Cat's Books: Romance

No shirt, no shoes, no … problems? 

Hemi Ranapia isn’t looking for love. Fun, yes. Love, not so much. But a summer fishing holiday to laid-back Russell could turn out to be more adventure than this good-time boy ever bargained for. 

Reka Harata hasn’t forgotten the disastrously hot rugby star she met a year ago, no matter how much she wishes she could. Too bad Hemi keeps refusing to be left in her past. 

Sometimes, especially in New Zealand’s Maori Northland, it really does take a village. And sometimes it just takes a little faith. 

NOTE: This 36,000-word (120-page) novella begins about six years before the events of JUST THIS ONCE, and yes, it gets a little steamy at times, because Reka and Hemi are just that way. It can be read as a stand-alone book, even if this is your first escape to New Zealand.

Review

This rewritten novella is a must read for anyone who has been loving Rosalind James' Escape to New Zealand Rugby Series. It is Reka's and Hemi's not so cute meet. They are a beloved and well established couple when the main series begins six years after the events of this book with Just This Once.

Even if you haven't read the Series, this novella stands on its own as a very good read but you will get much more pleasure from it if you read it after a few of the other books in the series. If you haven't read those books, get to it! You are missing out on a wonderful set of contemporary romances.

Hemi is a great hero who admits mistakes and is in the process of settling into full adulthood. Reka values herself and makes for a simply lovely heroine. We get a Maori couple and to see the role this culture plays in their courtship. We get actual courtship which is rare in Romance these days and much appreciated.

It is a sexy and emotionial read.

I love the additional scenes added into make what was a short storyinto a novella. They really add depth and nuance. If you bought the short story, this novella is worth your money to see the fuller tale.

As always with James, the romance is touchingly truthful and showcases the culture and scenery of New Zealand.

I was given this book for my honest review. So, there you have it.