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Escape to New Zealand #12
Just Come Over
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, impossibly short, 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. Surely, being there for Dylan's widow and their son is the right thing to do. He can control himself. He's had 40 years of practice. Until he gets a call from his lawyer, and flies to the States to find that handsome, charming, endlessly irresponsible Dylan has left yet another loose end for his big brother to sort out.
This one is six years old. And her birth certificate says she belongs to Rhys.
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, impossibly short, 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. Surely, being there for Dylan's widow and their son is the right thing to do. He can control himself. He's had 40 years of practice. Until he gets a call from his lawyer, and flies to the States to find that handsome, charming, endlessly irresponsible Dylan has left yet another loose end for his big brother to sort out.
This one is six years old. And her birth certificate says she belongs to Rhys.
Audible Audio
First published January 14, 2019
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About the author
Rosalind James
55 books1,217 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 199 reviews
May 24, 2025
While I didn’t enjoy this quite as much as I did my first book by this author, it was still very good.
Ten years ago, charming, easy-going Dylan Fletcher introduced his girlfriend Zora to his brother Rhys, not charming and driven. Immediately captivated by his brother’s intended, Rhys spent the next ten years keeping his distance, through his brother’s marriage, through the birth of his nephew, through his brother’s illness and then for two years after his death.
When Rhys returns to the New Zealand neighborhood where Zora resides as the new coach of the local rugby team, he finds Zora and his nephew struggling financially. He also realizes his interest in her has not waned, in spite of his own marriage and impending divorce in the interim.
Zora stuck with Dylan through his illness, in spite of him being an indifferent and absentee husband and father and her discovery of his cheating, and the financial hardships his illness brought. She managed the aftermath, downsizing her home, starting a business, and finally was considering dating again. Her attraction to the responsible, serious Rhys is undeniable…until he shows up with a six-year-old daughter, proving himself to be an irresponsible liar and cheat just like his brother.
This author’s strength is confident, assured prose and a firm handle on characterization. Her plots move slowly, taking time to linger on details, some of which enrich the story and some of which are too unimportant to be lingered over. I was particularly bored with all the wine descriptions because why? What does it matter to me that a wine has a chocolate or tobacco finish? I would have much preferred to hear how a kid left alone with his brother in a house with no food or utilities by a drug-addicted mother acquired wine knowledge.
And that’s why this book got a 4-star rating instead of 5-stars: missing information. What was Rhys and Victoria’s marriage like? I definitely couldn’t tell by their one-and-only interaction. How did Rhys’s feel about the few times he interacted with Zora while his brother was alive? Did she think of him at all? And yet I know way too much about rabbit hutches and the symbolism of Maori charms and wine finishes.
Ten years ago, charming, easy-going Dylan Fletcher introduced his girlfriend Zora to his brother Rhys, not charming and driven. Immediately captivated by his brother’s intended, Rhys spent the next ten years keeping his distance, through his brother’s marriage, through the birth of his nephew, through his brother’s illness and then for two years after his death.
When Rhys returns to the New Zealand neighborhood where Zora resides as the new coach of the local rugby team, he finds Zora and his nephew struggling financially. He also realizes his interest in her has not waned, in spite of his own marriage and impending divorce in the interim.
Zora stuck with Dylan through his illness, in spite of him being an indifferent and absentee husband and father and her discovery of his cheating, and the financial hardships his illness brought. She managed the aftermath, downsizing her home, starting a business, and finally was considering dating again. Her attraction to the responsible, serious Rhys is undeniable…until he shows up with a six-year-old daughter, proving himself to be an irresponsible liar and cheat just like his brother.
This author’s strength is confident, assured prose and a firm handle on characterization. Her plots move slowly, taking time to linger on details, some of which enrich the story and some of which are too unimportant to be lingered over. I was particularly bored with all the wine descriptions because why? What does it matter to me that a wine has a chocolate or tobacco finish? I would have much preferred to hear how a kid left alone with his brother in a house with no food or utilities by a drug-addicted mother acquired wine knowledge.
And that’s why this book got a 4-star rating instead of 5-stars: missing information. What was Rhys and Victoria’s marriage like? I definitely couldn’t tell by their one-and-only interaction. How did Rhys’s feel about the few times he interacted with Zora while his brother was alive? Did she think of him at all? And yet I know way too much about rabbit hutches and the symbolism of Maori charms and wine finishes.
January 9, 2019
5 Star Review of Just Come Over (Escape to New Zealand #12) by Rosalind James
What an emotional story. Zora is the one who got away from Rhys Fletcher; in fact she married his brother Dylan.
As with previous books I have read from Rosalind James, this book was well written with strong characters that I found I could easily relate too.
I found myself invested in this book from the start. I also love the fact that Ms. James brings New Zealand to life for me.
Rhys has returned to New Zealand and and is now the head coach of the Auckland Blues. After bumping into Zora, Rhys is shocked to find that they have money issues. Now that Zora is a widow, he feels he should be there to support her and her son.
When a surprise call leads him to the US and an even greater surprise, Rhys is forced yet again to make changes.
Just Come Over is a story about family and as such there is plenty of laughter, tears, sadness, regret and a whole lot of love.
The children Casey and Isaiah almost steal the book. Another great addition to the Escape Ro New Zealand series.
What an emotional story. Zora is the one who got away from Rhys Fletcher; in fact she married his brother Dylan.
As with previous books I have read from Rosalind James, this book was well written with strong characters that I found I could easily relate too.
I found myself invested in this book from the start. I also love the fact that Ms. James brings New Zealand to life for me.
Rhys has returned to New Zealand and and is now the head coach of the Auckland Blues. After bumping into Zora, Rhys is shocked to find that they have money issues. Now that Zora is a widow, he feels he should be there to support her and her son.
When a surprise call leads him to the US and an even greater surprise, Rhys is forced yet again to make changes.
Just Come Over is a story about family and as such there is plenty of laughter, tears, sadness, regret and a whole lot of love.
The children Casey and Isaiah almost steal the book. Another great addition to the Escape Ro New Zealand series.
March 20, 2022
I liked the read. It's a 'forbidden' type love story, which isn't usually my jam, but in this case it worked well. The hero is the brother of the widowed heroine's dead husband. There are lots of family secrets that gradually unfold through the story. People's lives are complicated. But Rhys, although he obviously had some personal weaknesses as a younger man, at forty is mature and quite admirable in his attitude to life. It's good to see a character that grows and changes for the better.
Zora shows a lot of integrity and personal strength as well, and she was a heroine you could respect.
There are two children who play strong roles in the story, and they were drawn effectively. I liked the glimpses into the world of high-level rugby as well.
The book did start to drag a bit in the middle, and I was starting to feel as if it was maybe a little too long. But then the ending section moved a lot faster and the story sucked me right back in again. I even shed a few tears. Parts of the book are quite moving and emotional. Overall, a very good read.
Zora shows a lot of integrity and personal strength as well, and she was a heroine you could respect.
There are two children who play strong roles in the story, and they were drawn effectively. I liked the glimpses into the world of high-level rugby as well.
The book did start to drag a bit in the middle, and I was starting to feel as if it was maybe a little too long. But then the ending section moved a lot faster and the story sucked me right back in again. I even shed a few tears. Parts of the book are quite moving and emotional. Overall, a very good read.
December 6, 2019
Oh boy. My least favorite in this series. Not because I was scandalized by the brother in law falling for his widowed sister in law story, cause these fools equated their love to David and Bathsheba in the Bible. And they kind of both talk about how David sent a dude to his freaking death to steal his wife, but you know, love. I maybe banged my head a bit while reading this book. I guess it's the Sunday school training coming out.
David I considered a terrible man and an even worse King when you get down to it, but hey he couldn't help it, cause a woman drove him to it (I am giving this sentence stabby eyes).
Anyway, back to the book, Rhys story-line was interesting, but the whole secret child (but not really) thing didn't work. It was dumb and made zero sense. And Zora started working my nerves. I guess I wanted her to be more independent, she seemed so unprepared by things. Her son and her brother were my favorites though. Hayden (her brother) I think saw a lot and was finally pushing her to actually stand up to their parents. This and the last book had some very terrible parents, and the next book doubles down on it. So there's that. The romance part I didn't care about, I just rushed through most of this book honestly.
This book really missed a lot of things I think. I wish that there had been more honest conversations about what a terrible father, brother, husband Dylan was. Speaking ill of the dead isn't an issue with me if it's accurate.
The writing wasn't there for me or the flow. I think the book just dragged a lot. And after a while I started wondering if Rhys was a freaking billionaire based on what he was buying and doing. And his whole He-Man thing about getting married and having Zora pregnant with his baby (gagging noise). I just think that James went too alpha for me with the hero. Usually her rugby heroes are three dimensional, and I didn't find Rhys to be all of that after a while.
The ending didn't do much for me, but you know, epic review coming cause of the next book in the series.
David I considered a terrible man and an even worse King when you get down to it, but hey he couldn't help it, cause a woman drove him to it (I am giving this sentence stabby eyes).
