M/M Challenge Review: Inland Empire by James Buchanan

Posted January 30, 2010 by Tracy in Reviews | 25 Comments

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.
So Nicky has made his way to Riverside. Brandon’s been heading to Vegas almost every weekend to spend with Nicky and help him recover from his brush with death (from Cheating Chance). But when Nick and his computer savvy ways got put on Brandon’s case I thought Brandon would blow a friggin cog. He was beside himself. On one hand he loved having Nicky around and coming home to him but on another he’s so very scared of getting outed and Brandon was thinking that Nicky was acting a little too gay. Poor Brandon. He assumes people will talk because he and Nicky are staying at Brandon’s 1 bedroom apt. This causes quite the fight between the two men.
While there is some talk around that Nicky is “fluffy”, which of course pisses Brandon right off, Nicky doesn’t mind it. Brandon is beside himself and freaked that everyone will know. It’s a constant theme through the book and it was great to Nicky really calming Brandon down when he got too out of control.
I have to tell you I love Nicky and Brandon. There’s just something about the chemistry that they have together that really gets to me, sucks me in and makes it so I can’t put the book down. I loved when Nicky and Brandon were tender with each other – when they were hot and heavy with each other (yes, there was rope involved in this book too – which was damn hot. :)) and when they were fighting – all of it made for great reading because they are just great characters.
Another player that we got to see a bit more of was Jeff, Brandon’s police partner. I just dug him, he cracked me up. When Brandon forgot Nicky’s birthday? Oh, Jeff just gave it to him good:

Falling into step next to him, Weaver shook his head. It seemed the gesture de jour. “You’re worse than clueless, Carr. Let me lay it out for you. He leaves lala land, where all of his buds are probably pushing him to go to dinner, party or whatever kinds of things they do. But they’re all going to make a big thing out of it. Now, remember, there are no big plans with you for anything. You’re not going to be home until well after midnight and probably beat. Only met him once, but Nick’s not stupid.” They cut down a side street to head through White Park. “I’m sure he understood you weren’t going to be dancing the night away somewhere. But, he leaves the promise of a big to-do, goes back to your crappy little apartment on the edge of the boonies, catches some Zs so that he can be awake and spend his birthday with you. And what happens?” Passing through into the park, Weaver still had to up the volume of his voice to be heard over traffic noise. “You, suave cop, present him with a couple of takeout burgers and late night programming. No prezzies, as my kids say. No cake. Not even a goddamn card. And you think you told him happy birthday. I’m sure he wasn’t expecting clowns and bouncy houses, but maybe a candy bar with a candle in it.” Turning onto Chestnut, Weaver slapped Brandon on the back of his head. “Do you not understand what is wrong with that picture?”

On top of the wonderful relationship that is building between the two men we get to be involved in a case with Vietnamese gangs and everything that was involved. The police speak and procedure was just interesting. Again, what could have been dry informational stuff was brought to life.
I loved the book – even more than Cheating Chance I must say. If you haven’t read this author yet and you read m/m you should definitely give these books a try.
Rating: 5 out of 5

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25 Comments

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25 responses to “M/M Challenge Review: Inland Empire by James Buchanan”

  2. Tracy

    Chris – I did not know that – thanks. I'm looking forward to book 3 this spring too – I think it's All or Nothing – sounds great.

    Ok – I just re-read my review – wow. It's like a huge non-sequitur alert! lol I may have to edit. lol

    Reply
  4. Lily

    I love Nicky and Brandon. So looking forward to book 3.

    I actually read the short story before Cheating Chance and Inland Empire.

    Reply
  5. Tam

    I love these guys. Like Lily I read the short before I read the books and that got me interested in reading more. Can't wait for the next one.

    Reply
  12. Tracy

    Wow and I thought Chris was an enabler! lol Thanks for stopping by James!
    I was just telling Chris that I was on your site today and saw that you were in Oxnard on Wed. I'm in Santa Clarita so I could have made it there – dammit! lol Ah well, next time.

    Off to peek at your site…again. I obviously missed much before.

    Reply
  21. Tracy

    Orannia – Yes you do! I think you'll really like it.

    Sarah – Yep liked this one even better. The first one was really good but I think this Nicky and Brandon's relationship so angsty and them spending so much time together it just really did something for me.

    Mandi – Def. read Cheating Chance first, but yes, get this book. lol

    Jessica – you're not behind – it's always great to learn about new authors.

    Mariana – I bought The Good Thief yesterday and Toy Box: Rope and Toy Box Handcuffs today. Yeah, I have no impulse control whatsoever. lol Now I'll have to look in to Hard Fall.

    Reply

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