Shatter

Phoenix Rising #4

by Joan Swan

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. . .

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Paranormal, Romance, Contemporary, Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Paranormal Romance

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

USA Today bestselling author of passion, danger and suspense.

I live in the magnificent wine country of California's central coast with my husband and two daughters.

Reviews

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scientist Halina Beloi has been in hiding for the last seven years. She is living off the grid with her German Sheppard, Dex, when Mitch Foster tracks her down. Seven years ago, Mitch and Halina were in love and living happily together when she suddenly left him claiming that she was already married. Now Mitch believes she is the scientist behind the chemicals that harmed a group of firefighters during a warehouse fire. He knows she was working for Senator Gil Schaeffer, a man who Mitch has been trying to pin down for various crimes. But now that Mitch has finally caught up with Halina, he discovers that someone else wants the formula to Halina's chemicals and will do anything to get her.

This is the last book in the Phoenix Rising series. I would advise reading this series in order or you will be lost. Mitch along with his sister and the firefighters that were injured in an explosion a few years ago have been working to find the person behind the explosion and discover how they acquired paranormal powers. I liked the suspense plot with someone trying to kidnap Halina out from under Mitch's nose. And I liked that all of the characters from the previous books in the series are involved in this book. I didn't care for the fighting and anger between Mitch and Halina. It just went on too long in the story. My rating: 3.5 Stars.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have not read the earlier books in this series, please be warned, my review may contain spoilers and should not be read!

So I feel like I was a little late to the party with this one! Shatter is book four in the Phoenix Rising series by Joan Swan. When I read Rush, the third book in the series, I didn’t realize that it wasn’t a stand-alone novel. I just saw the blurb, thought it sounded interesting and downloaded it. While I really enjoyed Rush when I read it, this really is a series that should be read in order. There is an ongoing story line which is better understood and enjoyed by starting at the beginning.I strongly recommend starting with Fever, book one in the Phoenix Rising series.

So many sacrifices. But only one she regretted. Only one that haunted her.

Mitch and Halina had a passionate and happy relationship...right up until Halina dropped the bomb that she was already married, leaving Mitch with a broken heart. Mitch turns into the stereotypical playboy, a different lady for every night…he never opens his heart again and he never gets over the hurt Halina caused when she left him. Fast forward 7 years later…Mitch is convinced that Halina had more involvement in the events that ultimately led to the exposure of his friends and family to the poison that has altered each of their lives. He tracks Halina down, determined to get answers, one and for all. It doesn’t take him long to figure out that everything may not be what it seems.

He’d walked into this planned confrontation on solid ground. Halina was a traitor. And even while 80 percent of the information still pointed in that direction, he was getting undercurrents of something amiss.

Mitch keeps trying to fit together the puzzle pieces of the past while Halina does everything she can to prevent him from learning the truth. Meanwhile, both are on the run and trying to stay alive.

Shatter offers a good balance of romance and suspense. There was obviously a lot of chemistry between Mitch and Halina, even from the beginning and the author didn't skimp on the steam.

He wanted her all, all at once. Wanted to breathe her, touch her, eat her, enter her all at the same time. Needed to be deep inside her. As deep as he could get.

There was also a lot of hurt and mistrust which definitely kept things explosive between them at times.

“Don’t stop,” she whispered between kisses, lips, bites. “I need it, Mitch. I need you. So badly I can’t breathe. I need it the way only you can give it.”

“You…make…me…insane, Hali.”

“Come on, baby.” Her urgent rasp, edged with such wild need, boiled his blood. “Give it to me.”

Overall, Shatter is everything fans of this series will expect. The author definitely doesn't disappoint. The writing is solid and the story well thought out. Best of all, Mitch gets the HEA he deserves! While Shatter does offer a logical place for the series to wrap up, I'm hoping that's not the case. I think there is an opportunity to continue with the series or have some type of spin-off series. I guess we'll have to wait and see what the author chooses to do. I've really enjoyed what I have read of this series and am glad I discovered Joan Swan. She is the type of author that just delivers!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Laylaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars for some serious storyline!!
Shatter is book 4 in the Phoenix Rising series by Joan Swan- I have not read the prior books, but I will be! This series looks so interesting and OMG- the plot lines are so intense. Halina Beloi is in hiding from everyone. She has a past she is trying to hide and to keep herself save she gives up everything to start over. But she knows that nothing is save so she is always ready to run again.

Halina is living under another name and keeps herself private so when someone is seen watching her home from a boat she knows she has to do something about the person spying on her. Litte does she know its Mitch Foster.

Mitch's life and the lives of those around him are in jeopardy. Someone is out to get him and Mitch links it all back to Halina and what happened in the research labs of her former employer. Mitch's heart was broke by Halina and he wants nothing more from her other than to be free of those after him and his extended family and then to be rid of her again.

I don't want to give away any of the plot because it there are alot of elements and alot of doubt cast between Halina and Mitch throughout. But this book is intense- both characters has an intense connection that can not be denied but Halina is full of fight. She is not a weak woman by any means and it is refreshing to see that. Mitch has some serious chops to show as an attroney and he too comes to terms with alot throughout this story. You also get some insight into other characters from the first couple books and where they are currently. There is a some supernatural elements to this as several members of Mitch's "extended Family" were either experimented on or tainted by a fire at the former chemical facility. Just a truly cripping story of corruption, politics, chemical warfare, and danger!

*This honest review was done in exchange for Arc through NetGalley from Kensington Books and Joan Swan-Thank you!*

[Mei · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me tell that I liked this series. It started with the boom - I'm still convinced that the first book was the best of them all!

In this one we have Mitch and Halina story.

It is interesting, but... for me there was too much internal struggling both Mitch's and Hali's.

That wouldn't have been bad, but the line of thought went awry with anger on Mitch's part and fear/secrecy on Hali's.

I would have preferred if all that have been skipped.

I would still be reading Owen and Sophie story (I hope that one is next)! :D

[Shauni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally Reviewed For: Tea and Book

Have your read the works of the Fabulous Joan Swan? Yeah, me neither.. at least not until Shatter.. and let me tell you this, I have been seriously missing out! I have seen her name, even chatted with her on Twitter but for some reason I have just kept passing her over. Even had the chance to read her books previously via NetGalley and still no go.. let me tell you this was a HUGE mistake!! If you have the chance to read ANY books by Ms Swan PICK. THEM. UP..

Shatter is Book 4 in Ms Swan's Phoenix Rising Series and it is fast paced, action packed and emotionally enthralling. Grabs you from the very beginning and never lets you go!

Halina Beloi is hiding in plain site. After discovering that the men she was working for were less than ethical. That the life of the man she loved was at risked, Halina found a way to leave everything behind and start new. She has made a choice to leave the love of her life and go into hiding. To give up everything to ensure he was safe. But her choices had repercussions and now seven years later she is being stalked.. afraid for her very life Halina confronts her "stalker" only to discover that it is not someone with a nefarious plan but the very man whose life she was trying to save.

Mitch Foster, playboy extraordinaire.. When the love of his life left him for her "husband" he didn't even know about, Mitch chose to get over her by using his own brand of aversion therapy.. Making sure to sleep with as many women as possible. That is when he's not working. Mitch was fast tracked to be Attorney General but discovered that there was a lot of corruption and greed going on in so instead has spent his life trying to get the goods on those who chose evil. When his sister is drawn into a group of firemen whose DNA has been changed because of some freaky chemicals that were in the building. Mitch puts much of his life on hold and goes after them. This is what he does after all. When all paths lead back to Halina, Mitch realizes that he must face her at least one more time. Only when he does he discovers that all is not as he thought it would be.

Totally awesome book!! Sorry if I babble but my thoughts are just whirling. There was so much going on, so many intertwining facets to this gem of a book. Yes, it is the 4th book and I am sure the story can only get better if you read them in order BUT I started here and was not lost. Sure I wanted to go back and read the first three but I was not lost. Even in this complicated dance Ms Swan has created.

Halina is this awesome woman who will do anything to make sure Mitch stays alive. Even leave him. Even watch him be happy with other women. Even lie to him. Her willingness to sacrifice it all totally drives this book. Sure, maybe she should have talked with him, shared her worries.. but Ms Swan writes a realistic tale with honest reactions. There are reasons why Halina chooses her path, very good reasons and I didn't see her actions as anything but justified.

Mitch on the other hand could be something of a butt head.. Again, it was a reasonable response Mitch knows he has been wronged and he LOVED her and she left him after announcing that she and her "husband" wanted to work things out. A husband he knew nothing about.. Once Mitch started unraveling Halina's bucket of lies.. he got angrier and angrier.. but again, he was justified. He had real human emotions. To just forgive and forget would have ruined the story.. and face it, how often do we scoff at couples for just that reason?

