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Diversion #5
Redemption
Living is the easy part.
Agent Lucky Lucklighter and his partner escaped Mexico alive, only to plunge into bureaucratic fallout from their mission. Hell, maybe Lucky should have stayed south of the border. Especially when the Southeastern Narcotics Bureau places Bo into rehab, and Lucky's facing both therapy and an inquiry into a fatal shooting. Watching over his shoulder for a vengeful drug lord or a cartel don calling in favors leaves his scarcely able to imagine a future for them as agents, or as lovers.
Bo Schollenberger once had a vision for their life together, but he's bowed by the weight of his undercover work. Lucky's hanging on by his deeply chewed fingernails, clinging to hope by making Bo's dream of a home into reality. The last thing he needs is a phone call from a dangerous man who knows too much, summoning him back to Mexico for "An early Christmas present."
Not when the SNB brass asks tough questions like "How well do you really know your partner?"
Agent Lucky Lucklighter and his partner escaped Mexico alive, only to plunge into bureaucratic fallout from their mission. Hell, maybe Lucky should have stayed south of the border. Especially when the Southeastern Narcotics Bureau places Bo into rehab, and Lucky's facing both therapy and an inquiry into a fatal shooting. Watching over his shoulder for a vengeful drug lord or a cartel don calling in favors leaves his scarcely able to imagine a future for them as agents, or as lovers.
Bo Schollenberger once had a vision for their life together, but he's bowed by the weight of his undercover work. Lucky's hanging on by his deeply chewed fingernails, clinging to hope by making Bo's dream of a home into reality. The last thing he needs is a phone call from a dangerous man who knows too much, summoning him back to Mexico for "An early Christmas present."
Not when the SNB brass asks tough questions like "How well do you really know your partner?"
258 pages, Paperback
First published August 8, 2015
7 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
About the author
Eden Winters
88 books673 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 98 reviews
March 5, 2020
Audiobook 5 stars
Story 4.35 stars
-The writing is so good, got me hooked from the 1st chapter.
-The pace of the story was done so well, it picks up from where book 4 ended and takes us through a very realistic recovery journey.
-The sex is hot.. 🔥 hot.. 🔥 hot.. 🔥
-The relationship development and character growth is so well done and believable.
-Lucky is one hell of a character.. I love him.
-Bo broke my peanut heart.
-Johnson gets a medal🥇 she is an incredible woman.
-Overall.. I freaking enjoyed the hell out of this book. 😍
Story 4.35 stars
-The writing is so good, got me hooked from the 1st chapter.
-The pace of the story was done so well, it picks up from where book 4 ended and takes us through a very realistic recovery journey.
-The sex is hot.. 🔥 hot.. 🔥 hot.. 🔥
-The relationship development and character growth is so well done and believable.
-Lucky is one hell of a character.. I love him.
-Bo broke my peanut heart.
-Johnson gets a medal🥇 she is an incredible woman.
-Overall.. I freaking enjoyed the hell out of this book. 😍
August 8, 2020
Audio 5+++ Stars!
Story 5 Stars!
Lucky totally wins the best boyfriend and husband material award! Talk about being supportive and loyal! ❤❤❤
Story 5 Stars!
Lucky totally wins the best boyfriend and husband material award! Talk about being supportive and loyal! ❤❤❤
August 18, 2015
If someone were to ask me "What book(s) do you wish more people were reading?" I'd answer...the Diversion series by Eden Winters. It's smart, well-researched, funny, and surprisingly tender. The relationship between Lucky and Bo has really grown on me and I'm bought in for however many books the author wants to write (please write more books...please!)
Redemption is book 5 in the series and boy have Lucky and Bo come a long way. It's post Mexico (for those of you who haven't read the series...why not? and also...no spoilers, promise!) and we find ourselves in an unfamilar place...unflappable Bo struggling to stay up on his feet and Lucky being the one to carry the load for them both. I loved this role reversal because we really get to see how deeply in love Lucky has fallen for Bo. And it's soooooo sweet. It feels like a reward for the reader who's come this far with them in the series.
Unfortunately, it's not all roses and rainbows and Bo's struggles are...well...they're often hard to read. He's battling PTSD, drug addiction, the confusion of having been so deeply undercover, mood swings, an unknown future, depression, low sex drive, and insecurity about his relationship. That's a LOT of shit to be dealing with. I wanted to wrap my arms around Bo and just rock him, comfort him, tell him it would be ok. But truly, the best thing for Bo is Lucky. And Lucky is there...doing the best he can in his quirky, silly way.
What I really enjoyed about book 5 is that aside from the relationship...the story really developed along the way. There were questions answered, more questions posed, and a few "aha!" moments along the way. I'm feeling better about where our couple stands at the end, both in the greater story and with each other. The house and the home they're going to build makes my heart full!
So...what's next for them? I have NO idea where this is gonna go. But, I can say with all assuredness...I'm coming along for the ride!
September 27, 2017
**4.5 stars**
I’ve been good, I know that and I got a great reward for that : some swooning time with Lucky and Bo, with this 5th instalment of the diversion series. Me greatly satisfied !!
This one picked up right where Lucky and Bo where left in Manipulation. I had no doubt that “Redemption” was going to slay me but I had doubts that Lucky and Bo’s love would be strong enough to overcome all the coming obstacles.
Lucky’s mission this time : saving Bo from himself. Bo’s depression runs deep and Lucky has to put all his love and the certainty his dreams for a future with Bo will come true to help Bo getting out of the dark place he felt into. Until the end, I held my breath and thanks God, I could finally, finally happily sigh.
I can’t wait to see what Eden Winters has in store in Reunion, but please, dear author, make it good for Bo and Lucky : they really deserve it !! Although, I have the feeling it’s not going to be that simple.
Final words : if you haven't yet started this series, what are you waiting for ?!?
I’ve been good, I know that and I got a great reward for that : some swooning time with Lucky and Bo, with this 5th instalment of the diversion series. Me greatly satisfied !!
This one picked up right where Lucky and Bo where left in Manipulation. I had no doubt that “Redemption” was going to slay me but I had doubts that Lucky and Bo’s love would be strong enough to overcome all the coming obstacles.
Lucky’s mission this time : saving Bo from himself. Bo’s depression runs deep and Lucky has to put all his love and the certainty his dreams for a future with Bo will come true to help Bo getting out of the dark place he felt into. Until the end, I held my breath and thanks God, I could finally, finally happily sigh.
I can’t wait to see what Eden Winters has in store in Reunion, but please, dear author, make it good for Bo and Lucky : they really deserve it !! Although, I have the feeling it’s not going to be that simple.
Final words : if you haven't yet started this series, what are you waiting for ?!?
January 5, 2022
Just when I thought the author would let my wounds scab completely from the previous stomping she went on and picked on the scabs reopening the wounds. This was an emotional read. Nothing was rushed , I went through the stages of grief whilst reading this.
I can’t praise the writing enough, it really felt as though I was reading about something someone actually went through the clinician in me wanted to make sure that Bo get the right treatment
I admire Bo and Lucky’s restraint considering what they went through because I’d have turned into a murderer.
This series just keeps on getting better and better….. on to the next book 😘
I can’t praise the writing enough, it really felt as though I was reading about something someone actually went through the clinician in me wanted to make sure that Bo get the right treatment
I admire Bo and Lucky’s restraint considering what they went through because I’d have turned into a murderer.
This series just keeps on getting better and better….. on to the next book 😘
August 15, 2015
If you enjoy cop/mystery stories with an unusual angle to the plots, snarky characters, and a hot and complicated relationship, start this series with Diversion and read through to this fifth book in the series. (There may be spoilers for previous books below.)
In this instalment, Bo and Lucky are back from their near-disastrous Mexico adventures in book 4. But both of them, particularly Bo, are feeling the after-effects of the undercover mission they were on. Their relationship, which had been well on its way to solid, has been shaken by the trauma they are each dealing with. For once, it's Lucky who is trying to move forward together, and Bo holding back, as he fights to get through rehab and to find the person he was before it all began.
This is the most personal and relationship-centered book of the series, more emotional, less snarky. There is some progress in the mystery, wrapping up several dangling plot lines by the end of the story. But I thought those were in some ways the weaker part, particularly one excursion and arrest sequence that didn't quite seem motivated for all the participants (although by the end of the book you gain a new appreciation for some of it.)
I really enjoyed seeing Lucky becoming more human, willing in his fears and concerns for Bo and their life together, to let go of some of the tough and careless persona he had built up. I'd love to see something from Bo's POV at some point but I still very much enjoy Lucky's narrative voice. Although the end of this book ties up some dangling threads, there is room for another instalment, and I look forward eagerly to reading it.
In this instalment, Bo and Lucky are back from their near-disastrous Mexico adventures in book 4. But both of them, particularly Bo, are feeling the after-effects of the undercover mission they were on. Their relationship, which had been well on its way to solid, has been shaken by the trauma they are each dealing with. For once, it's Lucky who is trying to move forward together, and Bo holding back, as he fights to get through rehab and to find the person he was before it all began.
