Mirrigold: Mutterings & Musings

Gravity by Tal Bauer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Urm I’m not sure where to begin with this review.

It’s a Tal Bauer book, so you better believe it doesn’t follow a traditional rule for how a specific trope should be written.

It’s a Tal Bauer book, so expect surprises and an unlikely event which hinges a twist in the plotline.

It’s a Tal Bauer book, so expect a gloriously satisfying romance which might take place in a relatively short space of time but which will very much have you believing the universe conspired to bring these two young men together.

And, as it’s a Tal Bauer book, you’re going to be gasping, cursing his name, and probably reaching for a stiff drink, tissues and a box of chocolates at some point.

With Gravity though, the angst is the lowest I’ve ever read in one of his books. But when the gut punch comes, it’ll still take the wind out of your sails.

Tal gives us two young men, Bryce is 26, Hunter just 22, and a random encounter that should never have happened really given the difference in their playing circumstances.

And because Tal has such a knack for creating visuality in his books, we feel the actions, we sense the emotions, we embrace the consequences of what’s happening on page.

It’s a tough journey being an NHL player, the Stanley Cup playoffs are among the most gruelling in any sport imho and here we’re taken along for all of the punishing journey as the Montreal team strives for glory.

Even if you’re not an ice hockey fan, I guarantee the connection between the two men will have you smiling, sighing and then desperately willing them on to the happy ending they deserve.

For sports fans like me though, there’s plenty of page time given to all the on ice action Tal embeds into the narrative he’s unfolding.

I adored Bryce’s teammates, his coach and the staff, there’s a wonderful secondary character who has an important moment that I won’t spoil but I loved them too.

With the smattering of Québécois French adding to the romantic moments, this book will – like its title – pull you deep into the storytelling and won’t let go until you’re as in love with it as the two protagonists are with each other.

Bravo Tal, you really did write a low angst swoony romance 😉

#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.

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