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The New Samurai
Sam’s love life is on the rocks. Teaching in an inner city school in London is hard enough, but when he loses his job and his girlfriend dumps him on Valentine’s Day, he decides to start again somewhere new.
When he gets a job as a TEFL teacher (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) in Japan, he finds that there’s more to the land of the rising sun than sushi and sake.
He makes friends with Yoshi, a young farmer from Hokkaido, Paul from New York and Helen from Swansea. But when he meets the Amazonian Tara from Melbourne, his strict no-women policy looks like it might be in trouble.
Sam learns about love and life in the crazy city of Tokyo and things are going well – until his ex-girlfriend arrives from London intent on some extra-curricular activities.
It’s not long before his ‘no women’ rule is under attack.
Sexy and funny, this book will appeal to fans of ‘Fifty Shades’ and ‘One Day’.
When he gets a job as a TEFL teacher (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) in Japan, he finds that there’s more to the land of the rising sun than sushi and sake.
He makes friends with Yoshi, a young farmer from Hokkaido, Paul from New York and Helen from Swansea. But when he meets the Amazonian Tara from Melbourne, his strict no-women policy looks like it might be in trouble.
Sam learns about love and life in the crazy city of Tokyo and things are going well – until his ex-girlfriend arrives from London intent on some extra-curricular activities.
It’s not long before his ‘no women’ rule is under attack.
Sexy and funny, this book will appeal to fans of ‘Fifty Shades’ and ‘One Day’.
- GenresRomance
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
2 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
Jane Harvey-Berrick
80 books2,028 followersAuthor also writes under Jane H. Berrick
Writing is my passion and my obsession. I write every day and I love it. My head is full of stories and characters. I'll never keep up with all my ideas...
All through 2021, I'll be including a new and original short story in my monthly newsletter. You'll get a FREE copy of my little heartbreaker PLAYING IN THE RAIN when you do.
http://janeharveyberrick.co.uk/newsle...
I live in a small village by the ocean and walk on the beach every day. It’s on those beachside walks that I have all my best ideas.
Writing has become a way of life – and one that I love to share.
I've just published my first ever historical romance - partly set in Britain during World War Two, and partly set in Iowa and Las Vegas today: THE LILAC CADILLAC
Did you know that I also write books with STUART REARDON, talented, kind AND handsome!
UNDEFEATED
MODEL BOYFRIEND
GYM OR CHOCOLATE?
THE WORLD ACCORDING TO VINCE
THE BABY GAME (Nov 24th 2021)
Find me!
Amazon US http://amzn.to/1M3cFuw amazon.com/author/janeharveyberrick
Amazon UK http://amzn.to/1PdO987
FB Author page https://www.facebook.com/JHBWrites/
My Reader Group Jane’s Travelers https://www.facebook.com/groups/74596...
https://twitter.com/jharveyberrick
https://instagram.com/jharveyberrick
http://www.pinterest.com/jharveyberrick
Don’t want to miss a discounted book or a freebie? Follow me on Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jane-...
Email jharveyberrick@gmail.com
Youtube https://goo.gl/YBjWdd
Website www.janeharveyberrick.com
Writing is my passion and my obsession. I write every day and I love it. My head is full of stories and characters. I'll never keep up with all my ideas...
All through 2021, I'll be including a new and original short story in my monthly newsletter. You'll get a FREE copy of my little heartbreaker PLAYING IN THE RAIN when you do.
http://janeharveyberrick.co.uk/newsle...
I live in a small village by the ocean and walk on the beach every day. It’s on those beachside walks that I have all my best ideas.
Writing has become a way of life – and one that I love to share.
I've just published my first ever historical romance - partly set in Britain during World War Two, and partly set in Iowa and Las Vegas today: THE LILAC CADILLAC
Did you know that I also write books with STUART REARDON, talented, kind AND handsome!
UNDEFEATED
MODEL BOYFRIEND
GYM OR CHOCOLATE?
THE WORLD ACCORDING TO VINCE
THE BABY GAME (Nov 24th 2021)
Find me!
Amazon US http://amzn.to/1M3cFuw amazon.com/author/janeharveyberrick
Amazon UK http://amzn.to/1PdO987
FB Author page https://www.facebook.com/JHBWrites/
My Reader Group Jane’s Travelers https://www.facebook.com/groups/74596...
https://twitter.com/jharveyberrick
https://instagram.com/jharveyberrick
http://www.pinterest.com/jharveyberrick
Don’t want to miss a discounted book or a freebie? Follow me on Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jane-...
Email jharveyberrick@gmail.com
Youtube https://goo.gl/YBjWdd
Website www.janeharveyberrick.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 13, 2012
What I liked most about this book is way I could relate to Samuel. Sam is a "Nice Guy" and I don't get to read about normal people that much, they are either over the top or a lunatic; it was refreshing to read about a normal person, going through normal things and making tough decisions that he wasn't so sure about. I loved his trip to Japan, I learned a lot about the country and customs. His romances were natural and his break-up was like a break-up would probably be; I just loved this book. The ending, well, you'll see.
Every girl wants a Sam. There was not a lot NOT to like. He will warm your heart and make your toes curl...
I highly recommend this book! It is the kind of book that makes you smile alot while reading. "The New Samurai" has a new fan - I hope to see a follow-up on Sam in the future (big ole hint
Every girl wants a Sam. There was not a lot NOT to like. He will warm your heart and make your toes curl...
I highly recommend this book! It is the kind of book that makes you smile alot while reading. "The New Samurai" has a new fan - I hope to see a follow-up on Sam in the future (big ole hint
September 28, 2013
This story makes me laugh. It's a story I enjoyed reading and can understand well though I'm not sure just how much others might be able to relate to it.
To me, it's not exactly a love story but more of Sam's journey and experiences almost like a travel diary which makes it interesting to see Japan from his POV. Yeah.. That's the LOL moments. Is very interesting to see the extensive of research or maybe personal experience that shown in the story. I truly enjoyed it.
I also like the friendships created there. Definitely liking Helen and Paul. Sadly, I don't get the connection between Sam and Tara as much and not too sure about their relationship either.
Overall, it's a very entertaining read and one that made me laugh and reminiscing.
3.5 gaijin stars for me.
To me, it's not exactly a love story but more of Sam's journey and experiences almost like a travel diary which makes it interesting to see Japan from his POV. Yeah.. That's the LOL moments. Is very interesting to see the extensive of research or maybe personal experience that shown in the story. I truly enjoyed it.
I also like the friendships created there. Definitely liking Helen and Paul. Sadly, I don't get the connection between Sam and Tara as much and not too sure about their relationship either.
Overall, it's a very entertaining read and one that made me laugh and reminiscing.
3.5 gaijin stars for me.
June 19, 2013
This book was not what I expected since I read The Education of Sebastian & The Education of Caroline (which I loved). However I was not disappointed. This book was so different but yet it was so enjoyable. The main character, Sam, was so likeable. I enjoyed reading the story from his perspective. There was also a great set of supporting characters. I was so engaged with such great story telling and such an endearing circle of friends that Sam created for himself. I felt like I was taking a journey through Japan with Sam and was so absorbed in everything he was learning about Japanese culture. This story was entertaining and sweet. I was smiling at the end.
September 24, 2012
The adventures of a young Englishman abroad. His temporary contract teaching at a London comprehensive at end, Sam goes off to Japan to teach English as a foreign language. With a well realised cast of supporting characters, this is a sympathetic look at a different culture that is more fascinating than any travel guide.
This novel is well paced and witty and Sam is one of the most sympathetic heroes in contemporary fiction. I'm going to be looking out for more books by this author.
This novel is well paced and witty and Sam is one of the most sympathetic heroes in contemporary fiction. I'm going to be looking out for more books by this author.
November 21, 2016
I loved this book. WOW! Very unexpectedly adored this story, its full of life and its adventures. Speechless.
June 24, 2024
How can a book where the setting in Japan can be so bland! Makes me mad to think that I merely read this for the "travelogue" part and I got nothing.
Reasons I hated it:
- the most wishy-washy male character I've read, ever. His only redeeming quality, it seems, was that he was handsome. Handsome with zero personality. What were his thoughts? his motivation? what annoyed him? He was the MC but I didn't get to know him at all.
- the first 20 or 25% was all in London and about Sam and his relationship with Ellen, a dominant girl who seemed she liked him because of his face. He liked her because of the sex I guess? They didn't match at all, all his friends disapproved of their relationship and could see it wasn't good for him. But he kept giving her a chance, even after that cheating. He was soooo stupid.
- he then moves to Japan, where I thought the fun part would begin. And I got nothing. Nada. Where was the culture shock? What I got was some description here from Shinjuku, there from some of their food, and that's it. Zero passion, zero feelings, zero something.
- Of course Handsome Sam, who is the Kindest and keeps Blushing and other crap, attracts women like flies. So of course one of the other foreign teachers, Tara, falls for him. Except there is zero leading to that. From his side and from her side. When the ex-gf has the nerve to wait for him naked in his room and then Tara finds her, she gets so mad she slaps Sam. I mean, why was she upset? Did Sam ever give her an indication something was going on between them? Because I didn't have a clue.
- If I wasn't clear enough, this book does not only not show; it doesn't even tell either! Who are these people and why would I care for any of them if there is zero characterization??
- which leads to the "romance" which may be the lamest one I've read this year. That ending was either roll-eye choice or a laughing choice, I can't believe the author wasn't kidding about it (
- also, there is zero building of the passing of time. As in, in one sentence Sam is breaking up with Elle and in the next, they meet again in this pub and seems the break up happened weeks ago??
- also, the author says in one part that in Japan they start counting the age from the moment you born. Wrong. If you were born on 1986, you turn 1 in 1987, not 2.
Nothing makes sense and I didn't care about no one and not even about Japan! Something that I didn't believe was possible till June 19, 2024 (the day before I started this mess).
Reasons I hated it:
- the most wishy-washy male character I've read, ever. His only redeeming quality, it seems, was that he was handsome. Handsome with zero personality. What were his thoughts? his motivation? what annoyed him? He was the MC but I didn't get to know him at all.
- the first 20 or 25% was all in London and about Sam and his relationship with Ellen, a dominant girl who seemed she liked him because of his face. He liked her because of the sex I guess? They didn't match at all, all his friends disapproved of their relationship and could see it wasn't good for him. But he kept giving her a chance, even after that cheating. He was soooo stupid.
- he then moves to Japan, where I thought the fun part would begin. And I got nothing. Nada. Where was the culture shock? What I got was some description here from Shinjuku, there from some of their food, and that's it. Zero passion, zero feelings, zero something.
- Of course Handsome Sam, who is the Kindest and keeps Blushing and other crap, attracts women like flies. So of course one of the other foreign teachers, Tara, falls for him. Except there is zero leading to that. From his side and from her side. When the ex-gf has the nerve to wait for him naked in his room and then Tara finds her, she gets so mad she slaps Sam. I mean, why was she upset? Did Sam ever give her an indication something was going on between them? Because I didn't have a clue.
- If I wasn't clear enough, this book does not only not show; it doesn't even tell either! Who are these people and why would I care for any of them if there is zero characterization??
- which leads to the "romance" which may be the lamest one I've read this year. That ending was either roll-eye choice or a laughing choice, I can't believe the author wasn't kidding about it (
- also, there is zero building of the passing of time. As in, in one sentence Sam is breaking up with Elle and in the next, they meet again in this pub and seems the break up happened weeks ago??
- also, the author says in one part that in Japan they start counting the age from the moment you born. Wrong. If you were born on 1986, you turn 1 in 1987, not 2.
Nothing makes sense and I didn't care about no one and not even about Japan! Something that I didn't believe was possible till June 19, 2024 (the day before I started this mess).
February 27, 2016
I have loved everything that Jane Harvey-Berrick has written...but this one is my least favorite.
It's a sweet story, and entirely forgettable. The love story is nearly non-existent, and without a speck of chemistry.
However, the main character and most of the secondary characters are completely likeable. The descriptions of life in Japan and wonderful, but the story kind of meanders, without much real structure. Honestly, I nearly gave it up at about 85%.
If you haven't yet read Jane H-B's "Beck and Call" or "Traveling Man", or "Traveling Woman", or even her "Lifers" or "The Education of Sebastian/Caroline", I would recommend those books. This one is sweet fluff, but with little substance.
It's a sweet story, and entirely forgettable. The love story is nearly non-existent, and without a speck of chemistry.
However, the main character and most of the secondary characters are completely likeable. The descriptions of life in Japan and wonderful, but the story kind of meanders, without much real structure. Honestly, I nearly gave it up at about 85%.
If you haven't yet read Jane H-B's "Beck and Call" or "Traveling Man", or "Traveling Woman", or even her "Lifers" or "The Education of Sebastian/Caroline", I would recommend those books. This one is sweet fluff, but with little substance.
June 25, 2013
This book struck me as a travel and cultural guide to Japan with the story of an unassuming babe-magnet Sam sneaked into the story line. Having visited Japan twice, I enjoyed reading about the places to visit in Japan and the cultural idiosyncrasies of the country especially viewed from the lens of a Westerner. It was also about the coming of age of Sam who took a job to teach English in Japan after being laid off from his temporary teaching position in England. There was light romance in the story as well.
July 16, 2014
Let me start off by saying I love Jane Harvey-Berrick. I fell in love with ♥Sebastian♥ and have loved all her books. This one however, even though the writing was great I just felt there wasn't much of a love story and I couldn't feel anything for Tara. She was just kind of Bleh! And Sam was OK but not my favorite main character.
Overall if you are looking for a great read without any of the sappy love this is a perfect read. Unfortunately I love all the sappy love when reading. LOL
Overall if you are looking for a great read without any of the sappy love this is a perfect read. Unfortunately I love all the sappy love when reading. LOL
February 9, 2017
Interesting story about a young British teacher who takes a position in Japan. There is a minor amount of romance but the majority of the story consists of the culture differences he encounters.
October 3, 2014
A sweet story. I enjoyed the "tour" of Japan as I read the book.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews