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A Late Thaw
Barrett, Vermont, home to nearly as many goats as people. It’s the perfect picturesque spot to stop for cocoa after a ski trip or to buy your Christmas tree from a hunky farmer wearing snug jeans and a pair of well-worn boots. Kiley St. Claire isn’t there for either. She’s come home for one reason and one reason only: make enough money waiting tables at the local tourist trap to survive her final semester of graduate school. Of course she is going to have to see that Christmas tree farmer eventually. That’s fine; Kiley isn’t the same nerdy little girl he palled around with. Nope, she’s done crushing on Cole Thomas. Totally done.
Cole thought he was ready, but seeing Kiley again is a punch to the gut. She rejected him and ran away without explanation. He still couldn’t imagine a future with another woman. Now at least he’ll have a chance to say what he’s needed to say for years and then, just maybe, he’ll be ready to move on. He only wishes she didn’t look so damn good in her uniform.
Cole thought he was ready, but seeing Kiley again is a punch to the gut. She rejected him and ran away without explanation. He still couldn’t imagine a future with another woman. Now at least he’ll have a chance to say what he’s needed to say for years and then, just maybe, he’ll be ready to move on. He only wishes she didn’t look so damn good in her uniform.
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First published October 27, 2013
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About the author
Ana Blaze
5 books44 followersAna lives just outside Washington DC with her very supportive husband and three rather demanding cats. She loves the ocean, Indian food, Ikea, and cooking. Ana admits to watching too much television and she swears that someday she’s going to learn how to play the guitar resting on the bookshelf in her office.
Ana is a member of Romance Writers of America.
Ana is a member of Romance Writers of America.
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December 6, 2013
I'm so glad I took a chance on new-to-me author Ana Blaze and her short story, A Late Thaw. This story was just what I needed: a cute, sweet, and sexy friends to lovers story.
Cole and Kiley were such endearing characters. I loved witnessing their reunion and playful interactions with one another. They were genuine and down to earth characters who were easily relatable. Despite years apart, sparks were flying and it was apparent that these two were meant for each other.
I also very much enjoyed the light humor that the author weaved into this story. I laughed at the scene where Kiley screamed like a banshee with her broom to collect eggs from the chicken coop for Cole to make them breakfast. I love a heroine who isn't afraid to be herself in front of the hero.
Although the story was very short (~57 pages) I felt as if nothing was missing. The story had depth, well rounded characters and the pacing moved along nicely without making the story feel rushed. In my reading experience these three are hard to execute especially in novellas and short stories due to the limited word count and space, but I thought Ana did a beautiful job executing these and thus, delivering a wonderful and satisfying story as a result.
Overall, A Late Thaw was highly enjoyable and the perfect little feel good story that gave me the warm fuzzies. For a well-written, fast, sweet and sassy read I recommend picking up A Late Thaw.
*I received a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Cole and Kiley were such endearing characters. I loved witnessing their reunion and playful interactions with one another. They were genuine and down to earth characters who were easily relatable. Despite years apart, sparks were flying and it was apparent that these two were meant for each other.
I also very much enjoyed the light humor that the author weaved into this story. I laughed at the scene where Kiley screamed like a banshee with her broom to collect eggs from the chicken coop for Cole to make them breakfast. I love a heroine who isn't afraid to be herself in front of the hero.
Although the story was very short (~57 pages) I felt as if nothing was missing. The story had depth, well rounded characters and the pacing moved along nicely without making the story feel rushed. In my reading experience these three are hard to execute especially in novellas and short stories due to the limited word count and space, but I thought Ana did a beautiful job executing these and thus, delivering a wonderful and satisfying story as a result.
Overall, A Late Thaw was highly enjoyable and the perfect little feel good story that gave me the warm fuzzies. For a well-written, fast, sweet and sassy read I recommend picking up A Late Thaw.
*I received a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 26, 2014
This was a very very short read and I enjoyed it immensely! It's told in both POVs, every chapter alternating between the two characters.
Kiley only returned home to make fast money, not to see her long ago ex- best friend whom she's been in love with since, forever. They grew up together and had never been separated until, well, until she went off to college. And seeing him now just makes it even harder to leave once she gets enough money to pay for her last semester of grad school.
Cole has prepared for the returned of Kiley for the past year. Ever since she abandoned him, he has been practicing how he'll voice his frustration and anger when she returns. If she ever returned. He has been in love with Kiley for years, since they were kids, and when she left and never even thought to give him a call, he was heartbroken. But now, he'll reason with her and make her stay, for good.
Cole, I think I love him! He's that short boy who you never noticed in middle school and then over night grew up to be a man in high school with every girl dropping at his feet. He's that bestfriend you can do everything with without being judged because he's right there along side of you tagging along. He's the bestfriend that was your first love and will always have a place in your heart through all the frustration and turmoil. He will listen to your blabberings and give a shoulder for you to cry on. And he's over protected of you, not just because you're a girl but because you're special to him. And he won't take No as an answer, he just knows you too well; through your lies, your strong facade, and insecurities. Plus the man can Cook! Well, kind of. LOL
I also like Kiley. She is your typical girl, strong and independent. She knows how to control herself yet she's insecure about her looks and is afraid to show her feelings in fear of being rejected. She doesn't like to be fussed over about with worry, but it doesn't hurt when someone worries about her with their over protectiveness. She also likes to play it strong and never want to show her weaker side, even to her ex-bestfriend. But she know she can't fool him.
I really love these two together. Even when they're not together you can feel the tension and their past relationship mingling in the air as they conversed. But when they're together, the pull is very strong and I love how these two can make it look easy not to fall pray into it! They are resisting and holding their grip for as long as they can. And since they've been friends forever, it'll be tough if one doesn't feel the same as the other because that can change their whole relationship, more so then it already is. I also love that they were still friendly with each other even after what kind of transpired between them when Kiley left.
But Cole is just too adorable! And very straight to the point romantic. He knows what he wants and he definitely knows Kiley. Plus he knows what to do in the bedroom for a small town guy with some experience. LOL I was just surprised by it because he didn't seem the one to know those moves.... teehee~
So this was a very very short story and while I would love to have had it be longer, the story was fantastic and the tension and romance was all there. Some might even say the romance was rushed but knowing their background relationship, it was perfect. The author didn't go so deep into the characters but as I read, I felt like I knew how they were and their personality through their thoughts and actions, so that's a thumbs up for me. And it has Humor. Now that was a huge plus because I couldn't stop smiling and chuckling to myself. That scene with the chickens and eggs for breakfast... LMAO!!!
I highly recommend this novella! A fabulous short and satisfactory read~
This eCopy was provided by the publishers at Entranced Publishing.
4.5 out of 5
Kiley only returned home to make fast money, not to see her long ago ex- best friend whom she's been in love with since, forever. They grew up together and had never been separated until, well, until she went off to college. And seeing him now just makes it even harder to leave once she gets enough money to pay for her last semester of grad school.
Cole has prepared for the returned of Kiley for the past year. Ever since she abandoned him, he has been practicing how he'll voice his frustration and anger when she returns. If she ever returned. He has been in love with Kiley for years, since they were kids, and when she left and never even thought to give him a call, he was heartbroken. But now, he'll reason with her and make her stay, for good.
Cole, I think I love him! He's that short boy who you never noticed in middle school and then over night grew up to be a man in high school with every girl dropping at his feet. He's that bestfriend you can do everything with without being judged because he's right there along side of you tagging along. He's the bestfriend that was your first love and will always have a place in your heart through all the frustration and turmoil. He will listen to your blabberings and give a shoulder for you to cry on. And he's over protected of you, not just because you're a girl but because you're special to him. And he won't take No as an answer, he just knows you too well; through your lies, your strong facade, and insecurities. Plus the man can Cook! Well, kind of. LOL
I also like Kiley. She is your typical girl, strong and independent. She knows how to control herself yet she's insecure about her looks and is afraid to show her feelings in fear of being rejected. She doesn't like to be fussed over about with worry, but it doesn't hurt when someone worries about her with their over protectiveness. She also likes to play it strong and never want to show her weaker side, even to her ex-bestfriend. But she know she can't fool him.
