The FBI wants her cooperation.
As the daughter of a billionaire and the owner of the city’s top wine store, Jordan Rhodes is invited to the most exclusive parties in Chicago. But there’s only one party the FBI wants to crash: the charity fundraiser of a famous restaurateur, who also happens to launder money for the mob. In exchange for her brother’s release from prison, Jordan is going to be there—with a date supplied by the Bureau.
Agent McCall just wants her.
As the top undercover agent in Chicago, Nick McCall has one rule: never get personal. This “date” with Jordan Rhodes is merely an assignment—one they’re both determined to pull off even if they can’t be together for five minutes before the sarcasm and sparks begin to fly. But when Nick’s investigation is compromised, he and Jordan have no choice but to pretend they’re a couple, and what starts out as a simple assignment begins to feel a lot like something more. . .
Julie James is definitely my favourite writer of Contemporary Romance and here is why:
Her heroines are independent, successful, passionate about their careers (whilst still having a love life AND friends, which means that being career-driven is never ever portrayed as a bad thing), sexy and smart. This is the case of Jordan, the heroine in A Lot Like Love who is a lot like the best heroines in the genre.
Her heroes are of that type that fall in love with the heroine’s independence and smarts as well as their sexiness (plus her heroes also have this tendency to be a lot like sex on a stick).
Her writing is sharp and the dialogue so witty and fun and the reading flows easily and beautifully and it is so welcoming (and even touching, I kinda got teary-eyed for a moment there in the end): a lot like a breeze in a summer day.
The sex scenes and sexual tension are so freaking awesome and if I had to compare them to anything they would be a LOT like an unexpected summer day in the middle of winter.
A Lot Like Love is no different: it features more of the same quality that I have come to expect from the author and in terms of story and tone is closer to Something About You (i.e. it is a romantic suspense) rather than to her first two books, Just The Sexiest Man Alive and Practice Makes Perfect which were romantic comedies (with lawyers). Yes, her body of work is a lot like Law and Order.
In summation: what I feel for Julie James’ novels is a lot like love and this is why I am going to give away a copy of the book to one lucky winner (see below).
Rating: 7 – Very Good
Giveaway Details:
We are giving away ONE copy of A Lot Like Love. The contest is open to everyone, and will run until Saturday, February 26 at 11:59PM (PST). To enter leave a comment here. Only ONE entry per person please! Multiple entries will be automatically disqualified. Good luck!
137 Comments
Melody
February 22, 2011 at 12:12 amI enjoyed reading Practice Makes Perfect so I definitely look forward to reading the rest of Julie James’ books.
Please enter me, thanks!
melreadingcorner (AT) gmail (DOT) com
Claudia
February 22, 2011 at 12:38 amLooks like I’d enjoy this one. Thank you for the giveaway!
ama_bling-bling AT hotmail D0T com
The Book Memoirs (Elle)
February 22, 2011 at 12:41 amLike I need anymore of a ringing endorsement! Sign me up. 😀 Thanks, girls.
Chachic
February 22, 2011 at 2:08 amOh hey, this is the first review that I’ve seen of A Lot Like Love and it’s good to know that it’s just as good as other Julie James novels. She’s my favorite contemporary romance author too and I really can’t wait to read this one so I’d love to be entered in the giveaway. 🙂
Tina
February 22, 2011 at 2:20 amI have yet to read a Julie James book, but it’s not too late, right? 🙂 Please enter me, too. 😀
Lobo
February 22, 2011 at 2:21 amI loved Something About You and currently reading Julie James’s blakclist I’d love to get a copy of her new novel 🙂
Nikki Egerton
February 22, 2011 at 3:48 amOk, I hardly ever read romance, but I would like to give it a try, and Julie James sounds like a great place to start. Please sign me up!
Nikki
Steffie
February 22, 2011 at 4:50 amHave to agree with everything you said! Julie James meanwhile has a solid spot on my auto-buy-list, because she writes in such an amazing way! I LOVE her books and can’t wait for this one!
So please sing me up for the giveaway, too! THX!
Dana
February 22, 2011 at 5:24 amI’d love to get this book! Really liked her previous one…
Heather S
February 22, 2011 at 5:30 amPlease enter me! This book has been in my Amazon Wishlist for months! Can’t wait to read it!
Bells
February 22, 2011 at 5:35 amI’ve been wanting to read one of her books. Please enter me into the giveaway. Thank you.
