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karenreader's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
⭐️ bad, ⭐️ ⭐️ not awful, ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ entertaining, ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ great, ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ excellent
[***The following rambling notes are for me. They may contain spoilers or no information at all.***]
Fun contemporary romance in a gorgeous setting. Both Karen and Jax are learning to move forward after difficult set backs. No misunderstandings, just learning about each other and themselves.
jigsawgirl's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars. The further you read into this book, the better it gets.
Jax and Karen truly fit together like puzzle pieces. They had more than chemistry, they had a connection. Two people who felt broken and managed to find the one person to help make them while again. If that is not fate, I don't know what it is.
One of many things I enjoyed about this book was Jax's calm patience. Whether with Karen, the boys on the beach, his father, or Hemi, Jax stays the course. I loved Karen's honesty. At times, it might have been more harsh then people were comfortable with at the moment, but you didn't have to wonder what was on her mind. I thought it was also great that as Jax and Karen grew to trust each other, they could somewhat comfortably share their pasts, their present, and future with Each other.
Once again, Rosalind James provide a few hot scenes that were so full of sensuality, it made them downright scorching.
Then we got to revisit previous characters such as Hope, Hemi, and Koro. If this is the first book, I can only imagine how good the future books will be in this series.
Jax and Karen truly fit together like puzzle pieces. They had more than chemistry, they had a connection. Two people who felt broken and managed to find the one person to help make them while again. If that is not fate, I don't know what it is.
One of many things I enjoyed about this book was Jax's calm patience. Whether with Karen, the boys on the beach, his father, or Hemi, Jax stays the course. I loved Karen's honesty. At times, it might have been more harsh then people were comfortable with at the moment, but you didn't have to wonder what was on her mind. I thought it was also great that as Jax and Karen grew to trust each other, they could somewhat comfortably share their pasts, their present, and future with Each other.
Once again, Rosalind James provide a few hot scenes that were so full of sensuality, it made them downright scorching.
Then we got to revisit previous characters such as Hope, Hemi, and Koro. If this is the first book, I can only imagine how good the future books will be in this series.
miaev's review against another edition
5.0
I have to say that is one of the best books Rosalind James has written. She is well known for writing books about rugby players but in this book, she tackles the often tricky subject area of a hero who is an amputee. With the number of military injuries from those who have been fighting in wars overseas and being injured from IEDs, there are a number of amputees around. But they have never been addressed as leading man material in romance novels. Not anymore, Ms. James has set a very high level for others to try and reach.
This novel involves Karen who is in En Zed looking at a business for her brother in law, Hemi. Or more accurately busy recovering from a break up with an spineless ex who also showed how underhanded his business ethics are.
Jax is back home recovering from his injuries from an IED explosion. He is on medical leave recovering and figuring out what he will be doing the rest of his life. Should he remain in the New Zealand Defense Force or figure out what else he wants to do for the rest of his life. But the problem is that he is really really good at explosives and there isn’t really anything in the civilian world that is the same.
Both Karen and Jax are strong characters who need to explore and figure out what they are going to be doing for the next stage of their lives. And maybe they can find a way to take their attraction to each other work.
Ms. James is well known for writing strong independent characters and she doesn’t fail in this novel again. For me, the descriptions of En Zed and the Maori culture are key components of every novel by Ms. James.
This book should be at the top of your reading list before summer starts. You don’t want to be reading something this steamy in the heat of the summer.
I did receive a copy of this novel from the author prior to publication in exchange for a fair and unbiased review. I purchased this novel because I love Ms. James’ writing and didn’t need to receive the copy since I love her books.
This novel involves Karen who is in En Zed looking at a business for her brother in law, Hemi. Or more accurately busy recovering from a break up with an spineless ex who also showed how underhanded his business ethics are.
Jax is back home recovering from his injuries from an IED explosion. He is on medical leave recovering and figuring out what he will be doing the rest of his life. Should he remain in the New Zealand Defense Force or figure out what else he wants to do for the rest of his life. But the problem is that he is really really good at explosives and there isn’t really anything in the civilian world that is the same.
Both Karen and Jax are strong characters who need to explore and figure out what they are going to be doing for the next stage of their lives. And maybe they can find a way to take their attraction to each other work.
Ms. James is well known for writing strong independent characters and she doesn’t fail in this novel again. For me, the descriptions of En Zed and the Maori culture are key components of every novel by Ms. James.
This book should be at the top of your reading list before summer starts. You don’t want to be reading something this steamy in the heat of the summer.
I did receive a copy of this novel from the author prior to publication in exchange for a fair and unbiased review. I purchased this novel because I love Ms. James’ writing and didn’t need to receive the copy since I love her books.
miaev's review
5.0
I have to say that is one of the best books Rosalind James has written. She is well known for writing books about rugby players but in this book, she tackles the often tricky subject area of a hero who is an amputee. With the number of military injuries from those who have been fighting in wars overseas and being injured from IEDs, there are a number of amputees around. But they have never been addressed as leading man material in romance novels. Not anymore, Ms. James has set a very high level for others to try and reach.
This novel involves Karen who is in En Zed looking at a business for her brother in law, Hemi. Or more accurately busy recovering from a break up with an spineless ex who also showed how underhanded his business ethics are.
Jax is back home recovering from his injuries from an IED explosion. He is on medical leave recovering and figuring out what he will be doing the rest of his life. Should he remain in the New Zealand Defense Force or figure out what else he wants to do for the rest of his life. But the problem is that he is really really good at explosives and there isn’t really anything in the civilian world that is the same.
Both Karen and Jax are strong characters who need to explore and figure out what they are going to be doing for the next stage of their lives. And maybe they can find a way to take their attraction to each other work.
Ms. James is well known for writing strong independent characters and she doesn’t fail in this novel again. For me, the descriptions of En Zed and the Maori culture are key components of every novel by Ms. James.
This book should be at the top of your reading list before summer starts. You don’t want to be reading something this steamy in the heat of the summer.
I did receive a copy of this novel from the author prior to publication in exchange for a fair and unbiased review. I purchased this novel because I love Ms. James’ writing and didn’t need to receive the copy since I love her books.
This novel involves Karen who is in En Zed looking at a business for her brother in law, Hemi. Or more accurately busy recovering from a break up with an spineless ex who also showed how underhanded his business ethics are.
Jax is back home recovering from his injuries from an IED explosion. He is on medical leave recovering and figuring out what he will be doing the rest of his life. Should he remain in the New Zealand Defense Force or figure out what else he wants to do for the rest of his life. But the problem is that he is really really good at explosives and there isn’t really anything in the civilian world that is the same.
Both Karen and Jax are strong characters who need to explore and figure out what they are going to be doing for the next stage of their lives. And maybe they can find a way to take their attraction to each other work.
Ms. James is well known for writing strong independent characters and she doesn’t fail in this novel again. For me, the descriptions of En Zed and the Maori culture are key components of every novel by Ms. James.
This book should be at the top of your reading list before summer starts. You don’t want to be reading something this steamy in the heat of the summer.
I did receive a copy of this novel from the author prior to publication in exchange for a fair and unbiased review. I purchased this novel because I love Ms. James’ writing and didn’t need to receive the copy since I love her books.
honey1382's review
5.0
I like seeing the grown up Karen. I can appreciate how Jax is with her and how he realizes she isn't acting or being or saying anything mean, it's just the truth and people get defensive when the truth is told outright. The truth when spoken out loud is great for reflection and pointing out things that might not come to the forefront of your mind. Jax is a great fit for Karen and I love that there wasn't fight or big dramas. I can 100% relate to that kind of relationship as that is what I have with my husband. It's only messy when the words first come out, then you realize life moves along and you need to lace up and go after it!
amandaj6's review
5.0
Wow
Reading her books makes me want to travel to New Zealand so bad! I think Karen and Jax are one of my all time forever favorite couples. Their story is sweet, funny, heartwarming...just all the feels and some unexpected turns in the sexy times department that was just wonderful.
Reading her books makes me want to travel to New Zealand so bad! I think Karen and Jax are one of my all time forever favorite couples. Their story is sweet, funny, heartwarming...just all the feels and some unexpected turns in the sexy times department that was just wonderful.
ebgracie77's review against another edition
5.0
4.99999 stars. The only reason this isn’t a perfect 5 is for a few things like him buying them a house for a wedding gift where she wasn’t consulted. That’s bizarre behavior for them.
This was so good. I laughed so much. The banter is on point and the characters are so well written. You really get to know these two people and the family that surrounds them. It’s immensely satisfying.
They are both dealing with heavy things. For him, the loss of a foot and for her, the loss of a long term relationship and the company that she grew. She’s amazing and I absolutely loved how straightforward she is.
The relationship goes pretty quick from 0-60 but I believe it. I don’t believe as much that they can crash from their personal tragedies and recover so fast. For him, it’s only been 5 months since he lost his leg and he’s already running and swimming like crazy? Seems unbelievable that his body could heal that fast. For her, she spiraled into a bad place and then is up for this adventure pretty quickly. So, timelines felt a bit rushed.
Plus, there’s the whole way her ex screwed her over. She builds two company and gets only $400,000 as severance when he sells it for tens of millions!?
But all of these issues are minor compared to the delight of this book. They are such a sweet couple who are both strong and capable. He’s super supportive of her. I liked how we got to see them both be capable separately and take turns on who was caring for the other. There is a little dom/sub play but it’s not overwhelming and is done very sensitively without making their whole emotional or sexual relationship about one person being dominant and another being submissive.
They both take turns getting super emotional and honest, including him crying in front of her and vice versa. It was amazing to see this done well.
I HIGHLY recommend this book. It’s excellent. I now want to travel and vacation in New Zealand. It sounds so amazing.
This was so good. I laughed so much. The banter is on point and the characters are so well written. You really get to know these two people and the family that surrounds them. It’s immensely satisfying.
They are both dealing with heavy things. For him, the loss of a foot and for her, the loss of a long term relationship and the company that she grew. She’s amazing and I absolutely loved how straightforward she is.
The relationship goes pretty quick from 0-60 but I believe it. I don’t believe as much that they can crash from their personal tragedies and recover so fast. For him, it’s only been 5 months since he lost his leg and he’s already running and swimming like crazy? Seems unbelievable that his body could heal that fast. For her, she spiraled into a bad place and then is up for this adventure pretty quickly. So, timelines felt a bit rushed.
Plus, there’s the whole way her ex screwed her over. She builds two company and gets only $400,000 as severance when he sells it for tens of millions!?
But all of these issues are minor compared to the delight of this book. They are such a sweet couple who are both strong and capable. He’s super supportive of her. I liked how we got to see them both be capable separately and take turns on who was caring for the other. There is a little dom/sub play but it’s not overwhelming and is done very sensitively without making their whole emotional or sexual relationship about one person being dominant and another being submissive.
They both take turns getting super emotional and honest, including him crying in front of her and vice versa. It was amazing to see this done well.
I HIGHLY recommend this book. It’s excellent. I now want to travel and vacation in New Zealand. It sounds so amazing.
bananatricky's review
3.0
After her almost-fiance sells out their start-up business and shafts her in the process Karen Sinclair falls into a depression: no flat, no fiance, no job, new city. Only her big sister and brother-in-law manage to drag her out of the pit and persuade her to fly to New Zealand to inspect a high-end glamping business which her brother-in-law is thinking of buying.
Jackson 'Jax' MacGregor is a former model turned soldier, after a roadside bomb took his leg he has returned to New Zealand to recouperate. His heavily pregnant sister has asked him to act as tour guide for an American millionaire who may want to buy her high-end glamping business.
Jax and Karen first meet by accident on the beach Karen sees him emerging from the sea like some water god and then tries to rescue him from a group of teens who have stolen his crutches. Jax can't believe this aggressive American who seems intent on saving the poor cripple and turning an irritation into a full scale battle. Sparks fly in more ways than one until they realise they have been set up by their respective families.
As they tour some of New Zealand's most beautiful countryside and enjoy some of the athletic pursuits the country has to offer the intrepid explorer Karen and Jax gradually fall in love, but if he intends to return to his regiment and she intends to return to the US what future can they have? Is this just a holiday fling?
So, the rating is a mixture of two things. The characters and the plot which I really liked and get a solid four stars, and the BDSM stuff which I personally find off-putting and which spoilt the book for me. I don't object to BDSM per se but I don't understand why it seems to be an all or nothing kind of deal - kind of like they can't have sex any other way which isn't normal. I also felt that Jax was subconsciously compensating for the loss of his leg by being so dominant and ordering Karen around. I get that outside the bedroom Karen and Jax were equals but to me that's a bit like saying he only shouts at her in private - still not acceptable. Anyway, it is obviously an issue for me - others have said that it wasn't overdone and they didn't mind it - so I guess you assess your own views.
Otherwise, this book reads like a advert for holidays to New Zealand, full of amazing scenery, beautiful food, tons of sports, amazing local culture all wrapped around a romance between two strong characters who have been battered but not defeated by what life has thrown at them. Rosalind James is a great writer and her deep love of EnZed shows through every page, I loved Jax and Karen and their story.
Jackson 'Jax' MacGregor is a former model turned soldier, after a roadside bomb took his leg he has returned to New Zealand to recouperate. His heavily pregnant sister has asked him to act as tour guide for an American millionaire who may want to buy her high-end glamping business.
Jax and Karen first meet by accident on the beach Karen sees him emerging from the sea like some water god and then tries to rescue him from a group of teens who have stolen his crutches. Jax can't believe this aggressive American who seems intent on saving the poor cripple and turning an irritation into a full scale battle. Sparks fly in more ways than one until they realise they have been set up by their respective families.
As they tour some of New Zealand's most beautiful countryside and enjoy some of the athletic pursuits the country has to offer the intrepid explorer Karen and Jax gradually fall in love, but if he intends to return to his regiment and she intends to return to the US what future can they have? Is this just a holiday fling?
So, the rating is a mixture of two things. The characters and the plot which I really liked and get a solid four stars, and the BDSM stuff which I personally find off-putting and which spoilt the book for me. I don't object to BDSM per se but I don't understand why it seems to be an all or nothing kind of deal - kind of like they can't have sex any other way which isn't normal. I also felt that Jax was subconsciously compensating for the loss of his leg by being so dominant and ordering Karen around. I get that outside the bedroom Karen and Jax were equals but to me that's a bit like saying he only shouts at her in private - still not acceptable. Anyway, it is obviously an issue for me - others have said that it wasn't overdone and they didn't mind it - so I guess you assess your own views.
Otherwise, this book reads like a advert for holidays to New Zealand, full of amazing scenery, beautiful food, tons of sports, amazing local culture all wrapped around a romance between two strong characters who have been battered but not defeated by what life has thrown at them. Rosalind James is a great writer and her deep love of EnZed shows through every page, I loved Jax and Karen and their story.