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Diversion #1
Diversion
This novel is temporarily out of print. Look for Diversion, 2nd Edition, to publish in June, 2014.
Drug dealers aren't always on the streets; sometimes they sit in offices and board rooms, selling merchandise in official looking bottles instead of little cellophane bags.
When given a choice between eight more years in prison or using his "expertise" to assist the Southeastern Narcotics Bureau's Department of Diversion Prevention and Control, convicted drug trafficker Richmond "Lucky" Lucklighter takes the sentence with the illusion of freedom. Cynical and unwilling to admit he's begun to care about his job, he counts the days until his debt is paid. His sole obstacle to getting his life back is the rookie he's assigned to train before he leaves; a rookie who quotes pharmacy texts, hasn't paid his dues, and has the obnoxious tendency of seeing the good in everyone – including the target of their investigation.
Former Marine Bo Schollenberger dreamed of becoming a pharmacist and watched the dream turn into a nightmare of PTSD-fueled prescription drug abuse. Battling his demons daily, he wakes up every morning, wondering, "Will this be the day I give in?" To keep his license, he must now put his skills to use for a diversion control task force, deal with a crude partner with too much attitude and no brain-to-mouth filter, and take down a drug lord who reminds him of his favorite cooking show hostess.
The bad guys don't stand a chance -- if Lucky and Bo don't strangle each other first...
Warning: This book contains material some may find objectionable, and is intended only for mature readers.
2012 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention
Drug dealers aren't always on the streets; sometimes they sit in offices and board rooms, selling merchandise in official looking bottles instead of little cellophane bags.
When given a choice between eight more years in prison or using his "expertise" to assist the Southeastern Narcotics Bureau's Department of Diversion Prevention and Control, convicted drug trafficker Richmond "Lucky" Lucklighter takes the sentence with the illusion of freedom. Cynical and unwilling to admit he's begun to care about his job, he counts the days until his debt is paid. His sole obstacle to getting his life back is the rookie he's assigned to train before he leaves; a rookie who quotes pharmacy texts, hasn't paid his dues, and has the obnoxious tendency of seeing the good in everyone – including the target of their investigation.
Former Marine Bo Schollenberger dreamed of becoming a pharmacist and watched the dream turn into a nightmare of PTSD-fueled prescription drug abuse. Battling his demons daily, he wakes up every morning, wondering, "Will this be the day I give in?" To keep his license, he must now put his skills to use for a diversion control task force, deal with a crude partner with too much attitude and no brain-to-mouth filter, and take down a drug lord who reminds him of his favorite cooking show hostess.
The bad guys don't stand a chance -- if Lucky and Bo don't strangle each other first...
Warning: This book contains material some may find objectionable, and is intended only for mature readers.
2012 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention
274 pages, ebook
First published March 1, 2012
103 people are currently reading
2039 people want to read
About the author
Eden Winters
98 books674 followersYou will know Eden Winters by her distinctive white plumage and exuberant cry of “Hey, y’all!” in a Southern US drawl so thick it renders even the simplest of words unrecognizable. Watch out, she hugs!
Driven by insatiable curiosity, she possibly holds the world’s record for curriculum changes to the point that she’s never quite earned a degree but is a force to be reckoned with at Trivial Pursuit.
She’s trudged down hallways with police detectives, learned to disarm knife-wielding bad guys, and witnessed the correct way to blow doors off buildings. Her e-mail contains various snippets of forensic wisdom, such as “What would a dead body left in a Mexican drug tunnel look like after six months?” In the process of her adventures, she has written over thirty gay romance novels, lost count of novellas and short stories, has won Rainbow Awards, was a Lambda Awards Finalist, and lives in terror of authorities showing up at her door to question her Internet searches.
When not putting characters in dangerous situations she’s cosplaying for children's charities or hanging out at the farm being a mother, grandmother, and vegetarian.
Her natural habitats are hardware stores and on the backs of motorcycles.
Driven by insatiable curiosity, she possibly holds the world’s record for curriculum changes to the point that she’s never quite earned a degree but is a force to be reckoned with at Trivial Pursuit.
She’s trudged down hallways with police detectives, learned to disarm knife-wielding bad guys, and witnessed the correct way to blow doors off buildings. Her e-mail contains various snippets of forensic wisdom, such as “What would a dead body left in a Mexican drug tunnel look like after six months?” In the process of her adventures, she has written over thirty gay romance novels, lost count of novellas and short stories, has won Rainbow Awards, was a Lambda Awards Finalist, and lives in terror of authorities showing up at her door to question her Internet searches.
When not putting characters in dangerous situations she’s cosplaying for children's charities or hanging out at the farm being a mother, grandmother, and vegetarian.
Her natural habitats are hardware stores and on the backs of motorcycles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 395 reviews
July 17, 2014
*3.5 stars*
Meet Lucky Lucklighter:
Do you like annoying MCs? MCs that are so snarky that you're not sure if you want to laugh or push them down a flight of stairs? If you have a weakness for a mouth that doesn't quit it (and not in the sexy way), then Lucky is the MC for you! Me? I sort of liked him. I found him amusing and entertaining, I'll say that. But did he work for me fully as a lead for a romance? *meh*
This book will be a winner for a lot of readers. Eden Winters did a great job with a suspenseful, angsty story with a two very damaged MCs. I was really hooked on the plot of this story, which I don't say that often. I was interested in the whole prescription drug trafficking and abuse storyline (maybe because I'm in the medical field and I'm a drug prescriber), and I was really into Lucky as kind of the super secret spy of this niche underworld. He was cocky and confident and knew his stuff.
What I wasn't into was the romance. I'm sorry folks, but I just wasn't buying what these guys were selling! I didn't feel the vibe between these two. It wasn't that ZING, that electric sexual tension, though this book is a slow burn, which I tend to love. I think the chemistry just fell a little flat for me. Part had to do with Lucky being a tough nut to crack. He has a lot of defense mechanisms, a lot of shields up, and most of them manifest with him acting like a jerk. Now, while I don't mind that in principle, I didn't really understand how Bo saw anything in Lucky as a romantic interest. I got kind of a buddy vibe, but I didn't feel the *love* vibe.
I still liked this book a great deal, even though it won't be a favorite of mine. It was really entertaining and a good enemies-to-lovers story for all fans of an atypical MC.
Oh, and can we burn that new cover?
The 80s called. It wants that cover back.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Meet Lucky Lucklighter:
Do you like annoying MCs? MCs that are so snarky that you're not sure if you want to laugh or push them down a flight of stairs? If you have a weakness for a mouth that doesn't quit it (and not in the sexy way), then Lucky is the MC for you! Me? I sort of liked him. I found him amusing and entertaining, I'll say that. But did he work for me fully as a lead for a romance? *meh*
This book will be a winner for a lot of readers. Eden Winters did a great job with a suspenseful, angsty story with a two very damaged MCs. I was really hooked on the plot of this story, which I don't say that often. I was interested in the whole prescription drug trafficking and abuse storyline (maybe because I'm in the medical field and I'm a drug prescriber), and I was really into Lucky as kind of the super secret spy of this niche underworld. He was cocky and confident and knew his stuff.
What I wasn't into was the romance. I'm sorry folks, but I just wasn't buying what these guys were selling! I didn't feel the vibe between these two. It wasn't that ZING, that electric sexual tension, though this book is a slow burn, which I tend to love. I think the chemistry just fell a little flat for me. Part had to do with Lucky being a tough nut to crack. He has a lot of defense mechanisms, a lot of shields up, and most of them manifest with him acting like a jerk. Now, while I don't mind that in principle, I didn't really understand how Bo saw anything in Lucky as a romantic interest. I got kind of a buddy vibe, but I didn't feel the *love* vibe.
