Collide wasn't what I expected. I thought it would be weird for Sherry's love interest to be in the body of her abusive ex-boyfriend but I was immediately passed that, their chemistry was so strong that I forgot about Matt and was ready to see where the story would take their relationship. I was again taken in by another of Crane's love stories. I find i'm really a sucker for soul mates.

I really liked Sherry, she comes across as very real. Her life was far from perfect but she didn't seem miserable about it and even though she wasn't the bad ass chick she also wasn't weak. She's very independent and caring. She didn't irk me with her internal monologue nor whine constantly. Yes she was the typical low self-esteem girl who seems to attract the wrong kind of guys. For whatever reason Sherry seems to attract jerks, abusive ones at that. The abusive relationship aspect of the story, dear I say, added a bit of realism to this paranormal story.

Merrick definitely sounds too good to be true, he's not human but living in the body of a human and has to adjust to the new feelings and emotions that comes with the territory. He's completely engrossed with Sherry and is a real gentleman.

I like Sherry and her brother Danny's relationship, they are typical siblings, they fight and look out for each other at the same time.

Collide didn't start out a story about a dystopian society but it's slowly on it's way to being one. I've read books about dystopian societies but I've never read one that shows how it got there, the story was always smack dab in the middle of everything. Collide is the first to show the beginnings of such a society. It makes it more believable that Sherry's world did not just instantly became a dystopia but it seems to be gradually going that route.

There are so many characters in this book, it's something I've noticed about Crane's books, there are always many background characters compared to other books that have a handful of characters and only a few has any influence on the story. I feel it adds substance to the story because many of them have pivotal interactions with the protagonist that influences him/her or the story itself.

I always love the romance in Crane's books, the couples are always so consumed with each other. I'm always happy there are no unforeseen barriers or any rule forbidding their uniting to keep the couple apart but themselves, especially the heroine.

It will be interesting to see where the things going on in Sherry's world takes her and her relationship with Merrick and her new found family.
( )

This is a great love story with a sci-fi twist. There isn't a lot of action, as the characters are in hiding a majority of the time. The story line isn't fast paced, but the emotional tugs are. I think this has to do with the fact that most of the people in hiding believe this is the end of the world. There isn't much love at first sight, but the love some of the characters have for each other progress rather quickly.



Merrick and Sherry have a sweet relationship. It reminds me of dating the "too sweet" guy in high school that never disagrees and always gives in. While it's cute, a times their lovey dovey talk was annoying. I loved Mrs Trudy. She is the poster woman for Southern hospitality. Marissa is also a great character. She isn't liked by everyone, and ruffles some feathers of those she shares a basement with.



The writing flowed nicely for the most part. There were times the writing would switch past and present tense within a sentence. I also didn't really care for Merrick's POV. It basically recounts everything that's already happened. I would love to see his POV in a forward motion instead of int he past.



Considering this is Crane's first book, I think she did a pretty darn good job. If you want a lot of love story with a little sci-fi, this is a good read for you! ( )

Very interesting plot, wonderful characters but it seemed to drag a long at times. Don't get me wrong I was entertained and involved in this story and will be reading the next in the series, I am giving Collide 3 1/2 stars. ( )

Very interesting plot, wonderful characters but it seemed to drag a long at times. Don't get me wrong I was entertained and involved in this story and will be reading the next in the series, I am giving Collide 3 1/2 stars. ( )