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Rainbow Redemption #3
Colliding Hearts
One voice kept me alive in the darkness. One Halloween night changed everything. One secret threatens to destroy it all.
When my car plunges into a ravine, a stranger's chocolate-cake voice becomes my lifeline in the endless dark. But after I’m rescued, the mysterious paramedic vanishes without a trace, leaving me with nothing but scars and memories.
After year of avoiding mirrors and first dates, I manage to hook up with the hottest Darth Vader in existence while dressed as a surprisingly seductive Yoda. But the morning light reveals my one-night stand is not only my new neighbor but also my long-lost rescuer.
Jared and I try the just-friends route, but who can resist a guy who bakes brownies and gives great massages. When our connection extends into a friends-with-benefits arrangement, things become complicated. Especially since I’m still learning to navigate a world where my face no longer opens doors and my wit has become my armor and my greatest weapon.
Before the crash, I was the guy who could charm anyone with a smile. After? Let's just say Frankenstein would think I'm having a rough time.
I'm falling hard for the man with the chocolate-cake voice, but every time we get close to something real, Jared pulls away. Are my scars holding him back?
Or is Jared hiding secrets of his own?
Colliding Hearts is a novella set in the Rainbow Redemption universe, but can be read as a standalone book.
When my car plunges into a ravine, a stranger's chocolate-cake voice becomes my lifeline in the endless dark. But after I’m rescued, the mysterious paramedic vanishes without a trace, leaving me with nothing but scars and memories.
After year of avoiding mirrors and first dates, I manage to hook up with the hottest Darth Vader in existence while dressed as a surprisingly seductive Yoda. But the morning light reveals my one-night stand is not only my new neighbor but also my long-lost rescuer.
Jared and I try the just-friends route, but who can resist a guy who bakes brownies and gives great massages. When our connection extends into a friends-with-benefits arrangement, things become complicated. Especially since I’m still learning to navigate a world where my face no longer opens doors and my wit has become my armor and my greatest weapon.
Before the crash, I was the guy who could charm anyone with a smile. After? Let's just say Frankenstein would think I'm having a rough time.
I'm falling hard for the man with the chocolate-cake voice, but every time we get close to something real, Jared pulls away. Are my scars holding him back?
Or is Jared hiding secrets of his own?
Colliding Hearts is a novella set in the Rainbow Redemption universe, but can be read as a standalone book.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 11, 2025
75 people are currently reading
1132 people want to read
About the author
Jax Calder
30 books1,093 followersJax's stories are all about light-hearted conversations and deeply-felt connections. She loves exploring exactly why two characters are the only ones who’ll make the other truly happy, and the journey they take to reach their happily-ever-after.
Jax lives in New Zealand and is a rabid sports fan, a hiking enthusiast and has a slightly unhealthy addiction to nature documentaries. As an extrovert who spends way too much time in her own head, she loves to connect with readers. To read her exclusive novella Being Set Up, sign up to her newsletter: https://jaxcalder.com/newsletter-sign.... You can also join her Facebook group Jax's Crew (www.facebook.com/groups/jaxcaldercrew) for bonus stories plus exclusive excerpts from her upcoming books.
Jax lives in New Zealand and is a rabid sports fan, a hiking enthusiast and has a slightly unhealthy addiction to nature documentaries. As an extrovert who spends way too much time in her own head, she loves to connect with readers. To read her exclusive novella Being Set Up, sign up to her newsletter: https://jaxcalder.com/newsletter-sign.... You can also join her Facebook group Jax's Crew (www.facebook.com/groups/jaxcaldercrew) for bonus stories plus exclusive excerpts from her upcoming books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews
January 20, 2026
3.75 stars
This is a really sweet story for the most part. Lovely friendship/relationship development between Felix and Jared. Felix's humor is a bit OTT at times, but I liked him. And Jared literally feels like a cup of hot chocolate – warm, tender and comforting. The first two scenes were my favourite, because I found them the most impactful.
The rest is under the spoiler tags:
This is a really sweet story for the most part. Lovely friendship/relationship development between Felix and Jared. Felix's humor is a bit OTT at times, but I liked him. And Jared literally feels like a cup of hot chocolate – warm, tender and comforting. The first two scenes were my favourite, because I found them the most impactful.
The rest is under the spoiler tags:
December 12, 2025
God, this was gorgeous. Painful. Funny. Utterly heartbreaking. And heart-mending.
I won’t say anything about the plot, because I do believe it’s best to go in completely blind.
Just expect heaps of hurt/comfort, a touch starved man and all the emotions that come with being touched again, witty banter, so much laughter, so many tears, utterly endearing characters, a beautiful friendship first and a connection between the MCs so strong I could feel it radiating off the pages.
And the steam… man. Beautiful, butterfly-inducing, hot as hell.
This was me during the entirety of the book: 🥹
This might be my fav Jax Calder yet.
PS: The bonus chapter is absolutely worth checking out 🥹
Many thanks to GRR and the author for the chance to read this beautiful ARC!
I won’t say anything about the plot, because I do believe it’s best to go in completely blind.
Just expect heaps of hurt/comfort, a touch starved man and all the emotions that come with being touched again, witty banter, so much laughter, so many tears, utterly endearing characters, a beautiful friendship first and a connection between the MCs so strong I could feel it radiating off the pages.
And the steam… man. Beautiful, butterfly-inducing, hot as hell.
This was me during the entirety of the book: 🥹
This might be my fav Jax Calder yet.
I feel like I’m dissolving and reforming with every touch, like all the broken parts of me are being put back together in a new configuration that actually makes sense.
The world narrows to just this, just us, just the sound of our breathing and the softness of being known.
“Look at me,” Jared whispers, and when I force my eyes open, the expression on his face is what undoes me completely. He’s looking at me like I’m precious, like I’m perfect, scars and all.
“Felix,” he breathes, just my name, but he says it like a prayer, like a promise, like it’s the only word that matters.
PS: The bonus chapter is absolutely worth checking out 🥹
Many thanks to GRR and the author for the chance to read this beautiful ARC!
January 8, 2026
This book begins in darkness but ends in light.
Calder managed to pack a lot of angst into a fairly short novel: horrific car accident, facial disfigurement, pain. Felix lost everything in one fell swoop: his job, his friends, his boyfriend, his beautiful face.
In the aftermath of the accident, Jared, a paramedic, was there to hold Felix's hand, to keep him talking, to keep him alive.
A year later, Felix and Jared meet again. Felix is brave enough to hook up with Jared only because he's wearing a (literal) mask and doesn't realize the sexy man who lives next door is the guy who saved his life.
The men become besties who fuck, and we hit the tender part of the story, which was lovely. Even though Felix's constant quips were a bit much for me, they weren't for Jared. The relationship progresses beautifully, like two puzzle pieces finally clicking into place. The sexy times are abundant (just this side of excessive imo, but that's subjective).
I was a lil annoyed by previous MCs popping up all over the place, but I liked Jared's 4-year-old niece Emmy who was so protective of Felix: He fought a dragon! And he won! You tell 'em, Emmy.
And then we get the Big Reveal, which WHAT. THE. FUCK.
BIG SPOILER BELOW
It was complicated, y'all.
Can't rate higher because Felix's easy forgiveness didn't sit right with me. How can there be no consequences for almost killing someone? It was pure luck that Felix survived.
Calder managed to pack a lot of angst into a fairly short novel: horrific car accident, facial disfigurement, pain. Felix lost everything in one fell swoop: his job, his friends, his boyfriend, his beautiful face.
In the aftermath of the accident, Jared, a paramedic, was there to hold Felix's hand, to keep him talking, to keep him alive.
A year later, Felix and Jared meet again. Felix is brave enough to hook up with Jared only because he's wearing a (literal) mask and doesn't realize the sexy man who lives next door is the guy who saved his life.
The men become besties who fuck, and we hit the tender part of the story, which was lovely. Even though Felix's constant quips were a bit much for me, they weren't for Jared. The relationship progresses beautifully, like two puzzle pieces finally clicking into place. The sexy times are abundant (just this side of excessive imo, but that's subjective).
I was a lil annoyed by previous MCs popping up all over the place, but I liked Jared's 4-year-old niece Emmy who was so protective of Felix: He fought a dragon! And he won! You tell 'em, Emmy.
And then we get the Big Reveal, which WHAT. THE. FUCK.
BIG SPOILER BELOW
It was complicated, y'all.
Can't rate higher because Felix's easy forgiveness didn't sit right with me. How can there be no consequences for almost killing someone? It was pure luck that Felix survived.
December 15, 2025
4**** stars
I see Jax’s Calder is going for the subtle coincidences again. *lol But I have to give it to her. She’s definitely writing all the coincidences we all wish would happen in real life, but never do.
Thing is though, I’m not a fan of secrets kept too long. And thanks to the single POV that’s what we get here. And although it is absolutely understandable why we were in the dark for so long (even though I clocked the twist early) the not knowing always frustrates and stresses me out too much to fully embrace and love this kind of stories.
Though I still did love Felix and Jared. I mean, how could I not. They were so freaking sweet! (and hot). And damn I love me a good story featuring first responders. So heroic.
************
Rainbow Redemption Series
Book 1 - Beautiful Hearts
Book 2 - Reckless Hearts
Book 3 - Colliding Hearts - 4.0 stars
I see Jax’s Calder is going for the subtle coincidences again. *lol But I have to give it to her. She’s definitely writing all the coincidences we all wish would happen in real life, but never do.
Thing is though, I’m not a fan of secrets kept too long. And thanks to the single POV that’s what we get here. And although it is absolutely understandable why we were in the dark for so long (even though I clocked the twist early) the not knowing always frustrates and stresses me out too much to fully embrace and love this kind of stories.
Though I still did love Felix and Jared. I mean, how could I not. They were so freaking sweet! (and hot). And damn I love me a good story featuring first responders. So heroic.
The wall is good. The wall is great. I love this wall.I’d almost forgotten what it felt like to be touched with desire instead of pity.
I’ve spent most of my life being the gorgeous twink who could pull off bratty behavior because of what I looked like. But I’m definitely not cute anymore. And I’ve subsequently learned that without my looks, people are far less lenient about my tendency to act like a feral toddler raised by particularly sarcastic wolves.I want to see the face that matches the chocolate-cake voice.
“I fell in love with you in the darkness,” he says.
I freeze. It feels like my heart has stopped. “What?”
************
Rainbow Redemption Series
Book 1 - Beautiful Hearts
Book 2 - Reckless Hearts
Book 3 - Colliding Hearts - 4.0 stars
December 18, 2025
“Yeah, I don’t really want your love right now.”
Yessssssss. I love a throwing their love back in their face scene lol.
Even though I felt sorry for Jared.
But I felt like Felix deserved to crash out over this.
This was really sweet with a side of emotional gut punch.
I'm really glad I didn't give up around 30% in when it seemed to be just fluff.
Yessssssss. I love a throwing their love back in their face scene lol.
Even though I felt sorry for Jared.
But I felt like Felix deserved to crash out over this.
This was really sweet with a side of emotional gut punch.
I'm really glad I didn't give up around 30% in when it seemed to be just fluff.
December 20, 2025
Safety info, content warnings and tropes down below.
I wasn't really planning on reading this because the friends with benefits trope makes me sad, but I’m glad I was convinced otherwise because this had a bit of everything – including mortal peril (my favorite). I’m really impressed with the author for telling a fairly complex story with well rounded characters and good development in only 200 pages. I didn't cry as much as I expected to but it was still emotional. It was also incredibly sweet at times, and I had fun reading the mortal peril bits.
The humor might not be my cup of tea (honestly humor for the sake of trying to be funny rarely is), but it did make me snort once or twice. In other words, if you enjoy funny characters and romcom romance set in a serious context, this one is probably great for you.
Thought I’d read one chapter before bed and ended up reading the whole thing and going to bed in the early morning. Oops.
(Could’ve done without the Yoda dirty talk)
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Twists
Fast – then slow – burn
Neighbors
Size difference
Cute dates
Friends with benefits
Feels like fate
He saved his life
Cat dad
Facial scarring
Paramedic MC
⚠️ Spice menu ⚠️
Star Wars costume hookup
FWB
Frotting
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
MC severely injured in car accident
Explicit sexual content
Confidence issues
Details of permanent scarring
Mention of parent death (past, cancer)
Mention of teenage pregnancy (SC, past)
Brief mention of drug use/abuse (SC, past)
Dog vomit
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: Felix goes on a date with another man (set up by a coworker) after the first time he and Jared have sex. They’re just friends at this point. Nothing happens on the date.
Breakup: Kinda – no contact after a fight for a bit
POV: 1st person, single
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles (one character is vers but they don’t switch)
Main characters’ age: 25 and 27
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 204
Happy ending: Yes
“Patches, this is Jared,” I tell her. “He saved my life once and makes excellent brownies, so be nice. Jared, this is Patches, destroyer of socks, hoarder of hair ties, and the reason I can’t have nice things.”
“Is it too late to fake a sudden illness?” I ask as Jared navigates through the traffic. “I’m very good at fake coughing.” Jared sends me an amused look. “You can’t fake an illness to a paramedic.” I shift in my seat. “Fine, but when I collapse on the field from my very real case of meeting-new-people-itis, you’ll have to explain to everyone why you ignored the symptoms.”
When I’m right on the edge, so close I can taste it, Jared suddenly sits back on his heels, his hands sliding under my thighs. He pulls me onto his lap and continues to thrust into me, lighting up that spot inside me, his grip tightening around my cock, stroking me perfectly.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
I wasn't really planning on reading this because the friends with benefits trope makes me sad, but I’m glad I was convinced otherwise because this had a bit of everything – including mortal peril (my favorite). I’m really impressed with the author for telling a fairly complex story with well rounded characters and good development in only 200 pages. I didn't cry as much as I expected to but it was still emotional. It was also incredibly sweet at times, and I had fun reading the mortal peril bits.
The humor might not be my cup of tea (honestly humor for the sake of trying to be funny rarely is), but it did make me snort once or twice. In other words, if you enjoy funny characters and romcom romance set in a serious context, this one is probably great for you.
Thought I’d read one chapter before bed and ended up reading the whole thing and going to bed in the early morning. Oops.
(Could’ve done without the Yoda dirty talk)
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Twists
Fast – then slow – burn
Neighbors
Size difference
Cute dates
Friends with benefits
Feels like fate
He saved his life
Cat dad
Facial scarring
Paramedic MC
⚠️ Spice menu ⚠️
Star Wars costume hookup
FWB
Frotting
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
MC severely injured in car accident
Explicit sexual content
Confidence issues
Details of permanent scarring
Mention of parent death (past, cancer)
Mention of teenage pregnancy (SC, past)
Brief mention of drug use/abuse (SC, past)
Dog vomit
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: Felix goes on a date with another man (set up by a coworker) after the first time he and Jared have sex. They’re just friends at this point. Nothing happens on the date.
Breakup: Kinda – no contact after a fight for a bit
POV: 1st person, single
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles (one character is vers but they don’t switch)
Main characters’ age: 25 and 27
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 204
Happy ending: Yes
“Patches, this is Jared,” I tell her. “He saved my life once and makes excellent brownies, so be nice. Jared, this is Patches, destroyer of socks, hoarder of hair ties, and the reason I can’t have nice things.”
“Is it too late to fake a sudden illness?” I ask as Jared navigates through the traffic. “I’m very good at fake coughing.” Jared sends me an amused look. “You can’t fake an illness to a paramedic.” I shift in my seat. “Fine, but when I collapse on the field from my very real case of meeting-new-people-itis, you’ll have to explain to everyone why you ignored the symptoms.”
When I’m right on the edge, so close I can taste it, Jared suddenly sits back on his heels, his hands sliding under my thighs. He pulls me onto his lap and continues to thrust into me, lighting up that spot inside me, his grip tightening around my cock, stroking me perfectly.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
December 9, 2025
Do not read this if you’re already a hormonal mess like I was. 😢
The story is the same as the previous books with twists and turns you can see coming but have no idea how they’ll play out. I knew something was bothering Jared. I didn’t expect what he confessed to.
Felix is funny and critically honest about himself. He’s not shy about voicing how shallow he was and how his relationships were superficial before his accident. How he’s learned how to treat himself better but also how hard he’s found it to adjust. It’s very emotional and it’s lovely to see his confidence grow as he spends more time with Jared.
Jared is a gorgeous character so his confession hit hard. It gets quite emotional from there and yet you’re still rooting for him.
Gorgeous story full of humour and witticism. They have great banter and chemistry. The story of their building relationship does feel like it’s dragging on but I feel like that was for effect to get that emotional punch at the end. Shorter than the others but I really enjoyed it nonetheless.
………………………………………………………….
I received an ARC from GRR, and this is my honest review.
The story is the same as the previous books with twists and turns you can see coming but have no idea how they’ll play out. I knew something was bothering Jared. I didn’t expect what he confessed to.
Felix is funny and critically honest about himself. He’s not shy about voicing how shallow he was and how his relationships were superficial before his accident. How he’s learned how to treat himself better but also how hard he’s found it to adjust. It’s very emotional and it’s lovely to see his confidence grow as he spends more time with Jared.
Jared is a gorgeous character so his confession hit hard. It gets quite emotional from there and yet you’re still rooting for him.
Gorgeous story full of humour and witticism. They have great banter and chemistry. The story of their building relationship does feel like it’s dragging on but I feel like that was for effect to get that emotional punch at the end. Shorter than the others but I really enjoyed it nonetheless.
………………………………………………………….
I received an ARC from GRR, and this is my honest review.
Read
December 31, 2025I LOVED this story until the twist at the end. I'm sorry, but hell no. There should have been consequences! I don't want to hear some shit about being scared to lose a license. What are we even talking about here? I want to rant so badly!! 😖 But I don't want to give away any spoilers, so whatever.
I can't rate this because this should have been 4 or 5 stars, but that ending pissed me off too much.
********
This is the first story that I've read by this author, and I am excited to read one of her full-length novels. The writing was incredible, and I can't believe how quickly I cared about Felix and Jared. They had amazing chemistry, and I was so happy that they got their HEA. 🥰
I can't rate this because this should have been 4 or 5 stars, but that ending pissed me off too much.
********
This is the first story that I've read by this author, and I am excited to read one of her full-length novels. The writing was incredible, and I can't believe how quickly I cared about Felix and Jared. They had amazing chemistry, and I was so happy that they got their HEA. 🥰
December 17, 2025
4.5⭐️ This was SO good. Emotional and funny. I laughed and cried! Pulled me out of a reading slump I’ve been in over Heated Rivalry. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for something short and sweet, that pulls you right in and makes you feel your feelings.
December 11, 2025
it’s pretty much impossible for me to say anything about this book without going into spoiler territory.
just know that jax is, as usual, amazing.
for the rest, i’m just going to say my vengeful ass could NEVER.
just know that jax is, as usual, amazing.
for the rest, i’m just going to say my vengeful ass could NEVER.
January 7, 2026
Even though I read a similar "twist" in a book recently, but still didn't see it coming here. It kind of annoyed me at first, but then again, I could see how, in the moment, that MC made the decision they did. I'm really enjoying this series and adored both Felix and Jared.
December 14, 2025
This book is really good! I like almost all Jax Calder books, and this one tops them all, I think. It actually made me all choked up and also laugh out loud. I would have loved Jared’s perspective also earlier in the book, but without trying to spoil anything it made total sense later in the book why the author made this choice.
I especially loved the way Felix’s character developed. And how incredibly wonderful Jared was. And their jokes were just the best.
Will reread, and recommend very much!
I especially loved the way Felix’s character developed. And how incredibly wonderful Jared was. And their jokes were just the best.
Will reread, and recommend very much!
December 9, 2025
I'm going to start by saying that if you are triggered by car accidents, this is probably not the book for you.
This was a really emotional story with twists I didn't see coming at all! This series has been so good at high emotion and dramatic, unpredictable plots.
Jared and Felix's relationship is so easy, the humour is great, and I enjoyed seeing their story play out.
I also enjoyed the cameos from Tim and Jamie, and Marcus and Seb from the other books in this series, but also we got Ryan and Cody from The Other Brother too! I can't remember if Mattie has a story though....
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
This was a really emotional story with twists I didn't see coming at all! This series has been so good at high emotion and dramatic, unpredictable plots.
Jared and Felix's relationship is so easy, the humour is great, and I enjoyed seeing their story play out.
I also enjoyed the cameos from Tim and Jamie, and Marcus and Seb from the other books in this series, but also we got Ryan and Cody from The Other Brother too! I can't remember if Mattie has a story though....
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
December 31, 2025
My last read of 2025 sure packed a punch. I don't have a lot of words to write a review of this book, other than you should read it. While it's part of a series, it's okay to read as a standalone.
But read it, you should.
My poor heart. Send chocolate!
But read it, you should.
My poor heart. Send chocolate!
December 20, 2025
GAH!!!!😭😭😭😭
A knife straight through the heart.
This was so good 🥲🥲🥲🥲
It's not that you didn't see it coming a mile away, it's that it was written so masterfully you wanted the wreck.
A gorgeous story.✨
A knife straight through the heart.
This was so good 🥲🥲🥲🥲
It's not that you didn't see it coming a mile away, it's that it was written so masterfully you wanted the wreck.
A gorgeous story.✨
December 27, 2025
4.25 stars! This made up for my last 1 star read.
December 17, 2025
I really loved a lot of this – like I was all in, hanging onto every single word for about 80% of the book. The last 20% was a different story though. Unfortunately, there was something that just really did not work for me and I couldn’t move past. So, while this took a huge turn for me, that isn’t to say that it’s a bad book or not worth someone’s time though. It truly was written well and was a good time for me during a lot of it – so if it sounds interesting to you definitely give it a try!
December 22, 2025
4.5 stars
So so beautiful 😍 Jax Calder has become an autobuy author for me and I've yet to regret buying a book of hers. This one was so sweet, exactly what I needed before Christmas!
So so beautiful 😍 Jax Calder has become an autobuy author for me and I've yet to regret buying a book of hers. This one was so sweet, exactly what I needed before Christmas!
December 21, 2025
i liked this book very much, but i knocked down 1 star because the quick resolution of the conflict (let's phrase it this way to avoid spoilers..). i loved the mcs and the plot, i was really invested in the story and this book went straight in my feelings
i haven’t read the other books in thebseries but it wasn’t an issue.
i haven’t read the other books in thebseries but it wasn’t an issue.
January 8, 2026
Too many coincidences, too much of everything all at once, and on top of that, a typical Jax Calder plot twist (if you’ve read her other books, you know what I mean). Did it have a chance to work? Well, it shouldn't have... But I have a soft spot for her writing so I can't really judge here 🫠
January 26, 2026
B / 4 stars
Colliding Hearts, the third book in Jax Calder’s Rainbow Redemption series set in and around Auckland, New Zealand, is a tender, heartfelt and heartrending romance that runs the gamut of emotions and had just enough angst to keep me eagerly turning the pages. It’s shorter than the first two books in the series, coming in at around two-hundred pages, and although there are cameo appearances from the other couples, it works perfectly well as a standalone.
The story starts at the scene of a serious car accident when a very disorientated Felix realises he’s somehow crashed through the barriers at the side of the road. It’s pitch black and he can’t see a thing – but he can hear an unfamiliar voice reassuring him, a gorgeous voice that sounds like the most decadent chocolate cake; a voice he’d love to keep listening to even as he’s struggling not to surrender to the encroaching darkness. The voice belongs to Jared, an off-duty paramedic, who does the little he can for Felix, holding his hand, talking and encouraging him to talk, while they wait for the emergency services to arrive. It’s touch and go and Felix is in a pretty bad way; Jared stays with him all through the rescue and until Felix is loaded into the ambulance – and then he just disappears into the crowd.
Almost a year later, we find Felix at a club on Halloween, determined to have some fun and hopefully get laid. Pre-accident Felix never had any trouble finding men to sleep with and always got what he wanted courtesy of his good looks and charming smile, but he quickly discovered that the scarring on the right side of his face has changed all that – he even lost his job with a high-end designer when she flat out told him that his ‘new look’ wasn’t what she wanted for her brand. The change in his appearance since the crash has seriously dented his self-confidence, but what with the Yoda costume, the heavy green make-up and the low lighting of the club, he’s starting to feel more like his old self, and when he spots a tall, dark and (hopefully) handsome man on the other side of the dance floor, he decides to go for it. The fact that the guy is wearing a Darth Vader mask has to be a sign from the universe – right?
Several dances and (bad) Star Wars puns later, and Felix and ‘Darth’ are heading back to his place – which, it turns out, is not only in the same building as Felix’s apartment but on the same floor. So much for signs from the universe. Felix realises he’s briefly glimpsed his neighbour, and thinks that if he tells him who he is, he’ll work out what Felix really looks like and the night will be over before it’s begun. So he keeps quiet. It’s a bit shitty of him, but it’s been so long since anyone has touched Felix or made him feel wanted, that he decides to ignore his conscience – just for one night. And it’s a fantastic night, not just because the sex is amazing, but because there’s something incredibly freeing about being with someone who doesn’t know about all his baggage.
But the morning light brings more than worry about what will happen when his bed partner sees his face, and Felix is thinking about sneaking out when a warm arm wraps around him and a sleepy voice asks if he wants to stay for breakfast. Felix freezes. That voice has haunted his dreams for months. It’s him. The man who was there at the worst moment of his life – and saved him.
Knowing that Jared can not only see his face but knows how it got that way sends Felix into a bit of a panic, but breakfast is surprisingly easy and comfortable, and Felix finds himself telling Jared about his new job as a veterinary nurse at a local clinic as they exchange funny stories about their professions. Felix doesn’t remember much about the accident, but one thing he does remember is how seriously Jared listened to him and how he seemed actually interested in what he had to say – just as he does now. Felix suddenly realises their breakfast is long gone and that perhaps he’s outstaying his welcome, so it’s time to fess up to the fact that they’re neighbours – but when he does, it brings him back to earth with a bump, because the expression that flashes across Jared’s face can only be described one way – panic. Felix immediately resorts to his usual method of self-protection – snarky humour and a carefree attitude – and blithely suggests that, as he’s only recently moved to Auckland, maybe he and Jared can be friends.
So that’s what they become, falling into a kind of accidental domesticity; hanging out, sharing meals, cooking for each other, and taking trips out with Jared’s four-year-old niece, Emmy, who really takes a shine to Felix. He tells himself it’s all great, that he can’t expect a gorgeous guy like Jared to want to be anything other than friends – but the undeniable longing and quietly growing affection are unable to ignore and soon, they slide into a friends-with-benefits arrangement - which doesn’t really feel like a casual sex thing at all, but which Felix can’t afford to hope might become something else.
The story is told almost entirely through Felix’s eyes (for reasons that become apparent later on), and I really enjoyed his upbeat, self-aware narrative voice – which is so well-contrasted with everything that’s really going on in his head. The author does a great job of articulating his struggles with self-image and showing him slowly learning who he is after surviving a life-altering experience; he’s funny and kind and smart, and is a lot stronger than he thinks he is, but he’s so sure that his disfigured face is more likely to provoke pity than love or affection that he always keeps his real self hidden behind a wall of wit and humour, trying to show the world that he’s fine when deep down, he’s convinced he’s unattractive and will never find someone to share his life with.
I will admit that Felix’s I’m-so-ugly-that-nobody-will-ever-want-me introspection was a bit overdone at times, but I did very much like the realisation he comes to later in the book that his accident hasn’t just changed him on the outside and that it’s given him a different perspective on many other aspects of his life. I liked that we see him working through his trauma and self-doubt with a therapist and that love doesn’t magically fix everything.
Jared is a great guy who seems to really like Felix and not to care about his scars, and their relationship evolves in a realistic way after the coincidences that throw them (back) together. Jared gets Felix on so many levels; he enjoys Felix’s sense of humour, he’s supportive and kind and affectionate, and even though we don’t get into his head, it’s very clear that he feels a lot more for Felix than friendship – which makes it difficult to understand why he continues to hold back from telling Felix he wants more and lets Felix continue to think that they’re only casual. Then the author drops the bombshell – and… ouch. Jax Calder really knows how to deliver an emotional gut-punch.
Colliding Hearts is a beautifully written and wonderfully romantic story full of warmth, humour, healing and personal growth. I did struggle a bit with the coincidences – Felix and Jared meeting again is one thing, but their literally being neighbours was a bit of a stretch – but in the end, the way their deep affection for one another leaps off the page completely sold me on their love story.
Colliding Hearts, the third book in Jax Calder’s Rainbow Redemption series set in and around Auckland, New Zealand, is a tender, heartfelt and heartrending romance that runs the gamut of emotions and had just enough angst to keep me eagerly turning the pages. It’s shorter than the first two books in the series, coming in at around two-hundred pages, and although there are cameo appearances from the other couples, it works perfectly well as a standalone.
The story starts at the scene of a serious car accident when a very disorientated Felix realises he’s somehow crashed through the barriers at the side of the road. It’s pitch black and he can’t see a thing – but he can hear an unfamiliar voice reassuring him, a gorgeous voice that sounds like the most decadent chocolate cake; a voice he’d love to keep listening to even as he’s struggling not to surrender to the encroaching darkness. The voice belongs to Jared, an off-duty paramedic, who does the little he can for Felix, holding his hand, talking and encouraging him to talk, while they wait for the emergency services to arrive. It’s touch and go and Felix is in a pretty bad way; Jared stays with him all through the rescue and until Felix is loaded into the ambulance – and then he just disappears into the crowd.
Almost a year later, we find Felix at a club on Halloween, determined to have some fun and hopefully get laid. Pre-accident Felix never had any trouble finding men to sleep with and always got what he wanted courtesy of his good looks and charming smile, but he quickly discovered that the scarring on the right side of his face has changed all that – he even lost his job with a high-end designer when she flat out told him that his ‘new look’ wasn’t what she wanted for her brand. The change in his appearance since the crash has seriously dented his self-confidence, but what with the Yoda costume, the heavy green make-up and the low lighting of the club, he’s starting to feel more like his old self, and when he spots a tall, dark and (hopefully) handsome man on the other side of the dance floor, he decides to go for it. The fact that the guy is wearing a Darth Vader mask has to be a sign from the universe – right?
Several dances and (bad) Star Wars puns later, and Felix and ‘Darth’ are heading back to his place – which, it turns out, is not only in the same building as Felix’s apartment but on the same floor. So much for signs from the universe. Felix realises he’s briefly glimpsed his neighbour, and thinks that if he tells him who he is, he’ll work out what Felix really looks like and the night will be over before it’s begun. So he keeps quiet. It’s a bit shitty of him, but it’s been so long since anyone has touched Felix or made him feel wanted, that he decides to ignore his conscience – just for one night. And it’s a fantastic night, not just because the sex is amazing, but because there’s something incredibly freeing about being with someone who doesn’t know about all his baggage.
But the morning light brings more than worry about what will happen when his bed partner sees his face, and Felix is thinking about sneaking out when a warm arm wraps around him and a sleepy voice asks if he wants to stay for breakfast. Felix freezes. That voice has haunted his dreams for months. It’s him. The man who was there at the worst moment of his life – and saved him.
Knowing that Jared can not only see his face but knows how it got that way sends Felix into a bit of a panic, but breakfast is surprisingly easy and comfortable, and Felix finds himself telling Jared about his new job as a veterinary nurse at a local clinic as they exchange funny stories about their professions. Felix doesn’t remember much about the accident, but one thing he does remember is how seriously Jared listened to him and how he seemed actually interested in what he had to say – just as he does now. Felix suddenly realises their breakfast is long gone and that perhaps he’s outstaying his welcome, so it’s time to fess up to the fact that they’re neighbours – but when he does, it brings him back to earth with a bump, because the expression that flashes across Jared’s face can only be described one way – panic. Felix immediately resorts to his usual method of self-protection – snarky humour and a carefree attitude – and blithely suggests that, as he’s only recently moved to Auckland, maybe he and Jared can be friends.
So that’s what they become, falling into a kind of accidental domesticity; hanging out, sharing meals, cooking for each other, and taking trips out with Jared’s four-year-old niece, Emmy, who really takes a shine to Felix. He tells himself it’s all great, that he can’t expect a gorgeous guy like Jared to want to be anything other than friends – but the undeniable longing and quietly growing affection are unable to ignore and soon, they slide into a friends-with-benefits arrangement - which doesn’t really feel like a casual sex thing at all, but which Felix can’t afford to hope might become something else.
The story is told almost entirely through Felix’s eyes (for reasons that become apparent later on), and I really enjoyed his upbeat, self-aware narrative voice – which is so well-contrasted with everything that’s really going on in his head. The author does a great job of articulating his struggles with self-image and showing him slowly learning who he is after surviving a life-altering experience; he’s funny and kind and smart, and is a lot stronger than he thinks he is, but he’s so sure that his disfigured face is more likely to provoke pity than love or affection that he always keeps his real self hidden behind a wall of wit and humour, trying to show the world that he’s fine when deep down, he’s convinced he’s unattractive and will never find someone to share his life with.
I will admit that Felix’s I’m-so-ugly-that-nobody-will-ever-want-me introspection was a bit overdone at times, but I did very much like the realisation he comes to later in the book that his accident hasn’t just changed him on the outside and that it’s given him a different perspective on many other aspects of his life. I liked that we see him working through his trauma and self-doubt with a therapist and that love doesn’t magically fix everything.
Jared is a great guy who seems to really like Felix and not to care about his scars, and their relationship evolves in a realistic way after the coincidences that throw them (back) together. Jared gets Felix on so many levels; he enjoys Felix’s sense of humour, he’s supportive and kind and affectionate, and even though we don’t get into his head, it’s very clear that he feels a lot more for Felix than friendship – which makes it difficult to understand why he continues to hold back from telling Felix he wants more and lets Felix continue to think that they’re only casual. Then the author drops the bombshell – and… ouch. Jax Calder really knows how to deliver an emotional gut-punch.
Colliding Hearts is a beautifully written and wonderfully romantic story full of warmth, humour, healing and personal growth. I did struggle a bit with the coincidences – Felix and Jared meeting again is one thing, but their literally being neighbours was a bit of a stretch – but in the end, the way their deep affection for one another leaps off the page completely sold me on their love story.
December 5, 2025
Colliding Hearts is related to the Rainbow Redemption series. It can be read as a standalone but why not enjoy the books in the Rainbow Redemption series. This is the story of Felix and Jared. This was a short quick read that I couldn't put down once I started. The characters are so real and pull you in. The story is intense and emotional. This was a book I know I will reread many times over. It was nice to see the other characters from the Rainbow Redemption series. Any book that can make me laugh and cry is one I would recommend and this one did both so I would definitely recommend it.
received a free review copy
received a free review copy
December 11, 2025
The power of love, this ran through my mind.
This was an amazing experience.
A year ago Felix’s car crashed into a ravine. A stranger called Jared, who thankfully was a paramedic, was his lifeline.
He kept him talking and awake. Felix is such a wonderful guy, full of humor. Even when he’s heavily injured and fighting to stay awake, he has humor.
Felix made it, but he has deep scars on his face. From being a beauty, he now feels like the beast.
He never knew who his savior was, but he will never forget his voice.
Fate decided to bring the two men together.
It was a hook-up that started at a Halloween party, both dressed in costumes, and it ended in the guy’s bedroom. They had an amazing night. The next morning, when Felix heard the guy’s sleepy voice, and knew directly it was Jared. Little detail… they live in the same building, they are neighbours.
It was, for both men, a shock and joy to meet again. What follows is heartwarming. They fit like a glove, as if they were meant for each other. They went from a one-night stand to friends, afraid to lose each other, to friends with benefits. Jared is the sweetest man on earth. He takes care of his sister and little niece. He had a wonderful circle of friends who welcomed Felix into their group.
Felix, my heart, he is such an amazing man. Felix knows they will never be more, or else they would have been already. He understands that his features aren’t the best, even though Jared calls him beautiful. Sadly, Jared keeps Felix in the benefits zone.
There’s more to this story, way more, you have to read and experience this for yourself.
It was quite an emotional rollercoaster.
It was an amazing narrative, stunningly written, and full of feelings. The characters are beautifully layered, and there’s nothing superficial to find in this story. Certain parts I kept rereading again and again.
Highly recommended!
Also reviewed on LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
This was an amazing experience.
A year ago Felix’s car crashed into a ravine. A stranger called Jared, who thankfully was a paramedic, was his lifeline.
He kept him talking and awake. Felix is such a wonderful guy, full of humor. Even when he’s heavily injured and fighting to stay awake, he has humor.
Felix made it, but he has deep scars on his face. From being a beauty, he now feels like the beast.
He never knew who his savior was, but he will never forget his voice.
Fate decided to bring the two men together.
It was a hook-up that started at a Halloween party, both dressed in costumes, and it ended in the guy’s bedroom. They had an amazing night. The next morning, when Felix heard the guy’s sleepy voice, and knew directly it was Jared. Little detail… they live in the same building, they are neighbours.
It was, for both men, a shock and joy to meet again. What follows is heartwarming. They fit like a glove, as if they were meant for each other. They went from a one-night stand to friends, afraid to lose each other, to friends with benefits. Jared is the sweetest man on earth. He takes care of his sister and little niece. He had a wonderful circle of friends who welcomed Felix into their group.
Felix, my heart, he is such an amazing man. Felix knows they will never be more, or else they would have been already. He understands that his features aren’t the best, even though Jared calls him beautiful. Sadly, Jared keeps Felix in the benefits zone.
There’s more to this story, way more, you have to read and experience this for yourself.
It was quite an emotional rollercoaster.
It was an amazing narrative, stunningly written, and full of feelings. The characters are beautifully layered, and there’s nothing superficial to find in this story. Certain parts I kept rereading again and again.
Highly recommended!
Also reviewed on LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
December 22, 2025
This was so sweet!! I really enjoyed this one. It broke my heart but was also so hopeful.
setting-book-down-for-now
January 10, 2026I’m not feeling this right now. Will come back later.
December 22, 2025
2.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Meh? I didn’t really love this. I figured out the twist pretty much immediately and even with knowing it, the stakes just never felt high. The tension, the longing, the chemistry never really hit for me. It’s not a bad story, or even badly written, I just didn’t care much for the plot. Felix’s nonstop self-flaggeration got old and instead of feeling bad for him I mostly felt irritated. Obviously going through a horrific accident like that is terrible, but I don’t know the way he talked about his appearance just made me sad. Jared was lovely though. One last comment is I’m getting kind of tired of the rude female character trope in this series. Like why is there one in every story??
This is a quick read and lots love it, but just not for me 🤷🏻♀️
Meh? I didn’t really love this. I figured out the twist pretty much immediately and even with knowing it, the stakes just never felt high. The tension, the longing, the chemistry never really hit for me. It’s not a bad story, or even badly written, I just didn’t care much for the plot. Felix’s nonstop self-flaggeration got old and instead of feeling bad for him I mostly felt irritated. Obviously going through a horrific accident like that is terrible, but I don’t know the way he talked about his appearance just made me sad. Jared was lovely though. One last comment is I’m getting kind of tired of the rude female character trope in this series. Like why is there one in every story??
This is a quick read and lots love it, but just not for me 🤷🏻♀️
December 16, 2025
This is a beautiful story!! Heart-breaking, painful and healing, with so much fun banter and chemistry! Go in blind and just enjoy the ride. I cried and laughed with the characters.
December 29, 2025
This book is one of the reasons why Jax Calder remains one of my favourite authors. She’s able to convey so much emotion in her stories, and her characters are complex and real. Absolutely loved this.
December 22, 2025
This novella completely took me by surprise in the best way. I always enjoy Jax Calders novellas but holy moly this one hits with FEELS at the end and I can't stop thinking about it. I loved Felix and Jared from start to finish! Their romance goes from a hook up who happen to be neighbors to friends to friends with benefits and along the way there's brownies, an adorable niece , a whole lot of laughter , steam, a scared hero whose beautiful inside and out , an unexpected lie , and a happy ending worth fighting for.
Favorite Qoutes:
my tendency to act like a feral toddler raised by particularly sarcastic wolves.
How do you tell someone their pain is noble without diminishing it? That their scars— the invisible ones— make them more human, not less? So I do what I do best: deflect with humor.
Holy fuck, Jared is looking at me like this. Jared, my Jared, is looking at me like he craves me the exact same way I crave him.
“Look at me,” Jared whispers, and when I force my eyes open, the expression on his face is what undoes me completely. He’s looking at me like I’m precious, like I’m perfect, scars and all.
“I couldn’t stand you thinking that no one wanted you when I wanted you more than anything.”
Life isn’t black and white. It’s a fucking kaleidoscope of colors. And when I’m with him, I can see them all.
“I love you so much it terrifies me.” “Good. We can be terrified together.”
Favorite Qoutes:
my tendency to act like a feral toddler raised by particularly sarcastic wolves.
How do you tell someone their pain is noble without diminishing it? That their scars— the invisible ones— make them more human, not less? So I do what I do best: deflect with humor.
Holy fuck, Jared is looking at me like this. Jared, my Jared, is looking at me like he craves me the exact same way I crave him.
“Look at me,” Jared whispers, and when I force my eyes open, the expression on his face is what undoes me completely. He’s looking at me like I’m precious, like I’m perfect, scars and all.
“I couldn’t stand you thinking that no one wanted you when I wanted you more than anything.”
Life isn’t black and white. It’s a fucking kaleidoscope of colors. And when I’m with him, I can see them all.
“I love you so much it terrifies me.” “Good. We can be terrified together.”
December 10, 2025
Felix • Jared
….
“I fell in love with you in the darkness.”
….
The Rainbow Redemption series will forever be a special one for me. Each story - together and on its own - holds that distinctive something that I will forever search in the books I keep close to my chest.
Colliding Hearts is an epitome of the quote “I fell in love with you in the darkness…” for one and the other could be - I have fallen in love with you in the lightness of it all.
From the beginning, I had an inclining how this story could go - but either way it hit me. Straight in the chest. As did the first chapter - the rapid way my heart was beating. I was down there with the both of them.
A story about survival, strength, guilt, and what is right and what is wrong… and a beautiful unexpected love. A bond build… and lessons learned.
I can’t believe this is only a novella. 4.5 rounded up.
….
“Every place he touches feels like it’s been asleep for months and is suddenly, violently awake.” // “This is the first time in a long time I’ve forgotten to monitor myself. Forgotten to make myself smaller and quieter.” // “I want Jared, who sometimes looks at me like he’s seeing something precious, then immediately looks away like he’s not allowed to want what he sees.” // “And holy god, I’ve never had a kiss like it.” // “I want you to choose me. Really choose me. Not just for tonight…” // “It’s like his joy is traveling through my bones, rearranging my molecules into a happier pattern than they’ve been in for months.” // “For the first time since my accident, I feel powerful in my own skin.” // “Because Jared is the type of guy who protects people, whether they’re officially his or just his right now.” // “It feels like we’re playing the world’s most obvious game of pretend. The question is whether we’re both pretending the same thing.” // “I’m saying that sometimes we need our world to shift before we can see what’s really important.” // “I’d trade every admiring glance I’ve ever received for one look of love from him. In a heartbeat.” // “We tell each other the hard truths, even when they hurt. Especially when they hurt.” // “That’s what heroes do.” …
….
*I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
….
….
“I fell in love with you in the darkness.”
….
The Rainbow Redemption series will forever be a special one for me. Each story - together and on its own - holds that distinctive something that I will forever search in the books I keep close to my chest.
Colliding Hearts is an epitome of the quote “I fell in love with you in the darkness…” for one and the other could be - I have fallen in love with you in the lightness of it all.
From the beginning, I had an inclining how this story could go - but either way it hit me. Straight in the chest. As did the first chapter - the rapid way my heart was beating. I was down there with the both of them.
A story about survival, strength, guilt, and what is right and what is wrong… and a beautiful unexpected love. A bond build… and lessons learned.
I can’t believe this is only a novella. 4.5 rounded up.
….
“Every place he touches feels like it’s been asleep for months and is suddenly, violently awake.” // “This is the first time in a long time I’ve forgotten to monitor myself. Forgotten to make myself smaller and quieter.” // “I want Jared, who sometimes looks at me like he’s seeing something precious, then immediately looks away like he’s not allowed to want what he sees.” // “And holy god, I’ve never had a kiss like it.” // “I want you to choose me. Really choose me. Not just for tonight…” // “It’s like his joy is traveling through my bones, rearranging my molecules into a happier pattern than they’ve been in for months.” // “For the first time since my accident, I feel powerful in my own skin.” // “Because Jared is the type of guy who protects people, whether they’re officially his or just his right now.” // “It feels like we’re playing the world’s most obvious game of pretend. The question is whether we’re both pretending the same thing.” // “I’m saying that sometimes we need our world to shift before we can see what’s really important.” // “I’d trade every admiring glance I’ve ever received for one look of love from him. In a heartbeat.” // “We tell each other the hard truths, even when they hurt. Especially when they hurt.” // “That’s what heroes do.” …
….
*I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
….
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