I still liked this book a great deal, even though it won't be a favorite of mine. It was really entertaining and a good enemies-to-lovers story for all fans of an atypical MC.
Oh, and can we burn that new cover?
The 80s called. It wants that cover back.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
wth-was-i-thinking
November 2, 2015No rating. Probably my fastest DNF since I joined GR. I gave up on page 4. #sorrynotsorry
How about annoying when it comes to my book choices? I don't know why I thought this would be a good idea. #lifeslittlemysteries I was neither high as a kite nor drunk as a skunk. I don't even touch this shit. Ever.
Anyway, there's not much to say except that I had a very bad feeling. Hopped over to GR and checked out a couple one-star reviews. Sometimes you just know…
It's not a resolution or anything, but I should listen more often to my gut feeling, and I could avoid making even more bad book choices.
Movin' on...
How about annoying when it comes to my book choices? I don't know why I thought this would be a good idea. #lifeslittlemysteries I was neither high as a kite nor drunk as a skunk. I don't even touch this shit. Ever.
Anyway, there's not much to say except that I had a very bad feeling. Hopped over to GR and checked out a couple one-star reviews. Sometimes you just know…
It's not a resolution or anything, but I should listen more often to my gut feeling, and I could avoid making even more bad book choices.
Movin' on...
September 14, 2017
4.5 stars
I Loved it! Loved it!
Lucky, the coffee addicted, smart mouth, snarky guy was an amazing MC. I loved him.
Bo, the dimpled, sweet, broken gentle teddy bear, i adored him. These two had chemistry and their banter had me laughing so hard.
“Lucky?”
“Yes?”
“Has anyone ever told you you’re a first-class asshole?”
“Yes, but go ahead. I never get tired of hearing it.”
The mystery was engaging too. I liked Walter too
I will definitely read the rest of the series.
May 12, 2019
Audio - 4 stars. Darcy Stark is a great narrator, but he didn't give Bo and Lucky distinctive enough voices. Considering they both have southern accents, I found myself having to concentrate more than usual on the audio so that I didn't get lost.
Story - 4 stars
I didn't think I'd be able to deal with Lucky's snark, but I ended up loving how it drove Bo a bit crazy. These two opposites definitely complement each other, and I'm looking forward to continuing the series.
Story - 4 stars
I didn't think I'd be able to deal with Lucky's snark, but I ended up loving how it drove Bo a bit crazy. These two opposites definitely complement each other, and I'm looking forward to continuing the series.
April 15, 2019
What a completely different and interesting set-up for this book. When the book begins, Lucky is in the process of stealing a truck-load of drugs and you (the reader) are wondering what the heck is going on. That opening segment is a pretty good chunk...like 3-4 chapters and I did think at one point in time that I didn't want to continue reading it. I'm so glad that I did because against all the evidence saying he's not at the beginning, Lucky is actually one of the good guys.
Lucky is part of the SNB, a branch of the government that tracks down pharmaceutical bad guys. He's serving out a ten year sentence from when he actual did use to steal drugs for a living. He works for Walter and is counting down the days until his 8 years of indentured servitude is up, although he has truly come to love his job and his boss. Lucky hasn't had a very lucky life...in fact, his life has pretty much sucked and he uses sarcasm and a really dry humor and abrasive personality to keep people at bay. His one real relationship he had ended in tragedy and that full story broke my heart by the time it was all revealed. He doesn't trust others or himself to form relationships. He's also the con on this team of government agents. He feels like they despise him, so he puts up barriers to keep them at arms length. When he has to start training and working with Bo on a daily basis, it's harder to keep those barriers up.
Bo has had his own legal and drug issues and is the new con on the team. The difference is Bo is actually a former marine and pharmacist. Lucky sees Bo as so much better than him because he went to college and did something with his life, even though they are pretty much in the same boat with the law. Lucky and Bo are two totally different types of guys. Lucky doesn't get attached to anyone. Bo makes connection with everyone. Bo is completely open and up-front with everyone. He's a caretaker...he cooks, is a bit OCD, and is a complete health nut.
Then there's Walter...their boss. I love that Walter sees Lucky for who he really is. He's completely past the con part of Lucky, although Lucky doesn't truly realize that. That relationship, to me, added a lot to the book and helped to see Lucky for who he's truly grown to be over the 8 years. This is a book with complex characters who have serious flaws but it's full of little details to give you hope. Hope for their future and hope that things are going to straighten out for them, but there are also tons of little danger signs that show that things could go the other way for them. In that way, this series reminds me a lot of the Cut & Run series. It's very much the same type of characters walking a tightrope between right and wrong/good and bad.
This is the first book to the start of a series about these two characters and I like the set-up it provided. It will be interesting to see where it goes from here.
Lucky is part of the SNB, a branch of the government that tracks down pharmaceutical bad guys. He's serving out a ten year sentence from when he actual did use to steal drugs for a living. He works for Walter and is counting down the days until his 8 years of indentured servitude is up, although he has truly come to love his job and his boss. Lucky hasn't had a very lucky life...in fact, his life has pretty much sucked and he uses sarcasm and a really dry humor and abrasive personality to keep people at bay. His one real relationship he had ended in tragedy and that full story broke my heart by the time it was all revealed. He doesn't trust others or himself to form relationships. He's also the con on this team of government agents. He feels like they despise him, so he puts up barriers to keep them at arms length. When he has to start training and working with Bo on a daily basis, it's harder to keep those barriers up.
Bo has had his own legal and drug issues and is the new con on the team. The difference is Bo is actually a former marine and pharmacist. Lucky sees Bo as so much better than him because he went to college and did something with his life, even though they are pretty much in the same boat with the law. Lucky and Bo are two totally different types of guys. Lucky doesn't get attached to anyone. Bo makes connection with everyone. Bo is completely open and up-front with everyone. He's a caretaker...he cooks, is a bit OCD, and is a complete health nut.
Then there's Walter...their boss. I love that Walter sees Lucky for who he really is. He's completely past the con part of Lucky, although Lucky doesn't truly realize that. That relationship, to me, added a lot to the book and helped to see Lucky for who he's truly grown to be over the 8 years. This is a book with complex characters who have serious flaws but it's full of little details to give you hope. Hope for their future and hope that things are going to straighten out for them, but there are also tons of little danger signs that show that things could go the other way for them. In that way, this series reminds me a lot of the Cut & Run series. It's very much the same type of characters walking a tightrope between right and wrong/good and bad.
This is the first book to the start of a series about these two characters and I like the set-up it provided. It will be interesting to see where it goes from here.
December 26, 2020
For me, the most essential ingredient in a good story is great characters and that's where this book shines. Lucky is wonderful - tough, scrappy, smart-assed, intelligent, and deliberately abrasive, as he works desperately to maintain a veneer of don't-give-a-shit over his vulnerable core. Bo is his perfect match - strong, easygoing, quick with a comeback, and with hidden vulnerabilities of his own that Lucky can't ignore. They strike sparks off each other from the first encounter, and were a pure pleasure to watch throughout the story.
April 19, 2016
Posted at Outlaw Reviews
Richmond “Lucky” Lucklighter has served two years in prison for drug trafficking. He is given an opportunity to complete his remaining eight-year sentence using his criminally acquired skills to help strengthen weaknesses and find security gaps in the pharmaceutical industry supply chains. Lucky has just a month or so left of his sentence and is assigned to train his replacement.
Bo Schollenberger is a former marine who later becomes a pharmacist. He is struggling with his addiction to prescription drugs and risks losing his license. In order to get his suspension revoked, he is hired as Lucky’s partner and eventual replacement. Bo’s job is to work as a pharmacist in a pain management clinic in order to gather enough evidence to make a raid.
This story was fun and suspenseful. The plot was riveting and energetic. The villains were realistic, and I loved the rich, authentic details of pharmaceutical crime, investigation, and law enforcement.
I also loved the growing relationship between Bo and Lucky and couldn’t help comparing them to Hart and Cohle, since I happen to be watching True Detective. I love the dark, brooding qualities of the show and the relationship between the two detectives.
Lucky hides his emotional wounds under sniping banter and general assholery. Normally, such a character would irritate me. What saves him for me is the glimpses into his past told through flashbacks. They revealed a lot about why he has trouble getting close to and trusting others. Despite Lucky’s desire to not complicate matters between him and his partner, the men acknowledge their attraction to each other. Their sex was electric, but I liked that it never overwhelmed the story.
Bo is an interesting character with issues of his own. Though he was too easygoing and straitlaced at times, he showed his strength and vulnerability sufficiently enough to make him a well-rounded character. I just wanted him to be more of an antagonistic hardass, like Cohle. I wanted more professional tension, angry outbursts and destructive drama. Just like Lucky and Bo did, I wanted Cohle to fuck Hart and ease that brewing tension.
Season 1 is finished and Cohle and Hart’s story is done. For Lucky and Bo, I’m happy to say their story continues.
*Book provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Richmond “Lucky” Lucklighter has served two years in prison for drug trafficking. He is given an opportunity to complete his remaining eight-year sentence using his criminally acquired skills to help strengthen weaknesses and find security gaps in the pharmaceutical industry supply chains. Lucky has just a month or so left of his sentence and is assigned to train his replacement.
Bo Schollenberger is a former marine who later becomes a pharmacist. He is struggling with his addiction to prescription drugs and risks losing his license. In order to get his suspension revoked, he is hired as Lucky’s partner and eventual replacement. Bo’s job is to work as a pharmacist in a pain management clinic in order to gather enough evidence to make a raid.
This story was fun and suspenseful. The plot was riveting and energetic. The villains were realistic, and I loved the rich, authentic details of pharmaceutical crime, investigation, and law enforcement.
I also loved the growing relationship between Bo and Lucky and couldn’t help comparing them to Hart and Cohle, since I happen to be watching True Detective. I love the dark, brooding qualities of the show and the relationship between the two detectives.
Lucky hides his emotional wounds under sniping banter and general assholery. Normally, such a character would irritate me. What saves him for me is the glimpses into his past told through flashbacks. They revealed a lot about why he has trouble getting close to and trusting others. Despite Lucky’s desire to not complicate matters between him and his partner, the men acknowledge their attraction to each other. Their sex was electric, but I liked that it never overwhelmed the story.
Bo is an interesting character with issues of his own. Though he was too easygoing and straitlaced at times, he showed his strength and vulnerability sufficiently enough to make him a well-rounded character. I just wanted him to be more of an antagonistic hardass, like Cohle. I wanted more professional tension, angry outbursts and destructive drama. Just like Lucky and Bo did, I wanted Cohle to fuck Hart and ease that brewing tension.
Season 1 is finished and Cohle and Hart’s story is done. For Lucky and Bo, I’m happy to say their story continues.
*Book provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2019
Started out rough (all my fault, not the books). By the end I was loving it. I can't wait to read the next one.
August 15, 2017
I love discovering an author new to me, I love when there’s some suspense, I love age-gap and I love a grumpy MC who plays the lonely wolf but can’t stop melting for his new partner. No choice but to really enjoy this book, especially when pushed to read it by Natalie, Renée, Simone, Karen and Heather (yes, I was doomed from the start !!).
Lucky is not the usual Narcotics agent : he got his jail sentence for drug trafficking commuted in exchange of working with a Narcotics agency to bring down criminals. Better than staying in prison even if he feels still being on a leash. But it’s almost over : two more months and he’s done. Before that, he has to train his replacement, Bo, and be his back-up during an undercover operation in a clinic where to-be-destroyed drugs are diverted. Not an easy fate for Bo, as Lucky has less than stellar manners. As he says himself, he’s an insufferable bastard, but such an adorable one imo.
There is a lot of banter, a correct plot, 2 MCs so different but who mesh very well and help each other, Lucky dealing with his past criminal and personal involvement and Bo with his fucked up childhood and PTSD from his former Marine career.
And it’s hot : promise of assless chaps !!!
The pace and the writing were also to my liking. And here I am, stuck with another series…Best hardship !! A series to be considered if you haven’t yet read it.
Thanks you, Heather, for setting up this impromptu BR and sharing this entertaining read with me !!
Lucky is not the usual Narcotics agent : he got his jail sentence for drug trafficking commuted in exchange of working with a Narcotics agency to bring down criminals. Better than staying in prison even if he feels still being on a leash. But it’s almost over : two more months and he’s done. Before that, he has to train his replacement, Bo, and be his back-up during an undercover operation in a clinic where to-be-destroyed drugs are diverted. Not an easy fate for Bo, as Lucky has less than stellar manners. As he says himself, he’s an insufferable bastard, but such an adorable one imo.
There is a lot of banter, a correct plot, 2 MCs so different but who mesh very well and help each other, Lucky dealing with his past criminal and personal involvement and Bo with his fucked up childhood and PTSD from his former Marine career.
And it’s hot : promise of assless chaps !!!
The pace and the writing were also to my liking. And here I am, stuck with another series…Best hardship !! A series to be considered if you haven’t yet read it.
Thanks you, Heather, for setting up this impromptu BR and sharing this entertaining read with me !!
March 12, 2014
The first 5 chapters of this book HAD. ME. HOOKED. I was floored by what an exciting and smart story was being laid out before me!
Diversion...well, the best way to describe it w/o getting overly-detailed is to say it's about an organization that takes down pharmaceutical crime. And the players involved are some really fascinating characters.
Lucky is a self-serving bad-guy-turned-good-guy who's paying time for a crime by working for the Department of Diversion Prevention and Control. Think thief who gets caught and then shows the cops how to catch a thief. He makes zero attachments, does the job as penance, and does not give a shit about anyone.
Bo is the rookie hired to eventually take Lucky's place once his dues are paid. Bo comes with his own history and baggage...and weaknesses.
Lucky and Bo are classic opposites-who-have-more-in-common-than-you'd-think-attract. And make for a very sexy and surprisingly sweet couple. The best parts are when Lucky himself is surprised at his feelings toward Bo. And their partnership comes complete with some snarky and combative bantering, some seriously sexy parts, and some forced, but tender domestic bliss.
I found Lucky as a character to be entertaining as hell. The author tends to get lost in his head a bit too much and it grated a bit how everything was formatted in italics whenever we got Lucky's inner-dialogue. But, that's minor details.
Bo...well Bo was fine. He bored me at times...playing the role of the straight man to the jokester can't be easy. And he confused me at times...all hard edges, then suddenly very vulnerable and emotional, anti-Lucky, but then all needy for him. I wasn't sure WHAT to make of Bo. But still...I liked him.
The book lulled a bit in the middle parts but then picked up again at the end. I have to say...I loved the ending. And I can't wait to dive into the next book. I'm excited at discovering a series I can sink my teeth into. This one is highly recommended for those that like a little anti-hero and suspense action.
I was leaning towards 3.5 but just now remembered how much I really loved the beginning...and how excited I am to read book 2. So, I'm bumping it to 4 stars.
August 27, 2014
Guess what, you fabulous little book, you? You, my dear, are going on my favorites shelf!
Spoilers n shit.
I was lost but now I am found! One million stars to you, Eden Winters! But seriously. I’ve been in a bit of a book slump lately and haven’t been able to sit down and read one full book in a while. Well, I’m back to my old self and read this puppy in one day. Fantastic. I’ve had this guy sitting in my library for, like, a year, and just now I decided to give it a shot. Lucky and Bo might be one of my favorite couples of all time, now. They’re getting up there with the likes of Gordon Frost and Adam Blake, or Christopher Holmes and J.X. Moriarity. So the plot was amazing. I’m going to have to badger Eden Winters about how she came up with it because that is some White Collar shit right there. Well, the sluttier, gayer (Matt Bomer not included) version of White Collar.
Anyway, anyway, anyway, I’m getting off topic. The plot was awesome. I had no idea what was going on for the first, like, three chapters and kept saying, “Hehehe, omgomgomgomg, you’re in so much trouuuubbble!” Oh boy and was Lucky ever trouble. He epitomizes trouble. Actually, not that I think about it, why am I sitting here writing this review and not reading Collusion? :\ Okay, the plot was original, fun, action-packed, never boring, I NEVER skimmed through anything (this is a big deal), the sex was sexy, the funny parts had me in stitches, and boy, was the romance refreshing. Quotes. I highlighted a million things, but I’ll put in a few gems.
Lucky’s inner monologue, especially when he first meets Bo, it kills me. Slays meeeeeeee, it’s so damn funny.
The beginning of Chapter 5 consisted of Lucky’s inner professions of love for Bo’s bum and I seriously was almost killed. I almost choked to death on my water and started wheezing like a dying animal.
Okokok. So, amazingly awesome and unique plot, some of my favorite characters evvaaarrr. So fun, fresh, different, and can’t wait to read the second one. Actually, I’m off to the races with that right now.
I was considering posting like 25 stars on this (because it was that good), but feared I'd be slaughtered by fellow unicorns.
Spoilers n shit.
I was lost but now I am found! One million stars to you, Eden Winters! But seriously. I’ve been in a bit of a book slump lately and haven’t been able to sit down and read one full book in a while. Well, I’m back to my old self and read this puppy in one day. Fantastic. I’ve had this guy sitting in my library for, like, a year, and just now I decided to give it a shot. Lucky and Bo might be one of my favorite couples of all time, now. They’re getting up there with the likes of Gordon Frost and Adam Blake, or Christopher Holmes and J.X. Moriarity. So the plot was amazing. I’m going to have to badger Eden Winters about how she came up with it because that is some White Collar shit right there. Well, the sluttier, gayer (Matt Bomer not included) version of White Collar.
Anyway, anyway, anyway, I’m getting off topic. The plot was awesome. I had no idea what was going on for the first, like, three chapters and kept saying, “Hehehe, omgomgomgomg, you’re in so much trouuuubbble!” Oh boy and was Lucky ever trouble. He epitomizes trouble. Actually, not that I think about it, why am I sitting here writing this review and not reading Collusion? :\ Okay, the plot was original, fun, action-packed, never boring, I NEVER skimmed through anything (this is a big deal), the sex was sexy, the funny parts had me in stitches, and boy, was the romance refreshing. Quotes. I highlighted a million things, but I’ll put in a few gems.
Was Bo straight? Spaghetti’s straight until things heat up.
Lucky’s inner monologue, especially when he first meets Bo, it kills me. Slays meeeeeeee, it’s so damn funny.
I bet you got an ass like an onion. Make me wanna cry.
The beginning of Chapter 5 consisted of Lucky’s inner professions of love for Bo’s bum and I seriously was almost killed. I almost choked to death on my water and started wheezing like a dying animal.
Walter, fumbling with his vibrating cell phone, missed the exchange. Lucky mouthed, “When and where?” Bo mouthed back, “In your dreams.”
Okokok. So, amazingly awesome and unique plot, some of my favorite characters evvaaarrr. So fun, fresh, different, and can’t wait to read the second one. Actually, I’m off to the races with that right now.
I was considering posting like 25 stars on this (because it was that good), but feared I'd be slaughtered by fellow unicorns.
March 22, 2012
Oh Lucky my dreamboat my darling "grins" a delight he made this story for me a lovable annoying smart arsed little shit who loved to rub Bo up the wrong way. I was in stitches many times so hilarious a wonderful duo they are a definitely a match made in heaven lol. The music the grocery shopping and all their little spats were wonderful even though Lucky would have driven me up the wall I seriously have no idea how Bo did not strangle him because I sure wanted to!
Despite the emotional hang ups and scars Bo and Lucky carry around both are keen to give each other a chance they have found something special together. I enjoyed the drama and the MC's are the perfect foil for each other. Great work from Eden Winters who thoroughly researched the subject of prescription drugs but I would have preferred less focus on the pharmaceutical side and more on Lucky and Bo's relationship woes.
Despite the emotional hang ups and scars Bo and Lucky carry around both are keen to give each other a chance they have found something special together. I enjoyed the drama and the MC's are the perfect foil for each other. Great work from Eden Winters who thoroughly researched the subject of prescription drugs but I would have preferred less focus on the pharmaceutical side and more on Lucky and Bo's relationship woes.
July 14, 2014
Done gone and fell in love. Damn it.
That was some of the best SMARK I've ever read! I have a new book boyfriend. His name is Lucky. Some Lucky-isms for ya:
* Uglier than homemade sin.
* I bet you could suck the sheets straight up my ass, city boy.
* Not too bad for twist-off wine. Guess it can't all be Boone's Farm.
* I don't like virginity, personally. It never lasts.
I need to read the next book RIGHT NOW!
January 8, 2018
Lucky s certainly one hell of a grouchy a*****e, but you kind of know that someone much softer and more vulnerable hides behind the facade he is keeping up so successfully.
But Bo isn't taking any of Lucky's BS, challenging him left, right and centre from the very beginning. Their verbal fights are snarky and fun, even though you do feel like punching Lucky at times.
I love books where badass, grumpy guys show their gooey soft centre when they meet the right guy. Written with a lot of humour and a good amount of feels, this book ticked a lot of 'like' boxes'!
Recommended!
Thank you Christelle! This was great fun! :)
But Bo isn't taking any of Lucky's BS, challenging him left, right and centre from the very beginning. Their verbal fights are snarky and fun, even though you do feel like punching Lucky at times.
I love books where badass, grumpy guys show their gooey soft centre when they meet the right guy. Written with a lot of humour and a good amount of feels, this book ticked a lot of 'like' boxes'!
Recommended!
Thank you Christelle! This was great fun! :)
March 8, 2013
The blurb gives a good idea about what's going on so I won't delve too deeply into that in order to avoid spoilers. All I'm going to say is, I loved this book, plain and simple. It had everything I want and need in my reading - a gripping, well thought-out and believable story, fast action, humor, wit, and two main characters who were so flawed and human and yet so perfect for each other I couldn't help taking them deeply into my heart on the spot.
Lucky is such a cocky, sneery, vulnerable, loveable man and Bo a brave broken hero who's not yet given up despite the weight of the world lasting heavy on his shoulders.
The banter between them is delicious,and the sex scenes were steaming, and not a single one struck me as superfluous although the real connection between Lucky and Bo happened outside of sex. It was beautifully done, the way they connected - two lonely souls finding each other, complementing each other at their best and at their worst.
The secondary cast is well-drawn too, down to a salesgirl in a shop who was just adorable, Lucky's gruff, fatherly superior and Lucky's old nemesis or Bo's creep - inducing new boss.
The premise in and of itself was unusual and fresh - prescription pharmaceuticals being the drugs in question instead of the usual cocaine, heroine and Meth made a difference, something most people don't give a moment's thought if they're even aware that something like this exists. Once I was done reading, I realized I had learned a lot about professional handling and producing of drugs, but I never felt hit over the head with info; it was all seamlessly worked into the narrative and dialogue.
All in all, this is a great, well-written book with a wonderful, snarky, funny and sensible narrative voice that immediately captured me and didn't let me off until the very end.
Highly, warmly recommended!
Lucky is such a cocky, sneery, vulnerable, loveable man and Bo a brave broken hero who's not yet given up despite the weight of the world lasting heavy on his shoulders.
The banter between them is delicious,and the sex scenes were steaming, and not a single one struck me as superfluous although the real connection between Lucky and Bo happened outside of sex. It was beautifully done, the way they connected - two lonely souls finding each other, complementing each other at their best and at their worst.
The secondary cast is well-drawn too, down to a salesgirl in a shop who was just adorable, Lucky's gruff, fatherly superior and Lucky's old nemesis or Bo's creep - inducing new boss.
The premise in and of itself was unusual and fresh - prescription pharmaceuticals being the drugs in question instead of the usual cocaine, heroine and Meth made a difference, something most people don't give a moment's thought if they're even aware that something like this exists. Once I was done reading, I realized I had learned a lot about professional handling and producing of drugs, but I never felt hit over the head with info; it was all seamlessly worked into the narrative and dialogue.
All in all, this is a great, well-written book with a wonderful, snarky, funny and sensible narrative voice that immediately captured me and didn't let me off until the very end.
Highly, warmly recommended!
March 21, 2012
Not a small amount of research went into this pleasantly laid back prescription-drug-smuggling mystery but I could have done without some of the medical lingo.
What made the book for me was the romance...and the character of Lucky!
Lucky Lucklighter - an ex-con working for the SNBD and unwillingly partnered with trainee Bo.
Cat and dog at first sight Lucky gleefully rubs his cocky pain-in-the-ass attidude in his new partners face - too bad he finds his match in Bo...the verbal fights between these two are hilarious!
But somehow Bo,who shoulders his own baggage of PTSD,addiction and an abusive childhood senses what lies beneath Lucky`s attitude and slowly but surely peels the layers of protective armor from his kicking and screaming partner - and finally lover - and loses some of his own on the way.
In the end all what`s "left" of Lucky is a vulnerable and lonely man who just wants - and needs - his Bo...
A beautiful,heartwarming and sigh-worthy love story...oh,sorry - I forgot - Lucky Lucklighter doesn`t do mushy....
What made the book for me was the romance...and the character of Lucky!
Lucky Lucklighter - an ex-con working for the SNBD and unwillingly partnered with trainee Bo.
Cat and dog at first sight Lucky gleefully rubs his cocky pain-in-the-ass attidude in his new partners face - too bad he finds his match in Bo...the verbal fights between these two are hilarious!
But somehow Bo,who shoulders his own baggage of PTSD,addiction and an abusive childhood senses what lies beneath Lucky`s attitude and slowly but surely peels the layers of protective armor from his kicking and screaming partner - and finally lover - and loses some of his own on the way.
In the end all what`s "left" of Lucky is a vulnerable and lonely man who just wants - and needs - his Bo...
A beautiful,heartwarming and sigh-worthy love story...oh,sorry - I forgot - Lucky Lucklighter doesn`t do mushy....
December 4, 2022
Great narration!! Can't wait for the rest of the series to come out in audio format!
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Damn! I don't know why I waited so long to start this series because I really enjoyed the first book! I hope the rest of the series will be as awesome as this one!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Damn! I don't know why I waited so long to start this series because I really enjoyed the first book! I hope the rest of the series will be as awesome as this one!
January 1, 2022
My eyes hurt from rolling them excessively and it’s Lucky’s fault 😂, he comes across as an insufferable bastard and I like him for that.
Bo is the opposite, sweet and a softie.
I really liked their chemistry both at work and in the bedroom ❤️🔥❤️🔥.
I am intrigued by Lucky’s past , Victor seemed like an interesting man and I’m not even ashamed to say I liked him from the moment he was mentioned.
Overall this was a fun book to read, I’m definitely reading the second book 🤍
Bo is the opposite, sweet and a softie.
I really liked their chemistry both at work and in the bedroom ❤️🔥❤️🔥.
I am intrigued by Lucky’s past , Victor seemed like an interesting man and I’m not even ashamed to say I liked him from the moment he was mentioned.
Overall this was a fun book to read, I’m definitely reading the second book 🤍
February 16, 2021
4.5 ‘’Oh fuck. I’m useless! Done gone and fell in love‘’ stars
Did Bo have any idea how far Lucky had fallen? Did he know Lucky would give up a shot at freedom to spend a few more days with him? Dangerous thoughts.
I was expecting to like this but I wasn't expecting to love it as much as I did. Everything about this book was perfect for my taste and I had such a fun time reading it.
Brief summary: Lucky has been caught in a crime and was sentenced to 10 years in prison and to save himself some prison time, he has to work for the Southeastern Narcotics Bureau for 8 years. When we meet Lucky, he only has a couple of months left of his deal and then he's free. This is when he meets Bo, who is the new recruit at the bureau and they have to work together on a case linked to a drug ring.
First, I really love Bo and Lucky, they all just felt so real. They both had flaws and good parts to them and I loved how they both felt like actual humans. I loved those two very much. I also really loved them together, they were really good together and really good foils for each other. And I adored their banter, it was so fun.
Second, I really enjoyed the plot of the book. It was really engaging and there was never a boring moment, the action always pulled me right in and kept me interested in the story. I really enjoyed all of the details about their case and how the drug ring worked, it was really enjoyable to read about. The plot was so interesting and I always wanted to keep reading to know what would happen.
Third, I really loved Lucky, even if he was an asshole. He was so grumpy and prickly all the time but I really fucking loved that about him. I also really liked how sweet he was when he let his guard down, it was so nice to get a few glimpses of that. I loved how we got to slowly learn about him and why he's so guarded throughout the book. I loved how he never planed to let someone close to him again but it just happened, it was so nicely done. I really enjoyed how he started to care bit by bit, it started slow and just went bigger and bigger. It was so nicely done. Also, I loved how his fear of attachment was portrayed, it was so nice. Often he would seem like an asshole because he kept pushing Bo away but it made so much sense why we knew his history and why he doesn't trust people. It was hard to be mad at him for it because he felt so real, I could definitely understand why he was so guarded and why he acted how he acted.
Fourth, I really loved Bo too. I loved how sweet he was and how all he wanted was to care for someone. He was so damn nice. I really loved how he was always there for Lucky and just cared for him without ever pushing him. I really loved seeing him open up, he had such a hard past but he was so strong, god I just loved him so much.
