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Hard Play #4
Kiss Hard
New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh brings you a sinfully playful contemporary romance between two sworn enemies turned partners in crime...
Daniel Esera is a young god on the rugby field, a sexy and charming man who's got the world at his feet. There's just one his sudden potent attraction to his number one nemesis--Catie River. No. Just no. Not happening.
Catie River is on her way to Paralympic gold, and she's not about to allow Danny "Hotshot" Esera to derail her plans. Too bad her body isn't cooperating. Even worse? Her heart might be coming along for the ride. No. Nope. Never.
The pair are united in their desire to remain enemies... until a stranger's reckless action threatens both their careers. Now, the only way out for Catie and Danny is to pretend to be in a relationship. How bad can it be? They're adults in full control of their hormones and their hearts. There will be no kissing. No PDA. And definitely no falling in love.
Let the games begin.
Daniel Esera is a young god on the rugby field, a sexy and charming man who's got the world at his feet. There's just one his sudden potent attraction to his number one nemesis--Catie River. No. Just no. Not happening.
Catie River is on her way to Paralympic gold, and she's not about to allow Danny "Hotshot" Esera to derail her plans. Too bad her body isn't cooperating. Even worse? Her heart might be coming along for the ride. No. Nope. Never.
The pair are united in their desire to remain enemies... until a stranger's reckless action threatens both their careers. Now, the only way out for Catie and Danny is to pretend to be in a relationship. How bad can it be? They're adults in full control of their hormones and their hearts. There will be no kissing. No PDA. And definitely no falling in love.
Let the games begin.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2022
269 people are currently reading
1453 people want to read
About the author
Nalini Singh
248 books26.7k followersI'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 to buy my first book, Desert Warrior, it was a dream come true. I hope to continue living the dream until I keel over of old age on my keyboard.
I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I also spent three years living and working in Japan, during which time I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page (updated every month).
So far, I've worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher and not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency but I call it grist for the writer's mill.
I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I also spent three years living and working in Japan, during which time I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page (updated every month).
So far, I've worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher and not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency but I call it grist for the writer's mill.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 494 reviews
April 30, 2022
4.75⭐️
3🌶
Kiss Hard is the fourth novel in the Hard Play series and the third novel I have read by Nalini Singh. Let me just say that Nalini’s novels just keep getting better and better and have been exceeding all my expectations! The books in the Hard Play series have been beautifully written, full of tension and wonderful characters that I cannot seem to get enough of! Nalini Singh has definitely become a go-to author for me and I cannot wait for future novels!
Daniel Esera and Catie River have been nemeses for as long as they could remember. However, that doesn’t stop Catie from looking after Daniel “Hotshot” Esera after a stranger roofies his drink, endangering his life and career. Catie and Daniel agree to fake a relationship in public as a way to save their careers. Can they pull off this arrangement? What happens if they start developing an attraction for the other?
Thoughts: Kiss Hard had me swooning from the start! Catie River is so admirable and strong, she is one of my favorite heroines of all time. She is a double-amputee and has been ever since she was a child. She embraces her body and doesn't let anything get in the way of her being a successful professional athlete. She is incredibly funny and caring to those around her. I truly love and respect Catie for how she is towards Daniel. Even though he is her nemesis, she has never said a bad thing about him. In fact, she said that he was the best man she has met and always has positive things to say about him. Her banter with Daniel has been the best banter I’ve read! Their interactions and conversations had me feeling giddy and their texts had me laughing! They had a lot of chemistry, and there was a lot of tension!
Daniel is wonderful! He is loving and caring, especially when it comes to family and those he loves. He is kind and always respectful. He knows how to carry himself in a way that makes everyone be in awe of him. Honestly, Daniel is just a teddy bear that makes you want to jump in the book to hug him. He is the baby of the family and he feels like a lot has been handed to him instead of earning it himself. Even though he works incredibly hard, we do see him struggle a bit with who he is. It felt very real and incredible to see his character development. No matter what he’s going through, we see that he is always there for Catie and that had me clutching my heart!
Catie and Daniel are an incredible couple, they are the cutest together! The slow-burn aspect of the book definitely adds a lot of tension, but it also builds their friendship! One thing I love about novels is when the love interests are friends and understand each other on all levels, and that is what we get with Catie and Daniel! The trust and love they have for each other are beautiful! They are best friends, they are lovers, and they have one of the best love stories!
This is an incredible novel and I would definitely recommend it to everyone who loves enemies to friends with benefits to lovers romance with the perfect amount of spice!
Thank you Netgalley and TKA Distribution for the eARC in exchange for an honest review! This novel will be released on May 3rd, 2022!!
#KissHard #NetGalley
3🌶
Kiss Hard is the fourth novel in the Hard Play series and the third novel I have read by Nalini Singh. Let me just say that Nalini’s novels just keep getting better and better and have been exceeding all my expectations! The books in the Hard Play series have been beautifully written, full of tension and wonderful characters that I cannot seem to get enough of! Nalini Singh has definitely become a go-to author for me and I cannot wait for future novels!
Daniel Esera and Catie River have been nemeses for as long as they could remember. However, that doesn’t stop Catie from looking after Daniel “Hotshot” Esera after a stranger roofies his drink, endangering his life and career. Catie and Daniel agree to fake a relationship in public as a way to save their careers. Can they pull off this arrangement? What happens if they start developing an attraction for the other?
Thoughts: Kiss Hard had me swooning from the start! Catie River is so admirable and strong, she is one of my favorite heroines of all time. She is a double-amputee and has been ever since she was a child. She embraces her body and doesn't let anything get in the way of her being a successful professional athlete. She is incredibly funny and caring to those around her. I truly love and respect Catie for how she is towards Daniel. Even though he is her nemesis, she has never said a bad thing about him. In fact, she said that he was the best man she has met and always has positive things to say about him. Her banter with Daniel has been the best banter I’ve read! Their interactions and conversations had me feeling giddy and their texts had me laughing! They had a lot of chemistry, and there was a lot of tension!
Daniel is wonderful! He is loving and caring, especially when it comes to family and those he loves. He is kind and always respectful. He knows how to carry himself in a way that makes everyone be in awe of him. Honestly, Daniel is just a teddy bear that makes you want to jump in the book to hug him. He is the baby of the family and he feels like a lot has been handed to him instead of earning it himself. Even though he works incredibly hard, we do see him struggle a bit with who he is. It felt very real and incredible to see his character development. No matter what he’s going through, we see that he is always there for Catie and that had me clutching my heart!
Catie and Daniel are an incredible couple, they are the cutest together! The slow-burn aspect of the book definitely adds a lot of tension, but it also builds their friendship! One thing I love about novels is when the love interests are friends and understand each other on all levels, and that is what we get with Catie and Daniel! The trust and love they have for each other are beautiful! They are best friends, they are lovers, and they have one of the best love stories!
This is an incredible novel and I would definitely recommend it to everyone who loves enemies to friends with benefits to lovers romance with the perfect amount of spice!
Thank you Netgalley and TKA Distribution for the eARC in exchange for an honest review! This novel will be released on May 3rd, 2022!!
#KissHard #NetGalley
July 6, 2022
wow, this book was so much more than I expected.
If you love
frenemies to lovers,
sports romances,
low drama,
and just great characters,
you are going to LOVE this book!!!!
Can't tell you guys how much I loved the couple. Loved them individually but especially their "frenemy" friendship over the years, their banter, and subtle understanding of each other. SO GOOD!!!!
Catie is a double amputee, kick ass athlete and strong woman - she is such an amazing heroine, truly one of a kind.
Daniel is swoon worthy in every way. Loved his strong side when it came to Catie, the way he just got her and supported her.
I'm a HUGE fan when both main characters are athletes. When both understand how much dedication, training, and at times even sacrifices are needed to be one of the best. And it's even better if they make it work.
Throughout the story there were so many moments when they clicked in a way that was dreamy and just amazing. They were totally in sync. And it made for a wonderfully easy and enjoyable read.
Kiss Hard is definitely one of my favourites in this series, after Mouse & T-Rex of course Rock Hard ♡
___________________________________
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. My opinions have not been influenced by the publisher or the author.
You can find me on my blog and on Bookstagram
If you love
frenemies to lovers,
sports romances,
low drama,
and just great characters,
you are going to LOVE this book!!!!
Can't tell you guys how much I loved the couple. Loved them individually but especially their "frenemy" friendship over the years, their banter, and subtle understanding of each other. SO GOOD!!!!
Catie is a double amputee, kick ass athlete and strong woman - she is such an amazing heroine, truly one of a kind.
Daniel is swoon worthy in every way. Loved his strong side when it came to Catie, the way he just got her and supported her.
I'm a HUGE fan when both main characters are athletes. When both understand how much dedication, training, and at times even sacrifices are needed to be one of the best. And it's even better if they make it work.
Throughout the story there were so many moments when they clicked in a way that was dreamy and just amazing. They were totally in sync. And it made for a wonderfully easy and enjoyable read.
Kiss Hard is definitely one of my favourites in this series, after Mouse & T-Rex of course Rock Hard ♡
___________________________________
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. My opinions have not been influenced by the publisher or the author.
You can find me on my blog and on Bookstagram
April 7, 2022
I AM SWOONING AND CRYING AND THROWING UP BECAUSE WHO IS GOING TO LOVE ME LIKE DANNY LOVES CATIE AND VICE-VERSA????
I have a ridiculous amount of love for the Hard Play series. That love only seems to grow with every new release. Kiss Hard is already my favorite book of 2022 and I can't imagine anything else topping it. Well, perhaps, Nalini Singh's next Psy-Changeling book might!
From the very moment Catie rescues Danny after a stranger roofies his drink, I knew I was going to love this couple. Their relationship blossoms from childhood nemeses to a gentle and loving one. That transition is handled realistically and it's really quite a joy to read. At its core, Kiss Hard is a book about two truly kind people finding companionship and a deep love with each other.
If you've read this series, then you already know Danny Esera, the youngest of the Bishop-Esera family. He is all grown up here and is a successful rugby player. Danny is this big gentle rugby-playing bear of a hero and I could not have loved him more. He's got the biggest heart, something that Catie points out several times throughout the book, and we really do get to see his kindness shine through. As someone who comes from a family of high-achievers, Danny has felt pressure to live up to his family's name.
I found the exploration of family dynamics through Danny's character fascinating. There's a lot of love and support among the Bishop-Eseras but as the baby of the family, Danny has always had someone take care of him. It's to the point where he's had someone come to his rescue anytime he's needed it. Though that's not inherently a bad trait for a family to have, Danny does reflect on how maybe it has affected his independence a little bit. We do get to eventually see him go out into the world and be by himself where he can't be rescued by his family and it's exactly the growth he needs. Honestly, to me, it just made him all the perfect.
Catie, herself, is also an incredible protagonist. She's a double-amputee training for the Paralympics and is hardworking, passionate, and goal-driven. While Danny is more open with his love and feelings, Catie is more reserved. The prologue nicely sets up why she has this hard armor around herself so it's easy to sympathize with her. She's felt neglected a lot by both of her parents. While her mother has provided for her financially, she hasn't always been emotionally there for Catie. Meanwhile, her dad has a gambling problem and has often disappeared on Catie without as much as a text. So, she's afraid to be loved and to love. That's not to say that she's not loving, she just shows it in more subtle ways.
Catie is the second character I've read from Nalini Singh who has a disability - she lost both of her legs following an accident when she was young. While I can't speak to the representation as I don't belong to the disability community, from my perspective, it was written quite naturally and with care. It's never used by anyone in the book to demean/infantilize her character nor to pity her. It's a big part of her character as there are passages of her taking care of her prosthetics (and even a scene when her prosthetics fail her), so it's not something that's ignored either. If an author were to write disability representation, this is how it should be done: with all the respect and authenticity the topic deserves.
When they come together as a couple, as a result of being snowed-in and of having to fake-date for a bit, Catie and Danny's relationship is perfection. They've grown up around each other's families since Danny's brother is married to Catie's sister, and they've had a mildly antagonistic relationship going on. Their new situation forces them to fully acknowledge that they are both wonderful people and that they belong together. Every aspect of their relationship from the way they communicated with each other to the hot-and-heavy sex scenes, pleased me. Nalini Singh knows how to write the type of romances that has you swooning every step of the way. Simply put, she writes the kind of deep romance books I want to read. Catie and Danny will certainly have to go to my all-time favorite OTPs list (along with the rest of the couples in the series).
Alright, I think I've spoken quite enough about Kiss Hard. If you love contemporary romance that's all about LOVE, you need to add this book to your TBRs. You won't regret it. Meanwhile, I'll be shoving this gem in all my friends' faces.
Content notes: on-page sex, accident leading to amputation (off-page), roofying, heart attack (parent), parental neglect<
Relationship disclosure: Nalini Singh & I are mutuals on social media.
I have a ridiculous amount of love for the Hard Play series. That love only seems to grow with every new release. Kiss Hard is already my favorite book of 2022 and I can't imagine anything else topping it. Well, perhaps, Nalini Singh's next Psy-Changeling book might!
From the very moment Catie rescues Danny after a stranger roofies his drink, I knew I was going to love this couple. Their relationship blossoms from childhood nemeses to a gentle and loving one. That transition is handled realistically and it's really quite a joy to read. At its core, Kiss Hard is a book about two truly kind people finding companionship and a deep love with each other.
If you've read this series, then you already know Danny Esera, the youngest of the Bishop-Esera family. He is all grown up here and is a successful rugby player. Danny is this big gentle rugby-playing bear of a hero and I could not have loved him more. He's got the biggest heart, something that Catie points out several times throughout the book, and we really do get to see his kindness shine through. As someone who comes from a family of high-achievers, Danny has felt pressure to live up to his family's name.
I found the exploration of family dynamics through Danny's character fascinating. There's a lot of love and support among the Bishop-Eseras but as the baby of the family, Danny has always had someone take care of him. It's to the point where he's had someone come to his rescue anytime he's needed it. Though that's not inherently a bad trait for a family to have, Danny does reflect on how maybe it has affected his independence a little bit. We do get to eventually see him go out into the world and be by himself where he can't be rescued by his family and it's exactly the growth he needs. Honestly, to me, it just made him all the perfect.
Catie, herself, is also an incredible protagonist. She's a double-amputee training for the Paralympics and is hardworking, passionate, and goal-driven. While Danny is more open with his love and feelings, Catie is more reserved. The prologue nicely sets up why she has this hard armor around herself so it's easy to sympathize with her. She's felt neglected a lot by both of her parents. While her mother has provided for her financially, she hasn't always been emotionally there for Catie. Meanwhile, her dad has a gambling problem and has often disappeared on Catie without as much as a text. So, she's afraid to be loved and to love. That's not to say that she's not loving, she just shows it in more subtle ways.
Catie is the second character I've read from Nalini Singh who has a disability - she lost both of her legs following an accident when she was young. While I can't speak to the representation as I don't belong to the disability community, from my perspective, it was written quite naturally and with care. It's never used by anyone in the book to demean/infantilize her character nor to pity her. It's a big part of her character as there are passages of her taking care of her prosthetics (and even a scene when her prosthetics fail her), so it's not something that's ignored either. If an author were to write disability representation, this is how it should be done: with all the respect and authenticity the topic deserves.
When they come together as a couple, as a result of being snowed-in and of having to fake-date for a bit, Catie and Danny's relationship is perfection. They've grown up around each other's families since Danny's brother is married to Catie's sister, and they've had a mildly antagonistic relationship going on. Their new situation forces them to fully acknowledge that they are both wonderful people and that they belong together. Every aspect of their relationship from the way they communicated with each other to the hot-and-heavy sex scenes, pleased me. Nalini Singh knows how to write the type of romances that has you swooning every step of the way. Simply put, she writes the kind of deep romance books I want to read. Catie and Danny will certainly have to go to my all-time favorite OTPs list (along with the rest of the couples in the series).
Alright, I think I've spoken quite enough about Kiss Hard. If you love contemporary romance that's all about LOVE, you need to add this book to your TBRs. You won't regret it. Meanwhile, I'll be shoving this gem in all my friends' faces.
Content notes: on-page sex, accident leading to amputation (off-page), roofying, heart attack (parent), parental neglect<
Relationship disclosure: Nalini Singh & I are mutuals on social media.
April 27, 2023
Have you ever had this feeling where you feel your heart is so full that it’s going to burst anytime? Yeah, that’s how I’m feeling right now!
No words, this book is just PERFECT! It could never get better than this. Meaning Danny and Catie isn’t going to get a better story than this.
Man, this pair was one dynamic duo. And their connection was something special and…unique! I loved them. Started as relatives then instantly declaring themselves as frenemies even though they were there for each other ALWAYS through the next decade. I loved their media banter and real life banter. Reminded me of Blake lively and Ryan Reynolds.
Another thing I wanted to applaud was the progression of their relationship. Not going to give away anything more, just go and read this book.
The Bishop-Esera clan was as usual wonderful and all of them showed their face in the book, much to my delight.
At times Danny reminded me of Illium. Both of them had such a huge heart.
I’ve never cried reading an epilogue before but in this I was laughing and crying simultaneously.
100 percent recommended.
Safe.
No words, this book is just PERFECT! It could never get better than this. Meaning Danny and Catie isn’t going to get a better story than this.
Man, this pair was one dynamic duo. And their connection was something special and…unique! I loved them. Started as relatives then instantly declaring themselves as frenemies even though they were there for each other ALWAYS through the next decade. I loved their media banter and real life banter. Reminded me of Blake lively and Ryan Reynolds.
Another thing I wanted to applaud was the progression of their relationship. Not going to give away anything more, just go and read this book.
The Bishop-Esera clan was as usual wonderful and all of them showed their face in the book, much to my delight.
At times Danny reminded me of Illium. Both of them had such a huge heart.
I’ve never cried reading an epilogue before but in this I was laughing and crying simultaneously.
100 percent recommended.
Safe.
June 6, 2022
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
First Impressions
Kiss Hard is the most recent release of the Play Hard series and this is Danny’s book of the Esera family. I had heard so many great things about this book so I was super eager to pick this one up. When I was browsing through my Hoopla catalog, I saw that this one was available, and I instantly grabbed at the chance to get this one and immediately started listening to this one. This is a mix of frenemies to lovers type of story. Both of our main characters have known each other for years, but have kinda hated and teased each other for many years but also have this weird friendship bond even though there is this level of playful animosity between them. We see how their mannerisms have to learn to change when a fake dating has to happen between them, but there is already this chemistry between them that they are both in denial of and it was quite intriguing to see them work through that and learn to let down their guards. And this set up made for a solid read.
Summary
Daniel Esera is a Rugby god on the field, he has the type of talent that makes him one of the best players in the world but when he suffers an injury he is learning to recover and adapt to his new set or circumstances and wonders what it will take to get back to his top form again And then enters our heroine Catie River, who is working toward the Paralympic gold as she wears foot prosthetics and has worked her butt off to be independent and embrace what technology gives her the opportunities for. She hasn’t had the type of family connection and support that Danny has had, with a gambling father and a mother that isn’t the most healed from it. When Danny and Catie are forced together in a charade of posing as lovers, something more happens between them and they both realize that there is something fundamental between them that is worth fighting for. But Catie has trust issues, and doesn’t know if she can open herself up enough to give her heart to Danny…but will Danny find a way to allow her to open up herself to a possibbiity of a future with him?
What I Loved
I really found some great elements to this story and I really wanted these two to find their journey towards their HEA. I really at times found myself entertained by their jbantering, it was so different than anything I have read from this author so I found it quite refreshing. There is also a good focus on consent and respect between the genders and I actually really liked the way that this was written. It might not work for every author but I felt that Singh really balanced it out so well within the story that made it work just right. I loved how respectful and gracious Danny is with Catie. He understands her and what she needs and I really admired how he swallowed his pride at times to allow her to work through her struggles on her own due to how independent she is. I did like Catie in some moments where she knew what she needed for herself but also respected others for their choices, she had a sense of integrity and acceptance of others that was quite endearing. The romance that developed between them was quite beautiful and I couldn’t wait to see how their feelings would grow. I was completely endeared by the small quiet poignant moments that grow between them and seeing them let go of the animosity and let each other into their hearts and see each other in a way that they haven’t before, There is a sense of fresh start to this story and it was quite interesting to see how they follow their own dreams while also carving a relationship that is worth fighting for.
What I Struggled With
The only element to the story that I really struggled with is the heroine. I felt like she could be too full of herself and at times too independent, I understood why she is the way that she is, but at the same time I didn’t like how she treated Danny at times. I wished she would have swallowed her pride just like he was willing to and give back as much as he gave to her. But eventually she grew on me. But the hero is who made the story ROCK for me.
The Narration
The narration on this was EXCELLENT, it was handled just write for the tone of the story that it was. I felt like the narrator really handled the bantering between this pair just right and really portrayed the level of personality just right. And such a lovely voice that made me want to listen longer and longer.
Overall View
I found Kiss Hard to be a feisty, unhinged romance that will deliver in laughs and levels of emotion and consent. Its a story of growth, chasing your dreams and embracing love that comes your way when you least expect it!
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
First Impressions
Kiss Hard is the most recent release of the Play Hard series and this is Danny’s book of the Esera family. I had heard so many great things about this book so I was super eager to pick this one up. When I was browsing through my Hoopla catalog, I saw that this one was available, and I instantly grabbed at the chance to get this one and immediately started listening to this one. This is a mix of frenemies to lovers type of story. Both of our main characters have known each other for years, but have kinda hated and teased each other for many years but also have this weird friendship bond even though there is this level of playful animosity between them. We see how their mannerisms have to learn to change when a fake dating has to happen between them, but there is already this chemistry between them that they are both in denial of and it was quite intriguing to see them work through that and learn to let down their guards. And this set up made for a solid read.
Summary
Daniel Esera is a Rugby god on the field, he has the type of talent that makes him one of the best players in the world but when he suffers an injury he is learning to recover and adapt to his new set or circumstances and wonders what it will take to get back to his top form again And then enters our heroine Catie River, who is working toward the Paralympic gold as she wears foot prosthetics and has worked her butt off to be independent and embrace what technology gives her the opportunities for. She hasn’t had the type of family connection and support that Danny has had, with a gambling father and a mother that isn’t the most healed from it. When Danny and Catie are forced together in a charade of posing as lovers, something more happens between them and they both realize that there is something fundamental between them that is worth fighting for. But Catie has trust issues, and doesn’t know if she can open herself up enough to give her heart to Danny…but will Danny find a way to allow her to open up herself to a possibbiity of a future with him?
What I Loved
I really found some great elements to this story and I really wanted these two to find their journey towards their HEA. I really at times found myself entertained by their jbantering, it was so different than anything I have read from this author so I found it quite refreshing. There is also a good focus on consent and respect between the genders and I actually really liked the way that this was written. It might not work for every author but I felt that Singh really balanced it out so well within the story that made it work just right. I loved how respectful and gracious Danny is with Catie. He understands her and what she needs and I really admired how he swallowed his pride at times to allow her to work through her struggles on her own due to how independent she is. I did like Catie in some moments where she knew what she needed for herself but also respected others for their choices, she had a sense of integrity and acceptance of others that was quite endearing. The romance that developed between them was quite beautiful and I couldn’t wait to see how their feelings would grow. I was completely endeared by the small quiet poignant moments that grow between them and seeing them let go of the animosity and let each other into their hearts and see each other in a way that they haven’t before, There is a sense of fresh start to this story and it was quite interesting to see how they follow their own dreams while also carving a relationship that is worth fighting for.
What I Struggled With
The only element to the story that I really struggled with is the heroine. I felt like she could be too full of herself and at times too independent, I understood why she is the way that she is, but at the same time I didn’t like how she treated Danny at times. I wished she would have swallowed her pride just like he was willing to and give back as much as he gave to her. But eventually she grew on me. But the hero is who made the story ROCK for me.
The Narration
The narration on this was EXCELLENT, it was handled just write for the tone of the story that it was. I felt like the narrator really handled the bantering between this pair just right and really portrayed the level of personality just right. And such a lovely voice that made me want to listen longer and longer.
Overall View
I found Kiss Hard to be a feisty, unhinged romance that will deliver in laughs and levels of emotion and consent. Its a story of growth, chasing your dreams and embracing love that comes your way when you least expect it!
April 29, 2022
Kiss Hard is a wonderfully fun and sexy romance about friends, family and learning to love oneself.
Daniel Esera and Catie River have been in each other’s lives since they were young. They’re each other’s nemesis but that doesn’t stop them from caring for one another and when Catie realizes Daniel needs saving, she doesn’t hesitate to help.
They never anticipated that what seemed like a no strings, one-night hookup would require they start fake dating as a way to save their careers. What happens when their forced proximity shatters the thin cover they had over their attraction?
I had missed reading Nalini’s books so much! They’re always swoony, sexy and most of all touching, with wonderful characters and a great plot.
Catie is a great character. She’s a double amputee who’s taken life by the horns. She’s an elite athlete training to go to the Paralympics and a fierce advocate for special needs kids.
Daniel is absolutely swoon worthy. He’s a loving brother, son and uncle, not to mention an incredible rugby player. He’s extremely protective of those he cares for including Catie who he adores and respects in equal measure.
The two of them are such a cute couple! They have great banter and chemistry. They are friends first and their slow burn romance develops with the right amount of tension. I can’t wait to read more of this series!
By the numbers quick review:
★ Hero: 👤👤👤👤👤
★ Heroine: 👤👤👤👤
★ Plot: 📚📚📚📚
★ Romance: 💕💕💕💕
★ Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥
★ Overall Rating: 4.2
Kiss Hard is book 4 of the Hard Play series by author Nalini Singh. It is standalone, contemporary romance told from both points of view with a happy ending. Genres: contemporary. Tropes: frienemies to lovers | sports romance | fake relationship | tortured heroine | forced proximity
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/3EX8YqJ
★ I was given an ARC version of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. I am voluntarily reviewing this title.
★ Check out all my book edits over at my Bookstagram
Daniel Esera and Catie River have been in each other’s lives since they were young. They’re each other’s nemesis but that doesn’t stop them from caring for one another and when Catie realizes Daniel needs saving, she doesn’t hesitate to help.
They never anticipated that what seemed like a no strings, one-night hookup would require they start fake dating as a way to save their careers. What happens when their forced proximity shatters the thin cover they had over their attraction?
I had missed reading Nalini’s books so much! They’re always swoony, sexy and most of all touching, with wonderful characters and a great plot.
Catie is a great character. She’s a double amputee who’s taken life by the horns. She’s an elite athlete training to go to the Paralympics and a fierce advocate for special needs kids.
Daniel is absolutely swoon worthy. He’s a loving brother, son and uncle, not to mention an incredible rugby player. He’s extremely protective of those he cares for including Catie who he adores and respects in equal measure.
The two of them are such a cute couple! They have great banter and chemistry. They are friends first and their slow burn romance develops with the right amount of tension. I can’t wait to read more of this series!
By the numbers quick review:
★ Hero: 👤👤👤👤👤
★ Heroine: 👤👤👤👤
★ Plot: 📚📚📚📚
★ Romance: 💕💕💕💕
★ Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥
★ Overall Rating: 4.2
Kiss Hard is book 4 of the Hard Play series by author Nalini Singh. It is standalone, contemporary romance told from both points of view with a happy ending. Genres: contemporary. Tropes: frienemies to lovers | sports romance | fake relationship | tortured heroine | forced proximity
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/3EX8YqJ
★ I was given an ARC version of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. I am voluntarily reviewing this title.
★ Check out all my book edits over at my Bookstagram
April 3, 2022
Ahhhh I loved this warm, funny, tender romance so, SO much. Catie and Danny are adorable together, the disability rep (she's a double-amputee as well as a professional athlete) is fantastic, and I just loved every moment of their time together - from her rescue of him at the beginning of the story to their fake dating adventures, silly texts, and incredibly heartfelt falling-in-love process (after having been in-laws and official nemeses for years).
This is officially #4 in the Hard Play series, but you could absolutely read it as a standalone - and it's by far my very favorite of Nalini Singh's contemporary romances. (I didn't think anything would ever beat Rebel Hard, which I love soooo much - so this is really saying a LOT!) However, I had been waiting a long time for Catie and Danny's romance after seeing their relationship in the background of the first three stories, and obviously, it MORE than delivered. :)
100% joy - as I was reading it, I kept on grinning over different great lines and moments (my husband interrupted me at one point to ask what I was reading, because I was so obviously having so much fun with it!) and I was BEAMING by the end. I was lucky enough to get an e-ARC for review, but I've also preordered a final copy, and it will definitely be a comfort re-read in the future.
This is officially #4 in the Hard Play series, but you could absolutely read it as a standalone - and it's by far my very favorite of Nalini Singh's contemporary romances. (I didn't think anything would ever beat Rebel Hard, which I love soooo much - so this is really saying a LOT!) However, I had been waiting a long time for Catie and Danny's romance after seeing their relationship in the background of the first three stories, and obviously, it MORE than delivered. :)
100% joy - as I was reading it, I kept on grinning over different great lines and moments (my husband interrupted me at one point to ask what I was reading, because I was so obviously having so much fun with it!) and I was BEAMING by the end. I was lucky enough to get an e-ARC for review, but I've also preordered a final copy, and it will definitely be a comfort re-read in the future.
May 9, 2022
I really like this series and I was so excited to get this book. Unfortunately it fell a little flat for me and can't say I loved it. The whole enemies thing just left me scratching my head because I honestly didn't see it. If we weren't told over and over again that Daniel and Catie didn't like each other I never would have known. They certainly didn't act like they hated each other, other then the random times they were telling each other or themselves that they didn't like each other, and there was never a given reason that they supposedly didn't get along.
I'm not a big enemies to lovers fan, especially if there doesn't seem to be a true reason the characters are "enemies," so maybe this was just me. And I did like the story overall, but there were also things that held me back from loving this couple and I didn't feel a big connection between them.
I'm not a big enemies to lovers fan, especially if there doesn't seem to be a true reason the characters are "enemies," so maybe this was just me. And I did like the story overall, but there were also things that held me back from loving this couple and I didn't feel a big connection between them.
May 1, 2022
This was such a sweet love story. Strange to say that because this started out as frenemies, however there was never any dislike between the two.
To me, Catie and Danny actually starts out with a sibling like relationship. I know that sounds weird since they end up together, but these two have known each other since they were kids. They were thrown together a lot due to Sailor and Isa's relationship (book one of the series), and it just didn't start out with an option to a romantic relationship due to their age. They have a history of that young relationship where they pranked each other constantly and that just bled into their adult relationship.
By the time it got to where Catie and Danny could take their relationship in a different direction, it just didn't seem like an option...until they have to fake it for the media. When that happens, it like a whole new world opened up. You really get to see such a sweet, beautiful reltionship bloom right before your eyes.
I'm usually one who prefer the alpha male and while Danny is that, he also pulled off the ultimate sweet boyfriend. He was protective, he was very thoughtful to Catie and everything that would impact her. I could actually see how easily it would have been for her to break his heart.
Catie has learned very early that she has very few she can trust in her life. It makes it harder for her to truly believe what is developing between her and Danny as real. He's exactly what she needs after everything she has been through. I really just adored this couple and I think the author did their change in relationship right. Beautiful couple!
To me, Catie and Danny actually starts out with a sibling like relationship. I know that sounds weird since they end up together, but these two have known each other since they were kids. They were thrown together a lot due to Sailor and Isa's relationship (book one of the series), and it just didn't start out with an option to a romantic relationship due to their age. They have a history of that young relationship where they pranked each other constantly and that just bled into their adult relationship.
By the time it got to where Catie and Danny could take their relationship in a different direction, it just didn't seem like an option...until they have to fake it for the media. When that happens, it like a whole new world opened up. You really get to see such a sweet, beautiful reltionship bloom right before your eyes.
I'm usually one who prefer the alpha male and while Danny is that, he also pulled off the ultimate sweet boyfriend. He was protective, he was very thoughtful to Catie and everything that would impact her. I could actually see how easily it would have been for her to break his heart.
Catie has learned very early that she has very few she can trust in her life. It makes it harder for her to truly believe what is developing between her and Danny as real. He's exactly what she needs after everything she has been through. I really just adored this couple and I think the author did their change in relationship right. Beautiful couple!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2022
An enjoyable antagonists-to-lovers romance between Catie and Danny who suddenly realize they’re attracted to each other after ten years of platonic ribbing, to their respective horror. Their frenemies dynamic got locked in as teens when Catie’s sister started dating Danny’s brother. I was all about this set up: they need to fake date to protect their sponsorship deals and images. But the unfortunate reason for this subterfuge quickly went away, which was good but also puzzling. This felt like uneven execution or at least a very loose thread.
I got a massive kick out of how easily everyone believed Danny and Catie were dating and how even their family was placing bets on them lasting, even though they knew it was supposed to be fake. The Bishop-Esera clan is so wonderful and they provide a nice counter to the neglect Catie experienced as a child. Because the two have known each other for so many years, they also know how to take care of each other, even if they hadn’t seen it that way before. It was so interesting to watch them navigate a romantic relationship and whether they could make a real go of things. I loved both of these characters. Catie’s emotional arc was stronger to me—she has to figure out if she can take the risk of depending on someone—but I also found Danny’s to be compelling. I wish we’d gotten to spend more time exploring the way stress and expectations impacted his play as a rugby player. For a sports romance, it’s pretty light on the sports as Catie seems to be off season and once Danny is back in play, we only briefly hear about games.
It was also interesting to watch Catie navigate her disability with someone who already knew her and figuring out what was “normal” partner helping the other partner and what was overstepping. I can’t speak to the disability rep but it felt like there was some nuance there. It would have been nice if we’d gotten to see her friendship with other disabled people, beyond her awful ex or hearing about what she does for the camp for disabled kids. I’ll be curious to hear how the rep lands.
This was shaping up to be a solid 4 star read until the last few chapters when the story took an emotionally manipulative turn. I’m sure plenty of people won’t be bothered by that in the least but I’m sensitive to the portrayal of toxic family dynamics. It’s irritating how often toxic behavior is written off by family members just because they’re family. We all deserve better than that.
I really enjoy Nalini’s books but she has a lot of room to grow in terms of her language choices and I’m bummed that hasn’t happened as of yet. (This is also why it wouldn’t have been more than 4 stars for me, had that plot choice not happened.) This was aggressively gender essentialist, from gender stereotypes to gendered euphemisms for genitalia. Danny is constantly described as male and masculine (I don’t think Catie’s femaleness was pointed out to the same degree) and to what end? I don’t understand what the author is trying to convey and it’s really disheartening given what trans folks are going through right now. (I would urge major caution for trans and nonbinary readers. The degree of gender essentialism was jarring for this cis reader. It’s not new for her work but it seemed like it was lessening in her PNR and I had hoped that would translate to her contemporary too.) There’s no reason for such gendered stereotypes or toxic masculinity. Danny was an accomplished baker and thinks about doing that as his post-sports career but he has some real odd ideas about how this reflects his gender. Even though his parents raised him and his brothers to be good in the kitchen! The toxic masculinity wasn’t pushed back on nearly enough.
It was also very heteronormative, especially regarding jealousy about interactions with the opposite gender. I don’t believe there were any queer secondary characters, which is unacceptable. While there are some pains to point out ableism within society that Catie and other amputees have experienced, this was also riddled with ableist language, mostly of the “crazy/insane/blind” variety. There were a number of fatphobic lines, as well as slut-shaming, STD stigma, and an acephobic line. These are all such easy fixes! The story would have been so much better without these elements. This is an industry-wide issue, I know, but I really hope authors (and editors) start paying more attention.
Characters: Danny is a 24 year old mixed race (Samoan Kiwi) rugby winger who bakes as a hobby. Catie is a 24 year old white Kiwi Paralympian runner and double amputee. This is set in Auckland, New Zealand, Tokyo, Japan, and Beijing, China.
Content notes: , drug assault (), FMC is double amputee (truck ran onto the curb and crushed her legs when she was 11, she uses prostheses and has a wheelchair if needed), MMC is hospitalized for bad tooth infection (recovers), anxiety, FMC’s ex lies and says MMC kicked his prosthetic leg (she knows he’s lying), past child neglect (emotionally distant mother, undependable father who was the custodial caregiver), past parental divorce, FMC’s father is gambling addict, past death of secondary character’s girlfriend after childbirth (meningitis), family planning discussion, diet culture, fatphobia (uncountered), slut-shaming (uncountered), on page sex, alcohol, inebriation (secondary characters), food items compared to addiction, STD stigma (“clean”), acephobic line (having sex equated as normal), “lady parts” used as euphemism, toxic masculinity (somewhat countered), gendered pejoratives, gender essentialism, ableist language, use of “slaving in the kitchen”, discussions of sports-related injuries (including secondary characters’ concussions), secondary character briefly discusses leaving abusive ex (past), mentions of past ableism (countered), mentions of how other people became disabled (including cancer), mentions of secondary character who was in ICU for months after a bad infection (past, now recovered), mention of FMC’s ex cheating, reference to past panic attack
I got a massive kick out of how easily everyone believed Danny and Catie were dating and how even their family was placing bets on them lasting, even though they knew it was supposed to be fake. The Bishop-Esera clan is so wonderful and they provide a nice counter to the neglect Catie experienced as a child. Because the two have known each other for so many years, they also know how to take care of each other, even if they hadn’t seen it that way before. It was so interesting to watch them navigate a romantic relationship and whether they could make a real go of things. I loved both of these characters. Catie’s emotional arc was stronger to me—she has to figure out if she can take the risk of depending on someone—but I also found Danny’s to be compelling. I wish we’d gotten to spend more time exploring the way stress and expectations impacted his play as a rugby player. For a sports romance, it’s pretty light on the sports as Catie seems to be off season and once Danny is back in play, we only briefly hear about games.
It was also interesting to watch Catie navigate her disability with someone who already knew her and figuring out what was “normal” partner helping the other partner and what was overstepping. I can’t speak to the disability rep but it felt like there was some nuance there. It would have been nice if we’d gotten to see her friendship with other disabled people, beyond her awful ex or hearing about what she does for the camp for disabled kids. I’ll be curious to hear how the rep lands.
This was shaping up to be a solid 4 star read until the last few chapters when the story took an emotionally manipulative turn. I’m sure plenty of people won’t be bothered by that in the least but I’m sensitive to the portrayal of toxic family dynamics. It’s irritating how often toxic behavior is written off by family members just because they’re family. We all deserve better than that.
I really enjoy Nalini’s books but she has a lot of room to grow in terms of her language choices and I’m bummed that hasn’t happened as of yet. (This is also why it wouldn’t have been more than 4 stars for me, had that plot choice not happened.) This was aggressively gender essentialist, from gender stereotypes to gendered euphemisms for genitalia. Danny is constantly described as male and masculine (I don’t think Catie’s femaleness was pointed out to the same degree) and to what end? I don’t understand what the author is trying to convey and it’s really disheartening given what trans folks are going through right now. (I would urge major caution for trans and nonbinary readers. The degree of gender essentialism was jarring for this cis reader. It’s not new for her work but it seemed like it was lessening in her PNR and I had hoped that would translate to her contemporary too.) There’s no reason for such gendered stereotypes or toxic masculinity. Danny was an accomplished baker and thinks about doing that as his post-sports career but he has some real odd ideas about how this reflects his gender. Even though his parents raised him and his brothers to be good in the kitchen! The toxic masculinity wasn’t pushed back on nearly enough.
It was also very heteronormative, especially regarding jealousy about interactions with the opposite gender. I don’t believe there were any queer secondary characters, which is unacceptable. While there are some pains to point out ableism within society that Catie and other amputees have experienced, this was also riddled with ableist language, mostly of the “crazy/insane/blind” variety. There were a number of fatphobic lines, as well as slut-shaming, STD stigma, and an acephobic line. These are all such easy fixes! The story would have been so much better without these elements. This is an industry-wide issue, I know, but I really hope authors (and editors) start paying more attention.
Characters: Danny is a 24 year old mixed race (Samoan Kiwi) rugby winger who bakes as a hobby. Catie is a 24 year old white Kiwi Paralympian runner and double amputee. This is set in Auckland, New Zealand, Tokyo, Japan, and Beijing, China.
Content notes: , drug assault (), FMC is double amputee (truck ran onto the curb and crushed her legs when she was 11, she uses prostheses and has a wheelchair if needed), MMC is hospitalized for bad tooth infection (recovers), anxiety, FMC’s ex lies and says MMC kicked his prosthetic leg (she knows he’s lying), past child neglect (emotionally distant mother, undependable father who was the custodial caregiver), past parental divorce, FMC’s father is gambling addict, past death of secondary character’s girlfriend after childbirth (meningitis), family planning discussion, diet culture, fatphobia (uncountered), slut-shaming (uncountered), on page sex, alcohol, inebriation (secondary characters), food items compared to addiction, STD stigma (“clean”), acephobic line (having sex equated as normal), “lady parts” used as euphemism, toxic masculinity (somewhat countered), gendered pejoratives, gender essentialism, ableist language, use of “slaving in the kitchen”, discussions of sports-related injuries (including secondary characters’ concussions), secondary character briefly discusses leaving abusive ex (past), mentions of past ableism (countered), mentions of how other people became disabled (including cancer), mentions of secondary character who was in ICU for months after a bad infection (past, now recovered), mention of FMC’s ex cheating, reference to past panic attack
May 22, 2022
This was my first novel by this author, and it took me a few chapters to get used to her writing and the third person style.
Danny and Catie are the main characters here, and I know this book is part of a series (that i haven't read previously), but the amount of information dropped about the other couples (all three of Danny's older brothers), is so overwhelming, that i don't feel the need to read them anymore... Until 50% of the story, i already knew the plot of all previous books, how they started, ended and even the plot twist to a couple of them.
So THAT was the main reason for my missing stars...
Too much facts and storylines about his/her family, that didn't added anything to their own story. It was just a lot of spoilers for who hadn't read it, or unnecessary reminders for those who had read it.
After a while the story starts to focus more around their struggles and their fears as a couple and as high performance athletes.
I really loved them individually as characters, and how they started to see each other as more than just that childhood nemesis and how their friendship was something always present and primordial.
Both were really good for each other and I loved their profound connection.
What attracted me to this book in the first place, was the disability of Catie, and how the author would show her day to day life, as not only a double legged amputee, but also as a Paralympian athlete.
I was not disappointed at all at the representation, even if Catie's life was easier cause she had a great financial support, her family wasn't a caring one and therein lies her insecurities.
It was a great reading with lots of kiwi characters and a good minority representation.
I don't know if I'll read the previous books... Maybe one day, after I forget everything that was spoiled about them.
May 1, 2022
I love this entire series so freaking much. This book was such a fantastic installment.
The Bishop-Esera family is everything to me. Okay? This series has been a hit after a hit for me as a reader and I think that is due in large part to the fact that I love community in books and I adore seeing character's grow together. This particular installment? Kiss Hard gives us Danny and Catie, characters we've known since Cherish Hard and now they're both professional athletes, who are each dealing with things in their own way. They're also frenemies, which is just utterly delightful. Their banter is fantastic. The way they would do anything for one another even whilst disliking one another is just a beautiful dynamic. Honestly, this book just presented such a unique relationship dynamic that I really want to know if there are more books with it? Because I think this is the first time I've read a relationship like this.
Oh! And there's fake dating! I love fake dating. And then there is secret relationship, which I also tend to love. Basically, this book is soft with the right amount of internal angst I require to sustain the romantic tension and it presented me with such a glorious happily ever after that I cannot even begin to express my joy. And speaking of expressing joy: every single Charlotte and/or Gabriel snippet in here had me squealing and making just generally odd noises of ecstasy that it's honestly such a good thing I live alone. This book had me sneaking pages every chance I could get. Like, when I say I loved it, y'all, I mean it. Also, the ending!! What an epilogue!
Thanks to Netgalley for the e-ARC!
The Bishop-Esera family is everything to me. Okay? This series has been a hit after a hit for me as a reader and I think that is due in large part to the fact that I love community in books and I adore seeing character's grow together. This particular installment? Kiss Hard gives us Danny and Catie, characters we've known since Cherish Hard and now they're both professional athletes, who are each dealing with things in their own way. They're also frenemies, which is just utterly delightful. Their banter is fantastic. The way they would do anything for one another even whilst disliking one another is just a beautiful dynamic. Honestly, this book just presented such a unique relationship dynamic that I really want to know if there are more books with it? Because I think this is the first time I've read a relationship like this.
Oh! And there's fake dating! I love fake dating. And then there is secret relationship, which I also tend to love. Basically, this book is soft with the right amount of internal angst I require to sustain the romantic tension and it presented me with such a glorious happily ever after that I cannot even begin to express my joy. And speaking of expressing joy: every single Charlotte and/or Gabriel snippet in here had me squealing and making just generally odd noises of ecstasy that it's honestly such a good thing I live alone. This book had me sneaking pages every chance I could get. Like, when I say I loved it, y'all, I mean it. Also, the ending!! What an epilogue!
Thanks to Netgalley for the e-ARC!
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April 18, 2022Catie and Danny's story is finally out for us to read!
Kiss Hard is the fourth book of the Hard Play series, and while it's considered a standalone, I highly suggest reading the first book in the series. Cherish Hard first introduced the main characters of the fourth book. Daniel Esera and Catie River have always regarded each other as nemeses growing up. They have a lot of history together - Catie's sister, Isa, is married to Sailor, Danny's brother. Their relationship is complex given how their lives are interlaced and how many family occasions and gatherings they have celebrated together. Both are highly-driven famous athletes, and their snarky attitude to each other is public knowledge. Because of a ruinous incident, the two of them started fake dating, which led to awareness about how much they know each other and how protective they are when one of them is in a precarious situation.
I love this book so much. Maybe there's a bit of bias with my review because I waited for this for a long time. I've been so excited about this book, having read snippets of their banter from previous books. It doesn't disappoint. I love our main characters, and I also love the other characters in the book, and it's so heartwarming to read about the Esera family once more.
Danny and Catie have relatable struggles concerning their professional and personal lives. Both main characters are competitive and driven with hearts of gold. This book also highlights how your upbringing can shape you as you grow up. It also highlights how some people view prostheses and disability in general. Another thing I'm pleased about is the importance of therapy because mental health shouldn't be taken for granted.
The slow burn of the characters' relationship felt natural, bickering along the way as they became close. I also enjoy their conversations, as they talk about their family, privilege, and dreams. It's a lovely book that I see myself re-reading a lot.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and TKA Distribution, for the advance eARC copy.
Kiss Hard is the fourth book of the Hard Play series, and while it's considered a standalone, I highly suggest reading the first book in the series. Cherish Hard first introduced the main characters of the fourth book. Daniel Esera and Catie River have always regarded each other as nemeses growing up. They have a lot of history together - Catie's sister, Isa, is married to Sailor, Danny's brother. Their relationship is complex given how their lives are interlaced and how many family occasions and gatherings they have celebrated together. Both are highly-driven famous athletes, and their snarky attitude to each other is public knowledge. Because of a ruinous incident, the two of them started fake dating, which led to awareness about how much they know each other and how protective they are when one of them is in a precarious situation.
I love this book so much. Maybe there's a bit of bias with my review because I waited for this for a long time. I've been so excited about this book, having read snippets of their banter from previous books. It doesn't disappoint. I love our main characters, and I also love the other characters in the book, and it's so heartwarming to read about the Esera family once more.
Danny and Catie have relatable struggles concerning their professional and personal lives. Both main characters are competitive and driven with hearts of gold. This book also highlights how your upbringing can shape you as you grow up. It also highlights how some people view prostheses and disability in general. Another thing I'm pleased about is the importance of therapy because mental health shouldn't be taken for granted.
The slow burn of the characters' relationship felt natural, bickering along the way as they became close. I also enjoy their conversations, as they talk about their family, privilege, and dreams. It's a lovely book that I see myself re-reading a lot.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and TKA Distribution, for the advance eARC copy.
May 3, 2022
Kiss Hard is such a wonderful story. I think friends to lovers is one of the hardest tropes to write, but Nalini Singh does it with panache and style, making it look effortless and easy. Daniel and Catie have known each other since they were young teens, and have had their lives intertwined along with their families. Watching them go from annoying each other with pranks and roasts, to realizing they might actually be attracted to one another was so much fun. I especially loved how regardless of being nemesis, they were fairly matched, and stood as one when an outsider said or did something to hurt the other in any way.
Besides seeing Danny and Catie acknowledge their new found feelings for one another, I really love how flawlessly the story flows. It was impossible to put down, but I didn't want it to end either. There's something so wonderful about how subtly yet masterfully sensitive subject matter like mental health and disability is handled in this book. I don't want to say too much more without giving more of the story away. I just felt so contented and happy when I finished the book, but I also wanted more. There's just something in the way Nalini writes that makes you never want to leave the world she's built and the characters you've fallen in love with.
Besides seeing Danny and Catie acknowledge their new found feelings for one another, I really love how flawlessly the story flows. It was impossible to put down, but I didn't want it to end either. There's something so wonderful about how subtly yet masterfully sensitive subject matter like mental health and disability is handled in this book. I don't want to say too much more without giving more of the story away. I just felt so contented and happy when I finished the book, but I also wanted more. There's just something in the way Nalini writes that makes you never want to leave the world she's built and the characters you've fallen in love with.
May 26, 2022
Oh how I loved Catie and Danny’s story!! All the swooning stars for this one.
Having known each other since childhood these two frenemies were so fun to watch as their feelings for each other changed. The authors representation of Catie and her physical disabilities was beautifully done. I loved the supporting characters and the slow burn feel of this romance. Definitely recommend.
I received an arc of this book
Having known each other since childhood these two frenemies were so fun to watch as their feelings for each other changed. The authors representation of Catie and her physical disabilities was beautifully done. I loved the supporting characters and the slow burn feel of this romance. Definitely recommend.
I received an arc of this book
May 4, 2022
I went back and forth on stars a little bit, but I think this is ultimately a pretty perfect contemporary romance and since I have been in a bit of a slump where those are concerned, it was a balm to my soul. Great sports romance, great family romance, inexplicable praise of chocolate raisin cookies. Definitely my favorite of this extended series outside of Gabriel and Charlotte's book.
July 12, 2025
i thought i would love this, it was just meh.
April 21, 2022
Thank you so much to TKA Distribution for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
My heart is so full 😭 I adored Kiss Hard so so much. I had already loved Raj & Nayna in Rebel Hard and Gabe & Charlotte in Rock Hard, so I loved the fact that we got to reunite with the Bishop-Esera family again. Right from the bat, you can feel the love between everyone in this family, and I found it so heartwarming how everyone in the Bishop-Esera clan would do anything to help Catie. The bond between Daniel and Catie was also so obviously strong from the moment Catie protects Daniel after he'd been roofied by a stranger. I loved hearing about how close they were as children to how their relationship progressed to adulthood.
I think the one reason I was caught off-guard going into this is because the summary made it seem like Daniel and Catie hated each other and were strong nemeses, but their actual relationship was so different. I would honestly classify this more as childhood friends to lovers because even though Catie proclaims several times throughout the novel that Daniel was her childhood nemesis, I really felt 0 animosity between the two as kids, and that carries into their fake dating and post-fake dating relationship as well. There was also no third-act breakup in this book, which is a staple for Nalini Singh, so we really just got to see these two be happy and in love the entire time.
I also loved the representation in this book. Nalini never fails to write beautiful romances between diverse characters with thoughtfulness and care, and it was apparent in Kiss Hard as well. I loved learning about Daniel's Samoan heritage and how much his culture and identity mean to him and his Samoan fans. Catie's arc as a double amputee on her way to become a national track star and Paraolympian was also so great to follow. I love the open discussions she has with Daniel about her disability and how from childhood, Daniel was always ready and willing to learn what exactly Catie needed or wanted as a disabled woman anytime they were together.
I highly, highly recommend Kiss Hard if you've read and enjoyed any of Nalini's contemporary novels! I'm definitely going to go back and read Sailor and Jason's books next now.
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My heart is so full 😭 I adored Kiss Hard so so much. I had already loved Raj & Nayna in Rebel Hard and Gabe & Charlotte in Rock Hard, so I loved the fact that we got to reunite with the Bishop-Esera family again. Right from the bat, you can feel the love between everyone in this family, and I found it so heartwarming how everyone in the Bishop-Esera clan would do anything to help Catie. The bond between Daniel and Catie was also so obviously strong from the moment Catie protects Daniel after he'd been roofied by a stranger. I loved hearing about how close they were as children to how their relationship progressed to adulthood.
I think the one reason I was caught off-guard going into this is because the summary made it seem like Daniel and Catie hated each other and were strong nemeses, but their actual relationship was so different. I would honestly classify this more as childhood friends to lovers because even though Catie proclaims several times throughout the novel that Daniel was her childhood nemesis, I really felt 0 animosity between the two as kids, and that carries into their fake dating and post-fake dating relationship as well. There was also no third-act breakup in this book, which is a staple for Nalini Singh, so we really just got to see these two be happy and in love the entire time.
I also loved the representation in this book. Nalini never fails to write beautiful romances between diverse characters with thoughtfulness and care, and it was apparent in Kiss Hard as well. I loved learning about Daniel's Samoan heritage and how much his culture and identity mean to him and his Samoan fans. Catie's arc as a double amputee on her way to become a national track star and Paraolympian was also so great to follow. I love the open discussions she has with Daniel about her disability and how from childhood, Daniel was always ready and willing to learn what exactly Catie needed or wanted as a disabled woman anytime they were together.
I highly, highly recommend Kiss Hard if you've read and enjoyed any of Nalini's contemporary novels! I'm definitely going to go back and read Sailor and Jason's books next now.
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April 11, 2022
*I received a free copy of Kiss Hard. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review which is honest and unbiased.*
As always, Singh's writing brought me into the story from the very first word, and I have to say, I fell in love with Daniel and Catie from at the start. This feeling only grew stronger as the story unfolded. It was amazing to be back with the Esera clan in New Zealand (and elsewhere in the world!). The youngest boy in his family, Daniel grew up feeling secure in his place in the world. Catie grew up very differently, with parents who never truly cared, or too care of her. Thank goodness she had her older sister to look after her.
Some tough themes were tackled in an amazing way, and I enjoyed the twist on them so much. The fact that Catie and Daniel thought they were each other's nemesis made their falling for each other so, so sweet. The slow burn was well done, and the anticipation almost killed me. Especially because Catie stayed guarded for quite a while before she finally realised that she could truly have the real thing with Daniel.
As always, Singh's writing brought me into the story from the very first word, and I have to say, I fell in love with Daniel and Catie from at the start. This feeling only grew stronger as the story unfolded. It was amazing to be back with the Esera clan in New Zealand (and elsewhere in the world!). The youngest boy in his family, Daniel grew up feeling secure in his place in the world. Catie grew up very differently, with parents who never truly cared, or too care of her. Thank goodness she had her older sister to look after her.
Some tough themes were tackled in an amazing way, and I enjoyed the twist on them so much. The fact that Catie and Daniel thought they were each other's nemesis made their falling for each other so, so sweet. The slow burn was well done, and the anticipation almost killed me. Especially because Catie stayed guarded for quite a while before she finally realised that she could truly have the real thing with Daniel.
April 6, 2022
Oh its such a joy to be back in this world with it's hunky, protective, loving males and the women who they certainly work very hard at chasing ! Danny and Catie have grown up together, played together and yet their constant teasing, bickering and generally winding each other up means they are more frenemies than allies ! So when they decide to pretend to be in a relationship both are totally shocked to discover that the person who is their friendly nemesis is actually one who makes their mouth dry and their pulse pound !
This comment is not a criticism because I honestly loved this book but initially I did struggle a bit to see the couple as adults and not adolescents. I think that's because we get snippets of their shenanigans and antics growing up and obviously both are younger siblings to heroes we've previously swooned over. However that being said the romance had a realistic pace which totally convinced me that they were actually grown up enough to see each other as people and not just playmates .
I got everything I've been used to from this series, loving male lead, fun times, passion too but most of all love. There's genuine emotion written on these pages and issues tackled that would scare most authors but Ms. Singh does it with heart and aplomb. A joy to read and an ending to bring a tear to the eye of this admittedly hopeless romantic !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
This comment is not a criticism because I honestly loved this book but initially I did struggle a bit to see the couple as adults and not adolescents. I think that's because we get snippets of their shenanigans and antics growing up and obviously both are younger siblings to heroes we've previously swooned over. However that being said the romance had a realistic pace which totally convinced me that they were actually grown up enough to see each other as people and not just playmates .
I got everything I've been used to from this series, loving male lead, fun times, passion too but most of all love. There's genuine emotion written on these pages and issues tackled that would scare most authors but Ms. Singh does it with heart and aplomb. A joy to read and an ending to bring a tear to the eye of this admittedly hopeless romantic !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
May 2, 2022
I absolutely adore the Bishop-Esera clan, and I'm absolutely bereft now that the series has come to an end with the baby of the family, Danny, falling for his childhood nemesis, Catie. The fact that Catie is the younger sister of Isa who captured the heart of Danny's brother Sailor in the first book, Cherish Hard, is just *chef's kiss*. However, I have to add that my absolute favorite Bishop-Esera hero will always and forever be Gabriel (Rock Hard), long live the T-rex and his mouse. It was so hard to say goodbye to the absolute deliciousness of the Bishop-Esera men and their family.
See the full review on my blog Lucky Reads Romance.
4.25 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a complimentary eARC in exchange for a honest review.
See the full review on my blog Lucky Reads Romance.
4.25 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a complimentary eARC in exchange for a honest review.
May 5, 2022
I wasn't sure about this one as it started out, wasn't sure that I saw Daniel and Catie as a couple. They seemed more friends who flipped each other a lot of shit. But as things went on, I got it, I saw how it would work. They had such a great history of being friends who flipped each other shit, that they saw when something was up. Catie helped calm Daniel down about his playing, his love of baking. Daniel got that Catie's father screwed her up and found ways to make sure that he let her know that and showed by his actions he wasn't like him. I think it surprised both of them so much because they didn't see past the friends who flipped each other shit, but once they did, they both were pretty much all in from the start. I also loved how everyone around them wasn't sure at first, however seeing them together was all they needed to see it was real or becoming real, real fast.
I really loved how this one ended, loved all the happiness and changes for them both!
I really loved how this one ended, loved all the happiness and changes for them both!
June 21, 2022
You know how after a while an author's books all start to sound the same and follow the same storylines and patterns? Nalini Singh doesn't do that. Each one is unique and plays out differently, and I love that. And instead of trying to make the romance more shocking or extreme, she just diversifies her characters. Hell yes! I'm not into romances that walk the border between abuse, or with submissive partners, but give me a differently abled or neurodivergent MC and I will be a happy chappy.
Danny and Catie are the cutest in this one. They're nemeses: but only in a fun, rib on each other and pranks kind of way, and they never do anything that would actually be hurtful or target any insecurities. And then they get stuck in a fake relationship and trapped inside together during a snowstorm. There is literally nothing about this book that isn't amazing. It was fun, even when dealing with serious issues, and these two were just perfect for each other.
But now we've run out of Esera boys, so I'm thinking it must be Harlow's turn.
Danny and Catie are the cutest in this one. They're nemeses: but only in a fun, rib on each other and pranks kind of way, and they never do anything that would actually be hurtful or target any insecurities. And then they get stuck in a fake relationship and trapped inside together during a snowstorm. There is literally nothing about this book that isn't amazing. It was fun, even when dealing with serious issues, and these two were just perfect for each other.
But now we've run out of Esera boys, so I'm thinking it must be Harlow's turn.
April 29, 2022
4.5/5.0
What a lovely, warm, hug of a read! I am not as familiar with Ms. Singh’s contemporary romance as I am of her vast paranormal offerings, so this was a delightful change of pace for me. The writing is just as strong, tight and addicting as any she offers, but the feel of the story is what really sets it apart.
The characters are real, yet unique, Catie had her legs crushed as a child but has risen to become a renowned para-athlete who comes from an extremely wealthy but broken and dysfunctional family. Daniel is a world-class rugby player from a working-class background but with a strong, supportive and extremely loving family. Both are caring and kind people at heart which becomes the rock-solid core of their relationship, even when they struggle to understand the chemistry that zings against their assumptions. Watching both learn and grow as they work to understand each other is a pure joy to read!
Overall, the story itself reads with an easy, sweet relaxation while still imbuing a surprising amount of depth within the nature and character of each page. It doesn’t keep one on the edge of their seat with tensions but rather, wraps them up in all the lovely emotion one despairs to put down!
What a lovely, warm, hug of a read! I am not as familiar with Ms. Singh’s contemporary romance as I am of her vast paranormal offerings, so this was a delightful change of pace for me. The writing is just as strong, tight and addicting as any she offers, but the feel of the story is what really sets it apart.
The characters are real, yet unique, Catie had her legs crushed as a child but has risen to become a renowned para-athlete who comes from an extremely wealthy but broken and dysfunctional family. Daniel is a world-class rugby player from a working-class background but with a strong, supportive and extremely loving family. Both are caring and kind people at heart which becomes the rock-solid core of their relationship, even when they struggle to understand the chemistry that zings against their assumptions. Watching both learn and grow as they work to understand each other is a pure joy to read!
Overall, the story itself reads with an easy, sweet relaxation while still imbuing a surprising amount of depth within the nature and character of each page. It doesn’t keep one on the edge of their seat with tensions but rather, wraps them up in all the lovely emotion one despairs to put down!
maybe-come-back-to-pile
August 5, 2022Well, I couldn't make myself DNF a Nalini Singh book since she is one of my favorite authors, so I put it in my maybe come back to pile shelf. I just wasn't invested in this story. Maybe because the h has the same name as my dad or maybe because I just felt a little meh about the story.
I definitely prefer her paranormal books. The Psy-Changeling is a great series and I always enjoy those books. I am way behind in the Arch-Angel series and hope to get back to that one some day.
I definitely prefer her paranormal books. The Psy-Changeling is a great series and I always enjoy those books. I am way behind in the Arch-Angel series and hope to get back to that one some day.
May 8, 2022
THIS WAS SO GOOD! Danny and Catie had such a wonderful development. I really wished we could see them in 10 years with their own kids, it would have been wonderful!
May 20, 2022
Fourth in the Hard Play cozy romance series set in New Zealand and revolving around the rugby-loving Bishop-Esera family. The couple focus is on Catie River and Danny Esera.
My Take
It's a story of finding your way through life and exploring your passions.
Oy, what a pair of parents! A mother who throws money at her youngest daughter so she doesn't have to deal with her and a father more interested in his own fun. What's worse is that Catie is handicapped. Really handicapped having lost both her legs when she was young.
Singh uses third person dual protagonist point-of-view from Catie's and Danny's perspectives, which helps us to feel how each of them tackles their lives, their problems, and how they see each other, their families, and their friends. It's personal with amazing behind-the-scenes views of what it's like having artificial legs — the maneuvers Catie has to consider in every situation, and the reactions people have toward her, all of which highlights Danny's behavior. I wish Singh had dragged out the tension of Catie's issues with her protheses. It's certainly a useful "bible" of manners for friends and family of others who are handicapped. More behind-the-scenes action involves Catie's and Danny's considerations for helping friends, families, and local businesses.
The Bishop-Eseras are also a great guide to how to be family, being so supportive of Catie's interests and career needs besides that of their boys. So practical about sports and any athlete's future in it.
This "antagonistic" relationship Catie and Danny have is cute, jousting away on their social media platforms, and I'm surprised they haven't figured it out a lot sooner, but then again, those who are so deeply involved rarely do. Singh eventually makes an excellent point: "You just get along in your own way." Yep, because everyone is different and there is no one right way to fall in love.
The challenge in Kiss Hard is that betrayal of Danny and the need he has for medical oversight, a forced opportunity to challenge this pair of friends. It's all perception, and Catie can't toss Danny out, nor would Danny let her sacrifice herself — and lose her sponsorships. It sort of helps that Danny's been too celibate for public relations *grin*.
Nor are those the only PR problems, as Singh references Molly and Zachary's problems in Rock Addiction , Rock Kiss 1, and the hassle of being part of Danny's life.
Sure, I can see having Jacqueline for a mom is handy, with all that money of hers. Catie, however, prefers to support herself these days. But thank god for Alison and Joseph and they're being such great role models for Catie. I'd say it's a combination of their example and her experiences with the camps that has Catie wanting to pay her luck forward.
Oh, I do love Danny's true passion! Lucky Catie, lol! It's too sad that Danny doesn't see it holding up against his so very successful older brothers. I must say that some of those food combinations Danny comes up with, how he cooks, is quite inspiring. I'm considering printing out some of his suggestions to inspire me.
Okay, I gotta say that I've never understood why feminists think it's so horrible of men to hold a door open or letting a woman go first, etc. It's like Singh has Catie thinking about Joseph's manners, that he didn't see Catie "as lesser or weaker". It's simply being polite.
I keep thinking that Danny's tense events aren't being pushed that hard, and then I feel so much more entangled by how Catie's dad treats her. How his actions and comments affect her thinking. It makes me so angry that parents can be so cruel and selfish, and then again that contrast with how the Bishop-Eseras behave. If only that could be taught, sigh.
It's sweet that the Dragon and Alison get on so well, lol, coming in with such differing approaches to life.
Kiss Hard is all about character. Sure there's action — gotta keep the story moving forward, lol, but it's the supportiveness and generosity of these characters that cozies the story up and makes me feel so good. Dang, I'm wanting to start the whole series over just to immerse myself!
The pace is a bit slow, and yet it suits the story and its protagonists. They've known each other for years and respect each other, even if they are sniping away at each other. It takes a bit to break that particular aspect of their past down as they slowly come to see the truth of each other.
I do love that Singh includes peeks-in at what the other family members are doing. That bit about what Connor loves to do makes my heart melt. There are plenty of chunks of back history that pop up throughout as well, which nicely fills out their pasts.
Kiss Hard sure reinforces that comment about honesty being the best policy, but the best revelation is that it's important to live your truth. Then Singh makes me cry again with Danny discovering yet another passion that helps him feel worthy.
The Story
It's a major betrayal that finds Danny Esera staggering drunk, and he's lucky that Catie is there at the bar. She's known him forever and knows his character — he's never betray his own beliefs.
But Catie's caring about Danny's reputation will have some unexpected shocks when they have to pretend to be in a relationship. How bad can it be? They're adults in full control of their hormones and their hearts. There will be no kissing. No PDA. And definitely no falling in love.
And both are finding their joy.
The Characters
Caitliln "Catie" Moonbell River had dreamt of running in the Olympics and is now a contender for the Paralympics. Soraya is her sports agent; Ani is her publicist. Martha had been Catie's caregiver for years. Cillian is a counselor at the camp Catie set up. Rick the Rock is a pet Danny gave her years ago.
Clive is her immature father more interested in his own fun than his daughter, even though he does love her. Gloria is his latest flavor of the week. I do like her! Ísa, a.k.a. Issie, is Catie's older sister, an English teacher, a poet, and more of a mother to Catie than their own mother ( Cherish Hard , 1). Crafty Corners is the craft empire Jacqueline Rain, a.k.a. the Dragon, built, and she had been married to Stefán, another empire builder, Jacqueline's first husband and Issie's father; Clive her second; and, Oliver is her third, a professor. Harlow is their business-savvy stepbrother ( Cherish Hard ).
Laveni, a.k.a. Veni, is Catie's best friend with an amazing dad. Ben is Veni's amazing sex god of a boyfriend. Suz is one of Veni's co-workers at the hospital.
The clean-living Danny Esera plays for the Harriers. Matthew is Danny's agent. Jake Esera is Danny's older brother who also plays for the Harriers; he's also the vice-captain of the national squad and before he married Juliet in Love Hard , 3, was raising his eight-year-old daughter, Esme. Calypso had been Esme's mom. Jake is also working on a degree in automotive engineering and is doing broadcasting gigs. Alison Bishop is their mom married to Joseph Esera, who has embraced all their sons as his own. Alison has gone back to school for a history degree. God, that Joseph is so supportive! Sailor Bishop is another brother but not a rugby player as he has a passion for gardening (and is the CEO of a garden business that's the biggest in the country) and his wife, Issie, and their two kids, nine-year-old Emmaline and Connor, who thinks his big sister hung the moon ( Cherish Hard , 1). Gabriel "the Bishop" is a legend retired from rugby who runs a huge corporation and then married Charlotte, a.k.a. Charlie ( Rock Hard , Rock Kiss 2) and they have a newborn daughter, Seraphina Pippa. Spot and Domino are the dogs that belong to Esme and/or Emmaline.
Brook is the Harriers' coach. Viliame "Vili" Serevi, a winger who plays for the Southern Blizzard team, is friends with Danny. The Vilimaidens are Vili's fan club. Romeo is a fellow teammate.
Dr Priya Chauhal had been Catie's doctor. Dr Smitherson works at the same hospital and is one of the best at dealing with drug reactions. Detectives Green and Shan are reassuring. Dr Sung is a cardiologist, I think.
Some good friends of Danny's include Leon who is producing a play, Chaos Bones; Jarod is an international sales rep who has a bubbly girlfriend, Noelle Lu; and, Nirav is a road engineer. Posey Greene, another amputee athlete who's a champion skier, has been Catie's mentor. Romanos Cavalier loves to cook. Jet is a local designer. Gary Groper gets a lesson. Mara is a shark of a sports reporter with a wealthy father. The AnonymousWannabeChef has some fantastic pictures of food on his blog. Vertigo is an unknown club. Jerri is a plus-size model whom Catie can see becoming a friend. Manaaki is a little boy wondering if Catie is a robot. Ward, an amputee athlete and charmer, is a jerk of an ex-boyfriend. Brax is a puffed-up bodybuilder whom Catie thinks is nice but too agreeable. Tae Lim had been a young crush.
Japan
Takuro is a rep from the club and a junior medic for the team. Fellow players include Daichi and Haru and the Australian James.
The Cover and Title
The cover is consistent with previous ones in the series with its black-and-white photo of a bare-chested Danny with his tattoos on his upper arms and left pec, wearing black pants. He's in profile with his right arm upraised, leaning against a wall, his left arm stretching around his front and holding a white rugby ball with opposing elongated diamond shapes. The background is a rough cement wall with the title in black and crossing onto Danny's lower back. Centered on his hip is the series info in white. The author's name is in a bright fuchsia starting at his thighs — in between is an info blurb in white.
The title could be the impact of Catie's and Danny's relationship doing a 180, an impact of Kiss Hard.
My Take
It's a story of finding your way through life and exploring your passions.
Oy, what a pair of parents! A mother who throws money at her youngest daughter so she doesn't have to deal with her and a father more interested in his own fun. What's worse is that Catie is handicapped. Really handicapped having lost both her legs when she was young.
Singh uses third person dual protagonist point-of-view from Catie's and Danny's perspectives, which helps us to feel how each of them tackles their lives, their problems, and how they see each other, their families, and their friends. It's personal with amazing behind-the-scenes views of what it's like having artificial legs — the maneuvers Catie has to consider in every situation, and the reactions people have toward her, all of which highlights Danny's behavior. I wish Singh had dragged out the tension of Catie's issues with her protheses. It's certainly a useful "bible" of manners for friends and family of others who are handicapped. More behind-the-scenes action involves Catie's and Danny's considerations for helping friends, families, and local businesses.
The Bishop-Eseras are also a great guide to how to be family, being so supportive of Catie's interests and career needs besides that of their boys. So practical about sports and any athlete's future in it.
This "antagonistic" relationship Catie and Danny have is cute, jousting away on their social media platforms, and I'm surprised they haven't figured it out a lot sooner, but then again, those who are so deeply involved rarely do. Singh eventually makes an excellent point: "You just get along in your own way." Yep, because everyone is different and there is no one right way to fall in love.
The challenge in Kiss Hard is that betrayal of Danny and the need he has for medical oversight, a forced opportunity to challenge this pair of friends. It's all perception, and Catie can't toss Danny out, nor would Danny let her sacrifice herself — and lose her sponsorships. It sort of helps that Danny's been too celibate for public relations *grin*.
Nor are those the only PR problems, as Singh references Molly and Zachary's problems in Rock Addiction , Rock Kiss 1, and the hassle of being part of Danny's life.
Sure, I can see having Jacqueline for a mom is handy, with all that money of hers. Catie, however, prefers to support herself these days. But thank god for Alison and Joseph and they're being such great role models for Catie. I'd say it's a combination of their example and her experiences with the camps that has Catie wanting to pay her luck forward.
Oh, I do love Danny's true passion! Lucky Catie, lol! It's too sad that Danny doesn't see it holding up against his so very successful older brothers. I must say that some of those food combinations Danny comes up with, how he cooks, is quite inspiring. I'm considering printing out some of his suggestions to inspire me.
Okay, I gotta say that I've never understood why feminists think it's so horrible of men to hold a door open or letting a woman go first, etc. It's like Singh has Catie thinking about Joseph's manners, that he didn't see Catie "as lesser or weaker". It's simply being polite.
I keep thinking that Danny's tense events aren't being pushed that hard, and then I feel so much more entangled by how Catie's dad treats her. How his actions and comments affect her thinking. It makes me so angry that parents can be so cruel and selfish, and then again that contrast with how the Bishop-Eseras behave. If only that could be taught, sigh.
It's sweet that the Dragon and Alison get on so well, lol, coming in with such differing approaches to life.
Kiss Hard is all about character. Sure there's action — gotta keep the story moving forward, lol, but it's the supportiveness and generosity of these characters that cozies the story up and makes me feel so good. Dang, I'm wanting to start the whole series over just to immerse myself!
The pace is a bit slow, and yet it suits the story and its protagonists. They've known each other for years and respect each other, even if they are sniping away at each other. It takes a bit to break that particular aspect of their past down as they slowly come to see the truth of each other.
I do love that Singh includes peeks-in at what the other family members are doing. That bit about what Connor loves to do makes my heart melt. There are plenty of chunks of back history that pop up throughout as well, which nicely fills out their pasts.
Kiss Hard sure reinforces that comment about honesty being the best policy, but the best revelation is that it's important to live your truth. Then Singh makes me cry again with Danny discovering yet another passion that helps him feel worthy.
The Story
It's a major betrayal that finds Danny Esera staggering drunk, and he's lucky that Catie is there at the bar. She's known him forever and knows his character — he's never betray his own beliefs.
But Catie's caring about Danny's reputation will have some unexpected shocks when they have to pretend to be in a relationship. How bad can it be? They're adults in full control of their hormones and their hearts. There will be no kissing. No PDA. And definitely no falling in love.
And both are finding their joy.
The Characters
Caitliln "Catie" Moonbell River had dreamt of running in the Olympics and is now a contender for the Paralympics. Soraya is her sports agent; Ani is her publicist. Martha had been Catie's caregiver for years. Cillian is a counselor at the camp Catie set up. Rick the Rock is a pet Danny gave her years ago.
Clive is her immature father more interested in his own fun than his daughter, even though he does love her. Gloria is his latest flavor of the week. I do like her! Ísa, a.k.a. Issie, is Catie's older sister, an English teacher, a poet, and more of a mother to Catie than their own mother ( Cherish Hard , 1). Crafty Corners is the craft empire Jacqueline Rain, a.k.a. the Dragon, built, and she had been married to Stefán, another empire builder, Jacqueline's first husband and Issie's father; Clive her second; and, Oliver is her third, a professor. Harlow is their business-savvy stepbrother ( Cherish Hard ).
Laveni, a.k.a. Veni, is Catie's best friend with an amazing dad. Ben is Veni's amazing sex god of a boyfriend. Suz is one of Veni's co-workers at the hospital.
The clean-living Danny Esera plays for the Harriers. Matthew is Danny's agent. Jake Esera is Danny's older brother who also plays for the Harriers; he's also the vice-captain of the national squad and before he married Juliet in Love Hard , 3, was raising his eight-year-old daughter, Esme. Calypso had been Esme's mom. Jake is also working on a degree in automotive engineering and is doing broadcasting gigs. Alison Bishop is their mom married to Joseph Esera, who has embraced all their sons as his own. Alison has gone back to school for a history degree. God, that Joseph is so supportive! Sailor Bishop is another brother but not a rugby player as he has a passion for gardening (and is the CEO of a garden business that's the biggest in the country) and his wife, Issie, and their two kids, nine-year-old Emmaline and Connor, who thinks his big sister hung the moon ( Cherish Hard , 1). Gabriel "the Bishop" is a legend retired from rugby who runs a huge corporation and then married Charlotte, a.k.a. Charlie ( Rock Hard , Rock Kiss 2) and they have a newborn daughter, Seraphina Pippa. Spot and Domino are the dogs that belong to Esme and/or Emmaline.
Brook is the Harriers' coach. Viliame "Vili" Serevi, a winger who plays for the Southern Blizzard team, is friends with Danny. The Vilimaidens are Vili's fan club. Romeo is a fellow teammate.
Dr Priya Chauhal had been Catie's doctor. Dr Smitherson works at the same hospital and is one of the best at dealing with drug reactions. Detectives Green and Shan are reassuring. Dr Sung is a cardiologist, I think.
Some good friends of Danny's include Leon who is producing a play, Chaos Bones; Jarod is an international sales rep who has a bubbly girlfriend, Noelle Lu; and, Nirav is a road engineer. Posey Greene, another amputee athlete who's a champion skier, has been Catie's mentor. Romanos Cavalier loves to cook. Jet is a local designer. Gary Groper gets a lesson. Mara is a shark of a sports reporter with a wealthy father. The AnonymousWannabeChef has some fantastic pictures of food on his blog. Vertigo is an unknown club. Jerri is a plus-size model whom Catie can see becoming a friend. Manaaki is a little boy wondering if Catie is a robot. Ward, an amputee athlete and charmer, is a jerk of an ex-boyfriend. Brax is a puffed-up bodybuilder whom Catie thinks is nice but too agreeable. Tae Lim had been a young crush.
Japan
Takuro is a rep from the club and a junior medic for the team. Fellow players include Daichi and Haru and the Australian James.
The Cover and Title
The cover is consistent with previous ones in the series with its black-and-white photo of a bare-chested Danny with his tattoos on his upper arms and left pec, wearing black pants. He's in profile with his right arm upraised, leaning against a wall, his left arm stretching around his front and holding a white rugby ball with opposing elongated diamond shapes. The background is a rough cement wall with the title in black and crossing onto Danny's lower back. Centered on his hip is the series info in white. The author's name is in a bright fuchsia starting at his thighs — in between is an info blurb in white.
The title could be the impact of Catie's and Danny's relationship doing a 180, an impact of Kiss Hard.
May 23, 2022
Enjoyed this one - it's actually the first one I've read from the Hard Play or Rock Kiss series (I've read some of the author's paranormal stories but not her contemp romances) so now I know I have some other good ones to look forward to!
I really enjoyed that this book had both male and female athletes in Daniel and Catie who are longtime frenemies - always on each other's cases but when push comes to shove, willing to back the other one up. That comes to pass when they agree to be in a fake relationship in order to keep Daniel's reputation intact after someone roofies his drink at a bar , a malicious act that could cost Daniel his sponsorship and career. Catie steps up to defend her sometime friend, and from there their time spent together becomes more comfortable than either is willing to admit to. Going from frenemies to lovers (under the eyes of their families who are more than happy to believe that the two have finally found their way into a relationship) is easier than they would have thought possible, but comes with the fraught realization that ending it could cause heartbreak. The author handles Catie's double amputee status with matter-of-factness, showing Catie's strength of character and resilience. While this is a sports romance at heart, it's also a great example of a new adult romance with two people in their twenties learning all the best elements of how to turn friendship and companionship into love.
A copy of this story was provided by the author via NetGalley.
I really enjoyed that this book had both male and female athletes in Daniel and Catie who are longtime frenemies - always on each other's cases but when push comes to shove, willing to back the other one up. That comes to pass when they agree to be in a fake relationship in order to keep Daniel's reputation intact after someone roofies his drink at a bar , a malicious act that could cost Daniel his sponsorship and career. Catie steps up to defend her sometime friend, and from there their time spent together becomes more comfortable than either is willing to admit to. Going from frenemies to lovers (under the eyes of their families who are more than happy to believe that the two have finally found their way into a relationship) is easier than they would have thought possible, but comes with the fraught realization that ending it could cause heartbreak. The author handles Catie's double amputee status with matter-of-factness, showing Catie's strength of character and resilience. While this is a sports romance at heart, it's also a great example of a new adult romance with two people in their twenties learning all the best elements of how to turn friendship and companionship into love.
A copy of this story was provided by the author via NetGalley.
April 8, 2022
3.5 stars
From time to time I'd venture into Nalini Singh's contemporary word outside of her Psy-changeling series for a breath of fresh air. 'Kiss Hard' is one of those times and as always, I find myself taken aback--in a good way--at the threads of warmth that always shoot through her family-type romance stories, where snarky humour and familial cosiness (though this might be an Antipodean style of writing, perhaps?) seem key to her contemporary series.
That 'Kiss Hard' was pitched as an enemies-to-lovers type story was one that sunk me well and good. But Danny Esera and Catie Rivers aren't exactly enemies; they're more frenemies who have grown up together and like taking pot shots at each other while always being in each other's corner instead of hostile foes hell bent on total destruction as I'd expected (and honestly, hoped for).
That relationship hasn't and shouldn't change given how comfortable they both are with throwing shade at each other at every given opportunity, god forbid really, until a compromising event makes the both of them look at each other in a different light.
Even as frenemies, their chemistry sizzles; as lovers, it's taken a notch higher in a slow-burn that starts by fake-dating and undeniable mutual attraction. Still, I think the standout here really is Singh's bold portrayal of Catie and her disability--an elite athlete who's also a double-amputee--written in a manner so well-balanced that she'd never felt like a character that was over-compensating or self-pitying in any way. It's also for this reason that I felt more for Catie more than Danny who seems a little more of a stereotypical player with a heart for people he calls his own.
Family ties take equal priority in their low-angst drama in getting together, though the inclusion of so many secondary characters (who also have stories of their own) can be a distraction at times. They are the checks and counterbalances in Catie/Danny's growing relationship, yet also the anchor that grounds them both in reality.
It isn't necessary to read the rest of the books in this series, though the strong ties written about here and the years that flow between these books seem to suggest that you might actually need to for a complete picture of the Bishop/Esera clan. Feel-good vibes are aplenty, interspersed with some sober reality bits, and if you like written-in-the-stars-type of stories, 'Kiss Hard' carries that tinge of kismet of two people who are meant to be.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
From time to time I'd venture into Nalini Singh's contemporary word outside of her Psy-changeling series for a breath of fresh air. 'Kiss Hard' is one of those times and as always, I find myself taken aback--in a good way--at the threads of warmth that always shoot through her family-type romance stories, where snarky humour and familial cosiness (though this might be an Antipodean style of writing, perhaps?) seem key to her contemporary series.
That 'Kiss Hard' was pitched as an enemies-to-lovers type story was one that sunk me well and good. But Danny Esera and Catie Rivers aren't exactly enemies; they're more frenemies who have grown up together and like taking pot shots at each other while always being in each other's corner instead of hostile foes hell bent on total destruction as I'd expected (and honestly, hoped for).
That relationship hasn't and shouldn't change given how comfortable they both are with throwing shade at each other at every given opportunity, god forbid really, until a compromising event makes the both of them look at each other in a different light.
Even as frenemies, their chemistry sizzles; as lovers, it's taken a notch higher in a slow-burn that starts by fake-dating and undeniable mutual attraction. Still, I think the standout here really is Singh's bold portrayal of Catie and her disability--an elite athlete who's also a double-amputee--written in a manner so well-balanced that she'd never felt like a character that was over-compensating or self-pitying in any way. It's also for this reason that I felt more for Catie more than Danny who seems a little more of a stereotypical player with a heart for people he calls his own.
Family ties take equal priority in their low-angst drama in getting together, though the inclusion of so many secondary characters (who also have stories of their own) can be a distraction at times. They are the checks and counterbalances in Catie/Danny's growing relationship, yet also the anchor that grounds them both in reality.
It isn't necessary to read the rest of the books in this series, though the strong ties written about here and the years that flow between these books seem to suggest that you might actually need to for a complete picture of the Bishop/Esera clan. Feel-good vibes are aplenty, interspersed with some sober reality bits, and if you like written-in-the-stars-type of stories, 'Kiss Hard' carries that tinge of kismet of two people who are meant to be.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
April 27, 2022
OKAY I CANT BELIEVE IM JUST NOW READING A NALINI SINGH BOOK.
I loved this story. I believe you can now say I’ve officially read my first sports romance.
I loved ABSOLUTELY LOVED the characters. Danny stole my heart but oh my GOD Catie. I’ve never read a story that had a double amputee as the MC and she’s a badass. Inspiring, motivational, trendsetting, EVERYTHING. Them together was so fun. It’s amazing when two characters have known each other from childhood, and of course when they’re enemies to lovers 😉🤌🏼
You guys need to read this book, and probably the Hard Play series overall. Ahhhh!!
Thanks netgalley for this lovely ARC!
Spice: 🌶.5
Tropes:
Fake dating
Sports romance
Enemies to lovers
I loved this story. I believe you can now say I’ve officially read my first sports romance.
I loved ABSOLUTELY LOVED the characters. Danny stole my heart but oh my GOD Catie. I’ve never read a story that had a double amputee as the MC and she’s a badass. Inspiring, motivational, trendsetting, EVERYTHING. Them together was so fun. It’s amazing when two characters have known each other from childhood, and of course when they’re enemies to lovers 😉🤌🏼
You guys need to read this book, and probably the Hard Play series overall. Ahhhh!!
Thanks netgalley for this lovely ARC!
Spice: 🌶.5
Tropes:
Fake dating
Sports romance
Enemies to lovers
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