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Diversion #4
Manipulation
Lucky Lucklighter has a new life. His old life wants him back.
He traded trafficking for taking down criminals with the Southeastern Narcotics Bureau, and a drug-lord lover for a man on the right side of the law. Bo Schollenberger found the way past the thorny defenses of Lucky’s heart, and made Mr. I-Get-Along-Fine-Alone think about his and his closets, stevia in the sugar bowl, and a picket fence—with a good lock on the gate.
Now Bo is missing, and a voice long silenced asks, “Did you miss me?� Lucky must deal with a devil from his past to get Bo back.
And if Bo isn’t willing to come? A drug ring needs its back broken before flooding the US with a designer high, seductive and undetectable. But there’s a fine line between good and evil, and a truckload of temptation urging Lucky to cross.
He traded trafficking for taking down criminals with the Southeastern Narcotics Bureau, and a drug-lord lover for a man on the right side of the law. Bo Schollenberger found the way past the thorny defenses of Lucky’s heart, and made Mr. I-Get-Along-Fine-Alone think about his and his closets, stevia in the sugar bowl, and a picket fence—with a good lock on the gate.
Now Bo is missing, and a voice long silenced asks, “Did you miss me?� Lucky must deal with a devil from his past to get Bo back.
And if Bo isn’t willing to come? A drug ring needs its back broken before flooding the US with a designer high, seductive and undetectable. But there’s a fine line between good and evil, and a truckload of temptation urging Lucky to cross.
264 pages, ebook
First published November 1, 2014
21 people are currently reading
360 people want to read
About the author
Eden Winters
84books666followersYou 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 96 reviews
May 28, 2019
Audiobook - 5 stars
Story - 3.5 stars
-Damn! Lucky and Bo are kinky bastards.
-I liked the case but i also felt it was too long.
- We get a bit of Lucky and Victor's past.
Overall i liked it.
Story - 3.5 stars
-Damn! Lucky and Bo are kinky bastards.
-I liked the case but i also felt it was too long.
- We get a bit of Lucky and Victor's past.
Overall i liked it.
September 18, 2017
Dear Eden Winters, you have to stop putting Lucky and Bo, as well as me, through the grinder !!! No, wait, who am I kidding ?? Don’t stop, I have such a fantastic time.
This part starts right where "corruption" ended : Lucky is deeper and deeper in love with Bo but can Victor, his ex-lover, be back from the dead to haunt him and destroy his relationship with Bo ?
The blurb says it so well :
But what the blurb is not telling is that, while Lucky has to make sense of his past biting him back, figure out who to trust and protect Bo as much as he can, Bo is in danger to be taken down by his demons and fully swallowed by Cy, his undercover identity as an outlaw biker working for a drug cartel.
Ghosts raising from the past, secrets, revelations, mistrust, treason, danger, abduction, murders, cupidity, insanity and�.manipulation. The plot is riveting, the pace is relentless and above all the chaos brought by this unsupervised undercover mission, Lucky’s emotional journey and Bo’s struggles put me down on my knees.
This is so far my favorite part of the series and I have a feeling it’s a pivotal milestone in Lucky and Bo's relationship. As this series gets better and addictive, I have no doubt that “Redemption� is going to slay me : please, please, may Lucky and Bo’s love be strong enough to overcome all the coming obstacles.
This part starts right where "corruption" ended : Lucky is deeper and deeper in love with Bo but can Victor, his ex-lover, be back from the dead to haunt him and destroy his relationship with Bo ?
The blurb says it so well :
”Lucky Lucklighter has a new life. His old life wants him back�
But what the blurb is not telling is that, while Lucky has to make sense of his past biting him back, figure out who to trust and protect Bo as much as he can, Bo is in danger to be taken down by his demons and fully swallowed by Cy, his undercover identity as an outlaw biker working for a drug cartel.
Ghosts raising from the past, secrets, revelations, mistrust, treason, danger, abduction, murders, cupidity, insanity and�.manipulation. The plot is riveting, the pace is relentless and above all the chaos brought by this unsupervised undercover mission, Lucky’s emotional journey and Bo’s struggles put me down on my knees.
This is so far my favorite part of the series and I have a feeling it’s a pivotal milestone in Lucky and Bo's relationship. As this series gets better and addictive, I have no doubt that “Redemption� is going to slay me : please, please, may Lucky and Bo’s love be strong enough to overcome all the coming obstacles.
June 9, 2020
Audio 5 Stars
Story....4.25 Stars
Finally! No more hiding! 👬🏼�
Story....4.25 Stars
Finally! No more hiding! 👬🏼�
November 14, 2014
4.5 stars. This series continues to be great fun. The characters are excellent, and the plots are unusual, demonstrating a unique knowledge of the underside of the pharmaceuticals industry. There are clearly still more plot twists to come for these guys in future books, and I'll happily read the next one when it becomes available.
In this book, there is an interesting shift of dynamic. When the series began, Lucky was the expert, the veteran, and the driving force in the relationship in most ways. He was also the one holding back emotionally, pretending he didn't care and didn't feel anything. As we've moved through the series, that has changed. Bo has become both more sure of himself and more capable in his work, and Lucky has begun to admit, at least to himself, just how deeply he cares about Bo.
But there are still major fracture lines in their relationship. For one thing, the case has kept them apart, other than stolen moments and painful crises. Bo has a lot of worries, anxiety over his weaknesses, determination to be a hero even when it means sacrifices he might regret. He hides his doubts more than ever, since his undercover experiences have encouraged him to put on a tougher, cooler facade. He's walking a difficult line as an agent, and having a hard time keeping straight what he needs to care about and what he must sacrifice to close his case.
Lucky has also changed. With Bo as the primary undercover agent for so long, Lucky has been playing second fiddle and worrying, and it doesn't suit him. Lucky would like to dive in, be the hero and save the day. At the same time, he is smart and experienced enough to know that he can't always do that. He's also realizing just how much Bo means to him, and how much his own family does as well. There are some revelations that affect how he remembers his past, and that may come into play if he ever tries to contact his family in the future.
This is an action-packed instalment. We find out a lot about Lucky's past with drug lord, Victor Mangiardi. Lucky has to reevaluate what happened at the end, when Victor's empire collapsed. He meets people from his past, and they're mixed up with Bo's case. Keeping his emotions straight, helping bring drug dealers to justice, and figuring out what Bo needs from him is a big challenge.
I enjoyed this book a lot. There were a few times when I wondered about the logic of the case - having a bad guy who is using his own drugs and obsessed and a bit crazy covers some of the questions, though. I really enjoyed seeing Lucky's emotions come to the forefront in this book. He's come a long way from the wise-cracking, deliberately abrasive, solo player that he was in the first book. Bo hits some really tough moments, and it's clear his happy ending will still take a lot of work and pain. The end completes this potion of the story, but still feels very open. Not a cliffhanger, but clearly not an ending. I look forward to finding out what comes next.
In this book, there is an interesting shift of dynamic. When the series began, Lucky was the expert, the veteran, and the driving force in the relationship in most ways. He was also the one holding back emotionally, pretending he didn't care and didn't feel anything. As we've moved through the series, that has changed. Bo has become both more sure of himself and more capable in his work, and Lucky has begun to admit, at least to himself, just how deeply he cares about Bo.
But there are still major fracture lines in their relationship. For one thing, the case has kept them apart, other than stolen moments and painful crises. Bo has a lot of worries, anxiety over his weaknesses, determination to be a hero even when it means sacrifices he might regret. He hides his doubts more than ever, since his undercover experiences have encouraged him to put on a tougher, cooler facade. He's walking a difficult line as an agent, and having a hard time keeping straight what he needs to care about and what he must sacrifice to close his case.
Lucky has also changed. With Bo as the primary undercover agent for so long, Lucky has been playing second fiddle and worrying, and it doesn't suit him. Lucky would like to dive in, be the hero and save the day. At the same time, he is smart and experienced enough to know that he can't always do that. He's also realizing just how much Bo means to him, and how much his own family does as well. There are some revelations that affect how he remembers his past, and that may come into play if he ever tries to contact his family in the future.
This is an action-packed instalment. We find out a lot about Lucky's past with drug lord, Victor Mangiardi. Lucky has to reevaluate what happened at the end, when Victor's empire collapsed. He meets people from his past, and they're mixed up with Bo's case. Keeping his emotions straight, helping bring drug dealers to justice, and figuring out what Bo needs from him is a big challenge.
I enjoyed this book a lot. There were a few times when I wondered about the logic of the case - having a bad guy who is using his own drugs and obsessed and a bit crazy covers some of the questions, though. I really enjoyed seeing Lucky's emotions come to the forefront in this book. He's come a long way from the wise-cracking, deliberately abrasive, solo player that he was in the first book. Bo hits some really tough moments, and it's clear his happy ending will still take a lot of work and pain. The end completes this potion of the story, but still feels very open. Not a cliffhanger, but clearly not an ending. I look forward to finding out what comes next.
November 13, 2014
I really, really adore this series. It's smart and detailed. Well researched and well written. The characters are kooky with an emotional side you can invest in. And whether you love Lucky or love to hate him, he eventually wins you over every time.
Book 4, Manipulation, picks up where book 3 left off...and any time I get some Lucky & Bo action, I am a happy girl. The storyline eventually takes us south of the border and dives directly into Lucky's past...the one he's been running from all along.I found this book to be one of the more telling books of the series as we really get to examine and uncover more of Lucky's past with drug lord, Victor Mangiardi. We also get a good bit of Stephen, Victor's slimey nephew. Blech.
But what I enjoyed most about this book is the progression and growth of the love between Lucky and Bo. I really love it when series allow us to go along for the ride as couples become more and more commited to each other. And this felt like a treat.
If you haven't started the series, I highly recommend it. And for fans of Lucky & Bo, this book will not disappoint.
March 16, 2021
OMG, this was freaking amazing!!!!! More intense, more suspenseful, angrier and Lucky, darn it, just melted my heart. The book starts right where the third left off with both Bo and Lucky alert and waiting for someone to make their move. But as the time passes and nothing happens, Lucky is sent back without Bo, which gives him too much time on his own to contemplate about his relationship with Bo and his fears. But Bo's sudden disappearance puts everything into perspective throwing Bo in the middle of the biggest illegal dr*g operation on the other side of the border.
This was a non stop roller coaster. Both Bo aka Cyrus and Lucky had to use their acting talents, subterfuge and cunning to stay ahead of the game while trying to save innocent men who were being used as if their lives don't matter. It was a test for both men as agents and lovers - will they make it back unscathed or will this change them and their relationship forever.
Many secrets long buried about Lucky's past finally came to light lifting Lucky's guilt and helping him to make tough decisions. It's a cat and mouse game they play but the poison ready to ship makes it so much deadlier. I loved it. There were moments that I thought: "This is is! They will never make it!" It was nerve wracking to see both Lucky and Bo go through so much but the love and devotion they had for each other, excellent ability to do their job and hope that they can trust someone out there carried them through to the finish line.
Some things are still left unanswered, the bad guys are still out there but hopefully not for long, but Bo and Lucky are never surer about each other than now - Bo has a long way to go to recover and Lucky will be there for him no matter what. So good! I highly recommend it!
This was a non stop roller coaster. Both Bo aka Cyrus and Lucky had to use their acting talents, subterfuge and cunning to stay ahead of the game while trying to save innocent men who were being used as if their lives don't matter. It was a test for both men as agents and lovers - will they make it back unscathed or will this change them and their relationship forever.
Many secrets long buried about Lucky's past finally came to light lifting Lucky's guilt and helping him to make tough decisions. It's a cat and mouse game they play but the poison ready to ship makes it so much deadlier. I loved it. There were moments that I thought: "This is is! They will never make it!" It was nerve wracking to see both Lucky and Bo go through so much but the love and devotion they had for each other, excellent ability to do their job and hope that they can trust someone out there carried them through to the finish line.
Some things are still left unanswered, the bad guys are still out there but hopefully not for long, but Bo and Lucky are never surer about each other than now - Bo has a long way to go to recover and Lucky will be there for him no matter what. So good! I highly recommend it!
January 4, 2022
Feels like someone stomped on my heart 💔 and when it was about to heal they did it again 💔😭. I �.on to the next book
June 4, 2019
Audio Review 02Jun2019: No change
This one was rough to listen to. I remember reading about what Bo went through and thought, once again, how much I wish we had his POV...and though I guess I didn't mention it in my original review, I still think I would love that.
But, again, this is sort of Lucky's journey. Just like him, I question(ed) Walter's motives and wonder what he could be hiding from Lucky. (I know, now, but still I felt the "coincidences" weren't adding up right.) Probably didn't help that I also read/listened to that one book in the Cut & Run series (where we find out why Ty is partnered with Zane) and then that other one (where we discover that one of Ty's handlers was up to no-good) just before I started this series and was suspicious of everyone at that point, not knowing who to trust anymore. A little of that memory trickled in and got me feeling anxious again.
So much relationship development in this book, too, where it doesn't seem like it would logically fit...but it totally does. Character growth as well. From both of them. That ending though? *cries*
Once again, Darcy does a bang-up job on the narration. He just gets better and better with each installment. (Although I was sold on him about an hour into the second book.)
But now...omg, how long until book 5 comes out on audio? *whines* I want it naowwwww!!
(LOLing at how I'm writing a review with a mind to avoid spoilers...when this book is 5 years old and most likely all the friends on my feed have already read/listened to it. *shrug* Oh well.)
Original Rating 16Sep2016: 4.25 Stars (What, no review?)
This one was rough to listen to. I remember reading about what Bo went through and thought, once again, how much I wish we had his POV...and though I guess I didn't mention it in my original review, I still think I would love that.
But, again, this is sort of Lucky's journey. Just like him, I question(ed) Walter's motives and wonder what he could be hiding from Lucky. (I know, now, but still I felt the "coincidences" weren't adding up right.) Probably didn't help that I also read/listened to that one book in the Cut & Run series (where we find out why Ty is partnered with Zane) and then that other one (where we discover that one of Ty's handlers was up to no-good) just before I started this series and was suspicious of everyone at that point, not knowing who to trust anymore. A little of that memory trickled in and got me feeling anxious again.
So much relationship development in this book, too, where it doesn't seem like it would logically fit...but it totally does. Character growth as well. From both of them. That ending though? *cries*
Once again, Darcy does a bang-up job on the narration. He just gets better and better with each installment. (Although I was sold on him about an hour into the second book.)
But now...omg, how long until book 5 comes out on audio? *whines* I want it naowwwww!!
(LOLing at how I'm writing a review with a mind to avoid spoilers...when this book is 5 years old and most likely all the friends on my feed have already read/listened to it. *shrug* Oh well.)
Original Rating 16Sep2016: 4.25 Stars (What, no review?)
November 4, 2014
I've been waiting for this forth installment in the "Diversion"series for what feels like forever!! It was totally worth it though, Eden did not disappoint!
So,
we have one Simon �Lucky� Harrison, former known as Richmond Eugene Lucklighter (a fake death may have happened)
(This is how I picture him, don't care what you think unless is "yummy! I would love me some of that!")
As I was saying, Lucky is a member of the Southeastern Narcotics Bureau (SNB), Starbucks coffee addict, foul mouthed and cranky as hell bastard but who gets all mushy inside when thinking of his lover, his boo (<-- see what I did there? no? well just keep on reading)
Add to this, one William Patrick �Bo� Schollenberger (now do you see what I did there ^? - his nickname is BO and he's Lucky's boo! get it? *narrows eyes* well, it was funny in my head!!) - (no fake death so far, so that's his real name)
(yeah, you know it! I don't even care he's not a brunette as Bo is supposed to be)
Bo, is also a member of Southeastern Narcotics Bureau (SNB), a vegetarian, stevia enthusiast, neat freak and usually an even tempered guy but for the past 2 books he's been deep undercover as Cyrus Cooper (drug lord, bike riding motherfucker! - *shivers*).
I'm trying really hard for this to be a spoiler free review so I'm not gonna go into details, but the gist is Lucky and Bo find themselves in Mexico (courtesy of a major asshole from Lucky's past) in the middle of a drug war with no contact to their SNB division. Because of the asshole's (that's I've been calling him through the book) actions, Bo is put in a very difficult situation and he's starting to question his loyalties, while Lucky is trying to come to grips with his past and has doubts about his current SNB boss. Their relationship is also going through some hard times but after after Bo finally comes clean about some stuff and Lucky gets over his fear of commitment, things get back on track.
"Manipulation" is faced paced, funny, hot and packed full of action. If it wasn't for stupid RL getting in the way I would have finished this that day it came out! What I do want to emphasize is that Eden Winters's writing is flawless, the attention to details is extraordinary, she really did her job when it comes to research! I'm more than happy with how this all turned out! (I'm especially tickled about Lucky coming clean with Walter about them :D)
Looking forward to Lucky and Bo's next adventure, I'm curious whether Bo is able to get past his experience in Mexico!
If you haven't read the series so far I'm urging you to do this now, it's getting better and better!
Hugs!
So,
we have one Simon �Lucky� Harrison, former known as Richmond Eugene Lucklighter (a fake death may have happened)
(This is how I picture him, don't care what you think unless is "yummy! I would love me some of that!")
As I was saying, Lucky is a member of the Southeastern Narcotics Bureau (SNB), Starbucks coffee addict, foul mouthed and cranky as hell bastard but who gets all mushy inside when thinking of his lover, his boo (<-- see what I did there? no? well just keep on reading)
Add to this, one William Patrick �Bo� Schollenberger (now do you see what I did there ^? - his nickname is BO and he's Lucky's boo! get it? *narrows eyes* well, it was funny in my head!!) - (no fake death so far, so that's his real name)
(yeah, you know it! I don't even care he's not a brunette as Bo is supposed to be)
Bo, is also a member of Southeastern Narcotics Bureau (SNB), a vegetarian, stevia enthusiast, neat freak and usually an even tempered guy but for the past 2 books he's been deep undercover as Cyrus Cooper (drug lord, bike riding motherfucker! - *shivers*).
