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Publisher's Summary

Afghanistan hadn’t quite killed me. Karen Sinclair just might.

You don’t find many too-pretty rich boys in the New Zealand Defense Force. Turns out there’s a reason for that. Fortunately, you can find your true self in the oddest places. Of course, you can lose yourself in those places, too - at least some pieces of you.

Since I was back home with a new leg, some facial alterations, and time on my hands, I might as well help out my sister. Showing a potential buyer around some of New Zealand’s quirkier ecotourism sites, having a few adrenaline-fueled adventures? Fine. It wasn’t like I’d never been camping, unlike the walking tornado that was Miss Karen Sinclair. Unfortunately, Karen had never heard of the phrase “let me get that”, let alone “we don’t have time”. She’d definitely never heard “there’s no more room in the car”.

And then there was the sexual frustration. 
©2019 Rosalind James (P)2019 Rosalind James
Women's Fiction Romantic Comedy Contemporary
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What listeners say about Kiwi Rules

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Deor
  • 2019-07-16

Heartfelt, adventurous, and complex characters

Kiwi Riles is the first book in Rosalind James's new series New Zealand Ever After. It is a spin-off series from the Not Quite a Billionaire series (reading this series beforehand is definitely not required.) If you've read previous James's books, I'd describe this a cross between her Escape to New Zealand series (minus the rugby element) and the Not Quite a Billionaire (cross-over characters, but its own tone and style). If you haven't read any of James's books this book has something for everyone, a strong, vulnerable woman with a unique voice (Karen), a strong male romantic interest who shows his own vulnerabilities (Jax). It has interesting cultural elements, humor throughout, hot scenes (not into those, they are easily skip-over-able and the book relies on story so should still be very enjoyable and worth your time and money), a great array of secondary characters. I love diversity in book characters, and it was great to read about a combat vet that is learning who he is with the loss of part of a limb and to how that is part of the narrative and not, because Karen and Jax are full, complex characters (like real people) and this is only one aspect of their lives. I really loved their story and will enjoy re-listening to this book in the future.

I also loved that this and her other books are multi-generational, with genuine dynamics between characters. I love that they involve characters from different cultures. I love how there was no question that Jax was a man of strong character that could cry. I loved how Karen could be a character that could speak bluntly and still be the protagonist. I love that there were teenagers that were idiotic, but this book showed how they could be influenced by those they come in contact with.

I appreciate how unique each of James's characters are from each other, from book to book, and also the underlying sense of goodness (in a general sense) that weaves their way through each book. They show you humans doing their best for themselves and the world around them and I always enjoy spending my time with these people. They deal with hard real-life issues, and they always hook me in both caring for them and what will happen to them and their own world.

I enjoyed both Emma WIlder and John Hartley as narrators and would happily listen to either again. At times it could be a bit of a surprise to switch from one narrator to another as they both had well developed male and female voices. Overall, I quite enjoy both of their performances.

I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

8 people found this helpful

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  • Kathleen B
  • 2019-07-15

Another Success!!!!

There's nothing I could say overall about this book that I haven't already said many times in Rosalyn's previous books. I just completley love her books from beginning to end. The characters are so strong yet so flawed and realistic you can only relate to them. Although this is a stand alone book it's also kind of a continuation from the Not Quite a Billionare series. So if you've read them (and I highly recommend them) you will see a lot of the same characters. Not only have I read all of Rosalyn James' books but i've also listened to all the Audible versions. I was a little skeptical about the 2 narrators. She's never done that before but John Hartley was definitely a nice surprise and went well with Emma Wilder whom I already love.
Although I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own. I would have purchased it if I didn't receive it.

5 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Melstamps
  • 2019-07-07

Love Karen and Jax, Love New Zealand

Kiwi Rules (New Zealand Ever After Book 1) by Rosalind James is for any reader looking for a sweet, spicy romance that is bound to leave them feeling good. These are all good things and I truly enjoyed the book. The lead characters, Karen Sinclair, whose younger self was prominently featured in The Not Quite a Billionaire series and Jax (Jackson) MacGregor are complex and likable. I always enjoy a return trip to New Zealand through the pages of Rosalind James’ books.  James is so adept at setting a scene and describing locales that she makes me yearn for a trip there. As is common in Ms James books, there are underlying themes that enrich the story without being preachy. A unique aspect to this book is that the story is told in first person, dual narratives by Karen and Jax. The dual narratives is particularly effective in the audio version of the book where each narrative is read by a different person. Karen is read by Emma Wilder and Jax by John Hartley. Emma Wilder has narrated several other James’ books and is an excellent actress, bringing life to Karen in all her glory. Hartley does solid job with Jax and offers a nice contrast to Wilder’s Karen. 

Karen Sinclair, a high achiever in anyone’s book, is back in New Zealand following a betrayal on both business and personal levels by her so-called fiancé. That said, I was surprised that Karen went so quietly in the face of the business betrayal. Jax MacGregor’s wounds are more visible—he is still recovering from injuries suffered in Afghanistan while serving as an explosions expert in the New Zealand Defence Force and is adjusting to life as an amputee, having lost the lower part of a leg. I liked that Ms James chose to use a hero who is truly a hero and is having to deal with the consequences of his service. Their personal journeys to heal after their individual adversities intertwine as each offers the other strength and emotional solace. As the book unfolds, the reader discovers that the two main characters have more similarities than one might have thought at the outset. I liked the story of the Spirit Siblings and how that theme was continued with Karen and Jax. I found the ending quite satisfactory.

I enjoyed visiting Koro, Karen’s Maori “grandfather,” though he is wiser than any three people I have met.

This book has a fair amount of “spice” in it, so the reader should be aware of that. It is handled well, though I could do with a little less dominance and bondage.

This is the first of a series and I look forward to the next one which I believe will feature Poppy, Jax’s sister. This is an enjoyable, escapist read without too much darkness, all right up my personal alley and I highly recommend it, especially to those who enjoy romance and HEA stories.

I was given a free copy of the audio book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated nor required to write a positive review. The opinions stated are solely my own.  





5 people found this helpful

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  • Michigan Reader
  • 2019-07-24

Fun Kiwi Adventure

Karen - who we met before as Hope's teenage sister in the Not Quite a Billionaire books - is all grown up now and visiting New Zealand on behalf of her brother-in-law Hemi. Her first day in the country, she jumps with both feet into a situation and causes a bit of mayhem. (She actually does that a lot.) When she does jump, she meets an injured soldier, former model and playboy Jax, on the beach and they hit it off, but the mayhem is an issue. They meet again when she takes up her task for Hemi and get to know one another better as they race through many adventures together. The canyoning was very cool!

The two narrators take turns reading as the first person viewpoint switches back and forth between Karen and Jax. This is a surprise when they first switch, even though I expected it, because their voices are so different. You have to get used to the changing voices speaking for Karen and for Jax, depending on who is viewing the scene. I enjoyed both Emma Wilder's and John Hartly's readings and this was an interesting way to perform the book.

I liked Jax, he was complex and determined, but Karen was a difficult character this time around. I found myself disappointed in her and along with her for the time she spent with the ex-fiance and his company. I loved her family again though. Looking forward to the next book in the series!

I received a free copy of the audio version of this story for writing an honest review.

3 people found this helpful

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  • CJB
  • 2019-07-24

My Resting Place

Kiwi Rules is the first book in a new series by Rosalind James. We first met Karen in Not Quite a Billionaire Series. She's all grown up now and back in New Zealand to figure out her next steps in life. Jax is a wounded warrior who is home on medical leave. Neither knew they needed each other till they met.

This books has all the feels, I loved listening to every minute. Having a female and male narrators took some getting used to and I'm not completely sold on John Hartley's voice for Karen, but it didn't deter me. The emotions throughout this book will have you thinking, may make you cry and certainly laugh. You can tell Ms. James did her research on both Karen's career and Jax 's disability. That is one of the things I love most about reading Ms. James' books you know you are getting real information not made up stuff.
I loved having Hemi and Hope, Karen's sister and brother in law make an appearance. You can also most feel the brotherly love Hemi has for Karen it's so warming. I wish I had a way with words like Ms. James does to describe just how touching this book is. The love Karen and Jax have for each other, is amazing. I will be listening to this again.

I received a free copy of this audio book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

2 people found this helpful

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  • Betsy L
  • 2019-07-17

A New Series, A Fabulous New Zealand Romance!

I am so happy Karen (from the Not Quite a Billionaire series) has her own story! And what a story. She and Jax are sizzling hot and New Zealand is breathtaking.

I've said in other Rosalind James' reviews that I don't know how she does it. How she keeps creating such strong, dynamic, sexy characters. How she keeps creating such strong and dynamic stories. And, how she is able to totally captivate with her almost magical descriptions of New Zealand- scenery, people, food, traditions, and cultures. Her abilities make the reader/listener, return again and again to the magic of her books.

I adore listening to Emma Wilder. I can't read these books without hearing her voice in my head. And now, Rosalind has added a male narrator to voice Jax, the male lead. Great idea!! John Hartley's voice is pure male sex. Please keep going with this concept and keep him as a narrator!

This is a fantastic start to a new series and I can't wait to read/listen to the next story! Rosalind- HURRY UP AND WRITE!!!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own. And just so you know- I would have bought it.

2 people found this helpful

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  • DZA One
  • 2019-07-15

Engaging story.

Hemi and Hope have a happy marriage. Finally we get to hear Karen's story. She doesn't have all the answers and can't find someone as wonderful as her protective brother-in-law, Hemi. Then after the betrayal of her eight-year long fiancé and the hostile takeover of her business, she comes home to her family in New Zealand, only to be intrigued by God-like man coming out of the sea! A man who defines himself as a man, not as an amputee.

I enjoyed Emma Wilder, who has improved with each of her narratives. John Hartly, no so much. His New Zealand accent was inconsistent, often slipping into a Celtic accent. I found his voice almost lacking in masculinity.

As always I enjoy Rosalind's creations. I did enjoy this story line better than Hemi and Hope's.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

2 people found this helpful

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  • Amazon Customer
  • 2019-07-04

Magical

I loved this book! It was a magical journey through love. It was so well written. It was also fun to look into the lives of previous love stories. Karen and Jax are my new favorite couple.

2 people found this helpful

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  • The E Traveller
  • 2019-07-27

Wow, what an awesome addition to your library of w

"I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.”

If you read the Story of Hope and Hemi then you will love tgis book as it is the story of Hope's sister Karen and you also get to catch up with Hope and Hemi and there Koro (who i really love)

This book was a real different one as she has 2 Narators and the book is written from 2 peoples points of views and i think both Rosalind and the Narrators kick this ball right out of the stadium

I really enjoyed Karen's story and look forward to more books in this series

1 person found this helpful

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  • Abbie O.
  • 2019-07-20

Another Winning Story with Great Performances

I have really enjoyed Rosalind's books and Emma's performances. However with this audible we get a bonus with John Hartley's performance. When I first read Kiwi Rules I thought that it was almost like reading Karen and Jax's journals, now i feel like they were read to me. That feeling was reinforced by the two voices. It took a little while to get use to but I do think they complemented each other and really augmented the experience.

While this is a stand alone novel - if you have read the Not Quite a Billionaire series you get reacquainted Karen and also visit with Hope and Hemi. And you get to meet Jax - another awesome Rosalind character. Once again Rosalind exceeds all expectations and this story goes deeper than just a romance. This is such a wonderful heartfelt story of overcoming obstacles, having adventures, testing limits, and finding love. Be warned that this story has some very, very steamy scenes.

It is such a good story that my only complaint is that it was over too soon.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

1 person found this helpful