A review by ggbookrecclub
Collide by Bal Khabra

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This college hockey romance book was so freaking good. I will admit I was a little hesitant as the first 30% or so feels both slow and little played out. Then again, I’ve lost count of how many college hockey romances I’ve read by now. But little by little unique(and well written) characters and plot points kept coming together to build this world of DU set within New England. 

I’m a sucker for a black cat x golden retriever love story. When he falls first and sees through her icy demeanor? Whew. That’s exactly what Aiden Crawford does. This hockey captain comes off as kind of aloof, like everything must come easy for him. This man has been working his ass off to get to the NHL and is a very caring captain issuing discipline to his teammates while also publicly taking the blame for their antics in front of the coach. Where you’d assume the hockey house the guys live in would be dirty and out of control there is actually a sense of order. Yes they are college boys who inherently are gross, but they truly care for one another. They’re always looking out for the problem child while never missing out on a good time. 

It would be easy to be irritated by the studious and ever academic focus of Summer Preston. I’ve definitely read characters modeled similarly who had very few redeeming qualities. Yes, Summer has a chip on her shoulder when it comes to hockey players. And yes she turns down social invitations to focus on getting into grad school but she’s also a really great friend. She’s a fully formed FMC made with equal charm and flaws. Also can we talk about how we got an Indian FMC dating a hockey player? She’s not blonde and tiny. I swear if I read one more book where she’s a dainty little bird of a thing I’ll scream. I should also add that her desire to do well in academia isn’t driven by her parents. She legit likes sports psychology and is good at it. 

This book is an ideal introduction to the hockey romance world. For a new reader this book should be a guide of how well a college hockey romance book can be written. This book has wonderful characters who communicate and overcome obstacles together, avoiding the third act break up. I wholeheartedly believe that this couple would actually make it past the epilogue.