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Polar Plunge
Known for its incredible wildlife and vast, icy landscapes, Antarctica is a dream destination for many.
Just not for Max Lapointe.
Yet after the most difficult year of her life, that’s exactly where she finds herself: alone at the bottom of the world and ready to board the Polar Star on a twenty-three-day expedition cruise that will take her to Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands.
Angry and afraid, Max does her best to keep to herself. But in doing so, she attracts the interest of Reid. Popular, charming, and ridiculously gorgeous, he’s determined to bring Max out of her shell and figure out what she’s hiding.
Sparks fly and tension rises as playful banter turns into something more. The only problem? Max is a guest, and Reid is a member of the expedition crew. Which means that any relationship between them is strictly forbidden.
With Reid’s entire future on the line, should this onboard romance be left to fizzle and die?
Or is it worth taking the plunge?
Just not for Max Lapointe.
Yet after the most difficult year of her life, that’s exactly where she finds herself: alone at the bottom of the world and ready to board the Polar Star on a twenty-three-day expedition cruise that will take her to Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands.
Angry and afraid, Max does her best to keep to herself. But in doing so, she attracts the interest of Reid. Popular, charming, and ridiculously gorgeous, he’s determined to bring Max out of her shell and figure out what she’s hiding.
Sparks fly and tension rises as playful banter turns into something more. The only problem? Max is a guest, and Reid is a member of the expedition crew. Which means that any relationship between them is strictly forbidden.
With Reid’s entire future on the line, should this onboard romance be left to fizzle and die?
Or is it worth taking the plunge?
- GenresRomance
300 pages, Paperback
Published January 6, 2026
6 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Logan
2 books16 followersHi! I’m Hannah!
I’ve combined my love for books & travel to write travel-themed romance novels inspired by my own adventures around the world.
I write:
- Characters 28+
-Curvy FMCs
-Green Flag MMCs
Come say hi!
@hannahloganbooks or @hannahlogan21 (travel) on instagram
I’ve combined my love for books & travel to write travel-themed romance novels inspired by my own adventures around the world.
I write:
- Characters 28+
-Curvy FMCs
-Green Flag MMCs
Come say hi!
@hannahloganbooks or @hannahlogan21 (travel) on instagram
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 20, 2025
Hannah Logan does it again with her second novel, and I absolutely LOVED this one.
First of all, the setting is so unique for a romance. You don’t see many love stories set on an expedition cruise to Antarctica, and it honestly made the book stand out right away. As someone who’s actually been there, this book completely took me back. I could picture everything so clearly and even smell it (penguin poo is no joke!). The scenery felt so real the whole time.
Max and Reid had me hooked. I loved the banter, the tension, and the fact that their relationship is off-limits because he’s part of the expedition crew. It’s a slow burn in the best way and felt really natural as it unfolded.
Just like If It Makes You Happy, this book is about more than just the romance. It’s about healing, taking chances, and finding connection when you least expect it. This one gave me all the feels and actually made me want to go back and do a longer Antarctica expedition.
If you love travel romances with heart, great chemistry, and a truly different setting, you should definitely read this one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions are my own.
First of all, the setting is so unique for a romance. You don’t see many love stories set on an expedition cruise to Antarctica, and it honestly made the book stand out right away. As someone who’s actually been there, this book completely took me back. I could picture everything so clearly and even smell it (penguin poo is no joke!). The scenery felt so real the whole time.
Max and Reid had me hooked. I loved the banter, the tension, and the fact that their relationship is off-limits because he’s part of the expedition crew. It’s a slow burn in the best way and felt really natural as it unfolded.
Just like If It Makes You Happy, this book is about more than just the romance. It’s about healing, taking chances, and finding connection when you least expect it. This one gave me all the feels and actually made me want to go back and do a longer Antarctica expedition.
If you love travel romances with heart, great chemistry, and a truly different setting, you should definitely read this one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of this book from the author.
This is my second Hannah Logan book and I am still a fan. In this era of AI eroding into human creativity, it's so important to support real authors!
Hannah's second book did not disappoint. The location descriptions were amazing and I shivered through most of this book.
The romance was very sweet and I loved how "safe" the sneaky elements were. Consent was never a question.
My key requirement of good dialogue was met, again. And not just between the main characters but also all the secondary ones.
The romance was both sweet and spicey, a perfect balance. I definitely was rooting for Max and her beau.
Highly recommend if you are looking for a nice light romance to cozy up with this winter.
This is my second Hannah Logan book and I am still a fan. In this era of AI eroding into human creativity, it's so important to support real authors!
Hannah's second book did not disappoint. The location descriptions were amazing and I shivered through most of this book.
The romance was very sweet and I loved how "safe" the sneaky elements were. Consent was never a question.
My key requirement of good dialogue was met, again. And not just between the main characters but also all the secondary ones.
The romance was both sweet and spicey, a perfect balance. I definitely was rooting for Max and her beau.
Highly recommend if you are looking for a nice light romance to cozy up with this winter.
December 18, 2025
Very honoured to be given an advanced reader copy of this book to review.
What a joy! I loved Hannah’s first book and was very excited when she announced she was writing a second. It did not disappoint. I found myself loving the characters more with every page, the complexities of grief, anxiety and confidence issues all dealt with beautifully and set against a rich and vibrantly described backdrop of an Antarctic cruise, complete with spectacular wildlife and daily adventures. I was hooked from beginning to end.
What a joy! I loved Hannah’s first book and was very excited when she announced she was writing a second. It did not disappoint. I found myself loving the characters more with every page, the complexities of grief, anxiety and confidence issues all dealt with beautifully and set against a rich and vibrantly described backdrop of an Antarctic cruise, complete with spectacular wildlife and daily adventures. I was hooked from beginning to end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much Hannah for sharing an ARC of this book with me.
This book had me on a chokehold! I couldn't put it down!! Hannah Logan does it again, she creates an amazing moving story with beautiful scenery in the background that will make you google how much a trip to the Antarctica costs. The story is beautiful and the struggles and emotions our FMC, Max, goes through are so real that you will feel for her. Amd the MMC, Reid, oh my goodness, Reid is amazing. And they have great chemistry together.
And last, but not least, as a reader from Argentina, I have to give a shout-out to the way Hannah wrote the nuances and the difficult situation with Islas Malvinas.
If you want to read a unique moving story, look no further, this is it. I adored this book.
This book had me on a chokehold! I couldn't put it down!! Hannah Logan does it again, she creates an amazing moving story with beautiful scenery in the background that will make you google how much a trip to the Antarctica costs. The story is beautiful and the struggles and emotions our FMC, Max, goes through are so real that you will feel for her. Amd the MMC, Reid, oh my goodness, Reid is amazing. And they have great chemistry together.
And last, but not least, as a reader from Argentina, I have to give a shout-out to the way Hannah wrote the nuances and the difficult situation with Islas Malvinas.
If you want to read a unique moving story, look no further, this is it. I adored this book.
Review of advance copy
'Polar Plunge' is Hannah Logan's second novel. I've followed her on Instagram for a long time and have always enjoyed reading about her travels. She published her first novel last year, a romance set in Greece ('If It Makes You Happy') and I enjoyed that too. So when I heard she'd written a second novel, this time set on a cruise to Antarctica - my dream and most-wanted destination - I couldn't wait to read it. Fortunately, I didn't have to wait too long as Hannah kindly sent me an ARC (advance reader copy) to read on my Kindle.
I loved this book on so many levels. It's a romance and I tend to only like romances if they tell a good story as well - this definitely ticks that box. I learnt so much about what it's like to travel on a cruise ship to Antarctica just from reading about the day-to-day life on board. That's definitely going to come in useful one of these days. But it was the writing that really got me - Hannah definitely has a way with words. I was seeing reviews posted by other ARC readers within a day or two of them being sent out. They whizzed through the book. That was how I started too. As soon as I downloaded the copy I started to read a few pages, then a few more. Several chapters in and I had force myself to put it down as it was late and I had to be up early. As soon as I could I got back to it and raced through a bit more. And then it changed. I hit the emotional bit where Max, the protagonist, opens up to her companions about the real reason why she's on the boat. I found myself actually crying and when I came up for air at the end of the section, I felt exhausted, as though I'd actually gone through that traumatic bit myself. I had to put it down whilst I got myself back into the real world. After that I read it in shorter chunks and gave myself time to savour each section. You know a book is good when you get so lost in the writing that you think you're really there and get a surprise when you look up and realise that no, you're on the same sofa or bus you were on when you started reading. This is one of those books. I highly recommend it. If you're not interested in Antarctica, read it because it's a great story. If you are interested in Antarctica and are planning to go there, then this should be essential reading as part of your prep.
I loved this book on so many levels. It's a romance and I tend to only like romances if they tell a good story as well - this definitely ticks that box. I learnt so much about what it's like to travel on a cruise ship to Antarctica just from reading about the day-to-day life on board. That's definitely going to come in useful one of these days. But it was the writing that really got me - Hannah definitely has a way with words. I was seeing reviews posted by other ARC readers within a day or two of them being sent out. They whizzed through the book. That was how I started too. As soon as I downloaded the copy I started to read a few pages, then a few more. Several chapters in and I had force myself to put it down as it was late and I had to be up early. As soon as I could I got back to it and raced through a bit more. And then it changed. I hit the emotional bit where Max, the protagonist, opens up to her companions about the real reason why she's on the boat. I found myself actually crying and when I came up for air at the end of the section, I felt exhausted, as though I'd actually gone through that traumatic bit myself. I had to put it down whilst I got myself back into the real world. After that I read it in shorter chunks and gave myself time to savour each section. You know a book is good when you get so lost in the writing that you think you're really there and get a surprise when you look up and realise that no, you're on the same sofa or bus you were on when you started reading. This is one of those books. I highly recommend it. If you're not interested in Antarctica, read it because it's a great story. If you are interested in Antarctica and are planning to go there, then this should be essential reading as part of your prep.
January 5, 2026
Antarctica is a magical place where amazing things can happen - but does that include love? Find out in Polar Plunge!
Max is off to Antarctica on the trip of a lifetime…but it was never her dream. Taking the journey in memory of her sister, Max begins the trip with a lot of pain and anger in her heart.
But Antarctica is not the sort of place you can visit and remain unchanged. In the frozen wonderland, Max’s heart begins to thaw - helped along by a new group of friends and the hot crew member, Reid. But nothing can happen between Max and Reid because of ship rules…right?
Ms Logan is an auto-read author for me because I know I will fall in love with the places she writes about. She brings her passion and talent for travel writing to her romances and they are all the richer for it. I am unlikely to ever visit Antarctica but I feel I have been able to partially experience it through the vivid descriptions.
This book brings to life the camaraderie of a longer cruise. The intricacies of visiting Antarctica - from the dependence on the weather to the stringent bio security measures - are just another part of the story.
Aside from the truly stunning descriptions, there’s an emotional depth to the story. Max’s deeply felt grief and body image issues impact her actions and the overall storyline, but allow a chance for Reid to connect with her on a different level. The side characters are wonderful, helping to bring Max out of her shell.
This story deals with grief and guilt following the loss of a sibling, and anxiety and panic attacks in the aftermath. It also touches briefly on the Falkland Island conflict and the very real pain still felt by those close to the issue. The romance is a slow burn, open door experience.
For those with the travel bug who want a bit of romance - or even those who are travel-curious - Polar Plunge is an unmissable read.
Max is off to Antarctica on the trip of a lifetime…but it was never her dream. Taking the journey in memory of her sister, Max begins the trip with a lot of pain and anger in her heart.
But Antarctica is not the sort of place you can visit and remain unchanged. In the frozen wonderland, Max’s heart begins to thaw - helped along by a new group of friends and the hot crew member, Reid. But nothing can happen between Max and Reid because of ship rules…right?
Ms Logan is an auto-read author for me because I know I will fall in love with the places she writes about. She brings her passion and talent for travel writing to her romances and they are all the richer for it. I am unlikely to ever visit Antarctica but I feel I have been able to partially experience it through the vivid descriptions.
This book brings to life the camaraderie of a longer cruise. The intricacies of visiting Antarctica - from the dependence on the weather to the stringent bio security measures - are just another part of the story.
Aside from the truly stunning descriptions, there’s an emotional depth to the story. Max’s deeply felt grief and body image issues impact her actions and the overall storyline, but allow a chance for Reid to connect with her on a different level. The side characters are wonderful, helping to bring Max out of her shell.
This story deals with grief and guilt following the loss of a sibling, and anxiety and panic attacks in the aftermath. It also touches briefly on the Falkland Island conflict and the very real pain still felt by those close to the issue. The romance is a slow burn, open door experience.
For those with the travel bug who want a bit of romance - or even those who are travel-curious - Polar Plunge is an unmissable read.
January 10, 2026
I love cruising, and desperately want to visit Antarctica one day so that aspect of this story really worked for me. Unfortunately I really need to like the main characters of a book to enjoy it, and I just did not like Max.
Right from the beginning of the book, she is SO incredibly negative about absolutely everything. I do understand she went thru something awful and was in a bad headspace but if she couldn’t even look at a happy person without thinking negative things about their appearance or excitement, I truly don’t believe her therapist or parents would have encouraged her to go somewhere where she would be alone & without being able to communicate with any of her support system.
I have heard that expedition type cruises can pair up singles to be roommates on ships, and from a plot point I do understand why Max had a roommate but realistically I don’t know why she would have. Her trip was not booked alone, she wasn’t booked to be a solo traveller to he paired up with someone. It obviously wasn’t a space issue considering there are other rooms available, and (unless I missed something) Emily had her own room. I didn’t dislike Reid, he seemed mostly like he was just kinda there.
Going back to the story, and why I’m giving this a 2 despite enjoying the Antarctica and cruise elements, because it wasn’t just the characters. Well, kinda. The typical ~third act breakup~ in a romance didn’t work for me with this. I don’t understand why Max didn’t just talk to Reid. They seemed to be at a good enough place where they could have talked it out. She seemed to basically ruin the end of the cruise for herself and break her own heart, for what I consider no real reason. I am glad things worked out in the end, it’s a romance so of course it did, but unfortunately this just didn’t work for me.
Right from the beginning of the book, she is SO incredibly negative about absolutely everything. I do understand she went thru something awful and was in a bad headspace but if she couldn’t even look at a happy person without thinking negative things about their appearance or excitement, I truly don’t believe her therapist or parents would have encouraged her to go somewhere where she would be alone & without being able to communicate with any of her support system.
I have heard that expedition type cruises can pair up singles to be roommates on ships, and from a plot point I do understand why Max had a roommate but realistically I don’t know why she would have. Her trip was not booked alone, she wasn’t booked to be a solo traveller to he paired up with someone. It obviously wasn’t a space issue considering there are other rooms available, and (unless I missed something) Emily had her own room. I didn’t dislike Reid, he seemed mostly like he was just kinda there.
Going back to the story, and why I’m giving this a 2 despite enjoying the Antarctica and cruise elements, because it wasn’t just the characters. Well, kinda. The typical ~third act breakup~ in a romance didn’t work for me with this. I don’t understand why Max didn’t just talk to Reid. They seemed to be at a good enough place where they could have talked it out. She seemed to basically ruin the end of the cruise for herself and break her own heart, for what I consider no real reason. I am glad things worked out in the end, it’s a romance so of course it did, but unfortunately this just didn’t work for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hannah Logan does it again. I find it so hard to believe this is only her second book, it was THAT good.
Polar Plunge literally had me hooked from page one, and I finished it one day because I could NOT put it down.
I loved how Hannah wrote this. It was so easy to read, and I did not get lost at all. She captured Max, her grief, her self doubt, her anxieties so perfectly. She somehow wrote the side characters to feel like main characters. These were the people Max needed in her life. Her new friends, especially Jada, really helped pull her out of her comfort zone.
And can we talk about Reid? How he notices everything about Max? I quite literally mean EVERYTHING. He is a magnificent man, who knows what he wants, and isn’t afraid to go after it… even if it could cost him his job.
I also have to give a huge kudos to the amount of authentic information in Polar Plunge. While being a fictional, forbidden travel romance, you can guarantee the facts shared about Antarctica, the wildlife (I’m looking at you especially, stinky penguins), are accurate. Hannah puts so much thought and care into her writing.
She also managed to make me feel like I was right there in Antarctica, on the Polar Star, with the whole crew. And now I need to go visit Antarctica on a cruise, visit the various breeds of stinky penguins, seals, and maybe do some whale calling (iykyk 😂). Also the random plot twist at the end?! Girl. Outdid. Herself!!!!!
I will be thinking about this book for the foreseeable future, and so wish I could read it for the first time again.
Thank you Hannah Logan for the ARC copy. All thoughts and opinions in this review are authentic, genuine, and my own.
Polar Plunge literally had me hooked from page one, and I finished it one day because I could NOT put it down.
I loved how Hannah wrote this. It was so easy to read, and I did not get lost at all. She captured Max, her grief, her self doubt, her anxieties so perfectly. She somehow wrote the side characters to feel like main characters. These were the people Max needed in her life. Her new friends, especially Jada, really helped pull her out of her comfort zone.
And can we talk about Reid? How he notices everything about Max? I quite literally mean EVERYTHING. He is a magnificent man, who knows what he wants, and isn’t afraid to go after it… even if it could cost him his job.
I also have to give a huge kudos to the amount of authentic information in Polar Plunge. While being a fictional, forbidden travel romance, you can guarantee the facts shared about Antarctica, the wildlife (I’m looking at you especially, stinky penguins), are accurate. Hannah puts so much thought and care into her writing.
She also managed to make me feel like I was right there in Antarctica, on the Polar Star, with the whole crew. And now I need to go visit Antarctica on a cruise, visit the various breeds of stinky penguins, seals, and maybe do some whale calling (iykyk 😂). Also the random plot twist at the end?! Girl. Outdid. Herself!!!!!
I will be thinking about this book for the foreseeable future, and so wish I could read it for the first time again.
Thank you Hannah Logan for the ARC copy. All thoughts and opinions in this review are authentic, genuine, and my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the lovely Hannah Logan for the opportunity to review an early copy of this book.
Following a terrible year, Max begrudgingly embarks on a three-week expedition voyage to Antarctica. Despite the wall that she has built, her new friends and the incredible scenery gradually work their magic to help her open up and begin to live again and handsome crew member Reid certainly doesn’t hurt this healing journey. Through the literal ups and downs of the Drake Passage and exploring Antarctica will Max retreat into herself and keep going as she has, or will she take the plunge and find out what a relationship with Reid could offer?
Where do I even begin? I just loved this book. It’s just so well written and easy to read and fall in love with. The lovely characters, the stunning scenery, the sensitive way in which grief is dealt with are just all wrapped up in a wonderful package. I really liked Max’s new friends, they were well developed, kind and fun. Reid is the perfect mix of attractive, sweet, and nerdy. He just seems unproblematic and a genuinely good guy. The vivid descriptions of the Antarctic landscape and the ship The Polar Star made me feel as if I was there, though I’m not sure how eager I’d be to do the polar plunge myself. If I wasn’t eight months pregnant, I’d be frantically searching for an expedition of my own to go look for penguins! It certainly doesn’t help that I’ve been getting Antarctica voyage ads on social media since receiving this book! I highly recommend it and will definitely reread it.
Following a terrible year, Max begrudgingly embarks on a three-week expedition voyage to Antarctica. Despite the wall that she has built, her new friends and the incredible scenery gradually work their magic to help her open up and begin to live again and handsome crew member Reid certainly doesn’t hurt this healing journey. Through the literal ups and downs of the Drake Passage and exploring Antarctica will Max retreat into herself and keep going as she has, or will she take the plunge and find out what a relationship with Reid could offer?
Where do I even begin? I just loved this book. It’s just so well written and easy to read and fall in love with. The lovely characters, the stunning scenery, the sensitive way in which grief is dealt with are just all wrapped up in a wonderful package. I really liked Max’s new friends, they were well developed, kind and fun. Reid is the perfect mix of attractive, sweet, and nerdy. He just seems unproblematic and a genuinely good guy. The vivid descriptions of the Antarctic landscape and the ship The Polar Star made me feel as if I was there, though I’m not sure how eager I’d be to do the polar plunge myself. If I wasn’t eight months pregnant, I’d be frantically searching for an expedition of my own to go look for penguins! It certainly doesn’t help that I’ve been getting Antarctica voyage ads on social media since receiving this book! I highly recommend it and will definitely reread it.
December 30, 2025
This book! Hannah, I don't know what it is you are putting in these books of yours, but let me tell you I'm here for it!
I was SO EXCITED to learn that Hannah wrote a second book and even more thrilled to receive an ARC. Thank you Hannah for the advance copy of this 5 star read!
I was hooked with the first line. I did not want to put this book down. Hannah has a way of writing that makes you feel like you are truly in the book. Her descriptions of the locations, the characters and the experiences really make it easy to forget this isn't your reality. It's the perfect escape.
Tropes you can find in this book:
Grumpy/Sunshine
Plus Size FMC
Golden Retriever MMC
Travel
Found Family
Forbidden Romance
Close Proximity
Slow-burn
This book follows Max as she heads on a 23 day expedition to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. This is after the most difficult year of her life. This story does touch on grief, loss, panic and anxiety. Enter Reid who is a member of the crew, gorgeous, kind and charming. The GREENEST flagged MMC there is. The banter between these two, I love me a Grumpy/Sunshine romance and this hit! As well watching the FMC overcome all her obstacles and grow into herself was truly a rewarding reading experience.
Hannah created this wonderful world where the side characters become found family and you find yourself wanting all the glimpses into their stories as well. It just warms your heart.
I was laughing out loud at parts and crying in others. Hannah takes you on an emotional rollercoaster with the best view. It's so worth it. This book paints such a magical picture of the trip (so much so that you feel like you are there) This is top-tier writing. Add this to your TBR today and go pre-order it.
Thanks again Hannah for the ARC!
I was SO EXCITED to learn that Hannah wrote a second book and even more thrilled to receive an ARC. Thank you Hannah for the advance copy of this 5 star read!
I was hooked with the first line. I did not want to put this book down. Hannah has a way of writing that makes you feel like you are truly in the book. Her descriptions of the locations, the characters and the experiences really make it easy to forget this isn't your reality. It's the perfect escape.
Tropes you can find in this book:
Grumpy/Sunshine
Plus Size FMC
Golden Retriever MMC
Travel
Found Family
Forbidden Romance
Close Proximity
Slow-burn
This book follows Max as she heads on a 23 day expedition to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. This is after the most difficult year of her life. This story does touch on grief, loss, panic and anxiety. Enter Reid who is a member of the crew, gorgeous, kind and charming. The GREENEST flagged MMC there is. The banter between these two, I love me a Grumpy/Sunshine romance and this hit! As well watching the FMC overcome all her obstacles and grow into herself was truly a rewarding reading experience.
Hannah created this wonderful world where the side characters become found family and you find yourself wanting all the glimpses into their stories as well. It just warms your heart.
I was laughing out loud at parts and crying in others. Hannah takes you on an emotional rollercoaster with the best view. It's so worth it. This book paints such a magical picture of the trip (so much so that you feel like you are there) This is top-tier writing. Add this to your TBR today and go pre-order it.
Thanks again Hannah for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to be a beta reader for Polar Plunge and even that first draft did not disappoint! Hannah has a way with her writing where she’s able to pull you in by just the first few pages.
Her writing is captivating, inspiring, relatable, and incredibly powerful.
Curvy FMC? ✔️
Green Flag MMC? ✔️
Perfect blend of travel and romance? ✔️
Anxiety? Grief? Self doubt rep? ✔️
Beta reading this was incredible and I truly did not think reading it the second time in the ARC copy would have the same effect but it was just as powerful, maybe even more.
Polar Plunge will have you wishing you were on a ship to Antarctica finding your very own Reid because he is the absolute greenest of green flags and I absolutely adore him!
(While this was provided to be as an Advanced Copy, that did not sway or impact my review. All thoughts and opinion are my own.)
Her writing is captivating, inspiring, relatable, and incredibly powerful.
Curvy FMC? ✔️
Green Flag MMC? ✔️
Perfect blend of travel and romance? ✔️
Anxiety? Grief? Self doubt rep? ✔️
Beta reading this was incredible and I truly did not think reading it the second time in the ARC copy would have the same effect but it was just as powerful, maybe even more.
Polar Plunge will have you wishing you were on a ship to Antarctica finding your very own Reid because he is the absolute greenest of green flags and I absolutely adore him!
(While this was provided to be as an Advanced Copy, that did not sway or impact my review. All thoughts and opinion are my own.)
Review of advance copy received from Author
A New Years tradition for some is to do a Polar Plunge, but since I doubt I am brave enough to do that, I decided to read this book by Hannah Logan.
It was set on an expedition ship to Antarctica and she wrote a brilliant story. From the moment you met Max, you could feel her pain. Reading her journey was wonderful. The chemistry between her and Reid was immediately there and you can't help but root for them. The little group of friends that formed on the ship, they definitely helped Max face her feelings.
Antarctica is a dream destination for me and I was not disappointed in how it was brought to life through the book. You really felt like you were on the ship, watching the whales, seeing the penguins.
This book did not disappoint on any level for me. I absolutely loved it. If you want a romance that is set in a unique setting, one-click this book.
It was set on an expedition ship to Antarctica and she wrote a brilliant story. From the moment you met Max, you could feel her pain. Reading her journey was wonderful. The chemistry between her and Reid was immediately there and you can't help but root for them. The little group of friends that formed on the ship, they definitely helped Max face her feelings.
Antarctica is a dream destination for me and I was not disappointed in how it was brought to life through the book. You really felt like you were on the ship, watching the whales, seeing the penguins.
This book did not disappoint on any level for me. I absolutely loved it. If you want a romance that is set in a unique setting, one-click this book.
January 2, 2026
Oh boy, I loved this book like no other. I’ve never had a book make me want to travel anywhere ASAP but here I am looking up tours to Antartica.
Polar Plunge is a forbidden love romance, grumpy x sunshine combination of main characters and on vacation?! “Spectacular give me 14 of them right now!”
Not only is the romance absolutely romancing, but Hannah has beautifully captured the toll grief and anxiety can take on a person and given the topic the care it deserves. There’s comedic relief that had me giggling, secret looks that had me GIGGLING and cute sea creatures to boot. Max and Reid are 100% going to be your new fav FMC & MMC combo, you’re also going to want a new BFF like Jada. 5 ⭐️ only because Goodreads won’t let me give it 10.
I learned a lot too, just ask me about salp.
Polar Plunge by Hannah Logan releases on January 6th and will be available on KU 🫶🏻
Polar Plunge is a forbidden love romance, grumpy x sunshine combination of main characters and on vacation?! “Spectacular give me 14 of them right now!”
Not only is the romance absolutely romancing, but Hannah has beautifully captured the toll grief and anxiety can take on a person and given the topic the care it deserves. There’s comedic relief that had me giggling, secret looks that had me GIGGLING and cute sea creatures to boot. Max and Reid are 100% going to be your new fav FMC & MMC combo, you’re also going to want a new BFF like Jada. 5 ⭐️ only because Goodreads won’t let me give it 10.
I learned a lot too, just ask me about salp.
Polar Plunge by Hannah Logan releases on January 6th and will be available on KU 🫶🏻
Review of advance copy received from Author
I LOVED this book! Having had the extreme pleasure of reading Hannah's first book, If It Makes You Happy, I had high expectations for her second. She did not disappoint. Max's story got me right in the heart, and she quickly became a woman I wanted to befriend. I meant to read the book slowly, to take notes to send to Hannah and to savour the evening in front of my Christmas tree but I read the book like a ravenous animal in one fell swoop and didn't look up until the last sentence. Hannah has an incredible talent in detailing every moment so that the reader feels part of the story: I could feel the cold, the waves on the uneasy sea, smell that fresh salty air and to be honest, even the heat of the delicious romance in the centre of the book (ouch, the sand)... I can't wait to read this again and I am now eagerly anticpating the next book, for I know there will be more!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Polar Plunge — Hannah Logan
Polar Plunge caught me off guard in the best way. Beneath its cool, understated surface is a story that aches with quiet longing and emotional honesty. Hannah Logan writes with so much tenderness that even the smallest moments feel heavy with meaning, and the characters feel deeply human—flawed, hesitant, and trying their best to be brave.
There’s something incredibly intimate about the way this book unfolds. It doesn’t shout its emotions; it lets them bloom slowly, settling in your chest and staying there. By the end, I felt softer, a little raw, and grateful for a story that understands how scary it can be to open yourself up. A beautiful, heartfelt read that lingers like cold air in your lungs—in the best way.
Polar Plunge caught me off guard in the best way. Beneath its cool, understated surface is a story that aches with quiet longing and emotional honesty. Hannah Logan writes with so much tenderness that even the smallest moments feel heavy with meaning, and the characters feel deeply human—flawed, hesitant, and trying their best to be brave.
There’s something incredibly intimate about the way this book unfolds. It doesn’t shout its emotions; it lets them bloom slowly, settling in your chest and staying there. By the end, I felt softer, a little raw, and grateful for a story that understands how scary it can be to open yourself up. A beautiful, heartfelt read that lingers like cold air in your lungs—in the best way.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my gosh this book!! I loved it. First off, the Antartica cruise industry should hire her because this book has me looking at cruise dates. I loved the descriptions of what they see and do on a cruise to the bottom of the world! So cool.
The story itself is fantastic. It's such a great romance. It's exciting and relatable at the same time, which hits that perfect note for me!
The main character, Max, goes through this huge amount of personal growth that comes about from the cruise and the people she meets, not just finding fulfillment in a guy. The characters are three dimensional and relatable. Even the ones that are less likable aren't painted with a "bad guy" brush, they're multifaceted people.
Can't wait to see what she writes next!
The story itself is fantastic. It's such a great romance. It's exciting and relatable at the same time, which hits that perfect note for me!
The main character, Max, goes through this huge amount of personal growth that comes about from the cruise and the people she meets, not just finding fulfillment in a guy. The characters are three dimensional and relatable. Even the ones that are less likable aren't painted with a "bad guy" brush, they're multifaceted people.
Can't wait to see what she writes next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What can I say but Hannah did it again!
I loved her first book so was very excited to get the opportunity to read her new book!
Having not been to Antarctica, Hannah made it very easy to visualize the landscape and experiences while reading. And while it’s always been on my list, it’s climbed a bit higher thanks to her book.
I also appreciated they way she wrote about loss, the walls that are built as a way of coping, the struggle to break them down even when knowing they may be holding you back, but ultimately how great life is when you have a community that supports you when you drop the walls and let them in.
Add in a green flag cinnamon roll guy and romance and you’ve got Polar Plunge!
I recommend adding this to your TBR!
All opinions are my own
I loved her first book so was very excited to get the opportunity to read her new book!
Having not been to Antarctica, Hannah made it very easy to visualize the landscape and experiences while reading. And while it’s always been on my list, it’s climbed a bit higher thanks to her book.
I also appreciated they way she wrote about loss, the walls that are built as a way of coping, the struggle to break them down even when knowing they may be holding you back, but ultimately how great life is when you have a community that supports you when you drop the walls and let them in.
Add in a green flag cinnamon roll guy and romance and you’ve got Polar Plunge!
I recommend adding this to your TBR!
All opinions are my own
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Have you ever wanted to book a spontaneous trip to Antarctica to see penguins (especially Adélie), seals (especially leopard seals because of their uncanny resemblance to Lord Voldemort), and even salps (hello mysterious blobs)? Because you will want to after reading this book.
Hannah Logan does it again with her second book, Polar Plunge. The setting, the storyline, and all of the characters are just perfect and I felt every emotion. I laughed, I cried, I giggled and kicked my feet, I felt seen. Max is such a relatable character and part of me healed while reading this book.
I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy. 💙
If you enjoy…
❄️ Cinnamon roll MMC, curvy FMC
💙 Vacation romance
❄️ Forbidden love
💙 Grief and healing
❄️ Anxiety rep
…be sure to add this to your TBR!
Hannah Logan does it again with her second book, Polar Plunge. The setting, the storyline, and all of the characters are just perfect and I felt every emotion. I laughed, I cried, I giggled and kicked my feet, I felt seen. Max is such a relatable character and part of me healed while reading this book.
I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy. 💙
If you enjoy…
❄️ Cinnamon roll MMC, curvy FMC
💙 Vacation romance
❄️ Forbidden love
💙 Grief and healing
❄️ Anxiety rep
…be sure to add this to your TBR!
February 6, 2026
I laughed, I cried, I wished I was a part of it. By the end of the book, I honestly felt as if my friends traveled to Antarctica without me.
The characters, at least the ones who were central to the story, were well developed; I cheered for them, cried for them, tried to warn them, and felt disappointed and angry at them too. The setting was described vividly; I felt as though I could see it, feel it, touch it, hear it, smell it (the description of the penguin smell made me less interested in cuddling one, if I am being honest). The setting was another character in the story. There were a few grammatical peccadilloes but I was able to overlook them in this story (I can't always).
A fun, quick read. I look forward to Hannah Logan's next novel!
The characters, at least the ones who were central to the story, were well developed; I cheered for them, cried for them, tried to warn them, and felt disappointed and angry at them too. The setting was described vividly; I felt as though I could see it, feel it, touch it, hear it, smell it (the description of the penguin smell made me less interested in cuddling one, if I am being honest). The setting was another character in the story. There were a few grammatical peccadilloes but I was able to overlook them in this story (I can't always).
A fun, quick read. I look forward to Hannah Logan's next novel!
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you've read Hannah's first novel, get ready for an even better story with her second novel!
Antarctica was such an unexpected location for this novel to take place in and Hannah describes it in a way that makes you feel like you are on the ship and going on excursions right along with them.
I loved the friendships that formed between Max and the other guests on the ship throughout the novel and the way that the relationship between Max and Reid developed.
This story will make you laugh, shed some tears, gasp and cheer. Be sure to add this book to your list, you will be glad you did!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions are my own.
Antarctica was such an unexpected location for this novel to take place in and Hannah describes it in a way that makes you feel like you are on the ship and going on excursions right along with them.
I loved the friendships that formed between Max and the other guests on the ship throughout the novel and the way that the relationship between Max and Reid developed.
This story will make you laugh, shed some tears, gasp and cheer. Be sure to add this book to your list, you will be glad you did!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions are my own.
January 9, 2026
As someone who has experienced a lot of grief in her lifetime, I knew Max right away. There’s a scene where she gets a hug and just reading that nearly broke me. Grief and guilt go hand in hand and Max’s journey to rediscover herself and her ability to experience joy was so satisfying to read. The flirting and the comfort between Max and Reid was perfection. And having this personal journey and a budding romance at the bottom of the world was spectacular. I’m starting to save starting now because this is the kind of cruise/adventure I can get onboard with (pun totally intended and I don’t care that it’s repetitive).
Review of advance copy received from Author
THIS is your cozy wintertime read with the perfect mix of action and spice.
