Black Ice
(Ice series #1)
by Anne Stuart
Bastien, my first gamma is dark, dangerous… delicious; the heartless, cold, ruthless antihero, a true gamma who possesses no redeeming qualities intrigued me. To be fair, I wouldn’t read, spend time with such a character if I didn’t expect emotional growth or transformation. True to form, the seductive assassin ascends from the shadows and treachery, rises above the secrets to reveal his…humanity
Black Ice opens with Chloe, a multi-linguist who travels to the French countryside mansion to work as a translator for a group of international business associates of diverse backgrounds. As a favor to her roommate, Sylvia, Chloe agrees to this weekend retreat expecting nothing short of a boring, uneventful weekend; just a welcomed change of scenery appreciating, drinking in the rustic splendor. However, Chloe realizes that there’s a bit more to this job than previously thought.
Chloe meets the associates; immediately, her instincts go on high alert. It’s their body language, conversation, innuendos that import hidden agendas and double meanings highlighted by their past history, references, and baggage; no one is who they say they are. These participants enjoy cat and mouse games replete with tenuous familiarity; intensely secretive and manipulative. Nonetheless, one participant immediately captures Chloe’s attention. Bastien! Extremely, handsome, flirtatious, coupled with an aura of danger and mystique, he mesmerizes her. He teases, seduces…his agenda to discover Chloe’s game. Bastien has enemies…the result of being a veteran spy/assassin, and he’s certain that Chloe is an undercover operative! Seduction is the key to unlock the answer…
Meanwhile…
Chloe discovers that she too needs to play their game. She conceals specific aspects of her linguistic ability that allows her to eavesdrop, helps her gather intel and learns the true nature of these “associates” and their agenda.
In truth, they are weapons dealers and assassins. Their agenda…to topple governments, employ mercenaries and killers. Oh, Wait! Chloe soon realizes that her life’s in danger; she’s collateral damage, just an outsider not to be distrusted, and Expendable! Hakim, her supposed employer, volunteers for the task. The sadistic torturer holds Chloe captive, terrorizes and mutilates her. To deepen her horror, Bastien watches, amused by the ordeal and Hakim’s depraved tendencies. Then, Bastien strikes! Kills Hakim, rescues Chloe, and they flee…they run for their lives. Now fugitives! Cannot trust anyone!
Thus, begins their adventure…
Is Bastien a hero, a villain, or a combination? As with most gammas, we’re never quite sure. Whatever suits his agenda (at the moment). “Tell me I’m a good man, Chloe,” he said in a soft, dead voice. “Show me just how stupid you really are”. “I’m the devil incarnate, Chloe” he whispered.
What surprises even amazes Bastien is the feelings that he develops for the naive, Chloe. Inexplicably, she amazes and fascinates…and he opens, allows the inherent black ice “that covers surrounds his heart” to melt, or at least, soften!
Ok, Ok…bottom line. The couple traverses across France. Bastien is profoundly enigmatic, conflicted, as well as protective, and cruel. Essential for his survival and Chloe’s.“He made no effort to hide his amusement. ‘I’m abandoning you, my sweet, leaving you…Have a safe trip home and a good life.’ And then he was gone.”
A complicated plot with assassins, betrayals, The Committee…and the climactic confrontation, Bastien deceives…Again; but who’s tricked? A Didn’t-See-That-Coming!
Overall, enjoyable as Bastien is worth meeting!
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