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A Noah & Cole Thriller #1
The Murder Between Us
It was just one night.
It was just one mistake.
FBI Agent Noah Downing had questions about his sexuality that a single night in Vegas should have answered. But dawn finds him on a plane back to Iowa, back on the trail of a vicious serial killer who disappeared six years ago and has suddenly resurfaced. There's nothing like a murder investigation to escape an existential crisis.
FBI profiler Cole Kennedy is still reeling after finding a heart-stopping connection with a seemingly perfect man, only for him to vanish. When he's sent to Iowa to profile the killer terrorizing America's heartland, he finds more questions than answers - both about the murderer and about Noah, the last man he ever expected to see again.
A twisted secret stretches between Cole and Noah, tangled with questions they both have about each other. But now, thrown together, they'll have to unravel the killer's profile and follow his trail... back to the very beginning, to where everyone's questions are answered once and for all.
***This is an M|M romantic suspense standalone novel, featuring a second chance romance, the hunt for a twisted serial killer, and one man's journey to acceptance. 80k words.
It was just one mistake.
FBI Agent Noah Downing had questions about his sexuality that a single night in Vegas should have answered. But dawn finds him on a plane back to Iowa, back on the trail of a vicious serial killer who disappeared six years ago and has suddenly resurfaced. There's nothing like a murder investigation to escape an existential crisis.
FBI profiler Cole Kennedy is still reeling after finding a heart-stopping connection with a seemingly perfect man, only for him to vanish. When he's sent to Iowa to profile the killer terrorizing America's heartland, he finds more questions than answers - both about the murderer and about Noah, the last man he ever expected to see again.
A twisted secret stretches between Cole and Noah, tangled with questions they both have about each other. But now, thrown together, they'll have to unravel the killer's profile and follow his trail... back to the very beginning, to where everyone's questions are answered once and for all.
***This is an M|M romantic suspense standalone novel, featuring a second chance romance, the hunt for a twisted serial killer, and one man's journey to acceptance. 80k words.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 28, 2021
810 people are currently reading
5660 people want to read
About the author
Tal Bauer
27 books5,713 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 1,062 reviews
March 18, 2021
Story - 2.5 stars
Audiobook – 2.5 stars switched to reading John Solo’s narration was off, the voices didn’t sound like what I had in my head. They sounded young.
Welp! That happened.
It’s me not the book! I love me some Tal Bauer stories, but this was just not it. At least I made it to the end.
I just want Adam and Faisal's story.
Soooooo.... Here we have Noah and Cole, and let’s just say I tried, I really really tried but I couldn’t feel their connection, until towards the end of the book, by then it was too late. It was a bit Insta. I love me some crying, whining men but this is not it! They were crying/weeping out of nowhere.
Noah! Noah! Noah! Ugh! Most of the time he was okay, I actually liked him but other times, Lawd! This guy was frustrating and needed some little bit of shaking.
Cole! I still believe you deserve better. But it’s okay...
I liked them. The sex was hot! That’s a plus.
Katie, I liked her and her relationship with Noah. The rest nope, she was a little bit OTT Sitcom teenager.
The mystery was okay, a bit unbelievable and rushed. Hard to believe that these guys were FBI agents. The profiling and the investigation was just another no. Damn, I was excited to hunt and catch a serial killer.
Ummm! Maybe I do.
Most things in this book felt rushed, forced and exaggerated. I feel like I wasn’t given enough time to know the characters. Maybe if I did, the results could have been different.
The ending was good. Rushed but still good. I also felt like the ending was somehow the beginning of the story. I was starting to connect with the characters. Then boom! it was over.
Yeah! I know. It's me not the book.
Audiobook – 2.5 stars switched to reading John Solo’s narration was off, the voices didn’t sound like what I had in my head. They sounded young.
Welp! That happened.
It’s me not the book! I love me some Tal Bauer stories, but this was just not it. At least I made it to the end.
I just want Adam and Faisal's story.
Soooooo.... Here we have Noah and Cole, and let’s just say I tried, I really really tried but I couldn’t feel their connection, until towards the end of the book, by then it was too late. It was a bit Insta. I love me some crying, whining men but this is not it! They were crying/weeping out of nowhere.
Noah! Noah! Noah! Ugh! Most of the time he was okay, I actually liked him but other times, Lawd! This guy was frustrating and needed some little bit of shaking.
Cole! I still believe you deserve better. But it’s okay...
I liked them. The sex was hot! That’s a plus.
Katie, I liked her and her relationship with Noah. The rest nope, she was a little bit OTT Sitcom teenager.
The mystery was okay, a bit unbelievable and rushed. Hard to believe that these guys were FBI agents. The profiling and the investigation was just another no. Damn, I was excited to hunt and catch a serial killer.
Ummm! Maybe I do.
Most things in this book felt rushed, forced and exaggerated. I feel like I wasn’t given enough time to know the characters. Maybe if I did, the results could have been different.
The ending was good. Rushed but still good. I also felt like the ending was somehow the beginning of the story. I was starting to connect with the characters. Then boom! it was over.
Yeah! I know. It's me not the book.
January 28, 2021
EPIC!
Tal Bauer is top of the tree when it comes to this type of romantic suspense – a story filled as much with personal introspection and doubt as it is with investigations and police procedure.
For FBI Agent Noah, the one night he allows himself to own his attraction to men means a Vegas experience that not only shatters him to his core, but which he has to deal with unexpectedly when FBI Profiler Cole, the guy he spent the night with, turns up in his serial killer incident room.
This book gripped me from the start. The opening chapter tells you everything you need to know about the two men without copious amounts of exposition. Noah is repressed, he’s never acted on his attraction to men and he’s now being confronted by the object of his desires daily.
He’s also dealing with the return of a serial killer after a six-year absence and this will be a no spoiler at all review but you can see from my updates just how it was going!
There is everything you’d expect in a suspense novel from Tal. It has rapid twists and turns, it’s fast-paced and adrenaline filled, it makes you squirm and it causes your heart to race.
It has two men who are beautifully detailed and fully fleshed out characters who leap off the page to grab your attention and hold it in a tight grip.
There are red herrings and false starts, there is a twist in the tale which I never saw coming, things are both exactly as they seem and yet not all at the same time. it’s so cleverly done but, when the information comes out, it becomes much clearer.
The romance is just awwwwwwww in word form; I fell for these two men instantly. Their chemistry skyrockets off the page but it’s so much more than just lustful hormones. They connect on a deeper level from the start, even as they tumble into their Vegas hotel bed it’s clear there could be more between them.
Surprisingly, it’s only medium steam, but it feels more, if that makes sense. The intimacy and emotional connection between them comes out of the bedroom and into everything they’re experiencing together.
And when it comes to experiences, let me say, if you have an easily turned stomach, parts of this book will make you want to vomit. Tal holds nothing back when it comes to the brutality of the killer the two men are trying to find.
There were times I actually gasped out loud when reading, my heart was thumping and I had to force myself at 3am to put the book down and go to sleep. I NEEDED to know that the bad guy would get his just deserts.
But, I should have known, as with all Tal books, there would be a final sting before our amazing two men can get their HEA.
And what a HEA, the Epilogue is so beyond adorable I had a grin like the Cheshire Cat when I finished this book.
Murders aside, I could have read about Noah and Cole indefinitely. I also seriously appreciated Noah’s daughter Katie was an integral part of the narrative too, not just there to add a bit of interest to his character.
So, get it, start reading it early so you don’t stay up half the night, and be blown away by a romantic suspense novel which hopefully ticks all your boxes like it did mine.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
Tal Bauer is top of the tree when it comes to this type of romantic suspense – a story filled as much with personal introspection and doubt as it is with investigations and police procedure.
For FBI Agent Noah, the one night he allows himself to own his attraction to men means a Vegas experience that not only shatters him to his core, but which he has to deal with unexpectedly when FBI Profiler Cole, the guy he spent the night with, turns up in his serial killer incident room.
This book gripped me from the start. The opening chapter tells you everything you need to know about the two men without copious amounts of exposition. Noah is repressed, he’s never acted on his attraction to men and he’s now being confronted by the object of his desires daily.
He’s also dealing with the return of a serial killer after a six-year absence and this will be a no spoiler at all review but you can see from my updates just how it was going!
There is everything you’d expect in a suspense novel from Tal. It has rapid twists and turns, it’s fast-paced and adrenaline filled, it makes you squirm and it causes your heart to race.
It has two men who are beautifully detailed and fully fleshed out characters who leap off the page to grab your attention and hold it in a tight grip.
There are red herrings and false starts, there is a twist in the tale which I never saw coming, things are both exactly as they seem and yet not all at the same time. it’s so cleverly done but, when the information comes out, it becomes much clearer.
The romance is just awwwwwwww in word form; I fell for these two men instantly. Their chemistry skyrockets off the page but it’s so much more than just lustful hormones. They connect on a deeper level from the start, even as they tumble into their Vegas hotel bed it’s clear there could be more between them.
Surprisingly, it’s only medium steam, but it feels more, if that makes sense. The intimacy and emotional connection between them comes out of the bedroom and into everything they’re experiencing together.
And when it comes to experiences, let me say, if you have an easily turned stomach, parts of this book will make you want to vomit. Tal holds nothing back when it comes to the brutality of the killer the two men are trying to find.
There were times I actually gasped out loud when reading, my heart was thumping and I had to force myself at 3am to put the book down and go to sleep. I NEEDED to know that the bad guy would get his just deserts.
But, I should have known, as with all Tal books, there would be a final sting before our amazing two men can get their HEA.
And what a HEA, the Epilogue is so beyond adorable I had a grin like the Cheshire Cat when I finished this book.
Murders aside, I could have read about Noah and Cole indefinitely. I also seriously appreciated Noah’s daughter Katie was an integral part of the narrative too, not just there to add a bit of interest to his character.
So, get it, start reading it early so you don’t stay up half the night, and be blown away by a romantic suspense novel which hopefully ticks all your boxes like it did mine.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
January 31, 2021
I wanted to love this so hard, but I just liked it. 🤷♀️
I found it missing that edgy and emotional torment that usually hooks me up to Bauer's stories.
The Romance:
I loved how Noah and Cole met, Cole hitting on Noah and inviting him to a bar. Sadly, as soon as they moved things to the hotel room, things escalated too fast for my taste. It didn't feel like they just met. There was a lot of intimacy between them, and it rubbed me wrong. They felt like an established couple pulling an all-nighter and sharing thoughts from a time apart. It was too forced.
"The hours passed with their legs and arms tangled together, and they traded kisses in between every other sentence as they talked softly in the neon-lit shadows."
So, I was glad when that twist happened, and Noah had to leave. It put a halt in the speed things were happening romance wise. But despite that brake, the infatuation from both sides became too serious in a blink when they got back together. When I realised, Noah was fretting over his desire to risk all on Cole. It felt rushed. I would have appreciated a more slow development in this regard.
As for Katie, she was a lovely girl, but too gullible and a bit immature with all her questions about Cole moving in with them, going to her games and so on when her dad wasn't even out of the closet yet.😖
The mystery:
The psychological part of the investigation was great. But things were missing in practice to make the serial killer case make sense and convincing to me.
The last 10% or so was PERFECTION. I really liked the way things wrapped up for them.
I found it missing that edgy and emotional torment that usually hooks me up to Bauer's stories.
The Romance:
I loved how Noah and Cole met, Cole hitting on Noah and inviting him to a bar. Sadly, as soon as they moved things to the hotel room, things escalated too fast for my taste. It didn't feel like they just met. There was a lot of intimacy between them, and it rubbed me wrong. They felt like an established couple pulling an all-nighter and sharing thoughts from a time apart. It was too forced.
"The hours passed with their legs and arms tangled together, and they traded kisses in between every other sentence as they talked softly in the neon-lit shadows."
So, I was glad when that twist happened, and Noah had to leave. It put a halt in the speed things were happening romance wise. But despite that brake, the infatuation from both sides became too serious in a blink when they got back together. When I realised, Noah was fretting over his desire to risk all on Cole. It felt rushed. I would have appreciated a more slow development in this regard.
As for Katie, she was a lovely girl, but too gullible and a bit immature with all her questions about Cole moving in with them, going to her games and so on when her dad wasn't even out of the closet yet.😖
The mystery:
The psychological part of the investigation was great. But things were missing in practice to make the serial killer case make sense and convincing to me.
The last 10% or so was PERFECTION. I really liked the way things wrapped up for them.
![Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1626057011i%2F10717098._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
June 4, 2024
The Murder Between Us is book one in the duet, A Noah & Cole Thriller, by Tal Bauer. With Tal’s books, I’ve come to realize that you don’t know exactly what to expect. They can be sweet and wonderfully swoony, or they can be super suspenseful and gritty. This one falls in the latter category.
Assistant Special Agent Noah Downing works in the FBI’s Des Moines, Iowa office. He is forty years old, divorced and has a sixteen year old daughter. Just recently, his daughter wanted to live with him full time so they are getting used to the new living arrangements. Noah loves his daughter, she is the center of his world. He didn’t want to ever do anything to jeopardize his custody of her or her love for him. Which meant he absolutely had to keep some questions he has about his sexuality a secret. He has always wondered way in the back of his mind. But after his disaster of a marriage fell apart, his questions even felt stronger.
Noah is currently in Las Vegas at a conference. For just one night he gets his nerve up. It’s just supposed to be an experiment. To see how he feels, to go out to a bar alone and see if he felt anything. Then he saw him, and his world turned upside down.
Dr. Cole Kennedy is an FBI profiler, working for the Behavioral Analysis Unit out of Washington D.C. He is an out gay man. He is also the best of the best at his job. He is at the convention as well when he sees Noah at the bar. The night is magical, their connection immediate and intense. It’s a night neither of them wants to ever end. The next morning plans are made to meet up later. Only Noah never showed up.
Six years prior, Noah had worked on a case involving a serial killer, one they never caught. Now it seems he’s back, and the crimes are more gruesome than ever. Noah is convinced it was better to cut ties with Cole. That despite it being the night of his dreams, that it could never have gone anywhere. But when he requests a profiler to help with the new murders, Cole walks into their office.
I’m giving this book five stars because it’s beautifully written. The feelings between Cole and Noah came off the pages and straight into my heart as only Tal Bauer can do. The crime scenes, though, were horrible and Tal didn’t hold anything back. I wondered a couple of times if it was going to be too much! And I also felt like the Cole I met in the beginning of the book wasn’t really him. The Cole who stayed in a five star hotel in Vegas, drank expensive champagne, had a private driver, etc. His explanation is that he saves all his per diem up and that he enjoys the finer things. But that didn’t fit with the Cole I got to know throughout the book. It did, though, make their night together in Vegas even more magical.
As always, though, the romance between Cole and Noah was breath taking. And Noah’s daughter, Katie was adorable. Such a typical sixteen year old but also wise beyond her years. I adored how Cole and Katie’s relationship developed. I loved this book. It comes to a complete ending, no cliffy. Book two is more of a continuation of their story. So, I’m going to go right on to book two, The Grave Between Us, to see what is going to happen next to Cole, Noah and Katie.
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...
Assistant Special Agent Noah Downing works in the FBI’s Des Moines, Iowa office. He is forty years old, divorced and has a sixteen year old daughter. Just recently, his daughter wanted to live with him full time so they are getting used to the new living arrangements. Noah loves his daughter, she is the center of his world. He didn’t want to ever do anything to jeopardize his custody of her or her love for him. Which meant he absolutely had to keep some questions he has about his sexuality a secret. He has always wondered way in the back of his mind. But after his disaster of a marriage fell apart, his questions even felt stronger.
Noah is currently in Las Vegas at a conference. For just one night he gets his nerve up. It’s just supposed to be an experiment. To see how he feels, to go out to a bar alone and see if he felt anything. Then he saw him, and his world turned upside down.
Dr. Cole Kennedy is an FBI profiler, working for the Behavioral Analysis Unit out of Washington D.C. He is an out gay man. He is also the best of the best at his job. He is at the convention as well when he sees Noah at the bar. The night is magical, their connection immediate and intense. It’s a night neither of them wants to ever end. The next morning plans are made to meet up later. Only Noah never showed up.
Six years prior, Noah had worked on a case involving a serial killer, one they never caught. Now it seems he’s back, and the crimes are more gruesome than ever. Noah is convinced it was better to cut ties with Cole. That despite it being the night of his dreams, that it could never have gone anywhere. But when he requests a profiler to help with the new murders, Cole walks into their office.
I’m giving this book five stars because it’s beautifully written. The feelings between Cole and Noah came off the pages and straight into my heart as only Tal Bauer can do. The crime scenes, though, were horrible and Tal didn’t hold anything back. I wondered a couple of times if it was going to be too much! And I also felt like the Cole I met in the beginning of the book wasn’t really him. The Cole who stayed in a five star hotel in Vegas, drank expensive champagne, had a private driver, etc. His explanation is that he saves all his per diem up and that he enjoys the finer things. But that didn’t fit with the Cole I got to know throughout the book. It did, though, make their night together in Vegas even more magical.
As always, though, the romance between Cole and Noah was breath taking. And Noah’s daughter, Katie was adorable. Such a typical sixteen year old but also wise beyond her years. I adored how Cole and Katie’s relationship developed. I loved this book. It comes to a complete ending, no cliffy. Book two is more of a continuation of their story. So, I’m going to go right on to book two, The Grave Between Us, to see what is going to happen next to Cole, Noah and Katie.
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...
January 26, 2021
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
****Spoiler Free Review****
****Highly Recommended Suspense****
*takes a deep breath*
OH MY GOD I DIDN'T WANT THIS BOOK TO END AND WOULD GLADLY READ ABOUT THESE TWO MEN FOREVER AND EVER!
In true Tal Bauer fashion, you get suspense, romance, twists and turns, and a fabulous HEA.
This book has it all in SPADES!
"What happens in Vegas, doesn't always stay in Vegas....."
What I loved...
The Characters...
Noah: A curious, closeted depressed FBI agent who wants one night to himself, one night to explore what he has known about himself for years, one night to let go. #IWantToBeMe
Cole: A behavioral analyst, out and proud, and looking for some fun in Vegas... Little does he know, that he would meet a man who would refuse to leave his thoughts. #NeverExpectedYou
The Plot...
A murder comes between them, and the same murder brings them back together... In search for a serial killer who had been terrorizing Des Moines for years, the two men grow closer together. Walls are broken and fears are overcome while a killer is hunted. The plot is intricately woven, and you're always kept guessing. Tal, of course, throws in some WTF moments where you want to curl into a ball and cry, or throw your kindle against the wall....sometimes both. #DidntSeeThatComing
The Romance..
Noah and Cole connect from the very beginning. while both men didn't intend their one night together to hold such potential, they were irrevocably linked. Noah struggles to come to terms with his attraction and with his ever-growing feelings for Cole, while Cole desperately was to tether Noah and keep him. these two men are frankly... ADORABLE. Cole's strength complemented Noah's vulnerability. Cole was all in, in every aspect of Noah's life, and even though Noah was hesitant, taking one step forward and two steps back, he still tried his best and rebelled against his old life. #WhateverItTakes
The Heat...
Even though it's not super steamy, but the couple of sex scenes that are on page are page scorchers. Noah and Cole burn brightly in their passion, they feed off each other's emotions in bed, and are simultaneously tentative, sweet, wild and sexy. #YouGotMeBurninUp
The HEA...
Can we all say SWOON? A glimpse into Noah and Cole's life after the plot is resolved is full of feels, love and tenderness. #EverAfterIsJustTheBeginning
Favorite Quote...
"Damn midwestern men"
#HappyReading
****Spoiler Free Review****
****Highly Recommended Suspense****
*takes a deep breath*
OH MY GOD I DIDN'T WANT THIS BOOK TO END AND WOULD GLADLY READ ABOUT THESE TWO MEN FOREVER AND EVER!
In true Tal Bauer fashion, you get suspense, romance, twists and turns, and a fabulous HEA.
This book has it all in SPADES!
"What happens in Vegas, doesn't always stay in Vegas....."
What I loved...
The Characters...
Noah: A curious, closeted depressed FBI agent who wants one night to himself, one night to explore what he has known about himself for years, one night to let go. #IWantToBeMe
Cole: A behavioral analyst, out and proud, and looking for some fun in Vegas... Little does he know, that he would meet a man who would refuse to leave his thoughts. #NeverExpectedYou
The Plot...
A murder comes between them, and the same murder brings them back together... In search for a serial killer who had been terrorizing Des Moines for years, the two men grow closer together. Walls are broken and fears are overcome while a killer is hunted. The plot is intricately woven, and you're always kept guessing. Tal, of course, throws in some WTF moments where you want to curl into a ball and cry, or throw your kindle against the wall....sometimes both. #DidntSeeThatComing
The Romance..
Noah and Cole connect from the very beginning. while both men didn't intend their one night together to hold such potential, they were irrevocably linked. Noah struggles to come to terms with his attraction and with his ever-growing feelings for Cole, while Cole desperately was to tether Noah and keep him. these two men are frankly... ADORABLE. Cole's strength complemented Noah's vulnerability. Cole was all in, in every aspect of Noah's life, and even though Noah was hesitant, taking one step forward and two steps back, he still tried his best and rebelled against his old life. #WhateverItTakes
The Heat...
Even though it's not super steamy, but the couple of sex scenes that are on page are page scorchers. Noah and Cole burn brightly in their passion, they feed off each other's emotions in bed, and are simultaneously tentative, sweet, wild and sexy. #YouGotMeBurninUp
The HEA...
Can we all say SWOON? A glimpse into Noah and Cole's life after the plot is resolved is full of feels, love and tenderness. #EverAfterIsJustTheBeginning
Favorite Quote...
"Damn midwestern men"
#HappyReading
July 8, 2024
I can see why this book is a fan favorite. The Murder Between Us is a thrilling blend of mystery, suspense, and romance.
Following a six year absence, a serial killer is once again strangling accomplished young women in the Iowa area. The murders are gruesome and terrifying. FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Noah Downing let the killer slip through his fingers once. He won't let it happen again.
Noah calls on the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit to send him their best profiler. Enter Dr. Cole Kennedy, whom Noah met and slept with in Vegas.
What happened in Vegas was supposed to stay in Vegas, not follow Noah to Iowa. Noah wants Cole so badly it hurts, but Noah isn't out and can never be out (that's Noah's fear talking).
I loved Cole. He was more patient with Noah than Noah deserved. Noah drove me up the fucking wall. He was anxious and moody, toying with Cole's emotions, up one minute, down the next.
There's a break in the case halfway through the story, but I figured there had to be more to the mystery than that, and there was.
The story ends on a hopeful note. Noah and Cole are planning a future together. I hope the second book doesn't mess with their HEA.
Following a six year absence, a serial killer is once again strangling accomplished young women in the Iowa area. The murders are gruesome and terrifying. FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Noah Downing let the killer slip through his fingers once. He won't let it happen again.
Noah calls on the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit to send him their best profiler. Enter Dr. Cole Kennedy, whom Noah met and slept with in Vegas.
What happened in Vegas was supposed to stay in Vegas, not follow Noah to Iowa. Noah wants Cole so badly it hurts, but Noah isn't out and can never be out (that's Noah's fear talking).
I loved Cole. He was more patient with Noah than Noah deserved. Noah drove me up the fucking wall. He was anxious and moody, toying with Cole's emotions, up one minute, down the next.
There's a break in the case halfway through the story, but I figured there had to be more to the mystery than that, and there was.
The story ends on a hopeful note. Noah and Cole are planning a future together. I hope the second book doesn't mess with their HEA.
March 12, 2021
Audio 5 Stars
Story 4.5 Stars
Story 4.5 Stars
January 30, 2021
Tal Bauer has mastered this blend of original and recognizable. It's the only way I can think to describe it because the characters are relatable, the scenario recognizable, the world contemporary but still there is this feel to it, this new, original, refreshing take of the norm that's woven in so subtly throughout every scene.
Lovable complex main characters
This is definitely a case of two adults, both mature and kind. Sometimes, it's nice to have pleasant characters. ^_^
Though for the sake of sharing one slight, miniscule, barely worth mentioning niggle, i do wish Noah and Cole had different names. For the life of me I couldn't remember who was who when there was an excess of dialogue in a scene. They were just a tad too similiar to one another and having two four-letter names had me pausing and rewinding a little too much.
Intriguing serial killer case. I loved the way it unfolded, not the typical mystery book chronology of crime investigation. Bauer takes us beyond chase-and-catch bad guy chronology, to what comes after, to finding proof beyond a shadow of a doubt even when you know who the bad guy is. The fallibility of the humans who hunt those bad guys.
I do love it when an author brings some realism to a criminal case.
Romance. Perfect.
Just the right amount of tension and self-doubt.
The perfect level of chemistry.
Sex-scenes, well, it's Bauer so needless to say beyond excellent with emotion and lust perfectly blended.
Writing Style
Perfect. Can't use this word enough.
Highly recommend if you're looking for a well written and gripping police procedural, MM romance novel.
Tal Bauer delivers.
Period.
Lovable complex main characters
This is definitely a case of two adults, both mature and kind. Sometimes, it's nice to have pleasant characters. ^_^
Though for the sake of sharing one slight, miniscule, barely worth mentioning niggle, i do wish Noah and Cole had different names. For the life of me I couldn't remember who was who when there was an excess of dialogue in a scene. They were just a tad too similiar to one another and having two four-letter names had me pausing and rewinding a little too much.
Intriguing serial killer case. I loved the way it unfolded, not the typical mystery book chronology of crime investigation. Bauer takes us beyond chase-and-catch bad guy chronology, to what comes after, to finding proof beyond a shadow of a doubt even when you know who the bad guy is. The fallibility of the humans who hunt those bad guys.
I do love it when an author brings some realism to a criminal case.
Romance. Perfect.
Just the right amount of tension and self-doubt.
The perfect level of chemistry.
Sex-scenes, well, it's Bauer so needless to say beyond excellent with emotion and lust perfectly blended.
Writing Style
Perfect. Can't use this word enough.
Highly recommend if you're looking for a well written and gripping police procedural, MM romance novel.
Tal Bauer delivers.
Period.
January 30, 2021
This book was seriously perfect. For me. I spent most of my adult life reading suspense and thrillers, and horror, and only (re)discovered romance a couple of years ago, after reading it a bit in my teens. For some reason I haven’t ventured much into romantic suspense. Until now.
This book was everything I wanted in an MM romance, with a gruesome serial killer story thrown in. I loved every single minute of it.
Two FBI agents have an incredible night in Vegas. Noah’s first time feeling brave enough to explore his sexuality. And it was epic and beautiful and romantic. They’ll never see each other again. Right?
But a serial killer investigation brings them back together.
Cole. What can I say about Cole. Sexy. Sweet. Brilliant. Patient. Loving. Wonderful Cole. I’m in love.
Noah. Sweet tentative scared Noah. I want to hug him.
Why have I waited so long to read a book by Tal Bauer? ❤️
This book was everything I wanted in an MM romance, with a gruesome serial killer story thrown in. I loved every single minute of it.
Two FBI agents have an incredible night in Vegas. Noah’s first time feeling brave enough to explore his sexuality. And it was epic and beautiful and romantic. They’ll never see each other again. Right?
But a serial killer investigation brings them back together.
Cole. What can I say about Cole. Sexy. Sweet. Brilliant. Patient. Loving. Wonderful Cole. I’m in love.
Noah. Sweet tentative scared Noah. I want to hug him.
Why have I waited so long to read a book by Tal Bauer? ❤️
February 19, 2025
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes & tags down below.
Why did it feel like he’d gone and met the man of his dreams, on a Wednesday night right here in Las Vegas?
This duet is probably my favorite duet, at least as far as romantic suspense goes, so it’s really difficult to review it. Let me just preface this with the fact that I LOVE Tal Bauer. I could go on and on and fucking on about his books and the writing.
He grinned up at Cole, still trying to catch his breath, his heart still thundering. “You know, I think I might be gay.” Cole threw his head back and laughed.
The romantic parts of this is (obviously) phenomenal. It’s Tal. The connection between Noah and Cole is instant, but there’s no instalove or that kind of deal. They just fit each other so well, and even when they’re struggling, you’re cheering for them to figure it out and get together so everyone can be happy, lol. It’s definitely not smooth sailing for them, and they have a somewhat unconventional start to their relationship, with a one night stand in Las Vegas. Even with the casual sex though, there’s so much more there. If you’ve ever read anything by Tal Bauer, you know the kind of connection he’s capable of writing. This one is no different. Whenever they’re together, it’s hot, it’s sweet, it’s heartwarming, and at times it’s a little heartbreaking. This definitely continues in The Grave Between Us.
Cole studied him. Noah felt his gaze trace over his profile, wander from his hair to his lips, lingering there, before roaming further south. He cast Cole a quick, sidelong glance. “Here? Now?” he murmured. “Can’t help it.” A flush rose on Cole’s cheeks. “You have me head over heels.”
The murder mystery/case solving part is also fantastic. You can tell that a lot of thought, planning and most likely research went into this. I have a strong stomach so none of the graphic details in this bothered me, but the content warnings are warranted. I will also say that after reading The Grave Between Us, this book seems rather tame in comparison, lol. It’s so well thought out though, and even when you think you have a handle on what the hell is going on, you’ll probably end up being surprised. Gah, the whole thing is just so damn good.
Romantic suspense is my favorite genre, so pairing that with my favorite MM author (who is arguably one of the best in the genre overall), you know I’ll go crazy for it. This is my third time reading this one, and it won’t be the last. Be warned that if you read this one and feel comfortable with the content, you might not feel the same about book 2 in the duet. That one turned my stomach a couple times, which hasn’t happened more than once since then. I’ll get to rereading that and getting the review up soon-ish. I believe you could comfortably read this as a standalone, as they get a HFN ending, and there’s no overall case/mystery bits that carry over to the second book, if I remember correctly.
Raising a teen, Cole had discovered, was a delicate balancing act between trying to keep them safe and not crossing the line into a full-on parental surveillance state.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
ONS to lovers
Closeted
First times
Single dad
FBI agent
FBI profiler
Case solving
Push and pull
Serial killer
Divorced MC
Whodunnit
Romantic suspense
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
MC tortured on page
Gun violence
Gunshot wound — MC injured
MC hospitalization
Murder (off page)
Graphic violence
Attempted murder of MC and SC
Explicit sexual content
Attempted murder of a child
Graphic details of crime scenes
Death of a minor side character
Murdered children (crime scenes detailed)
Internalized homophobia
Alcohol consumption
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Third-act breakup: Yes
POV: 3rd person, dual POV
Genre: Romantic suspense, M/M, duet
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Ages: 40 and not specified
Pages: 298
KU: Yes
Happy ending: HFN
Why did it feel like he’d gone and met the man of his dreams, on a Wednesday night right here in Las Vegas?
This duet is probably my favorite duet, at least as far as romantic suspense goes, so it’s really difficult to review it. Let me just preface this with the fact that I LOVE Tal Bauer. I could go on and on and fucking on about his books and the writing.
He grinned up at Cole, still trying to catch his breath, his heart still thundering. “You know, I think I might be gay.” Cole threw his head back and laughed.
The romantic parts of this is (obviously) phenomenal. It’s Tal. The connection between Noah and Cole is instant, but there’s no instalove or that kind of deal. They just fit each other so well, and even when they’re struggling, you’re cheering for them to figure it out and get together so everyone can be happy, lol. It’s definitely not smooth sailing for them, and they have a somewhat unconventional start to their relationship, with a one night stand in Las Vegas. Even with the casual sex though, there’s so much more there. If you’ve ever read anything by Tal Bauer, you know the kind of connection he’s capable of writing. This one is no different. Whenever they’re together, it’s hot, it’s sweet, it’s heartwarming, and at times it’s a little heartbreaking. This definitely continues in The Grave Between Us.
Cole studied him. Noah felt his gaze trace over his profile, wander from his hair to his lips, lingering there, before roaming further south. He cast Cole a quick, sidelong glance. “Here? Now?” he murmured. “Can’t help it.” A flush rose on Cole’s cheeks. “You have me head over heels.”
The murder mystery/case solving part is also fantastic. You can tell that a lot of thought, planning and most likely research went into this. I have a strong stomach so none of the graphic details in this bothered me, but the content warnings are warranted. I will also say that after reading The Grave Between Us, this book seems rather tame in comparison, lol. It’s so well thought out though, and even when you think you have a handle on what the hell is going on, you’ll probably end up being surprised. Gah, the whole thing is just so damn good.
Romantic suspense is my favorite genre, so pairing that with my favorite MM author (who is arguably one of the best in the genre overall), you know I’ll go crazy for it. This is my third time reading this one, and it won’t be the last. Be warned that if you read this one and feel comfortable with the content, you might not feel the same about book 2 in the duet. That one turned my stomach a couple times, which hasn’t happened more than once since then. I’ll get to rereading that and getting the review up soon-ish. I believe you could comfortably read this as a standalone, as they get a HFN ending, and there’s no overall case/mystery bits that carry over to the second book, if I remember correctly.
Raising a teen, Cole had discovered, was a delicate balancing act between trying to keep them safe and not crossing the line into a full-on parental surveillance state.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
ONS to lovers
Closeted
First times
Single dad
FBI agent
FBI profiler
Case solving
Push and pull
Serial killer
Divorced MC
Whodunnit
Romantic suspense
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
MC tortured on page
Gun violence
Gunshot wound — MC injured
MC hospitalization
Murder (off page)
Graphic violence
Attempted murder of MC and SC
Explicit sexual content
Attempted murder of a child
Graphic details of crime scenes
Death of a minor side character
Murdered children (crime scenes detailed)
Internalized homophobia
Alcohol consumption
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Third-act breakup: Yes
POV: 3rd person, dual POV
Genre: Romantic suspense, M/M, duet
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Ages: 40 and not specified
Pages: 298
KU: Yes
Happy ending: HFN
August 11, 2022
***3.75 rating***
"Shaking his head, Noah started forward again. After they left the parking lot, he reached across the center console and grabbed Cole’s hand. He didn’t let go for the rest of the drive."
This is my third book by Tal, and it will definitely not be my last. I have grown to really appreciate Tal's writing, his writing is exceptionally good and I love a male author that knows how to write romance between two men. This is not to bash female writers who write MM some of my favorites write beautiful stories, recently however I have noticed MF female authors pick this genre up because it's the new hype/trend and you can tell they have never written MM romance before. So when I read a book by authors such as Tal or Gregory Ashe, I appreciate the genre even more because it is written by a male author, something that I have found to be rare when reading MM romance.
What I love about Tal's writing is that the man knows how to write romance. The tension, the angst, the love-making/sex scenes, Tal certainly accomplished all of that with Noah and Cole. I also thought the mystery/suspense aspect of the book was okay, nothing I haven't read before but it worked with this book. I did find Noah at times frustrating though, he was a bit hot and cold for me, idk. Katie, the daughter was also a bit much but I loved the father/daughter relationship they had, especially when Noah always put her first. Like other reviewers had already mentioned, I did find the ending a bit rushed, especially the last two chapters where it felt like Tal was just briefly summarizing everything that had happened. I was left wanting more. I am still looking forward to reading the second book, hope it's not rushed.
Regardless of the niggles I had with this book, one thing that makes it really an enjoyable experience is the writing, I look forward to more of that in the follow-up book.
"Shaking his head, Noah started forward again. After they left the parking lot, he reached across the center console and grabbed Cole’s hand. He didn’t let go for the rest of the drive."
This is my third book by Tal, and it will definitely not be my last. I have grown to really appreciate Tal's writing, his writing is exceptionally good and I love a male author that knows how to write romance between two men. This is not to bash female writers who write MM some of my favorites write beautiful stories, recently however I have noticed MF female authors pick this genre up because it's the new hype/trend and you can tell they have never written MM romance before. So when I read a book by authors such as Tal or Gregory Ashe, I appreciate the genre even more because it is written by a male author, something that I have found to be rare when reading MM romance.
What I love about Tal's writing is that the man knows how to write romance. The tension, the angst, the love-making/sex scenes, Tal certainly accomplished all of that with Noah and Cole. I also thought the mystery/suspense aspect of the book was okay, nothing I haven't read before but it worked with this book. I did find Noah at times frustrating though, he was a bit hot and cold for me, idk. Katie, the daughter was also a bit much but I loved the father/daughter relationship they had, especially when Noah always put her first. Like other reviewers had already mentioned, I did find the ending a bit rushed, especially the last two chapters where it felt like Tal was just briefly summarizing everything that had happened. I was left wanting more. I am still looking forward to reading the second book, hope it's not rushed.
Regardless of the niggles I had with this book, one thing that makes it really an enjoyable experience is the writing, I look forward to more of that in the follow-up book.
August 13, 2022
This started strong with the romance, and remained strong through an entertaining serial killer case. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars was that the romance felt a bit insta-love-y, and I had to suspend my disbelief of the serial killer angle a time or two (i.e. the BAU profiler missed that?)
I love Bauer's writing style. I just literally fall into the story.
I really enjoyed it and read it in one sitting. This was a win!
I love Bauer's writing style. I just literally fall into the story.
I really enjoyed it and read it in one sitting. This was a win!
June 22, 2022
My first Tal Bauer book that I didn't enjoy. Had to fast-forward through parts of the audio.
June 18, 2022
4.5***** stars
I can only repeat myself and say -- I don’t know what was more thrilling, the suspense or the romance. And friends, I can really see myself becoming a Tal Bauer fangirl.
********
Regarding the suspense… *phew! I think especially as a parent this was not an easy one to take. But what a gripping murder case. I was hooked to it the moment Noah was called back home because they found another victim of a serial killer they couldn’t catch before.
As for the romance… it was an awesome one. Even if it was a bit cheesy. But from what I’ve heard about Tal Bauer books and experienced myself so far, this seems to be his MO. *lol -- But I can excuse that as this book features one of my favorite tropes - "hooking up with a stranger“ ♡
********
Even if this was only the first in a duet, this doesn’t end on a cliffhanger but with a solved case and a strong HFN if it isn’t even a HEA. I’m very excited to see Noah & Cole again in the second book The Grave Between Us -- with a new case to solve.
I can only repeat myself and say -- I don’t know what was more thrilling, the suspense or the romance. And friends, I can really see myself becoming a Tal Bauer fangirl.
********
Regarding the suspense… *phew! I think especially as a parent this was not an easy one to take. But what a gripping murder case. I was hooked to it the moment Noah was called back home because they found another victim of a serial killer they couldn’t catch before.
As for the romance… it was an awesome one. Even if it was a bit cheesy. But from what I’ve heard about Tal Bauer books and experienced myself so far, this seems to be his MO. *lol -- But I can excuse that as this book features one of my favorite tropes - "hooking up with a stranger“ ♡
********
Even if this was only the first in a duet, this doesn’t end on a cliffhanger but with a solved case and a strong HFN if it isn’t even a HEA. I’m very excited to see Noah & Cole again in the second book The Grave Between Us -- with a new case to solve.
March 25, 2021
I really didn't care much for this book. The suspense plot felt unbelievable, the MC's didn't act like FBI agents at all and the romance felt forced and out of place. What really gave me a hard time though, or rather who, was Noah. He was whining and freaking out... ALL. THE. TIME. I just couldn't. His reasoning for not acting on being gay and then freaking out about it over and over again felt like the author adding drama to the story for the sake of having more drama there. Like we needed that... This is why I usually try to stay clear of closeted guys in my M/M romances. I just don't have the patience.
This was my first book by Tal Bauer and I'm not sure I'll pick up another one.
This was my first book by Tal Bauer and I'm not sure I'll pick up another one.
February 1, 2021
Tal Bauer is one of my faves (an auto-buy for me) and this book is a clear testament to why that is.
His writing draws you into the world he weaves and doesn’t let you go till he is well and done with you.
I absolutely loved this investigation/mystery/thriller and could not put it down once i started. The romance between Cole & Noah was also the perfect complement to the investigations and i couont get enough of them, even when Noah was doing the most. Lol!
Highly recommended.
His writing draws you into the world he weaves and doesn’t let you go till he is well and done with you.
I absolutely loved this investigation/mystery/thriller and could not put it down once i started. The romance between Cole & Noah was also the perfect complement to the investigations and i couont get enough of them, even when Noah was doing the most. Lol!
Highly recommended.
February 1, 2021
There is no one that can write a story that can put your literal heart in your throat better than Tal Bauer, and he certainly managed that here. I liked both Cole and Noah and though the relationship was a little fast , I couldn't stop reading so I forgave the insta aspect.
I actually loved the way the book wrapped up and though the ending was solid, if the author decided to come back to these two, I'd definitely be reading!
I actually loved the way the book wrapped up and though the ending was solid, if the author decided to come back to these two, I'd definitely be reading!
January 30, 2021
If you go into this story thinking: I hope I get an awesome case with a good structure and I hope that everything makes sense! This is not the book for you. An Alessandra Hazard kind of mentality is needed for this one.. So let's break this down:
The case:
It was kind of a background trope, they talked about it and that was about it. The main guys didn't do groundwork, nor did they went to places to make questions or went through files to research stuff, they had people to do that for them while they were more worried about their relationship. That's no fun, the charm of a crime trope is all the clues they find and how they find it, that's not here.
And since they didn't do any of that, the information that the reader has is minimal, so there isn't the fun of having theories because you just don't have the intel. So that was disappointing, specially because I think the idea was good, it's just the execution that sucked...
The love:
It was sweet, had a insta flavor to it even though they get together late in the book, it's just that when they do they immediately "love" each other, after a week... Boys get a grip! They had the usual tropes and developments that every author uses to fuck things up, so that's not much fun, but the characters were sweet to each other and were good people themselves, so I liked it enough.
Katie:
Her character did a lot of good to the story, she presented really fun dynamics that made me laugh, cringe or cry. Did the relationship between her and Cole went fast? Yep, but everything went fast in here so 🤷🏻♀️. I do feel she was written sometimes as someone of 10 years old not 16, but I still loved her. She did good.
To wrap things up: it had A LOT of inconsistencies, things that didn't add up, one step forward two steps back situations, wtf situations but you enjoy OTT tropes for being OTT and that's exactly what went here. Besides, the guys were sweet!
*drops the mic* 🤭❤🥰
Update:
After thinking of all the crime books I've read, yeah this one it's never a 4 stars but a 3 stars. Personal opinion of course.
The case:
It was kind of a background trope, they talked about it and that was about it. The main guys didn't do groundwork, nor did they went to places to make questions or went through files to research stuff, they had people to do that for them while they were more worried about their relationship. That's no fun, the charm of a crime trope is all the clues they find and how they find it, that's not here.
And since they didn't do any of that, the information that the reader has is minimal, so there isn't the fun of having theories because you just don't have the intel. So that was disappointing, specially because I think the idea was good, it's just the execution that sucked...
The love:
It was sweet, had a insta flavor to it even though they get together late in the book, it's just that when they do they immediately "love" each other, after a week... Boys get a grip! They had the usual tropes and developments that every author uses to fuck things up, so that's not much fun, but the characters were sweet to each other and were good people themselves, so I liked it enough.
Katie:
Her character did a lot of good to the story, she presented really fun dynamics that made me laugh, cringe or cry. Did the relationship between her and Cole went fast? Yep, but everything went fast in here so 🤷🏻♀️. I do feel she was written sometimes as someone of 10 years old not 16, but I still loved her. She did good.
To wrap things up: it had A LOT of inconsistencies, things that didn't add up, one step forward two steps back situations, wtf situations but you enjoy OTT tropes for being OTT and that's exactly what went here. Besides, the guys were sweet!
*drops the mic* 🤭❤🥰
Update:
After thinking of all the crime books I've read, yeah this one it's never a 4 stars but a 3 stars. Personal opinion of course.
June 24, 2021
4 Stars
I keep talking about how I’m going to try to read more light-hearted, mood-lifting stories, but an alluring Tal Bauer book can’t be denied.
This was expectantly suspenseful, with all the angst-y emotions and the murder-y man-hunt that was afoot, but I couldn’t help myself—Bauer does romantic-suspense so well that I’m willing to stew in the intensity of it all for a while, personal emotional state be damned.
Kicking off a new M/M series, The Murder Between Us follows two FBI agents, Noah and Cole, as they battle an intense mutual attraction, while joining forces in a desperate hunt to catch a crazed serial killer, who’s becoming more violent and extreme with every new kill.
This involved a classic romantic trope set-up, wherein the characters meet as strangers and have a wild night of passion together, only to realise after the fact, that they have to work together and must therefore try and deny their simmering attraction and rapidly growing feelings. I’m not sure how often people show up on the job IRL to find their very recent one-night-stand present, but it’s a trope I enjoy in my reading—one I believe worked well here, especially in terms of building some truly great tension between repressed and scared Noah and sweet and supportive Cole.
The relationship between these two was a complex one, particularly from Noah’s side, as he painstakingly, and sometimes quite dramatically, worked through his newly realized gay status. There’s in the closet cases and then there’s Noah. This guy was quite intense—about everything—but I liked him anyway. I certainly understood and sympathized with Noah’s fears and anxieties over how to openly be with Cole, living in middle America and working the kind of job he did. It definitely helped that the instant and untamable passion Noah and Cole shared wasn’t something that could or would be denied for long.
Cole was much more of a centered character when compared to high-strung Noah, but I guess that’s one of the elements that made them work so well together, both on the job and in their budding relationship. Cole was intelligent and perceptive, and so astoundingly supportive of Noah and his needs, practically from the very first moment they met. And what a damn hero he turned out to be, too. I liked him even more than I could have expected, to be honest.
As for the murder investigation, this stuff was my bread and butter. I love a good, thought-out, well-paced, perfectly executed murder-mystery plot, and this one hit all those buttons for me. It was intense—even more intense than Noah himself—and I did have a few cringe-worthy, overwhelming moments, where the details of the murders taking place really rattled me and left me unnerved. I doubt I’ll be able to clear a few of these scenes from my mind in any big hurry, but I guess that’s also a good sign when it comes to stories within this genre.
There were certainly aspects of these characters, their relationships and even the crime plot that I wish were slightly different, but I still enjoyed this story immensely and look forward to diving back into Noah and Cole’s world with the sequel.
I keep talking about how I’m going to try to read more light-hearted, mood-lifting stories, but an alluring Tal Bauer book can’t be denied.
This was expectantly suspenseful, with all the angst-y emotions and the murder-y man-hunt that was afoot, but I couldn’t help myself—Bauer does romantic-suspense so well that I’m willing to stew in the intensity of it all for a while, personal emotional state be damned.
Kicking off a new M/M series, The Murder Between Us follows two FBI agents, Noah and Cole, as they battle an intense mutual attraction, while joining forces in a desperate hunt to catch a crazed serial killer, who’s becoming more violent and extreme with every new kill.
This involved a classic romantic trope set-up, wherein the characters meet as strangers and have a wild night of passion together, only to realise after the fact, that they have to work together and must therefore try and deny their simmering attraction and rapidly growing feelings. I’m not sure how often people show up on the job IRL to find their very recent one-night-stand present, but it’s a trope I enjoy in my reading—one I believe worked well here, especially in terms of building some truly great tension between repressed and scared Noah and sweet and supportive Cole.
The relationship between these two was a complex one, particularly from Noah’s side, as he painstakingly, and sometimes quite dramatically, worked through his newly realized gay status. There’s in the closet cases and then there’s Noah. This guy was quite intense—about everything—but I liked him anyway. I certainly understood and sympathized with Noah’s fears and anxieties over how to openly be with Cole, living in middle America and working the kind of job he did. It definitely helped that the instant and untamable passion Noah and Cole shared wasn’t something that could or would be denied for long.
Cole was much more of a centered character when compared to high-strung Noah, but I guess that’s one of the elements that made them work so well together, both on the job and in their budding relationship. Cole was intelligent and perceptive, and so astoundingly supportive of Noah and his needs, practically from the very first moment they met. And what a damn hero he turned out to be, too. I liked him even more than I could have expected, to be honest.
As for the murder investigation, this stuff was my bread and butter. I love a good, thought-out, well-paced, perfectly executed murder-mystery plot, and this one hit all those buttons for me. It was intense—even more intense than Noah himself—and I did have a few cringe-worthy, overwhelming moments, where the details of the murders taking place really rattled me and left me unnerved. I doubt I’ll be able to clear a few of these scenes from my mind in any big hurry, but I guess that’s also a good sign when it comes to stories within this genre.
There were certainly aspects of these characters, their relationships and even the crime plot that I wish were slightly different, but I still enjoyed this story immensely and look forward to diving back into Noah and Cole’s world with the sequel.
February 3, 2021
*3.5 stars*
It was good, I was sucked in and it was super romantic.
The resolution to the mystery was somewhat weird to me. Cole had a revelation which I didn't think actually was a revelation. I thought it was a given throughout the whole book.
Still, it was enjoyable.
It was good, I was sucked in and it was super romantic.
The resolution to the mystery was somewhat weird to me. Cole had a revelation which I didn't think actually was a revelation. I thought it was a given throughout the whole book.
Still, it was enjoyable.
March 14, 2023
Remembered why I don't tend to read thrillers or suspenseful murdery stories all that often - I have to read the book in one go and know the resolution or I give myself nightmares 😂 (I'm finishing this at 2:30am!!!)
I enjoyed this and the twists even though a lot was very predictable and fairly easy to see coming. I always loved watching CSI and NCIS and I'm always interested in the psychology behind serial killers and criminals in general, so Cole's character was really fun for me.
Noah really needed to pull his head out of his arse though!!
I enjoyed this and the twists even though a lot was very predictable and fairly easy to see coming. I always loved watching CSI and NCIS and I'm always interested in the psychology behind serial killers and criminals in general, so Cole's character was really fun for me.
Noah really needed to pull his head out of his arse though!!
January 31, 2021
***3.5 Stars***
May 3, 2021
The Murder Between Us, is a mystery thriller with an M/M romance. (has violence, brutal, and graphic, explicit murder details)
For the first time in his life, Noah was going to give himself permission to be himself.
He met Cole, blonde, hard sculpted muscles,
with kind eyes, at the hotel bar, they talked a long while and went to a jazz place, and back to Cole's fancy room at the Aria.
There's no pushing or rushing; it's an exploring, a first M/M kiss and more, a glorious and passion filled sexy time, especially for Noah. Cole was deeply affected also, and plans were made for the following night.
An emergency calls Noah, 40, tall, dark haired,
FBI Agent, back home to Des Moines, Iowa, as another murder from a serial killer happened. The scenes are explicit, horrific, teen girl and a parent, more brutal and terrifying than the previous kills.
From there we have the investigating, leads, lists, facts and questions. When the requested BAU, FBI expert arrives, it is Cole. Noah is terrified of being found out, but their emotions are growing in strength, as Noah struggles within himself.
They are shocked to see each other, since there was no "goodbye" and each man is angry for the non-communication. Slowly they are working together, getting into each other's space, and the feelings they began, are rekindled. But, here in Iowa, Noah can't be "out" at work, or while raising his young teen daughter.
The case is gaining speed, with lots of ideas and profiling, but the killer keeps striking, escalating, and we try to figure out who it is just as they are doing.
An amazing murder mystery, gripping and intense. I thought I knew who it was, but I was shocked as they all were.
The characters are well developed, tortured souls, with thrills and gasps that keep coming to the end.
What will happen to our men who want happiness and to be a family?
Who is the vicious killer after such a long fought search?
Fantastic. Fierce. Fiery.
Highly recommended.
ENJOY.
=====
For the first time in his life, Noah was going to give himself permission to be himself.
He met Cole, blonde, hard sculpted muscles,
with kind eyes, at the hotel bar, they talked a long while and went to a jazz place, and back to Cole's fancy room at the Aria.
There's no pushing or rushing; it's an exploring, a first M/M kiss and more, a glorious and passion filled sexy time, especially for Noah. Cole was deeply affected also, and plans were made for the following night.
An emergency calls Noah, 40, tall, dark haired,
FBI Agent, back home to Des Moines, Iowa, as another murder from a serial killer happened. The scenes are explicit, horrific, teen girl and a parent, more brutal and terrifying than the previous kills.
From there we have the investigating, leads, lists, facts and questions. When the requested BAU, FBI expert arrives, it is Cole. Noah is terrified of being found out, but their emotions are growing in strength, as Noah struggles within himself.
They are shocked to see each other, since there was no "goodbye" and each man is angry for the non-communication. Slowly they are working together, getting into each other's space, and the feelings they began, are rekindled. But, here in Iowa, Noah can't be "out" at work, or while raising his young teen daughter.
The case is gaining speed, with lots of ideas and profiling, but the killer keeps striking, escalating, and we try to figure out who it is just as they are doing.
An amazing murder mystery, gripping and intense. I thought I knew who it was, but I was shocked as they all were.
The characters are well developed, tortured souls, with thrills and gasps that keep coming to the end.
What will happen to our men who want happiness and to be a family?
Who is the vicious killer after such a long fought search?
Fantastic. Fierce. Fiery.
Highly recommended.
ENJOY.
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April 18, 2021
Tal Bauer is back with this wonderfully intense and suspenseful second chance romance! Great chemistry, serial killer plot with a twist, emotions pouring across the pages and the best happy ever after! It has it all. The details and research are top notch, the writing is smooth and engaging, the MCs are likeable and easy to relate - I breezed through the book and didn't want it to end.
Both MCs, Noah Downing and Cole Kennedy, are FBI agents. Their first meeting is pure chance or maybe Fate that sets the tone for the entire story - instead of two agents working tirelessly to find the killer, they are two agents longing and desiring each other so much that they can't see straight while working tirelessly to find the killer. Noah's journey of self acceptance and self discovery is at times painful but so important for him to go through. Mr Bauer has truly shined the light on the fear and anxiety of coming out among slightly older generation and how much it affects their life and happiness. Cole is a complete opposite of Noah. He is secure in his feelings, desires and how people view him both as a man and as an agent. He helps Noah to go through ups and downs without a second thought. The two men are so perfect together.
The mystery is well paced, well written with a wonderful twist in the end. The profiling done by Cole is simply brilliant. The case is gruesome, the investigative process is realistic and well detailed. I enjoyed every page. Tal Bauer wrote an incredible story. Again.
Both MCs, Noah Downing and Cole Kennedy, are FBI agents. Their first meeting is pure chance or maybe Fate that sets the tone for the entire story - instead of two agents working tirelessly to find the killer, they are two agents longing and desiring each other so much that they can't see straight while working tirelessly to find the killer. Noah's journey of self acceptance and self discovery is at times painful but so important for him to go through. Mr Bauer has truly shined the light on the fear and anxiety of coming out among slightly older generation and how much it affects their life and happiness. Cole is a complete opposite of Noah. He is secure in his feelings, desires and how people view him both as a man and as an agent. He helps Noah to go through ups and downs without a second thought. The two men are so perfect together.
The mystery is well paced, well written with a wonderful twist in the end. The profiling done by Cole is simply brilliant. The case is gruesome, the investigative process is realistic and well detailed. I enjoyed every page. Tal Bauer wrote an incredible story. Again.
July 26, 2023
***Audio Review***
John Solo seems to be narrating all of Tal's stories at the mo [Whisper coming along shortly I understand], but he surely can't let him do The Jock? Not only is he far too old for a late teens story [and yes, that also includes Keira Andrews Amish trilogy], but I dread to think how many breathy comments, intonations AND how much mangling of the French language there would be 😕...anyhoo I digress. As far as this particular story is concerned, I thought he was OK, so I won't change my rating. The MC's are what mid/late 30's? One major criticism I have of him is that he's yet another narrator who doesn't seem to have a huge range of 'voices' in his locker, so one MC nearly always has a deeper voice [Noah and let's not forget Ethan from EotS] and one has a higher tone [I suppose we should be grateful that he's not monotonous as well]. He's much more suited to older characters voices.
***Book Review***
4.25 stars from me. Welcome back Tal, and thank goodness your mojo returned 🎉🎉🎉. Hopefully your annus horribilis has well and truly disappeared with the back of 2020!!
I loved the romance aspect of the story - it was obvious right from the get-go that Noah and Cole were well-suited, with Noah being in the late bloomer 'am I or aren't I' camp as far as being gay was concerned BUT he'd never acted on his feelings and had spent all his time since his 'amicable/acrimonious' divorce, looking after his daughter Katie and working his job for the FBI. Cole on the other hand, was out and proud in his job as an FBI profiler in DC, and when the two met at a conference in Las Vegas, sparks flew [cos of course what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas apparently 😉]. There was just an inevitability about it all, and when Noah had to return urgently to Des Moines the following morning, Cole was more than a little annoyed but took it on the chin...and of course, we all knew which profiler would be flying to Iowa to advise on the new murders that the serial killer they'd hoped had all but disappeared back into the woodwork, had committed.
I have to admit here that I could've cheerfully smacked Noah several times upside the head throughout the story for his careless/thoughtless/selfish attitude towards Cole...it seems that he only thought of himself and his daughter, and not about how his switching hot and cold would affect anyone but him and his little family of 1. However, there were several puddle of goo moments for me, and despite this story predominantly being a murder mystery, it was SO a romance too.
Now, as far as the mystery was concerned, I called it as soon as we were introduced to that person, and when Tal threw in that inescapable curveball towards the very end of the story, colour me gobsmacked 🤯🤯. Ingenious!!
Did I get my HEA?? You betcha, although not without some nail-biting moments towards the end.
John Solo seems to be narrating all of Tal's stories at the mo [Whisper coming along shortly I understand], but he surely can't let him do The Jock? Not only is he far too old for a late teens story [and yes, that also includes Keira Andrews Amish trilogy], but I dread to think how many breathy comments, intonations AND how much mangling of the French language there would be 😕...anyhoo I digress. As far as this particular story is concerned, I thought he was OK, so I won't change my rating. The MC's are what mid/late 30's? One major criticism I have of him is that he's yet another narrator who doesn't seem to have a huge range of 'voices' in his locker, so one MC nearly always has a deeper voice [Noah and let's not forget Ethan from EotS] and one has a higher tone [I suppose we should be grateful that he's not monotonous as well]. He's much more suited to older characters voices.
***Book Review***
4.25 stars from me. Welcome back Tal, and thank goodness your mojo returned 🎉🎉🎉. Hopefully your annus horribilis has well and truly disappeared with the back of 2020!!
I loved the romance aspect of the story - it was obvious right from the get-go that Noah and Cole were well-suited, with Noah being in the late bloomer 'am I or aren't I' camp as far as being gay was concerned BUT he'd never acted on his feelings and had spent all his time since his 'amicable/acrimonious' divorce, looking after his daughter Katie and working his job for the FBI. Cole on the other hand, was out and proud in his job as an FBI profiler in DC, and when the two met at a conference in Las Vegas, sparks flew [cos of course what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas apparently 😉]. There was just an inevitability about it all, and when Noah had to return urgently to Des Moines the following morning, Cole was more than a little annoyed but took it on the chin...and of course, we all knew which profiler would be flying to Iowa to advise on the new murders that the serial killer they'd hoped had all but disappeared back into the woodwork, had committed.
I have to admit here that I could've cheerfully smacked Noah several times upside the head throughout the story for his careless/thoughtless/selfish attitude towards Cole...it seems that he only thought of himself and his daughter, and not about how his switching hot and cold would affect anyone but him and his little family of 1. However, there were several puddle of goo moments for me, and despite this story predominantly being a murder mystery, it was SO a romance too.
Now, as far as the mystery was concerned, I called it as soon as we were introduced to that person, and when Tal threw in that inescapable curveball towards the very end of the story, colour me gobsmacked 🤯🤯. Ingenious!!
Did I get my HEA?? You betcha, although not without some nail-biting moments towards the end.
February 23, 2021
As fantastic as everyone says! Loved it.
January 31, 2021
This is such an interesting story. At the same time, very sweet and very strong and brutal. Sweet in the part about Cole and Noah's relationship. This part is really touching and I have had tears in my eyes several times. But there are also descriptions of very brutal crimes that may not be for everyone. If you are sensitive to violent scenes, including against women, this may not be for you.
Cole and Noah are absolutely wonderful. I really like both their professionalism at work and the more sensitive side of their nature that we see in their relationship. Noah's uncertainty broke my heart. I'm glad he found a partner in Cole who understands him so well. I'm not a big fan of kids in romance stories, including teenagers, because I usually find them irritating. But Kate is great and Noah is a fantastic father. Nice to see a teenager for a change who supports her father so much. I also really like Cole's relationship with Kate. It wouldn't be the same story without her.
Cole and Noah's relationship is practically love at first sight, and I don't usually like that theme. But here it all works great. I have no doubts whatsoever about the characters' deep feelings and that they fit together very well. It's their relationship that gives this story a sweet dimension, they're so cute together. There is something very soothing about their relationship. Their struggle with their own feelings and uncertainty about feelings of their partner added a deeper dimension to the story.
Those who expect this story to be a well-written thriller that keeps them in suspense will not be disappointed either. The murder mystery is very interesting and complicated, with many unexpected twists and turns. You will most likely be surprised who the murderer is. I like how Noah and Cole work together to solve a case, regardless of their private life turmoil.
This is a book a standalone. Which is a real shame because I liked Cole and Noah so much. I'd love to meet them again.
Cole and Noah are absolutely wonderful. I really like both their professionalism at work and the more sensitive side of their nature that we see in their relationship. Noah's uncertainty broke my heart. I'm glad he found a partner in Cole who understands him so well. I'm not a big fan of kids in romance stories, including teenagers, because I usually find them irritating. But Kate is great and Noah is a fantastic father. Nice to see a teenager for a change who supports her father so much. I also really like Cole's relationship with Kate. It wouldn't be the same story without her.
Cole and Noah's relationship is practically love at first sight, and I don't usually like that theme. But here it all works great. I have no doubts whatsoever about the characters' deep feelings and that they fit together very well. It's their relationship that gives this story a sweet dimension, they're so cute together. There is something very soothing about their relationship. Their struggle with their own feelings and uncertainty about feelings of their partner added a deeper dimension to the story.
Those who expect this story to be a well-written thriller that keeps them in suspense will not be disappointed either. The murder mystery is very interesting and complicated, with many unexpected twists and turns. You will most likely be surprised who the murderer is. I like how Noah and Cole work together to solve a case, regardless of their private life turmoil.
This is a book a standalone. Which is a real shame because I liked Cole and Noah so much. I'd love to meet them again.
March 8, 2021
Meh.
Did I just sum up a Tal Bauer book with, “Meh?”
Yes.
What happened:
Gushy mushy extended love date in Vegas
Then we get a súper pissed off agent who thought he was ghosted. Forced, forced conflict. Twice.
I didn’t know who these guys were. The realest character was the teenager.
There is a twist to the obvious unsub here, but it’s not satisfying.
I love Tal Bauer, but I didn’t like this story—it felt rushed, forced, and superficial.
My rec? Stick to Bauer’s other spectacular novels.
Did I just sum up a Tal Bauer book with, “Meh?”
Yes.
What happened:
Gushy mushy extended love date in Vegas
Then we get a súper pissed off agent who thought he was ghosted. Forced, forced conflict. Twice.
I didn’t know who these guys were. The realest character was the teenager.
There is a twist to the obvious unsub here, but it’s not satisfying.
I love Tal Bauer, but I didn’t like this story—it felt rushed, forced, and superficial.
My rec? Stick to Bauer’s other spectacular novels.
December 15, 2021
*4.5* An FBI agent, and an FBI profiler fall in love. A MM romance and suspense novel.
This is the first book by Bauer that I've read, and I loved it! The sensitivity of both characters, the vulnerability, the dialogue, the mystery, and the sense of family. It was SO well done! I loved how Cole was slightly more alpha than Noah, but he too, had his own vulnerabilities, and the author let us see those. It was breathtakingly refreshing to read of two grown men falling in love, without any additional drama to move the plot along. No ow, no om, no games! Just their desires, wonderful communication, and in Noah's case, the fear of coming out publicly.
The mystery aspect of the story was gruesome, and kept me guessing the entire time.
The only thing that slightly bothered me was the voice of the 16-year-old daughter, she acted more like an eleven year old than a teen.
This is the first book by Bauer that I've read, and I loved it! The sensitivity of both characters, the vulnerability, the dialogue, the mystery, and the sense of family. It was SO well done! I loved how Cole was slightly more alpha than Noah, but he too, had his own vulnerabilities, and the author let us see those. It was breathtakingly refreshing to read of two grown men falling in love, without any additional drama to move the plot along. No ow, no om, no games! Just their desires, wonderful communication, and in Noah's case, the fear of coming out publicly.
The mystery aspect of the story was gruesome, and kept me guessing the entire time.
The only thing that slightly bothered me was the voice of the 16-year-old daughter, she acted more like an eleven year old than a teen.
February 13, 2021
This is a new to me author and I don't think that I started with the right book from him. Not much worked for here. There was a pervasive lack of communication that led to unfair assumptions that annoyed me. It was insta-love but not in a believable way (I do think that it can be done but this wasn't it). The POV was dual but sometimes I was not clear in whose head we were, it seemed to be shifting from one paragraph to the next. The two MCs read as childish to me even though they are supposed to be late 30s early 40s, and their characterization felt shallow and a bit inconsistent . The relationship did not read as believable, the back and forth was too much and for juvenile reasons . A few scenes were cute hence the 2 stars instead of 1. I don't read that many cop cases novels so I can't really judge that but I would say that I was a bit lost with the very high number of crime scene they visited and large number of murder victims they were talking about. The big reveal came a bit out of nowhere to me and I did not really understand everything related to the case.
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