Interlude: First Noel

Executive Office Series, Book 4

By: Tal Bauer

Narrated by: John Solo

Step back to Jack and Ethan's first Christmas season and the tentative early months of their relationship under the world's spotlight.

Three months into Ethan's transfer-in-exile in Des Moines, Iowa, the pressures of dating Jack, the president of the United States, start to wear Ethan down. His weeks are measured by the days he works in Iowa, chasing counterfeiters and financial crimes, and the weekends he manages to steal with Jack back in DC. The media stalks his every move; he's isolated by his coworkers and loneliness hammers at his heart.

In DC, Jack tries to piece together a global alliance to take down the Caliphate, while the world seems focused on tearing apart his personal life. Hostility surrounds him from all corners of the globe, but a surprise offer from President Sergey Puchkov may pave the way for a tentative alliance...and perhaps the beginning of a friendship.

As Ethan finds himself in the middle of an investigation that rubs too deeply against his soul and Jack tries to balance leading the free world and keeping his and Ethan's relationship going, the two men must face what their love has become...and where they are heading together.

Contains mature themes.

©2017, 2020 Tal Bauer (P)2021 Tantor

5++-

This is beautiful overview of the love story what happens in between all the happening of their turbulent lves . Tal Bauer you have exceeded my expectations as an author and story teller. John Solo there are words but you have surpass all with your performance. I feel bad because of society socialism that the characters wouldn't be screened the way it is portrayed. I love your books regardless.

Tal Bauer never disappoints but...

...the several "soul" mentions really got to me, given that Tal's writing is considered a"high bar".

Great story. Great narration.

This story was a nice interlude sandwiched in between action packed thrillers. Yes, there is still a sufficient quantity of action and suspense, but the reader gets a chance to see Jack and Ethan's relationship develop before the next two books full of heart stopping action packed scenes. This story can be read at any point after book one, but it takes place before book two.

I liked the hopefullness in this story. The right words said at the right time can make such a huge difference. I also appreciated how certain characters backed up their words with action. Those characters were taking a risk, but they didn't let fear of consequences stop them from doing what was right.

All the books in this series are an amazing read, but I think the core focus of this book is the reason why so many of the characters fight the "good fight" in all the rest of the books.

Once again, John Solo's narration was entertaining, and I enjoy hearing Jack and Ethan's voices brought to life.

A perfect interlude

Listening after reading all 3 helps to fill in the gaps. It’s like a reminiscing and just beautiful

Loved it

I so love this series. Their gifts to each other for Christmas had me crying some happy tears.

Perfection

I expected perfection with this narration, and I got it. This is a beloved series and John Solo delivered everything we could have asked for in the narration, and more.

Happy ending - read last

This book takes place chronologically after book 1. People will disagree with me but you should really read it after book 3. This is because book 3 is full of war and difficult to read. Interlude, book 4, is full of love and a much happier ending to the series. Great book and narration.

The president's man really has it going on!!

Before Ethan becomes Jack's first gentlemen and chaos ensues at the White House, we get their first Christmas together.

Being back in The Executive Office world really was like coming home. Tal Bauer is one of those authors that captivates and enthralls you no matter the subject matter. From hardcore romance all the way to political thriller, he's able to put enough heart and soul into each and every page you can't help but keep turning the pages to see what is next.

Interlude: The First Noel was the same. Even though it was a bit shorter than his other books I was still entirely invested in the troubles that Jack and Ethan had to face. Whether that be together or apart, and not to mention this book gives you a little bit of a softer look into Jack the man not just Jack the president. Especially that Santa hat moment.

John Solo completely captivated me with the narration as usual and while he isn't everyone's favorite narrator the way he can swift between gruff and soft always amazes me.

Now, I can truly say I have finished The Executive Office series and it was a bittersweet moment. Yeah, I got their happily ever after and their first Christmas, but this is one of those series that I wish I could experience reading for the first time all over again. Because that first feeling of expectancy and hope will no longer be there when I revisit it in the future, but I know I will forever hold these boys close to my heart.

great series

I live the characters. There's lots of action and suspense. The love story is believable. I grew up in DC and have been in the White House, so I appreciate that Tal's descriptions are accurate. Once I'm into the characters, I love series.

Love this series

I am totally in love with this author and I love the narrator, but I am extremely irritated that he only has five or six books. I mean come on. We need more of his books that has series on top of series on top of series and he's my best author yet