Book Review – When We Collided by Emery Lord

We are seventeen and shattered and still dancing. We have messy, throbbing hearts, and we are stronger than anyone could ever know…

Jonah never thought a girl like Vivi would come along.

Vivi didn’t know Jonah would light up her world.

Neither of them expected a summer like this…a summer that would rewrite their futures.

In an unflinching story about new love, old wounds, and forces beyond our control, two teens find that when you collide with the right person at just the right time, it will change you forever.

My rating:

I adored this story. It’s funny and thoughtful. It will make you look at dealing with grief, responsibility and mental health. I even like the love story! 😂 Partially, I think, because Vivi and Jonah fit so well together.

I get we only see Vivi when she’s off her meds and spiralling, but the way she interacts with Jonah’s family is gorgeous. We feel as strongly as she does about life in Verona Cove. And I loved how she helped those around her without trying in places.

Jonah is also such a lovely character – trying not to break under the strain, but so strong and brave and gah my heart.

Though obviously my favourite characters were Leah and Officer Hayashi (he wasn’t in it enough!) 💙

The way it deals with mental health feels sensitive and honest – and reading the authors note, I can see why. I don’t know what I expected from this book going in, but it wasn’t this piece of perfection. Utterly lovely. 4.5 stars.

Buy When We Collided from Amazon UK.