Review: Not only was this a wonderful love story it tells a story that is seldom told.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 29, 2014
Originally reviewed for Tea and BookWriting a novella has to be difficult. You have to tell an engaging story in a third of the words. While trying to get all the emotions, action and plot developments in that same short amount of words. Joan Swan to say she succeeded is an understatement.Not only was this a wonderful love story it tells a story that is seldom told. The lives of the people who live and work on both sides if the US border. This is not a one dimensional issue and Ms. Swan gives it the attention it deserves.Tova Sorenson was born two immigrants to the US on temporary visas. Her mother is Mecican and her father Swedish. A family medical emergency sent them back to Mexico, where her brother was born. Riva was the lucky one and has been able to return to the states and begin her life. Her brother, not so much. Years of guilt of being the lucky one has finally accumulated and she is desperate to get him out. Juggling her limited income isn't enough so she embarks on a webcam career. Of course she's totally inept at it But her first caller/viewer is the stuff of dreams and magic happens.Marcus Lucero is dedicated to his career on the border control but even he questions some if the arrests. It's a delicate balance and a never-ending job. Overworked he is losing himself on the job. His co-workers are so fed up with his terse responses and his constant badgering they suggest he might want to get laid..a man's obvious solution..But Marcus doesn't handle small chat and is just a bit socially awkward. So his buddies, suggest he check out a sexism site. He agrees but feels a bit inept and unsure..surfing the site he is totally uninterested until an eyelids into view. Totally fascinated he watches as she is obviously clueless. Of course she is perfect. Funny, smart, sexy and completely naive. Instant attraction!But life is about to get more interesting as her brother's life infringes upon the two of them. They realize how their lives may have connected but they have a fence between them, a border fence.Honestly this was so well written, their relationship becomes completely plausible and doesn't seem rushed or contrived. The issues addressed aren't not preachy but thoughtful and yes, thought provoking. And the action?? Well it's perfect for the size of this story.I was late getting on the Joan Swan bandwagon but I am firmly entrenched in her camp now.A five star novella!ShauniThis review is based on the ARC of Sinful Deception, provided by netgalley