Overexposed

> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
This cover does not seem to match the previous books in the series, but then, Levi was less connected to the others, so it makes a sort of sense. The cover is focused and has an edgier feel to it. Bold. The synopsis lends an air of mystery as well. It was intriguing.

> > Looking Deeper < <
First person POV. Levi had the reins throughout the main story, Thad took over the Epilogue.
Devoured. That's what I did to this book. Unlike the other books in the series, this one felt a little heavier in subject content and I felt the characters were more complex.
Levi was cast on "Trip League" as the flamboyant, openly gay guy that was the life of the party who never knew a stranger. When the show was over, his plans to hike the Appalachian Trail with his sister came to a grinding halt when she was killed while deployed. Unsure how to grieve, Levi determined that he'd still make the hike, in her memory and honor. Research and strength of will were only going to get him so far though before he broke.
Thad's a man of mystery... first appearing on the trail one night when Levi wakes to empty his bladder and spots the man sitting on a rock nearby, staring at the moon. Later, he sees him in a trail town bar. They form an unlikely partnership and begin hiking together. Thad seems to prefer hearing Levi's entertaining stories and all but refuses to talk about himself. I pinned down his identity on their second meeting so the big reveal was not a surprise to me, but it was no less emotional.
This plot had a lot of depth and dynamics and flowed like warmed honey. The content felt darker and edgier, for the things they've been through and still had to face. Chemistry was magnetic and powerful, dialogue: realistic, interaction: raw, emotional, believable. Most of the secondary characters made cameo appearances by phone or text conversations until near the end, but Levi and Thad were perfectly capable of carrying the plot on their own as much as they did.
The story ended in an epilogue, wrapping most of the characters up nicely. I'm not sure if Ms. Erickson will write anymore books in this series, but there seemed to be just enough of an opening for Matty to get a story later. I would, 100%, read another book in this series and would recommend this book and series to anyone looking for a solid, well-written M/M romance.
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Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.45 ~ Stars: 4.5

If you’re following the series, you met Levi in Out of Focus. He did a stint on a reality show filling the role of a flamboyant gay stereotype. Although he is high maintenance, he has other qualities and needs a break from always being in character.
Thad is the strong silent type. He prefers to stay mostly to himself and to listen rather than talk. He sometimes has a difficult time connecting with others but craves an emotional link.
Both are hiking the Appalachian Trail alone in an effort move passed some personal pain. They fit together way better than either expected. All of the sudden, they are sort of a team. Of course both still have issues that must be addressed.
Overexposed is a sweet romance that deals with personal growth and the effort of overcoming the pain that is sometimes life. It definitely hit my aww button. There’s sadness, smiles and plenty of heart.