Honestly the interactions in this book are awesome.. Mitch has healthy relationships with those around him, his sister, his family and friends. But Halina has no clue as to how to handle a group such as this. A group who she feels should hate her. And when there are those who question her, who justifiably question her, Halina has to learn how to stand true to herself. To show who she really is, who the woman behind the aliases could be. She has to CHOOSE love instead of choosing to sacrifice it. Brilliantly done!

Seriously, if you haven't read Ms Swan's work yet, get out there and find some! Don't loose another minute wondering.. she is just that good.

Shauni

This review is based on the ARC of Shatter, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on December 31, 2013

[Adria's Musings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on Adria's Romance Reviews

Attorney Mitch Foster is being forced to face a past that he spent seven years trying (and failing) to forget. Underneath the sarcastic playboy exterior, Mitch is still nursing a broken heart and lingering feelings for the mysterious Halina Beloi, whom he loved and was abandoned by. Now, through a sick twist of fate, he has had to track down and confront Halina about her role in what happened to seven firefighters that let them with paranormal abilities and big target signs on their backs. What he finds is a very different Halina than the one he remembers and her presence adds more questions than answers.


I didn't think it could get any better than Blaze or that Luke Ransom would have to share the top spot with not one but two other cuties. Well it did, and he does (I still love you Luke!). Shatter is a standout book in the Phoenix Rising series by author Joan Swan and I'm not surprised. It is Mitch Foster's book and he's nothing if not an attention hog.

Mitch doesn't have any special abilities (though his sister and her husband might say that his special ability is to annoy the crap out of any one within hearing distance) like the others but he does posses an unrivaled stubbornness and loyalty to his friends and family. He might be the "ordinary" one in the group, aside from his sister but in my opinion, he's the one you notice first. He has had a very strong presence since book one and while he wasn't a brooding, tortured hero, it was clear the ambivalent playboy attitude was an act.

Halina was an awesome heroine. I kind of feel like fans were blindsided by her because she wasn't in previous books and there was next to no hints about her or her relationship with Mitch. That worked in the story's favor. Halina's sudden reappearance in Mitch's life gave Shatter an air of unpredictability and turned Mitch's already unstable life upside down and inside out. Those two had some smokin' chemistry going on between them, they were hurt, angry and still very, very attracted to each other which made for one very explosive reunion (Just that scene alone made Shatter start off with a fire rating of 3 books).

However, Mitch wasn't the only male Halina had chemistry with. There was also a very handsome, four legged hero named Dex in the story. If author Joan Swan hadn't sold me on Halina within the first two chapters, then she would have sealed it with how much Halina loves and depends on Dex. That's really what made me relate to Halina the most, her relationship with Dex and the fact that she didn't brush him aside just because Mitch was back in her life.

Shatter keeps readers engaged and entertained the whole way through. There's not a dull page in this book, not with Mitch around, and definitely not when he's with his sister, Alyssa, her husband Teague and his former firefighting team. I really look forward to those scenes where the entire group is together and harassing each other, swearing and having to put money in Alyssa's swear jar. Those scenes lighten up the grim situation they all find themselves in.

With a stand off and a conflict seemingly "wrapped up" at the end, I can't help but wonder, where will the series go from here? What about the remaining characters, Kai (who can give Mitch a run for his money in the sarcasm department), Seth (who deserves a second chance at love), Cash O'Shay and now the very sexy, former antagonist turned hero, Owen? I love the brand of action, suspense and romance that has become Joan Swan's signature style so it's easy to see why I don't want this series to end. Did I mention that I want Owen to get his own book? No? Okay well, I do. I have a crush okay? I can't help it.

Shatter can be read as a standalone or even out of order, but seriously, why would you want to deprive yourself of a series that can make you laugh and sigh?

[A Voracious Reader (a.k.a. Carol) · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Book source ~ NetGalley

Halina Beloi has been in hiding for seven years. She’s kept under the radar and prepped for the day she hoped would never come, the day she’s discovered. When that day inevitably dawns she never imagined it would be the man she left behind who would find her and not the enemy searching for her research. Now they’re both running because he’s led them straight to her. He wants answers to why she ran in the first place and she doesn’t want to put him at risk again. Can two stubborn people finally make things right between them and stay alive in the process?

Ok, so I read book 1 in the series, but it’s been 5 years. I remember really enjoying it and vague details, but that’s about it. Then I didn’t read books 2 or 3, so when I started this one I was lost. Completely lost. It took me awhile to grasp the plot and who all the characters were. In fact, after about 2 chapters I had to go back and start over. So, for someone just dropping into the series with this book (which is essentially what I did) the beginning is confusing. However, once it got going it became easier to follow. Points off for “secrets to keep a loved one safe” because I fucking hate that plot device, but otherwise a decent action-packed read. I enjoyed it enough to go back and read books 2 & 3 which is good because I already have them.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Background and Recap:

In the Phoenix Rising series, a team of firefighters was exposed in a warehouse fire to chemicals from a secret, experimental, unethical government program. Each member of the team developed paranormal powers. Ever since, they've been in danger from the deadly department, headed by a senator, who has been watching and manipulating them. Some of the team members have been falsely imprisoned, experimented on, and more. Their stories were told in Fever, Blaze, and Rush.

Mitch Foster, the brother of the heroine in Fever, is a powerful attorney with many connections who owe him favors, and a track record of winning cases for the underdog. Mitch has been providing legal support, along with help from his (sometimes shady) connections, for the firefighters in their quest to be free of the senator and his minions.

Mitch believes that the key to ending the deadly game that the senator is playing is Halina, one of the senator's former researchers.

And Mitch's former lover.

Halina broke Mitch's heart seven years ago when she produced a husband he didn't know about. And then she disappeared. Mitch tracks her down, only to find that another player is after her and her research, also.

Mitch and Halina are in lethal danger. But the greater danger is to their hearts.

Reactions:

Throughout the series, Mitch has been a sexy playboy; a powerful man with high level connections, money, and legal brains; and an extra gun when necessary. He's been a popular character, and readers have been anxious for his story. They won't be disappointed.

Halina has her reasons for breaking Mitch's heart. Sometimes I wanted to shake some sense into her, but for the most part she is a sympathetic character who is as much a victim as the firefighters. And she had to watch as Mitch, the love of her life, moved on to become a playboy who was always on the society pages. That gains her sympathy points right there.

This being a paranormal romantic suspense, there is, well, lots of suspense. Mitch and Halina are on the run for much of the book. And when they think they've finally reached safety … they need to think again. The suspense, and the tension between Mitch and Halina, keep the book moving along quickly.

There is a satisfying conclusion to the senator's storyline, as this is the last book in the series contracted with Kensington. However, Joan Swan is going to write a spin-off series to give HEA's to the remaining team members. I'm looking forward to their stories!

In the meantime, enjoy the Phoenix Rising series and Shatter.

[Tory Michaels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is the end of the Phoenix Rising series given how this ends, but I’m not entirely positive. But I have to say, if it is the ending, I’m sorry to see this series go.

I came into the series with the second one, I think, and have liked the whole thing. This book troubled me therefore a bit. Usually there’s an uber-hot relationship between the hero/heroine, and here…it seemed a bit disjointed. Clearly they’re crazy about each other. Don’t get me wrong, at no point did I doubt the love they felt. However, what bothered me was the coldness and absolute resolution she had toward cutting Mitch out of her life. For good reason as Ms. Swan shows over the course of the book, and no one could doubt Hali’s childhood suuuuuucked.

Mitch was a fabulous hero. He was utterly and completely devoted to his group of friends and family (his sister Alyssa was the heroine in the first book of the series). He might not have special powers like the rest of them, but he’s definitely a force to be reckoned with in his chosen field (law). I liked how he finally got his one-up on Senator Schaeffer. That scene was priceless and I was just as happy as Mitch.

Hali and Mitch wrangled throughout and it was sometimes hard to see how they would possibly get around Hali’s fear about getting Mitch killed. It was nice to see how her abilities came into play, not just in bringing Senator Schaeffer down, but in bringing the two closer in the end.

The Owen subplot was nice and I will admit I had my doubts from time to time just who’s side he might really be on. Yes, I know there’ve been scenes throughout that showed Owen’s reasons for being involved, but every once in a while, because of how he interacted with the villains, I had to keep wondering if maybe he was playing the Phoenix team all along. And the resolution to that issue definitely was worth the wait.

Hopefully there will be more works by Ms. Swan that will have members of the series in them. I wouldn’t mind getting to see Owen get his own story, and I believe there are still members of the team who haven’t hooked up (Kai seemed unattached, but I could be wrong).

I’m glad I read this and if this is the end of the Phoenix Rising series, dang. But still, there are always more books and I will happily add Ms. Swan’s books to my TBR list at any time.

Book provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Vanessa theJeepDiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been impatiently waiting for this book since the moment Mitch Foster stomped his way onto the pages of Fever. Joan Swan created a character that I wanted to read more of when she penned him. He was a secondary character that I looked so forward to reading. Mitch finally getting his own happily ever after was a happy day for me. His heroine being worthy of him is just an added bonus to this must read book.

Rekindles are typically one of my least favorite type of romances. I always think why get back with the person you left for obvious reasons. Halina and Mitch had a once in a lifetime amazing ten month relationship seven years ago. She devastated him by introducing him to her husband. Mitch has been trying unsuccessfully to fill that void since. Once they are back together it is so easy to see why the void was impossible to fill. They don’t have an easy path to happily ever after. The whole group is still fighting Schaeffer and dealing with the repercussions of the exposure to the chemical. Halina is having a difficult time with her role in the chemical development. It is definitely an exciting read.

I loved the new character that was introduced with Dex. He fit in so perfectly with the group that readers know and love. He is just as much a fighter and loyal friend as the rest of them. I was pleased to see the past couples and the other team mates. Their camaraderie and love for one another is always felt not just words on paper. That is one of the many things I love about this series.

My only disappointment is that Mitch felt a little different in this installment of the Phoenix Rising series. In the previous books he has been full of snark and smart assiedness. While he still had some of those qualities they were not as often. His character was immersed in his anger towards Halina in the beginning. Then he was all about his love and keeping Halina. There is no appropriate place for his witty snark in keeping his gal close. There is also a nicely bundled closing with Shatter. This leaves me to wonder if this could be the last of the series.

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that I have loved Mitch since the beginning of this series, he is cocky, arrogant, and super sexy. Shatter picks after the events at the end of Rush when Mitch sets out to find his old lover Halina. This story is filled with so much hurt and betrayal but the love is always present. I love this series and I really hope to get some HEA for the remaining friends.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, the fourth and presumably final installment in the Phoenix Rising series was fantastic. I'd say it was my favorite but I honestly think that all 4 are my favorite. I love the "family" dynamic between all of the characters, and how they love and bicker...sometimes I laugh out loud.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each addition to this series just drags me in deeper. I loved the author's writing style, characterizations, plotting and backdrop from the start, but after all the twists, turns and overlapping angles that have taken place since the beginning book, I shake my head in amazement and wonder how she does it. The intrigue and suspense in these books just grabs me and won't let go. The burning, wrenching situations of the couples both repels and attracts me because I just want them to be happy.

This is Mitch's book. He's a character that has been larger than life and a regular in the series since the beginning. He's not an enhanced human like the others; he's a lawyer- a brilliant, tenacious, resourceful and dirty fighting lawyer. Snark and sexy charisma? Yeah, this guy has it in spades. So yeah, Mitch's book? I was all over it when it came out because really, who was Ms. Swan going to set up as this guy's perfect lady?

After the end of the last book and its revelations, I got that answer, but having the answer just made me more curious. Mitch's gal is the woman who walked out on him and into the arms of her husband with no warning that she was married right when he was going to ask her to marry him. Then he sees on the confiscated tapes that she was one of the scientists working for Schaefer. Mitch goes on the hunt. That woman has a lot to answer for.

She has been in hiding for years perfecting her new persona, bettering her self-defense and physical skills, making sure that she'll be ready for the day they come looking for her. However, the woman known as Heather is shocked to discover exactly who has come looking for her and he's not happy. Mitch! Halina can't believe it. After all the efforts she put into running, protecting, hiding successfully, there he stands- the man she loves beyond anything and sacrificed everything to keep alive. He has messed up everything and now she will have to get rid of him and start over. But by the look on his face, he's not going anywhere until he gets some answers and its going to rip her to pieces giving them because she knows just how betrayed, angry and hurt he is and it will only get worse when she feeds him a few half-truths to satisfy him.

Mitch is usually calm, collected and prepared for any crisis, but this? Nothing could have made him ready for the gut-wrenching emotions he has confronting Halina and to have her swing between pounding him with her professionally practiced defense moves and trying to brutally cut him with words. The truly scary thing is that he can only remember the need and want and the love just like it was yesterday. Bigger things are afoot and it isn't long into their confrontation than they are both in danger from someone who wants Halina and her research so he can continue the project that Mitch and his friends destroyed.

From then on, its high octane chases, fighting, passion and deadly secrets revealed. Mitch, Halina, the Phoenix team and Owen have to keep their wits about them as they cross swords with a still powerful Schaefer and lethal Abernathy. Who is going to get to whom first? Thrilling to the last.

This one just jumped out of the blocks from the start and really didn't stop whether it was the dangerous action scenes, the confrontations between Mitch and Halina or the passionate scenes between the lovers. This one was tough for me because I respected, sympathized and was angry at the heroine at the same time. I knew logically that she made the best decision at the time all those years ago and from her perspective she was still making good decisions in the present. The woman was a big-time martyr of a heroine and yet she was the instrument for bringing Mitch to his knees (evil sucky Schaefer put her in the no-win position b/c of his greed for power and money). She sacrificed, but it hurt the very person for whom she sacrificed. It wasn't her past choices that angered me. I got all that. I struggled because once he found her and explained what was going on; it was like prying teeth for him to get her to see that the scenario had changed. Now it was her secrets that were the danger to everyone and she wouldn't cough them up.

Now this is where the author's writing redeemed it all. Normally when I get frustrated with a heroine, I really don't change my mind and it ruins my pleasure in the story, but in this instance I was even more motivated not less to see this through. I was dying for Mitch to show his stuff and convince Halina. He had to work through so much betrayal and pain which slowed down the process, but he did slowly and convincingly along with the help of the others wear down her barriers, get her beyond the damage done in her past and show her that she didn't have to go it alone and that she could open up and trust- believe in a happy future. Mitch was very different in this one, but it made sense after knowing this part of his past finally. It’s kind of funny the way the others remind him of how he poked at them when they were going through their hard moments and he doesn't like being on the receiving end at all.

One of the best parts about this series besides the great plots and the relationships to me is that the main characters from the past books continue to play strong roles. They all work together to get the mission done and the sweet 'family' moments are adorable. Loved the scene with Mitch and his new little nephew. Their inclusion doesn't push aside the main storyline, but its not just mere background either. I liked that little side story line for Owen too. Poor guy needed to catch a break after all Schaefer, Jocelyn and his ex-wife put him through.

This had a big ending that tied up so much that it felt finished in some ways. I don't know if it’s the last book or not, but I sure hope there is more. I want Kai and Seth's stories too. Greedy me!

Those who enjoy strong romantic suspense or thriller romance and don't mind the inclusion of spicy hot enhanced humans should try this series on. Reading them in order is a must.

My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this one in exchange for an honest review.

[Dark Faerie Tales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: A fast-paced installment with a kickass heroine, some laugh-out-loud moments and lots of sexual tension. Definitely recommend reading the series in order to fully appreciate the intricate plot and number of important characters.

Opening Sentence: Heather Raiden sat on the floor of her darkened home on Lake Washington in Seattle and stared at the midnight blackness through her night-vision goggles.

The Review:

Halina Beloi isn’t the helpless little girl who grew up in a brutal Chechnyan crime family anymore. Nor is she Halina Dubrovsky, the genetic scientist recruited to work for a secret program funded by the United States Department of Defense and loving girlfriend to an up-and-coming defense attorney named Mitch Foster.

Now going by the name Heather Raiden, she is a woman who has sacrificed everything to protect the only man she’s ever loved from her powerful and corrupt former-boss-turned-Senator. She’s learned how to be self-reliant and never allows herself to get close to anyone other than Dex, her attack-trained German Shepherd. She’s also a weapons expert and skilled fighter prepared to do whatever it takes to keep her many secrets safe. Even if it means killing another person.

Which is exactly what she intends to do to the man who’s been stalking her, until she finds a naked Mitch at the business end of her gun.

Of course running into an ex the first time after a breakup is always awkward. The rush of feelings, mental flashbacks to happier times, the continued physical attraction and resulting sexual tension; all of these rise to the surface a second before the sense of loss or bitterness from a failed relationship has a chance to take over. But the absence of clothes, addition of a loaded weapon and enough emotional baggage to fill a fleet of U-Haul trucks ratchets the meeting from “uncomfortable” to “excruciating” levels pretty quickly thanks to Swan’s use of the multiple point-of-view.

In fact, the double whammy of Heather/Halina’s angst and Mitch’s anger became a bit of a disappointment after a while. Which is odd for me because the ability to read someone else’s mind is honestly the only superpower I’ve ever wished for. Barring the possibility of the government actually developing a chemical that can make that happen, stories with a multiple point-of-view are the closest I’m ever going to get to my dream. It’s a deliciously maddening way to keep both interest and tension high even when nothing else is happening, not to mention the insane sexual tension this approach creates.

It can backfire, though. Where Heather/Halina’s inner turmoil adds to her character’s complexity and the story, Mitch’s bitterness morphs his Alpha Male persona into that of a spoiled child who’s had his candy taken away. His responses don’t read as someone who’s had his heart broken as much someone who’s had his ego bruised.

Yes, Halina both lied and kept a lot of secrets from him. She didn’t tell him about her involvement with DARPA, the Department of Defense funded project responsible for the genetic mutations that gave the seven firefighters of Mitch’s extended “family” their superhuman powers. She also didn’t tell him about Schaeffer, her powerful and corrupt former boss who now wants them all dead, and a multitude of other things including her chemically-induced ability to see the future or how she’d sabotaged one of his important legal cases when they were together.

But Mitch’s continued anger and petulant reactions even after learning the truth displays a selfishness that’s hard to empathize with, let alone find attractive. How deep could his feelings for Halina really have been if he didn’t even know, didn’t even attempt to get to know, about her childhood during their passionate year-and-a-half relationship? How self-involved was he during their time together that he didn’t recognize the changes in her behavior? His past actions — and current reactions — dampened the intensity of the sexual tension mid-way through the story because it just didn’t add up to a character supposedly in love.

The multiple point-of-view also made the story difficult to follow in some spots because of the intricate plot. It was a bit confusing and became clear that there was a lot of backstory that I simply didn’t have any reference for with the other characters. I fully believe this wouldn’t have been an issue if I’d read the series in order though.

Overall, Swan did an excellent job of creating an intriguing story with several enjoyable moments that peaked my interest in reading the rest of the series. Definitely recommend to anyone looking for a paranormal thriller with a bit of a mystery and some sexy times.

Notable Scene:

“After?” Near rage filled his expression. “You mean you didn’t leave Washington after you left me? You were still there?”

“I stayed until I was sure you’d gotten out of DC and back to California safely.”

Cash pushed from his seat, stepped in front of Quaid and up beside Mitch. The gaze he turned on Mitch was one of the most fierce looks Halina had ever seen. “I thought you might need to see my face. I’m hoping it will remind you that you’re missing…The. Big. Fucking. Picture.”

FTC Advisory: Brava/Kensington Books provided me with a copy of Shatter. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Joan is a new author for me
I was excited by the synopsis ... but couldn't get into the book at all
It could have been the mood i was in or just that the first couple of pages didn't catch my attention
I find that if I'm having to skip pages in the first few chapters the book needs to be put down - life is too short to keep trying to "like" a book....
From what I did read though the book seemed well written - maybe I will try to read it again at a later date ...

[Margreet Asselbergs · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://ripeforreader.blogspot.ca/2014...

My rating: 4.5 of 5 ⭐️


Growing up without parents in Russia, Halina Beloi was placed in the care of an abusive uncle, where she managed to survive by learning to adapt until she could stand on her own. She eventually lands work as a scientist for the Department of Defense where she becomes involved in research that causes her to question her superior. From that moment on, her life and the life of her lover are put on the line and Halina sees no other option than to disappear, completely. Until seven years later, she is suddenly face to face with the man whose heart she broke.

For all these years, Mitch Foster had harboured a hot resentment for Halina, for the way she just up and left him, rendering what they had shared meaningless. But his ongoing investigation in the department that Halina had worked for has finally caught up with her, albeit under a different name. Seven long years and all he has is questions, and he is not about to let her go without some answers this time. People's lives are at stake and the man responsible has to be brought down once and for all.

Mitch knows Halina is holding back secrets, just like she must have when they were still together, but she seems so vulnerable and defeated, he has a hard time understanding her motivations. His body seems to recognize her without hesitation and responds as eager as it always had to her proximity. It is proving virtually impossible to keep his distance, but his head and his heart cannot take another blow from the woman he had planned to spend the rest of his life with.

Being with Mitch again was both heaven and hell for Halina. She would like nothing better than to nestle in his arms and tell him all, but to do so would put him in more danger than he was already in. She would do anything to protect him and his family, despite what he thinks of her. But when it becomes clear that her manipulations and lies are not doing anything to deflect the danger any longer, Halina had to make the choice to come clean, or forever lose the man who owns her heart.

That is, if they survive......

******

Twisting intrigue, a hint of paranormal, a solid lick of heat and a whole lot of action!!!!

I have to admit, the first few pages of the book, I was afraid I would not be able to get the backstory together, not having read all the previous books in the series. But I shouldn't have worried, the story came together just fine and I read it in one sitting!! Delicious! I'm such a sucker for a good action/romance combo! It's the double thrill that does it for me, and add to that some steamy sex, which is one of Joan's specialties, and I'm sold.

Halina is a bit of a broken soul, even before she meets Mitch the first time around, she has been deeply damaged by her childhood. More deeply than perhaps is visible at that time. Her upbringing has taught her to respond to threats in a certain way out of self-preservation, and that has become so instinctual, that it is a hard habit to kick, even when around people who wouldn't harm you. Self-reliance is the only thing she knows and trusts and she has invested a lot of time and effort into ensuring she is at her best at all time. Letting someone close, or leaning on someone does not come natural, but she craves it with Mitch.

Mitch has been blessed with the closeness of family and friends and knows how to enjoy it. He had been sure at one time Halina was his future, and was still coming to terms with the fact he had been so mistaken. He is used to protecting and taking care of others, even in his work he is not afraid to take on Goliath if it means righting a wrong. Trying to make sense of his own conflicted feelings around Halina is not easy, when half of him despises her for what he thinks she is part of, and the other half is as drawn to her as seven years ago.

The description of her protagonists' internal struggles and their adjustments to ever-changing situations is very insightful and illustrates a solid growth of character. Joan Swan also has written an intricate piece of conspiracy that gives me goosebumps. Very clever!! Though I'm not usually a huge fan of the paranormal, I love it in this setting. A taste within the parameters of a straight story enhances it so much. It doesn't overwhelm, but is 'credible' in this instance. I'm almost a believer now!

✨An imaginative, chilling and provocative quest for truth.✨

**ARC provided in return for an honest review.**

[May Mostly Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

นี่เป็นเล่มที่คาดหวัง เป็นคาแร็คเตอร์ที่เราอยากอ่านมาก ๆ ตั้งแต่ครั้งแรกที่เขาออกมามีบท และเราเชื่อนะคะว่า ตอนแรกที่โจน สวอนเขียนถึงมิทช์ ฟอสเตอร์ เธอไม่ได้ตั้งใจจะให้เขาเป็นพระเอก แต่ความสนใจของเราพุ่งไปหาเขาตั้งแต่ครั้งแรกที่เขาออก พี่ชายฝาแฝดของนางเอก (เรื่อง Fever) ที่ทำทุกอย่างเพื่อตามหาน้องสาวที่ถูกนักโทษ (ก็พระเอกเรื่อง Fever นั่นแหละ) จับตัวไป ชายที่มีอาวุธคือมันสมอง มิทช์ไม่ใช่หน่วยรบพิเศษ เก่งกาจเรื่องปืน หรือการต่อสู้ระยะประชิด เขาเป็นทนายความที่มีเส้นสาย รู้จักคนมากมาย เป็นคนที่ช่วยเหลือคนไร้ทางสู้เมื่อต้องเผชิญหน้ากับระบบ หรือรัฐบาล สรุปแล้ว เราอ่านหนังสือชุดนี้ไป ก็พุ่งความสนใจเดียวไปที่คาแร็คเตอร์คนนี้

ส่วนหนึ่งเราคิดว่า คนแต่งคงไม่เขียนเรื่องราวของเขาเป็นแน่ ไม่น่าจะเขียนเมื่อชุดเป็นเรื่องแนวพารานอมอล และมีพระเอกที่เป็นนักดับเพลิง (ที่โดนสารเคมีจนมีพลังเหนือธรรมชาติ) อีกตั้งหลายคนที่ยังไม่มีเรื่องเป็นของตัวเอง แต่แล้วก็ต้องกรี๊ดเสียดังค่ะ เมื่อรู้ว่า เล่มนี้จะเป็นเรื่องของเขา

แต่เมื่อได้อ่าน อย่าเข้าใจผิดนะคะ มิทช์ยังเยี่ยมยอดแบบที่เขาเป็น คุณลักษณะของเขาที่เราชอบยังมีอยู่เต็มเปี่ยม ชายที่รู้จักคนมากมาย คนที่ช่วยเหลือคนเอาไว้ และมีคนที่ติดหนี้บุญคุณของเขาอยู่ คนที่ฉลาด และไม่กลัวที่จะเผชิญหน้ากับระบบ คนที่ต่อสู้เพื่อคนที่ด้อยกว่า มิทช์ที่เราชอบปรากฎตัวในเล่มนี้ค่ะ ปัญหาก็คือ เรามีความรู้สึกว่า เขามีนางเอกที่ไม่คู่ควร

เรารู้สึกถึงเทรนด์นี้แล้วนะคะ สามเล่มหลังที่เราอ่านงานเขียนของนักเขียนคนนี้ เรารำคาญนางเอกทั้งสามเล่ม ความรู้สึกว่า พวกเธอไม่คู่ควรมีมากขึ้นเรื่อย ๆ นางเอกเล่มนี้ไม่ถึงกับแย่เท่ากับที่เรารู้สึกกับเจสสิก้า (นางเอกเล่มสาม Rush) แต่ด้วยความชื่นชอบที่เรามีให้กับมิทช์ เราพบว่า หลายครั้งในเรื่อง เราแช่งให้พระเอกทิ้งเธอ แล้วไปหาคนใหม่ที่คู่ควรดีกว่า

เป็นเวลาเจ็ดปีแล้วที่เฮลินาบอกมิทช์ แฟนหนุ่มว่า แท้จริงแล้ว เธอมีสามี และกำลังจะย้ายกลับไปรัสเซียกับเขา นั่นทำลายหัวใจของมิทช์ และเป็นเหตุผลสำคัญที่ทำให้เขากลายเป็นเสือผู้หญิง เปลี่ยนและควงผู้หญิงสาวสวยไม่ซ้ำหน้าในแต่ละวันตลอดช่วงเวลาเจ็ดปีที่ผ่านมา

เขาไม่เคยคิดว่า นั่นเป็นแค่คำโกหก จนกระทั่งได้พบกับความจริงว่า เขาไม่รู้จักตัวตนที่แท้จริงของเฮลินาเอาเสียเลย เพราะหลังจากมิทช์เข้าไปพัวพันกับการปกปิดความลับ และการทดลองที่ผิดกฎหมายโดยสมาชิกวุฒิสภาผู้ทรงอำนาจคนนึง (เขาไปเกี่ยวเพราะน้องสาวดันไปแต่งงานกับกลุ่มพระเอกในชุด) เพื่อหาหลักฐานเอาผิดชายคนนั้น มิทช์ตามร่องรอยและพบว่า เบาะแสสำคัญกลายเป็นผู้หญิงที่มาจากอดีตของเขา

เฮลินาไม่ได้แต่งงาน เธอไม่ใช่คนที่เขาคิดว่า เธอเป็น แท้จริงแล้วเฮลินาเป็นนักวิทยาศาสตร์ที่ทำการทดลองให้กับคนร้าย บางอย่างทำให้เธอหลบหนีออกไปซ่อนตัว แต่มิทช์หาตัวเธอจนเจอ แต่การค้นหาความลับที่เธอซ่อนไว้ ไม่สำคัญเท่ากับความจริงที่เธอปกปิดเขาเอาไว้ ความสัมพันธ์ของพวกเขาเป็นเรื่องโกหกหลอกลวงนั้นหรือ

เราต้องบอกว่า พล็อตเรื่องโอเคนะคะ แต่เรามีปัญหากับนางเอกมาก ๆ เราเข้าใจเหตุผลเบื้องหลังการกระทำของเธอนะคะ ด้วยสถานการณ์ที่เกิด เราโอเคกับการตัดสินใจของเธอ ไม่ว่าจะเป็นการที่เธอไม่เชื่อใจมิทช์ และไม่บอกความจริงแก่เขา สร้างเรื่องจนกลายเป็นความเข้าใจผิด ไล่เขาให้ออกไปจากชีวิต ทั้งหมดนี้เรายอมรับได้ แต่เราไม่ชอบเธอตรงที่ เกือบตลอดทั้งเรื่อง เธอทำตัวเป็นผู้เสียสละ และคนแต่งก็เขียนในแง่นั้น ส่งเสริมทิศทางเรื่องให้ไปในแนวนี้ กดดันให้คนอ่านต้องยอมรับว่า นางเอกช่างแสนดี ช่างเสียสละ ช่างรักพระเอกเหนือตัวเองอะไรแบบนี้

คือเราคิดว่า มันจะดีกว่าไหม ถ้าให้คนอ่านรู้สึกถึงสิ่งเหล่านี้เอง โดยที่ไม่ต้องตอกย้ำทุก ๆ สองบรรทัด นั่นจึงกลายเป็นการทำให้เรารู้สึกว่า นางเอกน่ารำคาญ ทำความดีแล้วก็กลัวว่า คนจะไม่รู้ ต้องย้ำในสมอง (คือเธอไม่ได้พูดออกมา แต่คิด แต่คนอ่านก็ดันรู้ด้วยไง) ตลอดว่า เธอเสียสละทุกอย่าง ทำทุกอย่างเพื่อมิทช์

แล้วยังจะความไม่เชื่อใจที่เธอมีให้เขา ตลอดทั้งเรื่องเฮเลน่าวิ่งหนีมิทช์ เหตุผลของเธอก็คือ ความเสียสละ (อีกแล้ว) เพื่อปกป้องเขา มีสักวินาทีนึงไหมที่เธอคิดว่า การที่เธอจากไป ทำอะไรกับเขาบ้าง

เรารู้สึกว่า นางเอกเรื่องนี้เป็น แม่พระซินโดรม น่ะค่ะ แล้วกลัวคนไม่รู้ด้วยว่า ตัวเองเป็นคนดี ต้องตอกย้ำอยู่เรื่อย ๆ

เสียดายพระเอกมาก ๆ และนั่นทำให้ถึงแม้เรื่องนี้ไม่ได้เลวร้ายอะไรหนักหนา เรากลับหงุดหงิดไปตลอดเวลาที่อ่าน เราคาดหวังว่า มิทช์จะได้อะไรในสิ่งที่ดีกว่านี้ (คือเราต้องการคนที่เหมาะสมกับเขา)

เรื่องน่าเสียดายอีกอย่างก็คือ เราคิดว่า คนแต่งจงใจเลี่ยงไม่บรรยายรูปร่างหน้าตาของมิทช์ ปกติเราไม่ใช่คนที่ให้ความสนใจรูปลักษณ์ภายนอกของคาแร็คเตอร์เท่าไหรนะคะ แต่เท่าที่เราจำได้ (และเราชอบมิทช์มาก) เขาไม่ได้เหมือนพระเอกนักบู๊ทั่วไป เขาน่าจะมีเชื้อสายเอเชียด้วยซ้ำ แต่ทั้งหมดนี้ไม่ได้ถูกเอ่ยถึง ทุกอย่างเหมือนถูกกลบ ๆ ให้คนอ่านไปเข้าใจเองว่า พระเอกก็ล่ำบึกตามปกติ เป็นเรื่องน่าเสียดายอีกอย่างค่ะ เรามองว่า มิทช์เป็นผู้ชายธรรมดาที่เอาตัวรอดด้วยสมอง (คือเนื้อเรื่องเราโอเคนะคะ พระเอกเก่งพอตัว ไม่ได้เก่งเหนือมนุษย์) นั่นเป็นสิ่งที่ทำให้เราชอบเขามาตั้งแต่แรก แต่พอเป็นเล่มของเขาเอง เรื่องกลับไม่ได้เน้นจุดนี้

คะแนนที่ 63

[Monica Cardoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual Ms. Swan has shattered my expectations! There are times that when series go into three then four the plot, storyline are stretched thin but this one was so not the case. The amount of heat, action, suspense is so high that I could not stop reading this story of Mitch and Halina. How much more can Halina do to keep Mitch alive? How much more is Mitch going to take of Halina’s lies? Can they have their happily ever after, but the question is can they finally be safe no longer looking over their shoulder, stop being hunted?

Halina Beloi did what she needed to do in order to keep the man she loved to keep him alive. She needed to do those things in order to protect him from Senator Schaeffer. She knew hat the lies would tear him apart if he ever found out. Halina knew about him and his playboy ways, knew that she would never be them. Mitch was with a different woman each time he was an event and knew she would never be them, like them. She knows that someone is watching her and she tends to find out. Dex, is the dog that she has had with her and has trained him to attack. She knew if would be safe if something happened to her.

Mitch Foster can’t believe that he is stalking Halina now Heather, not that he is really stalking her but he needs to find out some information. He knows what Halina used to do and he is going to get answers from her because this can’t continue, they can’t continue to be hunted. Now he is here after she left him 7 years ago with her husband. All those passionate nights, the love making, the I Love You’s meant nothing. She left him and now here he was and he wasn’t leaving he wanted answers.

Something does not fit something that she is not saying. She knows so much more than what she is saying. Mitch remembered that she did not like weapons but it seems she is now carrying them. She knows how to defend herself and she totally beat his butt. Now he, Halina and Dex are running because someone else is now after them, they want Halina and Mitch vows that he will not let them near her. He knows that she is just like them that she also has powers but how did she get them and what are they. It seems that when these visions come they are in two different parts, there is a good and bad and it seems that when it comes to Mitch the visions don’t change. Now they are heading to Alyssa’s home, Mitch’s twin, to meet up with the rest of the gang and finally put Senator Schaeffer where he belongs.

Shatter is a fast paced, action packed read that was a long read but so worth it. It was the perfect length in order to get all the details of the storyline. The writing is clear, focused and love the creativity of Ms. Swan. The main characters are well developed and love that the other characters from the other three books are present. I know I have not read this series in order but I so tend to read the first 2 books. I came into this series in book three, Rush. Wow the chemistry between Mitch and Halina is smokin’ hot, it seems that the moment that they touch each other they can’t stop or they fight the want to touch each other. The one character that I fell in love besides the obvious Mitch was Dex. He was a good dog that would protect not only Halina with his life but also the children. He was a real hero.

Shatter is the perfect read that has the perfect amount of action mixed with romance. How much more can this couple take, how much more mistrust. I’m so hoping that this series has not ended. Ms. Swan is a wonderful author that does not disappoint in her writing. I can’t wait to see if she will continue this series and who will be next and most importantly what will be the storyline.

I totally recommend this read.

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: C+ -- Liked It - But I had issues
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by publisher.

I have enjoyed Joan Swan’s Phoenix Rising series since the first book, Fever. The series is a sublime mix of action/adventure and strong, palatable sex appeal. Each book chronicles the adventures of a close-knit group of friends who is being hunted by a power-hungry US senator. The long-awaited conclusion of their trials culminates in Shatter. Due to this fact, and that there is a complex back story, I do not suggest a new-to-the-series reader start with Shatter; however, if one really wanted, it could be read as a stand alone.

The story opens just after the conclusion of the third book, Rush, when Mitch Foster discovered that the one woman he ever loved (who left him for her Russian husband seven years ago), was intimately involved with his nemesis, Senator Schaeffer, and the project that ruined his friends’ lives all those years ago. Now that he knows their past was a lie, he tracks down Halina to recover any information she has that will help him put away Schaeffer for good.

I enjoyed the opening of the story. I laughed as Mitch spied on Halina and Halina spied on Mitch (not knowing who he was). There was some mistaken identity humor that made me smile. Much of the early part of the story is told from Mitch’s POV, so we know she is the only woman he's ever loved and that her lies shaped the lonely man he is today. Mitch’s hurt and the feelings of betrayal are well documented, allowing me to feel sympathetic towards his situation.

However, I did not feel the same of Halina’s plight. Although she left Mitch for his own protection, I honestly could not connect with her reasoning. She really did a number on Mitch, and although she may have "had the best intentions," we all know the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Her actions were near unforgivable, and I found little sympathy for her. For me, her cold-hearted behavior damaged the relationship and made it difficult for me to connect with the pair as a romantic couple. While they did share some steamy sexual moments, I felt that their actions and behavior overshadowed the romance. In addition, there is a possible pregnancy subplot that didn’t sit well with me.

The story is also a bit overwhelming to read at times. With so many characters and voices all together, it is easy to get lost. Unfortunately, this caused a feeling of discontinuity within a few key action scenes. I felt a disconnect because I could not envision the scenes... The descriptions are good, it's just that there is too much going on.

With that said, the action and suspense of the story is par for the course for the series. And, I enjoyed the side story with Owen, a reoccurring supporting character who is determined to find out the truth and bring down Schaeffer in a legal way. He finally discovered that Jocelyn had set him up to take the blame for everything. This frees up Owen to fall for a former comrade and close friend... the FBI agent investigating Schaeffer, Sofia. It is a pleasant diversion away from the intensity of the main story.

Overall, Shatter is an entertaining story, and I appreciate the lengths taken to put closure on the team’s long-running issues. However, I was a bit disappointed with the book. I found that I didn’t feel a connection to Mitch and Halina. While Mitch’s desire and even love for Halina was palpable, her coldness and constant lying made it hard for me to believe her love. In addition, key scenes tended to be too chaotic and hard to follow. Regardless of my issues, I still enjoyed the story and it is a must read for fans of this fantastic series.

[Barb Lie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shatter by Joan Swan is the 4th book in her wonderful Phoenix Rising series. I have read and reviewed every book in this series from the start, and have loved every moment of this fantastic ride. I have been a big fan of Joan Swan from the first book, and Phoenix Rising has become one of my favorite series; as it is so well written; and each book has been filled with action, excitement, suspense, super team of friends, awesome couples, and steamy sexual chemistry between them.

Our hero in Shatter has been one that we have been waiting for from the start. Mitch is one of our awesome and hot heroes, even though he has not been one of the men/women who developed unique powers due to a chemical explosion years before. It is Mitch, who is Alyssa’s (heroine of the 1st book) brother, who had the powerful connections & money to help protect and fight the evil enemies from DARPA. We knew Shatter would be Mitch’s story, as we learned at the end of Rush, about his long lost love, Halina.

We meet Halina early, as she has built herself a new identity, after she left Mitch, 7 years before. Halina, being a scientist, worked for Schaeffer, our villain, who is behind the threats against our heroes. When Mitch comes face to face with Halina, his anger is evident, and Halina is shocked that he found her. Mitch wants the truth about why she left him, and her involvement with Schaeffer; the explosion that affected the members of the Firehouse, who now all have unique powers. Halina tries to escape Mitch a number of times, as she knows that once she is discovered, the enemy will kill him, to get what they want from her. She has never stopped loving Mitch, and spent these years watching him from afar; staying away just to protect him. Mitch finds some truths, which angers him even more, as he doesn’t understand or trust Halina, but he knows that he still loves her.

Once they get to the compound where everyone is staying together, the story becomes even more exciting, with the team learning more about Halina, her powers, as she too was exposed to the chemicals; and her research for Schaeffer that may have some answers. The action is non stop, and it was just great to see all of our heroes together again, joining hands to fight a common enemy. I loved loved Dex, Halina’s well trained guard dog, who becomes part of the team. Most of all, I loved the romance between Mitch and Halina, even though Mitch was a bit rough with her early on, not knowing that Halina was trying to save him. You knew they both belonged together, as their chemistry was off the wall.

I do not want to give spoilers, since this is an early review. Shatter is a wonderful addition to Joan Swan’s Phoenix Rising series. Each of the books in this series have been suspenseful, explosive non stop action, exciting, and tense; with the added element of Joan’s wonderful blend of steamy sex for each couple. If you want to read a book that has everything; excellent writing, romance, suspense, steamy sex, then look no further then Shatter. But start with Fever, the beginning of this fantastic series. Though there are some characters that can have their story told, Joan does tie up some loose ends, and Shatter could be the finale of this series, but I hope somehow we get to see more of these wonderful characters. If you have not read this series, what are you waiting for? When it comes to romance, suspense, with hot sexy couples, Joan Swan is one of the best.

Barb
The Reading Cafe

[Michel Reinhard (Saucy Southern Readers) · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by the Publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Shatter by Joan Swan is romantic and paranormal suspense at it’s finest.

Shatter is book four in the Phoenix Rising series. I would highly recommend reading the first three books in the Phoenix Rising series before reading Shatter. The series has an ongoing story line, a complicated plot that increases with each book, and characters that are connected to each book that play an important part in Shatter. This is a series I have been following since the release of book one, Fever. I have been hooked and have highly anticipated each release. Shatter is no exception.

The Phoenix Rising series is about a team of firemen who are exposed to experimental chemicals, being tested and used by the government in experimental testing to create the perfect soldier in warfare. There is a high powered Senator, a secret government agency, and those loyal to the cause that will stop at nothing to destroy this team of firefighters lives to keep their secrets and project from being exposed. Their lives are in danger and they are fighting to gain back all that they have lost. They begin to investigate the fire incident that ruined their lives and find a horrific nightmare that can be a threat to mankind. They have to take down all the players and the Senator who is game master. Luckily they Mitch Foster, a high powered defense attorney, that is the brother in law to one of the fireman exposed in the fire. Mitch has many connections, good and bad, and will use them all to save his loved ones and friends. He wants to bring this organization down and justice to be served. He will use every source to get the information they need to bring them down.

As the investigation begins to unravel and secrets are exposed, there is one secret that brings Mitch to his knees. The one and only woman he loved is involved and very possibly the one who developed the chemicals that have ruined the lives of the ones he loves. He will have to face his past and risk losing his heart once more to save his loved ones.

But all is not as it appears. Helina has secrets too. She ran from Mitch seven years earlier to protect those secrets and save his life. His loved ones are not the only ones who lives were destroyed. His life with Helina was destroyed as well.

As the secrets unfold, the danger escalates, so does the passion and love Helina and Mitch once shared. They will have to risk everything to gain the most meaningful truth, their undying love for another.

The price is high. The payment will be worth it for all involved, especially Mitch and Helina.

The Phoenix Rising series is one of the best romantic suspense series I have read. It has a unique plot, intriguing characters, sizzling romance, and an action packed story line. Readers will not be disappointed with this series!

Joan Swan is a master at her craft. Although Shatter is the last book in the Phoenix Rising series, I hope there will be a spin off series. There are characters that need their story told and their happily ever afters. Joan Swan ended 2013 with a memorable, explosive book. I look forward to more from her in 2014!

[GraceMyBookSnack · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.*

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Arc provided by publisher via NetGalley for an honest review**

Where have I been that I did not know about this fabulous series by Joan Swan? I have been missing out, but I guess it is better late than never! Shatter is book 4 in Ms. Swan’s Phoenix Rising Series, and if the rest are like this one, I will have some great reading in the near future.

Although Shatter is not meant to be a stand alone, I didn’t find myself needing to fill in too much information. Ms. Swan recapped enough of the chemical incident as well as Halina and Mitch’s past relationship to understand what had happened to cause such friction even after 7 years apart. Shatter is a great combination of fast-paced action and emotional turmoil. It was clear from the beginning of the text that Halina and Mitch stilled loved each other. What wasn’t clear was if they could each see past one another’s past actions – Halina’s lies and betrayal while they were together, and Mitch’s carousing after they broke up.

The book starts off with Halina being watched; she has been hiding in plan sight for 7 years, but now her perfectly planned life is falling apart, and someone is trying to kidnap her for the information she took all those years ago. This is where Mitch steps in; at first, Mitch is simply there to get answers…fill in the blanks about who Halina really was/is. But of course, everything is not as it seems, and truths surface that are hard for both Mitch and Halina to work through. What it comes down to for Halina is her unwillingness to be the cause of Mitch’s demise. With her extraordinary ability to see in to the future, her mind is filled with multiple incidences of Mitch’s murder as well as his happy liaisons with beautiful women – both scenarios that do nothing to assuage her self esteem issues or flight reaction. So, not only does Mitch have to contend with trained killers looking to kidnap Halina, but he also has to prevent Halina from leaving again for his protection. He feels they are better together, working as a team to bring down anyone who threatens them or his friends and families.

Shatter offers suspense, mystery, steam, and plenty of chemistry – not only between Mitch and Halina – but also with the other band of characters who have been with Mitch from the beginning and who are the main characters of the previous three stories. I love books that keep me guessing until the very end about how everything is going to play out, but even more than that, I love getting the HEA despite all of the circumstances battling against the hero and heroine. At the end of Shatter, it seems the author is hinting at the couple for the next book, but I guess I will have to wait and see if my assessment is correct. Readers can’t go wrong by one-clicking this book. It is an enjoyable read full of the best kind of qualities of contemporary romance.

4 poison apples - The Fairest of All Book Reviews

[Carole (Carole's Random Life) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review can be found at: Carole's Random Life

In the interest of full disclosure, I received an advance reader edition of this book from Kensington Books and Net Galley for the purpose of providing an honest review.

This book was a solid 4 out of 5 stars for me. There was a lot of action and romance and to be honest I just LOVED the Hero, Mitch. After I started the book I noticed that Goodreads had it labeled as book #4 in the series. I have not read any other books in this series or by Joan Swan and had no trouble keeping up. That being said, I do think that the reader would benefit from reading the series in order. There were quite a few characters that were most likely introduced in previous books. Knowing the full back story of the supporting characters would have added more depth to this story. I also believe that there is an overall story arc through the series. Since this was the series conclusion a lot was explained but there were a few points in the book that I wish I had read the previous novels. As with most things, it is better to start at the beginning but this book can be thoroughly enjoyed on its own.

Halina has been in hiding for the past 7 years and has assumed a new identity. She left Mitch 7 years ago saying that she was going to try to work things out with her husband. Mitch was crushed and has spent the past 7 years going out with woman after woman. Halina sees Mitch running surveillance on her and confronts him. There is an altercation that ends with Halina and Mitch running together from a bigger enemy.

Mitch and Halina still have the same chemistry as before but are both guarded with each other. Mitch does not want to be hurt again and Halina feels that the only way to keep Mitch safe is to stay away from him. The couple connects with Mitch's friends to work together to bring down Schaeffer and Abernathy. In the end, they are able to work out their issues and have their happily ever after.

This book brought together the right balance of action, romance, and steamy sex with just a hint of a paranormal element. There was even a perfectly written sidekick for Halina - Dex, the most awesome dog ever. I thought that Mitch was a very well written character and the author was able to make the reader feel everything he was feeling. I did not feel quite the same with Halina. Mitch was definitely the star of this show.

I would recommend this book to anyone who like an exciting romantic suspense. If you can start with book #1, it would probably even be that much better. I will definitely look for the other books in this series and by this author, Joan Swan.

[Les Romantiques · Rating 3 out of 5]

Posted on Les Romantiques - Le forum du site
Reviewed by Rinou
Review Copy from the Publisher

Shatter is the fourth volume in the Phoenix Rising series, which talks about a group of friends who was exposed to a chemical product and developed unusual abilities. Once more I’m discovering a series partway through, I’m going to be careful of the fact Netgalley isn’t really clear when it’s a series. And here that has all the more annoyed me as the background story has intrigued me a lot and that I am aware of having missed a lot by landing directly in volume 4.

Seven years ago, Halina, who was working as a scientist in a governmental lab, disappeared after telling her then boyfriend that she was already married. Now Mitch is sure she’s the key to bring down the man responsible for having his friends contaminated, and when he finds her again he intends to force her to tell all she knows. But between the fact Halina’s silence and disappearance have very important reasons, and that a man begins to hunt them down relentlessly, Mitch will be hard pushed to coax the young woman enough to obtain what he wants.

I really liked Halina, she’s a strong heroine who had to learn how to protect herself and who is ready to do anything to save those she cares about. I liked how she struggle between, what she dreams of and what feels fair to her. Mitch is just as interesting, even if I didn’t like that during their separation he had a string of conquests “to forget her”. He is straight and true, and is ready to do a lot to have justice prevailing (he’s a famous lawyer). As soon as they meet again, the attraction is very strong between them, and they give in fast, even if Mitch has trouble overcoming his anger and trusting Halina, as he learns new details about the past.

The secondary characters, Mitch’s friends, almost all have an intriguing past that is enough mentioned so that I wasn’t completely lost, only frustrated not to know more about it. There are nice interactions between them and the hero that show the bond between them.

The suspense is well done; the glimpses of the big baddie and the man who’s hunting Halina bring an additional touch to the plot, which arrives to a satisfying conclusion in the end of Shatter. We can however wonder if the author will go on with the series somehow, as some characters haven’t found their soul mate in the actual books.

As you can well imagine, Shatter delighted me a lot, and if I don’t give it a better rate it’s because of the points that were not very clear, and of the too long hero’s anger. I can only advise to begin the series with the first volume, Fever, to appreciate the events to the full. As for me, I’ll hurry to fill my gaps.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joan never seems to miss in her Phoenix Rising series and this time it was a bulls-eye!

Mitch Foster’s life has been turned upside down and backwards ever since he first started investigating the strange goings on in which Senator Gil Schaeffer is involved. Seven years ago, when the woman he loved, Halina Dubrovsky, showed up with a husband and then left him, he had no idea that she was tied to Schaeffer and the experiments that left the team of firefighters who had become his family with unusual abilities. Now, as the truth begins to unravel from learning that her name is actually Halina Beloi, and that she was never married to the fact she was also exposed to the same chemical that gave his friends their powers. His past, his love for her, and his need to keep her in his life comes to the forefront and all he knows now is he needs her and the truth.

Halina Beloi’s life has been about protecting those she loved, including Mitch Foster, the man she never stopped loving and is still doing all she can to protect by staying as far away from him as possible. When Mitch finds her, everything begins to unravel and she’s back in the crosshairs of whomever Schaeffer sends after her. She holds the proof needed to take Schaeffer down and expose the work that DARPA had been doing for over seven years.

SHATTER by Joan Swan is everything I expected it to be and more. It is filled with intrigue, action, romance, second chances, and danger. Mitch has always been one of my favorite characters and he didn’t disappoint as the sarcastic, somewhat arrogant, smartass guy that I first fell for after meeting him in FEVER. Halina is a cross between the sweetest of angels and River Tam from FIREFLY. She’s soft, sweet, emotional, and very much in love with Mitch yet as dangerous as any human weapon can be. She’s tough yet compassionate and caring. She’s all I would want and need to complete Mitch’s life, and Joan gives her to Mitch and us, in SHATTER.

As always, we are treated to the various team members of the Phoenix team and never tire of their bickering, their supportive natures, and their skills. Quaid and Cash, who joined the team in the last book, RUSH, play large roles in SHATTER and couldn’t be more welcome and Kai, who I hope gets his HEA someday, is still the delightful smartass that we all adore.

I highly recommend SHATTER, book four in the Phoenix Rising series by Joan Swan. If you love action, intrigue, and a wonderful second chance romance combined with suspense, danger, and angst-filled moments that will keep you turning the pages, SHATTER by Joan Swan is for you.

***purchased this one for my own private reading but sharing my honest and unscripted review with you.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though bittersweet, Shatter was a fantastic conclusion to Joan Swan's fantabulously smexy Phoenix Rising series. I've never been a big fan of the romantic suspense genre, but with the paranormal elements thrown in, I was hooked with Fever, the first book in the series. I have anxiously awaited the release of each book in the Phoenix Rising series as I wanted to know more about, not only the firefighters who were targeted, but also Alyssa's smart ass brother and lawyer extraordinaire, Mitch. It was soooo worth the wait.

Mitch was so much more than I expected him to be. Yes he was in a position of power and has helped out all of the guys from the beginning but he had mostly been comedic relief for me as he was insanely snarky. I always looked forward to scenes with him in them because I knew at some point I would laugh. Knowing that Shatter was going to be about Mitch, I was curious how Ms. Swan was going to justify his man whoring ways. After all, who wants to be with a man who is constantly bed-hopping and incapable of love? I really shouldn't have been concerned and honestly a scene with Jessica late in the book totally made me love both of them more.

Let's talk about Halina. We didn't learn anything about Halina's involvement with Schaeffer (and the conspiracy that started this whole mess) until the end of Rush. Even then it was brief and just enough for me to question who the hell she was and what kinda hold she had over Mitch. I will admit that early on in Shatter I didn't particularly like her nor did I want her with Mitch. She came across as a liar and a manipulator who didn't care about anyone but herself. It takes great writing to make me completely change my viewpoint on a character but before the end I was totally rooting for Halina. I also want to note that you learn Halina's secrets when Mitch does. For the most part, Ms. Swan doesn't give anything away with Halina's thoughts so you're constantly wondering what else the girl is hiding and how it will impact Mitch and the rest of the guys.

Shatter was intense, passionate, suspenseful, action-packed, and had one hell of a swoon-worthy ending. But like I said, it was bittersweet. I've grown to really love these characters and had hoped that we would get HEA's for all of them and that didn't happen. At least the storyline was tied up nice-and-tight and Schaeffer got his. I just wish we had gotten more details as I would have loved to see his ass fry.

*eARC PROVIDED BY KENSINGTON BOOKS VIA NETGALLEY*

[Amy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is really hard to write a review about a book that has your emotions so wound up that you don't know if you want to laugh, smile, cry or scream. This is the way I felt while reading Shatter by Joan Swan. I am so sad about this book. Sad that the series has come to an end. Sad that I won't get to read any more of the group's adventures (although maybe Joan will gift us with a couple stories about Kai and Seth, maybe? Pretty please?). I am so incredibly happy with the way it all turned out, though. Happy that many characters found a special someone to live their happy ever after with. Happy that this wild goose chase regarding Senator Gil Schaeffer has come to an end. As I anticipated, Shatter was filled with heart wrenching emotion, edge of your seat action, and oh so sweet passion. It is the best combination in a romantic suspense book.

If you have been with the series since Fever, you know the overall plot line among the four books. This is a series you must read from the beginning or you will be lost. It is a fantastic plot, too and very complex which makes you read every word to keep up. I love it when a book one truly takes you out of reality for awhile and requires you to hang on every word.
Shatter is Mitch Foster's book. We are introduced to Halina, the love of his life seven years prior. There is a LOT of stuff going on in this reunion. Sometimes I sided with Halina. Sometimes with Mitch. I willed them to communicate better and couldn't figure out their problem until Quaid and Mitch had a hear to heart about the way Halina might be seeing the world (and Mitch). It helped me as a reader as well, so thank you, Quaid! Mitch and Halina love each other so dang much but can't get past some of their issues to see what they could have. That frustrated the heck out of me! The times they did let their issues go and just allowed their hearts to open was so worth the frustrations, though. Joan continues to write some very hot, romantic love scenes that go so perfectly with the characters and the storyline. She also writes some very romantic, heartwarming scenes that make you swoon.

I am not sure what else to say about Shatter since I don't want to leak and spoilers, so just know that you have to read it! I have loved each and every one of the Phoenix Rising stories. This is a very unique series with some incredibly creative plot lines and wonderful character development. If you like your romantic suspense with government conspiracies, suspense, romance and a whole lot of love, I highly recommend Shatter and the Phoenix Rising series by Joan Swan.

[Christi Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review:
I'll admit, I wasn't expecting a book for Mitch in this series. Although he's been there from the very beginning throwing around his money and influence on behalf of the team, he wasn't part of the group that originally went into the warehouse and ended up with a paranormal ability. But I'm so glad he got his story because he is an integral part of how everyone within this group has survived the fallout from that warehouse fire.

Mitch is a lawyer....a powerful one that isn't afraid to throw his weight around on behalf of this group. He's always been the playboy of the group too...his gorgeous women are legendary, but in this book we found out that there's much more to that story and whoa, who knew the layers that Mitch had hidden. It all goes back to a relationship he had with Halina seven years ago...one that she ended which broke his heart. In the current day, he's been working to find evidence so that he can take down the powers that did this to the team. Imagine his surprise when he found some video footage showing his old flame Halina as part of the scientific team that originally worked on the project.

Halina has been in hiding for the last seven years. Yes, she worked on that team but nothing is as it seemed... then or now. She has some deep secrets and at the revelation of every one, it seemed more and more shocking. This poor girl just cannot catch a break. All she wants to do is protect Mitch...with EVERYthing she's done, that's been the intent. The relationship may have been over seven years ago, but her love for him never died. And he certainly was never able to fill the hole she left either. Yep, this is another heartbreaking story. I do love stories about second chances.

And again this is a huge team novel. I like how in the last two books, the team has huddled up for safety together. I like them all together. Their interactions are fun. Their support of each other is amazing. The relationships between them all and even the kids are incredibly entertaining to read. They form a cohesive unit of support that works so well.

This book appears to be the final in the series, because it does tie up the over-arcing suspense story line, but I really hope it's not. I still want HEA's for Kai, Seth and especially Cash. Please, Joan Swan, tells us there's more to come. Every book in this series has been phenomenal. Every. Single. One. They all work as stand-alones, but I highly recommend that you read all four of the books in the series. It's just been a phenomenal adventure to read!!!

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmmmm. I’ve either having preemptive withdrawals or some major denial going on. Just finished reading Shatter and I feel shattered.

For the last few years, Mitch has been a part of the group, but yet also apart from the group. The Phoenix Rising series initially focused on a Hazmat team; firefighters that were injured in a huge hazmat explosion. Mitch is the twin brother of the first heroine in the series, Alyssa. He has no special skills or abilities other than being a great big arrogant pain in the butt that has the connections to keep his new family secure and safe. He is always great for comic relief and a complete trouble maker. He is a known womanizer and a brilliant attorney and in his own way the backbone of this whole group.

Halina was introduced to us towards the end of book three, Rush. From the moment Mitch sees her face, you knew that his story was going to be a wild ride. Mitch was always the calm, collective one in the group; keeping his head straight and on track. One look of Halina and his world begins to crumble around him and Shatter is his story.

He never thought he would see her again, but he has found her and he is going to make her explain how she is involved in the circumstances that are continually putting his family in danger and why she lied to him. Their interactions are heated and passionate. But they also hold a hopelessness that grabs you deep in your soul. As you watch his discovery of why she left him, you hurt for him and also share in his joy. It’s simply divine.

Ms. Swan wrote an amazing tale that may or may not have wrapped up this series. I honestly have no idea if it is the ending or not and that bugs me. Even though the plot behind what happened to the group is answered and justice is served, I am left wanting more. Seth was totally dropped. He was on a mission that ended abruptly with no mention of him and then there is Kai. Kai is a man with a mysterious aura and has many issues that are just under the surface. Does his story get told? Even though these potentially great characters seem to have been forgotten; from the first book to this last book it has been an amazing and wondrous read.

Ms. Swan has fashioned an amazing world filled with characters that are very engaging and real with a plot that is intricate and yet simple to follow. My only problem is the few unanswered questions, but all in all this is one top notch series that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend. Well written with heart, passion and soul.