DNF at 22% in, specifically because of too little foreshadowing for the apparent reveal at the end of chapter ten, but generally because the female lead is terrible.

There is a lot off about the her, but just to name the most blatant: no one likes the pale-skinned redhead because she's curvy? COME ON. My 81 yr old mom still gets eyed by guys younger than her, try again. She has neglectful parents, but they are blanks, corporate-minded boxes with names, and the siblings situation is still confusing a fifth of the way in? There is no excuse for that.

By now I ought to be on her side and worried for the sibs and angry at her parents. But they don't feel real. Hot gardener is a better character, and I barely know him. How sad is that? ( )

Good solid read. I liked how the hero was so solid and sure of himself. The heroine was pleasant. The relationship was believable with very little conflict between the hero and heroine. Just a nice pleasant read with plenty of others in this spinoff series and the original series.. ( )

This was my first foray into contemporary romance by Nalini Singh! Isa was burned by her fiancé, who like a dog, calls to rub it in that he’s getting married (and makes fun of her weight—jerk.) She works as a teacher, but has a controlling mother who wants her to take over the family company. I liked Isa, and liked Sailor, a landscaper hired to work for the company, as well. This was more of a sweet story, without a lot of drama. Nice if you’re looking for something uncomplicated and light.

Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.

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. ( )

3.5 stars ( )