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Taking the Odds #1
Cheating Chance
Vice Detective, Brandon Carr, despite his tattoos and bad-boy cool, lives in the closet with no intention of ever coming out. Then he meets Nevada Gaming Agent, Nick O'Malley, at a Goth convention and his perfectly constructed world starts to crack. Nick's passions for him, a restored hearse and rope bondage might drown Brandon's will. With the odds stacked against them they try to move from simply sex to something more. Sparks fly as the pair probes a world of cheating, murder, drugs and money laundering. The investigation repeatedly derails their relationship, finally forcing Brandon to choose between staying in the closet and saving Nick's life.
260 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
14 people are currently reading
1008 people want to read
About the author
James Buchanan
130 books382 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 165 reviews
August 16, 2015
Written July 1, 2015
3 1/2 Stars - Not totally convinced but interesting enough
Book #1
A nearly forgotten planned buddyread that ended as a fun read with a big bunch of funny M/M readers. ~ Thanks lovely Ladies!
• •
Cheating Chance is the first opening book-part in the three books series Taking the Odds. I've read some books from James Buchanan's other series, Deputy Joe and really liked them (highly recommended reads) so I started this one with high expectations.
...and I'm not disappointed.
Just imagine a gay kinky vampire kind of Goth and a tattooed horny closeted LA cop-dude. ~ Yay! It cannot but be smexy yummy and addictive fun.
*********************************************************
California / Nevada, U.S
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 first meet a weekend evening at the big Goth convention, Convergence 11, in San Diego.
One steamy night leads to two...
A few weeks later is Brandon bike-riding from Los Angeles the four hours trip to visiting Nick in Las Vegas. ~ Already the first night are they "involved" in a murder / homicide case outside a goth-bar ....of a former colleague to Nick. Does it all has something to do with casino illegality and game cheats?
*********************************************************
I will not lie and say that I always liked Brandon. He is deep in the closet and have to work with himself before he gets my love. He dissapointed and made me so angry. But I have hope...
Nick, however, is adorable cute and a lovely character. ~ Too bad with the long black hair that was lost. Sob!!
*********************************************************
Good enough, I want more...
Glad I joined the BR, this was a good enough start to M/M (agent / cop) series. Some less good parts (to much facts about technology and casino-rules) but in many other ways romantic, exciting and intense hot, hot, hot kinky (in a surprising way) bedrooms scenes. It's not all what it seems in the start. Applause for that, Ms Buchanan!
...Add multifaceted interesting characters to feel something and care about.
To be honest isn't Cheating Chance always perfectly written (or fully well edited). It was quite difficult to know who said what at times— yet very captivating and humorous. Never boring or slow, on the contrary, this "aroused" my interest and attracted to read much more books by this intriguing writer. ~ Looking forward to start book #2 - Inland Empire.
*********************************************************
I LIKE - when it's more in it than expected
******
or
Ugh, what a silly and amateurish book cover (free pics image collage?!?) can give bad reading vibes from the start. Who dare to believe that there after all is a pretty good story behind a cover like these? - Please, don't look. It's a shame.
This pic could maybe be a start to a better cover, or?
3 1/2 Stars - Not totally convinced but interesting enough
Book #1
A nearly forgotten planned buddyread that ended as a fun read with a big bunch of funny M/M readers. ~ Thanks lovely Ladies!
• • Cheating Chance is the first opening book-part in the three books series Taking the Odds. I've read some books from James Buchanan's other series, Deputy Joe and really liked them (highly recommended reads) so I started this one with high expectations.
...and I'm not disappointed.
Just imagine a gay kinky vampire kind of Goth and a tattooed horny closeted LA cop-dude. ~ Yay! It cannot but be smexy yummy and addictive fun.
*********************************************************
California / Nevada, U.S
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 first meet a weekend evening at the big Goth convention, Convergence 11, in San Diego.
The thing that was missing in all the other guys he’d known; his boyfriend had it strong. “You’re a fucking cop. Ya just got to dog it ‘til you find it, just like a cop.”
One steamy night leads to two...
A few weeks later is Brandon bike-riding from Los Angeles the four hours trip to visiting Nick in Las Vegas. ~ Already the first night are they "involved" in a murder / homicide case outside a goth-bar ....of a former colleague to Nick. Does it all has something to do with casino illegality and game cheats?
*********************************************************
I will not lie and say that I always liked Brandon. He is deep in the closet and have to work with himself before he gets my love. He dissapointed and made me so angry. But I have hope...
“Don’t worry, hon, sooner or later he’s going to get tired of eyeballing the back of that closet door. And when he turns around he’s going to be so surprised that closet was made of glass. Just be there for him when it happens.”
Nick, however, is adorable cute and a lovely character. ~ Too bad with the long black hair that was lost. Sob!!
*********************************************************
Good enough, I want more...
Glad I joined the BR, this was a good enough start to M/M (agent / cop) series. Some less good parts (to much facts about technology and casino-rules) but in many other ways romantic, exciting and intense hot, hot, hot kinky (in a surprising way) bedrooms scenes. It's not all what it seems in the start. Applause for that, Ms Buchanan!
...Add multifaceted interesting characters to feel something and care about.
To be honest isn't Cheating Chance always perfectly written (or fully well edited). It was quite difficult to know who said what at times— yet very captivating and humorous. Never boring or slow, on the contrary, this "aroused" my interest and attracted to read much more books by this intriguing writer. ~ Looking forward to start book #2 - Inland Empire.
*********************************************************
I LIKE - when it's more in it than expected
******
or
Ugh, what a silly and amateurish book cover (free pics image collage?!?) can give bad reading vibes from the start. Who dare to believe that there after all is a pretty good story behind a cover like these? - Please, don't look. It's a shame.
This pic could maybe be a start to a better cover, or?
January 7, 2018
I struggled with Cheating Chance for more than a week, until I finally decided to consider myself defeated and put it aside after hitting the 65% mark. And believe me, I know that most of my friends either liked this book or will probably like it. And for that reason alone I'd recommend giving it a chance.
Because, let's face it, this book stars a tattooed biker dude who also happens to be a closeted detective. And then we have a Goth guy (Nature had gifted him with a set of canines that other Goths required serious dental work to achieve) who has sweaty, porny sex with said detective on page 3 and onwards (fans of UST are not going to get off on this one, no :p). Add to that a dose of suspense when our Goth ends up being a suspect in a case that involves the Mexican Mafia. And plenty soapy drama (“You little slut! We have one little fight and you just can’t wait to hop in the sack with your old boyfriend!” “What do you mean one little fight?” “Why is this about you. Always about you?”) that you know beforehand will result in more smutty sex. So basically, most of the ingredients readers love in their books are present!
Except...except... I've read it all before, you know? And that doesn't necessarily mean that I won't be able to enjoy yet another similar story... BUT I found the ‘save it for ya momma’ drama in Cheating Chance a little too contrived, the pacing uneven and it just never managed to drag me into its attempt at an emotional turmoil. Talk about those: some reviewers pointed out the similarities between this book and the Adrien English Mysteries by Josh Lanyon. And although I understand how the resemblances (closeted cop/slight outcast working a case together in which the latter is the suspect) make the comparison tempting, I think Cheating Chance lacks the emotional depth of Lanyon’s series. Instead it’s an uncomplicated read, a quick snack if you like. Definitely not bad, but not good enough for me.
Because, let's face it, this book stars a tattooed biker dude who also happens to be a closeted detective. And then we have a Goth guy (Nature had gifted him with a set of canines that other Goths required serious dental work to achieve) who has sweaty, porny sex with said detective on page 3 and onwards (fans of UST are not going to get off on this one, no :p). Add to that a dose of suspense when our Goth ends up being a suspect in a case that involves the Mexican Mafia. And plenty soapy drama (“You little slut! We have one little fight and you just can’t wait to hop in the sack with your old boyfriend!” “What do you mean one little fight?” “Why is this about you. Always about you?”) that you know beforehand will result in more smutty sex. So basically, most of the ingredients readers love in their books are present!
Except...except... I've read it all before, you know? And that doesn't necessarily mean that I won't be able to enjoy yet another similar story... BUT I found the ‘save it for ya momma’ drama in Cheating Chance a little too contrived, the pacing uneven and it just never managed to drag me into its attempt at an emotional turmoil. Talk about those: some reviewers pointed out the similarities between this book and the Adrien English Mysteries by Josh Lanyon. And although I understand how the resemblances (closeted cop/slight outcast working a case together in which the latter is the suspect) make the comparison tempting, I think Cheating Chance lacks the emotional depth of Lanyon’s series. Instead it’s an uncomplicated read, a quick snack if you like. Definitely not bad, but not good enough for me.
July 8, 2015
Title: Why I Hate That Fucker Brandon (the closeted cop love interest)
Subtitle: Okay, I don't really hate him, hate him, I'm actually trying--TRYING--to reserve judgement. He made some massive improvements by the end of the book and that's good.Sub-subtitle: But let's just say I had to pretend he was Daryl from The Walking Dead for a good portion of the book so I wouldn't want to apply his fucking face to a fucking brick wall for longer than five minutes at a time.
*sigh* I love Daryl. Brandon on the other hand...
Yeah, I had this whole review planned out but that's pretty much all I have to say. Except this: Brandon, stop being such a manipulative asshole. Stop flirting with anyone with a pair of DDs (especially when your boyfriend is standing RIGHT THERE, you douche). I have a pair of DDs and you know what? Many, MANY heterosexual dudes don't like them. Some men prefer champagne glasses to beer steins and that doesn't mean they're gay! Christ.
Nick, stop buying his shit. Stop accepting blame. And the next time somebody threatens you FUCKING TELL SOMEONE. Jesus, Nick is lucky his life is run by a fond author and not a just god--otherwise he'd be dead. Dead, dead, dead.
Other than that and the constant blah, blah, blah about EPROMs or whatever...I liked it. Looking forward to starting Inland Empire tomorrow.
July 10, 2015
The plot and the relationship between goth kid, Nick and his douchey closeted cop boyfriend, Brandon is what kept me interested in this story. Unfortunately, unlike the previous books I've read by this author, the writing didn't really work for me. The dialogue was often confusing and I wasn't always sure who was speaking. The book uses quite a bit of Spanish, since the plot involves the Mexican Mafia, almost all of it misspelled (not counting names, only 2 words were spelled correctly). The sex was hot but the dirty talk was sometimes cringe worthy or just awkward. "Oh yeah, whip me, beat me, make me write bad checks." I also skimmed most of the technical babble about the inner workings of slot machines. I think there was much more detail than was really necessary.
Aside from all my complaints though, I did like it and I am interested in seeing how Nick and Brandon's relationship develops so on to book 2.
Thanks to my BR buddies. It's always a pleasure.
Aside from all my complaints though, I did like it and I am interested in seeing how Nick and Brandon's relationship develops so on to book 2.
Thanks to my BR buddies. It's always a pleasure.
February 19, 2012
I just loved Nicky...I even loved the asshole Brandon! These guys were hot and a lot kinky: balcony sex, hearse sex, table sex, cyber sex, bondage, sex toys...
This was the first book in the series so it ends with a HFN. But it was a really sweet HFN and showed a lot of hope for these two guys. I really liked the ending and was even surprised by the few twists, too
For me, the only drawback in this book was all the technical jargon about the slot machine programming. It was complicated and confusing and actually put me to sleep a few times. That is the only reason I am giving this story 4 stars instead of 5.
Anyway, I love the dynamics between Nicky and Brandon and can't wait to read the next book in the series!
This was the first book in the series so it ends with a HFN. But it was a really sweet HFN and showed a lot of hope for these two guys. I really liked the ending and was even surprised by the few twists, too
For me, the only drawback in this book was all the technical jargon about the slot machine programming. It was complicated and confusing and actually put me to sleep a few times. That is the only reason I am giving this story 4 stars instead of 5.
Anyway, I love the dynamics between Nicky and Brandon and can't wait to read the next book in the series!
June 7, 2017
Well this was a bit different.
As per the blurb, Nick and Brandon meet up at a goth convention and sparks fly immediately. However, being a cop, Brandon is deeply in the closet and makes no apologies. Nick is a Nevada Gaming Control Agent and has never hidden who he is. Such a set up is perfect for lots of drama and this did not disappoint.
So… there's some hard core man on man action - it is intense with some kink and bondage - but overall pretty darn hot. This was very low on the fluff and hearts and flowers - but plenty of out of control lust and relationship shenanigans that caused a bit of whiplash.
Oh. And there's a murder. It involves the tampering of slot machines and money laundering. There was quite a bit of info dump regarding all the gaming regulations required in and out of Nevada - most of which went over my head.
Despite all of that, it was entertaining with just enough feels to satisfy my romance requirements. It will be interesting to see how these two forge ahead and compromise. I foresee a lot more crazy and great makeup sex...
As always, a great BR with the girls! You know who you are!
As per the blurb, Nick and Brandon meet up at a goth convention and sparks fly immediately. However, being a cop, Brandon is deeply in the closet and makes no apologies. Nick is a Nevada Gaming Control Agent and has never hidden who he is. Such a set up is perfect for lots of drama and this did not disappoint.
So… there's some hard core man on man action - it is intense with some kink and bondage - but overall pretty darn hot. This was very low on the fluff and hearts and flowers - but plenty of out of control lust and relationship shenanigans that caused a bit of whiplash.
Oh. And there's a murder. It involves the tampering of slot machines and money laundering. There was quite a bit of info dump regarding all the gaming regulations required in and out of Nevada - most of which went over my head.
Despite all of that, it was entertaining with just enough feels to satisfy my romance requirements. It will be interesting to see how these two forge ahead and compromise. I foresee a lot more crazy and great makeup sex...
As always, a great BR with the girls! You know who you are!
June 28, 2015
Hey! Where did my review go? I know I did a review of this. WTF?
>:[
EDIT 6/28/15:
Found my review.
I was never able to get into this book and I found I had to force myself to read it. Maybe it was just the wrong time to read it for me. I never connected with the characters and I learned WAY more than I ever wanted to about the mechanics of electronic gambling devices.
April 8, 2010
3.5 stars
This could have been more like a 4 to 4.5 star read, but this book got completely bogged down in irrelevant detail and gratuitous description. I truly appreciate the amount of time and effort that went into the research of this book. But sometimes when an author does research for a book, it's more to help them know where they're coming from and a lot (or most) of the stuff they learn won't ever make it to the book. Just because you researched it does not mean you must squeeze it in. This book needed a much stricter editor.
I was also quite bothered by an event that happened around the middle of the book. One of the characters reacted in a way that seemed extremely out of proportion and out of character, and it totally yanked me out of the story. It all turned out okay, but it seemed like conflict for conflict's sake and it was really a WTF moment. It could have been handled much better; it almost felt like that part of the book was written by someone else.
Aside from those two issues, this was really good. The mystery/suspense aspect was really original and interesting and the romance was scorching. I can't wait to read the sequel.
This could have been more like a 4 to 4.5 star read, but this book got completely bogged down in irrelevant detail and gratuitous description. I truly appreciate the amount of time and effort that went into the research of this book. But sometimes when an author does research for a book, it's more to help them know where they're coming from and a lot (or most) of the stuff they learn won't ever make it to the book. Just because you researched it does not mean you must squeeze it in. This book needed a much stricter editor.
I was also quite bothered by an event that happened around the middle of the book. One of the characters reacted in a way that seemed extremely out of proportion and out of character, and it totally yanked me out of the story. It all turned out okay, but it seemed like conflict for conflict's sake and it was really a WTF moment. It could have been handled much better; it almost felt like that part of the book was written by someone else.
Aside from those two issues, this was really good. The mystery/suspense aspect was really original and interesting and the romance was scorching. I can't wait to read the sequel.
July 2, 2015
Although the writing did not pull me into this one, the characters, the relationship, the complications, the plot does have possibilities which interest me. This is not an easy relationship. There are difficulties and I forsee more. It all depends if the series gets better or not. I am willing to go the next one to see.
BR 26 Jun 15
January 11, 2013
Talk about an intense relationship. Brandon and Nicky are two of the hottest main characters I've read about in a while. They are both my idea of the perfect man: black hair, tattoos, Nicky (hair to his waist) grrrrrrr, I am not usually into anything goth or bondage related but damn does it ever work for these two. The interaction and dialogue between them was great, my only issue was trying follow along with the gaming regulations and acronyms...that was hard for me. But still, it was a great read and i will be reading the next one shortly.
January 30, 2011
Honestly, I don't even know what to say about this book. It was interesting and my emotions ranged throughout it. I loved and hated the characters and I loved and hated parts of the story but overall it really is a great book to the point that it kept me captivated through the whole story.
I absolutely loved Nicky. He's sweet and passionate and funny and a goth, which I surprisingly liked. And I loved the fact that he drove a hearse. That was just plan awesome. I realized while I was reading that I was feeling everything Nicky was feeling, it was kinda intense. Lol. I hated Brandon. For one, he's bisexual and secondly, he's just a major asshole, imo. I seriously wanted to punch him.
I must say, I really liked learning about the inside workings of slot machines and casinos and stuff. I was a little lost at times but overall, I liked it. The mystery and murder were good, too. Even though you can basically put all the pieces together yourself, it was still a delight to see it all unfold and how Nicky played a part in it.
The only problem I had with it was Brandon. Like I said, I absolutely hated him. He was sweet and caring one minute and then angry at Nicky the next. He was basically walking all over Nicky and Nicky ate it up, letting him do it. Argh!
Overall, I really loved the book. Especially since it was able to pull such intense emotions from me, makes this a great read. Definitely recommended. [image error]
I absolutely loved Nicky. He's sweet and passionate and funny and a goth, which I surprisingly liked. And I loved the fact that he drove a hearse. That was just plan awesome. I realized while I was reading that I was feeling everything Nicky was feeling, it was kinda intense. Lol. I hated Brandon. For one, he's bisexual and secondly, he's just a major asshole, imo. I seriously wanted to punch him.
I must say, I really liked learning about the inside workings of slot machines and casinos and stuff. I was a little lost at times but overall, I liked it. The mystery and murder were good, too. Even though you can basically put all the pieces together yourself, it was still a delight to see it all unfold and how Nicky played a part in it.
The only problem I had with it was Brandon. Like I said, I absolutely hated him. He was sweet and caring one minute and then angry at Nicky the next. He was basically walking all over Nicky and Nicky ate it up, letting him do it. Argh!
Overall, I really loved the book. Especially since it was able to pull such intense emotions from me, makes this a great read. Definitely recommended. [image error]
March 8, 2013
I'm afraid I'm not convinced about Nick and Brandon's relationship, even though so many have named them Most [Positive Adjective] Couple in their reviews. Right from the start you can tell this relationship isn't going to work out.
Evidence:
Date #1: Subject stole food from N's plate without asking. Sign of criminality, irresponsibility, and running roughshod over partner's sensibilities.
Date #2: Subject flirted and pawed woman in public avenue, i.e. club. When N confronted subject about flirting, subject diverts his attention to something inconsequential - a dead man.
Date #2.5:
Date #3: Subject showed up to apologize over behaving like a shrill shrew. N confessed that he believed their relationship was over because (See Date#2.5) and so copulated with ex.
Date #3.0.1:
Date #4.0: Subject and N rendezvoused on cruise. Subject allowed unidentified women to paw him in public, and then confessed to be an ex-husband (and by virtue, bad husband) and an abandoner of children. Got N drunk in order to ensure that N will fail in his mission.
Date #5.0: Subject is now known to possess a cheaply made webcam.
Hypothesis: Subject has no disposable income.
Date #6.0: Subject displayed an awful bedside manner, in which he alternated between caring concern and an explosion of fury within the space of a sentence or two. This is also evidenced in previous explosion: subject goes from zero to 451 fahrenheit in approximately 0.85 seconds.
Conclusion: Their relationship is moving way too fast for someone with as many issues as Brandon. But this is fiction, so it seems I must suspend my disbelief.
Mystery - functional but not interesting.
Romance - adequate.
Writing - tolerable. Description on EPROMs are dreary
Book - readable.
Evidence:
Date #1: Subject stole food from N's plate without asking. Sign of criminality, irresponsibility, and running roughshod over partner's sensibilities.
Date #2: Subject flirted and pawed woman in public avenue, i.e. club. When N confronted subject about flirting, subject diverts his attention to something inconsequential - a dead man.
Date #2.5:
Date #3: Subject showed up to apologize over behaving like a shrill shrew. N confessed that he believed their relationship was over because (See Date#2.5) and so copulated with ex.
Date #3.0.1:
Date #4.0: Subject and N rendezvoused on cruise. Subject allowed unidentified women to paw him in public, and then confessed to be an ex-husband (and by virtue, bad husband) and an abandoner of children. Got N drunk in order to ensure that N will fail in his mission.
Date #5.0: Subject is now known to possess a cheaply made webcam.
Hypothesis: Subject has no disposable income.
Date #6.0: Subject displayed an awful bedside manner, in which he alternated between caring concern and an explosion of fury within the space of a sentence or two. This is also evidenced in previous explosion: subject goes from zero to 451 fahrenheit in approximately 0.85 seconds.
Conclusion: Their relationship is moving way too fast for someone with as many issues as Brandon. But this is fiction, so it seems I must suspend my disbelief.
Mystery - functional but not interesting.
Romance - adequate.
Writing - tolerable. Description on EPROMs are dreary
Book - readable.
May 17, 2014
Mild Spoilers. Loved it. Nicky is such a sweetheart--What a great hero, lovable, vulnerable, smart. His relationship with Brandon was one of the more believable I've come across. How they meet, the travails of their long-distance affair, their arguments, Nick's insecurity, Brandon's paranoia about phone calls: they felt like a real couple with real problems--who just so happen to have the hottest sex imaginable.
Usually in crime/mystery books like this the procedural is dull or unrealistic, but Buchanan fills the book with a wealth of details about both characters' jobs--not just the personal stuff, but the actual technical details. The details themselves are fascinating, and it's refreshing to read a book where we see employed human beings actually doing their jobs. I liked that part a lot more than the mystery itself. Nick is a bit too lucky as an amateur detective, just happening to overhear incriminating conversations or coincidentally being at the right place/time to retrieve crucial evidence. I would have liked Brandon to show off his detective chops a bit more. However the final show-down was great, satisfying on both plot and emotional levels.
Bottom line: it's great. I'll probably reread it. I am buying the sequel as soon as I post this.
Usually in crime/mystery books like this the procedural is dull or unrealistic, but Buchanan fills the book with a wealth of details about both characters' jobs--not just the personal stuff, but the actual technical details. The details themselves are fascinating, and it's refreshing to read a book where we see employed human beings actually doing their jobs. I liked that part a lot more than the mystery itself. Nick is a bit too lucky as an amateur detective, just happening to overhear incriminating conversations or coincidentally being at the right place/time to retrieve crucial evidence. I would have liked Brandon to show off his detective chops a bit more. However the final show-down was great, satisfying on both plot and emotional levels.
Bottom line: it's great. I'll probably reread it. I am buying the sequel as soon as I post this.
May 29, 2012
Loved it. Nick is funny, quirky and hot as hell, and while Brandon's in the closetedness got on my nerves at times, he came through when it counted. The two of them together are scorching.
I was a little bored with the technical casino machine talk, but still I could not put this down. A solid 4.5 for me. I'm looking forward to reading more of these two.
I was a little bored with the technical casino machine talk, but still I could not put this down. A solid 4.5 for me. I'm looking forward to reading more of these two.
July 31, 2022
I liked the writing, but sometimes it felt a little heavy on the technical lingo (even though it was relevant to the plot, it still felt like going off on a tangent). As for the romance, I felt like their relationship was a bit toxic and I was never really happy with it. A lot of issues got put under the rug, and the focus was instead on all the kinky sex they had. I'm guessing some of the issues I had will be addressed in one of the next installments though.
May 12, 2013
This was a surprise! And what a good one!
Having just read the first three Adrien English books and Kaje Harper's Life Lessons, I felt so so lucky to stumble over this series.
The set up was fairly similar: in the one corner, ladies and gentlemen, meet the amateur sleuth, your out and proud sensitive gay guy with strong "boy next door" tendencies. In the other corner, we have our usual taciturn muscle-packed cop, preferably divorced with kids.
But, the cop/ amateur sleuth theme worked so much better here IMO (and I know, Nick is an Agent - but well, it's Gaming Control, so it still falls in the amateur category for me).
So, what's to like: It’s great how Buchanan combines three very different worlds: Goth, gaming and law enforcement. This makes a formulaic plot so much more intriguing and unique. Then, I really liked Nick and Brandon as a couple (great first scene between the two!). Still, sometimes their banter falls short, but the dialogue and actions of the protagonists feel real. So, the book gripped me from the first page on.
In short, intriguing sub culture, decent mystery, lovely couple with good (bordering on excellent) sex scenes. Can't wait for the next two books!
Having just read the first three Adrien English books and Kaje Harper's Life Lessons, I felt so so lucky to stumble over this series.
The set up was fairly similar: in the one corner, ladies and gentlemen, meet the amateur sleuth, your out and proud sensitive gay guy with strong "boy next door" tendencies. In the other corner, we have our usual taciturn muscle-packed cop, preferably divorced with kids.
But, the cop/ amateur sleuth theme worked so much better here IMO (and I know, Nick is an Agent - but well, it's Gaming Control, so it still falls in the amateur category for me).
So, what's to like: It’s great how Buchanan combines three very different worlds: Goth, gaming and law enforcement. This makes a formulaic plot so much more intriguing and unique. Then, I really liked Nick and Brandon as a couple (great first scene between the two!). Still, sometimes their banter falls short, but the dialogue and actions of the protagonists feel real. So, the book gripped me from the first page on.
In short, intriguing sub culture, decent mystery, lovely couple with good (bordering on excellent) sex scenes. Can't wait for the next two books!
December 10, 2013
4.0 Stars
Nick O'Mallley is an agent for the Nevada Gaming Commission. He's out, a Goth, and eccentric (read: he's restoring his ride, a hearse ... that's right, a hearse, he's named Quierda). Brandon Carr is a vice cop with the Riverside PD, which suits him fine given his plethora of tats, piercings and the biker boy look he sports. The two meet at a Goth convention in San Diego and the sparks fly. As their tryst turns into a weekend fling and then slowly develops into more, the problems abound, the least of which is not the fact that Brandon is so far in the closet he can see Narnia. Add in the Mexican Mafia, murder, and mayhem and you have the makings of a great and spicy tale.
I enjoyed this book. Brandon and Nick are loveable despite their - or perhaps because of - their shortcomings. Granted, some weaknesses reach pain-in-the-ass proportions. For example, Brandon's prickiness and paranoia. Infuriating! Nick: door mat much? Sheesh! Nevertheless, I couldn't put this one down.
Bottom-line: a suspenseful m/m with a wallop of angst/paranoia. I'm happily moving on to book two ...
Nick O'Mallley is an agent for the Nevada Gaming Commission. He's out, a Goth, and eccentric (read: he's restoring his ride, a hearse ... that's right, a hearse, he's named Quierda). Brandon Carr is a vice cop with the Riverside PD, which suits him fine given his plethora of tats, piercings and the biker boy look he sports. The two meet at a Goth convention in San Diego and the sparks fly. As their tryst turns into a weekend fling and then slowly develops into more, the problems abound, the least of which is not the fact that Brandon is so far in the closet he can see Narnia. Add in the Mexican Mafia, murder, and mayhem and you have the makings of a great and spicy tale.
I enjoyed this book. Brandon and Nick are loveable despite their - or perhaps because of - their shortcomings. Granted, some weaknesses reach pain-in-the-ass proportions. For example, Brandon's prickiness and paranoia. Infuriating! Nick: door mat much? Sheesh! Nevertheless, I couldn't put this one down.
Bottom-line: a suspenseful m/m with a wallop of angst/paranoia. I'm happily moving on to book two ...
Read
July 23, 2016Nick the Nevada gaming commission leather goth dude with his black flowing waist-length hair. All I saw was Man=Afghan.
.
I couldn't help it. I know. I irritate myself too.
Also, idiot-speak mismatch. The hot-tatooed-eyebrow-pierced-street-smart-vice-cop Brandon somehow swiped Mormon brother Deputy Joe's idiot-speak slang of 'nekkid' from the Deputy Joe series. Now normally I dislike idiot-speak in fiction but in Deputy Joe it fit and worked well for the character and storyline. It doesn't fit Brandon's character or this storyline.
DNF-50%
. I couldn't help it. I know. I irritate myself too.
Also, idiot-speak mismatch. The hot-tatooed-eyebrow-pierced-street-smart-vice-cop Brandon somehow swiped Mormon brother Deputy Joe's idiot-speak slang of 'nekkid' from the Deputy Joe series. Now normally I dislike idiot-speak in fiction but in Deputy Joe it fit and worked well for the character and storyline. It doesn't fit Brandon's character or this storyline.
DNF-50%
August 17, 2014
This book was great! Hot guys, great sex, suspence and great music (love Rob Zombie). I thought it was interesting to read about how the slot machines worked and to learn a little about the policing of the gaming industry but i can see where some say it gets a little too technical for their taste. Liked how the romance built between the two. And LOVE the car!! Can't wait to start the next book.
January 11, 2013
So I got a little sidetracked when I was reading this. I liked it, but it didn't pull me in till after page 30, then it's started to roll. I loved the dynamics of Brandon and Nick's relationship. They fall into sex, but then discover each other through the rest of the story. Both are very likable characters. It was joy to watch them grow, since they knew little about each other, except that sex was great. Nick is a Nevada gaming agent and Brandon a detective. Both love their jobs, but Brandon unconditionally loves being a cop. Here is were friction exists in their being together. Nicky is out, Brandon is not. Brandon wants to keep it that way. Nick doesn't get that, but he learns along the way.
There are 2 more books in this series. I'm looking forward to both. I won't spoil the very interesting twist that comes in to play about 2/3 in. Something I haven't encountered in m/m yet. It's a good read. :)
There are 2 more books in this series. I'm looking forward to both. I won't spoil the very interesting twist that comes in to play about 2/3 in. Something I haven't encountered in m/m yet. It's a good read. :)
February 28, 2010
I had only read one story by James Buchanan before. I like this one too. I think it combines very good part of romance and action. Though I'm a bit lost with the technicalities of the Gaming Commission matter but it proves that it is thoroughly researched. I enjoy the complicated relationship between the Dracula Goth slash Gaming Commission Agent Nicky and the closeted gay cop slash biker Brandon.
Honestly, at first, I thought Brandon was an ass; the way he got pissed at Nicky, I thought he would be a bully that walked around his guy. But then the scenes at the cruise ship made me realized that it wasn't that simple. He also let Nicky in charge at some points in their relationship. So, yeah, I am very much intriguid to find out what happens in the sequel, since the ending of this book makes me hope for more.
Honestly, at first, I thought Brandon was an ass; the way he got pissed at Nicky, I thought he would be a bully that walked around his guy. But then the scenes at the cruise ship made me realized that it wasn't that simple. He also let Nicky in charge at some points in their relationship. So, yeah, I am very much intriguid to find out what happens in the sequel, since the ending of this book makes me hope for more.
May 19, 2011
This was a 3.5 star read for me but I'm giving it a 4 because much of the enjoyment was lost because of my being unfamiliar with casinos and slot machines. I couldn't follow the parts about the EPROMS and skipped much of it after trying to understand and giving up.
I'd like to read Inland Empire now but decided in favor of Clare London's Diplomacy just in case IE continues with the casino storyline and more EPROMS.
That aside, I felt Nicky got a raw deal with Brandon much of the time and even when, at the end, Brandon is forced to come out, it was a case of too little too late for me. Perhaps in the sequel, Buchanan makes Brandon grovel a little? Make up for his behaviour in CC?
MAY 2011 REVIEW OF REREAD COMING...
I'd like to read Inland Empire now but decided in favor of Clare London's Diplomacy just in case IE continues with the casino storyline and more EPROMS.
That aside, I felt Nicky got a raw deal with Brandon much of the time and even when, at the end, Brandon is forced to come out, it was a case of too little too late for me. Perhaps in the sequel, Buchanan makes Brandon grovel a little? Make up for his behaviour in CC?
MAY 2011 REVIEW OF REREAD COMING...
August 30, 2009
When I first picked up J. Buchanan's Cheating Chance, I almost feared that I would regret investing the time it'd take to read it. When the central character Nick was introduced in the first chapter, I was certain that he was someone I would never be able to relate to. He is goth, very dark and almost sinister. He has a penchant for morbid things, and his primary mode of transpotation is a hearst. Nick is a 28 year old agent for Nevada's gaming commision. He's a computer geek who audits software chips that casinos use in their slot machines.
As I continued reading the story, I began to genuinely care about this extremely complex and paradoxical character. Yes, he was indeed dark and morbid, yet he also was sweet and sensitive. Nick meets his love interest Brandon at an LA goth convention. Initially the two hook up for what they each think is a one-night-stand. Their expectations are instantly surpassed, however, when they begin to fall for one another.
Brandon is a cop. He works vice, and he's deep in the closet. Brandon has an ex-wife and an 8 year old daughter whom he rarely sees. He is a bit cocky and overly-butch, but his feelings also run very deeply. He falls hard for Nicky.
The story is a tumultous ride, as the couple struggles to find a way to mesh together their very different lifestyles. Nick becomes embroiled in a messy murder investigation when a former coworker is found dead outside a club that Nick is attending. He becomes a suspect, and for awhile even Brandon questions whether or not Nick bears any culpability.
When the real killers eventually realize that Nick is onto them, Brandon is faced with an extremely tough decision. Will he out himself in order to rescue the love of his life? Even if he does, will this be enough to save Nicky?
The most impressive and remarkable characteristic of this story is the degree of technical accuracy it contains. Obviously the author either spent a great deal of time researching casino gaming or has a gifted level of imaginative creativity. I suspect both to be true, actually. The author demonstrates a spectacular ability to beautifully weave words together in such an artful way that the reader is at times astonished by the undeniably magnificent talent.
The cop-speak and computer jargon were at times over my head, yet they were presented in what I'm assuming to be a realistic manner. In any event, they were believable. The author's choice of vocabulary suggests a high degree of intelligence, yet the feel of the book was not snobbish or in any way pretentious. It did not seem as if the author was throwing around big words to make a good impression.
Some of the erotic scenes within the book were, in my opinion, unnecessary. The book was a great story in-and-of-itself, and didn't even need to contain graphic sex to hold my attention. The sex, though, was hot. It also was creative and realistic.
My favorite little sub-plot in the story involved the emergence of Nicky's ex-lover Jake. He performs a horribly hurtful and disgusting act of cruelty towards Nick, and then Nick exacts sweet yet cold revenge. I laughed about it for hours.
Overall, I was mesmerized by the book. Once I really got into the story, I couldn't put it down. It contained elements of mystery and romance and erotica. It was a compelling and captivating read which I highly recommend. Had I followed my initial instinct and skipped reading this book, I certainly would have been the one who was cheated.
I give Cheating Chance five stars.
As I continued reading the story, I began to genuinely care about this extremely complex and paradoxical character. Yes, he was indeed dark and morbid, yet he also was sweet and sensitive. Nick meets his love interest Brandon at an LA goth convention. Initially the two hook up for what they each think is a one-night-stand. Their expectations are instantly surpassed, however, when they begin to fall for one another.
Brandon is a cop. He works vice, and he's deep in the closet. Brandon has an ex-wife and an 8 year old daughter whom he rarely sees. He is a bit cocky and overly-butch, but his feelings also run very deeply. He falls hard for Nicky.
The story is a tumultous ride, as the couple struggles to find a way to mesh together their very different lifestyles. Nick becomes embroiled in a messy murder investigation when a former coworker is found dead outside a club that Nick is attending. He becomes a suspect, and for awhile even Brandon questions whether or not Nick bears any culpability.
When the real killers eventually realize that Nick is onto them, Brandon is faced with an extremely tough decision. Will he out himself in order to rescue the love of his life? Even if he does, will this be enough to save Nicky?
The most impressive and remarkable characteristic of this story is the degree of technical accuracy it contains. Obviously the author either spent a great deal of time researching casino gaming or has a gifted level of imaginative creativity. I suspect both to be true, actually. The author demonstrates a spectacular ability to beautifully weave words together in such an artful way that the reader is at times astonished by the undeniably magnificent talent.
The cop-speak and computer jargon were at times over my head, yet they were presented in what I'm assuming to be a realistic manner. In any event, they were believable. The author's choice of vocabulary suggests a high degree of intelligence, yet the feel of the book was not snobbish or in any way pretentious. It did not seem as if the author was throwing around big words to make a good impression.
Some of the erotic scenes within the book were, in my opinion, unnecessary. The book was a great story in-and-of-itself, and didn't even need to contain graphic sex to hold my attention. The sex, though, was hot. It also was creative and realistic.
My favorite little sub-plot in the story involved the emergence of Nicky's ex-lover Jake. He performs a horribly hurtful and disgusting act of cruelty towards Nick, and then Nick exacts sweet yet cold revenge. I laughed about it for hours.
Overall, I was mesmerized by the book. Once I really got into the story, I couldn't put it down. It contained elements of mystery and romance and erotica. It was a compelling and captivating read which I highly recommend. Had I followed my initial instinct and skipped reading this book, I certainly would have been the one who was cheated.
I give Cheating Chance five stars.
April 2, 2012
These guys are incandescent together, very intense. Once I closed the book, what remains is them them them. I wouldn't tag this book as BDSM even if it's their kink, because it's not what defines their relationship. When I think of them, I see two guys who enjoy each other. Their relationship is complicated. They are both law enforcement, Nick is an agent with the Nevada Gaming Commission; Brandon is becoming a detective for the Californian Riverside PD. When they meet, it's at a Goth convention. Nick is almost over a long relationship and he's out; Brandon is divorced, he has a kid, and he is in the closet. It seems just a hook-up, a one-night stand, but the two men connect on a deep level, but when they meet again, they witness the murder of an ex-colleague of Nick.
The suspense plot is important in the book, because it scatters conflicts and moves the characters around, but it was also the most difficult part to follow because it was very technical, so I got lost a bit, even if I like authors who pay attention to details.
Both Nick and Brandon are lonely. Nick's previous relationship wasn't exactly healthy in my opinion. Brandon has random hook-ups, he misses not being able to be close to his daughter, and since he doesn't want to out himself, every possibility of a steady relationship with someone makes him run away. At the beginning I didn't like Brandon at all: it seemed he wanted to set the rules of the relationship and he really hurt and humiliated Nick, then he had this holier-than-thou attitude when Nick admitted he had had sex with his ex again. In my opinion it wasn't cheating, because Brandon had behaved like an asshole toward Nick, as if he didn't want to have anything more to do with him. It took a while for me to warm up to Brandon. I think there was a bit of imbalance, Nick was the one more patient and the one who reached out, while Brandon seemed the one who thought he had the most important problems, the one who didn't want to compromise. By the end of the book, Brandon redeemed himself.
It'll be interesting to see what will happen in the next book. I really like the characters created by this author and how raw and vulnerable, but strong together.
The suspense plot is important in the book, because it scatters conflicts and moves the characters around, but it was also the most difficult part to follow because it was very technical, so I got lost a bit, even if I like authors who pay attention to details.
Both Nick and Brandon are lonely. Nick's previous relationship wasn't exactly healthy in my opinion. Brandon has random hook-ups, he misses not being able to be close to his daughter, and since he doesn't want to out himself, every possibility of a steady relationship with someone makes him run away. At the beginning I didn't like Brandon at all: it seemed he wanted to set the rules of the relationship and he really hurt and humiliated Nick, then he had this holier-than-thou attitude when Nick admitted he had had sex with his ex again. In my opinion it wasn't cheating, because Brandon had behaved like an asshole toward Nick, as if he didn't want to have anything more to do with him. It took a while for me to warm up to Brandon. I think there was a bit of imbalance, Nick was the one more patient and the one who reached out, while Brandon seemed the one who thought he had the most important problems, the one who didn't want to compromise. By the end of the book, Brandon redeemed himself.
It'll be interesting to see what will happen in the next book. I really like the characters created by this author and how raw and vulnerable, but strong together.
April 29, 2011
I was somehow expecting more from this story.
After reading The Good Thief and Hard Fall, I wasn't sure whether I was going to get only one or both sides of the story. This time, both Brandon and Nick were introduced. But it didn't help with the story. There seemed to many elements introduced and not enough time to develop them properly into the story.
Other than highlight his eccentric nature, I didn't see much point to the hearse. I was surprised and disappointed when Nick let Jake fuck him again. Not because he was betraying Brandon but because it seems like such a feeble attempt at getting information. And I wouldn't have expected Jake to actually give the information after he had gotten his lay, especially not after the scene at the cafe. But that's just me.
Brandon's morality speech was a bit overzealous, considering he had declared Nick a lay and practically a stranger when Detective Orozco visited him, not to mention the cutting parting words to Nick on the phone a bit later. I guess that was one thing that dropped the rating for this story. Another thing that was hard to understand was the actual focus of the story. For me, it leapt from showing the usual day for Nick, to Brandon's routine, to heaps of information about the Gaming Control Commission. The first showed me a lonely Nick, desperate to find someone who could cherish him, the second showed me a closeted police man, unwilling to chage his status quo and the third became too complex for me to follow at times. Each divergent and not working together to make the story work for me.
After reading The Good Thief and Hard Fall, I wasn't sure whether I was going to get only one or both sides of the story. This time, both Brandon and Nick were introduced. But it didn't help with the story. There seemed to many elements introduced and not enough time to develop them properly into the story.
Other than highlight his eccentric nature, I didn't see much point to the hearse. I was surprised and disappointed when Nick let Jake fuck him again. Not because he was betraying Brandon but because it seems like such a feeble attempt at getting information. And I wouldn't have expected Jake to actually give the information after he had gotten his lay, especially not after the scene at the cafe. But that's just me.
Brandon's morality speech was a bit overzealous, considering he had declared Nick a lay and practically a stranger when Detective Orozco visited him, not to mention the cutting parting words to Nick on the phone a bit later. I guess that was one thing that dropped the rating for this story. Another thing that was hard to understand was the actual focus of the story. For me, it leapt from showing the usual day for Nick, to Brandon's routine, to heaps of information about the Gaming Control Commission. The first showed me a lonely Nick, desperate to find someone who could cherish him, the second showed me a closeted police man, unwilling to chage his status quo and the third became too complex for me to follow at times. Each divergent and not working together to make the story work for me.
February 17, 2011
This is my first Buchanan book. It was well written, attention grabbing, and *hamina hamina* the D/s scenes were SCORCHING! But I have to agree with the other reviewers; the descriptive detail regarding gaming elements read like a deluge of insidious details at times (I skimmed some...shhh snitches get stitches!). I enjoyed reading about Nicky and Brandon as a couple but seriously wanted to smack them upside their heads as individual characters. :P I'll definitely read the rest of the series.
November 15, 2013
I really liked this book! Brandon is a closeted gay cop. Nick is a geeky Gaming type cop. They meet at a Goth convention in San Diego. Nick totally lives the Goth lifetsyle.
Things I loved:
Rope play!
The Hearse! Named Querida!!
The super duper hot sex!
Nick's Gparents house turned Goth house
Things I didn't like:
Nicks ex boyfriend
that closet of Brandon's
the over information of casinos/gaming laws/inner workings of slot machines
I give it 4 stars!
Things I loved:
Rope play!
The Hearse! Named Querida!!
The super duper hot sex!
Nick's Gparents house turned Goth house
Things I didn't like:
Nicks ex boyfriend
that closet of Brandon's
the over information of casinos/gaming laws/inner workings of slot machines
I give it 4 stars!
October 15, 2014
I'm definitely somewhere in the middle on this one. Had there been less descriptive/details I might have loved it! But once things start being overly described...ya lose me. Will I read book #2...maybe. D
Don't let my thoughts stop you tho. This story was unique for sure and it had some super awesome stuff going on along the way too. :)
Don't let my thoughts stop you tho. This story was unique for sure and it had some super awesome stuff going on along the way too. :)
October 28, 2014
I really enjoyed this story. Sexy and great characters!
October 29, 2016
Cheating Chance sounded like an interesting diversion as the main character Nicky O’Malley is involved in the Goth lifestyle. He has long waist length black hair, dresses in frock coats and bondage pants (he lost me with the cinchers and knee high Doc Martens), drives a beat up hearse named Querida (because that’s what Gomez calls Morticia and means “I desire you”) and lives in a black house decorated with lots of Victorian furniture, red velvet and vampire cookie jars. He has been known to affectionately be referred to as Dracula and The Prince of Darkness. It’s interesting, although it still seems a little like playing dress up to me. But Nicky is good guy, he’s easy to like. Nicky lives in Vegas and is an agent for the Nevada Gaming Commission – which is something you will learn more than you could ever possibly want to know by the end of the book.
Rebounding off the end of a serious relationship Nicky meets Brandon “I’m not out, nor do I ever intend to be as long as I’m a cop” Carr at Convergence 11 a Goth Convention in California. Brandon is very sexy in his Biker Goth attire with all his Harley riding tattoos and piercings and spiked black hair. Nothing like working Vice to allow for a little leeway in appearance. Nicky and Brandon hook up for some immediate hot sex even though neither of them are the “one night hook up type”, but they click and one night turns into the whole weekend turns into exchanging email addresses.
But it’s not all about the Nicky and Brandon romance with copious amounts of sexy times. Happy to report that they’re both game for switching things up and neither is effeminate or twinky. There’s some light BDSM and I like the they stress the trust factor. Oh sure there’s some relationship drama. Brandon can’t stop hitting on chicks (even though he has no intention of doing anything about it) which hurts Nicky’s feelings. Then there’s the big relationship conflict in which Brandon takes the whole “Ross and Rachel, We were on a break” routine to delusional levels –but thankfully the boys work it out.
Which is good because by now the mystery of Nicky’s murdered ex. co-worker is in full swing. Nicky is a “person of interest”, Nicky and Brandon get up to some Love Boat style sleuthing and the Mexican Mafia makes an appearance. Apparently Nick’s ex. Co-worker, turned private sector programmer was involved in some sort of illegal gambling scheme. It’s embarrassing that that’s as descriptive as I can be because Cheating Chance delivered a fairly comprehensive, detailed description of the Gaming Industry and the ways in which people can attempt to cheat it. On the one hand it really was quite interesting; and on the other at times so technical I felt like I was reading a text book (for a class I was sadly about to fail).
But overall the story, despite all the Mexican Mafia drama was fairly light and fun. I’m invested in Nicky and Brandon and I’m glad there are 2 more books in the series.
Rebounding off the end of a serious relationship Nicky meets Brandon “I’m not out, nor do I ever intend to be as long as I’m a cop” Carr at Convergence 11 a Goth Convention in California. Brandon is very sexy in his Biker Goth attire with all his Harley riding tattoos and piercings and spiked black hair. Nothing like working Vice to allow for a little leeway in appearance. Nicky and Brandon hook up for some immediate hot sex even though neither of them are the “one night hook up type”, but they click and one night turns into the whole weekend turns into exchanging email addresses.
But it’s not all about the Nicky and Brandon romance with copious amounts of sexy times. Happy to report that they’re both game for switching things up and neither is effeminate or twinky. There’s some light BDSM and I like the they stress the trust factor. Oh sure there’s some relationship drama. Brandon can’t stop hitting on chicks (even though he has no intention of doing anything about it) which hurts Nicky’s feelings. Then there’s the big relationship conflict in which Brandon takes the whole “Ross and Rachel, We were on a break” routine to delusional levels –but thankfully the boys work it out.
Which is good because by now the mystery of Nicky’s murdered ex. co-worker is in full swing. Nicky is a “person of interest”, Nicky and Brandon get up to some Love Boat style sleuthing and the Mexican Mafia makes an appearance. Apparently Nick’s ex. Co-worker, turned private sector programmer was involved in some sort of illegal gambling scheme. It’s embarrassing that that’s as descriptive as I can be because Cheating Chance delivered a fairly comprehensive, detailed description of the Gaming Industry and the ways in which people can attempt to cheat it. On the one hand it really was quite interesting; and on the other at times so technical I felt like I was reading a text book (for a class I was sadly about to fail).
But overall the story, despite all the Mexican Mafia drama was fairly light and fun. I’m invested in Nicky and Brandon and I’m glad there are 2 more books in the series.
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