A review by xxselenaj
Rock Hard by Nalini Singh

emotional funny inspiring sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I really enjoyed Charlotte and Gabriel! Singh is one of my favourite authors but I never branched out of her thrillers / paranormal romances. I love that her sports romances aren’t too technical with the sport and is more on the players developing in life after. 

I love how patient and understanding Gabriel was. He never forced Charlotte to give more than she could, but helped her to find her strength. He recognized her talent right away and promoted her. He waited months before romantically pursuing her. And when they did get involved he still cared about her professionally and offered to move her away. I love how possessive he was while also acknowledging how caveman like he got. I think Gabriel was such a well rounded MMC because although he had his faults, he didn’t let it get in the way of what he wanted and when he had to acknowledge it, he always thought it out. When he got mad; he apologized. When he was wrong, he owned it. He was not the regular toxic alpha male. Either the bar is in hell when it comes to men or he is just one of my new favs 

I love how much charlotte persevered through her trauma. Arguably she could’ve remained hesitant of relationships and men for life. But she found her inner strength and used it to her advantage. I didn’t love that it only kicked off because of Gabriel’s instances, I wish she made more strides on her own but I’m happy she got her own piece of mind   

Loved this scene to describe them!

have I or have I not made it clear that I would like you in my bed?" Teeth sinking into her lower lip, she nodded. "So," he said, folding his arms and leaning his hip against the freestanding counter, "why would you think one hiccup would stop me?" He raised an eyebrow. "Especially since you've been working with me long enough to know that nothing stops me when I have my eye set on a goal." Charlotte drew in a long breath, released it slowly. "I don't know if I can." "If you tell me you don't want me, I'm going to demand you give me your panties to prove they're not damp." Cheeks going bright red, she stamped one dainty foot. "That is totally inappropriate!" “No rules outside the office, Ms. Baird," he said, needling her on purpose    because he liked her fiery, hated the defeat he'd seen in her. "Now come here and tell me what I did." It was important she make the decision to stay, to start  trusting him.