{Review} A Lot Like Love by Julie James

A Lot Like Love
Series: FBI / US Attorney #2
By: Julie James
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Source: Library
Buy: Amazon, Book Depository

The FBI wants her cooperation.

As the daughter of a billionaire and the owner of the city's top wine store, Jordan Rhodes is invited to the most exclusive parties in Chicago. But there's only one party the FBI wants to crash: the charity fundraiser of a famous restaurateur, who also happens to launder money for the mob. In exchange for her brother's release from prison, Jordan is going to be there—with a date supplied by the Bureau.

Agent McCall just wants her.

As the top undercover agent in Chicago, Nick McCall has one rule: never get personal. This "date" with Jordan Rhodes is merely an assignment— one they're both determined to pull off even if they can't be together for five minutes before the sarcasm and sparks begin to fly. But when Nick's investigation is compromised, he and Jordan have no choice but to pretend they're a couple, and what starts out as a simple assignment begins to feel a lot like something more.

RATING: 5 out of 5 stars! 

I love anything by Julie James, starting with her first book that I've read: Something About You. There's just something about her book that made me smile when I read it. A Lot Like Love didn't disappoint me. It has the right dosage of humour, fun and action--enough to captivate me. The premise of the story is intriguing. The FBI needed someone's help to crash the big party and Jordan Rhodes was the best choice since FBI has something that she wants--her brother. So, being the good sister that she was, she agreed and wow, things got better from there on. I love the chemistry between Jordon and Nick. It builds up slowly and then bang! Throw in some danger and action to bring you to a happy ending. With book 2 of Julie's FBI/US Attorney down, I'm heading off to book 3, and then to book 4 this coming April. *happy dance*

Quotes:

I’d like to know more about this undercover agent who posed as my daughter’s date. The ubiquitous Tall, Dark, and Smoldering.'

Nick put on his best meet-the-parent smile. 'I generally prefer to go by Nick.

“You've met Nick?"

"Yep, we've met, all right. He was kind enough to inform me that I have absolutely no say in whether you two date."

"Well, you don't."

"You know, you all could at least pretend that my opinion makes a difference.” 

{Book Review} Just the Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James

Just The Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James
Mass Market Paperback, 296 pages
Published October 7th 2008 by Berkley Sensation

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Source: Library
Rating: 5/5 Stars

Goodreads Summary:

No woman could resist him—except the one he wanted most...

Cool, Calm, Collected...

Nothing fazes Taylor Donovan. In the courtroom she never lets the opposition see her sweat. In her personal life, she never lets any man rattle her—not even her cheating ex-fiancé. So when she's assigned to coach People's "Sexiest Man Alive" for his role in his next big legal thriller, she refuses to fall for the Hollywood heartthrob's charms. Even if he is the Jason Andrews.

Confident, Famous, Irresistible...

Jason Andrews is used to having women fall at his feet. When Taylor Donovan gives him the cold shoulder, he's thrown for a loop. She's unlike any other woman he's ever met: uninterested in the limelight, seemingly immune to his advances, and shockingly capable of saying no to him. She's the perfect challenge. And the more she rejects him, the more he begins to realize she may just be his perfect match.

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My Opinion

It's easy to fall in love with Julie's books. This is the third book of hers that I've read and I find myself fully entertained by it. It's also a fun read and that alone is the reason why you should pick up a book if you like contemporary romance and like reading about lawyers (and Hollywood actor).

Just The Sexiest Man Alive is about Taylor, a lawyer, who was tasked with coaching Hollywood actor, Andrew, for his upcoming thriller. He was supposed to arrive at her office but ended up missing their appointment without any notice. She got really angry when she found out from the news that he was actually enjoying himself somewhere! Although it was a pretty predictable storyline, I find myself charmed by the story and by Taylor's attitude. I was laughing my head off at the way Taylor was "cross-examining" Andrew in the mock court room. How will the two of them progress? Will Taylor offer to coach Andrew after he refused to turn up for the first appointment? Read Just The Sexiest Man Alive to find out!

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Quotes:

• "Why me? Really, Jason. Why me?"
  Hmm... his first name again. This was indeed progress. Moving in, Jason gazed down at her with a devilish smile.
  "What can I say, Ms. Donovan? ... You intrigue me."
  It did the trick.
  
  
• "What on earth have you done to him? Kate asked, taking in the limo outside.
  "Oh, you know, slammed a few doors in his face, hung up on him a couple of times, tossed around a slew of insults."
  Kate nodded. "Ah, the usual stuff."
  
  
• "I realized that the one person who could break my heart is the only one who should have it."

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About the author: Julie James

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(Review) Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James

Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James

Published by Mass Market Paperback, 291 pages

Published March 3rd 2009 by Berkley Sensation
Source: Borrowed from Library

Genre: Adult Contemporary

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Buy: Amazon, Book Depository

Goodreads Summary:

When it comes to the laws of attraction, there are no rules. The battle between the sexes is about to make these two lawyers hot under the collar. Opposites collide when two lawyers try to make partner at the same firm. Payton Kendall is a feminist to the bone. Cocky J.D. Jameson was born privileged. But when they're asked to join forces on a major case, they gain a newfound awareness of each other's personal assets. The partnership spot will be offered to only one of them, though. The competition heats up. Sparks fly. Let the games begin.

My Opinion:

The competition between Payton and J.D. was already very intense at the start and I find the way they talked politely to each other in the presence of other colleagues interesting. Both were in the firm for 8 years and it was time for the law firm to pick them to join as partners. Then, both of them were thrown into a case together, forcing them to work with each other despite their differences. Would there be a sabotage so that only one could make it to become a partner? Before we know it, both of them were on a trip with their clients to discuss some issues. Will sparks fly?

Practice Makes Perfect provides an eye-opener view for me into the world of lawyers and how they worked. Payton came to me as a hardworking lady who advocates gender equality. She's witty and confident. I'm impressed with the way she handled unexpected situation in serious environment. As for J.D., he's rich, drove a really cool car but a little childish (in one scene which you'll have to read it yourself). Perhaps I have a high expectation of Practice Makes Perfect after reading Something About You, it was a little disappointing that there's no element of danger and thrill in the book. But to make up for this, this book is fully of wittiness and injected with fun. I've enjoyed reading Practice Makes Perfect. This book is for those who loves contemporary romance and witty characters + law. Let's see if I can get my hands on Julie Jame's other books! She has good writing style which I love!

Quotes:

• J.D. cleared his throat and pushed the button on the intercom.
  “Uh, Payton, hi. It’s J.D.”
  Dead silence.
  Then another crackle.
  “Sorry. Not interested.”
  Cute. But J.D. persisted. Again with the button.
  “I want to talk to you.”
  Crackle.
  “Ever hear of a telephone, asshole?”
  Okay, he probably deserved that.
  
  
• Then she would be done with J. D. Jameson forever. No more having to prove herself; no more of those pesky jitters she felt whenever she saw him at work—something like butterflies in her stomach, it was actually quite annoying; no more stress; no more fights in the library; and definitely no more sexy I’m-gonna-kiss-you-now-woman blue-eyed heated gazes.
  She had no idea why she just thought that.
• “I've been in love with you since the very beginning. You asked why there isn't anyone else in my life, and the reason... is you"
  

About the author: Julie James

After graduating from law school, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julie James clerked for the United States Court of Appeals. She then practiced law with one of the nation's largest firms for several years until she began writing screenplays. After Hollywood producers optioned two of her scripts, she decided to leave the practice of law to write full-time. Her books have been translated into thirteen languages and Julie’s most recent novel, ABOUT THAT NIGHT, is now available.

Julie James lives with her husband and two children in Chicago, where she is working on her next novel.

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Review: Something About You (FBI / US Attorney #1) by Julie James

Genre: Contemporary Romance (NOT YA)
Publication Date: March 2, 2010
Format: Paperback
Source: Library
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Buy: Amazon, Book Depository

Goodreads Summary:
Of all the hotel rooms rented by all the adulterous politicians in Chicago, female Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Lynde had to choose the one next to 1308, where some hot-and-heavy lovemaking ends with a death. And of all the FBI agents in Illinois, it had to be Special Agent Jack Pallas who gets assigned to this high-profile homicide. The same Jack Pallas who still blames Cameron for a botched crackdown three years ago- and for nearly ruining his career.

Work with Cameron Lynde? Are they kidding? Maybe, Jack thinks, this is some kind of welcome-back prank after his stint away from Chicago. But it's no joke; the pair is going to have to put their rocky past behind them and focus on the case at hand. That is, if they can cut back on the razor-sharp jibes- and smother the flame of their sizzling-hot sexual tension.

My Opinion:
I'm really glad I picked up this book. This is one total page turner coupled with witty characters and some funny scenes that you wouldn't want to miss! Great read!

Female Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Lynde had to stay into a hotel as her house was undergoing some renovations. Guess she was out of luck when she picked a room right next to a noisy and loud couple and one of them turned out dead later on. You think that's bad? It was even worse for her when Special Agent Jack Pallas was assigned to this homicide case, the same agent who blamed her for blotching a case three years ago... There's so serious bad blood going between the two of them. This was not the time for the two of them to be going at each other's throat. Cameron was the sole witness to the homicide case and Jack had to ensure her safety. Of course the murderer found out about the witness and sought to endanger her... and that only led to Jack moving in to live with Cameron in her big house to protect her...

I enjoy reading and knowing Cameron. She's totally intelligent and witty! I simply ADORE her. Simply courageous! Her two closest friends were cool as well!

Now, there's really something about Agent Jack. He's totally HOT. He rides motorcycle and zooms off to look for Cameron when she wasn't picking up her phone calls and thinking something might have happened. Wow. And then he brought her back--on his motorcycle! That's a scene I like to re-read!

Something About You has the right amount of romance, suspense and comedy in it! I really like Julie Jame's style of writing and it led me to finishing the book in one seating. Yes! I couldn't put down the book at all, wanting to find out how things progresses between the two characters. I'm going to read all her books. Yes, you read that right. All her books.

5/5 Stars for Something About You.

Quotes:
- “Cameron looked over her shoulder just as Jack stalked into the tent. He got his first glimpse of the back of her dress. Or lack thereof.
He stopped dead in his tracks.
"Wow."
His eyes lingered on her for another moment before he turned to Amy, gesturing. "This place looks great, Amy. You did one hell of a job."
Amy grinned. "Nice recovery, Jack.”

- “Cameron looked over her shoulder just as Jack stalked into the tent. He got his first glimpse of the back of her dress. Or lack thereof.
He stopped dead in his tracks.

- "Don't be disappointed," Jack said. "The fact that I've been ridiculously proud of you for days doesn't change how excited you should be about this. Besides, I pretty much know everything. You should probably just start getting used to it."