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The Freeze
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.
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.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 2, 2025
Forced proximity / workplace romance? Check.
Golden retriever MMC? Check.
Boss lady FMC? Check.
Plant puns? Check.
The Freeze is the perfect cozy read, diving into what is most important in life, the people you share it with. Must read!
🪴💐💚🩵❄️☃️
Okay slightly biased since I was an editor on it, but everything I said is still true!
Golden retriever MMC? Check.
Boss lady FMC? Check.
Plant puns? Check.
The Freeze is the perfect cozy read, diving into what is most important in life, the people you share it with. Must read!
🪴💐💚🩵❄️☃️
Okay slightly biased since I was an editor on it, but everything I said is still true!
October 24, 2025
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.
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.
November 2, 2025
*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.
October 12, 2025
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. ❄️💚
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. ❄️💚
November 13, 2025
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!!
January 31, 2026
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!
December 26, 2025
Light-hearted, well-written, Hallmark-movie worthy! So proud of my niece, Emily!
November 29, 2025
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!! 🪴💚
October 14, 2025
Best book ever 😭😭😭 I loved it so much, just go read it!
February 19, 2026
An Overall Cozy Read
I was given a paperback copy of The Freeze by Emily Spencer for Christmas 2025 by a co-worker who knows I enjoy stories about romance and friendships. The Freeze had both elements.
Our FMC is Nyla Harrison who owns her own plant shop in The Market Village, a tiny shopping district in Willowbrook. The shop owners live above their stores and have formed a family of sorts with each other. Nyla has two wonderful workers who are also like family. Her shop has been getting busier over time and she needs to hire another employee.
That’s where Mason Reed enters the picture. He sees the “Help Wanted” sign hanging in the store’s window, walks in, and ends up being hired by Kate, one of Nyla’s employees. Mason may not know anything about plants, but he’s a hard worker and quick learner.
While Nyla is immediately aware of Mason’s looks, she puts herself into a boss/employee mindset. Even with that, she finds herself attracted to him as the days pass. Throw in some light flirty banter with Mason and you have the beginnings of a crush. When they get snowed in together due to a freak snowstorm that was predicted to hit the area, their mutual attraction gets a major role.
I enjoyed this story, because it’s simply…a nice, wholesome romance. What I loved the most was the fact that it wasn’t Mason who messed up, it was Nyla. That’s a nice twist in the romance world of reading. Mason is just an all around nice guy who has had some experiences that shaped him, but he doesn’t let them rule the way he lives. Nyla, on the other hand, is a very detail oriented person who has been focused on her business being successful for so long, that she doesn’t know how to handle things when something goes wrong. Luckily, she learns that she cannot do everything herself and lets her framily help her out.
This story may have a third act breakup, but it does have an HEA. In terms of spice, I would rate it a 1 at most. This is definitely a “closed door” or “fade-to-black” story. I know there are many readers who look for that aspect in a book, so I wanted to point it out.
This is perfect for readers who like a Hallmark feel when they read, a cinnamon roll MMC, and a successful FMC.
I gave it four stars because I enjoyed it and I plan to share it with friends in a book club we started. I was able to make many connections with different details in this story and I’m looking forward to what my friends find for themselves.
This is the first novel written by Emily Spencer, but I expect it won’t be her last.
I was given a paperback copy of The Freeze by Emily Spencer for Christmas 2025 by a co-worker who knows I enjoy stories about romance and friendships. The Freeze had both elements.
Our FMC is Nyla Harrison who owns her own plant shop in The Market Village, a tiny shopping district in Willowbrook. The shop owners live above their stores and have formed a family of sorts with each other. Nyla has two wonderful workers who are also like family. Her shop has been getting busier over time and she needs to hire another employee.
That’s where Mason Reed enters the picture. He sees the “Help Wanted” sign hanging in the store’s window, walks in, and ends up being hired by Kate, one of Nyla’s employees. Mason may not know anything about plants, but he’s a hard worker and quick learner.
While Nyla is immediately aware of Mason’s looks, she puts herself into a boss/employee mindset. Even with that, she finds herself attracted to him as the days pass. Throw in some light flirty banter with Mason and you have the beginnings of a crush. When they get snowed in together due to a freak snowstorm that was predicted to hit the area, their mutual attraction gets a major role.
I enjoyed this story, because it’s simply…a nice, wholesome romance. What I loved the most was the fact that it wasn’t Mason who messed up, it was Nyla. That’s a nice twist in the romance world of reading. Mason is just an all around nice guy who has had some experiences that shaped him, but he doesn’t let them rule the way he lives. Nyla, on the other hand, is a very detail oriented person who has been focused on her business being successful for so long, that she doesn’t know how to handle things when something goes wrong. Luckily, she learns that she cannot do everything herself and lets her framily help her out.
This story may have a third act breakup, but it does have an HEA. In terms of spice, I would rate it a 1 at most. This is definitely a “closed door” or “fade-to-black” story. I know there are many readers who look for that aspect in a book, so I wanted to point it out.
This is perfect for readers who like a Hallmark feel when they read, a cinnamon roll MMC, and a successful FMC.
I gave it four stars because I enjoyed it and I plan to share it with friends in a book club we started. I was able to make many connections with different details in this story and I’m looking forward to what my friends find for themselves.
This is the first novel written by Emily Spencer, but I expect it won’t be her last.
February 19, 2026
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.
All the Best, Jennifer
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.
All the Best, Jennifer
December 24, 2025
The Freeze is such a lovely and cozy story!
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 ☺️
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.
January 15, 2026
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.
October 29, 2025
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!
December 9, 2025
This was a great read! A true Hallmark story that made you fall in love with all the characters. I couldn't wait to see how things would progress!
December 23, 2025
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.
December 28, 2025
5/5 read- sooo cute! perfect read over a sleet/snowstorm. nyla felt so real and relatable
March 19, 2026
The romance, the urning, the banter, I am sat for every second!
June 15, 2026
Such a great read! Very cozy, kept me turning pages because I had to see what happened next. Would recommend to anyone looking for a sweet book to read during Florida winter.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews