Book Review: Kiss Hard by Nalini Singh

Publication day: May 3rd 2022 

Kiss Hard is the kind of story that lingers. Though I can’t say the plot itself is something out of this world that we never saw before in Romance (though I’m pretty sure I never met a heroine like Catie), there is a compelling feel about it all. You are transported into the characters (and their vivacious family) lives and go along with them in their story, feeling every emotion, every tension, every thought that crosses their mind, every delicious cookie they taste and all the fun they have at their families getogethers. You are just…there.

Of course, as an old avid reader of Nalini Singh, I knew about that quality of her writing, but I didn’t expect to feel it here too – where there is no apocalyptic world, no prophecies,  no inter- species war, no inner beast calling for their mate or alpha call. It’s just two people trying to overcome their fears, mental or physical trials, their emotional turmoil, trust issues and passion. Passion for life, for their careers, for their independence and above it all  for each other and the feelings that have been growing deep down without their open acknowledgment for years.

Kiss Hard is a story of frenemies that have been in each others life one way or another for years, but never had a chance to spend time alone and see how good they actually are for each other. They got through the last years of their life knowing they are each others nemesis, doing pranks, making fun of each other on their socials, butting heads at every family outing and all occasions that put them in the same space. They never saw it for what it was, but of course everyone else did – and they way they all teased them about it and ultimately helped them get from that stage to a power couple who understood, accepted, trusted, loved and lived for each other was pure fun deliciousness.

Danny is perfection. Like really, I don’t know what else anyone could expect from a male hero in Romance. He is hot – something that Catie likes to remind us with every opportunity, you know, in case you didn’t have a vivid image in your head just from the cover,  he is fun -obviously, he had to be, to keep up with the banter and the pranks, but also stubborn, protective, intense and very ambitious. Also, he goes all the way when he puts his mind on something – or someone, and you just melt.

Because of their history and character traits, the whole journey has a light, fun feel to it – until they go in too deep and start to get the fright of feels of course. Their inner monologues when they started seeing each other with other eyes were downright hysterical. The sexual tension was there throughout most of the book, since this a slow burn Romance and things take a while to happen. And then boom! Everything is on fire! Ok, not literally on fire, but it felt that way.

What I also ADORE about Singh's characters is their maturity when dealing with certain situations. Because communication is key and they freakin' know it! There is no drama that could be avoided if the characters actually talked to each other. (in my mind I send other books' characters to counseling therapy with this series' characters. just kidding, I love you all)

So if you are into sports Romance with strong characters, lots of banter and spicey moments, give this a go!

I’d recommend it to fans of Mariana Zapata, Samantha Young and Renee Carlino.

***Review copy provided by the Publisher through NetGalley