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Cold War #2
Holding the Edge
Gay figure skaters keep their relationship secret--and end up on thin ice.
Misha Reznikov has an Olympic gold--and a secret lover who just happens to be the silver medalist. Now that their competitive days are over, Misha and former rival Dev Avira are setting up house in LA and giving their relationship a shot in the real world. They agree that keeping their romance strictly under wraps is best for their pro careers and Misha's family back in Russia. So what if Dev hasn't told his parents, and they never eat out for fear of being spotted? It's not perfect, but they're together.
But as they prepare for a special holiday skating show on Christmas Eve in Dev's hometown, tension builds. How long can Misha and Dev keep their love secret--and what happens if one of them wants to stop hiding?
Note: This is the sequel to Cold War.
Misha Reznikov has an Olympic gold--and a secret lover who just happens to be the silver medalist. Now that their competitive days are over, Misha and former rival Dev Avira are setting up house in LA and giving their relationship a shot in the real world. They agree that keeping their romance strictly under wraps is best for their pro careers and Misha's family back in Russia. So what if Dev hasn't told his parents, and they never eat out for fear of being spotted? It's not perfect, but they're together.
But as they prepare for a special holiday skating show on Christmas Eve in Dev's hometown, tension builds. How long can Misha and Dev keep their love secret--and what happens if one of them wants to stop hiding?
Note: This is the sequel to Cold War.
95 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2014
5 people are currently reading
272 people want to read
About the author
Keira Andrews
63 books3,065 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 42 reviews
January 3, 2015
I love this author's work, but the first half of this story felt like a really long, really boring epilogue for Cold War. It was nice to have an opportunity to see what happens after the end credits, so to speak, but it just wasn't that compelling. Luckily, the last 50% of the story picked up a bit and ended with the drama and gooey declarations that I was hoping for.
October 7, 2015
Somewhere around 3.5, although I did like it more than book 1. I really liked Misha's POV. He's a much more real character than Dev, to me. Not sure why.
July 21, 2015
My first thoughts before diving in Holding the Edge (Cold War, #2) were that the cover guys are totally not what I had in mind, especially not Dev, so I just stuck to my dirty imagination. When I started reading it I was positive that I'm gonna enjoy it more than Cold War (Cold War, #1), because- hey, Dev & Misha finally came clean about their feelings for each other and started a real, even though still closeted relationship and they even got a pet .
Another thing that I liked is that we finally got Misha's pov and the building friendship between their dance partners who couldn't stand each other not so long. The skater boys have done the easy part, but now comes the hard part when they have to face their families, friends and society. Will the pressure be too much for them? Buy the book and find out!
All in all, it was a sweet, emotional and quite satisfying conclusion to the short Cold War series. 3 stars because there was some cheesy content, especially in the 2nd half of the book which kind of lessened my first impression.
Review posted on Way Too Hoy Books
Another thing that I liked is that we finally got Misha's pov and the building friendship between their dance partners who couldn't stand each other not so long. The skater boys have done the easy part, but now comes the hard part when they have to face their families, friends and society. Will the pressure be too much for them? Buy the book and find out!
All in all, it was a sweet, emotional and quite satisfying conclusion to the short Cold War series. 3 stars because there was some cheesy content, especially in the 2nd half of the book which kind of lessened my first impression.
Review posted on Way Too Hoy Books
December 4, 2014
What a fabulous follow up. AND it was from Misha's POV, which i just adored. He's such a sweetheart. It was great to see Kisa and Bailey again, too. Short and sweet, and just exactly what I needed today. <3 Great job Keira Andrews. This novella is yet another reason she's one of my few auto-buys.
December 21, 2014
I absolutely loved this follow up to Cold War and what a wonderful cover, too! Set during the holidays, this is the perfect read for this time of year, but it's not so Christmas-y that it won't hold up in other seasons also. Dev and Misha are adorable together and the conflict within the book is both believable and understandable. I loved the scenes with Dev's mother. She is hilarious. And, speaking of Dev and his family, yay for cultural diversity and representation! Another good work by Keira Andrews. She's got this "writing a good book" thing down!
ETA: Yay! I loved it all over again! :D
ETA: Yay! I loved it all over again! :D
January 8, 2015
You must read the the first in series before reading this.
