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Rock Hard (Rock Kiss, #2)

Nalini Singh

Start date: August 15, 2015

Finish date: September 15, 2015

Discussion: Group Reads

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Group Reads

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last updated Dec 19, 2012 08:46AM

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last updated Jan 06, 2012 03:40PM

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What Members Thought

Nov 25, 2014 Shawna rated it it was amazing

Shelves: hero-daddy-warbucks-wealthy, tattoos-piercings-body-art, hero-entrepreneur-mogul-tycoon-ceo, enemies-to-lovers-opposites-attract, hero-sharp-dressed-man, hero-stalk-me-baby-possessive, hh-famous-celebrity, hh-athlete-jock, favorite-romance-series, dirty-talk-turns-me-on

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

19 likes · Like · see review

Sep 05, 2015 Danielle The Book Huntress rated it really liked it

Shelves: employee-employer-relationship, hero-in-pursuit, heroine-i-adore, hero-to-die-for, shy-or-unassuming-character, favorites, awkward-misfit, abused, hot-and-steamy-romance, favorite-or-autobuy-author

Finally have time to write this review. I was skeptical about Nalini Singh's re-embarkation into contemporary romance, especially since I am not into the rock star sub-genre. I heard such awesome things about this book, and I admit I find office romance a guilty pleasure. I hate business, but an office background in a romance makes it seem a whole lot more interesting. I have to say this was a pleasure to read.

The Characters:

It's always a joy when you truly like the main characters in a book. I Finally have time to write this review. I was skeptical about Nalini Singh's re-embarkation into contemporary romance, especially since I am not into the rock star sub-genre. I heard such awesome things about this book, and I admit I find office romance a guilty pleasure. I hate business, but an office background in a romance makes it seem a whole lot more interesting. I have to say this was a pleasure to read.

The Characters:

It's always a joy when you truly like the main characters in a book. I definitely loved both Charlotte and Gabriel. I think that they had phenomenal chemistry. I loved how patient Gabriel was in wooing Charlotte. I am ever captivated by a hero in pursuit who shows genuine love for his heroine. It was clear that Gabriel wasn't just trying to conquer Charlotte. He wanted all of her. And Charlotte is one of those heroines who I could definitely be good friends in real life. She's adorable. I think most of us women can admit crushing on someone who is downright unattainable. And to think her crush is crushing on her. Charlotte's down to earth and a lovely person. Her shyness is certainly understandable, and I understand how being hurt that way could make a person withdraw from life. I liked how pivotal Charlotte's friendship with Molly is to the book. It definitely feels authentic the way she would call Molly or Skype with her about what was going on in their lives.

The Storyline:

Charlotte's past is definitely dark. I feel that it's handled sensitively and Charlotte's recovery is realistic. Seeing Gabriel gently work through her issues and understanding that certain things were a trigger for her just made me love him more. I was a bit disappointed with the love scenes. they didn't quite have the impact I wanted considering the long buildup. However the proposal was lovely! I found the narrative device of email memos fun and a great way to advance the plot and set the tone and the evolution of Charlotte and Gabriel's relationship. Gabriel was scrumptious. I wouldn't say I'm into hugely muscular guys typically, but this man is ultra fine! I loved the fact that he's not merely defined by his physicality. He's also fiercely intelligent.

Overall, this is a great book. I can't give it five stars because it didn't have the strong impact that I expect from a five star romance book. However, I was immersed and drawn into this story. Just the kind of book that you want to dive into, take a few hours out of your own life and enjoy. Rather like a book version of dessert. Speaking of dessert, that was a big part of this book, and I'm all for it. When Gabriel was being beastly, he would buy Charlotte sweet treats. Charlotte is a keen baker and she also baked for Gabriel. Dessert will always be my favorite meal, so it was like two for the price of one.

Not five stars, but definitely 4.5/5.0 stars! ...more

17 likes · Like · see review

Mar 25, 2015 Dina rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-romance, ebook, 2015-white-collar-heroes, to-review, 2015-dhasg-challenge

T-Rex, I love you!!!

8 likes · Like · see review

Mar 07, 2015 Christa rated it really liked it

Shelves: ebook-arc

Rock Hard was a nice addition to the series. Main characters Gabriel Bishop and Charlotte Baird were likable and I enjoyed reading about them. I liked the way that Gabriel figured out that Charlotte was smart and really good at her job even though she was so shy and tongue tied around him. It pleased me when he gave her a promotion, and I liked the bantering between them as she became more comfortable around him. Once Gabriel figured out that Charlotte had some heavy baggage and reasons for bein ...more

5 likes · Like · see review

Feb 13, 2015 Lynsey A rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-romance, favorite-author, hero-i-luv, heroine-traumatic-past, kindle-books-i-own, ebook, 2015-reads

Oh, I loved this book. What a great ride throughout with T-Rex and the Mouse. I seriously didn't want this one to end. They were so cute together. I didn't give it 5 stars only because I now compare every Nalini Singh book to Heart of Obsidian and none yet have compared to the ways I loved that one! :) ...more

4 likes · Like · see review

Jul 14, 2015 Juliana Philippa rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: cr-hero-businessman, 0-own-avg-rating-3-point-8-plus, 0-own-as-kindle-ebook, romance-series, 2020-reads, cr-hero-early-to-mid-30s, cr-heroine-not-confident, 0-own, 4-to-5-stars, 0-reviewed

4.5 stars (Both times I've read it!)
This is my first Nalini Singh novel and wowzers!! I am definitely wanting to read more! I absolutely loved this book and read it one sitting.

As others have noted, Gabriel is a to die for hero and quickly made it onto my "Favorite Heroes" list. He's smart, confident, sexy, sensitive, gentle yet also aggressive, and talks dirty as all hell. Love he would call Charlotte "Ms. Baird" all the time.

I also loved Charlotte - I have a weakness for the plain/shy/etc. her ...more

2 likes · Like · see review

Dec 26, 2014 Ally rated it really liked it

Shelves: ebook, contemporary-romance, 2015

Best one in the series by far! Loved it!

Blogged Swept Away Again

First line: "Charlotte closed the final updated folder with a smile."

Rock Hard takes me back to Nalini Singh's Harlequin days, there's something really sexy yet sweet about Rock Hard that makes the book really special for me.

It's not a secret that I didn't really like the first book in the Rock Kiss series but Rock Hard is a definite, positive improvement and I demand that you read this book, especially if you didn't like the first Best one in the series by far! Loved it!

Blogged Swept Away Again

First line: "Charlotte closed the final updated folder with a smile."

Rock Hard takes me back to Nalini Singh's Harlequin days, there's something really sexy yet sweet about Rock Hard that makes the book really special for me.

It's not a secret that I didn't really like the first book in the Rock Kiss series but Rock Hard is a definite, positive improvement and I demand that you read this book, especially if you didn't like the first book!

I have mixed feelings for the overall plot for Rock Hard as for me it was a two fold plot. There was the storyline between Gabe and Charlotte and then extra little plot thrown in at the end that wasn't bad but wasn't completely necessary but worked and added a bit of drama for Rock Hard, which was pretty much drama-less really in comparison to the first book anyway.

Gabe and Charlotte were brilliant characters that I really liked. As the story and romance unfolds so does Charlotte's character and we slowly see what else is behind her shy persona which I greatly enjoyed.
While Gabe comes off as arrogant, aggressive and just too big and too much for Charlotte as he slowly works his charm with Charlotte I also felt take in by him as well. As Rock Hard starts out I was quite sure Gabe was all wrong for Charlotte even though he was a likeable character I was rooting from him to get the girl, I just struggled for it to be 'believable' really. However, never fear as Ms Singh slowly unravels Charlotte so does she also unravel Gabe and makes him a more acceptable and believable match for Charlotte.

My one point of let's say confusion with Rock Hard is the fact that the basis of this series really is about a rock band and while I enjoyed Charlotte and Gabe's story the fact remains that Gabe is not, nor has never been a rock star. Yes his past is as a celebrity rugby player but not a rock star and well it just doesn't make a lot of sense. Especially as this story parallels to Molly's so while Molly and Charlotte have a connection once Molly goes to the U.S with the band there really isn't much of a 'rock' connection.

Overall I really enjoyed Rock Hard, I got actually what I expected from Ms Singh. A great book with a good storyline and believable and interesting characters.

This review is based on the ARC of Rock Hard, provided by netgalley. Thanks to NetGalley and TKA Distribution for providing a review copy of this book. ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Mar 16, 2015 Norma rated it liked it

Shelves: contemporary-romance, kindle-ebook, read-2015

I'm probably in the minority here, but I didn't love this. I liked it. It was a good story. Loved the characters for the most part, although working as an admin for many years, I never would have put up with Gabriel's treatment. There's a difference between demanding and disrespectful.

All in all it was a good story, it just never wowed me. ...more

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Aug 23, 2015 Jackie Lane rated it really liked it

Even though this is part of the "Rock" series, it is far afar in this book.

We finally get to know Charlotte and what went on with her that has made her skittish.

Hearing a noise, Charlotte goes to investigate and throws a stapler at the stranger, who is none other than her new boss Gabriel. There is an attraction, but Charlotte feels Gabriel would never look twice at her and Gabriel feels Charlotte needs time to adjust to him.

Their relationship progresses as Charlotte is promoted to Gabriel's PA ...more

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Mar 10, 2015 Jen rated it really liked it

Shelves: mucho-money, singh

Gabriel and Charlotte

So sweet. Really enjoyed this book.

1 like · Like · see review

Dec 20, 2017 Liz B rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, contemporaryrealisticfiction, ebook

Ooh, now that I see the description I remember that I really liked this one. It takes a lot of contemporary romance tropes (workplace romance, billionaire boss, stalker ex-boyfriend) and does them really, really well. The fact that I'm remembering specific scenes so long after reading this is a sign of a great story. I think I got distracted from the series by something else, but now I want to buy more. Or at least see if the library has them. ...more

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