Collide by Gail McHugh (review + giveaway)

From goodreads:

A missed first encounter…

Colliding with a second chance…

On the heels of graduating college and trying to cope with her mother’s death, Emily Cooper moves to New York City for a fresh start.

While harboring secrets of his own, Dillon Parker takes care of Emily through her grief. Knowing he can’t live without her by his side, he’s sweet, thoughtful, and everything Emily has ever wanted in a man.

Until she meets Gavin Blake—a rich and notorious playboy who is dangerously sexy and charming as hell. Emily tries to deny the instant connection she feels, but Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome is not inclined to let go so easily. Recovering from his own painful past, Gavin will stop at nothing to win Emily over.

This unexpected encounter compels Emily to question her decisions, forcing her to make a choice that will destroy friendships, shatter hearts, and forever change her life.

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book and I couldn’t get enough. It’s one of those books that just scream FUN and SEXY at the same time! When I read Gail McHugh’s book, Collide and I wasn’t sure what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised at what’s in between all those pages. I was caught up in the world of Emily Cooper and Gavin Blake and quite honestly, I couldn’t get enough.

As much as I loved it, sometimes the dialogue between Emily and Gavin did seem a bit formal and at times, forced. Those moments took away from the fluidity of the story. Also, there’s more to Emily than we are allowed to see and I wanted more of her history. I wanted to know why she allowed Dillon, her current boyfriend to do the things he did. Was she following an example that she grew up seeing? I’m not sure because that picture wasn’t painted clearly and it was left up to me to assume that history. There should be a compelling reason as to why I should suffer through that painful journey with Dillon and that reason was missing. And by the way, can you tell I don’t like Dillon? He’s despicable in every sense, I literally wanted to climb through the book and spit in his eye!

What I loved about the story was everything else. I absolutely loved the chemistry between Emily and Gavin. The push and pull between those two left me completely breathless and the rollercoaster of will they or won’t they gave me an anxiety attack!!! I loved all the sub-characters because I grew attached to them just as much! And Olivia is the friend every woman needs, she was downright hilarious!!

This whole tick-tock business was brilliant because of what it represents and it leaves you thinking, wait a minute, what just happened!!! Granted, I was ready to stalk Gail to see if I could find out what happens next but obviously she’s keeping that a secret until the second book, Pulse is released. Those cliff-hangers get me every time!!!

My final two cents: This is a fantastic debut novel and it WILL leave you wanting more!