I really enjoyed this book.
Jake's struggles will pull your heartstrings while there are truckloads of things stopping them from being honest about their feelings for each other. In the end, you have a heartwarming emotional read that will give you hours of entertainment. I definitely recommend it

With large helpings of real-life problems, this is contemporary romantic fiction for the realists, with plenty for those wanting their romance escapist too…

Haley Howell – or Other Howell – comes second to her twin brother in everything, and the shadows suit her… most of the time. When her long-time crush – her brother’s best friend – ends up in forced community service at the same place she volunteers, it’s time they both faced their fears, and discovered each other…

The characters were beautifully flawed yet inspiring, the realism heavy with hope, and the background noise of highschool keeping it all in check. Sure, the dialogue was occasionally strayed from the realism (how many times have I used this word in this review?) that grounded the rest of the novel, but one can’t have everything. An inspiring and hopeful romantic YA drama with a happy ending – recommended!

Jake is the golden boy who is fighting to keep himself afloat after his brother is in serious injury. Haley is his best friends twin sister who tries to keep her crush on him a secret, from everyone she knows. But when the two of them are thrown together, slowly things start to fall into place.

I love Entangled Teen Crush books and this was no different. I loved Haley and Jake. I love the brothers best friend trope, its one that always gets me to read a book. This was a fun, cute and quick read!

I really recommend this to anyone who loves fun, cute, swoony romances!!

I had a hard time with this book because I didn’t love the characters. I didn’t see the appeal of Jake - he definitely has some baggage and things to work through before he should get into a relationship and Haley was a bit bland. I also think in 2019 it’s hard to read about a twin brother deciding his sister is off-limits - who is he to make her decisions? The story itself was fine, but I found it hard to care about the characters in their relationship.

Absolutely delightful! I enjoyed the lovely chemistry between Jake and Haley - it was simply well-written and genuine. I loved that they were able to really and truly connect with one another, delving into their issues together. A wonderful read!

Netgalley gave me this arc in exchange for an honest review.
I didn’t like this book. There’s too many cliches and none of the characters are interesting, I found the writing style bland, especially considering there was little difference between Haley and Jake’s voices.
The novel tries to tackle a few more serious issues, but these plots fall flat,

This is a good YA that I enjoyed. Haley has always had a major crush for her brother's best friend Jake. She hasn't told anyone how she feels about him not even her best friend who also finds him attractive.

Jake has been through a lot and has a major issue with drinking that has his older brother coming to get him from a party. The unthinkable happens and Jake is full of guilt plus everyone seems to have all these goals and expect him to live up to his potential. What is interesting is that Jake falls for Haley and Haley has liked him since she was 12. The problem is what Haley brother will think since his sister is usually off limits to all guys. Plus Haley best friend wouldn't be happy if these two get together. No one seems to want them together but the chemistry and pull towards each other is there. They can't deny it. They have to give into this forbidden love. Can everyone see how amazing these two are together and get on board? Do Jake and Haley have what it takes to make it the long haul?

I really liked this book. This was a very interesting story that some had issues with and some didn't. I really thought it was written well and was a good read. I wanted Haley and Jake to have a HEA they both deserve it to find each other and love.

The book wasn't perfect, the characters certainly aren't, but who amongst us is? I always like the brother's best friend romance trope, as well sports-themed books. This book was good, not great, although I read it all in one sitting.

Retribution. That's what I have to say about this book because Haley and Jake both like each other, but there are truckloads of things stopping them from being frank/honest about their feelings for each other. The Crush Collision is cute, on the shorter side, and really sweet to read. I think this is the perfect summer read.

Thank you to Entangled Teen and NetGalley for the chance to read this book. ♥

*Note. The Crush Collision (Southern Charmed, #2) by Danielle Ellison was kindly provided by publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. So I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a book that is kind off hard to rate for me, because it wasn't exactly what I expected to read, I was looking for relaxing, quick, light, sweet and cute romance read, however, this was a bit depressing, sad and very emotional book.

I was disappointed and bored for about 70% of the book because it was your general contemporary romance, with little snark and angst but more with some deeply emotional problematic themes, which just wasn't something that I was in the mood for. Also, there was just a bit too much drama for my liking.

However, the last 30% of the book were great. Not like it got very light and cute, but I just had already started to care for both MCs - Jake and Haley, so finally the story emotionally touched me.

For the first part of the book I felt like the story hadn't really started and I wanted to DNF it, however, I'm glad that I didn't do so, because it turned out to be an emotional and heart-breaking read but at the end it had the sweet and bit cheesy HEA moment, character growth and beautiful sunshine hiding behind the clouds.

I liked those Jake and Haley scenes, they were very cute together. Their relationship really made this book for me, and gave it an extra star, so 3.5 stars from me to The Crush Collision.

I recommend this book for those romance readers who are looking for something emotional and bit deeper than your usual light and cozy YA read.

This book was provided by the publisher through Chapter by Chapter in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Entangled: Crush and Chapter by Chapter!

The Crush Collision is the second book in the Southern Charmed series and tells the story of Haley and Jake. Even though The Crush Collision is the second book in the series, it can be read as a standalone.

Every time I see that Entangled Teen is coming out with another Contemporary, I have to read it. So when Chapter by Chapter was hosting a blog tour, I immediately signed up! I love every Entangled book, so I was so excited to read The Crush Collision, and it was an amazing read!

I really loved the story in general, and I really liked the characters. Haley and Jake are both going through stuff and I think that every teenager can relate to some of the problems they are going through.

I also love the ‘falling for your brother’s friend’, it’s one of the many tropes that I really love and Danielle Ellison did an amazing job! The Crush Collision was well written and fast paced!

I cannot wait to read the first book in the Southern Charmed series, The Sweetheart Sham!

Cute mostly, satisfies the craving for some good old fashioned YA angst. There'were some elements, (some characteristics of side characters) that bugged me a bit but it was an okay read overall. I'm a bit indifferent at the moment.

This is #2, in the Southern Charmed series. This can be read as a standalone novel. For reader enjoyment, and to avoid spoilers, I recommend reading this series in order.

Haley has been in love with her brother's best friend for years. When they have more in common during the school year - they end up spending time together. Can she keep it a secret from her own BFF who thinks she is in love with Jake?

Jake is finding this the worst year of his life. The only thing he looks forward to right now is spending time with his best friend's little sister. He wants to tell everyone but knows it will cut their time together short. Will he get the guts to tell all?

This series is so good. I love the couples and friendships. This is my favorite trope - no secret there - but I especially love when its done right. I loved the characters and how rich and deep they were. Considering all the touchy subjects touched on in the book this was a terrific way to read about them.


***This early copy was given by Netgalley and its publishers, in exchange for an honest review only.

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 characters 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.

It’s been a while since I’ve read Entangled Teen Crush books and I’ve honestly really missed everything about these adorable stories. Okay, so they’re a bit predictable, mushy and cheesy, but in the best possible ways that will make you smile, laugh, feel young and giddy, and sometimes even cry. They’re delightful to read, entertaining, and wonderfully affecting. The Crush Collision was no exception and I fell in love with the story, the relationships, the characters and being back in Culler.

While I didn’t LOVE this book as much as The Sweetheart Sham, it still had me feeling some pretty amazing feels and I even teared up a few times. Aside from a few slow parts in the beginning, the storyline moved at a good pace. The plot had angst, humor, romance, friendship, self-discovery, and plenty of relatable life issues. I loved the sweet moments, ached at the tense and hard parts, and swooned over the heartwarming and cute scenes. The ending was ridiculously adorable and I couldn’t stop smiling after I finished the book. Just so darn cute!

Jake and Haley were such lovable and relatable characters. I thought their character development was well-written and I really enjoyed getting to know them. They both had their own issues and personal struggles so seeing them come together and inspire each other to be better made my heart melt. I also really liked Chris and thought he was an awesome brother. I admired his protective nature and always wanting the best for Haley. Jamie was pretty amazing too and I loved that he tried to be the best big brother he can to Jake.

The romance in this book was definitely slow burn, but so deliciously fun and satisfyingly swoony. I loved that Jake and Haley have known each other for a long time, but they didn’t really know each other that well so there was still that fun getting to know period where they both try to figure each other out. I absolutely enjoyed watching them get closer, become good friends, and eventually fall for each other. Yeah I know it’s nothing new, it’s been done before, and it’s totally your typical teen contemporary romance. BUT, I’m such a big sucker for these type of stories and this book had me gushing, swooning, and smiling like a dork during all the super cute and sweet moments between Jake and Haley. Totally could not get enough of those two! I just thought they were so irresistibly adorable together.

This was a such a sweet, heartfelt, and delightfully fun story. The writing, charming characters, amazing friendships, adorable romance, humor and light drama had me glued to the pages until the end. I giggled, swooned, laughed, and even cried. The Crush Collision by Danielle Ellison definitely had the FEELS and I enjoyed every moment. So, I’ll obviously continue the series, but if there aren’t anymore, then I can’t wait to read whatever else Ellison comes up with next.

I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, smiles, and swoons are my own.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆☆
4.5 Teen Angst Stars.

The Crush Collision is the second installment of the Southern Charmed series. While it shares the same small town life and character set, it can easily be read independently of the series as a standalone. However, the emotional connection might have a better payoff if the series is read in order, since the reader would be familiar to the setting and characters, lending to stronger character development.

First of all, I'm a sucker for the young adult genre, even more so if it features a laid-back, southern lifestyle, allowing the story to shine. Next, nothing is as yummy as the 'my brother's best friend' premise. It adds that angst the young adult genre is known for, yanking those of us who are young at heart back into the past.

Haley has had a crush on Jake since she knew what a crush meant. Too bad Jake is her brother's best friend, therefore he's off-limits. Haley the wallflower, she's her twin's shadow, where he shines so bright, she turns nearly invisible.

Jake is the classic jock, where everyone wants him to succeed at the expense of him getting to be himself. He has a ton of pressure on his shoulders, which makes him play a role in life, instead of being himself. He falls into the stereotypical jock lifestyle of drinking far too much, paying the consequences of those actions.

The Crush Collision was a well-written novel with a decent pace to keep the reader interested. There were a few flaws, which I consider my pet peeves more than anything, added with my reading mood. Since this is a young adult review, I won't make it about me. I'm more likely to offer constructive criticism in an adult review (an adult space). In this genre, I go with the flow, instinctively knowing the teenage population will swoon for this novel.

What I adored the most is how real Haley and Jake's friendship felt, moving at a slow-burn pace, where the readers got to know the characters right alongside them. The foundation was being constructed to hold strong, instead of falling into insta-love territory.

As odd is as it is to admit, I'm enjoy that gut-punch, belly twisting sensation while reading, where I feel true emotions for the characters being brought to life. Ellison managed to pull those sensations out of me, running the full gamut of emotions.

Highly recommended to young adults and those young at heart.

Young Adult Stars: 14+ realistic teenage drama, alcohol abuse.


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ADDITIONAL REVIEW NOT INCLUDED IN BLOG POST

I've really enjoyed this series so far. Small town premise, YA young love/first love. Written very sweet with poignant feelings shown by the main characters. I really fell in love with Jake! He truly had a heart of gold. Dealing with dark issues regarding his brother's accident and feelings of guilt and not living up to expected potential but he still lets himself love, still opens his heart to people. He's not just some jock and football while life in small town Culler is not all Jake wants to achieve.

Jake falling for his best friend/teammate's twin sister, well that's good reads right there! Haley has had a crush on her twin brother;s friend since she was 12. He's had some rough patches these past few years and everyone wards her off him, but the draw is hard to resist.

Good angsty, forbidden love story. Definitely YA, 12 & over probably. Nothing more steamy than a few kissing scenes but they were written quite well.

jake lexington is kind of a hot mess. since his brother's accident, he's been coping with feelings of guilt and trying to keep everything in his life together all alone. his best friend, chris howell, doesn't know what else to do to help him. when jake sees haley howell at a party, it shouldn't mean anything.

she's his best friend's twin sister. she's the other howell. chris would kill him if he thought twice about her. but once he sees her, really sees her, he can't stop. soon he sees how she's afraid to put herself out there, afraid to take a risk. and since he's been living life on the edge, he decides to help her reach her full potential.

he's still a hot mess, but he's also intrinsically a good guy. his problem with alcohol is more about self-medicating than anything, and the crush collision doesn't go so far to say that he is an alcoholic, but jake is still walking a dangerous line. haley helps him pull back from that line. but she wants him to do it for himself and not for her. it makes sense that she would ask this, but at the same time she refuses to stand up for him.

so, in the end, they both have their issues, and being together brings out the best in them. he gives her the opportunities to take risks and see things through. and she gives him the stability and strength to face his demons.

**the crush collision will publish on february 18, 2019. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/entangled publishing (crush) in exchange for my honest review.

I have a love/ hate relationship with this book.

Jake is popular, plays football and enjoys parties. Unfortunately his brother was involved in an accident and Jake carries guilt around with him. His best friend Chris Howell tries to keep him on the straight and narrow but Jake does like a Beer or two.

Haley is Chris’s sister and off limits. She has a crush on Jake that she hasn’t even shared with her bestie. Jake and Haley end up spending some time together and they have a connection. This is a sweet romance with some different background. It has some funny moments but also tragedy. The book contains flashbacks.

This is a standalone story however the characters from book one are featured in the second instalment of the Southern charmed series. This book has its moments but I’m not a fan of the Beer theme and Haley’s best friend liking Jake too.

3 stars out of 5. I really liked the first book. Maybe my expectations were too high for the second. This was an ok read but I would have liked more from this author. The teen drinking fits with the story, and is probably accurate, but it bothers me because of Jake’s family history. If you are looking for a sweet will they/won’t they easy read this is your book.

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Crush Collision is a sweet, angsty, young adult romance. If you love a brother's best friend read, this is the title for you. I quite enjoyed Hayley and Jake's story, which is told in a dual point of view. As you'd expect from a story based on high schoolers there is some teen drama, but overall I found this pair to be quite relatable, and what I enjoyed most was the friendship and camaraderie they share.

Overall this pair of characters are very likeable, and I enjoyed seeing them grow and develop over the course of this title. Hayley lives in her twin brother's shadow. He's Mr. Popular and the star quarterback, and everything he touches turns to gold, whereas she's sweet, and kind and has a tendency to steer clear of the limelight. Being a twin myself I could totally relate to her character, thoughts and feelings.

Jake is a star footballer, who's family has gone through their fair share of tragedy and he's struggling to cope with misplaced guilt and the new normal.

I haven't read the first title in the Southern Charmed series, and believe this title can easily be read as a standalone. It's an enjoyable read and although it was my first time reading Danielle Ellison's work it won't be my last.

3.5 stars

The Crush Collision dealt with serious issues for both protagonists Haley and Jake. They don't always make the perfect decisions and in fact sometimes act a bit frustratingly, but really what teenager doesn't have some growing up to do still?

Haley and Jake each brought each other some comfort and much needed clarity by helping the other step outside their normal behaviors for awhile. I especially liked Haley's arc as she grows to find who she is outside of being a twin who isn't sure what her own interests and path should be.

Danielle Ellison did a nice job capturing what it's like to grow up and take chances. I am looking forward to seeing what's next in this series.