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Escape to New Zealand #1
Just This Once
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 sexy fling with a professional rugby player, no matter how attractive he is. Hannah doesn’t do casual. But maybe just this once ...
As much as he’s shared with Hannah, Drew Callahan has kept one very big secret. And learning the truth, now that she’s back home again, has made Hannah warier 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 some steam. If that isn't your cuppa, you may want to visit another country ... er, book.
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 sexy fling with a professional rugby player, no matter how attractive he is. Hannah doesn’t do casual. But maybe just this once ...
As much as he’s shared with Hannah, Drew Callahan has kept one very big secret. And learning the truth, now that she’s back home again, has made Hannah warier 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 some steam. If that isn't your cuppa, you may want to visit another country ... er, book.
343 pages, ebook
First published August 29, 2012
1615 people are currently reading
6680 people want to read
About the author
Rosalind James
56 books1,213 followersRosalind James writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense published both by Montlake Romance and independently. Her stories are set in New Zealand, Idaho, California, New York . . . really, anyplace that seems cool. (Research trips, especially those involving lots of rugby, are a bonus.) Her books are available in ebook, paperback, and audio formats. Rosalind is a former marketing executive who spent several years in Australia and New Zealand, where she fell in love with the people, the landscape, and the culture of both countries. She attributes her rapid success to the fact that "Lots of people would like to escape to New Zealand! I know I did!"
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 642 reviews
February 12, 2016
I asked for recs for a contemporary romance with a realistic, non alpha-maleish hero and an equally non-stereotypical heroine. This book, at the time a freebie, was suggested to me by someone I am sure wants to stay unnamed ;). I added a new shelf for this, because the adjective best describing it is:
F R U M P Y
The Good:
At least up to the point where I read everyone seemed to be out of college, belonging to the adult of our species and working. There still was a handwave at youth culture, though, given that the heroine was prematurely "aged" in her ways by playing mum to her siblings.
The Bad:
This was, despite allegedly being nothing of the sort, sexist and misogynic and had body-shaming as well as slut-shaming parts. It felt written by someone trying very hard to write something modern, while at heart being quite... no, very... frumpy. There were constant stabs at "predatory women", women preoccupied with their looks, aggressively sex-oriented women, women jumping into the bed with an acquaintance immediately, yada yada. Micro-aggressions these things are called, I believe, when they actually take place. There were so many little stabs at what "other women do" and what the good, brave, oh so wonderful heroine didn't do, I felt distinctly turned off. Especially as they both are just in instalust for each other without actually developing attraction at all.
And for a book allegedly without any alpha-males and stereotypes, there are a lot of them around, really. The guy is HUGE (and his penis is just as huge - penis, penis, penis - the author didn't take one word describing human genitalia into her mouth while I read! So there! P E N I S) and muscular, like Arnie in his Conan times, or so. Huge. Seriously. I mean, his thighs, his arms, his back, huge. She has this special blond, especially long hair on the other hand. Except else she is frumpy. Even though she works, of all things, in the fashion industry. And she has this super-white skin. But her butt, she thinks, is far to big. Why don't we ever get heroines who feel just fine with how they look?
They both constantly ponder the most awkward things. I mean, what would you think about a hero who thinks the heroine is suprisingly open and easy to be with, for someone so attractive? Then, she is being sold as a "strong woman", but the moment she sets foot on NZ and is in vicinity of he hero, she suddenly lets him take over entirely, up to the point of nearly drowning. How very strong...
The Ugly:
This contained one of the most godawful, off-turning, unsexiest and frumpiest sex scenes ever. It was like something straight out of a seventies porn flick described by a prim spinster. Firstly, let me tell you one thing, and I am not at all super uptight about hygiene. I can go without a shower, antiperspirant and perfume for longer than five minutes. But a woman who hiked up and down a major mountainside in broad daylight and hot weather, is not smelling like roses between her thighs afterwards. Indeed, the description of the hero delving into her secluded, sweaty, bacteria decomposing there vulva after that day brought up my breakfast a little bit. I don't need a description of a shower, I don't need them to wash up, I just don't want him to fucking go there and lick and smooch. I really can do without that notion while trying to read sexytimes.
Not that the sex was erotic. Or even just sexy. Or maybe warming. Nope. It was... frumpy. Big huge studly stud did her from front and behind, honking her like some stallion and even biting the side of her neck while asking her whether he hurt her (not with that bite, with his super-huge-uber-big hunky-dory P E N I S). And while I am the very first to state that sex can be written without using too many of the four-letter words, or any of those genitalia words, here it was done so obviously and so priggishly, it was... frumpy.
I backed out of this book shortly after that curious sex scene. Really, this is neither a realistic couple, nor what I meant when asking for a non-alpha male romance. This is an alpha male even if he isn't an alpha hole, and I want me some normal men. Yes, with a paunch maybe, or less than normal hair, or a small penis (P E N I S!). Someone who works as a cook, or a waiter, or in an office shoving paper around, yet has this interesting hidden side to him that we all have.
I also really can do without frumpy.
F R U M P Y
The Good:
At least up to the point where I read everyone seemed to be out of college, belonging to the adult of our species and working. There still was a handwave at youth culture, though, given that the heroine was prematurely "aged" in her ways by playing mum to her siblings.
The Bad:
This was, despite allegedly being nothing of the sort, sexist and misogynic and had body-shaming as well as slut-shaming parts. It felt written by someone trying very hard to write something modern, while at heart being quite... no, very... frumpy. There were constant stabs at "predatory women", women preoccupied with their looks, aggressively sex-oriented women, women jumping into the bed with an acquaintance immediately, yada yada. Micro-aggressions these things are called, I believe, when they actually take place. There were so many little stabs at what "other women do" and what the good, brave, oh so wonderful heroine didn't do, I felt distinctly turned off. Especially as they both are just in instalust for each other without actually developing attraction at all.
And for a book allegedly without any alpha-males and stereotypes, there are a lot of them around, really. The guy is HUGE (and his penis is just as huge - penis, penis, penis - the author didn't take one word describing human genitalia into her mouth while I read! So there! P E N I S) and muscular, like Arnie in his Conan times, or so. Huge. Seriously. I mean, his thighs, his arms, his back, huge. She has this special blond, especially long hair on the other hand. Except else she is frumpy. Even though she works, of all things, in the fashion industry. And she has this super-white skin. But her butt, she thinks, is far to big. Why don't we ever get heroines who feel just fine with how they look?
They both constantly ponder the most awkward things. I mean, what would you think about a hero who thinks the heroine is suprisingly open and easy to be with, for someone so attractive? Then, she is being sold as a "strong woman", but the moment she sets foot on NZ and is in vicinity of he hero, she suddenly lets him take over entirely, up to the point of nearly drowning. How very strong...
