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Personal Demons
Hunting a notorious hit man, FBI Agent Chase Nozick and LAPD Det. Enrique Rios Ocha delve into the inner worlds of Santeria, Voodoo and Palo Mayumbe. A missing informant, her murdered brother and a ghost from Chase's past send them on a hunt through mystics and psychic surgeons to find their witness before it's too late. Can he rely on leads from a child possessed by Orishas? Do cards hold stronger clues than blood? Chase must conquer his own personal demons to bring the killer of his partner to justice and find the strength to take a chance on Enrique.
281 pages, ebook
First published October 1, 2009
3 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
James Buchanan
137 books380 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 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 9, 2010
FBI Special Agent Chase Nozick arrives in L.A. on the trail of the man who killed his partner and left him with shrapnel in his body. Knowing that he'll have no other chance once he gets into the case Chase visits a gay bar looking for a good time. There he meets Enrique, a sexy Latino man, and gets his good time in a storage room. However, things quickly get very complicated for Chase when the next morning he meets Enrique again, this time at HQ when he's introduced as LAPD Detective Enrique Rios Ochoa, who's assigned to help on the case.
Chase and Enrique are partnered on the case as they search for a missing girl with connections to the man Chase has been after for years. As they follow the trail Enrique's firsthand knowledge in the world of Santeria and his contacts start drawing Chase deeper and deeper into a world he knows nothing about. As they race against time Chase and Enrique grow closer yet at the same time their 'relationship' seems destined for failure due to their jobs, the fact that they live across the country from each other and most importantly Chase's own personal demons which drive a wedge between the men.
Both Chase and Enrique are well developed characters and although their life experiences are very different at the same time they share similarities. Both are strong men, dedicated to their jobs, with painful pasts and a desire, buried deeply in Chase's case, for more than one night stands. As they struggle with the case and their growing feelings I was caught up in their story and it wasn't until the last page that their grip on me lessened.
James Buchanan has written an incredibly fast paced story with memorable and complex characters. The plot is well thought out and the writing is rich in detail and it's not hard to get immersed in Chase and Enrique's world. It was easy for me to follow the details of Santeria and the other religious aspects of the story both because of the care given by the author to explain things as they happened but also from past personal knowledge. However, for someone who has never had any experience with this subject it may be a bit confusing.
Overall I really enjoyed this well written and exciting story. Chase and Enrique are great characters, flaws and all, and I enjoyed the development of their relationship. There are a few really hot sex scenes in the book but they don't overwhelm the story at all. The secondary characters for the most part are also well written and are good additions to the story.
I highly recommend this story. It's a must read for all fans of James Buchanan and for anyone who hasn't yet read her books but likes reading M/M stories that are well written and feature sexy and engaging characters this would be a really good book to read.
Chase and Enrique are partnered on the case as they search for a missing girl with connections to the man Chase has been after for years. As they follow the trail Enrique's firsthand knowledge in the world of Santeria and his contacts start drawing Chase deeper and deeper into a world he knows nothing about. As they race against time Chase and Enrique grow closer yet at the same time their 'relationship' seems destined for failure due to their jobs, the fact that they live across the country from each other and most importantly Chase's own personal demons which drive a wedge between the men.
Both Chase and Enrique are well developed characters and although their life experiences are very different at the same time they share similarities. Both are strong men, dedicated to their jobs, with painful pasts and a desire, buried deeply in Chase's case, for more than one night stands. As they struggle with the case and their growing feelings I was caught up in their story and it wasn't until the last page that their grip on me lessened.
James Buchanan has written an incredibly fast paced story with memorable and complex characters. The plot is well thought out and the writing is rich in detail and it's not hard to get immersed in Chase and Enrique's world. It was easy for me to follow the details of Santeria and the other religious aspects of the story both because of the care given by the author to explain things as they happened but also from past personal knowledge. However, for someone who has never had any experience with this subject it may be a bit confusing.
Overall I really enjoyed this well written and exciting story. Chase and Enrique are great characters, flaws and all, and I enjoyed the development of their relationship. There are a few really hot sex scenes in the book but they don't overwhelm the story at all. The secondary characters for the most part are also well written and are good additions to the story.
I highly recommend this story. It's a must read for all fans of James Buchanan and for anyone who hasn't yet read her books but likes reading M/M stories that are well written and feature sexy and engaging characters this would be a really good book to read.
July 27, 2018
2 1/2 stars rounded up to 3 because I felt the characters eventually did connect, parts of the story definitely captured my attention and I'm a sucker for a HEA.
Personal Demons was a hard story to get into. The first 50% dragged and I didn’t feel the chemistry between the 2 MCs so I wasn’t particularly enthralled by their sexy times either. Special Agent Chase Nozick is on the trail from Florida to Los Angeles following the hitman who killed his partner, left him a parting gift of embedded shrapnel and started him down the yellow brick road to alcoholism. Chase’s first night in LA he decides to kill 2 birds with one stone – pop into a local establishment for a few drinks and possibly a little somethin-somethin. Coincidentally the hot Cuban guy he bangs a gong with in the bar’s supply closet turns out to be Detective Enrique Rios Ocha – his local contact with LAPD, resident expert on Voodoo and crap and temporary partner.
Chase and Enrique need to track down a missing informant to get to their suspect. When her brother turns up dead in a crime scene suggesting ritualistic murder, Chase must trust Enrique and manage his skepticism as they navigate the local landscape of Santeria and Enrique’s personal spiritual beliefs. Chase and Enrique also continue their partners with benefits relationship and while the sex scenes were well done I found them lackluster as there was no emotional connection.
As the story moves on Chase and Enrique start to realize they “fit” and they begin to develop feelings for each other. Chase is 40 to Enrique’s 35 and I. Swear. To. God. - Every time I heard Chase complain about how “old he is” or how his “body is breaking down because he’s old” or “how hard it is to get old” - I wanted to punch him in the face. 40 for fuck’s sake. The only people who think 40 is old are the people who AREN’T old!!! Granted I will give it to Chase that he felt like shit for being a raving booze-hound with an ulcer and a penchant for chewing antacids like M&M’s and yes, the back & neck full of shrapnel didn’t help but….40!!
Around the 50% mark both the story and their relationship begin to develop and pick up and then it became much harder to put down; but then it kind of leveled out again before the end. All in all, Personal Demons wasn’t bad it just wasn’t special. Both the characters were likable, and they did have a nice understated connection that stayed true to character (meaning they didn’t morph into characters out of a Harlequin romance just because they developed feelings for each other. No one started squawking “Darling make sweet love to me” thank God!)
Personal Demons was a hard story to get into. The first 50% dragged and I didn’t feel the chemistry between the 2 MCs so I wasn’t particularly enthralled by their sexy times either. Special Agent Chase Nozick is on the trail from Florida to Los Angeles following the hitman who killed his partner, left him a parting gift of embedded shrapnel and started him down the yellow brick road to alcoholism. Chase’s first night in LA he decides to kill 2 birds with one stone – pop into a local establishment for a few drinks and possibly a little somethin-somethin. Coincidentally the hot Cuban guy he bangs a gong with in the bar’s supply closet turns out to be Detective Enrique Rios Ocha – his local contact with LAPD, resident expert on Voodoo and crap and temporary partner.
Chase and Enrique need to track down a missing informant to get to their suspect. When her brother turns up dead in a crime scene suggesting ritualistic murder, Chase must trust Enrique and manage his skepticism as they navigate the local landscape of Santeria and Enrique’s personal spiritual beliefs. Chase and Enrique also continue their partners with benefits relationship and while the sex scenes were well done I found them lackluster as there was no emotional connection.
As the story moves on Chase and Enrique start to realize they “fit” and they begin to develop feelings for each other. Chase is 40 to Enrique’s 35 and I. Swear. To. God. - Every time I heard Chase complain about how “old he is” or how his “body is breaking down because he’s old” or “how hard it is to get old” - I wanted to punch him in the face. 40 for fuck’s sake. The only people who think 40 is old are the people who AREN’T old!!! Granted I will give it to Chase that he felt like shit for being a raving booze-hound with an ulcer and a penchant for chewing antacids like M&M’s and yes, the back & neck full of shrapnel didn’t help but….40!!
Around the 50% mark both the story and their relationship begin to develop and pick up and then it became much harder to put down; but then it kind of leveled out again before the end. All in all, Personal Demons wasn’t bad it just wasn’t special. Both the characters were likable, and they did have a nice understated connection that stayed true to character (meaning they didn’t morph into characters out of a Harlequin romance just because they developed feelings for each other. No one started squawking “Darling make sweet love to me” thank God!)
Read
January 1, 2010I’m not new to read a cop themed novel, and even if it’s not my preferred genre; some of them are very good. But there is a thing that usually let me a bit cold, when the cops are self-righteous perfect hero, maybe with a baggage of bad experiences in the past, but always so damned perfect. Truth be told, sometime, they are so perfect that they are also boring, sincerely I’m not for the big bang-come here baby type of men. In Personal Demons, James Buchanan managed to avoid all of above, without making the heroes losers.
Special Agent Chase Nozick lost his partner (work partner, not private partner) during the same mission in which he was badly injured. Now some years later, he has the chance to capture the man who did it, and so it’s quite understandable that he is eager to accomplish the task, but I think that, in any case, Chase faces the new job with big professionalism, yes, true, he has some personal reasons, but they are not distracting him from doing the job by the book. Chase seems to always behave by the book… almost. He is right there on the edge, he drinks a lot, but not enough to dim his judgement, he let his gut drive him, but not enough to take the wrong path, he is gay, but not “enough” for him to be kicked out of the FBI.
Chase has not trouble with his homosexuality, he knows what he wants, but he also knows that he can’t be an openly gay Special Agent, and so he simply doesn’t mix the two things: when he is on the job, he is asexual, and when he is out of the job, he prefers to hook up with strangers, so no strings attached to worry about.
Problem is that on the new job he is partnered with Enrique, a LAPD cop with a lot of connection with the Cuban society, among where their target is hiding. Enrique is the perfect man for the job, but he is also the perfect man for Chase: gay and like Chase, not flaunting it to avoid to be kicked out of the Police Department, Enrique is not against the idea to mix work with pleasure, at least for the time of their mission. Chase is not offering more, and Enrique is not asking. I like this attitude since no one of them is disillusioned or hurt. And even when the simple partners with benefits relationship moves to something more, the attitude is more or less the same: Enrique makes clear that he is interested in seeing where their relationship will go after, but it’s up to Chase to take a chance. Enrique is not hiding his feelings, and above all is not hiding that they are “feelings” and not simple desire, but he doesn’t play the guilty card: he asks, he suggests, but he doesn’t force Chase to take a decision. I can feel that Enrique is really involved, and I think that he makes it clear also to Chase, but Enrique’s way to face the relationship is new to me, no pressure, no forceful behaviour, no attitude like “I love you so you owe me something”. The way to face it is dry but not cold.
On the other side there is Chase, who pretends that he is not interested in a serious relationship, but who is also the first to behave as they were in one, and even if the word “love” is not speak between them, I think that Chase is the first to fall for Enrique.
As I said the novel is a classical cops themed one, but the love relationship always remain in centre stage, it is never overwhelmed by the mission; it’s the mission that helps Chase and Enrique to be near and near, which helps them to understand that they are perfect for each other, and so in the end, this is more a romance than a thriller novel.
There are some points that I’d like to see developed, but probably, if the author will decide to take in hand again these two heroes, it can be done in another book: Enrique is not a lone-wolf; he has a family, a family that is quite near and supporting, so I’d be interested how they deal with Chase. Then there was a hint on Enrique’s former partner, but it was not developed: again, it seemed an interesting story.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1608200620/?...
Special Agent Chase Nozick lost his partner (work partner, not private partner) during the same mission in which he was badly injured. Now some years later, he has the chance to capture the man who did it, and so it’s quite understandable that he is eager to accomplish the task, but I think that, in any case, Chase faces the new job with big professionalism, yes, true, he has some personal reasons, but they are not distracting him from doing the job by the book. Chase seems to always behave by the book… almost. He is right there on the edge, he drinks a lot, but not enough to dim his judgement, he let his gut drive him, but not enough to take the wrong path, he is gay, but not “enough” for him to be kicked out of the FBI.
Chase has not trouble with his homosexuality, he knows what he wants, but he also knows that he can’t be an openly gay Special Agent, and so he simply doesn’t mix the two things: when he is on the job, he is asexual, and when he is out of the job, he prefers to hook up with strangers, so no strings attached to worry about.
Problem is that on the new job he is partnered with Enrique, a LAPD cop with a lot of connection with the Cuban society, among where their target is hiding. Enrique is the perfect man for the job, but he is also the perfect man for Chase: gay and like Chase, not flaunting it to avoid to be kicked out of the Police Department, Enrique is not against the idea to mix work with pleasure, at least for the time of their mission. Chase is not offering more, and Enrique is not asking. I like this attitude since no one of them is disillusioned or hurt. And even when the simple partners with benefits relationship moves to something more, the attitude is more or less the same: Enrique makes clear that he is interested in seeing where their relationship will go after, but it’s up to Chase to take a chance. Enrique is not hiding his feelings, and above all is not hiding that they are “feelings” and not simple desire, but he doesn’t play the guilty card: he asks, he suggests, but he doesn’t force Chase to take a decision. I can feel that Enrique is really involved, and I think that he makes it clear also to Chase, but Enrique’s way to face the relationship is new to me, no pressure, no forceful behaviour, no attitude like “I love you so you owe me something”. The way to face it is dry but not cold.
On the other side there is Chase, who pretends that he is not interested in a serious relationship, but who is also the first to behave as they were in one, and even if the word “love” is not speak between them, I think that Chase is the first to fall for Enrique.
As I said the novel is a classical cops themed one, but the love relationship always remain in centre stage, it is never overwhelmed by the mission; it’s the mission that helps Chase and Enrique to be near and near, which helps them to understand that they are perfect for each other, and so in the end, this is more a romance than a thriller novel.
There are some points that I’d like to see developed, but probably, if the author will decide to take in hand again these two heroes, it can be done in another book: Enrique is not a lone-wolf; he has a family, a family that is quite near and supporting, so I’d be interested how they deal with Chase. Then there was a hint on Enrique’s former partner, but it was not developed: again, it seemed an interesting story.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1608200620/?...
January 29, 2010
James Buchanan’s vivid picture of LA has heat and dust seeping through the pages. The knowledge of police procedure and law is incredibly apparent and gives Personal Demons a rich and complex setting. Paranormal elements and voodoo, Santeria and Palo Mayumbe provided an added hook and made for kinda spooky reading.
Aside from solid world building what made this such a great read were the characters. Enrique was just so beautiful, inside and out. Charming, clever and his core of strength became more apparent the more I read. But, I was totally wrapped up in Chase’s journey and growth as he navigated his way through the thorny issues of being out as a gay man in his workplace and falling in love with his partner. His struggle with alcohol and maintaining an intimate relationship made for gripping reading.
Sex between the two protagonists was incredibly hot and luscious. James Buchanan writes sex that is realistic, erotic and definitely not cookie cutter romance novel fare. It is something I particularly like about James’ style of writing and keeps me coming back for more.
This was such a beautiful read, definitely harder on the emotions than perhaps Inland Empire or Cheating Chance, but a great book to get totally wrapped up in and enjoy. Check it out here at ARe and Fictionwise.
http://sharrow.wordpress.com/2010/01/...
Aside from solid world building what made this such a great read were the characters. Enrique was just so beautiful, inside and out. Charming, clever and his core of strength became more apparent the more I read. But, I was totally wrapped up in Chase’s journey and growth as he navigated his way through the thorny issues of being out as a gay man in his workplace and falling in love with his partner. His struggle with alcohol and maintaining an intimate relationship made for gripping reading.
Sex between the two protagonists was incredibly hot and luscious. James Buchanan writes sex that is realistic, erotic and definitely not cookie cutter romance novel fare. It is something I particularly like about James’ style of writing and keeps me coming back for more.
This was such a beautiful read, definitely harder on the emotions than perhaps Inland Empire or Cheating Chance, but a great book to get totally wrapped up in and enjoy. Check it out here at ARe and Fictionwise.
http://sharrow.wordpress.com/2010/01/...
May 9, 2010
Have not read many of James Buchanan's works but I always love what I read. She has a way to make her men manly but still connected to one another, and sometimes the relationship is just so intense (I'm remembering Nicky and Brandon's stories). I love this one as well. It flows so nicely, from the beginning when Chase and Enrique met until the end. LOVE their interaction with one another, especially how Chase grow into their relationship. I enjoy the Voodoo and religious ritual side of it too ... will make pretty good scary movie :). A very good M/M mystery, definitely scores a lot in my book.
December 29, 2012
First, Chase and Enrique are just an amazing pair. The chemistry is, is, is.......damn breathtaking. If you love LEO, FBI meets LAPD, then this is for you. The back drop is murder of Chase's partner by a real bad ass in the past and his current efforts, to bring the guy in. Enrique becomes his partner in all possible ways.
The heart of the plot involves Santeria, which I admit to being fascinated with. All this makes for a very entertaining and enlightening read. I give it a whole pocket full of stars.
The heart of the plot involves Santeria, which I admit to being fascinated with. All this makes for a very entertaining and enlightening read. I give it a whole pocket full of stars.
February 6, 2024
1.5 stars
The start is so poorly written I almost didn’t keep going. It got better though.
Too much sex. Uninspired and not particularly hot sex. Surprising since this is the author who got me up find Shibari hot.
Similarities to his better known books in that they meet at a bar and haw a one night stand and then are surprised to find they’ve been assigned to work a case together.
I don’t know why I’m not drawn in. The story line is kind of interesting. Although I guess not particularly original. I think it’s more that I don’t really care about the characters.
That eyeball thing was kind of disturbing.
I would be just as pissed if someone dumped out something they didn’t want me to have that was mine. It’s really condescending and rude. Even if you weren’t an alcoholic, if you were looking forward to a drink after work, it would be horrible. For an alcoholic, it’s ridiculous. It’s not going to stop the person from drinking, just make them very angry. Talking to them with love and kindness or guilt or fear or even ultimatums or whatever, but throwing away the alcohol, that is very unlikely to work. It completely takes away control.
That avowal of wanting to be together was way too sudden. Not regarding book length but how quickly they developed those feelings.
that was major emotional drama left out.
That was grueling.
The start is so poorly written I almost didn’t keep going. It got better though.
Too much sex. Uninspired and not particularly hot sex. Surprising since this is the author who got me up find Shibari hot.
Similarities to his better known books in that they meet at a bar and haw a one night stand and then are surprised to find they’ve been assigned to work a case together.
I don’t know why I’m not drawn in. The story line is kind of interesting. Although I guess not particularly original. I think it’s more that I don’t really care about the characters.
That eyeball thing was kind of disturbing.
I would be just as pissed if someone dumped out something they didn’t want me to have that was mine. It’s really condescending and rude. Even if you weren’t an alcoholic, if you were looking forward to a drink after work, it would be horrible. For an alcoholic, it’s ridiculous. It’s not going to stop the person from drinking, just make them very angry. Talking to them with love and kindness or guilt or fear or even ultimatums or whatever, but throwing away the alcohol, that is very unlikely to work. It completely takes away control.
That avowal of wanting to be together was way too sudden. Not regarding book length but how quickly they developed those feelings.
that was major emotional drama left out.
That was grueling.
July 29, 2018
** 3.5 Stars **
November 4, 2009
Personal Demons is an interesting and incredibly detailed look at police procedures mixed with religion. Here the best part of the book is the dynamic relationship between the two men, Enrique and Chase. The story itself is filled with extensive research into procedure and religious history, to the point it overwhelms the story in various places. The strong thread of connection, sexual and emotional, of the main characters keeps the story moving and ultimately creates an enjoyable reading experience.
FBI Agent Chase Nozick is fighting personal demons as he struggles with his alcoholism and his determination to catch his partner’s killer. Since the fateful day years ago, Chase has been on a downward spiral, only temporarily derailed by a new assignment. Chase finally has the chance to find the hit man responsible but it means finding the hit man’s missing girlfriend. Teaming up with LAPD Det. Enrique Rios-Ocha, the sexual chemistry sparks immediately and the two are involved in more than just this manhunt. Enrique’s religion plays an essential part in the mystery and Chase is confronted with a number of issues he’s not sure he can handle.
The story is well crafted with the intricacies of the Santeria and Voodoo religions closely woven into the police manhunt. The wealth of knowledge and research is shown in the details of the religion from card readings to psychic witchdoctors and numerous rituals. This level of detail often overwhelms the story and detracts from the goal ~ finding the hit man’s girlfriend ~ so much that the reason Chase and Enrique are doing all of this is sometimes forgotten. Several scenes such as the first murder of the girlfriend’s brother, the shop, and the drug bust seem filled with minute details that offer little to the overall story but slow the pace and fluidity. The story seems to offer an overabundance of information and terminology, which is unfamiliar and sometimes blends together. The use of religion and ritual offers a twist on the classic procedural drama and a different flavor but a few less scenes of such information and more about the actual girlfriend and hit man would have helped balance this element more successfully.
If the plot is sometimes convoluted with details, missing connections, and obvious foreshadowing, the characterization is very well executed. The characters of Chase and Enrique really come alive with their personalities, flaws, and chemistry. Chase’s demons from his own insecurity, fear of his sexuality being discovered and overall skepticism make a solid foil for the unfamiliar religious beliefs presented. Enrique’s easy going mannerisms are fun and entertaining from his sly beliefs to confidence in his sexuality and ability to love Chase without overwhelming him. Their connection is easy and obvious with a rather predictable first meeting, backroom, anonymous sex then predictably working together. However the strength of their connection helps overcome this initial introduction. Their relationship is sexually easy, they don’t bother to deny their desire or urges, but the emotional connection is slower in coming. The real tension in the story is from the police dynamics and the strong relationship with only a touch of angst balances the story in a great way. The sex scenes are hot, involved and become less about the sex as the story progresses.
The writing is crisp and clean with a real flair for authenticity. Clearly the author has researched the religions, and permutations of such, to a heavy degree. That is clearly translated to the story, sadly at times to its detriment. However there is a level of care and meticulousness that must be applauded. This story will appeal to fans of the author and those who enjoy complex police dramas. Don’t let the religious details slow you down or confuse you, there are a lot but the focus on Chase and Enrique helps pull the meandering details back on to the narrative. The third person perspective from Chase is engaging and enticing, drawing readers in almost immediately with his flawed personality. I was almost sorry it had to end and look forward to the author’s next offering.
FBI Agent Chase Nozick is fighting personal demons as he struggles with his alcoholism and his determination to catch his partner’s killer. Since the fateful day years ago, Chase has been on a downward spiral, only temporarily derailed by a new assignment. Chase finally has the chance to find the hit man responsible but it means finding the hit man’s missing girlfriend. Teaming up with LAPD Det. Enrique Rios-Ocha, the sexual chemistry sparks immediately and the two are involved in more than just this manhunt. Enrique’s religion plays an essential part in the mystery and Chase is confronted with a number of issues he’s not sure he can handle.
The story is well crafted with the intricacies of the Santeria and Voodoo religions closely woven into the police manhunt. The wealth of knowledge and research is shown in the details of the religion from card readings to psychic witchdoctors and numerous rituals. This level of detail often overwhelms the story and detracts from the goal ~ finding the hit man’s girlfriend ~ so much that the reason Chase and Enrique are doing all of this is sometimes forgotten. Several scenes such as the first murder of the girlfriend’s brother, the shop, and the drug bust seem filled with minute details that offer little to the overall story but slow the pace and fluidity. The story seems to offer an overabundance of information and terminology, which is unfamiliar and sometimes blends together. The use of religion and ritual offers a twist on the classic procedural drama and a different flavor but a few less scenes of such information and more about the actual girlfriend and hit man would have helped balance this element more successfully.
If the plot is sometimes convoluted with details, missing connections, and obvious foreshadowing, the characterization is very well executed. The characters of Chase and Enrique really come alive with their personalities, flaws, and chemistry. Chase’s demons from his own insecurity, fear of his sexuality being discovered and overall skepticism make a solid foil for the unfamiliar religious beliefs presented. Enrique’s easy going mannerisms are fun and entertaining from his sly beliefs to confidence in his sexuality and ability to love Chase without overwhelming him. Their connection is easy and obvious with a rather predictable first meeting, backroom, anonymous sex then predictably working together. However the strength of their connection helps overcome this initial introduction. Their relationship is sexually easy, they don’t bother to deny their desire or urges, but the emotional connection is slower in coming. The real tension in the story is from the police dynamics and the strong relationship with only a touch of angst balances the story in a great way. The sex scenes are hot, involved and become less about the sex as the story progresses.
The writing is crisp and clean with a real flair for authenticity. Clearly the author has researched the religions, and permutations of such, to a heavy degree. That is clearly translated to the story, sadly at times to its detriment. However there is a level of care and meticulousness that must be applauded. This story will appeal to fans of the author and those who enjoy complex police dramas. Don’t let the religious details slow you down or confuse you, there are a lot but the focus on Chase and Enrique helps pull the meandering details back on to the narrative. The third person perspective from Chase is engaging and enticing, drawing readers in almost immediately with his flawed personality. I was almost sorry it had to end and look forward to the author’s next offering.
March 7, 2012
I had the pleasure of meeting James Buchanan last year at Authors After Dark. After I expressed my adoration of her Taking the Odds series, she invited me to read Personal Demons. But she warned me that it was 'dark'. Well, I was up for the challenge and finally was able to settle down and read this.
It is dark, but not overly. It was a bit strange to me though. There was a lot of information dealing with religion and rituals, possibly more than I'd ever thought to learn.
You start out with action right away in the first chapter. FBI Agent Chase and his partner Jason are in a gun battle with notorious criminal Garcia that ends very badly. Then you are fast-forwarded five years into the present, where Chase is still after Garcia because he some how slipped away. Garcia is in LA so that is where Chase is sent to work with the LAPD. Deciding to find some sexual release after he arrives and settles in LA, he finds a bar and a willing body and wastes no time. The next day at the LAPD HQ he finds that the willing body, Enrique, was who he had enjoyed the night before will be his temporary partner on the case. I have to say I called that in my head, figuring that Enrique would be someone that Chase would encounter at a later date, so when he turned up as his partner, I was not that surprised.
Chase and Enrique are searching for clues that will lead them to find a witness and to bring them closer to Garcia. They mutually decide to continue their 'buddy' relationship in the bedroom.
Enrique knows a lot about the religious culture surrounding the case. As a result, Chase is submersed into this strange and exotic world. He doesn't know what to think or believe about Enrique or the things that he witnesses when they start questioning leads.
There is a lot of internal struggle with Chase. The struggle to continue to hide that he is gay. The realization that he is coming to care for Enrique, which he is positive will go no where because the distance between them. The struggle to believe or not to believe what he is seeing in regards to the religious culture. This was a complicated story.
We are only privy to Chase's internal thoughts and feelings so it seemed a little one sided. I would have liked to know Enrique's internal thoughts and feeling.
There is one scene that I thought was a little disturbing, and I shudder every time I think about it.
I enjoyed reading this, even with the darkness, the strangeness, and the religious culture surrounding it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2013
My first exposure to James Buchanan was The Good Thief. It was one of the first M/Ms I read when I started buying them for my Nook. In preparation for Cannonball Read V, I picked up a few more of by the same author and was not disappointed.
I'm fairly simple when it comes to what I enjoy: hot men and happy endings. I got both of those in this.
I'm fairly simple when it comes to what I enjoy: hot men and happy endings. I got both of those in this.
January 29, 2010
Chase is an FBI agent who was shot and his partner killed by a Cuban criminal 5 years ago. He's now sent to LA to work on a special task force that is close to getting the guy. The night before he's to start he figures now is the time to get a quickie since if you are in the FBI it equals in the closet. He meets this guy at a bar and they do it in the back room. The next day he meets his LAPD partner on the case and holy shit, it's the guy from the bar Enrique. Enrique is an expert in Caribbean religions and this may factor in to the case. Enrique and Chase fall easily into fuck buddies and partners although Chase quickly admits it's more. He's also got an alcohol problem which makes him very defensive and causes problems. This is a very complex story with TONS of information about Santeria and other similar religions and Chase is exposed to some weird shit that he doubts could be real, like spiritual healers and gods taking possession of people during ceremonies. To be honest I would be with Chase and highly skeptical but he's forced to believe what he sees and there is a big show-down with the bad guys after which Chase is whisked out of town in hours without the chance to talk with Enrique. Is there something to build on or not?
I love James' writing because the story surrounding the romance has equal value. It's not just tacked on to give a conflict. The story would be interesting and capture my attention even if it wasn't a romance. I'm not sure I fully understood all the religious stuff but it was very interesting anyway. This would make a great movie I think. A great read I would recommend to those who like law enforcement stories. With a bit of voodoo thrown in.
I love James' writing because the story surrounding the romance has equal value. It's not just tacked on to give a conflict. The story would be interesting and capture my attention even if it wasn't a romance. I'm not sure I fully understood all the religious stuff but it was very interesting anyway. This would make a great movie I think. A great read I would recommend to those who like law enforcement stories. With a bit of voodoo thrown in.
January 13, 2010
I was caught up in this story as soon as I started it, and could hardly put it down. I always learn something from James Buchanan's books. This one included a lot of interesting bits about Santeria and such and I found myself googling a bit which I don't mind at all. The writing was well-done, as always, with the details so clear you felt like you were there, a fly on the wall. A scene where one of the characters is 'possessed' was particularly amazing, as was the battle royale at the end. The characters were beautifully drawn. Complex, and just toeing the angst line without stepping over into that dark (and often tiresome) field.
January 28, 2013
This was my first exposure to this author and I read it on the recommendation of a friend who really enjoyed it. I was sucked in and couldn't put it down. The characters were intriguing and the plot was intense. I was not familiar with a lot of the premises in this book but now I feel I have a much better understanding. Enrique and Chase are both likable guys who while in the closet at work have no issues with their sexuality outside the office. The descriptions of the area, the buildings, all the way to the smoggy air are so pitch perfect I had no trouble feeling as if I was right there with the characters. This will definitely not be the last James Buchanan book I pick up.
January 17, 2012
This was an interesting murder mystery story. An FBI agent gets pulled into an investigation that revolves around mysterious afro-cuban religions. The investigation brings him and his LAPD partner into a dark underground filled with blood curses, witch doctors and psychics. Throughout it all, he is forced to reevaluate his lone ranger drunken persona and perhaps allow someone to touch his heart for the first time in too long. I really enjoyed this story and am glad I gave it a chance even though the blurb held no interest for me. 4 stars.
January 13, 2013
Has all the hallmarks of a James Buchanan book - well researched, interesting story, nicely written but I never connected with the main couples. I didn't feel the chemistry. The police procedural part was good. I liked both MCs but I'm just not sure what these two guys saw in each other that made them think - Here's a keeper.
April 27, 2013
This is a solid read with a well-constructed plot and likeable characters. I wish I had connected to the romance a bit more, but that is not meant to be a criticism; other readers will connect more. Ultimately, this book is more of a 3.75. Not my favorite from this author, but good enough to re-read at some point.
September 30, 2010
A fascinating read. Mystery with voodoo and deep emotions between two very attractive, skillfully drawn protagonists.
Definitely recommended.
Definitely recommended.
June 2, 2010
for some reason i dont think the story is finished. I keep waiting for it to continue with some other twist that makes all characters believe in a little bit of magic. i guess i can only dream
Want to read
January 17, 2012To reread.
August 11, 2012
I had a hard time visualizing scenes for some reason. Some bits were tough to get through, but it had some good moments. Not as good as other books by this author.
November 4, 2013
O_o completely not what I expected. Then again, not really sure what I expected; the blurb was kind of vague.
February 21, 2016
Really fascinating culture, the Santeria.
April 22, 2017
Awesome
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