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Polar Opposites
American magazine writer Zora Dunn has gladly accepted a plum assignment in the Polar Bear Capital of the World. Spending Christmas working in Northern Manitoba may not sound like the perfect holiday for some, but it's exactly what she needs to get her head back in the game after the sudden death of her beloved father. Armed with climate change research, swaddled in thermal-insulated clothing, and well-studied in the art of evading polar bears, Zora is fully prepared to conquer the icy wilderness and hopefully her stubborn writer's block too. Little does she know that a polar bear won't be the only ornery creature she has to worry about encountering in the wild.
Canadian photographer Luke MacNeil has a chip on his shoulder and an outlook murkier than Tim Hortons dark roast coffee. He’s also got a grudge against prissy know-it-alls like Zora Dunn, who may have cleared customs, but is clearly unprepared for the biting -40 degree windchill. But whatever, she’s not his problem. With a grim prognosis in his back pocket, MacNeil is focused on getting the job done and finding his next freelance gig before time runs out. As the mercury drops, the tension between he and Zora becomes thicker than the surrounding sea ice.
Will their constant bickering sabotage the story, or could their shared mission kindle a connection worth battling the elements for this holiday season?
Canadian photographer Luke MacNeil has a chip on his shoulder and an outlook murkier than Tim Hortons dark roast coffee. He’s also got a grudge against prissy know-it-alls like Zora Dunn, who may have cleared customs, but is clearly unprepared for the biting -40 degree windchill. But whatever, she’s not his problem. With a grim prognosis in his back pocket, MacNeil is focused on getting the job done and finding his next freelance gig before time runs out. As the mercury drops, the tension between he and Zora becomes thicker than the surrounding sea ice.
Will their constant bickering sabotage the story, or could their shared mission kindle a connection worth battling the elements for this holiday season?
ebook
Published November 1, 2024
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69 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Kellyn
9 books83 followersCanadian romcom author Barbara Kellyn writes funny, steamy stories about likeable heroines worth rooting for and alluring heroes worth the trouble of falling for, and is tickled that readers have crowned her “the Queen of Banter.”
Barbara has published five, full-length standalone romantic comedy novels and two holiday novellas, including Kobo Originals' 2024 Holiday Romcom Writing Contest winner, Polar Opposites, and thanks her lucky stars that she got her happily ever after in real life.
Barbara has published five, full-length standalone romantic comedy novels and two holiday novellas, including Kobo Originals' 2024 Holiday Romcom Writing Contest winner, Polar Opposites, and thanks her lucky stars that she got her happily ever after in real life.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 11, 2024
5 STARS!
Is there anything better than an enemies to lovers with great chemistry and banter? The back and forth between MacNeil and Zora was so very entertaining.
"You know what they say about love and hate being two sides of the same coin."So glad I took a chance on this one! It was a spur of the moment buy and it turned out to be a heart-warming winner with a nice side of sarcasm. 😍
Is there anything better than an enemies to lovers with great chemistry and banter? The back and forth between MacNeil and Zora was so very entertaining.
"So much for Canadians being polite. You're rude, arrogant, condescending, and you have the social skills of a . . . a . . . spoon."The author did such a good job of keeping things civil, all the while maintaining a nice sharp edge to the writing.
He smirked. "Big spoon or little spoon?"
Even if she'd come to the end of her rope, that didn't give her the right to make a noose and hang him with the rest of it.This was a wonderful start to my holiday reading!
November 7, 2024
I'm always excited to discover Canadian authors! Generally, I find that enemies-to-lovers can be tricky to pull off in a novella, but this one was cute and made the most of its shorter length.
I really liked the unique setting of polar bear conservation in Northern Manitoba, where a journalist and a photographer are forced to collaborate on an article. Zora instantly rubs Luke the wrong way, and their tension and clashing opinions made for a fun read.
The Canadian vibes were there, the banter was good, and the story even had some depth—which I think could have been even more impactful in a full-length novel. I enjoyed this one!
⭐⭐⭐💫 (3.5 stars)
(heat level: one open-door scene, mild details)
I really liked the unique setting of polar bear conservation in Northern Manitoba, where a journalist and a photographer are forced to collaborate on an article. Zora instantly rubs Luke the wrong way, and their tension and clashing opinions made for a fun read.
The Canadian vibes were there, the banter was good, and the story even had some depth—which I think could have been even more impactful in a full-length novel. I enjoyed this one!
⭐⭐⭐💫 (3.5 stars)
(heat level: one open-door scene, mild details)
December 9, 2024
Both main characters were annoying
December 17, 2024
Cute, entertaining but characters backstories were too heavy for such a short little novella. We love a happily ever after though!
November 10, 2024
romans taki średni ale na ostatnim rozdziale łezka poleciała
+ misie polarne były super 🐻❄️
+ misie polarne były super 🐻❄️
November 4, 2024
2.5 - mostly made me lol
November 5, 2024
This book is a good choice if you're in the mood to read something light and quick.
December 5, 2024
Kobo plus free books are really influencing me to read the “hallmark Christmas movies” of books lately…🥲
December 16, 2024
Looking for a Slightly Spicy and Sweet Christmas Romance Novella?
Note: I was mystified by the number of three and four stars on Goodreads for Polar Opposites, but I think I figured it out: readers wanted more. This story could’ve absolutely stretched into a full-length novel. It would have worked. However, this is a NOVELLA—that is what the author intended, and that is what she delivered. Polar Opposites is the winner of the 2024 Kobo Originals Holiday Romance eBook NOVELLA contest. A reader’s wish for a longer story—in this reviewer’s opinion—shouldn’t result in fewer stars.
Spoiler: Polar Opposites is getting five stars from me.
Now, let’s get to it.
Author Barbara Kellyn delivered a fun little novella for Christmas rom-com fans. Main character Zora Dunn—Zed to antagonist Luke MacNeil—accepts an assignment in the frigid Canadian outdoors to write about climate change and its effect on polar bears and the inhabitants of Churchill. MacNeil is the photographer assigned to accompany her.
The sparks that first fly aren’t ones of passion but of conflict. Simply put, Dunn and MacNeil rub each other in the wrong way—until they don’t. Throw in a drunken pool game, two polar bear encounters, the aurora borealis, a little black dress, and a striped toque—and the thermometer shoots up to irresistible.
Kellyn’s holiday romance includes a touch of melancholy, too. A recent loss for Dunn and a future one likely for MacNeil made the two characters relatable. I was surprised with the direction Kellyn went with MacNeil, but it works. Even in a rom-com, readers can experience a bit of heartbreak.
Quick wit and crisp writing are present throughout this holiday tale—something fans of Kellyn have come to expect. The ending is satisfying and lets the reader dream about what could possibly happen for Dunn and MacNeil. I’m rooting for a bright future for these two. I think you will as well.
Note: I was mystified by the number of three and four stars on Goodreads for Polar Opposites, but I think I figured it out: readers wanted more. This story could’ve absolutely stretched into a full-length novel. It would have worked. However, this is a NOVELLA—that is what the author intended, and that is what she delivered. Polar Opposites is the winner of the 2024 Kobo Originals Holiday Romance eBook NOVELLA contest. A reader’s wish for a longer story—in this reviewer’s opinion—shouldn’t result in fewer stars.
Spoiler: Polar Opposites is getting five stars from me.
Now, let’s get to it.
Author Barbara Kellyn delivered a fun little novella for Christmas rom-com fans. Main character Zora Dunn—Zed to antagonist Luke MacNeil—accepts an assignment in the frigid Canadian outdoors to write about climate change and its effect on polar bears and the inhabitants of Churchill. MacNeil is the photographer assigned to accompany her.
The sparks that first fly aren’t ones of passion but of conflict. Simply put, Dunn and MacNeil rub each other in the wrong way—until they don’t. Throw in a drunken pool game, two polar bear encounters, the aurora borealis, a little black dress, and a striped toque—and the thermometer shoots up to irresistible.
Kellyn’s holiday romance includes a touch of melancholy, too. A recent loss for Dunn and a future one likely for MacNeil made the two characters relatable. I was surprised with the direction Kellyn went with MacNeil, but it works. Even in a rom-com, readers can experience a bit of heartbreak.
Quick wit and crisp writing are present throughout this holiday tale—something fans of Kellyn have come to expect. The ending is satisfying and lets the reader dream about what could possibly happen for Dunn and MacNeil. I’m rooting for a bright future for these two. I think you will as well.
December 21, 2024
The Novella format doesn't leave a lot of room for long meandering backstory and supposition. It's quick and to the point. But even in the confines of this, Kellyn has the seamless ability to ensnare the reader in the first line, build characters and a world and makes it seem effortless and robust.
Polar Opposites did not disappoint.
I was immediately adrift in Barbara’s storytelling abilities. She is a MASTER with her turn of phrase and her dialogue is on point. I found myself grinning as I happily sighed my way through Zora and Luke's adventures in Northern Manitoba as they tried to endure each other and finish their shared assignment.
Canada, cold days, some hot nights and a grumpy sunshine trope - all wrapped in a truly well written work ... do yourself a favor, and cuddle up with this book immediately.
Polar Opposites did not disappoint.
I was immediately adrift in Barbara’s storytelling abilities. She is a MASTER with her turn of phrase and her dialogue is on point. I found myself grinning as I happily sighed my way through Zora and Luke's adventures in Northern Manitoba as they tried to endure each other and finish their shared assignment.
Canada, cold days, some hot nights and a grumpy sunshine trope - all wrapped in a truly well written work ... do yourself a favor, and cuddle up with this book immediately.
November 5, 2024
Polar Opposites is the perfect little pick-me-up you won’t be able to put down. Barbara Kellyn’s novella packs a masterful punch in a small package. Enemies Zora and Luke immediately offer the reader intriguing character details, with just enough endearing backstory to give them full character arcs over the course of a short story. The space Kellyn gives her characters to grow in this dual POV adds the right amount of tension and spice to keep the reader satisfied. The plot takes you to a place you have probably never been, but will immediately feel like you have travelled to. The research and detail is impressive and immersive. Polar Opposites is the quintessential holiday read!
November 3, 2024
A Christmas romance with polar bears?! Sign me up!
This quick read has me smiling from ear to ear! Barbara Kellyn is known for her witty banter, and Polar Opposites did not disappoint. There's a bit of spice and everything else nice, plus the grumpy sunshine trope and POLAR BEARS! Grab a mug of hot cider and a blanket, and settle in for a rom-com romp through the icy Canadian tundra, complete with toques and hot Vikings.
This quick read has me smiling from ear to ear! Barbara Kellyn is known for her witty banter, and Polar Opposites did not disappoint. There's a bit of spice and everything else nice, plus the grumpy sunshine trope and POLAR BEARS! Grab a mug of hot cider and a blanket, and settle in for a rom-com romp through the icy Canadian tundra, complete with toques and hot Vikings.
December 11, 2024
I grabbed this book because it’s the winner of the 2024 Kobo Originals Christmas rom com writing contest.
It’s not a literary masterpiece, but, it’s a story that takes place in Canada…Churchill, Manitoba. Home to the polar bears & someplace I’ve always wanted to visit.
Zora has a story to write & Luke is supposed to take the once in a lifetime picture. They are both mourning the loss of something & this place & these bears, bring them together.
It’s not a literary masterpiece, but, it’s a story that takes place in Canada…Churchill, Manitoba. Home to the polar bears & someplace I’ve always wanted to visit.
Zora has a story to write & Luke is supposed to take the once in a lifetime picture. They are both mourning the loss of something & this place & these bears, bring them together.
December 19, 2024
This is a very cute and sweet book. It has a little bit of naughtiest in it, but not too much. I really enjoyed reading this book. I like this book because it's based in Canada, where I live, and Luke reminds me of my husband a bit, the bravery, sweet, loving, and a photographer. This book made me cry, and only 3 books did that. I recommend this book 100%.
December 11, 2024
This was a great story. It was short and sweet but had a lot to offer. I liked that there was enough character background and knowledge in the setting. Nice to read something closer to home! Definitely recommend for a cozy holiday read!
December 11, 2024
Absolutely loved this enemies to lovers holiday romcom by Canadian author (🥳🇨🇦) Barbara Kellyn! The setting was beautifully described, tension was 💯 from the start, and the romance and witty banter make this a perfect winter read. Highly recommend!
January 22, 2025
Quick read novella set in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada. Polar Bear Capital of the World. Between Polar Bears and the aurora borealis there are so many photos to take and conservation plans to learn about!
January 14, 2026
Pretty good! Cute, quick romance with polar bears and global warming. Grumpy ahole mc photographer vs perky people-pleasing fmc journalist. Forced proximity, opposites attract, fun small-town community vibes!
November 20, 2024
A holiday romance full of banter between a magazine writer and photographer. As the temperature drops, their chemistry heats up. A fun read.
September 14, 2025
It was way too short to have any good character development. Seemed cheesy. the unraveling from enemy to lovers was super disappointing
November 6, 2025
Cute Canadian Christmas romance! Loved the Northern Manitoba setting!
Thank you to Kobo Books for my copy!
Thank you to Kobo Books for my copy!
March 8, 2025
Well, Polar Opposites by Barbara Kellyn was certainly… an experience. And by “experience,” I mean it was a bit like ordering a coffee, expecting a nice, smooth latte, and then getting a cup of lukewarm tea with a side of confusion.
The premise had potential. I mean, polar opposites? Who doesn’t love a good opposites-attract story? But this one just didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The characters felt like they were trying to be opposites, but it came across more like they were two people who couldn’t figure out how to make their personalities mesh without constantly running into each other in awkward ways. I mean, sure, opposites attract, but these two felt like they were forcing it — like trying to shove a square peg into a round hole. It just didn’t feel natural.
The chemistry between the leads? Eh. It was more like a slow simmer that never quite reached boiling. There were moments when I thought, “Oh, here we go, now it’s getting good!” only for it to fizzle out faster than a soda left open overnight.
The plot wasn’t terrible, but it felt like it was trying to be too many things at once — romance, comedy, drama — and ended up kind of losing focus. I found myself wishing the story would just pick a lane and stay in it. Instead, it kept swerving like a bad driver who’s had one too many cups of tea.
That being said, the writing was decent, and there were some cute moments that almost made me forget about the rest. Almost.
In the end, Polar Opposites wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t the heartwarming, laugh-out-loud romance I was hoping for either. It’s like a mediocre blind date — not the worst, but not one you’d brag about to your friends. A solid 3 stars for the effort, but next time, maybe a little less tea and a little more coffee?
The premise had potential. I mean, polar opposites? Who doesn’t love a good opposites-attract story? But this one just didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The characters felt like they were trying to be opposites, but it came across more like they were two people who couldn’t figure out how to make their personalities mesh without constantly running into each other in awkward ways. I mean, sure, opposites attract, but these two felt like they were forcing it — like trying to shove a square peg into a round hole. It just didn’t feel natural.
The chemistry between the leads? Eh. It was more like a slow simmer that never quite reached boiling. There were moments when I thought, “Oh, here we go, now it’s getting good!” only for it to fizzle out faster than a soda left open overnight.
The plot wasn’t terrible, but it felt like it was trying to be too many things at once — romance, comedy, drama — and ended up kind of losing focus. I found myself wishing the story would just pick a lane and stay in it. Instead, it kept swerving like a bad driver who’s had one too many cups of tea.
That being said, the writing was decent, and there were some cute moments that almost made me forget about the rest. Almost.
In the end, Polar Opposites wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t the heartwarming, laugh-out-loud romance I was hoping for either. It’s like a mediocre blind date — not the worst, but not one you’d brag about to your friends. A solid 3 stars for the effort, but next time, maybe a little less tea and a little more coffee?
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews