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Not Quite a Billionaire #2
Fractured
What do you do with a person who’s out of control and won’t listen to reason? Especially if that person might be you?
When I’d taken Hope Sinclair and her sister to New Zealand to meet my grandfather, I’d known I’d be making the return journey as her husband. I hadn’t reckoned, though, on the demons of my past coming back to threaten our future. And, as always, I hadn’t reckoned on Hope.
I had hundreds of millions of dollars and thousands of employees to tell me I had better judgment and more self-discipline than most people, and neither my self-control nor anything else I possessed had been won the easy way. That was why I was a New Yorker with a fashion empire instead of a dirt-poor Maori boy in New Zealand with too much tattoo, too many muscles, two alcoholic parents, and not much more. So why did Hope continually dig in her heels and refuse to go along with my perfectly rational plans? And why did I keep compromising?
Because I couldn’t resist her, couldn’t say no to her, and couldn’t stand to see her unhappy, that was why. And there’s more than one way to bring a strong man to his knees.
Note: This is a full-length, 400-page novel with a cliffhanger that will be resolved in Part 3 (early August). It contains one Maori multimillionaire with control issues, one fierce blonde with a mind of her own, and some very dirty loving.
When I’d taken Hope Sinclair and her sister to New Zealand to meet my grandfather, I’d known I’d be making the return journey as her husband. I hadn’t reckoned, though, on the demons of my past coming back to threaten our future. And, as always, I hadn’t reckoned on Hope.
I had hundreds of millions of dollars and thousands of employees to tell me I had better judgment and more self-discipline than most people, and neither my self-control nor anything else I possessed had been won the easy way. That was why I was a New Yorker with a fashion empire instead of a dirt-poor Maori boy in New Zealand with too much tattoo, too many muscles, two alcoholic parents, and not much more. So why did Hope continually dig in her heels and refuse to go along with my perfectly rational plans? And why did I keep compromising?
Because I couldn’t resist her, couldn’t say no to her, and couldn’t stand to see her unhappy, that was why. And there’s more than one way to bring a strong man to his knees.
Note: This is a full-length, 400-page novel with a cliffhanger that will be resolved in Part 3 (early August). It contains one Maori multimillionaire with control issues, one fierce blonde with a mind of her own, and some very dirty loving.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2016
459 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
Rosalind James
55 books1,219 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 74 reviews
April 29, 2021
3.5 stars. I started this one AGES ago then put it aside because it seemed to be taking so long to get anywhere. I finally picked it up and finished it. The later part of the book did pick up pace and I ended up enjoying the read.
I'm still on the fence about the hero, Hemi. He is still too controlling and needs to learn to let Hope stand on her own two feet. Luckily she is strong enough to push back at him, but for much of this book it was a slightly angsty battle of wills and I feel as if it could have been edited down a bit.
I would not recommend trying to read this book as a standalone. It's the middle one of a trilogy, and that's where it clearly fits. I like Ms James' writing style, but yeah, Hemi's character is hard work. I hope Bk 3 resolves things between the two of them satisfactorily.
I'm still on the fence about the hero, Hemi. He is still too controlling and needs to learn to let Hope stand on her own two feet. Luckily she is strong enough to push back at him, but for much of this book it was a slightly angsty battle of wills and I feel as if it could have been edited down a bit.
I would not recommend trying to read this book as a standalone. It's the middle one of a trilogy, and that's where it clearly fits. I like Ms James' writing style, but yeah, Hemi's character is hard work. I hope Bk 3 resolves things between the two of them satisfactorily.
September 24, 2019
A lot of my issues with the first book popped up in this one. Once again Hemi wants to bull doze over Hope and what she wants, an equal partnership in her relationship. Hemi doesn't listen, Hope argues to get him to see her point. One or the other walks away to cool down, rinse, repeat. This one does end on a bit of a cliff hanger, I'll probably check out the next book just to see how things shake out.
June 15, 2016
So what happens after Cinderella has caught the prince? How does she cope with having nothing while being in a relationship with a guy who has everything? What happens to her pride and independence and how does she make sure the prince respects her as an equal in the relationship? Those are the questions posed in this second book in Rosalind James’ Not Quite a Billionaire series, following the romantic relationship developed in the first book, Fierce. As a warning, it’s good to know that it would be hard to read this without having read the first book and there is a cliffhanger leading into the third and final book.
The novel starts with Hemi having just proposed to Hope while they’re visiting his grandfather in New Zealand. Without giving away any details of the plot, the basic pattern follows that Hemi is so intensely in love with Hope that he decides to hide something painful from her or makes a decision to accelerate their marriage and then she objects that he hasn’t been open with her or discussed things with her. They fight and then he gives in and then they have some hot make-up sex.
The hot sex brings up another theme of the book. How does a guy who wants to dominate and control her in bed (which she totally enjoys) give up some of that domination in their personal relationship? In general, I would guess that such men who are that way in the bedroom do indeed have trouble leaving it all behind outside of the bedroom. There are some rather modest domination and bondage scenes and, if that bothers you, this isn’t the book for you. It is made clear that Hemi doesn’t do anything without Hope’s consent. They do discuss why each of them enjoys their loveplay. He feels the need to be in control due to his personal history while she enjoys not having to be in control of everything since she had to do so much when her mother died leaving her responsible for her younger sister.
I enjoyed this book as the continuation of Hemi and Hope’s relationship, but it did get a bit repetitive. At times, I just wanted to smack Hemi upside the head and remind him what had happened all the previous times that he had not shared with Hope what was going on with him. For such a supposedly smart guy, he was slow to learn. But we have another book to anticipate where, we all know, he’ll figure it out and they’ll get their HEA.
If you enjoyed the first book, and I did, you’ll enjoy reading about how the relationship develops. Because the HEA doesn’t come when Prince Charming proposes to Cinderella, but after they learn how to live together and work out a happy and fulfilling relationship despite their unequal backgrounds.
The novel starts with Hemi having just proposed to Hope while they’re visiting his grandfather in New Zealand. Without giving away any details of the plot, the basic pattern follows that Hemi is so intensely in love with Hope that he decides to hide something painful from her or makes a decision to accelerate their marriage and then she objects that he hasn’t been open with her or discussed things with her. They fight and then he gives in and then they have some hot make-up sex.
The hot sex brings up another theme of the book. How does a guy who wants to dominate and control her in bed (which she totally enjoys) give up some of that domination in their personal relationship? In general, I would guess that such men who are that way in the bedroom do indeed have trouble leaving it all behind outside of the bedroom. There are some rather modest domination and bondage scenes and, if that bothers you, this isn’t the book for you. It is made clear that Hemi doesn’t do anything without Hope’s consent. They do discuss why each of them enjoys their loveplay. He feels the need to be in control due to his personal history while she enjoys not having to be in control of everything since she had to do so much when her mother died leaving her responsible for her younger sister.
I enjoyed this book as the continuation of Hemi and Hope’s relationship, but it did get a bit repetitive. At times, I just wanted to smack Hemi upside the head and remind him what had happened all the previous times that he had not shared with Hope what was going on with him. For such a supposedly smart guy, he was slow to learn. But we have another book to anticipate where, we all know, he’ll figure it out and they’ll get their HEA.
If you enjoyed the first book, and I did, you’ll enjoy reading about how the relationship develops. Because the HEA doesn’t come when Prince Charming proposes to Cinderella, but after they learn how to live together and work out a happy and fulfilling relationship despite their unequal backgrounds.
February 20, 2017
Loved it! It fulfils every emotion, Rosalind James is so good at that! It went in twists and turns that I never could have imagined - Rosalind is good at that too! So sad at the end, but you can understand why both Hope and Hemi are like they are, these people feel very real, even if in Hemi's case he is at the extreme end of the spectrum of real. It is such a good story, I cannot wait for the final book, and I am really hoping for the happy ending for these two lovely people.
June 19, 2016
Well, I have to say that I am not Hemi's biggest fan. And Hope annoyed me for a good part of the book but redeemed herself a bit in the end. I read the whole story fairly quickly though because, as usual, Rosalind's writing and story telling drew me in. Even with characters I didn't fall in love with, I still enjoyed this book.
The ending left me wishing the third, and final, book was already out. I cannot wait to see how Rosalind ties everything up (no pun intended
The ending left me wishing the third, and final, book was already out. I cannot wait to see how Rosalind ties everything up (no pun intended
June 21, 2016
Second in series where even people who want to be strong can only be strong for so long before they break!
Firstly, to read Fractured, you do need to have read the previous book in this series, Fierce, to full understand things as it picks up right where Fierce ended. Also, if you are not a fan of cliffhangers, you won’t enjoy this book.
As with the previous book, Fractured is told from both Hope’s and Hemi’s points of views and continues to develop and expand Hemi's and Hope’s characteristics and the back and forth, pushing the limits, style relationship that they have developed. Obviously, at times, their relationship makes for a frustrating read with their thoughts with the constant back and forth as you just want to bang their heads together, especially with Hemi and his frustrating strong perspectives, but there is just something about this couple that really draws you in and you know they are perfect for each other. Hope is still a strong character despite her relationship with Hemi, whilst, Hemi is still his dominant alpha male self with that caring and strong protective side that still clearly shows. As with Fierce, the importance of sub-characters’ roles was just as key to the overall story e.g. Karen and Hemi’s Koro.
The writing, as always by Rosalind James, is of a high quality, with a good flow to the book. While there is plenty to keep you intrigued, being the second book in the series, it’s more about developing the characters a little more and moving the story along to allow for the build up to the final book in the series. However, that being said, in Fractured there were some unexpected surprising twists along the way with lots of drama and lots of sensually explicit erotic scenes. The book and style of relationship won’t be to everyone’s taste, even if you enjoyed Fierce, as the relationship is developed more. I personally like it and the portrayal that even people who want to be strong can only be strong for so long before they break. As already stated, Fractured ends on a bit of a surprising cliffhanger and we will have to wait eagerly to see if they can work out things for a HEA in the final book.
Although I’m not the biggest fan of reading a series I can’t wait to read part three and hoping these two will get a HEA with all tricky issues resolved and overcome! Definitely recommend reading this series!
*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.
Firstly, to read Fractured, you do need to have read the previous book in this series, Fierce, to full understand things as it picks up right where Fierce ended. Also, if you are not a fan of cliffhangers, you won’t enjoy this book.
As with the previous book, Fractured is told from both Hope’s and Hemi’s points of views and continues to develop and expand Hemi's and Hope’s characteristics and the back and forth, pushing the limits, style relationship that they have developed. Obviously, at times, their relationship makes for a frustrating read with their thoughts with the constant back and forth as you just want to bang their heads together, especially with Hemi and his frustrating strong perspectives, but there is just something about this couple that really draws you in and you know they are perfect for each other. Hope is still a strong character despite her relationship with Hemi, whilst, Hemi is still his dominant alpha male self with that caring and strong protective side that still clearly shows. As with Fierce, the importance of sub-characters’ roles was just as key to the overall story e.g. Karen and Hemi’s Koro.
The writing, as always by Rosalind James, is of a high quality, with a good flow to the book. While there is plenty to keep you intrigued, being the second book in the series, it’s more about developing the characters a little more and moving the story along to allow for the build up to the final book in the series. However, that being said, in Fractured there were some unexpected surprising twists along the way with lots of drama and lots of sensually explicit erotic scenes. The book and style of relationship won’t be to everyone’s taste, even if you enjoyed Fierce, as the relationship is developed more. I personally like it and the portrayal that even people who want to be strong can only be strong for so long before they break. As already stated, Fractured ends on a bit of a surprising cliffhanger and we will have to wait eagerly to see if they can work out things for a HEA in the final book.
Although I’m not the biggest fan of reading a series I can’t wait to read part three and hoping these two will get a HEA with all tricky issues resolved and overcome! Definitely recommend reading this series!
*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.
June 20, 2016
Clearly a work in progress; the trials and tribulations in the relationship between Hope and Hemi continue in "Fractured," the quick reading and enjoyable second installment of the three book, "Not Quite a Billionaire" series. The bad news: it is a cliffhanger, something I always find annoying. The good news: it is labeled as such, so the reader is forewarned, and the third book is promised to be out in the near future.
The relationship between Hope and Hemi has never run particularly smoothly and this is still the case. Though their love is deep and their sex life extremely hot and adventurous, Hope and Hemi's expectations of what a relationship should be are quite different. This repeatedly leads to conflict and disappointment, never more than when a blast from Hemi's past blows in and complicates matters more. Both of the lead characters can be frustrating. Though Hemi has progressed some from where he was at the beginning of Fierce, he is still very much an alpha male who is sure he knows best, manipulating Hope and situations to serve his goals, and keeping secrets. None of this works to his advantage. For her part, Hope is still a bit too pliant when it comes to their relationship, though she does try hard to stand up for herself and her beliefs.
My favorite character is Karen, Hope's sister, and I appreciate the growth in her from Fierce to Fractured. She is funny and I really enjoyed her observations. Her character rings true. In many ways, I feel like Karen reflects the reader's point of view when it comes to Hope, Hemi and their relationship. She is a breath of fresh air.
I enjoyed the book and recommend it. I found it fast moving and it hooked me. I found myself reading at all sorts of odd hours when I should have been sleeping. The sexual content of the book is very spicy and occasionally graphic; just something to be aware of. I look forward to reading the final installment of the series.
The relationship between Hope and Hemi has never run particularly smoothly and this is still the case. Though their love is deep and their sex life extremely hot and adventurous, Hope and Hemi's expectations of what a relationship should be are quite different. This repeatedly leads to conflict and disappointment, never more than when a blast from Hemi's past blows in and complicates matters more. Both of the lead characters can be frustrating. Though Hemi has progressed some from where he was at the beginning of Fierce, he is still very much an alpha male who is sure he knows best, manipulating Hope and situations to serve his goals, and keeping secrets. None of this works to his advantage. For her part, Hope is still a bit too pliant when it comes to their relationship, though she does try hard to stand up for herself and her beliefs.
My favorite character is Karen, Hope's sister, and I appreciate the growth in her from Fierce to Fractured. She is funny and I really enjoyed her observations. Her character rings true. In many ways, I feel like Karen reflects the reader's point of view when it comes to Hope, Hemi and their relationship. She is a breath of fresh air.
I enjoyed the book and recommend it. I found it fast moving and it hooked me. I found myself reading at all sorts of odd hours when I should have been sleeping. The sexual content of the book is very spicy and occasionally graphic; just something to be aware of. I look forward to reading the final installment of the series.
June 20, 2016
Extremely focused self made multi-millionaire meets his match....and promptly drops the ball.
Hemi Te Mana didn't become a rich man by standing around. He is a hard working, driven, alpha man and he generally gets what he wants. It just happens that what Hemi wants this time can't be achieved by using the same methods that he uses in business. Hemi wants Hope, woos her awkwardly (since he 'doesn't do relationships, just arrangements) and when it looks like the prize is within reach, he is stymied by several stumbling blocks that don't respond to his normal methods.
Hope, on the other hand, wants Hemi as well, but not the alpha male multimillionaire Hemi. She wants the Hemi who helped her when her sister was suffering from a brain tumor, or the Hemi who researches historical facts about the Golden Gate Bridge because Hope was excited to see it for the first time. In Fractured, we don't get to see much of this Hemi - he thinks he has won the prize, and he loses his focus on the end result.
Rosalind James has done it again, with the second of a three book series about these two intriguing characters. Fractured can take you from Hope's tears about making the leap into Hemi's world by moving from her tiny rent controlled apartment, to laughing out loud a few pages later, when she describes Hemi's assistant as a member of the "Te Mana School of Unruffled Manliness."
I am fiercely hopeful that things will work out.....
Hemi Te Mana didn't become a rich man by standing around. He is a hard working, driven, alpha man and he generally gets what he wants. It just happens that what Hemi wants this time can't be achieved by using the same methods that he uses in business. Hemi wants Hope, woos her awkwardly (since he 'doesn't do relationships, just arrangements) and when it looks like the prize is within reach, he is stymied by several stumbling blocks that don't respond to his normal methods.
