BOOK TWO of The Collide Series In the wake of a national tragedy (and a personal one), the last thing Kain needs is another affront to his peace. Just when he thought things couldn't possibly get worse--they do. Book two in The Collide Series is a look into the enigmatic spirit that is Kain Montgomery.
Picking up where book one left off, Kain is caught between a rock an a hard place and must make a very dangerous decision in order to protect his girlfriend. Just as the smoke begins to clear and life begin to return to normal, another threat presents itself, but this threat can't be so readily dealt with.
Forever a South Florida girl, Millie Belizaire has a thrill for the exciting (and a little of the weird), unnecessarily sped up music, and painting. Most of the time, however, she can be found tucked in her cozy lair typing away at her laptop. A storyteller to the bone, she finds no greater joy than sharing her tales of love, of action, of pain, and of life.
The book describes Kain and Lauren as the modern day Romeo and Juliette and I can’t unsee it. When Hearts Collide was told completed from Kain’s POV and I was happy about this after book one was only from Lauren’s. I was intrigued from the beginning when it came to Kain’s character and couldn’t wait to see what went on in the mind and heart of who the south deemed as the ruthless up and coming crime boss of the Montgomery empire.
The cliffhanger at the end of book 1 gave me all the anxiety and this book was not kind to me in the least. The war between the Caplan’s and Montgomery’s has reared its ugly head and sadly Kain and Lauren were casualties of said war. I was not expecting things to unfold the way that they did. I know parents can be low down and like Kain said are ultimately people just like everyone else but some of the things these fathers put their kids through for the sake of holding on to power was shameful. It seems like Silas is getting what he deserves so let’s hope Joshua is added to that list soon. He’s worse that Kain’s father if you ask me! At least Silas is proud of the monster he is and has no problem telling anyone that will listen😩😩. You know what to expect from him. Joshua on the other hand is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. He is the dirtiest type of person and if he’s so keen on putting away the “bad guys” um start with yourself first sir! Yet another cliffhanger to cause me more anxiety and I have a feeling that Millie is about to turn my literary world upside down in the final book… it’s very on brand for her and I’m not ready 😩🤧😰
I guess Ms. Belizaire's signature is to throw you all the way for a loop at 90% into the story. I'm just like WOW I didn't see this coming. Clearly shocked okay let me pause and try to make some sense lol.
Whew ok so Kain Montgomery and Lauren Caplan are the modern day urban Romeo and Juliet. Their fathers are arch enemies; Lauren's father is the State Attorney prosecuting Kain's father the King of the underworld. In the previous book Lauren and Kain decide they will be together despite their families being against their relationship. They double down on that sentiment in this book. This book is from Kain's point of view and we get to experience firsthand how enthralled he was with Lauren. For the longest they were not sexually intimate and for a man that had no problems in this area, it wasn't even a thought for him. He was completely on her timeline, following her pace, and just truly enjoying HER presence. It was clear Kain would do anything for her. That thought alone was hella problematic for a man like Kain because even in the worst situations with people he loved, he would still choose Lauren 100 times. Initially he distanced himself from her because his NEED for her was too great. Once they reunited he refused to let her go. Kain had to accept it for what it was, he was in love with Lauren. These young adults decide to send their fathers a proverbial F you, by flaunting their love for the world to see. Letting the world know that the children of the feuding families were together. In the midst of this so much drama and trauma is happening. Kain is in a fog trying to process grief and he is a shell of himself. Lauren is supportive and does her best to help him. Then their world is turned upside down..... I'm appalled at the actions of Lauren's father like literally stunned. I always struggle reading young adult books (Lauren is 19 and Kain is 20), because to me they lack BDE and let's be real that's what I'm here for. I will say that BDE is absent, Kain has potential but their relationship is in it's early phases. The story line is full of development and the suspense at the end still makes this a worthy read.
Millie, Millie, Millie, can't you see! Sometimes your words just... Have me up in the middle of the night Pissed that I have to go to sleep so as to not be too tired to work in the morning Meaning I can't start on the next book in this series after having finished this intense masterpiece that is book 2 of The Collide Series!
When Hearts Collide picks up where When Worlds Collide ended, after SHIT HIT THE FAN.
Lauren is on Kain's doorstep after having had one hell of a night, and Kain greets Lauren on his doorstep after having had one hell of a week. We get to experience this story from Kain's perspective which allows us to dive deeper into his thoughts, what makes his brain tick, and who he is as a multi-hyphenate young man—pre-law student, son of a kingpin, loyal friend, protective brother, swoon-worthy boyfriend—living in a world that he effortlessly fits into, but doesn't necessarily embrace.
Bruh...BRUH! I can't even right now. I have no words, so I'm truly just writing what comes to my mind. It's crazy how the momentum in this book is seemingly at a 10 the entire time you're reading. There's imminent danger for Kain and Lauren causing them to always have look over their shoulder while trying to maintain some semblance of a "normal" life. With everything going on, it seems like—from the reader's perspective—you're running on a treadmill with these characters, constantly out of breath, with no hope of reprieve in sight. But you get to the last 30 or so pages of the book and realize that Millie is going to push you far beyond that speed of 10 you are on and you have NO time to adjust.
I was literally hyperventilating while finishing this book. THREE TIMES! - Three times, at almost 2 in the damn morning, I had to put the book down and just breath because 1. I didn't know what the hell was going on 2. I didn't know what the hell was about to happen, and 3. I had NO idea I was going to get THAT outcome
But when it all came together—bruh...BRUH!
What I'm really loving about this series is the fact that even with all the craziness that went on in the first book and now in this one, Kain and Laurens's love for each other is still the star of the show. Don't get me wrong, chaos, danger, and intensity are wrapped up, around, and through every page of this book. But underneath all the noise, fear, and uncertainty, is the solid foundation of Kain and Lauren.
I have no idea how this series is going to play out. Things have happened that I didn't think would or could ever happen. With main characters in TV shows, movies, and books, you fall into a certain level of comfort that the they're off-limits, that they're safe, that no matter what happens, at the end of the day they're going to be okay. But it has been made CLEAR that while we are reading a fictional book, with fictional characters—the fictional world these characters are living in? Is following very REAL rules. And in the real world...nobody is safe.
And that terrifies me!!! And I absolutely LOVE IT!
Okay...time to read book three!
Oh and one more thing - even though I don't think I need to say this. READ THIS SERIES!
I read someone’s review that said this book is a slow burn but every word means something. No sentence is a random filler and I felt that exact sentiment. This is beautifully written and I can picture each moment vividly.
Just when I thought the author couldn't top the first book in this series, she goes and snatches my edges and my heart with book two. Can't wait to find out what happens next in Lauren and Kain's journey.
I’m loving the entire “The Collide Series”. I’ve stayed up late for the last 2 nights and prepared to stay up late again to get started on book 3. This is love, romance, and action at it’s best. Bravo Millie Belizaire! Bravo!
Book 2 of the Collide Series picks up right where part 1 left off. In an attempt to keep it all together after a devastating lost, Kain has to battle his inner demons to keep ahead of the game that seeks to destroy what he has built with Lauren. But when the game gets twisted and hearts collide, will they both make it out unscathed?
O.M.G, I actually feel a pain in my stomach right now! Like a hallow place was created from the impact of this story! I had to get a drink when I finished this! Whew, chale, drama! Belizaire has to work for CSI, or some ish like that because the head games she just played on me was no joke! This was a straight thriller with NO chaser: the intensity of this storyline mingled with the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat! I can NOT process what I just finished, wtffff!? Listen, when you think you have it figured out, BOOM, she hits you with another twist or revelation that leaves your heart unraveled or your mind shattered to smithereens!!!
The growth of Lauren was quite evident in the beginning of this read, but by the end, you will be blown away by what Kain offers by way of character development! I wondered if Belizaire would have been able to capture my interest with the story being fully written from a man's point of view, but she effortlessly nails it for me! Kain's viewpoint was everything: the author's ability to write from his perspective was captivating and I just fell in love with this character!
Again, as per my last review, every. single. sub character was well developed as the mains and were also vital to the progression of the plot. They never took center stage, but were an integral part of this storyline. The cryptic references that I discovered by book 1's end were all tied into the end of book 2 and I'm so amazed at the precise articulation of this correlation by this author. I can't say the connection without giving it away, but when you get to the end, you will understand this notation.
A las, all goo... intense things most leave you wanting more! The end will not leave you settled, but it will answer the one question that may plague you. At this point, I'm so lost as I await book 3, I don't know what to do with myself! The book hangover is immense and I can't even decide on my next read. That's it. That's when you know an author is everything: when you can't even move on because the story stays with you, haunts you.
Millie Belizaire, you are NOT to be slept on. Your writing is superb and I can't wait to see what your literary future holds! Kudos!
@milliebelizaire did a great job on this series. I reviewed the first in the series back in March & absolutely loved it. Book 2 picks up with a few flashbacks here & there but gets right to the nitty gritty. Kain, is on the fence about attending his best friend Amir’s funeral because he’s feeling a lot of guilt about the way he died. He asks Lauren to accompany him & of course they run into his sister Cierra who was Amir’s girlfriend & she is so angry that she has told Silas about Kain & Lauren’s relationship knowing Silas has it in for Lauren. Kain & Silas have a slightly heated discussion & Kain handles it great. Eventually Kain & Lauren are living a somewhat normal life & being spotted around town by local news stations. I personally thought Silas had pushed the idea of kidnapping & killing Lauren out of his mind until the night of Kains 21st birthday party when the unbelievable happened!! Fast forward to a conversation between Kain & Lauren’s father & Kain has to take the stand in court (You have to read it to see for yourself). Nothing is the same for either of them. Kain is keeping a secret from Lauren & Lauren knows information that’ll hurt Kain & it all comes out. Things are changed forever. I tried reading this book slowly but I couldn’t put it down. I NEEDED to know what was coming next. @milliebelizaire is an author to watch & I will definitely keep an eye out for her future works.
I would recommend reading book 1 in this series, before reading this installment.
In book 2, we see a new side of Lauren of Kain in the aftermath of the Poisiden tragedy! I'm still not sure how I feel about the "new" Lauren & Kain. They were different from the people we met in book 1 and a lot more reckless in their behavior all in the pursuit of love.
We were introduced to individuals who were rocked and changed by drastic events. The best thing about this storyline was witnessing Lauren stand in her maturity! This story was strictly from Kain's POV and reading his thoughts and feelings about Lauren, his relationship with his sisters, uncle, father and friends who were more like brothers to him.
The most surprising thing is seeing Lauren's estrangement from her family and witnessing her dad take off his mask.... I was a little shocked at how ruthless he is... especially when he "puts away the bad guys"
This book ended on an ultimate cliffhanger and I can't wait to read the final installment in this series. I'm curious to know how Lauren and Kain will bounce back from everything that has happened with and to them.
There is no falloff from book one to book two of this series, although the dram is a bit more intense. I had my suspicions about many of the supporting characters after reading book one. I just hate that I was 💯 on certain ones. Millie, I will not be mad at you if you decided to do an early release for book three. I’m telling any of you that’s reading this review, if you are not familiar with Millie Belizaire, you had better ask someone. T
2nd book in the sequel! LOVED it, finished within a day🥹 figured out a while ago I’m not only a psychological thriller/ moderate horror girly but I love a little gansta love story. Millie you did it again sista!
First off let me say I read all three books before I wrote this review so it definitely changed my overall opinion. (Book 1- 5+ stars, book 2 - 3 stars, book 3- 1 star) I looooooooved book one and was instantly hooked with these two amazing characters. The writing was so well done it felt like I grabbed the book of the top shelf at Barnes and Nobles.This urban take on Romeo and Juliette was by far my favorite. However, the second and last book left a lot to be desired. So much so that I'm furious. First, I'm used to the storyline being told in a back and forth style between the 2MCs so I was a little disappointed that I had to wait to see how Kain felt but I got over it. I could not however get over the fact that book three basically didn't give us our HEA until 98% in! And even then was that an HEA?? I literally saw the first page and skimmed forward to where they encounter each other which is honestly all I wanted to read about! I feel like the side stuff with Rashad and everyone else just took away from the main story. All the information about his dad and her dad wasted their time together. Was this a story about their worlds colliding or their dads being evil bastards? Even the parts about therapy dragged on but I'm glad they got help. I get the story needed to take a dive before they could come together but it was literally 37% in before they even started talking again and I was honestly disappointed it took so long to get back to their romance and even then it wasn't until 70% that she came to her senses! The ending is rushed and they aren't even really together. I'm bummed because I had such high hopes for this couple and I felt like I was cheated out of seeing them become whole again. There was no closure in any of the long drawn out side stories either! What was the point of telling us about her dad, his dad, her mom, her sister (who we didn't really hear about all of book 3), his "uncle", his mom, his new business plan, his schooling, her life (why did she even stay behind?!) and her broken soul if we don't get closure. I see there is a holiday check in but honestly after reading the synopsis I'm not going into it with much hope. I'm not sure what happened but this story had so much potential to be great.
When I read When Worlds Collide I couldn't imagine it getting any better, but Milli Belizaire came back in this second installment and proved me wrong. I love that this second book was told from Kain's perspective. It made the story come full circle to see his point of view of their love story from beginning to now. In this book Lauren and Kain are reunited but their troubles are far from over. Silas has now realized that they are a couple as has the rest of the world, and he is angered by the depth of betrayal from his only son and heir to his Empire. To make matters worse, the media keeps rubbing in his face the fact that the heir to a Crime Empire and the Prosecutor's daughter are together now. He makes a sinister promise to Kain about the time Lauren has left on this Earth and Kain decides he will do whatever is in his power to make sure that Silas's prophecy doesn't come to fruition. While the first book had minor errors, this book was perfectly written. This was an excellent followup that was just as good if not better than the first book! I rarely wait on series but I will be SURE to wait for book three of this series. What I love about both of these books is that they can be standalones and neither one ends in a cliffhanger. This new author just GETS it!!!!!
I wasn’t even going to review this series! Here i am at 430AM unable to put my kindle down!! Book 1 was great, but, baby!! Book 2 had my heart racing!! OH MY GOD, so freaking good! I really hope Lauren is okay.. ❤️
I really enjoy this authors writing style... Love the transition from Lauren in book 1 into Kain in book 2... It was not a whole repeat of book one from his angle... Which I was glad because I did not want to read the same events all over again... There are some recap moments from book 1 with his side of the story... These points were well written and not overdone... It also gave me a better understanding of moments in book 1 that Kain was making me mad... But seeing things through his eyes... I now understand... And it all makes sense now... This book did not have me all on the edge of my see but it definitely pulled me in to where I just had to keep reading and I was reading so much that I did not realize that I was at the end of the book until I tried to turn the page and got the author information... So definitely a good read... I had so many moments that I felt so bad for Kain and all that he has to hold on his shoulders... He is hit from multiple people with so many situations... It made him get to the point that he had no emotion left... But with Lauren, he is finally able to feel normal again... I hate that absolutely no one understands or cares about his feeling or happiness... They are just so use to him being there for them... And making sure they are happy... But the moment he has just a little bit of happiness, everyone wants to go against him... Even his sisters have mixed feeling about him being with Lauren... At first some of his sisters were all for it... But the moment that they found out who her father was... They shut down and didnt want Kain to have that happiness with her anymore... But why could they not see that he finally has a light in his eyes again... Why can't they just love and support him... Then with Lauren her family is no better... Even her best friend is not all that... But the one person that has always been in her corner and that could do no wrong in her eyes... Turns out to be the worst person in her life... And will do anything to come out on top even put her life at risk and use it to their advantage... I just can't... I was like how could her family do this to her... Then just act like they do not care about her because of who she loves.. Then when something happens her you all come acting like you care... Really... Then treat Kain like this when he is really the only one that has been there for her... ugh see this book has me all upset and ready to tell her family off... OMG... now this... How did I not suspect this... I just cant believe of all people... But then again maybe I do... But now I have to get into part 3 to see how it is all going to play out...
An easy 5-star rating, that's not even up for debate. So let's get into this review. Wow, so much to say.
Firstly, I absolutely love that we got Lauren's POV in book 1 then Kain's POV in book 2. I was glad Millie didn't repeat and recycle scenes from book 1 just to make up the word count 😂 We had a chance to take a deep dive into Kain's mind. And realise he's a young twenty-something forced to be a man way too soon. And there were points in this story where I realised that. After his planned birthday party I felt like he was sloppy after Amir's demise. But I remembered he's young. He may get upset at Vance sonning him but Kain still needs guidance that his father isn't ready to give.
This was so well-written and thoughtfully done that it could easily be unpacked at a reading club within a reading group.😍
Also, it was fascinating to see Lauren's dad from a different POV. He's slowly being villainized and I love that. It has us questioning his intentions and wondering just how ruthless he can be... We've been busy painting Silas as the monster but could it be Lauren's dad all along? I love that little cliffhanger that has us questioning things just as Kain is starting to piece things together.
Lux was quick to sing like a bird once she was back from vacation lol I don't know how I feel about that. I guess she was scared and worried for Lauren and from her POV it looks crazy lol but she could be doing more damage than helping so I'm a little irritated at how standoffish she was with Kain. I'm sure he's the villain in everyone's eyes😂😂
There are a lot of loose ends to be tied and I'm excited to see how Millie ties up this story. It is a bit long-winded because of the different perspectives but now I'm curious to see the outcome. What is the fate of Lauren and Kain? It is giving a Romeo and Juliet vibe though. I wonder if it will be a tragic ending or happy one? 🤔 Guess, I'll just have to find out ... onto book 3 I go 🤸🏾♀️
Okay, so I give this series TEN STARS!! OMG, I am so in love with this series!! This author's first 2 books were my first reads from her and first time hearing of her and she DEFINITELY has my support from this day forward!! You will fall IN LOVE with Kain and Lauren and believe me, they come from two very different worlds, but those hearts collided and baby now their SOULS are getting ready to collide and there is NO STOPPING THIS UNION!! I'm just excited and signed up for the sneak peek of book 3 but now that I know in ONE WEEK, book 3 will hit, I want to wait it out!! Millie has done a phenomenal job with articulating this love story and she writes as if the characters are speaking their feelings directly to her themselves!! I have highlighted several things said and it's hard to believe the words are coming from young hearts. I also want to give props on the less than 1% (and I do mean VERY minimal) errors...AWESOME job to whoever because one big pet peeve of mine is to read a book and cringe at trying to figure out what is meant!! Uhn Kuhn, you won't miss a beat here!! Thank you for blessing me with your gift!!!
OMG! I always feel like book two is a struggle to get through in a three book series but that wasn't the case with this book! Book two was captivating and so good! I loved how we got Kain's point of view. I liked Kain in book one but I liked him even more in this book. It was cool to see how he handled his daily business and juggled keeping Lauren safe. It was so sad to see Kain deal with Amir's death. I felt bad for Lauren because she was kicked out of her family home, attacked and kidnapped all in the same night. I also liked that we got to see the other side of Kain that he didn't display to Lauren in book one. Kain had a lot on his shoulders and he did a decent job trying to manage everything. I sympathized with Cierra but she's still kind of the mean sister in the Montgomery bunch. I really liked Sanaa because she was so nice to Lauren. Caplan's actions were the most surprising. The ending of the book was the hardest to read. It was really emotional and I really hope Kain will get some justice in the next book. The topics covered in this book are: kidnapping, self defense, family dynamics, crime, grief, murder, pregnancy, trauma, and so much more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The first book, was a little slow for me but things started happening at the end. And this one! Wow!
Let me tell you, 'When Hearts Collide' by Millie Belizaire had me all up in my feelings! This story is a beautiful blend of love, healing, and everything in between. The way Millie writes these characters is so real.
The romance is that perfect mix of sweet and spicy, and the chemistry between the main characters is straight-up fire. But it’s not just about the love story—it’s about growth, resilience, and learning to trust again. Millie gives us a Black love story that feels authentic and rooted in the kind of love we deserve.
If you’re looking for a book that’ll make you swoon, laugh, and maybe even shed a tear or two, then this is it. Off to start book 3!
This book picks up where the first left off and is told from Kain’s perspective. There are a few flashbacks/retellings of previous events but it doesn’t feel stale or overdone at all. Let me just get this out...I didn’t expect the twist that came in this story. I don’t know why I didn’t see it coming but my goodness my edges were snatched!! Kain and Lauren are still wading their way through their forbidden relationship and dealing with each of their families and friends. A LOT happens and whether they handle it together or apart, stuff must be handled!! The ending on this one though!?!? Millie has done it again!
I hate slow burns. Book one left me disappointed but i was banking on book 2 since i have already invested only to be let down again.
I hate the direction this book took. In book one we love the dad in book 2 he’s crooked?!! I’m not buying that.
Then Lauren getting shot and losing a lung and finding out she was pregnant. I won’t rate this low bc i like this author. Her book “fast” is a 6 starts read for me. But this series is a miss. I will not be reading anymore on it. I am so shocked i thought this book was gonna be so much better. Millie is a wonderful writer but these books fell short for me
The writer doesn't hesitate to drop you right back into the fire with this story.We pick up from where we left off only this time we are getting this from Main's point of view.This story has more twist and turns than a rollercoaster and you want to hang on for the ride!This was a well thought out story and the writer gives you some what a realistic view of how hard life is when you are living it a certain way.This is good strong storytelling and you are going to enjoy every moment.