***I generously received an ARC copy from Nalini Singh in exchange for an honest review. Expected publication date: 3/10/15*** 
 Talk about a total book hangover! Not that I should be surprised since it is a Nalini Singh book, but dear lord I loved this book. I seriously want my own Gabriel, T-Rex and all, but I'll settle for him being my book boyfriend. I'll admit that part of the hook for me was the whole ex Rugby player with ink thing because all I could picture was All Blacks captain Richie McCaw in my head with a dash of Sonny Bill Williams thrown in, especially with the whole tattoo thing, and I was a goner just based on that, but dear lord the man was so much more. Intelligent, determined, gruff, sneaky, flirty, sexy and so compassionate and understanding that even when he was being an ass, and he has his moments, it didn't overshadow the man that he is at his core. I adore Charlotte, yes she is a "mouse" when we meet her, but after the abuse she went through, and really the term abuse is too mild, brutalization is much more apt, it's hard not to understand why, but despite her fears she finds a way to live and that fighter within her is what I loved. And as the story progresses the mouse starts to slowly fade away and we get to see the woman deep within, you can't help but find her amazing and you see why T-Rex was so determined to make Charlie-Mouse his. 
 I loved how Gabriel and Charlotte's relationship evolved and progressed. There is no "Insta" in this. It was done organically, they got to know each other first as boss and employee and it moved on from there. Even when Gabriel finally admitted to flirting with her and wanting more, it didn't fast forward. It continued to grow and their bantering was great, especially when poor Ernest came up. And really how can you not love a man who finds a womans intelligence sexy? "Yes, smart women were his catnip-and Charlotte Baird was very, very smart." 
 Also, I liked how the issue of Charlotte's abuse and her continued healing after being brutalized were handled. There was no instafix, we got to see Charlotte overcome her fears and work through them, and while Molly and Gabriel were there to support her they didn't try to jump in and do it for her, they wanted to, but understood that Charlie needed to take the first step on her own. And how Gabriel helped Charlie through it is just another reason why I fell for him too. He understood that she had been hurt and wanted to charge in and fix it all, but he didn't. Instead he figured out a way to help her break out of her shell. Sometimes he pushed, sometimes he pulled back but he was always supportive and when a panic attack would occur he took the steps to understand what triggered it so it wouldn't happen again. 
 And as always, while you fall in love with Ms. Singh's H/h, you also find yourself intrigued by the secondary cast of characters she brings in that adds another layer not only to the H/h's story but the series as well. The Esera clan was too much fun and while they were only in it for a small amount of time, I adored them and hope that they make more appearances as the series continues, because not only were Emmaline & Esme too adorable for words, but it would great to see Jake and Danny get their own story, even if it's a novella. 
 Overall: Another total win for Nalini Singh and I can't wait to see what else she has in store for us! 
 **Note: This book takes place at the same time as Rock Addiction, but it can be read as a standalone.**