Collide

Cedar Lakes University #5

by Meghan Hollie

Blurb to come…

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Romance, Forced Proximity

347 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 5, 2026

About the author

Meghan is a British author living in East England with her husband, two children and their yappy dog.
You can find Meghan reading and escaping into fictional worlds or with her head in her laptop creating brand new ones for you all to enjoy.
She writes adult contemporary romance novels, with happily ever afters, swoony and sexy men and strong capable women with a sprinkle of spice.

Connect with Meghan on her social media:

https://www.tiktok.com/@authormeghanh...

https://www.instagram.com/meghanholli...

Website and newsletter sign up coming soon!

Reviews

[Jaydah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was able to read Collide as an ARC (thank you Love Notes).
I must preface, that I hadn’t read the other books in the Cedar Lakes University series, however really wish I had as I think it would have made the read better.
Despite this, I really enjoyed the book and believe it was well balanced with humour, spice and story telling. I hadn’t read anything that touched on this type of infidelity, so that was interesting but I think Meghan did a good job of it.

I think every girl can relate to Liv on some level, so being able to go on her journey was special, particularly with Jay (every girl who has ever never the weren’t enough or worthy, deserves a Jay in their lives).

Definitely recommend for an easy, swoon worthy read.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was grateful enough to have an ARC read of this and I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK! The relationship progression through the whole book had me giggling at times and I was absolutely obsessed!



Jay and Liv were meant for each other, he took a broken girl and made her whole again. He made her realize that she is worth it and she deserves to be loved 🩷

[Hollyp · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW 🌟

Live transferred to a new university looking for a new start ,she's sassy and confident with a whole lot of spark and she had to move in with a roommate.
Now Jay is that totally sexy roommate who is reluctant at first but being the teddy bear that he is warmed up to the idea.
I went into this book with no idea what to expect , it was full of humour and banter , yearning that was so fulfilling and don't get me started on the language switch ,with the right amount of spice 🌶️,it definitely made me want to pick up the rest of the series.

[Anca A · Rating 5 out of 5]

#Review: *Collide* - Meghan Hollie - ARC [18+]
4.8/5✨
3/5🌶️

Olivia "Liv" wanted to run away from her old life, because of a disastrous relationship. Now, she was staying with Jay, a super nice guy who would always be by her side and take care of her. The thing was that neither of them was thinking about falling in love too soon, but the close proximity and discovering each other made that part pretty impossible. Will they give love a shot or will they stick to their original plans?

This was such a sweet story! I liked that it wasn't in fact a full sports romance, it only had some small details of it, thanks to Jay's photography passion. It was super cute to see these two falling for each other, being a pretty slow and easy path to it. Liv was a bit scared of Jay, being a bit of a too "green flag", after she has been in the presence of a "red flag" for a while without even knowing. It was sooo darn cute how much attention and comfort Jay offered Liv, being everything she needed in that moment. Things weren't that simple for them and I liked how everything started as a secret relationship, but not being entirely sure how everything would turn out for them.

It was great to follow the sweet connection of our characters and how lovely they supported each other. It was fun, but also emotional, loving that this was a complex story, with such amazing characters.

Many thanks for offering me this e-ARC goes to Love Notes Pr and to Meghan.🩵

✨Tropes
▫️Roommates To Lovers
▫️Opposites Attract
▫️Forced Proximity
▫️Slow Burn
▫️Mutual Pining
▫️Found Family

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's the end of an era 🥹 Collide is book 5 in the Cedar Lakes University series - this one follows Jay and Olivia, and it was truly such a beautiful book to end the series on 🩷

Jay is a sports photographer but currently stuck in a job he isn't enjoying and not in the sports industry. He's determined to find that perfect fit for him.

Then we have Liv, she's Daphne's bestie (her book is book 3 - Pieces) and in need of a place to stay until campus housing becomes available. She's moved to CLU for a fresh start after a messy breakup 🫣

Watching the relationship between these two grow was truly beautiful, they were so perfect for each other. Full of banter that had me laughing and also so full of emotions. A great read and the perfect ending to this series 😍

"You've got domestic husband energy" 😂

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 -
🩷Roommates to Lovers
📸Forced Proximity
🩷Opposites Attract
📸Found Family

[Caoimhé · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC ✨

Liv has just transferred to a new university following a scandalous relationship revelation and moves in with her new roomie. On the surface Liv is an easy going and fun loving, but underneath she's faking it until she makes it. Jay is a photographer stuck in a dead end job but he has massive aspirations. He's family orientated and always looks out for his friends. An absolute dream guy.


The banter between these two is next level. It makes me want to pick up the rest of the series to get to know the other characters on a deeper level. Everyone was so loveable and this was such an easy read - it gave me Elsie Silver romance vibes. 

Even though I haven't read the other books in this series, I really enjoyed the ending and I think it tied everything up perfectly.

[Natacha Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ver referências a Portugal em livros deixa-me sempre de coração quentinho, mas principalmente quando o livro é escrito por uma autora de quem gosto.

Foi maravilhoso entrar nesta aventura, neste amor do Jay e da Olivia, além de ver os personagens dos livros anteriores (e a minha querida Rosie, que está tão crescida no final do livro 😭)

É um livro sobre voltarmos a encontrar-nos, sobre sofrer para depois encontrarmos algo melhor, sobre alguém que nos ama pelo nosso caos.

São personagens com os quais me conectei desde o primeiro momento.

O Jay, sendo sempre o amigo que ajuda toda a gente porque é a sua love language. A Liv e o seu crescimento e, quando podia ter magoado alguém, escolheu não o fazer.

Sobre as inseguranças, medos, voltar a fazer algo que amamos. Sobre mudanças, confiar em alguém, e amor (tanto de casal, como de amigos).

Lindo lindo lindo 🩷

[Natalie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a way to end the series. Liv and Jay were everything. I absolutely fell in love with them both.
Jay is the sweetest cinnamon roll on the the outside but he definitely has a little dominant streak running through him, and dont get me started on that man when he starts speaking Portuguese, it wasn't only Liv who melted.

Liv is definitely one of my favourite FMC's of the series. She is just so strong and and funny and oh so chaotic but thats what makes her fabulous.

This book made me laugh and it definitely made me cry. Its a beautiful story and the most perfect end to the series.

[gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

oh this was the perfect sweet story i needed to read 🥺🥺 i’ve not read a book with such a sweet and caring MMC in a long time, like this man was a walking green flag and i felt like screaming into the book for liv to just get with him already!!

as someone that’s gone from a red flag toxic relationship before to a green flag one, i really related to Liv, like i can see how readers may get frustrated at Liv but the poor girl just has trust issues and needs the love and reassurance Jay could provide for her, and it made me so emotional to see her learn to trust and embrace her heart again 🥲🥲🥲🫶🏻

i really want to read the rest of the series now - i loved this writing style, and the side characters! thanks @lovenotes.pr for having me on this tour to read and review this one 💌💌

[Kendall Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of Collide from Love notes PR, thank you guys so much!
4 Stars! I really enjoyed Collide. I felt the chemistry between Liv and Jay from very early on and it kept me hooked. After finishing Collide I feel the need to go back and read the rest of this series!

[Madison · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute roommates to lovers, Liv and Jay were absolutely adorable together. Unfortunately, it didn’t hook me in, I found it a little boring until around 70% when they finally gave into their feelings and it became angsty. There just wasn’t enough happening before this.

Thank you for the ARC.

[KellieSam.Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

So yes... I am the idiot who didn't realise this was book five in the series (even though you can read them out of order, I think reading them in order would give you a little more from the story). Now I need to go back and read the rest of Cedar Lake University series, because I adored Collide by @meghanhollieauthor!

The story follows Liv, who's starting over at Cedar Lake and suddenly needs a place to stay, and Jay, a wannabe NFL photographer stuck in a job he hates and reluctantly takes on a new roommate, Liv! The forced proximity, undeniable tension, and slow burning romance made this such an addictive read! Watching their connection grow was one of my favourite parts of the story.

I can not wait to go back and read the other four books in this series. Thank you so much, @lovenotesproject.rich for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review

#Collide #cedarlakeuniversity #BookReview #BookishCreatures #ARCReview

[Sarah Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about Liv and Jay who couldn‘t be more different. They start off as roommates, trying to navigate daily life together as the tension rises and they are pushed to face their personal struggles. This book is about healing, trust and a slow burn connection that grows bigger with every chapter.

I really enjoyed this ARC read, especially how different the main characters were, which brought a good kind of tension as I read it. There are many humorous passenges which made me grin. The characters grew fast on me and how they worked out their personal, very realistic difficulties made the story authentic and realistic. This book is for anyone who likes lighthearted, warm romance.

I rate this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars!

[Ashlee Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC ✨ i absolutely love Liv and Jay. They are so different from one another but bring out a better side of the other. I love how Jay shows Liv that there is still go in the world and I love have Liv brings color into Jays life.

If you haven’t ready the other Cedar Lake University books I would highly recommend each other.

[Tasha_loves_to_read · Rating 5 out of 5]

And just like that another @meghanhollieauthor series is over. It was bittersweet finishing up this book as I knew that was it. A massive thank you to Meghan for letting me alpha/beta read for her and all the other little things that we do.
Jay and Liv are absolutely perfect. Jay is the spiciest and god did he bring it to the table. Now for my little Liv, she deserves everything good, she didn't quite see it at first but she caught up eventually!
I absolutely adored this series and the journey Meghan took these babies on

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

Collide ~ Ceder Lakes University Series Book 5

Honestly, I did enjoy this book, there were just a few things that latched onto me and drowned me in feelings that I didn't want to relive.
But that's the point! Authors like Meghan Hollie have the power to make you feel things with the words they write and pull out all these emotions that you didn't know were still stuck.

Sometimes I love not having to use my imagination. Closing my eyes and seeing it form in my head from the words I've read is such a magical feeling, and I felt that magic while reading Collide.

It took me 5 days to get through this heart-melter. There were definitely times where I had to step back a little bit and just focus on not letting my insecurities (the ones that were being reflected back at me) overpower me, and to remember to breathe. I hope this doesn't deter you from reading Collide, because we aren't all the same and I can only share how I feel about this book.

If you usually read my reviews, then you know I'm a sucker for pink, but I must admit that I needed a cute palette cleanser in between. I saw the beautifully drawn characters and the book's key elements on the cover and I couldn't look away.

In my opinion, it's difficult to not resonate with these characters. From not getting the job you really wanted, to being in a slump and just existing, to starting over somewhere new, and everything in between. These are the everyday problems that we all face and to read about them and see these fictional people struggle and then work through them, just gives a little bit of hope and encouragement to focus on a new path or outcome if need be. Meghan has done such a wonderful job in expressing this!

There's this one beautiful painting scene that lives in my head rent free. The way Jay (our MMC) describes how lost Liv (our FMC) gets in painting her feelings. But the way Jay spoke to Liv in this moment made shivers run down my spine. It awoke and inspired something inside me.
There is also another scene I love. When Liv decides not to ruin another woman's day with an Earth-shattering secret that she's unfortunately been hanging onto. Let that fall onto the person who created the mess in the first place.

Would I read it again?
Yes! I'm going back, I promise I am.
In the future (when my tbr stops being 4 marathons long), I'll be stopping by Cedar Lakes University to read this incredibly uplifting series from the start, and I can't wait!

This book is for those who love a bit of heartache, who love their own feelings being pulled out of them and then being reassured that it's alright to feel like that, it's for those who need some healing of their own and to remember that you can have this type of love too, it might just be right under your nose!

[rookbbg · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I wanna start by saying thank you to Love Notes Pr and Meghan Hollie for giving me the chance to be an arc reviewer for this book!! AHHH THIS BOOK WAS SOOO GOOD!! it was definitely my fav out of the series so far (ive only read two of the books from this series, including collide, but shh). This was genuinely one of the best endings to a book series that i’ve ever read. the spice in this book was a genuine 10/10. This book is definitely a slow burn. The first kiss is around the 50% mark and the first smut scene is around the 60% mark but still, the story never felt like it was going too slow. i appreciated the gen-z slamg being thrown around in the book (cooked, peaked, etc.) it helped makw the book feel modern!!

Jay Oliviera- This man was SO SEXYYY. him and his sluttyy little glasses. his character shocked me!! like he seems so sweet in the first 50% then he’s pulling out the craziest dirty talk in the smut scenes. he was such an amazing book bf and you could tell he was always thinking about Liv with his actions. I wish we could’ve found out more about the blue haired girl that Jay was supposedly in a “hate-ship” with (it was mentioned in Fragile) but ik Meghan did share afterwards that she wrote his book with a different fmc before scrapping it so i’m going to assume that the blue haired girl was the other fmc. The scene with Jay and his family was so cute!! i wish there was more depth to his “problem” (idk how else to word it) with always feeling like he has to be there for everyone. I loved his journey with his career, it really showed how it can sometimes be when trying to find a job after college.

Olivia Matthews- I loved Olivia so much. shes such a fun character with her spontaneous personality and constant harmless flirting that was throwing Jay into shambles every time. i felt so bad for her when finding out about her past with Rhys and felt so proud of her when she didn’t let him affect her the way he would’ve before. i get her so much with her avoidant attachment personality. i lovedddd how we watched her feelings changed specifically about herself and how she admits than she’s been searching for anything but guilt after the whole rhys situation.

Olivia and Jay- these two are so precious to me. i loved how their relationship happened so naturally and never felt forced. the tesnion between them was so hot. my favorite scenes with them had to be the rain scene and the painting scenes. you could tell they loved eachother so much.

Again, thank you so much to Meghan Hollie and Love Notes PR!!

[Rie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Love Notes PR for the opportunity to read this as an ARC.

Collide by Meghan Hollie was a steady four-star read for me. Well written and emotionally grounded, this slow-burn, roommates-to-lovers romance surprised me in the best way. I truly didn’t see it the love for it coming until I turned the page to chapter one.

The plot leans fully into the slow burn, filled with flirting, longing glances, and tension from across the room. It was painful in all the right ways (especially once we learn our FMC might actually enjoy that kind of pain… excuse me??). But what stood out far more than the tease was the genuine human connection Jay and Liv built together. Watching them bond, support one another, and show up when it mattered warmed me more than anything else.

Both Jay and Liv made me feel things I haven’t felt in a long time and not just in a romantic way. They’ve each experienced heavy, very real emotions for their ages, and that hit close to home for me. Themes of feeling like a disappointment and navigating infidelity were handled in a way that felt honest and deeply relatable (especially as someone who’s been in those situations). Seeing how they treated each other’s cracked parts, especially the care Jay showed Liv, genuinely moved me. Honestly? Truly honestly? I wanted less spice and more of them. I connected with these characters that much.

At first, I wasn’t sure I’d connect with Liv. I often struggle with FMCs (which is very much a me issue), and I thought that might be the case here. While I wouldn’t say I saw myself in her, there were moments where I caught glimpses, and more importantly, I found myself rooting for her more and more as the story went on. By the end, I could confidently say: we’d be friends.

And Jay… does this man exist in the real world? Because wow. The way he cared for Liv, always intentional, always respectful, and so careful with the fragile piece of herself she placed in his hands… it was beautiful to read. When misunderstandings arose, he didn’t run. He gave her space when she needed it, and when she took that space too far, he showed up and pulled her back gently. That balance meant everything.

I loved these characters so much I would absolutely read more books about them if I could.

And finally, a very important shoutout to the best character in the book: Nick Fury. You keep being adorable, you perfect little Fury kitty.

[mayte ★⋆ ˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐️
arc review 💋

before starting, i need to make a public apology... i haven’t read the other books in the series (though they’re officially on my upcoming reads list — i promise 🤍).
that said, i want to make one thing very clear from the start… this book was my first impression of the saga, and if we’re talking about good first impressions, this was absolutely one of them.

let’s start with our protagonists.
oh. my. god.

liv is, from the very first pages, a wonderful girl with a huge heart. it’s impossible not to connect with her. she’s been through something many of us (if not all of us) have experienced at some point… a romantic disappointment that leaves you holding all that love in your hands, with a broken heart and a deep distrust toward anything that might make you feel again. and yet, liv still shines. she’s pure sunshine — outgoing, smiley, warm… simply beautiful inside and out.

and jay?

‼️‼️‼️‼️

he goes straight — no stops — into my top favorite male characters. caring, attentive, funny, hot… should i keep going?🧚🏻‍♀️
but what really got me is that he isn’t afraid of his feelings. he says what he feels, when he feels it, and always seems to find the perfect words at exactly the right moment. jay is that calm that comes after the storm.

a beautiful friendship.
an even better relationship.

i loved watching their relationship grow naturally, how they slowly started realizing what they were feeling. that connection you can sense from the very beginning keeps building until they simply can’t deny it anymore.

i also loved the presence of their friends and family. they’re not just there as background — they truly matter. they influence, support, and hold everything together (and yes, this fully confirmed that i need to read the previous books to love them even more).

this book has everything i enjoy reading 💋

romance, real connection, and characters that feel alive. it left me with a tight heart and a silly smile, the kind that lingers even after you close the book. i will definitely read the rest of the books in the series… and the ones that come after too 💋

thank you, love notes, for the copy 🤍💌

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Cedar Lakes University series book 5 is here and brings with it a wonderful last book in said series. Meghan Hollie has provided amazing stories for so many characters throughout her writing of Cedar Lakes, however watching our MCs in this book had my heart skipping beats. As always, Meghan writes characters who are full of passion, complex, and deep. As they become closer it is easy to understand their hesitancy, while cheering for them to let their guard down and give in to each other.

Liv is the new girl on campus, having transferred after a situation takes place at her old school. Having known Liv from earlier books, this girl hides her emotions away, only letting them come out in her paintings. She keeps her head down and her focus on finishing school. She is written in a way that I think makes her relatable to any reader who has struggled with self doubt and insecurities. She didn’t let them define her, but they definitely shaped her into the person she is.

Jay is on a whole other level when it comes to MCs. He sees the fragileness within Liv almost immediately and is careful to show her he doesn’t want to break her in any way. His willingness to meet her where she is at is a testament to his patience and maturity. He was able to give her everything she needed, without her having to ask. He is sensitive, solid, and makes Liv feel seen like never before.

Throughout this book Meghan showcases her raw talent in making characters come to life and be relatable to readers. This entire series is filled with deep bonds, true friendship, and romance that is top tier. Each book explores a different hurdle to overcome for the sake of love. While each can be read as a standalone, reading them all brings the characters to life in such a bigger way. I have loved this series from the beginning and while bittersweet to have it end, I am excited for what Meghan will bring us next.

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
🎨Roommates to Lovers
🩷Forced Proximity
🎨Mutual Pining
🩷Chaotic FMC
🎨Cinnamon Roll MMC
🩷Found Family

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Meghan Hollie’s final book in the Cedar Lakes and what a bittersweet feeling it is to finish it. To finish the LAST book. I cannot. Why did i do this to myself 💔

Collide follows Liv, a character who's dealing with often anxiety attacks after a past trauma, forcing her to make a fresh start by moving to a new college. ❤️‍🩹Her friend, Daphne, (YES!! DAPHNE!!) helps her out by setting her up with a roommate, Jay. Daphne and Hudson’s best friend. ✨

From someone who also experiences severe anxiety attacks, It’s such a relatable start, seeing Liv try to navigate a new enviroment while battling her inner demons and also written both expertly and cautiously.🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽

Jay, who’s a photographer, re-enters her life and their connection slowly but surely blossoms.💕 With lots of banter, humour and flirting it turns into something serious.😆

You get to see them build a genuine, real bond, with Jay's passion for photographyy and Liv’s passion for art adding depth and passion to their characters. 📹🎨

Their journey from roommates to lovers flows really well, and is definitely not rushed!! ⭐️Liv is trying to battle her inner thoughts, desperately trying to feel something whilst Jay throws himself into the dating pool, starting with Liv as they learn to open up to each other.✨🫶🏽

Of course, it wouldn't be a romance without some bumps in the road, and this book definitely throws some obstacles their way!! 💥

Watchng Liv and Jay work through these challenges, both individually and as a couple, was relatable and inspiring.💕

It's a heartwarming and emotional read that explores healing, trust, and finding love in…expected places. Yes, Daphne definitely knew what she was doing when she made the perfect match roommates 😉 😏

Adding on to my positive review, the family dynamic is just amazing! How Jay’s family is portrayed is warming and overall joyful🫶🏽

Liv’s dad also made me cry, that thunderstorm story, i will also be passing down. 🌩️

Please, please, PLEASE give this series a chance!! You’re in for a wild ride.

[Flor · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW:

-First thanks to the author and Love Notes PR for an advanced copy of this book.

-This book, as the finale of this serie, was BEAUTIFUL. I loved seeing the characters from the other books and what's going on in their lives. Liv and Jay stole my heart. From the other books we know that Jay is reserved, sweet and attentive. I liked that he never gave up in becoming a sports photographer despite of the rejections.

-Olivia is fun, full of life and chaotic. She’s healing from the past that she escaped. I liked seeing how she healed emotionally after what happened. I identified with her regarding the anxiety attacks and how she confronts her bad thoughts. But despite everything, she always came out stronger than ever.

-I liked the development of the romance because everything unfolded in its own time, along with the process until they became something more than roommates. Being so different, they complemented each other, and Jay deserved a little chaos in his life 🤭

-The ending? It was amazing and a roller coaster of feelings🩷 This book series have one of the best found family that I’ve ever read. I highly recommend all the books in the CLU universe. They're so different and talk about different topics, and the characters are AMAZING🩷

4/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

-Este libro como fin de esta serie fue HERMOSO. Me gustó ver a personajes de otros libros y como va su vida. Liv y Jay me enamoraron. Desde los otros libros podemos ver que el es reservado, dulce y atento. Me gustó que nunca se dio por vencido en convertirse en un fotógrafo deportivo, a pesar de tantos rechazos.

-Olivia, es divertida, llena de vida y caótica. Ella esconde un pasado del cual ella escapó. Me gustó ver su proceso de sanación emocional. Me sentí identificada con ella con respecto a los ataques de ansiedad y como enfrenta a sus pensamientos, pero a pesar de todo siempre salió adelante y más fuerte que nunca.

-El desarrollo del romance me gustó por que se dió todo a su tiempo junto con el proceso hasta que llegan a ser algo más. Al ser tan diferentes se complementan y Jay merecía un poco de caos en su vida🤭

-El final? Fue hermoso. Les recomiendo muchísimo toda la serie de CLU. Estos libros tienen a la found family más hermosa que he leído. Cada historia es diferente y tocan distintos temas, y los personajes son increíbles🩷

[Vic (novelsandnoodles) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This last book in the Cedar Lakes series was the perfect ending. Jay has been the steadiness in the group throughout all five books, showing and sharing his caregiving and advice to the others and this book is no different. He really sees Liv. He obviously has an instant attraction to her and after she moves in with him having moved cross country from her previous college he tentatively gets to know her with the easiness and gentle way he does everything. This man couldn’t have been more green flag! He listened, didn’t push her to share unless she wanted to, he cooked for her and okkkkkk did I mention he wear glasses?😆 Jay is just the epitome of decent man, whilst also being a knockout to look at with a filthy mouth!
And Liv, sweet Liv! She’s been hurt by someone she thought she could trust, and that’s left her a shell of herself- afraid to trust again or let anyone do nice things for fear she would need to give something in return. But Jay shows her how to believe again that there are genuine people out there. And whilst Jay keeps Liv steady, she in return shows him how to be a little reckless and have fun without worrying too much about tomorrow. The pair of them suited each other so well, the banter between them was top tier and they both have this amazing chemistry, tension and one liners which were absolute perfection. Liv’s internal monologue about Jay will have you in stitches. She’s a live wire and just needs the safeness of Jays support to find herself again. Did I also mention Jays family are Portuguese and he calls her ‘Gatinha’.??? No??? Well let me tell you- Oh how I absolutely LIVE for this nickname!!
You’ll see the return of the gang in places and the ending???? The ending had me in tears- utter joy on page!

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

3🌶️

Jay is 'the fixer, the reliable one, the clam in the storm type'

Liv is 'the epitome of a wildcard'

I loved the flirty banter between them. How Liv keeps Jay on his toes and brings some more unexpected into his life. Whereas Jay brings something stable and reliable to Liv's which is exactly what they both needed.

Liv's lack of filter and saying stuff before she's thought it through made for quite a few funny moments which I enjoyed.

Found family is one of my favourite tropes, just seeing how so many people from different backgrounds mesh together and create this tight knit environment. The banter between them, the relationships between everyone of them, I love it!
It's not really a dislike but third act break ups and poor communication aren't a favourite trope( I don't mind them though) but they work for this story and the characters pasts, personalities and life circumstances.

For me reading the last book from the series first I really didn't feel like I was missing anything which is great, no doubt I'll read it again after reading the full series but I didn't feel like I wasnt understanding the story or characters.

Seeing both characters slowly let their guards down which lead to them falling in love as so satisfying to my romance brain, they were the exact person the other needed. Seeing the development and not having it rushed was a breath of fresh air.

Quotes

To impulsive decisions and best friends
You're cute when you malfunction
'Why do you live to torture me?' 'Because it's so much fun'
You don't need the paint for me to see you Liv, I already do
I fell the second I saw her dancing barefoot in the rain
Love is intense, Liv, and I love you intensely

[Mes Curls Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Collide is the kind of book that quietly settles into your heart and then refuses to leave. Jay and Liv’s story isn’t loud or dramatic in the typical sense; it’s gentle, emotional, and deeply human.

Their dynamic is what made this book so special to me.

Jay is patience personified. He doesn’t push. He doesn’t demand. He just shows up.... consistently, quietly, and with so much care that it almost hurts to read. He’s the kind of male lead who makes you believe in emotional safety again. The way he gives Liv space, listens without judgment, and supports her without trying to fix her? Absolutely chef’s kiss.

And Liv… she felt real. Her anxiety, her hesitation, the way she second-guesses herself...all of it felt honest and relatable. Watching her slowly learn to trust again, to let someone in without fear, was incredibly satisfying. Her growth felt earned, not rushed.

The roommates-to-lovers progression was done so well. The banter, the soft moments, the unspoken feelings building between them, everything unfolded naturally. Nothing felt forced. Their connection grew in quiet gestures, late-night conversations, and shared comfort rather than grand declarations.

What I loved most was how healing this book felt. It’s about finding stability after chaos, about learning that love doesn’t have to be loud to be real. Sometimes it’s just someone making space for you when you need it most.

And the found family aspect? Beautiful. Warm. Exactly what this story needed.

By the time I reached the end, I was emotional in the best way.

If you love:
• roommates to lovers
• slow-burn romance
• found family
• emotionally safe MMCs
• healing after heartbreak

…this book will absolutely be your kind of read.

[Briana Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review ✨
First I would like to say a big thank you to Meghan for letting me be apart of this ARC Team!
Rate: 4/5⭐️
Spice: 1/5🌶️

What to expect when reading Collide;
-Roommates x Lovers
-Forced Proximity
-Opposites Attract
-Slow Burn
-Found Family
-Chaos Softie x Cinnamon Roll

This is book five of the Cedar Lakes University series! You get to follow Olivia and Jay!!! Olivia came to CLU for a fresh start, the plus side was her best friend, Daph, and her little family were there to welcome her. Jay had goals and it seems like none of them are being achieved. So what happens when a tornado meets the cool clam and collective? Wellllllllll fireworks and a very entertaining read, is how I am going to phrase it. I have read every book in this series and to tell you Jay has thrown me off my rocker (lol in a good way) with what I thought to expect out of all the characters in this series. Meghan did not play around when t came to writing some of their scenes, my jaw was on the floor! She also has such a great way of making you feel every emotion when reading her stories. They are funny, spicy, and perfect amount of plot drama. The chemistry Olivia and Jay had was just so pure it really melted my heart. This was the perfect way to wrap this series up and I am honestly going to miss them so much.

Side notes:
-the shopping trip 😂
-scrapbooking!!!!!!!
-I know to call for emergencies lol
-Little Fury

Fav Quote:
•”Wow I forgot how fucking how you are even without the glasses”
•”You usually run in boxers?”
•”You’ve got domestic husband energy”
•”I like when you stare at me

Make sure you get your copy of the book when it releases Feb. 5th🩷
#bookstagram #romance #review

[Celine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia Matthews isn’t just my roommate, she’s everything I didn’t know I needed. The exact kind of woman who sets me on fire while soothing me.

Olivia comes to Cedar Lakes to have a fresh start and needs somewhere to sleep, because campus housing doesn’t have an opening yet. Jay has an empty room in his apartment, which he lets her vacate. Their flirty banter turns into a real friendship which is the perfect base for their relationship. Will she find her love for art again and will he gets the two things he wants, his dream job and the girl?

I LOVE Jay - I will fight Olivia for him. He listens to Post Malone, wears glasses, has a dirty mouth and blushes very easily! 🤭 Sir is the best of both worlds - in every aspect. I really am his number one fan - I have loved his first line.
Olivia is his opposite. She has a flirty personality, a little more outgoing than him, but super lovable! She is the perfect fit for him - he comes out of his shell for her.

I loved that we got to see more scrapbooking! We got to see everyone again in their own way, which is the perfect way to end this wonderful series. I am excited to see, if we’ll see them again in future series (I need more Jay & Hudson!!)
We have some wonderful friendship moments between Hudson & Jay and Daphne & Olivia. The girls have girl talk and the guys have guys night - what isn’t to love?
Nick Fury stole my heart. I am a big cat person and he is lovely! He sold me instantly.

This is my favorite book of the series and a very worthy ending for the Cedar Lakes University!
Thank you Meghan Hollie & LoveNotesPR for the eARC I really appreciate it! 🤍

[Dimitra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Collide 📸
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Meghan Hollie for trusting me with this ARC!💞
"Her shoes linger where mine used to sit alone"
Oh.My.God.
You cannot possibly understand how much I adored that story.
It's a classic.Liv needs a house to move in and Jay will become her new roomie.
Simple trope yet one of the best ones.Specifically this time,I love how easy to read this story was.It didn't need big plot twists,tragic breakups or many info in order to shine and make you being stuck between the pages.Just two young people falling in love.
Liv,was your usual sunshine character,that will instantly brighten everything around you when you read her lines.
Can I say love SUITS HER?She is made to fall in & be loved.
And here comes our wonderful mmc Jay.
That man?Pure golden retriever vibes,expect from the 🌶️ scenes,here he is becoming more like a lion to be honest.
ANYWAY,I really liked reading about him too,due to his funniness and the way that he was constantly founding ways to make up our girl's day,or become her husband or the man that experienced flooding all of a sudden!🤭
Their romance was being build on top of memories and moments,with that making it point out and being SO good written that I was like YES!Give me more.💃
I really enjoyed every aspect of the connection and that epilogue was just the cherry on top!

As you saw,this is the most amazing story,if you want a cutesy,lovely romance to snuggle with.
&let me remind you Valentine's Day is around the corner,so grab your copy,a mug full of hearts and dive in!Liv and Jay are waiting for you ❣️
Out On Feb, 5th 🧁
4⭐

[Anna Rundall · Rating 5 out of 5]

"𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘦𝘹𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦."  

🎨 Roommates to Lovers
📷Opposites Attract
🎨 Forced Proximity
📷 MMC with Slutty Glasses😉
🎨 Slow Burn
📷 Found Family
 
What an amazing story to finish a beautiful series! I have loved each book and every character, their stories are full of growing into your own and falling for the person who supports them through it all. Olivia and Jay were the perfect couple to end this journey!   
 
Olivia ran from an unfortunate situation she never would have guessed would happen to her. She's lost her passion for painting and is trying to find her footing in life again. University housing isn't ready so she moves into Jay's apartment. A guy who is also trying to find his way into the career path he dreams of. Even with the struggles, she is such a hilarious and sassy character. I love her chaos and the way she teases Jay. I would 100% want to be her friend because I know we would be having the most wild fun. 
 
Jay is lost in a different kind of way, he isn't working the job he dreams of and is trying his hardest to get there. As he starts to feel like his dream is slipping away, Olivia walks in to stir him up. She keeps him on his toes with witty comebacks, teasing, and harmless flirting that ignites him. This man, agh I love him so much. Truly precious with everything he does to build Liv back up! ALSO he is so slutty with his glasses, who gave you the right to fictionally seduce me like this!? 𝐈’𝐦 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐌𝐄𝐆𝐇𝐀𝐍. 
 
They have such a natural chemistry, balancing one another out with ease. Watching their friendship develop into a relationship made my heart melt with pure happiness. If you want a feel good romance, with lots of banter, a hot supportive man with glasses, a chaotic girl who will turn any day/night 10x more fun, and an ending that brings you max happiness, this is for you!

[Ariana Sayers · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review:
•
Collide by Meghan Hollie
•
A big thank you to @meghanhollieauthor for another opportunity to reading an early copy! This was all up in my lane and I couldn’t have loved it more. Seeing as I’m a big sports person and that I absolutely love photography, this romance had already peaked my interest. But realizing how much more complex this was from a typical sports romance I was truly invested in the connection of the characters. A heart-felt read with a chemistry that really complemented each other. I hold a special place for Liv and Jay in my heart!
•
Review Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
•
Jay
This wasn’t the plan. I was supposed to be photographing NFL sidelines, athletes in their prime. Instead I’m working a job that pays the bills and nothing more. Then Liv Matthews barrels into my life and suddenly I’ve got a roommate. She’s real, unfiltered and nothing like the calm I thought I wanted, but somehow she’s the first thing that’s made this place feel alive again. I promised myself I wouldn’t fall for her.
But promises don’t mean much when she’s already in every part of my world.
Liv
I came to Cedar Lakes to start over, not to collide with the guy who made room for me when he didn’t have to. Jay Oliviera is patient in all the ways I’m not. He doesn’t push. He just shows up again and again, until I start to believe I deserve that kind of love. But new chances have a way of pulling people in opposite directions, and I can’t tell if this is where it ends—or where it finally begins.
Sometimes the right person doesn’t save you. They just stand still long enough for you to find yourself again.