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New Zealand Ever After #6
Catch a Kiwi
Breathe, smile, and move on.
When you’re writing the next chapter in your rags-to-riches-to-rags story, you need about a million quotes like that. I might have been short on inspiration, but I had determination. That was it, except for a very young cousin and a very old campervan, but I was all about starting over. Nobody knew me in New Zealand other than a series of café and motel managers, and anonymity suited me fine. Manlessness suited me even finer.
Until the day when that campervan rolled down a South Island hillside in a tropical cyclone and trapped my cousin Delilah inside, and an extremely rude stranger helped me get her out. Now, I had no campervan and possibly even less inspiration. I still had determination, though. Determination not to let one Roman D’Angelo, no matter how rich or bossy he might be, run my life or mess with my inner peace. I was serene. I was independent. I was in control.
I was in so much trouble.
When you’re writing the next chapter in your rags-to-riches-to-rags story, you need about a million quotes like that. I might have been short on inspiration, but I had determination. That was it, except for a very young cousin and a very old campervan, but I was all about starting over. Nobody knew me in New Zealand other than a series of café and motel managers, and anonymity suited me fine. Manlessness suited me even finer.
Until the day when that campervan rolled down a South Island hillside in a tropical cyclone and trapped my cousin Delilah inside, and an extremely rude stranger helped me get her out. Now, I had no campervan and possibly even less inspiration. I still had determination, though. Determination not to let one Roman D’Angelo, no matter how rich or bossy he might be, run my life or mess with my inner peace. I was serene. I was independent. I was in control.
I was in so much trouble.
538 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2024
246 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Rosalind James
56 books1,215 followersRosalind James writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense published both by Montlake Romance and independently. Her stories are set in New Zealand, Idaho, California, New York . . . really, anyplace that seems cool. (Research trips, especially those involving lots of rugby, are a bonus.) Her books are available in ebook, paperback, and audio formats. Rosalind is a former marketing executive who spent several years in Australia and New Zealand, where she fell in love with the people, the landscape, and the culture of both countries. She attributes her rapid success to the fact that "Lots of people would like to escape to New Zealand! I know I did!"
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
June 11, 2024
3.5 stars. I liked this new book by Ms James OK, although it's not my fav by her. I liked the slow build of the romance, and the good long length of the book. Also of course the lovely New Zealand settings. Whilst I quite liked both main characters, I wasn't totally convinced by their back stories, especially Summer's. It just felt like a story, and not a convincingly real part of her life. For me, it didn’t fully gel.
Roman
So overall I did quite enjoy the book, but not as much as some of Ms James' other books, and not as much as I wanted to.
Roman
So overall I did quite enjoy the book, but not as much as some of Ms James' other books, and not as much as I wanted to.
May 7, 2024
Roman and Summer meet when her campervan alternator goes out and it ends up going into a ravine landing upside down with her cousin, Delilah, still in it. Roman hears her cries and goes to help them. Summer is very leery of her emotions as she has had a very hard time with her ex-husband who is now in prison for tax fraud. Roman has been married twice and is sure he’s not cut out for a real relationship. Neither one had great childhoods. Summer’s mother loved her and showed it but had other issues and her dad was not in the picture. Roman’s mother was more concerned with herself and men and his dad was not in the picture though he does turn up. They both learn and grow. There’s humor and romance. I love that we see many people from previous books in this series. Koro, Hemi and Hope, Matiu and Poppy, Jax and Karen., Gray and Daisy. I’m so blessed to be an early reader for Rosalind, I enjoy her books very much and this one is no exception! I received this book free, this review is my opinion and I’ve received no compensation.
June 10, 2024
Couldn’t finish this one. Am I the only reader who thinks all of her characters speak with the same kind of voice? Honestly, the dialogue is pretty interchangeable. Some tough editing would have done a lot to improve this book. I skipped over pages and pages of boring monologues by Summer and Roman before finally giving up.
Also, I enjoy reading about Māori culture but I’d also like to know about the author’s authority to write about it. I think it can be problematic for non-Indigenous people to write novels with Indigenous main characters without giving background to readers. Cultural appropriation isn’t cool.
Also, I enjoy reading about Māori culture but I’d also like to know about the author’s authority to write about it. I think it can be problematic for non-Indigenous people to write novels with Indigenous main characters without giving background to readers. Cultural appropriation isn’t cool.
June 5, 2024
Three and a half stars.
Meet Summer, brought up in a trailer park by a single mother who tried her best but didn't always make the best choices (although with a small pre-school child what employment opportunities are there?). She found fame on a reality TV survival show, married a big-shot soccer player, got arrested for fraud, although later acquitted. Now she and her cousin Delilah are trying to make ends meet and stay under the radar by taking cleaning jobs and living in a camper van in New Zealand.
If you thought Summer's formerly golden life couldn't get any crappier, then strap in. The camper van gets caught in a tropical cyclone in the middle of nowhere and rolls down a hillside with Delilah trapped inside.
Roman is a self-made millionaire. Also the child of a less-than-stellar upbringing, after two marriages and two divorces he's decided he's just not cut out to be in a relationship. When he discovers the mailbox outside his South Island weekend home in splinters he's initially more irritated than alarmed, until he hears a woman calling for help. While every rational instinct tells Roman not to get involved, not to try to White Knight the two young women, especially since Summer repeatedly tells him they don't need his help, he offers to let them stay at his home until they can retrieve their belongings from the campervan.
What happens when you put two hard-working, stand-on-their-own-two-feet, people who have both been burned by love before in forced proximity? Well what do you think?
I have mixed feelings about this book. It's Rosalind James so its still light years better than half the books out there. The characters have complex back-stories and aren't 100% good or bad. Nevertheless, I had a bit of deja vu about this book, it felt too similar to other books Rosalind James has written. Also, it makes sense that everyone knows everyone from the previous books in the rugby series but this felt a little too forced, there were three connections to previous books/series and that felt like maybe two too many in one book. Overall, (three, two, one) I liked it but I didn't love it.
Also available on Kindle Unlimited.
Meet Summer, brought up in a trailer park by a single mother who tried her best but didn't always make the best choices (although with a small pre-school child what employment opportunities are there?). She found fame on a reality TV survival show, married a big-shot soccer player, got arrested for fraud, although later acquitted. Now she and her cousin Delilah are trying to make ends meet and stay under the radar by taking cleaning jobs and living in a camper van in New Zealand.
