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Battle Heat #1
Battle Heat
Will Love Conquer All?
Half of the world has been cloaked in darkness since the sun stopped shining twenty-five years ago. Living on these shadow plains are mutants: creatures that have lost their humanity due to a genetic mutation. These mutants pose a threat to the rest of the world, and their numbers are still growing.
Hunter Jameson, a talented young trauma surgeon in the army of Ardenza, has just finished her training when she’s asked to join the infamous Special Shadow Unit’s mission 3B. Arriving at the base, she has to fight her way through many obstacles, the biggest being the General himself. She must prove herself to him—both for her own peace of mind as for the sake of the mission. But in the heat of battle, the General unleashes more than just her will to fight.
Nikolai Zaregova is the commanding general of mission 3B, and perhaps even more famous than the mission itself. No one knows the shadow plains as well as he does, and his entire life has been devoted to successfully completing the mission he started. Nikolai seems to have everything under control—until a young trauma surgeon joins his ranks and changes everything for him.
Half of the world has been cloaked in darkness since the sun stopped shining twenty-five years ago. Living on these shadow plains are mutants: creatures that have lost their humanity due to a genetic mutation. These mutants pose a threat to the rest of the world, and their numbers are still growing.
Hunter Jameson, a talented young trauma surgeon in the army of Ardenza, has just finished her training when she’s asked to join the infamous Special Shadow Unit’s mission 3B. Arriving at the base, she has to fight her way through many obstacles, the biggest being the General himself. She must prove herself to him—both for her own peace of mind as for the sake of the mission. But in the heat of battle, the General unleashes more than just her will to fight.
Nikolai Zaregova is the commanding general of mission 3B, and perhaps even more famous than the mission itself. No one knows the shadow plains as well as he does, and his entire life has been devoted to successfully completing the mission he started. Nikolai seems to have everything under control—until a young trauma surgeon joins his ranks and changes everything for him.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2022
49 people are currently reading
529 people want to read
About the author
Britt van den Elzen
5 books49 followersBritt always wanted to explore our solar system but instead decided to create her own universes. When she’s not traveling, she resides in the Netherlands, where she lives with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 8, 2022
I was addicted to this story from the first chapter!
I wanted to be in the forces when I was younger so this book was perfect for me!
The romance was great and the love interest having his own chapters throughout was perfect without taking away from the main characters story!
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
I wanted to be in the forces when I was younger so this book was perfect for me!
The romance was great and the love interest having his own chapters throughout was perfect without taking away from the main characters story!
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
March 24, 2024
That was good. I was drawn into the story from the start. I used to realy love all end of the world, apocalyptic stories and it's been a while since I read one of these. And I feel satisfied after reading Battle Heat. I really love the characters and the world itfelf was very interesting. The writting was good and if I am not mistaken it's a debut book? I am excited for book 2.
March 15, 2022
De recensie lees je binnenkort op mijn blog: https://jenniferleest.wordpress.com/
February 25, 2022
I really loved this story! A very refreshing love story in such a goodwritten and well thought out world. Can't wait for a second book! Please keep on writing!
January 26, 2025
Vanaf hoofdstuk 1 had dit boek mij in zijn greep. Kon hem haast niet meer weg leggen!
February 13, 2022
So proud of my friend's first novel!!
March 8, 2025
a good story but I think there is so much missed potential. it felt like the story ended far too soon
February 26, 2022
I loved this book!! The attention to detail immediately had me hooked and I adore the characters (might have a slight crush on mister general). I’m a sucker for a bad ass leading lady and Hunter certainly fits that category! Can’t wait to read more of Britt’s books in the future!
September 12, 2023
Review- Battle Heat ❤️🔥
I’m surprised I don’t see more people talking about this/reviewing it!
This is the first book I’ve read that’s set in a more dystopian world and I wasn’t sure if I’d be into it, however the dystopian elements were quite light and really easy to follow and the romance definitely made it more palatable.
At only 284 pages, it was a fun, quick read and I liked that you get into the story straight away without having to take in loads of complicated world building and magic systems. I really loved Hunter as a MC and loved the parts of the story where she would spring into action and take control during critical times of need.
