Rock Hard

Rock Hard, Nalini Singh Genre: Contemporary romance. Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews I loved Addiction and Courtship so was looking forward to this one. I wasn’t disappointed – its another great read!
The Rock connection is quite tenuous, Charlie is best friend to Mollie, who’s with Fox, lead singer of Schoolboy Choir, and they were in the first book. Mollie has had some huge trauma in her past, which has lead to her current problems. We don’t find out the full story til well into the book, but judging by the security around her home and her panic attacks and flashbacks when someone gets too close, its something huge. When it was revealed I felt so saddened for her – and admiration too. She’s come such a long way, lots of people would have just folded, given in to their feelings but she’s fought back. She doesn’t seem to realise just how strong she’s been, but luckily Mollie is only a phone call away to remind her and chivvy her on when needed. Gabriel – he’s such a star, gorgeous, rich, ex top rugby star and now a very successful businessman, he’s hotly pursued by models, actresses, anyone who wants to be seen, and usually they’re the tall, blonde, leggy type. They mean nothing to him, he only ever does one date and then its a dozen red roses and on to the next! He’s a reputation for being ruthless in all areas of his life. So when he’s hired to turn around the business where Charlie works, his reputation precedes him. He’s known for being brutal and inexorable in getting what he wants, so everyone is wondering if they are going to be the next to go. Poor Charlie, working late once again one evening, doing the work her boss really should be doing, but always passes on to her and then takes the credit herself, hears an intruder, and throws the only thing she has to hand- a stapler. To her mortification though its her new boss...oops! He’s intrigued by her, she seemed a shy mouse and yet she’ll take on an intruder. Bored by his current dalliances he decides he wants to know more, and as he learns about her he begins to appreciate her sharp wit, her intelligence, and once she’s persuaded by Mollie to wear clothes that aren’t two sizes too big, but fit and flatter he’s entranced by her tiny, curvy body too....
I love the way he’s so decisive about pursuing her, and yet so gentle and understanding, and so willing to wait for what he really wants. Given his past you’d expect him to just move on to the next willing body, but once we meet his family and learn more about him we can see he’s been brought up to appreciate when something is right, to hold fast to it and he’s decided Charlie is right for him. I love Charlie too – it’s hard to push yourself forward when everything inside you wants to hide and go unseen. Her boss Anya has taken advantage of that, getting her to do all the hard work and make her job easy. Gabriel soon sees through that though, sacks her and promotes Charlie. They’re working close so she has to find a way not to quiver every time he shouts, and soon she’s done just that. He’s actually been working on that, pushing her carefully to find her voice and argue with him, and when she does he loves it. Its not something that happens often at first but as her confidence grows so does her courage. That’s when he starts to move in, to flirt and make it clear just how much he wants her...I loved the bracelet issue and the cooking lesson. Shows some of his forward planning and let her know just how long he’d been working on her. She needed to know that, she needed to be certain she wasn’t going to join the ranks of one night and red roses! Of course its not all plain sailing, she has setbacks, and her past comes back to create some dramatics and danger. Sadly for me that bit – the drama – was over far too soon. I felt that in the first book too, I just like my sad parts to be strung out so I can wallow, but that’s not for everyone of course. Its why I’ve dropped a half star but it’ll be perfect for other readers. You can’t please everybody all the time etc....
Its a great read, covering some very real issues people have, and with a sharp wit that made me laugh. The chapter headings too and the T-Rex allegories etc were terrific, and I found myself looking forward to those at the start of a new chapter. Darynda Jones, with her Charley Davidson novels does great chapter heading too- hers are t-shirt/bumper type slogans, and I look forward to each one of them when I'm reading. Stars: Four and a half, one to keep and reread. ARC provided by Netgalley and publishers.

Review will be posted on the blog March 10, 2015 NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4 1/2 REVIEW: T-Rex is on the hunt. But this time the mouse has come armed with weapons. Lots and lots of weapons to take down the big bad T-Rex.

I was so very excited to get my hands on Gabriel and Charlie’s story. I had falling in love with Charlie in book 1 Rock Addiction. I knew from the moment Charlie stepped on the since she was a lot tougher than even she thought she was. In Rock Hard she proves that over and over again. And of course we can forget listening to Charlie talk about her horrible new boss to her best friend Molly. Gabriel is most definitely a T-Rex kind of guy. But even T-Rex’s need love right? Or they need to be knock up side the head a few times. But either way Gabriel is nice on the eyes, a whiz at his job, bossy and a super nice guy who will do anything for those he loves.

I could keep going but I really want you to find out for yourself why Rock Hard is so far (because I hope there are lots more books) my favorite book of the series. :). If you liked the first two stories in the Rock Kiss series you will love Rock Hard. If you are new to the series never fear. Rock Hard can be read out of order (but I would suggest starting with book one). Can’t wait to see what Ms. Singh has in store for this series next.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & TKA Distribution in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

The moment I heard the name t-Rex I was hooked . Charlotte Bared is a hard working assistant whose boss takes advantage of her. When a new Ceo is brought in Garbriel Bishop and international ex Socer player new business tycoons everything is going to change. Gabriel see something in Charlotte and will stop at nothing to make her his women.

Love Love Love it!!. Way better then the first one. I loved Gabriel he was a hot H. He was funny and tough but knew what he wanted and was very patient with h. I liked Charlotte from first book. I couldn't wait to read her story and find out what happen to her and how she got with H. I read straight in one day. It was a nice cat and mouse chase. very hot sex scenes. I recommend. I don't feel you need to read first one to enjoy this one.

Ever since Charlie's issues were hinted at in book 1, I've been dying to know what it was that drove her into her shell. DYING. AND, OMG!, SO WORTH THE WAIT. Because, yeah, it was bad and I completely understand why she went to ground and became a scared mouse. Given her issues, it seemed clear it was going to take a man of extraordinary strength and patience to help her find her confidence and live again.

As it turns out, Gabriel is both physically and mentally strong AND incredibly patient with her. His willingness to go slow and make her feel comfortable with him BEFORE he knew what her issues were made him utterly swoon-worthy. He pushed her at times, but he was quick to back off as soon as he realized she needed space. When she reaches a point where she needs him to push harder to get her past the last of her fears, he had a hard time knowing he was going to be the cause of her fear.

Seriously.Swoon-worthy.

Where book 1 started as a fast and dirty physical relationship, this book is almost its polar opposite. By the time things get physical between them, they're both firmly entrenched in each others' lives. And Charlie needs that. She needs to trust Gabriel before she'll allow him in.

Honestly, I think this may be my favorite of the series thus far. (Although Noah's issues might push him up to the top. You know, once we learn what those issues are. He's pretty messed up, though, and those tend to be my favorite types of heroes.)

*slow thumbs up*

Received an ARC for review

LOVED IT! I so did not want it to end. T-Rex and Mouse make a wonderful couple. There was so much verbal foreplay that it didn't matter that it was 75% done until they actually hooked up. Loved seeing Molly and Fox. Now I need a novella where they come to visit. Job well done.

I was nervous that this series of books wouldn't live up to Nalini's two awesome paranormal romance series.......they are THE BEST. How wrong I was, this book lived up to all my expectations. Wonderful, romantic storyline, terrific characters with much to overcome and lots of happy crying by the reader (me).

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

So far this is my favorite Rock Kiss book and it's not even about a rocker in the Schoolboy Choir Band! We met Charlotte in Molly's book. Charlie is Molly's mousey best friend who gives her the courage to "go for it" with her bad boy rocker. In the first book, the romance was really too quick and I didn't feel the connection between the two main characters. This book was the total opposite. I really loved the way Gabriel Bishop took his time wooing the unsuspecting Charlie in his game of cat and mouse. He was incredibly patient.

I liked Charlie a lot also. While she was an extremely damaged woman from past hurts done to her, this wasn't really touched upon in previous books. We knew she was very close with Molly, but all we knew is that she was shy and dealing with her T-Rex of a new boss. This book opens us up to Charlie's world and her extremely damaged psyche. It could have been easy to be frustrated at how broken she is, always jumping at shadows. I prefer a tough, snarky, female MC. However, Ms. Singh actually endears us to Charlie early on by demonstrating her as an extremely competent business woman very capable at her job, even if she herself doesn't realize it and sells herself short. Luckily we all have Gabriel to recognize how great Charlie is and help pull her out of her shell.

Gabriel was a perfect MC. He was strong, tough, capable, and of course gorgeous and sensitive. What's not to like? Oh, throw in a little bit of his own personal pain from a difficult childhood and Gabriel is irresistible. I think he is the reason that I liked this book in the series the most.

I started reading this series feeling a little lukewarm about Ms. Singh's contemporary romance. I believe I said she should stick with her PNR series which is where her magic lies. While I STILL believe that she definitely does create magic in her PNR work, I am now a believer in her contemporary romances as well. I can't wait to read more!

I LOVE Nalini Singh. I’ve devoured her psy/changeling and Guild Hunters series and now she brings her incredible talent to contemporary.
We met Charlotte in Rock Addiction (Rock Kiss #1) as Molly’s best friend. This book runs almost concurrently and you don’t have to have read Rock Addiction to enjoy this book (but you will probably buy it right after). Take 1 no holds barred former professional Rugby Player now ruthless business fixer and 1 smart but extremely shy administrative assistant. Add in flying staplers, a sense of humor and the patience of a saint and mix well. Charlotte is emotionally scarred and avoids men and confrontation. Her new boss is extremely manly and takes no prisoners. She has to develop a spine to hold her own or find new work.
Gabriel loves challenges. He is no longer a top Rugby Player due to a physical condition and now finds his challenges in rehabbing failing businesses. He meets mousey Charlotte when she throws a stapler at him while working on a weekend so he knows she has spunk. He discovers she has been doing her bosses work so he fires her boss and promotes her as his PA. The more they work together the more he wants her. Can he help her overcome her issues? Is she just another challenge? You want to find out. This book kept me flipping pages way past my bedtime.
Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.

Loved this story. The main character gave me a better understanding on just how deeply abuse can effect a person.

I love Nalini's paranormals as well as contemporaries. I devoured this book in less than a day. She brings such depth to her characters. I gave this 5 stars no review on Goodreads.

wonderful.

Holy hotness, Batman! Rock Hard is the most deliciously slow-building romance I've had the pleasure to read in a very long time. Six stars!!

Slow-burning romances are among my favorite, because the anticipation is just so darned sweet! Wanting, needing, waiting for the heroine and the hero to get their shit together so they can really start their relationship is like delicious torture to me. And oh my goodness how well that was done in Rock Hard! If you have read Rock Addiction, you've heard of both Charlotte and Gabriel aka T-Rex mentioned before, and their story made my toes curl with delightful pleasure. Molly who is the main character in Rock Addiction plays an important role in Rock Hard as well, even if she is never actually with Charlotte, they call each other every day.

Charlotte has been through a really traumatic experience a few years back, and her fears are still a big part of her life today. Gabriel, however, is a very stubborn and goal-oriented man, and once he realizes that there is much more to Charlotte than her too big clothes, her shyness and the way she seems to want to hide herself from the world, she is the only woman he wants. Even if he is technically her boss.

The character development in Rock Hard is outstanding! Charlotte goes from being scared of her own shadow to sparring with T-Rex when he acts too much like the hard-ass CEO he seems to be. Written in third person point of view, most of the story is told from Charlotte's perspective, but there are so many wonderful dialogues I really got to know both Charlotte and Gabriel very well. And their fun back-and-forth word-sparring is like a beautiful cherry on top of the most amazing-looking, multi-layered cake ever. And I think I'll have enough food quotes for at least three or four Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts posts ;)

The romance in Rock Hard is very slow-building, but it really needed to be, because if not Charlotte wouldn't have been true to herself. And the innuendos were so well done, and as Gabriel was able to break through Charlotte's walls little by little, their potential to set my kindle on fire grew as well. And the reward it felt like when they finally got together was beautiful! However, actually getting together and dating is not the end of the road for Gabriel and Charlotte, there are still difficulties ahead of them, and one of those is the reason behind all of Charlotte's mental and physical scars.

If you enjoy contemporary romances that just makes your heart flutter, where the characters are so real you think you can pick up the phone to call one of them, and where the anticipation is almost killing you Rock Hard needs to get onto your TBR right now! Go ahead and pre-order it, you won't be sorry!

Charlotte had lived through a nightmare. She came out of it with scars both emotionally and physically. She is timid and certain things can spook her into panic attacks. Then her very own T-Rex comes into her life and makes her want to be better more than ever before. Gabriel is her hot growly boss who wants her. She has to tell him about the monster so that he understands her challenges. Gabriel is more than ready to meet those challenges with her. I so loved how he was patient with her and wanted so much to protect her. I adored Charlotte. She was so strong and sweet. Together they are combustible and I loved their story.

I give Rock Hard 5 hearts!

This contemporary series from paranormal author Nalini Singh is a fantastic addition to her repertoire, the crowning glory of which is the romance between a mouse and t-Rex. Charlotte (the Mouse) and Molly (Rock Addiction) are best friends and their stories overlap and interweave with each other, even if this one comes almost a year after Molly’s story. Gabriel Bishop (t-Rex) is an absolutely scrumptious hero, who stands head and shoulders above the famous rockers who are the larger-than-life heroes of the rest of this series. The cute and witty lead-ins to each chapter totally enhance the reader’s pleasure and deserve an A+ rating of their own.

Charlotte has deep wounds of the emotional and psychological type that have left her too scarred for a relationship and yet Gabriel is just as determined to bring her out of her darkness and make her the center of his professional and personal lives. The author has done a stellar job in developing the intensity of their encounters as Charlotte gains confidence and begins to heal through Gabriel’s efforts. Her journey can only be summarized from their first dinner, when she’s a little mouse who’s afraid to eat in his presence to the self-confident woman who pokes him in the chest to make her point and win.

Gabriel has a reputation of taking no prisoners in his turn-around of failing companies and yet the patience he brings to coaxing Charlotte out of her shell to her full potential tugs at my heart strings. I love how he calls Charlotte Ms. Baird in even the most intimate moments to help her stay on an even keel and recall who she’s with. Charlotte’s story is told with a skill and empathy that showcases Ms. Singh’s talent in designing her characters to be complex, true-to-life, three-dimensional people her readers invite into their lives.

A wonderful addition to the series. I can’t wait to see the rest of the band get their own stories and perhaps Gabriel’s brothers as well.

What can I say? I basically loved everything about this story! Gabriel and Charlotte's journey was such a fun, sexy, intense ride. The drama was really compelling and had me completely interested at what would happen next. What with Charlotte dealing with the very traumatic events of her past and Gabriel dealing with his own family issues.

Gabriel and Charlotte had such great chemistry from the start. Loved their banter as both of their sharp minds went head to head as they forged this strong working and romantic relationship. I really enjoyed the opposites attract / office romance element of the story.

Even with the serious hiccups that Charlotte had to face getting close to someone again, the romance between Gabriel and Charlotte was blazingly hot. I loved Gabriel's determination and courting of Charlotte. He really took his time getting to really know her and for her to know him and I could see that he really cared about her. Even though Charlotte was very shy and anxious in the beginning, I was happy to see her get comfortable with Gabriel, opening her self up to life and showing her independence, smarts and that she is a strong woman.

Overall I loved Rock Hard by Nalini Singh with its compelling drama and blazing romance. I can't wait to read more from this series!

This book wasn’t good, it was just mind-blowing!!! I was very surprised and totally taken by surprise!
Despite a heavy and tough subject, the author succeeded to lighten the mood! I laugh, I smile a lot, sometimes Charlie's situation made my heart hurts but I was totally swooning over Gabriel/T-Rex 's body : hot and handsome rugbyman turned brilliant successive CEO who couldn't be in love with that man! And Charlie, bad ass girl! Anyway, Nalini Singh got me at : "Charlie-mouse Meets T-Rex… and Things Happen"! I knew I was gonna love it!

Charlotte was the woman who was hiding, trying to be invisible. She’s a little mouse, loving being in her bubble, away from people. She used to her routine and not being noticed. She ’s got at her job, but some people took advantage of her. Smart, quirky, funny, she hide a hot tempered character behind her shyness.

She wasn’t searching for being noticed but when her boss caught her working on a week end, the little mouse was trapped. Gabriel, never used to be rejected by women, didn’t know how to get Charlie. But as a very smart businessman, he utilized his skills as a great negotiator to have her.
His intensity could scared her, built as a rugby god , he was kind of impressive and intimidating.
He could see Charlie through her, like he was reading in her soul, mind and his way of

The plan was settled in his mind and he was enduring a long an thrilling wait for getting her and it was very enjoyable, with a lot of very sexy and damn hot moments.
Even after Charlotte went through, Gabriel was patient and was having fun to wake the tiger hiding inside!
The little could definitely bite, surprising and amazed him.
Working together was king of confusing for her because Gabriel was such a perfectionist and kind of found his match with her, because she definitely rocked in her job!
Reading how she evolved and opened up to him was a pure blast and I loved how she came out from her shell!

I Just loved it, and Nalini Singh nailed it! Reading their story was so much fun, sweet and sinfully sexy!!Highly recommended!

Can I give this book more than 5 Stars? I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK. Period. End all.

Oh you actually want more?

This is a story transcendence ... a soul so damaged by a brutal man, finally finds the way to purge itself of the damage, grow and flourish under auspices of a patient and kind man.

From the first moment Charlotte meets Gabriel, you just know this relationship will be fun to watch. She is stunned silent after she attacks what she thinks is an intruder, only to realize it is her new boss. She is shy, coy, and damaged which is not conducive to welcoming strangers. Being in a solitary office with a man is just not helping the panic attack she is trying to control. The rest of the story you will have to read. This is an experience no one should deprive you of. You will not be sorry ... you will also not be able to put this book down.

There are amazing characters in this book. Not only Charlotte and Gabriel, but Alison, Joseph, Jack, Esme just to name a few. These characters make you feel like you are surrounded by real people who love, cry, and deal with problems just like you do in your everyday life.

The banter between Gabriel ( nickname T-Rex)and Charlotte (Ms. Baird) is reminiscent of Hepburn and Tracy. Please I hope you all know who I am referring to. If you have not watched the movie Woman of the Year or Desk Set or better yet Adam's Rib with Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy do yourself a favor and Netflix it. There are no other couples who banter so magnificently as they do.

This is an amazingly erotic romance whose courtship will have you panting. Who said foreplay is only right before sex? These two character's live and breathe foreplay every moment they are around each other. Enjoy!

**I received an e-ARC of Rock Hard from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.***

I love Nalini Singh and her Rock Kiss series is no exception. Rock Hard is the story of Charlotte Baird, a minor character from the first book in the series, Rock Addiction, and her workaholic boss, former rugby player, Gabriel Bishop. Charlotte has some major issues from her past to overcome but Gabriel is determined to win her over. What I loved about this book was how Ms. Singh doesn't rush the romance between these two. These characters have depth and her storytelling (as usual) is fantastic. This is a definite must-read for anyone who is a fan of romance novels. Yes there are some VERY hot scenes, but there is also a complex, emotional plot that had me reading through the night to finish.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1224299008

Most romance readers are quite familiar with Nalini Singh’s paranormal series’. The Psy-Changeling and Guild Hunter books are must-read, favorites of both Jen and I and we anxiously await each one. Last year Ms. Singh announced that she was also working on contemporary romances featuring the rock band, Schoolboy Choir. I will admit I was just a little bit excited. I may or may not fist pumped when the first book hit my Kindle. Rock Addiction was sexy. Seriously sexy. I was kind of taken aback by the level of sexy, but I was all in and have a lot of trust in this author so I was looking forward to what came next. I actually enjoyed the David and Thea’s novella, Rock Courtship, even more than it’s predecessor and when I found out the next book would feature Charlie and T-Rex I was stoked.

Taking a slight detour from the sex, drugs and rock and roll scene, Ms. Singh hits her stride with the third book in the Rock Kiss series by telling the story of rugby player turned boardroom shark, Gabriel Bishop and the shy, traumatized woman who becomes his PA, Charlotte Baird. T-Rex and Charlie. Gabriel has a gift for rescuing failing companies and earns his nickname by walking into the company Charlie works for and cleaning house. He instantly recognizes Charlie’s intelligence and work ethic and quickly promotes her to be his personal assistant, despite the fear that practically radiates from her when ever they are in the same room.

Charlie has good reason to be standoffish and fearful. After having lived through the type of horror that would break down even the strongest of women, she is taking it one day at a time and finally reclaiming her independence. Gabriel pushes her to the limit with his out of control work schedule and crazy demands, but she slowly learns to deal with her boss. She might throw the occasional muffin at his head, but who could blame her really? Gabriel sees the real Charlie and like everything else in his life, makes the decision to go after what he wants. And he wants her very badly. He is just going to have to take slower steps and be patient. Especially when she finally opens up about her past.

Let me just say, if you guys are looking for a new hero to swoon over, you can stop right here. Gabriel Bishop reminds me why I fell in love with romance. He’s confidant and capable and headstrong, while showing exactly what it means to be an alpha male. The tenderness and care he takes with Charlie is simply breathtaking. He proves to be just the type of man a woman fighting her way back to a feeling of safety and security needs. He backs off when she needs him to and pushes forward when she demands it. He cares deeply for her and it shows in every scene and with every move he makes to build her up.

Charlie is stronger than she realizes and I loved watching her reclaim herself. She transforms herself from the scared mouse at the beginning to a tamer of billionaire T-Rexes by the end. Seriously guys, I adored her. There is no insta-love here, Ms. Singh progresses her and Gabriel’s romance at just the right pace and I appreciated the fact that these two had to work hard to be together. Yes, their romance was sexy, but the sexiest thing about it was how the trust and affection built slowly and believably to where by the end I was rooting for this couple to overcome every obstacle to be together.

Even if you didn’t particularly love the first book in this series, you do not want to miss picking this one up. It was really that good. I can’t recommend it enough. Final Grade-A

Favorite Quote:

“What if we do this and it destroys all the healing you’ve done so far?”

“I’m not that weak.” She stabbed the buttons on the microwave, set it to humming. “If I fall, I’ll pick myself back up.”

“I don’t want you to fall!” he roared.

When I think of the author Nalini Singh the first thing that comes to mind is the paranormal PSY-Changeling Series, which is just a fantastic complex political-intriguing romance series. I remember reading the blurb for this book, Rock Hard and thinking “Oh no, she had jumped on the wealthy but flawed hero bandwagon that is so popular in contemporary romance right now. Why would she do that?” Well she didn’t. This book is different, better and well-crafted. Ms. Singh has brought her same wonderful style of writing with memorable characters in a strong story to contemporary romance that is in her paranormal romance.

I can tell you, I stayed up way too late reading to see how the mouse, aka Charlotte, takes on T-Rex, aka Gabriel, so that they both win. Mind you, that was Gabriel’s plan all along. Gabriel is perfect as the rugby player, the CEO and the man for Charlotte. I wasn’t sure at first about Charlotte, but she has such an admirable inner strength. She sees herself as a survivor when I see her as one thrives in conquering her trauma and fears.

While I loved the flirty sometimes sassy feel of the developing relationship and romance, Ms. Singh threw some unexpected turn of events that up the emotional aspect of this story. Just like in life, things can suddenly change, like with a phone call about cancer or one from a police detective. Wow!

I can highly recommend Rock Hard. Now, that I know that Rock Hard is part of a series, I cannot wait to go back and read Charlotte’s friend, Molly’s story.

How could I not love this ? Rugby guy (check) Intelligent female (check) damaged hearts/backstory (check) slow and easy sexual tension (double check) Wonderful friends family (check), hot filthy rich rugger, One total arse-hat turd (big check) and top that off with an interesting style..and so much more
A young woman who had been brutalized by an ex has been living a life of a walking victim always on guard. Her schedule is all about locks, lights, checks and re checks, about being invisible. Her insecurities will be pushed and crashed when she is taken over by her new large sized aggressive styled ex rugby star boss in her company. She is forced to stand tall and tries hard not to be the scared mouse she has trained herself to be. He is a hot dream of a man and she thinks not for her at all. He is also the key to the door she can’t find on the path she is presently on. When she tries to find a new direction she shuts down and slams the door.
He is an ex rugby player, from a strong family called in to save a crumbling company. He is a business guru, known for pulling near dead companies back to a full rich life. He is filthy rich, rippled, handsome, and smart. He is also one really good guy, considerate, protective, generous and sexual. He see’s something in this beautiful mouse that he wants to know and he is patient enough to wait and work for it.
This is not the type of book I normally enjoy I lean towards the misunderstood monster under the bed or the shifter that can't deny his animalistic tendencies. I like fantasy creatures I can not lie. I do read Contemporary Romance, but most leave me with cavities or guffaws it is rare for me to like the characters, too many idiotic unrealistic moments. When I find one that hits the right way I can't put it down. I picked this one up because of my love for rugby, and rugby players. Without them I would have missed it. I found an interesting plot, two fabulous leads that are fun realistic and sexy, and several interesting side characters to support them. I could not get rid of that giddy feeling when I was immersed in their drama, couldn't wait for the next page. HEA ! The author did a fabulous job of adding just enough and never went too far for this reader. I will hunt down more in this series and from this author.

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5 stars This book was adorable.

Charlotte Baird is in charge of records for Saxon and Archer, a company sinking fast. The board hires a new CEO, former Rugby player Gabriel Bishop, an expert in saving failing companies. This happens right around the time of Rock Addiction. Gabriel is growly and for saving the company he fires most of the top tier who aren’t doing their jobs. He gets rid of the former CEO’s Personal Assistant because Gabriel figures out that Charlotte is doing almost all of her work and then strong arms Charlotte into being is PA. 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 at Gabriel’s ultimatum she finds that she can push back and T-Rex just might have met his match in a mouse.

This book was so cute!!!!!!! Mostly this trope is over used, there is a ridiculous amount of sex and little plot. Rock Hard had an excellent plot, tons of foreplay (which is an awesome plus) and the right amount of smexy times. The boss/secretary thing worked excellently. Plus the drama that sometimes follows in these was not over the top. It felt realistic which is really rare and totally awesome!!!

I loved Charlotte from the get go. She is shy and because of her past is actively tries to blend into the background. So she calls herself a mouse. However with Gabriel she pushes back. He demands and growls and wants results but his expectations are never crazy. Charlotte finds her temper and meets him demand for demand. Slowly she finds her confidence again.

Gabriel, a T-Rex of a man who growls and storms through the office, leaving carnage in his wake, knows what he wants and he finds a way to make it happen. He wants Charlotte and finds her interesting and very smart. He figures out that the only way he can have her is to bring her out of her mouse burrow.

I loved the pet names and that Charlotte refers to Gabriel as T-Rex and her-self as Charlie mouse. Also that Gabriel calls her Ms. Baird and that’s what brings her out of panic attacks. I liked that there was lots of communication between the two. No one hid anything deliberately. And the drama was resolved quickly and with Charlotte defending herself with no help.

The whole book was lovely and I adored it.

Loved it! T-Rex and Charlie mouse were adorable together. A wonderful, sweet and sexy romance....
Full review to be posted on 10 March on blog as part of TRSOR blog tour.

Full review.
Warning: If you know me then you know I love Nalini Singh’s books and her so this review is a tiny bit biased.

Charlotte Baird aka Mouse is a painfully shy woman especially after what happened to her during her college years. She carries scars both inside and out. She is also extremely intelligent and a wonderful best friend to Molly.

Gabriel Bishop aka T-Rex is is former rugby player and the new CEO at the company Charlotte works at. Gabriel promotes Charlotte as his new PA at the beginning of the book never mind that she threw a stapler at his head the first time they met in person.

I just loved Charlotte, her internal monologue could be hilarious at times and at others self deprecating.

Eventually, she’d turn into a crazy woman with bird’s-nest hair who frightened small children and random telemarketers.
She was just a great heroine, she knew that she was shy and could be a coward. She knew that she didn’t want to be a scared woman living her life in fear and she was tiring to not let her fears and the nightmare win. How can anyone not admire and love that? She goes through a great development over the period of the book, which was done in a believable way.

Gabriel was wonderful; he was patient and understanding with Charlotte. He knew he wanted her from the get go. He helped her gain her confidence and made her feel comfortable in her own skin. He’s a swoon worthy hero truly, the way he adored Charlotte, cared for her, protected her and yes needled & teased her to get a out of character response from Charlotte. I think those teasing scenes were my favourite.

"Smart Women were his catnip-and Charlotte Baird was very, very smart."
One thing I did not except was Gabriel having a sense of humor. I have no clue why, maybe because he’s supposed to be a T-Rex *shrugs* but I loved it nonetheless.

Gabriel sighed. “I’m crushed, fragile flower that I am”

I think that Charlotte and Gabriel had a pretty darn amazing relationship. Gah and don’t even get me started on the romance. It was how you except romance to be; sweet, soft and passionate & sexy at times. Seriously I think I had a smile on my face the entire time I was reading.

That made him growl. “You used to be so compliant. What happened?’
“You did,” she whispered.

There were few twists and turns including Charlottes traumatic past, Gabriel’s biological father before they got their happy ending.

Random thing I liked: I really liked the chapter names, they were pretty much on point on what happens in the chapter but they were also funny and interesting.

Overall, this is my favourite book in the series and I really wish that Nalini can somehow write books for Gabriel’s brothers as well. I loved their family dynamic. I adored T-Rex and the mouse together. Happy Reading!

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.

Review:

All Hail T-Rex!!!

Loved this story! I have read a few of second books in a series lately and each one has been better than the first book and this is no exception. This is Charlie and Gabriel's story, we first meet them in book #1 (Rock Addiction) because she is Molly's best friend. I am so glad they received their own story, I was very intrigued with them from that first meeting. If you have read Rock Addiction, you will notice a lot of things happen simultaneously between the two books. Having read both stories I found this a great way to tie the two stories together even more. Plus, I found it great to see the other perspective. You do not need to read the first book in order to understand this book, but it really is an awesome story too.

I know I should start with Charlie, but ahhhhh...T-Rex, I want for my own! I see lots of people making him their book-boyfriend, he sex on a stick. Though really Gabriel is a complete package, a sexy hunk of a man, who is dominate, patient, smart and willing to do anything to get the love and trust of his assistant. It was fascinating to see him work with Charlie and get her to blossom and trust him even though he knows something has happened to her in the past.

Speaking of Charlie, you could see in the first book that she has spunk, but the Author did a great job of making her not just a mouse. Once she gets comfortable with T-Rex she really begins to shine, heck even I wanted to protect her from her nasty ex-boyfriend. I liked her snark especially where Gabriel was concerned. They are a fun and sexy couple. The sexy scenes were very well done and hot!

I don't know if there is another story to come in this series, but I hope so or even more of Charlie and Gabriel would be awesome!

4.5 Stars

I love when a book completely captivates me and has me enthralled until the very end!! Rock Hard by Nalini Singh totally blew me away!!!

I need to start by saying that I have never read a Nalini Singh book prior to Rock Hard. Even after just one book I am a total fan!! This is the second book in Rock Kiss series but can be read as a standalone (FYI- as soon as I finished Rock Hard I had to purchase book 1 Rock Addiction).

In Rock Hard we meet the very handsome ex-rugby player, Gabriel who is the new CEO of the company Charlotte works for. After Gabriel sorts through the personnel who are completely useless to his new company he realizes that Charlotte may come off a little mousey and may be pushover, but is also really a huge asset to this company and promptly promotes her to his assistant. Well let me say how much I loved Charlotte and Gabriel!!! He caught on quickly that under her frumpy clothes and demure appearance is a sexy and brilliant lady who really doesn't take any BS!!

So as they develop their professional relationship they both have strong personal feelings and...wow!! There is a major obstacle that has to be faced and I just love the way Gabriel handles what is thrown at him- it made me love him that much more!! The depth and tenderness that Gabriel has is truly beautiful! Reading their story, and seeing the struggles, you can't help but be completely enraptured!!

This book just simply worked for me! It was such an enjoyable read that I didn't want it to end! I give Rock Hard 5+++ stars and I highly recommend that everyone read it!! I can't wait to read more from Nalini Singh!!!

Having read the first book in this series, I was excited to be able to get to read this book via Netgalley for an honest review. So here is my honest review! LOVED THIS STORY! It was so much more than just a romance! Charlotte Baird has a TON of issues. She was raped and traumatized by her previous lover and when she is attracted to the new CEO of the company she works for, and it becomes mutual, there are a lot of issues to work through. But all of these issues became the essence of this story and kept me going for the whole book. It felt real to me. They did not just fall in bed. There were real issues to be dealt with with both the H/h and I enjoyed following their journey to get their HEA. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Why did I want to read this book?

I’ve read Books #1 and #1.5 in this series and I’m falling more and more in love with the series with each installment. And this particular installment, I’m truly vested in. We’ve ‘met’ Charlotte, Molly’s best friend and only ‘heard’ of T-Rex in Book 1 but in the few pages that they were mentioned there, I just knew that there was something special about these two. So when I learned that they were finally getting their own story, gosh, I couldn’t swoon fast enough.

What worked for me?

Nalini Singh offers us a new couple, which didn’t have that insta-love vibe that Rock Addiction kind of had nor the long-standing one-sided affection that Rock Courtship had. What she gave us in this book are two people who gradually fell into each other. Yes, there was that attraction. But sooner or later, a couple needs to find more than that as common ground, right? And what Charlotte and Gabriel had was friendship, and then trust, and then something much more.

I love Charlotte. I just simply felt for her the whole time, throughout the book. She had a traumatizing event in the past that made her feel cautious of and a little removed from people but you can’t help but admire her tenacity, her strength, her bravery. I love that although she doesn’t view life through rose-colored panels but that she still realizes that life should be lived and not merely survived. Her belief in Gabriel was so sweet and just left me with all kinds of swoon-y feelings and you just can’t help but go in endless ‘awww’ every time you think how awesome it is that somebody like Charlotte is capable of bringing a rugby-turned-ruthless-businessman man like Gabriel to his knees.

Gabriel was such a sweetheart. He’s big and powerful in more ways than one. But he’s decent and a good person. Yes, he has his issues but thankfully it’s not all unnecessarily super heavy and dark. A lot of my favorite parts of the stories are those that are told from his POV. I love discovering all the ways he sees Charlottes, admires her, and of course, gradually falls for her.

What I will distinctly remember about Charlotte and Gabriel’s story is how, even though obviously there were pivotal moments in the plot of the book in general and in the development of their romance, there is that subtle quality in the transitions, a sense of quietness in the important shifts in characterizations, that leaves you slightly bewildered but thoroughly amazed, especially when you realize that something had already happened. And it definitely is a plus point (or a gazillion points) that they had an amazing chemistry.

What did not work for me?

I just felt that the ending was a little disjointed, but only a little. And by the time it was the end, I was pretty much still in love with those two.

My over-all take on it?

Charlotte and Gabriel gave me an amazing romance. I love how they met. I love how they were whenever they’re in the same room. I love how patient Gabriel is. I love how brave Charlotte is. I basically loved reading this book. And if you would give it a try, you might fall in love with it too.

Since I have read many of her paranormal novels and adored them I was most curious to see how she would be as a contemporary romance author. I did not even read what it was about just had to try it. She does certainly have the right stuff and talent to also mesmerize a reader in this genre also. The chapter headings are so delightful that as you get to each one you wonder what it will be titled next. With that being said you soon realize that what will be contained in that chapter will be fitting to the title. She also has a talent for humor that times I would find myself bursting out loud not caring if I was heard or forgetting that I just did it out loud. I would say that these two are the most unlikely on the surface but once you dive in are really made for each other. Charlotte and Gabriel are the most intriguing couple I have read in eons. Their story is one that you just can't put down because you fall in love with Charlotte and Gabriel leaves you in awe because you wish there was a Gabriel around the corner. Actually though this is two broken people that will grow together as they work together and discover each other. At times her story will have you sadden but also glad that she is letting him into her heart. It takes a real man to show the patience and love that he has with certainty for the one he wants in his life. Swooning and fanning they will have you at times because they will be so explosive at times when they come together. The turd of the one who broke her will also be exposed and taken care of like the trash he is. So to say I was blown away is putting it mildly but will it be easy to find my next read after this, not so much because of the euphoria this novel gives you. Received a arc for a honest review.

Talk about a total book hangover! Not that I should be surprised since it is a Nalini Singh book, but dear lord I loved this book. I seriously want my own Gabriel, T-Rex and all, but I’ll settle for him being my book boyfriend. I’ll admit that part of the hook for me was the whole ex Rugby player with ink thing because all I could picture was All Blacks captain Richie McCaw in my head with a dash of Sonny Bill Williams thrown in, especially with the whole tattoo thing, and I was a goner just based on that, but dear lord the man was so much more. Intelligent, determined, gruff, sneaky, flirty, sexy and so compassionate and understanding that even when he was being an ass, and he has his moments, it didn’t overshadow the man that he is at his core. I adore Charlotte, yes she is a “mouse” when we meet her, but after the abuse she went through, and really the term abuse is too mild, brutalization is much more apt, it’s hard not to understand why, but despite her fears she finds a way to live and that fighter within her is what I loved. And as the story progresses the mouse starts to slowly fade away and we get to see the woman deep within, you can’t help but find her amazing and you see why T-Rex was so determined to make Charlie-Mouse his.
I loved how Gabriel and Charlotte’s relationship evolved and progressed. There is no “Insta” in this. It was done organically, they got to know each other first as boss and employee and it moved on from there. Even when Gabriel finally admitted to flirting with her and wanting more, it didn’t fast forward. It continued to grow and their bantering was great, especially when poor Ernest came up. And really how can you not love a man who finds a womans intelligence sexy? “Yes, smart women were his catnip-and Charlotte Baird was very, very smart.”

Also, I liked how the issue of Charlotte’s abuse and her continued healing after being brutalized were handled. There was no instafix, we got to see Charlotte overcome her fears and work through them, and while Molly and Gabriel were there to support her they didn’t try to jump in and do it for her, they wanted to, but understood that Charlie needed to take the first step on her own. And how Gabriel helped Charlie through it is just another reason why I fell for him too. He understood that she had been hurt and wanted to charge in and fix it all, but he didn’t. Instead he figured out a way to help her break out of her shell. Sometimes he pushed, sometimes he pulled back but he was always supportive and when a panic attack would occur he took the steps to understand what triggered it so it wouldn’t happen again.

And as always, while you fall in love with Ms. Singh’s H/h, you also find yourself intrigued by the secondary cast of characters she brings in that adds another layer not only to the H/h’s story but the series as well. The Esera clan was too much fun and while they were only in it for a small amount of time, I adored them and hope that they make more appearances as the series continues, because not only were Emmaline & Esme too adorable for words, but it would great to see Jake and Danny get their own story, even if it’s a novella.

Overall: Another total win for Nalini Singh and I can’t wait to see what else she has in store for us!

**Note: This book takes place at the same time as Rock Addiction, but it can be read as a standalone.**

Review appears on the following sites

Books-n-Wine Blog http://books-n-wine.tumblr.com/post/113211546066/arc-review-rock-hard-rock-kiss-2-by-nalini

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1197960711

I really, really, really liked this book. As in, loved it. This is what romance is called, with a capital R. I always loved Nalini's work, read all her books, and now she's one of my all-time favorite writers, if not THE favorite. And this story shows that it's not only paranormal that she can write magically, but contemporary as well. I just love her writing style, how she formulates the words, creates metaphors until her sentences become almost artistic.
What I love even better in her work is the variety of multi-faceted, colorful and changeable characters. Their qualities and features are so well and specifically written that they practically leap off the page. There is something unique in all of them. So even if there are similarities between some of them, from the lot of characters that came to life by Singh, they are still distinct. Nobody is black or white, where there is bad, there is good. Where there is light, there IS darkness. The real fifty shades.
That is the case in this book as well. Inow decided I need a Gabriel. I simply adored how he was so patient and kind, but also he was incorrigibly a big, bad man. In every good sense of this phrase. He always knew what to say to bring his Ms. Baird out of 'the bad place'. Talk about talking dirty. Thanks to it, I didn't even mind that they didn't put it to practice through a big portion of the book. All in all, he is a favorite kind of book boyfriend of mine.

Why go for any woman but the one he wanted?

As for Charlotte, the best thing about her was - maybe - that she didn't ever give up. She could look at her progress optimistically, even if first it seemed that everything is against her, against them. I enjoyed seeing how the mouse became - let's say - a wildish cat.

That made him growl. 'You used to be so compliant. What happened?'
'You did.'

I wouldn't say tigress, because there actually are room for further development, but I think it has to be this way, and I really hope we'll see her that way later, in a short story for example. What she lived thorugh was a horrific and brutal thing, which made me want to hug her all the time and root for her till happiness. Besides wanting to personally castrate Richard.
Thanks to Nalini's fantastic writing style, we could almost feel what they felt. We could feel the Bishops's uncharacterically big taste of helplessness, how it ate at him to see his woman's panic. We could feel Charlie's despair and willingness to fight to become what her love needs. It, for me, makes the story very lifelike.

'I'm not about to argue with Mr. Bishop.'
'You should. It's good for him.'

So, knowing what we do about the MC, in my opinion, the pace was understandable and adequate, the plot proceeded as it should, and we got a really romantic, heart and bodywarming story, which kept us on the edge because we so wanted the couple to get there deserved HEA. When we didn't smile goofily because of a certain T-Rex, who only hides his sharp teeth for his girl, he is so smitten with her. I really could have read it in one sitting.

5 (definite) Stars!!

*Copy provided by publisher through NetGalley.

My blog: http://musingmusteress.blogspot.hu/

4.5 stars Oh my goodness! Love Nalini Singh's paranormal books, but give her a contemporary platform and heretofore untold humor skills come bubbling up!! Woot! This reader loves loves loves some heavy-handed humor along with a sizzling hot alpha man, and this book delivers in spades. Just look at the clever titles on each chapter and you will see what I mean! Smoking sexy + funny = INSTANT hot! Great story about a favorite trope of mine--the repressed, damaged female who's hiding from the world but is discovered and saved by a powerful, amazingly handsome alpha male who realizes her potential and loves her for what she is inside and has hidden from everyone else. ~sigh~ Squishy heart.

Charlotte Baird is one of life's misfits. Left an orphan by loving parents too young, abused in college by a horrific, violent man, she has spent the last years using her overly large clothing and lack of makeup as camouflage. She wants to be invisible. When the company she works for is in financial trouble and a new CEO comes in to shake things up, Charlotte along with everyone else fears for her job. However, the new CEO is former Rugby player and financial wonder-boy Gabriel Bishop, who's developed a reputation as someone who can save sinking businesses. She feels totally helpless to do anything to save her job even though she is brilliant and her work is flawless. Let's hope the new boss notices. Unfortunately, she's organized and computerized her recordkeeping job so well that it's now redundant. Thank goodness she rocks at doing the CEO's personal assistant's job--even though it isn't hers. Anya uses her like a rag doll, but that's okay. At least there's a reason to keep her around!

In the first few weeks, as Gabriel moves through the upper management with a fine-tooth comb, weeding out the undesirables, he notices an alarming trend in his PA Anya's work. It's all being done by an assistant in recordkeeping named Charlotte. So he boots her out and replaces her with Charlotte. There's one problem. Charlotte's crippling shyness makes it so difficult for her to be around him that he quickly realizes that the only way to keep her going is to get her angry. He is startlingly attracted to her physically as well, but her shyness makes him very cautious around her. As they spend more and more time together and he witnesses more than one of her panic attacks when he inadvertently cages her against the break room counter or approaches her from behind, he realizes that more is at work than just extreme shyness. His "Ms Baird" has been attacked and hurt at some point in her past. This only makes him more determined to protect, possess and make her safe with him in his life.

As with any victim of abuse who hasn't been properly treated, the road to recovery is long and arduous. As Gabriel patiently works at bringing the Charlotte he knows is inside her to the fore, there continue to be hiccups--she will withdraw into silence or even have a panic attack. Each time he patiently tries to discover what the trigger was. Sometimes it takes a while for her even to tell him that there was a trigger. When she starts sharing with him, he's amazed at the blaze of triumph and strong feelings of possessiveness that shoot through him. She's letting him in! As their relationship slowly moves into the physical as she becomes more and more comfortable around him, can he ever get her to confide in him about the truth around what happened to cause the vibrant woman he sees under the fear?

Charlotte loves the softness and possessiveness she sees in Gabriel, and adores working for him. It pushes her to new highs and reminds her of how independent and smart she can be when she doesn't let the fear stop her. They have a wonderful give-and-take that is built on mutual respect and trust. But what if that the words her attacker said to her are true--that she really isn't worth love--and Gabriel realizes it and leaves her too. Why is he taking all this time with her and staying with her when she's so much trouble? He seems to believe that she will be able to move forward and have a normal life with him, but sometimes she doesn't believe it's true.

Is life really going to give Charlotte and Gabriel a chance? Is the past really behind them? Or is a cruel twist of fate going to snuff it out before it has a chance to shine? You can prepare for everything, but we all know...

the waiting's the hardest part.

Amazing, awesome, tempting, sinfully sexy. Must read stuff!!! Get it while it's sizzling.........

I'm a big fan of Nalini Singh's PNR series, Psy-Changeling and I was excited to try her contemporaries. I was not impressed with the first book, but the novella was definitely better. This one is by far the best so far. It's very loosely connected with the previous books and can be read as a standalone.

I'm not generally a fan of stories of billionaires/CEOs, even less when the romance involves their assistant but I was curious if and how Ms Singh could turn this around in a captivating love story. And I'm very happy to say she did make a captivating, raw and heartwarming love story out of this unlikely ingredients.

Charlie is a wonderful heroine. She is shy and intimidated by men after serious physical and emotional trauma in her past. At same time she had this inner strength and sass when dealing with Gabriel in his mode of a slave-driving, high-powered, high-maintenance boss. She was hesitant to open up to him as a woman to a man but very much wanted. I liked that she was aware of her issues and wanted to deal with them.

Her problems were far too serious to just magically be cured by loving and being loved by a good man like Gabriel. She had to work had on letting herself start a relationship with Gabriel. And here comes Gabriel and there is only one word to describe him - perfect.

I liked how patient he was with Charlie, how understanding of her issues and how he takes his time to really woo her and win her over. He was the alpha hero I want to read about in romance - caring and protective, confident without becoming overbearing, aware of his power but never abusing it.

She is his assistant and he is her boss which adds another obstacle to them being together, and I generally wouldn't welcome this type of relationship but the way is was developed here didn't bother me and I felt it fitted the characters and their story arc.

The story functions on many levels - a real down-to-earth story of abuse and dealing with it, powerful and tender forever-type of romance. The magical writing style of Ms Singh's PNR stories was easily discernible her e and made to story really shine for me.

It's a powerful character driven, complex story, which may seems bit cliche on the surface but it's more than familiar romance trope bundled together. They are presented with depth of understanding making them stand out and engaging the reader in the journey of Charlie and Gabriel. Recommended read for fans of Nalini Signh and any romance lover in general.

Rock Hard........Nalini Singh

Friends have told me how much they love Ms. Singh's books. When the opportunity came my way to read and review this ARC, I grabbed it. My friends were absolutely right. Charlotte ( Charlie) Baird is a woman trying to find strength and independence and attempting to put a life threatening experience behind her. She lives in her own apartment and enjoys her work as a file clerk at Saxon & Archer home office, but stays very much in the background. The business has been slowly failing and they have hired a man known for his ability to turn companies around. Ruthlessly. Her first meeting with Gabriel Bishop is an unfortunate one. She is alone in the office on a Saturday, hears noises and flings a heavy duty stapler at who she thinks might be an intruder. Charlie is mortified when she sees the infamous Gabriel Bishop, his only reaction after catching the stapler is to let her know she should have thrown something heavier!

Gabriel, former star rugby player until an injury sidelines him, finds taking over failing companies fascinating. He is also fascinated by Charlotte Baird, the sweet, quiet, terrified woman who seems to know all the in's and out's of the company, but shakes like a leaf in his presence. After firing several people who weren't contributing anything to the company, he calls her to his office and she expects she is the next to go. Gabriel totally surprises her by asking her to be his Personal Assistant. He proves to her he is fair, honest and a workaholic, expecting for her to be one as well. Her heart feels safe and working with him is enjoyable if not exhausting. Not to mention the sparks that fly when their together.

This story was funny, sexy and very romantic. Plus a little suspenseful when fears from her past become real again. The chapter headings by Ms. Singh are so much fun. Gabriel is T-Rex, and Charlie is Charlie-mouse. Their relationship grows, I loved their banter and Gabriel's amazing ability to sense Charlotte's fears and hold back. This is the second book in a series, but is easily read as a stand alone. I'm going back and reading the first, just for the pure enjoyment!

I received this ARC from the publisher and NetGalley for an honest review.
Pat Fordyce

What a yummy story! I loved Gabriel and Charlotte. It's nice when the mouse gets the wolf.

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!!

This is the second book in the Rock Kiss series and book one takes place at the same time as this one pretty much. You can read this one as a stand alone as well. Gabriel is this tall, sexy and smart ex rugby player turned business guru, He takes failing companies and turns them around to make them profitable again. Charlotte has had some really bad things happen in her life and ever since then she is very careful about the people around her. Especially men. Her first meeting with Gabriel she runs into him at her work which he is the new boss. Alone after work hours she hear someone and thinks it's a intruder and throws a stapler at him. Charlotte starts out at the beginning of this book like the back of the book blurb says as a mouse. Gabriel sees something in her that attracts him though and little by little brings Charlotte out of the dark shadows she's spent the past few years in, Then the threat from her past comes back and it's sink or swim time for Charlotte. Go back to the way she was or let Gabriel be there for her and fight. I loved Gabriel and Charlotte both. Gabriel is visually described at this really big guy over 6ft tall, wide shoulders and muscular and Charlotte is described as a small and delicate. Gabriel doesn't hold back in the way he talks to Charlotte describing all the things he want to do with her but still he controls himself physically around here giving her time to get used to him. Even though he helps her a lot the help isn't just one sided. Gabriel has some issues himself with some things from his past and Charlottte helps him with it. Once she starts getting her self confidence and security in herself back she doesn't let Gabriel get away with anything. There banter is fun and her T-REX knickname for him just seems to fit. There is just so much about this book to love. It makes me wish i could unread it so i can read it again for the first time.

Find out more about Nalini Singh and her books here www.nalinisingh.com

Rock Hard is the third volume in the Rock Kiss series by Nalini Singh. The first two volumes are a novel, Rock Addiction, and a novella, Rock Courtship.

Rock Hard, as Rock Courtship, happens at the same time as Rock Addiction, and this for a good part of the book. Indeed, the meeting between Charlotte Baird (nicknamed Charlotte the mouse by the hero) and Gabriel Bishop (nicknamed T-Rex by the heroine) happens at the same time as the meeting between Molly and Fox.

So we assisted to their turbulent relations through Molly’s eyes. In Rock Hard we have Charlotte’s point of view on the same events. The writing work in this regard is perfectly successful. Indeed I didn’t feel any repetition and I really rediscovered with pleasure what Charlotte is facing after meeting T-Rex, just as the evolution of their relationship.

I found the evolution of the relationship plausible given Charlotte’s past. I was very intrigued because Nalini Singh clearly made understand she had a heavy past, we knew it was because of a love relationship but we didn’t know more. In Rock Hard, we discover what happened as we read and the relationship between our two heroes goes very slowly, depending on what is revealed and how Charlotte the mouse evolves herself through contact with T-Rex. All of this explains why in spite of the sexual tension, and even if there is sensuality, the sex scenes come very late. I liked that when I closed the book, everything wasn’t solved at 100%. Charlotte needs some more time. However, we don’t doubt for a moment of the HEA and the support of the hero and Molly.

The novel has humor but also more emotion, comparing to the two other volumes. There’s also some suspense linked to Charlotte’s past. The reader is afraid of what could happen to her once more and I confess I sighed in relief at a point. You’ll surely feel the same LOL.

I always love just as much the hero. Here it was especially difficult for Gabriel as he had first to knock down the heroine’s walls then make her understand little by little that she could count on him. And at the same time, he also had to trust her. T-Rex showed unfailing patience and loyalty and I really loved this character. I also loved the author chose for Charlotte a big, strong, and muscled hero. You’ll understand why by reading this novel.

To conclude, this volume is once more on par with my expectancies. It’s a classical contemporary romance and I liked everything. Of course, those who love tension between the heroes will perhaps be frustrated but in Rock Hard, it was a basis to avoid at any cost. I’m waiting impatiently for the next one.

Oh my God, where to start with this. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED this book! This has got to be one of the best contemporary romance books that I have ever read and Nalini Singh has literally ruined other men for me with Gabriel Bishop aka: T-Rex! I've found my book husband for life, I'm done. Game over, no need to look further. I don't even need to give you an in depth review, the only thing that you need to know is that T-Rex is the BEST. CONTEMPORARY. HERO. EVER. And I mean EVER. He was domineering, possessive, arrogant, grouchy, ruthless and absolutely perfect (and sexy as hell). He saw the real Charlotte, not the mousy one hiding behind baggy clothes and the patience and caring that he shows while he helps her work through her PTSD was just.... *sniffles* He knew how far to push her boundaries, it was just enough to help her confront her fears without making her feel forced and I LOVED watching her grow from a timid mouse to a strong, independent woman that could take on and tame a T-Rex.

Rock Hard is the perfect example of what a romance should be, emotion filled, passionate and yet tender. I love romances but I've found that I've tended to drift away from the contemporary genre to read more PNR. Maybe it's the whole fated mates idea but that is what I love most about a romance, the deep bond between two people, soul mates so to speak. And for some reason contemporaries have a harder time showing that bond but Nalini nailed it in this book. You can feel the connection between Gabriel and Charlie and they were the perfect compliment to each other. T-Rex strengthened her while Charlie gentled him. *sighs* Made me fall in love with the romance genre all over again.

Rock Hard is book two in the Rock Kiss series and can be read as a stand alone but I urge to to read the first book ROCK KISS, Mmmm... Fox is absolutely divine and the novella between book one and two, ROCK COURTSHIP. OMG David and his MEMOS! Yeah, you are definitely going to want to read that one. :)

Major thanks to NetGalley and TKA Distribution for the ARC Oh man, oh man, oh man, I don’t think I can truly express how much I loved this book. Charlotte and Gabriel, or T-Rex, as he is affectionately known, gave me so many power duo feels. I’m talking Oliver/Felicity (Arrow) and Harvey/Donna (Suits) type emotions. Like they are each other’s complete equal in life. Add in the cat and mouse chase and this is a solid read.
Gabriel is so not what I expected. I thought he was going to be the typical asshole, playboy boss that was just anti all things love and commitment. In fact, and I hope not too spoilery, he is a fucking GEM. Between his clear love and devotion for his family, his hot ink, and oh dear heavens, his filthy mouth; he is a serious force of attraction. That attraction just so happens to be aimed right at his new assistant, Charlotte.
Charlotte Baird, who in my head, looks and sounds like Felicity Smoak. She has brains, beauty, and a wonderful spirit that has unfortunately, taken some brutal hits over the years. When Gabriel enters her world she has no idea what to make of him or how to handle his flirtatious ways. After all, according to her research, she doesn’t fit his type of woman. What she does know, is that she feels good and safe when he’s around. Also maybe a little wound up.
The progression of their relationship is told so well and you feel every bit of fear and insecurity that they face. I just loved it a lot. Very much recommended great read.

I love this series and wish more readers knew about it!

"Trust me, Ms. Baird?"
"Not when you smile like that."

THE STORY: Charlotte Baird has hidden herself in ill fitting clothes and a mousey personality. After a horrible incident in her past, Charlotte set about protecting herself in as many ways as possible. Her steady date for the past year is more interested in talking about his hobbies than getting physical with Charlotte and that is the way she likes it. When the failing company she works for hires a new CEO to turn around the company, Charlotte is intimidated by the large athletic strong man. She nicknames him T-Rex as he chews up the upper ranks of the company.

Gabriel Bishop is an ex-professional rugby player who has made a name for himself as a turnaround artist for failing companies. Gabriel is protective of the mouse he sees in Charlotte but it intrigued at the glimpses of the strong woman that he sometimes sees.

OPINION: I loved this book because of the strong, complex characters of Charlotte and Gabriel. Their relationship is incredibly beautiful and I really like that their relationship takes time to develop. I appreciated that the book allows the characters to acknowledge the dangers of office romances and especially boss/employee relationships. While those issues are quickly dismissed, the characters at least do acknowledge those issues.

Charlotte's story is incredibly sad and yet she has survived and managed to create a decent life for herself. I don't want to give away the exact nature of her past as information is disclosed to readers in the same way that Gabriel learns the truth. The scenes are powerful and heart wrenching.

Gabriel is my favorite part of this book. He is an alpha hero and yet is incredibly thoughtful, caring and protective. He is patient with Charlotte and places her peace of mind above his own desires. For sexy good guy heroes, he is one of the best.

Strong characters and relationships are a hallmark of Singh's books. Her characters, including those here, are complex multifaceted people. The relationship between these two people is adult and mature. Charlotte and Gabriel talk through their issues and relationship. They are also sexy and sensual. This book is about Charlotte embracing her own sexuality.

For fans of the Thea and David sexy and funny email exchanges from ROCK COURTSHIP (the series novella) will be pleased that there are similar exchanges of written correspondence in this book. While not as extensive or clever as in ROCK COURTSHIP, there are some sweet and funny moments between Charlotte and Gabriel that made me smile.

WORTH MENTIONING: The events of ROCK HARD take place at the same time as those in the first book in the series ROCK ADDICTION.

FINAL DECISION: I loved this book because of Charlotte and Gabriel. Their story made me smile and cry. They are fully realized complex characters. Gabriel especially is a wonderful alpha good guy hero who is sexy and patient and caring.

CONNECTED BOOKS: ROCK HARD is the second novel in the Rock Kiss series. It can be read as a standalone.

STAR RATING: I give ROCK HARD 4.5 stars.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in order to provide an honest review of the book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

The absolute best thing about this book is Gabriel Bishop - T-Rex. He is a sexy ex-rugby player who is the CEO of the company Charlotte works for. He is protective, sweet, intelligent, patient, determined and bossy. I LOVED this book. This was really a fantastic story about a broken woman who has to work through some issues and the man who can help her do it. This is a true romance and I loved every page of this story. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves a swoon-worthy hero! Fantastic!

Honestly I was blown away by the writing in this book. Nalini Singh made the characters so believable and real I was rooting the whole time for Mr. Bishop.

Ms.Baird is a very shy, scared young woman. She is overcoming such a traumatic past that she doesn't even trust her own shadow without having a panic attack. She fights through the daily struggles of just interacting at work. Mr. Bishop comes in to clean house in her company and set it up for success. She accidentally runs into him one night after work and he invites her out to supper to pick her brain. She of course is terrified through this whole ordeal. Mr. Bishop see's that she is scared so of course being the great alpha he is wants to help her through it. Needless to say without spoiling it they work together a lot.

This book does skip months at some points it will say two months later which makes sense because he is trying to take it so slow with her so she trusts him enough to let him in. Once you hear her story you understand why she is so scared. Its so wonderful how patient he is, for once I enjoyed the male character much more than the female.