of the Empire. She and her friends work as a guerrilla force to upset the supply lines and upend the Empire's control of the area. Kay has been specially trained to help bring about law and order to the north, and his first assignment is to capture the leader of the rebel faction. Though the two struggle to determine who is capturing who, both Greta and Kay are forced to work together as the harsh winter elements rage against them. However, can either of them fight the will of the Snow Queen?

This Frozen Heart is a Snow Queen retelling with a delightful enemies to lovers twist. Kay is spectacularly logical and cunning, willing to do what he must to get ahead while maintaining his ethical code. On the other hand, Greta is largely ruled by her emotions, and is driven to right every wrong. They clash in the best of ways, creating a dynamic relationship in which neither one believes they could possibly love the other.

A fantastic fairytale retelling that is engaging on every page.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Elly Christmas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a no-sex fantasy romance. It was a different take on the Snow Queen. She froze the hearts of people who entered her cabin and made them slaves. Unfortunately, Kay and Greta end up in her cabin because of the snowstorm. They talk and discover that there are enemies on different sides of this conflict. But, they once knew each other in their childhood. After realizing this and feeling the magnetic pool they have towards one another they were able to come the frozen heart over.

This was a slow book for me. I just could not get into it to save my life. It is short, yes but something about the writing style made it hard to read in one sitting. I didn't feel much of a connection between the two. Their personalities weren't really flushed out. I couldn't connect with either. Yes, they had sad childhoods but I felt nothing for either one of them. It was really one-dimensional. The world-building wasn't there for me.

This book was okay. It was a different take on this fairytale just for the life of me it was not for me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shaylene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to BookSirens and the author for an ARC!

3.5 stars

I love a good fantasy romance and this was it! This was like if Frozen and Powerless combined to make this book. I totally consumed this and I couldn't get enough.

My only wish is that this was longer. I usually have my reservations about novellas for this reason. They sometimes have me wanting more instead of a story contained within a limited amount of space. I would've wanted to know more about this world and its characters. Kay and Gerta had that enemies to lovers goodness that made me intrigued. I couldn't help but wonder at who they were if this story was expanded.

Nonetheless, I loved how this story progressed. I was eagerly on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen with these two. Their journey made me smile and their back and forth had all the wit of an enemies to lovers dynamic. This was such a ride full of turmoil and adventure. I can't wait to see what this author has in store in the future.

[Lumie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Jes Drew for the ARC.

Plot 4.25/5
Characters 4.25/5

Ending 3.75/5
Interest 4.5/5

Overall 4.25/5

-I actually preferred this book over the first one. I felt like it was a bit less rushed even though it remains a short book with a very interesting plot line, there are moments which were too brushed over in my own personal opinion. I liked the world and the retelling aspect, it added more to the story.

-I really liked the characters, I wished I could have seen more of them but I still really enjoyed reading about them. Again, the book is very short so there isn’t enough time for them to be fully flushed out but they still had a great dynamic and I liked how things evolved albeit being quite fast. I would have preferred a slower build up but that wasn’t really possible because of the length and plot of the book.

-The ending felt a bit cliche of the cure being true love’s kiss and all but it was still really sweet. I am enjoying these short novellas even though I don’t have only positive things to say, they have their perks despite their flaws.

[Nospicereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second installment in the Seasons of Legend multi author series of standalones, and it did not dissapoint!
The love interest are so polar opposite but oh they fit so well together! Kay and Gerta's dynamic was so well written. He's all business and she's impulsive. He's solely focused on being promoted until she comes along. She's focused on fighting the ruling powers with everything she's got until he comes along.
Together they have to learn that having another person in their life to care about isn't so bad, and some people are worth risking everything for!
This is a story of believing in love no matter the cost.
The banter between the main character, i absolutely loved! And the descriptive language about the setting made everything so easy to picture! The ending and the epilogue wrapped up the book perfectly, and left nothing wanting. I can't wait to read more of Jes's work!
Definetly reccomend picking up this book if you are looking for a cozy, no spice read!!

[Shawna Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would have earned 5 stars, but the editing was horrible on this one. Funky fonts, multiple misspelled and misplaced words.

As for the story- yes, it’s 5 stars worthy. Kay is in charge of finding the leader of a rebel group targeting enemy caravans. The last thing he expects is Gerta, a girl he once knew from the orphanage they lived in as children. Discovering his former bully is the leader of this small rebel gang comes as a further shock.

And here is what starts a creative new take on The Snow Queen, where these should-be enemies trade off who is hostage to whom on their road to true love.

Greta’s rebel band is host to several memorable members that steal scenes whenever possible, yet the story does not lack for perilous moments where we are waiting to see just how our unlikely couple will survive.

There is never a dull moment, and the story flows beautifully between the tender, humorous and high suspense moments. A great read for anyone preteen and up.

[Mai · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a no-spice romantic fantasy novella designed to be read independently from the other books in Seasons of Legend. I found the characters to be interesting and varied in personality. The plot was interesting and the pacing was okay for a short book. I felt the romance to be a bit rushed and wish the book was a little longer to solidify Kay and Gerta's relationship growth. The illustrations were very pretty and gave me a clear image of how the main characters look! I also thought Kay's dialogue and inner thoughts were inconsistent; Some times he would sound more formal and other times, he was colloquial.

