Title: Trust the Focus
Series: In Focus, Book 1
Author: Megan Erickson
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult, M/M Romance
Sensuality Rating: Erotic
Source: review copy provided by publisher
Published: March 17, 2015 by Intermix
With his college graduation gown expertly pitched into the trash, Justin Akron is ready for the road trip he planned with his best friend Landry— and ready for one last summer of escape from his mother’s controlling grip. Climbing into the Winnebago his father left him, they set out across America in search of the sites his father had captured through the lens of his Nikon.
As an aspiring photographer, Justin can think of no better way to honor his father’s memory than to scatter his ashes at the sites he held sacred. And there’s no one Justin would rather share the experience with more than Landry.
But Justin knows he can’t escape forever. Eventually he’ll have to return home and join his mother’s Senate campaign. Nor can he escape the truth of who he is, and the fact that he’s in love with his out-and-proud travel companion.
Admitting what he wants could hurt his mother’s conservative political career. But with every click of his shutter and every sprinkle of ash, Justin can’t resist Landry’s pull. And when the truth comes into focus, neither is prepared for the secrets the other is hiding.
Reviewed by: Crissy
Why I Read This Book: Two reasons (and really the first should be a given if any of you have ever read any of my reviews or the monthly book recs): gay for you and friends to lovers. These are probably two of my all-time favorite tropes. Add to that a road trip, and I could not pass this baby up.
In A Nutshell: This book is so far beyond what I expected. The sheer precious factor should add another level of rating. It's a definite must read for fans of M/M, GFY, new adult, and wonderful romance in general.
What I Liked: There are so many things to like about this one. The beauty of this story is in the journey. And it is both extremely beautiful and a long winding road in so many ways. The journey/road trip is both literal and metaphorical in so many ways. I love Justin and Landry’s growth. Mostly my heart is focused on Justin because the obstacles, both self-imposed and destined, seem to pile up on him. But the guy—though he may make a mistake or two along the way—owns up to them, faces them head on, and takes them down one at a time.
What I Also Liked: Justin and Landry are a power team. The bond between them is strong to begin with. These guys are inspiration for friendships everywhere (not to mention friendships turned lovers). The fact that Landry would tag along with this BFF across the country—it’s a beautiful act in and of itself. The author does a wonderful job with the tension surrounding Justin and Landry. There is, of course, an inevitability factor to them, but it makes the coming together and tearing apart that much sweeter. It’s a wonderful ride.
In My Opinion: This book is everything. I am head over heels and I can’t wait to read more. It’s a definite must-read for M/M fans, especially lovers of NA. And it’s also a wonderful starter book into the genre. It’s perfection.
Memorable Moments:
Crissy’s Rating:
"This book is everything." I couldn't agree with you more! There was so much to the book--heart and humor and heartache and love--it's hard to express how amazing it is. :) Glad to see you enjoyed it!!
ReplyDeleteBecause it's absolutely freaking amazing!!
DeleteGreat review, Crissy! I loved this book too. I've become a huge fan of m/m NA romances and I loved that this one took the guys out of the college setting and on the road, because road romances are the best too. I'm impatiently counting down the days until her next book comes out. Is it July yet?? :)
ReplyDeleteOMG! Have you read Heidi Cullinan's Love Lessons series? I love book one but book two is my heart. Aaron and Giles captivated me... I'm dying for August.
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