Crash By Nicole Williams

Southpointe High is the last place Lucy wanted to wind up her senior year of school. Right up until she stumbles into Jude Ryder, a guy whose name has become its own verb, and synonymous with trouble. He's got a rap sheet that runs longer than a senior thesis, has had his name sighed, shouted, and cursed by more women than Lucy dares to ask, and lives at the local boys home where disturbed seems to be the status quo for the residents. Lucy had a stable at best, quirky at worst, upbringing. She lives for wearing the satin down on her ballet shoes, has her sights set on Juilliard, and has been careful to keep trouble out of her life. Up until now.

Jude's everything she needs to stay away from if she wants to separate her past from her future. Staying away, she's about to find out, is the only thing she's incapable of.

For Lucy Larson and Jude Ryder, love's about to become the thing that tears them apart.

Thessa's Review:

Hey Jude, don’t be afraid
You were made to go out and get her.
The minute you let her under your skin,
Then you begin to make it better ~ The Beatles

Good Lord. Where do I begin this review? Oh I know…I LOVED IT. Why? One word. Sorry correction. One person made me love this story. Jude Ryder. He is the quintessential bad boy. Jude is pretty intense. There is just so much going with him. To others, he seems untouchable. His tough exterior makes men shy away and makes women weak in the knees. He’s got a bad reputation, with one heck of a police record. He can kick anyone’s ass, while along the way, leaving a trail of broken hearts. To Lucy, it would definitely be in her best interest to stay away.

Lucy’s life hasn’t been the same since her brother, John, was shot and killed. Her father had a bit of a mental breakdown and her mother is just a cold person. As stated by her father to Lucy, ”your mom hates the world, I avoid it, and you try to save it.” Though Lucy has a kind heart, she has one strong personality and knows how to stand up for herself.

When Lucy first set eyes on Jude, it was definitely lust at first sight.

I didn’t know his name, didn’t know if he had a girlfriend, didn’t know if he wanted one, but I knew I was in trouble.

Then when he finally approached her, he just had to ruin the moment by saying,

”The name’s Jude Ryder, since I know you’re all but salivating like a rabid dog to know, and I don’t do girlfriends, relationships, flowers, or regular phone calls. If that works for you, I think we could work out something special.”

Lucy wouldn’t have any of it. She, of course, dismisses him. He couldn’t believe it. No girl has ever sent him packing. Of course, now, he’s intrigued and she stands no chance.

Jude’s short temper could be the death of their new relationship before they even had a chance to define it. These two went through a lot to be together. Their chemistry was HOT. Their scenes together were often filled with banter along with lots and lots of kissing. The drama these two had was essential to the storyline. They had to experience these hardships, in order for them to even have a chance at a future together. But things start to emerge from their pasts that threaten to tear them apart. Is their connection deep enough to keep them together?

I consider this a mature YA due to some violence, subject matter and some extremely hot make out sessions. I just loved it. Period!