If your summer feels too warm, how about chilling at McMurdo Station in Antarctica. Dr. Kayna Quan has opted for a sought-after science tour, taking an ICY PASSAGE aboard a Russian ship. She doesn't let anyone know about her paranormal abilities. Brynn McMichaels has been stationed in a lab on remote South Georgia Island for two years, and he's eager for a change.

Some of Brynn's microbiology experiments have produced unexpected results. He and another scientist compare notes, but don't know what to do. Meanwhile Kayna is working her way as a ship medic, to the dislike of her stay-home boyfriend who dumped her. The bad weather even in summer means that her ship replaces the plane meant to fly Brynn to McMurdo on the icy continent. Whether it's just that Brynn hasn't seen an attractive woman in two years, or a genuine chemistry between them, it's not long before they exchange a kiss. But Kayna is uneasily aware that problems are looming in the spirit world, while Brynn is increasingly worried about the biological samples and what they might give rise to if they get loose. A relationship will have to wait.

The environment on South Georgia island and the pitching double-hulled ice-breaker is well described. These are dedicated, hardy people, risking their health and taking a year or more out of their lives. All that lives down here are seals and sea birds; the phone and satellite signals are shaky and winter means staying put for six months. Standards of safety on the Russian ship don't meet British or American expectations, and the crew are worried about going to war over Ukraine. Tensions mount!

I was fine with the story but the frequent intrusion of a spirit guide warning Kayna about something, seemed unnecessary. There are so many shapeshifter stories around, that this paranormal element seems weak by comparison and I felt the challenge of Antarctica and mutating bacterial cultures would have sufficed to distinguish the story from other modern romances. Ann Gimpel has written a fine strong adult romance, believable and full of warm, caring detail. Take ICY PASSAGE as a vivid unusual romance, or indulge in the paranormal elements and battle for control, as you will. There's plenty for fans of good reading and unusual locations.