Just Once More

Escape to New Zealand #7

by Rosalind James

What does true love look like once the honeymoon's over?

Eight smoking-hot rugby players. Eight partners. Seventeen kids. Beaches and barbecues and beer, salt and sand and sea. Family and good mates and no worries. December in New Zealand.

One very pregnant, very tired Hannah Montgomery Callahan playing hostess to it all, doing her best and wondering if her best is good enough. And one legendary All Black captain willing to do whatever it takes to show her that when he promised to be there for her forever, he meant it.

Note: This book, like New Zealand ... aw, heck. Three steamy scenes, as usual. And they're good ones.

Genres: Romance, Sports, Contemporary, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance, Novella

207 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2014

About the author

Rosalind 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!"

Reviews

[Lisa Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★½ (This is a review of the audiobook.) Listened to this one via audible.com and was very nicely narrated by Claire Bocking, who does the entire series. She switches seamlessly between her Kiwi accents and the American accents, while still differentiating the multiple players, so you have no difficulty deciphering who's talking.

Love this series so much that it was hard for me not to read them all in a row, gobbling them all down too fast, when I first discovered it. It is nice to get back to it with this one, as it is a “reunion” installment, with past characters all showing up.

The first couple, Hannah & Drew Callahan, from #1-Just This Once, are my all-time favorite couple and are expecting another baby. Drew is determined to be there for this one, having missed the delivery of their first two. He is so tender, sweet, and caring-and loves his wife & family. But there is plenty of sexy steam here, too. Hugh and Josie from #6-Just Not Mine, another personal favorite couple, are days away from getting married, and everyone plans on being at the celebration.

This isn't a book with which to start this wonderful series; however, it is a nice little peek into what's happening with these eight couples. One neat thing is you get a few “memorial moments” for each couple in flashbacks, but from a different POV.

[Rose O'toole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of the Escape to New Zealand series and Rosalind James. I feel this reunion book is a thank you note to her fans. The All Blacks- old and new- are on December holiday and we catch up with old friends while they prepare for the wedding of Josie and Hugh from Just Not Mine.

At the center of the action are Hannah and Drew (Just This Once Book #1) who are expecting their third child any day. One of the most touching chapters includes Drew urging Hannah, with the help of his extended rugby family, to accept help with the household duties especially when she returns to work. The characters comments are engaging, and somewhat poignant. One thing I think James does well is balancing the love story with the professional aspect of women's lives. Although not highlighted in this book, her heroines do not take their careers lightly and I think that adds a great dimension to her books.

Many of the wives are expecting and we get a glimpse of how things started and have continued for many of the character. This is where it became a bit cumbersome for me. There are eight player, their partners and seventeen kids. I know the series well, but I found myself thinking, 'Whose kid was that?' Or, 'Wait, how were Ally and Nate connected to Drew and Hannah?' I read quickly and found myself having to back track to fit some of the pieces together.

There are some steamy scenes with buff men in new places and with pregnant bellies involved. Some of the discourse is about making your pregnant woman feel special. James did a nice job of describing a man's love (and lust) for his pregnant wife. Thank you for that Ms. Rosalind.

It is a trip down memory lane for Hannah and Drew and I highly recommend it for readers of the series. If you haven't read the first books I would not recommend you start with this one. Save it, read the others first and then crack this one open.

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.

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what I wanted.
This is my favorite romance series and this recap book is another stellar addition. It's good to be reminded that fun, passion, romance, and lust don't end at the alter. All the couples from the other books are back, with their seventeen kids in tow, to celebrate the wedding of the newest couple. Romantic and funny stories are exchanged, couples find hot escapes, and babies are born dramatically. If you need a dose of feel good romance there is no better series than Escape to New Zealand - with the exception of Just for Fun, stay away from that turd.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 STARS

This novella was an extended epilogue featuring all the couples/characters from the first six books. It was fun to catch up with everyone.

[Amy Malek Concepcion · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars
One big extended epilogue for all the books so far! Fun read.

[Connie Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, this book could possibly be read by itself BUT the reader would probably feel like they're not completely "in" on everything since it involves history laid in the 1st 6 books. Now having said that AND having read the other books . . . it was good to "b" able to Escape to New Zealand once again. The play on the "b" is because of the background, believability, babies/pregnancies, brotherhood, bonding, beaches, bedrooms, backseats, and beginnings. It was fantastic to have details of situations from past books be filled in to really round out the stories. The book also makes the characters even more endearing because their insecurities and feelings of being "less than perfect" are revealed and dealt with in a very realistic manner. Pregnancy and babies are handled in a broad spectrum--from the issue of not being able to have biological children to should we have more to holy smokes, what have we really done & how are we going to manage another child? The interweaving of the lives of past and present All Blacks gives possible insight into the issues they might really have to deal with. The book helps to forge new bonds and strengthen old ones. Obviously the beach is going to factor into a book that is set in New Zealand in December--both in the bonding and "steamy" factor. Speaking of steamy . . . in addition to the beach, there's also bedroom and backseat happenings as well. As for the beginnings--so many to witness. From a wedding to a newly engaged couple to the growth of families. Can't wait to see how these evolve in future Escape to New Zealand installments!