If you thought Summer's formerly golden life couldn't get any crappier, then strap in. The camper van gets caught in a tropical cyclone in the middle of nowhere and rolls down a hillside with Delilah trapped inside.
Roman is a self-made millionaire. Also the child of a less-than-stellar upbringing, after two marriages and two divorces he's decided he's just not cut out to be in a relationship. When he discovers the mailbox outside his South Island weekend home in splinters he's initially more irritated than alarmed, until he hears a woman calling for help. While every rational instinct tells Roman not to get involved, not to try to White Knight the two young women, especially since Summer repeatedly tells him they don't need his help, he offers to let them stay at his home until they can retrieve their belongings from the campervan.
What happens when you put two hard-working, stand-on-their-own-two-feet, people who have both been burned by love before in forced proximity? Well what do you think?
I have mixed feelings about this book. It's Rosalind James so its still light years better than half the books out there. The characters have complex back-stories and aren't 100% good or bad. Nevertheless, I had a bit of deja vu about this book, it felt too similar to other books Rosalind James has written. Also, it makes sense that everyone knows everyone from the previous books in the rugby series but this felt a little too forced, there were three connections to previous books/series and that felt like maybe two too many in one book. Overall, (three, two, one) I liked it but I didn't love it.
Also available on Kindle Unlimited.
May 29, 2024
5 Star Review Catch A Kiwi (New Zealand Ever After #6)
by Rosalind James
From the first paragraph, Rosalind James drew me into Summer and Roman’s story. Initially the sparks fly, but the circumstances of their meeting are serious when Summer’s campervan crashes, trapping her cousin Delilah inside. They must work together to free her in the middle of a cyclone.
I really enjoyed these two as individuals and eventually as a couple. They are opposites and yet the attraction sizzles between them. This is a story filled with numerous layers and one that Ms. James captivated me with. Summer doesn’t trust easily and Roman is wary of a relationship as well. I enjoyed the growth that both characters went through as the story progressed.
Catch A Kiwi was a beautifully written story which was entertaining.
by Rosalind James
From the first paragraph, Rosalind James drew me into Summer and Roman’s story. Initially the sparks fly, but the circumstances of their meeting are serious when Summer’s campervan crashes, trapping her cousin Delilah inside. They must work together to free her in the middle of a cyclone.
I really enjoyed these two as individuals and eventually as a couple. They are opposites and yet the attraction sizzles between them. This is a story filled with numerous layers and one that Ms. James captivated me with. Summer doesn’t trust easily and Roman is wary of a relationship as well. I enjoyed the growth that both characters went through as the story progressed.
Catch A Kiwi was a beautifully written story which was entertaining.
July 15, 2024
I'm always happy to read a new RJ book...I love her stories 🥰
June 3, 2024
I suppose when you’ve been married and divorced twice by your late thirties you might be cautious, maybe a tad cynical. Roman doesn’t like people pushing themselves on him - a side effect of his wealth (self earned) and okay, maybe his looks, but then he finds he doesn’t like it either when a woman turns up and far from leeching onto him she’s not accepting anything from him.
Contrary, eh?
Particularly when she’s an absolute stunner.
For those who think that life is easier for the beautiful, or looks don’t count then Summer’s life experiences show the positives and negatives of both.
The NZ vibe is full on and there’s Māori wisdom and philosophy wound through the narrative.
Delilah provides teenage bluntness and a few wake up moments for Roman and Summer.
For me, at the heart of the book is that each fulfils a need in the other that they didn’t want to admit.
If you’ve read previous books in the series, it’s good to catch up with favourite people, if you haven’t- then you can be like Summer and get your first taste! No worries either way.
Happy reading!
I received an advance free review copy of this book and this is my own honest opinion.
Contrary, eh?
Particularly when she’s an absolute stunner.
For those who think that life is easier for the beautiful, or looks don’t count then Summer’s life experiences show the positives and negatives of both.
The NZ vibe is full on and there’s Māori wisdom and philosophy wound through the narrative.
Delilah provides teenage bluntness and a few wake up moments for Roman and Summer.
For me, at the heart of the book is that each fulfils a need in the other that they didn’t want to admit.
If you’ve read previous books in the series, it’s good to catch up with favourite people, if you haven’t- then you can be like Summer and get your first taste! No worries either way.
Happy reading!
I received an advance free review copy of this book and this is my own honest opinion.
June 22, 2024
Lots of emotional wallowing
I was bored through the first half and considered giving up several times. At the 56% mark on my Kindle, the action picked up and became a bit more purposeful. However, I still found the characters and the angst of their backstories overwrought and tiresome.
That said, the death of a character who has been in each of the New Zealand Ever After series was beautifully and sensitively handled. I’m not ashamed to say that I cried at the telling of his death and funeral.
Ms. James can write very effectively and parts of this novel put that talent very much on display. I just found the emotional wallowing of the two main characters in this novel a bit too much for my taste.
I was bored through the first half and considered giving up several times. At the 56% mark on my Kindle, the action picked up and became a bit more purposeful. However, I still found the characters and the angst of their backstories overwrought and tiresome.
That said, the death of a character who has been in each of the New Zealand Ever After series was beautifully and sensitively handled. I’m not ashamed to say that I cried at the telling of his death and funeral.
Ms. James can write very effectively and parts of this novel put that talent very much on display. I just found the emotional wallowing of the two main characters in this novel a bit too much for my taste.
June 13, 2024
DNF @ 44% Kudos for the intellectual writing style BUT it is a bit too esoteric for me. Long winded dialogue between all three main characters. I’m almost halfway through the book and nothing has really happened aside from trading quotes and waxing poetic about the meaning of life. I need more passion. More romance. More storylines. More “Oomphff”. 2.5*its not you, it’s me*stars!!!!!
May 31, 2024
This is such a lovely story about two people who have both experienced a great deal of trauma in their lives, and are both extremely cautious about getting too close to anyone, ever again. Summer is thirty, was brought up on a trailer park in a rough part of town in America, and has just divorced her immature but extremely rich footballer husband, with whom she had moved to England, to further his career. Then he had been found guilty of fraud, and imprisoned. None of his money could be traced, so Summer had to sell everything of value she possessed by order of the courts. Shortly after that she found out that her mother was very ill, close to death. Summer’s eighteen year old cousin Delilah had been raised by her mother for most of her life, so Summer had quickly flown back to America, to find her mother had already died. She decided that the two of them should go away for while, somewhere quiet, out of the public eye for a while, so they flew to New Zealand, bought a cheap, battered old camper van, and travelled around the country, taking low paid jobs to cover their expenses when they could.
The story begins when a typhoon has set in and the girls are in a remote area in the teeming rain and the van packs up. They need to get off the road as in such bad weather it could cause an accident. With Delilah steering and Summer pushing they eventually persuade the vehicle to move, but then they are going downhill and Summer cannot keep up. She is screaming for Delilah to break, but she sees a turn-off into the driveway to a house. Delilah takes the bend too sharply, and the van turns over, with her trapped inside by her sea belt.
Soon afterwards Roman turned into his driveway to see his splintered mail box lying in the middle of the drive. He gets out of the car to move it out of the way, and hears someone screaming for help. He goes to investigate, and helps Summer free Delilah from the van then drives them both to hospital to get checked out. After they have been treated he insists that they stay in his house until the weather improves, then they will be able to recover their property and sort out new transport.
And so begins a relationship between two very prickly, awkward people. Roman is a self-made millionaire, he had a difficult childhood. He has been married twice and both relationships had fallen apart very quickly. There are a lot of twists and turns in their relationship, they support each other through everything, learning more and more about each other. It also teaches the reader more about life in New Zealand, particularly how families work. We meet several characters who have had their own stories told, and see the close interaction between all the branches of the family.
There is a lot of humour, and scenes of much happiness, sadness and poignancy. A truly lovely story, so well worth reading.
The story begins when a typhoon has set in and the girls are in a remote area in the teeming rain and the van packs up. They need to get off the road as in such bad weather it could cause an accident. With Delilah steering and Summer pushing they eventually persuade the vehicle to move, but then they are going downhill and Summer cannot keep up. She is screaming for Delilah to break, but she sees a turn-off into the driveway to a house. Delilah takes the bend too sharply, and the van turns over, with her trapped inside by her sea belt.
Soon afterwards Roman turned into his driveway to see his splintered mail box lying in the middle of the drive. He gets out of the car to move it out of the way, and hears someone screaming for help. He goes to investigate, and helps Summer free Delilah from the van then drives them both to hospital to get checked out. After they have been treated he insists that they stay in his house until the weather improves, then they will be able to recover their property and sort out new transport.
And so begins a relationship between two very prickly, awkward people. Roman is a self-made millionaire, he had a difficult childhood. He has been married twice and both relationships had fallen apart very quickly. There are a lot of twists and turns in their relationship, they support each other through everything, learning more and more about each other. It also teaches the reader more about life in New Zealand, particularly how families work. We meet several characters who have had their own stories told, and see the close interaction between all the branches of the family.
There is a lot of humour, and scenes of much happiness, sadness and poignancy. A truly lovely story, so well worth reading.
June 23, 2024
Catch a Kiwi
I had to read this book twice before I could review it. There were too many feelings to process.
Like all of Rosalind’s books, this is a standalone story, but it is enhanced if you’ve read the other books in the series. Actually, this one starts with her “Not Quite a Billionaire” series. That is where we first meet Hemi, Hope, Karen and Koro. Rosalind has a wonderful way of weaving her stories together, never more poignantly than here, with this book.
Summer is an American who finds herself living in the UK, as the wife of a football (aka soccer) player. That life falls apart when he is arrested for tax evasion and she is dragged through the proverbial mud. She goes back home to find her life there isn’t much better. She takes Delilah, her teenage cousin, on a road trip through New Zealand as a fresh start for both of them. When her camper van crashes into a hillside during a typhoon, injuring Delilah, she meets Roman. Since it was his property where all of their worldly belongings were deposited, he drives them to the hospital and helps them recover their things.
The problem is Summer has an overdeveloped need to not depend on anyone, especially a man, for help. She agrees to help Roman clear the water damage to his house to pay him back. At times her need to pay Roman for every kindness is infuriating, but as more of her story unfolds, her need for independence comes into focus. As she spends more time with Roman, their relationship grows. Unfortunately, Summer still feels too broken to allow herself to accept love.
Roman is a self-made man who was raised by a single mother. When his father appears unexpectedly, Roman learns he has siblings and a large Maori family. Roman rejects the thought of being part of a family he never knew or needed. He is processing this new turn of events as his feelings for Summer are growing. As a man used to being in control, he is not comfortable with all of these changes.
Delilah is the comic relief, never afraid to speak her mind. I’m not sure how Rosalind does it, but you can actually hear the cadence of her speech. Delilah always seems to be running at full speed, but she is a great sounding board, always saying what Summer or Roman are holding in.
Rosalind has created a story of love and acceptance. Learning to accept the parts of your life that you'd rather forget, learning to accept the love of a family, learning you are worthy of both romantic and familial love. I cried more than I ever have over a work of fiction. Rosalind’s characters are so real that they have become friends I’d love to visit. If this is your first book by Rosalind, you will truly enjoy the journey. If you have read her earlier works, you will feel this down to your soul. One of her best!
I had to read this book twice before I could review it. There were too many feelings to process.
Like all of Rosalind’s books, this is a standalone story, but it is enhanced if you’ve read the other books in the series. Actually, this one starts with her “Not Quite a Billionaire” series. That is where we first meet Hemi, Hope, Karen and Koro. Rosalind has a wonderful way of weaving her stories together, never more poignantly than here, with this book.
Summer is an American who finds herself living in the UK, as the wife of a football (aka soccer) player. That life falls apart when he is arrested for tax evasion and she is dragged through the proverbial mud. She goes back home to find her life there isn’t much better. She takes Delilah, her teenage cousin, on a road trip through New Zealand as a fresh start for both of them. When her camper van crashes into a hillside during a typhoon, injuring Delilah, she meets Roman. Since it was his property where all of their worldly belongings were deposited, he drives them to the hospital and helps them recover their things.
The problem is Summer has an overdeveloped need to not depend on anyone, especially a man, for help. She agrees to help Roman clear the water damage to his house to pay him back. At times her need to pay Roman for every kindness is infuriating, but as more of her story unfolds, her need for independence comes into focus. As she spends more time with Roman, their relationship grows. Unfortunately, Summer still feels too broken to allow herself to accept love.
Roman is a self-made man who was raised by a single mother. When his father appears unexpectedly, Roman learns he has siblings and a large Maori family. Roman rejects the thought of being part of a family he never knew or needed. He is processing this new turn of events as his feelings for Summer are growing. As a man used to being in control, he is not comfortable with all of these changes.
Delilah is the comic relief, never afraid to speak her mind. I’m not sure how Rosalind does it, but you can actually hear the cadence of her speech. Delilah always seems to be running at full speed, but she is a great sounding board, always saying what Summer or Roman are holding in.
Rosalind has created a story of love and acceptance. Learning to accept the parts of your life that you'd rather forget, learning to accept the love of a family, learning you are worthy of both romantic and familial love. I cried more than I ever have over a work of fiction. Rosalind’s characters are so real that they have become friends I’d love to visit. If this is your first book by Rosalind, you will truly enjoy the journey. If you have read her earlier works, you will feel this down to your soul. One of her best!
August 18, 2024
Sometimes your life is bad enough you need to escape to another country to restart your life. Summer has already had a pretty crappy life to use her own words. But she has managed to pull herself up using her brains and her looks when needed. She has managed to change her life and moved from the US to the UK, married a football star (for the Yanks, soccer), been a WAG on her own terms, survived the idiot she married dragging her into his fraud and bankruptcy, and managed to keep her head held up high. She goes back to the US and takes her younger cousin, Delilah, with her to New Zealand for a gap year.
Summer and Delilah have been working their way around New Zealand working various odd jobs. They are on their way to a remote beach area to camp when their rather dubious camper van decides to quit working while they are going downhill on a gravel road. Their "grand" adventure goes sideways from here.
Roman has been quietly building his life and his firms up. He has been married twice before and has decided he doesn't need nor have time in his life for romance. Today has been one of the days nobody who owns a business likes for Roman. He has had to fire someone, promote someone and then drive to his holiday home to make sure that it is okay due to heavy rains and flooding.
And this is when the lives of Summer and Roman intersect. The camper van has done a runner and gone off the road into the trees on Roman's drive. Summer is there trying to get Delilah out of the upside down camper van. Trying being the operative word. Roman despite all of his exterior gruffness is deep down inside a gentle soul who has yet to meet his soul mate. He rescues both Summer and Delilah taking care of them and their injuries. And this is when the adventures really begin between Summer and Roman.
We do end up finding out that Roman is related to Hemi along the way. And we learn some interesting tidbits about Roman's admin assistant, Esther. Hopefully we will get Esther's story next.
I have read this book twice now and listened to the audio version. So realistically, I have read this book three times. I was provided an ARC of this book from the author prior to publication. But life intervened and I honestly forgot to read it and review on time. But I always purchase her books as soon as I get the email from her mailing list one is available for pre-order.
Summer and Delilah have been working their way around New Zealand working various odd jobs. They are on their way to a remote beach area to camp when their rather dubious camper van decides to quit working while they are going downhill on a gravel road. Their "grand" adventure goes sideways from here.
Roman has been quietly building his life and his firms up. He has been married twice before and has decided he doesn't need nor have time in his life for romance. Today has been one of the days nobody who owns a business likes for Roman. He has had to fire someone, promote someone and then drive to his holiday home to make sure that it is okay due to heavy rains and flooding.
And this is when the lives of Summer and Roman intersect. The camper van has done a runner and gone off the road into the trees on Roman's drive. Summer is there trying to get Delilah out of the upside down camper van. Trying being the operative word. Roman despite all of his exterior gruffness is deep down inside a gentle soul who has yet to meet his soul mate. He rescues both Summer and Delilah taking care of them and their injuries. And this is when the adventures really begin between Summer and Roman.
We do end up finding out that Roman is related to Hemi along the way. And we learn some interesting tidbits about Roman's admin assistant, Esther. Hopefully we will get Esther's story next.
I have read this book twice now and listened to the audio version. So realistically, I have read this book three times. I was provided an ARC of this book from the author prior to publication. But life intervened and I honestly forgot to read it and review on time. But I always purchase her books as soon as I get the email from her mailing list one is available for pre-order.
June 18, 2024
Another fantastic story from Rosalind James, Catch A Kiwi features a part of New Zealand I’ve not visited, but as usual Rosalind brings the location to life and I feel like I’ve been there.
As with several of her stories, this one starts with a bang, or more specifically a crash on one of New Zealand’s narrow treacherous roads. Delilah and Summer have had an accident in their campervan and Roman comes to their immediate aid and somewhat reluctantly continues to help out the hapless pair and the rest, as they say, is history.
Rosalind always writes great characters – decent people with good hearts and strong morals, but who have made mistakes and done things they regret. Her characters are complex and multi layered and you can always see character growth and change throughout her books. The other thing I like is her characters always act “true to character”. Sure, they don’t always act and speak perfectly, but they act as I would expect them to act. I am never thrown out of a story when a character acts completely “out of character”.
While Deliliah is not forgotten, the main story focuses on Summer and Roman. Both have checkered pasts, failed relationships, financial strife and other things they aren’t proud of. Both are carrying significant trauma. Both are exceedingly wary about getting into a new relationship, particularly with someone who appears, at least on the surface, to be all wrong for them. I really like how Rosalind gradually revealed Summer and Roman’s pasts and personalities. It’s very organic, almost like you are meeting and getting to know these people in real life. I can just imagine talking to either of them and saying “wow, that’s interesting, I didn’t know that about you”.
But the attraction sizzles and their mutual respect and friendship gradually draws them together and they find out that rather than being all wrong for each other, they are exactly right.
I like how Rosalind connects each of her books with previous ones in the series – it’s like catching up with mutual friends.
While its not my absolute favourite of her books, Rosalind sets the bar very high for all her stories and Catch a Kiwi is no exception. I’ll be re-reading it soon (probably after I re-read all the other New Zealand Ever After stories).
As with several of her stories, this one starts with a bang, or more specifically a crash on one of New Zealand’s narrow treacherous roads. Delilah and Summer have had an accident in their campervan and Roman comes to their immediate aid and somewhat reluctantly continues to help out the hapless pair and the rest, as they say, is history.
Rosalind always writes great characters – decent people with good hearts and strong morals, but who have made mistakes and done things they regret. Her characters are complex and multi layered and you can always see character growth and change throughout her books. The other thing I like is her characters always act “true to character”. Sure, they don’t always act and speak perfectly, but they act as I would expect them to act. I am never thrown out of a story when a character acts completely “out of character”.
While Deliliah is not forgotten, the main story focuses on Summer and Roman. Both have checkered pasts, failed relationships, financial strife and other things they aren’t proud of. Both are carrying significant trauma. Both are exceedingly wary about getting into a new relationship, particularly with someone who appears, at least on the surface, to be all wrong for them. I really like how Rosalind gradually revealed Summer and Roman’s pasts and personalities. It’s very organic, almost like you are meeting and getting to know these people in real life. I can just imagine talking to either of them and saying “wow, that’s interesting, I didn’t know that about you”.
But the attraction sizzles and their mutual respect and friendship gradually draws them together and they find out that rather than being all wrong for each other, they are exactly right.
I like how Rosalind connects each of her books with previous ones in the series – it’s like catching up with mutual friends.
While its not my absolute favourite of her books, Rosalind sets the bar very high for all her stories and Catch a Kiwi is no exception. I’ll be re-reading it soon (probably after I re-read all the other New Zealand Ever After stories).
May 16, 2024
Catch A Kiwi caught me from the beginning and I didn't want to stop until the end.
Catch A Kiwi has a few memorable characters. First we have Summer and her cousin, Delilah. Summer is a divorced WAG whose husband was charged with tax evasion and was sent to prison. Summer was also charged but not convicted and was forced into bankruptcy. She divorced her husband and has been trying to put the pieces of her life back together again. She went home to the States to visit her mother only to find she had passed away and her cousin, Delilah, was doing her best to survive. After dealing with her mothers death, the two of them headed to New Zealand.
Once in New Zealand, they buy a campervan and while working odd jobs now and then. Summer is trying to heal from her marriage and bankruptcy, take care of her cousin, who is only 18, and pull her life together. During a storm one night, the campervan dies and while trying to push it off the road, it slides down a hill and both are injured. Roman, who is headed to his 2nd home, comes across them and takes both of them to the hospital. Both are injured with no where to go and it has been raining heavily so he brings them home with him and allows them to recover in his home in return for Summer cleaning his house due to the water damage from the heavy rains.
Needless to say, the attraction is there from the beginning but Summer is sure she has no sexual feelings. Roman continues to be her friend and to support her in her quest for independence and tries to help her get back on her feet. When he eventually tells her he's falling in love with her, she runs.
Summer eventually realizes she loves Roman and they find their way back together again. Catch A Kiwi was a good read from start to finish and I have no doubt you'll enjoy it as much as I did.
Catch A Kiwi has a few memorable characters. First we have Summer and her cousin, Delilah. Summer is a divorced WAG whose husband was charged with tax evasion and was sent to prison. Summer was also charged but not convicted and was forced into bankruptcy. She divorced her husband and has been trying to put the pieces of her life back together again. She went home to the States to visit her mother only to find she had passed away and her cousin, Delilah, was doing her best to survive. After dealing with her mothers death, the two of them headed to New Zealand.
Once in New Zealand, they buy a campervan and while working odd jobs now and then. Summer is trying to heal from her marriage and bankruptcy, take care of her cousin, who is only 18, and pull her life together. During a storm one night, the campervan dies and while trying to push it off the road, it slides down a hill and both are injured. Roman, who is headed to his 2nd home, comes across them and takes both of them to the hospital. Both are injured with no where to go and it has been raining heavily so he brings them home with him and allows them to recover in his home in return for Summer cleaning his house due to the water damage from the heavy rains.
Needless to say, the attraction is there from the beginning but Summer is sure she has no sexual feelings. Roman continues to be her friend and to support her in her quest for independence and tries to help her get back on her feet. When he eventually tells her he's falling in love with her, she runs.
Summer eventually realizes she loves Roman and they find their way back together again. Catch A Kiwi was a good read from start to finish and I have no doubt you'll enjoy it as much as I did.
May 27, 2024
This is yet another fantastic read from Rosalind James. I warn you that you shouldn’t start reading this unless you have lots of time to set aside because it was hard to put down. If you’ve read any of James’ books before, you know what you are going to get: a strong alpha hero who is also soft on the inside and protective of the strong heroine who is trying to be independent. You also get a lovely look at New Zealand. She always makes it sound like the most wonderful place filled with interesting people.
As often happens in her books, the heroine, Summer, is at a low point in life and the hero, Roman, is a wealthy, powerful man who is immediately attracted to her. Summer is, apparently, a gorgeous woman whose beauty seems to stop men in their tracks. She’s also kind and smart and totally uninterested in using her looks to get ahead. She had just gotten out of a terrible marriage with a soccer star who ended up ruining her life and reputation. So she grabbed her 18-year-old cousin and decided to travel around New Zealand in an aged camper while getting menial jobs at various places until her camper crashes on Roman’s property and the romance begins.
I have the same problems with this backstory as I have with so many romances. Why does this strong, smart woman stay so long with this immature and selfish guy?
This is the sixth book in the New Zealand Ever After series. Many of the lead characters from the earlier books show up here also and it’s fun to see them again. I don’t know if you have to have read the earlier books to enjoy this one, but it would help. And they’re great reads so you are in for a treat.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from the author; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
As often happens in her books, the heroine, Summer, is at a low point in life and the hero, Roman, is a wealthy, powerful man who is immediately attracted to her. Summer is, apparently, a gorgeous woman whose beauty seems to stop men in their tracks. She’s also kind and smart and totally uninterested in using her looks to get ahead. She had just gotten out of a terrible marriage with a soccer star who ended up ruining her life and reputation. So she grabbed her 18-year-old cousin and decided to travel around New Zealand in an aged camper while getting menial jobs at various places until her camper crashes on Roman’s property and the romance begins.
I have the same problems with this backstory as I have with so many romances. Why does this strong, smart woman stay so long with this immature and selfish guy?
This is the sixth book in the New Zealand Ever After series. Many of the lead characters from the earlier books show up here also and it’s fun to see them again. I don’t know if you have to have read the earlier books to enjoy this one, but it would help. And they’re great reads so you are in for a treat.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from the author; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
June 3, 2024
Catch a Kiwi is yet another example as to why Rosalind James is an amazing author! Book 6 in her New Zealand Ever After series, the story can be read as a standalone ... but if you've read the other books, you'll be happy to see some of your favorite characters.
Ms. James writes romances stories that have depth with a capital D, romance that sizzles, all amid a tightly woven plot and subplots. Her characters are realistic and well developed ... to the point where I end up binge reading while simultaneously devouring the story and slow-reading at the end to prolong getting to "the end." Catch a Kiwi is exactly like that ... and more!
Front and center is the Maori culture, wrapped up with family, friendship, loyalty, romance, scenes that sizzle, and the sportsman lifestyle ... for both of our main characters. The opening scene will grab you and pull you in instantly. One minute you're trying to figure out the characters and four pages later you're gripping your eReader!
If you're looking for your next read ... one to take to the beach or to help you escape daily life, download Catch a Kiwi ... but fair warning, you're not going to want to put it down. I've got the bags under my eyes and dirty floors to prove it!
... and I've now started my re-read while I'm anxiously waiting for Delilah's story. I received an ARC; this is my honest review
Ms. James writes romances stories that have depth with a capital D, romance that sizzles, all amid a tightly woven plot and subplots. Her characters are realistic and well developed ... to the point where I end up binge reading while simultaneously devouring the story and slow-reading at the end to prolong getting to "the end." Catch a Kiwi is exactly like that ... and more!
Front and center is the Maori culture, wrapped up with family, friendship, loyalty, romance, scenes that sizzle, and the sportsman lifestyle ... for both of our main characters. The opening scene will grab you and pull you in instantly. One minute you're trying to figure out the characters and four pages later you're gripping your eReader!
If you're looking for your next read ... one to take to the beach or to help you escape daily life, download Catch a Kiwi ... but fair warning, you're not going to want to put it down. I've got the bags under my eyes and dirty floors to prove it!
... and I've now started my re-read while I'm anxiously waiting for Delilah's story. I received an ARC; this is my honest review
May 9, 2024
I received an early copy for review. When I downloaded this book I thought how can an author write a book that will take 9 hours to read? I started reading on the weekend and stayed up too late many nights forcing myself to put it down and get some sleep. The author has a real talent for painting a picture with words, you are transported to New Zealand, and feel the emotions of the characters. The H and h both speak in motivational quotes at times, and I want to look them all up. I really love the sister who is part of the story, when the conversation and the plot gets intense, she adds some levity. It is also nice to see some of the characters from previous books, and where their lives have taken them. I like that there is tension and apprehension before the characters find their HEA, it is very real how their life experience is part of what brings them together, and at times keeps them apart. There is so much of this story that makes me want to go to New Zealand, and I have a big appreciation for the Maori culture and the importance of family.
June 2, 2024
When I first started reading this book, I thought that the beginning was a bit too similar to another one of Ros’ books. Boy, did she tie it together! I should have known- Rosalind NEVER disappoints!
I kind of liked that I didn’t like Summer right away, it was like I could feel her frustration with life. Similarly, I loved her cousin, Delilah, immediately as well as our hero, Roman - I could feel both of their frustration with Summer. I always feel so connected to Rosalind’s characters. Which is why I loved this book. Tied together so artfully, these wonderful new characters with dearly loved acquaintances from previous books. That being said, you do not have to read the previous books in this series, but you’ll be missing out if you don’t!
“Life begins on the other … the other side of despair.” That was by Sartre.
I always learn something from Rosalind’s books, this time I enjoyed learning some new quotes. From Thich Nhat Hanh to Joseph Campbell.
Priceless knowledge!
Can’t say enough about this heartfelt journey of true family and friends, Whanau!
I kind of liked that I didn’t like Summer right away, it was like I could feel her frustration with life. Similarly, I loved her cousin, Delilah, immediately as well as our hero, Roman - I could feel both of their frustration with Summer. I always feel so connected to Rosalind’s characters. Which is why I loved this book. Tied together so artfully, these wonderful new characters with dearly loved acquaintances from previous books. That being said, you do not have to read the previous books in this series, but you’ll be missing out if you don’t!
“Life begins on the other … the other side of despair.” That was by Sartre.
I always learn something from Rosalind’s books, this time I enjoyed learning some new quotes. From Thich Nhat Hanh to Joseph Campbell.
Priceless knowledge!
Can’t say enough about this heartfelt journey of true family and friends, Whanau!
June 11, 2024
We All Live Our Whole Lives in Our Bodies
I’ll admit I wasn’t sure I liked Roman at first but slowly he won me over. Summer is a beautifully striking woman who was interesting to get to know. She says to Roman at one point that she’s lived in her body her whole life and for some reason that struck me as such a great statement. We have all lived in our bodies our whole lives, yet are sometimes told by others to ignore what we know viscerally and objectively as well. Her relationship with Delilah is an interesting one and it was great seeing how it developed, lots of past hurts there but they are working through it for a better future and relationship.
As always, Rosalind James gives you the whole process of growth and you end up loving the characters even when their first impressions aren’t great.
Getting to see Koro and the whole family and Daisy and her sisters, was so nice. All of these characters are so well rounded, it feels like visiting old friends.
This is a journey of two people with lots of baggage and how they slowly start dealing with it and letting someone else in. Doesn’t mean it’s perfect, but they are working through their past hurts and opening themselves to a beautiful future. “The kind of love i’d always run from, because it was too strong and too unknown. Out of my control.”
I’ll admit I wasn’t sure I liked Roman at first but slowly he won me over. Summer is a beautifully striking woman who was interesting to get to know. She says to Roman at one point that she’s lived in her body her whole life and for some reason that struck me as such a great statement. We have all lived in our bodies our whole lives, yet are sometimes told by others to ignore what we know viscerally and objectively as well. Her relationship with Delilah is an interesting one and it was great seeing how it developed, lots of past hurts there but they are working through it for a better future and relationship.
As always, Rosalind James gives you the whole process of growth and you end up loving the characters even when their first impressions aren’t great.
Getting to see Koro and the whole family and Daisy and her sisters, was so nice. All of these characters are so well rounded, it feels like visiting old friends.
This is a journey of two people with lots of baggage and how they slowly start dealing with it and letting someone else in. Doesn’t mean it’s perfect, but they are working through their past hurts and opening themselves to a beautiful future. “The kind of love i’d always run from, because it was too strong and too unknown. Out of my control.”
June 2, 2024
I've enjoyed all of the books in the New Zealand Ever After series, but Catch a Kiwi might actually be my favorite.
The main characters in the book are tough but kind and (mostly) well behaved. Summer and her cousin Delilah are young women in a state of flux, attempting to keep up with the changing circumstances in their lives and Roman is a successful man trying to achieve bigger and better things.
I liked that our couple meets early in the book but they do not instantly fall into each others arms professing their undying love (because how can you trust that). I liked that they grew to know and respect each other before they fall into a serious relationship.
Seeing previous characters pop up in the book was lovely as well. I'm one of those weird people who love getting updates on past characters.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys well crafted romance.
The main characters in the book are tough but kind and (mostly) well behaved. Summer and her cousin Delilah are young women in a state of flux, attempting to keep up with the changing circumstances in their lives and Roman is a successful man trying to achieve bigger and better things.
I liked that our couple meets early in the book but they do not instantly fall into each others arms professing their undying love (because how can you trust that). I liked that they grew to know and respect each other before they fall into a serious relationship.
Seeing previous characters pop up in the book was lovely as well. I'm one of those weird people who love getting updates on past characters.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys well crafted romance.
June 2, 2024
Summer is working her way through New Zealand with her 18 year old cousin, Delilah. One camper van with a malfunctioning alternator and a fairly spectacular slide down a ravine on Roman's property later and the scene is set for a very satisfying read.
Summer has gone through a lot of trauma and is very determined to get everything in her life back on track without any help from anyone. Roman is twice divorced and happy to stay that way. Add in assorted family members and some beloved characters from other books and you have Kiwi heaven.
As always, it is the way that Rosalind James writes people and dialogue, that pulls me in from the first page. The conversations between Delilah (who could have been my snarky teenager) and Summer and/or Roman were especially fun to read.
I giggled, laughed, and laughed like a loon (looking at you, yoga fail) and, finally, cried my way through a very satisfying, long read. What more could you ask for?
Summer has gone through a lot of trauma and is very determined to get everything in her life back on track without any help from anyone. Roman is twice divorced and happy to stay that way. Add in assorted family members and some beloved characters from other books and you have Kiwi heaven.
As always, it is the way that Rosalind James writes people and dialogue, that pulls me in from the first page. The conversations between Delilah (who could have been my snarky teenager) and Summer and/or Roman were especially fun to read.
I giggled, laughed, and laughed like a loon (looking at you, yoga fail) and, finally, cried my way through a very satisfying, long read. What more could you ask for?
June 15, 2024
finding your person
Roman and Summer have things in common. Both were raised by single mothers never knowing their fathers. This experience has shaped their lives making them focused and determined to succeed. Summer has so much baggage from some of the things she has experienced by the end of the book I wondered how she carried on.
While traveling in a camper van through New Zealand Summer and her teenaged cousin crash on Roman’s property during a severe storm. When he finds them he does something out of character and takes them in and has them stay until they have recovered from their injuries. Summer and Roman go through a lot of drama before they finally realize they are perfect for each other.I was impressed by their determination and resilience. Very good story with believable characters lots of action. It made me think about the forces that determine out destiny.
Roman and Summer have things in common. Both were raised by single mothers never knowing their fathers. This experience has shaped their lives making them focused and determined to succeed. Summer has so much baggage from some of the things she has experienced by the end of the book I wondered how she carried on.
While traveling in a camper van through New Zealand Summer and her teenaged cousin crash on Roman’s property during a severe storm. When he finds them he does something out of character and takes them in and has them stay until they have recovered from their injuries. Summer and Roman go through a lot of drama before they finally realize they are perfect for each other.I was impressed by their determination and resilience. Very good story with believable characters lots of action. It made me think about the forces that determine out destiny.
February 20, 2025
I'm at 27%, and frankly, hate both the leads.
It would be a great story, with the fascinating characters and all. But THEY NEVER STOP ARGUING. EVER. Every single bit of dialogue is a one-up, snide, snarky, defensive comment after another. And boy, do they argue. There's hardly any expository info here, just pages and pages and pages of snappy, argumentative, defensive verbal swordfighting.
Perhaps there's a trope that posits arguing as foreplay. Guess I'm not sophisticated enough to catch on to that.
There's also the continual in-your-face declaration of uber independence by the FMC. She's so committed to being independent that she'd much rather die a painful death than to accept a smile in her direction, because that's considered charity. This screaming independence trope is unbelievably over-the-top and overdone.
I'd start skipping ahead more, but when I did, guess what? MORE ARGUING. It's totally overdone.
No thanks.
It would be a great story, with the fascinating characters and all. But THEY NEVER STOP ARGUING. EVER. Every single bit of dialogue is a one-up, snide, snarky, defensive comment after another. And boy, do they argue. There's hardly any expository info here, just pages and pages and pages of snappy, argumentative, defensive verbal swordfighting.
Perhaps there's a trope that posits arguing as foreplay. Guess I'm not sophisticated enough to catch on to that.
There's also the continual in-your-face declaration of uber independence by the FMC. She's so committed to being independent that she'd much rather die a painful death than to accept a smile in her direction, because that's considered charity. This screaming independence trope is unbelievably over-the-top and overdone.
I'd start skipping ahead more, but when I did, guess what? MORE ARGUING. It's totally overdone.
No thanks.
June 2, 2024
Strong women. Gruff men. Rosalind James makes this an unbeatable combination, with sparks and heat galore! Add in favorites from other books in the series and it's an all-around engaging story.
Summer Adair has taken her cousin and fled from a life in shambles to New Zealand for a new start. Unfortunately, that start is a little slower than she wanted and hits an all new low when she drivers her camper van off the edge of a road and into a ditch at the foot of Roman D'Angelo's house.
Roman is a gruff and off-putting man, but the Kiwi in him won't let him leave Summer and Delilah stranded. And although Summer is inherently scared of men exactly like Roman, she realizes that she really has no other choice but to take him up on his hospitality. But that doesn't mean she's going to be a doormat.
Summer Adair has taken her cousin and fled from a life in shambles to New Zealand for a new start. Unfortunately, that start is a little slower than she wanted and hits an all new low when she drivers her camper van off the edge of a road and into a ditch at the foot of Roman D'Angelo's house.
Roman is a gruff and off-putting man, but the Kiwi in him won't let him leave Summer and Delilah stranded. And although Summer is inherently scared of men exactly like Roman, she realizes that she really has no other choice but to take him up on his hospitality. But that doesn't mean she's going to be a doormat.
June 4, 2024
Rosalind James is my favorite author & I have read every book she has written. This story, Catch a Kiwi will suck you in, and you won't be able to put it down until the end! It starts at night where Summer and Delilah are driving in a cyclone. They need to get off the pitch black road when their RV stops running. Summer decides to try to push the RV with Delilah steering. The result is a mess. Roman is driving by and realizes something is wrong. He sees Summer trying to save her cousin and she needs help. He saves them but the RV is a totaled.
I really love when Rosalind includes characters from her other stories as it gives you that familiar feeling. And we do fall in love with all of her characters. This was a great book and I cannot wait for Rosalind James to come out with her next one!
I really love when Rosalind includes characters from her other stories as it gives you that familiar feeling. And we do fall in love with all of her characters. This was a great book and I cannot wait for Rosalind James to come out with her next one!
June 5, 2024
In To Catch a Kiwi, Rosalind James brings us back to New Zealand with new characters (Roman and Summer - and Delilah) who are tangentially connected to previous characters we’ve known and loved.
I have to say that this was a book I think I needed. Summer comes to New Zealand with a cargo plane worth of baggage and literally crashes into Roman’s life. Little need he know that he really needed her and cousin Delilah as much as they needed him.
Ms James takes us journey with this trio. There is unpacking of baggage, secrets revealed, crisis dealt with, more secrets, emotional support, and love. The grace that is given and missteps made reflect the humanity of the characters and lessons that many of us need to remember.
As always, Ms James has a unique style that pulls the reader in and has you invested in the characters and their growth.
I have to say that this was a book I think I needed. Summer comes to New Zealand with a cargo plane worth of baggage and literally crashes into Roman’s life. Little need he know that he really needed her and cousin Delilah as much as they needed him.
Ms James takes us journey with this trio. There is unpacking of baggage, secrets revealed, crisis dealt with, more secrets, emotional support, and love. The grace that is given and missteps made reflect the humanity of the characters and lessons that many of us need to remember.
As always, Ms James has a unique style that pulls the reader in and has you invested in the characters and their growth.
June 8, 2024
What a beautiful story that kept me turning the pages from beginning to end!
Once again Rosalind James has created characters that make you want to get to know them deep down and follow their journey alongside them. Both Summer and Roman, the main characters, have their own stories of past hurts and the personal growth of these characters made for wonderful reading. Their romance grew slowly, with some steamy scenes and a lot of banter! I loved Delilah, Summer’s cousin and her witty chatter, as well as Esther, who I hope we see more of in future books.
It’s always lovely to revisit with previous characters from other books and series, with the author seamlessly weaving the relationships and interactions together. Her knowledge and love for Aotearoa and Maori culture comes through in every word.
I really enjoyed Catch a Kiwi and can’t wait for what comes next!
Once again Rosalind James has created characters that make you want to get to know them deep down and follow their journey alongside them. Both Summer and Roman, the main characters, have their own stories of past hurts and the personal growth of these characters made for wonderful reading. Their romance grew slowly, with some steamy scenes and a lot of banter! I loved Delilah, Summer’s cousin and her witty chatter, as well as Esther, who I hope we see more of in future books.
It’s always lovely to revisit with previous characters from other books and series, with the author seamlessly weaving the relationships and interactions together. Her knowledge and love for Aotearoa and Maori culture comes through in every word.
I really enjoyed Catch a Kiwi and can’t wait for what comes next!
June 20, 2024
This book was fun! Rosalind’s books are always full of friends and families and this one is no different.
The storyline takes a while to be exposed as to why lead Summer is tooling around NZ in a van with her cousin Delilah, taking odd jobs and not settling in anywhere. A scary accident gets them involved with Roman, a take charge need to fix it man of means. Summer has her issues with men with money and is extremely stubborn in her quest to be independent. Roman has a history of wanting to take care of women (who don’t want it and leave him), so he has his issues too. The tug and pull of their romance is relatable, to the point I wanted to smack Summer a couple times with her obstinance.
Throw in some characters from previous books, the wonderful Maori culture and a grown up romance—you have a highly recommended book.
The storyline takes a while to be exposed as to why lead Summer is tooling around NZ in a van with her cousin Delilah, taking odd jobs and not settling in anywhere. A scary accident gets them involved with Roman, a take charge need to fix it man of means. Summer has her issues with men with money and is extremely stubborn in her quest to be independent. Roman has a history of wanting to take care of women (who don’t want it and leave him), so he has his issues too. The tug and pull of their romance is relatable, to the point I wanted to smack Summer a couple times with her obstinance.
Throw in some characters from previous books, the wonderful Maori culture and a grown up romance—you have a highly recommended book.
June 5, 2024
Catch A Kiwi is the perfect ending to the New Zealand Ever After series! Summer and Deliah are cousins temporarily traveling around New Zealand trying to find their way in life. When their plans take a wrong turn, and their camper van ends up down the side of a hill during a downpour, the last thing they expect to happen is to have a surly guy not only help them to the hospital, but take them in, give them a job, and make sure they heal before they can move on to the next phase of their trip. Roman is a man that has made himself into something even though he came from very little. But when his world is flipped upside down shortly after taking in Summer and Deliah, he's facing his own uphill battle to find himself again. Together, Roman and Summer find family, love, friendship, and the best versions of themselves. And the best part was when we get to see Koro again. The 100 year old man with only love for his family in his heart, and all the wisdom of life to share. This was the perfect end to the series, and you will definitely find yourself needing a box of tissues along the way. Read this book, you won't regret it!
June 3, 2024
Catch a Kiwi is a lovely story about two people who have each experienced a great deal of trauma in their lives, and are both cautious about getting too close to anyone. An crash brings them together, but they have to learn to navigate their individual trust issues as they learn more about each other. What happens next is the perfect slow burn leading to a fiery spark that Rosalind James is best known for. Roman and Summer are well written, with complex messy lives that make the reader care about them. Many characters from earlier books show up here and it’s fun to see them again. As always, Rosalind James writes people and dialogue that pulls the reader in from the first page. There is so much emotional depth in this beautifully written book. 5-stars.
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