Nyla Harrison is used to being in control. As the driven owner of Green Thumb & Co., a thriving plant shop in the heart of town, she's built her world around work, routine, and staying just busy enough to ignore matters of the heart.
Enter the one person who threatens her carefully cultivated Mason. Her charming, dependable seasonal employee—with a heart-melting smile and a habit of making her cheeks flush.
When an unprecedented snowstorm threatens the city, Nyla springs into a panic trying to protect her business, and Mason dives in headfirst with her. As the temperatures drop outside and snow starts falling, it leaves the two of them trapped together—and that’s when things start heating up. With nowhere to go, no to-do lists to conquer, and nothing but time, Nyla is forced to confront the feelings she's been trying to avoid for much longer than just the holiday season.
Snowed in, hearts out—can Nyla let herself grow into something new?
The Freeze is a warm, witty winter romance about letting go, leaning in, and finding love in the unlikeliest blizzard.
The Freeze is a hug in paperback form. Probably the coziest of cozy books. It’s that kind of slow-burn chemistry that makes you grin at the page and kick your feet.
Okay, full disclosure: I helped edit this book, but even if I hadn’t, I’d still be obsessed with it (especially after my first “real” read through). The Freeze has that rare mix of humor, emotion, and small-town chaos that just works.
Emily’s writing is warm and witty, and Nyla and Mason feel real in a way that sticks with you long after the last page.
Basically: biased, yes. But also right. This book is your next cozy read.
*The Freeze* by Emily Spencer is a tender, quietly luminous story set in the charming southern town of Willowbrook. When a sudden snowstorm brings together Nyla, a floral shop owner, and Mason, a seasonal worker, their chance encounter blossoms into something deeper amid the hush of winter. Spencer’s prose shimmers with sensory beauty—the crunch of snow, the glow of shop windows, the scent of revived gardenias—capturing both the chill and warmth of unexpected connection. More than a romance, *The Freeze* is a gentle meditation on belonging, resilience, and the quiet magic of renewal.
The Freeze completely melted my heart! It’s the kind of story that melts you like a fireplace on a snowy day: warm, funny, and full of heart. I absolutely loved Nyla and Mason’s story. Their chemistry felt so real, and I found myself smiling, laughing, and “root”ing for them as their story unfolded (plant humor for Nyla🪴).
Emily Spencer captured all the emotions that make a romcom special: the frustration, the slow buildup, the butterflies, and a cozy ending that you know is coming, but at times you’re still wondering, “Wait, WILL it work out?”. The plot felt unique and fresh, and the writing had such charm and wit that it made me wish I could step right into their world.
This book was pure joy to read, and I’m already excited for whatever Emily Spencer writes next. Perfect for anyone who loves a good slow-burn romance and wonderful storytelling. ❄️💚
Loved this book!!! Had me smiling and laughing the entire time. Truly tugging at my heart strings. I really enjoyed the characters and wish I could’ve been transported into this book. Highly rec!!
The perfect cute & cozy winter read! It read like a cute PG version of an Emily Henry book - whimsical & vivid, with heartwarming relationships/friendships. Hoping she writes another novel!
I read The Freeze over the holiday break, and the chilly weather made it the perfect backdrop. It’s a wonderfully feel-good read with just the right touch of romance. I absolutely adored both main characters. Highly recommend!! 🪴💚
The Freeze by Emily Spencer pulls you in from the first page with stunningly vivid scenery. The frozen setting is so richly detailed that it feels less like a backdrop and more like a living force shaping every decision and emotion. The isolation, the quiet danger, the beauty of the cold—it all seeps into the story and wraps around you, making the experience completely immersive.
Mason is a standout in a genre that often leans on familiar tropes. He’s strong without being overbearing, thoughtful without being distant, and refreshingly real. Instead of the typical romance hero archetype, Mason feels earned—his choices, restraint, and emotional depth make him compelling and deeply likable.
The supporting characters add even more weight to the story, especially Nyla, who is an absolute highlight. She’s sharp, capable, and emotionally grounded, bringing both tension and heart to the narrative. Nyla doesn’t exist just to serve the plot—she has her own presence, voice, and agency, and every scene she’s in feels stronger because of it. Her interactions add layers of realism and connection, making the relationships feel authentic rather than convenient.
Together, the cast creates a story that feels full and lived in. Between the breathtaking setting, a romance lead who breaks the mold, and characters like Nyla who leave a lasting impression, The Freeze is a powerful, engaging read that stays with you long after the final page.
Nyla is a girl-boss who struggles to let go (relatable). Mason is a competent heartthrob (swoon worthy). Each character is vibrant and warm (touching).
A perfect book to read around the holidays, it is wholesome, idyllic, and makes me yearn to be a part of its beautiful Market Village community ☺️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Super cute book and easy to read. If I didn’t have kids, I would have definitely have finished this in one day. This is one of those cozy comfort reads that would be perfect for a wintry day outside. It definitely has feet-kicking cuteness while also handling some real-life issues like work/life balance and internal pressure. Overall, this book can be summarized as cute, cozy and mint to be.
The Freeze completely stole my heart. Nyla and Mason’s story is funny, tender, and full of charm — the kind of romance that makes you smile the whole way through. Emily Spencer nailed the slow-burn tension and cozy feels. I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
This was a really fun romcom written by a former student. I found it to be charming, well-written and enjoyable, especially as we headed into the fall.