I absolutely could not put these books down! JC Hannigan did a wonderful job bringing a rather forbidden love to life, and to top it all off, it was done in the first person! This, I feel, is a huge compliment to her as a reader can potentially get lost within the character as the story line progresses. Be sure when reading these books that you read Collide first, and then pick up Consumed. While I feel Consumed could be read as a stand alone, there were definitely some points that would have the reader scratching their head.
When Harlow Jones transfers to a Catholic School, she didn't expect to feel an instant pull to her English teacher, Mr Bentley. Shameless, shy flirting was the first step to landing the hot teacher into her web, and falling for him was only a bonus. At least in the beginning. When things go amiss in Harlow's life, who does she run to? Iain Bentley. Whom she had no idea lived in the house that she frantically attempted to escaped into. A riveting, quick, almost insta-love that had me begging for more as I turned each page. This was a ringer of a story, and left me heartbroken for Harlow in the end. Her feelings were true to what one would feel in her situation, and that she didn't ignore them.
Two years after a whirlwind of a forbidden romance has left Harlow Jones in pieces. Moving to Ottawa after graduating High School at the top of her class (even after some hearty allegations against her!), she steps into her new life almost renewed. Almost. The pain is still present when Iain's name is brought up. The necklace that encompasses her neck is still present. And, when she thinks she sees him, her heart rate picks up. Can she move on? Can she get past what once was?
The ending had me in absolute just disbelief. This is definitely one series that is a must read for anyone who likes forbidden love. It was very well written with a relatable character, and many relatable instances that a reader could see themselves in. This book left me wanting more in the sense that there were many more questions that went unanswered. A job well done to JC Hannigan on a really well written book!