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Flippin' Fantastic #2
Collide
Mia Stone isn’t looking for romance. Not after her engagement crashed to an end when her fiancé was caught on viral video kissing another woman. She has time and space for three things in her life. Her family, her best friends Darby and James, and Flippin’ Fantastic Renovations—the house flipping company they co-own.
Lauryn Matthews gets a bad rap. The women, the scandals… It’s not her fault drama follows her everywhere. In fact, the instant fame thing gets to her more than anyone knows. Except maybe her therapist. All she wants is a place to call home, and all roads lead to Denver.
Mia and Lauryn collide at a local lesbian bar on New Year’s Eve, and fireworks go off. The good, bad and the ugly. But when Lauryn turns out to be Mia’s newest client, can they put aside their differences long enough to acknowledge the undercurrent of romance between them? Or will an unspoken grudge forever keep them at odds?
Collide is the second novella in a trio of Flippin’ Fantastic romances about the three women who own and operate Flippin’ Fantastic Renovations. Pencil in this slow burn lesfic romance for the perfect Valentine’s Day read.
Lauryn Matthews gets a bad rap. The women, the scandals… It’s not her fault drama follows her everywhere. In fact, the instant fame thing gets to her more than anyone knows. Except maybe her therapist. All she wants is a place to call home, and all roads lead to Denver.
Mia and Lauryn collide at a local lesbian bar on New Year’s Eve, and fireworks go off. The good, bad and the ugly. But when Lauryn turns out to be Mia’s newest client, can they put aside their differences long enough to acknowledge the undercurrent of romance between them? Or will an unspoken grudge forever keep them at odds?
Collide is the second novella in a trio of Flippin’ Fantastic romances about the three women who own and operate Flippin’ Fantastic Renovations. Pencil in this slow burn lesfic romance for the perfect Valentine’s Day read.
145 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 16, 2021
The second in the Flippin' Fantastic Romance trilogy, each following the 3 women of the Flippin Fantastic Business and their quests for love. The first was: Against the Grain: A Flippin' Fantastic Romance
This story focuses on Mia, a realtor who had recently broken up with the woman she had bought a ring for, thinking she was 'the one'. After tabloids spread a photo of popular social media influencer and singer/songwriter called Lauryn kissing Mia's girlfriend in LA, with drug paraphernalia strewn about in the picture - it all came crashing down.
So it's a huge shock to Mia when Lauryn, the girl at the centre of controversy walks into her office, wanting to buy a house. Mia is unprofessional and downright rude toward Lauryn, who has NO idea who she is, and why she is getting that treatment. Lauryn tries to just avoid the situation, and wants to find another realtor, but Mia and her friends don't want to pass up the opportunity to sell a house to a celebrity, so Mia acquiesces, and apologizes and makes another appointment for them to start again - which I felt was kinda shitty on everyone's part... Her friends for knowing the pain she feels and making her deal with a client that is upsetting her, all for profit, and not really even caring about the client to begin with. No one came off looking great here.
What really grated on me is the constant push/pull, and Mia's downright nasty attitude... Like I get it, to a point. She's heartbroken and mad... but clearly this Lauryn chick had NO clue who Mia even was, and that the broad she had been tonguing last year was even engaged or attached, let alone to Mia... So her anger is ridiculously misplaced, and constant - which amazed me, considering she kept promising to be professional, and clearly is not being so. Several times she snaps at Lauryn really badly, making unfair judgements and assumptions and Lauryn just takes it? Sometimes she snaps back, thinking this woman is just judging her because of the controversies, where the media is painting her as something she is not. Somehow desperate to prove herself? But she only seems to put up with Mia's poor treatment because she's HOT. That's it.
Both women just came off as shallow and kinda emotionally screwed up, for engaging in such pettiness for one, and allowing it to continue because of attraction based on looks and nothing else. What's worse is, it takes until 67% of the book for the actual truth to be revealed and discussed, even then I felt like it never really got resolved, and they went from Zero to A Hundred in seconds.
These books are clearly not for me. lol.
This story focuses on Mia, a realtor who had recently broken up with the woman she had bought a ring for, thinking she was 'the one'. After tabloids spread a photo of popular social media influencer and singer/songwriter called Lauryn kissing Mia's girlfriend in LA, with drug paraphernalia strewn about in the picture - it all came crashing down.
So it's a huge shock to Mia when Lauryn, the girl at the centre of controversy walks into her office, wanting to buy a house. Mia is unprofessional and downright rude toward Lauryn, who has NO idea who she is, and why she is getting that treatment. Lauryn tries to just avoid the situation, and wants to find another realtor, but Mia and her friends don't want to pass up the opportunity to sell a house to a celebrity, so Mia acquiesces, and apologizes and makes another appointment for them to start again - which I felt was kinda shitty on everyone's part... Her friends for knowing the pain she feels and making her deal with a client that is upsetting her, all for profit, and not really even caring about the client to begin with. No one came off looking great here.