Anyway, back to the book, Rhys story-line was interesting, but the whole secret child (but not really) thing didn't work. It was dumb and made zero sense. And Zora started working my nerves. I guess I wanted her to be more independent, she seemed so unprepared by things. Her son and her brother were my favorites though. Hayden (her brother) I think saw a lot and was finally pushing her to actually stand up to their parents. This and the last book had some very terrible parents, and the next book doubles down on it. So there's that. The romance part I didn't care about, I just rushed through most of this book honestly.
This book really missed a lot of things I think. I wish that there had been more honest conversations about what a terrible father, brother, husband Dylan was. Speaking ill of the dead isn't an issue with me if it's accurate.
The writing wasn't there for me or the flow. I think the book just dragged a lot. And after a while I started wondering if Rhys was a freaking billionaire based on what he was buying and doing. And his whole He-Man thing about getting married and having Zora pregnant with his baby (gagging noise). I just think that James went too alpha for me with the hero. Usually her rugby heroes are three dimensional, and I didn't find Rhys to be all of that after a while.
The ending didn't do much for me, but you know, epic review coming cause of the next book in the series.
August 11, 2019
Easily 5 stars. I LOVE Rhys
I never wanted to finish this book .
This is 3rd person POV.
Zora, the heroine is a widow with a young son. Her late husband Dylan passed away before the beginning of the book.
Rhys, the hero is Dylan's older brother. He's been a professional rugby playing internationally.- and previously an All Black (NZ's national team). Rhys comes home to NZ two years after Dylan's death. He's the coach for the Blues, one of NZ's 15 professional rugby teams.
The attraction between Zora & Rhys is obvious from the beginning of this story.
I wondered how they would address this for the rest of the book.There's quite a few barriers for these two.
This is a longer than average Rosalind James book. I loved the wonderful detail to scenery, the NZ change of seasons. Ms James writes child characters SO well. There's an amazing contrast between hunky, muscled Rhys and 6 year old Casey . She wraps him around her little finger from Day 1. Example: the bunnies. He stood no chance. Casey was a big surprise for Rhys, but he steps right up to claim her.
This is definitely a character driven story. Zora and Rhys are awkward and tentative around each other in the beginning. They are brother and sister in law. There relationship grows, the more they're around each other. Zora helps take care of Casey. He has no clue what to do with a little girl.
Rhys can't figure out why Zora & her son Isaiah are living so modestly when Dylan had been a fairly successful ruby player. Rhys steps in as a friend. Didn't his brother Dylan provide for his wife & son?. He had kept his distance from them until now.
I won't spill too much more, since. Rhys has some guilt about being so hard on his late brother Dylan when he was young. He's determined to make up for it in any way that he can.
Rhys is a great guy, but he really does own up to his (former) wild ways, A few years prior, he had a loss to deal with & just rebelled in a hurtful way. The last few years he's been leading a more respectable life.
There's much more Moari and NZ life in general mentioned- and less rugby, than some of the other Escape books. The few matches are nail biting.
The ending was very intense, then very sweet- but a little bit too brief in my opinion. Others have mentioned that the kids stole the scenes- yes I agree. They did not take away from the beautiful romance between these two.
I never wanted to finish this book .
This is 3rd person POV.
Zora, the heroine is a widow with a young son. Her late husband Dylan passed away before the beginning of the book.
Rhys, the hero is Dylan's older brother. He's been a professional rugby playing internationally.- and previously an All Black (NZ's national team). Rhys comes home to NZ two years after Dylan's death. He's the coach for the Blues, one of NZ's 15 professional rugby teams.
The attraction between Zora & Rhys is obvious from the beginning of this story.
I wondered how they would address this for the rest of the book.There's quite a few barriers for these two.
This is a longer than average Rosalind James book. I loved the wonderful detail to scenery, the NZ change of seasons. Ms James writes child characters SO well. There's an amazing contrast between hunky, muscled Rhys and 6 year old Casey . She wraps him around her little finger from Day 1. Example: the bunnies. He stood no chance. Casey was a big surprise for Rhys, but he steps right up to claim her.
This is definitely a character driven story. Zora and Rhys are awkward and tentative around each other in the beginning. They are brother and sister in law. There relationship grows, the more they're around each other. Zora helps take care of Casey. He has no clue what to do with a little girl.
Rhys can't figure out why Zora & her son Isaiah are living so modestly when Dylan had been a fairly successful ruby player. Rhys steps in as a friend. Didn't his brother Dylan provide for his wife & son?. He had kept his distance from them until now.
I won't spill too much more, since. Rhys has some guilt about being so hard on his late brother Dylan when he was young. He's determined to make up for it in any way that he can.
Rhys is a great guy, but he really does own up to his (former) wild ways, A few years prior, he had a loss to deal with & just rebelled in a hurtful way. The last few years he's been leading a more respectable life.
There's much more Moari and NZ life in general mentioned- and less rugby, than some of the other Escape books. The few matches are nail biting.
The ending was very intense, then very sweet- but a little bit too brief in my opinion. Others have mentioned that the kids stole the scenes- yes I agree. They did not take away from the beautiful romance between these two.
January 18, 2019
Absolutely perfect. I loved reading the early chapters as part of Rosalind James' newsletter and the book lived up to my expectations.
Zora Fletcher is a widow with an eight year old son called Isaiah. Her husband Dylan was a rugby player who played for the Auckland Blues. One day her son literally runs his trolley into the car of Dylan's older brother Rhys, who has returned to New Zealand (or En Zed as they like to say) after years abroad playing rugby, now he's the new coach for the Blues and has just moved into the area.
Just as Zora and Rhys are getting acquainted Rhys receives a bombshell, he has a six year old daughter in the US that he never knew about and her mother has been killed in a road traffic accident. At first he denies everything but one look at a photo of the little girl and he knows she's a Fletcher - but not his! To save his niece from a life in foster care, and to protect his sister-in-law, Rhys acknowledges the little girl, Casey, as his own and brings her back to En Zed.
Picture this, a big gruff manly man, the sort who can bulldoze through his opposition, and a girly girl who loves Moana, unicorns and bunnies. A man with no sisters learning to braid long hair. Rhys leans heavily on Zora to advise him on what to do but also to help with childcare while he is away with the team.
Rhys is just the nicest man ever. He's so determined to do the right thing and to look after this little girl that has come into his life. He pushes himself and others, yet he is also thoughtful and observant, doing the little things like buying food for dinner and washing up which mean so much to a working mother.
Zora is kind and funny, a great mother, practical and incredibly creative, I would have loved to see some of the floral arrangements that she makes for her customers.
Don't let me forget the smexy times because hoo-wee they were hot-hot-hot. Rhys might be all restrained emotions and practicality but he has a vivid imagination and an ability to read body language honed from years of playing rugby and watching his opponents.
I love this series and it just gets better and better, romance, cute moppets, rugby, sexy moments and fluffy bunnies - absolute bliss.
Zora Fletcher is a widow with an eight year old son called Isaiah. Her husband Dylan was a rugby player who played for the Auckland Blues. One day her son literally runs his trolley into the car of Dylan's older brother Rhys, who has returned to New Zealand (or En Zed as they like to say) after years abroad playing rugby, now he's the new coach for the Blues and has just moved into the area.
Just as Zora and Rhys are getting acquainted Rhys receives a bombshell, he has a six year old daughter in the US that he never knew about and her mother has been killed in a road traffic accident. At first he denies everything but one look at a photo of the little girl and he knows she's a Fletcher - but not his! To save his niece from a life in foster care, and to protect his sister-in-law, Rhys acknowledges the little girl, Casey, as his own and brings her back to En Zed.
Picture this, a big gruff manly man, the sort who can bulldoze through his opposition, and a girly girl who loves Moana, unicorns and bunnies. A man with no sisters learning to braid long hair. Rhys leans heavily on Zora to advise him on what to do but also to help with childcare while he is away with the team.
Rhys is just the nicest man ever. He's so determined to do the right thing and to look after this little girl that has come into his life. He pushes himself and others, yet he is also thoughtful and observant, doing the little things like buying food for dinner and washing up which mean so much to a working mother.
Zora is kind and funny, a great mother, practical and incredibly creative, I would have loved to see some of the floral arrangements that she makes for her customers.
Don't let me forget the smexy times because hoo-wee they were hot-hot-hot. Rhys might be all restrained emotions and practicality but he has a vivid imagination and an ability to read body language honed from years of playing rugby and watching his opponents.
I love this series and it just gets better and better, romance, cute moppets, rugby, sexy moments and fluffy bunnies - absolute bliss.
January 14, 2019
Instant re-read! To say I love this book is an understatement. I was looking for the option to give it six stars!
This is an in-depth, full length book with characters that will pull you in and a storyline that has drama, conflict, and characters that are well developed. It’s also a romance that really sizzles!
This book has it all for me…characters that make you wish you were “one of them” and a storyline with subplots, dialogue, and character thoughts that are tightly woven….and as I write this, it feels as though I’m not doing it justice.
The characters are everything to me. I’ve read Ms. James from the beginning of the “Escape” series. The stories, characters, and series overall has been a real winner. I’ve really enjoyed seeing her evolve as a writer. This book is such a good representation of where she’s come as a writer and the characters are proof.
Our main character Zora is someone we all hope to be. She’s a normal mum who was put in a terrible situation when her husband died and left her with a small child. She doesn’t have the “flash” that would put her in the movies or magazines, but she’s someone that meets her obligations without a complaint and makes sure all of those around her, including her son, have what they need. She’s had a hidden crush on Rhys for as long as she’s known him, but because he was out of reach, she didn’t act on it. At all. She’s steady eddy, true blue, and someone who always gets the job done.
Rhys is someone who’d be Zora’s counterpart. He’s someone that can always be counted on and doesn’t let anyone down. He’s also had a hidden crush on Zora but hasn’t acted on it as well. He’s everyone’s idea of a hero, with flaws that end up being charming when he stops fighting against them. He’s buff, intent on having Zora permanently in his life, and willingly shares his innermost feelings, despite being a bit on the quiet side…except when he’s around Zora. When you read Rhys sharing his feelings with Zora, be prepared to hit the bookmark tab and immediately start the re-read. He’s not throwing around platitudes, but rather brings out his rugby analogies that makes sharing his feelings and paying Zora compliments heartfelt. Rhys becomes a dad overnight and takes on the challenge head on.
Now that the two of them are free to engage, they face challenges… expectations of others, young children, misunderstandings, a complex past, and judgmental parents. The storyline tackles tough subjects of betrayal and making tough decisions to avoid exposing a not so nice aspect of someone who has passed. Amid this story are favorite characters from previous books (but you can read this as a stand alone), characters that share their feelings, including ruby wisdom, are vulnerable yet hold themselves to high standards, and twists and turns that bring realistic drama to everyday life. The sizzle in this book will make you swoon, if you’re not already there by the dialogue
I finished this book about 3 days ago and have not started a new one. I’ve been re-reading my favorite passages and marveling over the tightly woven plots and subplots that Ms. James wove for her readers…. including the Song of Solomon, which ends up being a symbol for challenges that Zora and Rhys fight against.
The last thing that I’ll say is that the book ends on a note that really makes you wish you were a WAG in NZ. The team faces a life and death situation and comes out on top, led by Rhys. Zora doesn’t loose faith and she and the children become his reason to lead everyone through the situation.
If you’re looking for a fantastic book to help you “escape,” this is it. Download this immediately! You won’t be sorry and you’ll fall in love with Rhys, Zora, Isaiah, and Casey.
I was given an advance copy of this book. I really enjoy Rosalind James' writing so much. I hope this review encourages others to read this book and enjoy it as I did.
I recommend picking up her other books. I read as a way to have an enjoyable escape and learn about other places. Ms. James’ books do that!
This is an in-depth, full length book with characters that will pull you in and a storyline that has drama, conflict, and characters that are well developed. It’s also a romance that really sizzles!
This book has it all for me…characters that make you wish you were “one of them” and a storyline with subplots, dialogue, and character thoughts that are tightly woven….and as I write this, it feels as though I’m not doing it justice.
The characters are everything to me. I’ve read Ms. James from the beginning of the “Escape” series. The stories, characters, and series overall has been a real winner. I’ve really enjoyed seeing her evolve as a writer. This book is such a good representation of where she’s come as a writer and the characters are proof.
Our main character Zora is someone we all hope to be. She’s a normal mum who was put in a terrible situation when her husband died and left her with a small child. She doesn’t have the “flash” that would put her in the movies or magazines, but she’s someone that meets her obligations without a complaint and makes sure all of those around her, including her son, have what they need. She’s had a hidden crush on Rhys for as long as she’s known him, but because he was out of reach, she didn’t act on it. At all. She’s steady eddy, true blue, and someone who always gets the job done.
Rhys is someone who’d be Zora’s counterpart. He’s someone that can always be counted on and doesn’t let anyone down. He’s also had a hidden crush on Zora but hasn’t acted on it as well. He’s everyone’s idea of a hero, with flaws that end up being charming when he stops fighting against them. He’s buff, intent on having Zora permanently in his life, and willingly shares his innermost feelings, despite being a bit on the quiet side…except when he’s around Zora. When you read Rhys sharing his feelings with Zora, be prepared to hit the bookmark tab and immediately start the re-read. He’s not throwing around platitudes, but rather brings out his rugby analogies that makes sharing his feelings and paying Zora compliments heartfelt. Rhys becomes a dad overnight and takes on the challenge head on.
Now that the two of them are free to engage, they face challenges… expectations of others, young children, misunderstandings, a complex past, and judgmental parents. The storyline tackles tough subjects of betrayal and making tough decisions to avoid exposing a not so nice aspect of someone who has passed. Amid this story are favorite characters from previous books (but you can read this as a stand alone), characters that share their feelings, including ruby wisdom, are vulnerable yet hold themselves to high standards, and twists and turns that bring realistic drama to everyday life. The sizzle in this book will make you swoon, if you’re not already there by the dialogue
I finished this book about 3 days ago and have not started a new one. I’ve been re-reading my favorite passages and marveling over the tightly woven plots and subplots that Ms. James wove for her readers…. including the Song of Solomon, which ends up being a symbol for challenges that Zora and Rhys fight against.
The last thing that I’ll say is that the book ends on a note that really makes you wish you were a WAG in NZ. The team faces a life and death situation and comes out on top, led by Rhys. Zora doesn’t loose faith and she and the children become his reason to lead everyone through the situation.
If you’re looking for a fantastic book to help you “escape,” this is it. Download this immediately! You won’t be sorry and you’ll fall in love with Rhys, Zora, Isaiah, and Casey.
I was given an advance copy of this book. I really enjoy Rosalind James' writing so much. I hope this review encourages others to read this book and enjoy it as I did.
I recommend picking up her other books. I read as a way to have an enjoyable escape and learn about other places. Ms. James’ books do that!
May 3, 2019
What a great book.
Sin, shame... where is a line between this and your true love, between loyalty and desire?
Where is family's members involved.
Strong characters, beautifully written new Zealand's myths, interesting plot...
I liked heroine: amazing mother, strong woman, caring person
Hero: strong, tender , caring
Both non virgins, hero was celibate during months before they were together with heroine. He was a manho in his youngest years, but during a lots of time he was loyal and didn't cheat on his ex wife.
Heroine was celibate some years, she was a widow.
No cheating, no OP scenes.
Hot steamy scenes...
Sin, shame... where is a line between this and your true love, between loyalty and desire?
Where is family's members involved.
Strong characters, beautifully written new Zealand's myths, interesting plot...
I liked heroine: amazing mother, strong woman, caring person
Hero: strong, tender , caring
Both non virgins, hero was celibate during months before they were together with heroine. He was a manho in his youngest years, but during a lots of time he was loyal and didn't cheat on his ex wife.
Heroine was celibate some years, she was a widow.
No cheating, no OP scenes.
Hot steamy scenes...
He wasn’t her dream man. Her dream man was solid as rock, strong to the core, and absolutely trust-worthy. Her dream man had mana. He just happened to look and sound like Rhys Fletcher.
Don’t be a hero, she wanted to say. She wanted to text it to him, but she didn’t. He could no more keep from being a hero than he could keep from breathing. You couldn’t love somebody for the men he was and then turn around and tell him not to be that man
January 13, 2019
With most authors, I’d be concerned going into the 12th book of a series. I’d be worried that the story would be more of the same or the cast too large and complicated to follow.
With Ms James and Just Come Over, I was excited to revisit New Zealand and the rugby playing leading men and the women who love them.
Each installment of the Escape New Zealand series is a fresh take on relationships, love, and facing challenges to find a happily ever after.
Rhys and Zora have more challenges than most and watching them face those challenges was enlightening and made me like them more and more as the story went forward.
Ms James has a unique style that continues to pull me in, even after what has to be close to 20 books. The core cast is small and well developed. The story line between Rhys and Zora was entertaining with a little more angst than her normal, but it’s the type of story that you could easily see happening to real people.
With themes of trust, loyalty, family, and second chances Just Come Over is a jewel in the Escape to New Zealand series. A complete stand alone work, loyal series followers will be thrilled to see glimpses of previous featured characters as well.
With Ms James and Just Come Over, I was excited to revisit New Zealand and the rugby playing leading men and the women who love them.
Each installment of the Escape New Zealand series is a fresh take on relationships, love, and facing challenges to find a happily ever after.
Rhys and Zora have more challenges than most and watching them face those challenges was enlightening and made me like them more and more as the story went forward.
Ms James has a unique style that continues to pull me in, even after what has to be close to 20 books. The core cast is small and well developed. The story line between Rhys and Zora was entertaining with a little more angst than her normal, but it’s the type of story that you could easily see happening to real people.
