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.