*I received a free copy of [title] from [publisher] via Netgalley. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review, which is honest and unbiased *Rebel Hard was such a swoon-worthy story. Trying to stay within their families' and culture's tradition, Nayna and Raj had their work cut of for them! But what a beautiful path they were on!
Story:
Singh always makes me swoon - and she did so with Rebel Hard as well. I loved this peek into Indian customs in New Zealand. How many young people choose to follow traditions, but not completely to the letter. And while parents might seem to hold all the power, that was not always the case here. The two main characters were so relatable - even if I don't really have much in common with them apart from being human. And that's legacy to the writing. I felt swept up in the story, and it was impossible to put it down.
Nayna has agreed to an arranged marriage, but she still has more than a little power. Always being the good girl is starting to make her feel like she's living in a cage, though. But not for long! Rebel Hard is about all the little rebellions that can make the difference. How sneaking out to a party can make the world seem more open. How taking a stand is really important. And even more so - how having someone good at your back is crucial.
Rebel Hard is written in third person point of view, but a close third person. The reader knows most of Nayna's inner thoughts, and she's such a great character I loved to stay inside her head. The past tense and even pace made the story flow seamlessly, and I was sad when it was over. The romance was absolutely scorching, even when things were rather slow, and that just delighted me even more.
She'd been such a nerd at school and university that boys hadn't seen her as anything but a source of study notes. With graduation had come professional confidence. She was fine with male clients - but that confidence didn't translate to dealing with men on a male-female level. "Tonight it does." she squeezed the steering wheel. "Tonight you're a fearless femme fatale with no panties and a plan to be bad."