Rock Hard

I WAS SWEPT AWAY WITH THEIR SIMMERING CHEMISTRY

I made a huge mistake with this book..... I started to listen to it quite late in the evening and, because the well paced story was romantic, captivating and all its characters were so likeable, I just couldn't stop listening and kept fooling myself with thoughts of "oh, just one more chapter" until I finally thought "well there's only five chapters left I might as well finish it". I know I know I have no willpower and since joining Audible I've seen a lot of early dawns creeping in but, when the book's characters are so alluring and the storyline is funny, sad, tender, sexy, sweet, touching, romantic and there's witty banter too, then I'm a sucker for a love story with a HEA ending.

Gabriel, the very handsome workaholic playboy, has come in as CEO to rescue a failing Company but he's ruthless, focussed, driven and is very intelligent so it doesn't take him long to see that one of his employees, the shy, mousey little Charlotte with her baggy ill-fitting clothes, is actually highly intelligent and is in the wrong position in the Company so promotes her to be his P.A. But, as soon as he does, Gabriel realises that he's physically and mentally drawn to her and can see beyond her layers of protection to the little gem hidden beneath so he does what he does best.... makes careful plans to win the affections and trust of his timid little mouse. However, he soon discovers that his plans will have to be long-term plans as the more he sees Charlotte flinching and freezing up at his touch the more he painfully realises that she's been a victim of something terrible but it doesn't deter this now focussed and reformed playboy.

Yes, Charlotte has been a victim and her horrific ordeal is told in this listen but, with the help of her best friend Molly (from book 1) and over several months of working for sexy Alpha Gabriel (dubbed as T Rex by her), she slowly gains confidence, stands up for herself and snipes back.... which is just what Gabriel had planned. Then her fears turn into longings, she sees the caring family man behind Gabriel's ruthless facade, she also sees the deep attraction for her that he's not hiding any longer and the patience he's endured. But can she tell him her secret, will it scare him off, will she ever enjoy being touched again, is there any hope of a future for Gabriel and herself and will she survive when her abusive ex-boyfriend is released from prison???

Worth a credit? Dual POV's, a very good narrator who did a sexy Alpha male voice with ease, a patient, loyal, loving and swoon worthy Hero and an enjoyable well-written plot that had a lot of character growth and development as the Hero drew in his claws and the Heroine finally found hers. So YES worth a credit and I haven't yet come across a Nalini Singh book that wasn't worth a credit..... that's why her books are an auto buy for me.

19 of 20 people found this review helpful

Appreciated the writer, storyline, location...more

What did you love best about Rock Hard?

The story was well written, underlying issues being addressed not lost, and the chemistry sizzling.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Charlotte (Charlie) as she conquered so much during the length of the tale.

What does Justine O. Keef bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Justine O. Keef is an great narrator - period.

Any additional comments?

My only reason to not give this audible experience 5 stars all the way around is that this book is centered in New Zealand and I think the book deserves a narrator with experience in New Zealand (a Kiwi perhaps) or an English ex-pat who has spent time in New Zealand. Pronunciation, knowledge of the country, and tone, could really bring this book to another level of experience. I am not suggesting a deep kiwi accent in the book, but a recognizable softened accent would nevertheless add to the experience and help set the book apart perhaps from every other American-read narration. Certainly Charlotte would be a kiwi I would expect.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

A fantastic listen!

Would you consider the audio edition of Rock Hard to be better than the print version?

I only listened so I have no idea but I enjoyed the narrator and felt they added to the story.

What did you like best about this story?

Okay so this was really good. The story layers intersected beautifully. There were reasons for the character motivations. The male lead worked hard to give space and time to the female lead whoneeded it. It took time for them to actually get to the physical part and there was follow up for why. I did not review the first book in this series because I did not feel the same way but this book exceeded my expectations and I applaude Ms. Singh for truly hitting the mark.

What about Justine O. Keef’s performance did you like?

Her performance was impassioned and well done. I am always astounded when I forget a female is reading a male role. Bravo!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Holding back from passion takes strength but the bond it forms is Rock Hard.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Not A Keeper for Me

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

NO

Any additional comments?

I dislike this story it's so...predictable just like other contemporaries where the women are soft and supposed to be smart and yet make herself vulnerable, why is it that she knows theres a threat to herself and make no move to take self-defense classes etc to keep herself safe? Why did Nalini Singh make her female character so blah..I'm not liking her other contemporary either why did she make the leading ladies so lame..?BLAH..

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

Best so far

This novel in the series has the most depth of character. It's not heart wrenching deep but the author's character development keeps improving with each installment. No rockers in this book, however.
-V from Kansas

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Heartfelt.

Very strong story. Even better than the first. Gabriel was strong and perfect. So steadfast for his woman.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Loved. it!

I didn't even miss that there I wasn't any paranormal which I love a all of her books. I work nights but I spent the day listening to Rock Hard. Now I have hung every book by Ms. Singh.

a little too forced in the beginning but hang in

decent story. The beginning felt almost a little too forced. Nothing really led to their attraction. just one morning she's a mousey timid girl scared of everything yet she is mooning over the big handsome boss. And she is nothing like his type, he needs to be professional yet is wanting to rip her clothes off even though she is basically hidden. it works for some. but this was just forced. still, I hung in there and enjoyed the story over alll, although some parts I admit I just zoned out on.

also I read this first in series and feel like there was a lot missing which is probably explained in book 1. you can piece together the story but probably easier if you read/ listen to book 1 first.

Interesting

Warning to readers: triggers for domestic abuse and rape.
The story was predictable but cute overall

Can’t get over narrator’s accent

Really hard to get past the narrator. I couldn’t finish it. Maybe I will try the written version