Let It Snow Books: Interview with Julie James + Giveaway

Welcome to Day 4 of Let it Snow Books 2012, where for the next three weeks you have the chance to read some really fun holiday posts from some of your favorite authors, both here and at Ex Libris.

Today, we welcome author Julie James here at Books to Brighten your Mood with a festive post and you will have the chance to win a copy of About that Night. Julie's Books are always a joy to read and each and everyone of her stories is plainly amazing! Naturally, About that Night is no exception!
You can read my review to understand why!

Julie James works her miracles once more! Seriously, she's one of my favorite contemporary romance authors out there and every single book of hers is a joy to read! To put is simply, I just know that... Read the rest of the review here.

Since this whole event is about the Best Books we read in 2012, could you share with us some of your favorite titles you read this year?
Julie:  I read a lot of great books this year, but I think the one that had me most glued to the pages was Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. Dark and twisty, with characters that were absolutely fascinating to read about.

What's your favorite thing about the holidays?
Julie: Spending time with my family. Putting up the Christmas tree, going to see Santa (I have two young kids), reading holiday stories, making cookies--all of it, really!

Christmas/the holidays wouldn't be the real deal without… 
Julie: There are three movies my husband and I watch every year: Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, and Love, Actually.

What would you ask Santa to bring you this year?
Julie:  I'm a shoe girl. A cute pair of heels is always appreciated. : )

Thank you Julie for stopping by here today and Happy Holidays! 


About the author

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

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

Visit Julie:

Goodreads ~ Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

About the Book:
Title: About That Night
Author: Julie James
Series:FBI / US Attorney #3)
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Length:  284 pages
Release Date: April 3rd 2012
Purchase Info: Book Depository, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads

He's Playing Games

Though Rylann Pierce tried to fight the sparks she felt for billionaire heir Kyle Rhodes the night they met, their sizzling chemistry was undeniable. But after being stood up on their first date, Rylann never expected to see him again. So when she finds herself face-to-face with Kyle in a courthouse nine years later, she's stunned. More troubling to the beautiful assistant U.S. attorney is that she's still wildly attracted to him.

But She's Making The Rules

Just released from prison, Kyle Rhodes isn't thrilled to be the star witness in a high-profile criminal case—but when Rylann comes knocking at his door, he finds she may be the one lawyer he can't say no to. Still as gorgeous and sharp-tongued as ever, she lays down the law: she doesn't mix business with pleasure. But Kyle won't give up on something he wants—and what he wants is the one woman he's never forgotten.

~~~~~~~~~~~~GIVEAWAY~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Julie has generously offered a signed copy of About that Night to one lucky winner. (Open Internationally.)All giveaways end on January 5th.

~Fill the form below to enter ~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

REVIEW: About That Night by Julie James

About That Night by Julie James

Series: FBI, #3

Publication Date:April 3rd 2012

Publisher:Berkley Sensation

Mass Market Paperback, 304 pages

Book & Purchase Info: Goodreads, Author's Website, Book Depository

HE’S PLAYING GAMES

Though Rylann Pierce tried to fight the sparks she felt for billionaire heir Kyle Rhodes the night they met, their sizzling chemistry was undeniable. But after being stood up on their first date, Rylann never expected to see him again. So when she finds herself face to face with Kyle in a courthouse nine years later, she’s stunned. More troubling to the beautiful Assistant U.S. Attorney is that she’s still wildly attracted to him.

BUT SHE’S MAKING THE RULES

Just released from prison, Kyle Rhodes isn’t thrilled to be the star witness in a high-profile criminal case — but when Rylann comes knocking at his door, he finds she may be the one lawyer he can’t say no to. Still as gorgeous and sharp-tongued as ever, she lays down the law: she doesn’t mix business with pleasure. But Kyle won’t give up on something he wants — and what he wants is the one woman he’s never forgotten...

Julie James works her miracles once more! Seriously, she's one of my favorite contemporary romance authors out there and every single book of hers is a joy to read! To put is simply, I just know that I will spend a great time while reading her stories.

About that Night is the story of Kyle, the billionaire computer wizard brother of Jordan, who we met in A Lot Like Love and Rylann, a US attorney who is introduced to us in this book. And at this point, I just have to say one thing: James has definitely made me believe that attorneys are seriously sexy! Her heroines are mostly attorneys and she sure knows how to make them look sexy and hot instead of stiff, as one might expect!

About that Night follows the same pattern like all of Julie James' stories, nothing new here I'm afraid. But even if that is the case, her books are always a joy to read! I just can't get enough of her super hot and sexy scenes and the way she brings her characters together! Rylann and Kyle, are yet another successful couple to be added in her FBI series and learning about their past and Kyle's personal story was amazing!

Only a minor complain here, that cost this book a star in my final rating: the various details about the cases Rylann handled were way too extensive and overshadowed at times the romantic element of the story. There were moments when I felt that the court details and how Rylann handled her cases were more crucial to the story than her relationship with Kyle. And those parts, were what made me feel a little bored while reading this book. I know that James uses many such details, and they do add to the story in most cases, it's just that in About that Night they were a little bit more than it was necessary for my taste.

All in all, Julie James, delivers yet again a sexy story and proves once more that she knows how to grab her readers' interest and make them spend a great time with her books. I just love her!

REVIEW: Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James

Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James

Publication Date: March 3rd 2009

Publisher: Berkley

Paperback, 291 pages

Order via Book Depository

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

I'll admit it,after reading all 4 published books by Julie James and absolutelly loving the 3 of them,I am a huge fan of the author!Practice Makes Perfect is nothing like James's debut novel Just The Sexiest Man Alive and only gives further indications of how good a romance writer James is!

That being said,Practice Makes Perfect was really good!So good,that while vacationing I just wanted to find time to get back to it!Julie James knows how to create interesting characters and make her readers like them,sympathise with them and wanting to read their HEA.

Payton is independent,as all of the writer's heroines,smart,sassy and strong.She is pretty much like Taylor of her debut novel but while Taylor made me wonder with her attitude,Payton made me like her.J.D. is hot,the kind of guy you can totally drool over and the romance between them,amazing.

What I enjoyed the most in this book,is undeniably all the funny incidents described.From the dialogues between the main couple,to Payton's "accident" with her shoe (or rather its heel...),to,again,Payton's descriptions of her perfect weekend in front of 5 or 6 men,Practice Makes Perfect made me smile!

I strongly recommend Julie James's books to any contemporary romance fans!I just love her books and can't wait for her next one to get published!

READING: Just the Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James

Just the Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James

Publication Date: October 7th 2008

Publisher: Berkley

Mass Market Paperback, 296 pages

Buy via Book Depository 

A fabulously fun, romantic comedy from a dynamic new talent.


Nothing fazes Taylor Donovan—not in the courtroom and not in her personal life. So when she's assigned to coach People's "Sexiest Man Alive" for his role in the next big legal drama, she refuses to fall for the Hollywood heartthrob's charms. Even if he is the Jason Andrews.

The Sexiest Man Alive was a bit of disappointment for me to say the least...After having read the last two books by Julie James,I expected a really good romance book and instead I got something that barely hold my interest and tired me a bit while reading.

This book has all the potential to be perfect!For one,the very plot is the dream coming alive of many,if most, women alive: The perfect,gorgeous and sexy as hell movie star who falls hard for the typical woman next door.To be honest,I don't know a single female friend of mine who hasn't in some time of her life wished that her favorite actor would somehow in a magical way meet her and fall in love with her, myself included!

So The Sexiest Man Alive toys with that exact fantasy making it all that easy not only to be able to connect with the leading characters of the book,but be able and wish to actually be in the heroine's position...And although for some time I did exactly that,sometime soon after the beggining of the book, the last thing on my mind was that swoon worthy fantasy...

I don't know what exactly turned be completely off...Maybe the constant label dropping (If I hear one more time about Grey Goose,I swear I'll scream),maybe the fact that the hero was so arrogant beyond imagination and so self absorbed,especially at the beggining of the story, that I only wish not all famous people are like that (which I'm gathering are not),maybe the strong feminism of the heroine that in my book only made her worse than the hero.I understand the meaning of a woman being strong and independent,but I don't think that being all that must make you look and act in a stupid way or not knowing exactly what you want from your life and in your life,something that as a result makes you look even more arrogant than the most self centered person.

Besides that,I just couldn't see Taylor as your typical next door woman...She was so perfect that she could be a model or anything she wanted only if she chose too.So,the whole meaning behind the story went just unnoticed by me.Jason,despite his initial portraying was a far more likeable character for me but the authors constant reffering to him,after a point,as the sexiest man alive,just made me roll my eyes!Alright,I got it,as the title announces,he's the sexiest man alive on earth...!Why keep mentioning it again and again?

Plus,the extensive references to Taylor's case at court bored me to no end.I couldn't see the relevance to the plot of the book and I was really confused at times by the terminology (I'm no lawyer after all,should it be psychology references I would be more interested,as a doctor would be more fascinated by a thorough surgery description,bottom line,no need for such extensive and detailed description of a case).

Anyway,as I said in the beggining,this book was quite disappointing compared to James' other work which I enjoyed immensely!I only hope that her other book,published exactly after this one is far better,which after all is the author's first published work.

READING: A Lot Like Love by Julie James

A Lot Like Love by Julie James

Publication Date: March 1st 2011

Publisher: Berkley

Mass Market Paperback, 274 pages

Buy via Book Depository

Jordan Rhodes is invited to all of Chicago's best parties, but there's only one the FBI wants to crash. To get her brother out of jail, she agrees to take Agent McCall as her date. But when the mission gets botched, requiring their "relationship" to continue, it starts to feel less like an investigation-and a lot like something else.

A Lot Like Love was amazing!Once more,Julie James delivered a fun and full of suspence story that just grabbed me from the first page and held me there until the last!

This book,as its cover also indicates,is like a sequel to Something  About You.There are different characters,but it's set in the same world,and the previous couple makes some appearances in this story also!And I really liked that,because I was in a familiar setting,with a familiar background!

I have to admit,that I enjoyed a little bit more A Lot Like Love!I don't know exactly why,since the recipe is the same as in the previous book,the romantic plot follows the same pattern and in general,everything follows the steps of Something About You,but somehow,I found this book more fun,the romance better handled and the couple fantastic!

So, I have a thing for FBI agents (damn you Mulder...!),so since the male protagonist was an agent,it would take much to make me dislike him!And Nick,doesn't have a thing I disliked about him!

Jordan on the other hand is a wine enterpreneur and to be honest,I really enjoyed myself while reading all those tidbits about wine!I may not drink wine often,but I always appreciate a good one,and reading all those details about wine tasting just fascinated me!

The dialogues were really funny in most cases,the pace even,and in general,this book appeals to any contemporary romance lover!The fact that there's some suspence in there is just a bonus for me!I always enjoy a romance blooming under innopportunate circumstances!

Anyway,Julie James once more managed to deliver a fun and totally entertaining story making me looking forward to reading her next book,when available!

READING: Something About You by Julie James

Something About You by Julie James

Publication Date: March 2nd 2010

Publisher: Berkley

Paperback, 336 pages

Buy via Book Depository

Staying overnight in a luxury hotel, Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Lynde overhears a high-profile murder involving a U.S. Senator. Special Agent Jack Pallas is assigned to the investigation-the same Jack Pallas who still blames her for nearly ruining his career three years ago. Now the pair will have to put their rocky past behind them, focus on the case at hand-and smother the flame of their sizzling-hot sexual tension.

I was quite pleasantly surprised with Something About You!It's the first adult contemporary romance i read and to be honest i liked it so much that i'm thinking of exploring this genre more.Starting with the other books Julie James has written!

Something About You is like watching a romance movie with some twists and turns in the plot,several action scenes and enough hot ones between the protagonists to top it all!A really enjoyable read!

The writing style isn't something extraordinary but i loved the way Julie James was able to create some very vivid pictures and scenes.I always like to be able to picture things in my mind when reading a book,and James "painted" some really nice in her book!I liked how she was able to make me understand the way US justice system works (given that her heroine,Cameron, is a US attorney assistant).And that says much,since i don't have the slightest clue how things work!

The idea of a romance between an attorney and an FBI agent is what first caught my atention in this book.I have a thing for agents,CIA or FBI i don't really care, especially when they are pictured as total hot and are coming with six-pack abs!So,i was really eager to see how things would work out between the heroes and truthfully i wasn't dissapointed!The romance is evenly paced (for me that translates,neither way too soon,nor really late just for the sake of suspence),the chemistry between the characters good and the whole surrounding story with enough suspence and mystery to get you going!

I also loved the surrounding characters,from the obsessed Amy to Wilkins,the FBI agent with a remarkable sense of humor.But my favorite was by far Collin.I always wanted to have a gay friend and Collin is just the type of the perfect friend!I loved his comments,his points of views and just everything about him!

The only problem i had with this book,was somewhere after the 1/3 of the book.I thought that the story dragged a bit there but thankfully that didn't last long and it picked up really soon after that making it hard for me to put the book down!

For my first adult contemporary romance,i have to admit that i made a good choice!At least it worked for me!And i totally recommend this book to any fan of romantic novels!