This is the most personal and relationship-centered book of the series, more emotional, less snarky. There is some progress in the mystery, wrapping up several dangling plot lines by the end of the story. But I thought those were in some ways the weaker part, particularly one excursion and arrest sequence that didn't quite seem motivated for all the participants (although by the end of the book you gain a new appreciation for some of it.)
I really enjoyed seeing Lucky becoming more human, willing in his fears and concerns for Bo and their life together, to let go of some of the tough and careless persona he had built up. I'd love to see something from Bo's POV at some point but I still very much enjoy Lucky's narrative voice. Although the end of this book ties up some dangling threads, there is room for another instalment, and I look forward eagerly to reading it.
January 20, 2019
*4.5 stars*
What was the moment that Lucky went from obnoxious asshole to the most adorable, romantic asshole ever? I don't know! I just know that I love him now. My favorite in the series so far.
What was the moment that Lucky went from obnoxious asshole to the most adorable, romantic asshole ever? I don't know! I just know that I love him now. My favorite in the series so far.
April 18, 2020
If you've read the first 4 books of this series you know of what I speak. If you haven't than what the hell are you wasting time reading my silly meanderings for get thee now to the nearest e-book store and fix this.
Lucky and Bo have survived Mexico...barely. Now what remains to be seen is can they survive the after effects of Mexico?
I love these guys they're such an odd and yet perfect pairing and in 'Redemption' we get to see somewhat of a role reversal. Lucky has to develop a bit of a nurturing side as well as dealing with his own issues from Mexico. Meanwhile Bo needs to let go of the personality that helped him survive Mexico and find the Bo that he wants to be and the man that Lucky loves.
These two men have survived a lot together. They've had each others back no matter what and in 'Redemption' we find out if they can handle coming face to face with their fears and each other.
This series just keeps getting better and better for me and with this book Lucky & Bo have secured their position in my heart right beside Ty & Zane, Adrian & Jake and Jory & Sam.
Lucky and Bo have survived Mexico...barely. Now what remains to be seen is can they survive the after effects of Mexico?
I love these guys they're such an odd and yet perfect pairing and in 'Redemption' we get to see somewhat of a role reversal. Lucky has to develop a bit of a nurturing side as well as dealing with his own issues from Mexico. Meanwhile Bo needs to let go of the personality that helped him survive Mexico and find the Bo that he wants to be and the man that Lucky loves.
These two men have survived a lot together. They've had each others back no matter what and in 'Redemption' we find out if they can handle coming face to face with their fears and each other.
This series just keeps getting better and better for me and with this book Lucky & Bo have secured their position in my heart right beside Ty & Zane, Adrian & Jake and Jory & Sam.
February 20, 2018
I can't even...
*5 stars +++* is all I can say, and ....
absolutely blooming amazing.
The angst, the tension, the worry, the pure love shining through everything Lucky does, and Bo, so torn and vulnerable, it was painful to watch. Actually I am just sitting here, sighing soppily and smiling like an idiot, I am so happy. (Book heaven must be like this, surely!)
Not to forget the mystery , of course: Is Victor dead or isn't he? Who knows what and why? I had an inkling, but the solution the author presented was so much better and simply fabulous.
Book heaven, yes, it is. Go and read that series. It is one of the best I have read. Honestly!
Highly recommended.
*5 stars +++* is all I can say, and ....
absolutely blooming amazing.
The angst, the tension, the worry, the pure love shining through everything Lucky does, and Bo, so torn and vulnerable, it was painful to watch. Actually I am just sitting here, sighing soppily and smiling like an idiot, I am so happy. (Book heaven must be like this, surely!)
Not to forget the mystery , of course: Is Victor dead or isn't he? Who knows what and why? I had an inkling, but the solution the author presented was so much better and simply fabulous.
Book heaven, yes, it is. Go and read that series. It is one of the best I have read. Honestly!
Highly recommended.
September 7, 2016
It's taken me a bit of mulling to put my thoughts about this book into words. I picked up this series with more than a bit of trepidation. I'd just finished Abigail Roux's Cut & Run series and Sidewinder series. From what I'd read from other reviewers I was afraid I wouldn't be able to focus as I'd be continuously comparing and dissecting. I'm glad I didn't listen to my stupid brain. Here goes...
