Fantastic and different addition to the series

It is a refreshing book on many levels.

First it somehow manages to combine several romantic genres (rugby romance, suspense romance, fairytale romance) successfully and contain realistic characters. It is no spoiler to say that the fairytale aspect of this book is approached very differently than other romance books. And for readers, I think really, as long as you like a good romance with a slow, satisfying build-up you will love this book even if none of these genres appeal to you, because really, it is just a great multi-generational romantic tale of several characters. The interaction between the generations is particularly interesting in this book, and the grandfather's interactions with Iain and Nina are right up there with my favorite parts of this book.

It is completely different than other books in this series (which is true of all the books in the series) and not a rehash of an old plot.

Yes the romantic protagonists Iain and Nina have great chemistry and heat, but James really puts together an ensemble of characters with great chemistry and she looks at love from different perspectives. Nina is a particularly interesting character to me. Like Iain, it can be hard for me to see things from her point of view, but she always has tangible reasons and that is what makes what she does interesting.

Escape from New Zealand books are the cheapest ticket to New Zealand money can buy. Listening to any one from the series helps the listener explore the country, and this book is no different, but does explore a different part of the country.

As any listener of a series can tell you, it can be hard to adjust to a new reader, no matter how great the reader might be. And even though I believe it is great to hear what different readers can do with the readers, I experienced Claire Bocking withdraw for twenty minutes or so because I was so used to her. After those twenty minutes I could fully appreciate Emma Wilder's reading. She has a clear, easy to understand voice, does accents well, is good at reading the different characters and doing voice acting, and was pleasant to listen to. I would be happy to listen to other books she might have narrated.

I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

6 people found this helpful

A Love Story 3 Generations in the Making

Any additional comments?

Rosalind James' story is wonderfully narrated by Emma Wilder. Each of the characters come to life under Emma's skillful vocalizations. This story doesn't just include Iain and Nina's burgeoning relationship but it also includes the mature love story of Iain's parents - a love story doesn't really end at "I do". The third generation gives lessons learned from life long love given by the widowed grandfather. Truly a multi-generational love story. But be prepared - just because there's more than one generation doesn't mean there is any less steam. I highly recommend this great pairing of story and narration.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

6 people found this helpful

Just couldn't stop listening!

I was totally not expecting this book to be what it was. Yes, I knew it was a rugby romance centered around a fictitious All Blacks player and a runaway bride. But the story had me immediately hooked--more so than the other books in this series. If you've not listened to any of the previous Escape to New Zealand books, that's just fine because this book easily stands on its own. If you have listened to the series, you'll get catch-ups with a few previous players/partners in lesser detail than previous installments. Either scenario still means a great book that really pulls you in. (BTW--for those that have listened to the series, JSM pulls itself up to tie with Just This Once as my personal favorite. Iain and Nina also tie with Drew and Kate as my favorite hero and heroine. I was completely blown away by this book!) The starting premise of the book is a bit far-fetched (a runaway bride fleeing marrying a minor European prince; said bride takes off to New Zealand and lands a job as a caretaker/companion for a cantankerous 85 year old man) but it works because NZ is just the place where something like this *could* happen. And, let's be honest, not everything in realistic fiction has to be completely possible! Isn't that part of the point of fiction? What really makes the book believable are the setting and characters. Rosalind James takes the reader on a journey to the area around Kaiteriteri in the northern part of the South Island as well as parts of Auckland. I had absolutely no trouble picturing the settings + what I did Google while reading matched what was in my mind (and I've never been to NZ). I could see, hear, feel, and smell the surroundings! As for the characters? When one thinks runaway bride, one would probably expect as simpering, flighty fool but that's not what you get with Nina. She has her flaws, including that she has previously pretty much done as she's told, but her struggles and growth to change really drew me in. Iain may have thought she was a timid kitten but she becomes an independent (albeit unsure) woman with a sense of humor, a bit of snarkiness, and able to trust his adventurous nature in the bedroom (and the beach, and the garden). Iain is a huge, sexy man who loves his family, has a strong sense of duty to his family and teams, and has been wounded by being left standing at the altar himself. He's also quick to make assumptions about people, which gets him into trouble more than once. The twisting journey that Nina and Iain take as they come together is sweet, irritating, frustrating, exasperating, humorous, and quite steamy. As I said, Iain is sexually adventurous and helps Nina explore this side of herself. (If descriptive, steamy, send-you-up-in flames sex scenes including the f-word and some back door action might offend you, give this book a pass. You've be warned so please don't buy the audiobook knowing this going in and leave an awful review or rip Ms. James for it. It's just not some people's cuppa.). This book made me laugh out loud at the verbal sparring and humorous situations, groan because people can just be stupid, grit my teeth and growl at the audacity of people, fan myself and get a bit bothered at the sexy scenes, and cry--yes, I cried, something I rarely do while listening--at the vulnerability and heartache. I also really enjoyed the side storyline of Iain's parents & their own struggles as an older couple + his grandfather's learning to cope with losing the love of his life.

Ms. James decided to depart from her usual narrator (Claire Bocking) due to circumstances beyond her control. As a huge fan of Ms. Bocking's work, especially this series, I was really worried that Emma Wilder wouldn't be able to fill the shoes left for her. Was I WRONG in even thinking this! Ms. Wilder knocked it out of the park! I can't tell you how many times I forgot that when I was hearing Iain, it was actually an American woman reading the part of a Kiwi man! (and let me tell you, her version of Iain is swoonworthy--just enough growl in that Kiwi speech to make him real and believe you are listening to a 6'6" beast of a rugby player with a soft side for family). She gave each character their own voice. I had no problem telling who was talking during the dialog. Each had their own accent, cadence, tone, etc. that made them identifiable. Her emotion was appropriate for each scene without overdoing it. Her speech patterns are very natural and absolutely enhance the narration/dialogue. Ms. Wilder's performance took a fantastic book and made it that much better--this is probably my favorite performance of any audiobook to date! I look forward to more narration by Ms. Wilder and may even be checking out her other work outside this series.

Now for the legal part . . . I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own. If you look at my reviews here, on Amazon and Good Reads you will find that I don't always leave a 5 star review. BTW--I would have gladly purchased this audio book with my own funds/credits.

4 people found this helpful

Not every girl wants to be a princess...

This story is slightly different others in the series as it starts with a new narrator and a runaway bride. Emma is an excellent performer for the story! And Nina, the not-to-be-princess is fierce and brave, and escaped to NZ to find her own voice.

There are several stories intertwined in this book, but the characters are all connected. It is a suspenseful, romantic, comedy-drama (confused?) to keep you guessing at the twists and turns. I think this is my favorite of the series, though. Sexy and dynamic, whistful and suspenseful, reflective and thoughtful... the book has it all.

3 people found this helpful

Beautiful NZ Rugby Romance

What made the experience of listening to Just Stop Me the most enjoyable?

I love tough women. In my life, I love saying the phrase "watch me" when people tell me I can't do something. I definitely connect with Nina on this level. She's got walls up because she's overly guarded, and she'll fight back. I appreciated a character I could relate to.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Nina! Iain was great, but I really enjoyed Nina.

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

I haven't heard any of her other performances, but she did fantastic! Her accent was great. Sometimes a different accent can come off as cheesy but she did a fantastic job.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes! I couldn't stop listening to it. I had to pause occasionally to get some work done because I was so engrossed in the book.

Any additional comments?

This is a great addition to the Escape to New Zealand series. I recommend any of James' books!


I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The views expressed here are my own and I'm under no obligation to give a good review.

2 people found this helpful

I adore the new narrator!

I love this story of Nina and Iain. They are both broken and needing a good glue to repair them. For Nina, it's Iain's grandfather Arthur. What a lovely character. He is one of the most heartwarming characters I've ever read. And I really enjoyed the main character's story-however, the secondary story between Iain's parents is really strong and believable too. This is a great listen in the car. I think the new narrator is great in this story, and I very happily sat in the driveway listening to her. Well done!

2 people found this helpful

Fabulous story and narration!

This is absolutely one of my favorite books. I love the storyline because not everyone wants to be a princess and, of course, it has a happy ending (which, in my opinion, is necessary for romance novels!).
The narration is great! I was worried when a new narrator was chosen for this story, but she knocked it out of the park.
All I can say is, I loved listening to this book, twice so far!

2 people found this helpful

Lovely Rugby Romance

In this lovely rugby romance by Rosalind, Nina falls in love with Iaian, while Iaian parents find their lost love. Although the book is hard to put down, in the series of Escape to New Zealand, is the one that I enjoyed the least.
The narration is very clear although breathless at times.
I have to say that I did this review while traveling and it was very entertained on the plane listening to the story.

"I Received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and I was note required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own".

1 person found this helpful

Just stop me

Any additional comments?

Just Stop Me.....such a sweet story! It happens to be just one of my favorites in the Escape To New Zealand series.

I highly recommend listening to this book on Audiobook! Emma Wilder does a fabulous job bringing this story and these characters to life. I always look forward to hearing Ms. James books on audio.

When I had the opportunity to read this books a while back, I wasnt sure how i felt about Iian. As i read further into the book he started growing on me. I ended up loving Iian....along with Nina, Arthur, Carmella and Graeme. Great set of characters!

Though Nina and Iian didnt start off with and instant attraction for each other, as their relationship grew, so did my feelings for Iian. He had me pulling for him and Nina until the very end,

Nina is set to marry Prince Matthias and is set to become his Princess. As the wedding approaches, Nina starts having second thoughts and decides this is not what she wants. She becomes a runaway bride and ends up hiding out in New Zealand. Iians mom, Carmella, hires her to be a caregiver to her father, Arthur. This is where the storyline starts to blossom for everyone, Though I loved the storyline between Iian and Nina, I loved the relationship between Nina and Arthur as well. All 3 storylines in this book were awesome.
Very well written.

I definitely recommend you listen to this book. I dont think you will be disappointed. Definitely worthy!

* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and i was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own,

1 person found this helpful

Three times the Love!

If you could sum up Just Stop Me in three words, what would they be?

Love times three!

What did you like best about this story?

I of course enjoyed the setting, a new part of New Zealand to experience. I also enjoyed Arthur's verbal sparring with Nina and Iain.

Which character – as performed by Emma Wilder – was your favorite?

Arthur

1 person found this helpful