Get Your Free Audiobook
-
Just Not Mine
- Escape to New Zealand, Book 6
- Narrated by: Claire Bocking
- Series: Escape to New Zealand, Book 6
- Length: 11 hrs and 23 mins
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Women's Fiction
Non-member price: $36.20
People who bought this also bought...
-
Just Once More
- By: Rosalind James
- Narrated by: Claire Bocking
- Length: 5 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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 is playing hostess to it all, doing her best and wondering if her best is good enough. And one legendary All Black captain is willing to do whatever it takes to show her that when he promised to be there for her forever, he meant it.
-
Just My Luck
- Escape to New Zealand, Book 5
- By: Rosalind James
- Narrated by: Claire Bocking
- Length: 12 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Nate Torrance has a job to do, and the biggest rugby boots in the world to fill. He can't afford to lose his focus, especially not to a brown-eyed Canadian who pushes all his buttons and looks much too good in a climbing harness. Allison Villiers may not know what she wants to do with her life, but she's clear about one thing. She's not impressed by the new captain of the All Blacks, however big a deal he is to the rest of New Zealand.
-
Just for Fun
- Escape to New Zealand, Book 4
- By: Rosalind James
- Narrated by: Claire Bocking
- Length: 11 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Nic Wilkinson is a responsible, organized, disciplined rugby player at the top of his game. Emma Martens is a sometimes-scattered, often-emotional, and always-broke would-be designer with a big chip on her shoulder where Nic's concerned. They have no history together, except one perfect week. Nothing in common anymore, except the most important thing of all. Getting together again would be messy. Complicated. Scary. And, just maybe, worth every risk.
-
Kiwi Rules
- New Zealand Ever After, Book 1
- By: Rosalind James
- Narrated by: Emma Wilder, John Hartley
- Length: 15 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
You don’t find many too-pretty rich boys in the New Zealand Defense Force. Turns out there’s a reason for that. Fortunately, you can find your true self in the oddest places. Of course, you can lose yourself in those places, too - at least some pieces of you. Since I was back home with a new leg, some facial alterations, and time on my hands, I might as well help out my sister. Showing a buyer around New Zealand’s ecotourism sites, having a few adrenaline-fueled adventures? Fine. It wasn’t like I’d never been camping, unlike the walking tornado that was Miss Karen Sinclair.
-
Just Come Over
- Escape to New Zealand Series, Book 12
- By: Rosalind James
- Narrated by: Emma Wilder
- Length: 15 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Rhys Fletcher is not in love with his sister-in-law. That would be a very, very bad idea, and he doesn’t entertain bad ideas. He also doesn’t lie to himself. Both of those things can’t be true, so he’ll do what he’s done since the long-ago night when his brother, Dylan, turned up in an Auckland bar after a brutal rugby match between their two teams, and introduced his new girlfriend - a dark-eyed, much-too-young girl named Zora. He’ll lie. Now, his brother’s gone, and Rhys is back in New Zealand and settling into his new job as the head coach of the Auckland Blues
-
Silver-Tongued Devil
- Portland Devils, Book 1
- By: Rosalind James
- Narrated by: Tanya Eby
- Length: 12 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Blake Orbison's pro football career with the Portland Devils may have come crashing to an end, but not calling the signals anymore just gives him more time to devote to his business enterprises, including the latest and greatest: the opening of the Wild Horse Resort in scenic north Idaho. And that other one, too. Blake's on the marriage track now, and he's got a game plan.
-
Just Once More
- By: Rosalind James
- Narrated by: Claire Bocking
- Length: 5 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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 is playing hostess to it all, doing her best and wondering if her best is good enough. And one legendary All Black captain is willing to do whatever it takes to show her that when he promised to be there for her forever, he meant it.
-
Just My Luck
- Escape to New Zealand, Book 5
- By: Rosalind James
- Narrated by: Claire Bocking
- Length: 12 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Nate Torrance has a job to do, and the biggest rugby boots in the world to fill. He can't afford to lose his focus, especially not to a brown-eyed Canadian who pushes all his buttons and looks much too good in a climbing harness. Allison Villiers may not know what she wants to do with her life, but she's clear about one thing. She's not impressed by the new captain of the All Blacks, however big a deal he is to the rest of New Zealand.
-
Just for Fun
- Escape to New Zealand, Book 4
- By: Rosalind James
- Narrated by: Claire Bocking
- Length: 11 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Nic Wilkinson is a responsible, organized, disciplined rugby player at the top of his game. Emma Martens is a sometimes-scattered, often-emotional, and always-broke would-be designer with a big chip on her shoulder where Nic's concerned. They have no history together, except one perfect week. Nothing in common anymore, except the most important thing of all. Getting together again would be messy. Complicated. Scary. And, just maybe, worth every risk.
-
Kiwi Rules
- New Zealand Ever After, Book 1
- By: Rosalind James
- Narrated by: Emma Wilder, John Hartley
- Length: 15 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
You don’t find many too-pretty rich boys in the New Zealand Defense Force. Turns out there’s a reason for that. Fortunately, you can find your true self in the oddest places. Of course, you can lose yourself in those places, too - at least some pieces of you. Since I was back home with a new leg, some facial alterations, and time on my hands, I might as well help out my sister. Showing a buyer around New Zealand’s ecotourism sites, having a few adrenaline-fueled adventures? Fine. It wasn’t like I’d never been camping, unlike the walking tornado that was Miss Karen Sinclair.
-
Just Come Over
- Escape to New Zealand Series, Book 12
- By: Rosalind James
- Narrated by: Emma Wilder
- Length: 15 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Rhys Fletcher is not in love with his sister-in-law. That would be a very, very bad idea, and he doesn’t entertain bad ideas. He also doesn’t lie to himself. Both of those things can’t be true, so he’ll do what he’s done since the long-ago night when his brother, Dylan, turned up in an Auckland bar after a brutal rugby match between their two teams, and introduced his new girlfriend - a dark-eyed, much-too-young girl named Zora. He’ll lie. Now, his brother’s gone, and Rhys is back in New Zealand and settling into his new job as the head coach of the Auckland Blues
-
Silver-Tongued Devil
- Portland Devils, Book 1
- By: Rosalind James
- Narrated by: Tanya Eby
- Length: 12 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Blake Orbison's pro football career with the Portland Devils may have come crashing to an end, but not calling the signals anymore just gives him more time to devote to his business enterprises, including the latest and greatest: the opening of the Wild Horse Resort in scenic north Idaho. And that other one, too. Blake's on the marriage track now, and he's got a game plan.
-
Just Say Yes
- Escape to New Zealand, Book 10
- By: Rosalind James
- Narrated by: Emma Wilder
- Length: 12 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Kevin McNicholl may be a brutal force on the rugby field, but off the field, the star New Zealand All Black is a famously nice guy. His new tenant, though, arouses more than his protective side. She sets him on fire. Pity he's evicting her. Every woman deserves her dreams. Chloe Donaldson can't afford dreams, though, so she's given them up. Marriage, her ballet career, and now, her beautiful tower apartment with its view of the sea. Her new landlord is kicking her out, along with her three-year-old son, Zavy.
-
-
excellent reading
- By paula king on 27-10-2017
-
Just Stop Me
- Escape to New Zealand, Book 9
- By: Rosalind James
- Narrated by: Emma Wilder
- Length: 14 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Lots of young women dream of being a princess. Nina Jones isn't one of them. After escaping from her palace/prison by burying herself under sacks of fertilizer, she ends up in a beach cottage on New Zealand's South Island. She's meant to be looking after a cantankerous widower. Too bad she doesn't know how to boil an egg.
-
-
Romance in NZ has Appeal
- By Nicky on 03-11-2018
-
Just Say Christmas
- Escape to New Zealand, Book 13
- By: Rosalind James
- Narrated by: Emma Wilder
- Length: 13 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Christmas means summer in New Zealand and All Blacks wedding season, too. Plans made and plans changed, because no matter how well you plan, life happens. Especially if, say, you’re marrying your late husband’s brother, you’ve got a couple of kids in the mix, and everybody’s talked too much about all that already. And then, there’s the rest of the family. A stepbrother who’s carried too big a secret for 30 years and needs to lay that burden down.
-
Stone Cold Kiwi
- New Zealand Ever After, Book 2
- By: Rosalind James
- Narrated by: Emma Wilder, Tom Janson
- Length: 13 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
State of my professional life: Brilliant, if counted in terms of sales of eight Poppy Cantwell children's books starring my often-confused blue hippo, Hazel; the very substantial proceeds from selling my Kiwi Adventures New Zealand glamping business; and any number of glossy magazine articles about my charmed existence. Of course, I couldn't seem to write or draw anymore, but that would pass. Surely.
-
Just Good Friends
- Escape to New Zealand, Book 2
- By: Rosalind James
- Narrated by: Claire Bocking
- Length: 9 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Kate Lamonica isn't Koti James' type. Too small. Too dark. And heaps too much work. So it's an easy bet that he can be her friend for six weeks without making a move on her, no matter what his mates would have said. Kate can't believe she's made the bet at all. New Zealand had seemed like the perfect escape from the stalker who'd threatened first her peace of mind and then her life. She certainly doesn't need any more trouble. Why on earth has she agreed to spend time with a Maori rugby player who's far too handsome and charming for his own good - and knows it?
-
Kiwi Strong
- New Zealand Ever After, Book 3
- By: Rosalind James
- Narrated by: Emma Wilder, Tom Janson
- Length: 15 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
People who say “love is trust” probably didn’t grow up in a cult. My name is Daisy Nabhitha Kittredge. I chose it myself. As an RN in the emergency department in one of New Zealand’s largest hospitals, there wasn’t much left in me of the 16-year-old girl, covered from neck to ankle and not allowed to make eye contact with a boy, who’d run away with five dollars in her pocket and terror in her heart.
-
Just Say (Hell) No
- Escape to New Zealand, Book 11
- By: Rosalind James
- Narrated by: Emma Wilder
- Length: 12 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Marko Sendoa isn't a beach man. He's not an Auckland man. He's a hard man. Born Basque, raised in the heart of New Zealand's Southern Alps, and bred on hard work, discipline, and getting the job done. It's not easy for a rugby flanker to make it to age 32 at the top of his game, but he's done it. Next year is the Rugby World Cup, and he'll do whatever it takes to be on the field in the black jersey when the anthems are sung. He doesn't need a kitten. He doesn't need a pregnant cousin. He definitely doesn't need a too-short, distractingly curvy, totally unimpressed Maori barista.
-
Just This Once
- Escape to New Zealand, Book 1
- By: Rosalind James
- Narrated by: Claire Bocking
- Length: 8 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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 fling with a professional rugby player, no matter how attractive he is. Hannah doesn't do casual. But maybe just this once.…
-
-
slightly unpolished, but I still want more
- By paula king on 11-01-2017
-
Just for You (Escape to New Zealand)
- By: Rosalind James
- Narrated by: Claire Bocking
- Length: 4 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Hemi Ranapia isn’t looking for love. Fun, yes. Love, not so much. But a summer fishing holiday to laid-back Russell could turn out to be more adventure than this good-time boy ever bargained for. Reka Harata hasn't forgotten the disastrously hot rugby star she met a year ago, no matter how much she wishes she could. Too bad Hemi keeps refusing to be left in her past.
-
Escape to New Zealand Boxed Set, Books 1-3
- By: Rosalind James
- Narrated by: Claire Bocking
- Length: 27 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Three best-selling sweet and steamy New Zealand rugby romances: Just This Once (Audie nominee in Romance, 2015), Just Good Friends, and Just for Now.
-
-
American narrator
- By Anonymous User on 05-02-2020
-
Shame the Devil
- Portland Devils, Book 3
- By: Rosalind James
- Narrated by: Emma Wilder
- Length: 17 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Harlan Kristiansen may not be good at many things, but he can sure catch a pass. He’s an All-Pro at charming a room, too, and then there’s that Norse God thing. He can even figure out how to tackle a woman and save her from a charging bison. On skis. What happens when you drop that game-winning pass, though, and your house is too big, too weird, and too empty? When your dad’s a mean drunk, your mom took off a long time ago and stayed gone, and all your money can’t keep your little sister safe? You fall back on what you know, that’s what.
-
Sexy as Sin
- Sinful, Montana, Book 3
- By: Rosalind James
- Narrated by: Emma Wilder
- Length: 15 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Brett Hunter’s life isn’t unicorns and rainbows, and it sure isn’t sparkles. He’s a businessman, a disciplined man, a money man, and if he ever believed in magic, it was a long time ago. He’s not a hero, and he doesn't play one on TV. Oh, and he really doesn't like the water. What’s he doing, then, on an Australian beach in a custom-made Italian suit, up to his waist in the waves and helping a red-haired mermaid save the day?
Publisher's Summary
Destiny can sneak up on you. Or it can smack you in the face.
Hugh Latimer's coping with a few problems just now. A broken hand, missing the European rugby tour... and a half-brother and sister who are playing havoc with his love life. Instead of packing down in the scrum, he's driving the carpool to ballet - or forgetting it's his turn. When he hears his neighbor wailing out bad pop in the wee hours, it's the last straw.
Josie Pae Ata is a fortunate woman. A new house, good friends, a gorgeous boyfriend - oh, and stardom, too. Getting involved with her new neighbors would bring risks she doesn't need. But life has a way of changing the rules. And when you get more than you can handle, sometimes all you can do is hang on for the ride.
Note: This romance, like New Zealand, contains a bit of steam. If that isn't your cuppa, you may want to visit a different country... er, book.
More from the same
What listeners say about Just Not Mine
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Christina
- 05-04-2015
Another amazing escape to the lovely New Zealand
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
I already have! I love Rosalind James' books but Claire B.'s performance is what keeps me returning for another audio book. Why not share it with friends? 😊
What did you like best about this story?
The Kiwi accent that the narrator flawlessly speaks in is def. up there, but I especially love the interaction between Hugh and his siblings. You can feel the awkwardness, the love and confusion between the three while they're trying to find a foothold with each other.
Which scene was your favorite?
The scene where Will, Hugh and Koti are shooting the scene for J.'s show and afterwards when J is showing Hugh her evil character's dirty secrets (in the lingerie drawer)....naughty girl! 😜
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
I did listen to it in one sitting. 😊
Any additional comments?
I love R.J's Escape to New Zealand series so keep the books coming! But for God's sake....keep Claire on for the audio books! She's brilliant!
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Laura's Reviews
- 12-04-2015
Sometimes the best option is right in front of you
Would you listen to Just Not Mine again? Why?
I would listen to this book again. The characters were insightful and compelling, and I found myself relistening to sections to pick up the nuances of their dialogue. Claire does a nice job keeping the character "voices" separated -- the trying 12-year-old-going-on-30 voice was dead on 😄
What did you like best about this story?
I liked that Josie was such a strong character. It wasn't because she was successful and capable in her own right, but she wasn't a whiner. Yes, she had personal disappointments and worries, but those were shared with inner dialogue to the reader and she didn't complain openly to other characters in the story. I felt more connected to her character than any of the females in previous books.
Which character – as performed by Claire Bocking – was your favorite?
This is a tough question because Claire did justice to all of them. It must be hard to read for the male characters, but she does an amazing job. If pressed, I think her interpretation of the children, though, may be my favorite 😊.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
Josie and her mom had one of the strongest parts of the story. You don't even meet her mom until quite late, but their interaction was very moving. I'll admit I cried in this section... Moms tend to put things in perspective.
Any additional comments?
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.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- DLRees
- 03-04-2015
Excellent!
I love all of Rosalind's books but the audio version of Just Not Mine is perfect. I am listening to it again and enjoy it just as much the second time as the first. Clair Bocking does an excellent job in telling the story of Hugh and Josie, (her voices of the children is spot on). Poor Hugh is a wounded rugby player dealing with instant "fatherhood" to his half-sister and brother, Josie is a hot soap opera star/next door neighbor. One thing I love about Rosalind's books is she always finds a new way of continuing her series but still keeps a familiar theme. Not to mention when she gets to the sexy bits I recommend pulling the ear pieces out because they will melt! So take a kiwi vacation after a long winter and escape to New Zealand for some fun with Just Not Mine! 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 postive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- lauralrj
- 22-04-2015
even better than the written version
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review I was not compensated or required to write a positive review the opinion expressed here is my own.
I read this book awhile back, and did not think it was possible to improve on it. Claire Bocking really nailed the nuance of the speech of each of the characters. I have read all of the books in the New Zealand series, and listened to others on Audible, and this is my favorite so far. Rosalind wrote such believable characters in both Hugh and Josie, along with all of the supporting characters. She really accels at developing the characters in a book, and telling their back story without a long narrative that drags down the pace of the story.
Josie and Hugh both saw the good in each other before they saw it in themselves, and that added to their growing attraction. The kids were so well written, they were a big part of the story. I especially like the part when Amelia was locked in her room, and Hugh was so far out of his comfort zone, and turned to Josie for help, but still let Amelia know that he cared, and would help. I think everyone would love to have parents like Josie has, they were so supportive and loving and both gave her such great advice and encouragement.
When so many books in this genre fall back on sex to develop the story, and the attraction of the characters, I appreciate that Rosalind writes great sex scenes into her books, but it is just one aspect of the attraction between the characters. Because I was in public, I turned the volume way down on this part.
And, just like all of the New Zealand series of books, I really love that the beauty of the country, and the athletic nature of rugby are such a intrical part of the story.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- CandCrew
- 14-04-2015
Well done all the way around!
