All or Nothing by James Buchanan
Taking the Odds, Book 3
MLR Press
Erotic M/M BDSM Suspense
ISBN 978-1-60820-147-1
Reviewed by Nannette

Detective Brandon Carr and his boyfriend, Gaming Agent, Nick O’Malley are spending the week together with Brandon’s nine-year old daughter, Shayna. Nick isn’t sure he’s ready for the blue minivan or the pink, glittery, little girl that comes with it, but he’s in it for the long haul with Brandon, and Shayna is part of the package. Halfway through the week, an opportunity for Nick and Brandon to spend some alone becomes a nightmare no parent ever wants to face. The stakes are high and there’s more than Shayna’s life at risk.

I anticipated all of the excitement, suspense, and hot sex in All or Nothing, but the glimpse into Brandon’s personal life was unforeseen, significant, and really touching. Brandon’s relationship with his daughter and her developing one with Nicky enhance the intimate feel of the storyline, as does Brandon facing his angry ex-wife, his relationship with Nicky being exposed, and his guilt over everything from what happens with Shayna, as well as disappointing his father once again. As a result, the drastic measure he attempts is shocking but understandable. While the poignancy and drama of the story unfolds, Nicky and Brandon are solidifying their relationship. Subtle interactions between them show how in tune they are to each other. Nicky is dominant and masterful with ropes and neckties alike. Brandon is sexually submissive for Nicky, but far from subservient in or out of the bedroom. They are a perfect fusion of each other’s needs and wants and it’s that strong, rare chemistry and compatibility that makes them so irresistibly sexy. James Buchanan pens gritty realism and hot eroticism. Her stories have a hard edge and a lot of angst. Nicky and Brandon’s stories never get tired or run out of steam; they just get better and better.