Reader Reaction to Inland Empire

A reader I “met” during the NOT GOING TO THE CONFERENCE CONFERENCE held over at Romance Divas during the Romance Writers of America Conference was enticed to pick up one of my books. Joey Hill and I presented a “panel” discussion on writing BDSM in Erotic Romance.  She sent me an email with her impressions and graciously allowed me to share them with you.

Hi James,

As I said at the Divas, "Whips and Chains" conference, I’m a researcher looking at three aspects of modern romances: the supernatural, gutsy ladies and sexuality to trace back to their ancient roots. Inland Empire, is data for the third subject and, big bonus, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. First of all, the chemistry between Nick O’Malley and Brandon Carr sizzles. Anytime the two are together on the page, a hot, kinky sexual attraction is part of the mix.

Beyond the erotic part of the story, there is a story–a very compelling one about Brandon’s struggle with his job as a tough Vice cop and his secret submissive homosexual identity. His effort to first hide from, then accept his stigmatized sexuality resonates. Brandon starts off deep in the closet, sure there’s no way out. Nick, also in law enforcement, is out and comfortable with all that entails, being exactly who he is AND accepting that not everybody will be accepting of that. Brandon looks at carefree Nick and labels him "flaming", scared somebody will look at Nick and then look at Brandon in a different way.

Despite being in-love with Nick, Brandon doesn’t believe he’s up to the challenge of living with his tough cop and submissive homosexuality both out in the open. He bristles and lashes out whenever the subject comes up be it from Nicky, his lover or Mendez the homophobic cop. Brandon’s paranoia has the ring of truth for anyone who has lived with a hidden stigma, wants to belong to the larger community and fears the revelation of the secret will mean the loss of peer acceptance. At times patient, at times frustrated, Nick nudges and shoves Brandon toward acceptance of their love and the self acceptance needed to support their growing bond.

Story is prime, but I also really enjoyed the police drama aspect of Inland Empire. It is filled with intriguing details about the the work of the Vice Task Force Brandon’s assigned to and the multiple roles being juggled to get the job done: law enforcer, friend, undercover personality, interrogator, paperwork jockey, etc. This allows us to meet a great supporting cast of characters, including a he/she prostitute with sharp insights and an over the top personality. Professional/criminal encounters with the Asian community go far beyond stereotypes and introduce Vietnamese in all walks of life. I appreciated the authenticity of the details and the settings that ranged from pristine college campus to down and gritty back streets.

A lotta words to say I loved this book and despite the fact sexuality is not at the top of my research list right now, a few more of your stories will make it onto my crowded shelves. My only complaint is that you chose the pen name of our 15th pres, making googling you a marathon.