Overall, I still found this book to be very enjoyable. I'll definitely be picking up the other books within the series to see what happens to the other characters!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tammy's Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hi! Happy Book Release day! Thanks for the opportunity to read and experience This Frozen Heart beforehand. To start, I'll like to acknowledge the stunning writing perspective of the trope enemies to lovers, and the character growth with the story (officially joining the fan club of Kay), and the presence of the writing of the original tale of the Snow Queen. To be honest it's a new approach to Gerta's story and character, she's a headstrong FMC about her convictions while Kay's character actions reflect logic instead of heart as an MMC, so the story guides the MC to yield and acknowledge the strength of the working together for two things: survival and finding true love. This is an awesome start to the holidays, by a rewrite of a classical tale and accompanied by a new take on romantasy. Amazing Jes Drew!!

[H J Palmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed 'This Frozen Heart.' It is a clean romance with an interesting plot. It is quite short in time as well as word count - the story lasts for two days before true love's kiss. I was rather confused by this, as well as why Gerta was purported to be a great rebel leader when her tactics and decisions were clearly terrible. I was also confused by Kay's personality. He doesn't have emotions and cannot read social cues. This is not explained but just his personality. Are we just ripping on the male presentation of Autism here?
I found Prince a really compelling character and am driven to read his story. The action sequences were also quite enjoyable.
Overall I liked this, and aside from a scene of Gerta getting drunk, it is clean. Some minor tweaks would have made it amazing, however. I suggest the novel over the audiobook.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The frozen, snow covered empire of Gaelia was the perfect setting for the adventurous, fast paced enemies to lovers, prisoner to captor and visa versa novel. Packed with tons of witty banter and slightly awkward scenarios that had the cheeks and noses of some of my now favourite characters turning red and not just from the cold.

It was an enjoyable short read that still had enemies enemy-ing until they weren't and a wonderful twist of the snow queen story that we all know and all of it set in the wonderful and expansive world of Constantinium.

This novel was a whirl wind all about 2 characters that didn't believe in true love and yet that was what saved them all.

And that epilogue was just amazing. Hehehe.

I can't wait to see how Stolen Heart is going to be spun.

[Gaila M Raine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buckle up for this one because This Frozen Heart will take you for a ride. Not only did this clean fantasy take me on the most EPIC adventure through a winter wonderland, but Jes Drew’s world-building was so immersive and honestly, straight-up magical. Believe me when I say I WILL be reading This Thawed Heart as soon as possible.

Recently, I’ve been bored with the whole “girl boss” theme, but Gerta was rather refreshing. She handled her business, but wasn’t arrogant and still had a softness to her that made her likable. (Though I wanted to scream at her the whole book for bringing the prisoner back to the camp!) Kay…Kay could be the Prince Charming in all the books for all I care. He’s so adorable and relatable. And not to mention funny.

AND that epilogue 🤗 I was kicking my feet!

[Adena Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This retelling was very well done, being more-or-less true to the fairy tale while incorporating a background set in Roman-conquered Gael in a fantasy setting. The characters made this story truly interesting. Gerta is precisely what I expected - a spunky, impulsive, fiery lass who could have been friends with Honor Harrington, Kiera Alexander or Ella Cinders. Kay, on the other hand, was almost "frozen" before the Snow Queen took him, which made his time with her almost inevitable. Fans of Celeste Baxendell's "The Wicked Prince" ought to enjoy this retelling too!

I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Frozen Heart by Jes Drew was a quick and entertaining re-imagining of Hans Christian Andersen's The Snow Queen fairytale. A great seasonal read to get you in the mood for the wintery months.

I enjoyed the dialog between the two main characters, Gerda and Kay, and the development of their relationship. In fact, I liked the personalities of all the characters in Gerda's colorful little band of rebels.

3/5 stars. I thought this novella was the perfect length, but the editing needs some work. If the editing issues were resolved, I'd gladly bump this up to 4 stars.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Frozen Heart was an addicting enemies to lovers Snow Queen retelling with interesting characters and a unique storyline that readers will dive right into this wintry read! As childhood rivals, Gerta and Kay find themselves caught up between the dangerous crosshairs of their family and the Empire. In the end, the two will find themselves leaning on each other more than they could have possibly imagined with romance on the horizon. I really enjoyed this read, and it is relatively short, so it is a comfortable read to finish in one sitting, which once you start it, you won't want to stop anyway. I enjoy this author's stories and I look forward to reading more!

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This uses the Snow Queen elements to create a strong story and as a sequel in the Seasons of Legend series. I was hooked from the first page of this and how it worked as a fairy tale story. The characters had their own charm to them and worked with the world that was set. I enjoyed how good Jes Drew wrote this and was engaged with how well they wrote this. It had that romance overall and I enjoyed every part of this.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second installment of the Seasons of Legend is an adaptation of the Snow Queen, set in Drew's Sunset at Dawn's world.

This was a fun retelling especially with the fact that the two main characters were childhood rivals instead of friends like the original tale. I definitely was laughing at their antics as they swapped between being each other's prisoner.

This wasn't a challenging read, and I would love to reread it on a nice snowy day to really get the correct feeling for this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.