I really love these two together. Even when they're not together you can feel the tension and their past relationship mingling in the air as they conversed. But when they're together, the pull is very strong and I love how these two can make it look easy not to fall pray into it! They are resisting and holding their grip for as long as they can. And since they've been friends forever, it'll be tough if one doesn't feel the same as the other because that can change their whole relationship, more so then it already is. I also love that they were still friendly with each other even after what kind of transpired between them when Kiley left.
But Cole is just too adorable! And very straight to the point romantic. He knows what he wants and he definitely knows Kiley. Plus he knows what to do in the bedroom for a small town guy with some experience. LOL I was just surprised by it because he didn't seem the one to know those moves.... teehee~
So this was a very very short story and while I would love to have had it be longer, the story was fantastic and the tension and romance was all there. Some might even say the romance was rushed but knowing their background relationship, it was perfect. The author didn't go so deep into the characters but as I read, I felt like I knew how they were and their personality through their thoughts and actions, so that's a thumbs up for me. And it has Humor. Now that was a huge plus because I couldn't stop smiling and chuckling to myself. That scene with the chickens and eggs for breakfast... LMAO!!!
I highly recommend this novella! A fabulous short and satisfactory read~
This eCopy was provided by the publishers at Entranced Publishing.
4.5 out of 5
July 25, 2014
This was my first Ana Blaze book, I'm sure those of you that keep up with my reviews know that I am all about finding new authors to obsess over :) When I got a look at the blurb for A Late Thaw, I just couldn't say no! It just seemed so sweet and romantic! I always enjoy a good friends become lovers story!
Kiley and Cole had sparks flying as soon as the book began! Their chemistry was electric, explosive, and emotional. Even though they had spent the past few years apart, as soon as they are in the same room emotions start to run wild! The very first chapter had me hooked and wishing the book was longer.
I'm not usually a huge fan of short stories, I am usually very disappointed because I feel like things are missing in the relationship, the flow is rushed and I either don't attach to the characters or the book ends just in time for me to (which just ticks me off!). I was VERY surprised by A Late Thaw, it didn't do any of these things! Ana Blaze managed in 48 pages, what some authors can't get in 200! Cole and Kiley are extremely well developed, the romance flows quickly but smoothly (I felt like moving this fast worked because they had been friends for so long. If they had just met this would not have worked!) and I was attached to the characters before chapter 3 was over! Put simply, A Late Thaw is an excellently executed love story!
I loved how seamlessly the book switches between Kiley and Cole. (You guys know I love a good dual POV book!) I find it endearing that no matter how hard they tried, neither one of them could move on over the years apart and yet they had no idea how the other felt! Not really sure how that happens lol
Anyways, let's talk about the story for a minute. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It's a basic "friends turn lovers" story and yet manages to be unique and fun. I adored the banter between Kiley and Cole! I can honestly say that I fell in love with Cole as soon as I got to read his POV, he is just your typical Southern man, which basically means that he is sexy, sweet, and protective!
Oh yeah, I'm supposed to be talking story...not sexy men!
Where was I? Okay...the sex in this book manages to be HOT, HOT, STEAMING HOT and yet touches on the serious and humorous at the same time! Not fully sure how Ana Blaze managed that one but dang...YOU GO GIRL! If you haven't read A Late Thaw yet and don't know what I'm talking about (Well one...go buy it NOW and read it! Totally worth it!) just know that clouds pop up in the most random of places! Haha best weather forecast ever!
Random note: I totally relate to Kiley's method of getting eggs! I'm not worried about the chickens though....it's the rooster you need to look out for!
I guess I should stop rambling and get to the point, huh? My overall opinion of this book is that it ROCKS! I quickly fell in love with Ana Blaze's writing style and couldn't put the book down! (Luckily for me it was short, seeing as I started reading it at about 11pm last night!) The characters are well developed, easy to love, and totally made for each other!
*ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.*
FOR MORE REVIEWS VISIT
Kiley and Cole had sparks flying as soon as the book began! Their chemistry was electric, explosive, and emotional. Even though they had spent the past few years apart, as soon as they are in the same room emotions start to run wild! The very first chapter had me hooked and wishing the book was longer.
I'm not usually a huge fan of short stories, I am usually very disappointed because I feel like things are missing in the relationship, the flow is rushed and I either don't attach to the characters or the book ends just in time for me to (which just ticks me off!). I was VERY surprised by A Late Thaw, it didn't do any of these things! Ana Blaze managed in 48 pages, what some authors can't get in 200! Cole and Kiley are extremely well developed, the romance flows quickly but smoothly (I felt like moving this fast worked because they had been friends for so long. If they had just met this would not have worked!) and I was attached to the characters before chapter 3 was over! Put simply, A Late Thaw is an excellently executed love story!
I loved how seamlessly the book switches between Kiley and Cole. (You guys know I love a good dual POV book!) I find it endearing that no matter how hard they tried, neither one of them could move on over the years apart and yet they had no idea how the other felt! Not really sure how that happens lol
Anyways, let's talk about the story for a minute. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It's a basic "friends turn lovers" story and yet manages to be unique and fun. I adored the banter between Kiley and Cole! I can honestly say that I fell in love with Cole as soon as I got to read his POV, he is just your typical Southern man, which basically means that he is sexy, sweet, and protective!
Oh yeah, I'm supposed to be talking story...not sexy men!
Where was I? Okay...the sex in this book manages to be HOT, HOT, STEAMING HOT and yet touches on the serious and humorous at the same time! Not fully sure how Ana Blaze managed that one but dang...YOU GO GIRL! If you haven't read A Late Thaw yet and don't know what I'm talking about (Well one...go buy it NOW and read it! Totally worth it!) just know that clouds pop up in the most random of places! Haha best weather forecast ever!
Random note: I totally relate to Kiley's method of getting eggs! I'm not worried about the chickens though....it's the rooster you need to look out for!
I guess I should stop rambling and get to the point, huh? My overall opinion of this book is that it ROCKS! I quickly fell in love with Ana Blaze's writing style and couldn't put the book down! (Luckily for me it was short, seeing as I started reading it at about 11pm last night!) The characters are well developed, easy to love, and totally made for each other!
*ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.*
FOR MORE REVIEWS VISIT
October 27, 2013
Check out this review and others at
www.Twinsietalk.com
www.Twinsietalk.blogspot.com
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@Twinsietalk
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
As a blogger, I get alot of book requests for long novels which I love BUT sometimes I love the quickie novella to sit down and read. This book fit the description perfectly. So I jumped o jthe chance to read it. Plus I have to admit, I am a sucker for the whole "Loved you my whole life" kinda books.
Well This story didn't disappoint. Ky and Cole were best friends all growing up. They both loved the other but misread actions that the other wasn't interested "that way". When Ky comes home after being gone 2 years, Cole is MAD!! he will not let her get away without telling he how he feels even if he is rejected, he will know he tried.
When Cole meets Ky after work at the bar, he takes he home and kisses her like CRAZY!! Ky is stunned because Cole doesn't like her THAT way or does he....the two end up "talking" with their bodies and making it clear how they feel. It was sweet when Cole tells Ky she is pretty. She goes allll girlie on him. I have to admit, I liked the quick novella and would recommend if you just want a quick read or a spicey read...either way you will enjoy!!
My favorite part of the book is this:
Cole was determined. Kiley was meant for him. She was meant to be his and he was meant to her hers. If necessary he'd prove it by making love to her until they were both hoarse from shouting. There were worse ways.
www.Twinsietalk.com
www.Twinsietalk.blogspot.com
www.Facebook.comTwinsietalk
@Twinsietalk
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
As a blogger, I get alot of book requests for long novels which I love BUT sometimes I love the quickie novella to sit down and read. This book fit the description perfectly. So I jumped o jthe chance to read it. Plus I have to admit, I am a sucker for the whole "Loved you my whole life" kinda books.
Well This story didn't disappoint. Ky and Cole were best friends all growing up. They both loved the other but misread actions that the other wasn't interested "that way". When Ky comes home after being gone 2 years, Cole is MAD!! he will not let her get away without telling he how he feels even if he is rejected, he will know he tried.
When Cole meets Ky after work at the bar, he takes he home and kisses her like CRAZY!! Ky is stunned because Cole doesn't like her THAT way or does he....the two end up "talking" with their bodies and making it clear how they feel. It was sweet when Cole tells Ky she is pretty. She goes allll girlie on him. I have to admit, I liked the quick novella and would recommend if you just want a quick read or a spicey read...either way you will enjoy!!
My favorite part of the book is this:
Cole was determined. Kiley was meant for him. She was meant to be his and he was meant to her hers. If necessary he'd prove it by making love to her until they were both hoarse from shouting. There were worse ways.
November 30, 2013
Posted on What I'm Reading
I was reading a book earlier and I just wasn't feeling like reading the particular book and I really didn't want to dive into another novel just yet. So, I figure I should read A Late Thaw by Ana Blaze, after all it was in my TBR. Let just say that I loved this novella. I thought it was a fantastic quick read.
Well, you have Kiley St. Claire and Cole Thomas. They have been friends forever, and each of them has carried a torch for the other for sometime. However, neither one of believes the other would be interested in the other. Funny how that works.
Yes, A Late Thaw is a friends to lovers romance. I loved the story, because each of them was trying to move on yet couldn't quite master. Overall, this is a great novella, because you have a complete story with a happy ending. So, if you are looking for a quick good read, you might try A Late Thaw.
Copy provided by the publisher
I was reading a book earlier and I just wasn't feeling like reading the particular book and I really didn't want to dive into another novel just yet. So, I figure I should read A Late Thaw by Ana Blaze, after all it was in my TBR. Let just say that I loved this novella. I thought it was a fantastic quick read.
Well, you have Kiley St. Claire and Cole Thomas. They have been friends forever, and each of them has carried a torch for the other for sometime. However, neither one of believes the other would be interested in the other. Funny how that works.
Yes, A Late Thaw is a friends to lovers romance. I loved the story, because each of them was trying to move on yet couldn't quite master. Overall, this is a great novella, because you have a complete story with a happy ending. So, if you are looking for a quick good read, you might try A Late Thaw.
Copy provided by the publisher
November 17, 2013
Cole, a strong, sexy, charming man, is in love with the sweet, beautiful, vulnerable Kiley. Kiley has been carrying a torch for Cole for years but neither one of them knew it. Can the two of them get past hurt feelings and misunderstandings and finally admit they should be together?
This was a great quick read. I found myself connecting with the characters right away and the humor was such a nice touch. If you are looking for a novella with sweet romance, hot characters and a laugh out loud humor this book is the one for you. \
Anne reviewing for Satin Sheets Romance BlogSpot
This was a great quick read. I found myself connecting with the characters right away and the humor was such a nice touch. If you are looking for a novella with sweet romance, hot characters and a laugh out loud humor this book is the one for you. \
Anne reviewing for Satin Sheets Romance BlogSpot
August 9, 2016
Another fun, lighthearted romantic read by Ana Blaze! I love stories about a hero and heroine with a history but who've never acted on their feelings before. It was great to see how that played out between Kiley and Cole. I loved the Vermont setting and how Cole had stayed true to his roots. Looking forward to reading the author's next book!
October 30, 2013
I loved Ana Blaze's newest, A Late Thaw! I am a fan of Ana Blaze, and have been since I read The Best Man. Her characters are real. Cole and Kiley are funny, sexy, and vulnerable. I was excited about her new book, and I read it in one sitting. I loved it and I'm sure you will too.
December 3, 2013
This was cute but way too short (I feel like I've said that a lot lately)
Best friends (well, ex-best friends) to lovers. We only see one day/night of them and they are IN LOVE. Needed more page time.
I liked the characters though.
Best friends (well, ex-best friends) to lovers. We only see one day/night of them and they are IN LOVE. Needed more page time.
I liked the characters though.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews