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Taking the Odds #2
Inland Empire
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 trafficking - can they survive both?
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2009
11 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
James Buchanan
136 books381 followersJames 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 the newsletter for the ManLoveRomance Author's co-op. James has spoken and read at conferences such as Saints & Sinners and the Popular Culture Association. In the midst of midlife crises, James bought and learned to ride a Harley - it went with the big, extended cab pickup. James has been a member of CorpGoth since 1993 and been know to wear leather frock coats to court.
If you don't find James at the computer working on the next book, you probably won't find the bike in the garage.
Visit James at http://www.james- buchanan. com for more information on recent and upcoming releases.
If you don't find James at the computer working on the next book, you probably won't find the bike in the garage.
Visit James at http://www.james- buchanan. com for more information on recent and upcoming releases.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
July 15, 2015
Written july 15, 2015
3 1/2 Stars - Nothing is perfect but nevertheless most often interesting ... like here
Book #2
I finished and liked but didn't love the first part Cheating Chance (3.5 stars) in this three books series 'Taking the Odds' just a week or two ago. I'm not sure I should had started this second part already if it wasn't for the buddyread with a bunch of James Buchanan liking girls.
Hesitant and unsure ... just like the hero here
There are things to say, things needed to discuss, things to be heartwarming happy about. I'm not sure what I think or what I like right now. Anyway, this second part gets both lovely beautiful roses and uncomfortable dreary thistles from me.
*********************************************************
Imagine a gay kinky Goth and a tattooed horny closeted LA cop-dude. It must but be smexy yummy and fun. Or?
Nick O'Malley is the agent for the 'Nevada Gaming Commission', who test slots and video poker machines too investigate allegations of cheatings. A openly gay guy with the black ‘Goth‘ look and (weekend) lifestyle.
Brandon Carr is the 'Riverside PD' closeted 'vice' cop with a lot of tattoos, a tough biker boy look and a Harley MC.
These two get to know each other a weekend evening at the big Goth convention, Convergence 11, in San Diego. Then they started a kinky, struggling and quite stormy relationship. There were action, villains and a murder case and we were left with them in a quite good place for the future.
This second part Inland Empire is more or less set in Brandon's hometown Riverside. The plot and story is focused on Brandon's life, work, friends etc. Nick was there to visit (and get his car) but ended up staying some weeks to help out with a crime case. ~ An bumpy love journey started...
*********************************************************
I like but get so irritated as well..
These 'Taking the Odds' books have a good basic storyline, interesting characters, startling hot scenes, heartbreaking moments and are in no part sticky or corny. There are also good enough crime cases. A lots of positive aspects, but also a lot of troublesome flaws.
The first one that troubles me is the closed closet problem. This "gay-dread" makes Brandon sometimes ridiculously frightened and insecure, and he hurt Nicks feeling badly more than once. Brandon actually act like a spoiled self-centered teenboy and it gets me both sad and angry. I want to like (admire and love) the main characters in my romances, but here in this series, it is almost more bullshit than I can stand.
On the other hand, Brandon is so damn hot, fun, diverse and very typically weak, but believable, "human" character. —A big shaky bear (scared boy) I want to hug.— Nick and Brandon's love is both grand romantic, heartbreaking tough and just addictive to follow. Pretty please dear Brandon, step out from that closed closet.
*********************************************************
The smexy steam; kinky but very sweet bondage
I don't want to be whiny but there are also, at times, too long descriptions, too much details about (unimportant) stuff (around the crime cases), and also (in my humble opinion) way too many and sometimes just too long explicit sex-scenes. This writer write very good steaming hot kink but I just don't want, or need to know, about every single rope knot, every move / trust / lick etc.
Far too much deliciously good luxury food every day is also just tiresome commonplace food at last. ~ I wanted more story, more relationship development, more of these men... not just their horny thoughts and (impressive) active bedroom life. ~ To be true and fair, Inland Empire become a much better book with more interesting story in the second half. I smiled again. This is pretty good reading as soon these two men start to talk to each other.
*********************************************************
I'm double, I both like a lot and don't like lots
There is a third book (All or Nothing) but to be true, I don't know if I want, has the strength and energy, to read it or not. Maybe I just ask a friend to just give me a highlight summary. Or maybe I just must meet these lovebirds one last time. Who knows?!?
I LIKE - yes I actually do
3 1/2 Stars - Nothing is perfect but nevertheless most often interesting ... like here
Book #2
I finished and liked but didn't love the first part Cheating Chance (3.5 stars) in this three books series 'Taking the Odds' just a week or two ago. I'm not sure I should had started this second part already if it wasn't for the buddyread with a bunch of James Buchanan liking girls.
Hesitant and unsure ... just like the hero here
There are things to say, things needed to discuss, things to be heartwarming happy about. I'm not sure what I think or what I like right now. Anyway, this second part gets both lovely beautiful roses and uncomfortable dreary thistles from me.
*********************************************************
Imagine a gay kinky Goth and a tattooed horny closeted LA cop-dude. It must but be smexy yummy and fun. Or?
Nick O'Malley is the agent for the 'Nevada Gaming Commission', who test slots and video poker machines too investigate allegations of cheatings. A openly gay guy with the black ‘Goth‘ look and (weekend) lifestyle.
Brandon Carr is the 'Riverside PD' closeted 'vice' cop with a lot of tattoos, a tough biker boy look and a Harley MC.
These two get to know each other a weekend evening at the big Goth convention, Convergence 11, in San Diego. Then they started a kinky, struggling and quite stormy relationship. There were action, villains and a murder case and we were left with them in a quite good place for the future.
“Why can’t you just leave it where it’s good?”
Cupping Brandon’s chin in his hand, Nicky looked deep into Brandon’s eyes. “Because I think we deserve wonderful.”
This second part Inland Empire is more or less set in Brandon's hometown Riverside. The plot and story is focused on Brandon's life, work, friends etc. Nick was there to visit (and get his car) but ended up staying some weeks to help out with a crime case. ~ An bumpy love journey started...
*********************************************************
I like but get so irritated as well..
These 'Taking the Odds' books have a good basic storyline, interesting characters, startling hot scenes, heartbreaking moments and are in no part sticky or corny. There are also good enough crime cases. A lots of positive aspects, but also a lot of troublesome flaws.
The first one that troubles me is the closed closet problem. This "gay-dread" makes Brandon sometimes ridiculously frightened and insecure, and he hurt Nicks feeling badly more than once. Brandon actually act like a spoiled self-centered teenboy and it gets me both sad and angry. I want to like (admire and love) the main characters in my romances, but here in this series, it is almost more bullshit than I can stand.
On the other hand, Brandon is so damn hot, fun, diverse and very typically weak, but believable, "human" character. —A big shaky bear (scared boy) I want to hug.— Nick and Brandon's love is both grand romantic, heartbreaking tough and just addictive to follow. Pretty please dear Brandon, step out from that closed closet.
*********************************************************
The smexy steam; kinky but very sweet bondage
I don't want to be whiny but there are also, at times, too long descriptions, too much details about (unimportant) stuff (around the crime cases), and also (in my humble opinion) way too many and sometimes just too long explicit sex-scenes. This writer write very good steaming hot kink but I just don't want, or need to know, about every single rope knot, every move / trust / lick etc.
‘Besides the sexy man circling him, the sensation of the ropes was a reward. No one other than Nicky could keep him helpless like this.’
Far too much deliciously good luxury food every day is also just tiresome commonplace food at last. ~ I wanted more story, more relationship development, more of these men... not just their horny thoughts and (impressive) active bedroom life. ~ To be true and fair, Inland Empire become a much better book with more interesting story in the second half. I smiled again. This is pretty good reading as soon these two men start to talk to each other.
*********************************************************
I'm double, I both like a lot and don't like lots
There is a third book (All or Nothing) but to be true, I don't know if I want, has the strength and energy, to read it or not. Maybe I just ask a friend to just give me a highlight summary. Or maybe I just must meet these lovebirds one last time. Who knows?!?
I LIKE - yes I actually do
August 29, 2015
3.5
I liked this one a lot more the the first one. The writing was better and so was the sex.
The sex sometimes got in the way of the story but it was super hot. So that's not really a complaint, just an observation.
I liked this one a lot more the the first one. The writing was better and so was the sex.
The sex sometimes got in the way of the story but it was super hot. So that's not really a complaint, just an observation.
August 26, 2015
Okay, I read this 18 years ago (that's July) and can't remember shit.
The sex was super hot and Brandon was a major dick who needed to get his head out of his ass (seriously, I sympathize, but come on) and then less of a dick. So that was good.
I'm not overwhelmed with love for this series like I am for Buchanan's Deputy Joe series but I'm still looking forward to seeing what happens to Nick and Brandon in the last book, All or Nothing.
Oh and thank you to my BR buddies!
July 15, 2015
I still like the premise that this story is built on and the writing worked much better that the first in the series.
BR 8th July 15 with the gang
July 11, 2015
BR Here
Thanks, my lovely friends, for a lovely BR you all made the book entertaining.
This one is better than the first, but I can't give it more than 3 stars, sorry.
I was looking forward to read story which was tagged in a Mystery or suspense genre but when the mystery part falls flat and doesn't really balance properly with other aspects of the story that story is not well written for me.
It was an okay read.The author concentrated more on Brandon and Nicky's relationship in this story.The Suspense was not good.Brandon was as usual Jerk, but I like him. He did take some baby steps towards getting the proverbial stick out of his ass and by the end embraced Nicky.
Yay
I really enjoyed Nick and Brandon's fight and making up after.
Lots of squirm-inducing hot scenes between Nicky and Brandon.
Thanks, my lovely friends, for a lovely BR you all made the book entertaining.
This one is better than the first, but I can't give it more than 3 stars, sorry.
I was looking forward to read story which was tagged in a Mystery or suspense genre but when the mystery part falls flat and doesn't really balance properly with other aspects of the story that story is not well written for me.
It was an okay read.The author concentrated more on Brandon and Nicky's relationship in this story.The Suspense was not good.Brandon was as usual Jerk, but I like him. He did take some baby steps towards getting the proverbial stick out of his ass and by the end embraced Nicky.
Yay
I really enjoyed Nick and Brandon's fight and making up after.
Lots of squirm-inducing hot scenes between Nicky and Brandon.
June 7, 2017
3.5 Stars
Ah, the saga of closeted cop Brandon and out & proud Nevada Gaming Agent Nick continues. Better in execution, still a little rough around the edges, the predicted drama-lama surrounding these two was definitely kicked up a notch. Um. Make that several notches.
This was like getting your meal super sized at the drive-thru. Extra large smut please, with a side order of kink and dirty talk. The guys' dynamic has changed, and my staid self surprisingly found it interesting, varied, and quite hot.
Oh. And there's a murder. It involves something about gangs and online gambling and falsified computer chips. There was some info dump that went over my head again, but it touched nicely on Brandon's job as a vice cop.
One almost forgets that this is supposed to be a romantic suspense because really this could be billed as erotica. Well… imo it does. Not that I'm complaining. There was so much man on man action that I was surprised these two could tear themselves away from each other to actually investigate and do their job. Ha ha.
In all seriousness though, this did address some topical issues that dealt mainly with the fear of coming out. It was an improvement from the the first book, and I expect more from the next and look forward to it!
BR with the girls! Thanks for the entertaining company as always!
Ah, the saga of closeted cop Brandon and out & proud Nevada Gaming Agent Nick continues. Better in execution, still a little rough around the edges, the predicted drama-lama surrounding these two was definitely kicked up a notch. Um. Make that several notches.
This was like getting your meal super sized at the drive-thru. Extra large smut please, with a side order of kink and dirty talk. The guys' dynamic has changed, and my staid self surprisingly found it interesting, varied, and quite hot.
Oh. And there's a murder. It involves something about gangs and online gambling and falsified computer chips. There was some info dump that went over my head again, but it touched nicely on Brandon's job as a vice cop.
One almost forgets that this is supposed to be a romantic suspense because really this could be billed as erotica. Well… imo it does. Not that I'm complaining. There was so much man on man action that I was surprised these two could tear themselves away from each other to actually investigate and do their job. Ha ha.
In all seriousness though, this did address some topical issues that dealt mainly with the fear of coming out. It was an improvement from the the first book, and I expect more from the next and look forward to it!
BR with the girls! Thanks for the entertaining company as always!
February 27, 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! That also means there is a lot of fighting, but I personally enjoy their fighting because I know that it will always be followed by hot makeup sex. So, in between the fucking and the fighting, there are a lot of tender moments. Brandon does well at making up for his asshole-ish-ness and he is finally starting to grow up. And Nicky was just perfect as always!!!
Why 4 stars? Because I was not at all interested in the investigation this time. BORING!!
I will definitely continue this series because I also believe that Nicky and Brandon "deserve wonderful."
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! That also means there is a lot of fighting, but I personally enjoy their fighting because I know that it will always be followed by hot makeup sex. So, in between the fucking and the fighting, there are a lot of tender moments. Brandon does well at making up for his asshole-ish-ness and he is finally starting to grow up. And Nicky was just perfect as always!!!
Why 4 stars? Because I was not at all interested in the investigation this time. BORING!!
I will definitely continue this series because I also believe that Nicky and Brandon "deserve wonderful."
December 10, 2013
4.0 Stars
Wow. And, we're back for more hair-pulling argggggh! from my fast-becoming-fave tortured couple. In this sequel to Cheating Chance, Nicky is on Brandon's turf. Still on disability and in town to pick up Querida, Nicky gets corralled into helping the Task Force Brandon is on. Once again, things heat up - in and out of bed - but this time, Brandon's paranoia hits a new high.
These guys ... *shakes head* ... drive me NUTS! And, I love it. How sick is that? I liked this sequel because even though Brandon was often a sandwich short of a picnic, I felt that I got to know him better. And, I liked what I saw. I don't know if I can aptly convey the irony of that. In book two, Brandon was unbearable at times and I wanted Nicky to leave his sorry ass more times than I can count. But, nonetheless, I fell in love with Brandon in this book. Maybe I'm the one that needs some counseling and pharmacological help.
The mystery was meh; the ending was a little titillating; the overall story ... *grins* ... winnah!
Bottom line: I'm lovin' these nut jobs.
Wow. And, we're back for more hair-pulling argggggh! from my fast-becoming-fave tortured couple. In this sequel to Cheating Chance, Nicky is on Brandon's turf. Still on disability and in town to pick up Querida, Nicky gets corralled into helping the Task Force Brandon is on. Once again, things heat up - in and out of bed - but this time, Brandon's paranoia hits a new high.
These guys ... *shakes head* ... drive me NUTS! And, I love it. How sick is that? I liked this sequel because even though Brandon was often a sandwich short of a picnic, I felt that I got to know him better. And, I liked what I saw. I don't know if I can aptly convey the irony of that. In book two, Brandon was unbearable at times and I wanted Nicky to leave his sorry ass more times than I can count. But, nonetheless, I fell in love with Brandon in this book. Maybe I'm the one that needs some counseling and pharmacological help.
The mystery was meh; the ending was a little titillating; the overall story ... *grins* ... winnah!
Bottom line: I'm lovin' these nut jobs.
November 12, 2010
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 conflict, there was some really great police procedural writing too, which had me totally hooked.
The sex in the book was so good. SO GOOD. Lovely rope work, even lovelier frottage and the BDSM aspects were hawt. I’m not usually one for talking during sex in a book, but there was something about the way this was written that floated my boat. Nicky and Brandon are incredibly sexy in all their tattooed, dirty boy goodness and I liked it much.
http://sharrow.wordpress.com/2009/07/...
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 conflict, there was some really great police procedural writing too, which had me totally hooked.
The sex in the book was so good. SO GOOD. Lovely rope work, even lovelier frottage and the BDSM aspects were hawt. I’m not usually one for talking during sex in a book, but there was something about the way this was written that floated my boat. Nicky and Brandon are incredibly sexy in all their tattooed, dirty boy goodness and I liked it much.
http://sharrow.wordpress.com/2009/07/...
July 16, 2015
This one just didn't hold my interest like the first one. Brandon was a total shithead, paranoid freak, which made it really really hard to feel any drip of sympathy for him. I did love the hooker though. *She* was awesome. Anyway, at least I can put this one in my read column now. Whoopee.
March 4, 2011
The only part of this book that kinda ticked me was when Nicky got pissy over Brandon busting prostitutes and kept it going. During that part, the rating was falling but the rest was so good that it made up for it. :)
October 21, 2017
4.2 Stars
I hate this cover, but the book was so damned good I'll forgive the shoddy Photoshop. It was hella angsty, though, with Brandon's paranoia of being outed & as such lashing out at Nicky unnecessarily...but they worked it out in the end. And, after that flashback to when Brandon was a rookie, I can sort of see why he would be worried, so I cut him a bit of slack. (So did Nicky.)
The case wasn't as interesting this time around (just typical Vice shit) and that's okay since it really only provided the vehicle to move the relationship plot forward. Still, loved Roberta. LOVED her. And I loved that Brandon treated her with the respect she deserved. (Reminded me of Cooper on Southland with the wig incident.) (Fuck, I miss that show.)
And OMFG the rope scenes. JFC, they were so erotic, so sensual. So well-described that I have plenty of images to add to the mental spank bank for future use, yanno? I loved being in Brandon's head for those because, hello, sensory overload. Thank you!
Edited to add: Oh shit, I forgot about the scene where they have hot, so hot, OMG hot sex on the motorcycle. While it's running. *fans self*
So, yeah, definitely gonna read the next one.
I hate this cover, but the book was so damned good I'll forgive the shoddy Photoshop. It was hella angsty, though, with Brandon's paranoia of being outed & as such lashing out at Nicky unnecessarily...but they worked it out in the end. And, after that flashback to when Brandon was a rookie, I can sort of see why he would be worried, so I cut him a bit of slack. (So did Nicky.)
The case wasn't as interesting this time around (just typical Vice shit) and that's okay since it really only provided the vehicle to move the relationship plot forward. Still, loved Roberta. LOVED her. And I loved that Brandon treated her with the respect she deserved. (Reminded me of Cooper on Southland with the wig incident.) (Fuck, I miss that show.)
And OMFG the rope scenes. JFC, they were so erotic, so sensual. So well-described that I have plenty of images to add to the mental spank bank for future use, yanno? I loved being in Brandon's head for those because, hello, sensory overload. Thank you!
Edited to add: Oh shit, I forgot about the scene where they have hot, so hot, OMG hot sex on the motorcycle. While it's running. *fans self*
So, yeah, definitely gonna read the next one.
April 10, 2010
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 case, well, it wasn't very well crafted because I couldn't tell. Confusing at best.
4. Aside from the mystery falling flat, this was much better written than the previous book, Cheating Chance. This book was not weighed down by irrelevant detail. The exposition was organic and pertinent.
5. Lots of spelling errors and misplaced punctuation.
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 case, well, it wasn't very well crafted because I couldn't tell. Confusing at best.
4. Aside from the mystery falling flat, this was much better written than the previous book, Cheating Chance. This book was not weighed down by irrelevant detail. The exposition was organic and pertinent.
5. Lots of spelling errors and misplaced punctuation.
November 10, 2014
A stellar sequel to Cheating Chance.
Without technical jargon and explanations bogging down the story, Inland Empire is a superior story to the previous book in the series. There are a lot more opportunities and less distractions to see the relationship between Brandon and Nick.
The focus of this story is on their romance with the Vice investigation just adding flavor. It was interesting to see how Brandon tries to maintain his relationship with Nick and still remain in the closet. It would have been so easy to demonize Brandon but I didn't see that happening in this story.
Yes, I can see that his actions are pretty horrible in some situations in the book. Still, we can see how it isn't all that easy for Brandon to release his fears of being out publicly.
There was so much in this story that drew me in. I quite look forward to reading the next book.
Without technical jargon and explanations bogging down the story, Inland Empire is a superior story to the previous book in the series. There are a lot more opportunities and less distractions to see the relationship between Brandon and Nick.
The focus of this story is on their romance with the Vice investigation just adding flavor. It was interesting to see how Brandon tries to maintain his relationship with Nick and still remain in the closet. It would have been so easy to demonize Brandon but I didn't see that happening in this story.
Yes, I can see that his actions are pretty horrible in some situations in the book. Still, we can see how it isn't all that easy for Brandon to release his fears of being out publicly.
There was so much in this story that drew me in. I quite look forward to reading the next book.
March 6, 2010
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 be submissive when he is with Nicky but acts like an Alpha when he is out. He lives in two world -- and by the end of the novel, I appreciate the journey that the two of them go through.
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 be submissive when he is with Nicky but acts like an Alpha when he is out. He lives in two world -- and by the end of the novel, I appreciate the journey that the two of them go through.
July 30, 2014
Nick and Brandon are back for more in book 2. It takes up after Nick has mostly recovered from his injuries from book 1. They are together in California and Nick is helping out on a case. They have some really hawt motorcycle sex! And some angst with Brandon's ex....arguments....fighting....near break ups. More Rope Play....yummmy!!
The mystery was not that interesting, but I loved the continuation of Nicky and Brandon.
The mystery was not that interesting, but I loved the continuation of Nicky and Brandon.
February 27, 2011
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.
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.
May 6, 2011
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 suspense and I was left hanging on the edge of my seat a few times wondering what was going to happen next. I was captivated throughout the whole book even when I wanted to kill Brandon for hurting Nicky.
However, while the sex was hot there was just a bit too much of it for my liking. But oh, baby, was it HAWT! Nicky and Brandon's fondness for ropes and knots had me panting for more of those scenes... while I kind of just skipped the others. Lol.
Besides that, I really loved this one. I wished we saw Brandon go through experiencing what his co-workers thought of him being gay after finding out when Brandon just wouldn't let go of Nicky and almost squeezed him to death because he was so relieved. I will forever remember that moment, it was probably one of the sweetest I've read. But it was a totally aww moment when he finally just gave up and outed himself when he thought Nicky was hurt.
Overall, Brandon and Nicky, while frustrating at times, are definitely one of my favorite couples. I absolutely recommend reading this series.
This one was definitely filled with suspense and I was left hanging on the edge of my seat a few times wondering what was going to happen next. I was captivated throughout the whole book even when I wanted to kill Brandon for hurting Nicky.
However, while the sex was hot there was just a bit too much of it for my liking. But oh, baby, was it HAWT! Nicky and Brandon's fondness for ropes and knots had me panting for more of those scenes... while I kind of just skipped the others. Lol.
Besides that, I really loved this one. I wished we saw Brandon go through experiencing what his co-workers thought of him being gay after finding out when Brandon just wouldn't let go of Nicky and almost squeezed him to death because he was so relieved. I will forever remember that moment, it was probably one of the sweetest I've read. But it was a totally aww moment when he finally just gave up and outed himself when he thought Nicky was hurt.
Overall, Brandon and Nicky, while frustrating at times, are definitely one of my favorite couples. I absolutely recommend reading this series.
January 1, 2011
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 that I didn't get until that point. Made me more compassionate to Brandon's stuggles (always a good reminder to myself not to make judgement without walking in someone's shoes).
3)Connection - I feel the connection throughout the book between Nicky and Brandon, it is never flat.
4)Secondary characters - They added a little snapshot into the world of Brandon and developed the whole ambiance.
Dislikes (well,not really much to dislike with this story):
1) The case they were solving - it was disconnected for me, or it could be that I was just sooooo absorbed in Nicky and Brandon's relationship that I couldn't connect the dots. I liked the direction and where the case was going,just needed it to be a little tighter.
Overall a great read with leaps and bounds of character development over the initial book in the series.
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 that I didn't get until that point. Made me more compassionate to Brandon's stuggles (always a good reminder to myself not to make judgement without walking in someone's shoes).
3)Connection - I feel the connection throughout the book between Nicky and Brandon, it is never flat.
4)Secondary characters - They added a little snapshot into the world of Brandon and developed the whole ambiance.
Dislikes (well,not really much to dislike with this story):
1) The case they were solving - it was disconnected for me, or it could be that I was just sooooo absorbed in Nicky and Brandon's relationship that I couldn't connect the dots. I liked the direction and where the case was going,just needed it to be a little tighter.
Overall a great read with leaps and bounds of character development over the initial book in the series.
January 11, 2014
A solid 4, edging on up a bit to 4.5. But I couldn't decide.
I don't know what it is about these two, but I just adore Nicky and Brandon.
I was so excited to get to see how these two did on Brandon's turf this time around, and this didn't let me down. As opposed to just skipping over Brandon's paranoia, the story really dealt with it. It wasn't a "Oh okay, I'm good. Who cares?" kind of thing, and I appreciated that. Even though that meant that I wanted to sock Brandon a number of times in this. He was so frustrating, and I was surprised
And man, are they hot together or what? I'm not a ropes person, but one of the scenes in this book may have converted me just a bit. Love it.
I can't wait to see what comes next for them!
I don't know what it is about these two, but I just adore Nicky and Brandon.
I was so excited to get to see how these two did on Brandon's turf this time around, and this didn't let me down. As opposed to just skipping over Brandon's paranoia, the story really dealt with it. It wasn't a "Oh okay, I'm good. Who cares?" kind of thing, and I appreciated that. Even though that meant that I wanted to sock Brandon a number of times in this. He was so frustrating, and I was surprised
And man, are they hot together or what? I'm not a ropes person, but one of the scenes in this book may have converted me just a bit. Love it.
I can't wait to see what comes next for them!
May 17, 2018
I still haven't warmed up to Brandon. I just don't think I have as much patience for the "stubbornly, fearfully closeted guy" storyline as I used to. Also, this series seems to be missing that indefinable something that I love so much about the writing in the Deputy Joe books.
At least the sex was hot. And plentiful.
At least the sex was hot. And plentiful.
November 12, 2016
2 1/2 stars rounded up to 3. This review will contain minor spoilers which are necessary to explain why I wanted to throttle one of the fictional characters (and not the one you think).
Inland Empire really didn’t do it for me. Which was incredibly disappointing because I 4 stars enjoyed the first installment in the trilogy Cheating Chance. But Inland Empire just didn’t hold my interest. There may still have been hot sex, but I’m not sure because I had a really hard time with Nicky and vacillated between being annoyed with him and trying to wrap my head around the path of his character development.
Inland Empire followed the same formula as Cheating Chance – a law enforcement mystery and the developing romance between Nicky and Brandon. It picks up where Cheating Chance left off – Nick has recovered from his kidnapping and before going back to work heads out to California to pick up his beloved hearse Querida from impound and to spend a few days with Brandon. Then one thing leads to another, Nick meets Brandon’s partner Jeff and a few of Brandon’s co-workers – and it just so happens that Brandon is on a task force looking into a gang bang in front of a video gaming cafe , where surprise, surprise – illegal gambling may also be occurring. Everyone (except for Brandon) realizes that Nick’s special computer skills could come in handy. So the next thing you know Nick is on loan from the Nevada Gaming Commission and is working with Brandon on his task force.
I struggled a bit with the overall storyline. The “mystery” involving the gang bang, and illegal gambling and then human trafficking – just wasn’t that interesting. So for me, the romance had to pull all the weight – and that broke down for me as well. Nicky had started to irritate me in Cheating Chance – he wasn’t on my last nerve – but his over the top drama, emotional reactions, cold shoulder hissy fits grated on me. In Inland Empire he was in rare form. He has a cow over a hooker getting her hand down Brandon’s pants before Brandon can yell “Whoa, back the bus up”!! during a sting. Nicky throws a hissy, wants Brandon to stop busting hookers. He’s all “you let her do it and go sleep with your job” and Brandon is like “you know I work Vice, right”? It’s like flipping out on your gynecologist boyfriend for putting his hand up a strange woman’s vagina.
Then there’s the issue of Brandon being in the closet. I’ve read the reviews. Most reviewers seem to be in the “poor Nicky, Brandon’s such an asshole” camp. Not me. I wanted to bitch slap Nicky seven ways to Sunday. Yes, Brandon is in the closet and paranoid – I would argue – with good reason. He’s a cop. Not a social worker, not a professor, not an artist – a police officer – a member of the “good ole white boys club” – a group not known (as a majority) for their enlightened attitude of acceptance. One could argue, an organization not dissimilar to the military – and the military is only 5 years out (as of 2016) from the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”. When we put Brandon’s “paranoia” in perspective – he’s more cautious than paranoid. Coming out – in his job as a police officer – could threaten his livelihood (that thing you need to have money to actually live) and conceivably put his life in danger. And Nicky’s inability to grasp this fact, his lack of empathy and unwillingness to make some compromises in his behavior to make Brandon feel more comfortable - made me want to bitch slap him. On the whole, I found Nicky more immature and self centered than he seemed in Cheating Chance – and there were times when I really couldn’t imagine what Brandon saw in him.
Finally – in the bedroom – I said in my Cheating Chance review that while it started with Nick as the bottom/sub character and Brandon the top/dom – they started to mix it up – and I like that – I like the sense of “equality”. In Inland Empire it’s switched up so that Nick is now pretty much the top/dom and Brandon the bottom/sub. I get it in Brandon’s character – it makes sense. I get the sense of his wanting to give up control since he has so much responsibility and stresses so much in life. I do not get Nicky as the top/dom. It’s hard to reconcile Nick being all assertive and demanding and “you belong to me” and ordering Brandon around – when the other half of the time he acts like a PMSing teenaged girl. “OMG, I’m not talking to you”!!! – because that’s so mature and toppy and dominant – not. It just drove me crazy.
The book ends with the mystery solved and Nicky and Brandon having resolved their differences and moving their relationship forward in terms of commitment (after more waxing ecstatic over how wonderful Nicky is and how lucky Brandon is to have him – and clearly I need to have my head examined because I am out in left field).
Inland Empire really didn’t do it for me. Which was incredibly disappointing because I 4 stars enjoyed the first installment in the trilogy Cheating Chance. But Inland Empire just didn’t hold my interest. There may still have been hot sex, but I’m not sure because I had a really hard time with Nicky and vacillated between being annoyed with him and trying to wrap my head around the path of his character development.
Inland Empire followed the same formula as Cheating Chance – a law enforcement mystery and the developing romance between Nicky and Brandon. It picks up where Cheating Chance left off – Nick has recovered from his kidnapping and before going back to work heads out to California to pick up his beloved hearse Querida from impound and to spend a few days with Brandon. Then one thing leads to another, Nick meets Brandon’s partner Jeff and a few of Brandon’s co-workers – and it just so happens that Brandon is on a task force looking into a gang bang in front of a video gaming cafe , where surprise, surprise – illegal gambling may also be occurring. Everyone (except for Brandon) realizes that Nick’s special computer skills could come in handy. So the next thing you know Nick is on loan from the Nevada Gaming Commission and is working with Brandon on his task force.
I struggled a bit with the overall storyline. The “mystery” involving the gang bang, and illegal gambling and then human trafficking – just wasn’t that interesting. So for me, the romance had to pull all the weight – and that broke down for me as well. Nicky had started to irritate me in Cheating Chance – he wasn’t on my last nerve – but his over the top drama, emotional reactions, cold shoulder hissy fits grated on me. In Inland Empire he was in rare form. He has a cow over a hooker getting her hand down Brandon’s pants before Brandon can yell “Whoa, back the bus up”!! during a sting. Nicky throws a hissy, wants Brandon to stop busting hookers. He’s all “you let her do it and go sleep with your job” and Brandon is like “you know I work Vice, right”? It’s like flipping out on your gynecologist boyfriend for putting his hand up a strange woman’s vagina.
Then there’s the issue of Brandon being in the closet. I’ve read the reviews. Most reviewers seem to be in the “poor Nicky, Brandon’s such an asshole” camp. Not me. I wanted to bitch slap Nicky seven ways to Sunday. Yes, Brandon is in the closet and paranoid – I would argue – with good reason. He’s a cop. Not a social worker, not a professor, not an artist – a police officer – a member of the “good ole white boys club” – a group not known (as a majority) for their enlightened attitude of acceptance. One could argue, an organization not dissimilar to the military – and the military is only 5 years out (as of 2016) from the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”. When we put Brandon’s “paranoia” in perspective – he’s more cautious than paranoid. Coming out – in his job as a police officer – could threaten his livelihood (that thing you need to have money to actually live) and conceivably put his life in danger. And Nicky’s inability to grasp this fact, his lack of empathy and unwillingness to make some compromises in his behavior to make Brandon feel more comfortable - made me want to bitch slap him. On the whole, I found Nicky more immature and self centered than he seemed in Cheating Chance – and there were times when I really couldn’t imagine what Brandon saw in him.
Finally – in the bedroom – I said in my Cheating Chance review that while it started with Nick as the bottom/sub character and Brandon the top/dom – they started to mix it up – and I like that – I like the sense of “equality”. In Inland Empire it’s switched up so that Nick is now pretty much the top/dom and Brandon the bottom/sub. I get it in Brandon’s character – it makes sense. I get the sense of his wanting to give up control since he has so much responsibility and stresses so much in life. I do not get Nicky as the top/dom. It’s hard to reconcile Nick being all assertive and demanding and “you belong to me” and ordering Brandon around – when the other half of the time he acts like a PMSing teenaged girl. “OMG, I’m not talking to you”!!! – because that’s so mature and toppy and dominant – not. It just drove me crazy.
The book ends with the mystery solved and Nicky and Brandon having resolved their differences and moving their relationship forward in terms of commitment (after more waxing ecstatic over how wonderful Nicky is and how lucky Brandon is to have him – and clearly I need to have my head examined because I am out in left field).
Read
July 2, 2009There 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/?...
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/?...
May 1, 2017
I love this series. I am so bummed that there are only three and that the shorts aren't even in print anymore. (If anyone knows where I can get a copy, let me know! I'd even buy them in hard copy.) This book gave me all the danger and peril and OMG HES GONNA DIE I needed without all the melodrama and hospital scene. Talent! The plot was great, the characters were realistic but God, I hated Brandon for the first half for many reasons. He treated Nick like crap. Nick was almost perfect, but his hissy fit over was ridiculous.
One more thing about Brandon: I have no tolerance for people who won't dress appropriately for something important and necessary. Do you think women have been comfortable in pantyhose and high heels? Fortunately, most of us don't have to wear hose anymore, but seriously, you can't wear slacks instead of jeans to a very important witness interview? Is a suit jacket that much more uncomfortable than a heavy leather jacket in the middle of summer? Seriously, it's a couple of hours. How you look and dress affects how people perceive you and when you are already covered in tattoos and piercings, and you're meeting with conservative immigrants from Asia who you need something from, do your effing job and dress the part. You can put the jacket on for just the hour you're with them. But that was realistic for the character and another reason he just pissed me off.
The sex was varied but there was too much of it. My favorite part, the build right before they come, and the orgasm itself, was missing. With just a couple of sentences more, the sex would be even hotter. I really love the rope tying although it's hard to picture. This BDSM is hot and totally works for me. One is mostly a Dom in bed but sometimes bottoms. He also controls from the bottom too sometimes. That seen with the chair was smoking hot.
A couple of minor quibbles:
Pagers? How old is this book?
The whores were ridiculously cheap ($20 for a blow job) and Brandon thought it was expensive. Again, when was this written?
I really hated that the text said, "the cop..," frequently when referring to Brandon. Nick wouldn't think of him that way.
Hummus isn't bean paste. Chick peas aren't beans. They're legumes.
There was serious, over-the-top, fat hatred. It's fine to have an asshole like Brandon hate fat people, but it was presented in a way that was too much.
A 900 sq. foot house in the U.S. is small, not large, unless you're in NYC.
Overall, this was a fabulous read and I was really sorry when it ended.
One more thing about Brandon: I have no tolerance for people who won't dress appropriately for something important and necessary. Do you think women have been comfortable in pantyhose and high heels? Fortunately, most of us don't have to wear hose anymore, but seriously, you can't wear slacks instead of jeans to a very important witness interview? Is a suit jacket that much more uncomfortable than a heavy leather jacket in the middle of summer? Seriously, it's a couple of hours. How you look and dress affects how people perceive you and when you are already covered in tattoos and piercings, and you're meeting with conservative immigrants from Asia who you need something from, do your effing job and dress the part. You can put the jacket on for just the hour you're with them. But that was realistic for the character and another reason he just pissed me off.
The sex was varied but there was too much of it. My favorite part, the build right before they come, and the orgasm itself, was missing. With just a couple of sentences more, the sex would be even hotter. I really love the rope tying although it's hard to picture. This BDSM is hot and totally works for me. One is mostly a Dom in bed but sometimes bottoms. He also controls from the bottom too sometimes. That seen with the chair was smoking hot.
A couple of minor quibbles:
Pagers? How old is this book?
The whores were ridiculously cheap ($20 for a blow job) and Brandon thought it was expensive. Again, when was this written?
I really hated that the text said, "the cop..," frequently when referring to Brandon. Nick wouldn't think of him that way.
Hummus isn't bean paste. Chick peas aren't beans. They're legumes.
There was serious, over-the-top, fat hatred. It's fine to have an asshole like Brandon hate fat people, but it was presented in a way that was too much.
A 900 sq. foot house in the U.S. is small, not large, unless you're in NYC.
Overall, this was a fabulous read and I was really sorry when it ended.
July 28, 2011
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 wonder what exactly it is that they see in each other. Maybe more Nick than Brandon. Brandon seems to really like that Nick gets his needs and such, but Nick seems to have to fight for every piece a ground he gains in their relationship. And for every step forward Brandon begrudgingly takes, he manages to justify taking 3 steps back. Plus after this book, where they were practically living together- I mean the extended visit, it is going to be weird to return to them being a long distance couple. I think it will feel like not enough. Maybe that's just me.
I think their relationship is interesting and that the crimes that they are solving a pretty weak. What I mean is that they are a minor storyline, playing in the background of the relationship, but then they are brought to the front and made into a big moment that help to force a change in the two main character's relationship. A change because of crisis. I also feel like the sex scenes are awkwardly placed in the story. There will be chapters without any sex then there are 3 scenes in row. Or they come out of nowhere. The two are fighting, then having hot sex, then fighting some more.
There is some part of me that just can't help rooting for these two however, and that's what keeps me reading.
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 wonder what exactly it is that they see in each other. Maybe more Nick than Brandon. Brandon seems to really like that Nick gets his needs and such, but Nick seems to have to fight for every piece a ground he gains in their relationship. And for every step forward Brandon begrudgingly takes, he manages to justify taking 3 steps back. Plus after this book, where they were practically living together- I mean the extended visit, it is going to be weird to return to them being a long distance couple. I think it will feel like not enough. Maybe that's just me.
I think their relationship is interesting and that the crimes that they are solving a pretty weak. What I mean is that they are a minor storyline, playing in the background of the relationship, but then they are brought to the front and made into a big moment that help to force a change in the two main character's relationship. A change because of crisis. I also feel like the sex scenes are awkwardly placed in the story. There will be chapters without any sex then there are 3 scenes in row. Or they come out of nowhere. The two are fighting, then having hot sex, then fighting some more.
There is some part of me that just can't help rooting for these two however, and that's what keeps me reading.
November 18, 2012
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 on Brandon's relationship with Nicky and, to a lesser extent, with his partner Jeff, his former lover Ray, and a drag queen
who gives him some unexpected emotional support.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series. These two deserve what Nicky is hoping for - they deserve WONDERFUL!
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 on Brandon's relationship with Nicky and, to a lesser extent, with his partner Jeff, his former lover Ray, and a drag queen
who gives him some unexpected emotional support.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series. These two deserve what Nicky is hoping for - they deserve WONDERFUL!
April 15, 2010
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 seen as more submissive at the beginning, ended up being the opposite.
I'm so hoping James is going to continue the story - I want more Nicky ... oh, and 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 seen as more submissive at the beginning, ended up being the opposite.
I'm so hoping James is going to continue the story - I want more Nicky ... oh, and Brandon.
November 7, 2010
*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 reading the excerpt am a little worried about the role Brandon's daughter will play. She seems rather bratty...
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 reading the excerpt am a little worried about the role Brandon's daughter will play. She seems rather bratty...
September 6, 2015
The story didn't have as much angst as the first. I thought Brandon became more likable with this book. Both men are still adjusting to their relationship. Nick has less trouble than Brandon. Still Nick won't be pushed back in the closet and Brandon would love nothing better than to do that to him, at least while on the job. I didn't really understand the trouble with the prostitutes even explained I still didn't see the point in Nick's anger:( It did get results but... Overall a good read and on to the next:)
October 30, 2013
It's impressive how much James's writing has improved from the first book to the second and from this book to the recent ones. It's more mature, more focused, characters are better defined. I still enjoy Nicky and Brandon even if I think that Joe and Kabe have taken the spotlight. But, that is as it should be. And, everyone should read this series.
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