Collision Course

by C.P. Rowlands

Brie O'Malley, successful author and college professor, isn't sure if she believes in destiny in a universe where a random act of violence extinguished her happy-ever-after. The life she had, the woman she loved, the future she was planning for, were stolen from her the day she and her lover were shot. The only survivor, Brie has "recovered" two years later, at least that's how it seems to others. She is dedicated to her work, volunteering in the community, and researching her next historical novel. Yet she hasn't laughed since the tragedy. Until the day she meets Jordan.Skateboarding to show her two kids how an expert does it, Jordan Carter can’t believe her bad luck when she collides with beautiful blond Brie and meets her later at the hospital. A carpenter and partner in the family business, Jordan has also struggled to pull her life together after a tragedy.Neither woman is looking for or expects a second chance at love but each must make a decision about the past that will open a door to the future.

Genres: Romance, Lesbian, LGBT, Academic, Childrens, Lesbian Romance

262 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Born and raised in the Midwest, C.P. Rowlands attended college in Iowa and lived in the southwest and on the west coast before returning to Wisconsin. She is an artist in addition to having worked in radio, sales, and various other jobs. She has two children, four grandchildren, a partner of many years, and some critters. All in all, it’s a happy life. (from the author's website)

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice, light love story. But no way, no how, was Jordan not gay from the very beginning.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. Written in 2010, it holds up well today. Wounded main characters find each other and fall in love. It's a trope that works and is written well by CP Rowlands. Brie lost her wife to violence in as yet unsolved crime. Jordan lost her husband to a fire 5 years prior. Both victims of the losses, they find each other and slowly rebuild their lives. I liked that the author threw in a piece about sexual fluidity that helped Jordan as it resonated with me as a later in life awakening. Nice romance and very little interpersonal angst. Surprise, they mostly communicate with each other. Thanks for the lovely read.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loss, Longing & Love

“For the first time in over two years she understood that she was going to survive. But as what, she thought. She knew what she’d been with Niki, but what would she be without her?”
+ • + • + • +

This is an emotional & entertaining story with characters that are so authentic they truly become like real people that live in your world & a compelling, riveting & believable plot lines that draws you in so effortlessly & subtly without you even noticing.

Its a masterful combination of a second chances, life after death romance story, drawing the reader in a deeper connection to the characters which increases the investment in the narrative, all while preventing boredom & doldrums from spoiling the experience.

[wren4777 · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing was a little disjointed, but overall I didn't mind reading it. Both leads were likeable, but as many other reviewers have said, I had a hard time believing that Jordan identifed as straight.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome and moving book! Two lives collide...one future comes after...😊

[Nat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it so much, it avoided all the cliched phrases and was full of heart. And the protagonists talked to each other!

[Angela Koenig · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Jordan Carter literally runs into Brie O’Malley, life changes for both women. Still deeply mourning the loss of her lover, Niki, Brie finds that her grief is understood by Jordan, who is straight but whose husband, and the father of her two children, also died not so long ago. Perhaps the outcome of the story is never in doubt, but it is told with insight and credibility. The dawning friendship that deepens toward love is well paced; and because Brie and Jordan are both women I would like to know, I was absorbed in their story. I also thought that the inclusion of Niki as a large part of the story was quite sweet and psychologically necessary. Brie is far from finished with that part of her life, and Jordan not only accepts this but makes room for Niki’s presence. All in all, I found this novel engaging and satisfying. Well done.

[Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story grabbed me quickly and never let go. I rooted for the newly developing romance. The protagonists showed the flawed and noble parts of their tragic backstories.
I enjoyed the family aspects and the love they created.

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ending seemed rushed.