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Red Hot Russians #3.5
Heating It Up
Red Hot Russian Alexei is king of the Ice…Antarctic style
Alexei Zaikov loves his life in remote Amity Bay, Antarctica, until a new luxury guesthouse threatens the small town’s future. As head of Amity Bay, he’s driven to save it, but first must discover who is hiding out in the supposedly deserted lodge…and why. Nora Bradford has lost everything; a promising career and the man she loved. Glacier Ridge Lodge, the architectural masterpiece she designed but was denied credit for, seems like the perfect place to grieve her loss, until a ruggedly handsome Russian arrives on her doorstep, determined to bring her in from the cold. Desire sparks, leaving them hungry for more. But will the truth about Nora’s role in Amity Bay’s demise, doom their romance?
Alexei Zaikov loves his life in remote Amity Bay, Antarctica, until a new luxury guesthouse threatens the small town’s future. As head of Amity Bay, he’s driven to save it, but first must discover who is hiding out in the supposedly deserted lodge…and why. Nora Bradford has lost everything; a promising career and the man she loved. Glacier Ridge Lodge, the architectural masterpiece she designed but was denied credit for, seems like the perfect place to grieve her loss, until a ruggedly handsome Russian arrives on her doorstep, determined to bring her in from the cold. Desire sparks, leaving them hungry for more. But will the truth about Nora’s role in Amity Bay’s demise, doom their romance?
117 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2017
7 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Harmon
9 books292 followersA life long fan of cats, tacos and happy endings, Elizabeth Harmon makes her home in the Midwest. A graduate of the University of Illinois, she has worked as a library associate, a community college instructor, and as a journalist. When she’s not writing, teaching or talking books with library patrons, she loves to spend time with family and friends– especially when a good Chianti is involved. Her five-book Red Hot Russians sports romance series, is set in the world of competitive figure skating. The first book in the series, Pairing Off, is a RITA® Award Finalist.
Find her online at elizabethharmonauthor.com
Find her online at elizabethharmonauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 27, 2017
This novella romance takes place in Amity Bay, Antarctica and will certainly warm you up! Both main characters have suffered losses and are struggling to come to terms with their loss or to trust again. Alexei Zaikov is in charge of the small community and loves life with the mismatch of people and personalities living there, though as the ‘boss’ he feels it precludes him from any close relationships with the other residents.
Glacier Ridge Lodge is the new self-sufficient building in the area. It was designed by Nora Bradford who put her whole focus on making it the very best possible, a great distraction after tragically losing her fiance in a diving accident two years ago. Her boss, however, instead of living up to his promise to ensure she was recognised for all her innovative hard work chose to promote a male colleague who had actually hardly done anything towards the concept or building. When she challenged him about this, he immediately sacked her. Now she’s chosen to hide out at the lodge, but she hadn’t counted on the red hot Russian finding her. The attraction between the two is rampant but the lies force restraint. As the Amity Bay community, researchers and everyone else now face losing their roles because of her innovative design, will discovering this alienate him from her? Can love find a way?
I’d thoroughly enjoyed other books in this series and generally did this short novella too, as long as I suspended my belief that no way would the boat have left without finding where she was. They really couldn’t leave someone stranded in the Antarctic like that, I hope! I would assume some for of health and safety procedure would prevent it happening really. If you disregard that - it is a story, after all - then it is a story of resilience, overcoming what life has thrown at you to move on to a more promising future, keeping love and hope alive. I really want to know if they succeed in their endeavours discussed at the end of the story. It is these two aspects the caused me to lower my rating. It is still a great read and heartwarming romance in a cold climate. I would have liked an epilogue at least to share how things worked out - or there to be a sequel in the pipeline! I’m not sure if there will be on to continue this story, but certainly hope so.
Just amending my review within hours of posting it. The author tweeted me to say that a sequel is in the pipeline . . . that ups my rating to 4/5 - can't wait to read the sequel, I want to know what happens to this couple and the community!
Many thanks to the publishers for gifting me a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review.
Glacier Ridge Lodge is the new self-sufficient building in the area. It was designed by Nora Bradford who put her whole focus on making it the very best possible, a great distraction after tragically losing her fiance in a diving accident two years ago. Her boss, however, instead of living up to his promise to ensure she was recognised for all her innovative hard work chose to promote a male colleague who had actually hardly done anything towards the concept or building. When she challenged him about this, he immediately sacked her. Now she’s chosen to hide out at the lodge, but she hadn’t counted on the red hot Russian finding her. The attraction between the two is rampant but the lies force restraint. As the Amity Bay community, researchers and everyone else now face losing their roles because of her innovative design, will discovering this alienate him from her? Can love find a way?
I’d thoroughly enjoyed other books in this series and generally did this short novella too, as long as I suspended my belief that no way would the boat have left without finding where she was. They really couldn’t leave someone stranded in the Antarctic like that, I hope! I would assume some for of health and safety procedure would prevent it happening really. If you disregard that - it is a story, after all - then it is a story of resilience, overcoming what life has thrown at you to move on to a more promising future, keeping love and hope alive. I really want to know if they succeed in their endeavours discussed at the end of the story. It is these two aspects the caused me to lower my rating. It is still a great read and heartwarming romance in a cold climate. I would have liked an epilogue at least to share how things worked out - or there to be a sequel in the pipeline! I’m not sure if there will be on to continue this story, but certainly hope so.
Just amending my review within hours of posting it. The author tweeted me to say that a sequel is in the pipeline . . . that ups my rating to 4/5 - can't wait to read the sequel, I want to know what happens to this couple and the community!
Many thanks to the publishers for gifting me a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review.
February 28, 2017
Nora is heartbroken. After losing the man she loved she put everything she still had to give in her job and designed a beautiful house in Amity Bay, Antarctica. The guesthouse is mostly self-sufficient. Nora is an architect and has done the largest part of the work, but someone else took credit for it and stole her promotion in the process. Now Nora also doesn't have a job any longer. There's no reason to leave Amity Bay together with her ex colleagues, instead Nora wants to be on her own and hibernate.
Alexei is head of Amity Bay. Because of the luxurious guesthouse he might not be able to stay though. The lodge threatens the existence of his beloved town. He thinks it's empty, left behind by the people who built it with no consideration for others, and is surprised Nora is still there. Alexei doesn't know who she is and as Nora likes him she doesn't tell him the truth, but when they become closer it's bound to come out. Will she be able to heal in Amity Bay or will it bring her more despair?
Nora is kind and talented. She works hard, she cares about what she does and she's good at making plans. I immediately loved her. She's sad, but she also still has hope and is taking baby steps towards a better future. I admired her strength and think she has a great personality. Alexei is a gentle man. He's passionate about his village and he loves the cold climate. There are plenty of sparks and a beautiful connection between him and Nora, but he has to be careful with her as she's still fragile. I liked his good and understanding nature. I really enjoyed reading about this unusual couple and couldn't wait to find out if they'd have a future.
Heating It Up is an original romantic story. I loved the brilliant cold setting. Antarctica is an interesting place to read about and I was spellbound Elizabeth Harmon's descriptions of the cold, the isolated life and the inventiveness of the people who are living there. Amity Bay is a fantastic mix of cultures. While outside it's brutal inside it's cozy and warm. I liked that contrast very much, it's special and it adds extra charm. I instantly fell in love with the stunning setting, the unpredictable weather and the warm-heartedness of the story and think Heating It Up is a terrific unique winter read.
Alexei is head of Amity Bay. Because of the luxurious guesthouse he might not be able to stay though. The lodge threatens the existence of his beloved town. He thinks it's empty, left behind by the people who built it with no consideration for others, and is surprised Nora is still there. Alexei doesn't know who she is and as Nora likes him she doesn't tell him the truth, but when they become closer it's bound to come out. Will she be able to heal in Amity Bay or will it bring her more despair?
Nora is kind and talented. She works hard, she cares about what she does and she's good at making plans. I immediately loved her. She's sad, but she also still has hope and is taking baby steps towards a better future. I admired her strength and think she has a great personality. Alexei is a gentle man. He's passionate about his village and he loves the cold climate. There are plenty of sparks and a beautiful connection between him and Nora, but he has to be careful with her as she's still fragile. I liked his good and understanding nature. I really enjoyed reading about this unusual couple and couldn't wait to find out if they'd have a future.
Heating It Up is an original romantic story. I loved the brilliant cold setting. Antarctica is an interesting place to read about and I was spellbound Elizabeth Harmon's descriptions of the cold, the isolated life and the inventiveness of the people who are living there. Amity Bay is a fantastic mix of cultures. While outside it's brutal inside it's cozy and warm. I liked that contrast very much, it's special and it adds extra charm. I instantly fell in love with the stunning setting, the unpredictable weather and the warm-heartedness of the story and think Heating It Up is a terrific unique winter read.
December 3, 2017
This was alright. Nothing special. I liked that it was set in Antarctica but found the romance lacking. The two characters could've solved their argument/misunderstanding in one conversation but it was dragged out over this 90 page novella.
February 28, 2017
I loved this story, which features a sweet and sexy Russian hero, Alexei, fighting to save a remote scientific outpost, Amity Bay (in Antarctica). He meets Nora, an intriguing castaway who is trying to recover her balance after a tremendous loss. There is an immediate attraction between them. But when Alexei discovers what brought Nora to his beloved home, they're challenged to reconcile their differences and their feelings in order to find a way forward for themselves as individuals, and as a couple.
Though I was drawn to this romance because of the unusual setting, I found that I loved the small-town feel of the setting and the wonderful cast of characters that filled the town with local color from all over the world. Having read the author's previous works, this is something she does superbly well. That element, as well as the setting, drew me in as much as the romance itself, which was lovely.
Though I was drawn to this romance because of the unusual setting, I found that I loved the small-town feel of the setting and the wonderful cast of characters that filled the town with local color from all over the world. Having read the author's previous works, this is something she does superbly well. That element, as well as the setting, drew me in as much as the romance itself, which was lovely.
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March 8, 2017I enjoyed learning about life in Antarctica. The author obviously did her research!
February 27, 2017
Four out of Five Stars! I would definitely recommend this novella to anyone who enjoys an interesting setting. I know that sounds "lame"... (do the kids still say that?), but this is my first book set in "The Ice", as it is called in Antarctica, and it was my favourite character. Yes, I said it, the setting was my favourite character. It manipulated the other characters to be where they needed to be, to do what they needed to do, and to react the way they needed to react.
That's not to say I didn't like the other characters, it's just that I really enjoyed learning about the Antarctic and what sort of things go on there. To be honest, I wasn't aware that there were camps hosting people who lived in the area year-round. Where have I been, right? For me, the best part of the book was the love these people had for their home, and what they would do to save it. Overall, this was an interesting read.
That's not to say I didn't like the other characters, it's just that I really enjoyed learning about the Antarctic and what sort of things go on there. To be honest, I wasn't aware that there were camps hosting people who lived in the area year-round. Where have I been, right? For me, the best part of the book was the love these people had for their home, and what they would do to save it. Overall, this was an interesting read.
March 1, 2017
My Thoughts & Review found at KeyReadThat
April 11, 2017
Heating It Up ARC Review: Heating It Up (Red Hot Russians) By Elizabeth HarmonElizabeth Harmon designs stories that are sultry enough to fight off the chill and emotional enough for the romantic in her readers. The previous novels in her Red Hot Russians series have bordered around the backstage life of skaters. From the heartbreaking failures to their triumphant returns, Ms. Harmon set hearts racing and hormones raging with her champions of the arena. Heating It Up is just as winning, but it's beauty lies in that it is more a story of redemption off the ice. Sometimes, it takes hitting rock bottom for a person to discover their inner strength. Nora has lost it all, her heart, her reputation, her career and the will to fight. Alexei, helps her find herself and let go of the past in order to conquer her future. Salvation can come in the most surprising of packages and Heating It Up is a great example of the power of faith and the strength of hope.
December 2, 2025
One of these things is not like the other ones...
This entry of the Red Hot Russians series is a break from the series formula:
-It's a quick and easy reading novella. Probably why I took my time picking it up, it's not much to get invested in but is something to read in a pinch
-It does not center around a figure skater. Not even a former figure skater. Such an anonmoly in a series featuring pairs skaters, an ice dancer and a singles skater.
-One of the MC's is the brother of the MC in the last book which hasn't happened before. I have enjoyed the overlap featured in most of these books (the friend of a friend, the former pairs partner) but this is directly about a sibling discussed in the previous book.
-It's set exclusively in Antarctica... where did that come from?!
But I actually really enjoyed the Antarctica setting and I completely understand the adventure of it all (in the abstract). I understand research hubs but I don't understand luxury resorts. To me, Nora and her former firm had no business slapping up a green energy resort which only served to push out the real people of Amity Bay doing real things. But she's a fun character, fighting the age-old man-took-credit-for-my-work struggle while still grieving her fiance who's been deceased for two years. Blake, the fiance, is so fresh in her mind I wondered how she'd ever move on to our main man Alexei. Alexei is the missing younger brother to Misha from Getting It Back. He's station manager which is like the defacto sheriff of the community.
The attraction between Nora and Alexei is almost instantaneous and physical but hold on. Every book in this series talks a good talk but walks right behind a closed door. Which is disappointing in this one especially considering there's not much to focus on except the drama of Nora being regretful her hotel design will shut down Amity Bay and spending ten chapters with her trying to decide to come clean. I'm not even sure what Alexei was doing for eleven chapters but I was hooked. Disappointingly, it ended just as I was wanting more. Why couldn't this be a full novel? I would have enjoyed more time with the ice king and queen.
This entry of the Red Hot Russians series is a break from the series formula:
-It's a quick and easy reading novella. Probably why I took my time picking it up, it's not much to get invested in but is something to read in a pinch
-It does not center around a figure skater. Not even a former figure skater. Such an anonmoly in a series featuring pairs skaters, an ice dancer and a singles skater.
-One of the MC's is the brother of the MC in the last book which hasn't happened before. I have enjoyed the overlap featured in most of these books (the friend of a friend, the former pairs partner) but this is directly about a sibling discussed in the previous book.
-It's set exclusively in Antarctica... where did that come from?!
But I actually really enjoyed the Antarctica setting and I completely understand the adventure of it all (in the abstract). I understand research hubs but I don't understand luxury resorts. To me, Nora and her former firm had no business slapping up a green energy resort which only served to push out the real people of Amity Bay doing real things. But she's a fun character, fighting the age-old man-took-credit-for-my-work struggle while still grieving her fiance who's been deceased for two years. Blake, the fiance, is so fresh in her mind I wondered how she'd ever move on to our main man Alexei. Alexei is the missing younger brother to Misha from Getting It Back. He's station manager which is like the defacto sheriff of the community.
The attraction between Nora and Alexei is almost instantaneous and physical but hold on. Every book in this series talks a good talk but walks right behind a closed door. Which is disappointing in this one especially considering there's not much to focus on except the drama of Nora being regretful her hotel design will shut down Amity Bay and spending ten chapters with her trying to decide to come clean. I'm not even sure what Alexei was doing for eleven chapters but I was hooked. Disappointingly, it ended just as I was wanting more. Why couldn't this be a full novel? I would have enjoyed more time with the ice king and queen.
November 7, 2025
Heating It Up (Red Hot Russians #3.5) by Elizabeth Harmon delivers a tender, emotionally charged romance set against the stark, beautiful isolation of Antarctica. In this novella, Harmon captures both the chill of solitude and the heat of unexpected connection, reminding readers that even in the coldest places, love can thrive.
The story follows Alexei Zaikov, a “Red Hot Russian” who has found peace in the remote outpost of Amity Bay until a mysterious woman disrupts his world. Nora Bradford, an architect betrayed by both love and career, retreats to the frozen wilderness to rebuild herself in the very lodge she designed but was denied credit for. When their paths collide, Harmon transforms their tension into chemistry that’s equal parts fire and fragility.
Beyond the romance, Heating It Up is a story of redemption and renewal. Against the breathtaking Antarctic backdrop, both characters learn to thaw old wounds, face buried truths, and rediscover purpose. Harmon’s writing is heartfelt and cinematic she brings emotional intimacy to life with wit, warmth, and sincerity.
This novella may be short, but it’s rich with feeling and atmosphere a reminder that love, like heat, finds a way to endure even in the most unlikely places.
The story follows Alexei Zaikov, a “Red Hot Russian” who has found peace in the remote outpost of Amity Bay until a mysterious woman disrupts his world. Nora Bradford, an architect betrayed by both love and career, retreats to the frozen wilderness to rebuild herself in the very lodge she designed but was denied credit for. When their paths collide, Harmon transforms their tension into chemistry that’s equal parts fire and fragility.
Beyond the romance, Heating It Up is a story of redemption and renewal. Against the breathtaking Antarctic backdrop, both characters learn to thaw old wounds, face buried truths, and rediscover purpose. Harmon’s writing is heartfelt and cinematic she brings emotional intimacy to life with wit, warmth, and sincerity.
This novella may be short, but it’s rich with feeling and atmosphere a reminder that love, like heat, finds a way to endure even in the most unlikely places.
February 17, 2017
An enjoyable short read, both characters have recently experienced both pain and betrayal, in Alexei's case both together, which makes the reader feel sympathetic towards them. I liked the descriptions of Antarctica and the oddballs that you find living in 'the back of beyond' and the wording was such that I could 'hear' Alexei's Russian accent. However, I didn't really feel the heat between the characters and the ending felt rushed and unfinished. Perhaps there is to be another companion story/novella?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
November 24, 2018
"Heating It Up" is a sweet romantic novella set in Antarctica. Both main characters have been in pain, a different kind for each one, but they are certainly very hesitant. He is Russian and she is American and they weren't out looking for someone, but somehow, they ended up liking each other. Lonely places, cut off the rest of the world tend to bring people together.
It wasn't steamy and there were no sex scenes whatsoever, but the reader could understand the chemistry between those two.
Overall, it's a nice and sweat novella with potential.
It wasn't steamy and there were no sex scenes whatsoever, but the reader could understand the chemistry between those two.
Overall, it's a nice and sweat novella with potential.
March 2, 2017
I really enjoyed this story, it was a whole new experience for me since I've never read anything about Antarctica before. Elizabeth Harmon's words made me feel like I was there.
A fun & quick read with a very in-depth feel, wonderful characters and some saucy romance. A story I'd definitely recommend. ^_^
A fun & quick read with a very in-depth feel, wonderful characters and some saucy romance. A story I'd definitely recommend. ^_^
June 3, 2017
3.5/5.0
Author Elizabeth Harmon has given readers a refreshing story of loss and love in a fascinating location.
Read full review in the 2017 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Author Elizabeth Harmon has given readers a refreshing story of loss and love in a fascinating location.
Read full review in the 2017 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
January 14, 2018
I liked the concept, but would be remiss if I didn’t say I wish it had been a bit longer. This author is really good at slow builds and that is hard to accomplish with a novella. It was good. But definitely felt rushed at the end, with everything resolving itself within a wink, and not really any time to savor the resolution.
May 3, 2020
Kindle Copy for Review
A quick read about a woman hiding in the Antarctic and a hot Russian. She’s got reasons to hide after losing everything. As things heat up between them, her secret might doom any chance of togetherness.
A short read that will have you swept of your feet or in these case pages.
A quick read about a woman hiding in the Antarctic and a hot Russian. She’s got reasons to hide after losing everything. As things heat up between them, her secret might doom any chance of togetherness.
A short read that will have you swept of your feet or in these case pages.
September 21, 2017
Believeable settings and appealing characyers. Great dialogue!
November 6, 2018
Cute, short, sweet, standalone.
June 30, 2019
I know this was written in the space of a novella, but it seemed to move too quickly. The romance went faster than character development. I just wanted to know more about Alexei and Nora.
June 8, 2020
Antarctic romance? Why not? I loved writing this book, I hope you enjoy reading it.
March 1, 2017
A lovely little novella based in Antarctica. This is a quick and fun read that will keep you interested and really hoping for more but trust me, you will be satisfied with what you read. Hot Russian, Alexei Zaikov runs a small community called Amity Bay. He loves the cold weather and solitude living in Antarctica offers him. He's suffered a loss and likes his new simple life. When a development threatens to disrupt his sheltered life, he takes action.
Nora Bradford has also suffered a devastating loss. As she moves on with her life she becomes architect for a wonderful self-sustaining lodge, called Glacier Ridge Lodge. Nora's bosses refuse to give her credit for the design. Nora, being sweet, kind and quiet doesn't make any waves and allows others to get the credit for the magnificent structure being built.
It's not until Alexei decides to fight the development that Nora finds her voice. Both are attracted to each other and try to fight not only their attraction but the powers that be that want to destroy the quaint little village. Together can they fight a big corporation set on destroying their utopia? As each realize they can not fight their attraction will their past losses destroy what could be a happy future? You will want to read this to find out for yourself.
Nora Bradford has also suffered a devastating loss. As she moves on with her life she becomes architect for a wonderful self-sustaining lodge, called Glacier Ridge Lodge. Nora's bosses refuse to give her credit for the design. Nora, being sweet, kind and quiet doesn't make any waves and allows others to get the credit for the magnificent structure being built.
It's not until Alexei decides to fight the development that Nora finds her voice. Both are attracted to each other and try to fight not only their attraction but the powers that be that want to destroy the quaint little village. Together can they fight a big corporation set on destroying their utopia? As each realize they can not fight their attraction will their past losses destroy what could be a happy future? You will want to read this to find out for yourself.
February 24, 2017
Novellas tend to be tricky. They should be short but complete stories. The characters should be well fleshed out and their motivations should be clear and concise. There is very little room for extras in a Novella and maybe that is why I found this book a bit flat.
Heating It Up is a complete story, more or less. The main characters, Alexei and Nora, seemed a little bit wooden to me and I didn't find much heat between them. Nora's secret seemed dumb to me, and I wondered how she could stay behind without anyone noticing she was missing. (Don't they take some kind of head count before they leave? I would expect some safety procedures when leaving Antartica, including making sure you don't leave anyone behind.)
The storyline itself was just ok and parts of it just didn't ring true to me - not that I know absolutely anything about Antartica. I guess I just didn't feel like I ever really connected with the characters which made this just an ok read for me.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Heating It Up is a complete story, more or less. The main characters, Alexei and Nora, seemed a little bit wooden to me and I didn't find much heat between them. Nora's secret seemed dumb to me, and I wondered how she could stay behind without anyone noticing she was missing. (Don't they take some kind of head count before they leave? I would expect some safety procedures when leaving Antartica, including making sure you don't leave anyone behind.)
The storyline itself was just ok and parts of it just didn't ring true to me - not that I know absolutely anything about Antartica. I guess I just didn't feel like I ever really connected with the characters which made this just an ok read for me.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2017
A short and sweet novella about starting over complicated by a mistaken identity, Heating It Up was an entertaining read. Alexei and Nora are sympathetic characters, and though I think this story could definitely have been expanded into a longer book that would have allowed us to get to know them even better, it was still easy to root for them to both get together and resolve their work problems. I did miss the ice skating theme (Alexei is the brother of another series character, though) but found the setting of Antarctica to be a fascinating one. Reading this novella has almost made me want to visit the continent.
Almost. Ask me again if we have another record-setting summer like the last one…
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Almost. Ask me again if we have another record-setting summer like the last one…
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
February 24, 2025
2.5 ⭐️ Who knew they had Taco Tuesdays in Antarctica!?
🐧 Normally I read books for the romance in the stories, but with this book, I ended up appreciating more so the learning about life on Antarctica. I’ve not read this author before, but I could tell that she writes well, with descriptive, detailed storytelling and that she obviously did her research on Antarctica and Russian culture and language.
🐋 I see several reviews already describing the plot perfectly, so I’ll just give my personal thoughts here instead.
🪆I was immediately impressed that all Russian words were correct. (normally the hockey romances get them all wrong). I didn’t notice a key, but in case you do read this story: zhopa = fool/ass, velikolepnyy vid = magnificent view, chyort = darn/damn.
🙋🏻♂️ Alexei - his dialogue was written in how a Russian actually often speaks English. Mostly, forgetting the articles (a, an, the). At first I thought it was an editing error, but no, it only happened during his dialogue. So read it in your head with a heavy Russian accent 😉
💁🏻♀️ Nora - she was mourning her fiancée for the last 2 years, so she was a bit of an emotional mess. I didn’t care for her character as much because of how she carried her mistaken identity out for a few days.
🏔️ Which takes me to the romance. This little novella takes place during less than a week’s time. Basically 3 days. So not enough time for a believable romance. And I swear I saw in someone’s review that this was spicy. It’s not… there were 2 kisses that Nora halted right away. Then their one sex scene happened off page, I didn’t even know they had done the deed until I read this:
She offered a small smile and nodded. “Together,” she whispered, allowing memories of last night’s lovemaking to soothe her fears.
🌮 So the best part of the story for me was learning how developed this little community was. I’m assuming it’s maybe close to reality? I’ve only seen penguin documentaries that never showed actual buildings, so it was interesting to read of them eating at a small pub with billiards, a small coffee place, fire department, the whale research center and discovery labs. And of course Taco Tuesday.
Bingo Reading Challenge 2025
Square #21 - book with a setting in Antarctica
Progress - 5/100
25┃🔴┃87┃13┃68┃40┃32┃59┃76┃44
10┃86┃04┃45┃47┃98┃50┃14┃85┃75
88┃51┃09┃🔴┃42┃29┃24┃92┃82┃01
100┃34┃17┃96┃43┃49┃64┃70┃15┃38
84┃31┃62┃07┃🔴┃73┃28┃46┃90┃77
03┃12┃80┃69┃52┃65┃54┃91┃23┃72
18┃95┃22┃99┃93┃🔴┃41┃08┃35┃58
57┃94┃16┃56┃05┃60┃78┃26┃81┃61
97┃🔴┃79┃67┃53┃30┃06┃36┃89┃33
71┃19┃39┃66┃55┃27┃20┃63┃11┃83
🐧 Normally I read books for the romance in the stories, but with this book, I ended up appreciating more so the learning about life on Antarctica. I’ve not read this author before, but I could tell that she writes well, with descriptive, detailed storytelling and that she obviously did her research on Antarctica and Russian culture and language.
🐋 I see several reviews already describing the plot perfectly, so I’ll just give my personal thoughts here instead.
🪆I was immediately impressed that all Russian words were correct. (normally the hockey romances get them all wrong). I didn’t notice a key, but in case you do read this story: zhopa = fool/ass, velikolepnyy vid = magnificent view, chyort = darn/damn.
🙋🏻♂️ Alexei - his dialogue was written in how a Russian actually often speaks English. Mostly, forgetting the articles (a, an, the). At first I thought it was an editing error, but no, it only happened during his dialogue. So read it in your head with a heavy Russian accent 😉
💁🏻♀️ Nora - she was mourning her fiancée for the last 2 years, so she was a bit of an emotional mess. I didn’t care for her character as much because of how she carried her mistaken identity out for a few days.
🏔️ Which takes me to the romance. This little novella takes place during less than a week’s time. Basically 3 days. So not enough time for a believable romance. And I swear I saw in someone’s review that this was spicy. It’s not… there were 2 kisses that Nora halted right away. Then their one sex scene happened off page, I didn’t even know they had done the deed until I read this:
She offered a small smile and nodded. “Together,” she whispered, allowing memories of last night’s lovemaking to soothe her fears.
🌮 So the best part of the story for me was learning how developed this little community was. I’m assuming it’s maybe close to reality? I’ve only seen penguin documentaries that never showed actual buildings, so it was interesting to read of them eating at a small pub with billiards, a small coffee place, fire department, the whale research center and discovery labs. And of course Taco Tuesday.
Bingo Reading Challenge 2025
Square #21 - book with a setting in Antarctica
Progress - 5/100
25┃🔴┃87┃13┃68┃40┃32┃59┃76┃44
10┃86┃04┃45┃47┃98┃50┃14┃85┃75
88┃51┃09┃🔴┃42┃29┃24┃92┃82┃01
100┃34┃17┃96┃43┃49┃64┃70┃15┃38
84┃31┃62┃07┃🔴┃73┃28┃46┃90┃77
03┃12┃80┃69┃52┃65┃54┃91┃23┃72
18┃95┃22┃99┃93┃🔴┃41┃08┃35┃58
57┃94┃16┃56┃05┃60┃78┃26┃81┃61
97┃🔴┃79┃67┃53┃30┃06┃36┃89┃33
71┃19┃39┃66┃55┃27┃20┃63┃11┃83
February 25, 2017
3.5 Star review.
Heating it Up is the ultimate snowed in romance. The story is a novella, so we don't get to get into the nitty gritty of the characters, but still, Nora and Alexei are complicated characters. Both are running, both are seeking the loneliness of the Antarctic.
The circumstances that force the two together are odd, and a unique take on an old troupe. The romance is a bit forced, as the two attempt to heal. Overall, this is a cute, quick romance, perfect for someone looking for a fast, light angst read.
*Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMG Reads*
Heating it Up is the ultimate snowed in romance. The story is a novella, so we don't get to get into the nitty gritty of the characters, but still, Nora and Alexei are complicated characters. Both are running, both are seeking the loneliness of the Antarctic.
The circumstances that force the two together are odd, and a unique take on an old troupe. The romance is a bit forced, as the two attempt to heal. Overall, this is a cute, quick romance, perfect for someone looking for a fast, light angst read.
*Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMG Reads*
February 21, 2017
This was a nice little read i liked Nora and Alexei they were cute together just could not feel any chemistry between them other than that it was a cute little story
June 12, 2017
I've been a fan of the author's sweet, gentle and sincere "beta" heroes through her Red Hot Russian series, and I think Alexei is my favorite so far. The setting of Antarctica is a first for me, and I found it fascinating--almost a character in itself--while not feeling as if I was getting big chunks of research dumped on me. Both Nora and Alexei are wounded, and finding their way back to being vulnerable again. A short read, but very satisfying. Easy to recommend.
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