Book Reviews: Book 27-30

Books 27-30 were also a part of series.  When I read a series, I have a hard time stopping until I've completed the whole set.  The first 2 books in this series I downloaded onto my Kindle for Free.  Realizing there were 2 more and that they were only $2.99 each, I decided to splurge and get the rest of the series. 
 Book 1 Just This Once by Rosalind James
 The first book in the Escape to New Zealand series is about Hannah, an overworked clothing executive. She is desperately in need of a break not just from her job, but from being in charge of her little brother and sister.  Hannah has been in control for so long that she decides to do something crazy, in her world at least, and escape for a 3 week trip to New Zealand.  An avid swimmer she takes her first trip to the beach the day after arriving and gets stuck in a rip tide.  She is frantically trying to break free from it when she is rescued by Drew.  As a resident of the country he offers to show her around while she is there on her vacation.  Of course, the young couple suddenly finds themselves drawn to each other.  What will happen when it is time for Hannah to return to the States. Will she be able to leave Drew forever.  What will he do, can he turn his back on his homeland? Hannah is in for a surprise ahead as well when she realizes who he really is.  Will their relationship last through the new challenges it faces? You'll just have to read book one to find out.

Book 2  Just Good Friends by Rosalind James
The second book in the series follows the lives of Kate and Koti.  Kate is a American seeking refuge from a horrific past.  She comes to New Zealand knowing it might be the one place on earth she can truly escape.  Once there she meets Koti, the self absorbed, rugby hero.  She finds herself placing a bet with him that he can't be "just friends" with a female.  As they begin to spend time together they discover that it might be hard for both of them to keep the bet.  The closer their friendship gets, the more danger Kate finds herself in.  Her past is beginning to catch up with her, and it just may be that only Koti can help her finally escape.

Book 3  Just for Now by Rosalind James
Jenna has come to New Zealand with the love of her life, and after marrying him discovers he's not who she thought he was.  Instead of living the dream she imagined she finds herself creating a new one.  When her teaching time is up she moves on to another area of New Zealand so that she can start fresh.  Of course having a job is the only thing that will allow her to stay in the country so she applies to be a nanny.  Her love for children helps land her the perfect job as a nanny for Rugby star Finn.  As she falls in love with the children, and her now perfect little family, she begins to realize that in reality they aren't her family at all.  Is Finn interested in changing that situation?  Will they discover that together they can create the dream life for both of them?

Book 4  Just for Fun by Rosalind James
Emma has had to build a life for her and her son for the past 1several years, after a nonhoneymoon honeymoon leaves her expecting her greatest gift ever.  Nic has been making his way to the top of the rugby world.  One look at the little boy at rugby camp knocks Nic back on his heels.  Could this little boy be his? Will Emma except his apology for leaving her stranded?  Will this new parenting relationship change the rest of their friendships and careers as well.  Can something that was just for fun, become the piece of life they have been missing for so long?

In order to really understand these characters and their stories, as well as how they are interconnected you'll have to read the books.  They are all a bit "steamy", which is not typically what I read.  I was drawn into the stories of their lives though after the first book, and decided to just skim past the parts that I wouldn't normally read.

Overall I'd give the series 3 stars.  I liked the stories, but wished they could happen without the steam!