Focus on Me

Erickson’s second road-trip romance (after Trust the Focus) is a tender treat. Colin Hartman, on his way home to North Carolina after a failed attempt at higher education in California, picks up hitchhiker Riley Sorenson, a former Armani underwear model now down in the dumps. Faulty gaydar leads the men to admire each other only in sidelong glances as they begin their journey. Of course, it isn’t long before they openly confess desire. As their passion flares, Colin can’t help but fall helplessly in love with the man he affectionately calls Catwalk. Erickson imbues handsome Riley with near-debilitating emotional issues, which refreshingly having nothing to do with being gay. Credible characterizations and a sensitive ear for the ways men talk about love and sex make this a delectable summer read. Agent: Marisa Corvisiero, Corvisiero Literary Agency. (July)