Veena’s review of Love Hard (Hard Play, Book 3) by Nalini Singh
Contemporary Romance published by TKA Distribution 10 Mar 20
Jacob Esera once loved fast cars and dare-devil exploits, but now he saves all his strategy and moves for the rugby field. Being a single parent to a six-year-old daughter, who lost her teenage mom at birth, has sobered up this once fun-loving guy. Wild child Juliet Nelisi is his polar opposite. Isn’t she?
T-Rex Gabe Bishop and Charlie Mouse are two of my favorite characters in this series, and while I wasn’t sad to see a lot of this book dedicated to their wedding and honeymoon, it does take away from Juliet and Jacob’s core story, which is the only reason I took away one grade. Of course, Jacob’s daughter, who’s been the center of his universe, is adorable. Her character definitely steals a lot of the show. Despite all these distractions, Jacob and Juliet’s sweet emotional love story makes quite the impact, making this possibly one of my favorite contemporary romance stories by Ms. Singh.
Juliet is quite the inspiration, having worked her way from a rebel in high school to banishment on a small island, finally finding her turn-around as operations manager with one of the leading designers in New Zealand. Her back story is sad and at the same time inspiring. It’s a miracle that she’s as well grounded as she is, despite her wrong turn with her sleazy first husband, who is still trying to sabotage her relationship with Jacob.
It’s Jacob who does the 180 from disliking Juliet and the strong influence Juliet had once had on his girlfriend to becoming one of her strongest protectors, surrounding Juliet with his family’s love and protection. Gosh, even someone with a stone heart would melt and Juliet’s is just a marshmallow. I really enjoyed reading how the two faced their demons to find their happily ever after.
One more Esera left to go! While I’m reading between the lines on his story, it definitely should be a feisty romance. Can’t wait.
Grade: B
Summary:
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.
Other books in this series:
