tsar's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
“I wanted to stop feeling as though I were rotting in my own aimlessness.”
While the first two entries of the STEMinist novellas are filled with hostility between the main characters, Below Zero is probably the cutest last entry of the series. It revolves around Hannah Aroyo and Ian Floyd, two top engineers who reunite in NASA and experience an incident where Ian has to rescue a stranded Hannah in a risky space project. It prompts their old feelings to resurface and finally resolve the misunderstanding that happened to them months and years back.
Out of all the series entries, Below Zero seems to be the only one with a clear vision of what kind of narrative Hazelwood wants to bring, which gives the readers the best development in terms of the main protagonist herself. We are introduced to Hannah, the brilliant aerospace engineer who is allergic to anything that is related to attachment and commitment. And Hazelwood writes her backstory as brief as it is relatable—the issue of existentialism, the lost feeling of having no goals as if they are wandering aimlessly in the world, which coincidentally fits with the science field relating to the vast space of the unknown that Hannah is working in. As a result, it makes sense to see her having such a laser focus and love for outer space that feels like a home for her.
On the other hand, the male protagonist is also a change of pace after meeting Liam (from Under One Roof) and Erik (from Stuck with You), who exhibit genuine maturity and confidence in their respective fields. While Ian is confident with his expertise as a NASA engineer, his 'cool' facade looks awkward and misplaced, showing a young man with genius brains entrusted too early to heavy programs like this—a contrasting personality from Hannah's conviction and free-spirited characterization.
It makes their sexual escapade at the end look more endearing compared to the others that treat the sexual narrative like the end games. It's still hot, but Hazelwood writes their coupling like a revelation over something new and exciting as if they've found a permanent space in their lives that could fit each other as romantic partners.
I think my one and only complaint is that it's labeled as the enemies-to-lovers theme when it's far beyond that trope by any other means. The brief animosity between Hannah and Ian is simply because of a misunderstanding that is quickly resolved, albeit it needs a life-threatening incident to do so. It doesn't have the intense dislike or the sentiment to one up or sabotage each other or pro-longed hate like any other romance novel that uses this trope. So, it just feels like a false advertisement.
Nonetheless, Below Zero is my favorite entry of Hazelwood's STEMinist novellas. It's cute and lovely, easily making me laugh and excited for their journey.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/injury detail and Blood
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