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In Focus #3
Out of Frame
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.Contains mature themes.
7 pages, Audio CD
First published March 15, 2016
28 people are currently reading
915 people want to read
About the author
Megan Erickson
49 books1,846 followersMegan 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.
For more, visit meganerickson.org
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.
For more, visit meganerickson.org
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March 8, 2018Rating and review removed.
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March 18, 2016
4.5 Stars!!
'Out of Focus' is the third installment in Megan Erickson’s m/m series entitled 'In Focus' and can be read as a standalone even if you haven’t read the first two books. The first two installments are as awesome as this one, so they are definitely worth checking out. Once again, Megan Erickson delivered a sweet, enjoyable read. A great mix of heart and steam, 'Out of Focus' is an entertaining read, written really well with a great message I love to read about.
This third installment in the series fallows the story of Quinn and J.R., two individuals who will help each other finding who they are and finding the strength to be the people they wanted to be all their lives.
Quinn decides to have some fun so he agrees to go on a cruise with his best friend, Jess. Quinn is shy, an introvert and openly gay. He hopes to have a little fun on this cruise, live in the moment and maybe also meet someone. This cruise is like no other cruise because on board are the members of the successful reality show ‘Trip League’. Quinn is excited, not only because he loves the show, but also because he has always been fascinated with J.R. Butler, the straight black boy on the reality TV.
J.R. signed up for the show two years ago when he was nineteen and when the show had been on for only two seasons. He’d always wanted to be an actor, so at the time he thought the show was the only shot to be known in the industry. While he’s bisexual, he signed on to play the straight guy, so he has been living a lie for a long time. He is tired of it, but he can’t do anything about it since he needs the money. His brother is sick, so he will do anything to help his family with medical bills and everything. He believes his career will be over if everyone finds out the truth about his sexuality, so he has to stay away from boys in the upcoming two months when his contract will be over.
J.R is drawn to Quin from the moment he lays his eyes on him. He likes what he sees – the reddish hair and all the cute freckles, but he also likes his shyness. He knows he has to stay away from the good looking blue eyed boy, but as they get to know each other, staying emotionally detached becomes impossible for both guys.
This one was such a sweet, enjoyable read. In some way it was my favorite in the series…at least so far. The storytelling was fantastic as always. Megan always delivers great stories with fun, endearing characters. And here they were exactly that. I loved Quinn and J.R. individually and I loved them together. I liked the fact they were so different from each other and I enjoyed the way the author portrayed them. Quinn’s voice was honest and as the story progresses you will sympathize with him for one reason or another. He was sweet and so thoughtful with the J.R., being an endearing character from start to finish. I liked how he treated him like a ‘normal’ boy and not like a young celebrity.
J.R. was a character I felt deeply for. It must be awful, to say the least to live a lie. He has a big heart willing to make certain sacrifices for his family and I really admired him for that. I liked how the relationship between these two guys progressed. The sweetness and tenderness between them were simply endearing and I have to say I loved the romantic aspect. They were so sweet together. They absolutely warmed my heart!
I have to mention the cast of supporting characters, because they were super awesome. I enjoyed them all, especially Levi, another cast member of the reality TV show and Jess, Quinn’s best friend.
The story is not as steamy as the previous books in the series, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Unlike the other two installments, 'Out of Frame' was told in dual POV, which I loved. I really felt I knew these two boys and I liked how well their backgrounds were developed.
All in all, this was a sweet, sexy and fun tale about family, friendship, finding who you are, taking risks and last but not least finding love.
'Out of Focus' is the third installment in Megan Erickson’s m/m series entitled 'In Focus' and can be read as a standalone even if you haven’t read the first two books. The first two installments are as awesome as this one, so they are definitely worth checking out. Once again, Megan Erickson delivered a sweet, enjoyable read. A great mix of heart and steam, 'Out of Focus' is an entertaining read, written really well with a great message I love to read about.
This third installment in the series fallows the story of Quinn and J.R., two individuals who will help each other finding who they are and finding the strength to be the people they wanted to be all their lives.
“I was going to act like a real, live college student rather than the old man I’d been since birth.
And I couldn’t freaking wait.” - Quinn
Quinn decides to have some fun so he agrees to go on a cruise with his best friend, Jess. Quinn is shy, an introvert and openly gay. He hopes to have a little fun on this cruise, live in the moment and maybe also meet someone. This cruise is like no other cruise because on board are the members of the successful reality show ‘Trip League’. Quinn is excited, not only because he loves the show, but also because he has always been fascinated with J.R. Butler, the straight black boy on the reality TV.
“He didn’t even know I existed. The thought was sobering and comforting all at the same time.”
J.R. signed up for the show two years ago when he was nineteen and when the show had been on for only two seasons. He’d always wanted to be an actor, so at the time he thought the show was the only shot to be known in the industry. While he’s bisexual, he signed on to play the straight guy, so he has been living a lie for a long time. He is tired of it, but he can’t do anything about it since he needs the money. His brother is sick, so he will do anything to help his family with medical bills and everything. He believes his career will be over if everyone finds out the truth about his sexuality, so he has to stay away from boys in the upcoming two months when his contract will be over.
“It wasn’t just the contract; it was my career, it was my life, and I had people depending on me.”
J.R is drawn to Quin from the moment he lays his eyes on him. He likes what he sees – the reddish hair and all the cute freckles, but he also likes his shyness. He knows he has to stay away from the good looking blue eyed boy, but as they get to know each other, staying emotionally detached becomes impossible for both guys.
“I was caught in his blue depths—as blue as the ocean that buoyed this massive ship we were now on—and I was drowning. Good as gone. Drifting to the ocean floor. But instead of struggling against the cement blocks tied around my ankles, all I felt was peace.”
This one was such a sweet, enjoyable read. In some way it was my favorite in the series…at least so far. The storytelling was fantastic as always. Megan always delivers great stories with fun, endearing characters. And here they were exactly that. I loved Quinn and J.R. individually and I loved them together. I liked the fact they were so different from each other and I enjoyed the way the author portrayed them. Quinn’s voice was honest and as the story progresses you will sympathize with him for one reason or another. He was sweet and so thoughtful with the J.R., being an endearing character from start to finish. I liked how he treated him like a ‘normal’ boy and not like a young celebrity.
J.R. was a character I felt deeply for. It must be awful, to say the least to live a lie. He has a big heart willing to make certain sacrifices for his family and I really admired him for that. I liked how the relationship between these two guys progressed. The sweetness and tenderness between them were simply endearing and I have to say I loved the romantic aspect. They were so sweet together. They absolutely warmed my heart!
“…you didn’t fall for me.”
Quinn didn’t move, didn’t breathe, as he stared up at me. “I didn’t?”
“You fell with me, Lucky. We fell together.”
I have to mention the cast of supporting characters, because they were super awesome. I enjoyed them all, especially Levi, another cast member of the reality TV show and Jess, Quinn’s best friend.
“He kissed me like he couldn’t get enough, like I was the last drink of water on earth and he wanted that cool, crisp liquid before he perished.”
The story is not as steamy as the previous books in the series, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Unlike the other two installments, 'Out of Frame' was told in dual POV, which I loved. I really felt I knew these two boys and I liked how well their backgrounds were developed.
All in all, this was a sweet, sexy and fun tale about family, friendship, finding who you are, taking risks and last but not least finding love.
“Life’s too short to be something other than who you are.”
dnf-not-4-me
March 18, 2016I am putting this on the DNF shelf. Here are my reasons:
1. I try to stay away from romances between young men, usually teens, because I have a teenaged daughter who has many friends who are LGBTQ. And I love each and every one of them, but get skeeved out thinking about them in a sexual way. I'm 47 years old and am perfectly happy reading gay romances featuring men. With hair. And experience. Throw in a silver fox and I'm in my happy place. This book does not focus on a teen romance, rather a group of fourth year college students partying it up for spring break. Actually? Worse for me than a teen romance.
2. I love love love love Megan Erickson's books and this series in particular. If I finish this book, one that is not anywhere close to my wheelhouse, I will have to review it. And that wouldn't be fair because my personal bias would be the cornerstone of the review.
3. I'm not having fun and don't want to read anymore. I made it to 55% which is my definition of the 'ol college try. (See what I did there?!)
So, if you love Megan's books and gay men on spring break, this is your book! I hope you enjoy. Honestly!
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange of an honest review. Sorry for a non-review.
1. I try to stay away from romances between young men, usually teens, because I have a teenaged daughter who has many friends who are LGBTQ. And I love each and every one of them, but get skeeved out thinking about them in a sexual way. I'm 47 years old and am perfectly happy reading gay romances featuring men. With hair. And experience. Throw in a silver fox and I'm in my happy place. This book does not focus on a teen romance, rather a group of fourth year college students partying it up for spring break. Actually? Worse for me than a teen romance.
2. I love love love love Megan Erickson's books and this series in particular. If I finish this book, one that is not anywhere close to my wheelhouse, I will have to review it. And that wouldn't be fair because my personal bias would be the cornerstone of the review.
3. I'm not having fun and don't want to read anymore. I made it to 55% which is my definition of the 'ol college try. (See what I did there?!)
So, if you love Megan's books and gay men on spring break, this is your book! I hope you enjoy. Honestly!
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange of an honest review. Sorry for a non-review.
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November 6, 2015If you've been following this series, then you know the first two books were single POV. You only got to hear from Landry and Riley in blog posts or emails.
I'd planned to do the same with this book. It was going to be all in Quinn's POV. But J.R... well he wasn't okay with that. He kept telling me his POV, and how scenes should be told by him, and so I listened. This book is dual POV and I hope you love it! Both of these characters really wormed their way into my heart.
Oh yeah, and it's spring break on a cruise ship!
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I'd planned to do the same with this book. It was going to be all in Quinn's POV. But J.R... well he wasn't okay with that. He kept telling me his POV, and how scenes should be told by him, and so I listened. This book is dual POV and I hope you love it! Both of these characters really wormed their way into my heart.
Oh yeah, and it's spring break on a cruise ship!
If you want to be notified when this book releases and get up-to-date news on all of my books, you can sign up for my newsletter here. You'll also have the chance to enter exclusive giveaways for my books and others. Thanks!
July 16, 2016
Solid 4 star read.
This one was a really nice, easy read.
Likable characters.
Entertaining story.
Some nice steam.
Low drama.
I blame real life on this crappy review! :)
This one was a really nice, easy read.
Likable characters.
Entertaining story.
Some nice steam.
Low drama.
I blame real life on this crappy review! :)
March 4, 2016
This book left me resembling this gif:
Out of Frame is the installment of the In Focus Series. It focuses on reality star JR Butler and shy college student Quinn Mathers. The two meet on a cruise while JR's show is filming and Quinn and his best friend are on spring break. Due to life being complicated as it often is they know all they'll have is their time on the cruise. You see, under his contract JR cannot come out as bisexual, or he risks getting in legal trouble.
My highlights:
· Quinn. He had me at shy ginger. He was so sweet, thoughtful, and loyal. It was impossible not to fall for his character.
· JR, who is considered the volatile cast member is the opposite. He's stuck between a rock and a hard place and you can't help but root for him.
· The secondary characters were great, and I'm stoked that one of them will be getting his own book. :D
· The stolen moments between JR and Quinn. They were full of feels. ♥
· The pace of the story is flawless.
· We get a dual POV.
· And the epilogue, it was super sweet.
As far as this being book three in three series- can it be read out of order? I think so. The other two books are pretty good and worth checking out, though.
In the end, I'm going to give this book 5 Stars. It's simply a delightful story about family, friendships, and taking chances. If you want a fun, sexy read that will give you butterflies in your stomach, then look no more and give this a shot!
ARC kindly provided by InterMix via NetGalley for an honest review.
This review is cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
September 3, 2016
***4 Stars***
"Life's too short to be something other than who you are."
This was a really sweet read about becoming your own person and basically...adulting. That transition can be daunting and scary, but with the right support system the steps are a little easier to take.
Jay and Quinn were so damn honest and cute together. The potential for drama was high, but thankfully the drama llama never boarded the cruise ship.
Quinn's friendship with Jess was almost a scene stealer, but they were no match for all the awwwww's between Jay and Quinn. Did I mention how cute these two are?
The epilogue brought together all the couples of the series, and I'm pretty sure I pulled a muscle in my face from all the smiling.
Another hit from Megan Erickson!
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March 19, 2016Reading this book was like being on the receiving end of the most wonderful hug from the oldest, dearest friend who knows you best in the world. Instant favorite. I can't recommend it enough.
February 7, 2017
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life.
I found this to be a fun, sweet, and sexy story. This was one of those books that I seemed to like the characters more and more as I read further into the story. By the end of the story, I was cheering for things to work out for Quinn and J.R. which is exactly what I want to happen when I read a romance novel. This book is the third book in the In Focus series but I read it as a stand alone with no difficulty.
Quinn is going on a cruise with his best friend Jess during the last spring break before his college graduation. Quinn has spent his life playing it safe and following the rules. He is looking forward to having fun on this cruise. The cast of a reality TV show, Trip League, is also on the cruise which just adds to the excitement for Jess and Quinn.
J.R. is almost at the end of his contract to be on the reality show, Trip League, and he is ready for it to be over. He signed a contract to be on the show as a straight man and is ready for the show to be over so he can finally be the bisexual man he really is. He is portrayed on the show as a tough guy who is often mean to others but that isn't who he really is in reality. When he sees Quinn on the boat, he can't make himself look away.
I liked Quinn and J.R. together in this book. I thought it was great how they had an instant attraction to each other and how Quinn had been drawn to J.R. just from the television show. I thought that each of these characters seemed stronger together than they did apart. I liked how they were able to open up to each other and seemed to understand each other from the very beginning. The chemistry between them was intense and played out well on the page.
I thought that the reality TV show added an interesting twist to the story. I found the scenes when they were trying to be together but having to hide from the cameras to be well done. I thought it was great how creative they had to be to find time to be together and the fact that friends helped it happen was even better.
I would recommend this one to fans of m/m romance. I don't tend to read a lot of m/m romance but I have enjoyed the ones that I have picked up. This was a very well done story and I wouldn't hesitate to read more books written by Megan Erickson in the future.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Berkley Publishing Group - InterMix via NetGalley.
I found this to be a fun, sweet, and sexy story. This was one of those books that I seemed to like the characters more and more as I read further into the story. By the end of the story, I was cheering for things to work out for Quinn and J.R. which is exactly what I want to happen when I read a romance novel. This book is the third book in the In Focus series but I read it as a stand alone with no difficulty.
Quinn is going on a cruise with his best friend Jess during the last spring break before his college graduation. Quinn has spent his life playing it safe and following the rules. He is looking forward to having fun on this cruise. The cast of a reality TV show, Trip League, is also on the cruise which just adds to the excitement for Jess and Quinn.
J.R. is almost at the end of his contract to be on the reality show, Trip League, and he is ready for it to be over. He signed a contract to be on the show as a straight man and is ready for the show to be over so he can finally be the bisexual man he really is. He is portrayed on the show as a tough guy who is often mean to others but that isn't who he really is in reality. When he sees Quinn on the boat, he can't make himself look away.
I liked Quinn and J.R. together in this book. I thought it was great how they had an instant attraction to each other and how Quinn had been drawn to J.R. just from the television show. I thought that each of these characters seemed stronger together than they did apart. I liked how they were able to open up to each other and seemed to understand each other from the very beginning. The chemistry between them was intense and played out well on the page.
I thought that the reality TV show added an interesting twist to the story. I found the scenes when they were trying to be together but having to hide from the cameras to be well done. I thought it was great how creative they had to be to find time to be together and the fact that friends helped it happen was even better.
I would recommend this one to fans of m/m romance. I don't tend to read a lot of m/m romance but I have enjoyed the ones that I have picked up. This was a very well done story and I wouldn't hesitate to read more books written by Megan Erickson in the future.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Berkley Publishing Group - InterMix via NetGalley.
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March 6, 2018Review removed.
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May 23, 2021Rating removed
*************************************
Original review:
This story follows Quinn and his best friend Jess (both of whom we briefly met in Focus on Me) as they spend their final spring break partying it up on a Caribbean cruise.
Also on this cruise is the cast of the reality show Trip League, which includes the broody and enigmatic J.R. Butler. J.R. has always had big dreams of being an actor and he figures this reality show is a stop off on the way to bigger and better things. He's bisexual and proud of the fact, but when he joined the cast of Trip League a few years ago, he made the mistake of signing a contract which required he play straight for the shows duration. For years he's been able to live with this, up until the moment he boards the cruise and lays eyes on Quinn.
Quinn and J.R. share an immediate chemistry. Around each other they both feel like they can truly be themselves - a feeling which up until now has been fairly lacking in the previous relationships of both young men. The problem is there are cameras everywhere, and with a fictional girlfriend in play and the knowledge that his hard earned money is going towards helping his family back home, J.R. has a lot at risk if he breaks his contract by openly showing his interest in Quinn.
The problem is that J.R. can't seem to keep his eyes (or hands and lips) off Quinn. He needs to decide what price he is willing to pay to be his true self, but he's pretty confident Quinn is worth it.
I really liked both of these characters. I related a lot to Quinn and his neuroses, his shyness and his insecurities. J.R. took a little longer to warm to, but Quinn slowly brings to light the real J.R., who ended up being a sweet, scared, but brave guy, who showed what he was made of in spectacular style when it truly mattered.
This story was not as emotionally intense as its predecessors, but I think that's a good thing. As much as I loved the first two books in this series, I was left feeling mentally drained afterwards. They were fantastic stories which I highly praised - both exceptionally well-written and emotionally engaging - but, boy, were they tough to handle! On the other hand, this offering was lighter in theme, and as a result, easier to read. I didn't feel like I was being attacked by angst ninjas this time around and I'm grateful for the emotional reprieve.
I think I've just reached a point where choosing a Megan Erickson book to read is a safe bet.
*************************************
Original review:
This story follows Quinn and his best friend Jess (both of whom we briefly met in Focus on Me) as they spend their final spring break partying it up on a Caribbean cruise.
Also on this cruise is the cast of the reality show Trip League, which includes the broody and enigmatic J.R. Butler. J.R. has always had big dreams of being an actor and he figures this reality show is a stop off on the way to bigger and better things. He's bisexual and proud of the fact, but when he joined the cast of Trip League a few years ago, he made the mistake of signing a contract which required he play straight for the shows duration. For years he's been able to live with this, up until the moment he boards the cruise and lays eyes on Quinn.
Quinn and J.R. share an immediate chemistry. Around each other they both feel like they can truly be themselves - a feeling which up until now has been fairly lacking in the previous relationships of both young men. The problem is there are cameras everywhere, and with a fictional girlfriend in play and the knowledge that his hard earned money is going towards helping his family back home, J.R. has a lot at risk if he breaks his contract by openly showing his interest in Quinn.
The problem is that J.R. can't seem to keep his eyes (or hands and lips) off Quinn. He needs to decide what price he is willing to pay to be his true self, but he's pretty confident Quinn is worth it.
I really liked both of these characters. I related a lot to Quinn and his neuroses, his shyness and his insecurities. J.R. took a little longer to warm to, but Quinn slowly brings to light the real J.R., who ended up being a sweet, scared, but brave guy, who showed what he was made of in spectacular style when it truly mattered.
This story was not as emotionally intense as its predecessors, but I think that's a good thing. As much as I loved the first two books in this series, I was left feeling mentally drained afterwards. They were fantastic stories which I highly praised - both exceptionally well-written and emotionally engaging - but, boy, were they tough to handle! On the other hand, this offering was lighter in theme, and as a result, easier to read. I didn't feel like I was being attacked by angst ninjas this time around and I'm grateful for the emotional reprieve.
I think I've just reached a point where choosing a Megan Erickson book to read is a safe bet.
March 15, 2016
Favorite Quote: "You are the cutest ginger on the seven seas."
I love this series by Megan Erickson, featuring road trip romance. This time, we leave the car at the dock and go cruising. J.R has been part of a reality show for the past year, traveling around the world with his cast mates.
Trip League was a reality show in its third season. The cast was billed as regular people picked to travel to exotic locales while being filmed. The cruise ship was this season's big send-off, a party before the next cast would be chosen.
The final stop is a spring break cruise, and J.R is about ready to be done with cameras capturing his every move. J.R. wants to be an actor, and his agent pushed him to take this reality gig, as a straight man. As a black man, and also bi-sexual, his agent thinks he won't get any roles so he has signed the contract that he will play straight. The reality show has cast him as the "angry black man" and that doesn't portray J.R. at all. While at first he didn't think he would mind, having a fake girlfriend back at home and not being able to act on any attractions to men has taken its toll. J.R. has a sick brother back at home and the money from acting could really help pay for his treatments - so J.R. has resigned himself to play straight.
Quinn is white, awkward, shy and gay and in his final year of college. He grew up with over-protective parents who would prefer he stay in their safe bubble. He worries about everything and is high-strung. His best friend Jess accompanies him on this spring break cruise and Quinn is cautiously excited. He gets to drink and eat for a week - and he will make sure his red hair and freckles are well protected from the sun. Quinn and Jess know the reality stars are going to be on the cruise. Watching them on TV, Quinn is obsessively in lust with J.R. but knows he is straight. That doesn't stop him from drooling over him when he sees him in person. Since they are on a boat, they are bound to run into each other, which they do. J.R. has an immediate attraction to Quinn, but again, can't act on it due to his contract. But when they start to hang out, and become friends, J.R. can't keep his attraction hidden any longer.
I don't think this book is quite as emotionally angsty as the first two in this series, but it is just as engaging. I love that Quinn has led this protective life, but get a beer into him, and he is ready to spread his wings. Don't we all love a little liquid courage? He wants to get out from under his parents shadow, but it's hard. Jess is a good friend though - supportive, not forcing him to do things he isn't ready for, but there to be his cheerleader when he makes a big decision. A;though he is a bit shy, he holds his ground pretty well with J.R.
J.R. has such a big heart. In a way, it's J.R that has discovered himself more over the past year than Quinn. J.R. was only briefly out until he signed the contract to play straight. But now that he is locked in, he knows this is not the life he wants. His honesty with Quinn is endearing.
They also have really hot make-out sessions and sex. Duh.
As I said in a previous review of this series, I love a road trip romance. Throw them on a boat and it's just as good.
For those that have read this, Levi's (fellow reality cast mate) book is next. He meets a man name named Thad while hiking the Appalachian trail. Give it to me now.
Grade: B
I love this series by Megan Erickson, featuring road trip romance. This time, we leave the car at the dock and go cruising. J.R has been part of a reality show for the past year, traveling around the world with his cast mates.
Trip League was a reality show in its third season. The cast was billed as regular people picked to travel to exotic locales while being filmed. The cruise ship was this season's big send-off, a party before the next cast would be chosen.
The final stop is a spring break cruise, and J.R is about ready to be done with cameras capturing his every move. J.R. wants to be an actor, and his agent pushed him to take this reality gig, as a straight man. As a black man, and also bi-sexual, his agent thinks he won't get any roles so he has signed the contract that he will play straight. The reality show has cast him as the "angry black man" and that doesn't portray J.R. at all. While at first he didn't think he would mind, having a fake girlfriend back at home and not being able to act on any attractions to men has taken its toll. J.R. has a sick brother back at home and the money from acting could really help pay for his treatments - so J.R. has resigned himself to play straight.
Quinn is white, awkward, shy and gay and in his final year of college. He grew up with over-protective parents who would prefer he stay in their safe bubble. He worries about everything and is high-strung. His best friend Jess accompanies him on this spring break cruise and Quinn is cautiously excited. He gets to drink and eat for a week - and he will make sure his red hair and freckles are well protected from the sun. Quinn and Jess know the reality stars are going to be on the cruise. Watching them on TV, Quinn is obsessively in lust with J.R. but knows he is straight. That doesn't stop him from drooling over him when he sees him in person. Since they are on a boat, they are bound to run into each other, which they do. J.R. has an immediate attraction to Quinn, but again, can't act on it due to his contract. But when they start to hang out, and become friends, J.R. can't keep his attraction hidden any longer.
I don't think this book is quite as emotionally angsty as the first two in this series, but it is just as engaging. I love that Quinn has led this protective life, but get a beer into him, and he is ready to spread his wings. Don't we all love a little liquid courage? He wants to get out from under his parents shadow, but it's hard. Jess is a good friend though - supportive, not forcing him to do things he isn't ready for, but there to be his cheerleader when he makes a big decision. A;though he is a bit shy, he holds his ground pretty well with J.R.
J.R. has such a big heart. In a way, it's J.R that has discovered himself more over the past year than Quinn. J.R. was only briefly out until he signed the contract to play straight. But now that he is locked in, he knows this is not the life he wants. His honesty with Quinn is endearing.
They also have really hot make-out sessions and sex. Duh.
As I said in a previous review of this series, I love a road trip romance. Throw them on a boat and it's just as good.
For those that have read this, Levi's (fellow reality cast mate) book is next. He meets a man name named Thad while hiking the Appalachian trail. Give it to me now.
Grade: B
February 17, 2017
3.5 Stars
A chance to let loose. A growing need to be one’s true self. Hard to resist attraction.
Cautious Quinn can finally relax and have fun with his BFF on their long awaited spring break trip. He’s tired of being the responsible one, the predictable, boring one. He’s ready to have a great time, all the while secretly ogling his reality TV crush from afar.
JR is tired of hiding who he is, tired of being pigeon-holed into a persona that’s not him. Quinn catches his eye and is the impetus to having him reevaluate his career path and choices. As hard as they try to avoid the other after an unfortunate mishap, a cruise ship is never too big to avoid that one person you’re trying to hide from.
Overall I liked this. The writing was still great because it’s Erickson, but this installment had less emotional depth and sexy than the previous two books in my opinion. Apparently I’m not one for sneaking around, waiting for the other shoe to drop. Because it will. And it does. That kind of anxiety I can go without. Regardless, still enjoyable, with a great supporting cast.
A chance to let loose. A growing need to be one’s true self. Hard to resist attraction.
Cautious Quinn can finally relax and have fun with his BFF on their long awaited spring break trip. He’s tired of being the responsible one, the predictable, boring one. He’s ready to have a great time, all the while secretly ogling his reality TV crush from afar.
JR is tired of hiding who he is, tired of being pigeon-holed into a persona that’s not him. Quinn catches his eye and is the impetus to having him reevaluate his career path and choices. As hard as they try to avoid the other after an unfortunate mishap, a cruise ship is never too big to avoid that one person you’re trying to hide from.
Overall I liked this. The writing was still great because it’s Erickson, but this installment had less emotional depth and sexy than the previous two books in my opinion. Apparently I’m not one for sneaking around, waiting for the other shoe to drop. Because it will. And it does. That kind of anxiety I can go without. Regardless, still enjoyable, with a great supporting cast.
mm-read
March 8, 2018Rating & Review removed.
March 15, 2016
ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
Beautiful. Out of Frame by Megan Erickson was one of those reads that made you FALL IN LOVE with not just only the characters but the important message that LOVE IS LOVE . THIS BOOK. THIS AUTHOR. THESE CHARACTERS. THIS STORY. It was everything you would have wanted in a New Adult Contemporary Romance.
Megan Erickson did an amazing job with book. As an author, she showcased a love story that was full of heart, steam, and raw emotions. She didn’t sugarcoat anything as she allowed readers to FEEL for her characters as they take control of their LIFE.
“As a person. With Quinn, I felt almost human.”
Spring Break. The one week where college students run a muck with non-stop partying and of course, hook ups. And so when Quinn Mathers goes on a Caribbean Cruise with his best friend, Jess Hartman for their last spring break, he planned to let loose a bit and hopefully be adventurous since he is known to be terribly shy. As an openly gay man, Quinn is comfortable with his sexuality but has never found the right guy for him. That is until he meets J.R. Butler.
Okay, so is there any readers out there who remembers The Real World or Road Rules from MTV? Well, J.R. Butler is one of the cast members of a reality TV show called Trip League that reminded me of a mashup of The Real World and Road Rules. And if you are familiar with those shows, then you are well aware that the cast is practically typecast with your token sexy male, innocent virginal girl, the party animal, the gay white guy, the quiet Asian, and of course the angry black guy. And J.R. Butler is of course cast as the angry Black guy.
“I wanted Quinn. I wanted his lips and his ass and his cock. I wanted it.”
So everyone knows the saying, do not judge a book by its cover and looks can be deceiving. Well the saying couldn’t be more true in regards to J.R. Butler. The networks will do anything to sell reality TV to make it more entertaining and so J.R. Butler was cast as the straight black man, who had a girlfriend back home. But that was not the case at all, J.R. Butler is bisexual and has been living a lie and he is tired of it. He is ready to be free and is counting down the days till his contract expires so he can finally come out of the closet publicly. All J.R. had to do was continue to live the lie for only a couple of more months but that proved harder than he thought when a ginger freckled male caught his attention. And now J.R. must try to stay out of the focus as cameras are all over the cruise ship filming the reality show. Will J.R. be able to stay away from Quinn? Or will Quinn be the game changer that will make J.R to finally see that in order to truly be happy you must put your happiness in focus?
“And when his gaze met mine, I knew there was no coming back from this. Not when he placed his palms on the wall beside my head, not when his face drew closer, and especially not when his lips brushed mine.”
“They get J. R. You get Jay. And you never have to share Jay.”
Out of Frame was a gem of a read. I loved how Megan Erickson perfectly weaved a story with such raw emotional undertones to a love story of two men. I don’t care what anyone has to say. LOVE IS LOVE. And I want to thank Ms. Erickson for writing a novel that truly highlights that when it comes to love and happiness that there is nothing wrong with that. And for J.R. and Quinn their story is a reminder that love is not about hiding and being out of the frame, but instead that their love is just like any love between a man and woman. So if you are looking for a story that highlights acceptance, friendship, family, love and sexuality then I highly urge you to read Out of Frame.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Megan Erickson
Beautiful. Out of Frame by Megan Erickson was one of those reads that made you FALL IN LOVE with not just only the characters but the important message that LOVE IS LOVE . THIS BOOK. THIS AUTHOR. THESE CHARACTERS. THIS STORY. It was everything you would have wanted in a New Adult Contemporary Romance.
Megan Erickson did an amazing job with book. As an author, she showcased a love story that was full of heart, steam, and raw emotions. She didn’t sugarcoat anything as she allowed readers to FEEL for her characters as they take control of their LIFE.
“As a person. With Quinn, I felt almost human.”Spring Break. The one week where college students run a muck with non-stop partying and of course, hook ups. And so when Quinn Mathers goes on a Caribbean Cruise with his best friend, Jess Hartman for their last spring break, he planned to let loose a bit and hopefully be adventurous since he is known to be terribly shy. As an openly gay man, Quinn is comfortable with his sexuality but has never found the right guy for him. That is until he meets J.R. Butler.
Okay, so is there any readers out there who remembers The Real World or Road Rules from MTV? Well, J.R. Butler is one of the cast members of a reality TV show called Trip League that reminded me of a mashup of The Real World and Road Rules. And if you are familiar with those shows, then you are well aware that the cast is practically typecast with your token sexy male, innocent virginal girl, the party animal, the gay white guy, the quiet Asian, and of course the angry black guy. And J.R. Butler is of course cast as the angry Black guy.
“I wanted Quinn. I wanted his lips and his ass and his cock. I wanted it.”
So everyone knows the saying, do not judge a book by its cover and looks can be deceiving. Well the saying couldn’t be more true in regards to J.R. Butler. The networks will do anything to sell reality TV to make it more entertaining and so J.R. Butler was cast as the straight black man, who had a girlfriend back home. But that was not the case at all, J.R. Butler is bisexual and has been living a lie and he is tired of it. He is ready to be free and is counting down the days till his contract expires so he can finally come out of the closet publicly. All J.R. had to do was continue to live the lie for only a couple of more months but that proved harder than he thought when a ginger freckled male caught his attention. And now J.R. must try to stay out of the focus as cameras are all over the cruise ship filming the reality show. Will J.R. be able to stay away from Quinn? Or will Quinn be the game changer that will make J.R to finally see that in order to truly be happy you must put your happiness in focus?
“And when his gaze met mine, I knew there was no coming back from this. Not when he placed his palms on the wall beside my head, not when his face drew closer, and especially not when his lips brushed mine.”
“They get J. R. You get Jay. And you never have to share Jay.”Out of Frame was a gem of a read. I loved how Megan Erickson perfectly weaved a story with such raw emotional undertones to a love story of two men. I don’t care what anyone has to say. LOVE IS LOVE. And I want to thank Ms. Erickson for writing a novel that truly highlights that when it comes to love and happiness that there is nothing wrong with that. And for J.R. and Quinn their story is a reminder that love is not about hiding and being out of the frame, but instead that their love is just like any love between a man and woman. So if you are looking for a story that highlights acceptance, friendship, family, love and sexuality then I highly urge you to read Out of Frame.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Megan Erickson
Read
March 9, 2018Rating removed, review spoilered.
I'm here for the books not the authors - but can't ignore the allegations.
Originally 2*
After reading Strong Signal I wanted to try something by Erickson, and this is a pleasant summer read, but it didn't make much of an impression.
The characters are described as young twenty-somethings in the blurb, but the whole story comes across very teenage, there's not enough grit there for me. There are details like JR wanting to pay his brother's medical bills (a fact thrown in there with little impact) but mostly what's here feels superficial. A cruise with no stops, there's no visits to ports, nothing to give a sense of place or time beyond boozy parties.
JR is cast as 'angry black man' in a reality show, and I really liked how his colour wasn't made a story point for the book. He's also Bi but being forced to keep it secret. The 'it's not honest' impressed me, keeping silent even if always dating the other gender, could never be the whole of a person. The book is good at getting that message across. JR's self knowledge and confidence in his sexuality was the most mature aspect of the story. In fact it pretty much is the story.
Its insta-insta. JR eyes red-haired freckly Quinn and ..that's all she wrote. Suddenly it's worth taking risks. Things happen and HEA. I guess I wanted more from them, more insight to them as people. More reason to be making a stand. Everyone, the main characters, the friends, the bad-guy-agent felt like trope cut-outs, none of them got developed into real people. What you end up with is a nice story about bisexuality but not really a story about people. It's not political in tone, very light reading, but a YA with nothing beyond the surface. Pleasant, but barely kept my interest. Others seem to like it.
I'm here for the books not the authors - but can't ignore the allegations.
Originally 2*
After reading Strong Signal I wanted to try something by Erickson, and this is a pleasant summer read, but it didn't make much of an impression.
The characters are described as young twenty-somethings in the blurb, but the whole story comes across very teenage, there's not enough grit there for me. There are details like JR wanting to pay his brother's medical bills (a fact thrown in there with little impact) but mostly what's here feels superficial. A cruise with no stops, there's no visits to ports, nothing to give a sense of place or time beyond boozy parties.
JR is cast as 'angry black man' in a reality show, and I really liked how his colour wasn't made a story point for the book. He's also Bi but being forced to keep it secret. The 'it's not honest' impressed me, keeping silent even if always dating the other gender, could never be the whole of a person. The book is good at getting that message across. JR's self knowledge and confidence in his sexuality was the most mature aspect of the story. In fact it pretty much is the story.
Its insta-insta. JR eyes red-haired freckly Quinn and ..that's all she wrote. Suddenly it's worth taking risks. Things happen and HEA. I guess I wanted more from them, more insight to them as people. More reason to be making a stand. Everyone, the main characters, the friends, the bad-guy-agent felt like trope cut-outs, none of them got developed into real people. What you end up with is a nice story about bisexuality but not really a story about people. It's not political in tone, very light reading, but a YA with nothing beyond the surface. Pleasant, but barely kept my interest. Others seem to like it.
March 19, 2016
BR, March 16th with Paul and Sonia.
I didn't like this as much as the first two.. Probably has to do with the "me-being-uncomfortable-reading-sexscenes-my kids age".
I know the first two installments were about young people as well but Quinn and Jay really felt very young to me....
"The house didn't win. We did."
I am looking forward to Levi's book. He was awesome here.
March 14, 2016
I want to write a love poem to Megan Erickson. It will be about how she writes the best books, with the best characters, who have the best dialogue. How every single character she's ever written makes me want to carry them around in my pocket for hugs and smiles. How she must have the best heart in the whole world because her books make mine smile so big. And I will present it to her with all my *flails* and *squees* because…OH MY GOD, YOU GUYS, SHE DID IT AGAIN!
I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK.
I loved sweet, shy Quinn with the red hair and the freckles. I loved angsty, misunderstood J.R. with the unexpected sweetness and the giant heart. Their whole story worked for me. I loved the idea of the cruise where regular Joes get to mingle with the cast of a popular reality show. I love the portrayal of the reality show cast and how everything is not always what it seems. I loved the friendships they formed and, of course, most of all, I loved Quinn and J.R. together.
Ms. Erickson has this way of capturing the exquisite first moments of a relationship. Those moments that seem suspended in air, where you're not quite sure that you're both feeling the same thing but you think you might be, and if you're right, things are about to get fucking amazing. The breathless anxiety of it all. The unending hope. She captures all these things the exact way that you would experience them in real life, so you feel everything right along with the characters. Every subtle twist and turn. Every heartbreak and pitfall. Every sizzling, pulse-pounding, sexy encounter. And every sweet, bubbly butterfly twirling around in your stomach making you feel like you’re actually—literally—falling in love.
I loved how Quinn and J.R. helped each other grow (with the assist of their friends and family, of course). I loved their banter—the way they effortlessly flowed from sappy sweet to affectionately sarcastic and back again—it's so authentic and fun to read. I loved how when they finally got their happily ever after, it was baggage free. I loved the epilogue—the best part of investing in a series is getting updates on the characters you've loved along the way. It's all here. It's all wonderful.
If you're not reading these books yet, consider this review me shoving the books under your nose and insisting you read them. Immediately. Go! Your heart will thank you! ~ Shelly, 5 stars
~~~
I cannot believe I've finished this book. I swear, I JUST started reading it—and now it's over?
That can't be right... Can it?
*stares at clock*
Oh. Oooooh. It's 1:30am.
*cringes* Whoops. #NOREGRETS, though. Seriously, none. I may have started this book with the intention of reading a couple of chapters, and then getting some shut-eye, but this was better. Way, way better.
Because this was J.R. and Quinn—and Casey and Jess—and it was divine. Funny as hell. So funny, in fact, I snorted at least once. (Titanic reenactment. That's all.)
It was also sexier than sin and hotter than fuck. But I think we all knew it would be, given that it's Megan Erickson, and she's perfected combining panty-melting moments with feels.
Because, OF COURSE, there were feels. Not over-the-top, crazy ones. Nope, just that sort of sweet tension that has you so invested in the characters that you don't realize you're holding your breath until something makes you gasp. Or sigh. Or snicker.
And oh, how I gasped, sighed and snickered. Oh, how I was invested in these characters. J.R. was a heartbreaker—misunderstood, trying to take care of his people, and struggling to just be HIM. And Quinn? Freckly, ginger-haired Quinn...I noticed you, Lucky. I LOVED you.
I also loved the secondary characters. Hard. All of them, but especially Levi (please say he gets a book next!), and Jess and Casey (they can also get a book, okay?) These friends of (swoon) J.R. and (smile) Quinn brought extra humor and heart to Out of Frame, and I would happily read more about Every. Single. One.
So, where does all this leave me? Apparently, awake in the middle of the night, trying to work out how I got so lost in a book, I didn't notice time passing. And wondering how long I have to wait for another book by this author to do it all over again... ~ Beth, 5 stars
~~~
Quinn Mathers is a shy, quiet, rule follower. He’s happy living in his best friend’s shadow—Jess is outgoing enough for both of them, so Quinn believes. He has always been the one to listen to his parents, followed the motto that school comes first. A risk taker, Quinn is not. Until Quinn and Jess take a spring break cruise their last year in college. A cruise that just so happens to include the stars of their favorite reality show—including J.R. Butler, the “bad boy” of the show, the one who’s fascinated Quinn the most. It doesn’t matter to Quinn that JR is straight—a man can still fantasize, right?
J.R. Butler is tired. Tired of hiding his true self. He’s been okay living his life “straight” since he signed on to the show—until Quinn. With Quinn, he’s risking everything if they get caught—which may be sooner rather than later because they just cannot keep their hands off each other. As the cruise draws to an end, J.R. needs to decide if he’s willing to give up his career for love and admit he’s bisexual. Is he ready to come out to the world and will Quinn be ready to stand by his side?
As a reader, there are just some books that hit you in the “feels” harder than others. Books that make you feel happy, sad, mad, love, hate, hopeless and hopeful. Out of Frame is one of those books. I loved every minute of time spent with J.R. and Quinn. Loved their growth as individuals during the short period of time on the cruise—they focused on themselves, their own wants and desires without outside influences, and they both became better men because of it.
I also loved catching up with Landry and Justin, and Riley and Colin. Gah, now I cannot wait to know whose story is next. Maybe Levi? ~ Missy, 5 “I loved every minute” stars
I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK.
I loved sweet, shy Quinn with the red hair and the freckles. I loved angsty, misunderstood J.R. with the unexpected sweetness and the giant heart. Their whole story worked for me. I loved the idea of the cruise where regular Joes get to mingle with the cast of a popular reality show. I love the portrayal of the reality show cast and how everything is not always what it seems. I loved the friendships they formed and, of course, most of all, I loved Quinn and J.R. together.
Ms. Erickson has this way of capturing the exquisite first moments of a relationship. Those moments that seem suspended in air, where you're not quite sure that you're both feeling the same thing but you think you might be, and if you're right, things are about to get fucking amazing. The breathless anxiety of it all. The unending hope. She captures all these things the exact way that you would experience them in real life, so you feel everything right along with the characters. Every subtle twist and turn. Every heartbreak and pitfall. Every sizzling, pulse-pounding, sexy encounter. And every sweet, bubbly butterfly twirling around in your stomach making you feel like you’re actually—literally—falling in love.
I loved how Quinn and J.R. helped each other grow (with the assist of their friends and family, of course). I loved their banter—the way they effortlessly flowed from sappy sweet to affectionately sarcastic and back again—it's so authentic and fun to read. I loved how when they finally got their happily ever after, it was baggage free. I loved the epilogue—the best part of investing in a series is getting updates on the characters you've loved along the way. It's all here. It's all wonderful.
If you're not reading these books yet, consider this review me shoving the books under your nose and insisting you read them. Immediately. Go! Your heart will thank you! ~ Shelly, 5 stars
~~~
I cannot believe I've finished this book. I swear, I JUST started reading it—and now it's over?
That can't be right... Can it?
*stares at clock*
Oh. Oooooh. It's 1:30am.
*cringes* Whoops. #NOREGRETS, though. Seriously, none. I may have started this book with the intention of reading a couple of chapters, and then getting some shut-eye, but this was better. Way, way better.
Because this was J.R. and Quinn—and Casey and Jess—and it was divine. Funny as hell. So funny, in fact, I snorted at least once. (Titanic reenactment. That's all.)
It was also sexier than sin and hotter than fuck. But I think we all knew it would be, given that it's Megan Erickson, and she's perfected combining panty-melting moments with feels.
Because, OF COURSE, there were feels. Not over-the-top, crazy ones. Nope, just that sort of sweet tension that has you so invested in the characters that you don't realize you're holding your breath until something makes you gasp. Or sigh. Or snicker.
And oh, how I gasped, sighed and snickered. Oh, how I was invested in these characters. J.R. was a heartbreaker—misunderstood, trying to take care of his people, and struggling to just be HIM. And Quinn? Freckly, ginger-haired Quinn...I noticed you, Lucky. I LOVED you.
I also loved the secondary characters. Hard. All of them, but especially Levi (please say he gets a book next!), and Jess and Casey (they can also get a book, okay?) These friends of (swoon) J.R. and (smile) Quinn brought extra humor and heart to Out of Frame, and I would happily read more about Every. Single. One.
So, where does all this leave me? Apparently, awake in the middle of the night, trying to work out how I got so lost in a book, I didn't notice time passing. And wondering how long I have to wait for another book by this author to do it all over again... ~ Beth, 5 stars
~~~
Quinn Mathers is a shy, quiet, rule follower. He’s happy living in his best friend’s shadow—Jess is outgoing enough for both of them, so Quinn believes. He has always been the one to listen to his parents, followed the motto that school comes first. A risk taker, Quinn is not. Until Quinn and Jess take a spring break cruise their last year in college. A cruise that just so happens to include the stars of their favorite reality show—including J.R. Butler, the “bad boy” of the show, the one who’s fascinated Quinn the most. It doesn’t matter to Quinn that JR is straight—a man can still fantasize, right?
J.R. Butler is tired. Tired of hiding his true self. He’s been okay living his life “straight” since he signed on to the show—until Quinn. With Quinn, he’s risking everything if they get caught—which may be sooner rather than later because they just cannot keep their hands off each other. As the cruise draws to an end, J.R. needs to decide if he’s willing to give up his career for love and admit he’s bisexual. Is he ready to come out to the world and will Quinn be ready to stand by his side?
As a reader, there are just some books that hit you in the “feels” harder than others. Books that make you feel happy, sad, mad, love, hate, hopeless and hopeful. Out of Frame is one of those books. I loved every minute of time spent with J.R. and Quinn. Loved their growth as individuals during the short period of time on the cruise—they focused on themselves, their own wants and desires without outside influences, and they both became better men because of it.
I also loved catching up with Landry and Justin, and Riley and Colin. Gah, now I cannot wait to know whose story is next. Maybe Levi? ~ Missy, 5 “I loved every minute” stars
March 15, 2016
The In Focus series has become one of my favorites. The journey that each character takes feels so real and honest. A discovery of themselves, who they are, what they want out of life, in a partner, and learning to love. Out of Frame is no different.
As Quinn goes on a fantastic spring break cruise with his best friend Jess, it’s a time of reflection for him. Yes, the cruise has the cast of a reality show on board. Yes, there are hi-jinks and games and fun times to be had. But at the core of the trip, Quinn is taking that journey that every young person takes at some point in their life. He’s preparing himself to cut the cord from his parents. He has goals that he’d like to achieve and just needs to find a way, and the courage, to reach out and do it.
J.R. is just as ready to break the bonds that are tying him to a life he’s not happy in. Working on a show that has stuck him into a corner, he’s desperate for it to be over so he can move on, try acting in some other roles, not be stuck in the ever present contract he’s in that says he has to be straight. He’s also seen as the guy with the short temper, and the camera feeds on that, making him kind of a bad guy when he's anything but. It’s agonizing to watch him struggle to be what the TV executives and his agent want him to be when he’s so close to getting out. What is also difficult is the struggle he has when deciding what his next moves are career wise. The decisions he makes, he feels, could impact his family as he’s also helping them quite a bit.
Together, Quinn and J.R. find a friendship and attraction that was really nice to read. The trust they are willing to show each other was so lovely. They’re both really great guys who, if they were not stuck on this ship, not under the constant pressure to stay out of the camera’s eye, they’d be free to be themselves and explore where their new relationship could take them. Alas, this is a vacation trip for Quinn. A work trip for J. R. Both of them do have lives to get back to and sort out. The journey they take on the way to those decisions, that’s where the story lives and breathes life.
I fully enjoyed this installment to the In Focus series. The cast of characters was wonderful. Levi, in particular, was a star to me so I’m really happy to see that he’ll get his story told next.
Highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
As Quinn goes on a fantastic spring break cruise with his best friend Jess, it’s a time of reflection for him. Yes, the cruise has the cast of a reality show on board. Yes, there are hi-jinks and games and fun times to be had. But at the core of the trip, Quinn is taking that journey that every young person takes at some point in their life. He’s preparing himself to cut the cord from his parents. He has goals that he’d like to achieve and just needs to find a way, and the courage, to reach out and do it.
J.R. is just as ready to break the bonds that are tying him to a life he’s not happy in. Working on a show that has stuck him into a corner, he’s desperate for it to be over so he can move on, try acting in some other roles, not be stuck in the ever present contract he’s in that says he has to be straight. He’s also seen as the guy with the short temper, and the camera feeds on that, making him kind of a bad guy when he's anything but. It’s agonizing to watch him struggle to be what the TV executives and his agent want him to be when he’s so close to getting out. What is also difficult is the struggle he has when deciding what his next moves are career wise. The decisions he makes, he feels, could impact his family as he’s also helping them quite a bit.
Together, Quinn and J.R. find a friendship and attraction that was really nice to read. The trust they are willing to show each other was so lovely. They’re both really great guys who, if they were not stuck on this ship, not under the constant pressure to stay out of the camera’s eye, they’d be free to be themselves and explore where their new relationship could take them. Alas, this is a vacation trip for Quinn. A work trip for J. R. Both of them do have lives to get back to and sort out. The journey they take on the way to those decisions, that’s where the story lives and breathes life.
I fully enjoyed this installment to the In Focus series. The cast of characters was wonderful. Levi, in particular, was a star to me so I’m really happy to see that he’ll get his story told next.
Highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Read
March 9, 2018Rating & review removed
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March 23, 2016
Another enjoyable entry in the series. This one wasn't as emotional or serious as Focus on Me and we move from road trip to cruise ship (although it seemed like a party cruise to nowhere as we never see anyone actually get off the ship).
Both JR/Jay (closeted bisexual reality show actor) and Quinn (soon to be college grad with a crush on JR) have decisions to make about their immediate future, and both have family concerns that are tangled up with those decisions. Their shipboard romance isn't easy - cameras are everywhere and JR needs to play straight - but it affects them both deeply enough to give them the confidence to make the changes they need to in their individual personal lives.
Fun, sexy and sweet, I enjoyed seeing Jay and Quinn really connect with each other despite the circus that surrounds them. It was nice to also get a quick peek at Landry & Justin and Colin & Riley (that vacation house sure is getting crowded). I'm really looking forward to Jay's castmate Levi's story coming next.
Both JR/Jay (closeted bisexual reality show actor) and Quinn (soon to be college grad with a crush on JR) have decisions to make about their immediate future, and both have family concerns that are tangled up with those decisions. Their shipboard romance isn't easy - cameras are everywhere and JR needs to play straight - but it affects them both deeply enough to give them the confidence to make the changes they need to in their individual personal lives.
Fun, sexy and sweet, I enjoyed seeing Jay and Quinn really connect with each other despite the circus that surrounds them. It was nice to also get a quick peek at Landry & Justin and Colin & Riley (that vacation house sure is getting crowded). I'm really looking forward to Jay's castmate Levi's story coming next.
Read
March 2, 2018Review Removed.
June 19, 2016
3.75 stars
March 11, 2018
Note (added 11/03/2018):
In light of recent events, I can no longer recommend this book to my friends (or any reader, for that matter).
However, my Goodreads review space provides me an opportunity to rate and review books, expressing how they made me think, feel, question, or react at a particular moment in time. Sometimes, I use my review space to share stories about my life or comment on the world around me, drawing comparisons between myself and the characters and plot lines that I read about. As such, they are a time capsule of sorts and the historian in me won't let me erase them from the historical record.
So I am going to leave my ratings/reviews intact, but reiterate that I can no longer recommend this book to my friends.
Originally rating and/or review:
*** 4.5 Stars ***
I love this series. If you aren't reading it, you should be.
In light of recent events, I can no longer recommend this book to my friends (or any reader, for that matter).
However, my Goodreads review space provides me an opportunity to rate and review books, expressing how they made me think, feel, question, or react at a particular moment in time. Sometimes, I use my review space to share stories about my life or comment on the world around me, drawing comparisons between myself and the characters and plot lines that I read about. As such, they are a time capsule of sorts and the historian in me won't let me erase them from the historical record.
So I am going to leave my ratings/reviews intact, but reiterate that I can no longer recommend this book to my friends.
Originally rating and/or review:
*** 4.5 Stars ***
I love this series. If you aren't reading it, you should be.
March 18, 2016
“Even though I really liked the girls, I felt like I was lying to them. They’d be like, ‘Oh damn, that Idris Elba is fine,’ and I wanted to be like, ‘Fuck yeah, I know, right? I’d hit that.'”
Dude, she totally wrote that for me. Everyone online knows who I swoon for. Gosh I love Idris Elba so much!!!! Thank you for including that.(If you didn’t write that for me, don’t tell anyone you didn’t ;D). Meeting Quinn from book two and reading about his character in this book was a bit of a refreshment for me. I loved the realistic ways Megan writes this series. I need to say this people this isn’t a GFY/OFY. J.R states the entire book that he’s bi-sexual. It isn’t a revelation that he has when he sees Quinn. I think that needs to be said, because I don’t want his sexuality to be taken from him. He was adamant about being who he is, but he couldn’t be out because of his career. It’s not so hard to see that, seeing as men don’t want their sexuality to dictate what job they can get or do. I freaking get, and loved him way much more.
Quinn’s mom giving him those sea bands were one of the most sweetest moments. Looked what the outcome was. I really liked Quinn, I didn’t see him as introverted as he stated to be most of the time, but that could be because he was on a spring break cruise with other college students drunk most of the time. Alcohol does give you liquid courage. I definitely connected with Quinn on the stifling or overprotective parents front. Not at his age maybe in my teens for sure. He couldn’t be himself, or grow to learn or make mistakes. When he opened up, I definitely saw that ginger side come out of him. I really enjoyed how understanding he was with Jay.
“It’s not even just about wanting to be with Quinn, or another guy. This is about me. It’s about being black and queer and compromising because that’s all I’ve ever done in my fucking life, you know?”
