Cold War by Keira Andrews

ka_cold_warTITLE: Cold War
AUTHOR: Keira Andrews
GENRE: Contemporary/Sport
LENGTH: Novella (110 pages)
PUBLISHER: Loose-Id (February 4th, 2014)
HEAT LEVEL: Explicit
HEART RATING: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
BLURB: After an explosive locker room confrontation with his Russian rival ends in the most surprising and intense sex of his life, American pairs skater Dev Avira needs to refocus. He’s worked for years to win Olympic gold, and he can’t let himself—or his partner—down. Distraction in the form of steely and smoldering Mikhail Reznikov is the last thing he needs as he prepares for the biggest competition of his life.

But with the Games only days away, they can’t keep their hands off each other. Dev soon learns that beneath Mikhail’s arrogant and aloof exterior is Misha, a passionate man who warms Dev’s heart and scorches his bed. They’re both determined to win, but for Misha his freedom could be on the line. Can Dev put his deepening feelings on ice as he goes for gold?

PRODUCT LINK: http://www.loose-id.com/cold-war.html

REVIEWER: Prime

REVIEW: Devassy Avira (aka Dev) and Mikhail Reznikov (aka Misha) are rival figure skaters who compete in the doubles event with their respective partners. Dev is from the US, and he is getting increasingly angry by the skating judges favouring Misha, who is from Russia. He is sick of being runner-up and is starving for a gold medal. They have one encounter that neither can forget. They meet again months later at the Olympics, where tension and dramas are rife and both are determined to win the same event.

First off, this is a really great story. I thoroughly enjoyed it. For those that like their romance books on the backdrop of professional sport this is perfect. Our two leading men also have some pretty hot and heavy encounters. The plot of the story was simple but intense. Dev is the male darling of the US figure skating circuit, though he is looking to finish up skating and go into coaching. Misha’s back story is great and it presents an interesting perspective on the Russian Federation and the treatment of their athletes. However, like many things involving Russia, I’m going to assume that it is controversial.

Like all books with professional athletes as the main characters, both Dev and Misha have be careful and remain closeted, Misha more so than Dev. The characters share a passionate spark that began burning the moment they gave in to their attraction that does not diminish. Like all couple, especially in romance books, they fight. I am pleased to say that unlike some literary fights, this one is believable, as the tension at the time exploded and all Dev and Misha could do was fight. I think that just endeared the book more to me, even though it was right at the end and I was already in love with the story and the characters.

An interesting side point I would like to make. The Olympic Games in the book were held in Annecy, France and there was a brief mention of the Sochi Games. After a quick Google search to confirm, the Games this book is set in are the 2018 Olympics. If you were like me and wondered if this is true, quickly Annecy had bid, but the Games are going to be in Pyeongchang, South Korea. In addition, it was also interesting to hear Misha speak of the controversial Russian anti-gay laws. Of course, whether what the author presents is the truth or creative licence, it doesn’t matter in this case.