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Collide
Three simple words were all it took to change their lives forever. Losing a loved one is hard. Learning to survive in their absence? That’s even harder. For Gemma Michaels, life had become difficult following her brother’s death, but the one thing that kept her afloat was the one thing she knew she shouldn’t have desired – her best friend, Ben. He’d made a promise to her brother – to protect her, no matter what. For Ben, that had meant that she was off limits. But then she slips and tells him the three words he’s been waiting to hear. Love happens when you least expect it.
91 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2014
2 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Sobon
56 books190 followersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolesobon/
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I write books. A lot of them.
TikTok:
https://www.instagram.com/nicolesobon/
I write books. A lot of them.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 16, 2018
Original review
This book was provided by the publisher through Chapter by Chapter Blog Tours in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Chapter by Chapter Blog Tours and Inkspell Publishing!
Collide is the first book in The Collide Series and tells the story of Gemma and Ben. Gemma and Ben have been friends for such a long time, but they are falling for each other. They have even been in love with each other for such a long time but Gemma always thought that Ben didn’t feel the same way about her, that he saw her as just a friend…
Collide is such a beautiful and short book. I read it in one sitting and I enjoyed every page of it. The story is really fast paced and you can totally relate to it.
Gemma is a very anxious and socially awkward, and I’m totally like her. The book begins with Gemma and Ben going out and Gemma totally doesn’t want to because she’s rather at home with a book and she says that ‘As much as I wanted to be social, being around people tended to make everything worse.’ And that’s so me, so I really loved that I could relate to Gemma.
When I read about Ben, I immediately thought of my boyfriend. Before my boyfriend and I were together, we were best friends and he was in love with another girl. I always hated that other girl even though she didn’t do anything wrong, but I was always a good friend that helped him get the girl. My boyfriend is just like Ben, the one who saved me from my unhappiness, like Ben saved Gemma from her brother’s death.
I really loved Gemma and Ben and I cannot wait to continue this series because of that ending… Give me book 2 already!!!
This book was provided by the publisher through Chapter by Chapter Blog Tours in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Chapter by Chapter Blog Tours and Inkspell Publishing!
Collide is the first book in The Collide Series and tells the story of Gemma and Ben. Gemma and Ben have been friends for such a long time, but they are falling for each other. They have even been in love with each other for such a long time but Gemma always thought that Ben didn’t feel the same way about her, that he saw her as just a friend…
Collide is such a beautiful and short book. I read it in one sitting and I enjoyed every page of it. The story is really fast paced and you can totally relate to it.
Gemma is a very anxious and socially awkward, and I’m totally like her. The book begins with Gemma and Ben going out and Gemma totally doesn’t want to because she’s rather at home with a book and she says that ‘As much as I wanted to be social, being around people tended to make everything worse.’ And that’s so me, so I really loved that I could relate to Gemma.
When I read about Ben, I immediately thought of my boyfriend. Before my boyfriend and I were together, we were best friends and he was in love with another girl. I always hated that other girl even though she didn’t do anything wrong, but I was always a good friend that helped him get the girl. My boyfriend is just like Ben, the one who saved me from my unhappiness, like Ben saved Gemma from her brother’s death.
I really loved Gemma and Ben and I cannot wait to continue this series because of that ending… Give me book 2 already!!!
Want to read
June 21, 2019💝
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
💝
May 31, 2019
I received this book on NetGalley.
This novella is a short, quick read. I liked the best friend to lovers premise of this book, as well as the story line. Collide is about Gemma, who is in love with her best friend, Ben. Coincidentally, Ben is also in love with Gemma. However, neither of them know or is willing to risk their friendship and tell the other of their feelings. The book follows Gemma and Ben, in both their POV's, on their journey to finding love.
While the characters were certainly likeable, I didn't relate with them. Gemma is described as a beautiful, but doesn't know it, book-nerd with social anxiety, who gets forcefully dragged out by her best friend. Ben is a cocky devil with a six pack who is oblivious to Gemma's obvious attraction. I found Ben's POV a lot more interesting than Gemma's for some reason. They have been best friends for years and have flirty, witty banter between them. I found the comments between them to be slightly cheesy and unoriginal. There would be certain lines that would be repeated over and over throughout the book, and a certain phrase at the end that got repeated every other line.
All in all, this was a fun read, great for romance readers! The story may be short, but it was well paced and kept me interested while reading. I flew through Collide in one sitting.
This novella is a short, quick read. I liked the best friend to lovers premise of this book, as well as the story line. Collide is about Gemma, who is in love with her best friend, Ben. Coincidentally, Ben is also in love with Gemma. However, neither of them know or is willing to risk their friendship and tell the other of their feelings. The book follows Gemma and Ben, in both their POV's, on their journey to finding love.
While the characters were certainly likeable, I didn't relate with them. Gemma is described as a beautiful, but doesn't know it, book-nerd with social anxiety, who gets forcefully dragged out by her best friend. Ben is a cocky devil with a six pack who is oblivious to Gemma's obvious attraction. I found Ben's POV a lot more interesting than Gemma's for some reason. They have been best friends for years and have flirty, witty banter between them. I found the comments between them to be slightly cheesy and unoriginal. There would be certain lines that would be repeated over and over throughout the book, and a certain phrase at the end that got repeated every other line.
All in all, this was a fun read, great for romance readers! The story may be short, but it was well paced and kept me interested while reading. I flew through Collide in one sitting.
December 27, 2017
I'm obviously biased but the Collide series is my favorite to date. It's a New Adult contemporary novella series, with the first installment available now and the second installment coming in January.
February 14, 2018
3.75 - Short and swoony. Full review to come.
Sometimes, I just need a nice quick and addicting read that will make my pulse beat faster and give me some crazy goose bumps. Collide by Nicole Sobon most definitely did that and had me hooked from the very first page.
While it may be short, I didn’t feel like the plot was lacking or dull. The pacing was fantastic and Sobon did a fantastic job reeling me into the story. I loved the tension and all the steamy moments. The dual POVs were great too, but I enjoyed Ben’s more than Gemma. He just seemed to have more conflict toward his feelings for Gemma and I really like complicated – makes the storyline more interesting and fun. I also really liked that there’s some humor – Ben and his twin sister Molly teasing each other was so entertaining.
The characters were all really likable. I liked Gemma a lot and thought she was a great MC. She’s sweet, funny, and kind. I also liked that she was kind of sassy and could playfully flirt with Ben. Speaking of Ben… he was totally swoon-worthy. He’s charming, caring, and ridiculously handsome. I was definitely crushing on him the entire time. I also really liked Nate. He’s supposed to be a playboy, but I can absolutely see that he has a sweet and sensitive side. I really hope he gets his own story. And Molly… she’s just really amazing and so hilarious. Not to mention, she’s confident, spunky, a great friend and a wonderful sister. Can she please have her own story too?!
The romance was fantastic and I was completely rooting for Ben and Gemma. I don’t want to give too much away, but their chemistry was most definitely sizzling. They had plenty of adorable and steamy moments that had me swooning.
My only problem with the entire story was how this one phrase was being repeated over and over and over again. It became a nuisance and I really didn’t like that at all. Good thing that happened a little bit towards the end of the book, so I wasn’t extremely bothered by it. I still really enjoyed the story and cannot wait to find out what happens next.
Collide by Nicole Sobon is a short, but heartwarming and swoony friends to lovers story. A delightful guilty pleasure read perfect for romance lovers.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the Chapter by Chapter Blog Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
To read more of my reviews, visit Sincerely Karen Jo
Sometimes, I just need a nice quick and addicting read that will make my pulse beat faster and give me some crazy goose bumps. Collide by Nicole Sobon most definitely did that and had me hooked from the very first page.
While it may be short, I didn’t feel like the plot was lacking or dull. The pacing was fantastic and Sobon did a fantastic job reeling me into the story. I loved the tension and all the steamy moments. The dual POVs were great too, but I enjoyed Ben’s more than Gemma. He just seemed to have more conflict toward his feelings for Gemma and I really like complicated – makes the storyline more interesting and fun. I also really liked that there’s some humor – Ben and his twin sister Molly teasing each other was so entertaining.
The characters were all really likable. I liked Gemma a lot and thought she was a great MC. She’s sweet, funny, and kind. I also liked that she was kind of sassy and could playfully flirt with Ben. Speaking of Ben… he was totally swoon-worthy. He’s charming, caring, and ridiculously handsome. I was definitely crushing on him the entire time. I also really liked Nate. He’s supposed to be a playboy, but I can absolutely see that he has a sweet and sensitive side. I really hope he gets his own story. And Molly… she’s just really amazing and so hilarious. Not to mention, she’s confident, spunky, a great friend and a wonderful sister. Can she please have her own story too?!
The romance was fantastic and I was completely rooting for Ben and Gemma. I don’t want to give too much away, but their chemistry was most definitely sizzling. They had plenty of adorable and steamy moments that had me swooning.
My only problem with the entire story was how this one phrase was being repeated over and over and over again. It became a nuisance and I really didn’t like that at all. Good thing that happened a little bit towards the end of the book, so I wasn’t extremely bothered by it. I still really enjoyed the story and cannot wait to find out what happens next.
Collide by Nicole Sobon is a short, but heartwarming and swoony friends to lovers story. A delightful guilty pleasure read perfect for romance lovers.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the Chapter by Chapter Blog Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
To read more of my reviews, visit Sincerely Karen Jo
June 14, 2019
Okay, I hate doing this kind of review let that be said. I really did try and save this author this star review. I went looking on Net Galley to see if maybe just maybe I missed where it said C-L-I-F-F-H-A-N-G-E-R! Banging my head on the wall.
You know how much I hate these but even worse is when an author takes a whole novel and chops it up for sales. SAY, What?!
Needless to say, I am not a happy camper at all. Just as you are trying to, and I mean trying to like Ben the male lead character who is a douche in the book. It puts you in the cliffhanger.
Nowhere, are you told that this is an extremely short essay. Only that it is a book 1. Nowhere does it tell you that it will leave you in a cliffhanger. Not to mention with a whole lot of questions about this guy Ben.
She plays him off as a good guy but with a whole lot of mean, not just bad I'm telling you, mean qualities. Oh, I don’t know tell your best friend who you’ve had a crush on forever you’ll take her to prom. For once she’s out of her shell willing to overcome her anxiety for this event to primp and do all the things a girl does to go with her crush but more than that her Best Friend.
But right before he gets a girlfriend and she wants to go so he leaves Gemma hanging to go alone. Then, all these years later tells her. Don’t get me wrong Gemma should have reset his family jewels back then. But especially at this moment in time when he’s professing, he’s been crushing on her for years. BS! Gemma, remember he’s the same douche bag that was just checking out the redhead’s tonsils to see if he could get to her vagina a faster way? You remember the one sitting on his lap at the club not eight hours ago.
But no, when he says he too is in love with you after you said it the night before. But he won’t kiss you because he wants to do it the right. Really?! Why does it feel like Playboy is playing her to get her to bed her and then move on? Being the player, he is who likes to control. The whole Dom and Sub.
Nope, not a fan of long stories chopped up or cliffhangers especially when you’re not upfront with the reader.
I give this: 1 star. Netgalley.com. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
You know how much I hate these but even worse is when an author takes a whole novel and chops it up for sales. SAY, What?!
Needless to say, I am not a happy camper at all. Just as you are trying to, and I mean trying to like Ben the male lead character who is a douche in the book. It puts you in the cliffhanger.
Nowhere, are you told that this is an extremely short essay. Only that it is a book 1. Nowhere does it tell you that it will leave you in a cliffhanger. Not to mention with a whole lot of questions about this guy Ben.
She plays him off as a good guy but with a whole lot of mean, not just bad I'm telling you, mean qualities. Oh, I don’t know tell your best friend who you’ve had a crush on forever you’ll take her to prom. For once she’s out of her shell willing to overcome her anxiety for this event to primp and do all the things a girl does to go with her crush but more than that her Best Friend.
But right before he gets a girlfriend and she wants to go so he leaves Gemma hanging to go alone. Then, all these years later tells her. Don’t get me wrong Gemma should have reset his family jewels back then. But especially at this moment in time when he’s professing, he’s been crushing on her for years. BS! Gemma, remember he’s the same douche bag that was just checking out the redhead’s tonsils to see if he could get to her vagina a faster way? You remember the one sitting on his lap at the club not eight hours ago.
But no, when he says he too is in love with you after you said it the night before. But he won’t kiss you because he wants to do it the right. Really?! Why does it feel like Playboy is playing her to get her to bed her and then move on? Being the player, he is who likes to control. The whole Dom and Sub.
Nope, not a fan of long stories chopped up or cliffhangers especially when you’re not upfront with the reader.
I give this: 1 star. Netgalley.com. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
February 12, 2018
I received an ARC of this book, through Chapter by Chapter Book Tours, for honest review and in participation of a blog tour. This is my honest review.
I was drawn into this book, oh my goodness. It starts with a gentle stab to the heart. Slowly, the wound is healing. Then stabbed again, but this time it heals properly. The characters! I related to Gemma so much, because I know what it's like to lose a brother. I've lost two. It was a bit frustrating for me because I know Ben wanted to keep his promise to his best friend, but avoiding relations with Gemma was torturous. The good kind.
I do not think I've ever read any of Nicole Sobon's books before now, if I have I'm sure it'll come to me. Collide was amazing. I could finish it in one sitting. And I definitely read it a few times. It was that good.
I was drawn into this book, oh my goodness. It starts with a gentle stab to the heart. Slowly, the wound is healing. Then stabbed again, but this time it heals properly. The characters! I related to Gemma so much, because I know what it's like to lose a brother. I've lost two. It was a bit frustrating for me because I know Ben wanted to keep his promise to his best friend, but avoiding relations with Gemma was torturous. The good kind.
I do not think I've ever read any of Nicole Sobon's books before now, if I have I'm sure it'll come to me. Collide was amazing. I could finish it in one sitting. And I definitely read it a few times. It was that good.
June 14, 2019
Rating: ★✬☆☆☆ (1.5/5 Stars)
Title: Collide
Author(s): Nicole Sobon
Character(s):
― Gemma Michaels: ―
― Ben: Brunette, Brown Eyed
Setting: ―
Tag(s): Romance, Contemporary
Content Rating: PG-13
POV: Alternates between Heroine/Hero
Smexy Level: Subtle
Favorite Quote(s): N/A
Overall Opinion:
First things first, what the hell did I read? This very quick friends turn lovers ‘romance’ series was an absolute joke. Where was the plot? Where was the chemistry? Where was everything? There was nothing to rave about this quick and easy read because that was the only good thing about this. Everything seemed so rushed and a bit boring for my taste. As much as I loved the ARC, this series just wasn’t meant for me.
June 5, 2019
Collide is episode one of a mini series that leaves you with a cliff hanger.
Gemma has lost a lot this past year and watching her best friend flirt and date other women is wearing her thin. Ben has been in her life forever but she’s been in love with him for about as long, he just doesn’t know it.
Ben has loved Gemma for about as long, he just doesn’t know she feels the same way. When a drunken night turns into her confessing her feelings thing change.
My problem as to why I won’t get the rest? She completely over looks the fact he’s making out with and flirting with al these other chicks right before her confession. The next day he’s a saint and none of that matters? You can look past a lot but that’s pushing it for me
Gemma has lost a lot this past year and watching her best friend flirt and date other women is wearing her thin. Ben has been in her life forever but she’s been in love with him for about as long, he just doesn’t know it.
Ben has loved Gemma for about as long, he just doesn’t know she feels the same way. When a drunken night turns into her confessing her feelings thing change.
My problem as to why I won’t get the rest? She completely over looks the fact he’s making out with and flirting with al these other chicks right before her confession. The next day he’s a saint and none of that matters? You can look past a lot but that’s pushing it for me
June 3, 2019
I voluntarily received a copy for an honest review!
This one seemed very rushed to me. It was a hurry up - stop situation the whole way through. The best bits to me happened in the bar in the beginning! Even the date was boring...no really detail or showing chemistry! I wanted more the whole time.
And then it cut off like it did. No clue on how it would end! I’m honestly not going to waste my time to read the rest! I hate being disappointed. Especially with the synopsis being so promising!
This one seemed very rushed to me. It was a hurry up - stop situation the whole way through. The best bits to me happened in the bar in the beginning! Even the date was boring...no really detail or showing chemistry! I wanted more the whole time.
And then it cut off like it did. No clue on how it would end! I’m honestly not going to waste my time to read the rest! I hate being disappointed. Especially with the synopsis being so promising!
June 24, 2019
It's hard to write a review for this 'book' because I feel like I didn't even read an entire story. It was like the author wrote a novel and then, at the last minute, decided they wanted it to be a series and so randomly chopped the story up. Collide is the first but it was barely even a prologue in the grand scheme of things and that was frustrating! There was no conflict, no resolution and absolutely no character development. I'm very disappointed.
August 10, 2020
A short read that packs a punch. The characters have a sizzling chemistry. Gemma is in love with her best friend, Ben. Ben is also in love with Gemma. However, neither of them know or is willing to risk their friendship to tell the other of their feelings. Both are afraid to admit their feelings, but fate has other plans.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 11, 2022
Nicole Sobon is a new author to me and on reading the synopsis I thought Colliide had a lot of potential. Friends to lovers and the guy trying to keep a promise to a dead friend seemed like a great story.
But unfortunately I found the book to be very lackluster. Rather then being told a story I found it more to be just hearing people's thoughts on things that happened in the past and very repetitive.
But unfortunately I found the book to be very lackluster. Rather then being told a story I found it more to be just hearing people's thoughts on things that happened in the past and very repetitive.
June 2, 2019
Collide is a short story with a lot of content and some interesting POV dialogue from both the male and female leads. A friends to lovers tale, this was an easy read, with a good storyline and a nice ebb and flow to the writing. I’ll definitely be looking for the next book of the series from this author.
June 4, 2019
*Copy provided by NetGalley*
Well, sad to say but there wasn't anything new here. The same old New Adult formula, there's one of the main characters, in this case the girl, who's got a past that prevents her from enjoying life in the present. There's also the Lack of Communication element that seems to be the key ingredient in most romances. I wish I could've seen something new for a change.
Another thing that bothered me was this "I wanna do this the right way" attitude that Ben decided to have towards Gemma. I understood that he wanted to treat her well and be a gentleman, which is awesome and let me add, the correct thing to do, however, they've been in each other's radar for years and they've been hiding those agonizing feelings for so long... Ben, seriously, now was not the time to be all hands off if she was willing to go all the way, which she definitely was.
To sum it up, the book was too short so it ended it up being a bit boring for my taste, but I'm giving a shout out to Nicole Sobon's writing because I could see the potential and know she can explore more.
Well, sad to say but there wasn't anything new here. The same old New Adult formula, there's one of the main characters, in this case the girl, who's got a past that prevents her from enjoying life in the present. There's also the Lack of Communication element that seems to be the key ingredient in most romances. I wish I could've seen something new for a change.
Another thing that bothered me was this "I wanna do this the right way" attitude that Ben decided to have towards Gemma. I understood that he wanted to treat her well and be a gentleman, which is awesome and let me add, the correct thing to do, however, they've been in each other's radar for years and they've been hiding those agonizing feelings for so long... Ben, seriously, now was not the time to be all hands off if she was willing to go all the way, which she definitely was.
To sum it up, the book was too short so it ended it up being a bit boring for my taste, but I'm giving a shout out to Nicole Sobon's writing because I could see the potential and know she can explore more.
August 8, 2020
This was a quick read but I absolutely loved it! The chemistry between Ben and Gemma was fabulous, excellent character building even with the side characters! I would definitely recommend this one and I cannot wait for for more! Nicole Sobon has made it into my top authors with this one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 11, 2019
***This book was generously given to me by NetGalley***
First off, this ends in a cliff hanger. It was a cute little love story about best friends both being in love with each other. However, it seemed that neither one knew that.
First off, this ends in a cliff hanger. It was a cute little love story about best friends both being in love with each other. However, it seemed that neither one knew that.
August 6, 2020
This is a new to me author and I was not disappointed. The story and the characters were wonderful and I had a difficult time putting it down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 8, 2020
The book is a good sweet romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. The story is an enjoyable fun romance read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 9, 2020
This story is really well written, has characters that are created with tantalizing depth and captivating story line.
Do yourself a favor and get this one. It is worth every penny.
This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.
Do yourself a favor and get this one. It is worth every penny.
This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.
August 17, 2020
The story was shorter than I realized when I chose to read it. The story was interesting in the beginning with good dialogue and engaging characters. I liked her character a lot but he began to grate on me. I thought the ending was a bit abrupt. A bit more detail would have added depth.
June 4, 2019
If I could give it 0 stars I would. I hate hate hate books that leave a reader hanging so you are forced to read the next one .
June 11, 2019
A quick read, Collide is a short friends to lovers story. I liked the premise and the characters and will look to read more of this series.
June 13, 2019
This was an extremely short “episode” novel about friends to lovers. It ends on a cliffhanger. The writing was ok but I don’t even care to read the next part. Thank you to netgalley for the Arc.
June 14, 2019
This was a super quick and rushed book. I found it really tough to follow and everything just felt so rushed. There was no character development, no chemistry nothing. I felt a bit cheated.
June 25, 2019
I can't wait to get my hands on book 2! While it is a quick read, you better plan on spending your money for the follow-ups. Friends turned lovers in a sweet, adorable, steamy, and sexy way.
August 11, 2019
Short read, but it was great. Friends to lovers romance. Can’t wait to continue reading the second one.
Arc provided via Netgalley
Arc provided via Netgalley
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