I received this book for free from Tka Distribution in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Rock Hard by Nalini SinghAlso in this series: Rock Addiction, Rock Courtship, Rock Redemption, Rock Wedding
Series: Rock Kiss #2
Published by TKA Distribution on March 10th 2015
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 369
Format: eARC
Source: Tka Distribution
ISBN: 1942356161
In New York Times Bestselling author Nalini Singh's newest contemporary romance, passion ignites between a gorgeous, sinfully sexy man who built himself up from nothing and a shy woman who has a terrible secret in her past... Wealthy businessman Gabriel Bishop rules the boardroom with the same determination and ruthlessness that made him a rock star on the rugby field. He knows what he wants, and he'll go after it no-holds-barred. And what he wants is Charlotte Baird. Charlotte knows she's a mouse. Emotionally scarred and painfully shy, she just wants to do her job and remain as invisible as possible. But the new CEO-a brilliant, broad-shouldered T-Rex of a man who growls and storms through the office, leaving carnage in his wake-clearly has other plans. Plans that may be equal parts business and bedroom. If Charlotte intends to survive this battle of wits and hearts, the mouse will have to learn to wrangle the T-Rex. Game on.
Summary
Gabriel Bishop, is a wealthy businessmen, who once played on a rugby team before an injury prevented him from playing. Gabriel is hard, tough and ruthless. He doesn’t allow any laziness from any that work from under him. He is famous for saving companies from crashing. Charlotte Baird, is smart and intelligent, but is intimidated by their new CEO…who has come in like a “T Rex” tearing apart everything, firing her co workers left and right. And she fears that she is next. Her first mistake is throwing a stapler at him, the next is underestimating her worth to Gabriel. From the first moment that Gabriel meets Charlotte, he knows that she is not his “typical” woman that he would ever be attracted to. She is a “mouse”..timid and shy and reserved. Hides her delicious curves behind baggy but professional clothing, and glasses. But he senses something more to her, and he soon can’t resist her…and is determined to have her in his bed and his life forever…
Hero
Gabriel Bishop (T-Rex), is tough as nails, but he has had to learn to be through tough experience. He is hardened by challenges that have made him the gritty man he is today. He has demons, and those demons are haunting him. Gabriel feels a closeness to his family, loves the sport “Rugby”, and can have any woman he wants. He is wealthy and successful, and considered one of the top catches. Gabriel was my type of hero, and you don’t always see this type in contemporary as much. He is one “Alpha Male” and oh man, would I have him. He is an animal in bed, loves taking command and doesn’t take “no” for an answer. Oh did he put my panties in a twist, he is sexy, sensual and has that commanding presence you can’t resist. He is yummy and delicious and most delectable. He breathes mouth-watering sex. What woman could resist that, and he makes the book.
Heroine
Charlotte Baird (Mouse), is quite the heroine and boy is she a match for Gabriel that you don’t see in the beginning. At first you see her as timid and shy, and terrified of Gabriel. But as the story progresses, you sense that there is something in her past that makes her fear him. When you learn the truth, behind her panic attacks and her fear of Gabriel, you begin to admire Charlotte. She is tough, strong, independent and a tigress beneath her (mouse) exterior. I felt a kinship to her. There were many things about her I felt I could relate with. She isn’t afraid to say things how they are, and she stands up to Gabriel when it matters most. She was such a sweet and charming heroine that I fell in love with. Her character became very real to this reader.
Plot and Story Line
Rock Hard is the second full novel in the series. And even though the series is based on a rock star theme, we don’t see that here. We do see a connection to previous characters though, since Charlotte is best friends with Molly who is the heroine in the first book. I will say if I had to choose a favorite book of the series or even by this author, this book will top my list. I adored every moment of this story, it had its hooks in me from the beginning. And seriously the first scene when these two meet….its priceless. Despite Charlotte’s fear of men really, she isn’t going to back down from a fight either, she has spunk and gumption. She faces things head on despite the fact that she is shaking in fear on the inner part of herself. What I really admired about this story was the growth of the characters…not just to each other but for themselves personally. You see their personalities develop into strong beings. The previous two books in the series, I felt like there was more focus on the sex, but this story seemed more like the rest of Singh’s book….more development on the relationship. The sex scnes….they are scorching hot, and sexy in every way, but that isn’t what the story is about. It does take a while for these two to admit what they feel for each other. I loved seeing Molly involved a bit and I still love her character after all this time. I will admit that Gabriel or T Rex as he is nicknamed….is one sexy hot specimen. Oh he is the center of the book for me, *sigh*…he was so delicious. I just couldn’t get enough of him, and this book just wasn’t long enough, ended way to soon for me…I just wanted more from these two characters. They were so fun together, and I loved how much depth is portrayed in this one. I will warn you, that it is an emotional wringer, and really pulled at those heart strings….a impossible to put down book. So make sure you have some peace, quiet and time to read this with zero interruptions…or you might be tempted to throw your own stapler at the intruder….*giggles*. I loved how you see that these two aren’t perfect at all. They both have pasts, insecurities and struggles. You see them develop and work through them and come together as a couple and work as a team. Loved that. If you are a romance lover of any kind, this is a must read for all.
The Cover
How can you not love the cover??? I mean really…it is just amazing!! I adored it. I love a man in a suit…but this just might be one of the hottest covers I have ever seen. The half-open look, with that strong jaw line and those gorgeous manly hands….mmmm HOT!!! Love the color scheme…the black and white with the teal lettering.
Overall View
A sizzling contemporary romance that will have you on edge from page one. A love story of troubled pasts, high sexual tension, and a tender and poignant romance. Rock Hard is a story that gives you that sweet reminder of the true meaning of love and how it can heal and reach the deepest part of ourselves. UTTERLY CAPTIVATING!!
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