Focus (The Crescent Chronicles Book 2)

Like it’s predecessor, Focus fell into the iffy gray area between a 3 and a 4 star rating for me. While my overall impression is that I really liked the book, there were definitely some draw backs about this novel that made me cringe.As far the the writing goes, like Flight (Book 1 of this series), this book was well written. Technically speaking there weren’t a lot of typos or grammatical mistakes, and the narrative moved along at a decent speed throughout. There was still a decided lack of overall detail, but it didn’t bother me as much in this book as it did the first, I think in part because the dynamics between the characters were so tense, that I got caught up in that aspect of the story.Also like it’s predecessor, the depth of characterization in this novel really stood out to me. I genuinely like all of the characters—even the awful ones. It seemed that I got to see a different side of the main couple throughout this book, and it was nice to see their situation from the opposite stance it took in the first book.At the end of the previous novel I was quite disturbed by Levi’s interactions with Allie. He came across as pushy, domineering, and a little skeazy to be honest. I was dead set at the end that if Allie was going to be a good female lead, she’d have to make the choice to leave Levi.Going into this book however, my position changed. Levi came across (perhaps as he should have in the first book) as more endearing and sweet. He was nearly desperate to get back into Allie’s good graces (as well he should be after his glaring mistakes in handling their situation in the first place), and instead, Allie was the character who quickly fell out of my favor. I don’t know that it was a conscious effort on the author’s part to narrate this part of the couple’s relationship the way it came across, but I felt as if the situation Allie found herself in by the mid-point of this book was a very realistic, if imperfect position.Whereas in the previous book Allie was completely justified in distancing herself from her relationship with Levi (and I fully supported her!), there eventually came a point in this novel where she surpassed the line of what should have been considered a reasonable punishment and ventured into being a bitch. (excuse my label). The longer she drew out this situation of ignoring Levi and denying him any sort of romantic or physical crumbs, the closer she came to pushing not only Levi, but me, too far. When she came to the point where she realized she loved Levi, was able to admit that to herself, and still denied him forgiveness, I grew angry. As a reader, I was ready to give in and have Levi back in my good graces, and Allie wasn’t.On the one hand, that really irritated me, but on the other, I can understand the position she’s found herself in. There are times in relationships when things don’t go as perfectly scripted as we’d like them to. Allie hit that point, and she made the wrong decision because she was afraid. So although it made me angry at the time, I’m glad the author made these characters fallible. I think it added a layer of depth to the story that I’m not sure everyone will pick up on, and I’m glad that I was someone who could.That aside, like Flight, I think to enjoy this book you’ll have to approach the story as a delve into the intricacies of relationships—those between friends, family, and lovers, and although there are some action and paranormal aspects, I don’t think think those are the main focus. If you go into this story expecting exceptional world building, cuddly romances and thrilling supernatural occurrences, you’re going to be disappointed.Another thing that stuck out for me in this book (and maybe the whole series, I don’t know… there wasn’t that much of it in the first book, and I haven’t read the third) is the underwhelming sex scenes. I didn’t notice it so much in the first book because there was only one sex scene…but in the second book, Focus, it became blatantly obvious that sex scenes are not this author’s forte. I’ll put it out in the open: There were a lot of sex scenes in this book. Unfortunately, they were very short, not descriptive in the least, and for the most part, completely glossed over. This of course leads me to ask: why bother putting them in?It’s not so much that they were glossed over that bugs me—if you don’t feel comfortable having sex scenes in a book, fine… leave them out—but if you’re going to have them, especially in a primarily romance book such as this, you should do them right. They should mean something for the couple, or at least show the audience an aspect of their relationship that helps build its believability. It shouldn’t be watered down to the point where I can skip a paragraph and completely miss it. In that case, what was the point of writing the scene in the first place other than to fill space?Overall, this isn’t the best book of it’s kind that I’ve read, but it was enjoyable. I think if you can approach it from the angle of viewing it as a characterization of the relationships between several people, instead of a sexy fast-paced adventure into the supernatural, you’ll enjoy it more. This isn’t going to be for everyone. Would I read it again? Certainly. Would I recommend it? Yes. I’m planning to get into the third book and see how Allie and Levi’s story pans out shortly. Just be aware of what you’re going into when you read this series—it’s not going to come across as what most people are expecting from a series like this. Had I gone into this knowing that it was labeled a paranormal romance, I don’t think my rating of this novel would have been as high—but because I tend to ignore synopsis and genre’s, I am able to stand back and see the book for what it is, not what it should have been—and that is what I am basing my rating upon.

I was completely blown away with Alyssa Rose Ivy's Flight when I read that one sometime ago, so I decided I had to continue to trilogy and boy did I love Focus!! Focus takes us back to New Orleans where Allie is starting her freshman year of college, but besides having the normal freshman issues, she gets the added paranormal dilemma to top it off.Allie is still a bit p'oed with Levi and rightly so. After having accepting his ring and having sex one night she ended up saying yes to a decision she didn't know she was accepting. And that is being Levi's mate. Levi is to take over his father's position as being a ruler and the Pterons--the owl like shifter they become--are pretty much the top ruling class.But as I said, Allie is still ticked off with Levi, but we all know that won't last terribly long, because Levi is Levi. He may not tell Allie things up front, but he is still a good guy at heart. He cares for Allie deeply and he does everything he possibly can to make it up to her. Allie's life in general though seems to be in the hands of Levi and his family. She is surrounded by body guards--or at least she has one in every class this semester, Levi included. What she wants is just a break from it all, to have a normal life, but that's definitely not in the cards for her.I have to say that I was quite taken with this story. I like how Allie makes friends and yet, they are still involved with her life and the story. Granted they are not there the entire time, but they are pretty involved with quite a few things. Anne is the more outgoing and daring one, while Tiffany is the quieter one. And I have to admit to liking her for that! Go us quiet people from St. Louis! ;)I was also smitten with the fact that our playboy Jared seemed to be crushing on Tiffany. And then of course there's Hailey who seems to be having her own boy issues this book. As she has an unattainable crush on one particular guy and then it seems another guy has a crush on her as well. It's kind of refreshing to see a love triangle that doesn't involve the main heroine. I find it less annoying, but I am not sure this can be called a love triangle in the traditional sense. Just people crushing on one another, going to have to wait and see how it all turns out.For awhile though, I wasn't sure where this story was going other than Levi trying to win back Allie's heart. There definitely seems to be something brewing within the paranormal world. The Blackwells, the ever present problem in Levi's rule as king are a constant threat and the threat is gunning for Allie.But as I said, that issue didn't pop up til just shy past the halfway point and then there comes more relationship woes for Allie and Levi. It's not until the very, very end that the bomb is dropped and a huge revelation/problem lands in Allie's lap. She's going to have to act fast if she wants to resolve it, but luckily Levi's at her side. Now as to Levi allowing her to do what's necessary in this particular cliffhanger matter, is something we'll have to see in the final book, Found. Which I will be starting asap! The best part about reading a series after it's printed is that the cliffhangers don't bother you as much! Of course, it does mean I have been missing out on this awesome trilogy for awhile, but luckily the third book just released this year. So I am not that far behind!Focus is an unbelievably amazing New Adult series that proves that there can be paranormal New Adult! New Orleans has always been the fascinating mystery city and this series proves it. Allie is an enjoyable heroine I think, because she thinks realistically in terms of relationships, especially in how fast hers with Levi is moving. I like that she has doubts and whatall, that everything isn't always picture perfect. Of course, I still want to read that happy ending in the next one!Overall Rating 4.5/5 stars

Focus is book #2 in The Crescent Chronicles series.This book picks back up right after the end of the first book in the series Flight.I love that Allie doesn't just immediately forgive Levi he totally doesn't deserve it. Prince Levi who would have thunk it lol!!!I love the interactions between Levi and Allie because she doesn't put up with any of his crap. She does come across a bit spoilt and prissy at times but I love her kick ass attitude.The girls Allie, Hailey, Tiffany and Anne are fab together and I could totally see Anne and Owen together.We get to know Jared a bit better in this book and I'm really starting to like him!! He's witty and sarcastic, he's fab.These books are a bit dramatic and there's always someone plotting to take down the society's royal family. I can't help but feel like Allie is getting the raw end of the deal though. Her plans have been pushed to the wayside in favour of Levi's responsibilities.I swing back and forth between liking Levi and wanting to throttle him. I like that he adores Allie and I love the take charge attitude but on the other hand he is never honest with Allie, he never gives her a choice and that really frustrates me.I'm totally sucked into this series I can't wait to see what happens next.Focus gets 4 stars from me.

Wow another great read, following on from the first book. Allie still hasn't forgiven Levi for his deception but she has started to come around. Unfortunately things turn bad when the Pteron society amps up their need to get to Allie making sure Levi has no power. What will happen? Will they save her in time? Will Allie finally realise she's meant to be with Levi?Another fast paced and exciting read. Allie did start to grate on my nerves every time she pushed Levi away. It's obvious how he feels but she continues to push him, thankfully she comes to her senses. The story and plot continue to keep me gripped, the characters are great, the dialogue and banter are awesome. There is so much angst it's thrilling but there's also lots of love and romance, some sexual scenes but not over the top, it's very in line with the story. I'm looking forward to 'Found' would recommend.

I wasn't overly impressed with this book or series as a whole. Character development as a whole isn't wonderful and i found myself feeling very disappointed with how short lived the good bits were. I like the characters but felt like everything was brushed over rather then developed much like the love aspect. I didn't feel that connected with the characters and struggled more with imagining what everyone would look as there was not much depth. In all these books are good for a short read but in comparison to others like the premonition series I find myself just reading to get to the end rather then holding my breath for the next instalment .

This is a easy quick book to read, and I will definitely read the next one when it comes out.It's not complex, amazing or thought provoking but it's a decent story with relatively full characters and worth a read.It seemed quite short (problem with reading on kindle is that you don't know how 'thick' the book is)I wouldn't say it was necessarily an adult paranormal romance, as it is not explicit in any way and is not more 'adult' than many other YA paranormal romance.

very good second book in the series, bought after reading the last book within a day.only problem with this book was that I was so concerned it wasn't going to end the way I wanted it to that I kept putting it down and not wanting to read on for fear of what would happen next...I can only say that is the magic of this writer to be able to completely pull you into a story in such a way that the characters take on life and you simply don't want it to end badly for them.excellent and would totally recommend.