***5 ‘Spitfire and Demon’ Stars***

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cherish Hard, Nalini Singh

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre:  Romance, Women's Fiction

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

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

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

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


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

ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I really enjoy Nalini Singh's contemporary romances. If you've only read her paranormal romances, drop everything and start reading. I finished in one day, wasn't going to sleep until I was done.