As the scars on Harlow’s body slowly fade, the ones etched into her soul take longer to heal. Harlow faces her biggest challenges yet, as she navigates the trauma of being attacked in her home, the struggle of trying to move on with her love life, and a dark secret that could destroy her most enduring friendship.
This new adult novel is the darkly satisfying third installment of the Collide series. Here, Harlow Jones is at her most raw, as she finally faces her demons, and Iain Bentley, head on.
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.
**I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by my source.**
While this one lacked the more suspenseful approach of the previous novels, this book was great for wrapping up all those loose ends.
If you haven't read the previous novels in a long time (or you have an awful memory), there is more than enough recap paragraphs to get you all caught up. It made for slightly boring reading if you've powered through the last two books only a few days before but it was a nice jog for the memory.
I loved how everything wrapped up here. It was a great way to end the series and fans should be more than satisfied.
I was provided with a copy of Collateral in exchange for an honest review and this book literally blew me away! I loved reading Collide and Consumed, but this third installment has been my favorite. The story begins where Collateral concludes. Harlow is working at ‘The Bean’ and still roommate to Jenna, her best friend. Her life has been turned upside down for the longest time with all of the tragedy that has befallen her and those around her. Being raped, losing a close friend in a fatal car accident, causing someone to go to jail over an illegal relationship and brutally attacked are a few of the leading factors plaguing her ongoing nightmares and haunted guilt. Harlow knows that she can’t move on with Jax until she learns how to let the past stop dictating her future. It is much easier said than done, especially when Iain starts showing up wherever she turns by pure coincidence. Can Harlow and Iain move on from the mistakes that they’ve made or will it cause her relationship with Jax to deteriorate like all other relationships that Harlow has ever known?
My favorite characters are Harlow, Jenna and Iain. I completely fell for the heartbreak surrounding Iain and Harlow’s relationship from Collide. Even though it was wrong on many levels, Harlow owes her gratitude to him for allowing her to be honest and loving with Jax. I really wanted Iain to find his success and happiness, with or without Harlow simply because it was deserved. Jenna had her own issues within this story as well, but her troubles were bearable with the help of Harlow and Crimson. Harlow has always been strong and confident, within her own confines.
I recommend this story to anyone who enjoys young adult and college or romance. I would rate Collateral with five stars because of the depth that the story holds. The content is original and creative, while the author does a superb job with character development. I thoroughly enjoy reading about Harlow and her struggles to find a peaceful and happy life. I loved the pace of the story because it was fast, but I was still able to picture every scene with the vivid details provided by the author. I will continue to look for new releases by this author because I love her writing and originality.
I'm so happy for the story recap at the beginning because I forgot how much Harlow's been threw, being roofed and raped by the basketball team, her new best friend Lauren dying in the car accident caused by her boyfriend, then falling for Iain and then walking in on Jenna being raped by Andrew.
As the story went on, I loved watching the way it all unfolded. The continuation to Jenna's story as well as Crimson's. I really liked hearing about Jax's past and the direction he went with the whole gym and troubled youth, very inspiring.
I enjoyed being in the college atmosphere within Harlow's Creative Writing Class and the events that tied into the backstory and even though a lot of people would pin Iain as the "predator" or villain, I kind of feel bad for him in a sense because you can clearly see he cares about Harlow and the pain, loss and regret he still carries follows him everyday.
Overall I think Collateral rounded out the series perfectly.
4 Stars – Would Recommend to a friend Series 4.5 stars - All together, one of the best I've read
I finished Collateral early today and have honestly been sitting here at the computer trying to figure out how to talk about this book. One thing I figured out is that it’s almost impossible to talk about Collateral without also taking the prior two books, Collide and Consumed, into consideration as well. In Collide, we met Harlow Jones as she began her senior in high school and went on a journey with her. We saw her go from someone completely isolated to being a friend and a lover. Her love interest, Iain, posed conflicts and we left her with one more person who let her down. In Consumed, we picked up with Harlow a few years down the road and she is in college. She is operating in a bubble and lets very few people get close. Jax broke through Harlow’s walls and we saw her fall in love for a second time, this time with someone she can be out in the open with. The past also starts to catch up with Harlow and she struggles to deal with those issues. Collateral picks up right where Consumed left off. Harlow is dealing with a lot in Collateral. She’s got physical trauma and an ex-boyfriend who is now suddenly showing up everywhere in her world. Going into Collateral, I really expected a story that had Harlow having to choose between Iain and Jax. That’s not the story Ms. Hannigan had to tell. Instead of a simple tale of “Who do I really love?” we continued on Harlow’s journey with her. She’s dealing with a lot emotionally and Ms. Hannigan does an excellent job of pulling the reader in and making her experiences relatable. Many of the lessons Harlow, and the people around her, have to learn in Collateral apply to almost everyone. Love and relationships play a key role in Harlow’s story, but romantic relationships are not the core of the story being told in the Collide, Consumed, and Collateral arc. The center of our story is the heroine, Harlow, and watching her learn how to balance the dealing with the past while also moving forward from it. Ms. Hannigan does an excellent job as a story teller in all three books. She handles sensitive and sometimes troublesome subject matter with grace and makes potentially difficult characters likable. I was pulled into the overall story of Harlow and found myself having several “what would I do?” moments. I’m looking forward to seeing what Ms. Hannigan and her storytelling have for us down the road.
Collateral is the third book in The Collide Series and gives us the epic conclusion we've been waiting for. I found myself loving this third book more than the previous two and I think its because it felt raw and deeper to me.
Harlow has been through so much and grown and changed so much. She's also thought of herself as strong and sort of hard, to feel any sort of weakness is just not really in her nature, but she's never been through this before. With things still fresh in her mind, its hard to simply move past it all. But Harlow also has a difficult time asking for help, even when she knows she needs it.
Collateral gives us the final answer. Iain or Jax? Who will it be? I'm not going to tell you, sorry you have to read to find that out. But I will say this, I felt there was a lot of closure all around brought forth in this novel. Harlow, I feel, dug deep into her feelings and her expectations from the past and realized things she hadn't before. I believe Iain also had done a lot of reflecting on the past. Jax is such a good guy, he is tough and the bad boy, but ultimately he wants what is best for Harlow, even if that means it isn't him. That's not to say he would be happy about it, but Jax knows that Harlow's mental and physical well being are important and whatever she needs to do to attain both is what needs to be done.
This book and these characters feel like a family, I love seeing glimpses of characters from teh Damaged series interspersed with this bunch. I love how Harlow's friends are balls to the wall honest and draw her out as well. There are even a few twists in this book that you can't see coming, pulling Harlow in another direction and spilling secrets she isn't sure she wanted out there.
Collateral is a thrilling conclusion to this trio of books and I firmly feel that the way things were and are handled during the book were real and true to the characters. If this book had gone any other way, I'm not sure it would have been as believable or made for a satisfying end. There was a distinct growth and change for Harlow, she really became solidly adult and concious of how her actions can affect her life on many levels. She's able to work harder for herself, and learn when she needs to ask for help.
I look forward to seeing these characters, however briefly, in future books.
I just want to point out how much I love Harlow and all the secondary characters in this series. I also love how the author connects this series with her Damaged Goods series without over doing it.
After being attacked in her home and thinking she might have lost her own life if Jax didn't help when he did, Harlow is trying to get back to where she needs to be. She works out hard, has the best boyfriend and friends to help her, and she's trying to finish college. Add in the ex-boyfriend who doesn't seem to go away and you've got yourself one hell of a story.
Collateral deals with so many things that a person goes through in real life and the author wrote every single one of them perfectly. I laughed, swooned, cried, and felt angry whenever a character was going through something. This book will tug at your emotions.
I'm team Iain. Always have been. Don't hate me! ;) I felt for the guy and I was so happy that Harlow didn't want anything bad to happen to him. Harlow grew so much over the years and I just adore how she wanted him to succeed, and he wanted her to be happy. Even if that means not being together. I know, deep, deeeeeep, down in my heart that they're not meant for each other. I can't wait to see where Iain's story will go. *hint hint* Yes, I'm looking at you, JC. Write that story. :D
With a little bit of drama and suspense, a book that is inspired by our one and only Harlow, and some hot, sexy Jax moments, you'll get everything you're looking for in a book. I highly recommend this series AND any book that the author writes up next. Trust me, they'll just keep getting better. <3
Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
Waiting for Collateral was agonizing, after reading Collide and Consumed in one sitting; I was DESPERATELY waiting for more Harlow. Becoming invested in her journey, her struggles and what I would hopefully read as her future; I was anxious to see where J.C. Hannigan would take the conclusion to the series.
The last piece of Harlow’s puzzle fits perfectly. J.C. Hannigan not only wrote the perfect conclusion for Harlow, but shows off her achievement and fruition as a New Adult Author. Remaining true to the main character Hannigan has created, the plot and direction of this final book showcase all characteristics and complexities of Harlow.
As readers pick up where Consumed left off, there is no doubt that the presence of both Jax and Iain will shake up Harlow and her choices. Determined to make positive adult decisions, learn from her mistakes and leave old insecurities behind; readers will have the pleasure of witnessing a journey of both the mind and the heart. With setbacks and temptations rising at every turn, Harlow may finally understand how she is the only person responsible for her happy ever after.
With the reappearance of all the memorable secondary characters (and some new ones), J.C. Hannigan continues to bring together the perfect blend of love, loss and redemption. Allowing Harlow to take ownership and shine in her story; the Collide series, namely Collateral is where J.C. Hannigan highlights her commitment to delivering a memorable and moving story. With writing that captures the kaleidoscope of dynamics, readers will be sure to remember The Collide Series and the name J.C. Hannigan.
This is the third book in this series and they must be read in order. I love this book and this series. Harlow is an amazing character. So has been through so much and is finally finding happiness with Jax. But Iain is coming around more and more. She seems to see him everywhere. The guilt she feels from her part of him going to jail lingers. She knows she loves Jax more than she ever loved Iain however she just can’t seem to let her past fully go. She is faced with everything all at once. Harlow finds it hard to every really let go and get it all out so if festers. Finally she talks her therapist and finds clarity. Jax would do anything for Harlow and just seems to know what she needs. Even though it hurts him when she talks about Iain he knows that Iain is part of her past and the he is her future. This book was hard to read at times. I am definitely team Jax however there are times when I felt bad for Iain. They had something but with the teacher/student aspect of their relationship Harlow and Iain never really had a true chance. However their relationship did give Harlow that chance to open up and learn to let people in. He kind of paved the road for Jax. So much happens in this book and I hope there is going to be another one in this series. It didn’t really end which leads me to believe there will be one and I look forward to reading it when/if it comes. J.C. Hannigan has found on a place on my authors to look out for after reading this series. I have her other books on my TBR list. I can’t say enough about this book or the others in the series. I don’t want to give away to many spoilers but it is a great must read for sure.
This series was a great read. I fell in love with all of the characters and was excited to continue their journey in this novel.
However, I didn’t love this one nearly as much as I wanted to. Consumed (book 2) really drew me in and had me on the edge of my seat the entire novel. This one started out that way and I was happy with the way things were going, but I didn’t feel the connection with Harlow that I had felt. Jax was still the uber great boyfriend and I was constantly cheering for him as evidenced by my favorite quote from him in this book:
“I want this, Harlow,” he said, his hands roaming the length of my body while his brown eyes locked onto mine. “I want to wake up to your beautiful face every single day. I want to build a future with you...if you’ll let me.”
I hated that she was still hesitant, but I loved once she realized what she wanted and really went after it. I love the realism that Ms Hannigan gives these characters and how she is able to make me feel like I’m in the coffee shop or walking across campus or figuring out things right along with Harlow that were revealed in other books, but weren’t givens.
Most of the secrets were told and nothing was forever damaged, but I have to say that book 2 is still my favorite of the series. I love the relationships and the people, but the ending of this one just fell flat for me and left me wanting so much more. I definitely recommend this series though and hope that others will read an enjoy it as much as I did.
***This is book three of the series. I strongly encourage readers to read books one and two before reading book three.***
I would actually give this book 6 Stars, if I could!
I had been anxiously awaiting this book for months, and it did not disappoint! Another fabulous book by an extremely talented author! J.C. Hannigan has knocked my socks off! Collateral was a fabulous, heart wrenching, roller coaster ride.
Collateral drew me in immediately. The plot was riveting and full of little unexpected twists. I read way later into the night than I should have, worked a few hours, and then rushed home to finish. It was that good!
Harlow was still a broken, damaged college student, but it was nice to finally see her growing up and starting to heal.. Jax and Iain were both very complex characters with baggage of their own. The secondary characters of Jenna, Crimson, and Jamie were all wonderfully written characters that I came to love. I feel like they have become my friends, too.
I have to admit that Collateral did not have the ending I was hoping for, but somehow J.C. Hannigan left me happy and satisfied with the ending nonetheless. (How did she do that?!?)
This is the third book I've read by J.C. Hannigan, and I was impressed with each of the three books and the quality of the writing. I find myself still thinking about the books weeks later. I'm hoping that Iain, Jenna, and Crimson might get their own stories some day. I will be one-clicking all of her future books!
Reviewed by: Akeisha I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Let me start by saying how much I love this author and her previous books. I started Collateral with excitement because I loved Jax and I couldn't wait to see where Harlow's Journey would take her in regards to the whole Iain and Jax situation. Collateral picks off where Consumed left off and I was happy for that. J.C. always writes very well and this book was more of a healing and a conclusion to the series.
In Collateral, Jax was everything. He was supportive, focused, loving and most of all wanted the best for Harlow. Harlow struggled a lot with all the bad things that was happening to her. It takes her a long while to pick herself and realize she deserves every ounce of happiness.
With that being said, I liked Collateral. I just found it hard to relate to Harlow in this book and some of her decisions drove me insane. I also couldn't make an emotional connection with the heroine. Honestly, it felt like I was struggling to finish the book but around 70% it turned around for me.
For a while I thought that maybe a Book 4 was coming but was happy to see the way the author summarized this love story.
I received a complimenty copy of this book through Crazy Cajun Book Addicts for an honest review.
After reading Collide and Consumed I was hooked on this series and I was so excited to read Collateral but I have to say this book didn't have the same effect and I was a little dissapointed. In Consumed (Book 2) Harlow had quite unexpectedly bumped into Iain 2 years after last seeing him and although she still held feelings for him she was moving on with her life after falling for Jax Walker. In Collateral Harlow has to deal with all the problems Iain's reappearance will cause it will put strain on her relationship with Jax aswell as with her best friend Jenna, Harlow is a strong charcter but will it all just be to much for her to handle. I think with this book I would have liked a little from Iain's pov as to why he hadn't tried to contact Harlow during the last 2 years she never really gave him a chance to explain his side I just felt there were still a few things left up in the air.
Please read this series in order to get the full effect of Harlow's story. Collide (Book 1) Consumed (Book 2) Collateral (Book 3)
J.C. Hannigan never fails to amaze me with her skill in writing, at portraying a characters emotions.
I wasn't sure whether to cry, laugh or scream as I read this, but she made a character, whose life is full of horror and depression, compassionate yet broken. She gave this story so much heart that you can tell how much blood, sweat and tears went into writing this.
Harlow, as we met in the two books previously, is a broken, hurt, stubborn girl whose life experiences are dire. With a rough start in high school back in Toronto, she moved to North Bay where a scandal will haunt her future and mess with her heard. But Jax is there to keep her upright, even when her mixed feelings for another come to light. Coming face to face with an old flame was hard on her and she spiralled downward with no way up.
She had her friends and Jax. All the characters are well developed with their own back stories that compliment the book.
Can't wait for more from this amazing author. She truly depicted a sad story into something of beauty.
Harlow's journey continues as she continues to rebuild her life after the events of both 'Collide' and 'Consumed'. She has been subjected to so much in a short time. Jax is her rock and genuinely loves and cares for her but with Iain back on the scene, Harlow finds her feelings and emotions becoming confused. The events of this instalment cause Harlow to do a lot of self reflection of her past and her future. Iain's return to her life causes upheaval and uncertainty in all areas of her life.
This was once again superbly written and I was hooked into their story immediately. While the other instalments had other elements that impacted on Harlow's life, this enabled Harlow to reflect and consider who she is and what she wants. An amazingly strong character who has a fantastic support network around her. I admire her strength and honesty and how her character has developed positively considering what she has been through. I am really glad I picked up this series as it has been such a ride.
Collateral is the third and final book in the Collide series by JC Hannigan. I'm not sure what to say about this book, I've never been so conflicted by JC Hannigan's work before. The book starts a few short weeks after Consumed (book 2) ends. Harlow is struggling to deal with the things that took place at the end of book 2, she's plagued but nightmares and trying to find a way to distract herself. Not only does Harlow have to find a way to get past what happen to her in book 2 but her past seems to be following her everywhere. There is a lot of growth for Harlow in this book. She learns to deal with things in a healthier way. I really can't wait for JC to write Iain's story because I'm dying to get inside his head. I want Iain to get his happily ever after. I'm unhappy with the way Iain was portrayed in this book. I'm happy for Harlow and Jax and glad that Harlow is working to be better.
JC Hannigan has done it again with a beautifully written novel. She knows what her readers want and brings it to life in her books. This book ended just how the series was meant to end with plenty of questions answered and the characters living just how we wanted them to.
Harlow Jones the main character of the series has been through hell and back literally speaking. Between losing her friend in a car accident and being physically attacked twice in high school and college. She lived her life to the fullest and moved past all the drama realizing it wasn't worth living in the past.
In order to find out more of Harlows story and how it turned out everyone needs to buy the book. It is a most read and you won't stop reading it until you are finished. I highly recommend all of JC Hannigans books to read and wish for them to come out sooner.
I am so in love with this series. I have become emotionally attached to Harlow, Jax, Iain, Jenna, and Crimson.
This book begins where Consumed ends. Harlow is trying to deal with everything that has happened in her past so she can have a future with Jax.... But everywhere she turns Iain is there. He is connected to everything around her. How can she move on when she still has feelings for Iain? Will she choose him over Jax?? Plus Jenna meets someone new that definitely shakes things up!!
This is definitely one of my favorite series!! A must read!!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I'm sad that this is the last book in the Collide series...it was by far the best.
There were a bunch of twists to Harlow's tale that came out of left field, yet made TOTAL sense when you think back about them...to the point where I'm irritated that I didn't figure these things out.
I almost expected a more explosive conclusion, however the way the series wrapped up was very much a satisfying conclusion.
This is the 3rd book in the Collide series. It left me with a lump in my throat. I was happy with the place Hannigan leaves these characters because to an extent you can enjoy your own ending. She brought this series home with Collateral.
I really enjoy J.C.hannigan writings. this was book 3 in the Collide series so I was expecting something more...im not sure what exactly I was wanting more of but altogether enjoyed it.
who do i spy with my little eye? some awesome (and my fav) damaged goods people. eeek!! love when we see crossovers. the twists with Iain. Jamie. Luke. cam . just soooo many feels!!