It was something about Jay as a character that grabbed at my heart. He’s not a character that I’ve read about before. He acknowledged liking both sexes. I felt so raw when he described his reasons for not coming out. I literally wanted to scream for him, because not once did he think about himself. He made a decision at 18, that unfortunately he hates 4 years later. He can’t just come out because all he thinks about is his brother’s medical bills, helping his parents out, he thinks about the fans & masses who he lied to for all these years. He has been told that his career wouldn’t be what it is, he’s afraid of having nothing. Reading his dialogue, I just got it. I liked what Quinn & Jay were able to mean to each other. Quinn had someone finally noticing him, and Jay had someone who knew the real him. Of course Megan physical scenes were hot, and while the dirty talk was severely lacking. I actually wanted filthy dirty talk, but hopefully we’ll get some in the next book. I’ll leave us with this line from Quinn that I liked.
He noticed me. And I made him feel special.
Review @ Oh My Shelves Blog
March 18, 2016
3.5 stars
I love Megan Erickson's writing and I thought the first two books in this series were amazingly good, but this one didn't work nearly as well for me. I was skeptical from the get-go because of the reality show slant. I'm just not into reality shows at all. Or cruise ships for that matter. Did anyone else think it was weird that they did a week long Caribbean cruise but didn't seem to step off the ship once and there was no mention of being in port anywhere? The bigger issue was that I had problems connecting with Quinn and J. R. and just couldn't buy into their relationship. Seeing as how many of my GR friends have loved this, it's quite possible it's just me and the fact that I started reading this with some preconceived notions.
I love Megan Erickson's writing and I thought the first two books in this series were amazingly good, but this one didn't work nearly as well for me. I was skeptical from the get-go because of the reality show slant. I'm just not into reality shows at all. Or cruise ships for that matter. Did anyone else think it was weird that they did a week long Caribbean cruise but didn't seem to step off the ship once and there was no mention of being in port anywhere? The bigger issue was that I had problems connecting with Quinn and J. R. and just couldn't buy into their relationship. Seeing as how many of my GR friends have loved this, it's quite possible it's just me and the fact that I started reading this with some preconceived notions.
nope
March 9, 2018Removing my review because of what has come to light.
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July 20, 2017
Originally posted at Booklovers For Life
I adore Megan Erickson, but Out of Frame is actually the first book in the In Focus series I’ve read. From how much I enjoyed this one, I’ll definitely need to go back and read the previous books in the series! Quinn and J.R.’s story is a quick read, but it’s full of all the FEELS, and even though it was a bit too short for me taste, I absolutely adored it. Megan Erickson characterizes what it means to be a new adult SO well in her books. I love the way she’s able to balance the humor and heart with the painful and raw emotions – if you’re looking for a well-rounded, well-written new adult novel, Out of Frame is for you!
Quinn Mathers and his best friend Jess are spending the spring break of their last year of college on a Caribbean cruise. Sounds like the perfect college spring break right? It’s the chance for Quinn to finally let loose and have some fun in his life when all he’s known is order and staying within the lines. Maybe he’ll even meet a guy and have a little fling with him… except the moment Quinn meets reality show star J.R. Butler, his spring break gets a whole lot more complicated.
All J.R. Butler wants is to be an actor and be able to support his sick brother, so when he was first cast in the reality show Trip League, he thought it was the right decision. Now? Not so much. He’s had to hide his bisexuality and become the clichéd angry black man for the show – he’s never truly able to share who he is to anyone. But with Quinn, he’s different, because he can share who he is and he can just be. Of course, there’s a hot hot HOT chemistry going on between them that had me fanning myself. J.R. and Quinn want each other bad, and the fact that they could get caught by the cameras is scary and a little titillating.
Quinn and J.R. only have a week together on the cruise before they go their separate ways, but with emotions running high, is it possible to have… more? I loved the way Megan Erickson played out their romance, the way these two were so freaking sweet and adorable at the same time they were sexy as hell together. And even better, the individual journeys of these two men were just as meaningful. Quinn and J.R. both help each other discover and grow into the men they’re meant to be, and I found this the most beautiful aspect of Out of Frame.
Megan Erickson captures the beginnings of a newfound relationship so perfectly – everything about J.R. and Quinn and their romance felt genuine and real. Thankfully, Out of Frame can be read completely as a standalone, since I haven’t read the previous books, but the other couples from the series do make their appearances. I would’ve loved if this book were longer, if we had more time with Quinn and J.R., but otherwise, this book was pretty freaking wonderful. I’m so excited to read the rest of the series!
Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.
Quotes are taken from the ARC and are subject to change in the final version.
Amazon Ebook: http://amzn.to/1KEvrU3
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I adore Megan Erickson, but Out of Frame is actually the first book in the In Focus series I’ve read. From how much I enjoyed this one, I’ll definitely need to go back and read the previous books in the series! Quinn and J.R.’s story is a quick read, but it’s full of all the FEELS, and even though it was a bit too short for me taste, I absolutely adored it. Megan Erickson characterizes what it means to be a new adult SO well in her books. I love the way she’s able to balance the humor and heart with the painful and raw emotions – if you’re looking for a well-rounded, well-written new adult novel, Out of Frame is for you!
Quinn Mathers and his best friend Jess are spending the spring break of their last year of college on a Caribbean cruise. Sounds like the perfect college spring break right? It’s the chance for Quinn to finally let loose and have some fun in his life when all he’s known is order and staying within the lines. Maybe he’ll even meet a guy and have a little fling with him… except the moment Quinn meets reality show star J.R. Butler, his spring break gets a whole lot more complicated.
He treated me like . . . a normal guy. In the last couple years, people did one of two things when they met me—picked a fight to get on TV, or kissed my ass to get on TV. It was never about me. As a person. With Quinn, I felt almost human.
All J.R. Butler wants is to be an actor and be able to support his sick brother, so when he was first cast in the reality show Trip League, he thought it was the right decision. Now? Not so much. He’s had to hide his bisexuality and become the clichéd angry black man for the show – he’s never truly able to share who he is to anyone. But with Quinn, he’s different, because he can share who he is and he can just be. Of course, there’s a hot hot HOT chemistry going on between them that had me fanning myself. J.R. and Quinn want each other bad, and the fact that they could get caught by the cameras is scary and a little titillating.
“I want you. Like I haven’t wanted anyone in a long time.”
Quinn and J.R. only have a week together on the cruise before they go their separate ways, but with emotions running high, is it possible to have… more? I loved the way Megan Erickson played out their romance, the way these two were so freaking sweet and adorable at the same time they were sexy as hell together. And even better, the individual journeys of these two men were just as meaningful. Quinn and J.R. both help each other discover and grow into the men they’re meant to be, and I found this the most beautiful aspect of Out of Frame.
“It’s not even just about wanting to be with Quinn, or another guy. This is about me. It’s about being black and queer and compromising because that’s all I’ve ever done in my fucking life, you know?”
Megan Erickson captures the beginnings of a newfound relationship so perfectly – everything about J.R. and Quinn and their romance felt genuine and real. Thankfully, Out of Frame can be read completely as a standalone, since I haven’t read the previous books, but the other couples from the series do make their appearances. I would’ve loved if this book were longer, if we had more time with Quinn and J.R., but otherwise, this book was pretty freaking wonderful. I’m so excited to read the rest of the series!
Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.
Quotes are taken from the ARC and are subject to change in the final version.
Amazon Ebook: http://amzn.to/1KEvrU3
Liked this review? Subscribe to Booklovers For Life for more!
March 26, 2016
3.5 stars
I loved Trust the Focus and Focus on Me. Out of Frame can be read as a standalone, but you're really missing out if you don't read the others.
The subject matter in OoF isn't as heavy as the previous two books. Jay is a bi young adult man starring in a reality show. He was eager to land a role as an actor and naïve about the business so he signed a contract to portray himself as an angry black straight man since that's the slot the makers wanted filled. Quinn has been very sheltered by his parents. He and his best friend decide to cut loose on a special cruise loaded with college co-eds and the cast of Trip League. There is an instant attraction between Jay and Quinn, but big obstacles stand in the way.
This story was really fun. The friendships and banter kept me smiling, and some of the antics the cast pulls off made me chuckle. If you're looking for some new adult good times centering on relationships and finding oneself, this is for you.
***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***
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