Just Good Friends

Escape to New Zealand, Book 2

By: Rosalind James

Narrated by: Claire Bocking

Length: 9 hrs and 13 mins

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

Fantastic book

This book is one of my favorites in Rosalind James's Escape to New Zealand Series (and I have read them all). Not only is it a great romance, but a great book, and you truly feel like as a reader you "escape to New Zealand." James's passion for the country, people, and culture really shines through. The chemistry between the two main character in Just Good Friends is tangible and realistic. Claire Bocking's performance was right on target for all of the characters (female and male), accents, and even melodic at one musical point. This recording is very easy to understand at all times/ I have read this book more than once, as it is one of my favorites in the series, and knowing how things turn out, I was surprised by how hard it was to stop listening and how sad I was when I came to the end. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a good romance, anyone who likes a story with a strong female protagonist, and anyone who would like to explore New Zealand in their audiobook listening.

Taken Away To New Zealand

Would you listen to Just Good Friends again? Why?

yes

Any additional comments?

Excellent narrator! She makes you feel like you are in NZ with the characters in the novel.

Beautiful, couldn't stop listening. Must read!

I loved everything about this book. I love the chase in romance and this book is completely that. You are completely fulfilled with this story, I couldn't stop listening no matter what I was doing. I didn't know I loved New Zealand but I do now.

The accents are wonderful, such good writing! I can't wait to read what is next!

This is a must read/listen! Do it now!!!!

Meh

I definitely liked the first book better. This girl is so overly opiniated that she yells and throws a fit anytime someone says something she doesn't agree with. My eyes rolled everytime she started going off and I found myself thinking, "here we go again."
I did enjoy that characters from the last book were still here and Koti James definitely sounds like a hottie.

Awesome Suprise and totaly loved it!!!

Awesome love story and my first Rugby romance! Kate and Koti's story was well written and filled with raw emotion, a love and hate type of chemistry that comes to its boiling point. It definitely had me twisted on the edge of my seat at many times. I really enjoyed this story and cant wait to venture a little more into the rugby romance with this new addition to my fav's list!

Believable Characters exciting storyline

This book, one in a continuous series, is a wonderful way to meet Rosalind James’ wise but flawed characters. Believable plots and satisfying storylines are also her hallmark. I so enjoyed the setting in New Zealand, the country this series adopts. The spiritual Mauri culture embraced by the characters and the country is uplifting.
One of best series I have read or listened to.
The narration is excellent

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!

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!

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.

Great narration!

Where does Just Good Friends rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Great book, quality narration!

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

Just This Once.

What about Claire Bocking’s performance did you like?

Claire does a great job of narrating both American and New Zealand accents! It is done in a very realistic and believable way.

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

No

Any additional comments?

I'm looking forward to the rest of the Escape to New Zealand series being narrated!