Just Good Friends

ANOTHER FANTASTIC KIWI / RUGBY LOVE STORY

Second in the "Escape to New Zealand" series, learn more about rugby and the Maori culture while you take a virtual tour of parts of New Zealand! I feel like I've nearly really had a vacation after reading/listening to one of these books. With a great romance story added in, to boot!! Seriously ... hubby and I have started a "New Zealand Vacation Fund" and I can hardly wait to go.

Kate Lamonica has BIG trouble when a boyfriend becomes a stalker. Trying to kill her type of stalker. So she leaves the USA for New Zealand and her friend that lives there, hoping to hide from said-stalker. Enter rugby player Koti James. Kate is definitely NOT impressed with gorgeous ladies' man Koti, and the feeling is mutual. Or is it? It all turns into a bet that Koti can't have a girl FRIEND and keep it platonic. Well, let's just say that it wouldn't be much of a romance if someone didn't lose that bet. :) There are some great, nicely written love scenes --- and they do get a tiny bit of kink on, so do be warned. (I did not find it offensive FYI).

I love the new-to-audiobooks actress Claire Bocking. She does a mean Kiwi accent (male and female) and adds a lot to her reading of a great romance story.

Highly recommended and worth a credit!

8 of 9 people found this review helpful

Funny, romantic and sexy does not say it all!!

I loved almost everything about this book. Great story, fantastic lessons in NZ's culture, clever writing and most of all one of the most engaging narrations. A couple of parts I felt the history lectures went on a bit too long but thankfully those scenes were few and far in between, but the rest was Yummy-Licious. The challenge throughout the relationship was just enough to keep the romance hot. You won't go wrong with this book.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Be hard-to-get, not impossible.

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

Rosalind has got it right again! Want a guy's attention? Be hard-to-get, especially when they are used to having it handed to them. Another well developed story that has you laughing, smirking, gasping, and ticked off, then cheering for the hero.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Cody is adorable, sexy, and clueless! Then he meets Kate, who does an immediate smack down that leaves Cody smarting, but coming back for more!

Have you listened to any of Claire Bocking’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I so enjoy Claire's reading. A smooth lyrical reading style with great character voices. Keep up the great work Claire. You're doing a wonderful job on Rosalind's books!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There is more the one moment that I enjoyed Kate and Cody's story. I did particularly enjoy the scene between Cody's x-girl friend and Kate. Kate, who at this point is still just-a-friend, tells the jealous X to stop cornering her in the bathroom and encourages her to go convince Cody to take her home. A harassed Cody declined the offer and was a bit annoyed - especially when Kate was laughing at him.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

My new fave of Rosalind's books

Would you listen to Just Good Friends again? Why?

Because it's excellent. I've listened to it numerous times already. I enjoyed Just Good Friends when I read it initially, but I love it even more now. something about Claire's narration makes a great book even better.

What other book might you compare Just Good Friends to and why?

Sorry, I never was any good at contrast and compare!

Which scene was your favorite?

When Hemi tells Koti to pull his head out of his ass!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

So many though it's hard to describe without giving everything away! When Koti was there for Kate early on, the scene with Kate shortly before Hemi tells Koti to pull his head out of his ass, when Koti is there for Kate near the end... etc

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Sweet as . . .

What did you like about this audiobook?

I liked how Claire Bocking gave each of the characters their own voice. She didn't just read a script, she made them come alive. I loved hearing the Maori words spoken (and the one song was so lovely). The New Zealand accent was wonderful, emotions came through loud and clear.

How has the book increased your interest in the subject matter?

Definitely! I didn't know anything about New Zealand, the Maori, or rugby before I started reading the books in the Escape to New Zealand series, and I am hooked. I've even watched an All Blacks Haka on YouTube. So cool!

Does the author present information in a way that is interesting and insightful, and if so, how does he achieve this?

I think rather than presenting information, Ms. James weaves it into the story and dialogue and characters so skillfully that it simply flows right through the book, and makes you want to learn more. I have loved reading about the Maori traditions, history and music, about the All Blacks and rugby, and New Zealand, all woven together with an excellent story line and sizzling romance.

What did you find wrong about the narrator's performance?

I didn't find anything wrong with the narrator's performance. It was wonderful. If I could ask for one thing, though, if would have been to hear one of the two songs Koti sang, in its entirety. Maori music is so beautiful and haunting. I loved the short song that was included. I just wanted more!

Do you have any additional comments?

I would like to mention that I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. This review is my own, and reflects my honest opinion of this book.

5 of 6 people found this review helpful

Hot rugby player in NZ: yes please!

What made the experience of listening to Just Good Friends the most enjoyable?

Claire Bocking, as always, fantastic narrator. I like the story. I like how Kate is tough. The Waitomo Cave part was great (makes me want to go there). Great characters development. You never have to ask "what was he/she thinking?!" because she goes in-depth with the characters. I like how we see the characters from the first book and how that relationship is going, but it's still a good book if you didn't read the first one (but you should get the first one because it's good, too).

Which character – as performed by Claire Bocking – was your favorite?

I really love how she changes her voice for the female characters. They are all so distinct and you can pick up the differences. She's a really talented voice actor. When there is yelling, Claire Bocking yells and it's startling, but in a way that's extremely effective and makes for a great performance. When there is sniffling or coughing, instead of just reading "she coughed," she actually makes the noises and I really appreciate that. Whoever cast her clearly knew what they were doing because I can't say enough good things about her.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Whenever Kate talked about her fears with her stalker, I really felt the emotion, in the writing and in listening to the narration.

Any additional comments?

I bought this book the hour it became available, at full price, and it was worth it. I've also listened to this book at least 5 times, I enjoy it that much. I can't wait for more NZ books to come out and hearing Claire Bocking narrate some more.

6 of 8 people found this review helpful

Know anything about New Zealand?

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

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Good, casual book

I loved the first book so much I had to start listening to the second right away. It's important to realize before you get addicted that each book is from a different viewpoint and time and not necessarily a continuation from the previous book (I didn't realize that originally and wrongfully assumed a series would follow the same main characters in a continuing story). I did not think book 2 was as good as book 1 but it still drew me in and had me anxious to hear more. I've downloaded the 3rd book and do plan to listen to the whole series. The narrator is great as her accent sounds very believable. I feel like I've learned tons about New Zealand culture I never would have known without reading these books, if everything the author writes regarding history and such is true. I like that this series isn't all just sex and over the top it's been three weeks and I will literally kill myself or someone if I don't see you. It's more realistic and time passes like a more believable relationship. This book dives into the all too real and horrific domestic violence situations that happen every day around the world. It's gruesome to hear at some points. Hopefully this book brings more awareness to domestic violence and domestic violence survivors. Overall the book is a good listen especially if you commute tons for work like I do.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Taken Away To New Zealand

Would you listen to Just Good Friends again? Why?

yes

Any additional comments?

Excellent narrator! She makes you feel like you are in NZ with the characters in the novel.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Love this series!

Where does Just Good Friends rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It was a great follow up to the first book! This is my favorite series thus far.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful