Just for Now

Escape to New Zealand, Book Three

By: Rosalind James

Narrated by: Claire Bocking

Length: 9 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

There's no place like home...

For teacher Jenna McKnight, nothing spells "heartbreak" like finding her husband with somebody else--in her bed. It's clearly time to reinvent herself. A new body, a new city, and a new job later, she's done just that. The beautiful Auckland villa isn't really her home, though. Finn Douglas and his kids aren't really her family, however much she wishes they were. And playing house can be a dangerous game.

Rugby star Finn Douglas is just looking for a temporary nanny and housekeeper. Not a girlfriend, and definitely not a wife. He can't resist Jenna's cooking, it's true. Who knew he'd have so much trouble resisting her? He wants to do what's right for his kids. But waiting is so hard...

Note: This romance, like New Zealand, contains a bit of steam. If that isn't your cuppa, maybe visit some other country... er, audiobook.

©2012 Rosalind James (P)2014 Rosalind James

ANOTHER "TRY" FOR "ESCAPE TO NEW ZEALAND"

I have read all of Rosalind James' "Escape to New Zealand" series on Kindle and absolutely adore hearing them read by the talented Claire Bocking. As I've said in my other reviews, these stories have introduced me to a country I now want to visit (hubby said YES!) and to a sport I knew nothing about but now follow as a true fan (even though I've never followed any sport before ...ever.)

I think this is my favorite out of all the books (so far.) Jenna has been badly burned in her marriage, when all she wanted in life was a secure home and family and a bunch of kids. She sure didn't have it growing up or with her soon-to-be ex-husband.

She had taken some time off as a teacher to travel a bit and take some odd jobs until she sorts her life out and figures out her next step. Thus, she applies as a housekeeper and nanny for Finn Douglas and his two kids. (Rugby players DO travel a lot and it's just a short-term thing.) The employment interview scene is too funny for words and I'll not spoil it for you. Let's just say it doesn't go well. But everything turns out okay in the end and Jenna begins her employment ... with a massively built, hunky, desirable rugby player. They do try to not be attracted to each other ... for the kids' sake. But then what kind of a romance novel would we have? I won't give any more away. It is a great story told with a lot of care. Bring tissues.

I do believe you will laugh and cry and swoon. As Rosalind says .. just like New Zealand, there is a bit of steam here, so if that's not your cuppa ... try another country ... er, book.

And I DO recommend getting the book or Kindle edition too ... for a marvelous glossary of Kiwi terms (words and phrases which are in the books and are fascinating!) and for a whole bunch of Jenna's (Rosalind's) recipes. I've tried a number of them and they are fabulous.

[“I received a free copy of this audiobook 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."] MJG

Amazing Performance Made this Book My #1!

What made the experience of listening to Just for Now the most enjoyable?

Claire Bocking just does a phenomenal job voicing the characters in this book. While "Just For Now" is not my favorite eBook in the "Escape to NZ" series, it is definitely my favorite audiobook. It was simply fun to listen to.

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

Definitely the kids (can't choose one). In the audio version, their voices came across stronger and clearer - more passionate - than I imagined when reading this book. That definitely made this book more engaging.

Any additional comments?

I have loved this series because I truly enjoyed learning more about New Zealand (now on my bucket list of places to visit while I'm young and athletic enough to enjoy) and the Maori culture (not quite as prominent in this particular book, but still). The characters are all interesting, multi-layered individuals and Ms. Bocking's interpretation with the adult and kids voices and the accents was terrific.
I highly recommend this audiobook, even if you haven't read or heard any of the others in the 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.”

Favorite so far

Wish all the books were available on audible. I liked this by just finding it by a fluke. PLEASE get the rest and the series she has written. The narrator is excellent
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Worth a Listen

I love the location and descriptions of New Zealand in this series. This is book three and I have to say that the narrator, Clair Bocking, is absolutely wonderful. I think I would enjoy any book she narrated. Her ability to change her voice for kids, men, women and various accents is phenomenal.

The characters were, for the most part, likable people. I had some problems with Jenna McKnight, the lead female. Jenna was a little preachy for my taste. I read another review that said it well…some of her conversations were a bit more like lectures on the way things should be. So while I liked Jenna, I also thought she came off as a bit of a know-it-all.

This book has two children as a major part of the storyline and while Clair did an awesome job on the voices, the kids spent a lot of time whining or crying. I have to say it got a little tedious listening to them.

I must admit that I don’t approve of all the sexual situations, but that is a personal preference and not a reflection on how good the book is. What I do love about the author’s stories are the location, use of local Enzed language, and the fact that the characters are basically good and decent people. I also love that Rosalind James ties up loose ends and you end up with a very satisfying ending.

Having said all of the above, I believe it is worth a listen, and I wholeheartedly recommend the first two in the series in audiobook form.

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.

The Characters Spring to Life In This Great Story

Any additional comments?

I previously read the book "Just for Now" and I was intrigued to find out how the characters would sound in the audiobook version. Claire Bocking did an excellent job with the different voices she used. She was able to give each of the characters their own unique sound and identity.

This story is a great contemporary romance with enough inner struggles and conflicts to keep you interested through the end. Jenna, Finn, and Finn's kids are so likeable that you are rooting for them to obtain the happiness and love they all deserve.

I really enjoyed revisiting Rosalind James's work in this format. I can't wait to listen to my other favorite books in the "Escape to New Zealand" series.

**I received a free copy copy of this audiobook 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.

Another wonderful book from Rosalind James!

Any additional comments?

As with the first two books, my favorite aspect of this book was, by far, the setting. Rosalind James does an amazing job describing New Zealand - both in landscape and in culture. Every time I read/listen to one of the "Escape to New Zealand" books, I want to visit. I've listened to the first two books several times.

That being said, this one wasn't my favorite. I loved the characters and the progression of their relationship;, and the tension of their first meeting lead to a charming period of adjustment, but the chaos and stress of some of the situations with the kids was a bit much for me. While very realistic, it did detract a little bit from the story (probably because I don't have kids myself).

As usual, Clair Bocking's narration was excellent. She has a very distinctive voice for each character and does a great job with both the characters' emotions and their accents, making it easy to get lost in the story rather than feeling "read to."

All in all, still a delightful read/listen. Disclaimer: 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.

More than a nanny

Finn’s a New Zealand rugby star trying to raise two children on his own. Jenna’s a teacher in the process of divorce. She accepts the position of nanny for the interim, until she can get a teaching position at the next school year.
Yes, things do heat up. Enjoyable through the HEA.
Bocking does a good job of narration.

Right as...

I like to listen to audio books while mowing the lawn, driving long distances or cleaning my house. I have listened to many audio books and have even stopped a few when they became an unbearable shadow of the book. Just for Now: Escape to New Zealand has a great narrator, Claire Bocking, and her reading gives more life to the book than I anticipated. If you are new to audio books, here are a few points that make Claire such a great fit. First of all, ever character sounds believable. She has an advantage reading Jenna but she does an equally wonderful job reading Finn’s character. Secondly, Claire has great diction and keeps the novel flowing. Lastly, who wants to listen to a bad impersonation that takes away from the story? Unfortunately, there are many out there that do just that.

As for the actual novel, Just for Now: Escape to New Zealand book 3 may be my favorite. Since I hope that James writes many more, this book sits tentatively at the top with a little wiggle room for future novels to claim #1. I really appreciated the depth the characters developed through action and dialogue. I come across a fair amount of books that often lack character development. No worries on that note when you read one of James’ novels. The age-old struggle of finding love among the balancing act of life with children makes Jenna and Finn a wonderful love story. The one criticism I would have is regarding Jenna and it’s a personality conflict on my part. I really don’t think that I could be around someone who knew as much as Jenna and not feel resentment that she was such a nice person. I guess that reflects poorly on me but I kept thinking, “I would have blown up over that” or “WOW! She is crazy understanding!” I still liked her character overall and overlooked her ‘goody two-shoes’ approach to life. :)

Overall, the audio book for Just for Now: Escape to New Zealand book 3 is well worth the money and your time!

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.

My favorite of the series.

Any additional comments?

First, the story is amazing. I've read all of the Escape to New Zealand books and this is one of my favorites. The story between Finn and Jenna is like a slow burn. It builds gradually and slowly but you can see the romance developing from the beginning. I love the passion Jenna has for her work, no matter what she is doing. I also love that she doesn't let anyone treat her in a way they shouldn't, but she does it while still being friendly. She's a person with a big heart. Finn's world revolves around his kids and their well being. He is rich enough to hire people to do everything with them, but anytime he can be with them, he is. He doesn't complain about being a single father or the sacrifices that entails.

Now for the audio. This is the first audio book I've listened too. Claire does a great job of doing the different voices so you can tell it's a different character talking. Jenna sounded a little too innocent to me, and Finn didn't sound as rugged as he does in my mind, but you can't expect them to match up to your minds exactly :)

I really wasn't sure how I would like an audio book but found I really did enjoy it and will be getting more. It's nice to be able to hear the story, but still be able to get other things done.

Although these books are part of a series, they can all be stand alone. You won't feel lost in any way by listening to this if you haven't read or listened to the others. The stories are all fun and you really do feel like you are in New Zealand. Be warned, it will make you want to go there!

"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.”

Can't wait for book 4 to come to audible!

If you could sum up Just for Now in three words, what would they be?

Such a SWEET story! Loved all the Hot scenes. Not too little and not too much! Great story!