Frost and Found : A small town, second chance cowboy romance

by Ava Hill

Second chance
Cowboy Romance
Small Town
Holiday Romance
Age Gap

Genres: Christmas, Second Chance, Westerns, Romance, Cowboy Romance, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance Romance

171 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 19, 2025

Reviews

[paula ♡]

DNF at 47% (Chapter 11)

Thank you Love Notes PR and the author for giving me this copy in exchange for my honest opinion of the book.

Okay, I'm just here to warn you that this is going to be a somewhat negative review and full of spoilers, so if you plan to read the book, I recommend you stop reading now.

Oh my god, I don't know where to begin, but I didn't like the MMC's attitude towards everything they do to the FMC in the town. Are you seriously telling me you let the ENTIRE town treat the FMC so badly just because she broke up with the protagonist without even knowing the backstory of what happened between them? 💀

Also, the attitude of the mother and sister encouraging the FMC to talk to the protagonist, knowing that he dumped her without giving her any explanation? Weird 💀

And let's not even talk about the scene where we see the FMC carrying the letter he left her UNOPENED IN HER DAMN PURSE... Who the hell carries their ex's letter in their purse 24/7? Oh my god, it makes no sense 💀

I really wanted to finish the book, but everything that happened was worse than the last, and I just couldn't go on. I'm so sorry.

[Alina Syrotiuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Не дуже люблю троп «другий шанс», але в цій книзі в поєднанні з різдвяною атмосферою та маленьким містечком - це було так мило та казково✨🎄

Всі події відбувають в маленькому гірському містечку - на ранчо Сідер-Крік, де сестра головної героїні має святкувати своє весілля. Та приїхавши вони зіштовхуються з купою проблем: зал який вони бронювали для святкування зайнятий іншими людьми, кондитер відмовився від виконання їх замовлення, флорист також…
Все це наводить Скарлетт на думку, що це не просто збіг. І як виявляється маленьке містечко мстить саме їй, за розбите серце власника ранчо Конора Хейса..
Але злодієм в цій історії є саме він, а не Скарлетт. Він покинув її, не сказавши ні слова - а просто залишивши лист..
Тепер вона ненавидить його і всіх чоловіків, але заради ідеального весілля сестри готова вдати ніби це не так..

Все розвивається дуже швидко, але і казково водночас - ця атмосфера засніженого містечка перед Різдвом, все навколо у гірляндах та прикрасах 🎄✨
А стосунки головних героїв - це щось, їх жарти та хімія відчувається відразу. Так хотілося б моментами більше їх розкрити, але дивлячись на обʼєм книги - у авторки і так це не погано вдалося.
Можливо те як швидко вони стали знову парою комусь і не сподобається - а для мене вони ніби “fated mates”✨🥰
Ставлю цій книзі 4/5⭐️, прочитала її за ніч і це було прекрасно та магічно❄️

[Stephanie Matz · Rating 1 out of 5]

I want to start off this review with saying I normally do love a cheesy, feel good novella… but this one just didn’t work for me. I hate leaving such a low rating but this story was just not good. There were so many issues I had with this story…

-There were TOO MANY tropes trying to be used in this 169 page book… hockey player, cowboy, small town, Christmas themed, second chance, AND age gap??? Way too much going on here.
-I found Connor to be very cringy. He goes from not speaking to Scarlett for over a year and a half to making comments about her family being his in-laws, within a week of seeing Scarlett again??? Also he had features built into his home specifically FOR Scarlett (trying not to spoil), but had no intentions on reaching out to her? How did he think she would appreciate that?
-I know romances are supposed to be mindless and sometimes not realistic and just for vibes, but if Scarlett and Connor were so in love, did she not know he had a ranch in Canada and what were the odds her sister in New York chose a small town ranch for her wedding that happened to be his? It was just such an eye-roll unfortunately.
-The writing itself was unfortunately a little weak for me. Lots of typos, the main characters name was spelt “Scarlett” and “Scarlet” on numerous occasions, along with other misspelt words and sentences that just weren’t strong. This could have used an edit.

Overall, I saw what the vibes were and the overall message of the story but the execution was just not good unfortunately.

[Nicole Heron · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Warning this review does contain spoilers*

ARC review - I want to kindly thank Ava Hill and Love Notes for giving me an opportunity to read a arc copy of the book.

Tropes/ Themes:

🤠 Cowboy Romance
🥰 Second Chance
🕰️ Age Gap
🎄 Holiday Romance
🏡 Small Town

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

To the girlies who love small town, cowboy and hockey romance book…then I have the book for you….. Frost and Found by Ava Hill ❄️

It’s the perfect read for the upcoming Christmas period. It brings a kind cozy feeling and the main characters do not disappoint.

We have our FMC, Scarlett, she cute, funny, fierce and is not afraid to stick up for the ones she love and to express what she feels. Scarlett is on her way to Cedar Creek Ranch, in Silverpine, with her family as her eldest sister is getting married and lo and behold whilst she is there she runs into the owner of the lodge, our MMC, Conor Hayes. Conor is a sexy, charming pro athlete Hockey player and *SPOILER* Scarlett’s ex beau whom broke her heart but turns out he still loves her.

That reunion scene though, had me laughing and felt it was a perfect way to be introduced to the MMC 🤣.

The book navigates us through the wedding celebrations, Scarlett sickening her past relationship with Conor and leaves us wondering throughout the book, will he win Scarlett over during the two weeks she will be in Silverpine for her sisters wedding? Let me tell you, Scarlett does not make it easy for Conor and makes him work for it.

*SPOILER* But I will say Scarlett girllll….. why didn’t you read that letter! If I had known there was a letter you best believe I would be tearing into immediately to know what was said!

Although his pet name for her “baby girl” did give me the ick. It’s more of a me problem because ever since 365 days came out I just can’t with the baby girl but asides from that I did like Conor’s character and I quite liked that there is an age gap there so he’s a bit more mature than your normal MMC’s……. well actually maybe not as mature given that surround sound comment ( if you read IKYK). But he defo knows what he wants and is not afraid to admit that.

I did like this book, helped me to get into the Christmas vibes and it is a really nice plate cleanser from other genres. It’s cute, a bit cheesy at times but did have me laughing at points, just what you want from a cowboy/ small town romance book. It’s very rare that a book sucks me in quite quickly into the story, esp silly only like 30 pages in. The last time that happened I read Quicksilver, so when I tell you I ate this story up within an hour, which is a new record for me, I was hooked in. I think what sucked me in is that Scarlett is very relatable and I can see myself in her, capability her views around relationships, mean and being quite introverted.

It is on the smaller side of a romance book at 169 pages but I think that’s what I also enjoyed about it. It’s not too long but still gives you that nice amount of storyline, romance and character developed without it being too overdrawn or too rushed.

But also shout out to her family! They are great especially her parents, they are so cute and have such a strong relationship and are so supportive of her. Her dad is great and I love how the author gave him his own little platform in the book and quips. I also liked her sisters too and how close of a sibling bond she has with them. You can tell they are her ride or dies.

I do question though her not knowing he is from Silverpine. They were together for a while so within that time he must of told her where he was from….

It really does give Elsie Silver vibes and I do love the authors writing. It is the perfect book to start off my Christmas romance books for the festive period and I will likely read it again. I also feel maybe there will be an another book in the series maybe about Oliver, Sadie or Cam?? 👀👀👀

I would highly recommend this book, especially for those who loves this genre or is starting out with romance books.

[Larareads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to LoveNotesPR and Ava Hill for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

As someone who NEVER rates a novella 5 ⭐️ this was such a surprise!!!

This was such a fun and spicy Christmas book!!! It was also sooo beautifully written and cozy that I literally read it in less than 2 hours.
Scarlett is such a relatable character that I absolutely loved her and Connor is soo devoted to Scarlett that every time he was with her just made me love him more. He was also so charming!!! I'm not one who loves nicknames, but there was something with him calling her "baby girl" and "hellion" that was just perfect!!! The spice was also fucking incredible!!!

The fact that this is a novella (168 pages) made me worry a little, but I never felt something was missing here. It is just perfect!

Read if you love:
• holiday romance
• cowboy romance
• second chance
• age gap
• small town

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet holiday romance! I loved seeing the MMC’s determination to win her back.

A nice short seasonal palette cleanser, would recommend.

[Emma]

W.B.

[𝑨𝒂𝒔𝒉 ۶ৎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ARC Review: Frost and Found by Ava Hill

Tropes: Cowboy Romance • Second Chance • Age Gap • Holiday Romance • Small Town

A huge thank you to Ava Hill and Love Notes for the ARC opportunity this book was the perfect start to my Christmas reading season.

If you’re a girlie who lives for small-town charm, cowboy coziness, hockey heartthrobs, and a swoony second-chance romance, Frost and Found is absolutely the book for you. It has all the warmth of a holiday Hallmark movie but with deeper emotion, real chemistry, and characters you instantly fall for.

💫 The Story

Scarlett, our FMC, heads to Silverpine with her family for her sister’s wedding at Cedar Creek Ranch cute, festive, snowy small-town vibes included. She’s funny, fierce, relatable, and unafraid to speak her mind, especially when it comes to the people she loves. But nothing could prepare her for running straight into the one man who broke her heart:

Conor Hayes — the charming, infuriating, ridiculously hot pro hockey player… and her ex.

Their reunion scene? Hilarious. Absolutely the perfect re-introduction to a MMC who is still unmistakably, undeniably in love with her.

As the wedding celebrations unfold, the tension between Scarlett and Conor simmers beautifully. He’s determined to win back the only woman he ever loved. Scarlett? She makes him WORK for it and honestly, I loved her for that. This man is in full second-chance grovel mode, and it is delicious.

❄️ What I Loved
• The cozy holiday atmosphere felt magical snow, ranch vibes, wedding chaos, all of it.
• Scarlett is incredibly relatable, especially in her views on love and her introverted tendencies.
• Conor is a perfect blend of mature, charming, slightly chaotic, but deeply devoted. (Okay… “baby girl” gave me the ick, but that’s a me problem 😂)
• The letter reveal tension??? GIRL. If that were me, I would’ve torn into it IMMEDIATELY.
• Her family! Funny, warm, supportive her parents especially stole my heart.
• The writing is so easy, cozy, and immersive. I was sucked in by page 30 and devoured the whole novella in an hour.

This book is short (169 pages), but it never feels rushed. It hits the sweet spot of romance, angst, holiday magic, and emotional payoff without dragging. It genuinely reminded me of Elsie Silver vibes with Ava Hill’s own charm sprinkled throughout.

🎄 Final Thoughts

Frost and Found is a heartwarming, funny, slightly spicy, beautifully written Christmas romance that pulled me out of a reading slump. It’s cozy, uplifting, and perfect for anyone craving a fast, feel-good, second-chance love story in a snow-dusted small town.

I can absolutely see future books for Oliver, Sadie, or Cam, and I will be first in line if Ava Hill gives us more Silverpine stories.

Highly recommend for holiday romance lovers or anyone wanting an easy, charming seasonal read.

[Kiley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Frost and Found was about 38-year-old Connor Hayes, the former captain of a hockey team, turned owner of Cedar Creek Ranch, and 27-year-old Scarlett Monroe, an audiobook narrator.

Eighteen months before the book started (and six months into their relationship), Connor walked away from Scarlett without a backward glance and no explanation. In that time apart, Scarlett had sworn off men, dating, and love. As the book began, she and her two sisters were making the trip two weeks in advance to Alberta, Canada, where her older sister, Sienna, was getting married in a 'destination wedding' at a local ranch because most of her fiancé's family lived nearby. What she didn't know until she got there was that the ranch belonged to none other than Connor Hayes, the man who dumped her 18 months earlier.

As she was the maid of honor to her sister, it was Scarlett's job to make certain everything ran smoothly. However, since it was a small town, everyone knew that Scarlett was Connor's ex-girlfriend, so the places she had put in an order for something to do with the wedding, she was suddenly being told nothing was available, or that they had never received her order, even though she had records of the deposits and emails saying when things would be ready. Since it was Connor's hometown, and everyone who was turning against Scarlett was his friend and/or acquaintance, she decided he was going to fix things so that her sister's wedding wasn't a flop.

This story was a bit...awkward. By that I mean, the FMC was supposed to be this strong, badass heroine who gave up on love because of how the MMC treated her, and yet she caved so quickly to him. Plus, his reasons for ghosting her weren't all that legitimate reasons for doing such a thing. Rather than letting HER decide for herself, he just walked away from the "love of his life". Then there was the fact that he had fixed up his home with her in mind, but he never had any intention of pursuing her and trying to mend things between them.

There wasn't really any angst, and hardly any drama or an emotional rollercoaster. It was just...flat. Additionally, the author left many things unfinished and unaddressed, giving the impression that she changed ideas midstream, without revisiting and tying up loose ends. Too many issues were left unresolved. For example, there was one point when the former girlfriend of the MMC wanted to speak to him. The FMC walked away, but then nothing was ever said about the conversation between the ex and the MMC. That just...was left hanging.

While the MMC was supposed to be 38, and the FMC was 27, neither of them showed any maturity, nor was there any character building or growth done by either of them. I just couldn't connect with either of them, or any of the other characters. They all pushed the FMC to give in to the MMC, even though he had ghosted her in the past. The fact that the townspeople treated her so poorly and never faced any consequences (other than losing her business) just felt awkward.

I couldn't give this more than a one-star rating because that, in and of itself, is being overly generous. It didn't earn anything higher.

[Dimitra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frost & Found ❄️
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Ava Hill for trusting me with this ARC!
Scarlet had her heart broken by the only boy she decided to trust years ago -now her sister's wedding does not make her want to search for her own happily ever after-she is fine as she is.
Connor broke his & his ex girlfriend's heart when he took his ground breaking decision to leave with no trace,but maybe things were not as easy as the seemed to be.
However,life will bring the close again & Connie will not let her outside from his life ever again.

