Collide

by Bal Khabra • 2023 • 395 pages

3.78

115.1K ratings

Romance Sports Romance Hockey

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Plot Summary

Unexpected Proposal Changes Everything

Summer faces a daunting challenge

Summer Preston, a dedicated psychology student, is thrown into turmoil when her advisor, Dr. Langston, insists she base her graduate application on hockey—a sport she despises due to personal history. Despite her reluctance, Summer knows she must comply to secure her future. Her determination is tested as she navigates the complexities of academia and her aversion to hockey, all while dealing with the pressure of her dreams hanging in the balance.

Aiden's Reckless Party Consequences

Aiden's party spirals out of control

Aiden Crawford, the charismatic captain of the hockey team, faces the fallout from a wild party that damages the campus. Taking full responsibility, he risks his position and reputation. The incident forces Aiden to confront his leadership and the balance between his personal life and responsibilities. As he navigates the consequences, Aiden's resolve to protect his team and himself is tested, setting the stage for unexpected alliances.

Summer's Reluctant Hockey Assignment

Summer's forced into hockey research

Summer's disdain for hockey is challenged when she's paired with Aiden for her research project. Despite their initial friction, they must work together, leading to unexpected insights and a growing tension between them. As Summer delves into the world of hockey, she confronts her past and the emotions tied to the sport, while Aiden's presence becomes increasingly significant in her life.

Tension and Attraction Build

Aiden and Summer's chemistry intensifies

The dynamic between Aiden and Summer shifts as they spend more time together. Their interactions are charged with a mix of irritation and undeniable attraction. Aiden's charm and Summer's resilience create a push-pull relationship that neither can ignore. As they navigate their personal and academic challenges, the line between professional and personal blurs, leading to moments of vulnerability and connection.

Aiden's Redemption Attempt

Aiden seeks to make amends

Determined to prove himself, Aiden takes steps to support Summer's project, even arranging a crucial test she missed. His efforts to make things right highlight his growing feelings for her. Meanwhile, Summer grapples with her own emotions, torn between her goals and the unexpected bond forming with Aiden. Their relationship deepens as they confront their pasts and the future they envision.

Carnival Brings Unexpected Emotions

A carnival stirs complex feelings

At a campus carnival, Summer and Aiden's unresolved tension comes to a head. Amidst the festivities, they confront their feelings, leading to a moment of clarity and vulnerability. The event becomes a turning point, forcing them to acknowledge the depth of their connection. As they navigate the complexities of their emotions, the carnival serves as a backdrop for revelations and decisions that will shape their paths.

Confessions and Complications

Truths are revealed, complicating relationships

Summer and Aiden's relationship reaches a critical juncture as they confront their feelings and the implications of their actions. Confessions and misunderstandings create a web of complications, challenging their trust and commitment. As they navigate the fallout, both must decide what they truly want and how far they're willing to go for each other. The chapter sets the stage for pivotal choices and the potential for a deeper connection.

Aiden's Sacrifice for Summer

Aiden takes the fall

Aiden Crawford, the dedicated hockey captain, confesses to a crime he didn't commit to protect his girlfriend, Summer Preston. His suspension from the team is a heavy price, but Aiden's love for Summer drives him to ensure her future remains intact. Despite the consequences, Aiden's selfless act highlights his unwavering commitment to Summer, showcasing the depth of his feelings and the lengths he's willing to go for her happiness.

Confrontation and Confession

Summer confronts Aiden's decision

Summer is furious when she learns about Aiden's confession. She confronts him, demanding to know why he would jeopardize his career. Aiden's calm demeanor and heartfelt explanation reveal his deep love and desire to protect her dreams. Their heated exchange turns into a moment of vulnerability, as Summer realizes the extent of Aiden's sacrifice and the strength of their bond.

Summer's Redemption and Resolve

Summer fights for justice

Determined to clear Aiden's name, Summer takes action against the corrupt professor and her ex, Donny Rai. With the help of friends, she exposes their unethical behavior, leading to their downfall. Summer's resolve and courage not only redeem Aiden but also secure her place in the graduate program. Her journey highlights her growth and determination to fight for what's right.

Aiden's Return to the Ice

Aiden's suspension is lifted

Thanks to Summer's efforts and the intervention of her father, Aiden's suspension is revoked. He returns to the ice for the championship game, where his leadership and skill shine. Aiden's return is a testament to his resilience and the support of those who believe in him. The experience strengthens his relationship with Summer, as they both realize the power of their partnership.

Love and Future Plans

Aiden and Summer plan their future

With the challenges behind them, Aiden and Summer focus on their future together. They discuss long-distance plans as Aiden prepares for his professional hockey career and Summer embarks on her graduate studies. Their love is stronger than ever, and they are committed to making their relationship work despite the distance. Their shared dreams and unwavering support for each other lay the foundation for a promising future.

Characters

Summer Preston

Determined and conflicted student

Summer is a driven psychology student with a deep-seated aversion to hockey, stemming from personal history. Her ambition and dedication are tested when she's forced to confront her past through a research project. As she navigates her academic and emotional challenges, Summer's resilience and vulnerability are highlighted, revealing her complexity and growth.

Aiden Crawford

Charismatic and conflicted captain

Aiden is the charming captain of the hockey team, known for his leadership and charisma. Beneath his confident exterior, he grapples with the pressures of his role and the consequences of his actions. Aiden's journey is marked by his efforts to balance personal desires with responsibilities, leading to unexpected connections and self-discovery.

Dr. Laura Langston

Demanding and influential advisor

Dr. Langston is Summer's advisor, known for her brilliance and strict expectations. Her insistence on Summer's hockey project sets the narrative in motion, challenging Summer's comfort zone. Langston's role as a mentor and gatekeeper to Summer's future adds tension and complexity to the story.

Donny Rai

Manipulative and ambitious rival

Donny is Summer's academic rival, whose unethical actions threaten her future. His relationship with a corrupt professor highlights his ambition and willingness to manipulate others for personal gain. Donny's downfall is a result of his own actions, serving as a cautionary tale of the consequences of deceit.

Kian Ishida

Loyal and supportive friend

Kian is Aiden's close friend and teammate, known for his loyalty and humor. His presence provides comic relief and support, balancing the tension between Aiden and Summer. Kian's role as a confidant and mediator adds depth to the dynamics within the story.

Tyler Sampson

Charming and insightful friend

Tyler is a friend of both Summer and Aiden, known for his charm and insight. His interactions with Summer offer moments of levity and reflection, highlighting the complexities of friendship and attraction. Tyler's presence adds layers to the narrative, influencing the choices and emotions of the main characters.

Eli Westbrook

Steady and reliable teammate

Eli is a steady presence in Aiden's life, known for his reliability and calm demeanor. His role as a supportive teammate and friend provides stability amidst the chaos of college life. Eli's interactions with Aiden and Summer offer moments of clarity and perspective.

Dylan Donovan

Reckless and unpredictable friend

Dylan is a wild card in Aiden's circle, known for his reckless behavior and unpredictable nature. His actions often create tension and conflict, challenging Aiden's leadership and patience. Dylan's presence adds an element of unpredictability to the story, influencing the dynamics within the group.

Cassie Carter

Vibrant and supportive friend

Cassie is Summer's vibrant and supportive friend, known for her energy and loyalty. Her presence offers moments of humor and encouragement, balancing the tension in Summer's life. Cassie's interactions with Summer highlight the importance of friendship and support.

Amara Evans

Tech-savvy and protective roommate

Amara is Summer's tech-savvy roommate, known for her protective nature and quick wit. Her presence provides a sense of security and stability, offering support and advice to Summer. Amara's role as a confidant and ally adds depth to the narrative, influencing Summer's choices and emotions.

Plot Devices

Forced Collaboration

Unlikely partnership sparks tension

The forced collaboration between Summer and Aiden serves as a catalyst for the narrative, driving the plot and character development. Their initial friction and growing attraction create tension and complexity, influencing their personal and academic journeys. This plot device highlights themes of growth, vulnerability, and unexpected connections.

Redemption and Responsibility

Aiden's journey of redemption

Aiden's quest for redemption and responsibility is a central plot device, influencing his actions and relationships. His efforts to make amends and balance personal desires with responsibilities drive the narrative, highlighting themes of growth, accountability, and self-discovery. This device adds depth to Aiden's character and the overall story.

Emotional and Academic Challenges

Summer's internal and external struggles

Summer's emotional and academic challenges serve as a plot device, driving her growth and development. Her journey to confront her past and navigate her present is marked by tension and vulnerability, influencing her relationships and choices. This device highlights themes of resilience, ambition, and self-discovery.

Carnival as a Turning Point

Event catalyzes emotional revelations

The carnival serves as a turning point in the narrative, bringing emotions to the surface and forcing characters to confront their feelings. This plot device creates moments of vulnerability and connection, influencing the choices and dynamics between characters. The carnival highlights themes of revelation, change, and emotional growth.

Sacrifice and Redemption

Aiden's selfless act of love

Aiden's decision to take the fall for Summer is a powerful plot device that highlights themes of sacrifice and redemption. His actions demonstrate the depth of his love and commitment, setting the stage for Summer's journey to clear his name and fight for justice. This device underscores the power of love to overcome obstacles and the importance of standing up for what is right.

Confrontation and Growth

Summer's journey to justice

Summer's confrontation with Aiden and her subsequent fight for justice serve as a catalyst for her growth and development. Her determination to clear Aiden's name and expose corruption highlights her resilience and strength. This plot device emphasizes the importance of integrity and the power of love to inspire change.

Love and Future Plans

Aiden and Summer's commitment

The exploration of Aiden and Summer's future plans is a central plot device that underscores the strength of their relationship. Their discussions about long-distance and shared dreams highlight their commitment to each other and their willingness to overcome challenges. This device emphasizes the power of love to transcend distance and time.

Championship and Celebration

Aiden's triumphant return

Aiden's return to the ice and the team's championship victory serve as a powerful plot device that highlights themes of resilience and triumph. The celebration of their success underscores the importance of teamwork and the support of loved ones. This device emphasizes the power of perseverance and the joy of achieving one's dreams.

Analysis

A tale of growth and love

"Collide (Off the Ice, #1)" by Bal Khabra is a compelling narrative that explores themes of personal growth, love, and redemption. Through the intertwined journeys of Summer and Aiden, the story delves into the complexities of relationships, the challenges of academia, and the pressures of leadership. The book highlights the power of love to inspire change and the importance of standing up for what is right. It underscores the resilience required to overcome personal and external obstacles, ultimately celebrating the triumph of perseverance and the enduring strength of commitment.

Last updated: February 2, 2025

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FAQ

Synopsis & Basic Details

What is Collide about?

Opposites Attract in Academia : Collide centers on Summer Preston, a driven psychology student with a deep-seated aversion to hockey, who is forced to collaborate with Aiden Crawford, the charismatic captain of the hockey team, for a crucial research project.
Personal and Academic Stakes : The story explores their complex relationship as they navigate academic pressures, personal histories, and unexpected feelings, all while dealing with the high stakes of their future careers.
Themes of Growth and Love : The narrative delves into themes of personal growth, love, and redemption, highlighting the power of connection to overcome personal and external obstacles.

Why should I read Collide?

Compelling Character Dynamics : The push-and-pull relationship between Summer and Aiden is captivating, filled with tension, vulnerability, and unexpected moments of connection.
Emotional Depth and Growth : The story explores complex emotions and personal growth, making it a relatable and engaging read for those who enjoy character-driven narratives.
Unique Blend of Romance and Academia : Collide offers a fresh take on romance by blending it with the high-stakes world of academia and sports, creating a unique and compelling backdrop for the characters' journeys.

What is the background of Collide?

University Setting : The story is set within the competitive environment of Dalton University, a prestigious institution where academic and athletic pressures are high.
Psychology and Sports : The narrative incorporates elements of sports psychology, exploring the mental and emotional challenges faced by student-athletes.
Contemporary Culture : The story reflects contemporary culture, with references to social media, music, and modern relationship dynamics.

What are the most memorable quotes in Collide?

"I'm not your experiment of research." : This quote highlights Summer's initial resistance to Aiden and her determination to maintain control over her academic work, showcasing her strong will and independence.
"You're the only one who can make me feel like this." : This quote reveals Aiden's vulnerability and the depth of his feelings for Summer, emphasizing the unique connection they share.
"I'm not going to let you ruin my life." : This quote underscores Summer's determination to protect her dreams and her willingness to fight for what she believes in, showcasing her resilience and strength.

What writing style, narrative choices, and literary techniques does Bal Khabra use?

Alternating Perspectives : The narrative alternates between Summer and Aiden's points of view, providing insight into their thoughts, feelings, and motivations, enhancing the reader's understanding of their complex relationship.
Dialogue-Driven Scenes : The story relies heavily on dialogue to reveal character traits, build tension, and advance the plot, creating a dynamic and engaging reading experience.
Emotional Intensity : Khabra uses vivid descriptions and emotional language to create a sense of intimacy and intensity, drawing the reader into the characters' inner worlds and their evolving relationship.

Hidden Details & Subtle Connections

What are some minor details that add significant meaning?

The Funeral Flowers : Aiden's accidental purchase of funeral flowers for Summer's apology highlights his initial cluelessness about her and his genuine desire to make amends, adding a layer of humor and vulnerability to his character.
The Shared Playlist : The playlist at the beginning of the book, featuring songs like "Sunflower" and "Yellow," foreshadows the emotional journey of Summer and Aiden, with the songs' themes subtly reflecting their evolving relationship.
The Recurring Mention of "Lazy" : The repeated use of the word "lazy" in relation to Aiden, despite his obvious hard work, underscores the societal expectations placed on athletes and the misconceptions people have about him.

What are some subtle foreshadowing and callbacks?

Summer's Dislike of Hockey: Summer's strong aversion to hockey, initially presented as a personal quirk, foreshadows the deeper emotional wounds related to her father's career and her own identity.
Aiden's "Lazy" Comment: Aiden's initial comment about Summer being "lazy" is later echoed when he realizes how hard she works, highlighting his growth and understanding of her character.
The "You're a mess" Line : The recurring line "You're a mess" used by both Summer and Aiden, initially as an insult, evolves into a term of endearment, showcasing their growing comfort and acceptance of each other's flaws.

What are some unexpected character connections?

Kian and Summer's Friendship: The unexpected friendship between Kian and Summer, stemming from their shared interest in sports psychology, reveals a deeper connection beyond their initial interactions and highlights Kian's genuine care for Summer.
Cassie and Summer's Roommate Bond: The roommate bond between Cassie and Summer, initially presented as a simple living arrangement, evolves into a supportive friendship, with Cassie often acting as a confidante and voice of reason for Summer.
Tyler and Summer's Shared History: The long-standing friendship between Tyler and Summer, rooted in their families' connections, adds a layer of complexity to their interactions and highlights the small-world nature of their community.

Who are the most significant supporting characters?

Eli Westbrook: Eli's role as Aiden's steady and reliable friend provides a grounding force in the story, offering a contrasting perspective to Aiden's more impulsive nature and highlighting the importance of genuine friendship.
Kian Ishida: Kian's loyalty and humor serve as a source of comic relief and emotional support, adding depth to the dynamics within the hockey team and showcasing his genuine care for his friends.
Amara Evans: Amara's tech-savvy nature and protective instincts make her a crucial ally for Summer, providing a sense of security and stability while also challenging her to step outside her comfort zone.

Psychological, Emotional, & Relational Analysis

What are some unspoken motivations of the characters?

Summer's Fear of Vulnerability: Summer's unspoken motivation is her fear of vulnerability, which stems from her past experiences with her father and her desire to protect herself from emotional pain.
Aiden's Need for Balance: Aiden's unspoken motivation is his need for balance, as he struggles to reconcile his passion for hockey with his desire for a fulfilling personal life, often leading him to overcompensate in both areas.
Donny's Insecurity: Donny's unspoken motivation is his deep-seated insecurity, which drives his need for validation and his willingness to manipulate others to achieve his goals.

What psychological complexities do the characters exhibit?

Summer's Avoidance of Hockey: Summer's avoidance of hockey is a manifestation of her complex relationship with her father, highlighting her struggle to reconcile her personal identity with her family history.
Aiden's Overachieving Tendencies: Aiden's overachieving tendencies, both in hockey and academics, reveal his internal struggle to balance his responsibilities and his desire to prove himself, often leading to burnout.
Donny's Need for Control: Donny's need for control and validation stems from his deep-seated insecurities, highlighting his manipulative nature and his willingness to sacrifice others for personal gain.

What are the major emotional turning points?

The Pool Scene : The pool scene marks a turning point in Summer and Aiden's relationship, as they confront their feelings and vulnerabilities, leading to a deeper emotional connection.
Aiden's Confession: Aiden's confession to the party damage is a major emotional turning point, highlighting his selflessness and willingness to sacrifice his own future for Summer's.
Summer's Confrontation with Her Father: Summer's confrontation with her father is a major emotional turning point, as she finally expresses her long-held feelings and begins to heal from her past.

How do relationship dynamics evolve?

From Friction to Attraction : The relationship between Summer and Aiden evolves from initial friction and irritation to a deep and undeniable attraction, highlighting the power of unexpected connections.
From Competition to Support : The dynamic between Summer and Donny shifts from academic competition to a bitter rivalry, revealing the destructive nature of ambition and manipulation.
From Casual to Committed : The relationship between Summer and Aiden evolves from casual encounters to a deep and committed partnership, highlighting their growth and willingness to embrace vulnerability.

Interpretation & Debate

Which parts of the story remain ambiguous or open-ended?

The Future of Donny Rai: The story leaves Donny's future ambiguous, raising questions about whether he will face consequences for his actions and whether he will ever learn from his mistakes.
The Long-Term Impact of the Relationship : The story leaves the long-term impact of Summer and Aiden's relationship open-ended, raising questions about how they will navigate the challenges of distance and their individual careers.
The True Nature of Dr. Langston: The story leaves the true nature of Dr. Langston's motivations ambiguous, raising questions about whether she was truly corrupt or simply misguided in her approach to mentorship.

What are some debatable, controversial scenes or moments in Collide?

Aiden's Confession: Aiden's decision to take the blame for the party damage is a debatable moment, raising questions about whether his actions were selfless or reckless and whether he should have allowed Summer to take responsibility for her own life.
Summer's Initial Rejection of Aiden: Summer's initial rejection of Aiden, despite her obvious attraction to him, is a controversial moment, raising questions about her fear of vulnerability and her willingness to prioritize her goals over her emotions.
The "Friends with Benefits" Agreement : The "friends with benefits" agreement between Summer and Aiden is a debatable moment, raising questions about whether they were truly able to separate their emotions from their physical relationship and whether it was a healthy dynamic for them.

Collide Ending Explained: How It Ends & What It Means

Summer and Aiden's Commitment: The ending of Collide emphasizes Summer and Aiden's commitment to each other, despite the challenges of distance and their individual careers, highlighting the power of love to transcend obstacles.
Summer's Acceptance into the Program: Summer's acceptance into the graduate program signifies her personal growth and resilience, showcasing her ability to overcome adversity and achieve her dreams.
Aiden's Professional Hockey Career: Aiden's success in professional hockey underscores his talent and dedication, highlighting his ability to balance his personal life with his athletic pursuits.