Cold As Ice

Cold Justice: The Negotiators #5

by Toni Anderson

When Darby O'Roarke wakes up in a strange house with a dead man - with no memory of what happened - she knows who she has to call: FBI Supervisory Special Agent Eban Winters...the man she fell for, and who rejected her, last summer.

A negotiator isn't supposed to get involved with kidnap victims, and Eban has been trying to avoid the temptation that is Darby O'Roarke ever since they met. One frantic phone call has him racing to Alaska to uncover the truth, but he faces stubborn opposition from the local police, and a growing media frenzy.

Getting Darby released from jail and keeping her safe is his first priority. When another woman is brutally slain, evidence emerges that suggests Darby is being framed, and that the culprit is a vicious serial killer who has eluded the FBI for more than a decade...and, now, the killer has Darby in their sights.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance, Suspense, Thriller, Mystery, Contemporary, Crime

484 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 21, 2021

About the author

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Toni Anderson® writes gritty, sexy, FBI Romantic Thrillers, and is a New York Times and a USA Today bestselling author. Her books have won the Daphne du Maurier Award for excellence in Mystery/Suspense, the Readers' Choice, Aspen Gold, Book Buyers' Best, Golden Quill, and National Excellence in Romance Fiction awards. She’s been a finalist in The Vivian Contest and the RITA Award from the Romance Writers of America, and also in the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s Jackie Collins Award for Romantic Thrillers.

Her books have been downloaded more than three million times.

Best known for her Cold Justice® books perhaps it’s not surprising to discover Toni lives in one of the most extreme climates on earth--Manitoba, Canada. Formerly a Marine Biologist, she still misses the ocean.

In January 2016, she visited FBI Headquarters in Washington DC, including a tour of the Strategic Information and Operations Center.


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Reviews

[TMR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This novel had everything I wanted - suspense, past romances, amnesia, killers on the loose, and just a whole twisty ride I'd never expect.

Darby and Eban were definitely polar opposites, with the way they both worked differently, and had their own isssues they needed to sort out. But despite differences, they both loved each other, had strong personalities, and were laser focused on getting justice to the victims and saving the other's life.

The plot was twisted, full of suspense, and filled with action, that I would expect from a usual Toni Anderson novel. And I was here for every twist and surprise that came my way, even if I felt I knew them, but this novel did remind me that sometimes I don't really know it all.

The killer's moves and the ending - was truly something I was invested in. It's been a while since I really enjoyed myself in a suspense thriller, and I enjoyed it. It was explosive, fantastic, and gasp-worthy when I finally came to the end.

Overall with brilliant writing, fantabulous characters, a twisty plot, and plenty of action, this was a novel, I don't think I will ever forget, or stop recommending to suspense thriller lovers.

Until the next read,

-TMR

[Shatarupa Dhar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Cold Crew member may be running on fumes lately but it certainly does not stop her from reading and reviewing Cold as Ice!

Synopsis:
Darby O’Roarke wakes up to a nightmare in a place she doesn’t recognise. A nightmare that had been the reality of her life, just to plunge her into another nightmare when she finds a dead body with no recollection of what happened in the last few hours of her existence.

Supervisory Special Agent Eban Winters has been a calming presence in her life ever since last summer. And Eban is there when she needs her now.

Review:
This is the first story I have read, I think, where there is a first-person perspective of the villain. And that was at once chilling and intriguing.

Twenty-six-year-old Darby is recovering from her ordeal, and just when she thought she was on her way to make something of her life, she finds herself in a crime scene, without any recollection of how she got there.

Thirty-four-year-old Eban is a federal agent who doesn’t want to get involved with Darby, but he can’t seem to explain the same to his heart, which wants to keep her in his orbit, even though they are physically miles apart. And when he senses that Darby may be in grave danger once again, he goes running to her to keep her safe.

I loved how authoritative Eban was, taking no shit from anyone, and when he turned on his inner sadist for people who gave hell to Darby… What can I say? I live off of bad things being said to terrible people.

This was the perfect mystery, where I was not at all able to guess who did. The story was so twisted, a serial killer hiding in plain sight, and to be reading their terrifying voices in the first person. It gave an edge to the story. I was amused by a fact though, which I didn’t know till now.

VW Beetles were the serial killer vehicle of choice.

I know this is a story but even in the real world, human resilience is what continues to surprise me the most. That come what may we overcome all odds and rise above whatever life throws at us.

It was very humbling to know how tough it is to survive in extremely cold climates; being from India, living in Delhi NCR, reading about things one has to undergo daily to survive…

Apart from the constant danger that Darby and Eban are under, the way the protagonists learn to keep it light under the circumstances and to be learning some tips on negotiation the way Eban teaches Darby, sigh…just talk about ratcheting the tension and hotness.

This is the second book that I’m reading by Toni Anderson and I definitely want to read up on forensic science, and negotiation skills… I’m freaking awed by Winters and this is only a book! But I got to give it to the author for writing a story that keeps you hooked till the end; it was so thrilling to watch it all unfold!

P.S. I want a book where the lawyer has a starring role. Elliot Byrne intrigued and amused me, even with his minimal presence.

Thank you to the author for an e-ARC of the book.

Originally posted on:
Shaina's Musings

[Toni Anderson]

The audiobook is now available!
https://www.toniandersonauthor.com/bo...

"A terrific, twisting romantic thriller that will keep you guessing until the end! Don't miss this one!” #1 NYT Bestselling Author Barbara Freethy.

Volcanologist Darby O’Roarke survived a terrifying ordeal in the South China Sea, only to find herself framed for murder when she gets home to Alaska. Desperate for help, she calls the one man she can’t get out of her head, FBI Supervisory Special Agent Eban Winters. Can Eban help Darby find the real killer before Darby once again becomes a target?

Available from:
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PRINT: https://www.amazon.com/Cold-Ice-thril...

[Nadene (Totally Addicted to Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Narrated by Eric Dove, Cold As Ice by Toni Anderson is the fifth installment in the Cold Justice- The Negotiators romantic suspense series. Each book in the series can be read as a stand-alone as it features a different couple and mystery.

Cold as Ice gives us volcanologist Darcy O’Roarke and Supervisory Special Agent Eban Winters story. Darby and Eban shared history, one which was riddled in traumas, which readers Colder Than Sin  would be familiar with. Being fairly new to the series, ( as I have only read Cold Cruel Kiss), prior to picking up this installment, I thought I would miss out by not reading book two, but my worries were for naught. 

Darby is slowly reclaiming her life after a traumatic experience in Indonesia. Studying for her Ph.D. and trying to come to terms with her feelings for the agent who rescued her.  After a night of partying with her classmates, she woke up to one of them dead.  Panicking and with no recollection of what transpired the night before, she accidentally called Eban. He did not hesitate to jump on the next plane to Alaska. Eban loves Darby, but fears romantic entanglements with her. It’s against FBI protocols for a negotiator to get romantically involved with a kidnapped victim.  But Eban cannot resist his feelings for Darby and soon found himself in a conflicting position.

The fact Darby woke up to find the victim dead and had no memory of the incident the police liked her for the murder. However, with the revelation of new evidence they grudgingly released her. Who would want to frame Darby? Does it have anything to do with her ordeal in Indonesia? 

Cold As Ice delivered a thrilling story from start to finish. Packed with suspense, danger, while delivering an endearing romance the story proved difficult to put down.  Although, I wanted more page time for the romance.  

I had a fair idea of the killer's identity seventy percent into the story, but then an unexpected twist threw me off the scent. However, the revelation of the villain’s identity proved my initial theory.  The author dedicated a few of the chapters to  killer's POV, from which I deduced their gender and mindset.

Darby’s strength, resilience and bravery shined throughout the story. Despite, the pain of her past, she remained strong throughout the case.  Persons believed her to be guilty, but she never crumbled under the pressure. Eban’s protective nature stood out. I enjoyed their romance, and it made me glad to see them acknowledging their feelings for each other and embracing a romantic relationship.


Narration

This was my first time listening to the Eric G. Dove and I would listen to him again. He brought the characters to life by showcasing their personalities and varying emotions. His tone enhanced the narration and brought the story to life.

Overall I had a good time with Cold As Ice and would recommend it to fans of romantic suspense.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading

[Antonella · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5⭐

[Wendy]

I really enjoyed this 5th book in Toni Anderson's "Cold Justice: The Negotiators" series.

