While this first in a long series book has a few rough spots, the author's ability is clear and I never lost interest. That's three stars right there.

Additionally, Lucky's transformation is just as self-sabotaging as his personality demands. I've seen a lot of authors stumble at such critical points, so that was terrific and that plus the character dynamics made it a solid four stars. Unlike a lot of reviewers, I liked Lucky, who acted as his past and his personality shaped him. They resented what he did to Bo, but Bo was an able, insightful character.

No book has ever appealed to every reader. I'm glad I gave this one a try, and I will read the next in the series. ( )

I enjoyed this fast-paced thriller-romance. Lucky is difficult to love but amusing (and he grows on you); I found Bo a little one-dimensional at first, but the author fills out his character nicely. A great read! ( )

This is swinging between 4.5 and 5 stars, so I'm rounding up.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this. It's been staring at me from my bookshelves for a while now, but I simply lacked the incentive to start reading it. But am I glad that I have now.

The characters in this tale are very interesting (not uncommon for this author). I can tell you that Lucky will rub a lot of people the wrong way, but I found his blustering, loudmouthed and cocky attitude actually quite endearing. Bo seems too sweet and mild to be a former Marine, but then suddenly will surprise you with his no nonsense attitude. The relationship between these two is beautifully built up, taking it's time to work through issues both MC's have.

The 'action' side of this is also very well written and you can't help but get dragged into the whole mess. All in all a very well written book that I will reread in the future. ( )

Diversion is the ARe Cafe top pick for January.

Diversion by Eden Winters opens with a gripping scene. Our hero Lucky, who is clearly not an average worker in a trucking facility for pharmaceuticals, is scheming to do something risky while flirting with a male trucker to get important information. By the time Lucky pulls off his audacious plan to steal the truckload of drugs, I have to wonder. Is Lucky an undercover cop, a criminal, or what?

It turns out Lucky is both criminal and cop. From a poor redneck family, he stole cars when younger as an outlet for his ferocious energy and intelligence. That landed him on the payroll and in the bed of a suave mobster, a relationship that would have tragic far-reaching consequences.

Now, he works for a regional version of the Drug Enforcement Administration in exchange for a reduced prison sentence. He steals truckloads of drugs to identify and strengthen the weaknesses in security procedures. He also infiltrates smuggling rings, which is how he meets Bo, his attractive new partner. Bo is a pharmacist with PTSD from the Iraq War, which once led him to a dangerous dependence on prescription drugs. Now, he is working with law enforcement for a chance at redemption.

Diversion is one of the strongest gay romance novels I have read in our genre. It maintains a perfect balance between romantic comedy and hot sexual tension on the one hand and a solid, fascinating, complex plot about prescription drug smuggling on the other. The research that went into this plot must have been phenomenal, but you’ll never see any info-dump. Rather, we absorb the information in Lucky’s smart, funny, and somewhat high-strung viewpoint. And what a timely plot! Prescription drugs abuse and meth are currently laying waste to America’s heartland.

Meanwhile, the romantic comedy and hot sexual tension are everything a reader could want. Both characters come across strongly even though there is only one third-person viewpoint (Lucky’s). Lucky is an unforgettable character – a “cocky little bantam rooster,” as Bo calls him. He is so gleefully obnoxious to his newbie partner Bo and carries so huge a chip on his shoulder toward law enforcement that he could have been unbearably smug. But he’s not. His insecurity and genuine caring balance this out, and his snarky intelligence is an absolute delight. Bo is entirely his equal when it comes to verbal sparring, and I wanted the scenes between them never to end. I truly hope the author gives us a sequel, and I will be first in line to buy it.

Val for AReCafe ( )

Engaging characters with a wonderful storyline. Recommend. ( )