ROCK HARD is book number two of the Rock Kiss series by bestselling author Nalini Singh (there's also a novella #1.5 in there too). As with the two previous in this series, if you are used to Ms. Singh's amazing PNR work in her Psy-Changeling books or her fabulous UF Guild Hunter books, be warned that this series has a very different feel. It is contemporary romance, and has a very New Adult vibe. There is the typical (relative) ingénue, the bossy successful guy, and the requisite prior trauma of one of more characters to provide the tension.

The rock connection is much more tenuous in this book. Charlotte is the best friend of Molly, who ended up with a rock star in book one, Rock Addiction. Charlotte is a skittish mouse of a woman, living a sheltered and fairly lonely life trying to feel safe after some horrific abuse by a past boyfriend. I do love how Charlotte is trying so hard to overcome her past. She's making small steps, but the progress is measurable, and I like that she has been improving before she meets Gabriel. Some female empowerment is a great thing! I also love how close Charlotte is to her best friend Molly. I really enjoy books where the girlfriends are truly there for each other and honestly help each other out, and there is some powerful She-power in this story.

Charlotte ends up working as a personal assistant for Gabriel Bishop, brought on board at her company as a powerful temporary "fixer" CEO to rescue her ailing company before it tailspins into closure. Gabriel is the usual young millionaire CEO kind of NA hero, who is completely scrumptious and has nubile women dropping at his feet left and right. He's a driven guy, as you would expect a CEO to be, and he's really grumpy. I adore that Charlotte nicknames him T Rex and it sticks. I never did really buy that Gabriel instantly falls for Charlotte upon meeting her, but I blithely ignored this pesky detail and fully immersed myself in the enjoyment of their steamy chemistry and delicious banter.

The real enjoyment in ROCK HARD for me is the nurturing role that Gabriel takes on with Charlotte while still pushing her to spread her wings sexually as well. Gabriel recognizes that Charlotte has issues (how could he not?!) but he is, for the most part, so careful with her while still pushing for what he wants- a full out, no holds barred, fantastically uninhibited sex life with a woman he finds enchanting. How could I not love this?! The dialogue is snappy, the tension fairly constant, and the sexual tension is swoon-worthy. Brava for ROCK HARD, Ms. Singh!