I also enjoyed the romance and the mild spicy scenes, however because it’s a shorter book, there wasn’t much of a slow burn and it did feel like the romance developed quite quickly. With that being said, I still bought into the relationship and wanted it to work out!
I definitely want to get around to reading the 2nd book in this series and I’m excited to see more from this author as I really liked the writing style. 4⭐️ (because I wish it was longer to enable more detail in some parts and a slower burn romance.)
This is also on KU if you wanted to give it a go!
I’m surprised I don’t see more people talking about this/reviewing it!
This is the first book I’ve read that’s set in a more dystopian world and I wasn’t sure if I’d be into it, however the dystopian elements were quite light and really easy to follow and the romance definitely made it more palatable.
At only 284 pages, it was a fun, quick read and I liked that you get into the story straight away without having to take in loads of complicated world building and magic systems. I really loved Hunter as a MC and loved the parts of the story where she would spring into action and take control during critical times of need.
I also enjoyed the romance and the mild spicy scenes, however because it’s a shorter book, there wasn’t much of a slow burn and it did feel like the romance developed quite quickly. With that being said, I still bought into the relationship and wanted it to work out!
I definitely want to get around to reading the 2nd book in this series and I’m excited to see more from this author as I really liked the writing style. 4⭐️ (because I wish it was longer to enable more detail in some parts and a slower burn romance.)
This is also on KU if you wanted to give it a go!
June 23, 2022
Of course I gotta support Britt with a 5 star review! I’m really impressed that this is her debut! The descriptions are so detailed and you can really picture the story in your own eyes. You definitely wouldn’t say this was her first book! Congrats Britt!
This book gave me Divergent-vibes! The dangerous shadow plains with mutants that are separated from the Special Shadow Unit by a big wall, a general that seems harsh and a talented trauma surgeon. Moreover, I really like the parallel of Nikolai’s story with today’s hard-working society and the message it portrayed. It’s a reminder for all of us to sometimes reconsider what’s really important in life. At least, it definitely reminded me of this!
Short summary without spoilers: Half of the world is cloaked in shadows where dangerous mutants are living. Hunter, a talented trauma surgeon, is placed onto mission 3B from the Special Shadow Unit led by general Nikolai Zaregova. Nikolai’s entire life is devoted to this mission and he is very successful. Everything changes when Hunter comes in…
Nice quotes:
“And in a world where shadows never seemed to end, there was nothing stronger than hope. Because where there is hope, there is light, and when there is light, there can be no shadow.”
“Rain tapped against the windows, and I didn’t een feel the cold anymore as Nikolai turned to where I was standing. Slowly, he ran a hand through his wet hair. His entire being screamed war, and he focused on one target. Me.”
There’s a couple of things I didn’t really like, but just little things and nothing too serious! It took me a while to get into the story because in the beginning it was a bit much of the same, and it was a bit exaggerated that Hunter was so good in the beginning. I think it would have been more powerful to show this by actions rather than by stating a few times that she is top of class (throughout the book you started to believe it through her actions though). The bonus chapter didn’t really do it for me.
I'm really looking forward to your next book Britt! :)
This book gave me Divergent-vibes! The dangerous shadow plains with mutants that are separated from the Special Shadow Unit by a big wall, a general that seems harsh and a talented trauma surgeon. Moreover, I really like the parallel of Nikolai’s story with today’s hard-working society and the message it portrayed. It’s a reminder for all of us to sometimes reconsider what’s really important in life. At least, it definitely reminded me of this!
Short summary without spoilers: Half of the world is cloaked in shadows where dangerous mutants are living. Hunter, a talented trauma surgeon, is placed onto mission 3B from the Special Shadow Unit led by general Nikolai Zaregova. Nikolai’s entire life is devoted to this mission and he is very successful. Everything changes when Hunter comes in…
Nice quotes:
“And in a world where shadows never seemed to end, there was nothing stronger than hope. Because where there is hope, there is light, and when there is light, there can be no shadow.”
“Rain tapped against the windows, and I didn’t een feel the cold anymore as Nikolai turned to where I was standing. Slowly, he ran a hand through his wet hair. His entire being screamed war, and he focused on one target. Me.”