Patti (Book Addict)
February 22, 2011 at 5:41 amYay – so glad to read you liked it. Julie James is an auto-buy for me; I’ve been looking forward to A Lot Like Love!
Hannah
February 22, 2011 at 5:45 amPlease count me in! 🙂
Hannah
February 22, 2011 at 5:54 amOoh sounds fabulous, I’d love a copy! Thanks for holding the giveaway! 😀
Susan Laura
February 22, 2011 at 6:00 amLove the covers on all her books! Why can’t all romance book covers be that good?
Thanks for the giveaway —
Katy
February 22, 2011 at 6:04 amI’ve never read a Julie James book, but this sounds like a good place to start!
Tweets that mention The Book Smugglers » Blog Archive » Giveaway: A Lot Like Love by Julie James -- Topsy.com
February 22, 2011 at 6:21 am[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by The Book Smugglers, Kenda Montgomery. Kenda Montgomery said: RT @booksmugglers: After some technical difficulties, giveaway of A LOT LIKE LOVE by @juljames is up: http://tinyurl.com/4e9o7fr […]
Shannon H
February 22, 2011 at 6:22 amI really enjoyed reading Something About You. I also thought it was a nice added bonus that the cover actually matched how the heroine looked in a specific scene of the story.
Julia Markovic
February 22, 2011 at 6:30 amThanks so much for the give away, I’ve been dying to read this one! In a perfect universe, Julie James and Victoria Dahl would have unlimited resources and the ability to bend time, thus giving us one of their awesome stories on a weekly basis. As is, giveaways like this help spice up the days until general release. Thanks!
Tina
February 22, 2011 at 6:33 amI’ve heard a lot of good things about this series but I haven’t been able to find a copy at my local library. Thanks for the chance to win!
Stephanie (Book Love Blog)
February 22, 2011 at 6:54 amI would love to be entered! Thanks for a great giveaway.
bookluv @ ymail . com
Lori T
February 22, 2011 at 7:05 amThis one sounds really good and I am looking forward to reading it! I would love to be entered.
Sandra Betz
February 22, 2011 at 7:28 amI’m in – I Love Giveaways! 😀
Su
February 22, 2011 at 7:38 amThank you for the giveaway!
Meredith
February 22, 2011 at 7:40 amI’m interested!
meridethdabek [at] hotmail [dot] com
Marie
February 22, 2011 at 7:54 amI love Julia James books! Count me in!
Lindsay Elizabeth
February 22, 2011 at 8:06 amOoooh! Me! Me!
Teresa N
February 22, 2011 at 9:09 amI loved her first three books; glad to see her latest is another winner! Would love to win a copy!
Elizabeth
February 22, 2011 at 9:21 amI’ve been wanting to try more contemporary romance. Thanks for the giveaway!
Robin K
February 22, 2011 at 9:30 amWould love to be entered. Thank you for the contest!
amyt865
February 22, 2011 at 9:33 amI loved Something About You and can’t wait for this release. Please enter me!
Meg
February 22, 2011 at 9:36 amSounds like fun — and one my sister would love, too. Thanks for the chance!
Spav
February 22, 2011 at 9:37 amI haven’t read any books by this author yet, but they’ve been on my wishlist. This one sounds interesting!
Anne W
February 22, 2011 at 9:40 amJulie’s books are an auto-buy for me! Love them all!!! Please enter me in the contest. I would love to win a signed copy of her latest, “A Lot Like Love.”
Amy
February 22, 2011 at 9:43 amI really enjoyed Something About You, so I can’t wait to read her next book!
Alishka Babushka
February 22, 2011 at 9:49 amoh I just love Julie’s books! She’s just wonderfulness in paper form.
Taryn
February 22, 2011 at 9:49 amCan’t wait to read the book. Julie James is one of my favorite authors!
Lynn
February 22, 2011 at 9:50 amI’ve loved all of Julie’s books. So, of course, I can’t wait for this one to be released!!
CrystalGB
February 22, 2011 at 9:55 amI would love to read Julie’s book. Sounds good. Beautiful cover.
maldivianbookreviewer
February 22, 2011 at 10:00 amWaiting eagerly for this one to come out in March. Julie James rocks!
Steph Burgis
February 22, 2011 at 10:04 amOoh, I can’t wait to read this – I adored her last two novels!
Candice J
February 22, 2011 at 10:05 amThanks for the giveaway!
Traci Peterson
February 22, 2011 at 10:10 amI am so looking forward to reading this book. I love her books and can’t wait for the new one to come out! It would be great to win it.
Johanna Jochum
February 22, 2011 at 10:11 amThis book looks so good! I think the cover is gorgeous! I have added this book to my wish list!!! Thanks for the chance to win! 😀
Julie Unol
February 22, 2011 at 10:17 amThanks for the give-away…please, please pick me!!! Seriously though I love this author for the reasons you listed in addition, just cuz the plots for the love story are never contrived! thanks again!
Melissa (Books and Things)
February 22, 2011 at 10:28 amEnter me please!
books (dot) things (at) yahoo (dot) com
Rose-Hermance Rony
February 22, 2011 at 10:46 amI love Julie James’ books. I discovered her novels about a year and have since then read all of them. Can’t wait for this one to come out
AnneM (SC)
February 22, 2011 at 10:55 amHave read all of Julie’s books – loved them all! Can’t wait to read A Lot Like Love!
Kim
February 22, 2011 at 10:56 amJulie James is a gifted new contemporary voice in romance. I’ve enjoyed each of her three previous books and look forward to the new one.
Casey
February 22, 2011 at 11:30 amNothing like a steamy and sexy romance to melt away my stress-life. One contest entry please!!
Thanks
Christine
February 22, 2011 at 11:31 amI love Julie James! Please enter me in the giveaway! Thank you! 8)
jenmitch
February 22, 2011 at 11:31 ami haven’t read a book characterized primarily as romance in a long time… i’d be totally up for giving it a try. thanks for the giveaway!
Maureen
February 22, 2011 at 11:51 amIt feels like so long ago since they said this book was coming out! It’s finally here!!!
Sims
February 22, 2011 at 12:15 pmWow. I wish I was you. then I would have read A Lot Like Love too… 😕 Ah well. I love being me too. Enter me in contest pleasies! 😛
Leanna Hiner
February 22, 2011 at 12:21 pmI read one of Julie James books and had to get all of her books from the library and I am so excited that she has a new book coming out, I can’t wait.
Nadine Nys
February 22, 2011 at 12:50 pmI never read Julie James, but… It’s never to late, is it
Chelsea B.
February 22, 2011 at 1:05 pmThis sounds AWESOME!
Hann1bal
February 22, 2011 at 2:06 pmSure, why not?
JenP
February 22, 2011 at 3:11 pmI’ve never read one of James’ book. I’d love to win!
Mariska
February 22, 2011 at 3:38 pmOne of my favorite authors. I’ve been wanting to read her latest book!
Ceci
February 22, 2011 at 4:28 pmYAYYYY!!! I can’t wait to read it!!! She writes such wonderful books!! 😉
audiophile.girl@gmail.com
Mariee
February 22, 2011 at 5:11 pmJulie James is a new-to-me author, please count me in!
marieimy (at) gmail (dot) com
SGS
February 22, 2011 at 5:19 pmme please!
srs
February 22, 2011 at 5:52 pmI’ve pretty much given up on contemporaries, but I did like Practice Make Perfect, so I’d love a chance at this book.
Maya S
February 22, 2011 at 6:07 pmI’ve usually stayed away from contemporaries, but I’ll give it a try!
Rachael L
February 22, 2011 at 6:44 pmThis sounds very good. Thank you for the giveaway!
Jolene A
February 22, 2011 at 6:47 pmI randomly came across Something About You and loved it. So glad I discovered her work and can’t wait to catch up with her other books. Would love love love to win this. Thanks so much for the chance
june111(at)att(dot)net
pamelia
February 22, 2011 at 7:00 pmLove Julie James books. Please enter me in the contest and thanks for the opportunity!
Amber E.
February 22, 2011 at 7:06 pmGreat post! A LOT LIKE LOVE sounds great and I can’t wait to read it. Thank you for having such a great giveaway!
Margay
February 22, 2011 at 7:08 pmThis looks like a fun read! Please enter me.
Margay1122ATaolDOTcom
Jennifer Jensen
February 22, 2011 at 7:10 pmThis sounds awesome! I’m not typically a romance reader (I really keep saying that and proving myself wrong!) so I would LOVE to read this. 🙂
jennifer(dot)henkes(at)gmail(dot)com
Dianne
February 22, 2011 at 7:13 pmThanks for the giveaway. I am mostly a library reader and my library doesn’t have this on their wish list yet.
