“So, I graduate, and I decide that I want to work at NASA and not for some weirdo billionaire who treats space exploration like it’s his own homemade penis-enlargement remedy.”
― Ali Hazelwood, Below Zero
I love, love, love Ali Hazelwood. Below Zero is another reminder of why she’s one of my go-to romance authors. Even in novella form, she delivers everything she does best: sharp banter, emotionally rich characters, and a romance that feels both fun and deeply sincere.
Banter, Tension, and Emotional Payoff
Hazelwood’s strength has always been character interaction, and Below Zero absolutely shines in that area. The banter between Hannah and Ian is top-tier — witty, natural, and emotionally charged. There’s a quiet tension simmering beneath their interactions that makes every scene feel intentional and engaging. Despite the shorter length, their connection didn’t feel rushed or underdeveloped, to me.
Real, Relatable Intimacy
One of my favorite aspects of this story was how real their relationship felt, especially when it came to intimacy. Their first time together wasn’t overly polished or idealized — it was human.
They laughed, regrouped, and leaned into the moment together, and I genuinely loved that. It added so much authenticity and warmth to their relationship.
Wishing for More
If I have one complaint, it’s that this story wasn’t longer. I wanted more time with Hannah and Ian. Give me more moments, more conversations, more everything. Honestly, that’s a testament to how well Hazelwood develops her characters, even within a limited page count.
I do see some push back on Hazelwood’s novellas being “recycled” characters. I have two thoughts on that:
One: Don’t we all decide to read a book because of the way a character is portrayed to be? That is what tropes and character types are for, are they not? Ali writes the character types and tropes, which she does very well, in my opinion, and has had success at writing.
Two: If you pick up multiple books from the same author you will find the same thing. One of Sarah J Maas’ largest criticism is that all the FMCs and MMCs characters change when she writes their story. Why? Because Sarah knows how to write certain character types.
This is a thing as an author and all authors do it.
Final Thoughts
Below Zero may be a novella, but it packs an emotional punch. With strong character development, great tension, and Hazelwood’s signature banter, it’s a highly satisfying read — and one that left me wishing for a full-length novel. If you’re an Ali Hazelwood fan, this one is an absolute must-read.
Do you like Novellas or are you always left wanting more pages?
Hazel Harbor Books 
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