Just Not Mine

Escape to New Zealand, Book 6

By: Rosalind James

Narrated by: Claire Bocking

Destiny can sneak up on you. Or it can smack you in the face.

Hugh Latimer's coping with a few problems just now. A broken hand, missing the European rugby tour... and a half-brother and sister who are playing havoc with his love life. Instead of packing down in the scrum, he's driving the carpool to ballet - or forgetting it's his turn. When he hears his neighbor wailing out bad pop in the wee hours, it's the last straw.

Josie Pae Ata is a fortunate woman. A new house, good friends, a gorgeous boyfriend - oh, and stardom, too. Getting involved with her new neighbors would bring risks she doesn't need. But life has a way of changing the rules. And when you get more than you can handle, sometimes all you can do is hang on for the ride.

Note: This romance, like New Zealand, contains a bit of steam. If that isn't your cuppa, you may want to visit a different country... er, book.

©2014 Rosalind James (P)2015 Rosalind James

Stories + Narrator = KEEP GETTING BETTER!

If you’ve read any of my other reviews for this series, you know that (like a lot of other readers) the stories really piqued my interest ... and now love ... of rugby. And prompted me to set up a “New Zealand Vacation” fund, as Rosalind really shows us how gorgeous En Zed is and instills a fervent curiosity about a lesser-known country. (I’m getting close, folks! Yay!!) I can’t think of any other audiobooks I’ve listened to (or books that I’ve read) that have inspired that sort of ‘fan-dom.”

This story begins with Hugh Latimer just having one heck of a time. He’s just broken his hand, which takes him out of the line-up playing rugby for the All Blacks for the Northern Tour. That’s bad. No, that’s awful! And to make everything worse, he has to play parent to his two younger half-siblings who have been recently orphaned, as his aunt has decided to take a break from her custodial duties and travel to her native England. Well, we do learn to love Hugh, but this guy is bordering on clueless. He’s lucky to get himself places on time, never mind Amelia’s ballet lessons, Charlie’s rugby practice and ... oh! don’t even mention the grocery shopping. And hoovering ... with a cast on. He’s expected to do the hoovering, too!?!? (That’s vacuuming, for all you Yanks.)

Well, it’s hard to sleep with a cast on ... never mind worrying about all the aforementioned stuff. So, early one morning, Hugh feels like he’s just gotten to sleep, but he’s awaken by the next-door-neighbor wailing at the top of her lungs. This is just too much and he isn’t going to stand for it! He’s either going to rescue the old bag or get her to shut up. Except ... it’s not the old bag. Hugh has a new neighbor.

Okay ... with a set-up like that, you’ve got to know what happens next, right? =) So, go spend your credit!

Our narrator is the very, very talented Claire Bocking. You’ve got to know that she’s good with an Audie nomination under her belt for her very first audiobook (“Just This Once.”) [Way to go, Claire!] She just keeps getting better and better with these “Escape to New Zealand” stories. She’s funny, she makes you cry, her timing is impeccable, you never have to guess who’s talking ... well, I could go on and on. Just know that she really adds to the story and she’s wonderful!

Recommended? ABSOLUTELY!!


[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.]

Another amazing escape to the lovely New Zealand

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I already have! I love Rosalind James' books but Claire B.'s performance is what keeps me returning for another audio book. Why not share it with friends? 😊

What did you like best about this story?

The Kiwi accent that the narrator flawlessly speaks in is def. up there, but I especially love the interaction between Hugh and his siblings. You can feel the awkwardness, the love and confusion between the three while they're trying to find a foothold with each other.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene where Will, Hugh and Koti are shooting the scene for J.'s show and afterwards when J is showing Hugh her evil character's dirty secrets (in the lingerie drawer)....naughty girl! 😜

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

I did listen to it in one sitting. 😊

Any additional comments?

I love R.J's Escape to New Zealand series so keep the books coming! But for God's sake....keep Claire on for the audio books! She's brilliant!

just not mine

enjoyed it would recommend it. the series flows on . all connected to ruby and New Zealand

A great look into the meaning of family

Another great story about family and the bonds that are forged through love and understanding. Highly recommended and among the best of the stories so fat in the series.

💜

This is my favorite in the series so far! The issues, sadly, touch home and it is so sweet!