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Collided
Francis Starkey has everything he ever a successful career as a paediatrician, a beautiful home in London, and people who care about him.
Yet something inside him still feels unfinished, as if there’s a space no achievement can quite fill.
Jack McAvoy is starting over.
Shy, gentle, and quietly determined, he leaves his small hometown to study dance in London, moving in with a brother who seems to have little room for him. The city offers possibility, but every dream comes at a cost.
When Francis and Jack meet, they clash. Sharp words, guarded hearts, and a tension neither of them can ignore. What begins as dislike soon turns into something far more an attraction that burns, unsettling and impossible to deny.
Then a fragile new life enters Francis’s world, changing everything.
Between exhaustion and care, tenderness and need, their defences begin to crack.
Two men who never planned to rely on anyone discover that connection can heal, and that desire can be just as fierce as it is transformative.
Collided is an MM romance about chosen family, emotional healing, and the courage to open your heart when you thought it was already full.
A story of vulnerability, growth, and a love that doesn’t arrive gently, but ignites and reshapes everything it touches.
Yet something inside him still feels unfinished, as if there’s a space no achievement can quite fill.
Jack McAvoy is starting over.
Shy, gentle, and quietly determined, he leaves his small hometown to study dance in London, moving in with a brother who seems to have little room for him. The city offers possibility, but every dream comes at a cost.
When Francis and Jack meet, they clash. Sharp words, guarded hearts, and a tension neither of them can ignore. What begins as dislike soon turns into something far more an attraction that burns, unsettling and impossible to deny.
Then a fragile new life enters Francis’s world, changing everything.
Between exhaustion and care, tenderness and need, their defences begin to crack.
Two men who never planned to rely on anyone discover that connection can heal, and that desire can be just as fierce as it is transformative.
Collided is an MM romance about chosen family, emotional healing, and the courage to open your heart when you thought it was already full.
A story of vulnerability, growth, and a love that doesn’t arrive gently, but ignites and reshapes everything it touches.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
April 6, 2026
This is a wonderful sequel to the Blackbird Boys series. I was quickly drawn back into their world and immediately felt right at home again 🥰❤️! Riley has such an exquisite writing style; everything comes alive for me as I read. Francis and Jack are a great example of how it doesn’t always have to be love and attraction at first sight, and how things don’t always click right away. The current circumstances aren’t easy for either of them, but soon they realize they share certain life goals. And suddenly there’s a little creature for whom they’d both give anything, and fighting for the same cause brings them even closer together ❤️.
This story is a slow burn—but every second of the wait is worth it. During the unexpected moments, I had to fight back tears because so many of the story’s details, big and small, really moved me. A tender story full of emotion and passion. Such commitment really touches your heart. The found family aspect is described so beautifully that you just want to be a part of it.
I absolutely love this book and highly recommend it.
This story is a slow burn—but every second of the wait is worth it. During the unexpected moments, I had to fight back tears because so many of the story’s details, big and small, really moved me. A tender story full of emotion and passion. Such commitment really touches your heart. The found family aspect is described so beautifully that you just want to be a part of it.
I absolutely love this book and highly recommend it.
April 3, 2026
DNF at 40%
You might ask why, so of course I'm gonna tell you🙃
1) 40% in and the main couple had interacted only one time where they said hey to each other and decided to be "enemies."
2) The MMC Francis (26, bi, pediatric doctor) has been moaning and groaning the whole time about not moving on yet from Anne who is his ex-girlfriend, the love of his life, the woman he wanted kids with. Anne whom he proposed to 2 years prior and she said no and then broke up then. Anne who is part of his close-knit friend circle. The circle that meet regularly at a pub named Blackbird.
Like dude move on please cus I'm tired of hearing your ass mope😏 Oh and in those 2 years he dated and slept with OP😂
3) Every side character is described thoroughly; from appearance to status of life to where they live. At this point, I'm just missing their weight, height, blood pressure, and if they have any allergies🙄
4) If I have to read one more sentence about how Remi and Seb (couple from book 1) are kissing, how they are looking at each other, how Remi is possessive of Seb, how their fatherhood is going, how they are so in love, I'm gonna go crazy. You would think they're the main couple of this book at this rate🤨
5) Ian, the brother of Jack (the other MMC, 22, dancer) got on my nerve. He first gets annoyed that Jack has to stay with him and it is hinted that it's because it will put a setback to Ian's usual parades of men. It is also hinted that the men look like Seb (the MMC from book 1) but then Ian gets bothered by the men conquests of his roommate Ollie. I don't know if the next book will be Ian and Ollie but you don't encourage me to read their book if it's clearly mentioned here that they are very active in bringing various guys home🤢
If the things I mentioned don't bother you, then give the book a chance🤷🏻♀️
You might ask why, so of course I'm gonna tell you🙃
1) 40% in and the main couple had interacted only one time where they said hey to each other and decided to be "enemies."
2) The MMC Francis (26, bi, pediatric doctor) has been moaning and groaning the whole time about not moving on yet from Anne who is his ex-girlfriend, the love of his life, the woman he wanted kids with. Anne whom he proposed to 2 years prior and she said no and then broke up then. Anne who is part of his close-knit friend circle. The circle that meet regularly at a pub named Blackbird.
Like dude move on please cus I'm tired of hearing your ass mope😏 Oh and in those 2 years he dated and slept with OP😂
3) Every side character is described thoroughly; from appearance to status of life to where they live. At this point, I'm just missing their weight, height, blood pressure, and if they have any allergies🙄
4) If I have to read one more sentence about how Remi and Seb (couple from book 1) are kissing, how they are looking at each other, how Remi is possessive of Seb, how their fatherhood is going, how they are so in love, I'm gonna go crazy. You would think they're the main couple of this book at this rate🤨
5) Ian, the brother of Jack (the other MMC, 22, dancer) got on my nerve. He first gets annoyed that Jack has to stay with him and it is hinted that it's because it will put a setback to Ian's usual parades of men. It is also hinted that the men look like Seb (the MMC from book 1) but then Ian gets bothered by the men conquests of his roommate Ollie. I don't know if the next book will be Ian and Ollie but you don't encourage me to read their book if it's clearly mentioned here that they are very active in bringing various guys home🤢
If the things I mentioned don't bother you, then give the book a chance🤷🏻♀️
March 19, 2026
ARC Review:
The second installment in the Blackbird Boys series picks up with Francis, a pediatrician whose carefully constructed life has just come apart at the seams. He bought the house, he popped the question — and his longtime girlfriend Anne said no. Nursing a bruised ego, Francis still shows up to the Blackbird Boys dinner, only to discover that Anne has moved on with startling speed, a new boyfriend in tow. As if the evening couldn’t get any more uncomfortable, his friend Ian has dragged along his younger brother Jack, a dancer newly arrived in London after landing a coveted spot at a prestigious academy and currently camped out on Ian’s couch.
Francis and Jack are oil and water from the first moment — Francis all wounded dignity, Jack all unself-conscious energy and sharp wit. Their friction is immediate and entertaining, the kind of antagonism that practically telegraphs what’s coming. But Collided earns its romance rather than rushing it. When a situation at work leads Francis to unexpectedly take in a foster baby, the confirmed bachelor is suddenly, hilariously out of his depth. Enter Jack, whose nanny experience makes him the obvious solution — and whose delight in getting under Francis’s skin makes him the obvious complication.
What follows is a slow build anchored by something genuinely tender: two people learning to trust each other through the shared responsibility of caring for a child. The baby draws out sides of both men that their bickering had kept carefully hidden, and the result is a romance that feels emotionally earned. Francis’s healing arc, in particular, is handled with care — this isn’t a story about replacing Anne, but about a man confronting the difference between the life he planned and the one he actually wants.
The found family element that has clearly been central to this series is in full force here, and readers returning from book one will appreciate seeing the broader Blackbird Boys dynamic evolve. Collided is a satisfying blend of banter, emotional depth, and genuine heart — a worthy continuation of the series and a romance that sticks with you after the last page.
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The second installment in the Blackbird Boys series picks up with Francis, a pediatrician whose carefully constructed life has just come apart at the seams. He bought the house, he popped the question — and his longtime girlfriend Anne said no. Nursing a bruised ego, Francis still shows up to the Blackbird Boys dinner, only to discover that Anne has moved on with startling speed, a new boyfriend in tow. As if the evening couldn’t get any more uncomfortable, his friend Ian has dragged along his younger brother Jack, a dancer newly arrived in London after landing a coveted spot at a prestigious academy and currently camped out on Ian’s couch.
Francis and Jack are oil and water from the first moment — Francis all wounded dignity, Jack all unself-conscious energy and sharp wit. Their friction is immediate and entertaining, the kind of antagonism that practically telegraphs what’s coming. But Collided earns its romance rather than rushing it. When a situation at work leads Francis to unexpectedly take in a foster baby, the confirmed bachelor is suddenly, hilariously out of his depth. Enter Jack, whose nanny experience makes him the obvious solution — and whose delight in getting under Francis’s skin makes him the obvious complication.
What follows is a slow build anchored by something genuinely tender: two people learning to trust each other through the shared responsibility of caring for a child. The baby draws out sides of both men that their bickering had kept carefully hidden, and the result is a romance that feels emotionally earned. Francis’s healing arc, in particular, is handled with care — this isn’t a story about replacing Anne, but about a man confronting the difference between the life he planned and the one he actually wants.
The found family element that has clearly been central to this series is in full force here, and readers returning from book one will appreciate seeing the broader Blackbird Boys dynamic evolve. Collided is a satisfying blend of banter, emotional depth, and genuine heart — a worthy continuation of the series and a romance that sticks with you after the last page.
Follow me on Instagram:
Www.instagram.com/mamareadsandreviews
April 15, 2026
✨I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. This is my honest, voluntary review.✨
How many times can I love this story?! It was absolutely beautiful and so inspiring.
To say that Francis and Jack had kind of a rough first time meet it’s a huge understatement! The funny thing about it is that it was a misunderstanding. I guess that’s what happens when your thoughts just don’t filter themselves and end up said out loud.
Francis was friends with Ian, Jack’s older brother who takes him in after he was accepted to the London Contemporary Dance Academy. Francis has A LOT to say about Jack, especially his fashion sense or lack of😆
Jack is a free spirit who loves to express himself in everything he does, especially his wardrobe. But when Francis disapproves of it, it rubs him the wrong way. The two clash in every turn making things a little awkward for their group of friends.
Francis enjoys riling Jack up and see him lose his composure, but there’s something else there that he doesn’t want to acknowledge. After all, he’s still nursing a broken heart. He’s hasn’t been the same since his breakup with his ex, which has completely made him a total jerk.
All Francis ever wanted was to be a dad and that chance went out the window when his ex broke up with him. But when the universe grants him what he’s always wanted, Francis finds himself needing help.
And that help comes from the least expected source. Despite everything in him telling him to say no, Jack ends up babysitting for Francis. Jack’s never been one to back down from a challenge.
Despite their initial animosity, Jack caring for his daughter with such love and care makes Francis see Jack in a different light. Their daily interactions bring them closer in a way that makes Francis wish for more.
Jack has never been in a relationship before because he’s never found a deep enough connection to fall for them. But Francis has changed all of that for him. Even as infuriating as the doctor was, Jack never felt more cherished and loved as he did with Francis.
I loved how Francis was willing to turn his life upside down to make sure his daughter had a home. He never expected he’ll be a dad in such a sudden way but he didn’t even hesitate. That was such a beautiful gesture and so inspiring.
I fell in love with the three of them. Baby Adele was the sunshine Francis needed and Jack was the support. They made the perfect team🥰
I can’t wait for book three. I’m going to go read book one because I didn’t know this was book two 😅 I need the deets in what happened with Seb🥺
How many times can I love this story?! It was absolutely beautiful and so inspiring.
To say that Francis and Jack had kind of a rough first time meet it’s a huge understatement! The funny thing about it is that it was a misunderstanding. I guess that’s what happens when your thoughts just don’t filter themselves and end up said out loud.
Francis was friends with Ian, Jack’s older brother who takes him in after he was accepted to the London Contemporary Dance Academy. Francis has A LOT to say about Jack, especially his fashion sense or lack of😆
Jack is a free spirit who loves to express himself in everything he does, especially his wardrobe. But when Francis disapproves of it, it rubs him the wrong way. The two clash in every turn making things a little awkward for their group of friends.
Francis enjoys riling Jack up and see him lose his composure, but there’s something else there that he doesn’t want to acknowledge. After all, he’s still nursing a broken heart. He’s hasn’t been the same since his breakup with his ex, which has completely made him a total jerk.
All Francis ever wanted was to be a dad and that chance went out the window when his ex broke up with him. But when the universe grants him what he’s always wanted, Francis finds himself needing help.
And that help comes from the least expected source. Despite everything in him telling him to say no, Jack ends up babysitting for Francis. Jack’s never been one to back down from a challenge.
Despite their initial animosity, Jack caring for his daughter with such love and care makes Francis see Jack in a different light. Their daily interactions bring them closer in a way that makes Francis wish for more.
Jack has never been in a relationship before because he’s never found a deep enough connection to fall for them. But Francis has changed all of that for him. Even as infuriating as the doctor was, Jack never felt more cherished and loved as he did with Francis.
I loved how Francis was willing to turn his life upside down to make sure his daughter had a home. He never expected he’ll be a dad in such a sudden way but he didn’t even hesitate. That was such a beautiful gesture and so inspiring.
I fell in love with the three of them. Baby Adele was the sunshine Francis needed and Jack was the support. They made the perfect team🥰
I can’t wait for book three. I’m going to go read book one because I didn’t know this was book two 😅 I need the deets in what happened with Seb🥺
April 8, 2026
Tell me why enemies to lovers with emotional damage and tension you can feel through the pages is starting to become one of my favorite things ever 😩
Collided by Riley Harper pulled on every one of my heart strings. You have two men who are both carrying their own struggles, thrown together, immediately clashing, and then slowly breaking down each other’s walls?? Say less because I was hooked the moment Fran accidentally laughs at his Little Fox.
The whole “your life looks perfect but something still feels missing” mixed with “starting over and trying to find your place” is such a powerful combo, that Riley Hart his spot on. And then you add in that tension turning into something deeper, something that actually heals them… plus the cutest little read head a parent could ask for. I already know I’m going to be fully invested.
Also the idea of a love that doesn’t come in soft but instead crashes in and changes everything? Yeah, wasn’t ready.
This emotional and tense kind of story that sticks with you after you finish it and I am absolutely okay with that.
Collided by Riley Harper pulled on every one of my heart strings. You have two men who are both carrying their own struggles, thrown together, immediately clashing, and then slowly breaking down each other’s walls?? Say less because I was hooked the moment Fran accidentally laughs at his Little Fox.
The whole “your life looks perfect but something still feels missing” mixed with “starting over and trying to find your place” is such a powerful combo, that Riley Hart his spot on. And then you add in that tension turning into something deeper, something that actually heals them… plus the cutest little read head a parent could ask for. I already know I’m going to be fully invested.
Also the idea of a love that doesn’t come in soft but instead crashes in and changes everything? Yeah, wasn’t ready.
This emotional and tense kind of story that sticks with you after you finish it and I am absolutely okay with that.
April 1, 2026
ARC Review:
I’m honestly kind of sad to have finished the book. I wasn’t quite ready to be done with this couple and their story. Francis, a successful pediatrician, is struggling. Despite all the love and success he has, a part of him still feels empty. Jack is a dancer, shy but determined, he moves to London to follow his dreams. Though that also means he’s staying with his brother. A brother he hasn’t been close with in years. When Fran and Jack meet, they do not start off on the right foot. But then Francis takes on a big responsibility and he can’t do it alone. As they spend more time together the initial dislike starts to shift into something that runs deeper. As this new bond grows both men have to decide whether to trust or to let their fear and self reliance hold them back.
This was such a beautiful story to read. I will be honest I initially struggled to get into the book. But I am so glad I stuck with it to the end. Fran and Jacks story is gorgeous. I absolutely love how much they clash and then slowly build from there the more that they interact. Riley Harper did an amazing job keeping that initial spark between them as well. Because while their relationship may have shifted that banter never went away. The meaning of it between them simply changed as their feelings towards each other evolved.
I also really enjoyed the found family dynamics of all the characters together. How despite how the story started they all had each other’s backs unconditionally. There is a whole cast of unique characters, any of which I’d love to read more about in future books, and each of them fits within the group. Each of them helping build this beautiful chosen family surrounding the main characters with support. It truly is lovely.
Overall I really truly enjoyed this read. It warmed my heart in so many ways. I hope to see more from this author in the future and to get more of the stories from this beautiful group of characters they’ve created. But for now, if you are looking for a heartwarming MM romance that will leave you smiling, definitely check this book out.
I’m honestly kind of sad to have finished the book. I wasn’t quite ready to be done with this couple and their story. Francis, a successful pediatrician, is struggling. Despite all the love and success he has, a part of him still feels empty. Jack is a dancer, shy but determined, he moves to London to follow his dreams. Though that also means he’s staying with his brother. A brother he hasn’t been close with in years. When Fran and Jack meet, they do not start off on the right foot. But then Francis takes on a big responsibility and he can’t do it alone. As they spend more time together the initial dislike starts to shift into something that runs deeper. As this new bond grows both men have to decide whether to trust or to let their fear and self reliance hold them back.
This was such a beautiful story to read. I will be honest I initially struggled to get into the book. But I am so glad I stuck with it to the end. Fran and Jacks story is gorgeous. I absolutely love how much they clash and then slowly build from there the more that they interact. Riley Harper did an amazing job keeping that initial spark between them as well. Because while their relationship may have shifted that banter never went away. The meaning of it between them simply changed as their feelings towards each other evolved.
I also really enjoyed the found family dynamics of all the characters together. How despite how the story started they all had each other’s backs unconditionally. There is a whole cast of unique characters, any of which I’d love to read more about in future books, and each of them fits within the group. Each of them helping build this beautiful chosen family surrounding the main characters with support. It truly is lovely.
Overall I really truly enjoyed this read. It warmed my heart in so many ways. I hope to see more from this author in the future and to get more of the stories from this beautiful group of characters they’ve created. But for now, if you are looking for a heartwarming MM romance that will leave you smiling, definitely check this book out.
April 6, 2026
Be still my heart. This book was just so adorably sweet. It was a fun, heartwarming romance that built from a strong dislike to a friendship and then to lovers. I loved how descriptive and the Brittish charming way things were written. I really liked all the characters, this close knit group of friends that frequent the same bar were just so much fun and gave all the found family vibes.
Jack is just so unapologetically himself, and I loved his personality. He just shone so bright. Fran took a bit to coax out of his mopeyness, but once he did, his sweetness endeared me to him. Things took some time to develop and fall into place for the MCs to get into their arrangement, but once that ball got rolling, the book seemed to fly by. The moments they shared with Adele were so sweet.
The tension between Francis and Jack was instantaneous and so delicious. I knew right from the moment they met it was going to be such a good slow burn build-up that was going to lead to a hard earned romance. Let me tell you, it was worth it and so satisfying. I was living for that banter and deep, heartfelt emotion.
Tropes:
Enemies-to-lovers
Opposites attract
Brother's best friend
Single dad
Manny
Slow-burn
Demisexual rep
Virgin
Found Family
Hurt/Comfort
Dual POV
Check TW
Thank you, Riley Harper, for the opportunity to read this book.
Jack is just so unapologetically himself, and I loved his personality. He just shone so bright. Fran took a bit to coax out of his mopeyness, but once he did, his sweetness endeared me to him. Things took some time to develop and fall into place for the MCs to get into their arrangement, but once that ball got rolling, the book seemed to fly by. The moments they shared with Adele were so sweet.
The tension between Francis and Jack was instantaneous and so delicious. I knew right from the moment they met it was going to be such a good slow burn build-up that was going to lead to a hard earned romance. Let me tell you, it was worth it and so satisfying. I was living for that banter and deep, heartfelt emotion.
Tropes:
Enemies-to-lovers
Opposites attract
Brother's best friend
Single dad
Manny
Slow-burn
Demisexual rep
Virgin
Found Family
Hurt/Comfort
Dual POV
Check TW
Thank you, Riley Harper, for the opportunity to read this book.
May 11, 2026
The second book in the Blackbird Boys series, Collided dives deeper into heartbreak, healing, and unexpected love… and it completely stole my heart.
There’s something so captivating about a story that begins with everything falling apart, and Collided does exactly that.
FRANCIS has his life carefully planned out, his career, his relationship, his future. But when a proposal doesn’t go the way he imagined and everything begins to unravel, he’s left trying to hold onto a version of life that no longer feels right. And then JACK appears, unexpected, chaotic, and impossible to ignore.
From their very first interaction, the chemistry between them is undeniable. FRANCIS is reserved and controlled, while Jack is vibrant, unapologetic, and far too good at getting under his skin. Their banter is sharp, witty, and incredibly entertaining to watch unfold.
But what truly makes this story shine is the softness beneath all that tension.
When an unexpected twist leaves FRANCIS caring for a baby, his perfectly structured world turns into complete chaos, in the sweetest way possible. And somehow, JACK becomes both the solution and the complication. Watching them navigate this responsibility together brings out such a beautiful tenderness between them, slowly transforming tension into something deeper and more meaningful.
This isn’t a rushed romance. It’s a love story that grows quietly, gently, and naturally.
Francis’s journey especially felt emotional and real. It’s not about moving on overnight, but about learning what
There’s something so captivating about a story that begins with everything falling apart, and Collided does exactly that.
FRANCIS has his life carefully planned out, his career, his relationship, his future. But when a proposal doesn’t go the way he imagined and everything begins to unravel, he’s left trying to hold onto a version of life that no longer feels right. And then JACK appears, unexpected, chaotic, and impossible to ignore.
From their very first interaction, the chemistry between them is undeniable. FRANCIS is reserved and controlled, while Jack is vibrant, unapologetic, and far too good at getting under his skin. Their banter is sharp, witty, and incredibly entertaining to watch unfold.
But what truly makes this story shine is the softness beneath all that tension.
When an unexpected twist leaves FRANCIS caring for a baby, his perfectly structured world turns into complete chaos, in the sweetest way possible. And somehow, JACK becomes both the solution and the complication. Watching them navigate this responsibility together brings out such a beautiful tenderness between them, slowly transforming tension into something deeper and more meaningful.
This isn’t a rushed romance. It’s a love story that grows quietly, gently, and naturally.
Francis’s journey especially felt emotional and real. It’s not about moving on overnight, but about learning what
May 4, 2026
Finally finished this one 😭 It wasn’t bad, but I didn’t really have that spark while reading. I was honestly more focused on finishing it than enjoying it.
That said, Jack and Francis are really cute together, and I did like their relationship.
Overall, not a bad read — just didn’t fully click for me.
That said, Jack and Francis are really cute together, and I did like their relationship.
Overall, not a bad read — just didn’t fully click for me.
April 1, 2026
Francis is still reeling from his breakup, throwing himself into his work as a paediatrician while quietly longing for the kind of love his friends have. Jack has just moved to London to pursue dance and reignite his relationship with his brother, ready for a fresh start.
When they meet at a Blackbird Boys dinner, it’s instant dislike, but life has other plans. Francis chooses to foster an abandoned baby, and Jack ends up as her nanny. What starts as tension and clashing personalities slowly shifts, their sparks turning into something neither of them expected.
I adored Jack. He’s sweet, kind, and fiercely determined to succeed as a dancer, even when doubt creeps in and make him question if he’s truly good enough. Despite those insecurities, he never gives up and that quiet resilience made me love him even more.
Francis completely broke my heart. Still struggling to move on from his past relationship, he carries so much pain, yet still has an incredible capacity for love. That’s what leads him to open his home, and his heart, to little Adele, and it’s impossible not to fall for him because of it.
From the very beginning, the chemistry between Jack and Francis is explosive, the tension electric. But what I loved most is how that tension slowly softens through their shared care of Adele. As they begin to open up, their antagonism turns into trust, then friendship, and eventually something so much deeper.
This is a true slow burn. Nothing feels rushed and their connection is built piece by piece, making their eventual romance feel incredibly earned, tender, and real. Watching their relationship grow into something soft and meaningful was so beautiful.
The found family element adds so much warmth and depth. The Blackbird Boys show up for each other in the best ways, and seeing familiar faces again just made it all the more special.
If you love slow-burn romance filled with tension, emotional growth, and a found family that feels like home, Collided absolutely deserves a spot at the top of your TBR.
When they meet at a Blackbird Boys dinner, it’s instant dislike, but life has other plans. Francis chooses to foster an abandoned baby, and Jack ends up as her nanny. What starts as tension and clashing personalities slowly shifts, their sparks turning into something neither of them expected.
I adored Jack. He’s sweet, kind, and fiercely determined to succeed as a dancer, even when doubt creeps in and make him question if he’s truly good enough. Despite those insecurities, he never gives up and that quiet resilience made me love him even more.
Francis completely broke my heart. Still struggling to move on from his past relationship, he carries so much pain, yet still has an incredible capacity for love. That’s what leads him to open his home, and his heart, to little Adele, and it’s impossible not to fall for him because of it.
From the very beginning, the chemistry between Jack and Francis is explosive, the tension electric. But what I loved most is how that tension slowly softens through their shared care of Adele. As they begin to open up, their antagonism turns into trust, then friendship, and eventually something so much deeper.
This is a true slow burn. Nothing feels rushed and their connection is built piece by piece, making their eventual romance feel incredibly earned, tender, and real. Watching their relationship grow into something soft and meaningful was so beautiful.
The found family element adds so much warmth and depth. The Blackbird Boys show up for each other in the best ways, and seeing familiar faces again just made it all the more special.
If you love slow-burn romance filled with tension, emotional growth, and a found family that feels like home, Collided absolutely deserves a spot at the top of your TBR.
March 31, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Collided by Riley Harper is a stunning follow-up in the Blackbird Boys series and one that completely swept me up emotionally from start to finish. Having loved book one, Entangled, it felt like coming home to a group of characters I already adored… and then falling even harder for them.
This instalment shifts the focus to Francis, a paediatrician still quietly carrying the heartbreak of a relationship that ended two years ago, and Jack (Francis’s friend, Ian’s younger brother) who arrives in London from Stratford-upon-Avon with big dreams and a dance scholarship. From the moment they meet, sparks fly… and not the good kind. Their clashes are sharp, tense, and honestly delicious to read.
What makes this story truly special, though, is the emotional depth. Francis’s lingering grief over his past relationship is handled so beautifully. I genuinely felt for him and his struggle to move forward. Then comes baby Adele. When Francis becomes her foster parent, everything shifts. It’s tender, raw, and quietly transformative watching him open his heart again.
Enter Jack as the babysitter because of course the universe has a sense of humour. What starts as friction slowly, achingly turns into something more. The slow burn here is perfect. Every moment earned, every glance loaded, every softening of their walls deeply satisfying.
And Jack? Watching him step into Adele’s life and naturally become her other dad was everything. The way the three of them come together as a family is just… heart-melting. No drama for the sake of it—just growth, healing and love building in the most authentic way.
Collided is a beautifully written MM romance about second chances, unexpected love, and the family you build along the way. Emotional, tender, and utterly addictive. I loved every second of it. 💙
#collided #rileyharper #bookstagram #mmromance #newrelease
Collided by Riley Harper is a stunning follow-up in the Blackbird Boys series and one that completely swept me up emotionally from start to finish. Having loved book one, Entangled, it felt like coming home to a group of characters I already adored… and then falling even harder for them.
This instalment shifts the focus to Francis, a paediatrician still quietly carrying the heartbreak of a relationship that ended two years ago, and Jack (Francis’s friend, Ian’s younger brother) who arrives in London from Stratford-upon-Avon with big dreams and a dance scholarship. From the moment they meet, sparks fly… and not the good kind. Their clashes are sharp, tense, and honestly delicious to read.
What makes this story truly special, though, is the emotional depth. Francis’s lingering grief over his past relationship is handled so beautifully. I genuinely felt for him and his struggle to move forward. Then comes baby Adele. When Francis becomes her foster parent, everything shifts. It’s tender, raw, and quietly transformative watching him open his heart again.
Enter Jack as the babysitter because of course the universe has a sense of humour. What starts as friction slowly, achingly turns into something more. The slow burn here is perfect. Every moment earned, every glance loaded, every softening of their walls deeply satisfying.
And Jack? Watching him step into Adele’s life and naturally become her other dad was everything. The way the three of them come together as a family is just… heart-melting. No drama for the sake of it—just growth, healing and love building in the most authentic way.
Collided is a beautifully written MM romance about second chances, unexpected love, and the family you build along the way. Emotional, tender, and utterly addictive. I loved every second of it. 💙
#collided #rileyharper #bookstagram #mmromance #newrelease
March 31, 2026
There’s something incredibly special about a story that makes you smile the entire time you’re reading it - and Collided did exactly that.
Francis and Jack shouldn’t work. They clash, they guard themselves, and they carry their own quiet wounds. But watching that tension slowly unravel into something soft, steady, and deeply intentional was everything.
What I loved most was the dynamic between them before romance even enters the picture. Francis stepping into fatherhood first - choosing love, responsibility, and care for a child who needed him - and Jack naturally falling into that space beside him? It created such a beautiful foundation. They didn’t just fall in love… they built a life first.
And Francis calling Jack his little fox?? I melted every single time.
I also really appreciated how Jack’s demisexuality and inexperience were handled with care and respect. Francis doesn’t just accept it - he honors it. There’s a quiet tenderness in the way he gives Jack control, making their connection feel safe, mutual, and deeply genuine.
Francis’s past - especially the lingering hurt from his failed proposal - adds another layer of realism. That fear of being hurt again doesn’t just disappear because something good comes along, and I loved that this story didn’t pretend otherwise.
Even the moments that could have turned overly dramatic - the injury, the custody scare - were handled in a way that felt grounded and non-exploitative, which made the story feel even more authentic.
Collided is a story about chosen family, healing, and a love that grows not from perfection, but from presence, patience, and trust.
And honestly? I didn’t want it to end.
Francis and Jack shouldn’t work. They clash, they guard themselves, and they carry their own quiet wounds. But watching that tension slowly unravel into something soft, steady, and deeply intentional was everything.
What I loved most was the dynamic between them before romance even enters the picture. Francis stepping into fatherhood first - choosing love, responsibility, and care for a child who needed him - and Jack naturally falling into that space beside him? It created such a beautiful foundation. They didn’t just fall in love… they built a life first.
And Francis calling Jack his little fox?? I melted every single time.
I also really appreciated how Jack’s demisexuality and inexperience were handled with care and respect. Francis doesn’t just accept it - he honors it. There’s a quiet tenderness in the way he gives Jack control, making their connection feel safe, mutual, and deeply genuine.
Francis’s past - especially the lingering hurt from his failed proposal - adds another layer of realism. That fear of being hurt again doesn’t just disappear because something good comes along, and I loved that this story didn’t pretend otherwise.
Even the moments that could have turned overly dramatic - the injury, the custody scare - were handled in a way that felt grounded and non-exploitative, which made the story feel even more authentic.
Collided is a story about chosen family, healing, and a love that grows not from perfection, but from presence, patience, and trust.
And honestly? I didn’t want it to end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2026
I really enjoyed this read. It was cute and had all the feels. I really liked Jack and Francis. I think they were written adorably.
Review of advance copy received from Autore
Ho seguito con grande emozione e coinvolgimento tutto il processo creativo di COLLIDED, secondo volume della serie di romanzi autoconclusivi dal titolo BLACKBIRD BOYS di Riley Harper.
Fare da Beta reader per l’edizione italiana mi ha permesso di immergermi tra queste pagine con una consapevolezza più accentuata e attenta del solito e di vivere le vicende ivi narrate con partecipazione viva e ipersensibile.
La storia, che si ambienta circa due anni dopo la fine del primo volume, si snoda fluida, sinuosa e avvincente, capace di commuovermi in più punti, di sollecitare i miei pensieri e risvegliare il mio sentire con una forza gentile ma insistente.
Nella prima metà del libro la sofferenza di Francis mi è letteralmente franata addosso. Lui, che avevo conosciuto così scherzoso, pungente ma gioviale, mi ha mostrato senza veli le sue profonde ferite. Ha perso i suoi punti di riferimento, lo scopo ultimo e vero sembra in frantumi e ora si trascina tra rimpianto e scoramento, tra un lavoro che ama, ma che è divenuto legante per tenere insieme i pezzi del suo cuore, e una vita di cui non riesce più a trovare il bandolo della matassa. Lo avevo apprezzato in Entangled, ma qui l’ho amato in ogni singolo pensiero, in ogni azione, anche quelle meno "eleganti", perché il dolore che provava l’ho capito con partecipazione intima in quanto lo conosco bene, avendolo vissuto da vicino, pur se in seconda persona, e per questo posso affermare con sicurezza che sia stato narrato con pregevole empatia, cogliendone e trasmettendone le svariate sfumature interiori. Vedere poi il mio dottore preferito tornare a vivere e fiorire è stato il più bel regalo che l’autrice potesse farmi.
Allo stesso modo, ma con maggior delicatezza, ho amato Jack, giovane folletto in moto perpetuo, che cerca di sconfiggere la sua invisibilità (presunta, mai reale) con una gioia e allegria contagiose e, se non ha le parole per esprimersi, lascia i suoi vestiti e la sua arte parlare per lui.
In questo romanzo ritroviamo tutti i Blackbird Boys, che fanno sentire la loro presenza in modo ancor più incisivo e tangibile che nel volume precedente. Attraverso questo gruppo variegato, la Harper esplora ed eleva i concetti di amicizia e lealtà, ricordandoci una lezione fondamentale su cosa voglia dire volersi bene.
Ancora una volta l’autrice parla di famiglia, affrontando anche un tema delicato e poco dibattuto, e lo fa con una competenza e una grazia davvero notevoli.
Lo stile di Riley è pulito e incisivo, empatico, elegante, ricco. Il ritmo narrativo avvolgente e ben cadenzato.
Un romanzo da leggere e amare e poi rileggere, rileggere, rileggere e amare sempre un po' di più.
Piccola nota per chi ha già letto e amato Entangled. In Collided troverà soluzione ciò che di aperto (veramente poco) era rimasto dal volume precedente. Senza farvi spoiler vi dirò che ho apprezzato questa chiusura oltremodo, trovandola perfettamente in linea con i personaggi.
Per concludere: indimenticabile
Hugs&kisses
Fare da Beta reader per l’edizione italiana mi ha permesso di immergermi tra queste pagine con una consapevolezza più accentuata e attenta del solito e di vivere le vicende ivi narrate con partecipazione viva e ipersensibile.
La storia, che si ambienta circa due anni dopo la fine del primo volume, si snoda fluida, sinuosa e avvincente, capace di commuovermi in più punti, di sollecitare i miei pensieri e risvegliare il mio sentire con una forza gentile ma insistente.
Nella prima metà del libro la sofferenza di Francis mi è letteralmente franata addosso. Lui, che avevo conosciuto così scherzoso, pungente ma gioviale, mi ha mostrato senza veli le sue profonde ferite. Ha perso i suoi punti di riferimento, lo scopo ultimo e vero sembra in frantumi e ora si trascina tra rimpianto e scoramento, tra un lavoro che ama, ma che è divenuto legante per tenere insieme i pezzi del suo cuore, e una vita di cui non riesce più a trovare il bandolo della matassa. Lo avevo apprezzato in Entangled, ma qui l’ho amato in ogni singolo pensiero, in ogni azione, anche quelle meno "eleganti", perché il dolore che provava l’ho capito con partecipazione intima in quanto lo conosco bene, avendolo vissuto da vicino, pur se in seconda persona, e per questo posso affermare con sicurezza che sia stato narrato con pregevole empatia, cogliendone e trasmettendone le svariate sfumature interiori. Vedere poi il mio dottore preferito tornare a vivere e fiorire è stato il più bel regalo che l’autrice potesse farmi.
Allo stesso modo, ma con maggior delicatezza, ho amato Jack, giovane folletto in moto perpetuo, che cerca di sconfiggere la sua invisibilità (presunta, mai reale) con una gioia e allegria contagiose e, se non ha le parole per esprimersi, lascia i suoi vestiti e la sua arte parlare per lui.
In questo romanzo ritroviamo tutti i Blackbird Boys, che fanno sentire la loro presenza in modo ancor più incisivo e tangibile che nel volume precedente. Attraverso questo gruppo variegato, la Harper esplora ed eleva i concetti di amicizia e lealtà, ricordandoci una lezione fondamentale su cosa voglia dire volersi bene.
Ancora una volta l’autrice parla di famiglia, affrontando anche un tema delicato e poco dibattuto, e lo fa con una competenza e una grazia davvero notevoli.
Lo stile di Riley è pulito e incisivo, empatico, elegante, ricco. Il ritmo narrativo avvolgente e ben cadenzato.
Un romanzo da leggere e amare e poi rileggere, rileggere, rileggere e amare sempre un po' di più.
Piccola nota per chi ha già letto e amato Entangled. In Collided troverà soluzione ciò che di aperto (veramente poco) era rimasto dal volume precedente. Senza farvi spoiler vi dirò che ho apprezzato questa chiusura oltremodo, trovandola perfettamente in linea con i personaggi.
Per concludere: indimenticabile
Hugs&kisses
May 22, 2026
DNF @ 7%
Not a super big fan of Francis just expo dumping his family history + the baby's. Would've been much better to have had that come in naturally when outfit became relevant (aka Francis meeting with his family, finding out the baby was left behind then getting into on the mother)
"How are we going to get the money for this expensive college?" Jack asks his mom.
Mom asks if he didn't get the scholarship he applied for and visibly starts to worry.
Suddenly Jack's all "Oh, don't worry! I did get the full ride. I was talking about living expenses"
Such awkward dialogue. Why would Jack be super vague about "money" when he already knew his tution was paid for? He was only clearly worried about the cost of living in London so the dialogue should've been focused on that without the misunderstanding. Also, why was he acting like he was clueless about what he could do to scrounge a living there? He applied to the school knowing where it was going to be right? You can make an argument that he didn't think he was going to get in, so he didn't do research about the more practical aspects of things, but considering how strongly he felt about his dancing, it felt weird.
Uhh, what? Francis bought a house for a future family he wanted before he proposed to his GF and confirmed that they were on the same page? Was he seriously that clueless about his relationship for him and Anne to have such opposing views (Francis proposing, Anne breaking things off). This comes out in a boring expo dump again btw where Francis also tells us he's bisexual.
Post expo dump, Francis says he's exhausted from work (as per his previous chapter) but he still has social obligations that he can't miss, so he's going to grin and bear it for the sake of his friends. Ok, sure that's understandable. But tell me why he still has energy to "complete his daily workout" after working a busy night shift? Doesn't really seem like he was all that tired if he was able to exercise without complaint.
Ok, early DNF but the expo dumps just did not work for me. The last straw was Jack's dad giving this heartfelt speech about not agreeing with his son's decision to pursue dancing professionally, but still respecting it and being proud of what he's accomplished. The scene would've been great as a payoff to their relationship if it had actually been developed beyond expo dumps from Jack about their fraught relationship in a single scene. The story suddenly making such a big deal about how Jack getting praise from his dad was this monumental event felt unearned and OTT because we literally only saw the dad being slightly disapproving in ONE scene. Then it randomly segues into Jack thinking about his relationship prospects after seeing the look his parents give each other and Imgave up because I didn't want to read another page full of a character just telling us more shit (Jack about his relationship history, how he differs from his brother...)
TL;DR: Too much expo dumping and the little that wasn't was awkward. 2 stars.
Not a super big fan of Francis just expo dumping his family history + the baby's. Would've been much better to have had that come in naturally when outfit became relevant (aka Francis meeting with his family, finding out the baby was left behind then getting into on the mother)
"How are we going to get the money for this expensive college?" Jack asks his mom.
Mom asks if he didn't get the scholarship he applied for and visibly starts to worry.
Suddenly Jack's all "Oh, don't worry! I did get the full ride. I was talking about living expenses"
Such awkward dialogue. Why would Jack be super vague about "money" when he already knew his tution was paid for? He was only clearly worried about the cost of living in London so the dialogue should've been focused on that without the misunderstanding. Also, why was he acting like he was clueless about what he could do to scrounge a living there? He applied to the school knowing where it was going to be right? You can make an argument that he didn't think he was going to get in, so he didn't do research about the more practical aspects of things, but considering how strongly he felt about his dancing, it felt weird.
Uhh, what? Francis bought a house for a future family he wanted before he proposed to his GF and confirmed that they were on the same page? Was he seriously that clueless about his relationship for him and Anne to have such opposing views (Francis proposing, Anne breaking things off). This comes out in a boring expo dump again btw where Francis also tells us he's bisexual.
Post expo dump, Francis says he's exhausted from work (as per his previous chapter) but he still has social obligations that he can't miss, so he's going to grin and bear it for the sake of his friends. Ok, sure that's understandable. But tell me why he still has energy to "complete his daily workout" after working a busy night shift? Doesn't really seem like he was all that tired if he was able to exercise without complaint.
Ok, early DNF but the expo dumps just did not work for me. The last straw was Jack's dad giving this heartfelt speech about not agreeing with his son's decision to pursue dancing professionally, but still respecting it and being proud of what he's accomplished. The scene would've been great as a payoff to their relationship if it had actually been developed beyond expo dumps from Jack about their fraught relationship in a single scene. The story suddenly making such a big deal about how Jack getting praise from his dad was this monumental event felt unearned and OTT because we literally only saw the dad being slightly disapproving in ONE scene. Then it randomly segues into Jack thinking about his relationship prospects after seeing the look his parents give each other and Imgave up because I didn't want to read another page full of a character just telling us more shit (Jack about his relationship history, how he differs from his brother...)
TL;DR: Too much expo dumping and the little that wasn't was awkward. 2 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Autore
RECENSIONE PER BLOG LETTURE SALE E PEPE
Secondo volume della serie Blackbird boys dove conosceremo la storia di Jack e Francis, due persone così diverse, ma unite dall’amore per un dolce folletto rosso.
Jack ha ottenuto una borsa di studio per una prestigiosa accademia di danza londinese, ma dovrà barcamenarsi per sopravvivere nella costosissima capitale. Punto di partenza: il divano della casa di suo fratello Ian; una soluzione un po’ forzata, ma nulla può frapporsi fra lui e la sua passione più grande:
“danzare è l’unica attività che dia un senso alla mia vita: il mio modo di esprimermi.”
Francis è un pediatra single ancora sofferente per la fine della sua relazione con Anne, naufragata un paio d’anni prima.
Quello che ho condiviso con Anne non è il tipo di rapporto che si cancella con un colpo di spugna.
Francis è uno dei più cari amici di Ian, il fratello di Jack e, alla prima uscita con i Blackbird, la loro prima interazione sarà di quelle da generare un odio immediato.
Quando una prima impressione negativa innalza da subito dei muri, nati dall’incomprensione degli intenti, la situazione diventa complicata, ma l‘arrivo di una “rossa” unirà le necessità di questi due giovani che a malapena si sopportano.
Non vi svelo altro sulla trama di questo dolcissimo romance mm che metterà in gioco i sentimenti di due persone che, sulla carta, poco hanno a che spartire ma, come si sa, gli opposti si attraggono.
Jack uscirà per la prima volta dalla sua vita di provincia, entrando in una metropoli così ricca di stimoli e opportunità. La sua aria così “stramba” e irriverente nasconde una timidezza affettiva che lo ha tenuto alla larga dai rapporti amorosi.
“Ciò che mi attrae in una persona non ha nulla a che vedere con il suo genere, ma con la connessione emotiva che riesco a stabilire con lei. “
Francis ha dovuto rinunciare al suo rapporto con Anne non tanto per mancanza di amore, ma per una differente visione della vita che, a lungo andare, li avrebbe comunque separati. Vivere la sua quotidianità col giovane ballerino gli aprirà uno scenario inatteso…
“Eppure, per la prima volta in vita mia, sto sperimentando un sentimento che va oltre tutto questo: oltre la stanchezza, oltre le mie esigenze, oltre i miei desideri.“
Sarà bello rivedere tutta la banda dei Blackbirds riuniti, la loro amicizia così sincera pronta a raccogliersi come una calda coperta intorno ai loro amici nel momento del bisogno, un tipo di rapporto che, non solo supporta, ma aiuta ad aprire gli occhi sui veri sentimenti che animeranno i cuori dei due protagonisti.
“Jack appartiene già a questa casa, appartiene a me, anche se lui forse ancora non lo sa”
“È come se Francis mi mancasse sempre, anche quando sono con lui“.
Non posso fare altro che lasciarvi la curiosità di scoprire questa nuova avventura dolce, un po’ incasinata, ma sicuramente bellissima.
Secondo volume della serie Blackbird boys dove conosceremo la storia di Jack e Francis, due persone così diverse, ma unite dall’amore per un dolce folletto rosso.
Jack ha ottenuto una borsa di studio per una prestigiosa accademia di danza londinese, ma dovrà barcamenarsi per sopravvivere nella costosissima capitale. Punto di partenza: il divano della casa di suo fratello Ian; una soluzione un po’ forzata, ma nulla può frapporsi fra lui e la sua passione più grande:
“danzare è l’unica attività che dia un senso alla mia vita: il mio modo di esprimermi.”
Francis è un pediatra single ancora sofferente per la fine della sua relazione con Anne, naufragata un paio d’anni prima.
Quello che ho condiviso con Anne non è il tipo di rapporto che si cancella con un colpo di spugna.
Francis è uno dei più cari amici di Ian, il fratello di Jack e, alla prima uscita con i Blackbird, la loro prima interazione sarà di quelle da generare un odio immediato.
Quando una prima impressione negativa innalza da subito dei muri, nati dall’incomprensione degli intenti, la situazione diventa complicata, ma l‘arrivo di una “rossa” unirà le necessità di questi due giovani che a malapena si sopportano.
Non vi svelo altro sulla trama di questo dolcissimo romance mm che metterà in gioco i sentimenti di due persone che, sulla carta, poco hanno a che spartire ma, come si sa, gli opposti si attraggono.
Jack uscirà per la prima volta dalla sua vita di provincia, entrando in una metropoli così ricca di stimoli e opportunità. La sua aria così “stramba” e irriverente nasconde una timidezza affettiva che lo ha tenuto alla larga dai rapporti amorosi.
“Ciò che mi attrae in una persona non ha nulla a che vedere con il suo genere, ma con la connessione emotiva che riesco a stabilire con lei. “
Francis ha dovuto rinunciare al suo rapporto con Anne non tanto per mancanza di amore, ma per una differente visione della vita che, a lungo andare, li avrebbe comunque separati. Vivere la sua quotidianità col giovane ballerino gli aprirà uno scenario inatteso…
“Eppure, per la prima volta in vita mia, sto sperimentando un sentimento che va oltre tutto questo: oltre la stanchezza, oltre le mie esigenze, oltre i miei desideri.“
Sarà bello rivedere tutta la banda dei Blackbirds riuniti, la loro amicizia così sincera pronta a raccogliersi come una calda coperta intorno ai loro amici nel momento del bisogno, un tipo di rapporto che, non solo supporta, ma aiuta ad aprire gli occhi sui veri sentimenti che animeranno i cuori dei due protagonisti.
“Jack appartiene già a questa casa, appartiene a me, anche se lui forse ancora non lo sa”
“È come se Francis mi mancasse sempre, anche quando sono con lui“.
Non posso fare altro che lasciarvi la curiosità di scoprire questa nuova avventura dolce, un po’ incasinata, ma sicuramente bellissima.
April 7, 2026
ARC Review
Collided by Riley Harper
I cannot believe this book had the audacity to end when I was still completely invested in these men. Excuse me?? I needed more.
This is such a delicious sequel in the Blackbird Boys series. BUT let me warn you now: this is a slow burn. And I don’t mean cute simmer… I mean these men actively cannot stand each other for most of the book. The tension? Hostile. The vibes? Questionable. The payoff? Worth it.
Francis is out here heartbroken, emotionally constipated, and burying himself in his work as a paediatrician while low-key yearning for the kind of love his friends have (sir… stand up 😭). Meanwhile, Jack rolls into London chasing dance dreams, determined to get his life together. Then they meet at a Blackbird Boys dinner and it’s NOT love at first sight—it’s “I would rather sit anywhere else but near you".
But then—because the universe clearly thrives on chaos—Francis decides to foster a baby and suddenly needs a nanny… and who gets volunteered for the job? Jack. Yes. That Jack. The one he absolutely cannot stand. Of course he has childcare experience. Of course it had to be him. I mean… you already know this is about to get messy. What starts as frustration and constant friction gradually turns into something quiet and aching… something that settled deep in my chest and didn’t let go.
Francis is still carrying so much grief, and it’s written so beautifully it hurts. Watching him try to move forward felt so real. He broke me—still hurting, still trying, still so full of love. And the way he opens his heart to Adele? Yeah… I’m emotional.
And then there’s baby Adele 😭 When she enters the picture, everything shifts. It’s soft, it’s raw, it’s healing in the quietest way. Watching Francis open his heart again?? I was NOT okay.
Jack, my sassy angel, is impossible not to love. Though he’s shy, he holds a quiet confidence, and his dedication to dance and determination to succeed never waver—even when self-doubt tries to hold him back.
Can we talk about the found family... Because the Blackbird Boys SHOW UP. The love, the support, the chaos—it just makes everything feel so warm and real. Seeing them again felt like coming home.
Anyway, if you’re into slow-burn romance, emotional damage (the good kind), and found family that will adopt you spiritually, Collided needs to be at the TOP of your TBR immediately.
No excuses. Go.
Collided by Riley Harper
I cannot believe this book had the audacity to end when I was still completely invested in these men. Excuse me?? I needed more.
This is such a delicious sequel in the Blackbird Boys series. BUT let me warn you now: this is a slow burn. And I don’t mean cute simmer… I mean these men actively cannot stand each other for most of the book. The tension? Hostile. The vibes? Questionable. The payoff? Worth it.
Francis is out here heartbroken, emotionally constipated, and burying himself in his work as a paediatrician while low-key yearning for the kind of love his friends have (sir… stand up 😭). Meanwhile, Jack rolls into London chasing dance dreams, determined to get his life together. Then they meet at a Blackbird Boys dinner and it’s NOT love at first sight—it’s “I would rather sit anywhere else but near you".
But then—because the universe clearly thrives on chaos—Francis decides to foster a baby and suddenly needs a nanny… and who gets volunteered for the job? Jack. Yes. That Jack. The one he absolutely cannot stand. Of course he has childcare experience. Of course it had to be him. I mean… you already know this is about to get messy. What starts as frustration and constant friction gradually turns into something quiet and aching… something that settled deep in my chest and didn’t let go.
Francis is still carrying so much grief, and it’s written so beautifully it hurts. Watching him try to move forward felt so real. He broke me—still hurting, still trying, still so full of love. And the way he opens his heart to Adele? Yeah… I’m emotional.
And then there’s baby Adele 😭 When she enters the picture, everything shifts. It’s soft, it’s raw, it’s healing in the quietest way. Watching Francis open his heart again?? I was NOT okay.
Jack, my sassy angel, is impossible not to love. Though he’s shy, he holds a quiet confidence, and his dedication to dance and determination to succeed never waver—even when self-doubt tries to hold him back.
Can we talk about the found family... Because the Blackbird Boys SHOW UP. The love, the support, the chaos—it just makes everything feel so warm and real. Seeing them again felt like coming home.
Anyway, if you’re into slow-burn romance, emotional damage (the good kind), and found family that will adopt you spiritually, Collided needs to be at the TOP of your TBR immediately.
No excuses. Go.
April 8, 2026
Thanks so much Riley Harper for the book. I was gifted this book as an advance review copy (ARC) for free, and I am leaving this review completely voluntarily.
Collided follows Francis, a pediatrician who has built a very controlled and stable life, and Jack, who comes into that world and completely disrupts it. Their connection starts off tense and uncertain, but over time it grows into something deeper as both men are forced to confront their pasts and emotional barriers. This is a story about vulnerability, self-worth, and learning how to let someone in.
I’ll be honest, it took me a while to get into this one. I actually considered DNFing it twice in the beginning, but I pushed through and I’m glad I did. It wasn’t until I finished that I realized this is technically the second book in the series, which might explain why it took me a bit to fully settle into the story. That said, I never felt completely lost, so it can still be read on its own.
This is a very slow burn romance. I don’t think the characters even kiss until well past the halfway point, which really emphasizes how much time is spent building emotional tension. Once things finally shift, it definitely leans into the spice, jumping from zero to all in quickly. I found myself wishing there had been a bit more balance in the middle.
One thing I really enjoyed was the found family aspect. The side characters brought a lot of warmth to the story, and you can tell they likely had a bigger presence in the first book. There were moments where I was actually more invested in them than the main couple. I also appreciated the focus on self-worth, especially through one of the main characters. That theme felt very real and relatable, even if it was a bit drawn out at times.
This was my first time reading this author, and while I liked parts of it, I didn’t fully connect with the story overall. The miscommunication trope played a pretty big role, and at times it felt like it was doing most of the heavy lifting for the conflict. I also found myself wanting a stronger, more defined climax. The emotional arc is there, but it felt a little understated by the end.
Happy reading friends,
~ Maebae 💚
I’m a fellow book lover reviewing the good, the bad, and everything bookish in-between. All thoughts, opinions, and reactions are completely my own. I wasn’t paid, sponsored, or influenced in any way.
Collided follows Francis, a pediatrician who has built a very controlled and stable life, and Jack, who comes into that world and completely disrupts it. Their connection starts off tense and uncertain, but over time it grows into something deeper as both men are forced to confront their pasts and emotional barriers. This is a story about vulnerability, self-worth, and learning how to let someone in.
I’ll be honest, it took me a while to get into this one. I actually considered DNFing it twice in the beginning, but I pushed through and I’m glad I did. It wasn’t until I finished that I realized this is technically the second book in the series, which might explain why it took me a bit to fully settle into the story. That said, I never felt completely lost, so it can still be read on its own.
This is a very slow burn romance. I don’t think the characters even kiss until well past the halfway point, which really emphasizes how much time is spent building emotional tension. Once things finally shift, it definitely leans into the spice, jumping from zero to all in quickly. I found myself wishing there had been a bit more balance in the middle.
One thing I really enjoyed was the found family aspect. The side characters brought a lot of warmth to the story, and you can tell they likely had a bigger presence in the first book. There were moments where I was actually more invested in them than the main couple. I also appreciated the focus on self-worth, especially through one of the main characters. That theme felt very real and relatable, even if it was a bit drawn out at times.
This was my first time reading this author, and while I liked parts of it, I didn’t fully connect with the story overall. The miscommunication trope played a pretty big role, and at times it felt like it was doing most of the heavy lifting for the conflict. I also found myself wanting a stronger, more defined climax. The emotional arc is there, but it felt a little understated by the end.
Happy reading friends,
~ Maebae 💚
I’m a fellow book lover reviewing the good, the bad, and everything bookish in-between. All thoughts, opinions, and reactions are completely my own. I wasn’t paid, sponsored, or influenced in any way.
April 12, 2026
Take a hard-charging pediatrician nursing a broken heart, add in a free-spirited dancer and watch the sparks fly.
That’s just the start of Collided, the second book in the Blackbird Boys series.
Jack has won a scholarship to a prestigious London dance school and will be crashing in his not-all-that-enthusiastic-at-the-situation brother Ian’s flat. There he meets Ian’s friends who hang out at the local pub. He likes all of them except cranky, imperious Dr. Francis Starkey.
Still, when Francis finds himself fostering an abandoned baby, he reluctantly helps him. And this sets the stage for a truly sweet love story.
This delightful book has so many of my favorites tropes.
Dislike at First Sight. I wouldn’t call it hate, but intense irritation. Jack doesn’t like Francis’ attitude. Francis hates Jack’s fashion sense. But their snarky banter may be hiding something else…
Opposites Attract. Optimist vs. pessimistic. Grumpy/Sunshine. Man of science vs. artist. Yet once Francis lets go of his bruised ego masquerading as a broke heart, Jack finally sees him as the kind soul his new friends swear he is. I was so glad to see Francis return to the man I liked in Entangled.
Single Dad x Nanny. Baby Adele is adorable, and helps move things along by cutting short a date Francis had with someone who is not Jack. It’s a funny and sweet moment that gets Jack and Francis to start realize their feelings.
Found Family. The Blackbird gang is back - and growing. This is such a great group of friends. I loved seeing Seb and Remi again and still so in love. And the addition of Jack’s dance friend Ludo is inspired. Fingers crossed his story is coming soon!
This is a slow, slow burn. It worked for this story because Jack is inexperienced and Francis is so patient. And to be honest he and Francis are so busy with work, school, and baby Adele it makes sense.
There are lots of twists and turns and I really enjoyed this one.
That’s just the start of Collided, the second book in the Blackbird Boys series.
Jack has won a scholarship to a prestigious London dance school and will be crashing in his not-all-that-enthusiastic-at-the-situation brother Ian’s flat. There he meets Ian’s friends who hang out at the local pub. He likes all of them except cranky, imperious Dr. Francis Starkey.
Still, when Francis finds himself fostering an abandoned baby, he reluctantly helps him. And this sets the stage for a truly sweet love story.
This delightful book has so many of my favorites tropes.
Dislike at First Sight. I wouldn’t call it hate, but intense irritation. Jack doesn’t like Francis’ attitude. Francis hates Jack’s fashion sense. But their snarky banter may be hiding something else…
Opposites Attract. Optimist vs. pessimistic. Grumpy/Sunshine. Man of science vs. artist. Yet once Francis lets go of his bruised ego masquerading as a broke heart, Jack finally sees him as the kind soul his new friends swear he is. I was so glad to see Francis return to the man I liked in Entangled.
Single Dad x Nanny. Baby Adele is adorable, and helps move things along by cutting short a date Francis had with someone who is not Jack. It’s a funny and sweet moment that gets Jack and Francis to start realize their feelings.
Found Family. The Blackbird gang is back - and growing. This is such a great group of friends. I loved seeing Seb and Remi again and still so in love. And the addition of Jack’s dance friend Ludo is inspired. Fingers crossed his story is coming soon!
This is a slow, slow burn. It worked for this story because Jack is inexperienced and Francis is so patient. And to be honest he and Francis are so busy with work, school, and baby Adele it makes sense.
There are lots of twists and turns and I really enjoyed this one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I ARC read Collided by Riley Harper after recently reading book 1. Entangled. Reading the books so closely together made it really easy to acquire some favorite characters. OBVIOUSLY I loved Remi and Seb and having them in some prominent scenes in book 2 really helped with the connection. I totally bought into the dynamic of the friend group. Many of the scenes were quite realistic, and the way the story unfolded was quite believable. I was quite sucked into the story with book one, and I thought book 2 would have a similar vibe. Indeed however this book had its own story and set of feels.
This book was very much a slow burn in my opinion. Do not read this book thinking you will be getting a high spice, heavily playing into kinks or tropes storyline. This is a realistic story of making the best of a situation, leaning on family when you are first staring out, and experiencing unexpected happiness when you may not have been looking.
There were a few things I struggled with and I do think this is very much a me problem. I really enjoyed Francis's character in the first book, and therefore found it hard to believe he was so dislikable (from Jack's perspective).... AND on the flip side, I did think Jack was SUPER CUTE and therefore how could Francis be frustrated with him in the slightest. I know this book is marketed to be an enemies to lovers but I just couldn't read it that way. I just thought they needed to stop playing. I struggled to buy into the enemies to lovers bit. 😄
Here are the tropes I think you can expect to find in this sweet read.
💟First Times
💟Bi Awakening
💟Slow Burn
💟Enemies to Lovers (kind of!)
💟Found Family
💟Size Difference
There was a touch of Demi and some talk of leggings, but really to me, this book focused more on respect and individualism of the characters as they grew into finding each other.
This book was very much a slow burn in my opinion. Do not read this book thinking you will be getting a high spice, heavily playing into kinks or tropes storyline. This is a realistic story of making the best of a situation, leaning on family when you are first staring out, and experiencing unexpected happiness when you may not have been looking.
There were a few things I struggled with and I do think this is very much a me problem. I really enjoyed Francis's character in the first book, and therefore found it hard to believe he was so dislikable (from Jack's perspective).... AND on the flip side, I did think Jack was SUPER CUTE and therefore how could Francis be frustrated with him in the slightest. I know this book is marketed to be an enemies to lovers but I just couldn't read it that way. I just thought they needed to stop playing. I struggled to buy into the enemies to lovers bit. 😄
Here are the tropes I think you can expect to find in this sweet read.
💟First Times
💟Bi Awakening
💟Slow Burn
💟Enemies to Lovers (kind of!)
💟Found Family
💟Size Difference
There was a touch of Demi and some talk of leggings, but really to me, this book focused more on respect and individualism of the characters as they grew into finding each other.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
Rounded up from 3.5 stars
A dancer, a doctor, and a love that catches them by surprise
Jack is a shy passionate dancer who has been accepted into the prestigious London Contemporary Dance Academy. A long time dream come true. In order to move to London he has to temporary live with his estranged older brother, Ian. In the meanwhile Francis, a paediatric doctor is still having a broken heart after his ex left him two years ago. When Jack and Francis cross paths at a friend's party, neither expects the instant connection that pulls them together.
Jack is a lovely character, he has a big heart and a quiet strength. He struggles with self doubt, family expectations and bullying. It makes him a very believable character. Francis is a caring dedicated doctor. He is vulnerable and lonely. It was endearing to watch him open up to Jack. Even it it took a while.
The slow burn in this book felt natural. The relationship between Jack and Francis develops gradually and realistically. No insta love, just two people that figure out their feelings.
The found family were so welcome for our sweet Jack. I was so happy for him that he found his people.
The storyline with the baby was heartwarming but had also angsty moments. It was one that was well balanced. Well done on that part.
I feel that Jack his dance career could have had a bit more prominent position in the story. Furthermore I think that Ian's grumpiness is overdone and that Anne's role in Francis's live is a bit to vague to make her a compelling antagonist. If there would have been more nuance this would have strengthened the story.
All with all, this was a heartwarming MM romance with a lot of emotional moments. I enjoyed reading this.
Rounded up from 3.5 stars
A dancer, a doctor, and a love that catches them by surprise
Jack is a shy passionate dancer who has been accepted into the prestigious London Contemporary Dance Academy. A long time dream come true. In order to move to London he has to temporary live with his estranged older brother, Ian. In the meanwhile Francis, a paediatric doctor is still having a broken heart after his ex left him two years ago. When Jack and Francis cross paths at a friend's party, neither expects the instant connection that pulls them together.
Jack is a lovely character, he has a big heart and a quiet strength. He struggles with self doubt, family expectations and bullying. It makes him a very believable character. Francis is a caring dedicated doctor. He is vulnerable and lonely. It was endearing to watch him open up to Jack. Even it it took a while.
The slow burn in this book felt natural. The relationship between Jack and Francis develops gradually and realistically. No insta love, just two people that figure out their feelings.
The found family were so welcome for our sweet Jack. I was so happy for him that he found his people.
The storyline with the baby was heartwarming but had also angsty moments. It was one that was well balanced. Well done on that part.
I feel that Jack his dance career could have had a bit more prominent position in the story. Furthermore I think that Ian's grumpiness is overdone and that Anne's role in Francis's live is a bit to vague to make her a compelling antagonist. If there would have been more nuance this would have strengthened the story.
All with all, this was a heartwarming MM romance with a lot of emotional moments. I enjoyed reading this.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Collided is the most swoon worthy, heart melting, so sweet it will make your teeth hurt book I've read in a long time. It is book 2 of the Blackbird Boys series. Francis, a pediatrician with a big heart but is sort of grumpy and Jack the sunshine dancer are our main characters in this story. These two definitely "collide" in this story! They keep being thrown together in different circumstances due to Ian, Jack's brother, being one of the Blackbird members and Fran being a member himself. Francis has the house, he has the desire to be a father, but what he doesn't have is the partner or the baby. Until fate aligns and he finds himself with a beautiful baby girl he is fostering and the need for a babysitter/nanny. When Ian suggests that his brother, Jack, would be perfect for the job neither Francis nor Jack are particularly on board since there is definitely some unresolvable tension between the two after their first encounter. However, our sweet Adele, is a baby you can't say no to and Jack accepts the position. With a lot of forced proximity these two find themselves fighting feelings for each other until they finally give in. If you're looking for a high spice book you won't find it here. While there is some open door spice it is very much a slow burn, feelings first, type of book and it makes it that much better because of it. You won't be able to help falling in love with Francis, Jack, and baby Adele. I dare you to try to resist them!
Thank you so much to Riley Harper for the gift of being able to ARC read this book. It is truly a beautiful and inspired love story I could read again and again!
Thank you so much to Riley Harper for the gift of being able to ARC read this book. It is truly a beautiful and inspired love story I could read again and again!
Review of advance copy received from Author
In Collided, the second installment of The Blackbird Boys series, Riley Harper delivers a profoundly moving MM romance that navigates the friction between guarded success and vulnerable new starts. This is a brilliant study of how initial dislike can often be the mask for a transformative attraction.
The narrative follows Francis Starkey, a high-achieving pediatrician in London who feels a persistent, quiet void despite his professional accolades. When he meets Jack McAvoy—a shy, determined dance student moving in with Ian, one of Fran's best friends and Jack's older brother—the resulting clash is immediate. Harper expertly utilizes the enemies-to-lovers and brother’s best friend tropes to create a slow burn that feels entirely organic.
The introduction of little Adele acts as the ultimate catalyst. Her presence forces both men to lower their defenses, shifting the story into a beautiful found-family dynamic. The inclusion of a virgin MC and demi representation adds layers of nuance to the intimacy, making the connection feel earned and incredibly potent despite its restraint.
The Blackbird Boys' group dynamic remains the heart of this series. The found-family setting is so heartwarming it practically induces baby fever through the page. While Francis may be a polarizing subject initially, his growth alongside the creatively hilarious Jack is addictive. A stellar 4.25-star read for anyone seeking emotional healing and a love story that reshapes everything it touches.
The narrative follows Francis Starkey, a high-achieving pediatrician in London who feels a persistent, quiet void despite his professional accolades. When he meets Jack McAvoy—a shy, determined dance student moving in with Ian, one of Fran's best friends and Jack's older brother—the resulting clash is immediate. Harper expertly utilizes the enemies-to-lovers and brother’s best friend tropes to create a slow burn that feels entirely organic.
The introduction of little Adele acts as the ultimate catalyst. Her presence forces both men to lower their defenses, shifting the story into a beautiful found-family dynamic. The inclusion of a virgin MC and demi representation adds layers of nuance to the intimacy, making the connection feel earned and incredibly potent despite its restraint.
The Blackbird Boys' group dynamic remains the heart of this series. The found-family setting is so heartwarming it practically induces baby fever through the page. While Francis may be a polarizing subject initially, his growth alongside the creatively hilarious Jack is addictive. A stellar 4.25-star read for anyone seeking emotional healing and a love story that reshapes everything it touches.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ARC Review✨
⭐️ 4.5/5
🌶️ 1.5/5
Main characters: Francis & Jack
Side characters: Ian, Remi, Sebastian, Anne, Ollie, Kit, Jamie, Noah, Maude, Ludo
Page count: 391
First person, dual POV.
Another sweet addition to The Blackbird Boys series. This whole group of friends is so wonderful. I absolutely love how loyal and supportive they are of each other, and seemingly how accepting of new members they are too. Even though they are very protective they do a wonderful job of welcoming newcomers with open arms. The whole group has a really lovely dynamic.
This book focuses on Francis and Jack. Francis we met in Entangled, and he is Remi’s best friend. Jack we hadn’t met before but he is Ian’s brother (who we also met in Entangled). The relationship between Francis and Jack has quite the arc in this book, to say the least. Their first meeting does not go well and proceeds to set the tone for basically the first half of the story. Eventually there is a shift and the pure devotion they have for each other by the end is beautiful.
I absolutely loved baby Adele and what she and her storyline brought to the book. The fact that Francis was compelled to step in and care for her, and the way he does this with all of his being, shows what an amazing person he is. I really loved this aspect of the story.
And then there is Jack who just shines so brightly. We definitely see his bratty side, especially in the beginning, but he has so much depth as well. I loved that he was so quirky and just unafraid to be himself.
I highly recommend this one, and the first book in series, Entangled. I will be looking forward to more from the Blackbird Boys in the future!
⭐️ 4.5/5
🌶️ 1.5/5
Main characters: Francis & Jack
Side characters: Ian, Remi, Sebastian, Anne, Ollie, Kit, Jamie, Noah, Maude, Ludo
Page count: 391
First person, dual POV.
Another sweet addition to The Blackbird Boys series. This whole group of friends is so wonderful. I absolutely love how loyal and supportive they are of each other, and seemingly how accepting of new members they are too. Even though they are very protective they do a wonderful job of welcoming newcomers with open arms. The whole group has a really lovely dynamic.
This book focuses on Francis and Jack. Francis we met in Entangled, and he is Remi’s best friend. Jack we hadn’t met before but he is Ian’s brother (who we also met in Entangled). The relationship between Francis and Jack has quite the arc in this book, to say the least. Their first meeting does not go well and proceeds to set the tone for basically the first half of the story. Eventually there is a shift and the pure devotion they have for each other by the end is beautiful.
I absolutely loved baby Adele and what she and her storyline brought to the book. The fact that Francis was compelled to step in and care for her, and the way he does this with all of his being, shows what an amazing person he is. I really loved this aspect of the story.
And then there is Jack who just shines so brightly. We definitely see his bratty side, especially in the beginning, but he has so much depth as well. I loved that he was so quirky and just unafraid to be himself.
I highly recommend this one, and the first book in series, Entangled. I will be looking forward to more from the Blackbird Boys in the future!
March 31, 2026
I received a copy of this book for my honest review.
This book was ok. I did not read the first as this was billed as a standalone in a series. The first couple are in this book, as this book takes place a few years after the first.
I liked the premise of this book and I liked the beginning and ending. The characters are likeable and the plot is cute. I do feel like this book is very slow paced and too much of the story consists of the side characters and their backgrounds, and there are a lot of side characters. Also the main couple’s story doesn’t even get going till 55% into the book.
It is a dislike to lovers, but I don’t really understand the ongoing grudge from their first meet. I understand that one of the MMC’s wasn’t at his best when they met but I don’t get the ongoing grudge. I also didn’t really feel much chemistry between the MMC’s, but that is probably because their page time together starts so far into the book. There is a lot of background and character descriptions and both MMC’s, I feel, are well fleshed out, I just wish their on page worded relationship was the same.
I was very satisfied with how everything resolved at the end, how it al came together.
I wanted to like this book more but found myself skimming and my attention wandered in the belly of the story. I wanted more attention on the couple and growing their chemistry and relationship. That all seemed to happen in the last third of the story.
This book was ok. I did not read the first as this was billed as a standalone in a series. The first couple are in this book, as this book takes place a few years after the first.
I liked the premise of this book and I liked the beginning and ending. The characters are likeable and the plot is cute. I do feel like this book is very slow paced and too much of the story consists of the side characters and their backgrounds, and there are a lot of side characters. Also the main couple’s story doesn’t even get going till 55% into the book.
It is a dislike to lovers, but I don’t really understand the ongoing grudge from their first meet. I understand that one of the MMC’s wasn’t at his best when they met but I don’t get the ongoing grudge. I also didn’t really feel much chemistry between the MMC’s, but that is probably because their page time together starts so far into the book. There is a lot of background and character descriptions and both MMC’s, I feel, are well fleshed out, I just wish their on page worded relationship was the same.
I was very satisfied with how everything resolved at the end, how it al came together.
I wanted to like this book more but found myself skimming and my attention wandered in the belly of the story. I wanted more attention on the couple and growing their chemistry and relationship. That all seemed to happen in the last third of the story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Breathtaking, beautiful, and absolutely swoon worthy. Riley Harper delivers the most exquisite slow burn love story in Collided.
Jack and Francis quite literally collide at the beginning of their story. Not in the physical sense, in the life keeps throwing them together sort of way. This is not an enemies to lovers story, it's a forced proximity, you bug me, but somehow I still find you endearing story. Their mutual disregard slowly turns to a tentative friendship, and before either of them truly realizes it, their emotions have grown.
Jack is a young dancer, just starting to come into his own. He moves to London and gets adopted into a chosen family, The Blackbird Boys which is how he meets Francis. Is it love at first site? No. Are there fireworks? Yes. Add in the most adorable little red haired girl and Jack is smitten and Francis finds someone that helps him remember what happiness truly feels like. What follows is a story of growth, support, laughter, and finding happiness again- when you thought it was gone forever.
Collided is a slow burn romance that has moments of sass, stolen moments that will make you swoon and two men that find their happy ever after when they least expected it.
Collided is book two in the The Blackbird Boys series, while it can be read as a standalone it does contain spoilers for Entangled.
Jack and Francis quite literally collide at the beginning of their story. Not in the physical sense, in the life keeps throwing them together sort of way. This is not an enemies to lovers story, it's a forced proximity, you bug me, but somehow I still find you endearing story. Their mutual disregard slowly turns to a tentative friendship, and before either of them truly realizes it, their emotions have grown.
Jack is a young dancer, just starting to come into his own. He moves to London and gets adopted into a chosen family, The Blackbird Boys which is how he meets Francis. Is it love at first site? No. Are there fireworks? Yes. Add in the most adorable little red haired girl and Jack is smitten and Francis finds someone that helps him remember what happiness truly feels like. What follows is a story of growth, support, laughter, and finding happiness again- when you thought it was gone forever.
Collided is a slow burn romance that has moments of sass, stolen moments that will make you swoon and two men that find their happy ever after when they least expected it.
Collided is book two in the The Blackbird Boys series, while it can be read as a standalone it does contain spoilers for Entangled.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
Collided by Riley Harper was such an easy 5-star read for me. I completely fell in love with Francis and Jack and the journey they go on together.
Jack is a dance student at a prestigious academy in London, and when he first meets the Blackbird Boys family, he immediately clashes with Francis. Francis is a pediatrician with the biggest heart, still carrying the weight of a difficult breakup with his longtime girlfriend. What really pulled me in was watching these two slowly move past their initial friction and begin to understand each other on a deeper level.
The banter between them was genuinely one of my favorite parts. it felt natural, sharp, and full of chemistry. But beyond that, the emotional core of the story really stood out. Francis is faced with a life-changing situation, and seeing the way the Blackbird family shows up for him added so much depth and warmth to the story.
This book balances softness and emotion so well. It has hurt/comfort, demi and bi representation, a small age gap, brother’s best friend vibes, and such a strong found family element. And yes… the leggings made their own kind of impact 😌
Overall, this was such a comforting, heartwarming read. The characters felt genuine, the relationships felt earned, and I couldn’t stop smiling by the end.
Collided by Riley Harper was such an easy 5-star read for me. I completely fell in love with Francis and Jack and the journey they go on together.
Jack is a dance student at a prestigious academy in London, and when he first meets the Blackbird Boys family, he immediately clashes with Francis. Francis is a pediatrician with the biggest heart, still carrying the weight of a difficult breakup with his longtime girlfriend. What really pulled me in was watching these two slowly move past their initial friction and begin to understand each other on a deeper level.
The banter between them was genuinely one of my favorite parts. it felt natural, sharp, and full of chemistry. But beyond that, the emotional core of the story really stood out. Francis is faced with a life-changing situation, and seeing the way the Blackbird family shows up for him added so much depth and warmth to the story.
This book balances softness and emotion so well. It has hurt/comfort, demi and bi representation, a small age gap, brother’s best friend vibes, and such a strong found family element. And yes… the leggings made their own kind of impact 😌
Overall, this was such a comforting, heartwarming read. The characters felt genuine, the relationships felt earned, and I couldn’t stop smiling by the end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3 ⭐️
🌶️1/2 - low to medium spice, a few explicit scenes with slightly less descriptive/detailed language
1st person, dual POV
This can definitely be read as a standalone, but the author did encourage the reader to start at the first in the series, which I would agree with. There were many side characters who seemed to have this in-depth history that I wasn’t fully privy to. It wasn’t extremely bothersome, but it was definitely noticeable.
This book seemed to have so much build up before finally getting down to the nitty gritty of the main plot points. Much of the first half centered so much around the main characters as individuals with separate lives. Because of all of this lead up outside of the two MC’s relationship, the turning point in their relationship finally turning romantic felt a bit out of the blue even though I was expecting it the whole time.
There weren’t a lot of things I loved or hated. It was very middle of the road. Some things were cute and I appreciated, but much of it, I found myself not caring much about. I just couldn’t connect with it for some reason. I think there are people who would probably enjoy it.
Thanks to the author for the advance copy 💝 Releases March 31st!
🌶️1/2 - low to medium spice, a few explicit scenes with slightly less descriptive/detailed language
1st person, dual POV
This can definitely be read as a standalone, but the author did encourage the reader to start at the first in the series, which I would agree with. There were many side characters who seemed to have this in-depth history that I wasn’t fully privy to. It wasn’t extremely bothersome, but it was definitely noticeable.
This book seemed to have so much build up before finally getting down to the nitty gritty of the main plot points. Much of the first half centered so much around the main characters as individuals with separate lives. Because of all of this lead up outside of the two MC’s relationship, the turning point in their relationship finally turning romantic felt a bit out of the blue even though I was expecting it the whole time.
There weren’t a lot of things I loved or hated. It was very middle of the road. Some things were cute and I appreciated, but much of it, I found myself not caring much about. I just couldn’t connect with it for some reason. I think there are people who would probably enjoy it.
Thanks to the author for the advance copy 💝 Releases March 31st!
April 2, 2026
4 ✨ GUYS, this was a MANNY romance and it was so adorable.
I’m an absolute sucker for the nanny meets broody single father trope, and this was no exception. As I’ve come to expect from Riley Harper the plot and dynamic of this stories was unique in the best way.
Does it get better than a grouchy pediatrician having to ask for help from his friend’s eccentric little brother? No.
The forced proximity of nanny romance is already delicious, but add the fact that these two didn’t get off on the right foot and you have a dislike to lovers tone that made me giggle and kick my feet.
I definitely had fun with this story, but the plot choice that I appreciated most was the love these two build for the little girl in their lives, and the home they were building first. Romance came, but slowly and with intention. This wasn’t a flash in the pan, the most beautiful foundation gave way to more. These two found a kindred spirit, and home within each other that was so endearing to read.
I do wish this story had 50 more pages, I would have loved to see more of Jack and Francis’s relationship, and get to live in their heads in the early days a tad more.
Looking forward to the next installment if the Blackbird Boys 🥰
✨Thank you Riley Harper for an ARC of Collided✨
I’m an absolute sucker for the nanny meets broody single father trope, and this was no exception. As I’ve come to expect from Riley Harper the plot and dynamic of this stories was unique in the best way.
Does it get better than a grouchy pediatrician having to ask for help from his friend’s eccentric little brother? No.
The forced proximity of nanny romance is already delicious, but add the fact that these two didn’t get off on the right foot and you have a dislike to lovers tone that made me giggle and kick my feet.
I definitely had fun with this story, but the plot choice that I appreciated most was the love these two build for the little girl in their lives, and the home they were building first. Romance came, but slowly and with intention. This wasn’t a flash in the pan, the most beautiful foundation gave way to more. These two found a kindred spirit, and home within each other that was so endearing to read.
I do wish this story had 50 more pages, I would have loved to see more of Jack and Francis’s relationship, and get to live in their heads in the early days a tad more.
Looking forward to the next installment if the Blackbird Boys 🥰
✨Thank you Riley Harper for an ARC of Collided✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
Jack has finally achieved his dream of getting into a dance academy. Now he just needs a place to stay while in London, which coincidentally leaves him sleeping on his brother’s couch. His brother’s friends, The Blackbird Boys, are a tight-knit group that Jack admires, except for the irritating doctor Starkey. To say that they got off on the wrong foot is an understatement. But the thing is that there is a reason his brother is best friends with Francis, and Jack can’t help but start thawing the more time he spends around him while helping him out with his unexpected but adorable daughter that he found in his care. Who knew that a bundle of sunshine could bring the most unlikely of people together?
Francis has had a rough couple of years. Heartbreak is a different beast when you are constantly around the one person you can’t have. Things not working out with his ex may have been the most painful thing he has felt in a very long time. Leaving him bitter and cold. That is until the whirlwind of a person that is Jack McAvoy, his best friend’s little brother. His outfits may be ridiculous, but they only make up one of the things that makes him who he is meant to be. A caring, compassionate, and beautiful person. Will their time together bring them closer, or will the possibility of getting hurt again keep them from getting close to what they both want?
I absolutely adore Riley’s storytelling. She has a way of writing characters that are easily relatable to. Jack’s kindness and the way he gives Francis the benefit of the doubt hit me square in the chest. Because I too usually find myself trying to find the good in people. And I think everyone can relate to Francis. Because who hasn’t had their heart broken a time or two? Their shared compassion to take care of Adele was so heartwarming to read. She was the piece that brought them both together. So if you love enemies to lovers, first times, and found family, then you will enjoy their story.
Francis has had a rough couple of years. Heartbreak is a different beast when you are constantly around the one person you can’t have. Things not working out with his ex may have been the most painful thing he has felt in a very long time. Leaving him bitter and cold. That is until the whirlwind of a person that is Jack McAvoy, his best friend’s little brother. His outfits may be ridiculous, but they only make up one of the things that makes him who he is meant to be. A caring, compassionate, and beautiful person. Will their time together bring them closer, or will the possibility of getting hurt again keep them from getting close to what they both want?
I absolutely adore Riley’s storytelling. She has a way of writing characters that are easily relatable to. Jack’s kindness and the way he gives Francis the benefit of the doubt hit me square in the chest. Because I too usually find myself trying to find the good in people. And I think everyone can relate to Francis. Because who hasn’t had their heart broken a time or two? Their shared compassion to take care of Adele was so heartwarming to read. She was the piece that brought them both together. So if you love enemies to lovers, first times, and found family, then you will enjoy their story.
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