[Caz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've given this a B for both narration and content at AudioGals.

In this fifth instalment of Toni Anderson’s Cold Justice: The Negotiators series, we catch up with a couple of the secondary characters from a previous book in the series. In book two, (Colder Than Sin), CNU (Crisis Negotiation Unit) operative Eban Winters had been part of the team sent to effect the rescue of Darby O’Roarke, an American Ph.D student in Indonesia who was kidnapped and held hostage by an extremist group and subjected to violence and sexual abuse. (Note: this story references Darby’s experiences several times, although there is nothing graphic on the page). Since surviving her ordeal, Darby has, with the help of extensive therapy, been putting her life back together and has resumed her studies (she’s a volcanologist) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

When Cold as Ice begins, Darby is waking up in strange surroundings, her mind a bit foggy, and it takes her a while to work out where she is. She remembers being at a party with colleagues the previous evening, and is and lying on a sofa in someone’s living room, relieved to find herself fully dressed. Darby then recognises the room as belonging to a fellow grad student, Martin Carstairs, and recalls dancing with him and a group of friends at the party and generally having fun – but she doesn’t have any recollection of much after that, and has no idea how she got to Martin’s place. Maybe she had too much to drink and he was looking out for her? Trying to get her mind straight, she tidies up a little and then makes her way cautiously upstairs to see if Martin is in the house. He is. On his bed. With a hunting knife sticking out of his chest.

Darby panics and runs from the house, intending to call Quentin Savage, a Unit Chief at the FBI who has become a friend since the kidnapping the previous summer – but accidentally dials Eban Winters’ number instead. Her relationship with Eban is complicated; she’s been more than half in love with him since the rescue, but he made it clear that he wasn’t interested in anything more than friendship. Still, he’s always been there for her, and hearing his familiar voice helps to calm her as she tells him she’s worried she might have killed someone. Eban tells Darby to sit tight until he gets there; she should call the local PD, request a lawyer and say nothing else.

Eban may have told Darby he wasn’t interested in a relationship with her – but he wasn’t telling the whole truth. He’s strongly attracted to her, but worried that she had simply fixated on him as her rescuer, and believed she needed time and space to come to terms with the traumatic events that occurred. He’s tried to be a good friend to her, and they’ve spoken often over the intervening months – but there’s no way he’s going to let her face this fresh ordeal alone.

When Eban arrives, things aren’t looking too good for Darby. The detective who’s caught the case, Signy Torgersen, immediately pegs Darby as her prime suspect, and doesn’t buy her story of not knowing how or why she was at Martin’s house, or that Darby didn’t kill him. Torgersen is harsh and judgmental, totally convinced that Darby is guilty and content to ignore some of the key elements of procedure in favour of a bringing the investigation to a speedy conclusion. Thankfully, Darby’s friend Hailey (Quentin’s fiancée) sends one of the best lawyers in the country to represent her, and once Eban arrives, he wastes no time in letting Torgersen know he’s not going to let her get away with not conducting a proper and full investigation.

It’s a nightmarish situation for Darby, who is, to start with, not completely sure she didn’t kill Martin, but as her conviction that she’s not guilty grows, so does the realisation that she has no way of proving her innocence. But then comes a lucky break – one of Jorgersen’s officers (at Eban’s suggestion) returns to the scene and turns up evidence which is likely to exonerate her – but just as she’s being released from custody, news comes in of another murder, of the woman who helped out at the therapy group Darby attended. There’s no doubt about her innocence this time – but both victims being connected to her in some way must be more than coincidental… and then Eban receives news that the FBI has been tracking a serial killer through Alaska for some time now, and that the recent murders bear the hallmarks of that killer.

Cold as Ice is an entertaining, twisty thriller, and the author does a great job of ratcheting up the tension from the moment Darby opens her eyes on the first page. There’s a real sense of the walls closing in on her as, in her increasing panic and confusion, she finds herself unable to fill the gaps in her memory and even wonders if she did, indeed, kill Martin Carstairs.

Deftly woven in and around the suspense plot is the slow-burn romance between Darby and Eban, who are clearly both head-over-heels for each other and struggling to keep their distance. Darby has realised that she needs to let go of her dreams of a relationship with Eban and move on, while he has at last admitted to himself that he made a mistake in rejecting her all those months earlier. He did it out of the best of motives, but he hopes maybe there’s still a chance for them… if he can keep her from a murder conviction, of course.

Both characters are well-written and likeable. Darby has been through some awful stuff, but she’s a survivor and is determined not to give up without a fight, although that element of her character does jar somewhat with the part of her that’s constantly mooning over Eban. Perhaps he’s a bit of a stereotypical strong-jawed, stoic and protective romantic suspense hero, but he’s also resourceful and considerate, firmly in Darby’s corner and won’t take any crap from anyone.

I wasn’t able to guess the identity of the villain, which is a good thing – but when the big reveal came, I realised it was because there simply weren’t all that many clues pointing to them, and their motivations felt… odd and weren’t that convincing. So the conclusion of the suspense plot was a bit of an anti-climax, and I’ve knocked the story grade down a bit accordingly.

Eric G. Dove has narrated all the books in Toni Anderson’s Cold Justice and Negotiators series, and I’ve enjoyed his performances in the titles I’ve listened to so far. His narration is well paced and clearly enunciated, he differentiates effectively between a fairly large cast, and his female voices are especially good, very clearly feminine but not over-exaggerated or too high-pitched. Mr. Dove does a really good job of conveying Darby’s disorientation and inner turmoil in the early sections of the book without going over the top and having her sound hysterical, and knows how to inject just the right degree of tension into the story. I also liked his interpretation of Eban, who sounds very much the clear-headed, in-control operative, except with Darby, when his softer tones and gentle humour convey his affection and concern for her.

While Cold as Ice isn’t my favourite book in the series (and I didn’t think it was as strong as the previous couple) it’s nevertheless a solidly entertaining tale of romantic suspense with plenty of twists, turns and red-herrings to keep you guessing, and a sexy slow-burn romance with a well-earned HEA. Despite the reservations I’ve expressed, fans of romantic suspense should be sure to check it out.

This review originally appeared at AudioGals .

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twists and turns are a staple of Toni Anderson's books along with great action and hot romance. You get it all again in "Cold as Ice". Moving on from a tragic event in your life is never easy and Darby has proved to be a very resilient character. Her struggles and her triumph when faced with her past make a great story.

Darby O'Roarke is trying really hard to move beyond the horror she experienced last summer. She is back in school in Fairbanks, Alaska working on her PhD. She is in therapy and making friends, even attending a Burns Supper and had a wonderful time Celilidh dancing with her friends. When she wakes up the next day and finds her friend, Martin Carstairs, dead, and no memory of what happened, her first call is the FBI Agent Eban Winters. He has been her lifeline and friend since he rescued her last summer and she wants to be so much more to him.

When Darby calls, Eban hops the first available plane to get to her. His feelings for her go way beyond friendship, but he wants her to be free of her past and he feels that he may be keeping her from being truly free. What he finds when he gets to Fairbanks is a detective who has all but closed the case and convicted Darcy, a much too handsome and smooth lawyer and a media that has whipped up the town to a lynching frenzy.

Eban knows he has to be the professional FBI Agent in order to be of any help to Darby, but that has always been so hard where Darby is concerned. By making the cops do a through and complete job, he is not winning friends in the FPD. Freeing Darby and protecting her is his first priority. Evidence found at the scene gets Darby released and when a woman with ties to Darby is found dead soon after, Darby has a iron clad alibi - Eban. One of the ties between the two cases is Darby and the cases alert the FBI that they are also tied to a serial killer who has eluded capture for years. With this killer fixed on Darby, Eban will do everything he can to keep her safe. Will it be enough?

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been following Toni Anderson’s Cold series from the beginning and it only gets better with each book. Even better with Eric G Dove’s audiobook narration! Readers who love a perfect balance of sharply written suspense, mystery, and romance can’t go wrong with Toni Anderson.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darby O'Roarke opens her eyes. She is on a couch, but whose couch? After a moment or two she realizes where she is at because she had been there for a Christmas party once. As Darby begins to get her bearings, she knows she is at the home of one of her classmates. She calls out to him but receives no response. She heads into the kitchen, washing dishes and making as much noise as possible. Nothing. No response. Not a sound. She creeps to his bedroom and sees his feet. He is lying on his back. As she gets closer to him, she freezes, as she sees him lying there with a knife sticking out of his chest. Dead.

