Nick O’Malley works for the Nevada Gaming Commission. He’s also a Goth who drives a semi-restored hearse and a gay man coming out of a bad relationship. When he takes a trip to a Goth convention in San Diego the last thing he expects is to hook up with Brandon Carr. Brandon is a rough and tumble, tattooed biker that really makes Nick, and other parts of his anatomy, sit up and take notice. Add in the fact that the domineering Brandon is a vice cop and Nick is hooked. Brandon isn’t out of the closet but is willing to make a go of a long distance relationship if Nick is up for it. When Nick’s job leads him into dangerous territory will Brandon run the risk of their relationship being exposed or will he leave Nick out on his own?

I really enjoyed Nick and Brandon as characters. Nick is out of the closet but not flamboyantly so. He doesn’t hide the fact that he’s gay nor does he flaunt it. He exudes his own blend of sexual appeal with a hint of vulnerability; he’s also one cool character with his Goth lifestyle. Brandon is oh so sexy with his bad boy looks with the added attraction that no matter what his exterior presents he’s a cop with a strong moral code. The frustrations that the couple faces with trying to make a long distance relationship work aren’t new, but when you add in the fact that they have to hide their relationship because Brandon is still so deeply hidden in the closet, it makes it even harder than normal. When Nick’s job jeopardizes his life, Mexican Mafia begin to hunt him and both men will be faced with some harsh truths and difficult choices. My only complaint with this story is that it was over way too quickly. James Buchanan needs to hurry up and write more about Nick and Brandon. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for these two intriguing characters and their troubled relationship!

Reviewed by: Hayley