Five books into the Diversion series by Eden Winters and absolutely no disappointments. Lucky and Bo have taken us on a wild ride into the underbelly of the illicit drug trade and they've both come out the other side changed people. And to be honest, this series wouldn't be worth reading if they weren't. You know that it's good storytelling when characters you've fallen for have altered their behavior but kept the essence of themselves. Eden Winters has given us not just characters but living, breathing, loving, damaged people to root for. They've loved, fought, second-guessed, loved some more, propped each other up, defended. They've killed people, saved lives, found the true meaning of family. And, as I said previously, they changed - primarily for the better.
To give any sort of summary of the plot would be impossible, as these books are definitely NOT stand-alones. They're a continual progression of a plot that has been so deftly woven by Ms. Winters that it might be easily mistaken as simple. As the good guys vs. the bad guys. But that's the thing, there are times throughout the story arc that we're not sure who the good guys are. And just when you think you've got the bad guys figured out... well, think again. I'm still not sure who the bad guys really are. Kudos to the author for keeping us on our toes.
Ms. Winters was gracious enough to give us some of the most interesting secondary characters since Abigail Roux's Cut & Run series. Walter Smith is referred to as the "uncle", when in reality he's the father figure that Bo never had and Lucky desperately misses. (I pray that throughout the remainder of the series we don't get an upset like Richard Burns in Cut & Run.) Loretta Johnson. Loretta, Loretta, Loretta. The baddest of bad asses. Loyal, honest, caring, and apparently adept at home renovations. What is not to love about this woman? I humbly ask Ms. Winters to give us a stand-alone focused entirely on Loretta. Rett. My new BFF. Mrs. Griggs, who seems to know more than she lets on. Every book should have a not-so-crazy cat lady.
Ultimately, this is a story (so far) of finding home. Love. Family. Redemption. Second, third, fourth chances. Fighting the good fight. Remembering your past. Living today. Keeping the future within your grasp. It's an adventure, a parable, a tear jerker. A romance, a comedy, a regret-filled tragedy. It's all these things and at it's core: Change.
Oh, and Cat Lucky and Moose. It's about them, too.
Five books into the Diversion series by Eden Winters and absolutely no disappointments. Lucky and Bo have taken us on a wild ride into the underbelly of the illicit drug trade and they've both come out the other side changed people. And to be honest, this series wouldn't be worth reading if they weren't. You know that it's good storytelling when characters you've fallen for have altered their behavior but kept the essence of themselves. Eden Winters has given us not just characters but living, breathing, loving, damaged people to root for. They've loved, fought, second-guessed, loved some more, propped each other up, defended. They've killed people, saved lives, found the true meaning of family. And, as I said previously, they changed - primarily for the better.
To give any sort of summary of the plot would be impossible, as these books are definitely NOT stand-alones. They're a continual progression of a plot that has been so deftly woven by Ms. Winters that it might be easily mistaken as simple. As the good guys vs. the bad guys. But that's the thing, there are times throughout the story arc that we're not sure who the good guys are. And just when you think you've got the bad guys figured out... well, think again. I'm still not sure who the bad guys really are. Kudos to the author for keeping us on our toes.
Ms. Winters was gracious enough to give us some of the most interesting secondary characters since Abigail Roux's Cut & Run series. Walter Smith is referred to as the "uncle", when in reality he's the father figure that Bo never had and Lucky desperately misses. (I pray that throughout the remainder of the series we don't get an upset like Richard Burns in Cut & Run.) Loretta Johnson. Loretta, Loretta, Loretta. The baddest of bad asses. Loyal, honest, caring, and apparently adept at home renovations. What is not to love about this woman? I humbly ask Ms. Winters to give us a stand-alone focused entirely on Loretta. Rett. My new BFF. Mrs. Griggs, who seems to know more than she lets on. Every book should have a not-so-crazy cat lady.
Ultimately, this is a story (so far) of finding home. Love. Family. Redemption. Second, third, fourth chances. Fighting the good fight. Remembering your past. Living today. Keeping the future within your grasp. It's an adventure, a parable, a tear jerker. A romance, a comedy, a regret-filled tragedy. It's all these things and at it's core: Change.
Oh, and Cat Lucky and Moose. It's about them, too.
January 1, 2021
4.5 stars! This one was tough, no lie. Lucky and Bo both shredded me here. ☹️ Who would ever look at Lucky and think he's swimming in such uncertainty and self-doubt? Or that Bo was anything other than someone who has it all together?
But the other thing Lucky is, is mule-headed as hell. He does not give up, ever. And even when it seems like Bo is trying to make him give up, Lucky just digs in deeper! 😂😂 Not to say that he doesn't make mistakes but he does own them. Eventually. *side-eyes Lucky*
Despite the angst, there was so much swoon here, and I was here for all of that! 😍😍 I love how Bo & Lucky's relationship is growing even stronger, even with all the hurdles they're having to go over. I also loved how Lucky is finding family in places he's never expected, or at least places he never would have considered. Not that he wants them, LOL. 😂 At least that's what he says.
Loretta Johnson is the BFF that Lucky will never in a million years admit that he needed, and I genuinely love her! New additions to their family and changed relationships make all the pain worth it. But as even more secrets come out of the last investigation, I can't help wondering where those are going to go. Because you know Lucky's past and secrets just cannot leave him alone!
But the other thing Lucky is, is mule-headed as hell. He does not give up, ever. And even when it seems like Bo is trying to make him give up, Lucky just digs in deeper! 😂😂 Not to say that he doesn't make mistakes but he does own them. Eventually. *side-eyes Lucky*
Despite the angst, there was so much swoon here, and I was here for all of that! 😍😍 I love how Bo & Lucky's relationship is growing even stronger, even with all the hurdles they're having to go over. I also loved how Lucky is finding family in places he's never expected, or at least places he never would have considered. Not that he wants them, LOL. 😂 At least that's what he says.
Loretta Johnson is the BFF that Lucky will never in a million years admit that he needed, and I genuinely love her! New additions to their family and changed relationships make all the pain worth it. But as even more secrets come out of the last investigation, I can't help wondering where those are going to go. Because you know Lucky's past and secrets just cannot leave him alone!
June 14, 2024
Well, that was a tough one. Bo and Lucky really go through the emotional wringer in this one and it's hard to listen to but SO brilliantly done on the part of the author and narrator, who pitches his performance perfectly and is absolutely spot on in his portrayal of Bo's torment and Lucky's frustration at not knowing how to help him.
This story arc has stretched over books 3, 4 and 5, and reaches a conclusion here - of a sort, as I get the impression the door isn't quite closed.
This has quickly become one of my favourite series, and Bo and Lucky two of my favourite characters. They're incredibly well-drawn and the way they're continually evolving is amazing; they've both come a long way from where they started out, and I can't wait to find out what's next for them.
This story arc has stretched over books 3, 4 and 5, and reaches a conclusion here - of a sort, as I get the impression the door isn't quite closed.
This has quickly become one of my favourite series, and Bo and Lucky two of my favourite characters. They're incredibly well-drawn and the way they're continually evolving is amazing; they've both come a long way from where they started out, and I can't wait to find out what's next for them.
October 3, 2019
I love this series! Bo and Lucky tug at my heart strings like nobody else. There are so many feels in this one from both men. In the aftermath of Mexico debacle case Bo and Lucky have so many things going. Their jobs and their happiness are on the line. I loved all the angst and all the troubles Bo and Lucky faced both together and individually. There were some incredible moments between them. And the revelations in the end were, frankly speaking, mind-blowing. This was a well-paced emotionally intense love story. Bliss. I highly recommend it! #TeamBoLucky
August 1, 2015
Warning: Redemption is the 5th in the Diversion series by Eden Winters, and this is a series that must be read in order. If you have not read Manipulation, the 4th in the series, do not read Redemption (or this review). You’ll be completely lost!
Redemption picks up right where we left off in Manipulation. And as a reader, I felt as lost as Bo and Lucky. Mexico had left them swimming upstream with no help. Neither were the same men they had been before they left. And their relationship was in danger because of it. How can you help both yourself and your lover when you’re both falling apart at the seams?
So where did that leave me? My flight instinct kept kicking in! There was a time or four when I wanted to put my Kindle in the freezer to stay away from what was going on with Bo, with Lucky, and with Bo AND Lucky. But that would ruin the lifeline that is my eReader, so I settled for powering down in the middle of more than one argument between my boys because my heart couldn’t take it.
Lucky isn’t dealing well with possibly/probably killing someone in Mexico (even an evil bad guy who would’ve killed Bo). And he isn’t dealing well with the personality transplant that Bo has had since Mexico too. And as for Bo – well Bo was undercover as Cyrus Cooper for a year. And now he’s not. On top of that, Stephan is on the run. The man who forced Bo into taking controlled substances again after being clean. To say Bo isn’t dealing well would be an understatement. Bo really did have quite the personality transplant for a while. And my heart broke for Lucky in the process. Bo completely shuts off. From life. From Lucky.
“Look, I’ll admit I should be grateful for all you’re doing for me, but right now I’m too pissed off to appreciate it.” Well then. Fuck you too, you ungrateful prick. Bo vacillated between depressed lump on a bed to red-faced asshole. More than once, I wanted to shout at him to find his balls and man the fuck up! But I never stopped loving him. I never forgot the Bo from the past 4 books.
Lucky needed this part of their story though. He has been such a commitment-phobe in the past when Bo wanted to be out and proud with him. And, yes, he’s been coming around, but this was the kick in the pants he needed to be able to really see what’s in front of him. “Bo and Lucky’s relationship fell into two distinct categories: Before Mexico and After Mexico. It took nearly losing both their lives to see how good he’d had it before.”
So while Ms. Winters spends much of the first part of the book shredding my heart while the boys find their way back to themselves, the op in Mexico needs resolution. And we definitely get it. She’s sneaky that way. The other little niggle that she’s been teasing us with since book 1? Is Victor alive or not? Well…..we finally get our answer in book 5. Or do we? I choose to believe we do.
Those of you who are a fan of this series will close this book with a happy sigh and look forward to the next chapter. I was overall very happy with the story. My only complaint was that since Lucky and Bo were struggling so much both internally and with each other, the smexy times were few. There was one very nice scene where a certain pair of chaps and a thong were resurrected, but that particular aspect of their relationship still needs some work. You’ll understand what I mean when you read the story.
ARC kindly provided by Rocky Ridge Books in exchange for an honest review.
Redemption picks up right where we left off in Manipulation. And as a reader, I felt as lost as Bo and Lucky. Mexico had left them swimming upstream with no help. Neither were the same men they had been before they left. And their relationship was in danger because of it. How can you help both yourself and your lover when you’re both falling apart at the seams?
So where did that leave me? My flight instinct kept kicking in! There was a time or four when I wanted to put my Kindle in the freezer to stay away from what was going on with Bo, with Lucky, and with Bo AND Lucky. But that would ruin the lifeline that is my eReader, so I settled for powering down in the middle of more than one argument between my boys because my heart couldn’t take it.
Lucky isn’t dealing well with possibly/probably killing someone in Mexico (even an evil bad guy who would’ve killed Bo). And he isn’t dealing well with the personality transplant that Bo has had since Mexico too. And as for Bo – well Bo was undercover as Cyrus Cooper for a year. And now he’s not. On top of that, Stephan is on the run. The man who forced Bo into taking controlled substances again after being clean. To say Bo isn’t dealing well would be an understatement. Bo really did have quite the personality transplant for a while. And my heart broke for Lucky in the process. Bo completely shuts off. From life. From Lucky.
“Look, I’ll admit I should be grateful for all you’re doing for me, but right now I’m too pissed off to appreciate it.” Well then. Fuck you too, you ungrateful prick. Bo vacillated between depressed lump on a bed to red-faced asshole. More than once, I wanted to shout at him to find his balls and man the fuck up! But I never stopped loving him. I never forgot the Bo from the past 4 books.
Lucky needed this part of their story though. He has been such a commitment-phobe in the past when Bo wanted to be out and proud with him. And, yes, he’s been coming around, but this was the kick in the pants he needed to be able to really see what’s in front of him. “Bo and Lucky’s relationship fell into two distinct categories: Before Mexico and After Mexico. It took nearly losing both their lives to see how good he’d had it before.”
So while Ms. Winters spends much of the first part of the book shredding my heart while the boys find their way back to themselves, the op in Mexico needs resolution. And we definitely get it. She’s sneaky that way. The other little niggle that she’s been teasing us with since book 1? Is Victor alive or not? Well…..we finally get our answer in book 5. Or do we? I choose to believe we do.
Those of you who are a fan of this series will close this book with a happy sigh and look forward to the next chapter. I was overall very happy with the story. My only complaint was that since Lucky and Bo were struggling so much both internally and with each other, the smexy times were few. There was one very nice scene where a certain pair of chaps and a thong were resurrected, but that particular aspect of their relationship still needs some work. You’ll understand what I mean when you read the story.
ARC kindly provided by Rocky Ridge Books in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2020
So freaking good! We finally have an entire book dedicated to Lucky and Bo's road to recovery and possible HEA. I mean, after the ordeal they suffered at Mexico, is high time they enjoy each other. But before that, Bo had to settle some of his personal demon. Honestly, this book is heartbreaking and brought out all the feels. Lucky is feeling lost with his Bo. While, Bo is physically present, his heart and mind is miles away. I love love Lucky for his total dedication and support he gave to Bo. Who knew Lucky had it in him to be the mature one in a relationship? Remember the insufferable SOB that gave his new partner a hard time in book 1? The changes in Lucky is remarkable.
There isn't a new case in this book because they are still tying up loose end from the previous one. Is tangled web of something convoluted that started since book 1. Everytime when I thought I finally knew something, the author will jump out with another "gotcha" moment that threw me on a loop. Anyway, no matter how much I'm loving the suspense and mystery, I hope that Lucky can close this chapter of his life and may the past never haunt him again. Wishful thinking, I guess.
There isn't a new case in this book because they are still tying up loose end from the previous one. Is tangled web of something convoluted that started since book 1. Everytime when I thought I finally knew something, the author will jump out with another "gotcha" moment that threw me on a loop. Anyway, no matter how much I'm loving the suspense and mystery, I hope that Lucky can close this chapter of his life and may the past never haunt him again. Wishful thinking, I guess.
July 8, 2019
I LOVE Darcy Stark as narrator for this series, and his voice for Retta Johnson [to a non-Texan like me] sounds authentic; she's such a funny character until you get on her wrong side, hehe. Apparently the audio for Reunion is very close to being released, so I know what I'll be spending one of my Audible credits on, yay!!
***Book Review***
4.5 stars. Loved it. Bo finally makes it back into the light after being in a really dark place, and Lucky gets his man, their house and a new friend at the bureau. Congrats to Nestor and Victor too.
March 18, 2021
You have to read the first four in the series to really understand everything happening in this book. There are a few brief sentences that give some of the background but you'll miss the magic that is Lucky and Bo. Eden Winters writes a richly detailed tapestry of characters, action and excellent research. The first books really revealed the way our health system works with prescription drugs. There is emotional impact in every story but this was the best. I really wanted to kick Lucky's ass in the first few books but he redeems himself quite a bit in this one. I believe there will be more books for our heroes and I cannot wait!
September 5, 2019
This series keep getting better and better!!!
Love it!
Love it!
November 29, 2022
I bought this a couple of days ago, but had to reread (for the third and fourth times) the previous books. You have to read the first four in the series to really understand everything happening in this book. There are a few brief sentences that give some of the background but you'll miss the magic that is Lucky and Bo. Eden Winters writes a richly detailed tapestry of characters, action and excellent research. The first books really revealed the way our health system works with prescription drugs. There is emotional impact in every story but this was the best. I really wanted to kick Lucky's ass in the first few books but he redeems himself quite a bit in this one. I believe there will be more books for our heroes and I cannot wait!
2nd read 1/6/19 still love Lucky and Bo so much and the evolution of both the characters and the relationship is amazing!
2nd read 1/6/19 still love Lucky and Bo so much and the evolution of both the characters and the relationship is amazing!
July 14, 2016
I love Lucky and Bo, the way Lucky took care of Bo in this book blew me away.
May 17, 2021
I liked this installment, slightly less than the previous one but it was still good. It is different from previous books because there was no case per se. Bo's characterization was a bit all over the place. That's because we don't get his POV but he was confusing. Lucky kept way too many secrets from Bo for way too long (almost the big secret trope which I don't like). Honestly I would hate if someone did what Lucky did to me but that's a me thing. The way everything was resolved kind of made sense but again not having Bo's POV was a problem at that moment. I still love them as a couple but Bo needs to do more for the relationship, he was not in a position to do that here but he needs to in the future. All in all I'm conflicted but still had a good time (the writing is still not growing on me but won't stop me). Onto the next :)
June 26, 2019
Audio Review 24Jun2019: Upping the rating a bit on this one because of how well Darcy Stark performs this installment of the series and because of how much more I appreciate the character development we get with both our MCs.
Original Rating 02Jan2017: 4.3 Stars
Original Rating 02Jan2017: 4.3 Stars
April 29, 2019
Still witty, hot, sweet, thrilling and smart. Easily one of the best series out there.
December 7, 2020
Oh my god! I can't believe it!
What an ending!
Full of surprises! Both bad and good!
They finally fought their past demons and won!
Or I hope so!
And now there is only one thing left, I guess.
To reunite with their families!
What an ending!
Full of surprises! Both bad and good!
They finally fought their past demons and won!
Or I hope so!
And now there is only one thing left, I guess.
To reunite with their families!
November 12, 2020
Wow! I cannot believe how much I have really loved this series and have been so impressed with the progression of the storyline.
