For fans of the Escape to New Zealand series readers are familiar with Hemi and Reka. Readers know them as long married couple with a couple of kids when you read book number one in the series, Just This Once.

Rosalind James wrote a novella depicting how the two came to meet each other and eventually marry in this novella. The main reason why I gave this only four stars even though I loved the storyline was there was no real tension. We already know that Hemi and Reka are a couple so having there be angst between them doesn't really cause me as reader to get all worked up and hope they work things out. I already know they work things out. It was great to read a romance featuring a Maori couple and you get to read how important it was to them both to be near their family and how important their culture was to them.

This novella starts 6 years before book one so we do get some look at characters like Drew but once again I have to say since we already know what becomes of him it didn't really reveal anything interesting.

When the book starts we have Hemi just floating around acting like Leonardo DiCaprio around Victoria Secret models (i.e. like a kid in a candy store). Hemi runs into Reka and realizes that he had a fling with Reka a year ago at a wedding and would like to get reacquainted. Reka of course is not enthused with Hemi doing his best to act cajole her into getting together just for fun.

As I said earlier what I really like reading about is the Maori culture, how important family is to them and how most things center around their families. All in all this was a fairly quick and enjoyable romance read. ( )

I LOVE these books! They're all good as a stand alone, and I've read them all out of order so far anyway. But, they're lovely & make me want to go to New Zealand even more than I already did... ( )

quick, fun, simple and a good read. This inspires me to read more of these. But probably on a plane or holiday when I don't want anything to challenging. I thought the characters were clear and easy to identify with. The language was very evocative of the setting. A lovely read ( )

Thank you to the author for this story - it came to me for review as part of the boxed set, "Love Down Under". This author was new to me and I loved this story. I would gladly read more of her work. This steamy story of Hemi and Reka introduced me to new Maori terms, a bit more about Rugby than I ever knew before and provided a wonderful read. I liked both Hemi and Reka and was rooting for them throughout the story. ( )

Welcome to New Zealand ... land of Kiwis and everything rugby! In Just For You, the prequel novella to the Escape to New Zealand series, author Rosalind James provides the reader with a wonderful tale of romance that starts the whole series with the story of Hemi Ranapia and Reka Harata.

Just For You provides the reader with a romantic relationship and rugby theme set in New Zealand that continues in each book of the series, it is a happy feel good kind of romance story that simply makes you smile. Written in the third person narrative, the reader follows Hemi and Reka's journey from each of their perspectives as their love story unfolds. The story flows smoothly as Hemi and Reka relationship develops with issues and basic relationship yearnings, steamy interactions, and some dramatic twists and turns that keeps the reader turning the pages.

True to the other books in the series, the author provides the reader with stories that are set in New Zealand and revolve around the popular sport of rugby. The attention to detail and description of New Zealand's history and dialect, and the nuance of the professional game of rugby will peak the reader's interest and imagination.

I enjoyed the author's character development of Hemi and Reka throughout the story. After reading all of the other books in the series, I was so excited and happy to finally get to read this amazing couple's love story. With an interesting cast of characters; engaging dialogue and interactions; and a storyline that mixes humor, drama and romance; Just For You is a heartwarming and enjoyable read!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Reading Addiction Virtual Book Tours.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2014/09/just-for-you-by-rosalind-james... ( )