Review: Love Hard (Hard Play #3) by Nalini Singh

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh brings you the next sizzling story in her Hard Play contemporary romance series… 
 
Jacob Esera, star rugby player and young single father, has worked hard to create a joyous life for his six-year-old daughter. After the death of his childhood sweetheart soon after their daughter’s birth, all Jake wants is safety and stability. No risks. No wild chances. And especially no Juliet Nelisi, former classmate, scandal magnet, and a woman who is a thorn in his side.

As a lonely teenager, Juliet embraced her bad-girl reputation as a shield against loneliness and rejection. Years later, having kicked a cheating sports-star ex to the curb, she has a prestigious job and loyal friends—and wants nothing to do with sportsmen. The last thing she expects is the fire that ignites between her and the stuffed-shirt golden boy who once loved her best friend.

Straitlaced Jacob Esera versus wild-at-heart Juliet Nelisi? Place your bets.

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Excerpt

 What I thought about Love Hard

I'm always so excited to see another story in this contemporary romance series. I got hooked on Nalini Singh when I read the Rock Kiss series and I'm always on the lookout for more.

Jake Esera has 2 priorities -- his family and his rugby. He's a single father, lost his sweetheart in a tragic manner and he's committed to providing the best he can for his daughter. That means keeping her out of the media spotlight created by his outstanding rugby career. When he reconnects with Juliet, a close friend to his high school sweetheart, he's attracted to her, but past history makes it difficult for Jacob to act on his desires.
 
Juliet may have been a wild child in high school, but she's grown up a lot since then. One thing for sure is that she doesn't want her tarnished reputation to cause any damage to the Esera family.

I loved the slow rebuilding of relationships in this story and the gentle progression to a real romance between Jake and Juliet. There isn't a huge amount of conflict here -- most of it deals with Juliet and her ex. I absolutely love Jake in this story. He's the strong silent type, with a heart of gold and when he turns his protective ways on Juliet, she finds something she's wanted in her life. I liked the simplicity of this story as it puts the spotlight right on the romance of Jake and Juliet. Jake's daughter couldn't be any cuter!

I definitely recommend this series, and the Rock Kiss series. The stories are original and have a quiet, heart-touching romantic element that I adore. Love Hard definitely worked for me.

An ARC was provided. This is my honest review.  

 Author Information

Nalini Singh is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Psy-Changeling, Guild Hunter, and Rock Kiss series. She lives and works in beautiful New Zealand, and is passionate about writing.

If you’d like to explore her other books, you can find lots of excerpts and free short stories on her website. Slave to Sensation is the first book in the Psy-Changeling series, while Angels’ Blood is the first book in the Guild Hunter series. The Rock Kiss books are all stand alone and can be read in any order.

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