Collision Control

Crossing Forces #4

by C.A. Szarek, Kylie C. Stewart (Narrator), Eric Rolon (Narrator)

A one night stand can't possibly mean forever…

Detective Jared Manning met his match at a bar. After a night of passion, she sneaks out of his bed without so much as a note. Problem is, now he can’t find her.

Kindergarten teacher Melody Nash doesn’t do one night stands. Embarrassment gets the best of her and she lies about her name.

When they collide at her school, Mel resists his pull. She won’t risk her heart on the obvious playboy, even though she can’t stop thinking about the night in his arms.

Stress engulfs both Jared’s personal and professional life. His brother is at the centre of the joint case he and his partner are working in cooperation with FBI. He puts his job on the line when he fails to share his blood relation—a complication he doesn’t need, considering the FBI agent on the case is convinced his brother killed her fiancé.

Balance is the name of the game. Can Jared save his brother and convince Mel they’re meant to be together?

Reader advisory: This book contains references to past sexual abuse and rape that happened when the character was a child.

Genres: Romance

Audible Audio

First published October 2, 2014

About the author

USA Today Bestselling, award winning author of romantic suspense and epic fantasy romance, C.A. loves to dabble in different genres. If it's a good story, she'll write it, no matter where it seems to fit!

She's a hopeless romantic and always will be. Risking it all for Happily Ever After is what she lives by!

C.A. is originally from Ohio, but got to Texas as soon as she could. She's happily married and has a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice.

She's always writing, and helps small business owners by writing their websites, and she loves it!

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Reviews

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. Bit too trashy.

[Sydney Hopke · Rating 4 out of 5]

And the crew is back in this next installment to the series and the author takes us back to Texas and the police department. Jared is a detective and out for the night when he sees her and goes after her. Melody is out with her friends and can't believe that Jared wants her and not one of her friends. Jared is hooked after one night and wants more from her but Melody is gun shy after a relationship gone bad. Unfortunately as he's trying to woo her he finds out his brother is in town and it's not a good thing.

Another great addition to the series with another couple you just have to love! The FBI is back in town but it's on another case which I liked. The author continued with the crew from the other books but with a new story. Still full of suspense, action and romance. If you haven't read this series yet it's a must read!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jared just became my new BBF (book boyfriend)! This man will do almost anything to help the people he loves including putting his life and reputation on the line. This big bad Antioch police detective is really just a big softy when it comes to family.

This book had one of the biggest twists in the plot of any book I have ever read. It made me gasp out loud and had my hubby sitting up and asking me what was wrong. He went back to watching his tv show when I held up my Kindle. LOL.

This writer seems to gets stronger and stronger in her art with each new book she writes. Keep up the good work, Ms Szarek.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another great addition to this series. The story is fast=paced, with plenty of suspenseful moments that had me on the edge of my seat. This story can easily be read as a stand-alone. I like that we get to see familiar characters in this book. I look forward to reading more in this series.

[Book Him Danno · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just can't get enough of this series by C.A. Szarek. The author is able to create characters that readers will fall in love with from the first book to the last. C.A. Szarek has created a series that I have to read!
The characters are real, feisty, smart and intelligent. This story is more family relationship and less romance than the stories before but I can promise this story will not disappoint. .

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the copy of Collision Control by C.A. Szarek

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of collision control by CA Szarek in exchanged for an honest review.

I had never heard of this author but generally like romantic suspense and was drawn in by the book description. I’m really glad I took a chance because it was an enjoyable read.

This story is very well written. The hero is Jared, a small-town detective. The best thing about this book is how much time and effort the author puts into developing Jared’s relationships. He’s working a criminal case when he discovers his long-lost brother is the leading suspect. This puts him at odds with his partner (who is also like a brother to him) and a FBI agent investigating the case. Jared is reunited with his brother after years apart and he finally learns the truth about what led Joe to leave him with his foster family. This causes conflict because he wants to protect his brother but knows he’s guilty of crimes. Jared hides his brother which then puts him at odds with his long-time partner who is like family.

Oh, and there’s a romance too. The heroine is Melody, a kindergarten teacher. They hook up at bar one night and then she sneaks out the next morning before he can even get her real name. He spends the remainder of the book trying to find her and then woo her. Honestly, I didn’t find Jared’s relationship with Melody developed as well as his relationships with the other characters in the book---his foster parents, his brother, and his partner. That is the one thing that kept this from being a five star read for me.

Overall, a great read and I will be checking out the other books in the series.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms Szarek continues to entertain and keep us on our toes with book 4 of this series. All are stand alone, but I would suggest you read the previous ones since characters from these stories do have secondary roles in all the books.
In this story the plot centers around Detective Jared Manning, Melody Nash and his brother Joe.
Detective Jared met Melody, a wholesome kindergarten teacher in a bar. She was there with friends never expecting to meet Jared and especially never expecting to have a one night stand. That’s so not her. She leaves before he wakes up, never revealing her real name, nor what she did.
They were both shocked when they meet again. He tries to pursue her, she is attracted but doesn’t feel she can trust his words as it’s evident he is a ladies man.
In addition to their story, we also have Jared’s story with Joe. Both had been in foster care. Jared was adopted and Joe , 6 years older, left his brother and the family that was fostering them , when he turned 17. He has been living his life as a high end car thief. But when he is being accused of murdering an undercover FBI agent, life has forever been changed for Jared. He’s keeping his relationship with Joe a secret, and digs himself deeper when he tries to help him.
Never a dull moment in this story. This time, the author gives us a little less romance and more emphasis on family and the complexity of our relationships with them.
Another engaging story with complex characters that will keep you entertained.
I was gifted this copy by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Miriam Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

I have really enjoyed this series of books, and look forward to reading book 5. It is so much fun to continue to read about the couples from previous books, and see Jared in a new light.

Mel was hard for me to relate to as she had such issues with her body and had put up with emotional abuse from her previous boyfriend. It must have been devastating to be left at the altar and I guess there are two ways to deal with that - retreat from men or go back out and give the ex a big mental "bird."

I kept waiting for disaster when Jared hid his brother in the safe house. It actually was not as bad as I imagined so that was good!! I thought that Bennett would show up and get caught but I guess it makes sense for him to still be on the run so that Taylor is still searching for him in book 5.

The negative thing that I can say about the book is that I do not like the cover on Amazon as I don't think it represents how the book describes Mel. When Jared first meets her, he mentions that her body is not like a supermodel and the cover to me makes me think of a model. I did notice that there is a different cover between Amazon and Goodreads and the one on Goodreads is more fitting to what I believed Mel to be like after reading her description.

[**Elle**Bee**Double U** · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a few issues with this book that I didn't really like.
First, one of my biggest issues with these kinds of books is that I've lived the life of a cop/detective/inspector relative. I know first hand how many cases are meant to be handled, and the fact that Carrigan was left in charge of the case involving the death of her partner and fiance is complete BS. No person in a leadership position would let her take lead in this case because it would result in a vengeance/revenge issue that did end up ensuing. So this was unrealistic for me and aggravated me more than I would like to admit.

Second, the relationship between Jared and Melody didn't feel like it fully developed out. In a way it almost seemed like it was being rushed to get through the story. Melody has self-confidence issues and trust issues after being hurt by her ex-fiance, yet she was ready to fall in love within a couple days. Jared a man who wants nothing to do with relationships sure was excited to jump that ship and try to get Melody no matter what. There was no getting to know each other, it just seemed more like bed play.

I guess I just wanted more development with this relationship. From the previous books I read, the characters had already known each other and had some attraction to each other/ relations in the past. This one they are complete strangers and already jumping into "I love you's".

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun fast paced read that keeps you on your toes as you hang on to the edge of your seat for a wild ride of suspense, action, drama, romance and powerful chemistry. There is never a dull moment from start to finish. Jared and Melody have a one night stand, on waking he finds he is alone and can’t believe she left him. He is on the hunt for her and working his case trying to find his brother why keeping that on the down load is wearing him thin. It is career day at school and low and behold there is the woman he can’t stop thinking about. Here is a little secret she can’t stop thinking about him either but no way is she going to go for a playboy.

Can Jared get the woman, keep his career and find his brother before all hell breaks loose? The story is well-balanced with great characters from a very talented author who knows how to pull her readers in giving them what they want from action to romance and everything in between. I enjoyed the back and forward between Jared and Melody. I understood where they were coming from and how important this case is along with how touchy it is. The action is hold on to your seat the chemistry is outstanding and the romance a delight. I am totally enjoying this series and can’t wait for the next one.
****************

[Deb Diem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Collision Control by C.A. Szarek is an outstanding read. This is book 4 of the Crossing Forces Series and every book of this series I read leaves me wanting more, Collision Control is no exception to the rule. Ms. Szarek has once again delivered a book for lovers of action and suspense in a well-written, smooth read. Jared is a detective with the Antioch Police Department. His brother is a criminal and word is he's hiding out in Jared's town. Renee is a school teacher and gives Jared her middle name when they meet, then sneaks out of his apartment after a one night stand. Their story is packed with action, suspense, humor and HEAT. Ms. Szarek has nailed the characters in this story, they are amazing. As usual, this story hooked me on the first page and held me hostage till the end. I loved this book and can't wait to read more from C.A. Szarek in the future. This book can be read as a standalone, but I suggest reading the whole series in order...because you won't want any spoilers when you fall in love with this series and go back to read the books you skipped. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.



I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a romance novel, the story line was incredibly thought out. I actually really enjoyed this book, though a lot of the sentences annoyed me at the beginning (eventually I stopped noticing it) because it looked like an editor basically went through and had the author get rid of the his/her/he/she's that were beginning sentences. So instead of "She hated that he felt that way about her," it read "Hated that he felt that way about her." Which was both obnoxious and not grammatically correct. I don't know if this is just the way she writes--because I'm never read any of her stuff before--but it was incredibly unsettling to an English major like me.

As far as the sex scenes go--I'd give them a thumbs up. Variety, well-writing, and just long enough to be delightful without being too long as to make them feel awkward. Nicely done on that aspect!

[Vickie Chaisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Collision Control has all the feels necessary for a great romantic suspense. Hero, heroine, protagonist, alot of alphabet agencies, never knowing for sure how it's going to turn out. Jared is pure alpha male...loyal, protective and loves with all of him. He will do anything for those he cares about even to his detriment. Mel is a sweet innocent with unrealistic body issues. This is a standalone book but is full of familiar characters we care about from the other books in the series. The author has an uncanny knack for keeping all the threads if this story untangled and clear. The character development from book to book is phenomenal and lends credence and weight to every book. You have to give CA Szarek a try. She has enticed me from book to book and I have also read some of her side novellas while readingvthis series. I cannot get enough of Antioch, Tx and the people who live there.

[Andrzejewski Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed all of the books in the Crossing Forces series by C.A. Szarek. There's never a dull moment in her books. Each book keeps on the edge of your seat and always wanting more. There was action, romance and lots of hot sex. I love both main characters, Jared Manning and Melanie Renee Nash. Jared may of been the play boy and was interested in women who weren't curvy. Mel wasn't his average choice for a one night stand.
He falls head over heels in love with her. Jared was able to make Mel realize that she was gorgeous and that he loved ALL of her including her curves. For Mel it was the biggest self esteem boost and helped her fall for him.

I'm looking forward to reading the final book in the series Superior Collision.
* This book was able to be read as a Stand Alone. Books 1, 2 and 3 are easier understood if read in order.

[Sheila Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is beyond good. Every character is so completely flesh out that you feel like you know them intimately! Ms. Szarek keeps you on the edge of your seat with miscommunication, misdirection and deceit coming at you full on. Setting this book down is not an option because you are so invested in finding the answers! I absolutely love these characters and the uniquely stressful lives they lead. Their loyalty and desire for truth rings so true that I am cheering like a mad person for their happiness.

[Tami · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good romantic suspense. My copy badly needed an edit. Not a very self assured BBW heroine. The "Hot Cop" was our hero. Hot sex, a lot of action and some insta- love.

This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Melinda Blache · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG. I loved it. A must read. This is the 4th book in the series and C. A. Szarek's writing just keeps getting better. Collision Control is a romantic suspense that keeps the readers engaged through the story, never a dull moment. I really enjoyed the characters in the book. This can be read as a stand alone. I would recommend it.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I probably should give this book more stars. I do not enjoy reading intimate details or swearing. This almost stopped me from continuing after the first chapter. I decided there must be more to the story than sex and gave it a chance. I did enjoy getting to know the characters and the police/FBI hunt. The publisher provided a copy via NetGalley for my voluntary review.

[Kirstie Ibrahim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as a standalone having not read any other books in the series and LOVED it!

Great characters, and well written sex scenes with just the right amount of phwoar! The suspense and mystery also kept you guessing and thinking.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

Meh. Not a horrible story, but lots of head hopping - at least the author told us who's head we were in. Lots of he's and she's that were difficult to decipher.

[Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sexy fast pace drama that was entertaining to read. I really enjoyed the characters and how everything played out. The suspense left me on the edge of my seat the whole way through!
Can’t wait to read more from this series!

[Anne Blyth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another entertaining read.

[Kim Reads (Read Your Writes Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for Read Your Writes Book Reviews
by Gemini

Collision Control is categorized as a romantic suspense. I would have to disagree. I never really felt like I was in the dark about anything, nor did I ever feel like I was on the edge of my seat; at least not they way that I am accustomed to. Collision Control is the fourth book in a series. It centers around Antioch, Texas Police Detective Jared Manning and Kindergarten Teacher Melody “Mel” Nash. They have a one night stand the night before Jared gets involved in an FBI led investigation into a car theft ring that just so happens to involve Jared’s older brother Joe. More importantly, an undercover FBI agent had been killed and Joe was the prime suspect. Since no one knew that Jared and Joe were brothers, Jared attempts to locate Joe and find out what’s going on while he tries to keep everyone else at bay.

While the “clear your brother’s name” storyline may sound intriguing, it’s the courtship between Jared and Melody that’s much more interesting and extremely hot. Melody didn’t expect to run into Jared after their one night stand. She didn’t even tell him her first name or her last. They end up having one degree of separation that brings them back together. Then, Jared has to convince her to give him a shot at having a real relationship with her. Mel comes with a lot of baggage and Jared has never had any real feelings for anyone other than her. The chemistry between them is explosive and you can’t help but root for them.

In order to maintain some level of suspense, I will just say that it’s nice watching all of the pieces fall together during the investigation and their courtship. I would like to read another book in this series but I hope that it has a heightened level of suspense.

Source: Publisher
Rating: 3.5 Stars

[Karen Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Jared looks across to see who the woman is laughing, he is instantly entranced. A beautiful woman with a group of her friends is obviously having a great time in the small pub. As he crosses the room to talk to her, her friends make a hasty exit so they can talk and be alone. As they flirt and talk, Jared learns very little about this woman named Renee. When she agrees to leave the bar and go to his apartment, one night of pure bliss is not enough. In the morning, turning over in his bed to take her once more and ask to see her again, he finds she has snuck out during the night. No note, no goodbye, and no phone number, how is he supposed to contact her to see her again?
Melody just made a huge mistake. A kindergarten teacher is supposed to be responsible and a respectable member of society. To have a one night stand with a handsome stranger should not have happened and will not happen again. She knows he will have no way of finding her. She told him her middle name so he really has no clue as to who she is. If it was such a mistake, why is she reminiscing about every touch and caress?
Jared is a detective and has a new case that has brought the FBI into town. They believe a large car theft ring has set up shop in their small city. They also believe the head of the ring killed an undercover FBI agent. The problem is the main suspect for the murder is a person from Jared’s past. Can Jared keep the FBI at arm’s length while trying to save an important part of his past? When he finally finds the woman who fled in the middle of the night, can he keep his professional and personal worlds separate? He will have to if he wants to save someone from his past and secure the one he wants to be in his future.
Good story that could be read as a standalone. I didn’t feel that I was missing anything that I needed to know to enjoy this book. 4 stars

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Collision Control (Crossing Forces Book 4) by C. A. Szarek

Winner! Fast-paced action, interesting police scenarios, some familiar characters if you've read any of the prior books, hot sex and a hero that falls desperately in love. What more could you want in a romance?
Really impressive improvement in the writing from book one to book four. Partially due to the elimination of the British spelling of particular words, although I still caught one or two grammar errors.

Melody Renee Nash is out for a night of celebration with friends so why not let a hot man take her home for the night. Detective Jared Manning is riveted by this blushing gorgeous woman and definitely wants to get to know her better.

I received a copy of this book for review.

Excerpt:
“She frowned at a compliment?
Jared quirked an eyebrow and slid onto the chair next to hers, because she was never going to invite him to sit. And that made him want to join her even more. Intrigued the hell out of him. “What’s your name?”
Cocking her head to one side, she studied him. “Uh…Ren.”
“Wren like the bird? Cool name.”
“No.” Her cheeks reddened again and she looked away. “Umm…it’s…short for Renee.”
He watched her fidget before she’d meet his gaze again. His stomach churned at the thought of her being uneasy with him. He forced words out. “Can I call you Renee?”
Those eyes met his and he swallowed hard. Crystal blue, like a morning summer sky. Jared had never seen anything so beautiful in his life.
“O-o-o-kay. I mean, sure.” More shifting, so he reached for her hand.
Touching her resulted in a zing of energy shooting up his arm. Their eyes locked. Her lips parted and his mouth went dry.
He wanted to kiss her.
No. Jared needed to kiss her.”

Excerpt From: Szarek, C.A. “Collision Control.”

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun fast paced story. The book starts off with detective Jared Manning meeting and then having a one night stand with Melody Nash. Melody has done something so out of character by first going to a bar and second by go home with Jared whom she does not know, and is not expecting to see ever again. Now she being a kindergarten teacher she feels pretty safe. Jared is going crazy one because of the case they have, and second he cannot find the women he went home with the other night. She was gone when he woke up and all he can think about is her. Now he must find her. After weeks of going crazy and driving his partner crazy is being dragged to his partners’ school for career day for his kindergarten class. You guessed it Melody is the women he has been looking for and she does not want to talk to him, but he is not leaving until she agrees to speak to him. Now the rest of the book is about Jared trying to get Melody to date him and him and his partner working the case. This is a fast paced story with very good characters, and overall a very good story. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has it all!! It’s has mystery, intrigue, adventure and plenty of action to keep you on the edge of your seat the whole way through this book. Totally loved it. Had me turning the pages as quick as I could to find out what was happening next and I really couldn’t put it down till I knew everything what goes on in the book. The characters are great and their interactions really helped the storyline which is fantastic in my opinion and it has me definitely coming back for more by this author and series. I would highly recommend this book

[Lovely Loveday · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fourth book in the Crossing Forces book series that can easily be read as a stand-alone novel. This romance novel does not disappoint and as many steamy scenes. Jared just became my new BBF (book boyfriend)!

[JoAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Collision Control is a very well written suspense/romance. I loved the plot and the characters. I enjoyed the author’s writing. Now I need to read the previous books in this series.

[Christy Warthen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Fast paced, action packed and emotional, sweet and sexy. A fantastic combination to create another great story in the series!

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.