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Downward spiral

Revisado: 10-06-21

The begining was not strong, but WOW, it went downhill FAST! There were so many unbelievable plot lines, so many unlikely events, so many lackluster characters. The only redeeming part of this story was the narrators. I am surprised that Bloom and York agreed to do this book and they are the only reason that I finished listening to the audiobook. I almost wished I hadn't with the ending that was thrown together.

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overall well done

Revisado: 11-23-19

The story, the characters, the twists and turns make for a heart-wrenching tale. The story has humor and angst and plot twists that keep you on edge. The characters are relatively deep and cause you to root for them, when they aren't being an arse. I will say that at one point I felt like Addison needed to pull on her big girl panties and stop the bottom dwelling but she came through in the end so all is forgiven. Shane East and Lucy Rivers do a wonderful job narrating and I would definitely listen to more of their work.

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stronger together

Revisado: 06-11-15

Alec Kincaid met his match. Desiree is the spark that started the fire in Alec's life and now he is scrambling to control his desire to keep Desiree in his life. She ends up making Alec question everything in his bachelor life. Alec forces Desiree to make personal connections when she is feeling fractured and broken.

This story is a great tale of how our pasts do not determine our futures. Alec and Desiree defy many odds. There are moments that made me cry with sadness, humor and happiness.

Rosalind James strays from her popular series, Escape to New Zealand, to share a Stateside love. The audio by Emma Taylor does James' story justice and I will be listening to more from this author and narrator.

"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.”

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Where it started

Revisado: 04-17-15

This is where it started folks. Hemi and Reka get a story all for themselves and I LOVE it! I may be a cheerleader for Team Reka as of right now as she really does a number on Hemi and boy did he deserve it! Just for You: Escape to New Zealand answers a lot of questions for me as I did not know much about these two characters other than they kept making appearances in the other books. Look out, because they are about to get real in this book.

As always, Claire Bocking in crazy good in bringing the characters to life. Sit back, relax and enjoy listening to Claire bring you to New Zealand in this great audio 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.”

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Time Off

Revisado: 04-17-15

In Just Not Mine: Escape to New Zealand, Hugh has his hands full, especially since he has only one hand that is working well. He has been left as the guardian of his half brother and sister which leads to some awkward and humorous situations as Hugh has limited experience in taking care of others. He makes some mistakes along the way but he is endearing and handsome while doing it. Just as the other Escape to New Zealand books reeled you in, this book does not disappoint with the story line and characters, I especially appreciated the strong female character and how she challenged Hugh step for step.

The audio book is read by Claire Bocking. She is sweet as as far as I am concerned. As a reader, I found her easy to related to as she brought each character to life. Another good investment of time for sure!

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Goodness comes in three

Revisado: 03-11-15

Wow, what an amazing set this turned out to be. I absolutely love the Escape to New Zealand series, but Claire Bocking really sells them on the audio book front. She keeps you enthralled with her portrayal of rugged New Zealand rugby players. The author, Rosalind James, is a reliable bet if you are looking for a great story line with plausible and robust characters.

I loved Just This Once, Just Good Friends, and Just for Now when I read them, but I adored the audio book. The Publisher’s Summary includes a sound overview of the story, but if you want to know from a reader if they are worth the time (because at this point, money is easier to come by then time), then I give this a resounding YES! Allow yourself to be taken over by these amazing tales with Claire Bocking’s fabulous oration. You won’t regret it. In fact, you are likely to join the FB followings of Rosalind James.

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. But don’t take my word for it. Read the books or better yet, listen to them. I dare you.

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Man Code Explained

Revisado: 01-18-15

Just My Luck: Escape to New Zealand, Book 5, continues in the same fashion as many of Rosalind James’ books with the rugby and New Zealand theme with romance interwoven. If you read any of her previous books, this may be one of the reasons you continue to read the Escape series. I know it is a big plus in my book. Book 5 does not rely on reading many, if any, of the previous Escape books. I would say that Just My Luck could act as a stand-alone if you are looking to give James a try. As far as the Audible version goes, Claire Bocking is dead on with her performances. After listening to her for several other Escape to New Zealand books, I would be willing to give any of her audio performances a go. She’s really that talented.

In Book 5, you are introduced to Nate and Ally, with a sub-story of Kristen and Liam. You get a taste of New Zealand outdoors with this pair and I found the accident prone Nate to be a bit refreshing as he had many romantic missteps in this romance. I have to say I really enjoyed Ally and Kristen's conversations on Man Code. Spot on and hilarious. This book presents a strong female lead, don't go looking for the submissive in Ally.

To give you a peak hole into James’ writing, she leads you along a path of realistic story line while adding humor and some New Zealand flavor (at least in the Escape series). I gravitate towards book that are more likely to be realistic so that willing suspension of disbelief is not stretched too far. If you like books that are not only impossible, but lack continuity and character development I suggest you move on and miss out on these books. If you are one who likes a quick wit with a zing of adventure and travel, give the Escape series a knock.

I depend on reviews to purchase books, like many of you. While I receive an ARC on occasion from several authors, my reviews are not automatic positive reviews. 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, for whatever that is worth.

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Worth your time

Revisado: 10-11-14

This audiobook was well done. I enjoyed listening to each character and was happy from beginning to end. The story is plausible and sexy. A great investment! I can't wait to read/listen to more from this author!

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Right as...

Revisado: 08-08-14

I like to listen to audio books while mowing the lawn, driving long distances or cleaning my house. I have listened to many audio books and have even stopped a few when they became an unbearable shadow of the book. Just for Now: Escape to New Zealand has a great narrator, Claire Bocking, and her reading gives more life to the book than I anticipated. If you are new to audio books, here are a few points that make Claire such a great fit. First of all, ever character sounds believable. She has an advantage reading Jenna but she does an equally wonderful job reading Finn’s character. Secondly, Claire has great diction and keeps the novel flowing. Lastly, who wants to listen to a bad impersonation that takes away from the story? Unfortunately, there are many out there that do just that.

As for the actual novel, Just for Now: Escape to New Zealand book 3 may be my favorite. Since I hope that James writes many more, this book sits tentatively at the top with a little wiggle room for future novels to claim #1. I really appreciated the depth the characters developed through action and dialogue. I come across a fair amount of books that often lack character development. No worries on that note when you read one of James’ novels. The age-old struggle of finding love among the balancing act of life with children makes Jenna and Finn a wonderful love story. The one criticism I would have is regarding Jenna and it’s a personality conflict on my part. I really don’t think that I could be around someone who knew as much as Jenna and not feel resentment that she was such a nice person. I guess that reflects poorly on me but I kept thinking, “I would have blown up over that” or “WOW! She is crazy understanding!” I still liked her character overall and overlooked her ‘goody two-shoes’ approach to life. :)

Overall, the audio book for Just for Now: Escape to New Zealand book 3 is well worth the money and your time!

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.

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esto le resultó útil a 5 personas