‘Cherish Hard’ is my first venture into Nalini Singh contemporary romance and I hadn’t known at all what to expect, being familiar as I am only with her psy-changeling series. Having also not read ‘Rock Hard’, of which ‘Cherish Hard’ is an off-shoot or spin-off or at least a prequel to Gabriel Bishop’s story, Sailor’s and Ísa’s story is nevertheless a standalone, which takes place a few years prior Gabe’s book.

What I hadn’t expected was a quirky style that’s unlike Singh’s driving, more epic world-building style found in the psy-changeling series, set in a cosy corner of Auckland as a ambitious landscaper pursues the woman he has in mind to the very end, with a whole lot of charm and sweetness. That younger man/older woman dynamic (or at least the stigma associated with it) is thankfully not drawn out too much; what Singh chooses to expand upon is that their ages put them at different points in their life—Sailor is busy building on his ambitions and his business and presumably has no time for anything else, while Ísa is looking for stability and a family.

But while this is the main conflict that the whole narrative seems to be moving towards, the inevitability of a large blow-up and a temporary break-up as found in too many romances is actually staved off by ‘adulting’ behaviour: Sailor and Ísa confide their fears in each other, talk it out and stick together on the road ahead of them.

‘Cherish Hard’ has made me want to check out Singh’s other contemporary romances but this spin-off that she is doing of the Bishop brothers is one that I know I want more of already.

Some kids are just bastards. Although, that was a full-grown jerk. 

How the hell did he get her number?! 

Haha! She has the worst luck with dating. Gotta love Wyatt's gumption, though. 

I'd quit that job after day two. But I like the fact that Ginny is in a wheelchair. 

Catie made me laugh. 

I learned a lot about Kiwi culture.

SERIES: Hard Play #1
ROMANCE: Dramatic but Sweet

Throat thick, she whispered, "Please don't break my heart, Sailor" while knowing that to be an inevitability.

OVERALL THOUGHTS
I really struggled with the rating for this one because I am a long time fan of Nalini Singh's books, but in the end I had to go with 3 stars. There was so much of this that felt like a Harlequin series novel, which I loved once upon a time, but now I want a bit more grit and realism in my contemporary romances. That is of course, all on me. I did love Sailor's character and the Bishop/Esera family was a lot of fun to read about. Ísa has some issues but overall she was a sweet heroine who was innocent in some ways but fiesty in others.

CHARACTERS
Sailor Bishop: Making his landscaping business a success has been all Sailor has wanted for years. His focus and determination has landed him a job for the popular Crafty Corners company but it also means he really has to prove himself and work day and night to finish on time.

Ísa Rain: Growing up in the shadow of her parent's business ambitions has left Ísa with insecurities about her worth. She's knows what its like to be second place in someone's heart and now she wants a man that will cherish her and always put her first. Taking care of her step-siblings is also why she caves to her mother's pressure so often even when it's completely against her own desires.

WHAT WORKED FOR ME
-- Sailor was pretty much the perfect hero -- sweet, sexy, devoted, and willing to make sacrifices. He's seen a relationship be destroyed by someone who doesn't care and he's determined to never make that mistake. When he meets Ísa he immediately knows what he wants and he's not afraid to go after it, full steam. He also listens to and respects Ísa's insecurities and does his best to prove that he will live up to her standards.

-- I always appreciate Nalini Singh's heroines who are sweet and gentle but also strong. She does a really good job of writing innocent heroines who aren't complete naive doormats. Ísa isn't overly experienced and she's very shy but she also pushes through when she finds something she really wants. Her loyalty and dedication to her step-siblings is also commendable.

-- The side characters were all really great and I enjoyed seeing the rest of the Bishop/Esera clan again. I loved them in Rock Hard so it was wonderful to see everyone again. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a story between Catie and Danny once they've grown up a bit more.

WHAT DIDN’T WORK FOR ME
-- There was a far bit of repetitive language in this book that got annoying after a while. For instance, Ísa refers to Sailor and his eyes as "demon" or "blue-eyed demon" 25 times which doesn't seem like a lot but it was often clumped together with it being said 2-3 times in just a few pages. Sailor also constantly thinks about his need to make his business a success and Ísa spends the entire time agonizing about when the relationship will come crashing down.

-- Some of the thoughts and situations were a bit overly dramatic. The way Ísa and Sailor meet (as adults) is a bit ridiculous and in no way realistic, which granted is not always a bad thing, but it just compounded the larger issue. Then the worry that Ísa has over being first in Sailor's thoughts was a bit overdone. She obsesses and worries over it the entire book without ever having a meaningful conversation about it and then it just resolves itself because Sailor is the perfect hero.

Cherish Hard brought me some very down-to-earth characters, they were fiercely loyal, had strong hearts, and were willing to take a big chance in order to have love in their lives.

Both Sailor and Ìsa had some demons from their past to fight, but Cherish Hard didn't make that the main thing of their story, and that helped me enjoy them even more. Because they wanted to break with their family's tradition, Ìsa worked as a teacher, rather than as the VP of her mother's company. And Sailor gave his landscaping business his all. He would live on nothing but hard work and sweat to make his business a success.

"He was no Prince Charming. But he was a man who would love Isa forever if she just gave him a chance. Because she was it for him. For now and always."

FINAL DECISION: Adorable sexy gardener approached by woman who wants to claim something for herself. Sweet, adult working out of issues. Loved this one.

THE STORY: Sailor Bishop is only a teenager when he sees a college girl getting her heart stomped on by her boyfriend. Sailor tries to track her down but is unsuccessful. Years later, Sailor sees her again when he is doing landscaping at a school. The redhead approaches him and kisses him and then runs off again. Now Sailor is determined to find out her identity. Isa Rain is ready to settle down, find a husband and have children. What she doesn't want is a sexy younger man who is determined to build his own business. When her mother blackmails her into working for her for the summer, Isa finds herself in charge of the sexy landscaper and having to decide what to do with him.

OPINION: I love books where the true conflict is a difference in outlooks that have to be resolved in an adult manner. There are no easy solutions here. Isa and Sailor must determine not whether or not they can love one another, but whether it is possible for their lives to merge together.

In the process, both Ina and Sailor must confront their pasts and the impact their parents have made on them. Ina and Sailor are both nice people and I loved their interactions.

Sailor is a caring and determined man. He has built his own landscape business but has plans for much bigger things. He has a plan for what he wants to do with his life driven by the ghosts of his past. But he is not mindless or willing to hurt people as he goes through his life. In fact, he is entirely normal. He has a plan for his life until something makes him question his plans.

Isa is trying to build her own life apart from her parents' expectations of her. She is good at the business her mother wants to draw her into, but it isn't Isa's dream. I liked that it isn't a matter of talent, but a matter of choice for Isa. She has her own past to deal with. Two parents who prioritized their work over their family. That makes her wary of a man who has his own empire to create.

What is wonderful is that these characters work out their problems. The book begins on a gimmick as Ina wants to avoid Sailor, but develops into a mature and adult story of two adults figuring out if the attraction they feel can be something to last a lifetime. I loved the maturing and adult manner in which they characters operate in the world.

There is also something beautiful about how these two characters interact with their families. I loved that these characters are grounded and real. The story is also pretty sexy between these two but always grounded in relationship.

WORTH MENTIONING: Hero is about five years younger than heroine.

CONNECTED BOOKS: CHERISH HARD is the first book in the Hard Play series. CHERISH HARD is also a prequel to ROCK HARD from the Rock Kiss series.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to provide a review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

The review will be posted on November 14th and cross-posted to Goodreads and retail sites.

We get to go back a little bit in time for this story, having met Sailor and Isa in Rock Hard well after they’re already married. 

Sailor and Isa are immediately attracted to one another, but Isa makes assumptions about Sailor because of his age. Those assumptions and her own life experiences haunt her the whole story. While they’re great together and seeing them experience meeting the “in-laws” is a lot of fun, Isa gets repetitive in her inner monologue. 

The story is still really good with funny and steamy moments! Hello handcuffs! 😉🔥 And Isa is still likable and awesome to see her deal with her mother. Can’t wait to get to Jake and Danny’s stories.

I waited sooo long for this book! And the wait? It was so worth it! *_*

After I read Grabiel and Charlie's book (Rock Hard) I started hoping for the other Bishop/Esera brothers' books. So when Nalini announced she was going to write them and that Sailor was going to come first, I was so happy that I started to build big expectations around it. Also because we already knew about him, Ísa, and Emmaline there was more pressure for it to be just right. The right blend of sweet, unique but seriously intense romance novel Nalini has got us addicted to.
However, this is kind of like when you start a series from the middle (*digression* or the last book... I did this with (Kiss of Snow). It was the last book published but I didn't feel like I was going to enjoy it. I was more on the idea of yeah, whatever... and then what happened is history XD. Nalini became my favorite author and here I am ;) *end of digression, bear with me*) and then you go back to catch up with all the backstory that came before. You can end with seriously good stories, or you can just say "meh". There is no surprise, no new feelings. So, it's kind of risky for an author getting the story just right for the reader to be satisfied and happy. 
Well, I can definitely say that I am happy and completely starry-eyed by this book. Sailor is so yum! XD I can't describe it. He is that kind of man you hope to find in real life. Actually, there isn't much we couldn't already have guessed in Sailor character and behavior. Knowing Gabriel and the family, Sailor was the constant here. The one I was counting on to be "just like that". However, he also gave me more than what I was expecting. 
Having said that, the real threat here is Ísa. A very feminine figure that hides a strong and passionate nature. One that doesn't accept to be swayed from her goals and passions but that nonetheless has to learn how to open up to new possibilities instead of being dragged down by past, negative, experiences.
As always, I truly enjoyed this fresh and light contemporary series that Nalini is writing as a plus each year and hope it will continue with many more books. However, bear in mind that Cherish Hard doesn't thread in difficult subjects like the last two books in the Rock Kiss series. It is more a light, heart-warming, kind of book. One that makes you pass a few happy hours with a smile on your face (and probably makes you laugh a couple of times too).

Very enjoyable read, I found it difficult to resist reading it at every possible opportunity.

This is only my second Nalina Singh book and the first contemporary romance from her I've had a chance to read but it won't be the last. 

Main characters Sailor and Isa are extremely likeable and from pretty much the first page the chemistry between them had steam rising from my kindle. Both are troubled by events from their childhood, Isa pretty much ignored by her family who thought work was more important and Sailor by a father who walked out on the family leaving them destitute, and they're looking for very different things in life. When they meet however they just can't resist getting involved despite expecting it to end in disaster.

I had a lot of love for Isa and the way she fought for her family but honestly Sailor has to be the sweetest, kindest and sexiest man alive. The secondary characters were also brilliantly done and I loved how the author worked in a lot of diversity as well as issues like arranged marriage, bullying and neglect.

I only really had a couple of small niggles the first of which was Isa's inner alter ego Devil Isa. That was wandering a little too close to the Fifty Shades inner goddess for me (although I promise it's nowhere near as bad). I also would've liked a bit more struggle, a few more obstacles on the path to Twue Love but maybe I'm just mean.

Overall though I did love this book. It's funny, sweet and has just enough chemistry to keep you going back for more.

Nalini Singh has talent! And her new series only cements that knowledge more firmly than ever. With a voice that demands to be heard, Ms Singh’s unique writing style and smooth cadence always deliver a masterful read.

CHERISH HARD is the first in what is essentially a spin-off from the Rock Kiss series. In this book, readers get to meet the first of Gabriel Bishop’s younger brothers, Sailor; and if you had any doubts about the strength and determination of these boys, think again. There is wonderful family interaction and support characters that provide enrichment to an already deep and meaningful story. 

I don’t want to give away any spoilers, so let me just say that if you love this author as much as I do, then CHERISH HARD is a must read I highly recommend.

***5 ‘Spitfire and Demon’ Stars***

Ever since meeting the Bishop/Esera clan in Rock Hard (Rock Kiss #2 ~ which is my absolute fav of the series) I adored them and wanted to spend more time with them. I didn’t care if it was through the shorts that Ms. Singh generously sends out in her newsletters or a novella, I just wanted MORE. So when she announced that they would get their own series I squeed (in my head), did a happy dance (also in my head), and waited patiently (well...impatiently but patiently all the same) for the announcement as to when the first book would be in my greedy little hands and the wait and anxious anticipation were sooo worth it! I swooned, my heart got all kinds of twitterpated, my cheeks hurt from smiling so much and I melted in every delicious way possible as I savored every word of Sailor and Ísa’s journey towards their HEA.

I adored Sailor and Ísa, not that I expected to feel any different about them, but it still needs to be stated. Sailor is all kinds of charming alpha male who isn’t afraid to play dirty to get what he wants. He is still haunted by the darkest moments of his childhood and is determined to ensure that he doesn’t repeat those moments in his adult life. Sailor’s love of his family and innate sense of honor were a huge draw, but his honesty, golden heart and even his sneaky side were what I loved the most.

Although Ísa has grown up in a world where she could have anything and everything she could possibly want, it was a lonely existence and on she refuses to repeat in any measure. I adored the way Ísa’s mind worked. She’s that lucky individual who has complete access to both the left and right sides of her brain and used them both to her advantage. She’s sassy and, when the circumstances are right, a bit impetuous, but she has a compassionate and genuine heart that shines through in everything she does.

Ísa and Sailor’s journey was definitely a fun one and proved that the little thing called fate does exist and that sometimes following your gut, and heart, will make all your dreams come true. While there were a few bumps in the road, and some chasing, there was no OTT angsty-ness in the drama that did touch their journey. It was simply a matter of two people working through their own issues and deciding how much they would allow them to influence their hearts.  The chemistry between them was smokin’ hot and there was no doubt that they were perfectly matched in every way that mattered and more.

This really was a fun read and was everything I’ve come to love when it comes to a Nalini Singh story. Wonderful prose, well written characters, a world I never want to leave and fun chapter titles. I loved getting to spend time with the Esera/Bishop clan and am totally looking forward to Jake and Danny’s books. Getting a glimpse of their teenage selves was so much fun and I cannot wait to get to know the men they’ll become. The Dragon definitely added some great moments and I hope that we’ll get to see more of Harlow and Catie as well as Nanya and Raj (even if it’s in short story or novella form).

Note: If you haven’t read Rock Hard, or the Rock Kiss series in general, and want to dive into Cherish Hard, go for it! You won’t be lost at all since Cherish Hard takes place long before The Bishop (Gabriel, Sailor’s older brother) meets his Miss Baird. But, I have no doubt that once you finish Cherish Hard you’ll be more than happy to dive into those books!

I am officially in love with Sailor Bishop! Why oh why can't I meet man like him?! He's even a kiwi like me! I love Sailor's drive and ambition, he's determination to overcome his past, and his passion for his family. And Isa... oh if I was ever going to have a girl crush it would be on someone like her - strong, fierce and loving, even though she isn't aware of it all the time. For Isa to be as strong and independent as she is, in spite (pun intended) of her mother, is nothing short of awe inspiring. 

It's funny but normally I prefer to read books that are set in other countries but I loved reading this, and the others in the Rock Kiss series, that are set in New Zealand. I feel this strange sense of pride knowing that Nalini's fan base are going to be reading about the country I call home.

Cherish Hard, Nalini Singh

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre:  Romance, Women's Fiction

I love Nalini's writing, both contemporary and paranormal - just finished the latest Guildhunter novel - fabulous. 

Anyway, I wanted to read this soon as I saw it was available but to my surprise I found it was one where though all the elements for a good book was there, great characters, solid story somehow it just didn't work for me :-( 

I love Sailor, love his confidence, and his innate Goodness, that sense of right he has - and cheered him when he did what was needed to Cory!! 
I hadn't connected him to Gabriel until about a third of the way in when the light bulb moment hit me and I was "oh yes, he's Gabe's brother" Gabe is still playing rugby professionally here, its a pre Rock Hard read - I loved that book. 
There are clear parallels in the writing, with the Dragon - Jacqueline having characteristics that reminded me of Gabe - T-Rex. The humour and style are very similar. 

I don't really know why it was just a Good read for me and not a Great one, its difficult to pin down but somehow though I really enjoyed the characters I didn't feel the magic sizzle between Sailor and Isa, lust yes, but Love? not so certain about that. 


Stars:Three, a fun read but not a good as I expected. 

ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers

This book was SO SWEET! It was fun, and funny, and sexy too, but SO SWEET. I loved it. 4.5 Stars. It's a spin-off from book 2 in the Rock Kiss series, Rock Hard. This series will star Gabriel Bishop's 3 younger brothers. Though this book is a prequel to Rock Hard, as the events take place several years beforehand.

Sailor Bishop is a landscape gardener, and he works hard for a living. He has a big business plan for the next few years, and he will be working his tail off to make it happen. He plays rugby recreationally, unlike his brothers who are all obsessed. His older brother, Gabriel, plays for the national team, and both his teenage brothers dream of the same. You could say he's the nerd of the family, according to him. He has a very close family, and he knows he's luckier than most when it comes to that. Especially with his troubled young childhood, after his biological father left him, Gabriel, and their mother, alone and destitute. He has no real room in his life for romance, until his business plan is realized. Of course, that's when he meets her. 

Isa Rain has always wished for a man she could love, and marry, and start a family with. Someone who would finally put her first. Both her parents are captains of industry, and never had any time for her. She has assumed the parental role for her much younger brother and sister, but she never really had anyone who was there for her in that way. She loves poetry, and she teaches it to reluctant high schoolers, though her mother wants her to take the VP position with her company. She's never really had a successful relationship, and she can be quite a shy homebody. She's been content to be old before her time, but when she meets Sailor, who is 5 years her junior, she realizes maybe she's been doing it all wrong. But, with his big plans, will she ever come first with him? And if not, can she live with that? 

I loved the glimpses of Sailor and Isa we got way back in Rock Hard, and I'm so glad to see their origin story here. They had such a connection, and big chemistry from the start of their story, and watching them come together was so much fun. Their banter was funny, and adorable. Sailor was an amazingly sweet, and sensitive hero, while still exhibiting the best of those alpha tendencies I love. Isa was a sweet, but strong heroine, who wasn't willing to compromise herself, even to her demanding mother's whims. They really worked hard to be together, and Sailor's courting of her was adorable. 

I loved how well Sailor and Isa communicated, and how they discussed things like adults. There was no big drama, no real cause for jealousy, and no crazy external circumstances. They were just both realistically human characters, with their own pasts and issues, learning how to navigate a relationship successfully together. It was a refreshing change of pace from many of the current stories out there, and I enjoyed it so much. I always love Nalini Singh's voice, and I've enjoyed all her stories I've read, both contemporary and paranormal. I highly recommend this one, and I can't wait to see what the 2 youngest brothers in the Bishop-Esera clan have to show us!

Fantastic! When I read Rock Hard I was desperate for more of the Bishop clan.

Another great book I have been waiting for, always wanted Sailors story and knew it would be a good one.

This was an interesting read by the author. I have enjoyed her previous books and this is loosely related to the Rock Hard series in that her previous book featuring Gabe is also featured in this story and the male hero, Sailor is Gabe's brother. However in this story Gabe is single.

Isa is the heroine and she is a hot red head who is rich, a school teacher and is 28. She has tons of curves and she has an accent and so she has been the victim of some bullying.

Sailor is a sexy blue eyed hunk  with big dreams, a strong work  ethic and is 23.  He runs a gardening/Lanscaping company.

Isa and Sailor met when he was 16 when he witnesses Isa being dumped by a huge jerk named Cody. Now years later they meet again and its super hot. That is until Isa realises who he is and that he is so much younger than her. To be honest I was with her on this. Usually 5 years is not a big deal but 23 vs 28, you are just at such different places that I felt the age difference was significant.

However Sailor proves himself to Isa and he so there for her, that I really fell hard for this couple.This was a sweet, sexy, hot romance and I really loved it.

Mrs. Singh has the gift to write books in which one would like to become a part of the story itself. 
No matter how often and how long you read her books, you always have the feeling that you want "more" at the end of a book. This is also how I felt about Cherish Hard. 

Isa - the runaway girl - and Sailor - the "Younger than you. You be my cougar, I`ll be your boy toy." are perfect for each other. Both have to struggle against their inner demons in the course of the story, but at the same time they`ve also to decide whether the career is above the chance for love and family. It was very emotional ... - Thank God Sailor knew what he wanted: His spitfire. And his "Operation catch the redhead" ended in an beautiful HEA.

Nalini Singh is well know for her in-depth crazy descriptive plots and characters. she has a way of building these crazy complex world's that at times can be an overwhelmingly large amount of information to take in but she does that and makes you pay attention, even crave for more. 

The story starts off with a young Sailor getting himself into a college party at the tender age of 16. his first encounter meeting Isa was not a pleasant one for her but thankfully for him the elusive redhead who continued to haunt his dreams for years to follow would end up running into him at a school of all places 7years later. 

Sailor, sweet Sailor. I adored him as a character. He wasn't childish, selfish or an  asshole and for all the demons he carries that is quite the feat.  He was funny and sweet!, super attentive and very in touch with his emotions. he was relatable and an all round pleasure to read. have no fear though .. he still had that sexy alpha bossy attitude with a filthy mouth to boot. 

Isa again was just a really sweet loving character. I couldn't of picked anyone anymore perfect for her. having had to deal with the cold reality that your second best to your parents careers is a harsh blow for a child to deal with from a young age. having only had brief moments of tender loving, security and structure that a child needs she basically herself had to be the child and the parents. bring into the fact that along the way she had her siblings to care for and her parent to basically parent! it's fair to say she comes with baggages. I loved watching her open up, to learn to trust and her inner struggles of letting go of the fear.  it wasn't an easy journey for her and at times she was frustrating however I think Nalini did a great job or projecting that real life emotion. not everyone can just let go and for these two that was their journey. she was sweet and selfless, kind and loveable. she had her struggles and sometimes there wasn't an easy fix to the problem but it made her relatable. I loved her.  

Their journey isnt a epic battle of crazy fights, breakups or other useless drama. They were relatable and believable. Their story realistic but nonetheless exciting. A slow burn romance that heats you to the core. hilarious banter between friends and situations that you find yourself laughing out loud at. This isn't a crazy action packed story it's a good traditional romance with its own spin. it's building trust and making forever bonds. I fell in love with all the characters and their craziness! I found my self uttered immersed in their world wanting to know what's next. I really enjoyed this, Nalini you never disappoint.

I kindly received this ARC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

If I could give this book 10 million stars I would. Oh my world it was such a delight to read this story. I can't remember last time I loved two main characters so much. Sailor and Isalind were just perfect. I don't like going into the whole story in my reviews because you can read the blurb to find out what the book is all about. So I'll only tell you that if you are like me and enjoy your romance where a guy is head over heals for the girl, he is so cute, and the girl is just adorable. They have lots and lots of chemistry and later on sexy time :) The story is really good and makes sense, the n you should just go and do yourself a favor and read this perfect novel. 
Well done Nalini, keep up the good work!

Sailor doesn't beat around the bush, “nope. You want to go in my bedroom? The sheets are still messy from this morning,” he said in deliberate provocation. “Hot dreams about a hot redhead.” Sailor likes that his womn looks out for him, "...she discovered he’d just grabbed a single sandwich for lunch. “Good grief, Sailor, muscles like that can’t survive on a sandwich alone. And you know I’m just here for the muscles.” I really liked this book, Sailor was such an easy man to fall in love with.