The Ugly:
This contained one of the most godawful, off-turning, unsexiest and frumpiest sex scenes ever. It was like something straight out of a seventies porn flick described by a prim spinster. Firstly, let me tell you one thing, and I am not at all super uptight about hygiene. I can go without a shower, antiperspirant and perfume for longer than five minutes. But a woman who hiked up and down a major mountainside in broad daylight and hot weather, is not smelling like roses between her thighs afterwards. Indeed, the description of the hero delving into her secluded, sweaty, bacteria decomposing there vulva after that day brought up my breakfast a little bit. I don't need a description of a shower, I don't need them to wash up, I just don't want him to fucking go there and lick and smooch. I really can do without that notion while trying to read sexytimes.
Not that the sex was erotic. Or even just sexy. Or maybe warming. Nope. It was... frumpy. Big huge studly stud did her from front and behind, honking her like some stallion and even biting the side of her neck while asking her whether he hurt her (not with that bite, with his super-huge-uber-big hunky-dory P E N I S). And while I am the very first to state that sex can be written without using too many of the four-letter words, or any of those genitalia words, here it was done so obviously and so priggishly, it was... frumpy.
I backed out of this book shortly after that curious sex scene. Really, this is neither a realistic couple, nor what I meant when asking for a non-alpha male romance. This is an alpha male even if he isn't an alpha hole, and I want me some normal men. Yes, with a paunch maybe, or less than normal hair, or a small penis (P E N I S!). Someone who works as a cook, or a waiter, or in an office shoving paper around, yet has this interesting hidden side to him that we all have.
I also really can do without frumpy.
May 28, 2013
Before you read this things you must know . . .
1. I am a kiwi, born breed and raised
2. Previously any time i have read anything in which New Zealand was mentioned or was the setting i have wanted to shoot the author for their portrayal of my country.
3. because of 2. i went into this book already highly discouraged.
A romance book . . . set in New Zealand . . . and it was good? Do my eyes deceive me? Am I having a hallucination, did the author actually manage to look close enough to see the depth beneath our culture?
So Rosalind James, I take my hat off to you.
you managed to show some of the aspects I love the most about kiwi's perfectly. Not an easy feet.
you stayed true to the differences in how we speak, you managed to highlight the life style we love an often take for granted, and all the while managed to eave in a love story that was believable. real.
Did i think that sometimes the accent was over done? Yes, I mean we don't really say "eh" (or "a") is much as portrayed (though the reckons were right on task!) but on the whole you managed to capture our "kiwi"isms to a T.
First time I have liked a book set in my home land, in fact I've started reading the next in the series now . . . hope I like it just as much!
If you want a book in a setting different from the norm. Try this book. dare ya.
1. I am a kiwi, born breed and raised
2. Previously any time i have read anything in which New Zealand was mentioned or was the setting i have wanted to shoot the author for their portrayal of my country.
3. because of 2. i went into this book already highly discouraged.
A romance book . . . set in New Zealand . . . and it was good? Do my eyes deceive me? Am I having a hallucination, did the author actually manage to look close enough to see the depth beneath our culture?
So Rosalind James, I take my hat off to you.
you managed to show some of the aspects I love the most about kiwi's perfectly. Not an easy feet.
you stayed true to the differences in how we speak, you managed to highlight the life style we love an often take for granted, and all the while managed to eave in a love story that was believable. real.
Did i think that sometimes the accent was over done? Yes, I mean we don't really say "eh" (or "a") is much as portrayed (though the reckons were right on task!) but on the whole you managed to capture our "kiwi"isms to a T.
First time I have liked a book set in my home land, in fact I've started reading the next in the series now . . . hope I like it just as much!
If you want a book in a setting different from the norm. Try this book. dare ya.
May 24, 2013
After I finished this book, I concluded that nothing much happened in it. However, upon reflection I realised that indeed, lots occurred but the plot and the characters just didn't make a big fuss about it!
Hannah leaves the USA to have a holiday in New Zealand, goes for a swim in the ocean and gets caught in a rip. Luckily for her, she is rescued by Drew, the Captain of the All Black rugby team.
Now, only New Zealanders and Australians can immediately appreciate just how important this game is and the rivalry between the two countries, certainly not Americans and Hannah is no exception!
How Hannah, used to being the "boss cocky"over her siblings and looking after herself, gradually allows Drew into her life is the main plot but the beauty and culture of New Zealand are just as important in this novel.
I lived in New Zealand from 1963-1965 and my first husband was an All Black contender. I had forgotten many of the language and customs of this country, so I greatly enjoyed this book for these matters alone. There are not that many novels set in New Zealand - a truly beautiful country, it's no wonder they set Tolkein's Hobbit films there - so finding one was a delight.
The romantic plot was charming. Not a lot happened - no dramatics, no jealous girlfriends draping themselves over Drew - only Hannah's own insecurity becoming a slight blight on the landscape of their relationship. For this reason, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel as I am a little "over" the usual suspects raising their heads in the romantic genre.
Upon reaching "The End" I read the sample from Rosalind James' sequels, Just Good Friends and decided that yes, I could take more of this author's work. I immediately purchased the others in the series and am now immersed in Just Good Friends. I will be posting review for it in the morning.
****
Hannah leaves the USA to have a holiday in New Zealand, goes for a swim in the ocean and gets caught in a rip. Luckily for her, she is rescued by Drew, the Captain of the All Black rugby team.
Now, only New Zealanders and Australians can immediately appreciate just how important this game is and the rivalry between the two countries, certainly not Americans and Hannah is no exception!
How Hannah, used to being the "boss cocky"over her siblings and looking after herself, gradually allows Drew into her life is the main plot but the beauty and culture of New Zealand are just as important in this novel.
I lived in New Zealand from 1963-1965 and my first husband was an All Black contender. I had forgotten many of the language and customs of this country, so I greatly enjoyed this book for these matters alone. There are not that many novels set in New Zealand - a truly beautiful country, it's no wonder they set Tolkein's Hobbit films there - so finding one was a delight.
The romantic plot was charming. Not a lot happened - no dramatics, no jealous girlfriends draping themselves over Drew - only Hannah's own insecurity becoming a slight blight on the landscape of their relationship. For this reason, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel as I am a little "over" the usual suspects raising their heads in the romantic genre.
Upon reaching "The End" I read the sample from Rosalind James' sequels, Just Good Friends and decided that yes, I could take more of this author's work. I immediately purchased the others in the series and am now immersed in Just Good Friends. I will be posting review for it in the morning.
****
January 29, 2018
Visiting the neighbours...
I have had my eye on this story for years and when I saw it available on the Romance Package, I couldn't stop myself from giving it a try.
New Zealand is a country I have visited and loved. With them being so close to Australia we're practically neighbours. I found it somewhat comforting to recognise the lingo and places mentioned. Having the hero playing Rugby Union was also something familiar and I loved the discussions comparing Rugby Union and Rugby League. New Zealand and Australia have a kind of sibling relationship. We'll bag each other out to each other, but heaven forbid, you attack a Kiwi to an Aussie, and you've got a fight on your hands.
I really liked Drew but Hannah was a little annoying, unfortunately. She needed to trust Drew and her instincts. Hannah has played parent to her brother and sister since her father passed away when she was a kid herself. Their mother didn't do her job and it was Hannah's only choice to step up. Now that her siblings are adults, Hannah's struggling to cut the purse strings. The holiday to New Zealand is to take a break from her stressful job and to not always be "on-call" to her siblings. My frustrations were that it seemed to take a little too long for her to realise how much she was being taken advantage of. It all comes good in the end and I was left satisfied.
The narrator was AMAZING with accents. Her American and Kiwi accents left me bamboozled as to what country she originated from. Kiwi accents are not easy and she does a fantastic Aussie accent too. Only one little complaint, I couldn't tell when the characters changed from male to female. I was convinced that Emory was a chick for the first couple of chapters.
Really happy to have found this one in the Romance Package and I will definitely be looking to go on in the series.
I have had my eye on this story for years and when I saw it available on the Romance Package, I couldn't stop myself from giving it a try.
New Zealand is a country I have visited and loved. With them being so close to Australia we're practically neighbours. I found it somewhat comforting to recognise the lingo and places mentioned. Having the hero playing Rugby Union was also something familiar and I loved the discussions comparing Rugby Union and Rugby League. New Zealand and Australia have a kind of sibling relationship. We'll bag each other out to each other, but heaven forbid, you attack a Kiwi to an Aussie, and you've got a fight on your hands.
I really liked Drew but Hannah was a little annoying, unfortunately. She needed to trust Drew and her instincts. Hannah has played parent to her brother and sister since her father passed away when she was a kid herself. Their mother didn't do her job and it was Hannah's only choice to step up. Now that her siblings are adults, Hannah's struggling to cut the purse strings. The holiday to New Zealand is to take a break from her stressful job and to not always be "on-call" to her siblings. My frustrations were that it seemed to take a little too long for her to realise how much she was being taken advantage of. It all comes good in the end and I was left satisfied.
The narrator was AMAZING with accents. Her American and Kiwi accents left me bamboozled as to what country she originated from. Kiwi accents are not easy and she does a fantastic Aussie accent too. Only one little complaint, I couldn't tell when the characters changed from male to female. I was convinced that Emory was a chick for the first couple of chapters.
Really happy to have found this one in the Romance Package and I will definitely be looking to go on in the series.
March 29, 2014
Sometimes you get what you pay for.
I picked up this Kindle freebie to get a refresher/travelogue on New Zealand as an old friend who now calls En Zed (NZ) home is coming for a visit.
I started the book optimistically. I even checked the Kiwi Glossary at the end of the book to get my lingo and slang down before learning about down under.
Hannah is the typical over worked unappreciated heroine. Her work and her two siblings monopolize her time so she rarely dates or takes any time for herself.
She decides to take a three week holiday by herself to relax and enjoy touring New Zealand alone. The first time she goes swimming she gets dragged out in a riptide and Drew the giant All Blacks captain of the national rugby team rescues her.
Hannah plays hard to get. For about 3 minutes. A race to a neighbouring motel ensues.
Their first time turns into an animal husbandry display, right down to Drew biting down on Hannah's neck to keep her in place as he mounts her from behind.
As they are relaxing in that post coital glow he apologizes and tells her a story of his youth back home on the farm...
"...and once...there was a palomino mare that was brought to the stallion. Beautiful pale coat, that white mane and tail."(Hannah is of course, blonde) "Did something to me, seeing that bay stallion over that palomino mare. Watching him hold her there with his teeth, her backing into him, urging him on. Reckon I've been looking for that ever since." (66)
"Mmmmm," she murmured, still basking in the afterglow, content to be so close to him, her hand on his chest stroking him. "Good to know I'm your horse fantasy. Guess that's why my round butt doesn't bother you."
Say what?!
At this pointI didn't care if Drew and Hannah live happily ever after or if he fitted her for a bridle and horseshoes. They could carry on with their lives without this reader.
I did persevere though and read about Hannah Mare's insecurities and Stallion Drew wondering why she had to be so independant. Hello, her parents died when her younger brother was 18. She sacrificed her life for her ungrateful sibs. The mixed feelings on Hannah's part continued as she flew about the area attending various World Cup games.
When the inevitable breakup happens, the conservative Hannah breaks all of her personal rules by drinking the hotel mini bar dry and (gasp) calling in sick to work. She only sees the light after her man works harder than anyone on the team in his final match for the World Cup. Cookies cut.
The secondary character Reka, a wise sage of a Maori woman was the only highlight I could find in this novel.
Next time I choose to learn about a country I will pick up a Perly's.
January 29, 2013
Maybe I'm getting burned out with romances...I thought this story was okay...got a little tired of how resistant Hannah was towards Drew. Come on: he's perfect! That being said, he was a little too perfect and she was a little too depressed (not sure that is the right word) for me. There was really no drama in the story at all. I kept reading on because at 50% through the book--they were basically together and planning on Hannah going to NZ. I hate to say this, but I think Hannah was a drip and I couldn't figure out what really attracted Drew to her other than her hair and her "bum!" (lol)
February 23, 2023
Reread 2/22/2023: Still 4 stars. Ahh, it was fun revisiting his couple, especially since they made some appearances in the "New Zealand Ever After" series. The only issue I had was that there were a few parts that skated the "not like the other girls" line, which I could have done without. Otherwise, I loved both MCs, and really enjoyed the storyline.
Safe; no virgins, heroine celibate for 3 years, not many details given about the hero but he seemed to be into casual sex for the most part, no scenes with om/ow, no om/ow drama, no cheating.
Original 8/26/2020: 4 stars. This is a really light, fun read. I actually listened to the audiobook, which is available through audible escapes. I highly recommend listening to this book vs. reading it. I can't imagine trying to navigate through all of the slang used - I think I would have been very confused, if not for the narration.
This story is about Hannah & Drew. Hannah takes a vacation to NZ and meets Drew on one of her first days. They hit it off and end up spending the rest of her vacation together. Afterwards, they continue a long distance relationship mostly as a result of Drew's efforts. She eventually moves to NZ to be closer to him, and they get a HEA.
This book just really worked for me. I have also finished two other books in the series now (and part way into a third), and this has been my favorite. I think I just really appreciated how light the story was, with no OW/OM drama at all. I can imagine someone else finding this story boring though, even I may have at a different point in time. But right now, this really hit the spot.
Safe.
Safe; no virgins, heroine celibate for 3 years, not many details given about the hero but he seemed to be into casual sex for the most part, no scenes with om/ow, no om/ow drama, no cheating.
Original 8/26/2020: 4 stars. This is a really light, fun read. I actually listened to the audiobook, which is available through audible escapes. I highly recommend listening to this book vs. reading it. I can't imagine trying to navigate through all of the slang used - I think I would have been very confused, if not for the narration.
This story is about Hannah & Drew. Hannah takes a vacation to NZ and meets Drew on one of her first days. They hit it off and end up spending the rest of her vacation together. Afterwards, they continue a long distance relationship mostly as a result of Drew's efforts. She eventually moves to NZ to be closer to him, and they get a HEA.
This book just really worked for me. I have also finished two other books in the series now (and part way into a third), and this has been my favorite. I think I just really appreciated how light the story was, with no OW/OM drama at all. I can imagine someone else finding this story boring though, even I may have at a different point in time. But right now, this really hit the spot.
Safe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2014
Really? I am having a difficult time understanding all of the raves this book has received. I've never read a book as monotonously bland as this. The entire thing was a bore.
And Hannah? What a pathetic character. Her entire story could have been so much better written. The Hannah from the first chapter was no relation to the Hanna mid-way through the book. She just got more and more plaintive.
Don't waste your time with this one, regardless of what the reviews say.
And Hannah? What a pathetic character. Her entire story could have been so much better written. The Hannah from the first chapter was no relation to the Hanna mid-way through the book. She just got more and more plaintive.
Don't waste your time with this one, regardless of what the reviews say.
December 14, 2012
What can I say but an utterly FANTASTIC book!
Hannah is a marketing manager for a busy and successful sports clothing company in SanFran. Tired and needing to get away from it all, she takes a dream vacation to New Zealand - by herself - planning on relaxing and enjoying herself with no schedules and no deadlines. Her first full day in En Zed (what natives call New Zealand, like we would say US) she's out swimming in the beautiful blue ocean and nearly drowns when she's caught up in a vicious riptide. Even though she's fit and in good shape, she's no match for Mother Nature, and is nearly done for when she's rescued by a rugged hunk of gorgeousness named Drew. 6'3, muscled, tan and just plain yummy to look at.
Drew is a sports superstar in NZ - captain of the All Blacks rugby team. (Rugby is similar to American football, but played without helmets) He's out kayaking on a much needed fishing trip when he spots a swimmer in a rip tide, about to lose the fight. He rescues Hannah and takes her back to shore, makes sure she is not injured and basically takes care of her for a few hours until her body's adrenaline has subsided and she can safely get some rest. It doesn't hurt that she's also a very pretty Yank (American). She also appears not to know who he is and that's very attractive as well. He's tired of being chased for his fame, fortune and position in society.
My Hannah: http://pinterest.com/pin/253327547761...
My Drew: https://www.allblacks.com/index.cfm?l... (google him for even more goodness)
Their "holiday romance" starts slow but both are wildly attracted to each other. Drew gives her a little time to get used to him, his size, and slowly turns on the charm. His sex appeal is off the charts and the first time he really lays one on her (a kiss), you just want to melt into a puddle of goo right along with Hannah. *swoon*
All too soon however, Hannah's break from reality is over and she has to return to SanFran. Drew is determined to stay in contact - he feels like their attraction should be explored - and sends her home in style but upgrading her ticket and calling to make sure she arrived home safely. (can I swoon again now?) A few visits, multiple phone calls, texts and emails later, Drew asks her to consider moving to NZ to explore a relationship. After much self reflection (which I won't go into very much because that's a major plot point) she does move and the meat of the story really begins. Hannah secures a job with a NZ sports company, gets her own apartment and is determined to be self sufficient and not rely on Drew.
Hannah and Drew's romance is not all wine and roses though and I loved that. It was very real in terms of Hannah basically changing her entire life and moving to a foreign country to be with a man she's attracted to. She's also somewhat insecure (another plot point) and doesn't really believe deep down that Drew wants her for the long term. Drew on the other hand, is like a kid with candy on Christmas morning. He has a great life, a good career and a smokin' hot woman who turns him on like nothing before, and he can't understand Hannah's reservations about becoming more serious. He's a bit old fashioned (or possibly just New Zealandish, is that a word?) in that he believes in paying for dates and taking care of "his woman". He's also very jealous and damn if that ain't just sexy as hell when he gets his drawers in a bunch. LOL
Some very real life emotional turmoil between these two make this a book that's hard to put down. I loved that Hannah was slightly insecure but not TSTL or needy. She was almost the antithesis of needy, in fact. I loved that Drew was ALL MAN, possessive and jealous and just plain yummy to imagine. The sex is scorching - especially the first time - and to not be flat out erotica, is very erotic. I do not recommend reading those parts at work, as I made the mistake of doing. *grins*
Definitely an author to watch. Definitely a keeper for me. A+/5 stars
(Thanks to BkGurl for the loan)
Hannah is a marketing manager for a busy and successful sports clothing company in SanFran. Tired and needing to get away from it all, she takes a dream vacation to New Zealand - by herself - planning on relaxing and enjoying herself with no schedules and no deadlines. Her first full day in En Zed (what natives call New Zealand, like we would say US) she's out swimming in the beautiful blue ocean and nearly drowns when she's caught up in a vicious riptide. Even though she's fit and in good shape, she's no match for Mother Nature, and is nearly done for when she's rescued by a rugged hunk of gorgeousness named Drew. 6'3, muscled, tan and just plain yummy to look at.
Drew is a sports superstar in NZ - captain of the All Blacks rugby team. (Rugby is similar to American football, but played without helmets) He's out kayaking on a much needed fishing trip when he spots a swimmer in a rip tide, about to lose the fight. He rescues Hannah and takes her back to shore, makes sure she is not injured and basically takes care of her for a few hours until her body's adrenaline has subsided and she can safely get some rest. It doesn't hurt that she's also a very pretty Yank (American). She also appears not to know who he is and that's very attractive as well. He's tired of being chased for his fame, fortune and position in society.
My Hannah: http://pinterest.com/pin/253327547761...
My Drew: https://www.allblacks.com/index.cfm?l... (google him for even more goodness)
Their "holiday romance" starts slow but both are wildly attracted to each other. Drew gives her a little time to get used to him, his size, and slowly turns on the charm. His sex appeal is off the charts and the first time he really lays one on her (a kiss), you just want to melt into a puddle of goo right along with Hannah. *swoon*
All too soon however, Hannah's break from reality is over and she has to return to SanFran. Drew is determined to stay in contact - he feels like their attraction should be explored - and sends her home in style but upgrading her ticket and calling to make sure she arrived home safely. (can I swoon again now?) A few visits, multiple phone calls, texts and emails later, Drew asks her to consider moving to NZ to explore a relationship. After much self reflection (which I won't go into very much because that's a major plot point) she does move and the meat of the story really begins. Hannah secures a job with a NZ sports company, gets her own apartment and is determined to be self sufficient and not rely on Drew.
Hannah and Drew's romance is not all wine and roses though and I loved that. It was very real in terms of Hannah basically changing her entire life and moving to a foreign country to be with a man she's attracted to. She's also somewhat insecure (another plot point) and doesn't really believe deep down that Drew wants her for the long term. Drew on the other hand, is like a kid with candy on Christmas morning. He has a great life, a good career and a smokin' hot woman who turns him on like nothing before, and he can't understand Hannah's reservations about becoming more serious. He's a bit old fashioned (or possibly just New Zealandish, is that a word?) in that he believes in paying for dates and taking care of "his woman". He's also very jealous and damn if that ain't just sexy as hell when he gets his drawers in a bunch. LOL
Some very real life emotional turmoil between these two make this a book that's hard to put down. I loved that Hannah was slightly insecure but not TSTL or needy. She was almost the antithesis of needy, in fact. I loved that Drew was ALL MAN, possessive and jealous and just plain yummy to imagine. The sex is scorching - especially the first time - and to not be flat out erotica, is very erotic. I do not recommend reading those parts at work, as I made the mistake of doing. *grins*
Definitely an author to watch. Definitely a keeper for me. A+/5 stars
(Thanks to BkGurl for the loan)
January 27, 2013
This was a toughie to rate. There wasn't anything inherently wrong with it, but it was kind of boring.
