Title: Rebel Hard
Author: Nalini Singh
First published September 18, 2018
409 pages, ebook
ISBN: 9781942356660
Rating: 4.05
Overview
Nalini Singh, the New York Times bestselling author, introduces a heartwarming romance in her Hard Play series that celebrates big, extravagant weddings, grandma’s meddling, and a hero who needs to loosen up. Nayna Sharma hoped an arranged marriage would bring her family together, but she quickly realizes that a traditional marriage is not her dream.
Out of desperation, she puts on her sexiest dress and finds herself tangled up in the arms of a rugged, muscular man with abs of steel. Unfortunately, she also manages to insult him between one kiss and the next.
Raj Sen, abandoned as a child and then adopted into a loving family, believes in tradition and continuity. He’s considered old-fashioned by some, but he knows what he wants in life, and it’s a life governed by rules.
However, he can’t shake off the memory of the infuriating and alluring woman who kissed him and then vanished. When his parents introduce him to someone unexpected, he is surprised to see the same woman again.
She is beautiful, stubborn, and a rule-breaker in the making. They are wrong for each other, but they can’t resist the pull of love that makes them both rebels.
About the Author
Writing has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. Even when my stories were about a prince with laser eyes, I always included a thread of romance.
Creating unique characters and giving them happy endings brings me immense joy. And yes, I do hear voices in my head, but it’s all in the name of crafting compelling stories.
In September 2002, my dream came true when Silhouette Desire purchased my first book, Desert Warrior. Writing is truly the only job I could ever see myself doing, and I hope to continue doing it until I’m old and gray (and possibly still typing away at my keyboard).
I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. After spending three years in Japan, where I had the opportunity to travel around Asia, I’m back in my home country.
However, I’m always planning my next adventure. If you’re interested in seeing some of my travel snapshots, check out my Travel Diary page, which I update monthly.
Throughout my life, I’ve held a variety of jobs, including lawyer, librarian, candy factory worker, bank temp, and English teacher. Some may see this as inconsistency, but I view it as fodder for my writing.
Editoral Review
Nalini Singhs Rebel Hard is a contemporary romance novel that explores the themes of identity, family, and culture. Known for her prolific writing in the paranormal and fantasy romance genres, Singh has successfully crossed over into contemporary romance with this latest book, published on September 18, 2018.
Set in New Zealand, Rebel Hard follows the story of an Indian-American woman named Nayna Sharma, who is determined to break away from her traditional family expectations and become a successful entrepreneur. She meets a proud and stubborn Maori businessman named Raj Sen, who is initially resistant to her advances but eventually falls for her.
Singhs novel delves into the complexities of cultural differences, family expectations, and personal desires. Nayna is torn between her love for her family and her need to pursue her own dreams, while Raj struggles to reconcile his own cultural identity with the expectations of his family and community.
One of the strengths of this novel is the depth of character development. Singh skillfully creates nuanced and fully realized characters that are multi-dimensional and relatable.
Nayna is a strong and determined woman who is not afraid to go after what she wants, but she also grapples with the guilt of going against her familys wishes. Raj is similarly complex, as he tries to balance his traditional values with his desire for meaningful connection and recognition.
Singhs writing is both engaging and insightful, immersing the reader in the rich cultural setting of New Zealand while also exploring themes that are relevant to modern society. She deftly weaves together romance, family drama, and cultural commentary, creating a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
However, one weakness of this novel is its predictable plot structure. The story follows a classic romance arc, and while the characters are unique and well-developed, the overall narrative is somewhat formulaic.
Additionally, some readers may find the pacing to be slow at times, as the focus is on character development rather than action. Despite these minor flaws, Rebel Hard is a captivating and emotionally resonant novel that will appeal to fans of contemporary romance as well as those interested in exploring themes of family, culture, and personal identity.
Singh has once again proven her skill as a writer, seamlessly transitioning from paranormal and fantasy romance to contemporary romance. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-crafted and engaging story that examines the complexities of love and identity.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
