Laura's Reviews

Emma Wilder masterfully brings this story to life!

Revisado: 11-14-23 El oyente recibió este título gratis

When two accomplished people meet in traffic court, the odds seem against them. The Aussie and Olympic swimming judge seem like an unlikely match, but real life put their paths on an intersection and two small children cemented their connection.

Emma Wilder is a favorite narrator and she just brings so much to the story.

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Complex and heartfelt

Revisado: 07-14-23

Wow. I needed to sit with this book a few days before leaving a review. It is a complex story with messy, baggage-laden characters, but compelling and captivating. Narrators are perfect. The last in the series, and although it may be enjoyed as a standalone, characters from the earlier books play heavily into the story. 5 stars.

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An interesting take on a celebrity romance

Revisado: 04-05-23

A driven attorney with a temporary housemate (a cousin of her roommate) from Korea. He has more clothes, shoes, and skincare items (that need refrigeration) than she, but he is quiet and compelling. She doesn’t know he is actually a famous K-pop idol and he likes that she is getting to know him and not as a fan girl “Starry.”

Narration is excellent and the story takes the hidden identity trope to a fresh direction.

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Complications (but AMAZING narrators!)

Revisado: 04-18-22 El oyente recibió este título gratis

Just when you think the world is a large and expansive place, you find your life and connections are not where you left them. This book includes vast and diverse locales, but no matter how far you go or think you go, life follows. Families intertwine, business dealings are connected, and passing acquaintances become unexpected family. And, it is never too late to learn new things or change entrenched thinking.

Although this book is part of a series, it may be read as a stand-alone. Characters from earlier books make cameo appearances but their inclusion does not confuse the story.

Emma Wilder is a fantastic narrator! I follow her work and have literally 29 books she's narrated under that stage name. I'm new to Tom Janson's narrations (2 books so far!) but the two narrators pull off the story so well.

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A change of scenery can also change your life

Revisado: 09-11-21 El oyente recibió este título gratis

"Just One Look" is the 14th book in the Escape to New Zealand series. It is a standalone book so you do not need to read the others, but there are characters from the previous books who make appearances here. Elizabeth doesn't need saving -- she needs a new perspective and a fresh start. Brilliant and capable as an expert in her field, she quickly realizes she may be out of her element in a new country. Her character is complex and unique -- a hallmark of Rosalind James's style. Her meet/cute with Luka is anything but cute, but that awkward start puts the two within each other's orbit. Luka, too, seems solid and capable, but he is also fallible and is knocked off his feet upon knowing Elizabeth. The story is woven masterfully.

Emma Wilder is a brilliant narrator. She navigates multiple accents and genders, and this is a long book to narrate! Over 19 hours long but she is amazing and her inflections add to the story.

I purchased the Kindle version of the book first, and then listened to it on Audible. I received a free copy of the Audible version of the 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.

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Emma Wilder is PERFECT to narrate this story!

Revisado: 02-18-21 El oyente recibió este título gratis

Rosalind James creates complex characters who are flawed and vulnerable. They have pasts that dictate how they have lead their lives, but they are unapologetic and complicated. Therefore, when the two main characters crash into each other in a not-so-cute-meet after two harrowing experiences, the adrenalin of the preceding events connects them into a whirlwind. They are now in each other's orbit and can help the other overcome their personal obstacles.

The emotions around these obstacles further cement their relationship, since they quickly see the other as emotional support. This is one of Ms. James's longer books, and I enjoyed seeing the banter of the characters (including Jennifer's daughter, who reminds me of Karen in Kiwi Rules & the Fierce series). There is mystery, suspense, and of course romance all wrapped up in this book.

Emma Wilder is perfect as the narrator of this book. She navigates multiple characters and genders and adds some real depth and emotion. This book is 5 stars!

I received an ARC copy of this audiobook after already purchasing the Kindle version in exchange for an honest review. This is just the book you want in audio!

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Narrators are fabulous!

Revisado: 08-26-20

I have all of Rosalind James's books, and this is the third of the New Zealand Ever After series. They do not need to be read together as they are all stand-alone, although characters from previous books appear as cameos. The book has some suspenseful and tender moments, due to Daisy's former connections, but her unexpected (and seemingly unwanted) savior, Gray, ingratiates himself pretty quickly and becomes invaluable to her goals.

Although Daisy is a strong and determined girl who made the best of her situation and tried to help everyone around her, the most likable person in the book was Gray's mother. She was the gem of the book and gets all of the stars :)

The narrators were great. Tom Jansen is a relatively new narrator to me (I've only heard one other book he read) and he is wonderful. Emma Wilder is amazing and does a fantastic job with the accents and male/female voices. Their readings really added life to the story.

I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

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Love Karen’s story!

Revisado: 07-09-19

I cannot tell you how excited this book makes me for the rest of the series. It is not a cliffhanger, but knowing this is the first in the Kiwi Rules series makes me happy to see what is next. John Hartley is an amazing addition as a narrator! Emma Wilder can certainly hold her own, but the dual narration was a happy surprise.

We first met Karen in the Fierce series when she was a teenager. Now up against her 30th birthday, her whole world has upended. Where to go? Her Koro’s house in NZ while on a temporary job from her brother in law. An unexpected meeting on the beach continues Karen’s new trajectory.

This is, I think, my favorite of Rosalind James’ books. It is a laugh and cry book, but it has a lot of self-awareness and reflection from both usually strong characters. Worth the credit!

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.

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When life takes a turn...

Revisado: 03-21-19

This book is part of the Escape series but feels totally different, somehow. Rhys is a coach for the Blues, and his sister in law has been caring for his nephew, now that his brother is gone. Rhys always had a soft spot for Zora, but she was his brother's and he married Victoria.

Things have changed and he suddenly finds himself a father just as his divorce becomes finalized. He's also back in Auckland where Zora and his fatherless nephew lives. Complicated doesn't even begin to describe the turns this book takes.

I think this may be my favorite of the series. Rhys's character may be questionable based on this seeming mountain of evidence, but the "public" reputation and private man need some reconciliation. Taking the responsibility for another man's actions shows a depth of character only those who truly know him can recognize.

Emma Wilder is amazing at the narration. She slides between characters so easily and well. Not an easy feat.

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.

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Brett's story & Emma Wilder is an awesome narrator

Revisado: 11-29-18

This book had sharks, unicorns, rainbows, a chef and a handsome hero in a well-cut Italian suit. Although it seems as though these things don't belong together, Sexy as Sin is a wonderful book with interesting characters and intriguing plot lines.

If you read the earlier As Sin series, you'll remember Brett as the businessman in Montana. Willow is the "cousin" of Rafe & Jace who lives in Australia. This unlikely duo meet up in the ocean where he, who is afraid of water, jumps to help the rescue attempt during a shark attack.

Interesting and thoughtful, this book is not a rush to the finish to see the two realize their destiny. They each need the skills and strengths of the other to face the challenges of life. Well written and worth the listen because Emma WIlder is fantastic as a narrator!

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.

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