Dive into the pulse-pounding world of Anne Stuart’s Ice series, where danger and desire collide in a whirlwind of romantic suspense! This gripping seven-book saga, spanning 2005 to 2011, follows fierce heroines and enigmatic anti-heroes as they navigate treacherous global settings, from Parisian chateaus to Japanese mountains. With twists that keep you guessing and romances that spark, Ice is a must-read for thrill-seekers.
Known for her dark, complex characters, Anne Stuart crafts a series that blends heart-racing action with emotional depth. Whether you’re new to romantic suspense or a seasoned fan, Ice delivers a seductive escape into a world of spies, secrets, and second chances.
How Ice Began
Anne Stuart, a Romance Writers of America Lifetime Achievement Award winner, launched the Ice series with Black Ice in 2005. Inspired by her love for gothic romance and bad-boy heroes, Stuart wanted to push the boundaries of romantic suspense. Her goal? Create stories where flawed, dangerous men meet strong women who challenge them, all set against a backdrop of international intrigue. The result was a series that captivated readers with its bold narratives and steamy chemistry.
Stuart’s own journey as a writer, starting with her first sale at age seven to Jack and Jill Magazine, shaped her fearless approach. Ice reflects her knack for blending violence, redemption, and love, drawing from her decades of experience across genres like gothic and historical romance.
The Heart of Ice
The Ice series kicks off with Black Ice (2005), where translator Chloe Underwood stumbles into a deadly arms deal in Paris. Saved by the chillingly seductive Bastien Toussaint, she’s thrust into a world of espionage and passion. Cold As Ice (2006) follows lawyer Genevieve Spencer, who faces off against operative Peter Jensen on a billionaire’s yacht, unraveling a diabolical plot. Ice Blue (2007) sees curator Summer Hawthorne hunted for a priceless ceramic bowl, entangled with operative Takashi O’Brien in Japan’s snowy peaks. Fire and Ice (2008) explores brainy Jilly Lovitz’s dangerous reunion with rogue agent Reno in Tokyo’s underworld.
Recurring themes include redemption, trust, and the clash between light and dark. Stuart’s heroes—often assassins or spies—are morally gray, their icy exteriors melting under the heroines’ resilience. The global settings, from Europe to Asia, add a cinematic flair, while the fast-paced plots keep readers hooked. Stuart’s gothic roots shine through in the brooding atmosphere and forbidden romances, making each book a standalone thrill with series-wide connections.
The series’ style is unapologetically intense, with suspense that grips and romances that sizzle. Stuart balances action with emotional stakes, ensuring every twist feels earned. Fans praise the unpredictable plots and the way heroines hold their own against dangerous men.
Why Ice Resonates
The Ice series carved a niche in romantic suspense, earning accolades like the 2005 All About Romance Reader Award for Black Ice and a 2008 RITA for Ice Blue. Its blend of gritty action and heartfelt romance appeals to readers who crave complexity in their heroes and heroines. Stuart’s ability to transform anti-heroes into compelling love interests set a benchmark in the genre, influencing later romantic thrillers.
Even years after its conclusion with On Thin Ice (2011), Ice remains a fan favorite for its bold storytelling and timeless themes of love conquering darkness. Its cult following continues to grow, with readers rediscovering Stuart’s masterful mix of danger and desire.
- Publication Years: 2005–2011
- Number of Books: Seven (including novella Married to It)
- Awards: All About Romance Reader Awards (2005, 2006), RITA Award (2008)
Ready for a wild ride? Grab Black Ice and plunge into Anne Stuart’s electrifying world of romantic suspense!