Just This Once

Escape to New Zealand, Book 1

By: Rosalind James

Narrated by: Claire Bocking

Length: 8 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

Everyone needs to be rescued sometimes.

Everyone but Hannah Montgomery, that is. She just needs a vacation. Three weeks in New Zealand to sort out her life, figure out what she wants, seems just right. Oh, and to relax. She should definitely put that on the agenda. She certainly isn't looking for a fling with a professional rugby player, no matter how attractive he is. Hannah doesn't do casual. But maybe just this once.…

Drew Callahan is happy to help Hannah find all the fun she's been missing. But as much as he's shared with her, he's kept one very big secret. And learning the truth, now that she's back home again, has made Hannah more wary than ever. Drew knows that she's right for him. But how can he convince her to let down her guard enough to explore what they could have together?

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, book.

©2012 Rosalind James (P)2014 Rosalind James

An enjoyable book, hard to put down

enjoyed the book from beginning to end. narrator did a wonderful job. Ill check out th next in series

Not a bad listen, until...

This was a pretty good listen, loved Hanna's independent spirit up until chapter 31, and then I wanted to punch her in the throat. Thankfully the end is near and she comes around, but, good LORD! Would it hurt to let the man be a man once in a while? Sheesh! Loved Drew. One would have to be insane to sabotage a relationship with such a specimen.

Absolutely love it!!!

This book was absolutely amzing!!!! I was sucked in from the beginning and fell in love with the descriptions of New Zealand and the culture! I also loved Hannah, Drew, and the way they complimented each other so well!

Love that I found a new (to me) series!

Love that I found a new (to me) series!
I didn't realize there was a series until I was halfway through it and started looking for more by the author. I'm going to start the new one today! I'm on a leisurely vacation .

Something real

This was honestly the most real love story I have ever listened to. You can relate to both sides of the story. I look forward to reading more.

Loved it!

First came across this author, Rosalind James, with the Sinful, Montana series and was delighted. So I figured I'd give Ms. James' another try with Escape to New Zealand series and, Im happy to say she continues to delight.
Enjoyed this narrative thoroughly. Good plot and character development. Also an unexpected plus was being introduced to NZ sports in a light hearted, casual way which was fine since Im not a sport fan at all. So this subgenre, I can say, is quite a departure for me. (Learned about Hakas too :D...and All Blacks )
Good entertainment for a rainy afternoon. Makes me want to go visit New Zealand!
The narrator, Claire Bocking, is fabulous and talented. Loved her NZ accents and ability to do distinct, recognisable characters whether male or female. Kudos Ms. Bocking! I will look forward to more of your works.

Great stories but odd sex scenes

I've read through Book 5 and I love, love the characters in this series. They feel real and multidimensional. They are intelligent and react as expected based on their personalities. I genuinely like the characters.

My only complaint is the sex scenes. They feel emotionless. They also feel uncomfortable. Like the writer isn't comfortable with the situation. In addition, though the women are strong, independent characters, they are passive in bed. The scenes are almost all about the man dominating the woman. I really didn't like that. The strong and aggressive rugby players usually left that side of them on the field. As a reader, I'm okay with dominance, but it was out of character for both the men and for the women to allow it. Maybe it would have developed for the characters over time, but not the first few times they had sex.

Again, the great characters and stories keep me coming back to the series. I also appreciate the mini Geography lessons and intro to NZed culture and customs. I will continue to read the series. But more than once, I've asked through the sex scenes. They are weird and unmoving. That's my only complaint across the board.

I fell in love with New Zealand

What a pleasant surprise. I started listening to this story looking for an easy summer romance story but I got so much more!! It is obvious that the author truly loves New Zealand and transmitted that love to us listeners. It was like NZ was another character in the story and it actually makes me want to visit someday. Don't get me wrong this is really a romance story and the descriptions of NZ and the customs only enhance the story. The romance was perfectly developed and the main characters were so likable that I was rooting for them the whole time. The only reasons why I rated this story with a 4 and not a perfect 5 is that the narrator didn't do a very manly voice for Drew and sometimes I was confused on whether it was Hannah or him speaking and that the very end was a tiny bit rushed.
If you like sweet romances with amazing characters and just the right amount of spice then this book is definitely for you. Want a bonus? You don't even have to use an Audible credit because if you purchase the kindle book first you get the audio version at an excellent price. It's truly a great deal!!

Very predictable

The end was the best part. Wish there'd been more excitement in the rest of the story

I'm ready to pack my bags!

I almost think Rosalind James is on the New Zealand tourism board (and if she's not, I think they owe her a big check)!

This is a very cute story that would have been great to read in any setting, but James does a wonderful job bumping it up a notch. The picture she paints of New Zealand is dreamy.

And OMG I'm Rugby's newest fan!!! Drew is a worthy ambassador. A true gentleman.

Just This Once is not the overly steamy. If you're looking for a Erotic Romance this one might not be for you. But I really enjoyed the story and the backdrop of New Zealand. This is a worthy beach read!