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Polar Heat

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Polar bear shapeshifter Russell is happy with his isolated life in a small Alaskan town. That is, until the arrival of a kindergarten teacher from the lower 48 blows Russell's comfortable world to pieces.

One whiff of Riley Jenkins' compelling scent, and Russ is a goner. But how can he explain all that he is to this innocent young woman, and will her own dark past prevent their fated love from turning into a happily-ever-after?

This paranormal romance contains graphic sex scenes.



★★★★★ - "Deep, romantic, engaging and delightful."

★★★★★ - "A nice blend of starting a new life and finding your mate. Could not stop reading."

★★★★★ - "One of the things I liked most about this story was the way that Native Alaskan culture was interwoven into a modern day romance in today's Alaska."

186 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 19, 2015

270 people are currently reading
288 people want to read

About the author

Simone Beaudelaire

85 books75 followers
Hello, I am Simone Beaudelaire, romance enthusiast, freelance proofreader, and novice author.
In real life, I'm a wife, mother, and full time high school French teacher, which doesn't leave me a lot of time for my hobby. Of course, that hasn't stopped me yet.
I hope I can connect with other readers of romance (and other genres. I love to read, and through my beta reading group, I have recommendations in all different categories.)

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5 stars
193 (36%)
4 stars
154 (28%)
3 stars
122 (22%)
2 stars
46 (8%)
1 star
18 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
Profile Image for Ana.
2,038 reviews6 followers
June 11, 2015
This is the first time I've read this authors book and I must say it was great.. Great storyline!

Riley has been hiding from her evil stepbrother since childhood, so much that she has shut herself off from everything, but the children she teaches. Even her dreams are plagued by him. She is so afraid of him that she moves as far as Alaska, but is she still safe from him?

Russell is a very special man, he is half Native and half Polar Bear Shifter, he also has a very special ability that has made him sort of an outcast among both sides of his families. Therefore he lives among the humans in the small town of Golden, Alaska where he meets his mate, the new Kindergarten teacher. Something very terrible plagues her and he is very intent on winning her trust and protecting her. But he worries that she may not accept his true self.

This is a lovely love story filled with intrigue lots of surprises and melting hot sensual passion. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this author.

I was gifted this book for an honest review.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews132 followers
Want to read
April 11, 2021
💝FREE on Amazon today (12/13/2018)!💝

Blurb:
Polar bear shapeshifter Russell Tadzea is content with his rather isolated life in a small central Alaskan town. He has friends, work and a congenial, yet cautious relationship with his family.

That is until the arrival of a kindergarten teacher from the lower 48 blows Russell's comfortable world to pieces. One whiff of Riley Jenkins' compelling scent, and Russ is a goner.

But how can he explain all that he is to this innocent young woman? And will her own dark past interfere with their ability to turn a fated love into a happily-ever-after?
Profile Image for Abra.
594 reviews15 followers
August 12, 2015
This is a nice gentle story. There is no romantic tension, just the story of a 24 year old woman beginning a relationship with a 65 year old werebear. I get a bit creeped out by the older man thing, but I like that Polar Heat doesn't dance around the issue. Maybe I haven't read enough PNR, but even though it's often mentioned that it takes years to find a mate (if at all), I don't remember a book in which the shifter finds a mate after his mid thirties.

Other than the romance there is a plot line about the heroine's violent half brother. You can see what's coming a mile away, but I'm pretty sure the reader is intended to.
Profile Image for Sheryl.
2,030 reviews22 followers
May 25, 2015
I was given a complimentary copy by author Simone Beaudelaire for an honest review. This is a stand alone with no cliffhanger.

Riley Jenkins came to Alaska to teach at a school and to get away from the past haunting her but what she found was even better then she could have ever thought. Russell “Russ” Tadzea flies a small plane and does a little of everything. When things start getting threatening for Riley Russ tries to help her with her past and keep her safe.

This book has a great story line and wonderful characters for any reader to enjoy. The author gave the characters very good interaction.

This book is for any paranormal romance book reader who like action and drama with their romance
Profile Image for Cynthia Morgan.
Author 29 books152 followers
September 26, 2016
The premise of a werebear, not a werewolf, is what initially drew me to this story. Ok, the cover played a part as well, because let’s face it, what’s not to like about a handsome shapeshifting man who can be romantic, protective and still carry off that essential element of mystery? It did not take long, however, to discover that Polar Heat was far more than a frolic with deliciously steamy, yet delightfully UN-raunchy, intimacy that kept me turning the pages and made my heart beat faster…then faster!

Older man meets younger woman; it’s a rather timeless proposition, yet the author adds twists to this traditional storyline through a fascinating blend of Native Alaskan lore and mysticism that sets the tale apart. Russell Tadzea is not merely a man; he is a 10-foot tall, 1000 pound polar bear with all the carnal urges and instincts of a beast, controlled through the strength and integrity of the man he has become through trials and customs unique to his distinctive culture. Riley is beauty and innocence personified, with a haunting history and vulnerability that is as compelling to his nature as the winter snow.

The presentation of their ever-strengthening bond is both beautiful and intriguing as the author weaves their magical story in unexpected ways. The primal animal within Russell recognizes his mate at first scent, rather than at first sight. The strength of their bond blossoms not in the cockpit of his plane or the playground of the school where she teaches, but in the realm of their dreams, as both have a unique gift of dream walking. The purity within Riley is drawn to his strength, in spite of, or perhaps because of, the physical manifestation of his age that initially worries her: his white hair, which is far more indicative of who he truly is than she could ever imagine.

And who he truly is quickly becomes as irresistible to the reader as he becomes to Riley.
Profile Image for J.M. Northup.
Author 28 books129 followers
August 7, 2018
Deep, romantic, engaging, and delightful!
I love the writing of Simone Beaudelaire! She writes such interesting characters and compelling tales, filled with steamy sex and romantic interludes! She definitely achieved excellence again with POLAR HEAT!
The complexity of the story was very engaging for me. I loved how she developed Riley, the main female protagonist in the story. She had a dark and surprising past which haunted her in a very unique way. I really enjoyed the depth of the different cultures from which Russ, the main male protagonist of the story, was raised. The clash of modern and traditional elements was well written.
Of course, the love scenes were steamy, as always! One thing I admire about the way Simone writes is that her sex scenes aren't just random nor are they the focus of her tale. The romance is used to heighten the story and to bond the characters so they are very moving and tender, even when they are rugged and primal. In this particular book, I was delighted by the way the author presented the animal and human lusts and drives that created Russ. I enjoyed the way she melded the beast with his humanity, especially when it came to the shape-shifting aspect.
As always, this was well written and engaging. I literally read it in a day! I love Alaska, Native American culture, the myths and legends of shape-shifting, and of course, romance! This book exceeded my expectations and was an enjoyable read. I definitely recommend it to readers 18+!
Profile Image for G.S. Bailey.
Author 24 books22 followers
June 1, 2015
Several kinds of powerful: A classy and fascinating mix of lust, love, dreaming and danger in an awesome setting. This starts out as a regular story about a teacher and her pilot, the potential for romance right there in the opening scene. Things quickly advance beyond simple when our hero strips off and shapeshifts and it’s revealed our heroine is hiding from something supernatural and sinister. The story to follow is a sweet romance that twists into an out-of-control thriller. The animal in pursuit of a mate is one of the highlights, handled with class and delivered with appropriate passion – natural and hot. Another winner is the way the teacher/pilot regular life story remains grounded while the shifter and dreaming aspects take us to extremes of imagination. It’s a clever blend. Another highlight is the climax, which comes on fast and is all power…. Romance, thriller, supernatural, the internal heat and external cold of nature – this book works.
Profile Image for Karen.
1,424 reviews2 followers
July 14, 2015
Wow! Where to begin? This book presents the individual extremes of good and evil, with shifters, shaman, dream walkers, psychics and more. It begins with Riley moving to Alaska to teach kindergarten and to get away from her physically and mentally abusive and controlling older half brother.

Russell is a polar bear shifter hybrid and bush pilot who will ferry Riley between schools. It doesn't take long for him to recognize her as his mate, but she is human, young and innocent. Riley is drawn to the white haired Russell, but thinks he may be too old for her. Then they are caught in a blizzard and Russell, a dream walker, learns why she shelters inside an igloo in her dreams. It's because her mentally unbalanced brother stalks her in her dreams and will be coming for her in the waking world, just as soon as he finds her
572 reviews6 followers
May 23, 2015
Russell, an older polar bear shifter wants to know why Riley, a young beautiful woman wants to live out in the middle of no where. Riley is running from her past and believes the best place is in Alaska. Soon Russell realizes that Riley is his mate and will stop at nothing to keep her safe. This is a great story that combines cultures and even though it is a paranormal shifter story the shifter aspect is not the main focus of this story. I also liked the fact that Russell is older which is also not the case in most books.

I received a copy of this book for a honest review....
Profile Image for Jessica Mitchell.
2,051 reviews20 followers
May 21, 2015
Riley is on the run from her crazy stepbrother who beat her up as a kid. With her father gone there is no buffer. So she runs to Alaska. Teaching kids. She meets a handsome rugged man named Russel. Who flies her back and forth between home and her job and couple days. She is falling for him and him for her. Will she finally get to be happy in life and not looking over her shoulder? Or will her evil stepbrother ruin everything.
Profile Image for Gabby Hillier.
101 reviews5 followers
June 5, 2015
I have read and reviewed for Simone before and of course she never disappoints! Yes her books get hot a steamy BUT that's not what the whole book is about it always has a power story to go along with everything. Polar Heat is no expectation to that rule. I love how Russ and Riley connect so quickly and completely and how Simone balances out the human and the bear with Russ. This is a great romance read that I am sure will not disappoint you.
Profile Image for Kim.
1,686 reviews9 followers
October 9, 2015
Interesting, different but sad

This was an interesting plot that was a very different shifter story. This incorporated psychic abilities and dream walking. That aspect was interesting. The H & H were somewhat one dimensional characters and the chemistry was luke warm but far from hot. I had higher hopes for this book than what was delivered. I was a good story but average.
Profile Image for Michelle Sanders.
151 reviews
June 11, 2015
Didn't leave me cold

This polar bear shifter love story will leave you hot and bothered. It's got romance, sexiness, humor, and even some intrigue. But ultimately it's a beautiful happily ever after...5 awesome stars
Profile Image for C.J..
Author 4 books392 followers
October 7, 2015
This is the most involved shifter story I've ever read. It had so many elements that complemented and wove together. I liked the setting and the insight into the culture. Would have liked more at the end.
124 reviews10 followers
October 21, 2015
Review

Wow ..I really enjoyed your book.I loved the charters and the story line.I just hope you write some about riley and Russ. Very excited to read more..thanks so much for sharing your talent.
6 reviews
July 11, 2015
I could not put the book down just loved it

This was a very good book if you could give a ten I would thank you for writing this book.
Profile Image for Cindy T.
519 reviews3 followers
August 7, 2015
With one sniff Russell knows Riley is more than a job. Will she feel the same way? Why does she have such a haunted look? Will Russell help Riley out of her protective shield?

A really great read!
502 reviews1 follower
October 14, 2015
Pleasant and downright cute

A fun story with a twist calling together mind connections and dream walking. The Alaskan wilderness offers a new setting of polar bear shifters.
2,966 reviews10 followers
October 14, 2015
Healed

she lived in fear most of her life. To finally have that gone was well worth it to her to be free.
Profile Image for K.J. Simmill.
Author 10 books145 followers
November 8, 2020
The moment Russ' path crossed with Riley's he knew she was special. This shy, timid creature had captivated him from the moment she slipped into his plane, and she was all he could think about. But there was a danger with his pull to her. She was human, and while he was not accepted fully by his kind, he was not beyond their judgement. To claim her as his mate he must reveal their existence, but that is not the only obstacle. Riley fled here to escape her past, but it seems that dark history isn't quite finished with her yet.

Polar Heat by Simone Beaudelaire is a shifter romance based in the icy climate of Alaska. This charming romance focuses on the growing pull between Russ and Riley as he tries to win her affection and coax the woman she is through the barriers of her insecurities. With a past that has haunted her for so long, Riley must learn to trust, to let herself be vulnerable. I enjoyed watching their growing bond strengthen and develop and loved the addition of lore and supernatural into the perfectly paced plot. Romance, passion, danger, and a past that won't let go. It's a good job it's cold outside because things are getting steamy.
Profile Image for Nicole Normand.
1,962 reviews31 followers
June 12, 2019
I found this book for free on Amazon via Shifted Sheets; this is my honest review.
-Kudos to the author and/or editor. Great job.
-The story was a 4-star until about 70-75% of the book. Then it kind of went downhill from there.
-The problem I found was that the author added all kinds of supernatural things, including magic - apart from the shifter thing, and I didn't feel it belonged. It certainly didn't add to the story. For example, the black, magical umbilical cord the brother fabricated to keep his sister under his thumb forever.
-It's more romance with open door than a shifter story. Lots of other paranormal I could've done without. There are lots about Natives and cultural aspects of things but not really about shifters.
-I thought the love story was great. I could have done with less s*x scenes. b I didn't mind the difference in age; I just minded that the h lack of life experience was a bit put-off. She's intelligent but doesn't use it when she needs it. She's stuck is a world she doesn't want but doesn't get help.
Profile Image for  Nancy.
1,286 reviews8 followers
October 18, 2017
I think what I most enjoyed about this book was the tenderness and the love that the two main characters shared in this paranormal love story. Definitely, a book to read, the author researched the area (Alaska) and psychic phenomena to make this a truly interesting and fascinating book.
" When Riley let her guard down, her sense of humor sparkled like sunlight on clean water."
"Shy baby. I'll teach you. The thought of tutoring her in every aspect of lovemaking hardened him to aching alertness."
"The light gathered and coalesced into Russell's beautiful dark eyes, which shone down into hers like wild stars."
This author has a way with her writing, weaving beautiful and meaningful words together to create vivid pictures for her readers.
Profile Image for Ahima Booklover.
935 reviews4 followers
September 21, 2022
4 stars for Kindergarden teacher / dreamwalker Riley and Polar bear shapeshifter Russel.

Up up up in the cold area of Alaska. Russel knows right from the start that Riley should been his. Riley just left her home state to claim distance to her past but that's something that might hunt her in her dreams. Russel has to fight hard to claim Riley as his and to keep her save.

I was a bit distracted through the story... Started twice, listened multiple times to different parts of the book. I loved the story. My mind just wandered away here and there. The audiobook was not my most favorite. I missed emotions what might be one part of the problem of my wandering mind. But all in all I will give that series another chance.
Profile Image for Jess.
1,089 reviews22 followers
March 25, 2019
Shifters and dreamwalkers make an interesting read

Characters = 4/5
Plot = 4/5
Romance = 4/5
Mystery = 4/5
Action =  4/5
Darkness = 2/5
Humor = 1/5
Stars =  4 ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Would I recommend this book = Yes
Would I read future books by this author = Yes

I've read shifters in the past but this one was a tad different. Different in a good way. Polar bears and dreamwalkers made for an interesting tale. The action and drama throughout kept you guessing and wanting more. The romance between Riley and Russell was pretty much instant. It was sweet and sexy with a tad of cuteness.
I also loved that the book involved a small tribe in Alaska. Like I said. Very different!
Profile Image for Francesca.
395 reviews11 followers
June 15, 2017
2.5
L'inizio era promettente, nonostante questa autrice tendi sempre a un'enorme differenza d'età tra i due protagonisti, cosa che mi irrita sempre. Ma essendo una specie di urban fantasy, ci sono passata sopra. Eppure, non mi ha convinto. È diventato ripetitivo subito il loro primo rapporto... sempre le stesse identiche cose. E poi la mazzata finale è stata con l'arrivo del fratello e i suoi poteri. Non mi è piaciuto, mi è sembrata una forzatura per concludere il libro in qualche modo.
Pazienza.
Profile Image for Jackie.
2,554 reviews
December 12, 2018
I don’t know, the writing style seemed stiff & unnatural, which made it hard to read. The flow was awfully slow & predictable, I thought it would never get anywhere either, & I almost quit. I also didn’t like the inner dialogue (in italics) of them talking to themselves in their mind, it just seemed weird. I think the age difference being physically so obvious hurt the story. I wasn’t bothered by the age difference as much, I think it wasn’t as extreme for today’s world as some readers have mentioned. I think there were some parts of the plot that seemed choppy & didn’t make sense to me too.
Profile Image for Athena M.
14 reviews2 followers
March 4, 2021
A very sweet book!

There's nice character building and I love how the heroine evolves over the course of the book. If you like romances that don't involve enemies to lovers or complicated relationships then you'll love this couple! I also enjoyed how the adventure wasn't something that just happened but it built up to it. I enjoy books that don't revolve around constant running, hiding, and fighting. This is a sweet book with steam, and a bit of adventure. And a bear shifter of course!
Profile Image for Rhane.
502 reviews3 followers
July 29, 2021
Shifter romance with a twist

Of all the shifter stories bear shifters may be my favorite. Authors who imagine bear shifters make them the kind of people you can depend on. The ongoing theme of shifter mating urges is everywhere. In fact it is so prevalent that I wonder how much occult shifter lore is out there to be mined for stories. Something like pheromones but mixed with magic seems to occur and often effects the human mate as well. This book adds an intriguing twist and a dark turn to make it stand out from the everyday shifter romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews

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