Monday, November 2, 2009

Review - Practice Makes Perfect




Title: Practice Makes Perfect
Author: Julie James
Publishing Date: March 2009
Genre: Contemporary
Rating: B+
Sensuality: Warm
Book Disclosure: Acquired a used one from Paperbackswap.

Payton Kendall and J.D. Jameson are two associate lawyers who have worked in the same law firm for the last 8 years. Both are hard working individuals who are fantastic at what they do. That is where the similarities end. Payton and J.D. have a healthy dose of competitiveness to their relationship and are always trying to out perform the other. Recently, they have been assigned to the same case and will have to learn to work together. Not only that, they are both up for partner and have been told that only one of them will be chosen.

I loved Practice Makes Perfect! This is a witty, fun, fast-paced read that I couldn't put down after picking it up. Right from the start the tone of the book was set with the first scene when Payton is preparing for work. She is rushing around getting ready, trying to beat J.D. to work. The competition begins and may the best man, or woman win. It never lets up and there are many wonderfully clever written scenes. Scenes that remain memorable long after the book has been read.

Both Payton and J.D. have chips on their shoulders. They are flawed, but I think in a good way. They are not perfect people, yet they are down right likable. At first glance J.D. might seem like a pampered elitist pretty boy - but nope, he is not like that all. Yeah, he has a lot of money, but he doesn't flash it all around. At the core he is practical and a hard worker. Payton is fiercely competitive and strong in her beliefs, but she doesn't come across as pushy. She is fair and open-minded. Really, these two were very well balance individuals.

Another big point in favor to the story is that the romance was very believable. J.D. and Payton knew each other for a long time. For 8 years they competed and fought with one another. I think it could be thought of as 8 years of foreplay! Next thing you know, each is seeing the other in a new light. One of my favorite scenes is when J.D. and Payton discuss what the other felt the first time they met. That was a very sweet scene. I definitely recommend this book for fans of contemporary romance, or those who love a light-hearted comedic romance.

Here is what others had to say:

Dear Author
Tracy's Place
Babbling About Books
The Book Smugglers
Gossamer Obsessions
Closetwriter
Good Books, Bad Books and Everything in Between
Lusty Reader
Book Addict
Janicu's Book Blog

This book can be purchased in print or kindle format from Amazon.

11 comments:

Christine said...

Great review, Jill. I read this earlier this year and agree with your assessment completely... right down to your favorite scene and your grade.

Patti (@TheLoveJunkee) said...

Great review - I agree! (8 years of foreplay - LOL!)

Thanks for the link, and I left you an award here:
http://sleeplessinneworleans2.blogspot.com/2009/11/awards.html

SarahT said...

Wonderful review. I gave this book the same grade you did. Julie James is a great addition to the contemporary romance scene. I'm already drooling over the gorgeous cover for her next book, 'Something About You'.

KT Grant said...

I love this book to pieces. JD is so adorable, especially his reaction to when he and Payton finally have sex.

Marissa said...

Great review! I have this one on the shelf! Can't wait to read it, I love stories like this one.

Rowena said...

Yay, I'm glad to see that you enjoyed the book. Such a great book and I'm anxious for Julie's next book! =)

Kristie (J) said...

Isn't this one great? With only two books under her belt so far, she's already become an autobuy author for me.

Jill D. said...

Thanks everybody! Seems like I was one of the last to this party, but I am sooooo glad I read it. I can see why you all love Julie James and now she has become an author I will be following closely. I can't wait for her next release too!

Marissa - You have a good book ahead of you! Trust me on this one :)

Maija said...

Well, I haven't read it either. This isn't really something I would usually pick up at the bookstore. But I've been hearing such good things that I might be reading it at some point... I need a fun, quick paced romance that doesn't include too much courtroom drama.

Jill D. said...

Maija - Definitely give this one a chance. I don't think you will be disappointed!

Katie Mack said...

I loved this book too! I totally agree with everything you said. Now I need to get off my butt and read her first book before the next one comes out.