Book Review: Overexposed (In Focus #4) by Megan Erickson

Overexposed
In Focus #4

By: 
Megan Erickson

Release Day:
Sept. 20, 2016

Publisher:
InterMix

Add to
Goodreads

Source:
eARC from publisher in exchange for a honest review

GR's Summary:

Love runs wild on the Appalachian Trail in the latest from the author of Out of Frame and Focus on Me... 

Levi Grainger needs a break. As a reality show star, he’s had enough of the spotlight and being edited into a walking stereotype. When he returns home after the last season of Trip League, he expects to spend time with his family, only to learn his sister is coming back from her deployment in a flag-draped casket. Devastated, Levi decides the best way to grieve will be to go off grid and hike the Appalachian Trail—a trip he'd planned to do with his sister. 

His solitary existence on the trail is interrupted when he meets Thad, a quiet man with a hard body and intense eyes. Their connection is stronger than anything Levi has ever experienced. But when Levi discovers the truth about what Thad is hiking to escape, their future together looks uncertain, and uncertainty is the last thing Levi needs... 

In Focus Series:
My Review of Trust the Focus Here
My Review of Focus on Me Here
My Review of Out of Frame Here

*Add this Series to Goodreads Here

My Thoughts:

The In Focus Series has been such an amazing reading experience.  I love how the author connects all of the new characters to the previous ones, and with each new book, my connection to every single one of them becomes that much stronger and real.  Each of these books can be read as a standalone, and you will not be lost in the slightest.  However, it's wonderful to read all of the books in the series because they are simply amazing.  Also, so that when the characters interact, (briefly), your connection and enjoyment of the story as a reader, becomes that much more profound. 

In Overexposed, we get another gritty, raw, and powerfully authentic story that pulls at the heartstrings.  We met main character, Levi Grainger, in the previous book, Out of Frame. Levi was a reality star, who was part of the show, Trip League, along with J.R. Butler.  He played the token gay male, and much of the footage was edited to make him come across as a more feminine version of himself.  He was a fun and easygoing secondary character that I enjoyed getting to know.

In Overexposed, Megan Erickson, delves deep with Levi, and exposes his many complex layers.  She gives us a complete picture, and we see Levi as real as if he existed in this life.  Levi is mourning the death of his beloved sister and best friend, Layla.  Levi decides to hike, The Appalachian Trail, just as he and Layla had planned to do together before she died.  As Levi begins his long trek in to the wilderness, he grieves Layla.  He remembers moments that they shared, wishes she was on the hike to tease him and give him crap, and talks to her (he believes her spirit is being made happy seeing him fulfill the hike, and that she is watching him.)

Unfortunately, Levi is not very good when it comes to the outdoors.  He is a bit high maintenance, and lacks the know-how and common sense in dealing with the danger that the rugged wilderness can present.  Fortunately, Levi meets fellow hiker, Thad Connors.  Thad is Levi's opposite.  He is the strong, silent type, and very proficient at survival.  Thad too is in mourning, and Levi is exactly what he needs.  Where Thad is serious, grumpy, and keeps to himself; Levi is talkative, shares a lot, and brings levity to life on the trail, and life in general for Thad.   

I loved watching the friendship and intimacy grow between Levi and Thad on the Appalachian Trail.  They really needed one another, and balanced each other perfectly.  Both men were loyal, caring, compassionate, and wounded.  The romance between them was a beautiful thing to witness.  I cried my eyes out a few times while reading their story.  These two main characters touched my heart, and I yearned for their healing.  

Overexposed was a story that echoed real life.  There were moments of pain, as well as moments of joy, laughter, beauty, love, and healing.  If you enjoy LGBT romance, the In Focus Series is a must read. I have loved every single story in this series, and the way that Ms. Erickson brings all of the characters together at the end for a fun and happy vacation.

My Rating:

I give, Overexposed, by Megan Erickson, 4.5 Painful Loss, Introspection, A Surprising Love, Healing, & Happily Ever After Filled Stars! 

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Google | Kobo 

About Megan Erickson:

Megan Erickson is a USA Today bestselling author of romance that sizzles. Her books have a touch of nerd, a dash of humor, and always have a happily ever after. A former journalist, she switched to fiction when she decided she likes writing her own endings better. 

She lives in Pennsylvania with her very own nerdy husband and two kids. Although rather fun-sized, she’s been told she has a full-sized personality. When Megan isn’t writing, she’s either lounging with her two cats named after John Hughes characters or… thinking about writing. 

She is represented by Marisa Corvisiero of Corvisiero Literary Agency.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

Book Spotlight: Out of Frame (In Focus #3) by Megan Erickson

Out of Frame
In Focus #3

By:
Megan Erickson

Published: 
March 15, 2016

Publisher:
Berkley Romance

Source:
eARC from the publisher in exchange for a honest review

Add to
Goodreads

GR's Summary:

Romance trades the open road for the high seas in the latest from the author of Focus on Me and Trust the Focus... 

Perpetually shy, Quinn Mathers is content to remain in the shadow of his brash best friend Jess Hartman. But before their college graduation, he and Jess have planned one last hurrah: a spring break Caribbean cruise. 

And it won’t be just any cruise. On board are members of the reality show Trip League, which follows young twenty-somethings on adventures around the world. Since the show’s beginning, Quinn has been fascinated by J. R. Butler, with his amazing body, warm eyes, and killer grin. Unfortunately, he’s straight—or so the world thinks. 

At nineteen, J. R. signed a contract to play straight for the show, and there’s no way to get out of it now. Yet with each passing day, Quinn and J. R. find it harder to keep their hands off each other and to keep out of the camera’s frame. But when the lens finally focuses on them, J. R. must decide if he’s willing to risk his career by admitting his bisexuality, and Quinn must determine if he's bold enough to stand in the spotlight with the man of his dreams... 

In Focus Series:
My Review on Trust the Focus Here
My Review on Focus on Me Here

*Add this Series to Goodreads Here

My Thoughts:

The In Focus Series by Megan Erickson is such a romantic LGBT series.  I love this series, and have grown an attachment to all of these couples.  Each story in this series is diverse, unique, heartwarming, sexy, and will give readers a case of the "feels!"  All of the stories in this series can be read as standalones, but have connections through friendship and family with the other characters in previous books. 

Out of Frame is the story of Quinn Mathers and J.R. Butler.  It is told from their dual perspectives, which made me feel especially close to and able to connect with both of these characters.  Quinn and his best friend, Jess, have saved up to take an epic Caribbean Cruise during spring break their senior year of college.  The cast of the popular reality show, Trip League, will be on board also, and this is something that both Quinn and Jess are very excited about.

Quinn is very fascinated by J.R. Butler, one of the members of the reality show.  He's curious if there is more to J.R. than the show portrays, which is an alpha male with a bad temper.  J.R. is bisexual, but he signed a contract with his agent saying that he would play the part of a heterosexual male for Trip League.  When J.R. was nineteen, he hadn't thought the consequences of this action through, because he wanted to break in to acting.  To top it off J.R.'s brother has sickle cell anemia, and his family needs as much financial help as possible.

When J.R. see's Quinn for the first time, he can't take his eyes off of him.  He finds him attractive, but knows that he must keep his distance from the temptation that Quinn poses.  However, as the cruise gets underway, J.R. and Quinn keep running in to one another, and put in to situations that bring them closer to one another.  Finally J.R. tells Quinn his secret, and these two become enamored with one another.  They must be careful to not get caught being affectionate or intimate with one another or J.R. could lose his job.  What will happen when the cruise comes to an end?  Will J.R. risk his career and earning capacity in order to take a chance on love?

Out of Frame was such a fun story.  I've never been on a cruise before, and felt like I was right alongside Quinn, Jess, J.R. and the cast of Trip League as they drank, danced, gambled, karaoked, and engaged in many fun shenanigans and adventures!  I enjoyed the romance, chemistry, and connection that developed between Quinn and J.R.  They brought out the best in one another, and by the time the trip had come to an end, both characters grew and matured.  Quinn went from being a constant worrier, and depending on his parents to make his decisions, to taking more risks and growing up.  J.R. went from playing a persona that was chosen for him, to being himself.

The epilogue of Out of Frame, gave me a huge case of the warm fuzzes.  I got to be reunited with the main characters from the two previous books in the series.  I had really missed Justin, Landry, Colin, and Riley.  I felt like I was being reunited with long lost friends, as all of these characters came together!  

I already cannot wait to read the next book in the series, Overexposed, which will be Levi Grainger's story, one of the secondary characters that we meet in this book.  Levi was a part of the cast for Trip League, and was the token gay male on the reality show.

My Rating:

I give, Out of Frame, by Megan Erickson, 4 Caribbean Escape, Heartwarming and Heartfelt, Sizzling Connection, Taking Control of Your Life, Filled Stars!    

Book Teasers:

Purchase At:

Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo | Google Play

About Megan Erickson:

Megan Erickson grew up in a family that averages 5’5” on a good day and started writing to create characters who could reach the top kitchen shelf. 

She’s got a couple of tattoos, has a thing for gladiators and has been called a crazy cat lady. After working as a journalist for years, she decided she liked creating her own endings better and switched back to fiction. 

She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids and two cats. And no, she still can’t reach the stupid top shelf.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Blog Tour: Tied To Trouble (Gamers #3) by Megan Erickson

Tied To Trouble
Gamers #3

By: 
Megan Erickson

Published:
Jan. 4, 2016

Publisher:
Entangled Brazen

Source:
eARC from publisher in exchange for a honest review

GR's Summary:

Between love and hate, there's a whole lot of trouble… 

Chad Lake only showed up at his sister's party for the free food, but when he spots an uptight nerd at the edge of the crowd, he can't resist trying to ruffle the guy's perfect bow tie and impeccable hair. The hottie's ready for him, though, and in the end, it's Chad who's left wide-eyed, his ears still ringing with the filthy things Bow Tie whispered in his ear. No one gets the upper hand on Chad. Ever. 

Owen Hawkins has heard all about the cocky Adonis from Chad's sister—the same sister who holds Owen's career advancement in her hands. He has every intention of steering clear of the other man…until Chad's sexy taunts push him too far. There's something intriguing about Chad, and even though Owen knows that getting tangled up with the infuriating man is trouble, he can't seem to stay away… 


 **This is part of an M/F series but can be read as standalone**

Gamers Series:

My Review of Changing His Game Here
My Review of Playing For Her Heart Here

  

Add this Series to Goodreads Here

My Thoughts:

The Gamers Series has been a whole lot of fun, laughs, and sexy times!  I love these characters, and have learned more about gaming and cosplay through them.  The strong themes of friendship and family in this series really warm my heart.  If you're looking for light-hearted, fun, comedic, and erotic, then the Gamers Series is an excellent choice.

In Tied to Trouble, we get Chad Lake (Marley's brother), and Owen Hawkins (the Copy Editor for Gamers) story.  Austin, Marley's boyfriend and the owner of Gamers, is planning to propose to her.  So, he enlists the help of Chad and Owen to get everything ready for the big event.  During this time, Chad and Owen battle through an attraction, growing feelings for one another, and the conflicts that arise.

I really enjoyed Tied to Trouble, and was honored to be able to read and review the first LGBT title published by the Entangled Brazen line.  Chad and Owen were opposites, but they really complimented one another.  Chad was an artistic free spirit, and loved to fly by the seat of his pants.  On the downside, he had trouble with being responsible, stable, and organized.  Owen was introverted, series, organized, mature, and responsible.  However, he needed to relax more, and learn how to have fun.  Together, these two balanced one another perfectly.

Chad frustrated me a bit throughout the story.  His own insecurities within himself, as well as his stubbornness and immaturity at times, caused unnecessary problems between himself and Owen.  I loved how patient, sweet, attentive, and supportive Owen was towards Chad.  I was glad to see the amount of character growth that Chad underwent by the end of the story.

Together, Chad and Owen's chemistry was explosive.  They were a great pair, and I was rooting for them from the very beginning.  I was happy for the snippets that I got of Austin, Marley, and Grant throughout the story.  I also enjoyed getting to know Chad's good friend and co-worker, Ace.  I would love for Ace to get his own story.  (Hint, Hint ;)  Tied to Trouble was a wonderful addition to the Gamers Series. 

My Rating:

I give, Tied to Trouble, 4 Naughty, Fun, Delightfully Delicious, Scandalous Bow Tie Filled Stars!  I never knew a bow tie could be so much fun... 

Book Teasers:

Purchase At:

Amazon | B&N | iBooks 
 Google Play | Kobo | Entangled

About Megan Erickson: 

Megan Erickson grew up in a family that averages 5’5” on a good day and started writing to create characters who could reach the top kitchen shelf. 

She’s got a couple of tattoos, has a thing for gladiators and has been called a crazy cat lady. After working as a journalist for years, she decided she liked creating her own endings better and switched back to fiction. 

She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids and two cats. And no, she still can’t reach the stupid top shelf.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook 
Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

January 2016 Brazen Blast

Forget the resolutions you're likely to break by making the one you're sure to accomplish with Brazen! Start the new year right with three daring, sexy new romance reads. Who needs cardio when these books are sure to get your heart racing?

Hold Me Until Forever by Christina Phillips

Ella Clark has been in love with Alex Grayson forever. She’s tired of being invisible—or worse, being treated like his kid sister. If she can just get him to drop his iron-fisted control for two seconds, she’ll prove she knows exactly how to blow his mind.

Alex has been fighting his attraction to Ella since her should-have-been-innocent sweet sixteen kiss burned down his world. He's damaged, and there's no way he'll ever drag her into his screwed up life. Until she offers him something he's always craved—steamy, no-strings sex inside his exclusive BDSM club. Where she'll be safe from the darkness that haunts him.

Except there's nothing safe about being with Ella, and the more she gives, the harder it is to let her go. If he stays, he risks everything, but how can he walk away from the only woman he's ever needed?

Find a copy of Hold Me Until Forever:

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | Entangled | Goodreads

About Christina Phillips: 

Christina Phillips is an ex-pat Brit who now lives in sunny Western Australia with her high school sweetheart and their family. She enjoys writing paranormal, historical and contemporary romance where the stories sizzle and the heroine brings her hero to his knees.

She is a triple finalist in the 2013 ARRA Awards for Favorite Erotic Romance, and finalist in the 2012 ARRA Awards for Favorite Paranormal Romance. She is published by Entangled, Ellora’s Cave and Berkley Heat and has dipped her toe in the indie pubbed waters. She is a member of the Romance Writers of Australia, Romance Writers of America, the Dark Side Down Under Group blog and Historical Hearts Group blog. She helped establish the inaugural Professional Development for Authors program and has been a member of the editorial team for the RWA’s monthly newsletter, Hearts Talk. She loves hearing from her readers!

Christina is addicted to good coffee, expensive chocolate and bad boy heroes. She is also owned by three gorgeous cats who are convinced the universe revolves around their needs. They are not wrong.

Connect with Christina Phillips

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Tell Me You Want Me by Joya Ryan

Determined to find her inner badass and save her business, boutique owner Michelle Ruby signs up for a twenty-four hour survival class. Except, she’s the only person who registered, and the guide is a sex-on-a-stick G.I. Joe come to life. Between his massive muscles, smoldering blue eyes, and “there’s no crying in camping” attitude, she’s in trouble…in more ways than one.

Search and rescue squad member Dex Young never thought he’d be roped into teaching “survival skills” to pageant queens. His sole student is upper class, upper state, and sexy as hell. And he has a sneaking suspicion that beneath her tight updo and designer jeans, there’s a sex kitten waiting to claw her way out.

But Dex knows women like her. Knows they only bring guys like him home to piss off their daddies. If it’s the bad boy experience she wants, she’ll get it. And Dex? Well, he can’t wait to find out just how dirty Michelle’s willing to get…

Find your copy of Tell Me You Want Me:

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | Entangled | Goodreads

About Joya Ryan: 

National and international bestselling author Joya Ryan is the author of the Shattered series, which includes Break Me Slowly, Possess Me Slowly and Capture Me Slowly. She has also written the Sweet Torment series, which includes Breathe You In and Only You. She loves writing spicy Brazens which include The Chasing Love Series. Passionate about both cooking and dancing (despite not being too skilled at the latter), she loves spending time at home. She resides in California with her husband and her two sons.

Connect with Joya Ryan

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Tied to Trouble by Megan Erickson

A sexy new M/M romance from Entangled’s Brazen imprint…

Chad Lake only showed up at his sister's party for the free food, but when he spots an uptight nerd at the edge of the crowd, he can't resist trying to ruffle the guy's perfect bow tie and impeccable hair. The hottie’s ready for him, though, and in the end, it's Chad who's left wide-eyed, his ears still ringing with the filthy things Bow Tie whispered in his ear. No one gets the upper hand on Chad. Ever.

Owen Hawkins has heard all about the cocky Adonis from Chad’s sister—the same sister who holds Owen’s career advancement in her hands. He has every intention of steering clear of the other man…until Chad's sexy taunts push him too far. There’s something intriguing about Chad, and even though Owen knows that getting tangled up with the infuriating man is trouble, he can’t seem to stay away…

Find your copy of Tied to Trouble:

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | Entangled | Goodreads

About Megan Erickson: 

Megan worked as a journalist covering real-life dramas before she decided she liked writing her own endings better and switched to fiction.

She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids and two cats. When she's not tapping away on her laptop, she's probably listening to the characters in her head who won't stop talking.

Connect with Megan Erickson

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Goodreads