Cover Image: Whiteout

Whiteout

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Member Reviews

I enjoyed every bit of this story - I had no idea the frozen tundra could be an interesting backdrop for romance - I mean the threat of freezing your private parts off is real! My catnip is a grumpy hero and boy ol'boy do we get that in this book. The suspense is riveting and the pacing is edge of your seat. I'm excited to see where this series takes us - this is a fabulous kick off to what should be a fun series. 4.5 stars

I selected this as my top read for December and my thoughts/review are included in the Reviewer picks post that should go up on Frolic soon. I'll come back and drop the link here as soon as I have it.

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As a summer worker, Angel is about to leave Antarctica and return to the mainland. However, when she misses her plane, she is left behind with murderer's, intent on stealing ice core samples from the station. Ford Cooper, a scientist, is also left behind. Coop finds Angel, and together they piece together what is happening, and make the decision to trek across the ice over 200 miles to the nearest station.

This book was a complete bust. Although it was set in one of the most interesting places on earth, and had a fairly decent conspiracy theory plot, I quickly grew tired of the relationship between Angel and Coop. The two were attracted to one another yet determined not to like one another. Most of their scenes were spent describing each other in their heads. They acted like pre-teens who couldn't think of anything else but sex. Seriously, you are fleeing for your life across the Antarctic, and can't focus on anything but the other persons hair, sounds, looks, movement, etc. This completely killed the book for me.

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Whiteout, the first book in the Survival Instincts series was a terrific read! The romance, suspense, and action was perfectly balanced, and I was completely absorbed through every page.
After their Antarctic research base is attacked, cook Angel Smith and geologist Ford Cooper find themselves on the run from a highly trained group of assassins who will do anything to acquire the lethal virus Ford discovered- which Angel and Ford decide is enough reason for them to do whatever it takes to ensure that the don't get their hands on the biological material that could be used to doom civilization as we know it.
I loved how Angel, even though she was out of her element, showed such strength and determination to survive- even surprising herself; and Ford was full of surprises, with his military background, past trauma, and unexpected soft spot for Angel. Between the intense heat of their relationship, the slightly bonkers, but absolutely entertaining action, and the promise of further mayhem to come, this book was a winner!

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Very well written thriller that kept me reading from cover to cover! Just wish that there was no cursing! Why is it so hard to find a book that does not have unnecessary offensive language?

The build up of the romance kept me reading. But for those who like clean novels, this book has an explicit scene towards the end.

Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.

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Whiteout is the start of the new series, Survival Instincts, by Adriana Anders. A story that will keep you on the edge and send a chill down your spine. Set in the barren isolated setting of Antarctica, two people who barely know each other are forced to depend on each other for survival. It the start of a plot much bigger than just this first book, a series' plot filled with conspiracies and danger.

Angel and Ford are very much opposites. Ford likes his routine, the cold and quiet of the ice, and prefers to stay focused without the complication of emotion. Angel refers to him as the 'Ice Man'. Angel has a much warmer personality a love of cooking for others. Don't let her bubbly disposition fool you, when things turn dire she holds her own and manages to keep pace with Ford. She is far from a damsel in distress and I really enjoyed that about her character.

The two are fighting for their lives as they trek across the frozen landscape, the lesser of two evils. The obstacles they endure from the numbing cold to the brutal winds will bring a chill to your bones. As they are forced to share each others' company ( and a sleeping bag) they form a bond. They do what it takes to survive and Angel thaws Ford 'the Ice Man' in the process. Their relationship was real and intense, feelings heightened with their desperate situation. Even when they seem to be in the clear, the dangers never stop.


After finishing Whiteout, I am definitely invested in the series and its characters. I have to know what happens next and will be keeping an eye out for book 2

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Angel Smith is a cook doing seasonal work in Antarctica. Ford Cooper is doing research in the ice there. He is grumpy and a loner but he is attracted to Angel and fighting it all the way.. When the station is attracted by mercenaries they are the only ones left alive and they go on the run through unbearable conditions. This is a fast paced adventure with conspiracy in high places, government cover ups and a cliff hanger that leads right into the next book..This book has a little bit of everything.
ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.

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Whiteout by Adriana Anders is a relatively fast paced survival romance set in the continent of Antarctica. Ford Cooper is a grumpy and monosyllabic glaciologist whose entire life basically revolves around ice. He has no interest in romantic entanglements. At least that’s what he tells himself whenever he comes across the cook working at his research station. Unable to admit that he’s attracted to Angel Smith, Ford tries to spend as much time away from her as possible. Angel is Ford’s opposite with her happy and sunshiny disposition and Ford just confuses the hell out of her. When their research station is attacked, Ford and Angel are forced by circumstances to brave the cold together so they can survive.

You can’t really go wrong with a grumpy hero and sunshine heroine type of pairing. This survival romance had me at the edge of my seat, wondering how exactly Ford and Angel would make it to safety. The romance is delicious and the survival aspect is really well written. As much as I liked Ford and Angel together, I can’t help but feel like I don’t know Ford as well as I know Angel. There are also certain pieces of their backstory that are missing. The mystery surrounding the attack on the research station was interesting enough, but the villains weren’t as well written as the other supporting characters. The mystery also doesn’t end with this book. Whiteout ends with a cliffhanger and I’m interested to see where the author takes this series.

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Whiteout is a well written romantic suspense. A real page turner with an edge of your seat plot. I highly recommend this book. I received an arc from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
After finding out her cheating husband has taken everything from her, and then causing a car accident that almost takes her life, Angel escapes from real life for a summer to work as a chef at a research facility in Antarctica. Ford Cooper is an awkward, introverted scientist drilling ice cores for research. His shyness comes off as attitude and grumpiness, so much so that Angel privately calls him Iceman. But when a rogue group of researchers try to steal Ford's ice cores at gunpoint, Angel and Ford are forced to escape into the icy landscape on a 100 mile trek over the ice to another outpost. On the run with the ice cores, they must rely on each other to survive, and Angel discovers the warm loving man inside the icy exterior.
I'm not usually a fan of romance novels, but the landscape and action in this book kept me hooked. And who wouldn't love a hot, sexy scientist? I'm sold and looking forward to a sequel.

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This book was a DNF for me. I usually enjoy romantic suspense but this one was just not it. I quit about 50 pages in.

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NUMBER OF HEARTS: 3
This was an okay read for me. I found myself not really connecting to the characters. Oh, I routed for them and wanted everything to workout but there was not a strong connection for me. The story was a little predictable.
Overall it was a decent story and I am glad that I picked it up. I do believe that if there is a follow up story I will pick it up and give it a try.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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This was one of the best romantic suspense books that I've read this year!

I knew this was going to be good when one of my favorite authors, Amanda Bouchet recommended it! So, I zipped over to Netgalley and requested this one and read it in one sitting the day it got approved! 'Cause it was that good!

Whiteout features a few of my favorite things put together!
There's the grumpy male lead with the sunny female lead + scientific conspiracy + survival adventure. A perfect mix of elements, if you ask me!

Angel Smith, the research station's cook is gearing up to leave Antarctica after working in the summer months. Ford Cooper, glaciologist and resident Ice Man is ready to hunker down and spend the brutal winter with just his work for company. It's a good thing that the permanently sunny chef, who he finds himself drawn to is finally leaving right? Or so he tells himself.

A quick turn of events leaves Angel entangled in deep trouble and now both she and Ford are the only ones stuck on the station with no chance of help! Add the fact that they now have something in their possession that a shady organisation desperately wants, along with an incoming storm and limited rations, you've got a perfect recipe for disaster!

This book had me on the edge of my seat from page one! It takes a lot to make a romantic suspense book with a survival theme work, and add the fact that this one is set in Antarctica, you know that the author must have their hands full juggling all the plot points and making it work realistically! I was part-excited, part-scared to see how Ford and Angel would survive the dangerous trek across such a deadly landscape together!

Ford and Angel were so awesome together! When I was starting the read, I was like, man how is this even going to work? He doesn't even want to speak to her! Lol! But, the progression of their relationship felt so natural! From reluctant partners-in-survival to friends and then to lovers! The chemistry between them was off-the-charts! *fans self*

I think I liked Angel way more than Ford though! She was actually quite tough and not at all helpless! I really admired her quick thinking in the stressful situations and how much determination she had burning within her! My favorite thing about survival romances is that they never fail to remind me that survival is 90% willpower and 10% luck!

And before someone asks, how can you think about making out and stuff in the midst of all this? I'm telling you that the development of things is handled very realistically! ;) You'll have to read the book to know!

My only complaint would probably be the characters of the bad guys! They just didn't feel too well-rounded to me! Despite seeing things from their POV, something just felt missing! I would have liked a little more explanation on why they chose this course out of all the things when there are so many other ways to go about it!

Perhaps we will be getting that in the upcoming books!
The ending has me really excited for the rest of the series! I can't wait to see in which direction this whole thing is going to go!

If you're looking for something action-packed with a perfect mix of romance and suspense, I'd definitely urge you to give this one a try! You will not want to miss out on this!

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I don’t often gravitate to Romantic Suspense but one day, on Twitter, I was lurking around in a thread in which people were really excited about this book, Whiteout by Adriana Anders. So I requested it.

Let me tell you. That was some very fortuitous Twitter lurking. Because this book blew my Extreme Weather Socks off. Basically, it’s about a grumpy scientist and a sunshiny cook (Kryp. To. Nite. ) who are stationed at a research facility in Antarctica. Nefarious shenanigans ensue and the two of them have to trudge across the tundra on foot, or skis actually, to safety. By themselves. And this trip is perilous and it takes weeks. Gahhhh…


It’s a perfect balance of action and suspense and EMOTION. I had forgotten just how much I love a couple up against nature together. So. Freaking. Good. I inhaled this book in one day.

Thanks @netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read an advanced copy. This book comes out on January 28th and YOU GOTTA READ IT!!! I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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WHITEOUT is the first book in a series aptly named "Survival Instincts". On her last day as a chef at a remote research station in Antarctica, Angel Smith is faced with the impossible: make a 302 mile trek across the ice with a surly scientist, Ford Cooper, or die. As I followed Ford and Angel on their harrowing journey, I found myself astounded by Angel's grit and determination. I often found myself asking whether or not I'd be able to push through if I were in her shoes. Anders paints a stunningly beautiful picture of the ice, all while constantly reminding her readers of its incredibly lethal and inhospitable nature.

Throughout the book, we learn about Chronos Corporation and its director, Katherine. Her motives for wanting the ice cores are beyond chilling, yet far too relatable in this day and age. I loved the glimpses into her life, as they rounded out the story for the reader. That being said, "Whiteout" still provided the part of me that loves being surprised with twists, keeping me on my toes throughout the book.

I wish that the Volkov station had been explained further, but I won't discuss it here due to the potential for spoilers. Nonetheless, I’m so excited to read the next book in the series when it’s published!

5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

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I loved the fact this book was such an adventure. I can’t imagine having to trek across Antarctica on skis the foot to flee from bad guys, all the while carrying a deadly virus they’re after to use for no good. Plus, there is no place to hide in all that white snow and ice. You are a sitting duck in your bright red coat. This is what the two main characters go through. I loved all the characters. I felt like it was too long at times, though it held my interest. What I didn’t like, and why I’m not leaving 5 stars, is the fact it’s over 500 pages and when I think how nice it’s ending in the last chapter, the epilogue starts everything back up again and leaves you with a cliffhanger! Plus, I’m not sure but looks like a character is killed that I really liked. This all made me so upset. Good grief, it was overkill starting everything up again. It’s way too long a book for this. At this point it’s too repetitive. The loose strings as to the main responsible parties should’ve been tied up in the book. But I could’ve lived with that maybe taking place as a back story in the next book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher and author for my copy. This is my honest review

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Typically, I don’t seek out romantic suspense and only read it on occasion. But when one of my top-5 favorite romance authors pens a book in this sub-genre, I'm all in.

When it came to the romantic story elements, I knew I wouldn't be disappointed, but I was especially surprised and pleased with how much I enjoyed the suspense. Whiteout started with a gripping opening and kept me riveted throughout. It wasn't only intense because of the obvious suspense and vile antagonists, but also due to the unrelenting Antarctic setting. It made me endlessly grateful for my cozy home and soft blanket. I was initially concerned that the harsh and desolate setting would wear on me. Yet, in spite of the frozen expanse and bleak conditions, the author kept me invested with a swiftly moving plot and fascinating characters. In an effort to know what was happening around the next corner, I never wanted to put the book down.

As for the romance, this author never fails to make me swoon with her broody and reclusive heroes. This author has perfected the well-written beta hero and determined heroine. I loved Ford and how he realistically warmed to Angel during their ordeal. Although hastened by proximity and extreme conditions, the romance was tender, sexy, and real. The author managed to blend the suspense and romance without either element feeling contrived and blessedly, there were no unrealistic romps while the MC's tried to outrun the bad guys. I didn’t say none at all (hehe,) just none of those impractical and eye-roll-induced moments. The suspense was consistently thrilling and harrowing, while the relationship was achingly romantic and fraught with it's own kind of tension. Overall, this was a fabulous story that delivered on the suspense, as well as an emotionally sexy romance.

SIDE NOTE: I highly recommend reading the prequel novella Deep Blue (available for FREE in Turn the Tide by Katie Ruggle, Adriana Anders, et al.) Although Whiteout stands alone perfectly well, the prequel novella introduces Eric Cooper, his love interest, and his team, who all play a significant (albeit smaller) role in this book.

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The novel is a masterful adventure in survival under the probably worse conditions that can face people on earth. It is set on the continent of Antarctica at the present time. There are installations there built and maintained by various countries in order to study the conditions that exist as well as the effect on people and items by the extreme weather that prevails there.
Angel Smith and Ford Cooper are two of the individuals working at an installation maintained by the United States. Angel is the chef for the group working there and Ford is a glaciologist. For some reason the two have developed an antipathy to the other with no logical reason to do so. The time is set at a point when a group will go back to the states and leave only a small party to maintain the facility. Angel cannot wait and looks forward to returning to her home and go on with her life. Ford, on the other hand plans to return to the site and feels that he will always feel that way.
Suddenly fate takes a hand with an attack by a group looking to get hold of a series of containers holding an ancient dormant virus. Killing several people and taking others captive the attackers leave thinking that they have what they came for. They don't due to the bravery of Angel in stealing them. But she now finds herself alone at the installation with only the company of Ford who escaped capture by being out searching for a missing employee.
The two have to leave the installation and do so planning a trip across a frozen wasteland to the nearest settlement to them. Ms Anders describes the trip across what she aptly describes as a desert completely devoid of life and covered by snow and ice. Her description is probably as close to what would happen if such a trip would be made. The author also sets up a romance developing between Angel and Ford and how their new found love gives them the courage to continue on in spite of the impossible conditions suffered.
The book contains some of the most graphic descriptions of a vast area that is home for no living creatures. I found myself completely engrossed in events with the absolute expectation of going Ms Anders' list of followers. A well done five star book and a definite all night read.

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Angel Smith is ready to leave Antarctica and start a new life. What is supposed to be her final day the remote research station she calls home is attacked. She is being hunted and scared. Ford Cooper glaciologist is with her and they are lucky to escape with their lives. But being in remote place like Antarctica it is hard to find somewhere to run. 


With no power and isolated in the middle of nowhere with no way to contact the outside world and a killer on their heels they must be strong and fight if they want to survive. 

What starts as a friendship turns into more as they are on the run for their lives. With a small chance of making it out alive they are willing to do whatever it takes to survive. 

I have never read a book by this author before and I really enjoyed it. There is romance, drama, a killer. I really enjoyed reading it and I look forward to some more books by this author. I reccomend this book. 

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and here I my honest review. I would reccomend this book to any of my friends or family and I would purchase it for myself.

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The premise of this story is great...there is action from the beginning...but I couldn't stay interested in the story so sadly it's unfinished for me. The romance blooms almost from desperation (but we know it started earlier)...the actions are desperate (they have to be)...there is a bit of back story on all the characters, a bit of POW jumping...it's not a bad story, it just felt drawn out to me and got rather boring even with the action. The mystery isn't much of a mystery more of an adventure to get to safety as you know who the bad guys are and what they want from the get-go.

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Whiteout is the first thrilling instalment in Adriana Anders Survival Instinct series, and if this book is an example of what readers can expect, this author is set to rock our world. An action-packed, fast-paced, adrenaline inducing, suspense romance; this story has it all! The chemistry between the main characters is off the charts and the author’s expert narrative make this an edge of your seat read. I was totally engrossed in this book from start to finish and can’t wait to read the next in the series.

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