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Inland Empire (Taking the Odds #2)

by James Buchanan (Goodreads Author)

4.2 of 5 stars 4.20 · rating details · 456 ratings · 49 reviews

#2 in the Taking the Odds Series from James Buchanan Agent Nick O'Malley and Det. Brandon Carr are back. Nick heads to Riverside, California, center of the Inland Empire and Brandon's home turf. But every minute Nick's in Riverside threatens to out Brandon. When events embroil Nick in one of Brandon's investigations -- gang hits, prostitution, illegal gambling and human tr...more

Paperback, 288 pages

Published June 1st 2009 by MLR Press (first published May 2009)

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Nov 11, 2010 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: glbt-fiction, favorites

Cheating Chance was such an enjoyable read and I’ve been waiting ages for Inland Empire, the 2nd installment in the series. Unfortunately I’m not much one for serialized books, I just don’t have the patience! The wait was worth it though and if anything this volume was even better than the first.

The development of the characters, particularly Brandon, made for compulsive reading and had me up till 2am. I had bags under my eyes! But the book doesn’t just have well developed characters and angsty...more

5 likes · like · see review

Nov 06, 2010 orannia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m

*edited review*

I didn't think it was possible to love Nicky & Brandon more than I did after Cheating Chance... but I do :) I loved how this book focused just as much on the relationship as the mystery, and we got to see more of Brandon's life both inside and outside work. And very separate they are too, but in this book they come together...and Brandon has to decide what is important. As for the sex scenes and the rope play...*fans self* WOW!

Am eagerly anticipating the third book but after...more

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 10, 2010 Nichole (Dirty H) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m, 2010, bdsm-lite

Key points:

1. This book is full of really hot sex scenes. If that's what you're looking for, you'll love this.
2. Brandon was a total jerk, I don't know why Nicky put up with so much of his shit.
3. The cop drama/mystery aspect of this book never really came together. I couldn't tell if it was all supposed to be one case or if it was three separate cases and if it was three cases than what the hell was Nick doing consulting on the other two? He barely had reason to be on the one. And if it was one...more

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Jul 02, 2009 Elisa Ramblings added it · review of another edition

There are two worlds in this novel and Brandon behaves in a different way according to the world he is in that moment. Inland Empire is the sequel of Cheating Chance; the first book takes place in Nicky's world (so maybe the worlds are actually three), Las Vegas, where Nicky is out and proud and has no problem with that. He has a tight circle of friends and Brandon, his new boyfriend, enters the circle. It's always Brandon who comes to visit Nicky, since Brandon is not out: he is a Los Angeles p...more There are two worlds in this novel and Brandon behaves in a different way according to the world he is in that moment. Inland Empire is the sequel of Cheating Chance; the first book takes place in Nicky's world (so maybe the worlds are actually three), Las Vegas, where Nicky is out and proud and has no problem with that. He has a tight circle of friends and Brandon, his new boyfriend, enters the circle. It's always Brandon who comes to visit Nicky, since Brandon is not out: he is a Los Angeles police officer, and he stated from the first moment with Nicky that he has no intention to come out. But in the first book Nicky was in danger, Brandon had to call for some favor, and in a way, he came out a bit from the closet. Now, at the beginning of the second book, Nicky is coming to visit and Brandon can't avoid to present him to his friends. It's actually the Pink Elephant who tries to hide in a glass shop, since Nicky is obviously gay, he is staying with Brandon, and you can say seeing them together that they are not only buddy friends. I actually found almost irritating Brandon's stubbornness in insisting that he is in the closet... that closet has bigger hole that a wrecked ship.

And so we read of Brandon who tries to live a double life: the mostly submissive partner for Nicky, when they are alone, and the bad big straight cop, when they are among other people. It's quite a contrast since Brandon doesn't change so much in attitude, and so it's strange, but interesting, to see him as the bottom in their relationship, seeking Nicky's comforting body and almost begging his love, without actually saying the word, and maintaining that facade of strong and untouchable man; and it's even more strange to see him denying that Nicky is someone special in his life, when it's obvious that Nicky is among the more important person in his life.

Another nice contrast is seeing as Brandon, all straight attitude, is mostly the bottom in their relationship, and Nicky, not exactly flamboyant, but almost, turns a dominant lover in their intimacy. There is a reason for Nicky's behavior, a bad experience with a past lover that makes difficult for him to submit to a lover, so the contrast is not so strange; basically Nicky was a submissive lover, but he got hurt, and now it's difficult to trust again. And Brandon's attitude doesn't help, since, trying to "hide" Nicly with him in the closet, he isn't proving to Nicky that he accepts him like he is, he is forcing Nicky to do something he doesn't like, and ab absurdo, he is behaving like his former lover, taking advantage of Nicky's trust to force him to do something unhealthy for him.

In the end I would like to spend some words on the setting, the LAPD. It's not a "romance" perspective that we have of the job, there are not lonely hero who arrives and burst into a scene alone and almighty, routing the enemies. Oh yes, Nicky and Brandon can play on how sexy can be Brandon with his former motorbike cop uniform, but all in all, Brandon's job is dangerous and underpaid, brought on in poor neighborhoods and among petty criminals, and at the end of the day, the only reward he has is a small apartment and a take out dinner. And Brandon himself is not some perfect hero, who can live as he wants without facing the consequences of his actions. Only if you meet someone special like Nicky, you can have something more, but you need to have the courage to be true with yourself and the world, knowing that there will be no rainbow flags cheering for you.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1608200167/?...(less)

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Feb 27, 2012 Lauraadriana rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: interracial, m-m, made-me-wish-i-was-a-gay-man, super-super-hot, should-be-read-by-all

3.5 Stars

I think I'll do One Big Review when I finish the last book for this series. I'm still loving it for sure, but this one dwindled for me a bit in certain parts. I was not too sure what they were going for with the crime/mystery part of the plot.

Nicky and Brandon are still MADE OF SEX, so hot and such great moments.

Nicky is such a fabulous character , open and just IN LOVE, so willing to fight to get his happy ending with Brandon.

Brandon is still as stubborn scared little shit, hot, sexy,...more

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Apr 12, 2013 ARe Cafe rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: vals-picks

Inland Empire by James Buchanan is an older book, first published in 2009 and now re-released, but it is still very much worth reading if you haven’t already. Book 2 in the Taking the Odds series, it can be read as a standalone though you may enjoy it more if you read the first book Cheating Chance to get the full background on the relationship between Brandon and Nick. This book explores the believable and emotionally wrenching dilemma faced by Brandon, who is a deeply closeted cop. Brandon fea...more

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Dec 31, 2010 Snowtulip rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m

Love Nicky and Brandon!

Likes:
1) Nicky - He has become one of my favorite characters...he's sensitive, demanding at the appropriate times, really thinks emotions through, is hilarious...downright wonderful
2) Understanding a different point of view - Buchanan shows some of the difficulties that have lead to Brandon's paranoia in the dream during is earlier cop years. That scene just made me think about a different point of view and why people behave as they do. It adds perspective to behavior tha...more

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Jul 30, 2010 Michele Montgomery added it · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I always get so happy when I see a sequel come out, especially when it has some of my favorite characters in it. And it just so happens that Nicky and Brandon fit into that category. I was thrilled when I found out about the release and just couldn’t wait to see what became of them.

This sequel takes up where Cheating Chance left off. Nicky is getting better and almost done with his disability leave so he decides to visit Brandon and get his lovely hearse from the impound yard. Of course things w...more I always get so happy when I see a sequel come out, especially when it has some of my favorite characters in it. And it just so happens that Nicky and Brandon fit into that category. I was thrilled when I found out about the release and just couldn’t wait to see what became of them.

This sequel takes up where Cheating Chance left off. Nicky is getting better and almost done with his disability leave so he decides to visit Brandon and get his lovely hearse from the impound yard. Of course things won’t go as easy as all that. The prologue to this story centers around a young sixteen year old Asian boy who gets shot while he is standing out front of a gaming café. There are so suspects, no clues, nothing and this leads us to chapter one.

Brandon and his partner Weaver are assigned to be on the task force that has the job of finding the Vietnamese gangs who are running gambling and prostitution rackets. This is the sub-plot. The plot is the relationship between Brandon and Nicky. Here we have Nicky in town and because he’s a computer geek, he gets drafted into helping them solve the case. Of course Nicky is all too happy to help out, it’s Brandon, who is still stuck in his closet that isn’t too happy with the idea. Nicky is OUT, he’s happy with who he is and Brandon not so much. See the issue? Yes, Brandon has daily melt downs afraid that his fellow officers will find out he’s gay. Poor Nicky!

We are treated to how a sting operation goes down, and who better to teach us than James Buchanan? We got to see everything from step 1 to step 10 when they set these stings up. I’d rather be on the outside thank you very much.

Almost at the start of this story, we are treated to Nicky and his ropes. If anything, he’s improved since Cheating Chance. No matter how many issues the two have outside of sex, they always seem to make the sex hot as hell. Though my favorite character is indeed Nicky, I am still having a hard time seeing him as a top. His whole personality screams bottom to me, and Brandon screams top. However, I do understand that because Brandon is a cop and he’s always on guard and a take charge type of man at work, he wants to relax and give in when he’s not at work. Give that power up to someone else for a bit. And Nicky is the man for that job, as he finds he can’t bottom for anyone due to a bad experience with a former lover. I just have a time of it seeing Nicky in this role. Not that it ruined this read for me, not at all.

We get to meet Brandon’s old flame, Ray. And a lady by the name of Roberta. Both characters added to the plot line and I think you’ll enjoy them both. The one person who really did it for me was Weaver. Once he digests the fact that Brandon is gay, he is actually a lot of help to Brandon. At one part he tells Brandon how bad he messed up with Nicky and to make up to him he should go buy him diamonds or something along that line. Why did he make Nicky mad? Well, because Brandon is being a prude! He’s so worried that his fellow cops will find out he’s gay and then what they’ll do to him if they found out that it’s now interfering with his relationship with Nicky.

I felt so bad for Nicky, I really wanted to slap Brandon with as worried as he stayed throughout the story, but I believe this is also necessary. This goes on in REAL life too, as sad as that is. Bravo to James, for making this center attention of Brandon’s hell. We get to see inside his mind and see just how much he stands to lose. At one point, he did lose his beloved Nicky. He loves that man so much it drives him crazy just thinking about losing him for good. So, he decides to stalk his lover, only to see him going into his hotel room with none other than Ray!

Sadly, Brandon’s landlord catches them in a compromising situation and EVICTS him! Yes, that certainly does happen in real life, as caveman thinking as it is. But things work out, and he finds a place without much ado. I think I would have liked to see Brandon drag that woman over the coals but he went quietly away.

More than once I wanted to yell at him to get over his fear, but when I stopped to think about that statement, I realized that its what really happens. Imagine the injustice being done to the recipients.

Bravo to James for giving us real characters to love. I am hoping he brings us more of Brandon and Nicky.

Just one thing, I sorta wished James had included pictures of how Brandon looked all tied up at times. What is a butterfly knot? I’ll go look it up.
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Jun 26, 2010 Top 2 Bottom Reviews Interviews and More rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I always get so happy when I see a sequel come out, especially when it has some of my favorite characters in it. And it just so happens that Nicky and Brandon fit into that category. I was thrilled when I found out about the release and just couldn’t wait to see what became of them.

This sequel takes up where Cheating Chance left off. Nicky is getting better and almost done with his disability leave so he decides to visit Brandon and get his lovely hearse from the impound yard. Of course things w...more I always get so happy when I see a sequel come out, especially when it has some of my favorite characters in it. And it just so happens that Nicky and Brandon fit into that category. I was thrilled when I found out about the release and just couldn’t wait to see what became of them.

This sequel takes up where Cheating Chance left off. Nicky is getting better and almost done with his disability leave so he decides to visit Brandon and get his lovely hearse from the impound yard. Of course things won’t go as easy as all that. The prologue to this story centers around a young sixteen year old Asian boy who gets shot while he is standing out front of a gaming café. There are so suspects, no clues, nothing and this leads us to chapter one.

Brandon and his partner Weaver are assigned to be on the task force that has the job of finding the Vietnamese gangs who are running gambling and prostitution rackets. This is the sub-plot. The plot is the relationship between Brandon and Nicky. Here we have Nicky in town and because he’s a computer geek, he gets drafted into helping them solve the case. Of course Nicky is all too happy to help out, it’s Brandon, who is still stuck in his closet that isn’t too happy with the idea. Nicky is OUT, he’s happy with who he is and Brandon not so much. See the issue? Yes, Brandon has daily melt downs afraid that his fellow officers will find out he’s gay. Poor Nicky!

We are treated to how a sting operation goes down, and who better to teach us than James Buchanan? We got to see everything from step 1 to step 10 when they set these stings up. I’d rather be on the outside thank you very much.

Almost at the start of this story, we are treated to Nicky and his ropes. If anything, he’s improved since Cheating Chance. No matter how many issues the two have outside of sex, they always seem to make the sex hot as hell. Though my favorite character is indeed Nicky, I am still having a hard time seeing him as a top. His whole personality screams bottom to me, and Brandon screams top. However, I do understand that because Brandon is a cop and he’s always on guard and a take charge type of man at work, he wants to relax and give in when he’s not at work. Give that power up to someone else for a bit. And Nicky is the man for that job, as he finds he can’t bottom for anyone due to a bad experience with a former lover. I just have a time of it seeing Nicky in this role. Not that it ruined this read for me, not at all.

We get to meet Brandon’s old flame, Ray. And a lady by the name of Roberta. Both characters added to the plot line and I think you’ll enjoy them both. The one person who really did it for me was Weaver. Once he digests the fact that Brandon is gay, he is actually a lot of help to Brandon. At one part he tells Brandon how bad he messed up with Nicky and to make up to him he should go buy him diamonds or something along that line. Why did he make Nicky mad? Well, because Brandon is being a prude! He’s so worried that his fellow cops will find out he’s gay and then what they’ll do to him if they found out that it’s now interfering with his relationship with Nicky.

I felt so bad for Nicky, I really wanted to slap Brandon with as worried as he stayed throughout the story, but I believe this is also necessary. This goes on in REAL life too, as sad as that is. Bravo to James, for making this center attention of Brandon’s hell. We get to see inside his mind and see just how much he stands to lose. At one point, he did lose his beloved Nicky. He loves that man so much it drives him crazy just thinking about losing him for good. So, he decides to stalk his lover, only to see him going into his hotel room with none other than Ray!

Sadly, Brandon’s landlord catches them in a compromising situation and EVICTS him! Yes, that certainly does happen in real life, as caveman thinking as it is. But things work out, and he finds a place without much ado. I think I would have liked to see Brandon drag that woman over the coals but he went quietly away.

More than once I wanted to yell at him to get over his fear, but when I stopped to think about that statement, I realized that its what really happens. Imagine the injustice being done to the recipients.

Bravo to James for giving us real characters to love. I am hoping he brings us more of Brandon and Nicky.

Just one thing, I sorta wished James had included pictures of how Brandon looked all tied up at times. What is a butterfly knot? I’ll go look it up.

Review by Michele(less)

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Aug 13, 2009 Jenre rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m, contemporary, romance, mystery

Inland Empire begins a few weeks after the end of Cheating Chance. Nicky is coming to the end of his disability leave, but takes a little holiday time so that he can visit Brandon and pick up his beloved hearse from the impound now that it's been released as evidence. Whilst staying with Brandon word gets around that Nicky's a computer geek and he gets drafted into helping with a case involving Vietnamese gangs who are running gambling and prostitution rackets. This means that Nicky's invading B...more

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Apr 13, 2010 Jimmy Hanson rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010, m-m

Better than it's predecessor, "Cheating Chance" - that's what immediately jumps to mind and sticks. Brandon and Nicky's story continues on, picking up about 3 months where the other left off. In terms of in-the-closet/out-of-the-closet recap, Weaver [Brandon's partner:] knows, but no one else and at first that's okay. It's not about anyone else - it's about Nicky and Brandon, the way a relationship that strong should be.

... until Nicky ends up getting kind of recruited in number of Brandon's tas...more Better than it's predecessor, "Cheating Chance" - that's what immediately jumps to mind and sticks. Brandon and Nicky's story continues on, picking up about 3 months where the other left off. In terms of in-the-closet/out-of-the-closet recap, Weaver [Brandon's partner:] knows, but no one else and at first that's okay. It's not about anyone else - it's about Nicky and Brandon, the way a relationship that strong should be.

... until Nicky ends up getting kind of recruited in number of Brandon's task force shake-downs, valued for his knowledge of all things computer and geek. Suddenly, the open-but-not-flaming gay guy and his pretending-to-be-straight boyfriend are kept in tight confines in front of Brandon's team and the men in blue.

To say Brandon turns into an uber-paranoid ass is kind of understating it by like ... a mile. Or seven. It's not pretty, it's not nice, and he and Nicky are at each other's throats just as much as they are at each other's ... well ... 'other' parts.

But that, more than anything else, is real life. Brandon may be a paranoid ass, but his fears are real - while they may seem unfounded in the beginning, by the end his terror seems to make a little more sense, based on past busts, co-worker racism, and what Nicky is told by others about the world Brandon lives in.

The build-up and take down that the Task Force is involved in is well-rounded and complete in my opinion. Kind of skimmed over in some places to make room for the schmex, but good all the same. The last scene, where everything all comes down, was fantastically done. It was predictable that Brandon would out himself in some way - major or minor - but satisfying, at least to me, that it happened. It NEEDED to happen, and I think Buchanan did it well.

My only regret: I wish it had gone on for another 20-30 pages or more; I was too eager to see the fall-back from the outing, and when it was passively given in an 'it's only Monday and things haven't settled enough for anything to snap back yet' link was disappointing. It DOES however leave open for a third novel, which I'm hoping will come to wrap it all up. Preferably something with Brandon's little girl Shayna in it. *crosses fingers&(less)

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Feb 27, 2012 Heather C rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: pdoc, bdsm, m-m, gfy-ofy, contemporary-romance, ebook, series, read-2012

I'm still loving these guys!!

Ok, so those of you who didn't like Brandon in book one will probably dislike him even more in this book. I love him but he is still a huge asshole and terrified of coming out. Of course, I think if he would ever come out he wouldn't have any more reasons to be an asshole. This story is lot more about Nicky and Brandon's relationship than book one. They are pretty much together the entire time...so that means there is a lot of hot sex...rope sex...and even Harley sex...more

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Nov 18, 2012 Barb ~rede-2-read~ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: bdsm, favorites, hawt, read-2012, bingo-challenge, to-re-read

I loved this sequel to Cheating Chance. Nicky and Brandon are back and this time they are in Nick's turf, including working on a case in his police station with his gay-bashing co-workers. No wonder he is so paranoid!

Nicky is Nicky, super nice, funny and hot as hell. Brandon is over the top with paranoia leading to lots of fights and then lots of makeup sex, most of it involving Nicky's use of rope. This story was less of an adventure/mystery than the previous one and really focused much more o...more

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Oct 05, 2011 Pam rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, m-m-romance, police-fbi, series, suspense

Take note that this book was released by another publisher in 2009 and because of the continuing relationship of Nick and Brandon, Cheating Chance should be read first.

It's a romance but its also a police procedural where Brandon and Nick are involved in a task force investigation. I like these guys and watching them try to work together was interesting, but worrying about being outed puts a big strain on their relationship and eventually Nick leaves, almost breaking up with him. The author does...more

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Aug 20, 2009 Saritza rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance-contemporary-gay

Oh, how I love Nicky & Brandon! I can't even begin to tell you the wonderful things this book did for my... um... muse. Yes, my muse (which is currently cuddling Nicky's ropes).

Summary: Nicky and Brandon are back, and this time they're on Brandon's turf.

Nicky's still on disability when he comes to Riverside to visit Brandon and pick up his 'Querida' from the Bakersfield's impound lot. Brandon loves having Nicky around, but at the same time, he's worried someone might find out that Nicky's m

...more Oh, how I love Nicky & Brandon! I can't even begin to tell you the wonderful things this book did for my... um... muse. Yes, my muse (which is currently cuddling Nicky's ropes).

Summary: Nicky and Brandon are back, and this time they're on Brandon's turf.

Nicky's still on disability when he comes to Riverside to visit Brandon and pick up his 'Querida' from the Bakersfield's impound lot. Brandon loves having Nicky around, but at the same time, he's worried someone might find out that Nicky's more than just a friend.

When Nicky becomes involved with the Task Force Brandon's on, the tension ratchets higher as Brandon's paranoia about being outed increases. Will his inability to step out of the closet mean the end of his relationship with Nicky? Or will the danger of the case they're on make it all a moot point?

Find out in this exciting sequel to Cheating Chance.

Why I loved this read: I must confess to being a series whore. I devour books in series like my children devour a freshly-delivered Non-Digiornio pizza. This second book in the Nicky & Brandon series did not disappoint!

James Buchanan, once again, took me on a ride that I did NOT want to come back from. Brandon's insecurities and paranoia about his closeted state are so palpable that many times I felt my own breath hitch when something threatened his 'supposed' safe spot inside that claustrophobic closet of his. Usually, when the closeted character is this deeply closeted I get quickly annoyed with them. Not Brandon. I completely understood his fear. Nicky and Brandon's love is exposed to the reader in such a delectable way that you hurt when they fight and you laugh out loud when they banter. Their steamy sex scenes though... holy mother of all things rope, leather and delicious! Choosing one scene from all the delicious scenes in this book was damn hard (pun intended). I wanted to include the motorcycle sex but... well... you need to buy this book to read that scene. It's Motorcycle sex! 'Nuff said!

Excerpt: Getting and giving at the same time was so good. Nicky was just so good. A warm, thick cock in his mouth sent Brandon into heaven. Nicky’s hot tongue teasing his head put him through the roof. He kissed and licked all along Nicky’s length. It wasn’t like there was any shortage on that. He had the sweet taste of Nicky all over his tongue. “Oh, baby, you taste so good,” he mumbled around Nicky’s prick. The first time he’d gotten Nicky’s pants off, seen what the advertising promised, Brandon had wanted it. He’d wanted it bad. Their first few times together, Nick had seemed all bottom. Not that he wouldn’t have kept Nicky that way, but Brandon had always wanted more. When he’d finally come around to sharing everything it had been incredible. Brandon hadn’t gone looking based on cock. Still, Nicky’s dick was icing on a really nice cake.

Nick sucked him down. Brandon’s hips rose to meet Nick’s lips. He pulled Nicky’s heavy balls into his mouth, rolled them around, while he stroked Nicky’s prick. Everything always got jumbled doing this. Where Nicky’s body ended and his body started melded together. Brandon worked his tongue up between Nicky’s cheeks, spreading Nicky with his fingers. There was a taste to Nick that was indescribable: thick and heady, almost like almonds. He slid his tongue inside and Nicky bucked and moaned. The sound shot frost through his thighs. Then Nicky’s finger worked inside Brandon. It was his turn to moan.

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Apr 14, 2010 Karen K rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: gay-law-enforcement, gay-faves, gay-tear-jerkers, gay-romance, gay-kink-bdsm, gay-hurt-comfort, own-print-copy, ebook-owned

Oh Nicky, I love you to death ... oh, yeah, I like you lots too, Brandon.
But seriously, I love this book - didn't think I could like it more than the first but I did. And like other reviews I've seen, I wanted Nicky to give Brandon a couple good ass-kickings for being well, such an ass, or tie him up a little tighter and less pleasurable with those fascinating ropes. *have mercy - those ropes*
I like that both characters display dominant and submissive characteristics and especially that the one...more

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Mar 06, 2010 Ami rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mm-mystery-suspense-thriller

3.5 stars
Although there are several times I want to kick Brandon's ass for being a jerk (he is so deep in the closet and so paranoid that he hurts Nicky's feeling!), but I admit that it might be what's real. Life is not always pretty, sometimes the consequences of one's coming out can result in something bad. So it's hard it is for me to accept Brandon's attitude but I understand. I actually enjoy this complicated relationship between them. Brandon is not an easy character to understand; he can...more

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Feb 10, 2010 Mara Ismine rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010, male-male, mystery-crime, romance

This is the sequel to Cheating Chance. It was a very well written and complex book. The day-to-day life of a vice cop was convincing and the crime sub-plot was very neatly tied up. Brandon was a very realistic case of conflicted male. Perhaps too realistic because I couldn't really get to like him. He acted like a jerk too many times and wasn't very good at apologising, or making up for his unpleasant behaviour, or even excusing himself in his own mind.

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Feb 20, 2012 L-D rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m, cop-pi-bountyhunter, tats-piercings-scars-yum, bdsm, bikers-motorcycles, series

Nick and Brandon are back. After risking his career at the end of the last book by sending in the troops to rescue Nick, Brandon is now out to his partner. While his partner is still not 100% comfortable about what he knows, Brandon is still under wraps with the rest of the department. But Nick is recuperating from his injuries and has come to Brandon's neck of the woods to recover. When Brandon's department is trying to bust a gambling ring, however, Nick's skills as both tech-geek and gaming a...more

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Jul 28, 2011 Tara rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m, read-in-2011, police-government-agency, romance-contemporary

3.5 rounded up to a 4.
This is the second book in the series. Nick has finished recovering from his injuries and is ready to pick up his hearse, so he and Brandon decide to make a time of it and Nick comes to stay with him for a few weeks. Nick ends up pulled in to an investigation that is heavily computer based. Meanwhile Brandon is continually freaking out that someone will figure out that Nick is more than just his bed bud.

I have to say I'm glad the story went where it did, but I still wonde...more

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Feb 27, 2011 Patti Loves FAB Romance rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: gay-lesbian, contemporary

I read the first book in this series, Cheating Chance (my review here), at Chris' recommendation several months ago, and immediately fell in love with Nicky and Brandon. I will say this - whenever other bloggers talk about "rope", Nick and Brandon's names always pop up. I think there was one rope scene in Cheating Chance? However, after reading Inland Empire, I understand: Wow, that boy can do some spectacular stuff with his hands!

The book begins with the murder of a teenage gamer. Brandon's pol...more I read the first book in this series, Cheating Chance (my review here), at Chris' recommendation several months ago, and immediately fell in love with Nicky and Brandon. I will say this - whenever other bloggers talk about "rope", Nick and Brandon's names always pop up. I think there was one rope scene in Cheating Chance? However, after reading Inland Empire, I understand: Wow, that boy can do some spectacular stuff with his hands!

The book begins with the murder of a teenage gamer. Brandon's police district has been trying to crack the case with no luck. Nick has come from Nevada to visit Brandon in Riverside and to pick up his car (hearse) from impound since his case (from Cheating Chance) is done and the car can be released from evidence. Brandon's a little (a lot) nervous about introducing Nick because Nick is out and Brandon is as far back into the closet as he can go. One thing leads to another and Nick ends up helping Riverside PD with the case.

My thoughts: I already loved Brandon and Nicky, and Inland Empire gave me a new view of the couple. This time they're on Brandon's turf and things are a bit trickier as Brandon can't be as open as he was when they were in Nevada. Only Brandon's partner knows he's gay.

Inland Empire started off with a bang (literally) and then moved quickly to Nicky and Brandon's relationship. At the point where I started to wonder if there would be any plot to the story, it jumped back into it and really took off.

I really connected Brandon in this book. He was so paranoid about being outed, I felt bad for him. It caused a lot of problems, both personally and professionally.

“Why do you always push, Nicky?” Exasperated, Brandon sighed. "Why can't you just leave it where it's good?"

Cutting the cop's chin in his hand, Nicky looked deep into Brandon's eyes. "Because I think we deserve wonderful."
- pg 83

I don't know if it's just me, but I felt like Nicky was more in charge in this book than he was in Cheating Chance; more dominant, if you will; and not just in the bedroom. He had a great attitude and was accepting of Brandon's fears while refusing to change his own personality.

The characters on the sideline were many and moved the story along well. Roberta the tranny prostitute was great. The landlady was awful. I liked most of Brandon's co-workers, especially his partner, Jeff. We also got to meet Brandon's ex-boyfriend Ray, who ended up helping with the case.

The end of the book was amazing - it's not a cliffhanger per se, but I'm dying to find out what happens to these two next in All or Nothing, book 3 of the series.(less)

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May 06, 2011 Nikyta rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Nikyta by: glossedcurls

Shelves: adbp, closet-cases, contemporary, bdsm-kink, cops-fbi-etc, existing-relationships, m-m, suspense, series-serial, wayyyyy-too-much-sex, working-together-in-some-capacity, torquere-press-prizm-books

I definitely liked this one better than the first one, Cheating Chance. For one, Brandon doesn't do any hanky panky with chicks like he did in the last one. I mean, he's still kind of an asshole but at least he kept his paws to himself. Nicky is still the same, goth and lovable. I want to marry him. *sigh* If only he was real. :-/ I still don't think Brandon deserves Nicky but by the end of the book, Brandon showed that he does love Nicky enough to prove it.

This one was definitely filled with s...more

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May 19, 2011 ElaineY rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mm, sequel-or-prequel-true

REVIEW OF 17 MAY 2011 READ:

I think I know why I didn't bother posting a review the first time I read this. I'm surprised how little I ended up liking this after enjoying Cheating Chance so much more the second time around. I was expecting to absolutely love this.

I didn't. I found it a chore to read, having to put up with Brandon's whining and asking why Nick's hanging around. If there was anyone he should have only as a fling, it ought to be Brandon. At the same time, I could understand Brandon'...more

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May 31, 2012 JustJen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mm, ebook

I am loving this story. Nicky is still the same wonderful, funny, super sexy ropemaster, and I continue to want to kick some major Brandon ass.

This book didn't have quite the abundance of technical jargon to distract me like the last one did. Have I already mentioned that the rope scenes are hotter than hot. These two just click together. It is great to see Nicky able to really get to the bottom of Brandon's needs.

And, speaking of Brandon, I am so on the fence with him. At some points I think...more

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Feb 02, 2011 Table4Five rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I love Nicky and Brandon! After the adventure that they took us on in the first book ... how could you not rush right into the second? This one us just as great and takes you on a different adventure. It's always a sexy wild ride with these two. Brandon and Nicky come across some relationship challenges but have to learn to overcome and deal with them or move on. I definatly recommend reading this book! Happy Reading!

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Mar 06, 2011 Blaine rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery-suspense, 2011

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jan 29, 2013 Noughty rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: g-mystery, g-suspense, g-contemporary, s-bdsm, q, lenght-long, b-reviewed, p-law-enforcement, g-crime, g-detective, g-action, s-dominance, s-fetish

I liked it better than the first book, less parts hard to understand without the extra knowledge (technology and so on). Also this was about the relationship, characters fell into their roles. The first one was more of just meeting each other. This one's about the relationship and problems in it.

Spent all day reading to finish it and can't wait to go to the next one.

(view spoiler)...more

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Jan 01, 2012 Susan65 rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

More like a 4.5 stars. These guys are addicting. I want a relationship like their's...well, without the gunshots and some of the angst but besides that, they are just two intense, hot dudes who now star in my nightly fantasies. Can't wait for book 3.

1 like · like · see review

Jun 06, 2011 OkayKim rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This one was a little tough to get through. I mean it would become boring than pick up, then get boring, the pick up etc. Anyway, it did have a very good ending and I look forward to reading the sequel. A 3.5 rating.

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Feb 29, 2012 Susinok rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, glbt, mystery

Great series of books so far, and I love the relationship between Nicky and Brandon, even if I DO want to knock Brandon upside the head a few times.

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About James Buchanan

James Buchanan, the author of over ten gay novels and single author anthologies, lives in a 100 year old Craftsman in California with SexyGuy, two demon spawn and a heard of adopted dogs, cats, rats and fish. Between managing a law practice with SG, raising kids and writing books, James volunteers with the Erotic Author's Association, Liminal Ink, the EPIC Awards Committee as well as coordinates t...more

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