I enjoyed continuing on the journey with these guys, especially being in Misha"s mind. Instead of being controlled by their competition schedule and training, the guys are ajusting to retirement (still doing shows), starting new careers and to each other. They are searching for their futures and seeing if those futures can be traveled together. I like Dev and Misha and I like them together.
I enjoyed continuing on the journey with these guys, especially being in Misha"s mind. Instead of being controlled by their competition schedule and training, the guys are ajusting to retirement (still doing shows), starting new careers and to each other. They are searching for their futures and seeing if those futures can be traveled together. I like Dev and Misha and I like them together.
November 17, 2015
2.5 stars
Secrets, skating and coming out.
I haven’t read the first book in this series (didn’t know there was one as the series info was added after I started reading) and it probably would have been a good idea to have done so. Then, I could have felt like I knew these guys a little better.
Still, it was easy to figure out what was going on. At it's core, I've already read this story in other sports settings. And there wasn't much tension… the guys have retired from competition and are doing the skate show circuit. There’s a dash of skating, a fair amount of sex, and a lot of obsessing about when/how to come out. The little bit of talk about human rights abuses in Mikhail’s (Misha) Russia was the most interesting part but that wasn’t dealt with in great depth.
All in all, a short, quick, easy bit of fluff about two ice skaters overcoming their fear of going public with their love affair. The writing was good, the story just a little better than OK for me.
December 7, 2014
3.5 Stars
This installment deals pretty much entirely with Dev and Misha's decision to keep their relationship under wraps. It's not as easy as they thought it would be, and Misha doesn't want to hide anymore, but Dev is afraid. After a year of being together, they deserve to be open and happy.
Not a lot of angst in this story and it was nice to catch up with Dev and Misha.
This installment deals pretty much entirely with Dev and Misha's decision to keep their relationship under wraps. It's not as easy as they thought it would be, and Misha doesn't want to hide anymore, but Dev is afraid. After a year of being together, they deserve to be open and happy.
Not a lot of angst in this story and it was nice to catch up with Dev and Misha.
November 13, 2022
I'm giving this 3⭐, because it's really, really short.
Consequently the writing wasn't that good, the story wasn't developed as it could have been and even though it turned out quite alright, it honestly wasn't really what I expected.
💙The author should have doubled the written pages, the ending and the epilogue wasn't satisfactory.
💙It ended happily, but I would have wanted to experience the Christmas dinner, Misha's parents, their relationship a little further down the line and maybe also some kind of engagement.
They're happy and living together, so that counts. 🌈❤️
Consequently the writing wasn't that good, the story wasn't developed as it could have been and even though it turned out quite alright, it honestly wasn't really what I expected.
💙The author should have doubled the written pages, the ending and the epilogue wasn't satisfactory.
💙It ended happily, but I would have wanted to experience the Christmas dinner, Misha's parents, their relationship a little further down the line and maybe also some kind of engagement.
They're happy and living together, so that counts. 🌈❤️
April 10, 2019
'Holding the Edge' is book two in the 'Cold War' series by Keira Andrews, and I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was excited to get back to Misha and Dev's lives. I was intrigued by the blurb, and the opportunity to see these two men sharing their daily lives, but, only to a point. I mean, now that the Olympics are done, and both skaters have turned professional, I assumed they would be out to the world. Not so, and this book was the chance to watch them struggle with this challenge.
Because of the Russian government, and its current hatred towards homosexuals, it's understandable that Misha worries about coming out in the public eye. He may no longer live there, but his family does, and Kisa, his skating partner, does. Dev is continuing in the skating world, although no longer competing, he runs the risk of not getting any more paid work as a skating professional. So they finally both have what they want, each other, and they're sharing a home on the beach in Santa Monica, and yet, their life together is only known to a very small group of people. Dev hasn't even told his family, mainly because they still believe that Misha is his biggest rival, and Dev's mom is still angry about the Olympics. So convoluted and messy. If they didn't love each other, I imagine Misha and Dev wouldn't bother.
This was a great addition to the series, and I hope that the author is planning more. Misha and Dev, along with Bailey and Kisa, are such vibrant characters, and I'll miss them. I'm looking forward to whatever might be coming. Thank you, Keira!
NOTE: This book was provided by Loose Id for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Because of the Russian government, and its current hatred towards homosexuals, it's understandable that Misha worries about coming out in the public eye. He may no longer live there, but his family does, and Kisa, his skating partner, does. Dev is continuing in the skating world, although no longer competing, he runs the risk of not getting any more paid work as a skating professional. So they finally both have what they want, each other, and they're sharing a home on the beach in Santa Monica, and yet, their life together is only known to a very small group of people. Dev hasn't even told his family, mainly because they still believe that Misha is his biggest rival, and Dev's mom is still angry about the Olympics. So convoluted and messy. If they didn't love each other, I imagine Misha and Dev wouldn't bother.
This was a great addition to the series, and I hope that the author is planning more. Misha and Dev, along with Bailey and Kisa, are such vibrant characters, and I'll miss them. I'm looking forward to whatever might be coming. Thank you, Keira!
NOTE: This book was provided by Loose Id for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
February 13, 2022
3,25
Ponownie za krótkie 😕
Gdyby każda z tych części była dwa razy dłuższa i miała objętość Kiss and Cry, byłoby wszystko w porządku. A tak miało się wrażenie, że wszystko było trochę zbyt pobieżne i przyspieszone - choć przyznaję, że zwłaszcza w jedynce, druga część była pod tym względem lepsza.
Ale Mishę po tej części pokochałam i jak najbardziej rozumiałam jego powody, dla których chciał się ukrywać. Ten wątek był konsekwentnie prowadzony od jedynki (). Myślę, że dla każdego, kto pochodzi z kraju z byłego bloku wschodniego i pamięta tamte czasy, będzie zrozumiałe, dlaczego się bał - nawet, jeżeli to inne czasy. A jeżeli jeszcze dodać do starych metod radzieckich nową rosyjską mowę nienawiści i represje w stosunku do społeczności LGBT, wszystko staje się jeszcze bardziej zrozumiałe.
Smutno się czytało, że w momencie, gdy książka była pisana, była w Rosjanach jakaś nadzieja na zmianę, na odwilż, na to, że opozycja wygra, bo rosła w siłę...
Natomiast Dev tym razem trochę mnie wkurzał, bo jego powody do ukrywania się i niechęci, do powiedzenia swojej rodzinie o sobie i Mishy jako parze już były trochę mętne. Albo niedojrzałe. Albo pokrętne. Albo wszystko naraz. Jakieś takie mało przekonujące...
I choć to nie erotyki, to seksu w obydwu częściach było dużo - za dużo jak na raczej krótkie teksty. Szkoda, bo można to miejsce było wykorzystać w inny sposób...
Ponownie za krótkie 😕
Gdyby każda z tych części była dwa razy dłuższa i miała objętość Kiss and Cry, byłoby wszystko w porządku. A tak miało się wrażenie, że wszystko było trochę zbyt pobieżne i przyspieszone - choć przyznaję, że zwłaszcza w jedynce, druga część była pod tym względem lepsza.
Ale Mishę po tej części pokochałam i jak najbardziej rozumiałam jego powody, dla których chciał się ukrywać. Ten wątek był konsekwentnie prowadzony od jedynki (). Myślę, że dla każdego, kto pochodzi z kraju z byłego bloku wschodniego i pamięta tamte czasy, będzie zrozumiałe, dlaczego się bał - nawet, jeżeli to inne czasy. A jeżeli jeszcze dodać do starych metod radzieckich nową rosyjską mowę nienawiści i represje w stosunku do społeczności LGBT, wszystko staje się jeszcze bardziej zrozumiałe.
Smutno się czytało, że w momencie, gdy książka była pisana, była w Rosjanach jakaś nadzieja na zmianę, na odwilż, na to, że opozycja wygra, bo rosła w siłę...
Natomiast Dev tym razem trochę mnie wkurzał, bo jego powody do ukrywania się i niechęci, do powiedzenia swojej rodzinie o sobie i Mishy jako parze już były trochę mętne. Albo niedojrzałe. Albo pokrętne. Albo wszystko naraz. Jakieś takie mało przekonujące...
I choć to nie erotyki, to seksu w obydwu częściach było dużo - za dużo jak na raczej krótkie teksty. Szkoda, bo można to miejsce było wykorzystać w inny sposób...
February 10, 2022
3.5 stars
Better than the first one, because as one reader mentioned, Misha was a more interesting character than Dev, and this book was from his POV. Sweet and just a bit of low angst.
Better than the first one, because as one reader mentioned, Misha was a more interesting character than Dev, and this book was from his POV. Sweet and just a bit of low angst.
December 15, 2014
Oh, Keira Andrews, how you make me love ice skating. These stories bring the skating world and all its action and drama to life. Dev and Misha are back - skating's hottest fictional couple is still together, burning it up on the pro circuit. Burning it up probably isn't quite adequate to describe what lies between them; they're amazing together. Finding genuine passion and affection on the page like that is rare and refreshing.
In a way I've come to associate with her stories, Andrews gives us plenty of emotion, tension and suspense in the sequel to Cold War. This time around we get Misha's point of view, and it's the perfect angle to tackle such a sensitive story. He and Dev are risking so much to be together and must decide whether to continue in secret or come out to the world. Either way they face a mountain of difficulties. The way Andrews tells it, I have no trouble seeing the pros and cons of each. She builds a case for both sides, and at times I found myself conflicted as to which way I wanted this to go. Past experience tells me being out is typically less stressful than hiding, because that constant fear of discovery really wears on you. On the other hand, going public has its own set of consequences, including danger to Misha's family and freedom. Are Dev and Misha ready to face all of that? I'm not sure they could survive hiding much longer.
Andrews gives Misha and Dev a very special gift: the gift of communication. They work to resolve their situation while building a stronger foundation, and the very thing that could tear them apart seems to solidify their commitment. These are two very caring, selfless guys, something I didn't expect to find in figure skaters who can be known for their vanity. Maybe it's different in pairs, because you always have to consider your partner? That could be. Either way, they don't ever let things go too long or too far before working it out. Even when they seem to be at the breaking point, the empathy and compassion they have for one another is astounding. Not to mention a definite perk for us is that all this conflict leads to some hot, steamy make-up sex. ;)
More than anything I really needed this book right now. I've read some good books lately, but not many gave me that can't sleep, life-is-getting-in-the-way-of-my-reading kind of feeling. Holding the Edge absolutely did, but then again pretty much all of Keira Andrews books do. I swear every book Keira Andrews writes makes me wish the people were real. She has an incredible talent for storytelling, and I'm more and more in love with her writing with each book I read. She also seems like a pretty terrific person - you can connect with her online - so that makes it even better. Someday I hope to have the pleasure of meeting her in person.
This review can be found at www.3chicksafterdark.com.
In a way I've come to associate with her stories, Andrews gives us plenty of emotion, tension and suspense in the sequel to Cold War. This time around we get Misha's point of view, and it's the perfect angle to tackle such a sensitive story. He and Dev are risking so much to be together and must decide whether to continue in secret or come out to the world. Either way they face a mountain of difficulties. The way Andrews tells it, I have no trouble seeing the pros and cons of each. She builds a case for both sides, and at times I found myself conflicted as to which way I wanted this to go. Past experience tells me being out is typically less stressful than hiding, because that constant fear of discovery really wears on you. On the other hand, going public has its own set of consequences, including danger to Misha's family and freedom. Are Dev and Misha ready to face all of that? I'm not sure they could survive hiding much longer.
Andrews gives Misha and Dev a very special gift: the gift of communication. They work to resolve their situation while building a stronger foundation, and the very thing that could tear them apart seems to solidify their commitment. These are two very caring, selfless guys, something I didn't expect to find in figure skaters who can be known for their vanity. Maybe it's different in pairs, because you always have to consider your partner? That could be. Either way, they don't ever let things go too long or too far before working it out. Even when they seem to be at the breaking point, the empathy and compassion they have for one another is astounding. Not to mention a definite perk for us is that all this conflict leads to some hot, steamy make-up sex. ;)
More than anything I really needed this book right now. I've read some good books lately, but not many gave me that can't sleep, life-is-getting-in-the-way-of-my-reading kind of feeling. Holding the Edge absolutely did, but then again pretty much all of Keira Andrews books do. I swear every book Keira Andrews writes makes me wish the people were real. She has an incredible talent for storytelling, and I'm more and more in love with her writing with each book I read. She also seems like a pretty terrific person - you can connect with her online - so that makes it even better. Someday I hope to have the pleasure of meeting her in person.
This review can be found at www.3chicksafterdark.com.
December 9, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Holding the Edge is a follow up to Cold War and wraps up the story of Misha and Dev really nicely. Whereas the first book focused a lot on the skating world and the nuances of competition, this story is focused primarily on Misha and Dev and their relationship. I really liked that as I felt it was hard to get a great feel for these guys together in the first book and here they are really front and center. We can see the easy companionship between them and the clear affection they have for each other. As we start the story, it is obvious that their relationship has grown strong since they retired from competitive skating and they are really sexy and sweet together.
This book is told this time from Misha’s POV, which I really liked, as we get to see that softer side of him that isn’t always apparent to others. It also helps us follow along as Misha starts to feel like he really is ready to be public with their relationship after all. It is a hard situation for these guys, because it is not just them affected by their decision. They have a limited window to take advantage of their popularity and to book tours and promotions as professional skaters. If the public or sponsors turn on them, their skating partners will suffer too. Misha also has family in Russia and his partner Kisa still lives there. While he was a competitive skater, the Russian government heavily controlled Misha’s skating career. Now that he is retired, they could make his family and friends really suffer if they chose to retaliate for Misha coming out. So we can see the reasons for their hesitation are big ones. But at the same time, it is so hard for these guys keeping up appearances, especially when their feelings for one another are so strong. Misha especially just wants a normal life. He has disliked skating for years and he wants to move on and be free to live how he wants now that it is over.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Holding the Edge is a follow up to Cold War and wraps up the story of Misha and Dev really nicely. Whereas the first book focused a lot on the skating world and the nuances of competition, this story is focused primarily on Misha and Dev and their relationship. I really liked that as I felt it was hard to get a great feel for these guys together in the first book and here they are really front and center. We can see the easy companionship between them and the clear affection they have for each other. As we start the story, it is obvious that their relationship has grown strong since they retired from competitive skating and they are really sexy and sweet together.
This book is told this time from Misha’s POV, which I really liked, as we get to see that softer side of him that isn’t always apparent to others. It also helps us follow along as Misha starts to feel like he really is ready to be public with their relationship after all. It is a hard situation for these guys, because it is not just them affected by their decision. They have a limited window to take advantage of their popularity and to book tours and promotions as professional skaters. If the public or sponsors turn on them, their skating partners will suffer too. Misha also has family in Russia and his partner Kisa still lives there. While he was a competitive skater, the Russian government heavily controlled Misha’s skating career. Now that he is retired, they could make his family and friends really suffer if they chose to retaliate for Misha coming out. So we can see the reasons for their hesitation are big ones. But at the same time, it is so hard for these guys keeping up appearances, especially when their feelings for one another are so strong. Misha especially just wants a normal life. He has disliked skating for years and he wants to move on and be free to live how he wants now that it is over.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
December 19, 2014
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
This was a great after the fact story for everyone wanting to catch up with Misha and Dev after Cold War.
Misha and Kisa had won their Gold Medal at the Olympics which should have won Misha his freedom to finally live his life as he wanted in America. The reality of life was not that simple and now he is months down the line, still in a relationship with Dev, but still hiding and not living as he wants. There is money from shows to be concerned with, there is the risk to his family back in Russia, there are Dev parents, there are Bailey and Kisa and there are Misha’s own personal fears. The list is never ending but the more his feelings grow for Dev the more difficult this ‘caged’ life becomes.
Being in love with someone but having to hide them is proving more difficult to do every day. When Misha’s friends and families disagree with his decision and push him to live more openly and honestly there is only one person left to convince and he is uncertain how Dev will feel. As the show they have been rehearsing for begins Misha is more certain than ever that he can no longer hide is emotions.
Holding the Edge is a story of facing your fears and finding that not everything is as bad as you have built it up to be. It was the final hurdle for Dev and Misha and one Misha hopes they can take together.
This was a great after the fact story for everyone wanting to catch up with Misha and Dev after Cold War.
Misha and Kisa had won their Gold Medal at the Olympics which should have won Misha his freedom to finally live his life as he wanted in America. The reality of life was not that simple and now he is months down the line, still in a relationship with Dev, but still hiding and not living as he wants. There is money from shows to be concerned with, there is the risk to his family back in Russia, there are Dev parents, there are Bailey and Kisa and there are Misha’s own personal fears. The list is never ending but the more his feelings grow for Dev the more difficult this ‘caged’ life becomes.