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.

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

I was lucky enough to get an ARC of Just Once More. I started reading this series at book 2 and then read book 1 and have read all the books in the series so far so I was really excited to see all the couples again. This is a "reunion book" with two major threads running through it: Drew and Hannah's baby and Hugh and Josie's wedding.

There is a lot of high emotion, a lot of sexy times, and a lot of backstory that runs through it all. It's not just a look at "after the happily ever after"; it's also a look back at some key moments in the "getting to happily ever after" that were not included in the original books, especially from alternate POV. There's a lot of looking back, but there is also some looking ahead too because life goes on and other characters step into the limelight.

I especially liked seeing Hannah and Drew in the moment she understood she loved him from his point of view and I liked a couple of the "pop the question" stories.

But, as much as I loved getting the extra bits, that's exactly what this felt like. There is a lot of head-hopping and the transitions between couples were also abrupt. There were also a couple plot devices that were handled a bit clumsily: especially a "come full circle" that didn't come off quite properly. The cohesion just isn't as tight as it could be.

If you are a fan of this series, this is a must-read. If you are just coming into this series, start from the beginning because this is just filling in the gaps.

[D'Lana Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

"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."

I loved this book! It is a wonderful addition to the author's Escape to New Zealand series. All the couples from previous books are gathered together for the wedding of Josie and Hugh (from Just Not Mine). We check in with each couple throughout the book, but there is a special emphasis on Hannah and Drew from Just This Once, the first book in the series.

I have enjoyed all of Rosalind James' New Zealand books, but, for me, this one was special. I loved the way the POV moved from couple to couple and person to person so that time was spent with each character. It was like visiting with friends I hadn't seen in awhile.

The characters are three dimensional and the dialogue is great. Ms James' characters actually talk to each other, even the men. There is a scene from the book that takes place at a backyard bar-b-que. All but one of the couples is there. They are all sitting in the yard and having an honest to God discussion. I loved it! It was "real" and that is sometimes difficult to find in the romance genre.

This books has everything. Beautiful scenery, friends, lovers, kids, a wedding, child birth and a couple of pretty steamy love scenes. It is a must read for anyone who has read the Escape to New Zealand series. I wouldn't recommend it as a stand alone. I you haven't read the series, do it! Start with Just This Once and you'll be hooked.

[Midwest Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even as a long time reader of series out of order, I do not recommend that you start the Escape to New Zealand series by reading Just Once More. Any of the the other books can be read as a stand alone, but not this one. The more of the rest of the series you have read. The more you will enjoy this book as it includes all of the couples in the previous books and expands on what happens in those books and allows the reader to return to some favorite characters.

For fans of the series, I would say this is a must read. Even though the central characters of the book are Hannah and Drew, James spreads the narrative to other characters so you really get an update on everyone, and in some cases an expansion of events in and between previous books. There are several steamy scenes in this book and several sweet ones, and something for everyone who is a fan of the series. I would say Hannah and Drew, Kate and Koti, Finn and Jenna, Reka and Hemi, and Hugh and Josie fans in particular will not be disappointed. As someone who has never been through a pregnancy, I would also add, I think for those who have will get additional pleasure/reader solidarity from reading about some of the pregnant characters.

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.

[Nadine Slavinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Possibly the only thing better than one of Rosalind James' New Zealand stories is eight stories interwoven, and that's just what you get in this lovely reunion novel set in a whole new North Island location. This book provides an epilogue to the epilogues, letting us re-visit the characters after their happily-ever-afters. You'd think there'd be a lack of dramatic tension in a book like this – but that's not the case at all. Through flashbacks, we get peeks into so many episodes in the characters' lives we “missed” before (not that I found anything missing in the previous books). We also get a look at the characters' continuing stories and realistic anxieties – what with sports careers ending, new careers beginning, and families expanding. I would not recommend that a new reader tackle this book first – you'll be overwhelmed and will miss a lot of the subtleties. Save it for “last” (I put it in quotes because I hope the author continues the series for many, many more titles) and savor every moment.


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. In fact, I actually went ahead an ordered a paid copy of this book from Amazon because I believe in supporting highly professional independent authors like Rosalind James.

[Patsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of the entire Escape to New Zealand series (which I've read at least twice, some books more than that!), and of Rosalind's writing in general. Her characters are real and lovable, the heat is seat-squirming HOT, and she has lots of variety in the scenarios encountered throughout each story.

While this could be read as a stand-alone and enjoyed just on its own, I would recommend starting from the beginning of the series with the "Just for Now" prequel, and reading all the others before reading this one. This is a very satisfying read which I enjoyed cover-to-cover... but a big part of that enjoyment was that I already "knew" all the characters. It was so fun to find out "what happened next" after the other stories ended, and wonderful to see them all come together in one story.

This book is really well-written, with just the right amount of time and energy devoted to the featured couples and families... And I'm hoping there's more to come of this series because I'm truly addicted now!!

I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, which this is! If you haven't already, you should definitely put this book - and the whole series - on your "must-read" list. You won't be disappointed.

[Melodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just Once More is a "can't miss" for fans of the "Escape to New Zealand" series by Rosalind James. For the most part, Just Once More is a reunion novella that takes place shortly after the end of the last book, giving the reader a glimpse of where life has taken the primary characters from the first six books. There are also a few flashback scenes which fill out some of the stories. As always, there is a good amount of spice. Though the book touches base with all the couples from the previous books, the primary focus in this book is back on Drew and Hannah Callahan, who were featured in the very first book, Just This Once. Visiting with "old friends" can be very enjoyable and this is the case with this novella, which is roughly half the length of the other books. Because of the shorter length and the more widespread focus, the book lacks some of the emotional depth that is so integral to the other books. This book is a lot of fun; I enjoyed reading it and seeing where life had taken all the characters.

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.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has been one of my all time favorites. The stories just flow and you become so involved with the characters that you become so invested with their success and happiness that you truly don't want the story to end. This book was such fun to read and it was wonderful to get caught up with all the couples and see how their lives were going. The world class #1 All Blacks captain "Drew Callahan" has stepped down from the job and retired. "Toro" has taken up the challenge and has come into his own, finally believing he can do the job and be friends with the team mates, past and present. Several of the wives are pregnant, several times over and we all remember Hannah's self doubts. Well, she's trying and it seems like Drew finally has her believing in "him/them" by the end of the book. And what a ending it was. I know these books will forever remain in my library and I know I'll re-read them (already have books 1-3 twice over).

If you haven't read the series, please do and read the books in order. They are stand alone books with a HEA but you will enjoy them more in order.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book was absolutely beautiful. It went back and filled in the cracks, the times that Rosalind didn’t write into the other books. We get to see the between of Jenna and Finn, between the time that he proposed to her at the holiday park and having Lily. There’s a fadeout in their book, Just For Now, and we get to see the very romantic proposal aftermath.

We get to see more of Koti and Kate, which I really loved. Kate is such a firecracker, and Koti and Kate are wonderful together.

There was a really long section where Drew conducts a huge talk with all the boys about work-life balance. It was a very AnneMarie Slaughter moment, where all the couples talk about the need for family and help.

We also get to see Josie and Hugh’s wedding, which was absolutely wonderful.

If you like the other Escape to New Zealand books, you won’t be disappointed.

Disclosure: 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.

[Michelle Beckley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well it was great to catch up with all our escape to New Zealand friends and go back to the places Rosalind describes so well.
Can't say this offering will go down as one of my favourites, there was so much going on, although it still had my attention from the beginning, like all of Rosalind's books do.
The glimpses into the lives of our past leading characters was heart warming and sometimes steamy, (I just love Kate and Koti). Koti's car seeing plenty of action in this book, in more ways than one.
Drew and Hannah, Hemi and Reka and Kate and Koti were my favourite catch ups this time and I'm Looking forward to a new leading couple in the next book.
"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."
Cheers Michelle in Australia.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In life, some things come full circle. Rosalind James’ Just Once More brings her Escape to New Zealand series full circle, back to Drew and Hannah. This book catches up with all of our favorites as they visit and prepare for a wedding. So much fun! With lots of love, babies and memories, this is the author’s vision of what comes after “The End”. If you haven’t read this series, you should! Then, come back and visit everyone again in Just Once More. And the best part, the series may not be over!!! Love this author, love this series!

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.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVE this series. I was thrilled when this book came out. But....there was so much going on, even I had a hard time keeping up. (And I've read a few of the books twice.) As awesome as the boys are, I found it hard to believe they'd all sit around talking about how they met.
Also, if you haven't read the series, you will have absolutely no idea what is going on. Good news for those who haven't read the series? READ THE SERIES!!! I hope Rosalind James keeps writing about our sexy, loveable, rugby boys and I will definitely keep reading. Still waiting for Kevin and Chloe....

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

i'm always kind of ambivalent about reunion type books, where all the couples from previous books make an appearance - they aren't bad, they just don't always work for me

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only for die-hard fans of the series. This is a catch-up with all the couples to date as they prepare for Hugh and Josie's wedding.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not a stand alone work and it is not a novel, novella or short story, rather it is a series of vignettes about characters that have appeared in previous novels in the series. It gives an update on the couples and readers can see what has happened since the last time they appeared in the books. My only real issue with this story is that I find it a little unbelievable that all the men are so understanding and supportive of the women in regards to the household issues and problems that they have concerning their self esteem. If it was one or two of the men maybe but all eight are supportive and understanding in just the right way, it really is like a woman's fantasy. Overall this one is for the fans, I would not recommend this for someone who has not read all the other books in the series, they would not get all the nuances. Its a nice book that revisits favorite characters but it is not a truly satisfying story for Rosalind James fans. Good thing she is a fairly prolific writer so the fans can get our fix of new material soon.

[Carly Kirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fairly short book compared to the other books in the series before it, but you definitely need to have read them or you'll be even more lost as to who alllllllllllllll the people are you're reading about - because there are a LOT of people to keep track of and I had a hard time even though I've read them over the last few days and the author includes a "cast of characters" list at the beginning to give readers a reminder of who's who. I did enjoy getting to find out how Drew proposed and how and when Finn and Jenna got married. There were some steamy scenes and all in all it was a fun read.

[Sassafrass · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've really loved this series and have enjoyed getting to see all the couples fall in love. I guess this book wasn't my favorite but it was still sweet to see everyone so far still in love. It was just a lot of switching stories and with all the characters it was easy to get confused which couple each particular chapter was focused on at certain points.

Other than that, I really love the narrator for this one. She does such an awesome job with all the accents and voices I really can get absorbed in the stories. I will definitely continue on with the series and she's a huge reason why!

[Inna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars.

This is a cute little catch up with all of the couples from the previous 6 books. It’s like a combined epilogue and has some fun stories about engagements and babies.

I especially loved the end discussion about the Yaris that Drew found for Hannah in book 1, but was then passed along to many of the other girls...

“That little car seems to be a bit of a charm, doesn’t it? Almost hate to see her sell it. It’s like…the Sisterhood of the Traveling Toyota. Makes you wonder where it’ll turn up next.”

Safe :)

[SandyL · Rating 4 out of 5]

The gang is all together and it's a lot of fun! The main focus of the book is on Drew and Hannah, who are hosting the get together. Hannah is very pregnant, which makes things tough. Several of the other girls are also pregnant, which is difficult for Josie. She and Hugh are getting ready to get married, but she's worried that not being able to have children will be an issue for them in the future. I really enjoyed catching up with the gang!!!

[Carolien · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a standalone as all the parties from the first six books get together to celebrate Hugh and Josie's wedding (Just not Mine). Hannah and Drew are now Sir Andrew and Lady Callahan and expecting their third child (Just this Once). A look at what happens after the wedding and filling in some more details (how did Drew propose to Hannah?). Loved it. Felt like a reunion with some good friends.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable long-ish novella that revisits Hannah and Drew (from the first book in this series) when they are about to have their third baby. It's also a revisit with some of the other couples from other books along the way, and ends in a wedding with two of the characters from a previous book. Well worth reading if you are familiar with the characters, but if you haven't read the other books, this novella would probably be a bit confusing.

[Emma · Rating 1 out of 5]

there is really no story at all - 1*

All the couples from the previous book have gathered at the Hannah and Drew Callahan's home for a bit of a house party before Hugh and Josie get married. The book is simply a series of vignettes that allow for reminisces about proposals and weddings and sex. Add a bit more sex, a wedding, and a baby and that is all it is. Very dull.

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved that with this one we got to revisit all the past couples, loved how each one seemed to tell their story from their perspective. But I think the most harrowing part was with Hannah and Drew at the end. Part of me loves that Drew got to experience that, but another part of me thinks they could have done without the excitement.

[Andrea Akers · Rating 5 out of 5]

NZ 7

Weddings, new babies and reunions. As we catch up with everyone to see how they are moving forward we get a glimpse of how the guys proposed as well. We also see how the captain's torch has been officially passed from Drew to Nate and those who have retired are beginning to settle into their roles as well.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is only for those who have read all the previous ones...a little bit more about each couple...which made the flow a bit disjointed and harder to follow if it has been a while since you spent time with the characters. The title says it all..You get to see everyone just once more. But not as engaging for me as a whole story arch.