What I liked: The New Zealand culture was pretty vivid, and the way the dialogue was written, I could practically hear the accents. Loved that.
The story itself, however, was just okay. A contemporary romance with no 'real' conflict (yeah, okay, the heroine is afraid to love because her father died when she was young and her mother was ineffectual afterward). I actually started skimming in places because there was too much of nothing really happening.
No editing grammatical issues.
I'd say 2.5 and be comfortable with it, I guess.
What I liked: The New Zealand culture was pretty vivid, and the way the dialogue was written, I could practically hear the accents. Loved that.
The story itself, however, was just okay. A contemporary romance with no 'real' conflict (yeah, okay, the heroine is afraid to love because her father died when she was young and her mother was ineffectual afterward). I actually started skimming in places because there was too much of nothing really happening.
No editing grammatical issues.
I'd say 2.5 and be comfortable with it, I guess.
October 14, 2018
Woohooo - I'm finally writing this review! Mostly because I keep forgetting about it.. and probably a bunch of others as well. However, that's all going to change today. I've got my coffee and an audio book to keep me entertained. Well, enough until I'm done with reviews and then I can read!
Just This Once was an okay kind of romance. I liked it and it was cute.. but other than that, it wasn't that memorable for me. However, those delicious accents were worth the audio. In this book, you will meet Hannah and Drew. Again, they were a cute couple and shit.. but some of the things that happened or were done by these characters were just meh. First, I wouldn't move to a different country for a boy that I haven't been dating for like.. a year, maybe more. Second, I get that Hannah's character is strong and independent.. but hot damn, it took her 500 years to eventually trust Drew. It was annoying to listen to and I wanted to bang my head against my desk while at work.
Other than that, it was a bit cheesy but in a good way? I still feel like something shouldn't have happened between these two.. but I also liked that there wasn't that much drama in this book as well. Maybe if it had more smut.. or something else, I would've rated it a bunch more stars.
..and now I'm jealous and want to go to New Zealand ASAP. Or maybe randomly meet a handsome rugby player that has an adorable accent?? Nah, swoon-worthy accent!
Just This Once was an okay kind of romance. I liked it and it was cute.. but other than that, it wasn't that memorable for me. However, those delicious accents were worth the audio. In this book, you will meet Hannah and Drew. Again, they were a cute couple and shit.. but some of the things that happened or were done by these characters were just meh. First, I wouldn't move to a different country for a boy that I haven't been dating for like.. a year, maybe more. Second, I get that Hannah's character is strong and independent.. but hot damn, it took her 500 years to eventually trust Drew. It was annoying to listen to and I wanted to bang my head against my desk while at work.
Other than that, it was a bit cheesy but in a good way? I still feel like something shouldn't have happened between these two.. but I also liked that there wasn't that much drama in this book as well. Maybe if it had more smut.. or something else, I would've rated it a bunch more stars.
..and now I'm jealous and want to go to New Zealand ASAP. Or maybe randomly meet a handsome rugby player that has an adorable accent?? Nah, swoon-worthy accent!
May 20, 2019
Good story and great narration on the audio version.
September 14, 2018
I've enjoyed other books by this author. But here, the story was extremely dull and the characters were unbelievably bland. I was just glad to get to the end.
July 31, 2023
This book was a fun rugby romance. I have never read a book that involved rugby so learning the slang and sport terms used for rugby was interesting. This book also took place in New Zealand so you also get the New Zealand dialect and slang.
The romance between Hannah and Drew is really fast but also seems kind of realistic because of her hesitation due to past trauma and her fears from her experiences as a teenager/ young adult who had adult responsibilities thrown onto her due to death and crappy parenting.
I do want to read more of the series because I feel like Hannah's friends and Drew's teammates are all included in this series.
The romance between Hannah and Drew is really fast but also seems kind of realistic because of her hesitation due to past trauma and her fears from her experiences as a teenager/ young adult who had adult responsibilities thrown onto her due to death and crappy parenting.
I do want to read more of the series because I feel like Hannah's friends and Drew's teammates are all included in this series.
October 2, 2016
For some reason I read book 2 first,
My Review
, which should've clued me in this one wouldn't work for me either.
October 20, 2012
Just This Once is such a realistic love story. Of course, when I say realistic I don't mean that if you take a Vacation to New Zealand you are sure to walk away with a perfect and famous rugby player, but Drew and Hannah were such real characters and the things they go through in the book are things that struck such a chord within me. I loved the natural progression of the story and it just made me happy. I felt happy watching Drew and Hannah fall for each other, and figure out a way if they could make it work.
I love Hannah, and I see so much of myself in her, but oh my gosh is she stubborn. She won't let anyone help her. I understand that she thinks she needs to be strong, I feel like I am like that too, and I also understand that opening yourself up to someone is a risk. But she took it so far. She wouldn't let anyone in. She had to grow up way too early and that was a big part of why she is the way she is but still she had Drew- possibly one of the most caring and giving guys EVER! And no matter what he was always trying to prove himself to her. She is lucky that he is just as stubborn as her because the average guy would have given up.
But Drew is pretty perfect. He likes to say that he is a simple guy. That he likes fishing and rugby and relaxing at home. But I wouldn't describe him as simple. I would describe him as the perfect guy. He loves to just relax and hang out, but he is such a good listener and you can tell that he really cares about everyone in his life. I wish more guys like him were out there. (preferably in florida lol) I do wish a little bit more happened with his "womanizing past". There were references to his past but as soon as he saw Hannah he never so much as looked at another woman so it was hard for me to imagine him just sleeping around. I would have liked to see his past worked into the story a little more.
Just This Once makes me want to book a trip to New Zealand right now! The description of the country and the togetherness of the community make it sound incredible. It sounds beautiful, and Rosalind James just put New Zealand on my travel list. Beautiful writing and a beautiful romance made me fall in love with Just This Once. It is a book that I would recommend whole heartedly to fans of contemporary romances.
I love Hannah, and I see so much of myself in her, but oh my gosh is she stubborn. She won't let anyone help her. I understand that she thinks she needs to be strong, I feel like I am like that too, and I also understand that opening yourself up to someone is a risk. But she took it so far. She wouldn't let anyone in. She had to grow up way too early and that was a big part of why she is the way she is but still she had Drew- possibly one of the most caring and giving guys EVER! And no matter what he was always trying to prove himself to her. She is lucky that he is just as stubborn as her because the average guy would have given up.
But Drew is pretty perfect. He likes to say that he is a simple guy. That he likes fishing and rugby and relaxing at home. But I wouldn't describe him as simple. I would describe him as the perfect guy. He loves to just relax and hang out, but he is such a good listener and you can tell that he really cares about everyone in his life. I wish more guys like him were out there. (preferably in florida lol) I do wish a little bit more happened with his "womanizing past". There were references to his past but as soon as he saw Hannah he never so much as looked at another woman so it was hard for me to imagine him just sleeping around. I would have liked to see his past worked into the story a little more.
Just This Once makes me want to book a trip to New Zealand right now! The description of the country and the togetherness of the community make it sound incredible. It sounds beautiful, and Rosalind James just put New Zealand on my travel list. Beautiful writing and a beautiful romance made me fall in love with Just This Once. It is a book that I would recommend whole heartedly to fans of contemporary romances.
November 6, 2015
This is my least favorite type of romance story - 100% internal conflict because the woman (it's always the woman, god dammit) has some sort of neurosis. I would rather deal with mob hits, jealous exes, psycho stalkers, the undead, etc... than deal with some dumb ass spending the whole book convincing herself that this is a bad idea, it's just never going to work, he'll leave me, I'm not good enough, what the fuck ever. Nothing really happens, so it's long and boring and just the same thing over and over - Hannah in her own head thinking toxic thoughts.
So no, I didn't like this much at all. If you enjoy internal conflict and like to read stories where falling in love is self-torture, I guess you might dig this.
So no, I didn't like this much at all. If you enjoy internal conflict and like to read stories where falling in love is self-torture, I guess you might dig this.
January 5, 2025
⭐️⭐️.75, ����️🌶️
It was just ok. It was more like a boring diary that lists what you did that day.
It was just ok. It was more like a boring diary that lists what you did that day.
November 10, 2012
Ms. James had me at New Zealand. I don’t know what it is about New Zealand or Australia. Both countries are on my bucket list but I think New Zealand would wins hands down in the contest of what country to see first. Maybe I’ve watched too many House Hunters International. The scenery is breathtaking and the way of life is slower. Ms. James vivid descriptions of the country, culture and national sport just make me that much earnest in getting down there to visit. I want to go to the beach, watch a rugby match and see the countryside. She paints a picture of New Zealand that is not hard to imagine. The story is realistic, poignant and heartwarming. The setting is a character in the book.
Hannah, oh Hannah. How I wanted to throttle you at times, hug you at times and cry with you at times. I understood her feeling of inadequacy in herself. Dealing with family issues, an ungrateful boss and a social life that just isn’t there, how was she supposed to truly open up to Drew. She didn’t know how; closed herself off for so long. When she decided to take the trip, she never imagined that she would meet someone, let alone fall for him? It was only three weeks for a well deserved vacation; not a lifetime. For this reader, Hannah was a well thought out character. Yes, she could be stubborn but that was one of her coping skills. In the end, Hannah realized what she wanted and went for it. Good girl!
Drew was perfect. Yes, perfect. He played rugby, fished, loved his family and his country. And he loved Hannah. What more could a girl want, right? Well, in a romance novel the hero usually has a flaw or two and they are big. Obstacles to overcome, right? What’s his truest black moment in the book? I know what it is, but you will need to read the book to find out. In this book, Drew is the rare hero that you instantly care about from the beginning. He’s simple (in a good way) man, motivated in his actions toward Hannah and lord, he could probably benchpress a small car. Ooooo, how I love rugby players for that alone. I know that most readers want their hero flawed in some way, will I don’t. Yes, I admit it. Sometimes, I want the hero to be perfect and Drew was perfect. Not ever hero in a book needs to be an a**hole for half the book before we really get to know him.
The introducation of the secondary characters are rich, understated and move the story. They are not just window dressing; sounding boards or lackeys. Hannah’s sister and brother deserve their own happiness one day and I hope I get to read about it. *wink* The scenes at the family farm with Drew’s parents are poignant and heartwarming. It was also nice to see a “normal” family with a great relationship with their superstar son. No airs, no upgrades to their lifestyle; it was home, Drew’s refuge from the world of rugby.
Just This Once in a nutshell, is a story of one scared American woman that decides for once to something for herself. Take the bull by the horns and live; drink too much; buy shoes she can’t afford; and have a fling. When she meets the perfect man for her, she throws up road block, after road block, after road block. Our hero is determined though and manages to break down the walls that she has built. Its sexy, funny, dialogue driven and I swear I could feel the breeze off the beach. By the way, how did this sand get in my shoes?
*I received this book as part of a blog tour for a fair and honest review*
Hannah, oh Hannah. How I wanted to throttle you at times, hug you at times and cry with you at times. I understood her feeling of inadequacy in herself. Dealing with family issues, an ungrateful boss and a social life that just isn’t there, how was she supposed to truly open up to Drew. She didn’t know how; closed herself off for so long. When she decided to take the trip, she never imagined that she would meet someone, let alone fall for him? It was only three weeks for a well deserved vacation; not a lifetime. For this reader, Hannah was a well thought out character. Yes, she could be stubborn but that was one of her coping skills. In the end, Hannah realized what she wanted and went for it. Good girl!
Drew was perfect. Yes, perfect. He played rugby, fished, loved his family and his country. And he loved Hannah. What more could a girl want, right? Well, in a romance novel the hero usually has a flaw or two and they are big. Obstacles to overcome, right? What’s his truest black moment in the book? I know what it is, but you will need to read the book to find out. In this book, Drew is the rare hero that you instantly care about from the beginning. He’s simple (in a good way) man, motivated in his actions toward Hannah and lord, he could probably benchpress a small car. Ooooo, how I love rugby players for that alone. I know that most readers want their hero flawed in some way, will I don’t. Yes, I admit it. Sometimes, I want the hero to be perfect and Drew was perfect. Not ever hero in a book needs to be an a**hole for half the book before we really get to know him.
The introducation of the secondary characters are rich, understated and move the story. They are not just window dressing; sounding boards or lackeys. Hannah’s sister and brother deserve their own happiness one day and I hope I get to read about it. *wink* The scenes at the family farm with Drew’s parents are poignant and heartwarming. It was also nice to see a “normal” family with a great relationship with their superstar son. No airs, no upgrades to their lifestyle; it was home, Drew’s refuge from the world of rugby.
Just This Once in a nutshell, is a story of one scared American woman that decides for once to something for herself. Take the bull by the horns and live; drink too much; buy shoes she can’t afford; and have a fling. When she meets the perfect man for her, she throws up road block, after road block, after road block. Our hero is determined though and manages to break down the walls that she has built. Its sexy, funny, dialogue driven and I swear I could feel the breeze off the beach. By the way, how did this sand get in my shoes?
*I received this book as part of a blog tour for a fair and honest review*
January 5, 2013
This was a cute story about a girl/workaholic who goes alone on a vacation to New Zealand. She's rescued by a kayaker while she's swimming. She has no idea of his fame & fortune. He shows her his country & she leaves for home. They have a long distance thing & he wants her to come back.
Well, the characters are great, the story is fun but you can take it 2 ways. A romance with an education about Rugby or a Guide of the rules & Regs of Rugby & New Zealand tourism with a side of romance.
Either way it was good! I do want a hot rugby guy now! Oh well!
I couldn't put it down. I did skip some Rugby regs, because I got the point, but could care less about the step by step rules.
Well, the characters are great, the story is fun but you can take it 2 ways. A romance with an education about Rugby or a Guide of the rules & Regs of Rugby & New Zealand tourism with a side of romance.
Either way it was good! I do want a hot rugby guy now! Oh well!
I couldn't put it down. I did skip some Rugby regs, because I got the point, but could care less about the step by step rules.
September 17, 2018
First Listen and Forth Reread! Still the absolute best in travel romance and a solid bad day breaker. You can't pack a sad around Hannah and Drew!
******
Revising this up to five stars after the third reading. Really anything you enjoy enough to go back and read a third time is five star worthy. This book just makes me feel good while filling me a with a longing, no, an aspiration! to visit New Zealand. I must go!
October 5, 2018
Hannah spent most of her life taking care of her siblings. So when she finally take a vacation to New Zealand she finds more than she bargains for. Not only does she finds out that it's ok to do for yourself and to stop worrying about her siblings who are adults now but to try and let someone else take care of you.
This was such a sweet story and I understand that it may be hard to let go of the guilt that you think you should feel because your life wasn't the normal growing up, parents around tsking care of you stuff but you did your best and now it's time to let someone take care of you. Hannah needs to get to terms with that or lose the hot, sexy rugby player, Drew.
This was such a sweet story and I understand that it may be hard to let go of the guilt that you think you should feel because your life wasn't the normal growing up, parents around tsking care of you stuff but you did your best and now it's time to let someone take care of you. Hannah needs to get to terms with that or lose the hot, sexy rugby player, Drew.
February 23, 2018
this book was very blunt, I read it until the end just to see if something was going to happen, but unfortunately nothing. also, Hannah was very annoying, and I'm saying this because the way that her conflicts we're presented it didn't made me emphasize with her.
March 13, 2021
Man, that was rough. There was so much wrong with this book, I'm not really sure where to begin. The story itself reads like a second-rate travel blog written by a woman who visited New Zealand for three weeks and is trying really hard to convince everyone that she actually knows what she's talking about.
Every piece of Kiwi slang is decoded in excruciating detail as if the reader is too moronic to figure things out by context clues. And the whole book is like an info dump for people looking to immigrate to the country. Want to know how many weeks of paid leave a Kiwi gets? Or what specific kind of visa you need to move there? Facts about inventions and major exports? It's all in this book for some reason I can't fathom. And of course, the author has to write NZ as "en zed" at every opportunity to prove that she knows 'z' is pronounced 'zed' there, and that fact is crucial to understanding NZ culture.
Besides all the extra information that adds exactly nothing to the story, the dialog in this book has got to be some of the most awkward and unnatural prose I've ever read. Hannah speaks like a cast member of Little House on the Prairie, New Zealand edition. I didn't think anyone had ended a sentence with "I'm afraid" since the 1950s, but Hannah proved me wrong... Over and over and over again.
I was really hoping for a 'gosh darn' or 'golly', but Hannah can't even do that level of cursing. There is also weird perspective changes that take you completely out of the story. The book is 95% from Hannah's point of view, but then there will be a paragraph told from Drew's side, or even one without either of the main characters, like between Drew's parents. It's disconcerting and confusing because there's no pattern or reason to it.
Another issue I have is that the author chose a real sports team for Drew to be on. And not just any sports team - the best rugby team in the world. I prefer fictitious sports teams because otherwise it's impossible to separate the real athletes from the ones the author creates. In this case, I believe it's abundantly clear that this story is nothing more than Richie McCaw fanfic.
Now, don't get me wrong, Richie McCaw is definitely a fantasy worthy guy. If you saw an All Black game before he retired and didn't fantasize about him, you should be ashamed of yourself.
This man is seriously yummy. If I told my husband I was having an affair with him, he'd probably say, "Good on ya," and give me a fist bump.
But the author wrote Drew so boring! He's polite and sweet, but he has no dimension. And Hannah? A terrible heroine. Her constant worrying over the state of her relationship and her rudeness when pushing Drew away were annoying for me just as the reader. How on Earth could a man want to be in a relationship with a woman like that?
I can't think of a single positive feeling I had towards Hannah throughout the book. She was a boring drag with no social skills. Just terrible.
Not to mention she's one of those 'I'm not like other girls' girls.
She doesn't wear makeup.
She's always on time.
She doesn't like to dress up.
She's the smart one, not the pretty one. (But she admits that she is in fact pretty.)
She doesn't waste her time taking pictures because she wants to live life!
Oh, and she's so embarrassed because she has a big butt.
She's so different! Can't you see that!
Come on! Richie, I mean Drew, deserves so much more.
Oh, and that weird sex/horse story of Drew's?
Why? Just why? Creepy, and didn't fit anything else in the story.
So, would I recommend this book?
Yes!.... If you need to practice your eyerolling skills.
Otherwise, no.
November 14, 2017
I have really enjoyed the Rosalind James series Escape to New Zealand. There are 5 books in all, and each one tells a unique story of a relationship blossoming from first introduction on. The first book is Hannah and Drew’s story. It is arguably the slowest of the 5, providing the New Zealand setting and the Rugby football instruction. While the slowest of the 5, it is in no ways a negative on the book itself. I had a hard time believing at first that Drew was for real, that he was the one pursuing the relationship, that he was the one keeping them together. He was such a nice guy, supportive in everything Hannah did, that in the beginning I had a hard time trusting that he wouldn’t do something to muck it up. Instead, his solid steady presence is what finally gives Hannah the confidence she needs to accept his love is for real, for keeps. I expected the book to be step 1. Meet at the beach. Step 2. Have wild passionate relationship for 2 weeks. Step 3. Realize you can’t live without each other and get married. End of story. I was so pleasantly surprised that that wasn’t the case with this book, with any of the books in the series actually. The relationships evolved. The couples courted. You got to see the relationships develop over realistic conversations and realistic events. The books that Rosalind James writes for this series all have this formula. It is refreshing to read a book that doesn’t have a couple falling madly in love after 4 days together and living happily ever after. Some of these couples have real problems they have to overcome. Book 2 tells of Koti and Kate. They have a bet that he can’t be friends with a girl without sex getting in the way. It was refreshing that this couple were together for over 6 weeks before anything happened, and in the end they both end up losing the bet. Book 3 tells of Jenna and Finn. She is a nanny to his children. His love evolves from watching her with his kids, watching her maternal instincts, her strong character. They bond over failed marriages and feelings of unworthy, to learn that it was only because they needed each other to heal. Again, a relationship that develops first as friends over the course of several months before it becomes anything more. Book 4 was Nic and Emma. One week six years ago was the best of their lives, but when they split apart to go their separate ways, something was left behind, something neither one ever forgot – for him it was a week of his life where he felt unconditional love from a woman, for who he was, not what he could do on the field. For her it was a son, a son she is unable to let Nic know about even though she tries several times over the years. Chance brings them together again, and while Nic is getting to know his son, Emma and Nic are getting to know each other, too. Emma has to learn how to trust Nic again, even as outside forces try to make her doubt him. Last is Book 5, a dual love story with Nate and Allie, and Kristen and Liam. Kristen and Liam are secondary characters, though their relationship only gets slightly less development than Nate and Allie's. Kristen is a woman who has been used and hurt and is recovering from past failed relationships and he a recovering alcoholic recovering from a past failed marriage, learning to be strong on their own, and strong together, as this recovery takes place. Nate and Allie’s relationship takes center stage with Nate doing everything he can to ruin the relationship before it ever starts, and Allie a strong independent woman hoping he can learn to get it right. Each of these characters stick with you long after the story is over, and it was such a pleasant surprise to have past characters pop up in each new book I read. Rosalind James made believe characters, with believable lives, in a memorable setting that made me want to learn about New Zealand and the world of Rugby Football. And as a nice little bonus, each book comes with a dictionary of common New Zealand terms so that you can see just what it is that these handsome Rugby players are saying. Try the books and you won’t be disappointed. I’m only disappointed that book 5 seems to be the last one.
October 18, 2012
Let me begin by saying I had no clue what I was getting myself into with this book. I know nothing about Rugby or New Zealand but I now have an obsession with both. Who knew when I began book one in the series by dawn the next morning I would be finished with book three and wanting more.
I loved the male characters in this story. They were strong and intimidating warriors yet sweet and protective.I had a little trouble with Hannah’s character. I thought she was a little too motherly to her siblings and helped them instead of helping herself. I kept reading some of the lines and found myself trying to talk to Hannah. It was almost like talking during a movie, voicing your opinions. I really enjoyed this story and found myself wanting more when it was over.
Some of the words were a bit intimidating because I couldn’t figure how they were pronounced but leave it to Google to assist me in my time of need. Understanding the words helped quite a bit with understanding the story. I wish there was a legend at the beginning of the book to tell how everything was pronounced and what it means. Overall this was a wonderful read and I found a new interest in Rugby and New Zealand. I cant wait to read more and I am hoping there is going to be more stories in the series.
I loved the male characters in this story. They were strong and intimidating warriors yet sweet and protective.I had a little trouble with Hannah’s character. I thought she was a little too motherly to her siblings and helped them instead of helping herself. I kept reading some of the lines and found myself trying to talk to Hannah. It was almost like talking during a movie, voicing your opinions. I really enjoyed this story and found myself wanting more when it was over.
Some of the words were a bit intimidating because I couldn’t figure how they were pronounced but leave it to Google to assist me in my time of need. Understanding the words helped quite a bit with understanding the story. I wish there was a legend at the beginning of the book to tell how everything was pronounced and what it means. Overall this was a wonderful read and I found a new interest in Rugby and New Zealand. I cant wait to read more and I am hoping there is going to be more stories in the series.
August 7, 2017
I needed a few minutes to decide on my rating and since I felt like it didn't quite measure up to other 3 star books, I had to knock it down a star. It really was only "okay."
I'm pretty sure I picked this up as a freebie and since I used to live in New Zealand I was excited to read a romance set in that beautiful country. The descriptions of places they visited and the added Kiwi-isms made me smile. It made me feel at home. Although I will say that the constant referral to New Zealand as En Zed kinda drove me bonkers. I'd never heard anyone say that so it seemed weird to me (not that I know everything).
The reason this book was just okay was that very little happened. I feel that if there is little drama in a book then the writing has to be at least captivating and it just wasn't. Drew was great. I thought she captured him as a typical Kiwi bloke quite well. Hannah, on the other hand, drove me batty. I understand the appeal of reading books with a strong, independent woman but she just went on and on and on about it and eventually I wasn't even cheering for her anymore. I wanted him to find someone better...like me! ;)
I'm pretty sure I picked this up as a freebie and since I used to live in New Zealand I was excited to read a romance set in that beautiful country. The descriptions of places they visited and the added Kiwi-isms made me smile. It made me feel at home. Although I will say that the constant referral to New Zealand as En Zed kinda drove me bonkers. I'd never heard anyone say that so it seemed weird to me (not that I know everything).
The reason this book was just okay was that very little happened. I feel that if there is little drama in a book then the writing has to be at least captivating and it just wasn't. Drew was great. I thought she captured him as a typical Kiwi bloke quite well. Hannah, on the other hand, drove me batty. I understand the appeal of reading books with a strong, independent woman but she just went on and on and on about it and eventually I wasn't even cheering for her anymore. I wanted him to find someone better...like me! ;)
May 23, 2013
This one is hard to rate. It was a kindle freebie, I started it on a train journey and ended up finishing it the same day - so in that sense it was good.
It's probably a 3.5 star book truthfully - but I tend to mark up if it was a freebie and I enjoyed it.
However not a lot actually happens. It's just a light, fun, re-location love story. But for me personally the New Zealand background - which is VERY well drawn indeed, you really could be there was what made the book.
Characterizations were good, the story flowed - the sex scenes were a little excessive - but nothing outrageous.
I have just ordered the next one to take on my holiday and I think if you're looking for something light, fun and just a little different as holiday reading it would be perfect. If you want something more thoughtful or in-depth - this one probably isn't for you.
It's probably a 3.5 star book truthfully - but I tend to mark up if it was a freebie and I enjoyed it.
However not a lot actually happens. It's just a light, fun, re-location love story. But for me personally the New Zealand background - which is VERY well drawn indeed, you really could be there was what made the book.
Characterizations were good, the story flowed - the sex scenes were a little excessive - but nothing outrageous.
I have just ordered the next one to take on my holiday and I think if you're looking for something light, fun and just a little different as holiday reading it would be perfect. If you want something more thoughtful or in-depth - this one probably isn't for you.
June 15, 2015
Actual rating 3.5
This was a cute romance in a beautiful setting, with an amazing guy. I like learning about New Zealand and rugby, it made me want to take a trip there. My biggest problem with this book was Hannah, so many times the female main character is trying so hard to be strong she comes across as extremely weak and whiny to me. If she just had a little more sass, I would have like this book just so much more. Although I guess it was a bit of a plot twist because it was the girl with the commitment issues.
This was a cute romance in a beautiful setting, with an amazing guy. I like learning about New Zealand and rugby, it made me want to take a trip there. My biggest problem with this book was Hannah, so many times the female main character is trying so hard to be strong she comes across as extremely weak and whiny to me. If she just had a little more sass, I would have like this book just so much more. Although I guess it was a bit of a plot twist because it was the girl with the commitment issues.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2014
Audiobook narrated by Claire Bocking-great Kiwi accent! Loved the New Zealand setting and the glimpses of the national pastime: rugby and rugby players! Ready to book a flight to Auckland!
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