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Smash Into You
Jude has spent the whole twenty one years of his life running. From what, he wasn't quite sure. His mother tried to keep him safe; a low profile, a constant move on the horizon, a week's pay always stashed away. She tried to instill in him that he was special somehow, though would never elaborate. He never felt different. He was so completely normal and vanilla that he wondered if it had all been in her head. But then she was murdered and all he saw was a running silhouette of a man as his mother said three final words to him. Three words that changed his whole being.
Never stop running…
Now he's semi-settled into a big town. The college is huge and easy to blend into. It's been three months since he had to move because 'Biloxi', as he calls the man who killed his mother, found him once more.
Then Marley, an eighteen year old girl who is as infuriating as she is blissfully ignorant of her gorgeousness, smashes into his car with hers. Then smashes into his life as he realizes that whatever it is he has that Biloxi wants, she has it, too. And now, they're after them both.
Never stop running…
Now he's semi-settled into a big town. The college is huge and easy to blend into. It's been three months since he had to move because 'Biloxi', as he calls the man who killed his mother, found him once more.
Then Marley, an eighteen year old girl who is as infuriating as she is blissfully ignorant of her gorgeousness, smashes into his car with hers. Then smashes into his life as he realizes that whatever it is he has that Biloxi wants, she has it, too. And now, they're after them both.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2013
67 people are currently reading
5538 people want to read
About the author
Shelly Crane
37 books5,821 followersShelly is a NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author from a small town and loves everything about the south. She hoards paperbacks, devours sweet tea, searches year-round for candy corn, loves to site-see in the new areas they travel to with her husband's job, and adores reading but doesn’t have much time to these days with all the characters filling her head begging to come out.
Her own books happen by accident and she revels in the writing and imagination process. She doesn't go anywhere without her notepad for fear of an idea creeping up and not being able to write it down immediately, even in the middle of the night, where her best ideas are born.
Her own books happen by accident and she revels in the writing and imagination process. She doesn't go anywhere without her notepad for fear of an idea creeping up and not being able to write it down immediately, even in the middle of the night, where her best ideas are born.
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July 22, 2013This will be a new venture for me. Something a little different than I'm used to writing. It will all be from Jude's POV. I knew months ago that I wanted the next book to be from the guy's POV.
I'm already in love with Jude. And Marley will be different as well. It'll be new for me to write two people that loathe each other before they love. But I can't wait!
Updates and sneaks on my blog soon! www.shellycrane.blogspot.com
I'm already in love with Jude. And Marley will be different as well. It'll be new for me to write two people that loathe each other before they love. But I can't wait!
Updates and sneaks on my blog soon! www.shellycrane.blogspot.com
November 16, 2014
Suspenful and full of action, intense and passionate Smash Into You is a definite read in one sitting, biting your nails emotional novel.
Smash Into You is the best misunderstading I had with a book in my lifetime. I really thought I would be reading sweet contemporary romance but I got exactly the opposite! And I loved the hell outta it. Smash Into You is not normal heartwarming romance novel, it’s more like mix of action show with sexy times and lots of more! I got absolutely beautiful story about two people who are fighting to survive, suspense and swoon worthy book boyfriend. Squeee!!!
Jude is on the run as long as he can remember. Town, after town, school after school, job after job, he hides. Lonely, broken and filled wiyth guilt Jude tries to push everyone away. No matter what he can’t be attached to someone, because he’ll drag them down with him. Years of alienation made him bitter and numb. He’s done everything to survive, which made him feel like not human being.
After seven years of escaping before dangerous man, Jude smashes his car into Marley truck. Few casual meetings and horrible events makes Jude and new, frustrating girl exposed to his nightmare. Now he has no choice but tag Marley along. Girl that’s almost as broken as him.
Why Jude is chased? What happened? Can he and Marley find a happily ever after?
Once you start reading it you won’t be able to put it down, because you’ll be keep guessing and guessing and still you won’t figure it out.
I really had a blast reading Crane’s novel. It totally blew my mind, it’s so unpredictable, fast paced and action packed I thought I was going to die if I didn’t guess what’s going to happen next. It’s good that you can help but feel adrenaline pumping through your veins. Being on a run never was as exciting as in this novel! And this fanfreakingtastic twist! Wow, just wow! How bad I can’t share it with you. It something that never crossed my mind!
This book has everything! Long hours on road, odd jobs, guns and blood as well as sweet relationship. I swooned, I laughed, I was scared. I was doing my best imitation of Sherlock but I had no luck and couldn’t guess what was going on.
Overall, Smash Into You is the best Shelly Crane’s novel ever!
More reviews on Smokin' Hot Book Blog and my Facebook Page
Smash Into You is the best misunderstading I had with a book in my lifetime. I really thought I would be reading sweet contemporary romance but I got exactly the opposite! And I loved the hell outta it. Smash Into You is not normal heartwarming romance novel, it’s more like mix of action show with sexy times and lots of more! I got absolutely beautiful story about two people who are fighting to survive, suspense and swoon worthy book boyfriend. Squeee!!!
Jude is on the run as long as he can remember. Town, after town, school after school, job after job, he hides. Lonely, broken and filled wiyth guilt Jude tries to push everyone away. No matter what he can’t be attached to someone, because he’ll drag them down with him. Years of alienation made him bitter and numb. He’s done everything to survive, which made him feel like not human being.
After seven years of escaping before dangerous man, Jude smashes his car into Marley truck. Few casual meetings and horrible events makes Jude and new, frustrating girl exposed to his nightmare. Now he has no choice but tag Marley along. Girl that’s almost as broken as him.
Why Jude is chased? What happened? Can he and Marley find a happily ever after?
Once you start reading it you won’t be able to put it down, because you’ll be keep guessing and guessing and still you won’t figure it out.
I really had a blast reading Crane’s novel. It totally blew my mind, it’s so unpredictable, fast paced and action packed I thought I was going to die if I didn’t guess what’s going to happen next. It’s good that you can help but feel adrenaline pumping through your veins. Being on a run never was as exciting as in this novel! And this fanfreakingtastic twist! Wow, just wow! How bad I can’t share it with you. It something that never crossed my mind!
This book has everything! Long hours on road, odd jobs, guns and blood as well as sweet relationship. I swooned, I laughed, I was scared. I was doing my best imitation of Sherlock but I had no luck and couldn’t guess what was going on.
Overall, Smash Into You is the best Shelly Crane’s novel ever!
More reviews on Smokin' Hot Book Blog and my Facebook Page
August 8, 2013
I am a super huge fan of Shelly Crane (especially her Significance Series), so when I got the chance to review an ARC of Smash Into You, I jumped on it! This book is definitely a lot different than Crane's other books; it is told exclusively from the male character, Jude's POV. And while a lot of her other books are disgustingly and wonderfully sweet and tend to focus primarily on the emotional relationships between the characters, Smash Into You was surprisingly mysterious and suspenseful. And pretty shocking.
We have Jude, our "damaged" hero who has built a wall around himself and keeps others at a distance, never letting anyone get too close. Although he comes off as insensitive and egotistical, that's not who he really is. He drives people away intentionally, but not really by choice. He's tiring of his loner lifestyle and craves companionship and deeper relationships, but refuses to put others at risk. Marley, our heroine, is pretty jaded herself, and has also led a very difficult life, filled with struggles and heartache. Although everything seems to be working against her, she's surprisingly resilient and has such a positive attitude; she's a survivor. Jude and Marley collide in more ways than one and share a pretty strong connection, but there's no insta-love here. They have plenty of issues to sort through, especially on Jude's end, and have a very tough journey ahead of them. Turns out they have more in common than they realize.
Although this book seems like your typical NA at the start, it is anything but. Throughout the story, you know there's a big mystery waiting to be solved and that there will be lots of twists and turns. But when the big twist finally presents itself, it's a HUGE shocker. It was totally different for me and completely surprising. While reading, I had already considered this one a page-turner, but once all the secrets started to be revealed, it was nearly impossible to put down. Of course, we can always count on Ms. Crane for plenty of sigh-worthy moments and lots of romance, and she didn't disappoint this time around. The relationship between the two main characters was believable and authentic. Jude and Marley were relatable and it was easy to fall in love with them equally. You will be rooting for them the entire time because they both deserve their happy ending; they've earned it.
I admit that I might be slightly biased here, because I will read anything Shelly Crane writes, but I definitely recommend this one. It was nice to see something slightly different from this author and I truly enjoyed Smash Into You. It was an exciting page-turner, and Ms. Crane delivers both swoon and suspense. This one is definitely worth checking out!
We have Jude, our "damaged" hero who has built a wall around himself and keeps others at a distance, never letting anyone get too close. Although he comes off as insensitive and egotistical, that's not who he really is. He drives people away intentionally, but not really by choice. He's tiring of his loner lifestyle and craves companionship and deeper relationships, but refuses to put others at risk. Marley, our heroine, is pretty jaded herself, and has also led a very difficult life, filled with struggles and heartache. Although everything seems to be working against her, she's surprisingly resilient and has such a positive attitude; she's a survivor. Jude and Marley collide in more ways than one and share a pretty strong connection, but there's no insta-love here. They have plenty of issues to sort through, especially on Jude's end, and have a very tough journey ahead of them. Turns out they have more in common than they realize.
Although this book seems like your typical NA at the start, it is anything but. Throughout the story, you know there's a big mystery waiting to be solved and that there will be lots of twists and turns. But when the big twist finally presents itself, it's a HUGE shocker. It was totally different for me and completely surprising. While reading, I had already considered this one a page-turner, but once all the secrets started to be revealed, it was nearly impossible to put down. Of course, we can always count on Ms. Crane for plenty of sigh-worthy moments and lots of romance, and she didn't disappoint this time around. The relationship between the two main characters was believable and authentic. Jude and Marley were relatable and it was easy to fall in love with them equally. You will be rooting for them the entire time because they both deserve their happy ending; they've earned it.
I admit that I might be slightly biased here, because I will read anything Shelly Crane writes, but I definitely recommend this one. It was nice to see something slightly different from this author and I truly enjoyed Smash Into You. It was an exciting page-turner, and Ms. Crane delivers both swoon and suspense. This one is definitely worth checking out!
July 25, 2013
Another Shelly Crane story that I can toss into the pile of books that I love. Toss? Who am I kidding? I will virtually lay it down tenderly at the top of the pile in hopes it never gets hurt or virtually torn.
Guys, this book is definitely different than what we are used to when it comes to Crane’s books. Well sort of. If you have read her STEALING GRACE series, then you know our lady can write the deep and can write the heavy. SMASH INTO YOU starts out like your typical NA read. You know the type…it has the guy that is trouble with a capital T, in desperate need of saving. And enters a cutie girl who is none other than his savior. Yada, yada. We've seen it all before. Or have we?
Ok, the twist is where it gets good. Well the whole thing was good…but the story takes one interesting turn with the twist. It is building up and you know it is coming as you read the story. Something big is about to take place and it is going to be huge. But trust me, you won’t be ready for it until it is staring you in the face. It is just that good. And shocking. Unbelievably so. I even had a touch of fear when the big scene came. It was scary to think this would happen. Could it happen? Is it happening? Oh dear, my heart. I don’t even want to think of it happening. But I had to remind myself I am reading fiction. Just fiction. Real life could never be this cruel. Yeah right. But I won’t allow myself to think of it. Have I gotten your attention yet? Sure hope so.
Now, lets talk about Jude and Marley. First of all…love the names. Second of all…love them. No, Jude is not necessarily my favorite Crane man, but I was happy with him and his caring ways. It was wonderful seeing Marley crack his angst-ridden exterior and seek out the real Jude. The one that has been hidden and running for so many years. Marley is absolutely adorable and I love how she deals with Jude. Yeah, she is a bit shy at first, but when Jude is being a butt munch, she would put him in his place. She is snarky and sweet. Two awesome qualities in a girl. Gah, love them.
I have certain authors that when they put out a book…I will read it. Even without reading the blurb. No questions asked. Crane is one of those authors. She knows romance and she knows how to write it. And the fact that this one was bigger, deeper, and full of mystery and a major suspenseful storyline, well it makes me love her work that much more. I am telling you now that once this one goes live you will have to get it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Fav quotes… {These lines could change as this was an unedited ARC I was given.}
She had a little scar on her top right lip that she probably hated as much as I hated my scar, but God help me…I wanted to kiss that scar a million times over right then.
***
I grinned into our kiss as I felt the first of many rays of sunshine beam right into my soul. This was more than fun, it was therapy. She was healing me one touch at a time and didn’t even know it.
***
It was becoming so easy to be this guy. The guy who cherished one thing above all else and wasn’t just filled with hate. It was surprisingly easy to fall in love with this girl after a lifetime of wanting anything but. I blame her.
I blamed her in the best way.
Guys, this book is definitely different than what we are used to when it comes to Crane’s books. Well sort of. If you have read her STEALING GRACE series, then you know our lady can write the deep and can write the heavy. SMASH INTO YOU starts out like your typical NA read. You know the type…it has the guy that is trouble with a capital T, in desperate need of saving. And enters a cutie girl who is none other than his savior. Yada, yada. We've seen it all before. Or have we?
Ok, the twist is where it gets good. Well the whole thing was good…but the story takes one interesting turn with the twist. It is building up and you know it is coming as you read the story. Something big is about to take place and it is going to be huge. But trust me, you won’t be ready for it until it is staring you in the face. It is just that good. And shocking. Unbelievably so. I even had a touch of fear when the big scene came. It was scary to think this would happen. Could it happen? Is it happening? Oh dear, my heart. I don’t even want to think of it happening. But I had to remind myself I am reading fiction. Just fiction. Real life could never be this cruel. Yeah right. But I won’t allow myself to think of it. Have I gotten your attention yet? Sure hope so.
Now, lets talk about Jude and Marley. First of all…love the names. Second of all…love them. No, Jude is not necessarily my favorite Crane man, but I was happy with him and his caring ways. It was wonderful seeing Marley crack his angst-ridden exterior and seek out the real Jude. The one that has been hidden and running for so many years. Marley is absolutely adorable and I love how she deals with Jude. Yeah, she is a bit shy at first, but when Jude is being a butt munch, she would put him in his place. She is snarky and sweet. Two awesome qualities in a girl. Gah, love them.
I have certain authors that when they put out a book…I will read it. Even without reading the blurb. No questions asked. Crane is one of those authors. She knows romance and she knows how to write it. And the fact that this one was bigger, deeper, and full of mystery and a major suspenseful storyline, well it makes me love her work that much more. I am telling you now that once this one goes live you will have to get it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Fav quotes… {These lines could change as this was an unedited ARC I was given.}
She had a little scar on her top right lip that she probably hated as much as I hated my scar, but God help me…I wanted to kiss that scar a million times over right then.
***
I grinned into our kiss as I felt the first of many rays of sunshine beam right into my soul. This was more than fun, it was therapy. She was healing me one touch at a time and didn’t even know it.
***
It was becoming so easy to be this guy. The guy who cherished one thing above all else and wasn’t just filled with hate. It was surprisingly easy to fall in love with this girl after a lifetime of wanting anything but. I blame her.
I blamed her in the best way.
August 19, 2013
Okay, so this book started off great. I loved the broody, on the run, HOT SEXY, only one night stand alpha hero and the sweet, care free heroine. These two "smashed" into each other over and over and it was really becoming sweet and fun to read. Then they got caught up in the hero's trouble and had to go on the run and it got suspenseful...and sweet still.....AND THEN IT GOT WEIRD.
Yep, weird. I don't want to spoil anything, but the actuality of this happening (because it's a contemporary romance, not paranormal or anything) is ridiculous and took this book to a whole other genre than romance. It really bugged me the sillyness the concept of this book took on.
As far as the steaminess, it had tons of it, BUT NO SEX. Nope, no sex, not even a little under the pantie play....just a whole lot of leading on (to the reader) and a lot of dead ends.
Did I mention the weird story line it took on? Cause it was weird. Obviously a lot liked it, but I'm not one of them.
I would only recommend this book to people that don't like a lot of sex (or any at all) in the books and are open to HUGE COINCIDENCES (like ridiculousness). The ending was sweet and all, but still, I just couldn't get past how coincidental it all got.
Yep, weird. I don't want to spoil anything, but the actuality of this happening (because it's a contemporary romance, not paranormal or anything) is ridiculous and took this book to a whole other genre than romance. It really bugged me the sillyness the concept of this book took on.
As far as the steaminess, it had tons of it, BUT NO SEX. Nope, no sex, not even a little under the pantie play....just a whole lot of leading on (to the reader) and a lot of dead ends.
Did I mention the weird story line it took on? Cause it was weird. Obviously a lot liked it, but I'm not one of them.
I would only recommend this book to people that don't like a lot of sex (or any at all) in the books and are open to HUGE COINCIDENCES (like ridiculousness). The ending was sweet and all, but still, I just couldn't get past how coincidental it all got.
August 11, 2013
**ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review**
5 AMAZING STARS!!!!
Let me start by saying that this book is a MUST READ!!!! I have been a fan of Shelly Crane since I read her Significance Series. I thought I couldn't love one of her heroes more than Caleb, but I was sadly mistaken...Jude Ezra Jackson stole my heart. This book was so different then her other books, but let me tell you she knocked this out of the park. I loved that this book is from Jude's POV. I am such a sucker for a book in the male POV. The storyline was so intriguing it kept my attention from the beginning to the very end. Smash into You was a refreshing change of pace from the books I had been reading lately. Yes it is a NA book were you have a broken hero and a broken heroine but this story was so much more than that. She created a love story that had suspense and mystery added in. It was so well written that I had a hard time putting it down. This book kept me up until 1am reading it until I finished...I had to know what happened. I can't really say anything about the story because it would give to much away, but just know this is a book you will want to read.
I don't even know where to start to tell you how much I LOVED both Jude and Marley. What an amazing couple. Marley was such a strong female character. I loved her instantly. She was a girl with a broken soul but with the heart of gold and a little sass ta boot. This is a girl that because of what happened to her in her childhood should've been withdrawn and kept to herself. Not Marley, she didn't let anything stop her from what she wanted. I loved how she stood up to Jude and didn't let him get away with stuff. But I also loved how she looked past Jude's past to see the real person he was. Now Jude....what a hero:). I will admit Jude was kind of a jerk when we first met him, but holy moly did he win me over. The love that he had for his mom and never forgot what she said to him was great. I loved how protective he became of Marley even though he didn't want the attachments. He was, to me, just an all round great guy once he let his walls come down and we got to see the real Jude. He is one hero that will be at the top of my bbf list:). I really enjoyed the development of Jude and Marley's relationship...the speed that it took was perfect. It made the story and their relationship believable and relatable. These two characters were definitely made for each other.
I would ABSOLUTELY recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Shelly Crane's books. You won't be disappointed. I could go on and on about this book, but I'll just say you need to get a copy of this book and read it!!!! This is definitely one of my favs of the year and will be read again in the future.
Reviewed for bookbitchesblog.com
5 AMAZING STARS!!!!
Let me start by saying that this book is a MUST READ!!!! I have been a fan of Shelly Crane since I read her Significance Series. I thought I couldn't love one of her heroes more than Caleb, but I was sadly mistaken...Jude Ezra Jackson stole my heart. This book was so different then her other books, but let me tell you she knocked this out of the park. I loved that this book is from Jude's POV. I am such a sucker for a book in the male POV. The storyline was so intriguing it kept my attention from the beginning to the very end. Smash into You was a refreshing change of pace from the books I had been reading lately. Yes it is a NA book were you have a broken hero and a broken heroine but this story was so much more than that. She created a love story that had suspense and mystery added in. It was so well written that I had a hard time putting it down. This book kept me up until 1am reading it until I finished...I had to know what happened. I can't really say anything about the story because it would give to much away, but just know this is a book you will want to read.
I don't even know where to start to tell you how much I LOVED both Jude and Marley. What an amazing couple. Marley was such a strong female character. I loved her instantly. She was a girl with a broken soul but with the heart of gold and a little sass ta boot. This is a girl that because of what happened to her in her childhood should've been withdrawn and kept to herself. Not Marley, she didn't let anything stop her from what she wanted. I loved how she stood up to Jude and didn't let him get away with stuff. But I also loved how she looked past Jude's past to see the real person he was. Now Jude....what a hero:). I will admit Jude was kind of a jerk when we first met him, but holy moly did he win me over. The love that he had for his mom and never forgot what she said to him was great. I loved how protective he became of Marley even though he didn't want the attachments. He was, to me, just an all round great guy once he let his walls come down and we got to see the real Jude. He is one hero that will be at the top of my bbf list:). I really enjoyed the development of Jude and Marley's relationship...the speed that it took was perfect. It made the story and their relationship believable and relatable. These two characters were definitely made for each other.
I would ABSOLUTELY recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Shelly Crane's books. You won't be disappointed. I could go on and on about this book, but I'll just say you need to get a copy of this book and read it!!!! This is definitely one of my favs of the year and will be read again in the future.
Reviewed for bookbitchesblog.com
November 2, 2013
hints of cheesiness throughout the the pages, mostly due to amateur writing skills
August 25, 2013
4 On the Run Stars
On the run. Always on the run. Never settling down. Never having friends for more than a few months. Starting over again and again. For some high schoolers this might be a good thing. Getting to start over. But for Jude it is his way of life. He has to keep on the run to avoid a death like his mother. At the hands of the same guy who killed his mother. Not as much fun as it sounds.
Jude is a cute boy who doesn't have any life long friends. That whole running thing, remember? He knows that he is better served by being a jerk to everyone and not letting anyone get close. He knows what happens when he gets close to someone...like his mom.
It was my last week to pretend I was in high school.
Marley is a sweet girl who is glad to be where she is. She works 2 jobs, goes to school and keeps her distance. She has goals that she is not willing to compromise. Living a life of bouncing around foster homes has taught her to rely only on herself.
Marley bumps into Jude a few times until she smashes into him. Like the title...get it! Yes she hits his truck with her car. Now that they are aware of each other, they keep seeing each other until one night when Jude's past catches up to him and Marley is pulled into his need to escape. She gets him like others can't because she is running from her past. Not in the life or death way...but in the need to make a new life for herself.
You do a lot of things to survive, sometimes things you're not proud of, but when someone's after you, forcing your hand? That is completely not your fault.
What is Jude running from? How did he really get that scar? Why is that guy shooting at him? Can he let Marley in and will she be willing to let him protect her? Can they take care of each other without any means to take care of themselves?
She was healing me one touch at a time and didn't even know it.
The twists and turns in the book are fun. The characters are lovable even when they don't think they are. If you are looking for a good read, smash into this one. See...what I did there again...with the title. Don't hate me. It was too easy.
On the run. Always on the run. Never settling down. Never having friends for more than a few months. Starting over again and again. For some high schoolers this might be a good thing. Getting to start over. But for Jude it is his way of life. He has to keep on the run to avoid a death like his mother. At the hands of the same guy who killed his mother. Not as much fun as it sounds.
Jude is a cute boy who doesn't have any life long friends. That whole running thing, remember? He knows that he is better served by being a jerk to everyone and not letting anyone get close. He knows what happens when he gets close to someone...like his mom.
It was my last week to pretend I was in high school.
Marley is a sweet girl who is glad to be where she is. She works 2 jobs, goes to school and keeps her distance. She has goals that she is not willing to compromise. Living a life of bouncing around foster homes has taught her to rely only on herself.
Marley bumps into Jude a few times until she smashes into him. Like the title...get it! Yes she hits his truck with her car. Now that they are aware of each other, they keep seeing each other until one night when Jude's past catches up to him and Marley is pulled into his need to escape. She gets him like others can't because she is running from her past. Not in the life or death way...but in the need to make a new life for herself.
You do a lot of things to survive, sometimes things you're not proud of, but when someone's after you, forcing your hand? That is completely not your fault.
What is Jude running from? How did he really get that scar? Why is that guy shooting at him? Can he let Marley in and will she be willing to let him protect her? Can they take care of each other without any means to take care of themselves?
She was healing me one touch at a time and didn't even know it.
The twists and turns in the book are fun. The characters are lovable even when they don't think they are. If you are looking for a good read, smash into this one. See...what I did there again...with the title. Don't hate me. It was too easy.
August 8, 2013
Shelly Crane’s newest book, Smash into You, is only a couple hundred pages, but so much happens in such a short time that it felt as if it was three books in one. There are a number of shocking twists and turns, starting out as a seemingly run-of-the-mill romance and transitioning into a suspenseful drama. There is never a dull moment, starting from the moment protagonists Jude and Marley literally smash into each other and on through the chaotic race for their lives. Told entirely through Jude’s perspective, Smash into You is a sweet love story interwoven between elements of action and danger.
If I’m being honest, I thought Jude was a bit of a jerk at the start of the book. All I knew about him was that he was on the run from a killer known as Biloxi and therefore was unable to form attachments at the risk of putting anyone in danger. He’s handsome and self-assured, projecting a certain image of himself that he believes is crucial to his survival. It’s when Jude is interacting with Marley that we get to see a different, more likable side of him. As the book progresses, readers are able to get to know both Jude and Marley, learning more about their tragic pasts and uncovering horrifying and unimaginable secrets.
If I had to sum up Smash into You into one word, it would be unexpected. I didn’t read the blurb before starting the book but it still wouldn’t have prepared me for the journey that Jude and Marley are forced to embark on, which continuously puts them in the crosshairs of a complicated conspiracy. The story constantly surprised me, making it impossible to predict the outcome. I was always on edge, never quite knowing what would happen next.
Past a certain point in the story, it seems as though everything is on fast-forward, compressing a story that could’ve been expanded into a series into one book. While I was thankful not to be left with a frustrating cliffhanger, the plot seemed a bit rushed at times. I genuinely enjoyed the story and would’ve loved to see it further developed. That being said, the final chapters are a perfect way to conclude Jude and Marley’s story and the epilogue is an incredibly romantic and satisfying end for the novel.
If I’m being honest, I thought Jude was a bit of a jerk at the start of the book. All I knew about him was that he was on the run from a killer known as Biloxi and therefore was unable to form attachments at the risk of putting anyone in danger. He’s handsome and self-assured, projecting a certain image of himself that he believes is crucial to his survival. It’s when Jude is interacting with Marley that we get to see a different, more likable side of him. As the book progresses, readers are able to get to know both Jude and Marley, learning more about their tragic pasts and uncovering horrifying and unimaginable secrets.
If I had to sum up Smash into You into one word, it would be unexpected. I didn’t read the blurb before starting the book but it still wouldn’t have prepared me for the journey that Jude and Marley are forced to embark on, which continuously puts them in the crosshairs of a complicated conspiracy. The story constantly surprised me, making it impossible to predict the outcome. I was always on edge, never quite knowing what would happen next.
Past a certain point in the story, it seems as though everything is on fast-forward, compressing a story that could’ve been expanded into a series into one book. While I was thankful not to be left with a frustrating cliffhanger, the plot seemed a bit rushed at times. I genuinely enjoyed the story and would’ve loved to see it further developed. That being said, the final chapters are a perfect way to conclude Jude and Marley’s story and the epilogue is an incredibly romantic and satisfying end for the novel.
August 21, 2013
Well that was a lot nothing for even less!
Now, I can't possibly mean that, can I? Well, I did try to find a reason to give this book more than one star. I tried really hard, I will tell you. I asked the people who'd been next to me while I read this, I've skipped through chapters to find parts I liked, and I've re-thought most of my opinions in different lights too. Yet, I can't come up with positive things to say about Smash Into You.
It took me exactly 112 words into the first chapter to know I'd dislike the writing. I'll give you the quote that made me know this.
Well, I'm certainly not impressed by that formulation. Not even a little. Since I don't get points for reading, I'm not handing out points to book for simply having words on a paper. Maybe that's just me, but if that's the case, it's my problem and it's far from the only issue I had with Smash Into You. Another detail that got to me was how often the words 'I' was used. Maybe that was just me as well, but it felt as if I in any form was in nearly every other sentence. Something about this repetitive use of the word didn't appeal to me.
Let's move on though. The blurb to the book says Jude has been on the run all his life, then his mother is murdered by this Biloxi person for a reason Jude is unaware of. So what do we get from Smash Into You? For about the first 3/4 of it, he runs. Yeah, and somewhere this new girl Marley gets thrown into it, joining the never ending run from still unknown reason. So it's almost 75% of them checking in on random crappy motels, taking even more random jobs to earn some money. Then there is one or two collisions with Biloxi. Still there isn't much mention of the actual reason behind this hunt.
I'm sorry, but it takes more than a few loose car-racing from evil guy and a mediocre love story to keep my interest. Especially since the romance between Jude and Marley is... well, mediocre. I still don't really know why they fall in love except running together from this Biloxi dude. I kept wanting to get at least a few clues to why they ran from him in the first place. Simply put, I needed more than conversations in crappy motels to keep me interested.
I wanted more character developing, more... of everything really. This simply read mediocre for me. Especially since the book felt like something between Every Day and Invisibility, which both were written more lyrically and had a nicer flow in them with pacing.
For the ending, it all ended too fast and too unresolved. It's going to be a spoiler here, so be warned. Again, it'll be a SPOILER here. Do not read unless you want to read!
Because of this, I could not take the ending for what it was. Maybe it's the geek in me that made me not appreciate the ending. I had more issues, but these were the major ones. To me it felt like the author threw in that piece of science to make a fun twist to a mediocre romance. I might read Significance since it sounds interesting enough though!
I tried so hard to justify a second star, because I can see why this book might appeal to other readers. Sadly, based on my own reading experience, I can't give it more than one.
1/5 stars
Now, I can't possibly mean that, can I? Well, I did try to find a reason to give this book more than one star. I tried really hard, I will tell you. I asked the people who'd been next to me while I read this, I've skipped through chapters to find parts I liked, and I've re-thought most of my opinions in different lights too. Yet, I can't come up with positive things to say about Smash Into You.
It took me exactly 112 words into the first chapter to know I'd dislike the writing. I'll give you the quote that made me know this.
And this girl who approached, who could see that I was already surrounded by one already...
Well, I'm certainly not impressed by that formulation. Not even a little. Since I don't get points for reading, I'm not handing out points to book for simply having words on a paper. Maybe that's just me, but if that's the case, it's my problem and it's far from the only issue I had with Smash Into You. Another detail that got to me was how often the words 'I' was used. Maybe that was just me as well, but it felt as if I in any form was in nearly every other sentence. Something about this repetitive use of the word didn't appeal to me.
Let's move on though. The blurb to the book says Jude has been on the run all his life, then his mother is murdered by this Biloxi person for a reason Jude is unaware of. So what do we get from Smash Into You? For about the first 3/4 of it, he runs. Yeah, and somewhere this new girl Marley gets thrown into it, joining the never ending run from still unknown reason. So it's almost 75% of them checking in on random crappy motels, taking even more random jobs to earn some money. Then there is one or two collisions with Biloxi. Still there isn't much mention of the actual reason behind this hunt.
I'm sorry, but it takes more than a few loose car-racing from evil guy and a mediocre love story to keep my interest. Especially since the romance between Jude and Marley is... well, mediocre. I still don't really know why they fall in love except running together from this Biloxi dude. I kept wanting to get at least a few clues to why they ran from him in the first place. Simply put, I needed more than conversations in crappy motels to keep me interested.
I wanted more character developing, more... of everything really. This simply read mediocre for me. Especially since the book felt like something between Every Day and Invisibility, which both were written more lyrically and had a nicer flow in them with pacing.
For the ending, it all ended too fast and too unresolved. It's going to be a spoiler here, so be warned. Again, it'll be a SPOILER here. Do not read unless you want to read!
Because of this, I could not take the ending for what it was. Maybe it's the geek in me that made me not appreciate the ending. I had more issues, but these were the major ones. To me it felt like the author threw in that piece of science to make a fun twist to a mediocre romance. I might read Significance since it sounds interesting enough though!
I tried so hard to justify a second star, because I can see why this book might appeal to other readers. Sadly, based on my own reading experience, I can't give it more than one.
1/5 stars
August 13, 2013
Was stuck between rating 3.5 or solid 4, decided to round up (:
Well, that was quite a surprise of a read! Going into Smash Into You, I was expecting it to be very similar to other New Adult contemporary novels. While it did have similarities with other NA novels, such as two broken people coming together, and a guy that never settles down finding a girl he falls in love with, that is where the similarities end. Smash Into You was a great contemporary romance, with suspense, action, and thrill, it had me completely on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next, and if our characters were going to make it to the end of the story alive.
I like to end on good notes, so lets go ahead and get what I didn't like out of the way. Something that bothered me while reading Smash Into You that was mentioned semi often was how girls 'used' Jude. I found this annoying, mainly because Jude was using those girls too, he said himself that all the girls he was with were a way to escape. So when he would basically complain about girls using him, it frustrated me. Another thing that bothered me was this-
"Marley," I leaned my forehead to hers,"you belong to me. Remember?" "Yes, I do," she countered
Now this didn't bother me too much because I know Shelly meant it in the way as to say "your mine/my girl" kinda way, it wasn't meant to objectify Marley at all. But the wording was still all wrong and really rubbed me the wrong way.
Those are seriously my only 2 complaints for Smash Into You, the rest of the story was pretty epic. Like I said before going into this I really expected it to be like the other New Adult novels out there, which isn't a bad thing, I love my NA genre.What I didn't expect was for there to be so much action and suspense! Jude and Marley are on the run from people that want them dead/captured through out almost the whole novel, this was the cherry on top of the sundae! The romance was great, the characters were strong, the suspense and action being thrown in was what made me really love this book.
While I did love the action, suspense, and the romance. I think my favorite part of Smash Into You was not only them together, but Jude and Marley as individual characters. I loved both of them! They were both broken, but when they came together they became whole and 'fixed' one another. Jude was on the outside, a player, and trouble. But inside he was just a guy trying to survive and wanting a way out of his life, out of the partying and the running away. Marley was broken on the inside, but showed a strong face. They were both amazing characters, and while I did love seeing from Jude's POV it would have been awesome to have gotten some of the story from Marley's POV.
Overall I think this was a great NA release. Shelly was able to weave a story of loss, love, action, suspense, and mystery all into one awesome story. I recommend this to anyone looking for a NA contemporary novel that has a little something extra.
Check out more reviews, interviews, and giveaways at my book blog-
http://www.ya-aholic.com/
Well, that was quite a surprise of a read! Going into Smash Into You, I was expecting it to be very similar to other New Adult contemporary novels. While it did have similarities with other NA novels, such as two broken people coming together, and a guy that never settles down finding a girl he falls in love with, that is where the similarities end. Smash Into You was a great contemporary romance, with suspense, action, and thrill, it had me completely on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next, and if our characters were going to make it to the end of the story alive.
I like to end on good notes, so lets go ahead and get what I didn't like out of the way. Something that bothered me while reading Smash Into You that was mentioned semi often was how girls 'used' Jude. I found this annoying, mainly because Jude was using those girls too, he said himself that all the girls he was with were a way to escape. So when he would basically complain about girls using him, it frustrated me. Another thing that bothered me was this-
"Marley," I leaned my forehead to hers,"you belong to me. Remember?" "Yes, I do," she countered
Now this didn't bother me too much because I know Shelly meant it in the way as to say "your mine/my girl" kinda way, it wasn't meant to objectify Marley at all. But the wording was still all wrong and really rubbed me the wrong way.
Those are seriously my only 2 complaints for Smash Into You, the rest of the story was pretty epic. Like I said before going into this I really expected it to be like the other New Adult novels out there, which isn't a bad thing, I love my NA genre.What I didn't expect was for there to be so much action and suspense! Jude and Marley are on the run from people that want them dead/captured through out almost the whole novel, this was the cherry on top of the sundae! The romance was great, the characters were strong, the suspense and action being thrown in was what made me really love this book.
While I did love the action, suspense, and the romance. I think my favorite part of Smash Into You was not only them together, but Jude and Marley as individual characters. I loved both of them! They were both broken, but when they came together they became whole and 'fixed' one another. Jude was on the outside, a player, and trouble. But inside he was just a guy trying to survive and wanting a way out of his life, out of the partying and the running away. Marley was broken on the inside, but showed a strong face. They were both amazing characters, and while I did love seeing from Jude's POV it would have been awesome to have gotten some of the story from Marley's POV.
Overall I think this was a great NA release. Shelly was able to weave a story of loss, love, action, suspense, and mystery all into one awesome story. I recommend this to anyone looking for a NA contemporary novel that has a little something extra.
Check out more reviews, interviews, and giveaways at my book blog-
http://www.ya-aholic.com/
August 17, 2013
Jude has been on the run his whole life, but since he was a young teenager he's been running alone from the man who killed his mother. He's living in a college town trying to blend in and avoid any attachments until Marley smashes into his car with hers, and Jude finds that he isn't able to avoid her the way he avoids everyone else. She is the first person to make him wish he didn't have to leave everyone behind for their own good. It isn't long before Biloxi (the man Jude is running from) finds him and causes him to flee with Marley, after saving her life. Now Biloxi is after both of them and Jude tries to figure out how to leave Marley for her own protection while he figures out how to be without a person that he is swiftly growing attached to.
When the story started out I thought i could see where it was going. Jude was a total jerk to all women because he couldn't afford any attachments for the safety of others and himself. Marley is different from the start, and you just know it is a matter of time before they are in love. Well- this story started heading in directions I didn't expect pretty quickly. We learn a lot about the intense and challenging life Marley has lead and continues to lead. We also learn that the person Jude has been running from his whole life isn't messing around. Biloxi is fast and serious and when he finds Jude he doesn't hesitate to go after him immediately with full-force and try for a kill shot.
Jude and Marley make a pretty great team when they are on the run. Marley is an expert at surviving under extreme circumstances, as is Jude. Despite the direness of their situation, Marley has a refreshing attitude about life and that starts to affect Jude in a positive way pretty quickly. She is smart, and kind, and I was really glad that they were finding a happiness in each other that they both deserved, but neither dared to hope for. Their chemistry was hot, and it was great to see them finally connecting in a way they both needed.
Marley and Jude find out some information that takes the story in a completely different direction than I expected, but without spoiling anything I'll say that it is intense and exciting, and was very captivating. I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next and how it would affect every aspect of the story.
This is a young adult/new adult romance, but with exciting elements of adventure, mystery, survival, and some serious action. I would recommend it to any fans of the YA/NA genres looking for something good that doesn't follow any of the typical storyline formulas.
When the story started out I thought i could see where it was going. Jude was a total jerk to all women because he couldn't afford any attachments for the safety of others and himself. Marley is different from the start, and you just know it is a matter of time before they are in love. Well- this story started heading in directions I didn't expect pretty quickly. We learn a lot about the intense and challenging life Marley has lead and continues to lead. We also learn that the person Jude has been running from his whole life isn't messing around. Biloxi is fast and serious and when he finds Jude he doesn't hesitate to go after him immediately with full-force and try for a kill shot.
Jude and Marley make a pretty great team when they are on the run. Marley is an expert at surviving under extreme circumstances, as is Jude. Despite the direness of their situation, Marley has a refreshing attitude about life and that starts to affect Jude in a positive way pretty quickly. She is smart, and kind, and I was really glad that they were finding a happiness in each other that they both deserved, but neither dared to hope for. Their chemistry was hot, and it was great to see them finally connecting in a way they both needed.
Marley and Jude find out some information that takes the story in a completely different direction than I expected, but without spoiling anything I'll say that it is intense and exciting, and was very captivating. I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next and how it would affect every aspect of the story.
This is a young adult/new adult romance, but with exciting elements of adventure, mystery, survival, and some serious action. I would recommend it to any fans of the YA/NA genres looking for something good that doesn't follow any of the typical storyline formulas.
August 18, 2013
4.5 stars
I am no stranger to Shelly Crane’s writing. I have read many of her books and thoroughly enjoyed every single one of them. This one was no different! It is a great mix of a sweet romance, mystery, and humor.
Jude and Marley are both struggling. Marley is struggling to make it and Jude is struggling to stay alive. Then, they literally crash into one another. It’s as if they are meant to be together, fate keeps bringing them to one another. Now whether they want to be together is another story. This isn’t love at first sight and I loved how Marley would put Jude in his place. She had an awesome smart mouth that made me proud, but yet was still a kind hearted sweet girl. She lived a tough life but she also made the best of it. Marley was exactly what Jude needed to show him that there was more to life than just running from town to town.
She put up with more crap from Jude than I probably would have. But Jude was not a bad guy. Jude is just scared. Scared for his life, and the life of any one who gets close to him. It truly broke my heart to hear the stories of what they both have been through. Too much loss and too much responsibility for such young people :(
I must confess that I wasn’t expecting all the mystery from this one. I honestly went in thinking romance and came out thinking, WOW!! My favorite part of the story was the dialogue between Marley and Jude. It wasn’t that mushy mushy romance stuff…it was real, it was sarcastic and flirty and exactly how people their age would talk. Yeah, Jude made a few stupid mistakes, but hey, he’s a guy and nobody is perfect. And that’s exactly what made me love this story and Shelly’s writing. You can feel how real it could be.
So, to sum it all up, this is an excellent story that has a great mix of romance, humor, and mystery in it, that you all will want to get your hands on and read :) Enjoy!!
*ARC received from the author for an honest review*
I am no stranger to Shelly Crane’s writing. I have read many of her books and thoroughly enjoyed every single one of them. This one was no different! It is a great mix of a sweet romance, mystery, and humor.
Jude and Marley are both struggling. Marley is struggling to make it and Jude is struggling to stay alive. Then, they literally crash into one another. It’s as if they are meant to be together, fate keeps bringing them to one another. Now whether they want to be together is another story. This isn’t love at first sight and I loved how Marley would put Jude in his place. She had an awesome smart mouth that made me proud, but yet was still a kind hearted sweet girl. She lived a tough life but she also made the best of it. Marley was exactly what Jude needed to show him that there was more to life than just running from town to town.
She put up with more crap from Jude than I probably would have. But Jude was not a bad guy. Jude is just scared. Scared for his life, and the life of any one who gets close to him. It truly broke my heart to hear the stories of what they both have been through. Too much loss and too much responsibility for such young people :(
I must confess that I wasn’t expecting all the mystery from this one. I honestly went in thinking romance and came out thinking, WOW!! My favorite part of the story was the dialogue between Marley and Jude. It wasn’t that mushy mushy romance stuff…it was real, it was sarcastic and flirty and exactly how people their age would talk. Yeah, Jude made a few stupid mistakes, but hey, he’s a guy and nobody is perfect. And that’s exactly what made me love this story and Shelly’s writing. You can feel how real it could be.
So, to sum it all up, this is an excellent story that has a great mix of romance, humor, and mystery in it, that you all will want to get your hands on and read :) Enjoy!!
*ARC received from the author for an honest review*
August 22, 2013
Jude has been on the run since he was a child, his mother killed by a man and Jude having no knowledge of why. Jude has to be alone, forming no attachments so he doesn't endanger anyone else. It's lonely, but seems to be working. Then one day he gets into a fender bender with a young woman that he can't seem to get out of his head. Most girls fall over themselves to try to be with the stunningly handsome young man. Marley, the young woman, doesn't seem affected at all by Jude's alluring looks. He knows that he can't keep dwelling on the girl because he won't stay long, but he seems to run into her every place he goes. Unfortunately the man chasing him shows up on one such occasion and Jude has no choice but to take Marley with him or leave her to her own defenses. On the run, they learn more about each other, finding that they have much more in common than they could ever have imagined. They will have to run, think, and fight in order to survive long enough to discover what their connection is and why they are being hunted. The author has yet another winner. Shelly Crane can do no wrong. Every book/series she touches is gold. The characters, plot, story, flow, editing, everything is spot on! I absolutely can't wait for another book to this series, it is fantastic and not to be put down. I read it in one sitting. Must have and must read book!!
October 1, 2016
A wonderfully written romantic book with some mystery thrown in. Jude has been on the run his whole life trying to flee someone he calls Biloxi (where he first remembers him). Biloxi killed his mother and now has been hunting Jude down for years. Jude doesn't know why he's hunted. He has become a shallow, man-whore while on the run, knowing that he can never have a real relationship because that would endanger whoever he became attached to. Then, he literally smashes into Marley (or she smashes into him) and he feels an instant attraction. He tries to distance himself but circumstances and his heart let her start to get into his heart.
Then, the worst happens. Biloxi finds him (and her), tries to kill them and then starts targeting Marley along with Jude.
The story continues with Jude realizing how important Marley is to him and what he does to protect her, even if it might get him killed. He "man's up", so to speak.
This was a great little story. Wonderful characters in Jude and Marley. A little unbelievability snuck in with the coincidence of them meeting and eventually realizing they were part of the same story. And, believe it or not, Jude almost became too caring and too good. But it was so heartfelt and lovely, I easily put up with the flaws.
Then, the worst happens. Biloxi finds him (and her), tries to kill them and then starts targeting Marley along with Jude.
The story continues with Jude realizing how important Marley is to him and what he does to protect her, even if it might get him killed. He "man's up", so to speak.
This was a great little story. Wonderful characters in Jude and Marley. A little unbelievability snuck in with the coincidence of them meeting and eventually realizing they were part of the same story. And, believe it or not, Jude almost became too caring and too good. But it was so heartfelt and lovely, I easily put up with the flaws.
August 13, 2013
Daggum!!! hahaha!! That was the word i learnt from this book!
Ahh this book was good! I wanted to read this book since last year! Since i read the first teaser! I was waiting and I was certainly not disappointed! This book was brilliant!It had romance and it had a good suspense to it!
Jude and Marley are just so cute together! Everything that happened in their lives really brought them closer! Jude was a player and he didnt want to have a relationship just meaningless encounters! Then he met Marley!! HOW?? She/He smashed each other's car together! Thus the title!! hahaha! i love the banter between them and i loved to see the change that happened to Jude!!
Together they made a brilliant couples! My heart breaks to know what happened to their parents and also each other traumatic history but together they are stronger and that was amazing to read!
Good story line!Didn't keep me bored! Had me swooning at the ending! Just a perfect end! Lovely!!
5 STARS! =D
Ahh this book was good! I wanted to read this book since last year! Since i read the first teaser! I was waiting and I was certainly not disappointed! This book was brilliant!It had romance and it had a good suspense to it!
Jude and Marley are just so cute together! Everything that happened in their lives really brought them closer! Jude was a player and he didnt want to have a relationship just meaningless encounters! Then he met Marley!! HOW?? She/He smashed each other's car together! Thus the title!! hahaha! i love the banter between them and i loved to see the change that happened to Jude!!
Together they made a brilliant couples! My heart breaks to know what happened to their parents and also each other traumatic history but together they are stronger and that was amazing to read!
Good story line!Didn't keep me bored! Had me swooning at the ending! Just a perfect end! Lovely!!
5 STARS! =D
August 15, 2013
Daggum it. Oh, Shelly Crane, how I love thee. I honestly haven't read a book of hers that I didn't fall in love with. I was seriously hooked on Smash Into You from the first chapter. Jude is a hot mess....but with good reason. He's been on his own since, well, basically since forever. When he smashes into Marley, his life is changed in SO many ways. There is a reason they meet and as you read on, that becomes more and more apparent.
The way that Shelly tells this story.....she tells a really messed up story about some underground goings ons, a love story, and a story about survival all at the same time. She had me laughing, yelling at people, cursing, SOBBING, and swooning all at different times in this book.
While Smash Into You is a little different than "normal" Shelly...I absolutely LOVE this book. 5 big, fat, glowing stars from me.
Any book that can leave me with a smile on my face is a plus in my book ;)
The way that Shelly tells this story.....she tells a really messed up story about some underground goings ons, a love story, and a story about survival all at the same time. She had me laughing, yelling at people, cursing, SOBBING, and swooning all at different times in this book.
While Smash Into You is a little different than "normal" Shelly...I absolutely LOVE this book. 5 big, fat, glowing stars from me.
Any book that can leave me with a smile on my face is a plus in my book ;)
August 28, 2014
3.5 STARS
I really enjoyed the ride that was Smash Into You, but some things bothered me.
At times I felt 'yeah this is good', then 'nah, really its just above average'.
I really enjoyed the ride that was Smash Into You, but some things bothered me.
At times I felt 'yeah this is good', then 'nah, really its just above average'.
Want to read
April 30, 2012Cannot wait! I adore Shelly cranes writing and I just know this book will be as great as her other work : )
July 24, 2014
***This review may contain spoilers***
Let me start off by saying Thank You Shelly Crane for restoring my faith in books!
It has been a while since i have been able to read a book straight through, all the way to the end. I had given up on the notion of ever finding another book i loved and then when i checked her site this one caught my eye.
5 Stars!
SO GLAD I GAVE IT A TRY! This book is is secretive and tempting. That means that there's a big secret but you don't get to know it until end, and the journey to it just makes you dying to know it more.
First off, Jude. Oh Jude, i now have another boy to add to my Book Boyfriend pile!
My Jude=
Jude was just kinda awesome! At first he seems a bit like a player but its kind of like a *past* part and so the story really starts when he's bored of using girls and having them use him in return. Now Jude, he's had a rough life. Watching his mother die in front of him, running all his life, doing odd jobs to make money... and avoiding a stupid Asshat trying to kill him, Jude calls him Biloxi. Some girl has just hit his car and he hasn't got insurance (Well duh, the whole On The Run thing above) so he says it's fine, let's pretend it never happened. Now him and this girl, Marley, keep running into each other, at a party, at pub etc... and Jude is worried because he has feeling for Marley... and he never get attached to anyone because Biloxi will just use them against him. But when a truck tries running her over and Jude savers her, cutting his arm in the process, it becomes apparent that Biloxi is after Marley too, and so he takes her with him. But not before trying to dump her a few times.. They don't realise just how much they have in common, a secret that wants them both back.
She wasn't beautiful in the super obvious way like the head cheerleader or Miss America. She wasn't fake looking. Her tan was all natural, her hair was blond because God made it that way, and her hips and legs were full and luscious because she ate like a human being and wasn't afraid of meat like some girls I'd known. Then I realized that all of my assumptions could be completely off, but I didn't think so.
I wanted to find out if I was right or not. As I smelled her right there next to me, I wanted to know if she was a Barbie underneath the girl I saw before me, or if she truly was the real girl I hoped for.
Next Marley. I loved her!
My Marley=
She wasn't kick-ass in an obvious way but is seriously awesome as a sneak attack. Instead of capturing your heart with witt and karate-like moves she captures it with Caring, Loyalty and Bravery. When she needed to be she stood strong instead of letting Jude dump her somewhere for her own safety. Instead of flocking to Jude like other girls do she called him out for his crap. She's been in foster care since she was 3 and has been in lots of different foster families, most were not so nice. and working for money to attend classes in college when suddenly she 'meets' Jude and they go on the run, meaning she leaves behind everything and can never return. She learns about herself and her mother during the book and she heals Jude just as much as he heals her.
I loved how some parts of the book she is kinda bossy and some parts she's upset/nervous/timid (You get the point). When they first begin she didn't really get the whole idea of it; stay inside, low profile etc.. But she understood it soon enough. She's just fun and brave and someone i would love to have as a friend!
We stayed silent until the food came and I watched in stupefied fascination as she picked up her green beans like French fries and ate them with her fingers. Then she did the same with a piece of fruit. Then she did the same to her sandwich, picking the tomato out of the bread and devouring it, licking her fingers.
I'd never been so turned on by a slice of tomato before. I clenched my teeth and tried to look away, but then she picked up another green bean and nibbled it. Nibbled it! Even I heard my growl as I leaned back in my seat. My shoulder hit the wood behind me. I cringed and gritted my teeth. "There's a fork there," I said.
"I don't use forks."
"Got a problem with silver? Are you a child of the moon and I just wasn't aware?"
She sneered. "Ha. Freaking. Ha.No, I just...nothing."
It's written in Jude's point of view and, for me, it was interesting reading from the guys POV for once. We get to see Marley through his eyes and if im making it seem like we don't get to see Jude from her POV then that is not the case, through out the book she has no qualms about telling him.
I think i fell in love with them about the same time they fell in love with each other. They were just so cute together!
I took fifteen dollars, opened the door, took the two large pizzas from him, and shoved the money at him. "Keep the change."
I slammed the door and bolted it. I heard him through the fiberglass door. "Keep the change? You only gave me ninety-two cents, douche."
"Take it or leave it, buddy!" I called.
"Thanks a lot, freak. Who answers the door in a towel?" He kicked the door before walking away.
Marley and I looked at each other and laughed. She kept giggling and it was contagious. I kept laughing and then she laughed harder. Finally, we settled and ate our pizza with no plates. She folded hers in half the long way and dug in. She plowed through five slices like I'd never seen a girl do. It was pretty awesome.
The ending was also pretty awesome. It's not a cliff hanger (THANK GOD i can't imagine having to wait another year or so for another book!) It was still awesome and made me want to scream and jump up and down..
"
I would definately say read this book. If you're thinking "Oh im not sure lets go see some reviews" and you've read all the way through my review then listen to me now.. READ IT. It's entertaining, funny and just a generally cool read.
And now to end on some quotes catch your interest and draw you in :D
-----
She moved her hand down to my ankle. "You have sexy feet."
I snickered. "Uh…OK."
"I'm serious. You don't believe me?" She smiled, turning a little. "Don't ever wear flip-flops. You'll cause a riot."
I laughed and got out, drying off. "Sure. Girls don't think feet are sexy. Guys do, but not girls."
I looked down at her, my girl all covered in suds.
My girl…
"I am a girl and I say your feet are sexy," she argued as she looked at them over the tub side.
I squirmed and laughed. "Cut it out."
----
I drove the tractor out of the barn, careful not to clip the door with the hookup. He turned to look at me, hands on his hips. I tipped an imaginary hat to him. He shook his head, but I saw the small smile. He waved his hands at me in an I give up manner before turning back to his task.
When I reached the stump, I took it out of gear and hopped down to attach the chain around it before I hopped back on. I held my hand out and yelled, "Would the lady like a ride?"
She giggled. I saw it, but couldn't hear it. Pity. "Love to, stud!" she yelled back. I hoisted her up to sit on my knee.
Her tank top showed her sunburn as well. I kissed the side of her neck, my spot, before putting the tractor in gear and letting it buck and pull, before giving it slack and going at it again. Marley held on tight for the ride and when the stump finally gave way, pulling the roots out and tipping it up on its side, she squealed, "This is so much fun!" I laughed.
Let me start off by saying Thank You Shelly Crane for restoring my faith in books!
It has been a while since i have been able to read a book straight through, all the way to the end. I had given up on the notion of ever finding another book i loved and then when i checked her site this one caught my eye.
5 Stars!
SO GLAD I GAVE IT A TRY! This book is is secretive and tempting. That means that there's a big secret but you don't get to know it until end, and the journey to it just makes you dying to know it more.
First off, Jude. Oh Jude, i now have another boy to add to my Book Boyfriend pile!
My Jude=
Jude was just kinda awesome! At first he seems a bit like a player but its kind of like a *past* part and so the story really starts when he's bored of using girls and having them use him in return. Now Jude, he's had a rough life. Watching his mother die in front of him, running all his life, doing odd jobs to make money... and avoiding a stupid Asshat trying to kill him, Jude calls him Biloxi. Some girl has just hit his car and he hasn't got insurance (Well duh, the whole On The Run thing above) so he says it's fine, let's pretend it never happened. Now him and this girl, Marley, keep running into each other, at a party, at pub etc... and Jude is worried because he has feeling for Marley... and he never get attached to anyone because Biloxi will just use them against him. But when a truck tries running her over and Jude savers her, cutting his arm in the process, it becomes apparent that Biloxi is after Marley too, and so he takes her with him. But not before trying to dump her a few times.. They don't realise just how much they have in common, a secret that wants them both back.
She wasn't beautiful in the super obvious way like the head cheerleader or Miss America. She wasn't fake looking. Her tan was all natural, her hair was blond because God made it that way, and her hips and legs were full and luscious because she ate like a human being and wasn't afraid of meat like some girls I'd known. Then I realized that all of my assumptions could be completely off, but I didn't think so.
I wanted to find out if I was right or not. As I smelled her right there next to me, I wanted to know if she was a Barbie underneath the girl I saw before me, or if she truly was the real girl I hoped for.
Next Marley. I loved her!
My Marley=
She wasn't kick-ass in an obvious way but is seriously awesome as a sneak attack. Instead of capturing your heart with witt and karate-like moves she captures it with Caring, Loyalty and Bravery. When she needed to be she stood strong instead of letting Jude dump her somewhere for her own safety. Instead of flocking to Jude like other girls do she called him out for his crap. She's been in foster care since she was 3 and has been in lots of different foster families, most were not so nice. and working for money to attend classes in college when suddenly she 'meets' Jude and they go on the run, meaning she leaves behind everything and can never return. She learns about herself and her mother during the book and she heals Jude just as much as he heals her.
I loved how some parts of the book she is kinda bossy and some parts she's upset/nervous/timid (You get the point). When they first begin she didn't really get the whole idea of it; stay inside, low profile etc.. But she understood it soon enough. She's just fun and brave and someone i would love to have as a friend!
We stayed silent until the food came and I watched in stupefied fascination as she picked up her green beans like French fries and ate them with her fingers. Then she did the same with a piece of fruit. Then she did the same to her sandwich, picking the tomato out of the bread and devouring it, licking her fingers.
I'd never been so turned on by a slice of tomato before. I clenched my teeth and tried to look away, but then she picked up another green bean and nibbled it. Nibbled it! Even I heard my growl as I leaned back in my seat. My shoulder hit the wood behind me. I cringed and gritted my teeth. "There's a fork there," I said.
"I don't use forks."
"Got a problem with silver? Are you a child of the moon and I just wasn't aware?"
She sneered. "Ha. Freaking. Ha.No, I just...nothing."
It's written in Jude's point of view and, for me, it was interesting reading from the guys POV for once. We get to see Marley through his eyes and if im making it seem like we don't get to see Jude from her POV then that is not the case, through out the book she has no qualms about telling him.
I think i fell in love with them about the same time they fell in love with each other. They were just so cute together!
I took fifteen dollars, opened the door, took the two large pizzas from him, and shoved the money at him. "Keep the change."
I slammed the door and bolted it. I heard him through the fiberglass door. "Keep the change? You only gave me ninety-two cents, douche."
"Take it or leave it, buddy!" I called.
"Thanks a lot, freak. Who answers the door in a towel?" He kicked the door before walking away.
Marley and I looked at each other and laughed. She kept giggling and it was contagious. I kept laughing and then she laughed harder. Finally, we settled and ate our pizza with no plates. She folded hers in half the long way and dug in. She plowed through five slices like I'd never seen a girl do. It was pretty awesome.
The ending was also pretty awesome. It's not a cliff hanger (THANK GOD i can't imagine having to wait another year or so for another book!) It was still awesome and made me want to scream and jump up and down..
" I would definately say read this book. If you're thinking "Oh im not sure lets go see some reviews" and you've read all the way through my review then listen to me now.. READ IT. It's entertaining, funny and just a generally cool read.
And now to end on some quotes catch your interest and draw you in :D
-----
She moved her hand down to my ankle. "You have sexy feet."
I snickered. "Uh…OK."
"I'm serious. You don't believe me?" She smiled, turning a little. "Don't ever wear flip-flops. You'll cause a riot."
I laughed and got out, drying off. "Sure. Girls don't think feet are sexy. Guys do, but not girls."
I looked down at her, my girl all covered in suds.
My girl…
"I am a girl and I say your feet are sexy," she argued as she looked at them over the tub side.
I squirmed and laughed. "Cut it out."
----
I drove the tractor out of the barn, careful not to clip the door with the hookup. He turned to look at me, hands on his hips. I tipped an imaginary hat to him. He shook his head, but I saw the small smile. He waved his hands at me in an I give up manner before turning back to his task.
When I reached the stump, I took it out of gear and hopped down to attach the chain around it before I hopped back on. I held my hand out and yelled, "Would the lady like a ride?"
She giggled. I saw it, but couldn't hear it. Pity. "Love to, stud!" she yelled back. I hoisted her up to sit on my knee.
Her tank top showed her sunburn as well. I kissed the side of her neck, my spot, before putting the tractor in gear and letting it buck and pull, before giving it slack and going at it again. Marley held on tight for the ride and when the stump finally gave way, pulling the roots out and tipping it up on its side, she squealed, "This is so much fun!" I laughed.
August 13, 2013
I was so happy when Shelly Crane selected me as one of the blogs to do a review for Smash Into You. So am honored to do this review. I will be as honest as I can, and try not to do any spoilers.
I was attracted to this book first of all because of Shelly Crane, as I am a huge fan of her Significance series. As anyone who has read my reviews, or who follows my blog, knows I am all about the paranormal/sci-fi, really anything outside the “normal” . This book does give just a tad outside the “normal” but really was not enough for me. That being said, I still really enjoyed this story. Being told from the male, Jude’s point of view was a nice change. You can understand why he does some of the things he does.
The relationship with him and Marley is a fun one to read about, as they didn’t exactly get along at first, but they get thrown together and things change from there.
What really kept me going is the why that was behind the people chasing him, then her. I kept waiting for some big revelation to something cool and supernatural, but was disappointed with what that was, was a let down to me. But that’s more because its me, and I need my paranormal elements to really love a book. In a way, I am glad I didn’t know if there was or not with this one, as it got me to read it anyway, and I loved it regardless, and that’s saying a lot for me to love a contemporary romance that has some mystery to it is all, with some action, and wondering on our part.
So, even if your like me, and need that supernatural/paranormal element in your books, I still recommend this book, as I am hard to please if its not my kind of book.
I will share a few teasers below for you, no spoilers, just to give a small taste of this great book.
You can also check out my Book Boyfriend of the Week post,click here, for several cool teasers of the changing personality of Jude, like he was a jerk, then he is sweet, then steamy/romantic, even funny.
Here is a sweet scene that shows Jude’s more sensitive side:
The sob seemed to be stuck in her throat and her breaths were ragged. Her fingers were wrapped in my shirt and she was hanging on for life.
See, this was what I was talking about. I didn't know how to take care of somebody. I wasn't capable of doing and being all the things a girl like her needed me to. But I pulled my arm around her, ignoring the sting and ache from moving the wound. She melted into my side and got as close as she could get, but she couldn't look away. I pulled her face over with my other hand, keeping my arm firmly around her. She looked wild and unhinged. "Hide right here," I told her gently and pulled her faceto my neck. "You don't need to see that."See, this was what I was talking about. I didn't know how to take care of somebody. I wasn't capable of doing and being all the things a girl like her needed me to. But I pulled my arm around her, ignoring the sting and ache from moving the wound. She melted into my side and got as close as she could get, but she couldn't look away. I pulled her face over with my other hand, keeping my arm firmly around her. She looked wild and unhinged. "Hide right here," I told her gently and pulled her face to my neck. "You don't need to see that."
Here is a part showing his protective side I guess you can call it:
She knelt down in front of me and pressed the gauze to my skin. Then she cleaned the blood up and taped it, ripping pieces of tape with her teeth. I watched the guy, who still stood at the door, with skepticism. He hadn't taken his eyes from Marley the entire time. His eyes were currently on her magnificent backside. I knew that backside didn't belong to me, but it might very soon. But it didn't belong to him either.After last night and what she did for me yesterday, I didn't know what I wanted anymore. I didn't want her to get hurt, I knew that, but I wanted to keep her. I felt selfish, but it also felt wrong to just throw her into the world and hope that Biloxi didn't find her.But right then, nothing mattered but this jackhole who was about to get kicked in the teeth. "Hey, buddy. Eyes up top, why don't ya?"She gasped, but I was staring down the neighbor.
That’s a few for you, the better teasers I did are at my post I mentioned, so check them out.
5 out of 5 stars for me.
I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.
Check out my blog post too, to read the first chapter if you want. Click here for blog post.
August 15, 2013
4.5 Stars
*ARC provided by Author for Honest Review*
Smash Into You was just what I needed to remove me from the book hangover I was having. Everything was too typical and predictable. Gone were the days of picking up a novel and being absolutely shocked, awed, thrilled and chilled. Then I read Smash Into You and all that changed.
Smash Into You is a guaranteed thrilling read from start to finish. My mind has officially been blown in the best of ways. I went into this without re-reading the Blurb and I could not have been happier or more surprised by the plotline and the events that take place. Think action thriller. Smash Into You will grip you from the beginning. You need answers to why the main character Jude is on the run and who he is running from. But Jude does not share his secrets easily. This book is easy to lose yourself in so I suggest saving it for a weekend read where obligations like work and bedtimes matter none because you will be sucked in.
Smash Into You starts with a juvenile Jude in high school. At this point Jude is and has been on the run since he was a young boy. Things like girls come easy to him and he has little care about them as people. Jude doesn’t let people in and that’s that. When he meets Marley sparks fly, but Jude can’t be held back by a pretty girl. When she gets dragged into his mess, Jude has to decide if he should keep her with him or ditch her.
I loved Marley. From the start she is easy to like and she works so hard to survive. Though she is not on the run like Jude, she works just as hard to make it through each and every day. Being a foster kid gives Marley a different insight into the world and she is far from the narcissistic and materialistic girls Jude is used to fawning over him. Though neither can admit fault, they literally smash into each other when their cars meet face to face. Jude can’t bother with things like police and insurance so he takes off. Little does he know he will be meeting Marley again and she plays a bigger role in his past than either of them can imagine. Jude can’t help his attraction to Marley, no matter how hard he tries.
Jam packed with action and adventure, Smash Into You took me for the wildest of rides and sucked me into the world of killers, car chases, science experiments and falling in Love. Marley and Jude are just what the other needs without even knowing. Jude soon realizes that Marley is different from all the other girls in his life and living without her, even if it’s just one more day, becomes impossible.
I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and felt like I was watching the latest Blockbuster. No stone is left unturned and every question I had throughout eventually gets answered. The story was not very predictable either, which was a nice change, and when Jude starts to give into his emotions I fell so hard for this jaded badass with all his romantic gestures. **Swoon** Jude and Marley complement each other and I loved watching their relationship flourish. Together they are stro0nger and it’s only pure Luck that they have each other, especially once the truth begins to reveal itself. Their pasts and pain connects them, but together they can overcome and literally tell fate to kiss their a$$. I definitely recommend this book because it’s awesome, amazing and I loved every word. Shelly Crane has done it again. Smash Into You is a hit, no doubt about it.
*ARC provided by Author for Honest Review*
Smash Into You was just what I needed to remove me from the book hangover I was having. Everything was too typical and predictable. Gone were the days of picking up a novel and being absolutely shocked, awed, thrilled and chilled. Then I read Smash Into You and all that changed.
Smash Into You is a guaranteed thrilling read from start to finish. My mind has officially been blown in the best of ways. I went into this without re-reading the Blurb and I could not have been happier or more surprised by the plotline and the events that take place. Think action thriller. Smash Into You will grip you from the beginning. You need answers to why the main character Jude is on the run and who he is running from. But Jude does not share his secrets easily. This book is easy to lose yourself in so I suggest saving it for a weekend read where obligations like work and bedtimes matter none because you will be sucked in.
Smash Into You starts with a juvenile Jude in high school. At this point Jude is and has been on the run since he was a young boy. Things like girls come easy to him and he has little care about them as people. Jude doesn’t let people in and that’s that. When he meets Marley sparks fly, but Jude can’t be held back by a pretty girl. When she gets dragged into his mess, Jude has to decide if he should keep her with him or ditch her.
I loved Marley. From the start she is easy to like and she works so hard to survive. Though she is not on the run like Jude, she works just as hard to make it through each and every day. Being a foster kid gives Marley a different insight into the world and she is far from the narcissistic and materialistic girls Jude is used to fawning over him. Though neither can admit fault, they literally smash into each other when their cars meet face to face. Jude can’t bother with things like police and insurance so he takes off. Little does he know he will be meeting Marley again and she plays a bigger role in his past than either of them can imagine. Jude can’t help his attraction to Marley, no matter how hard he tries.
Jam packed with action and adventure, Smash Into You took me for the wildest of rides and sucked me into the world of killers, car chases, science experiments and falling in Love. Marley and Jude are just what the other needs without even knowing. Jude soon realizes that Marley is different from all the other girls in his life and living without her, even if it’s just one more day, becomes impossible.
I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and felt like I was watching the latest Blockbuster. No stone is left unturned and every question I had throughout eventually gets answered. The story was not very predictable either, which was a nice change, and when Jude starts to give into his emotions I fell so hard for this jaded badass with all his romantic gestures. **Swoon** Jude and Marley complement each other and I loved watching their relationship flourish. Together they are stro0nger and it’s only pure Luck that they have each other, especially once the truth begins to reveal itself. Their pasts and pain connects them, but together they can overcome and literally tell fate to kiss their a$$. I definitely recommend this book because it’s awesome, amazing and I loved every word. Shelly Crane has done it again. Smash Into You is a hit, no doubt about it.
August 25, 2013
I’m a fan of Shelly Crane’s Significance series so knowing a new book from her will come out I can’t help me to gush and wait for it!
As a self-confessed romantic-at-heart, I’m a firm believer of coincidences, destinies, soul mates and stuffs like that. That is the very thing that makes me love the author’s Significance Series – it’s about destiny and finding your soul mate and this new story from her Smash Into You surprisingly has the same ingredient as those – coincidences and soul mates! Jude and Marley are like two old souls just waiting for the right time to smash into one another.
I’m a firm believer of coincidences, destinies or such ,yes its my romantic-at-heart side that is talking but I love stories that goes along that way and it was a great surprise for me to see that this story was a story that is full of coincidental and destiny things. Jude and Marley are like two lost souls whom I know were just waiting for the right time to meet.
Smash Into You started great to me. I love how the characters are introduced – the broody-guy-on-the-run meets the sweet and carefree heroine. They literally smash into each other – or rather their cars smash into one another – and that’s when they continuously bump into each other over and over again. Sounds like your typical New Adult story right, and it’s nothing new for me since I’ve read my fair share of those types of story. But wait there’s more…
When the ghost of our hero’s past catch up on them, that’s when things start to twist. Honestly, I was half-hearted about this certain twist that author has brought up to the story. Well, in a sense I just find it too weird, it seems like it comes out of nowhere! I’m just freakingly weirded out by the whole revelation and I’m honestly bothered by it even after finishing the story and I will not get tired of saying that it was really a weird transition.
But despite me being weirded out by it, I give kudos to the author for twining this twist in a very nice way to the story. It was great build up to the story – you know something big is going to come up and it just comes popping out in front of your face. You will definitely find yourself asking as to why Jude is on the run and whom he was running from. Wovening this on Jude and Marley’s story seems to be fitting enough for them. I guess this would’ve worked for me if I’m not eaten enough by the weird thoughts at first.
At first, I find nothing so different from the characters. Jude was the typical ass-bad/playboy who loves girls, booze and parties while Marley is your typical sweet, good girl striving to finish school type of heroine – nothing new with them right? But once we learn about who they really are that’s where the real story revolves – we get to see Jude’s life with his mom and his life growing up and how he was left all alone to fend for himself and move on to every place just to survive. While Marley was the girl who was left by her mom and transferred to different foster homes until she’s left to fend for herself. But when the world’s way work it would definitely worked coz by the end of it all we find out that these tow are not too stranger to one another – there are a lot of strings attaching them to one another hence me describing them like tow old souls waiting for the right time for them to smash into one another.
So I like the characters and the certain twist would’ve been great if I was not weirded out by it but another thing that I find questioning is why did Jude chose just this moment to face the people who are running after him? It s a long time to wait maybe he’s jus waiting for someone like Marley to push him but I can’t help but think: “After years of running, Why just now?”
Smash Into You was a deeper, bigger and much filled with mystery and suspense it was another sure smash hit for Shelly Crane! I hope she continue to write stories with destinies, coincidences or such – it makes me feel like I’m not the only who’s a true blue romantic at heart. ;)
Blog stop posted at Reads and Thoughts.
*Advanced copy kindly provided for review*
As a self-confessed romantic-at-heart, I’m a firm believer of coincidences, destinies, soul mates and stuffs like that. That is the very thing that makes me love the author’s Significance Series – it’s about destiny and finding your soul mate and this new story from her Smash Into You surprisingly has the same ingredient as those – coincidences and soul mates! Jude and Marley are like two old souls just waiting for the right time to smash into one another.
I’m a firm believer of coincidences, destinies or such ,yes its my romantic-at-heart side that is talking but I love stories that goes along that way and it was a great surprise for me to see that this story was a story that is full of coincidental and destiny things. Jude and Marley are like two lost souls whom I know were just waiting for the right time to meet.
Smash Into You started great to me. I love how the characters are introduced – the broody-guy-on-the-run meets the sweet and carefree heroine. They literally smash into each other – or rather their cars smash into one another – and that’s when they continuously bump into each other over and over again. Sounds like your typical New Adult story right, and it’s nothing new for me since I’ve read my fair share of those types of story. But wait there’s more…
When the ghost of our hero’s past catch up on them, that’s when things start to twist. Honestly, I was half-hearted about this certain twist that author has brought up to the story. Well, in a sense I just find it too weird, it seems like it comes out of nowhere! I’m just freakingly weirded out by the whole revelation and I’m honestly bothered by it even after finishing the story and I will not get tired of saying that it was really a weird transition.
But despite me being weirded out by it, I give kudos to the author for twining this twist in a very nice way to the story. It was great build up to the story – you know something big is going to come up and it just comes popping out in front of your face. You will definitely find yourself asking as to why Jude is on the run and whom he was running from. Wovening this on Jude and Marley’s story seems to be fitting enough for them. I guess this would’ve worked for me if I’m not eaten enough by the weird thoughts at first.
At first, I find nothing so different from the characters. Jude was the typical ass-bad/playboy who loves girls, booze and parties while Marley is your typical sweet, good girl striving to finish school type of heroine – nothing new with them right? But once we learn about who they really are that’s where the real story revolves – we get to see Jude’s life with his mom and his life growing up and how he was left all alone to fend for himself and move on to every place just to survive. While Marley was the girl who was left by her mom and transferred to different foster homes until she’s left to fend for herself. But when the world’s way work it would definitely worked coz by the end of it all we find out that these tow are not too stranger to one another – there are a lot of strings attaching them to one another hence me describing them like tow old souls waiting for the right time for them to smash into one another.
So I like the characters and the certain twist would’ve been great if I was not weirded out by it but another thing that I find questioning is why did Jude chose just this moment to face the people who are running after him? It s a long time to wait maybe he’s jus waiting for someone like Marley to push him but I can’t help but think: “After years of running, Why just now?”
Smash Into You was a deeper, bigger and much filled with mystery and suspense it was another sure smash hit for Shelly Crane! I hope she continue to write stories with destinies, coincidences or such – it makes me feel like I’m not the only who’s a true blue romantic at heart. ;)
Blog stop posted at Reads and Thoughts.
*Advanced copy kindly provided for review*
March 4, 2016
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2.5 stars -- *sigh* When I first started reading this and wasn't getting into it, I wondered if I just wasn't in the mood for this type of book (a mystery/suspense/thriller), but unfortunately I think that was only a tiny bit of the reason. In the end the plot and characters just never ended up grabbing hold of me and taking me on a ride. The ride was there, but it felt like it was malfunctioning, so I just never hopped on board.
Jude was kind of a jerk, and I just never really ended up falling for him...I didn't see a whole lot of depth to his character, or maybe it just didn't feel authentic to me. I honestly don't know what other people saw in him, b/c I just never got the same sexy vibe about him. And after reading some other reviews, I'm so glad I'm not the only one who was totally flabbergasted by the repeated use of "Daggumit". Uh, what? I have never heard anyone use this word before, and I just could not picture some supposed alpha loner male using it unless he was making fun of somebody.
Marley was, in some ways, worse than Jude. I never really got a full grasp on her personality. She just felt very flat to me...like she was being given qualities, but I didn't believe them. Sometimes she was sweet, sometimes sassy, sometimes scared, but they just didn't feel like a full picture of her. It was like she didn't have a personality or something. I'm not sure. And some of the stuff we learn about her in the past just felt totally gratuitous and didn't add anything to her character or storyline. It was like we were meant to see how horrible her foster home life was like, but they were just little side stories that didn't shape her at all...one incident in particular, should have had a bigger impact, but it was just occasionally mentioned like a forgotten about fact.
And their chemistry? At first I didn't feel it AT ALL. Like not at all. It felt forced, and I didn't understand what they saw in one another, just what I was told they saw in each other I guess. If I just accepted that they liked each other, then later when they started flirting, I actually enjoyed it. But I had to let go of my skepticism first.
And then there's the plot. *sigh* I just could not suspend my disbelief in this one. I kept internally asking questions -- like how does Biloxi find them? Why aren't they more careful about hiding the car sometimes? How does Biloxi escape all law enforcement even though he doesn't appear to leave the crime scene immediately? Why didn't anyone ever go to the cops???? Seriously. And then once we found out what they were running from, I had questions about that whole set up too. And when they were in tense situations, why in the world would they stop to kiss??? Mind just would NOT shut up for me. And then the whole suspense plotline was just miraculously resolved, and I did not feel like I got enough answers there...it just seemed so sudden and neatly tied up.
So yeah. Part of me wants to round this up to 3 because I actually love a lot of Ms. Crane's work. But I'm trying to be honest with myself...and this book just didn't work for me in too many ways to ignore. And I didn't even get started on the need for some better editing...usually I can ignore that, but when it takes me a minute to figure out what a sentence is supposed to say, it takes me out of the reading zone.
2.5 stars -- *sigh* When I first started reading this and wasn't getting into it, I wondered if I just wasn't in the mood for this type of book (a mystery/suspense/thriller), but unfortunately I think that was only a tiny bit of the reason. In the end the plot and characters just never ended up grabbing hold of me and taking me on a ride. The ride was there, but it felt like it was malfunctioning, so I just never hopped on board.
Jude was kind of a jerk, and I just never really ended up falling for him...I didn't see a whole lot of depth to his character, or maybe it just didn't feel authentic to me. I honestly don't know what other people saw in him, b/c I just never got the same sexy vibe about him. And after reading some other reviews, I'm so glad I'm not the only one who was totally flabbergasted by the repeated use of "Daggumit". Uh, what? I have never heard anyone use this word before, and I just could not picture some supposed alpha loner male using it unless he was making fun of somebody.
Marley was, in some ways, worse than Jude. I never really got a full grasp on her personality. She just felt very flat to me...like she was being given qualities, but I didn't believe them. Sometimes she was sweet, sometimes sassy, sometimes scared, but they just didn't feel like a full picture of her. It was like she didn't have a personality or something. I'm not sure. And some of the stuff we learn about her in the past just felt totally gratuitous and didn't add anything to her character or storyline. It was like we were meant to see how horrible her foster home life was like, but they were just little side stories that didn't shape her at all...one incident in particular, should have had a bigger impact, but it was just occasionally mentioned like a forgotten about fact.
And their chemistry? At first I didn't feel it AT ALL. Like not at all. It felt forced, and I didn't understand what they saw in one another, just what I was told they saw in each other I guess. If I just accepted that they liked each other, then later when they started flirting, I actually enjoyed it. But I had to let go of my skepticism first.
And then there's the plot. *sigh* I just could not suspend my disbelief in this one. I kept internally asking questions -- like how does Biloxi find them? Why aren't they more careful about hiding the car sometimes? How does Biloxi escape all law enforcement even though he doesn't appear to leave the crime scene immediately? Why didn't anyone ever go to the cops???? Seriously. And then once we found out what they were running from, I had questions about that whole set up too. And when they were in tense situations, why in the world would they stop to kiss??? Mind just would NOT shut up for me. And then the whole suspense plotline was just miraculously resolved, and I did not feel like I got enough answers there...it just seemed so sudden and neatly tied up.
So yeah. Part of me wants to round this up to 3 because I actually love a lot of Ms. Crane's work. But I'm trying to be honest with myself...and this book just didn't work for me in too many ways to ignore. And I didn't even get started on the need for some better editing...usually I can ignore that, but when it takes me a minute to figure out what a sentence is supposed to say, it takes me out of the reading zone.
August 13, 2013
Absolutely LOOOOOOVED it!!!!
OMG!!!
Full review....
I have to say that Shelly Crane is one of my favorite authors and when she puts out something new, yeah, I have to read it!!
So, Smash Into You was starting to be talked about and just the little bit of buzz out there told me that I was going to enjoy this book...and boy did I!!
From the very moment you open up to the first page and begin reading...you immediately get captivated...why is that you say???
Ahhhh....this book is told solely from the hero's POV...yep...all through the male's eyes...And let me say...this guy is fabulous!!
When you first meet Jude you see the harsh abrasive guy that he wants you see. He has had so much happen to him in his life that forming bonds/relationships is just not what he is after. You would think that reading someone like that might close you off from them...but quite the opposite...and this is because Shelly Crane is so fantastic. Although Jude can be blunt, rude, and down right mean...there is so much more to him than the exterior that everyone else gets to see. This is what led me to fall in love with him...OH MY!! Jude is the most real guy. Once you dive in to story, you will be compelled to follow and bleed for him when his life unfolds before you.
So, how does this journey come to pass?? He literally smashes into the girl that will change it all for him. She is the one that will whittle her way under his skin, find that crack in his tough exterior, and then lodge herself right in that special place in his heart. Marley showed Jude that there was so much to fight for....so much of a future that he didn't think he wanted....
But, their life is not an easy one...there are some major players out there trying to ruin anything and everything for these two.
This story blew me away! I was holding my breath, biting my nails, and just hoping for a certain outcome. Smash Into You is filled with action, suspense....a mystery that will make your jaw drop with the twists and turns in the maze to find out what is really going on...
Make sure you pick up your copy and find out exactly why I LOVE this book!!!
www.tsktskwhattoread2.blogspot.com
OMG!!!
Full review....
I have to say that Shelly Crane is one of my favorite authors and when she puts out something new, yeah, I have to read it!!
So, Smash Into You was starting to be talked about and just the little bit of buzz out there told me that I was going to enjoy this book...and boy did I!!
From the very moment you open up to the first page and begin reading...you immediately get captivated...why is that you say???
Ahhhh....this book is told solely from the hero's POV...yep...all through the male's eyes...And let me say...this guy is fabulous!!
When you first meet Jude you see the harsh abrasive guy that he wants you see. He has had so much happen to him in his life that forming bonds/relationships is just not what he is after. You would think that reading someone like that might close you off from them...but quite the opposite...and this is because Shelly Crane is so fantastic. Although Jude can be blunt, rude, and down right mean...there is so much more to him than the exterior that everyone else gets to see. This is what led me to fall in love with him...OH MY!! Jude is the most real guy. Once you dive in to story, you will be compelled to follow and bleed for him when his life unfolds before you.
So, how does this journey come to pass?? He literally smashes into the girl that will change it all for him. She is the one that will whittle her way under his skin, find that crack in his tough exterior, and then lodge herself right in that special place in his heart. Marley showed Jude that there was so much to fight for....so much of a future that he didn't think he wanted....
But, their life is not an easy one...there are some major players out there trying to ruin anything and everything for these two.
This story blew me away! I was holding my breath, biting my nails, and just hoping for a certain outcome. Smash Into You is filled with action, suspense....a mystery that will make your jaw drop with the twists and turns in the maze to find out what is really going on...
Make sure you pick up your copy and find out exactly why I LOVE this book!!!
www.tsktskwhattoread2.blogspot.com
August 12, 2013
** I was given this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review**
I love Shelly Crane. I love the books that she writes, so when I got the opportunity to read Smash into You, I jumped on the chance!! I was so great!! The storyline was new and fresh. The characters were engaging, and the ending was wonderful! I read the book in one sitting and will probably read it again.
Jude Jackson is an enigma. He seems like a rough riding, tough guy who just uses women and discards them when he is done, but on the inside he is a sweet innocent boy who misses his mother. You don't get a lot of that second side of him in the first probably half of the book because he is still trying to hide that part of himself. I do wish that he was "softer" more in the book; that side of him is just so appealing. However I understand why he had to be "hard" for the majority of the book. If not, people would get hurt by that Biloxi character.
You start seeing the softer side of Jude after he meets Marley and starts to fall for her. Marley is a feisty girl with a strange past. A past that seems to cross with Jude's more than once. She is strong and witty, but also soft and fragile at the same time. She is Jude's counter for most of the book. She is able to soften him and bring him back when he starts on a tangent. She doesn't take his crap and she makes him realize that he is not the blame for what was done to him and his mother. She is beautiful, and a character that everyone should strive to write into their books.
Crane has the coolest mind when it comes to plot ideas. In this book, it turns out that Jude and Marley have connections with a strange human testing program that is dangerous and against the law. I won't go into too much more detail about the plot because I want you to be as surprised as I was when I read it. But the ideas that this woman can come up with will "knock your pants off"!!
The Verdict
Take the time to read this book!! I fell in love with Jude and I love the ending! You will be so happy when you do!!
See the review at www.bookscompletemeunlimited.com
I love Shelly Crane. I love the books that she writes, so when I got the opportunity to read Smash into You, I jumped on the chance!! I was so great!! The storyline was new and fresh. The characters were engaging, and the ending was wonderful! I read the book in one sitting and will probably read it again.
Jude Jackson is an enigma. He seems like a rough riding, tough guy who just uses women and discards them when he is done, but on the inside he is a sweet innocent boy who misses his mother. You don't get a lot of that second side of him in the first probably half of the book because he is still trying to hide that part of himself. I do wish that he was "softer" more in the book; that side of him is just so appealing. However I understand why he had to be "hard" for the majority of the book. If not, people would get hurt by that Biloxi character.
You start seeing the softer side of Jude after he meets Marley and starts to fall for her. Marley is a feisty girl with a strange past. A past that seems to cross with Jude's more than once. She is strong and witty, but also soft and fragile at the same time. She is Jude's counter for most of the book. She is able to soften him and bring him back when he starts on a tangent. She doesn't take his crap and she makes him realize that he is not the blame for what was done to him and his mother. She is beautiful, and a character that everyone should strive to write into their books.
Crane has the coolest mind when it comes to plot ideas. In this book, it turns out that Jude and Marley have connections with a strange human testing program that is dangerous and against the law. I won't go into too much more detail about the plot because I want you to be as surprised as I was when I read it. But the ideas that this woman can come up with will "knock your pants off"!!
The Verdict
Take the time to read this book!! I fell in love with Jude and I love the ending! You will be so happy when you do!!
See the review at www.bookscompletemeunlimited.com
March 31, 2015
3.5 stars
I will tell you up front I am not big into supernatural books. That being said I read one of Shelly Crane's books - Significance a few weeks ago because it was free. That books opened up a whole can of worms for me. Not only did I read the first book. I read the entire 4 book series in a week. I could not put them down!! I guess I DO like supernatural books after all.
Smash Into You is a story about Jude and how he is constantly on the run. Jude is not even sure who or what he is running from. All he knows is that he can't stop running. He doesn't last long in one place because there are "people" constantly trying to kill him. He has always been a loner until he ends up having to take Marley along with him. Together they travel and work to stay one step ahead of these men who are hunting them.
Jude first meets Marley by literally runs into her with his car (or rather she runs in to him). Then in a series of coincidences he ends up seeing her over the course of a few days at different times. Jude tries to keep his distance (even though part of him doesn't want to) from her until he is forced to take her with him to keep them both safe. These men are now not only after Jude but now have Marley in their sights as well. When I was reading this story I kept thinking "this reminds me of a X Files episode "or "Men In Black". You are not sure who is after them but all you know is that these men want them and want them because of a secret that no one can know about. I was literally DYING to know what Jude knew or did in the past to have these people wanting him dead. Biting my nails and staying up super late so I could find out what it was. When you do find out it will surprise you.
The book is a cute love story between Jude and Marley but in my opinion the main focus was Jude's "secret". There are no steamy love scenes but if you read Shelly Cranes other series you kind of know that. Jude reminds me a lot of Caleb from Significance. Smash Into You was a 3.5 star book for me.
I will tell you up front I am not big into supernatural books. That being said I read one of Shelly Crane's books - Significance a few weeks ago because it was free. That books opened up a whole can of worms for me. Not only did I read the first book. I read the entire 4 book series in a week. I could not put them down!! I guess I DO like supernatural books after all.
Smash Into You is a story about Jude and how he is constantly on the run. Jude is not even sure who or what he is running from. All he knows is that he can't stop running. He doesn't last long in one place because there are "people" constantly trying to kill him. He has always been a loner until he ends up having to take Marley along with him. Together they travel and work to stay one step ahead of these men who are hunting them.
Jude first meets Marley by literally runs into her with his car (or rather she runs in to him). Then in a series of coincidences he ends up seeing her over the course of a few days at different times. Jude tries to keep his distance (even though part of him doesn't want to) from her until he is forced to take her with him to keep them both safe. These men are now not only after Jude but now have Marley in their sights as well. When I was reading this story I kept thinking "this reminds me of a X Files episode "or "Men In Black". You are not sure who is after them but all you know is that these men want them and want them because of a secret that no one can know about. I was literally DYING to know what Jude knew or did in the past to have these people wanting him dead. Biting my nails and staying up super late so I could find out what it was. When you do find out it will surprise you.
The book is a cute love story between Jude and Marley but in my opinion the main focus was Jude's "secret". There are no steamy love scenes but if you read Shelly Cranes other series you kind of know that. Jude reminds me a lot of Caleb from Significance. Smash Into You was a 3.5 star book for me.
August 29, 2013
Yes, this book is a contemp romance, but it is also much, much more. It completely surprised me as turning out to be a mystery. The book starts out with Jude, who is running for his life. I had no clue why he was running, but that’s perfect, because he doesn’t know why he’s running either. For as long as he can remember, he has been chased by a man known only as Biloxi.
Right off, Marley crashes into the scene. Literally. She crashes her car into Jude’s. And now, try as he might, he can’t seem to shake her. The chemistry between Marley and Jude is instant and searing. Their relationship is largely clean, but still manages to be smokin’ hot! Their dialogue ranges from frisky to sweet; even a little sickly so at times.
There were a few things that bothered me a little. First off, Jude keeps saying “Daggum”. I have never actually met anyone who says this, and have such a hard time hearing it in my head. Second, the last few chapters felt unnecessary. It wrapped up everything a little too neatly. I didn’t need it spelled out for me. My imagination could have worked out the majority on its own. The last three chapters could have been compressed into a brief epilogue instead.
Despite my nitpicking, I loved that this was not your typical contemporary! The romance was obviously foremost in the plot, but the mystery was running throughout, leaving me constantly wondering what was going on. It drove me forward, turning page after page, knowing that Biloxi could turn up at any moment. Overall, a great, page-turner.
A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
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Right off, Marley crashes into the scene. Literally. She crashes her car into Jude’s. And now, try as he might, he can’t seem to shake her. The chemistry between Marley and Jude is instant and searing. Their relationship is largely clean, but still manages to be smokin’ hot! Their dialogue ranges from frisky to sweet; even a little sickly so at times.
There were a few things that bothered me a little. First off, Jude keeps saying “Daggum”. I have never actually met anyone who says this, and have such a hard time hearing it in my head. Second, the last few chapters felt unnecessary. It wrapped up everything a little too neatly. I didn’t need it spelled out for me. My imagination could have worked out the majority on its own. The last three chapters could have been compressed into a brief epilogue instead.
Despite my nitpicking, I loved that this was not your typical contemporary! The romance was obviously foremost in the plot, but the mystery was running throughout, leaving me constantly wondering what was going on. It drove me forward, turning page after page, knowing that Biloxi could turn up at any moment. Overall, a great, page-turner.
A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
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August 9, 2013
Okay, Okay, I know what you’re thinking…THIS BOOK ISN’T EVEN OUT YET!!!
I KNOW RIGHT!!! But because Shelly Crane is so SUPER AWESOME she allowed
a few blog sites to read an ARC of her FABULOUS AND TOTALLY AMAZING NEW BOOK!
As soon as I realized Shelly Crane had a new book coming out I was seriously jumping up and down.
I haven’t read a book yet of hers that I didn’t LOVE. And Smash Into You was no exception. This
book oozes awesomeness.
First I have to say, that I love that the book was written in Jude’s POV. It was just refreshing having
the male perspective in this story. Second, I loved how the story has this amazing love aspect, but it’s
so much more than just that. This story had action and suspense as well as an amazing love story.
Jude and Marley were destined to cross paths, it was fate. And while they couldn’t seem more different
from one another, you almost immediately hope for a relationship to form between the two. Jude is
definitely a guy who knows he belongs in the HOTNESS category and he has no problem using that to
use girls who want to use him. But he tries to stay away from anyone that he might actually have any
possibility of REAL feelings for because Jude can’t stay in any one place for long. But no matter how
hard he tries, he cannot seem to push Marley away once she’s entered his life. And as much as he knows
he should, he can’t make himself WANT to push her away.
Shelly Crane is a sensational author who continues to publish amazingly captivating stories. The story
of Jude and Marley is a definite must read. You have just a few more days to wait before it becomes
available on the 13th of August….but seriously, add it to your TO READ list now….pre-order it on
AMAZON so you’re sure not to miss it. LOVED IT and I know you will too!
http://bookpusher.com/book-review/sma...
I KNOW RIGHT!!! But because Shelly Crane is so SUPER AWESOME she allowed
a few blog sites to read an ARC of her FABULOUS AND TOTALLY AMAZING NEW BOOK!
As soon as I realized Shelly Crane had a new book coming out I was seriously jumping up and down.
I haven’t read a book yet of hers that I didn’t LOVE. And Smash Into You was no exception. This
book oozes awesomeness.
First I have to say, that I love that the book was written in Jude’s POV. It was just refreshing having
the male perspective in this story. Second, I loved how the story has this amazing love aspect, but it’s
so much more than just that. This story had action and suspense as well as an amazing love story.
Jude and Marley were destined to cross paths, it was fate. And while they couldn’t seem more different
from one another, you almost immediately hope for a relationship to form between the two. Jude is
definitely a guy who knows he belongs in the HOTNESS category and he has no problem using that to
use girls who want to use him. But he tries to stay away from anyone that he might actually have any
possibility of REAL feelings for because Jude can’t stay in any one place for long. But no matter how
hard he tries, he cannot seem to push Marley away once she’s entered his life. And as much as he knows
he should, he can’t make himself WANT to push her away.
Shelly Crane is a sensational author who continues to publish amazingly captivating stories. The story
of Jude and Marley is a definite must read. You have just a few more days to wait before it becomes
available on the 13th of August….but seriously, add it to your TO READ list now….pre-order it on
AMAZON so you’re sure not to miss it. LOVED IT and I know you will too!
http://bookpusher.com/book-review/sma...
July 30, 2016
I really wanted to like this book. I liked Shelly Crane' s Wide Awake series. The stories behind each of those books were touching, I cared about the characters and the complications, climax and conclusion of each were interesting and satisfying. I can't say the same for Smash Into You. As much as I wanted to like it, I just couldn't. To explain why without giving away hints about the progress of the story would be impossible (for me anyway) so be forewarned: there will be potential spoilers.
Jude was not my favorite leading man. For at least the first half of the book, his self-pity and self-blame were seriously annoying. I get that he had a rough life but I really didn't want to read him whine about it so often. Everyone used him, he couldn't have anyone in his life, everything bad that happened was his fault, he could never be happy. Marley was better but not enough to make up for Jude. In the second half, he improved when he made the transition from brooding Jude to adoring Jude but he still wasn't awesome.
The story had potential but it was lacking excitement. It feels ridiculous to say that because they were on the run for a majority of the book and their lives were in danger many, many times but it felt like it dragged on forever so it was kind of boring. I was hoping the end would make it better but I was disappointed. I'm not a big fan of fate being too heavily used to explain coincidences in books. It feels lazy. I also thought the conclusion was missing something too. It ended in a way that should have been satisfying but just wasn't. Of course that may be, at least in part, due to my lack of investment in the characters.
Honestly though, I think that some editing and a few minor revisions would have made this book so much better.
Jude was not my favorite leading man. For at least the first half of the book, his self-pity and self-blame were seriously annoying. I get that he had a rough life but I really didn't want to read him whine about it so often. Everyone used him, he couldn't have anyone in his life, everything bad that happened was his fault, he could never be happy. Marley was better but not enough to make up for Jude. In the second half, he improved when he made the transition from brooding Jude to adoring Jude but he still wasn't awesome.
The story had potential but it was lacking excitement. It feels ridiculous to say that because they were on the run for a majority of the book and their lives were in danger many, many times but it felt like it dragged on forever so it was kind of boring. I was hoping the end would make it better but I was disappointed. I'm not a big fan of fate being too heavily used to explain coincidences in books. It feels lazy. I also thought the conclusion was missing something too. It ended in a way that should have been satisfying but just wasn't. Of course that may be, at least in part, due to my lack of investment in the characters.
Honestly though, I think that some editing and a few minor revisions would have made this book so much better.
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