Starting,I loved how much humour was contained in this story.Literally,every scene had either a lot of it or just a glimpse,and the really made the story really enjoyable to me + it was A REAL,X-MAS romcom.-you know under the snow,christmas market one?EXACTLY THAT!
Added,it was a simple one!Hill didn't use big overwelming scenes or lines in order to show us how love can be,but she really potrayed it through gestures-loved that 💌
Getting into our characters,I ADORED the family dynamic,the girl dad,the overprotective mum and the sisters were so,so cute!
Scarlett,was just aray of sunshine,that was still shown even in the winter time & while life hasn't treated her in the best way she managed to be here and get happiness from every tiny thing.Personal favourite:her grumpy moments(I am her,She is Me)
Connor on the other hand,had one of the best mmc entrances I have ever read about & when the story unfolded we saw a heartbroken man who is still very much in love and WILL fix anything that he has done wrong in the past for his girl.THE MAN YOU ARE!
Long story short,get under that christmas tree,grab Frost & Found,prepeare to fall in love & enjoy!
out on Nov,19th🎁
4⭐

[Tatjana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/4⭐️
1.5/5🌶

[☆Laura☆]

En un pequeño pueblo cubierto de nieve, el destino vuelve a cruzar los caminos de Scarlett y Connor. Dos años atrás, una decisión dolorosa y repentina los separó sin explicaciones. Ahora, entre luces navideñas, reencuentros accidentales y sentimientos que nunca murieron, ambos deberán enfrentar todo lo que quedó pendiente.

Ella juró no volver a confiar. Él insiste en que aún la ama. Pero cuando secretos, ausencias y viejas heridas salen a la luz, descubrirán que amar no siempre es suficiente y que a veces la redención llega demasiado tarde.


__

Mi mayor problema es que Connor realmente no tuvo un groveling a la altura. Dice que la ama, que se arrepiente y que lo hizo por sus hermanos, pero aun así desaparece sin dudarlo y deja a Scarlett enfrentarlo todo sola. Y puedo medio entender el motivo, pero no justifica que casi dos años hayan pasado sin que él hiciera absolutamente nada para buscarla.

Además, cuando finalmente se encuentran, sucede por pura casualidad, no porque Connor hubiera movido cielo, mar y tierra para recuperarla. Eso implica que si la boda hubiera sido en otro lugar, ellos nunca se habrían vuelto a ver y él simplemente seguiría “sufriendo en silencio” sin actuar. Nada de eso concuerda con la clase de amor que él quiere vender.

Y para colmo, Scarlett lo perdona apenas lo ve. No le exige que le demuestre que esta arrepentido, no lo hace demostrar que nunca volverá a abandonarla, no le pide nada.



Gracias Love Notes PR por el ARC.

[miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frost and Found ARC Review

i was very fortunate to receive an ARC of Frost and Found by Ava Hill from LoveNotesPR, thank you so much!! 🩷

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5

“i never doubted for a second that connor was in love with me. i never worried that he was going to find someone more interesting, someone funnier or prettier. when he looked at me, i knew i was the only one he wanted and he told me that every day.”

when i found out this was only the second book ava has come out with (first i’ve read by her) i was in awe! this was such a short but fun and sweet read! honestly the cutest holiday novella ever! i was sucked in from the very beginning and fell in love with both main characters!! considering the length, i think ava did an amazing job of making sure nothing felt rushed! i wish this was a full length novel as i honestly could’ve read 20 more chapters about scarlett and connor! also, age gap romances are always a bit iffy to me but i think ava does an amazing job of not making anything feel forced/awkward between the main characters.

oh how i loved scarlett and connor so much!!! i instantly fell in love with both of them. the connection between them felt so natural and was electric, and the banter and tension between them was the cherry on top. i loved that scarlett really made connor work hard to earn her trust back! and connor was determined and willing to do anything and every thing to win her over!

i’m so excited to see what ava does next and i will definitely be going back and reading her debut novel! once again thank you so much to lovenotespr and ava hill for providing me with this arc 🩷

[chaptersofiris · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
First of all, I want to thank @lovenotes.pr and Ava Hill for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. *ੈ🎄✩‧₊

What an absolutely delightful holiday novella Ava has written. I devoured it in just two hours,her writing is so easy to fall into!🤍

In Frost & Found we meet Scarlett, who travels with her family to Silverspine for her older sister’s wedding. She isn’t exactly looking to fall in love again after having her heart broken 1.5 years ago by the man, who she believed was her soulmate. He left without a word…and who does she run into in the cozy small town of Silverspine? Exactly, the handsome pro-hockey star and her ex, Connor. And trust me, Scarlett was not ready for that reunion 🤭

I was immediately drawn into Scarlett and Connor’s world. Silverspine is the perfect cozy small town, full of charm and snowy holiday vibes.Besides that the festive atmosphere pulled me straight into the Christmas spirit. ☃️

This novella has everything I love in a holiday read, it gives you that magical Christmas feeling that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and keep reading.

A perfect quick read for anyone craving a sweet, spicy, atmospheric Christmas romance. ❤️🧣

[Elizabeth Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, thank you Ava Hill and Love Notes PR for allowing me to be an ARC reader for Frost and Found! 🩵❄️

This was such a cute, tension-filled, Christmas, second chance romance book!

This story follows Scarlett and Connor, who had a whirlwind romance, and one day, out of the blue, Connor leaves and Scarlett never sees or hears from him again, until 2 years later, when her oldest sister is getting married at his ranch.

Scarlett and Connor are two people who were absolutely meant to be together. Their chemistry and banter was truly the star of the show. I loved Scarlett’s relationships with her family, especially with her sisters and dad 🥹 she is also a no BS person, which I LOVED!! Her reaming out all of the townsfolk had me screaming 😂

Connor is such a dream.. the way he is with Scarlett and the things he did and will do for her had me swooning. Gosh, and the mouth on that man…

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ARC READ⭐️

Cute christmassy book, I liked the plot and the characters altho the repeated use of the nicknames got a bit cringey but that’s just my opinion
Also felt like it was really slow and drawn out then nearer the end felt more rushed but I did enjoy the book!!
also if someone had left me a letter i wouldn’t leave it hears to read it.

The book was the perfect length I’d say and was a cute festive love story

Thank you to Love Notes PR & the author for this ARC🤍

““I’m afraid if I let you walk away now, I’ll never find you again.”

“She might hate me now, but I have two weeks to make her fall in love with me again.”

“Leaving here to be with you will be the easiest revision I’ll ever make.”

“When you know, you know Scarlett. And I knew from the first moment I met you.”

[Mk (Mikayla) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to LoveNotes PR and Ava Hill for this ARC copy! I really enjoyed this book and felt like it was the perfect length. At first I thought this book seemed quite short but the pacing of the book was good overall.

I absolutely loved the tension between Scarlett and Connor (Connie lol). Scarlett had such a badass attitude and I loved that her family was so supportive of her. Such a cozy Christmas read and I’ll always love a small town vibe. I can’t exactly pinpoint why this wasn’t a 5 star read for me, but Connor on his knees definitely made this book an automatic 4 star for me.

The teasing from Conner the whole book was hilarious!
“I’m not yours, Connor,” she whispers.
“Not yet, baby girl.”

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frost and Found by Ava Hill is a beautiful, five-star read that I devoured!

What completely captured my heart was Conner and his absolute devotion to Scarlett—the way he loved her was just everything, making him the perfect book boyfriend. And honestly, what's not to love about Scarlett? She was such a wonderful character, and I instantly connected with her.

My only major complaint wasn't about the main characters, but the town! The way they treated Scarlett was infuriating; who do they think they are to judge her? That aspect of the story really got under my skin!

The only thing I would change is that I desperately wish it had been longer; I just wasn't ready to leave Conner and Scarlett's world!

[roselouisereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!!!
omg i loved this so much!! i binge it all this morning, i was completely hooked!! i’ve been feeling a reading slump coming on and this novella completely dragged me out of it, yayy!! it was the perfect first read of the christmas season, the setting was described so beautifully and felt magical ❄️second-chance is one of my fav tropes, i just love the pining and angst and this novella had the perfect amount, the connection between the two main characters was written so well and felt so organic and real. a beautiful holiday novella, that is definitely worth the read!! ava hill is a new author to me, and i’m definitely going to read her other book, her writing completely grasped me!!📖💋

thankyou so much to love notes pr for the arc 💌

[Apennyforjthoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you @lovenotespr for the ARC! :)

Frost and Found is a cozy, easy-to-follow second-chance romance that I finished in one sitting. What begins as a simple family wedding trip turns into something more when Scarlett reunites with Connor, and I really enjoyed seeing their connection unfold.

The dual POV worked well and made it fun to read from both Scarlett’s and Connor’s perspectives. The spice level towards the end was a bit higher than what I’m usually comfortable with, but it did fit their chemistry and affection.

Overall, it’s a warm, wintry read that feels perfect for the Christmas season — the kind of book you can curl up with under a blanket and just breeze through.

[urarchive · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ 4.5 stars for me

At this point, I think I just love everything Ava writes!

It’s a novella and I need moreeee. I think I’m obsessed with obsessed men lol.

Second chance romance isn’t always my favorite trope because I’m always scared of the reason they broke up… but with Connor, I couldn’t even find the courage to hate him. Really!! And Scarlett is so perfect hahaha. She’s very reasonable in everything she does.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this. Looking forward to your next book, Ava!

P.S. The cover is soooooooo good ngl!!

[Kalexreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good second chance romance! Scarlett had her heart broken, so she was swearing off men. Little did she know, the one who broke her heart was in the small town where her sister was going to get married. Scarlett doesn’t want to listen to why Connor left, but he’s not giving up. He hasn’t stopped loving her and vows to get her back. It was a bit of a slow burn as Connor groveled for Scarlet to forgive him. So sweet and a little bit spicy. Loved it!!!

[Terry Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC. Cute romance novel set at Christmas time. A bit predictable but most books of this type are. Loveable characters. A lovely feel good romance to start my Christmas season reading.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun action packed story of found again love

[Lacee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Love Notes PR and Ava Hill for the ARC opportunity.

Buckle in — this might be a little messy because my thoughts are everywhere, but I want to be honest about my experience while still being respectful.

Overall Impression

Frost and Found had a lot of elements I typically enjoy — holiday charm, small-town coziness, second-chance romance, and an age-gap dynamic — but this one ultimately didn’t land for me. I could see the potential in the story and the heart behind it, but several aspects pulled me out of the experience.

What I Did Enjoy
The holiday atmosphere in Silverpine was genuinely lovely. The decorations, the events, the small-town charm — it all gave me strong Christmas vibes.

I also adored Marion and her event at the inn. We don’t see her too often, but every time she appeared she felt warm and wholesome. She’s the kind of side character you want to wrap in a blanket and protect.

These moments helped anchor me in the seasonal magic.

What Didn’t Work for Me
Editing & Repetition
This was my biggest struggle. There were quite a few typos — everything from misspelled character names to sentences that seemed to cut off mid-thought. One or two wouldn’t faze me, but the frequency made it hard to stay immersed.

I also noticed repetition in phrasing. An elementary example would be:
“Bob has a dog named Sparky. Bob loves dogs and always wanted one. Sparky is Bob’s dog.”
Bob and Sparky do not appear in the book, but the pattern popped up enough to slow the pacing for me.

So Many Tropes Competing for Space
The novella includes:
• age gap
• small town
• cowboy
• hockey player
• holiday romance
• second chance
• strong female lead
…plus a few more.
I usually love these tropes individually, but in a shorter format, it started to feel like the story was juggling too many elements at once.

Character Dynamics & Tone
Scarlett’s family was hard for me to connect with. I wanted to love them, but they often felt like a single collective personality split among the parents and sisters. There were moments where they were sweet, but overall I found myself wanting more depth.

It was also strange that Scarlett was positioned early on as the “different one” or black sheep, yet she’s portrayed as incredibly close with her parents and sisters. The emphasis didn’t quite match what we actually see.

On top of that, there were several moments (not just with Scarlett, but with her sisters too) where the characters read more like older teens rather than mid-to-late-20-somethings. Combined with the tone of the romance, it gave the book a teen romance energy, even though the story centers on adults.

Relationship & Story Logic
A few relationship choices didn’t fully add up for me:

The quick reconciliation:
They’ve been apart for 1.5 years, with no contact, and yet they get back together in about two weeks. I understand that emotions can linger and old feelings resurface easily, but given the heartbreak, I expected a little more processing or hesitation.

Connor designing parts of his house with Scarlett in mind:
This could’ve been sweet, but since they hadn’t spoken in so long and he had no reason to think she’d come back to him, it didn’t make much practical sense in context.

The entire town knowing about Scarlett:
It’s repeatedly implied that everyone somehow knows she’s Connor’s ex, but the book never explains how that information spread. Him showing up heartbroken doesn’t automatically tell a whole town her name or her appearance, especially when she arrives having never even been there before. This made the small-town gossip dynamic feel a bit forced.

Pet Names
Normally pet names aren’t my thing at all, but I know some readers enjoy them — especially in age-gap dynamics. My issue wasn’t the nickname itself so much as how frequently it appeared. “Baby girl” was used so often that it became distracting, sometimes appearing twice on the same page. A little more restraint would’ve helped the moments where it did appear feel more meaningful.

Pacing
The pacing was unusual for me. For most of the book, it felt like a slow burn — enough that I kept asking myself, How is this story going to wrap up in 15 pages? It felt like there was a lot left unresolved.

Then the last 40 or so pages suddenly turned into a whirlwind of lust, emotion, and quick resolution. Everything was tied up neatly with a bow, but the shift happened so fast that it left me a little disoriented.

Final Thoughts
Is this my favorite book? No.

Would I recommend it? Maybe to someone who enjoys short, trope-heavy romances and isn’t bothered by editing issues.

I genuinely wanted to love this one, and the core idea had a lot of potential. It just didn’t fully come together for me. Still, I’m grateful for the chance to read it and share my honest thoughts.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you know, you know, or so Connor would have us believe when he says that he knew Scarlett was the one for him the moment he laid eyes on her in the crowded arena. He then did everything within his power to show her that until he left her, his career, and New York behind. Leaving only a letter and a broken heart behind.

Connor was the Captain of the New York Renegades Hockey team. He is originally from small town Alberta, Canada.He left his family behind to follow his dream and was successful, making it to tge highest level professionally. He loved hockey and being free from his grandfather's expectations. Even though he was nearing retirement age for a hockey player he was a top player. He was popular with the ladies but Scarlett was the one he wanted.

Scarlett was a voice actor and narrator for books, including romance novels. She was the middle daughter and her anxiety often led her to catastrophe everything and everything. When she met Connor, she was on a date, but left with Connor after his hockey game. There was something about him that made her feel safe. They were together for months before Connor left her with a letter and a broken heart. She vowed never to trust another man with her heart and swore off men.

When her older sister decided to have a destination wedding at a gorgeous mountain ranch in Alberta, Scarlett was willing to do whatever she needed to do to make the trip perfect for her family. Even though she no longer wanted marriage she wanted it for her sister. When touring the venue, problems first started to appear and so did Connor, the ranch and venue owner. After a year and a half of a shattered heart, the two were face to face again. Should we watch the sparks? Are they still hot enough to burn?

