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

Escape to New Zealand - Again...

Another light-hearted hit: Escape to New Zealand, Book 2, for Rosalind James!
"Just Good Friends" is a fun read that includes, just as in Book 1, historical and cultural points of interest about New Zealand...definitely enticing the traveler in me to take a trip there someday.
The narrator, Clair Bocking did a good job, and has a lyrical quality to her voice...her accents were right-on!
Definitely a fun listen when you are in need of a happy, basically stress-free book...
Have fun! Credit worthy...YES!

Loved

This is a great book and so very good wrote it has a great story you will read a lot of James Rosalind
Books I can’t get an-off of these books

Triple Threat Love Story

I don’t write many reviews, but I felt compelled to with this book and series. These stories are heartwarming, entertaining and educational too. The author comes up with great story lines, weaves in New Zealand and Maori culture and creates well-developed characters and love stories. I have been thoroughly entertained and can’t wait to listen to the next one. And I also love the narrator’s New Zealand accent! I really want to visit New Zealand now!

Fun with an edge and a heart

What did you love best about Just Good Friends?

I really enjoyed this story. It has all of the elements I look for and more. There is a strong sense of fun, romance (but only after a relationship develops), suspense, and the x factor. The x-factor is that thing that takes you to another place and gives you enough curiosity to make you go and google things after you are done with the story.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I liked Koti because he was a strong character with a number of defects that were explained and to a certain extent overcome. The growth his character goes through is a great part of the story. Plus he's hot. :-)

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

This is a strong story both to read and to have read to you. The narrator seems to handle nuances and the new zeland accent well enough that it didn't take me out of the story. However I will confess, I read this book before I ordered the audio book. I am happy to see Audible picking up this author. They didn't have her work available when I first discovered her.

Know anything about New Zealand?

Just found this author, and I like her and her reader. She writes about many different things, very well. This book is a trilogy (Which I found out just today.) Since The past two weeks I have found and read or listened to 4 of her books. Each different. Each very good reading. You might want to try her AND her reader!

Fun and light but a little disappointed

This book is light and fun with a little drama. Loved the characters but feel that there should have been more with the sub plot of why she left the United States. I don’t want to give any spoilers. But there are moments where the book dragged a little. So while it was a sweet romantic love story there could have been so much more.

Better than book one

This is my first time reading anything by this author. I liked the story of book one but Hannah’s character was frustrating at times. Book two was so much better.

Fun, Cultural Romance

Welcome back to the island country of New Zealand; home of the world renowned, mighty All Blacks.

In book two of the Escape to New Zealand Series. Readers are introduced to the two main characters: Kate Lamonica and Koti James. Kate has just fled the USA to live in En Zed in an attempt to escape an ex-boyfriend/stalker who is bent on taking Kate's life. Meanwhile, a world away, Koti is a local Maori rugby player; as well as being one of New Zealand's resident Casanovas.

Inevitably, there is clash when these two personalities meet and a bet is drawn. The bottom line is that Kate and Koti must participate in weekly friend 'dates.' If Koti makes a move on her he loses and if they can remain just friends for 2 months Kate loses.

The question is: Can Koti actually have a woman as just a friend? And even if he could, is that really what Kate wants?

In my opinion, this was another fun and swoon worthy installment by Rosalind James. I ate up this audio book - despite a couple of steamy scenes. What endeared me to this book ... and the series for that matter ... is that under the guise of romance; 'Just Good Friends' was packed full of cultural tidbits regarding Kiwi life. This book delved deeper into Maori life and culture; focusing on a native, Maori main-character. Points to the author for presenting readers with an interesting and ultimately likable (despite his shortcomings) culturally diverse character.

Furthermore, as a Canadian who is in love with New Zealand (adopt me?); I have fallen for this series ... although, I could take or leave the steamy scenes.

Regarding the audio version, I believe Claire Bocking did a spectacular job narrating; she also pulled off a very good Kiwi accent. I would absolutely listen to more books that were narrated by Bocking.

Morever, I would highly recommend giving this book a read or a listen if you are just looking for a fun and beachy read. Although, consider yourself warned, these books give you the urge to go to New Zealand to experience the culture for yourself.

Superb!

I can hardly wait to begin the next book in this series. Great reading. Onward ...

first romance series

Any additional comments?

this is the first of many romance books that i have read and I love it. she makes me want to visit the country. love books where the people can pull off an accent. got the whole series and loved each one.