Hope, on the other hand, wants Hemi as well, but not the alpha male multimillionaire Hemi. She wants the Hemi who helped her when her sister was suffering from a brain tumor, or the Hemi who researches historical facts about the Golden Gate Bridge because Hope was excited to see it for the first time. In Fractured, we don't get to see much of this Hemi - he thinks he has won the prize, and he loses his focus on the end result.
Rosalind James has done it again, with the second of a three book series about these two intriguing characters. Fractured can take you from Hope's tears about making the leap into Hemi's world by moving from her tiny rent controlled apartment, to laughing out loud a few pages later, when she describes Hemi's assistant as a member of the "Te Mana School of Unruffled Manliness."
I am fiercely hopeful that things will work out.....
June 20, 2016
First off this is the second book in the Not Quite a Billionaire series, it does not stand alone and it ends in a cliffhanger. You will want to read Fierce first and Freed when it comes out in August. I will be honest I don't love second in a trilogy stories, almost universally I only tolerate them to get to the third story with the HEA. I have read and loved all of Rosalind James’ work so I'm reading this series too and I have to say it is quite good though not my favorite. I am definitely looking forward to the conclusion in August. Hemi and Hope have a powerful chemistry and they really do love each other but they still have a lot of issues and baggage to unpack. Like Hemi’s “need to know” style and Hope’s difficulty accepting any type of help. Like I said I struggle with middle books because I have a really hard time watching a couple I've come to care about struggle and really this is no exception. Hope and Hemi have a fair share of curveballs thrown at them too. In spite of my troubles with middle books the writing in this one is excellent and very clearly Ms. James’ “voice”. I will be waiting on pins and needles for the conclusion.
June 21, 2016
"Fractured" is the second part of a trilogy by Rosalind James. You do need to read the first part—"Fierce"—to understand who the characters are and how their story evolves. Plus this one does end in a cliffhanger.
As with all of James’s books, "Fractured" is well-written and riveting. However, that does not mean you love the characters all the time. In this book. I found the male lead, Hemi, over-the-top controlling. He had a difficult time separating his dominance in the bedroom (which Hope enjoyed) to their every day relationship. My heart went out to Hope; she tried to hold on to her pride and independence, even while Hemi sometimes bulldozed over her. They both struggled with balance and power and as well as challenges from the past. My favorite character in this book was Hope’s sister Karen. She was refreshing and honest—even for a sometimes petulant teenager.
This book was intriguing and emotional. I am definitely looking forward to the final installment. I want to find out how Hope and Hemi finally come together—what they have to give up to continue their relationship and what they gain by being together.
As with all of James’s books, "Fractured" is well-written and riveting. However, that does not mean you love the characters all the time. In this book. I found the male lead, Hemi, over-the-top controlling. He had a difficult time separating his dominance in the bedroom (which Hope enjoyed) to their every day relationship. My heart went out to Hope; she tried to hold on to her pride and independence, even while Hemi sometimes bulldozed over her. They both struggled with balance and power and as well as challenges from the past. My favorite character in this book was Hope’s sister Karen. She was refreshing and honest—even for a sometimes petulant teenager.
This book was intriguing and emotional. I am definitely looking forward to the final installment. I want to find out how Hope and Hemi finally come together—what they have to give up to continue their relationship and what they gain by being together.
August 9, 2016
I've been getting tired of the alpha male in these kinds of books... overbearing, insensitive, unemotional... and Hemi fits all that. And Hope is cautious, clueless and in love.
Hemi wants to marry Hope but she's overwhelmed because he acts like a steamroller. He's got to get a license though and that's when he learns that he's still married to the woman he married in college 20 years ago. They can't marry right away so they go back to NYC with Karen as comic relief. Hope goes back to work, this time in the marketing department where everyone hates her because she's marrying Hemi and the mean girls are really mean. Hemi's ex wife wants half his wealth in the divorce and Hope wants to leave Hemi's company but he's blackballed her from all other fashion companies. Hope gets angry and gets sick and the cliffhanger is that she leaves him to go to NZ to see his Koro.
Both are fools but fools in love.
Hemi wants to marry Hope but she's overwhelmed because he acts like a steamroller. He's got to get a license though and that's when he learns that he's still married to the woman he married in college 20 years ago. They can't marry right away so they go back to NYC with Karen as comic relief. Hope goes back to work, this time in the marketing department where everyone hates her because she's marrying Hemi and the mean girls are really mean. Hemi's ex wife wants half his wealth in the divorce and Hope wants to leave Hemi's company but he's blackballed her from all other fashion companies. Hope gets angry and gets sick and the cliffhanger is that she leaves him to go to NZ to see his Koro.
Both are fools but fools in love.
June 20, 2016
4.0 Star Review of Fractured (Not Quite a Billionaire, Book 2) by Rosalind James
I would recommend that you read book one Fierce, prior to reading this book. This starts just after Hemi has proposed to Hope and is the continuation their coming together and become more deeply involved. There will be a third book to complete their story so if you are expecting it to wrap up here in Fractured please be warned in advance.; there is a cliff-hanger.
Hemi is extremely controlling and in my opinion, sometimes too much. He seems to run rough shod over Hope and I do wonder if she will ever have the balls to stand up for herself and fight. Both Hemi and Hope frustrated me at times.
I enjoy Ms. James writing style and although this is not my favourite series from her, I will continue to read and am awaiting the final book to see how it all pans out which I hope is not too far away.
I would recommend that you read book one Fierce, prior to reading this book. This starts just after Hemi has proposed to Hope and is the continuation their coming together and become more deeply involved. There will be a third book to complete their story so if you are expecting it to wrap up here in Fractured please be warned in advance.; there is a cliff-hanger.
Hemi is extremely controlling and in my opinion, sometimes too much. He seems to run rough shod over Hope and I do wonder if she will ever have the balls to stand up for herself and fight. Both Hemi and Hope frustrated me at times.
I enjoy Ms. James writing style and although this is not my favourite series from her, I will continue to read and am awaiting the final book to see how it all pans out which I hope is not too far away.
July 1, 2016
4.5 Star Review
This is book 2 in the Not Quite a Billionaire series and it continues the Hope Sinclair and Hemi Te Mana relationship. I would advise you to read book 1 Fierce first.
Hemi needs to be in control from work to the bedroom and sometimes he feels he needs to keep secrets or not just mention what he has just done, this doesn't bode well with Hope and at times she just wants to strangle the man she loves with all her heart. Will these two get past their differences and yes this book does have a cliffhanger.
If you love lots of steaming graphic sex scenes you will love this book because not only do we get that we also get a great story line.
Can't wait for the final book in this trilogy
This is book 2 in the Not Quite a Billionaire series and it continues the Hope Sinclair and Hemi Te Mana relationship. I would advise you to read book 1 Fierce first.
Hemi needs to be in control from work to the bedroom and sometimes he feels he needs to keep secrets or not just mention what he has just done, this doesn't bode well with Hope and at times she just wants to strangle the man she loves with all her heart. Will these two get past their differences and yes this book does have a cliffhanger.
If you love lots of steaming graphic sex scenes you will love this book because not only do we get that we also get a great story line.
Can't wait for the final book in this trilogy
June 18, 2016
I really loved this second book in Rosalind James' Not Quite A Billionaire series. This book continues where the first book, Fierce leaves us. Hemi and Hope are trying to navigate their relationship, dealing with many twists and turns along the way. Rosalind's writing grabbed me from the first page, and I couldn't wait to see what happened...however, I'll have to wait for the last book in the series to see these wonderful characters get their HEA! Rosalind does a great job of bringing us from the streets of New York to the beautiful countryside of New Zealand, as well as giving us tons of emotion and amazing characters.
I can't wait for the next book in this series!!!
I can't wait for the next book in this series!!!
June 20, 2016
I Loved this book as I do all of Rosalind James books possibly even more. The hotness level is over the top. There were quite a few times I was panting myself. The tug of war between Hope & Hemi is the premise of the story no matter what was going on. As a woman I totally understand what Hope felt in her struggle for Hemi to understand, but having so many males in my life I see how he's so clueless as to why she wants independence instead of just being dependent on him and letting him do everything for her. A cliff hanger is an understatement lol. I can't wait until the 3rd book comes out to see if Hemi can swallow his pride and let love be more.
December 1, 2023
The first book in this series was ok but this one made me RAGE. I’ve never read a book with such a stupid and spineless FMC and such a thoughtless, selfish, insensitive pr!ck of a MMC. Hope was willing to marry a man that had SERIOUS control issues and refused to tell her anything about his past or his family. So, she shouldn’t have been surprised to find that Hemi was keeping major secrets from her.
First, she found out that he had been married before and deliberately kept it from her. Then, only days from their wedding, she found out that he knew that there was a problem with the paperwork and that it was likely he was never legally divorced, and he kept that from her too. The worst part is that he admitted that he never intended to tell her that he was still married. He was going to marry her in a fake ceremony and let her believe that the marriage was real and keep her totally in the dark until the divorce came through and then tell her that they weren’t really married.
That would have totally been a deal breaker for me, but Hope sat him down and gently explained to him that he had to be honest with her for her to be able to trust him. He told her that he operated on a “need to know” basis and as far as he was concerned, she “didn’t need to know”. Hope told him that she didn’t think that was fair since he demanded to know where she was, what she was doing and who she was with every minute of every day and he said “That’s how I work, though. That’s what I do. I need you to accept it.” And she decided that she was ok with that.
Hemi decided to go and see his wife and make nice with her hoping to get her to agree to help facilitate the divorce. As soon as he saw her, his thoughts turned sexual; he was staring at her and thinking how “lush” and “beautiful” her breasts were and how much he still “desired’ her. Then his wife climbed into his lap and straddled him, and he started fantasizing about their sex life and all the things he’d done to her in the past; he was holding on to her waist, she was grinding on him and he was “hard as iron” and thinking how much he still wanted her. As far as I’m concerned, this was cheating.
When he finally stood up and pushed his wife off his lap, he went home reeking of her perfume with her lipstick on his neck. Hope didn’t ask any questions; she just took him to bed and LICKED the lipstick off his neck. Like I said … TSTL.
Hope’s job at Hemi’s company wasn’t working for her so she told Hemi that she was going to start looking for another job. At a job interview, she was shown an article in the news about Hemi’s wife going after half of his money with embarrassing details about Hope and her relationship with Hemi. Hope was understandably angry that all of this had been going on and Hemi hadn’t shared it with her. The interviewer also told her that Hemi had blacklisted her in the industry so that she wouldn’t be able to get a job and would have to stay at his company so that he could control her. When she confronted him with it, he told her she was being “childish”, “irrational” and “hysterical” and that they would talk about it after she had “calmed down”.