What really grated on me is the constant push/pull, and Mia's downright nasty attitude... Like I get it, to a point. She's heartbroken and mad... but clearly this Lauryn chick had NO clue who Mia even was, and that the broad she had been tonguing last year was even engaged or attached, let alone to Mia... So her anger is ridiculously misplaced, and constant - which amazed me, considering she kept promising to be professional, and clearly is not being so. Several times she snaps at Lauryn really badly, making unfair judgements and assumptions and Lauryn just takes it? Sometimes she snaps back, thinking this woman is just judging her because of the controversies, where the media is painting her as something she is not. Somehow desperate to prove herself? But she only seems to put up with Mia's poor treatment because she's HOT. That's it.
Both women just came off as shallow and kinda emotionally screwed up, for engaging in such pettiness for one, and allowing it to continue because of attraction based on looks and nothing else. What's worse is, it takes until 67% of the book for the actual truth to be revealed and discussed, even then I felt like it never really got resolved, and they went from Zero to A Hundred in seconds.
These books are clearly not for me. lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2021
An intense slow burn between the MC's.
I really liked Mia's character, she was so conflicted regarding her feelings with Lauryn, which just made her so real to me. Lauryn would be the one I'd be mates with... 'cause she's so misunderstood. I'm all about the underdog. As emotional and intense their meetings were, I thought it made them literally crashing together that much hotter.
Anyway... this was a great addition to Flippin' Fantastic. I dig it.
I really liked Mia's character, she was so conflicted regarding her feelings with Lauryn, which just made her so real to me. Lauryn would be the one I'd be mates with... 'cause she's so misunderstood. I'm all about the underdog. As emotional and intense their meetings were, I thought it made them literally crashing together that much hotter.
Anyway... this was a great addition to Flippin' Fantastic. I dig it.
May 16, 2021
ETA 2/16/2021: Extended edition of the already long review.
Series: This book actually belongs to two series (depending on what people call series). Collide belongs to the"A Flippin' Fantastic Romance" series and the "this series does not have a name". Which is important for some people to know because they either feel this vague discomfort reading series out of order, and/or just plain won't read series out of order.
So: Flippin' series is one of those series that really can be read in any order because the action in the books takes place at exactly the same time in each book (based on the two books already published). Just follows different couplings.
And "unnamed series" is a series like Flippin' is a series - it's a series because different friends find romance. Unlike Flippin', none of the main characters in Collide appear in Avalanche (the other part of the "unnamed series"). So, what gives? Well, Drew & Blake are Lauren's friends in Collide. While, in Avalanche, Blake literally said she had (I think to herself) that she had no friends, except her manager - who is not Lauren. No clue if Drew knew Lauren during the time period of Avalanche. Now, after having read Collide & Avalanche, I'm not actually sure how Lauren knows Blake & Drew. Other than all three of them being famous. Right, so, if you ever want to read Avalanche, read it before Collide. Otherwise, I do not see any particular reason to read Avalanche before Collide.
---
The second book in this series, and first book I've read by this author. Which, I know, is a somewhat odd thing to say, especially for me to say. Did I skip a book? Start in the middle of the trilogy? No, this is a trilogy that has three authors write the books, by themselves (well, I mean each book is a solo effort, I'm sure some communication must have otherwise occurred regarding the three books).
This book continues to follow the Flippin' Fantastic women. That's the name of their house flipping company. The strong, tall, stuttering type starred in the first book, James. The bright bubbly one stars in the third book, Darby. This book here follows perfectionist Mia.
I again liked the characters, story, and how things unfolded. A tiny bit of humor, but less so than in the first book in the series. Unlike the first book in the series, which was also a short work, and actually shorter than this book here by about 10 pages, this book seems to have been somewhat . . . short-changed here or there. Oh, there was a distinct beginning, middle, and end. There just seemed to be a certain . . . bit of stuff missing. Plot lines not explored. Plot lines hinted at but not followed. Etc.
One example: the non-Flippin main character is musician Lauren. And while there are scenes of her working on writing songs, and/or just picking at her guitar, there are also hints dropped here or there that were not followed up on, music-wise. Like - at one point Lauren mentions that a solo was about to drop. And . . . well, nothing was ever again mentioned about that solo. Did it get a good reaction by the general public? By her album/manager/PR person? Did her friends (sometimes seen, sometimes mentioned, rarely felt in extended scenes) like/dislike the song? Hear it? Know it exists? Purposefully ignore it's existence? Lauren's interacted with several Denver people (Lauren's based out of L.A.), but the fact that she's a musician never seemed to be mentioned/explored/etc., don't get me wrong, it gets touched on in the interactions between Lauren & Mia, but I'm not sure if anyone else in Denver even knows Lauren is a famous musician. And even in the Lauren & Mia sections, nothing about that solo, or the songs Lauren's been writing, came up between them (or separately). To a certain extent I'm mentioning this because of the prior book in the series.
What happened in that one? Why did I feel as if there was a plot line created by one author and not taken up by the next? Because every bloody person in the first book seemed to be making a big deal (okay, not really, but enough so for me to make this comment) about Lauren being Lauren Mathews, famous musician. And not a single person in this book here seemed to care (except Lauren, and briefly Mia, since there's a media related event that tangles things in the book).
