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

Publication Date: March 15, 2016
Publisher: InterMix
Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Source: e-ARC provided via Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 202 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4/5 stars

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...

 

 

This was such a fun, cute read! Although, now I wish I were ALREADY on Spring Break! While I'm not a big fan of reality tv, I have to admit this was a fun spin to add along with the cruise setting. I adored Quinn and I liked Jay a lot, so I was rooting for them from the beginning. Jess was also so much fun, as was Levi! So not only did we have a fun setting, but our characters were great too. I love how supportive they were of each other- their friendships were so key to this story!

 

Quinn was just precious. He was a complete sweetheart. He is a people pleaser though and isn't a take charge kind of guy. Being on spring break with his wild friend Jess, gives him the outlet to finally break free and step out of his comfort zone to go after what he wants for a change. I liked seeing him take chances and it was really inspirational to readers who want to do the same, but are afraid to. Jay was a bit of a tough nut to crack at first, but he was actually a good guy who felt trapped by the situation he was placed in. He notices Quinn, but knows he can't act on his feelings, as he's supposed to be straight for the show and there are cameras EVERYWHERE. Their stolen moments together were definitely great, but my heart ached for them as they shouldn't have to hide from the world.

 

Overall, I really enjoyed this one. I flew through it and it was just the kind of light-hearted read I needed. I am really looking forward to Levi's book, especially since it's about being on the Appalachian trail!

 

Strong Signal (Cyberlove #1)
   by: Megan Erickson and Santino Hassell

Publication Date: Feb. 15, 2016
Publisher: Self Published
Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC provided via the authors in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4.5/5 stars

I was counting down the months until the end of my deployment. My days were spent working on military vehicles, and I spent my nights playing video games that would distract me until I could leave Staff Sergeant Garrett Reid behind.

That was when I met him: Kai Bannon, a fellow gamer with a famous stream channel.

I never expected to become fixated on someone who'd initially been a rival. And I'd never expected someone who oozed charm to notice me—a guy known for his brutal honesty and scowl. I hadn't planned for our online friendship to turn into something that kept me up at night—hours of chatting evolving into filthy webcam sessions.

But it did. And now I can't stop thinking about him. In my mind, our real life meeting is perfect. We kiss, we fall into bed, and it's love at first sight.

Except, like most things in my life, it doesn't go as planned.

 

 

When I first saw Megan was writing this book, I was already in. I love her books, so it was a given that I needed this one. She has combined forces with Santino Hassell and holy hell did these two kill this book. This nerdy gamer girl all kinds of geeked out over the lingo and I found myself torn between wanting to read and going to game! (Kai and Garrett won by the way.) So fangirling and geeking out aside, this book was hella hot. The romance between those two was SO steamy and sexy. However, it's not without its complications. Both Kai and Garrett are navigating their new relationship and trying to fit the other into their life.

 

Garrett has been deployed to Afghanistan and video games are an escape for him. He is ready to be done, but he also has a lot to think about in terms of his future. He doesn't have a wide array of skill sets to work with, so his scope is pretty slim. He is a mechanic in the military and a damn good one, so he hopes to continue that out in the civilian world. He certainly didn't plan on finding and falling for a Twitch gamer, named Kai. However, the two end up forming a friendship and soon Kai is the one bright spot in Garrett's life. They are definitely attracted to one another, but Kai shies away from talk of meeting for reasons that I don't want to spoil.

 

Kai broke my heart a bit. I loved him so much and I hated that he had to deal with the issues he did. Garrett was so good for him and I am glad he was so supportive. Kai doesn't have family like Garrett does and neither have many friends they can call on either. However, Kai does have Shawn and Shawn's mom, who live down the hall, and I was infuriated when someone tried to defile that with ugliness. Garrett's mom and sister ended up being really great, especially when Garrett came clean to them about his being gay. They are not perfect and sometimes say the wrong things, but they love him no matter what and it was refreshing to see.

 

These two were such a good balance for one another. They are quite different, but they mesh so well together and man was their chemistry explosive! I felt both Megan and Santino did such a great job teaming up together to write this series! I can't wait for the next book!

 

Dirty Deeds (Mechanics of Love #3)
   by: Megan Erickson

Publication Date: Dec. 8, 2015
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC received via Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 304 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Alex Dawn is saying no to men. No to bad relationships, disappointments, and smooth-talkers. Focusing on her family and her job at Payton and Sons Automotive keeps her mind occupied and her heart content. She doesn’t really miss a man’s touch, until one night, a man shows up with the body of a god and a voice from her dirtiest dreams.

L.M. Spencer is only in Tory, Maryland, to scope out the town as a possible site for one of his company's hotels. The British businessman didn’t expect his car to break down or to find the hottest little American he’s ever seen holding a tire iron, piercing him with bright blue eyes.

They agree to one hot night, one dirty deed to burn out the chemistry between them. But from their first kiss, Alex can’t stop saying yes to this man. And when Spencer’s company threatens everything she cares about, they must make the choice to stand together or apart.

 

 

After meeting Alex in Dirty Talk, I couldn't wait to read her book! I loved her tough as nails attitude and how she owned who she was. She didn't try and change for anyone and I really admired her for that. As tough as Alex is, she isn't invincible. She has been deeply hurt in the past and has known emotional pain that she still carries around with her to this day. My heart ached for Alex because she didn't deserve what she had to endure, even though it has made her stronger because of it. She has sworn off men altogether, but seeing her sister settling down and happy, she secretly longs for that happiness of her own.

 

After an extremely hot night with Spencer, Alex's world is knocked off its axis, as for the first time someone is willing to put her needs and desires first and actually asks what she wants. However, the sexy Brit is only in Tory on business and will be on his way again.

 

I really enjoyed Spencer and Alex together. They had some really sexy times and I loved seeing them open up to one another. However, she's afraid to really let herself fall for him because she knows their time together isn't permanent. The conflict in this one is pretty predictable, but the resolution was worth it. I really loved how everything wrapped up and turned out for these crazy kids.

 

My favorite part of this one was being back with the Payton men and the people they hold dear. Cal, Brent, Jack, Jenna, Ivy, Violet, Asher all make appearances, as well as some of their friends, and the tight knit group really just made my heart happy. Alex is surrounded by love and family and I loved how protective they were of her.

 

I did find myself having some trouble staying engaged and paying attention in this one though. I liked Alex and Spencer, but I wasn't pulled in like I was with grumpy Cal and Jenna, or with Brent, Ivy, and Violet. This was still an enjoyable read though and I am definitely not ready to say goodbye to these characters!

 

 

Dirty Talk (Mechanics of Love #2)
   by: Megan Erickson

Publication Date: Sept. 15, 2015
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC received via Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 304 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 5/5 stars

When the one you shouldn't want is the one you can't resist...

Brent Payton works hard, plays hard, and has earned his ladies’ man reputation. But he’s more than just a good time, even though no one seems to see it. Until a gorgeous brunette with knockout curves and big, thoughtful eyes walks into his family’s garage and makes Brent want more.

Ivy Dawn and her sister are done with men, all of them. They’ve uprooted their lives too many times on account of the opposite sex, but that’s over now. The plan seems easy until a sexy, dirty-taking mechanic bursts in Ivy’s life and shakes everything up.

Brent can’t resist the one person who sees past his devil-may-care façade, and Ivy finds it harder and harder to deny how happy he makes her. But she has secrets of her own and when the truth comes out, she must decide if she’ll run again or if she’ll take a chance on forever.

 

 

This will probably be a shorter review, because let's face it. I loved this book so hard and I just want everyone to read it. I love those Payton boys something fierce, so I was THRILLED Megan gave them their own series. I completely fell for grumpy, gruff Cal in Dirty Thoughts and I have been looking forward to Brent's book for awhile now. The playboy, goofy middle brother was bound to have an awesome story and sure enough he did!

 

I love Brent to pieces. He is goofy, sure, but he has a serious side too. He wants to be taken more seriously by others and it's been hard to do that when you're around people who have known you for years. With Ivy though, Brent gets to show her there's a lot more to him than the things she's heard. I loved how Brent was with Ivy. He was determined to prove to her that he was a guy worth knowing and falling for. Seeing him with Ivy's daughter Violet was beyond precious and I loved seeing the two interact.

 

Ivy was a great match for Brent, but it took her some time to finally let herself be with him. Ivy and her sister Alex, have uprooted their life to escape Alex's ex-boyfriend, who was verbally abusive to her and has made little Violet scared of males. It was a bad situation and the girls have vowed that the other comes first and foremost. I got a bit frustrated with Ivy because I hated that she kept her feelings for Brent a secret. Alex is not only her sister, but her best friend, and while she would have struggled with it at first, she would have come around. I hated seeing Brent's feelings hurt, especially since he has been dismissed as a joker for so long.

 

Brent and Ivy's chemistry is electric and Megan writes tension SO WELL. I was desperate for these two to fall in love! I loved seeing how comfortable and natural they were with one another on their dates. Brent makes Ivy laugh and she isn't afraid to push up her sleeves and get a little dirty with him too. Their crab date was the greatest ever.

 

I was so happy to see Cal and Jenna again, as well as Asher and Julian. Jack, the Payton boys' dad, is the one that really blew me away this book though. He's not a major character, but his involvement is so poignant and it made me tear up because of how heartfelt it was. He really is a good guy through and through and I love seeing this gruff, tough man have those moments. I can't wait for Alex's book next. Emotionally, she carries a lot of baggage, so I am looking forward to meeting the man who will help break past those barriers and help her find love again. I also want a book for Davis, Brent's next door neighbor who is paralyzed and in a wheelchair. He is a good guy too and his and Brent's bromance was just the greatest.

 

So, this wasn't quite as short as I expected because naturally I had to gush about how much I loved it. Definitely get this one, you guys. You won't regret it!

  

Playing For Her Heart (Gamers #2)
   by: Megan Erickson

Publication Date: Aug. 11, 2015
Publisher: Entangled: Brazen
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC received via the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 148 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4.5/5 stars

She wanted fantasy. He's about to make it a reality...

Grant Osprey just had the hottest sex of his life. Sure, they were both in costume, and yes, it was anonymous, but he never expected her to bolt in the middle of the night without so much as a good bye, let alone exchanging numbers. Or names. All he's left with are her panties and some seriously X-rated memories...until he meets his business partner's little sister.

Only Chloe Talley isn't the bold, sexy vixen he remembers. And she wants nothing to do with him.

Cosplay is Chloe's only chance to leave her boring, socially awkward world behind. To forget that she's failing at life and can't be with anyone, let alone a single-father like Grant. But the raw hunger between them is undeniable. With him, she can be a misbehaving maid. A sexy call girl for hire. Each scene pushes Chloe beyond her strict boundaries, until Grant demands the one character she can't play.

 

 

I am completely speechless upon finishing this one. This book is Megan's hottest book to date and I am still feeling a bit flushed even afterwards! While I enjoyed the first book in the Gamers series, I really loved this one. I think it had to do with the emphasis on the role-playing between Chloe and Grant. It was so hot to see these two act out their fantasies with one another and being the gamer girl I am, I would have no problem slipping into one of those roles if a sexy guy like Grant came around!

 

I've been excited for Grant's story and I loved that he was matched up with Ethan's younger sister. The two end up being quite adorable together and wow did they have some serious chemistry! I loved the anonymity these two had in the beginning because it made things that much hotter between them! Megan doesn't hold back with the sexy times in this one and I loved Grant's dirty talking. He was sex on a stick and I just loved him. His devotion to his daughter is also really sweet and I liked seeing them interact with one another as well. He is happy with his life as is and isn't looking for a relationship. One of the things I adored about this book was how willing Grant was to open his eyes to the possibility of more. He doesn't act like the tortured hero who goes on and on about how he can't do 'more' and I loved that about him.

 

Chloe on the other hand was a bit harder to crack. Her family has endured a tragedy and instead of coming together to deal with their grief, they have splintered apart. Chloe feels the weight of that and my heart broke for her, as her self worth is quite poor. She doesn't feel confident enough to show her true self, which is why she likes to cosplay so much. She uses it as an escape and that boosts her confidence, as she can step away from herself and be anyone she wants. However, the more time Grant and Chloe spend together, the more he wants to see the real her and he finds himself growing tired of the games. Watching Grant help pull Chloe out of her shell was my favorite part, but I love that Chloe realized she was the one who had to do it and that he couldn't be the one to save her so to speak. Megan does a great job of incorporating that realism into her novels and I love it.

 

I really liked getting to see more of Ethan in this book too, as my heart hurt for him also. I am looking forward to seeing who will be the one to pull him out of his reclusive shell and help him deal with his guilt and open his heart up. This series is a hot one and I definitely recommend if you need some sexy times with a great romance!

 

Focus on Me (In Focus #2)
    by: Megan Erickson

Publication Date: July 21, 2015
Publisher: InterMix
Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Source: e-ARC received via the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 204 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4.5 stars

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…

 

 

Focus on Me was an emotional journey that completely took me by surprise. I had no idea that this book would take on a more serious subject matter, and while I expected a light, fun road trip with some small bumps in the road, I got so much more. I am so happy Megan delved into the issues she did, as they are ones many people will identify with and may even suffer from themselves. This was such a beautiful story of love, acceptance, and hope. Riley and Colin's story is one of strength and perseverance and I loved every minute of it, even with the darker, more troubling parts that made my heart ache for these two.

 

As soon as we met Riley, I knew we would be in for a more emotional story. He is looking for a ride, but has no real destination in mind. He's just existing and barely so. There is a quietness about him that left me feeling unsettled because I knew at my core that something wasn't right in his world. Riley couldn't have met a better person to ride with though. I loved Colin and his caretaker spirit. He sees the demons in Riley's eyes and wants him to open up to him and make things better for him. However, as Colin later learns, he can't be the one to save Riley. Riley has to be the one to save himself. I loved seeing this lesson here, because with what Riley is dealing with, love is not a magical fix all. It is an important factor though and it does play a large role in Riley's decision to get better.

 

My heart broke for Colin too, as he is feeling pretty low at this point in his life. He is heading back home after failing out of school and is really struggling with some self esteem issues. Thankfully, he has a great support system in his family and I was so happy that they accepted him without judgment or hesitation.

 

Both of these guys have their own battles they are dealing with, but along the way they do have some really sweet, fun moments together. The scene in the Laundromat where they are dancing brought the biggest smile to my face because it was nice to see Riley so happy and free in that moment.

 

The romance between these two was really sweet, but not without its challenges. That's what made it even sweeter though. They had to work at it and it wasn't easy, but they couldn't help how they felt either. Because of the way these characters developed, it did take a bit longer for me to connect with them than it did Justin and Landry from the first book. Speaking of those two crazy kids... we get to see them again in this book! I was beyond happy to check in with them. It was neat how their stories intertwined and how they became such good friends.

 

This is definitely not a light and fluffy read like I originally thought and I'm glad for it. I loved seeing these two face what they did and come out even stronger because of it. Focus on Me is one of those books that has so many poignant scenes that will affect you on so many levels.

 

 

 

My boots made an odd sound on the Skywalk. I watched them as I raised my knees up, forward, then down onto the clear glass floor, from which I could see the bottom of the Grand Canyon two thousand feet below.

My legs shook, and my heart felt like it was beating in my mouth. I wiped my forehead with the sleeve of my shirt and breathed in through my nose, out through my mouth.

This whole thing was weird and freaky. But the bridge was a little crowded, and Riley seemed to like it, so I shut my mouth and fought against my flight instinct. Still, I gazed longingly at the solid ground at the edge of the Grand Canyon. According to the shuttle driver, the U-shaped Skywalk jutted out from the rim of the Grand Canyon seventy feet at its farthest point. Which was where we were.

Riley leaned on the railing and looked below. I followed his gaze, spying the Colorado River in the distance.

I walked over next to him and folded my forearms on the railing, resting my forehead on them and closing my eyes. Then I prayed my legs would stop shaking.

When I looked up, Riley was watching me with amusement.

“What’s that look for?”

“You don’t like this, do you?"

I shrugged.

He laughed. “Liar. Your face is white and you’re sweating like crazy.”

I wiped my forehead again. “Hot as hell out here. This is Arizona, ya know.”

“Right . . .” He let his voice trail off and then focused back on the canyon in front of us. I told myself to chill and let my gaze roam the area. I’d seen pictures of the Grand Canyon, but to actually be here in this huge natural area was a head trip. I was seeing it with my own eyes, but could barely grasp the actual freaking size of the canyon.

A helicopter circled overhead, one of the tours, and I looked up, shielding my eyes as it flew past.

“Have you ever seen Garden State?” Riley asked.

I dropped my hand back to the railing. “Garden State?”

“Yeah, it’s a movie.”

I shook my head, “No.”

He swallowed and looked back at the canyon as he spoke. “Well, the main character is depressed, and he’s been on drugs a lot of his life to deal with it. But then he stops taking them. He said he wants to feel, and he wasn’t sure he ever needed them in the first place.” He took a breath. “Anyway, there’s this scene where he and his friends visit an abandoned quarry. He climbs on top of this old construction vehicle in the pouring rain on the edge of the quarry and yells down into it. Just yells into the infinite abyss, as he calls it. And he’s happy because he’s feeling that moment, you know?”

Riley looked at me, his eyes wide. I didn’t know what he wanted me to say. Because that sounded kind of weird, for a guy to stand and yell into a hole. Maybe he just wanted to hear his voice echo. Some guys liked to hear themselves talk. So all I did was nod.

In response, Riley stepped closer. When he spoke again, his voice was lower, softer. “Standing here like this, how does it make you feel?”

I licked my lips and broke Riley’s gaze to look at the other people walking the bridge. Some were holding hands and talking. Others were pointing at the canyon below. Then I looked back out, staring at the tan rocks of the canyon walls. The best way to describe all of this was beautiful, in the way the sun baked the ground, the way the gentle breeze ruffled my sweat-dampened hair. The way plants shoved their way through cracks in the rock to reach the sun and thrive.

I wasn’t so good at this, talking about how I felt and shit. But he’d asked me, so I thought about how to answer as honestly as I could. “I guess . . . I guess I feel pretty small. And I feel pretty lucky that I’m here. I’m alive and the sun is shining, and I get to see one of the greatest sites in the world.”

I winced a little, wondering if that all sounded stupid.Riley rolled his lips between his teeth, and his eyes lowered until he stared at his hands folded on the railing. “That’s . . . that’s good, Colin.”

So I guessed I’d done all right. “How, uh, does it make you feel?”

Riley’s eyes fell closed slowly. “About the same,” he whispered. But there was something in his voice, something that made me scratch my head, but also made me think he was lying a little.

“You happy you got to see this?” I waved a hand out into the infinite abyss.“Yeah,” he whispered again. But he didn’t look happy. And his eyes looked wet.

He blinked and turned away, and when he faced me again, some cool mask had slipped over his face. His eyes looked a little too bright, his smile forced. “Thanks a lot for bringing me.”

Dirty Thoughts (Mechanics of Love #1)
   by: Megan Erickson

Publication Date: June 16, 2015
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC received via Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 304 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Some things are sexier the second time around.

Cal Payton has gruff and grumbly down to an art...all the better for keeping people away. And it usually works. Until Jenna MacMillan-his biggest mistake---walks into Payton and Sons mechanic shop all grown up, looking like sunshine, and inspiring more than a few dirty thoughts.

Jenna was sure she was long over the boy she'd once loved with reckless abandon, but one look at the steel-eyed Cal Payton has her falling apart all over again. Ten years may have passed, but the pull is stronger than ever... and this Cal is all man.

Cal may have no intention of letting Jenna in, but she's always been his light, and it's getting harder to stay all alone in the dark. When a surprise from the past changes everything, Cal and Jenna must decide if their connection should be left alone or if it's exactly what they need for the future of their dreams.

 

 

Max Payton was my favorite Bowler University boy, so I was beyond excited that Megan was doing a spin-off series with his brothers. We briefly met Cal and Brent in Max's book, Make it Right, as well as their father, Jack. If you haven't read Max's book, don't worry. Dirty Thoughts will reintroduce you to these characters and give you a feel for why the Payton brothers are the way they are.

 

This book was so much fun. Not only was the romance sweet and steamy, but the humor and banter was so well done. I loved Cal's interactions with Brent. Their bickering and their banter was so great. It really gave you a good idea as to how different these two men are, but also of how much they respect and care for one another.

 

Cal and Jenna also have some great banter and there is an intensity to them that I just adored. I think part of it is Cal's gruffness. He comes across as so stoic and hard at times, but I love that he is a sweetheart underneath the gruff exterior! He cracked me up every time he started thinking about his 'fucking feelings'. Haha! Jenna and Cal were high school sweethearts, so there is already a lot of history between them when they meet up again. The chemistry is definitely still sizzling between them, but Cal is pretty set in his bachelor ways. He wants to be on his own and do what he loves- working on motorcycles. Cal has had a lot of responsibility on his shoulders for a long time, being the eldest Payton and the one who took care of his brothers when his father didn't. He knows Jenna wants a family, and he just doesn't think he can be the one to give that to her.

 

It killed me when he pushed her away because you can see how much he doesn't want to. A surprising addition ends up bringing the two closer than ever, and it warmed my heart to see them interact in the exact capacity Cal didn't want. Cal definitely doesn't get his act together on his own. Thankfully, he has a lot of people who care about him and his happiness- as well as people who aren't afraid to tell him he's being an idiot for shutting out the one woman he never truly got over.

 

I was so glad Jenna's family didn't end up playing as big of a role in their relationship as I thought it might. It wasn't the usual 'oh she's too good for me, so I'm going to push her away' bit. That's not to say that Cal doesn't think it at times, but it's not the driving force keeping them apart.

 

We got a great cast of secondary characters, and I have to say- Jack Payton really surprised the heck out of me. He ended up taking a liking to a new character that is introduced and it was really sweet and surprising. He DOES have a heart after all!

 

I'm really looking forward to Brent's book next. I loved his goofy self and I'm excited to meet the woman who will catch his interest... and hold on to it.

 

Overall, this was a complete win for me. I am a huge fan of Megan's writing and I love the romances she writes. She does a great job developing her secondary characters and I always find myself completely attached to them all before the book ends. Dirty Thoughts is one of those books you'll fly through and then lament because it's over.

 

 

 

Changing His Game
    by: Megan Erickson

Publication Date: Apr. 28, 2015
Publisher: Entangled: Brazen
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC provided via the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 172 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4.25/5 stars

He controls the game, but she’s rewriting all the rules…

Marley Lake is no stranger to awkwardness, but getting caught watching a dirty GIF by the company’s hot new IT guy exceeds even her standards. That is, until she realizes he's as turned on by it as she is. But with a big promotion on the line, she refuses to let her current dry spell be her downfall. Maybe.

Austin Rivers has no business lusting after the irresistible editor of Gamers Magazine. He's a secret partner in the business—and technically Marley’s boss. One look at that GIF, though, and he’s ready to install a whole lot more than just software…as long as she never finds out who he really is.

But reality’s not as virtual as it seems, and when Austin’s identity jeopardizes Marley’s promotion, he has to change his game or risk losing the only woman with the cheat code to his heart.

 

 

The inner gamer in me was going all kinds of crazy upon reading this book. Cosplay? Comic Con? I was all about it! Someday in my life I WILL go to Comic Con in California, as well as Blizz Con. I haven't played video games in awhile, as I went the more MMO route with World of Warcraft, but no matter. I could still relate to Marley and Austin on their nerdy level of awesome.

 

This book is so freaking hot. Let's just lay it out there like it is. Austin is pretty much my dream guy, minus the awkward conversations that could sometimes take place with them. He definitely came full circle and was more comfortable with her by the end. But his sexy talk? Sweet baby Jesus. I am all for an alpha nerd. Marley and Austin had some amazing chemistry and I loved how spontaneous and naughty these two were! Having read many a Brazen, I am happy to say Megan fits in so very well with this imprint!

 

Austin knows he shouldn't let Marley affect him so much, but he can't help but be attracted to her. While there's no policy against inter-office dating, he IS technically her boss which just leads to bad juju. Marley is vying for a promotion and it would obviously look really bad to the rest of the staff if her and Austin are discovered. Then again, Marley herself doesn't even know about Austin, so I was a little irritated with him for not coming clean, as it's not fair to keep such a huge bit of information from her. I do understand his hesitance in telling the truth, as Austin has been cheated before by people close to him. However, when he realized that Marley wouldn't do that to him, he should have opened up. Not to mention, Marley has worked really hard to earn her position and she deserves that promotion. I would hate for her to feel like she only got it because she's been getting down and dirty with the boss.

 

Austin might be an alpha in the bedroom, but Marley is no pushover. I love that. She challenges him and when she realizes the truth about Austin she takes some time to get her head wrapped around everything that happened and whether or not she can trust him moving forward. His grand gesture at the end was perfection and I was a total puddle of melted goo!

 

I also really enjoyed getting to know Grant, Austin's co-owner of Gamers and Marley's boss, his 14 year old daughter Sydney, and Chad, Marley's brother. They were all great additions to the book and I can't wait to read more about them in the future. I especially can't wait for Grant's book and I really hope his is next!

 

Overall, this was a fast, sexy read and I cannot wait for more nerdy steamy awesomeness in the next installment!  

Trust the Focus (In Focus #1)
   by: Megan Erickson

Publication Date: Mar. 17, 2015
Publisher: Berkley Intermix
Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Source: e-ARC provided via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 222 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4/5 stars

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.

 

 

Having read and loved Megan Erickson's Bowler University series, I knew that Megan would be an author I could depend on to make me smile with her sweet, fun romances. This is my first experience with a m/m romance and having known Megan's writing style, I am really glad hers is the first I read. Justin and Landry's story will put a smile on your face and will have you rooting for these two the entire time to overcome any obstacles that may stand in their way.

 

These two certainly have their share of obstacles too. I think that is my favorite part of this story to be honest. It makes the reward that much sweeter, because they have had to fight for it. Landry has always known who he was and has had to deal with the fact that he is in love with his best friend and that they can never be. Landry was such a sweetheart and every time Justin lashed out at him, I felt myself flinching because Lan was just such a good guy. A friend and I were talking about Landry's character and whether or not he had changed throughout the book and he does a little bit. He becomes more confident as the story unfolds and when he realizes the truth about Justin. In the beginning he's not as open and comfortable as he gets to be later on. Their relationship also starts out a bit strained as well- they are not as super close as they once were, which is mainly due to Justin.

 

Oh Justin. I felt for him so much. He is struggling with his identity and who he is. He has known for a long time that he is gay, but has never felt comfortable coming out into the open about it. His mother is a politician for one and two she expects Justin to come on the campaign tour with her once the summer is over. He has always done as she's asked, never really standing up to her and admitting the truth about who he is. Justin is fighting an internal war within and he does lash out in anger several times, hurting Landry in the process. As someone who does the same thing when angry, I can relate to Justin and that is what makes me so sad because no one else deserves our wrath just because they happen to be in the line of fire. I like that Justin is so real. This is a huge deal for him and it takes a lot of courage to completely own up to the fact that he is different, especially with the way the world looks at homosexuality.

 

I absolutely love the setting of this book too. I am a huge road trip fan myself, and while this wasn't the happiest of trips to take- Justin and Landry are revisiting 12 spots Justin's father marked in his atlas before he died and is stopping at each one to spread some of his ashes- it was one they won't ever forget. I also enjoyed that we would get to see some of Landry's blog post entries at the end of some chapters to detail the trip. I loved getting a little bit of the book in his voice!

 

Overall, this was definitely a cute, sweet read about finding yourself and accepting yourself. Love is love and I'm glad Justin could get past all of his hangups and fears to just let himself be his true self. My only minor issue was that at times I thought their romance felt a bit cheesy and overdone. Granted, that could just be the cynic in me too and I'm a bit jaded when it comes to love. I also haven't been around many men in my life who are that expressive about their feelings, so maybe that's why I felt this way. No matter though- both of these guys have such great hearts and I loved the way their story concluded. I am so glad I read this one and as always can't wait for what Megan does next.

 

Make it Last (Bowler University #3)
    by: Megan Erickson

Publication Date: Jan. 6, 2014
Publisher: William Morrow Impulse
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Source: e-ARC provided via Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 384 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4.5/5 stars

After graduating from Bowler University, the last place Cam Ruiz ever expected to find himself is his hometown. A bad job as a bouncer and worry over his mom’s health make living in Paradise anything but. There’s only one thing that can make his return any harder—running into the only girl he’s ever loved.

Tate Ellison made a mistake when she was eighteen, one that cost her the best thing she’s ever had. She’s always hoped the regret of losing Cam would fade over time. Too bad it’s only grown. She took comfort in the fact she’d never have to face him again, so his presence in Paradise throws her for a loop.

The pull between them is instant and when the truth of what happened years ago tumbles out, they share a mind-blowing kiss...which leads to more. But the past has a way of repeating itself. When all the cards are on the table, Cam and Tate must decide what they are willing to do to make it last.

  

 

 

This series is by far one of my favorites in the New Adult age group. The books are fun, sweet, and realistic all at the same time and I've enjoyed getting to know and fall for the characters. Make it Last follows Cam, the sexy National Guard Latino, who we met in the previous books. The series steps away from Bowler U for this book and follows Cam back to his hometown, as he wants to be there to help his mom out. I'm such a sucker for second chance romances and I adored this one so much.

I love what a good guy Cam is. He chooses to come back home to help his mom, because it's the right thing to do. After raising him as a single parent, he wants to take care of her as she did for him. Even if that means going back to the place and be reminded of the girl that destroyed his heart and shattered their future plans together. Having assumed she moved on with her life and went her own way, he never expects to see Tate still working at the same diner she did when he left more than four years ago. It's a punch in the gut to see her again, still feeling the sting of her betrayal. He has no idea what Tate's life has been like since he left and how much his leaving killed her.

Tate never expected Camilo Ruiz to blow back into town again. They always had big plans to leave the wretched small town and while he was lucky enough to get out, circumstance forced her to stay. Tate loves her family and the news they received four years ago destroyed her dreams of a future with Cam. She doesn't resent them, but her life has not been easy, that's for sure. Now, Cam is back in all his sexy glory and the two attempt to begin a friendship.

Cam is still hurt by Tate's actions, but that doesn't stop him from being there for her when she needs him. Having once been a dear part of her family, he sees Tate struggling to keep control of her younger brother Jamie. At 17, Jamie is acting out and Cam is shocked at how different he is from the sweet 13 year old kid he once knew. Suddenly, Cam finds himself wanting to know just what is going on with Tate and what has happened while he has been gone.

I really enjoyed Cam and Tate's romance and how Erickson employed the use of a fictitious Sims like game called Utope to unite them. Through their avatars, they are able to express sentiments they haven't been able to convey aloud, so I thought it was cute how they slowly fell back into the life they might have once had. Things are not all as they seem when it comes to why Tate and Cam broke up, so watching them start again once the truth is revealed is really sweet and sexy.

While Cam and Tate may be reigniting their relationship, they do have their futures to think of. They both desperately want to make it work this time around, but Tate doesn't want Cam to sacrifice his dreams for her. She doesn't realize that she IS one of his dreams too and he isn't going to lose her again.

Sacrifice and family play such a huge role in this book and I really loved that. Seeing Jamie interact with Cam broke my heart, because he was really impacted after Tate and Cam broke up. Cam was a role model and an older brother to Jamie, and Cam leaving really hit him hard. So much changed at once for Tate's family and instead of letting Cam in, she pushed him away to cope, not wanting him to sacrifice his dreams for her.

There is this absolutely perfect scene at the end of the book that provides us with a reunion of our Bowler favorites and I was squealing because it was just too adorable. I also thought Cam and Tate's ending was perfect too. I love second chance romances because there's already so much history there between the characters and I love seeing their past unfold and how they came to be separated in the first place. Watching them find their way back to one another is also wonderful and I felt Erickson did a great job giving us Cam and Tate's story.

Make It Right (Bowler University #2)
    by: Megan Erickson

Publication Date: Sept. 9, 2014
Publisher: William Morrow Impulse
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Source: e-ARC received from Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 384 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4/5 stars

Max Payton lives by two rules:
Size and strength win any fight, and never show weakness.

When a rash of assaults sends Bowler University for a tail spin, Max volunteers to help teach a self-defense class. One of the other instructors is the beautiful pixie-faced girl he keeps butting heads with…and who challenges everything he thought he knew.

Lea Travers avoids guys like Max - cocky jocks who assume she's fragile because of a disability caused by a childhood accident. She likes to be in control, and something about being with Max makes her feel anything but. But during the moments he lets his guard down, Lea sees a soul as broken inside as she is outside. Trusting him is a whole other problem...

When the assaults ramp up and hit close to home, Lea and Max must learn, before it’s too late, that true strength can come from vulnerability…and giving in to trust is sometimes the only way to make things right.

 

 

Ever since I finished Make it Count this past summer, I could not WAIT to get my hands on this book! I knew Max Payton would get his redemption story and I could not have asked for a better heroine to help him do it! I loved Lea so much- she is such a strong, resilient woman and she is the perfect fit for Max.

 

I love Erickson's writing style. This is how college NA should be written! It's fun and cute, but at the same time the characters face their own challenges both individually and as a couple. Add in a strong set of side characters and you've got yourself a great read!

 

Let's start with how much I love Lea. She may have some physical scars and a slight limp from an accident that occurred during her youth, but that does not stop this girl. She has learned to rise above the pain and not be ashamed of who she is or what she looks like. After this particular accident, she craves control in her life, especially after not having had it in that very moment.

 

"There was something about Lea, this power or strength that lurked below the surface of her small, fragile frame."

 

I love that Max recognizes her strength right from the beginning. He doesn't treat her any differently because of her past injury and that earns him a lot of brownie points. Max hides behind this cocky façade, but he's a really good guy at heart. Having grown up with 2 older brothers and a hardass father, Max hasn't had the loving, affectionate home that Lea has. The glimpses of vulnerability she sees in him are what really endears him to her, thus deciding to give him a shot.

 

"That's what you've taught me, even if you don't know it yourself. I've never felt stronger than when I decided to open up to you. When I decided to surrender my heart to you."

 

I love that Lea and Max aren't perfect. They both make mistakes when it comes to their relationship and learn from them. I felt bad for Max and Lea because they are both hurt by the others' actions. Thankfully, they realize their wrongs and work to fix them. They are a fabulous couple and I loved how sweet Max could be with her!

 

We get plenty of time with Kat, Alec, and Danica in this book. Kat and Alec are good friends to both Max and Lea. After the way Max treated Kat previously, it's so great to see them getting along and that she has chosen to forgive him. Which brings me to Danica. That is one girl to have in your corner for sure! She is Lea's roomie and fiercely protective of her friends. I love that she isn't afraid to be herself and tell it like it is.

 

"Danica was a rare creature. Like an albino deer. Everyone wanted her, but they wanted her to keep. And she didn't like to be kept. Pinned down. Forced into any sort of consistency. Her loyalty was unrivaled, but it was hard-earned."

 

After getting to know these characters so well, it's only natural that I would want them to have their happily ever afters. I'm super excited for Cam's story because I love second chance romances. Even though it takes place in Cam's hometown and away from Bowler, I know Megan will infuse it with the same spunky, fun vibe that she has given her previous two novels.

Make it Count (Bowler University #1)
    by: Megan Erickson

Publication Date: June 3, 2014
Publisher: William Morrow Impulse
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Source: e-ARC provided via Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 384 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Kat Caruso wishes her brain had a return policy, or at least a complaint hot-line. The defective organ is constantly distracted, terrible at statistics, and absolutely flooded with inappropriate thoughts about her boyfriend’s gorgeous best friend, Alec…who just so happens to be her brand new math tutor. Who knew nerd was so hot?

Kat usually goes through tutors like she does boyfriends—both always seem to bail when they realize how hopeless she is. It’s safer for her heart to keep everyone at arm’s reach. But Alec is always stepping just a little too close.

Alec Stone should not be fantasizing about Kat. She’s adorable, unbelievably witty, and completely off limits. He’d never stab his best friend in the back…

But when secrets are revealed, the lines of loyalty are blurred. To make it count, Alec must learn messy human emotions can’t be solved like a trigonometry function. And Kat has to trust Alec may be the first guy to want her for who she is, and not in spite of it.

Hello book hangover. We meet again. I am quite bummed that I finished this book because I really want to live in my Bowler University bubble forever. I loved the witty, fun characters Erickson has created and I won't be forgetting them any time soon.

Pacing: Very well-paced. I could NOT put this book down. It flowed very well and I liked the pacing of Kat and Alec's relationship. It was filled with chemistry and tension and I just loved watching these two try to figure out their feelings and what they meant.

Storyline: Kat Caruso has always struggled academically. This year, statistics is kicking her ass. She needs help, but none of the tutors she seems to get can figure out a way to help her. After her current tutor says 'c'est la vie', Kat doesn't expect her next one to be her boyfriend's nerdy, adorable roommate, Alec. As the two work together, both really struggle to maintain their distance, especially once they really get to know one another. Alec builds Kat up and encourages her, while Kat makes Alec laugh and helps him loosen up. The two couldn't be more different, but they just fit together. Max, Kat's boyfriend and Alec's roommate and best friend, is the initial problem, as Kat likes that he doesn't expect anything from her. With Alec, she knows he will see past the flirty, fun exterior she has put up and see down to her very soul and that scares her. Kat has some insecurities and I really like that Erickson addressed them and made them such a focal point for the novel. Kat will not be able to move forward with Alec until she addresses them and starts feeling confident in herself. He is a great support system for her, but she doesn't want to feel as if she's being 'fixed'. This causes some tension between the two as well, as well as some miscommunication. I love Kat, but I did want to shake her a bit and tell her that she needed to tell Alec how she felt, because the poor guy is not a mind reader!

Characters: I loved Kat. She's probably one of my favorite New Adult female leads to date. Being in her head cracked me up because her thoughts are just so scattered and out there. I was seriously laughing at parts because of what she was thinking while her brain wandered! As I said, Kat is a bit insecure. She doesn't like to be made to feel stupid. She's beautiful and sexy and she hides behind that. She doesn't stay in relationships long for fear they'll get bored with her. Her wit was really what drew me to her and I really felt for her in regards to her feeling stupid. She is really shy with Alec at first, because he's so smart and she doesn't want him to see her as an idiot. (Alec adores her though and doesn't think that at all.) I did feel she acted a little over the top about the whole Alec thing towards the end. He's a guy- he needs to be told when he's doing shit wrong! 

I loved Alec. Nerd really is the new sexy. And can I just take a minute to gush over the whole 'Zuk' nickname? I LOVED IT! He wears his hair in a pompadour and earned the nickname in high school after Danny Zuko! He is an incredibly sexy, good-hearted male lead and he doesn't like the way Max treats her. He doesn't get why she won't stand up for herself to him. Max is a safe choice- he won't hurt her because it's not like that with them. Alec is best friends with Max- he doesn't want to be like his ex who cheated on him, so he will stay away from Kat to honor this. Max stood up for him when he was younger and have been friends ever since, even though the two are as different as night and day.

Max has issues with his dad and hasn't been acting like his normal self ever since school started. He flies off the handle easily and he really comes across as an ass. However, while Max makes mistakes and doesn't always handle things like he should, he's really not a bad guy. He's always been under an immense amount of pressure from his father and never feels as if he's lived up to the expectations his father has set on him.

Some other characters I enjoyed were Danica, Alec's good friend. She is a total badass and really helps put things into perspective in regards to Kat and the female brain. I also really liked Lea, her roommate. She's quiet, but I can already tell she's going to be a great main character in Erickson's next book in the series, Make it Right. 

Final Thoughts: I loved the build up between Alec and Kat. Their banter and chemistry is GREAT and I love books where I get that anxious feeling in my chest because the build up is so intense! These two definitely took a while to get their act together, but man once they did? Perfection. I especially loved their first romantic scene together because it was all passion and need and I just love those scenes where the characters cannot physically resist one another! Erickson has done such a great job with her debut novel and creating a cast of characters that will stick with you long after you've finished reading.