I'm trying really hard for this to be a spoiler free review so I'm not gonna go into details, but the gist is Lucky and Bo find themselves in Mexico (courtesy of a major asshole from Lucky's past) in the middle of a drug war with no contact to their SNB division. Because of the asshole's (that's I've been calling him through the book) actions, Bo is put in a very difficult situation and he's starting to question his loyalties, while Lucky is trying to come to grips with his past and has doubts about his current SNB boss. Their relationship is also going through some hard times but after after Bo finally comes clean about some stuff and Lucky gets over his fear of commitment, things get back on track.
"Manipulation" is faced paced, funny, hot and packed full of action. If it wasn't for stupid RL getting in the way I would have finished this that day it came out! What I do want to emphasize is that Eden Winters's writing is flawless, the attention to details is extraordinary, she really did her job when it comes to research! I'm more than happy with how this all turned out! (I'm especially tickled about Lucky coming clean with Walter about them :D)
Looking forward to Lucky and Bo's next adventure, I'm curious whether Bo is able to get past his experience in Mexico!
If you haven't read the series so far I'm urging you to do this now, it's getting better and better!
Hugs!
December 30, 2020
4.5 stars! I swear, I'm all reviewed out right now. This deserves much better than it's going to get.
Ah Lucky! It's really difficult when you're used to being a no feeling asshole when you start caring about people. That's Lucky's problem right now. Because of Bo, he cares so, so much. And it's frankly terrified him. Until now. 🥰
I'll admit, I'm glad Lucky doesn't have to carry the guilt over Victor on his shoulders any more but I'm even happier that Lucky has finally decided that nothing matters more than him and Bo, together. ❤️Now we just have to worry about what this last case has done to Bo, and where his head is at after all he's survived. We know what he feels for Lucky, and hopefully that will help him get through this.
There's still a lot of unanswered questions about the past, and as par for the way things go for Lucky, I'm sure the past isn't done with him. *runs straight to *
Ah Lucky! It's really difficult when you're used to being a no feeling asshole when you start caring about people. That's Lucky's problem right now. Because of Bo, he cares so, so much. And it's frankly terrified him. Until now. 🥰
I'll admit, I'm glad Lucky doesn't have to carry the guilt over Victor on his shoulders any more but I'm even happier that Lucky has finally decided that nothing matters more than him and Bo, together. ❤️Now we just have to worry about what this last case has done to Bo, and where his head is at after all he's survived. We know what he feels for Lucky, and hopefully that will help him get through this.
There's still a lot of unanswered questions about the past, and as par for the way things go for Lucky, I'm sure the past isn't done with him. *runs straight to *
February 19, 2018
*4,5 stars*
Ah, Lucky and Bo are just magic. A huge step forward in their relationship in this instalment of the Diversion series, but the arc of the plot still continues, leaving lots of unanswered questions. And I am dying to find the answers to those!
Only one remedy - off to read the next book!
Highly recommended series!
Ah, Lucky and Bo are just magic. A huge step forward in their relationship in this instalment of the Diversion series, but the arc of the plot still continues, leaving lots of unanswered questions. And I am dying to find the answers to those!
Only one remedy - off to read the next book!
Highly recommended series!
June 11, 2024
Just as good - possibly even better - 2nd time round. The narration is outstanding.
Wow. This series is so good; the storylines are well-thought out and really well done, the characters are complex and compelling and there are some real emotional gut-punches in this one. On to book 5.
Wow. This series is so good; the storylines are well-thought out and really well done, the characters are complex and compelling and there are some real emotional gut-punches in this one. On to book 5.
July 28, 2020
4.5 stars audio and story!
April 29, 2019
This series just keeps getting better and better! I usually get bored after a few books of detective/case/mystery books but my interest in Lucky and Bo has just kept on increasing! It's fast becoming one of my favorite series and I find the cases really interesting. I totally recommend it.
May 16, 2021
I think this one is my favorite so far. I'm still not a fan of the writing style but I was able to follow the "case" better and it kept me interested. I love Bo and Lucky! Onto the next :)
September 20, 2018
I wish Victor was still alive :(
November 14, 2014
Being the fourth book in the series, Manipulation is another great addition to Lucky and Bo’s adventure, as partners in love and work. It’s a shame that I can’t say much of anything in terms of the plot without spoiling the whole thing, but I will say this: Manipulation seems to be focusing a lot on Lucky’s past.
Book three, Corruption, was a book that left many questions unanswered. Questions regarding an important figure in Lucky’s pre-Bo past. Manipulation helped to shed light on these questions, while creating new ones of its own. Yet throughout the chaos of all things happening, one thing shines brightly through the nitty and gritty: Lucky&Bo (or Lucky&Bo/Cyrus).
I was worried that after three books, Corruption wouldn’t bring anything new to this beloved couple. Would the author create unnecessary angst and huge communication breakdowns that would force our couple to re-evaluate their relationship? I don’t want a “big misunderstanding� or a “breaking up with you is for the best� kind of situation!
Phew.
Thank goodness the author sees sense.
While the investigation and such was interesting (and learning more about Lucky’s past), I felt like the meat of the book was the development between Lucky and Bo. And yes, there’s further development here as we see these men take small steps into the future. Together. It’s great, because I can see a many possibilities between these guys, and I am so ready to read about any one of them. These guys stay strong with one another throughout Manipulation, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
It was also nice to see the author create a plotline that focused on the development of a new dosage form of an already existing drug (i.e. hydrocodone), as opposed to the creation of something completely new/fictional. It makes the inner (legal) drug dealer in me happy and the story more “real,� especially with the inclusion of the rescheduling of hydrocodone products on the market. Definitely a thumbs up to Eden Winters for doing research and making her story relevant to current day events.
So pretty much, if you liked the series up to this point, including Bo&Lucky, then Manipulation will not dissapoint. I’m ready for the next book!
Book three, Corruption, was a book that left many questions unanswered. Questions regarding an important figure in Lucky’s pre-Bo past. Manipulation helped to shed light on these questions, while creating new ones of its own. Yet throughout the chaos of all things happening, one thing shines brightly through the nitty and gritty: Lucky&Bo (or Lucky&Bo/Cyrus).
I was worried that after three books, Corruption wouldn’t bring anything new to this beloved couple. Would the author create unnecessary angst and huge communication breakdowns that would force our couple to re-evaluate their relationship? I don’t want a “big misunderstanding� or a “breaking up with you is for the best� kind of situation!
Phew.
Thank goodness the author sees sense.
While the investigation and such was interesting (and learning more about Lucky’s past), I felt like the meat of the book was the development between Lucky and Bo. And yes, there’s further development here as we see these men take small steps into the future. Together. It’s great, because I can see a many possibilities between these guys, and I am so ready to read about any one of them. These guys stay strong with one another throughout Manipulation, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
It was also nice to see the author create a plotline that focused on the development of a new dosage form of an already existing drug (i.e. hydrocodone), as opposed to the creation of something completely new/fictional. It makes the inner (legal) drug dealer in me happy and the story more “real,� especially with the inclusion of the rescheduling of hydrocodone products on the market. Definitely a thumbs up to Eden Winters for doing research and making her story relevant to current day events.
So pretty much, if you liked the series up to this point, including Bo&Lucky, then Manipulation will not dissapoint. I’m ready for the next book!
December 4, 2022
~ 4.5 stars ~
October 18, 2020
As stingy as I am about giving 5 stars, I have to say at this point this series is starting to deserve it for me. I never expected it to become as interesting and complex as it has become.
The situation is beyond dangerous for both of our MCs and they have to be careful not to show how much they mean to each other so they can't be used as leverage against each other.
The story is full of twists and turns and poor Lucky is being used as a pawn and being deceived so he is unsure who to trust which is tearing him apart.
Bo on the other hand is having to stick with his alterego for self-preservation and it's having a severe effect on his psyche I believe.
I am glad that there's more facets coming out about Bo's personality that make him much less perfect and more interesting and relatable. I think it's good for Lucky to start seeing it too so that he doesn't think that he isn't good enough for Bo and they can start moving forward
The end is hard to come to terms with but expected and of course there's several more books after this to keep me biting my fingernails.
I am truly shocked at how much I am enjoying this series after not being sure if I wanted to continue on after the first book. I have even come to appreciate the narrator. It did take a while but I am really picky so it's not surprising.
The situation is beyond dangerous for both of our MCs and they have to be careful not to show how much they mean to each other so they can't be used as leverage against each other.
The story is full of twists and turns and poor Lucky is being used as a pawn and being deceived so he is unsure who to trust which is tearing him apart.
Bo on the other hand is having to stick with his alterego for self-preservation and it's having a severe effect on his psyche I believe.
I am glad that there's more facets coming out about Bo's personality that make him much less perfect and more interesting and relatable. I think it's good for Lucky to start seeing it too so that he doesn't think that he isn't good enough for Bo and they can start moving forward
The end is hard to come to terms with but expected and of course there's several more books after this to keep me biting my fingernails.