Tuck under the covers with this book and get ready to travel to Antarctica where romance picks up. Hannah Logan's decade of professional travel writing really comes through in setting the scene -- sometimes I felt like I was on the ship itself, feeling the frosty bite of Antarctica and watching all the wildlife. I was absolutely sucked into the romance (and friendships) found aboard this ship... one of the best reads I've had all year!
Tuck under the covers with this book and get ready to travel to Antarctica where romance picks up. Hannah Logan's decade of professional travel writing really comes through in setting the scene -- sometimes I felt like I was on the ship itself, feeling the frosty bite of Antarctica and watching all the wildlife. I was absolutely sucked into the romance (and friendships) found aboard this ship... one of the best reads I've had all year!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this forbidden romance! The setting of an Antarctic cruise was so unique and described in detail throughout the book that makes it feel like the reader is right there with Max and her friends. I liked the background on Max and how she got on the cruise, telling the story of how transformative travel can be for different phases of life and difficult things that get thrown our way. Loved both Max and Reid and how their story developed throughout the expedition (and the ending!!). This is the perfect light read to get lost in
Review of advance copy received from Author
You HAVE to read this!
I loved Hannah’s debut novel, but I honestly think I might like this one even more.
The characters are diverse with great personalities. I adored the grumpy/sunshine dynamic between Max and Reid, and the side characters are fantastic as well (Derek is hilarious!)
The setting really makes this novel stand out, I was drawn in to Hannah’s descriptions of Antarctica and I love how much I learned about the wildlife and landscape as I read.
I’m ready for a trip to Antarctica now!
Thank you Hannah for the ARC - all opinions in this review are my own.
I loved Hannah’s debut novel, but I honestly think I might like this one even more.
The characters are diverse with great personalities. I adored the grumpy/sunshine dynamic between Max and Reid, and the side characters are fantastic as well (Derek is hilarious!)
The setting really makes this novel stand out, I was drawn in to Hannah’s descriptions of Antarctica and I love how much I learned about the wildlife and landscape as I read.
I’m ready for a trip to Antarctica now!
Thank you Hannah for the ARC - all opinions in this review are my own.
January 4, 2026
This is a fantastic book and I really enjoyed the story and characters. It is a fast paced, travel themed book that had me hooked from the first page. I think this is the perfect to bring on a trip or to cozy up with on a cold winter day.
As she did with her first book, Hannah Logan did a great job at making me feel connected to the characters. I particularly enjoyed how anxiety was portrayed throughout the book. I think it added a lot of depth to the characters and made them feel very relatable.
I cannot wait to read more books from Hannah in the future.
As she did with her first book, Hannah Logan did a great job at making me feel connected to the characters. I particularly enjoyed how anxiety was portrayed throughout the book. I think it added a lot of depth to the characters and made them feel very relatable.
I cannot wait to read more books from Hannah in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hannah Logan’s sophomore novel Polar Plunge outshines her debute novel What Makes You Happy, which I didn’t think was possible. While I adored WMYH, Polar Plunge has an emotional depth that takes you from laughter to tears and back again. It has romance without trope, reflection on love, loss, and friendship all while taking you along on a wondrous trip through Antarctica.
I’ve always adored Hannah’s writing style, having transitioned to a novelist is no surprise and I can’t wait to read whatever she has in store next!
I’ve always adored Hannah’s writing style, having transitioned to a novelist is no surprise and I can’t wait to read whatever she has in store next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2026
I love how the description of the setting really takes you to Antarctica. Makes me wish I’d gone to Antarctica with Hannah - except the whole freezing cold and drake passage thing!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was the most fun I have had reading a romance book in ages. Hannah Logan's stories are unique because they are heavy on wonderful descriptions of beautiful travel destinations that make you feel like you're on an adventure. This one was set in Antarctica, and I loved the words she used to paint pictures of the gorgeous scenery and wildlife, and the details of how the time on board the ship worked.
I loved Max! She is tough and sensitive. Hannah dealt tenderly with grief and healing. Reid is the golden retriever half of the grumpy/sunshine trope, but he had a lot of emotional depth. The supporting characters were varied and a lot of fun. It felt like a sort of found family, just when Max needed it most.
I read this in one day, and was disappointed when it was over. I enjoyed her first book, but think this second one is even better.
I loved Max! She is tough and sensitive. Hannah dealt tenderly with grief and healing. Reid is the golden retriever half of the grumpy/sunshine trope, but he had a lot of emotional depth. The supporting characters were varied and a lot of fun. It felt like a sort of found family, just when Max needed it most.
I read this in one day, and was disappointed when it was over. I enjoyed her first book, but think this second one is even better.
February 12, 2026
This book took me not only on an adventure to Antarctica but also on an amazing journey of self discovery after loss and finding love in all the (wrong) or right places. It reminded me that love comes unexpectedly whether it’s friendship or romantic love you just never know.
Tropes: Forbidden Romance
Grumpy (FMC) and Sunshine (MMC)
Forced Proximity
Slow Burn.
Trigger warnings should be read as this book touched on grief, mental health, friendship, and love
Tropes: Forbidden Romance
Grumpy (FMC) and Sunshine (MMC)
Forced Proximity
Slow Burn.
Trigger warnings should be read as this book touched on grief, mental health, friendship, and love
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