review 1: i liked this story a lot - if liking watching someone self destruct is allowed to be enjoyable?!I enjoyed the setting in Antarctica - showing us the warts and all side of life at the bottom of the world. And it is not surprising that flawed humans such as Mac and Annie find solace in its wastelands. Even when the place itself also feeds their issues.I enjoyed the interactions between Andre and Mac, especially before they really got together. Andre has his own demons as well, which meant his calming influence was more believable when he is talking Mac into stopping his downward spiral. There were a couple of points that I thought were glossed over a bit quick but overall I really liked it. review 2: 3.5 stars, rounding up for the unusual and fascinating settingI... more loved the setting and found each of the main characters relatable and sympathetic in their own ways. And I could see the potential for friendship and sexual attraction between them, but I was surprised when they were suddenly in a Relationship and apparently heading for HEA. That must have happened off-page or something, because I certainly never saw it.I'm also unsure how believable Max's sudden slide was, considering how long he'd apparently been holding it together. And I know many alcoholics drink copiously in their off-hours but don't let it affect their work, for like entire careers. Especially given Max's "mind over matter" creed, I felt like I needed some sort of explanation why he suddenly slid so precipitously over the edge like that.So lots of the fundamental plot points didn't work for me, or needed greater explanation or on-page demonstration. And yet, despite that, I really enjoyed it anyway. I'll definitely read more by this author, and hope the editing in other stories is better. less
