Thaw
by Paige Blanchet
Released: Nov 07, 2025
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Why this book and why now?
I have this weird obsession with ice sculptures. Like, you know how some people watch those baking competition shows? I watch ice carving videos on YouTube at two in the morning. There’s something about watching someone create this incredibly detailed, beautiful thing that’s just going to melt away—it’s sad and perfect at the same time.
I kept wondering, what kind of person chooses to work with something so temporary? Someone who’s scared of permanent, probably. Someone who’s been burned and decided that if nothing lasts, nothing can hurt you. Enter Sloane, my disaster ice queen who’s convinced herself that staying frozen means staying safe.
Then I needed someone to completely wreck her entire philosophy, so I created Ivy—who makes hot chocolate, believes in second chances, and is basically sunshine in human form. Stick them in adjacent booths at a Christmas market for four weeks and watch the ice queen melt. I couldn’t resist.
I wrote this last December when I was thinking a lot about the walls we build after we’ve been hurt, and whether they actually protect us or just make us lonely. Plus I really wanted to write a Christmas romance where the conflict isn’t about acceptance or coming out—just two women figuring out if they’re brave enough to try again.
What is a significant way your book has changed since either the first draft or the way you thought it would turn out when you first had the inspiration?
The phoenix wasn’t supposed to exist! In my outline, Sloane just did various commissioned pieces throughout the market—reindeer, nativity scenes, boring corporate logos. But somewhere around the middle of the story, I realized she needed to create something just for Ivy. Something ambitious and scary and symbolic. The phoenix showed up and became the emotional centerpiece of the whole thing. Now I can’t imagine the story without it.
How does it feel to finally share this book with readers?
Terrifying! This one feels really personal—more than IGNITE did. Maybe because Sloane’s fear of trusting people again hits a little too close to home, or because the ice/warmth metaphor is so obviously about emotional vulnerability that I feel like I’m walking around with my feelings tattooed on my forehead.
But I’m also excited? I wrote the book I wanted to read—a Christmas romance where two women help each other heal without any big dramatic trauma, just genuine connection and patience and choosing to be brave. If readers connect with Sloane’s journey or fall in love with Ivy’s relentless kindness, that’ll make the terror worth it.
What TV show would your main character(s) most likely binge watch and why?
Sloane would watch cooking competition shows—specifically the really intense ones like Top Chef where people are incredibly skilled and take their craft super seriously. She’d appreciate the precision and technique, and she’d definitely judge the contestants. She’d never admit she finds them relaxing, but Ivy would catch her watching at two in the morning and make her some hot chocolate.
Which character do you relate to the most, and why?
Sloane, if I’m honest. I wish I related to Ivy’s optimism and ability to bounce back from things, but I’m definitely more in the “overthink everything and assume the worst” camp. That tendency to protect yourself by not getting too attached to anything? Way too familiar. I’m working on it, but like Sloane, I need someone to persistently bring me metaphorical hot chocolate until I remember that letting people in isn’t actually the worst thing in the world. It can even be nice sometimes!
Publishing a book is a huge accomplishment and it’s time to party! Choose a celebratory beverage for one of your main characters to toast the release of your new book.
Ivy would 100% create a special celebratory hot chocolate for the occasion. It would be ridiculously over-the-top—maybe dark chocolate with champagne-infused whipped cream, edible gold flakes, a cinnamon stick, and fresh raspberries. She’d make a huge batch and insist everyone at the launch party try it, and she’d give a toast about how books and hot chocolate are both about bringing people together and creating warmth in the world.
If your book had a signature dessert, what would it be?
Affogato. It’s espresso poured over ice cream. It’s the perfect combination of hot and cold, bitter and sweet, and it literally melts as you eat it. The ice cream (Sloane) starts out frozen and separate, but then the hot espresso (Ivy) pours over it and everything transforms into something completely new. Plus it’s elegant and a little unexpected, which feels right for this book. (Also it’s delicious and I’m going to go make myself one right now!)
Do you have any writing rituals or habits?
I write late at night with a cup of tea and complete silence. I know a lot of writers need music or ambient noise, but I need QUIET. My brain is loud enough on its own.
I also have this weird thing where I have to finish a chapter before I can stop writing. Even if it’s 3 AM and I’m exhausted, I can’t leave a chapter half-done. It’ll haunt me. So I’ve learned to start chapters earlier in the evening to avoid accidentally staying up until dawn.
I reread everything I wrote the previous session before starting new words. It helps me get back into the voice and rhythm, and sometimes I catch things that need fixing before they become bigger problems.
What are you currently reading?
I just finished “Something to Talk About” by Meryl Wilsner—absolutely loved the slow burn and the Hollywood setting. I’m also rereading “The House in the Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klune because sometimes you just need a book that feels like a warm hug, you know? That book is one of my comfort reads when the world feels too heavy.
