Enemies of the State

Executive Office Series, Book 1

De: Tal Bauer

Narrado por: John Solo

Newly elected President Jack Spiers's presidency is rocked from the very beginning, and he's working furiously to keep the world from falling apart. Between terrorism attacks ripping apart Europe, Russia's constant posturing and aggression, and the quagmire of the Middle East, Jack is struggling to keep his campaign promise - to work toward a better, safer world.

For Special Agent Ethan Reichenbach, Jack is just another president, the third in 12 years. With Jack's election, he's been promoted, and now he's running the presidential detail, which puts him side by side with Jack daily. He's expecting another stuffed suit and an arrogant DC politician, but Jack shocks him with his humor and humanity.

There are rules against a Secret Service agent and one of their protectees developing a friendship - big rules. Besides, Jack is straight as a ruler, and a widower, and Ethan has always avoided falling for straight men. Ethan keeps his distance, but Jack draws him in, like gas to a naked flame, and it's a lure he isn't strong enough to turn away from.

Contains mature themes.

©2016, 2019 Tal Bauer (P)2020 Tantor

Great entertainment.

I didn’t want to stop listening and I didn’t want it to end. I’m glad there is another book in the series.

fantastic

This novel makes me want to reduce the number of stars I've given other novels because it's so very good. The characters are compelling, a lot is going on, and it has depth and richness throughout.

Fast paced action throughout with detailed character development.

I really enjoyed the action and suspense and the storyline was exciting. The love story with the main characters was delightful. The only part I didn't believe was that the main character was Republican. It would have been better to leave party affiliation out of the story, it didn't seem relevant and was distracting.

Overall it was a fantastic story and I'm looking forward to more!

Forbidden Love, Explosions, and Conspiracy

Newly elected President Jack Spiers is working with global leaders to bring piece to the Middle East. He is the first of several national leaders to arrive for a summit. Apparently the intel about the area risks was wrong because the motorcade is attacked by terrorists in route. An IED explodes, rolling the president’s SUV. He wakes up after a few minutes of being unconscious, realizing he and the Secret Service are under gunfire. Luckily, they are picked up by helicopter not long after. But the President doesn’t want to leave. Two men hold him down to prevent him from jumping out of the chopper. This is because the President has witnessed the terrorists capturing Ethan Richenbach, the President’s Secret Service Detail Lead, who the president is secretly in love with. He can’t bare to leave him behind.

This book was half political thriller/mystery half mm romance. The romance was sweet. I _LOVE_ how Ethan waited for Jack to be ready and did not push him at all. This was such a big deal for me. I also like how the Secret Service agents had a change of heart after they realized Ethan and Jack’s relationship, and covered for them.

This book is a lot of audio for the money. It’s sweet and I heart John Solo as narrator. I’m planning to listen to all audiobooks available by this author.

Before reading, I recommend you write down and be familiar with the characters listed at the beginning of the book:
White House:
→ Jack Spiers: President of the United States.
→ Ethan Reichenbach: Head of Presidential Secret Service Detail.
→ Scott Collard: Presidential Secret Service Detail Agent.
→ Levi Daniels: Presidential Secret Service Detail Agent.
→ Luke Welby: Presidential Secret Service Detail Agent.
→ Elizabeth Wall: Secretary of State.
→ Jeff Gottschalk: Chief of Staff.
→ Pete Reyes: Press Secretary.
→ General Bradford: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs.
→ General Porter Madigan: Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs.
→ Lawrence Irwin: Director, CIA.
→ Peter Stahl: Director, Secret Service.
→ Lieutenant Adam Cooper: Leader of USMC Special Operations team.

Russia:
→ Sergey Puchkov: Russian President.

Saudi Arabia:
→ Prince Faisal al-Saud: Royal head of the Saudi Intel. Dir.
—————-
Update 2023: This is the most important book in my life because Jack and Ethan are in my head almost every day. They are my meditation

Decent story but with some “Interesting“ narration choices/styles by John Solo.

Good and in depth story that’s slightly cheesy and predictable but not in ways that detract from the overall experience and enjoyment of the book.

Some of the choices by the narrator on the other hand were enough to distract from and at times completely pull me out of the story.
Overacted and Whinny are interesting choices for some of the scenes and especially the inner dialogue of characters when it doesn’t appear true to character or how it would have actually been written on the page and other times Rushed and Loud for no discernible reason even when backtracking to make sure I hadn’t missed something.
Don’t expect to hear consistent voices for any of the characters because with very minor exceptions it’ll change by the page or recording date/time.
Also seems like either research was done, partial corrections were made or just not enough care taken to keep consistency on pronunciations of several of the overseas locations, terms, etc.
I expected better from John Solo, was almost enough in some places to ruin the book and actually had to step away and come back later to be able to finish the recording.
This performance has knocked him off my trusted narrator’s list.

Fabulous!

John Solo gives life to these characters. It’s a wonderful book made even better. Loved it!

Great series start - solid 4 stars

Would I listen to it again: yes
Did the story keep me engaged: yes
Was I invested in the characters: yes

This story is fiction with elements set in reality, with this in mind (for me) it was a terrific adventure and I'm diving straight into the next one. The characters (both main and supporting) are interesting, the pace is good and between the intricate details included in the story and John Solo's narration, I felt every emotion, bullet and minute of action that was thrown at our hero's. What more can I ask from a good book.

Thank you Tal Bauer and John Solo - good job. 👍👍

Excellent at every turn!!

Great action, world building and Characters. I am on the edge of my seat looking towards the next installment.

Great job!

The story of course was great. Add John telling the story, I couldn’t stop listening.

Tom Clancy with Gay Romance

Oh, heck yeah! I didn’t even know I needed this. MM political thriller? Tom Clancy-level detail and research with gay MCs? I’m 100% in and you will be too! The most dastardly bad guys, a President’s bi-awakening, and sexy secret service men. Who could resist??