Dana
February 22, 2011 at 7:14 pmWow, a romance novel that I would actually want to read. Consider me entered!
Victoria L. Zumbrum
February 22, 2011 at 7:16 pmI am a follower and email subscriber. Please enter me in contest. I would love to read this book. Sounds good. Tore923@aol.com
Pam P
February 22, 2011 at 7:22 pmAgree with what you say about her heroines and witty dialog, why I lover her books.
kairos
February 22, 2011 at 7:23 pmMe too please 🙂 this sounds exciting.
infinitieh
February 22, 2011 at 7:32 pmLoved “Something About You” so I’m really looking forward to reading this one!
tarheel12
February 22, 2011 at 7:34 pmI love Julie James! All her books could be turned into awesome movies. Please enter me in the giveaway!
Bethie
February 22, 2011 at 7:40 pmI would love to win this. Thanks for the chance.
Jen B.
February 22, 2011 at 7:40 pmI have never read any of Julie James’ books but I would love the chance to read one. I enjoy books with strong, independent, intelligent female characters.
winnie
February 22, 2011 at 7:52 pmThanks for the giveaway! Please count me in!
chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com
kathybaug
February 22, 2011 at 8:00 pmPlease enter me!
kathybaug (at) aol (dot) com
Bonnie L.
February 22, 2011 at 8:07 pmMe too!!
jennifer
February 22, 2011 at 8:07 pm=P This looks like another great Julie James book!
JenM
February 22, 2011 at 8:14 pmI haven’t read any of Julie’s books yet, but I keep reading and enjoying excerpts from them. Looks like lots of good banter in them. Please enter me.
Erin L.
February 22, 2011 at 8:15 pmI’d love to read this. Thanks so much for the giveaway!
Anne
February 22, 2011 at 8:37 pmyay!
Sarah
February 22, 2011 at 8:40 pmLove her books, would love to win!
Ritu
February 22, 2011 at 9:09 pmFinally, march 1 seems to be around the corner, but dang, feels like more. Julie james is one of the few contemporary authors I read. Can’t wait to read her next book!
Elle
February 22, 2011 at 9:40 pmBooksmugglers was the reason I discovered Julie James. She’s the only contemporary romance author I enjoy. I wish you would review romance more! Your tastes are always spot on with my own, but it seemed you moved away from reviewing romance just as I moved towards it. elleblum(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for all your hard work!
Alexandra
February 22, 2011 at 9:51 pmSounds like fun. Would like to read.
Stephanie K.
February 22, 2011 at 10:07 pmI’ve heard a lot about this book. I’d love to read it.
Courtney
February 22, 2011 at 10:12 pmSounds good. I can’t wait to read it.
Donna S
February 22, 2011 at 10:14 pmI love her books. Cant wait to get my hands on this one.
shabbygeek
February 22, 2011 at 10:19 pmOh yes, please give me some of this tension-y goodness. Her heroines are definitely some of my favorites, too!
Carol Thompson
February 22, 2011 at 10:30 pmI have only read one book by Julie and I enjoyed it.
So please enter me in the giveaway and thanks for opening it to worldwide entries.
Carol T
buddytho {at} gmail DOT com
Bella F.
February 22, 2011 at 10:41 pmI *really* want this book!
I <3 all Julie James books and Practice Makes Perfect is my all-time favorite contemporary romance.
Jennie
February 22, 2011 at 10:41 pmOh I can’t wait for this book. Love all of her books. She’s phenomenal! I was in Chicago for a half marathon and invited Julie to tea at the Drake and she came. My friend and I had so much fun with her.
Jacqueline C.
February 22, 2011 at 10:42 pmI really enjoyed Just the Sexiest Man Alive and absolutely adored Something About You!
SeaGrace
February 22, 2011 at 10:44 pmWould love to read Julie’s newest! Loved PMP!
yana
February 22, 2011 at 11:58 pmI haven’t read any of Julie’s books before sounds good cheers yana
yanaatkins@gmail.com
Jeanne
February 23, 2011 at 2:07 amI was so intrigued by the excerpt and Nick sounds like a hunk! Can’t wait to read it.
