Cover reveal! (And a giveaway)

Please note: the giveaway is closed.

You all have waited ever-so-patiently for information about my next book, and today, many of your questions will be answered! The most common query I get is whether the new book will have an FBI theme, and I’m excited to tell you that the answer to that is . . . yes!!

But, wait–there’s more. Because this book doesn’t have just one FBI agent protagonist, but TWO of them.

Curious to know more? Here you go:

FLS cover final

Two undercover FBI agents can hide who they are from everyone but each other in the latest novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Suddenly One Summer.

Special Agent Jessica Harlow never expected—or wanted—to see John Shepherd again. Six years ago, the cocky Army Ranger was her top competition at the FBI Academy, and the one man who got under her skin like no other. Now he’s back in her life, as her new undercover partner, and the tension between them is hotter than ever.

Just one assignment away from joining the FBI’s elite Hostage Rescue Team, John isn’t going to let anything throw him off his game—not even the stunning, self-assured blonde who once showed him up at Quantico. He’ll work with Jessica to take down a corrupt politician, even if pretending to be business partners staying at a beachfront resort means they have to get a little too close for comfort. It’s all part of the charade, until the heat of the moment tempts them both into letting down their guard…

***

Whoo-hoo! We’ve got undercover stuff! And beaches! And a heroine and hero who can’t stand each other . . . at first. And if you’ve ever wondered what really goes on at the FBI Academy, Flirty Little Secrets has you covered there, too.

Now, I do want to give you a heads up about something. Flirty Little Secrets is currently scheduled for a July release date, and it will be available in trade paperback. For those of you wondering, “What’s a trade paperback?” those are the bigger paperbacks, the ones you typically see on the “New in Fiction” tables at the front of the bookstores. My previous books were all released in mass-market paperback (the smaller ones), so this is a change for me. And it’s a change that I’m  excited about–my publisher thinks this new format presents a lot of opportunities for me to continue growing as an author and, obviously, that’s a great thing.

Why am I mentioning this? Well, because it means my books are going to be a little more expensive, assuming we continue with the trade format going forward. Currently, my books are priced around $7.99 in ebook and mass-market paperback. I’m guessing that Flirty Little Secrets will cost around $2 more for the ebook and that the paperback will be priced somewhere in the $11-12 range. (I don’t know the exact price yet, because my publisher sets that.)

And I want you to know that this higher price point is not something I shrug off. I’m a book buyer, too, after all. But look at it this way: the upside of me being a “slower” writer is that, at the end of the day, if you like my books, I’m only going to cost you an extra $2 or $3 for the entire year. That’s, like, less than the cost of a latte at Starbucks.  (Granted, we could  have another conversation about whether my skinny peppermint mochas are really worth that $3.47 I willfully shell out everyday, but you get my point.)

Bottom line, I’m excited about this new format, and the opportunities it presents, and I’m also super-excited about this book, specifically. (If you haven’t guessed it already, I find this FBI stuff fascinating.) One of the most rewarding, humbling, and coolest things about being an author has been the enthusiasm with which my books have been received by you, the readers, and I hope that all of you will make this jump with me to the new format and continue along in the adventure.

All right, enough with all of my gabbing…. How about a giveaway to celebrate the release of my new cover? Seeing how we’ve been chatting about the FBI, I have five signed copies of my previous FBI book, It Happened One Wedding, up for grabs.

It Happened One Wedding by Julie James

To enter, just leave a comment below. The giveaway is international, and will remain open until 9pm tomorrow, November 19. Please enter only once. Good luck!

P.S. If any of you have any questions about the new book, or the trade paperback format, feel free to leave them in your comment below. I can’t promise I’ll respond to every question, but I’d love to hear what you guys think!

249 thoughts on “Cover reveal! (And a giveaway)

  1. Mina says:

    I’m so glad you have finally been able to tell us about the new book. Personally, I don’t mind waiting longer/paying a little more as long as it means I get to read a book I just know I will love. 🙂

  2. Suze says:

    So excited. Can’t wait. I LOVE your books. You are soooooo worth a few extra dollars. Love, love, love your writing. Is it July yet?????

