• Just Say Yes

  • Escape to New Zealand, Book 10
  • By: Rosalind James
  • Narrated by: Emma Wilder
  • Length: 12 hrs and 31 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (651 ratings)

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Just Say Yes  By  cover art

Just Say Yes

By: Rosalind James
Narrated by: Emma Wilder
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Publisher's summary

Some fires warm you up. And some burn you down.

Kevin McNicholl may be a brutal force on the rugby field, but off the field, the star New Zealand All Black is a famously nice guy. His new tenant, though, arouses more than his protective side. She sets him on fire. Pity he's evicting her.

Every woman deserves her dreams. Chloe Donaldson can't afford dreams, though, so she's given them up. Marriage, her ballet career, and now, her beautiful tower apartment with its view of the sea. Her new landlord is kicking her out, along with her three-year-old son, Zavy.

She should hate him. But when a man looks at you like that, it's so easy to lose your focus.

©2017 Rosalind James (P)2017 Rosalind James

What listeners say about Just Say Yes

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Just Say YES to "Just Say Yes"

Where does Just Say Yes rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I'd say I would rank it pretty high in my book listening library. Emma did a great job and it is a wonderfully engaging story.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The heroine, Chloe Donaldson: Jilted at the alter while 9 months pregnant with her partner's child, she is a strong-willed independent young single mother, and a great friend of Josie (previously introduced in "ETNZ -Just Not Mine". She is a former professional dancer-prima ballerina, and now a ballet school owner. She is strong, and fiercely independent – a smart, admirable woman.

Which scene was your favorite?

A special part of the story for me is Kevin returns from a road trip and finds Chloe dancing by herself with such an intensity that they share a passionate reunion. The emotional depth of these characters moved me immensely.

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

Yes, absolutely! I listen in the car on my way to/from work and it is tough to break it up that way because you get engrossed in the story.

Any additional comments?

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.

I fell in love with the characters and the setting of the book immediately. The characters were absolutely genuinely heartwarming and lovely to read about, very realistically drawn and compelling the reader to cheer them on.

The hero, Kevin, is everything us women love in a good hero: athletic and physically gorgeous, he's sweet and smart, sexy, vulnerable, and emotionally sensitive . He has a very deep connection with his family and supports them financially – even housing many of them while they're in college. He's well-respected by his teammates and family.

The heroine, Chloe Donaldson: Jilted at the alter while 9 months pregnant with her partner's child, she is a strong-willed independent young single mother, and a great friend of Josie (previously introduced in "ETNZ -Just Not Mine". She is a former professional dancer-prima ballerina, and now a ballet school owner. She is strong, and fiercely independent – a smart, admirable woman.

The secondary characters were so funny and well-drawn, I felt like I almost knew them, and could picture myself having conversations with them. Chloe's mom is an interfering control-freak, but loves her daughter and grandson fiercely and just wants the best for them. Chloe's dad is supportive and strong, yet somewhat reserved.


Plot development
When we first meet Chloe, she is a ballet school owner and teacher, and a former prima ballerina. Kevin and she had met earlier at her best friend Josie's wedding a few months earlier (Josie and Hugh's story is Just Not Mine). We have met Kevin in previous ETNZ books, and we just knew he was another All Black, a great guy, and funny. In other words, another great hero-worthy character for a Rosalind James story.

What this book meant to me-how I felt about it

This book is long-awaited and Ms.James has really hit this one out of the park! Chloe and Kevin deserved their own HEA and now Ms. James has given us their wonderful story. I loved when Chloe stood up to her mother and took back control over the situation with her son. She really stood her ground and refused to be bulldozed or manipulated by her well-intentioned but meddling mother. I think she finally gained some much –deserved respect after that.

It was very touching when Kevin was leaving on a long road trip and Zavy gives him his stuffed toy Walter to keep him company. It was such a sweet scene. I loved how Kevin goes into protector mode when he went to confront Chloe's ex and tells him how things are going to be.

Oh, and by the way, this book is VERY steamy and sexy. Not for the faint-of-heart or those embarrassed easily. It doesn't go overboard with graphic sex scenes either. A good balance of buildup and tension -and the more sensual feelings developed - evolving to love.

What does Emma Wilder bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

This is my first experience with this narrator. I thought Ms. Wilder did a fantastic job navigating back and forth between different personalities and emotions, both male and female. Chloe's son, Zavy is 3 years old and I loved how Emma portrayed him. At first it took some getting used to for me, but 3 year olds do not talk like adults, and it has been a long time since my kids were little. The performance was excellent! I just loved the secondary characters as well. Her portrayals of the various dialects and personalities were just wonderful! She was also able to distinguish the characters from each other very well and had a great range of emotions and expressions of personality. Very well done.

Conclusion: The story concludes with some pretty tear-jerking moments and I'm so happy these two worked things out in the end. The struggles they 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.


I purchased the ebook for Kindle, but I received a free copy of this audio 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.

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Just Say Yes to Reading This Book

Ballerina meets rugged rugby player. What more do you need for a good book? Rosalind James’s Escape to New Zealand series may be my all time favorite. Her female characters are strong and independent without being hard. Her male characters are kind and loving and masculine as….well you know where I’m going.

Chloe Donaldson has seen some hard times. Left at the altar and pregnant, she is facing a difficult life. Three years later, she finally feels contented. She and her son, Zavy, are making a good life.

Kevin McNicholl, thriving rugby player for the NZ All Blacks, is a conscientious family man and is trying to provide a good home for his sisters, and his brother and his family. He purchased the ideal house for just that. But he has one problem; he has to evict the current tenants of his upstairs apartment—Chloe Donaldson, and her young son.

That isn’t as easy as it sounds because there seems to be some kind of heat between them! Good stuff and the road to the finish is delightful. This is a wonderful love story. Rosalind never disappoints in these NZ books.

Side note, I love the narrator, Emma Wilder. She does an awesome job.

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.

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Just Say Yes to the Lovely Book

Any additional comments?

It was with great happiness and joy that I reviewed Just Say Yes (Escape to New Zealand, Book 10) when it was first released in print. I was thrilled that Rosalind James had returned to her literary roots of writing sweet stories with strong, likable lead characters. Being set in New Zealand was a bonus. Not surprisingly, the book was well received. Now the book has been released in an audio format and, I am pleased to say, it is just as enjoyable and well worth a listen, losing none of its charm and with excellent narration by Emma Wilder.

Just Say Yes made my heart sing and I loved reading it.  I appreciated that Chloe Donaldson, while carrying some baggage, wasn’t overly brooding and fearful. Chloe is a former star ballerina whose career was derailed first by an injury and then an unexpected pregnancy and failed engagement. A strong, disciplined woman, she does what most women would do and comes up with a Plan B and, though not her dream, she opens a ballet school. Kevin MacNichol is nearly perfect and I won’t complain about that. Kevin is a wonderful young man, fully engaged in helping his family to the point that his younger twin sisters are living with him and he has purchased a house with an attached apartment for his brother and family to move into. Unfortunately for Chloe, this means that she needs to find another place to live in Auckland’s pricey and limited rental market. While she is hunting for a place to live, she becomes well acquainted with Kevin and his twin sisters. Along the way she also meets much of Kevin’s family.  The relationship between Chloe and Kevin and how he offers support and encouragement without being too overbearing, is the main focal point of the book. I include the relationship of Chloe and Zavy and the relationship of Kevin and Zavy in this storyline because, ultimately, Zavy is a part of Chloe and, therefore, Kevin’s relationship with Chloe, a part that Kevin welcomes with open arms.

The secondary storyline involves Chloe, her parents and her ex, Richard Clemmons. Chloe’s parents, though not necessarily of the huggy and kissy variety, have been supportive of her over the past three years while she has been raising her son, Zavy (Xavier), alone. Their relationship, particularly Chloe’s relationship with her mother, develops a big rift when her mother allows Zavy’s father back into his life without talking it out with Chloe first. Their relationship, though not severed, is further stressed as her mother pushes for Chloe to allow Zavy to spend more time with his father, Rich, and initially defends his less than stellar parenting abilities. This goes against all of Chloe’s best instincts. While it is the law in New Zealand that Rich be allowed to see Zavy, Chloe rightfully feels betrayed by her mother’s actions. Rich is not the least bit likable. 

How the two storylines play out is so enjoyable to listen to and how the book ends (no spoilers here!) will delight the listener. 

Beyond these two primary storylines, there is the interaction between Kevin’s twin sisters and how Chloe is able to help them resolve their own issues. The twins relationship is very true to life and add depth to the story. The book also includes a few characters found in other New Zealand books, most notably Josie Pae Ata, now married to Hugh Latimer. Other All Blacks have brief cameos.

This is a wonderful, heartwarming book and I cannot recommend it highly enough. I strongly encourage any listener who enjoys romance and certainly fans of Rosalind James to buy this book immediately. This is one of my favorites in the Escape to New Zealand series and it is in my stack of books to be re-read and savored.
 

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I love Kevin and Chloe. My new favorite ENZ couple

I can't lie-this is one of my very favorite series. I have grown to love Emma-the new narrator. She really does a good job switching genders, ages, and accents. I love love LOVE this story because I feel like I've been waiting for it for ages. Kevin is tough but soft, as is Chloe. Their story is sweet and hot. Zavi is the cutest kid ever. And as always, these are well written and SMART. You can't go wrong with Rosalind James. Ever.

 "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.”

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A Ballerina and an All Black? Definitely Passion I

This is another rugby romance taking place in the Land of the Long White Cloud by Rosalind James. This story is Kevin and Chloe's story. Kevin is an All Black and despite his size and stature, he is just another every day bloke who looks out for his family. Chloe is a single mum raising her young son in a flat she rents that is in an older home. The older home that Kevin has just bought and plans to use to help keep his younger sisters on the right track as they go to uni and rent the flat to his brother and sister in law.

When Kevin meets Chloe, things do not necessarily start off on the path to romance. Although things slowly change as they become friends and Kevin tries to help Chloe find a new place. And in the process of helping Chloe, Kevin falls in love with her. But Chloe has hardened her heart against romance and is not that willing to let Kevin into her life.

The narrator keeps a steady pace and has a wonderful voice. I enjoyed listening to this audio book as much as I enjoyed reading the novel.

I did receive a free copy of this audio book from the author in exchange for a free and unbiased review.

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very relatable

My favorite thing about all of Rosalind James' books is how relatable the characters are. At least once in each of her stories I think, "that just happen to someone I know" or "that's exactly how I feel." Just Say Yes is no exception. I feel like I related to Chloe more than any other character I've read. Not because I have a lot in common with her, I actually have pretty much nothing in common with her. However, in each situation I think I would have handled it the same way she did.
This is the 10th book in the Escape to New Zealand series but you do not need to read any prior books to follow it. The main characters Kevin and Chloe appeared in previous stories and I was excited to see them get their own. My favorite character is Chloe's son, Zavy. His toddler antics provide plenty of LOL moments. The romance is sweet and Kevin is the perfect step-father material. He is a rugby player but the sport does not feature prominently in the story. Ballet, however, does. It was interesting to learn about the dance culture. I love that I always learn something new each book in the series.
As for the narrator, she did an awesome job! And I'm a harsh critic when it comes to audiobook narration. She switched between American and New Zealand accents flawlessly and held all the emotion necessary of a romance reader. Even better, I liked her toddler voice, which had the potential to be annoying in the wrong hands.

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.

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Another favorite!

Every time I read or listen to this author's books I think "this one is my favorite", but in all honesty they all are perfect.
Once again she has new characters and a new storyline that will keep you listening and possibly playing it again after it is finished. I do love the New Zealand rugby stories with their steady rugby heroes and strong women influence.
The narration by Emma Wilder is excellent!

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A Shining Star in the Escape to New Zealand Series

Any additional comments?

Emma Wilder brings to life Rosalind James' jewel of a story. If you have been following the Escape to New Zealand series (and how could you not) you've met Kevin. Kevin has always been the nice guy next door but then he has to ask Chloe and her son to move out of the upstairs apartment in the house he just bought. Not an auspicious way to start a new romance. But they cannot seem to resist their attraction to each other.

Entwined with their romance are the struggles of a single mom who's ex unexpectedly takes an interest is actually being a father to his son, a brother who tries to do right by his family even if it ends up hurting his new romance, twin sisters learning to grow up but not apart, and much more. This book is filled with courage, humor, rugby, ballet, and some really, hot, steamy scenes.

Emma's performance is truly exceptional. Her versatile characterizations were a joy to listen to.

"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.”

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A Great Addition to the "Escape to NZ" series

What was one of the most memorable moments of Just Say Yes?

"Just Say Yes" is such a wonderful book and the characters are so much fun - and not just the primary characters - the family members (and ex-) are fun to love & hate.

I previously read the Kindle version of this book and loved it, but what is interesting is how listening to the audiobook can change the tone and make the book even more dramatic and emotional than reading the same words. And so the characters are even more lovable, more vile, and the ending more suspenseful than the reading. Makes for some interesting driving!

While they say "opposites attract" - can you imagine a big, burly world-class All Blacks rugby player and a petite, graceful world-class ballerina together? The most memorable moments of this book were hearing them realize how much they actually have in common - dedication to their respective craft, sacrifice, muscles, injury & comeback, fame, and more. The funniest one had to be where .... wait a minute .... no spoilers here! Guess you've got to listen for yourself!

Any additional comments?

I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. This is my personal opinion.

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A Ballet dancer and a Rugby player.. perfect match

Any additional comments?

Just about every book Ms. James has written in the New Zealand series is my favorite then she writes another, and well I then have a new favorite! Just Say Yes, had me from the first few chapters. Ms. James wrote Just Say Yes so beautiful. If you've read her previous Escape to New Zealand books you are used to her well written and wonderful description of both New Zealand and Rugby, well this time she out did herself with her ballet descriptions, she made you feel as though you were with Kevin standing there watching Chloe dance, truly beautiful!!

In Just Say Yes, Chloe is a single mom to a 3 yr old Zavy. She is a former ballet dancer who owns her own dance school and was stood up at the alter by her son's father. Kevin is a Rugby player who has recently purchase the house she was renting. Kevin and Chloe have met a few times previously but both times Kevin was with another lady. From the moment Kevin sees Chloe dancing his smitten with her. Kevin quickly falls for Chloe and her Zavy wanting nothing more than to have them with him, he's Zavy's hero on more than one occasion. Just Say Yes, is about family big and small, believing in yourself and overcoming your fears!

Emma Wilder's performance was great. She transitions well from one character to the next, I did have some minor issues with her reading Zavy the 3 yr old, I felt sometimes she made him sound very babyish. It truly is a pleasure to sit back and listen to her read the story. I was sad that it was over, this will definitely be a book I listen to again and again!

"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.”

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