Robi
February 23, 2011 at 2:41 amThis sounds very good.
Jenni Cooke
February 23, 2011 at 5:28 amThis book sounds so good (:
Scorpio M.
February 23, 2011 at 6:41 amI love Julie’s books! Thank you for the contest.
Audra Holtwick
February 23, 2011 at 7:15 amLooks like a good one- this is a new author for me -I would love a copy
audie@wickerness.com
Kate A
February 23, 2011 at 7:31 amCan’t wait to read this! Julie James is a master of dialogue!
Thanks for the giveaway!
NTE
February 23, 2011 at 9:27 amI like Julie James’ books too, so count me in.
Pam S (pams00)
February 23, 2011 at 9:31 amI’ve enjoyed the Julie James books I’ve read so far. This one sounds like a good one – would love to have a copy.
Thank you for sharing your review :)!
azteclady
February 23, 2011 at 9:41 am*sneaking in to throw name in hat*
hapax
February 23, 2011 at 2:09 pmLove every Julie James I’ve read — and I don’t even like contemporaries!
Me me me me….
carol
February 23, 2011 at 2:30 pmThis sounds like one I’d love. Thanks for entering me.
Maureen
February 23, 2011 at 2:51 pmShe’s a great author and I would love to win her new book.
vickyvak
February 23, 2011 at 4:23 pmI would love to win this book! I haven’t read any of Julie’s books yet but I have read very good reviews about them!
vicky.vak8(at)gmail.com
jennifer
February 23, 2011 at 4:53 pmomg it seem so good!!!
Naomi
February 23, 2011 at 5:03 pmI’ve adored all of her books so far, they are sheer joy to read. I’d love to win a copy of the latest one!
Audra Holtwick
February 23, 2011 at 5:24 pmPlease enter me into your contest=
audie@wickerness.com
Ava North
February 23, 2011 at 5:52 pmI want this book! Its been in my amazon to-be-bought list for forever.
Pick Me Please
Carrie
February 23, 2011 at 7:58 pmI want to read this one!
SaraC
February 23, 2011 at 9:53 pmI’ve read one other book by Julie James that I really loved, so I have a feeling I’ll like this one too!
Sparkles
February 24, 2011 at 5:33 amThank you for opening this to everyone 😀
brit
February 24, 2011 at 7:36 amI love this author and look forward to reading this book.
Donna
February 24, 2011 at 7:51 amShe writes really funny romance. Count me in!
Erin O'Neill
February 24, 2011 at 11:17 amGreat post! Can you please include me in the drawing? Thanks! teadrnkr36@yahoo.com
Lisa
February 24, 2011 at 1:23 pmPlease enter me in the drawing — thx!
Holly
February 24, 2011 at 3:39 pmI haven’t had a chance to read her books yet so count me in. Thanks!
Michelle M
February 24, 2011 at 5:10 pmOh I love Julie James’ books and can’t wait to read this one too. Sign me up!
D.L.
February 24, 2011 at 6:10 pmI’ve loved the JJ’s books I’ve read, and I think this is my favorite of all the covers (though the misplaced hand is rather comic). Please count me in!
Subette
February 24, 2011 at 6:28 pmThanks for the contest. I would love to win a copy.
Maria S (pronounced Mariah)
February 25, 2011 at 8:38 amThis is a new author for me…but this book looks right up my alley. Please include me in this great giveaway!
Thank you! mmafsmith@gmail.com
Cindy C.
February 25, 2011 at 10:43 amI loved loved Practice Makes Perfect.
Andrea S
February 25, 2011 at 1:12 pmI remember reading the teaser for this story in the back of one of her other books. And I was so anxious to read it I was super sad it had not come out yet. So now that it’s on its way I’m super excited!
Amanda Lee
February 25, 2011 at 4:16 pmThe book sounds wonderful! 🙂
Sarah, not Sarah
February 25, 2011 at 11:39 pmLooks interesting and has the added bonus of being a new-to-me author (I’m trying to try more of them this year.) Thanks for running the contest, ladies. 🙂
Vanessa
February 26, 2011 at 7:58 pmCan’t wait to read this book. Thanks for the contest!
stella massey
January 15, 2012 at 7:40 pmbest book in the world ever time i read it i wished i was jordan. her and nick were perject for each other. i couldn’t put it down when i got to the end.nick seem like the sexest man ever.