Bo and Lucky barely made it out of Mexico but the repercussions are immense. There's definitely a role reversal between Lucky and Bo after those events where Bo has become withdrawn and dealing with severe internal issues and Lucky has to be be the nurturer which is completely foreign to him but thankfully he wants to help Bo and be with him badly enough that he accepts help which is also foreign to him. For whatever reason, Johnson sees right through his surly exterior and befriends Lucky (Lucky for him, pun intended.)
This was a tough journey that's definitely not over but they're still together fighting for themselves and each other.
The ending was a bit of a surprise and it hopefully bodes well for the future.
Bo and Lucky barely made it out of Mexico but the repercussions are immense. There's definitely a role reversal between Lucky and Bo after those events where Bo has become withdrawn and dealing with severe internal issues and Lucky has to be be the nurturer which is completely foreign to him but thankfully he wants to help Bo and be with him badly enough that he accepts help which is also foreign to him. For whatever reason, Johnson sees right through his surly exterior and befriends Lucky (Lucky for him, pun intended.)
This was a tough journey that's definitely not over but they're still together fighting for themselves and each other.
The ending was a bit of a surprise and it hopefully bodes well for the future.
August 17, 2020
5 stars audio and story!
July 8, 2019
Audiobook review4,5 stars
It’s time to deal with the consequences of everything that’s happened in the previous four books. Deal with everything from Bo and Lucky being a couple and what that means both personally and professionally. Deal with everything that happened in Mexico, deal with Cyrus. Deal with all the loose ends they left in Mexico; Stefan, Victor, Nestor and the man Lucky might have shot in the shoot-out in the previous book. There isn’t much suspense in this book, no undercover work and no bullets flying. Redemption is a breather of sorts, a chance for everyone to just catch up, and start to heal. Because of this I would say that this isn’t a book that stands on its own.
In a way this book is all over the place trying to tie up loose ends from the past several years. But it never feels messy or choppy as a story light this could have been. It’s also a story that’s necessary to keep everyone sane-ish. It deals with the drug addiction that was forced on Bo in Mexico during his last undercover sting. Of him checking himself into a rehab facility, and cutting Lucky out of that process. When we first meet Bo he was this gentle, patient and stable man. He held his own and knew who he was and what he wanted. At least he appeared that way. Now his walls are shattered, or rather coping mechanisms are out of whack, and while it is heartbreaking to see him like that, I loved how Lucky was there for him. I love how they are with each other, how right they are. They are equals and solid. Sure they have their rocky moments, but that’s also what makes me believe in them. Theirs isn’t an easy relationship, they have to work and fight for it, but it’s a fight that is so worth it in the end.
Bo and Lucky’s relationship is as previously mentioned going up and down. We see them taking steps back when Bo shuts Lucky out, we feel that hurt to our core right along with Lucky. It’s also kind of nice to see Lucky as the more stable one in their relationship – something that you’d probably not have guessed when they first started out. Now Lucky is all in. He wants it all, the house in the gated community, celebrate the holidays together and maybe one day in the future fill that nursery… That being said, Lucky is also dealing with his past. The fact that he might have shot and killed a man is eating at him. That he still don’t have answers to what happened to Victor and if he’s still alive. The life he left behind him when he “left” Victor’s organisation.
One of the changes that I most appreciated with Lucky was Loretta. I loved to see how he finally let her in. Loved watching their friendship grow. I mean Lucky is almost human ;) Not that Loretta would have had it any other way, that woman is one hell of a force to be reckoned with.
For those of us that have followed these guys for the past few books know that they have issues. Issues they don’t really talk about, that they supress and shoves into a corner. Issues that they can no longer run from and causes problem for them in their everyday lives. So I loved that they both willingly sought help that, that part was a non-issue. Bo and Lucky have been so much, separately and together. The have changed and grown a lot since we first met them, but underneath it all they are still the men we fell for, but with a few less sharp edges.
Darcy Stark is phenomenal when narrating these characters. His interpretation of them is spot on and he gets them. Understands their struggles, needs and wants, but more than that he makes the listener do the same. We feel what they feel, hurt when they do, fight with and for them. I love his passion and engaging narration, and for me that’s what takes the narration one step further.
I’m loving every single moment I spend listening to this series. And if you haven’t for some reason read or listened to these books yet you should definitely amend that now, they are so worth it.
A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
August 14, 2015
There's no way I can be objective when it comes to Lucky and Bo. I love them. Loved them from the beginning, hopefully always will...even when the sadistic bastards try their best to give me an anxiety attack or two.
November 3, 2019
This series just keeps getting better and better. Love Bo's journey in this one.
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