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Collide
When the balance between Earth, Afterlife, and Heaven are threatened, the fate of the universe falls on a selfish girl who must sacrifice everything to save it.
Kayla has a plan. She’s moving to the city after graduation and Luke’s coming with her. He’ll eventually become a doctor, she’ll be a ballerina—and they’ll live happily ever after. That is, until dark forces, led by a sister she never knew existed, start hunting her down for a power she never knew she had.
When Kayla starts working with a boy named Alec to learn how to defend herself and to stop the evil from eliminating the worlds, she finds herself falling for him. Hard. Torn between two loves and struggling to do what’s right for Earth and Afterlife, Kayla must decide if she’s fighting to keep her life together, or letting it go to save everyone else’s.
Kayla has a plan. She’s moving to the city after graduation and Luke’s coming with her. He’ll eventually become a doctor, she’ll be a ballerina—and they’ll live happily ever after. That is, until dark forces, led by a sister she never knew existed, start hunting her down for a power she never knew she had.
When Kayla starts working with a boy named Alec to learn how to defend herself and to stop the evil from eliminating the worlds, she finds herself falling for him. Hard. Torn between two loves and struggling to do what’s right for Earth and Afterlife, Kayla must decide if she’s fighting to keep her life together, or letting it go to save everyone else’s.
- GenresYoung AdultRomance
274 pages, ebook
Published March 18, 2016
About the author
Melissa J. Crispin
7 books39 followersMelissa J. Crispin lives in Connecticut with her husband, two kids, and an adorable Siberian Husky. She spends her days in the corporate world, and pursues her passion for writing in the late nights and early mornings.
From micro-fiction to novels, Melissa loves to write stories in varying lengths. But, no matter the story, it's almost always about the romance.
From micro-fiction to novels, Melissa loves to write stories in varying lengths. But, no matter the story, it's almost always about the romance.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 19, 2016
I loved this book! I really hope it's the start of a series.
June 13, 2016
I actually finished this book a few days ago but I'm conflicted about how to write my review. I vacillated between offering four or five stars because this book breaks some of my rules for "what I like" in a book. In the end, I decided to give it 4.5 out of five stars.
In the first chapter, I realized this book involved a teen pregnancy. Ugh. It's not an issue I usually want to read about for many reasons, but mostly, you know I don't do contemporary if there's too much drama. I thought this book had a paranormal angle?
And it does. Which became clear in the next chapter and kept me reading. More than that, it offered up unique ideas for us to consider about our dreams and what happens after death.
This is fiction and enjoyable. To say I agree with the "belief system" created in this fictional world would be a big NO. But I enjoyed imagining it. That's what makes a good book.
And I liked Kayla. The guys? Not so much. But then teenage boys can be hard to take - especially if they're fighting over a girl (and you all know my opinion of love triangles).
Other than the dreaded triangle, I can't tell you what rules the author broke to make me conflicted. I would spoil the book for you. I will say, I should have guessed when about halfway through the book the story started being told from Alec's point of view (which made me like him a LOT better, by the way).
But no matter how much I wanted to be mad and give the book a bad review, I couldn't do it. I didn't like the way the story twisted. A hollow ache invaded me as I read the final pages. All of that meant the story spoke to me, the characters mattered to me. Could I really knock off a star because the author didn't tell the story the way I would?
If you're tired of the usual run-of-the-mill YA stories, you should give this book a try. It is anything but usual. The writing engages you. The characters steal your heart. You won't be ready for the last page when it comes.
In the first chapter, I realized this book involved a teen pregnancy. Ugh. It's not an issue I usually want to read about for many reasons, but mostly, you know I don't do contemporary if there's too much drama. I thought this book had a paranormal angle?
And it does. Which became clear in the next chapter and kept me reading. More than that, it offered up unique ideas for us to consider about our dreams and what happens after death.
This is fiction and enjoyable. To say I agree with the "belief system" created in this fictional world would be a big NO. But I enjoyed imagining it. That's what makes a good book.
And I liked Kayla. The guys? Not so much. But then teenage boys can be hard to take - especially if they're fighting over a girl (and you all know my opinion of love triangles).
Other than the dreaded triangle, I can't tell you what rules the author broke to make me conflicted. I would spoil the book for you. I will say, I should have guessed when about halfway through the book the story started being told from Alec's point of view (which made me like him a LOT better, by the way).
But no matter how much I wanted to be mad and give the book a bad review, I couldn't do it. I didn't like the way the story twisted. A hollow ache invaded me as I read the final pages. All of that meant the story spoke to me, the characters mattered to me. Could I really knock off a star because the author didn't tell the story the way I would?
If you're tired of the usual run-of-the-mill YA stories, you should give this book a try. It is anything but usual. The writing engages you. The characters steal your heart. You won't be ready for the last page when it comes.
September 2, 2017
Wow! This book has left me a little speechless. This is such a creative, engaging, and intriguing book. The characters are complex, with real issues and concerns adding to their believability and likeabilty. I hesitate to say much about the book for fear of giving anything away. I will say, the author kept me guessing with where she took the story, I was on the edge of my seat in anticipation. I look forward to reading more work by this author.
I received a copy of this book from the author, my review has been voluntarily submitted.
I received a copy of this book from the author, my review has been voluntarily submitted.
November 24, 2016
**5 stars**
I'm trying to find the words for how I feel about this novel. A while ago, I made a short video about how the YA genre needed change, needed variety. Strong heroines who weren't complete bitches, more complex characters, etc.
Collide exceeded my expectations in every possible way. THIS is exactly the type of novel I've been craving to read for YEARS.
Let me explain, while spoiling as little as possible:
High school senior Kayla finds out she's pregnant by her boyfriend, Luke. As if that weren't drama enough, she starts recalling dreams involving a young man named Alec, whom she'd fallen in love with in her dreamworld. As the story unravels, you get a very complex love triangle, a frightening Afterlife with deadly battles that threaten to destroy the world, and a baby meant to fulfill a vague prophecy, all which goes awry.
Ms. Crispin is not afraid to tackle realistic issues, from the medical procedure of a transvaginal ultrasound (nothing explicit, very YA-friendly while staying realistic) to a love triangle that makes perfect sense, to friendships that go wrong and try to heal--and death.
Kayla is so, so likable. She has immense strength of character, but isn't an overbearing bitch like many YA novels pidgeonhole their FMCs into being. She handles her situation with as much grace as a teenager possibly could, surrounds herself with good people, acknowledges her mistakes, but isn't infallible from making them.
Luke I felt so much pity for. He was afraid and excited to be a father, clearly loved Kayla even after that love became less requited, and fought for his child.
Alec was the only one I had mixed feelings about, but he still came out on top. Despite him and Luke fighting, they ultimately didn't allow their jealousies to override their love for Kayla or the unborn baby.
The final battle is devastating, one I can't give away the ending to. My heart shattered in the last two chapters. When I put the book down, I was struck by how much I'd grown to love the characters, how the plot and characters fulfilled needs I've been craving to read in YA for several years. Drama without unnecessary strife, love triangles that could very realistically happen, and an ending that packs a punch.
Collide is not a novel to miss. This is a must-read for anyone who loves the YA genre, especially if you're looking for something a little more grounded in emotional reality.
I can't recommend this enough. Ms. Crispin hit it out of the park.
I'm trying to find the words for how I feel about this novel. A while ago, I made a short video about how the YA genre needed change, needed variety. Strong heroines who weren't complete bitches, more complex characters, etc.
Collide exceeded my expectations in every possible way. THIS is exactly the type of novel I've been craving to read for YEARS.
Let me explain, while spoiling as little as possible:
High school senior Kayla finds out she's pregnant by her boyfriend, Luke. As if that weren't drama enough, she starts recalling dreams involving a young man named Alec, whom she'd fallen in love with in her dreamworld. As the story unravels, you get a very complex love triangle, a frightening Afterlife with deadly battles that threaten to destroy the world, and a baby meant to fulfill a vague prophecy, all which goes awry.
Ms. Crispin is not afraid to tackle realistic issues, from the medical procedure of a transvaginal ultrasound (nothing explicit, very YA-friendly while staying realistic) to a love triangle that makes perfect sense, to friendships that go wrong and try to heal--and death.
Kayla is so, so likable. She has immense strength of character, but isn't an overbearing bitch like many YA novels pidgeonhole their FMCs into being. She handles her situation with as much grace as a teenager possibly could, surrounds herself with good people, acknowledges her mistakes, but isn't infallible from making them.
Luke I felt so much pity for. He was afraid and excited to be a father, clearly loved Kayla even after that love became less requited, and fought for his child.
Alec was the only one I had mixed feelings about, but he still came out on top. Despite him and Luke fighting, they ultimately didn't allow their jealousies to override their love for Kayla or the unborn baby.
The final battle is devastating, one I can't give away the ending to. My heart shattered in the last two chapters. When I put the book down, I was struck by how much I'd grown to love the characters, how the plot and characters fulfilled needs I've been craving to read in YA for several years. Drama without unnecessary strife, love triangles that could very realistically happen, and an ending that packs a punch.
Collide is not a novel to miss. This is a must-read for anyone who loves the YA genre, especially if you're looking for something a little more grounded in emotional reality.
I can't recommend this enough. Ms. Crispin hit it out of the park.
September 1, 2016
I won this for my husband from GoodReads giveaway here is his review:
Collide by Melissa Crispin
Started 8-19 page 133
The story starts in a small town in New Hampshire and Melissa writes as if she lived there at one time.
The main characters are teens that all go to the same high school there is Kayla, she has a couple issues. One issue is she is well pregnant and does not know how to tell her boyfriend Luke or mother, another issue is she finds herself falling in love a with second boy Alec. Alec hails from New York and moved to the area a year ago.
Kayla has a dream of becoming a ballerina and Luke dreams of being a Doctor, but as with some dreams when she finds out she is pregnant she has to decide what to do. Does she keep the unborn and forfeit her dream or does she end it and keep her dream alive.
While she is a sleep she discovers she has a new issue to deal with, this is when Alec really starts to come in to the story. Kayla now learns that she has to make a new set of choices one is dealing with a new friendship or her boyfriend how does she makes this choice. Does she turn her back on her new friend and keep her longtime boyfriend or the other way around. To make things more complicated she learns that she is not just dealing with these issues but one that could well change everything as she now knows it. There was so much going on; love triangle, after life, magical powers. I think the ending was left so that another book could be written and looking forward to it.
I have to recommend that if you get the chance to read this book do so
Have a wonderful day
David Fox
Collide by Melissa Crispin
Started 8-19 page 133
The story starts in a small town in New Hampshire and Melissa writes as if she lived there at one time.
The main characters are teens that all go to the same high school there is Kayla, she has a couple issues. One issue is she is well pregnant and does not know how to tell her boyfriend Luke or mother, another issue is she finds herself falling in love a with second boy Alec. Alec hails from New York and moved to the area a year ago.
Kayla has a dream of becoming a ballerina and Luke dreams of being a Doctor, but as with some dreams when she finds out she is pregnant she has to decide what to do. Does she keep the unborn and forfeit her dream or does she end it and keep her dream alive.
While she is a sleep she discovers she has a new issue to deal with, this is when Alec really starts to come in to the story. Kayla now learns that she has to make a new set of choices one is dealing with a new friendship or her boyfriend how does she makes this choice. Does she turn her back on her new friend and keep her longtime boyfriend or the other way around. To make things more complicated she learns that she is not just dealing with these issues but one that could well change everything as she now knows it. There was so much going on; love triangle, after life, magical powers. I think the ending was left so that another book could be written and looking forward to it.
I have to recommend that if you get the chance to read this book do so
Have a wonderful day
David Fox
September 20, 2016
Kayla didn't know there was anything special about her. She has a boyfriend that she loves and is on track to be a professional ballerina. Then she literally bumps into Alec at school. Memories start coming back to her. Memories that change everything.
Luke is her boyfriend. Alec is the guy she has a past with. The lives of every person on the planet are in jeopardy. Something is coming and she's going to need both guys on her side if she has any chance of surviving. She must learn how to use her magic. Everything is on the line.
There isn't much more I can say without giving away key points. This story had a love triangle, which is my favorite to read. There was a great mix of action, magic, and romance. I'm still torn over how I feel about the ending. All-in-all, this was a good read that will definitely keep you flipping the pages.
Book received in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha.
Luke is her boyfriend. Alec is the guy she has a past with. The lives of every person on the planet are in jeopardy. Something is coming and she's going to need both guys on her side if she has any chance of surviving. She must learn how to use her magic. Everything is on the line.
There isn't much more I can say without giving away key points. This story had a love triangle, which is my favorite to read. There was a great mix of action, magic, and romance. I'm still torn over how I feel about the ending. All-in-all, this was a good read that will definitely keep you flipping the pages.
Book received in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha.
September 27, 2016
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Collide by Melissa J Crispin is an enjoyable YA read. Kayla dreamt of him every night. He seemed so real but he was only in her dreams. She was just your average teen. School, dance, and a boyfriend named Luke. Until something happens that changes the course of her life.
Alec thought he was crazy. His dream girl couldn’t be real. He thought he was crazy until his family moves and then sees her…..he has so much to tell her but she doesn’t remember him.
This story was a pretty good read. It had some really great characters and a good storyline. I really liked Alec! He was my favorite character. I rooted for him the whole story. Kayla took some time to warm up to. At times she came across whiny and I just chalked it up to an age thing. All in all it was a pretty good read. I give this 4 stars
**Review on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha**
Collide by Melissa J Crispin is an enjoyable YA read. Kayla dreamt of him every night. He seemed so real but he was only in her dreams. She was just your average teen. School, dance, and a boyfriend named Luke. Until something happens that changes the course of her life.
Alec thought he was crazy. His dream girl couldn’t be real. He thought he was crazy until his family moves and then sees her…..he has so much to tell her but she doesn’t remember him.
This story was a pretty good read. It had some really great characters and a good storyline. I really liked Alec! He was my favorite character. I rooted for him the whole story. Kayla took some time to warm up to. At times she came across whiny and I just chalked it up to an age thing. All in all it was a pretty good read. I give this 4 stars
**Review on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha**
October 2, 2016
This book follows the journey of Kayla and Alec as they try to learn how to posses and use their powers to defend earth and the afterlife. It has a couple other characters in it, but the book is split between their POV.
I have to say that I found the relationship between Kayla and Alec quite jarring at first. I mean, it jumps right into it in the first chapter. But, after a few chapters and the introduction of Luke as a bigger part, it all flowed together pretty nicely. And the love triangle didn't really bother me in this book.
It has a very interesting premise however, I was not pleased with how it ended .It may be the authors way of leaving an opening for a sequel, but it literally took until 95% of the way through the book for anything to actually happen. And the whole battle was over pretty darn quick.
All and all, it was a quick easy read. It fits nicely in with YA and I think a lot of teens (heck even adults) would very much enjoy it.
I have to say that I found the relationship between Kayla and Alec quite jarring at first. I mean, it jumps right into it in the first chapter. But, after a few chapters and the introduction of Luke as a bigger part, it all flowed together pretty nicely. And the love triangle didn't really bother me in this book.
It has a very interesting premise however, I was not pleased with how it ended .It may be the authors way of leaving an opening for a sequel, but it literally took until 95% of the way through the book for anything to actually happen. And the whole battle was over pretty darn quick.
All and all, it was a quick easy read. It fits nicely in with YA and I think a lot of teens (heck even adults) would very much enjoy it.
October 31, 2017
SPOILERS AHEAD:
Without any foreplay, 13% in to the book she is pregnant with her high school boyfriend. There is this other guy from school with "intense sapphire eyes", that invades her dreams and takes her to the place between heaven and earth to see her deceased dad. He is the court leader and lives in a castle and now he is teaching her to use her inner magic, so she can fight the danger she is in because tainted souls don't like peps her dad loves on earth.. Puh..
Oh yeah, there is a magic horse.
Goodbye book.
Without any foreplay, 13% in to the book she is pregnant with her high school boyfriend. There is this other guy from school with "intense sapphire eyes", that invades her dreams and takes her to the place between heaven and earth to see her deceased dad. He is the court leader and lives in a castle and now he is teaching her to use her inner magic, so she can fight the danger she is in because tainted souls don't like peps her dad loves on earth.. Puh..
Oh yeah, there is a magic horse.
Goodbye book.
April 7, 2017
What a book!! And what an ending!! I'm normally pretty good at predicting where a story is going but that blew me away. I couldn't put it down for the last 30% of the book and now devastated it's finished:(
While there is a love triangle it isn't one that has you screaming at Kayla to just pick already! It's written well and leaves the reader feeling for all of them. I was Team Luke by the way:) and probably in the minority there:)
If you're looking for a YA that will keep you hooked, you need to read this!!
I now have one very important question, when's the sequel coming out? :)
While there is a love triangle it isn't one that has you screaming at Kayla to just pick already! It's written well and leaves the reader feeling for all of them. I was Team Luke by the way:) and probably in the minority there:)
If you're looking for a YA that will keep you hooked, you need to read this!!
I now have one very important question, when's the sequel coming out? :)
September 7, 2016
I received a copy of this book from netgalley for review.
I'm not a big fan of the "girl in love with two boys" books anymore, but this one was really hard to put down. I loved the characters and story. Seriously hoping there will be another one soon. I need to know what happens.
I'm not a big fan of the "girl in love with two boys" books anymore, but this one was really hard to put down. I loved the characters and story. Seriously hoping there will be another one soon. I need to know what happens.
November 18, 2016
3.5/5.0
Ms. Crispin takes the reader on a youthful journey of love, heartache and family.
Read full review in the 2016 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Ms. Crispin takes the reader on a youthful journey of love, heartache and family.
Read full review in the 2016 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
February 23, 2017
It was a quick read and the book read smoothly. I found myself wanting to get to nighttime so I could sit down and open the book to find out more of what was happening. The love triangle was interesting and added a lot to the book. The ending certainly leaves it open for another book.....
June 17, 2016
Well, I'm not the kind of person for love triangles, however the concept of the afterlife what made this book intriguing. How it ended....oh my god
July 4, 2016
This book was a page turner for me. There was so much going on; love triangle, after life, magical powers and then of course the unexpected ending!
September 12, 2016
If you like YA with paranormal / love triangles this book is for you. The story line is good, characters are likeable. A little slow in places but overall worth the read.
February 1, 2017
Evernight Teen and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Collide. This is my honest opinion of the book.
One reckless night was all that it took for Kayla to become pregnant. A high school student and dancer with a bright future ahead, Kayla does not want the pregnancy to derail either her life or that of her boyfriend Luke. When strange things start to happen, including memory flashes with Alec that Kayla does not recall, the dream world suddenly becomes very real to her. When Kayla discovers that her life has more meaning than she has ever considered, will the shadowy world of the Afterlife contain her ultimate destruction?
I am surprised as to the number of 4 and 5 star reviews for this book, as Collide has some issues that put it squarely in the average category for me. I have never met a parent as enlightened as Kayla's mom, as she just shrugs off the fact that her daughter is pregnant. She seems more concerned about Luke's wellbeing than Kayla's. Collide starts out as a realistic fiction and morphs into a supernatural one with a segue that puzzled me. The fact that Kayla was a ballet dancer really has no relevance to the larger story and did not need to be included. The plot twist came out of left field and really threw the book off balance. Some of the concepts regarding the Afterlife were original and interesting, but it was not enough, in my opinion. The surprise ending, with its cliffhanger, begs for a sequel, but this is just not the series for me.
One reckless night was all that it took for Kayla to become pregnant. A high school student and dancer with a bright future ahead, Kayla does not want the pregnancy to derail either her life or that of her boyfriend Luke. When strange things start to happen, including memory flashes with Alec that Kayla does not recall, the dream world suddenly becomes very real to her. When Kayla discovers that her life has more meaning than she has ever considered, will the shadowy world of the Afterlife contain her ultimate destruction?
I am surprised as to the number of 4 and 5 star reviews for this book, as Collide has some issues that put it squarely in the average category for me. I have never met a parent as enlightened as Kayla's mom, as she just shrugs off the fact that her daughter is pregnant. She seems more concerned about Luke's wellbeing than Kayla's. Collide starts out as a realistic fiction and morphs into a supernatural one with a segue that puzzled me. The fact that Kayla was a ballet dancer really has no relevance to the larger story and did not need to be included. The plot twist came out of left field and really threw the book off balance. Some of the concepts regarding the Afterlife were original and interesting, but it was not enough, in my opinion. The surprise ending, with its cliffhanger, begs for a sequel, but this is just not the series for me.
September 6, 2017
Collide is a dark ya fantasy story that introduces a world between world, the Afterlife a place where souls go to when they die.
I really enjoyed the story. It was easy to get into and relate to.
The characters were strong and their struggles felt like they were my own.
The story flowed well and I can't wait to read more from this series. I definitely want to know what happens next.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc from the author.
I really enjoyed the story. It was easy to get into and relate to.
The characters were strong and their struggles felt like they were my own.
The story flowed well and I can't wait to read more from this series. I definitely want to know what happens next.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc from the author.
November 28, 2016
I'm not really a fan of love triangle stories, because I always pick the wrong guy. This story starts with a teenage girl being pregnant with her boyfriends baby. And just a few chapters into the book it's a full blown triangle drama. And I don't know who to pick. I like Luke. He's trying so hard to do the right thing, wanting to share the responsibility. I also like Alec. He loves her and wants to protect her. I think, I don't wanna take sides this time. See how it plays out. A few chapters pass by and I am leaning towards Alec. Some more sides read and I'm waving the team Alec flag. I want Kayla to be with him. Figure it out with Luke and find a way to be happy with Luke. But I can't forget about the whole "the world is ending" threat. It's this dark cloud hanging over everybody's head and there is no way around it. Not everybody is gonna make it. Who will be the Winner of this battle? Good or evil? Kayla or Aerial? I hold my breath and read on. I can't put the book down now, I have to know if, for once, I choose right. And then.....the end. How can that be? What now? There has to be another book! This book turned out to be so much more than a love triangle and I really enjoyed reading it.
***Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review***
***Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review***
April 27, 2016
I'm not into love triangles.
Pick one, stick with the one your with.
But saying that, I truly enjoyed this one.
I couldn't decide between either guy, I loved them both.
Then there was the paranormal aspect.
War both in Heaven and on Earth. A very beautiful original story that I quite fell in love with.
Pick one, stick with the one your with.
But saying that, I truly enjoyed this one.
I couldn't decide between either guy, I loved them both.
Then there was the paranormal aspect.
War both in Heaven and on Earth. A very beautiful original story that I quite fell in love with.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2016
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