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Secret Service
A passionate, thrilling, and addictive standalone MM romance.
President Brennan Walker captivated me from the moment I walked into his Oval Office.
He’s a mystery I’m determined to unlock. I don't know what's hiding inside Brennan's gaze when he looks my way, or why black lightning keeps crashing between us. He’s a storm at midnight, a dark moon rising, trouble on the horizon.
I’m on the verge of sliding into discoveries and truths that maybe I’m not ready for.
I've never been with a man, but now? I'm dreaming about his bleu clair eyes and wondering what it would feel like if his lips touched mine. There’s something here, something between us, like the oxygen we’re breathing is igniting before each inhale.
But he’s the president. I'm his Secret Service agent. He’s the job.
He's forbidden.
If we cross this line, Brennan could lose everything.
I know I have to walk away.
But I can't.
How much are we willing to risk?
And how badly will this go up in flames?
◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆
Secret Service is a standalone MM romance, full to the brim with passion, suspense, and forbidden pleasures. Fall in love with Special Agent Reese Theriot and President Brennan Walker... and hold on tight for the ride of your life.
President Brennan Walker captivated me from the moment I walked into his Oval Office.
He’s a mystery I’m determined to unlock. I don't know what's hiding inside Brennan's gaze when he looks my way, or why black lightning keeps crashing between us. He’s a storm at midnight, a dark moon rising, trouble on the horizon.
I’m on the verge of sliding into discoveries and truths that maybe I’m not ready for.
I've never been with a man, but now? I'm dreaming about his bleu clair eyes and wondering what it would feel like if his lips touched mine. There’s something here, something between us, like the oxygen we’re breathing is igniting before each inhale.
But he’s the president. I'm his Secret Service agent. He’s the job.
He's forbidden.
If we cross this line, Brennan could lose everything.
I know I have to walk away.
But I can't.
How much are we willing to risk?
And how badly will this go up in flames?
◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆
Secret Service is a standalone MM romance, full to the brim with passion, suspense, and forbidden pleasures. Fall in love with Special Agent Reese Theriot and President Brennan Walker... and hold on tight for the ride of your life.
423 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2022
1040 people are currently reading
4788 people want to read
About the author
Tal Bauer
27 books5,708 followersTal Bauer writes breathtaking, heartfelt, and often action-packed gay romance novels. His characters are head over heels for each other and fight against all odds for their happy ending. Nothing stands in the way of love. Tal is best known for his romantic suspense novels, including the Executive Office series, The Murder Between Us, The Grave Between Us, The Night of, and his MM sports romance, The Jock.
Website - www.talbauerwrites.com
Amazon Author - http://amazon.com/author/talbauer
Instagram - @TalBauerWrites
Newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/f1fd8baec198/talba...
Website - www.talbauerwrites.com
Amazon Author - http://amazon.com/author/talbauer
Instagram - @TalBauerWrites
Newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/f1fd8baec198/talba...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 917 reviews
June 18, 2022
Tal Bauer writes political romantic suspense like he's personally directing the reader's experience
No words. I need more stars and I have the world’s biggest book hangover ever.
***
Reading Secret Service was like watching an episode of 24 (the TV show with Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer 😎) as it covers – in the main narrative – a period of less than 24 hours in the lives of the US President and his Secret Service Agent In Charge/lover while also offering glimpses into the past.
We get to see their relationship already established in the opening Chapter and are then given its development in key moments which tie in to what’s going on in the main part of the story.
And OMG what a story it is. The Blurb gives you some idea, I won’t be offering any insight into what this is about because it works as you read and the plot unfolds in all its twists, turns and outright WTF moments.
It’s also scarily prescient, it was written previously to the events of February 2022 when Russian troops invaded Ukraine, but that’s what forms the intricate element of Tal’s sequential revelations.
You are caught up instantaneously in the lives of Brennan Walker and Reese Theriot as they break all the rules by falling in love. Theirs is a slow burn romance, Reese has never been attracted to a man before, Brennan hid his sexuality two decades earlier as he started down the road to the Oval Office.
I know I’ve said it before in previous reviews of Tal’s political thrillers, but he has some insane insider knowledge! I’d love to know what branch of the alphabet agencies he served with because I’m sure he must have 😂
The detailing within this novel is incredible, you feel Brennan’s pressure in the role of President, the fears of being discovered in a relationship not only with a man but with the man charged to protect him. Reese is torn by his devotion to duty, his unwavering devotion to the role of President but also the man in that spot.
There’re so many times you think you’ve got a handle on what’s going on before the thread veers off somewhere totally unexpected. Some things are exactly as they seem, others you’re blindsided by, although I will say I had half guessed one of the villains almost from the off but the impact of it still punched me in the gut when it was confirmed.
I cannot rave about this book enough. Previously to this, Tal’s Executive Office series was top of my list for my favourite political thriller, but he’s just kicked it off the first place with Brennan and Reese and those that surround them.
This book is unputdownable. I read it in one go, not stopping to do anything else until I’d devoured it.
I’m seriously hoping there will be another book coming in this series which features one of the best side characters and total cinnamon buns ever to deserve a happy ending. I’ll leave you to work out who that is when you read it!
No words. I need more stars and I have the world’s biggest book hangover ever.
***
Reading Secret Service was like watching an episode of 24 (the TV show with Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer 😎) as it covers – in the main narrative – a period of less than 24 hours in the lives of the US President and his Secret Service Agent In Charge/lover while also offering glimpses into the past.
We get to see their relationship already established in the opening Chapter and are then given its development in key moments which tie in to what’s going on in the main part of the story.
And OMG what a story it is. The Blurb gives you some idea, I won’t be offering any insight into what this is about because it works as you read and the plot unfolds in all its twists, turns and outright WTF moments.
It’s also scarily prescient, it was written previously to the events of February 2022 when Russian troops invaded Ukraine, but that’s what forms the intricate element of Tal’s sequential revelations.
You are caught up instantaneously in the lives of Brennan Walker and Reese Theriot as they break all the rules by falling in love. Theirs is a slow burn romance, Reese has never been attracted to a man before, Brennan hid his sexuality two decades earlier as he started down the road to the Oval Office.
I know I’ve said it before in previous reviews of Tal’s political thrillers, but he has some insane insider knowledge! I’d love to know what branch of the alphabet agencies he served with because I’m sure he must have 😂
The detailing within this novel is incredible, you feel Brennan’s pressure in the role of President, the fears of being discovered in a relationship not only with a man but with the man charged to protect him. Reese is torn by his devotion to duty, his unwavering devotion to the role of President but also the man in that spot.
There’re so many times you think you’ve got a handle on what’s going on before the thread veers off somewhere totally unexpected. Some things are exactly as they seem, others you’re blindsided by, although I will say I had half guessed one of the villains almost from the off but the impact of it still punched me in the gut when it was confirmed.
I cannot rave about this book enough. Previously to this, Tal’s Executive Office series was top of my list for my favourite political thriller, but he’s just kicked it off the first place with Brennan and Reese and those that surround them.
This book is unputdownable. I read it in one go, not stopping to do anything else until I’d devoured it.
I’m seriously hoping there will be another book coming in this series which features one of the best side characters and total cinnamon buns ever to deserve a happy ending. I’ll leave you to work out who that is when you read it!
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September 4, 2022
Secret Service is a stand alone, MM romantic suspense by Tal Bauer. Wow! I just finished this a few minutes ago and I am beside myself right now. This book! Everything about it was amazing! It is sweet, romantic, sexy, heart breaking. So much passion, sacrifice, LOVE! At the same time, it is heart stopping with it’s suspense. The time changes back and forth between the present and the past, their beginning.
Special Agent Reese Theriot is in charge of the Secret Service at the White House. He is the man closest to the President himself. Reese is originally from New Orleans but loves his life as an agent. He believes deeply in what he does. The administration has just changed and he is finally going to meet the new President for the first time. This is my very favorite kind of romance. When their eyes first meet and time just stops. They are barely aware of anything else in the room except each other. Their hearts literally beat only for each other.
“Don’t let your heart run away with dreams that can never, ever be.”
President Brennan Walker has always known he was gay. But he buried that part of himself decades ago because it’s what he felt he needed to do to accomplish the things he wanted to do in his life, the people he wanted to help. Now as President, he can do so much. But when the head of his
Secret Service came into the room, everything else fell away. He saw only him and every promise he ever made to himself was gone. The only thing that mattered was Reese.
