First Temptation (Covert Affairs #1.5) by Joan Swan

Counterterrorist agent Taft Walker knows the Mexican cartel smuggling game. But posing as part owner of an adult store to ferret out the newest tunnel into the US is a first. So is Zoe Brooks, his partner, new to undercover and a sex-toy virgin. Taft’s up for the sexy challenge. At least until he sees the real Zoe beneath her tough façade and realizes, for the first time in his life, he’ll have to risk his heart to win.

After the death of a teammate, Border Patrol Agent Zoe Brooks is ready to get off the front lines. She’s willing to tolerate a swaggering partner like Taft for a chance to work investigations with ICE. But she’s not prepared for the way he understands her deepest, sexiest desires. Or the fact that she’ll have to break her own rules to grab hold of the passion she’s always wanted.

 Note:  Also appears in the anthology Wicked Firsts

 

Four Stars

Wowza! What a fantastic novella to accompany the Covert Affairs series by Joan Swan! After reading Intimate Enemies, which is one of my faves, I wanted more! I love these characters and was delighted that Rio is in First Temptation, too.

There were so many things I loved about First Temptation. Right away there is action and danger. Zoe Brooks is a border patrol agent who is ready to change jobs. Her first assignment working undercover with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) pairs her with agent Taft Walker. They butt heads for a bit, but soon there's a lot of fiery chemistry igniting between them as they pretend to be a couple running a shop...a sex toy shop! Oh boy...does it get delicious with sex toys, poles and some very sexy dirty dancing!

One of the things I love about Joan Swan's romantic suspense is that her heroines are just as swoon-worthy as her heroes. Being a woman in this line of work is not easy. Zoe is strong-minded and can get the job done even in heels. She's such a sensual tease! For the first time in his life, Taft, a non-commitment type of guy, wants something more!

I thought this novella was very fun and exciting. It had a great balance of action, suspense, sexy times, and romance with heart. I giggled, I swooned, I was kept at the edge of my seat. If you're looking for something quick to read in the romantic-suspense genre that is also erotic and thrilling, you may want to try this one out.

First Temptation can be read as a stand-alone. It's also part of the anthology, Wicked Firsts.

*A complimentary copy of First Temptation was provided for an honest review*