There’s a couple of things I didn’t really like, but just little things and nothing too serious! It took me a while to get into the story because in the beginning it was a bit much of the same, and it was a bit exaggerated that Hunter was so good in the beginning. I think it would have been more powerful to show this by actions rather than by stating a few times that she is top of class (throughout the book you started to believe it through her actions though). The bonus chapter didn’t really do it for me.
I'm really looking forward to your next book Britt! :)
October 20, 2024
🇳🇱 Per toeval kwam ik dit boek op Amazon tegen en ondanks ik nog nooit van het boek of de auteur had gehoord, trok het verhaal me aan en heb het gekocht.
Wat een verhaal! Wat leest dit lekker weg en wat een toffe personages met ieder hun eigen karakters. Ook de verhaallijn en de worldbuilding zijn goed omschreven. Ik werd vanaf de eerste pagina meegenomen in het verhaal en had er moeite mee om het weg te leggen. Persoonlijk had van mij het boek nog dikker mogen zijn en hadden er nog meer missies achter de muur plaats mogen vinden want ik kreeg geen genoeg van de spanning die het bij mij veroorzaakte. De vibes die ik erbij kreeg waren een beetje gelijk als de Van Helsing serie op Netflix, maar ook een stukje Shadow & Bone. Als dochter van een militair vond ik het ook leuk om eens een verhaal te lezen wat zich afspeelt binnen het leger. Als je nog twijfelt om dit boek te gaan lezen, NIET DOEN, ga het lezen en je krijgt er geen spijt van. Ook een Engelse vertaling is beschikbaar.
🇬🇧 By chance I came across this book on Amazon and even though I had never heard of the book or the author, I was drawn to the story and bought it.
What a story! What a great read this is and what great characters, each with their own personalities. The storyline and worldbuilding are also well described. I was drawn into the story from the first page and had difficulty putting it down. Personally, I think the book could have been even thicker and there could have been more missions behind the wall because I couldn't get enough of the tension it caused me. The vibes I got were a bit similar to the Van Helsing series on Netflix, but also a bit of Shadow & Bone. As the daughter of a soldier, I also enjoyed reading a story that takes place within the army. If you are still hesitating about reading this book, DON'T, read it and you won't regret it. An English translation is also available.
Wat een verhaal! Wat leest dit lekker weg en wat een toffe personages met ieder hun eigen karakters. Ook de verhaallijn en de worldbuilding zijn goed omschreven. Ik werd vanaf de eerste pagina meegenomen in het verhaal en had er moeite mee om het weg te leggen. Persoonlijk had van mij het boek nog dikker mogen zijn en hadden er nog meer missies achter de muur plaats mogen vinden want ik kreeg geen genoeg van de spanning die het bij mij veroorzaakte. De vibes die ik erbij kreeg waren een beetje gelijk als de Van Helsing serie op Netflix, maar ook een stukje Shadow & Bone. Als dochter van een militair vond ik het ook leuk om eens een verhaal te lezen wat zich afspeelt binnen het leger. Als je nog twijfelt om dit boek te gaan lezen, NIET DOEN, ga het lezen en je krijgt er geen spijt van. Ook een Engelse vertaling is beschikbaar.
🇬🇧 By chance I came across this book on Amazon and even though I had never heard of the book or the author, I was drawn to the story and bought it.
What a story! What a great read this is and what great characters, each with their own personalities. The storyline and worldbuilding are also well described. I was drawn into the story from the first page and had difficulty putting it down. Personally, I think the book could have been even thicker and there could have been more missions behind the wall because I couldn't get enough of the tension it caused me. The vibes I got were a bit similar to the Van Helsing series on Netflix, but also a bit of Shadow & Bone. As the daughter of a soldier, I also enjoyed reading a story that takes place within the army. If you are still hesitating about reading this book, DON'T, read it and you won't regret it. An English translation is also available.
April 17, 2022
3,5 stars.
Overall I really enjoyed the writing style of this book, and I felt like it was pretty accurate with its medical terms and everything that was happening, which is a big plus for me.
