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Escape to New Zealand #3
Just for Now
There’s no place like home ...
For teacher Jenna McKnight, nothing spells “heartbreak” like finding her husband with somebody else—in her bed. It’s clearly time to reinvent herself. A new body, a new city, and a new job later, she’s done just that. The beautiful Auckland villa isn’t really her home, though. Finn Douglas and his kids aren’t really her family, however much she wishes they were. And playing house can be a dangerous game.
Rugby star Finn Douglas is just looking for a temporary nanny and housekeeper. Not a girlfriend, and definitely not a wife. He can’t resist Jenna’s cooking, it’s true. Who knew he’d have so much trouble resisting her? He wants to do what’s right for his kids. But waiting is so hard ...
Note: This STAND-ALONE 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.
For teacher Jenna McKnight, nothing spells “heartbreak” like finding her husband with somebody else—in her bed. It’s clearly time to reinvent herself. A new body, a new city, and a new job later, she’s done just that. The beautiful Auckland villa isn’t really her home, though. Finn Douglas and his kids aren’t really her family, however much she wishes they were. And playing house can be a dangerous game.
Rugby star Finn Douglas is just looking for a temporary nanny and housekeeper. Not a girlfriend, and definitely not a wife. He can’t resist Jenna’s cooking, it’s true. Who knew he’d have so much trouble resisting her? He wants to do what’s right for his kids. But waiting is so hard ...
Note: This STAND-ALONE 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.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2014
1409 people are currently reading
3153 people want to read
About the author
Rosalind James
55 books1,218 followersRosalind 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!"
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 333 reviews
January 20, 2018
Rugby romance YES YES YES you betcha I grabbed it
Does rugby excite me much, yes it does. The game is invigorating and the men are smoking hot- bonus ! Finn the main character an an All Black, is perfect example. he's tall, hot, smart, lovable, and a family man. Did I mention he's an All Black ? < fans self > Well his family is a bit broken and he needs a nanny for a short while. The nanny he find is a 29 year old teacher who is looking for a simple break from real life to get herself back on her feet before moving on to a new job and location. Her life and heart are a bit broken as well. The first meeting goes way off the mark, Oi does it. Great kids draw her back to the job, he even has great kids ! Snark, sparks and sweet moments fill the pages. How can I not love a romance of two great people healing their wounds ?
I am buying the rest of this series
Does rugby excite me much, yes it does. The game is invigorating and the men are smoking hot- bonus ! Finn the main character an an All Black, is perfect example. he's tall, hot, smart, lovable, and a family man. Did I mention he's an All Black ? < fans self > Well his family is a bit broken and he needs a nanny for a short while. The nanny he find is a 29 year old teacher who is looking for a simple break from real life to get herself back on her feet before moving on to a new job and location. Her life and heart are a bit broken as well. The first meeting goes way off the mark, Oi does it. Great kids draw her back to the job, he even has great kids ! Snark, sparks and sweet moments fill the pages. How can I not love a romance of two great people healing their wounds ?
I am buying the rest of this series
January 19, 2020
My August Prime Read. Loved it! 4.5*. I loved Jenna- strong, with a sweet personality (rare to have both!). Finn, another Rugby player-one of the older players on the "All Blacks" New Zealand national team. He's a widower with a son Harry and a daughter Sophia. Jenna is the nanny and Finn appreciates Jenna's great qualities--that have been ignored up until now (need I say more?)
The kids don't get in the way of the story-as far as being too unrealistic or too devilish- in fact, they are my favorite kids in the romance novel genre.(There aren't too many kids in romance novels- since we're reading about adults!)This is the 3rd book & I love how each one is so different from the last one. I highly recommend & can't wait for the next one! Nothing earth shattering but a nice slice of life & awesome NZ scenery (and some NZ expressions) :)
The kids don't get in the way of the story-as far as being too unrealistic or too devilish- in fact, they are my favorite kids in the romance novel genre.(There aren't too many kids in romance novels- since we're reading about adults!)This is the 3rd book & I love how each one is so different from the last one. I highly recommend & can't wait for the next one! Nothing earth shattering but a nice slice of life & awesome NZ scenery (and some NZ expressions) :)
August 30, 2017
Yeh, nah -that should sum it up
February 12, 2015
Overall rating: 4 stars!
Triggers:
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Sex with om/ow:
HEA:
My review:
Nanny and single dad? I'm sold! I had to read this book asap. I am new to this author's writing style, but I have to say that I really did enjoy it. Unlike most books, this book, had TONS of dialogue and I LOVED that. It made it hard for me to put the book down. It was mainly told in the heroine's POV but we did get the hero's POV thrown in there as well as a few others when the story called for it. I also enjoyed all of the many scenes with Harry and Sophia and Jenna and Finn. I absolutely LOVE kids in a romance and these kids were adorable. What else did I like? The fact that the hero isn't made to be OH SO GORGEOUS. He is literally a regular guy who is a famous rugby player. Yeah, he has sex appeal, but many people do! They don't have to be drop dead gorgeous all the time. And for once, we have an athlete that I would NOT consider a man whore. He was faithful to his wife and then when she died 3 years ago, he has DATED. As in take a girl to dinner and then maybe have sex afterwards. Not - hook up randomly with different girls. I LOVED that about him.
So what's this story about? Both Jenna and Finn have tragic pasts when it comes to love. Jenna has a school teacher background and wants to get back to it, but it's in the middle of the school year. So she answers an add in the paper to apply for a job as a nanny. So she can refreshen up her kid skills. Jenna and Finn don't start off on the right foot with each other, but it was great to see Jenna put Finn in his place. It was nice to see these two fall in love and how that would work out being that she was his nanny. I liked how I won't give too much more of the storyline, but when the plot twist happens towards the end, yes Finn DOES put his foot in his foot, but I think he totally makes up for it, even though I am emotional right now and I DID end up crying. LOL
I may start on the next book soon! Thanks MaggieandTeddy for the recommendation!
Triggers:
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Sex with om/ow:
HEA:
My review:
Nanny and single dad? I'm sold! I had to read this book asap. I am new to this author's writing style, but I have to say that I really did enjoy it. Unlike most books, this book, had TONS of dialogue and I LOVED that. It made it hard for me to put the book down. It was mainly told in the heroine's POV but we did get the hero's POV thrown in there as well as a few others when the story called for it. I also enjoyed all of the many scenes with Harry and Sophia and Jenna and Finn. I absolutely LOVE kids in a romance and these kids were adorable. What else did I like? The fact that the hero isn't made to be OH SO GORGEOUS. He is literally a regular guy who is a famous rugby player. Yeah, he has sex appeal, but many people do! They don't have to be drop dead gorgeous all the time. And for once, we have an athlete that I would NOT consider a man whore. He was faithful to his wife and then when she died 3 years ago, he has DATED. As in take a girl to dinner and then maybe have sex afterwards. Not - hook up randomly with different girls. I LOVED that about him.
So what's this story about? Both Jenna and Finn have tragic pasts when it comes to love. Jenna has a school teacher background and wants to get back to it, but it's in the middle of the school year. So she answers an add in the paper to apply for a job as a nanny. So she can refreshen up her kid skills. Jenna and Finn don't start off on the right foot with each other, but it was great to see Jenna put Finn in his place. It was nice to see these two fall in love and how that would work out being that she was his nanny. I liked how I won't give too much more of the storyline, but when the plot twist happens towards the end, yes Finn DOES put his foot in his foot, but I think he totally makes up for it, even though I am emotional right now and I DID end up crying. LOL
I may start on the next book soon! Thanks MaggieandTeddy for the recommendation!
January 16, 2018
Meh. Ultra Mary Sue MC and the romance was boring.
February 7, 2016
I loved it. I loved the kids with Jenna. I loved how things between Jenna and Finn developed slowly. And I really liked the little surprise at the end of the book. Will try the salmon soon.
July 22, 2018
A cute romance set in New Zealand about the members of the All Blacks rugby team, which is a bit of a cult for Kiwis. We have an emotionally hurt but feisty heroine trying to remake her life and a jaded hero who thinks women are only interested in him because of his status.
I never thought I would so thoroughly enjoy a so called sports romance but the author did such a good job of presenting an authentic setting that I felt myself a bit fascinated.
You should have seen the look on Dear Hubby's face when, months later, Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel showed a feature on the New Zealand national rugby team and I started to spout off trivia about the All Blacks. My husband's eyes bugged out. In 12 years of marriage, I had not shown the slightest interest in his favorite tv program. I just smugly told him I read a book on the subject leaving out that it was a romance book. Score for me :)
I never thought I would so thoroughly enjoy a so called sports romance but the author did such a good job of presenting an authentic setting that I felt myself a bit fascinated.
You should have seen the look on Dear Hubby's face when, months later, Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel showed a feature on the New Zealand national rugby team and I started to spout off trivia about the All Blacks. My husband's eyes bugged out. In 12 years of marriage, I had not shown the slightest interest in his favorite tv program. I just smugly told him I read a book on the subject leaving out that it was a romance book. Score for me :)
December 22, 2016
Just a quick review.
Very solid romance between a divorcee trying to reinvent herself and a widower with two very credible children as characters.
There are no overwhelming tropes to make you pull your hair out, but it's a developing romance between two people who respect each other. I know, sounds boring. It's not.
One essential character in the book that really stands out is New Zealand. The writer does such an excellent job with the setting and the colloquial jargon, it's charming. In fact, I was interested enough to look up the author to see if she was from New Zealand. Nope, she lived there.
I will definitely be reading more of Rosalind James.
Very solid romance between a divorcee trying to reinvent herself and a widower with two very credible children as characters.
There are no overwhelming tropes to make you pull your hair out, but it's a developing romance between two people who respect each other. I know, sounds boring. It's not.
One essential character in the book that really stands out is New Zealand. The writer does such an excellent job with the setting and the colloquial jargon, it's charming. In fact, I was interested enough to look up the author to see if she was from New Zealand. Nope, she lived there.
I will definitely be reading more of Rosalind James.
March 1, 2016
This book (series?) was recommended to me a miiiillion times by my friends and I finally got around to reading it thanks to my insomnia.
Now, this book (....series?) is about an American expat who has taken up residency in New Zealand. She meets a Rugby player who has two kids and in need of live-in nanny. She needs a job to hold her over until the school year starts and she can go back to teaching.
Alright! So, as a romance I could definitely say I did not like it almost at all. The couple, to me, did not seem to have any chemistry whatsoever. The kids, however, were adorable and Harry honestly reminded me of my nephew. Sophia was realistic as a child and I loved their bond with Jenna. The only thing was - is that they read much older than their ages. I really must've just skimmed the beginning when their ages were mentioned because they did not read like 4 and 7 years old.
I don't know what it is about this - actually that's a lie. I didn't like the cliche tropes. This idea of he needs to tell me what to do! Or the miscommunication trope. Honestly, the pregnancy at the end was so out of left field and I didn't really appreciate it. Her ex-husband having cheated on her and having the audacity to invite her to his wedding? I just- no. The characters were all mostly two-dimensional, the plot wasn't all that interesting and the tropes! (She didn't realize how hot she was until she lost weight or he pointed it out - coooooome on!) The ending was nice but these two were just not my couple but I enjoyed the overall sense of the book.
Now, this book (....series?) is about an American expat who has taken up residency in New Zealand. She meets a Rugby player who has two kids and in need of live-in nanny. She needs a job to hold her over until the school year starts and she can go back to teaching.
Alright! So, as a romance I could definitely say I did not like it almost at all. The couple, to me, did not seem to have any chemistry whatsoever. The kids, however, were adorable and Harry honestly reminded me of my nephew. Sophia was realistic as a child and I loved their bond with Jenna. The only thing was - is that they read much older than their ages. I really must've just skimmed the beginning when their ages were mentioned because they did not read like 4 and 7 years old.
I don't know what it is about this - actually that's a lie. I didn't like the cliche tropes. This idea of he needs to tell me what to do! Or the miscommunication trope. Honestly, the pregnancy at the end was so out of left field and I didn't really appreciate it. Her ex-husband having cheated on her and having the audacity to invite her to his wedding? I just- no. The characters were all mostly two-dimensional, the plot wasn't all that interesting and the tropes! (She didn't realize how hot she was until she lost weight or he pointed it out - coooooome on!) The ending was nice but these two were just not my couple but I enjoyed the overall sense of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2018
Fourth reread and first listen. Finn is my favorite All Black save for Drew! These audiobooks are the best, they even had Maori songs.
*****
A sweet romantic tale by Ms. James. This one doesn't have as much Maori culture as the previous novels but I still enjoyed it.
December 20, 2019
3.5 to 4 stars. Finn and Jenna's story. The tried and true widower-with-kids-falls-for-nanny trope. But it was done quite well here. A sweet and enjoyable read.
December 13, 2014
This book started out so promising, but it went on for way, way too long considering all of the scenes were essentially the same. Also, none of the characters' ages worked for me. The children were written much older than the 7 and 4 they are declared, and Jenna read much younger than 30 - extreme naivete in modern heroines is one of my least favorite tropes, especially when that woman has been married and didn't grow up in a crazy religious household. There was also a lot of time spent on flashbacks for Jenna that I just didn't think were necessary and slowed the pace down. The chemistry between the characters was nice in the beginning even if it took way too long to come to something, and, once I just mentally aged up the kids, I liked them. But this book got so bogged down that my feelings about the characters suffered. Also, all of these characters were basically perfect people, which meant there wasn't a lot of conflict that wasn't manufactured - "Oh, you're my employer and lalala."
All that said, I really enjoyed the NZ setting and the rugby talk, and that ended up being my favorite thing about this. I don't know if I'll read more from this author or not - maybe if there are some freebies - but this one didn't compel me to go out and read the others in this series.
All that said, I really enjoyed the NZ setting and the rugby talk, and that ended up being my favorite thing about this. I don't know if I'll read more from this author or not - maybe if there are some freebies - but this one didn't compel me to go out and read the others in this series.
July 15, 2025
Had to dnf at 23%
I just couldn't take any more of the writing. It's like reading a scientific report on relationships with facts and evidence devoid of emotions.
The author relies heavily on dialogues between the characters which I don't mind except thar they're neither a banter nor exciting, they're just a full load of factual words. She also keeps us wondering about their inner thoughts, their reactions and feelings.
Example: 👇
They walked into the warm room and saw Jenna, her back tO them, hips swinging back and forth, body bopping to an invisible beat while she worked the kitchen pench. Finn stepped up behind her and tapped her gently on the shoulder.
She whirled in alarm, an icing-covered spatula still in her hand. The implement landed squarely on his warmup jacket, leaving a messy smear of white.
She pulled the headphones from her ears, laughing in dismay. "Oh, no! What a mess. That's what you get for sneaking up on me, though."
She reached for her hip and turned off her iPod. "Hi, Ben. You guys caught me dancing. How embarrassing. Here, Finn, let me clean you up."
She wet a paper towel at the sink and moved close to wipe the white icing off his chest. Then stopped abruptly, flushing, and handed him the towel.
"Maybe you'd better do it. Or, better yet, throw it in the basket, and I'll wash it. Because that's going to leave a mark."
See?! 👆 Methodic. Robotic. Dull.
When he interviewed her for a nanny position he was a bit wary because all candidates were after him since he's an All Star Rugby Player. He made it known to her. She gets offended that he thinks she might be one of them and tells him to look at himself in the mirror because he is not a prize for any lady! 😳😳
She then gets to know him and is attracted by his physique.
He never even gave her a second thought but he sees her once in a bikini and drools over her figure.
They're both in lust because they are fit. Load of bullshit if you ask me.
His teammate, also comments on her being fit and a good cook, so he thinks to ask her out because you know --------> That cake was choice (good). And she isn't bad herself. 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
Ok I'm OUT!
I just couldn't take any more of the writing. It's like reading a scientific report on relationships with facts and evidence devoid of emotions.
The author relies heavily on dialogues between the characters which I don't mind except thar they're neither a banter nor exciting, they're just a full load of factual words. She also keeps us wondering about their inner thoughts, their reactions and feelings.
Example: 👇
They walked into the warm room and saw Jenna, her back tO them, hips swinging back and forth, body bopping to an invisible beat while she worked the kitchen pench. Finn stepped up behind her and tapped her gently on the shoulder.
She whirled in alarm, an icing-covered spatula still in her hand. The implement landed squarely on his warmup jacket, leaving a messy smear of white.
She pulled the headphones from her ears, laughing in dismay. "Oh, no! What a mess. That's what you get for sneaking up on me, though."
She reached for her hip and turned off her iPod. "Hi, Ben. You guys caught me dancing. How embarrassing. Here, Finn, let me clean you up."
She wet a paper towel at the sink and moved close to wipe the white icing off his chest. Then stopped abruptly, flushing, and handed him the towel.
"Maybe you'd better do it. Or, better yet, throw it in the basket, and I'll wash it. Because that's going to leave a mark."
See?! 👆 Methodic. Robotic. Dull.
When he interviewed her for a nanny position he was a bit wary because all candidates were after him since he's an All Star Rugby Player. He made it known to her. She gets offended that he thinks she might be one of them and tells him to look at himself in the mirror because he is not a prize for any lady! 😳😳
She then gets to know him and is attracted by his physique.
He never even gave her a second thought but he sees her once in a bikini and drools over her figure.
They're both in lust because they are fit. Load of bullshit if you ask me.
His teammate, also comments on her being fit and a good cook, so he thinks to ask her out because you know --------> That cake was choice (good). And she isn't bad herself. 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
Ok I'm OUT!
January 24, 2018
For me this book can be summarised in two quotes
You're sexy as hell, you love kids, you can cook… what more is there?
And
I'm still mad. I can't help it. Because I wasted all those years. I wanted kids. That's what I've wanted most in my life. The one thing. It doesn't seem like too much to want, doesn't it? And now I'm thirty.
I can't even bother with the rest 😐
You're sexy as hell, you love kids, you can cook… what more is there?
And
I'm still mad. I can't help it. Because I wasted all those years. I wanted kids. That's what I've wanted most in my life. The one thing. It doesn't seem like too much to want, doesn't it? And now I'm thirty.
I can't even bother with the rest 😐
February 21, 2021
The middle dragged on a little bit, but the ending was satisfying. I'm not really a fan of the whole "stay at home mom", but I'm happy for Jenna.
August 28, 2020
3 stars. I’m really impressed with how different each book of this series has been! I enjoyed this book, but so far, it’s probably my least favorite of the series. Once again, I listened to it on Audible Escapes.
This story is about Jenna and Finn. Jenna is fresh out of a divorce and she’s between teaching positions. She finds a short term job as a nanny for Finn’s kids. That’s how they start to get to know each other and eventually develop a relationship.
Here’s the thing... I’m generally not a fan of widowers or kids in my romance novels. I prefer relationships with less baggage. However, the author really makes this work. I never felt like Jenna was a second choice or less than. Still, I just don’t like these themes as much as I would prefer something different, this is definitely a case of, “It’s me, not the book”.
Safety is ok... Finn is dating OW at the start of the book. It’s before they are even together or are interested in each other and it does end quickly. However, the whole thing did bother me quite a bit, I’m sure I was just being overly sensitive. No on page sex with OW, but it’s clear that it’s happening. Both hero & heroine were cheated on by their exes.
This story is about Jenna and Finn. Jenna is fresh out of a divorce and she’s between teaching positions. She finds a short term job as a nanny for Finn’s kids. That’s how they start to get to know each other and eventually develop a relationship.
Here’s the thing... I’m generally not a fan of widowers or kids in my romance novels. I prefer relationships with less baggage. However, the author really makes this work. I never felt like Jenna was a second choice or less than. Still, I just don’t like these themes as much as I would prefer something different, this is definitely a case of, “It’s me, not the book”.
Safety is ok... Finn is dating OW at the start of the book. It’s before they are even together or are interested in each other and it does end quickly. However, the whole thing did bother me quite a bit, I’m sure I was just being overly sensitive. No on page sex with OW, but it’s clear that it’s happening. Both hero & heroine were cheated on by their exes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2014
I'm not really sure how I felt about this book. Being that it's located in Auckland, I gave it a bit of leeway due to the differences in language... until I realized that the h was supposed to be American. Sure, she lived there for the past 7 years, but, it just seemed awkward at times. The author should have either made the h from the area, or had her use more of the American slang.
I learned a lot about rugby, maybe a little too much, which brings me to what I didn't like about the book the most. The over explaining. In some spots, it worked out well, but others, it just felt less natural and more like a lecture. The H was an All Black which is apparently BIG in the rugby world. I appreciated learning about some of the traditions and some of the rules, but, after a while, I felt that some things were better left alone as they didn't really add any more to the story.
The book had it's good moments like the beginning when they first met, and the not so good moments. So, right down the middle. 3 stars.
I learned a lot about rugby, maybe a little too much, which brings me to what I didn't like about the book the most. The over explaining. In some spots, it worked out well, but others, it just felt less natural and more like a lecture. The H was an All Black which is apparently BIG in the rugby world. I appreciated learning about some of the traditions and some of the rules, but, after a while, I felt that some things were better left alone as they didn't really add any more to the story.
The book had it's good moments like the beginning when they first met, and the not so good moments. So, right down the middle. 3 stars.
October 7, 2016
It's like All Black fan-fic! Of course I'm in!
For teacher Jenna McKnight, nothing spells “heartbreak” like finding her husband with somebody else--in her bed. It’s clearly time to reinvent herself. A new body, a new city, and a new job later, she’s done just that. The beautiful Auckland villa isn’t really her home, though. Finn Douglas and his kids aren’t really her family, however much she wishes they were. And playing house can be a dangerous game.
Rugby star Finn Douglas is just looking for a temporary nanny and housekeeper. Not a girlfriend, and definitely not a wife. He can’t resist Jenna’s cooking, it’s true. Who knew he’d have so much trouble resisting her? He wants to do what’s right for his kids. But waiting is so hard ...
- There was a lot to love in this book. The cute kids (especially Harry with his wombat bottom line), Jenna embracing her domestic-goddess-ness, the twist in the cheating husband plot device, and the way Jenna is rebuilding a life of her own.
- Having said that, I have been in the mood for homegrown romance stories lately, so the fact that this was based right here in NZ, and had the world's greatest ever rugby team as a focal point.
Well.
Of course I had to get this book in my hot little hands ASAP.
- The writing was good, and considering that Ms James isn't a kiwi, I think her use of kiwi terminology, geography (I read that she lived in NZ for a while) and rugby knowledge was enjoyable.
- There were parts that moved quite slow for me, but the story would pick up in a few pages so it wasn't like I had to resort to skimming. It was a really minor point.
- The wheels really fell off at around 80%. With a fairly obvious romance plot device, the heroine went from being a nice, nurturing lady into a deceitful, laughably naive idiot. Asking the hero's sister to lie to her own brother was a dick move. Expecting him not to notice a certain something because she turned the lights off? Dumb. Dumbdumbdumbdumbdumb. I couldn't get on board with her after that. Also, I think with the aforementioned plot device, you never get to see if a romance could have held up on it's own. Considering how much care was taken in building a steady foundation, I think the ending was crazy rushed.
An enjoyable read that gave me butterflies and made me laugh early on, but went a bit pear shaped in the end. I'd still really like to read more from this series, while I'm riding high on my kiwi romance wave.
kindle-freebies
January 13, 2018kindle freebie 1/12/18 (Thanks YM!)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
November 14, 2017
I have really enjoyed the Rosalind James series Escape to New Zealand. There are 5 books in all, and each one tells a unique story of a relationship blossoming from first introduction on. The first book is Hannah and Drew’s story. It is arguably the slowest of the 5, providing the New Zealand setting and the Rugby football instruction. While the slowest of the 5, it is in no ways a negative on the book itself. In book one, Hard working Hanna meets hard working Drew, and together they learn that sometimes it is ok to relax a little bit and to have someone to share the down time with. Book 2 tells of Koti and Kate. They have a bet that he can’t be friends with a girl without sex getting in the way. It was refreshing that this couple were together for over 6 weeks before anything happened, and in the end they both end up losing the bet. This review is about Book 3, which tells the story of Jenna and Finn. She is a nanny to his children. His love evolves from watching her with his kids, watching her maternal instincts, her strong character. They bond over failed marriages and feelings of unworthy, to learn that it was only because they needed each other to heal. Again, a relationship that develops first as friends over the course of several months before it becomes anything more. Then there is Book 4 about Nic and Emma. One week six years ago was the best of their lives, but when they split apart to go their separate ways, something was left behind, something neither one ever forgot – for him it was a week of his life where he felt unconditional love for who he was, not what he could do on the field. For her it was a son, a son she is unable to let Nic know about even though she tries several times over the years. Chance brings them together again, and while Nic is getting to know his son, Emma and Nic are getting to know each other, too. Emma has to learn how to trust Nic again, even as outside forces try to make her doubt him. Last is Book 5, a dual love story with Nate and Allie, and Kristen and Liam. Kristen and Liam are secondary characters, though their relationship gets slightly less development than Nate and Allie's story. Kristen is a woman who has been used and hurt and is recovering from past failed relationships and he a recovering alcoholic recovering from a past failed marriage, learning to be strong on their own, and strong together, as this recovery takes place. Nate and Allie’s relationship takes center stage with Nate doing everything he can to ruin the relationship before it ever starts, and Allie a strong independent woman hoping he can learn to get it right.
I came across this series with book 1, a free kindle download. I did not expect to like it, especially when I realized it had a foreign setting. I expected the book to be step 1. Meet at the beach. Step 2. Have wild passionate relationship for 2 weeks. Step 3. Realize you can’t live without each other and get married. End of story. I was so pleasantly surprised that that wasn't the case with book 1, or with any of the books in the series actually. The relationships evolved. The couples courted. You got to see the relationships develop over realistic conversations and realistic events. The books that Rosalind James writes for this series all have this formula. It is refreshing to read a book that doesn't have a couple falling madly in love after 4 days together and living happily ever after. Some of these couples have real problems they have to overcome. Each of these characters stick with you long after the story is over, and it was such a pleasant surprise to have past characters pop up in each new book I read. Rosalind James made believe characters, with believable lives, in a memorable setting that made me want to learn about New Zealand and the world of Rugby Football. And as a nice little bonus, each book comes with a dictionary of common New Zealand terms so that you can see just what it is that these handsome Rugby players are saying. Try the books and you won’t be disappointed. I’m only disappointed that book 5 seems to be the last one.
I came across this series with book 1, a free kindle download. I did not expect to like it, especially when I realized it had a foreign setting. I expected the book to be step 1. Meet at the beach. Step 2. Have wild passionate relationship for 2 weeks. Step 3. Realize you can’t live without each other and get married. End of story. I was so pleasantly surprised that that wasn't the case with book 1, or with any of the books in the series actually. The relationships evolved. The couples courted. You got to see the relationships develop over realistic conversations and realistic events. The books that Rosalind James writes for this series all have this formula. It is refreshing to read a book that doesn't have a couple falling madly in love after 4 days together and living happily ever after. Some of these couples have real problems they have to overcome. Each of these characters stick with you long after the story is over, and it was such a pleasant surprise to have past characters pop up in each new book I read. Rosalind James made believe characters, with believable lives, in a memorable setting that made me want to learn about New Zealand and the world of Rugby Football. And as a nice little bonus, each book comes with a dictionary of common New Zealand terms so that you can see just what it is that these handsome Rugby players are saying. Try the books and you won’t be disappointed. I’m only disappointed that book 5 seems to be the last one.
January 25, 2013
I received a complimentary copy of this book as a part of a book tour in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 5 out of 5 Stars.
A transplanted American starting her life over, a professional rugby player who wants to be loved for himself and two precious children are the main characters in Rosalind James contemporary romance, Just for Now. The third book in the Escape to New Zealand series, I found myself able to enjoy this book on it's own. With likable characters, good dialogue and the beauty of her native country, Ms. James grabbed my attention from the first page and never let go.
Recovering from a divorce, primary teacher Jenna McKnight has been touring parts of New Zealand while trying to decide about her future. Deciding on a course of action, Jenna applies for a job as a temporary nanny for the time being, while also putting in an application to teach full time when the new school term begins. Not realizing the position she's applying for is at the home of a famous NZ athlete, Jenna finds herself making it clear she's only interested in a job to a man whose clearly full of himself.
Needing a temporary nanny for his children, professional Rugby player Finn Douglass, finds himself fending off women more interested in becoming his girlfriend. When he meets Jenna McKnight for the first time he's under the assumption she's just like the rest and proceeds to make it abundantly clear he's not interested in a girlfriend - he realizes too late she really was looking for a job and was his best candidate. When circumstances give him a chance to beg her to reconsider, he finds himself having to remember she's not interested in a boyfriend.
The scenes between Jenna and Finn are well done; they have great physical and verbal chemistry. While Finn tends to jump to conclusions a bit faster than he should, he's a good father and a decent human being. For her part, Jenna is an excellent caretaker who has always wanted a family of her own and this opportunity gives her a chance to bond with Finn's children, Harry and Sophie. Ms. James did an excellent job letting us get to know all four characters before they really got emotionally involved and became something more than just a nanny and her employers.
The secondary characters in this book, from Finn's children Harry and Sophie, to Jenna's friends and Finn's teammates, helped move the story along and provide emotional support. I especially liked Jenna's friends Natalie and Siobhan, and Finn's older sister Sarah; who not only befriends Jenna when she needs a friend the most, but who has no problems telling her younger brother when he's made a huge mistake.
Will Finn and Jenna be able to let go of their experiences in the past and have a real future together? Will Harry and Sophie want Jenna to be more than just a temporary nanny? I encourage you to read Just for Now to find out. While a part of a series, this book stands perfectly well on its own, the books are tied together through the Rugby team. I just picked up the other books in the series and can't wait to read them.
A transplanted American starting her life over, a professional rugby player who wants to be loved for himself and two precious children are the main characters in Rosalind James contemporary romance, Just for Now. The third book in the Escape to New Zealand series, I found myself able to enjoy this book on it's own. With likable characters, good dialogue and the beauty of her native country, Ms. James grabbed my attention from the first page and never let go.
Recovering from a divorce, primary teacher Jenna McKnight has been touring parts of New Zealand while trying to decide about her future. Deciding on a course of action, Jenna applies for a job as a temporary nanny for the time being, while also putting in an application to teach full time when the new school term begins. Not realizing the position she's applying for is at the home of a famous NZ athlete, Jenna finds herself making it clear she's only interested in a job to a man whose clearly full of himself.
Needing a temporary nanny for his children, professional Rugby player Finn Douglass, finds himself fending off women more interested in becoming his girlfriend. When he meets Jenna McKnight for the first time he's under the assumption she's just like the rest and proceeds to make it abundantly clear he's not interested in a girlfriend - he realizes too late she really was looking for a job and was his best candidate. When circumstances give him a chance to beg her to reconsider, he finds himself having to remember she's not interested in a boyfriend.
The scenes between Jenna and Finn are well done; they have great physical and verbal chemistry. While Finn tends to jump to conclusions a bit faster than he should, he's a good father and a decent human being. For her part, Jenna is an excellent caretaker who has always wanted a family of her own and this opportunity gives her a chance to bond with Finn's children, Harry and Sophie. Ms. James did an excellent job letting us get to know all four characters before they really got emotionally involved and became something more than just a nanny and her employers.
The secondary characters in this book, from Finn's children Harry and Sophie, to Jenna's friends and Finn's teammates, helped move the story along and provide emotional support. I especially liked Jenna's friends Natalie and Siobhan, and Finn's older sister Sarah; who not only befriends Jenna when she needs a friend the most, but who has no problems telling her younger brother when he's made a huge mistake.
Will Finn and Jenna be able to let go of their experiences in the past and have a real future together? Will Harry and Sophie want Jenna to be more than just a temporary nanny? I encourage you to read Just for Now to find out. While a part of a series, this book stands perfectly well on its own, the books are tied together through the Rugby team. I just picked up the other books in the series and can't wait to read them.
November 5, 2019
Domestic sizzling bliss
Loved these two so much !
Harry and Sophie (H's) kids were so cute. Loved his sister Sarah and the heroine was badass. I have a slight niggle about the ending but not significant enough to deduct a star.
Loved these two so much !
Harry and Sophie (H's) kids were so cute. Loved his sister Sarah and the heroine was badass. I have a slight niggle about the ending but not significant enough to deduct a star.
June 19, 2020
Another winner!! This New Zealand based series is very, very good. This is the 3rd book in the series for me. This one concerns Finn, a major rugby player, and Jenna McKnight. She's had a difficult childhood and then a marriage gone awry, through no fault of hers. She and Finn are both very believable characters as are the others in the novel. Once again there are occasional references to the other rugby players I met in books 1 & 2. I'm looking forward to the next one that I've already purchased, and I'm putting this series on my auto buy list.
Just re-read again after first reading in 2013. It's still a wonderful book and this series is one I turn to for re-reads when I tire of trying to find a new author/book that is as wonderful.
Just re-read again after first reading in 2013. It's still a wonderful book and this series is one I turn to for re-reads when I tire of trying to find a new author/book that is as wonderful.
November 1, 2018
I really wanted to drop the book to 2 stars but overall it was a 3 star book.
Why 2 star? The book style was written like i was watching a sitcom from "The Leave it To Beaver." Yes mam, No mam, riding on a pretty basic line. Just a tad of low key drama.
It was almost like everyone was to perfect and to accommodating and down right to understanding.
Towards the end, the "expected" drama did occur but actions seemed to be a little over the top considering how everyone was the rest of the story.
Good read. Maybe a read to help with shut eye.
Why 2 star? The book style was written like i was watching a sitcom from "The Leave it To Beaver." Yes mam, No mam, riding on a pretty basic line. Just a tad of low key drama.
It was almost like everyone was to perfect and to accommodating and down right to understanding.
Towards the end, the "expected" drama did occur but actions seemed to be a little over the top considering how everyone was the rest of the story.
Good read. Maybe a read to help with shut eye.
February 21, 2013
Loved this one. Good story and you real,y got to know each of the characters, one by one. This book reminds you that you can find love again after heartbreak. My idea of who Finn is...Google: Richie McCaw. He is the captain of the All Blacks Team (in real life). Exactly what I pictured Finn would look like!
November 9, 2016
I love the Maori and how this series is teaching me more about their culture. Let's not forget about the drool-worthy Maori men. The storyline did leave me confused a bit because it seemed like the author was leaving out information, but that could also be due to the fact that I haven't read the first or second book yet...
December 17, 2012
This is a hard review to write. I liked Finn and I liked Jenna but I didn't like them together. And I know this is a "nanny" plot, but I really felt the romance suffered due to too much kid interaction. The dreaded didn't please me either. Liked but didn't love.
September 30, 2019
This definitely feels like one of those romances where a widower with children falls in love with a woman because she's good at taking care of his kids.
January 7, 2019
I really liked this one and a big part of it was due to Jenna. I loved how level headed she was, how she managed to put Finn in his place when he needed it at the start and how great she was with the kids. Much of what happened was predictable, yet I didn't care. I was happy to be along for the ride to see how Jenna, Finn and the kids would react. I loved how this one ended, was happy to see that everyone got what they wanted.
November 29, 2020
Finn plays rugby for the Auckland Blues and All Blacks. His wife died 3 years ago and he is bringing up their son and daughter who are now 5 and 7. When their nanny has to go and nurse her mother, he needs a temporary nanny. Enter Jenna who is in need of a job for a few months until she can start her new job as Grade 1 teacher. I loved the characters and enjoyed the process of healing that occurred during their time together. Looking forward to the next in the series.
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