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A sexy new STAND-ALONE NOVEL by the bestselling author of the Escape to New Zealand series
I never asked Hemi Te Mana to rescue me.
It was true that I had a lousy job. Not to mention a lousy apartment and too much responsibility, although it was a responsibility I wouldn’t have given up for the world. That still didn’t mean I needed rescuing, if that was what you’d call the situation I ended up in.
And anyway, I knew that a multimillionaire Maori CEO with too many muscles, a tribal tattoo, and a take-no-prisoners attitude was way, way out of my league.
So, no, I didn’t ask him to, but he rescued me anyway. Because Hemi was fierce. But you know what I found out? So was I.
Note: This is the “book within a book” that Faith is writing in Just in Time: Escape to New Zealand. Hemi isn’t Will, but you may see some of Faith’s feelings about Will coming out...
I never asked Hemi Te Mana to rescue me.
It was true that I had a lousy job. Not to mention a lousy apartment and too much responsibility, although it was a responsibility I wouldn’t have given up for the world. That still didn’t mean I needed rescuing, if that was what you’d call the situation I ended up in.
And anyway, I knew that a multimillionaire Maori CEO with too many muscles, a tribal tattoo, and a take-no-prisoners attitude was way, way out of my league.
So, no, I didn’t ask him to, but he rescued me anyway. Because Hemi was fierce. But you know what I found out? So was I.
Note: This is the “book within a book” that Faith is writing in Just in Time: Escape to New Zealand. Hemi isn’t Will, but you may see some of Faith’s feelings about Will coming out...
378 pages, ebook
First published July 6, 2015
1911 people are currently reading
1605 people want to read
About the author
Rosalind James
55 books1,217 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 210 reviews
July 18, 2015
The book within a book. A spin off (sort of) from Just in Time. In Just in Time, the h, Faith was writing a ebook about Hemi and Hope. The characters in her book were loosely based on her (Faith) and Will.
I didn't know if I would like this premise. I was wrong. I love it and I love the writing- OF COURSE.
I liked Just in Time, but I love Fierce a whole lot more.The story starts off very strong. It's not necessary to read Just in Time before Fierce. It's its own story- don't worry- no funky parallel universe. (nothing wrong with that).
The POV is first person Hope then Hemi pov. The setting is based in NYC. Hemi is a CEO of a fashion design company. He's from New Zealand, but has spent many years away from home, living in NYC. Hope works for a photographer and meets Hemi at a photo shoot for his clothing line. Hemi notices her while she works & whisks her away to work for his company. It's a cubical job in the publicity department, it's a slight step up.
She gets placed working for Martine, who's a cross between Cruela DeVille & Katherine from the movie "Working Girl". Hope works hard and is motivated to provide for herself and her 15 year old sister Karen. Hope and Karen are on their own after their mother died 5 years before.
I love the chemistry between Hope & Hemi. It simmers for a while. There's a lot more heat in this book than the Escape to New Zealand books. I loved the heating up between these two. Hemi has told Hope, "I don't do relationships". How many times have we heard that before? And yet this feels fresh. The character development is so good. Hope stays realistic. I really liked her. I really think that the book title FIERCE fits her. Hemi is dominant, but Hope holds her own. No fake spunkiness either!
How long does Hemi hold out? Does Hope wait to find out? There's some medical/health drama during all this. It flows seamlessly with the romance. Karen, Hope's sister is a great supporting character.
Hope readies herself for the end of their time together. Hemi does too. Hope has already learned, men leave. Hemi has learned, women leave. Hemi is a tall, dark and handsome Maori. He has a mentor/physical trainer, Eugene. Eugene is an American version of his grandpa that is back home in NZ. Eugene and his wife Debra, don't hesitate to give out their (very wise) advice to Hemi.
This book was a BIG surprise when Amazon emailed me to let me know what was new on ebook.
I saw that this book was out..... " What?! What? What?! (say a with sqwacky chicken voice, lol). A new Rosalind James book? And spun off from a book that I had just read? Yes Yes. and it's KU .
I took my time reading this. In this case, slow is a good thing- I didn't want it to end. I wanted these two fierce ones to have their HEA. Great ( but brief) epilogue. Great job Ms James.
I didn't know if I would like this premise. I was wrong. I love it and I love the writing- OF COURSE.
I liked Just in Time, but I love Fierce a whole lot more.The story starts off very strong. It's not necessary to read Just in Time before Fierce. It's its own story- don't worry- no funky parallel universe. (nothing wrong with that).
The POV is first person Hope then Hemi pov. The setting is based in NYC. Hemi is a CEO of a fashion design company. He's from New Zealand, but has spent many years away from home, living in NYC. Hope works for a photographer and meets Hemi at a photo shoot for his clothing line. Hemi notices her while she works & whisks her away to work for his company. It's a cubical job in the publicity department, it's a slight step up.
She gets placed working for Martine, who's a cross between Cruela DeVille & Katherine from the movie "Working Girl". Hope works hard and is motivated to provide for herself and her 15 year old sister Karen. Hope and Karen are on their own after their mother died 5 years before.
I love the chemistry between Hope & Hemi. It simmers for a while. There's a lot more heat in this book than the Escape to New Zealand books. I loved the heating up between these two. Hemi has told Hope, "I don't do relationships". How many times have we heard that before? And yet this feels fresh. The character development is so good. Hope stays realistic. I really liked her. I really think that the book title FIERCE fits her. Hemi is dominant, but Hope holds her own. No fake spunkiness either!
How long does Hemi hold out? Does Hope wait to find out? There's some medical/health drama during all this. It flows seamlessly with the romance. Karen, Hope's sister is a great supporting character.
Hope readies herself for the end of their time together. Hemi does too. Hope has already learned, men leave. Hemi has learned, women leave. Hemi is a tall, dark and handsome Maori. He has a mentor/physical trainer, Eugene. Eugene is an American version of his grandpa that is back home in NZ. Eugene and his wife Debra, don't hesitate to give out their (very wise) advice to Hemi.
This book was a BIG surprise when Amazon emailed me to let me know what was new on ebook.
I saw that this book was out..... " What?! What? What?! (say a with sqwacky chicken voice, lol). A new Rosalind James book? And spun off from a book that I had just read? Yes Yes. and it's KU .
I took my time reading this. In this case, slow is a good thing- I didn't want it to end. I wanted these two fierce ones to have their HEA. Great ( but brief) epilogue. Great job Ms James.
July 2, 2018
This ended up being a big old nope at 20 percent. I usually love Rosalind James's books. I recommend her Escape to New Zealand series to anyone that asks about a really good romance with some hot scenes.
Premise is that this book follows a New Zealand Mr. Grey (Hemi) coming along and deciding that he is going to (swear word) a woman (Hope) that he meets when he goes to see a photo shoot set up.
James can usually turn a phrase and make me see her characters, but I had a hard time even picturing this whole thing. She tried to turn her New Zealand characters into Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele and it did not work at all.
The little we find out about Hope is that she is struggling to make things work for her and her teenage sister. They are sharing a tiny place in New York (I think it's a studio) and she's working for an insane photographer. When she meets Hemi she feels intrigued by him and he weirdly decides he is going to have to have her. Cause that's what doms do I guess (I have no idea). Hemi arranges things so that Hope gets a job at his company and from there he is going to make sure that she eventually gives into him (barf).
Hemi is crude and sorry not sexy at all to me. I was done after he propositions Hope in his office and she rightfully slaps him. Of course James has Hope thinking to herself that she could not helped being turned on by the whole thing and I just quit this book at this point. I just got frustrated because a scene before this Hemi tries to force Hope into going out to dinner with him and she says no to that. He even tries to force her to go overseas on an assignment even after she explains why she can't (her sister being left alone is a huge problem). So he's not exactly blowing my socks off with empathy.
I would recommend passing on this one.
Premise is that this book follows a New Zealand Mr. Grey (Hemi) coming along and deciding that he is going to (swear word) a woman (Hope) that he meets when he goes to see a photo shoot set up.
James can usually turn a phrase and make me see her characters, but I had a hard time even picturing this whole thing. She tried to turn her New Zealand characters into Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele and it did not work at all.
The little we find out about Hope is that she is struggling to make things work for her and her teenage sister. They are sharing a tiny place in New York (I think it's a studio) and she's working for an insane photographer. When she meets Hemi she feels intrigued by him and he weirdly decides he is going to have to have her. Cause that's what doms do I guess (I have no idea). Hemi arranges things so that Hope gets a job at his company and from there he is going to make sure that she eventually gives into him (barf).
Hemi is crude and sorry not sexy at all to me. I was done after he propositions Hope in his office and she rightfully slaps him. Of course James has Hope thinking to herself that she could not helped being turned on by the whole thing and I just quit this book at this point. I just got frustrated because a scene before this Hemi tries to force Hope into going out to dinner with him and she says no to that. He even tries to force her to go overseas on an assignment even after she explains why she can't (her sister being left alone is a huge problem). So he's not exactly blowing my socks off with empathy.
I would recommend passing on this one.
February 17, 2017
What the Mother EFF people. This book has so much promise. I wanted to love it. Instead I dnf it at about 30%. Hot, Maori Billionaire? Um sign me up. Hot, Maori Billionaire that has the social skills of a perverted 13 year old? Yeah not so much.
Sucks to go in thinking Jason Momoa and find out it is Justin Bieber. EFF ME
Sucks to go in thinking Jason Momoa and find out it is Justin Bieber. EFF ME
July 18, 2015
I received a copy of this ARC solely in exchange for an honest review.
Well, not every story is for every reader, and "Fierce" was not for me. It was okay, which is damning with faint praise, I suppose. For those of us who've read and liked (if not adored) many of the author's previous books, "Fierce" was a let down, especially coming so soon on the heels of "Carry Me Home," which was good fun (although not her best -- "Welcome to Paradise," "Just This Once," and "Just for Now" are my favorites in terms of intricate, thoughtful story and details, and fantastic, often swoon-worthy dialogue).
The story of poor, put upon Hope Sinclair, a twenty-four year-old old-before-her-time virgin, and Hemi Te Mana, an uber-alpha Kiwi Maori successful clothing designer, was nothing special. As I read "Fierce," I kept thinking "this is familiar ... and so is this ... and that." Nothing about the story, the plot, the characters, and their predicaments felt fresh, and because Rosalind James (the author) has previously and repeatedly made me feel as if what I'm reading of hers is brand-new (to me) and fresh (to me), I felt disappointed.
Hope is solely responsible for herself and her increasingly ill fifteen year-old sister, Karen: their mother passed away five years earlier. Consequently, Hope was unable to finish her BA and has been scrounging, putting up with crap just to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. Hope feels the knife right there on her neck, so she cannot afford frippery or acting her age. Hemi spots Hope during a photography shoot and, knowing nothing of her / her circumstances, secures her a job in his company, solely so he can pursue her. He is not interested in a relationship, well, Hemi is not interested in anything other than a dominant / bondage sexual relationship of finite duration, with Hope or any female. Hemi has his own bruised history, his own experiences with abandonment and being responsible for family members who aren't / shouldn't really be his responsibility.
And so it goes, the delicate dance of fitting each other / each others expectations into their respective lives.
One more thing: I know other reviewers for previous books of James' have harped on this, but in this book her usage of incomplete sentences drove me a bit batty, to the point of taking me out of the story (which wasn't hard to do, admittedly, as I wasn't particularly invested). Perhaps that was a stylistic choice? Whatever -- I did not care for it, and can now empathize with those previous reviewers (these inc sentences never bothered me in her previous books, even though I did notice them).
Clearly "Fierce" was not my cup of tea, but just as clearly based on the other reviews, it is for many other readers. I shall continue to read books by this author because one bad apple does not spoil the bushel! And I really have enjoyed her other works.
Well, not every story is for every reader, and "Fierce" was not for me. It was okay, which is damning with faint praise, I suppose. For those of us who've read and liked (if not adored) many of the author's previous books, "Fierce" was a let down, especially coming so soon on the heels of "Carry Me Home," which was good fun (although not her best -- "Welcome to Paradise," "Just This Once," and "Just for Now" are my favorites in terms of intricate, thoughtful story and details, and fantastic, often swoon-worthy dialogue).
The story of poor, put upon Hope Sinclair, a twenty-four year-old old-before-her-time virgin, and Hemi Te Mana, an uber-alpha Kiwi Maori successful clothing designer, was nothing special. As I read "Fierce," I kept thinking "this is familiar ... and so is this ... and that." Nothing about the story, the plot, the characters, and their predicaments felt fresh, and because Rosalind James (the author) has previously and repeatedly made me feel as if what I'm reading of hers is brand-new (to me) and fresh (to me), I felt disappointed.
Hope is solely responsible for herself and her increasingly ill fifteen year-old sister, Karen: their mother passed away five years earlier. Consequently, Hope was unable to finish her BA and has been scrounging, putting up with crap just to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. Hope feels the knife right there on her neck, so she cannot afford frippery or acting her age. Hemi spots Hope during a photography shoot and, knowing nothing of her / her circumstances, secures her a job in his company, solely so he can pursue her. He is not interested in a relationship, well, Hemi is not interested in anything other than a dominant / bondage sexual relationship of finite duration, with Hope or any female. Hemi has his own bruised history, his own experiences with abandonment and being responsible for family members who aren't / shouldn't really be his responsibility.
And so it goes, the delicate dance of fitting each other / each others expectations into their respective lives.
One more thing: I know other reviewers for previous books of James' have harped on this, but in this book her usage of incomplete sentences drove me a bit batty, to the point of taking me out of the story (which wasn't hard to do, admittedly, as I wasn't particularly invested). Perhaps that was a stylistic choice? Whatever -- I did not care for it, and can now empathize with those previous reviewers (these inc sentences never bothered me in her previous books, even though I did notice them).
Clearly "Fierce" was not my cup of tea, but just as clearly based on the other reviews, it is for many other readers. I shall continue to read books by this author because one bad apple does not spoil the bushel! And I really have enjoyed her other works.
January 23, 2016
Hope is struggling, she's doing a job she doesn't like for a boss she can't stand and she's doing it all because she's the sole guardian for her sister Karen who is fifteen. Hope's life isn't easy in fact she's more or less put her life on hold to focus on her sister, that is until Hemi enters her life.
Hemi is incredibly hot, rich and successful he's focused and single minded in all things including relationships and his idea of a relationship involves a signed nondisclosure agreement.
The attraction between Hemi and Hope is instant and incredible but they are both so different and they're looking for completely different things. Hope wants love, she wants someone she can build a relationship with. Hemi wants sex for as long as it's good for him and when he's done he'll send her a really nice expensive goodbye gift.
This is written in an alternating first person which takes a little getting used to, it started well but I wasn't sure how much I actually liked Hemi, he's very cynical and believes that love makes you weak and he's anything but weak. I accept that getting his POV means we know what he's thinking which doesn't always help his case, especially early on before we really get a feel for him but eventually we discover the man beneath the image and he won me over in the end.
This is the first book I've read by this author and on the whole I enjoyed it, there were times when Hope annoyed me and it goes without saying Hemi annoyed me as well, mainly early on but overall it's a good entertaining read.
February 5, 2016
4.25 STARS!!!
OMG! What a tantalizing and tingle inducing surprise this one was! This is like FSoG, The Crossfire Series, This Man, and Losing Control (Jen Frederick) all mashed up but on the warmer side of the thermometer. Oh, don’t get me wrong. There was plenty of HOTNESS, but it isn't told in explicit minute detail. It was actually a nice change to get sexy hot without the super graphic aspect.
With this one, you get exactly what is advertised. No need to worry that a story unlike what you are expecting is lurking in the pages. You get a hot Maori CEO chasing after an entry level associate, who has somehow managed to get under his skin. Now he wants her and have her he will. Hemi Te Mana didn’t get to where he is today by taking no for an answer. It’s a story of cat and mouse, and you may be surprised at whose tail ends up in the trap.
