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duncandahusky's review
5.0
I love all of these characters. Each book in this series was better than the last! And darn it, Ms. Erickson succeeded in making me cry with each one.
stemtherapy's review
3.0
I have mixed feelings about this book. I liked the idea of hiking the Appalachian Trail ... I found that part of the story interesting and unique to this genre. I actually really liked that part of this story.
However, I had a very hard time connecting to either MC. Then I was surprised when one MC self-identified as demisexual. This is the second book I have read in a relatively short time with a demisexual MC (the other being [b:Empty Net|30368400|Empty Net (Scoring Chances #4)|Avon Gale|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1466517432s/30368400.jpg|50880651]). Ordinarily, I am thrilled when I see less known sexual/romantic/gender orientations represented within this genre ... in this case I was less thrilled for a number of reasons. The characteristics presented in this book did not necessarily reflect those often exhibited by those on the asexual spectrum (attraction appeared to be fairly instant and did not develop over time as the emotional bond formed) and the unfortunate portrayal of the asexual spectrum MC as "robotic" which is something many in the asexual community take exception to. Because asexuals do not experience sexual attraction the same way others do ... they are often to seen as sub-human (since many consider sexuality is considered to be such a big part of who a person is -- you will often hear the phase that it is what makes us human) and yes, often called robots (a kind of slur). So that was very unfortunate and probably unintentional? This was not helped by the somewhat creepy stalker-ish tendencies the same MC exhibited. Maybe cute in a romantic novel, it is disconcertingly unnerving when it happens in the real life ...
I am seeing more and more asexual spectrum representation in this genre which is fantastic! However, few accurately capture the experience and the risk of perpetuating harmful stereotypes exists. However, I will still commend the author for tackling a complicated sexual orientation and raising awareness ...
That said ... I read books 1 and 2 of this series and liked this book the best so far. The first two suffered from forced angst/tension and this does not have that ...
PS. I listened to this in audiobook format. Sometimes the narration was hard to follow ... particularly when the MCs mumbled or spoke quietly ... because the narrator did the same and it was hard to follow.
However, I had a very hard time connecting to either MC. Then I was surprised when one MC self-identified as demisexual. This is the second book I have read in a relatively short time with a demisexual MC (the other being [b:Empty Net|30368400|Empty Net (Scoring Chances #4)|Avon Gale|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1466517432s/30368400.jpg|50880651]). Ordinarily, I am thrilled when I see less known sexual/romantic/gender orientations represented within this genre ... in this case I was less thrilled for a number of reasons. The characteristics presented in this book did not necessarily reflect those often exhibited by those on the asexual spectrum (attraction appeared to be fairly instant and did not develop over time as the emotional bond formed) and the unfortunate portrayal of the asexual spectrum MC as "robotic" which is something many in the asexual community take exception to. Because asexuals do not experience sexual attraction the same way others do ... they are often to seen as sub-human (since many consider sexuality is considered to be such a big part of who a person is -- you will often hear the phase that it is what makes us human) and yes, often called robots (a kind of slur). So that was very unfortunate and probably unintentional? This was not helped by the somewhat creepy stalker-ish tendencies the same MC exhibited. Maybe cute in a romantic novel, it is disconcertingly unnerving when it happens in the real life ...
I am seeing more and more asexual spectrum representation in this genre which is fantastic! However, few accurately capture the experience and the risk of perpetuating harmful stereotypes exists. However, I will still commend the author for tackling a complicated sexual orientation and raising awareness ...
That said ... I read books 1 and 2 of this series and liked this book the best so far. The first two suffered from forced angst/tension and this does not have that ...
PS. I listened to this in audiobook format. Sometimes the narration was hard to follow ... particularly when the MCs mumbled or spoke quietly ... because the narrator did the same and it was hard to follow.
horrorbutch's review
3.0
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Levi's sister just died while on deployment in the Middle East. To deal with his grief Levi, a former reality TV star, decides to hike the Appalachian Trail by himself. It's not easy and at first every second reminds him of his sister, as they had planned to do this trip together. One night he meets the mysterious stranger Thad staring at the moon. For some reason Thad decides to continue hiking with Levi and slowly the two men grow closer.
Levi used to be the star of the Reality TV Show "Trip League". Despite how they portrayed him there, he is not that stereotypical gay man. Mostly he doesn't want to be Levi Garber, the celebrity, anymore, he just wants to be Levi. He is hurt from his recent loss and you can see how much he loved his sister. His relationship with his mother is also amazing. He is a funny and sweet character. Sadly he has some moments where he truly acts TSTL (like not looking where you're going in the middle of a swamp and ups stumbling into a hole...) which really annoyed me.
Thad is a broody loner. He is very closed off and doesn't really talk much. At first he seems like kind of a douche bag, but when he and Levi get closer he slowly starts to open up more. But after their first shared night Thad shuts down completely again and pushes Levi away. The hurt he faced in the past is too painful for him to bear.
The story is told from Levi's perspective and since Thad is very quite about his actual feelings he is a mystery for the readers for a long time. I absolutely enjoyed this
Levi's and Thad's relationship starts very slow, but develops nicely. Despite the story being not a fluffy one, the loss never overwhelms the narrative. I really enjoyed the portrayal of the hike. The character development in this novel was also an amazing one.
Personally I found the Texts from M to be quite annoying. M's part in the story for me didn't really feel right and it just took me out of the story.
The ending is definitely a nice one, with lots of hope for the future. However I didn't enjoy the epilogue, with random pairings from the other books appearing. I could have done well without it.
All in all the story and characters were great, but there were some parts that I didn't really enjoy.
Levi's sister just died while on deployment in the Middle East. To deal with his grief Levi, a former reality TV star, decides to hike the Appalachian Trail by himself. It's not easy and at first every second reminds him of his sister, as they had planned to do this trip together. One night he meets the mysterious stranger Thad staring at the moon. For some reason Thad decides to continue hiking with Levi and slowly the two men grow closer.
Levi used to be the star of the Reality TV Show "Trip League". Despite how they portrayed him there, he is not that stereotypical gay man. Mostly he doesn't want to be Levi Garber, the celebrity, anymore, he just wants to be Levi. He is hurt from his recent loss and you can see how much he loved his sister. His relationship with his mother is also amazing. He is a funny and sweet character. Sadly he has some moments where he truly acts TSTL (like not looking where you're going in the middle of a swamp and ups stumbling into a hole...) which really annoyed me.
Thad is a broody loner. He is very closed off and doesn't really talk much. At first he seems like kind of a douche bag, but when he and Levi get closer he slowly starts to open up more. But after their first shared night Thad shuts down completely again and pushes Levi away. The hurt he faced in the past is too painful for him to bear.
The story is told from Levi's perspective and since Thad is very quite about his actual feelings he is a mystery for the readers for a long time. I absolutely enjoyed this
Levi's and Thad's relationship starts very slow, but develops nicely. Despite the story being not a fluffy one, the loss never overwhelms the narrative. I really enjoyed the portrayal of the hike. The character development in this novel was also an amazing one.
Personally I found the Texts from M to be quite annoying. M's part in the story for me didn't really feel right and it just took me out of the story.
The ending is definitely a nice one, with lots of hope for the future. However I didn't enjoy the epilogue, with random pairings from the other books appearing. I could have done well without it.
All in all the story and characters were great, but there were some parts that I didn't really enjoy.
caniac_bar's review against another edition
4.0
Oh I think this is my second favorite of the series.
Can I hug Thad? This is the second book I've read of a demisexual person. I love that different sexuality are making it's way into the romance world.
Can I hug Thad? This is the second book I've read of a demisexual person. I love that different sexuality are making it's way into the romance world.
saya27's review
5.0
~~ 5/5~~
This book was reaaally good! I'm really impressed by this series, it's definitely one of my favourites!
The evolution of the characters and the building of the relationship are always really good and the themes of the books are always emotional and well described.
Thad and Levi were just... <3
I will read this again!
"You're the moon I get to see during the day." Fuck. Me.
This book was reaaally good! I'm really impressed by this series, it's definitely one of my favourites!
The evolution of the characters and the building of the relationship are always really good and the themes of the books are always emotional and well described.
Thad and Levi were just... <3
I will read this again!
avengangle's review
4.0
Solid book, good exploring of grief.
I'm not sure. I mean, it felt all right while I was reading it but . . . it's definitely not the kind of time-frame (days, weeks) that would ever happen to me. I'm just one data point, though.
ETA: That having been said, the most realistic part of the book was (paraphrased) when Thad said, "Yeah, no one knows what 'demisexual' means and I'm sick of explaining it so I just don't mention it." TOO REAL.
Spoiler
Thad (the demisexual character)'s experience of his sexuality rang pretty true, although someone else's comment that the relationship between him and Levi seemed a little rushed (despite an in-universe explanation of "everything was intense on the AT") also applies.I'm not sure. I mean, it felt all right while I was reading it but . . . it's definitely not the kind of time-frame (days, weeks) that would ever happen to me. I'm just one data point, though.
ETA: That having been said, the most realistic part of the book was (paraphrased) when Thad said, "Yeah, no one knows what 'demisexual' means and I'm sick of explaining it so I just don't mention it." TOO REAL.
fv_angela's review
4.0
Review originally posted at http://fictionvixen.com/read-wednesday-overexposed-megan-erickson/
My first introduction to Megan Erickson was the first book in the In Focus series, Trust the Focus. Since then I’ve read every single release of her’s that I could get my hands on, both writing alone and with Santino Hassell. I’ve enjoyed each and every one. Some are sexier than others, some more intense, and a few just about broke my heart before putting it back together again. But it all started with this series, and because of that In Focus holds a special place on my keeper shelf.
Overexposed is Levi’s story, who was introduced in Out of Frame. Fresh off a stint as a reality TV star in Trip League, he is determined to honor his sister’s memory by taking the trip they planned together hiking the Appalachian trial alone. He hopes to take this time to grieve a life cut short and hopefully just be Levi.
Then one evening he wakes in the middle of the night to find a man not far from his campsite just sitting, and staring at the moon. Thad is quiet, a man who doesn’t talk much and rarely shows emotion, but he listens and Levi can’t help but feel a little pull toward him. When morning finds him gone, Levi realizes he didn’t find anything out about his mystery man. But when they run into each other again in the next town they form a tentative bond and decide to hike the trail together.
From that point on their chemistry and sexual tension just about incinerates the pages. Levi wants Thad and Thad gives in, only to pull away the next morning. There’s anger and sadness and Thad keeping everything inside so neither Levi or the reader really knows why he acts the way he does or keeps his distance. And because this story is told in Levi’s first person POV, the only glimpses into Thad’s head are through mysterious texts included at the end of each chapter which are exchanged with someone nicknamed M.
If you are looking for something light and easy, this may not be for you. As with each and every book in this series, it deals with heavy themes. Levi’s grief over his sister’s death overseas while serving in the military first and foremost. Thad has his own internal issues he’s working through, which means that it’s hard going for this couple. Especially since Thad is also keeping a secret that could potentially tear them apart just when they’ve found each other.
I won’t get into any more than this in my review because the beauty of Ms. Erickson’s books IS the whole experience. Working through emotions along with her characters, watching them find their footing and overcome their internal and external obstacles. Of course, the sexy times are off the charts hot and this couple really can’t keep their hands off each other. I loved their hard won HEA and the epilogue with the previous couples in this series was a lovely added bonus.
I do believe you can read Overexposed as a stand-a-lone, but I’m not sure why you would want to. Every book in this series is wonderful. I’m a little sad that it seems to be coming to an end but will keep hoping that this author revisits these characters again in the future.
Favorite Quote:
“I’m not looking at the moon right now, Le,” he said. “I’m looking at you. Those gorgeous eyes. Those lips. That body. You’re the moon I get to see during the day.”
My first introduction to Megan Erickson was the first book in the In Focus series, Trust the Focus. Since then I’ve read every single release of her’s that I could get my hands on, both writing alone and with Santino Hassell. I’ve enjoyed each and every one. Some are sexier than others, some more intense, and a few just about broke my heart before putting it back together again. But it all started with this series, and because of that In Focus holds a special place on my keeper shelf.
Overexposed is Levi’s story, who was introduced in Out of Frame. Fresh off a stint as a reality TV star in Trip League, he is determined to honor his sister’s memory by taking the trip they planned together hiking the Appalachian trial alone. He hopes to take this time to grieve a life cut short and hopefully just be Levi.
I liked showers and hot food and soft beds. This had been Layla’s idea. She’d wanted to sleep under the stars and make s’mores over a campfire.
Since she couldn’t do it, I was doing it for her.
Then one evening he wakes in the middle of the night to find a man not far from his campsite just sitting, and staring at the moon. Thad is quiet, a man who doesn’t talk much and rarely shows emotion, but he listens and Levi can’t help but feel a little pull toward him. When morning finds him gone, Levi realizes he didn’t find anything out about his mystery man. But when they run into each other again in the next town they form a tentative bond and decide to hike the trail together.
From that point on their chemistry and sexual tension just about incinerates the pages. Levi wants Thad and Thad gives in, only to pull away the next morning. There’s anger and sadness and Thad keeping everything inside so neither Levi or the reader really knows why he acts the way he does or keeps his distance. And because this story is told in Levi’s first person POV, the only glimpses into Thad’s head are through mysterious texts included at the end of each chapter which are exchanged with someone nicknamed M.
If you are looking for something light and easy, this may not be for you. As with each and every book in this series, it deals with heavy themes. Levi’s grief over his sister’s death overseas while serving in the military first and foremost. Thad has his own internal issues he’s working through, which means that it’s hard going for this couple. Especially since Thad is also keeping a secret that could potentially tear them apart just when they’ve found each other.
I won’t get into any more than this in my review because the beauty of Ms. Erickson’s books IS the whole experience. Working through emotions along with her characters, watching them find their footing and overcome their internal and external obstacles. Of course, the sexy times are off the charts hot and this couple really can’t keep their hands off each other. I loved their hard won HEA and the epilogue with the previous couples in this series was a lovely added bonus.
I do believe you can read Overexposed as a stand-a-lone, but I’m not sure why you would want to. Every book in this series is wonderful. I’m a little sad that it seems to be coming to an end but will keep hoping that this author revisits these characters again in the future.
Favorite Quote:
“I’m not looking at the moon right now, Le,” he said. “I’m looking at you. Those gorgeous eyes. Those lips. That body. You’re the moon I get to see during the day.”
teenykins's review
5.0
UNBELIEVABLE!!!!
This book was a breath of fresh air in my quest to find a book to read!!! Believe me alot got deleted between the previous book and this one!!! I'll for sure go back and read the rest of the series!
I loved Levi's narration, I loved reading his voice, his mind, his feelings and can I please plead the deities that govern the universe for a Thad of my own? Just a straight please!
Even though the book was from Levi's POV that didn't make connecting to Thad any less and it was perfect reading the epilogue in Thad's voice, kinda made the book more whole that way.
This book was a breath of fresh air in my quest to find a book to read!!! Believe me alot got deleted between the previous book and this one!!! I'll for sure go back and read the rest of the series!
I loved Levi's narration, I loved reading his voice, his mind, his feelings and can I please plead the deities that govern the universe for a Thad of my own? Just a straight please!
Even though the book was from Levi's POV that didn't make connecting to Thad any less and it was perfect reading the epilogue in Thad's voice, kinda made the book more whole that way.
gillianw's review against another edition
4.0
I think this was my favourite book in the In Focus series. I read it from cover to cover in one sitting and found it sweet, sexy and wonderfully engrossing. 4 stars