CHERISH HARD is book one in Nalini Singh's Hard Play series. This story opens with the first time that Isa Rain and Sailor Bishop cross paths. They don't interact, but Sailor is instantly captivated while being a witness to Isa's humiliation that night. Years later, fate brings them together again. This time around Isa is more content with her life and has more self-confidence. Sailor has grown physically, as well as being more determined to be a success on his own terms. Sailor can't believe his good fortune at getting a second chance to snag his dream girl. It's not immediately apparent how lucky she feels to be wooed by Sailor, with all his easy charm focused on her -- but the eventual realization packs a wallop.

Sailor Bishop is now one of my all-time favorite heroes. Sailor is strong and sexy yet sensitive, a great brother and friend to have in your corner, and his sweet brand of seduction would make any woman melt. As fabulous as Sailor is, Isa tries her hardest to resist him. Isa believes they are at two very different points in their lives, and their dreams are too different -- making a long-term relationship between them impossible. Communication is a big issue for this couple and is the hardest thing for them to work on. The relationship between Isa and Sailor evolves over the course of CHERISH HARD from an initial physical attraction to more of a soul connection.

CHERISH HARD is a highly entertaining story about a serendipitous romance, and the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to family. I love the hero and heroine in CHERISH HARD, but the supporting characters are amazing too and really make this story come alive. After reading CHERISH HARD, I was looking forward to reading a book centered around Sailor's brother Gabe. Luckily for me, Gabe's book has already been published -- it's ROCK HARD from Nalini Singh's Rock Kiss series. I had read and enjoyed books in the Rock Kiss series, but hadn't gotten to ROCK HARD, so I didn't make the connection. I hope to read more about Isa's friend Nayna, Isa's siblings, as well as Sailor's brothers in future books. I eagerly await the next installment in this Hard Play series.

Book Summary

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh kicks off her new Hard Play contemporary romance series with a sizzling story that’ll leave you smiling…

Sailor Bishop has only one goal for his future – to create a successful landscaping business. No distractions allowed. Then he comes face-to-face and lips-to-lips with a woman who blushes like an innocent… and kisses like pure sin.

Ísa Rain craves a man who will cherish her, aches to create a loving family of her own. Trading steamy kisses with a hot gardener in a parking lot? Not the way to true love. Then a deal with the devil (aka her CEO-mother) makes Ísa a corporate VP for the summer. Her main task? Working closely with a certain hot gardener.

And Sailor Bishop has wickedness on his mind.

As Ísa starts to fall for a man who makes her want to throttle and pounce on him at the same time, she knows she has to choose – play it safe and steady, or risk all her dreams and hope Sailor doesn’t destroy her heart.