by Linda Howard
First published 2009
Gabriel McQueen reluctantly ventures into a brutal ice storm to check on Lolly Helton, his father's reclusive neighbor who has gone silent. The military man on holiday leave dreads the mission for two reasons: the vicious winter weather and his long-standing animosity with Lolly. When Gabriel reaches her isolated home, he discovers armed intruders inside and immediately shifts into soldier mode. After rescuing Lolly, they find themselves trapped by the storm with no weapons and deadly enemies hunting them through the frozen darkness. Cut off from help and facing both merciless nature and ruthless killers, Gabriel and Lolly must overcome their mutual hostility to survive. Their forced partnership becomes a fight for their lives as they navigate treacherous conditions while staying one step ahead of those who want them dead.
Genres: romance, adventure, suspense, contemporary, thriller, action
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, forced-proximity
Setting: Isolated Home
Period: Military Leave
198 pages · Hardcover · Ballantine Books