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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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5 people found this helpful

Just for now is a great listen

First, I would like to say Claire Bocking does an excellent job. Her voice is very clear and very likeable. She does an excellent job of switching from reading from book to book so the characters have a unique personality and sound to them. Everyone sounds realistic, and with a romance like this that might be even more important to be able to hear the chemistry in the voices.

I have a personal theory when it comes to romance books that depending on where you are in life (married, single, divorced, parent, non-parent, etc) or your personality different books and characters will appeal to you in specific ways and to different degrees. Its one of the things that makes rereading or relistening to a book so much fun. The female protagonist Jenna is a very maternal and nurturing sort of woman, very likeable and intelligent (which I love). Even though I would normally gravitate towards a different kind of female protagonist, I found this book to be as infectious as the previous books and hard to stop listening and I found Jenna to be a very enjoyable character to follow and to root for. I respect her and I think she is one of those characters the more I think about her is one you can learn from. Finn is likeable and believable, and not too perfect but everything you could hope for in a romantic lead. I love how Rosalind James focuses on relationships-romantic, friendships, family. I am also coming to realize how much James does not gravitate towards the recent literary trend of consumerism porn where the book is littered with expensive labels and just enjoy the financial security and opportunities in a relaxed way just as Finn does.

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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4 people found this helpful

Rugby, Drama, and a Happy Ending

What did you love best about Just for Now?

Claire Bocking is a wonderful voice actress. The characters are distinct and her accents are spot on. I also loved the realness of the characters. The author writes well enough to where you can empathize with them.

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

I've listened to Just This Once and Just Good Friends, both written by Rosalind James. Bocking does a fantastic performance in those as well.

Any additional comments?

I appreciated that the characters weren't perfect. Finn and Jenna sometimes said the wrong things and held insecurities that I could relate to (Jenna mostly, seeing as I don't have kids, I'm not a man, and I'm not a rugby player). The descriptions of the area and the culture make you feel like you've been there and if you went back, you'd never want to leave. I read/listen to romance novels all the time and the Escape to New Zealand books always keep me coming back for a re-read.

This is the first book I read in the series because I randomly saw the ebook version on sale and it had a cupcake on the cover (I read it out of order). Cupcakes aside, it made me want to go back and read them all (in order this time). I was extremely excited when I heard the audio book was coming out because Bocking is superb. She has a lovely voice, singing and speaking.

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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4 people found this helpful

ANOTHER "TRY" FOR "ESCAPE TO NEW ZEALAND"

I have read all of Rosalind James' "Escape to New Zealand" series on Kindle and absolutely adore hearing them read by the talented Claire Bocking. As I've said in my other reviews, these stories have introduced me to a country I now want to visit (hubby said YES!) and to a sport I knew nothing about but now follow as a true fan (even though I've never followed any sport before ...ever.)

I think this is my favorite out of all the books (so far.) Jenna has been badly burned in her marriage, when all she wanted in life was a secure home and family and a bunch of kids. She sure didn't have it growing up or with her soon-to-be ex-husband.

She had taken some time off as a teacher to travel a bit and take some odd jobs until she sorts her life out and figures out her next step. Thus, she applies as a housekeeper and nanny for Finn Douglas and his two kids. (Rugby players DO travel a lot and it's just a short-term thing.) The employment interview scene is too funny for words and I'll not spoil it for you. Let's just say it doesn't go well. But everything turns out okay in the end and Jenna begins her employment ... with a massively built, hunky, desirable rugby player. They do try to not be attracted to each other ... for the kids' sake. But then what kind of a romance novel would we have? I won't give any more away. It is a great story told with a lot of care. Bring tissues.

I do believe you will laugh and cry and swoon. As Rosalind says .. just like New Zealand, there is a bit of steam here, so if that's not your cuppa ... try another country ... er, book.

And I DO recommend getting the book or Kindle edition too ... for a marvelous glossary of Kiwi terms (words and phrases which are in the books and are fascinating!) and for a whole bunch of Jenna's (Rosalind's) recipes. I've tried a number of them and they are fabulous.

[“I received a free copy of this audiobook 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."] MJG

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4 people found this helpful

Great light read

The story is about two 30 somethings adults finding a second chance at love. Although there are obstacles, it is not too angsty. I loved the chemistry between the two main characters and the fact that they did not fall into bed in the first couple of chapters. This one has a bit of steam but nothing explicit.

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3 people found this helpful

Worth the "trip"!!!

What made the experience of listening to Just for Now the most enjoyable?

The story is engaging. Yeah, so part of it is cliche, but it's well written and not what one would typically expect of said cliche! I love that Jenna is so sweet and strong at the same time. And Finn? Whew! Tough when he needs to be, a great dad, and sometimes a softie. Harry and Sophie are real kids with real issues & I enjoyed that Finn and Jenna weren't perfect in dealing with them. Claire Bocking's performance was phenomenal! Three books into the series and she's nailed all the characters voices so that they are unique but believable. Finn's gravelly voice is swoon-worthy and the kids sound like real kids, not an adult doing kids speaking. I've read the print book (5+ times) and it's a great story that's much different than Just This Once and Just Friends. Bocking's performance made me love the story that much more because she brought nuances to the story that printed word sometimes lacks. It's a well written story that the narration pushes in the AMAZING range for me.

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.

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3 people found this helpful

Lovely story

This was a very lovely, very plausible romance and I really liked both characters. The accents and voices were excellent. I will seek out another if her books.

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2 people found this helpful

Favorite so far

Wish all the books were available on audible. I liked this by just finding it by a fluke. PLEASE get the rest and the series she has written. The narrator is excellent
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2 people found this helpful

My favorite of the series.

Any additional comments?

First, the story is amazing. I've read all of the Escape to New Zealand books and this is one of my favorites. The story between Finn and Jenna is like a slow burn. It builds gradually and slowly but you can see the romance developing from the beginning. I love the passion Jenna has for her work, no matter what she is doing. I also love that she doesn't let anyone treat her in a way they shouldn't, but she does it while still being friendly. She's a person with a big heart. Finn's world revolves around his kids and their well being. He is rich enough to hire people to do everything with them, but anytime he can be with them, he is. He doesn't complain about being a single father or the sacrifices that entails.

Now for the audio. This is the first audio book I've listened too. Claire does a great job of doing the different voices so you can tell it's a different character talking. Jenna sounded a little too innocent to me, and Finn didn't sound as rugged as he does in my mind, but you can't expect them to match up to your minds exactly :)

I really wasn't sure how I would like an audio book but found I really did enjoy it and will be getting more. It's nice to be able to hear the story, but still be able to get other things done.

Although these books are part of a series, they can all be stand alone. You won't feel lost in any way by listening to this if you haven't read or listened to the others. The stories are all fun and you really do feel like you are in New Zealand. Be warned, it will make you want to go there!

"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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2 people found this helpful

Amazing Performance Made this Book My #1!

What made the experience of listening to Just for Now the most enjoyable?

Claire Bocking just does a phenomenal job voicing the characters in this book. While "Just For Now" is not my favorite eBook in the "Escape to NZ" series, it is definitely my favorite audiobook. It was simply fun to listen to.

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

Definitely the kids (can't choose one). In the audio version, their voices came across stronger and clearer - more passionate - than I imagined when reading this book. That definitely made this book more engaging.

Any additional comments?

I have loved this series because I truly enjoyed learning more about New Zealand (now on my bucket list of places to visit while I'm young and athletic enough to enjoy) and the Maori culture (not quite as prominent in this particular book, but still). The characters are all interesting, multi-layered individuals and Ms. Bocking's interpretation with the adult and kids voices and the accents was terrific.
I highly recommend this audiobook, even if you haven't read or heard any of the others in the 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.”

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2 people found this helpful