As the days leading up to the wedding flew and drug by, Connor and Scarlett were forced to work together to salvage the wedding due to the town’s misguided and downright hurtful punishment of Scarlett. Connor was their hometown hero who could do no wrong with a Scarlett sized broken heart. Even though it was of his own doing, they blamed Scarlett and canceled all her orders for the wedding. They messed up reservations and made even ordering food impossible. Connor did not like this and helped Scarlett find new vendors. Even though he didn't plan it, he got to spend time with the woman he still loved. He waz determined to win her back and this time he would choose her.

Scarlett was fed up with the town and Connor. She wanted to prove she was over him even though she clearly was not. There was still too much anger and unknowns because she never read the letter. Little pieces of evidence during her stay made her question the reason why he left and she eventually read the letter. Could she forgive him for leaving? Could she trust him with her heart again? Would he leave again?

I loved Connor and Scarlett. Connor was the slightly obsessed hockey player turned cowboy who knew how to play to win. He knew that he had to play the long game to truly be happy with Scarlett. He needed to learn how to balance obligations, expectations, and his own wants and desires. Scarlett was the introvert who preferred peace and quiet instead of the limelight. Though she had a fire within that gave her strength and passion for the things she loved. They seem like two pieces that wouldn't fit but they were the perfect match.

I loved the Roman and Lavinia cameo, from Ava's book, Rebound. These two books are amazing and I loved each of them.

Thank you Ava Hill and LoveNotesPR for the ARC and the opportunity to review this book!

[Emily Knaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ava Hill proves that sometimes the best gifts aren’t wrapped under the tree, but rather that they’re found in second chances.

This novella has all of my favorite things: an age gap between characters (11 years),a man who gets down on his knees, and an FMC who is unabashedly herself. “Frost and Found” by Ava Hill is a snowy, small-town second chance romance that aches with heartbreak and burns with forbidden longing.

Scarlett never planned to see Connor again, the man who shattered her heart and still calls her “baby girl” like the words belong only to him. But fate has a cruel sense of humor: her sister’s wedding brings her into his town, back into his orbit, and back into the memories she’s tried to bury. On top of that, Connor’s town golden boy status has thwarted some of Scarlett’s sister’s wedding plans, when the town boycotts his connection to Scarlett. But don’t worry, Scarlett puts Connor in his place and forces him to right the wrongs to make sure her sister’s wedding is perfect.

“I don’t think you realize how obsessed I am with you, Scarlett.”

Connor is the grumpy cowboy who doesn’t hide his regret but faces it head on, seeing Scarlett again after 536 days (yes, he kept track!!) allows him a second chance to make amends and insure she never gets away again. Scarlett is determined not to fall again, Conor broke her heart in the past, yet every interaction sparks with chemistry that feels inevitable. Their push-pull dynamic is intoxicating: the way he still claims her with a single nickname, the way she resists but secretly aches.

“When he looked at me, I knew I was the only one he wanted and he told me that every day.”

What stood out most to me was the emotional layering: beneath the snowflakes and Christmas lights, there’s a story about forgiveness, vulnerability, and the courage to risk your heart again. Scarlett had put so many walls up, but seeing Connor again and finding out why he did what he did had them all crumbling down. But she didn’t make it easy for him, she made him beg and prove himself, which was extremely satisfying!!

Scarlett’s sisters, Sadie & Sienna are hilarious, sharp-tongued, and fiercely protective, giving her the kind of support that makes you laugh even as your heart breaks. Their banter lightens the tension, and their loyalty reminds Scarlet that she isn’t facing Connor alone. Even her parents, especially her Dad offer emotional guidance. The family warmth balances the angst beautifully, making the story feel so real.

If you love holiday romances where the past collides with the present, and every kiss feels like both punishment and salvation, Frost and Found is just for you!!

A huge thank you to Ava Hill & LoveNotes PR for the early copy!

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚✨ ARC REVIEW ✨📚
Frost and Found by Ava Hill
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (4.5/5 stars)

Thank you, @lovenotes.pr, for providing an ARC!

Scarlett and her family are in Silverpine, getting everything ready for her sister Sierra’s upcoming wedding—only for Scarlett to discover that her ex, Connor, owns the venue. Two years ago, he ended things with a letter she refused to read (but, of course, still kept).

Connor never thought he’d see Scarlett again. He’s regretted leaving her every single day, but family duty dragged him back to the hometown he tried to outrun. Now that she’s suddenly standing in front of him again, he’s determined to fight for a second chance… even if it takes a Christmas miracle.

I inhaled this book. Second-chance novellas always hit for me, and Frost and Found was no exception. At 171 pages, it gives Connor plenty of space to grovel—and actually deserve Scarlett’s forgiveness.

Scarlett is my favorite kind of FMC: not big on people or emotions, but soft for the select few who matter. I loved how firmly she stood her ground with Connor and the small-town busybodies trying to sabotage Sierra’s wedding simply because she was involved (truly… poor Sierra). Anyone trying to go toe-to-toe with this lavender-haired queen is fighting a losing battle.

And Connor? Oof. I hated that his sense of responsibility pulled him away from love, especially when his brothers didn't seem worthy of such a sacrifice. Aside from taking Scarlett’s agency during their breakup (a big mistake, but handled well in the story), he’s basically the ideal MMC: hardworking, intelligent, charming, and handsome. It’s very easy to see why Scarlett forgave him.

One major highlight: Scarlett’s family. They’re loving and present without ever being overbearing. Her dad driving alongside her during her morning run? Adorable. Peak protective-father energy.

If you’re craving a second-chance romance with small-town cowboy vibes and a sprinkle of holiday spice, add this to your TBR immediately.

Tropes: 🎄 Holiday novella | ⏳ Second chance | 🤠 Cowboy romance | 👀 Age gap | 🏡 Small town | 🏠 Forced proximity | 🙇‍♂️ Groveling

#FrostAndFound #AvaHill #SecondChanceRomance #HolidayRomance #CowboyRomance #SmallTownRomance #AgeGapRomance #RomanceReaders #RomanceBooks #BookstagramRomance #BookReview #NewReleaseARC

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Snow Dusted Second Chance

Scarlett (FMC): 27 • Voice Actor for Audiobooks • Avid Runner • Stubborn • Sarcastic •
Connor (MMC): 38 • Owner of Silverpine Ranch • Retired NHL Player • Protective • Obsessive •

Tropes:
🏔️ Second Chance
🐴 Cowboy Romance
🏔️ Forced Proximity
🐴 Age Gap
🏔️ Small Town Ranch
🐴 Holiday Novella
🏔️ Nicknames
🐴 Adorable Sidekick (🐎)

Rating: ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹 (4⭐️)
Spice: 🌶️.🫑🫑(begging, crawling, dirty talk, praise, 👅, cream 🥧, he cleans up his mess)
T/W: parental loss (referenced), grandparent loss (referenced)

Frost and Found is the kind of holiday novella that wraps around you like a soft blanket straight out of the dryer. It’s warm, a little spicy, and absolutely brimming with small town Christmas charm. Former hockey star Connor Hayes traded the rink for ranch life, but nothing prepares him for the blizzard heading his way: Scarlett Reed, the woman he never stopped loving… and the one he shattered. Their reunion at her sister’s wedding is pure perfection — hilarious, tense, and so charged you can practically hear the snow crackle. Scarlett gives him zero freebies (as she should👏🏻) and watching her make this man grovel — on his knees, in full “I kept count of the days” devotion — is holiday romance heaven. Cozy wedding chaos, snowy ranch rides, mechanical bulls, meddling siblings, and a whole town with opinions make this novella feel like stepping inside a festive snow globe with a side of spice.

What truly sparkles is how heartfelt it all is. Their chemistry is magnetic, their banter delicious, and their emotional payoff lands beautifully without ever feeling rushed. At just under 170 pages, this novella delivers warmth, angst, family love, and swoony cowboy tenderness in one perfect holiday bow. A delightful, low angst treat for anyone kicking off their holiday romance season.

Swoony Line:
“You’re the thing which gives me life.”

I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review.

[Harshetha Girish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Ava Hill and LoveNotes PR for providing an ARC of Frost and Found in exchange for my honest review.

I really wanted to love Frost and Found, but unfortunately, I found myself struggling to care about Scarlett and Connor’s romance at times. The small-town setting of Silverpine was delightful, truly Hallmark-worthy, with cozy vibes that made it a perfect holiday backdrop. Scarlett’s family, especially her supportive parents, added to that charm, but at times, I just wanted to shake them with the unsolicited advice they kept giving her. It didn’t always feel helpful, just a bit frustrating.

The romance had all the right elements on paper: second chances, cowboys, and a holiday setting, but for me, it felt like it was leaning a little too heavily on overdone tropes that didn’t quite fit. I was hoping for a deeper emotional connection between Scarlett and Connor, especially considering their past, but the story didn’t explore their backstories as much as I’d have liked. The conflict that led to their breakup wasn’t fleshed out enough, and I really wanted more from Connor, particularly in terms of his relationship with his family and his grandfather. The lack of a solid emotional foundation made it hard to feel invested in their reunion.

This might be more of a "me" issue; maybe others will totally love the book, but for me, it fell a bit short. It's a short novel, only about 170 pages, which doesn’t leave much room for deeper character development or the kind of groveling I was hoping for from Connor. While the story is sweet and light, I felt it lacked depth in several areas and could have benefited from a better exploration of the characters' pasts and motivations.

That said, if you’re looking for a quick, cozy, and festive read, Frost and Found still has its moments. It’s just not the emotional, layered story I was hoping for.