With themes of trust, loyalty, family, and second chances Just Come Over is a jewel in the Escape to New Zealand series. A complete stand alone work, loyal series followers will be thrilled to see glimpses of previous featured characters as well.
January 15, 2019
4.5 stars
I like that Rhys is a man with great character and regardless of his past, he’s grown to be a man of his word and always steps up. I didn’t like that Zora was a little bit of a damsel in distress. I wish she was stronger, much like Casey is. But she wasn’t much of a floor mat so there is that.
I admit I was skeptical about brother’s widow and all. But I do suppose we can’t help who we love and you can see the love Rhys has for Zora and vice versa. And as with all the books in this series, the kids do steal the show somewhat, which delights me to no end.
Lovely story as always for this series. Probably about the only het romance I read 😜
I like that Rhys is a man with great character and regardless of his past, he’s grown to be a man of his word and always steps up. I didn’t like that Zora was a little bit of a damsel in distress. I wish she was stronger, much like Casey is. But she wasn’t much of a floor mat so there is that.
I admit I was skeptical about brother’s widow and all. But I do suppose we can’t help who we love and you can see the love Rhys has for Zora and vice versa. And as with all the books in this series, the kids do steal the show somewhat, which delights me to no end.
Lovely story as always for this series. Probably about the only het romance I read 😜
January 14, 2019
I loved, loved, loved this book. Rosalind James is a master story-teller - each book she writes is fresh, creative, well written, and has depth of character that always draws you in. She’s also a master at interweaving intergenerational families into the story. This can be tricky, but in every James story it always adds flavor and depth.
Just Come Over was all of this plus lots of humor and some brilliant insights that we can all relate to (“Why is it OK that he didn’t work at me?” was one of my favorites!). I loved that Rhys is the ultimate upstanding kind of male alpha and is the standard by which all book boyfriends should be measured.
With each New Zealand book, Rosalind James creates heroes that have cultivated a love of En Zed rugby players here in the US, interweaving Maori and paheka families that connect the reader to the beauty and culture that is New Zealand. It’s the perfect escape from the every day life to a beautiful and exotic location filled with love and hope and, of course, rugby.
Just Come Over was all of this plus lots of humor and some brilliant insights that we can all relate to (“Why is it OK that he didn’t work at me?” was one of my favorites!). I loved that Rhys is the ultimate upstanding kind of male alpha and is the standard by which all book boyfriends should be measured.
With each New Zealand book, Rosalind James creates heroes that have cultivated a love of En Zed rugby players here in the US, interweaving Maori and paheka families that connect the reader to the beauty and culture that is New Zealand. It’s the perfect escape from the every day life to a beautiful and exotic location filled with love and hope and, of course, rugby.
April 25, 2019
Ok, this is gonna turn into a long rant... So, i had 2 problems with this book:
1) I don’t mind that the Rhys and Zora ended up together even if Rhys is Dylan’s brother... but what did bother me very much was the fact that the author made it sound like these two were meant for each other all along. I hated that in romance books. I really got frustrated when the author made it seem like Rhys marriage was a farce and how Zora waited 10 years or whatever for Rhys... really? People can have meaningful relationships with other partners you know... if they end up divorced or a person cheated, that doesn’t take away the few good times a couple had together... it also doesn’t take away the love and devotion that existed early on in a marriage. All I’m saying is, it doesn’t take away the good parts of a marriage... Making it sound like they were meant to be was just not realistic.
Also, I honestly just didn’t Rhys very much.. I get it, Dylan was an ass, but he’s dead and he was his brother. I was getting bored with all the negative stuff being said about the guy. Dylan’s character felt pretty flat to me. He was a jerk, a cheater, an irresponsible asshole, blah blah,, I get it.... but Rhys couldn’t find a single fond memory of his dead brother? Not a single happy moment they shared as siblings? That’s just sad.
2) I understand why Rhys and Zora didn’t tell Cassie that Isaiah is her brother. I get it. I really do. But having a cousin is just not the same as a having a sibling.. Those kids are siblings and they have the right to know that. Period.
But again, I do understand why Rhys and Zora chose not to reveal this. Tho, I keep wondering what will our smart couple do if those kids developed feelings for each other one day? The truth is always better than omitting things. It just leads to so much future complications. I just think that the author should’ve included somewhere that Rhys and Zora would probably end up revealing them to the kids when they’re a bit older.
Anyway, I’m gonna stop. I didn’t hate this book, I actually enjoyed it. But I found myself a bit frustrated here and there. I felt that the story could’ve been better because there was so much potential.
1) I don’t mind that the Rhys and Zora ended up together even if Rhys is Dylan’s brother... but what did bother me very much was the fact that the author made it sound like these two were meant for each other all along. I hated that in romance books. I really got frustrated when the author made it seem like Rhys marriage was a farce and how Zora waited 10 years or whatever for Rhys... really? People can have meaningful relationships with other partners you know... if they end up divorced or a person cheated, that doesn’t take away the few good times a couple had together... it also doesn’t take away the love and devotion that existed early on in a marriage. All I’m saying is, it doesn’t take away the good parts of a marriage... Making it sound like they were meant to be was just not realistic.
Also, I honestly just didn’t Rhys very much.. I get it, Dylan was an ass, but he’s dead and he was his brother. I was getting bored with all the negative stuff being said about the guy. Dylan’s character felt pretty flat to me. He was a jerk, a cheater, an irresponsible asshole, blah blah,, I get it.... but Rhys couldn’t find a single fond memory of his dead brother? Not a single happy moment they shared as siblings? That’s just sad.
2) I understand why Rhys and Zora didn’t tell Cassie that Isaiah is her brother. I get it. I really do. But having a cousin is just not the same as a having a sibling.. Those kids are siblings and they have the right to know that. Period.
But again, I do understand why Rhys and Zora chose not to reveal this. Tho, I keep wondering what will our smart couple do if those kids developed feelings for each other one day? The truth is always better than omitting things. It just leads to so much future complications. I just think that the author should’ve included somewhere that Rhys and Zora would probably end up revealing them to the kids when they’re a bit older.
Anyway, I’m gonna stop. I didn’t hate this book, I actually enjoyed it. But I found myself a bit frustrated here and there. I felt that the story could’ve been better because there was so much potential.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2019
Rosalind James does it again with this latest Escape to New Zealand and as the series grows, the stories grow more complex and heartwarming. This time we meet Rhys Fletcher, former All Black and new coach of the Blues who expects changes in his life after returning from playing abroad…but nothing could prepare him for how his life is turned upside down as he gets settled in and reacquainted with his late brother’s wife Zora and nephew Isaiah, along with a big surprise waiting for him in Chicago.
What were sparks ten years ago turn to flames as Rhys and Zora navigate their changed relationship and while the journey isn’t always easy, it is sweet to watch them make their way to accepting that what’s between them is right and what anybody else thinks really doesn’t matter. Revisiting favorite characters from past books in the series and seeing how Rhys and Zora fit into the All Blacks family is fun and now I am impatiently waiting for Escape to New Zealand, Book 13.
This book is perfect for curling up on a long winter afternoon, but be warned…if you haven’t started the series, you’ll be one-clicking to get caught up. And if you have, you’ll find yourself scrolling back to the beginning to immerse yourself in this world once again.
What were sparks ten years ago turn to flames as Rhys and Zora navigate their changed relationship and while the journey isn’t always easy, it is sweet to watch them make their way to accepting that what’s between them is right and what anybody else thinks really doesn’t matter. Revisiting favorite characters from past books in the series and seeing how Rhys and Zora fit into the All Blacks family is fun and now I am impatiently waiting for Escape to New Zealand, Book 13.
This book is perfect for curling up on a long winter afternoon, but be warned…if you haven’t started the series, you’ll be one-clicking to get caught up. And if you have, you’ll find yourself scrolling back to the beginning to immerse yourself in this world once again.
April 7, 2019
Loved, loved, loved this book - it's my favorite of the series! Zora Fletcher and her son are struggling to make ends meet since her husband died. She's surprised when they literally run into his brother, Rhys Fletcher, in a store parking lot. Rhys has lusted after Zora ever since he met her when she was engaged to his brother. He knows it's wrong to want her now that his brother is dead, but he can't help it. When he receives a call that tells him he has a 6-year-old daughter and her mom has died, he's now a single parent himself (even though the story is much more complicated than that!) and he convinces Zora to help him out. Rhys was amazing in this book - he's my favorite character in this series so far. Zora was pretty awesome herself, and, even though I don't usually care much for kids in romance books, little Casey was so much fun. There was so much emotion in this book, plenty of sexy times, as well as all the rugby and Maori references - I didn't want this book to end.
February 19, 2019
Let me say that none of the Escape to New Zealand books are ever duplicating any story lines. And this one about Rhys and Zora is packed full of “oh no, this can’t be happening” moments.
This story is full of hope, tragedy, heartbreak, tenderness, fun, kindness, and love beyond all else.
Rhys is 40 years old, done as a rugby player but now into coaching and is close to finalizing his divorce. Then he gets a call—his daughter’s mother has died and as the only living relative, finds himself in a situation he never dreamed of because he DID NOT KNOW he had a daughter.
Zora, widow and sister-in-law to Rhys (her late husband’s brother) reconnect by chance in a parking lot. There may have been some chemistry eons ago, but fate has now thrown them together for a reason—Rhys’ new circumstance as a father to a 6-year old.
The story progresses sweetly with many serious plot twists and much interaction devoted to their family units—especially the children, which I loved. But it’s not all sweetness. Zora and Rhys provide a substantial amount of heat. There definitely is a dominant side to him, expertly written and not a turn-off for those who like more than an alpha-male.
Culmination of the book involves a surprising scary ending. But happy, thank goodness.
This story is full of hope, tragedy, heartbreak, tenderness, fun, kindness, and love beyond all else.
Rhys is 40 years old, done as a rugby player but now into coaching and is close to finalizing his divorce. Then he gets a call—his daughter’s mother has died and as the only living relative, finds himself in a situation he never dreamed of because he DID NOT KNOW he had a daughter.
Zora, widow and sister-in-law to Rhys (her late husband’s brother) reconnect by chance in a parking lot. There may have been some chemistry eons ago, but fate has now thrown them together for a reason—Rhys’ new circumstance as a father to a 6-year old.
The story progresses sweetly with many serious plot twists and much interaction devoted to their family units—especially the children, which I loved. But it’s not all sweetness. Zora and Rhys provide a substantial amount of heat. There definitely is a dominant side to him, expertly written and not a turn-off for those who like more than an alpha-male.
Culmination of the book involves a surprising scary ending. But happy, thank goodness.
January 12, 2019
What a terrific story. The characters were well-written, extremely likable, and, well, interesting. Lots of unexpected things happening (don't want to give out spoilers), and a good job of resolving the conflicts. I particularly loved Casey Moana, a very bright six-year-old, as well as Isaiah, who is 8. All in all a terrific story, well written, and quite fun to read.
January 18, 2019
Lovely, just lovely!
Ms. James has outdone herself on this one. A new angle on the plot, lovely characters, enough angst to make it interesting, and wonderful romance. A great trip back to En Zed and a reunion with old friends.
I think this one is one of the top two on my list. This author has a unique ability to make each story fresh and new - you never feel as if you read it before. The characters the plots, and of course, the lovely country, keep me anxiously awaiting each new arrival.
Since it is winter here, pour yourself a hot toddy curl up in front of the fire with your favorite blankie, and enjoy a wonderful story by a gifted author.
Ms. James has outdone herself on this one. A new angle on the plot, lovely characters, enough angst to make it interesting, and wonderful romance. A great trip back to En Zed and a reunion with old friends.
I think this one is one of the top two on my list. This author has a unique ability to make each story fresh and new - you never feel as if you read it before. The characters the plots, and of course, the lovely country, keep me anxiously awaiting each new arrival.
Since it is winter here, pour yourself a hot toddy curl up in front of the fire with your favorite blankie, and enjoy a wonderful story by a gifted author.
January 16, 2019
This series gets better & better
I loved this book. The children's characters drew me in from the start & I appreciated how the ends aren't all tidy, that there isn't the obvious plot to resolve those ends.
My only wish was to see more of the previous characters!
I loved this book. The children's characters drew me in from the start & I appreciated how the ends aren't all tidy, that there isn't the obvious plot to resolve those ends.
My only wish was to see more of the previous characters!
January 14, 2019
I love to Escape to New Zealand. In some series, with each book you read, it seems like you are rehashing the same story. Not with these books.
Just Come Over can be read as a standalone. The only things it has in common with the other books in the series are being New Zealand based, some level of involvement with the All Blacks, good decent alpha males, strong sense of family, and strong independent women who love them.
The description explains the premise of the book, so there is no need for me to rehash it. All of the characters were really well written. From the first pages you get the feeling of escape, planting you firmly in NZ. I enjoy the descriptions of the homes, the landscape, the weather, etc. You also get to briefly revisit teammates and their partners from previous books.
There is a strong element of the romantic in this book. Yet, there is also a sexiness and sensuality that this author manages to smoothly incorporate in the storyline. It is also sweet, funny, snarky, and has some "hold your breath" suspenseful moments.
I highly recommend you take a chance on this romance. When I finish that last page, I leave with a smile on my face wishing I could have stayed longer.
Just Come Over can be read as a standalone. The only things it has in common with the other books in the series are being New Zealand based, some level of involvement with the All Blacks, good decent alpha males, strong sense of family, and strong independent women who love them.
The description explains the premise of the book, so there is no need for me to rehash it. All of the characters were really well written. From the first pages you get the feeling of escape, planting you firmly in NZ. I enjoy the descriptions of the homes, the landscape, the weather, etc. You also get to briefly revisit teammates and their partners from previous books.
There is a strong element of the romantic in this book. Yet, there is also a sexiness and sensuality that this author manages to smoothly incorporate in the storyline. It is also sweet, funny, snarky, and has some "hold your breath" suspenseful moments.
I highly recommend you take a chance on this romance. When I finish that last page, I leave with a smile on my face wishing I could have stayed longer.
January 15, 2019
I love Rosalind James’ work, I have read everything she has published. I have to admit, I was concerned about this one, the way the relationships interconnected, the histories involved….I needn’t have worried. This was an amazing book! I absolutely adored Rhys, he was everything I’ve come to expect in a hero, all the best parts rolled into a fierce package. I loved Zora too, not what I expected at first but such a wonderful strong woman, facing her life head on and getting on with it. Ms. James even managed to keep me from hating Dylan, and I REALLY wanted to, like really wanted to. The man couldn’t make a good decision for anything but Ms. James managed to imbue him with enough humanity that even though he failed, repeatedly, and I mean FAILED, I couldn’t hate him. I didn’t LIKE him but I managed to have some compassion for him. Can I just say I love how Ms. James writes children. Casey and Isaiah were awesome, not too much, not overwhelming the story but appropriately mature (or not sometimes) and fun to read. Fictional or not little Casey had me wrapped around her finger too. This is an amazing, heart twisting journey that was so wonderful to read. I loved seeing Finn and Jenna again too. There was nothing about this story I would change and if you’re looking for an amazing “love conquers all” story then look no further and buckle up for a great ride.
December 18, 2023
This book is really long, and it took me a while to get past the slow beginning (I think at almost 30%, the main characters had only gone through like 2 days where they had minimal interaction lol), but the length of the novel worked out in the end. It allowed the characters to really grow together. I thought this was especially important with the relationship between Rhys and Casey. It was also nice to see Zora and Rhys gradually grow into something they both had secretly wanted for years. Their relationship felt like a good slow burn that was well-earned in the end.
I also have to note how heartbreaking the relationship between Rhys and his brother Dylan were as kids. I really felt for Rhys whenever he reminisced on his past harsh treatment towards Dylan. I didn't think it was meant to excuse Dylan's behavior later on in his life with Zora, but I thought it was interesting to see events that helped shape him. I'm happy that Rhys feels like he has a chance to do better while raising Casey (and in extension, Isaiah).
Basically, this was a pretty great book with fantastic character development lol
I also have to note how heartbreaking the relationship between Rhys and his brother Dylan were as kids. I really felt for Rhys whenever he reminisced on his past harsh treatment towards Dylan. I didn't think it was meant to excuse Dylan's behavior later on in his life with Zora, but I thought it was interesting to see events that helped shape him. I'm happy that Rhys feels like he has a chance to do better while raising Casey (and in extension, Isaiah).
Basically, this was a pretty great book with fantastic character development lol
November 27, 2019
Much enjoyed. I particularly appreciated the well-written kid characters. And Rhys coping with his daughter as a new dad was very well done.
PSA: Rosalind James books are available on Kindle Unlimited. They are far above the usual quality of romances found there. Hers are one of my best KU discoveries.
PSA: Rosalind James books are available on Kindle Unlimited. They are far above the usual quality of romances found there. Hers are one of my best KU discoveries.
August 22, 2019
Go the mighty All Blacks
Heart wrenching story with the betrayal of one to supposed betrayal of another. But nobody knows the truth until little things pop up unexpectedly to clarify matters. It's a story that grips you from beginning to end but did drag on.
Heart wrenching story with the betrayal of one to supposed betrayal of another. But nobody knows the truth until little things pop up unexpectedly to clarify matters. It's a story that grips you from beginning to end but did drag on.
January 7, 2024
This series is amazing. Can't recommend it enough. And I loved this book so much. My heart felt so full after finishing this one. I want to read about the men on the All Blacks forever.
January 18, 2019
Review written: January 18, 2019
Star Rating: ★★★★½
Heat Rating: ☀☀☀☼☼
James' Escape to New Zealand books are why I love her so much and why I now read several of her series. It is the New Zealand/rugby books that continue to amaze me and Just Come Over was an absolute tour de force. James has truly outdone herself with this book.
