I liked this book a lot, mostly because even if as a love story goes we all know that it would have its happy ending, but the way the author goes there was totally unexpected by me and I appreciated that a lot. At the beginning I was thinking we were going to have the usual misunderstanding, but the story that Nalini Singh wrote was way better than the one I supposed and I enjoyed it a lot.

Questo libro mi é piaciuto molto perché é stato totalmente inaspettato, la piega che hanno preso gli eventi per arrivare allo scontato lieto fine é stata talmente diversa da quella che avevo preventivato che mi sono goduta il libro in una nottata e ne é veramente valsa la pena.

THANKS NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW!

I loved Nayna and Raj when I met them in Cherish Hard, so when I heard they were getting their own book, I was super excited! And it was everything that I hoped it would be. I love their story. It was sweet and fun and hilarious and so many other things that I look for when I am reading. Their relationship was so real in their fears and hopes and dreams.

Nayna agreed to an arrange marriage believing that it would help her family but it leaves her feeling like she is trapped in a cage with no way out. Raj was adopted as a child and remembers the feeling of not being wanted, so he decides that he wants something traditional and stable. But when they meet by chance, neither come out the same. Suddenly, tradition doesn't sound like the right path for Raj, not when he can't stop thinking about the woman who kissed him and then disappeared. As for Nayna, the agreement to an arranged marriage especially doesn't sound like a good idea after meeting Raj. But then fate decides to help them out once more, when their parents arrange for them to meet, not realizing they knew one another.

From there, Nayna and Raj decide to explore the spark between them. The best part is that they understand one another. Raj wants to marry Nayna but he doesn't want to force her. He wants her to marry him because she wants to, not because her family is telling her to. Nayna wants adventure and doesn't want to end up feeling caged in marriage, even if it is with a man who makes her heart flutter. However, she can't let him go and is willing to explore the relationship between them. Their love for one another has them willing to do whatever it takes to find a way they can be happy. Even with the pressure of family and tradition. They know that their future is with one another, the question is will they be given a chance to make the path themselves.

Absolutely loved this book. All of Nalini Singh's work is brilliant. And I am looking forward to more stories from her.

I received an ARC for an honest review.

My first Nalini Singh book and oh my goodness! Why have I not been reading her books? Something is obviously very wrong with me. Rebel Hard came to my attention when a romance blogger tweeted about it having an Indian-Kiwi cast. As a brown/desi reader, I get so excited about romance books that feature characters that share my skin tone. I was quick to read Rebel Hard, and ahhh! It was just so so so good! Could I leave my review at that? No?

In order to heal her family from the wounds of her elder sister, Madhuri, eloping at a young age, Nayna Sharma agrees to an arranged marriage. Upon meeting a few of the unpalatable potential candidates, she realizes what a messy situation she has thrown herself into and in a state of panic, attends a party with her best friend and shares a steamy encounter with the hottest man she has ever seen. This man happens to be Raj Sen, a man she soon finds out is another potential candidate for marriage! I adored Nayna and related so much to her. She was a sweetheart who cared profoundly for the people around her and would do anything for their happiness. Her sister's elopement and eventual divorce and had left a bit of a taint on the family, and Nayna wanted nothing more than to erase that taint even if it means giving up her own dreams. Throughout Rebel Hard, Nayna struggled with that balance of making her family happy and trying to make her dreams come true and that struggle rang so true to me - I am certain that many readers, especially those that come from traditional South Asian families will relate her to her circumstances and her feelings about them. Even though she desired for romantic love in her life, she also wanted independence and freedom, mostly to travel and see the world.

So you can imagine why she was initially unwilling to completely give in to her fierce attraction towards Raj. He was much more traditional and had a specific vision for what married life would be for him, that didn't exactly mesh with Nayna's aspirations. Even though it could be said that Raj was a bit old-fashioned, it was hard not to fall for the guy. He was loving towards his family, hardworking and honest. What truly surprised me about him though was his willingness to listen to Nayna and when he finds out why she is wary of a marriage between them, he went out of his way to show her why they would be a good fit. You get to see his view on marriage evolve to include Nayna AND her dreams. Tell me that isn't the sweetest thing you have ever heard of? Raj was just the perfect guy and he turned me into a complete envious mess. Don't even get me started on how he decides to read Pride & Prejudice because Nayna tells him to! Where are all the Rajs in real life? I'm asking for a friend...

As you can imagine, with a swoony hero like Raj, the romance between him and Nayna was just sublime. It was one of those romances that not only had me giddy, but it also had me feeling every emotion between these two. I loved how open and communicative they were, especially when faced with a conflict. They actually talked about everything and that was beyond refreshing. Also, their chemistry was freaking out-of-this-world HOT. Nalini Singh can write a steamy kiss, that's for sure! *fans self* I also loved how rich in tradition and culture Rebel Hard was. It was especially fun seeing all the weddings that Nayna and her sister Madhuri attended. Nalini Singh did a beautiful job at describing the scenes, the drama and the extravagance of long Indian weddings! I also loved how family was important to both Nayna and Raj. I loved both of their families but did have more of a soft spot for the Sharmas. Nayna's parents were adorable, and her grandmother, an absolute riot. I want to be her grandma when I'm old, with a boy toy and an effervescent attitude.

You can probably tell I was in love with Rebel Hard, but guys, I'm going to need all of you romance readers to pick it up right away. This might only be my first book from Nalini Singh, but it certainly will not be my last. I'm excited that there are so many of her backlist titles to choose from!

I really enjoyed learning about the heroine and heroes families and the intersection of their individual needs, their chosen futures and the expectations of those around them, and for one another. This couple are so honest with each other, subverting much of romanclandia's miscommunication storylines, that it was both shocking and overwhelmingly refreshing. They build their relationship, they communicate and they assume positive intent. It's kinda amazing.

Delightful.

Also, the Pride and Prejudice conversations, especially from a male pov, were fantastic.

A perfect example of a contemporary romance. A joyful fun and enlightening look at a how tradition is rubbing up against modern values. I loved it.

Raj is wonderful what an alpha boyfriend, I slowly fell in love with him. As for Nayna I wanted to be her bestie.

The cast of characters and plot lines were far far better than any Indian soap opera - so many and so intricate.

I have to say I adore Nalini Singh’s writing but new books make me nervous - what if it’s rubbish?, why do I worry Nalini is the Queen of Romance and simply unable to write a bad book. And thank god for that

Anything Nalini Singh writes should appear on your to read list. Nayna Sharma has always been a good girl because her sister has been such a challenge for her parents. Raj Sen is a part of a loving family even though he was adopted. Nayna has always dreamed of freedom and Raj has always wanted a traditional family he can call his own. A chance meeting at a party proves erotic for Raj and Nayna but fear ends their joining. Now with an arranged marriage for the couple they meet again and work to grasp their future dreams. "A copy of this book was provided by Nscribe Digital via Netgalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion." THIS WORKS FINE AS A STAND ALONE!

Raj was straightforward, intense, and an awkwardly cute romantic. He told Nayna he didn’t believe in romance, but he was telling himself tall tales! He was flirty and sweet and hard to resist!

Nayna was a little shy, but had a sweet feistiness I adored. She gave so much of herself to everybody, she got lost in the shuffle of life and was struggling to find her niche.

Raj and Nayna’s romance was sexy and emotionally charged, with sprinkles of humor to diffuse heavier moments. I loved how these two kept butting heads because they were so stubborn. The banter was quick witted and thoughtful and I most enjoyed the honesty.

Between sibling drama, saucy parents, and trying to do the right thing not just for themselves but their families, Nayna and Raj had a lot on their plates. I loved how Raj tried to give Nayna the space and time she needed to make a life changing decision and got a kick out of how he went about doing so! I also loved how Nayna was inadvertently supporting Raj emotionally as she waffled with her future. Her heart figured out what her brain was denying, and the crazy ride was highly satisfying!

Book 2 of the Hard series, Rebel Hard was a Bollywood style romantic comedy with a delightful mix of zany family dynamics, (unless you’re a mean spirited sibling in law), OTT weddings, and bossy, well-meaning parents. I loved the basis of the story-arranged marriage meetings sound more like parental speed dating. I find the whole set up quite fascinating really. The expectations boggled my mind a teensy bit, but I love the tradition behind it. This was a great read and well worth the late night!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

"OH - OH ... a man on a mission and a just-ripe peach on the run."

I liked Nayna and Raj's (Bollywood Style) love story. It was funny, sexy and ... serious. Tradition and family are a "serious matter" in this love story. You can feel it literally between the lines. In some places this has pulled me down a bit. Not on purpose I would say. Tradition and family can sometimes do this easily. The "balancing act" between seriousness and fun was well written.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Rebel Hard by Nalini Singh was many things, sweet, sexy, and emotional, but most of all it was fascinating.

Could you imagine being part of an arranged marriage?

I couldn't! But there are quite a few cultures where an arranged marriage is the norm, even in the 21st century.

The first time I met Nayna Sharma and Raj Sen was in Cherish Hard. They meet at a party one night without realizing that their parents picked one another as possible candidates for marriage. Of course that second meeting didn't go well after their first explosive encounter.

Throughout the novel, the author did an amazing job describing the feelings that both Nayna as well as Raj went through by coming to the conclusion that their future dreams might not match up. I liked that the author didn't gloss over this issue. She made the characters work for it, talk to each other, and figure things out together. Both, Nayna and Raj felt such a deep connection for each other, that their internal struggle felt real and deeply emotional.

Also, it was incredibly easy to fall in love with Nayna and Raj.

Both were mature, genuinely likable and wonderfully down to earth kind of people. And if I'm honest I had a slight crush on Raj. He was very much my kind of guy. Quiet, serious, hard working, devoted and loyal to his family. Responsible but also stubborn to go after what he wanted. He was actually the epitome of a perfect boyfriend. DREAMY!!!

Nayna was sweet but sassy. She struggled to find herself and was afraid that the past would always dictate her life. Her struggles were real, but she didn't ignore what was right in front of her either. She acknowledged her attraction towards Raj, and gave him a chance to change her mind. And together they were wonderful. They clicked right from the very beginning and I loved how fast they accepted this fact even though they both knew their dreams weren't evenly matched.

The true struggle between old traditions and modern times is real. Feeling free to choose, but also making parents and relatives happy was one of Nayna's biggest concerns. It was quite emotional and heartfelt to read Nayna and Raj' journey to their deserved HEA.

I must say, Rebel Hard is one of Nalini Singh's most unique contemporary romance novels yet.

The author took a topic that isn't usually found in contemporary romance books, an arrange marriage, and made it fascinating, eye opening, and emotional.

The cast was to 90% of Indian descent. I loved the insight into their culture, traditions, and family dynamics - it was all very foreign to me - which made it incredibly fascinating. Also, which gave me quite the surprise - both main characters were virgins. It didn't bother me at all. Their sexual experience wasn't intended to be the center of the story, and subsequently didn't take away from the plot or my enjoyment.

If you enjoy a diverse cast, learning about different cultures, and loving a sweet but sexy and emotional love story - this is the book for you.

Nayna comes from a traditional family that believes in arranged marriages. She will do just about anything to not rock the boat as her older sister did when she eloped (and that didn’t work out—she’s now divorced...horrors!). Raj is also a traditionalist. Match made in heaven, right? Well, it is in a way. The two main characters meet at a party that her parents had no idea she was going to and was going to be her last rebellion so to speak. Boom! Instant chemistry...but Nayna is not interested in more than the moment, and Raj is attracted and wants more. Nayna does the mature thing and runs away, not! Nayna is confused, but figures that’s the end, until she comes home late from work and her Mom hustles her to change clothes as there is a prospect coming. Guess who it is? Yep. Raj. Both Nayna and Raj had decided that the marriage mart wasn’t for them, but you know what they say about best laid plans! Thus begins a love story with all its ups and downs
I enjoyed this book and have read others in this series and enjoyed too.
I received an arc of this book from NetGalley for an honest opinion.

Oh wow, was this book ever good. I laughed, I cried, I wanted to hug it and the characters!

We met Nayna and Raj in Cherish Hard, Isa and Sailor's story, which runs in parallel with this one. Rebel Hard will also work as a standalone for those who are new to Nalini Singh's work.

Nayna has agreed to an arranged marriage because she's spent her life making up for her sister running off to elope after having an affair with a married man. Nayna decides to enjoy a night out and have a fun break before she settles down. She meets Raj, and they're making out when she tells him she just wants his body and he leaves because he's sick of being seen as an object instead of a person (this isn't an "I'm so beautiful no one sees me situation - it's more in-depth than that, more about being seen as temporary that wounds him).

Fate, however, is here to step in and Raj's parents unexpectedly take him to meet a nice girl the next night. He's in the midst of telling her that he's not interested - and she's there to tell him that she's decided not to have an arranged marriage - when they realize who each other are. Raj has decided that he can't get Nayna off his mind and Nayna has decided to live life for her for once. She then serves him tea overloaded with sugar while wearing her least flattering outfit and if I didn't love her character already, it would've happened then.

It gets worse between them before it gets better but they get through it and decide to start dating, to the bafflement of their parents, who just know they are perfect together and should just get married already.

The scene stealer of this book is Nayna's Aji, her grandmother. Early on in the book, Nayna realizes that her grandmother's walking partner, Mr. Hohepa, is actually her love interest when her aji asks her about "that leopard cologne". Scandal! Aji is a source of strength and calm advice throughout the book and I love that it extends to Raj.

The core struggle of this book is that Nayna and Raj are each re-evaluating who they are and what they want out of life, and how can they reconcile these things and be together?

"Romance doesn't last," he said to Nayna, unable to be dishonest about something fundamental. "It fades. Loyalty lasts. Fidelity lasts."

Nayna stopped at the end of her drive, her dark eyes holding his. "Do you know what my father did a month ago? He drove an hour to find the perfect cream buns my mother was craving. Romance lasts if you want it to last."

Raj scowled. "That's not romance. It's just listening to your wife and being a good husband."

Nayna wants to make her own choices, see more of the world, and not worry about making her own mistakes (or what can be seen as a mistake, like leaving her traditional accounting job to work in finance for a startup). Raj wants someone to love him, to build a family with, and who shares his family values. He didn't really think about what he would do if he found a wonderful woman who wants/understands those things and wants other things as well. Building a relationship and trying to figure out how they could build a life together is so well done in this book because they have their doubts and they have to work through them. When they decide they're a team, they can get through anything - and there are several bumps in the way, including Nayna's sister Madhuri's regular drama, a conniving sister-in-law, and some health scares and parental manipulation. I enjoyed the references comparing the drama to Bollywood films because it reminded me of the ones I used to watch with a friend as a teenager. You're definitely going to want to drink chai and watch your Bollywood favourites after reading this book.

Rebel Hard looks at love in both romantic and family terms, and how it shapes who we are and what we do. How it shapes our traditions and expectations of relationships, and what happens when those expectations aren't being met. Nayna and Raj work to make sure their expectations are clear and the simmering attraction between them can develop into something more. It results in a deeply satisfying romance that's going on my keeper shelf.

Grade: A+

"Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review."

Loved this book very much. It had just enough sweet & hot romance and the storyline was great! I highly recommend!

With this story the author gives what she knows best and that is tradition, family and of course love. Our heroine Nayna is “a good girl “ trying so hard to be everything her family expect. Yet she has subjugated her own wants and wishes and all so she will never hurt her family. A moment of madness brings Raj into her life but things get so much more complicated when it turns out the sexy hunk is more than a hot fling he’s actually someone her parents are arranging for Nayna to marry !
I never thought anyone could rival the sexy T Rex but then the author wrote about the sweetly determined Sailor and my heart melted. Now she brings readers Raj who is devoted to his family but commits to the woman who he sees as being as beautiful and delicate as a butterfly. Caging Nayna will crush everything she is and Raj sees that but allowing her to choose freedom might just mean he loses her forever.
Raj wants a traditional wife but Nayna wants to follow her dreams so just how this couple find their way through the mire of two Indian families was really eye opening. It’s the first book I’ve read that brings to life just how loving and yet complicated life can be when growing up in a lifestyle that is thousands of years old. Yet it’s done with aplomb and warmth and this couple deserve their happy ending and luckily with a sneaky epilogue readers too get to bask in the glow of their passionate love.
This voluntary take is of an advance copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

Raj sometimes has to get himself in check, “leave me to it.” His jeans were ridiculously tight in the crotch region right now. “I have to go get my ***k under control first.” Raj's girl is often times distracted, “Nayna, my face is up here.” It was a laughing comment, his shoulders shaking." When it comes to her man Nayna will take him anyway she can get him, "smoothing her hands down his lapels, she sighed. “I like the suit.”Another unnecessary smoothing. “But I also like the jeans and the toolbelt—and the naked.” I liked this book, I loved Raj.

This is book 2 in a series about two friends finding love. It is related to the authors previous series in that the heroine of the first book is the sister of a soccer/football player. IT takes place entirely in New Zealand I think. I don't know much about NZ so its like another world to me.

This story is about Nayna who is Sailor's best friend and we met her in the first book. This story was just amazing. It is super original and it is about a whole new culture I have never read before and it was so great. Nayna is Indian and her family and culture is Indian. Her only outside world influence are her friendship with Sailor and her job as an accountant. The rest of her life is her family and Indian culture. To me it was a whole foreign country.

Nayna is a woman trapped in a cage. Her older sister screwed up her life and so her parents hold her very close to them and don't give her much space. Now they are trying to marry her off and Raj, is one of her prospective grooms. Raj falls hard for her fast and I LOVED him so much. He sees she is in a cage and wants to give her freedom but he also wants her forever.

It is a very tough place for him to be. He wants to have strings and tie N to him but he wants her to be happy too. He really made the whole book for me. N kinda got on my nerves but Raj had so much patience with her and love that I could not put this book down. I love how honest the two are with each other as well.

This was truly an amazing story. It is well written and so original that I loved every second, I was so fascinated with this very different culture.

This book was well written and ok just not my type of book to read. This is Raj and Nayna book, they are both into traditional heritage and arranged marriage. Raj was adopted and that has a lot to do with his beliefs Nayna sister took all the family focus cuz she was always in trouble so nayna beliefs stemmed from trying to be perfect to the family! Like I said it was well written just not my thing to read! Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for sharing this book with me!

This was the wrong copy of the book but I'm very much looking forward to reading the final copy!! I love the concept. It sounds very interesting!