THE THING ABOUT LOVE

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. 


FBI agents Jessica Harlow and John Shepherd have a past. The former lawyer and cocky Army ranger clashed during their training at Quantico, gladly going their separate ways after graduating from the Academy. Six years later, the last thing either of them expects is to run into each other again–assigned to work as partners in a high-profile undercover sting.



For both of them, being paired with a former rival couldn’t come at a worse time. Recently divorced from a Hollywood producer and looking for a fresh start, Jessica is eager to prove herself at her new field office. And John is just one case away from his dream assignment to the FBI’s elite Hostage Rescue Team. In order to nail a corrupt Florida politician, they’ll have to find a way to work as a team–a task that becomes even trickier when they’re forced to hole up at a romantic, beachfront resort as part of the investigation. Suddenly, the heat behind their nonstop sparring threatens to make the job a whole lot more complicated. . . 

Release Date: April 18, 2017

Berkley Romance

Contemporary Romance

Review copy provided by publisher

Liza’s Review:

I have been a fan of Julie James, since I read her very first book and especially love her FBI/US Attorney series. The Thing About Love is a stand-alone story and not in the FBI/US Attorney series, and I loved getting to see so many characters from the series. 

I really loved both Jessica Harlow and John Shepard as individuals and loved we had FBI partners for this book. The animosity that was there from their academy days only made me laugh harder as they were paired together. I especially loved the she said/he said chapters of the book seeing how each of them viewed their interactions. I thought Jessica and John made great FBI partners and though it took me a bit longer to buy them as a couple, their banter was always so much fun, I was able to see them making it as a couple.

It was fun to see how each approached the case they were assigned. I loved watching them initially try to one-up the other before settling down to actually being partners. I liked seeing them grow closer the more time they spent together and also loved they finally discussed the past and talked about how each of them perceived the situation. I think had they not done so, they could never have made it for more than a hook-up. With their initial animosity, even with the pretty intense chemistry, I was slow to accept they could make it work before they started actually listening to one another. I liked the slow build to them becoming a couple, and can't wait to see them interact in future FBI/US Attorney books.

The Thing About Love was a wonderful stand-alone story from Julie James. I've missed her voice with no new book last year and am happy to say she has come back just as strong as ever. I highly suggest The Thing About Love as well as all of the backlist from Julie James.

Rating: 4 Stars (B) 

EXCERPT

Steeling himself, John turned around and smiled as Jessica approached. “Yes, Agent Harlow. How can I be of service?”

In response to his dry tone, she threw him a glare so cold it could’ve frozen all nine circles of Dante’s Hell. Fittingly, just nine of the many places he would rather be than stuck working with her on this investigation.

 “Look, I’m not thrilled about this, either.” Keeping her voice low, she came to a stop next to him at the elevator bank. “I thought you were supposed to be on the Hostage Rescue Team already.”

“And I thought you were supposed to be in L.A.”

There was a quick flash in her eyes before she shrugged off his question. “Change of plans.”

The elevator arrived at their floor, and they both stepped inside. She hit the button for the seventh floor, where the public corruption squad was located. Standing on the opposite side, he pressed the button for floor five.

They faced off as the doors shut. She folded her arms across her chest and studied him with those crystalline blue eyes that could so cleverly mask her emotions.

As he knew well.

“We’re going to have to figure this out,” she said. “We’re supposed to be business partners in this.”

Thank you, yes, being a professional, he was aware of that. He took a step closer. “It’s called “undercover” work, Harlow. If I can pretend to be a gun-buying, murder-for-hire thug, I think I can handle playing some rich investor-type who wants to skirt a few measly zoning laws.” Even a rich investor-type who was apparently masochistic enough to get in bed with the likes of her.

Professionally-speaking.

“Measly zoning laws?” she repeated.

Ooh, now he’d gone and pissed her off. How nice it was, really, that they could pick up like this, right where they’d left off.

She drew in closer, tilting her head back to meet his gaze. He was over a foot taller than her, although he noticed that she was heightening a bit with those expensive-looking three-inch heels she wore.

“Our target in this investigation is the mayor of the thirteenth largest city in the United States. That’s a pretty big deal in my book.” She gestured to his facial scruff and hair. “And while I appreciate that this . . . Sons of Anarchy motif you’ve got going might ingratiate yourself with the gun-buying, murder-for-hire, organized-crime thugs of the world, that’s not quite going to fly with this sting operation.”

 “’Thirteenth largest city in the United States?’” he scoffed. “Just how many hours did you spend reviewing the case files last night?”

She smiled sweetly as the elevator arrived at her floor. “Enough to get the jump on you.”

Then the doors sprang open, and she gave him a friendly wave, once again stepping into the role of Ms. Congeniality. “So glad we got to catch up like this, Agent Shepherd. We’ll talk again soon.”

