Book Review: Cherish Hard by Nalini Singh

Cherish Hard
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Hard Play (Book 1)
Publication: TKA Distribution (November 14, 2017)

Description:  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.

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.

My Thoughts: CHERISH HARD was a very enjoyable contemporary romance. The main characters were both strong and vulnerable and gradually getting over difficult childhoods.

Sailor Bishop first saw Isa Rain when he attended a college party - even though he was still only a high schooler - and saw her being humiliated by her boyfriend. He attempted to follow her when she ran out but she wouldn't stop for him.

Seven years later, Isa is an English teacher and Sailor is trying to get his landscaping business onto sound financial footing. Isa's mother runs her own craft empire and is determined to suck Isa in. She succeeds only when she manages to threaten Isa's young brother who wants to intern at the company for the summer. 

Isa agrees to be VP for the summer. Then her mother puts her in charge of the opening of some organic fast food restaurants and Sailor who is doing the landscaping for them. They are attracted but it seems like their goals won't let them get together.

Sailor is driven to make his business a success no matter how many hours a day he'll have to work; Isa needs a man who will put her first since her parents never did when she was a child. 

This story had great characters, a great setting, and a believable romance. I couldn't put it down.

Favorite Quote:

She went mad. 

Grabbing the hot gardener's beautiful face in her hands, she said, "I want to kiss you."

A wicked grin. "Go on ahead."

And Isa pressed her lips to his.

I bought this one July 7, 2020. You can buy your copy here.