Author: Nicole Williams
Series: Crash #2
Published: November 13th 2012
(first published as self-pub, September 1st 2012)
Publisher: HarperCollins
Categories: Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
 

If I were to define the status of their relationship I think Katy Perry’s song described it quite well:

“Cause you’re hot then you’re cold
You’re yes then you’re no
You’re in then you’re out
You’re up then you’re down
You’re wrong when it’s right
It’s black and it’s white
We fight, we break up
We kiss, we make up”

Yes, they fight, they break up (well, cool off) they kiss and then they make up.

I liked the first book better because there’s so much in there that brought emotions out of me. Some surprised—shocked me. It’s not all about their relationship, it also involved their families, and how they were interlaced in some unpleasant way. I liked how these two were developed. The events were fun, while some cringe-worthy but still had a serious tone to it. And the romance was tastefully done. And above all, the characters were almost real—relatable.

So I was so excited to read the sequel. I want to know how they are handling their—quite frankly—fragile relationship. With all the skeletons out of the closet still proved that knowing and accepting those truths were not enough to make their relationship stable. The two of them obviously have very strong personalities and sometimes (often) they clashed (clearly the title). But unlike the first book, what tested their relationship this time was themselves. As much as they loved each other they still have trust issues to deal. Love is not enough. I do find Jude’s irrational protectiveness over the top, but it was tolerable compare to how Lucy handled it. I hated how fickle minded she was, running away when she found something she can’t handle. She’s indecisive and weak this time; don’t know how to put herself together. She needed someone to point her the right direction. Not that it’s wrong to need someone’s help, but on how long she thought of hide from him was how short she came back when someone told her to. That’s how fast she finally understood her situation. I was wondering where’s the Lucy I’ve read in book one. This is obviously not her. 🙁

I think Jude despite his old self still showing was the one who had actually matured. He walks the talk. When he said he’ll do it, he really will. He’s firmed and true. Most importantly, he knows himself this time. I got his overprotective it was somehow reasonable granted his personality is like that. Trust begets trust dear Lucy.

Regrettably Clash is like a repeat of book one only Jude and Lucy’s roles was switched. Instead of him frakking-up, it was her destroying not only herself but also their relationship. But then again what’s love without its ups and down. It’s typical roller-coaster ride of emotion. And just like Jude spectacular, public confession this time it was Lucy’s time to the same deed. I hope I don’t see the same act in the next one…it’s starting to get old.

Of course they have their HEA. With the same confession for everyone to hear and one hot shared moment in the hospital. It’s clearly heading with her having a ring on her finger. Predictable

“Mom told me that love is like a seed. You’ve got to plant it to grow. But that’s not all. You need to water it. The sun needs to shine just enough, but not too much. The roots have to take hold,” he continued, narrowing his eyes in concentration. “And from there, if it pops its head above the surface, there are about a million things that could kill it, so it takes a whole lot of luck too.”

“You can’t plant a seed and hope it will grow on its own. It takes a lotta work to make anything grow.”

I just need to quote Danny. Yes Lucy, the kid was wise beyond his years.