Published: October 2008 by Berkeley SensationNumber of Pages: 296
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Stand Alone/Series: Stand Alone
Why This Book: KB made me! *g* And the lovely Julie James autographed it for me this year at RWA.
From the Author Site:
COOL. CALM. COLLECTED.
Nothing fazes Taylor Donovan. In the courtroom she never lets the opposition see her sweat. In her personal life, she never lets any man rattle her–not even her cheating ex-fiancé. So when she’s assigned to coach People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” for his role in his next big legal thriller, she refuses to fall for the Hollywood heartthrob’s charms. Even if he is the Jason Andrews.
CONFIDENT. FAMOUS. IRRESISTIBLE.
Jason Andrews is used to having women fall at his feet. When Taylor Donovan gives him the cold shoulder, he’s thrown for a loop. She’s unlike any other woman he’s ever met: uninterested in the limelight, seemingly immune to his advances, and shockingly capable of saying no to him. She’s the perfect challenge. And the more she rejects him, the more he begins to realize that she may just be his perfect match. . . Read excerpt here.
Hero: Jason Andrews, THE movie star, Mr. Sexiest Man Alive. He starts out as an arrogant ass. Fame had definitely gone to his head, but then it would probably have happened to just about anyone put in a situation like his. But as the book progresses, the onion that is his shield and image is slowly peeled away to reveal the heart of a lonely man. A lonely man who didn't know that he was lonely and waiting for that perfect someone. That someone with whom he could just be with and not have to be THE Jason Andrews, someone he didn't have to put on an act for, someone who saw his flaws and still loved him anyway.
Heroine: Taylor Donovan, sex harassment attorney and an associate at a large law firm. She mouthy and is no holds barred. Definitely the kind of attorney you would want to represent you in a big case. I love that she doesn't fall for Jason because he's a star even if he is the Sexiest Man Alive. The fact that she uses his fame and arrogance against him only made the book more enjoyable. She's sassy but vulnerable, having just dealt with an unfaithful ex-fiancé and now faced with a man who is even more irresistible and has a longer list of exes. She had put all her personal wants aside, buried the hurt and made her career the most important thing in her world. Now out of nowhere she's given an chance at happiness with the Sexiest Man Alive, but is it worth the risk?
Review: Julie James's debut book about a lawyer roped into helping the hottest man in Hollywood. It was a lighthearted and delightful read. The book was fast-paced, witty and charming, the perfect book for a lazy summer's day (or a very long and uneventful plane ride). And Ms James proves that a steamy romance doesn't have to have lots of hot steamy sex to make it sizzle!
Taylor Donovan is a lawyer and the law is her passion. Her dream is to make it as a partner in her firm and its what she has been aiming for since she was child. She was sent to LA to litigate a high profile sexual harassment case when out of nowhere she's been ordered to help THE Jason Andrews, actor and every woman's fantasy, prepare for his next role in a legal thriller. This is not to her liking and soon he becomes the bane of her very existence as he first stands her up, then lies to her and then refuses to work with any other lawyer. And what Jason Andrews wants Jason Andrews gets.
Ms James has taken the orderly world of law and mixed it with the chaotic world of a Hollywood superstar to create this wonderful tale of unexpected romance. Neither were looking for romance, all Taylor wanted was to win her case and all Jason wanted was in her pants. But as unexpected as it was, romance between these two unlikely people bloomed. Taylor begins to see Jason the man and not the star. And Jason realizes that fame and fortune isn't everything in life.
What I liked best: The part that made me laugh the hardest was Taylor's fake sexually harassment case! The way she described Jason's supposed behavior with his employees in front of her boss and Jason was just too funny. Talk about the perfect revenge. It hurt no one but made the point hit home right where it mattered most, his reputation in his own eyes.
What I least liked: The quick resolution at the end. Not quite realistic but then its a romance and the HEA is required and those moments of "ah-ha" are necessary to move the story to its eventual end.
Keeper?: Yes. It has my name all over it! Thanks Julie!
Recommendation: It was a great read. A perfect airplane book. Something easy to pick back up after shuffling planes and getting interrupted by flight attendance about drinks and snacks. (As well as the neighbors asking what made me snort! )
Grade: A-
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15 comments:
Hi Shaymless,
What an interesting way to review Shaymless, I like it very much! I already heard a bit about this author but this genre isn't on the top of my list to read. It sounds good though and a wonderful debut book by this author :D
Aymless did it but I'll take the credit. ^_^
Thanks Leontine! Contemporary romance wasn't on the top of my list either. But Katie(babs) kept talking her up so I gave her a try. I wasn't disappointed! *g*
Adorable read! I love how Taylor knocks Jason down from his pedestal.
Great review my darling Aymless :D
This was a very cute book. Looking forward to reading PMP!
Quote: Shaymless said...
Aymless did it but I'll take the credit. ^_^
OMG *headdesk* There's two of you. I so did not see that one coming! rofl
I loved this book, too! I especially liked how they didn't compromise Jason's love of acting. The cliche ending would have been to have him quit acting or discover that fame is a bane on the soul or some crap, but Julie James respected the character's dedication to his profession and didn't take the easy way out. I loved it.
I'm totally reading Practice Makes Perfect after I'm done with the Time Traveler's Wife.
KB: Thanks!
Mandi: I already finished that homework and it was indeed delightful.
Leontide: *g* Shaymless is usually that quiet, devilish voice that gets me into lots of trouble.
AnimeJune: I too enjoyed that neither of them had to compromise on their chosen profession and passion. I'm sure you'll like PMP too. I did.
I love this book! Such a good read, so glad you enjoyed it too. She will definitely be an auto-buy for me.
Tracy: I'm gonna put her on that list as well.
Totally loved this book, and one of my favorite things was that Taylor didn't come across as some type of uptight uber bitch. She was cool, and wasn't flustered by Jason. LOVED that. I am a huge fan, and she's an auto-buy.
You're welcome, Aymless! Glad you enjoyed the book. I think my favorite line of your review is: "all Taylor wanted was to win her case and all Jason wanted was in her pants." Too funny.
I'm so flattered you chose Practice Makes Perfect for your first book club book! I'll keep my fingers crossed that you enjoy that one as well...
Best,
Julie
Stacy~: Have read PMP yet? You could join us for the discussion on it at the end of the month! should be loads of fun.
Julie:!!! Thanks for dropping by. So far everyone is very excited by PMP and those who have finished it loved it. (no surprise there) I hope we'll see you at the discussion that the end of the month.
Ohhh, it does sound good - thank you Aymless! Practice Makes Perfect firs though :)
Wasn't this just so delightful? Great review!!!
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