Sinful Deception (a Covert Affairs novella) by Joan Swan ARC #Review

Title: Sinful Deception
Author: Joan Swan
Series: Covert Affairs
Release Date: April 2014
Originally part of the Sinful Seconds Anthology

Synopsis:
In need of fast cash to help her brother sneak into the US, Tova Sorenson takes a job as a sexcam operator, sparking an unlikely friendship with her very first customer. When Marcus Lucero's border patrol teammate suggests a sexcam site for female companionship without heartache, Marcus figures he's got nothing to lose.

While danger from Tova's dark side brings them together in the flesh where their chemistry burns hotter than hell, it also exposes their divergent loyalties which could end not only their desires, but their lives.

Read an excerpt HERE

Four Stars

After his teammate plants the idea, Border Patrol agent, Marcus Lucero, starts browsing a sexcam site where he meets Tova Sorenson.  Their virtual meeting was actually adorable and well done. An instant friendship is born.  I liked how the sexcam website was just a window to more pressing matters that would come later, like situations that tear families apart, and that I know are very real. Tova has a brother who she desperately wants to help. Both Tova and Marcus are hard working people. I was immediately drawn to their characters and couldn’t stop turning the pages to see what would happen. In the midst of danger and suspense, their actual meeting turns into a blazing inferno. Oh yes, there’s lots of fun innuendo and dirty talking involved!

Joan Swan has written another fast-paced, action-packed, sexy novella in the Covert Affairs series! It was nice to see a little of Rio (Intimate Enemies) and Zoe (First Temptation) as well. I love this series, and I’m so glad to have finally had the chance to read the most recent installment.

*A review copy was provided by the author for an honest review.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Kindle | Nook | Kobo

Covert Affairs series

Intimate Enemies (full novel)

First Temptation novella

Sinful Deception novella

About the Author

I was never a star English student or a literature buff, but I’ve always had a creative soul and an active imagination. Writing was a natural culmination of those two talents.

I write what I like to read: romantic suspense. I also write for the same reasons I read–entertainment and escape.

Recently, I left my day job as a sonographer at UCSF Medical Center after 22 years in the field to write full time. The muse must have been paying attention, because shortly after, I hit the New York Times Bestsellers list under my name and again a month later under my psuedonym, Skye Jordan. If you like red-hot contemporary romance, check out my alter ego.

This year will mark my twenty-forth wedding anniversary to my own personal hero, a veteran firefighter. We have two beautiful daughters and live in the heart of wine country on the gorgeous Central Coast of California.

http://joanswan.com/

Blog Tour ~ Shatter (Phoenix Rising #4) by Joan Swan, Review & Giveaways!

 We are delighted to be a stop for the SHATTER Virtual Tour! Be sure to check out BOTH giveaways below!

For seven years, Halina Beloi has been in hiding. But she's never forgotten Mitch Foster, the long, lean man she had to leave behind. Until, that is, Mitch shows up with a list of questions and a 9mm in his hand.

All Mitch knows is that Halina broke his heart and disappeared. But new information has surfaced implicating her as a player in the deadliest game of Mitch's life. This time, he's not letting go without answers. Now terror, danger and heat will fuse them together or shatter the future. . .

Shatter 

by Joan Swan 

Genre: Romantic Suspense (with paranormal elements) 

Heat Level: 3.5/5 

Elements/Tags: romance, suspense, paranormal abilities, conspiracy, firefighters 

Publisher: Kensington 

Publishing Date: 12/31/13 

Series: Phoenix Rising, 4 

Format: Print and Ebook 

Words: 110k

Book Links 
Goodreads

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million 

Book Depository | Kobo 

FOLLOW THE TOUR

 Five Stars

A brilliant installment to the Phoenix Rising series! (A non-spoiler review) 

I have been a fan of this series from the very beginning. In book 1, FEVER, we were introduced to Alyssa's twin brother. Helloooo, Mitch Foster! As the series grows, his fan base seems to grow as well. I mean, how can one read this series and not fall in love with this cocky, smart-mouthed, confident attorney with the playboy personality, and how the hell does he have all these connections!? Fans championed for his story, and now here it is. Joan Swan does not disappoint! SHATTER is fan-freaking brilliant!!!

“This was classic Mitch—the Mitch she'd known all those years ago. He'd always seemed to own an endless well of patience and compassion and love inside him.” 

Shatter reveals a much more tender and vulnerable Mitch. The title for his book is so appropriate. It's been seven years since his heart had been shattered into a million pieces by Halina Beloi. Mitch finally catches up to her, and now he's demanding answers. Did he even truly know her at all?

“Trouble—she was definitely trouble. Always had been in one way or another. Trouble for his body. Trouble for his mind. Trouble for his heart.” 

In the beginning I didn't know what to make of Halina. Yes, she's scientifically intelligent and can stand her ground well against threat, but why the heck did she leave Mitch in the dust years ago? Well, what is revealed is very insightful, and one thing is for sure...she never stopped thinking of him.

“He was too close to his breaking point. No one pushed him like Halina did. No one.” 

The entire team is back in this book. Yay! Mitch struggles emotionally throughout this story. Is Halina worth the risk? Is she worth risking getting hurt again? I love how the team helps Mitch see things in a different perspective as he sorts out his feeling for Halina. They are truly an awesome, supportive group! Their banter is funny and how they work together as a cohesive team continues to be fascinating.

“We are magic together, baby. Always have been.” 

It is no surprise to me that Shatter is full of action, nail-biting suspense, and steamy romance. Joan Swan writes all that so deliciously well. What did surprise me was how significant Shatter is to the series. Ms. Swan ties Mitch's story so beautifully to the series arc. Everything that happens blows my mind in such an amazing way! Although just enough back story is provided, I truly feel that to get a full understanding of the series and characters that this series is best read in order. I promise you that getting to Mitch's book is worth it! Even if you start with this book, at least you'll get a lovely dose of what this team is all about and perhaps consider picking up the previous books. Loved, loved, loved the ending to Shatter!!! Thank you, Joan Swan, for giving us a captivating and incredible story for Mitch!

“Baby, you have to admit, us together—that was crazyamazing.” 

*A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.*

Meet Author Joan Swan:

NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Joan Swan writes sexy romantic suspense for Kensington (Phoenix Rising Series) and independently (Covert Affairs Series).  She also works as a sonographer at a top medical facility in San Francisco and lives in magnificent wine country on the central coast of California with her husband and two daughters.

GIVEAWAYS!

Tour Wide Giveaway Details:

Tour Wide Giveaway: (1) Kindle Fire HD, (1) Kindle, and (1) $25 eGC to Amazon or B&N will be gifted to three different lucky commenters from the tour.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog-Hosted Giveaway

  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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*

ARC review: RUSH (Phoenix Rising #3) by Joan Swan

Jessica Fury, Washington lobbyist, has money, connections, and her own firm. But five years ago she had something better: happiness. Her firefighter husband, Quaid, was handsome, courageous, and crazy about her. Then one day he walked into a chemical inferno—and never walked out. Jessica has been through hell to get back on her feet. And then a rumor surfaces that could bring a miracle or shatter her world – again.

Q has been a prisoner forever. He’s honed his mind and body into weapons. He’s developed abilities no one else understands. But he’s still at the mercy of a cabal of ruthless men, who blank his memory, test him like a lab rat, and tell him lies. Although his past has been erased and his future looks grim, instinct tells him he has a woman to live for. What his mind can’t remember, his body can’t forget…

The heat is on.

4.0 - 4.5 Stars

 

I'm a huge fan of Joan Swan's Phoenix Rising series! I've been anticipating this book since the very beginning. As I was reading Rush, I realized quickly that this installment was going to be a little different than the previous two. While both Fever and Blaze were highly fast-paced and thrilling, Joan Swan slows things down a bit to tell the story of Jessica and Quaid resulting in one heck of an emotional roller-coaster. My gut twisted! My heart wrenched! But don't get me wrong, there's still plenty of suspense and danger that kept me bouncing in my seat.

“This is a one in a zillion opportunity, Quaid. How often do people get a second chance to find love with their once-in-a-lifetime?” --Jessica (pg. 265 paperback ARC of Rush)

She thought she lost him forever. After five long years Jessica Fury receives some promising news that she refuses to believe. For Q, everything that was Quaid had been torn away from him...his life as a firefighter, his happiness, his loving wife, and all his memories. For five years Q was held captive and used in experiments. After finally being rescued and reunited with Jessica, the painful process of healing begins. Jessica and Quaid's journey to be together again is extremely emotional and tragic. Ms. Swan does a wonderful job at showing what had happened to Q in those five years, which made me angry that this happy, fun-loving couple had their lives ripped apart in the first place. I loved that there were glimpses of Jessica and Quaid during more blissful times, too. Even with all the angst, Rush will leave you with the feeling of hope.

All the favorite characters in the series are present and working together as a team. All their abilities are used. There is also a huge set up for the next book, Shatter. Joan Swan has been teasing us with Mitch throughout the series. He is one cocky and mysterious dude. He's more than meets the eye, and I can't wait to find out about all his secrets!

Reading order for the Phoenix Rising series:

Fever

Blaze

Rush

Shatter – coming soon!

* A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review *

Blaze (Phoenix Rising #2) by Joan Swan

 
The hotter they come, the harder they fall…
With a man like him, every mission becomes personal…
Ever since FBI agent Keira O’Shay started tracking a young boy named Mateo, she’s felt a connection even her empathic abilities can’t explain. She needs to save Mateo from the cult leader holding him hostage. Nothing can interfere with that—not even the reappearance of Luke Ransom, the hot-as-hell fire captain she’s regretted walking out on for three long years.

Losing Keira left Luke vulnerable—in every way. When they were together, the powers each possesses were mysteriously enhanced. But it’s the sexy, surprising woman beneath the tough exterior that Luke’s really missed. Even if she betrayed him utterly. And even if agreeing to help her uncover a government conspiracy means watching his life and his heart go up in flames again...

 Five Stars

Five Fast-paced, Fantastic Stars!!!

Make room for this romance-suspense junkie, because I'm doing cartwheels all over this book! Yes, the sequel to FEVER pushed all the right buttons for me. Can you tell that I found it fantastic? Well, I did!

Blaze mainly focuses on Keira O'Shay and Luke Ransom. Both were part of the firefighting team whose lives were forever changed in that warehouse fire that was first mentioned in Fever. Going into Blaze, I liked that these two already had an established relationship, even if they hadn't seen each other in 3 years. Keira and Luke's lives intersect again when Keira, who is now an FBI agent/sniper, has a mission to rescue a little boy. I must say that the opening sequence of events is not only explosive, but we also get to see how well Keira and Luke work together on many levels.

“Luke stood on the opposite side, looking tattered and sexy as hell sporting his rifle and that goddamned semiautomatic strapped to his thick, muscular thigh. Why, why, why did she find that so...hot!” --Keira

I have no idea how she found the strength to walk away from this man 3 years ago...well, I do, but you've got to read and find out yourself. After reading Blaze, I now understand why Luke was the way he was in Fever. The love of his life walked away from him and his dreams, and he had been hurting all this time. Now, circumstance has thrown their lives back together, but can he trust her to not hurt his heart again? Whatever the outcome, what I loved about this couple is that they are awesome at taking on the bad guys.

“If it's your fight, it's my fight.” --Luke

“We stick together, right? I've got your back.” --Luke

Ladies, Luke doesn't mind that she leads the way in the fight either. Mmmm...gotta love a man that lets the woman take the reigns! Keira is one of my most favorite kick-ass heroines that I've come across. Even with all her issues I completely understand and love her!

Joan Swan gives her fans another thrill ride in BLAZE, complete with lots of action, fast-paced scenes, and sizzling romantic tension. Alyssa, Teague, and Mitch all have prominent secondary roles. Mitch...oh man, he is really something! I really, really hope he gets his own book. More of the conspiracy behind that infamous warehouse fire is revealed, and there's so much more left to uncover in the next books! I am so there for book 3. Bring it on!!!

Update:

RUSH (Phoenix Rising #3) releases August 27, 2013. I'll be posting my review soon!

YES!!! Mitch's book is book #4, SHATTER.

Expected release date is December 31, 2013