This is a YA survival thriller and it does its job! Gotta love a snow/blizzard setting and the isolation trope!

First, the good points-- the premise is intriguing and the story keeps you reading to know how the characters will survive! There is an interesting backstory for the main character Lottie and I like how she ends up coming to terms with her past. Great character development there!
Things I'm not so convinced about-- the characters make some questionable choices and like some others have said I felt that there was a bit too much crammed into it. Too many things happen and though still interesting, it drags a bit. I ended up, however, really enjoying the atmosphere of the story.

Overall, it's a fun YA thriller and I liked it! I like how it incorporates certain themes and diversity as well. Yet, some things did leave me wondering what the heck were the characters thinking haha I'd recommend it for fans of isolation trope thrillers and survival thrillers!

This was so fast paced and absolutely had me hooked. Anytime I had to put it down I was thinking about what was going to happen the next time I got to pick it up. The character were interesting and I liked watching the relationship between Lottie and Jade form throughout.

Absolutely loved this!! Kept me on edge throughout and the mystery was well done, pacey and immersive! Finished it in a day!!

Mini themes pop up often in publishing, across age ranges and genres. Lately I've read a few books featuring solar storm blackouts (considered by experts to be the most likely next big calamity. Start laying in your bottled water now, folks!) In this book, however, the power cut isn't really the point the way it is in others; it's only there to create an obstacle and make things harder for our heroines.

And things really do get harder. I am not someone who likes the cold, I read this bundled up in three or four layers, and I was still cold. Keely really has a gift for description. She also managed to misdirect me a couple of times...what I thought was going to happen didn't...which doesn't happen often, so brava!

This is an excellent adventure/survival story that also touches on some family issues that readers may be familiar with. Let's hope we don't all have to go through what Lottie and Jade did to get to know each other, though...

Don’t Let In the Cold is a thriller and suspense novel whose targeted audience are the teens and young adults group. That being said, the writing style is geared for that age group.

There is just a handful of characters. The main character is Lottie who is also the MC in the novel. I didn’t particularly like Lottie primarily because she had a lot of baggage from her past. Lottie’s stepsister, Jade was a little more palatable in my opinion. Both Lottie and Jade were developed enough to get a flavor of the respective personalities. I didn’t feel the same with the minor players in the novel. Alex, who started out as a minor player and then becomes part of the core character group, didn’t have enough detail for me to get a bearing on his personality. I think this is in part to his initial role as a villain in a minor role.

The storyline is complex in that a whole lot goes on in such as short period of time. A cabin fire that leaves the group stranded in a blizzard, power outages, a kidnapping, a mountain lion and bear encounters…you get the idea. If anything could go wrong, it did and then some. Some of the incidents were a stretch of the imagination. But if read without too much overthinking, the novel is a nail biter with a satisfying ending. Four stars.

I received a digital ARC from SOURCEBOOKS Fire through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

I enjoyed this book. I can not wait for more by this author! Thanks to publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read this book!

Don't Let In the Cold is supposed to be a YA book. I found it so much more than that. I am YEARS past that age and was totally engulfed in this story. This is a "one more chapter" kind of story. I'm looking forward to reading more by Keeley Parrack. I absolutely loved Don't Let IN the Cold. I want to thank NetGalley and Sourcebooks for an early copy to review.

Don't Let in the Cold is a YA thriller that is set during a blizzard, in a remote forest, without any adults.

Honestly, while this book was fast paced, it just didn't do it for me. It seemed like too many things were going on. I would have enjoyed this book more if the author had stuck to maybe two or three catastrophic events. It felt like the story had too many bad things happening.

Triggers: Animal abduction, childhood abandonment, parent death, freezing to death

Lottie is on her way to stay at her new step-fathers cabin in the woods in Tahoe. She is supposed to stay there overnight with her new step sister, Jade. They have only met once and Lottie is worried about being alone with someone she doesn't know.

When her mom and step-dad leave to go spend the night in Reno for their honeymoon, literally just everything bad that could happen, happens. The spare key that is normally left in the cabin can't be found and neither can the emergency radio. When they suddenly hear someone trying to get in the back door they are little on edge. For some reason they let this stranger in to stay with them- I mean he does have a cute dog- but still.

They manage to stay warm for the night after. a solar flare causes the power to go out, but the next morning, along with some other things, Lottie accidentally burns the house down. Now they must trek through a blizzard (I feel like this is unrealistic to do) to find a safe place to stay.

This book wasn't bad it just wasn't something I would want to read again.

Overall it was enjoyable, but I couldn’t help but feel there was just something missing.
I enjoyed the set up, Lottie and her new step-sister trying to bond after their parents have married only to find themselves in the middle of a terrible storm and strange people at their door.
Though it felt like it was going to be a fast pace read, somehow it was all very drawn out. It felt like they just kept finding problem after problem but no real solutions? It felt like the author had ideas of 10 different storylines that could’ve happened but then decided just to throw a little bit of all of them in it.
Even though the ending was somewhat… satisfying, it was overall a little lack luster and I was finding myself just wanting to finish the story to be done.
As i always say, if it sounds interesting to you I encourage you to try it because most of the story was good.
Thank you so much again for the chance to read this early.

I think I am about 50 years too old for this book. If I were in the intended reader age range I probably wouldn't be so critical, and would go with the flow and enjoy it more, so maybe you should take my review with a large pinch of salt, and read the book, and see what you think, especially if you are a young adult, this book is aimed at you, not me .Overall it wasn't a bad read, and for the intended age range it should be enjoyable.

I received an arc of this title from Sourcebooks & #Netgalley.

Lottie's mom and Jade's dad just got married. They are leaving the girls, who are practically strangers, alone at Jade's family cabin in Tahoe overnight. They believe it will give the girls time to get to know each other. The fancy cabin is fully stocked, they have heat and a fireplace, and they are leaving the new Tesla charging in the garage. What cold go wrong?

Everything.

*The power goes out, and the girls discover that there isn't much firewood.
*There is no cell service.
*A mysterious stranger, Alex, and his dog show up, presumably looking for shelter.
*Two creepy guys in a red truck keep popping up, and they seem to know Alex.
*A mishap with the fireplace destroys the cabin.
*The Tesla hasn't had time to charge.

Now Lottie, Jade, Alex and Otis (the dog) are walking out in the cold looking for shelter.
And, there is a blizzard on the way!

Over the next 5 days, the teens will encounter many obstacles. They will learn that they only have each other to rely on. They are tested mentally and physically.

Oh, and Bears, did I mention the Bears?

I really enjoyed Keely Parrack's Don't Let in the Cold. Hand to your students who enjoy survival stories with strong female leads.

I will definitely be ordering this one for my library. Diverse cast of characters, Lottie is British, Jade is African American and Alex is Asian American. Very little foul language and no sex. I would say 8th grade and up will enjoy this one..

I'm not usually one to read YA books, but in this case, the description caught my attention - solar flares, power outages, suspicious people - this all sounded like the makings of a good thriller to me.

After reading the book, I have mixed feelings about it.

The beginning and end were very good; fulfilling even, but I had a hard time getting on board with a lot of what was happening in the body of the story. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't struggling to get through the book or anything like that, but I felt like some of the developments were a bit far-fetched and unrealistic. That being said, I'm not exactly the target audience for this type of book, and it is very possible that a slightly younger crowd would not have the same thoughts I do.

Looking beyond the plot developments, I enjoyed and associated with the young girls, and appreciated how they were trying to get to know each other and start building a rapport.

I instantly knew that Alex was going to be trouble, and kept thinking to myself that the girls needed to send him away -- but where's the fun in that?

Things I liked:

The sisters getting to know each other
The setting with the power being out and a storm rolling in
The mystery of trying to figure out Alex and his "friends"

Things I didn’t like:
Some of the developments were a little much for me.

I would recommend this book to a younger audience without hesitation, as I feel they would better appreciate the book in its entirety. I would also recommend it to those who are past the young adult stage, but perhaps with a warning that while the book is good, parts of it are a little 'out there'.

The setting was enjoyable to read about in Don't Let in the Cold by Keely Parrack. The overall story was slow, but the descriptive scenes helped get me into the story as I was reading. However, that wasn't enough to really find the story compelling.

#NetGalley @SourcebooksFire

Sadly I DNF this book.

I’m having a hard time finding a good YA thriller, this one was a let down! I think maybe I just wasn’t the target audience for this one!

Thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for giving me this arc in exchange for my hownst review.

Three people, one snow storm, with strained relationships, people hunting them, and the snow storm that gets worse, they’ll have to figure out if they can trust each other before they all freeze to death. Lottie is forced to go with her mom to stay in a cabin in Tahoe, right as snow storm’s are said to be coming. Her mother is leaving for a honeymoon leaving Lottie with her new stepsister Jade, all alone. Jade is the daughter of a wealthy geek celebrity who just happens to own Einstein’s telescope, a priceless piece. When the girls are forced to bond things start off fine, until a solar flare causes a massive blackout leaving them with no power or cell signal. Things get worse when a cute stranger with a dog appear on their door asking for shelter, said stranger is named Alex. Lottie is immediately suspicious and her suspicions grow as the night goes on but Jade is perfectly trusting and fine with this stranger, insisting that Lottie is being paranoid. When the fireplace malfunctions and causes a fire, the three of them are forced into the blizzard and must rely on each other to make it to safety... except Alex is hiding a secret that could endanger them all and as the snow storm goes on more dangers appear and soon they’ll all be forced to rely on one another. This was an alright stranded snow storm mystery complete with suspicious but cute stranger and secrets. I was initially weary of Jade as a character because as a 16 year old she was so naive and trusting of a complete stranger while her step-sister kept trying to get her to see the danger, but then again she is 16 so maybe that naivety is forgivable? Also a few of Lottie and Alex’s decisions were just questionable but then again their all about 17-18 so maybe that’s why? Overall it was a nice ending to the story. This would make a great winter time thriller read, especially with a hot drink and a warm fire.

*Thanks Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Fire, Sourcebooks Fire for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Thank you NetGalley, author Keely Parrack and Sourcebooks Fire for the opportunity to read an eARC of 'Don't Let In the Cold' in exchange for an honest review. Don't Let In the Cold was definitely an attention grabber and page turner! That being said, I Finished this book in 2 days!!

It was supposed to be just one night in the cabin: one night for Lottie and her brand new stepsister, Jade, to try to get along. When a solar flare causes a massive blackout―no power or cell signal―Lottie knows they've got a long night ahead of them.

Then, in the dark, someone else shows up at the cabin―a stranger named Alex, claiming to be lost and needing shelter from the coming snowstorm. But later that night, Lottie spies him in the driveway talking to two mysterious men in a pickup truck, and she's sure he's lying about why he's here.

Before Lottie can find out more, a fire forces her, Jade, and Alex out into the blizzard, where they must rely on one another to get to safety―wherever that is. In the remote, freezing Tahoe wilderness, they have to survive more than just the elements. Soon it becomes clear that Alex's accomplices are hunting for all three of them, in a scheme that's gone too far and taken a chilling, deadly turn.

I enjoyed this book entirely more than I had originally thought I would. 'Don't Let In the Cold' kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book and absolutely did not fall short to my expectations, but certainly exceeded them. I'd be happy to recommend this book all the readers out there!

Don't Let In The Cold boasts a mystery thriller for a YA audience, however it struggles to deliver. Following the marriage of their parents after a very quick relationship, step-sisters Lottie and Jade find themselves trapped in an isolated cabin during a snow storm. When a handsome stranger turns up, things take a turn for the worst.

The thriller aspect seemed to fall flat, though the writing and premise was intriguing, but it was the romance aspect which let this novel down. Very little seemed to hook me as a reader and, as a result, this became a slog to read.

Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Fire and NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

**Disclaimer: I recieved an eARC of Don't Let in the Cold by Keely Parrack through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this opportunity.

Don't Let in the Cold by Keely Parrack is a young adult thriller novel.  It is about a teenage girl named Lottie who is set to stay at a remote cabin with her new stepsister for a night while her mom goes on her honeymoon with her step dad.  Unfortunately, things go horribly wrong.  It is set to be published on September 6th, 2022.  I rated it four stars.


Here's the summary from Goodreads:

The storm isn't the only thing they'll have to survive.
It was supposed to be just one night in the cabin: one night for Lottie and her brand new stepsister, Jade, to try to get along. When a solar flare causes a massive blackout―no power or cell signal―Lottie knows they've got a long night ahead of them.
Then, in the dark, someone else shows up at the cabin―a stranger named Alex, claiming to be lost and needing shelter from the coming snowstorm. But later that night, Lottie spies him in the driveway talking to two mysterious men in a pickup truck, and she's sure he's lying about why he's here.
Before Lottie can find out more, a fire forces her, Jade, and Alex out into the blizzard, where they must rely on one another to get to safety―wherever that is. In the remote, freezing Tahoe wilderness, they have to survive more than just the elements. Soon it becomes clear that Alex's accomplices are hunting for all three of them, in a scheme that's gone too far and taken a chilling, deadly turn.

I think it was the cover that drew me in on this one, but once I read the summary I knew I wanted to read it.  I really enjoy isolated thrillers with snowstorms, and have read a few in recent years.   I wanted to see how this one held up.  It was a good young adult thriller.

I found Lottie an interesting character.  I liked how we slowly learned about her history and why she acted the way that she did.  I also liked getting to watch the developing of her relationship with her stepsister, Jade.  They had a really rocky go of it, but they really grew together.   They have a really great dynamic.  However, I suppose life or death experiences really help to bond you.

I liked the general premise of the story.  The isolation of the cabin and the stranger that claimed to need shelter,  all added a real sense of tension.  I liked reading about Lottie trying to figure out what was going on with Alex.  She kept going back and forth, and it was interesting to read about her thought process.  When they had to leave the house and venture out, that was also interesting to read about as it provided a different element to the story that I hadn't been expecting, despite it literally being in the blurb.

It had decent writing, and some good moments.  However, there were some parts that I could have done without.  I didn't love the romance between Alex and Lottie.  It felt like it came a little out of nowhere, and I wanted more of a build up to it.  I also didn't understand why Lottie thought her mom would think she was a total screw up (even though she majorly had).  The story never really backed up the reasoning on that, and then I felt like it completely disappeared from the narrative by the end.

Overall though, I had a super fun time reading it and I definitely recommend that you check it out when it publishes in September.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book!

'Don't Let in the Cold' is about a girl named Lottie who finds herself with a new stepsister Jade and stepfather Oliver, when her mother gets married after a whirlwind courtship. Despite having nothing in common, Lottie and Jade are then forced to spend time together at a cabin in Tahoe, while their parents are off on their honeymoon. Lottie is less than happy about her new circumstances, as her life is constantly being uprooted due to her mother's impulsive decisions. She is also still deeply affected by her father's mysterious disappearance/abandonment from years earlier. So, the last thing she needs right now is a new family to complicate her life.

As expected, the girls' bonding experience doesn't go as planned when a snowstorm hits the area. But their situation becomes more dire when three strangers turn up, asking for directions and shelter, and they are not who they appear to be...

Overall this book was okay. It's as suspenseful as you can expect from a YA thriller about teens trapped in a snowstorm with suspicious strangers, who later turn out to be burglars and attempted killers. The plot and characters are pretty straightforward however (what you see is what you get). While there are suspenseful moments, everything gets tied up pretty neatly by the end. Though I do question the wisdom of leaving two unacquainted teenagers alone at a remote cabin in Tahoe, I didn't find the story to be too unrealistic.

If you're looking for a straightforward thriller with low stakes, I recommend this book.

I had high hopes for this book but unfortunately it missed the mark. I found this book to be very underwhelming and I had a hard time getting invested in the story.