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Rock Hard

(Rock Kiss #2)

Nalini Singh (Goodreads Author)

4.06 · Rating details · 13,654 ratings · 1,440 reviews

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 kno ...more

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Paperback, 387 pages

Published March 10th 2015

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2015 Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense (January - June)

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Feb 06, 2015 Kristen rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-romance, mousy-docile-heroine, 4-star, loved-the-love-story, abuse-and-or-rape-issues, arrogant-cocky-hero, endearing-heroine, slow-building-romance, fabulous-characterizations, great-writing

4 1/2–Unforgettable–Stars

Rock Hard is one of those classic romance stories that will remind you why you love romance.

description

I really enjoyed reading this book. It's a character driven story that's emotional and endearing and full of heart-and-soul. It features one of the most patient, protective, ambitious, charming, and SWOONWORTHY heroes I've read to date. To say I fell in love with Gabriel (T-Rex) would be an understatement. I liked Charlotte (The Mouse) and had immense empathy and respect for her ...more

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Nov 08, 2014 Val ⚓️ Shameless Non-Snowflake ⚓️ rated it really liked it

Shelves: famous-celebrities, quirky-character, sports, can-shit-on-paper-i-would-read-it, 4-stars

4+ Stapler Stars

I was unreasonably excited to read this book...

...which usually just leads to sadness, disappointment and unmet expectations.

description

So I am seriously excited that this thing stuck its landing.

description

BAM.

Another thing that excites me?

The fact that reading this book - and the subsequent composition of this review (see how fancy I made that sound? #SelfAggrandizementAlert)- gives me a blatant ~~excuse~~ justification to do some important research I like to call "Salivating Over Rugby Players."

Poss ...more

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Nov 08, 2014 ~ Becs ~ rated it it was amazing

Shelves: abused-heroine, sports-star-hero, arc, alpha-hero, contemporary-romance, shy-heroine, tattooed-hero, super-rich-hero, cover-lust-i-has-it, net-galley-for-review

It's Game On for Charlie and T-Rex!

It's Game On for Charlie and T-Rex!

I absolutely bloody loved this – it’s classic contemporary romance at it’s finest. For me this series got off to a fairly average start with Rock Addiction but improved a lot with Rock Courtship and Rock Hard is, for me, the best yet. It features a familiar plot for romance – the tough, protective alpha hero and the shy, retiring heroine with a traumatic past but it’s so beautifully written, the characters so vividly drawn that I was completely enthralled from beginning to end. Nalini Singh does a fantastic job of focussing the reader entirely on the journey being taken by the two central characters and she keeps it fresh all the way through. My attention never wavered once – in fact, I found it hard to put down at all.

I’d actually been dying to read this story ever since we were treated to little snippets during Molly and Fox’s story in Rock Addiction. Charlotte (our Charlie Mouse) is Molly’s best friend and we heard through conversations and texts about her ferocious and very demanding new boss, Gabriel Bishop AKA T-Rex especially after she threw a stapler at his head when she thought he was an intruder! I’d been dying to hear their story – the tough alpha hero and the slightly nerdy heroine is pretty much my favourite romance scenario and I can hand on heart assure you that Rock Hard completely lived up to my expectations and then some.

Quick synopsis – Gabriel Bishop, a former pro rugby player who’s career ended early and unexpectedly due to injury has turned all that incredible intensity and focus on saving failing businesses with great success and he’s been brought in to save the company that Charlotte works for and turns out to be an extremely exacting boss. He, of course, knows that he wants her for himself but he can see the terror hidden in her eyes, realises that she’s been hurt badly along the way and realises that he has to tread carefully and take things slowly. And it’s his slow pursuit of Charlotte, the beautiful journey they take that takes centre stage in this novel and, despite the slow pace, it kept me engrossed even though it takes forever for them to get together. I wasn’t once bored – I enjoyed all that consuming sexual chemistry that was building to a crescendo between them and loved every second of Charlotte finally letting go of her demons and allowing Gabriel in.

She swallowed and lifted trembling fingers to his hair, tears rolling down her face. “Why are you doing this?”

“You need to ask me that?” A growl of sound. “You haven’t figured out by now that I think you’re fucking amazing? You have a brain that won’t quit, a smile that lights up my soul, and a body I want to do dirty things to and with three ways to Sunday.”

I had a few worries before beginning this book that Charlotte would be too much of a mouse, that she would irritate me but my fears were ungrounded. Yes, she’s guarded and very skittish but you learn slowly why she is that way and, even though she appears to be a mouse, she’s actually a bit of a tigress beneath that facade and it’s the little glimpses of her true character that so enthral Gabriel. Charlotte is an easy character to identify with – she’s just a regular girl working in an office for a boss who’s never satisfied and always demanding more and living and getting by in a big city (this is set in Auckland, NZ). I actually really liked her right from the get go and was dying for her to let her ferocious T Rex of a boss get a little closer to her.

And Gabriel Bishop – oh, be still my beating heart. I think I fell deeply in love with him right along with Charlotte. I think he has to be my favourite book boyfriend of 2015 to date. He’s one of the guys that my teenage self would have sighed over in romance novels when I was just beginning to discover the genre. He’s in a position of power, he’s growly, demanding yet very protective and hot as hell and he’s decided that he wants Charlotte Baird pretty much from the first moment he sets eyes on her and plays a long game to get her. I smiled goofily and often at the things that he said and did, even when Charlotte didn’t realise what he was up to. With our reader’s birds eye view of the action, we knew exactly what his game is and I think I just swooned with happiness and got a really bad case of the warm and fuzzies. Even now, as I type, I’m grinning like a loon.

The story focuses almost completely on the journey that Charlotte and her T-Rex take and the pacing was just pitch perfect. Despite very little else going on, the story never dragged or flagged and I was completely rapt and dying to carry on, to see the little victories that Gabriel claimed and the baby steps that they took together. Their growing feelings for one another are just blissful and sigh-worthy and, above all else, I loved the way that Gabriel loved Charlie – how he realised he had to go slow, how patient he was with her, so understanding and just so, SO wonderful Ok, so I know I’m gushing now but you get the picture right? I’ll take his memo any time he demands *snigger*

“What are you talking about?” he said as things went all melty and hot low in her body. “You wrangle T-Rexes, don’t you?”

Scrunching up her nose at him, she fought a smile. “Only one.”

“Good, because this T-Rex is possessive as hell and does not share well.”

So, this is a fantastic addition to the Rock Kiss series – it’s quite clear how experienced and accomplished Nalini Singh is as an author. This is virtually flawless romance, an absolute pleasure to just lose yourself in. It’s romantic, sweet, sexy and actually very funny. Highly recommended!

5 die hard romantic stars

ARC courtesy of INscribe Digital via NetGalley.

Edited 2 days after reading to upgrade my rating to 5 stars as a I book that stays so strongly with me after finishing really does deserve that rating. ...more

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Feb 15, 2015 Geri Reads rated it really liked it

4.5 T-Rex Wrangler Stars!

I have been waiting to read the story between Gabriel aka T-Rex and Charlie aka Mouse since I've read about them in Rock Addiction. I'm quite certain I mentioned in my review for that book how these two stole the spotlight for me. To say that my expectations were quite high would be a major understatement. But Nalini Singh delivered and I couldn't be happier. Gabriel is the perfect T-Rex to Charlie's mouse and like what my friend Kristen said, this book is a reminder of 4.5 T-Rex Wrangler Stars!

I have been waiting to read the story between Gabriel aka T-Rex and Charlie aka Mouse since I've read about them in Rock Addiction. I'm quite certain I mentioned in my review for that book how these two stole the spotlight for me. To say that my expectations were quite high would be a major understatement. But Nalini Singh delivered and I couldn't be happier. Gabriel is the perfect T-Rex to Charlie's mouse and like what my friend Kristen said, this book is a reminder of why I love to read romance.

Rock Hard runs parallel to the events of book one. Gabriel Bishop just got hired to help an ailing company where he met Charlie. Charlie-mouse is painfully shy while T-Rex is forceful and used to getting what he wants. But there was something about Charlie that drew Gabriel to her. He wanted her but because she was so shy and jumpy, he needed to draw her out without her getting suspicious. And thus, their delicious dance began. And this part of the book was...

Gabriel is best example of what an alpha hero should be, in my opinion. He knows what he wants and he goes after it. Sure, he's possessive but he's also caring, sweet, loyal and very, very, patient. He's just perfect in every way.

And Charlie is no slouch either. She's shy and scared because of what happened to her but despite that, she never lost her inner strength. She surprised me at every turn. And Gabe being the patient and caring alpha that he is just brought out the best in Charlie and vice versa. Their interaction throughout the book had me swooning.

I am so glad that I stuck with this series because it definitely got better with each book. Nalini Singh's talent just shined through and her lush characterizations made Gabe and Charlie came alive for me. I felt every emotion conveyed by the author and I finished this book being reminded once again why I love this genre so much.

For those asking, yes, this is part of her Rock Kiss series and yes, this can be read as a standalone. So for anyone who is looking a book that is heavy on the romance and low on the angst, then this book is definitely for you.

ARC courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

...more

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Aug 22, 2016 Sabrina rated it really liked it

Shelves: lose-the-panties-hot

Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK

♫Listened to the audio for another re-read 12/4/2017♫
Is it weird that I liked this narrators voice more when she was speaking in the guys voice?

First re-read 8/22/16
Reading Rock Wedding made me want to revisit Charlotte and her T-Rex ...more

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Feb 12, 2015 Duchess Nicole rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 5-star-read, arc-author-gift, favorite-heroine, arc-for-review, favorites, genre-contemp-romance, dirty-talk, genre-new-adult, highly-rated, read-in-2015

5 HUGE Stars!! Nalini Singh flat out nails it with her second book in the Rock Kiss series. No one can say she can't write New Adult now...

I was glued to these pages...it was a perfect cocktail of personalities and circumstances that Singh gave these two. Gabriel is the quintessential man of power and Charlotte the shy, introverted pretty girl hidden by her own insecurities.

"Gabriel found himself interested, and he'd never before found a mouse interesting..."

So what made this so differe ...more

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Jun 01, 2015 Blacky *Romance Addict* rated it really liked it

Shelves: he-is-mine, best-of-the-best, read-na-ya, review, sub-genre-edit, 4-stars-for-enjoyment, favorite-na-ya, favorite-contemporary, favorites, read-2015

Dear Gabriel

and

and you make me

and

Boy, am I glad I didn't give up on this series after the first book! This one was great!!!! Gabriel was sheer perfection *.*

...more

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Feb 11, 2015 Corina rated it it was amazing

Shelves: office-romance, favorites, re-reads, jerk

REREAD September 2019

____________________________________

OMG Rock Hard was my favorite ROCK KISS book so far. ♡♡♡ It deserved ALL THE STARS!!!

I loved it.

If you love office romances as much as I do - this is the book for you!!!!

If you love a snarly and bad tempered T-Rex of a man, being ensnared by a quiet but strong minded PA that wraps him around her little finger - you need to read this book!!! I was in love from the very first page. And I was so ecstatic to finally start Charlotte and Gabrie ...more

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Nov 07, 2014 Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2015

This book is about Charlotte, Molly's (from Rock Addiction) best friend and her boss, Gabriel or T Rex, as we've come to know him.

I have to say I was a bit hesitant to read this book mainly because I never really had a connection with Charlotte and I actually pictured T Rex being an older creepy guy...I don't know why! Thank goodness I gave it a chance because I was so far off it wasn't even funny.

Gabriel is really yummy and I have to say that as much as I came to like Charlotte, Gabriel stole ...more

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Feb 28, 2015 Sandy ღCoffee Addict Booksღ rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: hotness-alert, talk-dirty-to-me, arc-reads, broken-soul, fluffy-romance, alpha-hero, 3-point-five-stars

***3.5 muffin stars***

Charlotte Braid is timid, and intelligent simple woman hiding behind the hideous looking clothes and spectacles working as a records clerk and who happens to be intimidated by the smallest things. On sensing the presence of an intruder in the late hours of the office, she musters enough courage to confront the said intruder, suddenly startled by the presence of muscular male she throws a stapler on his way, (Yep! She actually used a stapler as weapon!) least did she know this stranger happens to be the new CEO Gabriel Bishop, former star rugby player turned businessman famously known as T-Rex for his ruthless, temperamental and compelling nature.

After an injury Gabriel had to retire from playing rugby, he now saves the companies which is in state of drowning. Most of the time he’s difficult on his employees, but he also respects the one's who works hard. It’s when he realizes Charlotte though being a clerk, knew more about their clients than anybody else, he soon promotes her to be his P.A and that’s when their lives changes forever.

Dear Ms. Baird,

As of today, you do have a slave clause in your contract. It means you do everything I say. Under no circumstances are you to eat, sleep, take breaks, or check in to hotel rooms with men named Eggplant.

Sincerely,
Gabriel
Bishop

Gabriel is smitten by his smart yet shy assistant and is determined to bring this timid mouse out of its burrow. For weeks they avoid the growing attraction between them not only because it’s against the work ethics, but her tragic past left no room for love or trust. Nothing stood in his way when he set his mind on something and now all he wants is Ms Baird, will the scars of her tormented past keeps them for having a future together?

This is my first book from Nalini Singh and I’m so impressed by her writing, and her characters easily lovable. While I loved both the MC’s I did not connect with Gabriel like I did with Charlotte, it seems like the entire story was focused on developing her character and his thoughts were mostly on how he felt about her which IMO was quite blunt. But his charming, sweet, protective Alpha personality made up for it, I loved that he was ever so patient with her, and the best part of the book was the banters and the dirty talking!

“I want to pin you under me and fuck you hard, then I want to slam you up against pretty much every wall in this place. After which I want to bend you over my desk, my bed, this table. For starters.”

This was more like 'it's me' situation since there was no much flaws in this story but it didn't amaze me or stick with me, so I had to knock couple of stars!

Overall it was pretty decent story with great writing, set with a right pace and I liked it! Hoping to read more from this author.

*ARC kindly provided by TKA Distribution via Netgalley, for an honest review* ...more

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Jun 28, 2016 Jilly rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, contemporary-fiction

"I just met my new boss. Or more specifically, I threw an industrial-strength stapler at his head."

Now, that's a good first impression! Let's him know that you aren't a pushover, and that maybe you have a good arm for the company softball team. Even better? Gabriel, the new boss, even gives her advice that a hole-punch would be a better weapon for next time. That's right, that comment put him straight into my book-boyfriend corral.

That's right, it's all chocolate rivers and hot book boyfrien ...more

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Mar 12, 2015 Stacey is Sassy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: steamy, a-re-read, audible-plus-escape-original, audio, contemporary, millionaire-billionaire-hero

I really enjoyed my re-read/listen of Rock Hard but it cracks me up listening to an American "reading" a book with Kiwi characters set in New Zealand. Would I have preferred it read by a Kiwi? Not sure, but I would have loved to give it a try.

Saying that, the narrator has a very easy voice to listen to and does a fantastic job as both the male and female character.

Loved visiting with the Rock Kiss gang and I will definitely be back for more soon.

**********

The Bishop takes his mouse...

I had to ...more

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Jun 05, 2018 ✰♊ Angie ♊✰ rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2018-reads, alphahole, sports, office-romance, contemporary, slow-jam, love-my-library

I thought it was great!

Fantastically written, hot rugby player, tons of possessive alpha male growling, dirty talk and loads of spice, insanely hot rugby player, emotionally damaged characters who truly fought to overcome their issues, super flippin' hot rugby player. I mean, what's not to love?

description

...more

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Feb 12, 2015 Christie«SHBBblogger» rated it really liked it

Shelves: laugh-out-loud, advanced-copy, mr-money-bags, part-of-a-series, alpha-hero

Title: Rock Hard
Series: Rock Kiss #2
Author: Nalini Singh
Release date: March 10, 2015
Rating: 4 stars
Cliffhanger: No
HEA(view spoiler)

Well, consider me shocked, and slap a happy reader label on me. This book was a gamble for me because while I ended up giving the first book in the series an average rating, it was a struggle to even finish for a good part of it. It was such a struggle for me, that I swore I wasn't going to try any more in the series. The major insta-love was har ...more

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Feb 26, 2016 Alp rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Recommended to Alp by: Jo

Shelves: contemporary-romance, celebrity-romance

As usual, Nalini Singh delivers a wonderful and entertaining story. This was cute, sweet, beautiful, and emotional!

I found the first 40% of the book to be very appealing and the rest of it was pretty good. The banter between Gabriel and Charlotte was lovely and hilarious at times that it kept me laughing and smiling like an idiot. Seeing Gabriel tried so hard to make Charlotte see him as a man, not her boss, and tried to get her attention by making her jealous was very funny, yet it totally made ...more

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Sep 16, 2020 Giorgia ~ Reads rated it liked it

Shelves: contemporary-new-adult-romance, sports-romance, 2020-read

3.5 Stars

Hmm, all I can say about this one is that there was nothing wrong with it and it was a solid read. That being said, it just didn't have something. I don't know what that something should have been but I didn't feel much reading it and I kind of just wanted to get it over with. I suppose this is a situation of me not the book because I just couldn't connect with it. ...more

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Mar 28, 2017 NMmomof4 rated it liked it

Shelves: love-hate, safe, unlikely-couple, workplace, 3-star, freebie-or-loan, scribd, disordered-mc, taboo, famous-wealthy-popular

3 Stars

Overall Opinion: I really enjoyed the initial dynamic and the whole hate-you-but-I-want-you type relationship going on, but it felt like it majorly fizzled out. I don't mind and actually enjoy damaged characters in my books, but I felt like it became too much of a focus and made the book too slow and even boring at times. The conflict is mostly from dealing with their pasts, so it was pretty low angst. It also was definitely a slow burn, meaning that it took until 74ish% to get to the se ...more

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Mar 03, 2015 Penelope ✘ that awkward girl that doesn't go here ✘ rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: dem-panties-be-melting, trigger-warnings, tortured-soul-is-so-tortured, book-bfs-that-ruined-me, favourite-power-couples, there-be-some-crazy-mofos-in-hurr, loveable-female-mc, made-penny-laugh, mcs-to-root-for, pour-the-milk-its-another-serial

FOUR AND A HALF STARS!

So, I totally have a weak spot for gingers. Who can sing. And play mad things on his guitar.

Totally not relevant to this review. What is relevant is that this is an amazing story and I think Nalini Singh has been peeking at my Christmas list because it had all the things that I love, not only in a hero but also in the story that enfolds said perfect hero.

Rock Hard is ultimately a story of resilience, of learning to cope when you've been stuck in a certain attitude for far t ...more

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Feb 27, 2015 Wendy'sThoughts rated it really liked it

Recommends it for: Nalini Singh Fans, Romance

4 T-Rex Love Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free
Good or bad... I think the essence of who we are always comes out. We can try to present ourselves as a nondescript, average, a worker bee in order to blend... but if we have an inner spark and strength... it will be revealed.

We have the story of Big, Over the Top, Ex Professional Rugby Star turned Wealthy Businessman Gabriel Bishop. His presence and ways merit capital letters. He was injured early during his successful sports career and has transferred al ...more

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Nov 07, 2014 Sarah rated it it was amazing

Shelves: books-i-own-print, for-review-read, read-in-2017, read-in-2015, books-i-own-kindle, netgalley, favorites

1st read - March 2015
2nd read - November 2017

It wasn't easy for Charlie to put her life back together after escaping from an abusive relationship but she has worked hard to get where she is now and although she is still painfully shy she is good at her job and is independent. When Gabriel is brought in to completely overhaul the company she works for Charlie is terrified she's about to be fired but instead she finds herself promoted and working directly for Gabriel as his personal assistant. Gab 1st read - March 2015
2nd read - November 2017

It wasn't easy for Charlie to put her life back together after escaping from an abusive relationship but she has worked hard to get where she is now and although she is still painfully shy she is good at her job and is independent. When Gabriel is brought in to completely overhaul the company she works for Charlie is terrified she's about to be fired but instead she finds herself promoted and working directly for Gabriel as his personal assistant. Gabriel is a terrifying T-Rex of a man, he demands a great deal from his staff and puts Charlie under a huge amount of pressure but at the same time she feels incredibly safe around him. No matter how scary she finds him she knows without a doubt that he would never hurt her and she finds herself gaining confidence in herself with him at her side. Gabriel wants Charlie from the moment he sets eyes on her and it doesn't take him long to realise just how special she is. He can see she's been hurt in the past though and he is more than willing to take his time stalking his prey.

This series really does get better and better with every single book, I've been looking forward to Charlie mouse and T-Rex's story for such a long time now and it was totally worth the wait. I've always been a huge fan of Nalini Singh for her paranormal romances but with this series she's proving that she's just as good at writing contemporary and this book was utterly perfect. I don't think I would change a single thing about it and just thinking about how much I enjoyed reading it has me wanting to pick it back up and devour it for a second time.

We all know that alpha heroes have become a huge trend in contemporary romances recently and I love strong, dominant heroes as much as the next girl but I'm often disappointed because some authors seem to think that alpha male is equivalent to domineering, abusive arse. If you want to meet a REAL alpha let me introduce you to Gabriel. Yes the man is grumpy and domineering at work, he knows what he wants and he expects his staff to do it immediately - he isn't known as the T-Rex for nothing - but he isn't unreasonable. He expects hard work from everyone else because he works hard himself, he puts in longer hours than anyone and wouldn't ask you to do something that he wasn't willing to do too. Outside the office Gabriel is the nicest guy you could ever hope to meet, he is sweet, kind, funny and thoughtful. He has a take charge attitude but he also knows when to take a step back and hand the reigns over to someone else.

I have a lot of respect for the way Gabriel treated Charlie, he set his sights on her very quickly but he could see that she was skittish and nervous and he respected her need for space and to take things slowly. He takes time to get to know her, to build trust between them and to just show her what a great guy he is before he even hints at wanting anything more than a business relationship between them. When he finally makes his move he knows just how far to push her so that things start to move forwards but he backs off immediately the second she gets nervous.

I absolutely loved seeing Charlie's confidence in herself increase, even before they're in a relationship Gabriel has a way of building her up and showing her just how special she is. She starts the story very mousy and almost afraid of her own shadow, something that isn't too surprising when you find out about her history, but by the end of the book she can really fight her own corner. I thought Nalini Singh handled her past sensitively and Charlie's progression was perfect, she wasn't cured of her fears overnight - nobody who had survived what she did could be - but she makes steady progress because she has the support of a guy who is willing to listen to her needs. Gabriel's instincts make him want to protect Charlie but he understands how important her independence is to her and he helps her live life on her own terms.

The whole Rock Kiss series has been brilliant but Rock Hard takes things up to a whole new level and Charlie and Gabriel are definitely one of my favourite Nalini Singh couples. I know I'll be reading this story again and again while I wait for the next book in the series to release and I'm really hoping that we're going to get stories about Gabriel's brothers that will allow us to catch up with these two too. I can't recommend Nalini Singh's books highly enough, she never lets me down and always, always makes me fall head over heels for her characters. ...more

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Feb 07, 2016 Bubu rated it it was amazing

Shelves: cr, 5-stars

Nalini Singh's name and her Psy-Changeling series have been popping up on my update site ever since I joined GR. Not being interested in PNR, it took The Hermit and the The Hooker for me to realise that Ms Singh has also a non-PNR CR series running. A quick look and I found Rock Hard - you have to admit, it is a rather silly name - which was the least NA sounding book. One 'Buy now with 1-Click' later and I settled into my Friday evening , expecting a nice dinner after reading the first few chap ...more

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Dec 17, 2014 Lila rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2015-dhasg-challenge, adorable, funny, boss-secretary

4,5 stars

"...the mouse will have to learn to wrangle the T-Rex."

description

Ok, this one's a winner.:)

I know there were quite a few readers who disliked first book in series.
I know, because I had mixed feelings about it myself. So, as much as I was intrigued by those little tease details Nalini shared about T-Rex and Charlie... I went into it knowing that this book will decide whether I'll continue with series or abandon the ship.
Well, I can say that this book is the best in series and I am fully on board ...more

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Feb 15, 2015 Izy rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: Nalini Singh Fans, Fans of sweet and sexy contemporary romance!

Shelves: contemporary, 2015, arc, nalini-singh

Rating~ 4.5 stars

ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest 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 ...more

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Feb 10, 2015 WhiskeyintheJar rated it really liked it

Shelves: contemporary, series

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

The company Charlotte Baird works for is going under and in a last ditch effort to try and save everything, they hire a new CEO, Gabriel Bishop. Gabriel is a former professional rugby player and has quite the reputation for storming into down and out companies and miraculously saving them. He is a bit pushy, demanding, and well, intimidating like a T-Rex while C I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

The company Charlotte Baird works for is going under and in a last ditch effort to try and save everything, they hire a new CEO, Gabriel Bishop. Gabriel is a former professional rugby player and has quite the reputation for storming into down and out companies and miraculously saving them. He is a bit pushy, demanding, and well, intimidating like a T-Rex while Charlotte is as forceful as a timid mouse. Charlotte has a traumatic past that has shaped her into who she is today but the more she faces off against the T-Rex, the more strength she gains and shows. The more Gabriel experiences and sees of Charlotte's mind and personality, the more he likes and wants her. He's smart enough to know to go slow and, barely, patient enough to wait for Charlotte to gain her strength before he shows her just how much he wants her. These two may just argue their way to true love.

The story starts off right out the gate with our heroine Charlotte throwing a stapler at our hero Gabriel, which he catches easily and sets the tone for the rest of the story; whatever Charlotte gives Gabriel to handle, he does. Charlotte had an abusive ex-boyfriend who traumatized her to the point of her having panic attacks, PTSD, and a general submissive fearful outlook on life and people. Charlotte sees herself as a mouse, just scurrying along trying to survive. She struggles to accomplish tasks and instead of celebrating any strides she makes, she puts herself down for not meeting the high standards she has set. When she meets Gabriel and comes up against his 6'5" muscular broad shouldered frame and even more forceful personality, she fights to not shut down immediately or run away. While Charlotte's obvious fear of him makes Gabriel angry, it is the not so obvious fight he catches glimpses of inside her that draws him.

Gabriel knows he is a beast to work with and learning Charlotte's nickname for him is T-Rex doesn't cause him to bat an eye. However, recognizing the fear Charlotte has of him and deducing why, he keeps a tight leash on himself around Charlotte while simultaneously giving her enough of a nudge to bring her fighting spirit out and help her gain strength. Rock Hard is wholly and completely a love story. Gabriel's restraint, handling, urging, needling, and patience set the tone while Charlotte's reactions, growth, temper, anger, regret, will, and fight set the pace. The pace may seem a little slow with focus on everyday actions but those seemingly innocuous instances are the power of this novel and what make this story a hidden fairytale. You will not find a truer prince charming or knight in shining armor than Gabriel, potty mouth and all. Gabriel slays Charlotte's demons and dragons in the gentlest, sexy, and most provoking ways.

Charlotte and Gabriel had great chemistry together and 95% of the story they are together and it works. However, since Charlotte's issues are such the focus, Gabriel as a separate being from Charlotte gets lost a bit. There is a little side line of issues pertaining to why Gabriel works so hard and how it relates to his feelings on his biological father but it isn't really focused on until the last 10%. Gabriel isn't quite a solid hero on his own but works beautifully as part and parcel with Charlotte. Charlotte is more dynamic and carries the reader along in the story well; you will be hurt for her and cheer her on. Secondary characters stay to the background with little snippets here and there to help carry our leads on. The villain of the story makes a physical appearance that I thought was a tad rushed and unnecessary as the impact of him psychologically was enough.

This is the second in the Rock Kiss series but can definitely be read as a standalone. The cover and title had me going in thinking I was to read a quick, light, and heavy on the sex contemporary. What I got instead was gutsy sweet characters with a beautiful crescendo of intimacy, contemporary. Rock Hard turned out to be a charmingly sweet fairytale and I am not disappointed in the least. If you have a secret pair of glass slippers in your closet, you'll want to grab a copy of this book and experience Gabriel for yourself.
...more

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Feb 12, 2015 Tanja ~ T's Book ~ KT Book Reviews rated it liked it

I have to be honest in saying that I am feeling a bit perplexed with the direction this series is going in. We have moved on from the rock stars and arrived at rugby player turned businessman. Now, I am all for branching out into other genres, but this just seems like a detour to me. Moving on.

As well as the direction, I am left a bit confused with the story of Gabriel and Charlotte too. It felt, to me, counterproductive and a terribly confusing character development.

Charlotte is incredibly shy ...more

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Apr 10, 2015 Jo ★The Book Sloth★ rated it really liked it

Shelves: contemporary, na, insta-love-lust

4 Pleasantly Surprised Stars

A definite improvement to the first book, although still not on the same level as NS's PNR series. What I enjoyed most was how little relationship drama was in the book.

Review to come...maybe. ...more

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Jan 13, 2015 Jo rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: All romance fans!

Shelves: mine, book-boyfriend, 5-stars, heroines-i-love, gr2015, gr2017, comfort-read, feel-good-read, books-i-love

I’m in love with this book! It was AMAZING.

description

Gabriel aka T-Rex, is SO sexy and I loved the bantering between T-Rex and his mouse, Charlotte.

This book was funny from the start, where Charlotte who is all alone at work after hours thinks there’s an intruder at their office, goes to investigate and then throws a heavy duty stapler at Gabriel before realising who he was, the new CEO of the company she works for. Luckily his reflexes are very good.

Charlotte was very timid at the beginning

I’m in love with this book! It was AMAZING.

description

Gabriel aka T-Rex, is SO sexy and I loved the bantering between T-Rex and his mouse, Charlotte.

Charlotte was very timid at the beginning because of a past trauma. She feels unsafe in the company of most men, and Gabriel had difficulty getting her to have conversations with him. Gabriel has a weakness for smart women, and from the start he was intrigued with Charlotte. I loved how he kept pushing Charlotte’s buttons just to get her to relax her guard around him, and to start fighting back at the T-Rex. She even threw a muffin at him when he really riled her. This book had some of my favourite quotes ever.

"Dear Ms. Baird,
As of today, you do have a slave clause in your contract. It means you do everything I say. Under no circumstances are you to eat, sleep, take breaks, or check in to hotel rooms with men named Eggplant.
Sincerely, Gabriel Bishop

I just loved Gabriel, and I loved how possessive and understanding he was with Charlotte, and all the sexy things he said to her.

She inhaled sharply and turned to narrow her eyes at him over her shoulder. “Gabriel, that was—”
“—inappropriate.” He smiled slowly, utterly delighted by everything about her. “You do know by now that I intend to be highly inappropriate with you?”

I loved the chemistry between Gabriel and Charlotte, it was so scorching, and I loved that neither of them wanted to give up when bad moments made it difficult for Charlotte to be with Gabriel. The need and love Gabriel displayed toward Charlotte was so romantic.

“A smile that made his need to kiss her almost unbearable, his heart doing things inside his chest that he was sure weren't in the least macho. He couldn't find it in himself to care, because when Charlotte smiled that way, it destroyed him. "

I loved everything about this book. This book is a perfect example of why I love reading romance novels. The way they make you feel while reading them, and afterwards I felt so very happy and that all was right with the world. Nalini Singh is my favourite author, and has been since I read Caressed by Ice. She has a talent for writing beautiful dialogue and stories that just captivate you. She writes the most romantic books ever, and she is my go-to author when I need my romance fix.

A must read for all romance lovers.

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Mar 15, 2015 Vashti rated it really liked it

Sigh,finished this book and wanted more of T Rex and Charlie Mouse.I may have just found my new book boyfriend in Gabriel,Charlotte is one lucky young woman. Gabriel owned this book,so patient and supportive of Charlotte,taking their relationshp slowly ,and building trust before he attempts any sexual moves due to some kind of dark trauma from her past.I liked that NS took time to develop their relationship before having them become intimate.A great follow up to the first book in the series,look ...more

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Mar 14, 2015 Michelle rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, nalini-singh, part-of-a-series, contemporary

We met these two in Rock Addiction. I couldn't way to read about T-Rex. And you just knew that Charlotte's story would be a big one. Nalini Singh has handle a aftermath with such care and truth yet strength from both Gabe and Charlotte that I couldn't put this book down. ...more

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Nov 25, 2014 Shawna rated it it was amazing

Shelves: contemporary-romance, hero-commoner-self-made, hero-business-owner, all-work-no-play-on-the-job-romance, heroine-abused-traumatic-past-rape, hero-career-professional-successful, heroine-shy-mousy-docile, hero-daddy-warbucks-wealthy, hero-im-gaga-over, hero-entrepreneur-mogul-tycoon-ceo

5 -- I Loved T-Rex! -- stars - Contemporary Romance

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About Nalini Singh

Nalini Singh

22,190 followers

I've been writing as long as I can remember and all of my stories always held a thread of romance (even when I was writing about a prince who could shoot lasers out of his eyes). I love creating unique characters, love giving them happy endings and I even love the voices in my head. There's no other job I would rather be doing. In September 2002, when I got the call that Silhouette Desire wanted t ...more