Collide

Collide #1

by J.C. Hannigan

Harlow Jones has a troubled past, and a questionable future. Surrounded by death, tragedy, and intrigue, she is forced to mature long before her time. Plagued by anxiety and depression, she hides her inner turmoil with spite and sarcasm. Her thick skin is impenetrable…or so she thought. Until she becomes involved with her grade twelve English teacher.

In this exclusive entry into the new adult genre, with raw style that is as dark as it is poignant, Collide presents the ultimate choice: forbidden love or doing the right thing?

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Young Adult, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Coming Of Age

208 pages, Paperback

First published July 26, 2014

About the author

J.C. Hannigan lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband, their two sons, and their dogs. She writes contemporary romance, through which she brings to light awareness of mental health and social challenges.

Like any good Canadian, she loves hiking and carbs.

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Reviews

[NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books} · Rating 3 out of 5]

***3 "TORN" stars from me***



"YOU LOVE WHO YOU LOVE"



Well, i have finished this story since yesterday and i still don't know what to write on my review...
I really was torned with this book!!!
Not so much by the plot... Forbidden loves are one of my favorite topics, but i think that it left me unsatisfied!!!
Imagine that when i started to read this one, i was so exciting, but then bam!!! My excitement evaporated and in its place were uneasiness...

The thing is that many times the story was picking my interest but then... it was vanished and i wasn't satisfied with where the things were going...
It had good prospects, but i needed something more.... I think somewhere the author lost it!!!
And i feel so bad about it, because damn it!!! It could be magnificent!!!

I confused you, right????
Let me explain you some things first...

Well, Harlow was new in town and she was living with her mother and her second stepfather....
She had a lot of ugly things on her plate even though that she was ONLY seventeen...

Some people in her past had took advantage of her in the most ugly way and before some months, she had lost her best friend in a car accident where the driver was Harlow's stoned boyfriend...
From the first day in school her eyes caught the hot English teacher Mr. Bentley and she immediately felt a pull toward him...
Mr. Bentley didn't seem unattached by her presence as well...


At the same time, Harlow was trying to make some friends and she found herself in a party where she stopped a rape in action... A little bit too late but she did it...

But from this moment, the problems had started for once again...
The rapist wanted retribution by her and they couldn't do many things to stop him since he was connecting with the chief of the police in the town...


From a twist of luck, Harlow and Iain (Mr. Bentley) came really close and they started a relationship...

But as you can understand from above, there were many things at stake lately...
A forbidden love, seek and hide games, people who were wanting something of her...
Everything was a mess!!! Her life was enough complicated before she arrives to this town, but lately it was a total mess!!!

What will happen from there???

Well, as you already realized, there were many things involved in this book...
It didn't focus just on the love thing, but there were more in there...
At the most part of the book, the forbidden love was in the background and i have to admit that i liked it that way...
The other case seemed more appealing to me... and that was so weird because i love forbidden romances as i told you before...

But something in here was off for me... And i still don't know why...
I really loved Iain and i liked for them to be together but at the same time it didn't feel right...
I know that i'm confusing you, but don't you see that i'm still confused by myself??? Gawd!!!

Their conclusion in this book was making me sad, especially for Iain, but at the same time it seemed right...
And yes, I'm catching myself to want to read the next book of the series...

Now, i would tell you about the things that i didn't like so much in here...
1. Harlow was only seventeen and she had been assaulted more than once in the past and in the present the author were leaving suspicions about the same kind of assaults toward her, and that seemed a bit of unreal to me...

2. There were many unuseful details inside the story... Usually i don't pay attention to those kind of things, but it frustrated me since i was reading something that was building the suspence inside of me but then... nothing was happening!!!

3. I needed more action especially with all those Andrew's threats and all this chasing...
I was waiting much more and i didn't get it!!!
4. Her mother made me mad. I suppose, she was living in her own world... And after that Harlow revealed her her relationship with a teacher 11 years older than her, the woman just ignored that fact and kept it secret. Who mother would do that, ugh????

5. Harlow and Iain's relationship seemed also unreal... Everything were moving so fast and they were behaving like a "normal" couple... For example... She was all the time in his house, he was driving her somewhere with his car, etc... It's supposed to be a secret! How can you keep it a secret when you are not paying attention around you??? I was feeling more nervous than them!!!!


I also would like to tell that i don't like at all when the authorities are abusing their positions and Carl Cooper was doing it and that was pissing me off!!!
In the fictional world and in the real world, this is something that i don't appreciate at all!!!


I'm really sorry about all the above, but i had to get them out of my system...
This book was playing with my nerves...
They were too many times that i was eager for what will happened after, but then i just got dissapointed...

Near to the end, i got so much excited with the development of the story, but this wasn't a reason to put more stars because of all the previous things that left me unsatisfied...


The only thing that i can say about this book is that i liked it and i didn't like it at the same time...
But that won't stop me from reading the next book....
This was my second book of this author and i have to say that her writing is very interesting, so i will try her work again!!!


***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***

[Vasiliki · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!

ARC kindly provided by Booktrope via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

This was a very intense story. It's the story of Harlow who the last years of her life have been a hell! The story is nicely written although I was always on edge even when I didn't have to. The plot has a couple of twists but the real beauty of this story is the writing. Ms. Hannigan has written a known story in a beautiful and intense way. The story is said from Harlow's POV and her voice is strong and clear.

Harlow is an amazing girl. She has lived hell after hell and she is still standing. She has a morality in her own way and I actually love her for it! I wouldn't change a thing about her! I really believe she is amazing just the way she is.

Iain is a mystery to me. I doubted him and his feelings all through the book. I missed a bit more of background information for him. I have to admit that there was nothing wrong in his behavior...nothing to alert me but I missed something from him and that's why I was doubting him.

Actually that is the only negative point for me in this book. The past of Iain.

The end of the book was so right! It wasn't what I thought it will be but it was honest and correct in my eyes. There wasn't a really cliffhanger but more an open end in the epilogue. Yes, there was a fantastic epilogue as well! And of course I cannot wait to see what happen next to Harlow!

I definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves New Adult!

[Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ Yosbe Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ · Rating 4 out of 5]

*My Honest Review*

"Forbidden love"

Oh, so tasty.

Who hasn't have a crush on someone you couldn't? And what would have happened if that crush had paid you attention?

Harlow Jones is a rebel. That's the first thing I like of this book. The female main character is not this whiny girl that is trendy these days. She is strong even when she has a dark and traumatizing past.

The story is full of emotions. It's a page turner book.

Favorite Quotes:





Song for the book:

I don't know why but this book reminds me of the movie "Cruel Intentions". So the song is
Bitter Sweet Symphony

Favorite Character:
Harlow.

The reason of my star least:

I always have conflicted feelings about too much drama on the books. It's hard for me trying to understand how a human being could deal with so many negative things.

But this is just me. I think Colleen Hoover's fans would LOVE this book.

[Brit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Advance Readers Copy (ARC) provided for my blog by the author for an honest review

2.5 Stars

I liked this story but I felt that I've seen it before in a movie. I couldn't really relate to any of the characters. Don't get me wrong I liked the writing in this book but that was probably the best thing I liked.

[Max Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing in the first person requires a particular skill. While it goes in and out of fashion, it is not normally a style that immediately appeals to me. I say normally because there are always exceptions and J.C. Hannigan’s ‘Collide’ is one of them.
The key to getting it right is to have a strong narrative and a really good story to tell. It may sound obvious but too many people fail on both counts. J.C. writes with her own style and not inconsiderable ability, succeeding on both fronts. The characterisation is excellent and the story of forbidden love is handled with intelligence and sensitivity. This is a story that could have easily slid into cliché and crassness but never did. Harlow is a great main character that you will be rooting for throughout. Great story telling with a really close understanding and interpretation of the lead characters motivation, I found this a captivating read. Lovely book.

[Trisha · Rating 1 out of 5]

This one was just not for me.

I didn't think Harlow sounded like a true teenager and I didn't like her.
I didn't think the teacher/student relationship was well done.
I didn't think the multiple story lines flowed well or were fully flushed out. It seemed like too much crammed in to so few pages with a lot of skipped days with no details.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devoured it in a day.

Can't wait for the sequel, which I know is in the works ;)
(I follow the author on Twitter)

[Carissa McIntyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good! A hint of steam, a whole dollop of taboo, and two intense characters that leave you wanting more! Can't wait to read book 2!

[↜ƈɦǟռ☂ɛℓℓɛ↝ · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when the new 28 y.o. teacher meets the new 17 y.o. student??? Sparks fly. Like full-blown, stars align, signs from above, instant connection.

Pure magnetism pulls them together.

But those pesky morals keep getting in the way.

However, the animalistic need to pair will not be held back. So go with it, have fun, take pics, but don't get caught.

Or you'll have to pay the price.
And pay you will...


I like to go into books not knowing what is in store. It's usually more fun that way. What do I find... A teacher/student romance. Although I know all about them, I can't recall ever reading one. Instantly I was cheering for them.(I never claimed to be normal)
This book will suck you right back into high school. I warned you!!! And seriously every single possible drama you can think of was packed into this book. This did make the book feel monotonous at times.
I kept jumping back and forth, never quite knowing if I liked it or if it was just too much. But like a train wreck you can't pull your eyes away from, I couldn't stop reading it, either. Even knowing the outcome, because seriously they all end the same, I was still pissed and heartbroken for the characters.
Now, I have to read Consumed to figure out how this will all end.

Reading Order
Collide (The Collide Series book 1)
Consumed (The Collide Series book 2)
TBR 11.15.15Collateral (The Collide Series)

*Copy provided by author for honest opinion.*

[S.L. Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel by J.C. Hannigan. It was a perfect mixture of forbidden romance and intrigue. The main character, Harlow Jones (great name, by the way) is pretty kick ass--on the one hand, she's a pot smoking, somewhat rebellious teen with a dark past; on the other, a dedicated student and loyal friend. Her relationship with Mr. Iain Bentley, her high school English teacher, is definitely taboo, but, as the story is told from Harlow's POV, feels very real.

All of the characters were great. Besides Harlow and Iain, Jenna was one of my favorite characters. She embodies the popular girl who's fallen from grace, but she finds a true friend in Harlow. I loved how none of the characters felt like stereotypes.

I guess in the interest of honesty, I felt like Collide could have used another round of editing...but, really, with this novel J.C. Hannigan has shown that she is a great storyteller. Collide is a suspenseful read with lots of memorable characters. I know there's a sequel in the works, and I'm interested to see where Ms. Hannigan takes the story next. The ending is left open-ended and makes the reader eager for more (but it's not so much of a cliffhanger that you'll want to hurl your Kindle against a wall).

[Kitt O'Malley · Rating 5 out of 5]

After overcoming my initial resistance to reading a romance between a high school student and her teacher - I am a mother of a teenager after all - I really enjoyed reading Ms Hannigan's novel. The story was both a romance and a thriller. It grappled challenging issues that face adolescent women, all women actually.

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Great book, a little predictable, but still. Loved having a strong protagonist who has been through so much but never let it define her!
I also had a weird feeling about Iain all along, and I'm happy with that ending, which is more realistic than most. (also liked that the story took place in Ontario!)

[Shweta Choudhary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come

[Dennis Sharpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Stephen King wrote a modern Babysitter’s Club book… I think it would have had the same sort of effect on me. I kept reading. My skin kept crawling. I didn't want to understand, but I did… even if I didn't agree. As I read on, I kept wanting to counsel characters in the book. It’s rare that I become invested that way with any book… more so when I think about how far outside my normal reading fare this book comfortably sits.

There is a love story. There are real, three-dimensional, characters; complete with very real and believable flaws. There is a tale here that is extremely well told, in a voice that shows a grasp on a style of storytelling that not just anyone can accomplish. There is a deeply disturbing premise as well. The subject matter is masterfully approached, though I can still imagine many taking issue with the skin-crawling nature of Iain and Harlow’s relationship. I found myself torn between trying to understand Harlow’s position and repeating the words Stockholm Syndrome aloud as I read.

There can, and likely should, be many debates about the events that occur in the story. Further, there can be deep discussions about the innocence of the young and their recklessness with emotion. The story in this book, I’m sure could be drawn and quartered, and debated until the end of time. What I don’t think could ever honestly be open for debate is the brilliance with which the story is told.

If you are looking for a standard romance… you will be disappointed. If you are looking for a tale well told… that will, in turns, make you ask questions you are uncomfortable with, and even, to a degree, remember and view your high school years through a completely different lens… this might just work out very well for you.

[A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Collide drew me in quickly and kept me on the edge of my seat. I COULD NOT put the book down because I had become so invested in the characters that I was afraid something more would happen to them while I was away from the book. Seriously. The plot was riveting and suspenseful.

The characters were well developed, particularly the leading lady, Harlow. I have to say she is a strong young lady to have survived all she has. Going into the book, I had my reservations about a high school teacher and a 17 year old student having a relationship; I didn't think I'd be able to get past thinking the teacher was a pedophile and predator. Little did I know, that by the end of the book, I would be hoping Iain and Harlow would find a way to be together without repercussions.

A week after reading, I am still pondering over this book and its quote, "You love who you love." Very thought provoking. This was the first book I've read by J.C. Hannigan, and I have to say it's one of the best books I've read in months! I jumped immediately into book two and am now anxiously awaiting book three to be published. J.C. Hannigan has a new fan

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy from Author in exchange for an honest review.



*~*Forbidden love*~*

This is the first book I have read by J.C.
I give this 3.5 stars. I enjoyed the story, its very well written. Harlow is a struggling young lady after losing her best friend in a car accident. Ian is an English Teacher in the new school Harlow is not attending. I didn't really connect with the characters as much as I had hoped I would. I truly felt for Harlow and all the stuff she has been through in life, with the loss of her friend, her mom not really there for her.

I felt some of the emotions of Harlow just not as deep as I wanted to.. I do look forward to reading more.
This book contains some violence


I look forward to reading consumed to see where Harlows story goes from here.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let's start off by saying I finished this book in one night. I'm a sucker for forbidden love stories and this one is perfect.

We have all had a crush on someone that we know we can't, or shouldn't have. Harlow Jones is a 17 year old with way more life experience than anyone that she should have. She's a rebel with a dark past... So when she finds that she is attracted to her teacher, there is no stopping her. Sparks fly and drama ensues... But you love who you love.

I really enjoyed this book, the writing is great and there's always something that makes you want to continue flipping the pages. It's a quick read and I recommend it to anyone who loves new adult/ forbidden romances. Make sure you catch up on it soon because the second installment is coming out later this month.

[Michael Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This must be the first cover because my book cover is different but the same story. First off this was a fantastic story. I counted 7 different troubling problems in today's world that the Author was able to make it all fit into one book with the ability to make the story flow perfectly with ease. .It would of been so easy to tangle all 7 situations into a drama mess but her perfect flow of writing made it a pure pleasure. I hope you have a long life of success as writer. Also, great job describing each character. Harlow was one smart, tough but caring young woman. She went through a lot like so many....

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forbidden love story at it's best! This book is well written and each time I turned the page I worried about Harlow being caught with her high school English teacher, Mr. Bentley. Harlow has been through some traumatic experiences - especially for a 17 year old, but she remains tough. She will not be run out of town even though she has been chased, attacked and almost run over by a truck. She stays and fights. You love who you love - even if he is 11 years older and your teacher no one can stop your heart from loving.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it in two nights. So well done! J.C. Hannigan is a fantastic writer! Mr. Bentley definitely got under my skin, solely for the reason that he should know better to have a relationship with a student! And I felt for Harlow, with all that she's been through, and her personality was so recluse because of it. Harlow's issues, just made me feel even more angry at Mr. Bentley, like he was taken advantage of her. But that fact that I had all these feelings for the characters = a really good book. :)

[Tina Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

It usually takes me weeks to find time to read a full book. I read Collide in 3 days - that shows how addictive it was. I don't want to give much away, but if you're a fan of "forbidden love" type stories with gripping sub-plots, you'll love this. I may have to re-read it while I wait for J.C's next release!

[Dusty Summerford (Reviews by Reds) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written debut novel!! I loved the Unforbidden love aspect. It truly made the story. I also loved that Harlow had a "rough" past. It made her believable and relatable.
Harlow is also a very strong and independent character. That made me love her even more. I also loved Iain and can't wait to see what happens with them.
This is definitely a must read!!

[Megan Tiscareno · Rating 4 out of 5]

My four star rating is solely based on the writing, character development, and the story between Jenna & Harlow. As a teacher, it is SO hard for me to even read a slight teacher student flirtation, let alone a romance. But once I looked past all of that, I was able to enjoy Harlow and loved her devoted friendship to Jenna.

[Alice Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me right back to high school... Which now seems so long ago, sigh... I loved Harlow and could totally relate to her and her feelings from my own experiences back in the day, ha! Only, I didn't fall for any teachers because they were trolls lol. You can feel the emotions and the end leaves you wanting more. Thank goodness book 2 is available!

JC ~ fantastic job!!!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! Fast paced, well written and really exactly what I was looking for!

[Allison J. Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautiful. Ms. Hannigan is so talented, and this book will be on my mind for a long time. Five well-earned stars!

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting reading

A view of a teen's experience working through tough situations and bad decisions. I recommend this story for the mature young adult reader.

[Kathy Wideman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book was great. Harlow is a starting her senior year of high school. She has already been through so much in her short life; far more than anyone should ever have to go through and she is only almost 18. She has just moved to a new town with her mother and her new husband, Larry. They moved after Harlow lost her best friend in a fatal car accident one that almost killed her as well. Harlow keeps everything very close to the vest. She doesn’t have a great relationship with her mother and has been basically shut down since the accident. The first day of school she meets her new English teacher first thing and she is taken by how good he looks and by what feelings he awakens in her. She knows that nothing could ever happen between them after all he is her teacher. Harlow goes to a party one night even know she doesn’t really want to but she doesn’t want to sit alone again either. While there she comes across a girl being raped and steps into stop it. Harlow knows what the girl is going through and is determined to help her and that is just what she does. The girl, Jenny doesn’t want to go to the hospital or press charges and Harlow doesn’t want to force her after everything she has just been through. Things are about to get more interesting around town. The boy who raped Jenny is the Sheriff’s son. Will something develop between Harlow and her teacher? Will Jenny change her mind about pressing charges? At first I was torn about this book. The story was great and totally pulled me in but on the other hand she was involved with her teacher. Then again she is almost 18 and it is romantic how much they feel for each other. Then after reading more the book became less about her being with her teacher and more about the rape and things that happened because of it. Jenny starts out as “mean girl” in the book then after the incident they become good friends. Harlow is there for her and doesn’t judge or push her. This book takes all kinds of twists and turns and in the end, ends as well as can be expected. While it’s not a happily ever after ending it is still a good ending. I am excited to read the next book in this series. Harlow and Jenny are great characters and I am excited to see what they do next. This is the first book I have read by J.C. Hannigan and loved it; she has been added to my authors to watch list.
I was given this book in return for an honest review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished Collide this morning (July 4th) and I have to admit that I am kind of glad that the craziness of getting ready to have a house full of guests kept me from sitting down to write the review until now. The reason I am glad I had to wait to write the review is that I am still honestly a little conflicted about Collide.
Why am I conflicted? Mainly because the book covers subject matter that I have a hard time with, material that would normally be on the “I don’t think so…” list. Curiosity (and book club) had me digging in to see what Collide is all about and I discovered that I enjoyed a book that also made me uncomfortable.
Collide focuses on Harlow who definitely enjoys stirring things up and has had more than her fair share of troubles. I liked Harlow, but really struggled with understanding her Mother. I don’t get how someone nearly 40 could be so completely clueless about what her 17 year old daughter is doing. Add in how she was blindsided by some of Harlow’s previous struggles and hardly reacted, I just don’t get her and felt bad for Harlow.
Given Harlow’s history and the situation with her mother, I completely understood her attraction to Iain. What I did not get was Iain’s attraction to Harlow. I struggle with the idea of a man nearly 30 actively pursuing a relationship with a high school student. One of the quotes in the book is “You love who you love” and even if that is true I don’t get why he couldn’t wait until she graduated to take things beyond the student/teacher relationship. There are lots of things about Iain that didn’t click with me and I would have loved to have seen this story from his point of view.
Collide is incredibly well written and thought provoking. It covers several hard topics from a young woman’s standpoint. I didn’t always understand the motivations of characters around Harlow, but she did resonate with me as a strong person. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next for Harlow.
*I was provided with a copy of this book by the author for a book club reading. I was not compensated for a review and the opinions contained her are my own.*

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely could not put these books down! JC Hannigan did a wonderful job bringing a rather forbidden love to life, and to top it all off, it was done in the first person! This, I feel, is a huge compliment to her as a reader can potentially get lost within the character as the story line progresses. Be sure when reading these books that you read Collide first, and then pick up Consumed. While I feel Consumed could be read as a stand alone, there were definitely some points that would have the reader scratching their head.

When Harlow Jones transfers to a Catholic School, she didn't expect to feel an instant pull to her English teacher, Mr Bentley. Shameless, shy flirting was the first step to landing the hot teacher into her web, and falling for him was only a bonus. At least in the beginning. When things go amiss in Harlow's life, who does she run to? Iain Bentley. Whom she had no idea lived in the house that she frantically attempted to escaped into. A riveting, quick, almost insta-love that had me begging for more as I turned each page. This was a ringer of a story, and left me heartbroken for Harlow in the end. Her feelings were true to what one would feel in her situation, and that she didn't ignore them.

Two years after a whirlwind of a forbidden romance has left Harlow Jones in pieces. Moving to Ottawa after graduating High School at the top of her class (even after some hearty allegations against her!), she steps into her new life almost renewed. Almost. The pain is still present when Iain's name is brought up. The necklace that encompasses her neck is still present. And, when she thinks she sees him, her heart rate picks up. Can she move on? Can she get past what once was?

The ending had me in absolute just disbelief. This is definitely one series that is a must read for anyone who likes forbidden love. It was very well written with a relatable character, and many relatable instances that a reader could see themselves in. This book left me wanting more in the sense that there were many more questions that went unanswered. A job well done to JC Hannigan on a really well written book!