Cover Image: Whiteout

Whiteout

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Member Reviews

A good romantic thriller. It had twists and turns along with survival and just enough suspense. I did enjoy the first half of the book more so than the second part mostly because of the extensive “steamy” scenes.

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This is Angel (chef and a people person) and Ford(loner who is taking core samples) story. The characters are well written and believable, as is the storyline. This one is action packed and thrilling in some places, but I felt it needed something more. It also ends with a cliffhanger.

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Yawn

I tried…I really tried. But I gave up 60% of the way through. It was an interesting story line but very drawn out. The author drew out every detail which usually helps a reader feel connected, but doing it over and over again without anything new becomes boring.

Angel seems like an immature teenager. Not a woman in her early 30s that supposedly suffered a tragedy. Not a woman who is independent enough to spend a summer in an isolated area surrounded mostly by men. And really…her name? Angel smith…the author couldn’t get a little creative with it? I don’t know why it bothers me but it does.

Coop… obviously he has some mental health issues. Whether it’s a sensory processing disorder, autism, social anxiety or ptsd is never really clear. But we’re told at least 50 times how much he doesn’t like noise, crowds or being around anyone really.

** ARC received from netgalley **

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I loved reading these stories! I'm glad that I looked at Goodreads, or else I would've read Whiteout without knowing about Deep Blue! As it is, I had to put down Whiteout to read Deep Blue, but I finished that and then continued on with Whiteout, and just loved reading about these two brother's stories and seeing how the consortium came about in the novella!

Both of these stories were pretty high stakes survival thrillers. Sure, maybe Deep Blue was more easily survivable, because it's a novella and has less room for story, and the environment can't easily kill you like Antarctica can. But I enjoyed getting to know all of these characters-and I enjoyed watching them fall in love!

I was a little bit confused as to how the company basically made claim on the virus. Like, he found it in Antarctica, it can't be the one that they had, the one that was stolen from them. (So excited for book 2, since it's going to star the guy who did so!) So I'm a little confused by this greedy logic, but okay.

When things were going down in Whiteout, I was so confused. Because there was a decent chunk of the book still left to go, and I wasn't sure where it would go from here! But I'm so glad that was part of the story, after everything that these characters went through, well, that was pretty intense, high stakes, and things needed to calm down, even if they didn't quite settle down!

These were fantastic reads, and I can't wait to read book 2!

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The Book: Whiteout by Adriana Anders

The Particulars: Contemporary romantic suspense, Book 1 in series, Sourcebooks, 2020, In Print, Available digitally (free on Amazon Prime at time of this posting).

Why Was It In Wendy's TBR?: It's set in Antarctica and has a whole "us against the elements survivalist" vibe thing going on. I LOVE that in romance. It's a big reason why the grittier historical westerns are my favorite. Will the characters survive winter AND fall in love? Gimme, gimme, gimme.

Minor Spoilers Ahead!

The Review: So I actually had a languishing ARC of this in my TBR and normally I don't read ARCs (no matter how old) for this challenge. But yeah, here's the thing. I finished this book on Sunday and the book I picked for the challenge I'm still reading and I suspect I may end up DNF'ing it - so I'm "cheating" a wee bit. Hopefully y'all will let that slide.

Anyway, literally everybody and their dead grandmother in my corner of Romancelandia loved this book when they read it last year and here waltzes in Wendy with a "Meh, it was fine" review. But I'm a big enough person to acknowledge that most of what left me going a big rubbery one with this story is very much personal preference. Let's dive in, shall we?

Angel Smith is a chef who took a job cooking for a crew of scientists on Antarctica after her boyfriend did her wrong (oh whoa doggie, did that guy do her dirty!). Basically she ran away, not that you can really blame her once her back-story comes fully to light. Anyway, her assignment is up tomorrow and she's flying out, which has her a bit at loose ends, but also relieved since it means she'll get away from the distracting Ford Cooper. She's hot for him but he's so insufferable she's basically filed him away in her "What am I, nuts?!" never, ever box.

Ford is a gorgeous glaciologist whose nickname "Ice Man" is well earned. He wants to be alone darling. Honestly he reads a bit like he's somewhere on the spectrum but Anders kind of tap-dances around that. Anyway, he's also warm for Angel's form, but being a socially distant grump she hasn't exactly picked up on that.

The wrinkle is that some months prior Ford makes a discovery when pulling some ice core samples. And being the collaborative community that they are, Ford freely shares and discusses his discovery. That gets the attention of the bad guys who show up just as the summer crew is leaving. In the process of trying to steal the cores they kill two men, nearly capture Angel, and she misses the last flight out. Ford is out on the ice during this time and comes back to camp to discover the whole mess. Now it's just Angel, Ford and the ice cores those bad guys so desperately want. They know the bad guys will be back and formulate a plan to trek 300 miles across the ice to get to the next nearest camp - an abandoned Russian site.

I really enjoyed the first 2/3 of this book. The bad guys running amok, Angel out-smarting them, Ford and Angel (who are uncomfortable around each other) banding together and having to ski across 300 miles of Antarctica to get to help - gimme, gimme, gimme! As I mentioned, I really dig all this survivalist, Couple vs The Elements stuff in romance. The romance feels a bit Insta-Lust at times, but it largely worked for me given the extreme circumstances and fight for their lives the couple were in. So where did it run south for me? Well, the ending. Or more specifically, the rescue and series set-up.

Ford has an older brother who is somehow fabulously wealthy and runs his own Super Seeeeekrit Paramilitary Group. Because of course he does. Because it's a romantic suspense novel and all these guys are in Super Seeeeeekrit Paramilitary Groups. Confession time, not a fan. I'm aware that I'm a girl who will read about Amnesiac Cowboys with Secret Babies, but this trope has always felt too "out there" for me. I just can't go there. Sorry, can't. Anyway, so now of course there's all these series baiting characters showing up and of course Angel and Ford end up signing on, but not before they take on new names and identities and everyone keeps almost accidentally calling them by their old names! I mean, how good are you at your job if you can't keep new names and identities straight? The whole thing kind of smells like an old school Bond movie - with the group stationed off the California coast, working to track down a conspiracy, and then you have couples making gooey heart eyes at each other.

And long. Have I mentioned how long and never-ending this aspect of this story is? From the time of the rescue on it just never seems to end.

You know what would have worked way better for me? Two normal people who somehow thwart a conspiracy and return to "normal lives." Normal people in extraordinary situations stuff. Not paramilitary who-ha. Sigh.

But I'm a mature enough person to recognize that this is personal preference. Lots of Romancelandia likes this paramilitary "stuff." Yes, I recognize that paramilitary groups exist in Real Life. There are authors who have built amazing, successful careers on this trope. I'm just....not a fan.

So first half of this book? Probably a solid B. The rest of the book? How many ways can I say meh? For that reason, while I have a minor itch to pick up Book 2, I'm just not sure I ever will. Your mileage may vary.

Grade = C+

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This book reminded me why I love romantic suspense!

(And also made me question if I could handle work in Antarctica! 🤣)

There are so many things that this book did well, but I think most notably was the pacing. For me, it started a little slow but it picked up as Angel and Ford started their journey, and by about 75% in I could not have put this book down if I wanted to! The way that Adriana Anders interwove their journey with the POV of the villain as well as their backstory kept everything moving.

Even though this was romantic suspense, and you know you have to suspend some disbelief, I actually found so many aspects of the story real and believable. The very real dangers of being in that environment and what it means for survival, how hard of a journey it is, the emotions and the struggle, it really feels like we as readers are in it and experiencing it with Angel and Ford. Do I have questions? Sure! But that doesn't make this story and the way it was told any less good!

Also, for what it's worth I've seen a lot of reviewers say that this ends on a cliffhanger, which I can see. But Angel and Ford get their HEA and their plotline, for the most part, gets resolved. But the epilogue is definitely a suspenseful setup for the next book, Uncharted, so I can see why this gets labeled as a cliffhanger.

So for now I'm just going to go back and read Turn the Tide because I definitely need to know more about Eric and Zoe, and just wait for August and Uncharted to get here!

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I received a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Whiteout
By: Adriana Anders

REVIEW ☆☆☆☆

Any kind of survival story catches my attention. Whiteout by Adriana Anders is a thrilling story of, not just survival, but being on the run from bad people, too. The worst thing is the landscape. Imagine the bleak, unbelievably cold flats of Antarctica stretching endlessly before you, and enemies are behind you. It's frightening! Two people trapped in a scenario where any misstep can easily mean death makes for a dramatic and intense story. I like the pace and the unique premise. The characters are likeable, and I was absorbed in their journey. An excellent read!

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This is the second story I read this year that's set in Antarctica, the first one being Hard Line by Pamela Clare.

NGL, the suspense stressed me out. I was at the edge of my seat, fearing for Ford's and Angel's lives. They were trying to survive the extreme cold while on the run from bad people!!! While dealing with the attraction between them!!! The timing of it all!!!!

If you know me then you know I read romance for the heroes, so I gotta say I love Ford a lot but when Eric Cooper came into the picture I was like "What is a Ford?". Men in uniform (in romance) are my weakness.

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I loved this book! Wilderness survival books are some of my favorites, and this one did not disappoint. I loved seeing the two main characters genuinely evolve as people during the story. They each learn that they have something new to contribute to the world, and they become less isolated. The setting was amazing too, and while it was exciting nothing felt so unbelievable that I couldn't buy in to the story. Just a great, fun read overall, and I can't wait for more from this author.

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Chilling! That's maybe the best way to describe Whiteout by Adriana Anders. As in I literally felt chilled while reading this heartpounding romance set in the Antarctic. This book is perfect for thriller and romance readers alike. And if you enjoy forced proximity add this one right to the top of your TBR. A fun fast paced read with some steam!

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OMG THIS BOOK!

I can't believe I waited this long to read it! It had me at the edge of my seat and the romance was amazing! Perfect closed proximity, grumpy hero romance!

I am so glad that I finally picked up this book!

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Battling the snow and ice in the southern most point in the world is wild enough. Add in murder, a deadly virus and evil plotting and you have a terrifying story of survival.

This book was a wonderful mix of suspenseful and intriguing.

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Romantic suspense books are my guilty pleasure....I like the 2 in 1 concept. With this said: Whiteout is the first in the Survival Instinct series and it was an okay start. I had some difficulties getting in to the story and connecting with the characters.

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BOOK REVIEW: Whiteout by Adriana Anders

Genre: Action Adventure / Thriller / Spicy Romance

T.I.M.E. Favorite ✨😎✨

A thriller that never lets up…

Combine being hunted by a killer… No way to contact anyone for help… Plus isolated on the run with an “irritatingly gorgeous glaciologist”… And then raise the ante even further by setting the whole thing in Antarctica!

If you're looking for a great book to escape completely into right now… This one is your ticket!

Selected as a T.I.M.E. Favorite because Whiteout is a fabulous action adventure / thriller / spicy romance. The ultimate mashup of all the entertaining genres in one book… With each genre pitch perfect.

Regarding the "spice factor" as a spicy romance... What is my T.I.M.E. “Jalapeno Rating” for this one?

Two Jalapenos… 🌶🌶

Definitely moderately spicy. You can expect a few graphic scenes. However, they don't happen too frequently within the book.

Perfect amount of heat… And extra points for a spicy romance set on a glacier!

Great duo character leads at the center of the story with the female character just as strong as the male character.

And even though her name is Angel… Do not be fooled. She is not your typical cherubic, fragile angel.

Think more Archangel Michael… Or more appropriately… Archangel “Michelle”!

BONUS: Book One of a brand-new series… And I cannot wait to get my hands on Book Number Two!

Whiteout by Adriana Anders
2020 Book Release | January

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All my reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Books & DIY Home Ideas | Denise Wilbanks at www.thisismyeverybody.com ... Including my video tutorials for DIY home ideas inspired by recommended books to support you in bringing your favorite books to life in your life and home.

You can see my full review for Whiteout by Adriana Anders at https://www.thisismyeverybody.com/books/reading-wrap-up-march-2020


✨😎✨A big thank you to Adriana Anders, SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in my review are my own.

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It’s been a hot week, temp-wise, and I highly recommend reading Adriana Anders’s first Survival Instincts, romantic suspense novel, Whiteout, to help you think cool thoughts and see you groggy-eyed from staying up too late to finish reading it.

Set in the Antarctic, focussed on Dr. Ford Cooper, glaciologist and emotional “Ice Man,” and warm, curvaceous, smiling research station cook, Angel Smith, Whiteout is everything romantic suspense should be. That means romance never gives way to suspense. Oh, there’s heart-in-your-throat scenes, but grumpy-monosyllabic-hero to sunshiny-motor-mouth heroine is everything you’d look for in a we’re-gonna-die-we’re-falling-in-love-let’s-make-love romance narrative. Anders sets her hero and heroine up nicely. Angel has cooked for the “Poley”, the research station team for months and is set to fly back to the States the next day. The night before, she joins the last-night celebrations and shimmies a dance before Mr. Stone-Face himself, Ford. Ford’s attraction has been clinging like a pesky burr-ish ice pellet, but he’s a no-emotions-no-connections-happy-with-my-ice-samples, thank you, ma’am, dude. Except for the part where he can’t get delicious-food, delicious-bod, warm person Angel out of this mind. When the station is attacked and he and Angel are the sole survivors, they set off, grump to her sunshine, on a 300-mile trek to another research station, only a few ski poles ahead of their bad-guy pursuers.

Honestly, the suspense-bad-guys part of the Anders’s novel was a jumbled mess: there’s a bad-guy who turns out to be a woman, an ice-encrusted virus that is being sought as a bioweapon (and that Ford’s research unearthed, or rather “un-iced”), a nefarious organization looking for world domination, or cleansing, or both. Frankly, it didn’t matter because Whiteout has so going for it.

Anders created two utterly lovable opposites-attract protagonists and the initial friction between them only turns, as promised in their exchanges, into the good romance stuff. There’s Ford’s response to Angel: “No point in dwelling on the person who turned him — an awkward man at the best of times — into a monosyllabic robot.” Ford is a GREAT grump, so good at his Ice Man persona, Angel hasn’t a clue how his radar is focussed on her: “It was a lost cause, since he was only able to focus on one thing: her.” Does Angel have an inkling of his feelings? NO: “What an idiot to have hoped that a dance might heat up that man’s subglacial eyes … The door swung open, more violently that usual, and there he was, right on time, too-wide shoulders filling the doorway, perma-scowl on his annoyingly handsome face: Dr. Ford Cooper, the Ice Man himself.” A romance reader knows, when lines this succinct can convey the hero and heroine’s depth of attraction and liking, what putting these two together, under adverse circumstances, with killers on their heels, and a vista of beauty and danger, in a tiny tent, with cold so intense only body heat can save you, offer by way of romance? So. So. Much.

Anders makes good her promise. As Ford and Angel struggle with the elements and fight off thugs, they share more than body heat; they share what makes the best of a romance, themselves. Their past, present, what they like and don’t, what they believe in, what’s important to them … until, they become, to each other, what is most important, forged in team-work, attraction, liking, humour, bodily and emotional intimacy. The Antarctic, in the meantime, is as good as any closed-cabin romance setting. I loved how Anders establishes a bond between Ford and Angel because making the other laugh and smile becomes the most important thing they can do for the other:

Coop, who’d never had a mom and never been too sad about it, wasn’t a man to wish for anything. Ever. He had what he had and worked hard to get what he wanted. Which was mostly peace and quiet. But here, across from a woman who was the antithesis of everything he’d ever known, who’d fed him food that burst with flavour and worked as hard as any soldier he’d ever fought beside, he let himself wish — for just a second or two — that he could be the man who made her laugh.

“You go out on the ice alone every single day.” “That’s research.” “Ah. Research. A fine mistress.” She did some weird approximation of a foreign accent. He snorted out a half laugh and opened his mouth to say something but she beat him to it. “Holy crap.” “What?” “Did you just laugh?” She sat up, humor brightening her eyes. “Huh?” “That huffy noise you made. That was a laugh, wasn’t it?” “Huffy?” “Yeah. Like a grunt.” “Wasn’t — ” “It was. You laughed. Halle-frickin-lujah.”

Shared laughter, shared danger, shared stories, shared body heat, shared liking, shared admiration … building blocks to stupendous love scenes and emotional intensity. Oh, there are hurdles, external and internal, but Ford and Angel’s love is palpably, beautifully, thoroughly convincing. I gave a feeble, two-in-the-AM fist pump when Ford executed a stunning grovel and Angel played it and him perfectly. So, jumbled suspense mess aside, Anders’s Whiteout is evidence of “a mind lively and at ease,” Emma.

Adriana Anders’s Whiteout is published by Sourcebooks Casablanca. It was released in January and you should rush out and pick it up from your preferred vendor. It’s good for all manner of weathers. I received an e-galley from Sourcebooks Casablanca, via Netgalley.

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Whiteout was a very intriguing and action-packed book. I was drawn in from the very beginning and couldn’t stop reading. The characters were very well written and I thoroughly enjoyed all of the plot twists. Adriana Anders did an amazing job of telling a believable story with intensity and a whole lot of peril.

Whiteout is about a very awkward glaciologist named Ford Cooper and a beautiful, passionate cook named Angel Smith. They are both working in Antarctica at a research station doing what they both love. However, they both have had some challenges in their lives that they have yet to let go of. Although Ford has been very attracted to Angel since she arrived, his attempts to keep her at bay have given her the impression that he hates her and her cooking. When danger arrives, they create an alliance that goes way beyond survival. With an extraordinary display of determination and training, Ford and Angel do whatever it takes to keep each other alive and to eliminate the threat to them and their other team members.

Of course, in a book like this one, there are your usual bad guys. There’s a chase, shootout, bombs, etc. Plus, there are two people that are forced to dig deep into their souls to fight against all of the elements that one of the coldest places on the planet has to offer. The imagery was remarkable and I really felt like I was trying to push through it all right along with them. Ford and Angel rose to the occasion more often than not. They took care of each other and wouldn’t let the other give up. They were inspiring. They were also scorchingly hot between the ice-cold sheets. As the action intensified so did their attraction to each other. Indeed, some of the storyline was predictable but it didn’t take away from the overall pace of the book. I look forward to reading the next book in the series and hope that it picks up exactly where we left off.

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Want an action movie with lots of great romance, this book is it! though to be honest, the big bad is viruses and corporations which might not be super comfortable. This was really good.

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Ford Coop couldn’t wait for the summer crew to leave. That would surprise no one as the Bourke -Ruhe Research Station. This particular particular year seemed the worst. It might be the recent influx of newbies sent by the National Science Foundation to replace crew members who had been struck down by a virulent flu. The station’s new cook -Angel, whose presence put him on edge like nothing had in years. Just thinking of her- too loud, too enthusiastic, too fluid with regulations -annoyed him. Instead of sitting through another meal surrounded by all the bright, colorful messiness. Cook took his usual approach approach to humanity and gave the entire research station a wide berth. Which meant even more time on the ice. He worked solo because he liked it. And possibly because no one wanted to work with him. Coop craved headwinds and bracing chills the others did human contact. Coop found blood on the ice. He got back on his snowmobile and took off for the station full of the knowledge that something was very wrong. Angel knew this was her last night at the bar. She wondered if she’d ever stop being a glutton for punishment? After what happened in the U S, she would know better than to pursue a man- especially one who disliked as much as the IceMan did How many people got a fresh start like this. The opportunity to build up her strengths instead of focusing on the past. When she’d come here there’d been nothing to look forward to. No future beyond this crazy stint as a cook in the South Pole Research Station. Coop went to the bar -the nest - he seen Angel dancing. Angel seen him and saw Coop and looked like he could consume her. She’d never seen anything but irritation of his face the station is taken over by mercenaries and Angel and Coop run for their lives to try to get to the next station with little food and the murderers were after them. The station was 302 miles across the ice on skis.
I liked Whiteout. It grabs your attention right away and keep it to the end. BUT I hate cliffhangers and this book ended in one. This book has: Antarctica, a research station, murders, murderers, am evil plan, a cook, sexual tension, suspense, adventure, snow and ice, slow drawn out romance, action, and a lot more. This also had twists and turns which I loved. I loved the plot and pace. I liked the slow burning romance and how both Angel and Cook both tried to fight the attraction and feelings. I loved Angels determination. I loved the characters and the twists and turns of this story. I recommend this book. It was a very good book just beware of the cliffhanger.

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**3.5 Stars**

Romantic suspense and forced proximity go together like peanut butter and chocolate; Adriana Anders proves that during her series starter, WHITEOUT. The most intense stuck-together/survival romance I’ve read in a long time. I mean, it’s set on the SOUTH POLE!! This book throws you in the deep end right off the bat with a violent and compelling first chapter. It was so intense it took me months to get through chapter one! I knew I needed to be in the right frame of mind going in.

What I liked: I loved that there is no way that Angel and Ford would have gotten together IRL. Ford is the ultimate grouchy/socially awkward hero and I did love him. But there was no way he was ever leaving his nerdy research ice caverns without a catastrophe like the one that threw him in Angel’s path. Their miscommunications and sexual tension were delicious.

I also was 100% here for the survival details. You can tell Ms. Anders did Research with a capital “R” and it paid off. It was the hottest day of the year so far while I was reading this book and I still felt cold reading about Antarctica in the winter and the lengths our characters had to go for survival’s sake. Speaking of the writing, I adored Ms. Anders’ descriptions! She’s a very gifted writer and I am looking forward to exploring her backlist.

What I didn’t like: While, yes, the book was intense and action-packed, there was almost too much action. There wasn’t enough on-page time with Ford and Angel connecting. We, the reader, found out what happened to Angel’s leg and what sent her to Antarctica, but Ford didn’t. Ford delved a little bit into his back story, but I still didn’t think it was enough for the main characters to feel that soul-deep love they professed to have at the end. Their story felt incomplete, like the author was trying to do too much and the romance suffered.

In addition, the last 20% of the book felt like almost a different story sloppily tied into the main book.The whole premise was a little disjointed and hard to follow at times. Another (petty) side note: Angel Smith was the heroine’s name? Really? And everyone just accepted that? Okay.

Overall, I really did enjoy the book and would recommend it to readers of romantic suspense! You’ll be hanging on the edge of your seat while flipping pages. I just wanted fewer dangling plotlines.

**I received a free copy of this book in order to provide an honest review**

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As someone who does not like the cold or enjoy winter I cannot think of a more nightmarish scenario - being stuck on a hostile, frozen continent with a bunch of bad guys after you. No, thank you. But I'll happily read about it if it's an Adriana Anders book!

After witnessing a gruesome murder, Angel, originally set to depart from Antarctica after her months-long stint as the cook - a role she fulfilled with purpose - misses her flight and becomes the prey. Not only did she witness the murder, she also got away with what the murderers were after: vials containing a deadly virus that was collected by scientist, Ford Cooper aka Coop. Angel hasn't had much contact with him as he prefers to be out in the harsh elements alone with his scientific equipment than seek the company of people. But she knows he is her only salvation at this point even if he's barely said two words to her or looked at her the entire time she's been there. Coop knows something is definitely wrong when he finds traces of abandoned and broken equipment out in the elements but no signs of one of his fellow researchers. When he returns to his research station, he knows something is definitely amiss, and once he runs into Angel, all his suspicions are confirmed. They need to seek out safety by travelling to a distant Russian research station that's over 300 miles away. The vehicle they travel in doesn't take them far and then the rest of the perilous journey has to be taken on foot, or skis rather, while lugging equipment, food and those much sought-after vials. Keeping them out of the wrong hands is imperative.

It's hard to decide which is worse, the mercenaries they're escaping from or the hostile weather environment they're in. In some ways, the weather is an unlikely ally by grounding planes or decreasing visibility. Surviving in it is a different story completely. I was surprised by Angel's grit just as she was. She came to Antarctica to distract herself from what she lost or left behind. She didn't expect to find this extraordinary version of herself who's willing to push the limits of her mind, body and endurance to protect something that could destroy the world. Every mile walked is a mile conquered but comes with unforeseen dangers. Coop knows what's out there. This is his life and he thrives in these elements. He's used to it but to be responsible for someone who never sought this out is something entirely alien to him. Angel tests his fierce discipline. He's someone who prefers solace because he can't handle excess stimulus and Angel has always been more than his senses could take. Now here in the middle of nowhere he employs his knowledge of this inhospitable landscape and his instincts to keep them both alive. What he doesn't anticipate is Angel's proximity to chisel away at his tough exterior. Fully aware of what's at stake, she astounds him with her determination and unwillingness to give up. Thankfully Anders can always be counted out to increase the heat factor between her heroes and heroines. If forced proximity is your jam, then you'll feast off of this literal life and death situation where the tension is amped up all the way to 11. There's nowhere to go to hide from it.

Whiteout is high-octane adventure with numerous twists and turns that propel the action the entire time. Even in the downtime there's that heady feeling of anything can happen in a split second. Antarctica is the other main character in the book, ambivalent towards everyone but a major player in what is to come. If it's not the imminent evil chasing after them, it's the hazardous conditions, depleting rations, and unexpected dangers that could do them in. Then there are additional POVs adding another sinister element to the overall story. The evil mastermind has a heartbreaking motivation behind their nefarious plans which blurs all moral lines.

I couldn't read Whiteout fast enough and I had to contain my own anxiety for Angel and Coop which was spiking all over the place! Anders is a sensational writer for letting her characters get under your skin and deep into your veins. The ending which promises of a happily ever after is shattered by a cliffhanger that left me startled and excited. If this is how the first book went, I can't even begin to imagine how much more high stakes and crazy it will get in the next one!

~ Bel

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