#16 Love Hard by Nalini Singh

This is a contemporary romance that is set in a longer running series of books but can be read by itself. Jacob is a single dad after his high school sweetheart Callie died from meningitis not too long after giving birth to their only child. Jacob is a rising star rugby player much like most of his siblings but is a devoted single father. When he is teamed up with Juliet, Callie’s best friend from high school sparks fly. They had always verbally sparred but both dearly loved Callie. Juliet was sent away to live with her grandparents in Samoa and missed the birth of Esme and the funeral. When she came back to New Zealand she made a clean break from her past and never got in touch with any old friends. When they do meet again it is due to Juliet’s friendship with Jake’s soon to be sister in law. They continue to cross paths due to Juliet’s work and sparks fly. The interconnected series of book is a great payoff to the long time reader but with the plot so focused on the main characters it can be picked up without getting lost. A lovely ending to the book and good to know there is still one more brother to have his book.

Digital review copy provided by the publisher through NetGalley