Danielle (Love at First Page)'s Reviews > Focus on Me

3.5-4 stars

So Focus on Me was not an easy read! My eyes were definitely leaking. It tackles sensitive subjects such as depression and anorexia, and how love can be there for you to fall back on but it's not the cure. My heart was hurting for these characters so badly, which only goes to show how much Megan Erickson made me care about them. I wanted them to find happiness - especially with each other - and I knew they would (hey, this is a romance), but the road there was messy and painful. There are a lot of really sad parts, and I just ached. But then Megan brings it all back around again, and it's like my heart was full to bursting. So, basically, all the emotions in this book, but the love felt earned.

The book is mostly from Colin's perspective; he's a college drop-out on his way home to North Carolina to work for his family's business. Though usually this a very bad thing in the lives of characters - and at times Colin does feel embarrassed by it - it's anything but a failure. It's what he truly wants to do, and like how it is for many people, college just wasn't for him. I loved this. Being a "new adult" is so much more than just college. I also like that once again (as in Trust The Focus) we are back on the road, which is where Colin meets Riley, a good-looking but reserved stranger who's looking for a ride to the Grand Canyon. Colin agrees to take him, and along the way feelings develop. The two share a very unexpected but real bond, but it's clear that Riley is struggling with his own demons. About halfway through the book things start taking a shaky turn, and I could do nothing but keep reading. I was in pain for Riley and for Colin - both have doubts about their self-worth, though it has manifested in different ways, Riley's in a much more physical and harmful pattern. His depression, anxiety, and unhealthy eating habits aren't glossed over in the least; there were scenes that had me tearing up and that were almost unbearable. I wanted more than anything for him to seek the help he needed.

Normally, I shy away from these more angst-driven books, but I knew Megan wouldn't leave my heart hanging. And she really does a fantastic job with the Colin and Riley's relationship. The progression is sexy, emotional, and heartfelt, while at times uneasy. I'm glad that Colin wouldn't allow Riley to use their love and desire as his crutch; Riley needs to be healthy for himself, and Megan gets this message across beautifully at the end. Of course, this is still very much a romance, and Colin and Riley really do make a sweet pair. Colin especially won my heart, with his country drawl and laid-back attitude paired with a deeply caring heart.

I'm not sure if there are any more books planned for the In Focus series, but I sure hope so. We also get to meet back up with Landry and Justin (some of the chapters were actually emails Riley was sending to Landry, which I thought was adorable), and I'd love to see both of these couples again. These books have pretty much been my first m/m romances, and I think I've fallen in love. My fingers are definitely crossed for another one.

***Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for approving my request in exchange for an honest review.***

This review can also be found at Love at First Page.