Focus
The Crescent Chronicles, #2
by Alyssa Rose Ivy
Publisher: Self-Published (Jan. 2013)
Genre: Paranormal Romance, YA, New Adult
Format: eBook (Novel)
Source: Author, for Blog Tour
Purchase: Amazon Print | Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble
Rating: ★★★½☆ ( 3.5 stars)
Freshman year of college is hard even when you’re not tied to the future king of a supernatural society.
Allie dives into college head first with Hailey as her roommate and the city of New Orleans as her backyard. As things within The Society heat up, Allie realizes that whether she’s with Levi or not, she’s in far too deep to turn back.
At A Glance
Things are just starting to get interesting. I can’t wait for the next book, but I still wish more happened in Focus.
The Good
Focus is all about Levi and Allie’s relationship. Allie still hasn’t forgiven Levi for tricking her into getting engaged and becoming the princess of a supernatural society where Pteron (supernatural creatures with wings) rule. Forced to stay close to Levi for protection, Allie is now going to college in New Orleans. If college wasn’t hard enough, Allie is still being pursued by people who want to either kill her or make her theirs. But Levi is there for her every step of the way, trying to get back into her heart…and pants. 😉
Focus really takes us deeper into the supernatural world. We finally get some answers to the questions left behind from Flight. Levi and Allie have a precarious relationship but they have to show a strong bond in public because a weak prince and princess means a weak leadership. The political part of the Pteron fascinated me. Learning more about Jared, his family, and his relationship in the hierarchy made me start liking him. He is such a player, and in Flight, he was pretty much an ass. But in Focus, he’s a lovable ass. Then there’s Hailey. I loved Allie and Hailey as best friends. They helped each other out in so many ways, they really are perfect friends for each other. I was excited to learn more about the side characters this time around.
If you felt bad for Allie for what Levi did in Flight, don’t worry about it anymore. She got her payback. She gave Levi the runaround most of the book. She also kept leading him on, kissing him one minute, backing away the next. Though, not really one purpose. She can’t help but feel conflicted. Levi deserved it though. She kept him on his toes every minute, making him work for his right to her.
Levi is as sexy and possessive as ever. He still has secrets and he still thinks like a Pteron more than a human, but his sweet side really comes out in Focus. He goes to great lengths to win Allie back. I love his protective streak, too. It’s so obvious how much he loves Allie, he just has a funny way of showing it. I would love to learn ever more about him. I still feel there’s something about him left untapped.
The story was good and the action was intense. Focus is more about character development though. We learn a lot more about the secondary characters which makes us love or hate them even more, and Allie and Levi are starting to finally feel like a real couple. I also enjoyed the peek at college life. It reminds me a lot of when I was in college, especially since Allie really cares about her grades but also tries to have fun. It’s a hard balance to achieve. The cliffhanger ending was pretty juicy, too. I am dying to read book 3 now.
The Bad
Again, as in Flight, I felt like there should have been more in this book. Focus ends on a cliffhanger but it felt like the story should have kept going because not enough happened to be left fully satisfied.
Allie was a little annoying in this book. She made some stupid decisions about her safety even knowing she was in constant danger. She needs to learn caution.
The Snuggly
For most of the book Levi and Allie are on the outs, but Levi never misses a chance to touch and flirt with Allie. I think the sexual tension was so much more intense in Focus. Levi and Allie just get hotter. The sex is still YA, but we are slowly getting to New Adult content.
Final Thoughts
I do feel Focus was a little better than Flight, but not quite 4 stars yet. It’s getting there though. Really, I just wish there was more consistent action. But maybe this is a more relaxed series, and that’s okay. I still can’t wait for the next book. I have to know what is going to happen next. Recommended.
“Break ups aren’t fair. Why does only one person have power? We both agreed to start dating. Why do you get to make the decision to end it? Shouldn’t it be a joint decision too?
Relationships aren’t a democracy. Not everyone gets an equal vote.”
“You look so good with your wings.” I reached out and touched one, but he shifted, moving it from my reach.
“If you want to touch them, you have to come closer.”
“I am close. If I get any closer, I’ll be on your lap.”
“You say it like it’s a bad thing.”
I also reviewed Flight, the first book of the series, just recently. I gave it 3.5 stars. I think it was a good beginning to the series. Check out my Review of Flight. Just for incentive, here is a sneak peek:
This is the kind of book you read on a hot, lazy day. It’s a relaxing read. You easily flow into the story and get caught up in the words. This is not an anxiety ridden book, it won’t get your emotions in a twitter until the very end. Just sit back, kick your feet up, and let the story do its thing.
Allie handled herself well throughout the book. She might have fallen for Levi, but she never took his crap. She kept a cool head when in danger and really thought out her choices and decisions. It made me respect her more.
Levi is trouble. You can tell that from the beginning. He’s too charming for his own good. He has a face of an angel (*giggle,* inside joke) and he knows how to use it. But he only wants Allie.
Author BioAlyssa Rose Ivy is a Young Adult and New Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.
Links: Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook
Jessica@a GREAT read
OOh nice!! Seeing this a lot! Hoping to win at least a copy of book 1!
Jennifer Bielman
I hope so too. It’s a fun read.
Jaclyn Canada
I like the sound of the characters growth…and Levi and Allie’s tension was probably pretty fun to read especially if he deserved her uncertainty. Love the review! Jaclyn @ JC’s Book Haven
Jennifer Bielman
Thank JC. Definite character growth.
A Tale of Many Reviews
I’ve been reading the cliffhanger is a good one making readers want book #3. Nice explanation of pros/cons for you. 🙂
Jennifer Bielman
Oh yeah, a great cliffhanger.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Jennifer for review this, I have book one in my tbr pile, I am glad despite the fluff there is character growth.
Jennifer Bielman
Oh yes, it is worth it cuz the character growth was amazing.
Brandi Kosiner
Levi sounds like he walks a fine line with the possessiveness, but gald that this book went into detail with their relationship and took deeper into the supernatural world.
Brandi @ Blkosiner’s Book Blog
Jennifer Bielman
It really was a good sequel.
Sarah Elizabeth
It’s a shame these books aren’t more action packed, but it sounds like you enjoyed them anyway 🙂
Jennifer Bielman
I did. I just whine about action. I am so use to every book I read having it.
Melissa (My World...in words and pages)
Does sound like a very good series! 😀
Jennifer Bielman
It is so far 🙂
Alyssa Rose Ivy
Thanks for reading and reviewing Flight and Focus!
Jennifer Bielman
Thanks for offering them to me. I really enjoyed both books.
salena
Thanks so much for a chance to win these love the books! Happy Reading 🙂
Jennifer Bielman
Good luck.
Heather
this series sounds wonderful!
Josette Schaber
I’m really looking forward to reading this series. I think they sound great.
Jennifer Bielman
Hope you love them.