I am truly shocked at how much I am enjoying this series after not being sure if I wanted to continue on after the first book. I have even come to appreciate the narrator. It did take a while but I am really picky so it's not surprising.
December 6, 2020
I remember the torture I suffered while reading the first book and thinking about how to keep reading in order to finish the series.
I never liked Lucky and Bo either. But now I love both of them. And the series keeps getting better and better with each book. I wonder what will happen in the end.
In this book, although Lucky has to face his own past, Bo is also busy fighting his own demons.
After this hard and challenging journey in their deep undercover mission, their trust in each other grows even more and they take a huge step forward in their relationship.
I never liked Lucky and Bo either. But now I love both of them. And the series keeps getting better and better with each book. I wonder what will happen in the end.
In this book, although Lucky has to face his own past, Bo is also busy fighting his own demons.
After this hard and challenging journey in their deep undercover mission, their trust in each other grows even more and they take a huge step forward in their relationship.
April 25, 2019
Audiobook review4,5 stars
Let me start with saying that the title of this book is everything. Manipulation. It describes this book perfectly in so many ways. Both in terms of the plot and what the characters are put through, but also how masterfully Winters play with your feelings throughout this book - in a good way, the best way.
Corruption ended on a bit of a cliffhanger. Or at least unfinished business; is Victor alive after all these years? And if he is alive � what does he want with Lucky? To say that the message plays with Lucky’s head is putting it mildly. As life has a habit of for these guys, things get worse. Bo, still undercover, goes missing without a trace. Determined to get his partner back no matter what, Lucky sets after him. All the way down to Mexico. To the ghosts or more accurately devils from the past that welcomes him home and back into the world of drug trafficking, and a Bo that’s more Cyrus than Bo that he knows and loves.
There wasn’t much time for Bo and Lucky’s relationship to develop or grow deeper. They do make progress, and it was amazing to watch. But for the most part the focus was on stopping the drugs from entering the US and getting out of Mexico alive. A sane and healthy priority if you ask me. There were plenty of steam, heat and sexy times, but not that much the sweet and cuddly kind.
I loved Darcy Stark’s accents and there were plenty of them in Manipulation. Stark handled them all and switched between them effortlessly. I loved listening to this book, in fact I couldn’t stop until I finished all of it in one go. Stark made you feel everything Bo and Lucky felt, the desperation, the thrill, the hunt. It was one exciting afternoon that’s for sure.
Listening to these books has reminded me why I love these books and these characters so much and I can’t wait for the next audio to be produced and released.
A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
April 19, 2016
Somebody owes me some sleep...
I am so getting to old for this. I started this book yesterday and even though I had to take a huge break in the day because the real world just doesn't understand that sometimes when you get into a book, even though the book will wait for you...you can't wait for it and that's what it's been like for me throughout this entire series. Once I have these books I must read them and I will do just about anything to make sure I get to do that. In this case it meant giving up several hours of sleep, what the hell there's always tonight, right?
Let me start by saying I am a huge fan of Eden Winters period, if she wrote it. It's going to be amazing in my world and to date she has not failed me. So far this is my 20th read by this author and out of those books I have given one 3 star rating the rest have all rated 4 stars of more. Sorry for the ramble just wanted you to understand how terrific I think this author is.
This book had me from the opening sentence. I love Lucky and Bo, they are two of the most incredibly screwed up characters I have ever encountered. Neither of these men have gotten much of a break on their lives and yet they both keep working at making life better and not just for themselves but for the rest of the world as well.
In book 3 we left our men in a cabin in the woods waiting to see if the drug ring they'd broken would be rebuilt. Lucky gets recalled to the SNB offices and Bo gets left behind. As if that's not bad enough Bo suddenly disappears and things start to get strange for Lucky and he's not sure who to trust, but the one thing he knows for sure is he's going to find Bo and bring him home and no one is going to stop him...not even Bo.
I keep thinking this series can't get any better and then the next book comes out and I find out they can and they do. Book 5 is going to be called 'Redemption' and I've decided to give up thinking it won't be better because somehow I just know it will. What I don't know is when it will be out and I really, really need to know that.
So please Ms Winters, not to be to pushy I lost a whole lot of sleep last night and I'm figuring it's your fault you wrote this fabulous story that kept my mind racing with anticipation and so you owe me the sleep but I will gladly trade it for more Bo & more Lucky...please?
I am so getting to old for this. I started this book yesterday and even though I had to take a huge break in the day because the real world just doesn't understand that sometimes when you get into a book, even though the book will wait for you...you can't wait for it and that's what it's been like for me throughout this entire series. Once I have these books I must read them and I will do just about anything to make sure I get to do that. In this case it meant giving up several hours of sleep, what the hell there's always tonight, right?
Let me start by saying I am a huge fan of Eden Winters period, if she wrote it. It's going to be amazing in my world and to date she has not failed me. So far this is my 20th read by this author and out of those books I have given one 3 star rating the rest have all rated 4 stars of more. Sorry for the ramble just wanted you to understand how terrific I think this author is.
This book had me from the opening sentence. I love Lucky and Bo, they are two of the most incredibly screwed up characters I have ever encountered. Neither of these men have gotten much of a break on their lives and yet they both keep working at making life better and not just for themselves but for the rest of the world as well.
In book 3 we left our men in a cabin in the woods waiting to see if the drug ring they'd broken would be rebuilt. Lucky gets recalled to the SNB offices and Bo gets left behind. As if that's not bad enough Bo suddenly disappears and things start to get strange for Lucky and he's not sure who to trust, but the one thing he knows for sure is he's going to find Bo and bring him home and no one is going to stop him...not even Bo.
I keep thinking this series can't get any better and then the next book comes out and I find out they can and they do. Book 5 is going to be called 'Redemption' and I've decided to give up thinking it won't be better because somehow I just know it will. What I don't know is when it will be out and I really, really need to know that.
So please Ms Winters, not to be to pushy I lost a whole lot of sleep last night and I'm figuring it's your fault you wrote this fabulous story that kept my mind racing with anticipation and so you owe me the sleep but I will gladly trade it for more Bo & more Lucky...please?
January 1, 2015
Okay, so this wasn't my favourite of the series. I kept getting a bit lost with the storyline and I was desperate for more time with Lucky and Bo. I wanted to see more progression in their relationship, which we just didn't get. Bar a few emotional (and wonderful) scenes.
Overall, I enjoyed the book but it just wasn't as good as the previous books :)
Overall, I enjoyed the book but it just wasn't as good as the previous books :)
September 5, 2018
The journey isn't finished yet - a series that definitely has to be read in order. This book carries on straight after Corruption and has more twists and bumps than a water slide. Hopefully one day our guys will get their home, dog and white picket fence
September 25, 2024
🎧🎧🎧 Audio Review 🎧🎧🎧
Still loving Darcy Stark's interpretation of Bo and Lucky. His voice for Nestor Saucedo on the other hand needs a bit of work...think I caught Spanish with some Irish thrown in for good measure 😉. Won't stop me listening to book 5 though...5 Palmetto Bug stars from me 🐛🐛🐛🐛🐛
***Book Review***
4.5 stars from me. All I can say is "Watch yourself Stephan Mangiardi...lots of people are out to get you"...and others may join the queue 😠😠😠. Love Bo and Lucky.
Still loving Darcy Stark's interpretation of Bo and Lucky. His voice for Nestor Saucedo on the other hand needs a bit of work...think I caught Spanish with some Irish thrown in for good measure 😉. Won't stop me listening to book 5 though...5 Palmetto Bug stars from me 🐛🐛🐛🐛🐛
***Book Review***
4.5 stars from me. All I can say is "Watch yourself Stephan Mangiardi...lots of people are out to get you"...and others may join the queue 😠😠😠. Love Bo and Lucky.
November 12, 2014
This must be favorite couples month for me! I love Lucky and Bo, and this story had my heart breaking for Bo...undercover is hell!! We learn more about Lucky's past, and he sorts out betrayals as the story unfolds. I even begin to feel for and understand Victor...what??? Can't wait for the next read and hope Bo comes out of everything with his head on straight.
September 18, 2015
Omg soo good I don't want this series to end ever. Boo and lucky have my heart. The perfect amount of crazy, sexy times,and heart gripping adrenaline only Lucky seems to produce. I can't wait for the next one.
May 13, 2021
Give me all the Bo and Lucky! Did I sometimes want to just hit Bo? Why yes, yes I did. Luckily, I would never have to because Lucky has his back in everything and will always take care of him (even if he sometimes can't bring himself to say such). This series is fun, fast paced, and just overall extremely enjoyable.
April 12, 2020
Omg! This installment might just be the most suspenseful yet. So much shit that keep hitting the fan. Lucky and Bo spent most of their time undercover at Mexico with a psychopath drug Lord and I'm just so anxious from the beginning to the end. Bo had been deep undercover as Cyrus Cooper since the previous book and sometimes his change in personality scares me. However, Lucky is always by his side to keep him sane. So much that happened in this book that our boys can't catch a break.
September 6, 2019
Love this series. Forgot to rate this book. Let’s call it 4.55 stars.
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