  3. Jean West says:

    Nice, intriguing title and good cover. Your raise in price isn’t that much considering how much everything else is now. Good luck.

  4. Desiree Santos says:

    Very excited about the story of these two new characters!! Sad about the release date being later and later into the year with each new book! 🙁

  5. Kristy Petree says:

    Love that cover! Also, I’m always willing to pay more for a trade paperback–I much prefer them. And thanks for the great giveaway, would love to win this! 🙂 PS: I don’t normally “get” replies to comments like this, so if you reply, I probably won’t know. :/

  6. Trella says:

    The cover is beautiful and the story sounds intriguing! I’m excited that you are moving up into trade paperback. Your books are so worth it. I am counting down the days until July…

  7. Audrey Lei Lacambra says:

    OMG! I can’t wait for the new book! I really love your works! Thank you for the chance! Hoping to be picked and win! I really want one! Congrats for your new book to be release soon! I really can’t wait to read it! I don’t mind if it’s a trade paperback or masspaperback as long as it’s your work. I love the cover! 🙂

  8. Cat says:

    I first discovered “A Lot Like Love” and now look forward to your new book every year! Your books are amazing from the snappy dialogue to the charming characters to the research you put into the storyline! Is it July yet? So excited for all the teases from now until then! I love the feel of a real book, but the electronic format helps control the clutter in my house. So the $2 difference is no big deal.

  9. Kim Palismo says:

    Flirty Little Secrets sounds great. Well, all except the long wait. le sigh.

    Thanks for the generous giveaway. It Happened One Wedding is my favorite JJ books.

  10. Kelli Jo Calvert says:

    The new cover is GORGEOUS!! I’m excited for you and for the trade paperback – that’s a big deal! Yeah, they cost more, but they’re usually prettier and, to me, they’re a bit more prestigious.

  11. Melissa Haas says:

    Congratulations on the new book and format! And honestly you are worth the extra 3-4 dollars (even more in my opinion). I haven’t missed a new release since I started reading your work!

  12. Tanja says:

    I looove all of your books so far…just when you think you’ve read your new favorite book the next one is even better ?
    Just keep writting and will keep buying ?

  13. Nikita Navalkar says:

    Wow, I’m already excited about the new novel, the title, the cover, the blurb, all of it! Sounds like you’re going to hit it out of the park, as always! ?
    Also, giveaway for It Happened one Wedding! So.much.excitement! It’s one of your only books that I haven’t read yet. Hope I win it!

  14. Irma J says:

    I just love a bit of suspence. I’m always to thrilled to read abaout caracters that are supposed to live together. Circumstances bringing them in this position and than I can read about sparks floating in the air. I have to add, that I gladly add $2 for a paperback it it’s bigger . It’s easier to read. Thank you <3

  15. CT says:

    You are an auto buy for me regardless of the price. I always know it will be worth it. Any previous FBI/US Attorneys make an appearance?

    • julie says:

      Currently, there are three FBI agents who’ve made appearances in earlier books, and there’s a chance two more might be popping up later…

  16. Norma says:

    OOH! Love the cover and the blurb! And so excited for your new format. That is a huge deal! And your books are totally worth the increase. Can’t wait for this one!

  17. Darlene says:

    Love the cover and enjoyed reading the teaser you posted. I don’t mind paying more for a book that I will add to my collection. I will be looking forward to this coming out 🙂

  18. Ana Fisic says:

    Can’t wait. And the cover is gorgeous. It happened one wedding is one of my favorite books. I love trade paperbacks, the covers always seem to be so much prettier than the paperbacks

  19. Elisha says:

    How intriguing. Hope it has the tit for tat that It Happened One Wedding has. You truly have a gift.

    Let’s see if I can pre-order!!

  20. Christine Conner says:

    No pressure here, but I wish you were one of those authors who churns out at least two books a year!! I would not mind at all, because reading your novels is like an escape from the “real” world!! Gives me something to enjoy and contemplate as I go about my day! Thank you for writing; and for writing strong intelligent women who use their brain:).

  21. Renee Curtis says:

    Love your FBI books! Love the cover! Can’t wait to read it. It Happened One Wedding is my favorite book. If I don’t have any new books to read I go back to that one. Would love a sign copy of it. 🙂

  22. Clara says:

    Hi,

    Sometimes I wish I discovered a great author I love when she’s written 20,000 books, so I can gobble up those books non-stop.

