What do you think?
Rate this book
Collide #1
Lives Collide
You can plan your life, but sometimes life has a mind of its own…
Following Lisa’s near-death experience as a teenager, she is haunted by the emerald-green eyes of the stranger who saved her life. Her only connection to him is the leather jacket he left behind. Years later, she’s still reeling from the aftereffects of her injuries, convinced that no man will love her once he uncovers her secret. She lives a life of solitude and hides behind her days of monotony. And then James storms into her life.
After James helps a young girl in a car accident, he sets his life course—determined that nothing will stand in his way. Once he accomplishes his dreams, one unforeseen event changes his orderly existence into one of chaos. He spirals downward and can’t summon the strength to pull himself from the edge of despair. Until Lisa becomes a beautiful distraction.
Familiarity and a sense of peace draw them to one another. They soon discover they lived parallel lives that intertwined at the most crucial points. Can their revelations help them face their fears and move forward, or will history repeat itself?
Following Lisa’s near-death experience as a teenager, she is haunted by the emerald-green eyes of the stranger who saved her life. Her only connection to him is the leather jacket he left behind. Years later, she’s still reeling from the aftereffects of her injuries, convinced that no man will love her once he uncovers her secret. She lives a life of solitude and hides behind her days of monotony. And then James storms into her life.
After James helps a young girl in a car accident, he sets his life course—determined that nothing will stand in his way. Once he accomplishes his dreams, one unforeseen event changes his orderly existence into one of chaos. He spirals downward and can’t summon the strength to pull himself from the edge of despair. Until Lisa becomes a beautiful distraction.
Familiarity and a sense of peace draw them to one another. They soon discover they lived parallel lives that intertwined at the most crucial points. Can their revelations help them face their fears and move forward, or will history repeat itself?
340 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2017
247 people are currently reading
1872 people want to read
About the author
Kristina Beck
23 books600 followerswww.facebook.com/krissybeck73
www.bookbub.com/authors/kristina-beck
www.instagram.com/krissybeck96
www.twitter.com/krissybeck96
www.amazon.com/author/kristinabeck
Kristina Beck was born and raised in New Jersey, USA, and lived there for thirty years. She later moved to Germany and lives there with her German husband and three children. She is an avid reader of many genres, but romance always takes precedence. She loves coffee, dark chocolate, power naps, and eighties movies. Her hobbies include writing, reading, fitness, and forever trying to improve her German-language skills.
www.bookbub.com/authors/kristina-beck
www.instagram.com/krissybeck96
www.twitter.com/krissybeck96
www.amazon.com/author/kristinabeck
Kristina Beck was born and raised in New Jersey, USA, and lived there for thirty years. She later moved to Germany and lives there with her German husband and three children. She is an avid reader of many genres, but romance always takes precedence. She loves coffee, dark chocolate, power naps, and eighties movies. Her hobbies include writing, reading, fitness, and forever trying to improve her German-language skills.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
February 15, 2021
”We each have had our ups and downs, but it’s our time to be together.”
My Thoughts: The following are my thoughts about this book:
General:
- Trigger warning- death of loved one
- Audio: no info on audio, I read the book
- Setting: New Jersey, USA
Characters:
- James (ER doctor): when James was 17 he stopped to help people involved in a car accident. From that point, he was determined to become a doctor and never feel helpless again. He stuck to that plan and worked hard to achieve that goal.
- Lisa (Psychiatrist): When Lisa was 15 she was involved in a serious car accident. Therapy helped her cope with the trauma and she decided she wanted to help others in the same way so had a singular focus to become a psychiatrist.
- ”I see how you analyze everything and everyone. I’m sure you analyze lint on the couch pillows.”
Together:
- At times these two were fantastic together and at times they were very frustrating. Communication is a key to any relationship and James definitely struggled with expressing his thoughts. I really liked him in Part 1, but in Part 2 he wasn’t as lovable. His flaws were front and center and his inability to fully move forward once Lisa was in his life was disheartening. It took another major incident for him to get his crap together and fix his life and I didn’t like that about him.
The story:
- This story spans a little more than a decade and is broken up into 2 parts. In Part 1 (about 5 years) James and Lisa are involved with other people. Although their paths cross, they are never formally introduced to one another.
- Part 1 took up about 20% of the book. I didn’t mind Part 1 as lots of people have relationships before they meet “The One”, so this was believable. In this part of the book James met the love of his life and Lisa struggled with her “brokenness”. Their personalities and drive/ambition were well established.
- Part 2 started out with James in a pretty bad way. He was depressed and not the same James from Part 1. Understandable, but I felt like he wallowed in his misery just a little too long. Lisa was stronger in Part 2, but she was still insecure about something in her life.
- I love the idea of “Fate” and two people destined to be together. It makes the couple’s connection seem unbreakable. But for me, the story itself had too many typical romance cliche’s. The instant attraction and the “jolts of electricity”, the miracle baby, the insecurity and feeling second best, even the outcome of James’ first love was predictable. By the end of Part 1 I had in my mind what would happen in Part 2 and i was spot on. So the lack of originality was disappointing.
Nitpicks:
- Small rant coming up.....Why does an author always have a female think she’s “broken” if she can’t have kids?? It really frustrates me because not everyone woman thinks that way. I honestly think this “categorization” is disrespectful to women who can’t have children. In real life lots of women have worked through this heartache and still love themselves and know they have value and worth even though they can’t have children and they don’t view themselves as broken. So I was hugely disappointed the female character labeled herself in such a way. I’m also not of the mindset that kids need to be written into a story to have a HEA. Once again, lots of people who can’t have kids live fulfilling lives without children. If an author feels kids need to be part of a story, then have an adoption plot. Lord knows adoption comes with enough drama and heartache to write 1,000 books.....end of rant. 🤐
- Sometimes the characters felt more like early twenties rather than almost 30. There was an immaturity to them that didn’t ring true to their life experiences and their actual ages.
- In my opinion, James' grovel was not enough. He left without a word for two months in one of the most stressful times of Lisa’s life and that is highly unforgivable. His hero points went down.
- The writing is just a little stilted and stiff. Doesn't flow extremely well, but it's not enough to be annoying.
Overview:
- POV: dual POV
- H likable? More so at the beginning of the book. I didn’t like him as much in Part 2 and he really ticked me off at the end of the book.
- h likable? Yes
- h virgin? Yes, but she gave her virginity to the relationship in Part 1. So by the time she was with James she was no longer a virgin
- First time they kiss: 52%
- First time they sleep together: 58%
- First time they say I Love You 99%
- steamy? Yes
- OW/OM drama? Yes, but only in the way that prior relationships impact current ones and the baggage that sometimes accompanies individuals
- H/h cheat? once they meet, they are never involved with anyone else.
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? they needed to reveal their pasts. At 45% James tells Lisa what happened with Jessica. At 50% Lisa tells James about the accident and her injury
- Did I cry? No
- Did I laugh? no
- Cliffhanger? no
- HEA? yes
- Epilogue? 1 year later
- Recommend? yes
- Plan to read more books in the series? yes
Quotes
“It’s as if you’ve been living parallel lives with near chances to meet but something always interfered. Until now.”
“I haven’t smiled or laughed during the past year until I met you two weeks ago. It feels both good and bad. I want good to win. Thank you for lifting my spirits.”
Spending time with Lisa has been like a breath of fresh air, as if I were stuck in a house with all the windows closed on a hot day without air conditioning and someone finally opened the windows after a thunderstorm.“
“No one gets over the death of a loved one. You learn how to cope and accept it. You can heal, but you will never be the same as you were before.”
- Based on personal experience, I completely agree with this.
”I believe we’re meant to meet properly at this time in our lives. We have helped each other in our past, which helped shape our future. Must we analyze it? Or can we just follow our hearts and see what happens?”
My Thoughts: The following are my thoughts about this book:
General:
- Trigger warning- death of loved one
- Audio: no info on audio, I read the book
- Setting: New Jersey, USA
Characters:
- James (ER doctor): when James was 17 he stopped to help people involved in a car accident. From that point, he was determined to become a doctor and never feel helpless again. He stuck to that plan and worked hard to achieve that goal.
- Lisa (Psychiatrist): When Lisa was 15 she was involved in a serious car accident. Therapy helped her cope with the trauma and she decided she wanted to help others in the same way so had a singular focus to become a psychiatrist.
- ”I see how you analyze everything and everyone. I’m sure you analyze lint on the couch pillows.”
Together:
- At times these two were fantastic together and at times they were very frustrating. Communication is a key to any relationship and James definitely struggled with expressing his thoughts. I really liked him in Part 1, but in Part 2 he wasn’t as lovable. His flaws were front and center and his inability to fully move forward once Lisa was in his life was disheartening. It took another major incident for him to get his crap together and fix his life and I didn’t like that about him.
The story:
- This story spans a little more than a decade and is broken up into 2 parts. In Part 1 (about 5 years) James and Lisa are involved with other people. Although their paths cross, they are never formally introduced to one another.
- Part 1 took up about 20% of the book. I didn’t mind Part 1 as lots of people have relationships before they meet “The One”, so this was believable. In this part of the book James met the love of his life and Lisa struggled with her “brokenness”. Their personalities and drive/ambition were well established.
- Part 2 started out with James in a pretty bad way. He was depressed and not the same James from Part 1. Understandable, but I felt like he wallowed in his misery just a little too long. Lisa was stronger in Part 2, but she was still insecure about something in her life.
- I love the idea of “Fate” and two people destined to be together. It makes the couple’s connection seem unbreakable. But for me, the story itself had too many typical romance cliche’s. The instant attraction and the “jolts of electricity”, the miracle baby, the insecurity and feeling second best, even the outcome of James’ first love was predictable. By the end of Part 1 I had in my mind what would happen in Part 2 and i was spot on. So the lack of originality was disappointing.
Nitpicks:
- Small rant coming up.....Why does an author always have a female think she’s “broken” if she can’t have kids?? It really frustrates me because not everyone woman thinks that way. I honestly think this “categorization” is disrespectful to women who can’t have children. In real life lots of women have worked through this heartache and still love themselves and know they have value and worth even though they can’t have children and they don’t view themselves as broken. So I was hugely disappointed the female character labeled herself in such a way. I’m also not of the mindset that kids need to be written into a story to have a HEA. Once again, lots of people who can’t have kids live fulfilling lives without children. If an author feels kids need to be part of a story, then have an adoption plot. Lord knows adoption comes with enough drama and heartache to write 1,000 books.....end of rant. 🤐
- Sometimes the characters felt more like early twenties rather than almost 30. There was an immaturity to them that didn’t ring true to their life experiences and their actual ages.
- In my opinion, James' grovel was not enough. He left without a word for two months in one of the most stressful times of Lisa’s life and that is highly unforgivable. His hero points went down.
- The writing is just a little stilted and stiff. Doesn't flow extremely well, but it's not enough to be annoying.
Overview:
- POV: dual POV
- H likable? More so at the beginning of the book. I didn’t like him as much in Part 2 and he really ticked me off at the end of the book.
- h likable? Yes
- h virgin? Yes, but she gave her virginity to the relationship in Part 1. So by the time she was with James she was no longer a virgin
- First time they kiss: 52%
- First time they sleep together: 58%
- First time they say I Love You 99%
- steamy? Yes
- OW/OM drama? Yes, but only in the way that prior relationships impact current ones and the baggage that sometimes accompanies individuals
- H/h cheat? once they meet, they are never involved with anyone else.
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? they needed to reveal their pasts. At 45% James tells Lisa what happened with Jessica. At 50% Lisa tells James about the accident and her injury
- Did I cry? No
- Did I laugh? no
- Cliffhanger? no
- HEA? yes
- Epilogue? 1 year later
- Recommend? yes
- Plan to read more books in the series? yes
Quotes
“It’s as if you’ve been living parallel lives with near chances to meet but something always interfered. Until now.”
“I haven’t smiled or laughed during the past year until I met you two weeks ago. It feels both good and bad. I want good to win. Thank you for lifting my spirits.”
Spending time with Lisa has been like a breath of fresh air, as if I were stuck in a house with all the windows closed on a hot day without air conditioning and someone finally opened the windows after a thunderstorm.“
“No one gets over the death of a loved one. You learn how to cope and accept it. You can heal, but you will never be the same as you were before.”
- Based on personal experience, I completely agree with this.
”I believe we’re meant to meet properly at this time in our lives. We have helped each other in our past, which helped shape our future. Must we analyze it? Or can we just follow our hearts and see what happens?”
October 28, 2018
3.5 stars
"We are mental cases. A match made in heaven."
It's funny how I ended up wit Lives Collide as my Quirky Blind Date With A Book for October, knowing that I've already read Dreams Collide (and psssss...t - Souls Collide) already but never had the time/chance to read the first book by Kristina Beck.
Lives Collide is full of deep emotions like love, loss, grief, acceptance, hope, faith. And if you believe in fate, this story is right up your alley. So I'm certainly a fan of James and Lisa's love story and how it developed through the book.
"Somehow our lives have collided and brought us to this point. This is where we are supposed to be."
Lisa and James are truly marked by life. Until they could finally meet - like for real and get a chance to share their lives - they had to endure some life alternating events that left them scarred in more ways than one. But then, when their lives finally collided for good, they were able to help each other, to grow to the persons they always wanted to be.
The story has some really tragically elements that shatter your heart and you feel the fight of their inner demons. But the character development along the story development is really great and you can't help but turn one page after the other until the book is finished.
"Loving you isn't wrong. It's absolutely right."
Lives Collide is a great debut novel by Kristina Beck. It's an emotional captivating story about sorrow and loss in life and shows us that the way we react on those feelings is what will shapes us.
"We are mental cases. A match made in heaven."
It's funny how I ended up wit Lives Collide as my Quirky Blind Date With A Book for October, knowing that I've already read Dreams Collide (and psssss...t - Souls Collide) already but never had the time/chance to read the first book by Kristina Beck.
Lives Collide is full of deep emotions like love, loss, grief, acceptance, hope, faith. And if you believe in fate, this story is right up your alley. So I'm certainly a fan of James and Lisa's love story and how it developed through the book.
"Somehow our lives have collided and brought us to this point. This is where we are supposed to be."
Lisa and James are truly marked by life. Until they could finally meet - like for real and get a chance to share their lives - they had to endure some life alternating events that left them scarred in more ways than one. But then, when their lives finally collided for good, they were able to help each other, to grow to the persons they always wanted to be.
The story has some really tragically elements that shatter your heart and you feel the fight of their inner demons. But the character development along the story development is really great and you can't help but turn one page after the other until the book is finished.
"Loving you isn't wrong. It's absolutely right."
Lives Collide is a great debut novel by Kristina Beck. It's an emotional captivating story about sorrow and loss in life and shows us that the way we react on those feelings is what will shapes us.
September 26, 2017
Lives Collide is all about fate and of course it’s all rather romantic that no matter how long it takes, not matter what life throws at two people, they will eventually end up together. Beck goes an extra mile in Lives Collide by creating backstories for Lisa and James that span years starting from the very first instance their paths meet for the first time. Even though their lives then bounce apart from each other they still move in the same general direction until finally crossing paths again.
Lisa and James ‘run into each other‘ a multiple times but due to certain circumstances they were unaware they kept meeting. The events surrounding their coincidental meetings, and both of their lives leading up to finally coming to a unifying moment, are equally tragic and full of joy, spanning across many years. A lot can happen within a minute, a day, a week, a month… imagine how much can happen within a few years. Life is not a walk in the park and both Lisa and James have had their fair share of highs and lows. Those lows include losing loved ones, coming to terms with life altering consequences following an accident and trying to find just enough life juice and hope to keep living.
It is so, that at the most hopeless moments of their lives Lisa and James are finally united by the fate… or coincidence… or both! Together, still unaware of how their pasts have collided, they form a friendship. James is in need of finding a way to move on with his life after experiencing a very tragic loss and Lisa just so happens to be a psychiatrist in training (of course, her profession is no coincidence. It is a choice based on past events). When they finally find out that they have indeed frequented the most pivotal moments in each others’ lives, it is somewhat of a shock to deal with but makes their relationship make all the more sense. But before they get to ride off to the sunset together, life puts them through a final grinder!
I did have a few issues with the book and I am now alerting you to the fact that what follows is based on my personal preference, so feel free to ignore my opinion if you do so wish.
My expectation was to read the book and feel somewhat emotionally drained. In this case however, I can’t say I was 100% pulled in and here’s why…
I found it difficult to enjoy the writing style. The first person POV was perfectly fine. It allowed me to get both emotions and thoughts from James and Lisa. But the sentences were short and very matter of fact and as such I didn’t feel the story had a nice seamless progression. The dialogue, possibly impacted by the writing style, felt like I wasn’t trusted to follow the course of interactions in a natural flow.
Going back to the story progression- perhaps a few too many ‘crucial meeting instances’ were created for the characters’ past thus making the first half of the novel span way too many years too quickly, which in turn didn’t really make me feel connected to them or what they went through on a deeper level.
It has always been important to me to care about the characters in order for me to receive the most effect from the lows and highs. So, I did feel like the tragic events acted more like springboards or tools to give as much of the background as possible for Lisa and James. Thus, when it came time to cheer them and their relationship filled with joyful, blossoming love (electric jolts and some cringey lines included) I simply felt nothing. It was great! Of course it was. I do love a happy moment, but perhaps, in this case, there was too much, too fast without letting me come to terms with all that happened, bad or good. Love, death, friendship and inner demons all hold a lot of meaning to me, and while they were graciously addressed in the book, I didn’t feel the emotion coming to me from the pages.
And honestly, some days I’m a soulless bastard (I actually am a bastard because my parents aren’t married, te-hee!) so I have nothing within me to tap into to aid the story along.
Fault all mine. GAC!
While I have explored romance/chicklit in excess in the past (yes, the cat is out of the bag!) I do not read these genres daily and as such you may well tell me to bugger off and keep my opinion to myself. Fair enough, but the final point I would like to address is that of clichés. Maybe life is a cliché, maybe for anyone else other than me clichés are what make these stories so enjoyable: the unforgettable eyes, the electric jolts rattling through bodies at first contact, the miracle happening which was never meant to happen… I mean, maybe clichés ended up as clichés for a reason- they’re something that we all dream and fantasize about at times, but hardly exprience in real life…? Still, there are only so many different spins you can wrap a cliché into; and I think we’ve run all out of these.
Overall: Lives Collide is a rollercoaster read with every imaginable life scenario woven into the pages and whether you believe in fate or not, I am sure most readers can find something in this story to like; something to relate to and something to feed the romantics inside them. Be mindful, though, as there are some topics in this book (relating to death and loss) that some readers may find difficult to read if they have gone through similar themselves.
Lisa and James ‘run into each other‘ a multiple times but due to certain circumstances they were unaware they kept meeting. The events surrounding their coincidental meetings, and both of their lives leading up to finally coming to a unifying moment, are equally tragic and full of joy, spanning across many years. A lot can happen within a minute, a day, a week, a month… imagine how much can happen within a few years. Life is not a walk in the park and both Lisa and James have had their fair share of highs and lows. Those lows include losing loved ones, coming to terms with life altering consequences following an accident and trying to find just enough life juice and hope to keep living.
It is so, that at the most hopeless moments of their lives Lisa and James are finally united by the fate… or coincidence… or both! Together, still unaware of how their pasts have collided, they form a friendship. James is in need of finding a way to move on with his life after experiencing a very tragic loss and Lisa just so happens to be a psychiatrist in training (of course, her profession is no coincidence. It is a choice based on past events). When they finally find out that they have indeed frequented the most pivotal moments in each others’ lives, it is somewhat of a shock to deal with but makes their relationship make all the more sense. But before they get to ride off to the sunset together, life puts them through a final grinder!
I did have a few issues with the book and I am now alerting you to the fact that what follows is based on my personal preference, so feel free to ignore my opinion if you do so wish.
My expectation was to read the book and feel somewhat emotionally drained. In this case however, I can’t say I was 100% pulled in and here’s why…
I found it difficult to enjoy the writing style. The first person POV was perfectly fine. It allowed me to get both emotions and thoughts from James and Lisa. But the sentences were short and very matter of fact and as such I didn’t feel the story had a nice seamless progression. The dialogue, possibly impacted by the writing style, felt like I wasn’t trusted to follow the course of interactions in a natural flow.
Going back to the story progression- perhaps a few too many ‘crucial meeting instances’ were created for the characters’ past thus making the first half of the novel span way too many years too quickly, which in turn didn’t really make me feel connected to them or what they went through on a deeper level.
It has always been important to me to care about the characters in order for me to receive the most effect from the lows and highs. So, I did feel like the tragic events acted more like springboards or tools to give as much of the background as possible for Lisa and James. Thus, when it came time to cheer them and their relationship filled with joyful, blossoming love (electric jolts and some cringey lines included) I simply felt nothing. It was great! Of course it was. I do love a happy moment, but perhaps, in this case, there was too much, too fast without letting me come to terms with all that happened, bad or good. Love, death, friendship and inner demons all hold a lot of meaning to me, and while they were graciously addressed in the book, I didn’t feel the emotion coming to me from the pages.
And honestly, some days I’m a soulless bastard (I actually am a bastard because my parents aren’t married, te-hee!) so I have nothing within me to tap into to aid the story along.
Fault all mine. GAC!
While I have explored romance/chicklit in excess in the past (yes, the cat is out of the bag!) I do not read these genres daily and as such you may well tell me to bugger off and keep my opinion to myself. Fair enough, but the final point I would like to address is that of clichés. Maybe life is a cliché, maybe for anyone else other than me clichés are what make these stories so enjoyable: the unforgettable eyes, the electric jolts rattling through bodies at first contact, the miracle happening which was never meant to happen… I mean, maybe clichés ended up as clichés for a reason- they’re something that we all dream and fantasize about at times, but hardly exprience in real life…? Still, there are only so many different spins you can wrap a cliché into; and I think we’ve run all out of these.
Overall: Lives Collide is a rollercoaster read with every imaginable life scenario woven into the pages and whether you believe in fate or not, I am sure most readers can find something in this story to like; something to relate to and something to feed the romantics inside them. Be mindful, though, as there are some topics in this book (relating to death and loss) that some readers may find difficult to read if they have gone through similar themselves.
July 6, 2017
Lives Collide
Kristina Beck
Received from author
LIVES COLLIDE is the story of James Kramer and Lisa Schmitt. Their lives are entwined over and over again beginning when Lisa is fifteen and is involved in a car crash that kills her mother. James drives by and literally saves Lisa's life. They meet again when James is hurt in a skiing accident but neither one recognizes the other. Over and over again, their paths cross, without them knowing it until much later on. How can you not get hooked on a story like this? Once I started reading LIVES COLLIDE I could not put it down. I was fascinated by how close Lisa and James came to each other without realizing who the other one was.
Once you start reading LIVES COLLIDE you are going to find yourself laughing and crying. I really loved the whole idea of this story and found myself so wrapped up in the characters lives. The secondary characters are just as important and funny as James and Lisa are and soon you are going to feel as if you are right there with them all, knowing them for many many years. My heart was a mess for Lisa who felt so lost and broken. She misses her mother and she is broken because of the injuries she suffered in the accident. Both her and James are fighting so many internal issues and neither of them will confide in the other. At times I wanted to slap them both and shake some sense into them, but at the same time, I totally got their fears!
LIVES COLLIDE is the first book in the Collide series and I can not wait to continue this series. I love Kristina Beck's writing and the way she took my feelings on an emotional roller coaster ride. I loved this story so much that I will now read anything this wonderful author writes. The fact that she is a Jersey girl, just like me and Lisa are, puts her near and dear to my heart as well. Us Jersey girls have to stick together! I hope everyone will want to read LIVES COLLIDE and get instantly hooked just like I did. I can't wait to see who Tina, Lisa's sister, will get involved with!
Kristina Beck
Received from author
LIVES COLLIDE is the story of James Kramer and Lisa Schmitt. Their lives are entwined over and over again beginning when Lisa is fifteen and is involved in a car crash that kills her mother. James drives by and literally saves Lisa's life. They meet again when James is hurt in a skiing accident but neither one recognizes the other. Over and over again, their paths cross, without them knowing it until much later on. How can you not get hooked on a story like this? Once I started reading LIVES COLLIDE I could not put it down. I was fascinated by how close Lisa and James came to each other without realizing who the other one was.
Once you start reading LIVES COLLIDE you are going to find yourself laughing and crying. I really loved the whole idea of this story and found myself so wrapped up in the characters lives. The secondary characters are just as important and funny as James and Lisa are and soon you are going to feel as if you are right there with them all, knowing them for many many years. My heart was a mess for Lisa who felt so lost and broken. She misses her mother and she is broken because of the injuries she suffered in the accident. Both her and James are fighting so many internal issues and neither of them will confide in the other. At times I wanted to slap them both and shake some sense into them, but at the same time, I totally got their fears!
LIVES COLLIDE is the first book in the Collide series and I can not wait to continue this series. I love Kristina Beck's writing and the way she took my feelings on an emotional roller coaster ride. I loved this story so much that I will now read anything this wonderful author writes. The fact that she is a Jersey girl, just like me and Lisa are, puts her near and dear to my heart as well. Us Jersey girls have to stick together! I hope everyone will want to read LIVES COLLIDE and get instantly hooked just like I did. I can't wait to see who Tina, Lisa's sister, will get involved with!
June 25, 2017
Excellent story with lots of gut-churning moments, and I mean in the sense, don't make me cry! I almost did cry in a few parts, but managed to control the tears, because once I start crying it doesn't stop for a while. lol. It was really easy to love Lisa and James, and in the beginning I was wondering how James would ever love someone else after he met Jessica (not gonna give away what I'm talking about *wink*). When he falls in love, he loves deeply, and my heart broke for him so many times, and Lisa, too. But don't worry, there's happy moments in the book, too! Great story, and I can't wait to read Tina's story. (She's Lisa's sister.)
July 8, 2017
4.5
If there was ever a book tittle that matched a story "Lives Collide" would be it!!!! This story is deep on so many levels, it will leave you breathless. Since Lisa was fifteen and James was seventeen, their lives intertwined with each other even when they weren't aware of it. They both had to face the most horrific of tragedies in order to be together in the end. What are the odds of you meeting your angel at a time of sadness, years later that angel turns out to be your savior? You will cry and laugh for all that they go through, but at the end there will definitely be a happy ending!
If there was ever a book tittle that matched a story "Lives Collide" would be it!!!! This story is deep on so many levels, it will leave you breathless. Since Lisa was fifteen and James was seventeen, their lives intertwined with each other even when they weren't aware of it. They both had to face the most horrific of tragedies in order to be together in the end. What are the odds of you meeting your angel at a time of sadness, years later that angel turns out to be your savior? You will cry and laugh for all that they go through, but at the end there will definitely be a happy ending!
dnf
February 11, 2019DNF @ 30sh%
Too many coincidences, too many.
His 1st and real love, Jessica, died with their baby son. I liked her a lot, she was a great person. The heroine was a whiny brat compared to Jessica.
It's not about the h being 2nd best, it's not my trigger. Just a shame they killed such a lovely and smart woman to give him a future with the h.
The h couldn't have kids. I don't know for sure, but I assume she'll miraculously get pregnant 🙄, almost dies and then they live their HEA
Well, Jessica deserved better!!!
Too many coincidences, too many.
His 1st and real love, Jessica, died with their baby son. I liked her a lot, she was a great person. The heroine was a whiny brat compared to Jessica.
It's not about the h being 2nd best, it's not my trigger. Just a shame they killed such a lovely and smart woman to give him a future with the h.
The h couldn't have kids. I don't know for sure, but I assume she'll miraculously get pregnant 🙄, almost dies and then they live their HEA
Well, Jessica deserved better!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2019
Real people don’t talk like that.
April 15, 2017
James' life is completely planned. Ever since he helped in an car accident as a teenager he knows he wants to be a doctor, when Jessica enters the picture his life is completely altered. She is his soulmate and knows he will do whatever he can to keep her with him. Meanwhile Lisa feels broken, she has lost her mother and can not bear children. She decides she wants to be a psychiatrist, specifically to help people suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. Over the years James and Lisa's paths cross multiple times, but they don't realize it. One fateful night while drinking at a bar, their lives will cross again and neither of them will ever be the same.
Written from both James and Lisa's perspectives, "Lives Collide" is a heartfelt story of two people's journeys to find their true selves. Ms. Beck first book shows a lot of promise and was quite the page turner. At times I felt like it took a little too long to move forward, but overall was very happy with how things turned out. Although the book ended "happily ever after" I thought the characters had suffered enough to be satisfied by that. I look forward to reading the next book from Ms. Beck. I rated this four out of five stars.
Written from both James and Lisa's perspectives, "Lives Collide" is a heartfelt story of two people's journeys to find their true selves. Ms. Beck first book shows a lot of promise and was quite the page turner. At times I felt like it took a little too long to move forward, but overall was very happy with how things turned out. Although the book ended "happily ever after" I thought the characters had suffered enough to be satisfied by that. I look forward to reading the next book from Ms. Beck. I rated this four out of five stars.
May 3, 2020
Gostei da história e da escrita da autora, me prendeu do início ao fim.
O enredo é bem interessante, duas pessoas destinadas a ficarem juntas mas que se desencontram e se encontram em etapas e acontecimentos importantes.
Sobre a publicação nacional: Encontrei umas palavras sobrando, tipo da tradução do inglês para português, e achei a diagramação do e-book meio estranha. Alguns diálogos e ações entre travessões, outros entre aspas, rs.
O enredo é bem interessante, duas pessoas destinadas a ficarem juntas mas que se desencontram e se encontram em etapas e acontecimentos importantes.
Sobre a publicação nacional: Encontrei umas palavras sobrando, tipo da tradução do inglês para português, e achei a diagramação do e-book meio estranha. Alguns diálogos e ações entre travessões, outros entre aspas, rs.
November 7, 2018
ugh!!!!!!!!! i really dont know what my rating should be for this book. it had suuuuuuuuch great potential and really started to unravel the second half of the book. i had such high hopes for it too. merrrrr!
June 1, 2017
Reviewed by: Jess
Actual Rating: 4 stars
A free copy was provided by the author.
What a read! I loved that the author introduced the reader to the characters and their world through tragedy straight away.
I could tell the two main characters would meet at some point but really enjoyed reading about the years in-between, I found this to be a refreshing break from the usual wishy-washy romance novels.
Writing chapters from both Lisa and James' perspective really helped the reader understand the different emotional challenges they were facing, I also cannot recall reading another novel where the time frame moves so fast and so frequently, it definitely worked though.
What really struck me about this novels wasn't actually the characters or format but the issues the author highlighted and tackled. There were several moments in the plot where the genre seemed to change from a romance novel to something eye-opening and heartbreaking.
Grief
From the start we learn that death has impacted Lisa, the author is not afraid to let us know that sometimes Lisa and her father wonder why they didn't die instead, highlighting that often surviving loved ones feel guilty for remaining alive.
Then shock spoiler James loses the love of his life, it's interesting to read about how losing someone so young at such a young age and so unexpectedly affects a person.
I loved trying to work out if James would ever be able to allow himself happiness, again the novel dealt with a different kind of death and if it is ever okay for a person to move on.
Womanhood
This was a brave subject to address, Lisa is unable to have children and although in the beginning we don't even know if Lisa wants children we know that to her the ability to be a mother is something she believes makes a person more of a woman.
We read as Lisa battles with her identity, the way she feels it means she cannot ever give a man what he desires.
In a day and age where whether women should all be mothers is controversial it was important for Bryant to leave her because he felt that children were a pivotal part of a relationship but also for James to be willing to love her regardless of the fact she could not have a child.
I thought the ending was a little bit cliche.
The only reason I gave it a four instead of a five star rating was I found the dialogue cringe-worthy every time and the way these young adults talked quite cliche.
I also found that every negative point of the novel was counteracted by something positive lessening the impacting of the negative parts.
I would recommend reading it purely because it is so different to most other novels however I would brace yourself for some very mush and unrealistic dialogue.
Actual Rating: 4 stars
A free copy was provided by the author.
What a read! I loved that the author introduced the reader to the characters and their world through tragedy straight away.
I could tell the two main characters would meet at some point but really enjoyed reading about the years in-between, I found this to be a refreshing break from the usual wishy-washy romance novels.
Writing chapters from both Lisa and James' perspective really helped the reader understand the different emotional challenges they were facing, I also cannot recall reading another novel where the time frame moves so fast and so frequently, it definitely worked though.
What really struck me about this novels wasn't actually the characters or format but the issues the author highlighted and tackled. There were several moments in the plot where the genre seemed to change from a romance novel to something eye-opening and heartbreaking.
Grief
From the start we learn that death has impacted Lisa, the author is not afraid to let us know that sometimes Lisa and her father wonder why they didn't die instead, highlighting that often surviving loved ones feel guilty for remaining alive.
Then shock spoiler James loses the love of his life, it's interesting to read about how losing someone so young at such a young age and so unexpectedly affects a person.
I loved trying to work out if James would ever be able to allow himself happiness, again the novel dealt with a different kind of death and if it is ever okay for a person to move on.
Womanhood
This was a brave subject to address, Lisa is unable to have children and although in the beginning we don't even know if Lisa wants children we know that to her the ability to be a mother is something she believes makes a person more of a woman.
We read as Lisa battles with her identity, the way she feels it means she cannot ever give a man what he desires.
In a day and age where whether women should all be mothers is controversial it was important for Bryant to leave her because he felt that children were a pivotal part of a relationship but also for James to be willing to love her regardless of the fact she could not have a child.
I thought the ending was a little bit cliche.
The only reason I gave it a four instead of a five star rating was I found the dialogue cringe-worthy every time and the way these young adults talked quite cliche.
I also found that every negative point of the novel was counteracted by something positive lessening the impacting of the negative parts.
I would recommend reading it purely because it is so different to most other novels however I would brace yourself for some very mush and unrealistic dialogue.
May 25, 2017
Lives Collide
Kristina Beck
Lives Collide is about James Kramer and Lisa Schmitt. Fate brings them together over and over again. First, when Lisa and her mother are in a car accident when Lisa is a teenager. This leads James to want to be a doctor and Lisa a psychiatrist. James helps Lisa and her mother until the ambulance arrives. A few years later, James has a ski accident, fate has Lisa there and she waits with him until help arrives. Neither of them knowing the identity or connection of their angels. They end up at the same college and same town. Not crossing paths. When James goes through another tragedy, Lisa is there to help him. As the story unravels, they figure out their connection, but can they heal from their circumstances to forget and be together as fate has tried so hard for them to do?
This book goes between James and Lisa's point of view. I enjoy this kind of writing. You get to see the story from different perspectives. You know how each of them feel in every situation.
The only problem I had was that some of the characters sounded the same. Sometimes I would forget what character was speaking. Lisa was overly dramatic. It annoyed me that everyone just wanted James to get over his grief and it just isn't that easy.
I enjoyed the happy ending. Both of these characters had been through so much and deserved some happiness. The story flows well. The author took time to develop James and Lisa's relationship. It was believable and not rushed. I loved the intensity they had when they finally let go.
This is a great debut book. I hope to read more from this author and hope there is more coming from these characters. I would recommend this book to other readers.
Kristina Beck
Lives Collide is about James Kramer and Lisa Schmitt. Fate brings them together over and over again. First, when Lisa and her mother are in a car accident when Lisa is a teenager. This leads James to want to be a doctor and Lisa a psychiatrist. James helps Lisa and her mother until the ambulance arrives. A few years later, James has a ski accident, fate has Lisa there and she waits with him until help arrives. Neither of them knowing the identity or connection of their angels. They end up at the same college and same town. Not crossing paths. When James goes through another tragedy, Lisa is there to help him. As the story unravels, they figure out their connection, but can they heal from their circumstances to forget and be together as fate has tried so hard for them to do?
This book goes between James and Lisa's point of view. I enjoy this kind of writing. You get to see the story from different perspectives. You know how each of them feel in every situation.
The only problem I had was that some of the characters sounded the same. Sometimes I would forget what character was speaking. Lisa was overly dramatic. It annoyed me that everyone just wanted James to get over his grief and it just isn't that easy.
I enjoyed the happy ending. Both of these characters had been through so much and deserved some happiness. The story flows well. The author took time to develop James and Lisa's relationship. It was believable and not rushed. I loved the intensity they had when they finally let go.
This is a great debut book. I hope to read more from this author and hope there is more coming from these characters. I would recommend this book to other readers.
September 21, 2017
This is such a great twist on a classic story of love. The book was refreshing, so readable and had me turning the pages to find out more, as well as tugging on my heartstrings. Always a good sign. I loved the characters and found their inner struggles very relatable, even though they endure more than you’d ever hope to! The story follows a series of coincidences and tragedies that befall the characters, who although living parallel lives have a connection. Well-crafted and presented nicely, both inside and out, I’m thrilled to give this story a full fat five juicy stars. I won’t say more, as I don’t want to spoil it.
July 4, 2017
I received this book in exchange for an honest review
And OMG!! it completely blow me away! all the way through i was captured with the whole story line! I couldn't believe the two carrell lives were going on so close then bam! they crossed and suddenly i wanted everything to come out! but obviously a better story was presented and more magical twists brought in!
I loved everything about this book, all the way through I couldn't wait to see what happens but then wanted to read slower so i could enjoy the book more but decided on a re-read instead!!
fantastic work!!
And OMG!! it completely blow me away! all the way through i was captured with the whole story line! I couldn't believe the two carrell lives were going on so close then bam! they crossed and suddenly i wanted everything to come out! but obviously a better story was presented and more magical twists brought in!
I loved everything about this book, all the way through I couldn't wait to see what happens but then wanted to read slower so i could enjoy the book more but decided on a re-read instead!!
fantastic work!!
July 18, 2017
I recieved this book for my honest opinion and wow I was on the edge of my seat throughout this whole book!!! Lisa got in a wreck and James saves her but she loses her mom but she doesn't see him till years later when he's going through something! Will two broken people help each other out? This emotional read is amazing and grab some tissues and hang on for the ride!
January 5, 2018
What a heart wrenching beautiful story! I loved that there were so many deep feelings of love, fate, connected souls and family. I cried more than once and smiled even more.
August 10, 2017
At the age of fifteen, Lisa was in a devastating accident that ripped away her happy life and determined the path for her future. For the boy with the compelling green eyes who stopped to help Lisa and gave her his leather jacket to keep her warm, that day cemented his decision to use his sense of order and detail to become a doctor and help others. Years later, after both having been tossed and battered by life, the two meet again.
A single moment in time can change the course of a life. This book is full of those moments, portrayed through unexpected encounters, tender emotion and bittersweet outcomes. It will make you think about the what ifs, the whys, the lost opportunities and the hand of fate at work in your life. The hauntingly beautiful story of James and Lisa’s journey is one of serendipity, chance, and divine intervention. It is a story of the devastating lows of loss and grief, the incredible highs of true love and soul mates, the indomitable human spirit and the reluctant courage of change and growth. Told in first person present tense, it takes the reader by the hand and heart, pulling her into the story to become a part of the background.
This is my first work by this author, and I have no words, other than “Wow.” That’s not an excited wow, but a “my heart is full and uplifted but also weighted because I’m still processing this” wow. She took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions with high peaks, low valleys, twists, turns and bumps. She embedded the characters into my soul and captured my heart with their trials and triumphs. James and Lisa realize their connection and feelings for each other, but the book doesn’t end there, as so many books do. In a realistic portrayal of life, although they’re together they’re both still damaged and have obstacles to overcome, and the reader continues on that journey with them. And through their journey, we’re reminded that there will be sorrow and loss in life but how we respond and what we become as a result are what matters most. This compelling, captivating, emotional story is definitely worth the read and will remain in your heart long after the last page.
A single moment in time can change the course of a life. This book is full of those moments, portrayed through unexpected encounters, tender emotion and bittersweet outcomes. It will make you think about the what ifs, the whys, the lost opportunities and the hand of fate at work in your life. The hauntingly beautiful story of James and Lisa’s journey is one of serendipity, chance, and divine intervention. It is a story of the devastating lows of loss and grief, the incredible highs of true love and soul mates, the indomitable human spirit and the reluctant courage of change and growth. Told in first person present tense, it takes the reader by the hand and heart, pulling her into the story to become a part of the background.
This is my first work by this author, and I have no words, other than “Wow.” That’s not an excited wow, but a “my heart is full and uplifted but also weighted because I’m still processing this” wow. She took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions with high peaks, low valleys, twists, turns and bumps. She embedded the characters into my soul and captured my heart with their trials and triumphs. James and Lisa realize their connection and feelings for each other, but the book doesn’t end there, as so many books do. In a realistic portrayal of life, although they’re together they’re both still damaged and have obstacles to overcome, and the reader continues on that journey with them. And through their journey, we’re reminded that there will be sorrow and loss in life but how we respond and what we become as a result are what matters most. This compelling, captivating, emotional story is definitely worth the read and will remain in your heart long after the last page.
February 8, 2017
Lives Collide gives you a serendipity romance full of twists, angsts, tragedy, and heartbreak! Wow, my heart was pounding till the very last chapter! The story starts out with Lisa being in a tragic accident when she was 15 olds & a young guy named James helps her out. Each chapter slowly goes forward several years in between runs into each other at times when they don't even know.
Not going to give too much away but I would definitely recommend to read this book. The only issue was it was a bit too wordy and detailed for my taste and at times I wanted to skim through to find the meat of the chapter but other than that, it was a great read over all! Not only that, it was a kindle unlimited special! This is a standalone!
Not going to give too much away but I would definitely recommend to read this book. The only issue was it was a bit too wordy and detailed for my taste and at times I wanted to skim through to find the meat of the chapter but other than that, it was a great read over all! Not only that, it was a kindle unlimited special! This is a standalone!
July 7, 2017
So let me start by saying i was so invested from the very beginning... I spent the first part of the book just screaming at my IPAD.. Wishing I could just whip James around and say look look she is right there!!! I loved how strong Lisa was even though she had a bit of low self esteem. Then when they finally did realize who they were it was so rewarding, literally it was like a breath of fresh air, like thank goodness. They made it back to each other. I will say the story is a bit predictable but the ride was well worth it!!! I loved it.
October 22, 2018
Lives Collide by Kristina Beck will keep you turning pages. It is full of emotions. You will laugh, cry and fall in love with love. Lisa and James have a bond that goes way back, but neither of them is aware of it. They meet but actually do not meet several times during their lives. I found myself rooting for them to finally discover each other and their amazing past where their lives crossed.
Other than a few sex scenes, I recommend this book to mature audiences specifically because of bedroom scenes that may be offensive to some.
Other than a few sex scenes, I recommend this book to mature audiences specifically because of bedroom scenes that may be offensive to some.
February 9, 2017
Good read ! Loved the way the characters lives were connected. Gave me spine tingles. Look forward to reading more from this author .
October 8, 2018
I loved this book!!! This story was such an amazing mixture of sad and sweet. I loved everything about it. I think it was so realistic, because our lives really do work this way. You never know how your life may have intertwined with someone else's without even realizing it. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Read
December 6, 2022❤️Lives Collide, Collide Series, Book One ❤️
First in Series - PERMAFREE
AVAILABLE AT ALL DIGITAL RETAILERS books2read.com/Lives-Collide
An emotional medical romance with all the feels!
First in Series - PERMAFREE
AVAILABLE AT ALL DIGITAL RETAILERS books2read.com/Lives-Collide
An emotional medical romance with all the feels!
February 7, 2017
Kristina Beck's first novel is well written thoughtful and emotional. Whether you believe serendipity, destiny, coincidences, or nothing at all you will questioning your faith. Loving a Jersey girl is never easy for anyone just ask The Boss.
Want to read
August 24, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/24/2019)! 🎁
August 13, 2017
A tragic car accident changes Lisa's life forever. Just not in the way she thinks. She believes it has left her scarred, infertile, and doomed to be childless and alone. But she keeps crossing paths with the green-eyed boy who pulled her from the wreck. Is it fate?
Meanwhile, James's dream of being a surgeon was dashed after a skiing accident. He changes his planned career and falls in love with the beautiful and accomplished Jessica, even though he can't forget the blue-eyed girl who waited with him for the rescue crew. When a tragic incident robs him of his new family, he believes he can't bear to start anew. Or can he?
This is a slightly unusual romance, in that the two main characters don't actually "meet" till almost halfway through the book. Their lives keep intertwining without them realizing it, and they think they are on the path to pursuing completely different goals and partners than the ones they are actually meant to end up with. The tension is mainly generated, not by the opposites-attract cliche you often encounter in romance novels, but by their random encounters in the first part of the book, and then their inner demons in the second half of the book. The problem is not that they have a fiery love-hate connection, but that they're both overwhelmed with starting their careers, and they both feel too damaged to be part of a meaningful relationship after what's happened to them, even though they're obviously soul mates. Many romance fans will likely enjoy it, but should be aware that it's a bit different from the standard plot.
"Lives Collide" straddles the line between romance and contemporary fiction/women's fiction, and it's a good, entertaining read. Although the plot is heavily reliant on coincidence, it works here, and many of the problems Lisa and James face, such as flaky partners, uncertainty about their futures, and the difficulty of carving out any time for a relationship or family while trying to get started in highly demanding professions, will resonant with many readers, especially those in their 20s and 30s. Definitely worth checking out if you're looking for a romance story that's a bit different.
Meanwhile, James's dream of being a surgeon was dashed after a skiing accident. He changes his planned career and falls in love with the beautiful and accomplished Jessica, even though he can't forget the blue-eyed girl who waited with him for the rescue crew. When a tragic incident robs him of his new family, he believes he can't bear to start anew. Or can he?
This is a slightly unusual romance, in that the two main characters don't actually "meet" till almost halfway through the book. Their lives keep intertwining without them realizing it, and they think they are on the path to pursuing completely different goals and partners than the ones they are actually meant to end up with. The tension is mainly generated, not by the opposites-attract cliche you often encounter in romance novels, but by their random encounters in the first part of the book, and then their inner demons in the second half of the book. The problem is not that they have a fiery love-hate connection, but that they're both overwhelmed with starting their careers, and they both feel too damaged to be part of a meaningful relationship after what's happened to them, even though they're obviously soul mates. Many romance fans will likely enjoy it, but should be aware that it's a bit different from the standard plot.
"Lives Collide" straddles the line between romance and contemporary fiction/women's fiction, and it's a good, entertaining read. Although the plot is heavily reliant on coincidence, it works here, and many of the problems Lisa and James face, such as flaky partners, uncertainty about their futures, and the difficulty of carving out any time for a relationship or family while trying to get started in highly demanding professions, will resonant with many readers, especially those in their 20s and 30s. Definitely worth checking out if you're looking for a romance story that's a bit different.
June 14, 2017
Lisa Schmitt & Mrs. Schmitt (mom) dropped Tina Schmitt (sister, pharmacy clerk) off at work.
On the way home mom had a serious car wreck.
Lisa managed to survive but mom died.
Killington, VT. Snow Peak Lodge. James Kramer (Johnson College med student, NY), & Alexa (sister, pharmaceutical sales rep) were skiing & he had an accident.
The EMT’s were attending to him.
James finished his residency at Clarion University of Physicians & Surgeons.
Dr. James Kramer (26, MD) & Jessica Flynn (28, St. Clare’s Medical School, emergency medicine) by some chance meet.
Lisa Schmitt (pediatrics) & Bryant Callahan (27, pediatric dept.) have been going together for a yr.
Yrs. later things take a turn for the worst.
Dr. Kramer & Jessica are in a car wreck. She is killed & Jacob is the name given to their unborn fetus.
Lisa & Bryant break up. He already has a new squeeze.
Later; what did Dr. Kaplan (ER chief of staff) inform Lisa & her family & friends?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written medical student romantic book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great medical student romance movie, or better yet a mini TV series. Romance aren’t really my thing but I like this 1. That said I will rate it at 5 stars.
Thank you for the author; free; Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
On the way home mom had a serious car wreck.
Lisa managed to survive but mom died.
Killington, VT. Snow Peak Lodge. James Kramer (Johnson College med student, NY), & Alexa (sister, pharmaceutical sales rep) were skiing & he had an accident.
The EMT’s were attending to him.
James finished his residency at Clarion University of Physicians & Surgeons.
Dr. James Kramer (26, MD) & Jessica Flynn (28, St. Clare’s Medical School, emergency medicine) by some chance meet.
Lisa Schmitt (pediatrics) & Bryant Callahan (27, pediatric dept.) have been going together for a yr.
Yrs. later things take a turn for the worst.
Dr. Kramer & Jessica are in a car wreck. She is killed & Jacob is the name given to their unborn fetus.
Lisa & Bryant break up. He already has a new squeeze.
Later; what did Dr. Kaplan (ER chief of staff) inform Lisa & her family & friends?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written medical student romantic book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great medical student romance movie, or better yet a mini TV series. Romance aren’t really my thing but I like this 1. That said I will rate it at 5 stars.
Thank you for the author; free; Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
July 6, 2017
You can plan your life, but sometimes life has a mind of its own…
Following Lisa’s near-death experience as a teenager, she is haunted by the emerald-green eyes of the stranger who saved her life. Her only connection to him is the leather jacket he left behind. Years later, she’s still reeling from the aftereffects of her injuries, convinced that no man will love her once he uncovers her secret. She lives a life of solitude and hides behind her days of monotony. And then James storms into her life.
After James helps a young girl in a car accident, he sets his life course—determined that nothing will stand in his way. Once he accomplishes his dreams, one unforeseen event changes his orderly existence into one of chaos. He spirals downward and can’t summon the strength to pull himself from the edge of despair. Until Lisa becomes a beautiful distraction.
Familiarity and a sense of peace draw them to one another. They soon discover they lived parallel lives that intertwined at the most crucial points. Can their revelations help them face their fears and move forward, or will history repeat itself?
I’ve recently been reading thrillers and psychological thrillers and needed a change. Lives Collide was that change. This is a lovely, warm, cosy book with the right amount of angst. The book was really well written and I loved the characters. 5*
Following Lisa’s near-death experience as a teenager, she is haunted by the emerald-green eyes of the stranger who saved her life. Her only connection to him is the leather jacket he left behind. Years later, she’s still reeling from the aftereffects of her injuries, convinced that no man will love her once he uncovers her secret. She lives a life of solitude and hides behind her days of monotony. And then James storms into her life.
After James helps a young girl in a car accident, he sets his life course—determined that nothing will stand in his way. Once he accomplishes his dreams, one unforeseen event changes his orderly existence into one of chaos. He spirals downward and can’t summon the strength to pull himself from the edge of despair. Until Lisa becomes a beautiful distraction.
Familiarity and a sense of peace draw them to one another. They soon discover they lived parallel lives that intertwined at the most crucial points. Can their revelations help them face their fears and move forward, or will history repeat itself?
I’ve recently been reading thrillers and psychological thrillers and needed a change. Lives Collide was that change. This is a lovely, warm, cosy book with the right amount of angst. The book was really well written and I loved the characters. 5*
September 16, 2017
I was lucky to win a copy in a competition :)
It's a beautiful story about love, loosing love, soulmates, tragedy, trying to find the good thing and to learn how to be happy again. Sexy times but mostly sweet lovemaking.... finding and loosing soulmates and evolving, moving on and gain strength to open up and to mend a broken heart.
Two people, two different lives but a series of accidents tie them together.
Lisa, strong but broken. She doesn't feel complete but she's managing.
James, he has it all dream career, found his soulmate and living the sweet life...
I really like that you get dual point of view. We get to now both Lisa and James.
In the first part of the book I was just waiting for them to get together and was so frustrated that it didn't happen.... they were so close so many times.
Absolutely loved the cover of this book, and I love how the colors are represented in the book.
It's a beautiful story about love, loosing love, soulmates, tragedy, trying to find the good thing and to learn how to be happy again. Sexy times but mostly sweet lovemaking.... finding and loosing soulmates and evolving, moving on and gain strength to open up and to mend a broken heart.
Two people, two different lives but a series of accidents tie them together.
Lisa, strong but broken. She doesn't feel complete but she's managing.
James, he has it all dream career, found his soulmate and living the sweet life...
I really like that you get dual point of view. We get to now both Lisa and James.
In the first part of the book I was just waiting for them to get together and was so frustrated that it didn't happen.... they were so close so many times.
Absolutely loved the cover of this book, and I love how the colors are represented in the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews