Never Stay Gone: M|M Romantic Suspense (Big Bend Texas Rangers, Book 1)

I've been a mystery reader for well over 50 years and I have never peeked at the end to find out "who done it". However, from the first Tal Bauer book I read (Hell and Gone, do not wait go grab it and read it now) I've had to stop after reading about five chapters and go read the last three or so. The men he puts together as a couple are so good that I just have to know ahead of time if they are going to survive and be together at the end. I know that between the first and last pages, I'll be treated to angst and suspense and he'll put me as a reader and his characters through all sorts of he** and that's fine if I just know how things are going to end. This book proved no exception to the rule. Dakota and Shane are great characters (nothing better than Tal in law enforcement mode) and their reunion/second chance story was superb. As always, the crime/mystery element is as strong and well developed as the characters and romance. I really enjoyed the setting for this one, an area I knew little about. As always, I've read this one in one day and now am waiting impatiently for the next one to also polish off in one day. I will however, as always re-read this one numerous times to appreciate the writing and plotting.

Unpopular opinion: This book falls flat from some of Tal Bauer's other works.His prose was a joy to read, and the descriptions of West Texas were spot on. The plot was interesting, with his usual pull-the-rug plot twists, and the romance was sweet, but the characters were flat and the villains were one-dimensional. As much as he got right about small town living, he got a lot of things about Texas and the Rangers wrong. I tried to overlook them, but I just couldn't. The dialog was painful to read at times, and I felt like he was reinforcing the stereotype that Texans, especially rural Texans, are uneducated. Reading the dialect felt like someone doing a bad Texas accent, with only one "y'all" in the whole book (yes, I counted). I also question the theme song that runs throughout the book, given the history of the band with the state.And then there's the backstory of how Dakota became a Texas Ranger, and I winced every time it was brought up. I know Tal can do meticulous research for his novels, but I got the impression that he read a history book and watched a lot of Walker, and that was it. There wasn't anything that screamed "Texas Ranger" to me, apart from being told he was a Texas Ranger, and he could have literally been any generic law enforcement officer.I felt like I was reading a first or second draft of a Tal Bauer novel instead of the polished works he usually produces.

From the elegant Governor’s Mansion and slinky party bars in Austin to the gritty, windswept desert of the Trans-Pecos and the Big Bend, beautiful and desolate, nothing could symbolize more vividly the contrasts within the huge state of Texas.It takes more than a police force here and there to keep the peace, and therein comes the legendary Texas Rangers.Shane Carson, sheriff”s deputy, and Ranger Dakota Jennings planned a life together in high school, 13 years ago, but it fell through, and it is a rude shock to meet again over a grave in the desert with six murdered women, topped off with the Governor’s assistant, who has been the subject of a statewide search.This book scans through a long and difficult murder investigation, with six victims, unrelated except by their mutual grave in the desert, but it is also the the story of two men who have never really fallen out of love but who are separated by time and culture.Tal Bauer writes beautifully detailed mm romance fiction with such clarity and detail that you fall into the story. This is a lovely book, and you do want to read it.

How does Tal do it? How does his brain come up with these many twists and turns in one book that keeps me on the edge? I felt like I was right there in West Texas. And don’t get me started on how Shane and Dakota pulled at my heart strings all throughout. I loved seeing how their young love evolved and how Shane and Dakota finally got to their happily ever after. I honestly want to know how Tal does it. This is another winner in my book. As much as I would love to revisit Shane and Dakota and their love, I’m intrigued by Heath. The strong silent types usually see more than others and when they speak people usually listen. This book gets an all around standing ovation from me.

Finally got around to reviewing this wonderful book. Truth be told, this was an impulse read. Something of a break from all the ARCs that I've been gobbling up the past few weeks. I did not expect the heartbreak and the pain I'd be experiencing all throughout the book. I really felt for Dakota and Shane. From the happiness that both had when they were in a relationship back when they were younger, to the fears that they had that caused the break up and all of the heartache years down the line - Those were so well written it got to my little stone-cold heart.13 years had passed for Dakota and Shane when a case brought them back together as if fate wanted to give them a second chance. Both men would need to work together in order to bring justice to the women who were murdered. As Shane and Dakota try to catch a killer, past feelings, issues and secrets come to the surface and both men would need to come into grips with those if they want to find out the person behind the murders and survive.The chemistry between these two are palpable and the tension is delicious. Them getting back together was not an easy road, but to be part of that journey and being with them during the resolution of it all was such a wonderful pay off. Also, the mystery was pretty interesting as well and the twists and turns especially that reveal in the last few parts of the story was excellent.I really enjoyed Never Stay Gone and I am looking forward to the next book. This is 5 stars out of 5 for me.

I'll be honest, the plot isn't completely original in Never Stay Gone. When you've got the skills this author has in creating the exactly right environment for the action, the tension and atmosphere, the perfectly imperfect characters, however, that originality isn't as important as it might seem. Shane and Dakota are fabulous MCs, struggling with the way in which they're forced to reconnect during the course of the murder investigation that brought them together again. The setting is so well described I could see the landscape in my mind's eye and the suspense builds at a good pace before the twist is revealed...There are definitely a couple of 'heart in mouth' moments. Big Bend is populated with a good cast of side characters. As for the romance, Shane and Dakota's second chance at love definitely fits that invisible strings vibe. They're absolutely tied to each other so, even though their getting together might seem a bit quick, it still works for me. It's super sweet, too. There are old vulnerabilities and healing to deal with, but communication and a big gesture or two certainly take you on an emotional journey with the guys.All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the first visit to Big Bend and I'm really looking forward to seeing what else is in store in the Texas Rangers world. 4.5*

This time I half guessed it right 🤣Tal has such a talent that whenever I find to review his books, I find myself wanting to say the same things each time.It's no different here. If you've ever read a book from Tal, you should have your survival kit close at hand.With this book, you'll need it more than once as your heart will break just like Dakota's did 13 years earlier when what he thought was his future was shattered by Shane.I'm not going into any spoilers about the criminal element of the plot.Other than to say, I'd got it partially right but still missed a crucial bit of evidence.The scene setting is superb as ever, I really could feel the heat and taste the dust of this somewhat forgotten part of Texas.This is such a visceral part of the narrative that it drives the story as much as the murder investigation does.And, as it has law enforcement officers as its key characters, it's as exceptionally researched as all of Tal's other books.Regarding Dakota and Shane, it takes a while for them to reconnect but 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 do the fires burn when they do!So many other interesting characters too that I'm intrigued to find out where Tal goes with the series.

Not a bad read from Tal, but I had guessed the guilty party/ies quite early on even though some red [and very dead] herrings were thrown our way. 4 stars.Loved the early part of the story detailing Shane and Dakota's early years and their romance, so I guess this read could be classed as a second chances story. Luckily, Dakota was prepared to give Shane another chance although I did find them jumping more or less straight into bed a little on the fast side after 13 years apart, possible soul mates or not.I will read further stories set in this universe, cause although West Texas seems bleak, the ocotillo and agave flowers and Tal's descriptive powers gave the story some colour.

This author never fails to stun the reader with his intricately and skilfully written stories,amazing plots and strong characterisation. Dangerous to read if you have something you should be doing instead. Dakota and Shane are portrayed with such feeling and understanding. The descriptions of the landscapes just draw you in. Suffice to say I could not put this book down. Wish there were 6 stars! Now the awful wait for his next book.

Once again Tal Bauer has delivered a cracking read. That completely enthrals from beginning to end, thanks to such descriptive writing, characters who are flawed and suspense that keeps you guessing. Then tops it all with a romance that is brutally raw and full of sparks from the moment these two incredible main characters are reunited.Would definitely recommend.