Review of Cruel Winter with You (Under the Mistletoe Collection)
As a long-time fan of Ali Hazelwood, I couldn’t resist diving into Cruel Winter with You. Her ability to blend warmth, wit, and a touch of science has always drawn me in, making it hard to believe this latest offering would stray far from her winning formula. However, I found myself grappling with mixed feelings while reading this short novel, and I’d love to share my journey with you.
At its core, Cruel Winter with You revolves around Jamie Malek, a newly graduated pediatrician, and Marc, the brother of her best friend. What begins as a simple quest to borrow a tray for a Christmas dinner quickly spirals into an unexpected snowstorm-induced reunion that forces both Jamie and Marc to confront unresolved feelings from their past. It’s a classic setup for a cozy romance—until it begins to feel anything but cozy.
My primary struggle with the novel lies in Marc’s characterization. I’ve always appreciated a strong and complex male lead, but his obsession felt more unsettling than romantic. The notion that he has kept photos of Jamie for years and is fixated on transforming into "his best self" for her raises eyebrows. Instead of longing, I felt discomfort, as if Marc’s actions tipped into the realm of obsession rather than genuine affection. If I had been in Jamie’s shoes, I might have quietly slipped into a protective-possession mode—perhaps issuing a restraining order instead of participating in the whirlwind of emotions.
Hazelwood usually excels in delivering sharp, scientific detail throughout her stories, yet there were moments here that I found challenging to digest. Jamie’s memories of Marc’s birth at such a tender young age left me scratching my head. I struggled to reconcile that with what I know about childhood memory formation. While I completely understand that this is fiction, it felt like a detour from her usual precision—a slip in a storytelling style I’d come to admire.
Moreover, the formerly sibling-like bond between Jamie and Marc made their romantic connection feel oddly misplaced. Growing up in the same household, even in a non-blood-related capacity, creates an inherent awkwardness that doesn’t just disappear because of attraction. Instead of resonance, I found myself wrestling with the implications of what could easily be written off as pure romance.
Despite its richness in ideas, the brevity of this novella left key elements underdeveloped. At just 73 pages, the pacing rushed past opportunities for emotional depth, particularly in building connections between Jamie and Marc in the present moment. The intimate scenes, while intended to be a highlight, felt abrupt and lacking in genuine connection, making it hard to invest fully in their chemistry.
In summary, while Cruel Winter with You aims for the sweet spot of seasonal romance, it occasionally tripped over its own feet in character portrayal and pacing. Fans of Hazelwood will likely find elements to appreciate, even if the story falls short in creating a truly satisfying relationship arc. For new readers or those seeking a light holiday read, I’d suggest approaching this one with careful curiosity.
Ultimately, it’s a reminder that not every beloved author’s work can resonate the same way, and that’s perfectly okay. As for me, I’ll still be waiting eagerly to see what Hazelwood offers next, hoping for a return to the charm and emotional connection I’ve come to love.
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