LOVE HARD is the third book in Nalini Singh’s “Hard Play” series. Although the two main characters in LOVE HARD never had any deep loathing for each other, I think this story might still appeal to readers who enjoy the “enemies-to-lovers” trope. The thing that has always connected Jacob Esera and Juliet Nelisi, has been the mother of Jacob’s little girl and Juliet’s high school BFF – Callie. After losing Callie to a sudden and tragic illness, Jacob and Jules went on with their lives as best they could, but in two completely different directions. Nalini Singh tells this story from alternating perspectives as she brings these people back together and have love take them by surprise. I love Nalini Singh’s contemporary romances, and LOVE HARD has the stellar storytelling and well-rounded and fascinating characters I’ve come to expect from this author.

A wedding draws Jacob and Jules together for the first time in years. There, in their wedding party finery, they look at each other with new eyes and discover how much they’ve changed since high school. The physical attraction is instant. The more complex attraction and deeper feelings evolve over time. Having a young child to take care of shapes every decision Jacob makes, and makes him a little more cautious than he was as a teenager. Being abandoned, and generally treated shabbily by everyone in her life, has made Jules extremely self- reliant and strong. While they may have butted heads when they were younger, both of them are wowed by the people they’ve become. They aren’t radically different than they were, but they’ve been shaped into wiser and more resilient versions of their younger selves. I love this book! Every character is so complex and interesting while also being likable. You care about these characters. There is a good chemistry between Jacob and Jules and Nalini Singh does pepper the story with enough sexual tension and steamy scenes to satisfy most romance fans, but what drew me was the character-driven love story.

LOVE HARD is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance, great storytelling, and amazeballs characters. There are no obstacles to this romance that feel contrived or obnoxious. Jules’ ex is just a pathetic and emotionally draining selfish guy rather than criminal kingpin or comic book supervillain. The way Jules and Jacob support each other and look out for each other is heartwarming and great to see. The supporting characters in LOVE HARD make for a richer story, but don’t clutter the narrative. I like how there are I look forward to Nalini Singh’s next book.