However, the main "issue" I had with this book was the romance, it felt like it was supposed to be a slow burn (which it started out with), but then suddenly everything started happening way too fast for my liking, and the smut scenes just weren't good. I ended up skipping those after reading the first smut scene. I didn't think they were very good, and would've been better if the characters slowed down a bit, and it is had a bit more realism in that department.
Overal I liked the idea of this book, and it definitely reminded me that I need to read more dystopian books, because I love those books. Would I recommend this as a dystopian? Hell yeah! But just warn that the romance is a bit of in this book. If it was an actual slowburn, and the smut just happened a bit later in the book, that would've definitely made it a 4 star (or even an 4,5 star) read for me.
I don't know if I'll continue with the series, mostly since I feel like we've already seen "everything" of how this world is set up, and I think the next book will be more romance focused, and since that was the biggest downer in this book for me, I'll skip.
But if Britt releases another book set in another world, I'll definitely pick it up, since I enjoyed her writing style. The book was easy to read and fast paced (hence the reason why I finished it within a few hours)
Overall I really enjoyed the writing style of this book, and I felt like it was pretty accurate with its medical terms and everything that was happening, which is a big plus for me.
However, the main "issue" I had with this book was the romance, it felt like it was supposed to be a slow burn (which it started out with), but then suddenly everything started happening way too fast for my liking, and the smut scenes just weren't good. I ended up skipping those after reading the first smut scene. I didn't think they were very good, and would've been better if the characters slowed down a bit, and it is had a bit more realism in that department.
Overal I liked the idea of this book, and it definitely reminded me that I need to read more dystopian books, because I love those books. Would I recommend this as a dystopian? Hell yeah! But just warn that the romance is a bit of in this book. If it was an actual slowburn, and the smut just happened a bit later in the book, that would've definitely made it a 4 star (or even an 4,5 star) read for me.
I don't know if I'll continue with the series, mostly since I feel like we've already seen "everything" of how this world is set up, and I think the next book will be more romance focused, and since that was the biggest downer in this book for me, I'll skip.
But if Britt releases another book set in another world, I'll definitely pick it up, since I enjoyed her writing style. The book was easy to read and fast paced (hence the reason why I finished it within a few hours)
December 14, 2023
Dit was voor mij de verrassing van het jaar. 😊
Ik moet eerlijk toegeven dat ik nog nooit een boek gelezen heb over mutanten in een toekomstige wereld waarbij de zon ons in de steek gelaten heeft. Mutanten, officieren in het leger, chirurgen, een wereld zonder licht en een aantrekkingskracht tussen een chirurg en een generaal? I love it! Hier en daar was het ook best spicy en dat maakte dit verhaal zo goed. Ik heb zitten nagelbijten, bijna zitten huilen en gelachen. Dit boek was echt goed! Ik kan het iedereen aanraden!
Voor de lezers onder ons die liever in het Engels lezen, er is ook een Engelstalige versie genaamd BATTLE HEAT. Er is ook een 2de boek over Raven en Jordan. Personages die in het boek voorkwamen en een eigen verhaal kregen. Dit boek kwam dit jaar uit in het Engels. HEART ATTACK.
Ik moet eerlijk toegeven dat ik nog nooit een boek gelezen heb over mutanten in een toekomstige wereld waarbij de zon ons in de steek gelaten heeft. Mutanten, officieren in het leger, chirurgen, een wereld zonder licht en een aantrekkingskracht tussen een chirurg en een generaal? I love it! Hier en daar was het ook best spicy en dat maakte dit verhaal zo goed. Ik heb zitten nagelbijten, bijna zitten huilen en gelachen. Dit boek was echt goed! Ik kan het iedereen aanraden!
Voor de lezers onder ons die liever in het Engels lezen, er is ook een Engelstalige versie genaamd BATTLE HEAT. Er is ook een 2de boek over Raven en Jordan. Personages die in het boek voorkwamen en een eigen verhaal kregen. Dit boek kwam dit jaar uit in het Engels. HEART ATTACK.
October 18, 2025
I really enjoyed the world where the story was set up. It was immersive and had so much potential to explore. That said, I did feel like the relationship between Nikolai and Hunter was a bit rushed... I’m all for some sizzling tension, but I wish it had been more of a slow burn to really let their connection simmer.
One thing I was slightly disappointed about was how Hunter only went on one mission. It was so exciting to see her in action, and I would have loved to see more of her fighting or being out in the field, at the Shadow Plains! I wish we’d gotten more from that part of the world, even if it was just through Nikolai’s POV. It felt like there was so much more to explore there.
Overall, it was a good read. There were moments that pulled me in, and while I wanted a bit more depth in some areas, I still found it enjoyable.
One thing I was slightly disappointed about was how Hunter only went on one mission. It was so exciting to see her in action, and I would have loved to see more of her fighting or being out in the field, at the Shadow Plains! I wish we’d gotten more from that part of the world, even if it was just through Nikolai’s POV. It felt like there was so much more to explore there.
Overall, it was a good read. There were moments that pulled me in, and while I wanted a bit more depth in some areas, I still found it enjoyable.
March 6, 2022
Loved this book, and love the fact even more that it’s written because the lovely writer wanted to read the book herself but it wasn’t written yet! Like, that’s the spirit! I’ll gladly have my own Nikolai around! At first I thought the book was a bit short, but while I read it, it didn’t feel like that at all! Everything was told and no details were spared, everything came back at some point! Can’t wait for the second part!
March 16, 2025
I stayed up til 2 in the morning reading this. From the first page i was obsessed. I was a little iffy on the first person pov, but it was written relatively well. The characters actually feel real and while i do think Hunter and Nikolais relationship progressed a little fast for my taste, i still loved them. Waiting to read the sequel 🤞
February 15, 2023
Wonderful debut novel by this young author. You are taken into the romance between Nicolai and Hunter. The tension between the two is immediately palpable and very beautifully described. Gripping story that is easy to read.
March 11, 2023
I enjoyed this. I did feel like I was reading an outline for a fantasy romance though. Would’ve loved for it to be longer and go into more detail but it’s a good read to escape to for a little while.
March 4, 2022
* 4,5 stars
this book was amazing. the worldbuilding is really interesting and i loved the millitary in it. the romance was reallt sweet and not instalovey. Hunter is really headstrong and thinks for herself, she saves other people first before she saves herself which is handy as a surgeon. Nik is a complex character with issues from the past but both characters made a groth in the book.
this book was amazing. the worldbuilding is really interesting and i loved the millitary in it. the romance was reallt sweet and not instalovey. Hunter is really headstrong and thinks for herself, she saves other people first before she saves herself which is handy as a surgeon. Nik is a complex character with issues from the past but both characters made a groth in the book.
March 15, 2022
I loved Hunter and her drive throughout the story. The story was paced just right and I NEED the next book.
March 18, 2022
C’était vraiment une romance sympas dans un monde un peu de sci-fi/fantasy.
Rien d’exceptionnel mais ça se lit tout seul.
Rien d’exceptionnel mais ça se lit tout seul.
February 8, 2023
Love conquers all <3 must read!!!
March 9, 2023
The writing isn't the best but the story was great and kept me reading.
July 16, 2023
| kindle unlimited |
*2.5 stars
*2.5 stars
June 23, 2025
3.5⭐️
July 29, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! It has a really interesting concept/ world. I honestly have no complaints; it’s a really cute, spicy, intense read!
September 6, 2025
Very easy read, I like that it didn’t drag on, but I feel like the relationship between characters was rushed. There could have been more build up to them being in love. Overall a decent read.
December 13, 2025
DNF @ 30%
August 18, 2025
this story works!
I don't like anything military, but this took me sufficiently around it to keep me interested in the si-Fi aspect. It definitely had romance of a sorts and created enough questions to wonder how and if the cure and possibly restoration of mutants and the world can/will happen in future stories. I liked it.
I don't like anything military, but this took me sufficiently around it to keep me interested in the si-Fi aspect. It definitely had romance of a sorts and created enough questions to wonder how and if the cure and possibly restoration of mutants and the world can/will happen in future stories. I liked it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews