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Hard Play #1
Un brin fleur bleue
Grande rêveuse, un brin fleur bleue, Ísa Rain espère trouver l’amour et fonder une famille. Professeure d’anglais, elle adore son métier, mais sa mère, Jacqueline, alias le Dragon, P-DG de l’entreprise familiale, la harcèle pour qu’elle lui succède. Ísa n’a d’autre choix que d’accepter de faire un test sur la période estivale, en accédant au poste de vice-présidente. Sa mission durant ces quelques mois : gérer de A à Z un projet de végétalisation d’espaces en collaborant avec un certain Sailor Bishop. Mais ne serait-ce pas le beau jardinier qui a tout particulièrement attiré l’attention d’Ísa quelques jours plus tôt sur le campus de l’école où elle donne des cours ?
410 pages, Paperback
First published November 14, 2017
1131 people are currently reading
4980 people want to read
About the author
Nalini Singh
250 books26.7k followersI've been writing as long as I can remember and all of my stories always held a thread of romance (even when I was writing about a prince who could shoot lasers out of his eyes). I love creating unique characters, love giving them happy endings and I even love the voices in my head. There's no other job I would rather be doing. In September 2002, when I got the call that Silhouette Desire wanted to buy my first book, Desert Warrior, it was a dream come true. I hope to continue living the dream until I keel over of old age on my keyboard.
I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I also spent three years living and working in Japan, during which time I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page (updated every month).
So far, I've worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher and not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency but I call it grist for the writer's mill.
I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I also spent three years living and working in Japan, during which time I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page (updated every month).
So far, I've worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher and not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency but I call it grist for the writer's mill.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 868 reviews
November 18, 2017
2.5 stars
Have you ever come home from a long day, and instead of just simply throwing your usual nuke food into the microwave, you decided to eat something really nice? So, you cook your dinner, nothing fancy, but you’re really, really hungry. Finally, it’s finished, you’re famished, the anticipation of the first bite; and then you have your first bite and……you forgot a very important ingredient, e.g. a certain spice or a herb, something you can’t add now that your dinner is cooked, because it would go from bland to tasting downright strange. Your dinner is ruined and all that comes out of your mouth, at least my mouth anyway, is a muttered ‘For fuck’s sake!’
Well, obviously I haven’t written Cherish Hard, but the anticipation was there. I even reread Rock Hard a few days ago, which features one of those to-die-for heroes, Gabriel. I wanted to love Cherish Hard as much as I loved and still love Rock Hard. I really did. But that was never going to happen, was it?
This is Sailor’s story, Gabriel’s brother, whom we had met in Rock Hard, already married to Ísa. Cherish Hard tells Sailor and Ísa’s story, and when Nalini Singh announced she would write a spin-off featuring Gabriel’s brothers, I did a little happy dance.
My guess is that a lot of people will love this book. It has almost no drama, a hero who – at 23 – has already set his goals in life and whose perfect body we’re constantly reminded of. A perfect heroine who is not only a perfect teacher, but also a perfect interim CFO, sister-turned mother figure, friend, lover, etc, etc
It’s a sweet story, no doubt about that, but like the countless dinners that I messed up because I once again forgot something, it was bland. Rock Hard is a whole different story with a completely different exposition, but the story and character development, the slight shifts in behaviours and the banter were utterly delightful. And though it was Charlotte’s story for most of the time, Gabriel almost outshone Charlotte.
With Cherish Hard, I had to grit my teeth a little through the first 30-35%. Not only was it difficult to follow Ísa’s train of thoughts with her endless insecurities, I had to endure also the tried and trusted portrayal of ‘bimbos’, just in case the reader isn’t aware of just how angelic and overall sweet our heroine is.
See, Ísa is a bit of an oxymoron. She’s supposed to be this super intelligent woman who manages not only her own life admirably, but also the lives of her sister, brother, father, mother, friend, plus two jobs. Just about everything. Yet, she can’t get over the fact that she was once cruelly and publicly dumped by her then idiot of a boyfriend in favour of the aforementioned bimbo. In the first third part of the book, there is so much pettiness in Ísa about these two evul people that I wondered how she was able to achieve all the things later. She was 21 when it happened, and I can easily imagine and believe that an experience such as this may linger for a while. But seven years later and still being hung up on it? Really?
Fortunately, this part was dropped, because – hey – Sailor finally settles into Ísa’s life. And Ísa finally finds her alter ego ‘Devil Ísa’ who tells her to live a little, and a little dangerous, be daring, be sexy. And, oh look, all the past hurt about one man conveniently vanishes. A rather questionable message, if you ask me. Ladies, all we need is a hunk of a man who could easily pass as a billboards filling model to make us feel sexy and worthy. I don’t think I would have minded it as much, if not for the petty thoughts Ísa still kept festering at the start of the book.
I think I’ve made it clear that I wasn’t Ísa’s biggest fan.
Sailor is equally perfect. Yeah, he has this growling ‘she is mine’ thing going which all Nalini Singh heroes seem to have, but people love it. And I didn’t mind it in Rock Hard. But where Gabriel’s closed off character to certain topics gave room to conflict and criticism, Sailor is just plain perfect in every way. And those who know me, also know that the perfection of a book doesn’t come for me in form of the perfection of its characters, but rather in the imperfection of them and the journey they take.
All that said though, the book isn’t a total mess. I may not have felt the chemistry between Sailor and Ísa but I understood the worries and pressures both were under. They were dealt with maturely, without drama; discussed rather than kept on as prolonged misunderstandings. The secondary characters gave the story and the main characters a well-rounded background, even if they were a little chlichéd, but enough of my whinging. In fact, my rating would have been lower if not for the secondary characters.
I neither particularly liked, nor disliked Cherish Hard; the banter mediocre and the repartees predictable. I will remember it as ‘Gabriel’s brother’s story’.
One last thing I need to get off my chest. I mentioned the portrayal of the cartoonishly malicious woman earlier. They may exist, and I won’t dispute it, though I have yet to meet a woman like that in my life. I wish, hope, pray, dear authors, that one day some of you will stop making your heroines look better by making other women, who are not your heroines best friends or nice acquaintances, look like brainless bimbos. I may easily come to the conclusion that it says a lot about your ability, or the lack thereof, to give your main female character a personality in her own right.
Have you ever come home from a long day, and instead of just simply throwing your usual nuke food into the microwave, you decided to eat something really nice? So, you cook your dinner, nothing fancy, but you’re really, really hungry. Finally, it’s finished, you’re famished, the anticipation of the first bite; and then you have your first bite and……you forgot a very important ingredient, e.g. a certain spice or a herb, something you can’t add now that your dinner is cooked, because it would go from bland to tasting downright strange. Your dinner is ruined and all that comes out of your mouth, at least my mouth anyway, is a muttered ‘For fuck’s sake!’
Well, obviously I haven’t written Cherish Hard, but the anticipation was there. I even reread Rock Hard a few days ago, which features one of those to-die-for heroes, Gabriel. I wanted to love Cherish Hard as much as I loved and still love Rock Hard. I really did. But that was never going to happen, was it?
This is Sailor’s story, Gabriel’s brother, whom we had met in Rock Hard, already married to Ísa. Cherish Hard tells Sailor and Ísa’s story, and when Nalini Singh announced she would write a spin-off featuring Gabriel’s brothers, I did a little happy dance.
My guess is that a lot of people will love this book. It has almost no drama, a hero who – at 23 – has already set his goals in life and whose perfect body we’re constantly reminded of. A perfect heroine who is not only a perfect teacher, but also a perfect interim CFO, sister-turned mother figure, friend, lover, etc, etc
It’s a sweet story, no doubt about that, but like the countless dinners that I messed up because I once again forgot something, it was bland. Rock Hard is a whole different story with a completely different exposition, but the story and character development, the slight shifts in behaviours and the banter were utterly delightful. And though it was Charlotte’s story for most of the time, Gabriel almost outshone Charlotte.
With Cherish Hard, I had to grit my teeth a little through the first 30-35%. Not only was it difficult to follow Ísa’s train of thoughts with her endless insecurities, I had to endure also the tried and trusted portrayal of ‘bimbos’, just in case the reader isn’t aware of just how angelic and overall sweet our heroine is.
See, Ísa is a bit of an oxymoron. She’s supposed to be this super intelligent woman who manages not only her own life admirably, but also the lives of her sister, brother, father, mother, friend, plus two jobs. Just about everything. Yet, she can’t get over the fact that she was once cruelly and publicly dumped by her then idiot of a boyfriend in favour of the aforementioned bimbo. In the first third part of the book, there is so much pettiness in Ísa about these two evul people that I wondered how she was able to achieve all the things later. She was 21 when it happened, and I can easily imagine and believe that an experience such as this may linger for a while. But seven years later and still being hung up on it? Really?
Fortunately, this part was dropped, because – hey – Sailor finally settles into Ísa’s life. And Ísa finally finds her alter ego ‘Devil Ísa’ who tells her to live a little, and a little dangerous, be daring, be sexy. And, oh look, all the past hurt about one man conveniently vanishes. A rather questionable message, if you ask me. Ladies, all we need is a hunk of a man who could easily pass as a billboards filling model to make us feel sexy and worthy. I don’t think I would have minded it as much, if not for the petty thoughts Ísa still kept festering at the start of the book.
I think I’ve made it clear that I wasn’t Ísa’s biggest fan.
Sailor is equally perfect. Yeah, he has this growling ‘she is mine’ thing going which all Nalini Singh heroes seem to have, but people love it. And I didn’t mind it in Rock Hard. But where Gabriel’s closed off character to certain topics gave room to conflict and criticism, Sailor is just plain perfect in every way. And those who know me, also know that the perfection of a book doesn’t come for me in form of the perfection of its characters, but rather in the imperfection of them and the journey they take.
All that said though, the book isn’t a total mess. I may not have felt the chemistry between Sailor and Ísa but I understood the worries and pressures both were under. They were dealt with maturely, without drama; discussed rather than kept on as prolonged misunderstandings. The secondary characters gave the story and the main characters a well-rounded background, even if they were a little chlichéd, but enough of my whinging. In fact, my rating would have been lower if not for the secondary characters.
I neither particularly liked, nor disliked Cherish Hard; the banter mediocre and the repartees predictable. I will remember it as ‘Gabriel’s brother’s story’.
One last thing I need to get off my chest. I mentioned the portrayal of the cartoonishly malicious woman earlier. They may exist, and I won’t dispute it, though I have yet to meet a woman like that in my life. I wish, hope, pray, dear authors, that one day some of you will stop making your heroines look better by making other women, who are not your heroines best friends or nice acquaintances, look like brainless bimbos. I may easily come to the conclusion that it says a lot about your ability, or the lack thereof, to give your main female character a personality in her own right.
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July 7, 2020***CURRENTLY FREE VIA KINDLE, NOOK, APPLE BOOKS, ETC...FOR A LIMITED TIME***
June 2, 2024
Perfectly executed sweet, light hearted and delightful.
I really enjoyed Cherish Hard. It was a wonderfully sweet, approachable and relatable novel.
For me what really stood out was Sailor Bishop. He shone like a beacon - OMG, he was sooooo amazing!!! Swoony, and just a real fantastic guy. I loved him. The way that he treated Ísa was wonderful.
Even so they met for such a short time years ago at a college party, the moment was imprinted on him. Sailor couldn't forget her, the red head that ran away from him. Now years later, he promised himself she would not run away again and that he would go to any length to ensure it.
Sailor was surprisingly possessive, not too overwhelming, just the right amount to call her his more often than not. I think my heart swooned every single time he called her HIS. Sailor's dedication towards his goals, family and now Ísa was admirable and something I personally love in a man.
The story on its own was very well plotted. I enjoyed the execution of the arc, but especially the resolving of the biggest looming arc. I was sooooo proud of them. That particular storyline could have easily turned cliche. Both characters were incredibly mature in dealing with the situation. It was a pleasure to see their trust in each other, and going after what they wanted the most.
This book was a wonderful respite. Sweet, light-hearted and heart-warming. Everything I needed in a book.
So if you like something delightfully charming, enchanting and a book that made me happy, don't hesitate in picking up this book. I can't wait to read the other books in this series.
I really enjoyed Cherish Hard. It was a wonderfully sweet, approachable and relatable novel.
For me what really stood out was Sailor Bishop. He shone like a beacon - OMG, he was sooooo amazing!!! Swoony, and just a real fantastic guy. I loved him. The way that he treated Ísa was wonderful.
Even so they met for such a short time years ago at a college party, the moment was imprinted on him. Sailor couldn't forget her, the red head that ran away from him. Now years later, he promised himself she would not run away again and that he would go to any length to ensure it.
Sailor was surprisingly possessive, not too overwhelming, just the right amount to call her his more often than not. I think my heart swooned every single time he called her HIS. Sailor's dedication towards his goals, family and now Ísa was admirable and something I personally love in a man.
The story on its own was very well plotted. I enjoyed the execution of the arc, but especially the resolving of the biggest looming arc. I was sooooo proud of them. That particular storyline could have easily turned cliche. Both characters were incredibly mature in dealing with the situation. It was a pleasure to see their trust in each other, and going after what they wanted the most.
This book was a wonderful respite. Sweet, light-hearted and heart-warming. Everything I needed in a book.
So if you like something delightfully charming, enchanting and a book that made me happy, don't hesitate in picking up this book. I can't wait to read the other books in this series.
March 28, 2020
4/5 stars.
We all need a Sailor in our lives. Review to come.
We all need a Sailor in our lives. Review to come.
November 14, 2017
***IT'S ALIVE***
Haven’t we met before…?
My reading mind (The Book Zone) feels like a Rolodex sometimes. Every book I start, I’m looking through my catalogue for similarities, triggers and a comfy place for my romantic heart to bloom. As soon as I started reading Cherish Hard my Rolodex was activated. This is kind of how it played out…
Nalini Singh, OK, what’s she got for me this time…
I’m expecting a strong, determined and loving hero…check
The heroine will have faced heartache and devastation…check
Ooh, we have Rugby again…check
Strong family values…check
Doesn’t make decisions solely on where his junk is pointing…check
Hero and heroine have brains…check
Work is important, but family comes first…check
WAIT…WAIT…WAIT…this is really familiar. Haven’t we met before? Isn’t this the first book in the series? Why do I feel like I know you already?
Yep, Sassy went in blind. Sassy has a bad habit of being utterly oblivious to stuff. Sassy had a very *DOH!!* moment at the end of the book when it was confirmed by the author that it was connected (siblings) to Rock Hard. Guess what Sassy couldn’t help but re-read after finishing Cherish Hard? (You would think that Sassy would have got that HARD connection…bloody idiot)
Anyways, I loved Cherish Hard. The storyline captured my attention from the very start. The characters are lovable and perfect for each other. It’s one of those stories where certain things or parts would normally have me squinting or scowling, but in this case, it WORKED. I loved that it was set at my next door neighbours place (New Zealand) and I recognised places and names I’ve visited and heard of.
So, I really loved it but the shining light and biggest heart shiver moment happened at the end when our hero put his priorities right without having to be told to. Quite refreshing not to have to witness screaming matches between the hero and heroine when he “does her wrong” or neglects her. I loved that quite a few of the men in this story were manly men who could love and show devotion to the special women in their life. It wasn’t wussy or weak, it was an exhilarating delight from a muscly and gorgeous man with a big heart.
I’m a fan and I will definitely be back for more. Now, I’m going back to visit Gabe and Charlie as they Rock Hard.
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
Haven’t we met before…?
My reading mind (The Book Zone) feels like a Rolodex sometimes. Every book I start, I’m looking through my catalogue for similarities, triggers and a comfy place for my romantic heart to bloom. As soon as I started reading Cherish Hard my Rolodex was activated. This is kind of how it played out…
Nalini Singh, OK, what’s she got for me this time…
I’m expecting a strong, determined and loving hero…check
The heroine will have faced heartache and devastation…check
Ooh, we have Rugby again…check
Strong family values…check
Doesn’t make decisions solely on where his junk is pointing…check
Hero and heroine have brains…check
Work is important, but family comes first…check
WAIT…WAIT…WAIT…this is really familiar. Haven’t we met before? Isn’t this the first book in the series? Why do I feel like I know you already?
Yep, Sassy went in blind. Sassy has a bad habit of being utterly oblivious to stuff. Sassy had a very *DOH!!* moment at the end of the book when it was confirmed by the author that it was connected (siblings) to Rock Hard. Guess what Sassy couldn’t help but re-read after finishing Cherish Hard? (You would think that Sassy would have got that HARD connection…bloody idiot)
Anyways, I loved Cherish Hard. The storyline captured my attention from the very start. The characters are lovable and perfect for each other. It’s one of those stories where certain things or parts would normally have me squinting or scowling, but in this case, it WORKED. I loved that it was set at my next door neighbours place (New Zealand) and I recognised places and names I’ve visited and heard of.
So, I really loved it but the shining light and biggest heart shiver moment happened at the end when our hero put his priorities right without having to be told to. Quite refreshing not to have to witness screaming matches between the hero and heroine when he “does her wrong” or neglects her. I loved that quite a few of the men in this story were manly men who could love and show devotion to the special women in their life. It wasn’t wussy or weak, it was an exhilarating delight from a muscly and gorgeous man with a big heart.
I’m a fan and I will definitely be back for more. Now, I’m going back to visit Gabe and Charlie as they Rock Hard.
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
March 23, 2023
This was my first foray into contemporary romance by Nalini Singh! Isa was burned by her fiancé, who like a dog, calls to rub it in that he’s getting married (and makes fun of her weight—jerk.) She works as a teacher, but has a controlling mother who wants her to take over the family company. I liked Isa, and liked Sailor, a landscaper hired to work for the company, as well. This was more of a sweet story, without a lot of drama. Nice if you’re looking for something uncomplicated and light.
December 17, 2022
“I’m no poet, Ísa. I can’t give you fancy words. But I know what we have is special. It’s worth a fight.”
Cherish Hard made my heart swoon!! The queen of PNR and contemporary romance has shown again why she’s my favorite author – this book was all I had hoped it would be and so much more!!!
“How old are you?” she said through a bone-dry throat.
A wicked grin. “Younger than you. You be my cougar, I’ll be your boy toy.”
All Ísa Rain has ever wanted was to have a loving family of her own. And at twenty-eight she is more than ready to find the man who will love her with all he is and who will cherish what they have. She doesn’t have time to lust after a hot gardener and kiss him in her work parking lot. Then a deal with the dragon aka her mother forces her to come into close contact with said gardener she has tried to stop craving.
His redhead had hit him straight in the gut from the first night he’d laid eyes on her.
A man would have to be very stupid to walk away from that.
Sailor wasn’t stupid.
He was also very, very determined.
Sailor Bishop is determined to achieve his goal of being a success and making his landscaping business thrive. He really doesn���t have time for distractions but when he meets and kisses a very sexy red-head who makes him need all of her, he has no problem going after what he wants. And if she’s being stubborn about giving them a chance, he’ll use every wicked trick he can think of to change her mind.
Can two people whose dreams and goals seems to be so very different take a risk, even if it could end up in heartache?
Sailor wanted Ísa to be his, the need a bone-deep one. Some things a man knew. And Sailor knew Ísa was meant to be his.
Sailor Bishop is definitely now one of my favorite book boyfriends ever!! This sexy gardener with his work-rough hands and sexy tattoos made my ovaries explode. I loved everything about him, how he had a crush on Ísa at sixteen, how hard he fought to be with her even when she ran from him not one, but three times, determined to win his redhead even if it meant buying handcuffs (sexy man). Every woman should be cherished and loved the way he does Ísa.
No man had ever touched her that way, as if she were a porn fantasy come to life.
Ísa was just perfect for Sailor, so loyal and loving with her siblings, feisty when she needed to be and so determined to give all she had in order to make it work with Sailor.
This, what they had, it was something special. He’d do whatever it took to convince his redhead to stick with him. Even if meant using his manly wiles and body to confuse her every time she thought of a good reason why they weren’t suited.
Cherish hard was sweet, utterly romantic, full of emotion and so funny - I loved every single moment of it. Both Sailor and Ísa had their demons from painful pasts and I loved seeing them navigate their relationship, both fighting so hard to be together and so mature about all of it. There was no misunderstandings or lack of miscommunication, just two people who acted like the adults they were. Also Sailor is younger than Ísa by five years, and seeing that the older woman, younger man is a favorite trope of mine I was grinning all the way.
This book had a great cast of secondary characters. I loved Ísa’s siblings and Sailor’s family, whom I wouldn’t mind being adopted by, they were AMAZING. And it was wonderful seeing Gabriel who is just as sexy as he was in Rock Hard. I really can’t wait to read the next two books which is going to be about Sailor’s other two brothers. Woohoo!!
I also really enjoyed the secondary romance between her best friend, Nayna and his friend Raj and I wish we could have gotten a book for them.
Nalini Sing writes the kind of romance I love and this book was PERFECT. A definitely must read for all romance fans.
July 3, 2022
German review:
Ich mochte dieses Buch ziemlich gerne! Sailor war meiner Meinung nach sehr sehr süss und wie er um Isa gekämpft hat was nicht nur hot aber auch intense.
Der Fokus auf Familie war auch sehr toll und ich mochte, dass beide Familien genug Details hatten als auch Charaktere, über die ich gerne auch Bücher hätte.
Da es eine Arbeitsstelle Geschichte war und beide zusammen arbeiten mussten, war sehr sehr viel tension da und der Alters unterschied war auch nicht zu gross oder zu klein.
Ich mochte dieses Buch ziemlich gerne! Sailor war meiner Meinung nach sehr sehr süss und wie er um Isa gekämpft hat was nicht nur hot aber auch intense.
Der Fokus auf Familie war auch sehr toll und ich mochte, dass beide Familien genug Details hatten als auch Charaktere, über die ich gerne auch Bücher hätte.
Da es eine Arbeitsstelle Geschichte war und beide zusammen arbeiten mussten, war sehr sehr viel tension da und der Alters unterschied war auch nicht zu gross oder zu klein.
July 24, 2020
2.5 STARS ★★✬✩✩
⤐ Overall.
Hm. There could be a logical explanation for how hard I'm being on romance novels these days. Either, me being single for 3 years has slowly been ruining me for romance, or, I dunno, the bar for what qualifies as decent romance is set so low, not even ants could limbo it.
I also feel like Nalini is the perfect example of publishers' bad habit of just printing everything an author writes once they've actually been successful. (Stephen King *cough cough*).
To make this clear, overall, I really liked the relationship between Ísa and Sailor. It's very playful and intimate, full of caring and tender moments, although the initial I saw him/her and I wanted him/her moment was part of the deal. There's a 5-year age difference between them, with Ísa being the older partner. I love this A LOT. Nobody bats an eye if the guy is (reasonably, whatever the definition of that is) older but people lose their minds when the situation is reversed. We need to normalise older women dating younger men.
The things that trouble their relationship are important things that reflect on the real world and do not include some overly unrealistic drama. The progress with which these problems are resolved, however, doesn't feel authentic. It seems like especially Sailor is changing his mind over night. I also didn't feel like the plot was peaking at a certain point, it just stayed on a level slightly above where we took off.
⤐ What’s happening.
Ísa is determined to find her husband, a loving and caring man that will give her a family that will be nothing like the distanced and lonely childhood experiences she had to endure. Sailor wants nothing but to be a successful business owner, self-made. He will work 24/7 if he has to.
When they meet each other, it looks like the age difference of 5 years will be the last thing standing between 28-year-old Ísa and her pursuer. There's fire between them, but also hurdles.
_____________________
3 STARS. Decent read that I have neither strongly positive nor negative feelings about. Some thinks irked me and thus it does not qualify as exceptional.
2 STARS. Definitely a disappointment. It might not even have been worth to finish for a variety of reasons.
This book is for you if… you have low standards for romance novels.
⤐ Overall.
Hm. There could be a logical explanation for how hard I'm being on romance novels these days. Either, me being single for 3 years has slowly been ruining me for romance, or, I dunno, the bar for what qualifies as decent romance is set so low, not even ants could limbo it.
I also feel like Nalini is the perfect example of publishers' bad habit of just printing everything an author writes once they've actually been successful. (Stephen King *cough cough*).
To make this clear, overall, I really liked the relationship between Ísa and Sailor. It's very playful and intimate, full of caring and tender moments, although the initial I saw him/her and I wanted him/her moment was part of the deal. There's a 5-year age difference between them, with Ísa being the older partner. I love this A LOT. Nobody bats an eye if the guy is (reasonably, whatever the definition of that is) older but people lose their minds when the situation is reversed. We need to normalise older women dating younger men.
The things that trouble their relationship are important things that reflect on the real world and do not include some overly unrealistic drama. The progress with which these problems are resolved, however, doesn't feel authentic. It seems like especially Sailor is changing his mind over night. I also didn't feel like the plot was peaking at a certain point, it just stayed on a level slightly above where we took off.
⤐ What’s happening.
‘How old are you?’ she said through a bone-dry throat. A wicked grin. ‘Younger than you. You be my cougar, I’ll be your boy toy.’
Ísa is determined to find her husband, a loving and caring man that will give her a family that will be nothing like the distanced and lonely childhood experiences she had to endure. Sailor wants nothing but to be a successful business owner, self-made. He will work 24/7 if he has to.
When they meet each other, it looks like the age difference of 5 years will be the last thing standing between 28-year-old Ísa and her pursuer. There's fire between them, but also hurdles.
_____________________
3 STARS. Decent read that I have neither strongly positive nor negative feelings about. Some thinks irked me and thus it does not qualify as exceptional.
2 STARS. Definitely a disappointment. It might not even have been worth to finish for a variety of reasons.
August 1, 2018
Cherish Hard de Nalini Singh narra la historia de Isa y Sailor.
Honestamente comence esta lectura porque ninguna otra de las que tengo pendientes me terminaba de convencer, pero Cherish Hard me sorprendio muy gratamente, pese a no tener una trama sorprendente, la lectura resulta tan amena, adictiva y bonita que es imposible no disfrutar leyendo.
Por lo general me gustan mucho mas las historias de este genero que escribe la autora que las de tematica sobrenatural, no solo porque la saga Psy-Cambiantes nunca me ha terminado de agradar al 100% pese a las muchas oportunidades que le he dado ( creo que es una cuestion de gusto personal ), sino tambien porque la pluma de la autora en las novelas New Adult destaca mucho mas.
En cambio con este libro disfrute como una niña con zapatos nuevos, me hizo reir con las conversaciones entre los protagonistas, suspirar con sus escenas mas dulces y me encogio el corazon con las partes mas tristes y desoladoras de la infancia de estos dos personajes, sobra decir que me encanto la dinamica que habia en la familia de Sailor, es simplemente hermosa la forma que tienen de relacionarse.
En resumen, Cherish Hard es mucho mas de lo que parece al leer la sinopsis. Es una lectura muy recomendable, seguro que os sorprende y os enamora como a mi.
P. D. : Estoy deseando que la autora continue escribiendo mas libros de esta saga, los cuales espero sean sobre los hermanos pequeños de Sailor y tambien necesito la historia de Raj y Nayna.
4 Estrellas!!
November 14, 2017
3.5 stars!
Cherish Hard is an insanely sweet but very sexy romance between an older heroine and younger hero, which I loved!
Nalini Singh has always excelled in writing great heroes-in-pursuit tropes, and in this book, Sailor is a great example of a hero in pursuit of a woman who caught his eye. He is easily the best part of this book for me.
He's determined to not only prove that he can get his business off the ground but to prove that his love for Isa isn't just a passing fancy.
Sailor Bishop is Gabe's brother but this story took place before the events of Rock Hard so we see a bit of Gabe during his rugby playing years, which I appreciated. A lot.
But the star of the book is Sailor. He's an amazingly sweet and considerate alpha hero. And I would recommend this book base on that alone.
That said if you're looking for a high-conflict, angsty romance, then this book won't be for you. Cherish Hard is light on conflict and drama but it doesn't skimp on the sexy times. The sexy times in this book is A grade, and I was a huge fan of it.
I would've rated this book higher if not for one huge issue for me. I didn't find Isa particularly interesting. Don't get me wrong. She's very sweet and nice and a really good person. She sacrificed so much for her family. And despite being born rich and privileged, her childhood was lonely which contributed to her insecurities and fears. She is on paper, the perfect heroine but I was personally bored with her character. I found her best friend, Nayna, a lot more interesting.
I don't dislike Isa, it's just that she didn't really capture my attention. She's okay but her character didn't wow me.
Despite that, I did enjoy this book and I'm looking forward to reading more of this series. I'm hoping we'd get a Nayna book and maybe another Bishop brother? God, I hope so.
Cherish Hard is an insanely sweet but very sexy romance between an older heroine and younger hero, which I loved!
Nalini Singh has always excelled in writing great heroes-in-pursuit tropes, and in this book, Sailor is a great example of a hero in pursuit of a woman who caught his eye. He is easily the best part of this book for me.
He's determined to not only prove that he can get his business off the ground but to prove that his love for Isa isn't just a passing fancy.
Sailor Bishop is Gabe's brother but this story took place before the events of Rock Hard so we see a bit of Gabe during his rugby playing years, which I appreciated. A lot.
But the star of the book is Sailor. He's an amazingly sweet and considerate alpha hero. And I would recommend this book base on that alone.
That said if you're looking for a high-conflict, angsty romance, then this book won't be for you. Cherish Hard is light on conflict and drama but it doesn't skimp on the sexy times. The sexy times in this book is A grade, and I was a huge fan of it.
I would've rated this book higher if not for one huge issue for me. I didn't find Isa particularly interesting. Don't get me wrong. She's very sweet and nice and a really good person. She sacrificed so much for her family. And despite being born rich and privileged, her childhood was lonely which contributed to her insecurities and fears. She is on paper, the perfect heroine but I was personally bored with her character. I found her best friend, Nayna, a lot more interesting.
I don't dislike Isa, it's just that she didn't really capture my attention. She's okay but her character didn't wow me.
Despite that, I did enjoy this book and I'm looking forward to reading more of this series. I'm hoping we'd get a Nayna book and maybe another Bishop brother? God, I hope so.
July 9, 2018
This book was just kind of slow and boring for me, no real passion or excitement though I did find the characters kind of cute. So far I much prefer Nalini’s Psy/Changling and Guild Hunter books to her contemporaries.
Want to read
July 8, 2020 ***CURRENTLY FREE VIA KINDLE, NOOK, APPLE BOOKS, ETC...FOR A LIMITED TIME***
October 31, 2018
It's not a surprise now when I say that Nalini Singh is my top favourite author because I say it every chance I get. I had been waiting on the edge of my seat for this book/series as soon as I read about Bishop's siblings in Rock Hard(you can find its review here). Sailor and Isa are introduced in Rock Hard and I instantly wanted to read their story, so I was very grateful to hear that Nalini Singh announced that there were going to be more books for the siblings as well!
Isa is an heiress to her mother's company. But she doesn' want to be the CEO of the company, all she wants is to do settle down and live a simple life. I loved Isa's character because she was so strong and in spite of being an heiress and rich, she had a heart of an angel. Her character was very relatable. She loves her stepbrother and half-sister deeply. No parents issues involved in her love and dedication to them.
Sailor wants to turn his landscape services into a proper business and he is ready to work hard for it. He never wants money to be a problem because he was scared in his childhood by his father because of the money. I loved his character because he is so mature and understanding despite being young. He lives a simple life. He loves his family and loves his work.
Isa and Sailor meet or just pass each other when Isa is at her bottom and that flash of the moment meeting becomes an unforgettable one for Sailor. Years later they see each other again and this time Sailor is not letting her go. Both Isa and Sailor are so dedicated to their families and dedicated to each other. Sailor was the best, he was so good with Isa's sister and his own siblings. He is completely and irrevocably in for Isa. He is ready to do anything for her and Isa for him. Despite the age difference, both characters were very mature and understanding. It was amazing to see them fall in love. The storyline, the writing and the characters everything was perfect.
I always love it when guys grovel after making a mistake and I am always complaining when they don't grovel enough BUT I discovered that I love it when there is no such situation only to begin with. The guy doesn't have to grovel if he doesn't make any mistake, Sailor realises where he's headed with his desire to work nonstop and just handles a certain situation so well, the U-turn away from the cliche and all the drama was the best scene ever! Communication is the key people! Gabe won my heart in the first chapter itself and so did Sailor! These brothers know the way to a girl's heart!
I loved reading about Isa and Sailor's families. Meeting all the family members was fun, I want some more of those Bishop camping scenes. I just feel like visiting New Zealand and seeing all the places mentioned in the book myself for real. I can't wait for the next books in this series and I already have some tentative pair in my mind too! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this sweet romance. This book can be read as a standalone.
*Thanks to the author for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.*
Check out https://abooklionshideaway.blogspot.in/ for more reviews
Isa is an heiress to her mother's company. But she doesn' want to be the CEO of the company, all she wants is to do settle down and live a simple life. I loved Isa's character because she was so strong and in spite of being an heiress and rich, she had a heart of an angel. Her character was very relatable. She loves her stepbrother and half-sister deeply. No parents issues involved in her love and dedication to them.
Sailor wants to turn his landscape services into a proper business and he is ready to work hard for it. He never wants money to be a problem because he was scared in his childhood by his father because of the money. I loved his character because he is so mature and understanding despite being young. He lives a simple life. He loves his family and loves his work.
Isa and Sailor meet or just pass each other when Isa is at her bottom and that flash of the moment meeting becomes an unforgettable one for Sailor. Years later they see each other again and this time Sailor is not letting her go. Both Isa and Sailor are so dedicated to their families and dedicated to each other. Sailor was the best, he was so good with Isa's sister and his own siblings. He is completely and irrevocably in for Isa. He is ready to do anything for her and Isa for him. Despite the age difference, both characters were very mature and understanding. It was amazing to see them fall in love. The storyline, the writing and the characters everything was perfect.
I always love it when guys grovel after making a mistake and I am always complaining when they don't grovel enough BUT I discovered that I love it when there is no such situation only to begin with. The guy doesn't have to grovel if he doesn't make any mistake, Sailor realises where he's headed with his desire to work nonstop and just handles a certain situation so well, the U-turn away from the cliche and all the drama was the best scene ever! Communication is the key people! Gabe won my heart in the first chapter itself and so did Sailor! These brothers know the way to a girl's heart!
I loved reading about Isa and Sailor's families. Meeting all the family members was fun, I want some more of those Bishop camping scenes. I just feel like visiting New Zealand and seeing all the places mentioned in the book myself for real. I can't wait for the next books in this series and I already have some tentative pair in my mind too! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this sweet romance. This book can be read as a standalone.
*Thanks to the author for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.*
Check out https://abooklionshideaway.blogspot.in/ for more reviews
February 7, 2018
Reading this book was like eating fluffy bunnies playing in the woods and you are just waiting for the fox to jump out and eat one. But there is no fox. This is just a fluffy bunny story. And sometimes that is all we need.
So it is light, low angst, fairly mature, sweet and easy read. The hero is dreamy and Isa never did anything to disappoint me, even though I expected her to.
If you are looking for a sweet, albeit a little slow at times, romance, this will for the bill.
So it is light, low angst, fairly mature, sweet and easy read. The hero is dreamy and Isa never did anything to disappoint me, even though I expected her to.
If you are looking for a sweet, albeit a little slow at times, romance, this will for the bill.
October 23, 2017
So, so sweet! I enjoy Nalini Singh's contemporary romances so much. I can't wait for the rest of the Bishop boys' books! Review to come!
Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.
Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.
Want to read
July 4, 2020Kindle freebie 7/4/20
March 12, 2019
DNF
I am expecting fun, sexy story. I am expecting sassy characters who bring the story into life. But I got flat story, boring writing style and... unbelievable insta lust/ love. Nothing on this book clicks with me.
2 stars
I am expecting fun, sexy story. I am expecting sassy characters who bring the story into life. But I got flat story, boring writing style and... unbelievable insta lust/ love. Nothing on this book clicks with me.
2 stars
November 8, 2017
Nalini Singh writes contemporary romance.
Yes, I’ve known the other series of hers but I wasn’t sure and here I thought why the hell the not.
And. I. AM. TORN. I think that it is 3-3.5* though.
It’s not bad per se quite the opposite really. The story is engaging, well written with great characters and an interesting plot. I just…
I just don’t know. Maybe as this unfamiliar territory for me. Ms. Singh for me is known to me as my go to PNR author. I’m finding my thoughts being difficult on this one.
What the book is about:
Ísalind Magdalena Rain-Stefánsdóttir had a very humiliating experience in college and seven years she still hasn’t come to terms with it. Yet her life plan is slipping from her. Past experiences have made her long for stability, a real home and love. No amount of online dating gets Mr. Right to turn up but after one day at school she decides to ogle for the hot gardener.
I liked Ìsa and I liked her more with her friend Nayna. I understood her fear and she truly gave it all a chance and oh surprise it panned out. But at heart she is a nurturer and has been looking after everyone especially her siblings.
Sailor Bishop has demons to fight, a redhead to catch and to start up his business as a landscape gardener. He nearly gave up on his dream but the one thing he never forgot was a certain redhead. A chance encounter brings them together. Thrice she manages to give Sailor the slip, like mist but he is persistent and that is what I loved about him. He never gave up. He is a strong and solid Hero IMO.
I was amused in places by the characters and the secondary characters. Sometimes it got a bit silly for me but then we soon got back on track again. Normally I’m picky when it comes to a female/male age gap cause usually unnecessary drama occurs.
“How old are you?” she asked through a bone-dry throat. A wicked grin. “Younger than you. You be my cougar, I’ll be your toy boy.”
The age gap isn’t that big, five years is nothing.
I got to say that Ísa’s mother is outrageous and I loved the things she came out with.
“Sailor Bishop’s a new contractor-landscaping. Some excellent ideas, so if you do sleep with him, try not to dump him until after he’s completed the job. I once made that mistake with another contractor-he kept breaking down in tears on the job and couldn’t even give me a concise report.”
I really don’t know if I will read anymore of her contemporary romance but I am still an avid PNR fan of hers. Time will tell.
Yes, I’ve known the other series of hers but I wasn’t sure and here I thought why the hell the not.
And. I. AM. TORN. I think that it is 3-3.5* though.
It’s not bad per se quite the opposite really. The story is engaging, well written with great characters and an interesting plot. I just…
I just don’t know. Maybe as this unfamiliar territory for me. Ms. Singh for me is known to me as my go to PNR author. I’m finding my thoughts being difficult on this one.
What the book is about:
Ísalind Magdalena Rain-Stefánsdóttir had a very humiliating experience in college and seven years she still hasn’t come to terms with it. Yet her life plan is slipping from her. Past experiences have made her long for stability, a real home and love. No amount of online dating gets Mr. Right to turn up but after one day at school she decides to ogle for the hot gardener.
I liked Ìsa and I liked her more with her friend Nayna. I understood her fear and she truly gave it all a chance and oh surprise it panned out. But at heart she is a nurturer and has been looking after everyone especially her siblings.
Sailor Bishop has demons to fight, a redhead to catch and to start up his business as a landscape gardener. He nearly gave up on his dream but the one thing he never forgot was a certain redhead. A chance encounter brings them together. Thrice she manages to give Sailor the slip, like mist but he is persistent and that is what I loved about him. He never gave up. He is a strong and solid Hero IMO.
I was amused in places by the characters and the secondary characters. Sometimes it got a bit silly for me but then we soon got back on track again. Normally I’m picky when it comes to a female/male age gap cause usually unnecessary drama occurs.
“How old are you?” she asked through a bone-dry throat. A wicked grin. “Younger than you. You be my cougar, I’ll be your toy boy.”
The age gap isn’t that big, five years is nothing.
I got to say that Ísa’s mother is outrageous and I loved the things she came out with.
“Sailor Bishop’s a new contractor-landscaping. Some excellent ideas, so if you do sleep with him, try not to dump him until after he’s completed the job. I once made that mistake with another contractor-he kept breaking down in tears on the job and couldn’t even give me a concise report.”
I really don’t know if I will read anymore of her contemporary romance but I am still an avid PNR fan of hers. Time will tell.
October 19, 2017
If like me you've already read Rock Hard then you will be well aware that the men of the Bishop clan are pretty awesome. If you haven't yet discovered just how yummy they are then allow me to introduce Sailor Bishop! He might not be the roughest guy in town but this quietly determined gardener knows exactly what he wants from life . So what will he do when he finally catches up with the girl of his dreams? A girl that seems to just want to keep running away !
Isa is the lynchpin that keeps her somewhat muddled family together. She knows all about careers and ambition sometimes getting put first and is absolutely convinced that she could only be happy with a guy who like her wants above all a family and that elusive white picket fence. So what on earth is she doing spending time with hunky Sailor who is obviously going places and about to leave Isa far behind? He's impossible to resist but Isa knows only too well that heartbreak isn't too far away.
I loved stepping back in time and catching up with the Bishop boys. Set before the glorious T-Rex was introduced to readers this story charts the romance of Sailor and Isa. This passionate couple both have abandonment issues which means they have a lot to work out before they can achieve their dreams. You will fall hard for Sailor with his sweet words and love of catching Isa unaware . You will also relish that Isa stands up for those she loves.
Yet you will want to bang certain characters over the head and that's were this story really comes to life. Yes it's a romance but the supporting characters enrich the journey so much. I adored seeing the family interact, applaud the author for giving us a character that isn't perhaps physically perfect ( but then who is ?) and most of all the emotion that brought home exactly what is important. Plus not only are there more brothers to entertain us in the future but a romance brewing in the wings that surely will come bursting into print soon !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
Isa is the lynchpin that keeps her somewhat muddled family together. She knows all about careers and ambition sometimes getting put first and is absolutely convinced that she could only be happy with a guy who like her wants above all a family and that elusive white picket fence. So what on earth is she doing spending time with hunky Sailor who is obviously going places and about to leave Isa far behind? He's impossible to resist but Isa knows only too well that heartbreak isn't too far away.
I loved stepping back in time and catching up with the Bishop boys. Set before the glorious T-Rex was introduced to readers this story charts the romance of Sailor and Isa. This passionate couple both have abandonment issues which means they have a lot to work out before they can achieve their dreams. You will fall hard for Sailor with his sweet words and love of catching Isa unaware . You will also relish that Isa stands up for those she loves.
Yet you will want to bang certain characters over the head and that's were this story really comes to life. Yes it's a romance but the supporting characters enrich the journey so much. I adored seeing the family interact, applaud the author for giving us a character that isn't perhaps physically perfect ( but then who is ?) and most of all the emotion that brought home exactly what is important. Plus not only are there more brothers to entertain us in the future but a romance brewing in the wings that surely will come bursting into print soon !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
October 30, 2017
‘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.
*ARC by Netgalley and the publisher
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.
*ARC by Netgalley and the publisher
February 11, 2020
3.5 Stars!
This was a really sweet story. I enjoyed it and the characters involved but I will say there isn't anything too exciting in the storyline. This would be a great read if you are coming off of an angsty book and need something to off balance that.
The hero is a fit, and hot male starting up his own landscaping business. He's a sweet and caring guy with no womanizing tendencies. The heroine is a curvy woman with a small amount of body shyness due to past treatment, and yet she has a spine made of steel. She was a good mix of sweet, shy and fierce.
The side characters from both his side and her side were a plus to the story. I enjoyed them and would be interested in reading the next book in the series.
This was a really sweet story. I enjoyed it and the characters involved but I will say there isn't anything too exciting in the storyline. This would be a great read if you are coming off of an angsty book and need something to off balance that.
The hero is a fit, and hot male starting up his own landscaping business. He's a sweet and caring guy with no womanizing tendencies. The heroine is a curvy woman with a small amount of body shyness due to past treatment, and yet she has a spine made of steel. She was a good mix of sweet, shy and fierce.
The side characters from both his side and her side were a plus to the story. I enjoyed them and would be interested in reading the next book in the series.
November 14, 2017
I have a confession to make, I tried reading a book a couple of years back by Nalini Singh because so many of my friends loved her work, but the book had way too much angst for me and so I never picked up another book by her. When I read the synopsis for Cherish Hard, I decided it was time to give this author so many hold in high esteem another chance and I’m glad I did. Cherish Hard was a beautifully crafted love story and I loved that despite the contrast in the two main character’s lives they were perfect for one another, they encouraged one another, they listened to each other, and more than that they both valued love and family. I loved this book with all my heart.
Neglected by her parents most of her life Isalinda Rain is at a point in her life where she is ready to find a man she can spend her life with; one who understands her need to have room in her home for her seventeen year old step-brother and her thirteen year old half sister if need be, one that will commit to making her and their family a priority and not an afterthought. Excited that her first year of teaching is behind her and the adult classes she is teaching in the summer, Isa is mesmerized by the half dressed landscaper outside her classroom window and when she approaches him in the parking lot the intense chemistry between them is hard to ignore, but realizing his work is more important to him than anything Isa flees, only to run into him again.
Sailor Bishop can’t believe when he runs into the beautiful redhead that has haunted him for seven years in the parking lot of a job. When she flees from him twice, he is determined to get her attention, he just doesn’t expect to see her picture in the office of the CEO of a company he will be providing with his landscape services. Scars of being abandoned by his father at age 5, Sailor is determined to make his fledgling landscape business a success even if he has to work sun up to sun down seven days a week. Realizing Isa has issues stemming from her absentee parents during her childhood, Sailor worries that his determination to succeed might drive Isa away.
Isa was such a strong character and despite the way she was brought up, she had a heart of gold for her siblings and those she cared for. Her relationship with her mother was a bit unusual, but I appreciated that during this book, they both began to admire one another and gain better understanding between them. I understood her worries about Sailor and how much time he needed to devote to his business, but it was easy to see she also admired his work ethic and the way he made her feel. I do think seeing Sailor with his family helped her understand how important those relationships were to him.
For such a young man, Sailor was smart and determined and I loved that he was easily intimidated by strong women. I admired the fact that he was willing to work hard to get what he wanted out of life and didn’t want to depend on anyone else for help. I loved that he immediately realized that Isa was a natural born caregiver, but no one took care of her and he was willing to step up and do the job. The gratitude he had for his step-father who he considered is real father showed that he understood what a good man looked like and he strove to make both of his parents proud every day.
Their relationship wasn’t always easy, but their communication skills helped them work through the tough times without a lot of drama or angst. They complimented one another in every way and showed time and time again they weren’t going to let the tough times get to them. This was a busy book with a lot going on but not once did I feel the relationship between Sailor and Isa got lost; everything else in this book revolved around this couple.
From the minute I started Cherish Hard until I finished it, I was completely caught up in this story and I found it impossible to put down.
April 22, 2019
3 STARS
Este es el primer libro que leo de Nalini Singh en contemporáneo, siempre la había leído en paranormal con su saga Psy/Cambiantes que la amo KALEB 😍😍😍 sorry me desvié.
Me sorprendió la verdad, aunque la sigo prefiriendo en paranormal.
Esta lectura es muy ligera, tiene momentos divertidos y tiernos, no tiene drama que en lo personal a mí me hizo falta pss para darle más sabor al caldo sobre todo al final.
Sailor me pudo era bien lindo y dulce, no me sorprende porque Nalini siempre crea muy buenos protagonistas.
Creo que no estuvo tan mal a parte que me ayudó a no caer en un mega Reading Slump después de haberme pasado días pegada en Netflix en un mega maratón de Lucifer
Este es el primer libro que leo de Nalini Singh en contemporáneo, siempre la había leído en paranormal con su saga Psy/Cambiantes que la amo KALEB 😍😍😍 sorry me desvié.
Me sorprendió la verdad, aunque la sigo prefiriendo en paranormal.
Esta lectura es muy ligera, tiene momentos divertidos y tiernos, no tiene drama que en lo personal a mí me hizo falta pss para darle más sabor al caldo sobre todo al final.
Sailor me pudo era bien lindo y dulce, no me sorprende porque Nalini siempre crea muy buenos protagonistas.
Creo que no estuvo tan mal a parte que me ayudó a no caer en un mega Reading Slump después de haberme pasado días pegada en Netflix en un mega maratón de Lucifer
November 17, 2017
“When I catch up with you, spitfire, it’s going to be all about revenge.” Sweet, slow, erotic revenge.
It could also be the sugar rush from all the chocolate I find myself eating while reading her books, but whenever I finish one of Nalini Singh’s soul-stirring romances, my heart is so full, it feels like it could burst. Her stories are so warm and romantic, they soothe and reenergise the hopeless romantic in me—moving me, seducing me, making me devour every single word like a luscious dessert, and always leaving me in a blissful haze—but once I realised this story was in the same world as one of my favourite novels from this author, Rock Hard, I was close to rapture. As Ms Singh formally introduces us to the Bishop/Esera clan, we begin to fall in love with an entire family of protective alpha males—existing or in the making—while we watch their second eldest son find true love.
Continue reading this review...
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unfinished
March 26, 2020I'm abandoning this "without prejudice" (aka rating). I've read a Singh paranormal romance so I knew there was a high probability there'd be lots of steam. And there was. I liked the main couple. Sailor is exactly my type of guy so I forgive him the instalust-becomes-love. And Ísa is my type of woman, too, so that's a thing.
But there are antagonists who are mainly cartoons and the plot is a scaffold to hang the sex on and they got to the part where I knew they'd fallen for each other and I didn't need to hang around for the rest of the sex. If your steam tolerance is high, this mainly works (despite my off-hand criticisms). And the New Zealand setting seems very authentic and was nearly as engaging as the two main characters.
A note about Audiobook: Justine O. Keef does a fantastic job narrating this, I think. Both main characters have subtly tweaked accents (Ísa with a hint of Icelandic for heaven's sake!) and Keef makes it flow naturally and with emotional depth. So very well done. Probably. I mean, I'm no connoisseur of accents or anything so they may be miserable failures for all I know. But I don't think so, somehow...
But there are antagonists who are mainly cartoons and the plot is a scaffold to hang the sex on and they got to the part where I knew they'd fallen for each other and I didn't need to hang around for the rest of the sex. If your steam tolerance is high, this mainly works (despite my off-hand criticisms). And the New Zealand setting seems very authentic and was nearly as engaging as the two main characters.
A note about Audiobook: Justine O. Keef does a fantastic job narrating this, I think. Both main characters have subtly tweaked accents (Ísa with a hint of Icelandic for heaven's sake!) and Keef makes it flow naturally and with emotional depth. So very well done. Probably. I mean, I'm no connoisseur of accents or anything so they may be miserable failures for all I know. But I don't think so, somehow...
November 18, 2017
4.5 ⭐️
October 20, 2017
I am so glad that I know Nalini well enough to beg her for her next book without any shame whatsoever, and damn it all but this one is well worth the groveling. Nalini has a voice that is so unique, so totally hers, that I get lost in the cadence and the rhythm and the characters as she brings them to life, peoples their world with beautifully developed friends, and draws the reader into a sweet and sexy romance that just leaves you smiling.
Nalini also introduces new characters that you just know are going to have wonderful stories of their own. If you loved the Rock Kiss stories, you're really going to enjoy this new series. I couldn't wipe the grin off my face by the time I finished the story. Absolutely wonderful, and one I highly recommend.
The same way I recommend everything this author writes. You can't go wrong with one of Nalini Singh's books.
Nalini also introduces new characters that you just know are going to have wonderful stories of their own. If you loved the Rock Kiss stories, you're really going to enjoy this new series. I couldn't wipe the grin off my face by the time I finished the story. Absolutely wonderful, and one I highly recommend.
The same way I recommend everything this author writes. You can't go wrong with one of Nalini Singh's books.
January 26, 2020
La serie è uno spin-off della precedente serie ROCK KISS, dove appariva infatti Gabriel, il fratellone sexy di Sailor (ricordate T-Rex?????)
Come anche quel romanzo, ho trovato un po' fuorviante inserire questa serie negli Extra-Passion, perché in realtà è quasi più dolce che erotico, con una storia di una tenerezza notevole (a parte le divertentissime pulsioni della nostra poetessa...).
Isa è figlia di due egocentrici che si sono sempre dedicati alla carriera, risposandosi più volte e lasciando indietro più figli, disseminati qua e là. Così il suo principale problema è stato quello di conciliare una madre soverchiante, tenere uniti e al sicuro i suoi fratelli minori, gestire la fiorente azienda familiare e realizzarsi come insegnante tenendo corsi agli adulti.
In più vorrebbe anche avere una soddisfacente vita amorosa, cosa non proprio facile, per via di appuntamenti deludenti e di brutte esperienze passate che hanno fortemente minato la sua autostima.
In tutto questo le capita sul più bello un giardiniere 25enne, più giovane e meno ricco, ma non meno intraprendente. Ciò che a Sailor manca in età e denaro, lo ha sostituto con coraggio, voglia di fare, appoggio familiare alle spalle e tanta spensieratezza.
E quindi, sì, forse loro due non sono esattamente compatibili, ma possono provarci.
Come dicevo, mi è piaciuto. Una relazione che si sviluppa in modo intrigante, due bei personaggi, l'attenzione per gli altri, che siano amici o fratelli ancora giovani da proteggere.
E uno stile fresco e simpatico.
All'inizio ero un po' perplessa per un certo approccio trash e sopra le righe, ma poi le battute, le scenette e persino i titoli dei paragrafi mi hanno conquistata.
Un inizio serie davvero promettente.
Come anche quel romanzo, ho trovato un po' fuorviante inserire questa serie negli Extra-Passion, perché in realtà è quasi più dolce che erotico, con una storia di una tenerezza notevole (a parte le divertentissime pulsioni della nostra poetessa...).
Isa è figlia di due egocentrici che si sono sempre dedicati alla carriera, risposandosi più volte e lasciando indietro più figli, disseminati qua e là. Così il suo principale problema è stato quello di conciliare una madre soverchiante, tenere uniti e al sicuro i suoi fratelli minori, gestire la fiorente azienda familiare e realizzarsi come insegnante tenendo corsi agli adulti.
In più vorrebbe anche avere una soddisfacente vita amorosa, cosa non proprio facile, per via di appuntamenti deludenti e di brutte esperienze passate che hanno fortemente minato la sua autostima.
In tutto questo le capita sul più bello un giardiniere 25enne, più giovane e meno ricco, ma non meno intraprendente. Ciò che a Sailor manca in età e denaro, lo ha sostituto con coraggio, voglia di fare, appoggio familiare alle spalle e tanta spensieratezza.
E quindi, sì, forse loro due non sono esattamente compatibili, ma possono provarci.
Come dicevo, mi è piaciuto. Una relazione che si sviluppa in modo intrigante, due bei personaggi, l'attenzione per gli altri, che siano amici o fratelli ancora giovani da proteggere.
E uno stile fresco e simpatico.
All'inizio ero un po' perplessa per un certo approccio trash e sopra le righe, ma poi le battute, le scenette e persino i titoli dei paragrafi mi hanno conquistata.
Un inizio serie davvero promettente.
June 25, 2020
I really loved this! It’s a sweet story and Sailor is the best!!!
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