Kiss Hard (Hard Play #4)

by Nalini Singh

Blurb:

Daniel Esera is a young god on the rugby field, a sexy and charming man who's got the world at his feet. There's just one problem: his sudden potent attraction to his number one nemesis--Catie River. No. Just no. Not happening.

Catie River is on her way to Paralympic gold, and she's not about to allow Danny "Hotshot" Esera to derail her plans. Too bad her body isn't cooperating. Even worse? Her heart might be coming along for the ride. No. Nope. Never.

The pair are united in their desire to remain enemies... until a stranger's reckless action threatens both their careers. Now, the only way out for Catie and Danny is to pretend to be in a relationship. How bad can it be? They're adults in full control of their hormones and their hearts. There will be no kissing. No PDA. And definitely no falling in love.

Let the games begin.

Themes: Contemporary

Rating: 4.75 stars

Heat Rating:

Review:

I am sad to say that the time finally came and I could no longer put off reading the final Esera brothers’ love story, bringing an ending to an epic family of sexy men from Nalini Singh. I have put off reading this one because I hated to see the ending, but I couldn’t fight it any longer and I am so glad I finally caved. This is the story of the youngest Esera brother and the sister-in-law of the oldest brother as a matter of fact, bringing everything full circle and uniting the two families in a second level of greatness and love that these girls sadly lacked most of their lives, one that will bring tears to your eyes and joy to your heart when they finally get their HEA. Daniel and Catie have been antagonistic toward one another in the public eye since the beginning of their careers, but when they are in private, mostly as family events, the frenemies behavior is still filled with sass, but with an underlying understanding that they would do anything for one another. Catie runs into Danny in a very vulnerable situation and in doing all she can to protect him, ends up putting them into a very public and terrifying situation—they must pretend to be lovers unless they want to risk their budding careers. But the pretense soon becomes so much more and as their feelings for one another come to light, the emotional danger puts them both into an even more dangerous situation than just career concerns. Can these two former nemeses find a way to accept their new love for one another despite their fears and faults or will they be torn apart forever? OMFG what a story; obviously I have read many story of enemies-to-lovers but none as subtly or beautifully woven as Catie and Danny’s story, with so many secrets, pitfalls, and emotional dangers. I loved seeing Danny grow up and come to understand that he was more than just the youngest Esera in the Rugby dynasty, instead he has so much himself of his own passions to offer Catie and the world. His sweetness, bravery, wit, and sexiness are overshadowed so often by his strength of character, determination, and love for others that you can see he will make a wonderful husband and father. Catie has had so much tragedy and suffering in her young life, but she continues to push forward, not allowing others to look down on her or treat as less than she is, even though she often projects that attitude in a combative way. That chip on her shoulder often comes across as aggressive, but Danny (and others that love her) see the sweetness and softness she hides from most and know to protect and support the woman underneath the brashness she portrays to the world. I loved watching these two come together, not just in momentary passion, but in a love that will last them a lifetime, and the love that blossomed still carried the spice and thorniness of their feisty relationship which remained hilarious. While I’m sad to see the series end, I look forward to seeing what contemporary series Ms. Singh might send our way next as I have loved the last two series immensely. With passion, wit, and sultry settings Ms. Singh’s contemporary romances leave you wondering why you haven’t moved “down under” in search of your own hottie yet!

*eARC provided by publisher (via NetGalley) for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review. No compensation was provided.