Review: Collide by Megan Hart

Filed in 4 1/2 Stars , Megan Hart , Review , The Geeky Lover Posted on June 21, 2011 @ 10:00 am 5 comments

Format Read: eARC from publisher through netgalley
Length: 352 Pages
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance
Release Date: June 21, 2011
Publisher: Spice
Formats Available: eBook, Paperback
Purchasing Info: Amazon, Author’s Website, Goodreads, Book Depository (US), Book Depository (UK)

Book Blurb:

A childhood accident left Emmaline vulnerable to disturbing fugue states that last only minutes, but feel like an eternity. The blackouts are unsettling but manageable…until she meets Johnny Dellasandro.

The reclusive painter gained notoriety in the ’70s for his debauched lifestyle and raunchy art films. His naked body has achieved cult status, especially in Emm’s mind– she’s obsessed with the man, who’s grown even sexier with age. Today Johnny shuns the spotlight and Emm in particular…until she falls into a fugue on his doorstep.

In that moment she’s transported back thirty years, crashing a party at Johnny’s place in his wild-man heyday — the night is a blur of flesh and heat that lingers on her skin long after she’s woken to the present.

It happens again and again, each time-slip another mind-blowing orgy, and soon Emm can’t stop, though every episode leaves her weaker and weaker. She’s frightened by what’s happening to her, but she’s even more terrified of losing this portal to the Johnny she wants so badly. The one who wants her, too, and takes her — every chance he gets.

My Thoughts:

Hart did it again- with Collide we get a story that is so different from your usual romance novel but still it works just perfectly the way it is. I think it is one of Hart’s strongest talents- her way to make her characters different and a bit flawed but still making them likeable. Her stories always feel so real and for me that makes them exponentially more appealing. 
Emmaline suffers from fugues, moments where she loses consciousness and is drawn into a different world and time. She never knows when one will hit her but while being in one she knows exactly what happens. She worries a lot about her condition and I really felt for her. Imagine a life where you have to be prepared to just zone out any second and which repercussions would follow. She is unsure but who wouldn’t be. I really liked Emm for her realness and how she tried with all her might to keep her long fought for independence. She is strong in her own way and I admired her for that. 

When Johnny steps into her life everything changes. I have to say I hated him with all my heart on the first 100+ pages. He was such an asshole and seemed to be way too aloof to ever deserve a place in my book boyfriend heart. But on the other hand we also always had the fugues Johnny, the one who still lives his free life in the 70s- I adored this guy and his wildness. He wants to be free no matter what and yes there were some parts of his worldview I don’t agree with but that were the wild 70s and it just fit. 
Emmaline’s attraction, or better said obsession, to Johnny was crazy at times. At first, when she just oggles the man he is I could completely understand why but when she is introduced to his movies by her best friend she developed a hard case of fangirl-craziness. But still she never went too far while in contact with Johnny. I’m not sure if I could have enjoyed this book otherwise. She treated him like a person- even though he sometimes didn’t deserve this.
The romance in this book grows really slow. There are some facts why this does work. First I actually only like the young “fugue” Johnny and on the other hand there is also the age difference between the real Johnny and Emm. I would have never thought I could develop a crush on a character that old who’s not a vamp or shifter. But I did. When Johnny finally starts to show his real self I fell- and real hard at that. He has his reasons for the distance he shows. 
Collide needs some times to get going but when it finally does it won’t let you go. The setting is unique and controversial- it forces you to think about what you read. It is again a very engaging and addicting read by Hart. I loved to see this untypical love story unfold and how both characters tried to outgrow their fears and problems. I recommend Collide to everyone who is open to try something new and let me assure you the end will make up for every uncomfortable situation you will have to read through.

I give Collide 4,5 out of 5 bookies.

***FTC Disclaimer: Most books reviewed on this site have been provided free of charge by the publisher, author or publicist. Some books we have purchased with our own money and will be noted as such. Any links to places to purchase books are provided as a convenience, and do not serve as an endorsement by this blog. All reviews are the true and honest opinion of the blogger reviewing the book. The method of acquiring the book does not have a bearing on the content of the review.

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About Susi


Susi is a geeky vegetarian from Gemany. She just finished university and now works as a civil engineer in steel construction. Besides her reading addiction she also knits like a maniac while listening to audiobooks. Susi also blogs at the Secret HEA Society.

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5 Comments

Join the Discussion
  • Julia Rachel Barrett June 21, 2011 at 12:53 pm

    I love how you love Megan Hart – you always make her books sound so unique! I wouldn't know about her if not for you.

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  • Blodeuedd June 21, 2011 at 1:12 pm

    Why do I have a notion that I saw a Hart freebie around..carina press this week?
    Anyway you make it sounds so good

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  • SusiSunshine June 21, 2011 at 1:16 pm

    @Julia My mission to share the love. *g* I won't give up.

    @Blodeuedd Yes on Friday Friendly Fire will be for free.
    Use this code at checkout: FRIENDLYFREE here. And it's Friday only. *g* Great book btw!

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  • Linds June 21, 2011 at 3:18 pm

    I saw this book on netgalley and I think I pay to much attention to cover art and passed it by! And now I feel silly cause this looks like such a great read! Thank you for this review!

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  • SusiSunshine June 21, 2011 at 3:26 pm

    @Linds I actually stalk netgalley for her books. I was checking every day for 2 weeks till they finally had Collide. Her books are awesome. You should give them a try.

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