I received this book from Grand Central Publishing.

Ellie Masterson is a grad student involved in a relationship with her professor. She is looking forward to their first weekend away. Her professor, Steven Harding, is handsome and has a legendary father. Unfortunately, Steven’s father is legendary because of his philandering. Steven saw the damage his father inflicted upon his mother with all the affairs and he is determined not to follow in his father’s footsteps. Ellie is like a breath of fresh air to him. He appreciates her intelligence and believes she is someone he could continue a relationship with.

Ellie has arranged for them to stay in a gorgeous cabin in the woods away from everyone and everything. They leave town and arrive at the perfectly appointed cabin. An unexpected storm strands them in the cabin. Will they emerge from this snowstorm as a couple? Is something lurking in the woods that will use the snowstorm to target them?

This thriller explores revenge, body image, and relationships. When you begin a relationship with someone, how certain are you that you know them? Can you hide your true personality? What starts as a romantic getaway becomes a terror-filled confrontation in a snowstorm. It is surprising how quickly the trip changes.

Van Rensburg manages to turn an innocuous snowstorm into a horrific trap. The main twist to the story occurs quickly but the story slows as the motivation is revealed. Not everyone’s motivation is pure and many people are shaped by the experiences of the past. If you are in a relationship, this story will cause you to examine all that you know about your partner. Good first book by a new author!

My Rating: 🌻🌻🌻🌻/5