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Cold War #1
Cold War
After an explosive locker room confrontation with his Russian rival ends in the most surprising and intense sex of his life, American pairs skater Dev Avira needs to refocus. He’s worked for years to win Olympic gold, and he can’t let himself--or his partner--down. Distraction in the form of steely and smoldering Mikhail Reznikov is the last thing he needs as he prepares for the biggest competition of his life.
But with the Games only days away, they can’t keep their hands off each other. Dev soon learns that beneath Mikhail’s arrogant and aloof exterior is Misha, a passionate man who warms Dev’s heart and scorches his bed. They're both determined to win, but for Misha his freedom could be on the line. Can Dev put his deepening feelings on ice as he goes for gold?
But with the Games only days away, they can’t keep their hands off each other. Dev soon learns that beneath Mikhail’s arrogant and aloof exterior is Misha, a passionate man who warms Dev’s heart and scorches his bed. They're both determined to win, but for Misha his freedom could be on the line. Can Dev put his deepening feelings on ice as he goes for gold?
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2014
11 people are currently reading
699 people want to read
About the author
Keira Andrews
65 books3,050 followersKeira aims for the perfect mix of character, plot, and heat in her M/M romances. She writes everything from swashbuckling pirates to heartwarming holiday escapism. Her fave tropes are enemies to lovers, age gaps, forced proximity, and passionate virgins. Although she loves delicious angst along the way, Keira guarantees happy endings!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
February 11, 2014
THREE & A HALF HEARTS--Ever pictured two male skaters getting it on? Think it'd be a smexy time? Me too.
I was very excited to read "Cold War" when I saw the cover. I'm not what you'd call a sports-nista (I can imagine a few of the other unicorns attesting to this) but I like watching figure skaters. So you know I'm excited when the Winter Olympics comes around. Don't think I become glued to the TV set during this time of the year, I'm an amateur at best. But after reading one of last year's buzz books (Leta Blake's Training Season) which featured a figure skater main character, I saw the appeal of romance starring a skating athlete. When I saw that Leta Blake's writing partner, Keira Andrews was coming out with a figure skater MM romance, you can believe I was all over it.
Is this book another Training Season? NO! And I'm happy too because Training Season is totally separate from Cold War. (We do get a brief Matty Marcus mention - I smiled and agreed with Dev.)
Cold War is a novella about two competing pairs' figure skaters, Dev (America) and Mikhail or Misha (Russia). They are gearing up for the Winter Olympics and both men and their skating partners want gold. They have worked for this very hard and made sacrifices, for one of them even being forced into a closet. The reader is introduced to the competitive world of skating that will not leave you lost if you are not an avid skating fan.
This is an enemies to lovers theme (a favorite theme of mine) but it's not angst heavy. It's lighter than I expected. The story gets straight to the matter at hand, Dev and Mikhail don't like each other but that doesn't mean they can't get off together. They were both gay but could not let their dalliance known due to their skating careers. Dev is the underdog skater paired with a sassy redhead best friend, Bailey and Mikhail (Misha) is the ice king paired with his fellow automaton skater, Kisa.
Dev started off hating the man but Misha didn't really come off as someone to hate. He didn't really seem cold. Once Dev and the reader got to know Misha, it is shown that he's deeper than he seems. The enemy lines get blurred once the lust is brought in. And boy was it brought in. (*whispers* the locker room and bathroom stall...yum)
What I really enjoyed?
- The multiculturalism: I loved that there was an Indian American main character and the culture embrace in the story was not heavy handed.
- The smut: Very hot. For the amount of story, we get some hot scenes including some nice rimming and fingering and...*wipes mouth* let's just say Dev and Misha can heat up the e-reader screen. For vanilla sex, it was hot. No corn mazes, folks. You're safe. ;D
"I want to fuck you every way I can. I want your ass and your mouth and your cock. I want to come all over you. I want you to come all over me."
- The pairs' skating talk: I admit I'm an amateur when it comes to watching
so I appreciate not having to search for skating terms and the like
while reading. It was easy to understand, so non-skating fans can give
this book a try as well. And I was swept up into the competition, that I rooted and yelled (I even closed my eyes for a bit during one particular scene) for both teams at the Olympics...like it was an actual skating team on my television screen.
- The spotlight brought to Russia's anti-gay laws: It was done tastefully. And it sucks. The end.
My...concerns (if you will):
- The beginning chemistry - Dev and Misha heat up the scenes when crossing the forbidden sex line. It's hot. I get it. But in the beginning, these men hated each other. I question their intensity for starting their sexual relationship in the beginning. Maybe another scene (or two), to show Dev's love/hate for Mikhail. It was sort of 1..2..BAM! They're boinking now. As the story progressed, I began to understand (mostly). But I wanted to know more of what drove these two men together. We just get the candy coated shell, I want the filling too.
I spied there will be a sequel coming out later this year. I like this a lot and will keep my eye out for it. I really liked Dev and Misha...maybe we can get a little deeper with those two?
Light, easy, sexy fun that ends with a light HEA/ heavy HFN finish. I'm down for round two.
February 6, 2014
3.5 stars
My favorite part of the book was the shout-out to Matty Marcus at the beginning. As Dev and his skating partner, Bailey, are discussing the finer points of giving interviews, Bailey says:
And if you don't know who Matty Marcus is, go read Leta Blake's brilliant Training Season right this minute. Sadly, this book falters a bit by comparison (and maybe that's an unfair comparison to draw, because who can really compete with Matty and Rob?).
That's not to say I didn't enjoy it. I DID, but the focus here was more the glitz and surface of skating, the winning, the medals, rather than the pain, the sacrifices, the LOSS.
Dev and Bailey are America's golden figure skating pair, poised to win big in the Olympics. Their biggest competition are the Russians (of course), the aloof and icy (of course) Mikhail and Kisa. But a stolen moment in the dressing room (need I say it? OF COURSE) leads Dev to believe there's more to Mikhail, aka Misha, than meets the eye.
Dev and Misha's relationship isn't very well developed. It's hatred to love turned, and it's all about the insta lust, but because we don't see the slow burn leading up to the first grope, it felt very sudden.
The book is short at 100 pages, and it feels rushed, even though all the elements are there: the friendship Dev has with Bailey, Dev's family support, the pressure Misha feels from the Soviet system to win for Mother Russia (which, based on my rather intimate knowledge of Eastern Europe, is probably not exaggerated). Misha having to hide his homosexuality also felt very current, considering Russia's shameful state-endorsed homophobia. Clearly, Andrews did her research. But perhaps everything is laid out and wrapped up a little TOO neatly?
There are some hot scenes between Dev and Misha, and there's a sweet, if slightly eye-roll inducing, HEA. This was a quick read, an easy one. And yet something was missing; I wanted more spark, more passion, more romance. Don't we all?
My favorite part of the book was the shout-out to Matty Marcus at the beginning. As Dev and his skating partner, Bailey, are discussing the finer points of giving interviews, Bailey says:
Honestly, what figure skating in America needs is personality. When we're all pleasant little ciphers, it doesn't draw in the viewers. Remember Matty Marcus? He was the best. That's what we need. Personality.
And if you don't know who Matty Marcus is, go read Leta Blake's brilliant Training Season right this minute. Sadly, this book falters a bit by comparison (and maybe that's an unfair comparison to draw, because who can really compete with Matty and Rob?).
That's not to say I didn't enjoy it. I DID, but the focus here was more the glitz and surface of skating, the winning, the medals, rather than the pain, the sacrifices, the LOSS.
Dev and Bailey are America's golden figure skating pair, poised to win big in the Olympics. Their biggest competition are the Russians (of course), the aloof and icy (of course) Mikhail and Kisa. But a stolen moment in the dressing room (need I say it? OF COURSE) leads Dev to believe there's more to Mikhail, aka Misha, than meets the eye.
Dev and Misha's relationship isn't very well developed. It's hatred to love turned, and it's all about the insta lust, but because we don't see the slow burn leading up to the first grope, it felt very sudden.
The book is short at 100 pages, and it feels rushed, even though all the elements are there: the friendship Dev has with Bailey, Dev's family support, the pressure Misha feels from the Soviet system to win for Mother Russia (which, based on my rather intimate knowledge of Eastern Europe, is probably not exaggerated). Misha having to hide his homosexuality also felt very current, considering Russia's shameful state-endorsed homophobia. Clearly, Andrews did her research. But perhaps everything is laid out and wrapped up a little TOO neatly?
There are some hot scenes between Dev and Misha, and there's a sweet, if slightly eye-roll inducing, HEA. This was a quick read, an easy one. And yet something was missing; I wanted more spark, more passion, more romance. Don't we all?
March 17, 2014
Written March 14, 2014
3.3 Stars - pretty sweet, hot and romantic directly from the tough Figure Skating circus and gold medal hunt at an exciting winter Olympics
There are a lot of fantastic athletes to watch on TV a Winter Olympic winter as this one. I tried to watch as much I'd time for (...my small country is a great "winter sports" nation). One of my favorite sports (to watch) is always the figure skating. They are all so amazing talented, well trained and they always do it all so very beautiful.
I also LOVED Leta Blake's great novel Training Season about dear Matty M. (5 stars from me). They're actually mentioning him here:
Another new figure skater romance in the M/M genre felt like a must read for me.
...almost a month later.
As you might suspect, wasn't this skater romance completely overwhelming and hugely engrossing, but it was good enough after all. It took me almost a whole month before I finally read the last pages, and it was smartly done, because I'm nevertheless quite pleased overall.
~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~
Cold War is, in my opinion, a quite simple "bang on"-story. It's hot and straight on, run on pretty hard in bed, a lot of anxiety and fear, emotions and a lot of doubt in quantity and of course, a lot of sugar-sweet and cute scenes too. ~ It is about two figure skating guys, the American, Dev Avira and the Russian, Mikhail Reznikov.
They are both the male partner in two very sucessfull "pairs", both there to win and "take", for all figure skaters, that most desirable of all medals, the glimmering Olympic gold medal.
Dev and Mikhail have met and competed against each other in competitions for many years, but they really know hardly anything about each other. They've barely even had a normal nice friendly conversation. Most of all, they despise each other based on prejudice and bad corridor talk. But then a few months before the Olympics, something unexpected happens in the men's locker room.
The adventure towards the olympic finale has begun.
...hot, enthralling, tough and so d@mn hard. ~ and in this case quite smexy.
What I maybe liked most in Cold War was to know more about this colorful, sometimes sentimental, but always shimmering figure skating world. They are all talented and well-trained athletes, and they all dream of gold and glory. It's make or break.
It was extra fun to read about the tittle-tattle, the cruel gossip and all "bullshit talk" outside the ice arena. We have maybe all heard about these always so very feared Russians pair-skaters. The fluffy interviews. These always smiling athletes, the pain, injuries and the hard training. And of course this sometimes ridiculous PR and not to forget, their (cheesy or beautiful?) glittering costumes. ~ It is kind of the same "prattle" I here from the experts and sports reporters at the TV broadcasts that I look at. Fun and interesting to read about.
If you like this glimmering (and tough) Figure Skating sport, and boys who loves boys and the Kiss and Cry area, I think you may appreciate a lot of this story. A lot besides the romance and steam - which was both cute romantic and wonderfully hot. Moreover, this book (Yes actually - for the rest of you...) is pretty quick read. It is only about 100 pages.
What happens in the end, who wins?
Only one lucky figure skating pair can win the Olympic Gold Medal, and their chance comes only once every four years. Which one of these pairs, the U.S. or this, until now so far superior, Russian couple, that might win the gold this time, in this novel, am I not going to tell you here. But the significant "gold winner" is perhaps so much happier.
What can be better than getting the chance to eternal love, hot kisses and much more, and the man you really want to be with? Nothing, right?
~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~
As I said in an update: Well, it's maybe a so-so story, but kind of touching and sweet after all. The two MC's were both hot together and in the end I belived, and felt for, their love. Keira Andrews is a new author for me. I'm sure I will read more by her in the future.
And now? ~ I just whish these former pair skater guys all luck for a grand and happy future together. ~ Why not skate together in a gay competition. (A pic: )
I LIKE - I always love figure skating more or less
3.3 Stars - pretty sweet, hot and romantic directly from the tough Figure Skating circus and gold medal hunt at an exciting winter Olympics
There are a lot of fantastic athletes to watch on TV a Winter Olympic winter as this one. I tried to watch as much I'd time for (...my small country is a great "winter sports" nation). One of my favorite sports (to watch) is always the figure skating. They are all so amazing talented, well trained and they always do it all so very beautiful.
I also LOVED Leta Blake's great novel Training Season about dear Matty M. (5 stars from me). They're actually mentioning him here:
“...Remember Matty Marcus? He was the best. That's what we need. Personality.”
Another new figure skater romance in the M/M genre felt like a must read for me.
...almost a month later.
As you might suspect, wasn't this skater romance completely overwhelming and hugely engrossing, but it was good enough after all. It took me almost a whole month before I finally read the last pages, and it was smartly done, because I'm nevertheless quite pleased overall.
~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~
Cold War is, in my opinion, a quite simple "bang on"-story. It's hot and straight on, run on pretty hard in bed, a lot of anxiety and fear, emotions and a lot of doubt in quantity and of course, a lot of sugar-sweet and cute scenes too. ~ It is about two figure skating guys, the American, Dev Avira and the Russian, Mikhail Reznikov.
They are both the male partner in two very sucessfull "pairs", both there to win and "take", for all figure skaters, that most desirable of all medals, the glimmering Olympic gold medal.
‘First off, robots didn't cry, and second, they weren't even friendly, let alone friends.’
Dev and Mikhail have met and competed against each other in competitions for many years, but they really know hardly anything about each other. They've barely even had a normal nice friendly conversation. Most of all, they despise each other based on prejudice and bad corridor talk. But then a few months before the Olympics, something unexpected happens in the men's locker room.
The adventure towards the olympic finale has begun.
...hot, enthralling, tough and so d@mn hard. ~ and in this case quite smexy.
‘It felt like the judges had decided Kostina/Reznikov were the winners before any of the pairs even stepped on the ice.’
What I maybe liked most in Cold War was to know more about this colorful, sometimes sentimental, but always shimmering figure skating world. They are all talented and well-trained athletes, and they all dream of gold and glory. It's make or break.
It was extra fun to read about the tittle-tattle, the cruel gossip and all "bullshit talk" outside the ice arena. We have maybe all heard about these always so very feared Russians pair-skaters. The fluffy interviews. These always smiling athletes, the pain, injuries and the hard training. And of course this sometimes ridiculous PR and not to forget, their (cheesy or beautiful?) glittering costumes. ~ It is kind of the same "prattle" I here from the experts and sports reporters at the TV broadcasts that I look at. Fun and interesting to read about.
“I'm not your friend.” Dev was simply stating a fact.
Mikhail--Misha--smiled softly. “No. You are my ...little rebellion.”
If you like this glimmering (and tough) Figure Skating sport, and boys who loves boys and the Kiss and Cry area, I think you may appreciate a lot of this story. A lot besides the romance and steam - which was both cute romantic and wonderfully hot. Moreover, this book (Yes actually - for the rest of you...) is pretty quick read. It is only about 100 pages.
What happens in the end, who wins?
Only one lucky figure skating pair can win the Olympic Gold Medal, and their chance comes only once every four years. Which one of these pairs, the U.S. or this, until now so far superior, Russian couple, that might win the gold this time, in this novel, am I not going to tell you here. But the significant "gold winner" is perhaps so much happier.
What can be better than getting the chance to eternal love, hot kisses and much more, and the man you really want to be with? Nothing, right?
~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~
As I said in an update: Well, it's maybe a so-so story, but kind of touching and sweet after all. The two MC's were both hot together and in the end I belived, and felt for, their love. Keira Andrews is a new author for me. I'm sure I will read more by her in the future.
And now? ~ I just whish these former pair skater guys all luck for a grand and happy future together. ~ Why not skate together in a gay competition. (A pic: )
I LIKE - I always love figure skating more or less
February 5, 2014
I’ve heard from the other members of our review team that Keira Andrews is a must-read author. Her book The Chimera Affair has been highly recommended to me…and I probably should have started there.
To be honest, I think Andrews is a good writer. The book “Cold War” was fairly entertaining and a quick read.
However, I’ll admit I didn’t love it.
The blurb tells us a story about 2 figure skaters, one Russian and one American, and a kind-of forbidden love. I actually thought, based on the blurb and the title, that this might have taken place in the past…maybe in the 80′s when US/Soviet relations were at their most tenuous. So, it caught me off guard a bit that it actually takes place in the current times. I understand that being gay in Russia is not accepted (as we’re hearing all over the news about the Sochi Olympics), but it still had a real cold-war-KGB-is-watching-you feel to it. And I wasn’t quite sure how much was based on fact and how much was based on stereotypes.
The author clearly did her research or understands the international skating community and I was impressed with how much of the inner-workers she included in the short book (though it sometimes felt a bit like “look at me! I did research! Now let me tell you everything I found out so my story will feel legit!”)
My real problem with the book is that the relationship between Dev & Misha felt very…forced. I didn’t really believe the attraction. I didn’t believe the emotion. And it read just very shallow and flat. I got bits and pieces about their lives, but I didn’t really buy-in to the depth of the feelings for one another. Look, I like a good insta-love like the rest of ‘em, but this one didn’t sell me.
Being a fairly short book, it feels like a fun thing to read in time for the Sochi Winter Olympics…like a M/M spin on the games…maybe even a slash fanfic’ish type book. I will give The Chimera Affair a try. And I recommend this if you have a quick moment and are in the mood for some Olympics fun. But otherwise, I don’t know if it’s worth moving up to high on your TBR list…
February 4, 2014
2.5 stars
I like Keira Andrews's stories -- The Chimera Affair being my most favorite, and I enjoy her fairy-tale remake collaboration with Leta Blake too. So I came to this story with that particular fact.
Unfortunately, this one was a HUGE MEH read for me. Which means it is my least favorite of hers.
The good thing about it? It was a quick read -- and I actually enjoyed everything related to the figure skating situation. From how Dev and his partner dealt with the media, the politic inside the sport, and the competition itself. It was good and it captured my attention.
The bad thing? The relationship. It felt very superficial and contrived. From the very first chapter when I just read about how Dev felt and suddenly , I was like, WHAAAT?!?!
Look, I am not a huge fan of insta-love, but sometimes I can give leeway if they are done right. For example, believable chemistry or convincing connection between the characters. Insta-lust or insta-attraction, I can also enjoy at some level. But this? This felt like it was coming out of nowhere. There wasn't enough tension, there wasn't enough ground for me to believe in their attraction.
Maybe it worked on visual media, with some eye glaring or facial expression between the actors. But in pages like in this book? Nope, not buying it.
Since I expected ROMANCE, I couldn't even give this 3-stars due to my disappointment for the romance element. So there, 2.5 stars instead.
I like Keira Andrews's stories -- The Chimera Affair being my most favorite, and I enjoy her fairy-tale remake collaboration with Leta Blake too. So I came to this story with that particular fact.
Unfortunately, this one was a HUGE MEH read for me. Which means it is my least favorite of hers.
The good thing about it? It was a quick read -- and I actually enjoyed everything related to the figure skating situation. From how Dev and his partner dealt with the media, the politic inside the sport, and the competition itself. It was good and it captured my attention.
The bad thing? The relationship. It felt very superficial and contrived. From the very first chapter when I just read about how Dev felt and suddenly , I was like, WHAAAT?!?!
Look, I am not a huge fan of insta-love, but sometimes I can give leeway if they are done right. For example, believable chemistry or convincing connection between the characters. Insta-lust or insta-attraction, I can also enjoy at some level. But this? This felt like it was coming out of nowhere. There wasn't enough tension, there wasn't enough ground for me to believe in their attraction.
Maybe it worked on visual media, with some eye glaring or facial expression between the actors. But in pages like in this book? Nope, not buying it.
Since I expected ROMANCE, I couldn't even give this 3-stars due to my disappointment for the romance element. So there, 2.5 stars instead.
July 21, 2015
3.5 stars
2 famous, top-leading skaters: a Russian & an Indian American. Two sworn rivals competing in one of the most important competitions of their careers. With eyes only on the prize. Until one heated argument in the locker room changes everything.
Fast-paced, fun, emotional and smoking hot enemies-to-lovers mm romance.
3.5 stars and only because some situations were rushed and that drama near the end which could have done a bit better in my opinion. Other than that I loved the palpable chemistry between the Mcs and their opposite personalities- Misha, the cold, calculated and always in control Russian who became a totally another person when behind closed bedroom, shower or locker room doors with the sweet and outgoing Dev.
Review posted on Way Too Hot Books.
“I'm not your friend.” Dev was simply stating a fact.
Mikhail--Misha--smiled softly. “No. You are my ...little rebellion.”
2 famous, top-leading skaters: a Russian & an Indian American. Two sworn rivals competing in one of the most important competitions of their careers. With eyes only on the prize. Until one heated argument in the locker room changes everything.
Fast-paced, fun, emotional and smoking hot enemies-to-lovers mm romance.
3.5 stars and only because some situations were rushed and that drama near the end which could have done a bit better in my opinion. Other than that I loved the palpable chemistry between the Mcs and their opposite personalities- Misha, the cold, calculated and always in control Russian who became a totally another person when behind closed bedroom, shower or locker room doors with the sweet and outgoing Dev.
Review posted on Way Too Hot Books.
July 19, 2024
Cute and sexy. A bit too much sex, not enough relationship development but it was a fun read.
Oh shit, wrong edition. The one I read combined both books into 1.
Oh shit, wrong edition. The one I read combined both books into 1.
February 4, 2014
Helping Keira edit this book was such a wonderful pleasure! I am a sucker for a enemies-to-lovers romance and with the Winter Olympics starting momentarily, what better place to explore that dynamic than on the ice!
First, I love the character of Dev. I loved how seamlessly Keira worked his Indian heritage and family life was incorporated into his world. We don't see enough people of color in books, and to see it done so nicely was really rewarding for me.
Next, there was Misha and his prickly exterior. Rowr. That's my favorite kind! Because you know the inside is warm, sensual, and delicious, mmm-mmm, good!
I enjoyed the external conflict of Dev having to continue to compete against someone that he has feelings for, and for whom he now has a lot more empathy and understanding. When you care about someone, you tend to want them to succeed, but how can Dev want that when it butts up against his own goals in life and everything he's worked for so long?
There was one sex scene that I found so smokin' hot. The unexpected blow job? I won't say more because you should read its hotness for yourself. I just loved the neediness of it. *shivers* So very good!
Then there was the other drama! Injuries! Heroic come backs! So absolutely Olympic and wonderful! And the side characters were adorable, too. The character of Dev's partner, Bailey, was so fierce and charming. I adored her.
I recommend this book highly for all fans of figure skating, m/m romance, enemies-to-lovers, and sports romance! Great work, Keira! Can't wait until the sequel comes out! :D
First, I love the character of Dev. I loved how seamlessly Keira worked his Indian heritage and family life was incorporated into his world. We don't see enough people of color in books, and to see it done so nicely was really rewarding for me.
Next, there was Misha and his prickly exterior. Rowr. That's my favorite kind! Because you know the inside is warm, sensual, and delicious, mmm-mmm, good!
I enjoyed the external conflict of Dev having to continue to compete against someone that he has feelings for, and for whom he now has a lot more empathy and understanding. When you care about someone, you tend to want them to succeed, but how can Dev want that when it butts up against his own goals in life and everything he's worked for so long?
There was one sex scene that I found so smokin' hot. The unexpected blow job? I won't say more because you should read its hotness for yourself. I just loved the neediness of it. *shivers* So very good!
Then there was the other drama! Injuries! Heroic come backs! So absolutely Olympic and wonderful! And the side characters were adorable, too. The character of Dev's partner, Bailey, was so fierce and charming. I adored her.
I recommend this book highly for all fans of figure skating, m/m romance, enemies-to-lovers, and sports romance! Great work, Keira! Can't wait until the sequel comes out! :D
January 15, 2020
3.5 stars for an Easy to Read , Sexy Story
I enjoyed reading this entertaining, enemies to lovers, sports, MM , HEA romance story and it's cute epilogue .
In Cold War: Figure Skating , Keira Andrews explores reality vs perception , the carefully crafted , public image of a professional sport athlete and Olympic hopeful. The sacrifices , dedication and commitment to make it to the Olympic Games.
Written in a light-hearted and touching tone and style this story is low angst , medium drama, and high friendship , love and hot AF sexy times.
I enjoyed reading this entertaining, enemies to lovers, sports, MM , HEA romance story and it's cute epilogue .
In Cold War: Figure Skating , Keira Andrews explores reality vs perception , the carefully crafted , public image of a professional sport athlete and Olympic hopeful. The sacrifices , dedication and commitment to make it to the Olympic Games.
Written in a light-hearted and touching tone and style this story is low angst , medium drama, and high friendship , love and hot AF sexy times.
April 20, 2014
3.75
I liked this one. Sexy short read about two rival skaters, Dev and Misha, who get involved right before the Olympics. I think it would have been a stellar longer read because I found things a bit rushed but I really enjoyed the characters and what we got to know of them.
I liked this one. Sexy short read about two rival skaters, Dev and Misha, who get involved right before the Olympics. I think it would have been a stellar longer read because I found things a bit rushed but I really enjoyed the characters and what we got to know of them.
October 3, 2015
Enjoyable read and hot sex. A little angst to make the HEA sweet. I really loved the skating bits.
February 5, 2014
3.5 stars. I love the Olympics, so this was a fun read, and the timing was perfect. I really enjoyed the skating details. Overall, I liked the relationship between Dev and Misha. There were a couple of scenes where I felt the story concentrated more on sex than the tension/emotional connection between them, but it's not unrealistic that they would deal with their stress this way. Given the length, I think it does strike a good balance between plot and lust, and the ending is hopeful.
February 7, 2014
3 GOLD STARS
I have to say, this was a very enjoyable read. Nothing out of the ordinary or world shattering. But I did enjoy it and didn't stop reading till I finished.
Misha and Dev are professional ice skaters, they are pretty much enemies till one faithful little spat turned into more than they bargained for.
I loved the relationship between Dev and his partner Bailey. They were so cute together and sweet. She was like this amazing sister and he was this lovable big brother to her, they made a perfect match as friends and on the ice -kinda wanted to know if she and Andrew ever actually did something-
Guess I have nothing else to say, nothing remarkable, kinda hot at times but yeah, felt mostly detached. But enjoyable. Maybe Training Season ruined all ice skating stories for me...
I have to say, this was a very enjoyable read. Nothing out of the ordinary or world shattering. But I did enjoy it and didn't stop reading till I finished.
Misha and Dev are professional ice skaters, they are pretty much enemies till one faithful little spat turned into more than they bargained for.
I loved the relationship between Dev and his partner Bailey. They were so cute together and sweet. She was like this amazing sister and he was this lovable big brother to her, they made a perfect match as friends and on the ice -kinda wanted to know if she and Andrew ever actually did something-
Guess I have nothing else to say, nothing remarkable, kinda hot at times but yeah, felt mostly detached. But enjoyable. Maybe Training Season ruined all ice skating stories for me...
August 12, 2016
3.25 Stars
While I did enjoy this story, I didn't think that Keira Andrews really captured the angst and heartache that I know she is very capable of doing. I think that if this book were expanded from a novella to a novel, she could really nail it.
I liked Dev and Misha together, I thought their frenemy encounters were pretty hot and once they got to know one another and moved beyond that, they heated up even more. The execution of the resolution was kind of meh for me, though. Not bad, but not great either.
So, not really my favorite Keira Andrews story, but I enjoyed it well enough.
While I did enjoy this story, I didn't think that Keira Andrews really captured the angst and heartache that I know she is very capable of doing. I think that if this book were expanded from a novella to a novel, she could really nail it.
I liked Dev and Misha together, I thought their frenemy encounters were pretty hot and once they got to know one another and moved beyond that, they heated up even more. The execution of the resolution was kind of meh for me, though. Not bad, but not great either.
So, not really my favorite Keira Andrews story, but I enjoyed it well enough.
October 30, 2017
I love figure skating, and I love Keira Andrews, so I figured this one would be a slam dunk for me! Unfortunately, this was a rare miss from this author. I felt that there was just wasn't enough time spent between the guys getting to know each other. It starts out with Dev having Mikhail, then they are screaming at each other in the locker room, which of course turns into getting off on each other. We end up 36% into the story, on our third sexual encounter between the two, and the only words that have been exchanged thus far was the earlier fight. So, for me anyway, there wasn't enough getting to know each other, basically, not enough plot and substance. Sadly, this is barely worth 3 stars for me.
July 22, 2016
As a dedicated Olympics fangirl, I was worried that a story about pairs skating would delve into the realm of the unbelievable. I am so happy to say, this did not.
Dev and Bailey are the US favorites for Olympic gold but they have never been able to beat the technique flawless but robotic Kisa and Mikhail from Russia. The Russians are aloof and cold and they are the enemies to beat. Both teams, Dev and Bailey and Kisa and Mikhail, have been together for years and are pushing for first place.
While the US teams are under the watchful eye of the “Feds”, US Skating Federation, they are required to “show no personality and are blandly inoffensive”. Turns out better than the Russians, who are controlled by the Russian Skating Federation.
It is difficult for Dev (I think more so than for Mikhail) when this explosive chemistry they have makes them come together, first in Kyoto and then at the Games. Dev feels so torn, this is a man he wants to keep as the one to beat, a man he and Bailey have worked hard to defeat, and now he’s considering him, well, a man and not a machine. It’s the Olympics. It’s their last Olympics at that, as Dev and Bailey are retiring after this. Still worse, Dev and Bailey “made a pact their first year together to always tell the truth, even if it was ugly”. They are best friends as well as teammates and he tells her everything. Until now. This affects her so much and he knows it.
It’s a really conflicted situation and as you get to know Mikhail, you really feel for him, which makes the story more interesting, because I couldn’t decide who I wanted to win the gold. I loved the portrayal of the Olympic Village as a fuckfest because I could see that happening.
This is a character-driven story, with just enough skating elements included to make it real but not so much you’d glaze over if you aren’t a skating fan. I loved the ending, yes very sweet and all, but it worked so well. Recommended.
Dev and Bailey are the US favorites for Olympic gold but they have never been able to beat the technique flawless but robotic Kisa and Mikhail from Russia. The Russians are aloof and cold and they are the enemies to beat. Both teams, Dev and Bailey and Kisa and Mikhail, have been together for years and are pushing for first place.
While the US teams are under the watchful eye of the “Feds”, US Skating Federation, they are required to “show no personality and are blandly inoffensive”. Turns out better than the Russians, who are controlled by the Russian Skating Federation.
It is difficult for Dev (I think more so than for Mikhail) when this explosive chemistry they have makes them come together, first in Kyoto and then at the Games. Dev feels so torn, this is a man he wants to keep as the one to beat, a man he and Bailey have worked hard to defeat, and now he’s considering him, well, a man and not a machine. It’s the Olympics. It’s their last Olympics at that, as Dev and Bailey are retiring after this. Still worse, Dev and Bailey “made a pact their first year together to always tell the truth, even if it was ugly”. They are best friends as well as teammates and he tells her everything. Until now. This affects her so much and he knows it.
It’s a really conflicted situation and as you get to know Mikhail, you really feel for him, which makes the story more interesting, because I couldn’t decide who I wanted to win the gold. I loved the portrayal of the Olympic Village as a fuckfest because I could see that happening.
This is a character-driven story, with just enough skating elements included to make it real but not so much you’d glaze over if you aren’t a skating fan. I loved the ending, yes very sweet and all, but it worked so well. Recommended.
April 18, 2022
This was the perfect story for me in this moment. I needed something light but still deep and this was it. I haven't had a lot a motivation to read the last few months and I was eager to get back to this story as soon as I started it.
Misha and Dev are enemies, but there is this spark between them that explodes during an argument. Cliche true, but still good. I like how their relationship develops and seeing them be happy together, to be free behind closed doors, it was nice. The change in POV from part 1 to part 2 was cool as well. Getting to hear the inner thoughts of Dev and Misha really helped me feel like I got to know them very well.
The drama I kept waiting for never happened. I was waiting for the other shoe to drop and it just stayed on the freakin' shelf! I was kind of disappointed there wasn't more to come of all Misha's fear about his government finding out he was in a relationship with Dev. So if you read this don't worry, there is no big blow up or break up, or anything except warm acceptance from all their friends, the government doesn't come into play.
I do want to catch up with them as Keira says they play a role in the next book, but the blurb for book 2 doesn't really spark my interest, not the way this one did. We'll see I guess.
I give this 4 stars because it's well written and good for what it was. It did get a little sappy in parts, but overall this really worked for me.
Misha and Dev are enemies, but there is this spark between them that explodes during an argument. Cliche true, but still good. I like how their relationship develops and seeing them be happy together, to be free behind closed doors, it was nice. The change in POV from part 1 to part 2 was cool as well. Getting to hear the inner thoughts of Dev and Misha really helped me feel like I got to know them very well.
The drama I kept waiting for never happened. I was waiting for the other shoe to drop and it just stayed on the freakin' shelf! I was kind of disappointed there wasn't more to come of all Misha's fear about his government finding out he was in a relationship with Dev. So if you read this don't worry, there is no big blow up or break up, or anything except warm acceptance from all their friends, the government doesn't come into play.
I do want to catch up with them as Keira says they play a role in the next book, but the blurb for book 2 doesn't really spark my interest, not the way this one did. We'll see I guess.
I give this 4 stars because it's well written and good for what it was. It did get a little sappy in parts, but overall this really worked for me.
December 31, 2015
3.5 stars
I really like these stories about competition ice skaters. In Leta Blake’s Training Season we had the fabulous Matty Marcus-- an out and proud, flamboyant, and brilliant skater. Loved him.
Dev and Misha are not flamboyant, but they are every bit as competitive and brilliant. What makes their story stand out -- apart from the smoking HOT sex-- is the great mixture of rivalry and intercultural tension. It’s the U.S. vs. Russia vs. Olympic gold. The descriptions during competition are good, too. We get a feel for the dedication and nerves required to stay focused. How this all works with a budding romance was also well done and entertaining.
February 7, 2014
Great writing. Loveable characters. Great chemistry. Incredibly hot and yummy.
I had no idea what to expect from this story but I am quite pleased. Personally I would have wished for more romance perhaps, but I enjoyed the "can't resist the enemy" theme a lot. Especially when they got together. Yum.
Maybe after all it was a bit too much figure skating for my liking - made my head spin at times - but all in all a very enjoyable read!! :)
I had no idea what to expect from this story but I am quite pleased. Personally I would have wished for more romance perhaps, but I enjoyed the "can't resist the enemy" theme a lot. Especially when they got together. Yum.
Maybe after all it was a bit too much figure skating for my liking - made my head spin at times - but all in all a very enjoyable read!! :)
March 7, 2014
Enjoyed the hell outta this.
February 12, 2022
3,25
Za krótkie 😕
Za krótkie 😕
March 4, 2016
I'm slowly working my way through Keira Andrews backlist. That's a thing I do when I find an author that has become an autobuy with their new releases. This one had been taunting me for a while right along with the Chimera Affair. While I liked it and the characters, it wasn't on the same level of book crack that Keira has been feeding me in the more recent books. Or maybe it's just that figure skating isn't a big interest of mine (I'm a hockey fan) but I wanted more. More something. Don't ask me what because I haven't quite figured it out yet. I'm off to read book 2 so maybe that will be the "more" that I'm looking for.
For this one, I loved that it had an Indian and a Russian MC. The writing was great and the sex was hot and sweet. I would have totally been into seeing the retirement party with Dev's family and I would have liked a little bit more time with just Dev and Misha too but that is beside the point.
For this one, I loved that it had an Indian and a Russian MC. The writing was great and the sex was hot and sweet. I would have totally been into seeing the retirement party with Dev's family and I would have liked a little bit more time with just Dev and Misha too but that is beside the point.
February 4, 2014
I have been eagerly waiting for this book, and I was not disappointed! I haven't watched skating closely in quite a while, but I'm really excited to watch the Olympics now. Not at all because I'll be imagining hot skaters having sex in the showers, lol. ;) The sports part is very exciting and interesting, and it seems like the author definitely did a lot of research. The characters are great, and the romance is HOT. Dev and Misha are enemies who have angry sex, and at first it's just lust. But they are very drawn to each other, and I really felt their chemistry. I also thought Dev's partner Bailey was awesome. Such a funny girl, and I always love it when women aren't evil in mm romance. Misha is also very intriguing, and not what I expected, but in a good way. I wanted both teams to win, but the end was still very satisfying. I loved it!
February 26, 2014
3.5ish stars. I keep going between a three and a four for this one. But I really did like it. I just didn't love it, you know? But I thought the guys were cute and hot together. Yet they're not a favorite couple of mine. So yeah, this'll probably stay at 4 stars and go up and down the .5 in my head for a while.
Anyway, Dev and Mikhail were a great couple. I love enemies to lovers. I adore it when there is an already secret attraction there. And I have a soft spot for sibling type relationships between best friends, like the one Dev had with Bailey. And as a book, it was really good and the storyline was nice and easy to follow. I'm not the biggest sports fan, but the competitiveness in this was another bonus.
Definitely recommended for people who want a quick read.
Anyway, Dev and Mikhail were a great couple. I love enemies to lovers. I adore it when there is an already secret attraction there. And I have a soft spot for sibling type relationships between best friends, like the one Dev had with Bailey. And as a book, it was really good and the storyline was nice and easy to follow. I'm not the biggest sports fan, but the competitiveness in this was another bonus.
Definitely recommended for people who want a quick read.
August 24, 2016
Not my favorite KA but still an enjoyable read and better than a lot of other stuff out there.
November 12, 2022
I read this book about a year ago.
It's pretty short, so 4⭐ it is.
* Ice skating M/M
* Enemies to lovers
* Low angst
* Very good spice
I heard about Mischa and Dev in Kiss & Cry and you should definitely read this book before you go there.
Dev and Misha are competitive skaters. They compete in couples.
Dev and Bailey are from USA and Misha and Kisa are from Russia.
This was my Misha
And this was my Dev;
Misha has a skate partner, a woman named Kisa and they're both from Russia. They're constantly on state surveillance and they have to be very careful about what they do and who they're with.
Misha is a closeted gay - not closeted by choice, but he has to be, if he wants for him and his family back home to have a peaceful life, so noone knows this about him.
Dev is competing in couple with Bailey, they're both very good friends and Dev is openly gay.
The final goal for both couples is winning the Olympics, and because the stress is so high and the nerves get the best of him, Dev picks a fight with Misha in the locker room at the rink, after the practice.
Things get hot and heavy, much to Dev's surprise and after that, they start hooking up.
They end up in the Olympic village, where they finally have sex.
They get to know each other and Dev realises Misha is actually a very good guy, only thing is he has to win the gold in order to move from Russia without serious consequences.
Even though they are rivals and are supposed to be competitive and on the opposite sides, they start really liking each other and decide to not let this go. They fall in love.
The book ends with Dev visiting Misha in LA and Misha asking him to maybe consider moving to LA, finding a job and just living together.
I loved Misha and Dev.
The book is definitely too short.
But I've just realised that it has a 2nd part, it's called Holding the edge and I'm reading it right after posting this review.
It's pretty short, so 4⭐ it is.
* Ice skating M/M
* Enemies to lovers
* Low angst
* Very good spice
I heard about Mischa and Dev in Kiss & Cry and you should definitely read this book before you go there.
Dev and Misha are competitive skaters. They compete in couples.
Dev and Bailey are from USA and Misha and Kisa are from Russia.
This was my Misha
And this was my Dev;
Misha has a skate partner, a woman named Kisa and they're both from Russia. They're constantly on state surveillance and they have to be very careful about what they do and who they're with.
Misha is a closeted gay - not closeted by choice, but he has to be, if he wants for him and his family back home to have a peaceful life, so noone knows this about him.
Dev is competing in couple with Bailey, they're both very good friends and Dev is openly gay.
The final goal for both couples is winning the Olympics, and because the stress is so high and the nerves get the best of him, Dev picks a fight with Misha in the locker room at the rink, after the practice.
Things get hot and heavy, much to Dev's surprise and after that, they start hooking up.
They end up in the Olympic village, where they finally have sex.
They get to know each other and Dev realises Misha is actually a very good guy, only thing is he has to win the gold in order to move from Russia without serious consequences.
Even though they are rivals and are supposed to be competitive and on the opposite sides, they start really liking each other and decide to not let this go. They fall in love.
The book ends with Dev visiting Misha in LA and Misha asking him to maybe consider moving to LA, finding a job and just living together.
I loved Misha and Dev.
The book is definitely too short.
But I've just realised that it has a 2nd part, it's called Holding the edge and I'm reading it right after posting this review.
January 23, 2020
Ice skating pairs rivals Dev and Mikhail are bitter rival on the ice.
I enjoyed watching their hate for each other dissolve into real feelings. Dev seeing a new side to the cool, untouchable Mikhail, turning into Misha.
Competition is fierce between them as they both vie for Olympic gold.
The tension between them during the competition was palpable.
Complications arise when things between them get interesting.
Great writing that had me invested in their relationship. The drama involved with them being together on the circuit and keeping their relationship out of the public eye
I enjoyed watching their hate for each other dissolve into real feelings. Dev seeing a new side to the cool, untouchable Mikhail, turning into Misha.
Competition is fierce between them as they both vie for Olympic gold.
The tension between them during the competition was palpable.
Complications arise when things between them get interesting.
Great writing that had me invested in their relationship. The drama involved with them being together on the circuit and keeping their relationship out of the public eye
May 16, 2022
3.5*
I like Dev and Misha. This was an easy read, a bit of a slow burn all things considered. I really felt for Misha, and Dev to, having to hide their true selves. It was great that their friends showed such support.
Overall a sweet story.
I like Dev and Misha. This was an easy read, a bit of a slow burn all things considered. I really felt for Misha, and Dev to, having to hide their true selves. It was great that their friends showed such support.
Overall a sweet story.
March 3, 2014
It seemed rather appropriate to read a book set during the Winter Olympics while the Games actually were on. What I really loved, right from the start, was Dev's internal monologue about coming in second to the Russians, again, and how he wouldn't mind elbowing them off the medal platform. HA! I knew it! I would totally be thinking those exact same things. When you've worked so hard, you want to win, you want to see your country's flag raised, and hear your own national anthem. So, basically, I empathized with Dev immediately and liked him even more for his refreshing honesty.
What happens in the dressing room between Dev and Mikhail is hot, hot, hot, but also…whoa? What. The. Hell? Dev was angry about the judges always giving high marks to the Russians even though technically their long program wasn't that good and Mikhail got angry, told Dev he knew nothing, and shoved him against a locker. At which point there was kissing and a whole lot of rutting. Crap. What to do now? It's only a few weeks until the Olympics where Dev and Bailey will once again compete against Mikhail and Kisa for the gold.
Dev and Mikhail (Misha) can't stay away from each other at the Olympic Village nor during practice and their hidden lust for each other grows. Dev sees a different man than the cold, impersonal, arrogant Russian skater. Now he sees Misha who is warm, funny, vulnerable, and sexy. But what they're doing is seriously dangerous, both to themselves, their partners, their teammates, and their countries. I see bad mojo coming down the ice. Pun totally intended.
This was an exciting, drama filled short story with a lot of heat and ice (yep, pun still intended) that really captured my attention. I love the Olympic Games and have the utmost respect for all the competitors so a love story set around the winter games was simply excellent fun. Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable and sexy read.
NOTE: This book was provided by Loose Id for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
What happens in the dressing room between Dev and Mikhail is hot, hot, hot, but also…whoa? What. The. Hell? Dev was angry about the judges always giving high marks to the Russians even though technically their long program wasn't that good and Mikhail got angry, told Dev he knew nothing, and shoved him against a locker. At which point there was kissing and a whole lot of rutting. Crap. What to do now? It's only a few weeks until the Olympics where Dev and Bailey will once again compete against Mikhail and Kisa for the gold.
Dev and Mikhail (Misha) can't stay away from each other at the Olympic Village nor during practice and their hidden lust for each other grows. Dev sees a different man than the cold, impersonal, arrogant Russian skater. Now he sees Misha who is warm, funny, vulnerable, and sexy. But what they're doing is seriously dangerous, both to themselves, their partners, their teammates, and their countries. I see bad mojo coming down the ice. Pun totally intended.
This was an exciting, drama filled short story with a lot of heat and ice (yep, pun still intended) that really captured my attention. I love the Olympic Games and have the utmost respect for all the competitors so a love story set around the winter games was simply excellent fun. Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable and sexy read.
NOTE: This book was provided by Loose Id for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
March 2, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I love sport stories and with the Olympics going on, this seemed so right to read now. This story was my first experience with this author and I will definitely looking for some more.
I loved the writing style of this author and the easy way I was able to read this story. It gave me a very satisfied feeling almost up to the end.
We focus on two male skaters (American Dev and Russian Misha) both part of figure skating teams for opposite countries. They are rivals on the rink and while there is no attraction and even dislike, things can change rapidly while being confronted unexpectedly and intimately.
Where I can understand for some people this just doesn’t work, for me it just clicked. I loved the sexual attraction that turned into more slowly and under enormous pressure.
While more than a gold medal seems to be at stake, there is that underlying tension that pulses just below the surface between both men that I really liked. The pressure, the need to perform and the need to keep things separate is very nicely addressed by the author.
A special mention should go to Dev’s skating partner, Bailey. What a woman! I would have loved to have read a bit more about her.
I do have to say the end is a bit rushed even though there is an epilogue and I think it is a shame that it is “cut off” like this.
There was so much more to explore especially after the Olympics and although the author gives us a small peek into the life of Dev & Misha after the Olympics, I sorely missed seeing what happened right after the games and with Misha & Dev personally.
Overall I enjoyed this story but there could have been more and in a way it needed to have more at the end.
A little end note about the cover it is fabulous and completely fitting!
Review posted at :
http://sidlove.com/2014/02/25/book-re...
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