• Just Good Friends

  • Escape to New Zealand, Book 2
  • By: Rosalind James
  • Narrated by: Claire Bocking
  • Length: 9 hrs and 13 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (941 ratings)

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Just Good Friends  By  cover art

Just Good Friends

By: Rosalind James
Narrated by: Claire Bocking
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Publisher's summary

Some bets were made to be lost.

Kate Lamonica isn't Koti James' type. Too small. Too dark. And heaps too much work. So it's an easy bet that he can be her friend for six weeks without making a move on her, no matter what his mates would have said.

Kate can't believe she's made the bet at all. New Zealand had seemed like the perfect escape from the stalker who'd threatened first her peace of mind and then her life. She certainly doesn't need any more trouble. Why on earth has she agreed to spend time with a Maori rugby player who's far too handsome and charming for his own good - and knows it?

But there's more than one game Koti's good at playing....

Note: This romance, like New Zealand, contains a bit of steam. If that isn't your cuppa, you may want to visit another country...er, audiobook.

©2012 Rosalind james (P)2014 Rosalind James

What listeners say about Just Good Friends

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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ANOTHER FANTASTIC KIWI / RUGBY LOVE STORY

Second in the "Escape to New Zealand" series, learn more about rugby and the Maori culture while you take a virtual tour of parts of New Zealand! I feel like I've nearly really had a vacation after reading/listening to one of these books. With a great romance story added in, to boot!! Seriously ... hubby and I have started a "New Zealand Vacation Fund" and I can hardly wait to go.

Kate Lamonica has BIG trouble when a boyfriend becomes a stalker. Trying to kill her type of stalker. So she leaves the USA for New Zealand and her friend that lives there, hoping to hide from said-stalker. Enter rugby player Koti James. Kate is definitely NOT impressed with gorgeous ladies' man Koti, and the feeling is mutual. Or is it? It all turns into a bet that Koti can't have a girl FRIEND and keep it platonic. Well, let's just say that it wouldn't be much of a romance if someone didn't lose that bet. :) There are some great, nicely written love scenes --- and they do get a tiny bit of kink on, so do be warned. (I did not find it offensive FYI).

I love the new-to-audiobooks actress Claire Bocking. She does a mean Kiwi accent (male and female) and adds a lot to her reading of a great romance story.

Highly recommended and worth a credit!

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8 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Hot rugby player in NZ: yes please!

What made the experience of listening to Just Good Friends the most enjoyable?

Claire Bocking, as always, fantastic narrator. I like the story. I like how Kate is tough. The Waitomo Cave part was great (makes me want to go there). Great characters development. You never have to ask "what was he/she thinking?!" because she goes in-depth with the characters. I like how we see the characters from the first book and how that relationship is going, but it's still a good book if you didn't read the first one (but you should get the first one because it's good, too).

Which character – as performed by Claire Bocking – was your favorite?

I really love how she changes her voice for the female characters. They are all so distinct and you can pick up the differences. She's a really talented voice actor. When there is yelling, Claire Bocking yells and it's startling, but in a way that's extremely effective and makes for a great performance. When there is sniffling or coughing, instead of just reading "she coughed," she actually makes the noises and I really appreciate that. Whoever cast her clearly knew what they were doing because I can't say enough good things about her.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Whenever Kate talked about her fears with her stalker, I really felt the emotion, in the writing and in listening to the narration.

Any additional comments?

I bought this book the hour it became available, at full price, and it was worth it. I've also listened to this book at least 5 times, I enjoy it that much. I can't wait for more NZ books to come out and hearing Claire Bocking narrate some more.

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6 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Sweet as . . .

What did you like about this audiobook?

I liked how Claire Bocking gave each of the characters their own voice. She didn't just read a script, she made them come alive. I loved hearing the Maori words spoken (and the one song was so lovely). The New Zealand accent was wonderful, emotions came through loud and clear.

How has the book increased your interest in the subject matter?

Definitely! I didn't know anything about New Zealand, the Maori, or rugby before I started reading the books in the Escape to New Zealand series, and I am hooked. I've even watched an All Blacks Haka on YouTube. So cool!

Does the author present information in a way that is interesting and insightful, and if so, how does he achieve this?

I think rather than presenting information, Ms. James weaves it into the story and dialogue and characters so skillfully that it simply flows right through the book, and makes you want to learn more. I have loved reading about the Maori traditions, history and music, about the All Blacks and rugby, and New Zealand, all woven together with an excellent story line and sizzling romance.

What did you find wrong about the narrator's performance?

I didn't find anything wrong with the narrator's performance. It was wonderful. If I could ask for one thing, though, if would have been to hear one of the two songs Koti sang, in its entirety. Maori music is so beautiful and haunting. I loved the short song that was included. I just wanted more!

Do you have any additional comments?

I would like to mention that I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. This review is my own, and reflects my honest opinion of this book.

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5 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Funny, romantic and sexy does not say it all!!

I loved almost everything about this book. Great story, fantastic lessons in NZ's culture, clever writing and most of all one of the most engaging narrations. A couple of parts I felt the history lectures went on a bit too long but thankfully those scenes were few and far in between, but the rest was Yummy-Licious. The challenge throughout the relationship was just enough to keep the romance hot. You won't go wrong with this book.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great story with a wonderfully flawed leading man

This story continues the series surrounding the men of the New Zealand rugby team (the All Blacks), however don't assume it's a fluffy manfest that just serves a backdrop for some steamy scenes. Introduced in the first two stories (Hemi's and Drew's), Koti is a gorgeous, talented, pro athlete who is used to getting his own way and not having to work very hard to get it. He meets a strong american woman who calls him on his 'stuff' and helps him to learn that some things are worth working for. Even without the underlying plot of the stalker ex-boyfriend, the story was so engaging I hated to put it down. It made me laugh out loud, choke up a bit when warranted, and didn't have long, drawn out periods of angst. I loved that Koti didn't just instantly become a perfect, caring, loving man who was simply misunderstood. Ms. James' ability to create characters who are real, but don't put you off is a true gift. The narrator was fantastic. One of the best I've every heard, with authentic accents, clearly distinguished voices, good male as well as female voices, and a perfect sense of timing to pull off the funny parts. I hope that more of this becomes available on audio soon!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Suspense and cute rugby tour guides :)

Would you consider the audio edition of Just Good Friends to be better than the print version?

Yes -- the narrator breathes life into the characters. I am waiting for the next audio book before reading ahead in the series!

What other book might you compare Just Good Friends to and why?

Well, this is a series,..

What does Claire Bocking bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Claire's easy transition between accents is remarkable. I've only had one other experience with a well- performed series and it was done by Jim Dale. It was a completely different genre, but on my mind, Claire rates as one of my top performers. Brava!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did - it actually took a few days of commuting, but I didn't start anything else!

Any additional comments?

I cannot stress how much Claire's narration brings to the story. She needs a fan club and I'll sign up!

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Good, casual book

I loved the first book so much I had to start listening to the second right away. It's important to realize before you get addicted that each book is from a different viewpoint and time and not necessarily a continuation from the previous book (I didn't realize that originally and wrongfully assumed a series would follow the same main characters in a continuing story). I did not think book 2 was as good as book 1 but it still drew me in and had me anxious to hear more. I've downloaded the 3rd book and do plan to listen to the whole series. The narrator is great as her accent sounds very believable. I feel like I've learned tons about New Zealand culture I never would have known without reading these books, if everything the author writes regarding history and such is true. I like that this series isn't all just sex and over the top it's been three weeks and I will literally kill myself or someone if I don't see you. It's more realistic and time passes like a more believable relationship. This book dives into the all too real and horrific domestic violence situations that happen every day around the world. It's gruesome to hear at some points. Hopefully this book brings more awareness to domestic violence and domestic violence survivors. Overall the book is a good listen especially if you commute tons for work like I do.

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Be hard-to-get, not impossible.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Rosalind has got it right again! Want a guy's attention? Be hard-to-get, especially when they are used to having it handed to them. Another well developed story that has you laughing, smirking, gasping, and ticked off, then cheering for the hero.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Cody is adorable, sexy, and clueless! Then he meets Kate, who does an immediate smack down that leaves Cody smarting, but coming back for more!

Have you listened to any of Claire Bocking’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I so enjoy Claire's reading. A smooth lyrical reading style with great character voices. Keep up the great work Claire. You're doing a wonderful job on Rosalind's books!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There is more the one moment that I enjoyed Kate and Cody's story. I did particularly enjoy the scene between Cody's x-girl friend and Kate. Kate, who at this point is still just-a-friend, tells the jealous X to stop cornering her in the bathroom and encourages her to go convince Cody to take her home. A harassed Cody declined the offer and was a bit annoyed - especially when Kate was laughing at him.

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My new fave of Rosalind's books

Would you listen to Just Good Friends again? Why?

Because it's excellent. I've listened to it numerous times already. I enjoyed Just Good Friends when I read it initially, but I love it even more now. something about Claire's narration makes a great book even better.

What other book might you compare Just Good Friends to and why?

Sorry, I never was any good at contrast and compare!

Which scene was your favorite?

When Hemi tells Koti to pull his head out of his ass!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

So many though it's hard to describe without giving everything away! When Koti was there for Kate early on, the scene with Kate shortly before Hemi tells Koti to pull his head out of his ass, when Koti is there for Kate near the end... etc

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A Terrific Way to Escape to New Zealand!

Any additional comments?

I just love this story and the narration is fantastic! Kate is fiesty, Koti is yummy, and the setting in NZ has put a trip there on my bucket list.
Sure, this is a fun romance, but there are well-developed characters, a tense subplot, and glimpses into the island and Maori culture.
Highly recommend! This is one of my favorite romance novels and hearing it with the Kiwi accent just enhances the story!

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