ROCK COURTSHIP is a novella, book 1.5 in the Rock Kiss contemporary romance series by blockbuster author Nalini Singh. I enjoyed this novella much more than book one, Rock Addiction, for two reasons. First, having read a previous Rock Kiss book, I was prepared for the different feel from Singh's Psy-Changeling or Guild Hunter series books. And second, this book felt much less New Adult than the first in the series.

David was short and shy growing up. Being the drummer in the wildly successful rock band Schoolboy Choir has brought him to the attention of screaming groupies who just want to be with a rock star, but deep down, David is still that introverted man. Dubbed the Gentleman of Rock, David never takes his short off onstage and has never done shirtless publicity photos. But underneath those dapper suits and crisply tailored dress shirts, David hides a deeply romantic heart that beats just for Thea, as well as a wickedly dirty imagination. David seemed almost too good to be true for a rock star- a gentle man who loves his family and his bandmates- it made me root so hard for him to get his HEA.

Thea is an ice queen who manages the publicity for David's group and for other rock musicians. Coolly competent, Thea's emotions are locked down under a protective facade of elegant toughness. Thea discovered her fiancé with his face buried between another woman's thighs, and she's chary of getting involved with another man, especially one who has women flocking around him constantly.

After pining for her for months, David finally asks Thea out, only to be shot down. Thea's sister Molly hangs out with the band because she's dating the lead singer, and Molly suggests to David that he send a memo to Thea detailing all the reasons why she should go out with him. Thus begins a cute and funny back and forth of memos detailing their feelings and concerns. David is madly in love with Thea, and determined to woo her and win her, one delicious step at a time. I love the juxtaposition of David's sweet and earnest desire to court Thea with the eroticism in the memos and the scintillating sex. Singh has written a delightfully sweet yet smokin' story!

Book Summary

What happens when the Gentleman of Rock decides to play dirty?

A drummer for the hottest rock band on the planet, David has a single, powerful weakness: Thea, the band’s publicist and the woman who steals his breath away with her every move.

Only problem is, Thea doesn’t date clients—or musicians. Emotionally scarred by a cheating ex, she’s not about to risk her heart with a man who has groupies buzzing around him like flies. Even if his sexy smile ties her up in knots.

What she doesn’t know is that David is a one-woman man...and he’s madly in love with her. David’s determined to prove he’s worth the risk, and willing to court her, step by exquisite step. Thea’s about to discover just how long and hard this handsome drummer can play.