Review: Out of Frame by Megan Erickson

Author: Megan Erickson

Pages/Word Count: 203 Pages

At a Glance: If you’re a fan of this series—and, how could you not be—you definitely need to add this one to the collection.

Reviewed By: Jules

Blurb: 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…

Review: I have been loving this series so, so much, but when I first read the blurb for Out of Frame, I was a little unsure for some reason. Hijinks on the high seas? Reality show spring break cruise?? I just didn’t know what to expect! But, I have to say this book was fun!! New characters to love…old favorites to squeal about…just a really nice weekend read.

Quinn was fantastic. I adored everything about him, from his red hair and freckles, right down to his neuroses. And, he and Jess together were both heartwarming and hilarious. Friendships like that don’t grow on trees, they are special, and I always love reading about them. Up until now, Quinn has needed a friend like Jess to help him cope with his overbearing parents, and to navigate life. But, finally breaking away from his folks, and making some choices for himself on this cruise, has made a world of difference in Quinn’s view of himself and what he’s capable of. I loved watching Quinn open up to the possibility of going out on his own after college, and to the reality of what was quickly unfolding with the infamous Trip League personality, J.R. Butler.

I also really liked J.R.’s character. Well, let’s be clear…I liked Jay’s character. ;) Known on the reality show as J.R., but to those closest to him as simply Jay, he is definitely not the hothead he is made out to be on the show. He’s thoughtful, loves his family, and currently wishes more than anything that he could openly act on the intense pull he feels towards Quinn. But, for now he feels he has to continue hiding his bisexuality, and it’s tearing him up. The tension in his character is so palpable. Megan Erickson did a great job of showing us how frustrating and unfair Jay’s situation is. Also, I’m so glad that we got both viewpoints in this book! This is the first time in the In Focus series that we’ve gotten both MCs’ POVs, and this book definitely wouldn’t have been the same without hearing from Jay.

Other reasons not to miss this one? First and foremost, LEVI! I can’t wait for Levi’s book this fall. Also, Jess is great, of course, and she has a little fling with someone on the ship that I thought was lots of fun, and pretty damn funny. Next, the beer pong scene. And finally, every single sweet look and word between Quinn and Jay. So, there you go. Another lovely NA read that I enjoyed a lot. If you’re a fan of this series—and, how could you not be—you definitely need to add this one to the collection. If you haven’t read any of them yet, this could absolutely be read as a standalone, but I wholeheartedly recommend reading them all, starting with Trust the Focus. #JusLanForever