He watched her stride confidently down the hallway as the elevator doors closed between them.

Enough to get the jump on you.

Not for long, sweetheart.

Time for him to get cracking on that case file.

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SUDDENLY ONE SUMMER

From the New York Times bestselling author of It Happened One Wedding comes a novel about a man and a woman whose summer is about to get very, very steamy…

Divorce lawyer Victoria Slade has seen enough unhappy endings to swear off marriage forever. That doesn't mean she's opposed to casual dating—just not with her cocky new neighbor, who is as gorgeous and tempting as he is off-limits. But once she agrees to take on his sister's case, she's as determined to win as ever—even if that means teaming up with Ford…

Investigative journalist Ford Dixon is bent on finding the man who got his sister pregnant and left her high and dry. He's willing to partner with Victoria, despite the fact that the beautiful brunette gets under his skin like no other woman. He might not be looking to settle down, but there's no denying the scorching attraction between them. Still, the more time he spends with Victoria, the more he realizes that the one woman as skeptical about love as he is might be the only woman he could really fall for… 

Release Date June 2, 2015

Penguin Group Jove

Liza's Review:

I was lucky enough to get a review copy of Suddenly One Summer thanks to the publisher through NetGalley. I'm a huge fan of Julie James and anxiously await her new books each year. I also was so excited that Suddenly One Summer was Ford's book, as I've loved him since we first met him. 

I really enjoyed reading Suddenly One Summer. It starts out very different from the usual Julie James story, yet quickly moves back to the story her readers have come to love. Ford is one of my favorite heroes ever from Julie James. I will say that I didn't connect with Victoria as quickly as I normally do. While I found Victoria to be smart, independent and totally sarcastic as most of the heroines in past Julie James' books, I think her jaded view of relationships due to her past, kept me from initially connecting as quickly with her.

I have had love for Ford. I knew it would take a really strong woman to be his equal in a relationship. I could feel the attraction between Ford and Victoria from the moment they first saw one another. I have to say the comedy of errors that kept them from getting together sooner really did crack me up. I loved both Ford and Victoria had strong jealous streaks when it came to each other. The fact they had trouble keeping their hands off of one another only added to my love of them as a couple.

I think of all the heroines Julie James has written, Victoria grew the most over the course of the story. She has allowed her past to dictate so much of her beliefs and feelings in the present. I think meeting and falling so hard and so fast for Ford was the kick she needed to finally move past everything that had happened and live in the present.

I once again read the latest Julie James book as quickly as possible and now will have to wait for a year for my next fix. Suddenly One Summer was a very enjoyable read and I'm already making guesses as to who the hero will be in the next book. 

Best of 2014

I’ve read over 150 books this year. I had thought I’d get my favorite book list below 20, but realized that was pretty impossible with the amazing books I’ve read this year. I still know I left off some amazing books, but had to cut off the list at some point.  

I’m cheating right off the bat by picking a series of books as part of my favorite reads. Thanks to my friend Jen (That’s What I’m TalkingAbout), I finally started the Kate Daniels books by Ilona Andrews.  I read all the books currently available and absolutely loved each and every book. I actually listened to each of the books thanks to my Audible membership and it only made me fall in love with audio books even more.

Broken Blade by J. C. Daniels is the 3^rd book in the Colbana Files series. This story completely ripped me apart and I loved every single minute of the book. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

Beyond Jealously by Kit Rocha is the 4^th book in the Beyond series. We finally got Rachel, Cruz, and Ace’s book and it was so worth the wait! I love each and every book and visit with the O’Kanes.

Shield of Winter by Nalini Singh is the 13^th book in the Psy-Changeling series. I have to admit I didn’t know what to think when I saw it was Vasic’s book, but ended up loving this book and Vasic more than ever!

It Happened One Wedding by Julie James is Agent Vaughn’s book. Only a heroine as strong as Sidney Sinclair is strong enough for Vaughn Roberts. I felt so many emotions while reading this book and can’t wait for the next book from Julie James.

Deeper Than Need by Shiloh Walker is the 1^st book in the Secrets and Shadows series.  Honestly I loved this entire series. The romance was well done even when some of the subject matter was tough to read.

Cheating once again, as Carly Phillips had 3 books come out this year in her Dare to Love series. Dare to Desire, Dare to Surrender, and Dare to Submit were all amazing and I’m so glad Carly now self-pubs her books so I can get more books each year.

Then Came You by Jill Shalvis is the 5^th book in the Animal Magnetism series. As with every book from Jill Shalvis, Then Came You was a sexy romance that made me laugh out loud at times.

One in a Million by Jill Shalvis is the 12^th book in her Lucky Harbor series, and also the last full-length book in the series. I loved Tanner and Callie’s book for the same reason I loved the other books in this series. The romance is the heart of every story and Jill always makes me laugh. Luckily, we were given a Christmas gift from Ms. Shalvis as she released Merry Christmas, Baby, where we see Chloe and Sawyer become parents. Bonus we get to see pretty much everyone that has ever been in a Lucky Harbor story.

We said good-bye to the Lucky Harbor series from Jill Shalvis this year and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the hours of enjoyment I’ve gotten from that series.

Falling for Max by Shannon Stacey is the 9^th and final book in the Kowalskis series. I’ve loved each book in this series, but have to say Max might just be my favorite hero in the series to date. He is so adorable!

Play by Kylie Scott is the 2^nd book in the Stage Dive series and my favorite to date. I knew Mal needed a strong woman to make a relationship work and he found it in Anne.

Barefoot in Lace by Roxanne St. Claire is the 2^nd book in the Barefoot Bay Brides series and literally made me feel every possible emotion while reading. I would laugh one minute and cry the next. Gussie’s book is one of the best books I’ve ever read from Rocki!

Where there’s a Will by Stacy Gail is the 4^th book in the Bitterhorn, Texas series. I’ve read this series out of order, which is highly unusual for me. I’ve loved both books I’ve read in this series, but I wanted Coe’s story and even when I wanted to smack him, I loved every minute of this book.

Rock Courtship by Nalini Singh is book 1.5 in her new Rock Kiss series. I absolutely loved David and Thea’s book and also love this series.

Worth the Fall by Claudia Connor is the 1^st book in her McKinney Brothers series. I loved Matt and Abby’s story so much. I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I started reading and saw Abby came with a ready-made family. I usually don’t read lots of books with kids, but have to say Ms. Connor did an amazing job making the kids a part of the story. I’ve suggested this book to everyone I know who is looking for an amazing contemporary romance this year.

Maybe This Christmas by Sarah Morgan is the 3^rd and final book in the O’Neil Brothers series. I’ve loved each and every book in this series, but to say Tyler and Brenna’s story is my absolute favorite. I love the friends-to-lovers story line and Ms. Morgan gave her readers the perfect story. Yet another book that pulled every emotion out of me while reading.

A Very Merry Hockey Holiday by Toni Aleo is book 6.5 in the Assassins series. Readers of this series were given the perfect holiday gift from Ms. Aleo with this book. You get to spend time with all of the couples you have come to love.

All For You by Jessica Scott is the 4^th book in her Coming Home series. We finally got Reza’s book and it was even more of an emotional roller coaster than I was expecting. I loved every minute of it even as I was cursing and crying while I read.

Only by HelenKay Dimon is the 2^nd book in her Holton Woods series. I have to say I also love Mercy, book 1, but love Bast and Kyra’s story even more.

Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare is the 1^st book in her Castles Ever After series. I have so much love for this story. Izzy and Ransom are absolutely perfect for one another. I’ve always enjoyed the humor and romance in Tessa Dare’s stories, but have to say Romancing the Duke is my absolute favorite one to date.

Burn for You by Marquita Valentine is the 5^th book in her Boys of the South series. I’ve wanted Beau’s book forever and have to say it is was more than worth the wait. This book is another one filled with emotions, and is my favorite book from the Boys of the South series.

Southern Fried Blues by Jamie Farrell is the 1^st book in the Officers’ Ex-Wives Club and was a book I found thanks to judging a contest.  This was my first book by Jamie Farrell, but I loved her voice and look forward to reading more books from her in the future.

Designed For Love by Kelsey Browning is the 4^th book in her Texas Nights series. As this book was Ashton’s I really didn’t know what to expect. Her character has grown on me over the course of the series and I have to say I absolutely loved this book. Designed For Love was yet another book this year where I felt so many emotions reading.

Poison Promise by Jennifer Estep is the 11^th book in her Elemental Assassin series. Gin Blanco is hands-down one of my favorite characters ever. She is the heart of this series and we learned more about her with this book. Add in Finnegan Lane to the mix, and this series is awesome.

Broken Open by Lauren Dane is the 2^nd book in the Hurley Boys series. This book was super emotional and is my favorite book in the series. I absolutely loved Ezra and Tuesday as a couple and have to say the Hurley Boys is one of my favorite series from Lauren Dane.

My list would not be complete without mentioning at least one book by Tiffany Reisz. However, cheating once again, as she had so many wonderful books come out in 2014. I’ll limit my picks this year to The Saint and The King. The Saint would have been my favorite read of the year, even as I wanted to kill Tiffany for part of the book, and then I read The King. Both books are so full of awesome and I wanted to re-read them both as soon as I finished reading them the first time. The Saint is the 1^st book in the White Years of the Original Sinners books and The King is the 2^nd book in the White Years. However, since the White Years are prequels to the Red Years, if you miss some of your favorite characters, Tiffany gave her readers a Christmas present on her website, Christmas in Suite 37A.