Collision: A Dark Romantic Suspense

by Everly Ren

Do you ever really know the person you’re dating?

LENNON

I lived, but I’m not really living.

The world knows me as the girl on the front page of every newspaper—a photo taken after I survived something you only see in horror films. What they don't realize is that no matter how much time passes, I’m still in that room, stifling my screams, wondering if he’s going to hurt me next.

I walk through the world trapped in the dark, afraid of everything and everyone, even my own body. But the series of events that led up to that night might be the darkest thing of all.

And the secret no one knows, the one that haunts me, is that it’s all my fault.

So, I plaster on a fake smile and deal with the harsh judgments and intrusive questions, while I wonder why I survived the worst night of my life only to end up surrounded by people, yet completely alone.

Can you ever really escape your past?

DANIEL

Eight long years.

I’ve seen it all—the crying, nightmares, self-loathing, and aching sadness.

There is nowhere Lennon could go that I wouldn't find her, watch her, or take care of her. She is the most important person in my life. She just doesn’t know it.

And I intend to keep it that way, because I’m responsible for the worst thing that ever happened to her. To make amends, I had to become someone new, even if that meant becoming worse than what hurt her.

So, I work tirelessly behind the scenes, curating a world where she’s safe and has what she needs, even if that means I don't have her. That is, until one night, a collision changes everything.

PLEASE NOTE:

Collision: Book 1 in the Watchers Trilogy is a dark romantic suspense. While the romance is a stand-alone and HEA, the plot is part of an interconnected series. It is suitable for ages 18+.

Please read the content warning page.

508 pages, Paperback

Published August 24, 2026

About the author

Everly Ren writes dark romance and dark romantic suspense.

These books explore trauma, tension, tenderness, and transformative relationships because healing and connection are always possible, even in the darkest moments of our lives, and sometimes love looks different than we thought it would.

Reviews

[Ali Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be honest, I can’t quite believe this is a debut novel. The complexity of the characters and the plot was so thorough. The main characters were fully developed, the side characters (there are many, which I have on good authority are getting their own stories) are woven into the story so well.

I am really excited to see where this story goes and how it develops over time, because the backstory and complex web that the author walks you through has so many twists and turns. I doubt everyone’s motives and reasoning because I know something big is coming.

It feels as if the author is gently guiding you through this story. It’s like following a breadcrumb trail that ultimately you’re like oh my god. I can’t believe that happened, but it makes total sense. The plot line was believable, well structured and thought out. Exceptional storytelling.

Daniel and Lennon's love story is part gentle / part inevitable. I love how he calms her and keeps her safe, and I love that she gives him room to express what he needs. Because they both need something from the other. I like that the characters made mistakes with each other and it wasn't immediately perfect.

I’m VERY excited to see the next book. I’m already predicting the next couple and can’t wait to see what Everly comes up with for their story.

[C.J. North · Rating 5 out of 5]

Collision is a book that makes you feel a lot of different things. There are so. Many. Layers! Certain parts tap into the classic dark romance realm: obsession, stalking, and soul-deep problematic connections. Other parts tap further into the impacts of long-term trauma and the difficulties with forming romantic and platonic relationships.
Oh, and basically surviving a horror movie and then being exploited by everyone around you and picked apart by the public. 🥲
I loved so many things about this book. The characters are compelling, the romance sweet and yet… a little unhinged.
This book left me wanting to dive right into the next one. I can't wait to read the rest of the series and anything else this talented author brings to life. ❤️
🎡

[ncharles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book and was blown away by the emotional depth of the writing. The relationship between Lennon and Daniel and the portrayal of CPTD felt very real and honest. The characters are so well written and this story is a new favorite of mine. I cannot wait to read the rest.