This book is part of the "Escape to New Zealand" series but could be listened to as a stand alone without the listener feeling like they're missing something.
The Story: I'll try not to give too much away! I have to admit I didn't really like Hugh in the beginning. He's self-centered and somewhat arrogant, without being a "tall poppy". Granted, the situation he's thrown in to would be difficult for anyone but he doesn't think much in the long term past his own life and personal needs. Josie, on the other hand, has every reason to be a tall poppy and yet is very much grounded and generous to others. The story centers around Hugh's relationship with his younger half-siblings that he must care for after his father and step-mother are killed by a drunk driver as well as the relationship between Hugh and their next door neighbor, Josie. The relationship between Josie and the kids is paramount to the story as well. Along the way the relationships develop (and not necessarily in a predictable way), mistakes are made, and lessons learned. Maori culture is infused with the pieces of Josie's family as part of the story. Rosalind James does a brilliant job of adding another facet to the series while constructing a unique story. It is loosely tied to the New Zealand All Blacks theme of previous books and fans of the series will get a bit of a chance to catch up with previous characters + be introduced to characters that will have their own stories later. But as I've said, if one hasn't read/listened to the previous installments, this one easily stands on its own. Once again I laughed out loud, rolled my eyes, was frustrated and irritated, thought "s/he did NOT just do that!" and even got a bit teary-eyed. It's a fantastic printed book that becomes even more because of the audio--see below.
The Performance: Claire Bocking knocks it out of the park again! Narrating, male voices, female voices, children's voices, Kiwi accent or not, it's all there and done phenomenally once more. She does a brilliant job of giving each character their own voice through tone, pitch, inflection, and cadence. You know who's talking even when the narration doesn't explicitly state it. The story, as with all of Rosalind James' books, is solidly written and thoroughly enjoyable on its own. However, Bocking brings that "something special" in her performance that takes the story to the stellar level. I've listened to dozens of audiobooks that I have also read in print and some audio performances have actually made me not like the original story as much. This has not been the case at all with any of the 6 audio performances Bocking has done for the series. I honestly don't know if I'd continue to listen to the future audiobooks in the series if they were done by someone else because I'm afraid that no one else could do the stories so exquisitely!
Now the legal part . . . 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. However, I am not the type of person that would give a "whitewashed" review of a mediocre or poorly done book or performance, so take my review as written.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- LC
- 14-04-2015
Love Hugh!
Story flows well, characters realize the connection and don't drag it out. Young Amelia is hilarious, trying to teach Hugh.
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
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Betsy L
- 12-04-2015
Rosalind and Claire- Another Winner!
Any additional comments?
This is the sixth book in the Escape to New Zealand series. This time, the story is about Hugh Latimer, an All Blacks rugby player who has broken his hand, is out of rugby for a while and is helping to raise his half brother and sister.
Hugh lives next door to the very beautiful and talented Josie Pae Ata- a TV soap opera star. How the sparks fly... and how they don't (remember, there are kids involved!) makes for a great story!
Claire Bocking, the narrator, continues her amazing command of Rosalind's books. Her narration is nothing short of brilliant. She manages to seamlessly switch between American and New Zealand accents, all the while changing her voice for each character. Not only that, but the depth of the characters' joys, sorrows, and overall understanding of what makes each character "tick" is fabulous! And the love making scenes are HOT!!!
Another fan of Rosalind's said recently: even when I'm reading the book, I hear Claire's voice. This is so true! Claire absolutely brings the characters to life!!Do yourself a favor and get hooked on the Escape to New Zealand series. And be sure to listen/read in order. You'll enjoy the books more that way!
And now, for the "legal part": 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.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- CJB
- 10-04-2015
Not the Game Plan
Would you listen to Just Not Mine again? Why?
Yes, listening to Claire is so enjoyable. She just has a special way of bringing you into the story and holding you there.
Who was your favorite character and why?
Hard to choose one, but I will go with Hugh. Hugh was single enjoying his life as a big rugby player with little responsibility till he received the life changing news his father and step-mother had been killed leaving his half-siblings alone. Hugh dropped everything to be by their side. Hugh grew in the story as man, a brother, and a lover. He wasn't afraid to ask for help nor was he afraid to admit he didn't have a clue how to take care of his siblings, but he "stuck in" and was there for his brother and sister and he didn't give up on Josie either.
What about Claire Bocking’s performance did you like?
I just love listening to Claire is a wonderful narrator and makes all of the "Escape" books an even bigger hit. She effortlessly moves from character to character. She is spot on with the children's voices I absolutely adored Charlie!
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
The moment when Josie's mom sits her down and has a heart to heart with her about Hugh and their situation was amazing. I felt like I was sitting in the room with them. She captured the deep emotion so well.
Any additional comments?
Rosalind James writes amazing books and Claire narrates them perfectly. The pronunciation of the Maori is astounding, Reading about New Zealand and the Maori culture is one thing, but hearing it makes you feel as though you are there with the characters! Once again Rosalind tackled real life issue and made it into a beautiful book. Family doesn't always happen in the most traditional sense. There is romance and there is steam and it's so very tastefully done. I look forward to the next book from Rosalind and Claire, such a fantastic couple.
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.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- MJG
- 31-03-2015
Stories + Narrator = KEEP GETTING BETTER!
If you’ve read any of my other reviews for this series, you know that (like a lot of other readers) the stories really piqued my interest ... and now love ... of rugby. And prompted me to set up a “New Zealand Vacation” fund, as Rosalind really shows us how gorgeous En Zed is and instills a fervent curiosity about a lesser-known country. (I’m getting close, folks! Yay!!) I can’t think of any other audiobooks I’ve listened to (or books that I’ve read) that have inspired that sort of ‘fan-dom.”
This story begins with Hugh Latimer just having one heck of a time. He’s just broken his hand, which takes him out of the line-up playing rugby for the All Blacks for the Northern Tour. That’s bad. No, that’s awful! And to make everything worse, he has to play parent to his two younger half-siblings who have been recently orphaned, as his aunt has decided to take a break from her custodial duties and travel to her native England. Well, we do learn to love Hugh, but this guy is bordering on clueless. He’s lucky to get himself places on time, never mind Amelia’s ballet lessons, Charlie’s rugby practice and ... oh! don’t even mention the grocery shopping. And hoovering ... with a cast on. He’s expected to do the hoovering, too!?!? (That’s vacuuming, for all you Yanks.)
Well, it’s hard to sleep with a cast on ... never mind worrying about all the aforementioned stuff. So, early one morning, Hugh feels like he’s just gotten to sleep, but he’s awaken by the next-door-neighbor wailing at the top of her lungs. This is just too much and he isn’t going to stand for it! He’s either going to rescue the old bag or get her to shut up. Except ... it’s not the old bag. Hugh has a new neighbor.
Okay ... with a set-up like that, you’ve got to know what happens next, right? =) So, go spend your credit!
Our narrator is the very, very talented Claire Bocking. You’ve got to know that she’s good with an Audie nomination under her belt for her very first audiobook (“Just This Once.”) [Way to go, Claire!] She just keeps getting better and better with these “Escape to New Zealand” stories. She’s funny, she makes you cry, her timing is impeccable, you never have to guess who’s talking ... well, I could go on and on. Just know that she really adds to the story and she’s wonderful!
Recommended? ABSOLUTELY!!
[I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.]
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- cindilin
- 01-03-2017
just not mine
enjoyed it would recommend it. the series flows on . all connected to ruby and New Zealand
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- MF
- 12-04-2015
Great story, faultless listening, a winner!
Just Not Mine wasn't my immediate favourite when I first read it - don't know why - but on second reading I found more in it and was totally sold on Hugh and Josie.
And this audio is just the best!
You don't need to have read the book, just immerse yourself in listening and get to know and love the characters as they speak to you.
Love the variety of expression, depth and shade of Claire's narration. No wonder she's been nominated for an Audie award because she is fantastic.
Rosalind James has the knack of weaving family relationships, teenage angst and child insecurities in with the main romance story.
Have a wry smile at Hugh's unwitting selfishness when he is first plunged into single parent world (forgiven because he is a quick learner) . Laugh at Charlie's child perspective on "sexy advertising". Feel Josie's pain and sense of loss.
And of course enjoy the relationship!
Great story, faultless listening, a winner!
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.
20 Best Fantasy Audiobooks
This genre is so full of talent, it can be difficult to know what to listen to next — so look no further than this list to get you started.



20 Best Nonfiction Audiobooks
From the entire history of humanity to astrophysics, to our gut and mental health, dig into this list and learn something new.



Best Australian Podcasts on Audible
Audible Original Podcasts are free for Audible members. Check out this list of home-grown content, from binge-worthy true crime to self-help.