    July’s my birthday, so I’ll definitely be getting it! 🙂

  23. Anita H. says:

    I’m so excited to hear about your new book and I love the the idea of two FBI protagonists! I’m adding it to my wish list already 😀 Is it going to be available in mass paperback later or just trade size only? I prefer the smaller paperback size but I’ll take print copies over ebooks anyday! Thanks for the giveaway!!!

    • julie says:

      I only know about the trade release right now, although I suppose it’s possible they could re-release it in mass market paperback down the road.

    • julie says:

      I have . . . based on what I know, it’s not the most realistic depiction of the FBI Academy. But it’s fun, so I keep watching.

  24. Anne Stone says:

    Hi Julie,
    Love the cover. Always love the FBI stories you write. Wondering since it mentions the “beach” in the blurb, are we headed to some place tropical instead of Chicago? Or perhaps, my neck of the woods, on one of the beaches on Lake Michigan?

  25. Deanna Moore says:

    If I want a book badly enough, I’ll pay extra for it. I’ve done it many times before. I do like to buy the paperbacks and will continue to do so for my favorite authors. When it comes out, I’ll spend the extra 🙂

  26. Susan Dolan says:

    I love the blurb for this one! Your FBI books are always a lot of fun. As an aside, I love trade paperbacks more than mass market; I’ll happily pay extra for it!

  27. Terrill R. says:

    I enjoy reading how you justify the few extra dollars. heehee Although I harp on my kids about justifying their actions, when it comes to books and coffee, justify away!

    Personally, trade paperbacks are my favorite book medium. Lighter than hardcovers, but more substantial and flexible than mass paperbacks. Most often, I read on my Kindle. If I find that I want a physical copy for my keeper shelf, I purchase trade paperbacks.

    I’m very happy to hear about the new book. It sounds fun and exciting.

  28. miki says:

    i’m fond of the FBi but i do prefer the cover of book 1 even if this one is really cute as well ( i guess that withe the weather here it’s seem too much summery for me right now^^)

    thank you a lot for the wonderful giveaway

  29. Aneta Gjundrova says:

    LOVE the name of the new book and I can’t wait to read it…it worth the waiting for every word from you Julie…God bless you ?

  30. Kanoko says:

    Female FBI special agent. <333 I am so excited for this! And tension between main characters means incredible fun for the readers, ha!

    Not gonna lie—I balk at $9.99 for an e-book. Not a price I can ever justify for a digital copy with all its restrictions, and my country isn't exactly a place where $2 is spare change. I usually buy both print and digital, but with this news I'll be sticking to print.

    Not that it's going to be a hardship. Trade paperback is rad. (Sure, tapping it does nothing and it needs a light source, but hey.)

  31. Samantha says:

    Love the cover of the new book. Would love to win one of your books. Have always wanted to read this one and haven’t had a way to buy it. Thank you for this opportunity and congrats on a new book. 🙂

  32. Linda Y says:

    I can’t wait!!! It sounds like a fun read.
    I’m shocked that your skinny peppermint mocha is only $3.47, though. Mine is closer to $5. But you’re right, it’s totally worth it!!

  33. Bube says:

    Yay!The cover is awesome and the blurb sounds fantastic!Can’t wait to read 🙂
    I love,love your books Julie 🙂
    Thank you for the amazing opportunity to win 🙂

  34. Cynthia E. Blain says:

    Congratulations on the newest book you are working on. As to trade paperbacks, those are my favorite. I read in bed and cannot hold my arms up for too long, so I have one of the book buddies (mine is the Piramid) where I rest my book in the slot of this cushioned pillow type holder. The trade paperbacks fit great and I prefer them to the small mass market books so much more. I use the Piramid for my Kindle too, but don’t care to read online as much as I do a REAL paper book. It is definitely worth a couple of extra dollars to get that size book; they hold up so much better than the small ones in my estimation. And when I give a book to someone after I have read it, I like having the book still looking brand new.

    Again, congratulations. Hope there will be a lot more book coming our way from you.

    Cynthia

  35. Nancy Drew says:

    Looking forward to a new book and July)! Can’t keep ’em coming fast enough for me. Will there still be an audio version?

  36. Annika says:

    Gorgeous cover! Can’t wait to read 🙂 I re-read Love Irresistibly just the other week, it was probably my.. 3rd re-read. All your book are re-reads for me, and I find new little things to love each time, though sometimes I just read my favorite parts. Sure 9.99 is expensive for an e-book and I wouldn’t pay that much for a book by a new to me author or an author whose work I sometimes love and sometimes..meh, but I don’t doubt Flirty little Secrets will be just as awesome as the rest of the series and therefore well worth the price 🙂

  37. Ruha Siddiqui says:

    So excited to get my hands on this one. I love how both the main hero/heroine are agents. Glad you stuck with the FBI premise. I’m a sucker for a blend of romance and action. I can’t wait for this summer! Thanks for the giveaway as well!

  38. Karen says:

    Wow!! I am so excited for this book!!! I can’t wait. And wouldn’t mind winning a signed paperback of IHOW for a friend 🙂

  39. Elizabeth says:

    Sounds exciting, really looking forward to getting back to the FBI again! I love Practice Makes Perfect and this sounds as if it’s along those lines ?

  40. María Olivas says:

    So excited about this, and happy for you about the new format, the only thing i can complain is that all your books are not gonna look same high buy still, congrats and keep on writing 🙂

  41. Marian the Librarian says:

    I can’t wait to read your latest novel Julie! I love your books! Thanks for the chance to win an autographed copy of one of your books too! Take care, Marian

  42. Theresa Hayes says:

    Can’t wait for the next book to come out. Love reading different formats (historical, FBI). The cover is pretty, love the colors.

  43. Mya Almalvez says:

    Yay! I’ve been waiting for this. I can’t wait to read this. I missed reading your FBI agent themed books. I love all of them. I even recommended your books to my bookworm friends and they absolutely loved them!

  44. Betsy Pauzauskie says:

    Congratulations on your new book! The title and cover are appealing. And, FBI themes are great! Enjoy Thanksgiving! And, thank you for this giveaway!

  45. Tiffany says:

    This book has so many of my catnips, and I can’t wait! So happy for your bigger opportunities, and will gladly pay a higher price because I just love your books.

  46. Norma saenz says:

    I really love your books. Can’t wait for this one. I just wish you could have more books available without all this waiting !

  47. Ann M. says:

    Thanks for the sharing the great news. Will this take place in the same universe as your other FBI books? Any chance of seeing any characters from your earlier books?

  48. YESSENIA ALMENDARIZ says:

    Just this week I was wondering when your next book will come out. I’ll be waiting! Thanks for the giveaway. Crossing fingers.

  49. Varsha says:

    Lovely cover, congratulations!! Eagerly waiting for your next book Juilie! Have read all the other books by you and missing picking another.

  50. Ma.Francilia Q. Balba says:

    YAY for another FBI!! ? I’m loving the cover of new book the new book! I can’t wait for it to come out! Congratulations and I wish you all the best! ?

  51. Sandy D says:

    Congrats on the new book! I prefer the trade over mass paperbacks. Hope it works for you too. Have you been watching the new show Quantico? It’s all about tge FBI and switches back and forth between their training days and current day. It’s really good!

  52. Rosie says:

    I can hardly wait. I’m so excited right now. I got into this new show called Quantico and every episodes I watch made me think of your books. This one will even be more closely related to the show since you will also cover the FBI academy. As for the contest it will be exciting to win as I do not have any signed copies of your books yet.

  53. Eileen A-W says:

    I love your FBI books!!! This cover is beautiful and I love the premise of the story!! I can’t wait to read about a female FBI agent!! WOOT!!! Question for you – what is the percent of female FBI agents?

  54. Cecille Pascua says:

    Supe duper excited! Two FBI’s!!! Happy for you launching into trade paperback. You’re books are so worth the extra $.

  55. Emica Vitanova says:

    I love every book that you had wrote, and I’m looking forward to the new one.
    Coming from Macedonia, a place far far from you, a signed copies would be a dream come true.

  56. Martha B says:

    A win-win for us, your readers. TWO FBI agents in one book. How lucky are we? The cover is gorgeous. No shoes? I love seeing shoes on your covers. Maybe she is barefoot walking on the beach? (she smiles)

    Kudos and congrats on this (your first) trade paperback. That is fine with me; better (cost-wise) than a Hardcover. I’ll read anything you write.

  57. Rhonda says:

    I’m so excited for you and me! I can’t wait for the release. I devour all you have given to us. Thank you for this opportunity to escape my real life for some fun!

  58. Lesley L. says:

    I’m so excited! Can’t wait to read it – all of your books are fabulous. I will admit $7.99 is my limit of how much I’ll pay for an e-book, so I’ll definitely be searching for sales to get the book.

  59. Marife S. says:

    Yes! New book from 1 of my favorite author. So excited to read this. And I love trade paperbacks, because it’s easier to read, but I’ll take whatever format your books came in. Thank you for the giveaway! ?

  60. Tricia Nicodemus says:

    So excited about this new release! Love the cover and new format. Happy birthday to me on July 7th! I will love reading your latest FBI escapade on the beach in SW FL.

  61. Patti says:

    I am really just jealous that a latte at Starbucks where you live only costs $3.47. Where I live (in Canada ) a PSL costs close to $6.00. If I can spend that much on a coffee, I am sure I can find the cash for a book ?. Which will likely cost a few dollars more here as well. Also, I would love a signed book!

  62. Nancy Smith says:

    Thanks for the elucidation about tge differences between Trade and Mass market paperbacks. I knew the larger size tended to be pricier, but that was it. Congratulations on being published in the Trade format. Wishing you continued success with all your writing endeavors. Thanks for holding the giveaway as well as the cover and book details.

  63. Donisha Kendrick says:

    I believe I finally found my favorite author. I am so excited about this new book. July needs to hurry up and come….. I know the book will be worth the price difference.

  64. Stefanie says:

    Yeahie a new FBI book! And the first one of yours with a female agent as heroine. Can’t wait to read it. And thank you for another great giveaway!

  65. Josie L says:

    Omigosh – 2 undercover agents who hate each other. I love, love, love watching folk like that reluctantly fall in love with each other! So excited!

  66. Michelle D says:

    So excited and bummed I have to wait till Summer… I am rereading the FBI series again so by the time this book comes out I will have read each one at least 4 times.

  67. VeronikaDream says:

    Yay, another FBI book!! I can’t wait! The cover is simply stunning! I love the idea of the trade paperback, and I don’t mind the extra cost. I just want to have it on my bookshelf already. 🙂
    Are your previous books coming out in trade paperback or only this one?

    • julie says:

      IT HAPPENED ONE WEDDING was re-released in trade paperback this August. The current plan, I’m told, is to re-release the rest of the FBI series in trade, as well.

  68. Sue Peace says:

    Wow, I’m so excited about this upcoming book and happy for you!! I love to read paper books the most, no matter the size!

  69. xee says:

    I discovered your books this summer via the annual reader’s poll at likesbooks.com and enjoyed reading all of them. The romances were great! However, I also equally enjoyed the details of the professional backgrounds that you provided for the characters. Learning about the different professions were an added bonus. I look forward to your new book and would pay the tradebook price since anything you write would be worth more than that.

  70. Kerri says:

    Not gonna lie… I usually stop reading a series once there is an increase in price. And now since my purse strings are super tight… the likelihood of me reading at all is super slim unless I *win* an Amazon gift card. Sucks to be me… I do love your books though. Maybe my situation will get better by the time the newest book is released… I sure hope so.

  71. Nicole says:

    Ah! While I’m super excited at the potential of your amazing books reaching a wider audience I’m baffled that a different paperback format also means an increase in ebook price. You’ve been an auto-buy for me since I first discovered Practice Makes Perfect, but with the price increase for ebooks I’ll be waiting in line at the library going forward. I’d honestly love to understand more about the pricing behind ebooks – because to someone not involved at all in the industry it just does not make sense.

  72. Gidgett says:

    Love your books. But I’m not an ebook girl. If I want to own the book, I buy it straight out. Granted my bookshelf would be smaller but what can I say 200 books and counting..lol

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