REBEL HARD is the second book in Nalini Singh's Hard Play series. The events in REBEL HARD run parallel to those in the previous book CHERISH HARD, but this works as a standalone book. Since her older sister's rebellious defection a few years ago, Nayna Sharma has been the good daughter doing everything she can to keep her family together and keep things harmonious to a large degree. A twist of fate delivers the hot guy from her fling as a wild girl and turns him into a prospective arranged- marriage suitor. REBEL HARD has humor, a smidge of drama, and sexy romance that make it a must-read for romance fans.

I've read more books than I can count that have been various takes on Jane Austen's book PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. In REBEL HARD, the allusions to Jane Austen's books are there but skillfully done without being obnoxious. Most PRIDE AND PREJUDICE inspired stories focus on the "Mr. Darcy" type character and emphasize his personality flaws, even as they try to capitalize on the popularity of that character. In REBEL HARD, Nalini Singh succeeds in capturing, as Austen did in her books, the intricacies and complexities of family life - - the delights as well as the cringe-worthy moments. This story beautifully details the Indian culture and customs as they relate specifically to courtship and marriage in a contemporary setting.

I laughed at the moment when Nayna is exasperated to find that her life is suddenly mirroring one of her favorite books. Nayna finds herself in a bit of an existential crisis. It's at this time in her life that she meets Raj Sen. Raj proves to be the perfect man for Nayna but it's at a time when she is looking to explore and be independent rather than tie herself to anyone in marriage. While it initially seems as though Nayna and Raj are at cross-purposes, their feelings for each other grow and Raj is determined to give Nayna exactly what she's looking for. As this story progresses, I'm inclined to agree with Nayna that Raj is infinitely more attractive than Mr. Darcy. While Raj may have longed for a woman to fit a traditional role, knowing and falling in love with Nayna changes his perspective. In addition to backing his lady love up at a crucial moment, he does something more seductive. Raj listens to Nayna and industriously tries to help her realize her dreams and life goals.

REBEL HARD is a Jane Austen- inspired story yet uniquely and fabulously a Nalini Singh one as well. There are just as many laughs in REBEL HARD as there are swoon-worthy moments and brief interludes of family meddling. Nayna's older sister Madhuri proves to be more of a Marianne Dashwood from SENSE AND SENSIBILITY rather than a Lydia from PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, and I can't help hoping that Nalini Singh would write a story for her. I can't wait to read the next book in Nalini Singh's Hard Play series.