I have to say Hemi was pure yummy deliciousness (with the occasional jackass thrown in)! Admittedly, the jackass part made him a bit more attractive though. Who doesn’t love a guy that’s a bit of an ass, right? For the most part I liked Hope, but seriously she worked my last nerve on occasion. Overall, I reeeeeeally enjoyed reading Fierce. If you are looking for something sexy with a commanding CEO, you found your next read right here.
OMG! What a tantalizing and tingle inducing surprise this one was! This is like FSoG, The Crossfire Series, This Man, and Losing Control (Jen Frederick) all mashed up but on the warmer side of the thermometer. Oh, don’t get me wrong. There was plenty of HOTNESS, but it isn't told in explicit minute detail. It was actually a nice change to get sexy hot without the super graphic aspect.
With this one, you get exactly what is advertised. No need to worry that a story unlike what you are expecting is lurking in the pages. You get a hot Maori CEO chasing after an entry level associate, who has somehow managed to get under his skin. Now he wants her and have her he will. Hemi Te Mana didn’t get to where he is today by taking no for an answer. It’s a story of cat and mouse, and you may be surprised at whose tail ends up in the trap.
I have to say Hemi was pure yummy deliciousness (with the occasional jackass thrown in)! Admittedly, the jackass part made him a bit more attractive though. Who doesn’t love a guy that’s a bit of an ass, right? For the most part I liked Hope, but seriously she worked my last nerve on occasion. Overall, I reeeeeeally enjoyed reading Fierce. If you are looking for something sexy with a commanding CEO, you found your next read right here.
April 29, 2021
3.5 stars. I read this after reading and liking Kiwi Rules which is about Karen, Hope's younger sister. This one takes place earlier, when Karen is still a teen, and she's a side character in this book. But I'm kinda glad I read the books out of order, cos it set the scene for this one - I knew what to expect.
It's Hope and Hemi's story - or part 1, anyway. There are two more books to follow. It takes place mainly in the US and moves to New Zealand near the end, (whereas Kiwi Rules takes place in New Zealand.)
Hope is a very strong and feisty woman - and she needs to be to push back against Hemi's steamroller type personality. Hemi is a highly successful CEO of an international business, and he's used to getting exactly what he wants whenever he wants it. Although he's physically attractive, he's not a very likeable person for most of this book. But as time goes on he falls hard for Hope, and he realises he needs to change and become less self-centric.
There is a HFN ending to the book, and I'm not sure I'm keen to see what happens in book 2 - it's called 'Fractured'. Eek. I'm not a fan of angst. But I know from Kiwi Rules that eventually Hope and Hemi do get a real HEA and the relationship does last, so I guess I'll read the other books at some point.
It's Hope and Hemi's story - or part 1, anyway. There are two more books to follow. It takes place mainly in the US and moves to New Zealand near the end, (whereas Kiwi Rules takes place in New Zealand.)
Hope is a very strong and feisty woman - and she needs to be to push back against Hemi's steamroller type personality. Hemi is a highly successful CEO of an international business, and he's used to getting exactly what he wants whenever he wants it. Although he's physically attractive, he's not a very likeable person for most of this book. But as time goes on he falls hard for Hope, and he realises he needs to change and become less self-centric.
There is a HFN ending to the book, and I'm not sure I'm keen to see what happens in book 2 - it's called 'Fractured'. Eek. I'm not a fan of angst. But I know from Kiwi Rules that eventually Hope and Hemi do get a real HEA and the relationship does last, so I guess I'll read the other books at some point.
February 10, 2016
DNF 9%
freebie-to-read
August 10, 2017
September 22, 2019
When I realized that the author actually wrote the book talked about in Just in Time I knew I would seek this one out. At the start quite a bit of it was familiar due to those parts being shared in Just in Time, but as the book went on it took on a life of it's own. Part dragged for me, I got tired of Hemi just wanting sex with no strings argument versus Hope wanting a true relationship/connection. Did these two have things to work through, yes, but if they just let themselves be they were good together. I was glad when Hemi woke up and realized he wanted the relationship that Hope did.
January 16, 2018
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.
When I first read Just in Time, I was excited and captivated by the snippets of Faith's book. Emotionally charged and highly intriguing, I was sorry that it wasn't a real book. And then, Rosalind James made it real. I was super excited to read it.
It took me a while to read. Maybe it was my frame of mind, maybe it was the wrong time for me, maybe I had read some books that colored my thinking in ways I don't even realize, but I never could get into Hope and Hemi. It's a strong book: great emotional moments, strong women (and strong if confused men), a Cinderella story, a rags-to-riches story.
Hope is a stubborn lady, right up my alley. Her willingness to put it out there and not take any of Hemi's baloney was dead on, and exactly what Hemi needed. She's strong in all the ways that count: as certain rugby players might have said "She sticks." Her relationship with her sister is a thing of beauty and her backstory is quietly full of pathos as well as basic, real life troubles. She's everywoman, working to make sure that what needs to be done gets done. She's isolated. She has her sister and that's pretty much it -no familial network, no friend to call when all she wants to do is vent. Yet she is not shy or awkward.
Hemi is... larger than life to Hope. A self-made man, he is bitter and cynical; he holds his heart away more on purpose than because he is fearful. He doesn't want to need or love so he doesn't risk it. He has his own past issues, it's true, but they are mostly demonstrated in a couple of places and glossed over the rest of the time. He is Maori and proud of it but outside his tattoo, he barely shares that with Hope. It takes a lot for this stubborn man to realize what he has.
I liked the book: James doesn't write bad books. Everything here was right up my alley. This has just a shade more steam than Just in Time, but is definitely in the same vein as it. It's easy to see the books being connected and certain parts definitely recall to mind parts of Just in Time.
When I first read Just in Time, I was excited and captivated by the snippets of Faith's book. Emotionally charged and highly intriguing, I was sorry that it wasn't a real book. And then, Rosalind James made it real. I was super excited to read it.
It took me a while to read. Maybe it was my frame of mind, maybe it was the wrong time for me, maybe I had read some books that colored my thinking in ways I don't even realize, but I never could get into Hope and Hemi. It's a strong book: great emotional moments, strong women (and strong if confused men), a Cinderella story, a rags-to-riches story.
Hope is a stubborn lady, right up my alley. Her willingness to put it out there and not take any of Hemi's baloney was dead on, and exactly what Hemi needed. She's strong in all the ways that count: as certain rugby players might have said "She sticks." Her relationship with her sister is a thing of beauty and her backstory is quietly full of pathos as well as basic, real life troubles. She's everywoman, working to make sure that what needs to be done gets done. She's isolated. She has her sister and that's pretty much it -no familial network, no friend to call when all she wants to do is vent. Yet she is not shy or awkward.
Hemi is... larger than life to Hope. A self-made man, he is bitter and cynical; he holds his heart away more on purpose than because he is fearful. He doesn't want to need or love so he doesn't risk it. He has his own past issues, it's true, but they are mostly demonstrated in a couple of places and glossed over the rest of the time. He is Maori and proud of it but outside his tattoo, he barely shares that with Hope. It takes a lot for this stubborn man to realize what he has.
I liked the book: James doesn't write bad books. Everything here was right up my alley. This has just a shade more steam than Just in Time, but is definitely in the same vein as it. It's easy to see the books being connected and certain parts definitely recall to mind parts of Just in Time.
March 14, 2017
Scan read through a lot of this romance because I thought both main characters left a lot to be desired. Plus, I don't understand why female characters are often written so ridiculously annoying and inflexible. Hemi saw what he wanted and went after it in textbook rich, alpha male style and was too blunt/possessive/protective. But it shouldn't have been so difficult for him to try to do nice things for Hope. IMO Hope's demands and expectations weren't always reasonable or realistic. This was a frustrating read.
February 16, 2019
Disappointing
I have read every book this author has written except for this series. For this after an e-mail from her. Couldn't believe I had missed a series. Now I wish I had.
Perhaps this was written before Me Too. But that still is no excuse. The hero can across too dominating and aggressive . Definitely crossed the line for sexual intimidation in the workplace.
Ended up skimming the rest as I couldn't get past the beginning
I have read every book this author has written except for this series. For this after an e-mail from her. Couldn't believe I had missed a series. Now I wish I had.
Perhaps this was written before Me Too. But that still is no excuse. The hero can across too dominating and aggressive . Definitely crossed the line for sexual intimidation in the workplace.
Ended up skimming the rest as I couldn't get past the beginning
August 13, 2017
I don't mean to rate this book bad. But I am from New Zealand. And all I could think about in this book is the short story "50 shades of South Auckland". If you don't know what that is and you don't want to ruin your out look on this story....DO NOT GOOGLE IT!! But I am sure most NZers are familiar with the short story. Had a bit of a laugh throughout this book.
October 26, 2021
The hero is a Maori billionaire. Heroine is a photographer's assistant and the guardian of her 15 year old sister.
She stands up to the hero and refuses to be a hook up. She slaps him, sends back his gifts, refuses to sign a Non Disclosure Agreement, things like that.
Hero woos her and helps her with her sister.
The love scenes are spicy. Hero likes bondage and tying her up and a little spanking.
This is a keeper shelf book and I will definitely re-read it.
She stands up to the hero and refuses to be a hook up. She slaps him, sends back his gifts, refuses to sign a Non Disclosure Agreement, things like that.
Hero woos her and helps her with her sister.
The love scenes are spicy. Hero likes bondage and tying her up and a little spanking.
This is a keeper shelf book and I will definitely re-read it.
November 1, 2025
Fun but it’s a trilogy…
Hence the cliffhanger…
I didn’t pay attention so now there are two more books before the HEA, as far as I can tell. This was cute but not cute enough to read two more.
KU read.
Hence the cliffhanger…
I didn’t pay attention so now there are two more books before the HEA, as far as I can tell. This was cute but not cute enough to read two more.
KU read.
Want to read
August 13, 2017AMAZON FREEBIE 8/9/17
June 21, 2016
Standalone romance with two strong feisty characters with a very dominant alpha male, particularly in the bedroom!
I am a fan of Rosalind James’ Escape to New Zealand series and I couldn’t help but be intrigued by the description of this book, yet I was not sure what to fully expect as it’s is described as being very different to the Escape to New Zealand series. However, unsurprisingly, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which can be read as a standalone with a HEA, and I would definitely recommend this book to people who like strong, dominant alpha males and feisty females.
Told from both Hope’s and Hemi’s perspectives, the dual points of views give the reader a wider understanding of both characters and their thoughts. From the moment these two characters are introduced, there is a clear chemistry between the pair, albeit a feisty relationship with their strong opinions from very different perspectives. Hope is a strong female who has faced a difficult life while raising her teenage sister, whilst, Hemi is a dominant alpha male that also had a caring and strong protective side that clearly shows as the story progresses. Both characters were well developed and evolved over the course of the book, especially with having to figure out the lines of their relationship with each other. Personally, it took a while to warm up to Hemi and to understand his actions and perspective more than Hope. The sub-characters were well used to help strengthen and develop the book and the two main characters, especially Hope’s sister, Karen.
The book has a good writing style and flow with a steady yet fast pace throughout. There are some predictable parts to the plot and some twists thrown in that I didn’t fully expect, adding to the well thought-out plot. I personally found that the author managed to get a good natural balance with the changing emotions of the characters, especially with moving along the relationship between the couple in a way that fit with the storyline perfectly. Also, the vivid descriptions, as always by Rosalind James, allowed the reader to be engaged and picture the scenes that were playing out clearly. One thing I would say is that, yes, the book edges more on the erotic side at times but given the warning description of the book it was not as bad or explicit as I expected, so if you don’t like hardcore erotic stories, I think you will be fine with this book.
Overall, if you enjoy reading romances between two strong feisty characters with a very dominant alpha male, particularly in the bedroom, you will definitely enjoy this book. I highly recommend it!
I am a fan of Rosalind James’ Escape to New Zealand series and I couldn’t help but be intrigued by the description of this book, yet I was not sure what to fully expect as it’s is described as being very different to the Escape to New Zealand series. However, unsurprisingly, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which can be read as a standalone with a HEA, and I would definitely recommend this book to people who like strong, dominant alpha males and feisty females.
Told from both Hope’s and Hemi’s perspectives, the dual points of views give the reader a wider understanding of both characters and their thoughts. From the moment these two characters are introduced, there is a clear chemistry between the pair, albeit a feisty relationship with their strong opinions from very different perspectives. Hope is a strong female who has faced a difficult life while raising her teenage sister, whilst, Hemi is a dominant alpha male that also had a caring and strong protective side that clearly shows as the story progresses. Both characters were well developed and evolved over the course of the book, especially with having to figure out the lines of their relationship with each other. Personally, it took a while to warm up to Hemi and to understand his actions and perspective more than Hope. The sub-characters were well used to help strengthen and develop the book and the two main characters, especially Hope’s sister, Karen.
The book has a good writing style and flow with a steady yet fast pace throughout. There are some predictable parts to the plot and some twists thrown in that I didn’t fully expect, adding to the well thought-out plot. I personally found that the author managed to get a good natural balance with the changing emotions of the characters, especially with moving along the relationship between the couple in a way that fit with the storyline perfectly. Also, the vivid descriptions, as always by Rosalind James, allowed the reader to be engaged and picture the scenes that were playing out clearly. One thing I would say is that, yes, the book edges more on the erotic side at times but given the warning description of the book it was not as bad or explicit as I expected, so if you don’t like hardcore erotic stories, I think you will be fine with this book.
Overall, if you enjoy reading romances between two strong feisty characters with a very dominant alpha male, particularly in the bedroom, you will definitely enjoy this book. I highly recommend it!
July 12, 2015
While at first glance Fierce may sound like all the “Dom billionaire and the doormats virgins who love them,” this novel from one of my favorite authors, Rosalind James, deals with this trope in graceful adult way.
Hemi is a Maori clothing designer from En Zed headquartered in NY City (bit of an eye roll for me) and Hope is the Brooklyn girl who loves him. Ms. James fleshes out both characters to give believable depth to their story, which could have turned out as the worst of clichés in less capable hands. The heat level is ratcheted way higher than in Ms. James other series, too. While there is a lot of dom/submissive play, I found the quieter moments between Hemi and Hope more intimate and telling. This novel explores more than what happens behind closed doors, which made me more emotionally vested in the ending.
My favorite part of the novel was the lack of any BIG MISUNDERSTANDINGS, a plot devise I detest. Even at their lowest point, both protagonists acted like adults and talked to each other, trying to at least meet in the middle somewhere.
This book is the beginning of a new series by Ms. James. I’m looking forward to seeing where she goes with it.
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Hemi is a Maori clothing designer from En Zed headquartered in NY City (bit of an eye roll for me) and Hope is the Brooklyn girl who loves him. Ms. James fleshes out both characters to give believable depth to their story, which could have turned out as the worst of clichés in less capable hands. The heat level is ratcheted way higher than in Ms. James other series, too. While there is a lot of dom/submissive play, I found the quieter moments between Hemi and Hope more intimate and telling. This novel explores more than what happens behind closed doors, which made me more emotionally vested in the ending.
My favorite part of the novel was the lack of any BIG MISUNDERSTANDINGS, a plot devise I detest. Even at their lowest point, both protagonists acted like adults and talked to each other, trying to at least meet in the middle somewhere.
This book is the beginning of a new series by Ms. James. I’m looking forward to seeing where she goes with it.
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2022
Fierce by Rosalind James is the first in her new series titled Not Quite a Billionaire. The inspiration for this VERY steamy novel is a book a character is writing in Ms James Escape to New Zealand series. The main male character is Kiwi...a Maori...who is a famous women's clothes designer. The female character is a young woman trying to support herself and her sister, a teenager, in NYC. She is a person who values honesty and hard work.
Ms James' Escape to New Zealand series is exceptionally good reading, and this this first in the new series is as good, though more steamy than many in the Escape series.
Ms James' Escape to New Zealand series is exceptionally good reading, and this this first in the new series is as good, though more steamy than many in the Escape series.
April 5, 2018
I liked how the heroine stood up to the main character and said no when he was being a perv. However, she shouldn't have had to do that. I didn't like how she found him attractive after the things he said. Even if he had a great looking body, just no! Eww! Major turn off. There was also too much thinking about sex or having sex and not enough romance story. That section felt more like erotica with her sexual discovery (she started as a scared virgin).
I stuck it out to the end and the book improves once they break up, lol! Then, he grows into the man he should have been earlier on.
I liked the other characters, just not the H.
I stuck it out to the end and the book improves once they break up, lol! Then, he grows into the man he should have been earlier on.
I liked the other characters, just not the H.
September 14, 2015
DNF @ 30%.
(Sigh) Stop me if you have not read this before. The h is poor and struggling to survive in the big city. H is very wealthy and use to getting whatever he wants. He sees the h and gets her a job in his company so that he can sleep with her. She wants to be wined and dined but is appalled that he just wants sex. She tells him off and he feels bad so he decides to change his ways. This story just couldn't hold my interest so I decided to stop. There is nothing here you have not already read.
(Sigh) Stop me if you have not read this before. The h is poor and struggling to survive in the big city. H is very wealthy and use to getting whatever he wants. He sees the h and gets her a job in his company so that he can sleep with her. She wants to be wined and dined but is appalled that he just wants sex. She tells him off and he feels bad so he decides to change his ways. This story just couldn't hold my interest so I decided to stop. There is nothing here you have not already read.
July 8, 2015
Kiwi in America
Just perfect! Got a little head start with advance chapters, which I don't usually do, because I want the whole story, so I was already hooked. The story lived up to my expectations and more. Also contains one of the most sensual love scenes I've every read. I loved it and highly recommend, too bad I can only give 5 stars.
Just perfect! Got a little head start with advance chapters, which I don't usually do, because I want the whole story, so I was already hooked. The story lived up to my expectations and more. Also contains one of the most sensual love scenes I've every read. I loved it and highly recommend, too bad I can only give 5 stars.
February 24, 2022
I was impressed! I knew I would enjoy this story just because I love Ms. James' writing, but I wasn't sure how to take big wig New Zealander in NYC. It worked really well, and I was surprised for being such a closed off man, how he turned around. I would love to read more stories if this turns into a series or not. The twists and turns keep you reading. I couldn't put it down!
February 2, 2017
I made it past the half way mark but I just can't anymore. I simply cannot.
Want to read
October 29, 2017FREE on Amazon today (10/29/2017)!
January 7, 2024
A conundrum…
I’ve read most of the Escape to New Zealand series. This book is Hemi and Hope’s story which is kind of a prequel to the Escape series as there are characters introduced that will crop up in that series of stories. Unfortunately, Hope’s a s Hemi’s story is a three-part book series that tells the ups and downs of what might be might be considered the founding couple of the Escape series.
Over the many of Rosalind James’s books that I’ve read, I can honestly say that I like her storytelling. She writes descriptively, develops characters well, the plots usually move along at a good pace, and typically, both the complications and the triumphs of the main characters are interesting and believable.
All of that is true in this book. I liked Hemi and Hope, each has substantial baggage that informs their character and impacts their interactions with each other. Unusual for me, I liked the internal musings of the two characters, especially Hope’s. That said, I wasn’t crazy about Hope’s “breaking the 4th wall” by talking directly to the reader. I find that distracting.
So, I’m in a bit of a conundrum. While I like this first book in the Not Quite series, it ended with enough of an HEA that I am reasonably satisfied. Given the demons of their respective pasts and having read the first couple chapters of the second book in the series, “Fractured,” I have a pretty good idea how that one is going to go and I don’t think I want to read more about how their miserable childhoods continue to haunt their adult lives and relationships. I would much rather read a tightly developed, well written story that brings them to a final HEA than piecemeal it out. I think I’m one and done with this series.
I’ve read most of the Escape to New Zealand series. This book is Hemi and Hope’s story which is kind of a prequel to the Escape series as there are characters introduced that will crop up in that series of stories. Unfortunately, Hope’s a s Hemi’s story is a three-part book series that tells the ups and downs of what might be might be considered the founding couple of the Escape series.
Over the many of Rosalind James’s books that I’ve read, I can honestly say that I like her storytelling. She writes descriptively, develops characters well, the plots usually move along at a good pace, and typically, both the complications and the triumphs of the main characters are interesting and believable.
All of that is true in this book. I liked Hemi and Hope, each has substantial baggage that informs their character and impacts their interactions with each other. Unusual for me, I liked the internal musings of the two characters, especially Hope’s. That said, I wasn’t crazy about Hope’s “breaking the 4th wall” by talking directly to the reader. I find that distracting.
So, I’m in a bit of a conundrum. While I like this first book in the Not Quite series, it ended with enough of an HEA that I am reasonably satisfied. Given the demons of their respective pasts and having read the first couple chapters of the second book in the series, “Fractured,” I have a pretty good idea how that one is going to go and I don’t think I want to read more about how their miserable childhoods continue to haunt their adult lives and relationships. I would much rather read a tightly developed, well written story that brings them to a final HEA than piecemeal it out. I think I’m one and done with this series.
August 9, 2018
I liked how this was basically a trope-subverting, non-toxic deconstruction of what BDSM romance has become in the wake of more infamous works in the genre.
Hope is not a doormat, and while Hemi displays poor sensitivity skills at times, he's not abusive.
It directly addresses the power imbalance inherent in any relationship they would have--a strong point in James' work I've read to date. I've mostly gone off CEO/workplace romances because they often completely ignore this, acting like one or both of the characters involved is too stupid to understand dating a coworker could have negative consequences.
It also involves a lot of direct, honest communication, a vital part of most healthy relationships, and something I wish I saw more of in all fiction, not just romances.
But this didn't have a lot of life to it. In working so hard to fix the common mistakes of the subgenre, the story felt a lot like it was ticking off a list of boxes: have the heroine stand up for herself immediately, have her refuse an expensive gift, walk out on dinner, etc.
In creating the character of Hope to withstand all efforts to coerce or overpower her into Hemi's bed, she became this stubborn yet harried parody of a woman, someone just confident enough to stand up for herself in the moment, but who immediately doubted herself and her motives afterward--which was sadly necessary for the story to happen, because if she'd been any "stronger" she would have walked away from him that first time and kept going.
Leaving us with no story at all.
Hope is not a doormat, and while Hemi displays poor sensitivity skills at times, he's not abusive.
It directly addresses the power imbalance inherent in any relationship they would have--a strong point in James' work I've read to date. I've mostly gone off CEO/workplace romances because they often completely ignore this, acting like one or both of the characters involved is too stupid to understand dating a coworker could have negative consequences.
It also involves a lot of direct, honest communication, a vital part of most healthy relationships, and something I wish I saw more of in all fiction, not just romances.
But this didn't have a lot of life to it. In working so hard to fix the common mistakes of the subgenre, the story felt a lot like it was ticking off a list of boxes: have the heroine stand up for herself immediately, have her refuse an expensive gift, walk out on dinner, etc.
In creating the character of Hope to withstand all efforts to coerce or overpower her into Hemi's bed, she became this stubborn yet harried parody of a woman, someone just confident enough to stand up for herself in the moment, but who immediately doubted herself and her motives afterward--which was sadly necessary for the story to happen, because if she'd been any "stronger" she would have walked away from him that first time and kept going.
Leaving us with no story at all.
December 6, 2017
I listened to the audible version and the narrator sucked. She read so slow, it almost made the book boring, which in reality it wasn't. I happy to see that in book 2, there is a different (better) narrator.
Now about the book...to quote another reader, "Hemi saw what he wanted and went after it in textbook rich, alpha male style and was too blunt/possessive/protective". Which made Hope frustrating at times because also textbook female, there is always a constant push and pull for him to understand her and want more than her body. UGH! Give me a break! If he didn't look like he stepped out of GQ, you wouldn't dare allow him to get away the crap he does and says. Because average Joe without money is not going to have that kind of alpha confidence that makes you "swoon", hence, my frustration with women like this. Regardless of the cons, I did enjoy the book and I have to admit I was proud of her when she told Hemi off. Maybe I need to find a different kind of romance. Anyway, I'm kinda glad I stuck with it because the 2nd book seems a bit more promising.
Now about the book...to quote another reader, "Hemi saw what he wanted and went after it in textbook rich, alpha male style and was too blunt/possessive/protective". Which made Hope frustrating at times because also textbook female, there is always a constant push and pull for him to understand her and want more than her body. UGH! Give me a break! If he didn't look like he stepped out of GQ, you wouldn't dare allow him to get away the crap he does and says. Because average Joe without money is not going to have that kind of alpha confidence that makes you "swoon", hence, my frustration with women like this. Regardless of the cons, I did enjoy the book and I have to admit I was proud of her when she told Hemi off. Maybe I need to find a different kind of romance. Anyway, I'm kinda glad I stuck with it because the 2nd book seems a bit more promising.
November 29, 2023
1. Hemi told Hope that she had the control and all she had to do was say “No” at any time. Yet, when they were in the car, he kept his hand over her mouth so that she wasn't able to speak.
2. I hated the way Hemi made Hope eat lunch in the restaurant with no bra or underwear knowing how uncomfortable and embarrassed she was with the way other men were leering at her.
3. Normally I like dual POV but in this book, it just showed how fake Hemi was. He acted so sweet when he was with Hope but when we got his thoughts, he was thinking about how he hated having to date her to get her to f#%k him and how he was going to dump her and find someone else because she wasn’t making herself available enough to him. He was planning to break off with her before the trip to San Francisco and the only reason that he didn’t was because she was available to go with him.
4. The resolution of the conflict was very disappointing. Hemi had no plans to see or speak to Hope again and the only reason he did was because of her sister’s illness.
5. Worst. Proposal. Ever.
2. I hated the way Hemi made Hope eat lunch in the restaurant with no bra or underwear knowing how uncomfortable and embarrassed she was with the way other men were leering at her.
3. Normally I like dual POV but in this book, it just showed how fake Hemi was. He acted so sweet when he was with Hope but when we got his thoughts, he was thinking about how he hated having to date her to get her to f#%k him and how he was going to dump her and find someone else because she wasn’t making herself available enough to him. He was planning to break off with her before the trip to San Francisco and the only reason that he didn’t was because she was available to go with him.
4. The resolution of the conflict was very disappointing. Hemi had no plans to see or speak to Hope again and the only reason he did was because of her sister’s illness.
5. Worst. Proposal. Ever.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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