What do you think?
Rate this book
Before the Thaw
Jade Bell thought she had closed the door on her past — and the love she once held for Duncan Armstrong, the man who disappeared after university, leaving behind silence and unanswered questions. But when Jade’s boyfriend Dean unexpectedly abandons their weekend getaway—the last hope to save their fragile relationship—Duncan sees his chance. Knowing Jade is alone, he’s determined to reclaim the woman he’s never stopped loving.
Trapped together in a remote cabin beneath a merciless winter storm, the years of distance and secrets between them begin to thaw. Old wounds bleed into new desire, and Duncan is willing to risk everything for a second chance — even if the truth he carries could either bind them or break Jade’s heart once more.
Amid the cold, the crackling fire, and the fragile warmth between them, Jade must decide if she can trust love again — before the thaw steals their chance at forever.
But as Duncan and Jade fight to reclaim what was lost, a violent hostage crisis at the hospital threatens to tear them apart. In the face of danger, Jade’s courage will be tested — and the future of their love hangs in the balance.
Trapped together in a remote cabin beneath a merciless winter storm, the years of distance and secrets between them begin to thaw. Old wounds bleed into new desire, and Duncan is willing to risk everything for a second chance — even if the truth he carries could either bind them or break Jade’s heart once more.
Amid the cold, the crackling fire, and the fragile warmth between them, Jade must decide if she can trust love again — before the thaw steals their chance at forever.
But as Duncan and Jade fight to reclaim what was lost, a violent hostage crisis at the hospital threatens to tear them apart. In the face of danger, Jade’s courage will be tested — and the future of their love hangs in the balance.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 24, 2025
About the author
Alison Reid
64 books21 followersAlison Reid writes contemporary and small-town romance filled with heart, passion, and second-chance love stories. Her novels feature strong heroines, irresistible heroes, and the happily-ever-afters readers adore.
Before turning her love of storytelling into a publishing career, Alison spent thirty-five years working as an engineer—proof that happily-ever-afters can be built as carefully as any blueprint. She began writing as a hobby during the COVID lockdowns and quickly discovered a passion she couldn’t ignore.
Alison is happily married, has two grown children, and shares her home with two beautiful dogs who are convinced they deserve to be her main characters. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and imagining new love stories. She hopes her books give readers a few hours of escape, joy, and swoon-worthy romance they won’t soon forget.
Before turning her love of storytelling into a publishing career, Alison spent thirty-five years working as an engineer—proof that happily-ever-afters can be built as carefully as any blueprint. She began writing as a hobby during the COVID lockdowns and quickly discovered a passion she couldn’t ignore.
Alison is happily married, has two grown children, and shares her home with two beautiful dogs who are convinced they deserve to be her main characters. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and imagining new love stories. She hopes her books give readers a few hours of escape, joy, and swoon-worthy romance they won’t soon forget.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 30, 2026
Jade fell in love with Duncan at University but she was told that he was gay by another guy that wanted her for himself, so she moved on. But after she loses a baby to the other guy the truth comes out. They both work out that their chance at happiness together was stolen from them.
Really enjoyed this.
Really enjoyed this.
October 6, 2025
A story of love, trust, and resilience.
This is an emotional, atmospheric romance that blends second chances with suspense. The snowbound cabin scenes sizzle with longing and tension as Jade and Duncan confront their past and the twists that follow kept me turning pages late into the night.
This is an emotional, atmospheric romance that blends second chances with suspense. The snowbound cabin scenes sizzle with longing and tension as Jade and Duncan confront their past and the twists that follow kept me turning pages late into the night.
December 3, 2025
Great book..!!
I enjoyed Jade and Duncan’s story.
Was hooked from the first page.
I enjoyed Jade and Duncan’s story.
Was hooked from the first page.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews