A review by stang_gt3
Cheating Chance by James Buchanan

3.0

This book wasn't what I was expecting at all, but as a read it's not bad. I'd probably give it 3.5 stars overall. Things were a little rushed in places, and sometimes the emotional reactions felt a little over the top for the circumstances, but I enjoyed the main plot. I understood Brandon's fears about being discovered by he was so quick to anger of things that it made his true feelings about Nick feel questionable.

This story flowed smoothly as your reading, but I just felt like certain elements and the reactions to them felt out of sync.

Spoiler

Nick's ex basically raping him and leaving him tied up gets blown over as a no big deal, when I'm sorry it was a very big deal! Even though Brandon knows Nick slept with his ex he doesn't know the details and it did nothing to Nick's ability to trust. The rules of BDSM were broken and yet Nick doesn't even seem phased by it. Or when Nick is caught by the bad guys and Brandon figures it out, I really didn't like how slow to respond his partner was, even not knowing that Nick was Brandon's partner the idea of anyone in trouble should have sent them jumping without needing Brandon's explicit spell out. They're cops. If his partner trusted Brandon's instincts at all he should have been more willing to help.

But I liked Nick a lot. I liked that these two guys were really a more than a little goth on their free time. I giggled every time Nick's chosen method of transportation is mentioned. I mean the hearse was such a fantastic touch. Ultimately I think Nick and Brandon are a good fit for each other but they still have a lot of figuring things out to do. Especially since Brandon is still so scared to come out of the closet.

The details about the casinos and how the Gaming Commission worked on the computerized slot machines was actually really interesting. These little pieces added a lot to the story and really fleshed out the color of the world. I liked how Nick didn't even really have any interest in gambling because of his job. Must make living in Vegas an interesting experience. :)

All in all I might check out the second book in the series as I'm curious to see how Nick and Brandon grow together now that a few people know their secret. Probably won't run to it right away, but I'm sure I'll get there eventually.