I'm not always a fan of second chance romances (and this one kinda is). Kit is best friends with Noah (and she loves him and he her). Noah, believing himself to be not worthy, orchestrates a betrayal (of sorts). He had something happen during his childhood that causes him to self medicate with women. Lots of them.
Noah was

Instead of seeking out counseling, talking about it, he bottles it in- until it can't be dealt with in his usual way. I wanted more from him sooner then it came. He does eventually redeem himself, but it was pretty much towards the end of the book. I thought his treatment of Kit was super shitty. While I didn't like he was sleeping with other women, it technically wasn't cheating since they weren't a couple.
I was still in the story. NS can write!
Angst- check. Secret- check.
Ripped Bodice Bingo: Show Business square

Nalini Singh is one of my favourite authors. I love her Psy-Changeling and Guild Hunter series but this contemporary rock star romance book wasn't my cup of tea.
Both Molly and Fox had their past problems and their stories were interesting but I hoped for more drama and less sex. I actually didn't understand, how Fox decided with one look that Molly was right for him. What did he see in her that was so world changing? 
I also felt like I'm forced to read the second story about David and Thea to get the full story (those damn hints about their relationship made me crazy) and I don't want to. Maybe some day but not now.

This is Charlotte's story (Molly's BF from Rock Addiction). While this is part of a series, this stands by itself just fine. It was hinted at a something traumatic happening to Charlotte in RA. As a result, I enjoyed the slow burn romance (and could believe the attraction) as Charlotte slowly builds confidence. I could see Gabriel and Charlotte together as they each help the other out. I think they complimented each other very well. Enjoyable.

Re-read in January 2018

Charlotte Baird is the best friend of Molly Webster, the heroine from Rock Addiction. This book takes place simultaneously and portrays Charlotte's relationship with her overbearing new boss who she refers to as T-Rex. I was intrigued by this side plot in the first Rock Kiss book so I was super happy that it met all of my expectations.

I loved the portrayal of Charlotte and her journey to self-confidence after a horrific incident with an ex-boyfriend. Readers get hints about what happened, but I was not prepared for the details which made me admire Charlotte even more. She is intelligent and shy though she also has a spine of steel when pushed too far. There are many moments where she could have retreated back into her enclosed world, but she kept going and showed how strong she really was.

The aforementioned T-Rex whose real name is Gabriel Bishop is a former professional rugby player who is now known for bring businesses back from the brink of disaster. His first few days at his new company results in staff overhauls and plenty of tears, but he showed a keen sense of business smarts and a good heart. I liked that, while most of this book focused on Charlotte's development, it also deals with Gabriel's own difficult childhood and how it effects his current outlook on life.

Rock Hard has many elements that I adore in Nalini Singh's paranormal books like fully developed characters, romance that sweeps the reader off their feet, and well-written worlds. Even though this book is a contemporary romance, I can see Singh's skills at worldbuilding with her depiction of the company that Charlotte and Gabriel work for, the relationships between the workers, and especially the crazy Bishop family. I am hoping Gabriel's brother, Danny, will get his own story someday.

All in all, a truly entertaining read that is both sweet and sexy. This author is showing how skilled she is at writing romance whether it is contemporary or paranormal. Rock Hard is my favorite of the series so far.

I received a free e-ARC of this book from TKA Distribution via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.