“You feel inevitable. Like I’ve been waiting for you.”
The build up to giving in to each other is slow. Reese fights it with everything he has. The President can do so much good in the world. If anyone ever found out, his political career could be ruined. Reese has to love him enough to let him go.
“I feel whole when he’s near, as if he’s carrying a piece of me.”
At the same time, there are evil forces at work, forces that don’t believe in what the President is trying to do. Forces that will do anything to stop him. And the only person that can save The President is Reese.
I was help completely captive all the way through this book. We are transported back and forth between the present day and the time beginning with when they met and moving forward. I loved it because it mixed up the slow build of their love story with the heart stopping suspense. I couldn’t put it down.
Shockingly, this is only my second Tal Bauer book. The only reason is that I just haven’t had time to get to any others...YET! I suspect that each one I read will be equally amazing. But for now, I can’t say enough that you NEED this book in your life.
“I was made to love Brennan Walker.”
“My home is in his arms.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Special Agent Reese Theriot is in charge of the Secret Service at the White House. He is the man closest to the President himself. Reese is originally from New Orleans but loves his life as an agent. He believes deeply in what he does. The administration has just changed and he is finally going to meet the new President for the first time. This is my very favorite kind of romance. When their eyes first meet and time just stops. They are barely aware of anything else in the room except each other. Their hearts literally beat only for each other.
“Don’t let your heart run away with dreams that can never, ever be.”
President Brennan Walker has always known he was gay. But he buried that part of himself decades ago because it’s what he felt he needed to do to accomplish the things he wanted to do in his life, the people he wanted to help. Now as President, he can do so much. But when the head of his
Secret Service came into the room, everything else fell away. He saw only him and every promise he ever made to himself was gone. The only thing that mattered was Reese.
“You feel inevitable. Like I’ve been waiting for you.”
The build up to giving in to each other is slow. Reese fights it with everything he has. The President can do so much good in the world. If anyone ever found out, his political career could be ruined. Reese has to love him enough to let him go.
“I feel whole when he’s near, as if he’s carrying a piece of me.”
At the same time, there are evil forces at work, forces that don’t believe in what the President is trying to do. Forces that will do anything to stop him. And the only person that can save The President is Reese.
I was help completely captive all the way through this book. We are transported back and forth between the present day and the time beginning with when they met and moving forward. I loved it because it mixed up the slow build of their love story with the heart stopping suspense. I couldn’t put it down.
Shockingly, this is only my second Tal Bauer book. The only reason is that I just haven’t had time to get to any others...YET! I suspect that each one I read will be equally amazing. But for now, I can’t say enough that you NEED this book in your life.
“I was made to love Brennan Walker.”
“My home is in his arms.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
July 25, 2022
✦ felt like i read this book by Bauer already, which i basically did.
✦ to all the people who said this book is way different from that other series by this author - why did y'all straight up lie like that. the disrespect.
✦ the insta love was just not it. i'm sorry, but the whole magical connection these two were supposed to have with each other just didn't feel real at all.
✦ definitely too melodramatic overall for my taste. sadly i think this author is just not for me.
✦ to all the people who said this book is way different from that other series by this author - why did y'all straight up lie like that. the disrespect.
✦ the insta love was just not it. i'm sorry, but the whole magical connection these two were supposed to have with each other just didn't feel real at all.
✦ definitely too melodramatic overall for my taste. sadly i think this author is just not for me.
May 22, 2025
Another perfect forbidden D.C. romance by Tal Bauer. A relationship between the president and his lead secret service agent makes for one intense thrill ride that I could not put down.
Secret Service has all the classic Bauer angst that makes you feel so much for these lovable characters.
Reese and Brennan have such an intense connection that I was constantly worried about how they would make their relationship work. Leave it to the magical writing of Tal Bauer to find a way in an impossible situation.
Overall I loved this story so much, it was everything and more. A great return to his classic D.C. thrillers!!
Secret Service has all the classic Bauer angst that makes you feel so much for these lovable characters.
Reese and Brennan have such an intense connection that I was constantly worried about how they would make their relationship work. Leave it to the magical writing of Tal Bauer to find a way in an impossible situation.
Overall I loved this story so much, it was everything and more. A great return to his classic D.C. thrillers!!
June 14, 2024
Me to me when I realise I been telling everyone I will read this soon, and now to realize that I have fucking read it????? Wow. 😂 I am so cooked sometimes, I finish a book and it's forgotten in 3 seconds FLAT.
It makes my review below, really hit hard. I HARD FORGOT.
Said, I did, forget I would, and forget, I did..
I think I slightly remember that I did enjoy this book enough but I was slumping real hard at the time. Did someone die in a car accident maybe??? 😂😂 I need to write better reviews for future Chelsea..
But also, I stick to my fucking guns that whipping out the "I wanna marry you" after knowing each other for a limited timeframe makes me want to commit crimes. Being together forever after knowing each other for 5 seconds??? IN THIS ECONOMY??? pfffffffft. 🙄🙄🙄🙄
I'll re-read this year sometime, I wanna be a fkn Tal Bauer girly so bad, and I'm straight up disrespecting myself until I am.
First review: Like, it was good, but nothing to write home about?? Probably will forget about it in a few weeks time. Personal and possibly slightly controversial opinion, but I have realised that as soon as men whip out the “I wanna marry you” my eyes roll so far back into my skull, I may cause myself an injury 🤷♀️
Mainly when the relationship has been going for approx 3.6 seconds, and the author has built nothing substantial between the characters.
June 18, 2022
*Caution: gushing and fangirling ahead*
You may read the blurb of this book and go:
"Been there done that" or
"Why would Tal Bauer write ANOTHER Secret service/POTUS romance?" or
"This will be an Ethan/Jack clone".
Well, coming from someone who has read Executive Office 3 times, this book is NOTHING like it. Brennan and Reese are nothing like Ethan and Jack.
This right here, where Tal writes a trope he has already written and excelled at, solidifies that Tal is a master storyteller, ESPECIALLY in political thrillers.
Let's break it down:
The Characters:
Reese Theriot is the head secret service agent responsible for the POTUS, Brennan Walker. Reese is"straight", #BrennanSexual and was completely besotted by Brennan from the time he sets eyes on him.
Reese is from New Orleans, he speaks French-Creole, and he's completely devoted to his job. He has never been swayed or unfocused, until he meets Brennan Walker, the new POTUS.
Brennan Walker, the new POTUS, is a laid back Californian with dreams of a better USA. he came to the White House to make a change, but he never expected that the biggest change would be his own life. Brennan had been closeted for years, but one look at Agent Reese made him realize that what he had buried deep inside was struggling to get out, and already reaching for Reese, after only one meeting.
The Plot:
This will be spoiler free.
I will just say that the main plot revolving around the POTUS and his responsibilities towards his country, as well as the consequences of these responsibilities, his reactions to them and his actions towards them are all edge-of-your-seat suspense from that very first chapter. Tal doesn't dally... he goes for your throat from beginning to end.
Seriously: From chapter 1 to the very last chapter. The book will also keep you guessing:
Who is the big baddie?
Who is behind all of the bullshit-ery?
You can guess, but you won't be sure.
Side note: The book alternates between Then and Now. Now is when the main suspense plot is happening, and Then is where we get a front row seat to their relationship development and to causes of the main plot.
Side note #2: I love that TB always shows that there is no ultimate bad entity. A whole country can't be evil, a whole government can't be evil and a whole culture can't be evil. It is always individuals who are inherently bad, and who affect people around them.
The Romance:
What do you expect in terms of romance when you pick up a TB book?
swoon, lovey-dovey romance, dreamy-like quotes, book boyfriends and schmoop.
Well this book has it all.
For all of you TB fans who loved Faisal's Arabic poem renditions to Adam, here we have Reese sweet-talking Brennan in French.
The romance here is not in the forefront of the plot, nor it is in the background. However, it walks hand in hand with the suspense plot from the very first page. Reese is an agent protecting the POTUS, but he is also protecting the love of his life. To say that he has everything on the line is an understatement. Reese bends the rules for Brennan, he strives to be near him, to make him happy and to protect him all in the same breath.
If that isn't love, I don't know what it.
Let me just say here that this is NOT an insta-love book (thank the lord).
It is an insta-attraction that develops into a friends to lovers relationship.
Steam-o-meter:
It's medium-steam, medium-burn.
Loved the steam in this book. It develops as naturally as the romance and it is hot AF.
Brava Mr. Bauer.
Angst-o-meter:
*snort*… Should I really explain this part? It's a TB book after all...
But really, the angst comes mainly from the suspense. It's bite-your-nails-don't-know-what-the-hell-is-going-on suspense so of course it's not all fine and dandy.
Relationship angst is minimal IMO. After all, these two men shouldn't be together at all and they fight it.
"Please know that I will always, always cherish what we shared, even if it doesn’t mean the same to you."
HEA
Rest assured, it wouldn't be a TB Romance without a sweet and satisfying HEA and this has it in spades. After all the fuckery is over of course.
Now Tal said that this book is a standalone....
And to him I say: LOL! Who are you trying to fool?
You know we'll all be waiting for the next one with you-know-who as an MC right?
The people are already asking for it.
You may read the blurb of this book and go:
"Been there done that" or
"Why would Tal Bauer write ANOTHER Secret service/POTUS romance?" or
"This will be an Ethan/Jack clone".
Well, coming from someone who has read Executive Office 3 times, this book is NOTHING like it. Brennan and Reese are nothing like Ethan and Jack.
This right here, where Tal writes a trope he has already written and excelled at, solidifies that Tal is a master storyteller, ESPECIALLY in political thrillers.
Let's break it down:
The Characters:
Reese Theriot is the head secret service agent responsible for the POTUS, Brennan Walker. Reese is
"Brennan Walker had my heart in his hands from the moment I first walked into his Oval Office. There is a key to a part of my soul I never knew existed, and he holds that key inside himself."
Reese is from New Orleans, he speaks French-Creole, and he's completely devoted to his job. He has never been swayed or unfocused, until he meets Brennan Walker, the new POTUS.
"Our eyes meet, and there’s nothing and everything left to say: sleep well, mon cher, and fais de beaux rêves, and your eyes are the color of my dreams. But my words are lodged in my throat, and so, it seems, are his."
Brennan Walker, the new POTUS, is a laid back Californian with dreams of a better USA. he came to the White House to make a change, but he never expected that the biggest change would be his own life. Brennan had been closeted for years, but one look at Agent Reese made him realize that what he had buried deep inside was struggling to get out, and already reaching for Reese, after only one meeting.
"I don’t want to be alone. I want someone I can turn to. Someone I can trust with these moments when I wrestle with now and forever and what the best choice is. Someone I can trust with my doubts and my fears , my dismays and my desires. I want Reese."
The Plot:
This will be spoiler free.
I will just say that the main plot revolving around the POTUS and his responsibilities towards his country, as well as the consequences of these responsibilities, his reactions to them and his actions towards them are all edge-of-your-seat suspense from that very first chapter. Tal doesn't dally... he goes for your throat from beginning to end.
Seriously: From chapter 1 to the very last chapter. The book will also keep you guessing:
Who is the big baddie?
Who is behind all of the bullshit-ery?
You can guess, but you won't be sure.
Side note: The book alternates between Then and Now. Now is when the main suspense plot is happening, and Then is where we get a front row seat to their relationship development and to causes of the main plot.
Side note #2: I love that TB always shows that there is no ultimate bad entity. A whole country can't be evil, a whole government can't be evil and a whole culture can't be evil. It is always individuals who are inherently bad, and who affect people around them.
The Romance:
What do you expect in terms of romance when you pick up a TB book?
swoon, lovey-dovey romance, dreamy-like quotes, book boyfriends and schmoop.
Well this book has it all.
For all of you TB fans who loved Faisal's Arabic poem renditions to Adam, here we have Reese sweet-talking Brennan in French.
“Miss you.”
“Miss you too, mon cher.”
The romance here is not in the forefront of the plot, nor it is in the background. However, it walks hand in hand with the suspense plot from the very first page. Reese is an agent protecting the POTUS, but he is also protecting the love of his life. To say that he has everything on the line is an understatement. Reese bends the rules for Brennan, he strives to be near him, to make him happy and to protect him all in the same breath.
If that isn't love, I don't know what it.
"I want this man, in every way, for the rest of my days. I want to be the man he smiles for. I want to be the man he sighs for. I want to suspend time and the rotation of the earth to hide away with him. Learn his body and how to make him gasp and moan, cry out my name.
Let me just say here that this is NOT an insta-love book (thank the lord).
It is an insta-attraction that develops into a friends to lovers relationship.
Steam-o-meter:
It's medium-steam, medium-burn.
Loved the steam in this book. It develops as naturally as the romance and it is hot AF.
Brava Mr. Bauer.
"I’m shameless, pleading for more. More of him. Every press of our bodies is blurring the boundaries between us, until part of him seems to slide into me and stay."
Angst-o-meter:
*snort*… Should I really explain this part? It's a TB book after all...
But really, the angst comes mainly from the suspense. It's bite-your-nails-don't-know-what-the-hell-is-going-on suspense so of course it's not all fine and dandy.
Relationship angst is minimal IMO. After all, these two men shouldn't be together at all and they fight it.
"Please know that I will always, always cherish what we shared, even if it doesn’t mean the same to you."
HEA
Rest assured, it wouldn't be a TB Romance without a sweet and satisfying HEA and this has it in spades. After all the fuckery is over of course.
“You belong here,” he says. I capture his lips in mine.
“I do, mon cher. I belong with you.”
Now Tal said that this book is a standalone....
And to him I say: LOL! Who are you trying to fool?
You know we'll all be waiting for the next one with you-know-who as an MC right?
The people are already asking for it.
June 22, 2022
Yeah, Tal Bauer and I are done. Fair warning for spoilers and an extremely unpopular opinion, but I did not enjoy this book at all, and it's been a long fucking time since I've felt so angry upon finishing a book. Partly because this Tal frustration has been building for awhile, and partially because I kind of feel lied to by all the reviews, TBH.
June 26, 2022
3.5 ⭐
I saw people shipping for a MMM and I'm emotionally scarred, no thank you very much
I saw people shipping for a MMM and I'm emotionally scarred, no thank you very much
June 23, 2022
Hmm…🧐🧐🧐
Let’s keep this short:
I loved…
…the characters
…the story
…the mystery
…the twists
I hated…
…the overwriting
…the purple prose
…the never ending metaphors
Overall, this was a solid story encumbered by too much description. I'll give Tal a pass on this one and hope he trims the relentless internal, swoony internal dialogues and descriptions in his next book.
My rec? I’d listen to this if it came out on audiobook, so I say, why not?!
Let’s keep this short:
I loved…
…the characters
…the story
…the mystery
…the twists
I hated…
…the overwriting
…the purple prose
…the never ending metaphors
Overall, this was a solid story encumbered by too much description. I'll give Tal a pass on this one and hope he trims the relentless internal, swoony internal dialogues and descriptions in his next book.
My rec? I’d listen to this if it came out on audiobook, so I say, why not?!
August 19, 2024
This book kept me in its clutches all weekend, and I am not okay.
This is an edge-of-you-seat, heart pounding, white knuckling, keep-you-guessing, holy-shit-did-that-just-happen kind of read. My blood pressure will never recover.
But beneath the suspense there's tenderness and a forbidden love.
No one writes romantic suspense like Bauer. No one.
And no one knows so much about the inner workings of the White House and Secret Service. How does he do it?
This is a stand-alone, but I would crawl through broken glass for Sheridan's story. I straight up ugly-cried at the end. Holy hell, what a ride.
Footnote: POTUS/Secret Service agent in charge; 30s (Reese) / 40s (Brennan); dual POV; split timeline (set in the past, beginning when Reese and Brennan first meet a year earlier, and present when Brennan disappears); HEA.
This is an edge-of-you-seat, heart pounding, white knuckling, keep-you-guessing, holy-shit-did-that-just-happen kind of read. My blood pressure will never recover.
But beneath the suspense there's tenderness and a forbidden love.
No one writes romantic suspense like Bauer. No one.
And no one knows so much about the inner workings of the White House and Secret Service. How does he do it?
This is a stand-alone, but I would crawl through broken glass for Sheridan's story. I straight up ugly-cried at the end. Holy hell, what a ride.
Footnote: POTUS/Secret Service agent in charge; 30s (Reese) / 40s (Brennan); dual POV; split timeline (set in the past, beginning when Reese and Brennan first meet a year earlier, and present when Brennan disappears); HEA.
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June 21, 2022
"I've never been attracted to a man before, but ever since we met, it's like..." I sigh. "You're under my skin. You're inside my mind. You're down deep in my bones. You're everywhere, and you're everything. I can't escape, but I also don't want to escape. From you, or from this." His eyes are huge, tumbled sapphires lit on fire. "You feel inevitable. Like I've been waiting for you."
He's blinking, looking down, looking away. Jaw clenching, holding. "That's how you make me feel. I've kept this inside myself for years, and then I met you, and... You make me dream impossible dreams."
the tension between Reese and Brennan, especially in the first half, was my fav part of all this. i felt the longing and pull between them and i just- 🥺
hoping Sheridan will get his own happy ending!! 😭
He's blinking, looking down, looking away. Jaw clenching, holding. "That's how you make me feel. I've kept this inside myself for years, and then I met you, and... You make me dream impossible dreams."
the tension between Reese and Brennan, especially in the first half, was my fav part of all this. i felt the longing and pull between them and i just- 🥺
hoping Sheridan will get his own happy ending!! 😭
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June 16, 2023
6.5 hour road trip tomorrow (I’ll be a passenger princess the whole time 👸🏻) so rtc then 👁️🫦👁️
July 10, 2022
The characters were caricatures. Bauer’s Enemies of the State series was much more realistic. This one was angsty and flowery and leaning on the wrong side of sappy.
June 20, 2022
4**** stars - with extra credits
Holy Moly, what a ride. Imo this book is downright perfect for a buddy-read. So much to talk about, wonder about, scream omg and wtf about and so much to swoon over. I wish I did that *lol
This was a great story and I enjoyed reading it very much. I can totally see why people are going to love it or already do. Buuuut because I was bugged by one thing specifically I couldn’t give it all the stars possible…
********
No, it was not the back and forth between the now and then, which gave me a little whiplash every time.
It was not even all the cheese TB is obv quite famous for (and oh boy was it cheesy).
Nope. It was one sentence that annoyed the hell out of me and was repeated a few times throughout the book:
Even if I totally get the sentiment and reason behind it. This is a romance ffs. Yeah I want intense feelings (well that’s for sure!) but I don’t want to witness someone belittle himself and his worth to someone else repeatedly. Every time I read that sentence I scrunched my nose and rolled my eyes. And that’s never a good sign. This was all a bit too dramatic for my taste.
Maybe I was also discovering that reading political thrillers might not really be my cuppa after all. But that is not the book’s or TB’s fault, of course. I like that more on screen, I think.
***
But other than that this was an intense romance and I felt deeply for president Brennan Walker and his Secret Service protection detail Reese Theriot. I could feel their love and desperation for each other. They were hot and sweet af together! And soooo f*** big in love.
Also the current events in the now and the whole conspiracy had me hooked and captivated so I couldn’t put the book down. I think I might have screamed from disbelief at one point.
So, go pick it up, it’s definitely worth reading.
***
side note: Unrequited love always shreds my heart to pieces *cry - and I hope someday he’ll find someone wonderful for himself to keep ♡
********
And even if the story itself was only a four-star for me, I give extra credit for TB’s foreword -- #standwithukraine 💙💛
Holy Moly, what a ride. Imo this book is downright perfect for a buddy-read. So much to talk about, wonder about, scream omg and wtf about and so much to swoon over. I wish I did that *lol
This was a great story and I enjoyed reading it very much. I can totally see why people are going to love it or already do. Buuuut because I was bugged by one thing specifically I couldn’t give it all the stars possible…
********
“Mr. President.” … “What happened was a mistake.”
No, it was not the back and forth between the now and then, which gave me a little whiplash every time.
It was not even all the cheese TB is obv quite famous for (and oh boy was it cheesy).
Nope. It was one sentence that annoyed the hell out of me and was repeated a few times throughout the book:
I am bad for Brennan Walker.
Even if I totally get the sentiment and reason behind it. This is a romance ffs. Yeah I want intense feelings (well that’s for sure!) but I don’t want to witness someone belittle himself and his worth to someone else repeatedly. Every time I read that sentence I scrunched my nose and rolled my eyes. And that’s never a good sign. This was all a bit too dramatic for my taste.
Maybe I was also discovering that reading political thrillers might not really be my cuppa after all. But that is not the book’s or TB’s fault, of course. I like that more on screen, I think.
***
But other than that this was an intense romance and I felt deeply for president Brennan Walker and his Secret Service protection detail Reese Theriot. I could feel their love and desperation for each other. They were hot and sweet af together! And soooo f*** big in love.
Also the current events in the now and the whole conspiracy had me hooked and captivated so I couldn’t put the book down. I think I might have screamed from disbelief at one point.
So, go pick it up, it’s definitely worth reading.
***
side note: Unrequited love always shreds my heart to pieces *cry - and I hope someday he’ll find someone wonderful for himself to keep ♡
********
And even if the story itself was only a four-star for me, I give extra credit for TB’s foreword -- #standwithukraine 💙💛
June 18, 2022
Tal Bauer is always a big yes. I am probably gonna reading even his grocery list with the same emphasis. There is mystery, a thriller involving the president, a wonderful romance and WHite house life. I got hooked from the beginning and devoured it. A wonderful masterpiece!
June 19, 2022
I enjoyed this one! It was dramatic, and there was the typical Tal cheese and insta-love.
But it was fun and engaging. The action was packed. And surprise - no excessive crying! (there was still some, but it actually fit the moment).
But it was fun and engaging. The action was packed. And surprise - no excessive crying! (there was still some, but it actually fit the moment).
June 19, 2022
Tal is one of the few who can take a trope, do it a few times, and every different story of that same trope feels so different and amazing in its own right.
This has similarities to EOS in a very superficial sense, such as the having to keep it a secret, and the angst that comes from that, and this being a president/secret service romance means politics is in this one as well, and there is someone close who betrays them, but other than that, this story is completely different from Jack and Ethan. It is maybe a tad more similar to "The Night Of" that Tal also did, but it's still very different in many other ways.
Unlike Jack and Ethan, Reese and Brennan don't meet until Brennan's first day in the office of the presidency. Reese has seen Brennan on TV of course, but there's a distance to that. It isn't until he meets him in person, that he's totally gone for him.
There's instant attraction between these two that they try to fight, but ultimately can't, like it's inevitable.
I loved them from the get go, the chemistry was strong and intense, as basically all of Tal's romances are. He's so so good at writing the longing and absolute, all consuming love his characters have for each other.
Reese's thoughts being like "No man has ever loved another like I love Brennan Walker" along those lines and such, it just makes you swoon. Or at least, me swoon.
And even though there's that instant attraction, Tal still takes the time to develop the relationship between these two. There was something there from the beginning, but we still had a build up to them being in love. Like them sharing longing looks, not being able to look away from each other, talking about more than just business, eventually exchanging phone numbers and texting each other all the time, etc etc.
Reese, up until he meets Brennan, thought he was straight. But he doesn't freak out about falling in love with a man, he just freaks out about that man being the POTUS and the man he's supposed to protect, and how he's breaking all rules and regulations by giving in and being with him.
Brennan is gay, but has buried that side of himself for decades, but he can't bury it with Reese. He's falling head over heels in love with him.
There's some good, angsty push and pull, mainly from Reese's side. He feels like he's bad for Brennan, and that he'll hurt Brennan's career and stop him from doing good in the world like he wants to. Because he feel like eventually it'll get it out and that'll be that, Brennan would be destroyed by the scandal.
But true love cannot be denied, as they say. Not when you're so head over heels in love someone.
And running parallel to the plot of these two falling in love, is a the plot-plot of the book, with there being tensions between the US and Russia (what else is new, right? *sigh*) and there being a Russia/Ukraine conflict (which, this was written prior to the actual Russia/Ukrainian war going on in real life, so in this it's a fictional version of that...with unfortunately many similarities to real life because...well, yeah, there's an actual war going on.)
But unlike in real life, Brennan Walker is the president we all wish we had, and is actually trying to do something to stop the conflict and to help stop more loss of life.
But of course, Russia can't have that, and it's new fictional president has plans, and that includes a traitor amongst those around Brennan.
This story does a great job of racketing up the tension, as we switch between "Now" and "Then", starting in the "Now" with Brennan going missing. The POTUS goes missing and it's unprecedented and also Reese is this close to loosing it, because he can't lose Brennan, the love of his life. He just can't.
And we go between that and the beginning of their relationship and how they fell in love. So we get the happy mixed in with the sad, although there is some angst to be had even in the "Then" timeline. But for the most part it's these two falling in love.
I suspected but was not sure of who the traitor would be, and was kind of surprised but also not when it was revealed who it was.
I love in these political thrillers that Tal does there's always at least one person to betray them - and usually more than one - and it's so fun trying to figure out who it could be.
It all comes together in the end in an epic standoff, and of course we get our HEA for these two, because no way could there be any different ending.
I do kind of wish we got to see the fallout of the whole world finding out, but at the same time it would have dragged this story and plot out further than it needed to go, so I ultimately didn't mind it.
Tal said this is a standalone, but also hinted at a sequel to this, which will probably be about Sheridan, who was a wonderful character who deserves his own HEA. But if we do actually get a sequel, I do hope Reese and Brennan do come out with their relationship to the general public at some point. Or maybe not...they're different than Jack and Ethan, who retired early in the game to live out their HEA together. Reese and Brennan seem to want to stick it out at least for the full 4 years, maybe 8 years of Brennan's presidency, so who knows.
Whichever way Tal takes it, I can't wait for more. Whether it's Sheridan getting his own HEA, or more Reese and Brennan together again.
Of course, a massive thumbs up from me, and I HIGHLY recommend this wonderful book.
As always, I look forward to the next romantic adventure Tal takes us on! 😍🥰😘
This has similarities to EOS in a very superficial sense, such as the having to keep it a secret, and the angst that comes from that, and this being a president/secret service romance means politics is in this one as well, and there is someone close who betrays them, but other than that, this story is completely different from Jack and Ethan. It is maybe a tad more similar to "The Night Of" that Tal also did, but it's still very different in many other ways.
Unlike Jack and Ethan, Reese and Brennan don't meet until Brennan's first day in the office of the presidency. Reese has seen Brennan on TV of course, but there's a distance to that. It isn't until he meets him in person, that he's totally gone for him.
There's instant attraction between these two that they try to fight, but ultimately can't, like it's inevitable.
I loved them from the get go, the chemistry was strong and intense, as basically all of Tal's romances are. He's so so good at writing the longing and absolute, all consuming love his characters have for each other.
Reese's thoughts being like "No man has ever loved another like I love Brennan Walker" along those lines and such, it just makes you swoon. Or at least, me swoon.
And even though there's that instant attraction, Tal still takes the time to develop the relationship between these two. There was something there from the beginning, but we still had a build up to them being in love. Like them sharing longing looks, not being able to look away from each other, talking about more than just business, eventually exchanging phone numbers and texting each other all the time, etc etc.
Reese, up until he meets Brennan, thought he was straight. But he doesn't freak out about falling in love with a man, he just freaks out about that man being the POTUS and the man he's supposed to protect, and how he's breaking all rules and regulations by giving in and being with him.
Brennan is gay, but has buried that side of himself for decades, but he can't bury it with Reese. He's falling head over heels in love with him.
There's some good, angsty push and pull, mainly from Reese's side. He feels like he's bad for Brennan, and that he'll hurt Brennan's career and stop him from doing good in the world like he wants to. Because he feel like eventually it'll get it out and that'll be that, Brennan would be destroyed by the scandal.
But true love cannot be denied, as they say. Not when you're so head over heels in love someone.
And running parallel to the plot of these two falling in love, is a the plot-plot of the book, with there being tensions between the US and Russia (what else is new, right? *sigh*) and there being a Russia/Ukraine conflict (which, this was written prior to the actual Russia/Ukrainian war going on in real life, so in this it's a fictional version of that...with unfortunately many similarities to real life because...well, yeah, there's an actual war going on.)
But unlike in real life, Brennan Walker is the president we all wish we had, and is actually trying to do something to stop the conflict and to help stop more loss of life.
But of course, Russia can't have that, and it's new fictional president has plans, and that includes a traitor amongst those around Brennan.
This story does a great job of racketing up the tension, as we switch between "Now" and "Then", starting in the "Now" with Brennan going missing. The POTUS goes missing and it's unprecedented and also Reese is this close to loosing it, because he can't lose Brennan, the love of his life. He just can't.
And we go between that and the beginning of their relationship and how they fell in love. So we get the happy mixed in with the sad, although there is some angst to be had even in the "Then" timeline. But for the most part it's these two falling in love.
I suspected but was not sure of who the traitor would be, and was kind of surprised but also not when it was revealed who it was.
I love in these political thrillers that Tal does there's always at least one person to betray them - and usually more than one - and it's so fun trying to figure out who it could be.
It all comes together in the end in an epic standoff, and of course we get our HEA for these two, because no way could there be any different ending.
I do kind of wish we got to see the fallout of the whole world finding out, but at the same time it would have dragged this story and plot out further than it needed to go, so I ultimately didn't mind it.
Tal said this is a standalone, but also hinted at a sequel to this, which will probably be about Sheridan, who was a wonderful character who deserves his own HEA. But if we do actually get a sequel, I do hope Reese and Brennan do come out with their relationship to the general public at some point. Or maybe not...they're different than Jack and Ethan, who retired early in the game to live out their HEA together. Reese and Brennan seem to want to stick it out at least for the full 4 years, maybe 8 years of Brennan's presidency, so who knows.
Whichever way Tal takes it, I can't wait for more. Whether it's Sheridan getting his own HEA, or more Reese and Brennan together again.
Of course, a massive thumbs up from me, and I HIGHLY recommend this wonderful book.
As always, I look forward to the next romantic adventure Tal takes us on! 😍🥰😘
July 11, 2022
*** 3.75 stars ***
I have been struggling to focus on most stories at the moment. Therefore, I'm going to overlook all things I didn't like here because it was super gripping and got me fully invested until the end.
I have been struggling to focus on most stories at the moment. Therefore, I'm going to overlook all things I didn't like here because it was super gripping and got me fully invested until the end.
June 14, 2022
*ARC received from author in exchange for my honest review. *
FYI. While the premise might sound like The Executive Office series or The Night of that is where those similarities end. IYKYK.
Tal Baur never fails to amaze with his stories. Secret Service was OG Tal where every moment you are on the edge of your seat heart racing wondering what is coming next. His romances are heartfelt stories of love and overcoming forces greater than themselves. His political thrillers are full of murder, betrayal, and intrigue. This was both, it was the very best of both sides of Tal with more. More of everything.
Agent Reese Theriot was the very best of Tal. I fell in love with him almost immediately. His purpose was to protect the president and he did that without question. From their first meeting when their eyes locked, he knew that President Brennan Walker was unlike any other president he had served. Brennan was going to be his destruction, or he was going to be Brennan's and the only way to stop that was to keep his shields up. Keep his feelings to himself and he would be able to do his job. Things are never that simple though and all it takes is six weeks before Reese is carving out more time for him and the president.
President Brennan Walker never planned to become the president. All his humanitarian efforts showed him that the only way to make change was to be put in a place of power. When he made that choice to do what was best for the world, he swore that in his next life he would find someone to spend his life with. This life was for the people, the people who couldn't help themselves. He had shut those emotions off years ago and he was okay with that until Reese. Reese was the one obstacle he never accounted for. From their first meeting the connection with him was unstoppable. Agent Reese Theriot was going to change his life. That was undeniable fact.
Brennan and Reese's connection might be unstoppable but with outside forces pressing down on them and the likelihood of an all-out war coming they may never get their chance at happiness.
Gods the angst, the sheer unpredictability of the story and the people you meet along the way in this book make this one of Tal's best books. I couldn't put it down. From the moment I read that first page I was back into the world of Tal Bauer, and I became obsessed with solving the mystery while falling in love with Reese and Brennan.
Secret Service is Tal Bauer at his best and while this is a standalone, I can't help but hope that we will get another story about a certain someone. *wink wink*
FYI. While the premise might sound like The Executive Office series or The Night of that is where those similarities end. IYKYK.
Tal Baur never fails to amaze with his stories. Secret Service was OG Tal where every moment you are on the edge of your seat heart racing wondering what is coming next. His romances are heartfelt stories of love and overcoming forces greater than themselves. His political thrillers are full of murder, betrayal, and intrigue. This was both, it was the very best of both sides of Tal with more. More of everything.
Agent Reese Theriot was the very best of Tal. I fell in love with him almost immediately. His purpose was to protect the president and he did that without question. From their first meeting when their eyes locked, he knew that President Brennan Walker was unlike any other president he had served. Brennan was going to be his destruction, or he was going to be Brennan's and the only way to stop that was to keep his shields up. Keep his feelings to himself and he would be able to do his job. Things are never that simple though and all it takes is six weeks before Reese is carving out more time for him and the president.
President Brennan Walker never planned to become the president. All his humanitarian efforts showed him that the only way to make change was to be put in a place of power. When he made that choice to do what was best for the world, he swore that in his next life he would find someone to spend his life with. This life was for the people, the people who couldn't help themselves. He had shut those emotions off years ago and he was okay with that until Reese. Reese was the one obstacle he never accounted for. From their first meeting the connection with him was unstoppable. Agent Reese Theriot was going to change his life. That was undeniable fact.
Brennan and Reese's connection might be unstoppable but with outside forces pressing down on them and the likelihood of an all-out war coming they may never get their chance at happiness.
Gods the angst, the sheer unpredictability of the story and the people you meet along the way in this book make this one of Tal's best books. I couldn't put it down. From the moment I read that first page I was back into the world of Tal Bauer, and I became obsessed with solving the mystery while falling in love with Reese and Brennan.
Secret Service is Tal Bauer at his best and while this is a standalone, I can't help but hope that we will get another story about a certain someone. *wink wink*
June 26, 2022
I haven't read any bad books by this author yet. At least for me he is one of the best authors of MM books. I've been a fan since I read The executive office. I love your stories with presidents and lots of action. Secret service was a good book on this topic, another one for my list😎
June 21, 2022
I should have known better and steered clear of this.
I know I don’t gel with Tal’s highly sentimental, emotionally OTT writing.
But somehow, I keep falling for Tal’s imaginative scenarios, and then …. Ouch.
I almost DNF in the middle of chapter 1, for that reason.
I truly believe that Tal is a 100% romantic at heart, and that he honestly believes in the feelings he describes with so many love hearts and candy roses. For me it’s simply too much sugar.
It’s hard not to compare this to ‘Enemies of the State’ which I enjoyed so much more (even if the tell-tale saccharine started seeping into the story more and more as the series went along.) But while I actually bought the scenario in that series, I found it very difficult to believe it here.
And Reese who has never been with a guy just goes with the flow - apart from that he shouldn't have feelings for his president, there are no uncertainties about being with a guy whatsoever. And his whole 'mon amour' French thing ... nope, not for me. Sorry. (and I am truly sorry!)
What goes down with Sheridan also left me confused.
Only thing I can say… the plot held my attention, and I really wanted to know how it all turned out in the end. Which was as unrealistic as the whole romance, but from an entertainment POV it was a fun read. (hence the 3 stars)
I know I don’t gel with Tal’s highly sentimental, emotionally OTT writing.
But somehow, I keep falling for Tal’s imaginative scenarios, and then …. Ouch.
I almost DNF in the middle of chapter 1, for that reason.
I truly believe that Tal is a 100% romantic at heart, and that he honestly believes in the feelings he describes with so many love hearts and candy roses. For me it’s simply too much sugar.
It’s hard not to compare this to ‘Enemies of the State’ which I enjoyed so much more (even if the tell-tale saccharine started seeping into the story more and more as the series went along.) But while I actually bought the scenario in that series, I found it very difficult to believe it here.
And Reese who has never been with a guy just goes with the flow - apart from that he shouldn't have feelings for his president, there are no uncertainties about being with a guy whatsoever. And his whole 'mon amour' French thing ... nope, not for me. Sorry. (and I am truly sorry!)
What goes down with Sheridan also left me confused.
Only thing I can say… the plot held my attention, and I really wanted to know how it all turned out in the end. Which was as unrealistic as the whole romance, but from an entertainment POV it was a fun read. (hence the 3 stars)
July 26, 2022
My enjoyment of this story was diminished because it's very similar to this author's other president/secret service love story. The language is a bit flowery at times, but still very sweet.
This love I feel terrifies me, and it’s terrified me from the moment our gazes first locked, when the distance between our souls seemed like an impossible, unknowable divide. Human beings are not meant to carry nuclear reactors within their hearts.
I didn't enjoy the back and forth timeline. It didn't amp up the drama, it just made me have to read the chapter headings more carefully.
Not sure what the author was trying to do with Sheridan's character but it added an odd layer to this story.
This love I feel terrifies me, and it’s terrified me from the moment our gazes first locked, when the distance between our souls seemed like an impossible, unknowable divide. Human beings are not meant to carry nuclear reactors within their hearts.
I didn't enjoy the back and forth timeline. It didn't amp up the drama, it just made me have to read the chapter headings more carefully.
Not sure what the author was trying to do with Sheridan's character but it added an odd layer to this story.
June 16, 2022
Fast-paced and action filled romance with a big dash of hurt. Tal Bauer writes the best angst! I loved it. Written in a form of then/now, we get to see the relationship steadily grow between the President and his lead agent as well as what Reese is capable of when their love is threatened. Good amount of steam and a bit of sweet mushiness balance well with the emotional struggle and fast-moving investigation. As always, the topics are well researched and the characters are consistent and well fleshed out. The plot twist in the end is something else. I love it when I am astounded as to whodunit. I thoroughly enjoyed it. No one writes about the White House like Mr Bauer. I recommend it!
June 22, 2022
3.5 stars ⭐️ This was okay, and I loved the premise that set the story. I loved the way the connection between Brennan and Reese was written. It was emotional and filled with so much love.
I don't know whether it was my issue, but I didn't like how they hardly had fully romantic conversation between them. I know most of you didn't even notice it, but it bothered me a lot.
Nonetheless, the story can be enjoyed, and the plot will keep you interested.
I don't know whether it was my issue, but I didn't like how they hardly had fully romantic conversation between them. I know most of you didn't even notice it, but it bothered me a lot.
Nonetheless, the story can be enjoyed, and the plot will keep you interested.
July 20, 2022
I have been wondering for hours, how to exactly write this review. Because I'm sure it's going to offend so many poeple. I don't really want to do it but I still am going to...
So let's start with the pros. The writing style is beautiful. I have always liked Tal Bauer's prose. It definitely seemed over the tops at times, I still overall enjoyed it. Also the mystery part was solid, well plotted and well written. Okay...that's all.
Now let's talk about the things I hated about this book. I hated the romance. I usually enjoy the soulmates trope. But love at first sight is a big no from me. The romance felt so fake and exaggerated. Melodramatic as fuck. I don't believe in love at first sight, I don't care for meet cutes. I know it's a personal opinion but I do have a point. How can you trust a person at first meeting let alone fall for them! Also the fact the Ree was straight until Brennan, made it even more hard to believe. So unrealistic. Another thing just crossed into my mind. What was the fucking deal with Sheridan? Reese continued to describe him as "my Sheridan" even after knowing Sheridan had feeling for him. He loved Brennan. But then he goes on comparing Brennan and Sheridan. How similar Sheridan is to Brennan, how he wanrs to be with him once the *broken hearted* period is over...Wtf. It wasn't supposed to be like it. Something in how Reese's inner monologues were written irked me. He was playing withe both of the men's feelings. This guy was totally un trustworthy. the end of the day I hated Reese...Brennan was a teddy though. Loved him.
I also don't care for in depth political turmoil. Really liked the way the author did it though...The book was just wrong for me. NO. The book was wrong, period. Curse me if you want....bye
So let's start with the pros. The writing style is beautiful. I have always liked Tal Bauer's prose. It definitely seemed over the tops at times, I still overall enjoyed it. Also the mystery part was solid, well plotted and well written. Okay...that's all.
Now let's talk about the things I hated about this book. I hated the romance. I usually enjoy the soulmates trope. But love at first sight is a big no from me. The romance felt so fake and exaggerated. Melodramatic as fuck. I don't believe in love at first sight, I don't care for meet cutes. I know it's a personal opinion but I do have a point. How can you trust a person at first meeting let alone fall for them! Also the fact the Ree was straight until Brennan, made it even more hard to believe. So unrealistic. Another thing just crossed into my mind. What was the fucking deal with Sheridan? Reese continued to describe him as "my Sheridan" even after knowing Sheridan had feeling for him. He loved Brennan. But then he goes on comparing Brennan and Sheridan. How similar Sheridan is to Brennan, how he wanrs to be with him once the *broken hearted* period is over...Wtf. It wasn't supposed to be like it. Something in how Reese's inner monologues were written irked me. He was playing withe both of the men's feelings. This guy was totally un trustworthy. the end of the day I hated Reese...Brennan was a teddy though. Loved him.
I also don't care for in depth political turmoil. Really liked the way the author did it though...The book was just wrong for me. NO. The book was wrong, period. Curse me if you want....bye
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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June 24, 2023
This was a really great read. I loved the chemistry between Brennan and Reese (the romance was so well written) and the political thriller aspect was amazing and executed so well - it keep me engaged and on the edge. It was sensual, exciting and sexy. Overall I really enjoyed it. Tal is a new to me writer and has a way with words that is captivating. They’ve become an author whose work I’ll be devouring in the future.
November 25, 2022
Content and Trigger Warnings: Cheating between mcs, love triangle
I was triggered. I am a person who SHOULDN'T HAVE read this book, but I did because not the author nor the ARC reviewers gave Content Warnings.
TL;DR: Reese is a cheater and a liar. He falls in love with Sheridan too. Brennan becomes the third wheel. Reese never tells Brennan that he kissed Sheridan and that he loves him too.
This book triggered me and hurt me really badly.
Not hinting at these things and not even MENTIONING Sheridan at all in the blurb IS NOT COOL.
I trusted TB and now I'm so traumatised I'll not read any more of his books.
Why are so many authors not mindful of readers' mental health?
I realised this author NEVER uses trigger warnings, he just wants to shock you. And wrote the cheating in a very subtle way, so smart.
Sheridan is not even in the blurb while he is the main character and love interest in the whole second part.
And I'm so pissed that none of the ARC reviews mentioned the love triangle and that the MC kisses another guy at 90%!!
Thanks for giving me MORE UNNECESSARY ANXIETY!!! I DIDN'T NEED IT!!!!
I was extremely engaged in the first half and Reese and Brennan as soul mates and I'd never thought I'd give less than 5 stars, and then aarghh... we got to know about the love triangle.
It's not even unrequited love because REESE LOVES SHERIDAN BACK just not as much as he loves Brennan, lots of hints about sexual tension and forever love and touch etc and Sheridan is everywhere increasingly until the last page, and he even gets a kiss??? And basically lives with him?
I mean it might just as well be Sheridan on the cover since he basically becomes the main character :(
In the second part of the book Sheridan is so present that the relationship between him and Reese takes the attention away from the one with Brennan, in the end it makes you almost forget about their love and focus more on the one between Reese and Sheridan, so it just ruined it.
Nothing would stop Reese from cheating on Brennan with Sheridan - AGAIN - in the future. It's a very thin line to cross.
I do not want a book about Sheridan, since Reese makes such a big deal of this forever love and feels like he is stuck with them, it would feel even more weird and just a rebound???
I don't want to read about Sheridan having another love interest while he will still forever love Reese, and I definitely don't want to see all the time that Sheridan and Reese will spend together and more of the ambiguous feelings.
These are quotes by REESE ABOUT SHERIDAN aka NOT the other MC but the third guy (Sheridan didn't do anything wrong, it's Reese who's ambiguous and plays with both)
Our hands brush as I pass him a bottle of water.
I relied on him, trusted him, even loved him back in my own way. He became so much to me in such a short time—
I grab the keys and reach behind him to undo the cuffs. My hair brushes his cheek.
“I didn’t know you months ago, but now—” I inhale, blinking. My words are a rushing river, roaring out of me. “I can’t imagine my days without you. I think there’s a part of me that needs you.”
Would Sheridan have been able to unlock my heart like Brennan had? If I met these men in reverse, would Sheridan be the man in my bed and Brennan just another president, just another job, on the periphery of my life?
You fall in love with people for different reasons. Sheridan is warm and wonderful and has earned a place in my life through his kindness and his steadfastness, his quick mind and his quicker smile. He’s the man who will cherish me for a lifetime, who will wake me with a kiss every morning and hold my hand in the sunlight.
Brennan is black lightning and blues, neon-soaked rain squalls, bayou midnights and creeping Spanish moss. He’s unknowable depths, flame-hot touches and bleu clair eyes. He’s the mystery, the moon rising in the west, the secrets written on bones and cast under dark stars.
Some part of me may need Sheridan, like the earth needs the rays of the sun.
But I was made to love Brennan Walker.
My eyes find Sheridan’s. He stares back and lets me see all the way into the deepest parts of him, where his agony and his love coexist. “Reese—”
I shove him in the center of his chest. Pin him to the open door of our SUV. He grunts—
And I kiss him. My lips move gently over his.
My hand is on his cheek. My thumb brushes his stubble, the line of his jaw.
“I mean it. I’d die for you. I’d—”
“I know.” I stop him before he says it. I’d kill for you. He already has.
And he loves me, in a to-the-end-of-time kind of way.
Sheridan laughs, again. I’m drunk on the sound of their voices and their laughs. Their happiness has lit fireworks in my veins, and I’m content to sit back and watch.
“Hey, just a heads-up. I’ll be by the apartment this weekend. I’ve got to do laundry, pick up dry cleaning, do some stuff.”
“Of course. It’s your place.”
“It’s our place.”
He flushes.
Sheridan is a part of us, and he always will be.
512 Sheridan in the book.
574 Brennan.
Reese's behaviour and that kiss was not fair to Brennan and it was not fair to Sheridan.
He plays with both men.
And the ending where Brennan is the third wheel and he becomes a joke.
By the end of the book I hated Reese.
Brennan was an amazing man and he deserved better.
Reese breaks up with him twice.
Reese cheats on Brennan while he is kidnapped and had a gun pointed at him.
Reese half loves another man and he brings him into the relationship without Brennan realising.
Reese never tells Brennan that he kissed Sheridan and how much he cares about him.
In the last part Reese shows way more love to Sheridan than to Brennan.
Then clueless Brennan propose to Reese and just gets a NOD??
I have to say that also the whole scene with Henry going crazy and his supposed reasons to kill the president just didn't make any sense, but then I was so mad about the triangle and the kiss that I just didn't care anymore.
The first part of the book is good but it's just a trap.
The second part is just terrible.
I was triggered. I am a person who SHOULDN'T HAVE read this book, but I did because not the author nor the ARC reviewers gave Content Warnings.
TL;DR: Reese is a cheater and a liar. He falls in love with Sheridan too. Brennan becomes the third wheel. Reese never tells Brennan that he kissed Sheridan and that he loves him too.
This book triggered me and hurt me really badly.
Not hinting at these things and not even MENTIONING Sheridan at all in the blurb IS NOT COOL.
I trusted TB and now I'm so traumatised I'll not read any more of his books.
Why are so many authors not mindful of readers' mental health?
I realised this author NEVER uses trigger warnings, he just wants to shock you. And wrote the cheating in a very subtle way, so smart.
Sheridan is not even in the blurb while he is the main character and love interest in the whole second part.
And I'm so pissed that none of the ARC reviews mentioned the love triangle and that the MC kisses another guy at 90%!!
Thanks for giving me MORE UNNECESSARY ANXIETY!!! I DIDN'T NEED IT!!!!
I was extremely engaged in the first half and Reese and Brennan as soul mates and I'd never thought I'd give less than 5 stars, and then aarghh... we got to know about the love triangle.
It's not even unrequited love because REESE LOVES SHERIDAN BACK just not as much as he loves Brennan, lots of hints about sexual tension and forever love and touch etc and Sheridan is everywhere increasingly until the last page, and he even gets a kiss??? And basically lives with him?
I mean it might just as well be Sheridan on the cover since he basically becomes the main character :(
In the second part of the book Sheridan is so present that the relationship between him and Reese takes the attention away from the one with Brennan, in the end it makes you almost forget about their love and focus more on the one between Reese and Sheridan, so it just ruined it.
Nothing would stop Reese from cheating on Brennan with Sheridan - AGAIN - in the future. It's a very thin line to cross.
I do not want a book about Sheridan, since Reese makes such a big deal of this forever love and feels like he is stuck with them, it would feel even more weird and just a rebound???
I don't want to read about Sheridan having another love interest while he will still forever love Reese, and I definitely don't want to see all the time that Sheridan and Reese will spend together and more of the ambiguous feelings.
These are quotes by REESE ABOUT SHERIDAN aka NOT the other MC but the third guy (Sheridan didn't do anything wrong, it's Reese who's ambiguous and plays with both)
Our hands brush as I pass him a bottle of water.
I relied on him, trusted him, even loved him back in my own way. He became so much to me in such a short time—
I grab the keys and reach behind him to undo the cuffs. My hair brushes his cheek.
“I didn’t know you months ago, but now—” I inhale, blinking. My words are a rushing river, roaring out of me. “I can’t imagine my days without you. I think there’s a part of me that needs you.”
Would Sheridan have been able to unlock my heart like Brennan had? If I met these men in reverse, would Sheridan be the man in my bed and Brennan just another president, just another job, on the periphery of my life?
You fall in love with people for different reasons. Sheridan is warm and wonderful and has earned a place in my life through his kindness and his steadfastness, his quick mind and his quicker smile. He’s the man who will cherish me for a lifetime, who will wake me with a kiss every morning and hold my hand in the sunlight.
Brennan is black lightning and blues, neon-soaked rain squalls, bayou midnights and creeping Spanish moss. He’s unknowable depths, flame-hot touches and bleu clair eyes. He’s the mystery, the moon rising in the west, the secrets written on bones and cast under dark stars.
Some part of me may need Sheridan, like the earth needs the rays of the sun.
But I was made to love Brennan Walker.
My eyes find Sheridan’s. He stares back and lets me see all the way into the deepest parts of him, where his agony and his love coexist. “Reese—”
I shove him in the center of his chest. Pin him to the open door of our SUV. He grunts—
And I kiss him. My lips move gently over his.
My hand is on his cheek. My thumb brushes his stubble, the line of his jaw.
“I mean it. I’d die for you. I’d—”
“I know.” I stop him before he says it. I’d kill for you. He already has.
And he loves me, in a to-the-end-of-time kind of way.
Sheridan laughs, again. I’m drunk on the sound of their voices and their laughs. Their happiness has lit fireworks in my veins, and I’m content to sit back and watch.
“Hey, just a heads-up. I’ll be by the apartment this weekend. I’ve got to do laundry, pick up dry cleaning, do some stuff.”
“Of course. It’s your place.”
“It’s our place.”
He flushes.
Sheridan is a part of us, and he always will be.
512 Sheridan in the book.
574 Brennan.
Reese's behaviour and that kiss was not fair to Brennan and it was not fair to Sheridan.
He plays with both men.
And the ending where Brennan is the third wheel and he becomes a joke.
By the end of the book I hated Reese.
Brennan was an amazing man and he deserved better.
Reese breaks up with him twice.
Reese cheats on Brennan while he is kidnapped and had a gun pointed at him.
Reese half loves another man and he brings him into the relationship without Brennan realising.
Reese never tells Brennan that he kissed Sheridan and how much he cares about him.
In the last part Reese shows way more love to Sheridan than to Brennan.
Then clueless Brennan propose to Reese and just gets a NOD??
I have to say that also the whole scene with Henry going crazy and his supposed reasons to kill the president just didn't make any sense, but then I was so mad about the triangle and the kiss that I just didn't care anymore.
The first part of the book is good but it's just a trap.
The second part is just terrible.
March 22, 2024
Go get your man Reese
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
- Forbidden romance
- bodyguard trope
- political thriller
This book kept me engaged the whole time. I was so invested in this book and in Reese and Brennan. Tal’s characters usually fall in love fast and hard but somehow that never bothers me, he makes me believe it. This books time jumps between when Reese and Brennan are first falling and love and Reese trying to figure out what the hell is going on after Brennan disappears. I know some people complain that the plot isn’t super complex but it kept me guessing enough to truly enjoy it. I really hope Tal writes a sequel to this or that Sheridan gets his own book. I was getting strong throuple vibes towards the end and I need to know more.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
- Forbidden romance
- bodyguard trope
- political thriller
This book kept me engaged the whole time. I was so invested in this book and in Reese and Brennan. Tal’s characters usually fall in love fast and hard but somehow that never bothers me, he makes me believe it. This books time jumps between when Reese and Brennan are first falling and love and Reese trying to figure out what the hell is going on after Brennan disappears. I know some people complain that the plot isn’t super complex but it kept me guessing enough to truly enjoy it. I really hope Tal writes a sequel to this or that Sheridan gets his own book. I was getting strong throuple vibes towards the end and I need to know more.
September 11, 2022
The good
+ Both of them feeling an instant connection
+ The development of their relationship. I like how they were always on the same page, feelings-wise
+ Reese's easy acceptance of his newfound attraction to men
+ Sheridan. He's my favorite character and he reminds me of a golden retriever puppy
+
+ Sheridan cheering Reese up. He's the best
+
+
The neutral
o I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. My review remains honest and unbiased
o I would suggest to the author to find out the meanings of eyeball-fucking and skull-fucking. They are not things you do to your enemy (usually)
o Brennan was described as having "acetylene-blue eyes". Acetylene is a colorless gas, and the kevin kindly explained to me the gas only turns blue when it's on fire
o Reese used lots of French (or French-Creole), but only in speech. His internal monologues never had the French phrases, which made them more jarring when they were used in speech
o
The bad
- Everyone played with my boy Sheridan's feelings :(
- Sheridan deserved to be referred to by his first name at some point
-
- There were multiple references early on that in the then-timeline , and the reader expected that in the now-timeline a plot twist would happen to reveal the true traitor. That means most of the book was spent waiting for shit to go sideways, which made me impatient. Especially the first part of the then-timeline lost its gravitas for me because I knew what was going to happen
-
- This is a standalone, so Sheridan doesn't get a HEA. Sad :(
Quotes
x "I am no one. I am no titan, no giant walking this planet, but if my love for this man was ever tested - if ever the world tried to take him from me - I would rip the sky from the edges of this earth."
This book was okay. At some point the now-plot really picked up speed, and it became very exciting. I also really liked the strength of the love between Reese and Brennan. However, I think there were a few too many questionable decisions in this book, and my boy Sheridan deserved so much better than what he got. I'm on the fence about recommending this, but I can say with certainty it's unfortunately my least favorite Bauer to date.
+ Both of them feeling an instant connection
+ The development of their relationship. I like how they were always on the same page, feelings-wise
+ Reese's easy acceptance of his newfound attraction to men
+ Sheridan. He's my favorite character and he reminds me of a golden retriever puppy
+
+ Sheridan cheering Reese up. He's the best
+
+
The neutral
o I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. My review remains honest and unbiased
o I would suggest to the author to find out the meanings of eyeball-fucking and skull-fucking. They are not things you do to your enemy (usually)
o Brennan was described as having "acetylene-blue eyes". Acetylene is a colorless gas, and the kevin kindly explained to me the gas only turns blue when it's on fire
o Reese used lots of French (or French-Creole), but only in speech. His internal monologues never had the French phrases, which made them more jarring when they were used in speech
o
The bad
- Everyone played with my boy Sheridan's feelings :(
- Sheridan deserved to be referred to by his first name at some point
-
- There were multiple references early on that in the then-timeline , and the reader expected that in the now-timeline a plot twist would happen to reveal the true traitor. That means most of the book was spent waiting for shit to go sideways, which made me impatient. Especially the first part of the then-timeline lost its gravitas for me because I knew what was going to happen
-
- This is a standalone, so Sheridan doesn't get a HEA. Sad :(
Quotes
x "I am no one. I am no titan, no giant walking this planet, but if my love for this man was ever tested - if ever the world tried to take him from me - I would rip the sky from the edges of this earth."
This book was okay. At some point the now-plot really picked up speed, and it became very exciting. I also really liked the strength of the love between Reese and Brennan. However, I think there were a few too many questionable decisions in this book, and my boy Sheridan deserved so much better than what he got. I'm on the fence about recommending this, but I can say with certainty it's unfortunately my least favorite Bauer to date.
July 29, 2022
A secretly gay heart-of-gold President and his lead Secret Service agent who discovers he’s bi…spectacular.
This book was so good! It’s escapism, romance, and a thrilling mystery. I thought the insta love would end up bothering me, but right when it gets to be too much something exciting happens and I can forgive this author the over-the-top-sappiness. I don’t know what it was about the twists and turns, but they were predictable and somehow not at the same time. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride and was very invested in the story!
I’ve gotta say that I’m not team MMM for these characters, but I’d be into a bonus scene. 🤷🏼♀️
This book was so good! It’s escapism, romance, and a thrilling mystery. I thought the insta love would end up bothering me, but right when it gets to be too much something exciting happens and I can forgive this author the over-the-top-sappiness. I don’t know what it was about the twists and turns, but they were predictable and somehow not at the same time. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride and was very invested in the story!
I’ve gotta say that I’m not team MMM for these characters, but I’d be into a bonus scene. 🤷🏼♀️
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