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

It was ok

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Hannah's insecurities drove me crazy. Almost wanted to stop listening

Would you recommend Just This Once to your friends? Why or why not?

Very predictable

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

She was ok.

Could you see Just This Once being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No

Any additional comments?

No

An Excellent Summer Read

I am not a regular chick lit reader - however, I quite enjoyed this novel. I loved that it incorporated a sampling of New Zealand's rich and beautiful culture into the plot; from the Island nation's obsession with rugby all the way to the Maori culture, and its legends. In addition, it was nice to simply read a book where I didn't have to think too hard, yet ended up learning a little.

On one hand, I will admit that this plot followed somewhat of a predictable pattern. However, there is something charming in this story; the idea of falling in love and escaping to New Zealand is an idea that would appeal to many readers.

In terms of the setting, New Zealand was the major factor that directed me to this book. I believe the beautiful setting added something special to this story. In addition, I loved that this novel drew in some of New Zealand's extraordinary culture - Including their love of rugby [especially the unwavering loyalty to the All Blacks] and the Maori traditions. As someone who has never been to New Zealand, I felt I got a little bit of an insight into Kiwi culture and language.

The major flaw I found in this book, was that Hannah's character got to be a bit grating - her emotional flaws were acceptable for awhile. However, there came a point when the "I can't rely on anyone" routine got old. Also, I felt that this novel could have had fewer sex scenes; but, that is just a minor preference.

As for the audiobooks edition, Claire Bocking did a fantastic job creating an almost authentic Kiwi accent; I was truly impressed as this is no easy task.

Ultimately, "Just this Once" was a fun and airy summer read. I will be sure to check out the other books in the "Escape to New Zealand Series" by Rosalind James in the near future.

Great love story

Really enjoyed. couldn't stop listening. Finished in 2 days. Characters were wonderful. Can't wait for the next book from this author

Best Romantic Series!!!

I've read a lot of books through the years and have been an avid listener to Audible books for several years. Listen every day. This is the first series I am listening to again. Every book again. I've never done it before. The author is fantastic in making you feel that you are right there as a friend in everyone's life. The narrator is the greatest. It's her narrative that makes me want to listen twice because male, female or children she makes it real.

Beyond expectation

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

First one I've listen too in a very long time! Ranks pretty high up .

Who was your favorite character and why?

Hannah - you could sense her emotions and feelings. And her strong determination.

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

No. This is first time listening to her.

The two faces of Hannah

As an independent woman Hannah was too insecure. I found her to be extremely frustrating.

The love scenes were very sexy and Drew was lovable in many ways.

Not sure I would recommend this.

Interesting, a bit predictable but funny

The story line is not to original. But you do feel like you are in New Zealand. I think that I would have liked the end fleshed out a bit. A word picture of the newspaper picture after the game. Fun read. The reader was a bit choppy quick.

Rugby fans will like this

I didn't realize this was about the All Blacks, so that was a plus. Overall it was a good story without many gaps and some good rugby explanations. But Hannah seemed shallow and flat about her relationship to Drew; I understand how her history affects her but she refuses to see how she hurts him with her cavalier attitude and refusal to consider a future, even to herself.
The performance is off on Drew’s character. The voice isn’t nearly deep enough, and the inflections and emotions aren’t right for the situations. It’s good for Hannah, though.

Perfect Escape!

What did you love best about Just This Once?

Ms. James gives us a sweet romance while completely drawing us into the setting. Once I finished the story, I almost felt like I'd been on a trip to New Zealand.

What other book might you compare Just This Once to and why?

I've never read a book remotely like this one.

Which scene was your favorite?

The snorkeling scene.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It definitely jerked at the heart a few times. I can't say that it was always about the couple - I didn't completely connect with Hannah for some reason. But the way Ms. James writes totally pulled me in. I was lost when the story ended.

Any additional comments?

Be ready to want to book a trip to New Zealand when you're done with the book!!

WOW - "SWEET AS" - MOVING TO N'ZED & RUGBY

I had never heard of this author or narrator before this series, both were amazing. CB's accent was spot-on. I really enjoyed the H & H, background characters and looking forward to their upcoming stories. My tastes run to a bit more on the steamy romance side but the accent of the men kinda made up for this a bit. Hope Audible continues to pick up the rest of the books, beyond #3 as I'm truly a fan.