Panicked, Darby grabs her stuff and rushes away. Quite naturally she phones the police. But she makes another call, and that is to Special Supervisory Special Agent Eban Winters. The previous summer Darcy was in Indonesia studying volcanic activity. She was kidnapped and sexually assaulted by terrorists and nearly lost her life. One of her rescuers was Eban and she fell hard for him, but as she was a victim, he shut her down.

As Darby is interviewed by the police, they are fully prepared to charge her for the man's murder. She is convinced she did not kill the man, but is equally confused to the point that she simply cannot remember and thus cannot even begin to prove her innocence. Fortunately for Darcy, one fact quickly becomes clear to prove that she did not commit the murder.

Eban takes this as an opportunity to take her away in order to keep her safe. He is certain that someone was trying to frame Darby for the murder and he intends on protecting her. Another woman is soon murdered, thus cementing Eban's concern for Darby's safety.

A thrilling ride from the very first page. Tension, drama, danger and intrigue come in high doses in this fifth book in the Cold Justice: The Negotiators series. While Eban does his best to keep Darby safe, he has another battle on his hands. That battle is the strong and powerful attraction they both have for one another. Trying to keep things professional prove quite the challenge. Can Eban and Darby stay one step ahead of the killer while accepting the fact that they are destined to be together? To enjoy one another? To carve out a future together?

Many thanks to Toni Anderson for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Annika Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just gets better and better!!

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cold as Ice
2 Stars

Several months following her traumatic experiences in Indonesia, Darby O'Roarke is valiantly putting her life back together. But when she awakens at a friend's house with no memory of the previous night and his body in the bedroom, Darby calls the only person she can completely trust, FBI negotiator, Eban Winters. As the evidence against Darby mounts, Eban is determined to prove her innocence and protect her from an obsessive foe who will stop at nothing to have her.

Series note: This installment makes reference to numerous characters and events from book #2.

Despite the tremendous potential of both the romance and the mystery, this book just does not resonate.

While the beginning is gripping with the murder and investigation, the tension and suspense fizzle once the focus shifts to Darby and Eban's relationship. There is simply too much emphasis on and repetition of their internal musings and angst, which slows the pacing and undermines their chemistry.

The mystery is very predictable. It is obvious from the early clues that the killer is a woman, which narrows the suspect pool significantly, and makes their identity and motive easy to guess.

The secondary characters are very one-dimensional and lacking in depth. This is particularly true of the female detective investigating the murder. Despite her potential and the promise of her own romantic entanglement, her character remains underdeveloped. Moreover, there are numerous situations and comments that present her in a very negative light, and it is, therefore, virtually impossible to identify with or even like her.

Overall, this book did not live up to expectations for me. Hopefully, the next one will be better although I am not yet sure who the hero/heroine pairing is.

[Dísir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Toni Anderson's very classy mix of suspense and romance is a perfect escapist adventure these days - more so now than ever. 'Cold As Ice' picks up tangentially after its predecessor, focusing on Darby's continued trauma as she is run through the wringer time and again in a place where everyone seems to be against her when a single murder snowballs into something more sinister. 

But thankfully it's not without Eban Winters at her side, the man whom she pines and yearns for so desperately yet is convinced half-heartedly that he doesn't want her as anything more than just a friend. The man in question however, has convinced himself that there are too many barriers to what they can be together and the ultimate push as always, is that danger becomes the game-changer. 

It wasn't hard to feel sorry for Darby really, though I wished she'd been a little more stalwart (and a little less helpless and needy when it came to wanting to be with Eban all the time) and made Eban sweat a bit more when it came to finally deciphering what he wanted and needed. 

Written around this dynamic however, is also a deft juggling of a sub-plot or two, woven seamlessly into Eban/Darby's slow-burn relationship as the tension (romantic and suspense) ratchets up the more you flip the page. Anderson gives you the runaround when it comes to guessing the identity of the adept, knife-wielding serial killer and it did come as a surprise for me, though the ultimate reveal and motivations that swept along with it felt somewhat more bizarre than convincing. That said,  'Cold as Ice' is a more-than-welcome a page-tuner, with enough red-herrings and guessing moments to keep this a sustained ride all around. 

*ARC by the author

[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been been a while since I've been reading, real life stuff. I don't know what excited me more, the Alaska setting or this is Darby and Eban's story. We first met Darby in Colder than Sin, I'm sure Eban has been in and out from this Negotiator series. Anyway I felt that the later of Ms Anderson's books have become slow burn on the romance side and plot in a way but here is was amped up due to the close proximity and isolation of the setting. Plus it was a long time coming.

Darby and Eban has a history together from the previous book in the series. It seemed one sided but more of holding back and avoiding plus the timing was wrong. Also Eban knows Darby's trauma and it wasn't a good look. After Darby gets tangled up with the a couple of murders and becomes the the target, Eban realizes he might have wasted time before. They also have to navigate things and take it slow as Darby had past trauma.

As the plot unfolds and we get clues of the one behind the the murders it gets interesting. I had my guesses to who it might be, near the end it became more solid. It always makes Eban more alert to everything. Eban has always has this enigmatic appeal this peals back some of that also shows a different side of him. I have to say Darby is pretty tough stuff after all that she went through, she's a survivor.

Another romantic suspense by Toni Anderson I was really into and this was easy enough to get sucked in. I enjoyed seeing Darby and Eban's relationship grow and how they handled the investigation. It wrapped up a bit of in a hurry but it is tied all the missing info. I was happy to see a short glimpse of Lincoln, Quentin and Hayley. I needed more of Darby and Eban hope to see them in future books.

[Catlou · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve read “Colder Than Sin,” you’re already familiar with Darby O’Rourke’s back story with Eban Winters. But you don’t have to have read it to enjoy their continuing story. COLD AS ICE has Darby O’Rourke back in Alaska resuming her PhD program with the Geophysical Institute and slowly rebuilding her life after the harrowing kidnapping she experienced the past year. (Re: “Colder Than Sin”) When faced with the murder of one of her fellow students, she immediately reaches out to FBI Supervisory Special Agent Eban Winters for help. Dropping everything, he rushes to her side, ready to do whatever it takes to rescue her and keep her safe. What follows is an amazing journey full of surprising twists and unexpected turns that I guarantee will keep you guessing right up until the beginning of the climax. It’s an exciting ride that will have you on the edge of your seat at times and tug at your heartstrings at other times. There’s lots of action, drama, intrigue, and suspense with just the right amount of steamy passion to have you glued to each page from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed Darby and Eban’s tale and highly recommend this extremely engaging and entertaining romantic suspense.

[Sandra R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent slow burn romance suspense - FBI/crime/thriller/serial killer. There are heaps of red herrings and I felt really pleased I figured out who the unsub was early on... Until I realized I was wrong! Ugh... Great and really addictive back story. This book can be read as a stand-alone, although there are several side characters from other books that make brief appearances, so I'd advise to read all these stories in publication order, if possible, for no relationship spoilers - plus it builds up the whole world that the author has created.

[Lynda Custer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished Cold As Ice and said out loud Wow! What a fantastic book!!
The reader first met Darby, a PhD student on a remote volcanic island in the Banda Seas studying volcanos, in Colder Than Sin. Darby had been abducted and was found and rescued by Quentin and Haley who were also in danger and running for their lives. In the end, Darby meets Eban a hostage negotiator. Eban and Darcy’s story needed to be told.
Darby is now Alaska completing her PhD in volcanology and recovering from her kidnapping trauma. Suddenly she is considered the only suspect in a friends murder.
Eban travels to Alaska to assist in finding the killer. Convincing the local detective to do a complete thorough investigation is a real issue until there is a second murder. Is Darby in danger? Why was she framed?
A knife yielding murderer is on the loose and there are multiple suspects. The momentum of the investigation is non stop.
While searching for the murderer, old friends like BAU’s Lincoln Frazer, Hostage negotiator Quinton Savage and Haley Cramer, CEO of a security firm are encountered offering help and information.

Cold As Ice is a stand alone book, but it is nice “to see” familiar faces during the story.
I love reading about old friends from previous books.
Frequently at the end of a book, I wonder what a character’s life is like afterwards. The Toni Anderson’s Cold Justice books answer those questions.

"I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.”

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The conclusion to a story arc that was started in Colder Than Sin. In that book Darby O’Rourke had been kidnapped and sexually assaulted by a group of terrorist and eventually rescued by Eban Winters along with Quintin and Haley. She went on to formed a strongly bonded friendship with Quintin and Haley and a bond that she wanted to be more with Eban.

Its been a year and Darby is now living in Alaska to finish her PhD. Poor Darby who has already been though a scaring traumatic event wakes up after a night of partying with her fellow classmates to one of them dead and she being accused of his murder. When she accidentally dials Eban number instead of Quentin's, Eban immediately rushes to Alaska to protect Darby and find out who the real killer is.

Darby and Eban had great chemistry from the moment he saved her the first time. He tried to keep her at arms length due to sexual trauma she had gone through but he was never successful in getting her out of his head or heart. And now with some psycho killing people and trying to frame her he isn't going to leave her side.

I love when a series rolls back around to give us previously introduced characters. Darby's story was soo heartbreaking in Colder Than Sin and we as the reader saw then that Eban and Darby were meant for each other but that just wasn't the time. Darby needed the time to heal and to become stronger but she also needed everything that Eban brought - protection, strength, understanding and finally love.

[Sophie Ruthven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another stellar book from this extremely talented author. I always get excited when she finishes another one as every time I pick one up, I know without fail I'll be getting lost within the pages of a not to be missed book. This book certainly proves my point.
As a long time reader of this author I have looked forward to this story since we first met Darby, and if you thought she'd already been put through enough then you're probably new to this author.
I'm not going to say much more as yet again this author has made it so important details and red herrings are sprinkled throughout and trust me, you don't want a second of it spoiled for you, including other characters that appear.
As usual highly recommend.

[The Neighbourhood Suriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn Damn Damn
Why must you do this to me every time Ms. Anderson? Why must you right such amazing stories?
This time I told myself I would solve it. I would pay attention to every detail and I did! I totally did. My first suspect was Gleeson. I was kind of suspecting his son as well but he was too young. But after further analysis I was ENTIRELY sure it was Gleeson's wife. I was like this is it. I got it this time.
Annnnddd.....
NOPE
Why??????
There was NO WAY anyone could have guessed that. Please tell me if you guessed that.
I made a profile on every character mentioned (mentally of course although now I think I really should have made some case files) INCLUDING Corianne and she was on the suspect list till the end(where naturally I thought she was a victim).
I thought by know I've read all of Toni Anderson's books enough times to know what to expect.
I know never to expect the expected so WHY DID I FALL FOR IT AGAIN!??!?!!
I swear I will not fall for this again.
The next book... I will win this!!!!
Otherwise I will have to give up my dreams of working with Lincoln Frazer forever.
I will not let this dream die so easily 😤


On a serious note.
Once again Toni Anderson has proved why she will always be my favorite crime/suspence author to ever exist. And of course we've been dieing for Eban and Darby's story.
Sigh.
I was perfect.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

14/5/23 update.
Just listened to the audiobook, this is probably my favourite of all the authors work! Love Darby & Eban, they finally get their HFN/HEA.
1/10/21
Good lord this author certainly knows how to write romantic suspense novels! Another gripping story filled with murder, investigations & slow burn romance. This story left me guessing right up until the end, highly enjoyable read

[Book Witch · Rating 5 out of 5]

The thrilling part of this series is the entire time that you're following a love story between the hero and heroine you're also following the POV of a serial killer who... let's be completely honest is absolutely unhinged and it's frightening but also incredibly easy to be absorbed into this little world in Alaska.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars--COLD AS ICE is the fifth instalment in Toni Anderson’s contemporary, adult COLD JUSTICE: THE NEGOTIATORS erotic, romantic suspense series. This is thirty-four year old, FBI Supervisory Special Agent Eban Winters, and twenty-six year old PhD student Darby O’Roarke’s story line. COLD AS ICE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. Darby and Eban’s story begins in book two Colder Than Sin.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Darby and Eban) and first person (killer) COLD AS ICE follows in the wake of the murder Darby’s PhD mentor Martin Carstairs, a murder of which our heroine has been unjustly accused. Desperate for help, Darby ‘accidentally’ contacts FBI Supervisory Special Agent Eban Winters, the man who helped Darby months before following her kidnapping and torture in Nabat Island in the Flores Sea, Indonesia but a second victim all but releases Darby as the prime suspect, a release many refuse to acknowledge or accept. With the arrival of Eban Winters, Darby finds herself under the protection of the man with whom she will fall in love but a man who refused her advances months before. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Eban and Darby, as the Eban, and the local Fairbanks, Alaska police department hunt for a killer.

Eban Winter’s attraction to Darby has never waned in the months since her rescue from Nabat Island, Indonesia but Eban refused to act on his attraction knowing Darby had suffered enough at the hands of her kidnappers and abusers. Desperate to prove Darby is innocent of the crime of murder, Eban sees red when the local PD begin to circle like vultures on our story line heroine. Darby O’Rourke doesn’t remember much about the night in question only that she woke to a dead body in someone else’s house but when the killer begins targeting a number of people in our heroine’s life, Eban knows that the killings are personal and directed at the woman he loves.

The relationship between Eban and Darby is one of immediate attraction but months will pass before Eban allows himself any kind of personal interaction in the face of the horrific atrocities Darby suffered at the hands of someone else. With very few people behind Darby as a means of help or support, Eban finds himself Darby’s first line of defense when it comes to proving herself innocent of the crimes. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and intense without eh use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including several victims of a serial killer who is getting desperate. We are introduced to several fellow PhD students at University of Alaska Fairbanks, as well as local therapist Kim Gleeson, his receptionist Corinne Brown, police detective Signy Torgeson, attorney Elliot Byrne, as well as FBI Negotiator Quentin Savage, and business woman Haley Cramer (Colder Than Sin 2). There may be something developing between Elliot Byrne and Signy Torgeson.

COLD AS ICE is a story of obsession, vengeance, and murder; secrets and lies; relationships and love. The premise is intriguing and haunting; the romance is seductive and steamy; the characters are dynamic, charismatic and resilient.

www.thereadingcafe.com

[Kathryn Linke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cold As Ice is the fifth title in the Cold Justice: The Negotiators series. I was captivated by Darby and Eban’s story from the very first chapter.
Darby a strong, resilient survivor who is undertaking her PHD at the Geophysical Institute in Alaska and is slowly rebuilding her life after the harrowing abuse she endured after being kidnapped off an island in Indonesia. When she finds herself in a compromising situation the first person, she calls for help is Eban a Supervisory Special Agent with the FBI, with who she shared a bond after being rescued.
The attraction between Eban and Darby is undeniable, but he’s reluctant to further their relationship. Despite his hesitance he’s protective, caring and patient and their chemistry is undeniable.
This title has all the action, intrigue, suspense and passion that I love in a well written romantic suspense, and the twists and turns just kept coming. When the identity of the killer is revealed, it was quite surprising, and I was guessing until the very end.
I look forward to future additions to this series.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Another outstanding Cold Justice book! The entire series is fabulous. There was a teeny fact I figured out, then I thought I totally had it and then that brilliant curve slapped down my theory. One of the things I really enjoy about these books is that even though a long time has passed since the previous book, I remember everything that happened in the previous book. They are so good that the facts stick with you! Bravo, Toni Anderson!

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a good read, going to check out Quenten's book next.

I liked Darby, I actually really liked her and Elliot ngl. Kinda was hoping he had a book but at the same time it seems he's getting the detective . now I'm going to try and find a Lawyer/Client book- so Thanks for opening a new pairing type I'm intrigued with.

I liked the relationship she has with Quenten and Haly, it's heartwarming how much they care. And Eban was great too, they were cute together.

[JJ Matsler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gahhhh Inhave been waiting for Eban and Darby book and it was better than I could have imagined. I have been obsessed with both characters since their introduction in book 2. Just another masterpiece by Anderson who is becoming one of my new favorite authors very quickly.

[BossyLadi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I enjoyed this book. I just didn't understand the killers motivation. the reason for fixating on Darby didn't make sense to me. I hope this is the last time darkness invades Darby's life. she's been through too much!

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. Nice mix of romance/suspense. Thought I had the killer pegged, but the author pulled a surprise twist. Looking forward to Cold Silence next year.

[Manasa Rani · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars