Rock Hard by Nalini Singh [Review]

Rock Hard (Rock Kiss #2) by Nalini Singh
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: February 10, 2015

Rock Kiss
1. Rock Addiction
1.5. Rock Courtship
2. Rock Hard - Paperback | Kindle
3. Rock Redemption
4. Rock Wedding

Nalini Singh
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Synopsis (Goodreads):

Wealthy businessman Gabriel Bishop rules the boardroom with the same determination and ruthlessness that made him a rock star on the rugby field. He knows what he wants, and he’ll go after it no-holds-barred.

And what he wants is Charlotte Baird.

Charlotte knows she’s a mouse. Emotionally scarred and painfully shy, she just wants to do her job and remain as invisible as possible. But the new CEO—a brilliant, broad-shouldered T-Rex of a man who growls and storms through the office, leaving carnage in his wake—clearly has other plans. Plans that may be equal parts business and bedroom.

If Charlotte intends to survive this battle of wits and hearts, the mouse will have to learn to wrangle the T-Rex. Game on.

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

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

Seriously.Swoon-worthy.

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

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

*slow thumbs up*