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The Night Of
You've heard this story before: a guy supposedly kills himself, but his best friend can't accept it. He calls in an investigator he knows to take a second look, certain there's more going on.
I'm the investigator. Secret Service Agent Sean Avery. The guy who called me? My ex, Vice President Jonathan Sharp. And the guy he doesn't believe put a bullet in his brain?
That was President Steven Baker.
The deeper I dig, the more things fall apart. I've got a dead president inside a locked room. A hidden note. A secret gun. A missing CIA officer.
And no one I can trust.
Now Jonathan's in the crosshairs, and if I don't figure out what really happened that night at Camp David, the love of my life might be the next president to die.
***This M/M romantic suspense features smoldering forbidden love and a May/December second chance romance that ignites your pages.
I'm the investigator. Secret Service Agent Sean Avery. The guy who called me? My ex, Vice President Jonathan Sharp. And the guy he doesn't believe put a bullet in his brain?
That was President Steven Baker.
The deeper I dig, the more things fall apart. I've got a dead president inside a locked room. A hidden note. A secret gun. A missing CIA officer.
And no one I can trust.
Now Jonathan's in the crosshairs, and if I don't figure out what really happened that night at Camp David, the love of my life might be the next president to die.
***This M/M romantic suspense features smoldering forbidden love and a May/December second chance romance that ignites your pages.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2021
467 people are currently reading
1932 people want to read
About the author
Tal Bauer
27 books5,731 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 528 reviews
February 22, 2021
OMG!
Repeat about a million times, throw in a half dozen WTF moments and then mix up with a sprinkle of "I don't believe it" and you come vaguely close to trying to describe the complete headrush of The Night Of.
I can't actually write a review about the book itself because - like all of Tal's novels - they have to be experienced blind.
If you've ever read anything from him then I'll summarise by saying this book has all the feels of Enemies Of the State, the absolute mind twisting of Hush and Whisper, and the thrilling edge of The Murder Between Us.
It's romantic suspense perfection and the subtle nods to that other White House couple were the best kind of Easter Eggs.
I don't know exactly what Tal did in his previous political/legal-y Government-y career, but the intricate detail in the narrative felt wholly believable to me!
The actual deep plot, while it feels and sounds like it should be implausible, actually has precedents, although not to this level and reminded me of all the best political Cold War thrillers.
This works as a standalone, but there's definitely wriggle room to get another peek onto Jonathan and Sean's lives and a couple of the other Government spooks intrigue me too!
Do yourselves a favour and read this one as soon as it's out, you really don't want to have it spoiled.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Repeat about a million times, throw in a half dozen WTF moments and then mix up with a sprinkle of "I don't believe it" and you come vaguely close to trying to describe the complete headrush of The Night Of.
I can't actually write a review about the book itself because - like all of Tal's novels - they have to be experienced blind.
If you've ever read anything from him then I'll summarise by saying this book has all the feels of Enemies Of the State, the absolute mind twisting of Hush and Whisper, and the thrilling edge of The Murder Between Us.
It's romantic suspense perfection and the subtle nods to that other White House couple were the best kind of Easter Eggs.
I don't know exactly what Tal did in his previous political/legal-y Government-y career, but the intricate detail in the narrative felt wholly believable to me!
The actual deep plot, while it feels and sounds like it should be implausible, actually has precedents, although not to this level and reminded me of all the best political Cold War thrillers.
This works as a standalone, but there's definitely wriggle room to get another peek onto Jonathan and Sean's lives and a couple of the other Government spooks intrigue me too!
Do yourselves a favour and read this one as soon as it's out, you really don't want to have it spoiled.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
February 25, 2021
5 stars.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
This book was SO TAL! It had all the making of a classic Tal Bauer book... Suspense, engaging plot, sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat events and epic romance. Tal also gifted us with some pretty epic love scenes as well. This book was pretty close to perfect for me. I gobbled it up in 1 sitting and couldn't put it down as soon as I started.
What I Loved....
The Characters...
Sean is a Secret Service Agent, who has been grieving the loss of the love of his life for a year. Plagued by his memories and guilt, all is forgotten when said love asks for his help, and his help alone. He's both ecstatic to be near Jonathan again, and dreading it as well because of what he had done a year back. #NeverThoughtIWouldSeeYouAgain
Jonathan, the VP turned POTUS, turned to the only man he has ever trusted with all of his secrets, to investigate the supposed suicide of his president and best friend. He knows that Sean will do anything for him, counts on it even and wants to find the truth.
Jonathan is nuanced and complex. In control of everything in his life, he craves the loss of control in relationships, a loss he had only ever experienced with Sean. #YouAreWhatINeed
The Plot...
This is were it gets interesting....The POTUS has committed suicide, or so it seems. Jonathan isn't convinced and as Sean starts to investigate, he starts to uncover hidden truths and clues as to what really happened "The Night Of". From start to finish, the book is filled with suspense and intrigue. Every time you think you figured it out, Tal throws a curveball and you're left wondering again.
Also, I would LOVE to know what Mr. Bauer's pre-author days were because the level of research and information that went into this book, and every book he writes, is amazing. #NothingIsWhatItSeems
The Romance...
This is a second chance romance. As you read through the book you see how the two men came together as friends and how the relationship progressed slowly. Then 1 night, with a lot of booze involved, led to a big misunderstanding, a breakup and a year of radio silence.
As the men come together again, under less than perfect circumstances, they find out how wrong they both were, how not talking about what happened made them lose one year of being together. Reading the moments were they truly find out how perfect they are for each other, and how much they love each other, made me smile so hard and so wide. #Lovefest
The Steam...
Mr. Bauer DID NOT HOLD BACK! Holy damn the sex scenes in this book were SCORCHING. If I were an innocent, I would have been clutching my pearls through them... but I'm not and instead I read and reread these scenes like the pervert I am. #PantiesWentPoof
The HEA..
The Ending was as sweet as it was surprising. After losing so much time apart, the two men decided that they were not losing another second apart, with non regard to what other people think. #AlwaysByYourSide
I only had 1 slight niggle which shaved off that pesky half star...
I wanted an epilogue. I wanted to see them together, years later, in the spotlight. Maybe that was intentional and this would turn into a series? If so... I would gladly change my rating! #FingersCrossed
#HappyReading
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
This book was SO TAL! It had all the making of a classic Tal Bauer book... Suspense, engaging plot, sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat events and epic romance. Tal also gifted us with some pretty epic love scenes as well. This book was pretty close to perfect for me. I gobbled it up in 1 sitting and couldn't put it down as soon as I started.
What I Loved....
The Characters...
Sean is a Secret Service Agent, who has been grieving the loss of the love of his life for a year. Plagued by his memories and guilt, all is forgotten when said love asks for his help, and his help alone. He's both ecstatic to be near Jonathan again, and dreading it as well because of what he had done a year back. #NeverThoughtIWouldSeeYouAgain
Jonathan, the VP turned POTUS, turned to the only man he has ever trusted with all of his secrets, to investigate the supposed suicide of his president and best friend. He knows that Sean will do anything for him, counts on it even and wants to find the truth.
Jonathan is nuanced and complex. In control of everything in his life, he craves the loss of control in relationships, a loss he had only ever experienced with Sean. #YouAreWhatINeed
The Plot...
This is were it gets interesting....The POTUS has committed suicide, or so it seems. Jonathan isn't convinced and as Sean starts to investigate, he starts to uncover hidden truths and clues as to what really happened "The Night Of". From start to finish, the book is filled with suspense and intrigue. Every time you think you figured it out, Tal throws a curveball and you're left wondering again.
Also, I would LOVE to know what Mr. Bauer's pre-author days were because the level of research and information that went into this book, and every book he writes, is amazing. #NothingIsWhatItSeems
The Romance...
This is a second chance romance. As you read through the book you see how the two men came together as friends and how the relationship progressed slowly. Then 1 night, with a lot of booze involved, led to a big misunderstanding, a breakup and a year of radio silence.
As the men come together again, under less than perfect circumstances, they find out how wrong they both were, how not talking about what happened made them lose one year of being together. Reading the moments were they truly find out how perfect they are for each other, and how much they love each other, made me smile so hard and so wide. #Lovefest
The Steam...
Mr. Bauer DID NOT HOLD BACK! Holy damn the sex scenes in this book were SCORCHING. If I were an innocent, I would have been clutching my pearls through them... but I'm not and instead I read and reread these scenes like the pervert I am. #PantiesWentPoof
The HEA..
The Ending was as sweet as it was surprising. After losing so much time apart, the two men decided that they were not losing another second apart, with non regard to what other people think. #AlwaysByYourSide
I only had 1 slight niggle which shaved off that pesky half star...
I wanted an epilogue. I wanted to see them together, years later, in the spotlight. Maybe that was intentional and this would turn into a series? If so... I would gladly change my rating! #FingersCrossed
#HappyReading
October 26, 2021
Audio - 5 stars
Story - 4.5 Stars
Story - 4.5 Stars
February 27, 2021
Very enjoyable! I would have killed for some on-page relationship angst, but all of that happened before the book started. Also, I thought Sean and Jonathan went from estranged to forever just a little fast. I'm not talking about feelings, here, since their feelings for each other were already established, but logistics, and that's all I can say without spoiling. The sex was hot and kinky, which I totally approve of
The Night Of was trademark edge-of-seat exciting, though, just like I've come to expect from this author. I hope we get a coda or something for these guys, at some point. Pretty please!
The Night Of was trademark edge-of-seat exciting, though, just like I've come to expect from this author. I hope we get a coda or something for these guys, at some point. Pretty please!
February 27, 2021
4.5 stars! Damn. *rubs face* Nobody, and I mean nobody, can write political-thriller romance like Tal Bauer. A kickass, adrenaline rush, bite-my-nails, holy shit, trust-no-one joyride.
I loved every moment of this, from start to finish. The crime investigation, the blistering hot, stolen romantic moments, the disbelief as it all comes together, all the way to the final, frightening confrontation. It was amazing!
And at the end, a little sweetness to balance that all out. ❤ Loved it!
I loved every moment of this, from start to finish. The crime investigation, the blistering hot, stolen romantic moments, the disbelief as it all comes together, all the way to the final, frightening confrontation. It was amazing!
And at the end, a little sweetness to balance that all out. ❤ Loved it!
March 1, 2021
4.5 stars
What a crazy ride. I loved this one so much! This author has a gift for writing intense suspenses with incredible heat and sweet romance.
I adored Sean and Jonathan. I kept wondering what happened between them the first time, and was worried I would be disappointed when I finally found out, but I was not. I won’t say more.
The final resolution of the president’s murder was completely OTT, not very believable but so entertaining. I had so much fun reading this book and it was really hard to put it down throughout the day to take care of my kids and stuff. 😂
What a crazy ride. I loved this one so much! This author has a gift for writing intense suspenses with incredible heat and sweet romance.
I adored Sean and Jonathan. I kept wondering what happened between them the first time, and was worried I would be disappointed when I finally found out, but I was not. I won’t say more.
The final resolution of the president’s murder was completely OTT, not very believable but so entertaining. I had so much fun reading this book and it was really hard to put it down throughout the day to take care of my kids and stuff. 😂
August 13, 2024
I've no idea how Tal Bauer knows about the secret passages in the White House, the exact layout of Camp David, or where the presidential nuclear bunkers are. Maybe this is public knowledge? I don't know, and I'm not going to google to find out (who needs that kind of search history during an election year?).
What I do know is that this book is a kick-ass political thriller that left me breathless. All the details add up to a wild ride of HOW, WHY, and most importantly, WHO.
I didn't even mind the singular POV.
Agent Sean Avery and President Jonathan Sharp are two connecting puzzle pieces. One doesn't belong without the other.
The ending is a bit abrupt, but Bauer writes his characters in such a way that I never doubt the intensity of their love.
ETA: Upon some reflection, I dropped my rating to 4 stars because reasons:
- The "misunderstanding" between the MCs was way dramatic. Two intelligent, mature men ghost each other for a year because they're not willing to have a conversation around one encounter. If Sean believes he hurt Jonathan, why doesn’t he apologize? And why would Jonathan walk away the next morning and leave Sean on the beach without waking him?
- Some logistics following President Baker's death just didn't add up, mainly how quickly everyone accepted that the President committed suicide and how lax security was around the White House.
Still a great story but requires an extensive suspension of disbelief.
What I do know is that this book is a kick-ass political thriller that left me breathless. All the details add up to a wild ride of HOW, WHY, and most importantly, WHO.
I didn't even mind the singular POV.
Agent Sean Avery and President Jonathan Sharp are two connecting puzzle pieces. One doesn't belong without the other.
The ending is a bit abrupt, but Bauer writes his characters in such a way that I never doubt the intensity of their love.
ETA: Upon some reflection, I dropped my rating to 4 stars because reasons:
- The "misunderstanding" between the MCs was way dramatic. Two intelligent, mature men ghost each other for a year because they're not willing to have a conversation around one encounter. If Sean believes he hurt Jonathan, why doesn’t he apologize? And why would Jonathan walk away the next morning and leave Sean on the beach without waking him?
- Some logistics following President Baker's death just didn't add up, mainly how quickly everyone accepted that the President committed suicide and how lax security was around the White House.
Still a great story but requires an extensive suspension of disbelief.
July 6, 2021
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Might Contain Spoilers*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
Here is the thing..... Like please don't sue me or hit me, I didn't see Agent Sean Avery as a dominant alpha top. Like at all. In all the chapters before the reveal of what truly happened a year ago, I found Sean to be a bit weak and couldn't for the life of me understand why he was a Special Agent, Secret Service (used to be President Steven R. Baker's (47) primary detail lead until a year ago.). I didn't get any bad-ass vibes from him. Vice President Jonathan Sharp, on the other hand gave me the vibe only for it to be the opposite. That made me loose my interest a bit. He suddenly wasn't in control anymore. That said, after chapter eight I started to skim. I truly lost interest. I didn't even care for who killed the president. I have to be honest and say that I knew I wasn't gonna enjoy this one that much in the first chapter. I just didn't like Sean all that much. Overall, the book needed an epilogue. Also, was the whole book's timeline a week...?
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M)
Series: - Standalone.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Umm, it was Jonathan Sharp until the seventh/eighth chapter...
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Sure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Not really.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2.5/2 stars.
July 12, 2022
Just read it. It’s an order.
Welcome to Camp David!
The President dies—not a spoiler
He shot himself, or...
Did he shoot himself?
VP doesn’t think so
But everyone else thinks so, including VP’s ex
His ex, who is a secret service agent
And who is the only one he can trust
Investigation
Investigation
Investigation
Other dead people
Explosions
CIA stuff
Leaks
Moles?
Turncoats?
Liars?
Too much tequila on the beach & just what the hell happened a year ago in Japan?
Just read this and you will find out:
The answer to this dead body mystery...
What happened on the beach between VPOTUS and his secret service hunk...
Why VPOTUS and hunky agent haven’t spoken in a year...
What happens to these two...HEA, included...
Welcome to Camp David!
The President dies—not a spoiler
He shot himself, or...
Did he shoot himself?
VP doesn’t think so
But everyone else thinks so, including VP’s ex
His ex, who is a secret service agent
And who is the only one he can trust
Investigation
Investigation
Investigation
Other dead people
Explosions
CIA stuff
Leaks
Moles?
Turncoats?
Liars?
Too much tequila on the beach & just what the hell happened a year ago in Japan?
Just read this and you will find out:
The answer to this dead body mystery...
What happened on the beach between VPOTUS and his secret service hunk...
Why VPOTUS and hunky agent haven’t spoken in a year...
What happens to these two...HEA, included...
March 16, 2022
Super enjoyable. RTC!
February 28, 2021
***4.5 ❤***
The conspiracies this author seems to simply pull off the top of his head should give governments nightmares... Although I had my suspicions about the perp, this story was pretty brilliant. One of only few most captivating mysteries I've read recently and a more than auspicious start to a new series. I grumbled a bit over the once again ever present tears, but... yeah, well, that's Tal Bauer for you. 🤷♀️😉
The conspiracies this author seems to simply pull off the top of his head should give governments nightmares... Although I had my suspicions about the perp, this story was pretty brilliant. One of only few most captivating mysteries I've read recently and a more than auspicious start to a new series. I grumbled a bit over the once again ever present tears, but... yeah, well, that's Tal Bauer for you. 🤷♀️😉
March 4, 2021
3,5 stars
WTH?!
I’m not sure how to react here, at all.
The scenario at the start is intriguing: the American president dies in horrible circumstances at Camp David, and the Vice President (Jonathan) suspects foul play, asking a trusted Secret Service agent (Sean) to investigate. The situation is complex enough, but Sean and Jonathan’s past makes it even more complicated and painful.
At this point I was sure I was heading for a 5-star read. I loved the mystery around the death of the president and Sean’s pining and guilt for something that happened between him and Jonathan a year earlier.
Then at 35% or so, this issue (= the BIG misunderstanding) is resolved in like … one small conversation, and then Sean and Jonathan’s relationship goes from zero to 100. What bothered me most is that I could not buy why these guys had allowed their relationship go to the dumps.
I’m also not convinced that the power play in the bedroom totally worked here. And …is it just me, or is there something weird calling your partner ‘Mr. President’ in the throes/aftermath of passion? On top of that, Sean’s feelings are written in general a bit on the OTT and dramatic side. , and while I liked him, I didn’t love him. (Unlike Ethan in the 'Enemy of the State' series)
So, what about the mystery plot?
Again, it started out really well, as we get lots of little clues while Sean tries to piece together what happened. But in the last third of the book quite a few developments happen off page. Stuff we are presented with at the end as fait-accompli. I wanted to be part of how Sean figures everything out!
Apart from that, I have to say that my willingness to suspend belief was sorely tested. That goes particularly for the backstory of the perpetrator. When I started to think about the plot after I’d finished, I was left with quite a handful of questions about things that didn’t quite gel for me.
As for a rating, darn.
I really liked some parts of the book and some elements of it, and I enjoyed it mostly while I was reading, but all in all, I found it difficult to get past some of my niggles.
3,5 stars bang on, for me.
Downgraded from 4 because it was entertaining.
WTH?!
I’m not sure how to react here, at all.
The scenario at the start is intriguing: the American president dies in horrible circumstances at Camp David, and the Vice President (Jonathan) suspects foul play, asking a trusted Secret Service agent (Sean) to investigate. The situation is complex enough, but Sean and Jonathan’s past makes it even more complicated and painful.
At this point I was sure I was heading for a 5-star read. I loved the mystery around the death of the president and Sean’s pining and guilt for something that happened between him and Jonathan a year earlier.
Then at 35% or so, this issue (= the BIG misunderstanding) is resolved in like … one small conversation, and then Sean and Jonathan’s relationship goes from zero to 100. What bothered me most is that I could not buy why these guys had allowed their relationship go to the dumps.
I’m also not convinced that the power play in the bedroom totally worked here. And …is it just me, or is there something weird calling your partner ‘Mr. President’ in the throes/aftermath of passion? On top of that, Sean’s feelings are written in general a bit on the OTT and dramatic side. , and while I liked him, I didn’t love him. (Unlike Ethan in the 'Enemy of the State' series)
So, what about the mystery plot?
Again, it started out really well, as we get lots of little clues while Sean tries to piece together what happened. But in the last third of the book quite a few developments happen off page. Stuff we are presented with at the end as fait-accompli. I wanted to be part of how Sean figures everything out!
Apart from that, I have to say that my willingness to suspend belief was sorely tested. That goes particularly for the backstory of the perpetrator. When I started to think about the plot after I’d finished, I was left with quite a handful of questions about things that didn’t quite gel for me.
As for a rating, darn.
I really liked some parts of the book and some elements of it, and I enjoyed it mostly while I was reading, but all in all, I found it difficult to get past some of my niggles.
3,5 stars bang on, for me.
Downgraded from 4 because it was entertaining.
February 27, 2021
I could've read this in one sitting. Except for, you know, sleep.
It was a really good story, and it had me on the edge of my seat. Tal Bauer can write, there is no doubt.
So why not 5 stars? There were two niggles:
1. There were some overdramatic reactions by Jonathan, and they were really out of character. He is a former military colonel, very rarely smiles, stoic and poker face on at all times. And this man collapses in a dramatic feint on the floor, dry heaves, etc. because he doesn't want to answer a specific question that Sean asks. WTF? This really took me out of the moment in a jarring way. And he did something along these lines more than once.
2. This book was in dire need of an epilogue. The whole story takes place over 72 hours. A very somber 72 hours. I'd like to see this couple on a "normal" day.
Overall I'm very pleased with the story and would recommend!
It was a really good story, and it had me on the edge of my seat. Tal Bauer can write, there is no doubt.
So why not 5 stars? There were two niggles:
1. There were some overdramatic reactions by Jonathan, and they were really out of character. He is a former military colonel, very rarely smiles, stoic and poker face on at all times. And this man collapses in a dramatic feint on the floor, dry heaves, etc. because he doesn't want to answer a specific question that Sean asks. WTF? This really took me out of the moment in a jarring way. And he did something along these lines more than once.
2. This book was in dire need of an epilogue. The whole story takes place over 72 hours. A very somber 72 hours. I'd like to see this couple on a "normal" day.
Overall I'm very pleased with the story and would recommend!
October 31, 2025
***Audio Review***
Well, Tal seems to be using John Solo for everything he writes nowadays [but surely not The Jock when and if it arrives, the characters are just way too young for him...just NO!!]. As usual, JS pronounces Moscow as Mos-cow 🐄, but that's probably down to where he comes from in the States I suspect; his Georgi Morozov and Yekaterina Baker also suffered from differing pronunciations during the recording, but that's par for the course. 3.5 stars rounded up for the audio, and no, I won't bother with another listening.
***Book Review***
This one had everything...but there won’t be any spoilers from me, well just a couple 😉. The story is really good so definitely worth a read. Did I think it was as good as Hush and Whisper, which are my absolute faves of Tal's? No, I didn't, but it had a pretty good twisty plot featuring something you would honestly probably never have suspected [or believed actually, but it is a thing apparently], and even though 2 of the eventual protagonists were , the way that Tal weaves his magic with the storyline did make you wonder whether you were going mad, and could that really be possible?
He has certainly come back from his lockdown blues with a bang!! 4.5 stars.
Well, Tal seems to be using John Solo for everything he writes nowadays [but surely not The Jock when and if it arrives, the characters are just way too young for him...just NO!!]. As usual, JS pronounces Moscow as Mos-cow 🐄, but that's probably down to where he comes from in the States I suspect; his Georgi Morozov and Yekaterina Baker also suffered from differing pronunciations during the recording, but that's par for the course. 3.5 stars rounded up for the audio, and no, I won't bother with another listening.
***Book Review***
This one had everything...but there won’t be any spoilers from me, well just a couple 😉. The story is really good so definitely worth a read. Did I think it was as good as Hush and Whisper, which are my absolute faves of Tal's? No, I didn't, but it had a pretty good twisty plot featuring something you would honestly probably never have suspected [or believed actually, but it is a thing apparently], and even though 2 of the eventual protagonists were , the way that Tal weaves his magic with the storyline did make you wonder whether you were going mad, and could that really be possible?
He has certainly come back from his lockdown blues with a bang!! 4.5 stars.
April 13, 2021
4.5 - what did i just read?
what was THAT?!?
i don't even like detective books. anything with a law enforcement officer investigating something usually goes straight to my "negative ghostrider" shelf because it's likely i'll never want to pick it up, but i gave this one a shot since it was getting such great reviews from my friends.
and i'm happy i did.
i even went into this book halfway expecting that it was going to be so ridiculous that it would never be believable and i was okay with that, but i'm shocked by tal bauer's ability to sell their stories. i was sold on sean and jonathan. i was sold on their careers, i was sold on this outlandish, very unlikely plot, i was sold on their romance - honestly reading this book makes me wonder how many hours of research and planning went into writing this novel because the details are what sold it.
even more than the plot, sean and jonathan had chemistry. i'm a sucker for second chance stories and this one hit me right square in the chest.
this was a brilliant book.
pre-read note:
this seems like such an unlikely plot that i almost can't wait to see how this author pulled it off. if the reviews are anything to go by, i'm in for a pleasant surprise
what was THAT?!?
i don't even like detective books. anything with a law enforcement officer investigating something usually goes straight to my "negative ghostrider" shelf because it's likely i'll never want to pick it up, but i gave this one a shot since it was getting such great reviews from my friends.
and i'm happy i did.
i even went into this book halfway expecting that it was going to be so ridiculous that it would never be believable and i was okay with that, but i'm shocked by tal bauer's ability to sell their stories. i was sold on sean and jonathan. i was sold on their careers, i was sold on this outlandish, very unlikely plot, i was sold on their romance - honestly reading this book makes me wonder how many hours of research and planning went into writing this novel because the details are what sold it.
even more than the plot, sean and jonathan had chemistry. i'm a sucker for second chance stories and this one hit me right square in the chest.
this was a brilliant book.
pre-read note:
this seems like such an unlikely plot that i almost can't wait to see how this author pulled it off. if the reviews are anything to go by, i'm in for a pleasant surprise
February 8, 2022
4.5 Stars
I have read a few books by this author, and they all have been 4-5 star reads for me. For the first third of this book, I was struggling and really had to push myself to continue. Secret Service Agent, Sean Avery, is having a hard time with an event that happened 366 days ago. It started to pluck my nerves being in his head and him being so emotional about it. When we finally find out (around 36%?) it is a relief and the reading experience changed completely.
In typical TB fashion, it is a political thriller and it kept me turning the pages and staying up until I finished. I loved how he always seems to pulls you into the story to the very end. Of course, I was wrong with the who dunnit. You’ll never guess, and it was a doozy.
Highly recommend.
I have read a few books by this author, and they all have been 4-5 star reads for me. For the first third of this book, I was struggling and really had to push myself to continue. Secret Service Agent, Sean Avery, is having a hard time with an event that happened 366 days ago. It started to pluck my nerves being in his head and him being so emotional about it. When we finally find out (around 36%?) it is a relief and the reading experience changed completely.
In typical TB fashion, it is a political thriller and it kept me turning the pages and staying up until I finished. I loved how he always seems to pulls you into the story to the very end. Of course, I was wrong with the who dunnit. You’ll never guess, and it was a doozy.
Highly recommend.
April 28, 2021
I just don't know if the Resolute Desk was made for that...
I enjoyed the story but the romance was a little odd. I think I needed a little more before and in the middle or something.
I really enjoyed the mystery though but the whole President thing made me sad.
Overall good stuff.
I enjoyed the story but the romance was a little odd. I think I needed a little more before and in the middle or something.
I really enjoyed the mystery though but the whole President thing made me sad.
Overall good stuff.
October 25, 2021
4.5 stars audio
5++++++++++ stars story
5++++++++++ stars story
February 26, 2021
4.5 stars!
It is always such a treat to dive into a Tal Bauer story, I'm always so excited to dive into his books. And the way he can do another president/bodyguard romance story and still make it so very different from Jack and Ethan's love story is amazing. Honestly, I'd read a thousand president/bodyguard romances from Tal and still be a happy camper reading all of them.
In the beginning of this, we learn about Sean Avery, who used to be the head of President Baker's security detail, for a full year, but for the past year, he hasn't been on his detail at all, he's distanced himself like crazy to avoid one Jonathan Sharp, the VPOTUS, who is of course the VP so would work closely with Baker, but also because he's Baker's best friend, so they're even closer than most President/VP pairs.
We know that Sean and Jonathan totally fell in love in that year, but we don't know what drove them apart, we only get snippets. Once we find out though, it's understandable why both were avoiding each other, but also it was a huge misunderstanding so once they actually talk, they can move forward.
And when it's been a year to the day since the "night of", you could say, for them, there's another night of. The night that President Baker is dies.
Everyone seems to think it's a suicide, even Sean, but Jonathan thinks it was a murder, and he asks Sean to investigate it, with all the powers of the president behind him.
There are so many good twists and turns in this that I did not see coming. I had my suspicions, but what I guessed happened was not at all was what was revealed to us at the end.
As usual with Tal, he blended the wonderful, wonderful romance with the high stakes, mystery/thriller component, with all the twists and turns we could hope for.
And at the center of it all, is the love between Sean and Jonathan. I was bummed that we didn't get Jonathan's POV at all in this - even though I understand it was so we would be even suspicious of Jonathan as the potential killer, because there was a part in this when Sean questioned if Jonathan played some roll in President Baker's murder - but still, I would have loved his POV at some point - and we get a teeny tiny bit at the end, but it doesn't really count, imo, because - and got see just what he was thinking, what was going on in his head. Maybe even the climactic scene being in his POV could have worked, imo.
I mean, his feelings for Sean still came across so well, don't get me wrong. This didn't really suffer or anything like that because we didn't get his POV, but that still doesn't mean I really wanted it and craved it. And seeing as Jonathan was the main LI for Sean, it was pretty obvious that he wouldn't be involved in it, so like...Jonathan POV, pls :D
But other than that, this was amazing and top notch, as always from Tal. The suspense, the mystery, the characters, our two main MC's and their love story ❤️, it all flowed so well together and came together so well. I was left wanting more, tbh, because I didn't want to leave these cast of character quite yet.
Two BIG thumbs up from me, I highly recommend! Can't wait for the next book from the always wonderful Tal Bauer 🧡
It is always such a treat to dive into a Tal Bauer story, I'm always so excited to dive into his books. And the way he can do another president/bodyguard romance story and still make it so very different from Jack and Ethan's love story is amazing. Honestly, I'd read a thousand president/bodyguard romances from Tal and still be a happy camper reading all of them.
In the beginning of this, we learn about Sean Avery, who used to be the head of President Baker's security detail, for a full year, but for the past year, he hasn't been on his detail at all, he's distanced himself like crazy to avoid one Jonathan Sharp, the VPOTUS, who is of course the VP so would work closely with Baker, but also because he's Baker's best friend, so they're even closer than most President/VP pairs.
We know that Sean and Jonathan totally fell in love in that year, but we don't know what drove them apart, we only get snippets. Once we find out though, it's understandable why both were avoiding each other, but also it was a huge misunderstanding so once they actually talk, they can move forward.
And when it's been a year to the day since the "night of", you could say, for them, there's another night of. The night that President Baker is dies.
Everyone seems to think it's a suicide, even Sean, but Jonathan thinks it was a murder, and he asks Sean to investigate it, with all the powers of the president behind him.
There are so many good twists and turns in this that I did not see coming. I had my suspicions, but what I guessed happened was not at all was what was revealed to us at the end.
As usual with Tal, he blended the wonderful, wonderful romance with the high stakes, mystery/thriller component, with all the twists and turns we could hope for.
And at the center of it all, is the love between Sean and Jonathan. I was bummed that we didn't get Jonathan's POV at all in this - even though I understand it was so we would be even suspicious of Jonathan as the potential killer, because there was a part in this when Sean questioned if Jonathan played some roll in President Baker's murder - but still, I would have loved his POV at some point - and we get a teeny tiny bit at the end, but it doesn't really count, imo, because - and got see just what he was thinking, what was going on in his head. Maybe even the climactic scene being in his POV could have worked, imo.
I mean, his feelings for Sean still came across so well, don't get me wrong. This didn't really suffer or anything like that because we didn't get his POV, but that still doesn't mean I really wanted it and craved it. And seeing as Jonathan was the main LI for Sean, it was pretty obvious that he wouldn't be involved in it, so like...Jonathan POV, pls :D
But other than that, this was amazing and top notch, as always from Tal. The suspense, the mystery, the characters, our two main MC's and their love story ❤️, it all flowed so well together and came together so well. I was left wanting more, tbh, because I didn't want to leave these cast of character quite yet.
Two BIG thumbs up from me, I highly recommend! Can't wait for the next book from the always wonderful Tal Bauer 🧡
February 27, 2021
It's pure Tal Bauer in his element - political intrigue, intense connections, strong emotions, scorching hot encounters and the plot twists that will blow your mind! Wow! Did I say WOW!? It was brilliant! It was "hold on to the oh $h*t bar" story! I loved it! It hit the ground running and only intensified as it progressed. Mr Bauer created such detailed vivid images with his words that I felt like I was right there, a part of the story. It was amazing. Do yourself a favor: Do not pass go, do not collect $200... Go read The Night Of by Tal Bauer. Enjoyment is guaranteed.
June 3, 2021
Nice story but it reminds me of Enemies of the State by the same author.
There are so many similarities between these books. One of the main characters is the president of the United States and the other is his Secret Service bodyguard. There is also an international conspiracy in which Russia is probably involved. Absolutely do not read this book shortly after you finish The Executive Office series as you will feel deja vu or it will look like a re-telling to you.
Jonathan and Sean had known each other before and had started an affair the year before the events in this book, so there's not much room here for their relationship to develop. I really like the reunited or second chance theme in my books. But I think the reason Sean and Jonathan broke up a year before is pretty lame. The basis for the breakup was that each of the main characters was confused about what the other was feeling and thinking. The whole situation could be solved with one very short conversation. And that's what's happening in this book. The problem is solved and they are back together as if nothing had happened. I'm a bit disappointed with that.
Instead of the romance of the main characters, more space is devoted to the suspense part. Sean, at Jonathan's request, tries to discover who murdered the President of the United States (Jonathan was the vice president at the time and his best friend). This part is pretty cool, if a bit biased. A lot is happening and the action is fast. You can clearly see the author's inspiration with classic spy thrillers of the 1980s. Maybe even too clearly, I'm probably a little bored with suspecting Russia of any espionage activity against the US. Not that this is far from the truth, but I'd rather see some new ideas in my books.
Overall, it would have been a pretty good story if it hadn't been so confusingly similar to Enemies of the State. I'm a bit disappointed with that. Similarly to some of the solutions adopted by the author. But that's because I have a degree in international relations and I don't like stories that are so clichéd. If you haven't read Enemies of the State, you'll love this story. Or if you love the series so much that you want to reread it with slightly changed characters.
There are so many similarities between these books. One of the main characters is the president of the United States and the other is his Secret Service bodyguard. There is also an international conspiracy in which Russia is probably involved. Absolutely do not read this book shortly after you finish The Executive Office series as you will feel deja vu or it will look like a re-telling to you.
Jonathan and Sean had known each other before and had started an affair the year before the events in this book, so there's not much room here for their relationship to develop. I really like the reunited or second chance theme in my books. But I think the reason Sean and Jonathan broke up a year before is pretty lame. The basis for the breakup was that each of the main characters was confused about what the other was feeling and thinking. The whole situation could be solved with one very short conversation. And that's what's happening in this book. The problem is solved and they are back together as if nothing had happened. I'm a bit disappointed with that.
Instead of the romance of the main characters, more space is devoted to the suspense part. Sean, at Jonathan's request, tries to discover who murdered the President of the United States (Jonathan was the vice president at the time and his best friend). This part is pretty cool, if a bit biased. A lot is happening and the action is fast. You can clearly see the author's inspiration with classic spy thrillers of the 1980s. Maybe even too clearly, I'm probably a little bored with suspecting Russia of any espionage activity against the US. Not that this is far from the truth, but I'd rather see some new ideas in my books.
Overall, it would have been a pretty good story if it hadn't been so confusingly similar to Enemies of the State. I'm a bit disappointed with that. Similarly to some of the solutions adopted by the author. But that's because I have a degree in international relations and I don't like stories that are so clichéd. If you haven't read Enemies of the State, you'll love this story. Or if you love the series so much that you want to reread it with slightly changed characters.
November 6, 2022
“You are the man I dreamed of my whole life.”
I want everyone who's reading this to know HOW fucking lucky I am to live in the time of Tal Bauer living, breathing and destroying my sanity and what's left of my heart word by word.
“How could I not want everything about you? You walked out of my dreams.
God, his words. The soul he puts into his words is the most fragile and breathtaking thing I know.
Tal Bauer is a God.
I never thought it was possible to want anyone like I wanted you—because I never thought it was possible for a man like you to exist.”
And Sean and Jonathan.
Gods, they reminded me of Ethan and Jack. He reminded me of Shane and Dakota. They reminded me of the power of love and man, just how soulmates WIN every damn time.
I can't believe I was shocked that Jonathan was the romantic lead. I mean, WHY WAS I SURPRISED?!
“You,” Jonathan breathed. “Loving you was my dream.”
anyways, I want to but the paperback of this but damn you inflation.
I'll go sobbing in my bed at the beauty of Jonathan and Baker's friendship and just how SEXY Jonathan and Sean are.
Like if you thought you read spicy Tal Bauer, you HAVEN'T read this book.
Audiobook rating: 4.5 stars ⭐✨
Initial reactions
OH. MY. GOD!!!! WHY IS THERE NO SEQUEL????????????!!!!
DAMN. YOU. TAL. BAUER!
May 23, 2021
Another enjoyable read from Tal Bauer.
I admit I had a good inkling of who was involved in the plot to kill the President and while I was right, there was so much more to it and a twist I definitely wasn't expecting.
As with any books dealing with the President and romance, there needs to be some suspension of disbelief, so that doesn't bother me here. I do wish that the big misunderstanding had been sorted out a bit differently. There was such a big build-up and it turned out to be finally resolved with one conversation I found it hard to believe these two intelligent, caring men, just let everything slide for so long.
I admit I had a good inkling of who was involved in the plot to kill the President and while I was right, there was so much more to it and a twist I definitely wasn't expecting.
As with any books dealing with the President and romance, there needs to be some suspension of disbelief, so that doesn't bother me here. I do wish that the big misunderstanding had been sorted out a bit differently. There was such a big build-up and it turned out to be finally resolved with one conversation I found it hard to believe these two intelligent, caring men, just let everything slide for so long.
December 6, 2023
Great read! Absolutely loved this couple and the mystery surrounding them.
December 31, 2021
I loved the first third but it kind of went downhill once the reason for Sean running away like a wuss was disclosed. I just didn't buy it. 🤷♀️
August 6, 2022
MM Mystery with Hugo
I don’t read mystery a lot (I never, actually) and I love that I get to read this with my buddy because hey, trying something new is always exciting 🥰 I know that choosing Tal as one of the books will never be disappointing because of how people keeps raging on the writing so yeah here we are. This was good overall <3 but I just popped my mystery genre cherry, so when I say don’t trust me on this review, Do Not.
The mystery was great. I liked the angst, the clues and the way I understood everything Sean was doing. Mysteries can be complicated so I didn’t expect I could fully understand what was going on, but the writing and the flow really helps my slow af brain. I am a noob when it comes to new genre, so this is quite the achievement for me 🤣💀 And I also think that the plot was great, it wasn’t boring, and it kept moving onto the next and next clues. It left me confused and keep guessing what actually happened and I enjoyed that journey❤️❤️
I didn’t put too much expectations on their relationship between Sean and Jonathan because obviously, mystery-focused. I didn’t fancy them, but still liked their second chance journey finding each other again. In other words: that was kinky XD. And their relationship felt like it was separated with the whole story, but I guess that was what it was supposed to be? I would love if there was an on-going relationship development in this book rather than the second chance trope because I need more depth in terms of their emotional connection and all, but to me that’s not really important here hahah
Another thing I think I love about crimes is that my brain was actually braining the whole time and not just accidentally zoned out all the time like it usually does 🤣🤣 😭😭💀 and that was pleasing!
Happy to say, I liked this sm, and can’t wait for next one tomorrow 🥰
I don’t read mystery a lot (I never, actually) and I love that I get to read this with my buddy because hey, trying something new is always exciting 🥰 I know that choosing Tal as one of the books will never be disappointing because of how people keeps raging on the writing so yeah here we are. This was good overall <3 but I just popped my mystery genre cherry, so when I say don’t trust me on this review, Do Not.
The mystery was great. I liked the angst, the clues and the way I understood everything Sean was doing. Mysteries can be complicated so I didn’t expect I could fully understand what was going on, but the writing and the flow really helps my slow af brain. I am a noob when it comes to new genre, so this is quite the achievement for me 🤣💀 And I also think that the plot was great, it wasn’t boring, and it kept moving onto the next and next clues. It left me confused and keep guessing what actually happened and I enjoyed that journey❤️❤️
I didn’t put too much expectations on their relationship between Sean and Jonathan because obviously, mystery-focused. I didn’t fancy them, but still liked their second chance journey finding each other again. In other words: that was kinky XD. And their relationship felt like it was separated with the whole story, but I guess that was what it was supposed to be? I would love if there was an on-going relationship development in this book rather than the second chance trope because I need more depth in terms of their emotional connection and all, but to me that’s not really important here hahah
Another thing I think I love about crimes is that my brain was actually braining the whole time and not just accidentally zoned out all the time like it usually does 🤣🤣 😭😭💀 and that was pleasing!
Happy to say, I liked this sm, and can’t wait for next one tomorrow 🥰
January 10, 2022
WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL, TAL??
I've learned at this point not to expect anything from a Tal Bauer book because I know at some point, I am going to be unbelievably wrong. It just so happens that this time I wasn't just wrong I was so far off base that it couldn't even be considered the same planet!!
Secret Service Agent Sean Avery has been muddling his way through the last year of his life after he made a mistake so harsh that it cost him the man he loved. He rarely sees his ex and makes sure to stay clear of him at every chance because seeing him will just make things that much harder. Staying away from the Vice President was doable enough until the president kills himself and the only one that the new president trust is him because it seems that the president might not have actually killed himself after all...
Finding a killer is never as easy as they make it seem and with time running out before Jonathan is the next victim will Sean be able to save the only man he has ever loved?
John Solo killed his narration!! I've heard John speak dozens of times, but this was my first narration by and him and now I get the hype. He was able to differentiate between both Sean & Jonathan's voices while still keeping their scenes very intimate. He really performed for his book and when Sean was terrified you could feel that in John's narration and it just made the narration that much better.
If you are looking for a fast passed murder mystery that will have you guessing until the last minute with quite a few swoon worthy moments tossed in, then this book is for you. You can't go wrong with reading a Tal book but go for the narration because John Solo outdid himself for this one.
I've learned at this point not to expect anything from a Tal Bauer book because I know at some point, I am going to be unbelievably wrong. It just so happens that this time I wasn't just wrong I was so far off base that it couldn't even be considered the same planet!!
Secret Service Agent Sean Avery has been muddling his way through the last year of his life after he made a mistake so harsh that it cost him the man he loved. He rarely sees his ex and makes sure to stay clear of him at every chance because seeing him will just make things that much harder. Staying away from the Vice President was doable enough until the president kills himself and the only one that the new president trust is him because it seems that the president might not have actually killed himself after all...
Finding a killer is never as easy as they make it seem and with time running out before Jonathan is the next victim will Sean be able to save the only man he has ever loved?
John Solo killed his narration!! I've heard John speak dozens of times, but this was my first narration by and him and now I get the hype. He was able to differentiate between both Sean & Jonathan's voices while still keeping their scenes very intimate. He really performed for his book and when Sean was terrified you could feel that in John's narration and it just made the narration that much better.
If you are looking for a fast passed murder mystery that will have you guessing until the last minute with quite a few swoon worthy moments tossed in, then this book is for you. You can't go wrong with reading a Tal book but go for the narration because John Solo outdid himself for this one.
March 25, 2021
So, apparently I can only take Tal Bauer's books seriously when they are NOT set in a fictional White House. I don't think he intended for me to be entertained by the amount of eye rolling and incredulous guffawing I did while reading this. Everything about this story is at the same way too much and not enough.
Way too much melodrama, misunderstandings, crying (though admittedly there is grieving involved) and not nearly enough consistent internal logic.
Man, after The Murder Between Us I really thought I could go back to reading Tal Bauer books after abandoning the other Presidential series. I guess I'll have to wait and see what he does next. This wasn't really it.
Way too much melodrama, misunderstandings, crying (though admittedly there is grieving involved) and not nearly enough consistent internal logic.
Man, after The Murder Between Us I really thought I could go back to reading Tal Bauer books after abandoning the other Presidential series. I guess I'll have to wait and see what he does next. This wasn't really it.
May 15, 2021
Wow , just wow ❤
Bam ! My first 5⭐ book of the year ! The story literally starts off with a bang and never slows down . The suspense of who the villain is wonderfully twisty . The second chance romance is swoon worthy . The two main heroes are definitely men to root for . I loved every page of this story and would highly recommend to fans of romantic suspense .
Bam ! My first 5⭐ book of the year ! The story literally starts off with a bang and never slows down . The suspense of who the villain is wonderfully twisty . The second chance romance is swoon worthy . The two main heroes are definitely men to root for . I loved every page of this story and would highly recommend to fans of romantic suspense .
March 26, 2021
Another Exceptional Book
Wow, what a nail biter! I am happy to say, I didn't figure it out. What unfolds in this book is a magnificent story of intrigue and suspense on an international scale.
Wow, what a nail biter! I am happy to say, I didn't figure it out. What unfolds in this book is a magnificent story of intrigue and suspense on an international scale.
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