There were other little plot-lines, and/or possible plotlines here or there that seemed to get skipped, or foreshortened. Like Lauren's music people got mentioned, had one or two conversations, but were basically non-existent in this book (which is a fair enough choice, but there kept being these hints and the like that seemed to be possible plot lines that never developed). There were other occasions - like there's this week Lauren returned, briefly, to L.A. Only after she had returned did I realize she ever even left and spent any time there - and some of the POV was from her POV during that period of time. That was vaguely confusing.
Right, sorry, I normally write my reviews a certain way, and got all distracted and stuff.
My normal way: There are POV's in this book, two main characters. One is Mia Stone (whose last name I only can put here in the review because it's in the book description), one of the three women who co-own and operate Flippin' Fantastic reality. Mia is the realtor of the group. James is the hands on restoring person. Darby is the, I think, interior designer type. I deviate a little from my "normal way" to note that all three of those characters star in their own books, and I deviate to note that so that I can note that, at least the first two and probably the third book unfold during the same period of time. Book opens with a New Year's Eve party. At some point there's a Super Bowl party, and at some point there's a Valentine's day party. Which I only note because the "other woman" that the Flippin' women interact with in their own books pop up in each of the other books - because everything is happening at the same time in each of the three books.
Mia does not have fun at the New Year's Eve party - which was also a "five minute date party". While leaving the party, she bumps into a woman and very briefly has a "nice moment" with that woman. Even though they meet literally by running into each other. Then that other woman reveals her face (she had been wearing a hoodie or had her coat zipped up high, or something), and Mia flinched back as if the other woman revealed that she forgot to put on skin that day. Then Mia flees. And that's how Mia and Lauren meet the first time. That flinching back? Mia, it seems, had been engaged to a woman. Six months ago that engagement ended - after Mia saw pictures of Cori in the lap of a famous musician, Lauren Mathews, at a drug filled party.
Mia's shaken, but attempts to go on with her life. The next day she has an appointment with a new client, Lauryn Sucre. Only, when that woman appears, Lauren Mathews is standing where Sucre is supposed to be standing. Sucre, you see, is Lauren's real last name, and I have no idea why Mia thought the Sucre woman had a different spelling for her first name.
Mia acts all bitchy and stuff, but, for some reason, Lauren still wants to keep working with Flippin Fantastic to find a house in Denver. Well Lauren's friends recommended the team, so, that's probably it. Along with other stuff.
Right, so, Lauren & Mia look at places during the rest of the book . . . only they don't, but let's not detail everything that happens in the book, eh?
As noted, I liked the characters, story, etc. Seemed to be a tiny bit missing to make this a full satisfying novel, and the only real thing I can think of as to what's missing are hinted at plot lines that never appeared.
Note: while the little date thing says I read this book from Feb 12 to 14, this was a quick read and only took two "sittings".
Rating: 4.25
February 14, 2021
Series: This book actually belongs to two series (depending on what people call series). Collide belongs to the"A Flippin' Fantastic Romance" series and the "this series does not have a name". Which is important for some people to know because they either feel this vague discomfort reading series out of order, and/or just plain won't read series out of order.
So: Flippin' series is one of those series that really can be read in any order because the action in the books takes place at exactly the same time in each book (based on the two books already published). Just follows different couplings.
And "unnamed series" is a series like Flippin' is a series - it's a series because different friends find romance. Unlike Flippin', none of the main characters in Collide appear in Avalanche (the other part of the "unnamed series"). So, what gives? Well, Drew & Blake are Lauren's friends in Collide. While, in Avalanche, Blake literally said she had (I think to herself) that she had no friends, except her manager - who is not Lauren. No clue if Drew knew Lauren during the time period of Avalanche. Now, after having read Collide & Avalanche, I'm not actually sure how Lauren knows Blake & Drew. Other than all three of them being famous. Right, so, if you ever want to read Avalanche, read it before Collide. Otherwise, I do not see any particular reason to read Avalanche before Collide.
---
The second book in this series, and first book I've read by this author. Which, I know, is a somewhat odd thing to say, especially for me to say. Did I skip a book? Start in the middle of the trilogy? No, this is a trilogy that has three authors write the books, by themselves (well, I mean each book is a solo effort, I'm sure some communication must have otherwise occurred regarding the three books).
This book continues to follow the Flippin' Fantastic women. That's the name of their house flipping company. The strong, tall, stuttering type starred in the first book, James. The bright bubbly one stars in the third book, Darby. This book here follows perfectionist Mia.
I again liked the characters, story, and how things unfolded. A tiny bit of humor, but less so than in the first book in the series. Unlike the first book in the series, which was also a short work, and actually shorter than this book here by about 10 pages, this book seems to have been somewhat . . . short-changed here or there. Oh, there was a distinct beginning, middle, and end. There just seemed to be a certain . . . bit of stuff missing. Plot lines not explored. Plot lines hinted at but not followed. Etc.
One example: the non-Flippin main character is musician Lauren. And while there are scenes of her working on writing songs, and/or just picking at her guitar, there are also hints dropped here or there that were not followed up on, music-wise. Like - at one point Lauren mentions that a solo was about to drop. And . . . well, nothing was ever again mentioned about that solo. Did it get a good reaction by the general public? By her album/manager/PR person? Did her friends (sometimes seen, sometimes mentioned, rarely felt in extended scenes) like/dislike the song? Hear it? Know it exists? Purposefully ignore it's existence? Lauren's interacted with several Denver people (Lauren's based out of L.A.), but the fact that she's a musician never seemed to be mentioned/explored/etc., don't get me wrong, it gets touched on in the interactions between Lauren & Mia, but I'm not sure if anyone else in Denver even knows Lauren is a famous musician. And even in the Lauren & Mia sections, nothing about that solo, or the songs Lauren's been writing, came up between them (or separately). To a certain extent I'm mentioning this because of the prior book in the series.
What happened in that one? Why did I feel as if there was a plot line created by one author and not taken up by the next? Because every bloody person in the first book seemed to be making a big deal (okay, not really, but enough so for me to make this comment) about Lauren being Lauren Mathews, famous musician. And not a single person in this book here seemed to care (except Lauren, and briefly Mia, since there's a media related event that tangles things in the book).
There were other little plot-lines, and/or possible plotlines here or there that seemed to get skipped, or foreshortened. Like Lauren's music people got mentioned, had one or two conversations, but were basically non-existent in this book (which is a fair enough choice, but there kept being these hints and the like that seemed to be possible plot lines that never developed). There were other occasions - like there's this week Lauren returned, briefly, to L.A. Only after she had returned did I realize she ever even left and spent any time there - and some of the POV was from her POV during that period of time. That was vaguely confusing.
Right, sorry, I normally write my reviews a certain way, and got all distracted and stuff.
My normal way: There are POV's in this book, two main characters. One is Mia Stone (whose last name I only can put here in the review because it's in the book description), one of the three women who co-own and operate Flippin' Fantastic reality. Mia is the realtor of the group. James is the hands on restoring person. Darby is the, I think, interior designer type. I deviate a little from my "normal way" to note that all three of those characters star in their own books, and I deviate to note that so that I can note that, at least the first two and probably the third book unfold during the same period of time. Book opens with a New Year's Eve party. At some point there's a Super Bowl party, and at some point there's a Valentine's day party. Which I only note because the "other woman" that the Flippin' women interact with in their own books pop up in each of the other books - because everything is happening at the same time in each of the three books.
Mia does not have fun at the New Year's Eve party - which was also a "five minute date party". While leaving the party, she bumps into a woman and very briefly has a "nice moment" with that woman. Even though they meet literally by running into each other. Then that other woman reveals her face (she had been wearing a hoodie or had her coat zipped up high, or something), and Mia flinched back as if the other woman revealed that she forgot to put on skin that day. Then Mia flees. And that's how Mia and Lauren meet the first time. That flinching back? Mia, it seems, had been engaged to a woman. Six months ago that engagement ended - after Mia saw pictures of Cori in the lap of a famous musician, Lauren Mathews, at a drug filled party.
Mia's shaken, but attempts to go on with her life. The next day she has an appointment with a new client, Lauryn Sucre. Only, when that woman appears, Lauren Mathews is standing where Sucre is supposed to be standing. Sucre, you see, is Lauren's real last name, and I have no idea why Mia thought the Sucre woman had a different spelling for her first name.
Mia acts all bitchy and stuff, but, for some reason, Lauren still wants to keep working with Flippin Fantastic to find a house in Denver. Well Lauren's friends recommended the team, so, that's probably it. Along with other stuff.
Right, so, Lauren & Mia look at places during the rest of the book . . . only they don't, but let's not detail everything that happens in the book, eh?
As noted, I liked the characters, story, etc. Seemed to be a tiny bit missing to make this a full satisfying novel, and the only real thing I can think of as to what's missing are hinted at plot lines that never appeared.
Note: while the little date thing says I read this book from Feb 12 to 14, this was a quick read and only took two "sittings".
Rating: 4.25
February 14, 2021
February 14, 2021
After loving the first book in this series by Bryce Oakley I was looking forward to Mia‘s story. I felt we already got to know Darby very well in book one but wasn’t really sure what to make out of Mia.
The book starts the same way as the first one of the series did. Which means at the speed dating event on New Year‘s Eve. Of course this time we get to see it from Mia’s view. It’s where Mia and Lauryn collide for the first time (love how the title fits). Well actually Lauryn isn’t unknown to Mia. She is the one that’s responsible for her break-up. Lauryn on the other hand has no idea who Mia is. When the circumstances get them to meet again and actually having to meet over and over again for house viewings it’s when the sparks fly. Both feel and attraction but of course Mia tries with everything she has to keep her distance and continue to hate Lauryn.
Lauryn on the other hand still doesn’t know what Mia’s problem is but she knows that she just has to see her again.
I totally loved the chemistry and the development of both characters. And the time they spent with Mia’s niece and nephew is just adorable.
The dynamic of the friendship was once again great. I smiled so many times and was so happy at the end. It’s definitely a wonderful series I highly recommend. How the stories are entwined in each other is just fantastic.
I love Stephanie Shea‘s writing and she is definitely an author I will keep following. I can’t wait for the last book in the series by one of my favorite authors Lucy Bexley.
The book starts the same way as the first one of the series did. Which means at the speed dating event on New Year‘s Eve. Of course this time we get to see it from Mia’s view. It’s where Mia and Lauryn collide for the first time (love how the title fits). Well actually Lauryn isn’t unknown to Mia. She is the one that’s responsible for her break-up. Lauryn on the other hand has no idea who Mia is. When the circumstances get them to meet again and actually having to meet over and over again for house viewings it’s when the sparks fly. Both feel and attraction but of course Mia tries with everything she has to keep her distance and continue to hate Lauryn.
Lauryn on the other hand still doesn’t know what Mia’s problem is but she knows that she just has to see her again.
I totally loved the chemistry and the development of both characters. And the time they spent with Mia’s niece and nephew is just adorable.
The dynamic of the friendship was once again great. I smiled so many times and was so happy at the end. It’s definitely a wonderful series I highly recommend. How the stories are entwined in each other is just fantastic.
I love Stephanie Shea‘s writing and she is definitely an author I will keep following. I can’t wait for the last book in the series by one of my favorite authors Lucy Bexley.
June 19, 2023
A big miss for me unfortunately. It had a lot of promise but did not have what I needed to consider it charming.
For the first few chapters you don't really understand why Mia hates Lauryn and elicits such a negative response. What is more baffling is why Lauryn keeps trying to get in Mia's good graces. It takes a little to long to reveal the reason and then we go immediately into building the romance, very little downtime and processing in-between two very strong feelings.
This is the second time trying out this author and I suspect their writing style is not for me. They seem to write non-white sapphic leads so it is quite a shame. I would recommend giving Shea a try if you are on the fence, the story was short and to the point it was just missing some fluff that I need to really settle into a read.
For the first few chapters you don't really understand why Mia hates Lauryn and elicits such a negative response. What is more baffling is why Lauryn keeps trying to get in Mia's good graces. It takes a little to long to reveal the reason and then we go immediately into building the romance, very little downtime and processing in-between two very strong feelings.
This is the second time trying out this author and I suspect their writing style is not for me. They seem to write non-white sapphic leads so it is quite a shame. I would recommend giving Shea a try if you are on the fence, the story was short and to the point it was just missing some fluff that I need to really settle into a read.
June 6, 2022
Quick and interesting f/f novella. I love books with kind characters, and Lauryn’s kindness was especially touching.
February 13, 2021
My rating of this book is 4.25. This is a second book of a series by three different authors.
When I read a novella, I don’t really anticipate it being a slow burn. This one was truly that. After reaching the halfway point of the book the two main characters, Mia and Lauryn, still had not discussed the reason for the initial tension they had. Nevertheless, once that was established and the feelings between them continued to grow it was very good. As the book ended, I was truly delighted.
I have read only a short story from Stephanie Shea other than this novella. Shea has the potential to be one of my new favorite authors. She develops characters well and really paints a great picture during intimate scenes. I am excited to read her other novellas and a full-length romance from her.
This second book in the Flippen’ Fantastic Series is an improvement from the first novella. I have high expectation for Luci Bexley to round out the series on 2/19/2021!
When I read a novella, I don’t really anticipate it being a slow burn. This one was truly that. After reaching the halfway point of the book the two main characters, Mia and Lauryn, still had not discussed the reason for the initial tension they had. Nevertheless, once that was established and the feelings between them continued to grow it was very good. As the book ended, I was truly delighted.
I have read only a short story from Stephanie Shea other than this novella. Shea has the potential to be one of my new favorite authors. She develops characters well and really paints a great picture during intimate scenes. I am excited to read her other novellas and a full-length romance from her.
This second book in the Flippen’ Fantastic Series is an improvement from the first novella. I have high expectation for Luci Bexley to round out the series on 2/19/2021!
December 31, 2024
I must have bought this when I bought the other two books of the series. Why it has taken me so long to read this, I've no idea! I love this book! Mia is confused by her two extremely opposite feelings for Lauryn. She knows her ex-fiance cheated with Lauryn but she feels a strong attraction to her. Lauryn feels a strong attraction to Mia too, but can't understand the hot and cold feelings she gets from her. This is a beautiful enemies to lovers love story! 5 stars!
March 23, 2022
Very Sweet!
Renovation specialist, Mia meets Lauren on New Year’s Eve at a bar and they are instantly the atmosphere between them is intense. When Lauren turns out to be Mia’s newest client, their initial meeting and the air it left between them threatens to get in the way of them getting all they want, but soon they both can’t help wondering if their intense dislike of one another is actually something else.
I really enjoyed this story and even though it is part of a series of novellas, it worked so well as a stand alone story. Enough was provided about Mia and her business partners, Darby and James for you to get a feel of their friendship, then the atmosphere building between Mia and Lauran was angsty and filled with uncertainty that fuelled the story. In many ways, Mia and Lauren were really quite alike, stubborn but vulnerable and even when getting on one another’s nerves, they had great chemistry. Yet, they couldn’t have been more different and definitely not an expected pairing, which really had me intrigued.
It was that collision of will and want that kept them charged and at times I wasn’t sure whether they were actually just going to acknowledge what they knew in their heart was really going on. The build up was great, kept me hooked and invested in them both and whether there was ever going to be that breakthrough moment for them both. Mia and Lauren were interesting and as they got to know one another better, we got intimate glimpses into their personal thoughts, feelings, and decisions, which formed a great understanding of all that was going on between them. It had fun moments, and those deep or more intense moments that were filled with the tension that made the relationship that was developing so much more than just the average slow burn romance.
Really exciting, angsty novella, and has left me excited to check out the other books in the novella trio that are about these wonderful characters.
Renovation specialist, Mia meets Lauren on New Year’s Eve at a bar and they are instantly the atmosphere between them is intense. When Lauren turns out to be Mia’s newest client, their initial meeting and the air it left between them threatens to get in the way of them getting all they want, but soon they both can’t help wondering if their intense dislike of one another is actually something else.
I really enjoyed this story and even though it is part of a series of novellas, it worked so well as a stand alone story. Enough was provided about Mia and her business partners, Darby and James for you to get a feel of their friendship, then the atmosphere building between Mia and Lauran was angsty and filled with uncertainty that fuelled the story. In many ways, Mia and Lauren were really quite alike, stubborn but vulnerable and even when getting on one another’s nerves, they had great chemistry. Yet, they couldn’t have been more different and definitely not an expected pairing, which really had me intrigued.
It was that collision of will and want that kept them charged and at times I wasn’t sure whether they were actually just going to acknowledge what they knew in their heart was really going on. The build up was great, kept me hooked and invested in them both and whether there was ever going to be that breakthrough moment for them both. Mia and Lauren were interesting and as they got to know one another better, we got intimate glimpses into their personal thoughts, feelings, and decisions, which formed a great understanding of all that was going on between them. It had fun moments, and those deep or more intense moments that were filled with the tension that made the relationship that was developing so much more than just the average slow burn romance.
Really exciting, angsty novella, and has left me excited to check out the other books in the novella trio that are about these wonderful characters.
March 5, 2021
Mia is so perfectly put together that it was interesting to see how she would handle dealing with the woman who caught in a comprising picture with her ex.
Lauryn doesn't have a clue why Mia can't stand her. This story was fun to read. The back and forth between them keeps you guess if they will give in to their feelings. I love how important family is to them. The family your born with and the family you choose.
February 19, 2021
As Great As The First Book!
This book is the second in this series and I have to say it was just as good. I really did not think that a story could beat James and Zee’s chemistry and charisma. We were introduced to James,Mia and Darby by Bryce Oakley for the first Flippin Fantastic Romance and the fact that Stephanie Shea continued Mia’s story without skipping a beat was a wonderful transition. I loved this pairing of Mia and Lauren ,the enemy. What pulls these two apart is ultimately what ties them together. First impressions and preconceived assumptions threatens to tear them apart when there is such a heavy attraction floating in the air. This was such an excellent read and am ready for book three and Darby’s story. Great job Stephanie Shea and look forward to other writings from you......
This book is the second in this series and I have to say it was just as good. I really did not think that a story could beat James and Zee’s chemistry and charisma. We were introduced to James,Mia and Darby by Bryce Oakley for the first Flippin Fantastic Romance and the fact that Stephanie Shea continued Mia’s story without skipping a beat was a wonderful transition. I loved this pairing of Mia and Lauren ,the enemy. What pulls these two apart is ultimately what ties them together. First impressions and preconceived assumptions threatens to tear them apart when there is such a heavy attraction floating in the air. This was such an excellent read and am ready for book three and Darby’s story. Great job Stephanie Shea and look forward to other writings from you......
February 12, 2021
I loved this novella. I am not a big fan of a slow burn but this one gave me all the good feels. The tension between Lauryn and Mia in beginning was thick and I was hopeful that sooner rather than later they would get to talking about why Mia acted the way she did when they first met. Being able to see the change in Mia as she got to know Lauryn was very satisfying and when they finally got together? Boy was it good. This novella has what a novella should, it was sweet, romantic, spicy, and left me satisfied at the end.
February 24, 2021
Remember group assignments back in school? Flippin' Fantastic is a group project gone right. I can only imagine what it was like for these authors to write stories that take place within the same time frame with the same trio of friends.
December 9, 2024
I think I fell a bit in love with Mia.
This is the second book of the Flippin' Fantastic series, and all 3 of them are amazing. Despite not being written by the same person, all three books have the same vibe.
Lauryn is perfect for Mia, since she was the one to bring Mia out of the relationship with Cori, she practically saved her from the fate of that marriage. Despite initially bringing pain to Mia's life, she also healed her.
Mia on the other hand gave Lauryn not just a new house, but also a new home.
I loved reading the parts, where Mia is a fierce Ice Queen! Even in the other two books of the series, we saw glimpses of Mia and I knew, that she would be my favorite. (closely followed by everyone!)
This is the second book of the Flippin' Fantastic series, and all 3 of them are amazing. Despite not being written by the same person, all three books have the same vibe.
Lauryn is perfect for Mia, since she was the one to bring Mia out of the relationship with Cori, she practically saved her from the fate of that marriage. Despite initially bringing pain to Mia's life, she also healed her.
Mia on the other hand gave Lauryn not just a new house, but also a new home.
I loved reading the parts, where Mia is a fierce Ice Queen! Even in the other two books of the series, we saw glimpses of Mia and I knew, that she would be my favorite. (closely followed by everyone!)
May 12, 2024
I really enjoyed Collide. The author is new to me and I will definitely check out her other work. It's almost unbelievable how much depth there was in the characters and their backgrounds in the roughly 150 pages of the book. Both had a past and that had an effect on their actions.
Common review fir the series: I read the books in the series in wrong order. I started with #2 which I really liked (4 stars). The 150 pages were used well and I really liked both characters. I then read #1 which was okay (3 stars). I liked James already in #2 but Zee was a bit odd. There should have been more pages to describe why she's the way she is. I finished with #3 which was my least favorite book (2 stars). I really liked the concept of the series a lot. It was interesting to read three books that all happened at the same time, starting from the new year's eve speed dating. All books had a bit different pace. Three authors had coordinated common events and characteristics quite well. What would have made the series even more interesting is to have some kind of marks in the book, for example split each book in 3 sections with about the same timeline so it would have been possible to read the books side by side in sections.
Common review fir the series: I read the books in the series in wrong order. I started with #2 which I really liked (4 stars). The 150 pages were used well and I really liked both characters. I then read #1 which was okay (3 stars). I liked James already in #2 but Zee was a bit odd. There should have been more pages to describe why she's the way she is. I finished with #3 which was my least favorite book (2 stars). I really liked the concept of the series a lot. It was interesting to read three books that all happened at the same time, starting from the new year's eve speed dating. All books had a bit different pace. Three authors had coordinated common events and characteristics quite well. What would have made the series even more interesting is to have some kind of marks in the book, for example split each book in 3 sections with about the same timeline so it would have been possible to read the books side by side in sections.
May 12, 2021
Enjoyable second story!
I've never read anything from Ms. Shea before, but I thought she did a great job telling Mia's story. She's the second partner in the Flippin' Fantastic Renovations team and couldn't be more different from James, the construction worker, in the first book. Mia's the real estate agent in the group - very sophisticated and feminine, but certainly a hard nut to crack when she comes face -to-face with their new client, Lauryn. Yes, Lauryn, the singer-songwriter who was caught on video kissing Mia's fiance'.
There was so much miscommunication between these ladies, but the slow burn romance was always present in Stephanie's writing. Maybe Lauryn wasn't quite the horrible person Mia thought. I will definitely have to try another book from this author. I also loved little Bella and Zac and the beautiful friendships in this book. The writing was great and their journey was palpable. Lauryn may not have had a home growing up, but she sure found one in Mia. Well done! Next up: crazy Darby! 😉
I've never read anything from Ms. Shea before, but I thought she did a great job telling Mia's story. She's the second partner in the Flippin' Fantastic Renovations team and couldn't be more different from James, the construction worker, in the first book. Mia's the real estate agent in the group - very sophisticated and feminine, but certainly a hard nut to crack when she comes face -to-face with their new client, Lauryn. Yes, Lauryn, the singer-songwriter who was caught on video kissing Mia's fiance'.
There was so much miscommunication between these ladies, but the slow burn romance was always present in Stephanie's writing. Maybe Lauryn wasn't quite the horrible person Mia thought. I will definitely have to try another book from this author. I also loved little Bella and Zac and the beautiful friendships in this book. The writing was great and their journey was palpable. Lauryn may not have had a home growing up, but she sure found one in Mia. Well done! Next up: crazy Darby! 😉
February 22, 2021
Melancholy singer-songwriter rockstar chick falls for hot ice queenie real estate agent she's inadvertently emotionally injured. I found the scenario not at all convincing. The bitchy re agent is completely incapable of introspection and would rather blame a perfect stranger for her imploded life partner relationship (despite plenty of warnings from every other person in her life whom she cares about/respects)--until irresistible attraction finally overwhelms her stupidity and then she metamorphoses into a loving, caring beautiful tender-hearted human. All along, the rockstar chick is a SAINT. She's given an abandoned at birth backstory to explain low self-image and willingness to accept nasty unprovoked treatment even when she has no idea why she's being insulted. Why should we even care about these wet noodle meets bitch in a bottle characters?
July 26, 2021
I was looking for something different than friends becoming lovers or the same simple enemies to Friends etc, so when i read what this book was about, it gave me what i was looking for, I liked both characters and i loved the arguments they had, they felt real and engaging and i found myself getting all rattle up just like the characters, which was cool, then there was the longing and the wanting and the confusion and that also kept me very much interested, it had the angst and the happiness i was hoping and looking for, i would have loved it if this book was longer, i felt there was so much more to explore, so much to talk about, like lauryns career, or their friends, i think this book is great, just wished it was longer. Oh! And the steamy scenes were hot hot, 🔥 😅… again, wished it was longer!!
February 21, 2023
Six months after her engagement ended, Mia and James were dragged to a speed dating night by her best friend Darby. Mia literally collides with Lauryn on her way out after forgetting her purse. After a little intense encounter, Mia realised that the woman she collided with just happens to be the reason why she is currently single.
Lauryn comes to Denver to buy a house and to be closer to her 'self-proclaimed' godmother Sully. When she goes to the realtor that her best friend recommended to her, who happens to be the realtor but Mia.
Even with the clear chemistry they have between each other, can Mia get over the past and will Lauryn win her over, read to find out.
What a great second book for the series, I'm looking forward to the next one! I highly recommend it for sure!
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Lauryn comes to Denver to buy a house and to be closer to her 'self-proclaimed' godmother Sully. When she goes to the realtor that her best friend recommended to her, who happens to be the realtor but Mia.
Even with the clear chemistry they have between each other, can Mia get over the past and will Lauryn win her over, read to find out.
What a great second book for the series, I'm looking forward to the next one! I highly recommend it for sure!
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥🔥
February 26, 2021
Love finds a way ...
Beautifully written story about Mia and Lauren discovering they are each other’s homes. Wonderfully well developed characters and plot. The secondary characters were also incredibly relatable. I so loved Bella and Zac. A very good read and the second novel in a series of three. I’m looking forward to reading the last installment of A Flippin’ Fantastic Romance. I highly recommend this and any other works by this author. It’s a lovely journey. Thank you Peace
Beautifully written story about Mia and Lauren discovering they are each other’s homes. Wonderfully well developed characters and plot. The secondary characters were also incredibly relatable. I so loved Bella and Zac. A very good read and the second novel in a series of three. I’m looking forward to reading the last installment of A Flippin’ Fantastic Romance. I highly recommend this and any other works by this author. It’s a lovely journey. Thank you Peace
March 13, 2021
This is book 2 of 3 in the Flippin’ Fantastic series. Book one is by another author (Bryce Oakley). This book by Stephanie Shea is focused on Mia who had her heart crushed by her former fiancé and isn’t looking for love anytime soon. BUT best laid plans don’t work out very well when she collides with a beautiful musician named Lauren. This was a great slow-burn wlw romance with a couple nice hot scenes.
March 12, 2023
This book was good just had an issue with it.
I love mia, shes a flawed characters whose in pain, and is trying to recover from her heartbreak.
Sometimes, her lashing out was unwarranted and annoyed me a little.
Other than that, love the plot and the romance development.
Lauren was just chill and kind, love her.
I also like the friends and the side characters actually added flavour into the book.
4.5 stars.
I love mia, shes a flawed characters whose in pain, and is trying to recover from her heartbreak.
Sometimes, her lashing out was unwarranted and annoyed me a little.
Other than that, love the plot and the romance development.
Lauren was just chill and kind, love her.
I also like the friends and the side characters actually added flavour into the book.
4.5 stars.
February 18, 2024
Loved it!! ❤️❤️
Another sweet and emotional romance from Stephanie Shea. Mia and Lauryn seem impossible from the beginning, but as you read, you can't help but believe in the magic of destiny. Sounds cheesy - I know - but both characters are equally stubborn and loveable. You can't help but root for them!
This was a great story....perfect for Valentine's Day ❤️
Another sweet and emotional romance from Stephanie Shea. Mia and Lauryn seem impossible from the beginning, but as you read, you can't help but believe in the magic of destiny. Sounds cheesy - I know - but both characters are equally stubborn and loveable. You can't help but root for them!
This was a great story....perfect for Valentine's Day ❤️
February 24, 2021
Wow amazing storyline
Wow amazing storyline you would not know the first book and this book were written by two amazing authors , the storyline flowed from book one to this one it all ties in seamlessly congratulations.
Wow amazing storyline you would not know the first book and this book were written by two amazing authors , the storyline flowed from book one to this one it all ties in seamlessly congratulations.
February 26, 2021
Collide is a hit!
This was a lovely romance. The main protagonists and secondary characters are interesting and fun and the story was really touching. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
This was a lovely romance. The main protagonists and secondary characters are interesting and fun and the story was really touching. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
March 2, 2021
Loved this book!
This is the second book of this trilogy that I've read. This author, Stephanie Shea, does a wonderful job of showing you all sides of the characters in the book. They feel like good friends and family. Excellent job!
This is the second book of this trilogy that I've read. This author, Stephanie Shea, does a wonderful job of showing you all sides of the characters in the book. They feel like good friends and family. Excellent job!
March 10, 2021
Surprised.
I didn't think much of this when I first started reading it. The name of the book,sort of threw me off a bit. I thought 'What the hell? Why not?' I was pleasantly surprised by the end. I wish I had more time with the characters.
I didn't think much of this when I first started reading it. The name of the book,sort of threw me off a bit. I thought 'What the hell? Why not?' I was pleasantly surprised by the end. I wish I had more time with the characters.
March 16, 2021
Amazing
I have read all three books in this series and I loved them all ,ladies you are amazing together please keep writing together as it works . My only disappointment is that collide was the end😥
I have read all three books in this series and I loved them all ,ladies you are amazing together please keep writing together as it works . My only disappointment is that collide was the end😥
May 23, 2022
A good time was had by all.
Yup. Once we got past the anger and confusion, 'twas definitely a romp of the best kind. Read this book. You'll thank me (and the author, not necessarily in that order) later.
Father Amelia
Yup. Once we got past the anger and confusion, 'twas definitely a romp of the best kind. Read this book. You'll thank me (and the author, not necessarily in that order) later.
Father Amelia
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