Hush by Tal Bauer (review) ADULT title

Hush
ADULT title

by

Tal Bauer

Blurb:

A federal judge running from the truth.
A U.S. marshal running from his past.
A trial that can plunge the world into war.

Federal Judge Tom Brewer is finally putting the pieces of his life back together. In the closet for twenty-five long years, he's climbing out slowly, and, with the hope of finding a special relationship with the stunning Mike Lucciano, U.S. Marshal assigned to his D.C. courthouse. He wants to be out and proud, but he can't erase his own past, and the lessons he learned long ago.

But a devastating terrorist attack in the heart of DC, and the subsequent capture and arrest of the terrorist, leads to a trial that threatens to expose the dark underbelly of America's national security.

As Russia beats the drums of war, intent on seeking revenge, and the United States struggles to contain the storm before it races out of control, secrets and lies, past and present, collide in Judge Tom Brewer's courtroom. With the world's attention fixed on Tom and this case, he suddenly discovers he may be the only person who can put everything together in time to stop the spark of a new world war.


Amazon

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My review:

4.5 stars

Hush by Tal Bauer is a m/m adult contemporary romantic suspense story that features DC Federal Judge Tom Brewer, whose love life has been non-existent for years. He is inspired by the openly gay Deputy U.S. Marshal Mike Lucciano to take a chance, but his careful progress out of the closet he has been firmly entrenched in is aborted when a once-in-a-lifetime case lands on his bench. The danger to his life is only surpassed by the danger to his emotional well-being and he and the man he has fallen for must fight for both their lives and the life they can forge together.

Initially, I was a little disconcerted by the slow methodical introduction of the characters and their backgrounds, but as I have come to learn about this author’s stories, that is just the calm before the excitement! I love the revelation of the events that have brought each man to a point where they are open to new possibilities, and who can resist the charming Etta Mae, let alone sexy Kris and his surprising undercurrents. The fascinating glimpses of the action behind the scenes with respect to the federal court and the vivid descriptions of activities in DC keep one enthralled as the action intensifies and the threats escalate. I was a little skeptical of some of the events at the climax, but they definitely added to the tension, even if they seem a little farfetched. I love the deep emotion that this author adds to his stories and weaves in adeptly with a rollercoaster of a ride and I can’t wait to find out what will emerge from his fertile imagination next!

A copy of this title was provided to me for review

Enemies of the State by Tal Bauer (Review) SALE! ADULT title

Enemies of the State

by Tal Bauer

is an ADULT title

Blurb:

A rogue Black Ops unit with the president in their crosshairs.
A Secret Service agent who will break every rule.
A president falling for the one person he shouldn't--a man.

Newly elected President Jack Spiers's presidency is rocked from the very beginning, and he's working furiously to keep the world from falling apart. Between terrorism attacks ripping apart Europe, Russia's constant posturing and aggression, and the quagmire of the Middle East, Jack is struggling to keep his campaign promise--to work toward a better, safer world.

For Special Agent Ethan Reichenbach, Jack is just another president, the third in twelve years. With Jack's election, he's been promoted, and now he's running the presidential detail, which puts him side by side with Jack daily. He's expecting another stuffed suit and an arrogant DC politician, but Jack shocks him with his humor and humanity.

There are rules against a Secret Service agent and one of their protectees developing a friendship--big rules. Besides, Jack is a widower, and Ethan has always avoided falling for straight men. Ethan keeps his distance, but Jack draws him in, like gas to a naked flame, and it's a lure he isn't strong enough to turn away from.

As the two men collide, rules are shattered and the world teeters on the verge of war, and a rogue Black Ops unit bent on destruction sets Jack in their deadly crosshairs. Ethan must put everything on the line in order to save the man he's come to love, Jack's presidency, and the world.

*** Expanded second special edition, with 15,000+ additional words, expanded scenes, and character artwork.


Amazon link  (and it's on SALE for only $.99!)

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My review

4.5 out of 5 stars

Enemies of the State by Tal Bauer is the first book in the ‘Executive Office’ series and follows Ethan Reichenbach, the head of the presidential Secret Service detail, as he becomes accustomed to the incoming president, widower Jack Spiers. The transformation from viewing Jack as another high-profile protectee to friend and perhaps more, challenges Ethan’s strong sense of ethics and may compromise his hard-won position. Dangers mount as betrayal and political maneuverings threaten to destabilize world peace even as Jack and Ethan begin to explore their feelings for each other, and they may find it impossible to survive long enough to defeat both internal and external foes—especially those who wear the guise of friendship.

This exciting m/m romantic suspense thriller was a wonderful surprise and lived up to the blurb that captured my attention. I was enthralled by the progression of the relationship between Ethan and Jack. The conflict between duties of the office and the human need for companionship begins to erode the lines that separate duty and desire, and the heat that rises between the two is delicious to watch even as one aches for the confusion and hurt that have to be worked through. The struggles are realistic and the glimpse of the challenges faced by both men in their respective roles made the story start a little slowly for me but I was drawn into the action as it became more intense and then took off on a meteoric ride. The interludes provided by the glimpses of global events gradually build to the exciting events that threaten the new relationship, and the twists and turns that threaten to change the world were mesmerizing and dramatic. I am delighted to have found a new author to follow, and impressed that this story is nicely self-contained yet provides a delicious beginning to an exciting series. I can’t wait to read about more of Jack’s and Ethan’s adventures. 

This title was provided to me for review