What do you think?
Rate this book
Head On
When Mark Jessup, the bad boy of Harcher County, returns home at the same time a brutal murder occurs, hospice nurse Beth Ann Decker, despite her better judgment, is drawn to this man with whom she shares a tragic past. Original.
384 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2007
100 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Thompson
85 books171 followersColleen Thompson began writing the contemporary romantic suspense novels she loves in 2004. Since then, her work has been honored with the Texas Gold Award, nominations for the RITA, Daphne du Maurier, multiple reviewers' choice honors, along with starred reviews from Romantic Times and Publisher's Weekly. A former teacher living with her family and their latest rescue dog in the Houston area, Colleen can be found on the web at www.colleen-thompson.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 14, 2015
3.5 Stars.
This is an intense romantic suspense with strong characters with faults, a tragic past who learn to forgive and let go of guilt.
This book center's around Beth Ann who is a hospice nurse that survived a car crash as a teen. The crash killed her two best friends and sent Mark who was driving the other car to prison for three years. Mark went on to start his own company and make a lot of money. He is returning to town because his father (who disowned him after the accident) is dying. Mark comes face to face with Beth Ann who is also there to help Mark's dying father.
Mark is still dealing with the guilt of the accident which killed his sister, the fact that his father hasn't spoken to him since and that his mother died while he was in prison. He has brought his son home and just wants to find some sense of closure with his dad. When Beth Ann's mother is found murdered everyone looks at Mark as the prime suspect. However, Beth Ann has a lot of doubts and sees the man that Mark has become. The two are thrown together and have to confront not only their past (which isn't entirely what everyone was led to believe) but also their attraction for each other along with the danger that seems to surround both Beth Ann and Mark.
This story had a lot of twists and turns that I didn't see coming. It was an intense story about loss, corruption, forgiveness and letting go of the past. The secondary characters were well developed and added to the story. The biggest down-side was the ramblings of the villain or "appointed one" as they called themselves. I just didn't really buy the villain in this story.
While the main characters received their HEA not everything ended with happiness. Some of the secondary characters were left picking up the pieces and with lives still crumbling which was very realistic.
I enjoyed this book and wanted to love it. I can't quite put my finger on why I did not. However, it was still a good read and I will read another Colleen Thompson book in the future.
This is an intense romantic suspense with strong characters with faults, a tragic past who learn to forgive and let go of guilt.
This book center's around Beth Ann who is a hospice nurse that survived a car crash as a teen. The crash killed her two best friends and sent Mark who was driving the other car to prison for three years. Mark went on to start his own company and make a lot of money. He is returning to town because his father (who disowned him after the accident) is dying. Mark comes face to face with Beth Ann who is also there to help Mark's dying father.
Mark is still dealing with the guilt of the accident which killed his sister, the fact that his father hasn't spoken to him since and that his mother died while he was in prison. He has brought his son home and just wants to find some sense of closure with his dad. When Beth Ann's mother is found murdered everyone looks at Mark as the prime suspect. However, Beth Ann has a lot of doubts and sees the man that Mark has become. The two are thrown together and have to confront not only their past (which isn't entirely what everyone was led to believe) but also their attraction for each other along with the danger that seems to surround both Beth Ann and Mark.
This story had a lot of twists and turns that I didn't see coming. It was an intense story about loss, corruption, forgiveness and letting go of the past. The secondary characters were well developed and added to the story. The biggest down-side was the ramblings of the villain or "appointed one" as they called themselves. I just didn't really buy the villain in this story.
While the main characters received their HEA not everything ended with happiness. Some of the secondary characters were left picking up the pieces and with lives still crumbling which was very realistic.
I enjoyed this book and wanted to love it. I can't quite put my finger on why I did not. However, it was still a good read and I will read another Colleen Thompson book in the future.
April 11, 2008
I enjoyed this book a lot, it kept me turning the pages, which is just lately a rare thing.
The suspense was great, and I hadn't worked out who the villain was until I peeked. The chemistry between Mark and Beth Ann was good but not hot. The romance was a bit lacking but taking the book overall it was a great read.
The suspense was great, and I hadn't worked out who the villain was until I peeked. The chemistry between Mark and Beth Ann was good but not hot. The romance was a bit lacking but taking the book overall it was a great read.
May 8, 2018
Very enjoyable read.
April 4, 2014
This was really good and believable too. I loved that I didn't guess who the bad guy was that was a surprise. I will be reading more from this author.
June 1, 2015
Pretty good book. I guessed a lot of the ending, as far as what happened and how it was done, etc I just didn't guess who.
April 28, 2018
Really enjoyed
I gave this book 5 stars as it is the first one I have read from this author and as a lover of suspense and thrillers it did not fail. I enjoyed every page even if I had worked it out. Will definitely read more of her books
I gave this book 5 stars as it is the first one I have read from this author and as a lover of suspense and thrillers it did not fail. I enjoyed every page even if I had worked it out. Will definitely read more of her books
October 9, 2018
I found this book pretty bad -- no so bad that is was spreading misinformation -- but still pretty bad. The writing was clunky and tried to be unnecessarily shocking. The story was weak and implausible. And the characters were flat and not especially memorable or even likable.
September 13, 2020
Another Great Novel
Colleen Thompson knows how to write! I thought I knew who the killer was..wrong again! I couldn't believe the awful things one human being can do to one another. I would definitely recommend this one!!
Colleen Thompson knows how to write! I thought I knew who the killer was..wrong again! I couldn't believe the awful things one human being can do to one another. I would definitely recommend this one!!
February 12, 2021
Head on
I have had this book in my library for a while, and I am very glad I decided to read it. I couldn't put it down until I finished it. The characters and plot were excellent . It kept you guessing until nearly the very end.
I have had this book in my library for a while, and I am very glad I decided to read it. I couldn't put it down until I finished it. The characters and plot were excellent . It kept you guessing until nearly the very end.
February 20, 2018
These plots!
The characters, plots and narrative of this series of novels means you cannot put the book down until you have read the last word. Can't wait to read another.
The characters, plots and narrative of this series of novels means you cannot put the book down until you have read the last word. Can't wait to read another.
March 21, 2021
Good read
I found it a good book and couldn't stop reading it. The plot was well mixed with a lot of twists.
I found it a good book and couldn't stop reading it. The plot was well mixed with a lot of twists.
February 9, 2017
Head On by Colleen Thompson
This book was fantastic and full of excitement. It kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. I can't wait round read more of this author's books !!
This book was fantastic and full of excitement. It kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. I can't wait round read more of this author's books !!
November 17, 2013
Not impressed at all AND I paid for this so even less so. Whoever formatted it for the Kindle (and I use that term very loosely) needs stringing up. It looks like a load of photocopied pages and is just a mess. Even my Kindle "read" it wrong because on pages I made notes on it didn't get the words right because it's impossible to read !!!
I got to 15% and deleted it.
There were random gaps and hyphens put into words like Pe te and Al- ways and set-tled.Then the passage "His mother and IShe's a fine woman".
Just a real untidy mess that shouldn't be on sale in its current incarnation. Take note, Amazon, and start checking what you're putting out there.
The cover I thought was lovely and that was what first drew me to the book. Just a shame somebody took so little care with the Kindle version.
I got to 15% and deleted it.
There were random gaps and hyphens put into words like Pe te and Al- ways and set-tled.Then the passage "His mother and IShe's a fine woman".
Just a real untidy mess that shouldn't be on sale in its current incarnation. Take note, Amazon, and start checking what you're putting out there.
The cover I thought was lovely and that was what first drew me to the book. Just a shame somebody took so little care with the Kindle version.
November 6, 2013
I am totally confused because the e-copy I have of "Head On" tells the story of Beth Ann Decker, a terminal care nurse who must cope with her own injuries caused during a car crash years before.
Her efforts at coping with her physical problems, and the pity her neighbours pour over her daily are threatened when the apparent instigator of her suffering returns to town, the prodigal son of one of her patients.
I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more by Ms Thompson.... but I would be grateful if someone can sort out why MY copy is a different story to the one reviewed by everyone else here! :)
Her efforts at coping with her physical problems, and the pity her neighbours pour over her daily are threatened when the apparent instigator of her suffering returns to town, the prodigal son of one of her patients.
I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more by Ms Thompson.... but I would be grateful if someone can sort out why MY copy is a different story to the one reviewed by everyone else here! :)
November 29, 2011
Colleen Thompson's essential ingredients for a mystery novel:
A misfit heroine
A bad boy with a secret past
A bad guy
A secret bad guy with a creepy name ("Watcher", "Intruder", "Appointed One")
A steamy sex scene
An out-of-place misunderstanding
Happy ending (ie, heroine and bad boy ride off into the sunset)
And it all has to be set in a small Texas town
I don't know WHY I keep trying her books. They are ALL the same. Every single book. This was the last one. They aren't bad stories, but if you've read one, you've practically read them all.
A misfit heroine
A bad boy with a secret past
A bad guy
A secret bad guy with a creepy name ("Watcher", "Intruder", "Appointed One")
A steamy sex scene
An out-of-place misunderstanding
Happy ending (ie, heroine and bad boy ride off into the sunset)
And it all has to be set in a small Texas town
I don't know WHY I keep trying her books. They are ALL the same. Every single book. This was the last one. They aren't bad stories, but if you've read one, you've practically read them all.
August 1, 2013
This was a phenomenal story! I was up half the night because I couldn't put it down.Then even after going to bed I couldn't stop thinking about it.The character's were so rich and well written. The mystery and intrigue was awesome. There were so many great twists and turns! The romance was sweet and so well done. I am quickly becoming a huge fan of this talented and amazing author. Highly highly recommend this book.
January 4, 2015
I had to stop reading this book because she kept taking the Lords name in vain and the storyline was hard to follow
I had to stop reading this book because she kept taking the Lords name in vain and the storyline was hard to follow.i just don't understand why some authors think it is ok to take the Lords name in vain!
I did not want to even give it one star......but it would not let me submit it if I did not do it.
I had to stop reading this book because she kept taking the Lords name in vain and the storyline was hard to follow.i just don't understand why some authors think it is ok to take the Lords name in vain!
I did not want to even give it one star......but it would not let me submit it if I did not do it.
April 3, 2014
Some authors write fun, lighthearted books, while some write more deep and serious pieces. I'd definitely use the word deep to describe Colleen Thompson's novels. The word intelligent also comes to mind. Her books have a really smooth flow. I've read two now and have found them both to be excellent reads. Definitely looking forward to reading more.
January 25, 2012
Imagine being the car on the cover and driving 90. That's what it's like. This book hit me head on. Thrown together with the bad boy who'd injured her years ago, Beth Ann's life becomes very complicated. This book is a dangerous and fun roller-coaster ride. Another one setting read.
December 22, 2014
Great reading,an ending I did not see coming.
I am always trying to figure out the mystery of who done it. But this time the writer got me and that is rare. This book would be a good book for 16+.
I am always trying to figure out the mystery of who done it. But this time the writer got me and that is rare. This book would be a good book for 16+.
August 31, 2009
this book was completely amazing. i recommended to everyone.
May 13, 2011
Great story with twists and turns.
July 29, 2013
Great book. Romance and suspense. Keeps you guessing until the end. Highly recommended!
October 9, 2013
probably 3 and a half stars, took a while to get into, but was readable, can't really comment any more than that
Read
September 13, 2016good story
December 22, 2014
Too predictable, the small town thing bugged me for some reason and I didn't particularly like the characters in the story. Don't think I will bother with her as an author again.
March 13, 2015
Enjoyed this suspense!
I liked the story-it kept me guessing and intrigued to the very end. If you enjoy a mystery, with a romance weaved in, you'll enjoy this book.
I liked the story-it kept me guessing and intrigued to the very end. If you enjoy a mystery, with a romance weaved in, you'll enjoy this book.
June 2, 2015
Keeps you turning pages
I liked the story line very much. Got kind of confusing at times, but would definitely recommend. Good books are hard to find.
I liked the story line very much. Got kind of confusing at times, but would definitely recommend. Good books are hard to find.
November 21, 2015
What a twist
This was a good read. Full of suspense with a few twists and turns. Never would've figured it out as to who did it.
This was a good read. Full of suspense with a few twists and turns. Never would've figured it out as to who did it.
March 17, 2016
An enjoyable read! I liked the suspense, and the characters were great. Looking to read more by this author
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews