REVIEW and EXCERPT
The Crush Collision
by Danielle Ellison
The Crush Collision is the second book in the Southern Charmed series by Danielle Ellison. Also available: The Sweetheart Sham.
The Crush Collision is currently on tour with Chapter by Chapter Blog Tours. The tour stops here today for my review and an excerpt. Please be sure to visit the other tour stops as well.
Description
Haley Howell has had a hopeless crush on her brother’s best friend, Jake Lexington, for as long as she can remember. Too bad to him, she’ll forever be off-limits. But with senior year and acceptance to a college outside their tiny southern town of Culler, South Carolina, comes new confidence. Haley’s ready to get Jake to notice her - whatever it takes.
No one in Culler notices the real Jake anymore - to them, he’s nothing more than the star football player or the kid with the family tragedy. When one mistake lands him in community service, he’s shocked to find his best friend’s little sister there, too, looking cute as hell and threatening all his no-friends-with-benefits rules. But Jake isn’t ready to take a chance, no matter how crafty Haley’s willing to get to prove him otherwise …
Excerpt
“Maybe you should do something crazy, Other Howell.”
Her eyes light up when I say it. I know I’ve stepped into something. Haley slowly unfolds herself from the couch. Her eyes sparkle, and I’d never really noticed how much they seem to dance in her happiness. What are they like when they’re sad? Angry? Lost? I hope I never see that, but I also want to see everything. The blanket falls from her legs. Her shorts are pink and high on her thighs, and then I look up because I shouldn’t even be looking at her legs.
“What if I don’t always want to play it safe?” she asks. My heart races, and my eyes wander across her body. Focus. “I want to do it, Jake. Something crazy. More than one thing, lots of things.”
“I’m not following...”
She exhales and then grabs my arm by the wrist. “I want you to make me try things that I wouldn’t normally try. I want to prove to myself that I can do other things, that I can take risks and have fun.”
“You want me to give you risk lessons?”
“Yes! Exactly,” she says.
Part of me likes the idea of hanging out with her. Showing her new things, being a friend to her. It could be good to have someone else, and I need someone else. Someone who doesn’t know every piece of my life. But at the same time, she’s Howell’s twin sister. The other part of me feels like I should shut it down right now and not get involved with her at all. In any way.
“Like what kind of shit? Dangerous? Big? New and strange?” I am a glutton for punishment.
She’s smiling again, and she does that a lot. At me? Or just because? Shake that off, Jake.
“All of the above. Everything. Anything,” she says.
[Want more? Click below to read a longer excerpt.]
Praise for the Book
“The Crush Collision by Danielle Ellison a five-star read that will warm even the coldest of hearts.” ~ Sara O., Goodreads
“I really enjoyed the characters in this fantastic story. Everything flowed nicely and the pages flew by. The romance/chemistry was great too. An amazing read that had a little bit of everything you’d need. Would recommend!” ~ Michelle H., Goodreads
“Grab a tissue and some ice cream, you are going to need it. This best friend’s sister tale was an emotional ride unlike any I have read. I loved Jake and Haley together!” ~ Kendall H, Goodreads
My Review
By Lynda Dickson
Haley has had a crush on Jake since she was twelve. The problem is that he’s best friends with her twin brother Chris. Plus, her best friend has already called dibs on him. Unbeknownst to Haley, Jake reciprocates her feelings, but Chris has made her off-limits. What will happen when senior year sees them growing closer and closer? One thing’s for sure - someone’s going to get hurt.
The first chapter is confusing because too many people are introduced at once with no context. The characters are variously called by their first name or last name, and you have to figure out who’s who. But, from there, things get better. The story alternates between the present and the past, from the points of view of both Jake and Haley. The past sections are italicized but written in the present tense; it would be better if these parts were in the past tense. These minor technical issues aside, the story holds your attention and the main characters are likable and relatable. Jake grows throughout the course of the book, with the help of Coach, who is a real inspiration. It’s nice to see an adult portrayed as helpful in young adult fiction. Kids shouldn’t have to solve all of their own problems.
Cute, sweet, touching.
Warnings: coarse language, underage drinking.
Note: I haven’t read the first book in the series but found that this book stands on its own.
About the Author
Danielle Ellison is a nomad, always on the lookout for an adventure and the next story. In addition to writing, she’s the founder and coordinator of the NoVa TEEN Book Festival. When she’s not busy with books, she’s probably watching her favorite shows, drinking coffee, or fighting her nomadic urges. She is newly settled in Oklahoma (for now) with her cat, Simon, but you can always find her on Twitter.
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