Ali Hazelwood’s Below Zero concludes the STEMinist Novellas trilogy with a tale as unforgiving as the Arctic landscape where it unfolds. Following Under One Roof (Mara’s story) and Stuck with You (Sadie’s romance), this third installment delivers Hannah’s long-awaited love story—a second-chance romance wrapped in polar survival gear and seasoned with academic rivalry that spans half a decade.
A Frozen Beginning That Melts Into Something Beautiful
The novella opens with Hannah Arroyo trapped in a crevasse in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago, her ankle sprained and hypothermia creeping in like an unwelcome visitor. What should be a straightforward scientific mission to test her revolutionary mini-rover has become a fight for survival. When rescue comes, it arrives in the form of Ian Floyd—the very man who vetoed her NASA funding and seemingly sabotaged her career six months earlier.
Hazelwood expertly uses this life-or-death scenario to strip away the pretenses that have kept Hannah and Ian apart. The author’s background in academia shines through her authentic portrayal of scientific research, grant applications, and the brutal politics of NASA funding. Hannah’s project isn’t just plot convenience—it’s a genuinely innovative solution to rover failures that plagued Mars missions like Spirit and Opportunity.
The Chemistry of Second Chances
What elevates Below Zero above typical enemies-to-lovers fare is Ali Hazelwood’s nuanced exploration of miscommunication and assumptions. Hannah’s belief that Ian vetoed her project out of professional jealousy or personal spite creates a five-year rift that could have been avoided with a single honest conversation. When the truth emerges—that Ian’s opposition stemmed from genuine concern for her safety—it reframes their entire history.
The flashback structure allows readers to witness their initial meeting at JPL, where a steamy encounter in Ian’s office nearly led somewhere before Hannah’s commitment issues and Ian’s desire for something deeper created an impasse. Hazelwood captures the awkwardness of sexual tension combined with professional admiration, particularly in scenes where Hannah debugs Ian’s code while fighting her attraction to him.
Survival Romance at Its Most Visceral
The Arctic setting isn’t mere window dressing—it becomes a character that forces both protagonists to confront their vulnerabilities. Hannah’s near-death experience strips away her carefully constructed emotional armor, while Ian’s rescue mission reveals the depth of his feelings. Their night together on the boat, sharing body heat and honest conversation, ranks among Hazelwood’s most tender writing.
The author doesn’t shy away from the physical realities of survival: frostbite, hypothermia, and the bone-deep exhaustion that comes with fighting the elements. These details ground the romance in authentic stakes, making every moment of warmth—both literal and metaphorical—feel earned.
Character Development Through Scientific Lens
Hannah emerges as Hazelwood’s most complex heroine yet. Her journey from the sullen teenager who hated school to a driven NASA scientist feels authentic, particularly her admission that she wasn’t naturally gifted but achieved success through sheer determination. Her relationship with friends Mara and Sadie provides emotional anchoring, showing how chosen family can heal wounds left by biological relatives who never quite understood her.
Ian defies the typical alpha hero archetype despite his imposing physical presence. His awkwardness around Hannah’s initial proposition, his genuine surprise at her interest, and his patient pursuit of something deeper reveal an emotionally intelligent man who values connection over conquest. The revelation about his drug-smuggling father adds unexpected depth to his character without feeling forced.
The Supporting Cast and Series Connections
The STEMinist Novellas work beautifully as standalone stories, but readers who’ve followed Mara and Sadie’s journeys will appreciate their appearances in Below Zero by Ali Hazelwood. Their friendship with Hannah feels lived-in and genuine, from their airport rescue sign (“WHO ALMOST DIED AND DIDN’T EVEN TELL US”) to their protective concern. These women support each other’s scientific ambitions while calling out each other’s emotional blind spots.
Dr. Merel serves as an effective antagonist—not cartoonishly evil, but representative of the academic gatekeepers who prioritize publishable results over student safety. His negligence in leaving Hannah alone on a dangerous mission highlights real issues in field research oversight.
Writing Craft and Pacing Challenges
Hazelwood’s prose sparkles with scientific metaphors that feel natural rather than forced. Ian comparing Hannah’s body to Martian topography during their love scene could be ridiculous in less skilled hands, but here it perfectly captures how these characters think and feel. The author’s academic background lends authenticity to discussions of grant applications, peer review processes, and the politics of scientific funding.
However, the novella’s compressed format occasionally works against character development. The five-year gap between Hannah and Ian’s first meeting and their reunion feels rushed in places, particularly the revelation of Ian’s true motivations. Some readers may find Hannah’s immediate forgiveness and shift to romance slightly abrupt, though the life-threatening circumstances provide adequate justification.
Themes That Resonate Beyond Romance
Below Zero by Ali Hazelwood explores themes of worthiness and belonging that extend beyond romantic relationships. Hannah’s struggle to believe she deserves love mirrors many readers’ own insecurities, while Ian’s patient persistence offers hope that the right person will see past our defensive mechanisms. The scientific setting reinforces themes about taking calculated risks and learning from failure—concepts that apply equally to research and relationships.
The novella also addresses workplace harassment and the challenges women face in STEM fields, though these elements feel somewhat underdeveloped compared to the central romance. Hannah’s experiences with inappropriate student feedback and professional sabotage ring true but could benefit from deeper exploration.
How It Stacks Against the Series
While Under One Roof excelled at forced proximity and Stuck with You delivered workplace romance with medical drama, Below Zero by Ali Hazelwood offers the highest stakes and most dramatic setting. The survival elements elevate the romance beyond typical contemporary fare, though some readers may prefer the more grounded conflicts of the earlier novellas.
Hannah and Ian’s relationship feels the most mature of the three couples, perhaps because they’re both established in their careers and have had time to reflect on their mistakes. Their love scene combines emotional intimacy with physical passion in ways that feel both steamy and meaningful.
Similar Reads for Romance and STEM Enthusiasts
Readers who enjoy Hazelwood’s blend of science and romance should explore:
- Christina Lauren’s works, particularly for workplace romance dynamics
- Kate Clayborn’s “Love Lettering” for similar themes of miscommunication and second chances
- Nalini Singh’s “Silver Silence” for psychic abilities in scientific settings
- Beth O’Leary’s “The Flatshare” for unconventional communication and slow-burn romance
- Helen Hoang’s “The Kiss Quotient” for authentic neurodiversity representation in romance
Final Verdict: A Satisfying Conclusion
Below Zero succeeds as both a standalone romance and a series conclusion, though it doesn’t quite reach the heights of Ali Hazelwood’s full-length debut The Love Hypothesis. The Arctic setting provides unique atmosphere and genuine stakes, while Hannah and Ian’s chemistry burns hot enough to melt the polar ice caps. Readers invested in the STEMinist universe will find satisfying closure, and newcomers will discover an entertaining introduction to Hazelwood’s particular brand of nerdy romance.
The novella’s exploration of professional rivalry, personal growth, and the courage required to trust again resonates beyond its genre conventions. While some plot elements feel compressed due to length constraints, the emotional core remains strong enough to support the scientific framework Hazelwood constructs around it.
For fans of smart, science-forward romance with genuine emotional stakes, Below Zero delivers a chilly setting with plenty of heat.