Focus On Me by Megan Erickson
Review by Lauren
Source: copy from author; all opinions are my own
Official Summary: Colin Hartman can now
add college to his list of failures. On the coast-to-coast trek home
from California, Colin stops at a gas station in the Nevada desert, and
can’t help noticing the guy in tight jeans looking like he just stepped
off a catwalk. When he realizes Catwalk is stranded, Colin offers a
ride.
Riley only intended to take a short ride in Colin’s Jeep to
the Grand Canyon. But one detour leads to another until they finally
find themselves tumbling into bed together. However there are shadows in
Riley’s eyes that hide a troubled past. And when those shadows threaten
to bury the man whom Colin has fallen in love with, he vows to get
Riley the help he needs. For once in his life, quitting isn’t an option…
Review: I read and loved Trust the Focus, the first in the “In Focus” series by Megan Erickson. While this is a series and you should read them in order so things are not spoiled (the main characters in Trust the Focus appear in Focus On Me), these are essentially companion novels. Each books focuses on a different m/m couple and how they find love and happiness on a road trip across America. For Focus On Me, this is about Colin Hartman who has failed out of college and is on his way home for the last time. On the way, he meets Riley at a gas station in the middle of nowhere and he offers him a ride.
The relationship between these two starts out a bit slow, as Riley is obviously hesitant to get close to Colin, even when it’s revealed that they are both gay and obviously attracted to each other. The reader knows a bit more about Riley than Colin does, but most of Riley’s troubles are revealed as their trip continues and Colin decides to keep visiting various locations across the U.S. with Riley. I always like road trip novels because it shows me parts of the U.S. that I’ve never heard of and would like to one day visit.
Once the two do start having a physical relationship, it’s intense and passionate. It’s easy to want these two to work, but readers know that it’s not entirely healthy. Colin and Riley both really like each other, but they can’t form a long lasting relationship with secrets. I loved both of these guys. Riley is easy to care for because you want him to get well, but Colin is also wonderful as he’s desperate to help Riley. He doesn’t want to fail at that. Colin also has a close relationship to his younger sister, who he communicates with a few times on the trip and it was nice to see their bond.
Thank you so much to Megan Erickson for allowing me to read her novel for review. I think these are great books with a lot of heart – and heat- and I would love to read more in the series!
Aww, great review, Mag! I love what you said about books with a lot of heart and heat –– you have just summed up what I look for in a YA Romance novel. :') Riley and Colin sound like great characters, and I have not read a YA Romance novel like this yet, which I think I should definitely change with this book. Thanks for the lovely review! 🙂
This one is new to me I confess but it's nice to see you had a good time with it. thnks for the discovery!
Glad you liked this. It sounds like it could be pretty emotional at times.
Great review!
Okay so GLBTQ romance + roadtrip? HELL YEAHS. Sounds great, Lauren! Lovely review <33
I'm glad you enjoyed this one – companion novels can be a lot of fun to read!
xx
I have both of these on my Kindle and I intend to binge read them soon as possible. I've heard nothing but praise for her work, which you pretty much just confirmed. Thank you for the lovely review, Lauren.
This month seems to be dedicated to romance novels. Every reviewer I've visited is hosting them. I'm not much a romance reader, but I enjoy knowing about all book releases. God luck to Megan.
I don't read many adult romances, only the classics really, but I can appreciate an emotional storyline especially when it's so wonderfully written as this one sounds. Absolutely lovely review Lauren, so glad you're enjoying the series <3
I would like the Grand Canyon setting for sure. Sounds like a good solid romance.
Every now and again a good romance just hits the right spot – great review as always Lauren.
I remember that you pulled me in with your review of the first book in this series. Sounds like it just keeps getting better! And I would love this setting!
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Totally adding this to my list. Which is getting embarrassingly long. HA!
I have not heard of this book or series. Great spotlight. I will check it out on Goodreads to add to my list.
I've always enjoyed road trip novels too. Great review!
I love this series as well Lauren 🙂 As a matter of fact, I recently reviewed this one as well. I agree, that Colin and Riley's relationship was slow-building, but grew intense and passionate. I loved how Colin was there for Riley from the start, and was so caring. My heart broke for Riley. Great Review 🙂
Lindy@ A Bookish Escape
The intense and passionate romance that is a bit slow to start sounds great
You know, I haven't read any books that are centred around a LGBTQ+ romance yet. That's not intentional, they just haven't crossed my path yet. This sounds like it was a fun romance to read though. Glad you enjoyed it!
I'm glad you liked it – I really love this series too.
Karen @For What It's Worth
I'm always on the lookout for a good M/M romance. I think I could enjoy this one, too. I like the slow build and the explosive fruition. 🙂
Oh she's one that's on my author tbr pile. Sounds like she's one I need to move up a bit 😀