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Heartfelt Story

Revisado: 08-22-24 El oyente recibió este título gratis

I enjoyed the new main characters brought into this book (Summer, Roman, and Delilah). They interacted well and there was plenty of chemistry that made this a fun and quick listen. I like that their relationship developed over time even though there was an early attraction which seemed realistic rather compared with an instant love story (especially with more mature characters that have had serious relationships before). I like too that there was none of the veering off into the common pitfalls of the romance genre (such when the pairs possess no ability to communicate.) I also really liked the exploration of family and belonging in this book. I would love to see more of side character Penny in future books! I am interested to see how Delilah develops and matures as a character, especially away from Summer. I enjoyed her snark.

I would definitely recommend this audiobook. I think it is a great read for romance fans that want a little more maturity and deeper content in their listen, but still want something that will be easy to read and a great escape.

Emma Wilder and Calum Gittins are both great narrators and create distinct characters with good pacing. Wilder specifically is a favorite. For whatever reason, I think I would have preferred if this was a single narrator audiobooks rather than the back and forth between the two, but I enjoyed the audiobook as is.

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.

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Heartfelt and suspenseful

Revisado: 11-22-23 El oyente recibió este título gratis

Born to Sin is the 4th book of the Sinful Montana, but it is completely standalone. Essentially you know a about the lives of other people in the town, but that knowledge is not critical to the story.

The relationship between Quinn and Beckett really grows naturally throughout the book which I appreciate and seems appropriate to two adults who have strong sense of who they are, professions, and have adult considerations. This is a great book for when you want to read something with some maturity to the characters. The chemistry between the two is fantastic. I like all the side characters, especially the family who really flesh out these characters and make them real. I also think James does a great job of making settings such as homes seem very real and well thought out. I really liked Quinn’s parents in this book.

This book also has a suspenseful aspect to it (maybe 20 percent of the book). If you are not into suspense, I would still recommend this book. It is a good sized book, so if you skimmed those parts it would still be worth the purchase and you would still get an excellent heart-felt story. I did enjoy these suspenseful chapters, and genuinely worried for James’s characters. I also appreciated that these events occurred in Australia and getting to glimpse into that country through the story.

A nice byproduct of James’s books is that they are great encouragement to stay physically active. Quinn swims and runs and you get the same sense of encouragement from reading this book as you would when talking to a friend about your respective exercising. It is really great to have that extra bit of passive motivation to work out.
I also enjoy how it shows Quinn being part of a running group. As an adult it can be difficult to make friends and to stay current with them, and it is nice to see fictitious characters demonstrating how it can be done.

I enjoy that James often writes about settings (Montana and Idaho) that get overlooked in fiction that isn’t specifically “western USA” fiction. It is always good to see middle of the US get some fiction love.

Emma Wilder’s narration remains the gold standard of audiobook narration. Her accents, characterizations, and clarity are always top notch. As a listener I have come to realize I prefer the single narrator vs. the female and male narrator combo, and you couldn’t have a better female narration of male (and kids’ voices) than Wilder.

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.

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Excellent new installment in the series!

Revisado: 09-29-23 El oyente recibió este título gratis

This is one of those books, where if you have read the other books in the series, the main characters, especially Hayden, seem more like old friends than a character and as a reader I was just really happy for them finding each other and being happy and accepted.

I enjoyed everything about this book, from the story to the chemistry, but especially the coming out elements of the book. I am reading this from a straight POV, but I do think this book captures the unique time in LGBTQ history and specifically the generation that Hayden and Luke are part of. I am glad that James explored these characters and the familial and societal pressures they faced, and the support they found in each other and those around them. It is always good to be able to close a book and think that you just read about a healthy relationship.

This book really has some fantastic and memorable scenes, both dramatic and heartfelt and some comedy and I can tell be a book I think about, especially as little things remind me of the characters or the scenes.

Emma Wilder’s narration, as always, is phenomenal. I wouldn’t hesitate to listen to anything narrated by her. She really has the perfect blend of pacing, clarity, and dramatization.

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.

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Engaging listen with interesting characters and community dynamics.

Revisado: 09-15-22 El oyente recibió este título gratis

Very engaging, quick listen. While this is a stand-alone, I would recommend listening/reading the other books as this really felt like part of a larger saga story of the family and community and not just another story in a series with characters that have made an appearance in other books.

What I liked best about this book was reading through the eyes of characters that have had such a different life story. I could especially get behind Orianna's discovering who she was and what she wanted out of life and seeing this kind of feminism in a book, which seems to be often overlooked. The chemistry between Orianna and Gabriel is a different kind of chemistry than I get to read about very often. They are both quiet, hardworking, thoughtful people and I enjoyed watching their relationship unfold and how they support each other as individuals and together.

I don’t think I’ve ever cared more about what happens to some of the side characters after this book than I have in this book. It is not necessarily, even that I love all of the characters as they are in this book (I am very confident however in their ability to grow as people and heal as characters). Frankie, for instance, frustrated me during some of her interactions with Orianna, but I know it is coming from a place where she herself is struggling and I really care about what happens to her and that she finds peace either in her own book or in a background story of another book. Another character I unexpectedly really care about in this way is Patience.

I really enjoyed the narration by Emma Wilder and Calum Gittins. They both narrate at a great pace, with clarity, and with fantastic dramatization. I loved Emma’s narration of Valor in particular; it was the perfect mix of everything.

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.

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Golden Narration of a Heartfelt Romance

Revisado: 04-14-22 El oyente recibió este título gratis

Kiwi Gold is a standalone book that is part of Rosalind James’s New Zealand Ever After series. In this book I was particularly found Laila interesting as she grows into herself, having navigated so many different roles for the other people in her life and dealing with the reflected notoriety of someone in her life. I found Lachlan to be a great male protagonist*, one that also grew into the person in some ways already was.

As a reader/listener I thoroughly enjoy the diverse backgrounds, occupations, and personalities represented in James’s books and this book is no exception. She also creates fully formed backgrounds and lives for her characters, so that major and minor characters feel like real people and not stock characters filling in the background.

Something I love about all of Rosalind James's books is how the characters have a way of resonating with me in a quietly inspiring way. I wouldn't even say this is something the author deliberately sets out to do, they are just characters living their lives. There is a lot to admire about Layla and Lachlan, but for me, I was most impressed and inspired by her spirit of giving back to her community through action and that it was for her a blessing to do so. Disclaimer-While this book does discuss personal religious journeys as aspects of some of the characters it is not a book about religion. Religion is just one of many parts of life.

Emma Wilder and Tom Janson's narration is everything I could want it to be. Their performance is natural, articulate, clear, and well-paced. All the characters are distinct (always impressed with how well they do child characters) and the integration of two voice actors is flawless. They have a way of conveying emotion and character without going over the top. I would listen to either of them narrate anything.

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.

*With the exception of the very beginning.

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A Getaway with Substance

Revisado: 09-16-21

Just One Look is another great audobook in the Escape to New Zealand series. It is standalone, but you will pick up on some additional details if you have already read Just Say (Hell) No.

Two initial thoughts after listening to this book. 1. Rosalind James really writes different and unique characters in each book that aren't just superficial differences. Additionally, they are written well enough that you find them engaging no matter what the characters are like. Elizabeth in some ways is a tricky person to get to know, even as a reader, but I quickly become immersed in her story and can empathize and in some ways relate to her. 2. I went into this concerned with how brain trauma and sports would play a role in the story and the dialogue. It is doubtless an important and necessary discussion, but a bit selfishly I was concerned that it could derail the "Escape" part of the book. I needn't have worried. Something James is exceptional at is tackling difficult topics making them realistic and well-rounded stories, but not heavy reads.

The chemistry between Elizabeth and Luka is fantastic and James really establishes a connection between the two. For two seemingly different people, they really fit together in an organic way. Luka's family backstory really struck me in a powerful way and sort of reminded me of a Tennesse Williams like situation or even taken a bit further like a premise of a horror story (though definitely not a horror story, so don't let that description put you off, I was just struck by the powerful feeling of discomfort in the home). I liked how Elizabeth accepted the parts of her life that she did like and not allow those things to be spoiled for her by her past.

This is really a perfect read for right now (2021). A getaway with substance.

I adore Emma Wilder as a narrator, She is a terrifc voice actor and a narrator and blends the two while always remaining clear and warm with distinct voices.

Highly recommend!

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.

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Great romance/new adult listen!

Revisado: 06-17-21 El oyente recibió este título gratis

Devil in Disguise (Portland Devils – Book 4) is a stand-alone book, but I’d recommend listening to it with the previous book in the series Shame the Devil. I think the main female protagonist, Dyma, will appeal to many listeners. She is smart (mathematically and scientifically), a bit nerdy, very passionate, and strong. Owen is a very stand-up guy and you really root for the success of their relationship. A lot of romance books, while fun to read, have male characters that have some unhealthy characteristics that make a part of me cringe. It is nice to fall into a book (and series) where the men interact with women in a healthy way. I enjoyed the secondary characters as well, especially Pavani. As with any Rosalind James book, there may be millionaires in the mix, but the characters are relatable and have real problems and any resolutions are relatable as well.

This book really had elements between a romance and a new adult book. There is an age difference in this book, but not a really significant amount in the long run, it is more a difference in maturity and where the characters are in their lives. James does a great job of exploring that as well as the sometimes awkward (mostly from an outsider’s perspective) relationship with Jennifer and Harlan. Life does have strange twists that on the surface is awkward and really isn’t when you get down to it, so I was fine with this and thought it was interesting to explore in a book.

I think this makes for a great book to listen to mid-late summer. Dyma is really starting a new chapter of her life in this book and the months leading into the autumn really have that new school year feeling to me. It is also an easy listen that makes a great summer listen/read.

I've been listening to a lot of audiobooks lately, and it's always a joy to return to a book narrated by Emma Wilder. I always know it will be a great performance, with clear characterizations within her reading so that it is easy to follow the story and I enjoy listening to her voice.

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.

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Fantastic Listen!

Revisado: 02-17-21 El oyente recibió este título gratis

I honestly think Rosalind James keeps getting better and better as an author in every way and I just loved this book. It felt like a quick listen, even given the length. I enjoyed all the characters, even the ones that are only in it briefly througout. Harlan was my favorite character in this book and had great chemistry with fellow protagonist Jennifer. There were some reactions to events in his life that reminded me of reactions people have had in real life, and that sort of realism is evident throughout the book and characters. James has a great way of writing everything so it feels real and relatable.

Something else I loved about this book was that James always keeps her stories fresh. The story/characters are not cliche and while they are relatable, they are fresh people that do things that make sense to them that make them unique people. I love being surprised in a realistic way by characters.

I loved the settings. The book really had it all for me. A place I have been for a fun bit of familiarity, other places that aren't written about nearly enough, and some glamorous places I could live vicariously through this book during a pandemic.

Emma Wilder is a fantastic narrator and does fantastic voices. She adds great emotion to her reading and her voice is also soothing for if you like to listen before bed. I've listened to several books of hers and I strongly recommend her as a narrator.

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.

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Great book, characters, and community building

Revisado: 08-26-20

I really LOVED this audiobook. Kiwi Strong shoots way up there in my favorite Rosalind James books and I think I have read/listend to them all. I loved Daisy and the overall story of the book. James's books always have interesting family dynamics and this book is no exception. With the global pandemic, it felt especially timely to have a nurse as the protagonist of the book (even though nurses and doctors are always heros!). I also loved the interactions between Gray and his mother. It also has the return of one of my favorite secondary characters in all of her books-Hayden. The romance in this book was good and the story is strong enough if there are readers out there that skip steamy parts. I also enjoy how the romance does not override every conversation the main characters have with all the secondary characters and that they show how people can care about multiple people and things going on at the same time.

This book does has some suspense (although that is one factor out of many), and if readers should be aware of potential triggers that come from stories about characters escaping abuse. Really though the biggest characteristic of this survival, personal strength, building a community, learning to trust and be inquisitive about the world around you. It has a nuturing thread, without being heavy-handed (self-help or inspirational books are not really my type of reading). Also if you are someone that likes to read about people that exercise (its not the focus) as semi-motivational, this and a lot of Rosalind James books check that box for me.

Something that is generally great about reading Rosalind James books, that I am especially enjoying right now, is how inclusive her books and her characters are and it is done very naturally. The world her books show is one I feel good about stepping into time and time again, while still being entertaining and first and foremost a good book that would appeal to most readers (no book appeals to everyone).

I thought the voice acting and recording for this was excellent. Emma Wilder and Tom Janson were perfect and they mesh together really well in a way that makes for a very smooth transition to the listener. They are both very clear readers, and being a listenr in the US, the accents really help transport the listener to New Zealand (very welcome especially with the pandemic going on).


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.

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A Great Listen and a Great Performance

Revisado: 05-21-20 El oyente recibió este título gratis

Stone Cold Kiwi is the second of Rosalind James’s New Zealand Ever After series, but is completely stand alone. This audiobook is for anyone that is is interested in a romance, interesting family dynamics, going through/went through a divorce, or enjoys reading about artistic characters. I think one of the hallmarks of a great writer though is that they make you care about a book and the characters, help you identify with them, and this is a quality that this Rosalind James has in spades, and is not one you will ever be able to include effectively in a book description.

Overall I enjoyed the book. I enjoy reading about women who learn how strong they are and develop towards their full potential as women/professionals/parents/artists/etc and this book certainly does that. Incidentally, I think Rosalind James must be a pretty great mother based on the mothers she writes, I always learn more about how to communicate with the children in my life from reading her books without it feeling like a deliberate how-to moment. I enjoyed the return of secondary characters, Matiu (male protagonist) and Koro (and his animal companions) especially. I really liked Matiu (his personality, aside from his romantic past, I could identify with him more than Poppy). I really wanted to stand up for him myself at one point in the book and thought he was a really well-done multifaceted character. The chemistry was good between Poppy and Matiu. The kids, especially Olivia, were hilarious.

I thought the voice acting and recording for this was excellent. Emma Wilder and Tom Janson were perfect and they mesh together really well in a way that makes for a very smooth transition to the listener. I believe this may be my first audiobook listening to Tom Jansonand I would consider listening to other books that he narrates.

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.

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