How did someone who’d gone through such hell turn out to be so damned nice, wanting nothing more than to do little things for someone else, make coffee, serve them dinner, not expecting anything in return?
Fifth, god did I love the sex in this book. It was so hot. I really loved the dirty talk and the public sex, big fan of those. The sex was just really good, I loved those scenes very much.
Sixth, there were some shenanigans towards the end that normally would really have bothered me but it just made so much sense in the story that it didn't bother me at all. I felt like it needed to happen and I understood why it happened. And I really loved how everything was resolved at the end, it was so damn cute and perfect for these two, I loved it very much.
I really loved this book and Lucky and Bo and i'm so excited to continue on with this series.
I received a copy of this book in exchange of my honest opinion
Did Bo have any idea how far Lucky had fallen? Did he know Lucky would give up a shot at freedom to spend a few more days with him? Dangerous thoughts.
I was expecting to like this but I wasn't expecting to love it as much as I did. Everything about this book was perfect for my taste and I had such a fun time reading it.
Brief summary: Lucky has been caught in a crime and was sentenced to 10 years in prison and to save himself some prison time, he has to work for the Southeastern Narcotics Bureau for 8 years. When we meet Lucky, he only has a couple of months left of his deal and then he's free. This is when he meets Bo, who is the new recruit at the bureau and they have to work together on a case linked to a drug ring.
First, I really love Bo and Lucky, they all just felt so real. They both had flaws and good parts to them and I loved how they both felt like actual humans. I loved those two very much. I also really loved them together, they were really good together and really good foils for each other. And I adored their banter, it was so fun.
Second, I really enjoyed the plot of the book. It was really engaging and there was never a boring moment, the action always pulled me right in and kept me interested in the story. I really enjoyed all of the details about their case and how the drug ring worked, it was really enjoyable to read about. The plot was so interesting and I always wanted to keep reading to know what would happen.
Third, I really loved Lucky, even if he was an asshole. He was so grumpy and prickly all the time but I really fucking loved that about him. I also really liked how sweet he was when he let his guard down, it was so nice to get a few glimpses of that. I loved how we got to slowly learn about him and why he's so guarded throughout the book. I loved how he never planed to let someone close to him again but it just happened, it was so nicely done. I really enjoyed how he started to care bit by bit, it started slow and just went bigger and bigger. It was so nicely done. Also, I loved how his fear of attachment was portrayed, it was so nice. Often he would seem like an asshole because he kept pushing Bo away but it made so much sense why we knew his history and why he doesn't trust people. It was hard to be mad at him for it because he felt so real, I could definitely understand why he was so guarded and why he acted how he acted.
Fourth, I really loved Bo too. I loved how sweet he was and how all he wanted was to care for someone. He was so damn nice. I really loved how he was always there for Lucky and just cared for him without ever pushing him. I really loved seeing him open up, he had such a hard past but he was so strong, god I just loved him so much.
How did someone who’d gone through such hell turn out to be so damned nice, wanting nothing more than to do little things for someone else, make coffee, serve them dinner, not expecting anything in return?
Fifth, god did I love the sex in this book. It was so hot. I really loved the dirty talk and the public sex, big fan of those. The sex was just really good, I loved those scenes very much.
Sixth, there were some shenanigans towards the end that normally would really have bothered me but it just made so much sense in the story that it didn't bother me at all. I felt like it needed to happen and I understood why it happened. And I really loved how everything was resolved at the end, it was so damn cute and perfect for these two, I loved it very much.
I really loved this book and Lucky and Bo and i'm so excited to continue on with this series.
I received a copy of this book in exchange of my honest opinion
July 14, 2017
All my buttons have been expertly pushed and I am a happy camper right now. A fascinating story in prescription pharmaceuticals which held my attention and interest throughout. Amazing characters in Lucky and Bo I absolutely adored and cared about, the side characters grabbed me as well. I enjoyed the shades of gray especially in the flashbacks making the the story feel more real and believable. The snark, the banter, the humor, the caring AND coffee aplenty! I couldn't ask for anything more. Loved it!
November 14, 2013
I'm feeling like a dork today and rated this upon my first reread: 4.222222... stars!
Richmond E. Lucklighter ("Lucky"). 35 years old. 5 foot, 6 inches in height. Ex-con who stole drug shipments in the past. Served 2 years in prison, but traded the remaining 8 years of jail time by working as a drug diversion consultant for the Southeastern Narcotics Bureau's (SNB) Department of Diversion Prevention and Control. He's vulgar, cocky, loves to piss people off, and always has the last word in a conversation. He's a meats and potatoes kind of guy, and drinks his coffee black with "enough sugar to choke a horse."
Bo Schollenberger. 31 years old. At least 6 foot in height. Ex-marine and a pharmacist with his license revoked. Is currently working for the SNB as part of a deal to get a clean slate. He's a good guy who has anxiety issues (perhaps PTSD) from serving in Afghanistan including his own past traumas. He's a vegetarian who avoids processed foods and orders decaffeinated green tea from Starbucks.
So how do these two seemingly polar opposites work together as partners in fighting drug diversion? To be honest, that's probably the most entertaining aspect of Diversion (and the whole series in general). Watching these two banter at each other was absolute FUN, especially seeing how Lucky would push all of Bo's buttons.
However, things aren't always just for shits and giggles. After all, we are dealing with two men damaged by circumstances both within and outside of their control. The moments of intimacy and shared pasts were well developed between Lucky and Bo. And with Lucky's own 8 year sentence at SNB coming to a close, he must come to terms that his "feelings" for Bo must not be more than a temporary arrangement. While this may all seem like the typical "broken men who get together" type of story, I will say that I felt that Eden Winters does a good job eliminating unnecessary melodrama.
So I will conclude this part of the review by stating that I LOVE THIS COUPLE TO DEATH!. While Lucky's bad boy character by itself isn't very inspiring, it's when he's with Bo that he shines. Lucky and Bo are like burgers and fries, butter and popcorn, cheese and crackers, Arthur and Merlin. I think you get the point? While they do have a rough start (thanks to pervy and obnoxious Lucky), once they click, they really click. They don't really start to interact with one another until 20-25% into the book, so be patient!
HOWEVER, I am weary about how readers will feel about the plot of drug diversion in itself. I will state upfront that I am bias: prescription drugs, issues of drug shortages and diversion, the regulations of narcotics and scheduled medications are all relevant in my real life occupation. While Eden Winters does a good job in defining and explaining the issues at hand (without info dumping), I will say that my interest in the issues at hand definitely made me enjoy this a lot more than a person who's not familiar with the pharmaceutical scenes. For readers who aren't sure what drug diversion is:
The type of work that Lucky and Bo does for SNB involves undercover work. In this case, undercover in facilities that are involved with prescription drugs (the manufacturers, the clinics and pharmacies, etc). While I have read plenty of M/M fiction involving undercover jobs in situations that are life threatening and usually involves some kind of gun fight and tons of angst, Diversion doesn't really hit those same notes. Hell, the characters don't even carry firearms in this book. They try to get an "in" to the targeted facility and gather enough evidence to bust whatever operation is going on.
I guess what I'm trying to convey here is that if the topic of drug diversion is making you yawn, then you may not enjoy this book as much as me (probably a 3 star read for those people). However, if you have even a niggle of interest (and believe me, Diversion and its sequel Collusion brings up some very interesting issues and ethical dilemmas that the general public are not aware of; it's also educational without being boring in my opinion, but once again: I'm bias), then I would fully endorse that you give this book and series a chance. Even if you end up not liking the investigative/undercover aspect of the story, I believe Lucky and Bo's interaction is enough to make the read enjoyable.
Richmond E. Lucklighter ("Lucky"). 35 years old. 5 foot, 6 inches in height. Ex-con who stole drug shipments in the past. Served 2 years in prison, but traded the remaining 8 years of jail time by working as a drug diversion consultant for the Southeastern Narcotics Bureau's (SNB) Department of Diversion Prevention and Control. He's vulgar, cocky, loves to piss people off, and always has the last word in a conversation. He's a meats and potatoes kind of guy, and drinks his coffee black with "enough sugar to choke a horse."
Bo Schollenberger. 31 years old. At least 6 foot in height. Ex-marine and a pharmacist with his license revoked. Is currently working for the SNB as part of a deal to get a clean slate. He's a good guy who has anxiety issues (perhaps PTSD) from serving in Afghanistan including his own past traumas. He's a vegetarian who avoids processed foods and orders decaffeinated green tea from Starbucks.
So how do these two seemingly polar opposites work together as partners in fighting drug diversion? To be honest, that's probably the most entertaining aspect of Diversion (and the whole series in general). Watching these two banter at each other was absolute FUN, especially seeing how Lucky would push all of Bo's buttons.
Bo's glare wasn't impressive, but with some work stood a good chance of improving over time. He nailed the gritted-teeth growl, however. "Lord grant me patience, 'cause if I pray for strength, I might just wind up beating you to death."
In theory, Lucky was aware of non-meat eaters existing, but couldn't recall ever meeting one face to face. Weren't those small nerdy guys with glasses? How'd Bo get buff nibbling lettuce leaves?
However, things aren't always just for shits and giggles. After all, we are dealing with two men damaged by circumstances both within and outside of their control. The moments of intimacy and shared pasts were well developed between Lucky and Bo. And with Lucky's own 8 year sentence at SNB coming to a close, he must come to terms that his "feelings" for Bo must not be more than a temporary arrangement. While this may all seem like the typical "broken men who get together" type of story, I will say that I felt that Eden Winters does a good job eliminating unnecessary melodrama.
So I will conclude this part of the review by stating that I LOVE THIS COUPLE TO DEATH!. While Lucky's bad boy character by itself isn't very inspiring, it's when he's with Bo that he shines. Lucky and Bo are like burgers and fries, butter and popcorn, cheese and crackers, Arthur and Merlin. I think you get the point? While they do have a rough start (thanks to pervy and obnoxious Lucky), once they click, they really click. They don't really start to interact with one another until 20-25% into the book, so be patient!
HOWEVER, I am weary about how readers will feel about the plot of drug diversion in itself. I will state upfront that I am bias: prescription drugs, issues of drug shortages and diversion, the regulations of narcotics and scheduled medications are all relevant in my real life occupation. While Eden Winters does a good job in defining and explaining the issues at hand (without info dumping), I will say that my interest in the issues at hand definitely made me enjoy this a lot more than a person who's not familiar with the pharmaceutical scenes. For readers who aren't sure what drug diversion is:
"In the terminology of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, diversion is the use of prescription drugs for recreational purposes. The term comes from the "diverting" of the drugs from their original purposes." - Wikipedia.
The type of work that Lucky and Bo does for SNB involves undercover work. In this case, undercover in facilities that are involved with prescription drugs (the manufacturers, the clinics and pharmacies, etc). While I have read plenty of M/M fiction involving undercover jobs in situations that are life threatening and usually involves some kind of gun fight and tons of angst, Diversion doesn't really hit those same notes. Hell, the characters don't even carry firearms in this book. They try to get an "in" to the targeted facility and gather enough evidence to bust whatever operation is going on.
I guess what I'm trying to convey here is that if the topic of drug diversion is making you yawn, then you may not enjoy this book as much as me (probably a 3 star read for those people). However, if you have even a niggle of interest (and believe me, Diversion and its sequel Collusion brings up some very interesting issues and ethical dilemmas that the general public are not aware of; it's also educational without being boring in my opinion, but once again: I'm bias), then I would fully endorse that you give this book and series a chance. Even if you end up not liking the investigative/undercover aspect of the story, I believe Lucky and Bo's interaction is enough to make the read enjoyable.
March 19, 2012
A really engrossing m/m romance that takes the reader into the world of prescription drug smuggling. The story is told from 'Lucky' Lucklighter's POV. He has traded in the last few years of a prison sentence to help the Southeastern Narcotics Bureau investigate and capture commercial drug traffickers. He only has a couple of months to go and his boss has hired a newbie, Bo, to replace him. Lucky has to teach him the ropes while they work undercover to take down a crooked pharmaceutical operation.
Lucky presents himself as arrogant and provocative, but it's really a wall he puts up to hide his low self-esteem. He acts like he hates his replacement and gleefully torments him. But then he starts to respect and like the ex-Marine, who has demons of his own. I found Lucky's story to be really heartbreaking. His temper, insomnia and occasional melancholy are gradually explained as we find out why he was in jail and what happened to his older lover. I kept putting myself in his shoes and wondering how he was able to forgive himself after what he did. The two guys are very well matched. Lucky would only accept someone as 'imperfect' as Bo. Their sniping turns to physical attraction then turns to something deeper, which neither of them acknowledges until it's too late.
I really enjoyed the character portrayal and the suspenseful storyline. Walter, their boss, made a great father figure. Even though the book has a good HEA there were a couple of things that puzzled/worried me at the end.
This will definitely be a reread for me. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Lucky presents himself as arrogant and provocative, but it's really a wall he puts up to hide his low self-esteem. He acts like he hates his replacement and gleefully torments him. But then he starts to respect and like the ex-Marine, who has demons of his own. I found Lucky's story to be really heartbreaking. His temper, insomnia and occasional melancholy are gradually explained as we find out why he was in jail and what happened to his older lover. I kept putting myself in his shoes and wondering how he was able to forgive himself after what he did. The two guys are very well matched. Lucky would only accept someone as 'imperfect' as Bo. Their sniping turns to physical attraction then turns to something deeper, which neither of them acknowledges until it's too late.
I really enjoyed the character portrayal and the suspenseful storyline. Walter, their boss, made a great father figure. Even though the book has a good HEA there were a couple of things that puzzled/worried me at the end.
This will definitely be a reread for me. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
March 21, 2012
3.5 stars
I am contemplating between giving this 3.5 and 4 stars. The things that go in favor for this book are:
*> "Lucky" Lucklighter is one of the most annoyingly entertaining characters ever. He's so determined to make his replacement, newbie/former marine Bo Schollenberger crazy ... and at times, I must applaud Bo for his patience of not actually killing Lucky *lol*. Their verbal sparring is delicious to read. But Lucky is not a two-dimensional character; the revelation of his past is eye-opening and adds nuance to who he is now.
*> Bo's past, the fact that he suffers from child abuse and PTSD, makes him such endearing character. He doesn't show it much and the fact that it melts Lucky's attitude a bit, creates great scenes.
What don't work for me is actually what I can see as the strength of this book; which is a thorough and 'unique' plot of prescription drug smuggling. I must applaud Ms. Winters of this ... however, at the same time, it's not something I actually care for. In fact, I end up putting the book down after several chapters in the beginning, because the whole 'stealing the drugs' to teach the company a lesson doesn't interest me at all. I can live without the whole medical issue. So, as much as it might works for other readers, it doesn't for me. It drags the enjoyment a bit, to be honest.
Oh, also I'm a bit annoyed with the epilogue:
I guess in the end, I just settle with 3.5 stars. But it IS a great book, and if you care enough for the drug smuggling issue, this will be one hell of a ride for you.
I am contemplating between giving this 3.5 and 4 stars. The things that go in favor for this book are:
*> "Lucky" Lucklighter is one of the most annoyingly entertaining characters ever. He's so determined to make his replacement, newbie/former marine Bo Schollenberger crazy ... and at times, I must applaud Bo for his patience of not actually killing Lucky *lol*. Their verbal sparring is delicious to read. But Lucky is not a two-dimensional character; the revelation of his past is eye-opening and adds nuance to who he is now.
*> Bo's past, the fact that he suffers from child abuse and PTSD, makes him such endearing character. He doesn't show it much and the fact that it melts Lucky's attitude a bit, creates great scenes.
What don't work for me is actually what I can see as the strength of this book; which is a thorough and 'unique' plot of prescription drug smuggling. I must applaud Ms. Winters of this ... however, at the same time, it's not something I actually care for. In fact, I end up putting the book down after several chapters in the beginning, because the whole 'stealing the drugs' to teach the company a lesson doesn't interest me at all. I can live without the whole medical issue. So, as much as it might works for other readers, it doesn't for me. It drags the enjoyment a bit, to be honest.
Oh, also I'm a bit annoyed with the epilogue:
I guess in the end, I just settle with 3.5 stars. But it IS a great book, and if you care enough for the drug smuggling issue, this will be one hell of a ride for you.
March 18, 2016
4.5 stars
One of the best books I read recently. Not without flaws and Bo's character especially wasn't always consistent throughout the story, but I enjoyed it anyway so I can easily dismiss it. Plus, it kind of reminded me of the Cut & Run series which were a favorite of mine, and now that it's over, I like that I have a new series to read in their place.
This ends with a HFN and can be read as a stand alone. However, I look forward to reading the second book asap.
One of the best books I read recently. Not without flaws and Bo's character especially wasn't always consistent throughout the story, but I enjoyed it anyway so I can easily dismiss it. Plus, it kind of reminded me of the Cut & Run series which were a favorite of mine, and now that it's over, I like that I have a new series to read in their place.
This ends with a HFN and can be read as a stand alone. However, I look forward to reading the second book asap.
September 8, 2019
I loved that a lot. I loved the narration. Darcy Stark is new to me but he did a great job. I loved that I got 3 audiobooks for just one credit. The plot was different than any I’ve read before. On to book 2!!
November 23, 2014
Seems I'm pretty lonely in my dislike of this book, but I'm ok with that. It didn't work for me for several reasons. The first problem was the characters. I couldn't stand Lucky and I didn't like Bo either. Their entire interactions for the first half of the book were constant childish bickering rather than entertaining banter. I like smartass characters, but Lucky was just an ass without the clever humor. Bo wasn't anything special either. After they hooked up, they didn't act like squabbling siblings quite as much, but the story dragged and bored me to tears. I wanted to DNF so many times while reading, and now I wish I had because the longer I read, the more I resented it and avoided reading altogether. Although the quality of writing wasn't bad, the fact this book made me not want to read in favor of pretty much any other activity for weeks means I cannot give it more than 1 star.
September 28, 2021
Despite taking me so long to finsh, down to my reading mood and not the book, I really enjoyed Lucky's story.
This is how books should be writen. A good strong plot, interesting and amusing characters, a deep and moving back story, chemistry between the main characters and a HEA lol.
Lucky was such a lovely character with his tough guy facade, while Bo, bless him, was just an all round sweetie lol. I certainly wouldn't say no to maybe an extra little snippit. Maybe Lucky and Bo go visiting Luckys sister and her boys?
Again Eden Winters gives characters you wish you knew in real life.
Not a real tissue warning for this, although I needed one when Luckys full story came out.
ETA I had forgotten how much sex was in this one. I also found myself thinking Bo was much younger than his age. But still a good read.
This is how books should be writen. A good strong plot, interesting and amusing characters, a deep and moving back story, chemistry between the main characters and a HEA lol.
Lucky was such a lovely character with his tough guy facade, while Bo, bless him, was just an all round sweetie lol. I certainly wouldn't say no to maybe an extra little snippit. Maybe Lucky and Bo go visiting Luckys sister and her boys?
Again Eden Winters gives characters you wish you knew in real life.
Not a real tissue warning for this, although I needed one when Luckys full story came out.
ETA I had forgotten how much sex was in this one. I also found myself thinking Bo was much younger than his age. But still a good read.
January 11, 2019
*3.75 stars*
Did not finish
July 24, 2020DNF @ 34%
Seems everyone else loved this but me.
I love snark. This is not snark. Lucky and Bo were a couple of petulant eight-year olds fighting over who broke the crayon. Bo claims he's an ex-Marine, but I'm not seeing it. Lucky clearly has a Tragic Past that made him bitter. From the anvils the text has dropped so far, I'm guessing he probably got betrayed by his ex-lover he keeps thinking about and now he has to work for Walter in lieu of serving his prison sentence. Since that prison sentence is almost over, he's "retiring" and now has to train his replacement, who is grousing about being trained to do his job. Did I mention acting like eight-year olds?
The writing is average to a little below average. Nothing to write home about, nothing that hasn't been done a thousand times before, nothing outside the norm of "relationship development." I did get a few chuckles, but most of the time the author was trying way too hard to be witty, and that made both the writing and the characters obnoxious. Being a jerk is one thing. Being obnoxious is another; I don't have time for that. It's really a weaker version of the dynamic between Ty/Zane from Cut & Run, or that Prophet guy and that other dude from that other series, the first book of which I also DNF. Safe to say, I should just avoid this dynamic but I didn't know I was getting into that when I started this.
Shame I couldn't stick with this. The only reason I lasted as long as I did was that the case was different from what you normally see in M/M or anywhere and I was curious where that would go, but that was teetering on boring too and wasn't worth putting up with the Tweedles to see how it would pan out.
Seems everyone else loved this but me.
I love snark. This is not snark. Lucky and Bo were a couple of petulant eight-year olds fighting over who broke the crayon. Bo claims he's an ex-Marine, but I'm not seeing it. Lucky clearly has a Tragic Past that made him bitter. From the anvils the text has dropped so far, I'm guessing he probably got betrayed by his ex-lover he keeps thinking about and now he has to work for Walter in lieu of serving his prison sentence. Since that prison sentence is almost over, he's "retiring" and now has to train his replacement, who is grousing about being trained to do his job. Did I mention acting like eight-year olds?
The writing is average to a little below average. Nothing to write home about, nothing that hasn't been done a thousand times before, nothing outside the norm of "relationship development." I did get a few chuckles, but most of the time the author was trying way too hard to be witty, and that made both the writing and the characters obnoxious. Being a jerk is one thing. Being obnoxious is another; I don't have time for that. It's really a weaker version of the dynamic between Ty/Zane from Cut & Run, or that Prophet guy and that other dude from that other series, the first book of which I also DNF. Safe to say, I should just avoid this dynamic but I didn't know I was getting into that when I started this.
Shame I couldn't stick with this. The only reason I lasted as long as I did was that the case was different from what you normally see in M/M or anywhere and I was curious where that would go, but that was teetering on boring too and wasn't worth putting up with the Tweedles to see how it would pan out.
June 10, 2020
5 stars audio
3.5 stars story
3.5 stars story
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