Hush

'The heart wants what it wants, or so Emily Dickinson said.' 5+ stars for Hush - another outstanding book by Tal. I got so excited when this new book came out. But alongside that comes nerves. Nerves that with this being a new standalone book it wouldn't live up to the truly amazing Executive Offices series. Thank goodness my nerves were unnecessary, he has done it again in true Tal style - impeccable detail, exceptional plot and wonderful characters. “Have you ever had a secret?” he said softly. “Something so huge you buried it where you thought it would die?” I highlighted over 20 quotes in this book and I had serious trouble slimming that number down, so here's a few I'll share with you throughout my review. Just a small glimpse in to the beautiful, poetic writing style used in this book. A little bit of advice before I go any further - make sure you have plenty of time to read this book as you WILL NOT be able to put it down. To the point where you will start to resent your job, family, everyone .... it's really hard to put down! 'He was quickly becoming Tom’s home base, his tree fort, his lighthouse, and his castle.' Tom Brewer is a federal judge in DC. He's so far in the closet he can no longer see a way out. Mike Lucciano is a U.S Marshal assigned to his protection in his courthouse. Mike is everything Tom wishes he could be. He's out, proud and secure in his sexuality. The two become friends and eventually more behind closed doors. As their relationship progresses Tom starts making tentative steps towards opening that pesky closet door but then everything is turned upside down with the terrorism trial of the century that Tom is now the judge of. That's all I'm really going to say about the overall plot as I really don't want to ruin it. It just needs to be read and enjoyed. 'It wasn’t a Hollywood romance, candles and roses and dripping with sensuality, but as they kissed in Tom’s kitchen to the sound of Etta Mae’s smacking jowls and the crunch of dog food, Tom felt his heart burst just the same.' I need to talk about Etta Mae! Those of you that have read my previous reviews will know how much I love a book dog (and real dog for that matter - ok any animal, book or real!) and Etta Mae is a fabulous one. She's Tom's pampered Bassett Hound and honestly as soon as Mike started treating her like his own I was a goner for him too. 'He was a deputy U.S. marshal, but here it was, the true test of his life—could he keep himself contained in front of a soaking wet, mostly naked, skintight-swimsuit-wearing Judge Tom Brewer?' As with all Tal's book this was intense and nerve wracking but there were also moments of tenderness and much needed light relief that had me chuckling with the characters. “Beautiful,” Mike whispered. “You’re so beautiful.” Oh god these two though. So sweet and so real. Two well developed characters. There was no relationship drama or unnecessary angst between these two. Just honest, raw real love and it was so special. "I finally found what I’ve been yearning for my whole life.” His eyes flicked to Mike’s, wet and shining. “I found you, and everything in my life seemed to click into place." The depth and attention to detail in this book is truly something else. How he does it I will never be able to comprehend and his mind must be a very full place to be! But as a reader I appreciate the attention to detail and meticulous research that must have gone in to this book and it makes the reading experience so much better. I have no knowledge or background in anything really discussed in this book but I honestly felt like I understood and learned so much just by reading it and this in turn helped me to fully immerse myself in this story. A teeny weeny point I'd just like to make. Certainly not a criticism but maybe a suggestion? This book needed a kick ass female in it somewhere! All the characters were men and I think they all needed a strong woman in there to keep those pesky government and federal types in line! Adored this book and cannot wait for what's next from Tal. And please god let there be a book for Kris - Mike's fabulous best friend. “Judge Brewer is for out there. Here, between us, I’m always Tom.”

Tal Bauer does it again!! Another fantastic novel from one of my favourite authors. A wonderful mix of action, suspense, twists and a beautiful m/m romance. The main characters - Tom and Mike are easy to fall in love with and you are routing for them both all the way through. Tal has such an immense talent at writing characters you take to your heart quickly and easily. Highly recommend for fans of Tal's novels and those who are looking for a superb romance with twists and turns everywhere.

Hush is one of Tal Bauer’s earlier novels and despite what its cover might imply this is also quite an intensely romantic story. As the book opens we are introduced to Mike Lucciano, a suave 36 year old detective, who is a brilliant marshal with a relationship on the rocks. The prose used here are simple yet perfectly descriptive and the unraveling scenes are expertly timed, with “reveals” smoothly snaking their way through the story. The author’s way of exploring the character’s mindset are cleverly drawn out from the reader’s own understanding rather than mansplaining everything to us… something most other authors today could learn from. When we meet Judge Tom Brewer, we see a slightly older man also at the top of his game but crippled with fear of being outed. Someone who, despite his public profile, has hidden himself from the world, spending 25 years without any love or friendships in his life. But then one morning a single event suddenly sparks the dyeing embers within him and ignites a desire to make a change as he begins to see the life he could have had and the life that might have been. After an overly romantic introduction of our two main leads, Tal Bauer begins to set the stage for the legal side of the story, laying out the work carried out by federal judges, as dramatic side of this romantic suspense begins to take shape. However before he gets too deep into legal meat of the suspense, he really dives into the romance between Mike and Tom, making this feel like a book of two halves. Following several overly long chapters of Tom’s navel gazing, no doubt included to show us how far in the closet Tom was, we finally get to see how much Tom has fallen for Mike. And when Mike finally admits he likes Tom too the book begins to show us its sweet underbelly and all that romantic goodness that Tal Bauer does so well. Once the relationship with Mike and Tom is firmly established the author shifts the story, quite dramatically in fact, to the court case and the investigation. It is here that the book starts to feel very different to the first half as we really focus on the shooting and the twists and turns of the trial. In some ways I wish the author had chosen to write two separate books as both would have had dramatic and emotional threats sufficient enough to sustain an entire book. But I think trying to splice the two together really didn’t work for me as they really didn’t blend too well. If I was to read this book again I would try to treat them as two separate novels, and just read the first half for a book about a closeted judge finding love late in life, and the second half for a book about an assassination attempt. Having read lots of Tal Bauer books in the past, I know he gets much slicker at blending romance with suspense in his later works, but this is still a good read if a little overly long. I really like the two main leads and loved the side character of Kris. Give me a couple of short stories of Mike and Tom out with their friends and I would be very happy, as the volleyball scenes and the Pride day out were the stand out ones in this book for me 3.5 Stars

I just randomly picked up this book on KU and I'm impressed about its complexity. I highly appreciate the writing style, the hard work and meticulous research of the author to put together such a great story. It was a long book but I was never bored. I would never guess that I will love a political thriller so much. The main characters were so real and easy to love. The story is centred on a sweet/slow built romance between Tom and Mike but all the other characters are so intense and enigmatic, unique in their own way. I am recommending Hush is you are interested in MM romance, suspense, mystery, action with twists and turns, politics and law.

So, I’ve been a massive fan of Vince Flynn for many years, crushing hard on his hero Mitch Rapp, the ultimate bad-ass, kicking lots of bad asses. Then I read Tal Bauer’s series The Executive Office and fell like a ton of bricks for Special Agent Ethan Reichenbach. Who wouldn’t? Any man who’d tear down the world to get the love of his life and kick bad asses on the way was a superhero. So the newest book Hush, really had two epic heroes that managed to vie for the crown of newest superhero and in all fairness they didn’t even have to kill anyone to take the throne. Federal Judge Tom Brewer the ultimate incorruptible man and U.S. Marshal Mike Lucciano, the man who not only shows Brewer how to be a proud gay man, but has vowed to protect him from all harm. Two men very different and yet so alike. Brewer closely closeted hasn’t had a relationship in twenty-five years. He fears the ramifications of being gay. He is a very lonely man, alone in the world. Lucciano, is out, proud and vibrant, the ultimate macho bad-ass who has a penchant for flaky, narcissistic toy-boys. After working together for more than a year, and following the savage break up of Lucciano’s relationship with yet another toy-boy,Brewer realizes that the man he respects and admires, and has a crush on is gay. The two men suddenly find themselves open to the possibility of a friendship which evolves into more. Then Brewer lands the ultimate hearing, the trial of an assassin and his handler charged with the attempted assassination of the visiting Russian President on American soil, and the murder of four Secret Service agents, (three US and one Russian.) What should be and open and shut case is suddenly far from. It’s a case that could incite World War Three if not handled properly. Tal Bauer once again has cleverly created two strong men, with interesting personal issues that complement the strengths of the other as a partnership. The connection between them was real and warm and wonderful. Especially poignant was the exploration of the plight of gay men in the USA, particularly through the end of the 90’s when homosexuality and sodomy was still a criminal offence. It made Brewer’s struggle so much more real, and painful and compelling and his strength of character to bury what essentially was the core of him, under so many layers, sad and painful to witness. I don’t doubt for a minute actions like his were not singular, many men I imagine hid for likely the same reasons. Fear. The other excruciating journey to bear witness to was the frightening loss of a generation of gay men, their deaths exposed within the history of Brewer’s life. It’s a nasty stain for any country to try and make amends over. It was very painful and sad reading. What was uplifting to read was the comparison Bauer brought forward between Brewer and Lucciano, their different journeys due to the ten year age gap as gay men existing at different political times. It was compelling and highlighted the real growth made nationally with the acceptance and amendment of rights for people who identify within the in LGBT community in the US. It’s not perfect but at least it’s moving forward and it’s a world away from the sad reality of life for homosexuals in the USSR. While this was a love story it was so much more. The plot was rich, detailed without being bogged down and fast paced, filled with painful historical facts, espionage, intrigue and sedition, and while mostly centered within the Federal court in D.C, what easily could have been a dry and boring plot, was in fact far from it. So fast paced every page flew. When trouble came and moles were discovered, the baddie was revealed by natural progression. Not accidently guessed in the third chapter, which made this who-dun-it spy thriller so much more rewarding to read. I hope there is a book 2, in this new series. There were so many wonderful secondary characters, it would be a right shame to leave us all hanging. 6 stars.

I need to preface this review by telling you that I am a _crazy_ Tal Bauer fan. My love of his writing began when the bff texted me: “Oh. My. GOD. You _have_ to read this series called The Executive Office!” Okay, I may have paraphrased a little, but that’s essentially what she said. And so I did. And… Oh. My. GAWD! You _have_ to read his Executive Office series, but this review isn’t about those books so I won’t gush about them overmuch. I recently found out that Tal has only been writing for 18 months. Whaaaaaaat? Shut the front door, not possible, and yet he’s the one who said it so it must be true. Tal’s attention to detail and fact floor me. The massive amount time he has spent researching is what breathes life into this and his other books. His knowledge on a wide array of the subjects he writes about is truly impressive. And knowing that he does a deep dive into those areas he’s unsure about in order to make the stories authentic only makes his books that much more real. Both The Executive Office series and Hush could be ripped out of multiple headlines in today’s media. He tackles politics, prejudice, racism, climate change, intolerance and persecution head on in a thoughtful and factual manner. Take Hush, the book this review is about, it came out on July 13, 2017 and the story captivates you from the very first sentence. The book is about Tom Brewer, a _deeply_ closeted 40-something year old US Federal court judge who is a recent appointment to the Washington bench. Tom’s closet was built from past events that impacted him profoundly and caused him to lock that part of himself away for the past twenty-five years. He has channeled all his passion into law, cutting himself off from his community and isolating himself from everyone but his beloved basset hound, Etta Mae, in the process. But the changing social landscape of the world and an unexpected friendship with co-worker U.S. Marshal Mike Lucciano, as well as a supernova heat of attraction, slowly coax him out of his closet one terrifying and painful step at a time. And you do _feel_ his pain, his fear, and his anxiety with every word Tal puts to paper. But it will make you hurt sooo good. Tom and Mike will rip your heart out, toss it into a wood chipper, gather up the shredded pieces, and then make you whole again. Mr. Bauer not only lets you see one of the most terrifying chapters in LGBTQ history through Tom’s eyes but he makes you realize how profoundly, and rapidly, the world has changed as he shows you the same world through slightly younger man Mike’s eyes. He makes you see how much just a few short years can impact and change the world. Tom and Mike come from different places in the struggle for LGBTQ rights and somehow manage find common ground in the slow burn of mutual attraction and flared passion; they celebrate together the joy and colours of Pride as Tom takes his first brave steps into outing himself to the world and then… Tom’s world turns on its axis, and he and Mike are thrust headlong into events that neither of them could have dreamed of in their worst nightmares. Their newly formed romance is threatened by events beyond their control; but not just their love is in danger of being destroyed, Tom’s life may be on the line as well as he is thrust into the international spotlight and forced into a role that he never thought he’d find himself in. How far will Mike go to keep the man he loves safe? Will Tom allow his newly found courage to wither and die before it had chance to flourish, chasing him into his Narnian deep closet once again? Will the world, which teeters on the knife edge of war, tip over to chaos or back into peace? If the first half of the book was a slow seduction, the second half is a nail-biting car chase that leave you breathless and constantly second guessing yourself, and the author. Tal Bauer compliments the main characters with fully fleshed out secondary characters (and Etta Mae) who will make you fall in love with them, sympathize with their plights or hate and despise them completely. From cover to cover, Hush will leave you feeling punch-drunk and like you’ve survived the most amazing thrill ride you could possibly imagine. And yet, despite the political and legal backdrop, the thriller aspects of the story, at the very heart of this book it is about relationships; about accepting yourself, opening your heart to love, to the possibility of happily ever after and being unafraid and proud to live your life. THAT is what makes it such a profound read, everything else? That’s the icing on the delicious cake. I cannot recommend Hush enough. Go, buy and read it ASAP! You’ll thank me. (I also suggest you have a fresh box of tissues next to you because this book hits you right in the feels. All the feels!)

Another book by Tal Bauer is under my belt. I enjoyed the story in all its detail, suspense and love between men who are on the same page and know what they want from life. I genuinely do not care for in the closet trope - all the fear of discovery and possible second hand embarrassment give me the jitters. But the plot twists were so good, the characters were so well written and the amount of research was amazing that made me feel like I was right there with Tom in the court room swayed me to overlook my less than favorite trope. Mike and Tom were so good together. The build up to the start of their relationship was so intense. Oh, the longing and the doubts, the covert glances and silent yearning made the story so exciting! They were so good for each other. Mike finally had someone to cherish and shower with affection and Tom finally found a man to love and be brave to come out for. I enjoyed the everyday court proceedings and even the case with the mountain of evidence. All the relationships between marshals, lawyers and judges were so intricate. It felt like getting into a nest of vipers! It was fascinating! The case and the subsequent bread crumbs trail to the truth was clever and fast paced, well written and I never saw some things coming. Love that! One big surprise was the presence of Kris Caldera from Whisper, I didn't know that these two books were interconnected. But I am glad to say that it was best to read Hush first and follow it with Whisper which I will do shortly. I so want to know Kris's story. Overall, the story delivered what I wanted from it: wonderful story arc, diverse fleshed out characters and, of course, indelible love story.

Wow, I bought the book as soon as I got the email saying it was published and it was a mistake because I started reading it immediately and, well, Tal's books are a guarantee that you can't put his books down until you're done! The story flows perfectly, Tal's writing as poignant and rich as ever. I felt Tom's fear, shame, his need to change his life, but afraid of doing so at the same time, like they were my emotions, my fears. What Tom lived through, what even Mike couldn't really understand, was skillfully told, and even if I didn't live through it personally, I felt like I was experiecing it with Tom. That, in my opinion, is the trait of a great writer, and Tal Bauer is a master of his craft. Mike and Tom's relationship is sweet and everything you need from a romance book, while the suspense plot is interesting and it keeps you at the edge of your seat. All the characters are fleshed out, even the ones we don't get to really know, and they really enrich the story. To be honest, though, while I enjoyed the romance, the suspense, the political nightmare that is the trial Tom is supervising (and I loved that aspect, Law & Order is my favorite TV series ever), what will keep bringing me back to this book is Tom's gentle but strong character, with his flaws and his need for justice.

I really took my time to read this book properly. Enjoying every page, every sentence. The plot was great. I really was not sure who was telling the truth. The lovestory was great too. This partnership that established and the deep love you could feel throughout the book and how they worked together as a couple. I also loved the historical aspect of being a young ambitious gay man in 1991 and how times have changed. Tom's character development, how he came to terms with himself, how he experienced the new possibilities and thinking about what he wasn't able to experience in those 25 years was mindblowing. Just a wonderful book in every aspect.