After this, Hope decided that she needed a break from him and she packed a suitcase and went back to her old apartment. When Hemi went after her, Hope said, “I can’t stand not to be there for you. But you won’t let me help you in the real way. You won’t talk to me about what’s going on with Anika or with the company. You just want me to be window dressing, and somebody to … to have sex with, and you don’t want me to do anything else.” Hemi’s reply was, “Because those are the things I need from you. I want you to do what I need.”
Hope refused to go home with him and when Hemi went to see his trainer and told him that Hope had left him, he and his trainer, Eugene, began to suspect that she might be pregnant and decided that it must be her “female hormones” making her act so “childish” and “irrational”.
Of course, the book ends on a cliff hanger so there is no resolution.
First, she found out that he had been married before and deliberately kept it from her. Then, only days from their wedding, she found out that he knew that there was a problem with the paperwork and that it was likely he was never legally divorced, and he kept that from her too. The worst part is that he admitted that he never intended to tell her that he was still married. He was going to marry her in a fake ceremony and let her believe that the marriage was real and keep her totally in the dark until the divorce came through and then tell her that they weren’t really married.
That would have totally been a deal breaker for me, but Hope sat him down and gently explained to him that he had to be honest with her for her to be able to trust him. He told her that he operated on a “need to know” basis and as far as he was concerned, she “didn’t need to know”. Hope told him that she didn’t think that was fair since he demanded to know where she was, what she was doing and who she was with every minute of every day and he said “That’s how I work, though. That’s what I do. I need you to accept it.” And she decided that she was ok with that.
Hemi decided to go and see his wife and make nice with her hoping to get her to agree to help facilitate the divorce. As soon as he saw her, his thoughts turned sexual; he was staring at her and thinking how “lush” and “beautiful” her breasts were and how much he still “desired’ her. Then his wife climbed into his lap and straddled him, and he started fantasizing about their sex life and all the things he’d done to her in the past; he was holding on to her waist, she was grinding on him and he was “hard as iron” and thinking how much he still wanted her. As far as I’m concerned, this was cheating.
When he finally stood up and pushed his wife off his lap, he went home reeking of her perfume with her lipstick on his neck. Hope didn’t ask any questions; she just took him to bed and LICKED the lipstick off his neck. Like I said … TSTL.
Hope’s job at Hemi’s company wasn’t working for her so she told Hemi that she was going to start looking for another job. At a job interview, she was shown an article in the news about Hemi’s wife going after half of his money with embarrassing details about Hope and her relationship with Hemi. Hope was understandably angry that all of this had been going on and Hemi hadn’t shared it with her. The interviewer also told her that Hemi had blacklisted her in the industry so that she wouldn’t be able to get a job and would have to stay at his company so that he could control her. When she confronted him with it, he told her she was being “childish”, “irrational” and “hysterical” and that they would talk about it after she had “calmed down”.
After this, Hope decided that she needed a break from him and she packed a suitcase and went back to her old apartment. When Hemi went after her, Hope said, “I can’t stand not to be there for you. But you won’t let me help you in the real way. You won’t talk to me about what’s going on with Anika or with the company. You just want me to be window dressing, and somebody to … to have sex with, and you don’t want me to do anything else.” Hemi’s reply was, “Because those are the things I need from you. I want you to do what I need.”
Hope refused to go home with him and when Hemi went to see his trainer and told him that Hope had left him, he and his trainer, Eugene, began to suspect that she might be pregnant and decided that it must be her “female hormones” making her act so “childish” and “irrational”.
Of course, the book ends on a cliff hanger so there is no resolution.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2025
This was a big struggle to get through.
I read the reviews for the first book in this series, and saw that quite a few people had issues. I was OK with the first book. But this one...
The strong, dedicated FMC in the first book disappeared here, and became a big ol doormat. I appreciated the awful challenges she faced. But her character changes didn't fit with her former strength. For a girl who screamed loudly and often about her independence, she sure capitulated quickly to the MMC. And I really couldn't get a grasp on the whole dominance thing. He ratcheted up the control outside the bedroom and she pretty much accepted that, except for who she socialized with.
In a major gaslighting scenario, the FMC is convinced that she's done things wrong. This is after the MMC keeps her in the dark about his "wife," contacts other companies in the industry and threatens them if they hire her, and does his best to force her to agree to any and all his demands. Right. I think my favorite scene is when he confesses his concerns to his trainer, who then suggests that the FMC could be pregnant. The MMC jumps on this as they begin walking through all the FMC's "moodiness" lately. Then, the MMC explains all the bad $hit that's been happening away with pregnancy symptoms. He pretty much absolves himself in the process. Wow.
Another favorite scene is where the MMC orders the 16 yr old sister to change clothes. As the discussion gets more heated, the FMC begins to support the MMC, looking to him for approval as she does so. Her internal monolgue is nothing short of infuriating as she thinks about clothes that aren't appropriate, whatever that means. The whole scene is a nightmare.
Then we get the cliffhanger which sucks. This book is kind of a mess of misogynistic undertones along with the strong bend towards a warped BDSM message. Sometimes I really hate that woman who wrote the 50 Shades books and lament the huge success. This has turned virtually all romance authors in every genre into followers. The copycat behavior has just about ruined so many otherwise good authors work. They follow some of the deeply flawed and incorrect ideas about BDSM and add their own wrong twists. This book is no exception.
I'm guessing the next book will continue these themes.
I read the reviews for the first book in this series, and saw that quite a few people had issues. I was OK with the first book. But this one...
The strong, dedicated FMC in the first book disappeared here, and became a big ol doormat. I appreciated the awful challenges she faced. But her character changes didn't fit with her former strength. For a girl who screamed loudly and often about her independence, she sure capitulated quickly to the MMC. And I really couldn't get a grasp on the whole dominance thing. He ratcheted up the control outside the bedroom and she pretty much accepted that, except for who she socialized with.
In a major gaslighting scenario, the FMC is convinced that she's done things wrong. This is after the MMC keeps her in the dark about his "wife," contacts other companies in the industry and threatens them if they hire her, and does his best to force her to agree to any and all his demands. Right. I think my favorite scene is when he confesses his concerns to his trainer, who then suggests that the FMC could be pregnant. The MMC jumps on this as they begin walking through all the FMC's "moodiness" lately. Then, the MMC explains all the bad $hit that's been happening away with pregnancy symptoms. He pretty much absolves himself in the process. Wow.
Another favorite scene is where the MMC orders the 16 yr old sister to change clothes. As the discussion gets more heated, the FMC begins to support the MMC, looking to him for approval as she does so. Her internal monolgue is nothing short of infuriating as she thinks about clothes that aren't appropriate, whatever that means. The whole scene is a nightmare.
Then we get the cliffhanger which sucks. This book is kind of a mess of misogynistic undertones along with the strong bend towards a warped BDSM message. Sometimes I really hate that woman who wrote the 50 Shades books and lament the huge success. This has turned virtually all romance authors in every genre into followers. The copycat behavior has just about ruined so many otherwise good authors work. They follow some of the deeply flawed and incorrect ideas about BDSM and add their own wrong twists. This book is no exception.
I'm guessing the next book will continue these themes.
May 14, 2019
Fractured is the second book in the Not Quite a Billionaire series by Rosalind James. I would recommend reading this series in order, as this is not a stand-alone novel. I loved the first book in the series, and found this to be a very fast read (I read it in two sittings) and overall satisfying read. I enjoy James's writing style, and this book was no exception. The plot moves fast, and the events that transpire, happen over time not over a drama packed matter of days which I appreciated. There are some truly hot scenes in this book, and the chemistry between Hope and Hemi who are the two protagonists are fantastic. I love the minor characters, especially Nathan, and hope to see more of him in the third installment. My favorite scenes in this book though, are those that show Hope becoming more confident in the workplace and with people.
I do feel this book suffers from the being-the-second-book-in-a-romantic-series syndrome. Its hard to review an incomplete series and this books was unmistakably a second book in a series type of book. The groundwork was laid for more character growth and I have a feeling the third book will be very satisfying, but until I read that book, I am left frustrated with the main characters and the need for resolution. I am hopeful, and have every reason to believe, that Hope will become more consistently confident in all areas of her life and that Hemi will become more emotionally intelligent. Depending on how you like to read your series books, I might recommend waiting to read this until the third book is about to come out so that you can jump immediately into the third book and save yourself the "agro" of waiting to see what happens next
I do feel this book suffers from the being-the-second-book-in-a-romantic-series syndrome. Its hard to review an incomplete series and this books was unmistakably a second book in a series type of book. The groundwork was laid for more character growth and I have a feeling the third book will be very satisfying, but until I read that book, I am left frustrated with the main characters and the need for resolution. I am hopeful, and have every reason to believe, that Hope will become more consistently confident in all areas of her life and that Hemi will become more emotionally intelligent. Depending on how you like to read your series books, I might recommend waiting to read this until the third book is about to come out so that you can jump immediately into the third book and save yourself the "agro" of waiting to see what happens next
February 17, 2017
I just finished this book and I'm speechless because it is not at all what I expected.
What I expected was a part 2 in a three part series that was like all the others, where basically it is like the middle of the book and not very satisfying. That's definitely not what I got.
I was happy with how part one ended and had no burning desire to see what happened to Hope and Hemi next, mainly because I enjoyed how I could see how the story ran parallel to the book in which it first appeared as a story within a story, the Escape to New Zealand book Just in Time. When I got to the first obstacle for Hope and Hemi in this book, I thought...."oh no, I'm going to have to skim this because I don't like people from the past being drug into my good stories to mess things up."
That, however, did not happen. What happened was a lot of working through things that had little to do with that past person, and everything to do with what Hemi and Hope needed to do to make things work now. Just like in the first installment, this book does deliver the promise to those who like to read erotic romance, but it also adds so much more because the emotions are moving the story forward. In this case, the emotions just happen to result in some very, very intense encounters.
Needless to say, there was no skimming involved in this book once I got into it and I couldn't put it down until I was finished. It does contain a cliffhanger, but there is an end date in sight and it's not long. I can't wait to see how it all unfolds.
What I expected was a part 2 in a three part series that was like all the others, where basically it is like the middle of the book and not very satisfying. That's definitely not what I got.
I was happy with how part one ended and had no burning desire to see what happened to Hope and Hemi next, mainly because I enjoyed how I could see how the story ran parallel to the book in which it first appeared as a story within a story, the Escape to New Zealand book Just in Time. When I got to the first obstacle for Hope and Hemi in this book, I thought...."oh no, I'm going to have to skim this because I don't like people from the past being drug into my good stories to mess things up."
That, however, did not happen. What happened was a lot of working through things that had little to do with that past person, and everything to do with what Hemi and Hope needed to do to make things work now. Just like in the first installment, this book does deliver the promise to those who like to read erotic romance, but it also adds so much more because the emotions are moving the story forward. In this case, the emotions just happen to result in some very, very intense encounters.
Needless to say, there was no skimming involved in this book once I got into it and I couldn't put it down until I was finished. It does contain a cliffhanger, but there is an end date in sight and it's not long. I can't wait to see how it all unfolds.
August 8, 2020
Angst, control, and sex
The entire book is working on trust and getting through issues that Hope and Hemi bring to their relationship. It involves cycles of growling, arguing, and fierce, controlling, low key kinky make up sex, with a few rounds of actual tender lovemaking.
Seriously, so much sex. I'm comfortable with erotic content in a book, but I look to this author more for romance and the beauty of New Zealand than bow chicka wow wow, so it's a bit surprising.
I'll let Hope share her view:
"Or maybe that was just my unruly imagination, to say nothing of my insistent body, which seemed to think that I ought to be catching up on years of self-denial with one prolonged, breathless orgy of sexual experimentation. I wasn’t sure you could have an orgy with one man, but if you could, that man would be Hemi."
I like Karen's attitude, and already read her later story. I'm sure it will turn out for the best for Hope and Hemi, but this book seems stuck in a loop, not moving forward.
The entire book is working on trust and getting through issues that Hope and Hemi bring to their relationship. It involves cycles of growling, arguing, and fierce, controlling, low key kinky make up sex, with a few rounds of actual tender lovemaking.
Seriously, so much sex. I'm comfortable with erotic content in a book, but I look to this author more for romance and the beauty of New Zealand than bow chicka wow wow, so it's a bit surprising.
I'll let Hope share her view:
"Or maybe that was just my unruly imagination, to say nothing of my insistent body, which seemed to think that I ought to be catching up on years of self-denial with one prolonged, breathless orgy of sexual experimentation. I wasn’t sure you could have an orgy with one man, but if you could, that man would be Hemi."
I like Karen's attitude, and already read her later story. I'm sure it will turn out for the best for Hope and Hemi, but this book seems stuck in a loop, not moving forward.
March 22, 2019
WOW Just Wow
Hope was between a rock and a hard place. Hemi was between a bigger more stubborn rock and a hard place. Hope grid communication, did well when she didn’t expect and failed a bit when it really mattered. Hemi needs his family which includes the company he started. But he needs his heart more and I think that is just going to take a little time.
Looking forward to the third in the series.
Hope was between a rock and a hard place. Hemi was between a bigger more stubborn rock and a hard place. Hope grid communication, did well when she didn’t expect and failed a bit when it really mattered. Hemi needs his family which includes the company he started. But he needs his heart more and I think that is just going to take a little time.
Looking forward to the third in the series.
December 22, 2019
Hemi is a very controlling guy, Hope, not so much. But, although she seems the submissive type, she doesn't let Hemi dictate her outside the bedroom. This is the second part of a trilogy and it continues the story of how these two people learn to get along: how Hemi learns to let go and how Hope learns to be more confident.
March 15, 2020
Fractured
Fractured is part two of the Not Quite Billionaire series. In this book, Hope and Hemi's love deepen. Together they tackle several difficult issues but Hemi still is discovering how to engage Hope in decisions. Will Hemi be able to bring Hope closer to him or hold her too tight that pushes her away?
Fractured is part two of the Not Quite Billionaire series. In this book, Hope and Hemi's love deepen. Together they tackle several difficult issues but Hemi still is discovering how to engage Hope in decisions. Will Hemi be able to bring Hope closer to him or hold her too tight that pushes her away?
March 10, 2024
This series must be read in order. Very steamy love scenes. #2 is very strong writing, better I thought than #1. Really good dialogue. Hemi's behavior is modifying but he is still too controlling at times, yet Hope does stand up to him for what she needs and wants. This is a very good story as Hemi discovers he is still married to his vindictive wife #1.
January 22, 2018
Continuing series book 2 . I am really enjoying this series it is a chick lit romance with a dash of light BDSM and takes place in New York and New Zealand.the characters and this story is addicting. Onto book 3
January 27, 2018
The book is 5 stars but...
I give it 3 stars for being a cliff hanger. I feel Hope's whining and insecurity were padded too much to be believable, and used to stretch this into 3 books. First 2/3 was really enjoyable!
I give it 3 stars for being a cliff hanger. I feel Hope's whining and insecurity were padded too much to be believable, and used to stretch this into 3 books. First 2/3 was really enjoyable!
April 27, 2019
Wow!
Omg, cliffhanger! But the author Did warn us, lol. Really good, and I can't wait to read the third one! Definitely read this off shoot from the escape to New Zealand series in order. I'm so excited to find out what happens next!
Omg, cliffhanger! But the author Did warn us, lol. Really good, and I can't wait to read the third one! Definitely read this off shoot from the escape to New Zealand series in order. I'm so excited to find out what happens next!
January 3, 2021
Great read
I have one more book in this series and I’m already getting sad that I’m going to be finished! I have loved all the characters and the New Zealand culture in this series and the escape series! I’ll be sad to watch them go!
I have one more book in this series and I’m already getting sad that I’m going to be finished! I have loved all the characters and the New Zealand culture in this series and the escape series! I’ll be sad to watch them go!
May 7, 2022
Awesome!
I totally enjoyed reading this book. Great romance with some drama and steamy sex scenes. I can't wait to start the next book in this series and see if they can work something out together!
I totally enjoyed reading this book. Great romance with some drama and steamy sex scenes. I can't wait to start the next book in this series and see if they can work something out together!
June 3, 2018
This book was much better than Book 1. You go, Hope !
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