• If you are reading this, you have discovered one of my favorite authors of romance. Ms. James is a master story-teller and weaves wonderful imagery and the flavor of the local environment into her tales. She had me hooked from the very first Escape to New Zealand story I read. I am so impressed with the details she writes into the background, scenery, the characters, everything really.
• Setting / foreground/background
○ The descriptions of the geography and the New Zealand, in general are meticulous and compelling. All the imagery of such a beautiful country, and the mannerisms and local cultural references of the locals were fascinating. The author includes a helpful Kiwi glossary of New Zealand local lingo and unique cultural references to help the reader connect to the story and the characters more deeply.
• The character development.
○ The characters were absolutely genuinely heartwarming and lovely to read about, very realistically drawn and compelling the reader to cheer them on.
○ The hero, Marko, is: mature and family-minded, he's a focused on his career - a more SERIOUS player but not a serious PLAYER - he coaches the younger ones and keeps them out of trouble. He's a bit jaded -and grouchy (in a lovable, teddy-bear sort of way), sexy without acting like he knows it, tender when it comes to his family, and emotionally developed. He has a very deep connection with his family and supports them in many ways - especially his pregnant 16 year old cousin Ella. He's well-respected by his teammates and family.
○ The heroine, Nyree: Fiercely independent and quirky woman, who has had a crush on Marko since she was an awkward gawky 14 year old girl. She grew up in a rugby family, with a coach dad and protective, older step-brothers and has seen her share of awkward moments with the opposite sex. She's not shy and vulnerable anymore though - and determined not become some rugby star's plaything. She's an artist, making a living doing rich people's pet portraits, and agrees to be a companion for Ella for the duration of her pregnancy. Trying desperately not to fall in love with Marko - her teenage crush.
○ The secondary characters were so funny and well-drawn, I felt like I almost knew them, and could picture myself having conversations with them. I loved Ella and her would-be love interest, Marko's teammate. Ella and Nate deserve their own story (once Ella grows up a little). Ella's maturity amazed me in all the challenges she faced as a pregnant teenager, and then when things got tough(er) she rose to the occasion and really made the story come alive for me.
• What this book meant to me-how I felt about it
This book is funny, very touching and emotional, very sexy, and has quickly overtaken my #1 favorite book of Ms. James. She has really hit this one out of the park! It is special to me also because I became a mom as a teenager, myself, and could really relate to all the obstacles Ella faced, and the struggle to grow up while still remaining a girl in a lot of ways. It really hit home for me about her making choices for the good of her child-that she would have to live with her whole life.
A special part of the story for me is:
I loved when Marko took Nyree home to meet his family - and what his family meant to him. It was very touching when we learned more about the story of Marko's grandmother. That story is a really special part of their Australian/NZ culture and I would love to see this explored further in future books. I think this is where Marko discovers he is truly in love with her. The emotional depth of these characters moved me immensely.
Oh, and by the way, this book is VERY steamy and sexy. Not for the faint-of-heart or those embarrassed easily. I felt a little out of my comfort zone with some of the scenes, but I felt that it is written in context of two consensual adults falling madly, deeply in love and it works for them. Their 'tastes' have a bit of an edge, but it is not written in a trashy way either. There is a good balance of buildup and tension -and the more sensual feelings developed - evolving to love. This book really has it all for me.
Conclusion: The story concludes with some pretty tear-jerking moments and I'm so happy these two come together in this lovely romance. The struggles they (and Ella) dealt with were very realistic and I hope you will discover and love these characters, and the scenery as much as I did. Now go find a new escape - Escape to New Zealand and meet many wonderful characters with fascinating stories.
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More like Just Say (Hell) No: A Rugby Romance (Escape to New Zealand Book 11)
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Top reviews from other countries
Client Amazon
One of the best in the series!
Reviewed in France on February 19, 2018CF Reader
A big resounding five stars. Another fabulous Escape to New Zealand!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 14, 2018
Izzy
The best yet! Absolutely captivating.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 14, 2018