Being in love with someone but having to hide them is proving more difficult to do every day. When Misha’s friends and families disagree with his decision and push him to live more openly and honestly there is only one person left to convince and he is uncertain how Dev will feel. As the show they have been rehearsing for begins Misha is more certain than ever that he can no longer hide is emotions.
Holding the Edge is a story of facing your fears and finding that not everything is as bad as you have built it up to be. It was the final hurdle for Dev and Misha and one Misha hopes they can take together.
December 6, 2014
This was a perfect little holiday treat. Loved that we got to see into Misha's head in this story. I also thought the conflict between him and Dev about keeping their secret was realistic, and I could understand where they were both coming from. It was great to see more of Bailey and Kisa, and to see the two pairs interacting all together. This book made me smile, and the ending was sooooo sweet. A feel-good story. I hope there will be a third book with these guys!
January 21, 2015
Perfect followup to Cold War. Dev and Misha are so in lust and love that it just warms your heart. Great happy ending.
March 5, 2016
3.5 rounded up because of Misha. Dev started to get on my nerves while Misha tried to be so brave. I like them together though and the writing was well done. Nice closure from book 1.
August 24, 2016
Nice follow up to first book.
August 31, 2015
3.25 stars
January 1, 2015
I love this couple! Great follow up to Cold War.
June 18, 2017
I really enjoyed seeing Misha and Dev together again and finally figure out how they can be out and together.
September 13, 2017
I enjoyed seeing how Misha and Dev were doing. The story is told from Misha's POV which is nice as we see how he sees the situation.
February 10, 2018
I read this as part of the winning edge (the book that combines cold war and holding the edge). loved it.
February 14, 2015
Review can be read at It's About The Book
Holding The Edge is the second book in the Cold War series. I hadn’t realised at the time that this book was a sequel, and to a book I haven’t read. I would recommend reading Cold War before reading this one. The story itself still made enough sense as a standalone to not feel lost at all, although I feel I would have perhaps had a greater connection with the characters knowing a bit more of their history together.
Misha, a former Russian figure skater and Olympic Gold Medallist, is finally free of the pressures of competitive skating for the first time in many years. He is now doing shows in the pro circuit along with his skating partner, fellow Russian Kisa. Having brokered a deal with the Russian government for his release if he won Olympic Gold, Misha now resides in the US and plans to move in with his American lover, former nemesis and Silver Medallist Dev.
With Kisa and Misha’s family still living in Russia, Dev and Misha decide it is best to remain in the closet and their relationship a secret only known to Misha’s family, Kisa and Bailey, Dev’s skate partner. Dev also fears his family’s reaction to him having a boyfriend – even though they already know and accept that he is gay – and a boyfriend who beat him to the Gold Medal! That would likely not go down well with his mother. There’s also corporate sponsorship and the pro skating bigwigs to worry about.
The first chapter opens with Dev, Misha and their respective partners ready to embark on a summer tour of shows. We see the four of them coming together again after a short time apart, Dev and Misha’s decision to keep things remaining on the down low, a bit of rehearsals while Misha loses concentration reminiscing about his and Dev’s previous encounters, and their passionate reunion in Dev’s room. Then chapter two skips to after the summer and Misha and Dev have moved into a place together in LA. Despite some realistic fears that their clandestine relationship may not translate to the everyday, their love has proven to stand the test and both are happy building their life there together. Fear of discovery keeps them from venturing out together too much, but it seems that the possible repercussions are still too great to take that risk. Until an accident on the ice leaves at least one of them wondering if keeping their love for each other hidden has become too hard.
I found Dev’s excuse for not telling his parents about Misha pretty lame. That was one of a couple of unbelievable plot points that stopped me from really sinking into this story. Another was their apparent lack of concern when Bailey (without any malicious intent – both Kisa and Bailey are very supportive), outs them in front of the other skaters in the show. After we’d just been told how gossipy the skating fraternity tends to be. There was some reference to the political persecution of gays in Russia which, seeing as Misha is Russian and still has ties there, I thought was an important inclusion, although the authors portrayal of an improvement in the Russian government seems to still be wishful thinking at this stage.
Holding The Edge was a mostly angst-free, feel-good short novella with likeable characters. While this isn’t a story that will stay with me, it was still a pleasant enough read to fill an evening with.
Holding The Edge is the second book in the Cold War series. I hadn’t realised at the time that this book was a sequel, and to a book I haven’t read. I would recommend reading Cold War before reading this one. The story itself still made enough sense as a standalone to not feel lost at all, although I feel I would have perhaps had a greater connection with the characters knowing a bit more of their history together.
Misha, a former Russian figure skater and Olympic Gold Medallist, is finally free of the pressures of competitive skating for the first time in many years. He is now doing shows in the pro circuit along with his skating partner, fellow Russian Kisa. Having brokered a deal with the Russian government for his release if he won Olympic Gold, Misha now resides in the US and plans to move in with his American lover, former nemesis and Silver Medallist Dev.
With Kisa and Misha’s family still living in Russia, Dev and Misha decide it is best to remain in the closet and their relationship a secret only known to Misha’s family, Kisa and Bailey, Dev’s skate partner. Dev also fears his family’s reaction to him having a boyfriend – even though they already know and accept that he is gay – and a boyfriend who beat him to the Gold Medal! That would likely not go down well with his mother. There’s also corporate sponsorship and the pro skating bigwigs to worry about.
The first chapter opens with Dev, Misha and their respective partners ready to embark on a summer tour of shows. We see the four of them coming together again after a short time apart, Dev and Misha’s decision to keep things remaining on the down low, a bit of rehearsals while Misha loses concentration reminiscing about his and Dev’s previous encounters, and their passionate reunion in Dev’s room. Then chapter two skips to after the summer and Misha and Dev have moved into a place together in LA. Despite some realistic fears that their clandestine relationship may not translate to the everyday, their love has proven to stand the test and both are happy building their life there together. Fear of discovery keeps them from venturing out together too much, but it seems that the possible repercussions are still too great to take that risk. Until an accident on the ice leaves at least one of them wondering if keeping their love for each other hidden has become too hard.
I found Dev’s excuse for not telling his parents about Misha pretty lame. That was one of a couple of unbelievable plot points that stopped me from really sinking into this story. Another was their apparent lack of concern when Bailey (without any malicious intent – both Kisa and Bailey are very supportive), outs them in front of the other skaters in the show. After we’d just been told how gossipy the skating fraternity tends to be. There was some reference to the political persecution of gays in Russia which, seeing as Misha is Russian and still has ties there, I thought was an important inclusion, although the authors portrayal of an improvement in the Russian government seems to still be wishful thinking at this stage.
Holding The Edge was a mostly angst-free, feel-good short novella with likeable characters. While this isn’t a story that will stay with me, it was still a pleasant enough read to fill an evening with.
February 23, 2022
Obviously I couldn't leave it at just Cold War, I had to continue into the second part.
I was pleasantly surprised to get into Misha's head a little bit, as the first one is from Dev's perspective, and we also get to see more of Kisa who steals the show just as much as Bailey does, if not more.
Most importantly, however, we get to see some of the pressure these Russian figure skaters are under (at least in this book; I can't speak for real life as I have never follow the sport closely!), and my heart broke for poor Misha. I feel the conflict was done very beautifully and very realistically, and there were obviously hesitations on both sides, not just the Russian one.
But oh, Misha. I cried during the scene where he speaks to his father on the phone, and at the reveal with Dev's family.
10/10 recommend, this is how you do a duology and wrap it up well!
I was pleasantly surprised to get into Misha's head a little bit, as the first one is from Dev's perspective, and we also get to see more of Kisa who steals the show just as much as Bailey does, if not more.
Most importantly, however, we get to see some of the pressure these Russian figure skaters are under (at least in this book; I can't speak for real life as I have never follow the sport closely!), and my heart broke for poor Misha. I feel the conflict was done very beautifully and very realistically, and there were obviously hesitations on both sides, not just the Russian one.
But oh, Misha. I cried during the scene where he speaks to his father on the phone, and at the reveal with Dev's family.
10/10 recommend, this is how you do a duology and wrap it up well!
December 9, 2014
UPDATE: Ok - I did not notice that this was book #2! Duh! No wonder I was lost. I am going to read book #1 now and update afterwards. LOL!
I liked this but I would have probably enjoyed it more if I had gotten more background about how Dev and Misha got together. We know they were competitors, but we miss the part where they went from that relationship to lovers. What we did get to see I liked. Both have a lot at stake and worry that coming out will negatively impact their earning ability and their acceptance by the audience. Look at what skaters go through still today.
