Known for creating memorable men and breathtakingly descriptive backdrops for them, James Buchanan does it again with the story, Twice the Ride, the sequel to Twice the Cowboy. Thankfully, you don’t need to have the first to enjoy the sequel since I didn’t have it (but definitely want it!) Cowboys are well known and well loved in gay erotica yet, most seem to come with a two-dimensional feel. Jess Graff, the main character and leading voice in the story, is not only a rider but also a carpenter and despite a rough demeanor, a sweetheart.

And with the utterly gorgeous Manuel Santos Fuentes with his silky purr and proud Mexican traditions, well, those boys just seem to fit perfectly. And in their real time background of rodeo and crisp, colorful descriptions, they shine beautifully. And what’s a Buchanan tale without a good bit of meaty plot?

For this one, Jess and Manuel are going to the wedding of Manuel’s mother to an old flame this means that once more, Jess and Manuel have to face Manuel’s culture, which is a little leery of homosexuality. So Buchanan breaks out the party favors and traditions as Jess meets Manuel’s full family and gets one big fat dose of not only the fun and flurry of a Mexican wedding but also watches the emotional turmoil that Manuel is forced to go through. Combine it with Jess’ opportunity to get closer to full commitment-skittish Manuel, a potential scuffle with Manuel’s homophobic uncle, and you’ve got one heck of a party.

As expected, both men and all secondary characters are wonderfully fleshed out. Jess and Manuel are hot together, real men, honest to God cowboy and vaquero and reading them is like watching an old Western come to life. Their reactions are perfect unto themselves, and Buchanan once again manages to interweave emotion with manliness. You don’t get much more macho than a James Buchanan character.

Each individual secondary character, Manuel’s mom, her husband to be, Manuel’s uncle and aunt and even Jess’ grandmother, who only makes appearances through Jess’ thoughts and memories are equally real and with them, the story shines, full of that extra dash of ‘real’. The pace is fast as the story is actually fairly short with just 91 pages, but Buchanan packs it full with man love, laughter and of course, horses with so much personality, they made me smile.

Five angels and a nod to Mr. Buchanan for once again providing a fascinating story and unforgettable characters. I look forward to anything else he has to offer.

Reviewed by: Nicky