Intimate Enemies

Covert Affairs, Book 1

By: Joan Swan

Narrated by: Christa G. Lewis

Length: 12 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's Summary

Cassandra Christo is on a quest for answers in the mysterious deaths of her mother and stepbrother. But when she returns to her childhood home on the Pacific Coast of Baja, Mexico, Cassie runs into two major obstacles: her corrupt stepfather, and Rio Santana, Saul's right-hand man and the person she unknowingly let into her heart after he comforted her during the darkest moment of her life.

Rio's been fantasizing about reconnecting with Cassie for months. But not here and sure as hell not now. As an undercover agent with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, he's only weeks away from finalizing transport of a terrorist cell over the U.S.-Mexico border, and he definitely doesn't have time for this wild attraction to Cassie, let alone the risk it poses to his cover.

When Cassie's stepfather grows nervous about her investigation and orders Rio to use seduction as a last-ditch effort to keep her from learning too much, the heat between them turns into a full blown inferno. And as the end of the operation draws closer, Rio knows if he tells Cassie the truth about who and what he is, it won't only jeopardize his mission, it may result in him losing her forever. And if he doesn't, his lies and deception could get them both killed.

©2012, 2013 Joan Swan (P)2014 Joan Swan

Awesome - A Nail biting and Gripping story !!

Any additional comments?

Six months after the mysterious yacht explosion that killed Cassie Christo’s mother and stepbrother, authorities still have no answers to the cause. Searching for closure, Cassie returns to her childhood home on the Pacific Coast of Baja, Mexico, where she launches her own investigation into the accident. She never expected to find an adversary in the man who had once touched her heart with kindness in her darkest moment.

Rio’s been fantasizing about reconnecting with Cassie for months. But not here and sure as hell not now. As an undercover agent with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, he’s working the biggest sting operation in all of northern Mexico, and he definitely doesn't have time for the wild attraction he feels for Cassie. -- Not only is his cover on the line, so is his heart. Because as the end of a yearlong operation draws closer, Rio knows if he tells Cassie the truth about who and what he is, it won’t only jeopardize his mission, it may result in him losing her forever. And if he doesn't, his lies and deception could get them both killed....

I loved the suspense that was built in this book. It started with the first page and carried on until the last page. I think Joan did a great job with the entire plotting of the story. The main characters and story-line were well developed and the other characters in the book had you guessing who was good and who was bad. The descriptions of the scenes, situations and emotions were done so well that I felt the same things the characters felt...

Joan did a fantastic job at balancing the romance and suspense and it really fit Cassie and Rio. You never knew exactly how the next scene would play out and it never got old. I thought the intimate scenes were nicely done and not over used, perfect for this story !!

Christa Lewis done a fabulous job narrating and made me feel like i was right there with the characters.... I can't wait for book 2 :)

A Rollercoaster Ride from begiing to end!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I loved this book! There was so may plot twists & turns in this story. A real edge of your seat book!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Cassandra & Rio - The hero & Heroine were awesome! The relationship between them was touch & go. Both of them are fantastic characters!

Have you listened to any of Christa G. Lewis’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is my 1st listen of this narrator! The narrator did a great job! Christa has a wonderful way to expressing emotions1

Any additional comments?

This book was very exciting. Always new twists & turns in the plot. It felt like a roller coaster ride & I really enjoyed it! Danger, suspense, romance, smugglers & corruption all rolled up in a enticing story that was well delivered by the narrator. I can see this becoming a movie!

Yummy Suspense Read

What a great read! It had a bit of everything, delicious suspenseful romance! I loved the setting and the mixed narrative.

Cassie is head strong and a bit on the risky side. She has a few too stupid to live moments, but it comes from her rash choices. I did love her sassy attitude and strength as a survivor. It was easy to like her and want her to succeed.

Rio is all yummy bad boy, no girl can resist that! Throw in the hot Latin lover angle and panties will drop! He is a perfect match for impulsive Cassie, seriously the girl needs a keeper! I also loved seeing their dynamic and the hidden sweetness in him.

The book is a mixed narrative, mostly from Cassie and Rio, but we do have a little of the bad guy's POV as well. It gives a fuller and richer read knowing all the different angles. There are a couple spots where it gets jumpy and I wasn't exactly sure who was leading the narrative. It quickly sorts out, but it took me out of the moment.

What is a romantic suspense with out some steamy bedroom action! The bedroom door is wide open with plenty of spicy details. Not as much as a full blown erotic read, but more than enough to have a gal panting for a cold shower! The attraction is pretty quick, but they had a real chemistry which makes it believable.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Christa G. Lewis, who is always a delight. She has a great pace that adds to the action and drama of the story. I love the energy she puts into the smexy scenes and the movement in the rough & tumble moments. The only thing that bothered me was the distinct lack of accents, it was set in Mexico after all. But that is nitpicking on an otherwise terrific read.

Overall I enjoyed the book and can not wait to see what is next in the series and how the books will connect. I would love to see a HEA for Tomas or even her sweet cousin Nina. Definitely going to look for more of MS Swan's work. I really enjoyed her engaging writing and storytelling style!

A hot romantic suspense

Where does Intimate Enemies rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Intimate Enemies is pretty high up on my ranking system. I liked that the narrator was matched so well to the book - her Hispanic voice was beautiful for these characters.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Intimate Enemies?

There were lots of memorable moments, but what sticks in my mind right now is the scene where Rio comes to rescue Cassie from the kidnapping but it ends up that Cassie tries to rescue him instead. Also, the ending is very poignant and sweet. Loved it.

Suspense, intrigue and a great romance!

My Musings

I recently read Reckless by Skye Jordan and thoroughly enjoyed it. I discovered she also writes as Joan Swan and when I read the book description for Intimate Enemies, I was intrigued. Since it also had the audio version, I downloaded it. I am so glad I found this book!

The story pulled me in from the first scene and kept me glued to my seat until the end. The pacing is very fast with lots of action and highly emotion. This is an excellent romantic suspense novel. Ms. Swan’s vivid description of the Baja area is excellent, giving an idea what it must be like to live there with the gangs and drug cartels ruling the streets.

I liked Cassie’s character, even though at times, she didn’t make the best decisions, especially when it came to her safety. She is fearless to the point she puts her life in danger and the man who is supposed to be protecting her. I could feel her anguish over her mother and step-brothers’ deaths keenly. Her compassion for her cousin, her desire to help the poor, makes her a great heroine.

Now, Rio Santana is everything I love in a book boyfriend. He’s tall, dark and handsome as sin. He’s brave, loyal and determined to keep Cassie safe, even when she rushes in where angels fear to tread. I love a warrior character archetype and Rio fits it perfectly. And when you add in some bad boy, it’s enough to make a girl reach for her fan!

Intimate Enemies is an emotionally-charged love story. I could feel the sexual tension between Rio and Cassie in every scene. The love scenes are erotic, yet they are not all about the sex. The love growing between Cassie and Rio jumped off the page.

I listened to the audio version, and I really liked Christa G. Lewis. She reads with a great deal of emotion and tension radiated in her voice during the suspenseful scenes. I particularly enjoyed all the accents, and her voice tone for Rio is perfection. I will certainly look for other books narrated by her.

If you love erotic romances with lots of action and suspense, and a romantic love story, then you will love Intimate Enemies as much as I did. While this is the first book I’ve read by Ms. Swan, it will not be the last. Happy reading!

Explosive down to the end

This story started our with lots of intrigue and built to hot and steamy scenes between Cassie and Rio. they kept you wanting more. The storyline kept you guessing and have the reader/listener a few surprises.

Pretty good! I'll read #2 for sure :)

Overall: 4/5 Performance: 3.5/5 Story: 4/5
I had a little bit of a struggle at 1st but glad I stuck with it! :)

Riveting - great narration!

Such a great listen I was totally caught up and didn't want it to end.

Terrific listen

Who was your favorite character and why?

I really liked Cassie & Rio.
The main couple and a really well written one.

Any additional comments?

Audio version review.
The story of Cassie and Rio.
There were a couple of areas that were a little too long. But over all a terrific story. The hero and heroine are really well done.
Rio, tough, smart, strong, loyal. Of course, gorgeous. Check the cover.
Cassie also beautiful. A determined, tough, intelligent, generous woman.
The thing is we have all read stories with such characters. But Joan Swan has given them more depth than most. They have weaknesses. They falter.
Cassie is tough as nails but also a woman. Not a silly little thing. But a woman. With a womans logic and manner. But still, tough and fearless.
Rio is also the man we all expect. But he makes a mistake or two. And he is not afraid to love.
I really liked listening to this story.
The narration was very good. Perhaps the editing of it wasn't the best.
They could have edited more smoothly between chapters.
And I would love it if more would use a man to narrate also, in addition to her.
Or by himself.
This is not my first Joan Swan audio story. And I have been happy with every one so far.
I recommend this one if you like the suspense romance story.

Edgy & Sexy!,

Thanks Karen from NZ for the great review that helped me buy this book.

With an enthralling story line filled with danger, corruption, gang turf war, kidnapping threat, and a sleazy smuggler who wants to make a big name for himself, it all leads to the plot wrapping up with thrilling action!

"You know why. Because I don't have one hundred percent Rio here. Because I don't know who Rio really is. You have all of me, but...how much of you do I have?"

Cassie Christo is back at home in Baja, Mexico with the goal and determination to find out the truth behind the explosion that killed her mother and stepbrother. Little did she know that she would walk straight into the path of danger. Rio Santana works for Cassie's stepfather, Saul, and has been working undercover on a year-long sting operation to bring the guy down. Cassie's unexpected presence during this time could ruin all the plans. She's trying to figure out if Rio is good or bad, but her learning who he really is endangers both of them.

"From the erotic movement of his tongue to the smooth slide of his lips to the powerful movements of his body, he made the simple act of kissing both animalistic and artful."

Cassie is one strong, independent woman! She's an ER doctor, a survivor, a woman who won't stop searching for answers. Deep down she wants to believe that Rio is good. Rio can't help but fall hard for the beautiful Cassie, and trying to keep her safe while keeping his boss happy is not easy. Hats off to the author for keeping the sexual tension between Rio and Cassie going and going until it leads to a must-have-tequila-shot-after-reading-that-wowza love scene! So hot and so worth it getting there!

"Emotion geysered up from deep inside him. So deep he hadn't seen it lurking. The sensations and feelings ambushed him all at once, a blitz attack that overwhelmed and shattered every barrier."

About halfway through, I just wanted to take my time and not rush my listening, trying to draw out reaching the end. I enjoy this author's writing very much. The emotions between Rio & Cassie seem authentic for the situation they are in, and the writing is descriptive and intense without being too over the top. Listen up, Hollywood! While reading, I thought the story would make great movie material! I'd love to see this story play out on the big screen one day.

Christa Lewis was outstabding in the delivery of the story.