Title: Collided
Author: Lauren Asher
Series: Dirty Air Series #2
Genres: Contemporary Romance, Adult Romance
Language: English
Collided is the second book in the Dirty Air Series, written by Lauren Asher, but could also be read as a standalone. The book timeline is interconnected with the first book, Throttled. But I still recommend reading Throttled first.
Collided follows the story of Liam Zander, the golden boy, one of the F1 racers, and Noah's best friend. After the traumatic incident in his life, commitment and falling in love are already off the list. Being the chill but cocky playboy he is, he's thrown himself into more in his career. But after meeting Sophie Mitchell, things could get a little more interesting.
Liam caught my attention not because of his cheeky, sheepish, and cooky playboy personality, but because of his being a secret booklover and nerd! His character development was shown in a compelling way, and character development is one of the things that made up my rating of 2. 75 stars.
Sophie Mitchell, an undergrad accounting student and the daughter of the Bandini's team principal, Sophie's father, who is doing and keeping his role as both father and mother after Sophie's mom left them when she was young, lives in a reformed and sheltered life, doing whatever makes her father happy.
While chugging her liquor, she decided to create a bucket list she called the 'Fuck It List' where she unleashed the wild side of her from the restraints.
If you love a sassy and sarcastic female main character, then meet Sophie! Sophie lived her life in restraint, and when she decided to just fuck up, my admiration of her was irresistible. Plus, the fact that she is an artist who knows how to play with charcoal.
Her patience and her love for her father were admirable. Even though her degree is nearing its end, she's not afraid to explore and discover new things about herself. She isn't afraid of wasting years studying in another program, which I admire.
You know, the passion vs. practicality discussions? Should you take a program you're passionate about or be practical, that can pay your bills? Students (like me) have a hard time choosing, and Sophie was brave to pursue her passion. (She doesn't need to worry about her bills anyway. So lucky for her.)
LOVE IT OR HATE IT
What I loved about this book is that while the romance was building, both of the characters opened up and embraced each other's fears and flaws. Developing mutual comfort and trust
Despite having little knowledge about F1, the author described and narrated the story smoothly, and it was easy to follow.
Liam's character development was shown in a compelling way, overcoming his fears and trumas. Fixing his issues with his brother and family was one thing I absolutely loved.
All the good things aside, let's talk about why this book received a 2.75 star rating from me. First, some of the banter and dialogues are too chessy and corny.
Second, sometimes Liam's words didn't sit right with me, and made me a whole lot uncomfortable. This line from the book will prove this:
"Athletic wear my ass. Who can work out in that? More importantly, who can ever get work done in a gym next to someone looking like that? "
I have no words. (• _ •)
It's not a woman's fault if you can't work out in a gym because your eyes are squinting around. It's just athletic wear; you're sexualizing it.
I am disappointed in this second book because I loved the first installment. Throttled started this series strong. Collided flattened my desire to finish the whole series a little bit.
But I am willing to finish the whole series because:
1.) I am fascinated with Jax based on his appearance in the first two books.
2.) I am eager to read Santiago's story because the first book showed Santi's brother's personality. So, I'm curious how he would act with a woman he's in love with.
A GREAT READ WITH MULTIPLE TROPES
Collided is a great and quick read, with bucket list tropes, friends with benefits, and forbidden romance. A lighthearted and funny read with a dash of sports romance thrown in for good measure—and, guess what?A double point of view!
Content Warning: Death of a loved one.
 by Lauren Asher){kind=link}
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