So this afternoon my husband was reading the Chicago Sun-Times, and what does he stumble upon? They reviewed Practice Makes Perfect! It’s a GREAT review— here’s a short snippet:
Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James is a tantalizing dessert — a delicious, delightful read that all hopeless romantics will enjoy. If you like romantic comedies then you will not be disappointed with this book.
…There are a couple comedic scenes in the book that you could envision in next summer’s romantic blockbuster. There’s a particularly laugh-out-loud scene involving a courtroom, a jury, a split skirt and an exposed butt.
Wow. Such a great way to cap off a wonderful weekend! And boy, is that peeky-cheeks scene ever turning out to be a crowd pleaser. Is it bad to admit that I laughed out loud while writing it?
Speaking of great ways to finish off a weekend, I just finished reading Shiloh Walker’s Fragile. It’s a dark, emotional read– and one I found nearly impossible to put down. And now I’m dying to know if we’re going to get Quinn’s story…
Next up for me was supposed to be Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard. And as much as I’m really looking forward to it, I wasn’t sure I was ready for another suspense after Fragile. So instead, based on repeated recommendation, I will be reading:
This is only the second historical I’ve read, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’m only five pages in and the hero has been beaten up and the heroine shot somebody in the throat. What a way to get the reader’s attention! I can’t wait to find out more about the infamous Derek Craven.
How about you–what are you reading? And how do you decide what to pick next in your TBR pile?
I really should just closes my eyes and grab a book because my TBR is so big. I could open my own book store.
Another Lisa read I recommend is Suddenly You! Hero is younger, yummy and so far gone for a 30 year old spinter author who thinks she has big hips. Love it!
Congrats on the great review! Figures crossed that Hollywood makes PMP into a movie. Did you base the looks on Payton and J.D. on anyone famous? Or who would you love to play these characters?
I second Suddenly You. There’s a scene involving raspberries that simply cannot be missed. I just got caught up with Larissa Ione’s’ Demonica series (highly recommend it) and finally read Erin McCarthy’s Flat Out Sexy, which I put off reading because of the whole Nascar thing. But I am so glad I read FOS now; it was a great book. I guess I go with what book looks the best at that moment for me to read on my TBR pile.
What a wonderful surprise to see that review! Congrats.
So you are reading the infamous Derek Craven novel! Like you, I’m only recently into historicals, and I have yet to read this one. I aim to. The good thing about being late to these genres is that you can read the best of the best for the first time.
My first was Lord of Scoundrels – I was just grinning through so much of it. I think you would greatly appreciate the scenarios and character balance in it.
Thanks for the congrats and for the suggestions! A yummy hero and a scene involving raspberries, huh? Well now I have to check out Suddenly You.
And CJ– I’ve heard a ton about Lord of Scoundrels and have been meaning to read that one for awhile. I saw a couple lines from the book quoted somewhere–the dynamic between the heroine and hero looked quite funny.
So many books, so little time…
I just finished reading Blood Magic by Jennifer Lyon. If you like paranormal at all, this is a definite must read. I had this book finished in 3 nights of staying up until I fell asleep with the light on.
As to what I’m reading now, I don’t want to sound like a complete suck up, but I’m going to. I just bought Practice Makes Perfect at my local Barnes & Noble. I was early to meet my husband for lunch and had some quality shopping time.
And, well deserved review it is!
Julie, I have to be pushy again and recommend, Match Me If You Can, by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Great dialogue.
Erika: I’ll keep my fingers crossed that you like PMP! And thanks for the rec! Now here’s the question: I’ve actually never read a paranormal, so is Blood Magic a good book to start with? I was thinking my first paranormal was going to be Nalini Singh’s Angels’ Blood…
Liz– thank you! And be as pushy as you want– with all these books out there, I need people pointing me in the right direction. I will definitely add MMIYC to the “to buy” list.
I’ve never read Nalini Singh, maybe I’ll have to pick that up. I started reading paranormal when someone recommended Dark Lover by JR Ward. I am now addicted to The Black Dagger Brotherhood, the seventh book comes out next month. Here’s the premise for Dark Lover, if you’re looking for a paranormal recommendation, this is the series to get you hooked.
In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there’s a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There also exists a secret band of brothers like no other – six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Among them, none relishes killing their enemies more than Wrath, the leader of the Black Dagger Brotherhood…
The only purebred vampire left on the planet, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who murdered his parents centuries ago. But when one of his most trusted fighters is killed- orphaning a half-breed daughter unaware of her heritage or her fate – Wrath must usher the beautiful female into the world of the undead…
Racked by a restlessness in her body that wasn’t there before, Beth Randall is helpless against the dangerously sexy man who comes to her at night with shadows in his eyes. His tales of brotherhood and blood frighten her. But his touch ignites a dawning hunger that threatens to consume them both…
I adore me some Lisa Kleypas – my favorite by her is “Where Dreams Begin”, about a common man who works his way to being rich and hires a pretty widow he desires to teach him some fine gentry manners. It was wonderful to watch Zach fall in love with Lady Holland.
Erin McCarthy writes amazing contemps. “Flat-Out Sexy” is great, and I just started the 2nd one, “Hard & Fast”. Erin totally rocks.
Rachel Gibson writes funny, sexy romances. You just have to read “See Jane Score”. Horseshoe tattoo – that’s all I’m sayin’ *g*
I know all about the horseshoe tattoo. Love Rachel Gibson!
Erika: Ooh… I’ve heard great things about JR Ward. Thanks for reminding me to check her out.
Stacy: now you and Erika have me all curious about this horseshoe tattoo… Thanks for the other recs!
So far, ladies, Mr. Derek Craven is living up to his illustrious reputation… ; )
Hi Julie. This is my first time here on your blog. Based on Elyssa’s talking up your books, I read PMP last week, and simply fell in love with your sassy, sexy, witty style. My first lawyerly romances. I immediately ordered your first from Amazon on a 2-day delivery. It arrived here this morning. Er. I got nothing else done today, but I finished the book in one long laugh-out-loud gulp, while pausing couple times to squee fan-girl-style on Twitter.
So…I have two questions for you. When’s your third book coming out? (Soon I hope!!) Are you going to be joining Twitter in the near future? (Soon I hope!!)
Hi Keira! Thanks for dropping by!! That’s so great to hear that you enjoyed the books. (And thanks to Elyssa, too, for spreading the word!)
So you read JTSMA in one gulp– wow! That’s such an amazing compliment. Jason does have a way of demanding one’s attention, doesn’t he…? 😉
I’m finishing up my third book right now. I think it’s currently scheduled for release next March, but as soon as I know the date for sure I’ll post it. As far as Twitter goes– I don’t know… I’m kind of afraid I’d get addicted….
Would love to see you on Twitter Julie! But it is highly addicting.
*jots down note about March 2010*
Thanks, Katie– I know, I hear you on Twitter… but I have a hard enough time controlling myself with Facebook. : ) But as soon as I’m done with Book 3, maybe I’ll look into to it…
(sad, sad face)… A whole year out for book three?! How will I wait?! (curses the fates)
Unfortunately I don’t choose the books – more and more they choose me. They ‘call’ to me and whichever one calls the loudest and the longest is the one I read.
And oooooohhh – Derek Craven!! One heck of a yummy hero you are going to be reading. Hopefully you will soon be joining the Cravenator team.
Beautiful on the review Julie! I still must get your books when I’m able to. I so can’t wait!
I do love alot of genres, and historicals are one of my favorites. I remember when I read my first ones again a few years ago, I was captivated. It was a Lisa Kleypas, but LADY SOPHIA’S LOVER. I read out of order LOL.
I love Linda Howards books!! You must read DREAM MAN and AFTER THE NIGHT. Whew, hot heroes! I didn’t read MR. PERFECT yet. I’ll have to pull that out (and SON OF THE MORNING that many talk about too).
I’m reading a paranormal ebook now MICHAEL by Angela Caperon.