I really liked they way the author tied in the current situation in Russia - although she's a bit more optimistic I guess than I am that things will get better there any time soon. Given the history (I visited St. Petersburg when it was still Leningrad) and the way the things are going, I'm not so sure :(
An enjoyable story and I hope to read more by this author.
I liked this but I would have probably enjoyed it more if I had gotten more background about how Dev and Misha got together. We know they were competitors, but we miss the part where they went from that relationship to lovers. What we did get to see I liked. Both have a lot at stake and worry that coming out will negatively impact their earning ability and their acceptance by the audience. Look at what skaters go through still today.
I really liked they way the author tied in the current situation in Russia - although she's a bit more optimistic I guess than I am that things will get better there any time soon. Given the history (I visited St. Petersburg when it was still Leningrad) and the way the things are going, I'm not so sure :(
An enjoyable story and I hope to read more by this author.
December 24, 2014
Copy won in a Stumbling Over Chaos giveaway Dec 2014
Thank you to Chris for hosting and for Keira for giving away a copy of her book
(and now I must go buy and read the first one before my no book buying thing starts on 1st Jan.....
3.5 Stars rounded up
Continuing Misha and Dev's relationship now that they've retired from competitive skating and are making their way round the show circuit and settling into their new lives - which happens to involve living together in LA. Only they are still not out, and have no intention of being while it could hurt Misha's family back in Russia, and their sponsorship deals and status. Neither are happy with the situation, and events eventually force them out the closet - at least to family and friends. This is a really nice little second novella - but again, it skirts the issues and doesn't show us what the fall out was from their coming out. Cute but I could have done with a little more grit
Thank you to Chris for hosting and for Keira for giving away a copy of her book
(and now I must go buy and read the first one before my no book buying thing starts on 1st Jan.....
3.5 Stars rounded up
Continuing Misha and Dev's relationship now that they've retired from competitive skating and are making their way round the show circuit and settling into their new lives - which happens to involve living together in LA. Only they are still not out, and have no intention of being while it could hurt Misha's family back in Russia, and their sponsorship deals and status. Neither are happy with the situation, and events eventually force them out the closet - at least to family and friends. This is a really nice little second novella - but again, it skirts the issues and doesn't show us what the fall out was from their coming out. Cute but I could have done with a little more grit
February 12, 2015
We are once again with Dev and Mikhail. But now that we are all friends so we call him Misha. The Olympics are over, and both pairs have retired and doing the tour around the World with all the other top countries so they both have decided to keep the relationship a secret. This is becoming more and more difficult the more and more they are falling in love with each other.
I love the drama not just between Misha and Dev but all the characters on and off the ice. The struggles they go through to keep each others secrets while not affecting the performances. The bonding that the teams mates can now forge because the pressures are gone, just a good drama filled but not angst filled read.
I was given a copy of the this book for an honest review by Crystals Many Review
I love the drama not just between Misha and Dev but all the characters on and off the ice. The struggles they go through to keep each others secrets while not affecting the performances. The bonding that the teams mates can now forge because the pressures are gone, just a good drama filled but not angst filled read.
I was given a copy of the this book for an honest review by Crystals Many Review
November 2, 2015
I read the first book, cold war, and this one back to back. I don't know why Cold War isn't showing up here on goodreads.
I've just read a few disappointing books, and it was such a delight to sink into Andrews' world. The story was truly romantic and passionate with lots of yearning in the first book. I hope she writes more about these guys. I was dubious about her commentary about Russia and "the Government changing" over there. It took me out of the story a bit. There was also a bit of chopping and changing in the characters' behaviour which exposed the skelleton of the plot a bit.
I'll still be keeping an eye on Andrews' work, while avoiding those zombie books. I am not discriminating against her - I avoid all zombie books. (What is it with zombies!?)
I've just read a few disappointing books, and it was such a delight to sink into Andrews' world. The story was truly romantic and passionate with lots of yearning in the first book. I hope she writes more about these guys. I was dubious about her commentary about Russia and "the Government changing" over there. It took me out of the story a bit. There was also a bit of chopping and changing in the characters' behaviour which exposed the skelleton of the plot a bit.
I'll still be keeping an eye on Andrews' work, while avoiding those zombie books. I am not discriminating against her - I avoid all zombie books. (What is it with zombies!?)
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