There's something about Nalini Singh's contemporary romances that are just so real. No powers, no vampires, no shifters - instead, we have an enemies-to-lovers romance story about the importance of family set in my country and peppered with familiar references.
Jacob is a star first five-eighth (hi DC!) with the (unnamed) New Zealand national rugby team (go All Blacks!) who is also a devoted single dad to his adorable daughter Esme. Juliet is a high-powered exec who was his high school nemesis and the best friend of Jacob's now-deceased girlfriend, Esme's mom Calypso. After years without contact, they are reunited at the wedding of Jacob's older brother Gabriel (whose story can be found in Rock Hard). True to form, sparks fly.
Fair warning - while this reads well as a stand-alone, there are heaps of characters in this. In particular, there are a lot from Cherish Hard (Sailor's story) so I would recommend reading that before this one, not only to understand the relationships here but because it is a beautiful story about realising not only your dreams but someone else's - you can find my review here. The Bishop-Esera clan is getting large, people! It's past time for a family tree.
Things I liked:
- working out where Nalini got her inspiration, especially around the rugby players
- the absolute obliteration of Juliet's nasty ex
- all the banter
- Esme
- the really moving discussion around grief and moving on
- how Jacob got to be vulnerable and emotional
- family, both by blood and by choice
Things I didn't like:
- um
- maybe having too many characters and no character sheet?
- idk this was great
Unquestionably five stars. Touching, funny, and sincere - I loved this book.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from NetGalley; all opinions are my own
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