Rhys is everything and I do mean everything I could want in a hero. He is strong, not just physically but also emotionally. He is gentle and tender and shows it. He is full of mana. He is... as close to Drew Callahan as you can get... he may even surpass Drew as my new favorite. He comes across as perfect because he is so incredibly honorable and self-sacrificing, doing the right thing no matter how hard or how much it might impact him negatively. Honestly, Rhys would be total fantasy-land if it weren't for the slight imperfection of his childhood. Despite that near-perfection that I often struggle with, I adored him.
Zora was more than a match for Rhys. Her own strength and gentleness show us the type of woman we all aspire to be. She's a great mother, a wonderful sister, a kind daughter (too kind in some ways), and the self-sacrificing wife who also does what is right even when it's insanely hard. Watching her with Isaiah and then later Casey, was simply wonderful and heart melting.
Additionally, Casey and Isaiah were spot on. Children can so often be tricky to write but James always does such a fabulous job of making them realistic for their age and place. Isaiah's hero worship of Rhys and his desire to please and do right was so sweet and seeing him struggle with it was equally awesome. I especially liked how it mirrored Rhys and Dylan's relationship.
Speaking of Dylan: He is dead but he is as strong a character and presence in this book as any of the living characters. James did a great job with that. He was never overpowering but his presence and existence is often at the heart of things making him a vital part of the story and a vital part of the lives of his family. For all his failings, and there were many, he still remained a complex and important part of the present.
This book was perhaps, a bit darker in tone at times as both Rhys and Zora struggled with doing what was right and doing what was easy and trying to make the right decisions in extremely difficult situations. With overt themes of sacrifice, infidelity, loss, difficult childhoods, it's hard for this book not to be darker. I cried more than once reading Just Come Over.
Some aspects of this darkness are inherent in the family relationships, which was my only quibble with this book. Rhys and Dylan's backstory felt more natural. But Zora's issues with her family felt highly problematic and continue a pattern that I think it's time to shake up a bit now.
This book was not a roller coaster of action, but a slow burn that just constantly upped the tension even as it soothed aching hearts. I'm a huge sucker for those slow burn books. While I gave this a "Hot" heat rating, it is closer to "Mild" with a ton of sexual tension that just gets racheted higher and higher. The presence of Isaiah and Casey certainly plays a role in that.
Just Come Over also includes something I have been hoping for for several books now: more rugby! I was thrilled to see some rugby action and as part of that action we get to see some of our hard rugby men from previous books. Finn was a big part of this book, but others made appearances on the pitch. Most notable on the pitch was Tom (Kors) who we met in Just Say (Hell) No and who I loved seeing because we get glimpses of him growing up both on the pitch and off. I'm so very ready for his book though I suspect it's still down the road a ways.
I'm more than ready for the next book in this series and so, so loved this amazing installment. Even better, Just Come Over can be read as a standalone. Yes, you'll get more out of it if you've read the series (see above) but you definitely don't miss anything if you haven't either. Just come over and give James a try if you haven't already.
This review is ©January 2019 by Monique N. and has been crossposted to Amazon.com.
Star Rating: ★★★★½
Heat Rating: ☀☀☀☼☼
James' Escape to New Zealand books are why I love her so much and why I now read several of her series. It is the New Zealand/rugby books that continue to amaze me and Just Come Over was an absolute tour de force. James has truly outdone herself with this book.
Rhys is everything and I do mean everything I could want in a hero. He is strong, not just physically but also emotionally. He is gentle and tender and shows it. He is full of mana. He is... as close to Drew Callahan as you can get... he may even surpass Drew as my new favorite. He comes across as perfect because he is so incredibly honorable and self-sacrificing, doing the right thing no matter how hard or how much it might impact him negatively. Honestly, Rhys would be total fantasy-land if it weren't for the slight imperfection of his childhood. Despite that near-perfection that I often struggle with, I adored him.
Zora was more than a match for Rhys. Her own strength and gentleness show us the type of woman we all aspire to be. She's a great mother, a wonderful sister, a kind daughter (too kind in some ways), and the self-sacrificing wife who also does what is right even when it's insanely hard. Watching her with Isaiah and then later Casey, was simply wonderful and heart melting.
Additionally, Casey and Isaiah were spot on. Children can so often be tricky to write but James always does such a fabulous job of making them realistic for their age and place. Isaiah's hero worship of Rhys and his desire to please and do right was so sweet and seeing him struggle with it was equally awesome. I especially liked how it mirrored Rhys and Dylan's relationship.
Speaking of Dylan: He is dead but he is as strong a character and presence in this book as any of the living characters. James did a great job with that. He was never overpowering but his presence and existence is often at the heart of things making him a vital part of the story and a vital part of the lives of his family. For all his failings, and there were many, he still remained a complex and important part of the present.
This book was perhaps, a bit darker in tone at times as both Rhys and Zora struggled with doing what was right and doing what was easy and trying to make the right decisions in extremely difficult situations. With overt themes of sacrifice, infidelity, loss, difficult childhoods, it's hard for this book not to be darker. I cried more than once reading Just Come Over.
Some aspects of this darkness are inherent in the family relationships, which was my only quibble with this book. Rhys and Dylan's backstory felt more natural. But Zora's issues with her family felt highly problematic and continue a pattern that I think it's time to shake up a bit now.
This book was not a roller coaster of action, but a slow burn that just constantly upped the tension even as it soothed aching hearts. I'm a huge sucker for those slow burn books. While I gave this a "Hot" heat rating, it is closer to "Mild" with a ton of sexual tension that just gets racheted higher and higher. The presence of Isaiah and Casey certainly plays a role in that.
Just Come Over also includes something I have been hoping for for several books now: more rugby! I was thrilled to see some rugby action and as part of that action we get to see some of our hard rugby men from previous books. Finn was a big part of this book, but others made appearances on the pitch. Most notable on the pitch was Tom (Kors) who we met in Just Say (Hell) No and who I loved seeing because we get glimpses of him growing up both on the pitch and off. I'm so very ready for his book though I suspect it's still down the road a ways.
I'm more than ready for the next book in this series and so, so loved this amazing installment. Even better, Just Come Over can be read as a standalone. Yes, you'll get more out of it if you've read the series (see above) but you definitely don't miss anything if you haven't either. Just come over and give James a try if you haven't already.
This review is ©January 2019 by Monique N. and has been crossposted to Amazon.com.
January 9, 2019
Rosalind James has added another winner to her New Zealand rugby romances. This is one of my favorites due to the two adorable, brave, and vulnerable children who are almost the real stars of the novel.
Rhys Fletcher recognized instantly that he was deeply attracted to his younger brother’s girlfriend who then became his wife. So he did the wise thing and tried to hide his attraction by staying away from them. The wife, Zora, met the brother when she was young and impressed by his charm. She soon learned that charm isn’t enough to keep the love warm when her spouse is selfish and cheating on her. They have a baby boy and she gives up her career hopes to raise her son. Then her husband dies without having taken elementary precautions to protect his wife and son financially.
Now Rhys is back in Auckland to coach the local team and he runs into his sister-in-law and nephew at the grocery store. He realizes that his attraction hasn’t diminished at all, in fact, it’s increased. He also realizes that he needs to step up to get to know his nephew. The eight-year old boy, Isaiah, is precocious with a preternatural ability to compute numbers and figure out how their expenses fit into the family budget. Zora is a loving mother who realizes that his focus on their expenses is his way of dealing with their precarious situation.
Rhys is just a solidly good guy. He maybe was a player as a young rugby star, but he’s near 40 now and has control over his actions and emotions. He feels guilty for how he treated his younger brother during a crummy childhood. When he gets a call and finds out that his brother used Rhys’s name to romance a waitress in Chicago and fathered a daughter with her, his reaction is to take responsibility for Casey, an adorable six-year old, whose mother just died and never met either her real father or the man whose name is on the birth certificate. He flies out to meet her and is struck instantly that this is a brave little girl who doesn’t really understand what has happened to her.
And that is when my heart just turned over with this book. It went from being a standard romance where the main plot point is how does a guy win over his former sister-in-law to a story about how does a good man with no experience around children since he was one take care of an orphaned little girl. Casey and Rhys’s scenes together are both funny and touching as Rhys finds out that he can’t expect a little girl to travel for almost 24 hours without getting something to do so he reads her a rather violent book on dinosaurs. He learns that a little girl who is traveling for the first time is going to be scared to go to the bathroom on a plane. And he learns the importance of always asking a little girl if she needs to go to the bathroom.
He also makes the crucial decision to not tell anyone (except those who guess) that he is not her real father. His reasons are so loving and selfless even though people are going to be contemptuous of a man who just met his own daughter after six years.
He turns to Zora for babysitting help as well as help understanding how to raise his new daughter. But his own instincts are just marvelous - maybe not what a mother would say, but what a child needs to hear sometimes from a father.
And Isaiah, not knowing that this little girl is his half-sister, still takes her under his wing because she’s his cousin and younger and needs his love. Your heart will just burst for these two kids and how bravely they face their worlds.
And don’t discount the growing romance between Rhys and Zora. They are finally ready to recognized what there has always been between them and Zora isn’t going to let her snobby parents or bad PR deter her.
The only rather minor complaint I have is that James has crafted such a noble hero and heroine while making the dead husband such a cretin. It wasn’t enough that he was a cheater and careless with his financial planning for both children even when he knew he was dying. He also had to be an awful father to his son by never playing rugby with him or taking him fishing. His only redeeming quality was his charm. Couldn’t he have played with Isaiah just a few times? Did he have to be totally despicable?
If you enjoyed any of her previous romances (which you didn’t have to have read to enjoy this book), you’ll love this new one. And if you haven’t read Rosalind James before, this will be a great entry point to a world that you’ll want to visit again and again.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from the author; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
Rhys Fletcher recognized instantly that he was deeply attracted to his younger brother’s girlfriend who then became his wife. So he did the wise thing and tried to hide his attraction by staying away from them. The wife, Zora, met the brother when she was young and impressed by his charm. She soon learned that charm isn’t enough to keep the love warm when her spouse is selfish and cheating on her. They have a baby boy and she gives up her career hopes to raise her son. Then her husband dies without having taken elementary precautions to protect his wife and son financially.
Now Rhys is back in Auckland to coach the local team and he runs into his sister-in-law and nephew at the grocery store. He realizes that his attraction hasn’t diminished at all, in fact, it’s increased. He also realizes that he needs to step up to get to know his nephew. The eight-year old boy, Isaiah, is precocious with a preternatural ability to compute numbers and figure out how their expenses fit into the family budget. Zora is a loving mother who realizes that his focus on their expenses is his way of dealing with their precarious situation.
Rhys is just a solidly good guy. He maybe was a player as a young rugby star, but he’s near 40 now and has control over his actions and emotions. He feels guilty for how he treated his younger brother during a crummy childhood. When he gets a call and finds out that his brother used Rhys’s name to romance a waitress in Chicago and fathered a daughter with her, his reaction is to take responsibility for Casey, an adorable six-year old, whose mother just died and never met either her real father or the man whose name is on the birth certificate. He flies out to meet her and is struck instantly that this is a brave little girl who doesn’t really understand what has happened to her.
And that is when my heart just turned over with this book. It went from being a standard romance where the main plot point is how does a guy win over his former sister-in-law to a story about how does a good man with no experience around children since he was one take care of an orphaned little girl. Casey and Rhys’s scenes together are both funny and touching as Rhys finds out that he can’t expect a little girl to travel for almost 24 hours without getting something to do so he reads her a rather violent book on dinosaurs. He learns that a little girl who is traveling for the first time is going to be scared to go to the bathroom on a plane. And he learns the importance of always asking a little girl if she needs to go to the bathroom.
He also makes the crucial decision to not tell anyone (except those who guess) that he is not her real father. His reasons are so loving and selfless even though people are going to be contemptuous of a man who just met his own daughter after six years.
He turns to Zora for babysitting help as well as help understanding how to raise his new daughter. But his own instincts are just marvelous - maybe not what a mother would say, but what a child needs to hear sometimes from a father.
And Isaiah, not knowing that this little girl is his half-sister, still takes her under his wing because she’s his cousin and younger and needs his love. Your heart will just burst for these two kids and how bravely they face their worlds.
And don’t discount the growing romance between Rhys and Zora. They are finally ready to recognized what there has always been between them and Zora isn’t going to let her snobby parents or bad PR deter her.
The only rather minor complaint I have is that James has crafted such a noble hero and heroine while making the dead husband such a cretin. It wasn’t enough that he was a cheater and careless with his financial planning for both children even when he knew he was dying. He also had to be an awful father to his son by never playing rugby with him or taking him fishing. His only redeeming quality was his charm. Couldn’t he have played with Isaiah just a few times? Did he have to be totally despicable?
If you enjoyed any of her previous romances (which you didn’t have to have read to enjoy this book), you’ll love this new one. And if you haven’t read Rosalind James before, this will be a great entry point to a world that you’ll want to visit again and again.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from the author; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
January 6, 2019
Oh my goodness, what a powerful story! Extremely emotional and very exciting in places. The two children in the story, Casey and Isaiah are very finely drawn, delightful children who take everything quite literally. When Rhys has to break the news to Zora and the children that there is a story in the newspaper about him and people might say horrid things, Casey, a very determined six year old says something that really made me giggle, look out for that in the middle of the chapter Strength Class 100. Not only is it funny, but you can absolutely visualise this little girl saying it.
Zora had been married to Rhys's brother Dylan, but he had not been a good husband. He had quite a few affairs, some of which she found out about. When her son Isaiah was born, he was very poorly, and had to have heart surgery, and Dylan had not been supportive. Eventually Zora decided enough was enough and was preparing to leave Dylan when he discovered he was terminally ill, and she was forced to stay, and look after him, he depended on her. But he was still keeping secrets.
After a long career in Rugby, including many appearances with the All Blacks, Rhys has returned to New Zealand as coach to the Blues rugby Team. He is just back when he bumps into Zora and Isaiah, quite literally, in a supermarket car park. He has been attracted to her ever since he met her ten years before. He is horrified that she has moved from a luxury home to a tiny, quite dilapidated house, he hadn't realised she was short of money, and felt that he had failed her. Then he hears some shocking news, and has to race off to Chicago to fetch a "daughter" he knew nothing about, whose mother had been knocked down and killed running to get to work on time. He is a very responsible man, despite no experience whatsoever he learns to be a father, and becomes very good at it, although Casey is a persuasive young lady, she can run rings round him to get what she wants.
The relationship between Zora and Rhys gathers pace, but there is opposition from family members, and a lot of hiccups before the grand declaration, and happy ever after. The tension builds and builds until the very exciting and terrifying climax that made me cry, big ugly tears! In fact there are several occasions in this book when I needed to dry my eyes! For goodness sake, I even cried at the descriptive tension of one of the rugby matches! Rosalind draws you in with all her books, and this one is no exception. A triumph! Well worth reading.
Zora had been married to Rhys's brother Dylan, but he had not been a good husband. He had quite a few affairs, some of which she found out about. When her son Isaiah was born, he was very poorly, and had to have heart surgery, and Dylan had not been supportive. Eventually Zora decided enough was enough and was preparing to leave Dylan when he discovered he was terminally ill, and she was forced to stay, and look after him, he depended on her. But he was still keeping secrets.
After a long career in Rugby, including many appearances with the All Blacks, Rhys has returned to New Zealand as coach to the Blues rugby Team. He is just back when he bumps into Zora and Isaiah, quite literally, in a supermarket car park. He has been attracted to her ever since he met her ten years before. He is horrified that she has moved from a luxury home to a tiny, quite dilapidated house, he hadn't realised she was short of money, and felt that he had failed her. Then he hears some shocking news, and has to race off to Chicago to fetch a "daughter" he knew nothing about, whose mother had been knocked down and killed running to get to work on time. He is a very responsible man, despite no experience whatsoever he learns to be a father, and becomes very good at it, although Casey is a persuasive young lady, she can run rings round him to get what she wants.
The relationship between Zora and Rhys gathers pace, but there is opposition from family members, and a lot of hiccups before the grand declaration, and happy ever after. The tension builds and builds until the very exciting and terrifying climax that made me cry, big ugly tears! In fact there are several occasions in this book when I needed to dry my eyes! For goodness sake, I even cried at the descriptive tension of one of the rugby matches! Rosalind draws you in with all her books, and this one is no exception. A triumph! Well worth reading.
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January 13, 2019Have to say, this is one the best books yet in one of the best long-running sports-romance series.
Premise in a nutshell: Stoical, self-disciplined, controlled Auckland rugby coach Rhys Fletcher has his life turned upside down when he finds himself -- thanks to his late brother’s appalling mix of recklessness and secrecy -- suddenly the only father available to an adorable 6 year-old girl named Casey, who’s just been orphaned. Rhy’s sister-in-law Zora (who’s also the mom of Rhys’s 11 year-old nephew Isaiah), knew her late husband Dylan was a disappointment and a cheater, but has no idea that he fathered a daughter with another woman -- and Rhys has no intention of adding that painful knowledge to her existing disappointment, even if it means he has to let the world think he was the jerk who went 6 years without acknowledging his daughter. Like most plans to hide deep family secrets, this one eventually fails spectacularly, providing the catalyst for a terrific story about morality, trust, honor, love, lust, and why bunny rabbits are so damn expensive (Casey has a thing for bunnies).
There’s plenty of healthy, full-on, no-holds-barred sex, but there’s also food for thought here that had me thinking about the book for days afterward, putting myself in the place of this or that character and wondering if I’d have done things differently. And there are some scenes that are just plain heart-in-your throat emotional. If you don’t at least mist up a little bit at some of the stuff in this book, I don’t even know what to tell you – I guess just that you have WAY more capacity for emotional distancing than I do. The fact that the kids in the book actually act and talk like a real-life 6 year-old and a real-life 11 year-old also adds to the emotional punch of the story, because, as in real life, they’re just doing their level best to cope with a world where the whole tenor of their lives depends on adult decisions they have no control over.
This isn’t a suspense novel – it’s heart-wrenching instead of gut-wrenching, I guess you’d say – but it has suspense-novel levels of emotional payoff, in terms of both a romantic love story and a family-formation love story. Can’t ask for much more than that.
Premise in a nutshell: Stoical, self-disciplined, controlled Auckland rugby coach Rhys Fletcher has his life turned upside down when he finds himself -- thanks to his late brother’s appalling mix of recklessness and secrecy -- suddenly the only father available to an adorable 6 year-old girl named Casey, who’s just been orphaned. Rhy’s sister-in-law Zora (who’s also the mom of Rhys’s 11 year-old nephew Isaiah), knew her late husband Dylan was a disappointment and a cheater, but has no idea that he fathered a daughter with another woman -- and Rhys has no intention of adding that painful knowledge to her existing disappointment, even if it means he has to let the world think he was the jerk who went 6 years without acknowledging his daughter. Like most plans to hide deep family secrets, this one eventually fails spectacularly, providing the catalyst for a terrific story about morality, trust, honor, love, lust, and why bunny rabbits are so damn expensive (Casey has a thing for bunnies).
There’s plenty of healthy, full-on, no-holds-barred sex, but there’s also food for thought here that had me thinking about the book for days afterward, putting myself in the place of this or that character and wondering if I’d have done things differently. And there are some scenes that are just plain heart-in-your throat emotional. If you don’t at least mist up a little bit at some of the stuff in this book, I don’t even know what to tell you – I guess just that you have WAY more capacity for emotional distancing than I do. The fact that the kids in the book actually act and talk like a real-life 6 year-old and a real-life 11 year-old also adds to the emotional punch of the story, because, as in real life, they’re just doing their level best to cope with a world where the whole tenor of their lives depends on adult decisions they have no control over.
This isn’t a suspense novel – it’s heart-wrenching instead of gut-wrenching, I guess you’d say – but it has suspense-novel levels of emotional payoff, in terms of both a romantic love story and a family-formation love story. Can’t ask for much more than that.
January 21, 2019
Yet another wonderful escape to En Zed with a hot rugby player!!
This is the 12th book in the wonderful Escape to New Zealand series by Rosalind James. Although this is the twelfth book in a series, this book just like all of the others in the series can be read as a stand alone.
This book is about Rhys Fletcher and taking the higher ground for a long time. Rhys first meets Zora ten years ago when she was his younger brother’s girlfriend. He felt drawn to her but his honor meant he had to step back. He went on to play rugby and tried to forget about her.
Fast forward to today and Rhys is back in En Zed and coaching rugby. He is coaching a local rugby team and trying to adjust to life back at home. He does what everyone does and is in the local grocery store when he bumps into his brother’s old girlfriend and her son. Zora has always had the impression that Rhys doesn’t care for her based on him being stand offish back ten years ago so she isn’t too sure what to make of him now
Zora and her son, Isaiah, are struggling and trying to make the best of things. Rhys’ brother was a bit of a screw up and never made any plans for if something should happen to him. When he died, his affairs were in a mess and he left Zora hurting in many ways, mainly financial. Zora knows that her brother is there to support her and that is it. So while Rhys may be tempting, Zora has to protect not only herself, but her son.
Rhys steps up to the plate and takes responsibility for his brother’s messes and finds himself falling in love with Zora. But can she open her heart and trust him? And can Rhys stand up to the pressures of cleaning up all of his brother’s messes and his own which includes a daughter he knew nothing about in the US?
As with all of Ms. James’ novels, there is a happy ending but her books are always about the path to the ending. There are bumps in the road but her characters are real with flaws but they preserver and find their way to making things work.
I did receive a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for a fair unbiased review. Although, I always review her books and always buy them as soon as they are available to purchase.
This is the 12th book in the wonderful Escape to New Zealand series by Rosalind James. Although this is the twelfth book in a series, this book just like all of the others in the series can be read as a stand alone.
This book is about Rhys Fletcher and taking the higher ground for a long time. Rhys first meets Zora ten years ago when she was his younger brother’s girlfriend. He felt drawn to her but his honor meant he had to step back. He went on to play rugby and tried to forget about her.
Fast forward to today and Rhys is back in En Zed and coaching rugby. He is coaching a local rugby team and trying to adjust to life back at home. He does what everyone does and is in the local grocery store when he bumps into his brother’s old girlfriend and her son. Zora has always had the impression that Rhys doesn’t care for her based on him being stand offish back ten years ago so she isn’t too sure what to make of him now
Zora and her son, Isaiah, are struggling and trying to make the best of things. Rhys’ brother was a bit of a screw up and never made any plans for if something should happen to him. When he died, his affairs were in a mess and he left Zora hurting in many ways, mainly financial. Zora knows that her brother is there to support her and that is it. So while Rhys may be tempting, Zora has to protect not only herself, but her son.
Rhys steps up to the plate and takes responsibility for his brother’s messes and finds himself falling in love with Zora. But can she open her heart and trust him? And can Rhys stand up to the pressures of cleaning up all of his brother’s messes and his own which includes a daughter he knew nothing about in the US?
As with all of Ms. James’ novels, there is a happy ending but her books are always about the path to the ending. There are bumps in the road but her characters are real with flaws but they preserver and find their way to making things work.
I did receive a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for a fair unbiased review. Although, I always review her books and always buy them as soon as they are available to purchase.
January 12, 2019
This latest addition the the Escape to New Zealand series can be read as a stand-alone.
Rhys Fletcher felt an instant attraction to his younger brother's girlfriend ten years ago when he first met her. As an honorable man he immediately distanced himself from her, which Zora and her son eventually interpreted to mean he didn't like them. His brother died a few years ago without making provisions for Zora and Isaiah which has complicated their lives, but they are coping as best they can. Her brother is a strong support she can lean on, (he was another great character!)
Rhys has finally come back to coach a local rugby team after years abroad and bumps into Zora and her son at the grocery store. He realizes that all is not well and that his irresponsible brother has left a mess behind again. To make matters worse, Rhys finds out that he also left a secret daughter in Chicago and that the Rhys is listed as the father in the birth certificate. Of course, being the honorable man he is, Rhys steps into the breach and fetches Casey to live with him. Zora being the compassionate woman she is, steps up to help him.
Ms. James does a great job writing well-rounded characters with real problems doing the best they can. Zora and Rhys deal with a mountain of real-life problems and just soldier on, never taking the easy way out. Along the way there's laughter and tears and twists and turns. The book flew by as I kept turning the pages to find out what came next.
The best part of the book, for me, was the relationship between the adults and the children, especially Casey and Rhys. It was never twee. It was moving and tender, as this hard man who had no real parenting examples fumbled his way to being a great dad. Zora was a bit reckless but never foolhardy. They complemented each other in the best of ways.
Added bonus, the sexual tension between them was a palpable and a testament to Ms. James' writing skills.
I highly recommend this book to anybody looking for a novel about well-rounded characters who manage to make their way to a satisfying HEA.
Rhys Fletcher felt an instant attraction to his younger brother's girlfriend ten years ago when he first met her. As an honorable man he immediately distanced himself from her, which Zora and her son eventually interpreted to mean he didn't like them. His brother died a few years ago without making provisions for Zora and Isaiah which has complicated their lives, but they are coping as best they can. Her brother is a strong support she can lean on, (he was another great character!)
Rhys has finally come back to coach a local rugby team after years abroad and bumps into Zora and her son at the grocery store. He realizes that all is not well and that his irresponsible brother has left a mess behind again. To make matters worse, Rhys finds out that he also left a secret daughter in Chicago and that the Rhys is listed as the father in the birth certificate. Of course, being the honorable man he is, Rhys steps into the breach and fetches Casey to live with him. Zora being the compassionate woman she is, steps up to help him.
Ms. James does a great job writing well-rounded characters with real problems doing the best they can. Zora and Rhys deal with a mountain of real-life problems and just soldier on, never taking the easy way out. Along the way there's laughter and tears and twists and turns. The book flew by as I kept turning the pages to find out what came next.
The best part of the book, for me, was the relationship between the adults and the children, especially Casey and Rhys. It was never twee. It was moving and tender, as this hard man who had no real parenting examples fumbled his way to being a great dad. Zora was a bit reckless but never foolhardy. They complemented each other in the best of ways.
Added bonus, the sexual tension between them was a palpable and a testament to Ms. James' writing skills.
I highly recommend this book to anybody looking for a novel about well-rounded characters who manage to make their way to a satisfying HEA.
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