Behind-the-Scenes peek into IT HAPPENED ONE WEDDING (and a GIVEAWAY!)

Note: the giveaway is now closed. Winners will be announced in the morning.

As we rapidly approach the May 6 release date of IT HAPPENED ONE WEDDING (whoo-hoo!), I thought it would be fun to give you guys a behind-the-scenes peek into the book.IHOW final cover

First, something you might not know about me… (and, note: if you’re new to my FBI/U.S. Attorney books, I write them as standalones, so you can absolutely start with It Happened One Wedding): the law enforcement profession is something that’s interested me ever since I was a kid. Three family members of mine have been/are Chicago police officers, including my grandfather, who was a captain at the time he retired. Later, I married Mr. James, whose father is also a former Chicago police officer. So hearing cop stories is definitely part of the James family makeup.

And here’s something else you probably didn’t know: after graduating college, I went to law school with the goal of becoming an FBI agent. My first semester there, I met with an FBI recruiter who informed me that, sadly, I would never pass the vision test required of special agents. (This was back in the day when having Lasix surgery didn’t count—a rule which, I believe, they’ve since changed.) I remember leaving that interview with the FBI recruiter and thinking, “So. . . now what? You mean I have to be a real lawyer?”

In hindsight, becoming a “real” lawyer was a very good thing. First, because I’m basically a wuss—which is kind of an impediment to being a special agent—and second, because I ended up really enjoying my time as a trial lawyer. Now I’m a full-time author, and writing the FBI/U.S. Attorney series has allowed me to tap into those law enforcement roots—a wish fulfillment, of sorts, because I get to live vicariously through the lives of my characters.

And, on that note…

As many of you know, the hero of IT HAPPENED ONE WEDDING, Vaughn Roberts, is a Chicago FBI agent, and when writing his work-related scenes, I sought the advice of an active Chicago FBI agent—who we will refer to as “Mr. Special Agent.”  And, folks, let me tell you two things: (1) Mr. Special Agent totally rocks, because I asked him, like, a bazillion pesky questions about being an FBI agent and he graciously answered every single one of them, and (2) there is a lot I didn’t know about FBI life.

So with me today is Mr. Special Agent himself, who’s here to talk about some of those things, and also to share his thoughts about being a “technical consultant” for the book. Oh—and we also have the answers to some questions you guys asked Mr. Special Agent on my Facebook page, and I’m giving away five signed copies of It Happened One Wedding.  So let’s get started!

First, let’s begin with a short list I made just for this occasion:

Top Ten Things I Didn’t Know About FBI Agents (aka Things They Don’t Show you on TV and in the Movies)

10. As sexy as it may be on TV, real FBI agents don’t carry their guns in a shoulder rig/holster. I know, I know, all you Jack Pallas and Nick McCall fans are crushed. Apparently, that’s not a “practical” way to carry a gun—strong side hip is the natural draw position. Like FBI agents need to worry about being practical.  Pfft.

9. Bullet proof vests are really uncomfortable.

8. FBI agents like to use the word “pistol” when referring to their guns. And they are really into their guns.

7. If you meet an FBI agent, proceed with caution—because odds are he’s armed to the teeth. In addition to their Glocks, most agents carry a knife on them. Some also carry a smaller backup gun in an ankle holster.

6. They have a serious jones for Dodge Chargers with the Pursuit Package. Like, if you’re an FBI agent, this is the car you want to have:

Dodge Charger

5. Every year, the FBI gets 115,000 applications and takes only approximately 1000 students from that. The majority of trainees who flunk out do so during the firearms/defensive tactics phase, because they can’t fire a gun without flinching.

4. They have an undercover school. With actual desks and everything.

3. Weird and funny stuff sometimes goes wrong when they’re working undercover. Mr. Special Agent told me he once drove a fancy Escalade while working undercover as a gun buyer and some random dude broke into his car and stole the radio. (Oops.)

2. It’s considered “poor form” for an FBI agent to have his gun exposed in public, which can lead to wardrobe challenges in warmer temperatures. According to Mr. Special Agent, they rock the untucked Polo in the summer.

1. Undercover operations are way, way more complicated than I’d ever imagined. (And we’ll be talking more about that in a moment.)

And now… onto the questions with Mr. Special Agent!

Q. Thanks for taking the time to do this! First things first: What did you think about being a “technical consultant” for the book? Was it about what you’d expected when you first said yes to helping me out, or was I more pesky than you’d ever imagined? 🙂 

This was the second time I have been asked to be a technical consultant.  The first was on a screenplay that became a stage production.  It is an interesting process to try and make reality into entertainment.  Just as I am sure you struggle to take the mundane realities of a relationship and make them interesting to your readers, a great deal of the grinding reality has to be removed from law enforcement to make it entertaining.  The Bureau asked an agent friend of mine to consult on a major Hollywood production and Christian Bale told him roughly; “I want to know the right way to do everything.  We may not do it that way in the film because the camera or the scene may dictate something else, but I always want you to tell me real way.”  (That is not a direct quote as it is second hand, but I put quotes around for lack of a better idea).  I look at working with you the same way.  I will always tell you to the best of my ability what the reality would likely be of a situation you have created, but I know the reality may not be what the story needs.

Q. When we first met (actually, the second time we’d met), I was in the brainstorming phase of It Happened One Wedding—which means I probably talked about all these wonderfully awesome, exciting ideas that . . . never made it into the book. You’ve now read the finished version. Were you surprised to see what did and did not make it into the story?

If I followed the creative process correctly it seemed halfway to the deadline you threw out everything and started from scratch.  That decision took a lot of guts, but having pre-read the book the result was worth it. I was surprised by your ability to let go of a scene after you had invested time and energy when the scene just did not work out.  I am not sure I would have the strength to drop a less than perfect scene after I had invested myself into the work.

Q. You’ve now read two of my books, Love Irresistibly and It Happened One Wedding. Is it safe to assume those are the only romance novels you’ve read?

Certainly not!  When the Bureau was looking for someone to speak at the author’s conference I leapt at the chance because I am a voracious reader.  In the past I have leaned toward historical romances over contemporary settings because I felt it gave the plot more depth.  Romances do have a tendency to become formulaic.

I’ve read four of your books, actually, and I enjoyed them quite a bit. Your great strength is your dialogue and the character interaction.  It is very easy to envision your work on the big screen.  And thank you for not going down the damsel in distress road where the female lead is always kidnapped and saved by the FBI Agent.  Your characters have wonderful dynamic personalities and I appreciate that each has doubt and angst regardless of how tough or glamorous they seem to outsiders.  I think there is a lot of reality there.

Q.  Well, thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed them! Now here’s the all-important question: how did I do with the FBI stuff? Now, I know you guys don’t actually have a pool in the gym at the Chicago FBI office. But in the Julie James world, you do. And also a boxing ring and an outdoor beach volleyball court ala Top Gun. (Kidding! Sort of.)

No boxing ring.  I haven’t boxed since the academy.  No volleyball court.  We had a basketball court on top of the parking garage for a while, but there are too many cars and they are parking all the way to the top now.  You did well in incorporating the way we do business into several of your scenes while not revealing too much.  It is a delicate line to balance to talk about operational realities without publishing something criminals could use to become better criminals.

Q. In the book, there’s a subplot involving one of Vaughn’s undercover cases—he’s posing as an illegal gun buyer as part of an investigation into some corrupt Chicago cops who are running a smuggling ring. We talked a lot about those scenes—particularly, the mechanics behind Vaughn’s meetings with the bad guys. And I have to say, I was amazed by how much advance planning and backup goes into these kinds of undercover meetings. Can you talk about that a little?

Undercover operations are very difficult to control because people do such unexpected and often inexplicable things. Bad guys often decide to rip each other off or change plans as they see fit. These people are often already predisposed to violent solutions to their problems.

Often operations have to happen in public areas. Our highest duty is to protect the public. When we create an environment where a criminal is going to interact with the public in a potentially stressful event, like the deals laid out in the book, we take very seriously the need to protect our people and the public.

In order to provide protection to everyone in these situations we strive to exert as much control as possible. We try to control the physical location, the number of people and weapons the criminal can present and the avenues available. To do this we use a lot of technology for communications and surveillance. Often good information can prevent problems. If we know in advance the target is bringing extra people and guns to a meeting we can cancel and change tactics before anyone gets hurt. For the scenes in the book, we were dealing with criminals who were constantly armed and wary so it would have been reasonable to have an abundance of resources available to deal with situations.

Q. You told me that, “The FBI loves overwhelming people with manpower and firepower.” I thought that line was so great, I used it in the book. What did you mean by that?

Let me use an example, though it is not my story but another agent’s. An agent I knew had an arrest warrant and a good location for a subject. As they pulled up to the house the guy they were looking for was just walking out. The subject realized what was happening and tried to get back inside and the agent jumped out of his car with his sub machinegun and accosted the subject who had a revolver in his belt. My friend told me he could see in the guy’s eyes that he wanted to try for his revolver and he was thinking about the odds. The agent just said “You’re going to lose”. The subject eyed the big shoulder weapon and surrendered.

If that encounter had been pistol to pistol the guy would have tried it and he, and probably the agent as well, would have gotten shot. The agent bringing a bigger gun to the fight than the bad guy saved the bad guy’s life and possible the agent’s life as well.

We find people don’t fight when they decide the odds are overwhelmingly against them. When people don’t fight, no one gets hurts. It is only when you give someone the impression they might win or might escape they will fight.

[Julie makes note to self: I’m so going to use that “You’re going to lose” line in a book.]

Q. Less than 10% of special agents go to undercover school, and you’re one of that small percentage. You mentioned something else that I used in the book, that you tell your friends and family not to approach you if they see you out and about in a coffee shop and such, in case you are undercover in that moment. But you mentioned that you’ve still been busted, nevertheless… Want to share that story?

One of my funniest moments from undercover work happened walking into a restaurant hand in hand with a female agent.  Another agent’s wife was walking out, recognized the agent with me and clearly thinking she had stumbled onto an indiscretion stopped to say hello with a gleam in her eye.  She called the agent with me by her true name and we gave her a flat stare watching the situation dawn on her.  If there is anyone in the world who should know better it is an agent’s wife.  The stricken look on her face was unforgettable and she fled without another word.  The operation went on without a hitch.

Q. One last thing: a few months ago you asked if I wanted to participate in a SWAT training event, as a hostage. I couldn’t go, unfortunately, but when I mentioned that I couldn’t believe you use actual civilians for those kinds of things, you said it was good training because “innocent people do bizarre things while we are trying to save them.” Anything specific you can tell us about?

I am still not sure I believe you were busy. I think you might have been scared.

Julie: Oh, I definitely was intimidated. Still, if I hadn’t been on mom duty at the time (darn kids) I probably would’ve sucked it up and gone anyway just for the writing material I would’ve gotten. 

It is not only bad guys that do crazy things under stress, but innocent people as well. When a hostage has been under incredible stress for hours not knowing if they will be hurt and suddenly they see a chance, often in a surge of violence, no one can say how they will react. I have seen people stand upright paralyzed with fear as gunfire has been exchanged all around them. Often hostages will rush for us trying to reach freedom but our priority has to be neutralizing the threat posed by the bad guys. Sometimes we have difficulty telling hostages from hostage takers as the bad guys drop their guns and get on the floor in response to our commands while the hostages dig through pockets looking for cell phones to make a Youtube video of their rescue.

Seriously, I could probably chat with you all day about this stuff. But, since you undoubtedly have tons of super-important special agent stuff to get back to, let me get to those reader questions. Unfortunately, we don’t have time for all the questions people posted on my Facebook page, but here’s a sample:

1. What scares you in your line of work?

The greatest fear is that someone on my team would get hurt because I have done something wrong or careless.  When you work closely with people you may not get along, you may not even like them, but they are your people.  You have to count on them and they have to count on you.

2. What’s the most ridiculous/funny stereotype people have of FBI agents?

“We are the FBI and we are taking over!”  It doesn’t really happen that way even if sometimes it should.

3. Do any of the FBI shows on TV accurately depict reality?

I doubt they would be very successful shows if they depicted reality particularly well.  To provide entertainment any show/movie/book has to skip over the thousands of mundane things taking up the majority of time in any job and show only the action.  One episode of any popular FBI based show would probably result in months of report writing, investigation and possible congressional hearings!

4. What is your most interesting experience as a “technical consultant” for a fiction writer?

Reading the result!  Especially on this project where the plot changed and I had no idea what to expect.

5. What was your most memorable under cover assignment and why?

I was chosen for my first undercover assignment because I was available and from out of town.  Therefore I was a fresh face.  It was supposed to just be a couple of interactions but went on for months.  I ended up constantly dropping my regular work to fly back there for more meetings and my actual supervisor was not happy.  I learned a lot about the difficulty of keeping a second life together.  Different city, home, car, clothes, phones, friends, name, address, profession.  Think about how difficult it is to remember where you put your keys last night.  Now tomorrow do it in a different home with different keys. I had to sit down and be friends with people and share stories that I would be able to remember from each interaction, but that could not be used to identify me.

This can all sound glamorous and exciting.  The fifth time you are cancelling plans with your family and friends because the target of the investigation wants to take you to this party Saturday and introduce you to this guy the glamorous shine begins to wear thin.

6. Did you read Julie’s books to see how she used the information you gave her?

There is no way I could resist reading Julie’s books!

7. What’s it like to balance work and your personal life since secrecy is important?

This is a complicated answer because it is not an issue until it suddenly becomes an issue.  Imagine living with someone who goes to work in the morning and generally comes home around the same time in the evening.  Sometimes he complains about judge’s rulings or US Attorneys that won’t do what he thinks they should or bad coffee.  You make plans for weekends and have a normal life.  But when he works late he can’t tell you why, where or when he will be home.  You don’t know who is going to call you if something goes wrong or how long it is going to take to call you.  Every day you come home you check the bag he keeps packed in the closet.  Every now and then the bag is gone and instead there is a note on the refrigerator that says “Had to go out of town.  I’ll call”.  Now you are taking the kids to the soccer game and every parent says “where is he” but the fact is you don’t know and you don’t know if you are ever going to know where he went.  He may come back and tell you all about it or that trip may never be spoken of again.

8. Do you have a favorite “dumb criminal” story? One that is so ridiculous and outrageous that if it were in a work of fiction no one would ever find it believable?

A man came to our office for a pre-employment polygraph (lie detector) exam having applied for a job as an Intelligence Analyst.  He failed the test and the examiner asked some follow up questions.   He admitted he had downloaded some child pornography to his computer for a research paper.  By the time we had the whole story out of him he had a huge collection of material and had made a video of his 32 year-old self with his high school girlfriend.

We told him we had agents on the way to his apartment to seize his computer and he asked us to give him a day because it was his birthday and he was worried his friends would be at the house to give him a surprise party.

He asked the judge to throw out his statements because when he made them he still thought he was being interviewed for a job with the FBI rather than investigated by the FBI.

If this were used as a plot by an author everyone would say it was too farfetched.  This man was a community college professor working on a doctorate.

9. Have you become cynical?

No.  Why, what are you hiding?  I have been asked several times why cops are all mean.  There are many regular looking people who do truly horrible things.  If you interact with them long enough you start to look askance at everyone.  Whatever evil you may be able to image there is some real evil that will simply leave you stunned.  Some people will never find justice; some bad people will get away and do it all over again.  I don’t think you can do this job for very long without some cynicism to help protect you.

10. How much is undercover work like acting?

I have never been an actor so I cannot be sure.  Actors get scripts and rehearsals though, and I would love to have a paper telling me what the other guy is going to say.

11. Are you really required to wear a suit with dress shoes? Is it more difficult to chase a criminal dressed that way?

We try to dress appropriate to the work we are doing, but we are ultimately a professional organization and we try to represent ourselves that way by dressing professionally when we can.  We do not show up to planned tactical operations in a suit and tie, but it has happened that I have found myself strapping armor over professional clothing.  I take pains to always wear soft soled shoes with ties so I can run if necessary.

12. What’s the craziest/ funniest thing you’ve encountered while on the job?

There are too many to choose.  I often think of writing a book just about the stupid unpredictable stuff that happens.

Recently I was on the street with a team when one agent called out for help after someone tried to force their way into his car.  We all went rushing to his location and as I came around the corner my headlights illuminated someone fleeing.  I bailed out and chased the guy only to conclude he was clearly training for the Olympic track and field team.  He leaped over a six-foot high gate like he was in Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon.  I kicked off the gate for altitude, threw one leg over the top and the entire thing fell off its hinges onto the concrete with me riding it all the way down.  Turned out he did not meet the description at all and had just taken off running because of the sirens.

[Cue Julie, laughing as she reads this]

13. Is it hard to separate yourself once you start to go undercover and then come back to your our own life?

It can be because things you do start to become habits.  If your undercover persona requires you to lie and be violent, you are in danger of those habits bleeding over into your regular life.  Worse, it is impossible to escape the stress of living this double life and the very serious danger of making a mistake.  Stress can be very debilitating and ruin your life and your case.

14. On TV, it looks like a glamorous job. Is it? What do you like most and least about being an agent?

The job has glamorous moments.  Everyone wants to talk to you about your job and wants to hear stories.  I have been filmed by multitude news cameras and asked for interviews many times.  Even better Julie James wants my opinion on things.  Heady stuff indeed.

There are two things about this job I love.  First, it defies routine.  We simply do too many different things and have to react to such a diverse set of circumstances that things stay fresh.  Second, no matter how awful, demoralizing and utterly useless a day you just had, you were fighting the good fight.  You don’t always win the good fight, but it is good to have the opportunity to fight it.

I don’t like that we often don’t get to find out the rest of the story.  Things often lack closure.  We will work on a portion of a case, send off the results and you never really know what happened.  It is frustrating but we are typically way too busy to spend the time to find out the ending for personal edification.  I also hate that the media and defense attorneys can go on camera and say whatever they please with no regard to the truth, and the facts can’t come out until trial.  Then when the facts are presented at trial they are so watered down by pre-trial motions only fractions of the facts ever get to come out.

* * *

So there you have it, folks. The straight skinny from a Chicago FBI agent. Mr. Special Agent, I can’t thank you enough for sharing your insight with me this past year, and also for coming here to chat with us today.

And now for the giveaway part! Today I’m giving away five copies of It Happened One Wedding—actual finished copies, not ARCs. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment below. Winners can choose either a signed paperback or a Kindle/Nook ebook. The giveaway is international, and will remain open until 9pm CST on Thursday, May 1. Those of you reading this on my Goodreads page should click here to leave a comment.

Good luck! And remember to mark your calendars for May 6–IT HAPPENED ONE WEDDING hits bookstores one week from today!

798 thoughts on “Behind-the-Scenes peek into IT HAPPENED ONE WEDDING (and a GIVEAWAY!)

  1. Christian says:

    Every single column / blog I read of yours is both entertaining and educational; you are a rare jewel in the Storytellers Jewelry Shop. Thanks so much for everything and blessings to you, JJ.

  2. Arlene says:

    I have read your other books. It’s AMAZING! I can’t wait for this one. Thanks for creating great books Julie James!

  3. Kae Chan says:

    Oh man! I cannot wait! I’ve started reading FBI-US Attorney and learned of you because of a friend and now I can’t even put my phone down(where I read the novels).

  4. Alima Kanumilli! says:

    Thanks Julie for the interview…..it was a great insight as my daughter is aspiring to be one….printed this for her to read thru……
    and like Mr.Special Agent had said, your strongest asset is the way you dialogue the story…..love ’em all <3

  5. Alexandra Mihaila says:

    Ok, can I say I find ‘Mr Special Agent’ charming 🙂
    This is an AWSOME giveaway 🙂 fingers crossed for a win!

  6. Cathrin says:

    Wow, Mr Special Agent is such a gem 🙂 What a great interview. Now I’m even more excited for IHOW and reading about Vaughn’s undercover work.

  7. Christine says:

    I can’t wait to read this book, the first chapter excerpt was so interesting and I’m so excited that the book will be here next week!!

  8. Christine says:

    And I forgot to say that the interview was excellent, please thank your FBI friend for being willing to give you that great insight!

  9. michelle says:

    thank you mr. secret agent! yay for you reading romance novels 😀

    i’d love to win a copy of it happened one wedding

  10. martina C says:

    Wow, it was great to read about what happens in backstage of your book and in FBI. I don’t live i. US so I only know about it from TV. This was great stuff to read. Thanks Julie, and thanks Mr. Special Agent.

  11. Karen Gagnon says:

    Thanks for the fun post, I am so excited for this release! How cool is it that you ended up doing what you love even if it isn’t where you first planned to be. I for one am very happy you are an author and thoroughly enjoy your books! 🙂

  12. Denise says:

    You were right. This blog was worth reading. Thank you for taking the time to give us so much information and background. I can hardly wait unil 5/6!!!

  13. Stephanie Laws says:

    After reading Mr Special Agents responses and comments, I can totally see why you write you FBI agents the way that you do! He was exactly the type of FBI agent I imagined all of them to be and he was entertaining to boot! Great interview!

  14. Anukriti Garg says:

    Wow, Mr.Special Agent :O
    *Respect*

    I am so excited for It Happened One Wedding! I Hope we get a glimpse of Jack Pallas. *sigh*

  15. Kelly B says:

    I loved this interview and the Top Ten list (very cool). I love your books Julie and the cover on It Happened One Wedding is beautiful. Congratulations!

  16. Vipali Parikh says:

    OMG !!! I AM SO BEYOND EXCITED FOR THIS BOOK TO COME OUT! (if you couldn’t already tell by my CAPS LOCK WRITTING!!)

  17. Ana says:

    I’m so exited for this book and the interview is awesome. .. I always enjoy your book I hope I’ll get a signed one day 🙂

  18. Anne says:

    Great interview. Nice and long so you could really get into it. Was really surprised he copped to reading romances, particularly historicals.

  19. Renee says:

    This was totally fascinating!! I always assume that TV shows etc. are super unrealistic, but just the glimpses of his stories make it sound so intense.

    Also, I love that he loves your books and has read so many of them 🙂

  20. Michelle Chew says:

    Learned so much in this interview alone! The responses are pretty entertaining and some even made me laughed a little. Thanks Julie for sharing with us things we don’t know about FBI and thanks Mr. Special Agent for sharing some secrets with us. This book is so totally worth reading! Thank you for making the giveaway international! 🙂

  21. Isabelle says:

    I’ve been excited for the release of It Happened One Wedding for ages! Glad it’s finally almost here 🙂
    Really loved reading what Mr. Special Agent had to say!

  22. flchen1 says:

    Wow–awesome interview, Julie and Mr. Chicago FBI Agent! Thanks for taking the time to share all that–that was completely fascinating, and of course, I cannot wait to read Julie’s next to see how Vaughn’s story plays out!

  23. orchid7 says:

    A really interesting interview- thanks for sharing it. Sometimes it’s easy to forget just how much research an author must do to get their facts straight in a story. Thanks for all your hard work, Julie, and I look forward to reading this book!

  24. Kate L. says:

    Great interview! I think you should also mark and use his line at the end, that no matter how demoralizing the day, “you’re still fighting the good fight.” That’s the sort of statement you get from these real-life heroes.

    I’d love to win a copy – most lawyer-based stories leave me cold, but I really enjoy yours!

  25. Make Kay says:

    Wow,the whole FBI guy interview rocked. Fascinating!! Thanks so much to both of you for sharing with us, the readers!!,

  26. Ami says:

    Can’t wait to read IHOW! Also great to know FBI Special Agent reads Romance. Will you share what you originally intended as the plot of IHOW? That would be really neat insight. Thanks!

  27. Estelle C. says:

    The quotes from Mr Special Agent need to be in future books..and some of the assignments. Can’t wait for the book!!

  28. Arshpreet says:

    I loved the interview, thank you for posting it. Can’t wait to the read the book. It releases the day I’m done with my exam!

  29. dawn says:

    When they opened the FBI building close to my house I was so intrigued. Always thought there was something mysterious about the FBI.

  30. Robyn Van Matre says:

    Thanks for doing this great interview Julie! Loved all the info and can’t wait to read your latest book! 😀

  31. Anna Budziak says:

    Really loved the interview; this guy is great! Funny, doesn’t demean romances and is willing to admit that a lot of the work is tedious. I would love to have a signed copy of the book but already have one on order.

  32. Joan V. says:

    The interview was very enjoyable. I was fascinated by the answers given by Mr. Special Agent. Thank you for the giveaway.

  33. Melinda says:

    Wow! He’s almost a good a writer as YOU!! Love his stories! and I can’t wait to hear Karen White read this story to me – soon.

  34. Stacy says:

    Great Interview! My husband has been in law enforcement for 18 years now. I have truly enjoyed reading all of your books and am looking forward to reading this one.

  35. Asmaa Qayyum says:

    I have lived your books for years. Thank you for the background on why you like writing about FBI agents. Can’t wait for this book.

  36. YY says:

    Wow! I am getting more and more excited each time new details/tidbits about the book are released. Been in the same situation for the last 3 years waiting for each new book release from you. Love, love your books! Please continue writing more. Can’t wait! Thanks.

  37. Shannon says:

    I loved the interview with Mr. Special Agent! After watching many of the FBI shows/movies, some of his information(and your Top 10 list) was quite interesting and entertaining. I can’t wait to read the book!

  38. Kelly B says:

    What an awesome interview. Mr Special Agent really told some very interesting stories. Can’t wait to get the new book (hopefully I will win one). This sounds like it will be really good…love law enforcement stories. Thanks!

  39. Kristia says:

    Interesting interview and love all the goofs that happen when undercover. They’ll be good stries for jokes! I always thought that what we see in tv for the FBI was realistic but I guess not. Thank you for the giveaway 🙂

  40. Katy Allison says:

    Love all your books! Can’t wait to read It happened one wedding! Thanks for this interview and chance to win a signed copy of this book.

  41. MSM says:

    I’m a big fan of FBI-oriented stories (in books, movies, on TV), so I loved that you interviewed a real agent; it answered a lot that I wonder about, and it was fun to read, too. Great questions! I’m looking forward to this book, it sounds like an equally great read.

  42. Deborah S says:

    This book sounds really good. I can’t wait to read it! You really do a lot of research when you are writing your books.

  43. Yvonne V says:

    Love love love all your books with intelligent women, witty dialogue, and of course, fabulous FBI men! Reading this interview was insightful and interesting. Can’t wait for the book to come out!

  44. Connie Saunders says:

    I. would. Absolutely. Love to read It Happened One Wedding and my own copy would be even better! Thanks for the chance!!

  45. Susan says:

    Wow the life of an FBI agent is so fascinating and scary. Thanks so much for the behind the scenes blog, greatly enjoyed reading this. Can’t wait to read the book… next week can’t come soon enough!

  46. Victoria Waterman says:

    the interview was great, thanks for the background! Love that an FBI agent reads your books and other romance novels. Wondering if Mr. Special agent is a Ms. Special Agent. Can’t wait to read the new book!

  47. Amy Turner says:

    CANT WAIT FOR THIS BOOK
    SO HAPPY YOU USED MY QUESTIONS IN THE INTERVIEW
    I WISH I COULD INTERVIEW AN AGENT LIKE THIS
    Julie, I can’t wait for your new book to come out I will be reading it on my way to Orlando! So excited!!!
    Can’t wait for the series to continue too!!
    We always want to hear more about your awesome characters!!!
    I would love a signed copy!!

  48. LSUReader says:

    What a great interview. I love the books, but reading about the research with Mr. Special Agent was wonderful, too. Thanks so much to you both.

  49. Lynn Hogan says:

    Loved the interview! Just about what I was thinking it was. Have a cousin out west that is/was agent (may be retired now). Would love to have a signed Julie James copy!! It would be awesome!

    Thanks!
    Lynn

  50. Stephanie says:

    I am really looking forward to this book!! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this interview this afternoon. 🙂 Thank you for offering the giveaway–I hope it is my lucky day. 😉

  51. Anita H says:

    Love the Q & A, that was very interesting stuff! I can’t wait for your book to come out and thanks for the chance to win! 🙂

  52. Gina Salas says:

    I really enjoyed this interview. I don’t know if I could handle being an agent’s wife. I can’t wait for IHOW!

  53. Carolyn Swinhart says:

    I loved the info that you found out during the interview really interesting, and would really like to win a copy of your book. Thank you.

  54. Kim Akers says:

    What a great interview! Mr. Special Agent sounds like a classy, intelligent guy who went above and beyond to help you make your book believable. I can’t wait to read it!

  55. JoAnn Andrade says:

    Terrific interview. I really enjoyed reading all the interesting facts about the FBI. I can’t wait to read your new book.

  56. Ginny Wexler says:

    Wow, that is so interesting. He must have been amazing to work with! Now I can’t wait to read the book. Thanks for sharing this.

  57. Sarah DeShields-Bass says:

    Thank for the informative information about life in the FBI. You made me want to read this book more. I love action/romance books because they not only keep me interested but you get a love story out of it too. I love the cover and thank you for the giveaway.

  58. Becca Z says:

    Another fab book!! I was recruited by FBI when I was an accountant, but didn’t want it at that time; then when I went to law school I was too old for them!

  59. Bethany says:

    Love the interview! How horribly for the other agent’s wife … just imagine if she had really screwed stuff up 🙁 Thanks for the info

  60. Rachel B says:

    What a fascinating interview. Very informative and interesting to read. Also, can’t wait to read the new book. 🙂

  61. Cassandra Kruse says:

    So excited to read this book! I love the fBI/lawyer combo in your best books. I always wanted to be an FBI agent.

  62. Catarina Magalhães says:

    I was so thinking about Booth from Bones while I was reading this! AMAZING!

    I wish you could post more interviews with Mr. Special Agent.

    I can’t wait to read It Happened One Wedding 😀

    Thank you so much for this Julie 🙂

  63. Margie H says:

    I thoroughly enjoyed your interview with Mr. Special Agent. Very informative and interesting. Both my husband and I LOVE your books. Keep writing, please!

  64. Teresa says:

    This sounds like a great series… I am going to have to look into it. Time to head to Kindle and check them out. Thanks for sharing one of your Technical Consults with us. And Mr Special Agent, Thank you for sharing some of your stories with us and your service!

  65. Rena Ackley says:

    The fact that you are a lawyer and applied to be an FBI agent makes the books very intriguing. Look forward to reading this one and checking on some of your previous novels. Great sense of humor.

  66. Allison Pason says:

    I love reading these Q&A blogs. Can’t wait for the new book. It is fun reading the research and questions for your consultant.

  67. VeronikaDream says:

    Loved the interview, especially reading the funny stories. 😀 Can’t wait for It Happened One Wedding to come out!

  68. Heather says:

    Oh’ good, another giveaway. I cannot wait for this one. Reading this was the perfect appetizer 🙂 you are a wonderful writer. Thank you.

  69. JOYE says:

    Really enjoyed reading this post. I learned a few things. Appreciate you having this person as a guest.
    I like reading your books.

  70. Sims says:

    This was a really fun interview to read! Thanks for helping Ms. James write such wonderful books Mr. Special Agent!

  71. Lisa says:

    I’m from Germany and have read all your FBI/U.S. Attorney books in English. Two weeks ago I started About That Night in French, because it’s so much more fun to learn a language with a great book 🙂

  72. Kathleen O says:

    Amazing interview… It will make the reading of your books so much more interesting… thanks Mr. Special Agent..

  73. Susan Rice says:

    Great interview! Checked my calendar for May 6th: all clear. Will be totally sucked into this one! Hope the fam doesn’t want to eat or anything that day…

  74. Peggy Gratton says:

    Wow, you really did your homework. Can’t wait to read it now that I have all that backround. I have to woman up and do more research for my books. How do you get the gumption to interview someone?

  75. margil says:

    yay for getting my question chosen! This interview is mind-boogling and amazing! I can’t wait to read the book!

  76. Kristi says:

    That whole interview was AMAZING! I think so many of us have always wanted to be an FBI or CIA agent. 🙂 Love the stories from Mr Special Agent!

    I would love an actual copy for my bookshelf as my Kindle version is always pre-ordered!

  77. Carolyn Valdez says:

    I have not read any of your books, but after reading this interview I will definitely be putting all of them on my TBR list! Thank you for the giveaway.

  78. Nicoll says:

    LOL! I (as a foreigner) find this really amazing! In my country we do have some squad like FBI but waaaay to different. In series or movies I see it’s so cool the job but reading a personal view of the job and finding out much information is very like realistic… Is like finding out that FBI really exist LOL… Now I really love your books because even if I new that wasn’t like reallity it felt like reading something that can actually happen to some attorney of FBI agent in USA… And also each character you created are so human, like a said before very realistic people. I can’t wait to read the book and know more about FBI life!!! This is more fun than TV series! LOL

  79. Sharon M says:

    I can’t wait to read this new book.

    I have loved reading all your books so far.

    A signed book would be great.

  80. Tonya C says:

    Thank you Ms. Julie for this illuminating insight into the FBI and Thank You Mr. Special Agent for sharing your expertise with us. It was a pleasure to read the Q&A session.

  81. Amanda Compell says:

    Great interview. I can’t wait to read the book. I love your books especially because I live not too far from Chicago. I like that I have seen or been to some of the places you write about. it helps with the story.

  82. Kathy says:

    I posted on the wrong page first- Ha!
    Thanks for the chance-the book sounds interesting and the interview was great.

  83. Shambhawi says:

    Fact #10 broke my heart. But amazing interview. I think I’m crushing a little on Mr. Special Agent 😉 (Like I crushed on Jason, Jack, J. D, Kyle and Cade – though they had the benefit of being fictional.)

    Really can’t wait for Special Agent Vaughn in IHOW either. I’m fickle like that.

  84. Vera Isabel says:

    My goodreads friends praise your “FBI/US Attorney” series.
    I’d be pretty interested in reading this; who knows, I might win!
    Good luck to all!

  85. Ashli E says:

    Thanks for the interview! Gives me an interesting perspective into your writing and life as an FBI agent. Cant wait to read your book!

  86. Jen S. says:

    Wow, I really enjoyed the interview. It’s 2a.m. and I’m so excited to read your next book, I don’t think I’d be able to sleep!

  87. Melissa says:

    As a child of a police officer i so understand the life of secrets, the not telling. I also lived with a K-9 officer, he was a great dog. Hey Julie maybe that should be your next book a K-9 unit. I look forward to reading this and many other books to come.

  88. Carolyn V says:

    I cannot wait for this book to come out. I’ve own and have read the entire FBI/US Attorney series several times.

    Keep writing, your excellent at it!

  89. Traci says:

    What a great interview! And I’ll be looking for the “You’re going to lose” line in a future book. Can’t wait to read Vaughn’s story!

  90. Cassie W. says:

    This was so fun to read. It is really hard when watching a cop/FBI show to know if that is actually how it is done, creative freedom and all. I really can’t wait for this book. 🙂

  91. nancy reynolds says:

    Loved the blog/interview. The book sounds absolutely fantastic. Thanks for this chance to win. Even if I don’t “win” a copy, I’ll be reading this book. Great luck with it!!!

  92. Ann L says:

    Mr. Special Agent should he a writer himself, Julie. His presentation of facts and incidents was informative and very often humorous. I loved the Question & Answer format. The interview was both interesting and entertaining….so much so that I know I will re-read it. Thanks so much for hosting (and posting) this interview. I am eagerly looking forward to reading “It Happened One Wedding!”

  93. Lynn Rettig says:

    Truly fascinating! Just one question: Can you make Mr. Special Agent the hero of your next book?

    And a real undercover school?!? Now THAT truly rocks!!

    Thanks for the 10 facts, and the interview. Both were great!

    Later,

    Lynn

  94. Cynthia E. Blain says:

    What a fantastic interview: the only thing missing is a photo of your FBI man and I know that is not going to happen. Can’t wait to order and read your book, but maybe I will be lucky enough to win a copy. Thanks for the great in depth background on your research. Wonderful.

    Cynthia

  95. Susan Wilson says:

    That was an excellent interview! I have not read any of your books yet, but I plan on starting on one in the near future! Thanks for the giveaway 🙂

  96. Danette says:

    that was allot of great information-too cool! I agree with the others -a pic of your source to put with the information would be neat. Cannot wait for book! good luck 🙂

  97. Annette N says:

    I wanted to thank Mr Special FBI agent for the picture of someone doing a Flying Leap over a fence —–it is evident this Mr S F has a vivid imagination as well as great physical skills. And Thank You for what you do for us.

  98. Anne L. says:

    Loved the interview with Mr. Special FBI agent. My husband is a former law enforcement officer and many is the day he would come home with stories some sad, some outrageous. He also said he wanted to write a book about some of them, but he didn’t think people would believe them! Thanks for this blog. Can’t wait for May 6 I’ve had “It Happened One Wedding” pre-ordered on my Kindle since February!

  99. Robin Sidwell says:

    This interview was very interesting. What a wonderful resource you found to help you enter the world of the FBI. I’m looking forward to reading this new book.

  100. Susan Heim says:

    What a fascinating interview! I love FBI Guy’s sense of humor. Definitely not what I expected. And he graciously gave a lot of his time for this interview. He would be great to meet!

  101. Lisa N. says:

    This is a great interview! I’m really looking forward to reading the new book. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!

  102. Alicia Jespersen says:

    Wow, that thing about the FBI and the flinching while firing a gun. That was super interesting. Thanks so much for sharing! And thanks for the chance to win!

  103. Aimee says:

    So excited for this book! I love how you acknowledge the fictional ways people view the FBI (or rather, the way the media portrays FBI agents) and what actually is going on in real life. As someone hoping to go into the legal profession myself, I find your books fascinating (though I hope I never lead half an…exciting life as the lives you write about). Congrats on your upcoming release, and I can’t wait to read this book! *would also love to enter*

  104. Tonya Lee says:

    Hi Julie
    I would love to read your book “It Happen One Wedding” it sounds very very good.
    I love to read suspenseful romance books and I like watching shows like “Blue Bloods”
    With Tom Selleck about a family of law offices and how they get along in life. I love it and I think I would love reading your book so please pick me. That sound kind of greedy but I so very much want to read your book!

  105. Melissa says:

    Fascinating interview. I’d like to hear more. Humorous and engaging. And of course, I can’t wait to read the book!

  106. Carron says:

    Loved the behind the scenes info and would really love to win the book. I’ll definitely be reading it one way or another.

  107. ELF says:

    What an enlightening interview, that must be so much fun integrating fact and fiction! Thanks for sharing and thanks to your consultant for clearing up a few misconceptions.

  108. E Gro says:

    I’m going to have to pace myself reading, last year I finished LI in a day, rereading all your books didn’t make the year pass any faster! Very excited!

  109. Sheila says:

    Thanks for the super Special Agent interview. . .now I really appreciate the background research on your books. Have to read it first but following up with audiobooks later is much more fun to take wherever I go.

  110. Bernie says:

    I’m so excited about this book since it’s based on a real life interview with FBI agent linking the their story with a romantic twist, such an awesome idea and effort Julie James!

  111. Rochelle says:

    Thanks for the interview. Its always interesting to hear the FBI pov. I liked all the insight. Can’t wait to read the book!

  112. Mahvish says:

    I love love love the interview!!!

    Reading about the background and insights about the book always makes the story even more titillating but coming straight from the source who has lived this life(given you input and helped create the character) makes a book a must read no matter how fictionalized it is..

    I cannot wait to get my hands on this book somehow..
    Thank you so soo much for the fun insight and an interview as entertaining as your books..

    p.s. Can I borrow this Mr. Special Agent? Am stuck on a character doing undercover work.. 😉

  113. Gwen H says:

    Very informative. By the way, I foster homeless books, much to my husband’s dismay 🙂 tee he………Thanks for a chance to win.

  114. Vicki P says:

    Always share your FBI columns with my son (who just graduated) since he is interested in criminal justice field. Lots of good info in there! Is it May 6 yet?!?!

  115. Leslie C. says:

    What a great interview! I love learning more about the FBI agents and their work. Plus, I love reading your books. Can’t wait for the next one.

  116. Sonnetta Jones says:

    Since I can not become a FBI agent I live vicariously through your characters. I can not wait to read this. I am grateful that I do not have to wait long.

    Please thank the agents for all the work that they do. I appreciate it and am grateful to them and their families.

  117. Lisa Richards says:

    Thoroughly enjoyed this peek behind the scenes.
    I’m a sucker for this type of book or TV show–have them all scheduled to record on my DVR so I don’t miss a one of them

  118. Catherine Scott says:

    Looks great! I love FBI stories. I’m a big fan of Criminal Minds and other police procedural drama as well as romantic suspense novels.

  119. Cheryl says:

    Was excited to see my question make the list since I figured Mr. Special Agent would have a good “dumb criminal” story. I didn’t expect one with a man applying for an intelligence analyst position to incriminate himself for child porn. On his birthday no less. Wow.

  120. Julia - Yen says:

    Thanks Mr. Special Agent and Julie James for the great interview. I enjoy it! 🙂 Love the funny stories from Mr. Special Agent, made me laugh! Looking forward to read It Happen One Wedding, soon!

  121. Frieda Eyoum says:

    Very interesting interview! I’ll never be able to take Seeley Booth (from Bones) and his shoulder holster seriously now! Oh well… Can’t wait for the book either !!! Hopefully I’ll win a signed copy otherwise, I’ll just buy it. Even in France you are loved !!!

  122. Alexandra says:

    so… I’ve preordered the book back in November (as usual when it comes to your new releases *cough*) and I’ve just been notified that the book is on its way to me (yay!) but I’d love a signed copy 🙂

    also – loved your stories and the interview with Mr. Special Agent. so interesting!

  123. Kelly says:

    A family member of mine was a special agent as well as a special assistant to the director, and back in the 80’s I got to take a tour of the Headquarters in DC. Too bad I was so little at the time that I didn’t truly appreciate what I got a chance to experience. That would probably never happen today. Anyway, I think since I’m related to a former FBI special agent I have always been a little intrigued with the Hollywood/fictional depiction of them, and that is why I picked up these books. I kept reading them because the dialogue is so great.

  124. Kristen says:

    Have been anticipating a new novel by Julie James for almost a year now and cannot wait until the 6th! Thanks for the behind-the-scenes interview.

  125. Sabah says:

    It was fun to read a actual FBI opinion. I am still going to envision Jack with a shoulder holster cause that wag more sexy. Love that he read romance novel. Can’t wait for IT HAPPENED ONE WEDDING just one more week to go

  126. Aurore says:

    Wow, very interesting interview. You must have learnt so many things, Julie! Thank you and Mr Special Agent for the insights into this job.
    I can’t wait for It happened one wedding, especially now, with the hints you gave us today.

  127. Jen Callister says:

    Great interview. The only time I met an FBI agent in real life, she came to interview about someone I had previously worked with who was applying for a job in which he needed security clearance. Asking tons of questions sure is not the glamorous life shown on TV!

    Looking forward to this book!

  128. Betty K says:

    Great interview- loved to hear about real FBI agents. My dad worked for the US Treasury department and always wore clip on ties so he could never be choked – I’ve always wondered if law enforcement did that, too. Would you have any idea about that?

  129. Carey S. says:

    That was a very interesting read. It was eye-opening in many ways. Now I want to read all of the books! I have Love Irresistably, About that Night, and A Lot Like Love on my nightstand ready to read starting tonight. Can’t wait!

  130. Christina Richardson says:

    I always love reading little interviews like this. It’s nice getting little insights into people’s lives, especially when it’s someone with a job like that.

    And after the week that I’ve had, winning a signed copy of your new book would be a wonderful surprise.

  131. Lisa D. says:

    Mr. Secret Agent has some fascinating stories and it’s heartening to know that some men (secret agent men even) are smart enough to read romance novels! *wink*

  132. Glittergirl says:

    Please enter me in this giveaway. I’ve heard so much praise on the blogs about your stories. Thanks so much for the chance! Best of luck with the release!

  133. Gale S. says:

    I can’t imagine what it is like to put your life on the line, every day, so I salute Mr. Special Agent, et al. And I’ll enjoy Julie’s book versions, too!

  134. Ashley Morris says:

    My catnip is books with FBI heroes. “It Happened One Wedding” sounds like it’ll be right up my alley!

  135. Lana says:

    Loved, loved, loved the interview. Can’t wait to read the book. Thanks for sharing with us Mr. Special Agent and Julie!

  136. Monica says:

    That was some really good insight into the real life of an FBI agent, can’t wait to see how all this gets incorporated into the book =D

  137. Wendy Dekker says:

    What an interesting interview! I loved hearing more about the FBI. And I can’t wait to read your new book, Julie!

  138. Karen says:

    Really love your books… I’m looking forward to read this one. Thank you for writing them and as long as you continue writing, I’ll be buying & reading!

  139. Julie Cooper says:

    Your books keep getting better and better. I had to read Rylann and Kyle about twelve times, just to make sure I’d laughed and swooned enough.

  140. miki says:

    Fabulous interview! really i learned a lot and it will makeyour books even more tempting or funny ( i will have to find teh quotes in them^^)
    If you werte asked again to play hostages would you free your calendars?

    thank you as well mister special agent^^

  141. Josette says:

    I know I’m showing my age, but I wanted to be an FBI agent way back when Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. was playing one on TV! LOL (I served my country by joining the Air Force instead!) Really enjoyed the interview & can’t wait to read the book!

  142. Teresa Hughes says:

    Really enjoyed the interview!! He answered a lot of questions that I have often wondered about. Thanks for sharing and for the contest!

  143. Agnes L says:

    The interview was really interesting. I can’t wait to read the book. Thanks for sharing it with us. So how many days before the book comes out in stores?

  144. Tina says:

    I am so looking forward to your new book. I have read all of your books, 2- 3 times (or more). I look forward to your books. Keep up the good work. Thankyou.

  145. Lauren kearney says:

    Thanks for the behind the scene sneak peek. So excited for your next book! You are one of my few auto buy authors!

  146. Abby says:

    I’ve been anticipating your latest release! Can’t wait to read it, and thanks for sharing that interview with Mr. Special Agent! He always gives insightful, interesting answers! Also, thanks for holding this giveaway! 🙂

  147. Anne Stone says:

    Julie,
    This is a great blog piece! Thank you–and Mr. Special Agent. I loved hearing his stories. I can’t wait for It Happened One Wedding. I agree with the comment Mr. SA made regarding your books, specifically the dialog. I definitely think that is one of your strengths. Your characters are fun. Happy Release Day! I know this will be another winner for you. 🙂

  148. Taylor Bellitto says:

    JULIE! Look how popular you are lol. We all love your books and cannot wait for this new release!!! Thanks again for all the FBI info. That was a really funny interview. Loved it! Thank you and Mr. Special Agent!

  149. Daniela C says:

    See thi is why I love your books. This is informative as well as entertaining. You have a great way of makingbthe dialogs smart and snappy! Thanks

  150. Rose Boniello says:

    Love the feeling these tough men make me experience — there is a certain degree of safety when they’re around! Love these books!!

  151. cindy b says:

    I found the interview informative. Amazing how realistic TV is until you know the truth behind it. Please enter my name for a chance at the book. Thanks.

  152. Patti B. says:

    Great interview. Interesting information. My library student aide is a big fan of your series and is always asking me to buy the next one. 🙂

  153. Mary Chen says:

    What a great interview! I loved learning more about FBI agents and what they do (and I had some good laughs too!)

  154. Allison Westcote says:

    This was such a fun interview and gave such interesting perspective! I would love LOVE to win a cipy of the book!

  155. Elizabeth Crawford says:

    Interesting perspective! Working in law enforcement in the civilian side, it’s interesting to see what humanity can get up to. Sometimes hilarious like stupid. And sometimes heartbreaking. Love your books!

  156. Rachel says:

    I loved reading the interview. Can’t wait for the book to come out. I hope you’ve already started the next one because I will be counting down the days for it starting May 7th!

  157. JackieW says:

    Enjoyed reading the facts about FBI agents. Interesting information so I’m sure your book would be as interesting. Would enjoy reading it.

  158. Wendy says:

    I wish I would have thought of this but here goes. Next time you interview Mr. Special Agent please ask: “Which hero from your books is most like him?”

  159. Teresa Kleeman says:

    Wow,
    What a great interview with Mr. Special Agent. Who knew what all went into being in the FBI and what manners of consulting and information you need to get to write a book as accurate as possible. It’s good you have Mr. Special Agent to help.
    I’ve really enjoyed this interview and the knowledge I learned about doing your research.

    Thank you for the great interview and the info. on the new book.

  160. Carol L says:

    What a very interesting and informative interview. I can’t wait to read It Happened One Wedding. Thanks for the opportunity.
    Carol L

  161. Penny Weldon says:

    I would love to read this week as we celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary in Walt Disney World with my main man!!!Our 7 yr old granddaughter said “How romantical!” Anna Catherine made the word up herself and I have shamelessly incorporated into my vocabulary.
    What’s a Mimi to do when given a wonderful word to use!!

  162. Kit says:

    A Lot Like Love is my favorite of your books and I am super excited to read your newest! I enjoy your sharp and witty dialogue and the realistic relationships your characters have (not every story needs to end with the main characters dashing off to their own wedding!)

  163. lisagk says:

    Thank you so much for a great post. Loved the give and take of this interview. Lucky Julie to work with Mr. Special Agent Man!!!

  164. Cindy L. says:

    I enjoyed reading the interview. I look forward to reading this book! I was surprised that an agent’s spouse would be so careless when seeing an agent in an unusual situation and not consider the possibility of that agent being undercover. I encountered an agent I know while he was undercover, fortunately because of the unlikelinesses of him being a waiter, I realized the situation and didn’t blow his cover. When I got home I did call his mom who I worked with and told her about seeing him.

  165. Rita says:

    Loved the behind the scenes interview with the FBI Agent on your blog. Would really enjoy receiving a copy of It Happened One Wedding. Thanks for the opportunity.

  166. Sherri Hines says:

    Interesting interview. I’d love to apply to be an FBI agent but am sure I would be knocked out of the running long before guns came into play. Looking forward to the book!

  167. Sinead says:

    Love your US Attorney/FBI series. Love how you had a Q&A session with an actual FBI agent. I would’ve liked to been a fly on the wall to been in on this conversation :).
    I can not wait till It happened one Wedding comes out anxiously waiting.

    From a huge fan in AUstralia

  168. Jessica B says:

    I can’t wait for this book. I just started reading all your novels after a recommendation. I think it’s fantastic you had a chance to interview an actual agent. I loved reading the interview and can’t wait to read the book.

  169. Julie-ann Ford says:

    Being a retired police officer, I have often thought of writing about my experiences. However, I am a better reader than a writer. Thank you for sharing your talented writing with us.

  170. Judy Matchim says:

    Have my book on pre order, love your books. Your MR. FBI sounds pretty cool too and gotta admire the people who do so much public service, not because of the safety or payment issue. Thank you both was quite enchanted and amused and your chat was just like your books and reading them. Can’t wait, love them, just gotta write faster. Thanks for the many hours of pleasure!

  171. BookGirl says:

    I have read all of Julie’s books – each new release is immediately devoured to be followed by impatiently waiting for the next one! Counting the days until May 6th!

  172. Alexandra says:

    I love your books and can’t wait to read the next one! Thanks for sharing this great behind-the-scenes with Mr Special Agent!

  173. Kristie J says:

    With all these comments, I think my chances of winning are pretty darn slim *chuckle*. But even if I don’t win (which I probably won’t) I’ll be reading this anyway. I DO SO love your books!

  174. Des says:

    Great interview! I had almost applied to working for the FBI at one point, no kids or real attachments other than my immediate family. But then I saw how skilled most of the others are, and just got intimidated. But that would be fun to play the fake hostage, it’d be interesting to see how people react.

    One more week! I’m so excited!!

  175. Rachel C. says:

    What a fantastic interview! It is really fascinating to learn some of the behind the scenes, daily routines of an actual FBI Agent! It’s definitely not something I could do, but I really loved learning about it.

    And I cannot wait to read this book when it comes out!!

  176. Annette Mardis says:

    Hi, Julie. My dad was a police officer in St. Petersburg, Fl for 20 years and also taught at the police academy. He spent 15 of those 20 years as a detective investigating homicide and rape. Enjoyed your info about the real FBI agents, and I’d love to read the book.

  177. Patricia amaioni says:

    Loved this interview with Mr. Special Agent
    and the last one too I’ve always been interested in all things FBI and this was very enlightening. Can’t wait to read this next book(which was back ordered so long ago). Happy Release Day!

  178. Jean Hsu says:

    Wow, thanks for posting this! It was really interesting to read the FBI facts and the interview. And as many others have already said, can’t wait for the book to come out!

  179. Kai W. says:

    Julie, that’s funny. When the FBI recruiter approached me to join the FBI because I speak a foreign language, I had no plan in working for a law enforcement agency. The irony is I did. I ended up working for the police department. How ironic is this?

  180. Shan M says:

    Great Interview!! #1 reason that I couldn’t be an undercover agent: I am too forgetful. There is no way I would be able to keep up with a second identity and all that entails. I can barely remember the things that are going in my life now from day to day.

    Having this behind the scenes info is going to make reading the book even better.

    Thanks!!!

  181. Elizabeth DeYong says:

    Loved the interview! LOL when you mentioned how Special Agents “rock” the untucked polo look. Our elementary school PTO president is a cop. One day while waiting for school to let out, he was pointing out a couple of fellow officers. He said the shirts were untucked because they were carrying weapons and he would bet they had something, gun or knife, strapped to an ankle. My eyes got big! We live in a very safe neighborhood. He said that didn’t matter. Off duty officers almost always carry their weapons wherever they go. I never would have guessed! I am really looking forward to next week!!!

  182. Maria says:

    Thank you for posting this interview, Mr Special Agent is really interesting and knowing he gave you advice while you were writing this book makes me want to read even more!
    You’ve got very cool contacts in the most awesome places.

  183. Kim says:

    I absolutely love your books. It’s great having stories take place in familiar surroundings. Can’t wait to devour this one!

  184. Wendy says:

    A link to this blog was on my Facebook. I’ve never read one of your books, but this interview was great! I will definitely put you on my tbb list.

    Wendy

  185. Juanita says:

    Hi Julie – I love your books and would absolutely love to read this one. It was great reading this post and finding out why your books always sound so authentic – it’s because you’re writing from experience!

  186. Sue P says:

    I love this guy! Hope you can continue to consult with him. I’m sure it’s a fine line for you in using the actual versus what works better in the storyline. Love this series!!

  187. Sharlene Wegner says:

    You have a great way of making the story realistic, which I now see comes from all of this research. Yet, there is also a steamy romance, with humor as well. Thanks for the chance to win. (Looking like a needle in a haystack, now, with so many responses! LOL!)

  188. Eileen A-W says:

    It’s taken me all day to read your blog because it’s been one of those days. I loved the interview & can’t wait to read this book. I’ve read your others & love your books. Please thank Mr. FBI Special Agent for taking time out of his busy day to inform us about the FBI.

  189. Swee says:

    I enjoyed reading the interview and I think your books are one of the best where the heroine is a lawyer. I have read your previous books and I look forward to reading the latest. I hope I win it!!!

  190. Kerri Fowler says:

    I love your books and have been anxiously awaiting this one. Thank You so much for all your hard work, you are such a fantastic author!!!

  191. Sandy Xiong says:

    I think it’s just me but I was so fascinated by this interview. I’ve always thought how cool it would be to be an FBI agent or meet one because they are tough and the protective type.

  192. Ada says:

    Love the behind the scenes! Thanks for sharing it with us! I’m so impatiently waiting for the book release!! 🙂 Thanks for the chance to win!

  193. Sue DS says:

    Thanks for sharing this interview. Great insight into the real life of an agent. Look forward to reading your new book.

  194. Jenni P says:

    I really enjoyed the blog post. Back in high school I participated in a conference in DC that included a tour of Quantico. Touring the FBI Training Academy and seeing their (training) “town” made me feel more confident in those in the agency.

    Keep giving us stories with these great reps of law enforcement.

  195. E. R. says:

    Ms. James, will you use Mr. Special FBI Agent as a reference for future books? It seems like he’s such a good reference material for your upcoming book.

    And congrats on the upcoming book release!

  196. Pansy Petal says:

    What a wonderful in interview with Mr Special Agent! If I hadn’t already decided to add this book to my tbr list, this would have done it. I already adore cop type stories! Thank you for sharing this with us. I loved it!

  197. Deanna says:

    2 Things
    1) I enjoyed the TV series numbers and found it interesting that they would often be in professional clothes but occasionally one or more of the mail actors would be in more casual clothes. Interesting to read Mr Special Agents explanation on dress policy.
    2) I love the Linda Howard book Veil of Night where the hero- a police detective- is constantly grumbling about the amount of paperwork everything takes to accompolish and how the tv shows do not accurately reflect that, obviously because it is not very action packed. I imagine paper cuts, fights with photocopies and carpal tunnel syndrome from excessive typing completing with shootouts when the writers are scripting plot lines. Hey should we throw in another paper cut or a paper jam or a blue screen of death in this week’s episode? Let’s go with the blue screen of death on the heros computer while he is stuck at his desk typing reports, viewers really seem to like that one. Anyway onward and upward with the glamorous and not so glamorous.

  198. June says:

    OMG!!! Its almost here! I’m so looking forward to read it.
    I really enjoy read the interview. Although I must say I don’t think I can handle being field agent, LoL.

  199. Audrey K. says:

    What a great interview!! Too bad we can’t see a pic of Mr Special Agent. I’m so excited for the new book! 🙂

  200. CarolinaVg says:

    OMG i love it!!! i can’t wait for the book!! please chosee an international reader!!!!

    Greetings from Spain!

  201. Sheryl C. Nash says:

    WOW!!! Mr Special Agent is VERY CHARMING!!! Equal parts funny AND insightful!!! And I would LOVE to win a signed paperback!!! Love your work and can’t wait for the book to come out!!

  202. Widya Ongels says:

    Wow! Thanks so much for sharing this BTS! I learned much things from it. And I would love to get signed paperback from one of my favorite author!! Can’t wait for the book! *sooexcited

  203. Rachel says:

    Wow, interesting information he shared with you. I don’t know why, but I love when men admit they read romance novels too 🙂 glad he liked this one!

  204. Aleksandra says:

    Oh, that was interesting reading! Would not have anything in mind to meet Mr. Special Agent in person and ask him a few more questions and see if he is as charming as he sound! Cant wait to read a book!

  205. KateK says:

    I can’t wait for this book. And I think it is a sign it comes out the day I leave for WDW, clearly this is meant to be my vacation book 🙂

  206. Mariz Santos says:

    I was surprised to learn that you initially wanted to be an FBI agent. It’s just so gutsy! I mean, with all the dangers of the job. 😀 Anyhow, I’m really looking forward to reading IHOW especially after all the insights shared by Mr. Special Agent about the FBI life. 🙂

  207. Aleksandra A says:

    AWESOME interview! 😀

    And OMG!!!! Just 6 more sleeps until IT HAPPENED ONE WEDDING! I am so so so excited!!! <3

  208. Debra Santos says:

    Well I have to say after reading the excerpt and reading your questions with Mr. Agent, this sounds like a book I need to read. I really do love these types of books, they keep you on the edge of your seat and guessing as to what is happening next. I am glad you chose writing over the FBI LOL.

  209. Rita Sheppard says:

    I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your new book and the interview with Mr. Special Agent. I find the FBI investigative work to be very interesting and love to read books about the FBI. I will definitely be looking for your books.

  210. Aarati says:

    WOW!!! Great interview. Enjoyed it thoroughly. I’m a new fan of yours. I just recently discovered your books, and let me just say, I’m loving them.

  211. j3nny says:

    Thank you for sharing this! It was so interesting to see how the other side thinks. I cant wait for the book to come out!

  212. JenM says:

    Wow, that was a fascinating interview. I don’t know much about FBI agents in real life, but if they are all like your consultant, then the caliber of people protecting us is very high! Thanks for the giveaway. I love this series and can’t wait to read the book.

  213. Andra Dalton says:

    Holy Cow!!! You’ve definitely got to have one of the best jobs ever!!! Never a dull moment in real life or on the pages!!! Love your books & can’t wait to dive into It Happened One Wedding as I know it will be magnificent!!! Your latest blog interview with Mr. Special Agent was fabulous & thoroughly enjoyed reading it…next time there’s an opening for a hostage at their SWAT training though I say go for it!!! Can only imagine the fantastic research information you’d be able to attain for use in future books!!! Thanks for giveaway & good luck to all!!!

  214. Gladys T. says:

    I’ve been a fan since your first book. I’ve read it at least 5 times each book and I still read some of my favorites up to now. I’ve even memorized some of its dialogues.hahaha.. I am already super excited with It happened one wedding. Can’t wait…

  215. Jill Koutsky says:

    Mr. Special Agent sounds like an awesome guy! He sounds like the perfect mentor. And he’s definitely in touch with his feminine side by enjoying romance novels. I can’t wait for this book to come out!!!!

  216. Brenda Irvin says:

    I enjoyed reading “Something About You”. From the excerpt that I read “It Happened One Wedding” sounds like a winner as well! I look forward to reading it. Mr. Special Agent sounds like a cool guy. Thank you for the giveaway.

  217. Fatima says:

    awesome! great interview! wish Mr. Special Agent will really write that book he mentioned…from the way he answered all those questions, its evident he really can write! cant wait for It Happened One Wedding! 😀

  218. Brittany says:

    I have read some of your past books and they were really good. so i can’t wait until “It happened one wedding”!! Thanks for the giveaway and Mr.Special agent seemed really cool!!!

  219. Patti says:

    Julie, you might have the most awesome job in the world! I have May 6th marked on my calendar…and I may have to phone in sick on the 7th if I stay up all night reading 🙂

  220. Nancy Wolfe says:

    Your books are amazing and this one sounds so delish, I would love to win it. Thanks for the chance and your blog is great too. Loved reading about the research and the hot SWAT guys!

  221. Linda says:

    Thanks so much Julie! I was thrilled to hear it from a “real” agent. I often wondered the answers to many of those questions. Oh to be a fly on the wall….

  222. D McDonald says:

    A good friend sent me your blog page to send to my son, who is currently applying for the FBI. I opened the blog to see what is was all about. I am not a reader, however I sat at work and read the entire article. I am now looking forward to the release of your newest book. Congratulations!

  223. Aqeelah says:

    Wow! I’m such a fan of your wonderful book! As a law student I love your books even more as its a mix of two things I love most. Law and Romance- a crazy mix but you still manage to make them so beautiful and interesting.
    And the interview was amazing!
    I absolute cannot wait for ‘It happened one wedding’ 🙂

  224. Kate Heather Fayr says:

    Wow, a few more days to go. This should be interesting; Julie James hasn’t disappointed me so far. Loved each moment i spent with her books. ^_^

  225. Sarah says:

    Thanks for the interview! It was awesome reading on what a actual FBI agent do a daily basis. I love watching crime procedural dramas and knowing what an actual FBI agent do in a undercover assignment is really thrills me to no end.

    I am so excited for the release now and would love to get the advance copy of the book. Thanks Julie James for the giveaway contest. (:

  226. Michele H says:

    I love it when you interview people, especially men. Mr. Special Agent’s thoughts and expression were very interesting.
    I recall your interview with 2 or 3 men friends that read one of your earlier books. It was so hilarious! It is one of my favorite Julie posts 🙂

  227. peggy C. says:

    I love men being interviewed and this one was so good I just can’t wait and the giveaway is going to be like the lottery as so many people have commented I am happy for you.

  228. Heather says:

    Wow, great interview. That was really interesting. Now I want to find out how I can be a ‘hostage’ in an FBI training in my town. 🙂

    I’m excited to read this book – I’ve loved all the others in this series!

  229. Poojita says:

    To be ruthlessly honest, I was never a fan of these sort romantic suspenses but one read at Something About You, I was hooked, am hooked and will be hooked forever now.

    And this interview is epic. The shoulder holster thing was disappointed but hey, the other points were wonderful *gushing* The interview is just great and thank you so much for sharing! Mr. Special Agent seems pretty much like the FBI Agents I wanna meet but thank you leting me live vicariously through you!

    Poojita
    (sorry, I’m a rambler)

  230. Eden E says:

    That was awesome! I like the fact that the complete truth can’t actually be in books and movies so criminals can’t cheat the system. It makes sense but I never really thought about it

  231. Christina says:

    I have loved all your previous books can’t wait to read this one!! I’ll still buy even if I don’t win. 🙂

  232. Karen K. says:

    My daughter wanted to be an FBI agent, and trained independently for about 6 mos. Unfortunately, she later developed some significant health problems that would keep her out f the Bureau. Thanks for a peak at some of what her career might have been like!

  233. Linda Harrison says:

    Can’t wait to read It Happened One Wedding! I’ve read your other books and loved them. The Dodge Charger pictured looks like a vehicle that the police would drive. Our FBI agents here drive generic sedans.

  234. Susana Dorado says:

    Interesting to here some of your process in writing your book. I have read all your books and I’m excited to read this new one. Thanks

  235. Maria E. Lopez says:

    I have loved every book you have written and cannot wait to read It Happened One Wedding!! Working in a close field I enjoy your storylines!!!

  236. Lisa Guertin says:

    Thanks for an interesting article. It was fascinating to read about the “real” FBI side of being a technical consultant.

  237. Jessy says:

    Julie, you are probably my favourite author. I love how much you share with your readers, this behind the scene info was very interesting. I cannot wait to read It Happened One Wedding!

  238. Patti says:

    I love reading and your books are really fun, as they are not just romance. I love to go back and reread a book when another one in the series comes out, as I usually find something that I missed the first time. It would be wonderful to get your book and start reading it right away.

  239. Shannon Bereza says:

    This is by far one of my favorite blog posts of all time. I absolutely loved the interview. I love all the secret agent kind of real life stuff. My husband is a firefighter so I see that aspect of the hero stuff but I have always had a fascination with the FBI, CIA stuff. I can’t wait to read this book!!

  240. Marcia Lancaster says:

    That was information that was different and unexpected. Can’t wait for the book to get here and to see where all these little known facts are slipped into the story. Wish I knew an FBI agent to talk to. Thanks for sharing.

  241. Wendy B says:

    Thanks for the interview, loved it and would love to read more behind the scenes stuff like this. I found it very interesting and thanks to Mr Special Agent for taking the time to do the interview.

    Can’t wait for the book.

  242. Cathy P says:

    Hi, Julie! Thanks for the exciting interview and your generous giveaway! I love your books and am looking forward to reading IT HAPPEENED ONE WEDDING.

  243. Tammy H says:

    What a great interview full of very interesting information. I can’t wait to read “It Happened One Wedding”. Thank you for the chance to win it 🙂

  244. Katie G says:

    I totally overheard a conversation @ Target; two women were talking about one of your books. I wasn’t even a seldom reader but that night I bought Practice Makes Perfect from Amazon. When it arrived, it sat on my bedside table for 3 days until I finally read the first page. I read the whole thing that night….loved it, just loved it-it has become the one book I bring with me on vacations, overnight’s and has become my go to book for when I have run through my kindle book budget or have read a bad book, I need PMP to refresh myself, lol. I can honestly say I must independently support Amazon’s amazing financial status from my hundreds of purchases;) Your one book has made me a huge fan of reading again. I love everyone of your books and so look forward to this one.

  245. Laura R says:

    What a great interview! I can’t imagine participating in a practice session with real FBI folks. Thanks for the giveaway!

  246. Jade B says:

    Wow that was so interesting! It’s actually quite rare to get such a realistic perspective on what their job would be like, thanks Julie! And can’t wait to read the book!!

  247. Missy Martin says:

    Thanks for sharing ~ I know that you do a lot of research for your writing but that was so in depth and interesting ~ I love this series and can’t wait to read It Happened One Wedding ~ Thanks for the chance to win

  248. Elisha says:

    Had to scroll waaaay down to leave this comment. That was so freaking cool!!! Best of luck with your new book & if you happen to feel I should get one- well it’s appreciated. Good times!

  249. Barbara F says:

    Awesome interview with “Mr Special Agent” only wish I could have a REAL Mr Speical Agent in my life wink wink… Or I would take anyone of your main hero’s from any of your books.
    You have the perfect style of humor and chemistry that keeps us coming back for more.
    I truly LOVE your books… Thank you, and keep writing you’re brilliant.

  250. Nathanie Serrano says:

    Loved the interview! An agent that reads romance .. What’s not to love? I wish him the best of luck and safety when he’s on the job. I appreciate his contribution as it brings your book to the next level (they are already amazing!)

  251. Michelle says:

    I am so excited! Practice Makes Perfect was my first Julie James book and I’ve been reading them ever since. Love it!

  252. Nat says:

    This sounds SOOO good! FBI takes care of their own! WE live near a very small town, and when a FBI agents wife & daughter were injured in a freak accident, they posted members at the hospital rooms, they were never left alone there, supported the family to the fullest. Dedicated & sincere!

  253. Pam says:

    I loved the top 10 list of the things we didn’t know. My son would die for that car as well, and he’s not an FBI agent! Can’t wait for the book to come out!

  254. Deborah Favorito says:

    The interview with the FBI agent was very interesting. I am glad he contributed and helped with the book. I am looking forward to reading it.

    Thank you Mr. Special Agent for risking your life so that we may have a hopefully safe life.

  255. Patty Poole says:

    Loved the interview!! Great to have a glimpse into the world of the FBI. Mr. Special Agent was the perfect choice. Enjoyed all the comments. Would love to win. Really enjoy your books especially Love Irresistibly.

  256. Robbie B says:

    Thanks for the blog post, enjoyed reading it.
    Would love to received a signed paperback copy for my collection.

  257. Camille Flores says:

    This was such an awesome interview. Mr. Special Agent had me at “I have leaned toward historical romances…” LOL 🙂 I know that authors go through research phases for their books especially when one tackles professions or specialties that you’re not familiar with but this sounds so much fun, interviewing and consulting with an actual FBI agent.

  258. Linda says:

    I have read all the FBI books and LOVE every one of them! I am impatiently waiting for this newest adventure……

  259. Laurie G. says:

    I just discovered you and your books. I’ve put all your books on my Wish List and would love to win this one and start reading!

  260. Patti R says:

    Mr. Special Agent definitely sounds like a character ripped out of the pages of one of your books. Does he look the part too? If not, please don’t tell us & ruin our fantasy!

  261. Stacia says:

    Great interview!! Please thank Mr. Special Agent for all that he does to help keep us safe and fighting the good fight!! Can not wait for this book. 🙂

  262. Stefanie says:

    That’s really the coolest and most interesting blog entry I’ve ever read. Thank you very much for that and for the great giveaway!!!

  263. Natalie says:

    I can’t wait for your next book! I love all your stories, they are simply special and not common in any way!
    Thank you so much for sharing your stories with us!

  264. Nici says:

    Hi Julie,

    Thanks for all the insight!! Especially your own questions to Mr. Special Agent and his answers (I hang on his every word…). It’s great that you have the opportunity to have a look behind the scenes. I really liked that when you thought Mr. Special Agent read two of your book he admitted that he actually read four!! See, even the “original” FBI like your books… :o)

    I’m so looking forward to your new novel because I enjoyed the others a lot (my favorite is “Something about you”)… It’s a good thing that “It happened one weeding” is published on the same day here in Germany so I don’t have to wait longer… ;o)

    Geetings from Germany
    Nici

  265. Leanna Bonneau says:

    Loved the interview and Q & A session. When I grow up to be a writer I want to be you! (I’m 50!!)Definitely going to read this one and look for some others.

  266. ina darmayanti says:

    Ohh.. Julie, u dont know how much i adore your books. I’m so in love with them. Cant wait to read it. I hope i can win it. Wish my luck. I must make my collection of Julie James books COMPLETE. Many thank for the chance

  267. Ann L says:

    Can’t wait for the book. Loved your interview with the FBI agent; he provided some great information that my FBI source did not when I was researching for a book I am writing. It’s good to get a male FBI perspective to add to the female perspective my source provided. Thanks for sharing!

  268. Aurora says:

    Hello! I’m a new reader of yours and quite a fan from now on, I think (^__^) The interview was very interesting, I might envy you a bit for having this opportunity to ask questions to an FBI agent and actually ask his opinion for your book. I’m a writer myself – or I try to be – and I know how hard it is sometimes to make it look real without exaggerating and yet without going through those experiences yourself.

    I can’t wait to read your next book too! Greetings from Romania~~

  269. Judy Goodnight says:

    Great interview – so fascinating to get the low-down on the FBI life of an agent! Looking forward to reading your new book.

  270. Cheryl Ong says:

    Great interview! Have always wanted to find out more about being an agent 🙂 We don’t have an FBI equivalent over here in Singapore (or at least not that I know of :p) so it’s a fascinating topic! Looking forward to the book!

  271. Antonia says:

    Thank you for the peek behind the scenes and the fabulous (and informative!) interview! Happy writing! 🙂

  272. Sharon E says:

    A big fan. Excited for this book! I re-read your other books while I wait for this, I can set them aside for now. Im a book collector and would be the happiest if I get to have a copy.

  273. Becky says:

    Fantastic interview! I have to admit, though, I am bummed that there is no Top Gun style volleyball court at the Chicago FBI HQ. That would be awesome.

    I can’t wait for this one to come out, Julie! I <3 Vaughn!

    Thanks for the giveaway 🙂

  274. Michelle N says:

    I really enjoyed the top ten things I didn’t know bout FBI agents. Those are some pretty interesting facts. I use to think being an FBI agent would be cool, but I wouldn’t be good at concealing the weapons under my clothes during the warmer months. Plus, I like to wear dresses and tanks too much! I can’t wait for It Happened One Wedding. Can’t wait to read it!

  275. diane says:

    Well that was a lot info about FBI agents. Good interview, if I do not win the book will buy like the series very much.

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